The Household Cavalry Journal 2017

THE HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY JOURNAL 2017

The Household Cavalry Journal

Incorporating The Acorn and The Blue and Royal

No. 26 2017

Editor: Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) H S J Scott, The Life Guards

Colonel in Chief Her Majesty The Queen

Colonel of The Life Guards and Gold Stick: Field Marshal the Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank GCB LVO OBE DL

Colonel of The Blues and Royals and Gold Stick: HRH The Princess Royal KG KT GCVO QSO

Lieutenant Colonel Commanding and Silver Stick: Major General Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne KCVO, CBE, The Life Guards Commanding Officer Household Cavalry Regiment: Lieutenant Colonel E P W Hayward MBE, The Blues and Royals Commanding Officer Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment: Lieutenant Colonel J D A Gaselee, The Life Guards

The Life Guards Battle Honours

Dettingen

Peninsula

Waterloo

Tel el Kebir

Egypt (1882)

Relief of Kimberley

Paardeberg

South Africa (1899-1900)

Mons Le Cateau

Retreat from Mons Marne (1914)

Aisne (1914)

Armentières (1914)

Messines (1914)

Ypres (1914)

Langemarck (1914)

Gheluvelt

Nonne Bosschen

St Julien

Frezenberg

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

Beaurevoir

Cambrai (1918)

Selle

Somme (1918)

France and Flanders (1914-18)

The Blues and Royals Battle Honours

Tangier (1662-1680)

Dettingen

Warburg

Beaumont

Willems

Fuentes d’Onor

Peninsula

Waterloo

Balaklava

Sevastopol

Tel el Kebir

Egypt (1882)

Relief of Kimberley

Paardeberg

Relief of Ladysmith

South Africa (1899-1902)

Mons

Le Cateau

Retreat from Mons

Marne (1914)

Aisne (1914)

Messines (1914)

Armentières (1914)

Ypres (1914)

Langemarck (1914)

Gheluvelt

Nonne Bosschen

St Julien

Ypres (1915)

Frezenberg

Loos

Arras (1917)

Scarpe (1917)

Ypres (1917)

Broodseinde

Poelcappelle

Passchendaele

Somme (1918)

St Quentin

Avre

Amiens

Hindenburg Line

Beaurevoir

Cambrai (1918)

Sambre

Pursuit to Mons

France and Flanders (1914-1918)

Mont Pincon

Souleuvre

Noireau Crossing

Amiens (1944)

Brussels

Neerpelt

Nederrijn

Nijmegen

Lingen

Bentheim

North West Europe (1944-1945)

Baghdad (1941)

Iraq (1941)

Palmyra

Syria (1941)

El Alamein

North Africa (1942-1943)

Arezzo

Advance to Florence

Gothic Line

Italy (1944)

Gulf (1991)

Wadi al Batin

Iraq (2003)

Mont Pincon

Souleuvre

Noireau Crossing

Amiens (1944)

Brussels

Neerpelt

Nederrijn

Lingen

Veghel

Nijmegen

Rhine

Bentheim

North West Europe (1944-1945)

Baghdad (1941)

Iraq (1941)

Palmyra

Syria (1941)

Msus

Gazala

Knightsbridge

Defence of Alamein Line

El Alamein

El Agheila

Advance on Tripoli

North Africa (1941-1943)

Sicily (1943)

Arezzo

Advance to Florence

Gothic Line

Italy (1943-1944)

Falkland Islands (1982)

Iraq (2003)

Crown Copyright: This publication contains official information. It should be treated with discretion by the recipient. The opinions expressed in the articles in this journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy and views, official or otherwise, of the Household Cavalry or the Ministry of Defence. No responsibility for the goods or services advertised in this journal can be accepted by the Household Cavalry, publishers or printers and advertisements are including in good faith. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the Editor and Publisher.

The Journal was designed and published by Brian Smith Associates, 145 St Pancras, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 7SH. Tel: 01243 576279 Email: brian@briansmithassociates.co.uk

Household Cavalry Regiment Contents

Household Cavalry Sports Round-up

Preface

By Major General Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne KCVO CBE, The Life Guards Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Household Cavalry

The prospect of AJAX, the long awaited replacement for the venerable but unreliable CVR(T), and a temporary reduction in Mounted State Ceremonial, have dominated thinking for those in Windsor and London. Both come with their challenges and it is a tribute to our commanding officers and our soldiers that they have adapted so well. Plans for the move to Bulford continue apace and Jeff Holbrook, as the man on the ground, is proving our greatest advocate in getting a fair deal, and has written a short piece for this Journal. Despite uncertainty, the training programme in Brunei, South Korea, the United States and Canada has been as broad, varied and interesting as we have seen in years. Meanwhile the loss of a State visit and a much reduced State Opening of Parliament, courtesy of political turmoil, generated space in the Mounted Regiment’s programme. The fact that they took a Gold medal at the Cambrian Patrol is remarkable in itself and that, alongside burgeoning overseas engagement stretching from South America to South Asia, and a role in Home Defence, has brought wider recognition of their talents. Indeed accolades are numerous, whether they are focused on HCR’s performance in Western Canada experimenting with new drills and operating procedures, or on HCMR’s innate discipline and flexibility. So, given such a backdrop, as we look forward, we have an opportunity to develop armoured

reconnaissance skills in a vehicle that works and the chance for the Mounted Regiment to broaden its canvas, quite aside from the opportunities to support Prince Harry’s marriage and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting next Spring.

Meanwhile, manning and retention continues to be our greatest challenge. Officer recruitment is healthy, with more volunteers than places at Sandhurst, but retention remains the perennial challenge it always was. Soldier recruiting is hard, and must be seen against an Army struggling to maintain its numbers. Reforming the Recruiting Team under Paddy Ireland was essential and they have brought a degree of rigour, grit, drive and determination to the sorry failure that they inherited. Of interest careful analysis, active recruitment, searching beyond well-trodden paths and skilful use of Social Media look to be paying dividend. Bulford and the need to move in an Army that supports stability will be an additional challenge, for life will simply be easier on the other side of the fence, such that we shall have to examine how we maintain operational and ceremonial currency. Amidst all of this it appears that there has been some decision on maintaining Hyde Park Barracks in as much as the role will be undertaken from there whatever rebuild plan is finally agreed. And the Household Cavalry Mounted Band, having survived the latest review, is becoming increasingly unique, quite apart from being in demand and supporting the Foundation. So despite planned movement, our foundations are solid and we need to capitalize on that.

On which note, the Household Cavalry Foundation and the Museum are in the pink and developing well and symbiotically. Fund raising is a challenge without a war and a concomitant need, but one that Giles Stibbe is embracing with his customary enthusiasm. Of interest the linkage between the Foundation, the Associations and the Regiments has tightened and the benefits are tangible and obvious. Of note Colonel RHG/D attended the 10th Anniversary of the Museum on St Andrew’s Day where the dual role that characterizes our regiments was so obviously visible. Of interest, the reduction of tourism in London is a challenge and we need to look at how we increase footfall in an ever more discerning market. Crucially, both

the Foundation and the Museum come together in supporting our soldiers and their families and it is that beneficial alliance that we must continue to build on.

Pursuing a Royal theme, we were thrilled that Her Majesty and The Prince of Wales, finding a day unfilled by a State Visit, took the opportunity to visit those soldiers in Hyde Park Barracks who would have been on parade. Location aside, the unusual ‘double’ visit was a rare privilege, reinforcing the importance of our increasingly (internationally) unique role and everything from fodder to people that makes it so, whilst also being a great opportunity for our families. In many ways such visits underscore the pride that we justifiably hold in the standards we aspire to maintain, and the example they set at home and abroad. On which note, given the opening up of the Combat Arms to women, and the arrival of the first female combat soldier serving at the Service Regiment, we must strive to support those who wish and are good enough to join our ranks for the right reasons and create a healthy balance between roles. And as many reach the twilight of their

Prototype AJAX armoured fighting vehicle

time, I would encourage support for the various Old Comrades’ Association Branches to invigorate them with fresh blood and ideas for, like the Guards As-

sociation in Banbury (led by one of our own), we must move with the times. For, in that as in our duty, as Trusted Guardians to the Sovereign and all that

patriots hold dear, we must uphold and advance the standards we relish at a time of test and trial amidst an uncertain strategic environment and fiscal climate.

Household Cavalry Regiment

Foreword

By Lieutenant Colonel E P W Hayward MBE, The Blues and Royals Commanding Officer, Household Cavalry Regiment

The end of 2017 brings us to the conclusion of a two-year transformation process which has seen the development, trial, and implementation of numerous new concepts: Regimental Fleet Management, the Squadron Task Cycle, new Household Cavalry Work Structure/Pillars, numerous leadership and mentoring programmes, and a combined ethos – the Trusted Guardians. This was also the year in which we began our transition to become the first AJAX-equipped regiment, developing the tactics and doctrine for 1 STRIKE Brigade, preparing the way for the Household Cavalry to have the first regiment to take delivery of this new vehicle in 2019.

In the past two years, the Regiment has undergone a period of (r)evolutionary change, and we could not have achieved all that we have without the love and engagement of our families and the continued commitment and professionalism from our serving cohort. I am deeply grateful and humbled by the level of wider support we have received. We will continue to build on deepening our networks and increasing the advantages for those who help us succeed; for example the Families’ Day and the ‘survival night’ we hosted in Windsor Great Park. Focusing on 2017, this has been a continuous journey of discovery: the jungle, South Korea, and experimentation. The Regiment has emerged stronger and with a clear momentum to take us through conversion and into Bulford. I trust you will enjoy reading, at your leisure, about these achievements documented in our Journal. Nonetheless, I should like to highlight a few key events first.

In January – February 2017, 150 Household Cavalrymen, led by A Squadron, deployed to the jungle in Brunei on Ex ULU RAJAH 17. There were a number of highlights: a demanding and enjoyable live-fire package, an unscripted force-on-force final exercise, and a full ‘gold’ target handover to 1 RGR’s recce platoon. The experience reinforced the importance of small-team skills; “to know what good feels like”; and the

ability to conduct drills in silence: all key components of turreted warfare. The exercise was designed on the maxim that training should be done for soldiers, not to them.

Battle Group Headquarters (BGHQ) deployed to South Korea in March, to participate in Ex KEY RESOLVE 17. This is an annual exercise held by the US 8th Army and the Army of South Korea, with 17,000 and 300,000 participants respectively, that is essentially a dress rehearsal in case of an invasion from the North. Deploying at only 35 strong, BGHQ nonetheless helped our American allies achieve a record result, whilst refining our processes; laying the foundations for a highly successful deployment to BATUS on Ex IRON STRIKE 2.

The high point of the year was the Regiment’s two-month deployment to BATUS exploring our future STRIKE role. Overcoming the twin challenges of blizzards and a near-decrepit CVR(T) fleet – soldiers from across the BG worked tirelessly to repair a total of 257 CVR(T) along the way, including 19 gear boxes, 8 engines, 28 final drives, and 46 fan assemblies – the Battle Group achieved an enormous amount. Working under a full 1 Brigade Headquarters, HCR won 4 missions (from 4) against a professional OPFOR from the Royal Tank Regiment, whilst pioneering a number of new tactics. A new and largely untrained generation was able to operate a split Headquarters continuously during these missions, in order to improve survivability and flexibility – rediscovering practices familiar to the old and bold (apart from the lack of BATCO!) but which have lain dormant during the Op HERRICK years. The soldiers showed their professionalism, enthusiasm, and dedication throughout, particularly when they led the Regimental post-exercise back-brief (from LCpl to SCpl); which so impressed the Brigade Commander that he directed his staff to amend their FOE action-plan for 2018 to meet our desired training goals.

Following our return to Windsor the work continued to consolidate the les-

sons from Canada. It is clear that Cavalrymen - and women - like the new more aggressive role (of the covering force), and have taken full advantage of the opportunity to drive doctrine in new directions. Commander Field Army has written to CGS on the subject of IRON STRIKE 2, praising it as an exercise designed by HCR from first principles, and our efforts and ideas are acting as an accelerant for both war fighting and capability development more broadly across the Army. In light of these successes, the Regiment has been asked to lead on the exploration of new command and control processes in the Army.

I am particularly pleased with how we have turned around training ourselves and our tentative adoption of a new coaching style of working. Throughout the year, the Regimental Corporal Major, WO1 Steven Parker, has driven the Guardian Leadership programme; inverting the hierarchy of the Regiment so now our soldiers, acting within the Comd Offrs intent, set the training goals within their own specific skill or field (and RHQ delivers the required resources). To this end HCR has run over 40 Corporals’ days, organised forums in which over 300 soldiers have participated, and will hold in December the third Regimental cross-brief in the past two years. The December cross-brief was dedicated to soldiers designing the detailed training calendar for 2018, including unleashing their imagination as they set the objectives to achieve.

All in all, the stage is now set for 2018 and beyond into our next operational window in 2021, when HCR, the oldest reconnaissance regiment in the British Army, will become the first STRIKE regiment in the 1st STRIKE brigade, preparing for our return to Bulford (since 2 HCR left in 1941).

Strong in will. To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

Diary of Events

by Captain T G A De Ritter, The Life Guards, Adjutant

During 2017 HCR, in our Committed year, played a supporting role to units building up to or on Readiness. In addition, the Regiment has found itself at the cutting edge of the shift in doctrine and tactics resulting from the forthcoming adoption of AJAX. The pace of life has been fast, at home in Windsor, and abroad on a number of overseas exercises.

In January, A Squadron, bolstered by two troops from C and D Squadrons, deployed to Brunei to conduct dismounted training in the jungle, on Ex ULU RAJAH. RHQ had a busy start to the year as well, responding to the announcement of Army 2020 Refine, and the news that the Regiment will move to Bulford, Salisbury in 2019.

In February, A Squadron returned from the trees after some well-earned R&R in Malaysia. D Squadron conducted some low-level troop training on Longmoor as part of the Regiment’s back-to-basics emphasis on individual soldiering. C Squadron completed the first of many SSET tasks (or RAAT in old money), supporting other units’ training; in this instance, providing enemy for the Troop Leaders’ course in Warminster.

In March, BGHQ deployed to South Koreaon Ex KEY RESOLVE. CsoH Sedgwick and Perryman from B Squadron organised a highly successful Urban Operations training week which took place in Windsor, using ‘simunition’ (effectively paintball ammunition) and inflatable structures. D Squadron conducted their annual collective training

on Salisbury Plain.

On return from Easter leave in April, the Regiment’s would-be gunners deployed to Castlemartin ranges to conduct their qualification training. The rest of the Regiment stayed in camp to conduct the build-up training for the annual gun camp, practising their gunnery drills, this year without the aid of the computer-simulated gunnery suite.

In May, the Regimental Engagement Team under Capt Peter Ireland RHG/D travelled tothe East Midlands on their first Keeping the Army in the Public Eye (KAPE) Tour of the year. They visited Northampton, Nottingham, Derby, and Burton upon Trent,all in aid of recruiting potential Household Cavalrymen and –women. The Regiment deployed to Castlemartin to conduct the regimental gun camp – during which they fired CVR(T), Panther, and dismounted natures. For the first time in a number of years Household Cavalrymen conducted combined mounted and dismounted ranges, testing commanders on their tactical employment of vehicles and infantry. Officers, Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers hosted the Bde Comd, Brig Zac Stenning, and the Colonel The Life Guards, Field Marshal the Lord Guthrie.

In June, the WOs’ and NCOs’ Mess under WO2 Douglass ran a highly successful Derby Day at Epsom. The Regiment conducted the first of many study days for the STRIKE concept. HQ Squadron conducted their annual collective training, perfecting a number of new HQ

configurations – training which would stand them in good stead for RHQ’s deployment to BATUS later in the year. B Sqn Ldr, Maj Simon Deverell RHG/D led a small team to Fort Benning in America to take part in the US WARFIGHTER exercise. A group from A Squadron visited our sister Regiment in France (1er Regiment de Spahis), where they represented the Regiment at their Comd Offr’s handover ceremony, and took part in the ‘Urban Trail’ assault course race (placing sixth and seventh out of over 200 teams). The remainder of A Squadron travelled to France on a battlefield tour to celebrate the 100th anniversary of John Spencer Dunville’s VC. Back in camp, RHQ staff conducted a week long exercise to test new processes and outputs. The recruitment team conducted a second KAPE tour, this time in the North East covering Newcastle, Sunderland, and Durham. The Regiment hosted and ran a Families’ survival evening in Windsor Great Park, where the Regiment’s children stayed out overnight, learning the survival skills that their fathers and mothers had honed in the jungles of Brunei and elsewhere.

In July, all ranks beavered away developing new drills and tactics to drive the new STRIKE concept, and how best to employ AJAX. To this end the Regiment conducted a map exercise against an aggressive and well-equipped enemy, played by a dedicated civilian team. A week of Regimental Crew Training allowed soldiers and officers to trial some of these concepts on Salisbury Plain, whilst laying the foundations for the

HCR hosted a Business breakfast for 11 Brigade for representatives of our Armed Forces Community, Major Spiller accepting the certificate

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deployment to BATUS, which had been confirmed after the general election in June.

In August, the Regiment went on summer leave – except for A Sqn Ldr, Maj Roly Spiller, who was asked to join the team that wrote the Battle Craft Syllabus and conducted the Trade Training Audit. This was in response to Comd Field Army’s ‘Back to Basics’ initiative and resulted in the small team producing syllabi for each capability. On return from leave, the Regiment prepared to fly to Canada, and conducted another STRIKE study day. Finally, the HCR Battle Group flew to BATUS to conduct Ex IRON STRIKE 2, with the aim of providing data for the STRIKE Experimentation Group (SEG), which is charged with developing the broader STRIKE concept for the British Army.

During September and October, the Regiment was deployed onto the prairie in Canada, after feverish preparation in Camp Crowfoot, British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS). The Regiment

A Squadron

This has been a year of contrasts for A Squadron. We began the year with a full complement augmented by a Troop from each of C and D Squadrons as we prepared for Ex ULU RAJAH in Brunei. However, much of the remainder of the year saw the overwhelming majority of the Squadron dispersed to support the other Squadrons as they prepared for and deployed to Canada on Ex IRON STRIKE 2, as well as the usual range of career courses and the continuous round of Sustainable Support to Experimentation and Training (SSET), formerly known as RAAT) that comes as part of the Other Tasks Year. The year ends with the Squadron reforming – with a large influx of soldiers from HCMR, a completely new group of Troop Leaders and many changes amongst the Crew Comds. It has been a turbulent year, but much has been achieved.

The principle event was of course Ex ULU RAJAH, in which the Squadron designed and implemented its own training in the uniquely challenging primary jungle of Brunei, the difficulties augmented by the worst weather in the country in a decade. The exercise is covered in detail elsewhere in the Journal: here it suffices to say that it was a truly transformative experience for all involved, showing what can be achieved no matter how demanding the environment.

Our return was complicated by delays to flights and therefore a more rapid dispersal than had been planned originally.

conducted a week of experimentation lanes, running key drills over and over again in order to test different configurations and tactics. The Battle Group also executed four missions, of which all four were successful, against a highly capable and well-practised opposing force, provided by the Royal Tank Regiment. During the final mission the Comd Offr stepped out to allow the Battle Group staff, led by the Ops Offr Capt Jon Churcher RHG/D, to lead the Battle Group to victory. We were joined on the prairie by the Regimental second-incommand of the Spahis, Lt Col Jacques Demau.

After an intense but relatively painless period of rollback, most of the Regiment took the opportunity to spend a few days at Trails’ End Camp, kayaking, climbing, mountaineering, or riding in the picturesque snow-covered forests and mountains of the Canadian Rockies. For three Cavalrymen, there was no respite from the hard work – as they flew straight home to swap their cold weather issue for jungle boots, before

This created significant difficulties for SCpl Rosendale RHG/D and his team in the SQMC department as they sought to account for and return the numerous items that had been borrowed to facilitate the exercise. As ever, they rose admirably to the challenge. However, we received the happy news that WO2 Allen RHG/D had been substantiated in rank would continue as SCM with the Squadron.

Low-level exercises continued, and the major highlight of the next few months was a Battlefield Study in France, a project masterminded by Lt P Lye RHG/D. This had the twin objectives of marking the hundredth anniversary of the death of Lt Spencer-Dunville VC and to introduce HCR soldiers to the conundrum of how to employ reconnaissance forces in a defensive battle. The widespread restrictions on digging on UK training areas means that static defence rarely features in our training. This proved to be a most interesting and useful time, and a chance for the Squadron to assemble as a collective before it dispersed. Simul-

deploying to Belize on attachment with 22 SAS on their OTX.

On return to Windsor in November, there was no let-up in the pace of life, as the Regiment consolidated the lessons from BATUS, and prepared for Remembrance Sunday. A number of officers were deployed on Ex IRON RESOLVE, a Divisional exercise. The Squadrons themselves went on ranges honing their marksmanship skills. On the sports pitches, the Regimental sports teams began preparing for Hodson’s Horse, the HQ RAC sports series. In what little time that remained, Officers, Warrant Officers and Senior NCOs alike worked feverishly to prepare Winter Balls for their respective Messes – showing our resolve to play hard as well as work hard.

A busy but enjoyable twelve months. We look forward to some hard-earned Christmas leave and an equally fruitful new year – taking us to Canada, Oman, and beyond.

taneously, a team led by CoH Waisele LG, comprising LCpl Massey LG, LCpl Pringle RHG/D and Tpr Hinchliffe LG joined the Sqn Ldr in visiting the 1er Regiment des Spahis in the south of France and taking part in the Urban Trail – again, this is covered elsewhere.

Routine training continued, but the Squadron gradually dispersed. Lt PRM Flay RHG/D moved on to HCMR, Lt J A Kjellgren LG moved upstairs to become the Intelligence Officer and Lt F A X Pagden-Ratcliffe LG completed his JTAC course and moved to 1RHA as part of HCR’s team there. 2Lt F Howard Keyes LG and Ct P Lye RHG/D arrived to take their places, joined at the end of the year by 2Lt M Thornton LG and Ct C

Air Land Integration, a WILDCAT from the AAC 657 Squadron working with A Squadron on the Salisbury Plain Training Area

Onslow RHG/D, the Squadron having re-grown to four Troops. In the meantime, the former pair was attached to C and D Squadrons, taking the majority of the Squadron’s soldiers with them for Ex IRON STRIKE 2. The Sqn Ldr was left to command the Rear Operations Group, having spent the previous three months writing the Battle Craft Syllabus, of which more elsewhere. He was joined by Capt E Nicole RHG/D, who had swapped with Capt S Penrose LG as 2IC.

While the soldiers’ experiences on BATUS are covered elsewhere, it is worth recording that LCpl Edmead LG received a Commander’s Commendation for his superbly resourceful and determined command of 14B, showing hugely impressive initiative in getting the ambulance to where it was needed before he was asked time and time again. His relatively junior rank and his being untrained as a Crew Comd only highlight the achievement. The remainder added real value to the Squadrons to which they were attached, with CoH Archer attracting particular praise in

assisting HQ Sqn Ldr.

Those left on the Rear Operations Group were far from idle, with much being done to ensure that nothing was missed despite the absence of over 80% of the Regiment. The outstanding achievement of this time was LCpl Massey not only passing his Sniper Course, but walking away with the award for Top Student on the Household Division and Parachute Regiment combined course – a magnificent achievement on a course that attracts many of the highest quality soldiers from the best regiments. To beat infantrymen on a course run by the infantry is outstanding.

LCpl Pringle enjoying a day at the ranges

The Squadron has now reformed and has embarked on combining its BCS training with contributing to STRIKE experimentation while building the teams, small and large, that make all this possible. Having been warned off to deploy as a Squadron as part of the Opposing Force (OPFOR) to BATUS in summer 2018, there is much building to be done.

Exercise ULU RAJAH

Household Cavalrymen in the Jungle of Brunei

by Major R J Spiller,

The Blues and Royals

Opportunities to design our own training on a completely unfamiliar area, let alone in such a different environment, are rare indeed. Thus, when the Household Cavalry was given the chance to provide the one sub-unit in the Army on the annual Ex ULU RAJAH in Brunei, it was seized. A group of 150 Household Cavalrymen, based around A Sqn HCR with Tps from C and D Sqns, an attached section of Scots Guards and some Gunners from our affiliated JTAC in 1RHA was formed.

It was quickly decided that, contrary to the initial direction from Army HQ, we would not reorganise to become an infantry company. Instead, we remained as a Squadron with 6 Tps. A balance was found between practising and developing generic dismounted reconnaissance

in a testing environment (warfare in the jungle) and specific jungle warfare skills that would develop the individual and collective more widely. This was underpinned by the wider intent of nailing down drills such that they can be conducted in silence, by day and night. With instructors drawn from across the Army bringing an abundance of wisdom, this was to be a transformative experience for all ranks.

A bitterly cold fortnight on STANTA might seem odd preparation for the sweltering jungle, but the opportunity to perfect hammock and packing arrangements, wet-and-dry drills (never wet for long enough to freeze!) and to hoover up top tips from the instructors was enormously valuable. LCsoH Jackson and Abbott took every oppor-

tunity to swing the lantern and pass on their insights from their recent course in Brunei. The live firing package was especially ambitious, with the wonderfully enlivening support of Bde QMSI Trainnor, progressing from static ranges to complex field firing in a week. The culmination was a series of contacts left, right and rear, followed by a full runthrough of the recce group being contacted during a Close Target Recce and taking a casualty – a hugely demanding shoot calling for high-speed decisionmaking from junior commanders.

Based from Sittang Camp, the initial ten days were structured around acclimatisation, progressing from runs on the beach and classroom lessons to day trips into the jungle and finally an overnight stay following a survival package.

Beach run

Bergan Raft

Under the diligent guidance of Capt C J P Murphy RHG/D, the disparate team of Jungle Warfare Instructors (JWIs) produced an extremely coherent set of lessons, inculcating the wisdom and the discipline that all would need to survive and fight. The survival package was enabled by local Iban tribesmen, but our own Fijian soldiers excelled in showing their traditional cooking and handicraft skills – astonishingly sophisticated food, shelter and containers were produced. SSgt Lutunatabua RLC and his team added enormously to even the JWIs’ knowledge, and no-one could hope to equal LCoH Veramu LG’s tree-climbing demonstration.

The first real sense of danger came with a river crossing, swimming with bergan rafts across the wide, crocodile-infested Tutong. Despite being under the watchful gaze of Sgt Fitzgerald IG’s safety team and the reassurance of the 1RGR Boat Section, there were some very thorough recces conducted on approach to the water! Bonds forged in adversity are

strongest, and this was an excellent test of mettle, teamwork and ability to learn new skills.

Groups then rotated through a range and patrols package. The ranges were a significant step up from anything that can experienced in the UK: however, the build-up package, shivering in Thetford, paid dividends in sharpening contact drills. Range constraints in the UK militate against tactical thought, with a mindset of ‘playing the range’ being inculcated. Here, junior commanders (often a Tpr who was in the right place to spot the cover first), were having to make swift tactical decisions under real pressure. LCpl Kerman RAMC quickly put the teeth arms soldiers to shame with an exemplary reaction to contact –standards only went up after that. The complexity of the ground made this a real challenge as soldiers peeled past each other, firing in close proximity – an unforgettable experience that reminded people of why they joined the Army in the first place. Six-man teams conduct-

McMellon takes point on a patrol through the Brunei jungle

ed contacts to their front, sides and rear, peeling past each other as covering fire zipped past their shoulders. The density of the terrain was potentially baffling, and the steepness of the slopes made every move a physical challenge in the intense heat. LCoH Esmond LG distinguished himself in an enormously hardworking range team by having to run back to the start point with the control box at the end of every lane – the weight loss was visible after a day!

The patrols package was a mentoring period carried out in deep jungle, with our diverse band of Jungle Warfare Instructors escorting six-man patrols on increasingly long and tactical navigation exercises, with the balance gradually shifting from teaching to coaching as Tp Ldrs and CsoH re-took ownership of their people. The penalty of the slightest error of navigation was painful slogging through secondary jungle or the dreaded ‘cross-graining’ – crossing knifeedge ridge after ridge perpendicular to the route. This period was enlivened by some of the worst weather that the longterm staff had seen in a decade, with torrential rain and spectacular lightning greatly increasing the dangers, especially of deadfall: as teams waited for helicopters whose arrival was pushed back by days thanks to poor visibility, trees fell about them in the night, and tracks were washed away, the importance of careful packing of emergency rations and keeping dry kit dry was ruthlessly drilled into all.

The 11 day final exercise came in three parts. The first was relatively simple, with an insertion by helicopter leading

Contact Drills Briefing

Helicopter Landing Point

Lt Pagden-Ratcliffe fancied a lie down and requested a Heli Rescue

LCpl

Contact front!

to a close target reconnaissance – an opportunity for Troops to finalise their drills prior to the major test. This was a free-flowing force-on-force exercise, with patrols hunting each other, setting ambushes and striking patrol bases. The immense self-discipline required to find without being found led to real nervous tension but also no little excitement – particular (but unsuccessful!) efforts were made to ambush SHQ as it

B Squadron

Thishas been an eventful and diverse year for B Sqn, having planned and delivered numerous training events, sent personnel to South Korea and BATUS, and started to lay the groundwork to build an Information Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) Sqn.

Eager for professional development in their new roles, the Sqn Ldr and SCM deployed to South Korea as liaison officers for 3 weeks in late February 2017 as part of the HCR Battlegroup Headquarters (BGHQ). The BG deployed as part of the US 2nd Division where they worked to both 210 Field Artillery Brigade Headquarters and the 1st Armoured Brigade Combat Team (“America’s First”). Missions involved rehearsing (via enormous CAST-type scenarios) a counter attack in response to North Korean aggression and providing screens and guards against North Korean Special Forces elements and follow on forces. This was a fantastic opportunity to work with our NATO partners. The highlight though, was the smoker held on the last night of the exercise with HQ 1st Armoured Brigade

moved through. Lt PRM Flay RHG/D and his Tp distinguished themselves by conducting a raid at night, in flagrant defiance of all established doctrine: thorough recce in daylight, following a demanding insertion on light scales, enabled the Tp to sneak into the enemy position despite near-total darkness (even with Night Vision Goggles), destroying the enemy transmitter.

A complex series of strikes and countering ambushes made for a suitable climax to the phase. With aggressive patrolling from one team resulting in the assaulting Tps coming under contact as they moved into position to raid, Lt JAF Kjellgren showed great flair in leading three Tps into contact as the remainder moved up to assist. A thunderous ambush on the flanks protected the final assault, which was delivered with real speed and aggression despite an arduous period of patrolling in the preceding weeks made a fitting end to a truly memorable period.

The final element, after a hasty re-site with weather making casualty evacuation from the original site unsafe (conclusively proved after a decidedly hazardous SHQ recce), was a detailed recce of a target followed by a formal handover to the 1RGR Recce Platoon. Again, this drill is all-too-rarely practised in the UK and the opportunity to test whether the information that we gather on a target is what the follow-on infantry needs is a vital check of our drills. LCpl Ford

Combat Team, where all experienced the traditions of American food diplomacy.

After extensive preparation, Castlemartin Ranges were delivered in May 17. LCoH Gardner excelled by running an exciting and enjoyable pistol range, which saw troops practice transition drills from rifle to pistol, and conduct specialist pistol drills with civilian cars. Also with characteristic innovation, CsoH Sedgwick and Perryman ran Squadron LFTT training. This progressed from a thrilling Close Quarters Marksmanship lane to a complex final attack, which saw troops moving forward under armour to conduct troop level urban raids. In May 17 Maj Simon Deverell (RHG/D) took command and immediately deployed to Fort Bragg (North Carolina) for the Divisional Warfighting Exercise.

The 2IC Capt James Faire RHG/D moved to flexitime due to his

RHG/D was among those whose insights were particularly well received by the Gurkhas.

Post-exercise administration, as with every phase of the exercise to date, was vastly simplified by the exceptional support we received from British forces Brunei, in particular 1RGR. A delay in flights meant that the R&R period was rather longer than planned, and involved a move from Sittang Camp to rather less salubrious transit accommodation. Most took the opportunity to travel to Malaysia, where alcohol is freely available, having exhausted the delights of Brunei during the original package. LCpls Massey LG, Marchant LG and Pringle RHG/D, and Tpr Hinchliffe LG decided that they had been insufficiently challenged by the exercise and decided to run a marathon one morning: undaunted by the heat and humidity, they were back in time for a late breakfast.

Overall, this was a quite exceptional exercise. The very light casualty bill (one helicopter evacuation compared to fourteen required by the infantry company that went through last year) showed not only the success of the organisation but the determination of soldiers to crack on in the face of adversity. When training can break the shackles of the familiar Salisbury Plain - Canada cycle and the ‘DS solution’ mindset they engender, the response of all ranks is wonderful to behold.

LCoH Veramu - basket case

Maj Deverell considering an international military transfer

Hunt-Grubbe questions his suitability as a staff officer

preparation for HCMR and was eventually ousted at the end of July 17 by the arrival from Bovington of Capt Rupert Hunt-Grubbe RHG/D. The Sqn also was joined by an attachment from the Army Air Corps, Lt R Berry, who will work in B Squadron for 10 months.

It was announced amid this reshuffling that HCR would be deploying a BGHQ and two Sqns to conduct experimentation in BATUS as part of Ex IRON STRIKE 2. The Sqn Ldr and 2IC would create the HCR Battle Group ISTAR cell. Immediately the SHQ went into overdrive and seconded itself to RHQ in the preparation of the STRIKE playbook and drill cards. The deployment was an exciting opportunity to influence how we should operate the ISTAR cycle within a STRIKE Brigade.

Fortunately, to help us, we were joined by 2Lt Peck from 32 RA, who calmly

navigated the team through many challenging situations and proved to be her weight in gold. Also the team had the presence of B Sqn alumnus Capt Kay McAllister, who as ISTAR observer mentor, was a vital ally.

With the bulk of the Regiment deployed on Ex IRON STRIKE 2 throughout September and October, much of the Sqn remained in Windsor as the Rear Operations Group. They were not idle: Cpl Maj Nicol stood in as RCM and SCpl Snoxell was kept busy by the QM Tech. Capt SM Mansfield and his team looked ahead into 2018 to ensure that the Regiment has the skills to excel and meet the demands of our ever evolving role. B Sqn also continued to rely on CsoH Sedgwick and Perryman, who have worked extremely hard on the PNCO, Crew Commanders pre course, and planning for Castlemartin 2018. A further honourable men-

tion goes to LCoH Raiwale, who must have set new records by training over 100 personnel form around Brigade in Panther and track commander courses. In September the Sqn welcomed LCoH Burton as Gym 2IC, and said farewell to LCoH Carling as he moves to instruct at ATC Pirbright.

Our development as an ISR Squadron will put HCR at the cutting edge of modern warfighting, by utilising all parts of the electro-magnetic spectrum to enable our mission. The Sqn has already established a UAV detachment under the leadership of LCoH Hookham, and is busy establishing links, sourcing training and obtaining equipment from across the UK defence community. Watch this space.

Capt

Lt Berry and 2Lt Peck keep the ISTAR team running

Capt McAllister (our man on the inside) looks stressed whilst observing BGHQ

LCoH Carling and Tpr Parish enjoy the varied weather conditions. ‘This is belonging’

C Squadron

Notfor the first time C Sqn faced a year where flexibility and adaptability were the watchwords. It was a year that saw key personalities and characters moving on, making way for a new generation to continue to uphold the reputation and high standards of the Sqn. As ever, the Sqn delivered in spades.

The year started with 2 Tp, led by Lt Titman and CoH Legge being attached to A Sqn in preparation for EX ULU RAJAH in the jungles of Brunei. They went to the most obvious place to prepare for the tropics….Thetford training area in November! Meanwhile, the remainder of the Sqn deployed on Ex IRON WILL on Dartmoor, which saw each Tp show off their dismounted skills - never an easy task on harsh terrain and in unforgiving weather conditions. The festive

period saw laurels won for the Sqn, with CoH Legge taking down the brick after the brick hanging, much to everyone’s delight.

January saw a new year but a familiar high tempo, with a gruelling cycle of training support to a variety of exercises, duties and maintenance. A team departed for Canada to embark on winter maintenance under the steady hand of LCoH Olive, a thankless task that was carried out with high praise from the BATUS team. 2 Tp performed admirably in Brunei. They were one of few Tps to be able to achieve comms regardless of conditions and upheld the name of the Sqn, delivering the highest of standards in a very challenging and new environment. C Sqn also contributed to the Brunei range team with SCpl McGuire, CoH Alderson, LCoH Veramu and LCpl Matakibau facilitating some of the best live firing ranges those participating had ever done.

March was the beginning of Sqn personality changeovers, with WO2 Allwood moving to Regimental Training Warrant Officer and handing over to WO2 Cawley, and Capt De Ritter taking post as Adjutant and handing over to Capt Dingsdale - two characters that had made a massive impact on C Sqn, and who will never stop being a part.

Returning from Easter leave refreshed

and revitalised, more members of C Sqn were despatched to Canada as temporary staff in support of Ex PRAIRIE STORM. Meanwhile, the remainder of the Sqn experienced the first regimental Junior Guardian day. This was followed by a Sqn Cpls’ day, with LCsoH and LCpls of the Squadron organising the

The mechanically sound half of C Sqn after a battle lane - BATUS

‘It’s all the driver’s fault’. Lt Stewart bags himself a night in the med centre

C Sqn in leaguer routine

whole day from command tasks practising low light skills in a blacked out transit block to a Sqn lunch. The lunch was organised entirely by LCpls Davey and Davies with huge success, while the Tprs carried out an “urban surveillance” exercise throughout Windsor, before the whole Sqn then met up for a back brief. We also bid farewell to the SQMC McGuire, a bastion of C Sqn from Tpr to SCpl, before welcoming SCpl Fetigan to take the hot seat as our new SQMC.

With Junior Guardian empowerment being embraced, LCpls Flawn, Knight, Gaze and Davey embarked on the task of creating an area that could be shared by the whole Sqn, based on a desire to fight the SLAM effect of locked doors and create an area which was inclusive for the whole Sqn. And The K.A.F (café) was born, with the junior part of the Sqn creating and sustaining a facility that none other has. This period also saw a period of adventurous training, with Ex COCKNEY BUBBLE, a diving expedition to Cyprus led by SCpl Fetigan, and a week sky-diving in Wiltshire where a few people got a taste of being well and truly taken out of their comfort zone.

May was dominated by annual firing in Castlemartin, where the Sqn fired up to LFX 5 under the steady hand of CoH Butchard, thus ensuring we were ready to be called on as part of the Vanguard. We also carried out some excellent dismounted ranges allowing us to perfect our 6 man contact drills, and honed our skills with the SIG SAUER pistol.

On return to Windsor we bid farewell

to the Sqn Ldr, Major Horgan, as he moved onto the Welsh Guards to become Support Coy Comd, without doubt a massive gain for them. In the same breath we gained Maj Matt Woodward of The Royal Lancers, who clearly had much to learn in a short time from saluting with no beret, to heel clicking, to the HCR rank system. He spent his first few days looking terribly confused, before getting to grips with and embracing this new way of life.

July saw the confirmation that at short notice we were to join D Sqn in BATUS as the baseline Sqn on Ex IRON STRIKE 2, the experimentation exercise designed to test new tactics and doctrine the for the forthcoming AJAX platform. We quickly changed our attention to how to fight as part of a Strike Brigade, pushing ourselves in innovative ways to defeat the enemy in an aggressive manner. This came in the form of crewman training on Salisbury Plain and a considerable number of ROC drills and war games, the latter paying dividends once we hit the prairie. After completing our long running commitment to Op TEMPERER and an interesting RAAT task in Hereford, we were set for summer leave and the deployment to Canada.

On arrival in BATUS, we took receipt of a vehicle fleet that been left standing for two years and which was in a terrible state. A combination of the herculean efforts of the advance party and the Sqn fitter section under SSgt Squibb somehow saw an automotive miracle occur and the whole fleet was somehow battle ready before Startex. Ex IRON STRIKE 2 saw C Sqn lead the way in aggressive action, pioneering the use of ‘Japanese

Blitzkrieg’ to devastating effect against a stunned RTR enemy. The hunter killer teams of CoH Alderson and LCoH Olive were particularly successful, leaving burning hulks in their wake as they cut through the RTR like a knife through butter. LCpls Petit and Ford were enormously successful, charging around tank killing on their quads and probably having the highest tally in the Sqn. Throughout, the whole Sqn adapted to any task and mission, often finding themselves with attached arms and indeed at one point an entire Coy of Canadian infantry! Meanwhile, the ‘wagon slayer’ Lt Titman managed to set a new record for the number of cross-decks during an exercise, sometimes managing several in a day!

Having endured weather ranging from 35 degrees to -10, a blizzard and a hurricane, the battle hardened Sqn completed the exercise winning high praise from all, to be rewarded with some well-earned adventure training and travel time. Members of the Sqn even made it as far as Montana and Mexico!

Our return to the UK saw little time for rest, pushing straight on with strike development and still managing to squeeze some time away as a Sqn for a consolidated training week in Pembrokeshire. This finished in a march and shoot along the coast path, the winning team earning themselves a long weekend.

In sum, it’s been full on but incredibly fulfilling. The Sqn has been tested, performed beyond expectation and bonded as a cohesive group of friends. We look forward to the challenges that lay before us in 2018 with eager anticipation.

Sqn Ldr’s Orders Group

Sqn Ldr’s Panther enjoying another balmy day on the prairie

‘It pays to be a winner’. C Sqn march and shoot competition, Penally

D Squadron

Justas the chameleon is revered for its ability to adapt to changing environments, the men and women of D Squadron have demonstrated an equally impressive ability to adjust to change throughout 2017. The New Year saw a contingent of D Sqn deploy to Brunei on Ex ULU RAJAH. This provided the perfect opportunity to refine core soldiering skills in an environment completely alien for most. Fortunately LCoH Abbott, having completed the Jungle Warfare Instructor Course, was well placed to introduce the remainder of the Sqn to the peculiarities of jungle warfare. This was welcomed by all, and formed the basis upon which increasingly demanding tactical actions and live fire ranges were subsequently undertaken.

Those remaining in the UK were eased into the return from Christmas leave with a period of preparatory training in Windsor for an upcoming stint on Longmoor training area. The exercise itself was designed to refresh understanding of mounted manoeuvre and to provide an introduction to operating from vehicles for those most recently drafted from the Mounted Regiment. All were soon familiarised with the art of camouflage net construction much to everybody’s delight.

As expected during an ‘other tasks’ year this was followed by a number of responsibilities focussed on supporting other units’ exercises. However, a dis-

mounted training week and an urban operations package were also conducted around these commitments which afforded the opportunity to refresh individual marksmanship and develop more advanced Close Quarter Battle techniques. The period before Easter leave was concluded with Ex JOINT WARRIOR. This saw the Squadron deploy to Salisbury Plain as part of 16 Brigade’s Air Assault Task Force to conduct a Non-combatant Evacuation Operation (NEO). The Sqn’s role was primarily to screen urban areas to provide time sensitive updates to the task force headquarters. Even given the range of Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance assets available the Sqn added value throughout and confirmed the worth of having a ‘man on the ground’ in an increasingly technology driven battlefield.

Rejuvenated after Easter leave, preparations began for Castlemartin Ranges (CMR). A well-trodden path lay ahead however it would not be followed blindly. Gunnery training commenced early under CoH Ridge who refreshed vehicle commanders and gunners in the art of mounted live firing. Confident in their ability, the Sqn deployed and began with a refreshingly realistic dismounted live firing package. Although progressive, it culminated in tactical live firing including the use of Spartan vehicles and GPMG fire support. The second half of the range package saw crews progress through the mounted live fire exercises. Given that the majority of them were newly formed, this was a welcome opportunity to work together prior to attempting the Annual Crew Test (ACT). This training clearly paid off with the Squadron achieving 100%

D Sqn

A new Dawn

CsoH Ridge, Selby and Turner contemplating STRIKE

first time passes, naturally resulting in a brief cultural excursion to Pembroke to celebrate.

The period following Castlemartin Ranges was again littered with supporting other exercises and saw prepara-

tions begin for the anticipated deployment to the British Army Training Unit Suffield in Canada as opposition forces. However, as our deployment loomed it transpired that D Sqn would not be alone in this deployment and were in fact to be joined by the remainder of HCR to develop the STRIKE concept instead. This development would fundamentally change the role of the Sqn, both for the deployment to Canada and beyond. This shift happened to coincide with Major Nana Twumasi-Ankrah’s posting as Her Majesty’s Equerry and saw Major Edward Mackie take command of the Sqn following a posting with Defence Intelligence.

Over the summer the Sqn focussed wholeheartedly on developing the tactics and techniques required of a more aggressive, expeditionary style of warfare. Initially this was primarily conceptual, however the Regimental Crew Training conducted on Salisbury Plain just prior to summer leave provided a good opportunity to test the new drills that had been developed. Other than Lt Marlow-Thomas inadvertently imprisoning himself and the remainder of his Troop in a cow pen, these were largely successful and provided a solid foundation to build upon once in Canada.

As the ‘treatment Squadron’ in Canada a whole host of attached arms were

committed to supporting our manoeuvre. These included a Desert Hawk 3 detachment, a Pre Hospital Treatment Team, a Fire Support Team, a Royal Engineer Squadron and Royal Artillery guns. This was intended to demonstrate the value of having such assets dedicated at sub unit level when compared to the more traditional task organisation bestowed upon C Sqn. The capabilities afforded by these attached arms offered a different dimension to the exercise as a whole, which combined with the varied weather conditions and unfamiliar terrain provided a welcome challenge compared to operating in the United Kingdom.

On returning from Canada in midOctober the Squadron settled back into the routine of the duty - maintenance - training weekly rotation. The opportunity was seized in early November to conduct individual live fire training and interesting shoots along with a junior rank led navigational exercise, both of which provided an opportunity to enhance basic soldiering skills prior to Christmas leave.

2017 has been a varied year. The jungles of Brunei, ranges in Wales and the Canadian prairies represent a range of extremely diverse environments, each demanding different skills and expertise to thrive in. A chameleon year.

SCM Harris taking an opportune shot

LCpls and LCsoH stand proudly with the Sqn Ldr and SCM following promotion in the field

Headquarters Squadron

by Major A C Gardner, The Blues and Royals

Last year I thought that the Sqn had reached its maximum outputs, to then find them surpassed again this year. The Sqn has supported the Regiment from one side of the Globe in South Korea to the other side in Canada (BATUS) and of course with the normal filling between the two, including Brunei.

The main changes to the Sqn Orbat saw the departure of WO2 (SCM) Jaworski to become RCM at Army Training Regiment, Pirbright, and the SQMC SCpl Martin to the Royal Armoured Corps Training Regiment. They were replaced by SCM Douglass and SQMC Hart.

The Sqn began the year supporting A Sqn on Ex ULU RAJAH in Brunei. This was a 6 week dismounted Exercise and the MTO Capt Eulert led a small real life support (RLS) team throughout. During the Exercise WO1 Ireland and LCpl Kennedy were regularly seen risking a crocodile attack as they fished on the river behind Sittang Camp on those few occasions it was allowed. On the whole the Exercise required 126 separate transport requests and every time the MT Dept (LCoH Knight and LCpl Kennedy) drove to Tuker Lines from Sittang Camp to either refuel or collect stores they always managed to find the time to get a KFC, Burger King or an Iced Frappuccino from the supermarket. Some things just don’t change in HQ Sqn!

In March, Comd Tp deployed along with BGHQ to the Republic of Korea (ROK) on Ex KEY RESOLVE (KR). This was an Army-level training event which tests the readiness of deployed US and ROK forces and rehearses elements of the conflict plans in case of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) aggression. This was the second year that the UK took part this Ex. The participa-

tion enabled HCR BGHQ to gain invaluable planning and execution training and gain experience in operating within a Corps/Army context. It took place in US Army Garrison Camp Casey, 50 km north of Seoul. Camp Casey is home to both 210 Field Artillery Brigade and 1 Armoured Brigade Combat Team and we supported both during the Ex phases. It was an interesting experience for those Sqn members that deployed getting to observe both DPRK from the observation towers and look at the ROK defences. Capt Nicole organised a battlefield tour of the Battle of the Imjin River that took place during the Korean War, and we also visited the De-Militarisation Zone (DMZ).

During May the Sqn deployed to Castlemartin Ranges (CMR) to conduct CVR(T) variant and Panther firing. This was then combined with a field firing package over the course of the week. The Sqn deployed the normal cross section of attached arms, broken down within other teams forming true integration on a small combined arms scale.

Directly after CMR the Sqn was back on Salisbury Plain, conducting a week’s training for both Comd Tp and A1/A2 Ech. Initially this was to set the Sqn up to play the bad guys in Canada supporting Ex PRAIRIE STORM, though we also had an eye on the STRIKE experimentation Ex where the betting man

Ex ULU RAJAH - Air Replenishment task

HCR visit the Border with North Korea

LCoH Coventry delivering a Room Clearance lesson at Castlemartin

MTO and SCM deliver Orders on Sqn CT1

Ex ULU RAJAH - MTO and LCpl Kennedy with their Driver Safety Notice

would have placed his wager.

At the end of June and in early July the Regiment found itself in the clutches of the combined assurance weeks, for which those people who have worked within either QM’s departments or MT will understand the level of work and preparation required. Led by the QM/ QM(T) we set ourselves up to a good standard and achieved the desired results across the board.

By the end of July the Sqn was deploying the activation parties to Canada to enable the take-over of the fleet from 1 YORKS BG and to activate the remaining CVR(T) for the HCR BG. With the main bodies arriving early in Septem-

ber it was all hands to the pump to deliver the 217 vehicles required for the BG. Capt Hitchings led the small team of around 50 with the RQMC(T), WO2 Horton as his sidekick. The Master Chef SSgt Hussey prepared the way with catering support, staffing his kitchen to feed 1300+ from the Battle Group.

The Exercise itself saw the deployment of Comd Tp (BGHQ) and the A1 Ech under the MTO Capt Eulert. A2(-) deployed just North of EXCON in a disused forward operating base and was administered throughout by SCpl Elliott who was deputising for the QM(T). He was in turn supported by the ASM WO1 Fitch and SSgt Vassell, both newly arrived prior to the Ex. Throughout the

Ex the Sqn supported the STRIKE Experimentation with mainly RLS, though we did experiment with a few Combat Service Support (CSS) Concepts on the way.

Mid to late October the vehicle fleet was finally handed back and all personnel returned safely to Windsor for a wellearned rest and some time with their families, less a small freight party element who volunteered to remain a few extra weeks.

The remainder of 2017 saw HQ Sqn culminate back in Windsor and prepare for the upcoming handover of Comd Offrs’ and the remainder of the assurance inspections. Additionally, we were supporting the Sabre Sqns in their low level training exercises up until Christmas stand down. The Sqn will be in good hands when Maj Danny Hitchings takes over the Sqn. He will lead the Sqn into the next pages of history as we convert from CVR(T) to AJAX and also move from our home in Windsor to pastures new in Bulford.

Ex Iron Strike 2 - A well concealed BGHQ, on the prairie

Surg Col Lewin remains focussed on the Pistol Range at CMR. (LCoH Raj is more relaxed)

HQ Sqn - First Parade at Camp Crowfoot post Exercise

Regimental Administration Office

During 2017 the AGC(SPS) Detachment has supported the HCR both in barracks and around the world.

In January Sgt Waugh and Cpls Bojang and Bajogo embedded with A Sqn in Brunei on Ex ULU RAJAH. Cpl Bajogo summed it up best, “Up until my deployment to Brunei, my knowledge of the jungle came from the film Predator. Deploying to the trees is first hand, conventional war fighting at its best. The heat and humidity hit you straight away: the insects are stinging; the terrain is arduous; the rain is pouring and the sweat is dripping but in spite of all of this you must remain focussed and stay disciplined”. Both soldiers are in agreement that Ex ULU RAJAH was an ‘amazing’ experience for both of them and has been the highlight of their careers so far.

March saw Captain Anderson (Det Comd) deploy to South Korea on Ex KEY RESOLVE 17 as the Information Manager. Ex KEY RESOLVE is an annual Army-level training event which tests the readiness of deployed United States and Republic of Korea forces and rehearses elements of the conflict plans in case of North Korean aggression. Meanwhile WO2 Slater, Sgt Edwards and Pte Williams deployed to Les Arcs, France on Ex COCKNEY BLADE 17 with 29 other members of the Regiment. An introduction to Alpine Skiing, the Exercise was a great way to develop leadership, teamwork and courage, whilst also having a lot of fun. Pte Williams said “although

it was a long day skiing and developing our skills, the scenery and the environment was beautiful. I would definitely like to further my skiing next year and gain Ski Foundation Level 2.”

April saw the Regiment deploy to Castlemartin Ranges; members of the detachment completed their Annual Combat Marksmanship Test and participated in Section Attacks, Vehicle Dismounting Drills and Close Quarter Battle ranges.

In May the detachment entered the AGC Triple Crown competition. The March and Shoot team consisted of Sgt Edwards and Cpls Jammeh, Bojang and Bajogo and the Military Skills team Cpl Murphy, LCpls Obeng-Frimpong and Hasan and Pte Williams. Both achieved a top third finish and placed top of 1 Armoured Infantry Brigade. An accomplishment achieved not only through excellent team work and leadership but also through Cpl Murphy’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the shapes of NATO countries (it really had to be seen to be believed).

In July Sgt Edwards stewarded at the 2017 Wimbledon Tennis Championships, although the task did not come without stress. “Being an Arsenal fan and Service Steward has its dangers, allowing half of the Chelsea Football team on my patch was one of the toughest days for me on Centre Court. I’m known for my slick politeness and calm assertiveness, however, I was futile in convincing Mr John Terry to stop using my gangway as a thoroughfare to his

debenture lounge and seats. Witnessing Chelsea’s demise in the FA Cup Final was my only solace each time I saw them strutting past with Pimms and strawberries.”

Post summer leave the Regiment deployed to the BATUS on Ex IRON STRIKE 2. Capt Anderson deployed as Information Manager within BGHQ and Ptes Williams and Clare deployed on the ground with the Regiment. WO2 Slater and his team provided vital support throughout from Camp Crowfoot.

Throughout the past year we have said farewell to Sgt Waugh, Cpls Anywar, Poonia and Pun, LCpls Ottewill and Obeng-Frimpong and Pte Gurung. We have welcomed Sgt Chipondene and Ptes Williams, Clare and Okindo. We are all now looking forward to the festive season, taking some well-deserved leave with our families and returning in 2018 to do it all again.

The HCR AGC SPS Detachment on the Short Walk, Windsor

The AGC Triple Crown Military Skills Team

Quartermaster’s Department

The QM’s Dept has once again enjoyed a year filled with logistical challenges, supporting the Regiment both in barracks and in the field. There have been deployments aplenty both in the UK and overseas. Ranging from the Jungles of Brunei, the wind swept shores of Castlemartin and the snow covered prairies of BATUS. It has been the aim of both Quartermasters to work collaboratively throughout their tenures and this has been enacted during work and play.

The year began with some members of the department deploying to Brunei in support of A Sqn’s Ex ULU RAJAH. This was a welcome change, leaving the cold January days of the UK behind and enjoying the heat of the Jungle. LCoH Batikaikai particularly enjoyed himself as the Ammo Storeman having only just been posted back from HCMR.

With critical support to Sqn and other exercises finished and Easter leave complete the focus switched to the Regiments annual firing at Castlemartin. Vast quantities of ammunition and disposables loaded, we set off in convoy to prepare Merion Camp for the Regiment’s arrival. In his new role as Accommodation SNCO, newly promoted CoH Elder, who had just returned from a deployment with 4 RIFLES in Iraq, spent many an hour allocating rooms and making friends with the Castlemartin staff. As well as supporting the Regiment, there was time to enjoy the variety of dismounted ranges on offer and enjoy a break from the rigours of the logistic accounts and day-to-day real life support.

Swapping combat fighting order back to running the accounts, the department

returned to camp to welcome the Logistic Brigade Staff and their team for another round of assurance audits. These included all regimental logistical areas and accounts, food services, health and safety and environmental health. The Regiment demonstrated high standards in all areas and were identified as having numerous best practices amongst other Brigade units.

Having taken summer leave early the Quartermaster and a G4 team from HQ Sqn deployed to BATUS as the activation party and set to prepare over 200 vehicles ready for the STRIKE Experimentation Ex IRON STRIKE 2. This was a huge and highly enjoyable undertaking, although not without some stresses and strains. The BATUS G4 team managed the complete infrastructure of Camp Crowfoot and the surrounding maintenance real estate. The numbers

totalled close to 1600 at times and everyone needed something at some point. To be in a position to provide all of the necessary support to the Regiment and wider Brigade units tested everyone, but is without doubt a truly rewarding and enlightening experience.

The remainder of the G4 team in Windsor under the QM(E) and RQMC set to supporting the Regiment from the home bank and keeping Combermere Barracks fully functioning, whilst preparing for the regimental events that will run until the close of 2018.

The department has to congratulate LCoH Elder on promotion to CoH and Tpr Beeler to LCpl. We welcome LCoH Savage and we welcome Capt DH Robson after the Christmas stand down as QM.

The QM’s Dept consists of Capt DJ Hitchings (LG), WO2 (RQMC) A Slowey (LG), WO2 S Gerrard (RHG/D), CoH Elder RHG/D, LCsoH Batikaikai (LG), Jordan (RHG/D), Marsh (RHG/D) and Savage (RHG/D) and LCpls Beeler (LG), Phillips (RLC).

LCoH Scheepers and LSgt Murphy delivering G4 support in Canada

‘What a Catch’. RQMC Slowey on a G4 Day Out, Ex COCKNEY POLLOCK

LCoH Marsh utilising the new accounting scanner hand-held device, practicing for Waitrose

The G4 Team feeding the 500 of HCR Battle Group on maintenance day Ex IRON STRIKE 2

Quartermaster (Equipment) Department

As the Quartermaster Technical department bade farewell to 2016 it brought to an end the Regiment’s readiness commitment. The final phase and focus for the department was the handover of Regiment’s vehicle fleet to 12 Mechanized Brigade with the majority of vehicles going to the Royal Dragoon Guards who were due to take over our role as the Lead Cavalry Battle Group in January. The vehicle preparation for both wheeled and tracked platforms started early in December for the fleet handover in January.

Returning from a well-earned leave, the department was a hive of activity with the handover looming. A 3 day period was allocated from Division for the handover of 45 vehicles. The preparation had paid off prior to leave; the whole handover was completed in just 16 hours with all vehicles mechanically sound with no CES and radio equipment deficiencies. No mean feat and a good test for the Regiment as it moved towards the new whole fleet management plan.

The first task of 2017 put to bed, the department could now focus on the up and coming list of new challenges. The forecast of events was brimming with UK and overseas training events all of which required involvement from the QM(T) Dept. The first and most demanding in January was the deployment of A Sqn to Brunei. The department under the control of RQMC(E) Quickfall worked tirelessly to pack and freight all essential stores to Brunei. Over 23 tons of freight boxed and manifested. The department deployed a small team to support the Ex, a welcome break from their desks at Windsor.

In May the Regiment deployed to Castlemartin to conduct mounted and dismounted live firing and it was refreshing to see all members of the Department involved in the live firing phase. After long days of going down range, they went on to ensure that the Real Life Support was maintained throughout, so that the Sqns could achieve the Comd

Offr’s intent.

At the start of the year, we were informed that we would no longer receive an ECI and LSI inspection but in May we would now have assurance checks; great emphasis was put on the fact it is was no longer an inspection but the opportunity for outside agencies to come in and see how we do our business, advise and assure. In true Household Cavalry tradition we adapted to this new and unfamiliar regime, but did not allow our standards to drop and good results were reported across the board. Notably SCpl Elliott was praised in his management of JAMES across the Regiment and procedures were identified as ‘best practice’ that have been pushed out across the Army.

Towards the end of July a small team from the dept formed the vanguard to provide G4 support for the handover of the 1 YORKS Battlegroup vehicles in preparation for EX IRON STRIKE 2 in BATUS. SSgt Vassell immediately put troops to task and the supply chain was ready to go from day one. Many late nights followed with over 1500 demands placed in the first 2 weeks. Vital spares were received in a timely fashion, and the team all had a sense of accomplishment as everyday massive gains were achieved as a tired CVR(T) fleet slowly came back to life. Once deployed, elements of the department were integrated within A1 and A2 Echelon, individuals were continually tested by the relentless requirement for spares and equipment to allow the Battle Group to complete their mission, day, night and in all weathers. Back in the UK it was apparent that business had not slowed down during the Regiment’s absence. We consolidated and soon realised that before we knew it, 2017 was coming to a close and as I write this we start to focus and relish what 2018 will bring.

There has been much movement within the department. LCsoH Solis and Silk both moved to HCMR at the start of the year to be replaced by CoH Henderson taking command of the ET and LCoH Chaplin the Bowman account. LCpl Evans was posted to 3 RLC in Bicester and was replaced by LCpl Tuffour: the landlord of the Windsor ‘Trooper’ will miss him dearly. RQ Quickfall assumed the role of Regimental Corporal Major in London and with a heavy heart handed over the role of RQ(Tech) to WO2 Horton. After 3 years at HCR SSgt Lutunatabua was posted on promotion to Army HQ. As the first RLC 1LO within HCR he has made a massive impact on the way we conduct our G4 business, and ensured that we continually learned and developed. Both upstairs Tech and the Mess are now a lot quieter with his absence; we all wish him well in the future. SSgt Vassell has arrived from 3 AAC to assume the UAA role and after removing all the Commando paraphernalia around his desk, he is now fully settled into life at HCR.

The vehicle fleet of A1 and A2 Echelon

A2 Setup, never too big for cam-nets

QM’s Dept day out

Command Troop

2017 was officially called a rest year for the HCR. However, as we get to the end of the year, the members of Comd Tp and a wider BGHQ would be forgiven for feeling the opposite. We only need to think back to the opening three months of the year, which saw personnel deployed to five different countries on three different continents to grasp how hectic 2017 began.

First of all, we had LCpl Ward and Tpr Sale both deploy as part of the regimental ski teams. LCpl Ward deployed on Ex WHITE KNIGHT in Verbier, as part of the Downhill ski team, before entering the Divisional Championships in Serre Chevalier, in which he finished as the highest placed member of the HCR.

Tpr Sale entering the Army Championships at the end of January, and finished with a Silver medal and the best shot on the 15km Biathlon despite suffering from a spot of food poisoning at the time!

Also in early January, A Sqn deployed to Brunei for Ex ULU RAJAH. To help to facilitate the Sqn, the Tp set up a Relay station in an abandoned school on the edge of the jungle that would have been a perfect setting for a Hollywood horror film. All members of the deployment found the jungle a challenging environment, where the usual VHF comms, which would be used on Salisbury Plain, were ineffective. All personnel had to remember their training on the HF radio, and after some hiccoughs, HF comms were established quite comfortably before the exercise was over.

After the exercise was over, all personnel were then given some downtime to visit the local area or even head over the border to Miri in Malaysia. Malaysia proved to be very different from Sharia law governed Brunei.

Early March saw eight members of Comd Tp deployed with the rest of BGHQ to Ex KEY RESOLVE in South Korea. The exercise is played out on a

computer system simulating a hostile attack on South Korea, and in the end, the American Division broke its record for reducing the enemy artillery to its lowest combat effectiveness largely because of the HCR. The work within HCR BGHQ earned high praise from our American Counterparts, even after CoH Aspland-Monger accidentally decided to start throwing various items of food at what turned out to be an American General during a certain mealtime.

After the Ex was over, the guys got to see the Demilitarized Zone and had a battlefield tour of Imjin River where the 1st Bn The Gloucestershire Regiment had found itself outnumbered and surrounded by Chinese forces, bringing home the realities of the Korean War.

During this initial period we also said goodbye to the RSWO, WO2 Preston, who moved on to HCMR as the Blues

and Royals SCM; SCpl Warren stepped up to the post of RSWO and was shortly promoted to WO2; the Bowman Systems Manager post was filled by CoH Wilkinson.

So, we quickly found ourselves at Easter Leave, and the first time in 2017 that the whole troop was in the UK! What followed was the Regimental Deployment to Castlemartin Ranges for gun camp. A Comd Tp contingent was maintained for the entire duration to help with any Signals problems that were beyond the skill of the relevant SHQ personnel, and Comd Tp made up the majority Sultan Pintle Range, and the Panther RWS Ranges, urgently and wantonly defeating reckless Figure 11s.

As Comd Tp tends to have a large portion of the JNCO’s in the Sqn, over half the sections found themselves with either a Comd Tp IC or 2IC for the dismounted ranges and the Tp received a lot of positive feedback from the safety staff. After returning from Castlemartin, it was time to say goodbye to CoH Aspland-Monger to the AFV CIS School at Bovington. In his absence, LCoH Hattingh stepped up to act as the Comd Tp D&M CoH.

Three deployed to BATUS with the advance party, which was not helped by the RAF flight being delayed by six days, leaving less than a week to sign for all of the vehicles. While it was completed in time, they definitely were not up to the cavalry standard of cleanliness, somewhat automotively questionable, it would take more than a few man hours would make them roadworthy.

So the deployment eventually arrived, and most of the Battle Group deployed

Tpr Sale won a Silver medal in the Army Biathlon Championships

The view from the accommodation...

LCoH Hattingh with some new ‘friends’ at the DMZ

LCpl Carling decides that Signals is not his thing

LCoH Rudd trudging through the snow in the Collection Point

onto the area, leaving behind a few vehicles on the dustbowl, (the first of a long list of problems for the RCM’s Spartan, LCpl Coventry and Tpr Barrett changing the entire running gear), for a week of CT1 training in which the new members of the Tp were introduced to the various BGHQ set ups (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Silver +, Bronze x2, Silver 2.0 amongst many others).

By the end of the exercise, the Tp was well drilled in how the HQ would deploy in two smaller headquarters, named ‘A’ and ‘B’ HQ’s. This culminat-

ed in some OPFOR units ‘miraculously’, and with ‘no help from the BATUS staff’, finding the B HQ towards the end of the exercise, but were valiantly fought off before the HQ was able to safety extract.

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances during the BATUS deployment, CoH Hattingh also ended up having to ‘double hat’ as the Regtl Signals CoH, as well as his original role as the Comd Tp D&M CoH. For his tireless effort, after the exercise was over, he was awarded a Brigade Commanders Commendation and will now forever known

Exercise KEY RESOLVE 17

The Household Cavalry Regiment deployed a Battle Group HQ to South Korea to provide the British component for Ex KEY RESOLVE (KR). A multinational All Arms exercise which plays out a potential invasion of the Republic of Korea (ROK) by their northern neighbours, KR pits the ROK Armed Forces and the US 8th Army against the considerable weight of manpower which would be expected to be put in the field in the event of a North Korean attack in a vast simulated training exercise. Ex KR provided HCR not only with a unique training opportunity, but also with a chance to take part in a valuable Defence Engagement task with our long-standing ally. In the uncertainty surrounding Britain’s role in the world following the conclusion of operations in Afghanistan and the Brexit referendum, this complex exercise proves that the British Army can operate with great effect in concert with US Forces, providing a robust and agile component capable of fitting with ease into US combat groups to achieve our joint global stra-

tegic aims.

Taking over the mantle from the RTR’s deployment in 2016, HCR BGHQ, comprising 21 Household Cavalrymen and 6 attached Offrs and ORs, set out to make Britain proud and do its bit in March 2017. The junior Offrs of the HCR were eagerly looking forward to three weeks of personal and professional development opportunities. Despite their best efforts, they got exactly that.

The exercise focussed on two phases: “CAX A”, simulating the initial defence of ‘the ROK’ (as all our American cousins called it – confusing for the British Officers, who thought for the first few days that they were referring to Gibraltar); and “CAX B”, simulating the complex CBRN and Non-combatant Extraction Operation (NEO) tasks which the combined task force would have to face after the expected defeat of North Korea’s assault.

The fact that this exercise simulates a

as CoH ‘Two Corporals of Horse in one’ Hattingh, much to his enjoyment.

Upon return from BATUS, Command Troop found itself in the unusual position of having nothing planned for the remaining few weeks of the year. We also saw some members of the troop depart; LCoH Maddison to HCMR, and LCpl Hackett to A Squadron. While 2017 was a very busy for Comd Tp, we have already been assured that 2018 will be just as manic.

very real threat provided a welcome respite from battling the Ninka Defence Force (NDF) across Salisbury Plain Province and the hills of Sennymandia; it also meant that there were a number of information-sharing restrictions which limited the British contingent’s access to sensitive details. Although frustrating, this is an expected facet of any multi-national operation. The American Brigades and Division to whom we worked strove tirelessly to find an accommodation, providing us with the mission-critical information which we

Sunset over the Prairie

The enemy looked particularly friendly. Kim

Battlefield Study, a stirring few days around the Korean Hills

needed without sacrificing their own Operational Security. This experience provided a valuable lesson to both sides about some of the complexities of coalition operations, and the solutions available. With the aforementioned hurdles surmounted, we set about planning in earnest, taking a break over the first weekend in-country to visit the DMZ (which everyone approached with studious seriousness) on a sunny Saturday. Sunday was spent in the warm embrace of Andrew Salmon, a local English journalist and historian of the Korean War who took us on a tour of the Imjin River battlefield – a sobering experience, and one which brought home the gravity of the exercise we were taking part in. The sacrifice of our forebears in a war often forgotten at home was encapsulated in the story of the last stand of the Glosters, and the fighting retreat from the defensive positions which the 29th Infantry Brigade occupied in April 1951.

CAX A saw the HCR exercise on a scale

unimaginable in UK-only exercises: receiving a G2 brief that warned of 3 whole Corps to our North was humbling; working amidst the huge manand firepower which the 8th Army fields presented a range of assets and coordination problems which thoroughly tested the planning teams. CAX A was a resounding success, with the US Bde to which the HCR was working halving its best-ever time for mission success, attributing this during the divisional after action review in large part to the British contingent’s contribution.

Basking in success, the Army rested on Sunday afternoon to re-set for the next phase. HCR used the time to perfect their bowling technique in the on-camp bowling alley (yes, that’s a thing), followed by a trip to the (also on-camp) cinema to see Beauty and the Beast. PT and cultural broadening completed, the HQ team got back to work, planning for a bespoke HCR mission in support of a US effort to neutralise further threats deep in North Korean territory. Preparation for CAX B had begun during the latter stages of CAX A, so the Household Cavalry were primed and ready to “crack about” and show the North Koreans what shiny kit really looks like. Unfortunately we didn’t make it far past the start line of the road march: the redoubtable Scimitars, having spent weeks in battle, were straining at the bit to get on with the task, but the ROK 3XXX (Third Army) were bogged down in fierce fighting close to our objective so instead we were held in a Bde ECP for four days. The SQMC’s chockie-tree ran

Light Aid Detachment

by Staff Sergeant (Art Elec) M G Slater BSc MIET

2017 started with the LAD preparing to transition from supporting the Regiment during Readiness to the commencement of the Committed Year (also known as the Other Tasks Year, which proved to be a sign of things to come). Despite a number of the unit’s vehicles being handed over to the Royal Dragoon Guards, there was still a sizeable fleet to maintain in Windsor. This brought its own challenges, particularly as the workshop said goodbye to a host of CVR(T) experts such as LSgt Nelson and LCpl Rarawa.

An enduring commitment during the year was the Regiment’s support to the various crew commander courses being conducted on Salisbury Plain. This resulted in the majority of the Fitter Sections deploying multiple times to ensure that the students on each course had fit vehicles to train on. Spring time was particularly hectic for the LAD, with a Regimental deployment to Castlemar-

tin ranges to support in addition to the routine business of repairing vehicles in Windsor. In particular the LAD’s Technicians and Armourers worked tirelessly to ensure that each range ran smooth-

out early, but the American Padre came to our rescue and brought us pancakes and syrup daily.

With the world set to rights once more, the war-weary HQ group relocated to Seoul to conduct some nocturnal Defence Engagement tasks for the two final days of their deployment to South Korea. Though some members of the team were disappointed that they were unable to find a tentacle show anywhere in the city, the HCR succeeded in boosting the local economy during their two nights of R’n’R. Satisfied that we had done our duty to Britannia, we repaired to Windsor, enriched by a challenging and unique training experience. We still don’t have a bowling alley though; maybe we can persuade Carillion Amey to build one in Bulford…

ly, allowing the crews to conduct their ACTs and enabling a successful deployment for the Regiment.

Although the LAD has been heavily

The DMZ

D Sqn Fitter Section Ex JOINT WARRIOR

committed to providing vital Equipment

Support to the Regiment, it is a credit to its members that they have managed to exploit every available moment of free space in the calendar to organise a multitude of events. SSgt Squibb created an

excellent leadership development day for the workshop’s JNCOs, culminating in an arduous afternoon of command tasks at Gibraltar Barracks. Sgt Radcliffe organised an excellent multi-activity AT package to the Oetz mountains in Austria, where thirty members of the LAD and Regiment were treated to an action packed week of hill walking, rock climbing and mountain biking with the stunning backdrop of the beautiful Oetz mountain range.

The short notice Regimental deployment to Canada on Ex IRON STRIKE 2 resulted in

Regimental Aid Post (RAP)

by Captain Edward Rogers RAMC

Over the last year the Regimental Aid Post (RAP) of the Household Cavalry Regiment has balanced conducting regimental duties with providing support to individual sqns and other units deployed across the globe. Concurrently, we worked to deliver realistic and relevant training in-line with the ever-changing medical treatment practises being developed; ensuring highlevel patient care is preserved.

A testing, yet extremely rewarding year began as it would go on, seeing a team of nine deploy on EX ULU RAJAH in Brunei, an opportunity to test and adapt our skills to the jungle environment. Throughout this exercise the medics developed survival and navigation skills appropriate for the conditions within which we were operating. Furthermore, medical support was provided to the troops while they enhanced their tradi-

the LAD taking on the herculean task of preparing the Battle Group to deploy onto the prairie. After hours of graft by both the crews and tradesmen, over 150 armoured vehicles were lined up ready to deploy on the twenty six day exercise. Despite the ageing vehicle fleet and the odd snow blizzard the LAD worked to keep the equipment in the hands of the user, completing some 252 vehicle repairs (repairing, on average, 10 vehicles each day of the exercise) and using in excess of £1.3m of spare components and assemblies.

Finally, the LAD said goodbye to Capt Keogh and WO1 (ASM) Fox along with a large number of valued senior and junior NCOs. The LAD is now preparing itself for what is sure to be another year of demanding training and experimentation in 2018, under the guide of the new Electrical and Mechanical Engineer (EME), Capt Onstenk, and WO1 (ASM) Fitch. Arte et Marte.

Commander’s sight repair, Castlemartin Ranges

D-1- Ready to deploy on Ex IRON STRIKE 2

D Sqn Fitter Section on Ex IRON STRIKE 2

‘Look Ma – Top of the world’Ex COCKNEY ADVENTURE Austria

Doctor and the Medics showing what they are made ofthe HCR RAP on Ex ULU RAJAH Brunei

tional close target reconnaissance (CTR) and contact drills. Additionally, research was conducted to aid the development of jungle specific dismounted

Chaplaincy

by Padre Captain Amy Walters

The start to my tenure as Regimental Chaplain with the Household Cavalry was abrupt: I was posted in midAugust and within two weeks deployed to Canada with HCR BG on Ex IRON STRIKE 2 (IS2). Being thrown into the thick of it in such a way was an ideal opportunity to get to know the personalities in the Regiment and I found myself far better acquainted at the end of it.

IS2 called for a Battle Group service at the beginning of the exercise, before

Training Wing

This has been a year of change not only for personnel within the Training Wing but also for the way training is conducted both at HCR/HCMR and across the Army. With the introduction and roll out of the Battle Craft Syllabus (BCS) as a result of Commander Field Army’s concerns that ‘too much time and emphasis has been placed on collective training at sub unit and unit level without building the basic competence and expertise at individual, crew and squadron level,’ we have had

medical modules. A variety of casualty evacuation techniques for future standard operating procedures (SOPs) were also trialled to assess the practicality of current issued equipment.

Following this, the diary remained busy with elements of the team committed to providing real life support (RLS) to the exercise in Canada. During this period LSgt Herbert-Fraser was afforded the opportunity to deploy to North Carolina, working with our American partners on Ex WARFIGHTER.

September saw HCR deploy to Canada to conduct Ex IRON STRIKE 2. The aim of this exercise was to conduct STRIKE experimentation, testing and adjusting the ideas put forward by the Strike Experimentation Group (SEG). While HCR was developing SOPs, the medical group were examining the Pre-Hospital Treatment Team (PHTT). We reflected on the clinical manning, equipment

and vehicle platforms that we currently use, considering ways that we could advance these practises in the future.

Unfortunately, this year we also had to say goodbye to two key members of our team. Sgt Darby was posted on promotion to 21 Engineers in Chatham, while Sgt Feeney moved on to civilian life. However, we have welcomed a new practice manager, Sgt McGannon from 42 Bty RA into the HCR fold.

The exercises that we as a medical group have undertaken this last year have afforded us the opportunity to develop our individual medical skills, both in the dismounted and mounted roles, thus allowing us to improve the overall level of clinical care we can provide to our soldiers. Furthermore, we have had a direct role in the advancement of medical doctrine which we hope to see impact positively the Brigade and wider Army in the future.

deploying onto the Prairie. It was a solemn occasion when we remembered those who died on the prairie whilst serving with HCR and other attached arms, as well as reflecting on the exercise which lay before us. IS2 also afforded the opportunity to contemplate what will be needed in terms of morale, morality and resilience as the Regiment moves towards becoming a STRIKE regiment. What is clear is that much will be expected of our soldiers, and the future Chaplains of the 1st STRIKE Bde are looking at ways of developing mental resilience to enable soldiers to carry out their duties effectively. This will come under the banner of ‘Wise Warrior’ with the idea that, as Proverbs 24:5 has it, ‘Wise warriors are mightier than strong ones, and those who have knowledge than those who have strength’.

Of course, my duties as chaplain to the Household Cavalry also mean that each week I visit Knightsbridge. This is a whole new world to me and I am always

to recalibrate how, what and when we train our soldiers.

Personnel changes have included the Training Officer, Capt Mansfield RL and the Trg Wg Warrant Officer (TWWO), WO2 Allwood, whose fresh and vibrant approach can be heard from all four corners of camp; he is a drill instructor, so has added a spark of enthusiasm to a less than glamorous role. The Dismounted Close Combat (DCC) specialist

pleased when soldiers take the time to explain to me the world of horses and horsemanship. However, it is with some trepidation I approach the idea of learning to ride as all I seem to hear are horror stories of injuries whilst in training! Having seen the enormous amount of work that soldiers in the Regiment have, I am hoping to provide more pastoral and spiritual support to them whilst they are discovering the realities and hard work of Kit Ride.

team of CsoH Sedgwick and Perryman continue to deliver fun and imaginative training serials and have almost moved into the killing house, such is their dedication. The lethality side of the house is being stringently administered by SCpl (RGWO) Parker, who has been an asset to the team since his arrival.

To start 2017 as part of progression training, the Wing delivered a Combined Training (CT) 0 - 1 mounted and

Tourniquet drills and fake blood for A Sqn training

The Padre, Capt Amy Walters

Padre de-stressing C Sqn with her colouring in hints and tips

dismounted package. Capt Will BoydThomas, WO2 Wollaston and CoH Sedgwick covered the fundamentals of all vehicle movement by day and night including the advance, withdrawal, delay, route recce etc. All sqns were tested in conducting raids in both the mounted and dismounted role. Not wanting Comd Tp/RHQ to feel left out, they were put through their paces testing

their ability to communicate and defend themselves, a good place to start.

During March CoH Sedgwick, assisted by the rest of the team, planned and executed Ex PRIMARY RESTORATION. This was a ground-breaking exercise that used the infrastructure within Combermere Bks to deliver an urban operations package, something that hadn’t been done before. This culminated with C and D Sqns’ conducting up to sqn level building clearance by day and night using Marker Round Training Simunition (military paint ball).

As well as the normal mounted serials at Castlemartin Ranges in May, CoH Sedgwick and his range team put together a dismounted package that differed from previous years. The DCC team pushed the sqns through pairs fire and manoeuvre, advance pistol shooting, jungle lanes and combined ranges using Spartan armoured vehicles. This allowed different sqns, to practice different shoots, more realistic to their job role. Culminating with a final raid onto a built up area using multiple assets including JAVELIN, engineers and gun group support troops this proved to be a successful range package.

The highlight of the training calendar from a training wing perspective was Regimental Crew Training (CTR) on Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA) in July. This was a change from the traditional regimental crew tests, where the input and content of the training was established by holding a number of NCO / Tpr fora so they could voice their opinion on what training they felt they needed. An emphasis was based around individual crew members gaining expertise and experience in their own crew station, as well as part of the vehicle crew.

The Wing continues to support the Regiment in a whole host of other activities, as well as PNCO, pre-course, and dis-

Regimental Engagement Team

by Captain P G Ireland, The Blues and Royals

The team is now well established in the recruiting and engagement sphere; their presence is in high demand at events nationwide by Capita and Army Career Centres alike. So far we have spent over 100 days recruiting at different events from Portsmouth to Newcastle upon Tyne. The regimental effort on nationwide engagement and recruitment tours to the North East, East Midlands, Isle of Wight and Somerset, have paid dividends. These tours showcased the variety of opportunities available for both males and females

B3 Gunners course conducting Night Firing at

ranges in May

tributed training. During the Families Day we ran multiple activities including weapon, optics and sniper stands to give the wider community a chance to come and see what we do and how we do it. A “try it yourself” stand run by CoH Sedgwick allowed families to watch a section, in Marker Round Training System protective clothing, clear a room of enemy. We also gave families the chance to experience the SA80 by firing simunition at different targets within a bespoke indoor gallery range promoting competition and fun. Another enabling activity we took on was supporting the families Camping night under the guiding hand of the Unit Welfare Officer, we set up 5 stands ranging from camouflage and concealment, treasure map, observation posts, shelter building and a night optics trail, all of which were greatly received.

The future is bright and the future is AJAX. We are now pulling together a training plan to facilitate the transition to the new reconnaissance vehicle, AJAX. This will including sending HCR core instructors away in early 2018 to learn and then deliver training to the rest of the Regiment. With its complexities and fundamental advances in all areas, getting to grips with this new beast will be a challenge that I am sure we will excel at and embrace.

in our Regiments opening up links to youth groups, schools, colleges and all branches of cadets. We must continue this ethos of engaging with the young to improve our long term recruitment, this means attending primary schools and engaging with the young at early stages. Not only does it break down barriers but it also makes us more approachable and increases the communities’ understanding of our role within the Army and society. Of note, we have engaged with forty-two schools and twenty-eight youth groups between the ages of seven to sixteen.

The social media savvy generation is appreciating our social media efforts, we have seen a 429% increase of Instagram followers. Twitter has seen a 220% increase and our Facebook page should have 60,000 followers by the time this is printed. We have the second largest following compared to the rest of the British Army on social media.

We are now beginning to see the fruits of our labours; we currently have nine-

HCR Trg Wg Personnel (L to R), CoH Perryman, WO2 Allwood, Capt Mansfield, CoH Sedgwick

Dismounted live firing. HCR personnel maximising the use of cover while Conducting Live Fire Tactical Training

Castlemartin

ty-four recruits in all phases of training and all of our bed spaces in training are filled. It is predicted that this theme will continue with ninety-five new recruits per annum being the gold plated solution. Switching good junior non-commissioned officers from the sabre squadrons, to become section commanders in training, has proven its worth, nurturing and encouraging recruits to join us.

The recruitment team of six is in contact with forty-six young people aged between thirteen and sixteen years old. Currently they are too young to be recruited, but are keen to join in the future; these individuals are kept abreast of what is happening by means of visits, social media and a copy of the Journal. Our insight visits to HCMR and HCR are well received, and on many occasions have turned the head of a recruit who previously had no interest in joining our Regiments. The National Recruiting Centre and Army Careers Centres are invited to all of these visits, to improve their knowledge and put the Regiments at the forefront of their minds. Army Careers Centres are going through significant changes and most will lose their FTRS senior staff members. We must

wait and see if civilian professional recruiters will rapidly improve the inflow of recruits.

Most of our engagement activity is concentrated in the South East as we report our activity to 11 Brigade. However, this has not stopped us from venturing out of the South East especially with the move to Bulford on the horizon.

Our strong local ties have seen us support our Armed Forces Champion in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maindenhead, Councillor Samantha Rayner, by hosting a business breakfast in the Officers’ Mess. The aim of the event was to provide employers with a deeper understanding of the Armed Forces Community in order to build and maintain stronger relationships and improve our life experience.

If you are an association member or soldier and want to help out, or have any budding ideas (of which I have received a few), please get in touch with the recruiting and engagement officer.

HCR-RHQ-RecruitingOfficer@mod.uk

We look forward to potential KAPE tours to Devon, Northern Ireland, North Yorkshire and the North West, aiming to improve, our already improving statistics and engaging with as many people as possible.

Keep the Army in the Public Eye Tour, East Midlands

Youth Engagement at the Armed Forces Day - Longleat

Tpr Clayson with a younger, more efficient SHQ

Milton Keynes Job Fair

SCpl Preston pleased with his handy work

HCR Tactical Air Control Party (TACP)

by Captain N Z B Huda, The Blues and Royals

HCR has a long and prestigious history in Close Air Support. Forward Air Controllers, now known as Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTACs), still very much have a place in the Armoured Cavalry and will continue to play a crucial role in STRIKE. Many Regimental personalities have had the pleasure of dropping ‘warheads on foreheads’ and we have a highly respected name in the JTAC community. Therefore, when I was offered the role as OC Tactical Air Control Party (TACP) at the back end of 2015, I jumped at the opportunity. The TACP consists of one Officer, four JTACs and two Signallers and I was fully aware of the prestige and responsibility that came with the mantle. As one of the few remaining RAC TACPs, the HCR TACP is also looked upon by the remainder of the RAC for guidance with regards to Air Land Integration and employment of the JTACs within an armoured context.

Qualification is by means of an eight week tri-service course at RAF Leeming, Northallerton, also involving the opportunity to fly as a back-seater in an RAF HAWK from 100 Sqn to appreciate the Pilot’s perspective when talking to ground forces. A month later, I was dropping my first 2000lb bomb in Utah from a B-52 Bomber. Over my 18 months in command of the TACP, HCR JTACs were away internationally on a monthly basis.

Exercises varied from NATO Border Policing assistance, working with the NATO Fast-Jet Tactical Leadership Program in Spain with aircraft from all over Europe; to currency training in Utah, Idaho and California with the USAF and a host of other nations’ jets. The Malaysian F-16s were particularly interesting to work with: the international air language is English, but some English is better than others.

At home, the HCR JTACs have been

able to support all of the squadron level training with aviation or fast air, allowing the armoured squadrons to see how Close Air Support (CAS) can completely change the battle-picture and integrate with CVR(T). Using the Army Air Corps’ newest addition, the WILDCAT, we were able to test A Sqn with an airborne hunter-force, D and C Sqns both had embedded JTACs for their squadron training weeks with support from the RAF Hawk and Tornado forces. The value-added effect of having JTACs embedded in the Squadrons has been seen at all levels and has also encouraged junior soldiers to look into the JTAC career stream.

There has been a significant amount of activity this year; LCoH Glen spent 4 months with the Falkland Islands Roulement Infantry Company (FIRIC) attached to the Coldstream Guards and showed them what a Reconnaissance JTAC could bring to the party. LCoH Glen worked with the Typhoon FGR4 Squadron quick response force (QRF) and the Hercules C130s logistic support team to co-ordinate air drops and CAS for the ground forces. Capt Huda spent time with 1-6 Air Cavalry Bn, the ‘Death Dealers’, based in Fort Bliss in Texasthe Stetson wearing Apache pilots are the Brigade Recce Force for the 1-501 Air Cavalry Brigade (CAB). Although airborne, our reconnaissance brothers across the pond have a very sim-

ilar mentality to HCR, often working at reach and off a commander’s intent.

Further afield, we have had WO2 (STANEVAL) Pearce as the UK JTAC lead for standardisation and evaluation. This means that WO2 Pearce is one of three chief examiners in the British Forces for evaluating JTACs on their annual exams, arguably one of the most important roles within the UK JTAC commu-

JTACs with No 7 Sqn RAF

Inside a 100 Sqn Hawk Jet

1AI Bde JTACs. Ex FLASH EAGLE, US Concentration exercise

Capt Huda with 1LT Fernando Rincon of the 1-501 CAB

nity.

Notable performances from SCpl Ashford have ensured that the HCR name is alive and well within the JTAC community, he has been recommended for his JTAC-I (School) and will be joining the Joint Forward Air Control Training and Standardisation Unit (JFACTSU) as one of the two RAC instructors.

LCsoH Gasan and Glen have worked tirelessly to ensure that the HCR JTACs are miles ahead of the competition. Most recently they have deployed with the Light Dragoons to Estonia on Op CABRIT as part of the Enhanced Force Presence in Eastern Europe.

LCoH Lampard recently finished his JTAC course with Lt Pagden-Ratcliffe who has recently taken over as OC TACP. Both of whom are fulfilling the tradition of ‘long hair, fast air’ – something I was never quite able to do. Lastly CoH Legge returns to the TACP as 2IC after his excellent period with C Sqn; he will be sorely missed. I wish them all the best of luck doing easily one of the greatest jobs going.

Household

Cavalry Regiment - 2017 Open Day and Adventure Night - Combermere Barracks by Corporal of Horse A T Broxholme, The Blues and Royals

Following the success of last year’s Regimental ‘Families’ Open Day, Lt Col E P W Hayward once again opened the gates of Combermere Barracks to the wider regimental family, this year hosting double the attendance of 2016.

Much like last year the aim of the day is to demonstrate, or ‘show off’, who we are and what the Regiment does and how we do it, which would otherwise go unseen by our families. The Commanding Officer set the task of improving the

demonstration stands of 2016 to a whole new level. This challenge was received with much enthusiasm by the Regiment and no stone was left unturned, displaying ingenuity and determination. Never before have the children of Windsor donned so much camouflage cream!

This year we were able to include the Mounted Regiment by way of a display from the Musical Ride; whilst the weather looked ominous it didn’t disrupt the riders or more importantly the horses; a magnificent display was enjoyed by all.

Let’s not forget that ‘an Army marches

on its stomach’, and so does its family so refreshments were a must. A welloiled ‘sausage factory’ barbeque was laid on by the Military Chefs in the Officers’ Mess garden; even though the rain attempted to make an appearance, the big bellows of air coming from the Tuba that played as part of the Loose Box band (the civilian side of the Household Cavalry band) blew away the rain clouds to allow the sun to shine through. Luckily, the brand new BFBS Ice Cream van was on hand to provide the dessert and for a brief moment the parade square of Combermere Barracks looked like the promenade of a coastal

JTACs heading back out with the Chinooks after a long day out. RTB

Cam cream madness

The Good, the Band and the Ugly

Let the stories begin!

town inclusive of the smiling faces of many a service child.

For the more ‘senior’ attendees this year a WW2/1950’s stand was part of the show, this was made up of a collection provided by some of our very own regimental enthusiasts. It also included a demonstration of the recently renovated

Officers’ Mess

This year has had an assortment of events from high-profile visits to spectacular dinner nights to the year’s culmination in the form of perhaps the best Officers’ Mess ball yet.

The Mess has seen an influx of ladies’ dinner nights where officers and their respective counterparts had the opportunity to pause and enjoy a fabulous dinner. These were a special chance to show off to our nearest and dearest what we could produce both on the plate and in the post-dinner activities. Special mention must be made to the cooks who have been producing extraordinarily high-quality food and to Lt MarlowThomas for acoustic accompaniment. Separate from our Ladies’ dinner nights the annual Burnaby dinner night celebrated the life and adventurous spirit of Colonel Frederick Gustavus Burnaby. As a man who, amongst many things, rode a camel through a Kazakhstan winter, the Mess were reminded to take

Daimler Dingo Scout car.

Community engagement is key for the Household Cavalry and several local newspapers attended the day, writing some fantastic articles to complement the pictures on what was a great day had by all.

One week after the Open Day, the Unit Welfare Officer and his team were back on point in Windsor Great Park, armed with 28 soldiers and their children gathered at Combermere Barracks ready and eager to embark on an adventure like no other. The Commanding Officer obtained permission from Her Majesty to have the unique opportunity to run a night within the confines of Windsor Great Park, something which is absolutely unavailable to civilians. So after meeting up and moving in convoy to the ‘Drop Zone’, the children along with their serving parents pitched their tents then made their way to the field kitchen for a bit of evening scoff. After the mandatory ‘range stew’ experience to bring forward the onset of ‘survival’, the adventurers were set to task with a variety of fieldcraft lessons delivered by HCR’s finest, including a night recce.

note of his courage and individuality.

The Mess has also made a grand effort to rekindle ties with old-allies. With the Coldstream Guards around the corner in Victoria Barracks it seemed only sensible that the two messes come together more often. The Coldstream Mess joined us for a long lunch and kindly returned the invitation; sure signs of good times to come. The Mess also hosted the Guards Polo Club; with a few keen polo players and a few who might need a bit of convincing, this was an excellent evening and the Mess felt very pleased to re-establish traditional ties with the committee.

The Mess has also been host to a number of high-profile visits. In the wake of BATUS the Regiment partook in a selfdevelopment week and the Mess was

The night ended with marshmallows and sausages cooking over an open fire: I dare say a few stories were told by the parents reminiscing on this being ‘just like the old days’. The following morning kicked off with a good hearty Full English in the field, enjoyed by all and yet again supplied by the field kitchen; but then, alas, the adventure was over.

Little soldiers enjoyed a big breakfast

fortunate enough to host Brigadier-General Meir Finkel, Director of the Israeli Defence Force’s Ground Forces Concept Development and Doctrine department. With the coming of AJAX and the transformation the Regiment will have to make, his lessons on conflict, leadership and the nature of the international community were both enlightening and educational. This year we have also welcomed Brig Ian Gibb, Director of Combat Capability, and Brig Zac Stenning, Comd 1 AI Bde, as well of course the Lieutenant Colonel Commanding, MajGen Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne, who all met the officers and imparted their knowledge and wisdom.

Special mention should be made of the

Colonel Edward addressing the Mess, one of many fireside chats we have had this year

Lt Lye enjoying the fruits of his efforts

Lt Marlow-Thomas stamping his authority

We are not amused (Capt Penrose)

highly-anticipated Officers’ Mess ball. The theme, Day of the Dead, a James Bond Spectre inspired gathering, encouraged a blend of both fancy dress and black-tie and all took to it heartily. The extensive decorative efforts included Coach Tp delivering a coffin, the HCR band dressed as Aztec warriors, Pinewood studios providing a movie-set ready jungle, a flowing river of blood to be crossed by 400 guests, 5

courses of deliciously prepared food, a 10-person dance troupe from Exeter and then many hours of music and over-enthusiastic dancing. Special thanks must be made to both Coach Tp and members of the Band for taking part with an ardent commitment to both their fancy dress and their role in bringing the story to life. A special mention must be given to Lt Lye, Lt Martin and Lt Kjellgren for the hard work they put in to ensure all

Warrant Officers’ and Non Commissioned Officers’ Mess

The year started with WO1 Parker taking the chair from as RCM; he immediately reassured Mess members that he actively encouraged family life within the Mess. During the months of January and February the Mess went through a fairly quiet spell with many deploying to Brunei on Ex ULA RAJAH.

March began busily for the Mess with the State of the Nation dinner night. The evening was a complete success for all those involved, including CoH Butchard who organised the event, though he may have nightmares over seating plans for years to come. Most importantly of all, SCM Harris, AKA ‘the Joker’, won the cash prize on guessing the correct time for how long the Comd Offr would take to complete his annual speech to the Mess; who could of thought 1 hour 30 ...

On returning from Easter leave the Mess hosted the first ever Guardian leadership dinner night which witnessed all troopers, privates and craftsman being hosted by the RCM and other key personnel from the Regiment. The event was the finale of a well organized junior leadership day which the RCM strongly endorsed whilst overseeing the day and night activities. The event was a complete success, and the feedback from those hosted was astonishing; they felt they had experienced the atmosphere

and awe of a prestigious mess. To continue the theme, a week later the RCM and WO’s hosted all Tp Ldrs in the Mess, the RCM leading the way with an inspirational chat on command and leadership.

May witnessed the beginning of the annual Sqn Lunches with C Sqn taking the lead under SCM ‘Old Man’ Cawley. The main event of the month swiftly followed with The Blues and Royals Association dinner on 13th May. SCM Nicol, ‘The Perfectionist’, worked hard to organise and plan the event with great success with over 240 personnel attending. The weather was glorious on 10th May for the Cavalry Memorial service at Hyde Park. The HCR Mess Members turned out in force, looking dressed to impress, as were the wives and loved

400 guests had a spectacular night.

This year the Mess has been busier than ever. None of the dinner nights or any event would have been possible without the hard work of the Mess Steward, SCpl Benson, and his team of chefs, kitchen staff, stewards and the gardener. The Officers’ Mess is extremely grateful for making this year as energetic and as enjoyable as ever before.

ones of the soldiers attending.

June saw members of HQ Sqn and C Sqn work under the direction of SCM Douglass who organised and conducted an extremely successful Oaks Day and Derby Day at Epsom. He was meticulous handling over 1400 guests over the two day event. Three coaches of Mess members attended to enjoy an incredibly well organised day, supplied with champagne, Pimms and a fantastic selection of food, produced by the catering staff at Windsor. A week later it was the wives’ turn to enjoy Mess life; Mrs Parker organised a ladies disco night; once again the Mess staff facilitated a well-planned night of entertainment, music and food.

In July we said farewell to the Padre

Lt Howard and his new friend

Obligatory Lake Louise shot

Mess members and future Mess members before the Guardian leadership dinner

as he made his way to civilian life, after many years given to both the Army and Church, inviting him to a farewell drinks party. A select handful of WOs and SNCOs then escorted him via the river Thames on boat to Windsor racecourse for a packed evening full of entertainment, refreshments and good old fashion betting. God was on the Padre’s side to begin with as he won on the first race, but it was downhill from there.

The Regiment deployed to BATUS following summer leave on a short notice deployment on Ex IRON STRIKE 2, where the Regiment experimented with the new STRIKE concept. Upon return from BATUS in mid-October the Mess headed straight into a very busy late Autumn, holding a 22 year dining out

for some exceptional soldiers who have made their way into civilian street, including Maj A C Gardner who has now conducted over 27 years at Regimental duty and moves on to pastures new at ATR Pirbright.

Looking forward, the Mess had an extremely busy period in December with the Annual Christmas celebrations incorporating the Christmas Ball, Seniors to Officers’ Mess and the Brick Hanging Ceremony.

The senior Mess members are: WO1 (RCM) S Parker RHG/D, WO1 (ASM) J M Fitch REME, WO2 (RQMC) A G Slowey LG, WO2 (RQMC(T)) T A Horton RHG/D, WO2 (SCM) C H Douglass RHG/D, WO2 (SCM) G J Allen RHG/D, WO2 (SCM) C S Nicol RHG/D, WO2 (SCM) A J Cawley RHG/D, WO2 (SCM) P D Harris RHG/D, WO2 (RSWO) G S Warren LG, WO2 (TWWO) S J Allwood RHG/D, WO2 (MTWO) S J Gerrard RHG/D, WO2 (RAOWO) R Slater AGC, WO2 (AQMS) A G Kenyon REME.

Battlecraft Syllabus and Trade Training Audit

by Major R J Spiller, The Blues and Royals

With the end of major combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan there was an acknowledgement that, in the whirl of mission-specific training that has dominated for the past decade, much collective wisdom concerning more conventional warfare and largescale manoeuvre has been lost. Following direction from the Chief of the General Staff to re-establish training as ‘surrogate warfare’, Commander Field Army has instigated a ‘Back to Basics’ programme to take us through the next three years. This sees a re-focusing of training away from large formations, instead allowing sub-units the freedom in which to train and develop, rather than simply being tested at intervals with little scope to learn.

This programme was energised by the forming of ‘Tiger Teams’, with 1 Armoured Infantry Brigade being given ownership of the Mounted Close Combat (MCC) team; this then morphed into an HCav/RAC team, encompassing elements of Armoured Infantry. With the Gunners going first (inevitably), teams began a series of month-long ‘sprints’ to produce a BattleCraft Syllabus (BCS). The MCC team comprised representatives of Armour, Armoured Cavalry and the Light Cavalry, with the author representing the ACRs on the core team. This core team was supplemented throughout by subject-matter experts

The Shooting Team

from across the RAC regiments, under the watchful eye of Lt Col J Lamb, Comd Offr 1RRF. Given the team comprised a Comd Offr, two Sqn Ldrs and two Sqn 2ICs, it was formed at no little pain.

The estimate process exposed that our doctrine is in sore need of refreshing, with much of it being heavily Afghanfocused or failing to reflect changes in technology, threats and environment. In the Light Cavalry case, it is non-existent. The Armoured Cavalry Forum gave us an excellent starting point with its definition of the role, developed between the three Comd Offrs rather than emerging from Army Headquarters. From this the team set about deriving the tasks that our respective capabilities were needed to perform at Sqn, Tp and Crew levels. We also completed a bottom-up approach, starting by assessing what could and should be achieved at each level and how this could fit into the wider context.

The product was a syllabus of activities, designed to be easily accessible and simple to use. However, the greatest impact was, by using Defence Science and Technology Laboratory’s data on ‘skill fade’, demonstrating that mounted units needed far greater training time and access to areas than previously allocated. This meant that 3 Div has now resourced each Sqn to undertake three

by Lance Corporal J French, The Blues and Royals

Ateam of nine was selected from A Sqn to represent HCR during the annual Army Operational Shooting competition. The individuals were chosen for their marksmanship, fitness

and, coincidently, the fact that they all happened to be available at the time. With only a couple of weeks to prepare, the short time available was spent refining our basic marksmanship principles,

two-week mounted exercises annually, as well as the annual Gunnery Camp and the routine low-level exercises that punctuate the year. Access to Salisbury Plain is being re-prioritised to promote tracks over all other users – heretofore a major source of frustration as Cadets, never mind other units, have frequently cramped our training. This training will not be formally assessed, although lessons and data will be gathered, allowing units to repeat, experiment and conduct the same serials under different conditions to allow genuine learning.

This was followed by the Trade Training Audit (TTA), which sought to assess whether our formal courses and career structures are preparing people to take part in BCS training. The implementation of the team’s recommendations are still being debated but it was clear that the lack of a career stream for Anti-Tank and Support Troops, the de-linking of rank, role and responsibility and the paring back of courses to the policymandated minimum are serious issues that need to be confronted.

In short, the BCS and TTA will radically change how we train ourselves over the next few years; early indications are that these changes, because they were designed by those who daily grapple with the frictions of unit and sub-unit training, are positive.

fine tuning our positions and collecting data. Feeling confident and prepared, we were set for the Brigade Operational Shooting competition (BOSC), the first rung on the shooting ladder, to our

Tpr Colthorpe enjoying the evening at the Guardian leadership dinner

soon-to-be seven weeks of competition.

The BOSC was held at Bulford Ranges, Tidworth. From the onset, we were the underdogs. However, the team was confident in its ability and ready to prove the other regiments wrong. We initially suffered a slow start, but by day three we had already achieved a solid fourth place in the team rankings and more importantly, the top spot for best overall individual. Morale was high: internal competitiveness not only helped push ourselves and get good results, but also led to an interesting tactic in the shape of LCoH Creagh “accidentally” trapping the team captain’s (Lt F HowardKeyes) shooting hand in the mini-van door. To be fair, it didn’t make any difference to his shooting; good or bad; he cracked on, determined to beat his attacker in all remaining shoots. Overall, we exceeded expectations. We achieved the fastest time in the March and Shoot, and LCpl French, who not only won the Attack and Re-org assessment, also finished third overall best shot in the Brigade. Overall HCR finished fourth and secured a place in the Divisional Operational Shooting Competition (DOSC).

The DOSC was also held at Bulford Ranges. We arrived having established HCR as a competitive shooting team in the eyes of the opposition, who now began to fear the underdogs. Following

our performance at the BOSC, vital lessons were learnt, and we knew what to focus on. We were now itching for excellence. The competitiveness increased and so did the pressure, but astonishingly we continued to perform, albeit, with some added selfinduced difficulties in the form of a dodgy burger being ‘scoffed’ by our top shot LCpl French, who was left with a combination of sweats and a somewhat “delicate” stomach. From the relentless nausea to the shoots, he showed true cavalry spirit and carried on, ultimately coming top in the individual Machine Gun Assessment. The team persevered and eventually finished seventh out of twenty-seven teams across the division, securing ourselves a place in the Army Operational Shooting Competition (AOSC).

The ‘Armies’ was to be held in Bisley, where the standard and scoring increased to the highest level. Sadly, we were plagued by regimental duties which translated into half the team be-

ing replaced with last minute additions. Nevertheless, we performed well and achieved a respectable thirty-fifth place out of fifty-four in the team rankings. As a team, to get through to the Armies and to perform as well as we did, both in the Brigade and Division, and at such late notice is an exceptional effort. Overall, each team member’s shooting greatly improved. Through our perseverance and robustness, lessons were learnt and experience was gained. These will be carried through by the individuals involved and help us in developing the Regiment’s future marksmen.

Benenden welcomes applications from service families for extra means‑tested bursary support in addition to the CEA.

To check eligibility please contact Admissions on registry@benenden.kent.sch.uk or 01580 240592 benenden.kent.sch.uk

Household Cavalry Regiment Operational Shooting Team 2017

Top Row (left to right): LCpl Pringle (RHG/D), LCoH Creagh (LG), Lt F Howard-Keyes (LG), LCpl French (RHG/D)

Bottom Row (left to right): LCoH Massey (LG), Tpr Clarke (LG), LCpl Cuthbertson (RHG/D), LCpl Singh (LG)

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

Foreword

By Lieutenant Colonel J D A Gaselee, The Life Guards Commanding Officer, Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

Aswith the rest of the country, I think we can write off this year as a bit of an aberration! Thanks to the Prime Minister’s decision to hold a snap election the usual ceremonial summer season was thrown into chaos. As we all know such an action has a very large effect on us here at Knightsbridge. Thankfully however, because we have absorbed the Principles of War from an early age, flexibility is deeply ingrained and we managed all this turbulence with our usual aplomb.

The year began as normal with our first parade being the Major General’s Inspection. However, we did introduce a couple of new elements. As part of our Defence Engagement efforts we invited two members of the Swedish Life Guards and two members of the Danish Guard Hussars to join the parade. This proved to be a great success, although sadly, despite Brexit, it garnered little media coverage! Secondly, we finished the parade with a rank past which we

have not done for some time. This allowed the Major General to understand a few more of our capabilities.

It was shortly after this that we were hit by Mrs May’s bombshell - the snap general election. The impact for us was not only the cancellation of the procession for the State Opening of Parliament, but also delay to The King of Spain’s State Visit. As a result, Summer Camp was delayed and therefore shortened in order not to affect the already identified leave periods. To get the most out of our limited time in Norfolk we sadly cancelled both Ex TRYOUT and the Open Day. However, we managed to get just about everything else of importance in; show jumping, a new Team Chase competition and importantly we added Dodge Ball to the inter Squadron sports competition which went down very well. A personal highlight for me was the introduction of three steeplechase fences which were thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The rest of the year panned out pretty much as normal, except sadly ‘the Donald’ did not visit in October. This again caused a slight hole in our programme which we filled by sending most of the Regiment on some hastily organised Adventure Training in Dorset. It does slightly concern me that there has been a reduction in large State Ceremonial commitments this year and, looking a little retrospectively, we are therefore offering the services of Travelling and Captain’s escorts which we have not done for some time. There are of course security implications but I think this could certainly be achievable.

Another area where HCMR has made leaps and bounds is in the area of Defence Engagement. You will all know and remember that horsey people at Knightsbridge are more than able to discuss their specialist subject at great length. This is true internationally and

we have been invited as far afield as Algeria, Brazil and China as well as our usual European stomping grounds. It is also completely true, and we should take pride in the fact, that we are internationally recognised. Added to this, a visit by the Mounted Regiment is completely uncontentious politically speaking. So I have pushed hard for us to be used more often in this arena; we believe the FCO are starting to listen. Maj Spencer Taylor and two others were invited to Tangiers by the Ambassador to attend their Remembrance Service, so this continues to be an area that is really working for us.

As always the future of Hyde Park Barracks remains a concern. We may have finally seen the end of the option of moving to Wellington Barracks and we will remain on our current site. However, the latest idea is that we may be forced to condense our footprint and move to a smaller part with one end of the barracks being sold. There is a further option of more use being made of the site by the Army. We are slowly winning this argument by the ruthless application of logic rather than emotion.

There were two real highlights of the year; first, the Cambrian Patrol. Capt James Cochrane-Dyet RHG/D and his team won a gold medal in the Cambrian Patrol. This was extraordinary given only 9 teams achieved this with many RAC and Infantry teams dropping out. It appears that the stairs in Peninsular Tower have their uses, as the team prepared by pounding up and down them as part of their build up training.

Finally, we were deeply honoured to be visited by Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. Although the visit was only short, both of them thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The Forage Master and Her Majesty managed an in depth discussion on how feeds have changed over the years. But my overwhelming feeling is one of pride in the way our junior soldiers reacted; to a man they spoke to both of the visitors with confidence, knowledge and humour. They really are true Household Cavalrymen.

On Oracle, jumping in the back field at Bodney Camp, 2017

Diary of Events

by

Captain

T D E Mountain, The Blues and Royals

The Regiment returned to full fighting capacity in mid-January, with the horses returning from winter grass at the Defence Animal Centre. This signals the start of the steady and meticulous fitness and cleaning regime to get the horses to the required high standard for the coming ceremonial season. An early event in the year was the provision of a Standard Party and Trumpeters for the laying up of a Guidon of The Royal Dragoons (1st Dragoons) that had been extant at the time of the amalgamation. It was fitting that this should be laid up in Royals country near Dudmaston the home of the Hamilton-Russells, a strong regimental family. Col C A Lockhart commanded the party, and those attending were looked after most hospitably by the Col James Hamilton-Russell and family.

The Guidon in place St Andrew’s Church, Quatt laid up on Thursday 19th January 2017

February saw several members of the Riding Staff deploy to Jordan on a Short Term Training Team (STTT) to assist the Jordanians in their own state ceremonial preparations. The trip proved to be a resounding success with relationships enhanced and a repeat trip planned for 2018.

March heralds the start of the Ceremonial season with the Major General’s Inspection. The Regiment was honoured

to have Officers from the Swedish Life Guards and the Danish Guards Hussars on parade alongside us. This made for an exciting change and helped strengthen the relationships with our mounted ceremonial allies. Late March traditionally holds the Richmond Cup competition to find the best turned out Trooper in the Regiment. This year was superbly competitive yet, as ever, there was no hiding from the inspection party. Much to his credit, Tpr Fisher RHG/D won the Queen Elizabeth Cup, which was duly presented to him by Her Majesty The Queen during the Royal Windsor Horse Show. The skill and quality of work demonstrated by many members of the Regiment during the Show was highlighted when Her Majesty The Queen viewed the Musical Ride’s performance three times in a row rather than once as is customary.

As Spring rolled on a snap general election quickly followed by the enactment of Op TEMPERER (military aid to the civilian authorities) during the aftermath of the tragic terror attack in Manchester ensured that the Regiment’s ability to react quickly in both ceremonial and operational capacities was tested by the Prime Minister herself.

June is when Hyde Park Barracks comes into full ceremonial bloom. The succession of early morning rehearsals and reviews that then culminate in The Queen’s Birthday Parade were tackled with customary enthusiasm and high standards. The Escort was commanded by Maj J H S C Harbord with WO2 (SCM) Sentance carrying the Sovereign’s Standard of The Life Guards. Despite the sweltering heat (36 degrees Celsius), the Parade was a great success and marked the high point of the summer season.

Shortly after this,

Dunville VC Kit Ride had the privilege of HRH The Princess Royal as the guest of honour. This was entirely appropriate for a ride comprised largely of future RHG/D soldiers, and therefore made it an even more exciting and proud moment for all involved.

The successful completion of the Spanish State Visit in July signalled the usual welcome change of scenery as the Regiment traded London smog for fresh Norfolk air. One can see a tangible change in our horses when they arrive in Norfolk, and there is nothing more satisfying than seeing uplifted spirits, both human and equine, as they look to

CoH Telfer helps to fit the immaculate State Kit moments before the start of the Richmond Cup

Maj Gen Ben Bathurst conducts his Inspection of the Mounted Regiment

HM The Queen on her visit with HRH The Prince of Wales inspects the horse, formerly known as Joanie, given to the Regiment from the stud at Sandringham

The Comd Offr and the Lt Col Comd having laid their wreaths at the Hyde Park Bomb Memorial, Cavalry Sunday

up their game over the huge variety of challenges put forward over the course of Summer Camp. The Regiment rode on Holkham beach on three separate occasions, and all saw record numbers of visitors before all could take some wellearned summer leave in August.

The Brazilian Army hosted Lt Col Gaselee, Major Chambers (Riding Master) and Maj Church (RVO) in September, continuing the strong international defence engagement work the Regiment conducts. The cancellation of the Autumn State Visit meant that many more horses were kept out at grass, and thus provided the Sqns with the opportunity to go on adventurous training on the Dorset coast, including sea kayaking and coasteering, and several sailing expeditions on the Household Division yacht Gladeye

September also saw the changeover of some key regimental personalities. The RHG/D Sqn bid farewell to their leader, Maj A G R Owen, who moves on to pastures new to work with The Royal British Legion and Maj JEG Sudlow dutifully replaces him. Capt J R G Faire also joined the Sqn as Second in Command with Capt J FitzGerald moving to a new posting in Jordan.

The Cambrian Patrol competition takes place annually in the Brecon Beacons in October. This international patrol skills competition tests what the best armies around the world have to offer over an unbroken 48 hour time period. It tests the full range of military skills

for both individuals and the team, along with endurance under a heavy load, robustness and willingness to continue in particularly testing conditions. The HCMR team led by Capt CochraneDyet RHG/D and LCoH Baker RHG/D won a Gold medal, achieved by only 9 of the 126 teams competing. There could not be a better endorsement of the capabilities of the Regiment’s dual trained soldiers, and reinforces the Regiment’s devotion to excellence as both ceremonial and fighting soldiers, truly fulfilling their role as the Trusted Guardians.

Her Majesty the Queen and the HRH Prince of Wales visited Hyde Park Barracks in late October to name Perseus, the new RHG/D Sqn drum horse (or

Big Red as he was affectionately known among the Troops) and were given a tour of the yards, where she was hugely interested to learn how the Regiment is updating its approach to horse welfare and the way it is taught.

As the clocks rolled back and November rolled in, winter order was called. Remembrance Sunday and the Lord Mayor’s Show were executed as ever with steadfast professionalism and the exacting high standards that are expected of the Regiment. Very soon the Christmas season was upon the Regiment, and the usual festivities such as the NCO’s Guard, Troopers’ Lunch, Carol Service and Brickhanging ensured all saw in the period in appropriate style.

The Life Guards Squadron

2017. What a year. Every soldier, regardless of time served, has heard the old adage ‘no plan survives first contact’. However, within the Mounted Regiment, it is fair to say that a routine has long been established with the familiar quiet periods in late Summer and Winter, a peak ‘Silly Season’ from the Spring State Visit around March to the Garter Service post Queen’s Birthday Parade in mid June. 2017 was destined to be different…

The Sqn bid farewell Maj B F Woolf, venturing off to ICSC with family in tow: the 2IC A/Maj J H S C Harbord proudly stepped up and into the void, allowing Capt J E Pile LG into his former seat. Sporting a black eye from an absolute pasting (generously donated by Tpr Charlesworth RHG/D - HCR) in the Inter-Regimental Boxing the previous night, the newly appointed Sqn Ldr began the now familiar feeling of attempting to find his feet. Luckily, SCM Sent-

ance, deftly aided throughout.

A lack of Winter Sports meant that catastrophic injuries during the Christmas Leave period were generally avoided, whilst some members of the Sqn experienced excitement and risk through the Winter Training Troop at the Defence Animal Centre.

However, before even the fragile hay steamers in the yards had packed up,

The Guard of Honour for the French Secretary of State for Defence, with an added mounted component on parade

Led by the Commanding Officer, The Life Guards Squadron rank past the Major General during his Inspection

the leave period was over and the horses were brought back in from grass to begin their build up. In a timing masterstroke, no sooner had the nags been freshly shod and clipped, the Regt was politely informed that the Spring State Visit of the King of Spain would be postponed until the Summer… To quote another military adage; ‘on the bus, off the bus’.

The Major General’s Inspection was now the main effort and the Regt did well achieving the standard required to attend all State occasions for this year. The anticipated State Opening of Parliament was swept away with the announcement of the snap General Election, forcing its postponement until after The Queen’s Birthday Parade. The unexpected gap in the Season gave the chance to resurrect an old idea of a Spring Camp, held at the DAC. Approximately 30 men from the Sqn managed to get out of London, experience a little more hacking and cross country riding, as well as the delights of Leicestershire in general.

Back in Hyde Park Barracks, with a regularity of clockwork, the Richmond Cup inspection dawned. All the Life Guards did well in what was an especially ‘clean’ year, but The Blues and Royals did come out on top. A particular mention should be made to Tprs Calvert, George and O’Mara, all of whom were placed in the top 8 and went to the Royal Windsor Horse Show for the presentation by Her Majesty The Queen.

The day of the QBP was one of the hottest in living memory, peaking at 36 degrees. It certainly took its toll on the men on parade, but no-one dropped out of their saddle. The Foot Guards were not so lucky with a great many succumbing to the heat, mostly at the Guard change at Buckingham Palace afterwards. Any fool who said it was easy to ‘stand still for a few hours’ has not tested themselves on Horse Guards Parade in high June!

The only involvement for the State Opening of Parliament was a Staircase Party and, with the Garter Service cancelled entirely, this would normally be the time to box up the horses and head to Norfolk. The Pre NCO cadre did make this journey and the next crop of Junior NCOs were identified at this convenient opportunity. However, finally, back in London, on the fourth attempt - the King of Spain arrived in early July for his official State Visit. This was another extremely busy parade in great heat down a packed Mall. A splendid way to finish the Ceremonial Season.

With a remarkable two day turnaround, the men worked hard to prepare approximately 60 horses for summer grass whilst also packing up all they would need for a curtailed two week Summer Camp back in Bodney. The reduced time up in Norfolk, combined with the lateness of notice, resulted in the usual mandated training being scrapped and instead allowed the Sqns to focus on equine and sports competitions, as well as the usual beach rides and socialising.

LG Sqn was the first to Holkham Beach and, on a glorious day of fine weather, had a terrific time charging across the sand to the delight of the assembled locals and press. Capt R E Bond LG looked after Ben Fogle, our celebrity visitor, and ensured that the Sqn adorned the front pages of the national newspapers.

Throughout the remainder of Summer Camp, the Sqns competed in a series of sporting challenges from touch rugby, 5-a-side football, tug-of-war and dodgeball. Through a staggering display of tenacity, the Sqn came out on top. A fantastic achievement.

With no Open Day to have to set (or tidy!) up, the fortnight in Norfolk came swiftly to an end and the Regiment split down into its two Leave periods. This time, there was the added pressure of ensuring that the men in this iteration of the Musical Ride were all back, refreshed and ready for the Bucks County Show - a great success, under the command of Capt J E Pile LG.

At the end of the Leave period, with an unusual amount of warning, it was confirmed that the Autumn State Visit was not to be. With this free time suddenly available, another two week ‘camp’ was organised, this time with mixed AT down in Dorset. After a fortnight of hiking, coasteering and dry slope skiing, it was back to Knightsbridge for a visit of the Colonel-in-Chief (Her Majesty The Queen) and His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. Although ostensibly only visiting officially to name the latest

Tpr (now LCpl) O’Mara LG digs deep during the PNCO Cadre Final Attack in Thetford, June 2017

Richmond Cup time again - April 2017

The Life Guards Squadron charge across Holkham Beach

After a blisteringly hot Queen’s Birthday Parade, The Life Guards Squadron return down The Mall

The Triumphant Touch Rugby TeamSummer Camp

Drum Horse (Big Red metamorphosed into Perseus) Her Majesty and His Royal Highness spent a good deal of time meeting the men and horses of the Sqns before sitting for a photograph with the Officers and Senior ranks of the Regt.

With gold medals won in the Cambrian Patrol Team for the first time in the Mounted Regiment’s history, huge

credit must go to Corporal of Horse Lewis LG and his remarkable work ethic for organising their training in conjunction with Capt J E Cochrane-Dyet RHG/D. The focus now switched to Remembrance Weekend and the Cenotaph in which Capt H V M Vaughan LG commanded the Marching Party.

It has been a busy year as ever, even

The Blues and Royals Squadron

2017 did not pass without turbulence. Unpredictable politics intensified what was an already uncertain ceremonial season; the Spring State Visit and Garter Service were both cancelled and the State Opening of Parliament ebbed and flowed before being downscaled negating the need for The Sovereign’s Escort. This left only the Major General’s Inspection, the Summer State Visit and of course The Queen’s Birthday Parade as our opportunities to show the Sqn off at full strength. It goes without saying however, that when these opportunities arose, the Sqn surpassed itself and in so doing confirmed another exceptional year for The Blues and Royals Squadron.

Following last year’s whitewash in regimental achievements with wins in the Richmond Cup and Troop Tests and it is fair to say that 2017 has been no less a coup. The Sqn retained both accolades and were instrumental in winning HCMR’s first ever Cambrian Patrol gold medal with all but one member of the team being from the Sqn headed up by our own, formidable, Capt J I CochraneDyet RHG/D. This has left the Sqn approaching the Christmas stand down period with morale ‘so high they were lifted up with wings of eagles’.

Significant personality changes have also occurred throughout the year starting with three new troop CsoH; CoH Cole (1 Tp), CoH Tippling (3 Tp) and CoH Wright (1 Tp) replacing CoH Minto, CoH Minter and a gapped 3 bar position respectively. LCoH Bishop replaced

CoH McGrath as the Squadron Equitation Instructor taking on a new crop of Q and R reg horses, as well as a new Sqn 2IC, Capt J R G Faire RHG/D and 2 Troop Leader, Lt P R M Flay RHG/D (the four legged novices being infinitely easier to train than the latter!). The rudder of the Sqn for the past two years, SCM Samson (and Frank, his French bull terrier), left us for the delightful position that is Regimental Quartermaster Corporal, leaving the Sqn in the tender loving care of WO2 Preston. Finally, Maj Owen decided it was time for a stab at ‘civi street’ and so waved goodbye in July with the required issue freedom demonstration of a freshly grown beard. September saw the arrival of his replacement, Maj J G Sudlow after two years as Staff Captain.

As is customary, the majority of horses returned from winter grass in January looking happy, fat and hairy. Tireless work followed to ensure that they were respectable enough for the Commanding Officers horse inspection later in February. All passed with flying colours and Sqn drills were next on the agenda leading up to the Major General’s Inspection. Despite Capt Cochrane-Dyet having an involuntary dismount on the final rehearsal (he still insists his horse ‘lay down’), the parade went well with the Major General giving the Regt the official tick in the box for the ceremonial season ahead. With the Spring State Visit no longer taking place, the opportunity to get the troops away on a variety of different activities was sprung upon. A ‘spring camp’ was organised by Capt E

with the cancellation of some of the usual big parades. The Sqn bid farewell to a host of excellent CsoH; Saurara, Howland, Greenwood and Liburd whilst welcoming CsoH Gorman (promoted into the job), Hill, O’Leary and Perry. We are perfectly placed to take on 2018 with gusto and look forward to more men joining us in the Senior Regiment of the British Army.

J F Comyn which saw troops deployed on a weekly basis to the Defence Animal Centre in Melton Mowbray where they undertook a fantastic package honing their cross-country, show jumping and paintballing skills. Interoperability being all the rage, the Sqn even managed to deploy 6 troopers with HCR at their annual gun camp in Castlemartin - a terrific opportunity and eye opener for budding CVR(T) crew members. These opportunities were a welcome change and left only the Richmond Cup standing in the way of Easter leave. Tprs Grinstead (1 Tp), Clark (3 Tp), Foster (2 Tp), Maddocks (2 Tp) and Eaton (1 Tp) were all in the placing whilst Tpr Fisher (3 Tp) took the top prize at the Royal Windsor Horse Show - another sterling effort by the Squadron.

Post Easter, the Sqn resumed a more traditional battle rhythm. The Association dinner at Combermere Barracks was well supported and Cavalry Memorial day saw a marching party commanded by Capt J I Cochrane-Dyet. Sqn and Regtl drills commenced forthwith in preparation for The Queen’s Birthday Parade Early Morning Rehearsal. In spite of these most thorough preparations, nothing could prepare horse or man for what HRH The Duke of Kent described as ‘the hottest Queen’s Birthday Parade in memory!’ As Guardsmen and Police Constables fell, the Escort stood fast. Sweat was in abundance but this did not detract from a spectacular march past. Ordinarily, this would mark the beginning of the end for the Ceremonial Season, but with a snap election called and a Summer State Visit

The Blues and Royals Squadron conducted a Watering Order to the Palace of Westminster, led by Capt A C Soames RHG/D

The Finalists of the Richmond Cup pose with Victoria Pendleton awaiting the outcome of the Competition - special congratulations must go to Tpr James Fisher (Far Right) for winning

Tpr San is inspected by Maj AGR Owen as part of the Staircase Party - State Opening of Parliament 2017

looming, momentum was maintained and we welcomed the Spanish on 12th July at Horse Guards Parade.

With the hard work behind us, it was time for the traditional R&R that is Summer Camp which had also felt the effects of political change, being reduced from just over three weeks to two. In recent years, Summer Camp has become The Blues and Royals show and I can happily report 2017 was no different; 2 Tp were crowned best troop having nar-

rowly usurped 3 Tp in Troop Tests but 3 Tp took their vengeance on SHQ by beating them in in the Team Chase by a mere second pushing RHQ into third place. The annual beach ride at Holkham was as eventful as ever and drew crowds from far and wide. Although short, Summer Camp was a great success and much fun was had before the Sqn was stood down for three weeks of split summer leave.

With the Autumn State Visit having also been cancelled, we were again presented the opportunity to make the most of some scarce white space. The Winter Training Troop deployed in September taking 18 horses and LCoH Tonkin, LCpl Nolan and Tprs Hollingshead, North and Fairburn as part of the permanent staff. A double five day adventure training package was delivered by

HQ Sqn on the Dorset coast which saw 15 members of the Sqn enjoy a range of activities from coast steering to surfing and our own LCpl Tate, who will be competing at this year’s Grand Military held in March at Sandown Racecourse, started his jockey training under the guidance of National Hunt trainer Jamie Snowden.

It has been an irregular and diverse year for the Sqn. We are set on course for another strong year despite what is looking like again a much reduced ceremonial season ahead. Morale is high and we march forward with the customary enthusiasm.

The Cambrian Patrol - Team HCMR

by Captain J I Cochrane-Dyet, The Blues and Royals

Cambrian Patrol is a physically demanding Military Skills Competition designed to assess individual and team military skills as well as testing leadership and navigation over difficult terrain and through often changing and challenging weather conditions. It is the largest military competition worldwide and this year HCMR competed with 126 teams including 26 overseas teams, which included the Brazilian Special Forces team whom we hosted again at Hyde Park Barracks.

Entering a strong team was a challenge because of the burden of a busy ceremonial schedule and because of the relative

lack of conventional soldiering experience among our junior soldiers. Scheduling training around our ceremonial duties was challenging, but we made the best of what we had, and for example, in order simulate the arduous demands of loaded marches across the Black Mountains organized loaded marches up the stairwells in Peninsula Tower. We also conducted two preparatory exercises: one week in the Brecon Beacons focusing on physical training and navigation, and which included the completion of the infamous Fan

The Squadron conducting the Early Morning Rehearsal for the State Visit of The King of Spain

The Blues and Royals Squadron posed for a photograph, Summer Camp 2017

SCpl Eade showing the Sqn Ldr Maj A G R Owen how to tackle the last fence of the Team Chase

The Team stop for a photograph on top of Pen Y Fan during the Fan Dance

Dance route march; and an invaluable week on a field exercise on Bovington Training area taught by CoH Lewis (1Tp LG) which focused on developing outstanding recce skills. CoH Lewis’s instruction was superb and the whole team developed automatic standard operating procedures (SOPs), while individuals were given responsibility for specific roles, which ensured our drills were performed confidently in the competition itself.

We also spent a preparatory week with the Brazilian Patrol, and with CoH Lewis ensured that they were confident in handling our weapons and understanding our orders process. We both benefitted from observing the other team’s SOPs. We conducted physical training together including river-crossing practice in the local Imperial College swimming centre, and combat PT where the Brazilians showed us some

terrifyingly effective Brazilian Ju-jitsu techniques. I think they enjoyed watching the changing of the Queen’s Life Guard and the 4 o’clock Inspection, and they were interested in our ceremonial duties that are a far cry from their work which focuses mainly on combating arms-smugglers and drug cartels in the favelas of Rio and the Amazon jungle.

We drew the short-straw on our start time on Monday (0400) and therefore began the patrol already sleep-deprived. We also lost one of the junior NCOs who became very ill the day before, and therefore we conducted the patrol with only one JNCO and officer, making us the most junior patrol in the competition phase. However, the whole team worked incredibly hard, and we managed numerous minor injuries including twisted knees and barbed-wire gashes to ensure that we completed the patrol as a team. The team’s enthusiasm

Headquarters Squadron

Another twelve months have passed and HQ Sqn have been busy as expected. All branches of G4 and equine specialism were involved in an irregular State Ceremonial calendar. Throughout the year several key roles changed hands but this turbulence did not prohibit the Guard from turning right out of the gate. Prior to the Christmas period

starting, the QM’s Department had their first Land Equipment Assessment (LEA) (Equipment Care Inspection or “ECI” in old money). HCMR was the first Unit in the District to undergo the new regime and question set but was not found wanting. Officially found to be ‘compliant in all areas’, the colour code system seems now a thing of the past.

In late January after the leave periods, the quiet time prior to the Major General’s Inspection (MGI) allows preparation for the ceremonial season. This was aided by the cancellation of an early Spring State Visit; the MGI was the main preparation for the Queen’s Birthday Parade. The parade passed without incident and the Sqn Staff Officers were mounted for the parade including the RMO, RVO and the QM - the only time

for something different was contagious and ensured morale and competitive spirit was high throughout. The team’s good humour was essential in conquering some particularly challenging climbs over drenched gradients, and a freezing river crossing, and ensuring that we put in a performance worthy of our goldmedal result, the first ever for HCMR. No doubt all of us benefitted from the experience; it was a good challenge – in particular the degrading physical demands of carrying 40kg of kit over the Black Mountains and the sleep deprivation made the tactical challenges all the more difficult. The troopers especially have learned a huge amount and it will serve them well when they are drafted to Windsor to join the Service Regiment. They should be proud of their achievement, especially in beating 117 other teams, including some very experienced infantry teams, and 59 teams who failed to finish altogether.

they are likely to be found on horseback! Markers were smartly turned out with some of the Sqn knowing their marker drills to the finest detail having carried out the role for many years. After the MGI it was a change of appointments as Maj Nick Stewart LG moved on to civilian life. This meant that Maj Brian Rogers LG slipped over to OC Training Wing with Maj Spencer Taylor LG took on HQ Sqn Ldr with Capt Dean Owens RHG/D stepping up as Quartermaster, AKA ‘the best office next to the dung, scrap metal and domestic waste skips’. RCM McWhirter moved to HCR on receiving his commission and so allowing WO1 (RCM) Quickfall to take over the whip. The RQ(Tech) position at HCR was then free to be taken over by WO2 (RQMC) Horton who handed over HQ to WO2 (SCM) Hogg. The position of RQ also changed with WO2 Sampson

Endex after a hard week perfecting SOPs on Bovington Training Area

The Team Celebrate Winning Gold

FLCoH Neal mounted for parade

took over from RQMC Lewis who was to start his transition to civilian life after a short stint in the position of Projects WO.

Those involved in the QBP carried on with their duties: the Riding Staff passed out some seven remounts and the farriers were found both on top and beneath our horses.

Others on the ground included members of the Sqn carrying out the thankless task of the Parade Ushers who are first on the parade ground and last off. With the reduced State Opening of Parliament a diary clash with the Garter service, it was only a staircase party for the State Opening and no Garter service

was held for 2017. Normally, directly after the QBP weekend we would prepare for Regimental Training. However, for this year we would prepare for a State Visit for His Royal Highness The King of Spain. With the Sqn contributing to the duties and several staircase parties which now come with State Visits the Sqn Ldr and SCM formed part of the QLG turnout for the King’s arrival at Horse Guards.

Owing to the timing of the State Visit, the Regimental Training programme (Summer Camp) was reduced meaning there would be no Ex TRYOUT or an Open Day. All the focus was on advanced equitation training. Highlights of the Camp were the HQ Sqn Team

Chase Team consisting of HQ Sqn Ldr Maj S B Taylor LG, WO2 (SCM) Hogg, FLCpl Crimmins and Tpr Mills who all remained mounted and completed the course, just, and the second was that of winning the Inter-Sqn Tug-of-War, beating LG Sqn. The team did well under the watchful eyes and encouragement from HQ Sqn SCM and HCTW SCM (not forgetting OC HCTW who was a true sportsman as anchor-man).

After we recovered from Regt Trg it was time yet again for the Sqn to split in two for the well-deserved leave periods. After the summer leave plots it would usually be time to prepare for an Autumn State Visit but this was sadly not to happen. Instead as there was a gap in the Forecast of Events, it was an opportunity to get soldiers from the all Sqns away on an activity week. EX DORSET DASH saw 90 members undergo coasteering, kayaking, mountain biking, go-karting and walking in the vicinity of the Jurassic coast. Naturally, there was also a mandatory visit to the Tank Museum.

As we now move inter the winter season, the departments will continue to support the two Sabre Sqns. The Master Saddler (CoH Belasco) and Master Tailor (LCoH Blackmore-Heal) will continue to develop their apprentices. The Welfare Office also had a shuffle with CoH Bradbury doing a one for one swap with CoH Baksh from MT so the knowledge for both departments has some continuity on the same floor. The Welfare Officer, Ms Caroline Lee, is on secondment to the British Embassy Kabul

SCM Hogg and Tpr Mills over the final fence

Maj S B Taylor and SCM Hogg providing the QLG Turnout for the State Visit

The HQ Sqn winning tug of war team

HQ Sqn providing a Staircase Party for a visitor to the Ministry of Defence Main Building

Members of HQ Sqn with LG and RHG/D Sqn prior to going Coasteering Ex DORSET DASH

The Sqn Ldr taking Fence 17

on Op TORAL for six months, so WO2 Bassett has taken over the role for the time being. MT continues to juggle with white and green fleet and a well done to Tpr Butler who was selected for promotion to LCpl. CoH Jones took over as WOs’ and NCOs’ Mess Manager from CoH Brophy who moved down to the Full Dress Store to take over from CoH Wilkinson who returned to Windsor on promotion: there was no change in the Officers’ Mess with SCpl Mowatt and LCoH New steering the ship. The Medi-

Medical Centre HCMR

by Lance Corporal T J T Morgan, RAMC

The HCMR Med Centre has had a busy year from the outset, with medical cover being provided for exercises at home and abroad, staff changes and another fantastic Summer Camp. The year began with Sgt Forbin’s deployment on exercise to Brunei supporting HCR as a Sqn Medic. Sgt Forbin enjoyed the challenges that the jungle presented and quickly adapted to his new environment. “This was my first time in the jungle” he said, “it was incredibly taxing but with the right mind set and good personal administration it turned out to be an enjoyable experience”.

LSgt White-Doyle found himself particularly in demand providing medical cover on LONDIST RAAT tasks. These included times away with the SRR in Brecon, dismounted, for three weeks in the Black mountains and then with the Regiment in June with LCpl Morgan teaching a Team Medics’ Course and providing medical support for the PNCO cadre.

Back in Knightsbridge, the Ceremonial Season was underway bringing the whole of the medical centre back together. With Surgeon Major Wall back at the helm, the season concluded successfully with most soldiers still in one piece despite a few of the four-legged Regimental ‘personalities’ (Jericho, to name just one) trying their best to disrupt where possible.

cal Centre continue to patch up those who decide to dismount or are on the receiving end of equine injuries as well as your day-to-day medical incidents. Final say is to the Guardroom who have all done a fantastic job this year. Provost CoH Cowen, LCoH Logan and LCpl Jones names come up at HQ LONDIST on many occasion with their and the team’s positive approach to the security of the barracks. We now look forward to the Lord Mayor’s Show and then it is the final push to the festive season.

naturally into Summer Camp, which was a little shorter this year, but as successful as ever, also having one of the lowest injury stats in quite a while. The Med Team were kept busy as always, with the horses exuberantly relishing the chance to enjoy some fresh air outside of Knightsbridge.

The year continued with another exercise abroad, nine weeks in total, this time for Surg Maj Wall and LSgt WhiteDoyle coming to the aid of the Coldstream Guards for real time support on Ex MAYAN STORM. The jungle exercise was a demanding environment spread over a wide area; the duo found themselves busy around the clock. With downtime limited, LSgt White-Doyle had to use any spare moment to top up

his tan.

The Med Centre have undergone a number of staff changes this year sadly saying goodbye to Nurse Ditte MacGregor and the GDMO, Capt Winstanley, who has gone on to study emergency medicine. However, we keenly welcome new GDMO Capt Malone and Nurse Jane Baynhame. The Med Centre is very grateful for all the hard work Capt Winstanley and Ditte have contributed and wish them all the best for their future endeavours. As the year concludes, the Med Centre will also be saying goodbye to LCpl Morgan, who will be leaving the Army in December to pursue a new career with Kent Police.

The end of ceremonial season led

Medics take a moment to relax during the exercise with HCR in Brunei

LSgt White-Doyle and the rest of the DS supporting the PNCO Cadre in STANTA

Surg Maj Wall providing mounted med cover on the HQ Sqn beach ride

The Surgeon Major conducts a river crossing in Belize - a long way from Hyde Park Barracks

The Forge

by Major H L Church, The Blues and Royals

Without a Spring or Autumn visit and the cancellation of the Opening of Parliament, 2017 should have been a quiet year for the Forge (the operative word there being ‘should’). The white space created by the reduced State Ceremonial commitment was quickly filled…

The popularity of starting a farriery career was evidenced in February with the high number of applications for the new apprentice jobs. 14 applicants were put through a gruelling selection process which included anvil work, theory tests, horse handling and interviews. Each candidate demonstrated an understanding of the high standards expected in the Forge, the commitment necessary to pass a challenging apprenticeship and the potential benefits and negatives of a lifelong career as a farrier. Three of the successful candidates, LCoH MurdenWade, LCoH Blake, LCoH Healy-Potter, are already on their Basic Military Farrier Course at the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR) with Tpr Versoni following them up in January. We look forward to including them on the duty rota in London soon!

The Forge has also had to say some heartfelt goodbyes. The Farrier Major, WO2 Sherlock completed his 22 years of Colour service and left in July, making way for WO2 Thomas. He and his family remain local and thanks to the joys of social media and Sherly’s new found love of Instagram, we will not be losing track of his antics. LCoH Munos-Hermosa returned to HCR to scratch an armoured itch and LCsoH Bliss and Wade have made the transition to civilian farriery in Essex and Cornwall respectively. We wish them all well in their new endeavours.

A successful year competitively; CsoH Hansen and Pettit won the Cav Pairs with LCoH Cooper winning best apprentice. LCoH Jones went on to perform outstandingly at the International gaining a 14th place in one of the shoeing classes. He achieved further successes at the Army Shoeing Competition with a first for the Best Military and Ex-Military Open Hunter Class. The positive impact that the range of competitions has on the quality of the forge’s output is clear to see for both the qualified and apprentice farriers. Continuous Professional Development delivered by external farriers has also been of great interest and benefit to those in the forge. Grant Moon, Andrew Pointen and Jon Atkinson all brought challenging yet fascinating instruction to Hyde Park Barracks, practices which have been adopted into our regular shoeing to the benefit of our horses.

The irregular timing of the summer State Visit by the King of Spain meant a shortened Regimental Training. A condensed programme meant that we still managed to conduct a broad spectrum of training although sadly did not leave space for the Annual Open Day. The Forge delivered a useful refresher for Large Animal Rescue training and basic shoeing requirements.

The Forge has hosted two Defence Engagement visits this year. A farrier of a Jordanian delegation joined us in March, watching the Major General’s Inspection and enjoying all that

London had to offer, followed by representatives from the Dutch Cavalry in May. WO2 Thomas was extremely excited about a return visit to Holland; he had even been persuaded to pack riding kit! Sadly, 24 hours before they were due to fly, the concerning events at Parsons Green once again put the Regiment at high alertness for Op TEMPERER and the deployment was cancelled. Devastated would be an understatement.

LCoH Cooper winning the best Apprentice award at Cav Pairs

The self-named ‘dream team’ of WO2 Sherlock and WO2 Thomas at Cav Pairs

LCoH Harris about to ride on with the Musical Ride at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. The first, and likely last time, that farrier cover will be given a mounted role. Thankfully he stayed onboard despite the Welsh flag wrapping itself around his head!

Equitation and the Riding Staff

by Major R Chambers, The Life Guards

2016 ended with the Services Show Jump Finals at Olympia, The International Horse Show in December where the Riding Master went one better than the previous year and won the Services Show Jump Finals.

Early 2017 saw the preparation of the remounts for the upcoming Ceremonial Season as well as the riders preparing for the 2017 Military Show Jumping Calendar. The season took off well with a very successful Major Generals Inspection where the last of the ‘Q’ registered horses were passed out, ‘R’s would be coming next. With the downsizing of the State Opening of Parliament due to the General Election the Remounts would take a backwards step in numbers expected to be ‘Passed Out’ but a minor hitch that would be corrected later in the year.

In April the UK Armed Forces Equitation Championships (UKAFEC) were held again at Addington Manor and the Department again put out some strong rider/horse combinations and saw a number of valiant efforts both in Show Jumping and Skill at Arms. Moving forwards into the Ceremonial Season, an

The Riding Master, Major Richard Chambers, Show Jumping at Olympia 2016

extremely testing time for all at HCMR, remount training began to show some positive results with a number of very good young horses being passed out and handed over to the Sabre Squadrons.

May saw the Royal Windsor Horse

Show once again where the Riding Staff supported the Regiment with the Musical Ride, Skill at Arms and the Service Teams Show Jumping. LCoH Raffel found himself heading up the Skill at Arm teams both in Tent Pegging and Sword, Lance and Revolver Classes. The HCMR Show Jumping Teams also

had very good results despite reduced numbers and training due to illness that ruled some horses out.

As the Ceremonial Season headed towards The Queen’s Birthday Parade the training of the remounts moved into the final stages and we were faced with the addition of a Spanish State Visit (that was cancelled the year previous) during our annual Regimental Training period. This led to some quick date changes and the cancellation of our Regimental Open at Bodney Camp. Summer Camp still went ahead albeit not as long and with reduced activities. Two days after the State Visit the Regiment, its horses and personnel moved to Bodney Camp in a single day, a task not easy but a success none the less. The Fence Building team lead by LCoH Veness had been there the week previous and had done an exceptional job in preparing the Cross Country in the shortened time. The Equitation Warrant Officer, WO2 Powell, had previously overseen the reconditioning

and preparation of all the show jumping equipment and SCpl Scholes prepared everything ‘admin’. Once at Camp each staff member was assigned to a Troop leaving HCTW to the watchful eye of SCpl Lacey. This year’s programme was reduced so there was no Regimental Show Jumping competition; the Squadrons’, however, held their own internally with the support of the Riding Staff, which showed plenty of good results. These results were be taken forward to a ‘families day’ were there would be a series of small competition such as a Mirrored Course Show Jumping race and a Six Bar elimination competition. Summer Camp finished with a Team Cross Country Jumping Competition which was surprisingly popular and maybe a template for the future.

The Regiment returned from Regimental Training and settled down for its leave period and some wellearned rest; the Riding Staff, however, continued to train and prepare for the

upcoming competitions, namely the RAF, RN Equine Championships and the Royal Tournament which again this year had moved to October. With some promising results and the Riding Master again inches from another Olympia qualification with only the Semi Finals to go 2017 looks to be closed out as another good year.

The Regimental Administration Office HCMR

by Captain J W Price AGC(SPS)

Abusy 2017 has seen members of the SPS Detachment conduct individual adventure training as well as play sport at Corps level. The Det continue to support the Regiment on various fronts; several of the Det deployed to Summer Camp at Bodney; we have provided support to Phase 2 training; played enemy on RAAT tasks; deployed on a Tri-Service exercise; operations; and provided manpower and G1 support to OP TEMPERER in addition to providing the backbone of G1 support.

Det members are delighted to have supported several Remembrance activities including the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey as well as the Festival of Remembrance at the Albert Hall. LCpls Curle-Taylor and Carter supported the Regiment’s efforts at Community Engagement by visiting local schools.

There have been a number of changes in personnel within the Det. SSgt Lawry has replaced SSgt Luciano as the FSA

and Sgt Taberner-Stokes completed HCav Assignment bingo by being assigned to HCMR having previously served at HCR. We have also had two new juniors in Pte Anason and Pte Cooke. Sgt Tawakilai departed on promotion to Op TRENTON. LCpl Carter completed her service and promptly emigrated to Thailand! Formerly ‘Private’ Curle-Taylor has now been promoted to LCpl, and of course we have Rose and Rick, our hard core civilians with us too.

As part of the professional and personal development for the junior element of HCMR SPS Detachment, all were given an opportunity to see how a completely different role in the Army worked. The detachment visited Wattisham Flying Station to witness how the soldier pilots at Wattisham conduct their training within the Apache Simulator. They were divided into two teams and taken into each of the simulators with an instructor whilst the remainder stayed in the Instructor Operating Suite (IOS) to witness the scenario unfold and listen to the Det personnel and pilot operate and fly the simulated sortie. The Det were then taken around the hangar where they got up close and personal with an Apache and some of the weapons that are used on operations and in training. There were a few naturals at the simulator however the AAC didn’t manage to poach any potential transferees - no matter how smoothly the paperwork would have been dealt with!

Sport and fitness is a high priority

Pte Anason helps the RBL to raise money by selling Poppies at Knightsbridge Tube Station

amongst the Det. LSgt Nesbitt has been prolific in her sporting achievements, winning her bout at the HCav boxing event, competing at Corps Cross Country and netball as well as passing her PTI course. Sgt Tawakilai proved to be a stalwart of the Corps Rugby side and Capt Price represented the Corps at Golf.

2017 has been a diverse, challenging and interesting year. With Det Adventure Training and various sporting events planned there is no reason to believe this will change in 2018.

Cpl Maj Powell jumping with disdain at the Defence Animal Centre

Members of the AGC(SPS) Det after a run down to visit Queen’s Life Guard

Household Cavalry Training Wing

by Major B E Rogers, The Life Guards

On the whole a busy year for the Household Cavalry Training Wing (HCTW) saw 60 personnel successfully completing the Class 3 Mounted Dutyman course. This is my first year as OC of HCTW and my first return to the training environment since my own sojourn through riding school in the 80’s and a brief spell as a LCpl Ride NCO in the early 90’s. In some ways nothing has changed and the Victorian soldier would find some things reassuringly very much the same. However, in other matters the course has changed immeasurably with the soldiers being taught some generic equine fundamentals by ‘Babcock’ civilian staff, as part of qualifying towards an Apprenticeship in Work Based Horse Care as part of the military syllabus.

The soldiers of today are also in the main of the same cut as their forbears and any naysayers on social media are always welcome to come and visit to see for themselves. I am constantly impressed by the quality of our young soldiers and am confident that doubters will change their mind if only they have the opportunity to meet the youth of today.

The training programme for the Class 3 Mounted Dutyman course (Riding School to ‘the old and bold’) has remained unchanged for the last two years. Soldiers arrive from the Royal Armoured Corps Training Regiment already Class 3 qualified, having completed Signals and B Vehicle driving qualifications whilst at Bovington. Then the Soldiers Under Training (SUTs) receive a total of 20 weeks of training, broken down as follows: week 1 induction (Kit issues, work induction programme, farriery and horse care lectures); week 2 is spent with Helen and the Babcock team concentrating on key skills (English and Maths) for those that require it; weeks 3 to 4 are the dismounted Cavalry Drill phase, which ends with a Drill Pass Off parade in front of RCM, qualifying the SUTs to carry out Staircase Parties during training, should the Regiment need

the extra manpower; then follows the standard 12 weeks of Khaki ride, with pass off parade; and then the 4 weeks of Kit ride.

The old days of the Ride NCO showing you how to clean a throat lash, then the next day expecting a ‘Boxman’ are long over: now the SUTs receive periodic formative inspections; Week 5 by the HCTW CoH, Week 9 by the SCM and Week 11 by OC HCTW. This is a way of building up the process, but not setting the SUTs up to fail. This method has been proven to work well and soldiers who struggle are given plenty of opportunity for remedial training in both turn out and riding.

has deservedly received a GOC’s commendation for

actions.

During the ceremonial season the course is put under considerable strain, with the Regiment having to pull the trainees’ horses back to London for the parades. This is the time when the SUTs alleviate part of the workload by taking part in Staircase Parties, and generally supporting the squadrons in Hyde Park. However, the programme continues and with a bit of effort and flex the end product is still produced on time and to the correct standard.

Riding a horse is not easy, especially if you have never ridden before. Trainees will often dismount involuntarily, but the cavalry way is to dust yourself down and quickest-and-best, re-mount. Unfortunately, injuries do happen even with a crash hat. Tpr Wallond during Week 7 was unseated, which resulted in a head injury with a bleed on the brain. Within seconds of the incident his Ride NCO LCoH Webb was on scene administering first aid; Tpr Wallond was evacuated to St Thomas’s in London, still with LCoH Webb by his side. LCoH Webb’s actions during that day were nothing short of outstanding, from liaising with the family and Chain of Command to assisting the hospital staff. I am pleased to say Tpr Wallond is on the road to full recovery and LCoH Webb

HCTW went to the reduced Summer Camp with reduced numbers, allowing staff and trainees to use this opportunity for leave, before starting new rides immediately afterwards. Although more relaxed at Bodney Camp, the training objectives were still met, although in a different environment. Uxbridge Ride had their Week 9 inspection during Summer Camp, but after passing, they were rewarded with a pub ride to the Cavalry’s favourite haunt in Norfolk, the Windmill Inn.

This year we have had to bid farewell to quite a few members of the training team. To civilian life we say goodbye to Maj ‘Uncle Nick’ Stewart, SCpl (SQMC) Burton, CoH Boswell, Tprs Berrecolth, Keating and Edwards. We have also lost the following back to Hyde Park Barracks; SCpl Scholes back to the Riding Staff, LCoH Baksh on promotion as the MT CoH and LCoH Blake taking a career change and moving to the Forge. They will be sorely missed but have been ably replaced and we welcome SCpl Liburd as SQMC, SCpl Lacey as the Equitation SCpl, CoH Greenwood as HCTW CoH, LCoH Baleimakagai as a Ride NCO and Tprs Fletcher and Allen as PSGs.

Soldiers Under Training take a moment to ‘volunteer’ to spell out HCMR

Uxbridge Ride at The Olde Windmill Inn, near Bodney during Summer Camp

his

Coach Troop

by Corporal of Horse T J Baker, The Life Guards

Coach Troop have had an extremely productive and enjoyable year, and attended numerous events and parades. The biggest event in the calendar was Royal Windsor Horse Show where the competition was extremely tough, but in spite of that CoH Baker walked away with 1st place in the military coaching class and came 3rd overall. This was an amazing achievement for the whole Troop.

The Regimental carriage has had many outings, taken part in most of the Regiment’s parades throughout the season

as well as taking part in a recruitment drive in Norwich. Coach Troop had the pleasure off assisting the Household Cavalry Band on Horse Guards Parade at Beating Retreat, where LCpl Hansford took up the reins to show what he had learned during his short tenure in the Tp.

The Tp deployed on Regimental Training in Norfolk and took part in all the usual activities including hosting a number of VIPs. On return from Regimental Training we looked at putting the older carriage known as the Guard

Warrant Officers’ and Non Commissioned Officers’ Mess

by Warrant Officer Class 1 (RCM) M D Quickfall

With everyone returning from Easter leave and the well-deserved break now behind us, the Mess began to prepare for arguably the busiest part of the year. The first real event of note was in April when the Mess had a change of the Regimental Corporals Major. WO1 McWhirter handed over the Mess to WO1 Quickfall before moving onto pastures new as the Unit Welfare Officer at HCR. In the time he was RCM the Mess flourished and this was evident during the handover.

On the 14th May we had the honour of attending the 93rd Annual Parade and Service of The Combined Cavalry Old Comrades Association and in conjunction with this the short service at the Hyde Park Cavalry Memorial. The Parade remembers all those who have given their lives during conflicts since

the First World War. After paying our respects to all those who had made the ultimate sacrifice for their Country, the Mess then opened its doors to host the families of both serving soldiers and veterans.

In June, after The Queen’s Birthday Parade, we held a post-parade buffet. This was richly deserved after a taxing and very hot parade in which the Regiment performed to the highest of standards. This enabled all Mess members to enjoy the Queen’s Birthday celebrations with their friends and family. On the day, the Mess looked resplendent decorated as it was to honour the occasion.

Also in early June we enjoyed hosting an exchange visit for soldiers from the Swedish Cavalry, The Kings Battalion. This included Lieutenant Colonel

Van in for restoration, which will take several months to complete, but will be an asset to the Regiment once complete.

Coach Troop has bid farewell to both Tprs Gurung and Maycock to HCR but are happy to welcome Tpr Muncer who will be brought up to speed and taught all aspects of coaching. We are looking to retire our two oldest horses Norman and Neil who have had a long and fulfilling career in Coach Troop and we are looking to replace them in the near future. The Tp will be taking part in all the upcoming events and parades and will next year be fully utilised in the Major General’s Inspection. The daily exercise and training of the Coach Troop horses is always enjoyable especially driving around Windsor Great Park.

The Regimental Corporals’ Major Handover

Mikael Wendt CO The Kings Battalion; Major Hans Augustin, Captain Ragnar Sävfors S-3 Battle Captain and WO2 Kerim Kabaca, The Kings Battalion Sergeant Major. Whilst on the visit we entertained the Sergeant Major in the WO’s and NCO’s Mess and without doubt he proved that he could very

Approaching Windsor Castle on the 8 mile Coaching Class Drive

Parading in the main arena at Royal Windsor Horse Show

Presentation by Alan Titchmarsh for 1st Prize in the Regimental Coaching Class

Regimental Parade at the Hyde Park Cavalry Memorial

much hold his own when it came to having a beer or two. A very merry time had by all; we look forward to the return leg in Sweden.

After completing the State Visit for The King of Spain, the Mess was then moved down to Norfolk for Regimental Training under the careful supervision of the Mess Manager CoH Jones. The deployment to Norfolk had to be slightly delayed due to the thrice postponed State Visit. This meant that we would now have a more condensed Regimental Training. However, the Mess was well utilized in the downtime during this two week well-earned break for both soldier and horse.

For Christmas festivities we held the Winter Mess ball on Saturday 18th November. Beginning with an initial welcome drink in the Mess, the participants headed over the road to Kent House to enjoy the rest of the evening,

including good food, drinks and some entertainment. At the end of November the Carol service was led by our new Padre, Revd Capt Amy Walters. This year we were honoured to welcome back Lt Col Kitching who hung the brick at this year’s Brickhanging, and were delighted to catch up with him over a couple of bevvies and talk about some good times shared.

The senior Mess members are: WO1 (RCM) M D Quickfall RHG/D, WO2 (RQMC) D Sampson RHG/D, WO2 (SCM) D Sentance LG, WO2 (SCM) A S Preston RHG/D, WO2 (SCM) J Hogg LG, FWO2 C Thomas RHG/D,

Household Division Recruiting

by Captain J Carefoot, The Life Guards

Other Ranks (OR) recruitment figures for the Household Cavalry remain consistent due to the unique nature of their role, their strong media presence and the efforts of Capt Ireland and the Recruiting Support Team.

In mid-2017 GOC LONDIST created the post of Household Division Recruiting Officer in London; a direct entry Captain working directly to GOC LONDIST and COS LONDIST. The focus of the Household Division Recruiting Officer was to assess the OR recruiting terrain, understand the target audience, develop relationships with and understand the Army’s recruiting partner, Capita, and to steer best practice for the use of social media.

The pipeline or ‘time of flight’ is the period between a candidate commencing an application and being loaded to train at a Phase 1 training; on average, this takes a candidate ~308 days to complete. Many studies on the nature of the Millennial (born mid 1980 to mid 1990) and Generation Z (mid 1990 to

mid 2000) contain a number of similar findings; that individuals from these groups expect rapid results from their undertakings (mainly as a result of the internet) and they have an overwhelming need to feel wanted.

The contradiction between the nature of the target audience and the lengthy pipeline required a new approach to maintain the interest of candidates during this period. Championed by GOC and COS LONDIST, the Household Division Recruiting Officer began a trial within the M25 belt. The (London) District Recruitment and Engagement Team (DRET) was formed with a representative from each Foot Guards battalion and the Household Cavalry to conduct both targeted recruiting and nurturing of candidates. This team is located in the same location as Capita staff in the Army Career Centre in Victoria in order to ensure passage of information and build meaningful relationships with the Army’s recruiting partner. Since the creation of this organisation in May 17 numbers of Household Division recruits

A popular addition to Brick Hanging, some thought

WO2 (ARCMO) G S Bassett LG, WO2 (TWWO) C Lewis RHG/D, WO2 (HCTW) P A Holliday RHG/D, WO2 (RAWO) M Jackson.

within the M25 have quadrupled. Candidates receive a weekly telephone call and have the opportunity to undertake a weekly PT session and attend regular nurturing events. The result of this relationship building is a significant improvement in candidate retention. The long-term intent is to proliferate this approach more widely whilst maintaining traditional recruiting areas where expertise already exists.

Social media is an increasingly important conduit for targeted, quantifiable recruiting and a number of studies conducted by marketing agencies on behalf of Recruiting Group have identified the importance of ensuring the correct balance of State Ceremonial and green soldiering content on our social media channels. The general consensus is that an 80/20 balance in favour of green soldiering best targets the recruitable 16-24 year old bracket and this is being pursued to ensure Household Division uniformity whilst maintaining individual regimental brand identity for all social media streams.

The Princess Royal with the WO’s and SNCO’s of the HCMR Mess

The Musical Ride

by Captain J E Pile, The Life Guards

This year the Musical Ride has once again had a busy time travelling up and down the country entertaining hundreds of thousands of spectators along the way. With a fresh collection of young riders, the Riding Master had his work cut out bringing the Ride up to the high standards that the public have rightfully grown to expect. Nevertheless, it has been a fantastic year for the Musical Ride, despite juggling ceremonial commitments and the growing requirements of Op TEMPERER.

The year opened in March with a performance in Hyde Park as part of the Major General’s Inspection of the Household Cavalry. With all horses and men of the Ride also taking part in the parade earlier that day, a quick turnaround was required, ready for the GOC to cast his critical gaze on the performance. The weeks of hard work from the Riding Master and ride spurman, LCpl Drummond, was evident. The Ride received some very positive feedback for the season curtain-raiser, and was given the all important endorsement to perform for the public. This first performance also served to remind those within HQ London District of the great asset the Household Division has in the Household Cavalry Musical Ride.

The season was straight into full swing with the Royal Windsor Horse Show in early May. In contrast to last year, it was a largely dry week, very much establishing this year’s adage that ‘the sun always shines on the Household Cavalry’. Despite only being scheduled to receive the salute once during the show, HM The Queen, returned to watch the ride perform a further two times, reaffirming the Musical Ride as a royal favourite. With six performances

over four days, it was a busy week, but the soldier’s hard work was duly rewarded by a daily delivery from the Windsor and Eton Brewery’s dray.

Once the annual ceremonial silly season was out of the way, the Musical Ride set its sights on a hectic weekend at the end of June. On the Saturday, the ride put on a display to the families and friends of the Household Cavalry Regiment in Combermere Barracks. The performance was enjoyed by all, and served well to remind the wider regimental family of the dual roles and trades required of all Household Cavalry soldiers. No sooner had the Ride dismounted than they were back on the road, travelling up to the Defence Animal Centre in Leicestershire, to be ready to perform at their annual Open Day the following day. After a late night, and far from the best rehearsal that morning, all were somewhat worried that the Ride might fail to maintain their high standards. That afternoon, as the rain cleared, and the clouds parted, the Musical Ride excelled themselves during a sun-drenched routine that was executed with even greater finesse than that which had received such praise the previous day.

the Bucks County Show. The show was a great success, and a welcome return to the days when the Ride would be on the road for weeks on end, visiting an array of county and country shows across the United Kingdom. The Ride was invited to a thoroughly enjoyable (and alcohol fuelled) stockman’s dinner on the eve of the show, resulting in a few sore heads the following morning. Fortunately, we were all revived by an endless supply of pork pies and sausage rolls continuously being shuttled over from the members’ tent. A godsend! With heads cleared, and crowds waiting, the Musical Ride headed out into the arena for the last time in 2017. Both men and horses truly ended the season on a high, and despite some difficulties with the arena, the performance was executed with as great a style and panache as any time since it first appeared at the Royal Tournament in 1892.

With Mrs May’s election turbulence, and the HCMR Open Day at Bodney being cancelled, the Musical Ride was not to perform again until the end of August. After a curtailed summer leave, the Ride returned to the ménage for two weeks of rehearsals, ready for the season finale at

Alongside the Musical Ride’s combined commitments, this year has also seen the highly capable riders and horses put to use as paddock escorts at Racecourses across the country. The soldiers have ridden in their state kit at Sandown’s Grand Military Gold Cup and Newmarket in March, Wincanton Racecourse in April, and at the QIPCO British Champions Day at Ascot in October.

Next year’s Musical Ride calendar is already beginning to fill up. As it currently stands the Ride will be performing at The Royal Windsor Horse Show, The FEI European Pony Championships, The Kent County Show, The Royal Norfolk Show, The Longines International Eventing at the Royal Hospital, and The Horse of the Year Show. All this, as well as our mounted dutymen opening the Grand National Meet at Aintree in March, is sure to create one of the busiest years in recent memory for the Musical Ride. Huge congratulations must be given to all those members of the Ride that have made it what it is.

Musical Ride on their way through Windsor Home Park

LCpl Cartwright rounds off the evening at The Royal Windsor Horse Show

Spruce Meadows 2017

by Captain H M H Vaughan, The Life Guards

The late Ron Southern, his wife Marg and daughter Linda as well as the whole team at Spruce Meadows, have been huge supporters of the Household Cavalry for over 34 years and it was a privilege to be asked to lead another HCMR team to perform the duties of Honour Guard for the winning riders at the 2017 ‘Masters’ Tournament, now in its 42nd year.

Three of the cleanest Troopers from the hotly contested Richmond Cup were selected to attend the annual pilgrimage in Calgary, Canada. This year the author took the crack team of LCpls Connoll and Alden, chosen for their excellent efforts in the Saddler’s shop and the on Riding staff respectively, as well as Tprs Eaton, Fisher and Grinstead, who between them redefined ‘immaculate’ in front of Her Majesty The Queen at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Spruce Meadows is a huge honour for those that are chosen to attend, but it is by no means easy going. All of the team were mounted in full state kit up to six times a day and performing in front of live crowds of upwards of 50,000 as well as television audiences worldwide. Needless to say this brought back flashbacks of nightmare days and nights on Kit Ride as all parties struggled to turn their horses’ tack and state uniforms around for the next commitment. It was a similarly difficult experience for the group of retired show jumping horses

given to us as our mounts for the two weeks, whilst they did all eventually get used to carrying the weight of state kit it took some a little while longer than others, leading to a few hair-raising rides in the International Arena for some of the team.

The trip wasn’t, however, all work. In fact, it reinforced the work hard, play hard mantra for all parties as the team was hosted throughout the week at events, mingling with riders, grooms and stable hands from teams across the world. Of course, no trip to Calgary would be complete without a trip to Ranchman’s, the veritable nirvana of all things cowboy. The group joined the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), The Lord Strathcona’s Horse and the King’s Troop for evenings of two stepping and mechanical bull riding.

Louise, including an incredibly cold swim in the Glacial melt water afterwards - much to the amusement of on looking tourists; before finally doing our best ‘Cool Runnings’ impressions whilst racing down the 1988 Winter Olympic Luge track, in go-karts.

The reward for the hard work throughout the ‘Masters’ was four days of Challenge Pursuits in the Rocky Mountains, which saw the team paddle down Class IV rapids on Kicking Horse River, climb rock faces overlooking magical Lake

Having forged strong ties with members of both the RCMP Musical ride and the Lord Strathcona’s Horse, it was all the author could do to return the team to the UK without losing them to all too tempting recruitment offers. Being part of the ‘Masters’ tournament was a once in a lifetime experience for all concerned and it is a relationship that we all sincerely hope will continue long into the future.

Defence Engagement - Algeria Short Term Training Team

and a Brazilian Exchange

by Major H L Church, The Blues and Royals

According to the UK’s International Defence Engagement Strategy, Defence Engagement “helps build the robust relationships on which our influence, prosperity and security depend. It enables us to respond to threats and cri-

ses when they emerge and strengthens our position as the world’s leading soft power”. It is also a reason to travel to incredible countries and chat ponies…

In April the Comd Offr, OC Equine Trg Sqn, Def Animal Trg Regt, Capt Nicholls and I travelled to Algeria. As the first British visitors to the Algerian Cavalry we were honoured to have the red carpet well and truly rolled out. Ops Offrs and Adjts would be horrified at

LCpl Connoll and Tpr Fisher mark the Canada 150 celebrations mounted on retired show jumping horses

The Household Cavalry parade with brothers in arms from the RCMP, Lord Strathcona’s Horse and The King’s Troop in the International Line Up of Mounted Servicemen at Spruce Meadows 2017

The Commanding Officer takes a Brazilian Sports Horse for a jump. Don’t tell Oracle

and training areas currently being built. With less envy we looked at their ceremonial horse furniture. The saddle is a solid wooden frame without padding, only a simple leather cloth laid over the top. It is not a saddle designed for sitting and they therefore spend every moment of their escorts standing in their stirrups. Our OR saddles suddenly seem far more appealing!

the thought of planning a visit to the extent they had. We were met directly from the plane and whisked through customs to our own cavalcade waiting in front of the airport. Blue lights flashing and armed guards stopping the otherwise chaotic traffic, our mob style 1960s Mercedes cruised along the busy motorways of Algiers unhindered. Far removed from Nissen huts and green tentage, we were accommodated in a very comfortable hotel without a ration pack in sight. Having been given the afternoon to relax we started our packed and fascinating visit programme the following day.

Visiting their equivalent of Hyde Park Barracks we were extremely impressed by the scale of their current facilities, let alone the plans for the new stabling

They demonstrated their escort procedure and gave us a private viewing of their Musical Ride. We also were lucky enough to see their cavalry charge, complimented with a blank firing traditional carbine. The Regimental stallions didn’t flinch; an exceptional display of firearm desensitisation. The following day we visited their musical Regiment and were privileged to listen to their full repertoire; the next visitor due to receive the same welcome was the President of France! We heard music from three different marching bands, the Regimental pipes and drums, the full symphony orchestra and even their bagpipes. During the visit, Lt Col Gaselee channelled his inner celeb to fulfil the volume of required autographs and photo opportunities. The Algerian Army then presented us with a photo album and full film of our visit before we boarded the flight - a true “must see”.

A short six months later, the Commanding Officer, Riding Master, Regimental

Col Pfaender, the Commanding Officer of the Brazilian Cavalry Regiment presenting Lt Col James Gaselee with a ceremonial helmet. We did give them a present too, a mounted helmet crest

Corporal Major and I took the somewhat longer flight to South America to visit one of the Brazilian Cavalry Regiments.

Capt Nicholls experiencing the comfort of the Algerian ceremonial saddle riding a Barb stallion

Lt Col James Gaselee and the Algerian Defence Attaché sign the visitors’ book at the Algerian National Monument Museum

The Brazilian’s Carousel, their equivalent of the musical ride

The Riding Master aboard a Brazilian Sports Horse

With over 2000 military working horses in Brazil it was interesting to hear how they manage the training, deployment and logistics of such a vast herd. The Brazilian military use their horses for similar forms of ceremonial work; however, they are also used for patrolling the mountainous Southern and Eastern borders of Brazil as well as being held at high readiness for riot control.

With such a large number of horses required the Brazilian Army breed and break their own replacements at a military stud farm in the south of the country before moving them to operational units across the country. We

visited one of these operational units based in Brasilia. Their facilities were once again enviable. With four outdoor riding schools, 3 polo pitches and a vast cross country area with over 100 obstacles: neither the Royal Parks nor London traffic influenced their equine training. From a personal viewpoint I could only marvel at the fantastic veterinary hospital that the Regiment had on site. With surgical facilities, state of the art X-ray and fourteen qualified veterinarians the horses were well provided for.

As exceptionally generous hosts, the Brazilians were keen that we shouldn’t

Defence Engagement with the Swedish Life Guards - 2017

by Lieutenant J I Cochrane-Dyet, The Blues and Royals

On 3rd April I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to lead the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment’s exchange with the Swedish Life Guards (Livgardet) and travelled to Stockholm with Riding Instructor CoH MacGrath, LCpl Annetts and Spurman Tpr Chew, of The Blues and Royals.

The Swedish Livgardet is a combined Swedish Army Cavalry/Infantry Regiment with responsibility for conventional military operations and ceremonial commitments necessitated by the role as Royal Guard of Honour. They consist of Battalion HQ, 10th Staff and Infantry Support Company, the infantry King’s Company, the cavalry King’s Squadron, and the 13th Squadron of Cavalry, the latter primarily manned by reservists.

While Lt E J F Comyn RHG/D was in the process of collecting the Swedish party arriving at Heathrow for a busy week at Hyde Park Barracks, we were collected by two Swedish Sergeants, Sgt Johannsen and Sgt Malmo, and driven to their barracks in Stockholm. All of us were most impressed by the barracks - a quadrangle of imposing light stone buildings surrounding an enormous state-of-the-art riding school and beautiful wooden stables that were

airy and light enough to seem a truly salubrious working environment compared to the multi-storey car park feel of Hyde Park Barracks. We were given a fun tour of the barracks by Sgt Johanssen, which included trying on the Swedish uniforms and exploring their stables and riding school. LCpl Annetts and Tpr Chew were clearly very envious of both the Swedish stables that true to Scandinavian traditions had been built to be attractive and very convenient in design, and the Swedish uniformswhere comfort seemed to be prioritised to a much greater degree than our own. However, much to my amusement they were furiously scornful of the level of shine in the Tprs riding boots demonstrating aptly that Stockholm Syndrome straddles the North Sea.

The following day we were up at 0600 for our first ride, and after grooming and tacking up our relatively small, but highly spirited chestnut horses we were soon cantering through the Royal Park. Riding in Stockholm, like London was fairly unrestricted and throughout the week we were fortunate to ride all around the city centre, along the harbour, around the Royal Parks and on one occasion past an enclosure in the park that added wolves and bears to our list of distractions. After a pleasant lunch of Swedish sausages and seafood, LCpl Annetts and Tpr Chew were preoccupied for most of the rest of the day working with the Swedish Troopers (men and women) in the stables, while CoH MacGrath and received a riding lesson from a beautiful Swedish civilian riding instructor with a particularly calm and reasonable teaching manner that I would be very keen to import. In the evening, we all went for a pleasant stroll around Stockholm and a few extortionate beers with Sgt Johannsen and

miss out on any Brazilian delicacies, feeding us at every opportunity. The Riding Master added a new love to his collection of caravans, spaniels and Hightide in the form of pão de queijo, small local cheese breads. Keen that we didn’t only sample the local food delicacies we were treated to Brazilian beers, wines and the legendary (yet headache inducing) Caipirhina. With a visit from the Brazilian Cavalry expected soon we look forward to returning the local delicacy favours and filling them with pie and gin…

Malmo, and their Squadron Leader, Major Hans Brantus. All were very kind, gracious and thoroughly entertaining hosts and we were flattered by their generosity throughout our visit. I was delighted to discover later that Ned Comyn and our NCOs back in Knightsbridge were returning the favour splendidly in Paxton’s Arms pub.

Sgt

A morning Watering Order around Stockholm

Sgt Johannssen gives us a tour of the Royal Palace

Tpr Chew helping in the yard. More work strength

Forming up for an early morning ride

On Wednesday we rode again in the park in the morning, and then had a super day being escorted on a guided tour around Stockholm by the two Swedish Sgts. We watched the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace, which was a spectacular affair with even more pomp and pantomime than our own, before

having an extremely thorough tour of the Royal Palace and Armoury, the latter which doubled up as a Royal Mews and housed all the royal carriages and even Royal Sleighs! Clearly the Swedish Royal Family and the Swedish military have a rich and bloody history, and I think that we were all most impressed

with the pride and articulateness of our hosts’ tour, and by their remarkable historical knowledge. We would do well to encourage our officers and soldiers to have as much pride in our own heritage, let alone a second language.

I was fortunate enough to be invited to join the Captain of the Guard for a thoroughly sophisticated lunch of Smorgastarta Sandwich Cake (bread, eggs, mayonnaise and plenty of seafood) and cold beer. Afterwards, I joined the rest of the group in a ludicrous themed Viking Bar, where we attacked our senses with mead and sweet wine, and gorged on venison and wild boar. LCpl Annetts and Tpr Chew were not overly impressed that the lyrist couldn’t master Wonderwall, but the ‘beer wenches’ were a welcome distraction.

Our final day began with a particularly hazy and nauseous morning ride, which took us all through Stockholm, along the river and harbour and through the Royal Parks. The Swedes stopped us half way and we all had a cold beer - a novel meaning to the term Watering Order, that will be proposed to the Commanding officer and Riding Master at Hyde Park Barracks as a leisurely option to incorporate for HCMR. Fortunately, the hydration was to continue through-

Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace

out the afternoon - both in the Officers’ Bar and in the very smart JNCOs Mess. I was most impressed by the saddle and stirrup bar-stools, but faced a rather awkward confrontation of disappointed faces when after a good few rounds of Swedish drinking anthems (no Abba

unfortunately) and glasses of schnapps I was invited to sing my own. It is understood that Captain S Penrose on an earlier visit last year had promised that the next officer would come fully prepared. Alas, the passage of information had been a victim of lassitude.

We left on Friday morning each with a small mortgage worth of overdraft, a hangover worthy of a Kingsley Amis spider-crab simile and a feeling of true gratitude for the generosity and admiration for our hosts. Clearly we and the Swedes have a great deal in common, from rich histories, versatile dual ceremonial-operational roles and a love of sophisticated conversation and highly refined drinking abilities. As with all such exchanges one comes away with a list of work-on points relative to their counterpart’s innovation and a list of slightly smug sustain points. While I take great comfort in our more robust discipline and aggressive militarism that makes us independent of other public sector organisations and operationally more effective, I felt that we had a lot to learn from our Swedish brethren – and a great deal of admiration for their professional pride and their encouragement of more cerebral innovation and

The Band of the Household Cavalry

by Corporal of Horse L J Wootten

After a busy Festive Period performing Christmas duties, the Band returned from leave in the New Year to a roulement tour at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, where we assisted with the various musical training activities that occur there. Later in January the Band took the opportunity for some Adventurous Training, with half of the band going skiing in Val Meinier (with our own qualified ski instructors within the Band), and the remainder partaking in a multi-activity week in Castlemartin.

interrogation of inefficiency. I was very proud to welcome a further delegation of Swedish officers including Lt Col Wendt, the new Commanding Officer, culminating with the Colonel’s Review in preparation for the Queen’s Birthday Parade, and did my very best to replicate the generosity of time and effort of my Swedish hosts.

Sadly, after we landed at Heathrow we heard the news of the terrorist attack in Stockholm that had been carried out just after our departure. A hijacked truck had been deliberately driven into crowds along Drottninggatan (Queen Street) before being crashed through a corner of an Åhléns department store killing five innocent bystanders and seriously injuring fourteen more. None of the Swedish Livgardet were injured, but Major Brantus was summoned back to barracks to establish a CT QRF platoon and most of the soldiers were armed and awaiting orders throughout the weekend. It was a sobering and tragic reminder of the necessity of the real soldering that occasionally lies waiting below the veneer of ceremonial duties, and common enemy of Islamic Extremism that we share with allies around the globe.

and Lance Corporal R Taylor, The Blues and Royals

Our first mounted engagement of the year came in March, with the Major General’s Inspection in Hyde Park. This year, for the first time in recent history, the Musical Ride also took part in the inspection, with a performance in the afternoon, supported by a mounted drummer and four trumpeters from the Band.

In April, Capt J Marshall (Assistant Director of Music), SCpl Screen, LCpl Brown, LCpl Belham and LCpl Travis deployed as a Short-Term Training Team to Ethiopia to work alongside and deliver musical training to the Ethiopian Ministry of National Defence (EMOND) Band, culminating in a short marching display and

concert performance at the British Embassy in Addis Ababa. Shortly after their return from Ethiopia, the whole Band were ‘on the road’ for a stage performance at a very well attended concert in Hornchurch in aid of SSAFA.

In May, the Band performed a concert alongside the progressive-rock keyboard legend Rick Wakeman and the Orion Orchestra in The Guards Chapel, where we enjoyed performing some challenging classical orchestral repertoire. Later in May, an exciting opportunity for a foreign engagement came in the form of the Sweden International Tattoo, where as always, it was a pleasure to perform alongside other bands from around the globe.

The highly anticipated Summer Season

LCpl Annetts enjoys a beer on our final park ride! A very popular Swedish tradition that he was keen to introduce back in London

LCpl Travis with members of the Ethiopian Ministry of National Defence Band

SCpl Screen (right) and LCpl Belham (left) meet the local wildlife in Ethiopia

involved the Band performing for a Buckingham Palace Garden Party, as well as Beating Retreat, Queen’s Birthday Parade, and the Spanish State Visit. For Beating Retreat 2017, the band was honoured to collaborate with the Paralympic dressage rider Sir Lee Pearson in a tribute to our country’s Paralympians and Invictus Games athletes, as well as service personnel from the Battleback rehabilitation charity and Hyde Park bombing survivors, in a poignant and meaningful performance.

Back in Windsor at the end of June, the Band’s symphonic funk group, aptly named Loosebox Brass, provided the musical entertainment during a barbecue for the HCR’s Families’ Day, demonstrating the Band’s musical versatility. A memorable Summer Season came to a fitting conclusion with a Last Night of the Proms style open air picnic and fireworks concert at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall.

After summer leave the Band once again took the opportunity to deploy on Adventurous Training, with some undertaking the Kayak Foundation Course at Castlemartin, whilst others enjoyed mountain biking (again, with our own in-house instructors) on Cannock Chase and in the Forest of Dean.

In September, LCpl Belham deployed as part of a Corps of Army Music Short Term Training Team with members of The Band of the Prince of Wales’s Division to Bosnia to exchange musical training and experience to aid the recruitment campaign for new officers to the Bosnia and Herzegovina Army. The team performed five concerts with the Bosnian Army Band in Banja Luka, Sarajevo, Mostar, Tuzla and Dobo, and took part in music workshops at the Sarajevo Academy of Music and the Music Academy of Banja Luka.

As we approach the end of the year, we are looking forward to showcasing

a marching display for the Birmingham International Tattoo, and will also start preparations for concert performances at both Cadogan Hall, and Ely Cathedral (in support of the Household Cavalry Foundation).

Members of the Band who have supported the Household Cavalry Musical Ride this year have had the pleasure of performing for the Royal Windsor Horse Show in front of HM The Queen, Open Days in both Windsor and at the Defence Animal Centre in Melton Mowbray, and at the Bucks County Show.

A new addition to our musical capabilities this year has come in the form of LCpl Miller, who has recently learned to play the harp to a very competent standard, and now regularly performs in the Officers’ Mess, as well as aiding the Countess of Wessex String Orchestra in expanding their repertoire capabilities. She was honoured to perform for the Battle of Passchendaele Centenary concert in Ypres, as part of the Tri-Service Orchestra, being the only harpist in the Tri-Service.

Following on from LCpl Jones’ success in last year’s Britain’s Got Talent, our trumpets were invited back to play for the opening of this year’s series. In addition to their usual high profile state ceremonial engagements, they also played at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in August, which came as a delight to the sports enthusiasts amongst them.

The Band Recruiting Team have had an active calendar too, with regular

musical Open Days for potential recruits, as well as workshop-style visits to local schools and Music Centres. The Recruiting Team are under the direction of our Bandmaster, WO2 Ruffer who, having previously been a member of the Band of The Life Guards, returned to us from the position of Bandmaster at the Band of the Royal Armoured Corps, previously completing the inaugural year long Musical Direction Course at Kneller Hall.

Two members of our Band have been featuring in sports. First, our resident Physical Training Instructor, LCpl Sherriff, won the Corps of Army Music Tennis Championships. Most impressively, however, CoH Danckert has been having a great deal of success in his first competitive year as a member of the Army Road Cycling Time Trial Team. He was part of the winning team in the Inter-Service Time Trial Championships, and more recently came second at the 2017 Army Time Trial Championships, and gained a wildcard entry to the Army Road Race Championships - finishing third and beating the whole Army team!

All-in-all it has been a great year for the Band, with many new experiences gained as we continue to showcase our skills and capabilities as the biggest Band in the British Army, and we expect to remain at ‘the tip of the ceremonial spear’ for many years to come.

LCpl Belham (front right) in concert in Bosnia

The Trumpet Team meet Usain Bolt at the IAAF Championships

CoH Danckert in action

Getting Bulford Ready for the Regiment in 2019

by Major (Retd) J Holbrook

This article has been produced to show the preparations that are being conducted in the garrison location of Bulford as the Regiment prepares to move from Windsor in 2019. As a historical note this is not the first time the Household Division has been stationed in Bulford and the move will mark 50 years since the Coldstream Guards were in the same location.

For those unfamiliar with Bulford Camp it is situated on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire and first established in 1897. In the announcement in 2016 it was identified as the next permanent location for the Household Cavalry Regiment (HCR) in 2019. The camp was occupied by New Zealand soldiers of the Australia New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) during the First World War and their mark is still here with the Bulford Kiwi which is a large chalk mural on the hillside which dominates the area. The modern day Bulford Camp is on two sites, separated by the Marlborough Road. The camp on the eastern side contains Kiwi/Picton Barracks which will house the regiment’s accommodation and living needs. Wing/Ward Barracks on the western side will be used for the technical accommodation and the command function (RHQ and Sqn Offices).

In Picton Barracks a new WOs’ and NCOs’ Mess is being constructed and will be a multi occupied building with three messes being fed from one kitchen. The Officers Mess will be the former Sgts’ Mess of the 1st Bn The Mercian Regiment. This is also a newly refurbished building and boasts excellent accommodation and public rooms. Additionally the ground for the technical accommodation (garages and stores) is being prepared and will also be of the highest modern standard, fit for the introduction of Ajax.

Bulford also boasts excellent gym and

recreational facilities. A 33 metre swimming pool which is available to both soldiers and families. Further extension work is also being completed on the Medical Centre that is used by both soldiers and families.

New families housing is also being built. These houses will be constructed on the same lines as the Canadian Estate. It is of note that only 3 and 4 bedroom houses will be built and all will be Grade 1. Schooling is also being addressed with a brand new school (St Michael’s) being constructed in Larkhill and other schools being expanded.

Over the past five years the local amenities have improved beyond all recognition. Amesbury, the nearest town, has developed and includes a number of supermarkets and high street facilities (post office, banks etc). Solstice Park on the A303 has also expanded and

those wishing a fast food fix can see McDonalds, KFC, Costa as well as affordable accommodation for visitors at the Holiday Inn. Salisbury is also well renowned for its amenities and hospital. The main focus would be the excellent John Lewis and Waitrose situated on the outskirts of the city. Timely travel can avoid traffic congestion.

RHQ and Sqn Offices in Ward Barracks

Soldiers’ accommodation being built in Bulford

The Kiwi Super Diner

The Officers’ Mess to be

In the surrounding towns and villages there is also an abundance of good pubs, food and entertainment. Weekly markets in both Devizes and Marlborough are great locations to visit and take advantage of the many good local shops. Transport links are also improving. The train from Grateley (nearest station to Bulford) takes less than 90 minutes to London Waterloo. This route is well used by London commuters and for those wishing to travel to Paddington

then the train from Pewsey takes only 75 minutes. Heathrow and Southampton airports are both easily accessible by road with 90 minutes with Bristol taking slightly longer.

For recreation the West Country is on your doorstep with Devon and Cornwall easily reached. The New Forest and the south coast are within an hour and offer superb opportunities for families recreation. You can be in Lulworth

Cove within 70 minutes on a summer’s day having breakfast.

Wiltshire offers many things including house prices below national average. The lack of congestion means travelling about the area is easy and reliable. Once settled both soldiers and families will be ideally situated to take advantage of the location and facilities to enjoy the quality of life available in the South West of England.

Past and Future: A Squadron’s Battlefield Study in France

by Cornet F C Wellesley, The Blues and Royals

During World War 1 (WW1), in the early hours of 25th June 1917, 2Lt John Spencer Dunville of the 1st (Royal) Dragoons led his troop, and a detachment of the Royal Engineers, on a daring raid to breach German defences near Épehy, France. The skirmish was part of a wider offensive during the Battle of Arras which began in April 1917 and which, by the end, had cost the British and Commonwealth forces more than 160,000 casualties. 2Lt Dunville, a small part of a much wider operation, was fatally wounded during the action, for which he was awarded the posthumous Victoria Cross. Part of his citation reads

‘2nd Lt Dunville, although severely wounded, continued to direct his men in the wire-cutting and general operations until the raid was successfully completed, thereby setting a magnificent example of courage, determination and devotion to duty, to all ranks under his command. This gallant officer has since succumbed to his wounds.’

To commemorate his death, A Sqn

HCR, along with some of our Band, travelled to Épehy Cemetery in France, to lay wreaths and pay their respects. A short ceremony was held, during which trumpeters played the Last Post and two wreaths were laid, one for The Life Guards and one for The Blues and Royals. Finally the moving Victoria Cross citation was read by SCpl Rosendale (RHG/D), allowing the regiment to honour its only antecedent VC winner.

This was the centre piece of the week long battlefield study encompassing other WW1 and WW2 elements including the actions of the Household Battalion, the Canadian cemetery at Vimy Ridge, the tunnels at Carrière Wellington and the International Memorial at Notre-Dame-de-Lorette. Every evening the Sqn was given time to reflect on each day and draw out the lessons learnt from both WW1 and WW2 sites and how they might be relevant to present conflicts. Following this, in syndicates, a debate would be held. This further generated discussion and broadened the understanding of each man in the Sqn.

WW1 saw the 1st and 2nd Life Guards and the Royal Horse Guards deploy on horseback. However, horses were of little use in trench warfare and it soon became clear that some of the Army’s finest soldiers were being held in reserve and away from the frontline. Conse-

Families Accommodation - The Canadian Estate

Bulford Garrison Medical Centre Urchfont village on the northern edge of Salisbury Plain

The two wreaths are laid

quently, it was decided that these cavalry regiments should form an infantry battalion and allow such able soldiers to shoulder some of the work of their infantry counterparts. And so the Household Battalion and the Guards Machine Gun Regiment were formed. Many of these cavalrymen fought and died as infantry in some of the heaviest fighting of the war at Passchendaele in 1917, and in the battles of that year. It seemed only natural that the Regts should in this centenary year, pay respect to the fallen cavalrymen-turned-infantrymen of the Household Battalion. A re-role not dissimilar to that of the HCR in Afghanistan when the regiment deployed largely on its feet.

The British led Battle of Arras in April 1917 saw the Canadian Corps of four divisions, under the cover of a rolling artillery barrage, storm the heights of the German held Vimy ridge, which was vital ground for the success of the battle. The ground battle was accompanied by an equally extensive subterranean battle, in which a widespread network of tunnels facilitated the replenishment of water, ammunition and soldiers. In addition, both sides dug tunnels towards the enemy lines. This relied heavily on the detonation of mines, the craters of which are still visible to this day. The battlefield site is beautifully preserved and both the underground tunnels as well as the ridge itself, are highly atmospheric. Two hundred and fifty acres of the battlefield are owned by the Canadian Government which hosts one of the most beautiful and moving memorials in the whole of France.

The Squadron was also fortunate enough to visit the museum at Carrière

Wellington and the tunnels below. Originally chalk quarries that date back to the Middle Ages, the tunnels provided shelter for British soldiers during the battle of Arras and are still preserved to this day. The walls are covered with drawings and poems inscribed by young soldiers to pass the time during the German artillery barrages that drove them underground. The conditions were often all but unbearable. By the end, many of the soldiers would have rather braved the artillery fire than another wet and dark night in the tunnels.

Finally, the Squadron visited both the German and French cemeteries to give some context to the First World War. No better way to do so than see the line upon line of German and French gravestones. However, nothing quite gives a sense of scale like the memorial at Notre-Dame-de-Lorette. Here the names of almost 600,000 soldiers who fell during the First World War in Nord-Pas de Calais are inscribed on 500 steel plaques arranged in a ring. There is no distinction by nationality, gender, or religion. It is a

To the Moon and Back:

Time Spent with the US on Tour

by Colonel D James, The Life Guards

ApeerI greatly respect once told me that having worked closely with the US he understood how only they could have got someone to the moon; not only do they have huge resources, but when they turn their focus to something it is awesome to behold. Having just spent quite some time working closely with the US military, including an operational tour, I too share that opinion now. The US is rather, I imagine, like the Romans might have been like at the height of their power. Here are some of my observations about my time with the US coalition tasked with defeating Da’esh. It may help some of you to prepare for a tour or to decide how you could best contribute to the cause. I would certainly recommend a tour on SHADER

or INHERENT RESOLVE (the US term), but there are a variety of opportunities out there and I would advise judicious selection dependent upon your own skills and expectations.

The US led coalition consists of 74 participating countries. My time on tour was professionally testing and satisfying (We are winning against Da’esh! And everybody agrees they are evil!). But it was also hugely educational and formative, because the US operates on a scale which gives one the opportunity to grasp the practical application of doctrine and to observe all components of a Coalition functioning to win a war.

I should declare myself a Yank-o-phile,

hugely moving place and nowhere else gives such a sense of the magnitude of the loss during the War.

This was an inspiring week for all of us. We saw the scale of this tragic moment in European history, the unimaginable number of casualties and the appalling conditions endured by our predecessors only 100 years ago. It was an unforgettable experience.

but with a healthy dose of British cynicism; my experience has enhanced my admiration of the greatest power on earth, and its military. I am well aware that my comments are valid only insofar as my experience stretched.

Putting a man on the moon. In the moment, with a problem in front of them, when the chips are down and when you need: a mixture of violence and subtlety; nuance and straightforwardness; cultural understanding yet a firm hand on what’s better about Western Democracy; people to make really difficult combat decisions, then the US are outstanding. They are brave, morally and physically, and accept nothing less from each and every member of their

The A Squadron tour party is pictured on the steps of the memorial

Services. In the space of 18 months, the US coalition against Da’esh went from a standing start to a partnered force of >50k Arab and Kurdish Syrians. Together in Syria, the coalition cleared the area North of the Euphrates of Da’esh who previously had a functioning state and its capital there. In Iraq, the coalition re-energised the Iraqis, and led them in such a way that enough of them fought like lions to undertake the successful clearance of Mosul (think Stalingrad if you want a comparator), Tal Afar, Hawijah, Al Qaim, and several other cities and towns within Iraq. It was a coalition, with multiple nations out on the front line, but be under no illusions as to who supported the Iraqis and the Syrian Democratic Forces the most; the US did. They imbued the forces in Iraq and Syria with fighting spirit, dynamism, and compassion, and great care was taken targetting decisions by both US and UK forces.

Watch a room full of US staff officers turn their minds to a problem, or a Marine Artillery Battery be told they are deploying to Syria, or Engineers being told a bridge needs to be got to the Euphrates in a hurry and you will see why the US can put people on the moon. The whoops and hollers and fist bumps mask drive, depth, professionalism, understanding and professional competence.

But of course, getting to the moon isn’t necessary every day. Indeed, if you plan out properly, simply by employing the military planning processes as taught, then over all everything becomes less Herculean an effort when it comes round. If one plans effectively then you can be more efficient, more effective when needs be, and cause your enemy multiple problems. That’s where being British helps. Instead of getting to the moon, sometimes we just sit down and had a cup of tea. Overall, the deliberate approach the cup of tea ritual represents the best way of executing a military operation. But when the moon needs to be got to, don’t stand in the way. Embrace, learn from it, and enjoy, or go home.

Written constitution. Let’s take as a start point the fact that the US operates with a written constitution. They have

imbued in them a respect and expectation for doctrine, process, and rules. This has a couple of unhelpful side effects. The first is a rather pernicious element of bureaucracy to how they operate. Although it is almost unavoidable in such a large organisation, the problem is that its implementation is done with gusto and with little interpretation. What can seem at first to be low level frictions - for example in the allocation of accommodation, feeding, security access, building regulations, or the setting of contracts for the provision of services – actually can be operationally harmful. When the response of an organisation is to turn to the rules to seek the explicit permission rather than the freedom presented by the absence of forbidding something (legally they must do this for financial matters, but it permeates other areas), then problems occur. Trying to enforce rules written for implementation in the US, with waivers and work arounds for a reasonably developed nation like Iraq, simply do not translate when one is operating in, for example, Syria or Afghanistan. Secondly, my experience was that despite everything they are taught and how they operate in the moment, their planning is process and rules based rather than effects based. The search for a process or a rule, and explicitly feeling the need for permission to have been specified, was stultifying at times.

To counter this, I would frequently point out that the UK has operated successfully for at least 1000 years without the need for the written word and explicit permission. Time and again, I would have to draw my US colleagues back to the effect we were trying to achieve, rather than the process we were going through. Often it was in non-kinetic effects that this manifested itself. We were remarkably coy about firing a message or a tweet, or instigating a STRATCOM plan in a way that we

weren’t when it came to kinetic effects. The reason was that the processes and procedures weren’t really aligned to the situation on the ground in Syria and Iraq, and so almost every non-kinetic targeting event was an exception to the written rules; but when that’s the case it’s no longer an exception. The US mind found that hard to fathom.

My advice is that one has to understand doctrine to have credibility with the US (and it says something poor about our culture that I feel the need to state that). And be specific; are you working in a Joint environment? A Combined environment? Both? With SoF (numbering 50,000 in total)? With conventional forces? Make sure you prepare properly, understand your own doctrine first and overtly respect their doctrine. What the US will value most is your ability to place doctrinal expectations within a context, to improvise and adapt, to be bold and discard if necessary, but through a conscious decision rather than ignorance.

Resource. The US has resources that I found hard to fathom. For example, I was responsible for programming sums of US money to achieve the mission that were beyond the UK’s wildest expectations of resourcing. The size and capability of the US Air Force and other air elements in theatre were extraordinary. When you’ve accompanied someone who was being flown helicopter-small jet-helicopter-large plane-helicopter to get to an important and hastily arranged 3* meeting several countries away, each element awaiting him as the previous one landed, you know you’re punching with the big boys. Armoured vehicles, bridges, weapons, buildings, force protection, would be, could be and were provided at sometimes very short notice to very remote places. If there was no airfield, then no problem, either we’d employ the SoF pilots, or (I kid you not)

USMC Firing in Support of the SDF

YPJ volunteers for the fight against Da’esh

we’d build a runway first. The volume, speed and ability to veer and haul theatre level assets to support Main Efforts were extraordinary. Because they can buy themselves out of shortages, strategic, operational or even short-term planning was less of a focus that the immediate J3 fight, unless forced upon the staff by people like me. I grew to appreciate the resource husbandry that being a UK officer has taught me. There are times to be efficient, and there are times to be effective regardless of efficiency. When you seek only efficiency (as perhaps the UK does), you are less responsive, and therefore more likely to lose initiative and to allow the enemy to have superior tempo. But when you are only really effective rather than efficient, then you lose the ability to get the most out of your forces. This makes the Main Effort the problem that gets the resource, at the cost of other effects. This means that you are less likely to cause your enemy multiple problems. Time and again, it was multiple problems that stretched Da’esh, not just resource, and I think the link between this and the strong veering and hauling onto Main Efforts could have been somewhat lost on the US members of the coalition unless the Brits had been there.

The most astute advice I gave (by my own reckoning!) in my out interviews was that the US would be more effective if it trained to 80% resource. I think this would make them more efficient over all, and develop ingenuity and a lower level autonomy for decision making; the UK has this forced on us by circumstance but our ability to make the best of it, to be efficient, to trust the lowest levels of command to innovate, are more pronounced than those I saw from the

US. They have much to learn from us in this regard.

Personnel. I learnt more about recognising service and performance in my time with the US than I have in a professional lifetime with the UK. The habits of bidding farewell, of giving coins, of holding promotion ceremonies all make people feel good. The UK has equivalents, and marching through one’s local town is an awesome experience. But the US system is simultaneously private and public. It’s the small group recognition and thanks from peers and superiors that makes one feel good, but done in front of a large enough audience that it’s an occasion. It genuinely focuses on the individual and their service, and doesn’t seek to wrap up anything else in it (I always feel part of a march through a town is to make the town feel good about itself; I’d rather they gave soldiers free access to the local swimming pool for military swim test training to be honest, or afforded our partners privileges whilst we were away). The nation is the same, and even the way one is greeted at the airport in the US is better and less curmudgeon-like than the UK’s general attitude to Service Personnel. During my trips to the US mainland to sort out some operational matters I was afforded every courtesy and respect by most of the people I came into contact with, both colleagues and strangers, military and civilian. The folk employed by the military were very operationally focussed. This enhanced my self-worth and confidence, and made me feel valued; my opinions mattered and I wielded some authority, and people listened. When back on R and R, however, it was back to earth with a bump. At one particular moment I found myself standing in the base to which I was posted before my tour, trying to gain access to a military gymnasium. The contractor who had cancelled my access card whilst I was away was unwilling even to listen to my circumstances which I am pretty sure warranted me having a go on the cycling machine, instead inviting me to leave the building. So I spoke with his military boss. He was even more dismissive and singularly

Operation SHADER

by Captain C E Lewis, The Life Guards

With Operational Tours for the armoured community now few and far between, when a trawl came through to send three augmentees to join 4 RIFLES on the first Op SHADER deployment to Anbar Province the Regiment jumped at the opportunity. Expecting to be away for the full six months be-

tween August 2016 and February 2017, Capts Dingsdale and Lewis, later to be followed by LCoH Elder, headed off to Thetford for a hasty 2 week pre-deployment training.

Arriving just as HCMR were leaving Summer Camp 2016, and with the rich

disinterested - and take it from me, it wasn’t because he was busy. Neither of them were willing to discuss how they could interpret rules to support those deployed on an operation; I left the conversation genuinely despondent at how our institutions sometimes treat personnel. It was a mundane incident but it contrasted for me with the US approach and sometimes we simply don’t act as if we value our people. In comparison to the US positivity the UK can have an unpleasant aura of cynicism. Instead we should celebrate and laud our everyday people, as well as our heroes and heroines. If we can’t feel good about ourselves, how can we expect other people to do so?

Coalition. A coalition is hard to create and very difficult to manage to everybody’s satisfaction. The Five Eyes construct is very powerful, and I was very grateful to be part of a nation that speaks English and contributes meaningfully. Others suffered. My view is that function follows form, and that had contributions been more telling from other nations, more access would have been worked out. However, I accept that even those who had forces on the ground were denied security access. IT systems that could have better shared information and made us more operationally effective were largely unused by those of us privileged enough to be on the US system. Often, too, I found the coalition members protesting too much, seeking information and access they would never have granted in return. The elements most obviously operating with their own national interests in the forefront of their minds made the most noise, so it was difficult to judge what to do differently or how the organisation might have evolved to be more inclusive.

To sum up my year: I have been spoiled, tested, treated well, and had fun working with some impressive people. My admiration and respect for the US and their military has grown and is now unlikely to diminish. If you want to say you helped defeat Da’esh, then volunteer. I’m almost certain you will be glad you did.

smell of the Cavalry Blacks still seeping from the grass, they were delighted to find the majority of the training revolved around practicing some even more pungent CBRN drills. With no one quite sure what the US Marine Corps, who they were to be working for, were going to do with a couple of British

SDF Ranges

Staff Officers they soon became experts at being woken up by IDF alarms and sleeping on the floor in the (surprisingly comfy) new VERTIS body armour. Feeling thoroughly prepared they had only to await the arrival of their Iraqi visas to set off on what promised to be a fascinating experience.

Unfortunately no one had prepared for the eccentricities of the Baghdad Passport Office which, without air conditioning, had quite reasonably taken the summer off. In long-standing bureaucratic tradition, the war against Da’esh would have to wait until office temperatures subsided. Finally towards the end of October (and at the end of the year for LCoH Elder), with visas in hand, they set off via Cyprus for Al Asad Air base to work under the American led Task Force (TF) Al Asad. The TF’s mission was to enable the Iraqi military in Anbar to drive out Islamic State by advising the

Divisional Commander, training their soldiers and supporting their operations using ISR and Fires. With Coalition forces unable to leave the base, 4 RIFLES were to guard it, while also training Bns of the Iraqi Army who were apparently unfazed by already having had military experience fighting against the British in Basra. At the American headquarters Capt Dingsdale was ushered into the Intelligence cell, Capt Lewis into the Ops Room while LCoH Elder delved into running the sizable British part of the ammunition store.

Affecting a Household Cavalry takeover of this US Marine heavy organisation would be a difficult task, but over the next few months Blue-Red-Blue flags began a steady proliferation, and elegantly framed pictures of HM began to appear mysteriously on the walls of US Officers. Progress was also smooth with the Iraqi army, as long as you agreed with their General that to ‘insult’ the enemy was indeed an Effects Term that should be in the Staff Officers Handbook and accepted that the primary focus of any planning meeting at the Divisional Headquarters was first and foremost a vast Iraqi lunch.

The multi-national task force was more than just the Americans; half the training mission was provided

by the Danish who, despite a Viking reputation ensured they prioritised the building of a ‘Kuffen’ café, whose hardy pair of civilian volunteers braved the constant IDF threat without complaint and provided a steady stream of cakes. On arrival this threat had been high, the Air Base being a small air-supplied island in a sea of IS territory. Almost daily attacks and attempted infiltrations were the norm for those first deployed, but thankfully TF drone strikes and the Iraqi army pushed IS North by ~50 Kms shortly after arrival, and although IS still had freedom to drive up to the base through the Western desert, they chose not to for the rest of the tour; denied movement by vigilant ISR but also no doubt aware that base defence was in good hands.

In the months the three Household Cavalryman were deployed the TF aided the Iraqis to recover several more towns in their march north, and had been at the

Capt Dingsdale engaging Key Leaders in engaging small talk

The sun rises over Saddam Era bunkers on Al Asad Air Base

Capts Dingsdale and Lewis embracing multinationalism

Capt Lewis preparing for an Iraqi lunch, otherwise known as a Key Leader Engagement

Capts Dingsdale and Lewis suggesting 4 RIFLES change their colours

Members of the Battle Group catching up on sleep on the way back home

Exercise COCKNEY ADVENTURE 17

by Lance Corporal of Horse E L Doyle, The Life Guards

HCR has a number of different types of adventurous training packages from skiing, sailing and sky driving which are provide deserved breaks from the norm of the work place. So it was great for members from the Sqns to be given the opportunity to go with the LAD/REME to Oetz in Austria for a week’s Adventure Training in a place called Area 47.

On Sunday 4th June, the lads from the Household Cavalry met up with LAD at the shocking time of 0345 hours to load up three Combi vans. Once we were set we were off south, through the Channel tunnel and across France where we would start the long drive to Oetz Austria. The drive all in all took around 14 hours so as you could imagine there was plenty of sleeping going on but nice to say there was some great scenery on the journey over. Once we started to drive through into Austria we got a real eye opener at the beauty and size of the Austrian Alps. When we arrived at our location in the small town of Oetz we were very happy to see our Hotel which was very pleasant along with a great view of the Town and the Alps. Followed by a quick briefing on the next few days events and being placed into three groups we were all quite happy with getting our heads down ready for day one.

On the first day we were split into three groups as we were going to be doing a round robin over the three days which was mountain biking, hill walking and rock climbing. Each event had an instructor supplied by HCR and the LAD. Sgt Radcliffe ran with the biking, HCR’s Padre Scott took the rock climbing and ASM Jackson (LAD) the hill walking. We also had some other AT instructors from 24 Cdo Engr Regt LAD and senior members of the LAD who had travelled down by other means to help out with the activities.

My group was luckily enough to be first on mountain biking and the weather wasn’t looking great. Under Sgt Rad-

cliffe we left the hotel for the town, towards the ski/gondola lifts that took us a good five minutes up into the mountain with some cracking views. Once we got to the top we were ready to start our descent down at speed. We started off going down some small tracks to get used to the bikes and getting the feel of the tracks. Once we were happy we moved down some of the harder routes. We moved down rough rocky tracks and then it got flatter and smoother the further down we got then finally turned into a concrete road. On the way down there was a chance to go off track for the braver members of the group. We had time to go up and down the mountain three times. Also as we progressed throughout the day the weather got much better and some of the views where breath-taking. Unfortunately, I was not so lucky when we were travelling down one of the tracks; I lost the back end of the bike and came off at speed. It was one of my best crash landings, but after a minute of walking it off I was back in the saddle and we all cracked on. Throughout the week there were a few minor bike crashes but nothing more than pride was hurt plus the massive new bruise I had gained on my side!

heart of over 300 Strikes deep into IS territory with over 200 IS militants killed. All three had returned safely back to the UK by the beginning of March 17, after a few days building on their woeful ‘Ops room tans’ in Cyprus, ensuring people would actually believe they had been away. It is satisfying to note that having been severely degraded by the TF, IS were easily driven out of Anbar province by the Iraqi Army in early Nov 17, with almost no loss of life.

The next activity would be Hill walking although a more accurate name would have been steep high gradient mountain hiking. From the start the ascent was difficult. We pushed through and covered a lot of ground, even with a few group members struggling. Everyone put the effort in and as a result we were able to maintain a descent pace. After many false summits we reached the top. During the climb some of the group members had joked about why anyone would do this in their spare time for fun; however, while we sat there on the top eating lunch the fog cleared and a spectacular view revealed itself. It was at that point everyone knew the climb had been worth it. You would think that would be enough for most people but not for the two ASMs Jackson and Fox. The two of them continued following a ridge line that circled round and eventually back onto the route down where they rejoined the group. The way down was a lot quicker and consisted of a few trips and tumbles. The best performance came when Artificer Slater slipped and rolled several feet and landed hard, but thankfully rather than be seriously injured he got up and walked it off.

The rock climbing group met up under the Padre at the Outdoor Adventure Park named Area 47. This was a chance for us to start showing off our climbing skills. The park had many great events and a really great water park which we got the chance to see more of later that week.

We all started off with a quick lesson on fitting the harnesses and setting up the ropes and then the instructors set up three ropes on the artificial climbing wall. The first climb was about half way up the 30m wall. For some it was great new experience and once you get to grips with the planning and movement going up the wall the lads seemed to get a lot more confident. For others it was just good to get back into it and a lot of fun.

The second part of the day we drove

Evidence of the odd mishap

Three views of the hill walking challenge and summit

back down towards the town we was staying in to have a go climbing some more realistic rock faces and crags. When we got to the new location once again under the Padre and the instructor helping out we got set up. We got the chance to go up some really good crag faces. To start off we had three lines running up about 30 metres and then after we mastered that we spent the second part of the afternoon abseiling which was great fun. Unfortunately the weather at this time started to close in so we called it a day at this point and headed back for evening meal.

On the last two days of the week we returned to Area 47 for an afternoon of Canyoning, which most of the lads had never even heard of let alone tried. What awaited us once we got to the stores was a very tight but useful Adidas wet suit and boots; great kit for what we had to come later that day. This activity, unknown to most, involved climbing down into a canyon whilst clipping and unclipping from a safety line until the river was reached. We then slid down natural waterfalls, abseiled down rocks and the most enjoyable, or for some, unenjoyable part, jumped off the rocks. As we moved through the canyon the slides and the jumps got gradually bigger. The final jump was a 10m drop into icy cold waters; not an easy feat even for the braver in the group. By the end of the day every member of the group had at some point been out of their comfort zone but had thoroughly enjoyed it.

Later that day we were able to see what the park had to offer. The activities available included several slides of different heights, a vertical slide and a ski jump slide. The latter was very fast and you were guaranteed a couple of

seconds in the air before hitting the water. Another popular activity was the blob which was a massive inflatable bag filled with air that was on the water. It worked by one person sitting on one end facing the water while another would jump off a ledge and land on the other end. This would throw the person at the water end up into the air several metres then into the water. Lastly there was the water cannon; an individual would be sitting up with their legs forward and have to press two buttons at the same time this would cause water spout to shoot out and launch the individual through the air.

On our last day most of us were a bit sore from the previous days canyoning but were also, looking forward to the wake boarding and white water rafting at Area 47. We had a chance to experience wakeboarding in the morning and rafting in the afternoon. The wakeboarding area was a great site and very big with some great views of the mountains around the park. We started off on a ramps and zip wire system with four sharp bends. The aim was to hold onto a rope as you were pulled mercilessly around the course. This sounded simple but for most of us getting the correct starting technique seem almost impossible. This, however, did prove to be entertaining, watching each other fail over and over again; some gave up and settled for the kneeboard while others carried on. We almost thought nobody could master it until Cfn Lockley proved to everyone that it could be done. This performance was followed by Tpr Doyle and the two ASMs.

Later that afternoon we suited up again for our last activity which was Grade Four white water rafting along the river

The rock climbing challenge, early and later

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that ran through the village and Area 47. We were then split into four groups of six - one group for each raft - and practised dry drills. When we set off down the river everyone quickly adjusted to

each other’s rhythm of paddling and we soon became a strong team responding to commands well.

As the raft travelled further down the

WARFIGHTER Exercise 17.5

river the rapids got more alarming and the two guys at the front would be constantly hit by surf. About halfway down the river the water smoothed out. As a result our instructor informed us there was a brief chance for a swim; most did not hesitate to jump in and others didn’t hesitate to throw others in who were unsure. The water, as it had been elsewhere was ice cold; however, the swim against the current back to the raft quickly warmed the body up. Impressively everyone made it back to a raft even though it wasn’t the one they had started in! We then braved more rapids which in total lasted about forty minutes until it was time to get the rafts out of the water. On reflection, we were pleasantly surprised by the experience that was a lot better than the rafting some of us had done in Canada. The trip to Area 47 in Austria was very well planned by Sgt Radcliffe and the help and support from the other instructors was second to none. I think the lads that went on the trip got a great chance to do something that they might have not had a chance to do and gained some new skills in these activities.

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more

by Major S P Deverell, The Blues and Royals

Istart with the opening line from a speech made by King Henry in William Shakespeare’s play Henry V because for the first time in my military career I had a sense that I was about to do just that. My distinguished military career includes a tour of both Iraq and Afghanistan, regimental duty in Windsor and Knightsbridge, an uneventful year in the ADOC and a rather extraordinary post with a Lt Cav Reserve regiment. If I am being brutally honest, the closest to riding into any breach has been trotting down The Mall during the Chinese State Visit when we were briefed that there was a very significant chance of protestors jumping the barriers. But on the brink of stepping over the line of departure for Warfighter Exercise (WFX) 17.5, I had the feeling that the Divisional

Water sports

River Inn, Oetz, Austria

HCR offrs at the home of the American Airborne, Fort Bragg

Reconnaissance Force, leading three brigades (including a US STRYKER Bde) into (computer generated) action against a dynamic, free-thinking OPFOR, would be ultimately responsible for the success of the Division. However, due to some last minute changes to Divisional boundaries and the worry that the OPFOR would exploit ‘seams’ between the UK and US exercising divisions, the Div Recce Force was given a slice of the battlefield to dominate and clear, whilst protecting the Divisional advance to their south from any enemy attack from the north, so our Covering Force role was not tested in the first phase of the exercise.

The exercise was located in The Mission Training Centre, Fort Bragg, N Carolina. The Mission Training Centre is a state of the art facility that runs highly sophisticated computer simulation allowing higher formations to train and test their headquarters. The 3 (UK) Div was one of three Divisional headquarters being exercised alongside the 40 (US) Inf Div and 82 Airborne Divisions. With about 5,000 personnel being employed from the UK and US (including contractors), it was of monumental scale and co-ordination. The Divisional Reconnaissance Force being used as a Covering Force was bolstered with its own logistic support and Divisional assets to increase the find and collect functions, buying the Divisional Commander time to assess the situation and make relevant and accurate decisions more efficiently. This is, on paper, the way we should be aggressively ORBATing to meet the requirements for the mission; however, due to the limitations of computer simulation and its army of retired operators (not from the computer generation), this concept could not be fully exploited and the subtleties in the art of reconnaissance were lost in the computer software. However, despite the limitation of the simulation HCR proved the utility of a Divisional Recce Force working

to a Divisional Headquarters.

The OPFOR was based remotely in Fort Leavenworth (Kansas), fought to win (rather than to enable training objectives) and was superbly equipped with a range of capabilities (notably a myriad of Offensive Systems) which had the ability to severely restrict our movement. As they were a peer enemy they were able to impose a series of setbacks on the Division which has highlighted that the Division is not yet fully ‘match fit’ to face a peer enemy especially one who fights according to their rules and not ours. Generating tempo against the OPFOR was very difficult to achieve and their approach is in fact a reverse of the British approach (fixing with fires and finishing with manoeuvre), as they fix with manoeuvre and finish with fires. The use of fires to finish was highlighted by the casualties inflicted on the Division through Artillery (over 75%). While these casualty rates are normal in historic examples of high intensity warfare, they are unsustainable for the modern British Army. Throughout the exercise the OPFOR were also able to demonstrate how difficult and time consuming find operations can be given our ISR resources. While this paragraph on the strengths of the OPFOR makes for uncomfortable reading it absolutely illustrates why we need to train against this type of enemy in future. Hence it felt like we were stepping into the breach in the knowledge that some soldiers were going to be very seriously injured and many killed, and the weight of responsibility on my shoulders was quite

significant, even though it was a computer simulation.

Ex WARFIGHTER 17.5 was a hugely successful and enjoyable exercise. It was a fantastic opportunity to work alongside our American counterparts and exchange ideas and practises. Most importantly the Household Cavalry demonstrated that with quickness of mind and independence of action the Divisional Recce Force was a battle winning asset and indispensable to the Divisional Commander. It allowed him to seize the initiative, even when we were outnumbered, and complete the mission. The Trusted Guardians look forward to Ex WARFIGHTER 18, next year, where the concept will once again be tested in earnest.

Visit to the 1er Régiment des Spahis

by Major R J Spiller, The Blues and Royals

Interoperability with allies is a critical element in Defence strategy, and our relationship with France remains hugely important. The achievements of the French Army’s Op SERVAL in Mali have done much to stimulate thinking as to how British STRIKE Bdes will be employed. Indeed, the next French reconnaissance vehicle, JAGUAR, will have a near-identical turret to AJAX, the vehicle on which the Household Cavalry will lead the British Army’s STRIKE experimentation. These formal relationships are underpinned by important Bonds of Friendship - in the Household

Cavalry’s case, with the 1er Régiment des Spahis.

The Spahis trace their roots to Moroccan Cavalry raised to fight in World War I, first seeing action at The Marne in 1914. They fought with particular distinction in World War II, fighting alongside British forces in the North African desert, including at El Alamein in 1942 and taking part in the liberation of Paris in 1944. They took part in the first Gulf War and have more recently served in the former Yugoslavia, Afghanistan, Libya, Chad and Côte d’Ivoire. Equipped with the

AMX10, a six-wheeled vehicle with a mighty 105mm cannon, they represent the type of medium capability that has so long been missing in the British Army and that the STRIKE programme aims to deliver.

With this in mind, a small group of soldiers from A and C Sqns, HCR, were delighted to accept an invitation from Col Maxime Do Tran to take part in the ceremony to mark his handover of command to Col François-Xavier Heon. While there, we were also invited to take part in the Urban Trail. This is a regimental

Team HCR of Maj Simon Deverell, Maj Paul Chishick, Capt Ed Holliday and Capt Simon Penrose

race that has grown to become a major event in southern France, with military and civilian teams coming from across the region to take part. B Sqn HCR had entered a team in 2015, coming a very respectable second. Fore-armed with their knowledge, we were not going to fall for the ‘harmless prank’ played by their hosts on the previous visit, who assured them that they required boots and combats for the course, only to arrive on the start line surrounded by their rivals in shorts and trainers!

After a mammoth drive from Windsor, the teams settled into the distinctively French barracks: accommodation is in blocks around the squares, with soldiers living in Section rooms and the Pl Sgts enjoying their own room at the end of each corridor. It had a feeling more akin to a Phase 1 depot than a barracks for British soldiers used to the luxury of SLAM, but the ésprit de corps of the Platoons was strikingly evident. The sight of Platoons marching at their slow but implacable pace, singing their traditional songs in a deep bass, was enormously impressive.

The race itself takes over the centre of

the beautiful town of Valence, the gateway to Provence. It comprises 12km of undulating terrain, including many stairways, littered with 40 hugely varied obstacles. These obstacles varied from the traditional military cargo nets and leopard crawls to scrambling through a flooded tunnel and pushing a weighted shopping trolley around a series of obstacles. The highlight was a jump onto a mat from a road bridge – a considerable fall. There were only two serious injuries from this obstacle this year. The event has grown enormously in size and standard every year – with over 200 teams entering, it was more than double the size of when B Sqn visited and the standard significantly higher.

A and C Sqns both entered a four-man team, while the author was invited to accompany Col Do Tran as he ran round the course. The A Sqn team, built on the group who had decided to run a marathon as part of their in-country R&R following a very demanding jungle exercise in Brunei, came a very impressive sixth out of over 200, with CoH Waisele LG, LCpl Massey LG, LCpl Pringle RHG/D and Tpr Hinchliffe LG only missing out on a higher placing due to

their very British respect for queuing behind slower teams at obstacles. They learned later on the course that this was not the form in France, and proved that they had understood this by unceremoniously dragging out a surprised civilian who had become stuck in a tunnel of tyres. The C Sqn team, driven by LCpl Knight LG, was not far behind in seventh.

Our host, Capitaine Christophe Rosenmann, conducted us on a fascinating guided tour of the camp and its vehicles. Of particular interest was the EBR, which was in service from 1953-84 and had a driver’s station at both ends. Both stations were crewed, with the driver who was facing backwards becoming the radio operator, enabling the vehicle to go equally quickly (over 50 mph) forwards or backwards without having to turn around. The more modern vehicles were impressive; the AMX10, despite having been in service since 1981, was a formidable piece of equipment.

The parade was conducted with the élan we had come to expect of our hosts, with immaculate drill and steadiness, despite being weighed down by their elaborate cloaks on a very warm afternoon. It was a long parade for Household Cavalrymen who envied the French open neck shirts while they sweltered in Service Dress, but one that will live long in the memory. The evening concluded with a Moroccan feast of barbecued mutton and excellent local wine – a perfect end to a superb visit.

Close relations will be maintained, with plans afoot for further exchanges in both directions following Lt Col Jacques Demau exchanging ideas while taking part in Ex IRON STRIKE 2 with the HCR on BATUS and opportunities for HCR officers to observe Op SENTINELLE – the domestic counter-terrorism operation. As friendships deepen we will derive ever more value from these relationships.

Colonel François-Xavier Heon inspects his new command as part of the handover ceremony

The Household Cavalry teams pose with their medals after the Urban Trail

Capitaine Christophe Rosenmann explains the Spahis’ actions as part of the Free French Forces in World War II

Household Cavalry Sports Round-up

Nordic Skiing - Exercise WHITE EAGLE

by Lieutenant R E C Perera, The Blues and Royals

Cross country skiing is considered one of the most arduous and demanding sports around; it pushes the competitor to the very limit of physical and mental strength; races are won and lost by milli-seconds and one bad decision can affect the whole race.

This season the Household Cavalry team comprised officers and soldiers from HCR and HCMR; seven of the ten in the team had never been on snow before. In November the team left the UK bound for Norway for the first phase of the exercise which was a 5 week training package taking place in Sjusjoen, 20km from Lillehammer. Sjusjoen is an area with excellent facilities, and importantly a good deal of snow, with hundreds of kilometres of cross country tracks cut.

For the first of the five week’s training

package the focus was on the basics; learning the techniques and not falling over. Once the basics were grasped, range sessions and rifle drills were incorporated as the racing phase consists of two disciplines; Classic and Biathlon. Towards the end of the training, the team took part in a number of warm up races organised by the REME who were training in the area. The races showed the team how demanding this sport can be once the competitive element is added; it also gave good indication of who was picking up the technique required to race.

After a very short break over Christmas, the team set off for Austria for Ex WHITE FIST, the RAC, RA and AAC Championships scheduled for early January. The team performed well and showed great determination while racing around the Hochfilzen course - considered one of the most complex and technically demanding circuits in the world. Most notably, Tpr Sale was the fastest novice out of fifty in his category in the 10km Biathlon Sprint and was third best novice in the overall standings at the end of the competition. Overall the team had four novices in the top

Exercise WHITE KNIGHT 33

by Captain N Z B Huda, The Blues and Royals

Thirteen members of a combined HCR/HCMR Alpine Ski Team returned to Verbier for 6 weeks to compete at the RAC Alpine Ski Championships across the four major Alpine disciplines of Downhill, GS, Super G and Slalom. The team was made up of seven novices who had never been on snow and a few more experienced members. Owing to a busy 2016 the team was unable to train pre-competition and arrived in Verbier with fresh legs. After the initial days grading, the Household Cavalry team had members in all 13 training teams. This was a great opportunity for the skiers to meet friends from across the RAC

and compete against other Regiments on a daily basis whilst also undergoing fantastic instruction from the Swiss Ski Instructors. The Household Cavalry team is a bit of an anomaly in comparison to other RAC teams as every year we make a point of sending new members and it is extraordinarily rare for team members to have more than two championships under their belts.

Tpr Barks and Barrow did particularly well in the novice categories and showed that they had picked up the sport. Tpr Lindley also had a great first season, showing that six weeks of in-

Tpr Sale won a Silver medal in the Army Championships fifteen when Ex WHITE FIST concluded.

Ex WHITE FIRST was followed by Ex SPARTAN HIKE in Serre Chevalier, France; a very different course to Hochfilzen. With limited snow, the initial Classic races had to take place in the mountains at 2000m above sea level. The thin air combined with a temperature of -20°C meant the races were extremely challenging, especially the 15km Classic Sprint. Ex SPARTAN HIKE included the Military Patrol Race in its schedule; a 20km ski combined with an inspection of the team’s equipment, command tasks and two shoots. Overall the team performed well in Ex SPARTAN HIKE, but not quite well enough to qualify for Ex RUCKSACK, the Army Championships. Tpr Sale qualified as an individual for Ex RUCKSACK and represented the Regiment amongst the best in the Army, his most notable result was in the 15km Individual Biathlon where he came third in a field of thirty and was the best shot in the race.

tense tuition really can turn a non-skier into an alpine champion.

LCpls Rastrick and Ward both performed well on the slopes; however, LCpl Rastrick should be mentioned for his excellent chicken pie which became the team’s staple during the 6 weeks. LCpl Ward placed highest amongst the HCR Skiers and went on to compete at the Divisional Championships.

CsoH Ridge and Ottaway were key members of the team and instigators of many an impromptu après ski session. Their assistance on the exercise

Left to Right: LCoH Kruger, Tpr Millea, Tpr Andreev, Lt Perera, Ct Keith, Tpr Mclaughlin, LCoH Trussell, Tpr Sale. Front: Tpr Thomas, Tpr Hunt

HCR Alpine Ski Team 2016/17: Capt Huda, Lt Jones, CsoH Ridge, Ottaway, LCoH Burnett, LCpls Nolan, Rastrick, Romankiw, Ward, Tprs Barks, Barrow, Chambers and Holden

was much appreciated. We also had our attached reserve officer, Lt Eliot Jones RWXY who helped organise the HCR

team and came out as the team’s 2i/c.

A few members of the ski team also took part in the Alpine Touring night race. This was a 1000m climb with skins which then required nerve and luck, and was exhilarating.

Unfortunately, this year we were once again burdened with injuries. LCpl Nolan came off a GS jump particularly badly and managed to dislocate his hip and have a ride in a helicopter. Capt Huda caught an edge at the end of a slalom training day and dislocated his knee and there were a few more which hampered a promising start to the trip.

Overall, the Household Cavalry Alpine Ski Team came away with little to show in terms of silverware; however, hav-

LCpl Ward at the top of the slope, trying to decide if he wants a good time...or to get down in one piece!

ing had the most novices in the team we were noted for introducing the most people to the sport. The newer members of the team were also able to achieve their Ski Foundation 1 qualification; this will enable them to progress with their alpine skiing career and ensure that we can continue to develop soldiers in a sport that is well supported by the Army.

Household Division Yacht Club Regatta

by Lieutenant E A Martin, The Life Guards

Sailing out of the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes is a privilege usually reserved for the most experienced and capable of mariners. It was, therefore, a rare privilege for me, a sailor with experience limited to Optis on childhood summer holidays, to set foot on such hallowed ground, or should I say hallowed waters.

The annual Household Division Yacht Club Regatta is a fantastic opportunity for sailors of all abilities to compete for their Regiment and hone their skills. This difference in experience was evident from the attire of the participants; from helmsmen decked out in thousands of pounds worth of sailing stash to a couple of unfortunate Grenadiers who had to resort to MTP goretex when the heavens inevitably opened.

This year the Household Cavalry entered three crews; one Life Guards and two Blues and Royals, in a field of nine. The regatta took place in the Solent in J70s, nippy little racing keelboats, competing

for the Princess Elizabeth Cup.

There were six races over various courses throughout the day. All was going well for the Life Guards initially, repeatedly coming in the top two or three over the first few races, with the tactical nous of Maj Chishick and Anne Sceales proving invaluable. We were, however, repeatedly pipped to the post by the Grenadier Guards’ boat, helmed by their Commanding Officer, who quickly proved the main competition.

After a couple of races a rib swept round the competitors with much needed RYS packed lunches, consisting of incredibly smart sandwiches and pork pies. This did much to revitalise me after bearing the brunt of the weather following an ill-advised decision to wear shorts. Following this interlude, hostilities were renewed. The Grenadiers’ boat continued to perform well but a couple of good races from both Blues and Royals boats put them in contention too. Narrowly avoiding catastrophe when a number of boats ran aground on the sand as the tide withdrew, the competition remained fierce until the end, with no-one quite sure who had clinched it.

Alas, the day belonged to the Grenadiers but an incredibly strong Household Cavalry performance saw The Blues and Royals finishing second and fourth, and The Life Guards third. Moreover, the Life Guards’ boat won the Taittinger Cup for the highest finisher by a boat containing a serving subaltern, which is now proudly displayed in the Officers’

Mess in Windsor.

The rivalry of the day was put to one side as everyone enjoyed a fabulous dinner in the Royal Yacht Squadron that evening, to cap off a memorable weekend. I would highly recommend the regatta to anyone and I look forward to the opportunity next year of ensuring the return of the Princess Elizabeth Cup to its rightful holders.

The crews were as follows:

LG (3rd Place): Maj P J R Chishick, Lt FG Howard-Keyes, Lt E A Martin, Anne Sceales

RHG/D A (2nd Place): Dickon LeighWood, Maj J E A De St John-Pryce, Justin Biddle, Geordie Hilleary

RHG/D B (4th Place): John Viney, Capt N Z Huda, Tom Preston, Tosca Barnes

Lt Howard-Keyes and Lt Martin on a J70

Capt Huda RHG/D, Capt (retd) Viney RHG/D, Maj De St-John Pryce RHG/D and Maj Chishick LG with the Taittinger trophy at the Household Division Yacht Club Regatta

Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race 2017

by Major J H S C Harbord, The Life Guards

In an unassuming August afternoon in 2016, Majors Nicola Housby-Skeggs (the Mounted Regiment’s former Veterinary Officer) and James Harbord (The Life Guards Squadron Leader) agreed that “it might be fun to do the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race next year”.

Having lived near Devizes for most of their lives, each was aware of the race: some 125 miles, along the Kennet and Avon Canal and River Thames, including 77 locks at which, you must pull over to the side, drag out your kayak, run with it to the other side, jump back in and carry on - simple!

The Vet’s experience was impressive - in a former life she had in fact completed the race over the four day ‘Junior Doubles’ course. This meant that over four days, she had completed the distance, but with a break every night. The plan this time was to go for the grown-up race. Do the whole lot in one go aiming to finish in less than 24 hours. Well at least, that was the plan… And with home in Devizes and work at Knightsbridge, it was basically just an elaborate commute, right?

Training began in the back end of 2016 and increased as the winter really set in throughout January and February. At the time, work commitments allowed for only one afternoon during the week and then a longer session each weekend. These built up from modest 2/3 mile jaunts up to the first ‘Pre DW race’ - 13.5 miles including 21 ‘portages’ (running around the locks). It was at this stage that reality struck hard. The full race was almost 10 times further than Great Bedwyn to Newbury; and that was rubbish.

At various points, training sessions had

to be amended as the cold weather and slack water meant that the canal was simply frozen and the blades of the paddles couldn’t be driven in to get enough purchase to make progress - the solution to which was to take the kayak for a jog instead. (The furthest distance covered in one go, running with the kayak, was 4 miles - and rather like a jackboot, it’s fair to say they are designed with a different purpose in mind…)

As well as ensuring the two participants’ fitness was up to the challenge, it was vital to ensure that they had supporters throughout the race providing them with food and hydration. This, it turned out, was a major undertaking, beyond the bounds of friendship. This would require family, and specifically parents, for and to whom both participants were unendingly grateful.

Race Day finally came at 0600hrs on Easter Saturday as the Regiment was busy returning to Hyde Park Barracks for the familiar Easter Leave hand-over day. Devizes Wharf car park, was a different story. Stuffed to the gunwales with porridge and pressure, the paddling pair had their mandatory equipment checked off by the organisers and set off at a start time of their choosing to a whimper of gloved encouragement from those lunatics up early enough to watch the 24 hour racers start. But starting is easy… The Devizes to Westminster is the exemplar of an endurance event and the key is simply to keep grinding on.

The weather was kind and the spring sun shone throughout. The hurdles began to fall: first lock (after 14 miles), the Bruce Tunnel (500 yds long), Newbury (where the 4 day ‘paddlers’ sleep after the first day) and onwards through Reading City Centre to join the Thames. At this point, after more pieces of malt-loaf, flapjack and scotch eggs were stuffed into the competitors, the promise of the river current fell as flat as the water. After almost no rain for the month preceding the race, there was next to no improvement in the pace on the river but the H Cav pair battled on regardless. Even having made it to Teddington - the last lock on the coursemeaning they were now on the tideway, the flow was minimal and the pair had to drive right up to the last stroke. The anticipated two hour cruise to the finish was in fact a hideous ordeal in which the pair dragged themselves against the wash of passing barges to the waiting support crews and officials. After a total time of 26 hours and 32

minutes the sense of achievement was second only to the monumental backache and tendinitis in the forearms.

It is a fantastic event, eminently achievable and uniquely British. Huge thanks to the Commanding Officer for allowing the midweek afternoons to train, the superb support teams, those who came to the finish line, all those who donated to the Household Cavalry Foundation and last but not least, those helpers who dragged the kayak up the steps at the Finish.

Left, Right, Left, Right - A drill lesson for 26.5 hours

A quick snack at Newbury - 35 miles completed

Approaching the finish line after 26.5 hours

Back on dry land - never again!

HCR Cricket

by Lieutenant W A J Charlesworth, The Blues and Royals

The Household Cavalry Cricket team had a short but good season, with the Regiment getting through to the third round of the Cup before having to forfeit at that stage due to the Regimental deployment to BATUS. Lt Perera and LCpl Matthews represented the RAC at stages throughout the season putting in strong performances and being exemplary ambassadors of HCR Cricket.

HCMR Cricket

We were also delighted to able to play at Burton Court, home of the Guards Cricket Club; HCR cricketers played throughout the season as available from our busy calendar. Friendly fixtures included one between HCR and HCMR as well as the Officers and Troopers vs. the WOs’ and NCOs Mess provided great entertainment on our home wicket at the Garrison cricket ground. The Mess were this year successful in beating the Officers and Troopers, the latter managing to throw away a strong start to their

by Captain J E Pile, The Life Guards

It has been a quiet year for HCMR’s cricketers, with the more capable players providing a considerable contribution to the Guards Cricket Club squad. There were however, three headline fixtures; HCR vs HCMR, The Life Guards vs The Blues and Royals, and the Officers/Troopers vs the WOs/ NCOs.

The season opened with a ‘friendly’ fixture away against HCR. The young HCMR team put in a stellar performance, with particular mention going to the squad’s newest batsmen, Tpr Wraight. In a close match, HCMR came out on top. In the midst of summer leave, the Regiment’s cricketers were out on the sun drenched wicket at Burton Court for a much talked about showdown between The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals. The Life Guards, bolstered by a rather handy pair of potential officers, won the toss and opted to bat first. Thanks to a strong performance from LCpl Van der Walt, the Reds managed a solid score of 119 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs. It was then over to the Blues. They were soon to shed their confident swagger, with the Adjt losing his wicket to a (soon to be blacklisted) potential officer and the RAO bowled by the world’s slowest ball delivered by the author. In all, The Blues and Royals finally lost their 10th wicket

innings after being presented with a strong bowling attack headed by LCoH Duffil.

Despite the season being cut short due to our deployment to BATUS, the Cricket team were able to develop substantially. A new partnership with Windsor Cricket Club has given us access to a high quality nets facility allowing us to maximise training. The team is now looking forward to projecting itself into next year’s season.

The season concluded with the Officers/ Troopers vs the WOs/ NCOs, again played at Burton Court, after the original fixture was rained off at Regimental Training. The Officers opened the batting, and despite Maj Harbord’s best efforts to play for an early tea (bowled first ball of the innings by LSgt Ashgar), they managed to hold out for a mildly respectable total of 99 runs. After a long tea interval, with an array of traditional cakes and sandwiches, and a few more alcoholic options provided by the WOs/ NCOs Mess bar, the WOs/NCOs took to the crease. WO2 SCM Hogg, opened the batting in the place of the RCM, but was soon to abandon his wicket to allow for the partnership of FLCpl Cooney and LCpl Jarvis to flourish. The WOs/ NCOs managed to reach 103 for 5 with 7 overs to spare. A resounding victory, but a thoroughly enjoyable end to the season for all those involved.

HCR WOs’ and NCOs’ Mess Cricket team - Winners of Cricket Match against the Officers and Troopers Play at Burton Court

A magnanimous in victory Mr Parker addresses the Regiment and families after the match

The players in the HCMR Offrs and Tprs vs WOs’ and NCOs’ Mess match at Burton Court for 74 runs, and a convincing victory for The Life Guards was secured.

Physical Development HCR Gymnasium

Within yet another demanding training year Physical Development has been a key factor to train and maintain robust, agile and capable soldiers so that they are physically prepared to succeed in demanding and continually changing conditions for all tasks set them. The success can be seen in a key achievement in the decrease in musculoskeletal injuries and those on Rehabilitation PT from 73 to 38 personnel. Those that have been downgraded have worked hard, with the return of injured soldiers to medically fully deployable roles increasing thus improving the Regiments operational effectiveness and the ever increasing quality pass rate of personal fitness assessments and annual fitness tests. This has been achieved by a well-constructed and enforced physical training cycle encompassing key ele-

ments of strength, conditioning, aerobic and anaerobic capability training filled with quality coaching and mentoring by a capable and dedicated Gymnasium staff. As we enter 2018 and look

HCMR Gymnasium

by Staff Sergeant Cumberbatch RAPTC

The Gymnasium has had a whirlwind year seeing the biggest ever changes to infrastructure and also the way it conducts its business.

The beginning of the year saw HCMR receive a substantial amount of funding to be invested in new equipment and flooring which finally gave us the tools to move from the old weight training room (tucked in next to the Band Changing Room and looking somewhat similar to an inmates’ ‘yard’) to a new much larger space, fully stocked with brand new equipment. This gets large scale use from everyone who works and lives within Hyde Park Barracks. Excitingly, the gymnasium project still isn’t complete as we await mirrors and TVs to finish it off. I was fortunate enough to even get the office moved from the dungeons of the basement to the Training Wing where I work alongside CoH Barber in a shared Trg Wing Office.

It’s also been a champagne year seeing us qualify a plethora of new AAPTI’s. We’ve managed to achieve a record year for us getting personnel qualified to deliver PT Lessons and also carry out MATT 2 testing for HCMR. A massive congratulations needs to go to Tpr Barnes RHG/D, Tpr O’Mara LG,

Crossfit

LCpl Hansford LG and LSgt Nesbitt AGC(SPS). They all did fantastically on passing an extremely physical 10 week course in Aldershot. I hope they all go on to have prosperous careers and hopefully one or two potentially transfer into the RAPTC. Since the new influx of PTIs it’s been a breath of fresh air in camp. Having keen young motivated instructors desperately trying to improve the physical output of the Regiment and also keep equine priority in mind.

For the first time in recent years HCMR and HCR finally managed to forge a Boxing event, this was dubbed ‘civil war’ with it being a LG v RHG/D. For an RAPTCI a boxing event is undoubtedly the biggest organisational event the military has to offer. Thankfully with the assistance of SSgt Burt from HCR, jointly we produced a fantastic evening of entertainment. A huge well done needs to be passed onto the main stars who were the boxers themselves, especially the individuals from HCMR who were up at 0500hrs training every morning before commencing stable routine. It was also refreshing to see an officer take the plunge and get in the ring, a good effort from LG Leader Maj Harbord who managed to absorb some punches that would knock out many other individu-

by Corporal of Horse C J Fear, The Blues and Royals

Igot into Crossfit in 2014 whilst looking for an alternative strength and conditioning programme to

supplement my other sports, and also in seeking a social life away from the Army. Since 2014 I have competed for

forward to our role within the 1st Strike Brigade both physical training and development will become more dynamic to ensure the Regiment is forever robust, agile and capable.

als. Looking to the future the aspiration is definitely to have a HCR and HCMR team entered into the Army Major Unit Championships which I’m sure with chain of command support some success could be achieved.

The annual trip to summer camp proved to be a success, having an array of different events including football, tug-o-war, golf, dodge ball, rugby, softball and crossfit. The events were brilliantly attended with the crowds greeting players participating with good natured boos or cheers. Well done to the LG Sqn who won the overall competition comfortably.

Stonehenge Crossfit and Sarum Crossfit at UK mainland team competitions, and most recently for BATUS in an Alberta

Tpr Barnes and LSgt Nesbitt having successfully passed their AAPTIs Course

HCR Gymnasium staff

Region competition. The latter was a male/female pairs competition, and we were placed third on the podium in the RX category. (Ed. CoH Fear is now a coach at Stonehenge Crossfit up to four times a week.)

Cresta Run 2018

by Major P J R Chishick, The Life Guards

The Household Cavalry returned to St Moritz in January this year, after a year away from the run, to compete in the Army Inter-Regimental Championships on the Cresta Run. We have had a turnover in riders, having lost a number of our Top Riders. This year’s team was largely made up of novices with a couple of returning riders.

The run has two starting points: ‘Junction’, about two-thirds of the way up the run for less-experienced riders, and ‘Top’. To qualify for Top, you must be riding 48 seconds on a traditional sledge or 46 seconds on a flat-top. The five regimental beginners all started at Junction at the beginning of the week. We had two officer novices and three other rank novices out this year, including LCpl Kerman (RAMC) attached to HCR.

The first week was spent training on the run and getting familiar with Shuttlecock corner, the infamous corner on the run out of which most people fall into the straw and snow at some point. Towards the end of the second week, the Army Junction Championships were held on the 25th January and consisted of the Novice Open race, Handicap race and the 17th/21st Lancers Trophy, an open race for the fastest Regimental pair. The races were all conducted over three rides, with the lowest aggregate time winning (whether as an individual or a pair for the team race).

Sadly the author had to return to the mid trip so was unable to participate in the Inter-Regimental race but The Life Guards ‘Team’, comprising Lt Howard-Keyes and LCpl Reuter came in 7th place, while The Blues and Royals team of LCoH Tonkin and Tpr McNally came in a respectable 3rd place. Tpr McNally (RHG/D) stormed the Novice Open championship and individual Handicap races and qualified for Top in his first season in St Moritz. Ct Onslow (RHG/D) came fourth in the Novice Open. LCpl Kerman came out as one of two Army female riders this year taking part in the inaugural Inter-Services ladies’ race under a trial approved by the St Moritz Tobogganing Club. Sadly she fell during the race at Shuttlecock, but showed extraordinary resilience and spirit throughout the week.

The Inter-Services Championship took place the following week. The Scots Guards Cup, the Army Top Championships, was held on the 29th January and Maj Chishick came 2nd and LCoH Tonkin came 4th. In the Inter-Services

race, despite the Army holding two of the top three positions in the individual competition, the Navy came first by just over a second in probably the closest Inter-Services race in a decade. With the Army squad getting increasingly younger and talented riders coming through, we look to be in a very strong position for next year. LCoH Tonkin was awarded his full Army Winter Sports Colours, representing the Army for the second time in the Inter-Services competition. Both Tpr McNally and LCpl Reuter performed well in the Services’ Silver Spoon race (Junction handicap) and were a credit to the Regiment

The Household Cavalry continue to form the backbone of Army Cresta with two members of the Army team this year and hopefully more next year. We hope to see Tpr McNally competing for a place in the team next year, and all are hugely grateful to the Household Cavalry Foundation and the Regiments for their support and look to be in a strong position to regain the Inter-Regimental Trophy next year.

Lifting

Jumping

Climbing

The Household Cavalry Team at the InterRegimentals - Lt Howard-Keyes LG, Tpr McNally RHG/D, LCpl Kerman RAMC, LCpl Reuter LG, Ct Onslow RHG/D

Maj Chishick correcting his course in the run from Top

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

by Lance Corporal of Horse New,

LCoH New took part in the annual Army Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Championship (Winter) held at Aldershot Combat Centre. The competitors came from every regiment in the British Army that have a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu team, as well as individual participants. The competition was at a very high level and many of the competitors are competing at European / World Championship level Jiu Jitsu.

LCoH New beat every opponent he

The Life Guards

faced by using submission holds and locks to win the gold medal and take the title of British Army Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt (Light Heavyweight) Champion 2017.

The gold medal was awarded by the head of the Army BJJ team and 3 Dan Black Belt, Andy Roberts.

Basketball by Trooper T J Halfhide, The Blues and Royals

The Household Cavalry Basketball Team has had its most successful and productive year to date, finishing third in the GOC’s competition and providing a number of players to represent both the Royal Armoured Corps and Army. Indeed, no less than five members of HCR were selected to play for the RAC, but sadly due to work commitments, only Tprs Halfhide and Tanbi-Spicely were free on the day, lighting up the court and wowing their opponents with their stylish play and Michael Jordanesque slam dunks!

In April Tprs Halfhide and Tanbi-Spicely were selected to play for the British Army team, where they played average opponents such as the Royal Air Force and Royal Navy before going on to represent the Army against someone half decent on a tour to the USA. The tour was centred in New York where the team had some truly unique opportunities such as training at Michael Jordan’s

Terminal 23 in central Manhattan. The team played against some of the top amateur and college teams around the State of New York such as the Hostos Caimans, a top national collegiate level Team.

One highlight of the tour saw them playing against ex NBA and Harlem Globetrotter players in the Bronx. The team is already doing lunges in front of the mirror and investing in large quantities of hair gel as part of the rigorous training regime for the 2018 season.

Exercise COCKNEY BUBBLE

by Staff Corporal T S Fetigan, The Life Guards

In March, an opportunity cropped up unexpectedly at short notice for members of C Sqn to join a diving expedition to Cyprus. Made up of predominantly JNCOs and Troopers with a few SNCOs instructing, C Sqn drove to Bovington to begin to get to grips with the theory and basic confined water skills they would need to master before flying out to Cyprus. The first couple of days went better than expected, with only one or two members of the expedition attempting to drink the contents of the swimming pool while carrying out their skills, much to the entertainment of the rest. With the training team happy that all the members could proceed on to the next stage of the expedition, we prepared to

fly to Cyprus.

Having got to grips with the basics in the UK, with the dive centre taken over and mandatory briefs concluded it was time to take the skills the soldiers had learned in the pool and progress into open water. This was not without its own problems, with some of the soldiers needing a lot more lead than expected to get under the surface

Beginners’ steps

LCoH New is awarded the gold medal for British Army Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blue Belt Champion 2017

Tprs Halfhide and Tanbi-Spicely ensuring the Blue Red Blue flag gets to the most elusive places around the world

The Household Cavalry Basketball Team

only to hit the bottom with a thud, thus forgetting the first rule of dive club: to sink we must first breathe out. The instructors put this down to the excitement of being in the sea and the rather cold water. With the basic skills perfected and the instructors impressed with how much the guys had progressedbeing able to recover their buddy to the surface under control is not a small feat - it was time to let go of the reins and allow them their own adventure. This showed a few of the divers that underwater navigation was easier said than done, with Tprs Sidwells and Taylor seeming to attempt to fin around the entire island and having to be turned around not once but twice by a very amused instructor. With the confidence of the lads growing just as quickly as their diving abilities, this ended the

Ice Hockey

training and it was time to embark on some more adventurous diving.

From this point on it was down to the buddy pairs to conduct, plan and safely complete their dives on a testing and quite astonishing dive site, the wreck of the Zenobia, which is rated in the top 5 of wrecks to dive in the world. With LCpl Baker volunteering to guide the novice divers, they got their first look at the Zenobia and quickly discovered what inspires most divers into the sport! A wreck teeming with large marine life and what can only be described as a big kids playpark; you could see the enjoyment on their faces on surfacing and once back on board the dive boat the tales of how amazing this dive site was. This also allowed the other 2 instructors, SCpl Fetigan and CoH Turner, an opportunity to explore the wreck as it was also their first time diving the Zenobia. They first carried out an orientation dive to the prop at a depth of 42 metres, followed by penetration dives of the vehicle cargo holds, navigating underneath

by Lance Corporal S A Connoll, The Life Guards

Perhapsless talked about than the more common sports, Ice Hockey is gathering increasing interest within the Services and is immensely good fun. Over the last three years the author has been playing for the team called the British Army All Stars. This team comprises all players from the various Corps that do not have enough members to generate their own team. However, this motley crew remain quite numerous and therefore a place in the team is still hotly contested.

Earlier in the year, following some arduous training, LCpl Connoll LG played with the All Stars in the

Army Championships (known as The Whittaker Cup). Eight Corps teams took part but the All Stars were unfortunate to be knocked out after reaching the Semi-Finals.

Later in the year came the top competition - the Inter-Service Championships dawned in June. This is the biggest competition of the year and comprised four days of hockey held in Sheffield between the Army, Navy and RAF teams with excellent training for everyone to get involved.

If anyone is interested in getting involved in Ice Hockey, please come

Cycle Racing in South Africa

by Corporal of Horse J I Martin, The Blues and Royals

In April 2017, I was part of a team chosen to take part in a race of a lifetime. Along with seven other Army riders in the team I competed in the Old Mutual

Joberg2C, one of the toughest mountain bike races in the world. The race begins in Karan Beef, on the outskirts of Johannesburg and winds through South Afri-

chained down lorries and up elevator shafts. They too surfaced looking like kids on Christmas Day!

To round off an amazing week, the expedition finished with a day trip to the famous Nissi Beach where a few well-earned beers and a social evening were the order of business. The expedition returned with all members gaining their BSAC Ocean Diver Qualifications which was a great achievement for all concerned. On the back of this the Sqn hopes to get further opportunities to dive in the coming year.

down to the Saddler’s Shop or email LCpl Connoll on connoll34@hotmail. co.uk

ca, finishing on the coast at Scottburgh, covering 900 kilometres over nine days.

Along with WO1 Crighton RMP I

The full team

A OK. Underwater signalling - All is well

Fish Wrecks

LCpl Connoll stares down an opponent playing Ice Hockey for the Army All Stars

competed in the Mens’ Pairs category. This is the first time the British Army have competed in the event and we were welcomed by media and event organisers (with friendly banter on Twitter beforehand!) along with the local communities along the route as we passed through their towns and villages. Day 1 was a shock to the system after acclimatising in a 4 star hotel for two nights before the start of the race. It began at 0430 start and covered 114km with over 3000ft of climbing in 30c heat!

The river crossing on a RIB with eight riders and their bikes was a welcomed cooling off point! Each day brought new challenges and experiences as we made our way across South Africa. One of the first highlights for me was riding through a wolf enclosure at the end of Day 2; that’s definitely an experience I won’t forget! On the evening of Day

3 the event organisers challenged the Army team to include a detour 70km in to the Day 4 route. They suggested we ride up to the top of Spioenkop, a memorial for the Lancashire Regiment who fought there during the Boer War.

To ride to the memorial site at the top of Spioenkop and back to the official race route added an extra 7km at 20% gradient to our day. As members of the British Army, we relished the challenge and joined back onto the official route after adding only 25 minutes to our race time for the day.

Day 8 brought a life affirming moment as I ran out of corner on a tight bend and was faced with a steep drop down a cliff edge. I will be forever grateful to the single thorn bush that saved me and my bike that day!

The last day of the race was classed as a neutral day, seeing competitors dress in green and celebrate the last final leg riding side by side with new friends into Scottburgh. The eight of us, having spent the previous eight days working hard to achieve our best race timings,

came together to cross the finish line as a complete British Army Team. The official race results saw WO1 Crighton and I finish 16th in the Male Pairs category out of around 50 teams, including elite riders.

The race was one of the toughest I’ve competed in so far, it was an amazing opportunity and I am hugely grateful for the invaluable support of the Household Cavalry Foundation and the Household Cavalry Regiment.

Wadi Rum Ultra Marathon, Jordan. October 2017

by Lieutenant R E C Perera, The Blues and Royals

The Wadi Rum Ultra Marathon is a multi-day event covering 260 km over five days through the Jordanian Desert, and is considered one of the most challenging foot races in the world: it certainly lived up to that billing. With a physique built for comfort rather than speed and not a natural runner, this challenge was certainly well placed to test me physically and mentally. Many would consider this well beyond the ability of someone who had previously never run a marathon, let alone six in five days in desert conditions, including yours truly.

LCoH McAuliffe and I joined the group

of twenty runners in Amman a day before the race started and quickly realised that the small party had a great deal of past experience, including some who had competed in the Marathon des Sables and others who had rowed the Atlantic. Suffice it to say I was impressed by my fellow competitors and felt rather out of my depth, with initial feelings that maybe I had bitten off a little bit more than I could chew.

The Wadi Rum is an extraordinary environment, which is often described as ‘The Valley of the Moon’ with deep red sand, endless vistas and sharp high features bursting out of the ground,

WO1 Crichton and CoH Martin at pre-race registration

River crossing in a RIB

Spioenkop, scene of dreadful Boer War day

Battered

And bruised

Lt Perera committed to the task

The scale of the Wadi Rum’s scenery it was also the chosen location for the set of the film The Martian. The most significant part was the sand; prior to the race I had been warned about how mind-numbingly frustrating running on it was and the vital importance to keep it from getting into ones shoes as that would definitely ruin your day. Along with the sand, the weather would have a huge effect on the race; each day would lull you into a false sense of security as it was rather cool until about 1100 hrs when temperatures would rise quickly to the mid-thirties and not drop till late afternoon. Combine this with very limited shade and it adds another challenging element to an already complex task.

Day One was a 47km stage which started in the cool morning air, and gave me a chance to work out how I would tackle the race. The day started well and I completed the first 30km with very little trouble, however, once the temperature picked up and the terrain turned from firm to ‘uphill beach-sand’ I soon started

to realise the enormity of the task and the fact that I had not even completed the first day yet. Day Two (53km) and Day Three (70km) were days where I focussed purely on finishing rather than finishing quickly as my fear of getting injured and not being able to complete the whole challenge were at the very forefront of my thoughts. By the end of Day Two four of the twenty competitors had succumbed to injury and couldn’t continue, and most runners had some sort of ‘niggle’ which they would have to manage till the end. Day Four (55km) started in a similar steady trot. However, towards the second half of the stage I finally started to enjoy it as I could visualise the finish, even if it was still more than fifty kilometres away. By the time Day Five (35km) came about, every runner could smell the finish line and knew that although the final day would be tough, the worst was behind us. Crossing the finish line was tremendous, although I was more overwhelmed with relief for finishing and joy that I would never do it again!

The whole experience was fantastic; I had visited a new country, run further than I had before (and ever will again) and met an impressive group of competitors along the way. I look back at the event with rose-tinted glasses and have been left with fond memories of

HCR Association Football

Throughout this year football has been used as a tool to maintain unit cohesion; especially amongst the new lads. The Regimental Football team kicked off its year with a mini-preseason tour in July 2016 to Exeter; back then the team was managed by Cpl Maj Privett and supported by Lt Kjellgren as the Football Officer. At the end of November 2016, the management of the team was taken over by WO2 Slater and a new team captain, LCoH Perry, was appointed.

HCR registered for the Cav Cup, Southern League, LONDIST league and the Major Unit Cup. We also took part in the Hodson Horse Competition. At this point the team was re-energised and focussed. This was reflected in our stupendous victory over 22 Engineer Regt, taking us into the second leg of the Army FA Major Unit Cup. The third leg of the Army FA Major Unit Cup saw

HCR drawn against 39 Engineer Regt at their home in Kinloss, Scotland. This was the first time in a decade that HCR managed to reach this far in this major competition. Owing to the distance it was economical to fly the team as opposed to driving nine hours and losing three days work. This boosted the morale of the team and helped to put us in the right mindset . These were formidable opponenets, and HCR were clear underdogs; the game was stolen by LCpl Bermingham in extra time with an impressive free kick, the match being won 4:3 - our most memorable victory yet.

Though we exited the Major Unit Cup in the fourth round we ended our season on a high knowing that we had beaten teams who were previous winners and that we were heading in the right direction. Our aim was achieved, and we have demonstrated that service with HCR

the desert; however, there were some deeply unpleasant parts of the event and I must remember these moments as they would certainly save me from entering another one.

is a varied and highly rewarded. Job done, and re-engaged.

The current team is drawn from: WO2 Slater, Sgt Hand, Sgt Richardson, Sgt Edwards, LSgt Bojang, LCsoH Holman, Lugg, McVey, Murray, McKean, Perry, LCpl Bermingham, Davies, Gartland, Halstead, Lea, Kusi, Tprs Bedford, Calvert, Curtis, Gardner, Greenhow, Holden, Jackson, O’Connor, Sparkes.

LCoH A McAuliffe after his Ultra-Marathon for the HCF

Lt R Perera completes the Wadi Rum Ultra-Marathon for the HCF

HCR Football Team

2017 HCR Hodson’s Horse Teams

The Hodson’s Horse Cup is an annual Royal Armoured Corps sporting competition that takes place at Bovington Camp, in which the regiments compete. This year there was a plethora of sports from the traditional choices of rugby and football, through to the likes of water polo, mountain biking, and an indoor triathlon.

HCR takes enormous pride in events such as this, and spent a great deal of time getting prepared for each sport. While service tasks forced team changes, the regiment was still able to field fully-manned teams for all events in the competition, showing flexibility

Field Sports Club

by Staff Corporal J Rosendale,

The Field Sports Club has been ticking away nicely for the last two years since its formation by Lt Flay and SCpl Rosendale. It has recently seen a spike in interest from all ranks. The Club’s main goal has always been to introduce people to a new sport and develop a wider understanding of field sports. The backbone of the club has been clay target shooting.

After much hard work by Lt Flay in applying and securing funding the Club was born. With SCpl Rosendale and LCoH Kelly regularly shooting, the Club established good ties with Pirbright clay shooting ground. Slowly but surely more and more interest developed and numbers steadily grew, aided by the show at the Regimental Sports Fair where the sport was pitched to all ranks.

We have seen Troopers qualify in the sport’s Module 1 and 2 Shotgun Skills Course and they are looking to undertake the Safety Officer Course. With this under their cartridge belt they will be

and determination. The star of the show, from our perspective, has to be the cross-country mountain biking team (see below), who managed to secure a 1st, 2nd, 8th, 16th and 17th place finish, meaning that they won their competition by a country mile. Congratulations go to CsoH Danckert and Martin, who finished 1st and 2nd place respectively. A special mention should also be made for LCoH Scollick for organising, and captaining the team, and to LCoH Sanders who gritted his way through the final 3 miles of the circuit with a flat tyre, and still managed to finish 8th - an incredible effort on his part.

The Life Guards

able to safety supervise a clay shoot, unlike any military equivalent where rank is required. Further qualification will see these keen shooters become Level 1 Instructors and help build the Club for the future. The holding of our second Christmas clay shooting competition this year has developed further interest and will be a great opportunity for the newly qualified safety officers to take post on the shooting stands.

With CoH Archer joining the fold we have managed to diversify massively. March 2018 will see a deer stalking certificate course (DSC 1) being run specifically for Household Cavalry soldiers. Plans are afoot to join the hind cull in Scotland, an event in which only the fortunate are lucky to take part. Soldiers will learn the technicalities of stalking and shooting but also quarry identification and the respectful and sanitary handling of the meat produced. Many a commissioned officer may recall beagling as a schoolboy and the Club has recently developed inroads with Eton College. Soldiers have been out with the huntsman

Other teams that played particularly well were the rugby union side, who finished 4th after losing a very close, and hard-fought match against The Royal Dragoon Guards, and the military event team who finished 3rd following their assault course, casualty extraction, and a Land Rover pull over 100m.

Overall, a well-earned 4th place finish for HCR. We now aim to improve on our sporting ability as a regiment over the next 12 months, so that we can come back and do even better at the 2018 Hodson’s Horse event.

to meet the hounds, and now look forward to chasing them around Berkshire rather than Squadron PT when the next opportunity arises. More recent successes saw LCoH Kelly take part in the introduction to target pistol shooting course, held at Ash ranges. After taking part in Olympic style target shooting and building on his pistol skills he was invited back to compete in the Army championships. After a solid outsider performance he walked away with the 150 year old ‘Green trophy’ which is

Under instruction

Young guns

LCoH Kelly picking up his prize

Left handers can take part

awarded to the gold medal for overall best male and the gold medal for overall best newcomer, not a bad start!

Next year holds a lot in store; existing members will gain more qualifications

Polo - 2017 Season

to supervise and teach newcomers. Army wide competitions are held regularly so a blue red blue presence will be seen more and more. Soldiers will be developing military skills by navigating the highlands of Scotland to stalk

by Captain W A Mulholland, The Life Guards

The Household Cavalry Polo Team has been active this season despite considerable disruptions from ceremonial duties and exercises. Nonetheless, a large number of other ranks and officers regularly practised and played throughout the summer at White Waltham Polo Club near Windsor. A total of ten matches were played, including an inter-regimental match that saw The Life Guards narrowly defeating The Blues

and Royals, 3 goals to 2.

For the third year in a row we were the only Regiment to enter an Other Ranks team into the Captains’ and Subalterns’ Tournament. Unfortunately, the team was defeated by the Army Reserves and the Royal Dragoon Guards, who happened to be ably supported by 2Lt R Speight, a former RHG/D LCpl who learned to play in the Regiment before being commissioned. Surely we can still take the credit for that.

whilst some are keeping fit by chasing a pack of beagles. All in all Field Sports is a club run with an ‘access to all attitude’ - where the great outdoors is our stadium.

LCpl Reuter should receive a special mention for all his involvement and leadership this year. His dedication has been particularly impressive and he thoroughly deserves the recent increase to his handicap.

Team Chasing - Foxcote Estate

by Trooper S Dexter, The Life Guards

On

29th October 2017, the Winter Training Troop (WTT) entered two teams into a ‘Team Chase’ event at the Foxcote Estate, Gloucestershire, competing against other military teams such as the Royal Horse Artillery and the Royal Logistic Corps. This was the first time many of the Troopers within the WTT had ever competed beyond InterRegimental competition, so as the squad pulled into the magnificent estate and laid their eyes on an array of impressive horse boxes and ‘equine bods’, nerves were understandably tight as bowstrings. Two members from each team had arrived before the horses to walk the course, soak up the atmosphere and generally prepare themselves for the ‘near death experience’ they were about to embrace. ‘Team A’ consisted of spurman LCpl Hockey, LCoH Tonkin, Tpr Dexter and Tpr Moorby, whilst ‘Team B’ was made up of spurman LCoH Drummond, Tpr North, Tpr Fairburn and Tpr Hollingshead.

With the horses tacked up and groomed to within an inch of their lives, both teams made their way to the warm up arena to be greeted by a crowd as deep as any that watch 4 O’clock. Then the fun really started: it was as if the horses

knew what was about to happen, even if the men didn’t, and with all the excitement a series of ‘bucks and bins’ drew the attention of the crowd as all but half the men were thrown from their horses upon attempting... the warm up fence. Luckily, those felled were unharmed and demonstrated their ‘quickest and best’ skills before completing the warm up and making their way to the holding pen.

With maximum heart rates achieved and cold sweats ensured, Team A set off first, smoothly manoeuvring their way through the first three fences at the gallop before unfortunately losing Tpr Moorby at the fourth due to his horse Quattro not ‘playing the game’ and failing to keep pace with the rest of his team. Team B followed three minutes later with Tpr Hollingshead leading the charge riding Q, as they also successfully navigated the first four fences.

After a series of man-made and natural obstacles including hedges, walls and meaty fences, Team A somehow had managed to make it to the dreaded 17th which included a solid wooden fence followed by a monstrous ‘drop down’ which earlier in the day even the Spur-

men in the Troop had referred to as ‘cheeky’. Upon arriving at said fence, LCoH Tonkin was thrown firmly out of the side door, landing with a huge thud and simultaneously collecting a considerable amount of mud in his immaculately groomed moustache. But, as the saying goes, ‘a smooth sea never made a skilful sailor’ and before even he knew it ‘Tonks’ was back in the saddle (with the help of a little old lady may I add) and the team got past the dreaded 17th. The next series of fences included more hedges, a decent sized log and more man-made obstacles. As Team B arrived at fence 24 all was going well... or so they thought. Upon the approach Percy took a little longer to look at the fence than Tpr Fairburn had anticipated and whilst being ejected from the saddle he also managed to let out a huge squeal to the delight of his team mates; check gopro footage for evidence. In true cavalry fashion, Tpr Fairburn re-mounted his steed to overcome the fence successfully and re-join his teammates for the final stretch.

An uphill run of two more obstacles brought the 26 fence course to a close with Team A finishing in 7.51 minutes and Team B in 8.01. Once all the teams

There’s no better way to spend a sports afternoon

Capt WA Mulholland LG making short work of the Harvard University Polo Team

LCpl Reuter gets chased by all the girls

had finished their rounds the Household Cavalry were placed 4th and 5th respectively. The men and horses in each team were thrust fully out of their comfort zone for this event and each man and his nag performed extremely

well on the day.... along with everyone making it out alive and intact!

This event has given the riders in the WTT a substantial amount of confidence and the pure exhilaration was second to

none. It is to be hoped that more opportunities such as this will be made available to the rest of the regiment in coming years. A great day all round.

Hedges and Hay: Memoirs of a Hunting Cav Black

A Diary Entry by M W H Queensbury, The Life Guards

Summer leave was coming to an end, and my four-legged buddies and I had been much enjoying ourselves. The lads were working harder than ever during the leave block, and Benghazi was keeping us entertained by nipping at all the new soldiers. ‘Just showing them who’s boss,’ he’d snort.

One morning in September, some of my buddies and I were loaded onto one of those big metal boxes on wheels. We stood for an age before the door opened again and the box was flooded with sweet, sweet Leicestershire air. I was certain that Colonel James and Richard, the Riding Master, were treating us to a surprise holiday. How mistaken I was; it was so much better than that!

I was lead to a big loose box, and I immediately felt at home. I was on permanent hay for the first time ever (I’m big-boned, alright?) and it was heaven. Between mouthfuls of hay, I asked Jorrocks and Montgomery, who were in the boxes either side of me, what was going on. The hardened veterans explained to me, the new kid on the block, that we were there as the Winter Training Troop (WTT). ‘Why, we’re hunters!’ said Jorrocks. I was so excited. Finally all that jumping training I had put in at Summer Camp was paying off! They had selected me, Queensbury, to join the Household Cavalry elite: The Special Forces of Military Working Horses (MWH) (Ed. Connect to author above).

The morning after our arrival, I overheard the Spurman, LCoH Drummond talking to Capt Mulholland. He had planned a build-up program to get us in shape for the opening meets. Though it started slow, it wasn’t long before we were doing cross country jumps and extended canters through the fields of

the Defence Animal Centre. After six weeks, we were all feeling and looking great... Q especially, with her long, toned, muscular legs (Not a single white hair on her body!). Pole Axe and I loved trotting the Leicestershire country roads flirting and misbehaving alongside her.

The season started in mid-October, and each of the 15 equine members of the WTT made it out hunting roughly once a week. It was fun to meet all those other athletic, though prissy, civilian horses, and it was exhilarating to have the freedom to gallop over and jump between those luscious grassy fields. We managed to get out for 46 days between the start of the season and the New Year, hosting a whole array of soldiers and officers from across the Household Division. We took pride in improving their equitation by giving them the odd fright when we took an unexpected route around, over, or through fences and hedges. In turn, the nine human members of the WTT schooled us in hunting etiquette: before long we were all seasoned hunters, and loved the challenges met in each day’s hunting.

From early January we have just six weeks before we are due back to London to prepare for the Major General’s Inspection. Though I’m looking forward to showing off my sleek new body and refined manners with all my other brother and sisters on ceremonial duty, I will never forget the glorious time I’ve had coasting over rolling fields, flying over hedges, and carrying my human compatriots on the hunting field. I’m so grateful to carry home not only a new label, Hunter, but also a new sense of calm, confidence, and capability as I trot the streets of London. I’m so grateful to be Cav Black.

Montgomery keeping up with the field despite Capt Mulholland’s riding

Look out for that branch LCoH Tonkin!

LCpl Nolan trying hard to stay on at the Belvoir Opening Meet

Optimist carrying Tpr Hollingshead at the Quorn Hunt Opening Meet

WO2 Sampson gets a great view of Capt Mulholland struggling to stay on

‘Smile for the camera Capt Faire, I’ll make you look great,’ said Poleaxe

Remember these vehicles before they are backloaded -

Salisbury Plain

The Canadian night sky

D Sqn during a Squadron Raid

A deadly prospect

Squadron to squadron handover in the field - RDG to HCR

Capt Fry with the catch of the day

Camouflaged to disappear into the background, apart from the quad bikes

HCR working dismounted on Salisbury Plain

More easily done under cover

A vehicle ready for the Kabrili Village Attack, BATUS

HRH The Princess Royal, Col RHG/D, was the Dunville VC Kit Ride Pass Off Inspecting Officer, seen here awarding the coveted prize for Most Improved to Tpr Dowden

for Queen’s Life Guard on Christmas Day - a Del-boy Batman on a not much impressed steed

Harbord

to children from Ark Swift Primary Academy on a

Parading

CoH Baker and Coach Troop on entry to the main arena at the Royal Windsor Horse Show

Repairs on the road for a MusicianLord Mayor’s Show 2017

LCpl Fox looking determined on board Legend

Maj

talks

tour of Hyde Park Barracks

The RVO earning her popstar wages

The Miami Dolphins cheerleaders visited the Regiment in September 2017

There are eyes everywhere on parade

Exhortation by Colonel Commandant Royal Armoured Corps,

General Sir Chris Deverell KCB MBE

AsColonel Commandant of the Royal Armoured Corps, I was privileged to join those marking the centenary of the Battle of Cambrai in Northern France, over a weekend in November last year. The event was attended by the Rt Hon Mark Lancaster MP, the Minster for the Armed Forces, (and his wife Caroline Dinenage MP, also a Minister), Lt Gen Patrick Sanders, Commander Field Army, representatives of foreign regiments affiliated to the Royal Tank Regiment, various Defence Attachés, and senior French politicians, officials and service personnel. It was a truly memorable weekend, which included a drumhead service at the beautiful Commonwealth War Graves Commission Cambrai Memorial to the

Missing (of whom there are over 7,000), the presentation of the Freedom of Cambrai to the Royal Tank Regiment, a parade in the town square, the opening of a new museum at Flesquieres which houses Deborah, a Mark IV tank from the battle, a battlefield tour and talk by the TV presenter and historian Dan Snow, and various social occasions. The people of Cambrai were extraordinarily welcoming and turned out in their thousands to watch the parade.

Why is this relevant not just to the Royal Tank Regiment, but also to the rest of the Royal Armoured Corps, and to the Army as a whole? Well, firstly, in addition to three tank brigades, there were five cavalry divisions, nine infantry divisions, and large amounts of combat support and combat service support in the Allied order of battle at Cambrai. It was truly a combined arms affair. Secondly, it was, of course, the first effective use of armour en masse by any nation, and therefore a historic event for the whole of today’s Royal Armoured Corps, and indeed for the British Army.

On the evening of first day of the battle, 20th November 1917, it seemed as if a great victory was in reach. The Hindenburg Line had been breached with advances of up to five miles, almost unheard of in the Great War up to that point, which was greeted in Britain by the ringing of church bells. Casualties were also remarkably light by the standards of the time. Regrettably, for reasons too numerous to mention here,

but including typically brave German counter attacks, the knock out blow did not happen, and the war continued for nearly another year. This story will be familiar to most of you, as, I suspect, will be the role of JFC Fuller and Hugh Elles, both of the Tank Corps, the former in devising the tactics and drills used so successfully by tank and infantry formations at the outset of the battle, and the latter in providing exemplary leadership on the battlefield.

But what struck me on this visit to Cambrai more than on previous trips, was the degree of innovation in what is often viewed as a static and unchanging campaign. This included not only the employment of tanks en masse, it also embraced almost every aspect of the battle. Infantry, artillery, tanks, cavalry and aircraft were used together in ways not previously seen. Artillery used new sound ranging techniques, silent registration of the guns to achieve surprise, and an instantaneous percussion fuze designed to provide high explosive effect without impeding the tanks by cratering the ground. Aircraft were used for the first time in significant numbers to attack ground targets. Our predecessors of 100 years ago were constantly experimenting, constantly seeking to improve, constantly developing their technology and tactics to gain incremental advantage. There is much for today’s Royal Armoured Corps soldier to learn from this approach to our profession, and I am pleased to note that 100 years on that spirit is alive and well.

News From The Associations

The Life Guards Association

Annual Report 2017

Patron: Her Majesty The Queen

President

Field Marshal the Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank GCB LVO OBE DL

Trustees of The Life Guards Charitable Trust

Lieutenant Colonel J D A Gaselee

Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) H S J Scott

Major (Retd) J S Holbrook

Captain B K Gibson

WO2 RQMC A Slowey

Mr P P Lewis MBE

Committee

Chairman: Lieutenant Colonel J D A Gaselee

Vice Chairman: Major J H S C Harbord

Treasurer: Ms B Eves

Honorary Secretary: Mr K W Robertson

Serving Members

Major B E Rogers

Major D Hitchings

Major S Taylor

Captain S Fry

WO2 (SCM) A Slowey

WO2 (SCM) D Sentance

WO2 (RSWO) G S Warren

WO2 (SCM) J A Hogg

Non Serving Members

Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) W R Lindsay OBE

Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) H S J Scott

Major (Retd) J S Holbrook

Mr D M Darley

Mr I M Fearnley

Mr D Heath

Mr J E Lloyd RVM

Mr G S Knowles BEM

Mr P J Richards MBE

Mr T Land

Mr P Lewis MBE

Mr P C Lanahan

Minutes of the 83rd Annual General Meeting held at Combermere Barracks, Windsor on Saturday 16th September 2017

The Chairman, Lieutenant Colonel JDA Gaselee, opened the meeting at 1800hrs by welcoming everyone present and thanked them for their attendance.

Apologies were received from Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) W R Lindsay.

The Minutes of the 82nd Annual General Meeting were published in the current edition of the Household Cavalry Journal and the Chairman asked for them to be proposed and seconded as being a true record of the proceedings of that meeting.

Proposed by: Mr G S Knowles BEM

Seconded by: Mr J E Lloyd RVM

Honorary Treasurer’s Report 2016/2017

The accounts for the year ending 2016 were as published within the Journal and the following report was given by the new treasurer Ms B J Eves.

There were no concerns raised during the annual audit carried out in April 2017, which was conducted for the first

time by independent accountants.

The Life Guards Association Charitable Trust Account

• Donations totalling £ 9,970.19 have been received to date. Receipt of £785.54 has been received from HMRC.

• The Days Pay Scheme received to date for this financial year totals £18,365.74. It should be noted that both the RHG/D and the LG payments are now received on a monthly basis from HCF to the LG Association. The LG Association then pays RHG/D their share monthly.

• The majority of requests for financial assistance in 2016/17 were met to a total of £23,490.82. The sum for this year presently stood at £6,532.82.

• The dividend from investments last year was £35,542.98 with the sum of £6,611.55 being received to date after half the financial year. A decision was also made by the committee at the start of the year to transfer £30,000.00 into the investment portfolio. This was producing higher dividends.

• During the current period Waverton have collected their investment management fee of £2,949.47.

• Available Cash at the bank in Sep 2016 stood at £64,835.27..

• To date for 2017 this account currently stood at £56,072.12 highlighting that the receipts to date remain extremely healthy.

The Life Guards Association Charitable Trust Account No 2

• £4,302.70 was received in donations in 2016/17 with the fund receiving a total of £7,843.43 to date.

• A profit from Christmas cards of £4,085.40 was generated in 2016 with current sales standing at £1,925.00.

• There were no journal costs in the period.

• There were no un-restricted grants for the period of 2016-17 and none in the financial year to date.

• The Annual Dinner fund this year currently stands at £2,445 as we were awaiting HCR serving member’s ticket income. Payments via BACs

continue to be received.

• The net cost of postage to date was £1,274.84.

• Funds for the Battlefield Tour for 2018 were being received and administered through this account as they were last year.

Cash at bank presently stood at £35,767.45.

The Life Guards Association Account

• The account continued to be a conduit for standing order donations, So far £1,103.00 has been received through generous donations to date.

• There was no sum awarded from the Norman Hearson Fund during 2016 or any requested to date leaving this Fund standing at £2,912.00.

• The Donation values of the previous 3 years would be transferred to the No.2 account as has been done previously.

Cash at bank currently stood at £12,439.31.

Investments

• Last year at this point the investment portfolio stood at a Total Value of £1,254,505.00

• This year as of the 05 Sep 17 it currently stands at £1,367,399.20.

The Chairman and members of the Committee would like to thank all members of the Association for their generous donations.

Proposed by: Mr T Land Seconded by: WO2 (SCM) Sentance

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

The following report was given by Lieutenant Colonel J D A Gaselee.

The Chairman welcomed the new Treasurer Ms Beverly J Eves and thanked her for producing this years’ summary of accounts.

The Chairman stated that so far during 2017 there have been 22 cases for assistance and to date the total spend since April was £5,223.32, the age ranges of that requiring benevolence range between 26 and 87. This was a slight increase on the amount of cases on last year and but slightly down on spend at this stage of the year.

The Chairman then stated that membership of the LGA is 2200 and we now have 1618 members who were on email which was our preferred method of communication. The Chairman then assured those that were not on email that we would continue with at least 2 newsletters per year by post. There were also 1142 Association members on The LGA

Facebook page.

The Chairman announced that unfortunately there had been 44 deaths to date in the Association since 1st January 2017. The Chairman asked if any Association members could provide any information or images that could be used for a eulogy on any of our fallen, if you could assist with this then please contact the Honorary Secretary and the author of the Household Cavalry Journal Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) H S J Scott who would be grateful.

The Chairman explained that the Christmas cards were selling well this year with over 8000 cards being sold already. This year we had increased the amount of cards purchased to 12000.

The Chairman confirmed that the A4 diaries and the pocket diaries had not arrived yet but hopefully would be available by the end of September but if you did wish to purchase a diary please contact Home HQ where Jodie Rosendale would organise your requests.

The Chairman wished to thank the Regional Representatives for their hard work throughout the year and emphasised how much it was appreciated that they were there for the membership. The Chairman also stated that the Honorary Secretary had changed the Regional Representatives areas of responsibility from Post Code areas to Counties: all Area Representatives have been informed. If you would like to become an Area Representative please contact the Honorary Secretary.

The Chairman thanked all Association members that had sent in donations throughout the year. He stressed how important these donations were to the Association. He assured all members that all monies donated were put to good use.

The Chairman confirmed that after various discussions with the Committee regarding a revised date for the Annual Association dinner that the new date for the dinner would be held on the nearest Saturday to Oak Apple day, the 29th May. It was decided to use this date because it was a date that was more relevant to The Life Guards history. Next year’s dinner would therefore be held on Saturday 26th May in Combermere Barracks.

The AGM was informed that The Life Guards Association had organised a Dedication Service at the National Memorial Arboretum for the new Life Guards Memorial Stone. The service would take place on Thursday, 28th September 2017, all Association members were welcome.

The Chairman informed the AGM that the HCR move to Bulford was still scheduled for summer 2019; he assured all that if anything was to change the Honorary Secretary would inform them via the normal lines of communication. He also confirmed that the future home of the HCMR was not confirmed yet and explained that various options were being looked at.

Election of the Non-Serving Committee

In accordance with normal custom the non-serving members of the Committee all resigned and had all offered themselves for re-election for the coming year. They were: Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) H S J Scott, Lieutenant Colonel W R (Retd) Lindsay, Major (Retd) J S Holbrook, Mr J E Lloyd RVM, Mr P P Lewis MBE, Mr G S Knowles BEM, Mr T J Land, Mr P J Richards MBE and Mr P C Lanahan, Mr I M Fearnley, Mr D Heath, Mr D M Darley.

The Chairman confirmed that two new Committee members Mr D Heath and Mr I M Fearnley had joined the Committee over the last 12 months and were voted in by the Committee.

If you would like to be considered to be a member of The Life Guards Association Committee please contact the Honorary Secretary.

The Chairman wished to thank Mr Clive Watson who retired after 20 years of dedicated service on the Life Guards Association Committee. His experience in working with the Committee would be sorely missed and the Chairman wished him well for the future.

Proposed by: Mr Brian Wilson

Seconded by: WO2 (RQMC) A Slowey

Any Other Business

Mr Tony Prynne asked if it was possible if money from the Household Cavalry Foundation could be used to assist in restoring the Gate Guardians that were in Combermere Barracks. The restoration of the Dingo has impressed many members and there was a feeling that we should look into funding more projects like this. He stated that he and many others had raised money for the injured soldiers and felt that possibly some funds could be set aside to restore some of our vehicle heritage. It was agreed that this would be looked into but was assured that both Associations and the Household Cavalry Foundation fully funded the restoration of the Dingo. It was also discussed that there may be other solutions and organisations that may be able to assist.

The Chairman closed the meeting at 1835 hrs.

£1,508.50

£0.00

£0.00

£0.00 £50.00

£2,912.40

£0.00

£2,962.40

Assets and Liabilities Liabilities

Norman Hearson Fund Creditors Excess Assets/Liabilities

Expenses St Georges Chapel Norman Hearson Prize Donations Transferred to No 1 Account Total

The Life Guards Association Charitable Trust Accounts - Restricted & Unrestricted

Year 2016

£3,204.02

£35,540.98

£332.91

£8,634.57

£1,654.77

£4,409.95

£0.00

£5,565.00

£4,090.00

£0.00

£0.00

£967.86

£0.00

£432.91

£0.00

£64,832.97

Income and Expenditure Account - 31st March 2017

Income

Days Pay Scheme* Investments / Dividends Grants ABF etc* Donations* Postage Donations HMRC Christmas Cards Dinner Annual Draw Poppies and Wreaths* Diaries Battlefield Tour GPF

Transfer of Funds Prints

Total

Year 2017

£23,511.00

£35,543.00

£485.00

£12,303.00

£1,654.00

£4,302.00

£507.00

£6,389.00

£4,125.00

£0.00

£0.00

£1,000.00

£6,094.00

£3,410.00 0.00

£48.00

£99,371.00

Year 2016

£11,000.00

£1,331.87

£21,056.91

£1,600.00

£3,383.85

£1,339.41

£3,899.47

£2,303.60

£6,453.73

£0.00

£0.00

£0.00

£0.00

£0.00

£0.00

£0.00

£100,000.00

£3,500.00

£155,868.84

Expenditure

Days Pay Scheme* Wreaths & Poppies* Grants* Grants Postage*

Misc Exp GPF Misc Exp* Christmas Cards Dinner Annual Draw Journal Printing and Association Badges Battlefield Tour Postage Donations Prints

Transfer of Funds* AMF Honorarium* HCR Childrens Fund

Total Excess Income / Exp

Year 2017

£17,106.00

£1,368.00

£23,490.00

£1,600.00

£0.00

£1,421.00

£4,112.00

£2,303.00 £6,453.00 £0.00 £0.00 £0.00 £13,635.00 £3,384.00 £0.00 £249.00 £100,000.00 £3,500.00 £11,000.00 £2,000.00 £191,621.00 -£92,253.00

Investments at Current Value

Notes on the Accounts 2017

1. For ease of presentation the Life Guards Association Charitable Trust Account and the Life Guards Charitable Trust Account No 2 have been combined in accordance with Charity Commission guidelines governing the presentation of accounts. Payments and receipts from and to the Restricted account are marked with an asterisk.

2. A total of 22 grants have been paid out of the life Guards Association Charitable Trust No 1 Account to date. 3. Donations continue to be received into the Life Guards Association account. The Total of £2,383.50 for 2017 has been received to date. 4. The sum of 100k was transferred from the No 1 Account to the Investment Portfolio to increase dividends Hence minus figure Excess Income/Exp.

Beverley Eves Honorary Treasurer

The Life Guards Association Notices

Rules of The Life Guards Association

All members of the Association should hold a copy of the Rules of The Life Guards Association. If you do not hold a copy please contact the Honorary Secretary Mr Ken Robertson on 01753 755229 or 07713 157849 or email him on lg.regsec@householdcavalry.co.uk

Membership

All members are requested to introduce the Association to all those that are eligible for membership under Rule 6. If you have any queries please contact the Honorary Secretary directly.

The Annual General Meeting

The 84th Annual General Meeting of The Life Guards Association Charitable Trust will take place on the Saturday 26th May 2018 at 1800hrs and will be held in Combermere Barracks Windsor Berkshire SL4 3DN.

Ordinary Business

• To receive the Annual Report by the Honorary Treasurer

• To receive the Annual Chairman’s

Report

Election of the Non-Serving Committee members: Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) W R Lindsay OBE, Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) H S J Scott, Major (Retd) J S Holbrook, Mr D M Darley, Mr I M Fearnley, Mr D Heath, Mr J E Lloyd, Mr G S Knowles BEM, Mr P J Richards MBE, Mr T Land, Mr P Lewis MBE, Mr P C Lanahan.

• Any other business and closing remarks.

The Annual Dinner

The 83rd Annual Dinner will be held in Combermere Barracks Windsor on Saturday 26th May 2018 commencing at 1900hrs. Dress Lounge suits with Brigade Tie no medals. The dinner application form is with this year’s Journal and can be emailed to you upon request. Tickets are not available on the door. Personal guests will not be permitted unless authorised by the Honorary Secretary. The Regimental Corporal Major would offer the

hospitality of the WOs’ & NCOs’ Mess to all members of the Association and their wives after the dinner. It was, however, necessary for him to impose a restriction on children accompanying their parents into the Mess unless they were aged 18 or over. Please note that ladies should not attend until after the Dinner and that members should not rise during the time when speeches are being made.

DATA Protection

It is now mandatory for the Association to have your permission to hold your personal information on The Life Guards Association database, failure on our part not to have this permission will result in no longer receiving the annual Journal. The Data protection form is in this Journal: if you have not already filled one out and returned it to Home Headquarters please do so.

Christmas

Cards

The Christmas card order form is inserted in this Journal but can be emailed to you upon request.

The Life Guards Association Regional Representatives

Regional Representatives of The Life Guards Association are volunteers that have agreed to have their details published in the Household Cavalry Journal in order that other Association members in their area may contact them. Initially the Regional Representatives will provide contact with Home Headquarters for those who have served but have lost touch with the Regiment. Additionally, they may be asked to represent the Association at funerals of departed comrades, visit former members of the Regiment and circulate Regimental information to those in their area. If you would like to be considered as a Regional Representative for the Association please contact Home Headquarters.

ENGLAND

BERKSHIRE

Mr M Stay BRACKNELL mjstay@hotmail.co.uk 07772 438 630

BRISTOL

Mr N S Hoon BRISTOL nickhoon712@hotmail.com 01454 416522

CHESHIRE

Mr K Thompson WARRINGTON kjt5144@gmail.com 07913 616348

Mr S J Rochford ELLESMERE PORT steven.rochford@ntlworld.com 07977 834092

CORNWALL

Mr R Barry WADEBRIDGE robertbarry1961@gmail.com 07915 812127

DERBYSHIRE

Mr S Wass BELPER simonwass49@hotmail.com 07446 839054

COUNTY DURHAM

Mr D Flynn DARLINGTON dflynn@cornmillcentre.co.uk 07967 7741165

Maj (Retd) A Tate Durham artate@btopenworld.com 07783 586 900

DEVON

Mr D Murgatroyd CULLOMPTON davemurgs@hotmail.com 07512 729141

DORSET

Major (Retd) J T Lodge BROADSTONE jlodge76@hotmail.com

ESSEX

Mr J K Stanworth OLD HARWICH john.stanworth@rnib.org.uk 07830 173227

EAST SUSSEX

Mr Eric Reed HAILSHAM ericreed84@hotmail.com 07938 858896

GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Mr J McCauley FAIRFORD jaskel1993@talktalk.net 01285 713004

GREATER MANCHESTER

Mr A Lister RADCLIFFE alan-lister47@alanlister1.plus.com 0161 725 9851

HAMPSHIRE

Capt W A B Henderson RVM PORTSMOUTH bill_henderson@ntlworld.com 02392 385806

HERTFORDSHIRE

Mr N D Gilbert BUSHEY ndg5@icloud.com 0208 950 2926

KENT

Mr J Dean AYLESFORD jezdean101@msn.com 07505 717875

Mr D H Underwood FARNINGHAM dubigd@aol.com 01322 866334

LANCASHIRE

Mr R L Mather LANCASTER orders@fatchimp.co.uk 01422 847547

LEICESTERSHIRE

Mr B J Dutton COUNTESTHORPE bdutton164@btinternet.com 07887 701 007

LINCOLNSHIRE

Mr D I Savage SLEAFORD david.i.Savage@icloud.com 01529 488575

NORFOLK

Mr A J Gook NORWICH jimgook@btinternet.com 01603 484336

NORTH YORKSHIRE

Mr H Stangroom SKIPTON harrystangroom@aol.co.uk 01756 709121

Mr J A Denton HARROGATE johny.denton@googlemail.com 01423 772999

Mr G M McInerny FYLINGTHORPE gm.mcinerny@btinternet.com 01947 880298

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE

Mr B W J Reece CLIPSTONE VILLAGE brianreece2@gmail.com 07795 842 592

OXFORDSHIRE

Mr S English

IPSDEN steve_english@btopenworld.com 07500 948176

SOUTH YORKSHIRE

Mr W A Loftus DINNINGTON loftusalive@aol.com 01909 518405/07956 478238

STAFFORDSHIRE

Mr F Fox STAFFORD f-fox@sky.com 01785 252351

Mr C D Watson RUGELEY clive847watson@btinternet.com 01889 500656

SOMERSET

Mr B R Kelland WELLINGTON brnkll@hotmail.co.uk 07882 969 032

SURREY

Mr T G W Carrington 01276 36384

Mr T Morgan-Jelpke WEYBRIDGE

t.morgan897@ntlworld.com 01932 854935

WEST YORKSHIRE

Mr K C O’Connor LEEDS dezi656@yahoo.co.uk 0113 275 1816

Mr M P Goodyear HUDDERSFIELD mikegoodyear@live.co.uk 01484 605888

WILTSHIRE

Mr J M Steel ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT jon.steel@sema4tech.co.uk 07931 818513

Mr J Postance Salisbury johnnyp38@hotmail.com 07769 906391

SCOTLAND

ANGUS

Mr S Smith

DUNDEE

stu.smith@btinternet.com 01382 562554

FIFE

Mr D Cumming

KENNOWAY

thebear89@gmx.com 07921 515150

WALES

POWYS

Mr A T Prynne

BUILTH WELLS at.mprynne@btinternet.com 01982 552296

ISLE OF MAN

Mr T Bougourd Douglas bougourd@manx.net 07624 453168

NORTHERN IRELAND & EIRE

Mr G S Armstrong Northern Ireland g_arm_99@yahoo.co.uk 07801 939511

REST OF THE WORLD

AUSTRALIA

Mr G Coleman

REYNELLA coleman839@gmail.com (0061) 8381 2074

Mr R Barnes TASMANIA

rbarnes@tassie.net.au 00 6103 6429 1227

CANADA

Mr C Grant MEDICINE HAT crgrant@telus.net 403 527 2982

NEW ZEALAND

Mr J Bell

TORBAY jigjag@vodafone.co.nz 09 473 3343

USA

Mr A D Richards CANTON NEW York andyrichards62@gmail.com 001-315-714-2282

Mr K J Frape SOUTH CAROLINA frpkth@aol.com 001 (803) 787 1244

Mr R J G Kay PLATE CITY MISSOURI rjgkayusa@yahoo.com 001 816 872 6161

The Life Guards Memorial, National Memorial Arboretum - 1946 to the present day

After many years of discussion within the The Life Guards Association (LGA) the LGA Honorary Secretary was asked to provide some options for a fitting Life Guards memorial to be placed at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA). After months of discussions and visits to the NMA three options were researched. One option was to place a memorial close to the Household Division site in the surrounding woodland, the second option was to place the memorial with the rest of the Cavalry plots and option three which was suggested by the RHG/D was to share their plot and create a Household Cavalry plot. After looking at all three options carefully, the shared plot option was chosen. After various negotiations with the NMA an agreed format for the site was proposed and then put to and passed the NMA planning permission board.

The next phase was to get the works done; it is at this point I believe that mention should go to Mr Ian Taylor the Branch Secretary of the Household Cavalry Association North Staffs Branch and Mr Ken Healey who is a Branch member who between them completed all of the works to a very high standard and I cannot thank them enough. If you have not visited the site please do, I am sure you will be impressed by their efforts.

The 28th September 2017 was the chosen date to hold a Dedication Service for the unveiling of the Memorial. We were delighted and honoured to have Field Marshal the Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank, Colonel The Life Guards, in attendance along with approximately 60 plus Association members. The service was moving and memorable and thankfully the weather was kind. After the service everybody who attended retired to a local hotel for food and refreshments. I would like to thank all who attended the service for making this such a special event.

In summary, it has taken two years for The Life Guards plot to come to fruition and the outcome is that we now have a Life Guards Memorial as part of a Household Cavalry Memorial plot which hopefully many of you will visit and enjoy for many years to come.

The Life Guards Memorial

The dedication given by Revd Mrs Ian Taylor

Veterans Carter, Darley and Goodwin

Peter Thellusson talks to the Colonel and Brig James Emson

The Blues and Royals Association Annual Report 2016/17

President Chairman

Honorary Secretary

Honorary Treasurer

Honorary Legal Advisor

Mr E L Lane

Mr D A Chamberlain

Mr P Storer

Major (Retd) A M Harris

Mr N Hemming

Mr D Claridge

Aims and Object

HRH The Princess Royal KG KT GCVO QSO

Colonel (Retd) J P Eyre

Captain C J Elliott

Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) M A Harding

Major (Retd) A T Lawson-Cruttenden TD

Committee Members

Mr S Gillingham

Mr P B Lawson

Mr H Rumbelow

Mr I Thompson

Captain (Retd) C J Trinick

Mr W Foster

and all serving Warrant Officers of The Blues and Royals at Regimental Duty

During the past year the Association has continued to maintain its aims and objectives as laid down in the Constitution and Rules. Specifically, the sum of £22,512.80 has been distributed from funds to applications for assistance from a total of 27 cases dealt with by the committee. The Annual Dinner was held at Combermere Barracks, 7th May 2016, with 271 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 31st March 2017.

Summary of Financial assistance given during the year:

Applications received 38 Grants/Donations made 27

Applications referred to other funds 26

INCOME

Days Pay Scheme

Dividends

Bank Interest

Subs and Donations

Annual Dinner

Christmas Cards Grant Refunds

Adjustments/Refunds

Diaries

Postage received for Cards

Miscellaneous

TOTAL

CASH and BANK

Cash in Hand

Current and Deposit Accts

Total Cash and Bank

Debtors

Creditors

Total Funds

Reasons for assistance

The following is a summary of the main purposes for which grants/donations were made during the past year. Sums involved ranged from £250 to £1678:

Income

Income and Expenditure was £49,043.90 of which £8,971.63 was either contributed by serving officers and soldiers under the ‘Days Pay Scheme’ or received from membership subscriptions and donations. Dividend Income from our investments portfolio for the period was

Financial Statement

£35,369.12

£25,403.85

£3.77

£12,632.97

£3,455.00

£5,745.00

£1,205.95

£0.00

£5,600.15

£0.00

£10,472.17

£99,887.98 2015-2016

£0.00

£99,710.05

£99,710.05

£0.00

£0.00

£99,710.05

£21,828.82. Interest on bank deposits was £3.40. £46,000 was transferred from income to Investments thus reducing money in bank to around the £50,000.00 benchmark agreed by the Committee.

Expenditure

Expenditure for the period totalled £100,511.54 but reducing to £54,511.54 after £46,000.00 was transferred to Investments.

Miscellaneous costs were £18,740.53 however £8,143.30 was recovered thus reducing the overall costs to £10,597.23. These costs include the cost of Honoraria, transport costs for Battlefield Tours and other various smaller events as well as such admin costs as IT Support, insurances, memorabilia and NMA Maintenance.

2016-17

£3,203.99

£21,828.82

£3.40

£5,767.64

£3,230.00

£5,320.00

£886.75

£0.00

£660.00

£0.00

£8,143.30

£49,043.90

2016-17

£0.00

£54,086.67

£54,086.67

£0.00

£0.00

£54,086.67 2015-16

EXPENDITURE

Grants in Aid

Wreaths/memorials

Postage incl Cards

Annual Dinner

Christmas Cards

Regt Journal

Misc (Admin, Honorariums, BFT, Tpt)

Transfer to Investments

TOTAL

Investment Portfolio

2015-2016

£20,690.10

£5,955.25

£2,239.67

£11,629.67

£1,972.39 £0.00

£22,427.84 £0.00

£64,914.92

2016-17

£22,512.80

£2,446.38

£1,654.77

£7,203.46

£1,953.60

£0.00

£18,740.53

£46,000.00

£100,511.54

The total investment portfolio currently sits at £1,143,891. The RHG/D Association Investments make up 45% of this total thus making our share of the portfolio at £2,488,265.

Report of the Independent Examiner

I have examined the Balance Sheet and the Income and Expenditure accounts and report that, in my opinion, these accounts give a true and fair view of the Association’s affairs as at 31st March 2017 and the excess of income over expenditure for the year ended on that date.

A T Lawson-Cruttenden TD MA, Solicitor Advocate, DG Law 3rd Floor, 6 Braham Street, London E1 8EE

Aims and Objects

The Blues and Royals Oliver Montagu Fund Annual Report 2016-2017

During the past year the Association has continued to maintain its aims and objectives as laid down in the Constitution and Rules. There has been one request for assistance to assist a wife, who herself is infirmed, to visit her husband, who had near fatal heart attacks, in hospital in London. This amounted to £2,291.85.

Income

Dividends

Interest Grant Refunds Adjustments

Totals

Expenditure Grants

Legal Fees

Staff Honorarium Adjustments

Arboretum Totals

Investment Portfolio

Income Income was £39,238.50 which came mainly from Investments. Interest on bank deposits was £4.29 a decrease of -£3.15 over the previous account period.

Expenditure

Expenditure for the period totalled £10,891.85.

Financial Statement

2015-2016

£23,243.35

£7.44

£0.00

£0.00

£23,250.79

2015-2016

£1,250.00

£4,998.00

£2,100.00

£0.00

£0.00

£8,348.00

2016-2017

£19,977.12

£4.29

£0.00

£0.00

£19,981.41

2016-2017

£3,291.85

£3,000.00

£4,600.00

£0.00

£0.00

£10,891.85

The total investment portfolio currently sits at £6,034,557.00. The RHG/D Oliver Montague Fund Investments make up 17.5% of this total thus making our share of the portfolio at £1,050,000.00.

Report of the Independent Examiner

I have examined the Balance Sheet and the Income and Expenditure accounts and report that, in my opinion, these

Cash in Hand

Debtors

Creditors

Totals

Administration costs over the last 12 months were £11,377.41. The main expenses are as follows:

Staff Honoraria

Legal Advisor

£4,600.00

£3,000.00

2015-2016

£23,243.35

£7.44

£0.00

£0.00

£23,250.79

2016-2017

£0.00

£39,238.50

£14,933.54

£0.00

£0.00

£54,172.04

accounts give a true and fair view of the Association’s affairs as at 31st March 2017 and the excess of income over expenditure for the year ended on that date.

A

T

LAWSON-CRUTTENDEN

TD MA Solicitor

Advocate

3rd Floor, 6 Braham Street London E1 8EE

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of The Blues and Royals Association Committee held at Hyde Park Barracks, Combermere Barracks on Saturday 13th May 2017

The Chairman opened the meeting at 1830hrs with 42 members present, by welcoming all those attending and introducing himself to members with whom he had not served. He conveyed his thanks to Lt Col Edward Hayward MBE Comd Offr HCR, for the use by the Association of Combermere Barracks and WO1 (RCM) S Parker for the use of the WOs’ and NCOs’ Mess.

The Chairman mentioned that 210 tickets were sold this year which was lower than the previous year; however we do know this is down to the Royal Windsor Horse Show taking place at the same time which unfortunately had an impact with accommodation being booked up.

Minutes of the Last Meeting

The Chairman informed the meeting that the Minutes for the AGM 2016 were

included in the Household Cavalry Journal; this had been arriving at members’ homes over the last few weeks.

It was Proposed by Mr D Claridge, seconded by WO1 (RCM) Parker, that the Minutes be passed as a true record. The meeting agreed.

Accounts

The Hon Treasurer read out a statement of the accounts.

No points were raised

Females Attending the Annual Dinner

The Chairman asked for the view of the AGM with the thorny issue of wives/ partners attending the Annual Dinner; there was a view with next year being our 50th Dinner that the Association should be progressive enough to invite wives/partners. This would increase

numbers and also relieve pressure on the serving Regt’s backfilling the gaps with Troopers who were reluctant to attend.

This year we had the privilege to welcome our first female soldier, CoH Collette Fear, to the Association Dinner having just transferred from the Artillery.

The Chairman asked if there were any views from the floor; Mr Pete Storer, Mr Paul Young and Capt (Retd) C Trinick all voiced their support for allowing females to attend the annual dinner. As there were no objections from the floor, the Chairman agreed that it was a unanimous decision; motion carried.

Change of Committee Members

Mr Rumbelow had volunteered to step down as Ctee member which complies

with the constitution to facilitate an opportunity for new members of the Assn to be elected to the Committee.

Maj Les Kibble who served from 1982 to 2015 had volunteered to take up the post as long as no one had any objections. Ratification of new members was required: Proposed by Capt (Retd) Trinick, Seconded by Maj (Sqn Ldr) Gardner.

The Combined Cavalry Parade

The Chairman mentioned that security passes were required to gain entry into Hyde Park Barracks; Members were to give names to Home HQ by contacting Mr Ken Robertson prior to the parade so that he could issue the pass.

There would be a 53 seater coach on the Square tomorrow, leaving Combermere at 0900hrs: departing from Hyde Park at 1300hrs.

Dunville Commemorations

This year marked the 100th anniversary of 2Lt John Spencer Dunville VC being awarded the VC; to remember this event there had been a number of events to mark this outstanding act of valour.

1. A Paving slab laid outside the MoD Main supported by HCMR and the Association.

2. B Sqn would meet up with the H Cav Motorbike club at Villers-Faucon France to carry out a small wreath laying service with the Regimental Padre and Trumpeter on the 26th June.

3. Mr Paul Young briefed the AGM on the event taking place in NI where the Dunville family originate; during his brief Mr Young expressed his disappointment that he wasn’t being supported by the serving Regt.

Household Cavalry Open Day 2017

The Chairman was delighted that there would be an Open Day at Combermere Barracks on Saturday 24th June; this is open to all Association Members who would like to attend, the Chairman invited Capt McWhirter to give a brief on the Open Day.

Any Other Business

Mr Jack Davies highlighted that the HCMR WOs’ and NCOs’ Mess bar ran out of beer early on 2016 Cavalry Sunday. WO2 (SCM) Samson assured him this would not happen this year and there would be a Bar in the gym for use.

Mr Dave Bradley asked if the Association Dinner could be moved to a different

date as he felt the cost of two events over the same weekend was putting a strain on some of the older members. The Chairman replied that the dinner date was always under constant review but it’s such a big issue, the committee would discuss this.

Mr Dave Bradley asked how would female soldiers manage to wear cuirasses when stationed at HCMR. The Chairman pointed out that this issue would have been discussed at the highest levels and would have been addressed.

Mr Shillabeer pointed out that the wrong spelling of Tpr Thornett on the monument in camp should be corrected as soon as possible. The Chairman thanked Mr Shillabeer for highlighting this issue; it would be looked into by the Hon Sec.

The meeting was closed at 1853 hrs

Next AGM

The next AGM would be held in Combermere Barracks at 1830hrs on the 12th May 2018.

2018 Annual Dinner

The next Annual Dinner, the 50th, would be held AGM at Combermere Barracks on Saturday 12th May 2018.

The Blues and Royals Association Regional Representatives 2017

Regional Representatives of The Blues and Royals Association are volunteers that have agreed to have their details published in the Household Cavalry Journal in order that they may be contacted by other Association members in their area. Initially the Regional Representatives will provide contact with Home Headquarters for those who have served but have lost touch with the Regiment. Additionally, they may be asked to represent the Association at funerals of departed comrades, visit former members of the Regiment and circulate Regimental information to those in their area. If you would like to be considered as a Regional Representative for the Association please contact the Honorary Secretary at the address shown within the Association information.

ENGLAND

SOUTH EAST

Berkshire

Mr P Henney 07738 150 113 fatblokefromstoke@gmail.com

Essex

Mr T J Young 01702 351 228 timkim.young@btinternet.com

Hampshire

Mr L Elliott 07508 326 526 lesfaccombe@aol.com

Mr G Demmellweek-Pooley 07920 131 093 graham3546@gmail.com

Kent

Mr A Gaddes 07842 624 724 Alexgaddes@aol.com

Mr N G Sargeant 01732 355 259 nevsargeant@gmail.com

Mr E Lane 07827 328 760 ericllane_@hotmail.com

Middlesex

Mr M Perry 07753 603 080 matt.p140362@gmail.com

South London/Surrey/Hamps

Mr J Dickens 07715 539 141 jpd3614@aol.com

Surrey

Mr N C Lewis-Baker 01372 456 025 ma2da@hotmail.co.uk

West Sussex

Mr M Bray 07738 565 830 mathewbray@yahoo.com

SOUTH WEST

Cornwall

Mr B H Coode 01726 882 488 bhcoode@btinternet.com

Mr A Baldwin 07792 581 344 alangbaldwin@yahoo.co.uk

Devon

Mr D F Harris 07837 101 402 davidharris526@hotmail.co.uk

Wiltshire

Mr N Hancock 07816 935 501 n.hancock369@btinternet.com

Wiltshire/Gloucestershire

Mr H F Jodrell 07909 887 711 hjodrell@btinternet.com

EAST ANGLIA

Norfolk

Mr A Wigginstein 07876401021 Andrfeath@aol.com

Mr S McCormack 07738 939 051 spencermccormack@hotmail.co.uk

Mr Paul Gray Paulgrayfarrier@hotmail.co.uk

Suffolk

Mr A Davies 07741 310459 andy635@me.com

Mr G Kingham 07766 001 919 big_gray@hotmail.com

MIDLANDS

East Midlands

Mr S Davies 07791 585 144 studava42@mail.com

Hertfordshire

Mr C Seddon 07846 662 352 cjseds1@yahoo.co.uk

Leicestershire

Mr C Payne 07782 341 089 chas@nexus22.com

Peterborough

Mr T Uglow 07775 639 876 tomuglow78@gmail.com

West Midlands

Mr L M Shayler 01564 775 387 johnshayler@yahoo.com

West Midlands/Staffs

Mr I M Smith 07525 128 475 Ian.imsmith@yahoo.co.uk

West Midlands/Walsall

Mr B J Pyke 07983 058 364 bjpyk@aol.com

Worcestershire

Mr J Ward 07753 295 152 Julian.ward@hotmail.co.uk

NORTH WEST

Liverpool

Mr K Hancock 07809 573 956 kevinhancock2010@gmail.com

North Staffs/South Cheshire Maj (Retd) L Villers 07876 386 513 laurence.villers1@btinternet.com

NORTH EAST

Doncaster

Mr D Miles 07984 453 521 dmmiles@blueyonder.co.uk

Durham

Mr J Beard 07534 680 849 jimbeard98@yahoo.co.uk

Newcastle

Mr D Horsefield 01912 665 440 david@horsefield4306.freeserve.co.uk

Northumberland

Mr Tuckwood 01661 860 297 anthonytuckwood@gmail.com

Scunthorpe

Mr P Smith 07897 656 825 pete.smith@northlincs.gov.uk

Sheffield

Mr P Harding 07875 620 685 paul_harding@btinternet.com

Yorkshire

Mr A Mardon 07824 468 843 limerick123@aol.com

SCOTLAND

Renfrewshire

Mr S Newman 07983 533 436 stephennewman@hotmail.com

Highland

Mr B Oakley 01381 620 968 brianoakley44@gmail.com

Dumfries & Galloway

Mr I Munro 07724 207 321 ianmunro443@hotmail.com

WALES/IRELAND

Merthyr Tydfil

Mr N Hardwidge 01685 841 335 rafafan@aol.com

Mid Wales

Mr Seager 07411 470 769 clive.seager@btinternet.com

North Wales

Mr Bishop Mjbishop31445430@aol.com

South Wales/Newport

Mr N Allen 07767 036 575 nudallen@googlemail.com

SE Wales

Mr W Ward-Davies 07917 644 160 taffdavies18@hotmail.com

Northern Ireland

Mr P Young 07710613033 dpaulyoung@hotmail.com

Ireland

Mr Timmis 0035 (0) 861 767 387 ronaldtchrist@hotmail.co.uk OVERSEAS

Australia

Mr T Dyson tonydyson2439@msn.com AMERICAS

Canada/Alberta

Mr P Slater 780 472 7380 londonredpaul@yahoo.ca

Canada/Nova Scotia

Mr Bruce Snell 1-902-467 0123 brucesnell@live.com

Central USA

Mr P Scott 001 414 541 6374 scottphilip@att.net

Eastern USA

Mr Rixon 001 781 237 6970 crixon@verizon.net

Southern USA

Mr McDonald 001 985 845 3403 wmcdonald@enbisso.com

South West USA

Mr W Brady 001 818 757 7050 yourcar@earthlink.net

Western USA

Mr S Link 001 917 744 2243 stuart.link@devere-group.com

EUROPE

Bulgaria

Mr B Wall spectemuragendo.195@gmail.com

Canaries

Mr S MacKay 07824 706 859 simon.mackay@sky.com

Cyprus

Mr Seager 05338 823 935 clive.seager@gmail.com

Mr Duffy 96 39 23 41 dufftech@live.co.uk

Germany

Mr M Binks 01609 121 359 mike.binks@web.de

Jersey

Mr D Blake 01534 608 838 harkyblah@hotmail.com

Portugal

Mr P Hulland 00351 235 772 143 peter.hulland@talktalk.net

Spain

Mr M Holt 0034 9525 20260 kandmholt@yahoo.co.uk

Sweden

Mr P Young 0046 768 83 60 95 young.paul.c@gmail.com

Hong Kong

Mr J Dewe +85298 660 936 johndewe@outlook.com

REST OF THE WORLD

Thailand

Mr D Rushforth +66 932 432 473 davidrushforth@sky.com

Tanzania/Kenya

Mr J Corse +255 753 353 760 jamcorse@gmail.com

Mauritius

Mr H Sutherland harry.sutherland@me.com

Household Cavalry - Home Headquarters

Location - Combermere Barracks

The Team

Regimental SecretaryCapt Chris Elliott RHG/D (RHG/D Honorary Secretary)

Regimental Assistant SecretaryMr Ken Robertson RHG/D (LG Honorary Secretary)

Admin OfficerMrs Rosendale (Jodie)

2017 has been a busy but very proactive year for HHQ, 2018 being the last full year we have in Combermere Barracks with the Regiment before the move to Bulford in summer 2019; our main focus will be to ensure we are up to date with all our members’ records. We are managing a total of 4460 records and with the new Data Protection (DP) process coming in this year we have been furiously collecting signed DP forms. I would like to thank you all for assisting us with this process: if you have not yet completed the DP form you will find a loose flyer in this copy of the Journal. Failure to comply will unfortunately mean removal from our database and the loss of the annual Journal, and any current information.

Over the last year HHQ have unfortunately had to notify you of 105 members who have passed away; this is the downside of the role but we have had an increase of people attending funerals about which they would not otherwise have known without e-notification.

On the Welfare front covering January to December 2017, we have had request for financial assistance from 77 members of which we have assisted 56 totalling £36,538.19: all the requests come to us via the SSAFA/RBL computer system. If you know of anyone who is in need of assistance please direct them to SSAFA or HHQ.

HHQ now has our own dedicated

website. This is kept up to date with all the up and coming events in which we think you would be interested. This can be found in the FOE (Forecast of Events) part of the site. There are lots of useful links on the site which we feel can also help you. If you have any ideas of what else you think we could add to the site please feel free to contact us. As you are probably aware we now have our own Social Media sites which also run very well. Since we went live on Facebook we have managed to add around 1,000 email addresses to our database. Please contact HHQ if you would like more information.

The Website can be found by searching http://householdcavalry.co.uk

In the first quarter of the year Ken and I focused on preparing a battlefield tour (BFT) which was introduced as a fixed event of the annual calendar in 2015. Since then we have covered Waterloo, Arras/Vimy Ridge and Ypres Salient. 2018 will see us taking 2 coaches to follow the route of 2 HCR. One of the great aspects of these tours is serving soldiers meeting the Association Members and sharing stories along with the odd beer or 10. If you have not already been involved with a BFT and would like to attend please contact HHQ for more details.

Two Association dinners where held in Combermere Barracks (LG in Sept and RHG/D in May) with around 500 members attending both dinners. Along with the main Association Dinners the 4 Branches held various events in Dorset, Staffordshire, NW/West Yorkshire and the NE areas; the Branches are always on the lookout for new members. Please contact either the branch direct or HHQ if you would like to get involved.

After looking at the geographic spread of our Branches we decided to hold two separate dinners with a view to making

it easier for H Cav members to meet. The first dinner was held in Edinburgh, with the very kind offer from Maj (Retd) Sir Ed Mountain MSP using the Scottish Parliament Holyrood. Thirty-two people enjoyed superb food and wine followed by a trip to the local bar. This year’s dinner will be held on the 5th October at the same venue.

The next location was the West Country where the Household Cavalry have over 300 people living in Somerset, Devon and Cornwall; we opted for Exeter as the central location. Fifty-two people attended which turned out to be a great night. The venue will change for this year but the dinner will still be held in November in the Exeter area.

The Christmas cards for both Associations is always a topic of conversation. Each year it gets more difficult to find a good image which has not been used in the past. In 2017 HHQ sold 24,000 cards to our members. We sold out of all the cards by mid November; this year we will be ordering 26,000 cards; all the proceeds raised go directly into the Association Welfare Funds. I would like to thank all who purchased the cards along with the generous donations made on top of the price of the cards. You’ll be please to know Jodie thoroughly enjoyed packing and posting out the 24,000 cards.

With both the Honorary Secretaries being keen motor bikers, the Household Cavalry motorbike club has risen from the ashes. With a membership of 120 retired and serving guys we aim to complete three to four rides a year. Over the last few years the Club has laid wreaths at Commonwealth War Graves sites on the battlefields of WW1, visited HCMR summer camp, been invited to stay at Lt Col Stibbe’s and Maj Gen Sir Barney White-Spunner’s properties, where we were looked after with food and copious amounts of beer.

Household Cavalry Foundation 2017

by

Lieutenant

2017 marked three significant Household Cavalry Anniversaries;

1. The Centenary of John Spencer Dunville winning a VC on 25th June 1917. 2. 35th anniversary of victory in The Falklands’ War and poignantly…

3. The Hyde Park Bombing that killed four members of The Blues and Royals mounting Queen’s Life Guard on 20th July 1982.

Financially 2016-17 proved to be an opportunity for more generosity to our priority beneficiaries - our operational casualties, their dependants, both Regiments and our Band - and to consolidate available funds and staff. This was partly due to what pundits have dubbed ‘the BREXIT bounce’, and, above all, to the kindness of members of our wider Household Cavalry family giving to their fellow members often via sport with some heroic individual performances and local community support.

Before listing their achievements, it’s key to remind readers how user-friendly it is to fund-raise for the HCF and our Regimental Associations: entry-fees and kit are usually subsidised or paid by HCF; and Old Comrade, Matt Pellet, who owns Troop Logos, very kindly makes kit at a discount. So please discuss your ideas with me.

So far this year the HCF (£60K) and our Regimental Associations (£40K) have spent £100K on Welfare. So please remember us if you are planning a fundraising event.

2017’s feats on our behalf include:

• Kiera Doncaster (15 year old daughter of an Old Comrade) achieved a 15,500 ft Parachute descent; her father, Colin, claims Kiera wants to join the Army!

• The Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry’s Jerudong Park polo at Cirencester where they were motivated by SCpl Preston, their former Squadron PTI, and Capt Vestey.

• The HCav Veterans’ Football Team.

• Capt Cochrane-Dyet ran the London

Colonel (Retd) Giles Stibbe OBE

Marathon.

• Two Ultra-Marathons: LCoH McAuliffe along the river Thames, and Lt Perera across Jordan’s desert.

• Michael Beaumont ran the Newark half-Marathon.

• CoH Martin finished in the top third of the Joberg 2 Coast cycle challenge.

• HCav All Ranks’ polo team beat Harvard University.

• Lt Col Johnny Wheeler hosted us at his Sandbanks’ polo tournament.

• Capts Chauveau and Whitbread played their annual very competitive cricket match.

• The Beckwith, Loveday, Marshall and Sheardown Families, Capt Fryer and British Polo Gin and Cotswold Gin & Whisky also made donations for specific purposes such as our Museum’s new educational initiatives.

Local benefactors included The Mayor of Windsor, Sayonara Luxton, who chose the HCF as her Charity for her year in office, and introduced two charities to our Museum and Archives. Special thanks to the HCav Recruiting and Public Engagement Team for their expert and cheerful help at The Royal Windsor Horse Show, Sandbanks and Cirencester. Our Band played two stellar Gala ‘Through Music We Care’ Concerts for The HCF - 10th May with the Orion Youth Orchestra and pop icon Rick Wakeman in The Guards’ Chapel, and 8th December with the Morriston Orpheus (Welsh Male Voice) Choir in Ely Cathedral.

This year The HCF helped to fund special hearing aids for a child of one of our musicians. Both our Regiments and our Band again received annual funding on a per capita basis to enhance their soldiers and dependants’ quality of life with positive results that aid recruiting and retention. The HCF part-funded a new recruiting film and some globally iconic photographs to be sold on our behalf.

Congratulations are due to a serving soldier’s wife who gained a 1st Class Honours’ degree in Law. The HCF helped to buy her reading list; she will also use these books during her legal career. Our Welfare Committee’s two top priorities are:

1. To prepare for the gradual emergence of latent Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

2. To ensure the continual quality of prosthetics for our Wounded, Injured and Sick (WIS).

Most significantly our operational

casualties and their dependants, and veterans received more welfare support than before. HCF also now helps some to train for new careers as well as maintaining core funding for specialist treatment; for example from the new Veterans’ Centre at King Edward VII Hospital that opened in November 2017. Readers will understand why individual case details cannot be revealed, but examples include:

• Making the initial payment (due on their 18th birthdays) from our Children’s Fund to the first of five children whose fathers have died on operations since 2003.

• The wife of one of our Operational Casualties passed the first annual assignment of her Open University Teacher Training course. The HCF also helped to buy a specialist helmet for her husband.

• A Paralympian has won the Gold medal in 2018’s World Bobsleigh Championships. This double-amputee’s aim is now the 2022 Winter Paralympic Games in Beijing.

• Support for the family of one of our soldiers killed in action. In his honour one of our black horses was given his nickname: Magpie

• An Old Comrade has qualified as a helicopter pilot; a truly amazing success for a man with very serious lower limb injuries.

This year’s Remounts include one named Reggie in memory of the greatuncle of one of our Museum’s Trustees whose forbears were among those original Life Guards who protected The Royal Oak where Prince Charles hid after the battle of Worcester in 1651.

Corie Mapp as The Para-Bobsleigh World Champion

Capt CI Cochrane-Dyet, raising funds for the HCF

Our Museum benefitted from the charity organising The Patron’s Lunch in The Mall. Undaunted, like our Colonel-inChief, by the damp weather on the Sunday after last year’s Birthday Parade, the HCF received one of the resultant grants. This will be used with Windsor Charity funds to refurbish our Museum’s shop and Archives; both need to be refreshed as they’ve been open for ten years. The HCF also funded war memorials overseas that are maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves; the repair of a Dingo armoured car; and a robust carrying-case for the Zetland Trophy that’s displayed in our Museum; and supported the ceremonies for laying up our old Standards and Guidon in cathedrals, churches and chapels with links to Household Cavalrymen. The Horse Trust, home to several of our retired black, grey and drum horses, received a donation.

The HCF is a beneficiary of the new War Horse Memorial to be built adjacent to Ascot racecourse. Strategically HCF is focused on securing more donors, rather than holding expensive events which have risk and are not guaranteed.

HCF has rationalised its operations with these initiatives, having five Trusteesfour Household Cavalrymen and one civilian. The Chairman is the senior serving Household Cavalry officer. The HCF’s staff has reduced to one full-time, and one part time, Mary Edwards our book-keeper once a week: and we are fully stream-lined with HQ Household Cavalry and the Museum. HCF is invested in a portfolio managed by Schroder Cazenove.

It must also be understood that Restricted Funds must only be spent on the entity that the donors described. On 14th September 2017 the Charity Commission formally confirmed that the HCF was the active entity that had succeeded the Household Cavalry Central Charitable Fund and the Household Cavalry Serving Officers’ Trust, both fully integrated. The Day’s Pay Scheme, to which all ranks are asked to subscribe, continues to be shared with both Regimental Associations who receive the majority. Gift Aid is applied whenever possible. A former officer has very generously anonymously endowed a Quick Reaction Welfare Fund.

All retail is now coordinated by the Household Cavalry Museum’s shop. The only exception is clothing that is either supplied by Old Comrade Matt Pellet of ‘Troop Logos’, or Strathcarron; specialist HCav accoutrements are supplied via both regiments. Buzzacott, our auditors, consider the monthly operating surplus of about £1K is sensible for Foundations like ours. Our Reserves, Expenses and Investment policies are also approved. The HCF’s Website and ‘Social Media’ are now linked primarily to all Regimental sites. Reassuringly the overall Household Cavalry website with its seven official inputs was praised by Army HQ as an exemplar for all similar military websites.

Household Cavalry Foundation Report 2016 - 2017

Charity Registration Number 1013978 Company Registration Number 08236363 (England and Wales)

Income and Expenditure

Income from:

Transfer from the Serving Officers Trust

Donations and legacies

Other trading activities

Investments and interest receivable

Total income

Expenditure on:

Raising funds

Transfers between funds

Net movement in funds Fund balances at 1st April 2016

balances at 31st March 2017

2,970,443 3,302,275 ) )

SCpl Preston at Cirencester Park July 2017 with the Jerudong Polo teams

The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than those shown above. All the above results were derived from continuing operations.

The Household Cavalry Museum

Upon the invitation of the Lieutenant Colonel Commanding and the Trustees of the Museum, on the evening of Thursday, 30th November 2017, HRH The Princess Royal, Colonel, The Blues and Royals attended a Reception at the Household Cavalry Museum to mark the Tenth Anniversary, Horse Guards Parade, London, SW1 and was received by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London, Mr Kenneth Olisa: she met staff, Trustees, and guests and learned about the wonderful work ongoing at the Museum.

This year we were thrilled to work with educational publisher Gresham Books to create our first children’s publication ‘Trusted Guardians’. This fun, picture filled book encourages visits from younger guests and work in parallel with our new Schools Programme. We’d love to welcome your local school or children’s class; do pop in for more details, see the website, or email education@householdcavalry.co.uk if you’d

The Princess Royal’s entry in the Visitor’s book

by Alice Pearson, Director

like a copy of the Schools Programme emailed to you.

Families are also always welcome to our holiday and half term events. All activities are publicised on the website and via social media and are included in the Museum entry price. Feedback on your visit is always welcome - in person, or on social media and review sites such as TripAdvisor and Google. Please do follow us on social media to stay in touch, it has helped us reach out further than we possible previously imagined, with one tweet this year reaching 165,000 readers.

An image from the Trusted Guardians book

the invasion of Quebec.

In another effort to reach out to previously untapped audiences, the Museum now has co-produced its own one-off show with History Hit TV- a video on demand service run by historian and presenter Dan Snow. Sign up now for a wealth of engaging and fascinating content on topics as diverse as the fall of the Knights Templar and

Finally, you may have seen the Museum in print in the Times, Telegraph, Guardian, Sun and of course online when we helped the British Legion launch their Virtual Reality walks to commemorate the Battle of Passchendaele. Events like this and ones with the likes of Joanna Lumley and Brough Scott are really pushing the Museum into the public eye. If you’d like to book your own event at the Museum, or can recommend us to someone who would, do get in touch.

Remember, serving Household Cavalry personnel and their accompanying family members can enter the Museum free of charge, as can veteran Household Cavalry personnel. All other military personnel are offered a 50% discount.

Social media streams to please follow: Website: www.householdcavalrymuseum.co.uk

Facebook and Twitter: @hcavmuseum

Instagram: householdcavalrymuseum

The address given by Maj Gen Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne to those attending the party marking the 10th Anniversary of the opening of the Household Cavalry Museum, Horse Guards, Thursday 30th November 2017

Colonel, Lord Lieutenant, Ladies and Gentlemen; Good Evening and thank you for being here tonight, on St Andrew’s Day, to celebrate our Museum’s 10th Anniversary.

For the past decade our Staff and Volunteers have ensured the Household Cavalry’s Battle Honours from Tangier to Afghanistan and our Mounted Ceremonial role is properly preserved for our people, their families and countless appreciative visitors with modern and dynamic displays. It’s also most helpfully immortalised for posterity in

Barney’s definitive, entertaining and weighty history. This would not have been possible without your help, generosity and support.

As you look around these walls that contain so much of our heritage, the dual role that epitomizes the ‘best of both worlds’ is striking. From the helmet, breastplate and arm protection worn by one of Unton Crooke’s Ironsides during the English Civil War some 357 years ago to the display of the medals won by the self-styled ‘Bullet Magnet’ Flynn one can see and feel history in the

making. It was, of course, those same Ironsides that became Aubrey de Vere’s Blues and charged with the Life Guards at Waterloo where they, and the Royals, respectively won the right to wear the cuirasses and the eagle of Napoleon’s 105th Regiment that we maintain with pride today. The picture of Sizzler Fry is beautifully illustrative too. He is photographed twice - once on parade carrying the Standard and once in battle, tangible illustration of the breadth of our employment.

And we would have achieved little

Chelsea Pensioners lost in virtual reality

if any of this without our steeds. The medal awarded to Freddie, our solesurviving horse from the Boer War, is on show here. Buried by the Cookhouse in Combermere Barracks, generations of Household Cavalrymen have paused for a ‘Condor moment’, knowingly or otherwise, under a tree growing on his grave. Such is the nature of heritage. And it is learning and understanding about one’s history, so often opaque to many, that is important. For without history we have only ignorance. Windsor is of course the site of our original Museum and home to our Archives and Support Collection.

We must pay tribute to the foresight and tenacity of Paddy Tabor, Toby Browne and Stuart Cowen, following the inspiration of Peter Rogers and efforts of Hamon Massey. They saw the opportunity to locate the Museum at the heart of the Capital, amidst the thoroughfare of International London, at the heart of the Household Division. This was savvy. They also ran, in turn, an extended fund raising campaign against a difficult fiscal climate concurrent with the formation of the Foundation and a rise in demand for welfare support. That was no mean feat.

We should also thank two of our Old Comrades, John Lloyd and his successor Pete Storer, and their families and volunteers, for their sterling work hosting visits by all ages, from school-children to senior citizens, to universal acclaim and generational impact. You may have heard Giles report that The Royal Borough of Windsor has recognized

the Household Cavalry as an integral part of the community by making the Foundation their Mayor’s chosen charity thanks, I might add, to Stibbe’s unrelenting enthusiasm and drive. To that end the Archives are recipients of local heritage funds and the Regiment tied a knot thereby formalizing an association.

We are a very tight community. Samantha Wyndham and David Waterhouse, both descendants of original Household Cavalrymen, have played an integral part of this project since its inception, whilst others have come and gone. Our Directors, Martin Westwood and more recently Alice Pearson, have run the show and kept the Balance Sheet in the pink. Tonight was also the right occasion to acknowledge the vital contributions for the past decade of Christine Starling and Derek Redding. It also seems particularly apt that we have a Volunteer whose nickname is Hannibal, though I am not sure that we have achieved the double envelopment so representative of his namesake’s operational prowess at Cannae!

So where do we go from here? No longer can we rely simply on dividends from investments and generous donations to support our serving soldiers, operational casualties, veterans, dependants, horses and heritage as public budgets are restricted and demands increase. The Museum provides an income stream to help make this sustainable and Director HCF is under instruction to fund raise sensibly, without tarnishing our reputation, to make up the shortfall. Latent Post-Traumatic

Stress Disorder is on the rise. Recent research covering the period since the First World War suggests that as many as 8% of those in action may develop PTSD during their lifetime. Secondly the quality of prosthetics has improved beyond recognition, certainly when compared to the wooden arm and hook my father occasionally wore for fishing, courtesy of a German bazooka in 1945. These cost money, but the opportunity they bring was visibly evident during the Invictus Games. Closer to home one of our double-amputees is the current Paralympic world-champion bobsleigh driver. On a similar vein the Foundation made the initial payment this Summer (on their 18th birthdays) from our Childrens’ Fund to the first of 5 children who lost their fathers during the warfighting in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003. And, of interest as a regimental family, 3 widows have married their husbands’ comrades-in-arms over the last 15 years.

On which note, as we stand here 10 years on, I would like to thank you all for your interest, help and generosity without which little of this would have been possible. I hope that we can also count on your continued support, without which we shall be unable to maintain the level of support that I think and hope you agree that our Household Cavalrymen deserve.

Now, may I ask, Colonel, you to present a token of appreciation for a decade’s worth of service to Christine Starling and Derek Redding.

Household Cavalry Regimental Collection Trust (HCRCT)

by Pete Storer, formerly The Blues and Royals

Ihave to admit that I sometimes wonder how I ended up back in the Household Cavalry Museum, as HCRCT is known in Windsor, some 35 years after leaving the Army. Just the luck of the draw I suppose. Having started working at the Museum as a volunteer in late 2014, I was John Lloyd’s assistant in 2016 and took over from him full time at the beginning of 2017. I do look around sometimes and think ‘How did that happen?’

The Museum archive at Combermere Barracks is a unique place to work for all sorts of reasons. We have a fascinating collection of over 12,500 artefacts, countless photographs and a fair library of reference and general military books. When the Household Cavalry Museum at Horse Guards was set up

ten years ago they thought that they had creamed off the best items for display to the general public! Happily we retained the bulk of the collection and one of the main drivers here at Windsor is the importance of opening up our archive to the wider public.

With the assistance of many individuals and teams within the Regiment we have shown over 2000 people, from very young cubs and schoolchildren to the oldest of old comrades, around Combermere Barracks and the Museum during 2017 and the feedback from all the groups has been universally excellent. Particular thanks must go to the senior management team, the Household Cavalry Training Wing, the LAD, the WOs’ and NCOs’ Mess, the long-suffering staff at the Junior Ranks Dining Room

and of course our friends in the Guardroom for their help with this despite all the other pressures they are under.

We continue to develop our programme of tours and it is noticeable that our

Hannah Kearns inspecting an album

guests tend to be pleasantly surprised by the calibre of the serving soldiers they meet during their visits, which cannot be a bad thing for the Regiment. We also continue to develop our close links with the Regimental Engagement team. These tours provide our main revenue stream and we hope to maintain the numbers at about their present level.

The visits team comprises Sue Storer, Hilary Howard, Don Johnson, Bev Lawson, Nigel Lewis-Baker, Ian (Para) Thompson, David (once a Blue, always a Blue) Bradley and Gerry Higham, and me.

We have now settled into a system with historical Regimental research enquiries, which provide us with another money making opportunity. We are keeping well up to date with these and are turning research requests around within a couple of weeks of receipt. Jonathan Holl, with remote assistance from Jim Lees, has this well in hand and appears to be enjoying his work far too much; to such an extent that he has also talked his wife Leslie into volunteering.

With a view to re-accreditation in Summer/Autumn 2018, we are heavily involved in updating the MODES cataloguing system and carrying out a full inventory check. During the course of looking through and repackaging some 150 boxes of documents we have come across many interesting items including a pamphlet relating to the disbandment of Tom Fairfax’s Life Guard in 1648. We believe that there are only three copies of this in existence and it is probably the oldest document we have. Sue, Leslie Holl, Hannah Kearns, Anne Wheeldon and Monica O’Donoghue are working

hard on this and are demonstrating that the IT systems in fact work better when we don’t swear at the computers or bounce the mouses (or should that be mice?) off the walls. Tony Webb is doing a sterling job trying to get to grips with several thousand loose photographs and Kevin Ormerod is working on various projects, including sorting out the store room, and generally fixing things. Sam Keyworth has recently handed over his CCOCA responsibilities and is now helping with the never ending job of sorting and cataloguing documents.

We have been fortunate with our acquisitions during 2017, among the more interesting and valuable were the original shotgun used to good effect by Fred Burnaby at El Teb which was very kindly donated by a relative of the naval officer who loaned Fred the gun in the first place. A poignant addition was a set of First World War medals belonging to Lt Howard Avenel Bligh St George (LG) who was killed by a German sniper near Zillebeke in November 1914. He was 19 years of age and was buried in the ‘Aristocrats graveyard’ at Zillebeke Church. The story of these medals over the last 100 years would make an article in itself but they are now on display in the Museum at Horse Guards with other memorabilia relating to this officer which we already held. One more acquisition worthy of mention was a very fine pair of early 19th century farriers’ axes stamped ‘A’ and ‘H’ Troop 1st Life Guards. These came to us as being surplus to requirement at the Small Arms School Corps Museum via contacts made by Sue on a Curators course at the National Army Museum. Ivor Slade is doing a brilliant virtually single-handed

Ivor Slade rehanging some of the many group photographs

job cleaning, labelling and refurbishing the displays and exhibits.

Several of our ‘old stagers’ have moved on to pastures new during 2017 and we have said goodbye to John Lloyd who continues his slow recovery from serious illness, Harry Mitchell who wanted to devote more time to his allotment, and Ted Land who decided that he’d been working long enough. They all deserve our thanks for being in at the start of rebuilding the archive 9 years ago after the London museum opening. We now have volunteers from The Life Guards, The Blues, The Royals, The Blues and Royals, and several with no Regimental affiliation but with valuable specialist skills.

Every day at the Museum is interesting and we all learn something new each day.

We are always on the lookout for more archive material of course so if any of our readers find themselves in the position of having a clear out and find anything they think may be relevant to any of the Regiments of the Household Cavalry and of historical interest please get in touch, although storage space is limited we may be able to take it off your hands. Pete Storer on curator@ householdcavalry.co.uk or Sue on archive@householdcavalry.co.uk

The main display which illustrates all ages of the Household Cavalry’s history

Legion d’honneur - 295819 Trooper John (Jack) Marsh, The Life Guards

by Ken Robertson, formerly The Blues and Royals

In 2014, the Government of France informed the UK Ministry of Defence that it wished to recognise the selfless acts of heroism and determination displayed by all surviving veterans of the Normandy landings, and of the wider campaigns to liberate France in 1944, by awarding them with the Legion d’honneur.

This recognition would extend beyond the troops who actually landed on and fought their way up the beaches over 70 years ago, and would include Royal Navy and Royal Air Force personnel who operated in support of the landings.

Mr Jack Marsh LG qualified for this unique award having served as part of 2 HCR during WW2 when they landed in Normandy on 13th July 1944. Owing to Jack’s health he was not keen to travel to receive his award, so on 14th December of this year I had the pleasure to meet him at his home with Lt Col The Hon R C Assheton TD DL who, in the presence of Jack’s family and friends, presented Jack with this well earned award of the Legion d’honneur which he graciously accepted. (Col Ralph had served with LG in Iraq, and commanded the RMLY). After the presentation Jack enjoyed telling us many stories from his time whilst serving which was very enjoyable and humorous.

John (Jack) Marsh was born on 16th July 1922. He joined The Life Guards on 19th November 1941 at Halifax; his occupation at the time was recorded as Draughtsman. After initial training at Pirbright and Windsor Jack joined the recently formed 2nd Household Cavalry Regiment on 21st July 1942. 2 HCR was a union of Life Guards and Royal Horse Guards led by RHQ RHG.

Jack served with 2 HCR for the rest of the war and during that time he trained and took part in exercises with the Regiment in the England, landed in Normandy on 13th July 1944, and fought with it during the breakout from the Normandy bridgehead, the pursuit of the defeated German forces across France, into Belgium and Holland and finally finishing the war in Germany.

After the end of the War, the Life Guards in 2 HCR were cross posted to 1 HCR while their Royal Horse Guards colleagues returned to 2 HCR after which both Regiments resumed their pre War identities as The Life Guards and the Royal Horse Guards respectively.

After the war Jack stayed on in The Life Guards and served with the Regiment in Germany and then in Palestine from July to October 1946 when he left the Army. Jack has also been awarded the 1939-45 Star, The France and Germany Star, The War Medal and the Defence Medal together with the General Service medal with bar for Palestine.

“HONI

Household Cavalry Associationson the 2017 Cenotaph Parade

For the first time, in 2016 the Household Cavalry Associations took part in the annual Cenotaph Parade in Whitehall London; 28 Association Members took part in 2016 and a similar number in 2017. With your support we fully intend to take part in this event for the foreseeable future.

Next year will be the 100 year anniversary since the end of World War 1. There are planned commemorative events being held all over the country and Home Headquarters will be applying to take part once again in the Cenotaph Parade to mark this very special year.

If you would like to participate in this National Parade can you please contact Jodie on 01753 755297 or email homehq@householdcavalry.co.uk

Ralph Assheton congratulating Jack Marsh

Mr Danny Holmes and Mr Pat Jones

Featuring Mr N Walker, Mr J Evans, Mr P Halfhide, Mr G York, Mr Mark Consadine

SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE”

Veterans’ Pension Alert!

(Editorial note. It came to my attention that some of our veterans may be missing out. I asked the Society to send an alert that we might publish.)

We know that young people do not join the Army for the pension and we also know that most serve for relatively short periods. Although they will never forget their Service careers, they will probably be a bit hazy about their pension entitlement - and, given the number of changes that have occurred since preserved pensions (PPs) were introduced, it is hardly surprising. In this article Mary Petley of the Forces Pension Society sets out the changes and explains what to do if you believe you qualify for a PP.

Before 1st April 1975 there was no such thing as an Armed Forces PP. Immediate Pensions were awarded to Officers who gave 16 years or more reckonable service (RS) from age 21 and to Other Ranks (ORs) who gave 22 years or more RS from age 18. Shorter periods did not attract a pension award. Once PPs were introduced, criteria were set but over time they evolved and improved. Just look at this:

• 1st April 1975: anyone in service on that date or anyone who joined after that date could qualify for an ‘AFPS 75’ PP. The criteria required that the individual had given at least 5 years RS AND was at least 26 years of age. So, for example, a Guardsman who joined aged 19 in 1969 and left aged 26 in 1976, would have qualified for a

from the Forces Pension Society

PP payable at age 60.

• April 1978: the age requirement was dropped, leaving just the requirement for 5 years RS from the age of 18 for an OR or age 21 for an Officer. So, a Guardsman who joined aged 16 in 1976 could leave at any point after his 23rd birthday with a PP providing he had no unpaid absences. Again these benefits were payable at age 60.

• April 1988: the criteria changed to 2 years’ RS from age 18 for ORs and from age 21 for Officers. Benefits were still payable at age 60.

• April 2005: AFPS 05 was introduced for new entrants on or after 6 April 2005 and required 2 years RS which counted form the date of entry. AFPS 05 PPs are payable at age 65.

• April 2006: the age at which AFPS 75 PPs were paid changed. Pensions earned before 6 April 2006 were payable at age 60 and earned after that date were payable at age 65.

• April 2015: AFPS 15 was introduced and those in Regular service who were under 48 on 1st April 2015 were transferred to the new scheme. The criteria is 2 years RS irrespective of age but the age at which benefits are payable became the individual’s State Pension Age.

Phew!

If my work helping Veterans with pensions issues has done anything, it has brought home to me just how many people there are who have pension

entitlements they have not claimed –and some of these people are in quite tight financial circumstances. If you believe you meet any of the criteria set out above, have not claimed your preserved pension and are within 3 months of your preserved pension age, you should submit an AFPS Form 8. If you are not old enough to claim but believe you meet the criteria, you can submit an AFPS Form14 to get an up to date pension forecast (forms available at https://www.gov.uk/government/ publications/service-personnel-andveterans-agency-spva-pensions-forms ). Oh - and tell your ex-Service friends!

If you are a member of the Forces Pension Society and have questions about your pension contact pensionenquiries@ forpen.co.uk. If you are not a member but would like to know a bit more about us, visit www.forcespensionsociety.org.

Obituaries

The Life Guards

It is with much regret that the Honorary Secretary announces the death of the following Old Comrades announced in the last 12 months. The Life Guards Association offers their sincere condolences to all members of their families. May they Rest in Peace.

O Ever-living God, King of Kings, in whose service we put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation, grant we beseech thee that The Life Guards may be faithful unto death, and at last receive the crown of life from Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

237567 Lt Henry Hoare LG

Served from 14th July 1942 to 26th September 1945

Died December 1988, aged 66 years

22012719 LCpl JEC Cardozo LG

Service dates and date of death unknown

23215105 Musn JHA Stilwell LG

Served from August 1955 to March 1958

Died 12th May 2012, aged 87 years

14946745 Tpr DH Randell LG

Served from 15th March 1945 to 13th February 1948

Died 10th February 2015, aged 88 years

14499048 CoH Peter Agar LG

Served from 1st February 1943 to 1st November 1947

Died 2016, aged 91 years

417987

Lt Alastair Charles Franklin Thomson

Served from 21st January to 31st December 1953

Died March 2016 aged 84 years

22044191 Tpr Peter Biggs LG

Served from 1st January 1948 to 31st December 1949

Died 2016

22556431 Tpr Laurie Lewis LG

Served from 4th August 1953 to 3rd August 1956

Died September 2016

Mr John Brookshaw LG

Served from 24th June 1954 to 24th May 1957

Died 1st January 2017, aged 80 years

LCoH Francis O’Sullivan LG Served from May 1981 to September 1992

Died 2nd February 2017, aged 52 years

296432 Tpr Derek Seage LG

Served from 1st August 1944 to 24th November 1947

Died 8th January 2017, aged 90 years

296802 Tpr Eric Stockwell LG

Served from 23rd May 1947 to 17th January 1953

Died 8th January 2017, aged 87 years

23772005 LCpl K Curtis LG

Served from March 1960 August 1962

Died 8th January 2017, aged 77

22556532 LCpl Robert Wheeldon LG

Served form 28th October 1953 to 25th January 1957

Died 9th January 2017, aged 81 years

22042772 LCpl Charles Benson LG Served from 1st June 1948 to 31st March 1950

Died 19th January 2017, aged 85 years

22789221

LCpl Michael Worthington LG Served form 14th January 1952 to 1st October 1969

Died 19th January 2017, aged 82 years

24048285 Tpr Anton Chapman LG

Served from 1st January 1966 to 6th May 1969

Died 24th January 2017, aged 72 years

Lord Christopher Thynne LG Served 11th November 1953 to 6th December 1954

Died 27th January 2017, aged 82 years

23215592 Tpr C Chapman LG

Served from 22nd October 1957 to 26th September 1963

Died 29th January 2017, aged 77 years

6213829 Tpr Doug Frost LG

Served from 1st October 1941 to 11th September 1946

Died 31st January 2017, aged 95 years

21000085 SCpl Derek Barnfield LG

Served from 28th October 1947 to 21st November 1970

Died 31st January 2017, aged 85 years

296417 Tpr Bernard (Tim) Wood LG Served from 1st July 1944 to 31st October 1947

Died 8th February 2017, aged 91 years

22556122 CoH Leonard Iles LG

Served from 9th October 1952 to 28th February 1967

Died 10th February 2017, aged 82 years

22205533 Cpl John Chettle LG

Served from 4th April 1950 to 29th May 1955

Died 11th February 2017, aged 84 years

22128146 Tpr Morris Midgley LG

Served from 1st April 1949 to 1st March 1951

Died 16th February 2017, aged 86 years

296720 Musn Gerald Britton LG Served from 2nd October 1946 to 22nd November 1960

Died 21st February 2017, aged 86 years

22556282 Tpr Michael Godfrey LG Served from 9th March 1953 to 9th March 1956

Died 2nd March 2017, aged 81 years

295959 Tpr Alan Gough LG Served from October 1942 to July 1947

Died 5th March 2017, aged 92 year

22663700 Tpr R Mills LG

Served from 1st May 1952 to 31st May 1954

Died 7th March 2017, aged 83 years

22205179 Tpr Keith Wilson LG Served from September 1948 to October 1953

Died 12th March 2017, aged 87 years

376181 Major Peter Baillie LG Served from 21st December 1946 to 1st March 1961

Died 13th March 2017, aged 89

459231 Capt George Coles LG Served from 1st January 1958 to 31st December 1963

Died 21st March 2017, aged 77 years

24233913 SCpl Stan Craister LG Served from 26th April 1972 to 16th October 1996

Died 18th April 2017, aged 60 years

24885586 Tpr Daniel Bowen LG Served from 14th February 1990 to 6th July 1994

Died 29th April 2017, aged 45 years

23215941 LCpl George Ellerby LG Served from 2nd March 1959 to 2nd March 1968

Died 19th May 2017, aged 76 years

296599 Tpr Ronald Wolstencroft LG Served from 1st January 1945 to 7th December 1947

Died May 2017, age unknown

1902257 Tpr R Allard LG

Served from 3rd August 1946 to 8th March 1949

Died 12th June 2017, aged 89 years

296331 Cpl Thomas Kirk LG

Served from 23rd April 1944 to 10th October 1947

Died 13th June 2017, aged 91 years

22869413 Tpr Joseph Turner LG

Served from 1st March 1953 to 31st December 1955

Died 21st June 2017, aged 82 years

296635 Lt David John Yorke LG

Served 1st January 1946 to 1st December 1948

Died 31st July 2017, aged 89

24125839 CoH Samuel Prentice LG

Served from 1st January 1971 to 31st December 1980

Died 2nd July 2017, aged 64 years

23215133 SCpl Philip Richards LG

Served from 22nd September 1955 to 24th April 1978

Died 10th July 2017, aged 80 years

23679031 Cpl R Cobb LG

Served from 1st January 1957 to 1st January 1966

Died 13th July 2017, aged 75 years

22556105 Tpr H Hodgson LG

Served from 1st July 1952 to 30th September 1955

Died 22nd July 2017, aged 82 years

296337 CoH Kenneth Fletcher LG

Served from 24th April 1944 to 6th July 1952

Died 29th July 2017, aged 91 years

23772318 Tpr Keith Burnand LG

Served from 1st January 1960 to 31st December 1963

Died 6th August 2017, aged 78 years

24306588 Tpr Alexander Eric Archer LG

Served from 1975 to December 1983

Died 14th August 2017, aged 58 years

23215746 Tpr John Harrison LG

Served from 1st April 1957 to 1st April 1960

Died September 2017, aged 77 years

23865792

SCpl Christopher Robinson LG

Served from 12th September 1961 to 16th May 1986

Died 1st September 2017, aged 71 years

296761 WO2 A Clarke LG

Served from 14th February 1947 to 7th May 1968

Died 1st September 2017, aged 88 years

24048342 WO2 Tom Lee LG

Served from 2nd May 1966 to 9th November 1988

Died 6th September 2017, aged 69 years

433337 Lt Ian Dipple LG

Served from 1st June 1934 to 1st June 1955

Died 14th September 2017, aged 82 years

22102012 Tpr Peter Quinton LG

Served from 20th January 1949 to 31st December 1953

Died 06th October 2017, aged 87 years

23215353 Tpr Harry Wright LG

Served from 12th August 1956 to 6th September 1959

Died 15th October 2017, aged 79 years

22205087 SCpl William Jeffery LG

Served from 23rd April 1948 to 1st November 1971

Died 19th October 2017, aged 86 years

14062013 Cpl John Barber LG

Served from 1st August 1945 to 1st May 1948

Died 1st November 2017, aged 90 years

The Blues and Royals

288849 Capt Tony Dent LG

Served from 1st January 1943 to 1st January 1946

Died 3rd November 2017, aged 97 years

23343678 Tpr Anthony Watts LG

Served from 25th April 1938 to 26th October 1958

Died 6th November 2017, aged 79 years

22556011 Tpr John Aston LG

Served from 1st January 1952 to 1st July 1955

Died 7th November 2017, aged 82 years

23215147 WO2 John Cummins LG

Served from 14th November 1955 to 1st May 1978

Died 11th November 2017, aged 79 years

295584 Cpl Derek Bashford LG

Served from 5th May 1945 to 4th May 1957

Died 25th November 2017, aged 90 years

22205406 CoH Thomas Riffin LG

Served from 12th August 1949 to 29th April 1972

Died 18th December 2017, aged 86 years

24048247 CoH Andrew Parsley LG

Served from 13th April 1981 to 15th April 1991

Died 25th December 2017, aged 70 Years

Tpr Gordon Frisken LG

Service date unknown

Died 29th December 2017, aged 91 years

296829 WO2 Donald Turtle LG

Served from 17th July 1947 to 16th July 1969

Died 30th December 2017, aged 89 years

It is with much regret that the Honorary Secretary announces the death of the following Old Comrades. The Blues and Royals Association offer their sincere condolences to all members of their families. May they Rest in Peace.

O Lord Jesus Christ who by the Holy Apostle has called us to put on the armour of God and to take the sword of the spirit, give thy grace we pray thee, to The Blues and Royals that we may fight manfully under thy banner against all evil, and waiting on thee to renew our strength, may mount up with wings as eagles, in thy name, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

Mr D Mitchell RHG/D Service details unknown

Died 2010

19150088 Tpr Douglas Harvey 1RD

Served from 20th March 1947 to 6th April 1949

Died 2012, aged 82 years

1153990 Sgt Frank Himsworth 1RD

Served from 1st January 1945 to 31st December 1947

Died 2012, aged 88 years

19101650 Tpr J Robinson 1RD

Served from November 1946 to November 1948

Date of death and age unknown

14776769 Tpr Arthur Nash 1RD

Served from 1st March 1945 to 17th November 1947

Died 12th December 2016, aged 90 years

23569909 Cpl Michael Hogg RHG

Served from 19th June 1958 to 16th June 1960

Died 19th November 2016, aged 77 years

14923581 Tpr T Spicer RHG

Served from 6th February 1945 to 1st March 1948

Died 13th December 2016, aged 87 years

21026367 LCpl Gerry Keith RHG

Served from 1st October 1947 to 1st August 1949

Died 2016, aged 84 years

23772005 LCpl Keith Curtis RHG/D

Served from 1st March 1960 to 29th August 1962

Died 8th January 2017, aged 77 years

19057040 Tpr Michael Rogers RHG

Served from 15th October 1946 to 15th July 1948

Died 10th January 2017, aged 88 years

23929033

LCpl William (Bill) McDonald RHG

Served from 24th June 1963 to 27th October 1967

Died 12th January 2017, aged 71 years

485192 Lt Col GTR Birdwood RHG/D

Served from 17th February 1968 to 26th February 1993

Died 15th January 2017, aged 68

22205066 Tpr Leonard Knox RHG

Served from 1st April 1948 to 1st June 1953

Died 21st January 2017, aged 87 year

22786807 Tpr John Morrison RHG

Served from 27th August 1953 to 4th January 1957

Died 26th January 2017, aged 85 years

22205890 LCpl Kenneth Wright RHG

Served from 10th March 1952 to 9th March 1959

Died 30th January 2017, aged 82 years

23853776 Tpr Terence Sussex 1RD

Served from 15th January 1962 to 7th October 1966

Died 11th February 2017, aged 73 years

23215003 Tpr Derrick Millington RHG

Served from 17th April 1955 to 17th April 1958

Died 12th February 2017, aged 79 years

501711 Lt Tristan Voorspuy RHG/D

Served from 3rd September 1975 to 2nd September 1981

Died 5th March 2017, ages 61 years

24076484 LCpl Roger Lazenby RHG/D Served from 1st January 1967 to 31st December 1972

Died 16th March 2017, aged 69 years

22556275 Tpr Dudley Feltham RHG

Served from 2nd March 1953 to 2nd March 1956

Died 8th April 2017, aged 81 years

308269 Maj Michael Smallwood RHG Served from 6th February 1944 to 10th January 1956

Died 17th April 2017, aged 92 years

22205606 CoH Kenneth Tribe RHG

Served from 23rd October 1950 to 11th November 1972

Died 19th April 2017, aged 84 years

491722 Lt Nick Scott RHG/D

Served from 1st July 1970 to 1st July 1973

Died 26th April 2017, aged 66 years

23215989 Tpr Barry Worthy RHG Served from August 1959 to August 1968

Died 21st April 2017, aged 75 years

23215663 Cpl Rayner Jenkins RHG Served from 1st January 1958 to 1st December 1964

Died 29th April 2017, aged 77 years

25141552 Tpr Anthony Hiscott RHG/D Served from 11th November 2001 to 18th April 2004

Died 26th May 2017, aged 34 years

14478388 Tpr A Worrall RHG

Served from August 1946 to July 1952

Died 17th June 2017, aged 88

22585097 Lt James Alington 1RD Served from 1st January 1952 to 31st December 1953

Died 10th July 2017, aged 88 years

22205161 WO2 Bob Hoggarth RHG Served from 7th September 1948 to 31st December 1968

Died 19th July 2017, aged 85 years

21054828

WO2 Frederick Simpson RHG/D Served from 1st November 1947 to 1st August 1974

Died 5th August 2017, aged 88 years

23598647 Tpr Colin Bristow RHG Served from 1st November 1958 to 30th November 1960

Died 13th August 2017, aged 78 years

24336517 Tpr Edwin Crooke RHG/D Served from 22nd October 1973 to 3rd March 1987

Died 11th October 2017, aged 62 years

22322064 Tpr Anthony Philips RHG Served from 1st July 1950 to 31st July 1952

Died 7th October 2017, aged 85 years

23416411 Tpr Michael Harrison RHG Services dates unknown

Died 20th October 2017, aged 79 years

23215270 SCpl Mick Ollington RHG/D Served from 3rd May 1956 to 3rd September 1973

Died 24th October 2017, aged 78 years

22205870 Tpr Ronald Tuplin RHG Served from 12th February 1952 to 1st April 1953

Died 24th October 2017, aged 83 years

Mr Leslie Phillips MBE RHG/D Service date unknown

Died 26th October 2017, aged 84 years

23891315 Cpl Peter Plumb 1RD

Served form 22nd January 1962 to 30th April 1968

Died 11th November 2017, aged 73 years

23378627 Tpr Norman Daniels RHG Served from 1st March 1957 to 3rd March 1959

Died 21st November 2017, aged 79 years

23191085 Tpr Paul Newman RHG Served from 1st October 1955 to 31st October 1957

Died 21st November 2017, aged 80 years

Sir John Cotterell Bt RHG

Served from 1st January 1955 to 1st January 1961

Died 4th December 2017, aged 89 years

22205524 Tpr Cyril Embleton RHG Served from 8th May 1950 to 21st April 1955

Died 7th December 2017, aged 85 years

255833 Lt Col Andrew Houstoun OBE MC JP DL 1RD

Served from 10th December 1941 to 1st April 1956

Died 16th December 2017, aged 95 years

497838 Maj C C Bucknall RHG/D Served from 9th March 1973 to 30th June 1987

Died 23rd December 2017, aged 65 years

Major the Honourable

Peter Charles Baillie

Late The Life Guards

(with gratitude to the New Milton Advertiser)

Major the Honourable Peter Charles Baillie was born in Bakewell, Derbyshire, the son of Brigadier the Hon George Evan Michael Baillie and Lady Maud Louise Emma Baillie, whose family seat was the Chatsworth estate, died aged 89.

Peter spent a lot of time with his maternal grandparents, playing with his siblings and cousins in their extensive grounds. The family moved back to the Baillie seat at Dochfour, near Inverness, during Peter’s childhood, and it was there that he first developed a passion for the countryside, shooting and stalking around the estate and asking lots of questions of local gamekeepers. Educated at Eton, he joined The Life Guards when he left school. Although negative childhood experiences had led to an intense dislike of horses, he was motivated by his desire eventually to drive tanks. A family anecdote records that as mounted troop leader he was once out on Watering Order in Central London; after losing his hat and dismounting to collect it, he was left behind by the rest of the troop; his horse, distinctly unhappy about being separated from her friends, promptly set off after them at a canter, carting Peter down Sloane Street and coming to a halt outside Lloyd’s bank. This and subsequent incidents confirmed his already apprehensive feelings about all things equine.

Realising that his interest lay more with vehicles than horses, he was soon transferred to Bovington in Dorset. During this time, he made friends with a group of local young women, among them his wife-to-be Jennifer Priscilla Newgass. They were married in 1955 and started their life as newly-weds in military married quarters. Jenny remained behind with daughters Triona, Bizzie and Susan, while Peter was posted to the Middle East and the whole family then spent a spell living in Germany for his final posting. Shortly before leaving the Army, Peter purchased Wootton Hall, near New Milton, and moved in with the family, including recent addition baby Rachel.

He immediately set about learning as much about the New Forest as he could, befriending the Forest keepers and delving into the history of the area. His desire to help with conservation earned him many friends, who appreciated his knowledge and love of the countryside. In 1976 he was Peter was persuaded of the need for a place where students with disabilities could learn life skills through horses: it was at this moment that the Fortune Centre was conceived and developed with his and Jenny’s support. The centre began life in the grounds of Wootton Hall, with the family initially hosting the first group of students in their own house, before the converted barns at Wootton Hall Farm became the accommodation block. During the development of the site at Avon Tyrell, overseeing the building work, he broke his leg while helping construct the roof of the indoor riding school. As she tended his profusely bleeding leg his wife was overheard saying: ‘Peter, you have lied to me all these years. I was under the impression that you had blue blood, but it is most definitely red!’

Appointed Forestry Commission verderer in 1979, he oversaw the commission’s drainage committee, and was noted as ‘a good friend to the commoners’ and that ‘in the Court itself, his cheerful good humour relieved the tension of a good many potentially heated discussions.’ In due course, he became a local magistrate and served on the Bench until his retirement aged 70. While always trying to be fair in his judgements, one case involving an attack on a Forest keeper landed him on the front page of national tabloids. When presented with the poachers who had set upon the keeper, Peter famously said that if he had his way, they would be strung up. When later asked if he regretted the comments, he quickly responded ‘Not in the least - it’s what they deserve!’ He was also a committed member of the British Deer Society, taking his family along with him to society events and holding a range of roles in the organisation, including chairman and president. Such was Peter’s knowledge of deer and conservation, he was a regular on Jack Hargreaves’s weekly countryside TV programme Out of Town.

His wife Jenny died in 2014. In recent years Peter sponsored the ladies’ cart driving class at the New Forest Show and presented the Jenny Baillie Memorial Shield. He was also involved with the Marchwood-based British Military Powerboats Trust. He joined forces with other volunteers on a weekly basis to preserve and restore small military craft. In his later years, he took great pleasure from spending time with his family, in particular his three grandchildren Hannah, Emily and William. In tributes paid to him at his funeral, Peter was described by his family as an ‘honourable and kind man, who didn’t suffer fools gladly and who would listen to those whose opinion differed from his.’

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Houston Late The 1st Royal Dragoons

LieutenantColonel Andrew Houston, who has died aged 95, was awarded a Military Cross at the end of the campaign in northwest Europe. He commanded a troop of the Royal Dragoons from Normandy in July 1944 to the River Elbe 10 months later. On one occasion when his troop was helping to keep open the Nijmegen to Eindhoven road, he delayed several German tanks advancing on the town of Veghel, Holland, long enough to let US anti-tank gunners get into position and break up the attack. He was wounded but remained in command of his troop until the emergency had ended and he was ordered back by a Medical Officer. In Germany, during fighting near Uelzen, he was leading a dismounted party from his troop against an enemy outpost in a wood. Although shot in the leg by a German at close range with a revolver, he remained in control and the outpost was wiped out. The citation for the award of an MC paid tribute to the outstanding leadership and courage that he had shown throughout the European campaign.

Andrew Beatty Houstoun was born at Alfold, West Sussex, on 15th October 1922. His father, William, had worked for the first Lord Inchcape at McKinnon Mackenzie in Calcutta. Young Andrew was educated at Harrow. He contracted polio but recovered quickly enough to start playing rugby again. On leaving school, it was suggested that he try for Oxford but the

Houstoun with his wife Mary

night before his interview there was an air raid and he was so busy clearing fire bombs from the roof of a neighbour’s property that he forgot about the appointment. He was commissioned into the Royal Dragoons from Sandhurst and, having joined the Regiment in Libya in 1943, took part in the invasion of Sicily and the Italian Campaign (briefly) before landing in Normandy. On VE-Day, his squadron was deployed to Denmark to assist in the liberation of the country. At the seaport of Kolding, southern Denmark, they had an encounter with the captain of a German U-boat who had not heard that the war was over. It required a show of force in the form of two armoured cars to persuade him to surrender.

After the war, he was second-in-command of ‘C’ Squadron until he became adjutant of the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry in autumn 1949. He was also involved in work for the War Crimes Commission but found time to form a regimental ski team as well as a crew to sail one of the German navy’s sail training ships around the Baltic. In 1952 he rejoined the Royal Dragoons in the Canal Zone and accompanied them to BAOR. Having taken early retirement from the Regular Army in 1956, he farmed at Lintrathen, Angus. The same year, he rejoined the Fife and Forfar Yeomanry which had recently been amalgamated with the Scottish Horse and took command in 1963. He handed over command two years later and became an Angus County Councillor until 1975. He was president of the Forfar branch of the NFU from 1970 to 1972 and was the European representative of the Scottish Landowners Federation for several years before becoming convenor, which led to his OBE in 1983. He was appointed a Chevalier of the Legion of Honour in 2017.

Houstoun was a JP as well as being on the Court of Dundee University, a Deputy Lieutenant for Angus from 1971 and Vice Lord Lieutenant for the county in 1986. After farming for 35 years, he and his wife moved to a smaller house where they created a splendid garden. He had a remarkable memory for poetry, an encyclopaedic knowledge of military and local history, and a large stock of anecdotes about his experiences. Andrew Houstoun married, in 1953, Mary Spencer-Nairn, who survives him with their four sons.

Lieutenant

Colonel Gordon Birdwood

Late The Blues and Royals

Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Thomas Riddell Birdwood, seemingly a very fit and healthy man, collapsed and died on 15th January aged 68. He had commanded the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and later became Head Gentleman Usher to The Queen during a life devoted to public service, as well as pursuing a successful career in property. A much-loved figure in The Royal Household, when asked one day what the Gentleman Ushers did, he replied, ‘For most people coming to the Palace is the best day of their lives. Our job is to make it even better’”.

Fluffy, as he was known since boyhood, came from a distin-

guished military family. His father was an Army doctor and his great uncle was Field Marshal Lord Birdwood who commanded the Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli in the First World War, and later was Colonel of The Blues for 18 years. He was born in 1948 and brought up in North Devon, a county that would always mean so much to him. He was educated at Wellington although he would admit that this was not a highlight of his life. He was neither intellectual nor academic, nor did he excel at team games but was an accomplished athlete especially at cross country.

He joined the Royal Horse Guards, The Blues, in 1968, the last to join the Regiment before the amalgamation with The Royals. From the outset he was an unusually well-liked and respected officer. His men admired him for his enthusiasm, his interest in them, his care for them, his integrity; they liked him for his kindness, his generosity and his sense of fun. He served as a troop leader in Germany and Windsor as well as at Mounted Duty at Hyde Park Barracks, and deployed to Northern Ireland on several occasions. He got into the usual scrapes as a young officer. On exercise in Germany in the late ‘60s the British Army had license to roam freely across German farmland in their 55 ton tanks. Cornet Birdwood was tasked to go off in a Land Rover to find a nice grass field where the whole squadron could rendezvous under the cover of darkness. He found his perfect field, the squadron gathered, arranged themselves in formation, spent the night and dispersed before dawn. In the darkness, some thought the grass a bit soft and sparse. A few days later the might of the West German Civilian Authorities descended, complaining about the complete destruction of a prize winning field of winter wheat, and insisted that the culprit be brought to justice. In due course Ct Birdwood appeared in front of his Commanding Officer; to his delight he was sentenced to a long weekend in England on the proviso that he attend an hour’s lecture at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester entitled ‘Crop recognition’.

He had been ADC to the Deputy Supreme Allied Commander in NATO prior to being Adjutant of the Mounted regiment. The role of Adjutant is serious. His Commanding Officer, Brian Lockhart, thought ‘Fluffy’ an inappropriate name for the role, so instructed Gordon and the officers to desist from using the soubriquet. Almost the next thing to be heard from the Commanding Officer’s office was “Fluffy, Come in here”. He was an excellent Adjutant, but things did not always go according to plan. One morning a busy Adjutant was driving to the Court Martial Centre, complete with precise staffwork in accordance with required pedantic protocol. Fluffy was due to prosecute a soldier at Pirbright. He had been to several parties the night before, and woke up late. He jumped into his large and powerful car and hurtled off down the M3. Doing well over the speed limit, he had to stand on the brakes when a small Fiat pulled out to overtake a lorry in front. As the Fiat inched past the lorry, Fluffy sat on his tail, flashing and hooting. Eventually the Fiat got past the lorry and returned to the middle lane. Fluffy roared past, indicating his fury to the driver, in graphic fashion, as he did so. Eventually, he screeched to a halt outside the Court Martial Centre, jumped out and was busy strapping on his Sam Browne when the Fiat trundled into the next parking space and a stuffy Major, Permanent President of the Court alighted. The day went downhill

Lt Col Andrew Houstoun Entering Copenhagon on VE Day 1945

from there.

Later he was AMA to the Minister for the Armed Forces during The Falklands War, commanded a squadron both on tanks in Germany towards the end of the Cold War, and also on armoured reconnaissance at Windsor, and was subsequently Press Officer for British Forces in Cyprus during the difficult period of the 1980s. His time in Cyprus was particularly happy, working for General Sir Desmond Langley, and starting his married life with Bella, complete with speedboat named ‘Overdraft’.

He was the very best sort of Regimental Officer; professional, very strong on loyalty, honest and fair, he was greatly respected and held in genuine affection by his soldiers. He was a true leader. Serious about soldiering he nevertheless found humour even in the most trying times and he made the most of all the opportunities military life offered; riding to hounds, playing polo, skiing, riding the Cresta, parachuting and running marathons for charity. He even acted. While in Cyprus the Army Theatrical Society staged a performance of Much Ado About Nothing in the Curium Roman Amphitheatre and Fluffy was persuaded to play a very small part. He and Bella had four friends staying and they all went along. Fluffy’s moment came when he had to step forward and say ‘My name is Conrad. I am a gentleman’. Of course Bella and his friends shouted ‘Oh no, you’re not!’ He then stepped back; that was it, those were his only lines. The following day his friends were all treated to large, 8 x 6 inch signed photo of this historic moment. On the back were the words “Hollywood beckons”.

In 1990 he was appointed to command the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, a job for which he seemed to be tailormade and both he and the regiment enjoyed two very happy years at Knightsbridge. Leaving the Army in 1992, he went to work in the world of property management. Unsurprisingly he made an equal success of this, working with David Workman of Workman Partners for most of the next 25 years. He knew nearly all the firm’s 600 employees by name.

Fluffy was patriotic, a traditionalist and staunchly monarchist. He was delighted to join the Gentleman Ushers, being promoted in 2011 to Head Gentleman Usher to Her Majesty The Queen, and played a key role in the smooth running of countless investitures, garden parties and major state events. He was so well suited to this role, which he loved, and his charm, interest and sense of humour put people from all walks of life immediately at their ease. A long- standing liveryman of The Worshipful Company of Broderers, he was Master in 2011. He was Chairman of Gallipoli 100, a charity set up in the centenary year in 2016 to keep alive the memory of the Gallipoli campaign. The funds he raised enabled a number of school children to visit the battlefields.

He was also a loyal Member of The Most Venerable Order of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem in which he held the appointment of Commander. His main role was on the Ceremonial side, assisting at Investitures, but he also worked hard to raise funds for St John’s Ambulance and for the restoration of

the Order’s Church in Clerkenwell. He did a huge amount for the Household Cavalry Foundation, established to help the wounded and bereaved from the Regiments’ heavy toll on recent operations. Always believing that he was fortunate in finding his job with Workman and partners he also helped countless Household Cavalrymen, both officers and other ranks, to transition into civilian life, offering them time, advice and his considerable address book. He was extremely proud to have been directly responsible for employment for more than 150 of them.

A keen sportsman, he was for over twenty years a devoted member of the St Moritz Tobogganing Club and a regular in the Army Cresta team. St Moritz played a large part in his life and he loved his regular visits. He was a first class skier, and travelled every year to Alpbach with his family; he also was a fine shot.

He delighted in his own unique use of language. A good party was always a ‘Gala evening’, things were ‘Marvellously marvellous’ and the following day he would always declare himself to be in ‘Showroom condition’.

He had a very moving funeral at Hambledon attended by more than five hundred people. At the end of the service his coffin was borne to his grave by a bearer party of Household Cavalrymen. They lowered the coffin steadfastly in the pouring rain, while the Last Post and Reveille was sounded by Household Cavalry State trumpeters. His Memorial Service was attended by about 1025 people, the most in living memory: there was no standing room, a final tribute to a very much admired officer. He was, above all, a family man and our deepest sympathy goes to his adored wife, Bella, daughter of the well-known Grenadier General Sir David Fraser, and to their two beloved daughters, Katie and Atty. Fluffy leaves a huge hole in many lives but most of all in theirs.

Sir John Cotterell, Late Royal Horse Guards

(with acknowledgment to The Daily Telegraph)

SirJohn Cotterell, who has died aged 82, helped to save the Mappa Mundi, a 5ft-high, 13thcentury map of the world, from being sold at auction by Hereford Cathedral, and played a leading role in securing approval for the construction of a new building in which to display it. In 1988, a financial crisis in the diocese led the Dean and Chapter of Hereford to announce their intention to sell the mapthe largest map of the world to have survived from the Middle Ages - and it seemed almost certain that it would go abroad. A rescue plan necessitated a fundraising campaign in which Cotterell, whose family had been associated with the cathedral for generations, played a vital role in keeping the major donors happy. Deft manoeuvring, involving John Paul Getty Jnr, Martin Charteris and the National Heritage Memorial Fund, led to sufficient funds being raised to provide an endowment as well as to construct a new building to house the Mappa Mundi and the cathedral’s valuable Chained Library. Cotterell chaired the newly created charity, Mappa Mundi Trust, from its inception in 1990 and oversaw the choice of architects, builders and other consultants for the new building. The final

building, designed by Whitfield Partners, was a triumph, securing the Building of the Year Award from the Royal Fine Art Commission. It was opened by the Queen in 1996.

John Henry Geers Cotterell was born on May 8 1935 in Belgrave Square, to Richard Cotterell (who would inherite the Cotterell baronetcy when his son was two) and Lady Lettice (nee Lygon) the eldest daughter of the 7th Earl Beauchamp. From Eton College, in 1953 he joined the Army and was commissioned in the Royal Horse Guards, serving in Cyprus and on ceremonial duties at Windsor and Knightsbridge. In 1959 he married Alexandra Bridgewater. After studying at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, in 1961 Cotterell returned to the family estate at Garnons, Herefordshire. His father was a keen forester but had little interest in farming, so John ran the home farm at Garnons and retained a keen interest in it until he died. Farming was his lifelong passion and he was never afraid to try out new ventures, which included chickens, mushrooms and, more recently, cider apples. He became a County Councillor, eventually becoming Chairman of Hereford and Worcester County Council.

Despite never applying for a job, throughout his life he found himself in great demand to serve on public and charitable organisations, ranging from being on the board of Welsh Water and chairing an NHS Trust to being a trustee of the Beauchamp Community, a retirement home for vicars. In the late 1970s he chaired the consortium that started a commercial radio station, Radio Wyvern, based in Worcester, an unusual venture for someone whose musical preferences embraced the Inkspots, male voice choirs and spirituals; he was overheard to proclaim proudly that the station even played ‘Reggie music’. He was National President of the Federation of Young Farmers’ Clubs from 1986 to 1991, fondly remembered by a generation of members, not least for his involvement in pushing his wife down the seafront at Blackpool in a bathtub late at night at the annual rally. He was a keen mixer of White Lady cocktails and when his daughter was suspended from school for buying a bottle of Dubonnet, he reprimanded the malefactor, but only because he did not consider Dubonnet a proper drink. He was a keen and competent cricketer, but his real passion was National Hunt Racing. An unaccomplished point to point jockey in his youth, on and off throughout his life he owned shares in various horses, and served as a steward at Hereford, Ludlow, Cheltenham and Wolverhampton, and was a member of the Jockey Club. He is survived by his three sons and one daughter. His eldest son Harry, a former RHG/D officer who served in the ‘80s, inherited the baronetcy.

Major Charlie Bucknall Late The Blues and Royals

by Major J McM Carr-Ellison

Charles

Corfield Bucknall died on 23rd December 2017 doing what he loved best. He died on his horse after a fast hunt with the Percy Hunt of which he was a Joint Master. He was just 63, but he had packed a huge amount into his life and had, and had given, more fun than most of us. His irrepressible sense of humour and lack of pomposity brightened many lives. If Charlie was at the party, it was never going to be dull. He was born and brought up in Dorset, the eldest son of Robin and Diana Bucknall. Robin had been a Captain in The Royal Dragoons and Charlie’s grandfather was Lt Gen Gerard Corfield Bucknall who commanded XXX Corps during the invasion of Normandy. Both his brothers and his brother in law were in the Coldstream Guards and his brother, Lt Gen Sir James Bucknall is currently Regimental Lieutenant Colonel. Charlie always maintained that they were misguided to opt to march on their feet when they could perfectly well have rid-

den a horse like him.

He was educated at Harrow where, while being bright, he did not always apply himself with full academic diligence, there being other distractions. He was destined for the army, initially planning to do a short service commission before university and the Bar; following Sandhurst he joined The Blues and Royals in April 1974. As a subaltern in Windsor and Northern Ireland and Detmold, Germany, he was an excellent if at times a somewhat unconventional troop leader. Plenty of élan and cavalry dash despite losing all his troop’s rifles at the bottom of Loch Neagh when their patrol boat capsized. A tour as a troop leader at Knightsbridge with the Household Cavalry Regiment (as it then was) followed. Charlie was an excellent horseman and he made full use of all the opportunities whether it was eventing, team chasing or hunting and he trained some good horses. Much to his Foot Guard friends and relations’ chagrin he perfected the art of collecting street liners’ rifles by hooking them up by the slings with his foot when trotting past on an Escort or State Visit. He also punished many a Bentley or Mercedes by running his spur down their doors if they happened to pass too close to his horses when mounting the Queen’s Life Guard. Sadly at about this time his much loved scruffy reddish terrier, Rockley, failed to negotiate the traffic en route to Charlie and Julia’s flat. At dead of night on the following day he and Tpr Booker stole out and buried Rockley behind the Cavalry Memorial in Hyde Park - a good reason to remember them both each year.

After another spell at regimental duty as Regimental Gunnery Officer he became an instructor at RMA Sandhurst. His mix of charisma, good humour and professionalism persuaded many aspiring young officers the Army could be a lot of fun as well as a demanding profession.

It was as ‘D’ Squadron Leader with the service regiment in Detmold that he really excelled. Charlie was a first rate, experienced tank soldier. He was a leader and motivator of men and was popular because he was reliable and did what he said he was going to do; always cheerful and always positive, especially if things were not going well. He was fiercely loyal to his soldiers and took great interest in them and their families and always put himself out for them.

Their time in Germany was a very happy one for the Bucknalls. They made great friends with Falk and Beate von Oeynhausen and lived in a wing of the Oeynhausen’s lovely house at Schloss Grevenberg. Falk liked a party as much as Charlie did and what fun they all had.

He left the army in 1988 at the age of 34 and with a young family. He then launched into the world of entrepreneurship. There were various adventures from selling financial services to Bedouins in their tents and old Germans in Paraguay; to running an American helicopter crop spraying company in Cyprus. Here he had to finish the servicing of the helicopter himself when the pilot went on the run from Interpol. When he was left with a capful of nuts and bolts and no idea where they went he realised it was time to move on from a career in aviation.

The family returned to live in Northumberland where he made his home for the past 26 years. He fell in with a kindred spirit in Capt Nick Barker RN of Falklands War fame who was

captain of the survey ship HMS Endurance. Their company did everything from victualling ships, to holding the wet fish contract supplying truck ferries across the North Sea and the servicing of airline life jackets. The latter was especially profitable because, as he pointed out, not many customers used them and came back to complain. Between them they set up an international metals warehousing company. It was based initially in Sunderland and then latterly in Shanghai where he made many friends through his irrepressible good humour and his ability to communicate with everyone who came into his life. People loved dealing with him: for part of his duties he travelled widely and could always be relied on to sniff out the best late night bar whether in Lima, Moscow, Cajul or Lubumbashi in the Congo

Charlie’s life was always full. He was an accomplished sailor, competing in the Fastnet race, though he did lose a couple of boats on the rocks of the Northumberland coast. He threw himself into many aspects of Northumbrian life, often but not exclusively to do with horses. In his youth he had been a talented event rider and he was always courageous. As a Master of the Weser Vale Bloodhounds in Germany he was known as always taking on the highest part of the hedge and the widest ditch. He developed a middle aged and enduring interest in polo which surprised many of us because he was hardly built like the lithe Argentinians of a Jilly Cooper novel. But his interest and enthusiasm for the Percy Hunt gave him much joy, first as District Commissioner of the Percy Pony Club; he was so good at enthusing and encouraging children to learn and have fun. Then as Chairman and Joint Master of the Percy Hunt, his sense of humour, his ability to laugh at himself and his lack of pomposity made it fun and enjoyable for everyone. How he laughed when he jumped a stonewall wearing his newly made Chinese hunting coat and the pressure was so great that all the seams split from top to bottom.

Charlie would have been the first to admit that none of this would have been possible without his rock solid marriage to Julia and the support that she gave him. They were a team and his love for her and his daughters, Antonia and Victoria was of the utmost importance in his life. To them we offer our deepest sympathy; what memories they will have.

Lieutenant Ian Dipple

Late The Life Guards

Ian Alexander Keith Dipple died unexpectedly on 14th September 2017 aged 82. Much beloved husband to Sue, father to Alex and Jo, step-father to Mark and Wissy. Ian was a loving grandfather, brother and lifelong friend to many who will miss him so much. His memorial service was standing room only, with tributes that were engaging and funny, full of stories.

Ian served with The Life Guards from February 1954 until November 1956 and saw service with The Life Guards in the Middle East Land Forces (Canal Zone) from March 1954June 1955. He then went to work in the City, later being able to retire at a relatively young age. He was a proficient mathematician, which explained his success in the City; but he also had a great yen for gambling. On one occasion in the early ‘60s he and a friend visited a London gambling haunt; they found an empty table but the croupier said he was unable to open it as there were not enough players. Looking around they saw two smartly dressed men seated on a sofa; Ian asked for them to be invited to join the table. The croupier explained that they were the management, the Kray twins.

He was a model timekeeper, very keen shot, bon viveur, barbeque chef extraordinaire, wine buff paying great attention to his cellar, but above all and a strong family man. He regularly attended the annual Club dinner, and was proud of The Life Guards.

Tristan Voorspuy

Late

The Blues and Royals

(with acknowledgment to The Daily Telegraph)

Tristan Voorspuy was a free spirited alpha male. His greatest contribution was as a conservationist and safari guide, but he was always an engaging companion with great charm mixed with outrageous behaviour and glorious political incorrectness. Aged 61, born on 26th March 1955, he was shot dead on 5th March 2017 while surveying damage on Sosian, his ranch in Kenya. Tristan devoted much of his energy to conserving the wildlife, and with it, he thought, the future of his adopted nation and its peoples; he was best known beyond Africa as the intrepid guide of mounted safaris that offered his clients exhilarating encounters with big game at close range.

Tristan had settled in Kenya in 1983 after riding a motorcycle from London to Cape Town. (Later he flew a light aircraft out from Britain, spare fuel piled in cans on the seats.) His adventurous spirit soon found a berth with Tony Church, who was pioneering safaris on horseback rather than in vehicles. Voorspuy felt the added vulnerability gave a better sense of man’s place in the order of things.

In 1990, he and his wife Lucinda (Cindy) set up their own company, Offbeat Safaris. Soon after, they moved into Deloraine, built in 1920 by Lord Francis Scott and one of Kenya’s great houses. They rented it from the Rift Valley Development Trust, Voorspuy keeping it going by combining farming with making it the base for his safaris. Exciting

The Blues and Royals Squadron officers, Sep ’78 - Lts Bucknall, Browne, Maj Lockhart, Capt Carr-Ellison, Lt Barclay, and Brian’s dog Lovely

Tristan Voorspuy CREDIT: AP

and unpredictable as these were, much of their appeal lay in Voorspuy’s charisma. He was bold and utterly fearless, never carrying a rifle when out riding, only a hunting whip or sjambok. Though he hated displays of swagger, stories of his close shaves were legion and not always legendary. He would think nothing of swimming a pony - and those of his clientsacross the Mara river as crocodiles sunned themselves on the banks. At least once he charged a lion that strayed too close to an elderly guest who had paused to admire a flower. His manner was often abrupt, and he would not hesitate to tick off clients who talked too much or asked silly questions (‘Why don’t they stop poaching by farming elephants for ivory?’). Yet he was generous, and his knowledge of African wildlife, especially birds, was almost unrivalled.

For many, the highlight of their trip was when - whisky glass in hand - Voorspuy would by firelight recite The Man from Snowy River or all 75 stanzas of The Fox’s Prophecy, reportedly memorized on exercise in Germany. In 1999, he put together a consortium to buy Sosian, a 24,000-acre ranch in Laikipia, north-west of Mount Kenya. The land had been overgrazed, there were goats in the lodge house and no game. Under his management, it was transformed into one of the country’s finest nature reserves, harbouring more than 6,000 elephant and 250 lions. The venture was not a money-spinner, but for all his outward cynicism Voorspuy felt a patriotic commitment to the country of which he had become a citizen. Its challenges, he felt, such as population growth, were those which would soon face the rest of the world. He was aware of the hazards of his way of life, but asked why he did not opt for a more sedate one answered: ‘Because I dig the bush.’

The youngest of four children, Tristan Maarten Voorspuy was born in Johannesburg. His father Hendrik was based there as a pilot for KLM, having flown during the war with No 320, the Free Dutch squadron of the RAF. When Tristan was still a young child, however, the family settled in Sussex, from where his mother Pearl came. He grew up at the foot of the South Downs, a setting that inspired his love of nature.

Although quick-witted and blessed with a good memory, he did not shine as a schoolboy at Eastbourne College - one report recommended he spend as much time at his books as watching spiders climb the walls. He went on to the Royal Agricultural College but was asked to leave after only a year. In 1975 he was commissioned into The Blues and Royals. The Army offered him plenty of opportunity to hunt and he also rode in point-to-points. He had the distinction of being an owner of a horse in the Grand Military, and a year or two later he liked to recall that he fell at the same fence as the Prince of Wales in the same race. He served in Germany, two tours of Northern Ireland, Pirbright and Knightsbridge. He had a great capacity for partying and chasing girls in a highly spirited set of junior officers.

He met his future wife Cindy Mackintosh - herself a notable horsewoman - when in 1984 he was managing the carriage driving scenes in the film Out of Africa. As well as enjoying polo, they took over Ginger Bell’s Hounds, the last pack in East Africa, and for some years hunted a drag from Deloraine. Their hunt ball was a fixture in the Rift Valley calendar. When Voorspuy was asked which was the most dangerous animal, he would reply: ‘The human animal.’ On Sunday 5th March, he went to one of Sosian’s houses to check reports it had been torched. In recent months, armed herders, spurred by drought and, it is said, encouraged by politicians, have driven thousands of head of cattle on to ranches such as Sosian. Game has been slaughtered and grazing devastated. Voorspuy went alone and unarmed to inspect the damage; his body was found some hours later. He is survived by his wife, their son and daughter.

David Yorke

Late The Life Guards

David Yorke, who has died aged 89, joined the Army as a National Serviceman in January 1946, trained at Windsor and in the Brigade Squad at Caterham; after being commissioned into The Life Guards in March 1947 he was back at Combermere Barracks before serving two years, the majority being in Palestine. He was also a talented jazz pianist who made several records with Humphrey Lyttelton and, on one occasion, accompanied Bing Crosby.

David was the only son of Major John (Jock) Yorke and Eleanor, daughter of Sir Ralph Assheton, first Baronet Assheton of Downham and was born in London in 1927. The Yorke family of Halton Place trace their ancestry directly back to Sir Richard Yorke, a Lord Mayor of the city of York, who was knighted by Henry V11 shortly after the Battle of Bosworth: David was the 15th generation to descend from him. David and his sister, Anne, enjoyed an idyllic childhood at the family home Halton Place, near Hellifield, riding ponies and swimming in the river Ribble. They spent a great deal of time with their cousins at Downhall Hall which always held a special place in David’s heart and he later managed the Downham estate for his uncle, the first Lord Clitheroe. Music was an integral part of family life and when friends were invited to dinner, there would always be a sing song around the piano, with the family playing different instruments. In later life he said that his happiest memories derived from playing music together as a family. His father and grandfather could play a tune by ear, a gift passed on to young David. Being able to play the piano without seeing the keys was, David always said, useful when people wanted to dance in the dark at parties. David and his father Jock played at local dances and hunt balls when the band was having a rest and there were yearly revues and concerts in Downham village hall and Christmas dances in the Institute at Halton West. After Education at Aysgarth in North Yorkshire followed by Eton College, David decided to join the Army, and sought an interview with The Life Guards. When ask by the Colonel why he wanted to join the Regiment, he had replied: ‘Because there’s a marvellous band, Sir!’ The Colonel said ‘Nobody’s ever said that before. You’d better come along.’ Following initial training at Combermere, including motorbike training, at which he did not excel, with a tree and a subsequently damaged leg bringing that to a close. Eight weeks of hard training at Caterham was a shock in contrast to his initial training at Windsor, many evenings of which had been spent playing the piano in pubs. Pressed into service as a street liner for the Victory parade in 1945 at Hyde Park Corner, that evening he caroused outside Buckingham Palace, led by Humphrey Lyttleton playing the trumpet as he was carted along in a wheelbarrow. After being commissioned there followed many nights in London clubland (The Coconut Room, the Four Hundred, The Milroy, and his favourite The Orchid Room), with an agreeably easy time at Combermere, broken by orders for cross country runs at 0700hrs. In June 1947 he sailed for Palestine arriving at Port Said. They travelled extensively in the area, including Aqaba and on to Jerusalem, and thereafter Tel Aviv, Amman, Jaffa. He recalled that they did not have an easy time with patrols and convoys and being shot at quite frequently. He led a troop of two Daimlers

and two Dingos, the best command in the British Army under his Squadron Leader Derek Cooper. There was also time for polo, hunting jackal with a pack formed from the hounds left behind by previous regiments, shooting ducks, and chukar for the troop to eat.

After being demobbed at Easter 1948 he went up to Trinity, Cambridge to study Land Agency where he spent considerably more time socialising and riding than studying. He played in a rumba band, a reel band and for the Cambridge Foot Lights and frequently returned to the family home in Yorkshire. In his early career as a young Land Agent he spent a very enjoyable year as an assistant on the Chatsworth estate and later worked on the Gawthorpe estate at Burnley. In 1956 he met Susie Egerton at a Harewood Three Day Event and they married the following year, eventually settling at Hall Foot in Worston, Clitheroe, where they lived happily with their three children for 38 years before moving to a smaller house close to Halton Place. With his beloved Susie by his side, David was able to focus on his career as a land agent. In 1954 he had been approached by the fellow land agent Russell Ingham, who suggested they join forces. They took over an office in Clitheroe and with £20 in the kitty they opened an account and worked happily together until Russell Ingham’s untimely death in his 50s. They were both well-known and respected locally and had created a strong reputation. Later the firm managed 30 estates in Yorkshire and Lancashire, carrying out sales and valuations of a variety of properties, including agriculture and forestry, shooting and fishing rights. The Company amalgamated with the family firm of Miller and Miller based in Burnley in 1960 but after this, Ingham and Yorke politely declined repeated offers to merge with firms both local and national. His youngest son Charlie, who did a Short Service Limited Commission with The Life Guards, joined the firm in 1996. In addition to being a country land-owner, he was a former Chairman of the Bench, and a Deputy Lieutenant for Lancashire.

Country pursuits were a vital part of David’s life and he particularly enjoyed shooting with friends and family. The Yorke family had formerly owned the Bewerley Estate in Nidderdale which was sold at the time of the great crash in 1923 owing to double death duties. The Estate contained some grouse moors of note including Grimwith, Bewerley, Grassington, Sigsworth, Ramsgill, Heathfield, Middlesmoor and Sixsmith. David felt understandably at home on these moors, and was glad that John Yorke’s butt on the first drive of Ramsgill moor is still known by that name. Music continued to play a significant role in David’s life and was the cause of some entertaining episodes which he loved to relate. One of these took place at Swinton Park, North Yorkshire, in 1975 when David and Susie attended a party where an elderly Bing Crosby was a fellow guest. After dinner, Bing was persuaded to start singing but his son Harry, found it difficult to accompany him as he responded to requests, not having the sheet music to hand. Someone suggested that David should play, knowing of his gift of playing by ear. Bing looked askance at the idea of an amateur pianist but soon realised that David was easily capable, and could even ask him what key he required before embarking on the next tune. Bing would reply with a smile ‘Keep it down, Dave, keep it down’. Bing found it hard to recall the lyrics, but Susie and a friend were able to whisper them into his ears, and an unforgettable evening followed. Despite several years of ill health, David’s sense of fun, his charm, manners and good humour remained with him to the end of his life. His wife Susie survives him together with their children Johnny, Sophia and Charlie and their six grandchildren.

Nicholas Scott Late The Blues and Royals

drawn from the tribute paid by Major Jamie McGrigor at his Thanksgiving Service

NicholasJack Scott was born in 1950 at North Runcton Hall, King’s Lynn in Norfolk. He had a wonderfully happy childhood. The youngest of five children living in a large house full of animals and toys with fun and laughter everywhere. This paradise was shattered by death: first of his mother Ruth in a car crash in 1962 when he was only 12; shortly followed by the death of his eldest brother, Iain, who was killed on military duty in Aden in 1965; and the death of his father Archie in the same year; in 1988 when his brother Jim died and in 1997 his devoted sister Fiona. The only remaining member of that wonderful covey of Scotts is Andrew who has borne these sad losses so bravely.

Jamie McGrigor recalls first meeting Nick during a cricket match at Eton school on the playing field Agars Plough. He was batting and was given out LBW. It was not difficult to see he disagreed with that decision and his reaction was to smash down the stumps with his bat which he then hurled into the distance and strode off the pitch muttering loud obscenities. He had a built in disrespect for authority. On being asked about the origin of his family he averred that the Scoti tribe arrived from Ireland in 550AD and battled with the indigenous Picts to create Scot-land. They had travelled from the east through central Europe; some people think the Scoti were the missing tribe of Israel. His branch were the Scott’s of Greenock, one of the best shipbuilders on the Clyde who built big war ships which tussled with mighty vessels such as the Graf Spey and the Scharnhorst

After losing his parents Nick spent many holidays with his aunt Anethea and uncle John who lived at Eredine House on Loch Awe in Argyll. He spent his teens with Jamie chasing elusive grouse and stalking red deer, and fishing for brown trout in the numerous hill lochs on the land he affectionately christened Ardchonnel crags. He invented the first anti midge machine. A cardboard box with a slit for his eyes and nose in which he smoked a cigarette.

Nicholas joined the Army, The Blues and Royals, where he was popular. In Belfast, at RAF Aldergrove, his Squadron Leader Jeremy Smith-Bingham called for a piano to lift the boredom. Nick said he would get hold of a piano and then play it in the Mess, which was duly agreed. One was found one for sale in some village the other side of Belfast. An escort was authorised of a 4-tonner and two Ferret Scout Cars. Away he went, bought the piano, loaded it onto the lorry into which he had already placed a chair and merrily came back through Belfast playing happy tunes all the way; excellent community relations. He also later had an armoured car in London in which he transported his latest dates for dinners etc. On exercise in Norway, for which RHG/D provided a squadron to the ACE Mobile Force, during a formal Orders Group, the young officers were given permission to smoke. Nick lit a pungent cigarette, and informed his Squadron Leader, Henry Hugh Smith, that it was only Turkish herbal tobacco. It is likely that Henry was the only one to believe this explanation.

He attended the Weber Douglas Drama School. He was a natural actor. As Jamie’s best man he stuffed his cheeks with cotton wool and pretended he was the Godfather as portrayed by Marlon Brando, commiserated with the bride having to marry a Peruvian railway ticket collector having discovered that the groom had an ancestor who had built railways in Peru, leaving everyone in tears of mirth. On return from some time in Australia he came back to Argyll in 1973 and bought a house in Glen Shira near Inveraray, endeavouring seriously for nearly a year to write pop songs: needless to say the house became a legendary weekend resting place for London lads and beautiful girls.

After Scottish and romantic episodes, later he met Charlotte at the White City dog track. This blossomed and they bought a wonderful olive finca in the Spanish hills. Nick had found a soul mate in Charlotte and in no time they had four beautiful children; Giaconda, Jackson, George and Amber. There was no electricity; they survived with tilley lamps and hot water bottles; Nick loved Spain and the Spanish people. They had a tennis court and a ping-pong table. Nick’s competitive streak was so strong that he would happily thrash his young children at these games with no mercy. It was not advisable to go on the backgammon board with him either or play poker. This idyll came to an end, and in 1999 he started a happy new romance with Chantal, Princess of Hanover. In May 2017, they had gone trekking in the Himalayas for ten days before going to the Maharajah of Jodhpur’s son’s wedding. There Nick had fallen off the wagon, and subsequently fallen into a coma from which he did not recover: he was cremated in India. His Thanksgiving Service in Chelsea had standing room only, the packed congregation being informed and entertained by three orators. There was an amusing tribute to him by Taki in The Spectator which amongst the stories described him as ‘ ..slender, tough and very elegant. He was also as mad as the proverbial hatter. and probably the best unpublished writer of his generation. He was funny as only few people can be funny, with a straight face and via cartoonish exaggeration.’

His email address began with the phrase agoodmaninAfrica taken from the title of his favourite book by William Boyd. A good man indeed, and thank God for this gifted amateur par excellence.

Lord Christopher Thynne Late The Life Guards

with thanks to the Daily Telegraph

Lord Christopher Thynne, who died aged 82 on 27th January 2017, was a representative of the whirlwind era of the 1960s and comptroller of the Longleat estate for 17 years. A lean figure with blinding blue eyes, he possessed wild grace and a streak of unpredictability. His parents had been glamorous figures in the 1920s. His father was the 6th Marquess of Bath, the celebrated owner of Longleat from 1946, who joined the stately home tourist industry in the 1960s by introducing the ‘Lions of Longleat’ as a popular lure to tourists. His mother, from whom he inherited his rebellious streak, was Daphne Vivian, who enjoyed numerous affairs before leaving her husband for Xan Fielding. His sister Caroline married David Somerset, later Duke of Beaufort, while Christopher was greatly distressed by the suicide of his younger brother, Valentine, in 1979, following a gala evening at Longleat, at which Princess Margaret had been present.

Christopher John Thynne was born on 9th April 1934 and spent his early years at Sturford Mead, his parents’ home near Longleat. His father, himself a second son, enjoyed a particular rapport with him, more so than with his heir. After Ludgrove, he went to a crammer and on a second attempt got into Eton

where he was an enthusiastic boxer, though various misdemeanours earned him 94 strokes of the cane. He undertook National Service with The Life Guards and then worked as a store detective for Sears Roebuck in Chicago and Kentucky. While in Chicago, he fell in love with country music and the blues, in particular Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, Muddy Waters and Fats Domino. It also inspired his fondness for cowboy style clothes, which he alternated with frilled silk shirts and sharply cut suits from Blades or Mr Fish. He was, in every sense ‘a wild, elegant creature’, as the society antiques dealer Christopher Gibbs called him.

On his return he became a photographer with a studio in Beauchamp Place and could have been another Patrick Lichfield, had he been more organised. Having copied Walt Disney drawings at school with great proficiency, he was also an illustrator, his work appearing in two books by Candida Lycett-Green - Hadrian the Hedgehog, and Hadrian in the Orient.

His wedding on 6th June 1968 caused a sensation. He married Antonia Palmer, daughter of the late Major Sir Anthony Palmer, 4th baronet, and his wife Lady (Henriette) Abel Smith, a long-serving lady-in-waiting to the Queen. They were married in the Chapel Royal. On account of the bride’s mother’s friendship with HM The Queen, the reception was held at St James’s Palace. That day The Queen held a palace luncheon and told Dirk Bogarde that she was looking forward to it as she wanted to see the Rolling Stones. The group had played at Longleat in 1964, and indeed Mick Jagger and Marianne Faithfull were there. The reception had the unfortunate consequence that Thynne was arrested at Heathrow airport with 38 amphetamine tablets in his luggage, attempting to leave for the honeymoon in Majorca. Delayed by 11 hours, he later pleaded guilty and was fined £50, his counsel, Robert Harman, explaining that he had owned the tablets for about seven years: ‘Very imprudently he put the pills on one side, thinking, with his approaching wedding, they might be useful if he was suffering from pre-wedding nerves.’ He claimed to have no idea how they had found their way into his camera bag.

Thynne lived on the Longleat estate and in 1976 was appointed as comptroller by his father (then 73) to run the tourist industry there. This he did harmoniously, loving the place and the generations of Thynnes that had sustained it. He was good with the corporate diners, showing them rare books from the library, and mixing hospitality with a hint of mischief. In 1984 he inspired international designers such as Bill Gibb and Zandra Rhodes to design outfits for dolls for an exhibition of dolls’ houses at the house to raise money for Save the Children. Princess Anne visited the exhibition. He was Patron of the Toymakers’ Guild, though he confessed he was more a lover of teddy bears than dolls, and kept one in his office, confessing he had never been happier than when in the family nursery. He was invariably weighed down by keys on a chain, while sporting a necklace of teeth. He is further remembered as a prodigious inventor of limericks, a great dancer, and a good magician adored by children. A week after his father’s death in 1993, the new Marquess, Christopher’s elder brother, sacked him, and then evicted him from his

Lord and Lady Christopher Thynne

home in an atmosphere of acrimony. He was obliged to buy a house at Donhead St Andrew, where in later years he and his wife entertained an eclectic group of friends, before settling in Wilton. He is survived by his wife Antonia, his daughter, Sophie, and a son, Alexander, from a previous relationship.

Colonel Chris Donovan Late Royal Horse Guards

Chris Donovan was born in the United Kingdom and spent much of his childhood and young adulthood cultivating a love of the countryside at Stratfield Saye in Hampshire. As a young man, he joined the Royal Horse Guards as a musician. He subsequently saw active service during the Cyprus Emergency in the second half of the 1950s, and was a member of one of the first patrols after the LondonZurich Peace Agreement - unarmed as required by that agreement - in a very volatile situation.

In 1963, he joined the Australian Army and migrated to Australia. Assigned to the Royal Australian Armoured Corps, he saw active service in Vietnam with 3 Cavalry Regiment. After extensive operations and rehabilitation to recover from significant combat injuries sustained there, Chris continued to serve in a number of positions, including as founding adjutant of the Second Cavalry Regiment - to which he later returned as Second in Command - and as a lecturer at the Papua New Guinea Joint Services College.

An unabashed fan of rural life, Chris trod an unconventional path to wool and beef cattle production in Australia’s New England region, via an extensive defence career during which his service spanned five countries. In 1984, after leaving the regular army for the Army Reserve, Chris began an association with the 12/16th Hunter River Lancers that was to last nearly 30 years; first as Second in Command, subsequently as Commanding Officer, and later as Honorary Colonel. Always mindful of the links between an Australian Army Reserve Unit and the community of which it is an integral part, his first act as Commanding Officer was to authorise the regiment’s participation in local bushfire fighting efforts. 12/16th’s relationship with local communities in the upper Hunter Valley and New England continued to be prominent among his efforts. As was raising awareness of the regiment’s history, particularly as the successor regiment to the 12th New England Light Horse - one of the two units which had participated in the Australian Light Horse’s 31 October 1917 charge at Beersheba. He was keen to maintain contact with allied regiments - SCOTS DG and QRL - regularly visiting these regiments and attending regimental events and hosting visiting officers and their families.

In private life, Chris was a successful grazier at his Ben Lomond property, breeding Merinos and Angus, and continuing his life-long love of the country. For several years, he served on the NSW Farmers’ Association Executive Council and a number of its committees. He became an avid fan of the Australian Stock Horse and was seemingly never happier than on horseback at home in the Australian bush or with his family. He is survived by his much-loved wife of 45 years, Patricia, and son Mark. His ashes will be interred at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Stratfield Saye, Hampshire.

WO2 (ORQMC) Bob Hoggarth

Late Royal Horse Guards

Bob Hoggarth was born in Yarm in Yorkshire on 27th September 1930 and was a 17 year old Police Cadet when he decided to join the Regular Army in 1948. He enlisted in the Royal Horse Guards for five years at York on 7th September 1948 and carried out his initial training with the Royal Armoured Corps, passing out as a trained soldier and armoured car crewman on 12th September 1949. His course reports included comments of ‘average’ and stated ‘His interest would appear to be mainly with horses’ and finally comment ‘He is recommended for anything except mechanical work’!

Bob joined the regiment at Windsor on completion of training and at the end of 1951 he extended his period of service on moving to the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in London as a Squadron clerk; within two years he was promoted to Acting Corporal and within a further year to Corporal, working as a clerk in the Orderly Room and promoted again to Corporal of Horse having qualified as a Clerk (GD) B1 in July 1954.

In 1956 Bob extended his service again for a further twelve years and then, from November 1956 to May 1959, served with The Blues in Cyprus during the worst period of the EOKA terrorist campaign. It was also during this tour that for the only time in his service career Bob almost fell foul of the military justice system when he received a severe reprimand from Lt Col The Marquis of Douro MVO, MC, following a contretemps involving two bottles of spirits from the Officers Mess. This was obviously a busy time for Bob as during the same tour he was in the process of improving his standard of Education and passed a GCE in English, set by the University of London, in November 1957. On his return from Cyprus he continued his RHQ career, and completed his service as the Chief Clerk at Hyde Park Barracks and left the Army on 31st December 1968. In later years he was at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, and died 19th July 2017, aged 85 years.

Robert McFarlane Late 1st The Royal Dragoons

(With the assistance of Nick van der Bijl)

Robert McFarlane was born on 24th November, 1923, at Bridge of Allan. He died on 30th January 2017 aged 93. Bob McFarlane was one of the few surviving Special Operations Executive (SOE) agents, who risked their lives operating behind enemy lines in various theatres during the Second World War, in Bob’s case, as a clandestine radio operator.

Educated at McLaren High School in Callander, Bob left school at 14, like many others of his time, to help ‘put bread on the table’. He worked initially as a farm-hand before joining his father as a coalman in a local coal-yard. He was 16 when the war broke out, and like many young lads of his time, signed up in 1941 to serve his country, initially wearing the uniform of the Tank Regiment and later in 1942, that of the Royal Dragoons. At the suggestion of a tank ‘old-timer’ (discussing the chances of surviving a direct shell hit), Bob volunteered for a special mission. He was duly called for interview in London, where he was to be met by someone at the station, but that person didn’t show up. Showing youthful initiative, Bob

hailed a taxi and asked the driver if he knew the whereabouts of Fawley Court, getting the reply: “Sure, that’s where they train all the spies”! The SOE was founded by Churchill in July 1940 to ‘set Europe ablaze’.

After undergoing rigorous training (much of it in the Arisaig and Morar areas) in armed and unarmed combat, the use of explosives and weird weapons, demolition techniques, parachute training and Morse code telegraphy, Bob found himself posted to North Africa, for advanced parachute training. Cairo was at that time the SOE station covering operations in the Balkans and N Africa. Following Germany’s invasion of Yugoslavia (and Greece) in 1941, two ‘resistance’ groups soon emerged - the pro-royalist Chetniks under Draza (later General) Mihailovic, supporters of the young King Peter II, then exiled in London, and the communist partisans led by Joseph (later Marshal) Tito. The Allies initially supported the Chetniks, but their effectiveness began to be questioned. Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin met in Tehran in December 1943 and decided to switch allegiance to the partisans who appeared to be having more success. In fact, a few weeks before the official ‘switch’, the young Bob - still only 19 years old - had already been parachuted (with the famous ‘B2’ spyset) into enemy-occupied Yugoslavia, landing in the dark, in a tree, praying to met by the partisans, and not the enemy… and certain death. He was in fact following in the footsteps just weeks before of the late renowned Brigadier Sir Fitzroy MacLean, who had been appointed the UK’s special envoy to Tito. Bob and the partisans were continually on the move, in mountainous regions to avoid the enemy, sleeping rough, in the open, even in the bitter ensuing winter. The partisans had ‘found’ Bob a donkey, to carry the heavy battery and handgenerator (though not the heavy 32lb ‘B2’ radio which, as their life-line, he never let out of his sight). Bob transmitted regular coded messages (always with the attendant risk of detection by the nearby enemy), detailing partisan successes as well as making requests for ‘drops’ of essentials such as weapons and ammunition, and even food. Sadly, on a narrow mountain path, the donkey and its precious load, fell irretrievably over the edge. Bob’s despair was soon alleviated when a partisan arrived with a replacement battery. On asking its provenance, he was simply told there was an enemy truck down in the valley, which wouldn’t be going anywhere for a while. On one occasion, no doubt missing his mother’s morning porridge, he risked requesting some. It duly arrived - several hundredweight! Bob recounted the partisans would have made very successful ‘Bake-Off’ contestants, devising ingenious ways of eating or using porridge oats!

With the war in Europe nearing an end, Bob returned to the UK in late 1944, thinking to himself that his war was over. Instead, however, he was given a hard-earned four weeks home-leave and instructed to return to Fawley Court to upgrade his Morse speed to 25 wpm. He then found himself on a troop-ship bound for India, and ultimately Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) where he underwent further parachute and specialised jungle training (including acquiring an essential taste for such delicacies as monkeys’ legs, snake steaks and weevils cooked in mud.

Early in 1945, Bob was dropped into the Malayan jungle where he was fortunate to join a Malayan-cum-Chinese resistance group with whom he faced, in Bob’s own words ‘formidable Japanese jungle fighters’. These jungle-fighters at first refused

to believe their war was over, when news came in August 1945, of the first A-bomb attack on Hiroshima. But finally they surrendered, and Bob trekked through the jungle to the port of Teluk on the Malayan coast, where he caught a small steamer to Singapore. On seeing Singapore harbour, Bob told us his first thoughts were “Thank God I’ve ‘made it’ and I’m going home”. But no. He very soon found himself landing on Japan’s Kure Island, and onwards to Hiroshima itself, in charge of a Signals Section of the Commonwealth Occupation Force (and now wearing the uniform of the Royal Corps of Signals). His only protection against the deadly nuclear radiation, was his British Army great-coat. He survived, but lost many of the photographs he was able to take of the devastation as a result. But finally, Bob made it back to Britain - still only 22. As the SOE had never officially existed, there were no badges, no rank, no medals, no ‘gongs’. The organisation’s very existence was finally admitted, almost as simultaneously as it was officially disbanded in January 1946.

For Bob, and for many others like him, civilian life had to start at the bottom again. He was now married to Alma, with two sons of his own, John and Michael. He found a job with Clydesdale (at that time Scotland’s largest electrical retailer) who were looking for someone with knowledge of radios, for their Glasgow shop. Bob’s application was successfulhis radio/electronics experience and skills being recognised. It was no surprise to those that knew him that he rapidly progressed in that company, eventually transferring to, and becoming a director of, the renowned Harris Queensway rug company, before reaching a well-earned retirement in 1986.

He will be sorely missed by his loving family, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Staff Corporal Stan Craister Late The Life Guards

by Don McKenzie

SCpl Stan Craister passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday 18th April 2017 aged 60 years old. Stan Craister arrived at the Regiment at Detmold in July 1974. He was a brash 17 year old Geordie with a barely decipherably strong accent. The Regiment then was on a Northern Ireland Tour; those still in Germany, including those too young to be deployed, were operating on Rear Party, carrying out routine maintenance of the vehicles, guard duties etc. Stan was a qualified main battle tank driver and as such was responsible for working on the engines. On return to Windsor in 1975 he served in B Sqn on Fox vehicles, and in Northern Ireland twice. He later attended a D&M Instructors course. Prior to serving with the United Nations in Cyprus in 1979 Stan had joined the Regimental Diving Club. He learned to dive; he and many others spent most weekends during the tour roving around the island, sleeping out under the stars on the beach usually after helping to consume a demi-john of Keo Brandy. He continued to take part in diving expeditions throughout his service.

When the Regiment redeployed back to Germany Stan went to Newcastle Upon Tyne on promotion to CoH to be a Recruiter, serving there for three years. On his return to Regimental

Duty in Sennelager he joined the Tech Department where he was promoted to SCpl. Stan left the Army 1996 and settled down in Stafford. He did various jobs and always made the right impression wherever he went. That impression was of a man who was understanding, gentle, kind, loyal and above all friendly. He was always on hand to help out with any task; no matter how trivial or important it was he always gave his best to that task and was appreciated for it. As many of you will recall Stan was a very social man and he had many friends; he was well liked and respected, he was someone you could trust and rely on. He would do anything for anyone and would never ask for anything in return. It was a privilege to know him, and he will be terribly missed.

Warrant Officer Class 2 (SCM)

Donald A Turtle

Late The Life Guards

by Major (QM) Don Charles

Donwas born in Tennyson Street, Gainsborough on 21st September 1928 into a family of an elder brother and two sisters. He went to school nearby at Ropery Road leaving at the age of 14 to become an apprentice cabinet maker with a local Funeral Director. A fairly gruesome part of the job was going along with the boss to the local RAF Stations recovering bodies from damaged planes returning from bombing raids and preparing them for interment.

Of course being an Apprentice was a poorly paid job and having taken notice of a REME friend’s advice about pay and other benefits of being a vehicle mechanic he went to the local Recruiting Office explaining his interest in becoming a mechanic in the REME. In those days the Household Cavalry used to encourage Recruiters with an emolument for each suitable recruit redirected to Combermere Barracks. The Recruiter briefed Don about The Life Guards being an Armoured Regiment with their own vehicle mechanics and that he would be taught all he needed to know. With that Don was persuaded to take ‘The King’s Shilling’.

Records have it that Don reported for duty on the 17th July 1947 and after his basic training he was promptly posted to Knightsbridge Barracks as a dutyman for the next 5 years. In March 1952 he returned to the service Regiment which at that time was in Germany in BAOR; a month later he was promoted and his career was on the way. For the next 17 years Don served with the service Regiment in BAOR, Egypt, Cyprus, Aden and Malaya. The majority of his time was with A Squadron where he became an exceptional Tp CoH, to the extent that in the early ‘60s at Herford, he was invariably the one to step up to be Tp Ldr when the Regiment was an officer short.

On leave at home in 1955 Don visited a local pub with a chum; the landlord had a very pretty daughter. The rest is history and Don and Val married in March 1957 at Gainsborough Parish Church; they recently received a card from The Queen congratulating them on their 60th anniversary. Although not blessed with children of their own they became uncle and aunt to many Regimental children and godparents to some.

On leaving the Regiment in 1969, Don went to work for ‘Artmaster of Chelsea’. Events, including a fire, conspired resulting in ownership changes and them moving north to Wakefield with Waddington’s until he retired at 65. They later moved back to Lincolnshire to be near family. Don was a man who led from the front, thoroughly professional, kind, humorous totally loyal and I was one of the many, privileged to have worked with him gaining from his wide knowledge and good sense over the years.

Lance Corporal of Horse

Francis O’Sullivan

Late The Life Guards

FrancisO’Sullivan died on Tuesday, 3rd January 2017, aged 52 years old as a result of an accident when riding a charity pram racing vehicle in Sutton Valence, Kent. Known as Titch he served with The Life Guards from May 1981 to September 1992. An energetic and able young commander, PTI and Pirbright instructor, he was a loss to the Regiment when he chose to leave. Titch served for over 10 years seeing service in Cyprus and as a crew commander in the first Gulf War. He was an outstanding junior NCO who set himself very high standards and was always an example to his contemporaries. His infectious smile, personality and great sense of humour made him a very popular member of the troop and Squadron. Any recruit from his section could consider himself fortunate to have had him as their instructor.

Francis O’Sullivan was born on the 6th of September in 1964 in Maidstone West General Hospital, the youngest of five children. Titch, curly blond hair and blue eyes, had a complete aversion to attending school. His family report that he always clung tightly to the hedge so that it usually took at least three of them to prise him free and force him into the school bus. He always had a burning ambition to be a soldier. He joined the cadets, becoming cadet of the year, and as soon as he was eligible he enlisted in the Life Guards. Besides PT, Drill and Weapons, he specialised as a driver/mechanic on Challenger and CVR(T). During a posting to Germany, Titch met his future wife Elke to whom he was married for 22 years and with whom he brought up two children; Philip and Victoria; he also had another son, Declan from a previous relationship. Having settled back in the UK only recently and after trying various positions, Titch finally started work with Kent Frozen Foods. It’s a testament to the man that he lost his life while doing good and raising funds for others. Titch was very highly regarded and much respected by all who knew and served with him.

Nominal Rolls

As at 1st December 2017

Headquarters Household Cavalry (Horse Guards)

Maj Gen Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne KCVO CBE LG: Lt Col Comd

Lt Col (Retd) H S J Scott LG: Regt Adjt

Capt R E Bond LG: Temp Equerry

Miss K Taylor: Clerk

Home HQ (Windsor)

Capt C J Elliott RHG/D: Regt Sec

Mr K Robertson RHG/D: Asst Regt Sec

Mrs J P Rosendale: Chief Clerk

RHQ

Lt Col E P W Hayward MBE RHG/D

Maj J E A De St John-Pryce RHG/D

Capt J M M Churcher RHG/D

Capt T G A De Ritter LG

Capt D H Robson RHG/D

Lt J A F Kjellgren LG

Lt F A X Pagden-Ratcliffe LG

WO1 S Parker RHG/D

SCpl S C Dimbylow LG

COMMAND TROOP

Capt C E Lewis LG

WO2 G S Warren LG

CoH D P Harrison-Shaw RHG/D

CoH N J Wilkinson RHG/D

LCoH J Hattingh LG

LCoH J J Maddison LG

LCoH J S Morris RHG/D

LCoH R V Raj LG

LCoH M J D Ross RHG/D

LCoH A C Rudd LG

LCoH A Semakula LG

LCoH C R Yarrow LG

LCpl K G Boreham RHG/D

LCoH N D A Coventry LG

LCpl D P Faulkner LG

LCpl B Matthews LG

LCpl D Owusu-Mensah LG

LCpl A H Pemberton LG

LCpl T W Ward RHG/D

Tpr S P R Jones LG

Tpr K J Nolan LG

Tpr C H W Parish RHG/D

Tpr J M J Sale RHG/D

HQ SQUADRON

SHQ

Maj A C Gardner RHG/D

WO2 C G Douglass RHG/D

LSgt R P M Dine AGC (SPS)

LCoH R G Parry LG

LCpl A J Cox RHG/D

Pte G L Clare AGC (SPS)

SQMC

SCpl J Hart LG

Tpr S A Chapman RHG/D

MEDICAL CENTRE

Surg Lt Col J H Lewin RHG/D

Sgt C I Walters RAMC

LSgt A J Fell RAMC

RECRUITING

Capt P G Ireland RHG/D

Museum

Ms A Pearson: Museum Director

Maj (Retd) D C Waterhouse LG: Project Officer

Mr (Retd) P Storer RHG/D: Archive Curator

Mr G Smith: Accountant

Ms C Starling

Mr D Redding

Miss N Ayrton

Mrs M Davoll

Mr L Courtney

Household Cavalry Regiment

SCpl L A Preston LG

LCpl C Hazeley LG

LCpl L Forrester RHG/D

RAO

Capt D D Murphy AGC (SPS)

Capt J S Anderson AGC (SPS)

WO2 R J Slater AGC (SPS)

SSgt C L Walker AGC (SPS)

Sgt C I Chipondene AGC (SPS)

Sgt S J Edwards AGC (SPS)

Sgt K A Owusu AGC (SPS)

LSgt M I Bojang AGC (SPS)

LCpl E B Obino AGC (SPS)

POST ROOM

LCpl H D S Beelur LG

QM MAIN

Capt D J Hitchings LG

WO2 A G Slowey LG

SCpl A Grice RHG/D

CoH S I Elder RHG/D

LCoH M Jordan RHG/D

LCoH L A Marsh LG

LCoH D A Savage RHG/D

LCoH E C Scheepers LG

LSgt H A Abraham RLC

LCoH T Batikaikai LG

LCpl J R Phillips RLC

Tpr C McCann LG

QM TECH

Capt S K Fry MC LG

WO2 T A Horton RHG/D

SCpl J W Elliott RHG/D

SSgt J T C Vassell RLC

CoH S A Henderson LG

LCoH D Chaplin RHG/D

LSgt R C Hewitt RLC

LCoH D J Hurworth RHG/D

LCpl C C Hodges LG

LCpl O J E Nelson RHG/D

LCpl S Tuffour RLC

GYMNASIUM

SSgt A C J Burt RAPTC

WELFARE

Capt S M McWhirter RHG/D

Rev (Capt) A L Walters RAChD

CoH D T Broxholme RHG/D

LCoH A J Lyons LG

PROVOST

CoH A T Saurara LG

LCoH M Curtis LG

LCpl N Brown RHG/D

OFFICERS’ MESS

SCpl R J Benson RHG/D

LCoH C Onwubiko RHG/D

Tpr J S Scholes RHG/D

WOs’ and NCOs’ MESS

CoH L Walker LG

LCpl R W Lea LG

Tpr A Orme RHG/D

HQ SQN CATERING

SSgt R J Hussey RLC

Sgt P S Chamberlain RLC

Sgt J M Hoyle RLC

LSgt C Atkins RLC

LSgt K M Davis RLC

LSgt S R Gurung RLC

LSgt L Smith RLC

LCpl S Gharti-Magar RLC

LCpl D Moore RLC

LCpl G Pun RLC

Pte B J Kell RLC

Pte S Pun RLC

LCpl S Rana RLC

Pte K Sherwood RLC

MT DEPT

Capt C A Eulert RHG/D

WO2 S J Gerrard RHG/D

CoH J Wharton RHG/D

LCoH A E Knight LG

LCoH L S O’Carroll RHG/D

LCpl H K D Berry RHG/D

LCpl N Harrison LG

LCpl A G Kennedy RHG/D

LCpl G W Luckman RHG/D

Tpr G Biddlestone RHG/D

Tpr K Cameron RHG/D

Tpr D Hardy LG

Tpr J Hare RHG/D

Tpr C A Lavis LG

Tpr L S Luetchford RHG/D

Tpr M C J Taylor LG

Tpr R A Taylor LG

Tpr J Thomas LG

LAD

Capt J G H Onstenk REME

WO1 J Fitch REME

WO2 A G Kenyon REME

SSgt G C Blackall REME

SSgt D J Devlin REME

Sgt M Barrow REME

LSgt J A Freer REME

LSgt N J B Billington REME

LSgt P A Logie REME

LSgt S W Riley REME

LSgt J L J Still REME

LSgt D P Wilson REME

LCpl B L Bermingham REME

LCpl S J Hall REME

LCpl A P F Himsworth REME

LCpl B Rana REME

Cfn A R Clarke REME

Cfn H R Helm REME

Cfn A J Robinson REME

DENTAL CENTRE

Maj S J Darke RADC

LSgt A White RADC

AEC

Capt J Conlon AGC (ETS)

Lt S M Walker AGC (ETS)

A SQUADRON

SHQ

Maj R J Spiller RHG/D

Capt E T G Nicole RHG/D

Ct F C Wellesley RHG/D

WO2 G Allen RHG/D

ECHELON

SQMC J B Rosendale RHG/D

LCoH J W Buckingham LG

LCoH C Waddilove LG

LCpl C J Hale LG

LCpl D R Dooley LG

LCpl J N Griffiths LG

LCpl B Muirhead LG

LCpl P Sosnowski RHG/D

Tpr D L Charlesworth RHG/D

Tpr J R Clarkson RHG/D

Tpr A Macaulay RHG/D

Tpr A Darlow RHG/D

Tpr U Tego-Tagne LG

1 TROOP

Lt P E B Lye RHG/D

CoH J Archer RHG/D

CoH S T Stock RHG/D

LCoH C L J Simkins RHG/D

LCoH J M Ware LG

LCpl A Collins RHG/D

LCpl S N Edmead LG

LCpl R S Hackett RHG/D

LCpl S McRithie LG

Tpr D Cole RHG/D

Tpr B Palmer RHG/D

Tpr D Richards RHG/D

LCoH H J Day RHG/D

LCoH S R Hutcheson LG

2 TROOP

2Lt C P Onslow RHG/D

CoH D C J Chalklin LG

LCoH T Baker RHG/D

LCoH A M Creagh LG

LCoH G Tamang RHG/D

LCpl A C Flood LG

LCpl C A Ford RHG/D

LCpl N Pocklington RHG/D

LCpl B G Pringle RHG/D

Tpr B Blowes LG

Tpr R Clarke457 RHG/D

Tpr F A X Doyle RHG/D

Tpr T Jenner LG

LCoH D Richardson LG

3 TROOP

2Lt M J Thornton LG

CoH J P R Catton LG

LCoH J McClure LG

LCoH R Murphy RHG/D

LCpl J French LG

LCpl J Marchant LG

Tpr M J Anson LG

Tpr D Bird LG

Tpr S N Bridgemen LG

Tpr S J Clarke578 LG

Tpr P Felton LG

Tpr J Hart LG

Tpr C A Ludman LG

Tpr K C Peplow LG

LCpl S Gilbert LG

Tpr L H B Barrett RHG/D

4 TROOP

Lt F G E H Howard Keyes LG

CoH I Waisele LG

LCoH M D Kelly RHG/D

LCoH A G Massey LG

LCpl S J McMellon LG

LCpl A S Price RHG/D

LCpl D Smith LG

Tpr O T Caton-Hewings LG

Tpr L N Innis RHG/D

Tpr G E Owen LG

Tpr A M Short RHG/D

Tpr M J Evans RHG/D

Tpr J O’Reilly LG

Tpr M Rope RHG/D

Tpr J L Stevens LG

LAD

SSgt S D Forster REME

Sgt I Richardson REME

LSgt R James REME

LSgt L N Oliver REME

LCpl M Connor REME

Cfn G S S Lockley REME

Cfn A Merrifield REME

LCpl M J Roche REME

LCpl J A Simpson REME

MEDICS

LCpl R Boromand RAMC

LCpl D A Lopez-Posse RAMC

HR ADMIN

LSgt D Murphy AGC (SPS)

Pte A Williams AGC (SPS)

MESS

LCpl J Lindley LG

LCpl I Singh LG

B SQUADRON

SHQ

Maj S P Deverell RHG/D

Capt R B Hunt-Grubbe RHG/D

Capt K R E McAllister LG

Capt C J P Murphy RHG/D

Lt R Berry AAC

WO2 C S Nicol RHG/D

LSgt L Jammeh AGC (SPS)

TRAINING WING

Capt S Mansfield RL

WO2 S Allwood RHG/D

GUNNERY

SCpl N S Parker RHG/D

TRAINING TEAM

CoH D Perryman RHG/D

CoH K J Sedgwick RHG/D

LCoH G L R Burton RHG/D

LCoH J W Gardner LG

LCoH M W Hookham RHG/D

LCoH D Owers RHG/D

LCoH S V Raiwale LG

ECHELON

SQMC D D Snoxell LG

LCpl J P K Clayson LG

LCpl W Whitworth LG

Tpr M Miah RHG/D

Tpr G A T Tyler RHG/D

C SQUADRON

SHQ

Maj M H J Woodward RL

Capt N Z B Huda RHG/D

WO2 A J Cawley RHG/D

CoH M J Legge RHG/D

CoH O Thomas RHG/D

LCoH I Veramu RHG/D

LCpl S L Rudwick RHG/D

LCpl S S T Matakibau RHG/D

Tpr A Bayley-Bligh RHG/D

Tpr M G East RHG/D

Tpr R P Godsmark RHG/D

Tpr P Gurung RHG/D

HR ADMIN

LCpl B Kusi AGC (SPS)

Pte L Okindo AGC (SPS)

ECHELON

SQMC T S Fetigan LG

LCoH R J Foran LG

LCpl L G Gartland LG

LCpl R L G Harris RHG/D

Tpr D Gardner RHG/D

MEDICAL

LSgt C C Samuel RAMC

LCpl R N Fitzgerald RAMC

1 TROOP

Lt E M Keith RHG/D

CoH A Alderson LG

LCoH M T Hall RHG/D

LCoH G Kruger RHG/D

LCoH S P McKean LG

LCpl A G Cannon LG

LCpl J S Davies LG

LCpl J R Fox LG

Tpr H J Chapple RHG/D

Tpr M W Eckley RHG/D

LCpl C J Heathfield LG

Tpr C J Maycock RHG/D

Tpr S P Pountney RHG/D

Tpr L M J Smith LG

Tpr G W Westlake LG

Tpr S F Williams RHG/D

2 TROOP

Lt B R Titman RHG/D

CoH I Butchard RHG/D

CoH L Miah LG

LCoH A T Banda LG

LCoH R F Flawn LG

LCoH A P McAuliffe LG

LCpl J A Davey LG

LCpl E M D Gaze LG

LCpl H K Knight LG

LCpl J Romankiw LG

Tpr D Davies RHG/D

Tpr M A James LG

Tpr G A Jones LG

3 TROOP

Lt E A Martin LG

LCoH Q M Loloma LG

LCoH J A D McWhirter RHG/D

LCpl L J F Cummins LG

LCpl J Petit RHG/D

Tpr S J Fish LG

Tpr L M Hull RHG/D

Tpr N Mighall RHG/D

Tpr M R Phipps RHG/D

Tpr J L Taylor RHG/D

Tpr C Thomas LG

Tpr M Tonkin LG

Tpr N D Turner RHG/D

Tpr W R Travers LG

4 TROOP

Sgt C T Wilson RE

LCoH C J Jackson RHG/D

LCoH C Hall RHG/D

LCpl J N Reuter LG

LCpl E P Sidwells LG

LCpl E Spencer LG

Tpr D Webb RHG/D

5 TROOP

Lt T M W Stewart LG

CoH R Thomson RHG/D

LCpl L A Bishop RHG/D

LCpl W Foster RHG/D

Tpr P J Bunker RHG/D

Tpr B J Edwards RHG/D

Tpr C A Greenhow RHG/D

Tpr T J Halfhide RHG/D

Tpr G L Huxtable RHG/D

Tpr O J Wain LG

LAD

SSgt P G Squibb REME

Sgt D M Hand REME

LSgt L J Murray REME

LCpl S D Stanbury REME

Cfn D A J Birtchnell REME

Cfn H Burns REME

D SQUADRON

SHQ

Maj E P Mackie RHG/D

Capt S T Penrose LG

Ct A P E Wood RHG/D

WO2 P D Harris RHG/D

CoH S Collinson RHG/D

CoH M B Doran RHG/D

LCoH A R Capes RHG/D

LCpl T Barker LG

LCpl J W A Brammer LG

LCpl D J Cleary RHG/D

LCpl G Penman RHG/D

Tpr L Dillon RHG/D

Tpr H J Gumble LG

MEDICAL

LSgt C Herbert-Fraser RAMC

LCpl A Kerman RAMC

HR ADMIN

LSgt S Bajogo AGC (SPS)

LCpl A Hasan AGC (SPS)

ECHELON

SQMC D Salmon RHG/D

LCoH C A Haymonds RHG/D

LCpl A Johnstone LG

LCpl S A D Mardon RHG/D

Tpr A T J Hewitt RHG/D

Tpr A M Robinson RHG/D

Tpr R T Skinner LG

Tpr H D Wright RHG/D

1 TROOP

Lt C M A Marlow-Thomas LG

2Lt B T Leishman LG

CoH K J Selby LG

LCoH S A Abbott RHG/D

LCoH T A Crossland LG

LCoH R S Lugg LG

LCoH B R Scollick RHG/D

LCpl S J Bridger RHG/D

LCpl A A Halstead RHG/D

LCpl D Love RHG/D

Tpr L Homewood LG

Tpr J I Dring LG

Tpr J Lowther LG

2 TROOP

Ct W A J Charlesworth RHG/D

CoH R Darty LG

LCoH C D Hirst LG

LCpl J M F McLaughlin RHG/D

LCpl A Niba-Ambe LG

Tpr E B Bedford RHG/D

Tpr P K Chivers RHG/D

Tpr M J Flanagan LG

Tpr J Holden LG

Tpr D P Owen LG

3 TROOP

CoH D G Ridge RHG/D

LCoH L E Atkin RHG/D

LCoH B J Duffill LG

LCoH D W Esmond LG

LCoH C Hollman RHG/D

LCoH N Mcvey RHG/D

LCoH A Perry LG

LCpl L Matthews RHG/D

Tpr T J Colthorpe RHG/D

Tpr D Jones RHG/D

Tpr A San RHG/D

4 TROOP

Sgt J R Tyrie RE

LCpl J W Bool LG

Tpr R S M Makinson RHG/D

Tpr M J Weaver RHG/D

SUPPORT TROOP

Capt M J Adcock LG

CoH C J Fear RHG/D

CoH N Turner RHG/D

LCoH P Sheppard RHG/D

LCpl H A J Millea RHG/D

LCpl J J Watson RHG/D

Tpr T A Curtis RHG/D

Tpr N S Jackson RHG/D

Tpr A L P Kitchen LG

Tpr K P Mathieson LG

Tpr M O’Connor LG

Tpr A S Parker RHG/D

Tpr P Shaw RHG/D

Tpr O J V Wilders LG

LAD

SSgt M G Slater REME

Sgt S J Mortimer REME

LSgt P L C Hunt REME

RHQ

Lt Col J D A Gaselee LG

Capt T D E Mountain RHG/D

Capt B K Gibson LG

WO1 M D Quickfall RHG/D

Tpr R T Clements LG

THE LIFE GUARDS SQUADRON

SHQ

Maj J H S C Harbord LG

Capt J E Pile LG

WO2 D E Sentance LG

SCpl D D Stafford LG

LCoH A Hughes LG

Tpr T D J Grosvenor LG

Tpr L J Chambers LG

I TROOP

Capt H M H Vaughan LG

CoH R J Lewis LG

LCoH L M Batchelor LG

LCpl P P M Hawkshaw LG

LCpl N R Cartwright LG

LCpl B S Iveson LG

LCpl A J George LG

Tpr T E Brown LG

Tpr S W J Brain LG

Tpr S T Antrobus LG

Tpr R A Statham LG

Tpr R D McKenzie LG

Tpr M J W Clarke LG

Tpr M O Torkington LG

Tpr M M Martin LG

Tpr L R Keany LG

Tpr K C M Gurney LG

Tpr J Sparkes LG

Tpr J Gregg LG

Tpr J L Barker-Edwards LG

Tpr G E Fisher LG

Tpr D L Stokes LG

Tpr C D J Nice LG

Tpr B B Strife LG

Tpr B M Dell LG

Tpr A J Kershaw LG

2 TROOP

Capt W A Mulholland LG

CoH W T Gorman LG

CoH M W Hill LG

CoH J A Perry LG

CoH F J O’Leary LG

LCoH M P Neal LG

LCoH J A Galuvakadua LG

LCoH A M Drummond LG

LCpl T W O’Mara LG

LCpl S P Underwood LG

LCpl L J Firth LG

LCpl J Van Der Walt LG

Tpr T C T Howse LG

Tpr S M Gamston LG

Tpr S R Pearce LG

Tpr S Neal LG

Tpr S Dexter LG

Tpr R N Large LG

Tpr N R Moules LG

Tpr M R Graham LG

Tpr M D Collins LG

Tpr M P Major LG

Tpr D C Mitchell LG

Tpr J J C Prendergast LG

Tpr J D Stacey LG

LCpl J R L Mackinnon REME

LCpl B Apps REME

LCpl S Hobbs REME

LCpl C Thomas REME

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

Tpr D Jarvie LG

Tpr C Slade LG

Tpr C Forrest-Gairaud LG

Tpr C C Dent LG

Tpr B Van Vuuren LG

3 TROOP

Capt R E Bond LG

CoH P Qio LG

LCoH J R Steer LG

LCpl T J Hinchliffe LG

LCpl T B Rastrick LG

LCpl R J Hockey LG

LCpl J L Lafferty LG

LCpl A J R Hartnett LG

LCpl E Nawari LG

Tpr Z C Sreeves LG

Tpr T R W Wraight LG

Tpr S D Twidale LG

Tpr S Lloyd LG

Tpr S P Gough LG

Tpr O E Bramwell LG

Tpr L W M Allison LG

Tpr J M Moorby LG

Tpr J G Slater LG

Tpr J A Knight LG

Tpr J B Palmer-Dean LG

Tpr H M George LG

Tpr H S Williams LG

Tpr E G Haskell LG

Tpr D O Northcott LG

Tpr C J A Burnett LG

Tpr B H V Hall LG

THE BLUES AND ROYALS SQUADRON

SHQ

Maj J G Sudlow RHG/D

Capt J R G Faire RHG/D

Capt A C Soames RHG/D

WO2 A S Preston RHG/D

SCpl C J Eade RHG/D

LCoH R G Bishop RHG/D

LCpl R L C Raravisa RHG/D

Tpr A G Reynolds RHG/D

I TROOP

Lt P R M Flay RHG/D

CoH RJ Cole RHG/D

CoH D L Wright RHG/D

LCoH M J Portman RHG/D

LCoH C W Leslie RHG/D

LCpl T W Annetts RHG/D

LCpl S Hornsby RHG/D

LCpl S R Kay RHG/D

LCpl G D C Winston RHG/D

Tpr W P E Keegan RHG/D

Tpr W H H Calcott-James

RHG/D

Tpr R A Barrow RHG/D

Tpr R Clover RHG/D

Tpr M A Tong RHG/D

Tpr K L Peppiatt RHG/D

Tpr J N Stanley RHG/D

Tpr J Teasdel RHG/D

Tpr J R Crane RHG/D

Tpr J D North RHG/D

Tpr G N Harris RHG/D

Tpr G F J Hollingshead RHG/D

Tpr E Bennett RHG/D

Tpr D K Pacey RHG/D

Tpr D J Smith RHG/D

Tpr D M McNally RHG/D

Tpr C T Barnes RHG/D

Tpr C Vigar RHG/D

Tpr C J Rooke RHG/D

Tpr B M Morris RHG/D

2 TROOP

Capt J I Cochrane-Dyet RHG/D

CoH L E Sabatini RHG/D

LCoH R Robins RHG/D

LCoH R J Tonkin RHG/D

LCoH P T Trussell RHG/D

LCoH M Camaibau RHG/D

LCpl J Jagger RHG/D

LCpl C P Gerrish RHG/D

Tpr Z Pinder RHG/D

Tpr W E A Fairbairn RHG/D

Tpr R I Knights RHG/D

Tpr P J Armour RHG/D

Tpr P J Spencer RHG/D

Tpr P M Purcell RHG/D

Tpr O C Watson RHG/D

Tpr O L Simmons RHG/D

Tpr M J Arnell-Smith RHG/D

Tpr M Foster RHG/D

Tpr L M Tipping RHG/D

Tpr K J Woodhouse RHG/D

Tpr J A Turner RHG/D

Tpr J R Donnellan-Skinner

RHG/D

Tpr G Carter RHG/D

Tpr C D G Eden RHG/D

Tpr A P Lugg RHG/D

3 TROOP

Capt E J F Comyn RHG/D

CoH O L Morgan RHG/D

CoH M G Tipling RHG/D

LCoH P J Forster RHG/D

LCpl J E Crawford RHG/D

LCpl J R Oswell RHG/D

LCpl C J Glendenning RHG/D

Tpr T D Barks RHG/D

Tpr N Gurung RHG/D

Tpr J C Clark RHG/D

Tpr J A Chew RHG/D

Tpr J P D Adams RHG/D

Tpr J S Ferguson RHG/D

Tpr J L Hackett RHG/D

Tpr J P Fisher RHG/D

Tpr J Clemence RHG/D

Tpr J R Skilton RHG/D

Tpr H J Reece RHG/D

Tpr D W Bradbury RHG/D

Tpr D N Hedge RHG/D

Tpr C E Parker RHG/D

Tpr C A Handy RHG/D

Tpr C A Hollis RHG/D

Tpr A R Bentley RHG/D

HEADQUARTERS SQUADRON

SHQ

Maj S B Taylor LG

WO2 J A Hogg LG

Sgt T J Robinson REME

LCoH P F Jones RHG/D

LCpl A A Strange RHG/D

Tpr K Dowden RHG/D

Tpr S L Russell RHG/D

Tpr J W Bayliss RHG/D

Tpr J Eaton RHG/D

J Collings REME

T Hall REME

Tpr D R Evans RHG/D

Tpr C M Holder RHG/D

Tpr A Rahman RHG/D

RAO

Capt J W Price AGC (SPS)

WO2 M Jackson AGC (SPS)

SSgt M C Lawry AGC (SPS)

Sgt M A Taberner-Stokes AGC (SPS)

Sgt E J Veevers AGC (SPS)

LSgt M U Asghar AGC (SPS)

LSgt M Lesmond AGC (SPS)

LSgt J V O Faux-During AGC (SPS)

LSgt C S A Nesbitt AGC (SPS)

LCpl A Curle-Taylor AGC (SPS)

Pte J D Cooke AGC (SPS)

Pte I B Anason AGC (SPS)

CIVILIAN STAFF

Mr R Nunn Regt Acct

Mrs R Kinani HR Clk

QM

Capt D M Owens RHG/D

RQMC E G Sampson RHG/D

WO2 C K J Lewis LG

SSgt W P Massey RLC

CoH S D Belasco LG

CoH J D Brophy LG

LCoH W A Wick RHG/D

LCoH M A Solis RHG/D

LCoH J M Butler RHG/D

LCoH J Bremner LG

LCoH J R Brown LG

LCoH G P Backhouse LG

LCoH A D Blackmore-Heal LG

LCoH W J D Morrison RHG/D

LCpl R K Margison RHG/D

LCpl J P Hardy RHG/D

LCpl G J Brown RHG/D

LCpl D S Smith LG

LCpl S A Connoll LG

LCpl P E Silk LG

LCpl M S Palmer LG

Tpr M M Gayle RHG/D

Tpr P Andreev LG

FORGE

Maj H L Church RAVC

WO2 C G J Thomas RHG/D

CoH CA Adams RHG/D

CoH L Pettit RHG/D

CoH B J Hansen RHG/D

LCoH M J Cooney RHG/D

LCoH R O Harris RHG/D

LSgt L E Perry RAVC

LCoH C M Ashurst RHG/D

LCoH N Healey-Potter LG

LCoH K A Blake LG

LCoH C W Murden-Wade LG

LCoH A R Cooper LG

LCpl R O Crimmins LG

Tpr A D Versoni RHG/D

PROVOST

CoH G J Cowen RHG/D

LCoH G A Kirk RHG/D

LCpl T C Logan RHG/D

LCpl W A Tingle LG

LCpl S Gaunabeci LG

LCpl E J Jones LG

MED CENTRE

Surg Maj W D Wall LG

Sgt N X Forbin RAMC

LSgt J C White-Doyle RAMC

LCpl T J T Morgan RAMC

LCpl J J Kilbey RAMC

WELFARE

WO2 G S Bassett LG

CoH T Baksh LG

MT

CoH J J Bradbury LG

LCoH D R Orr RHG/D

LCpl G D S Jarvis RHG/D

Tpr T J Butler RHG/D

Tpr K Morrell LG

Tpr J J Wilkinson LG

Tpr H B Purcell-Shaw LG

Tpr L A Bull RHG/D

Tpr A Kerr LG

OFFICERS’ MESS

SCpl D J Mowatt LG

LCoH C R New LG

Tpr T E Pocock LG

Tpr J A Marshall RHG/D

Tpr J C Anderson RHG/D

Tpr W Holmes RHG/D

Tpr L Spreckley LG

Tpr M K O Abbott LG

Tpr W Hubbard LG

Tpr T Winter-Hall LG

WOs’ and NCOs’ MESS

CoH M A Jones RHG/D

LCpl G D Hollick LG

Tpr H Mortimer LG

Tpr J C Evans RHG/D

Tpr J A Farrar RHG/D

COACH TROOP

LCoH T J Baker LG

LCpl M M Hansford LG

SICK LINES

LCpl J R Walton LG

Tpr G Mills LG

Tpr G W Mcilwraith RHG/D

HCTW STAFF

Maj B E Rogers LG

WO2 P A Holliday RHG/D

SCpl C W Liburd LG

SCpl C H Lacey LG

Sgt C W Cumberbatch RAPTC

CoH M N Barber RHG/D

CoH S J Greenwood LG

LCoH T D Sinclair RHG/D

LCoH C L Baker RHG/D

LCoH R Mansfield LG

LCoH R Webb LG

LCoH J Baleimakogai LG

LCpl D M Turner LG

LCpl D P Elliott LG

LCpl N Lakin LG

Tpr T J Peck RHG/D

Tpr G A Fletcher LG

Tpr D R Broughton LG

Tpr A R Allen RHG/D

Tpr G Muncer LG

HCTW TRAINEES

Capt M J Adcock

LCoH R L Lovelace LG

LCpl D M Turner LG

Tpr W W Harvey RHG/D

Officers at ERE

The Life Guards

Maj Gen Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne KCVO CBE Dep Comd NATO Rapid Deployable Corps Italy

Col RC Taylor Comd STRIKE Experimentation Group, Bulford

Col D James COS, Combined Joint Interagency Task Force, Op INHERENT RESOLVE

Lt Col R R D Griffin

SO1 Welfare Policy, MOD

Lt Col M S P Berry SO1 Strategy, LCMB, Army HQ

Lt Col T A H Giffard COS HQ Armour Centre, Bovington

Lt Col T J Armitage COS APC Glasgow

Lt Col M R Kitching MBE SO1 G1/G4 HQ 1 Div

Lt Col W Douglas Chief G1 HQ British Forces Germany

Maj J E M Howell SO2 G3/5 Current Plans, HQ RAC, Bovington

Maj P J R Chishick SO2 ISTHAR, HQ 1 Armd Inf Bde, Tidworth

Maj D A N Marsh SO2 AWC BSD - UAS TES

Maj T A R Whiting

Tpr P D Callaway RHG/D

Tpr M J D Bishton RHG/D

Tpr L P S Bush RHG/D

Tpr K Wallond LG

Tpr E H Milford-Barringer

RHG/D

Tpr D W Austin RHG/D

Tpr D M Brown RHG/D

Tpr C C Reynolds RHG/D

Tpr B M Wheeler RHG/D

Tpr B A Davies RHG/D

Tpr A J Barclay RHG/D

Tpr T E Greenaway LG

Tpr P S Eddy RHG/D

Tpr T J Jones-Thomas LG

Tpr R A Martin LG

Tpr B O Blades LG

Tpr C P T Allen LG

Tpr Z D Barnes LG

Tpr K U Khan LG

Tpr U J Wilson LG

Tpr C J Sadler RHG/D

Tpr J C Clark RHG/D

Tpr T W Jamison RHG/D

Tpr L S Stewart LG

Tpr R J Shaw RHG/D

SO2 BMATT VYSKOV

Maj B F Woolf SO2 HQ RAC

Maj A J Galvin SO2 Trg DES, AVP HD COS, Abbey Wood

Capt H B H Boyt

SO3 J3 Ops, HQ AA Bde, Colchester

Capt J Carefoot SO3 Recruitment Strategy, HQ London District

Capt T L Seccombe SO3 Trg, Kenya

Capt H J B Jordan SO3 Experimentation, HQ SEG, Warminster

Capt A R Pickthall MC MoD A Block

Capt E J H Holliday SO3 G7 HQ 20 Armd Inf Bde, Sennelager

Capt E M B van der Lande Ops Offr Pathfinder Pl, 16 AA Bde

Comd Cpl Maj N J Wright Army Comd Cpl Maj

2Lt H F L Hunter Tp Ldrs Cse, Bovington

2Lt J I F Edwards RMA Sandhurst

The Blues and Royals

Col S C Tomes Comd, HQ British Peace Support Team, South Africa

Col C A Lockhart MBE COS HQ London District

Lt Col M P Goodwin Hudson SO1 Cbt Trg, Andover

Lt Col G V de la F Woyka SO1-ABCA, Washington DC

Lt Col P A Bedford SO1 Dismtd Capability Plans, Army HQ

Lt Col R H A Lewis SO1 Cap Cts DCDS Pers Trg RFC

Lt Col P J Williams MC D Dir Ops, CJFLCC-OIR, Baghdad

Lt Col R R Philipson–Stow SO1 Media Ops ACGS

Lt Col R S Evetts MBE Comd Offr, MoD A Block

Lt Col T J Archer-Burton SO1 Policy FD, FMC Capability Army

Maj S S Lukas SO2 ISTAR Cyber and Sp Trg, Blandford,

Maj N K Twumasi-Ankrah Equerry to HM

Maj R W Horgan Coy Comd, C Coy, 1WG

Maj J Pass QM, London Central Garrison

Maj A C Gardner Coy Comd ATR Pirbright

Capt S A Dingsdale Pl Instr, RMA Sandhurst

Capt W E Boyd-Thomas SO3 O&D Eqpt HQ 1 Armd Inf Bde Tidworth

Capt M D D B Wilmot SO3 ACOS Cts HQ Fd Army, Andover

Capt W M F Turnor SO3 Ops Dir Army

Capt J F M Clive Staff Captain, HQ Household Division

Capt H J Thomas MoD A Block

Capt J R FitzGerald Svc Attache Adviser, OCE, Jordan

Capt R E C Perera Instr, RAC Trg Regt Bovington

Capt S R A Nicholls OC Equine Trg, Def Animal Centre, Melton Mowbray

Corps Cpl Maj M R Ireland HQ RAC

Lt O G W Crosthwaite-Eyre Tp Ldr, ATR Pirbright

Ct A J Bryan

Tp Ldrs Cse, Bovington

Ct J N D Bruce-Crampton RMA Sandhurst

Other Ranks at ERE

WO1 J R Dove LG RSMI, Gnry Trg Adv Team, ARMCEN Bovington

WO1 S A Salina RHG/D DIO, Service Delivery Training, Lulworth

WO1 M T Jaworski MT LG RSM ATC, Pirbright, 1 Regiment.

WO2 A L Betts RHG/D Defence Animal Centre, Melton Mowbray

WO2 D P Daley RHG/D Land Eqpt Op Centre Cse WO, Camberley

WO2 R C Hayden RHG/D Defence Animal Centre, Melton Mowbray

WO2 G J Pearce LG Joint Air Land Org, High Wycombe

WO2 A D Scott RHG/D ARMCEN, D&M School, Bovington

WO2 M R Williams LG ARMCEN, Gnry School Cse WO, Lulworth

WO2 B J Woollaston RHG/D RY Fulham

WO2 K F Woolfenden RHG/D JFIG, Defence HUMINT Unit, Chicksands

SCpl J D Ashford RHG/D TAC(P) 1RHA, Tidworth

SCpl E Bateman RHG/D Sp Wpn Sch Sniper Div Instr, Warminster

SCpl D N Cox RHG/D CGS Briefing Team, Camberley.

SCpl A W Grice RHG/D Sickness Absence Management

SCpl C McCabe LG DAC, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire

SCpl A Moffat RHG/D ARMCEN, DM Combat AV(W), Bovington

SCpl M McGuire RHG/D HQ ARMCEN SQMS

SCpl S D Martin RHG/D ARMCEN RAC TR JCC TP LDR

SCpl K D Ottaway RHG/D ARMCEN RATD, Instr Armd Cav, Warminster

SCpl M S Privett RHG/D QM Dept, Episkopi, Cypress

SCpl B Smith RHG/D RMAS Sigs Tg Wing.

SCpl S J Smith LG ARMCEN, D&M School, Bovington

SCpl G H L J Tingley RHG/D DAC, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire

SCpl A J Wilkinson LG ARMCEN, CIS School, Bovington

CoH J Aspland-Monger RHG/D ARMCEN, CIS School, Bovington

CoH S J Ackerman RHG/D ARMCEN, D&M School, Bovington

CoH N Bond RHG/D RY C Sqn, Croydon

CoH R A Francis RHG/D ATC Pirbright

CoH P R Hayward LG ARMCEN, D&M School, Bovington

CoH S C Heeley LG H Div Stables, London

CoH R P Hendy RHG/D ARMCEN Instructor Gunnery

CoH T J C Howland LG ARMCEN, D&M School, Bovington

CoH M L Jacques RHG/D ARMCEN, D&M School, Bovington

CoH K Loftus LG Recce and Armd Tactics Div, Feltham

CoH J I Martin RHG/D RMAS Sigs Training Wing

CoH L D Minto RHG/D SNIY C SQN

CoH J P Mullholland RHG/D Instructor Op Trg Team, Nottingham

Maj (DoM) C Hallatt LG

Capt (Asst DoM) J Marshall RHG/D

Mrs S Crawley

Miss P S Branch

WO2 (BM) B E T Ruffer RHG/D

CoH P S Murphy RHG/D ARMCEN, D&M School, Bovington

CoH C D North RHG/D RY Comd & Spt Sqn, Fulham

CoH E C Queen RHG/D RACTR, Bovington

CoH A Robinson RHG/D ARMCEN, Gnry School, Bovington

CoH M A Robinson RHG/D RMAS Sigs Training Wing

CoH H W Wayper RHG/D JFIG, DHU B Coy, Chicksands

CoH J A Wincott LG ARMCEN, Gnry School, Bovington

CoH D B Wilcox RHG/D ARMCEN, RACTR, Bovington

LCoH J D Bevan LG AJAX ATT

LCoH A Carrier RHG/D Land Warfare School RTT

LCoH H Day LG ARMCEN RAC TR Bovington

LCoH Doyle E LG AJAX RTT Bovington

LCoH R D Glen LG TAC (P) 1RHA, Tidworth

LCoH J Harvey LG NIGSU, Lisburn

LCoH J P E Hinchley LG ATC Pirbright 2 RGT

LCoH J T Joyce RHG/D QRH PEC, Sennelager

LCoH O J Kelly RHG/D ATC Pirbright

LCoH D Lampard RHG/D 1 RHA L BTY

LCoH J E McClure LG 3 PARA B COY, Colchester

LCoH S G Moloney CGC RHG/D ATR(W) Winchester

LCoH G L Thoman LG Defence School Transport, Leconfield

LCoH T Wallis LG RACTR, Bovington

LCpl D P Barnes RHG/D RY RHQ, Croydon

LCpl B Cox LG AJAX RTT Bovington

LCpl A Davies AM RHG/D Ajax RTT Bovington

LCpl L D Holland RHG/D TAC (P) 1RHA, Tidworth

LCpl M Router LG RACTR, Bovington

LCpl O N Watkins LG Riding Instr, Lisburn NI

LCpl J Harvey Riding Instr, Lisburn NI

Tpr K R Bourne RHG/D Recruiter ARTD, Outreach Team London

Tpr D A Brough RHG/D RR North, Preston

Tpr I S Hewitt RHG/D Recruiter, ARTD, Outreach Team London

Tpr M M D Holt RHG/D Personnel Recovery Unit

Tpr A K Reddish AK RHG/D Sickness Absence Management

Tpr J Brittain LG Sickness Absence Management

Tpr D A Brough RHG/D Recruiter, ARTD, Outreach Team, Preston

Tpr A J George LG FAC, TAC(P) 1RHA, Tidworth

Tpr M M D Holt RHG/D Personnel Recovery Unit

Tpr S W Long LG Sickness Absence Management

Tpr F J L Osborn LG Officer Training, RMAS, Sandhurst

Tpr J Ward LG Recruiter, ARTD Wales & WM, Stafford

The Band of the Household Cavalry

LCoH R Stringfellow RHG/D

LCoH L Crofts RHG/D

LCoH M Egan RHG/D

LCoH A W Kitchen LG

LCoH J P D Sandford LG

WO2 (BCM) G S Sewell-Jones RHG/D

SCpl A K Walsh LG

SCpl P A Bishop RHG/D

SCpl F Hurman RHG/D

SCpl (TM) M P Screen RHG/D

SCpl D R M Carter LG

CoH C A Jackson RHG/D

CoH R K Heywood LG

CoH R J Danckert LG

CoH S J Martin RHG/D

CoH L J Wootten RHG/D

CoH L J Irvine LG

CoH S J A Mathews RHG/D

LCoH V T Hinchliffe LG

LCoH D L Witter RHG/D

LCoH E J Sills LG

LCoH E Wright RHG/D

LCoH M Wrighton RHG/D

LCoH J S P Ballantine RHG/D

LCoH R K Dolor LG

LCpl A C Appleby LG

LCpl C Belham LG

LCpl J Berry RHG/D

LCpl R W Brown RHG/D

LCpl D K Clarke LG

LCpl C A Diggle LG

LCpl R A J Jones LG

LCpl J Lamerton-Reece RHG/D

LCpl R G H Lamerton-Reece LG

LCpl A Laurie RHG/D

LCpl A L Marshall LG

LCpl K E Miller LG

LCpl A Robinson RHG/D

LCpl M S Sherriff LG

LCpl A J Swindles LG

LCpl R Taylor RHG/D

LCpl C M J Travis RHG/D

Musn L Bramley RHG/D

Mush S T French LG

Musn H W Jackson RHG/D

Musn L K Lee LG

Musn S G R Lewis LG

Musn K Lewis LG

Musn C A Marshall LG

Musn S J A Patterson LG

Musn C J Purveur LG

Musn B J Roberts RHG/D

Musn L Robinson LG

Musn R V Scully RHG/D

Musn A Wadkin RHG/D

Musn E Wheeler RHG/D

Communication

Correspondence for both Associations should be addressed to:

The Honorary Secretary (LG or RHG/D Assn), Home Headquarters Household Cavalry, Combermere Barracks, Windsor, Berkshire SL4 3DN

General Office: 01753 755297

LG Assn Secretary: 01753 755229

RHG/D Assn Secretary: 01753 755132

E-Mail for Home HQ is: homehq@householdcavalry.co.uk

E-Mail for Secretary LG Assn is: lg.regsec@householdcavalry.co.uk

E-Mail for Secretary RHG/D Assn is: rhg-d.regsec@householdcavalry.co.uk

Recruiting and Admission procedures for In-Pensioners Royal Hospital Chelsea

The Royal Hospital Chelsea are currently reviewing their recruiting and admission procedures as they now believe there may be some senior citizens with military experience who might be eligible to become InPensioners but who are not aware of the eligibility criteria or what being a Chelsea Pensioner means. To be eligible for admission as a Chelsea Pensioner, a candidate must be:

• Over 65 years of age

• Either a former non-commissioned officer or soldier of the British Army; or a former officer of the British Army who served for at least 12 years in the ranks before obtaining a commission; or have been awarded a disablement pension while serving in the ranks.

• Able to live independently in the sheltered accommodation (known as Long Wards). The Royal Hospital does not usually accept direct entries in to the Infirmary.

• Free of any financial obligation to support a spouse or family.

If you are in receipt of an Army Service Pension or War Disability Pension you will be required to surrender it upon entry to the Royal Hospital. Please note that if your Army Service or War Disability Pension does not meet a minimum threshold you will

NOTICES

be required to ‘top-up’ to that amount, providing it does not place you in financial difficulty.

If you have access to the internet more information can be found here: http://www.chelsea-pensioners. co.uk/becoming-a-chelsea-pensionerbrochure

Or you may ring for more information on 020 7881 5204

Data Protection

Changes to Data Protection laws require individuals to grant permission to Home HQ to store personal data. If you haven’t yet done so, please use the enclosed flyer to send your details and permission to your Regimental Secretary.

Change of Home Address

Members are requested to inform us, through Home Headquarters Household Cavalry, of any change in your address. Every year both Associations lose touch with a number of members who have failed to notify us of those changes. Any correspondence returned will result in that member being placed in the non-effective part of the database.

Your E-Mail Addresses

Notification of changes to your E-mail address is as important as changes to your postal address. Please keep us informed of these also.

Regimental Items for Sale

PRI shops at Combermere Barracks, and at Hyde Park Barracks only hold stock for serving soldiers. Various items with Regimental Cyphers are available from the Museum at Horse Guards. It is recommended that enquiries are directed to the Household Cavalry Museum Shop at Horse Guards which may be contacted on 020 7930 3070 or you can visit their web site at: www. householdcavalrymuseum.org.uk. Should you be unable to find what you want, contact Home HQ for further information.

Websites

The MoD official Household Cavalry Website can be found at: http://www.army.mod.uk/armoured/ regiments/1627.aspx

ArmyNet is the serving Army’s private Web site to which Association members have now been given access. To open an account with ArmyNet non serving members must first register with Home HQ on the numbers and addresses above.

www.theoldoaktree.net A web site for former members of The Life Guards. To register follow the link above.

http://www.theseniorcavalryclub. proboards.com/ A Bulletin Board for former Household Cavalrymen. To register follow the link.

The Queen’s Birthday Parade and Reviews

The Queen’s Birthday Parade will be held on Saturday 9th June 2018 with the Colonels’ Review on Saturday 2nd June and the Major General’s Review on 26th May. Application should be made for tickets to the Household Division website for standing and seated places. Those wishing to reserve tickets for the 2019 Parade should contact Home HQ and register with your respective Honorary Secretary. Applications to attend the Parade in the seated stands should be sent in January and early February.

Combined Cavalry Parade and Service

The 94th Combined Cavalry Old Comrades Parade and Service will be held in Hyde Park on Sunday 13th May 2018. 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). Owing to the security arrangements members should give themselves plenty of time to get to the Assembly area. Members are invited to Hyde Park Barracks after the parade but admission will only be by ticket available from your respective Honorary Secretary.

Helpful Contacts

The following is a list of organisations which members may find useful for future reference.

Veterans-UK (0800 169 2277)

www.veterans-uk.info veterans.help@spva.gsi.gov.uk

Royal Windsor Visitors Information Bureau

Enquiries: 01753 743900

Accommodation: 01753 743907

E-mail:

windsor.accommodation@rbwm.gov.uk or www.windsor.gov.uk

Those visiting Windsor, either for Regimental functions, or any other reason, may wish to know that a Travelodge is now open offering rooms at very competitive rates. They can be contacted on 0871 984 6331 or their web site at: http://www.travelodge. co.uk/find_a_hotel/hotel/hotel_ id/329/WindsorCentral. We are in the process of identifying ‘Friends’ of the Household Cavalry who might be willing to offer up a bed or two during Association Dinners.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission

They have an excellent website which can be searched using basic details, for information about the final resting place of war dead at home and overseas. Their site can be found at www.cwgc.org

ESHRA (Ex-Service Homes Referral Agency)

The role of ESHRA is to supply information and advice on both private and ex-Service Care Homes. This includes the location of the homes, general advice on funding and care assessments, and the services that the homes can provide i.e. respite and convalescent care. Contact Details: ESHRA, The Royal British Legion, 48 Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5ZR. 0207 839 4466. eshra@britishlegion.org.uk www.eshra.com

Officers’ Association (OA) and OA, Scotland

Helps ex-officers in financial distress, provides homes for disabled officers and families, and operates a residential home in Devon. It also assists exOfficers to find suitable employment after leaving the Service. They can be contacted in England on 020 7389 5219 and in Scotland on 0131 557 2782 or their web site at: http://www.officersassociation.org.uk/

The Royal British Legion (TRBL)

TRBL is the UK’s largest ex-service organisation with some 570,000 members. One of its objects is to promote the relief of need and to promote the education of all those who

are eligible, their spouses, children and dependants. If you need help, you can contact the local TRBL branch near you (number in the local phone book), or the national Legion help line on 08457 725 725 or visit their web site at: www.britishlegion.org.uk

SSAFA Forces Help

SSAFA-FH exists to help, according to need, all men and women serving, or who have served at any time, in the Armed Forces of the Crown, their families and dependants. Local branches of SSAFA Forces Help can be found in the local phone book or from the Citizens’ Advice Bureau or contact the Central Office at: 020 7403 8783 or visit their web site at: www.ssafa.org.uk.

SSAFA Forces Help - Recruitment

SSAFA Forces Help need more volunteers from each Association to be Casework Supporters who are visitors, treasurers, administrators and fundraisers. 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. If you can spare a little time for a ‘comrade’ please contact:

Branch Recruitment Office 19 Queen Elizabeth Street London SE1 2LP

Telephone: 020 7463 9223

who will put you in touch with your nearest team or make contact through www.ssafa.org.uk/volunteering.html

SSAFA Forces Help Housing Advice Service

Provides housing information and advice to Ex-Service personnel and their dependants. For further information contact them at 01722 436400 or www.ssafa.org.uk/housing.html

Haig

Homes

Haig Homes have some 1100 homes throughout the country for letting exclusively to ex-regulars and their families on assured tenancies. For details of where properties are located and application forms contact them at 020 8648 0335 or through www.haighomes.org.uk

The Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society (Combat Stress)

For nearly 80 years it has been the only organization specialising in the care of men and women of all ranks discharged from the Armed Services who suffer from injury of the mind. The Society has 3 short stay treatment centres that specialise in providing treatment for those who need help in coping with their psychological problems. For more information and full contact details for regional offices telephone the Head Office on 01372 841600 or visit their web site at: www.combatstress.com.

The British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association (BLESMA)

The objects of the Association is to promote the welfare of all those who have lost a limb or limbs, or use of limbs, or one or both eyes as a result of their service in the Forces and to assist needy dependants of such Service limbless. It will also help those Ex-Servicemen who lose a leg after Service. For more details contact them on 020 8590 1124 or visit their web site at: www.blesma.org.

Blind Veterans UK

Blind veterans UK, formerly St Dunstan’s, cares for Ex-Servicemen who have lost their sight for any reason (even after leaving the Service). For more information contact 020 7723 5021 or visit their web site at www.blindveterans.org.uk.

Regular Forces Employment Association (RFEA) contact no is 020 7321 2011 or at www.rfea.org.uk

Veterans Aid

Previously known as the Ex-Service Fellowship Centres (EFC) whose aims are to relieve distress among ex-servicemen of all ranks and their widows or widowers who, at the time of application for assistance, are unemployed, homeless or for reasonable cause in need. They can be contacted at 020 7828 2468. Their web site is at: www.veterans-aid.net

Ministry of Defence (MOD) Medal Office

There is now one Medal Office, which covers all three Services and they be contacted as follows:

Service Personnel and Veterans Agency Building 250, RAF Innsworth Gloucester GL3 1HW

Email: JPAC@afpaa.mod.uk Fax: 0141 224 3586

Free Phone: 0800 085 3600

Overseas Civ: +44 (0) 141 224 3600

For additional information about medals visit: www.veterans-uk.info

Cyprus

GSM Clasp – 1963-64

As a result of an Independent Medal review conducted by Lt Gen Sir John Holmes a General Service Medal is available for those qualifying between 21 Dec 63 and 26 Mar 64. This is relevant to some Household Cavalrymen.

Veterans Badges

Men and Women who enlisted in HM Armed Forces between 3rd September 1945 to date are entitled to a Veterans Badge. There is no qualifying length of Service. You can download a form from the Veterans Agency Website at http:// www.veterans-uk.info/vets_badge/ vets_badge.htm or can obtain one by telephoning the Veterans Agency Help line 0800 169 2277

Army Personnel Records and Family Interest Enquiries - Historical Disclosures

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) keeps the records of former members of our Armed Forces for administrative use after their discharge. A Subject Access Requests (SAR) form needs to be completed in order to access records for all ranks in the Army that served after 1920. The following address should be used for ex-soldiers wishing to access their personal records:

Army Personnel Centre, Disclosure 2, Mail Point 515, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow, G2 8EX Tel: 0845 600 9663

The following address should be used for family members wishing to access records of deceased soldiers:

Army Personnel Centre, Historical Disclosures, Mail Point 400, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow, G2 8EX

The following personnel Service records have been transferred to the National Archive (formerly the Public Record Office) and are available for public access.

• Army Officers commissioned prior to 1920

• Army Other Ranks that enlisted prior to 1920

Service records which pre-date those

held by the MOD have been transferred to the National Archive and are freely available for public access. However the National Archives is not resourced to carry out searches. Enquirers are instead welcome to visit, or hire an independent researcher - see the National Archive website for further details at http:// www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ militaryhistory/

The Veterans Oyster Photocard

You can travel free at any time using your Veterans Oyster photocard on:

Bus - Travel free at any time on buses within London Tube, tram, DLR and London Overground showing the TFL symbol

You can apply for a Veterans Oyster photocard if you are:

• Receiving ongoing payments under the War Pensions Scheme in your name (this includes widows, widowers and dependants)

• Or receiving Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme in your name (this includes widows, widowers and dependants)

Transport for London will not issue a Veterans Oyster photocard if you live in London and are eligible for the Freedom Pass. Visit - http://www.tfl.gov.uk/ tickets/14424.aspx or Oyster photocard team on 0845 331 9872 for further details and application.

Household Cavalry Charities

We are always extremely grateful if past and serving members of the Household Cavalry wish to make donations or leave legacies in their Wills to our principal charities.

To help you decide which of our charities you may wish to benefit, and how, please read the following summaries of the objects and payment details of the main Household Cavalry charities.

If you have any queries please ask the Secretary of your Regimental Association.

Household Cavalry Foundation (HCF) (Charity No 1151869)

http://www.hcavfoundation.org

HCF is now the umbrella organisation for all Household Cavalry charities and funds. The origin of the Foundation lies in the Household Cavalry Central

Charitable Fund (Charity No 1013978), whose Declaration of Trust for this Fund was made on 10th February 1975. Its primary function then was to build up funds to deal with major regimental casualty incidents, and major events such as the Standards Parade. With the Union of the two Regiments in 1992 the Declaration was re-issued on 6th August 1992.

Its primary source of income is from The Day’s Pay Scheme (formerly The One Day’s Pay Scheme) into which Household Cavalrymen voluntarily contribute (less musicians). A minimum of 51% of this income is passed to each Assn (LG and RHG/D) and that must be spent on the ‘welfare’ of retired members and their dependants who are in need. The HCF is here to support all the Household Cavalry family in times of need or distress with five noted pastoral care objectives:

1. Support for serving soldiers. The HCF aims to help serving Household Cavalry soldiers by providing funding for additional training, sporting activities, life-skills or educational opportunities with the assistance of the Regimental Welfare Officers external to those already provided by the Armed Forces. This will help to ensure that our troops remain motivated and dedicated to their careers within the Regiment or assist them in the transition to civilian life.

2. Caring for our casualties. Building on the excellent work of the Operational Casualties Fund, Household Cavalry personnel who suffer either physical or mental injury during their service can rely upon the HCF to provide them with the best possible support. This help extends to families and dependants too, and can take many forms. Our core aim is to ensure that our personnel and their families are aware of and have full access to all possible existing welfare provision. Where these welfare systems are found to be insufficient, the HCF will provide funds and physical support to ensure that our casualties can confidently either return to their regimental duties or move into civilian life with the reassurance that they will be supported for as long as they may require it.

3. Welfare support for our Veterans. The HCF works closely with both The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals Associations, which both continue to conduct business in the usual way. We are extremely fortunate to benefit from the

excellent communication networks and goodwill provided by the two Associations and thanks to this the HCF is able to increase the levels of help for former members of the Regiment in time of financial need or hardship. We look forward to liaising with Paul Stretton and Dick and Di Hennessy-Walsh in ensuring that all of our veterans remain an integral and well supported part of our Regimental family.

4. Helping maintain our History and Heritage. The HCF is extremely proud of our Regimental history and ethos. The Household Cavalry Museum boasts locations at Horse Guards and Windsor, the latter acting as an educational source and additionally housing the unique archives, both of which will be of benefit to the HCF. The Charity will seek wherever possible to promote the Regiment’s unique heritage to a wider audience and help to maintain our physical artefacts and memorabilia for generations to come.

5. Horses remain at our heart. The Government does not provide funding for our horses in their retirement years. The HCF will help and work closely with external charities and individuals who ensure the welfare of our horses post service. In addition the Charity will provide, when necessary, funding to provide training for soldiers to ensure the highest levels of equitation and horse welfare are maintained.

Household Cavalry Museum Trust Limited (Charity Reg No 1108039)

Objects: to educate members of the general public and Household Cavalrymen about the regimental history of all regiments that now constitute the Household Cavalry, to preserve regimental memorabilia, and to operate the two museums, one at Horse Guards and the other at Windsor. In addition there is a trading fund the Household Cavalry Museum Enterprises Limited (HCMEL) which handles the Horse Guards Museum trading as well as incorporating the stock for internet sales and in due course regimental PRIs. Items for military personnel would not be sold to non H Cav personnel.

Comment: The Museum is now debt free, and the HCMEL is trading at a profit. In 2015 there will be an allocation of profit to the HCF, and it is hoped that this will be annual from now on. Profits from the Museum will go towards

helping past and serving Household Cavalrymen and their dependants who are in financial hardship.

The Life Guards Association Charitable Trust (Charity No 229144) from 25th October 2010

This charity, established by a Scheme dated 25th October 2010, was formed from the previous three LG Association charities, namely the Helping Hand Fund, The Life Guards Charitable Trust and the Sir Roger Palmer Fund.

The objects of The Life Guards Association Charitable Trust are:

1. To relieve members or former members of The Life Guards (“the Regiment”) or their dependants who are in need by virtue of financial hardship, sickness, disability or the effects of old age by:

a. making grants of money to them, or

b. providing or paying for goods, services or facilities for them including education or training, or

c. making grants of money to other persons or bodies who provide goods, services or facilities to those in need.

2. To promote the efficiency of the Regiment in any charitable way as the trustees from time to time may decide including, but not limited to:

a. maintaining and promoting contact between serving and former members of the Regiment and providing for social gatherings for them;

b. fostering esprit de corps, comradeship and the welfare of the Regiment and perpetuating its deeds and preserving its traditions;

c. providing and maintaining a memorial or memorials to those members of the Regiment who have died in the service of their country;

d. advancing the education of members of the Regiment;

e. promoting the advancement in life of members of the Regiment by the provision of assistance to enable such persons to prepare for or to assist their re-entry into civilian life.

The objects of the Association and the Charitable Trust are identical. They have separate legal identities for the purposes of clearer lines of responsibility, especially important for management of the Trust’s funds. The new Trust’s objects were expanded to include all the reasons most regiments have a regimental association, including now also the overall object of promoting the ‘efficiency’ of the Regiment which simply means that the Association can support the serving Regiment more closely if it ever wishes to. Hitherto, the Association’s charitable trusts had no legal power to support the Regiment. The priority for any cash grants by the new Trust remains to help members and former members who are in need because of hardship.

Also, although the new Charity rules allowed the three old charities to be merged, the existing funds in the three charities were ‘ring-fenced’ so that they can only ever be used for hardship cases. This means, for example, they can never be used to pay for a memorial or a social function: only new money received after the establishment of the new Trust can be used towards any of the new ‘efficiency’ objects.

The Blues and Royals Association (Charity No: 229144)

The Blues and Royals Association is itself a registered charity reformed in 1968 after the amalgamation. Its aims are very much similar to those of LG Assn.

The Blues and Royals have two charities, The Blues and Royals Association (Charity No. 259191) and the Oliver Montagu Fund (Charity No. 256297) which have similar, but not identical, objects to The Life Guards Association Charitable Trust. The Oliver Montagu Fund has less restriction on how its funds may be spent. Also subsumed in RHG/D funds is The Rose Fund.

President

Household Cavalry Association - Dorset

www.dorsetsquaron.co.uk

Email: Dorsetsquadron@aol.com

Facebook: Household Cavalry Association - Dorset

The Rt Hon The Earl of Normanton

Vice President

George Dugdale

- formerly The Life Guards

Chairman

Raymond D Peck

- formerly The Life Guards

Secretary and Treasurer

John Triggs BEM

- formerly The Blues and Royals

Committee

Martin Batchelor

- formerly The Blues and Royals

Fred Kemp

- formerly Royal Horse Guards

Brian Murray

- formerly The Blues and Royals

Bill Stephenson

- formerly The Blues and Royals

Barry Woodley

- formerly The Life Guards

Wewelcomed 2017 with vigour and spirit believing that if it worked before then it should work again regarding our year. Our first event was the Spring Dinner and Dance at the Hotel Celebrity and this incorporated the Winter Warmer Draw. We agreed again to host two draws this year - the profit made from each is used to subsidise the Annual Dinner, thus making the event as affordable as possible to members. The weekend centred on Saturday 11th March and saw members and friends assemble from the Thursday night

onwards. Friday night was the usual ‘meet n greet’ night where the lamps were swung and family news updated and exchanged with 47 souls gathered and enjoyed dinner and a later disco. Come the next day and 61 members and friends gathered for the much enjoyed informal dinner with good food and the most excellent of company. The Winter Warmer Draw drew some anticipation as the three prizes of short hotel breaks and dinner tickets were most attractive and raised over £600.

On Sunday 14th May Committee

Member Barry Woodley again laid our wreath at the Memorial to the 1982 Fallen in Hyde Park after the CCOCA Annual Parade. The Life Guards were the lead regiment and many members assembled on the day to join the muster and the service of remembrance followed by refreshments in HCMR and many thanks for the privilege.

For our Octoberfest we completely filled the hotel for the weekend and we had the establishment running at full bore. Friday night dinner proved most popular with 95 giving the kitchen an exercise in a la carte menu dining and the disco had people dancing. At the AGM prior to the dinner, the election of officers was held, as required every five years in the Constitution and Mr Ray Peck announced formally he would not be standing for re-election as he felt, after 22 years service, it was time to stand down and proposed Lt Col (Retd) Stuart Sibley MBE be appointed. Col Sibley accepted the appointment after there were no other contenders and on condition of a unanimous vote and this was enthusiastically agreed and carried. Mr John Triggs BEM agreed to continue in appointment as there were no volunteers to replace him. After the AGM, photographs were taken along with pre-dinner drinks. At 6:40 pm our Gentlemen Trumpeter of the night, Steve Hyett gave a resounding call to dinner and diners were invited to table. Grace and dinner followed with many commenting on the fine quality of the meal. Come the moment and the President read the Salutation to Her Majesty and Her kind Reply, he then proposed the Loyal Toast which was well joined by all. The Chairman introduced Lt Col (Retd) Giles Stibbe OBE LG, Director of the Household Cavalry Foundation, who gave us

as ever a most amusing and illuminating slant on military life and the Household Cavalry rounding off with a toast to the Household Cavalry. The Chairman finished off the ‘talk-talk’ element of the dinner with a toast to The Ladies. The President then expanded on Ray Peck’s service to the Association, thanking him for his service and dedication and on behalf of all members presented him with a painted mounted Life Guard in Summer Order.

Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day saw members commemorate this year’s occasion in their own way around the world.

Finally, Members and friends celebrated the Annual Christmas Lunch with over 40 members, family and friends enjoying the tradition seasonal meal in excellent company; we were nobly entertained at the Hotel Celebrity again. After the raffle we held the 36th Annual Draw for three cash prizes totalling £600. Again a huge vote of thanks to Tony Prynne who sold a staggering £525 tickets - an outstanding effort - very many thanks again Tony and well done.

As we move into 2018 as an Association we are ever aware our numbers are declining due to age and the general shrinkage of the Household Cavalry over the recent years, and we are still looking into the mist that is the move from Windsor of the HCR to Bulford, but we will continue with pride, relish and comradeship.

Retiring presentation to Mr Ray Peck (left) by the President, The Earl of Normanton

The Committee

President

Household Cavalry Association North East

Lt Col (Retd) G G E Stibbe OBE

- formerly The Life Guards

Chairman/Secretary

Maj (Retd) A R Tate

- formerly The Life Guards

Secretary

Mr Jim Alexander

- formerly The Life Guards

Membership

Secretary

Mr Kevin Kidd - formerly The Life Guards

Treasurer

Mr Leslie Cook

- formerly The Blues and Royals

Our Association was involved in four events this year: the dinner, Remembrance Sunday, a visit to Newby Hall and a local Museum.

The main event is the annual reunion dinner held at the Angel View Inn Hotel, near Gateshead. Our guest speaker was Maj (Retd) John Carr-Ellison, who entertained us with his stories of life on the Borders over the ages. I am pleased to report attendance at the dinner has gently improved over the last couple of years, helped by the support from our Regimental Association Secretaries, Ken

Robertson and Chris Elliott; thank you.

We once again travelled to Newby Hall where Adrian “Gunner” Mardon and Julie his wife hosted us during a wet day. As you would expect Gunner had gazebos and umbrellas in abundance preventing us getting wet and spoiling the day. The Association members appreciate the effort they go to for us.

Prior to Remembrance Sunday we visited the Sunderland Air, Sea and Land Museum. Once we reached the vehicle section the merits of the Ferret, Saladin and Saracen were discussed

in detail, much to the bemusement of the Ladies! The highlight was being allowed into the Vulcan bomber cockpit.

The Association banner was on Parade at Sunderland on Remembrance Sunday, carried by Mr Dave Ansell with a very small marching party in support. This was disappointing when HCMR provide Mounted Dutymen as Markers on the Cenotaph and Mayor’s saluting dais. It would be nice to see an increase in numbers in 2018.

Our next main event is the annual dinner at the Angel View Inn Hotel in April 2019. Anyone wishing to attend should contact the Chairman. Our meetings are the last Tuesday of the month at 1900 hours at Command and Support Squadron Sergeants Mess, Queens Own Yeomanry, Fenham Barracks. All are welcome.

Household Cavalry Association North Staffs Branch

President:

Lt Col (Retd) H S J Scott

- formerly The Life Guards

Vice President:

Capt P V R Thellusson

- formerly 1st Royal Dragoons

Chairman:

Mr B A Lewis

- formerly The Royal Horse Guards

Secretary:

Mr I J Taylor

- formerly The Royal Horse Guards

Treasurer:

Mr R Adams

- formerly Royal Horse Guards

The year’s activities started early in January even before our first Branch meeting. We had been invited to the Laying up of the Guidon of 1st The Royal Dragoons at St Andrews church in the village of Quatt in Shropshire on Thursday 19th January. This village church is only a short distance from Dudmaston Hall, the family home of the HamiltonRussell family, who have a long record of service in the Regiment. Shortly be-

fore the service, some of us were talking to the Col Hamilton-Russell’s sons, and when our Chaplain, the Revd Ann, wife of the Secretary, mentioned that some of her ancestors came from Quatt, and they would have been ‘in service’ on the Dudmaston Estate. The young clergyman taking the service said as he had not taken a military service before, if he’d known earlier that our Chaplain was attending, he may have pressed her into help out. As it was, it was a lovely service, after which we retired to Dudmaston Hall for a fine buffet. The Secretary was able to speak briefly with Colonel Jake, and found him well and in good spirits.

At the AGM in March the Secretary appealed for help, as after 17 years he was hoping to slow down a little, with still visiting the NMA and having a part time job; there are only so many hours in the day! Even with a smaller membership, there can still be much to do. It was decided to hold a social event every three months when members and wives would have a lunch or dinner at our favourite hotel.

Our usual group of members travelled

down to Windsor in May for the RHG/D Association Dinner and the Cavalry Sunday parade. Time once again to meet up with colleagues we served with way back, and for an evening at least, we are all nineteen again!

Although the majority of the work on the Household Cavalry memorials at The National Memorial Arboretum was finished last year, during the winter things had not gone quite to plan. The wet conditions hampered planning and after seeding was ruined, turf

Anthony Tate and Kev Kidd in a Vulcan Bomber cockpit

The Mayor of Sunderland, the President and the guest speaker checking his notes!

Buffet table at Dudmaston Hall

finally had to be laid. Thankfully more rain fell to enable the turf to get established. Both memorials, The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals were tended throughout the year. A date was set, 28th September, for a dedication service. FM the Lord Guthrie, Colonel The Life Guards, gave a short address, a Trumpeter played, and a couple of dutymen stood proudly to attention. The service was conducted by Revd Ann Taylor, Chaplain to The North Staffs Branch. About thirty guests attended the ceremony, after which we retired to the local Fradley Arms for yet another buffet. It is planned for professional gardeners to take on the maintenance of both memorials in 2018.

The Branch Christmas dinner was held at The Borough Arms Hotel on November 24th when we celebrated our 30th anniversary of the founding of the Branch. Every year each guest is supplied with a small gift as a momento of the dinner, and this year was no

different, each guest receiving an engraved pen and keyring torch.

Several members attended the Service of Remembrance in Newcastle under Lyme; the Secretary read the Lesson and a wreath was laid at the town memorial.

And so into hibernation until 2018, hoping for the best for all, serving and former colleagues, may we face the future with confidence. For any serving or former member of The Household Cavalry wishing to know more about us, contact: ianandann.taylor@btinternet.com

Household Cavalry Association North West and West Yorkshire

President:

Lt Col The Hon R C Assheton TD DL

Chairman:

Mr John McCarthy

- formerly The Life Guards

Vice Chairman:

Mr Kev Lambert

- formerly The Blues and Royals

Treasurer:

Mr Kev Thompson

- formerly The Life Guards

Secretary & Webmaster:

Mr Rob Mather

- formerly The Life Guards

In 2017 the North West and West Yorkshire Branch held a number of reunions, most notably the annual summer smoker. Thanks to the many who travelled from all corners to attend the weekend in West Yorkshire; everybody had a great time, and there were lots of old and new faces in attendance. The weekend kicked off on the Friday afternoon, with the arrival of the posh campers, aka Geordie and Sandy Ormiston in their huge caravan, and several others; 35 tents where pitched, and we had a nice equal mix

of Life Guards and Blues and Royals. On the Saturday we had lots of BBQ, and Buffet food, drink, bouncy castle for the kids, and shooting range, followed by a live rock band. The whole event, whilst a challenge, was well worth the effort, and we only managed to upset a small handful of the local population. The Branch also contributed to some of the beverage costs as agreed by the committee. We will be taking a break in 2018 but will be back the following year.

Also, in August 2017 the Secretary visited various veterans. Most notable was a visit to Bradford spending a

couple of hours with Jack Marsh, a very humbling experience. As you may recall, Jack served in The Life Guards 1941 - 1947 as a Scout Car Crewman and Motorbike despatch rider, seeing active service in Europe and Palestine. What a lovely man, and lots of great stories.

Dedication of The Life Guards memorial

North Staffs Branch Christmas dinner

A close up of the plaque of The Life Guards Memorial

From left to right: Ian Allan, Rob Mather, Dan Bailey and Guy Smith; Only just managing to stay out of jail on a rare night out in Oldham, April 2017

From left to right: Don McKenzie, Dave Leek, Pam Mansbridge, Sandy Ormiston, Dave Ormiston, Antony ‘Manny’ Mansbridge, Tom Dixon, Chris Buckley, Tug Wilson. Warming up in the bar for the weekend at the Annual Smoker

From left to right: Lenny and Theresa Key, with Sue Wells in the background

Jack was telling me his Dingo had hit a mine in Holland, knocking him out, and damaging his back. It was only recently after a fall, that it was found that he had been living with a fracture in his spine

since 1940s. Jack went on to work as a Mounted Police Officer in Yorkshire for 20 odd years, and later engineering work.

The Honourable R C Assheton TD DL, presented Jack Marsh with the Legion d’honneur, recognising Jack’s service and sacrifice during World War 2. In addition, various committee members attended funerals of both Life Guards and Blues and Royals in the North of England, as well as the annual remembrance services in Warrington and Wigan.

Household Cavalry Dinner - Scotland

This year the first Household Cavalry dinner in Scotland took place on Thursday 26th October in Edinburgh. It is hoped this will be an annual event although the location may change. The idea of the dinner was simply to provide an opportunity for former Household Cavalrymen north of the border to dine together, as travel to Windsor is lengthy and expensive.

During August 2017, we informed

by Ken Robertson

both Associations of the intent to hold a dinner in Scotland to which we had an initial response of 55 people. Now armed with an idea of numbers finding a suitable location for the dinner was the next step when Maj (Retd) Sir Ed Mountain formerly RHG/D and now a Member of the Scottish Parliament offered the idea of the dinner being held in the Scottish Parliament. Without hesitation a swift response of ‘Yes please and thank you very much’ was

sent back within minutes.

The dinner was now taking shape; the location, menu and date was agreed; all we needed to do now was to confirm numbers. In total 36 former Household Cavalrymen attended the dinner; people made their way to Edinburgh by train, planes and automobiles. The dinner was a great success due to the whole range of people that attended; some had never attended a dinner since leaving the Army, and from Trooper to Colonel and ages up to 85 years old, the wealth of varied experience made it such a memorable evening for all.

The next dinner has now been confirmed for Friday 5th October 2018 and will be held in the Scottish Parliament; if you would like to attend please contact me either on 01753 755229 or email lg.regsec@householdcavalry .co.uk

Spectemur Agendo Waterloo 2017

Waterloo Day, 18th June, saw a joint commemoration of the capture of the colours of the French 105th Line Infantry Regiment and the centenary of the death of 2Lt John Spencer Dunville VC 1RD who fell on 26th June 1917, also in France. Twenty-nine old and bold Dragoons gathered at the Union Jack

Club and were well fed and watered.

Mr Jack Preece ex-RHG and RHG/D most generously donated an original painting, ‘I have the Colours!’ and a silent auction took place to establish a fund of over £900 to maintain Mr Dunville’s mother’s wish, inscribed on the family grave in Holywood, Northern Ireland:

‘Let those who come after see to it that his memory is not forgotten’

and, to this end, along with members of the

Household Cavalry, we laid a wreath on his war grave at Villers Facon. A memorable night was enjoyed by all attending and we shall do it again in 2018. Contact details for 2018, email: old105boys@ aol.com.

Jack Marsh During the War in Holland. Circa ‘44

Jack Marsh on his motorcycle in Palestine, circa ‘45/’46

Charles Fraser, Giles Stibbe, and Sir Ed Mountain at full strength

The dinner in full swing

The grave of 2Lt JS Dunville VC at Villers Facon

Former Royals gathered at the Union Jack Club for dinner

Afghanistan Through the Eyes of an Ex-Serviceman

by Doctor A J Belza, former Regimental Corporal Major The Life Guards

As I write this article in September 2016, the ongoing seesaw conflicts in the north (Kunduz) and south (Helmand) of Afghanistan continue. On the 24th August 2016, a high profile attack took place in Kabul at the American University at the southern end of Darulamen Road. The Taliban’s tactics were orthodox, as was its selection of a target which the Taliban view as subverting Islamic values. An IED was detonated at the facility’s northern compound before two terrorists entered and attacked the main building with gunfire and grenades. Though an estimated 750 people were inside, including a handful of westerners, the death toll settled at twelve, five of them guards or Afghan National Defence Special Forces responders. A number of students were killed and some were friends of my coworker Sayed. He had just graduated from the university a few months earlier. During my three and a half years in Afghanistan, I have got to know many of its people and understand the problems that they encounter on a daily basis and the courage with which they face Incidents like this.

This article is a snapshot of how I see the state of things in Afghanistan today. Although the above attack may appear as a terrible indictment of events today, the vast majority of Afghans remain resilient and want to move forward to a position where their country has peace and stability. The people of Afghanistan want a country where their children can grow up in safety; an environment where health, education and economic progress are a priority and can be achieved without the interference of those whose sole aim, for often selfish purpose, is to undermine Afghanistan’s future stability.

In April 1993, when I retired from the military (at the grand old age of 40) and ‘left to begin a new career’ I had little idea of what I wanted to do and even less as to where I would end up. Now with just under two years to go, I am considering what I will do when I reach my second and final retirement at the age of 65. This will happen very shortly after I have completed my tour in Afghanistan, leaving here in September 2017 and having worked in Afghanistan for a total of four and a half years.

Before coming to Afghanistan I had been working in East Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and South Sudan) for some years. I can remember the phone call that I received on a Friday afternoon when I was working in Addis Ababa, it was in September 2012. I was asked if I would like to take on a job in Afghanistan working out of Kabul. The post in Afghanistan would be for one year. Apparently there was no one who wanted to go there and a colleague working there (who I had worked with in South Sudan) had recommended me. The decision took less than 30 seconds for me to make and I said yes; my philosophy not to make rash decisions went for a ball of chalk. Whilst the phone conversation continued my mind began racing as to what I was going to tell Mary, my partner. The post would be unaccompanied. I did eventually discuss it with Mary and she accepted that I should take up the post and go to Afghanistan as a Commercial Adviser there working for the Department for International Development (DFID). Some months later in May 2013 I found myself in Kabul International Airport wondering what I had let myself in for.

helped here. I have to admit that on my first trip though Kabul, I was more focussed on trying to figure out on what side of the road that they drove on out here, and what, if any rules they were following at roundabouts. After three plus years of being here it still seems that you can drive on either side of the road and take a roundabout in any direction. Since the bomb attack at the airport roundabout last year we now have to be flown to Kabul International by helicopter when travelling in and out on our breaks, but visiting ministries and other places still has to be undertaken by road.

After a few months a thing that struck me about Afghanistan is that it seemed that nobody appears to have learned any lessons. From that I mean lessons from the history of this country and its people. I made a point of reading a number of publications before I arrived and more during my first few months here. I noticed recurring themes in past events and what I was seeing and hearing about in real time. The people who bore the brunt of this were often the servicemen and women from all nations who were serving here as well as the ordinary people of Afghanistan.

In 1839, the British moved into Afghanistan for the first time. Nearly 20,000 British and East India Company troops came through the mountain passes, to re-establish on the throne Shah Shuja ulMulk. There was little resistance to this invasion but after two years there was a call to ‘jihad’. The Afghans answered that call and there followed a violent rebellion. In short, the First AngloAfghan War became Britain’s greatest military defeat of the nineteenth century with the loss of an entire army of the then most powerful nation on earth. Ambushed when in retreat and then utterly routed by poorly equipped tribesmen; on 13th January, a single British officer from the 16,000 strong column rode into Jalalabad on a wounded horse. The officer was Assistant Surgeon William Brydon, the only European survivor. Some sepoys, who had escaped in the mountains, did follow in the coming weeks.

Later we were to observe what happened to Russia during the Soviet-Afghan war. Nine years of war and Russia’s attempts to prop up disliked Soviet style governments. This failed as had the British attempts trying to re-import The author

On my arrival at the airport and after being picked up by the CP (close protection) team, I found that my curiosity about the environment overruled my concerns for security, and I think that my background from the military

The evening taxi ride

Shuja ul-Mulk. The outcome was that Russia too suffered an ignominious withdrawal from Afghanistan. Then in 2001 the US led invasion of Afghanistan commenced to remove the Taliban and destroy the presence of Al-Qaeda. After 13 years ISAF withdrew a large number of its forces, withdrawals made due to promises made by politicians to their electorates back in the West.

Those service personnel who remain behind now form the Resolute Support mission here in Afghanistan. Some British servicemen and women form part of that contingent (c 500) helping the Afghans train and develop their own security forces. The Afghan forces have been able to give a good account of themselves under what could be termed difficult circumstances. Afghan military forces continue to improve but combat in Afghanistan is becoming a war of attrition and the replacement of men and equipment can be difficult.

Over the past year the Afghan forces have performed well with the Taliban having made no significant territorial gains. While some district centres have fallen, they have mostly been re-taken hours or days later and have been primarily located in areas with little strategic value. Afghan Special Forces do an excellent job and often bore the brunt of ‘firefighting’ in different regions of the country but the return of US air power has provided additional support to the Afghan ground forces, while the Afghan air force continues to develop its skills. In the east the security forces have pushed Da’esh into smaller areas of Nangarhar. The military situation can change daily as many readers of this article will know and understand. Soon we will hopefully be coming to the end

of the ‘fighting season’ for this year. I expect this is also something understood by the reader. Hopefully this year the winter snows will be heavier than our last winter which was very mild and did not contribute much to curtailing the fighting season.

There are not many people of my age working here but I find the job that I do interesting and varied, but most of all challenging. I find my age is often an advantage when talking to and working with Afghans. In many ways the environment in which I have worked for the past three and half years has many and very similar of those elements that I had experienced in my military career. Living and working from compounds, close liaison with the remaining military from many nations that are still working in Afghanistan. It really did feel like coming home in a way. I have been able to work with politicians, staff from the embassies represented here, as well as organisations such as the UN and World Bank. Further, I have been lucky enough to travel around the country, visiting road construction projects in Helmand (dropping in on the Regiment when passing through Camp Bastion), demining programmes by HALO around Herat to the west, and the railway and power supply projects around Mazar el Sarif in the north.

I finish in Afghanistan in September 2017; it will have been a long stint by anyone’s definition. What I will say is that there is often a negative press given about Afghanistan. Many of the ordinary people of Afghanistan just want to get on with their lives, to live in peace and in safety. I doubt if this will happen in my time but for the lives of those men and women who died here I really hope that Afghanistan finds the peace and coexistence with its neighbours which will help it become a stable country for the future.

What is Afghanistan like now? It is a question that many people ask and it is very difficult to explain. It would take more than the space available in this short article. What I can say is that after the drawdown of the military here the role of improving the life of the poorest people has continued under what can be described as difficult conditions.

My final reflections and feelings about Afghanistan are very mixed. If I was to write and say that everything was fine and

that Afghanistan had a clear and prosperous future, it would be untrue. What I will say is that it is always the poor who suffer in conflicts such as this; witnessed in Afghanistan and elsewhere. I think that the people of Afghanistan have fortitude and resolve which one day will bring the peace that the country and its occupants deserve. If I have contributed in any way in helping the people of Afghanistan achieve their ambitions then I am as proud as any serviceman or woman who has served here before me and who laid the foundations for the work that I now do.

Update on Kabul, Monday 5th September 2017

The day after I wrote this article, the following events took place in Kabul. At around 1430hrs two separate explosions killed more than 30 people and wounded dozens of others within the city. The first explosion was caused by a remotecontrolled bomb at the entrance of the Afghan Ministry of Defence (MoD) and this was followed by a second explosion, caused by a suicide bomber, which targeted the first responders to the scene of the first explosion. Among the dead at this incident were a number of senior police officers. Then at 2300hrs a further explosion rocked Kabul. Coming just hours after the afternoon explosion details of this event were still unclear as the situation was still on-going. 12 hours after the bomb went off there were still sporadic clashes between the Afghan security forces and the attackers being heard that morning (1100hrs 6th September). AJB

New and old in the flat plain

A J Belza in Helmand

Security is an ever present

Household Cavalry Cadets

by Captain David Cawrey GCGI (RHG/D) Offr

Comd 216 Tottenham (The Blues and

Hyde Park Barracks threw open its doors and stables to 216 Tottenham (Blues and Royals) on 30 May for a packed day of exploration, ceremony and games.

After allowing us all a privileged view of the daily inspection parade and the troopers and horses returning from guard duties, the Household Cavalry put on a splendid round of interactive talks and activities around the barracks. These included the opportunity to see

Royals) Detachment

a ceremonial horse having a shoes fitted in the forge. In the stables, the more intrepid cadets got to feed carrots to the enormous but beautifully behaved chargers in the stables. The cadets also got to see how saddles and tack are put together and to have a close look at ceremonial dress including the ceremonial jacket worn by HRH Prince William.

After a good lunch, the weather stayed fine long enough for us to undertake an inter-unit mini assault course including log carry and ‘cannon dash’, encouraging team work and problem solving. This was laid out for us in Hyde Park by Blues and Royals PT instructors - much to the interest and encouragement of passers- by. Our cadets did brilliantly and being pipped at the post has only spurred them on to greater efforts next year.

216 Detachment thank all the Officers, NCOs, Troopers and staff at Hyde Park Barracks for giving us an unforgettable day and making us all feel part of the family.

Future Transport for Chelsea Pensioners at the Lord Mayor’s Show

In reference to the request for Coach Troop to provide suitable transport for the Chelsea Pensioners on the Lord Mayor’s Show, HCMR can provide. The aim would be to use the former Guard Van with a team of 4 horses. This can seat 8 pensioners and is relatively easy to access. There are however a couple of caveats.

Despite appearances, this was last refurbished in 1996. It now needs some money spending on it to make it roadworthy and parade ready. The Household Division Trust is assisting with funds for the refurbishment, particularly to the running gear. Donations would be welcome, should anyone want to support this effort.

The quid pro quo from the Major General is that the vehicle would be available for other events in the annual calendar. When it is ready we will approach Gen Sir Redmond Watt of the Royal Hospital Chelsea for some passengers

The visitors being briefed in the Saddler’s shop

The Detachment on the square at Hyde Park Barracks

The HCMR horsedrawn Guard Van

‘The

Dingo’ by Lieutenent Piers Flay, The Blues and Royals

It was July 2016, A Sqn was on one of its annual training exercises, and I had been paired with a new gunner, LCoH Harry Day. As ever, when on exercise and working in such close proximity for so long, there is time to chat. LCoH Day mentioned that he takes a great interest in restoring historic vehicles, and is involved with Living History in his spare time. He also mentioned that it might be possible to restore one of the Gate Guardians in camp at Combermere Barracks....and with that, the seeds of the project were sown.

When we returned from exercise, we set about combing through all of the historic vehicles on camp to see which would be the most feasible for restoration. The Daimler Dingo stood out straight away, not only because it still has a lot of its original running gear in place, but also because, being the smallest vehicle we had, it would likely prove the easiest for a small volunteer team to move and refurbish. And so, on the 24th October 2016, the REME relocated the Dingo into the LAD Workshop so that the men could get stuck in.

The target for completion was, admittedly, a rather ambitious one - a date just shy of 7 months from the day work began - the RHG/D Association Dinner on the 13th May ‘17. As the project continued, it became clear that the Dingo had been the perfect choice of vehicle to

restore; with the history surrounding 2 Household Cavalry Regiment (2 HCR), and the use of these vehicles in the breakout of Normandy, liberation of Brussels and the ground action for Operation MARKET GARDEN showing the sort of daring we look to instil in our current cohort of soldiers. The significance of the upcoming 75th anniversary of MARKET GARDEN in 2019, was also a key factor in the decision to undertake this project. Because of the vehicle’s historic significance and the fact that a Junior NCO was leading the project, the team applied for, and was granted, funding from the Household Cavalry Foundation.

In his spare time, LCoH Day is involved with The Shopland Collection (Armoured fighting vehicle restoration) and Garrison Artillery Volunteers (a group dedicated to restoring historic artillery pieces), and this has given him an immense library of knowledge, as well as contacts, to successfully run a project on this scale. It is only through his passion for the Regiment, and his dedication and drive to see the restoration through to the end that has this monumental undertaking has been possible. The task that lay ahead was daunting, as the vehicle had been left dormant outside the Officers’ Mess for over 40 years - although it must be said that rumours have since surfaced of it being dragged around camp in gruelling PT sessions in the late 1980s. The engine was seized and much of the interior and storage bins had rotted away. No mean feat to get it back to the condition of its glory days!

The project stalled in late November as both LCoH Day and I were on pre-deployment training for A Sqn’s Ex ULU RAJAH in Brunei, which saw us leave the country in early January. However, upon our return from the Jungle in February the project recommenced with renewed gusto. Through a network of contacts and subject matter experts, much of the specialist work was completed; the original storage bins were re-built and the whole body was sand-blasted and repainted. In the meantime, the engine had also been unseized, the starter motor repaired and carburettor thoroughly cleaned - the vehicle was now not only able to start, but was soon ready for its first glory lap around camp.

That optimistic completion date was now a mere insignificance, as the restoration was completed, to its current state, perfectly in time for the RHG/D Association dinner, which makes the timeline a very respectable D+ 201 - 201 days from the day the vehicle entered the LAD to it being fully repainted and functional. The Padre was on hand to give an appropriate dedication to past Household Cavalrymen, and to the indelible link that this vehicle provides to their memory.

The overall ambition for the Dingo is for it to become road legal and be an interactive piece of regimental history. This is now a very real possibility, as there has been a second round of funding supplied by our Associations. LCoH Day’s mammoth efforts on this project have been nothing short of astonishing, and it has been a real testament to his character and perseverance that he has been able to see this through, and to such a high standard. The results speak for themselves.

Particular thanks must go to Neil Sylvester-King, Peter Logan, PPG (a very kind donation of specialist coatings), John Cornell and the Dingo Society without all of whom this project could not have succeeded.

She drives

The proud pair responsible for the transformation - LCoH Day and Lt Flay

Blasted and painted with protective undercoat

The Dingo being lifted from its 40 year sojourn

Uniformity

Below is a photograph of the funeral party for Tpt Maj Goodhall 2LG on 17th February 1912. What an epitome of drilled, military smartness. Whatever the fine characteristics of today’s soldiers, this party of smart, lean, 6 foot tall men from our past would surely be a match for today too.

A View of the Hills - The Lost Camp of Paroi with C Squadron, The Life Guards in the Far East 1966-1968

by Richard Golding, formerly The Life Guards

Over 50 years ago in July 1966 Earl Mountbatten of Burma, Colonel of The Life Guards and the Regimental Band were at London (now Heathrow) Airport to see the main body of the Regiment off for our two and a half years tour of the Far East. I left earlier at the end of May with the C Squadron advance party. Flying from the less glamorous Gatwick via Kuwait and Colombo then to Singapore which took thirty hours with British Eagle Airways chartered Bristol Britannia prop plane. The pilot flew around close to Mont Blanc as a sightseeing diversion - unlikely these days.

After acclimatisation at Nee Soon Barracks, Singapore and the Jungle Warfare School at Kota Tinngi, Jahore, Malaya, C Squadron then transferred to Sarawak for six months active service in the Confrontation with Indonesia to support 40

Commando, Royal Marines, based at Wong PaDong Camp, some 120 miles east of Kuching on a dusty gravelled road. On completion C Squadron then took up residence at Paroi Camp, Seremban, some 40 miles south of Kuala Lumpur, far removed from the training exercise we took part in on Salisbury Plain in early 1966, in one of the coldest winters for some years.

Seremban is the capital of Negeri Sembilan state, a town of little distinction with some quaint remnants of earlier British rule: a Chinese Methodist Church; King George V school; a Carmelite Nuns’ Convent and the Royal Sungai Ujong Club with shades of Noel Coward. The word Seremban is a derivative from Chinese for Hibiscus, which conjurs up a fragrant place which is putting a brave face on it, hardly the name for an old tin mining town.

There were three main British and Commonwealth military camps in Seremban, which had been a British garrison town since the 1920s. The largest camp was Rasah which is now a Malaysian Army base, Sikamat Camp was the Ghurka Infantry camp, then Paroi Camp, some three miles east of the town where we were based. All were part of FARELF 17th Ghurka Division. Families who joined us later were largely located at the quaintly named married quarters ‘England Gardens’ on the outskirts of the town.

The Japanese had occupied the area some twenty odd years before, when there were a number of atrocities against Chinese Malays. Then followed the Emergency guerrilla war fought between Commonwealth forces and the Communist Liberation Army which lasted from 1948 until 1960, with the loss

of two thousand Commonwealth, including 519 British personnel and nearly seven thousand communist forces.

It was during the Emergency that Paroi Camp was built with its small airstrip to give air cover and support for jungle operations by the British Army Air Corps. The location was in the countryside alongside a single lane country roads leading up into the hills – now Route 51, a dual carriageway. The hills and mountains to the east reached some 2,700 feet, the closest named Bukit Ayer (Water Hill) and Gunung Angsi (Goose Mountain). All merging into one another as part of the Titiimangsa Hills which are part of the Tenasserim Range which forms the backbone of Malaysia. Paroi was the name of a mystical weretiger called Dutak Paroi who inhabited the many hills and there is a shrine on the roadside leading up to Bukit Putus where the early morning mists make it a mystical place.

Paroi looking west towards Seremban. The cookhouse and Naafi are top right of the airstrip, guardroom and entrance to the left with officers and NCOs quarters at the far end. Administration blocks are elevated right next to the vehicle park centre top. The golf course is in the background

Near Paroi were some mountain roads which were notoriously dangerous during the Emergency, particularly the Jelebu Pass and Kuala Pilah Pass. I recall an exercise in Jelebu Pass where the Ghurkas would act as the enemy and attack us at night. As always their enthusiasm got the better of them as they lived the part literally. Part of our uniform was a rectangular shoulder patch with a black cat and yellow background that identi-

fied us as part of the 17th Ghurka Division, Overseas Commonwealth Land Forces, Malaya. The emblem originated during World War 2 under British command used by the 17th Indian Infantry Division and later adopted by the Ghurkas. Strangely coincidental that the capital of Sarawak, Kuching, is derived from the word cat.

C Squadron arrived in Paroi from Borneo towards the end of 1966 as B Squadron left for Hong Kong. We occupied Paroi with RHQ and HQ Squadron until March 1967 when they moved to Selerang Barracks, Singapore, leaving us with half of the Air Squadron comprising Sioux helicopters used for reconnaissance and an Auster. I recall several of us taking a navigators course with the Air Squadron. One of the demonstrations was to take the place of a casualty strapped into a lightweight aluminium frame stretcher with what resembled chicken wire clamped to the outside struts of a Sioux. Strapped onto this contraption, I recall the pilot taking a fast sharp climb so that I was almost vertical looking down at the fast receding ground, an experience almost like a frightening fairground ride, but airborne, an exercise to demonstrate that if you weren’t already an injured casualty, you soon could be.

Later utilising part of the runway were two Flight Army Air Corps who operated Beavers, Pioneer, Austers and Scout Helicopters; they maintained residence when we left in 1968. 656 Light Aircraft Squadron also used to fly in sometimes. We generally had a twice weekly Auster bringing us mail and provisions from RHQ Changi. Paroi was largely built around the approximate 400 metre airstrip, with buildings either side and a sports ground at the far end. Elevated above the airstrip were the accommodation blocks, administration offices and vehicle park. The officers’ and NCOs accommodation and messes were at the west end of the runway which made low flying landings potentially hazardous, just above rooftops.

We were some 130 strong including the LAD and Air Squadron with five armoured troops of two Saladins and two Ferrets each and the SHQ with Saracen APCs. The 12 ton 6-wheel Saladins had a crew of three with a 76 mm gun and 2 Browning 7.62 mm machine guns. The Ferrets were 4½ tons with one Browning machine gun and a crew of two. The Saracens were 6 wheel 10½ tons with a maximum crew of 12 but mostly used as a squadron ops command vehicle. All went out of production in the early 70s, however they are regularly on parade at military museums, notably Bovington and Duxworth.

Christmas Dinner Menu 1966 at Paroi including turkey, roast pork, baked gammon, Christmas pudding, cheese, biscuits, nuts, cigarettes and beer

There were also the usual paraphernalia that supports an armoured unit with 3 ton trucks, land rovers and LAD Scammells and heavy repair equipment vehicles. A long way from today’s technology but adequate for the region in those days.

Formed specifically for Borneo was 6 Troop under 2/Lt Simon Hanbury and CoH John Stewart, in which I served, which carried out foot and boat patrols from four to six days out at a time and sometimes collaborating with the Marines. At Paroi I joined the armoured 2 Troop under CoH Cliff Hales where I happily remained for some time. Some MOD issue equipment was inadequate particularly for the jungle. The majority could be too bulky and heavy to carry for up to several days at a time in the Sarawak heat along with all the weaponry, radio, 24 hour food packs and water. One issue item was a heavy, blunt machete in a leather sheath with a 1918 date stamp, which was completely impractical. A visit to an ex-military equipment dealer in Singapore was invaluable where I bought a lightweight Australian issue machete, which I still have. I also had a sleeping bag made of parachute silk and a lightweight waterproof poncho.

In early 1967 we said goodbye to our Squadron Leader, Major William Edgedale, who had seen us through Borneo, to become Assistant Military Attache in Saigon during the Vietnam War. In March Major Desmond Langley arrived from Knightsbridge as our new leader. He later became Major General Sir Desmond Langley, commanding the Household Division and London District. At the time Lt

Black Cat 17th Division shoulder patch

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Col Ian Baillie was the Comd Offr at RHQ Selerang Barracks, Singapore. After 6 months in Borneo we were at Paroi for nearly two years broken by nearly 6 months in Hong Kong and various visits to RHQ Selerang, Changi and numerous exercises throughout the Malay peninsular. These included Exercise Hastings at Gong Kedah, in May 1967, in north east Malaya, a Japanese WW2 built airfield, a huge multi-service undertaking designed to see how quickly a response could be mounted should a war similar to that in Vietnam escalate in south east Asia. A party of the squadron were responsible for running the control staff and visitors camp where we received one of the highest concentrations of senior officers to be assembled in south east Asia for some time. Desmond Langley was running it and it was an education to watch him as ‘haute supreme’ entertaining all the top brass, with Patrick Lundie and I sometimes manning the bar for Martinis, stirred but not shaken!

Exercise Highway Patrol was large, taking place at Ipoh and Sungai Petani in north west Malaya along with a visit to Penang, and also the Pehentian Islands, Cameron Highlands and many others, including a tiger shoot in Terengganu.

The Hong Kong trip, during the first half of 1968, was made particularly memorable by the nightmare journey from Singapore on the LST Empire Kittiwake which was a WW2 designed vessel for the D Day landings and well past its sell by date, made obvious in a South China Sea typhoon; it was scrapped in Singapore the following year. The return journey on the new LST Sir Galahad was comparative luxury. Also irritating was the prospect of half a million of Mao Tse Tung’s Red Guard swarming over the

border to occupy Hong Kong and ourselves.

An exercise on Tioman Island was eventful when five of us from the squadron were part of a commissioning trial for the new LTE Sir Tristram on a remote beach landing which backfired, resulting in Patrick Lundie and I having to spend two days marooned on the beach with a Ferret Scout Car, while the ship was moored a mile off trying to work out how to get us off, due to the extremely soft unstable sand. Part of the film South Pacific was filmed several years before close to this isolated, but idyllic beach.

An Auster taking off from Paroi en route to Singapore with the hills beyond

Recreation on the camp was what you made it with interludes to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore and visits to the beach 20 miles away at Port Dickson, where we had use of an outboard motorboat donated by the Nuffield Trust. I travelled to Port Dickson on my Matchless 500 motorbike which was excellent in the heat. Here we would water ski, eat Nasi Goreng and drink Tiger beer at the Long Beach Café and Beach Club. Camp entertainment was provided by our char wallah Abdul Ghani, Jacob the boot boy, a dhobi wallah (laundry boy) who ignored all our requests to stop starching the laundry as it only caused Prickly Heat! also Mr Taj Din the tailor. Then there was Busty, a turbaned Sikh and his old Mercedes taxi, who would take us into town to Anna’s Bar, Mr Fu’s Bar, Mee Lee’s & Wong Kee’s restaurant, also the Capitol cinema. Some of the shops sold dried fish and there were a number of jewellers, one of which made me an 18 ct Malay gold ring which I still have. There was a 9 hole golf course near the camp littered with deep, open concrete monsoon drains which were an irritating hazard, now all gone under a new housing development. Music was Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band and a Revolver LP, frequently rotating on a battery operated record player. I had a weekly mail order wafer thin airmail edition of the Sunday Times sent mail order from the UK which, by the time it reached me, was well out of date. No air conditioning then, just ceiling fans and mosquito nets with the daily Paludrine tablet to ward off Malaria. Sometimes we would rent a car

and drive to KL some forty miles away or the 200 miles south to Singapore and visit Bugis Street, Jahore Bahru market, also the Cockpit and Troika night spots; I bought an Omega Seamaster in Singapore, sadly stolen some 30 years later. There were also the Goodwood and Adelphi Hotels and the pool at the combined services Naafi Britannia Club opposite Raffles Hotel which is no more. However, thankfully, the building has been preserved now containing several restaurants, as part of a heritage feature for the south beach development. But, the olympic sized pool and three diving platforms have gone.

In December 1967 I received a telegram from Capt Hurn, 17th Division British Forces broadcasting representative to tell me a request by my mother would be broadcast on 24th December on Family Favourites. The song requested was by Andy Williams, however, in error they played the wrong song – a Vikki Carr number, neither of which were my favourites.

I later joined the NCOs Mess which sometimes had more waiters in the dining room than there were live-in diners. I still have my Mess pewter tankard from the bar. Terendak Camp was large and some forty miles from Paroi near Malacca where there was a military hospital partly Australian run, now a Malay military base. The Asahan firing range was nearby where we would practice our aiming ability. In the heat you could fry an egg on the Saladin engine deck. We wore suede chukka boots which had a crepe sole which would partly stick to the engine shutters as they were so hot.

At the end of January ‘67 we were visited by our Colonel, Earl Mountbatten of Burma, who spent over a day and night with us accompanied by a film crew making a twelve part television series about his life Lord Mountbatten: A man for the Century which was televised in 1968. It is now held in the British Film Institute. He had become Colonel of The Life Guards in 1965 following the resignation of FM Lord Harding. Having seen us off the year before at Heathrow,

Paroi looking east towards Kuala Pilah and the hills in 1968. Foreground is the officers and NCOs quarters, left the cookhouse and Naafi, right the guardroom, medical centre and NCOs Mess. The helicopters were an RAF exercise

he clearly enjoyed the visit and spent time meeting everyone and the families. Talking to him it was sobering to think of his importance as a great historical figure during the World War 2 as Supreme Allied Commander, South East Asia then the last Viceroy of India, then First Sea Lord and Chief of the Defence Staff and a host of other roles.

When C Squadron arrived in Seremban there was an article in The Straits Times welcoming us. On our departure there were a number of articles, particularly concerned about the security aspect of our departure and the loss of trade. We gradually started to leave Paroi during the second half of ‘68. I flew from Singapore in late September on a scheduled British Caledonian jet flight via Delhi and Rome, a different experience from the prop plane marathon on the flight out.

In 1970 the 17th Division was disbanded when British forces left Seremban. The Malay army took over Paroi until the

Paroi taken during the last several years with less than half the airstrip remaining taken from where the officers quarters were.The NCOs mess would have been to the right of the lone tree with the cookhouse and Naafi to the left of the car. The stadium spotlights can just be seen in the left background

late ‘80s when it was demolished and developed in ‘92 into a sports complex with an aquatic centre and the Tuanku Abdul Rahman 20,000 capacity Sports Stadium. The stadium is named after the first Malaysian Prime Minister who was in office from independence in 1955 to 1970, commonly regarded as the father of the nation.

There are a number of Old Oak Tree contributors who were at Paroi and have left postings on the website and a few who have made a visit to see the camp. While on holiday in south east asia in 2015 my wife and I made a detour for a week to visit KL, Malacca, Port Dickson and Seremban in a hire car. After visiting Malacca we hoped to drive through Terendak, however, it was a closed area regulated by the Malay military. We drove on to Port Dickson and then to Paroi.

Looking for the camp, we drove out of Seremban on route 51 then pulled over onto a concrete incline which I immediately recognised as the old main entrance. The guard house was no longer there and over half of the airstrip had gone as had all the buildings. Only the outline of some foundations were still visible. Most evocative were the majority of the wide concrete steps which were used to go down to the Cookhouse and Naafi. An eerie reminder of all those feet going up and down, now silent. In the upper part of the camp virtually nothing remains; the accommodation blocks have been replaced by an indoor swimming pool, a water treatment plant and trees where the vehicle park stood. The stadium straddles part of the lower part of the airstrip and the sports field. Once surrounded by countryside there are now only housing developments. For me it was a strange

One of the only remaining structures left - the steps leading down from the accommodation blocks to the cookhouse

surreal experience with ghosts of the past everywhere.

We left and drove onto Seremban’s main street, which seemed very familiar. We were in a deluge of torrential rain so were unable to stop and so made our way to KL and The Majestic Hotel. The following day we boarded the hop-on hop-off open top city bus sitting upstairs at the front. As we approached Merdeka Square (it had been The Padang), I pointed to an area on the grass verge where I had seen President Lyndon B Johnson drive pass in October 1967. An elderly Chinese Malay gentleman sitting near overheard and said he and his wife had also been there on that day and were standing in virtually the same place as myself - a strange coincidence.

No present day aerial photographs seem to exist of Paroi so for a view of what Paroi looks like Google: Aerial View Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium Paroi Seremban; then click on the stadium website, Google landscape and enlarge.

My Time at Mission Training and Mobilisation Centre (Individual) MTMC(I)

by Corporal of Horse J P Mullholland, The Blues and Royals, Instructor Op Trg Team, Nottingham

Seeing as I’m the first Household Cavalrymen to serve at MTMC(I), I thought It would only be right to give you an insight into my first year at the Nottingham based unit. When I arrived at the unit, I realised how busy it was. With a turnover of just under 1000 deploying personnel last year, it was a healthy sign that the Army, as a whole, are still actively engaged on operations in a variety of forms.

There’s a wide range of personnel that come through MTMC(I). Ranging from infantry cap badges to mentor Iraqi forces to defeat Daesh, to a chef deploying on Op TANGHAM on a

UN mission. This presents its own challenge as we get a wide range of Army, RAF and Naval personnel who all have different experience and backgrounds behind them. Being in such a grown up environment, I had to adapt my teaching style from being at depot, to teaching a broad spectrum of experienced personnel. Everything that we teach has to be on point at all times as they’ll be more than happy to scrutinise everything that you teach. Always make sure you have an answer and an “I’ll just cuff it” approach mind set does not work here. At MTMC(I), the instructors we have are a different variety of cap badges who are mainly

infantry and engineers. This brings a diverse and wealth of experience when delivering lessons to students.

We deliver the same 5 week package as dictated by PJHQ no matter where they are deploying. The first two weeks of the course are broken down into Mission prep and MATTS. This is where they’ll be issued equipment according to their theatre to where they are deploying and their job role. MATTS is vitally important as personnel won’t be able to deploy legally without having done MATTS 1-9. The third week is what’s

known as the fundamentals phase. This is where we teach anything from Vehicle contact and extraction drills to target indication and fire control orders. It’s not surprising how much skill fade there is in the Army as a whole on basic soldiering, especially to those who have risen up in ranks and now have a job at a desk. Depending on their deployment, students may need to do the Fundaments phase. This is where they carry out SERE ( Survive, Evade, Resist, Extract) and Team Medic training. The last in the cycle is the week long intensive range package in Lydd. Without a doubt, the best and most in-depth range package I have seen in the Army. We cover anything from pistol concealed carriage to foreign weapon familiarisation shoots. It’s really good to see how the students throw their enthusiasm during the range package week. From an instructor point of view, you can really see the coaching and mentoring side of the job come into play. It’s a very rewarding part of the job.

Recently the unit sent a small team to conduct a recce in Op TANGHAM, Somalia to review our training and to see if it is still relevant and fit for purpose to those personnel deploying to that theatre. For myself, it definitely had a positive impact as it was a big change from the Herrick days and how

things have moved on. Compared to the HERRICK and TELIC days, the Army faces a lot more challenges in terms of working with other nations and organisations. As from what I saw out there and what we teach at MTMC(I), our Armed forces will work ever closer with other EU nations in the future.

It’s not all work at MTMC(I), during our week turnaround in between courses is the best time to get on AT and participate in sport. I recently completed a mountain bike instructor course and a multi-activity week in Wales. The unit is very keen on sending personnel away for developmental courses and to spend time doing sport. The unit is organising a week skiing trip to the south of France in early 2018.

Overall, a busy but developing few months at the unit. Taking time away from RD in a combined E2 environment, has definitely developed my understanding of the wider Army. Working with other cap badged in an operational environment will pay dividends for any Household Cavalrymen and is highly recommended.

Mr Alfred Lawes, Royal Horse Guards: World War 2 Veteran - 100th

Birthday Celebration and Presentation of the

Ifirst heard of Alf, Bill to his mates when SCpl Todd Martin mentioned to me about one of the regular visits he made with SCpl Jerry McGuire to him - “He is got some cracking stories that you wouldn’t believe!” Tales of being the first man into Brussels when it was liberated, but only because he took the wrong turn in his vehicle!

Back in June, Capt Chris Elliott, RHG/D Association Secretary mentioned it was going to be Alf’s 100th Birthday in November. It was agreed that it would be a fantastic idea to celebrate it, and the

Légion d’honneur Medal

occasion would offer an opportunity to present his Légion d’Honneur medal, the order of chivalry that France wishes to bestow on all D Day veterans. The RCM very kindly offered his Mess as the setting, which was ideal as our reenactment expert LCoH Day was able to position the vehicle Alf had driven for most of his career, a Bedford QLC 3 tonne truck, at the entrance alongside the resident Daimler Dingo. This proved the perfect back drop for the melee of press that awaited his arrival and that of the Colonel The Life Guards, FM Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank who was

Foreign Alf

Lawes finds a Bedford 3 tonner to greet him shoot invited to present Mr Lawes with his Légion d’Honneur medal.

In Somalia for a recce

Teaching CQM drills

Once inside the Mess Alf’s amusing biography was read by out the museum curator, Mr Pete Storer; tales of trials and tribulations. Lord Guthrie then presented him with his Legion d’Honneur medal. After rapturous applause a birthday cake was brought in, the whole of the Mess, including Alf’s family and other veterans, then began to sing Happy Birthday with musical accompaniment from the Household Cavalry band.

Alf his family, friends, veterans, Councillor Rayner, serving officers and soldiers then enjoyed lunch. Alf who served as a mounted soldier and a driver, is a humble man, a legend in

every sense of the word, said “He did not expect all the fuss”, but was pleased and extremely happy with all the good wishes and presents he received. A superb day was had by all.

Dedicating a Paving Stone at Westminster to 2Lt JS Dunville 1RD

On 27th April Whitehall witnessed a moving spectacle of ceremonial and remembrance at the unveiling of a paving stone to 2Lt Johnie Dunville 100 years after the action that awarded him the VC also took his life. The heir to the Dunville and Co Whisky Empire, John Spencer Dunville was born on 7th May 1896 at 46 Portland Place in Marylebone. Educated at Eton College, and destined for Trinity College, Cambridge, as war broke out he joined the army instead. He fought at the Battle of Loos in September 1915 with the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons before transferring to the 1st (Royal) Dragoons in January 1916.

In April he contracted trench fever and was invalided to England, but returned to France in December 1916. On 25th June 1917, Second Lieutenant Dunville was fatally wounded during a raid on the German lines near Épehy in France, part of the Hindenburg Line. It was his astonishing, selfless actions during that raid that resulted in the award of the Victoria Cross.

His VC medal has pride of place in the Household Cavalry Museum on Horse Guards Parade, but was removed from its display case and carried in ceremonial procession, through Horse Guards

and across Whitehall to Embankment Gardens.

The VC Citation for John Spencer Dunville reads: “For most conspicuous bravery. When in charge of a party consisting of scouts and Royal Engineers engaged in the demolition of the enemy’s wire, this officer displayed great gallantry and disregard of all personal danger. In order to ensure the absolute success of the work entrusted to him, 2Lt Dunville placed himself between an N.C.O. of the Royal Engineers and the enemy’s fire, and, thus protected, this N.C.O. was enabled to complete a work of great importance. Second Lieutenant Dunville, although severely wounded, continued to direct his men in the wire-cutting and general operations until the raid was successfully completed, thereby setting a magnificent example of courage, determination and devotion to duty, to all ranks under his command. This gallant officer has since succumbed to his wounds”.

The humanity of John Dunville comes through most clearly in extracts from a letter written in 1917 to his mother by John’s Commanding Officer, Lt Col FW Wormald of the Royals: “The Sapper Corporal states that during the whole of this time Johnie was urging him to keep cool and kept assuring him that he was in no danger. He further stated that Johnie deliberately interposed his own body between the enemy and himself, and that by his example and bravery he gave him the necessary confidence to carry out his task. As the leading men got up to the gap Johnie was wounded, his left arm being badly shattered by a bomb. He then had to be taken back, and despite a dreadful wound, he walked back the whole distance. A man of less grit could not have accomplished it. He was quite calm when he reached

my headquarters and talked cheerfully to the doctor who attended to his wounds, and apologised to me for not having been able to get into the trenches. Poor little Johnie, I feel his death very deeply. I had seen a great deal of him lately and realized what a splendid boy he was. Quite apart from his gallant end, he had been working indefatigably with his scouts in ‘No Man’s Land’ for a week before the raid, and was out nearly every night making himself acquainted with the ground over which the raid was to take place. He did everything that human power could do to make a success of the raid, and I cannot put into words the admiration which we all feel for him, and the respect in which we shall always retain him in memory.”

Lord Guthrie presents Alf with his insignia

A beaming Alf

RCM Quickfall bears the VC from the Museum, followed by dutymen and the Band

The Lord Mayor of Westminster gives his address

The paving stone dedicated to 2Lt JS Dunville 1RD

The paving stone was unveiled by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, blessed by Padre Gary Scott CF, and the exhortation was read by Col Crispin Lockhart and a Trumpeter played Last Post and Reveille

Eagles Rugby Weekend 2017

by Mark Dyche, Chairman Eagles Rugby Club

14years on and the Eagles Rugby reunion weekend attracts over 80 people for the second year running. Our annual reunion in Leeds and the Saturday jolly to the home of Yarnbury Rugby Club was another great success with regular faces and quite a few new ones, taking the opportunity to meet old friends, make new ones and swap war stories.

The weekend got off to a great start as ever, meeting up in The Scarborough Hotel opposite Leeds railway station, throughout Friday afternoon. Some had met up early to play a round of golf to work up a thirst, and soon it was time for the lads to go out in their groups for a night in Leeds pubs and yes, clubs and curry houses.

On arrival at Yarnbury we took part in a Royal Artillery Association Standards Parade which we had been asked to support. It was quite a big affair which we were proud to attend, senior officers, Standard Bearers from other detachments of the Artillery, a pipe band and the local artillery musicians adding the pomp to the ceremony.

With quite a few of the Eagles looking smart in our club blazers and our ranks containing numerous drill instructors and senior ranks used to parading in front of The Queen, it was amusing that we were unable to keep in step, with the front ranks marching to the beat of the band and the rear ranks marching to a step called out by Neal Gaskell; the comedy value increased when he even threw in a “Change Step”, which was priceless.

The ceremony completed, it was time for the AGM. We also discussed fund raising and it was agreed that we would donate any monies raised to the Blues and Royals Association, for them to ensure it goes to a worthy cause. We were very pleased to donate a cheque for £335 post weekend.

It was also agreed, in an effort to smarten up the team, that a new tie would be made and everyone would be asked to wear the tie on the Saturday. Adrian Phillips will continue to operate as PRI Shop and everyone is encouraged to use his services for blazers, shirts etc.

The day continued with 13 brave souls and a few Yarnbury players to make up the numbers, taking to the field and doing their best to compete with players who regularly play for club sides, most of which had youth and fitness on their side. We lost all our games but congratulations to all those who put their bodies on the line and never gave up.

The rest of the day was a typical rugby club atmosphere with boat races, songs, banter and awards. Our Rick Buckle Sportsman of the Year trophy was

Eagles on parade

awarded to Neal Gaskell. This was the second time he had won the prestigious award for his sterling efforts organising the bus (which was sponsored again by an anonymous person, a huge vote of thanks to them), refereeing, organising and promoting the event through Facebook and other methods. He also received two pints of foaming ale, which he dispatched with gusto.

Getting ready for next year; dates will be out as soon as possible, but one thing was agreed between Yarnbury and ourselves was that we could not continue to play in the tournament as it is. Bearing in mind, that Yarnbury organise the tournament around our attendance, it was agreed that the tournament would be opened by a true Veterans match between Yarnbury and the Eagles, played under proper Vets rules. This was well received by the troops, with many agreeing to bring their boots next year, which I am sure will add to the weekend, generating even more tales and camaraderie which the weekend has grown famous for.

And this is what is all about

The Associations Battlefield Tour 2017

Ypres and the Salient 1914 and 1917

Following on from the successful visits to Waterloo in 2015 and the Arras area in 2016 it was decided that on the 100th anniversary of the 3rd Battle of Ypres, or Passchendaele, the

Associations should take to the road once more to visit what in 1917 was probably the worst place in the world to be a British soldier, the Ypres salient. There are a huge number of Household

Cavalry links to the area, from the last stand at Zandvoorde in October 1914 to the sacrifices of the Household Battalion in October 1917, which promised to give this trip particular resonance. The

Assembly outside the much loved ‘Scaby’, the Scarborough Hotel

Household Battalion was formed, to a degree, by frustration; large numbers had flocked to join the Household Cavalry but could not be posted to the well-manned regiments in France. Consequently a move was made to form an infantry battalion from this ready pool of men - the Household Battalion, commanded by Lt Col Portal. It was in existence from 1 Sep 16 to Jan 18, distinguishing itself at Poelcappelle, Requette Farm of Passchendaele until losses led to its dispersal.

It is sometimes forgotten in the UK just how close we are to Ypres. A trip of less than an hour from the Channel ports will see you arriving at the Menin Gate; so a relatively civilized 0930hrs start from Combermere Barracks was in order. As in previous years a coach was allocated to each of the Regimental Associations with Pete looking after The Blues and Royals bus. Unfortunately Jim Lees was unable to attend the trip due to illness this year so his place was filled by two real military historians, Simon Doughty and Brian Rogers, on The Life Guards bus. After a trouble free crossing the group was in Ypres by 1600hrs which allowed time to settle in to our Hotel and sample some Belgian hospitality before the highlight of the day, the ‘Last Post’ ceremony at the Menin gate which commemorates more than 55,000 British and Empire soldiers who have no known grave including 51 from the 1st Life Guards, 40 from the 2nd Life Guards and 31 Royal Horse Guards. We had pre-arranged to lay Regimental wreaths at the ceremony and after the wreath laying David Bradley read the Kohima epitaph. This is always a hugely moving ceremony and this night was special.

The day started with breakfast at the Hotel followed by a short briefing on Ypres and the salient by Simon, after which we set off to start our tour. It is simply not possible to tour the Ypres salient without a visit to Tyne Cot cemetery

where over 11,000 British and Commonwealth servicemen are buried and another 22,000 with no known graves are commemorated. This is a hugely impressive and moving place, beautifully maintained as always by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, and the first sight of it is guaranteed to leave the onlooker stunned by the sheer scale of the loss. Tyne Cot is the largest CWGC cemetery on the Western front. From Tyne Cot, after a pause for reflection and the laying of a wreath to the 114 Household Battalion soldiers commemorated there, we moved on to the Passchendaele museum at Zonnebeke chateau. This is an excellent Museum with an impressive collection of First World War militaria and a selection of reconstructed trenches representing French, British and German examples. The German, unsurprisingly, being far and away the best built.

village is no more than 8 miles from Zandvoorde.

The next stop was at the German cemetery at Langemarcke which needs to be seen as a comparison to the beautifully maintained and garden CWGC cemeteries. There are 44,000 German soldiers buried or commemorated here: casualties on both sides in this area throughout the war were roughly comparable and most German burials were concentrated in a very few large, stark and bleak cemeteries after the war as the French and Belgian governments were not keen on allowing any more land than was absolutely necessary for the burial of what were rightly seen as invading enemy troops. A lot has changed in Europe over the last 100 years.

After an al-fresco lunch we moved on again to cover the short distance on the ground between the 1917 battlefields and those of 1914. Travelling via Poelcappelle it is obvious that this area, where the Household Battalion fought and took heavy casualties around Racquette Farm in October 1917, is flat, virtually featureless and would have been a nightmare to soldier in when it was turned into a wasteland of mud and shell craters as it was in 1917. It is also a salutary lesson in how little movement there had been on the battlefield in over three years of bloody combat that Passchendaele

The ridge at Zandvoorde is sacred ground to any Household Cavalryman although in the great scheme of things it is an unexceptional site for this area. The battle, fought on 31st October 1914 by members of all three Regiments against hugely superior numbers of German troops, led to 131 men dying in badly placed, badly built trenches fighting gallantly as infantry. In less than an hour a squadron each from the 1st and 2nd Life Guards and the Machine Gun Section of the Royal Horse Guards were annihilated while the rest of the Brigade pulled back in relatively good order. There were no survivors to tell the tale and only one of those killed that day found a marked grave, Lt Lord Worsley of The Blues. The rest are commemorated on the Menin Gate. Brian Rogers gave an excellent summary of the battle while standing by the Household Cavalry memorial which was erected after the war on the site of the trench where Lord Worsley died. On this sombre note we returned to Ypres and a free evening to sample more Belgian hospitality.

The day before the organisers had been requested that those of the party wishing to do so could take a break from battlefields and cemeteries. Consequently one of the coaches was despatched to the well-known tourist town of Bruges for the day with about half of the group while the remainder continued the tour of Ypres and the surrounding area. During the course of the day the rest of the group took a walking tour around Ypres and a look at the Vauban fortifications, the Ramparts CWGC cemetery and St George’s memorial church where a Standard from each Regiment was recently laid up. Following on from the visit to Zandvoorde we also took a short walk out of the town to visit the grave of Lord Worsley at Ypres town cemetery extension. After lunch a further outing to Gheluvelt, Hooge, Hill 60 and Zillebeke followed. Zillebeke is another

Pete Storer’s team at Menin Gate

Maj B Rogers briefing the tour at the Zandvoorde memorial

site with enormous 1914 resonances and the military part of its churchyard is known as the ‘Aristocrat’s cemetery’. There are 27 burials here, largely from October/November 1914, of which no less than 17 are officers including Lt Col Gordon Wilson RHG, Lt The Hon William Reginald (Reggie) Wyndham 1LG and 2Lt Howard Avenel Bligh St George 1LG. There is also a stained glass window in the church donated by his mother commemorating 2Lt St George who was 19 years of age when he was killed by a German sniper in the trenches nearby in November 1914. The church is normally locked but on this occasion we were fortunate to be able to gain access to another sombre and moving site.

A team meal had been arranged at the hotel so the group returned to the hotel to be reunited with the Bruges group who had thoroughly checked out the tourist areas of the old town and had only temporarily misplaced two members of the party! This was no problem to an old reconnaissance soldier who used his initiative and got himself and his wife back to Ypres by train, arriving in good time for dinner. The evening meal was a great success and a veil will be drawn over the activities of some of the young (and not so young) members of the party who continued the movement until the small hours.

And so we returned to the UK via Calais having had another interesting and en-

joyable, if sad and sometimes poignant, trip. We will never forget that somewhere in the area of the Ypres salient the bodies of 266 Household Cavalry soldiers lie in unmarked graves. We shall remember and return.

A Proposal Fit for a Queen

After performing in front of The Queen on Saturday at the Royal Windsor Horse Show a soldier from the Household Cavalry proposed to his girlfriend in a spectacular way.

A video taken by one of his friends shows Tpr Josh Bayliss, 18, dismount from his horse in full state uniform and go down on one knee to the accompaniment of lowered lances and a trumpet fanfare by his comrades on the Household Cavalry Musical Ride.

Bayliss, from Kidderminster, Worcestershire, knew he was going to propose to his school sweetheart Demi Scott-Rosato, but he didn’t know how. As part of the Musical Ride, performing all week at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, he mentioned this to his friends and they suggested the solution.

He said: “I was pretty nervous about

performing in front of Her Majesty and when the lads said that I should do the proposal straight after our performance it just got worse. The lads actually suggested dipping lances when I went down on one knee but I had no idea the trumpeters and drummer were going to play. It was absolutely gleaming. I couldn’t have wished for anything more. It took Demi’s breath away. She’s usually quite shy so I think she found it quite overwhelming, in a good way. There were some tears. She actually grew up riding horses from the age of three so it was even more special for her”.

He and Demi met at King Charles I School in Kidderminster and have been together since they were 15. When he decided to follow his family trade in the Army, Demi supported him throughout his time at the Army Foundation College at Harrogate and the gruelling 20

Klein-Zillebeke

by Major Brian Rogers, The Life Guards

After the battle of Zandvoorde on 30th October 1914 the 7th (Household) Cavalry Brigade were held as a mobile reserve in and around Hooge, supporting amongst others the 4th Guards Brigade who were holding the Zillebeke - Klein Zillebeke road. The 4th Guards Brigade included the 2nd Bn Grenadier Guards and 1st Bn Irish Guards as well as the 2nd and 3rd Bns’ of the Coldstream Guards holding the wooded ridgeline, whilst the French held the line to the South, with the Guards to the North.

On 6th November the line held by the French to the South of Zillebeke had been pierced in three places and their

troops had fallen back to the outskirts of the village. The French retirement was the beginning of a collapse that impacted directly on the now exposed right flank of the Irish Guards and it wasn’t long before the Irish line gave way, leaving the Grenadiers trench line open to a similar flanking attack.

The line was in danger of being enveloped, but the Grenadiers stood their ground and managed to swing their threatened flank back to the relative security of the Brown Road. An urgent call had been

week riding course. Josh and Demi are planning to get married in Worcestershire in mid 2018.

Keen to become a riding instructor before being drafted to HCR, he said: “I always joined the regiment to go armoured and I’m really looking forward to working on Ajax. As a driver I’ll have my hands on the reins of the most cutting edge technology in the army. It’ll be like operating something from the future. I do really love the mounted side too though. Being part of the Musical Ride is such a privilege. People come from all over the world to see us and when you are in that arena, cantering past The Queen with Land of Hope and Glory playing and the Union flag streaming from a lance it puts the hairs on the back of your neck up”.

sent to the Household Cavalry Brigade at Sanctuary Wood for assistance. This order set in motion a dismounted cavalry action that many feel was more

Lunch with Lord Patrick Beresford

brilliant than, and just as crucial as, that of the 2nd Worcesters a week earlier at Gheluvelt: in fact if the German breakthrough had succeeded there were precious few, if any, reserves left in front of Ypres.

General Kavanagh galloped his Brigade across the line of the French retreat then pulled up just short of Observatory Ridge to avoid the horses and men being visible to the enemy. Just short of Zwarteleen they dismounted with one squadron of the Blues still mounted to cover the right flank. The 1st and 2nd Life Guards were the vanguard with the remainder of the Blues in support as they advanced at the double upon Zwarteleen clearing the village and woods at bayonet point.

With the counterattack went some Irish Guards and those French troops that could be found. The 1st Life Guards with Lt The Hon Reginald Wyndham and 2Lt Howard St George attacked the trenches that had been abandoned earlier in the morning by the Irish Guards; their spirited bayonet charge was enough to expel the occupying German troops and regain the lost position.

While this was taking place the 2nd Life Guards advanced along a line that ran from the edge of the railway line across the open ground to the village of Zwarteleen. The 2nd Life Guards war diary gives the most detailed account of the fighting:

‘The Regiment was ordered to establish

itself on the Klein Zillebeke ridge keeping in touch with the 1st Life Guards on the right, who were to conform with the right of the Guards Brigade. Major Hon Dawnay [commanding] ordered B Squadron across the open [to] occupy the high ground in front. D Squadron was sent across the Zillebeke-Zwarteleen road to secure the right flank by moving parallel to the railway. C Troop and machine guns were kept in reserve ready to support B Squadron. The latter squadron succeeded in reaching the edge of the wood on the ridge after some fighting owing to the enemy being in possession of several houses. Almost at once the right flank of B Squadron became open to enfilade fire which caused Major Dawnay to order the squadron to fall back slowly by troops. The squadron was then ordered to fix bayonets and charge the wood while C Troop was taken by the Comd Offr to fill the gap which had occurred between the two squadrons. This troop vigorously attacked the village of Zwarteleen using the bayonet with great effect, taking a certain number of prisoners. B Squadron meanwhile drove back the enemy several hundred yards and occupied a ditch 200 yards from their position.’

Lt Col Gordon Chesney Wilson MVO of the Blues was killed in front of his regiment and Maj The Hon Hugh Dawnay DSO met the same fate whilst commanding the 2nd Life Guards. The extent of the Household Cavalry casualties was not immediately apparent as they returned to their billets at Mud Farm that night. Only when the roll calls

were completed the next day would the full human cost of the previous afternoon’s action become evident. From a brigade which on the 5th November had been unable to muster any more than 600 men, casualties amounted to roughly 100 personnel killed, missing or wounded including the death of two of the three commanding officers. Amongst the 1st Life Guards casualties was Lt ‘Reggie’ Wyndham who many in the regiment considered the saddest loss of the day. So well liked was Reggie that when darkness fell that same night, two troopers, Rubber Reeves and Tinker Underwood, got two horses and a half-limber and brought back his body for burial in the nearby churchyard at Zillebeke.

The 2nd Life Guards had borne the brunt of the day’s action and it was during the advance through Zwarteleen that most of the regiment’s casualties occurred during the final British counter-attack of the day by B Squadron and C Troop. (C Troop being the designation for the remnants of C Sqn after their mauling at Zandvoorde on the 31st October)

Precisely when and where Lt Col Gordon Wilson, the Commanding Officer of the Blues was killed is difficult to pinpoint as there are conflicting accounts of his death. The official history of the Household Cavalry, written by Sir George Arthur, describes Gordon Wilson with a rifle and bayonet in hand leading his men into the woods.

This was also the engagement where Churchill’s future spymaster Lt Stewart Menzies of the 2nd Life Guards received a DSO for taking command of a squadron, after all of its officers had either been killed or wounded.

The actions of 4th Guards Brigade with the support of the Household Cavalry had stemmed the advance of the Prussians who, if they had taken the ridge, would have been within 3000 yds of Ypres. As well as General Cavan commanding 4th Guards Brigade, both Sir John French and Sir Douglas Haig sent messages in gratitude for the gallant actions of the Household Cavalry. The latter thanking General Kavanagh’s Brigade for the splendid support given to the infantry at a very critical moment and Sir Douglas adding that he deeply regretted the heavy losses incurred.

Many of the Household Cavalry dead from this forgotten battle are commemorated on the war memorial at Zandvoorde, whilst Lt Col Gordon Wilson MVO, Maj The Hon Hugh Dawnay DSO and Lt The Hon Reggie Wyndham are commemorated or have graves in the churchyard at Zillebeke.