The Household Cavalry Journal 2022

THE HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY JOURNAL 2022

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The Household Cavalry Journal

Incorporating The Acorn and The Blue and Royal No. 31 2022 Editor: Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) R R D Griffin, The Life Guards

Colonel in Chief: Her Majesty The Queen

Colonel of The Life Guards and Gold Stick: Lieutenant General Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne KCVO CBE Colonel of The Blues and Royals and Gold Stick: HRH The Princess Royal KG KT GCVO QSO Lieutenant Colonel Commanding and Silver Stick: Colonel M S P Berry, The Life Guards Commanding Officer Household Cavalry Regiment: Lieutenant Colonel A E Gilham, The Life Guards Commanding Officer Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment: Lieutenant Colonel T J Armitage, 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)

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)

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)

Gulf (1991) Wadi al Batin Iraq (2003)

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)

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: 07770 277010 Email: brian@briansmithassociates.co.uk

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Contents Preface by Lieutenant Colonel Commanding .......................... 3

Editorial ..................................................................................................... 4

Household Cavalry Regiment Foreword by the Commanding Officer ................................................. 5 A Squadron ............................................................................................... 6 B Squadron ................................................................................................ 9 C Squadron .............................................................................................. 11 D Squadron ............................................................................................. 13 Headquarters Squadron ........................................................................ 16 AGC (SPS) Detachment ......................................................................... 17 Motorised Transport Troop .................................................................. 19 Command Troop .................................................................................... 20 Quartermasters’ Departments (Maintenance and Technical) .......... 21 Regimental Aid Post .............................................................................. 24

“The Jungle is Massive” - JWIC 2201 ................................................... 25 “NATO’s Enhanced Forward Speedbump” ....................................... 26 Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE 22) ..................... 27 An Eagle Amidst Hawks: Life at The King’s Royal Hussars ............ 28 Cambrian Patrol 22 ................................................................................. 29 Exercise ARCTIC EXPRESS – Sailing around Iceland ....................... 30 Exercise BERLIN GUARDIAN ............................................................. 31 Exercise WESTPHALIA GUARDIAN ................................................. 33 Exercise WHITE KNIGHT 37 ............................................................... 35 D Squadron - Kenyan Convoy Escort Short Term Training Team ... 36 Race to the Stones ................................................................................... 38

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Foreword by the Commanding Officer .............................................. 39 Diary of Events ....................................................................................... 41 The Life Guards Squadron .................................................................... 43 The Blues and Royals Squadron ........................................................... 47 Headquarters Squadron ........................................................................ 50 RAO’S Department ................................................................................ 52 The Forge and Veterinary Department ............................................... 53 HCMR Medical Centre .......................................................................... 55 Household Cavalry Training Wing ..................................................... 56 Warrant Officers’ and Non-Commissioned Officers’ Mess .............. 58 Regimental Engagement Team ............................................................. 59 Riding Staff .............................................................................................. 60

Pages 93 - 144

Household Cavalry Foundation Accounts 2021-22 ........................ 109 Household Cavalry Museum .............................................................. 110 Household Cavalry Museum Archive ............................................... 112 Obituaries The Life Guards ................................................................ 114 Obituaries The Blues and Royals ........................................................ 116 Nominal Rolls ....................................................................................... 125 Notices ................................................................................................... 131 Household Cavalry Associations North Staffs ....................................................... 136 Household Cavalry Regional Association Dinners and The Household Cavalry Hogs Motorbike Coven ........................ 137 Features ................................................................................................. 138

Cover Photographs: Front: The Household Cavalry lead The Platinum Jubilee Parade Back: Peering into the abyss

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Pages 83 - 92

Household Cavalry Regiment Offshore Sailing .......................... 88 HCMR Cricket ................................................................................. 89 HCMR Golf ...................................................................................... 90 Carp Fishing ..................................................................................... 91 Polo Tour South Africa ....................................................................91

News from the Associations Foreword, Colonel Commandant Royal Armoured Corps .............. 93 The Life Guards Association Annual Report 2022 ............................ 94 Minutes of the 88th AGM of The Life Guards Association ............. 94 The Life Guards Association Accounts ............................................. 96 The Life Guards Association Charitable Trusts Accounts .............. 96 The Life Guards Association Notices .................................................. 97 The Life Guards Association Regional Representatives ................... 97 The Blues and Royals Association Annual Report 2021/22 .......... 100 The Blues and Royals Accounts .......................................................... 100 The Blues and Royals Oliver Montagu Fund .................................... 101 Minutes of AGM of The Blues and Royals Association .................. 101 The Blues and Royals Association Regional Representatives ......... 102 Household Cavalry Foundation ......................................................... 104

Pages 39 - 81

Exercise COCKNEY CHASE – Winter Training Troop .................... 62 Padre to The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ...................... 63 Musical Ride ............................................................................................ 64 Household Cavalry Band ...................................................................... 65 Earl Haig Statue Unveiling ................................................................... 69 Cambrian Patrol ..................................................................................... 70 A Very Special Audience ...................................................................... 72 Exercise COCKNEY MAPLE 22 .......................................................... 72 The Swedish Life Guards ..................................................................... 74 Liaison Officer, Zambia ........................................................................ 76 Battlefield Study to Zandvoorde ......................................................... 78 Photo Gallery .......................................................................................... 80

Household Cavalry Sports Round-up HCR Athletics 2022 ......................................................................... 83 Household Cavalry on the Cresta Run 2022 ................................ 84 HCR Cricket ..................................................................................... 85 HCR Football .................................................................................... 86 Household Cavalry Regiment Inshore Sailing ............................ 86

Pages 5 - 38

Preface

By Colonel M S P Berry, The Life Guards Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Household Cavalry

F

orewords to the Household Cavalry Journal often acknowledge exciting, unusual, and demanding years for the Regiments: sometimes all three… That I report another exciting and unusual year reflects first, the opportunity that the British Army continues to deliver a vital role for the Nation. Second, that service in the British Army is as full of opportunity and excitement as some of our most senior readers will remember.

And third, it indicates that the Household Cavalry remains at the leading edge of the British Army, two of its most exciting regiments, and one that offers its youngest recruits and most junior officers a diverse, challenging and fulfilling experience from the outset.

This year the Household Cavalry Regiment deployed on Defence’s most pressing and sensitive operation, and deployed on an enduring reconnaissance task in the Balkans. It has conducted computer-enabled armoured reconnaissance training in virtual environments in Germany, and dismounted soldiering in the jungles of Belize. Both HCR and HCMR played a core part in the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, and in the funeral of the Nation’s longest serving monarch.

My first foreword to this journal as the newly appointed Lieutenant Colonel Commanding acknowledges these extraordinary events. But it also acknowledges that it is the newest generation of the Household Cavalry who deliver them. The Regiments continue to attract the highest quality people. It is these excellent young soldiers and officers who will guide and shape the Household Cavalry of the future.

That future begins now. 2023 will be yet another extraordinary year for the Household Cavalry. The HCR deploys on a major overseas operation; a crucial opportunity to develop its reconnaissance skills in a new environment.

HCR is also now responsible for the second virtual simulation centre for AJAX

armoured vehicles. As this journal goes to print, we expect confirmation that the Regiment will receive the first of the new AJAX. Hopefully in 2024, if not before, B Squadron HCR will establish an Experimentation Trials Group in Warminster – a vital role in developing new tactics for Armoured Reconnaissance and for the British Army. In London, HCMR will deliver the first coronation for 70 years, followed shortly by the first King’s Birthday Parade for our new monarch.

We bid farewell to Lt Col Ant Gilham, whose command of HCR leaves the Regiment in very good health for his successor Lt Col Roly Spiller. History will prove that Col Ant commanded through a remarkable period for HCR; managing a regiment restricted by COVID while supporting Defence’s national response to the pandemic; participating in the Platinum Jubilee; deploying on operations in Europe; training the Regimental Headquarters in the USA and Canada. He has presented a challenging and exciting programme for every single Household Cavalry soldier and officer based in the Regiment’s increasingly familiar home, Powle Lines in Bulford.

Finally, I am very grateful to my predecessor as Lieutenant Colonel Commanding, Col Crispin Lockhart, for his excellent transition of this role to me.

But it is on behalf of both Regiments that I thank him here. Over the course of a long tenure as Lieutenant Colonel Commanding he supported both Regiments superbly, providing wise counsel to several Commanding Officers, and guiding the Regiments through both tumultuous and exciting times: HCR’s move to Bulford, its journey towards AJAX, the Platinum Jubilee and Her Late Majesty’s funeral. I congratulate him on his recognition New Year’s Honours: a very welldeserved appointment to the Royal Victorian Order as a Lieutenant (LVO). On behalf of all Household Cavalrymen, serving and retired, I thank him and wish him well for the future.

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Editorial 2

022 will be marked as an extraordinary year by future historians. The very first Platinum Jubilee for our Monarchy, followed sadly by the culmination of a great Elizabethan age. The change in so many areas of life during HM Queen Elizabeth’s reign have been as great as any in British history. A reflection of this would be the changes within The Household Cavalry. In 1952 the Army ranks were filled with young men fulfilling their National Service obligations. In 2022 those same ranks are filled by volunteers, both female and male. The vehicle fleet crewed by the operational Regiments have been upgraded beyond recognition, primitive radios have given way to high powered computers. Target acquisition has moved from eyes and ears to a plethora of sensors, including TV cameras and drones. Outwardly, State Ceremonial appears to have changed little, however, under the surface, change has been equally dynamic.

Recruits entering the Regiments probably have less rural or equine experience, so training has adapted to account for this. The use of technology has ensured that equine health has improved immeasurably, with the use of data influencing horse welfare rather than the keen horseman’s eye.

Colonel RHG/D and the Regimental Adjutant enjoying a laugh.

The Deputy Lieutenant for Greater London, Gareth Neame, looks on

As you read the following pages, you will probably reflect on the diverse and extraordinary opportunities that are on offer for those serving today. Officers and soldiers are thriving on constant change and challenge. Plans do not last long, change is inevitable, and challenge is broadly welcomed as something to be overcome and mastered. The

Capt Kaye laughing at his own joke again

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inquiring mind of the serving soldier is something to behold. Information is at the fingertips, but it is how this is used that adds the value. It is notable how beneficial the trips to Waterloo, Flanders and France have become. The opportunities for the serving soldier and the Association members to meet and exchange ideas is certainly a twoway street. I would encourage all of you to sign up to any of these trips run by our Associations. For those particularly interested in the Second World War, the republishing of Roden Orde’s History of The Second Household Cavalry Regiment has produced a gem that can be used as an excellent battlefield guide. Many thanks to Jeremey Harbord, Simon Doughty, Brian Rogers and others for driving forward and supporting this project.

Sport and travel also feature heavily, for which the Household Cavalry Foundation must be thanked for the support that it gives. This is further bolstered by the “Sir John’s Travel Scholarship” which enables young officers and senior ranks to engage further with their military counterparts abroad. The scholarship continues to be supported by the family of this eminent diplomat. Donations to support these causes may be made via the Foundation.

Household Cavalry Regiment Foreword

By Lieutenant Colonel A E Gilham The Life Guards Commanding Officer, The Household Cavalry Regiment As I write my final foreword, I can safely say that once again the year was nothing like expected, however, it has been a busy, fun and highly positive 2022 for the HCR. We have conducted both mounted and dismounted training, deployed on two operations with another coming, and have taken part in two major state ceremonial events.

The Regiment was the only unit to have all students pass, and Lt Sholto Hanson LG was named Top Student – the first officer not from the infantry to achieve this. Those not in Poland, the US or Brunei spent two weeks in Sennybridge conducting a dismounted package, which was typically blessed with awful weather.

In January, with tensions in Eastern Europe increasing, the HCR was warned for operations. This brought a singular focus to the regiment, with all personnel working superbly to move to readiness in just 14 days. Maj James Heath RHG/D took a composite sub-unit through public order validation achieving exceptional results without any preparation.

Some 60 members of the Regiment then deployed to Poland in March as the lead elements of a Humanitarian Assistance Task Force. However, it soon became clear that the Polish state apparatus was coping admirably and did not require assistance, while non-governmental organisations did not want to compromise their impartiality by working with foreign militaries. The headquarters team recovered in April, while elements of D Squadron remained assisting other units into May. It was disappointing not to have been able to help more, but it was a fascinating experience for all.

Attention then turned to Her late Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant. The HCR provided marching detachments from both The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals, totalling four officers and 48 soldiers, who led the Army contingent on the parade. We also provided several other officers as marshals, marching alongside Commonwealth forces. Credit for turning out all of the Regiment’s participants must go to LCpl Palmer LG, the regimental tailor, who worked exceedingly long hours on tunics and medals, while also preparing to march himself.

After Easter leave, we sadly placed B Squadron into suspended animation in line with our directed future structure and to best meet the upcoming regimental commitments. This sees us now with two larger than normal sabre squadrons (A and D), plus a smaller C Squadron configured for their role in Kosovo. We have very deliberately sought to keep our specialist capabilities alive; our Information Activities team have joined the Int Cell, all of our Snipers now sit in A Squadron, and our ‘drone’ operators are under D Squadron.

The Regiment also had officers and soldiers deployed to myriad other countries. A platoon took part in the US Army’s Expeditionary Warfighting Experiment and learnt much about future technology and tactics, while five personnel deployed to Brunei on the Jungle Warfare Instructors Course.

In July, shortly after we became part of 1st Deep Recce Strike Brigade Combat Team, we had the opportunity to train in our new context. This saw C Squadron exercising in Scotland under the Royal Lancers (RL) Battlegroup, operating in the Human Terrain Reconnaissance role they are now deployed to Kosovo in, and learning plenty from RL soldiers recently returned from theatre. At the same time the HCR’s BGHQ, A and D Squadrons deployed to Sennelager where we trained in our usual armoured cavalry role using simulators to fight the deep battle for two weeks. Both squadrons performed exceptionally despite time off armour, as well as learning much about our Deep Recce Strike Brigade Combat Team (DRS BCT) role and developing recommendations for future employment. The fact that there was a beer festival running in Paderborn the whole time definitely added to the experience.

The month after summer leave was dominated by the sad news of Her late Majesty’s death and our part in Operation LONDON BRIDGE. Many officers had the deeply humbling role of standing vigil in Westminster Hall initially, before officers and soldiers of

both The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals provided dismounted marching detachments and marshals for the funeral procession in Windsor.

C Squadron, under Maj Henry Jordan LG, deployed in October to NATO’s mission in Kosovo. The deployment has coincided with sharply deteriorating relations between Kosovan Albanians and Serbs, and the squadron has been commensurately busy. The Squadron has succeeded in building relationships with the paramilitary component of the Kosovan Police, and teams have made themselves at home in the disputed North of Kosovo region, providing a British presence in an area at risk of sectarian violence.

Simultaneously BGHQ deployed on Exercise CERBERUS – back in Sennelager but with considerably worse weather and no beer festival – providing both the HCR BGHQ LOCON and the 20 Brigade SIDECON. A Squadron flew to Belize to practise dismounted reconnaissance in the harsh jungle terrain, with a meticulously planned and delivered exercise, hailed by the Army’s Director Land Warfare as one of the standout pieces of overseas training this year. A commendable effort from Capt Charlie Onslow

Household Cavalry Regiment ■ 5

RHG/D as Regimental Plans Officer and Capt Sholto Hanson LG as A Sqn 2IC. D Squadron have been typically busy: they continue to lead the way in drone usage amongst combat units; have delivered leadership training to the Football Association; and won a silver medal on Exercise CAMBRIAN PATROL.

In the last working week of the year, amongst all the usual Christmas week activity, I handed over as Commanding Officer to Lt Col Roly Spiller RHG/D. It is with much sadness that I leave after two and half years with this exceptional

Regiment, but I am delighted it is Roly that I pass the baton to. I wish the Regiment every success as they deploy on the UN mission in Cyprus next year, and of course with the hopefully soon to be confirmed restart to AJAX training.

A Squadron

by Captain S W H Hanson, The Life Guards

T

he start of the 2022 season saw a change of management as Major Wilmot and Corporal Major Ashford handed over command of the Sqn to Major Boyd-Thomas and Corporal Major Wincott. Two stalwarts of the Sqn, Wilmot and Ashford’s work over the past two years set the Sqn up for a successful 2022. Nevertheless, as so often is the way in top-flight competition, change brought with it excitement and renewed enthusiasm as the Sqn approached its first full calendar of fixtures since the pandemic began.

Pre-season saw a flurry of activity as the Sqn looked to meet readiness states for overseas fixtures to Eastern Europe in support of NATO partners. The heightened state of readiness gave the Sqn real purpose as cobwebs were brushed off boots and training began in earnest.

SSgt Bailey (REME) and her fitter section deserve much recognition for their work in preparing the vehicles that travelled to Poland on Operation STONESMITH. A Sqn’s first real test, however, would be a friendly Home Match in the Welsh

Tpr Sandford (RHG/D) breaks from cover on Sennybridge training area

hills rather than the frost covered plains of Eastern Europe. Exercise MARCHOG GUARDIAN saw the Regiment deploy to Sennybridge Training Area for a fortnight of dismounted soldering.

During this, A Sqn’s superb cohort of

JNCOs stood out as the likes of Barks, Rawlinson, and Rooke put the team through its paces. The exercise culminated in a daring assault, as the Sqn descended in Chinooks to clear C Sqn from a well defended FOB.

A Sqn mounted on Chinooks prepares to raid as part of Exercise MARCHOG GUARDIAN

6 ■ Household Cavalry Regiment

CoH Marchant (LG) and LCoH Wallis (LG) sponsor a rally point after conducting Break Contact drills in Otterburn

On the back of early season success, A Sqn travelled to Germany confident and looking forward to the chance to be back in the mounted (albeit virtually) role. Indeed, arriving in Athlone Barracks, a former Household Cavalry home, the team was primed for validation and ready to prove its quality on the simulators of CATT. The two-week exercise allowed for Tprs and LCpls to experience working with their crew in a turret and for crew commanders to practice their core profession. As the exercise progressed up to battlegroup manoeuvre, COH Munoz-Hermosa and Shingler shone, setting the standard for others to follow. A sense of team also developed as troops came together

Tactical basics: cover and concealment

through shared action in the turret, a day of Sqn water sports, and a sing song in Paderborn’s Irish Bar.

the Sqn moved on with its appetite whetted for more tropical climates.

A Sqn’s next fixture was an intimidating one. Belize (A) vs the Jungle. A superb two-week Live Fire Tactical Training (LFTT) package on Otterburn Training Area helped progress firers from static ranges to increasingly slick six-man contact drills. The range package also proved a great opportunity to integrate incoming talent from HCMR after the summer transfer window. All performed well and troop bonding was further assisted by the deployment of 160 soldiers into Newcastle on a Saturday night. With the North-East conquered,

After a smooth flight from Brize Norton, the Sqn arrived in good form at Price Barracks, Belize. The troops took on a variety of early morning PT sessions as well as brushing up on jungle lessons as part of a well thought through arrival package directed by Captain Onslow, CoH Abbott, and CoH Jackson. As any student of the CCTE (Close Country Tropical Environment) knows, flora and fauna in this ‘neutral’ environment can provide quite the threat so a trip to the zoo was organised to see just what the jungle had to throw at the Sqn. It was

The Sqn at the end of Exercise MAYAN WARRIOR 2-22

Household Cavalry Regiment ■ 7

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LCoH Murphy (RHG/D) controls his fireteam as they prepare to ‘take bunker’

quickly decided by all that the jungle would be decidedly offside if any patrol was to bump into a jaguar or herd of wild pigs. Play was briefly delayed by Hurricane Lisa but having performed on a cold wet night in Newcastle the Sqn remained undeterred and soon stepped off into the trees.

The exercise was broken into three stages. First, survival and basic navigation which gave everyone the skills to survive if separated from their patrol.

This phase also (re)introduced all to the delights of navigating off nothing

4 Tp at Rio on Pools having completed the basic phase of Ex MAYAN WARRIOR 2-22

more than contours, bearings, and pacing against an outdated map. The second stage demanded more and saw the Sqn rotate through six days of CTRs, raids and routine drills. Troops built on the skills honed on the basic phase and were rewarded with some superb tactical learning. Following a maintenance day of fresh food, the team entered the final third; an 8-day LFTT package. This proved to be the season’s crowning glory as troops progressed from instinctive shooting to live tactical actions.

The Squadron then travelled to the Caribbean Island of San Pedro for some much-needed R&R.

The 2022 season will go down as one of A Sqn’s finest. Individuals stood out as small contingents deployed to America as part of the Army’s experimentation group, Brunei on the Jungle Warfare Instructors course, and Poland to support NATO’s eFP. But more than this, it was a year defined by team triumph and Squadron development. Success in the Jungle, no doubt the Squadron’s toughest fixture, demonstrated this and reminded all that the best never get bored of the basics.

B Squadron

by Major J G Heath, The Blues and Royals

W

hilst the Integrated Review of the British Armed Forces rolled on throughout 2021, there was always a feeling of unease with B Sqn… As a non “Sabre” Sqn, made up of the Regiment’s specialist fighting capabilities (Drones, Snipers and Anti-Tank Troops), most saw the writing on the wall, and realised that perhaps B Sqn were living on borrowed time. Sadly, in late 2021, the Sqn’s fears came to fruition, as it was announced that Armoured Cavalry Regiments would be losing their Command & Support Sqns and moving to an HQ and three Sabre Sqns order of battle (ORBAT).

Thankfully for the Sqn personnel, the Commanding Officer was justifiably keen to maintain the hard-won capabilities that B Sqn had developed since being re-formed in 2019 and they would become key elements in the development of the Regiment into a Deep Recce Strike Battlegroup. As 2022 approached, the plan for the Regimental re-ORBAT started to take shape. Perhaps fortuitously (or not for the RCMO…), C Sqn’s upcoming deployment to Kosovo

Sniper Tp trying to hide from the RCM

required a significant re-structuring of their Sqn, and indeed required the movement of many officers and NCOs

from across the Regiment to fill their deployed ORBAT. This was the perfect time for B Sqn to move into suspended

Household Cavalry Regiment ■ 9

WO2(SCM) Ridge contemplates his new life as HQ SCM…

animation and distribute its capabilities across the Sabre Sqns.

With then B Sqn leader (Maj Heath) deployed in Poland on Op STONESMITH, the task of both running the Sqn and coordinating the closedown fell to WO2 (SCM) Ridge and the SQMC, SCpl Crudgington. With the Sqn not due to fold until March 2022, they negotiated the tricky task of servicing the pre-existing tasks the Sqn had been allocated whilst preparing the accounts and troops to be moved elsewhere.

As the first quarter of 2022 drew to a close, as did B Sqn as a formed sub-unit; however, largely, the Troops remained

Anti-tanks Cadre

as formed bodies of capability. Sniper Troop moved to their new home in A Sqn, eager to show off their field craft in the jungle of Belize. Remotely Piloted Aerial System (RPAS) Troop moved to D Sqn, bringing with them an Army leading drone capability, and Anti-Tank Troop was split evenly amongst A and D Sqns – poised to continue developing the capability when AJAX arrives. The SHQ element also found themselves new jobs, fortuitously dovetailing with the departure of others: Maj Heath taking over from Maj Horgan as D Sqn Ldr; WO2 (SCM) Ridge taking over from WO2 (SCM) Dimbylow as HQ Sqn SCM and SCpl Crudgington moving to the QMs and taking on the unenviable

Sniper and RPAS integration

10 ■ Household Cavalry Regiment

task of Op TOSCA Adventure Training Team WO (running the Regimental Adventure Training package in Cyprus in 2023…).

With all of the former B Sqn personnel happily in their new homes across the Regiment, whilst it is sad to have (perhaps temporarily) lost a sub-unit, the huge positive is that the capabilities continue to grow and refine in the Sabre Sqns. As the Regiment prepares for Op TOSCA and the arrival of AJAX, all who served in B Sqn can be proud of what they achieved and be confident that they will continue to be a crucial cog in the well-oiled HCR machine.

C Squadron

by Major H J B Jordan, The Life Guards

R

ussia’s despicable invasion of Ukraine resulted in C Sqn being called to readiness with the potential task of supporting the evacuation of UK civilians from Kiev. The Sqn rushed off to Longmoor to undertake a very hurriedly organised Public Order course – involving all the usual rites of passage, particularly petrol bomb inoculation.

Our dear friends from the Royal Lancers very kindly provided our civilian populace (and subsequently a few patients at the local A&E). Tpr Deignan excelled himself – identifying the Royal Lancer’s ‘Wrecking Ball’ as their key strength and singling him out for special treatment. We saw a new side to the usually calm and languid Lt Fergus Lupton – who revealed his suppressed football hooligan persona.

In April, the Squadron deployed on Ex MARCHOG GUARDIAN, a 2-week dismounted exercise at Sennybridge. The first week was delivered by Lts Dwyer and Stone, focussing on section level drills. The second week incorporated a Sqn level force-on-force exercise with C Sqn securing a defensive position at Farm 2, deep in Halfway Forest. Sgt Alcock RE and LSgt Weston RE distinguished themselves with an elaborate obstacle plan.

L/CoH Cuthbertson excelled himself in finding and destroying the Sniper Troop as they traversed a forward slope in front of the farm. CoH Carling and L/CoH Tego Tagne both earned Commanding Officer’s coins for their superb performances as “Platoon Sergeant” and SHQ CoH respectively.

Thereafter, C Sqn commenced predeployment training for Op ELGIN 11.

Ex LUCKNOW LANCER was a standout element of the Pre-Deployment

Section Commanders concluding their battle lanes.

Top row left to right: LCoH Cuthbertson, LCoH Bishop, LCoH Nolan, LCoH Spencer.

Bottom row left to right: Lt Dwyer, CoH Carling, Lt Stone

Training (PDT): a two-week battlegroup exercise across South-West Scotland organised by the Royal Lancers. C Sqn was deployed in the Human Terrain Reconnaissance role, meeting with both the local population and role players to try to identify OPFOR positions fifty miles away at Stranraer. The exercise provided ripe scope for initiative and imagination: Tpr Bennett organised an announcement in a Stranraer supermarket asking for anyone who had seen the enemy locally to report to Customer Services.

LCpl Thomas exploited

SCpl Mulholland nursing a welt on his head after a riot

a local Facebook group run by military vehicle enthusiasts. Capt Onslow RHG/D laboured throughout the exercise to make sure that we never spent a night on a training area: we stayed instead at seaside farms throughout our Area of Operations.

LCpl Mathieson enjoying the weather in Sennybridge

Household Cavalry Regiment ■ 11

Lt Stone dealing with civilian casualties within a minefield on LUCKNOW LANCER

LCoH Harris being promoted by Major Jordan

Finish line of DANCON March.

Left to Right: Tpr Bennett, LCoH Nolan, Cpl Hamilton, LCoH Cuthbertson, LCpl Smith, LCoH Fox, Tpr Ivanovich, 2Lt Lam, Lt Dwyer, Tpr Fisher, Lt Stone, Capt Hunter

12 ■ Household Cavalry Regiment

In September, the Sqn reported to Bassingbourn to commence a month of collective PDT. This started with a Human Terrain Reconnaissance Cadre delivered by the HAC in Cambridge and Royston. The Sqn then returned

to Wales to undertake advanced pistol ranges and live fire tactical training – kindly organised for us by Lts Fagan and Tregear from A Sqn. Thereafter, the Sqn received an All Ranks’ Brief and Mission Rehearsal Exercise.

Undertaking vehicle contact drills with 9mm man marker ammunition was a highlight; the medical and minor aggro serials were also enjoyable. LCpl Harris excelled in his casualty drills: his decisiveness, speed and calmness were singled out for praise.

C Squadron deployed to Kosovo on Operation ELGIN 11 in early October, with the mission to recce and understand the human environment in order to sustain a safe and secure environment across Kosovo. We arrived at a moment of considerable risk: Kosovan Serbs withdrew unilaterally from the political process in early November, precipitating a political crisis. The teams have met some lively characters across the country: CoH Flawn has held his own whilst discussing the tricky subject of minority groups in the Pristina equivalent of 10 Downing Street. The horror of LCoH Nolan’s enormous moustache has been captured in the national press during a meeting with the Special Prosecutor.

The undoubted star of the show is Tpr Ivanovic, whose fluent Serbian and winning smile has opened many doors that would otherwise have remained firmly shut. He has been a battle-winning asset and we have been very fortunate to have had him in the Squadron. Off duty, the Sqn is seeking every opportunity for recreation. Lt Dwyer organised a team for the DANCON march – a 16-mile weighted run. The Sqn is looking forward to getting on the slopes in Winter.

Lance Corporal Harry Dean Wright delivering Military Transport Orders for the Squadron … riveting stuff

The Sqn bids a fond farewell to Capt Charlie Onslow (RHQ Plans Offr), Lt Jeremy Bushell (LG Sqn HCMR), Lt Fergus Lupton (RHG/D Sqn HCMR), SCpl Mulholland (ACMO), SCpl Tamang (AFVGS), SCpl Esmond (CIS School), CoH Matakibau (32 Regt RA), Sgt Alcock RE (22 RE). We welcome Lt Stone, Lt Redfarn, SCpl Gorman, CoH Carling.

D Squadron

by Major J G Heath, The Blues and Royals

L

ike much of the Army, the Russian invasion of Ukraine set the tone for D Squadron in the first six months of 2022. With the Regiment initially warned off to provide noncombatant evacuation operations in Ukraine, many of the Squadron troops arrived back in Bulford on a cold January day, only to find themselves kitted out in riot gear and fighting a fierce civilian population in Longmoor village, Hampshire by the following morning.

Thankfully, it was only a training exercise, but the troops received high praise

from the training team for their characteristic courage, agility and willingness to learn. The Regiment never deployed to Ukraine itself, but only two months later, a D Squadron-led force arrived in Poland to be ready to offer humanitarian assistance to the millions of fleeing Ukrainian refugees.

Thankfully, the Polish state apparatus and population proved very adept at managing the crisis and welcomed the Ukrainians with open arms. With a lack of formal humanitarian assistance tasks

to deliver, D Squadron set about making themselves useful, providing logistical support, facilitating training and acting as liaison to the Polish for other British military units in the country. Moreover, the Squadron exploited the opportunity to train for its core role as reconnaissance soldiers, WO2 (SCM) Mark Doran RHG/D and CoH Ben Duffill LG and Sam Abbott RHG/D developing an excellent training programme including sub-surface observation posts, navigation exercises and, taking advantage of the Polish Soviet era equipment

Household Cavalry Regiment ■ 13

– real-life armoured fighting vehicle recognition.

Returning to the UK in May, the Squadron deployed to Wales for a dismounted exercise. With the troops experiencing the notorious “four seasons of weather” Brecon is famed for, they acquitted themselves very well, all the time under the watchful eye of CoH Jon Hinchley LG who exhibited the very best of Household Division professionalism. From the dirt, damp and cold of field-soldiering, the Squadron switched its focus to ceremonial duties, contributing officers and soldiers to the Platinum Jubilee Pageant. With hours spent rehearsing in Pirbright, the Household Cavalry Regiment troops were held up as exemplars of the standard expected by the Major General, performing brilliantly on the day and truly demonstrating the dual role of the Household Cavalry.

After the excitement of at the start of the year, the Sqn focus switched to readiness for UK ops as part of the UK standby Battalion. With A Sqn preparing for and deploying to Belize for Ex MAYAN WARRIOR, and C Sqn deploying to Kosovo for Operation ELGIN, D Sqn remained behind, finding opportunity wherever possible.

July saw the Regiment deploying to

SSgt Hansmeyer in dreamland as Cfn Lowe (left) and LCpl Weall (right) of D Sqn pass out of the AAPTI course

14 ■ Household Cavalry Regiment

D Sqn’s luxurious setup in Nowa Deba, Poland

CoH Duffill testing 1 DRS BCT Commader on AFV recognition

Dawn raid during Exercise DARING GRIM in Otterburn

Germany for Exercise WESTPHALIA GUARDIAN, a simulated mounted exercise providing a much-needed run-out for the Sqn in its core role as Armoured Reconnaissance soldiers. The safety net of being in simulated vehicles gave the opportunity for junior soldiers to practice driving and gunnery, whilst the NCOs and officers had a chance to demonstrate their hard-earned skills as vehicle commanders. Of particular note during the exercise was CoH Abbott (RHG/D) who gained the accolade of “top gun”, destroying the most enemy vehicles during multiple missions and demonstrating the dash and elan expected of a reconnaissance commander.

Post-summer leave, the Sqn were heavily involved in Operation LONDON BRIDGE, providing a significant contribution to the marching party and gaining plaudits for their consistently high

WO2 (SCM) Doran receiving the “best dits” award from a German Brigadier General

LCoH Leslie with some Australians during Exercise LONG LOOK

standards of turnout and bearing. All involved were honoured to have been part of the funeral parade for their late Colonel-in-Chief.

In October, D Sqn had the opportunity to work with the Football Association through a relationship cultivated by the Sqn 2IC, Capt Ben Foster (RHG/D).

Exercise DARING CROSS saw the Sqn putting five high-profile ex-England international players through military style leadership training on Salisbury Plain. Despite some creaking joints from the former professionals, they fully bought into the scenario and left with both a smile on their face, and the realisation that real-life soldiering is quite a bit tougher than the films and computer games would have one believe.

October also saw D Sqn competing in Exercise CAMBRIAN PATROL, an arduous and challenging patrols

competition in the Brecon Beacons. Lt Ben Balysz (LG) grasped the nettle with alacrity, and having selected and trained a team with only a few weeks’ notice produced an outstanding performance – finishing third in the Royal Lancers build-up competition and then securing a silver medal on the competition itself.

Throughout, the team demonstrated the best of the Household Cavalry – calm, but ruthless professionalism in the most testing of environments.

The dual role nature of the Regiment was again brought to the fore in November, as the Sqn sent a contingent to represent The Blues and Royals at the Albert Hall Falklands 40th anniversary festival of Remembrance. Under the capable leadership of Lt Angus McCaul (RHG/D) and CoH Casey Baker (RHG/D), the team produced a characteristically polished performance, again gaining plaudits from the organisers for their

Tpr Knights putting the Fight into FIWAF

Household Cavalry Regiment ■ 15

incredibly high standards.

The ceremonial side of the Sqn was juxtaposed with the deployment of a shortterm training team to Kenya to deliver a convoy support package to the Kenyan Defence Force. Ably planned and delivered by Lt Charlie Wallace (RHG/D), the team showed huge resourcefulness in securing decrepit Kenyan armoured vehicles and repairing them to a standard that facilitated training. With keen, but inexperienced and under-equipped Kenyan troops under instruction, the team worked tirelessly to prepare them as best they could for an impending deployment on counter-insurgency operations in Somalia.

As another busy year draws to a close, the Sqn look forward to a well-earned Christmas leave, ready to hit the ground running in 2023 for Operation TOSCA in Cyprus.

“Yeah, so I used to be on Man U’s books, but I packed it in to become a Sniper…”

Capt Foster impressing the Ex England-Pros on Exercise DARING CROSS

Headquarters Squadron

by Captain S D Martin, The Blues and Royals

T

he New Year saw the Regiment return from Christmas leave fully recharged and ready for whatever the new year might bring. This was a good job, as immediately upon returning to work, the Regiment received a short notice deployment to the Poland Ukrainian border under the banner of Operation STONESMITH. The operation would see over 250 personnel from the Regiment stood up to deploy. With this task came all the usual preparation, kit issue, inoculations,

In keeping with tradition, LCoH Hornsby ensures that the beverages taste nothing like the labels say

16 ■ Household Cavalry Regiment

medicals, and a fleet of vehicles to prepare. The old and bald of HQ Squadron were, as always, unflappable! Mainly, because they didn’t believe they would deploy due to years of being stood up more times than The Undateables.

However, much to their delight the Regiment deployed 80 people forward with CoH Jordan from MT leading the way. The Operation was designed to enable the UK Government to provide humanitarian aid and vehicle support to the thousands of refugees streaming across the Polish border.

The initial plan was executed immaculately, as it turns out, the deployment would be the easy part. The sticking point came when it was time to recover the equipment and personnel back to the UK. Whilst the higher formation procrastinated, and navel-gazed over the problem, our illustrious Squadron Leader (Maj Robson) decided to act!

Like a scene from Kelly’s Heroes, he led a small package of men, woman, and vehicles from our home in Bulford, across Europe, to recover the stranded workforce, whilst liberating many a

WO2 Dimbylow and other members of the Sqn question their life decisions of volunteering for Adventure Training within the UK!

Privett, whom after being inspired by Maj Robson’s earlier actions, decided to launch his own “A Bridge Too Far” style mission to rescue the poor stranded personnel from numerous drinking establishments in the town. Much to the dismay of the Transport Officer.

Tpr Dell adding to the disappointment of being on exercise

duty-free store along the way.

With the Squadron Leader away, the remainder of HQ Squadron were not sat idle back in Bulford as the Regiment continued with its normal battle rhythm. The Squadron supported and deployed personnel on numerous exercises around the globe and throughout the UK. It was during one of these exercises in Okehampton that RQMC

Once all personnel were recovered from Operations and Exercises, the Squadron got together prior to summer leave.

It was here, with many a tear in our eye that we said our goodbyes to the Squadron Leader. Major Danny Robson said farewell to take up his first posting away from the Regiment, bringing to an end an impressive 34 years of continual service to The Household Cavalry.

From there the Squadron went on a well-earned summer leave.

Upon the Squadron’s return they welcomed home the new Squadron Leader Major Nick Wright recently posted in from PJHQ at Northwood. Major Wright quickly settled into HQ Sqn and assumed the role of Chief Fire Marshall, endlessly firefighting to ensure all exercises and events were supported, delivered and deployed on time and in good order. This would soon be tested with the tragic announcement of the death of the monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

As Operation BRIDGE was called, the Squadron once again leapt into action.

Officers from the Squadron deployed to stand Vigil for the Lying in State, whilst others formed the Marching Party and acted as Markers and Marshalls. As they fulfilled their duties, none of this could have happened without the hard work of the Squadron in the background ensuring they were properly turned out, in the right location, at the right time, and in the right order of dress. Most will understand that this was no simple task.

Although the day of the funeral was a sad one for the Nation, those members of the Regiment and Squadron did the Regiment, Army and Nation proud by conducting a parade that only the UK’s Armed Forces could truly execute.

Once the sad but humbling task of Operation BRIDGE was completed the Squadron turned its attention to the up-and-coming deployments: Belize, Kenya and a return to the old stomping grounds of yesteryear - Bosnia and Kosovo (Operation ELGIN) and Cyprus (Operation TOSCA). Surprisingly, there was no shortage of volunteers for these deployments, and it will be great to see younger members of the Regiment with operational medals on their chests the next time we are in Service Dress.

AGC (SPS) Detachment

by Captain S P Lash AGC(SPS) (Det Comd)

2

022 has been another busy year for the HCR SPS Detachment. The year kicked off with the Detachment Commander deploying to Scotland to support NHS Scotland with the vaccination programme whilst the remainder of the Detachment remained on standby supporting short notice deployments as part of the readiness. During

this period members of the detachment managed to get away and conduct some Adventurous Training (AT) in Weymouth, a welcome respite and we welcomed in LCpl Kieran O’Carroll from Cyprus. Things soon ramped up when the unit was tasked at short notice to deploy on Operation STONESMITH. Sgt James McCafferty was at the

LSgt Jukesh Gurung, LCpl O’Carroll, Pte Williams, LCpl Buddha Gurung, LSgt Osei, Pte Saltearn and LCpl Ahmed at the HCR Athletics competition

vanguard of administratively deploying the unit by ensuring ISOPREP forms could be completed as he was the units only SERE B instructor at the time. A mission critical task. Sgt McCafferty also deployed with the Command team and provided essential support in theatre. Whilst there he also organised an informative visit to Auschwitz which

100k Trailwalker.

LSgt Jukesh Gurung, LCpl Buddha Guring, LCpl Indra Gurung and LSgt Thapa at the finish line

Household Cavalry Regiment ■ 17

Sgt Chin Gurung, Pte Saunders, Sgt Thompson, LSgt Jukesh Gurung and LCpl Buddha Gurung orienteering

was sobering but well received by everyone. Pte Danielle LeBoutillier-Lewis deployed later with the main body and soon learnt the harsh realities of operations, as working from home took on a whole new meaning.

May and June saw personnel from the Detachment attend two great activities: the first was Exercise LIONS LANDING, an Adjutant General Corps Battlefield Study to Normandy. Organised by Capt Si Lash, fifty participants from across the Corps examined, for the first time together, how all Branches of the Corps operated during the Normandy Campaign in 1944. In June, five members of the detachment deployed on Exercise TIGER CANYON PERERRO, an AT trekking expedition to the USA. Truly amazing, they summited Griffith’s peak (3400m) and camped at the bottom of the Grand Canyon at Phantom Ranch. All agreed that the trek out of the Canyon was one of the hardest things they had ever achieved and that the trip was amongst the best things they had ever done. Escaping the Regiment, LSgt Abi Winnett was successful in a trawl to deploy to BATSUB (Belize) for six months, which she described as “bloody brilliant”.

After a well-earned summer break, the Detachment dived into their ITRs (MATTs in old money) competing ranges and physical tests. Sadly, we lost two of the Detachment to assignment, SSgt Lianne Roberts who was assigned to 3 Signal Regt and Sgt Kas Mweemba who was assigned 19 Regt RA. We did however give them a good send off with some bowling and ice skating, a great combo.

In their stead though we welcomed SSgt Abu Ibrahim from ATR Pirbright. Shortly after, our trusted leader, Maj Sarah Ison

18 ■ Household Cavalry Regiment

and our SSA Sgt James McCafferty also left us - however, not before another detachment day out to Bath where we played crazy golf in what can only be described as monsoon weather and enjoying a lovely lunch in the city centre – thank you Pte Shannon Williams. Welcomed into the Regiment, Capt Paul Wilkes took the helm of the detachment and Sgt Craig Thompson come in as Command Support Supervisor.

Pte Leboutillier-Lewis checking her toes are still there

Finally, supporting deployments, the RAWO, WO2 Amy O’Hara joined C Sqn in Kosovo for Operation ELGIN with LSgt Ernest Osei and Pte Shannon Williams deploying to Belize to support A Sqn on Exercise MAYAN WARRIOR. This has been a busy period for the SPS Detachment, but we are thankful that we get to support one of the finest units in the British Army.

LCpl Leboutillier-Lewis on Exercise TIGER CANYON PERERRO – Not sure what was tougher, going down or climbing back to the top of the Grand Canyon…

Motorised Transport Troop

by Captain S D Martin, The Blues and Royals (MTO)

I

n order to remain competitive with No10 Downing Street, The Motorised Transport Troop welcomed its third Transportation Officer within a twelvemonth period. But this is not where the comparison ends, the new Transport Officer arrived blissfully unaware of what he had let himself in for and what lay ahead.

With CoH Jordan, (MT CoH) already deployed and stranded overseas on Operation STONESMITH. The new Transport Officer stumbled around in the dark whilst those around him maintained the Troop’s output to the Regiment. In keeping with the ageold tradition to all new Officers, LCoH Berry quickly noticed the new Transport Officer was dangerously wandering around unsupervised and immediately sent him away on courses to keep him from interfering too much.

Despite the above turbulence, the Troop was held together by a strong backbone, made up of Non-Commissioned Officers. With the Transport Officer safely out of the way, the Troop ensured it kept up with the demands of the Regiment. With future deployments on the horizon, LCsoH Berry, Fell, Foran and LCpl Purcell-Shaw ensured that all exercises and deployments were resourced. The main effort was licence acquisition and vehicle familiarisation.

Unlike past deployments being reliant on CVR(T) and Green Fleet Land

Rovers, the modern deployment relies upon a plethora of platforms from Civilian Armoured Vehicles (CAV) to the old faithful White Rhino. With this came the task of ensuring the vehicles were present for familiarisation and training.

Fortunately COH Jordan was returned to the UK just in time to welcome back the Transport Officer from his course.

But, just as a sense of normality and calm appeared to settle over the Troop came the sad news of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Like every Troop and Department throughout the Regiment the unfortunate news put a stop to all plans as the whole Regiment switched its attention to ensure Operation BRIDGE was a success.

Although the main effort for the Troop was to ensure the correct people were in the correct place and at the correct time, there came other tasks. It was all hands to the pump with coach drivers becoming an Army asset. The Troop came under the command and direction of Headquarters Southwest, London District, Brigade, RHQ and even the lady in the NAAFI. They tasked MT’s workforce across the country to recover personnel, regardless of capbadge, as well as vehicles.. With the remainder of MT who couldn’t drive, ride or march were deployed as Orderlies.

Only after the national time of mourning

The MTO presents his vision to CoH Jordan and LCoH Berry

LCoH Berry presenting Tpr Barton with the village idiot of Bulford award

had passed did the Troop manage to refocus its attention to the upcoming deployments to Kosovo and Cyprus.

As Motorised Transport Troop constantly reshuffles, over the last year we have said goodbye to a lot of personnel as they return to other Squadrons and departments. The Troop said its sad farewells to the following: Capt Wood to 101 Logistic Brigade, LCoH Foran to HCMR, LCoH Harrison and Tprs Conolly and Jackson to civilian life.

After digesting the MTO’s ‘vision and plan’ CoH Jordan points out a few minor points whilst LCoH Berry turns a blind eye

Household Cavalry Regiment ■ 19

Command Troop

by Corporal of Horse A G Kennedy, The Blues and Royals

A

s 2022 comes to an end, there is a sense of calm within Command Troop after a busy but productive year.

The year began with the whirlwind that was OP STONESMITH. This saw members of the Troop go to Longmoor to complete Public Order training. For many this was first time experiencing this type of training, and all enjoyed the exercise. With the Troop back from Longmoor, the Command Troop SNCOs were very busy engaging with other Bdes and even PJHQ to get equipment for the deployment. The remainder of the Troop worked long days working on the fleet, so it was ready to deploy. This gave the JNCOs and Tprs some tight deadlines to work towards which raised output considerably. This saw our Advanced Signallers taking charge of repairing, re-wiring, and confirming communications; even the BSM was upside down in the back of a Land Rover providing expert advice!

After Operation STONESMITH, LCoH Bayley-Bligh’s planned serial, EX SABRE REACH came to fruition. This tested not just Command Troop, but also the Adv Sigs and Regimental Signal Instructors from the SABRE Sqns in long range HF comms. The old saying

LCoH Bayley-Bligh instructing Command Troop on Exercise SABRE REACH

“walk before you can run” is applicable here and saw the Regimental Signal Instructors and Advance signallers giving low level training to newer members of the Troop.

The Squadron groups then deployed around the country to achieve what they had learnt. This saw Command Troop deploy to Dartmoor training area, with A SHQ and D SHQ deploying to Crowborough and St Martin’s Plain respectively. The next day, on a very sunny Dartmoor training area, the Troop set up multiple antenna configurations at different locations to achieve communications. Overall, it was a well-planned exercise that encouraged the HCR Signals cohort, regardless of Sqn, to work as team and refresh what they had learnt on previous courses.

Acting Capt (LCoH) Gilbert controlling the battle on Exercise MARCHOG GUARDIAN

20 ■ Household Cavalry Regiment

July saw Command Troop Deploy to Germany on Exercise WESTPHALIA GUARDIAN. As the advance party we deployed to conduct a PACEX (proof of

communications exercise) and prepare CATT(G) before the remaining Troops deployed. With this extra time, it was a good opportunity to conduct low level training, as for many of the Troop this was first time working in a BGHQ set up. Although the battle was not as exciting as the Squadrons’ in the simulators, it didn’t stop the RSWO screaming at the staff officers about brews on map tables!

Overall, this year has seen members of our Troop deploying multiple times to support exercises and operational tours. LCoH Murphy and Tpr Davies had the opportunity to deploy on Op FIRIC in May 22 to coincide with the 40th Anniversary of Operation CORPORATE, the Falklands War. Tpr McQueenie-Ellison deployed to Cyprus with the AT team and is suspected to now have more AT qualifications than most PTIs! CoH Knight is heading up the team supporting EX MAYAN WARRIOR in Belize, LCoHs Spencer, Flood and LCpl Smalley are deploying with C Squadron in support of Operation ELGIN. Sufficed to say, Comd Tp is looking forward to preparing for Operation TOSCA next year, no doubt another busy period, but this time enjoying the sun of Cyprus!

Quartermasters’ Departments (Maintenance and Technical) by the collective of Quartermasters!

A

s is the norm for G4, 2022 has been a busy period and continues to be so until the end; however, it has been exceptionally rewarding and concludes with the traditional Christmas week of festivities. As always there have been big personnel movements, with both QMs and the RQMC(T) changing in the past twelve months. We have also had to say goodbye to some members of the team who have moved on to brighter things within the military or made the transitional into civilian life.

In March, from the Regimental Engagement Team (RET) we welcomed Capt Dan Sentance who took the baton of QM(T) from Capt John Dove and his loyal dog Dexter - their HO/TO completed amidst Capt Dove’s return from Poland as part of Operation STONESMITH and Capt Sentence’s Late Entry Officers Course at Sandhurst. Capt Sentance quickly found his feet on dry land, but only for a short stint before living up to his rank and sailing the Solent. Capt Dove did not move far, in fact he just changed door signs as he took up the mantle of QM Maint from Capt Steve Mansfield who moved with promotion. Much like 2021 these two conducted the HO/TO with a “high five” between Capt Dove returning from the recce of Belize for A Sqn’s deployment to the jungle as Capt

HCR Nepalese comrades at the HCR Cultural Day

Mansfield deployed to Estonia as SO2 Training CABRIT. WO2 RQMC(T) Snoxell and Frank relocated from Bulford to take over as RCM at HCMR, where, with some tenacity, he will ensure the Sqn 2ICs are completing JAMES training. He handed over the reins to the extremely capable WO2 Salmon, who has transitioned seamlessly from SCM the Blues and Royals Sqn HCMR. We also bid farewell to SCpl Jacques who has returned to Bovington and the D&M school; CoH

Hodges has been seconded for 6 months to British Army Training Sub Unit Belize (BATSUB), where he is enjoying the sunshine; LCoH Foran who has moved into MT and finally a farewell to SCpl Leigh Preston who has completed 25 years’ service and has moved into MOD policing. As we say goodbye, we say welcome to the following members of the G4 team: SCpl Morris who moves into the JAMES unit administrator role on promotion; Sgt Mendy on promotion to Staff Sergeant, taking over the reins of Master Chef; CoH Bevan as the

Combined QM’s teams at the Gurkha Museum, Winchester

Household Cavalry Regiment ■ 21

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LCpl Gurung first in the queue for the BG BBQ

H&S SNCO; LCpl Dring as BOWMAN material accountant as LCoH Thoman deservedly promotes to CoH and takes up the reins as Equipment Entitlement SNCO and finally LCpl Cook into the catering department!

Straight in from Christmas leave the G4 team were heavily in the action, sourcing the equipment to get the Regiment prepared for a potential deployment under Operation COPPERWING which entailed sourcing and collecting the bespoke equipment required from around the country. Having done this with usual Household Cavalry panache, we were stood down from this operation. This was to be short lasting however, as we were stood back up to deploy on Operation STONESMITH, as the Humanitarian Aid Task Force (HATF) in response to the Russian aggression in Ukraine. The team sourced all of the required equipment for 250 personnel including operational

RQ(M) picking up his state-of-the-art motor from a dealership in Exeter

body armour plates and fentanyl (the new morphine), the G4 preparation culminating with the kit issue to those first out the door on a bleak Saturday in the New Year. The lucky few of the “R group” (advance party) included Capt Dove who deployed as the BGLO, drove 1400miles in 3 days across Poland.

Whilst the Regiment supported the HATF, the G4 team were deservedly enjoying some bonding with a highly competitive go-karting session kindly organised by LSgt Ashok Gurung (RLC). Tpr Fitzpatrick was the star of the show, stealing first place from WO2 (RQMC(M)) Privett in a close fought battle.

The QMs supported the regimental open day, organised by Maj Robson, by leading on the cultural cooking tent which showcased cuisine form around the globe, with LCpl and LSgt Gurung cooking some fantastic delights. Our

own LCpl Palmer assisted with the historical stand. This led onto a muchneeded Easter break before the team embraced the enabling activities of a recce to BATSUB, where the QM ensured the R&R location was suitable. A regimental dismounted exercise on SENTA saw the majority of the Squadron enjoy a blustery two weeks of delightful spring weather in Brecon.

Our next supporting task was to provide the fleet of 4x4s for C Sqn to conduct PDT prior to deploying on Operation ELGIN and this was expertly done by Capt Sentance, whom still unbeknown to anyone else, managed to secure fifteen white fleet 4x4s as well as tactical satellite communications equipment which allowed them to deploy and fight alongside the Royal Lancers seamlessly. Simultaneously to this, the RQMC(T) and team supported a very much needed synthetic mounted exercise in CATT Germany, with Capt Dove deployed in his natural environment as the BGLO. Leave was then taken over a glorious summer, and we returned hitting the ground running as Capt Sentance put together the jigsaw of getting 40 tonnes of freight to Belize by air and sea for A Squadron to enjoy a month in the trees.

Unfortunately, this was not a fifty piece but a thousand piece, with the crucial piece only appearing at the last minute! Without the herculean efforts of the QM(T) and LCoH Baitikaikai, we can safely say that they would not have made it. LSgt Gurung arranged for 32 members of HQ Squadron to visit the Gurkha Museum in Winchester, which gave a very insightful history of the Ghurkas’ service to the Crown.

Capt Dove ensuring that the R&R location in Belize was H&S compliant

It has been a fantastic year and the team have pulled everything required out of the bag. We look forward to the challenges of 2023 with relish.

Household Cavalry Regiment ■ 23

Regimental Aid Post

by Major S A Foster, RAMC (RMO)

I

f you joined the Army for variety, you won’t have been disappointed by 2022 when compared to 2021. Mr Putin provided the first serial of 2022 when we found ourselves chasing people around camp vaccinating at every opportunity for a short notice deployment to Eastern Europe, whilst concurrently also trying to make sure our own respirators fitted.

The first flight in March saw the Medical Officer (MO) deploying with HQ elements to Eastern Europe, shortly followed by a LSgt Dickson with the Humanitarian Assistance Task Force whilst the remained of the RAP sat poised (but in the end not deployed). It was a fascinating opportunity to experience NGOs and the military working alongside some close liaison with the Foreign Office giving an interesting insight to some of the inner workings of government. Experiencing a visit from a serving US President was not something that is easily forgotten either!

The recovery from Poland in April was quickly followed by a recce to Belize for A Sqn’s Exercise MAYAN WARRIOR whilst those left in the UK continued to manage ever-changing readiness times

High fidelity medical training

24 ■ Household Cavalry Regiment

The RMO writing his journal article during a hurricane

for possible further trips to Europe.

With all the uncertainty in early ‘22 training opportunities were limited

but we finally managed our previously planned day of vehicle extrication with the fire crew at Boscombe Down. This provided a good opportunity to learn

The RMO’s motorhome looking a bit worse for wear

Sqn. There was an opportunity for some excellent training hosted by 1 Med Regt on the critical care transfer course which saw LCpl Dean narrowly avoided being skewered with a large needle whilst travelling cross country in a transit van.

Lessons learned by all involved!

As I write we are sandbagging in readiness for Hurricane Lisa in Belize which has delayed Exercise MAYAN WARRIOR but we are eagerly anticipating getting out on the ground as soon as safe. It will present new challenges for all of us but should be a fantastic experience. So far there has been some great in-camp training whilst we acclimatise to jungle conditions including a highly enjoyable trip to Belize’s zoo.

Crash test dummy

the principles and practice cutting up vehicles as well as an opportunity to fire 10000 litres of water (no hosepipe bans were in place at the time)!

has been unable to deploy to Belize to put this into practice but whilst we mourn her loss, we wish her well as the new medical sergeant in Knightsbridge.

LSgts Peters and LCpls Dean and Symes should be congratulated on completing the two-week tropical medicine course which is no easy feat. Sadly, LSgt Peters

August focussed on reducing some burgeoning leave cards and provided a brief breathing space before deployment to Belize for the whole RAP with A

We continue to be well supported by the wider Regiment, for which we are thankful. We say farewell to Sgt Pillinger on posting to 1 Med Regt, LSgt Wardle who has gone to turn his hand to becoming a doctor, LSgt Shilston who is going to train as a counsellor with the Army Welfare Service and LCpl Mascall who has posted to the Midlands in his new family home. We wish them all the very best and look forward to welcoming four new CMTs in 2023.

“The Jungle is Massive” - JWIC 2201

by Captain S W H Hanson, The Life Guards

A

lthough the exact experience of General Levy in the art of jungle soldiering is difficult to ascertain, his pithy description that the ‘Jungle is massive’ seemed apt for the five Household Cavalrymen soon to commence the Jungle Warfare Instructors Course (JWIC) in Brunei. JWIC is one of the Army’s most sought-after courses and offers the opportunity to develop dismounted excellence in some of the world’s most challenging conditions.

The course is built around the British Army’s rich history of fighting in Close Country Tropical Environments (CCTEs) and ensures that lessons learnt from that past are not forgotten. It also provided CoH Marchant (LG), LCpl Evans (RHG/D), Ct Tregear (RHG/D), Ct Thomas (RHG/D), and myself an opportunity to prove the Household Cavalry Regiment’s reputation of crossdiscipline distinction.

The course began with morning beach runs and lessons on the environment that would soon become our home.

Quickly we became familiar with a foreign language as words took on new meanings or became not necessary at all.

We learnt to have conversations without uttering a sound, give grids silently,

Jungle Warfare Instructors Left to right: LCpl Evans RHG/D, Lt Hanson LG, Ct Tregear RHG/D, Ct Thomas RHG/D, CoH Marchant LG

and pass bearings with little more effort than changing the shape of one’s hand.

With this new-found knowledge and the notion that the jungle was neutral we embarked into the trees for the first time.

The start of the individual skills’ phase saw navigation tested, jungle basics put into practice, and an understanding that neutral could also bite, sting, and spike.

The survival day was an early highlight as we learnt to start fires with sugar and

Household Cavalry Regiment ■ 25

potassium permanganate, find water in vines, and in Baloo’s words survive on the ‘bare necessities’ (Condom, tiger balm and lighter). As we moved from surviving as individuals to fighting in sections, respect for the environment and those who could operate in it increased. The days consisted of moving with 50kg of weight through thick vegetation and undulating terrain whilst maintaining the concentration to enact a contact drill to escape enemy fire at a moment’s notice.

The final exercise, nevertheless, demanded we penetrate ‘deeper into the heart of darkness’. Long insertion marches were mixed with Vietnam style flights in Bell 212 helicopters as the undulating green ocean became our hunting ground. The final action saw a 3-day CTR on a platoon sized enemy camp followed by a company attack. The attack initiated at first light saw the next cohort of Jungle Warfare

Jungle is massive

Instructors on belt buckles clear a football field sized enemy position loaded with spider holes, trenches, and tree sentries. This was the culmination of our training and the final stamp on an experience which had seen intimate live fire training, riverine operations and weeks under the canopy.

Good morning Vietnam Brunei…

Whilst many fell short, all five Household Cavalrymen passed the course, two with Instructor Recommends and one with distinction. This success was not only a reflection of the teamwork of those on course but also a reaffirming statement of the Regiment’s adaptivity and pursuit of high performance.

The team getting their steps in – jungle style

“NATO’s Enhanced Forward Speedbump”

by Captain H W R Pickett, The Blues and Royals

F

or the sake of this article a speedbump will be described as something that stops a person or vehicle from progressing. This is in essence what the enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup is tasked with in Northeastern Poland.

In this particularly remote part of Poland the battlegroup’s main effort is to provide a delay should the Sulwalki Gap become compromised, and the Russian army decide to invade through the border with Kaliningrad.

This rotation, Operation CABRIT(P)

26 ■ Household Cavalry Regiment

11, I was deployed as the Polish liaison Officer attached to C Sqn, The Royal Dragoon Guards (RDG). A light cavalry squadron attached to an American armoured regiment made up predominantly of the National Guard of California.

Having been fortunate to work with both partner nations previously I was familiar with their working practices and the laissez-faire attitude of the Californians was endearing, if not slightly worrying, given that Russia

had invaded Ukraine less than three months before. Nonetheless, I found myself becoming the Squadron’s spare officer and tasked with some of the more niche tasks – finding a set of bag pipes in Poland at 24hrs notice for a VIP visit was not on the original specified missions and tasks. Neither was the request to provide our doctrine on effective waterboarding for a Polish Army open day.

However, the experience was a positive one. The RDG are largely similar with

C Sqn RDG soldiers CASEVAC’ing the HCR Liaison Officer after a few too many lunchtime Zywiec lagers

their own idiosyncrasies and working practices. The US, on the other hand, proved that the Soldier First syllabus is an absolute must and something that really separates the way in which our troopers and JNCOs can feed information into operational and mission

C Sqn Ldr, RDG providing overwatch as the first shipment of Mess cheese arrives in theatre

planning. It is all very well having all that kit but if you cannot get it across the training area because your GPS doesn’t work then you aren’t much use.

Operation CABRIT(P) is very much here to stay. The UK’s commitment to

NATO’s eFP is only going to become larger, therefore I am grateful that I got to witness the grassroots of something that will no doubt grow arms and legs. I very much look forward to deploying to Poland again in the coming years, hopefully as the HCR’s OC TACP.

Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE 22)

by Lieutenant A H J McCaul, The Blues and Royals

I

n mid-February, a combined arms platoon made up of twenty-three members of A Squadron and four attachments from the Royal Artillery, deployed to Fort Benning, Georgia, USA. We were to fly the British flag and participate in the two-month long Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment (AEWE) alongside personnel from the U.S and Dutch armies. The exercise puts to test the latest innovations in battlefield capabilities with the aim of both delivering feedback to inform procurement for the US and British Army and developing new ideas on how those technologies could be implemented and their impact on our tactics. In sum,

brutal honesty was demanded from all participants- something British Army soldiers are renowned for.

The latest night vision equipment, drones, battery packs, autonomous vehicles, to name a few, were first taught in a classroom setting and then tested in a series of battle lanes, from section through to company level. The harsh climate, combined with the challenging landscape and realistic battle scenarios, made for exhilarating serials. At times it was easy to forget the main purpose was to test out the equipment, with competitive soldiers eager to defeat the Dutch peer enemy. The exercise was a

HCR Platoon at the end of a Company assault onto an urban area

huge success, with our hosts commenting on the high degree of initiative, professionalism and enthusiasm shown by Household Cavalry soldiers, with their humour leaving our hosts entertained and confused in equal measure. Most importantly, excellent feedback was given to the assessors which will have a tangible effect on equipment development into the future.

The working week was action-packed.

However, with every weekend off, all personnel managed to explore the local area and beyond. Popular excursions included watching our adopted ice hockey team, the ‘Columbus River

LCoH Shingler and Tpr Lock operate a drone under the watchful eye of vendors and assessors

Household Cavalry Regiment ■ 27

The Platoon enjoy a battlefield tour in the city of Charleston, South Carolina

Dragons’, eating heartily at ‘Smokey Bones’ barbecue restaurant, travelling to Atlanta for NASCAR and NBA, visiting Civil Rights museums in Montgomery and multiple visits to gun ranges - both public and more makeshift garden ranges. Soldiers experienced the atmosphere of Bourbon Street, New Orleans, the thrills of Orlando, Florida, and the beaches of Panama City. Overall, the HCR platoon managed to visit six states, a remarkable achievement in a little over two months.

The deployment finished with a fourday visit to the historic city of Charleston, South Carolina. A battlefield study on the Siege of Charleston, walking tour of the city and visit to The Charleston Museum was intertwined with enjoying world-renowned seafood, boat tours of alligator infested waters and relaxing at the hostel commandeered for the trip.

AEWE provided the Household Cavalry platoon the opportunity to improve their soldiering skills in an

experimental environment and with the use of cutting-edge technology that challenged the way we planned, made decisions and fought, at every level.

The exercise also exposed us to working with our allies, a first for many of the platoon. Along with the experiences gained on travels across the region, and armed with many a story, AEWE 2022 will long live in the memory of all those who deployed.

An Eagle Amidst Hawks: Life at The King’s Royal Hussars

by Captain J A C Hutton, The Blues and Royals

A

s an officer who dallied briefly with joining the King’s Royal Hussars (KRH), the author was perfectly placed to be posted as the Regimental Intelligence Officer as KRH formed a Battle Group prior to deployment on Operation CABRIT 11. A rapid return from Operation STONESMITH in Poland enabled me to link up with the KRH three weeks before they deployed on DEFENDER EUROPE 22 – in, guess where, Poland! Having spent six of the past nine months there, this naturally was a welcome change of scenery. Four weeks of fine Eastern European weather followed. It was interesting adjusting to the exceptional professionalism of a Regiment that had had a formed and drilled BGHQ, in full operation for a year by the time the author turned up; a rapid learning curve to be sure.

28 ■ Household Cavalry Regiment

Though by no means a crimson-trousered warrior, ‘integration’ with the Regiment did prove enjoyable, despite rumours of the IO having been seamlessly replaced with a robotic drone. Suffice to say direct engagement with Foxes’ Masks, Sandbags, Emperor’s Chamberpots and the like proved well beyond his limit of exploitation.

What followed was being “belt-fed” through a summer of different courses to qualify for the job he had just validated to deploy in (the Force Preparation process never without its contradictions).

Despite a last-minute stay of execution due to LONDON BRIDGE, arrival in theatre eventually came; with the presence of B Company, 1st Battalion Scots Guards added an additional, welcome, dash of Household Division flair.

An Eagle spreading its wings

My delight mixed with anxiety, seeing another task in the in-tray: RPAS capability development – some things change, some things stay the same--, however, an opportunity to bring some HCR pedigree to the party. Demonstrating the ability (and occasional appearance) of a jester to

wear multiple hats at the same time, the role of IO was merged with SO3 IA&O and OIC WARDEV to form that timeless G2-7-9 fusion pathway.

This has set the tone for what has been, so far, a very welcome chance for an officer

to deploy attached to another Regiment and in a new role. The novel perspectives that this brings, along with the chance to deploy ready for warfighting, has made it an extremely rewarding opportunity; one that has demonstrated, potentially, that eagles can indeed fly with hawks.

Cambrian Patrol 22

by Second Lieutenant B A Balysz, The Life Guards

I

n July this year, having a cool beer in the sunny green camp of Sennelager, my Squadron Leader, James Heath, offered me the chance to run and lead this year’s Cambrian Patrol team. I said yes and continued with the CATT exercise thinking nothing more of it. I actually didn’t think about what I had signed up for until two days before summer leave when I was reminded about the need for some sort of buildup training. I looked at my diary and realised there would only be two weeks available for the team to train. Of course, that’s no issue for highly skilled and motivated Household Cavalry soldiers. Nonetheless I thought it best, at the very least, to organise a trip to Wales

to see where we would be walking*. *Swap Wales with SENTA and walking with patrolling for a more accurate description.

So, after a long and relaxing summer leave period the team came back and started to look towards the pre-Cambrian exercise on Sennybridge training area. LCoH Bridger took charge with the G4 preparations, and I finalised the Main Events List (MEL) to include practise in section attacks, CTRs, AFV recognition and lots of tabbing. Unfortunately, the death of HM the Queen called most of the soldiers of the Household Cavalry Armoured Regiment away to London.

Naturally the Op Bridge commitments

superseded the exercise, so find a Plan B – The Royal Lancers (RL)! RL kindly invited the team to their patrols competition which was taking place ten days before our Cambrian Patrol window.

On arrival in Catterick, we all remarked on how cold it was! One or two of the lads who had never been very far north were particularly shocked. However, once we were stepping off with bergen, rifle, body armour (with plates) and helmets fitted, none of us were complaining anymore. The stands varied and tested all of us in different ways. The section attack went extremely well, we scored the highest out of all the competing teams, and LCpl Smy excelled in

LSgt Ritchie teaching the team his wealth of knowledge in Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) From top left to bottom right: Tpr Chapman, Tpr Jones, Tpr Friskey, LCpl Smy 2Lt Balysz, Tpr Betteridge, Tpr Dell, LCpl Eden

Household Cavalry Regiment ■ 29

the weapon recognition round. It was also a great experience to go in the CS chamber and it really highlighted how good drills and kit maintenance really does protect you from CS. We finished in time and spent the next day weapon cleaning and in the picturesque town of Richmond, before collecting a third prize on Friday morning and driving down to a much warmer Bulford!

Sadly, during the competition LCoH Bridger came off with an injury which meant LCpl Eden stepped up as 2IC, and he did so extremely competently.

Because of this we were a man down and with only one week remaining it was touch and go. Luckily for us Tpr Dell saved the day. There was a small matter of him completing an RFT the day we deployed – something I’m sure one would argue is not the best preparation – however, such a situation is testament to his determination and grit.

We reported to the assembly area at 0600 on the Tuesday and, after a kit check, LCpl Eden and I received orders.

After an Orders’ scene scarily reminiscent of RMA Sandhurst, we stepped off at 1220. The ground was wet and the black mountains, unsurprisingly, incredibly hilly! Despite this we were able to overtake two teams early on and powered through the stands. This

speed was maintained throughout, in our phase we were the last team to step off but third team to finish, all the while being inside the 48hr time limit. We powered through the first day and went into the night with deteriorating ground and poor visibility and with the help of tactical smoking we arrived at the river boat crossing at 0700 the next morning.

Sadly there would be no “dit spinning” about sinking bergens and freezing cold water for us this time.

serial and the finish. At this stage we hadn’t slept for two nights, with only three hours sleep on the Monday night.

Hallucinations were strong and frequent! After passing numerous patrol stations, sofas and, worryingly, 6-foottall wine bottles, we reached the final stand that required us to detain two HVTs. Given how tired we all were it was good to see everyone switch on when it mattered. Finally, we were at the finish, or so we thought…

We marched through day two and into the evening. As we did so the serials became more realistic. After leaving Cilieni Village we marched to an RV and met a TCV to be taken to our section attack serial. Hopes were high given our previous success in Catterick. Given it was dark we were offered 4.5 minutes of illum and 3 minutes of deliberate overhead and flanking fire. I decided to use it all from H-Hr and clear the position aggressively and quickly whilst we still had light and fire support. Flanking around with live tracer flying overhead was the highlight of the patrol. It was an awesome experience and made even better when the Coldstream Guards SET told us it was the best section attack they had seen so far.

When we arrived, we were given a blank patrol report to fill in then were ushered into a windowless room for a debrief. I cannot recall what I was asked or what I said in response, I take comfort in the fact that the guys said I wasn’t completely incoherent! It was then all over, and we moved into the age old ENDEX procedure, and after a few hours of sleep, a shower and a shave, we were awarded a silver medal. The result was fantastic given the lack of build-up training the team had. It was made even more impressive by the limited number of silvers awarded and the large number teams that did not finish.

After leaving the serial we had a 15km TAB around the impact area to the final

I would jump at the chance to compete again, and when we were talking about it at our celebration meal a few weeks later, a lot of the lads would too.

Exercise ARCTIC EXPRESS – Sailing around Iceland

by Cornet M Holland, The Blues and Royals

I

n July, Tpr Ferguson, Trp Priddle (HCMR) and Ct Holland were lucky to spend two weeks sailing around Iceland on a JSASTC 72ft discovery as part of Exercise ARCTIC EXPRESS. Consisting mainly of Guards, the Irish Guards’- led Adventurous training trip aimed to really push the crew beyond their comfort levels on the sea. It did not disappoint. Arriving with a crew of 14 into Reykjavik, the first couple of days were spent gathering supplies, learning how to crew the boat, and of course exploring central Reykjavik.

On the first day sailing, a short trip to Akranes, the crew rotations were established, along with working out who would suffer from sea sickness.

Unfortunately, several members of the crew had to find their sea legs the hard way! As the skipper grew confident in the crew, our journey legs grew longer, with a couple lasting 48hrs. Shifts were divided into four hours on and four hours off, with two crew mates taking care of domestic tasks for 24hrs. Owing to the time of year, the sun set in part for less than an hour, leaving the sky always light. This did not however soften the

30 ■ Household Cavalry Regiment

blow of being awoken at 0000hrs for a four-hour shift in the arctic winds!

Leisure sailing is not commonplace in

Iceland, meaning the marinas were normally designed purely for industrial fishing vessels. Rarely having loos and showers, the crew found an alternate

The Crew find stability at last

Ct Holland learning not to fall asleep on watch the hard way….

place to wash. Icelandic law requires all towns to have public bathing facilities, taking advantage of the volcanic springs. This meant that whenever the crew arrived at their next location, they were greeted with lengthy spa sessions.

The route took us all the way to the Arctic Circle and on to Siglufjörður in the North of Iceland, despite progress being hampered by constant headwinds.

Passing through the western fjords, the sheer scale of geography was incredibly impressive. Glaciers and volcanoes ran down to meet the sea. Vertical edged fjords were inhabited by small fishing communities making a living on the rich sealife. The crew were lucky to see numerous whale species as well as dolphins and seabirds. The puffin was the most amusing of animals seen due to its unnaturally difficult method of takeoff - they really look like they were never designed to fly.

The strange case of the empty sailing suit

After two weeks of arduous sailing, the boat returned to Reykjavik. Lots of sailing knowledge had been assimilated, but unfortunately one Grenadier Guards Lance Corporal still had not

managed to endure a journey without his head overboard. 820 NM had been covered in a truly stunning trip around a rarely visited and sparsely populated part of the world.

Exercise BERLIN GUARDIAN – HCR visit to the Bundeswehr Territorial Command HQ, Berlin

by Major J G Heath, The Blues and Royals

I

n December, a delegation of twelve HCR personnel was fortunate enough to be invited to Berlin as part of a Bundeswehr Defence Engagement opportunity. Having hosted Oberst (Colonel) Andreas Von Studnitz earlier in the year at both Bulford and Knightsbridge - he was so impressed that he returned the favour!

Oberst Von Studnitz had previously been an exchange officer with The Blues

and Royals in Germany and had many fond memories of his time with the Regiment. Proudly wearing his Blues and Royals cufflinks throughout our visit, as well as his British issued maroon beret, he was a host beyond reproach.

After an early start from Bulford, the delegation arrived in Berlin, looking forward to what they hoped would be a ‘bit of a jolly just before Christmas leave’. What actually transpired was an

excellent, but somewhat packed programme of cultural and military activities that certainly kept the team busy.

Having been met at Berlin airport, the team were whisked to the Berlin Landeskommando (Territorial Command) HQ (formerly Herman Göring’s Reichsluftwaffe base) to move into their well-appointed accommodation and change into service dress ready to receive a welcome brief from the

Household Cavalry Regiment ■ 31

Few cheeky Glühweins at the Weihnachtsmarkt Capt Cadden, Maj Wright, Lt Henderson, Maj Heath, WO2(SCM) Doran, Lt Carr-Smith, CoH Ross

Landeskommando Brigadier General.

Day two started with a guided tour of Berlin, with a particular focus on WW2 and the Cold War. Oberst Von Studnitz kicked off proceedings with a tour of the old British sector, before a professional tour guide took over, giving a hugely insightful tour of the Olympic Stadium, Berlin Wall and other landmarks in the city. After a swift lunch and change into service dress, the delegation made its way to the Berlin State Parliament, receiving a guided tour and a candid brief on of the German Federal State system from the Vice President of the Berlin State.

Two lethal weapons.

Lt Carr-Smith and Lt Henderson getting to grips with some German hardware

Wednesday presented an opportunity for the team to show off their physical and marksmanship prowess to the Bundeswehr, with a whole day of ‘German Military Proficiency’ tests. An early morning schlep to the garrison swimming pool kicked off proceedings, with the mixed swimming ability group put through their aquatic paces to try and meet the bare minimum of swimming proficiency. Thankfully, everyone just about scraped through; however, the German Ubermensch training Warrant Officer (WO) did not seem overly impressed.

Fortunately, the next stage was the German equivalent of the Personal Fitness Assessment (PFA) or now SCR (Soldier Conditioning Review). Despite the training WO’s simulation of our expected dry retching after the ‘sprints’ phase, everyone tackled it with ease before moving onto the ‘1 km run’ and static hold on a pull up bar. It is fair to surmise that base-level cardiovascular fitness in the British Army is probably

32 ■ Household Cavalry Regiment

Outside Bellevue Palace – German President’s residence

brought a bit of much needed respite, as the group were privileged to be invited to the Berlin Garrison Christmas concert at the Berlin Cathedral followed by a visit to a Christmas Market for some Gluhwein and Bratwursts. The sight of some British ‘Tommys’ in Berlin certainly drawing some attention.

With the Vice President of Berlin State in the Berlin State Parliament

better than that of the Bundeswehr, as the whole group easily finished in the upper echelons of the scoring system – much to the delight of the German PTIs. What happened next was a bit of a surprise. The programme had us down as conducting marksmanship tests in the indoor garrison range on the German G36 rifle and P6 pistol. So far, so good – especially for some of the older Late Entry Officers. The sting in the tail came when we were told on arrival that half the group would be conducting the “march” proficiency test whilst the others were firing. The Germans had kindly pre-packed some bergens for us

with the requisite weight (somewhere between 10–17 Kg depending which bag you picked up) and were set off on the 6km in 60 minutes test. Whilst most of you reading will appreciate that 10 min / km is pretty routine – it actually transpired that we had to do almost 9 km, and being the competitive types, everyone ran as much as they could. With some red faces and a lot of wheezing in the near zero temperatures, the first group questioned the Germans on the distance – their answer: ‘we didn’t want you to have to wait to shoot, so we put in a few extra kilometres…’. Prost!

The evening after the proficiency tests

The last real day of activity included a visit and tour of the Presidential Palace (home of Germany’s head of state) and an afternoon with the Wachtbattalion – the only German ceremonial unit in the Bundewehr. As a dual role Infantry battalion, much like the Foot Guards, we got to experience both sides of the house, with an excellent brief on their history and introduction to their equipment and weapons, before watching them in ceremonial action at the Federal Ministry of Defence as they welcomed a US Airforce General. A delicious formal dinner with our hosts on Thursday evening, including the awarding of our ‘proficiency medals’ wrapped up the programme.

With a hugely busy, but very enjoyable and informative visit, the team made their way back to Bulford – ready for a restful weekend. The team were hugely privileged to have been hosted by Oberst Von Studnitz and the Bundeswehr so well, and truly got to experience things that the average German citizen never gets to see. We hope that our relationship will endure for years to come. * A professional filmmaker’s video of our visit can be found on YouTube by searching ‘Household Cavalry Regiment besucht Berlin’.

Exercise WESTPHALIA GUARDIAN

by Captain G R D Parker, RL

B

ack in July 2022, The Household Cavalry Regiment deployed to the newly named Land Regional Hub Sennelager, Germany to conduct a simulated mounted exercise. Exercise WESTPHALIA GUARDIAN was designed to test and hone Ground Mounted Crewed Reconnaissance in a peer-on-peer scenario. Battle grouped with Fires experts, Engineers and Air and Aviation specialists, RHQ set about putting A, D and HQ Squadrons through their paces whilst preparing for Exercise CERBERUS (Oct 22) as a Deep Recce Strike Battle Group working to 3rd (UK) Division.

As most are aware, training the Army’s mounted reconnaissance community has been difficult of late, with a lack of AJAX, reduced CVR(T) availability, and an inability to train on the prairies of Canada (BATUS). There was therefore concern about the lack of corporate

knowledge given that most junior officers and junior NCOs had not deployed on an armoured exercise less their Crew Commanders’ or Troop Leaders’ courses.

This concern was soon alleviated as the likes of Lieutenant Ed Henderson started calling in fire missions and destroying the enemy’s vanguard. D Squadron had drawn first blood and A Squadron were keen to prove their worth on the battlefield – and did so.

Soon the Squadron Second-in-Commands, Captains Ben Foster (D) and Sholto Hanson (A), were having to reign in their dogs of war as the Household Cavalry once again proved its worth at combined arms manoeuvre.

Drones filled the sky – piloted by HCR’s impressive RPAS troop; engineers created abatis, cratered roads and blew

bridges; artillery rounds pounded enemy command posts; jets screamed overhead, and aviation flew through the day and night. Recce cars screened the Divisional advance, handing over the fight to tanks in support.

Major Johnny Sherwood-Eames and WO2 (BSM) Daniel Needham – from 159 Bty, 26 Royal Artillery – could not prosecute targets quickly enough and were working up a muck-sweat running between EXCON and Battlegroup HQ to bring Fires to bear on the targets worked up by the impressive recce skills of the Squadrons. Captain James Jalili and LCoH Chris Hale (HCR Joint Terminal Attack Controllers (JTAC)) deconflicted airspace and targeted enemy high value targets. Lt Ellie Mallinson – Battle Group Engineer from 21 Royal Engineers – worked tirelessly to improve the Regiment’s understanding

Household Cavalry Regiment ■ 33

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Lt Henderson desperately trying to remember his part in the plan

of the situation with Captain Lord-Sallenave and her team. As usual, G4 just happened – but only because Captains Oli McAfee and John Dove made it so.

In the background, the Squadrons’ Corporals Major – WO2 Wincott, WO2 Doran and WO2 Ridge – ensured that

the Real-Life Support was swept up as well as looking after simulated prisoners of war, casualties, and recovery. As soon as simulators went off, the Regiment wasted little time getting into the local lakes, bars and restaurants or enjoying the local Catholic-cum-beer festival, Libori.

Work hard, play hard – D Sqn enjoy a day out at the beach club

Capt Pagden-Ratcliffe exhibiting a thousand-yard stare after another hard day building AARs

Sadly, C Squadron were unable to join the Regiment for Exercise WESTPHALIA GUARDIAN as they prepared to deploy to Kosovo on Operation ELGIN 11. Instead, they joined The Royal Lancers and the Danish Guard Hussar Regiment’s Recce Squadron on Exercise LUCKNOW LANCER in Northern England and Scotland. Here they honed their Human Terrain Reconnaissance skills, engaging with the local population and conducting mission specific tasks to ensure their readiness to go to Kosovo.

A special thanks must go to Felix2 – Captains Felix Cairns and Felix PagdenRatcliffe – and Corporal Major Ashford for coordinating the deployment, designing WESTPHALIA GUARDIAN and running EXCON. Their lightness of touch and excellent after-action reviews taught the Regiment lots and reminded soldiers of their primary role. They provided a fantastic opportunity for fun and cohesion in Germany, which all soldiers will remember fondly, and set Battle Group HQ personnel up for success on Exercise CERBERUS.

Exercise WHITE KNIGHT 37

by Lieutenant C Carr-Smith, The Life Guards

T

hose Nordic skiers often claim that theirs is the most arduous of the winter sports, but none of them have ever deployed on Exercise WHITE KNIGHT. The race skiing alongside cohesive activities makes for a tiresome month – particularly for the four members of the team who had never skied before.

The team was made up of 8 Household Cavalry Regiment and 5 Household

Cavalry Mounted Regiment personnel.

The Household Cavalry team was made up of the largest number of novices out of the regiments on Exercise WHITE KNIGHT 37, some of whom illustrated great progress and competed with distinction during the final race week.

The team set off on the 9th December to Chalet Larzey and training commenced

on 10th December. We had an even spread of talent across the team – hindered by one of our best skiers breaking his leg on day two. LCoH Ward (described by a RAC officer as one of the bravest soldiers he’d met upon witnessing his reaction to his injury) had to sadly be lifted off the mountain and depart the team. It could only get better from here – for a start we had gained a

Household Cavalry Regiment ■ 35

The hostess with the mostest. Lt Hugo Pickett makes final preparations for the Chalet Larzey NYE party

The mighty HCR WHITE KNIGHT team raising money for Head Up charity in Verbier

spare bed.

ceiling before and doubt I will again.

Although the team lacked experience, LCoH Murphy led the way in convincing the team that brave and handsome skiing was the way forward; Lt Pickett proved that to be easier said than done.

The Christmas break arrived with a trip to the snow park – Tpr Chantry displayed some impressive snowboarding skills, if only snowboarding counted during race week. One department the team thrived in was hosting the annual Household Cavalry New Year’s Party. I have never had to clean footmarks on a

Suddenly we found ourselves in lycra, and race week commenced. A Squadron Leader, Maj Mike Wilmot visited us to cheer on the team. The future Commanding Officer Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (Lt Col Woodward) was spotted ski-gliding on the mountains – very stylish indeed. The improvement shown by some members of the team, most notably Tpr Holbrook who started 72 out of 72 and finished almost in the top 50 (narrowly missing out on best novice), was a testament to

their determination and efforts. Even if we were not the best skiers on the mountain, some members of our team displayed an outstanding attitude to the exercise, maintaining the Regiment’s reputation as professional and profoundly popular.

Due to a global pandemic the Divisional and Army Championships were cancelled, otherwise in this section of the article I would be telling you about great successes in Serre Chevalier.

D Squadron HCR Kenyan Convoy Escort Short Term Training Team (STTT)

by Lieutenant C E A Wallace, The Blues and Royals

I

n November 2022, eight members of D Sqn HCR deployed to Kenya to support the British Peace Support Team Africa (BPSTA) in delivering a ‘trainthe-trainer’ convoy escort package to the Kenyan Defence Force (KDF). The course was part of the wider African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM); a peacekeeping mission set up to stabilise the volatile East African Nation.

The team deployed to Karen in Nairobi for a few days of acclimatisation and RSOI before onward movement to our permanent base in Isiolo, an hour northeast of Nanyuki. The STTT was based out of a tented camp at the Kenyan School of Infantry (SOI), which despite cold showers and occasional scorpions was comfortable enough and the team were quick to make themselves at home, with Tpr Chantry swiftly setting up a

36 ■ Household Cavalry Regiment

LCoH Jarman has the students looking for Lt Wallace’s contact lens

Smy. Week two built on the lessons learned from the first week, with LCoH Veramu taking the students through armoured infantry training, plus three days of counter-IED techniques under the eye of LCoH Jarman. By week three some armoured vehicles finally appeared in the form of two highly unreliable 1970s Panhards and one 16 tonne Chinese APC. In true HCR style, the team were able to overcome most vehicle-based problems and quickly set about teaching the principles of armoured vehicle manoeuvre. This led onto lessons on route recce, picket and a range of convoy escort drills led by CoH Raj. By the FTX, the KDF were able to competently deal with a range of scenarios including IED strikes, complex ambushes, obstacle crossings, crowds and VBIEDs.

LCoH Veramu cracks a joke

projector to ensure not a single world cup game was missed.

Training was conducted at the Kenyan School of Armour (SOA), 30 minutes’ drive from our base at the SOI. The class consisted of 30 students ranging from Pte to Lt and from several regiments across the KDF, all with varying degrees of operational experience in countries including Somalia and the DRC. This experience was critical in delivering a two-way style of teaching,

first understanding the Kenyan doctrine before applying our own knowledge and SOPs. The team adapted well to a somewhat analogue training style with little access to PowerPoints and quickly finding a hands-on approach of flip charts and ROC drills to be far more engaging. The first week of dismounted training saw our CMT LCpl Povey take the lead on basic medical care before moving on to care under fire drills taught by LCpl

The trip was not all hard work, and the team were also able to put their feet up and enjoy some of amazing scenery and culture that Kenya has to offer. As well as a few weekends on Safari, the team concluded the trip with four days of R&R in Watamu – an ocean paradise on the Kenyan east coast. Here they were able to take part in activities including snorkelling, kite surfing and deep-sea fishing, as well enjoying a few cold Tuskers. LCoH Veramu and LCpl Smy delivered the catch of the day which saw everyone eating Tuna for the rest of the trip, marking a successful end to our time in Kenya.

CoH Raj forcing the students perform ‘Saturday Night Fever’ under the watchful eye of the Panhard

Household Cavalry Regiment ■ 37

Race to the Stones

by Captain J A C Hutton, The Blues and Royals

I

n July, an intrepid team from both Regiments entered the 100k Race to the Stones, a particularly undulating ultra-run across the Wessex Ridgeway.

In serious temperatures, at which the Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer (WBGT) would have spontaneously combusted, all bar one completed 100k non-stop.

In the process they raised £2535 for the HCF, and perhaps just as importantly, trounced all other military teams in attendance.

The race team, comprising CoH McKean (LG Sqn), LCoH Massey (ERE), LCoH Heathfield (C Sqn), LCpl Macauley (A Sqn), LCpl Purcell (A Sqn), Tpr Ryder (C Sqn), Tpr Friskey (C Sqn), and late ringer SSgt Hansmeyer (HQ Sqn); coached by Capt Hutton, kicked off a long day at 0630 from Lewknor.

Considerable and understandable prerace nerves were evident as the scale of the undertaking that the team had signed up for six months prior, dawned.

However, breaking down into pairs and conquering the first hill settled most nerves, even if the presence of a maroon-shirted 7 RHA team provided a little extra impetus. SSgt Hansmeyer, flying solo, powered into an early lead and reeled in a succession of rivals one by one as the remainder of the team hit their stride.

The distance and weather really started to bite at the half-way point of 50k,

despite dubious assurances from Capt Hutton that they had just successfully finished the ‘warm up’ and that ‘the real race begins now’. The next 40k was a true test of grit for the team, as they battled the mental demons as well as the rising mercury. The mental fortitude of all was clear as each man went deep within themselves over the course of the next 5hrs. However, not one lost their sense of humour and as better equipped, and more experienced, runners began to flake out around them there was a palpable belief that the race was theirs.

It was those that ran together that prevailed best, and the strength of team spirit was evident in the motivation that they were able to provide for each other.

The most telling testament to the team’s willpower was how all but one finished, whereas half the RM and all but one of 7RHA Did Not Finish (DNF).

‘Strong in will… not to yield!’

The first runner crossed the line in Amesbury, after 101km and 1500m of elevation gain, at 13hrs14mins and the last at 19hrs05mins. Credit must go to SSgt Hansmeyer, for blitzing the course solo; CoH McKean for completing in a competitive time despite having to train in London around the busy duties of HCMR; LCoH Massey for navigating almost the entire route solo; LCoH Heathfield for running the last 20k at night without a headtorch;

Race to the Stones H-1 – everyone still smiling…

38 ■ Household Cavalry Regiment

LCpl Purcell feels the heat

Tpr Ryder for going as deep as we have seen a runner go into the hurt locker; LCpl Macauley for toeing the start line despite having been unable to complete any training due to deployment; LCpl Purcell for completing the race despite not being able to take on any nutrition due to food poisoning; and Tpr Friskey for continuing with an injury from 50k, solo, at the hobble, and defying every expectation (including the team coach) with a smile on his face before crossing the finish line at 0200.

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Foreword

by Lieutenant Colonel T J Armitage, The Life Guards Commanding Officer, Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

F

ollowing a turbulent 2021 it was hoped that 2022 would be a steadier year…. Horses returned from grass in January and began preparations for the Platinum Jubilee; a daunting task given the levels of inexperience following COVID and a quiet ceremonial year in 2021. Over ninety percent of our troopers had not conducted a State Ceremonial parade and 77 horses were in the same position.

A State Opening of Parliament, albeit scaled down, and all the Platinum Jubilee events rebuilt our experience and our confidence grew with the delivery of each parade. This ensured that we were ready for a return to a ‘normal’ Queen’s Birthday Parade. It was sad not to see Her Majesty at Horse Guards, but we were able to give an eyes left at Buckingham Palace.

The whole Regiment moved to Bodney Camp in July where we reintroduced the Handy Hunter competition and hosted an Open Day attended by 3,000 locals.

Then on 20th July we marked the 40th anniversary of the Hyde Park Bombing with a service at the bombing memorial.

The Queen’s Life Guard commanded by the outgoing Adjutant Captain Ed Keith RHG/D paused briefly before continuing to Horse Guards.

However, all our activities in the earlier part of the year were overshadowed

by Operation LONDON BRIDGE. We returned from leave anticipating a gentle run into an Autumn State Visit, but overnight this changed. Lorries were dispatched to collect horses from grass and the farriers got to work shoeing eighty horses in 24 hours. The following days were intense with all fully committed to delivering arguably the most significant parade in the Regiment’s living memory. It was the most profound of duties for all involved and brought out the very best in the Household Cavalry in terms of teamwork.

The Sovereign’s Standard of The Life Guards formed part of the London

funeral procession and the Sovereign’s Standard of The Blues and Royals did the same in Windsor. All members of the Regiment not on parade were able to pay their own respects to their Colonel-in-Chief by turning out on South Carriage Drive. This final tribute included the presence of the Drum Horse Atlas LG. An additional role was the use of the gym as a mock-up of the Catafalque.

Under the leadership of the RCM Household Division Officers were put through their paces. Following rehearsals, the Household Cavalry’s two Commanding Officers, Surgeon Lt Col Jedge Lewin OBE RHG/D and our senior late entry officer Lt Col Jonny Pass RHG/D had the privilege of forming the first vigil for the Lying-in-State.

The latter part of the year was dominated by adjusting our activities to support King Charles III - with the return of regular Long Guards keeping officers on their toes and with South Africa as our first State Visit since 2018.

There were also opportunities to trial changes to public duty delivery as part of the Major General’s work to improve work-life balance. The most significant adjustment was a move to 72-hour King’s Life Guards over the weekend; this trial met its aim of giving soldiers more time off and will continue.

Throughout 2022 we supported Defence Engagement with delegations from Serbia, Oman, Australia, America, France and Trinidad and Tobago. We also visited America to instruct equitation at the Culver Military Academy and to scope options to support First Troop Philadelphia City Cavalry.

Military friendships continued with a visit to the Swedish Life Guards and the Commanding General of the US First Cavalry Division rode with us on the Lord Mayor’s Show.

An emphasis on varied riding opportunities has continued under the Riding

Master: at the Royal Windsor Horse Show WO2 McGrath RHG/D was placed second in the Services Show Jumping; Tpr Kattenhorn RHG/D raced in the Grand Military; a polo team toured South Africa; and SCpl Glass LG was selected for the Army Eventing Team riding his military horse Revenge.

Other successes included being awarded a Silver medal in the Cambrian Patrol competition.

Last year’s decision to retain Hyde Park Barracks is now resulting in a steady flow of repair works and a very clear focus on improving conditions for horses and soldiers alike. Repairs to the stables and the accommodation block are priorities.

After a very challenging COVID period I believe the Regiment is now back into its stride. Operation LONDON BRIDGE was a testament to this and the extraordinary privilege of being part of it will remain with us all throughout our military careers.

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 39

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Diary of Events

by Captain J N D Bruce-Crampton, The Blues and Royals

I

t will come as no surprise that this year has been, perhaps, the busiest year the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment has ever seen. Too bold a statement you say? In a snapshot, the Regiment has conducted 23 individual State Ceremonial and Public Duties, hosted 102 visits, conducted 17 Defence Engagement activities, and successfully carried out 27 Investitures.

The beginning of the year started like any other, the horses were brought back into London from grass and work commenced on getting everything parade ready ahead of the Commanding Officer’s inspections of uniforms, horses, and yards. The contenders for the Princess Elizabeth Cup were selected and started meticulously waxing, polishing and white sapping ahead of judgement day. Meanwhile, the remainder of the Regiment enjoyed good news received from Her Majesty; the proposed 72-hour weekend guards had been approved and a reduction in sentry times were implemented. To ensure the level of Public Duty output was maintained the

weekend inspection on Horse Guards Parade was conceived and has been delivered throughout the year.

The final preparations were conducted to ensure the Regiment were prepared for the Ceremonial season ahead. Part of this readiness was to conduct Exercise TRYOUT at MOD Wethersfield. For those that aren’t acquainted with the practices at Knightsbridge, this exercise sets out to teach, revise and rehearse the ‘actions on’ in case of any incident that should occur when conducting State Ceremonial activities. This provided an opportunity to develop interoperability with civilian agencies that can be difficult to achieve once ‘silly season’ has begun. The following fortnight was crammed with drills and rehearsals ahead of the Major General’s Inspection which the Regiment passed with flying colours.

Having had a well-deserved Easter break through April, the tempo started to increase entering May. Rehearsals began immediately for the State Opening

of Parliament, which took on a different form to usual. HM The Queen was represented by HRH The Prince of Wales and instead of providing an Escort, the Regiment provided a Guard of Honour on Horse Guards Parade as well as the Staircase Party in the House of Lords.

This led straight into the Platinum Jubilee Celebration at Royal Windsor Horse Show, where the Regiment were more heavily involved than in previous years supplying the Musical Ride, a gallop through history with the Charles II Retinue and providing three Travelling Escorts for Members of the Royal Family and a Captain’s Escort on the final evening for HM The Queen.

Due to the high-profile nature and close succession of the Queen’s Birthday Parade and Platinum Jubilee Pageant, the rehearsals happened simultaneously. The Queen’s Platinum Birthday Parade on 2nd June saw The Life Guards, led by Major Russell Bond, dip their standard in front of HRH The Prince of Wales. After the parade, HRH The Princess Royal commented that she

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 41

had never seen such an attendance, and all on parade noted that no grass in St James’s Park could be seen from The Mall due to the depth of the crowds. The Service of Thanksgiving followed the next day at St Paul’s, with the Staircase Party supplied by the Household Cavalry and most that had ridden on the Queen’s Birthday Parade then rode on the Platinum Jubilee Pageant on 5th June. The Platinum Jubilee Pageant was led by the Silver Stick, Colonel Crispin Lockhart MBE for his last parade before handing the reins over to Colonel Mark Berry. Silly season officially closed as it usually does with the Garter Service in Windsor before the Regiment deployed on Exercise COPPER HORSE in Bodney Camp once more.

Unfortunately, the King’s Troop RHA were unable to take over Queen’s Life Guard and so the Regiment had to conduct Escort Guards over the duration of Regimental Training. Despite this, the Squadrons were able to rotate soldiers through duties and all were able to enjoy some more challenging riding. Over the course of a few weeks a full programme of show jumping, cross-country, Handy Hunter, Beach Rides and Squadron BBQs meant that everyone was able to

get involved and let off some steam after a busy ceremonial season.

Upon returning from Regimental Training, the Regiment marked the 40th anniversary of the Hyde Park Bombing with a service on South Carriage Drive attended by Colonel of The Blues and Royals, HRH The Princess Royal. A recent documentary by former Life Guard Mau Gris was shown to the Regiment which brought to life the events that happened on that fateful day and gives meaning to the younger soldiers coming through as they salute the memorial every time they pass.

As the Regiment returned to duty from Summer Leave, the belief was that it would be a steady build up for the Autumn State Visit with minimal horses in the yards. 8th September is a date that the country will remember as the world learnt of the sad passing of Her Majesty The Queen. Operation LONDON BRIDGE was called, and the eyes of the world rested on the Household Cavalry; the Regiment had a duty to Her Majesty to execute perfection.

Although an incredibly sad moment for the Nation, it highlighted the best

Early Morning Rehearsal of the funeral procession

42 ■ Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

of Britain as everyone came together and worked tirelessly. The Regiment were involved in five key aspects through the 10-day national mourning period. Firstly, the two Marching Detachments escorting HM The Queen from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall. The reversed swords seen on the march had the All Arms Drill Instructors scratching their heads as it had not been done for a number of years. However, on the day the Household Cavalrymen carried it out to the highest standard. Secondly, Her Majesty lying-in-State, which was commanded by the Silver Stick, Colonel Mark Berry. This saw the Household Cavalry conduct the first Vigil and ensure that Her Majesty was guarded at every corner throughout the five-day period. The funeral itself stretched the Regiment as two Mounted Divisions conducted a Sovereign’s Escort from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch and a further two Divisions escorted Her Majesty from Shaw Farm Gate to the George IV Gate of Windsor Castle.

Finally, the Household Cavalry conducted the Step Lining Party on the West Steps of St George’s Chapel and stayed in place until all those outside had departed, being the last Guard for

The funeral of Her Majesty The Queen

Her Majesty the Queen.

October proved to be a quieter month in terms of State Ceremonial commitments but having the entire herd in Hyde Park Barracks tested the Regiment to ensure horse welfare and remedy any issues

that resulted from no build up ahead of Operation LONDON BRIDGE. As the Regiment moved into the Autumn, the usual commitments surrounding Remembrance weekend were in place as the Regiment paid its respects at the Cenotaph and rode through London

on the Lord Mayor’s Show. The last commitment for the Regiment before a well-deserved Christmas break was the State Visit for the President of South Africa and the first opportunity to provide a Sovereign’s Escort for His Majesty The King.

The Life Guards Squadron

by Major R E Bond, The Life Guards

I

t hardly needs saying, but this year was the most important ceremonial year in living memory – a never-beforeachieved milestone in the history of British monarchy, a Platinum Jubilee.

That, of course, meant that The Life Guards Squadron was busier than ever.

Our first engagement in the official Jubilee celebrations was the starstudded Royal Windsor Horse Show, where a number of Life Guards performed with the Musical Ride, as well as - somewhat more improbably - in the Merry Monarch’s (Charles II) retinue, or Charlie’s Cowboys. It was the lot of Capt Petit, CoH Harvey, LCoH Dooley, LCpl Albiston, Tpr BentermanSnell, Tpr Murdoch, and Tpr Norton to don wigs and 17th century garb, and assume the spotlight. None of us will ever forget the moment in the warmup arena when CoH Harvey eschewed

the traditional section work and instead chose to canter in tight circles, crimson reins between his teeth, brandishing a pair of flintlock pistols, with the maniacal look of a highwayman etched on his face. The lights, explosions and crowds of the show served as perfect preparation for the season’s parades to come.

Of course, The Queen’s Birthday Parade was the focus of the year. Rehearsals went smoothly, with the crowds jubilant yet respectful, and Maj Bond headed up the parade, projecting his commands for the rest of the Regiment to hear. We arrived at Horse Guards Parade without incident, and when it came to our turn, we rode past the Senior Colonel without a blemish – save some minor heroics from Tpr Greener and MWH Targaryen.

Setting off triumphantly back down the

Mall, the sight of the Royal Standard above the Palace brought a lump to the throat, and a tear to the eye. Riding past the Victoria memorial, Her Majesty the Queen was there to greet us from the balcony, and every Life Guard felt they locked eyes with her as we rode past – a special moment indeed. Our return journey back to Hyde Park Barracks was so densely packed with well-wishers that Hyde Park Corner was almost impassable. The Pageant, two days later, was no less special. The theatre of the event was enormous, with whirling dervishes, floats, and celebrities on the streets, truly a fantastic spectacle, and a fitting celebration for a truly remarkable Head of State.

Summer Camp was a much-deserved reward for all of those involved in the ceremonial season, with charges on

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 43

Charlie’s Cowboys

Holkham beach, troop socials at The Windmill, and no hat left unmarked by ‘Dirty Phil’. The handy hunter cross-country competition saw excellent placings from the squadron, with Tpr O’Hara bursting through the Owl Hole to take bronze. Charlie’s Cowboys reprised their role too, to the delight – we hoped – of the crowd, with LCoH Dooley looking suspiciously like Captain Hook.

Returning from summer leave, we were faced with the moment no one had ever

Major Bond comes through the owl hole at regimental training

wished for, the passing of Britain’s most enduring monarch. I’m sure we will all remember where we were when we heard the news. It was a moment that seemed incredibly surreal and sad, yet totally unifying. With little time for personal grief and reflection, the Squadron and the Regiment leapt into action, galvanised by our loyalty to Her Majesty, and immediately burdened with the glorious purpose of giving her the most fitting send-off the nation has ever seen.

The Life Guards were honoured with

The Life Guards lead the procession down The Mall

44 ■ Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

prominent positions on almost every aspect of the mourning and funeral proceedings. Following the arrival of Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace from Scotland, a dismounted division of Life Guards headed by Capt Muir led her procession to Westminster Hall where she would lie in state. This physically demanding escort preceded by an hour-long static period on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace was executed to perfection. The Major General described it as ‘genius’, we could not have marked the occasion more respectfully. A

number of Life Guards related how difficult it was to remain outwardly impassive given the intensity of the circumstances.

All Life Guards officers based at Hyde Park Barracks had the honour of standing vigil over Her Majesty in Westminster Hall, and this was a charged experience for each one of us.

The history of the moment and its significance to such a wide audience was palpable, and each individual performed admirably despite the long hours through the darkest parts of the night. Off-camera, the enormous logistical challenge of getting the horses back from grass, and shoeing and clipping them, was well underway. LCoH Riggs, LCoH Faulkner and LCpl Gamston drove the horse boxes at all hours of the day to retrieve the horses required.

As the funeral preparations were completed for The Queen’s final journey, the Squadron was poised. Led again by Maj Bond, the escort made its way down Whitehall, the Mall, Constitution Hill, and finally to Wellington Arch, where the whole procession formed up. This moment will doubtlessly stay with everyone who was there forever. The last leg of the journey, The Queen’s procession up the Long Walk into Windsor Castle was led by a mounted and dismounted division of Life Guards headed by Capt Petit. The horses, not adept at walking the creeping pace of a funeral march, at times distracted and distressed by the pipe band, were understandably uneasy. But the talent of those mounted Life Guards was on show to the world as they kept their horses under control

The Sovereign’s Standard takes pride of place on the Queen’s Birthday Parade

The obligatory charge at Holkham Beach

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 45

on that long, slow journey. Tpr Brooke put in a particularly admirable performance, despite MWH Panzer having other ideas. On foot, inside the Lower Ward of the Castle, a Life Guards Union Standard was lowered for the last time to Her Majesty, under command of Capt Freddie Howard Keyes and carried most ably, on his feet, by SCM Lewis.

Capt Kaye and Capt Muir were among the step-liners at St George’s Chapel, another gruelling yet memorable duty.

As with every year, we have also said our farewells to numerous soldiers, NCOs and Officers. LCoH Faulkner transitioned to the civilian world where we wish him the best of luck. LCoH Dooley side stepped into HQ Squadron as did CoH Miah who has moved up to the Officers’ Mess as the Mess Manager.

CoH Selby has had to say goodbye to his beloved Vespa (a MWH) to take up a posting with the recruiting group.

Additionally, we said goodbye to Capt Long who moved on to pastures new.

These gaps were quickly filled by keen and willing replacements. Capt Bushell and Lt Godwin are bedding in well and LCoH Hazley has joined mighty 3 Troop.

2022 has seen the Life Guards deliver with exquisite composure in what has been an exceptionally busy year.

Experience has been restored and confidence bolstered. Subsequently, we are in a fantastic place for 2023 which will see the Squadron take pride of place in His Majesty’s Coronation and the first King’s Birthday Parade in over 70 years, we are poised once more for another eventful but rewarding year.

Tpr Osborne shows the forge how it’s done

The Team of 2022

46 ■ Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

The Blues and Royals Squadron

by Major R E C Perera, The Blues and Royals

I

nstead of the overused Journal phrase ‘another busy year for the Squadron’, it would be far more appropriate to say this has been a uniquely busy year for the Squadron.

It started in earnest in late January when the majority of the horses returned from grass and the focus for the Squadron at this stage was to rehearse and prepare for what would be a Ceremonial Season like no other. The added challenge was that a large proportion had none or out of date State Ceremonial experience. The first marker was the Major General’s Inspection in March where the Squadron showed that although there was a lack of experience it didn’t affect the impressive delivery, with every soldier looking immaculate whilst also managing to stay on top (unlike our Life Guard brethren whose projectile dismount made front page news…).

March also brought an impressive individual effort in Tpr Benson Kattenhorn competing in the Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown. Although Tpr Kattenhorn’s Cheshire Cat grin couldn’t quite get him all the way round, he was leading the race by a substantial margin before becoming unseated late on.

Ugly bunch - The Blues and Royals Officers after the Major General’s Inspection

April brought brief moment to catch a breath with some Easter leave before going headfirst into May and June. The Royal Windsor Horse Show was the first key event in the diary. The Squadron

provided Travelling Escorts to Members of the Royal Family each evening led by Capt Ed Keith and Capt Angus Wood, concluding in a Blues and Royals led Captain’s Escort on the final evening

The Silver Stick in Waiting, Col C A Lockhart RHG/D, accompanied by the Regimental Adjutant, leads The Platinum Jubilee Escort, following in his father’s footsteps who commanded the Silver Jubilee Escort in 1977

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 47

Captain Lane Fox on the Platinum Jubilee Pageant

for Her Majesty The Queen, for what would be her final Escort. It was also at the Royal Windsor Horse Show where the Blues and Royals continued to show dominance in State Ceremonial excellence and win the Princess Elizabeth Cup for another year. Tpr Prince Ainuson of 1 Troop was the winner with his flawless turnout and the Squadron had continued success with Tpr Shaun Flanagan

placing second. The Life Guards might have better luck next year, maybe.

The Queen’s Birthday Parade on Thursday 2nd June kicked off the Jubilee weekend and a series of key State Ceremonial events. Capt Harry Sayer and Capt George Lane Fox were the two Divisional Commanders on the Birthday Parade, being led by Capt

Jamie Bruce-Crampton as Serrefile Captain. Both Mounted Squadrons looked impeccable on the first Queen’s Birthday Parade on Horse Guards since 2019. There was no rest though as the Platinum Jubilee Pageant took place three days after the Birthday Parade on Sunday 5th June. The Regiment was led

by Col Crispin Lockhart who was part of the Blues and Royals Standard Party comprising of WO2 Nick Wilkinson, SCpl Mark Barber and Tpr Charlie Clarke. The Standard Party led four Divisions on the Pageant which escorted Her Majesty The Queen’s 1760 Gold State Coach, with the Commanding Officer on one wheel and RHG/D Squadron Leader on the other. The rather manic eleven-days of parades concluded with the Garter Service at Windsor Castle, which again was back to a format not seen since 2019.

After all of that marching and riding on The Mall, the Squadron deployed to Bodney Camp for Exercise Copper Horse and a break from London life.

In the three-week period the Squadron managed to conduct lots of cross-country training, show jumping, beach rides, paintballing and go-karting, as well as a few strawberry daiquiris to help cool off in the Sahara level heat. It was a well earnt break but also a chance for the Squadron to continue to show its

Operation LONDON BRIDGE: Her Majesty’s Coffin Procession

48 ■ Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

hearse to Windsor Castle.

Very sadly though the Squadron lost one of its own. Tpr Jack BurnellWilliams, 3 Troop, sadly passed away on Wednesday 28th September. He was a remarkable young soldier with fantastic wit and humour, which he was able to use to add cheer and laughter to the daily duties at Hyde Park Barracks. His loss has been felt dearly by the Squadron and the Regiment.

Trooper Prince Ainuson awarded 1st Prize in the Princess Elizabeth Cup, presented by HRH The Earl of Wessex

class; 3 Troop, under Capt Jamie BruceCrampton and CoH Hugh Wayper, won Troop Tests taking the prize from last year’s winners, 1 Troop, who placed a close second.

The Autumn season came with the tragic news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday 8th September and subsequently Operation LONDON BRIDGE. It was a truly privileged time to be part of the Squadron as the Blues and Royals showed off dismounted

excellence on Her Majesty’s Coffin Procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall, led by Capt Mark Quickfall, Capt Simon Allwood and Capt Rupert Wood and then mounted brilliance on the Funeral Processions in London and Windsor. In Windsor the Squadron took the lead, with the Squadron Leader as Field Officer, Capt Angus Wood as Escort Commander and the Standard Party of WO2 Nick Wilkinson, SCpl Mark Barber and LCpl Peter Chivers Escorting Her Majesty’s

In October, the Regiment deployed a team on Exercise CAMBRIAN PATROL, however with a late command appointment change, Lt Fergus Lupton found himself in Wales on a Monday on the competition and then by Wednesday on Kit Ride to continue his training. The team did brilliantly and brought home a Silver Medal. But that wasn’t the end of the story, LCpl Jemma Dickinson immediately deployed on a PNCO Cadre with other members of the Squadron and earning Top Student on the course.

This has been a unique year for the Squadron with some immense challenges faced. Over the course of the year, the Squadron has seen a good level of its top Troopers, NCOs and Officers all earn well deserved promotions, and experience has permeated through the Troops though each State event. It will finish the year with quality soldiers and officers, who are fully prepared for a Coronation and ‘another busy year’ in 2023.

Preparations in Combermere Barracks for Her Majesty The Queen’s Funeral Procession in Windsor

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 49

Headquarters Squadron

by Major P Ireland, The Blues and Royals

A

s HQ Squadron’s weekly Commanding Officer’s prayers slide states: “Our Main Effort is to enable the Sabre Squadrons to carry out their duties, by providing sustained support from all HQ departments.”

We have done that, and in abundance.

HQ Squadron has delivered endlessly, over what has been and extraordinary year. Our saving grace for the Sabre Squadrons is the expertise of those long termers, the Permanent Cadre.

The Farriers, Saddlers, Tailors, Riding Staff which form the main strength and knowledge in the divisions when the Regiment is performing its State Ceremonial and Public Duties throughout the year.

The Riding Staff, led by the RM Capt Karl Scholes, have done incredibly well, given how relatively junior they all are. The old ways have gone, there’s no more whip throwing and screaming at trainees across the Parade Square.

There is a culture of coaching and mentoring being bred. WO2 (EWO) Evans has dug in deep and has been an excellent right-hand man for the RM. 17 new horses have been purchased, 22 remounts have passed out, circa 80 service personnel have been trained for Mounted Duty. SCpl Glass and his MWH Revenge started a new partnership in September, a partnership that

Prayers at Regimental Training

has progressed from British Eventing (BE) 90 to BE 100 and then novice. He has represented the Army several times at many events and represented HCMR at RWHS, Royal Tournament and RAF Championships.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements and his selection to the Society of Master Saddlers, where he lectures and assess other saddlers, SCpl Belasco was awarded the Freedom of

the City of London. A fantastic achievement rarely bestowed to military personnel. When not competing in Tough Mudders, Army Warhammer and various running events, his team of saddlers are gaining more and more City and Guilds qualifications. CoH Joe Butler’s time in the Army is ending. Marathon running (2022) CoH Butler is that reliable, steadfast soldier we all need. He always has a smile on his face and is always eager to please. We all wish him

FLoH Cooney briefs the Major General on the farriers’ magic brush

50 ■ Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

entrance. Water was provided for the attendees, which was much appreciated and needed, as it was incredibly hot. I got the loud hailer out to thank the crowd for their patience, whilst the RAO’s department went along zapping prepaid tickets. We must never underestimate how popular we are in Norfolk.

We are still the cheapest event and still provide a great spectacle.

Hundreds wait patiently for entry to Open Day

well for the future and he goes with our best wishes.

Cambrian Patrol G4 duties were delivered by CoH Morrison the Master Tailor, managing to pay the entry fee just in time ... and assisting them to a Silver Medal! LCoH Gayle assisted HCR mounting Platinum Jubilee Medals.

LCoH ‘Skip’ Scheepers assisted the navigational aspects of the Cambrian Patrol and covered the summer camp period.

Regimental Training at Bodney Camp was a much-appreciated break from the many rehearsals for the Major General’s, QBP and Platinum Jubilee. These were the first full-on parades after COVID, the Regiment did well to avoid any skillfade. Open day, the first after COVID, saw a huge number of attendees, circa 7000, with the large field car park next to Bodney filling rapidly and the surrounding roads. The queues were huge, from beyond the windsock down to the

Operation LONDON BRIDGE, as you can imagine, was challenging for all, the QM’s department managed a surge of people daily requiring kit. LCoH John Bremner produced the goods, choosing to sleep in his Full-Dress Store as it was easier given the high demand. All the departments had a part to play, be it on the staircase of St George’s Chapel, in the mounted and dismounted marching parties. CoH Morrison graced out TV sets on Good Morning Britain.

WO2 (SCM) Lewis has been outstanding, especially as HQ Leader has spent a lot of time away in Stanford Hall for rehabilitation. For Operation LONDON BRIDGE he shone by providing critical direction, with complex movement plans, ceremonial kit issues and flexible coordination with all agencies which delivered a flawless procession for Her Majesty The Queen.

RCM, you did book Tempest, didn’t you?

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 51

RAO’s Department

by Captain M Hockram AGC (SPS)

A

s the year draws to a close for the Regimental Administration Office (RAO) Detachment at HCMR, we can reflect on the highlights and major achievements in what has been an especially busy year full of change.

Of note, The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee was a privileged moment to be part of for SSgt Money and LCpl Thapa who represented the detachment and the AGC Corps on the Platinum Jubilee Pageant parade in London. They worked hard to brush up on their ‘skills and drills’ with an intensive ten days at Worthy Down, Winchester. It all paid off though and they had their hard work rewarded with a once in a lifetime opportunity, marching down The Mall in front of thousands of people lining the streets.

This was followed by Exercise COPPER HORSE and was a first for many of the Detachment, especially for those who had newly arrived to work with HCMR. It was a great three weeks, which were packed with fun activities that allowed

the newer members of the Detachment to bond with the unit, although the hardest part for our new arrivals was the tricky process of learning what the rank slides meant! Capt Hockram took the lead and could be seen running the perimeter with his Detachment each evening – trying to soak up some sun and fitness. The beach ride was something else for those who took part and such a unique opportunity for those who are attached to HCMR.

art, and it is absolutely an art, of fixing a horseshoe onto a horse. The fun began when they were each challenged to remove the back shoes from some horses that needed to go out to grass. There was plenty of struggle, but Capt Hockram managed his in a decent time – although his legs felt like they were burning during the whole ordeal. Regardless, it should make a fine memento if anyone needs the extra luck, it’s him!

The experience in The Life Guards Squadron holds a special place in the hearts of all the Detachment. It’s the most senior in the British Army and the soldiers and officers who make it up are some of the best we have worked with.

They have included us from the start and taken the Detachment through the novel process of counting horse numbers and what investiture duties entail.

This year also involved a big move for the Detachment to the sixth floor that has brought with it some big adjustments; not just for us, but for everyone in HCMR. The initial move in took us six weeks and lots of paint but thankfully it is now set up and business as usual.

Over the two offices anyone who needs administrative or financial support will find a person in the Detachment to assist them and we’re glad to say the feedback has been positive so far!

Having organised some insights into other areas, the Detachment got hands on with the forge and were shown the

Specialist legal advice delivered with a passion for doing the right thing for our clients and the communities we serve.

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52 ■ Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

The Forge and Veterinary Department

by Lance Corporal of Horse Blake, The Blues and Royals

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t the beginning of 2022, life in the forge was business as usual, getting ready for a special year to celebrate The Queen’s 70th Jubilee. Horses started heading back to London from their extended holiday in Leicestershire.

Farrier Major WO2 Jones and his team of qualified and apprentice farriers were on hand to start the gruelling process of shoeing all 200 plus horses.

This is vital and must be done before any build-up exercise programme can be implemented. We welcomed two new members to the forge to start their apprenticeships, LCpl Mills and LCoH Greenhow. We also had 3 members pass their final exams of the diploma after 4 years of hard apprenticeship to become fully qualified farriers, LCoH Blake, LCoH Steer and LCoH Chew.

For Her Majesty’s Jubilee Parade, all hands manned the pumps, with the continuing maintenance of over 200 horses.

WO2 Jones and CoH Veness rode on as the farriers in this historic event. To make sure all safety aspects were in place, Maj Curnick and Capt Thomas, LCoH Steer LCoH Blake, LCoH Handsford and LCoH Reuter and vet techs Sgt Moore and LSgt Eagle crewed the horse ambulances to deal with any emergencies.

Summer camp was fast upon us for a bit of fun and equine activity. The

Inter-Regimental Champions

apprentices competed in the Casey Cup on Open Day, where the public have a chance to see competitors at full steam.

This year the winner was LCoH Reuter.

We also got to let our hair down and do some water sports, but the forge being the forge, it ended up a challenge to see who could get who into the water!

The Forge also hosted the annual games

night at summer camp, organised by CoH Veness. It was deemed a great success. Coming to the end of the camp we realised it was Farrier Major WO2 Jones’s last camp, so he had a (voluntary??) dip in the horse trough!

For Operation LONDON BRIDGE, the Household Cavalry worked night and day to deliver a parade The Queen

The Forge - 120 horses in two days

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 53

H O U S E H O L D C AV A L RY

H O U S E H O L D C AV A L RY

TO O R D E R V I S I T R OYA L B R I T I S H C O L L E C T I O N . C O M

would have been proud of. The Forge had to get 120 horses shod in two days to allow the Regiment to get the horses clipped and in shape for the parades. It was six o’clock starts and late o’clock finishes. With the Operation comes drill, LCoH Blake was front and centre as the drill instructor, teaching and refreshing the Regimental dismounted parties of over 100 soldiers. SCpl Pettit and LCoH Murden-Wade rode as farriers in London and WO2 Jones and CoH Veness rode in Windsor. LCoH Jackson and LCoH Chew formed part of the

staircase party at St George’s for the final part of Her Majesty’s journey.

The Forge breeds some very competitive individuals. In golf, several farriers represented the Regiment, with LCoH Jackson playing for the RAC team and LCoH Blake winning the London District Championships and LCoH Jackson winning closest to the pin and longest drive. In the farriery competitions, HMCR Forge members have had great success, with HCMR winning the inter-regimental competition

between KTRHA and DACTR. Farrier Major WO2 Jones leading by example and winning best individual prize, and LCoH Chew winning best specimen.

The apprentices did very well with LCoH Marsh coming second and LCpl Large coming third.

We have also represented the Army in the biggest farrier competition in the world, competing against the best farrier teams globally. LCoH Cooney came first with the best dressed foot prize.

HCMR Medical Centre

by Surgeon Lieutenant Colonel J Lewin OBE, The Blues and Royals

A

s our focus in the Medical Centre moved on from matters Covid, we continued to face challenges this past year. Not the least of these has been the national supply issues affecting zinc oxide tape, but thankfully supplies of ibuprofen and foot powder remained sufficient to treat all but the most serious conditions, such as spinal fractures and ruptured spleens.

The main challenge however was the battle for the very existence of the Medical Centre, with the facility being targeted for closure as a cost and ‘efficiency’ saving measure. The Regiment and HQ LONDIST thankfully claimed victory, with us remaining open, although as a satellite clinic within London Central Medical Facility, centred on Wellington Barracks. This solution is ideal, saving our patients from having to get down to Wellington, whilst taking on some of

the workload and sharing governance with the larger facility.

The mysterious tractor beam that drags away medical staff and spits them out in far flung places has been busy, although unusually shifting its focus away from the Surgeon Colonel. LSgt Hamilton couldn’t decide whether he preferred hot or cold climes and duly managed to fit in a stint in Kenya and later in the year travelled far down South for a winter tour in the Falklands where his passion for penguins was suitably satisfied, despite the continuous howling gales. In between this adventure he also managed to (finally) sit on a horse as he neared the end of his time with the Regiment. To his everlasting sorrow and regret, he found that he rather enjoyed the experience.

LCpl Cromwell, however, has avoided both tractor beams and horses, preferring to continue his studies and offer up sports massages to anyone game enough to act as his guinea pig.

Sgt Qarau issues reminders not to be late for sick parade

Surg Lt Col Lewin receives his OBE

The author remains unsure whether a career as a guinea pig masseur actually exists.

Three wise doctors (???)

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 55

Sgt Qarau ended her tenure as the Practice Manager, finishing off with a highlight being present at the Proclamation of King Charles III. She handed over to Sgt Peters whose affiliation to the Regiment has spanned across Windsor, Bulford and now Knightsbridge. As a keen rider, she’s eager to do her bit in the Yard, patients and healthcare governance permitting.

The Assistant Regimental Surgeons

have also completed their protracted year long handover, with Capt Cumpsty heading off to look after small children at Frimley Park Hospital: his experiences in the Officers’ Mess will stand him in good stead. The elusive Capt (Sir) Loyn is believed to have stepped up to fill his place, but the infamous tractor beam has had complete lock on, seeing him continue last year’s African theme, deploying to Nigeria on Operation TURUS, followed by Operation CABRIT in Estonia

and Finland.

Our civilian stalwarts, Mrs Epi Addison and Ms Jane Baynham-Jones, continue to keep the show running whilst the rest of us run around changing in and out of uniforms. Jane seems to enjoy working in the Medical Centre so much she comes in at evenings and weekends to support the Reserves, running medicals which is hugely appreciated.

Household Cavalry Training Wing

by Captain M Quickfall, The Blues and Royals

T

he Household Cavalry Training Wing (HCTW) started the early part of 2022 with many personalities changing over due to their departure from the Army, such as Capt (Paddy) Ireland (OC HCTW), Maj Tom Mountain (interim OC HCTW), WO2 Owen Morgan (HCTW Cpl Maj) and LCoH Joyce (Coach Troop). We wish them well in their future endeavours and thank them for efforts.

Over the ceremonial season the HCTW had to have pauses in training for the trainees’ due to the requirement of horses for these major parades. Over these periods the HCTW taught drill and carried out visits to the Imperial War Museum and the Household Cavalry Museum in Windsor. After a busy ceremonial season, the HCTW staff deployed to regimental training camp in Bodney to help assist in the delivery of the training, while the trainees went on a short leave period.

Coach Troop at the Royal Windsor Horse Show

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Capt Quickfall at Bodney

Col Armitage presenting the Smyth-Osbourne Trophy to Tpr Silcock from Balaclava Ride

Egypt Ride on a flatwork lesson

In mid-2022, the HCTW formed Burnaby Ride with the purpose of holding the trainees ‘ that are injured while in training and keep them in Windsor until they are ready to re-join back with the rides. HCTW also received its first mechanical horse in August from Racewood to teach the trainees the basics before sitting on an actual horse, this gave the HCTW instructors the chance to give hands on advice at proximity. HCTW hosted several visits from GOC LONDIST Major General Ghika, as well as Brigadier Wright and Brigadier Lamb during their handover as Deputy Commander.

During Operation BRIDGE, HCTW prepared its stables for the influx of soldiers from KTRHA and from the mounted regiment for their parts in the D+10 procession in Windsor. The trainees’ assisted with the vital set up of cleaning rooms and extra stables, meaning the mounted regiment had no need for advance parties and returned to Hyde Park Barracks between rehearsals while the trainees’ maintained the horses.

SCpl Heeley during the Hungarian Gallop

In September, SCpl Heeley and LCoH Martin departed for Budapest for a defence engagement exercise to compete

in the Hungarian National Gallop, an annual event which this year is celebrating 16 years of combined countries competing in a flat race. The event has been supported by numerous countries and the Household Cavalry for many years.

15 countries entered this year with the number of countries entering increasing year on year. SCpl Heeley being the jockey for Great Britain, LCoH Martin being the team Captain. The race was over two heats with one qualifier and the main race. SCpl Heeley qualified in the first race coming in second to compete in the main where SCpl Heeley rode strongly all the way finishing a respectable fifth in the main race. Both soldiers had a fantastic experience and opportunity.

Coach Troop have had a highly successful year. On returning to the Royal Windsor Horse Show they secured a credible second place in the Coach Marathon Class.

The troop also attended Royal Ascot week which saw all involved have an enjoyable time. As well as these key events, the troop have also taken part in numerous Kit Ride pass off’s and a variety of international defence engagement and other tasks for soldiers and their families.

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 57

Warrant Officers’ and Non-Commissioned Officers’ Mess

by Lance Corporal of Horse T Rastrick, The Life Guards

‘

Every man is guilty of the good he did not do’. This is the quote, by Voltaire, that comes to mind every time WO1 (RCM) D D Snoxell enters the Warrant Officers’ and Non-Commissioned Officers Mess with his devotion to do good.

Since taking the reins in February from WO1 (RCM) C Douglass, Mr Snoxell’s aim has been to improve the Mess for the next generation. As he often says, ‘we are merely custodians’. This year Mr Snoxell and the other Mess members have certainly lived up to this.

With the pandemic truly in the past and a full calendar ahead, The Mess has a new lease of life. Once again we were able to invite guests in to the mess and where better to start than with the Combined Cavalry Old Comrades Association meeting in January, with representatives from each cavalry regiment collaborating to plan Cavalry Sunday which gives serving and veteran members of the cavalry regiments the time to toast absent friends and to share experiences both old and new. Unsurprisingly, little has changed between the generations!

In late May, the mess extended a lunch invite to the Chelsea Pensioners, ahead of their Founders’ Day, held in June.

Immaculately dressed in their scarlet tunics this proved to be a huge success, all thanks to CoH Will Morrison who planned it to the last detail.

In June, with the ceremonial season now behind us and many a mess member now wearing a Platinum Jubilee medal on their chest it was time to relocate the mess to Bodney Camp in Norfolk for the

LCoH Riggs with Chelsea Pensioners during thier visit

regiment’s annual summer camp. This provided the opportunity to reinstate the Blue Nose Bastards commemorative dinner in honour of the 352nd Fighter Group of the American Air Force who were stationed at RAF Bodney during the Second World War. They became notorious due to the distinctive blue of the nose and upper cowl of their P-51 Mustang fighter planes. Alas, due to operational commitments our American guests from neighbouring RAF Lakenheath were unable to attend, but in true cavalry style we as a Mess made up for the lack of American absurdities by mounting cavalry blacks in mess dress for a memorable photo. This was the cause of some worry from the riding staff, who needed a little convincing,

BNB Dinner Mounted

58 ■ Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

but ‘what’s the worst that can happen?’ won the hour.

Upon the Regiment’s return to Knightsbridge the Mess hosted a meal for the survivors of the Hyde Park bombing, to mark the fortieth anniversary of an act of terrorism that shocked the world and is always in the memory of all Household Cavalry men and women.

Now things had calmed a little, with summer leave in full swing, there was no better time to give the Mess a muchneeded uplift, with new wallpaper, paint, curtains and the long-awaited restoration of the painting of the Battle of Kassassin, once again hung above

Combined Cavalry Old Comrades’ Association Meeting

the fireplace. Everything stopped with the announcement of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The only focus was on delivering Operation LONDON BRIDGE and the WOs’ & NCOs’ Mess had a key role in being part of the rehearsal space for Her Majesty’s Lying-in-State.

Every person who stood vigil in Westminster Hall first visited the Mess for refreshments and to consider the great task they had the honour of performing, from the new Prince of Wales to our own Quartermaster. Each of them signed a visitor book, a unique record that the Regiment will always treasure.

With her late Majesty now laid to rest and King Charles III preparing for his coronation next spring, a new chapter has opened in the Mess. At the next dinner we shall, for the first time in over 70 years, be raising glasses to the tune of ‘The King’.

Regimental Engagement Team

by Warrant Officer Class 2 Stafford, The Life Guards

T

his has been an incredibly busy and yet tentative period for those working within the Regimental Engagement Team (RET). As the nation began to emerge from the cocoon of Covid-19 restrictions the Regiment began its reaffirmation of physical engagement.

An emphasis was placed on getting our personnel qualified which saw multiple attendances on the Army engagement

Manton Heights

course hosted by 7 Brigade at Chetwynd Barracks in Nottingham.

Early in the year our RET delivered a two-month training package for the Duke of Edinburgh bronze award scheme to St Thomas Moore language college in Chelsea, attending their expeditions in June and July. This was a hugely rewarding experience for all

involved and we received extremely positive feedback. This was closely followed by the regimental open day with HCR in Bulford and shortly afterward we were privileged to be invited to Manton Heights Care Centre in Bedford who delivered a wonderful surprise for Mr Michael Read, a 97-year-old veteran of the Royal Horse Guards who regaled us of his experiences during Operation

Complementing or even enhancing the gardens of Buckingham Palace

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 59

MARKET GARDEN. Throughout the summer months the RET delivered engagement activities at the Army Foundation College Harrogate and Army Cadet Force detachments, which in turn has allowed us co-operation with the Combined Cadet Forces where we began to collaborate with ex-Household Cavalrymen, who are now cadet training team instructors.

This allowed the team to reach out to 11 schools within our target area of interest. The RET were very kindly invited to the Buckingham Palace Staff Fête, where we were warmly welcomed by all staff and their families at the Palace. The RET has also worked in conjunction with the Household Cavalry Foundation at the Royal Windsor Horse show, Burghley Horse trails and not forgetting the very successful Household Cavalry Museum open days at Horse Guards.

This year has also seen the RET attending events at the Guards’ Polo Club, the National Army Museum, Chelsea, numerous national Motivational Preparation College’s for Training (MPCT’s) and Armed Forces Careers Offices (AFCO’s). We have also hosted visitors to Hyde Park Barracks including personnel from 3 Mercian, Army Training Regiment (ATR) Winchester, various schools, scouts and cadet units and the Metropolitan Police Youth Engagement and Liaison Team.

Tprs Brimley LG and Henshaw RHG/D in position at the East Anglia Association dinner

The RET has been a marked success providing what has been termed as 360⁰ engagement, beginning with schools and cadets for those prior to joining the Army and those already in the pipeline to those who have since retired from Service. We hold the highest engagement statistics within our Target Area of Interest (TAI) within

London district and we have continued to engage nationally, being currently booked out until May of 2023. A special mention here goes to Tprs Brimley and Henshaw who have been instrumental in our operational output, and we wish them well in the future as they move on from the RET.

Riding Staff

by Warrant Officer Class 2 D J Evans, The Blues and Royals

A

long with the rest of the Regiment, The Riding Staff weren’t to know that this year would have been one of the most important for HCMR and the entire British Army. With our eyes set on preparation for the Platinum Jubilee, the Riding Master, Capt K J Scholes RHGD with WO2 (EWO) D J Evans RHGD,

oversaw the delivery of all Mounted State Occasions.

The Major General’s parade saw nine remounts and two drum horses complete their training. Since the sad passing of Mercury, a large amount of time has been spent on supporting LCpl

All the HCMR Drum Horses letting off steam

60 ■ Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

Twidale in Sick Lines to get the Drum Horse numbers up to strength. At the Royal Windsor Horse show, the two new Drum Horses, Apollo and Atlas, were considered ‘named’ as part of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations (PJC).

The PJC involved pageants in Windsor

SCpl Glass and MWH Revenge representing the HCMR at Novice level Eventing

at the RWHS and London, in which LCoH Drummond played a key role in steering the Musical Ride to success.

Having travelled to the Castle for extra training beforehand, this work paid off, the world watched as 5 Flags galloped out of the arena (apart from when LCpl Reece’s horse took him to the shopping village instead). All of the Riding Staff were mounted in some way as it was all hands to the pump during the PJC, and it was a resounding success that will be remembered for generations.

After holding several cadres, the big influx of junior instructors truly earned their spurs under the new Equitation SCpl Remounts, SCpl T Baker LG. LCpl’s Barnes, Evans, Johnson, and LCoH Riggs, seeing first hand where the likes of MWH Gladstone started their career. Yes, Gladstone is still going strong!

LCoH Alden and Nicholas finished their term in HCTW and gave some valued experience to the younger team whilst LCpls Pacey and Prendergast took their place to develop their teaching and take their share of Khaki rides.

LCoH Alison and LCpl Bayliss have been pushing hard at the Lisburn Saddle club to once again have HCMR MWHs stationed there. Both keen to ride and develop competition horses, as well as branching out into therapeutic horsemanship. Soon LCpl Bayliss will take over as Manager and receive a young 2I/C to develop, whilst LCoH Alison will return to Regimental Duty to use his experience in the training of HCTW soldiers.

should be very proud.

CoH Bishop is doing a very good job at hiding at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst which is growing again after the impact of Covid. The Riding Staff were able to get extra positions there to provide support and develop the team considering the fewer posting options available in recent years. We look forward to CoH Bishop rotating back soon.

It was a sombre day when the news was announced about the passing of Her Majesty. As it was with the Jubilee, the Riding Staff knew that our support would be key, and once again the majority of us were in the saddle for this momentous occasion. Having an escort in both London and Windsor required the Regiment to work twice as hard and we split evenly with the RM supervising London and the EWO in Windsor.

Minimal issues occurred and with emergency moves happening to get the horses to the correct locations at the right time, the department did the Regiment proud both in the task and supporting the younger cohort of soldiers.

CoH Harvey and LCoH Watkins have been flat out with their role as Squadron Equitation Instructors (SEIs), moving and shaking to get the best out of heavily worked Squadron personnel to keep the HCMR horses performing to standard. Given the gravity of this year, they

SCpl McGrath and CoH Mancey are in charge of the future generations of RRI at DATR with their own challenges, Covid 19 took the wind out of many sails, DATR included, but they continue to hold the standards high at the Equitation Training Squadron, following some very tough times, we look forwards to seeing CoH Mancey rotating back to HCMR in the forthcoming year.

How many Riding Staff does it take to build a course… Answer... All of them

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 61

Riding Staff 2022

We now look forward to 2023, the Remount numbers keep the wheel turning, as do our new team of positive and keen instructors. They have

worked tirelessly to deliver this year… our first full summer camp since Covid, first QBP since Covid, the Funeral, the Platinum Jubilee, and now we have a

Coronation to deliver. Sit deep HCMR, keep your dressing, look after your horses and each other, and if all else fails … kick on!!

Exercise COCKNEY CHASE – Winter Training Troop

by Captain G S Lane Fox, The Blues and Royals

I

n years gone by the deployment of the Household Division winter training troop would have raised little comment. In 2021, however, following eighteen months of COVID-19 disruption and growing activism from the anti-fox hunting movement the troop deployed facing a very new set of obstacles. The challenge ahead seemed pretty daunting, especially for those on the team who had never ridden a horse outside of a military context.

In September, horses and soldiers moved to The Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR) and began the lengthy build up process. Ten weeks of training later and only a light dusting

of ‘bins’ the troop were ready for their first day’s trail hunting. It is difficult to express how special an area the Quorn, Cottesmore, and Belvoir hunts cover.

On our first day out in mid-November we were lucky enough to visit the Cottesmore in their ‘playground’. With a glorious early winter sun beating down the vista of rolling green hills and seemingly endless hedges was enough to take one’s breath away. We were certainly all breathless by the time we decided to say goodnight.

dismounted from Platinum after taking on a hedge which was maybe a little too big. There were also great successes, with Captain Martin winning the regular serving soldier class at the Royal Wessex Yeomanry (RWxY) Ride and Tpr Davis-Holland placing third in the fox hunter’s class at the Cottesmore Scurry.

Capt Martin in fact placed third overall in the RWxY Ride and earned himself an interview in Horse and Hound - if you would like to read it Capt Martin continues to keep a copy close at hand.

As the season progressed there were many memorable moments; not least the hunting officer doing a worthy impression of superman as he involuntarily

Throughout the deployment trail hunting formed only part of the training offered by the troop. Once established in DATR we welcomed rotations of

Ready for the Cottesmore Scurry.

Left to right Lt Col Armitage riding Telic, Tpr Mottram riding Trojan, Tpr Davis-Holland riding Aston

62 ■ Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

The end of a glorious Belvior day.

Left to Right Lt Muir riding Quillen, Capt Martin riding Platinum, Capt Lane Fox riding Quorn

soldiers, we focused on developing our horses, regularly exposing them to different challenges including dressage, arena eventing, show jumping and hunt rides.

Quantum giving Tpr Reed some assistance in completing his handstand dismount

soldiers from across The Household Division. These varied in length from single days to whole weeks and encompassed mostly jumping, fast work, and

riding in open country. Through this rotation the troop were able to provide trail hunting to more newbies than ever before. Alongside training rotations of

In all, the first season back after Covid was a fascinating challenge which demonstrated the very special opportunity Exercise COCKNEY CHASE presents.

We learnt a huge amount and hope to build on these lessons to develop the troop going forward. Thanks must go to all of the members of the troop for supporting their hard work throughout the season and to the hunts who continue to deliver incredibly special experiences. A final special thanks must go to the team at DATR, especially, Maj Carolyn Bates (the Veterinary Officer), SSgt Vermeulen (the admin SNCO), and Ms Claire Harris (the senior groom). A final special mention must go to Tpr Reed who won the coveted ‘best bin’ award for including an impromptu handstand in one of his involuntary dismounts from Quantum.

Until next season, goodnight.

Padre to The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

by The Reverend (Captain) Thomas Sander, Rector of St Giles in the Fields, London

‘O thou who changest not, abide with me.’

HM The Queen was famously discreet and guarded with her opinions, but I have it on good authority that her favourite hymn was Abide with me (she kept it a secret for the fear that every time she went to church the organist would pick it). It is a great hymn reminding us that through all the changing scenes of life, in whatever we face, there is one who remains faithful and changeless.

The Queen had a deep and abiding faith in God, whom she understood to be not only the one who called her to fulfil her duty in the service of our country, but the one who calls us all to live before Him and stand firm in His truth.

Pardre Tom Sander

Times of course do change and the old order giveth place to new. We have a new King and a new reign has begun, what remains the same is the unchanging goodness of God. I am a person who is generally unsettled by change, I like a traditional order of things and the sense of certainty that routine and familiarity yields. The Household Cavalry have been central to the events at the heart of our nation over the past few months and 2023 will be another year when we shall be again leading people as they celebrate the coronation of a new monarch. We have provided a valuable sense of continuity and stability. I know that all of this comes at a cost and that many of you have gone the extra mile this year, but it is a great thing to do and pride should be felt in all the achievements made.

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 63

Musical Ride

by Captain H W F Sayer, The Blues and Royals

T

he Household Cavalry Musical Ride this year took part various shows and minor events. The standout was the annual Royal Windsor Horse Show and the Platinum Jubilee Celebration with it.

In the weeks leading up to the Royal Windsor Horse Show (RWHS), the Musical Ride had been hard at work rehearsing and preparing kit and equipment in Hyde Park Barracks under the watchful eye of LCoH Drummond LG. At the start of this season there were both fresh faces and horses and so his work was cut out to get them up to speed and fitness in time for the start of the show.

As if to make matters more complicated it was announced that we would perform two different routines as well! The ‘standard’ but still sublime routine was to be performed in the day but come the evening and under a lit arena specially constructed for the Platinum Jubilee the Ride would charge on to celebrate both the Regiment’s unique place in British history and its expert horsemanship with a sped up and shortened routine. As always, the Ride stepped boldly up to the challenge and by the time, we deployed to RWHS on 5th May we were ready!

Look in for a perfect demonstration

Upon arrival we quickly laid claim to our share of the land laid aside for the Army, us and KTRHA were to share….! In the first few days we were allowed small periods to practice and acclimatise to the Castle Arena, a castle it was with a huge stage mocked up to look like the round tower of Windsor Castle and a huge

A bit of extra encouragement for the Flags

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variety of decorations around the rest of the arena. Apart from a few white lines left over from the Pony Club Gymkhana which seemed to look like a 6ft jump for some, in short time the Ride was looking good and even the Flag Horses had channelled their forebearers and had become accustomed to pyrotechnics following

The Musical Ride Team 2022

them out of the arena.

for a Queen.

Come 12th May, the show kicked off and each performance during the daytime went from strength to strength.

Only one helmet fell, which was quickly repatriated to its owner without a stop in the show, to a huge roar from the crowd in appreciation! The evening performances went in much the same rhythm and under the watchful eye of ever more senior Royals the Sunday performance was not to be missed. So much so that The Queen had to come and see it for herself! Each soldier on the Ride I think can be very proud to say that their final performance was, very fittingly, fit

After performing at RWHS, the Musical Ride saw a switch of focus onto the Summer Season and then prepared to close the day at Summer Camp. With a slanted and dusty ground, the Ride rose to the challenge and after a slight coaxing to enter the ring again performed a dramatic display under the watchful eye of the public.

Their final performance of the Summer was at Guards Polo in Windsor where on the immaculate grass pitches we were able to modify the routine and test out some new equine blood. This

smaller show provided the perfect opportunity to try out new Leading Files too and keep the skill and competence alive at a junior level.

As the Ride look into Winter and the New Year the team shall be looking to new horses and growing the skill set of riders at a junior level to increase redundancy to remain flexible in line with what is shaping up to be a busy year with the coronation of King Charles III. What shall remain though is the fact that the Musical Ride will continue to be the peak of demonstrating what our young soldiers can achieve on our horses, acting as a team.

Household Cavalry Band

by Lance Corporal Marshall, The Life Guards

A

quiet start to the year gave the Band time to focus on musical training and an opportunity to perform open rehearsals and recitals to members of the public at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead. During this time, the Band also recorded four pieces of music which have since been added to the free music library on the Household Division Website (www.householddivision.org.uk/hcavmusic-jubilee).

In March the Band had the pleasure of recording a CD with The Choir of St George’s Chapel for the Household Cavalry Foundation, recorded in St George’s Chapel, Windsor. Later that month, the State Trumpeters performed

at The Service of Thanksgiving for His Royal Highness Prince Philip at Westminster Abbey.

At the start of May the Band relocated for eleven days to temporary stables in the grounds of Windsor Castle and rehearsed and performed as a Mounted Band for The Platinum Jubilee Celebration – A Gallop Through History - as well as supplying four mounted trumpeters and drummer to support the Musical Ride at the Royal Windsor Horse Show. Later that month, the Band provided a church band, State Trumpeters and an eight-piece fanfare team for The Order of the Bath Service at Westminster Abbey.

In June, the State Trumpeters provided a fanfare at the Platinum Jubilee Beacon Lighting in Windsor where Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II lit the first beacon. Owing to the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations, The Queen’s Birthday Parade took place on a Thursday this year and the next day the State Trumpeters performed at The Platinum Jubilee National Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral. CsoH Brown and Crofts, LCoH Sandford and LCpl Lamstaes represented the Band in the Platinum Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace and the following day the whole Band mounted in State Dress proceeded to lead the Gold State Coach along The Mall at the beginning of The Platinum

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 65

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From left to right in gold State Dress: LCoH Hicks, LCpl Buswell, Musn Blackmore, LCoH Hubbard and Musn Ballard supporting the Household Cavalry Musical Ride at the Royal Windsor Horse Show

Jubilee Pageant.

In July, the Band began preparations for the Household Division Military Music Spectacular on Horse Guards Parade.

This year, rather than performing on horseback, the Band performed an intricate marching display with an on-stage folk ensemble featuring LCoH Sandford on harp, LCoH Taylor on flute, LCpl Diggle on drum kit and Musn Smith on accordion.

In early September, the band appeared at Burghley Horse Trials, entertaining spectators and playing the national anthems of the winning riders, and a few days later flew to Calgary to begin a three-week tour of Canada, including playing at the Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ show jumping event. After spending just two nights in Canada the Band received the sad news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Within hours they were flown back to the UK to begin rigorous rehearsals for the State Funeral. The State Trumpeters played at the proclamation of King Charles III from the Friary Court balcony of St James’s Palace and the Royal Exchange on Saturday 10th September, the whole Band marched through Windsor for the Royal Proclamation outside Windsor Castle on Sunday 11th and on Monday 12th the Band provided

a church band and State Trumpeters for the Address of His Majesty King Charles III to the Houses of Parliament at Westminster Hall.

On the day of the State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the State Trumpeters played the Last Post and Reveille at the service in Westminster Abbey, Musn Blackmore and LCpl Diggle rode as mounted State Trumpeter and Drummer, respectively, behind The Blues and Royals Squadron in London, and the remainder of the Band were given the distinct honour of marching in front of the State Hearse in Windsor as the funeral procession travelled down the Long Walk to St George’s Chapel for the Committal Service.

In October, the Band joined with musicians from London’s Orion Orchestra and progressive rock keyboard legend Rick Wakeman for a most enjoyable and well-attended concert in the Royal Military Chapel (The Guards’ Chapel) to raise funds for The Household Cavalry Foundation.

In November, The Lord Mayor’s Show gave the Band an opportunity to assess a few potential band horses, and on the same day the eight State Trumpeters, a harpist and violinist from the Band performed for the Royal British Legion

Festival of Remembrance at the Albert Hall. Later that month, the band provided a 43-piece mounted band for the State Visit of the President of South Africa as well as providing State Trumpeters for the subsequent State Banquet at the Guildhall. This event knocked some rust from the collective memories!

Sport and adventurous training continue to play an important role in Band life, with personnel taking part in a wide range of activities throughout the year.

LCpl Robinson represented the Army Enduro cycling team in various events.

LCoH Marshall, LCpls Marshall and Robinson represented the band and the Royal Corps of Army Music (RCAM) in the Army eCycling Series and Army Cyclocross events. LCoH Taylor and LCpl Wadkin took part in the Armed Forces Equestrian Championships with LCpl Taylor achieving fifth in Dressage.

CoH Kitchen represented the winning Household Cavalry Polo Team for the Adjutant General’s Corps Cup. LCpl Purveur has represented the Band and RCAM at several Army clay shooting events. Musn Blackmore fenced for the UK Armed Forces at the Epee Club Invitational Championships and refereed at both the Commonwealth Games and in Budapest. SCpl Lamb and LCpl Fuentes-Moreno have both

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 67

Director of Music, Maj Paul Collis-Smith leads the mounted band off Horse Guards Parade

represented the Army in hockey, and SCpl Lamb was also selected to captain the UK Armed Forces Hockey team and took them on to win the Invitational Tournament in Portsmouth.

CsoH Kitchen and Sinclair, LCsoH Breeze, Hubbard and Sherriff, LCpls Buswell, Diggle, Fuentes-Moreno, Jackson and Lamstaes and Musn Smith represented the Band at the RCAM Seven-A-Side Football Tournament. In October, Musns Ballard and Buchan attended Exercise Dragon Dynamic Depths 3 in

Malta, giving them an opportunity to expand on their scuba diving skills and knowledge, and in November Musn Ssegawa was introduced to sports parachuting in Cyprus where he attended Exercise Cockney Octave Jump.

As always, the Band has seen arrivals and departures in 2022. We welcome back SCpl Lamb who returns to us after a seven year ‘sabbatical’ during which she served as an ITT at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall,

Musn Ballard takes the plunge in Malta

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and then with the Band of the Royal Logistics Corps and British Army Band Sandhurst. Multi-instrumentalist LCoH Moisenko joins us from the Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra, and Musns Stephens and Perring join the Band as their first assignment following completion of Phase Two Training – all three are experienced equestrians, and we wish them good luck in riding school. We said our fond farewells to CoH Stringfellow, LCsoH Egan and Robinson and LCpl Patterson at a thoroughly enjoyable

Musn Blackmore refereeing epee at the Commonwealth Games

and well-attended Band dinner at the Runnymede Hotel and wish them all the very best for the future.

The band is performing public duties in London and Windsor over Christmas and the New Year, and we look forward

to some leave in early January before preparing for what will undoubtedly be a most memorable 2023.

Earl Haig Statue Unveiling

by Captain H W F Sayer, The Blues and Royals

I

n July this year, HCMR dispatched a small team to Montreuil-Sur-Mer in order to represent the Regiment at a reconsecration of a statue to Earl Haig. This was a special engagement firstly due to the fact that Earl Haig was Colonel of The Royal Horse Guards 1919–1928.

As well as this, Earl Haig himself, the statue and our activity that weekend represented the century old ‘Entante Cordial’. The ‘Entante Cordiale’ is a feeling of mutual respect and help between both Great Britain and our long-lasting

allies the French Republic.

The team consisted of The Regimental Adjutant, Capt Harry Sayer, WO2 John Martin, SCpl Isireli Weiseli, Tprs Joshua Bridges, Brooke Collins and Musn Seth Blackmore. Having just completed all parades for the summer, understandably deserving a good rest, they rose to the challenge.

Early in the morning on Friday 17th July we set off from London linking up with

four of our own Veterans who were kindly driven by Taxis for Veterans.

As we rolled off the ferry in Calais, Lt Col Griffin was met by the news that his driver, Capt Sayer, had in fact never driven on the wrong side of the road before – he should be commended on his great topics of conversation, some would think he wanted the driver alert!

On our way we made a slight detour to Waterloo in order for Pete Storer to give a wonderful history lesson on the battle and Regimental history from it.

From here we travelled down to our destination of Montreuil-sur-Mer. Upon arrival the Troopers and Musician were given their left and right of arc and were told to go and explore! Meanwhile, the Officers and Seniors attended a dinner hosted by the Town Mayor and Lord Astor of Hever. Dressed in Mess Dress it was quite clear that the uniform was not made with French summer in mind and all Regimental representatives bar the London Scottish, dressed in Kilts, were eager for the sun to go down!

On the Saturday morning, Cpl Maj Martin was quick to get a grip of the finer planning and quickly taught the other Regiments a thing or two about State Ceremonial! Meanwhile, Capt Sayer had achieved the critical link up with the Guarde Republican and a horse acquired – not quite Cavalry Black but the darkest they could find! With the Household Cavalry in firm grip of the reins all was ready for the unveiling.

Lord Astor (formerly LG) and the Mayor led proceedings and the ceremony itself saw our Tprs and Seniors leading the way for the military contingent to line up in front of the statue. As the statue was unveiled this saw the arrival of Capt Sayer and his French Counterpart riding into place forming the centrepiece. Finely recreating a painting from 1904 showing the Entante Cordiale.

After the ceremony there was a church service followed by a march through the town led by Field Marshal Haig’s Pipers and finally a speech from Lord Astor at the town Citadel. That night the team went out to celebrate the day but also to educate Tpr Bridges on French Cuisine!

A Cavalry Brown leading the way...

On Sunday prior to returning home, we stopped at the Commonwealth

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 69

Mission accomplished The Regimental Adjutant, WO2 Martin,Tprs Bridges, Collins and Blackmore, Captain the Lord Astor of Hever, SCpl Weiseli, Veterans Frankie France and Pete Storer, Veteran Taxi drivers Brian Heffernan and Simon Hawes, Capt Sayer.

war graves in Etaples where all parties from the unveiling ceremony paid their respects. In keeping with Earl Haig’s direction to the Royal British Legion, the Regimental wreaths were laid by The Regimental Adjutant for the Household Cavalry, Lord Astor for

The Life Guards and Tpr Collins for the Blues and Royals. It is noteworthy that a Three Star General was in the rank behind! Our Household Cavalry contingent was able to also pay respects to the 42 Cavalrymen who had been attacked and killed by German airplanes during

a night attack in 1918.

This saw the conclusion of the weekend and we headed back home and seeing Capt Sayer on the correct side of the road!

Cambrian Patrol

by Corporal of Horse Morrison, The Blues and Royals

P

reparations for the 2022 Cambrian Patrol started in early September in the cold wet training area that is Dartmoor. This Exercise would enhance the ‘green’ capabilities of the young Knightsbridge soldiers to whom only phase 1 training has been provided thus far. CoH Morrison the Patrol Manager was full of excitement to have a whole week out of the Tailors shop and his mood could only be likened to that of a border collie herding sheep for the first time. The exercise conducting officer, CoH Mckean, fresh off a plane from Seoul was raring to go with all his 3 hairs blowing in the Dartmoor wind. The exercising troops consisted of LCpls Albiston and Dickinson and Tprs McGready, Fodor, Jackson, Lloyd, Benterman-Snell and Graham. This exercise consisted of gruelling Loaded Marches and essential navigational training as well as Fire and manoeuvre

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Cambrian Patrol Team

LCpl Albiston and Tpr Fodor

Dartmoor

and conducting MATTs. The Patrol set off with a very different look than was expected. Lt Lupton was drafted in last minute as Patrol IC. This self-sacrifice earned him the nickname ‘Just one more km Lupton’ no doubt due to his strong navigational prowess.

The first stand was the model pit and orders. Mr Lupton geared the troops for action with a Stirling rendition from the All-Arms Tactical Aid Memoire while LCpl Albiston and Dickinson looked smugly at their model pits relief. First

stand would be the CBRN stand to which the section panickily arrived. Tpr Lloyd looked at the CBRN equipment in despair as he instantly forgot anything that he had been taught but persevered nonetheless. Next The Med serial saw Tpr Fodor, and Graham excel as they dealt with the casualties in a cool and calm collected manner. The dreaded River crossing was next but thanks to some fantastic navigational ability and a certain element of luck Tpr Lloyd saw the patrol make it there in no time at all. The Section crossed the river with

Tpr McGready hanging onto his inflatable for dear life. Soon after the Bergan’s were cached, and the patrol proceeded to the CTR. Benterman-Snell and LT Lupton went forward to conduct the recce while Lloyd and Fodor offered close support. The Target location had no idea that there was a strong HCMR presence near by and the tactical action was a resounding success. The counter – IED stand would see Tpr McGready in the limelight on his belt buckle navigating the section through the mine field and on to the round robin of Arty Target

Location of the Medal Ceremony, Sennybridge Camp. A far cry from the Olympics. (Tumbleweed not included!)

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 71

and AFV recognition. Then came the section attack. The section came under fire and Lt Lupton assessing the danger got the troops out of the killing area.

Assessing the ground and taking decisive action the section went left flanking

to ensure the defeat of the enemy who were cowering at the bottom of the hill. After CPERS the deed was done, Benterman-Snell was so happy that he collapsed into Lt Lupton’s arms, the remainder fit for their bed. This gallant

effort saw the HCMR Cambrian Patrol team gain a silver medal, a great personal achievement for the troops and further proof that HCMR forges a better soldier.

A Very Special Audience

“Listen in” The Commanding Officer and Regimental Corporal Major learn a thing or two!

Tpr Prince Ainuson RHG/D stands with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II having been presented with The Princess Elizabeth Cup for the Best Turned Out Trooper 2022

Exercise COCKNEY MAPLE 22

by Captain S A F Kaye, The Life Guards

T

his year’s Exercise Cockney Maple to The Spruce Meadows Masters in Calgary marks the 36th time that soldiers from HCMR have been invited to attend, following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. The showjumping competition forms part of the Rolex Grand-Slam with the best of the world’s showjumpers congregating to compete for over one million dollars of prizemoney. The HCMR contingent comprised the top three performers on the Richmond Cup, a riding instructor, a saddler, and an officer. Our role during the week-long competition is simple, to add a touch tone and panache to proceedings; flanking the winners of tournaments on their lap of honour in canter and providing honour guards at various social events held by tournament organisers.

The first challenge faced by SCpl Baker and LCpl Arnell-Smith was finding any horses vaguely the same size as a cavalry black to fit saddlery to and try riding in MRO. The initial six ‘horses’ that were provided left us in danger

of looking like a Norman Thelwell cartoon. Luckily, ever accommodating, Spruce Meadows dispatched a lorry to collect six larger ex-showjumpers. After some practice these proved to be up to the task as racier, much shaggier and more responsive (particularly to the State Bit!) cavalry ‘blacks’. As well as getting accustomed to our new mounts, the build-up training schedule allowed for some acclimatisation to Canada with long nights line dancing, a trip to see the Calgary Stampers playing American Football and an afternoon spent rafting.

Not content with a standard hire-car, SCpl Baker also managed to secure the team a matt black Dodge Ram pickup!

The first few days of the tournament started gradually with two or three presentations a day. This allowed for kit to be brought up to the required standard and for the horses to get used to the arenas and crowds. Tpr Lomu quickly discovered the importance of keeping the ex-showjumpers well clear of any jumps whilst doing the lap of honour; only very narrowly avoiding jumping a 1.5 metre

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Acclimatisation training

SCpl Baker gets to grip with Canadian MT cars

Capt Kaye and his Canadian charger with questionable mane and colour!

upright in MRO! Meanwhile, Capt Kaye got to grips with his frockcoat, hosting event sponsors in the corporate boxes and talking the crowd through the history and role of the Household Cavalry.

Throughout, the stables remained open to the public and as always, our soldiers

displayed their professionalism, keeping an immaculate yard and answering questions from anyone and everyone.

Upon learning of the death of Her Late Majesty The Queen, the HCMR contingent were ordered to return to London. It is a testament to the hard work of everybody at Spruce Meadows and those on the trip that within 24hrs all personnel were back at Hyde Park Barracks ready

to begin preparation for Operation LONDON BRIDGE. Spruce Meadows remains an excellent opportunity to show off what HCMR does in an international arena, in front of thousands of spectators. It also rewards our Richmond Cup participants with an amazing experience as part of a small and high-performing team. It is an excellent opportunity, and we thank the Spruce Meadows team for maintaining such a valuable long-standing relationship.

The team ready for parade ring duties

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 73

The Swedish Life Guards

by Captain F S Petit, The Life Guards

S

urg Col Lewin, Maj Perera, Capt Wood and Capt Petit had the pleasure of being invited to Stockholm for several days to enjoy the delights of Scandinavian culture and experience the sumptuous hosting that has come to be our Swedish counterparts calling card. The first event of the trip was a setback: Lt Col Lewin was struck down by a virulent lurgy that endowed him with a nasty temperature and the voice of Sylvester Stallone after a vat of bourbon.

With great sadness Col Lewin had to give up his spot on what was destined to be a wonderful trip, to stay in Blighty and recuperate.

Our passage to Arlanda Airport just outside Stockholm was without incident and we were picked up by the truly hospitable Squadron Commander Sebastian Hultskar – Daumas. Sebastian spoke perfect English, able to grasp colloquialisms and idioms with incredible fluency. Later in the trip Sebastian let slip that his first language was actually French which did make us anglophones feel a little sheepish. From the airport we were taken straight to the beautiful barracks of the Swedish Life Guards at Kavallerikasern. The barracks and stables are located only 2 miles from central Stockholm but also have access to a variety of fields and pastures on which to exercise the horses. The Livgardet is a combined cavalry/infantry regiment under whom the major state ceremonial duties are conducted. The barracks and stables in which we were hosted were built in the 1890’s and although nothing on the classic crumbling brutalism exhibited by Hyde Park Barracks, we did have to admit there was a certain parochial beauty to them. The 90m long indoor school with surrounding stands, the 10’s of individual paddocks in which the horses spent much of the day and the spacious loose boxes with inbuilt dung shoots were all very impressive but did lack some of the derelict charm so evident back at ‘The Bridge’.

The Regiment has continuously existed in some form since 1521 making it one of the oldest serving regiments in the world. Quite a pedigree, and as we ascended the stairs to The Officer’s Mess, we could see many of the artefacts of this long and illustrious history adorning the walls. Halberds, armour and paintings abounded, stretching from the ionic columns of the dining hall to the shelves of the library groaning with the weight of leather-bound tomes. We were met by the assembled officers of The Regiment in a beautiful

Maj Perera is always keen to keep his nose in front of the compertition

marble floored hall with Champagne and smiles all round. We chatted and caught up with the familiar faces for a while prior to lunch and then sat down to a delicious and suitably autumnal goulash. After lunch we were taken by Sgt Johannes Moen (a reservist and professional jazz trumpeter) to see the stables. They were in keeping with the rest of the barracks – clean, light and airy with an atmosphere of calm and professionalism that was a joy to experience.

The workforce was in full preparation mode for the state visit of King WillemAlexander of The Netherlands the following day yet all seemed to be under control and in hand. We concluded our tour and Sgt Johannes dropped us at the very comfortable Karlaplan Hotel for a few hours to relax prior to supper.

As the time of our dinner rendezvous approached The Household Cavalry triumvirate ambled towards the stunning Stockholm waterfront. It is difficult not be moved by the views across the multiple islands of the Stockholm archipelago. The water fills the centre of the vista and is framed by the varied classical and maritime architecture that fringes the sea. We met our hosts in a splendid restaurant 50 feet from the water and enjoyed a generous and well hydrated evening.

Following a hearty breakfast of black bread and roll mops (pickled herring wrapped round a sliver of gherkin), we were taken to Kungliga Slottet – The Stockholm Palace. This is quite a sight,

74 ■ Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

an enormous Baroque edifice over 7 floors with over 1400 rooms, it was finished in 1754 and has remained largely unchanged since. We had thought we might be watching the ceremonial escort of the King Carl Gustaf of Sweden and King Willem – Alexander from a distance or perhaps a guard van yet we arrived on the forecourt of the palace in pride of place with our host Battalion Commander Lt Col Camilla Sjolen. The only others occupying this awesome vantage point were a smattering of the world’s media and Lt General Claesson Commandant of Stockholm and his entourage. We could not have been better placed to see the splendour that The Swedes bring to a State occasion. The route was densely packed with static street liners who held a hybrid position between the slope and the carry for over 40 mins in the bitter cold of a Nordic autumn. When the escort came past, we had the pleasure of decoding the orientation of the postillions bicorn which denotes he carries royalty in his covered carriage as well as a smile and eye contact from the commander of the parade Maj Johan Wennerholm. All three British officers already delighted with how close we had been to the escort and what a good view we had had, the best was yet to come. We were ushered into the quadrangle of the palace in time to see the two European monarchs arrive and step out of their carriages, The Swedish Grenadier Guards presented arms and were duly inspected. We formed up with our hosts just behind

the oysters and artisanal chocolates that spilled from each stall. Once sated we headed back to the hotel. The frenetic pace of the trip continued and soon our friend Sgt Johannes had again arrived to pick us up to take us to Restaurant Grodan, relevant as the team behind the traditional Swedish restaurant also catered for their mess. The food was delicious, lingonberries, reindeer and Kalix Lojrom (a form of salmon roe) filled our heaving bellies. Once again, we hauled ourselves home. Another wonderful day of hospitality and friendship from our Swedish counterparts.

Quick...do what we do best.. look busy!

the line of meet and greets and the two Kings passed within a few feet of us. We were rosy cheeked from the cold but flushed with the thrill of parade and the spectacle we had witnessed.

The itinerary was empty for the

afternoon, and we had already had enough excitement to fill one day. We were released into the city for a few hours and found ourselves perusing the culinary delights of the indoor Ostermalm Food Market built in 1888.

We were powerless to resist the pull of

Our final full day saw us shown round The Royal Mews (Kungliga Hovstallet) by the former crown equerry in the morning. A set of buildings dating from 1894 built in a modern medievalist style and home to the apartments of some of the minor royals. The same pervading sense of control and calm as in Kavallerikasern was apparent. Whilst we were shown the magnificent collection of coaches and sleighs, the horses roamed freely in temporary pens in the courtyard to the soundtrack of the serene tolling of a nearby clocktower.

The indoor riding school a picture of Victorian decorative wrought ironwork was a pleasure to see, and we finished our tour with the Royal limousines that

The Officers oversee the form up of the Swedish Life Guards

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 75

were also kept on site.

The best had been left until last, we were taken back to the barracks and given our mounts for the afternoon. Capt Petit was on Gerard who had the appearance of a stolid, cobby, Grey, however this deceptively placid exterior concealed a turbulent and damaged horse who was unwilling to do his temporary masters bidding. Maj Perera and Capt Wood may have had equally testing horses, but no one would have known. We set off into the parks surrounding the barracks and except for Capt’s Petit and Woods tangle with a laden blackcurrant bush leaving their pristine britches rathe mauver it was a truly extraordinary experience. We rode across a bridge onto Djurgarden – an island in central Stockholm, a former royal game reserve.

Now it is populated with monuments, museums, galleries, historic buildings and small yacht harbours but it is largely wild meadow and parkland.

A stunning place to ride and it was impossible not to reflect on what a memorable and totally unique experience we

were enjoying. The level of effort that The Swedes had put into our visit was the truest measure of their offered corporate and individual friendship. We are two of the few nations that operate mounted regiments in a similar fashion and our overlap is enormous. Our professional commonality is the basis of the bond we experience as well as a variety of cultural similarities (it felt as though both nations shared a dry, naturally selfdeprecating sense of humour) yet it is the differences that may prove to be the greatest fruit of our ongoing relationship. They seemed exceptionally keen to find out about how HCMR achieve such precision with our parades and how we do so at such scale. We in turn were endlessly agog at their infrastructure, workforce satisfaction and innovation when it came to animal welfare. The more we foster this relationship the greater the mutual learning benefits will be. After a schnapps in the woods and a return ride through the very heart of Stockholm our ride was over. We handed our horses back to the exceptionally polite and engaging soldiers who had turned us

out and returned to our hotel. After a final evening of yet more delicious food in the main dining hall and plenty more Schnapps hosted by Deputy Battalion Commander Maj Stefan Appehl we returned to our hotel for the last time.

The following morning, we were all pensive on our way to the airport. The effects of three days of intense “hospitality” had taken their toll somewhat but we couldn’t have been happier.

Exhausted but jubilant we reminisced about the week; the Swedes could not have laid on a more generous, thoughtful or well-judged visit. We had been honoured with what felt like a once in a lifetime experience, but we must make sure that it is not, we must keep the flow of service personnel between the two organisations constant and make best use of the deep friendships that we have formed. Our main worry now was how to reciprocate in kind on the return fixture in the spring.

Liaison Officer, Zambia

by Captain T S Muir, The Life Guards

O

peration CORDED is a CounterIllegal Wildlife Trade (C-IWT) operation currently being conducted in Zambia, Southern Africa. Zambia is home to 20 national parks that cover over 30% of the country’s land. These conservation hubs have similar wildlife diversity to popular safari destinations like South Africa or Tanzania, however the tourism industry in Zambia is a fraction of the size. Poaching, illegal hunting for bush meat, and habitat loss from deforestation for farming and charcoal production are all significant threats to Zambia’s biodiversity. Since the 1980’s over 90% of the elephant population has been poached, and rhinos were declared extinct in the country in 1998.

Since the turn of the century the Zambian Government along with international donors like the UK have put considerable resources towards countering the poaching trade and protecting the impressive national parks. Since June 2020, five British Army teams have deployed to Zambia on Op CORDED and to date, have trained over 400 rangers.

For Op CORDED 10, 1 Irish Guards were given the task of training a mix of Rangers, Officers, and Senior Park Wardens from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) and a military unit, the National AntiPoaching Task Force (NAPTF). I was

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Three Rangers on patrol with the Irish Guards

planning. With this iteration of Operation CORDED being based in the national park closest to Lusaka, two brand new camps were resourced and set up from scratch. This presented some interesting challenges, but also more opportunity for local involvement and partnership.

The Irish Guards assess the differences in thermal crossover, and are definitely not just looking for the pride of lion that are heard roaring in the distance

fortunate enough to be appointed the Liaison Officer for 11 Brigade, based in the High Commission in Lusaka.

Due to deploy the day after The Queen passed away, I was granted permission to stay in London to conduct duties on Operation LONDON BRIDGE. After the busy ten days of Operation LONDON BRIDGE, I was hopeful for a steady introduction to Zambia and to find my feet in slow time. Sadly, due to the delay in deployment this was not

the case. I was thrust into meetings with Defence Ministers and service chiefs of the Zambian Military. Fortunately, many of the conversations revolved around my involvement in the Funeral.

This would be a theme throughout the tour, showing not only the adoration for HM The Queen but also the reputation that the ceremonial aspect of the British Army has overseas.

The remaining days of September sailed by in a flurry of logistics and

The Irish Guards team arrived in early October and before long the opening ceremony for the courses had begun.

As before, Rangers would be trained to deliver lessons themselves (train the trainer), to build a pool of instructors that could continue training after Operation CORDED had departed. Where this deployment differed was in the training of Officers and senior park Wardens.

Relying heavily on military intelligence input, two brand new courses had been developed to teach seniors how to best manage their rangers. This pivoted around intelligence-based patrolling and data analysis following reports from their rangers on the ground. The backbone to this course was a desire in Zambia to develop an ops’ room capability, allowing national coordination of counter poaching efforts.

The opportunity to deploy on an operation that supports conservation is incredibly satisfying and rewarding. The welcome we have received in Zambia is astonishing and frankly, humbling. We have been fortunate enough to spend considerable time exploring the wilderness and what locals call ‘the real Africa’. I would highly recommend visiting this astonishing country to all.

The British High Commissioner, Nick Wooley, welcomes the Rangers at the opening ceremony

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 77

Battlefield Study to Zandvoorde

by Captain R Wood, The Blues and Royals

O

n 29th August, ten members of HCMR arrived bright and early at Combermere Barracks to meet sixteen members from our regimental associations, before departing for a weekendlong battlefield study in Belgium of the Great War battlefields around Flanders.

Quickly arriving in Ypres, we were initially shown around the city ramparts, where the group benefitted from Major Brian Rogers’ extensive knowledge of the tactical significance of the town throughout the First World War as well as the particular roles of the Household Cavalry’s numerous actions in the area.

That evening, as eight o’clock approached, it was time for the daily Menin Gate Service of Remembrance, attended by hundreds of people.

Former Blue and Royal Marty Elliot had the honour of reading the dedication to the fallen. LCoH Rastrick and Tpr Cheney had the important task of laying the regimental wreaths. The Menin Gate is inscribed with the numerous names of the fallen, bringing the sheer scale of the losses home, including dozens of members of our Regiments, making this a particularly poignant moment for reflection.

The next day, after a comparative lie-in for those accustomed to the Knightsbridge regime, we visited the Household Cavalry Memorial at

Members of HCMR laying wreaths at the Household Cavalry memorial

Zandvoorde. This was our opportunity to inspect the state of the memorial, maintained through regimental Association funds. A short service, where the regimental collects were read and wreaths were laid, to honour the fallen. It was then time to head back

Serving members of HCMR at Zandvoorde Cemetery

78 ■ Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

to Ypres for pizza and then to visit to pay their respects. Hannah Kearns from the Household Cavalry Museum shared her knowledge of the church’s history and its particular relevance to the Household Division, with the stained-glass window above the altar

The Household Cavalry Memorial at Zandvoorde

serving as a monument to the fallen members of the Brigade of Guards.

Later that afternoon, a visit to Tyne Cot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth Cemetery in the area where to 12,000 fallen commonwealth servicepeople are commemorated, followed

by Langemark, a German Cemetery nearby, to reflect on the human suffering on both sides of the conflict. This,

Tyne Cot Cemetery

once again acted as a stern reminder of the truly extraordinary scale of conflict, underlined by Major Brian Rogers’ having prepared personal accounts of bravery and sacrifice by members of our antecedent Regiments.

The Party were then treated to a sumptuous dinner, sampling the local Flemish cuisine and recounting past endeavours across the generations. I would like to

thank Ken Robertson for his excellent organisation of the trip, as well as Major Brian Rogers for sharing his expertise and being a fantastic guide throughout the weekend. Amongst the many excellent events organised by our Regimental Associations, I would thoroughly recommend joining this annual pilgrimage it to all former and serving members of the Regiment.

Group dinner on our last night in Ypres

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■ 79

Photo Gallery

Capt Keith demonstrating that everything in life can be a competition and that he always wins

Desperate times, call for desperate measures - SCM Liburd takes matters into his own hands

LCpl Philpot and Tpr Carmichael clear the final jump on this year’s Handy Hunter

Capt S(w)ayer leading his Division of The Blues and Royals

80 ■

Life Guard Leader, Major Bond, escorts the then Prince of Wales and Duke of Cambridge

Despite a season as the Winter Training Troop Leader, Capt Lane Fox looks ill at ease as he clears the owl hole

A final farewell

Is it feed away yet?

Escort for the Queen’s Birthday Parade

Ready for the Major General’s Inspection

Major Faire standing vigil

Tpr Nicholls teaching MWH Quasimodo to bob for apples

LSgt Hamilton balances a baby penguin on his upper lip

Regimental History questions on troop tests

Major Bond clings on while MWH Verbius poses for a photo opportunity at Hampton Court Palace

The Adjt cocks a leg

Representatives from the Regiment visit the French Embassy to strengthen the bonds of fraternity with the Garde Republicane

WO2 Evans and LCpl Twidale attending the World Clydesdale Show

Tpr Collins counting the E numbers!

■ 81

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Household Cavalry Sports Round-up HCR Athletics 2022

by Lance Sergeant E K Osei AGC(SPS)

D

espite a very busy year for the Regiment, with multiple overseas deployments and other commitments, the HCR Athletics team has continued to go from strength to strength. The season started in May, with a strong turnout for the weekly training at Tidworth Oval. The buy-in from soldiers and officers across the Regiment paid immediate dividends, as the first competitive event of the season saw the HCR finishing 3rd in the Tidworth Festival of Sports.

As summer approached, the next big test was the Army Inter Units (South) in Aldershot. Sadly, with some of the key team members away, the team was not at full strength; however, there were some outstanding individual performances, including Tpr Keegan finishing second in the men’s 5K with a time of 17 mins and Tpr Betteridge winning the high jump for the first time and earning him a place in the Army Athletics team. With only eight athletes able to attend, the HCR finished in a respectable fifth out of 12.

Team HCR at the Lawson Cup

contest across the whole spectrum of events, C Sqn emerged victorious, receiving their trophy from the Corps Colonel.

Special mention must go to D Sqn for their stunning victory in the “mixed ranks relay”, arguably the most hotly anticipated event of the day.

With the Inter Units competition a distant memory, arguably the most competitive and high standard event came next: the inter Squadron Athletics, or the CO’s cup. Hosted at the Tidworth Oval, the Regiment turned up en-masse. With stunning weather, complimented by excellent food from the HCR Chefs and music provided by the subalterns of the Officers’ Mess, the conditions were ripe for a fantastic day of track and field. It did not disappoint. After a hard-fought

The final event of the season was the Household Division Athletics Championship, otherwise known as the Lawson Cup. Travelling to Aldershot by coach with a team made up of all ranks from Major to Trooper, morale was high, and the team expected to do well. With a strong roster of personnel, the team had the ability to make competitive selections for every event, and again, there were some excellent individual performances: Tpr Betteridge won the high jump; Tpr Keegan and SCpl Crudginton placing second and third respectively in a very hot 5 km race, and LSgt Osei and LCpl Bishop placing first and second in both

Prince of Wales relay team at the Lawson Cup

SCpl Crudgington hydrating on the move

long and triple jump.

With a constantly changing leader board, it was not until the last event that the final standings became clear. After a close battle with the Irish Guards, the team placed second overall after an outstanding team performance all round. Perhaps the most satisfying (although not contributing to the overall team scores) was the Prince of Wales relay (or the ‘Dad’s’ race) where Maj Heath, Lt Fagan, Lt Thomas, WO2 Ashford and SSgt Roberts beat some much younger teams on the track to take second position. The event concluded with a very competitive Tug of War competition, with HCR taking third place.

Overall, 2022 has been a superb year for HCR Athletics, with some excellent individual and team performances. The team continues to go from strength to strength and we hope to achieve even more in 2023.

LCpl Bishton hurdling

Household Cavalry Sports Round Up ■ 83

Household Cavalry on the Cresta Run 2022

by Cornet C E A Wallace, The Blues and Royals

T

he Cresta Run is the oldest Ice Sport in the world, having been in existence for over 130 years. It is a natural ice run, built from scratch each year by the hard working ‘Arbeiters’, and runs for three quarters of a mile, winding its way down from St Moritz to the village of Celerina. By virtue of the fact that it is rebuilt annually, although similar, it is never entirely predictable, and it presents fresh challenges to riders each year. The most notorious challenge is the infamous Shuttlecock Corner, which has its usual high-turnover from Army riders over the course of the competition. There are two starting points, ‘Junction’ (where beginners start) and ‘Top’, for which riders have to qualify by achieving set times to demonstrate their skill. Top is considerably steeper gradient and has an additional corner from which riders can fall, known as Thoma.

The Regiment sent a team out to St Moritz this year for both the InterRegimental and Inter-Services Cresta competitions. This was the first time the Army had sent a team out since 2020, having missed the 2021 season due to Covid-19. The team consisted of beginners, who rode from Junction in the Inter-Regimental competition, and more experienced riders who competed from Top in the Inter-Services competition.

This year we were lucky enough to bring out six riders to the Inter-Regimental week due to the generous support of the Regiment and The Foundation.

The riders started in beginners’ school and were given lessons on basics such as steering, raking (braking using steel pointed shoes) and eventually running starts. Unfortunately, this tuition was not enough to prevent all six riders from earning the highly coveted Shuttlecock

Cpls Burnett, Fairburn, and Maj Barnes play an integral role in the victorious Army team during the Inter-services Championship

tie for falls at Shuttlecock in their first week. The culmination of this week of training was the Inter-Regimental competition which took place on Friday 14th January. Regimental pairs comprised of Ct Henderson and Ct Wallace for the RHG/D and Tpr Whittaker and Tpr Smith for the Life Guards.

Unfortunately, a cold and fast run saw Shuttlecock claim both Ct Henderson and Tpr Smith, dashing the Regiment’s hopes of group silverware. In the individual competitions however, Ct Wallace and Tpr Whittaker claimed First and Second place respectively in the Army Novice Cup, as well as taking First and Third place in the Army Open Championship. The Household Cavalry were also the only army team to qualify a Novice to ride from Top in 2022, with Ct Wallace continuing the tradition previously set by three Household

Ct Wallace and Tpr Whittaker claim First and Second place in the Army Novice competition

84 ■ Household Cavalry Sports Round Up

Cavalrymen two years previously.

The Inter-Services competition was held on 2nd February and consisted of three teams of six - one from each service. The absence of Major Chishick and LCoH Tonkin, both seasoned Cresta riders, opened up spaces in the Army InterServices team for some of the less experienced riders, with LCpl’s Fairbairn and Burnett stepping up to fill in the gap.

Major Barnes, an experienced Cresta rider, also competed in the race meaning that Household Cavalrymen made up half of the six-man team. Despite heavy snow, difficult conditions and a number of fresh faces, the Army team were able to secure a narrow victory over the Royal Navy and RAF by a margin of less than one second, retaining the highly coveted Inter-Services trophy.

Cpl Burnett takes a high line around Battledore corner

The Regimental team continues to go from strength to strength, forming the backbone of the army team. Next year we will have nine Household Cavalrymen vying for a place on the team, five of whom are serving soldiers – the only regiment to have soldiers riding from Top. We are hugely grateful to the Household Cavalry Foundation for their support – which is entirely focussed at the beginners and other ranks. Major Chishick is keen to continue bringing out further novices and interested parties should contact Lt Wallace who will be heading up the Regimental team for the upcoming season.

Ct Wallace going airborne at Shuttlecock

HCR Cricket

by Lieutenant E W Henderson, The Blues and Royals

W

inston Churchill once said, ‘Success is all about going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm’.

Cup, and the UK Midlands Cricket Competition. Limited success however rendered our appearance in these tournaments short.

With that in mind, and season stats of - played 12, lost 12 – the Household Cavalry Regiment Cricket Team had an extremely successful year on the field.

No enthusiasm lost.

Under careful leadership, Lt Henderson nurtured a mixed ability group through a tumultuous season. You could say the loss of our 4 best players up to HCMR, operational deployments, regimental exercises and a Russian invasion all on the back of a two-year hiatus over Covid might have affected our performances, but I wouldn’t like to point the finger.

HCR CC played plenty of cricket this year, despite a very busy summer. We took part in the local Wednesday T20 cricket league which took us to almost every village green with an Astro strip in Wiltshire. A great opportunity to meet the locals, who thoroughly enjoyed the spirit with which HCR CC took to their games each week (and a nice opportunity for their weaker players to get the five fours and 50’s they had never achieved).

We also played in the Army Inter Unit

WO2 Mellor stepped up mightily to help train up the HCR CC this year, consistently running nets sessions so that SCpl Cole could get his eye in once a week. It was just the fine tuning that he needed to give the team the top order rock it needed.

A few players deserve mentions in the team for outstanding contributions this

season. Tpr Peplow’s sterling performances behind the stumps helped us always keep the oppositions run rate to a minimum. Every week he always brought moral. CoH Ackerman created a world first tactic of fielding with his shins. Lt Carr-Smith brought professionalism and skill to the team a few evenings – he was clearly well schooled.

WO1 Dimbylow (Mr Military Medium) pounded countless overs of bowling, becoming the highest wicket taker this season.

A huge thanks to Lt Bushell for organising The Life Guards vs The Blues and Royals game at Burton Court. The Life Guards took the win from a close game, man of the match went to Lt Hodsoll for a stunning batting display.

We look forward summer 2023 for another great season.

The Orderly Officer, Lt Kaye, coming down to check that Lt Col (Retd) Harry Scott was running a fair game at Burton Court

Household Cavalry Sports Round Up ■ 85

HCR Football

by Corporal of Horse J E Hinchley, The Life Guards

A

t the start of the year, the team undertook an arduous training Camp for two weeks in preparation of the final. This included speed and agility sessions run by the Regiment PTIs and recovery sessions in the swimming pool.

Progressing to the Charity Plate final, the Regt Football Team continued the success of last season in a tri-Service environment. A tightly fought match, HCR took the lead vs HMS Nelson with a brilliant goal from Tpr Skeen before a quick response from HMS Nelson who equalised five minutes later. A close battle, LCoH Jones scored an outstanding goal with a Cruyff turn followed by a 20-yard finish into the bottom corner, HCR went into half time with 2-1 lead.

HMS Nelson came out the blocks hard and fast during the first 10 minutes of the second half, and though HCR

weathered the storm, due to a poor refereeing decision, HMS Nelson made it 2-2. With 10 minutes remaining in a game with both teams enduring another bad refereeing decision, HMS Nelson was awarded a penalty. HCR went on to lose the final 3-2 even after hitting the bar 3 times in stoppage time.

As the new season started, HCR started the campaign with a closely contested match vs MI South. HCR took the lead with a stunning free kick by CoH Hinchley before MI South equalised on the stroke of half time. MI South was the better team in the second half and took the lead within 10 minutes. HCR equalised with a good header by Tpr Roberts, and he scored a tenacious volley to make it 3-2 with the last kick of the game.

Another strong performance by HCR this season was against 14 RA where

Tpr Hesketh, CoH Hinchley and Tpr Skeen practicing the Macarena

Rock, paper, scissors to see who washes the kit

the game ended 6-1 to HCR. This game is where the team played its best passing game of the last three years, In summary, a hattrick by Tpr Roberts, a 25-yard screamer from the team manager and an

CoH Hinchley about to put another ball into row Z…

Household Cavalry Regiment Inshore Sailing

by Major P J R Chishick, The Life Guards

T

he Household Cavalry has seized a number of opportunities this year to take part in inshore sailing at a number of courses and regattas over the summer period.

The first event in the calendar was the Inns of Court and City Yeomanry Regatta at Seaview in early May, in which LCpl Caton-Hewings and LCpl Macaulay were introduced to the world of competitive keelboat racing in the Seaview Mermaid – a 26’ 1.5 tonne keelboat. Whilst hardly the raciest of boats, the crew received an introduction to the use of the symmetrical spinnaker and the many racing rules of sailing

– of which their particular favourite was “water at the mark”.

A few weeks later, the crew returned to Seaview to compete in the Combat Arms Regatta, the flagship Army event at Seaview together with a crew from HCMR, with LCpl Spreckley skippering. The HCR crew’s limited training in the Mermaids had paid off, with a series of consistent top three placings, resulting in them winning the Kings Royal Hussar’s trophy for the highest placed Regular crew from the Household Cavalry and Royal Armoured Corps.

It was a fantastic couple of days’ racing at Seaview with great winds and really

86 ■ Household Cavalry Sports Round Up

competitive sailing.

HCR soldiers were also fortunate enough to be able to take part in courses at the Army Inshore sailing Centre at Thorney Island in early June. A number of HCR personnel took part in various courses but it was great to see some novices take to the sport – particularly of note, LCpl Thomas from the LAD who then went on to take part in the Household Division Regatta later in the month, before going on to represent the REME competitively over the summer.

On 21st-22nd June, the HDSA Regatta took place at Seaview - a two-day

HDSA Regatta Ct Holland and LCpl Thomas REME

regatta, known as the “Guardsmen’s regatta”, it is a slightly more informal event in which the main objective is to get new and upcoming sailors on the water. The HCR fielded three boats with Tpr Ferguson, LCoH Leslie and Ct Holland helming. HCMR also fielded two boats skippered by Capt Angus Wood and LCpl Spreckley. The sun was out, and winds were extremely light, asking the question of whether spinnakers were worth erecting. LCoH Leslie’s boat with LCpl Caton-Hewings and LCpl Macaulay became a welloiled machine at raising and dropping the spinnaker on day one – intimidating all the Foot Guards’ boats – even if their tactics were somewhat erratic. The Regimental 2IC put in a brief appearance on Day 1 in an advisory capacity, seeing Tpr Ferguson and Ct Holland give the Grenadier Guards a run for their money. Following an excellent schedule of races, run by the inimitable Colonel Tony Singer KRH (retd) and former Life Guards James Hoare and Christopher Knox, the HDSA teams socialised in the evening over a BBQ in the club house.

Sadly, the following day saw extremely

light winds which resulted in afternoon racing being cancelled.

The results came through, and the HCR boats came second, third and fourth places, losing only to the Grenadier guards’ CASR HCR Team: Maj Chishick and LCpls Macaulay and first boat with Caton-Hewings cut a sight with the spinnaker up an experienced Officer’s crew. Tpr Ferguson won best with Ct Holland, Capt Wood and Capt junior ranks helm, coping well with a (retd) Dickon Leigh-Wood mixed helmcrew of limited experience. ing between them, finishing in the top 2 in all races bar one. Coming a close The Household Division Yacht Club second overall, the Princess Elizabeth hosted a fantastic weekend J70 regatta cup was awarded to Capt Ted Bennett in July for serving and ex-serving house(Gren Gds) – who had sailed to victory hold division Officers. Owing to regiin the HDSA regatta in June. HCR did mental commitments, with the majormanage to win some silverware, with Ct ity of HCR on Exercise WESTPHALIA Holland winning fastest junior officer.

GUARDIAN and HCMR only recently returned from regimental training in It has been an excellent year for Norfolk, the Household Cavalry were Household Cavalry inshore sailing and only able to put out two boats. Lt Col racing – we hope to see similar particiSt John-Pryce and Maj Simon Foster pation next year. raced together to finish competitively

CASR Prize Giving: Maj Chishick and LCpls Macaulay and Caton-Hewings with the Kings Royal Hussars and Luard Trophy

HDSA Regatta Drinks: The officers of the Household Division at the HDSA regatta BBQ

Household Cavalry Sports Round Up ■ 87

Household Cavalry Regiment Offshore Sailing

by Cornet M Holland, The Blues and Royals

T

he Household Cavalry Regiment has enjoyed a successful season on the water this year. Aside from the smaller keelboat racing events in the Solent, the Regiment has sent numerous soldiers and officers on Offshore Sailing Adventurous Training. This has mostly comprised AT weeks onboard the Household Division yacht, Gladeye, but has reached further with some members of the Regiment being fortunate enough to join the Household Division Leg of the Joint Services Expedition - Exercise ARCTIC EXPRESS to Iceland and the Arctic Circle.

The Regiment have had several weeks booked on Gladeye this year, qualifying ten soldiers as competent crew and two as Day Skippers. The author was lucky enough to join one of these between 13th-17th June, enjoying the early heatwave sailing from Plymouth to Gosport.

With a crew of mixed experience, there was some trepidation amongst them on Sunday night in Plymouth about the demands of their first day’s sailing!

Fortunately, the following day brought fair winds, and after a safety brief, we set off towards Dartmouth. Learning about the points of sail and basic seamanship, we hoisted the Blue-Red-Blue Spinnaker. As we entered the estuary and motored toward the iconic Navy Officers’ Training college, we arrived in Dartmouth by late afternoon. This was a great day enjoying the sunshine, although it was to be the last day of decent breeze. The wind conditions for the rest of the week ranged between calm and a light breeze. Despite this, 2Lt

Tpr Ferguson and Ct Holland on Ex ARCTIC EXPRESS off Iceland

Merchant and LCpl Westlake managed to gain their RYA Competent Crew qualification, whilst also experiencing the delights of Weymouth, Poole and Cowes.

Following a successful HDSA regatta, Tpr Ferguson and Ct Holland were lucky to spend two weeks sailing around Iceland on a JSASTC 72ft Discovery as part of Exercise ARCTIC EXPRESS. With representation from across the Foot Guards, the Irish Guards-led Adventurous training trip aimed to really push the crew beyond their comfort levels; it did not disappoint. Sailing from Reykjavik up to the Western fjords and into the Arctic Circle, idyllic views

The All-Seeing-Eye spinnaker flown on Gladeye on one of the Regiment’s weeks onboard

88 ■ Household Cavalry Sports Round Up

were ubiquitous, with volcanoes and big seas highlighting the scale of geography. Further details can be found in a separate article.

In addition to the various AT weeks onboard Gladeye, the Regiment also submitted crew for some inshore racing on Gladeye this year, taking part in Cowes week 2022 during summer leave.

Ct Thomas, Ct Holland, Lt Carr-Smith and Lt Bushell all spent a few days racing on Gladeye throughout the week.

It was exciting racing with so many boats speeding around the Solent. The Household Division yacht enjoyed competitive racing in the Club Cruiser class, although outclassed quite regularly by the somewhat “newer” boats than our 1982 14(+) tonne Swan! After some great days out on the water racing, there were some great events onshore The Regiment was planning on submitting a crew for the Household Division Flotilla planned for September on the South Coast. However due to the passing of Her Majesty, this event was cancelled. A few members of HCR joined the HCMR autumn sailing week on Gladeye so the Regiment have truly made the most use out of the yacht this season. I would encourage any members of the regiment who are keen to take part in Offshore sailing onboard the Household Division yacht to take up the opportunity to do so. There is a planned trip to the Mediterranean and Ibiza in 2024 which will be open to those who hold their Competent Crew qualification and above.

Sunset off Iceland

HCMR Cricket

by Captain J M J Bushell, The Life Guards

I

n a summer dominated by ceremonial duties, little time remained for the enjoyment of leather on willow.

Yet the determination of purists shone through, and the Household Cavalry was able to enjoy two fixtures, reigniting two ago old competitions, The Life Guards vs The Blues and Royals, and the Officers and Troopers vs the NonCommissioned Officers.

On a typical summer day on 11th June, The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals turned out at Burton Court to face off against one another. The Life Guards, decked out in their rather smart new cricket jumpers, opened the batting. The short boundaries of Burton Court were utilised as Lt CarrSmith, ably supported by LCpl Van Der Walt and Tpr Cheney, plundered boundary after boundary. The middle also enjoyed cameo appearances from the likes of Tpr Fodor, Tpr Lomu, Lt Fagan and Capt (Retd) Holliday. After a brief pause in play for a quick photo opportunity with the mounted Orderly Officer Capt Kaye, en route to Queen’s Life Guard for the 4 o’clock inspection, The Life Guards continued their efforts and despite some strong bowling from Lts Wallace and Henderson amassed a respectable 183.

Now came the turn of the old enemy, as The Blues and Royals begun their campaign to earn the bragging rights for the year. Despite commendable batting performances from a number, including LCpl Ashcroft who playing in his first ever cricket match hit his first ball for four and left with a smart 20 runs, the RHG/D lost early wickets to the aggressive bowling of Tpr Cheney and Capt Long. With victory looking all but assured, The Blues and Royals

The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals Annual Cricket Match

looked to their old Squadron Leader, Maj Mountain, and previous Operations Officer, Capt (Retd) Clive. With steady heads and sound technique, the pair managed to right the sinking Blue and Royal ship. Despite the loss of Maj Mountain, the team pressed on leaving them only 56 runs to score with 13 overs to go. The RHG/D were in the ascendancy and the Life Guards began to worry. However, the Life Guards were not finished as Carr-Smith entered the attack and managed to find the cracks in the Blues defence, grounding them to 150 all out. A fine day was had by all and particular thanks to the Guards CC for providing the fixture and to Lt Col Scott and Mr Stone for umpiring the entire day.

Mundford Cricket Club as the chance to see the Adjutant, Squadron Leaders and Regimental Corporal Major make a fool of themselves was too good a chance to miss. Sadly, this year it was the Officers and Troopers who were found wanting as the NCOs batted first and with brute force and keen eyes built a strong innings of 140. The Officers threw all they could at the NCOs with the opening pair of Tpr Cheney and Capt Long steaming, successfully dispatching the Regimental Corporal Major, and even the mystery spin of Capt Keith. However, the hand eye coordination of LCpl Van Der Walt and FLCoH Cooney, scoring 47 and 58 respectively, was too much and the NCOs scored freely. The Officers and Troopers gained one scalp, however, as

The Officers and Troopers vs the Non-Commissioned Officers match at Summer Camp drew a large crowd to

The Victorious Life Guards Team

The Victorious Captain LCoH Hall Lifts The Cup

Household Cavalry Sports Round Up ■ 89

LCoH Hall, the opposition Captain, was caught behind off his first ball, much to the enjoyment of the crowd. The Officers feeling confident despite the challenge in hand, never really got going with the bat as the Commanding Officer and Lt Bushell were removed without troubling the scorer too much. There was a brief glimpse of hope as a stand by Maj Perera and Maj Bond gave the crowd something to cheer about, however, the Officers and Troopers were gradually ground down and were soundly beaten.

The Officers and Troopers will return however, ready for more. Thank you to Mundford Cricket Club for once again hosting us and providing us with such a fantastic tea.

The Officers and Troopers vs the Non-Commissioned Officers Annual Cricket Match

Household Cavalry Golf

by Corporal of Horse Henderson, The Life Guards

T

his year saw the Household Cavalry Open played at Windlesham GC, organised by Lt Col (Retd) Warren Douglas LG. The aim: to bring veterans and serving members together to enjoy the sport that brings us immense joy and frustration in equal measure, particularly Lt Col (Retd) Harry Scott LG whose first tee shot brought some wry smiles all round. Congratulations to LCoH Ryan Murphy RHG/D who won the overall prize, a unique Japanese made crystal putter found by the author when looking for a new putter to play with! This trophy will become the annual prize for the tournament champion.

We also said goodbye to a cracking young player, one who has done us proud during her time with HCMR. We wish LCpl Niki Sutton all the best on her new posting to Colchester, I have no doubt we will see her again.

Household Cavalry Golf team. Household Division Champions, April 22

The main events were again the Household Division Championship and the Colonel-in-Chief’s Cup, with teams made up of serving and retired.

All players did extremely well, but we sadly beaten in the final rounds.

The Household Division Golf Society put on another match on 8th September at the Army Golf Course. A day that,

Maj (Retd) Les Kibble RHGD showing us how its done

90 ■ Household Cavalry Sports Round Up

sadly, will forever be remembered not only for the extreme weather but for an altogether more poignant reason.

Despite the weather and the day being cut short.

We played Wimbledon Common Golf Club again this year, sadly losing after a close contest. Many thanks to Capt (Retd) Rich Moger for organising this

CoH Henderson presenting the trophy to Sunningdale Golf Club

and future fixtures here.

The annual friendly with Sunningdale Golf Club was reinitiated, a PGA course providing a tough day on a beautiful course with their staff. Thanks must be given to Keith Fessey and Gil Wheeler

for providing some competition against the pros! Thanks are also due to Christian Foreman the SGC director of golf for hosting us and making the day a special one.

With links firmly established between

the Regiments and Associations golf players, we hope to get more matches programmed annually and, potentially, a golf tour in 2023. Next year we aim to encourage new players of all calibre and create a legacy for Household Cavalry Golf for many years to come.

Carp Fishing

by Staff Corporal Pettit, The Blues and Royals

T

his year, HCMR soldiers consisting of SCpl Pettit, LCoH Cooney, LCoH Drummond and LCpl Eaglestone have participated in the Royal Armoured Corp Carp Qualifiers that run throughout the year at various venues around the country.

This is when multiple keen carp anglers from all regiments across the RAC go head to head in qualifying events. The

aim is to gain as many points as you can throughout the events and the top six anglers with the most points earned get to represent the RAC in the Inter-Corps carp championship.

charity that works towards changing the lives of military veterans by helping them overcome the debilitating symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

This year HCMR carp anglers also took part in the Army Masters (Charity event) held at Embryo Lake, Norton Disney in Lincoln. This event is Army vs Ex-Military to raise money for ICARP

The HCMR team is growing each year and we look forward to welcoming new members for the 2023 events.

RAC Carp Team

HCMR Anglers and their specimens

Polo Tour South Africa

by Corporal of Horse Kitchen, The Life Guards

E

ight members of the Household Cavalry Polo Team embarked on the 8,000-mile journey to Jurassic Park Polo Club in Swartberg, South Africa. With expert instruction and coaching from Selby Williamson and his club pros, the team were treated to a seven-day intensive training week.

The team set off from London Heathrow, travelling to Durban via Nairobi and Johannesburg. Greeted at Durban Airport by two drivers, they then continued by road for the final leg of the journey to reach Jurassic Park Polo Club. Arriving in the dark, deep in the countryside of South Africa the team did not realise the spectacular views they would wake up to, breathtakingly beautiful scenery with fields full of polo ponies, a few zebras, and an ostrich!

Training began with some first-class instruction from Cody and Rod on the wooden horses under the blazing African sun. With the remainder of the team fielding with foot mallets, each team member was guided through the perfect swing and was hitting the balls

from the wooden horses with ease in no time. Even those on the trip who were completely new to polo were quick to pick up the technique, especially Captain Angus ‘Goose’ Wood who was often described as a hustler due to his natural ability with the mallet!

The team line up before taking on the Jurassic Park grooms team

Household Cavalry Sports Round Up ■ 91

Rod puts CoH Raffle through his paces on the wooden horse

Each day started with training on the wooden horse, working to perfect the swing before stick and ball practice, and finally chukkas where the team put the training to the test. With some healthy competition growing within the ranks, it wasn’t long before all were galloping from end to end with confidence building and skill level rising, doing their best to get the ball in the goal and beat their opponents (even in ‘friendly’ club chukkas!).

Day 4 saw the team hack out with the grooms and around 50 ponies to Swartberg polo club to play chukkas.

Over hills and through streams, riding alongside cattle being herded and through the wild flowers, the team made their way to Swartberg. The sun was scorching, but with Selby’s team on hand with refreshments under the gazebo, all played well and thoroughly

Tpr Bishop races to avoid a hook from Capt Wood

enjoyed the challenge of the heat. The speed of the chukkas was really starting to increase now, with Trooper Conor Beukes flying around the pitch chasing down the opposition for the ride off.

With goals scored by Beukes, Captain George Lane Fox and Corporal of Horse Anthony Kitchen an exciting 5 chukkas came to an end. The team were then treated to a display of very fast club chukkas involving Selby, Cody, and Rod before heading back to the farm for a well-earned barbecue.

After the success of the chukkas at Swartberg, Selby decided to put his four best grooms against four of the team.

Lane Fox, Kitchen, Beukes and Corporal of Horse Richard Raffel were the chosen four to go up against the team of very good grooms, one of which held a 2-goal handicap. There was plenty of end to end action with the team proving to be

worthy opponents for the grooms. With some great goals scored by both teams, especially one scored by the grooms from almost the halfway line, a very tough match ended with the Household Cavalry losing 5-4 with Beukes narrowly missing an equaliser at the last second, hitting the post which sent the ball wide!

A successful trip all round, the Household Cavalry Polo Team improved immensely during their time in South Africa under the instruction of Selby and his team. With hospitality as good as the instruction, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity and experience. A special thanks must go to The Army Polo Association, The Household Cavalry Foundation, and The Army Sport Lottery, all of who’s generous support made this fantastic tour possible.

Capt Wood leading the hack across the Swartburg hills

92 ■ Household Cavalry Sports Round Up

Foreword

by Colonel Commandant Royal Armoured Corps, Major General N C L Perry DSO MBE relationship Her late Majesty had with so many of our Regiments meant that as well as the Household Cavalry the following were all admirably represented: QDG, SCOTS DG, RDG, QRH, RL and RTR. I am grateful to all of you for the fine example you set.

I

must begin by paying tribute to Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. Much has already been said but it bears repeating that she set an extraordinary example of service over a remarkable seventy years. It was a privilege for all of us to have served under her as twentieth and twenty-first century Elizabethans and we can only strive to both remember and emulate her calm, stoical, and dedicated example.

It was a great privilege to watch so many of our officers and soldiers from across the RAC play such an important and impressive part in the funeral service and procession. The special

As well as being so heavily committed to Operation BRIDGE, the RAC has seen a huge amount and variety of deployments this year. All of which speak to our continued relevance, the desire across Defence to employ our unique skill set, and the adaptability and resilience of our people. From continued deployments to Estonia, both at BG and sub unit level, to Mali, to Poland, to meeting the migrant crisis and the very real outputs in support of Ukraine’s fight against Russia, to name but a few, our people have continually risen to the challenge. We should take heart that there is little that RAC soldiers cannot do and when there is a job to be done, we are ready, useable and highly effective. That we are so is down to the continued professionalism and dedication of our people and I thank you for it.

The outcomes of Future Soldier are not without their challenges, nor has the equipment programme delivered in the way we would have wished. Further, the cost of living crisis poses us all yet more challenges. However, I am heartened by the CGS’s determination to create a more lethal, agile and survivable

Army; for what is more lethal, agile and survivable than well led, well trained and highly motivated RAC units unleashed upon the battlefield? Recent events in Ukraine have served to highlight the importance of maintaining significant mounted combat capability in order to successfully prosecute large scale ground manoeuvre warfare. This is true both in Defence - particularly providing the wherewithal to remain offensive - and, perhaps more visible at this stage of the conflict, in the taking of ground. This has not gone unnoticed and there is good reason to believe that our USP of delivering violence rapidly over significant distance with minimal orders and maximum firepower will reinforce - to others - our relevance on the field of battle.

Finally, I cannot end without thanking two people in particular. Firstly, my predecessor Lieutenant General Sir Ed Smyth-Osbourne, for his exemplary stewardship of the Household Cavalry and RAC. We were lucky to have an officer of such wide-ranging and distinguished service as General Ed as our Colonel Commandant and I hope that I will be able to continue to champion our people and our capability as successfully as he did. And secondly, I would like to thank you, the people who make up the RAC, you make it special; you ultimately are the battle winning entity that will secure us victory. I wish you all a very successful and safe 2023.

News from the Associations ■ 93

News From The Associations The Life Guards Association Annual Report 2022 Patron: His Majesty The King President

Lieutenant General Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne KCVO CBE Chairman: Colonel J D A Gaselee Honorary Secretary: Mr K W Robertson Esq Treasurer: Mrs C L Taylor

Trustees of The Life Guards Association Charitable Trust Colonel J D A Gaselee Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) W R Lindsay OBE Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) H S J Scott Major (Retd) J S Holbrook Captain J J Dove Captain (Retd) B K Gibson Captain (Retd) C J Trietline WO1 (RCM) D D Snoxell WO2 D D Stafford Mr I M Fearnley Mr P J Richards MBE Mr A G Slowey

Minutes of the 88th Annual General Meeting, Saturday 28th May 2022 Grand Connaught Rooms, London WC2B 5DA The Chairman, Colonel J D A Gaselee, opened the meeting at 1815hrs and welcomed everybody present. He then stated that the following apologies for not attending the AGM were received from Captain (Retd) Charlie Trietline, Lt Col (Retd) W R Lindsay and Captain (Retd) B K Gibson.

The Chairman informed those present that the Minutes of the 87th Annual General Meeting were published in the 2021 edition of the Household Cavalry Journal which was sent out to all Association members at the beginning of May. He then requested a proposer and a seconder to confirm that the minutes in the Journal were a true record of those proceedings.

Proposer - Captain John Dove Seconded - Mr Brian Wilson The Chairman informed the AGM that currently 2160 Association members were registered with Home Headquarters (HHQ) which was slightly more than last year but sadly, since the 1st January 2022, 23 members of the Association had passed away; the Chairman confirmed that this information was also on the Association website

94 ■ News from the Associations

and was kept up to date. He then confirmed that since 1st April 2022 the Association had dealt with three cases for Assistance and had spent £1203.00 so far in this financial year. The monies spent so far had been spent on white/ brown goods and clothing.

The Chairman stated to the AGM that the preferred method of communication with HHQ was via email but explained that the Honorary Secretary was aware that there was a small number of Association members, which numbered approximately 180, who would not or could not use email and they were updated every six months with a paper update. He encouraged those present that if they knew of any former Life Guards not receiving emails from the Association to ask them to contact Home Headquarters. He then advised all members to look at the website to keep them informed of forthcoming events.

The Chairman then thanked all Association members who had sent in donations throughout the year and stressed how important these donations were to the Association. He then assured all members that monies donated were

put to good use.

The Chairman concluded by informing all that were present that if they could take a moment to thank the Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Colonel C A Lockhart and the Regimental Adjutant Lt Col (Retd) R R D Griffin for all the work that they did to assist with the funeral arrangements of Mr Denis Hutchings, he would be very grateful.

Forthcoming Events The following events were promoted: • 2nd Jul 2022 2nd Household Cavalry Association East Anglia Dinner – (Great Yarmouth) • 16th Jul 2022 HCMR Summer Camp Open Day at Bodney • 20th Jul 2022 40th Anniversary of the Hyde Park Bombing • 6th Aug 2022 TOOT (The Old Oak Tree) Annual Dinner (Leamington Spa) • 26th Aug 2022 Detmold Smoker 2022 • 10th Sep 2022 3rd Household Cavalry Welsh Dinner (Cardiff) • 15th Oct 2022 40th Anniversary Dorset Sqn Dinner • 29th Oct 2022 Zandvoorde Annual

Commemorative Service • 13th Nov 2022 Remembrance Sunday • 18th Nov 2022 4th Household Cavalry South West Dinner (Exeter) • 25th Nov 2022 4th Household Cavalry Scottish Dinner (Edinburgh) • 25th Nov 2022 Household Cavalry North Staffs Branch Christmas Lunch • Children’s Fund The Chairman asked the AGM if they wished to continue paying into the current Children’s Fund which had been set up for children whose parents died in Service. He then explained that currently The Life Guards Association (LGA) paid £500.00 annually per child and the Household Cavalry Foundation (HCF) paid the same as the LGA which was a total of £2000.00 per year based on two children. Currently, in two years’ time the children that the Fund was set up for would be 18, which in turn would mean that there was no requirement to continue the Fund. Overwhelmingly, all agreed to continue the fund based on the LGA paying £1000.00 per annum which the HCF have agreed to match.

Proposed by – Captain John Dove Seconded by – Mr Paul Lanahan

Coffin Drapes The Chairman asked the AGM if they thought the Association should purchase a coffin drape, it was explained that the LG cipher would be on the drape and the colours would be of the LG flag. After some discussion it was felt that the Union Flag (Drape) was the most appropriate option for Association members. It was also agreed that the LG flag would be made available if an Association member would like to have one on their coffin and it would rest on the Union Flag. This advice was provided by Mr Tony Prynne who works with the British Legion. The Honorary Secretary was asked to contact the British Legion to confirm the flag protocol. The Secretary was also to ensure that families of deceased Life Guards would also be provided with this advice.

Membership Cards The Chairman asked the AGM if they would like to have membership cards issued to them. After some discussion it was felt that there was no requirement for them and from experience very difficult to manage. The HCMR

RCM was however asked to investigate whether new recruits on capbadging would welcome having an Association Membership Card. It was agreed that the Area Reps should have something tangible for when they meet organisations when carrying out their duties.

AOB The Honorary Secretary was tasked to look for venues for the Association 2023 dinner. The options suggested were to stay at the Connaught Rooms, approach the Victory Services Club, Windsor and the Union Jack Club.

WO1(RCM) D Snoxell raised the question of having a combined Household Cavalry Associations dinner and both LG and RHG/D would still hold their respective AGM’s. Further discussion ensued but no decisions were taken.

The meeting ended at 1853hrs.

The Associations Christmas Cards 2023 The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals 2023 Christmas cards can be ordered via HHQ. For a pack of 10 Cards it will cost £6.00, all donations will be greatly appreciated and go direct into our Welfare Fund.

The following postal charges apply: 1 packets £1.99 2 packets £2.99 3-5 packets £3.99 6-9 packets £5.99 10-20 packets £7.99 All orders over 20 packets, call HHQ to confirm the shipping cost.

Diaries and notebooks can be ordered also via HHQ. A4 Diary £10.00, Pocket Diary £4.00, Notebook + Pen £8.00.

Any enquires should be directed to Jodie on homehq@householdcavalry.co.uk PAYMENT DETAILS Bank transfer details: Name: The Life Guards Charitable Trust Sort code: 30-11-75 Account number: 21291060 Bank transfer details: Name: The Blues and Royals Association Sort code: 30-11-75 Account number: 07215403

News from the Associations ■ 95

The Life Guards Association Income and Expenditure Account - 31st March 2022 Year 2021

Income

Year 2022

Year 2021

£2533.00 £0.00 £0.00

Donations Life Membership Excess Exp/Inc

£2317.00 £0.00

£0.00 £0.00 £50.00 £0.00

£2533.00

Total Liabilities Norman Hearson Fund Creditors Excess Assets/Liabilities

£50.00

£2317.00

Assets and Liabilities £2,912.40

Year 2022

Expenditure Stationary/Office Equip Misc Expenses St Georges Chapel Norman Hearson Prize Donations Transferred to No 2 Account Total

£0.00 £0.00 £50.00 £0.00 £50.00

Assets Cash at Bank

£10,490.81

£7,578.41

The Life Guards Association Charitable Trust Accounts - Restricted & Unrestricted Income and Expenditure Account - 31st March 2022 Year 2021 £64,095.94 £34,351.76 £1,664.04 £994.46 £15,269.06 £3,216.41 £4,815.00 £20.00 £0.00 £0.00 £1,634.00 £0.00 £35.10 £0.00 £3,306.78

Income Days Pay Scheme* Investments / Dividends HMRC Grants ABF etc* Donations*1,3 Postage Christmas Cards Dinner Transport Poppies and Wreaths* Diaries & Notebooks Battlefield Tour GPF Transfer of Funds Merchandise

Year 2022 £38,354.06 £33,748.30 £1,107.28 £2,150.00 £10,504.56 £2,194.80 £4,753.00 £4,209.94 £0.00 £1,046.50 £1,184.66 £1,562.50 £1,538.96 £0.00 £2,163.20

£129,402.55

Total

£104,517.76

Year 2021 £43,335.00 £0.00 £1,000.00 £15,379.31 £296.00 £4,786.22 £2,117.96 £157.50 £0.00 £1,857.50 £14,695.66 £0.00 £1,676.03 £40,000.00 £1,835.04 £0.00 £9,750.00

Expenditure Days Pay Scheme* AMF HCR Childrens Fund Grants*1, 2 Donations Postage*1 Christmas Cards Dinner Transport Wreaths & Poppies* Memorials Battlefield Tour GPF *1 Transfer of Funds Merchandise inc Prints Journal Honorarium*1

Year 2022 £18,875.87 £0.00 £1,000.00 £14,945.95 £3,180.69 £2,689.73 £3,039.31 £29,951.53 £0.00 £2,763.11 £0.00 £3,388.50 £4,965.94 £30,000.00 £1,929.87 £0.00 £0.00

£136,886.22

Total

£116,730.50

Excess Income / Exp

-£12,212.74

Assets and Liabilities Liabilities Sundry Creditors Excess Assets/Liabilities Fund The Life Guards Association Charitable Trust Investment Portfolio

Assets Cash at Bank No 1 Account Cash at Bank No 2 Account

£19,698.08 £48,299.72

Investments at Current Value Total Value as at 31/03/22

£1,849,921.71

Notes on the Accounts 2021-22 1.

2.

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 that include the Restricted account are marked with an asterix A total of 15 grants have been paid out of the life Guards Association Charitable Trust No1 Accont within the 202122 year.

96 ■ News from the Associations

Reasons for assistance include: Accommodation, White/ Brown Goods, Property maintenance, Tools and Training Courses, Clothing, General Living Costs, and Funeral Expenses.

3.

Donations continue to be received into the Life Guards Association account.

4.

This figure includes the payment in full of the 2022 Annual Dinner Fees.

5.

Notable upgrades to the Charity’s database system and website updates of the GDPR processes are reflected within the GPF expenditure. Also a welcome return of the Battlefield tours and Annual dinners have given rise to an increased spend that was curbed with a reduced transfer to

the investments fund, and change in Honoraium payment process.

Claire Taylor Honorary Treasurer

The Life Guards Association Notices Membership All serving Life Guards and nonserving Life Guards are members of The Life Guards Association. All Association members are requested to introduce Association members who are not in communication with Home Headquarters (HHQ) to do so.

If an Association member is not in communication with Home HHQ this does not mean that they forfeit any of the benefits of someone who is in communication with HHQ. To register with the Association, either call 01753 965290, email homehq@householdcavalry.co.uk or search Household Cavalry Old Comrades and go to The Life Guards Membership page and complete the online form, or use the following link https://householdcavalry.co.uk/thelife-guards/membership/ Communication Correspondences for the Association should be addressed to: The Honorary Secretary The Life Guards Association Home Headquarters Household Cavalry Combermere Barracks Windsor Berkshire SL4 3DN Telephone Home Headquarters: 01753 965290

Email homehq@householdcavalry.co.uk lg.regsec@householdcavalry.co.uk Website https://householdcavalry.co.uk/oldcomrades/the-life-guards/ Change of contact details All are requested to inform HHQ of any changes to their contact details.

This will also ensure that you receive your annual Journal. The most efficient way to change your contact details is via the website using the Change of Personal Information Form, https://householdcavalry.co.uk/oldcomrades/the-life-guards/changeof-personal-information-forms/ or to write to HHQ at Combermere Barracks.

The 89th Annual General Meeting The 89th Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday 29th May 2023 the at the Castle Hotel in Windsor.

The 86th Annual Dinner The Life Guards Association annual Association dinner will take place on Saturday 27th May 2023 in the Castle Hotel Windsor.

Annual Zandvoorde Battlefield Tour The annual Zandvoorde battlefield tour will take place from the 29th October – 31st October 2022. If you would like any further information regarding this annual event, contact the Honorary Secretary.

Privacy Statement Home Headquarters of the Household Cavalry (HHQ) retains personal information that you have provided to the Household Cavalry Association’s, this data is held and dealt with in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). The data is held on the Association database at Home Headquarters and is used in assisting the maintenance of contact between members of the Association and the wider Household Cavalry family, by telephone, post or email. We will retain your personal data whilst you are a member of the Association. Upon leaving the Association we will continue to hold your name and relevant details to support the Household Cavalry’s historical records. If you require any further information regarding your information that is being held at HHQ please contact the Honorary Secretary.

Christmas Cards, Diaries and Notebooks Christmas cards, diaries and notebooks may be ordered using the order form that is inserted within the Journal. The order form may also be emailed to you upon request. To request the order form email HomeHQ@householdcavalry.co.uk.

Christmas cards may be purchased online using credit or debit cards on the website.

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 and on this website in order that they may be contacted by other Association members in their area. Initially the Regional Representative 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 Bedfordshire Mr A W D Sims SANDY alan.wdsims@btinternet.com 07596 024893 Berkshire Mr M Stay BRACKNELL mjstay@hotmail.co.uk 07772 438 630

Mr S O Farrar Bracknell Spike6511@talktalk.net 07967 412148 Bristol Mr N S Hoon BRISTOL nickhoon712@icloud.com 01454 416522 / 07941 254340

Buckinghamshire Mr S R Carter MILTON KEYNES stephen.carter5@virginmedia.com 07722 135854 Cheshire Mr S J Rochford ELLESMERE PORT steven.rochford@ntlworld.com

News from the Associations ■ 97

07977 834092 Mr K J Thompson WARRINGTON kjt5144@gmail.com 07940 243906 Cornwall Mr R Barry WADEBRIDGE robertbarry5@btinternet.com 07915 812127 County Durham Mr D Flynn Darlington p.flynn205@btinternet.com 07718 195212 Maj (Retd) A Tate artate@btopenworld.com 07783 586 900 Cumbria Mr W H Graham PENRITH harvey.graham1@googlemail.com 07929 636818 Mr R Swinburne KENDAL roger.swinburne@googlemail.com Derbyshire Mr S Wass BELPER simonwass49@hotmail.com 07521 904311 Devon Mr D Murgatroyd PAIGNTON davemurgs@hotmail.com 07512 729141 Dorset Mr B T Erskine SWANAGE bterskine01@btinternet.com 07912 681349 Major (Retd) J T Lodge BROADSTONE jlodge76@hotmail.com East Sussex Mr Eric Reed HAILSHAM ericreed84@hotmail.com 07938 858896 East Yorkshire Mr G B Miller HORNSEA guygbm@aol.com 07715 522443

98 ■ News from the Associations

Essex Mr J K Stanworth OLD HARWICH jstanworth19@gmail.com 07830 173227

Somerset Mr B R Kelland WELLINGTON brnkll@hotmail.co.uk 07882 969032

Gloucestershire Mr J McCauley FAIRFORD jaskel1993@talktalk.net 07747 180110

South Yorkshire Mr W A Loftus DINNINGTON loftusalive@aol.com 01909 518405/07956 478238

Kent Mr J Dean AYLESFORD jezdean101@msn.com 07736 033962

Staffordshire Mr D McKenzie Stafford dm3347@yahoo.com

Lincolnshire Mr D I Savage SLEAFORD david.i.Savage@icloud.com 01529 488575 London South East Mr J A Denton johny.denton@googlemail.com 07852 815559 Norfolk Mr A J Gook NORWICH jimgook@btinternet.com 01603 484336 Mr A D Nichols GORLESTON cala4uk@gmail.com 07391 225665 North Yorkshire Mr H Stangroom SKIPTON harrystangroom@aol.co.uk 01756 709121 Northumberland Mr B Erskine BLYTH erski1448@gmail.com 07585 598921 Nottinghamshire Mr B W J Reece CLIPSTONE VILLAGE brianreece2@gmail.com 07795 842592 Mr I Sanderson MBE RETFORD janeandsandy@googlemail.com 07831 899918 Oxfordshire Mr S English DIDCOT steve_english@btopenworld.com 07500 948176

Suffolk Mr S Smith HAVERHILL stevesmith0588@hotmail.com 07947 210658 Surrey Mr T G W Carrington 01276 36384 Surrey Mr T Morgan-Jelpke WEYBRIDGE t.morgan897@ntlworld.com 01932 854935 Sussex Mr K J Dry EASTBOURNE kdry@sky.com 07534 188889 West Yorkshire Mr M P Goodyear HUDDERSFIELD mikegoodyear@live.co.uk 01484 605888 Wiltshire Mr J Postance SALISBURY johnnyp38@hotmail.com 07769 906391 Mr J M Steel ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT jon@steel65.com 07931 818513 Worcestershire Mr R James WORCESTER ron.james@hotmail.co.uk SCOTLAND Fife Mr D Cumming KENNOWAY thebear89@gmx.com 07921 515150

CANADA Mr C Grant MEDICINE HAT ALBERTA crgrant@telus.net +1 403 527 2982

WALES Powys Mr A T Prynne BUILTH WELLS at.mprynne@btinternet.com 01982 552296

Mr C Ludman SICAMOUS BRITISH COLUMBIA c.ludman@hotmail.co.uk +1 250 253-5562

ISLE OF MAN Mr T Bougourd bougourd@manx.net 07624 453168

GERMANY Mr A Cobb HERZEBERG +49 5521 987 592 acobb30963@aol.com

Rest of the World AUSTRALIA Mr G Coleman REYNELLA coleman839@gmail.com 0061 8381 2074

NEW ZEALAND Mr J Bell TORBAY 0064 021 619 514 jigjag1@hotmail.com

Mr R Barnes TASMANIA rbarnes@tassie.net.au 00 6103 6429 1227

Mr R J G Kay PLATE CITY MISSOURI rjgkayusa@yahoo.com 001 816 872 6161 Mr A D Richards HAMILTON NEW YORK andyrichards62@gmail.com 001 540 808 5752 SWEDEN Mr M Woods YSTAD woods969@googlemail.com +46 70 810 77 00 VIETNAM Mr R Pugh HO CHI MINH CITY pughr48@gmail.com +84 7650 25 686

USA Mr K J Frape COLUMBIA SOUTH CAROLINA frpkth@aol.com 001 (803) 787 1244

Mr D Moxom YASS dalemoxom@gmail.com

BOARDING IN SURREY

GORDON’S SCHOOL www.gordons.school

YEARS 7, 9 AND 12 BOARDING PLACES AVAILABLE Students who attend the boarding school provision exceed their predicted outcomes and consistently reach, and further, their potential OFSTED BOARDING INSPECTION REPORT 2019

BESPOKE RESIDENTIAL BOARDING HOUSE FOR YEAR 7 STUDENTS

NON-SELECTIVE LOWER SCHOOL PRIORITY PLACES FOR FORCES

CLOSE TO LONDON AND ITS AIRPORTS BY ROAD AND RAIL

News from the Associations ■ 99

The Blues and Royals Association Annual Report 2021/22 President HRH The Princess Royal KG KT GCVO QSO Chairman Colonel (Retd) J P Eyre Honorary Secretary/Treasurer Major L J Kibble Mr A Peat Mr G Jones Mr P Storer Major (Retd) A M Harris Mr N Hemming Mr J Naylor

Committee Members

Mr S Gillingham Mr H Ah Sam Capt (Retd) C Eulert Maj (Retd) A Owen Captain (Retd) C J Trinick Mr W Foster

and all serving Warrant Officers of The Blues and Royals at Regimental Duty Aims and Object 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 £14,991.65 has been distributed from funds to applications for assistance from a total of 26 cases dealt with by the committee. The Annual Dinner was held at The Castle Hotel, Windsor on Saturday 26th March 2022 with 225 members attending. The Annual General Meeting was held prior to the Dinner, and the minutes of this meeting are in the Regimental Journal.

Applications received Grants/Donations made (Incl 2 grants to In-Pens) Applications referred to other funds

26 21 23

Reasons for assistance The following is a summary of the main purposes for which grants / donations were made during the past year.

Accommodation Cost 1 Clothing/Food Vouchers 2 Brown/White Goods 7 Invalidity / EPV 4 IT Equipment 1 In-Pensioner Grants 2 Removals 1 Property Maintenance 3 Income Income was £99,024.96 of which £44,629.80 was either contributed by serving officers and soldiers under the ‘Days Pay Scheme’, 51% was kept by the Association for charitable use, 49% was transferred to the HCF. monies are also

received from membership donations.

The Dividends received for our investments amounted to £14,010.06 for this financial year, this was only 1 Qtr payment as the remainder was reinvested.

Expenditure Expenditure for the period totaled £81,846.61 Miscellaneous costs were £29,227.48 however £10,799.30 was recovered so administrative costs amount to £13,783.90 The Miscellaneous column includes the cost of Honorariums, transport and hotel costs for BFT and various smaller events as well as admin costs such as IT Support, insurances, memorabilia and NMA Maintenance.

Financial Statement INCOME One Days Pay Dividends Bank Interest Donations Dinners Christmas Cards Grant Refunds Wreaths/Memorials Diaries Postage received for Cards Miscellaneous BFT IT TOTAL

2020-2021 £16,920.35 £22,148.00 £1.50 £5,225.82 £1,150.00 £2,772.95 £2,938.48 £15,597.82 £216.00 £451.52 £10,799.30 0 0 £78,221.74

CASH and BANK Cash in Hand Current and Deposit Accts Total Cash and Bank Debtors Creditors Total Funds

2020-2021 0 £73,884.21 £73,884.21 0 0 £73,884.21

2021-2022 EXPENDITURE 2020-2021 2021-2022 £44,629.80 One Days Pay £5,249.35 £21,868.43 0 £14,010.06 Dividends 0 £0.07 Bank Interest 0 0 £7,725.48 Donations 0 £1,015.25 £12,437.36 Dinners £1,412.50 £16,296.63 £6,401.43 Christmas Cards £2,762.41 £3,808.28 £1,064.00 Grant in Aid £8,498.44 £14,991.65 £787.54 £127.21 Wreaths/Memorials £32,475.63 2,770.00 Diaries £0.00 £0.00 £953.87 Postage received for Cards £2,385.69 £1,048.76 £4,849.50 Miscellaneous £29,227.48 £13,783.90 £3,180.00 BFT 0 £3,580.55 £876.18 IT 0 £3,478.93 £99,024.96 Transfer to Investments 0 £20,000.00 £102,011.50 £81,846.61 TOTAL 2021-2022 0 £79,262.91 £79,262.91 Report of the Independent Examiner 0 I have examined the Balance Sheet and the Income and Expenditure 0 accounts and report that, in my opinion, these accounts give a true £79,62.91 and fair view of the Association’s affairs as at 31st March 2022 and

Investment Portfolio The total HCF investment portfolio currently sits at £6,978,429.00.

The RHG/D Association Investments make up 19.2% of this total thus making our share of the portfolio at £1,438,492.00.

100 ■ News from the Associations

the excess of income over expenditure for the year ended on that date.

Mrs J Harron Perfect Accountancy Services Limited Westwind Management Solutions Limited

The Blues and Royals Oliver Montagu Fund Annual Report 2021-2022 Aims and Objects During the past year the Association has continued to maintain its aims and objectives as laid down in the Constitution and Rules. There had been two re-

quest for assistance which amounted to £1,575.65.

Income Income was £15,154.40, the majority of

which was from Dividends.

Expenditure Expenditure for the period totalled £8,131.86.

Financial Statement Income Dividends Interest Donations Christmas Cards Post Diaries Totals

2020-2021 £26,272.73 £1.96 0 0 0 0 £26,274.69

2021-2022 £12,982.77 0 £693.67 £1,182.96 £187.96 £108.00 £15,154.40

Expenditure Grants IT Equipment Miscellaneous Donations Christmas Cards Post Diaries Memorials Totals

2020-2021 £900.00 0 £6,224.24 0 0 0 0 0 £7,124.24

Cash in Hand Current Account Deposit Account Debtors Creditors Totals

2020-2021 0 £30,578.48 £6,747.26 0 0 £37,325.74

2021-2022 0 £37,593.52 £5,357.94 0 0 £42,951.46

Investment Portfolio The total HCF investment portfolio currently sits at £6,978,429.00. The OMF Investments make up 18.08% of this total thus making our share of the portfolio at £1,338.014.00.

2021-2022 £1,575.65 £384.58 £2,500.00 £693.67 £1.182.00 £187.96 £108.00 £1,500.00 £8,131.86

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 2022 and the excess of income over expenditure for the year ended on that date.

Mrs J Harron Perfect Accountancy Services Limited Westwind Management Solutions Limited

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of The Blues and Royals Association Committee held in the Castle Hotel, Windsor on Saturday 26th March 2022 Item 1: Opening of the meeting

Item 3: Accounts

approximately £20k.

The Chairman opened the meeting at 1800 hrs with approximately 60 members in attendance.

With the sad passing of Mike Harding, The Hon Sec has been standing in until the end of this financial year. Les Kibble is due to take over as the Honorary Treasurer which will be voted on in Item 5. Les Kibble on behalf of the Association thanked Mike Harding for all his efforts to the Association and wanted it noted that he will not be forgotten and always fondly remembered.

The Hon Sec mentioned a particular sad case, where a 62-year-old HCav Veteran was living in his car in the Great Park.

He came back to the area as he had served here. I went to find him, he was very low, after a while I convinced him to go into a local hotel, which was a struggle to find as he had his dog with him. Pete Storer also assisted by talking to him at the hotel as he knew him from his serving days together. The Association/OMF paid for seven days accommodation, we then managed to get in touch with Scottish Residence Charity who housed him and his dog, but sadly in order for this to happen he had to become homeless and back in his car for a few days before he travelled back to Scotland with his dog and now living in a flat and on Universal Credit and doing much better. Windsor

The Chairman welcomed all in attendance, it’s been three years in the making, but we got there in the end!!! There were 250 tickets sold for this year’s event, but sadly due to Covid some members have had to pull out last minute.

Item 2: Confirmation of Minutes from last meeting Last year’s AGM minutes were printed in the Household Cavalry Journal, delivered to you all in May 2021. No points were raised by the members.

Proposed by Mr Pete Storer.

Seconded by Mr Paul Young.

The Hon Sec read out a statement of the accounts, and provided a copy of the accounts to all in attendance.

No points raised or observations.

Item 4: Cases for Assistance This year the committee have handled approximately 30 cases with a spend of

News from the Associations ■ 101

Homeless Charity also assisted with this Veteran and it shows good link up with other organisations working together are pretty powerful as a group, to manage settling our Veterans and giving them a new purpose to life and the feeling someone cares.

Mental Health signposts and a course ran by Jim Evans, very useful.

Item 5: Changes to Committee The committee has had to change, as per our Constitution. These changes must be ratified on the AGM. 1: Maj (Retd) Alex Owen 2: Herman Ah Sham 3: Chris Eulart Herman will join as a Fijian and to represent the Commonwealth.

Proposed: Colonel Paddy Williams MC Second: Mr Paul Young Item 6: Membership Cards Within the next few weeks HHQ will be issuing membership cards to all current members of the Association. The membership cards have contact details

for HHQ and useful military contacts should one of you require assistance in the future from another Military Charity.

The card can also speed up Welfare requests and the SSAFA Caseworker can contact HHQ rather than applying to APC Glasgow for proof of Service.

Item 7: The Combined Cavalry Parade 8th May The Chairman mentioned he hopes to see as many Blues and Royals as possible attending this year’s Parade. As in the past, HHQ will have a coach leaving Combermere Barracks at 0900hrs and will arrange parking for anyone wishing to use the facility. More information will be published in due course.

Plenty of parking available, please give details of vehicles to HHQ should you wish to park.

Item 9: Hyde Park Bombing 40th Anniversary 20th June With this being an anniversary year, the families, HHQ, Silver Stick, Brigadier Parker-Bowles and others will be present to mark this sad occasion. The Memorial Guard run by Steve Sullivan is organising a small March from Hyde Park to the Memorial. If you would like more information please contact HHQ. Item 10: Any Other Business Joe Woodgate was also killed on this day in 2010, so will be raising a glass to him during the dinner.

Item 8: Bulford Open Day 2nd April

Item 11: Arrangements for next AGM

Maj Danny Robson thanked Chris and Jodie for putting the word out as 230 Association Members and their families are attending. Gates open at 1030hrs and closes at 1630hrs, family fun day and something for everyone. Red Devils will be doing a display, lots going on.

Mess bar will also be open. No regimental band.

Saturday 25th March 2023, next Annual Association Dinner, Castle Hotel, Windsor.

Close of Meeting The meeting was closed at 1815hrs.

The Blues and Royals Association Regional Representatives 2022 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 Essex Mr T J Young 01702 351228 timkim.young@btinternet.com Hampshire Mr G Demmellweek-Pooley 07920 131093 Tomdp3546@icloud.com Kent Mr A Gaddes 07842 624724 alexander.gaddes453@mod.gov.uk Mr N G Sargeant 01732 355259 nevsargeant@gmail.com Mr E Lane 07827 328760 ericllane@icloud.com

102 ■ News from the Associations

Middlesex Mr M Perry 07753 603080 2444mp@gmail.co.uk South London/Surrey Mr J Dickens 07715 539141 Johnny.dickens@btinternet.com Surrey Mr N C Lewis-Baker 01372 456025 ma2da@hotmail.co.uk West Sussex Mr M Bray 07738 565830 mathewbray@yahoo.com South West Cornwall Mr B H Coode 01726 882488 bhcoode@btconnect.com

Mr A Baldwin 07792 581344 alangbaldwin@yahoo.co.uk Dorset Mr C Jones 01202 512416 Carl.deb@hotmail.co.uk East Anglia Norfolk Mr S McCormack 07738 939051 spencermccormack@hotmail.co.uk Mr A Featherstone 07876 401021 Andrfeath@aol.com Suffolk Mr A Davies 07741 310459 andy635@me.com

Mr G Kingham 07766 001919 Big_gray@hotmail.com Midlands East Midlands Mr S Davies 07791 585144 studava42@mail.com Hertfordshire Mr C Seddon 07846 662352 cjseds1@yahoo.co.uk Leicestershire Mr C Payne 07782 341089 sales@ce-consumables.co.uk West Midlands / Staffs Mr I M Smith 07525 128475 Ian.imsmith@yahoo.co.uk West Midlands / Walsall Mr B J Pyke 01922 639562 bjpyk@aol.com Northamptonshire Mr T Uglow 07775 639876 tomuglow78@gmail.com North West Liverpool Mr K Hancock 07809 573956 kevinhancock2010@gmail.com Mr R Spakman 07936 678383 robbiespackman5@gmail.com

Sheffield Mr P Harding 07875 620685 paul_harding@btinternet.com

Eastern USA Mr Rixon 001 781 237 6970 crixon@verizon.net

Yorkshire Mr A Mardon 07824 468843 limerick123@aol.com

AUSTRALIA Mr T Dyson tonydyson2439@msn.com

SCOTLAND Renfrewshire Mr S Newman 07983 533436 stephennewman@hotmail.com Dumfries & Galloway Mr I Munro 07724 207321 ianmunro443@hotmail.com Highland Mr B Oakley 0138 1620968 brianoakley44@gmail.com WALES Merthyr Tydfil Mr N Hardwidge 01685 841335 07845 539180 rafafan@aol.com Nigel.hardwidge@ssafa365.org.uk NORTHERN IRELAND Mr P Young 07710 613033 dpaulyoung@hotmail.com IRELAND Mr P Hopkins 086 3477315 Paulhopkins777@gmail.com

North East

OVERSEAS

Newcastle Mr D Horsefield 01912 665440 davidhorsefield52@gmail.com

AMERICAS

Rockingham Mr P Smith 07897 656825 p.smith@rockinghamcaslte.com

Canada / Nova Scotia Mr Bruce Snell 1-902-3080713 brucesnell@live.com

EUROPE Cyprus Mr Duffy 00357 963 92341 dufftech@live.co.uk Cyprus (Turkish Part) Mr Seager +905338823935. clive.seager@gmail.com Germany Mr M Binks 05231 5614909 01726 041459 mike.binks@web.de 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 THAILAND Mr D Rushforth Raggytash3302@gmail.com TANZANIA/KENYA Mr J Corse +255 753 353 760 jamcorse@gmail.com MAURITIUS Mr H Sutherland harry.sutherland@me.com

Central USA Mr P Scott 262 852 5205 scottphilip@att.net

News from the Associations ■ 103

Household Cavalry Foundation

by Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Giles Stibbe OBE

The Household Cavalry Foundation (The HCF) is the Household Cavalry’s official charity.

“The HCF supports all members of the Household Cavalry ‘family’; our operational casualties, serving soldiers, veterans and their dependants.

The HCF also supports our heritage and the welfare of our retired horses.” www.hcavfoundation.org Charity Commission Registration Number 1151869.

Company Number 08236363 Finance Headline More than ever, since The HCF was founded a decade ago, Fundraised Income proved mission critical in 2022. So The Trustees’ focus – Donors and selected Events – is vital.

The Trustees are also extremely grateful to those who remember The HCF by legacies in their Wills.

This report’s key message is: Fundraising for The HCF is Top Priority for HCav Journal readers – Serving and Veteran – and, as incentive, the process is genuinely user-friendly for All Ranks: •

Entry fees and kit are subsidised, and turn-out is guaranteed to be both smart and robust in the best HCav tradition, as exemplified by HCR’s “Race to The Stones” along The Ridgeway last July.

This is because ex-HCavman Matt Pellett’s Troop Logos has all relevant badges, colours and insignias.

Matt is congratulated on gaining hard-won and rare MoD approval for his kit and thanked for giving discounts to HCav personnel and donations to HCav charities.

•

Serving soldiers are asked to apply to The HCF via their Chain-ofCommand.

Belize 2022. A Sqn HCR with Lenny Wragg (DHCF’s tank driver on Operation GRANBY 1991)

•

Veterans either directly or via the Home HQ of their Regimental Associations.

Investments. Overall the doublewhammy on global stockmarkets of post-pandemic recovery ambushed by the fall-out from Russia’s attack on Ukraine was exacerbated in the UK by Trussonomics’ own goal. The results’ headline for HCav’s charities’ investment values in The HCF’s portfolios is a decline by £611,869.00 (c.8.5%) from December 2021 (£7,227,664.00) to September 2022 (£6,615,795.00).

A mandatory Periodic Review of Fund Managers by The HCF’s Trustees during 2020 resulted in an amount equal to the LG Association’s stake in Waverton’s charity fund being transferred to the same fund, and the balance to Cazenove’s Charity multi-asset Fund.

Then, at their Annual General Meeting on 2nd December 2021, The HCF Trustees revised their portfolio’s

HCF Clay-Pigeon Team June 2022 Left to Right: Cowen, Fraser, Janie Grosvenor (mascot!), Rampton, Wordsworth

104 ■ News from the Associations

percentage split to 60% Cazenove, 40% Waverton.

This was seen as a risk-reducing measure as all HCav charity funds are now split 50-50 between Cazenove and Waverton with one exception: The LG Association is only invested in Waverton.

-Stakes held in both funds remain proportionate to original and subsequent investments.

Current context. 31st December 2022’s expert verdict was: “… London’s bluechip index eked out a 0.9% gain over 2022. It made the FTSE 100 the only major global market to deliver investors positive total returns when also including dividends …”

Readers are reminded that Restricted Funds can only be used for purposes that their Trustees sanction.

The seven Restricted Funds in The HCF’s Investment Portfolios of eight stakeholders are: Operational Casualties,

Roast Beef lunch 2022 Gold and Silver Sticks flank their Bronze equivalent

Race to The Stones along The Ridgeway.

July 2022 (LCpl Macauley)

Harry Boyt with Paul Minter on Paul’s round Britain Head Up run at Southwold

our Operational Casualties, Veterans, Serving Soldiers, Dependants, Heritage, Horses and this Journal.

Operational Casualties’ and Children’s Funds are The HCF’s specific responsibilities.

So, The HCF is the eighth and only Unrestricted Fund in our Investment Portfolio.

This is confirmed by our annual Report and Accounts that are filed at both the Charity Commission and Companies’ House.

Please note, although the LG Association remains outside the overall HCF investment portfolio, it is included in all relevant welfare case considerations.

Best Practice due diligence. Annual reviews ensure our audit, banking and insurance costs remain competitive.

Trustees are grateful for our HCav family’s collective expertise supporting these initiatives.

Educational support continues to eligible Serving Soldiers and Veterans, and their Dependants adding to Personal Learning Credits for Serving Soldiers and educational sponsorship for Veterans.

HCav’s global Support links via postcode-based volunteers to Regimental Welfare Officers and Home HQ HCav continue to prove genuinely viable as described in the Household Cavalry Welfare Guide.

Legal: Stone King. Audit: Buzzacott.

Monthly Management Accountant: Carol Harmsworth.

All retail activities remain coordinated by our Household Cavalry Museum’s shop.

The camaraderie and feedback exemplified by our successful Regional Dinners is also extremely helpful.

Gift Aid is applied whenever possible.

The only exceptions are some specific uniform items supplied via Quartermasters, and cards and diaries from our Regimental Associations.

One important result is emergency cases are resolved fast.

The Blues and Royals’ Association, The Oliver Montagu Fund, HCR, HCMR, our Children’s Fund and the Serving Officers’ Trust.

The majority of The Day’s Pay Scheme (paid voluntarily by serving officers and soldiers) is given to both Regimental Associations.

Financial support was maintained to

Welfare The HCF and the LG and RHG/D Associations all pay similar annual amounts on welfare. The

Corie Mapp, front left, UK sitting volleyball team 2022

The Household Cavalry Welfare Guide (two pages with a flow chart) is for our global Household Cavalry “Family” of about 10,000 All Ranks: 1000 Serving Soldiers and 9000 Veterans, and their

Corie Mapp’s trophies, medals, prizes and Biography on display in our Museum at Horse Guards

News from the Associations ■ 105

Rick Wakeman with Director of Music Paul Collis-Smith Guards’ Chapel, 20th October 2022

Rick Wakeman rehearses with the Band in The Guards’ Chapel

Dependants.

enjoyed successful years:

Another bonus is Household Cavalrymen working in the Ministry of Defence’s Recovery Capability (DRC)’s nationwide network of Personnel Recovery Centres (PRC) that are funded by key partners: The Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes.

There serving and veteran wounded, injured and long-term sick (WIS) service personnel mentor each other and boost mutual morale as they face the challenges posed by the transition from military to civilian life. For example, charitable initiatives such as Paul Minter’s Head Up. Paul is congratulated on his fantastic nationwide coastal marathon achievement.

Corie Mapp ended the 2021-2 parabobsleigh season ranked 3rd in the World, and he was selected to join a re-established Sitting Volleyball Team GB to train for and compete in the next Paralympics in 2024. To date, the team has competed in the European ‘B’ Championships in which it was placed 4th.

Two payments from our Children’s Fund were made during this reporting period to recipients who have lost their fathers during operation deployments since 2003.

Our two Operational Casualties who are Ascot War Horse Memorial Scholars

Clifford O’Farrell won silver medals in the men’s 50m freestyle swim and waterpolo Veterans’ Games and met Minister for Defence People and Veterans, Leo Doherty ex-Scots Guards. Polo victories have raised over £1M for charity over 12 years. Clifford has also returned to Combermere Barracks as a Life Guard Army Cadet Force Instructor.

Our two key Welfare priorities remain: •

To prepare for the gradual emergence of latent Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Research

by

Clifford O’Farrell at the Veterans’ Games 2022

106 ■ News from the Associations

King’s

College,

London University claims 88/1,000 (9%) deployed will suffer future PTSD. •

To ensure the continual quality of prosthetics for our Wounded, Injured and Sick (WIS).

“Walk + Talk” This fantastic initiative

by Captain (ret’d) Robin Bourne-Taylor CGC, LG started splendidly this year and has a user-friendly Military App. “Walk + Talk” has obvious links to more robust adventurous training that is exemplified by: The Guards Mountaineering and Climbing Club for both Serving and Veteran soldiers. This was founded

by Household Cavalryman Alistair Galloway and is currently led by Rob Gibbs and Wayne Diffin.

Continuing annual HCF help is matched by support from the Foot Guards and HQ Household Division.

James Bl(o)unt portrait Horse Guards, June 2022

Falklands War Panhard trophy 40 years on by HCav’s jackboot fence

HCav Falklands War Scimitar beside the HCav jackboot fence

Colonel The Blues and Royals reminiscing about her victory on Doublet

Serving Soldiers Both our Regiments and our Band again received annual funding on a per capita basis to enhance their soldiers and dependants’ Quality of Life. Positive results aid recruiting and retention. These payments are now made in full at the start of each financial year, and quarterly audit returns are made based using MoD accounting practice. Our Band is also eligible for Royal Corps of Army Music support, and they played two Through Music We Care concerts for The HCF that proved the top quality of the British Army’s senior and largest State Band with its unique ceremonial role:

This recording was made in St George’s Chapel, Windsor outside which The Band paraded before The late Queen’s Christmas broadcast in 2020.

This year commemorated Gold Stick The Blues and Royals’ victory there with Doublet, and featured a HCav Jackboot as a cross-country fence carved by Joe Weller. This was deftly sited near a bar and was flanked by our restored Scimitar and Panhard to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands’ War.

•

22nd October 2022: a repeat of 2017 in The Guards’ Chapel with Rick Wakeman, the famous keyboard player both as a member of “Yes” and as a solo artist, who has since asked to join them for a third gig.

The London-based Orion Youth Orchestra, who are useful for recruiting, again accompanied our Band.

•

2nd February 2023: a gala evening at the Leonardo Royal Hotel near St Paul’s in The City featuring their versatility. This is now immortalised in their new recording to celebrate Her Late Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year.

Special thanks are due to impresario Brian Smith who publishes this Journal and The Guards’ Magazine, and James Blount’s support has, as ever, been fantastic with prize-access at his concerts and specially generous donations from biopics and the Royal Albert Hall musical icons’ gallery.

HCav also provided our Band and staircase and arena parties, and judged Pony Club turnout competitions. Special thanks to CoH Harry Day LG who not only ensured both vehicles were in “showroom condition” but also arranged their transport; he has since visited my Op Granby tank driver, CoH Lenny Wragg, in Belize.

Other fundraising events during 2022 and 2023 included: •

•

•

St George’s Day Roast Beef lunch at Hurlingham was a spectacular swansong for Major Tom Mountain. Shared with The Queen’s Royal Hussars thanks to an introduction by Silver Stick, this amazing lunch was our most successful event to date.

A Guards’ Polo Club All Rank’ midsummer clay pigeon shoot featured Serving and Veteran teams with the latter as living proof that experience is an advantage!

The HCF as Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials’ charity thanks to former LG Captain William Oswald.

Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials.

Best of Both Worlds Operational and Ceremonial

•

Dinner in September at Buck’s Club organised by Colonel Sacha Tomes’s son, Harvey; as many readers will know, this Club was founded in 1919 by RHG officer Buckmaster.

Key to the success of all these events are HCavmen and their relations and friends who extremely kindly volunteer to help The HCF. For example, our Red Devil CoH Jake McClure LG at Burghley. Special thanks are also due to HCav’s Recruiting Team, WO2 Stafford

HCav jackboot fence created by Joe Weller

News from the Associations ■ 107

and LCoH Luetchford, who again supported The HCF at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, HCMR Open Day and Burghley.

Please note events are selected because this is less risky than organising events, which pre-2016, while sometimes popular, never guaranteed income. Then - pre-2016 - events also often unacceptably increased the workload of already busy HCav soldiers.

Individual fundraising has also continued relentlessly despite the pandemic’s challenges. For example, CoH Joe Butler RHG/D from HCMR Saddlers’ Shop ran 2022’s London Marathon for The HCF; and others, such as Major Harry Boyt LG, joined Paul Minter when he ran along their local coastline.

For the past two National Hunt racing seasons Troopers have been supported with jockey kit.

Heritage 2022 marked the 40th anniversary of the tragic Hyde Park Bombing. Its memorial and other Household Cavalry monuments are maintained by The HCF and both Regimental Associations.

The generosity of the Grosvenor family’s Westminster Foundation makes a significant contribution to the conservation of our Zandwoorde monument.

“Best of both Worlds: Operational and Ceremonial” a photographic project by globally iconic Ripley nears completion; a share of the sales from these photographs will be given to The HCF.

Ministry of Defence.

Neat pre-Christmas timing saw the republication by Pen & Sword of The Household Cavalry At War. The Story of The Second Household Cavalry Regiment in World War 2 by Roden Orde. This project was entirely funded by the generosity of serving and retired Household Cavalrymen. A linked Battlefield Tour map-pack is also being prepared.

A “Horse Sense” (Monty Roberts’ horse-whispering) course for operational casualties may take place later this year at our Mounted Training Wing in Windsor. Key links remain with the Defence Animal Centre, World Horse Welfare, the Stirling Trust, the Horse Trust and Raystede Horse Sanctuary.

The Serving Officers’ Trust (part of The HCF since 2016) has begun to rationalise and preserve its pictures, silver and albums, and is grateful for significant support from retired officers and their families. For example, the new Daresbury Albums that are the gift of the Dawnay, Greenall, Grosvenor, Innes-Ker and Naylor-Leyland families and this Trust.

Governance There have been two changes to The HCF’s five Trustees:

The HCF has offered similar property conservation support to both WOs and NCOs’ Messes.

This Trust bought a painting of the most recent Birthday Parade at Windsor Castle by Rob Pointon who was our Museum’s Artist-in-Residence 20202022.

The HCF has one of five annual £5000 payments to make to The Guards’ Chapel Organ Restoration Fund. These annual payments match those paid by all the five Foot Guard regiments. Equal repayments to regiments will be made if this Restoration Fund exceeds its target.

A.

Chair The new Silver Stick, Colonel Mark Berry, succeeded Colonel Crispin Lockhart in July 2022.

B.

Captain John Dove succeeded Colonel James Gaselee in February 2022.

C.

Deputy Chair Lt Colonel Jim Eyre who chairs the RHG/D Association and the Oliver Montagu Fund.

D.

Lady Jane Grosvenor who is mother, wife and descendant of Household Cavalrymen.

E.

Finance Goodchild.

The HCF’s staff remains me full-time, and Mary Edwards our weekly Finance Administrator.

Proud to support The Household Cavalry Foundation

Issued by Cazenove Capital which is a trading name of Schroder & Co. Limited. Registered office at 1 London Wall Place, London EC2Y 5AU. Registered number 2280926 England. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. For your security, communications may be recorded and monitored. C22037.

108 ■ News from the Associations

Edward

The Secretary is our Regimental Adjutant Lt Colonel Ralph Griffin.

Horses This year’s fund was given to HCMR for kit not provided by the

C22037_advert_proud to support_HCF_84x60L.indd 1

Captain

06/04/2022 11:38:55

The Household Cavalry Foundation Accounts Financial Year 2021-2022 Income and Expenditure Income from: Donations and legacies Investments and interest receivable Total income

Unrestricted Funds 2022 £ 203,163 82,455

Restricted Funds 2022 £ 70,989 76,545

Total Funds 2022 £ 274,152 159,000

Unrestricted Funds 2021 £ 167,096 37,630

Restricted Funds 2021 £ 103,237 35,014

Total Funds 2021 £ 270,333 72,644

285,618

147,534

433,152

204,726

138,251

342,977

Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities . Assisting service personnel and dependants

74,541

9,882

84,423

52,542

12,654

65,196

281,995

72,696

354,691

196,809

46,161

242,970

Total expenditure

356,536

82,578

439,114

249,351

58,815

308,166

Net (expenditure) income before investment gains

(70,918)

64,956

(5,962)

(44,625)

79,436

34,811

Net gains on investments

100,209

90,606

190,815

315,461

294,374

609,835

Net income for the year

29,291

155,562

184,853

270,836

373,810

644,646

Transfers between funds

(2,000)

2,000

—

(3,000)

3,000

—

Net movement in funds

27,291

157,562

184,853

267,836

376,810

644,646

Fund balances at 1st April

2,085,271

2,164,661

4,249,932

1,817,435

1,787,851

3,605,286

Fund balances at 31st March

2,112,562

2,322,223

4,434,785

2,085,271

2,164,661

4,249,932

The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than those shown above.

All the above results were derived from continuing operations.

Fixed assets Investments Current assets Debtors Cash at bank and in hand Liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Net current liabilities Total assets less current liabilities Total net assets Represented by: The funds of the charity: Restricted funds Unrestricted funds - General funds - Designated funds

2022 £

2021 £

7,060,899

6,726,893

54,883 467,223

60,488 410,964

522,106

471,452

(3,148,220)

(2,943,413)

(2,626,114)

(2,471,961)

4,434,785

4,254,932

4,434,785

4,249,932

2,322,223

2,164,661

1,965,271 120,000

1,965,271 120,000

4,434,785

4,249,932

Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by: Financial Trustee Edward Goodchild on 18th November 2022.

News from the Associations ■ 109

Household Cavalry Museum

by Alice Pearson, Museum Director

A

midst London’s own personalised form of long-term Covid, with the continued preference for out-of-town living, working, and playing negatively impacting the city’s daily bread of commuter and visitor income, the Museum has battled onward and faced each new challenge head on. Making the most of all opportunities that come our way, we have been working harder than ever and like many, ‘doing more with less’ is our constant mantra. There is light at the end of the long tunnel of pandemic, cost-of-living crisis, and international unrest, but we continue to need your support as never before to help us get through these still dark times.

First and foremost, the Trusted Guardians of the Regiment’s history and heritage, we also add value to this vital work with a huge variety of Campaigns, partnerships, and projects. In 2022 alone we worked on an oral history project, a film documentary, and launched our online Regimental Historian lectures.

We partnered with other heritage groups to add depth to our collection, worked with tourism companies to find new audience members, and have made the most of the Museum outside of opening hours to deliver double the targeted income for private tours and commercial events. We’ve even surpassed 100k views on our relatively new YouTube channel (thank you, General Barny White-Spunner).

There are a variety of ways you can support the Museum and Archive even beyond word of mouth and sharing our online posts. Visiting, making shop purchases, and booking events hugely helps. You could donate or loan a unique Regimental artefact to the collection, offer your professional services, or introduce us to useful people in your

True Love

network. How ever you can help, we’re grateful for your support and look forward to welcoming you back to your museum sometime soon.

London Museum, 2022 A year in review Our sell out Half Term Families Days in February and October were real highlights of the year after the quiet times of Covid. Smashing our self-imposed targets in all areas of attendance, income, and online outreach, we owe members of the Engagement, Saddler, Tailor, Vet, and Farrier teams a huge debt of thanks for working their socks off both days and to the excellent media team who shared our event videos with the whole world online. These videos are still available on the HCR Facebook

Open Day. February 2022

110 ■ News from the Associations

page- please do view, like and share them, adding to the 15k+ engagements already accomplished.

In March we launched our The Evolution of Medicine through Warfare Campaign with an incredible talk on 200 Years of Battlefield Surgery at the Old Operating Theatre and Herb Garret in partnership with The Veterans Covenant Healthcare Alliance. The evening, expertly led by Professor Tim Briggs CBE, the National Clinical Director of NHS Improvements and national lead for the VCHA, provided a fascinating insight into the history and modernity of military medicine delivered by those on the medical front line. This Campaign was our first, but will by no means be our last, foray into blended projects- with both on-site and online elements to the exhibition. The

and sometimes astonishing stories behind each and every one of our objects and we were thrilled to hear new accounts first hand from our generous veterans. You can listen to some of the interviews on the Falklands section of our website’s ‘What’s On’ page. online exhibition (staring the one and only Surgeon Lieutenant Colonel Jedge Lewin) can be found on The Evolution of Medicine through Warfare Campaign section of our website’s ‘What’s On’ page.

We are incredibly grateful to all those who took part in and supported our Falklands at 40 project where for the first time as a Museum and Archive we captured the voices of those who served in the Falklands and borrowed some personal items to put on display at Horse Guards. Out thanks most especially go to Robin Innes Ker, Mark Coreth, and Dave Voyce for their involvement in the project. Working with many artefacts from the Regiment’s rich history one can occasionally forget the impact

In June, we celebrated the Jubilee with some wonderful artwork from Museum visitors, thanking the then Queen for her 70 years of service. The Jubilee was a highlight of the year for the nation, and we used the platform to kick off our new Household Cavalry Lecture Series starting with O’ Jubilee, a look back at Jubilees from the past. This fantastic series, available monthly on Zoom, is written and presented by Christopher Joll our stalwart Regimental Historian. These lectures are free to all serving and veteran Household Cavalry, but please do help spread the word as the proceeds from any external ticket sales go towards the upkeep of the Museum. Upcoming lectures can be purchased from our online shop, and the full back catalogue of talks will be available on request once the live

series has finished.

Sadly, late July saw the 40th year since the tragic events at Hyde Park in 1982 and we were privileged to be able to support Thread Films’ unique CrowdFunded documentary to commemorate the anniversary. Director Mauricio Gris, an award-winning film director and former Household Cavalryman has beautifully captured the voices of the men who were there and explores the longterm impact of that fateful day. If you would like to take part in a screening of the documentary, please keep an eye out for an onsite viewing in the Museum and hopefully an online opportunity too.

We met our traditionally busier summer months head on by hiring new temporary team members for the season and reopening seven-days a week from July to September. This carefully managed approach worked well and with the help of the QM’s team even turned our Stables Gallery into a play-paradise for the summer with extra dress up, a new Jubilee-inspired arts and crafts area, and a new 10ft camo-tent of dreams.

This family focus helped our children’s t-shirts fly off the shelves and our summer ‘lucky dip’ camo goodie bags were a big hit.

In September we joined the nation,

Artists in Residence Day 2022

News from the Associations ■ 111

the Commonwealth, and the world in mourning the loss of Queen Elizabeth II and collected some beautiful tributes from the public. Reopening our doors after a respectful closure period we have since loved receiving messages in our comments book and continue to collect pictures drawn by visiting children. We were incredibly proud to be part of The Princess Royal’s first day back at work following the Royal Family’s mourning period. The British Horse Society’s 75th anniversary celebration and awards ceremony worked beautifully at the Museum, and that Dickie Waygood was amongst the award recipients, was a happy bonus.

On Tuesday 11th October we were thrilled to help Rob host our first Artist in Residence Day at the Museum, with 14 artists taking part in a live painting session at Horse Guards ahead of a sellout show the same evening at Panter and Hall. His hugely popular 2023 calendar reproduced 12 pictures from the collection, but the Horse Guards Building is now lucky enough to be housing at a key piece that the Household Cavalry Foundation has invested in: Trooping the Colour 2021 from Victoria Vestibule, Windsor Castle. Rob has kindly agreed to return to capture key ceremonial events in honouring King Charles III and will continue his relationship with the Regiment in 2023, so watch this space

for even more wonderful art.

online

Over the winter months we relied on commercial events to keep up with our income targets. We worked our socks off, earning half the year’s commercial events income target in 2 weeks, and doubling the financial year’s events business target by the end of the calendar year. Though we’re raising our expectations for next year, we’re not taking our foot off the pedal on this one!

You can also: Join our mailing list so we can keep you up to date on everything that is going on. You can find the email address submission box at the bottom of every page of our website.

Add to your library with recommendations from our Bookshop UK bookshelves (uk.bookshop.org/shop/ hcavmuseum) Choose us as your preferred charity when you use Amazon Smile (smile. amazon.co.uk charity: The Household Cavalry Museum Trust Limited).

Share our posts and news with your friends, family and working networks via our social media platforms.

Looking forward to 2023 Looking ahead to 2023, there are positive signs that from Easter onwards we will see a lift in the number of visitors to London taking us into our traditionally busy summer period. Keep an eye on us for more Campaigns including a reflection on the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, a partnership with the Bow Street Police Museum, and more of our ever-popular Open Days.

Please remember that there are so many ways you can support the Museum: Visit us onsite at Horse Guards or Windsor (by appointment) as well as online.

Book a Tour for your group or a Director’s Tour for a special occasion.

Hire our venue for your next celebratory event.

Shop at our own shops both onsite and

Additional useful links to sites and platforms: Museum website: householdcavalry. co.uk/museum/ Online exhibitions and information on Open Days: householdcavalry.co.uk/ museum/whats-on/ Instagram, Facebook and YouTube: householdcavalrymuseum Twitter and LinkedIn: HCavMuseum Looking forward to seeing you at Horse Guards, in Windsor, or online in the near future.

Household Cavalry Museum Archive

by Mr Ted Heath, Museum Curator

I

took over the Curators role in the first week of January 2022, with the alarm sounding and water coming through a hole in the roof. It could only get better!

2022 marks some very significant milestones, the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands War and the Hyde Park Bombing. Both have displays in the museum which the archive has supported.

Riding School recruit history has started again with each new ride coming to the archive for regimental history. They are given all the information they need to continue and pass out through the various ride stages. They also watched the Hyde Park Bombing documentary released this year.

Most significantly for the Museum was the re submission (Covid scuppered the first application) of The Arts Council Museum Accreditation application.

Save ticking a few boxes and changing dates, I can take no credit for this

112 ■ News from the Associations

Archivist Hannah Kearns briefs the troops at St George’s Chapel, Ypres

Recruits watch Hyde Park Bombing documentary

successful application received late in the year, with full credit going to Director Alice Pearson and my predecessor Pete Storer, some 400 hours of work.

The Accreditation gives ‘us’ clear guidelines for what we can and cannot do and most importantly the ability to apply for grants for future purchases.

This has enabled us to purchase a oneoff item, the Memorial Plaque to the regiments sole Victoria Cross awardee, 1st Royal Dragoon 2Lt John Spencer Dunville who died of wounds the day after the action on 26th June 1917. The ‘VC’ medal itself has been in the collection for many years and is on permanent display in the museum.

A few items gifted to the collection in the last year: • 2LG Officers state helmet, cuirasses and sword all from Capt Francis Pemberton killed 19th October 1914.

These items have been in the family attic since and are in remarkable condition.

• A Victorian 2LG Officers Shabraque and carry case to The Honourable Captain Malcom Bowes-Lyon.

Malcolm was Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mothers brother, our late Queens Uncle. This was gifted to the museum the day before The Queen passed away.

• A silver plaque engraved (summarising): ‘Bob, Royal Horse Guards, joined service Southampton Nov 1900, was present with the Squadron

Bob the Dog silver plaque discovered on Mt Snowden

throughout the years engagements (listed). Died Windsor July 1913.

Presented to the regiment by Lt Col Gordon Chesney Wilson’. The significance of this last gift takes a little explaining.

Bob was a 14-month-old mongrel who befriended the RHG Sqn at Southampton as they boarded Troop Ships bound for the Boar War in South Africa. Bob was sent ashore twice but refused to remain and was allowed to sail with his Sqn. He was present at six engagements during the year and was taken POW twice, escaping to return to the Sqn. It’s clear the men thought an awful lot of Bob, an oil painting was later commissioned of him and a silver name engraved dog collar was purchased by the men with his medal ribbons displayed on it. In 1913 whilst on ‘perimeter patrol’ from Knightsbridge Bks, Bob was hit by a car which, necessitated an operation.

During his convalescents at Cavalry Bks (now Combermere) Windsor his health deteriorated, and he died shortly after. Bob was stuffed and placed in a glass display case, but we knew nothing more until now. It appears clear from the plaque; Commanding Officer Wilson presented the stuffed Bob in case to the regiment in 1913. The final piece of the story is that at some stage Bob, in the display case, was taken from Windsor to his final resting place where the plaque was found by the donator, a metal detectorist, in his back garden.

Quite bizarrely the donator lives at and runs the café on Mount Snowden in

Wales! I guess we will never quite know why Bob was taken to a Welsh mountain and buried, but quite a story none the less. Lt Col Wilson was killed on 6th November 1914 repelling a German breakthrough at Zillebeke, not far from the WW1 Household Cavalry Memorial at Zandvoorde.

In October, serving soldiers from HCMR and Association Veterans made the annual pilgrimage to Ypres to pay respects to the fallen at the Zandvoorde memorial. I believe the trip is being written about in a separate journal article but it would be remiss of me not to thank Major Brian Rogers for the battle field guiding and Museum Archivist Hannah Kearns for her knowledge and talk at St George’s Chapel.

I must mention the real workforce behind the archive, our volunteers. Ivor Slade, Trevor Pears, Tony Webb, Monica O’Donaghue, Josh McKee, Jonathan and Leslie Holl, Bev Lawson, Jim Lees, Mark Wight and last but not least, Pete and Sue Storer who are just starting back.

Please get in contact if you too would like to be part of the team.

Final word: On the Hyde Park Bombing film, the question posed at the end; ‘Do those soldiers who go on guard today and do an eyes left, eyes right at the memorial; has this become just an action or do they realise what happened?’. The answer to this is they do. Very thought provoking. Ted

News from the Associations ■ 113

Obituaries The Life Guards It is with much regret that the Honorary Secretary announces the death of the following old comrades. The following were reported to The Life Guards Association between 1st January 2022 and 31st December 2022.

The Life Guards Association offers their sincere condolences to all members of their families.

May they Rest in Peace.

23679120 CoH J R Collier LG Served from May 1960 to March 1979 Died 5th April 2021, aged 78

22885455 Tpr D I G Hillerby LG Served from June 1953 to June 1955 Died 20th March 2022, aged 87

Lieutenant J Spicer LG Served from October 1952 to September 1954 Died 16th April 2019, aged 88

22556511 WO2 W M K Juleff LG Served from September 1953 to September 1989 Died 20th March 2022, aged 86

22556296 Tpr J D Rogers LG Served from March 1953 to April 1956 Died 28th September 2020, aged 87

22954465 CoH Perry LG Dates served unknown.

Died 1st April 2022, aged 87

24499646 Tpr S Devonport LG Served from May 1980 to February 1988 Died 27th May 2022, aged 58

22464588 Tpr D Andrews LG Served from March 1951 to March 1953 Died 21st November 2020, aged 89

23215808 LCpl G H Drudge LG Served from August 1958 to September 1964 Died 13th April 2022, aged 83

24125863 LCoH G A Vince LG Served from November 1969 to November 1983 Died 28th May 2022, aged 69

500629 Capt D Bentley LG Served from September 1952 to August 1983 Died 14th April 2022, aged 88

24236380 Tpr F E Hughes LG Served from September 1971 to January 1977 Died 31st May 2022, aged 66

24164674 Musn F J Campbell LG Served from February 1971 to September 1976 Died 17th April, aged 67

23301242 Tpr J C Pollard LG Served from April 1956 to April 1958 Died June 2022, aged 84

23568930 LCpl A Windsor LG Served from June 1958 to June 1960 Died 17th September 2021, aged 83 19141257 Tpr D Truswell LG Served from March 1947 to March 1949 Died 17th November 2021, aged 93 435705 2Lt R M B Harland LG Served from 25th June 1953 to 24th June 1955 Died 11th December 2021, aged 88 22205912 Tpr R Ward LG Served from April 1952 to March 1957 Died 11th December 2021, aged 88 24393139 Tpr G S Oldfield LG Served from May 1976 to November 1980 Died 31st December 2021, aged 62 376174 Lt J Sainsbury Of Preston Candover LG Served from September 1945 to March 1948 Died 14th January 2022, aged 94 22205113 Tpr T W Arblaster LG Served from June 1948 to June 1952 Died 19th January 2022, aged 91 22556714 Tpr G E J Vickery LG Served from April 1954 to April 1957 Died 07 February 2022, aged 86 24292399 LCoH I F Vince LG Served from September 1973 to September 1989 Died 26th February 2022, aged 64

114 ■ Obituaries

14923354 LCpl E J Croxon LG Served from February 1945 to January 1948 Died 17th April 2022, aged 95 24048329 WO1 A C Etches LG Served from April 1966 to April 1988 Died 18th April 2022, aged 74 23286389 LCpl M A Morris LG Served from 1st February 1956 to 1st February 1958 Died 18th April 2022, aged 84 24239292 LCpl R Egan LG Served from 1972 to 1979 Died 1st May 2022, aged 65 22643254 LCpl J A James LG Served from February 1950 to March 1954 Died 9th May 2022, aged 88 296739 Tpr H Woodhead LG Served from December 1946 to November 1952 Died 17th May 2022, aged 93

32814249 Tpr J A Whittle LG Served from January 1960 to December 1963 Died 21st May 2022, aged 83 24096670 CoH P R Chant BEM LG Served from March 1969 to March 1986 Died 26th May 2022, aged 71

22205241 Cpl D Sayers BEM ISM LG Served from November 1948 to November 1953 Died 01st June 2022, aged 91 373315 Capt M O Watson LG Served from January 1945 to 1948 Died 9th June 2022, aged 95 22630960 CoH A J F Paddy LG Served from March 1952 to March 1959 Died 11th June 2022, aged 88 24491631 LCoH J J Judge LG Served from May 1981 to February 1990 Died 17th June 2022, aged 68 22556537 FSCpl A Brown LG Served from November 1953 to July 1976 Died 7th July 2022, aged 86 25050917 Tpr R Ingham LG Served from March 1996 to August 1999 Died 8th July 2022, aged 43 24220381 Tpr J T McCarthy LG Served from 1971 to 1977 Died 12th July 2022, aged 66

22556817 Tpr D A F Lovell LG Served from September 1954 to September 1957 Died 30th July 2022, aged 86 24048283 CoH C Lea LG Served from February 1966 to January 1989 Died 2nd August 2022, aged 73

23879573 WO R A Daysmith LG Served from August 1962 to August 1985 Died 10th August 2022, aged 79

23001484 Tpr T Audin LG Served from February 1954 to February 1956 Died 23rd August 2022, aged 86

24446282 FCoH J Hayes LG Served from October 1976 to May 1999 Died 1st November 2022, aged 63

423836 Captain G V Holliday LG Served from 1952 to 1957 Died 7th October 2022, aged 93

23215151 Tpr K L McGawley LG Served from November 1955 to November 1958 Died 2nd December 2022, aged 85

505942 Capt N G C Cathcart LG Served from 1978 to 1985 Died 10th October 2022, aged 63

231261 Major A J Mead LG Served from September 1965 to October 2002 Died 6th August 2022, aged 73

22556089 Tpr T Kipps LG Served from September 1952 to September 1955 Died 17th August 2022, aged 87

22462876 Tpr G J Crowcombe LG Served August 1951 to January 1957 Died 13th September 2022, aged 91

22205693 CoH L D Barratt LG Served from April 1951 to 1957 Died 11th October 2022, aged 89 476647 Lt Col Richard Sullivan RTR Served with The Life Guards from November 1983 to January 1985 Died 21st October 2022, aged 78

23726710 Tpr C D Watson LG Served from July 1960 to November 1964 Died 23rd December 2022, aged 79 22205683 Cpl R A Lewis LG Served from April 1951 to April 1963 Died 25th December 2022, aged 89 22082957 P Yelland LG Served from November 1948 to June 1950 Died 28th December 2022, aged 92

464797 Major C N Haworth-Booth LG Served from January 1959 to March 1979 Died 30th October 2022, aged 82

The Adjutant moving the steplining party into position

Obituaries ■ 115

The Blues and Royals 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.

23373749 LCpl B Millard RHG Served from February 1957 to February 1959 Died 6th January 2022, aged 83 23861608 SCpl D Catlin RHG/D Served from March 1961 to June 1995 Died 8th January 2022, 79 23879602 WO1 D McKenna RHG/D Served from September 1962 to September 1986 Died 8th January 2022, aged 78 Unknown Number Lt P Thellusson 1RD Served from October 1953 to March 1957 Died 8th January 2022, aged 86 23929197 SCpl R Timmis RHG/D Served from May 1964 to May 1986 Died 15th January 2022, aged 76 23991935 CoH W Maskell RHG/D Served from May 1964 to October 1977 Died 19th January 2022, aged 75 Mr Stanley Perry RHG Served from 1950 to 1954 Died 24th January 2022 24263288 SCpl W English RHG/D Served from April 1973 to October 1993 Died 3rd February 2022, aged 64 23215494 SCpl R Todd RHG/D Served from May 1957 to May 1979 Died 11th February 2022, aged 84 SCpl C Elliott RHG/D Service dates 1986 to 2008 Died 15th February 2022, 52 23215856 Tpr D A E Minords RHG Served from October 1958 to September 1964 Died 2nd March 2022, aged 83 CoH J Davis RHG/D Served from 1959 to 1978 Died 8th March 2022, aged 77 444158 Capt W Gubbins 1RD Served from January 1955 to December 1958 Died 10th March 2022, aged 85 22205930 Cpl J R Durham RHG Served from April 1952 to April 1955 Died 6th April 2022, aged 88 LCpl N Hawkins RHG/D Served from 2005 to 2019 Died 6th April 2022, aged 34

116 ■ Obituaries

23679170 LCoH M Wood RHG/D Served from August 1960 to May 1974 Died 11th April 2022, aged 82

Tpr F Ryan RHG Served from 1947 to 1949 Died 26th September 2022, aged 93

22527082 Cpl P Sharp RHG Served from August 1951 to January 1957 Died 27th April 2022, aged 89

30347132 Tpr J Burnell-William RHG/D Served from 2022 Died 28th September 2022, aged 18

24076499 Tpr I Gripton RHG/D Served from February 1968 to August 1973 Died 22nd May 2022, aged 75

Lt The Viscount D Marchwood RHG Served from February 1955 to February 1957 Died 3rd October 2022, aged 86

22205539 Mr J Imeson RHG Served from June 1950 to June 1955 Died 5th June 2022, aged 92

23215824 Tpr R Slaughter RHG Served from September 1958 to September 1963 Died 3rd October 2022, aged 83

24710799 LCpl T Turner RHG/D Served from January 1986 to July 1999 Died 13th June 2022, aged 52 22205383 SCpl P Wilson RHG/D Served from June 1949 to October 1973 Died 18th June 1973, aged 89 22556954 SCpl M Hague RHG/D Served from January 1955 to July 1977 Died 18th July 2022, aged 85 362170 Lt D Barham JP DL RHG/D Served from September 1944 to November 1948 Died 19th June 2022, aged 95 468586 Capt C Eddison RHG/D Served from January 1960 to December 1972 Died 25th June 2022, aged 80

22556890 Tpr D A Mobley RHG Served from November 1954 to February 1956 Died 1st October 2022, aged 85 4900985 Lt Colonel R Giles MVO RHG/D Served from November 1949 to May 1986 Died 15th October 2022, aged 91 23969270 LCpl J G Seddon RHG/D Served from 1964 to 1973 Died 18th October 2022, aged 78 Tpr M Nicholson RHG/D Served from 1949 to 1975 Died 22nd October 2022, aged 68 306645 LCpl W H Ramsden RHG Served from November 1944 to July 1948 Died 17th November 2022, aged 96

24213822 LCoH K Beynon RHG/D Served from September 1970 to October 1992 Date of death 15th July, aged 71

23865709 Tpr C Bell RHG Served from January 1960 to January 1969 Died 15th December 2022, aged 80

Tpr L Downes RHG Served from 1942 to 1947 Date of death 17th July 2022 aged 99

21124729 WO2 D J Remfrey RHG/D Served from August 1948 to July 1971 Died 19th December 2022, aged 93

2358455 LCpl K Mott 1RD Served from September 1958 to September 1960 Died 19th August 2022, aged 85

24118487 WO2 D A Chamberlain RHG/D Served from August 1967 to July 1990 Died 22nd December 2022, aged 72

24323447 WO2 (BCM) M Hayward RHG/D Served from September 1974 to July 1998 Died 30th August 2022, aged 64 23215871 WO2 H Burton-Johnson RHG/D Served from October 1958 to October 1980 Died 12th September 2022, aged 83

24656094 Tpr C Williams RHG/D Served from May 1984 to March 1999 Died 30th December 2022, aged 55 474353 Lt G N Van Cutsem RHG Served from July 1963 to January 1969 Died 30th December 2022, aged 78

Major Christopher Haworth-Booth Late The Life Guards

by Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) V A L Goodhew formerly The Life Guards

M

ajor Christopher Haworth-Booth died aged 82 on 30th October 2022. He was commissioned in the Royal Dragoons in 1960 when the regiment was serving in FARELF and found himself a Blue and Royal when the Blues and Royal Dragoons amalgamated in 1969. He later transferred to the Life Guards in 1971.

Christopher started his army life as a Troop Leader with the Royals in Malaya, before returning to England in 1962 to learn to fly helicopters at Middle Wallop. He passed out with flying colours and was posted to the 16th/5th Lancers as one of their air troop pilots for a year before being posted to the Life Guards Air Squadron in the Far East. At that time, the Regiment was scattered all over the Far East with headquarters and A squadron in Singapore; B squadron in Hong Kong and C squadron in Seremban, Malaya, where he was duly posted.

He found himself living on an air strip, conveniently sited for two of his favourite sporting activities – water skiing and amateur race riding. Singapore racecourse was a mere two flying hours away, perfect for getting in his training hours!

Throughout his tour in Seremban, Christopher’s ability to fly with great skill in challenging conditions gained him a reputation, not only with his own Regiment, but also with the senior elements of the Army Air Corps. It was no surprise therefore, that he was subsequently selected to return to Middle Wallop to take on the role of a helicopter instructor.

Christopher had fitted in well and made many friends during his tour in the Far East. Due to his enthusiasm and proficiency,

he was respected by all ranks there and, as a result, The Life Guards suggested he might like to transfer across from the Blues and Royals.

After the regiment returned to England from the Far East, Christopher’s talent was recognised immediately, and he passed his helicopter instructor training with flying colours.

This was despite raising a few eyebrows when spotted coursing with his whippets on the airfield at Middle Wallop. As an instructor, he was highly respected and became well known for instilling great confidence in his student pilots.

On his return to regular soldiering in Germany with The Life Guards, Christopher took on the role of Master and Huntsman of the Weser Vale Bloodhounds. Having hunted the Eton Beagles in his school days, and hunted regularly before joining the army, he was well-qualified for the job. Not only did he provide everyone with great sport, always riding his favourite horse Sefton, but he also developed valuable relationships with local German civilians and, knowing the value of having friends in high places, quite a few senior army officers. Not only did they enjoy themselves but in addition they had recognised the value of what became one of the few successful Anglo/German relationships.

Later, while on the Staff during another tour in Germany, Christopher had the responsibility for organising the prestigious Rhine Army Horse Show. This was extremely successful and attracted British and NATO competitors from all over Germany. On a sadder note though, some years later Christopher was deeply upset by losing his old friend Sefton who was tragically killed in the Knightsbridge bombing of 1982.

Christopher returned to England for a spell with the Mounted Regiment, where, as a more than competent horseman, in addition to his routine military duties, he was able to pursue his love of hunting with the Hunting Troop in Leicestershire and race riding. At the same time, he did his utmost to ensure his soldiers had the opportunity to improve their skills and gain maximum enjoyment from their riding.

Christopher showed his strength of character when, after breaking his neck whilst riding in a point-to-point, and having only recently recovered from his injuries, and as a member of The Life Guards team, he took part in the first ever Team Chasing Event, which was organised and run by Douglas Bunn at Hickstead. The cross country course was not for the faint-hearted and he was up against teams containing some of the country’s leading eventers, show jumpers, polo players and jockeys.

Christopher made the most of the opportunities soldiering provided and he was fortunate in being able to indulge in his favourite activities, be they equine or sporting. An occasionally gruff manner belied a genuinely caring nature. He imbued in many others a love of the activities he enjoyed and was passionate about.

On leaving the army in 1979, Christopher lived in Windsor with his wife Rosie and two sons, Rupert and James. Working for Towry Law, he moved into a new world of business and financial planning.

Major Haworth-Booth on Sefton

Christopher was a man of great charm, a generous host and a true countryman. In later life his family and their successes gave him great joy. In all of this he was wonderfully supported by his wife Rosie.

Obituaries ■ 117

Major A J Mead Late The Life Guards

by Major John Lodge formerly The Life Guards

T

ony Mead joined the Army in 1965 and continued to soldier until October 2002. He served in the Far and Middle East, Mediterranean, Germany and Britain, covering a wide variety of jobs and places.

He started his basic training in the Summer of 1965, having departed his home city of Bristol and by autumn 1966 was posted to the Far East with the Regiment, joining 6 Troop C Squadron, initially in Wong Pudong then to Seremban. As a Trooper, being tall, imposing and with a good sense of humour, he showed much promise. This was to be the start of a long and successful career, taking him from Trooper to Major.

On arrival in the Far East Tony fitted well into Regimental life.

Tony’s enthusiasm and willingness to help saw him assisting new arrivals, welcoming them and teaching low level but necessary skills. Soon Tony was posted to B Squadron, remaining in Support Troop, but serving in Hong Kong.

By early 1968 the Regiment returned to Windsor. Almost a first for the squadrons to be all together once again, in the same Barracks, after so long. Although this period proved to be short lived, as Squadrons soon departed once again to places such a Sharja, the Mediterranean and Norway. The 1970’s also found the Regiment carrying out several tours in Northern Ireland, where CoH Mead was at the forefront.

In 1973 Tony completed his Drill Course and took up his role with the Household Cavalry Training Squadron as a troop CoH. Here he was destined to meet many young soldiers who were to join the Regiment. As an instructor he was knowledgeable and well respected, exceptionally smart and showed true leadership skills. A genuine father figure, someone young soldiers looked up to and felt they could turn to for help and advice. This was to be an enduring characteristic of Tony’s, as was his meticulous administration in running his troop. One of his strap lines to his NCO’s was think one up and one down, referring to one rank above and one below the one you held.

This enabled the NCOs to see the bigger picture and understand what those above and below were dealing with in any given situation. Moreover, he would give all his troop members tasks, reading manuals and pamphlets, then requiring them to backbrief the remainder of the troop. This produced more confident soldiers, increased their learning, and better prepared them for promotion.

It was no surprise to anyone that Tony was made a Staff Corporal Troop Leader, a role he excelled in, bringing his depth of knowledge in Gunnery, Map Reading, and Soldier Management. He remained a valuable source of guidance not only to the soldiers but also young officers joining the Regiment.

118 ■ Obituaries

In 1982 Tony was promoted to WO2 and posted to the Sultan of Oman’s Land Forces. He attended the basic language course, developing a great understanding of Arabic. Tony would always talk about this tour, the people he worked with, the cuisine and the Omani Soldiers. Tony, as the Squadron Corporal Major, would meet all new arrivals in Oman. His favourite trick was to say that he had booked a table at the Intercontinental Hotel for dinner and would like all the new arrivals to come along and meet others in similar circumstances. At the pre dinner drinks in the bar he announced that, as he had been in the Oman for a while, he would therefore like to introduce the new arrivals to some traditional local food, and that he had therefore ordered various dishes. If the new arrivals ate everything, he would pick up the bill, if not, the bill would fall to the new arrivals. The food started to arrive, giant sea snail, sea cucumbers, tripe, camel’s intestine stuffed with offal and fritters and some other crustaceans of undiscernible provenance. No one knew what was in the sauce or dared to ask. You can imagine the distraught looks from around the table, Tony would then say “Gentlemen, you accepted the terms, enjoy!” At this point a huge T bone steak smothered in peppercorn sauce arrived for him!

On his return in 1984 Tony took up his role as Squadron Corporal Major of C Squadron. As Squadron Corporal Major he instinctively grasped the totality of the role, his calm demeanour, innate friendliness, and robust outlook ensured that all knew exactly where they stood. It was no surprise that his squadron was selected for operations with the UN in Cyprus. On return, the role of RQMC was quickly followed by promotion to WO1 as Regimental Corporal Major (RCM) at Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment (RARDE). Here he was responsible for all the military and civilians, dealing with several new vehicle and weapon systems being brought into service.

Tony returned to the Regiment to become The Regimental Corporal Major. As RCM he proved a model of leadership for the senior Non-Commissioned Officers and a source of wise advice to the troop leaders (who provided amusement and frustration in equal measure!). He had a firm grasp on everything, including the Mess television remote control, a trait which continued into retirement.

1989 saw Tony Commissioned firstly to Pirbright in Waterloo Company and then to become Quartermaster (Technical) back with The Life Guards in Sennelager. He transitioned to the Officers’ Mess like a duck to water. His friendliness, keen sense of fun and willingness to both be the joker and be the butt of fun made him immensely popular. (He was a subaltern at heart). Many a shy troop leader sought his advice when faced with what seemed an unsolvable problem.

As the Quartermaster (Technical), following the First Gulf War, he was tasked with producing the evidence for equipment lost and mislaid during that war. Following 23 sittings of the Board of Officers, every single loss was accounted for. The Divisional Headquarters noted that it was by far the best and most comprehensive audit. This was solely down to Tony’s drive, attention to detail and if rumour was to be believed, having his clerk chained to his typewriter for 12 hours a day for six weeks!

He was the first QM(T) of the newly formed Household Cavalry Regiment in Windsor, moving in and running the operation with the same vigour that he had applied in Germany. In 1999 Tony returned to Cyprus as Quartermaster Episkopi Garrison. He loved the job and the people he worked with. Well respected by all those he met. He made many friends most of whom he kept in contact with spending time

with them in Cyprus and at home.

Tony left the Army in 2002 after a long and distinguished career, retiring as a Major. Tony was always a steady hand and guiding light, but, more importantly, a mentor to many that have passed through the Regiment. An outstanding soldier in every position, a smart intelligent leader who was extremely helpful and always set a good example. He was a father figure to many more than he ever suspected.

Our deepest sympathies remain with Ros, his wife of nearly thirty years, and their extended family and friends.

Captain Richard Hilder Late The Life Guards

by Janek Wichtowski

C

aptain Richard Hilder, who has died aged 101, took part in Operation THURSDAY, the second Chindit expedition, in Burma in 1944.

He was in command of a platoon that had been seconded to the 26th Hussars and based near Poona in India, but when the regiment was disbanded, he joined 14th Brigade, commanded by Brigadier Tom Brodie, on the Ken River near Jhansi in the north of the country. His men had to forget about tanks and retrain as infantrymen.

They were to be Chindits, as the force became known – longrange penetration troops whose objective was to support the American-Chinese advance from the north. Fortified bases, given the code names of cities or streets, were to be established behind the Japanese lines, and raiding columns would strike against road, rail and river systems serving the Japanese.

Hilder led two platoons through a course of rigorous training in marching, river-crossing and jungle fighting. Those who could not swim had to learn. Since he had served with the Life Guards, the Brigadier thought Hilder to be “just the boy for training mules”. He was duly issued with 100 of the animals, which had come from Argentina and were completely unbroken.

The platoons were transferred to 16th Brigade, commanded

by Brigadier Bernard Fergusson, and travelled from Jhansi by train and then by river steamer on the Brahmaputra, to Assam.

On April 2 1944, Hilder and his troop loaded the mules in makeshift bamboo stalls behind the pilot and the crew at the front of a Dakota. The soldiers, sitting in the rear, had orders to shoot the mules if they endangered the safety of the aircraft.

The landing strip at Manhton in Burma, code-named Aberdeen, was just a clearing in the jungle. On landing, Hilder jumped from the door and dived for cover as a Japanese Zero strafed the strip.

They set off on an approach march to Indaw, a major

communications hub, slogging their way through the mud, using elephant tracks where possible and trying to move as quietly as they could. Supplies were scheduled to be dropped from the air every four days, but when the weather closed in the gaps between deliveries got wider. For men carrying 80 lb packs, K-rations were meagre fare, but if they were lucky, they sometimes got rice from the villagers in exchange for parachute cloth.

Water was always in short supply, and the men were not allowed to drink during hourly stops in the steaming heat. On several occasions, the heavily laden mules came to the rescue by guiding a patrol to a stream deep in the forest. Each man lived with the dread of being badly wounded and being shot by a medical orderly or by the column padre to avoid being left behind and falling into the hands of the Japanese.

Patrols set up road-blocks and, working with the Royal Engineers, blew up railway lines. The enemy was all around them and Hilder had a lucky escape when a bullet struck his water bottle. At night, Japanese aircraft would scour the ground, searching for their camps, and try to shoot them up.

Units in danger of being overwhelmed dropped mortar shells with coloured smoke on the Japanese positions and called up American Mustang dive bombers to attack these targets. The men took pills for malaria, but the platoons still lost half their fighting strength to foot rot, dysentery and disease.

Richard Waterhouse Hilder was born in York on 3rd July 1921. His father, Tom, had served with the 6th (Inniskilling) Dragoons in the First World War and took part in fierce fighting on the Somme, at Cambrai and at Amiens.

In 1939, at the outbreak of the Second World War, he was called up as a reservist and his son, who had just left Eton, had to run the 250-acre farm with the help of his mother and an old soldier who had fought in the Boer War. After his father returned from Dunkirk, young Richard joined the Life Guards as a trooper. He was on stable guard during an air raid at Windsor, and when a bomb was dropped he scrambled over the stable door and narrowly missed being hit by shrapnel.

He went to OCTU (Officer Cadet Training Unit) at Blackdown, near Aldershot, for six months before being commissioned and posted to the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards. He was sent with a draft of officers to India and was stationed at a transit camp in Bombay.

There were widespread riots. Soldiers straying into areas of the city that were off-limits were frequently murdered and strategic targets like telegraph offices were attacked. After a posting to a camp near Poona, Hilder was seconded to the 26th Hussars.

Towards the end of the Chindit campaign in Burma, Hilder was posted to the 3rd Carabiniers as a troop leader, and in May 1945 he took part in an attack on Prome, east of the Arakan. By the end of the month they were in Rangoon.

The worn-out tanks were scrapped and they were issued with new ones, but the plan to invade the Japanese mainland was aborted after the dropping of the atom bombs.

During six months behind the lines, Hilder and his men had covered about 1,000 miles; they ended up with one depleted platoon and no mules. His weight had gone down from 12 stone to a little over seven. They marched to Mogaung and

Obituaries ■ 119

were flown out of Myitkyina to Assam.

Japanese soldiers, once seen as invincible in the jungle, were no longer regarded as supermen – the Chindit operations had dispelled that notion. Hilder said afterwards that the campaign had taught him self-reliance, but had left him with one thought: “I will never have anything so bloody awful in my life again.”

He took a convoy along the Grand Trunk Road to Rawalpindi before being posted back to England. On a stop-over in the Middle East, he came across three Gurkhas sitting on a bench.

They stood up and saluted and he saw that all three were wearing the medal ribbon of the VC. They were returning to India after being presented with their awards by the King in London.

In July 1946, after a stint as adjutant of a Polish transit camp near Oxford, he was demobilised and bought a farm at Stock, Essex.

Richard Hilder married, in 1947, June, daughter of Brigadier R E C Carolin of the Essex Regiment. She predeceased him and he is survived by their two sons and a daughter. For a decade from 1968, his companion (who changed her name by deed poll to Hilder), was Jennifer Kaye (née Tatchell) whose father, Gerald, was killed in action in May 1940.

Richard Hilder, born July 3 1921, died 18th September 2022

John Eric Lloyd RVM Late The Life Guards

by his daughters Janine and Emma

J

ohn Eric Lloyd RVM was welcomed into the world on the 7th January 1947.

After spending his first two weeks in South Wales he joined the whirlwind life of an Army child following his father around the world while he served his country.

He moved from Windsor to Aden, from a Transit Camp in Wolverhampton to Germany, back to London and finally settling in to Windsor.

At the age of 14 John joined the Junior leaders and began his military career, his first choice of regiment didn’t sit well with his father who didn’t think choosing a regiment because it had the Skull and Crossbones as a good idea and very quickly made sure his son followed him into The Life Guards.

His start in The Life Guards would also take an eventful turn when on his first evening John was brought up on charge and locked up by his dad who was the then RCM. He was brought up in front of the Commanding Officer as his uniform was not right. He had “dirty brasses” LG`s on his shoulders. As he was locked in the guardroom he was heard to say “I’m going to tell my mum”. This got his dad, Bunker, in a touch of hot water when he returned home to be threatened with divorce

by Caroline. Caroline need not have worried as John did get his own back on several occasions. This usually involved the family dog Snookie who would often find Tpr Lloyd on his

120 ■ Obituaries

evening walks with the RCM. Snookie was dognapped and held in the guardroom, leaving Bunker to walk around the compound calling “Snookie” at the top of his lungs and looking for “that darn dog” once again. When there was no chance of playing a prank on his Dad, there was always the ultimate get out of jail free card and that was of course… I am going to tell Mum. In 1965, at the tender age of 17, John’s world would change entirely thanks to a visit to see his family. Staying with his grandparents, he would be taken to the Conservative Club by his granddad where luck would have it he met a young lady called Barbara who was working behind the bar. It was love at first sight and the rest is history. Barbara and John would go on to be engaged but would soon face a long period of separation as John was stationed in the Far East.

When John and Barbara married, John had the great comfort of being joined by his wife when he was stationed abroad.

The pair of them would travel the globe, with John serving in places such as Iran, Kuwait and Germany. It was during this time in The Life Guards that John would take on another role, a role of utmost importance, one that also required keeping others safe, and, one that he put even more love and dedication into and that was the role of being a Dad to his two girls.

After leaving The Life Guards, John once again followed in his Dad’s footsteps and joined the Queen’s Bodyguard of the Yeoman of the Guard, his role to protect his Queen. He took part in every state occasion that involved the late Queen over a period of 21 years; one of his proudest moments of his service was being a wheelman at the Golden Jubilee. Dad retired from the Bodyguard in 2017 at the age of 70 after receiving his RVM at Buckingham Palace, an honour he got to share with some of his closest friends.

The last seven years of John’s working life were spent back with his Regiment doing what he did best, bringing together veterans and serving soldiers at the Household Cavalry Museum Archives in Windsor. He walked into an empty building and created a place of fun and learning with the help of friends and volunteers.

John, like many of his generation, was a man who asked for very little and yet stood for so much. He fought battles both in his work life and personally. Towards the end he survived not only Heart Disease, cancer, septicaemia, a brain tumour and kidney issues but perhaps the hardest blow being his soul mate’s diagnosis and battle with Lewy Body dementia.

John to so many in his life was a cornerstone, keeping them

stable and providing strength and fortitude. Not only a Gentleman but he was a Gentle man and we are proud to have called him Dad.

Lieutenant Colonel Ray Giles MVO Late The Blues and Royals With full Acknowledgement to the Daily Telegraph

Warrant Officer Class 2 (RQMC) (T) Robert Antony Daysmith Late The Life Guards

by Captain Reg Lawrence formerly The Life Guards

B

ob joined The Life Guards as a Trooper at the age of 17 in 1962. In short order he became an accomplished horseman whilst serving with what was then the Household Cavalry Regiment (later retitled the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment).

As a Non-Commissioned Officer he was considerate, thoughtful and approachable. He was instrumental in shaping the lives of many young soldiers with his innate patience, kindness and knowledge.

In 1969 he was posted from the Household Cavalry Regiment to the Life Guards to hone his armoured skills. With his undoubted talents, he was soon promoted to Senior NonCommissioned Officer rank. He served successfully in London, Windsor, the Middle East, Germany, Canada as well as Cyprus with the United Nations peacekeeping force. He finished his service in the Army as a Warrant Officer in that most important and vital role of RQMC. On leaving the Army, he was a natural choice to join The Green Men of Harrods of which he was by far the smartest! Not being done with military service, Bob then joined The Queen’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard in 1995, retiring in March 2013. He had given over 40 years of service to his Queen and country.

Bob was a kind, loving, and true gentleman, blessed with a mischievous sense of humour. He could always be relied upon and accordingly he lived life to the full, being bold, adventurous, happy and always close to the action.

We all have our own memories of Bob. He will be missed by his family and all who had the privilege to know him.

Ray Giles receiving his Platinum Jubilee Medal from the Master of the Household, Vice Admiral Sir Tony Johnstone-Burt

L

ieutenant Colonel Ray Giles, MVO, who has died aged 91, was a stalwart Military Knight of Windsor for 26 years and had the unique distinction of having been on parade for the funeral processions of both King George VI (as a trooper) and of Queen Elizabeth II at St George’s Chapel (in the rank of Lieutenant Colonel), as well as at the Coronation in 1953.

The son of a stockman, Raymond Roland Giles was born on 9th September 1931. He was educated at a secondary modern school but left at 13 to help with limited family finances. One day a recruiting sergeant discovered he had worked with livestock, gave his mother £5 and Giles a horse.

He enlisted in the Royal Horse Guards in 1949. Arriving in thick fog at Knightsbridge, he was sent away several times, then sent to the Life Guards, but persevered until finally accepted as a Blue.

He was posted to the Blues Mounted Squadron and rose through the ranks to become Regimental Corporal Major in 1969. He was commissioned in 1974 and served until 1996.

Early duties included being part of the escort when George VI opened the Festival of Britain in 1951; the state visit of King Frederik IX of Denmark; the arrival of King Haakon of Norway at Westminster Pier; the Trooping in 1951 when Princess Elizabeth took the salute; and he was part of the escort accompanying the Earl Marshal and Garter King of Arms from St James’s Palace to the Royal Exchange for the Proclamation of the new Queen in 1952.

For the Coronation the men rehearsed all night and then went straight on to regimental duties. Reveille was at 2am, followed by morning stables, watering and feeding the horses, then breakfast, stables again, grooming and kit cleaning. When the trumpeter sounded Boots and Saddles they went on parade for inspection.

Giles rode in the Sovereign’s Escort, in the third of four divisions, 25 yards behind the gold State Coach, from the forecourt of Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey. During the service, he spent half an hour at Wellington Barracks in pouring rain, one man to four horses, before returning as part of the escort for The Queen’s return to the Palace. In the 2 ½-hour

Obituaries ■ 121

ride back at walking pace, he was soaked to the bone.

and permanent staff alike.

Many other ceremonial occasions followed, and Giles served at Windsor and in Cyprus and Germany. In 1965 he dipped the standard at Whitehall when Sir Winston Churchill’s funeral procession passed by, and carried the standard on parade at Horse Guards for the Battle of Waterloo 150th anniversary in the presence of The Queen. When she presented new standards to the Household Cavalry in 1983, his left trouser leg split from the top to the knee, to her restrained amusement. He was on duty at Carnarvon for the Investiture of The Prince of Wales in 1969.

On completion of his Phase 2, Tpr Burnell-Williams moved to the Household Cavalry Training Wing (HCTW), Combermere Barracks, Windsor to start to become a Mounted Dutyman.

Although a demanding course, Tpr Burnell-Williams took to the challenge very well and was always seen with a cheeky smile on his face, a joke ready to make. He enjoyed the challenge of riding the more demanding horses, it gave him a great rush of adrenaline Tpr Burnell-Williams and showed the confidence he had in his developing riding style.

In 1968 he negotiated some tricky moments during a threeweek Tattoo tour in the United States. He served in Northern Ireland and Canada, and in 1981 was posted to the Royal Yeomanry, in charge of the horses at Melton Mowbray. He was project staff officer for the rebuilding of Wellington Barracks in London and Victoria Barracks in Windsor between 1986 and 1996.

Giles was appointed a Military Knight of Windsor in 1996, living in the Lower Ward of Windsor Castle, where he was respected as an accomplished cook, maintaining a fine cellar.

His Garter Day breakfasts were legendary among the Knights, and he even prepared a sumptuous four-course Sunday lunch in the last month of his life. He was one of those people who got on with everyone, from The Queen to the lowest cavalryman, and he was straightforward in all his dealings with people. When a groundsman planted an unwelcome tree outside one of his windows, he found a way of getting a message to The Queen, and it duly disappeared in the middle of the night.

He organised the 650th anniversary party for the Military Knights in the presence of The Queen and Prince Philip, stood guard over Princess Margaret’s coffin in 2002, and as a vice-president of the Royal Household Cricket Club he was on parade on Horseguards for the Queen Mother’s 100th birthday.

In 2016 he posed with the Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins to promote the horse show spectacular being mounted for The Queen’s 90th birthday. As recently as 9th October he was in uniform for the final time for the presentation of the Garter banner of Lord Sainsbury of Preston Candover. He was appointed MVO by the Queen in 2015 and held all four of the Jubilee medals of the reign.

In 1955 he married Margaret Joyce (Peggy) Prangnell, who survives him with their son and daughter.

He completed Kit Ride, passing off in front of friends and family to join 3 Troop, RHG/D Sqn. He arrived in time to march on the Garter Service, the last in the late Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.

On news of Her Majesty The Queen’s death, Tpr BurnellWilliams was on duty at Queen’s Life Guard and the very next day he completed the first King’s Life Guard dismount that had taken place in over 70 years. For the period of Operation LONDON BRIDGE, he continued to conduct duties at King’s Life Guard and formed up, with his fellow soldiers, in the front yard of Horse Guards, to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s coffin move through Horse Guards on the day of Her funeral.

Tpr Burnell- Williams was an endearing character within the RHG/D Sqn and always had a smile on his face. His fellow soldiers could take one look at him and he would make them laugh by his infectious smile and his short sharp humour. He loved to socialise and did it with plenty laughter.. Tpr BurnellWilliams was a member of the RHG/D Sqn family and was treated like a little brother by all. He was a caring and friendly person with compassion and kindness for all who knew him.

It has come as a great shock to both HCMR and the RHG/D Sqn to learn of his death. He was a soldier with tremendous potential and enthusiasm. All who knew him will have very fond memories of his wonderful character and humour.

Tpr Burnell-Williams will be very sorely missed as the Regiment is a far quieter place without him.

Trooper Jack Burnell-Williams Late The Blues and Royals

T

rooper Jack Burnell-Williams was a valued member of The Blues and Royals Squadron (RHG/D Sqn) and Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR). His military career started at Army Foundation College (AFC) Harrogate at sixteen. It was at AFC Harrogate that Tpr Burnell-Williams showed great confidence and ability, and emerging promise of a talented junior soldier. After successfully completing his Phase 1 training he continued his military training at the Royal Armored Corps Training Regiment (RACTR) in Bovington.

At RACTR he was taught how to operate mounted and dismounted communications information systems; improved his physical robustness; and developed his leadership qualities. It was at RACTR where Tpr Burnell-Williams’s popular character and natural charm brought him praise from fellow troopers

122 ■ Obituaries

Tony Nash Late 1st Royal Dragoons

With full Acknowledgement to the Daily Telegraph

T

ony Nash, who has died on the eve of his 86th birthday, won a gold medal for Britain with Robin Dixon in the twoman bobsled at the 1964 Winter Olympics.

Nash was introduced to the sport in 1961 when he visited St Moritz with the Combined Services Ski Association. He had ambitions to become a motor racing driver and jumped at the chance to pilot a sled.

His evident natural ability led to a berth initially as a middleman in one of the British squad’s four-man sleds. When, however, Henry Taylor was injured driving at the British Grand

Their third run was less than perfect, however, and they slipped to second place, bracketed by the two Italian sleds. But just 0.23sec covered the combined times of all three teams.

Accompanied by rousing cheers, Dixon and Nash set off on their last attempt, only to lose time bumping the sides of the Hexenkessel – the Witches’ Cauldron. Their total time stood at 4min 21.9sec. Convinced that they would finish third, the pair headed morosely for a café in search of coffee and schnapps.

Prix, the Old Harrovian Nash was paired in the two-man bob with the Old Etonian Dixon (now Lord Glentoran).

In 1963, Dixon and Nash gave notice of their ability by taking bronze at the World Championships. Even so, the sport was still in its amateur age, with the risk of death and injury substantial and public funding for the British team non-existent.

The duo organised dances to raise cash, while Nash – bespectacled and balding but burly – kept fit loading trailers on a farm.

An uncle had an engineering firm which made cigarette machines, and through contacts Nash sourced ideas for modifications to the sled from De Havilland, the aircraft manufacturer. In lieu of a sports psychologist, he later recalled, the pair resorted to traditional methods of dealing with stress: “If things got a bit tense, we would retire with a bottle of whisky.”

Their chief source of help, however, came from an unlikely direction: their main rivals. The Italians had dominated bobsleigh for many years but were keen to promote it among the non-Alpine nations. Invited in 1963 to the Italian training camp at Cervinia, Dixon and Nash were astounded to see not only a score of mechanics, medics and money men, but also a run modelled on that at Innsbruck, where the Olympics would be staged the following year.

“Tony got on very well with the Italians and they gave us a lot of help,” Dixon recalled. “We took our orders from the Italian team manager.” They also studied the methods of the Italians’ leading sledder, the red-haired Eugenio Monti, who had been world champion eight times in 10 years but had yet to win Olympic gold.

Come February, the teams met again at Innsbruck. Racing through the 14 turns of the track at an average of more than 60mph, Dixon and Nash – much to their initial delight – set the second-fastest time after the first run.

But then they saw that an axle bolt on their sled had been irreparably damaged. There was no time before the next run for them to get through the crowds and fetch a replacement.

Unhesitatingly, Monti said to them: “If you have someone at the bottom of the run when I have finished, you can borrow mine.” His brakeman, Sergio Siorpaes, duly handed over the bolt, and with it attached, Dixon and Nash proceeded to record the fastest run of the day.

The event restarted an hour early the next morning, which dawned grey and warm. The aim was to finish the race before the sun rose above the peak of the Patscherkofel and slowed the track. Nine Britons carried the sled to the start, and Dixon and Nash rocked it back and forth before letting out a shout and pushing it towards the chute.

In the meantime, sled after sled plunged down the milelong track, but with the temperature rising fast none beat the Britons’ time. The leaders, Sergio Zanardi and Romano Bonagura, finished adrift of them. Only Monti remained, and when his time of 1.06 was announced Dixon and Nash celebrated with unaffected glee. They had won by 0.12sec and claimed only Britain’s fifth-ever gold medal at the Winter Games.

The team had arrived in Innsbruck in an antique Bentley that had a bar aboard, and Nash reportedly needed four baths to clear his head before being presented with his medal.

Monti was much criticised by the Italian press for his sporting act but insisted that the Britons had not won because they had been lent his bolt but because he had not driven well enough.

His remarkable gesture of fair play was marked by the award to him of the Pierre de Coubertin Trophy.

Anthony James Dillon Nash was born on 18th March 1936 at Amersham, Buckinghamshire. His family owned a brewery, while his maternal grandfather had been prime minister of New Zealand. After Harrow, he undertook National Service with the Royal Dragoons.

Following their Olympic triumph, Dixon and Nash also took first place at the 1965 World Championships in St Moritz. They received £2,000 in sponsorship from Wills Tobacco, but they did not obtain a new sled and ultimately could not keep up with advances in design made by the Italians.

In 1966, the British pair finished third in the World Championships at Cortina. Two years later, they finished a respectable fifth in defence of their Olympic title at Grenoble.

Monti finally won gold, in both the two and four-man events.

Dixon and Nash were appointed MBE on their retirements from the sport in 1968. They remained friends, meeting up once or twice a year. “It is something that can never be taken away from you,” Nash said of their Olympic experience together. “And it was all such jolly good fun.”

Nash worked as the director of an engineering firm before taking up farming and running a timber merchant in the West Country. He also dealt in stamps, enjoyed field sports and was a former master of the Tiverton Foxhounds.

Some years ago, he and Dixon revealed to a biographer that in fact they had procured a replacement bolt for their sled before being handed Monti’s, although they did not tell him before his death in 2003. Two turns on the St Moritz track are now named for Dixon and Nash, while the track which is to stage the 2026 Winter Games in Cortina will be named for Monti.

Tony Nash’s first marriage, to Sue, ended in divorce and he is survived by his second wife, Pam, and by the son and daughter of his first marriage.

Tony Nash, born March 18 1936, died 17th March 2022

Obituaries ■ 123

Henry Patterson Late Royal Horse Guards

With acknowledgment to The Daily Telegraph

great-grandfather, a pastor with the Plymouth Brethren. When he was two his parents’ marriage broke up and his mother took him back to her family home in the Shankill area of Belfast, where she worked as a waitress. He witnessed his first bombing aged eight, and at 10 he survived unharmed when the Belfast tram in which he was travelling was attacked by gunmen. Most of his mother’s relatives were Protestants, but some were Roman Catholics, and when she had to go away he was sent to stay with a Catholic aunt in South Armagh, who would take him to Mass. He recalled the priest saying: “Poor wee boy, what’s going to become of him? His black Orange soul will go straight to hell.”

When Jack was 13 he and his mother moved to Leeds, where his mother remarried and he attended Roundhay School. His headmaster’s predictions that he would never make anything of himself seemed justified when, after leaving at 15 with no qualifications, he drifted from one low-skilled job to another, working as a messenger, circus tent hand, tram conductor and commercial traveller for a tobacco firm.

Jack Higgins next to Liberace’s piano at the Dorchester hotel in London, one of his favourite watering holes

H

enry Patterson, known as Harry, born 27th July 1929, died 9th Apri 2022, aged 92 served in the Royal Horse Guards as a junior non-commissioned officer National Serviceman in 1947/48, having begun his service in the East Yorkshire Regiment. He came to fame as an author, achieving worldwide fame with his novel The Eagle Has Landed. He wrote 85 novels using a variety of pen names that often upturned thriller conventions by casting stereotyped villains as heroes.

He became one of the most prolific and successful thriller writers of the 20th century.

Higgins was already a modestly successful author by the time he wrote The Eagle Has Landed, his story of a squad of Germans who land on the Norfolk coast during the war to kidnap Churchill. Purportedly a Russian soldier with whom he had been drinking in Berlin in 1947 told him a story about a wartime German plot to kidnap Winston Churchill, a tale he remembered when recovering from his hangover the following day, which was the kernel of the book. Yet no British publisher wanted it, perhaps because it featured the Germans as good guys, albeit fighting for a bad cause. Luckily for Higgins, the book came out in America first. In 1975 it was reprinted 13 times in as many months – it has sold more than 50 million copies – and the following year it was made into a blockbuster film starring Michael Caine, Donald Sutherland, Jenny Agutter and Robert Duvall.

In the book, Higgins turned the conventions of thriller-writing upside down by casting stereotyped villains as heroes – brave, honourable Germans and dedicated IRA men, appealing to the modern taste for strong characterisation and moral complexity. He became perhaps the most successful British writer in his genre, a multi-millionaire whose thrillers were on sale at every airport bookstall in the world and who earned $1.5 million advances on his books (of which there were 85) even before they were written. Although his attitude to money was prudent rather than flashy, Higgins always seemed disappointed by wealth and success, whose attendant strains he blamed for the break-up of his first marriage. His greatest satisfaction seemed to lie in confounding those who had written off his chances in life when he was still a child.

Henry Patterson was born in Newcastle upon Tyne to an Irish mother and Scottish bookmaker father on 27th July 1929. As an author, he would take the name of a maternal

124 ■ Obituaries

It was during National Service with The Blues, in which he served two years as an NCO on the East German border, that he began to think that he might amount to something more.

The discovery that he had an IQ of 147 spurred him on to return to his studies. He completed A-levels in classics and European political science at evening classes, then took a diploma at a teachers’ training college, supporting himself by working as a Post Office van driver at night. He started teaching and then realised he needed a degree, so he signed up at the LSE for an external degree in Sociology. It was a three-year course but he did it in two years in his spare time, sitting up to write essays until 2.30am. By the time he started teaching at a comprehensive, his first book, Sad Wind From the Sea (1959), had been published. He continued to write in his spare time as his academic career progressed and he became a lecturer at Leeds Polytechnic. Fame was a long time coming, and when it did come he put it down to luck as much as to talent. When he was 40, he received a film offer of £7,000 – the equivalent of three years of his salary as a lecturer – for a book he had written (as Hugh Marlowe) initially called A Candle for the Dead, subsequently renamed The Violent Enemy. Emboldened by success, he decided to try writing full-time. As Jack Higgins he had a major success with The Savage Day (1972), based on the fraught politics of Northern Ireland, which went on to sell nine million copies. It introduced the first of several provocative Irish Republican heroes, a theme which caused many readers to think that he was, in fact, Roman Catholic and Republican.

At a book signing in America, one Irish American was so disgusted to find that he was Protestant that she tore up the copy of the book she had just bought. In 1976 he moved his family to Jersey to escape the Labour government’s swingeing tax on top income earners.

He based his thrillers on thorough research. When writing Solo, (1980, subsequently renamed The Cretan Lover), about a pianist who is a terrorist, he jumped 10 feet off the Albert Hall stage to see if it could be done. Where opportunities presented themselves, he was always quick off the mark: he was the first thriller writer to build a novel around Exocet missiles after the Falklands War. In later life, he developed a condition of the nervous system which meant that he could no longer use the typewriter. As a result his output dropped from three or four novels a year to around one a year. He married first, in 1958, Amy Hewitt, who he met at the LSE. They had three daughters and a son but the marriage was dissolved and in 1985 he married Denise Palmer, a former literary agent 25 years his junior. His daughter Sarah Patterson wrote the 1976 novel The Distant Summer.

NOTICES

Information for members of both The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals Associations 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

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/eligibility-how-apply Or you may ring for more information on 020 7881 5204

General Office: 01753 965290

Data Protection

E-Mail for Home HQ is: homehq@householdcavalry.co.uk

Changes to Data Protection laws require individuals to grant permission to Home HQ to store personal data. If you have yet done so, please call Home Headquarters so that they may guide you through the process.

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

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.

lg1660.proboards.com A website for former members of The Life Guards. To register follow the link above.

The Household Cavalry Associations website is: https://householdcavalry.co.uk/oldcomrades/ The King’s Coronation will be held on 6th May 2023.

The King’s Birthday Parade and Reviews The King’s Birthday Parade will take place on Saturday 17th June 2023. The Colonel’s Review will be on Saturday 10th June and The Major General’s Review on Saturday 3rd June 2023.

Combined Cavalry Parade and Service The 98th Combined Cavalry Old Comrades Association will take place on Sunday 14th May 2023.

Helpful Contacts The following is a list of organisations which members may find useful for future reference.

Your E-Mail Addresses

Veterans-UK (0808 1914 2 18)

Notification of changes to your E-mail address is as important as changes to your postal address. Please keep us informed of these also.

The Ministry of Defence’s Veterans UK helpline provides assistance on many issues including benefits, housing and welfare.

Regimental Items for Sale

Veterans UK helpline Veterans UK Ministry of Defence Norcross Thornton Cleveleys FY5 3WP

PRI shops at Powle Lines, Picton 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 website at: 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: https://www.army.mod.uk/who-weare/corps-regiments-and-units/royalarmoured-corps/household-cavalry

Email: veterans-uk@mod.gov.uk Freephone (UK only): 0808 1914 2 18 Telephone (overseas): +44 1253 866 043 Normal Service 8.00 am to 4.00 pm Monday to Friday When the helpline is closed, callers in need of immediate emotional support will be given the option to be routed to The Samaritans 24-hour helpline.

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission They have an excellent website which can be searched using basic details, for

Notices ■ 131

information about the final resting place of war dead at home and overseas. Their site can be found at www.cwgc.org 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 To make an Employment enquiry in England call 020 3761 6343 and a Welfare Enquiry call 020 7808 4175. Alternatively, visit their website at: http://www.officersassociation.org. uk in Scotland call 0131 550 1575/1581 or visit their website https://www.oascotland.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 0808 802 8080 or visit their website at: www.britishlegion.org. uk/about-us/who-we-are/get-in-touch

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 7463 9200 or visit their website 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 4 St Dunstan’s Hill Billingsgate London EC3R 8AD

Operation TRYOUT Drills at Bodney

132 ■ Notices

Email: volunteer.support@ssafa.org.uk Tel: 020 7463 9200 Haig Homes Haig Homes have some 1500 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 8685 5777 or through www.haighomes.org.uk The Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society (Combat Stress) For nearly 80 years it has been the only organisation 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 three 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 website at: www.combatstress.org.uk The British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association (BLESMA) The object 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 website at: www.blesma.org

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 website is at: www.veterans-aid.net

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 https://www.gov.uk/apply-medal-orveterans-badge

Ministry of Defence (MOD) Medal Office

Blind Veterans UK

There is now one Medal Office, which covers all three Services and they be contacted as follows:

Army Personnel Records and Family Interest Enquiries - Historical Disclosures

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 0300 111 22 33 or visit their website at: www.blindveterans.org.uk Regular Forces Employment Association (RFEA) Provide employability and employment support to working age veterans in the UK. To provide support to veterans throughout life including those who have served for a short time and are in the 18-24 year old age range, through to older veterans. The over 50s are increasingly recognised as facing greater challenges in finding employment. To find out more contact 0121 262 3058 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

The Ministry of Defence Medal Office Innsworth House, Imjin Barracks Innsworth, Gloucester Gloucester GL3 1HW Email: dbs-medals@mod.gov.uk Fax: 0141 224 3586 Free Phone: 0800 085 3600 Overseas Civ: +44 (0) 141 224 3600

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:

For additional information about medals visit: www.veterans-uk.info

Army Personnel Centre, Disclosure 2, Mail Point 515, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow, G2 8EX

Cyprus GSM Clasp – 1963-64

Tel: 0845 600 9663

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 21st December 1963 and 26th March 1964. This is relevant to some Household Cavalrymen.

The following address should be used for family members wishing to access records of deceased soldiers:

Veterans Badges Men and Women who enlisted in HM Armed Forces between 3rd September

Army Personnel Centre, Historical Disclosures, Mail Point 400, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow, G2 8EX

The Drum Horses of the Household Cavalry ready for their last performance at the Royal Windsor Horse Show 2022

Notices ■ 133

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.

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:

www.hcavfoundation.org

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.

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

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

If you have any queries please ask the Secretary of your Regimental Association.

Household Cavalry Foundation (HCF) (Charity No 1151869)

Capt Will Snook, Sqn Show Jumping

134 ■ Notices

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.

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 continuing to liaise with Home Headquarters staff 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 our Regiments’ 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 Museum at Horse Guards and the Archive 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-HCav personnel.

HCMEL is trading at a profit: 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 members of the Regiment;

of

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.

Notices ■ 135

Household Cavalry Association North Staffs Branch President: Lt Col (Retd) R R Griffin formerly The Life Guards Chairman: Mr B A Lewis formerly The Royal Horse Guards Secretary amd Treasurer: Mr I J Taylor formerly The Royal Horse Guards

A

t the beginning of the year after what seemed like an age, people were gradually emerging from a state of lockdown brought about by the Coronovirus, while it’s not completely obliterated, folks are beginning to step out of their homes and renew friendships with neighbours and colleagues, albeit at arm’s length, just in case!

The Branch has now got into the routine of a bi monthly meeting in the form of a luncheon for members and wives.

Four members made the journey down to Windsor for the RHG/D Association dinner at The Castle Hotel, a change from Combermere Barracks but at least it’s in Windsor. Great to meet up with colleagues we hadn’t seen for some time as the dinner last year was cancelled.

The summer was one of unprecedented temperatures, while we have endured short term heat waves, no one expected this one to drag on so long as to cause water shortages.

Although we were all concerned about the health of our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth, it came as a shock to hear that she had passed away.

Vigil for Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in St Giles’s church

The following day, the Branch Chairman and Secretary rushed down to the National Memorial Arboretum to lower the Regimental Standards to half mast, but the ground staff had beat us to it, they had lowered the standards on all the memorials, well done chaps.

The Branch held our annual dinner as usual at the end of November, and we were pleased to welcome our President again after being unable to be with us last year. The event was well attended with the raffle as entertaining as usual being organised by our Chairman Barry.

Our adopted church of St Giles was quick to respond by opening all day for several days after, with a Book of Remembrance for visitors to sign, and candles to light. Our Branch Standard was on parade behind the table.

In addition to the main raffle, Sue Kelsall, the wife of one of our late members, Bill Kelsall, had a pair of her husband’s RHG cuff links she wished to pass on. Barry quickly organised a competition which was won by visitor and long-time colleague Bob Shatwell, who was honoured to be presented the cuff links by Sue.

There were many visitors, both local and from abroad wishing to pay their respects.

Our Branch Chaplain, Secretary and Standard were in attendance in November for the Service of Remembrance.

Unfortunately, in the later part of the year we have sadly lost the wives of two of our members, our Branch Chaplain was honoured to be asked to conduct the funerals for both, they were very active at all our Branch functions and will be sadly missed.

On the run up to Christmas, both Covid and the heat wave seem a long time ago, now we can slow down for the winter, looking forward to resuming our activities next year.

To our serving colleagues, with the uncertain times we are in at present, we wish them success in all they do, we can be sure they will maintain the high standards we all aspire to.

Bob Shatwell receiving the RHG cuff links

136 ■ Household Cavalry Associations

Any serving or former Household Cavalryman who wishes to know more about us, we are based in the North Midlands and would welcome any enquiries about joining us, contact the Secretary on ianandann.taylor@ btinternet.com or via your Regimental Association Secretary.

Household Cavalry Regional Association Dinners and The Household Cavalry Hogs Motorbike Coven Event

Date

Where

Lead and President

Remarks

North East

tbc 2024 Autumn Lunch tbc

Angel of The North Pub Chester-le-Street

Antony (“Tadge”) Tate Giles Stibbe

Humber to Tweed

East Anglia

28 Jan 2023 30 Jun-1 Jul 2023

Great Yarmouth tbc + Golf

Spencer McCormack Crispin Lockhart

Thames to Humber

Wales

30 Sep 2023

Cardiff

Chris Elliott, Will Bartle-Jones

Wales

Dorset Squadron

tbc 2023

Bournemouth

Chair: Graham “Veg” Kingham Ruth Appleby (RHG widow) Barney White-Spunner

Solent to Axe

South-West

17 Nov 2023

Exeter

Chris Elliott, Klaus Fisher, Mark Kingston

Exe to Land’s End

Scotland

24 Nov 2023

Edinburgh

Terry Overton, Ed Mountain

Scotland and Borde

Staffordshire

10 Nov 2023

Stoke-on-Trent

Home HQ

Ian Taylor, Ralph Griffin

Lancashire and Yorkshire

tbc 2023

Trans-Pennine

Home HQ (Ralph Assheton)

Contact Details

Email

Tel

Chris Elliott

Hon Sec RHG/D Assn

RHG-D.RegSec@householdcavalry.co.uk

07881 625124

Ken Robertson

Hon Sec LG Assn

LG.RegSec@householdcavalry.co.uk

07713 157849

Antony Tate

Chair HCav Assn NE

artate@btinernet.com

07783 586900

Ruth Appleby (RHG widow)

Hon Sec Dorset Squadron

dorsetsquadron@outlook.com

tbc

Spencer McCormack

Chair East Anglia

spencermccormack@hotmail.co.uk

07738 939051

WO2 Terry Overton

Scottish Dinner

TerryL.Overton484@mod.gov.uk

07943 865167

Ian Taylor

Hon Sec North Staffs

ianandann.taylor@btinternet.com

07831 261303

Notes A. All these Dinners are in addition to the LG and RHG/D Regt Assns’ Annual Dinners and the LG (S Doughty) and RHG/D (V Woyka) Annual Officers’ Dinners.

B. The LG Old Oak Tree website members hold an annual weekend. Lead = Clare and Danny Holmes.

C. There is also proposal to hold annual HCav Dinners at a central location; possibly the Polo Club + Hospitality Centre run by Reg Carney near Birmingham. and for those who enjoy the open road … The Household Cavalry Hogs a Motorbike Club. Les Kibble and Ade Gardner.

Home HQ - Chris Elliott and Ken Robertson - are your Contacts.

Household Cavalry Associations ■ 137

Features The Hyde Park Bombing Forty Years On

by Lance Corporal Steve Sullivan, formerly The Blues and Royals

O

n Tuesday 20th July 1982, at 10.40 and 23 seconds, mine and many other people’s world changed significantly. I was the trumpeter leading the Queen’s Life Guard towards Horse Guards. The Provisional IRA triggered a car bomb alongside the Guard provided on that day by The Blues and Royals Squadron. The bomb, (Improvised Explosive Device) was made with 25 pounds (12 kilos) of commercial explosives, packed with both four and six inch nails. It was designed to maim and kill.

This it did, killing four of my colleagues, seven horses and injuring in one way or another all others riding on that fateful Guard and indeed many more.

The IRA were quick to claim victory, having also placed an equally devastating bomb under the Bandstand in Regent’s Park, which was to kill seven bandsmen of the Royal Green Jackets.

However, on the world stage, different

conclusions were slowly drawn. As news of the barbarity spread, perhaps the greatest impact of these events was in the United States, where the NORAID fundraising campaign was dealt a crippling blow. The donors in the Irish pubs and clubs in Boston, New York, and Chicago now began to understand that they had been funding terrorism rather than providing support for the ‘old country’. Closer to home, the Irish people gave funds to replace the fallen horses.

In the immediate aftermath, the Regiment deployed to assist the injured men and horses. The following day, the New Guard, commanded by Major Anthony de Ritter, The Life Guards, gave an ‘eyes right’ to the scene of the bombing, honouring fallen comrades. From this, tradition was born.

As Household Cavalrymen (and now women) pass the site with an ‘eyes left’

or ‘eyes right’, they salute the fallen.

The Government and the Park authorities never intended for there to be any memorial to mark this spot, however, Colonel (later Brigadier) Andrew Parker Bowles, formerly The Blues and Royals was not easily defeated. The Government and Park Authorities were ‘honoured’ to learn from HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, that ‘their wonderful idea’ for a Memorial had her full approval. She also gently suggested that the Memorial should be raised up and would be greatly enhanced by an appropriate hedge.

The formal commemoration of this event has now moved to Cavalry Sunday, however, a few of us normally gather on 20th July to pay our respects, often followed up by a small buffet and catch up in the Warrant Officers’ and Non-Commissioned Officers’ Mess,

The Memorial, with State Trumpeters in the background

138 ■ Features

the Padre to start proceedings. In the distance I could hear the faint sound of hooves. I felt the tension build as everyone glances furtively towards Hyde Park Barracks. Major John Carr-Ellison reads the names of the fallen for all to hear ‘Lieutenant Anthony Daly, Squadron Quartermaster Corporal Roy Bright, Lance Corporal Jeffrey Young, Trooper Simon Tipper, Falcon, Waterford, Rochester, Epaulette, Yeastvite, Cedric, and Zara’. I am unable to describe that feeling of pride as The Blues and Royals Queen’s Life Guard on duty that day draws near.

Steve Sullivan, organiser and coordinator of the Memorial Guard, and author of this article, meets The Colonel. In the background, Brigadier Andrew Parker-Bowles, the Commanding Officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in 1982

then onto the Paxton’s Head pub for a debrief of the day’s events. A few soon grew to 120 people, drawn from all walks of life.

This year was to be the 40th since that fateful day and therefore needed marking appropriately. A whisper here and a prod there soon started to produce results. HJ (Robert HowatsonJones, formerly The Life Guards) and I were invited to meet the Regimental Adjutant, Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Griffin, formerly The Life Guards. He let us in on a secret: HRH The Princess Royal, Colonel The Blues and Royals, had agreed to lay a wreath on 20th July.

Plans were soon upgraded and public duties altered to meet The Colonel’s busy timetable.

none of them were even born forty years ago. I noticed Bev Lawson, formerly The Blues and Royals, the Regimental Corporal Major in 1982, pass his critical eye over the Squadrons and couldn’t help but notice that he smiled. My task was to arrange the survivors of the 1982 Guard into a line with their wreaths, to ask the widows of those who died to join this front rank, to get our families to fall in behind us, and to make sure the Lord Lieutenant of Greater London is in the correct place to meet the Colonel.

The Trumpeters played the Royal Salute from behind the Memorial, announcing the arrival of The Colonel. HRH The Princess Royal was met by the Lord Lieutenant and Colonel Lockhart and took her place at 11.00 in time for

The Guard turned to face the Colonel and the Memorial, and with a familiar nod the Guard carried swords, the Royal Salute is blown, the Squadron Standard is lowered, and the former Adjutant, riding on his final Guard, completes an immaculate salute with his sword. The Colonel and the Memorial are jointly honoured.

As the Guard depart to complete their duties General Barney gives a short heartfelt address, concluding with the wise words that we should live our lives to the full because that’s what the fallen would expect of us. The Last Post and Reveille send shivers up my spine. The Colonel places the first of the regimental wreaths at the Memorial. This is followed by the widows individually placing flowers on top of the Memorial. A truly emotional moment for all. Despite the roar of the traffic, you could have heard a pin drop. The surviving members of the Guard then placed their own wreaths around the Memorial. My spirits were lifted by hearing the regimental collect being read by Bev Lawson.

At the end of the Service, The Colonel

On 20th July this year I glanced at my watch, the time read 10.40, there was no searing blast or flying shrapnel, instead I saw old friends and new gathered around the Memorial. Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles was chatting with Major John Carr-Ellison, formerly The Blues and Royals. The Lieutenant Colonel Commanding, Colonel Crispin Lockhart, The Blues and Royals (whose father was my first Commanding Officer) was talking with Lieutenant General Sir Barney White-Spunner, formerly The Blues and Royals, and Captain Jim Wordsworth, formerly The Life Guards.

Along South Carriage Drive marched The Life Guards Squadron, The Blues and Royals Squadron, and HQ Squadron from the Mounted Regiment, under the eagle eye of the current Regimental Corporal Major, Warrant Officer Class 1 Snoxell. How strange it seems that

The Colonel meeting members of The Blues and Royals Guard on duty on 20th July 1982.

In the centre, Steve Sullivan

Features ■ 139

went to meet the families of the fallen and the survivors of the Guard. I felt very honoured to introduce The Princess Royal to my comrades of so long ago.

She listened intently, gave encouragement and had a kind word for everyone.

Reflecting on the day, and on the terrible events we were remembering, I drew the conclusion that of course we would all change history if we could, but the unintended consequences were that the Regiment came together, united in grief and determined to meet the future head on. We became more of a family and, like most families, we now look to the younger generation. Having seen what the Household Cavalry has achieved in the last forty years, I could not be more proud.

Thread Films, run by award winning film producer and former Life Guard Captain Mau Grise, have produced a short documentary that can be found on @threadfilmsUK

The Colonel meeting the survivors and families of those who died

Hadrian’s Wall Challenge In Memory of Oscar Airey, late The Life Guards

by Rob Mather, formerly The Life Guards

I

n August 2022, several Household Cavalry Veterans joined with several Coldstream Guard Veterans and various other good people to complete the Hadrian’s Wall Challenge in memory of

the Late Oscar Airey LG. The aim was to raise funds for the Household Cavalry Families Office and various other charities which were close to our hearts. The event was organised by Oscar’s brother,

Franco Gasparotti formerly Coldstream Guards. It was a fantastic success, culminating in five days of walking from Newcastle to Bowness on Solway. The walkers covered a total of 84 miles in the

Hadrian’s Wall Start point. Various members of the Team from The Household Cavalry, Coldstream Guards and friends

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Standard Bearers in support of Oscar Airey Funeral in 2021. Left to right: Mark Hubbel LG, Lenny Key LG, Rob Mather LG, Franco Gasparotti CG, Trevor Ashton LG

Hadrians Wall Challenge 2022 Left to right: Rob Mather LG, Liam McCulloch LG, Mark Hubbel LG

five days and it turned out to be a really great event.

This event raised a whopping £18,681 which will be divided between four worthwhile charities, with over half going to support Household Cavalry Families. The other beneficiaries to receive support are Veterans Lifeline, The Rawthey Project and The Royal Marsden Cancer Trust.

Franco took the opportunity in thanking each and every member of the team and all who supported this event

Hadrians Wall Challenge.

From left to right top row; Mark Bridgen RHG/D, Liam McCulloch LG, Mark Hubbel LG, Kevin Thompson LG, Andy Rule CG and AAC, Simon Ward CG, Lee Lenthal CG, Jim Hill CG, Phil Lee CG. Bottom Row: Rob Mather LG, Franco Gasparotti CG.

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through sponsorship donations. Theses outstanding efforts made this event the huge success it was! Oscar would have been incredibly proud of everyone for ensuring his legacy will forever remain through an event in his memory and

which has led to the charities receiving vital funds in support of their chosen missions and causes. It is our intention, as a group, to visit The Household Cavalry and inform those serving of the fantastic efforts of everyone who

contributed to this hugely inspiring event and arrange to present the cheque on behalf of the team and the memory of Oscar Airey.

Guardsmen of the Sky

by Colonel P L Ashfield DSO, MBE, formerly Grenadier Guards Vice President Guards Parachute Association

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n 1941 a Guardsman was appointed to command Britain’s first Airborne Division. Major General ‘Boy’ Browning was formerly a Grenadier. He staffed his HQ with Guardsmen and took a close interest in the selection, training, shaping and development of his parachute force that would define the airborne role and character to the present day.

From the inception of the parachute role in the British army many guardsmen volunteered for “special duties” for excitement, a chance to prove themselves and sometimes merely to escape the routine of public duties. However, the mere fact that they were prepared to go to extremes to seek out something different, put these guardsmen in a league apart. And the discipline they applied to all aspects of their soldiering plus their natural esprit de corps were values deeply embedded in the Parachute Regiment that developed from these early volunteers.

As well as volunteers for airborne forces there was no shortage of volunteers for Special Forces. 6 officers including David Stirling (Scots Guards) and 60 other ranks from the Brigade of Guards went with No 8 Commando to the Middle East where it formed part of LAYFORCE, the forerunner of the SAS. At the end of WW2 in a flurry of re-organisations, 1st Airborne Division was disbanded while 6th were sent to the Middle East and Palestine. A restructuring to 2 Brigades in the Division saw the formation of 1 Brigade with 2/3 battalion 8/9 battalion and 1st battalion, which was to be designated a Guards battalion.

In 1946 Lt Col John Nelson DSO, MC (Grenadier Guards) was appointed to command the battalion and arrived in Palestine to find that the only Guardsmen present were he and his adjutant. It was some months before Guards reinforcements started to arrive in numbers, but by 1948 the Battalion was 95% guardsmen. The unit had a reputation for containing a high proportion of decorated soldiers, including Sgt John Kenneally VC (Irish Guards)

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General ‘Boy’ Browning observes training at RAF Netheravon in October 1942 as General Officer Commanding 1st Airborne Division

who won his award in North Africa in 1943. The Palestinian crisis involved the 1st Guards Battalion in numerous skirmishes with terrorists and the whole gamut of routine duties, including the distasteful harbour duties at Haifa harbour. On return to UK 6 Division was reduced to Brigade strength, renamed 16 Parachute Brigade, and the Guards Battalion reduced to an independent company.

The Guards Independent Parachute Company was assigned the role of pathfinding for the Parachute Brigade and immediately started perfecting the drills it would use and develop for the next 27 years. In a largely national service Army the Company was unique in being the only all regular unit in the army. The Company served with 16 Parachute Brigade in Germany on border patrols, the canal zone, in Cyprus during the EOKA campaign and from there were involved with the rest of the Parachute brigade in the Suez campaign. While most of the Company went by sea a small party of nine Guardsmen and five Sappers under Captain Murray de Klee

(Scots Guards) parachuted in with the French. One man in the party was shot through the stomach on landing and one was entangled in telegraph wires.

They achieved their tasks and linked up with the British main force in time for what those who participated described as ‘Endex’. The French showed their appreciation of the patrol’s work by the award of the Croix de Guerre to Capt de Klee, whilst one of the Sappers in the team was mentioned in dispatches.

The early sixties were marked by a change in role. Hitherto they had acted as an additional rifle company or a recce unit following the pathfinding. Now the company was to take on armoured recce with ferret scout cars as the add-on to its pathfinder role. Exercises proceeded across UK, in Libya, Cyprus Greece and Germany. The Company also had a brief insight into the future when they visited the Far East and undertook jungle training and jumped from Pioneer aircraft.

For most of its existence the Company had been based in Pirbright Camp, separate from the majority of Parachute

They needed support as soon as possible, which arrived in the form of the Guards Parachute Company who were rushed through specialist training in six weeks and sent to Malaya for jungle training before operations against the Indonesian army in Borneo. In all the Company completed two six-month tours involving several cross border operations and, a number of contacts, including a notable ambush where Lance Sergeant Wally McGill, (Scots Guards) won the MM. In 1970 the Company were swept along with the rest of the army with the Northern Ireland campaign and completed their first tour in Belfast under command of the 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment. This was to become almost an annual event, interspersed by exercises abroad until in 1975 it was announced that the company was to be axed in the latest round of Defence cuts. The Company held its final parade at Pirbright on 24th October 1975. The salute was taken by Field Marshal Sir Gerald Templar and The Company’s Camp Colour proudly hangs in the Guards Chapel behind the lectern.

Brigade units and under the administrative control of London District. The Pirbright ranges and training areas provided a perfect training ground for the Company and was ideal for the twoweek hardening and selection courses that every Guards officer and soldier underwent prior to being considered fit and suitable to go forward to P Company. By the 1960s the Brigade of Guards still had eight full strength battalions, the two regiments of Household Cavalry and a large number of additional troops manning the Guards Training Centre and various formation and regimental establishments. The Company therefore had the pick of the very best volunteers from almost 10,000 troops.

The company at that time was organised into three pathfinder/armoured recce troops, each commanded by a Captain; an anti-tank troop equipped with 106 mm anti-tank guns; later replaced by the Wombat. A normal infantry company headquarters was supplemented by a REME armourer, a small LAD, Pay Sergeant and signals NCO. The

Company strength was 88 all ranks.

They were supremely fit and skilled and were unbeatable in the annual Evelyn Wood 10-mile march and shoot competition open to all units. After winning it five times in succession the competition was withdrawn and a special permanent cup was minted and awarded to the Company. The Company also punched well above its weight in rugby and athletics.

On New Year’s Eve 1963, the Parachute Brigade was recalled from leave and returned to Cyprus, to police the deteriorating situation between the Greeks and Turks on the island. After six weeks the Company were withdrawn and given another task. This would dominate the next two years, immeasurably enhance their reputation and have life changing impacts on many of the Company.

22 SAS was desperately stretched in 1964 with operations both in the Radfan and Borneo. To compound matters, their Rhodesian squadron was withdrawn when Rhodesia made a Unilateral Declaration of Independence.

The Guards Parachute Company marched off into history, but not the concept of Airborne Guardsmen. A large proportion of former Company members found their way to Hereford and joined G Squadron 22 SAS, but that was not the end of the road, for further outlets for Guardsmen to wear the red beret were to develop in the future. The lessons of the Falklands campaign had far reaching implications; one of which had been the invaluable mobility and firepower contribution that the Scimitar and Scorpion Troops of the Blues and Royals had provided. The upshot was that in the late 1980’s a troop of Scorpions from the Life Guards were attached to 5 Airborne Brigade. There was no shortage of volunteers to man the new unit and a steady stream of Troopers set off for P company. Household Division troops were back in the parachute role.

In 2001 the Household Division further strengthened its long and close relationship with airborne forces when a Guards Platoon was formed and now serves as 6 (Guards) Platoon B Company 3 Para.

The Platoon has served with distinction in Iraq and Afghanistan and has counted among its ranks such exceptional soldiers as LCpl James Ashworth VC and has continued to be a steppingstone into G Squadron for several of its members.

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The Guards Para Association In 1975, on the disbandment of the Guards Parachute Company, the Guards Parachute Association was formed. In days where so many associations are folding through apathy and lack of interest, ours is well over 400 strong and still growing. The spirit is as strong as ever and every man is proud to say “I was a Guards Para”. In the words of our most prominent founding member, Major General Sir Robert Corbett KCVO CB formerly Irish Guards, ‘The Association is a means of carrying forward the very special comradeship and loyalty that all of us who had the privilege of serving in the Guards Parachute Company felt towards one another, to the Company, their Regiments and the Household Division’. This comradeship is still very evident in every airborne unit where Guardsmen currently serve.

The Association was established to

further the following three purposes; to preserve and foster comradeship between serving and retired members of the Association, providing a welfare network and support for members or their dependents who may have fallen on hard times and the commemoration and remembrance of those members of the Household Division who may have served in the Airborne Forces.

The association fulfils these purposes by holding an annual dinner which is usually held on the Saturday closest to the date of disbandment of No1 (Guards) Independent Parachute Company, which happened on 24th October 1975. Also at the committee’s discretion, financial and other support maybe provided to members and their dependents as appropriate to alleviate hardship and suffering. The centrepiece of the Association’s commemoration is the Guardsmen of the Sky memorial at the National Arboretum in Staffordshire and participation in the annual march

past the cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday.

The Association is still over 400 strong, but our long-term survival and that of the Guards and ABF association will depend on younger members. We would very much like to hear from those of you that are eligible to join the Association, who have served in 6 (Guards) Platoon, the Pathfinder Platoon or Special Forces and who have enjoyed the distinction of being Guardsmen of the Sky. We take great pride in still representing the Household Division’s airborne heritage.

Applications for membership can be found at www. guardsparachuteassociation.co.uk or made directly to our secretary Ron Bell (formerly The Life Guards) ronsecgpa75@btinternet.com or Wes Fountain formerly Grenadier Guards at wesleyjfountain@hotmail.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.

The Guards Parachute Platoon during Exercise SWIFT RESPONSE in Germany 2016

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