HCavJournal2024 - FINAL edit

THE HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY JOURNAL 2024

The Household Cavalry Journal

Incorporating The

No. 33 2024

Acorn and The Blue and Royal

Editor: Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) R R D Griffin, The Life Guards

Colonel in Chief: His Majesty The King

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: Brigadier M S P Berry, The Life Guards

Commanding Officer Household Cavalry Regiment: Lieutenant Colonel R J Spiller, The Blues and Royals

Commanding Officer Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment: Lieutenant Colonel M H J Woodward, The Blues and Royals

The Life Guards Battle Honours

Dettingen

Peninsula

Waterloo

Tel el Kebir

Egypt (1882)

Relief of Kimberley

Paardeberg

South Africa (1899-1900)

Mons Le Cateau

Retreat from Mons

Marne (1914)

Aisne (1914)

Armentières (1914)

Messines (1914)

Ypres (1914)

Langemarck (1914)

Gheluvelt

Nonne Bosschen

St Julien

Frezenberg

Ypres (1915)

Somme (1916)

Albert (1916)

Scarpe (1917) (1918)

Broodseinde

Poelcappelle

Passchendaele

Bapaume (1918)

Arras (1917)

Ypres (1917)

Arras (1918)

Hindenburg Line

Epehy

St Quentin Canal

Beaurevoir

Cambrai (1918)

Selle

Somme (1918)

France and Flanders (1914-18)

The Blues and Royals Battle Honours

Tangier (1662-1680)

Dettingen

Warburg

Beaumont

Willems

Fuentes d’Onor

Peninsula

Waterloo

Balaklava

Sevastopol

Tel el Kebir

Egypt (1882)

Relief of Kimberley

Paardeberg

Relief of Ladysmith

South Africa (1899-1902)

Mons

Le Cateau

Retreat from Mons

Marne (1914)

Aisne (1914)

Messines (1914)

Armentières (1914)

Ypres (1914)

Langemarck (1914)

Gheluvelt

Nonne Bosschen

St Julien

Ypres (1915)

Frezenberg

Loos

Arras (1917)

Scarpe (1917)

Ypres (1917)

Broodseinde

Poelcappelle

Passchendaele

Somme (1918)

St Quentin

Avre

Amiens

Hindenburg Line

Beaurevoir

Cambrai (1918)

Sambre

Pursuit to Mons

France and Flanders (1914-1918)

Mont Pincon

Souleuvre

Noireau Crossing

Amiens (1944)

Brussels

Neerpelt

Nederrijn

Nijmegen

Lingen

Bentheim

North West Europe (1944-1945)

Baghdad (1941)

Iraq (1941)

Palmyra

Syria (1941)

El Alamein

North Africa (1942-1943)

Arezzo

Advance to Florence

Gothic Line

Italy (1944)

Gulf (1991)

Wadi al Batin

Iraq (2003)

Mont Pincon

Souleuvre

Noireau Crossing

Amiens (1944)

Brussels

Neerpelt

Nederrijn

Lingen

Veghel

Nijmegen

Rhine

Bentheim

North West Europe (1944-1945)

Baghdad (1941)

Iraq (1941) Palmyra

Syria (1941)

Msus

Gazala

Knightsbridge

Defence of Alamein Line

El Alamein

El Agheila

Advance on Tripoli

North Africa (1941-1943)

Sicily (1943)

Arezzo

Advance to Florence

Gothic Line

Italy (1943-1944)

Falkland Islands (1982)

Iraq (2003)

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

The Journal was designed and published by Brian Smith Associates, 145 St Pancras, Chichester, West Sussex PO19 7SH. Tel: 07770 277010 Email: brian@briansmithassociates.co.uk

Household Cavalry Regiment

Household Cavalry Sports Round-up

Preface

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

Operations draw attention as they should in any professional Army. 2024 held an impressive array of deployments and State Ceremonial Operations for the two regiments. Cyprus, Kosovo and Public Duties are well captured in photographs, but the less public work the regiments have done to field the AJAX and to transform State Ceremonial Operations are what dominated the Regiment’s year. And 2025 sees opportunities for Associations and the serving Regiments to bond. With pride and some excitement, I focus this foreword on 2025, but do so remembering the work of the past year that has set the conditions for an excellent year ahead.

Some of our most senior readers may remember bringing the CVR(T) into service, and will know that the vehicle served the nation on operations from the Falkland Islands until the conclusion of the Afghan campaign. Over 4 decades the Household Cavalry adapted the CVR(T) to fight in peat bogs, European woods and plains, urban areas and deserts. Warfighting to Counter Terrorism. In November HCR fired the starting gun on the British Army’s next 40 years with AJAX’s first deployment onto Salisbury Plain in HCR hands. Readers will know that this journey has not been smooth, and the Regiment has been stoic, loyal and professional in adapting. 2025 brings the chance for HCR soldiers to share with their forbears the new camp and new vehicle. The March Open Day is long overdue; but an excellent chance to see how the service Regiment is living up to the legacy left by its predecessors.

So too will 2025 bring an opportunity for the Mounted Regiment to share its work with veterans and the Associations. His Majesty will bless the new Standards in Windsor at the beginning of the ceremonial season: the event and celebration are a fantastic chance to bring some veterans and serving soldiers together. The visit by veterans to Hyde Park Barracks in 2024 revealed the challenges the modern regiment faces, and how the newest generation of Household Cavalry soldiers is tackling them. With the grit, discipline, selflessness and humour familiar to any generation of Household Cavalry, today’s soldiers and officers are transforming the ceremonial regiment to deliver Public Duties in the modern world, they are looking forward to performing for the hardest audience:

their forebears. But the May Standards Parade will be a performance with veterans, not for them. As we change our Squadron or Union standards, together we will acknowledge the past decade of the Regiments’ history and prepare for the next decade.

And that decade brings unique challenges, for which the Regiment is perfectly set. The war in Ukraine best represents the uncertainty of the globe, and the UK’s need for a capable warfighting force, with the best people, and a close second, the best equipment. No regiment is better placed for the first operational use of AJAX than the regiment that fielded it. No nations need a greater imperative than the war in Ukraine to

deploy its best and most capable equipment. We remain blessed to attract and recruit the very best soldiers and officers, and with them, I look forward to showing the Regiments to our friends, families and forebears in Bulford, London and Windsor this year.

HCMR is also adapting to changing times. Social media shapes perceptions of our soldiers and how misrepresenting our young soldiers’ hard work. I was delighted that a group of veterans visited HCMR in 2024 to see for themselves how their successors are adapting to the changing conditions in which they represent the nation.

Editorial

2024 has been the greatest year of change that I have known. The shortfall in workforce (manpower) has been at its most dire since probably autumn 1914! The lack of soldiers has led to fundamental changes in the way the Household Cavalry does business. The logistical trials presented by the introduction of AJAX continue, with immense fortitude and patience being shown by all those at Bulford. Due to sequencing issues across the Army, the Household Cavalry remains at the forefront of AJAX development but is sadly lacking the wider support which is needed. This has not prevented the Regiment from developing a wide and useful skill base.

Usually, it is HCR which endures and embraces change whilst HCMR remains a constant. This last year, however, has reversed that situation. It has been HCMR which has endured greatest change. The routine and set ways of conducting business have all been challenged and pragmatic solutions have been developed to meet the requirements of the ceremonial output. Change has pervaded every element of the Mounted Regiment’s life. King’s Life Guard is now a 48 or 72 hour duty. Divisions on parade have been of variable size. A three division Sovereign’s Escort deployed to the State Opening of Parliament. Working time regulations are impacting on every facet of life. Added to these challenges is the modern management of the horse herd. The management of and care of the horse herd is now central to the wider management at Army Headquarters. There is a desire to achieve loose boxes for all horses and to create conditions for greater access to grass and fresh air. There is perhaps that recognition of the old cavalry officer’s maxim, “Horses, equipment, troops, self”

However, strong leadership, grit and determination has ensured that Household Cavalry officers and soldiers continue to challenge themselves on the sporting and adventurous training

fields. Adrenaline remains at the centre of many events. Challenge in all aspects of military life remains. The military life is changing rapidly as different factors come into play. For the veteran community, your support to the serving soldiers remains as crucial as ever.

History can teach us many lessons and it is inspiring how many officers

and soldiers are taking the time out to join the various battlefield studies that are being conducted. Normandy, Flanders and further afield add depth to understanding. Our veteran community adds significant knowledge to these studies, bringing an historical perspective, interest and inspiration. The story of our predecessors is definitely worth discovering.

Editor feeling at home

Household Cavalry Regiment

Foreword

By Lieutenant Colonel R J Spiller, The Blues and Royals Commanding Officer, The Household Cavalry Regiment

After the excitements of a Regimental deployment to Cyprus and two Squadron deployments to Kosovo last year, this year has been dominated by fielding AJAX.

C Squadron returned from Kosovo after an excellent tour. Op ELGIN, the UK’s support to the NATO mission, plays a valuable role in a theatre where tensions continue to bubble. As ever, C Squadron punched considerably above its weight, ensuring that the UK contribution was both valuable and valued. The tour is described elsewhere in the Journal; there will be more deployments to come. The Medals Parade in Salisbury Cathedral established an important link into our wider community.

As HCR continues to deepen its roots into the Bulford area, we look forward to welcoming both Regimental Associations to the area for their annual dinners, which will be followed by an opportunity for Association Members to visit the barracks, see our equipment (including AJAX), and meet serving soldiers. I look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible to our home and to re-connecting the Associations with the serving Regiment. While inflow challenges continue, I hope that visitors will see that the quality of soldier arriving at HCR from HCMR is as high as ever. While one might expect that soldiers who have spent the first two years of their careers at HCMR would be behind their RAC peers in terms of field skills, the continuous cycle of HCav achievement on pan-RAC courses, such as the Junior Commanders’ Course, and the Crew Commanders’ Course, shows the opposite. HCR continues to dominate the top third, with numerous top student awards. We must continue to be proud of being different and continue to prove that our differences make us better on operations.

The AJAX programme passed a significant milestone with the withdrawal of the Capability Drop 1 (CD1) fleet – the prototypes that we have used in recent years - and the arrival at HCR of the CD3 fleet. While the programme’s

challenges have been widely documented, it is heartening to report that, in the hands of HCR soldiers and with doughty support from our LAD, AJAX performed superbly in the cold (-38 degrees) of Sweden and the heat of the desert (50 degrees). The startling accuracy of the gun when firing on the move, the power and reliability of the engine, and the sheer sophistication of the sensors are hugely exciting.

Frustratingly, challenges remain. Teething problems with the CD3 fleet have set back training, meaning that this year has largely seen HCR personnel conducting trials on behalf of the programme and technical conversion courses, as well as servicing innumerable visits and demonstrations. Together, these pressures have largely squeezed mounted tactical training out of the programme. The Squadrons have created and made the most of every opportunity to train and a series of simulated and dismounted exercises, making imaginative use of drones, has kept us sharp. The focus remains firmly on building deployable capability. The next step will be to declare the platform at Initial Operating Capability through deployment on a divisional exercise in 2025, with a view to the first operational deployment in 2026.

The Army is going through a significant period of change, with a new Chief of the General Staff setting us the challenge of doubling our lethality. As the first regiment to field AJAX, HCR will

be at the forefront of that initiative. However, we can only remain in the vanguard if we have the right people. We need the help of all the Regimental family to recruit and retain people. The Household Cavalry Foundation continues to do wonderful work for our serving soldiers and their families as part of their wider remit, but it can only do so with your continued help. Equally, the best recruiters are those who have served. HCR is well placed to lead Army modernisation, greater integration with NATO, and adding to our illustrious history, but we cannot stand still. A new(-ish) home, a new vehicle, and a new way of fighting are exciting challenges that we must face together.

Diary of Events

by Captain Hugh Fagan, The Life Guards

2024 has been defined by technical conversion to AJAX, with HCR reassuming its core role as an Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment.

January – March

Winter was marked by a high-profile trial of AJAX in Sweden in January, led by Lt Charlie Lane Fox (RHG/D). Many of the instructors who deployed formed the backbone of a series of subsequent visits to showcase the platform to British Generals and foreign dignitaries, selling both their expertise and the platform’s capability. A, D and HQ Squadrons were busied with returning the Capability Drop One (CD1) (trials) AJAX fleet to General Dynamics and preparing to receive the CD3 (operational) fleet. C Squadron remained deployed on Op ELGIN (K) 13, working as part of KFOR’s ISR Battalion. Major Christopher Murphy (RHG/D) and WO2 (SCM) James Mulholland (RHG/D) led the Squadron, tasked with conducting Human Terrain Reconnaissance through dismounted and mounted patrols across the length and breadth of the country, meeting key local personalities in various sectors

to answer KFOR intelligence requirements. The Squadron experimented with its sUAS capability, refining how to use these small drones on future deployments.

Teams competing in Alpine Ski Racing, Nordic Skiing and Cresta were joined

An AJAX looks out over a snowy range on the Cold Weather Trial in Tåme, Sweden

LCpl Crawley shows off sUAS operating skills to LCpl Hughes and LCoH Maddocks during a joint operation with Austrian allies

by a Telemark skiing team to compete in nearly every activity worth doing in the snow. Peering into the future of the Regiment, Lt Balysz, LCsoH Godsmark and Bishton broke new ground by posting to ITC as the first Household Cavalrymen to train Phase 1 Household Cavalry recruits in Catterick.

April – June

In Spring, following C Squadron’s return from Op ELGIN 13, the Regiment’s full complement of Squadrons were finally reunited in camp, and the tank park resumed its role as the focal point for regimental activity. April saw the transition to the CD3 AJAX fleet. The Quartermaster (Technical) Captain Dan Sentance (LG) and his team worked tirelessly to ensure that the outgoing vehicles were of a Household Cavalry standard and waited with baited breath in the hope that the incoming vehicles would be too. After an inauspicious start, the CD3 fleet began to arrive in May. With each vehicle requiring an ‘in-inspection’, HCR’s LAD were extremely busy assessing the state of each vehicle and conducting the necessary repairs and maintenance before the fleet reached its destination with the Squadrons.

July

– September

Summer was characterised by Ex WESTPHALIA GUARDIAN II, which saw the entire Regiment deploy to Germany in July for two weeks to conduct simulated mounted training on the Army’s Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (and support the England men’s football team during their Euro’s campaign). This exercise was the first event for many in their return to Mounted Close Combat training after recent operational deployments to Cyprus and Kosovo, and a pivotal in shifting the mentality from technical conversion to tactical training.

A Squadron took on the Brecon Beacons

during Ex AGENDO ENDURANCE, a physical endurance event across its peaks. To augment what has already been a busy period, the Squadron also ran a sniper insight course for ten aspiring snipers in late August.

D Squadron busied themselves on both the tank park receiving the CD3 fleet and in the Training Wing, alongside maintaining readiness as a Company in the UK Standby Battalion – a contingency for internal emergencies. SCpl Duffill (LG), new in his role as the AntiTank Troop SCpl, delivered an anti-tank cadre on Salisbury Plain.

The Regiment participated in several sporting disciplines, from LCpl Smy on the Army Cycling squad, to Capt Charlotte Lord-Sallenave (RHG/D) and Tpr Nalawa in the Army Rugby 7s teams, to Lt George Boyle (RHG/D) and others in a number of sailing events. Of note are the two crews that took part in the Household Division Seaview Regatta; returning to Bulford victorious, followed by a further victory in the

Household Division J70 Regatta.

Prior to summer leave, a select few from D Squadron were busily preparing for an AJAX hot weather trial in the Middle East. Lt Freddie Coreth (RHG/D) and CoH Hackett led the team who were the first in the Army to trial the new vehicle in extreme heat.

October – December

In Autumn, the remainder of the Regiment returned from summer leave refreshed and poised to transition from technical conversion to tactical training on the new vehicle. An immediate Regimental re-ORBAT was conducted to enable the Squadrons to achieve their respective tasks: A Squadron at full complement to achieve Initial Operating Concept in September 2025 with HQ Squadron prioritised to enable; D Squadron staffed to build a cohort ready to deploy on Op CABRIT 19; and the lean C Squadron of 32 personnel, mirroring its Op ELGIN (K) 17 ORBAT. HQ Squadron deployed on Ex HELIOS

The victorious crews in the Household Division J70 Regatta

A patrol from A Squadron inserting to establish an OP during Exercise AGENDO STRIKE on Hankley Common

RAID II to interrogate the realities of sustaining AJAX. A Squadron ventured to Hankley Common on Ex AGENDO STRIKE, conducting dismounted recce actions under radio silence against a ‘near peer’ enemy with TI and II sighting systems and Parrot ANAFI sUAS, to improve battlefield discipline and resilience. C Squadron delivered a highly successful LCpl Army Leadership and Development Programme over three weeks, crowned with a dinner in the NCOs and WOs Mess to congratulate many promising performances. D Squadron’s Ex DEMETER RAID represented dismounted and mounted training at the Troop level on the Salisbury Plain, drilling the basics to generate confidence within crews ahead of larger deployments in the new year.

Early 2025 holds much promise and will represent many firsts, including Squadron-level deployments on AJAX and the first Regimental Gun Camp since settling into our new home in Bulford, a first also for the Army on the new platform.

A Squadron

by Major James Faire, The Blues and Royals

ASqn went back to basics and deployed to Barossa training area (behind RMAS) on Ex AGENDO RAID on return from post operational tour and Christmas leave. The Sqn worked to enhance the dismounted skills expected of recce soldiers with each troop rolling through Close Target Reconnaissance on an objective and living in an OP. Maj John Hutton (RHG/D) and WO2 (SCM) Thomson (LG), new in post and fresh from 2 years instructing at RMAS, enthusiastically encouraged basic battlefield discipline at all ranks, asking for focus on getting the basics right with emphasis on leadership at the most junior levels.

Concurrently, A Sqn worked to gradually hand back their AJAX Capability Drop (CD) 1 fleet while signing for the new uplifted models in CD 3. With an enormous effort from the vehicle owners and the tireless Tech Rep, CoH Rudwick, A Sqn managed to hand back the older models and take delivery of the new iteration of AJAX variants with an eye to being the Sqn to achieve IOC in 2025.

A physical challenge to promote cohesion and confidence seemed appropriate given some new faces arriving in the Sqn since Op TOSCA. In June Ex AGENDO ENDURANCE saw the Sqn deploy to the Brecon Beacons to conduct a route march over Pen-Y-Fan. With a

WO2 Elliot conducting a ROC drill to set the conditions for a successful replen on Ex HELIOS RAID

Tpr Ross and LCpl Dent emerging from the Brecon clouds

carefully considered build up training programme implemented by the Sqn’s Physical Training Instructors and a halfway water/energy drink/snack stop; the Sqn completed the challenge in good time before moving swiftly to Cardiff to enjoy the evening.

In July, A Sqn deployed on Ex WESTPHALIA GUARDIAN with the rest of the Regiment to spend two weeks training at BG level on the Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (CATT) in Germany. With plenty of ORBAT shuffling to get as many as possible exercising (and the Sqn Ldr and SCM both on paternity leave), A Sqn benefited from some immensely clued up crew commanders and NCOs to re-teach Mounted Close Combat (MCC) actions as a Sqn and then as part of the HCR battlegroup. The Sqn performed remarkably well considering the lack of MCC experience in recent years. Leaning once again on junior leaders, A Sqn made the most of the time away from the tank park by operating in a more conceptual environment.

Over the summer a number of A Sqn took the opportunity to push themselves on various Via Ferrata routes in the Dolomites. Led by Lt Whittingham (RHG/D), who put in months of planning, members of A Sqn pushed themselves up the side of the mountains

trying to ignore the shear drops below them. In typically idyllic Italian weather, far away from the costa del Brecon, they enjoyed breathtaking views, an impromptu German beer festival enroute, and unsurprisingly amazing Italian food.

Returning early from leave, Support Troop pushed 10 soldiers from both HCR and HCMR to their limits providing a thorough and competitive sniper insight course towards the end of August. The training focused on physical endurance, navigation, basic soldiering, and marksmanship. The 4 top performing soldiers on the course went forward to the next HDPRCC sniper concentration at the end of September. The Regiment is eager to retain snipers as a capability and will author a paper that recommends how it should be used in the AJAX and ARES context.

A Sqn built on the dismounted training conducted early in the year with an exercise on Hankley Common in September, Ex AGENDO STRIKE. Maj James Faire (RHG/D) and WO2 (SCM) Thomson broke the Sqn into 3 larger Tps that moved into OPs for 36hrs before extracting to daytime harbours. A CTR followed that night, with an extraction to a different daytime harbour before a second CTR the following night. Those CTRs generated concurrent Tp Raids on

the final morning. Throughout the week the Tps operated under radio silence, carrying all kit and equipment whenever they moved (to enable no return to a location already used), against an active enemy with sUAS (drone) and thermal capability. Written orders for each phase and replens were delivered via live letter box. Against these challenging conditions that tried to reflect the reality in Eastern Europe as far as possible, the Tps performed exceptionally well. There was not a single compromise (despite 3 Tp’s OP being less than 150m from the Objective) yet the content of OP and CTR reports were accurate.

Also, in September, A Sqn was confirmed as the Sqn that will take the Ajax Programme to Initial Operating Capability (IOC) on behalf of the Army by November 2025. This led to a Regtl re-ORBAT process that filled the Sqn completely, and a total focus on the required conversion courses for all until March 25. The Sqn will then move at pace through the training levels from individual crew to Combined Arms Squadron, learning what of the Armd Cav doctrine works for AJAX and what needs adjusting, integrating and developing TTPs with RA FSTs and Engr Recce, and passing 40mm Annual Crew Tests at the Regiment’s first Gunnery Camp in several years.

The front of 3 Tp’s OP on Ex AGENDO STRIKE, less than 150m from their Objective.

C Squadron

by Major Christopher Murphy, The Blues and Royals

2024 has been a varied and rewarding year for C Squadron. We completed our deployment to Kosovo on Op ELGIN 13 before returning to Bulford to begin transitioning back to our core role as mounted reconnaissance soldiers.

With the Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance Task-Unit now fully absorbed with Op ELGIN, the second half of the operation was about exploiting the opportunities available to us and setting the conditions for C Squadron’s good work to be taken over by the next rotation (K Battery, Fifth Regiment Royal Artillery). As such, soldiers from across the Task-Unit developed new and inventive ways to progress the Kosovo Force (KFOR) mission and maximise the available training.

In the Squadron’s core role – human engagement – the Task-Unit continued to excel and became increasingly wellregarded in HQ KFOR. Of particular note was the human engagement team dedicated to developing relationships with the Kosovo Security Forces (KSF), who continued to surpass expectations in their ability to shape relationships with the Kosovo Police (a relationship that had been especially strained before C Sqn’s rotation). Alongside their day-today interactions with the KSF, this team organised events ranging from evening drinks at the UK Ambassador’s residence to outreach events supporting female members of the KSF. Concurrently, LCpl Ivanovich’s Serbian language abilities enabled the Task-Unit’s engagement team who operated predominantly in ethnically Serbian areas to develop meaningful relationships with locals who had previously not been so forthcoming with British soldiers.

In addition to the Squadron’s core role, the resourcefulness and can-do spirit that is endemic in Household Cavalry soldiers was evident throughout. Soldiers took to the slopes in the Brezovica resort in southern Kosovo for skiing AT (a far cry from previous experiences in Verbier) and excelled on the DANCON MARCH (a 23 km race where participants carry 10 kg). In the latter, Lt Pitman won the event in a field of over 500 participants, while CoH Huxtable and CoH Baker decided that the mandated weight was insufficient and decided to complete the event as a ‘log race’, raising money for Paul Minter’s Head Up charity. In the midst of all of this, the Household Cavalry Foundation supported a Squadron Battlefield Study to the ‘Salonica Front’

CoH Baker (top left) and CoH Huxtable (top right) after completing the DANCON March. Supported by LCpl Ball (bottom left) and LCoH Maddocks (bottom right)

HCR personnel with members of the HALO Trust in Kosovo

C Sqn with Jonathan Hargreaves, the UK Ambassador to Kosovo

in North Macedonia. This gave members of the Squadron an opportunity to walk the little known – but immaculately preserved - battlefields where the British Army and its allies (including Serbia) fought the Central Powers in the First World War.

On their return, C Squadron have been thrust back into mounted training and have flourished. EX WESTPHALIA GUARDIAN II in Germany provided an excellent opportunity for soldiers to refresh their core mounted skills, having conducted a dismounted role for the last year or so. In addition to the training, highlights included the England vs. Netherlands Euros semi-final held in Dortmund, where C Squadron were in

Major Murphy receives a gift of an appreciation from C Sqn’s US colleagues

C Sqn in Dortmund following England’s win against the Netherlands in the Euros

C Sqn visiting the ‘Salonica Front’ in North Macedonia for a battlefield study

The potential NCO cadre on completion of their course exercise

the city on the night of the game.

Back at Regimental Duty, and as a result of their deployment (and therefore lagging behind the other Squadrons on AJAX training), C Squadron found themselves as the lowest priority Sqn for AJAX conversion. Rather than letting this frustrate, it enabled C Sqn to pursue other opportunities. In November, Lt Barlow and CoH Baker ran the Regiment’s potential NCO

D Squadron

Cadre, putting the newest generation of commanders through their paces during a three-week package of leadership and tactical training. In the same period, and following in the footsteps of many iterations of C Sqn before them, 2Lt Weatherby and LCoH Foster put the Squadron through a week of (excessively wet) dismounted navigation training in Dartmoor.

Looking ahead to 2025, C Squadron will

by Major Simon Dingsdale, The Blues and Royals

This year has been a year of challenges for the Sqn. Fresh from their return on Op TOSCA the Sqn found itself facing down the barrel of multiple AJAX to hand over. With an extensive reorbat in the November 23 the Sqn began adjusting to life working with AJAX vehicles; the plethora of challenges faced with rolling in a new vehicle did not deter the enthusiasm and determination of D Sqn troops. Requiring the same level of patience and diplomacy carefully nurtured in Cyprus the Sqn set to work with getting to grips on the reality of an ARES / AJAX tank park, albeit less tanned. On return from POTL crew commanders and senior LCpls were straight in at the deep end with signing over vehicles that had been under the supervision and management of the AJAX Group. Under the direction of the AJAX savant, CoH Watson, and multiple CES checks later, D Sqn now owned fleet of Armoured Fighting Vehicles.

With vehicles secured the Sqn turned their attention to refreshing their core soldiering skills. A week-long January exercise on Salisbury Plain demonstrated the duality of D Sqn and their capacity to operate in any condition, be it under the beating sun of Cyprus or the relentless rain of England.

Organised by Lt Ben Balysz (LG) and run by the Sqn Seniors, exercise DEMETER RAID was composed of round robin of stalls including navigational, dismounted and mounted skills. Notwithstanding the standard difficulties of exercise in the winter; administration whilst cold and wet, sleep deprivation and physical exertion, the exercise also included novel measures to push the troops further from their comfort zone. One such measure was that of a Hunter Force during the night navigation. D Sqn SNCOs operated as Hunters, sent out to track and find the exercising troops as they negotiated the rolling hills of Area 18. This proved to be a solid foundation for the Sqn to continue

continue to make the most of the opportunities that cross its path, whether they be in the mounted or dismounted role. As things stand, C Squadron are aligned again to OP ELGIN (17), which will see a new cohort of soldiers excel in this operational environment where C Squadron has developed excellent experience and reputation.

LCoH Walton delivers D&M training mindfully ‘lifting the AJAX’s skirts’

D Sqn troops prepare for the onslaught of A and C Sqns in CATT Germany while playing enemy for the final battle

and develop their core skills as mounted reconnaissance soldiers.

Following on from DEMETER RAID, SCpl Duffill decided it was time to put the newly formed Anti-Tank Troop through their paces. A three week zero to hero package saw 16 individuals from the Sqn become qualified as AntiTank operators. The course covered weapon handling test, AFV recognition theory, and Javelin Theory. The second week progressed to test individual navigational skill and physical resilience with weight carriage. The final exercise culminating in a fully tactical deployment onto Salisbury Plain. Soldiers were tested in field survival and javelin tactics developing all the skills they had acquired over the previous two weeks.

As some of the Sqn practiced javelin

skills, another team were shooting in a competitive environment. The Defence Operational Shooting Competition is an Army wide event, testing soldiers shooting capability on a range of weapon systems. LCoH O’Mara and Ct Jonty Barlow (RHG/D) were tasked with training and shaping soldiers in a variety of skills, all of which were tested under intense competitive conditions. The team performed admirably, qualifying from the Divisional Champions and selected for the Army Championships.

With routine running smoothly in the tank park the Sqn turned their attention to developing and building their core armoured cavalry skill set. This was in anticipation for the imminent regimental exercise in Germany. The Sqn were tested in their vehicle manoeuvre skills on VBS in Warminister; Arty target

drills in the Fires Simulator at Larkhill and AFV recognition at the Tank museum in Bovington. Individual skills were also honed through a range of exercises ran by officers and senior in the Sqn included a navigational exercise, ran by Lt Freddie Coreth (RHG/D) and LCoH Bridger and a drone evasion exercise organised by Lt Tom Mancais (LG) and LCoH Davis.

In July the Regiment deployed to Germany to undertake a two week simulated exercise on the CATT platform. This was the first time in two years that the Sqn had exercised as a oner, with fully manned troops. The Sqn’s performance was excellent; put through their paces on a range of lanes, the Sqn built up from low level troop movement and reporting to a whole Sqn advance and delay. The week culminated with a 2 on 1 force on force battle; D Sqn vs A and C Sqn. Despite being outnumbered D Sqn held their own and delayed A and C Sqn’s advance by nearly 2hrs.

Building on the skills from the first week the Sqn then began working through regimental movement; screens, delays, and advances were all tested. With skills renewed the Sqn broke for Summer leave.

In the September members of the Sqn deployed to Nevada on a Football Tour. Ran by SCpl Hinchley with support from LCpl Lowther, the team challenged the US Army to matches under the desert heat. Success fought and won by the Household Cavalry and an obligatory visit to Vegas rounded the trip off.

Whilst the football team sweltered in one desert, other members of the Sqn could be found in another desert on the other side of the world. The Middle Eastern desert provided an ideal setting to test AJAX’s capability in hot weather. Packed off with copious amounts of suncream Lt Coreth and CoH Hackett deployed to the middle east to demonstrate and test AJAX’s ability to perform under extreme conditions. All soldiers were praised for their professional and success in demonstration the capability of the newest British Army vehicle.

As the autumn rain closed in, D Sqn renewed training on Salisbury Plain and Otterburn. With SCpl Hinchley running a Range Qualification course LFTT in the north and the rest of the Sqn conducting driver training in the regiment’s backgarden, SPTA.

Yet again another busy year for the Sqn and more to look forward to next year. Training for Op CABRIT 19 starts in January.

Lt Coreth returns from the AJAX Hot Weather trials in the Middle East and is rewarded with Orderly Officer

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Headquarters Squadron

by Major Steven Mansfield, The Life Guards

The year kicked off with a significant reformation as Headquarters Squadron (HQ Sqn) transitioned from the Ajax group back to its more traditional format. This was no small feat, but the team rose to the challenge with gusto. With direction from the Commanding Officer, the mindset of the Squadron was changed from incamp administrators to in-the-field enablers. The importance of having the right people in role, to perform sustainment in the deep, which is still our biggest challenge, has become a regimental focus. This has seen a shift from HQ Sqn no longer being a dumping ground for the unwanted, but rather an attractive organisation for those who wish to succeed in a critical and challenging environment.

Quarter 1 was all about gearing up to assume the role of the UK Standby Battalion (yes again!). Amidst the hustle and bustle, we saw WO2 Crudgington move from SCM to RQMC(T) as WO1 Salmon departed to become RCM Royal Wessex Yeomanry, and WO2 Darty step into the shoes of SCM. A hearty congratulations to both for their new roles! May 24 brought a fresh wave of leadership as we bid farewell to Maj Nick Wright LG as he assumed the role of Second

in Command and welcomed Maj Steve Mansfield LG as the new Squadron Leader. The hand over was cemented at a cohesion event in the form of a Sqn BBQ – a perfect way to unwind and meet the team. It was during this time that we also bid a fond farewell to WO1

ASM Develin, who has completed two commendable tours with the Household Cavalry Regiment.

The Regimental Admin Office has also seen new faces, and we extend a warm welcome to Capt N Hart, the new RAO,

LCpl Hatt and Pte Flecknall maintaining moral with the field kitchen on Ex HR2

A1 & A2 Echelons assemble on Ex HELIOS RAID 2

Capt S Perrott as Det Comd and WO2 AQMS Doyle as RAWO, a long awaited hattrick! To top it off a very heartfelt congratulations goes to WO1 RCM Nicol and WO2 RQMC Ridge on their success on commissioning, which has seen WO1 RCM Doran and WO2 RQMC Wincott take post.

April was action-packed with the Echelon’s deploying on Exercise Helios Raid 1, testing our mettle and readiness. Captain D Sentance LG, Quarter Master (Technical), has been steering Equipment Support for the AJAX project (I swore I wouldn’t mention it but feel I have too) with remarkable dedication in preparation for the arrival of the new CD3 AJAX fleet. This aside, the normal round of assurance inspections continued in earnest and saw Capt Mark Jaworski LG, Quarter Master (Maintenance), and his team performing exceptionally well on the LSA&I, showcasing their skills and preparedness.

July took us to Germany for Ex WESTPHALIA GUARDIAN 2. The training was intense, but so was the “Euro’s 24” atmosphere. The opportunity to enjoy a balance of Squadron bonding over social events whilst continuing to enable the Regiment made it an unforgettable experience. Command Troop set BGHQ up for success by being the crutch for the Staff Officers to lean on while the catering team kept us wellfed and happy.

October saw some of BGHQ and Comd Tp back in Germany for Ex CERBERUS, a Divisional level command deployment. This was a prime opportunity for

the Commanding Officer and the Battle Group Logistics Officer to conduct an influence campaign into the higher echelons of the Division. The Comd Tp operators yet again proved to be worth their weight in gold, with LCoH George and LCpl Callaway demonstrating not only that we are head and shoulders above other BG’s, but doing it with true cavalry flare. During this very busy period the rest of the Sqn deployed on Ex HELIOS RAID 2 which saw the echelons testing their innovation and resilience with a full A1 and A2 going out the door.

Before I close, I must mention other unsung heroes that fall under the HQ

Sqn umbrella and who provide an essential and over demanded service. Maj Simon Foster (RMO), Sgt Relf and their team of medics have been nothing but outstanding in looking after our people whilst being constantly trawled on other tasks. The same can be said for SSgt Griffin and the catering team who remain constantly in demand but never fail to deliver. Moving forward the Sqn is now in an extremely good place both mentally and professionally. We are open to the challenges that the next 12 months will bring and I have no doubt these will be met by the team, which is now qualified, motivated and more than competently capable.

Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support) Detachment

by Captain Nic Hart AGC (SPS)

The last year has been both busy and challenging for the Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support) Detachment of the Household Cavalry Regiment.

Over the late half of 2023 and first half of 2024 the Detachment found itself facing numerous gaps in key positions in its chain of command, with trawls further depleting its workforce and the detachment undergoing a restructuring resulting from the implementation of the Pers Admin Capability Review (PACR).

PACR reduced the HCR Det from two Officers and seventeen Other Ranks to two Officers and thirteen Other Ranks, meaning the Regiment lost one Sgt, two

LCpl Deignan and Tpr Stevenson operating a drone to conduct clearance patrols prior to occupying a hide

Thorpe Park Visit for RAWO, Cpl Jukes and Pte Williams Leaving Do (last year’s Det)

Cpls and one LCpl by June 24.

Despite no compensating reduction in work the Det did not shy away from the restructuring and continued to support the Regiment with professionalism and determination. Some examples of

challenges the Det faced due to PACR include only having one junior Military Personnel Administrator (MPA – Sqn Clerk in old terms) in each Sqn, the loss of two senior MPAs with the remainder centralised in the Regimental Administration Office rather than in

Regimental Aid Post

by Major Simon Foster (Regimental Medical Officer)

The pace of life no doubt reflected elsewhere within this tome has also been keenly felt within the Regimental Aid Post. The volume of trawls and variously named statements required to bid or defend against them is at times relentless. However, it has ensured that there have been some great trips for our medics. These include several long and short escapes to Eastern European destinations, Project Convergence in America trialling new military hardware, trips to Africa to help train foreign armies and some medical cover in Morocco for an Adventurous Training trip.

The enduring theme of 2024 has been Op INTERFLEX, training Ukrainians on various training areas around the UK. This has required nimble juggling to balance commitments but overall has afforded some rewarding medical experiences for almost all our Combat Medical Technicians.

UK Standby Battalion meant many were held at readiness for the Springtime, but

Sqn lines, and the loss of the Regimental Accountant (that bought both public and service charitable funds under the SSgt Unit Accountant).

With and RAO and Det Commander positions gapped early in the year, the Det found itself missing their Officer component. The detachment rose to the challenge with the RAWO stepping into a difficult leadership position and the rest of the Det pulling together to do the work left by the gaps and to continue to support the regiment.

Over the course of the year personnel from the Det joined HCR deployments on Op TOSCA and Op ELGIN, and other members of the detachment were trawled onto Op CABRIT in Poland and to support Wimbledon Steward Services. The detachment also took part in the AGC Athletics competition at Tidworth, the Triple Crown challenge at Worthy Down and the 1 DRS BCT Sports Day in Larkhill.

The new RAO and Det Comd arrived on the same day in July 24, only a day before the G1 Assurance Inspection by the BCT HQ. A new RAWO arrived just a month later, meaning the Det was fully staffed for the first time in over a year. The next year will bring new challenges and we will meet them, building on the foundation that the Det has built over the last year.

1DRSX AGC(SPS) Sports Day at Larkhill on 11th September 2024, after the arrival of the New RAO and New Det Comd

LSgt Nesbit on AT in Morocco

it did provide some respite from trawls and valuable time to reintegrate the teams from Op TOSCA and UK to share experience and skills. This has meant a huge amount of hard work on what appear at times to be thankless jobs like sorting out stores and the Healthcare Assurance Framework. It is this essential (unglamorous) work that ensures we deliver safe and effective healthcare to the Regiment. Everyone has contributed under the careful guidance of Sgt Relf to achieve excellent results in various inspections, for which she and they must be thanked and congratulated.

Closer to home there have been multiple lower-level exercises which have provided good opportunities for medics to embed into sub-units as well as to deliver medical training. Catching up on career courses has been another important part of 2024 and the opportunity for clinical placements and further cultural exploration in Cyprus have been maximised as well. The future of ‘med’ under modernisation is fluid and there are some exciting developments under consideration. But this isn’t without its challenges, and we must ensure that we learn from theatres around the world to train for the stark realities of our job. The never-ending enthusiasm of our medics to support all the training, trawls and home base clinical delivery should be celebrated; long may it continue along with their capacity for ongoing clinical excellence and empathetic care.

We have lost a few key characters; LSgt Dickson on promotion and LSgt Eaton to posting. LCpls Dean and Wigley to paramedic training and civilian life

respectively. We wish them well. We have welcomed LSgt Rogers who comes from The Welsh Guards and LCpl Bates as a new medic. Sadly, after what will be five years when I leave, this is my last journal article as the Medical Officer to The Household Cavalry. As the

Light Aid Detachment

by Captain Jon Webb REME

The LAD celebrated St Eligius (Patron saint of the REME) day on 29th November. The annual event, recognised across the Corps, saw the LAD merge with other local REME detachments to celebrate. The day started off with a bacon butty and brew breakfast arranged by SSgt Bailey and moved onto some competitive team games, followed by a period of reflection with the Padre and culminated in an engineering challenge. This engineering challenge consisted of a soap box car construction competition and race between the units. The winner was based on the best engineered vehicle (bonus points) and the race positions. 5 Rifles won the race (one of only three completing the race with no crashes), but mediocre function with aesthetically pleasing form took victory for the HCR LAD. All members of local REME units were then invited to the

first ever Royal Army Medical Corps attached arms MO it has been a great honour and truly memorable experience. I’d echo the often commented on welcoming nature of The Regiment to attached arms. Viret in Aeternum and thank you.

LSgt Rogers sharing medical expertise with Ugandans

Padre Watts appears unimpressed when presented with Bulford’s version of “Pimp My Ride”

HCR mess for an evening of food, entertainment and a traditional REME nails competition (a.k.a. a second HCR LAD victory). A thoroughly enjoyable day for all which gave us chance to reflect on the history of the Corps and meet other local REME personnel.

Not content with the sunny climes of the British winter, members of the LAD deployed on Ex SUPREME GLACIER, the annual REME Skiing and Snowboarding event held on the Stubai Glacier in Bavaria. Two weeks training

and team selection was followed by a week-long inter-unit competition, with LCpl Dickens-Smith coming away with 3rd overall in the Downhill snowboarding slalom event.

On the home bank, focus turned towards day-to-day activity and building the team. With a variety of nationalities and cultures in the LAD, having a better understanding of the similarities and differences between us and how we can complement each other would help us to grow stronger. Presentations

and displays were put on by five nationalities within the LAD, giving an insight into different cultures, histories, with musical instruments and clothing to try and, of course, cuisine! Each stand helped educate others on different religions and traditions from each country. This cultural day really helped promote understanding and respect within the LAD whilst working with different ethnic groups.

In the new year some of the team deployed to Sweden in support of the

A quick Powerpack change on LCC Cold Weather Trials in Sweden - when you’re in -20C, the slower you are, the colder you get

The presenting team for LAD Nationalities Day

If the hill isn’t big enough, gravity needs some help

Well-trained ES SP know that any problem can be resolved with the careful application of tape or hammer. The hammer proved more effective here

LCC Cold Weather Trials. They quickly discovered that carrying out repairs in ice and snow with air temperatures hovering around -20 was considerably more challenging than in a bit of wind and rain on Salisbury Plain. Thick gloves were essential but also made some jobs close to impossible…

With adventurous training opportunities scarcer than in the past, the LAD leveraged an opportunity to get some SP from the LAD and wider HCR away. Having supported the Army Skydiving Centre with Temporarily Employed Elsewhere SP, the favour was returned with unit AT slots. In August, SP had the opportunity to try their hand at static line parachuting in Upavon. All training was provided prior to the jump and all SP managed at least one jump.

July saw the vast majority of the LAD deploy with their Squadron Fitter sections on a CATT exercise in Sennelagar. This gave many of the junior members of the department the chance to gain experience of how an Armoured Battlegroup operate and where a Recce Strike unit and its Equipment Support components fit into the battlespace. The two-week exercise saw them all have a chance to command and drive

virtual vehicles in both Squadron and Regimental scenarios, and this also gave many the chance to gain some valuable voice procedure skills as well as test their judgemental skills under pressure.

Between the exercise weeks, members of the LAD took part in a cultural visit and Regimental smoker which further integrated the attached arms into their HCR squadrons.

BOARDING IN SURREY

SCHOOL

Goose, centre and rear, survived this ejection from an aircraft

Quartermaster Maintenance

by Captain Mark Jaworski, The Life Guards

The QM(M), RQMC Wincott and their team have been busy this year. Alongside G4’s normal hectic pace of life, it was an assurance heavy year and they have dug deep to ensure HCR passed all the external inspections. The quality of the assurance results this year have been noticed by the Brigade HQ for delivering ‘greens’ across the board. A mix of new personalities and levels of experience absolutely did not hinder or affect the outcome of any inspection. The team have performed exceptionally and grew in strength as the year rolled on.

The Department said farewell to WO2 (RQMC) Ridge as he left to become HCR MTO, the team missed his positive, caring, and meticulous presence when he moved on to bigger things. WO2 (SCM) Wincott picked up the reins and immediately the Department could feel his influence – he has balanced the team, developed new members, and streamlined working practices, delivering a huge effect in an extremely small amount of time.

Elements of the Department deployed to both Germany on Ex WESTPHALIA

GUARDIAN and Salisbury Plain on Ex HELIOS RAID. Both were enjoyed by the deploying elements and critical lessons learned.

The MT Department have produced some truly astounding results this year. Assurance within that realm is a tricky business with plenty of opportunity to slip up. Everything was executed

perfectly, with comments from Brigade HQ in the Executive Summaries to their various reports reflecting exactly that. WO2 (MTWO) Elliott and Capt Dan Ridge RHG/D (MTO) have turned the MT Dept into an extremely slick machine.

All in all, a great year in 2024, bring on 2025.

Quartermasters’ Technical Departments

by Captain Dan Sentance, The Life Guards

“Behind every great leader there is an even greater logistician” – James M. Cox.

2024 has proven to be another eventful year with the Dept supporting many Regimental and Squadron events whilst managing the routine regimental G4 grind.

The first half of this year saw the normal churn of workforce moves, kicking off with the Regimental Quartermaster Corporal (Technical) WO2 Salmon who was successful on the WO1 promotion

board and selected as Regimental Corporal Major of the Royal Wessex Yeomanry. Mr Salmon handed over the RQMC(T) baton to WO2 Crudgington who was previously employed as the Headquarter Squadron Corporal Major. In addition, LCpl Mensah joined us

The G4 Legends. Left to right: LCpl Mensah, LSgt Kyei-Baffour, SSgt Hanlon, SCpl Wilcox, CoH Jordan, LCpl Deignan, WO2(RQMC) Crudgington, CoH Thoman, Capt Sentance

QM Dept HCR enjoy a cultural visit to the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

Dan Sentance LG, Offshore sailing on the Household Divisions yacht, Gladeye

from the Royal Logistics Corp; they now form part of a crucial team that handle sourcing the vital spares that keep the Household Cavalry Regiment’s vehicle fleet fighting fit. Sadly, we bid farewell to LCpl Priddle who has made the move to civilian life and will take on the daily running of the family farm. LCpl Deignan took over the pivotal role of Bowman storeman from LCpl Priddle. Their contribution keeps the regiment communicating via the various tactical communication systems.

This year’s big equipment muscle moves include the fielding of the SA80A3 & lightweight day sight. The changes offered by the upgraded SA80A3 include a full-length rail system for optional add-ons such as a vertical foregrip, laser pointer and torch. It also includes a weight saving of 100g and a new Flat Dark Earth coating offering improved durability and better camouflage, on both visual & infra-red spectrums, across various environments. Along with the upgraded rifle, HCR also had the monstrous task of handing back the Capability Drop (CD) 1 Ajax fleet and receiving the upgraded CD3 fleet. The CD1 fleet was designed to deliver conversion training and CD3 fleet, with many upgrades, is the operational platform with which HCR can conduct tactical training.

Team QM(T) have also been busy training to sustain the HCR battle group and to ensure maximum combat effectiveness. The focus for this was firstly on many courses and conversions to ensure the team are qualified in their role. Secondly, a three-phase approach delivered across various training events

to achieve competence in role. Phase one was very much the crawl phase, making sure that the team were fluent in the various elements that make up the Battle Craft Syllabus. Secondly, the walk phase, which covered the skills needed to master mounted combat, practicing skills such as camouflage and concealment as well as deception and dispersion. Finally, the run phase, which was

a culmination of all learnt to date with the addition of the technical operation of the department in the field which enable’s the flow of supplies forward to the fighting troops.

In summary we’ve had busy year, now we look forward to Brick Hanging before being stood down for some welldeserved leave!

SSgt Mat Hanlon RLC, soaring like an eagle on the regimental sports day

Tpr Fitzpatrick LG, Cpl Kyei-Baffour RLC & LCpl Mensah RLC enjoying some time out of the office on a team cohesion day to Portsmouth historic dock yards

Capt

Motor Transport Department

by Captain Dan Ridge, The Life Guards

The Household Cavalry Regiment’s Motor Transport (MT) department has had an exceptionally busy and productive year. From supporting critical operations to welcoming new leadership and celebrating merited promotions, the team has demonstrated unwavering dedication and excellence.

The year kicked off with LCoH Fell and Tpr McGuire deploying to Germany in support of Operation LIGHTFOOT. Their efforts were instrumental in ensuring that both armour and green fleet were taskworthy across Eastern Europe. In April, the department along with members from across HQ Sqn deployed on part 1 of Ex HELIOS RAID, an echelon experimentation exercise that tested and refined operational tactics. Added bonuses were the blowing out of a few cobwebs and Tpr Barton testing his map reading skills commanding the QM(T) in a land rover on Salisbury Plain!

This year the department welcomed newly commissioned Captain Dan Ridge, who has taken on responsibilities of MTO, “bringing the band back together” from HCR B Sqn’s Brigade Reconnaissance Force days by joining WO2 (MTWO) Billy Elliott (RHG/D) at the helm. Shortly afterwards, we bid farewell to CoH Flawn, whose contributions have been invaluable as he moves on promotion to SCpl for the appointment of HQ SQMC.

Under the diligent stewardship of WO2 (MTWO) Elliott, May and June saw the Department successfully passing a

series of rigorous inspections, showcasing their high standards, operational readiness and producing the best statistics in the Division. In July, with the helping hand of MT, the entire Regiment was deployed to Germany on Ex WESTPHALIA GUARDIAN 2, further emphasising the department’s pivotal role in Household Cavalry activities.

LCoH Berry’s dedication beyond the Regiment to the Brigade and Division has been particularly noteworthy. His selfless efforts in conducting driving license acquisition have been crucial for maintaining operational efficiency,

paving the way for soldiers on their journey to qualified AJAX crew. The department also celebrated the wellearned promotion of LCoH PurcellShaw (known as the oracle) to the MT HQ, who amongst a huge list of other things, has been instrumental in providing driver training for Ex STEADFAST DEFENDER 24, the largest NATO exercise in four decades.

April and September marked the successful running of the first Unit Support Truck (UST) operator courses, enhancing the skills and capabilities under the watchful eyes of the green fleet management LCpl Chapman and his trusted assistants Tpr’s Peplow and Stevenson. Tpr Thornes represented the department on Exercise DIAMONDBACK with the Queen’s Dragoon Guards (QDG) in Arizona, demonstrating the department’s global reach. The welldeserved promotions of LCoH Weaver and LCpl Russell, who have been managing the white fleet, and LCpl Foster who is now flexing his muscles in command troop, highlight the department’s commitment to recognising and nurturing talent.

As autumn arrives the leaves turn from green to brown, but not for MT. It meant testing out some more green skills across multiple training areas. The sequel, EX HELIOS RAID 2, saw the department team back up with the QM’s and the catering legends for various scenarios, simulated to challenge the echelons and evaluate their responses under pressure. The exercise involved complex

“Look in to the model.” The MTWO and LCoH Purcell-Shaw presenting the replenishment orders to the Regiment

MT fording on Salisbury Plain during Ex HELIOS RAID

logistical planning, coordination among different teams within HQ Sqn, and the use of technology to enhance operational effectiveness. The primary objectives were to improve communication, streamline command and control processes, and test new equipment and

tactics in a controlled environment.

The HCR MT department’s achievements in 2024 reflect their unwavering commitment to excellence and operational success. Their contributions have not only supported critical missions but also ensured the continuous development and recognition of their personnel. As the year draws to a close, the team looks forward to building on these successes and continuing all that was achieved in 2024.

Warrant Officers’ and Non-Commissioned Officers’ Mess

by Warrant Officer Class 1 (RCM) Mark Doran, The Blues and Royals

The Warrant Officers’ and NonCommissioned Officers’ Mess returned from Christmas Leave with most soldiers having been stood down but held at readiness on UK Standby Battalion. Despite this, a positive happy workforce returned to commence yet another very busy year for the Regiment.

The Mess started the year with the annual State of The Nation dinner hosted by WO1 (RCM) Nicol. The Commanding Officer delivered such a powerful speech that some of the JNCO’s were inspired to know more about the context regarding wider current affairs globally and begun to immediately seek information from their CoC. WO2 (SCM) Wincott ran the Mess committee on return from Op TOSCA 38 with impeccable precision, ensuring that all events ran with minimal fuss and the Mess was kept in the highest order.

The State of the Nation dinner was WO1 Nicol’s final Mess event as he prepared to handover in the coming months to WO1 (RCM) Doran, and so Mess members bid farewell on an outstanding 2 years with a few beverages at the bar, whilst the Commanding Officer was inundated with young NCOs’ wanting more information on his previous SOTN speech.

C Sqn were welcomed home from Op ELGIN and descended on the Mess for a welcome home day/evening by the small but elite force led by WO2 (SCM) Mulholland before dispersing on some well earned leave.

Easter leave fast approached and with the new RCM now taking the reins it was a perfect time to welcome the HCR Motor Cycle Association Members to Bulford, led by Capt (Retd) Chris Elliott. We welcomed them into the Mess for the evening before showing them the AJAX platform and a small capabilities stand. By all accounts it was a very successful evening and a valuable experience for all members in attendance.

A and HQ Sqn held their annual Squadron Dinners in the mess, with HQ maximising the benefit of the one day of British summer to hold a BBQ outside

– much to the delight of the LAD who swiftly offered the services of their mobile bar. Both events were enjoyed by all members and provided the opportunity for a rare get-together.

Upcoming functions will see the mess enjoy their first “Mestival” outdoor summer function which will include dodgems, outdoor band, food and drink stalls, mirror man performance amongst other delights courtesy of the PMC WO2 (SCM) Bahooshy and his team that have assumed the Mess committee role. The Order Of Dress has been left to individuals imagination which some will expectedly arrive in some form of crazy attire whilst others hope to raise an eye brow… not in a bad way, I hope.

Before the year closes WO2 (RQMC) Wincott has worked extremely hard to welcome back those that have commissioned, or served their 22 years, and their families for a formal dining out, where they will receive their silver presentations and congratulations from all Mess Members. This will include Captain’s Ridge, Turner, Nicol (Currently 3 Div Comd Corporal Major). Capt Rosendale will be deployed with the QDG but he has been presented with his farewell gift already. It will be a great night to wish

those former mess members the very best in their new careers and highlight to younger members the importance of the values and standards these soldiers have set to achieve all they have in their careers.

Finally, Brick Hanging preparation is in full swing with SCpl (ACMO) Gorman once again running the show after a great turnout last year. We aim to bring back as many former Mess members as possible to come back and enjoy this occasion and talk to the current serving soldiers about their recent deployments and exploits. The evening promises, as always, to be a great finishing touch to the year where we can spin some dit’s and be proud as ever to be hard working, loyal Household Cavalry soldiers.

Current Senior Mess members are: WO1 (RCM) M Doran, WO1 (ASM) C Empsall, WO2 (RQMC) J Wincott, WO2 (RQMCT) J Crudginton, WO2 (SCM) R Darty, WO2 (SCM) R Thomson, WO2 (SCM) J Mulholland, WO2 (SCM) M Bahooshy, SCpl (OpsB) Stock, SCpl (TWWO) M Hall, WO2 (RSWO) WO2 D Harrison-Shaw, WO2 (MTWO) J Elliott, WO2 (AQMS) S Mellor, WO2 (RAWO) K Doyle.

HCR Mess members enjoy the Six Nations Super Saturday with their families

Chaplaincy

by Chaplain (Major) Tiann Morgner

Iarrived at the Household Cavalry Regiment to serve as their new Padre in the middle of August, and while I have served in several different types of units throughout my tenure in the Army, this unit is unique. It is the first unit I have the privilege of serving in the UK. I am a United States Army Chaplain and have been assigned to the British Army as a part of the Military Personnel Exchange Program between the US and the UK. While there are clear differences and distinctions, the reality is that caring for Service Personnel is universal.

The United States Army Chaplain Corps has three core competencies,

which are: Nurture the Living, Care for the Wounded, and Honor the Fallen. These three competencies shape how we care for the soul of the Army. While the Royal Army Chaplain’s department doesn’t have those exact words, they hold a similar mission through pastoral care, spiritual support, and moral guidance. Whether I am serving in an infantry regiment, a combined arms battalion, or a military hospital, in the US or the UK, the mission is the fundamentally the same: care for our people.

While the mission is the same, every new unit brings new and unique challenges, especially when serving with

a foreign military. I found that when I am told the unit will be holding parade, there won’t be floats and banners making their way down main street, it means they are holding a formation and that my rucksack weight needed to be measured in kilos rather than pounds and I should probably call it a bergen instead of a ruck. I am excited to embrace the differences as I take on new challenges and have found the HCR incredibly welcoming and patient as I learn and grow in this new role as their padre and seek to care for our service personnel and families.

AJAX Live Crew Clearance Cold Weather Trials, Sweden

by Lieutenant Charlie Lane Fox, The Blues and Royals

From the 3rd to the 26th of January 2024, a Troop from the Household Cavalry Regiment (HCR) and a fitter section from the HCR LAD deployed to Tame Ranges, northern Sweden, to conduct Live Crew Clearance (LCC) Cold Weather Trials. As part of the process to get the AJAX platforms cleared for operational deployment, LCC trials aim to prove that the Field Army can operate on the vehicles in all conditions – in this case, extreme cold. Focusing on testing the lethality and mobility of the vehicle, this was the first time HCR crews had fired AJAX/ARES platforms on a range package.

The decision to take our own vehicles meant there was a fair amount of preparation needed on the two AJAX and two ARES assigned to operate in the extreme cold. Changing the fuel was one such example. With temperatures expected

The first range safety brief at 0900

“Unto dust thou shalt return”: Blessing the troops on Ash Wednesday

Revd Morgner upon hearing the news that her Household Cavalry transfer had come through

to plunge to -30°C, where standard diesel goes gelatinous, the team needed to immediately offload the 1300 litres of fuel sitting in our fleet. This would then be replaced with AVTUR, a form of aviation fuel. Obviously, the pressing question was where to rehome such a quantity? Time was at a premium and a scout around the Bulford tank park revealed that we were a few 100 jerry cans short…Charity was our saviour, and down at the POL point we were lucky to discover several MERCIAN vehicles returning from exercise. After their understandable surprise being flagged down by a Corporal of Horse offering 1300 litres of fuel for nothing in return, they were all too happy to take us up on the offer.

This was a typical approach in the lead up to the Trials. With the first drop of the vehicle, various unknowns frequently appeared, though between the Troop and the LAD, the vehicles were turned around and loaded for shipping to Sweden at the end of December. The crews made the most of Christmas leave looking forward to pushing the vehicles to their limits in the New Year.

The team arrived in Sweden in early January and were greeted by our immensely kind hosts in the only range accommodation the HCR has been where each building has a sauna. The

vehicles arrived shortly after us, and with them, our first hurdle in Sweden: taking the vehicles off the trailers. No armoured vehicles are particularly at home in -38°C, and what arrived at the ranges was more akin to a shipment of metal icebergs than four armoured fighting vehicles. While everything was frozen shut from padlocks to hatches, our friendly and helpful hosts produced a tool that was to be the most useful throughout our time in the frozen north:

the blowtorch. Having finally removed all vehicles off the trailers and into the hangers to thaw, the crews started to prepare them for the range. The fitter section immediately proved indispensable, and it was a great experience for everyone to work closely with the Vehicle Mechanics, Technicians, and Armourers, with a view to strengthening this relationship further as we deploy more on our new vehicles. It was obvious to anyone on the Trial that we

CoH Crossland, LCpl Ellis and Tpr Letch set off on their 25km route

HCR LAD bracing the cold for some outdoor maintenance

would not have been able to conduct any of the serials without them.

With the Troop ready, the first order of business was to build driving experience on frozen routes. Drivers quickly got to grips with vehicle handling after a few cautious outings on the snow and ice. Tpr Burt clearly displayed the attitude of pushing the vehicle to the limits, treating the mobility circuit more like a rally stage, drifting his 42-tonne vehicle at every corner. The gunners also accustomed quickly to the elements, realising that speed was everything when it came to bore sighting. Sadly, the fine adjustments needed on the scope required more dexterity than the issued mittens allowed. However, luckily, both AJAX and ARES crews soon realised the efficiency of the vehicle heating, and the hatch-down, sans warm kit position soon became a popular SOP.

Time spent on the range was never wasted, with every opportunity taken to go through gunnery drills and get to grips with handling the new rounds and systems on a live platform. The AJAX 40mm cannon requires more crew cooperation than CVR(T) Scimitar’s 30mm. The experience for the Commanders and Gunners was one of continuous shared learning, with both AJAX crews

firing over 300 rounds. During the lethality serials, the priority was testing the accuracy of the 40mm cannon firing from various positions, doing a 25km loop, and then firing again to check how well the vehicle retained its bore sight after movement. This concluded with crews firing on the move – a luxury not afforded officially to CVR(T) Scimitar –to truly appreciate the effectiveness of the stabilised cannon.

The opportunity to make the most of Swedish local entertainment was not missed. The first and most lasting discovery for the troops was organised fighting with knives on your feet, known locally as Ice Hockey. This became our favourite sport, with all becoming avid fans of the local team, Skelleftea AIK, and some even learning the firm chants. Another activity was swimming, usually a standard past time, but made uniquely Swedish by the foot of ice that covered the Baltic Bay. Had our generous hosts not laid on a barbeque and saunas within sprinting distance, the experience might have been a somewhat harder sell.

The key output from this experience was the Troop gaining quality time operating the vehicles as crews and building a knowledge base as fully qualified AJAX/

Exercise DOLOMITE DASH

by Lieutenant Cece Whittingham, The Blues and Royals

In July 2024, HCR deployed with 25 people to Corvara, Italy for a week of hiking and Via Ferrata. After spending two weeks on Ex WESTPHALIA GUARDIAN in Sennelager, the troops were looking forward to a change of scene and a new challenge.

The trip got off to a rocky start when the three external instructors assisting the exercise were significantly delayed. Fortuitously we found ourselves stranded in Memmingen which was

conducting their annual beer festival. The phrase ‘when in Rome’ came to mind as the troops won the hearts and minds of the locals and it was with some reluctance that we met the instructors off the plane to make the final leg of our journey to the Dolomites.

The next morning the trip took shape and we set off into Cortina d’Ampezzo to collect the additional climbing gear and explore the local area. We split down into groups of four with one

ARES users. Furthermore, strengthening an already close working relationship with the REME was invaluable. As HCR continues to convert onto the platforms, with Capability Drop Three due to arrive later in 2024, we look forward to working closely with the LAD fitter sections to establish even greater cohesion and to get the most from our new armoured fighting vehicles.

AJAX Crews

Lt Lane Fox (comd)

LCpl Macdonald (gnr)

LCpl Smith 67 (dvr)

CoH Crossland (comd)

LCpl Ellis (gnr)

Tpr Letch (dvr)

ARES Crews

SCpl Harrison-Shaw (comd)

Tpr Barber (dvr)

Tpr Winter (dvr)

LCoH Flood (comd)

Tpr Burt (dvr)

Tpr Wood (dvr)

Fitter Section

Sgt Hoareau (VM)

LSgt Heath (VM)

LCpl Heddington (VM)

Cpl Rowley (Tech)

Cfn Wilson-Storey (Tech)

LCpl Powers (Armr)

Lt Lane Fox, LCpl Macdonald and LCpl Smith 67 enjoy the snow Gloves and shoes are a must for a swim in -25°C

Impromptu Cultural Visit to Memmingen

instructor per group and began to learn the basics of Via Ferrata. With enthusiasm and verve the troops threw themselves into each climb, competitively asking to increase the difficulty with each day. Whilst this was happening one group each day, under the watchful instruction of Maj Nick Wright, would take to the hills for hiking and navigation practice.

By the last day everyone successfully completed the hardest climb of the week, a five-hour ascent totalling 6.5km at an altitude of 2,487m. The instructors were deeply impressed by the athleticism and spirit of the soldiers throughout the week and to quote said, ‘this is the best group of climbers I have seen from the Field Army in 20 years of being an instructor.’ It was a hugely successful trip and deeply rewarding all round, providing the opportunity for HCR troops to discover new skills and explore a beautiful landscape.

Tpr Bartlett. The new Spiderman?

“Ain’t no Mountain High Enough” The team summiting the majestic Monte Paterno

Dolomites? Completed it

Marginally nicer than Salisbury Plain

LCpl Rooke the New Via Ferrata Style Icon

CoH O’Mara channelling his inner Sound of Music

The Infantry Training Centre, Catterick

by Lieutenant Ben Balysz, The Life Guards

Upon arriving at the Infantry Training Centre, having driven across the length and breadth of the country, I was met by a ginormous model bayonet next to the main gate. A far cry from the pleasant and understated Lulworth Camp. Unperturbed, I pushed on to the Officers’ House which was, and has proved to be, a very welcoming refuge from the intense atmosphere that is necessary for a phase one training establishment. The Mess is akin to the one in Lulworth, minus the views but with better food. Weekend papers are a welcome addition for those mess orphans among us.

There are three battalions at ITC. The Household Cavalry has been put into the 1st Infantry Training Battalion (responsible for training Household Cavalry, Royal Armoured Corps and Line Infantry recruits) whilst the 2nd Infantry Training Battalion delivers training for Foot Guards, Paras and the scarily impressive Gurkhas. Headquarters Battalion provides real life support to the first two battalions. Historically HCR has been trained with the Foot Guards, however the structure of ITC is due to change next year so fighting for HCR to move back to Guards Training Company is futile. When the changes come in, 1ITB will deliver phase one training for all cap badges and 2ITB will deliver phase two training for the infantry. This standardisation of training is much to the chagrin of the Paras and Foot Guards, who rightly fear a loss of identity and reduction in fitness and drill standards.

During my recent thirteen-week course

I was ably supported by a 1 MERCIAN Sergeant, and the training team was a mix of line cavalry and infantry corporals. The infantry takes this posting incredibly seriously. As a result, the standard of instructor is high. Fortunately, my two RAC Corporals were both highly competent. Furthermore, LCsoH Bishton (LG) and Godsmark (RHG/D) are flying the Household Cavalry flag exceptionally well and demonstrating to the wider Army that the Regiment has incomparable talent and experience.

When delivering a course, my team will routinely work 70+ hours a week (including weekends) in order to train a platoon of HCR, RAC and Infantry recruits. Due to a range of temporary circumstances, recent intakes have been more heavily weighted towards foreign and Commonwealth recruits.

The commitment of those soldiers who have travelled large distances is truly admirable; they will contribute enormously to the Household Cavalry and add to a long and honourable tradition. However, while most arrive with excellent English, a minority has had to overcome a significant language barrier – a challenge for both them and the instructors, but one that is certainly not insurmountable. As such, there is immeasurable satisfaction in watching them develop.

Finally, I must comment on the talent that is entering the Regiment. All fourteen Household Cavalrymen in my platoon are impressive and fill the top third. The future of the Regiment is bright if we continue to attract top quality recruits like those currently under my command.

Lt Balysz with the Household Cavalrymen of his Platoon

Today’s training still covers the basics of CBRN, much to the recruits’ disdain!

A Balkans Winter

by Staff Corporal Ashley Rudd, The Life Guards PLANS Warrant Officer (WO), Op ELGIN 15

Trawls are something that, as soldiers, we learn to dread. They generally see us losing our leave, our weekends, and our preferred time-fillers. So, imagine my surprise when a trawl came out for an agreeable trip...

In June 2024 the Ops WO walked into the HQ SCM office during an informal chat with some of the Squadron SNCOs and announced that a trawl had come up for Op ELGIN 15 with the Royal Lancers to be their Plans WO. Whilst HCR had been aligned to several Op ELGIN rotations in the past few years, the tour had eluded me and several others. Instantly those in the room asked to be put forward, mostly through hope rather than actual expectation. Fast forward some three weeks later, I was pleasantly shocked to find that I had been accepted onto the Tour and was to report to Catterick Garrison straight after summer leave.

I arrived at the Pre Deployment Training (PDT) at Warcop Ranges in Cumbria to meet C Sqn Royal Lancers (RL). I was hit by a strange sense of recognition, whilst at the same time, a sense of intrigue, as I got to watch one of our sister Armoured Cavalry Regiments conduct their day to day running. It was evident to me from the start that, no doubt through our joint training and interaction during our careers, the HCR and RL share a lot of similarities in the manner that we conduct business, but still have those clear differences that give every Regiment its own flavour and identity. A well-run and productive range package, which included the introduction of the SA80 Carbine, really helped to bring together the Task Unit, which despite numbering less than 60, consisted of 7 different capbadges (or 6 capbadges and 1 motto to give the RL their correct term), and a mixture of both regular and reserve soldiers.

Fast forward to the tour start date at the beginning of October, and the RAF performed to their usual punctual standard to get us into Kosovo on time with no delays. Upon arrival at Pristina Airport, most looked around in wonder at the environment in which we would call home for the next 6 months. I had been to the Balkans on holiday before and was fully aware of the beauty that the region’s landscapes hold. Kosovo had that same rugged demeanor, miles of open land with sporadic buildings dotted about, all the while being

silhouetted by the mountains that run around the borders. We then boarded the coach and made our way to Camp NOVO SELO, our accommodation and workplace until April 2025.

I had been forewarned by the RL Squadron Sergeant Major (SSM) (WO2 Adam Younger, a soldier who had been on Op ELGIN before back in 2020 during the Covid period, and an excellent ambassador for the professionalism of the RL) that “ELGIN had the best welfare facilities of any tour I have been on”. Well it was soon evident to me that the SSM was indeed correct, as I was moved into my single man ISO style room, was introduced to the free WIFI

(that turns out is strong enough for a video call home on a nightly basis) and was then showed around the various restaurants in which the GBR-TU could dine on the Crown.

C Sqn RL were taking over from ROTO 14, who happened to be 5 RA. After a HOTO (they never seem long enough....), C Sqn RL were swiftly dragged up to speed. This was in part to having an OC (Major Mackaness), who had also been on Op ELGIN before, but previously as a Team Leader. This meant that there was no pulling the wool to get an easy ride, or to have a quiet week. The OC was fully aware of the differences and challenges that

Cpl Maj Rudd at the Pristina memorial to British personnel on Armistice Sunday 2024

come with working for an Italian led Battalion, within an Italian-led NATO led mission. This certainly led to some frustrating interactions as the Task Unit got used to working for a HQ that didn’t speak English as a first language.

Fast forward a month and we had found ourselves in a rhythm that was sustainable through the tour. That was until Friday 29th November, when late into the evening, an explosion caused the canal supplying Kosovo’s main power station to be destroyed, causing thousands of euros work of damage, and threatening the infrastructure of the nation. This led to a tense few hours as the local authorities tried to fix the damage, but also led to the start of a period of seven day working for the GBR-TU. This 7-day working, with the Kosovan elections on the horizon in February 2025, led to a rapid increase in the pace, which only slightly let up to allow the Task Unit to celebrate Christmas Day.

As we rolled through the R & R period over the holiday season, we found many personnel covering several jobs to ensure that our output at no point dropped off.

At the time of writing, we sit in midJanuary, with our full task unit returned from R & R, those who are only deploying for three months switched out and the Kosovan elections less than a fortnight away. We have certainly learnt the stresses and frustrations of working here and had to adjust to accommodate some unusual practices that are alien to us as British. We have also made head way. The vehicles are all in the process of being upgraded to 4x4, the compound and accommodation is having an uplift in rooms, which should lead to less SP sharing rooms for future ROTOs and we have weekly visits from a variety of organizations from the UK from now until to end of the tour. We hope that our efforts and experiences can be

used for future iterations of Op ELGIN, a tour in which C Sqn HCR is aligned to in 2025.

It has been a fantastic experience to deploy to Kosovo, and experience firsthand a country that lives in the recent history of our Regiment. We have all heard stories of Capt James Blunt cutting about Pristina Airport in his CVR(T), and the stories of General Jackson refusing to start World War 3 over the blocking of the runway, but it is something to experience the country. That being said, it has also been an interesting experience to deploy with a sister Regiment. Whilst I have found some elements alien and, at times, frustrating, it has opened my eyes to a different perspective and fresh ideas of how a Regiment could be run. Working with the C Sqn RL SHQ has certainly given me valuable experiences for my future career, and I will be eternally thankful for their input and efforts.

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

Foreword

by Lieutenant Colonel M H J Woodward, The Blues and Royals Commanding Officer, Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

2024 has been a year characterised by change, sensitive to preservation of the culture, heritage and traditions of HCMR, but whilst maintaining ceremonial excellence and a sense of fun. This has not been easy, and I am extremely grateful to the entire team at HCMR who have embraced the changes and made them possible.

The early spring saw training missions deploy to Nepal, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, in addition to the usual winter sports of Alpine and Nordic skiing and Cresta, which were all as professionally rewarding as they were enjoyable and resulted in various invitations to return. However, in April, we had a major incident to manage after building rubble dropped into a skip next to a watering order resulted in scattered horses and injured soldiers. The professionalism and dedication in locating and treating those injured cannot be overstated, and I am pleased to report that all soldiers and horses have now returned to work. For the Major General’s Inspection this year, we invited the other cavalry regiments to send an officer wearing the ceremonial uniform of one of their antecedent regiments. It was a fantastic sight to them have on parade, and it is a tradition I hope we can maintain in the future.

Unfortunately, and as a legacy of the COVID era, insufficient horses have been purchased and trained over the last 5 years to replace those ending service. The result of this was that the Major General took the difficult decision to reduce the size of our Divisions to 16 for the King’s Birthday Parade in order to maintain a full sized band. Nonetheless, the Regiment looked as immaculate as ever, put on an excellent performance and were on fine form for the Garter Service 48hrs later. We then had a State Visit by the Emperor of Japan and a State Opening of Parliament in quick succession, before delivering a reduced but inventive summer camp from London. This included a series of fun rides, sporting and social events and was much enjoyed by all, rounding off an extremely busy summer season.

Following a well-earned summer break, we deployed a large number of soldiers on a variety of adventurous training, sporting and equine trips. A group

went to the 4* showjumping event at Spruce Meadows in Canada, others sailing, skydiving and hillwalking. HQ Sqn took a group on a battlefield study to Normandy. Perhaps the highlight of this period was Tpr Furness winning the US 1st Cavalry Division’s ‘Bolte Cup’. This involves showjumping whilst using a pistol, carbine and sabre, against the clock, and caused our brethren across the pond no little distress, not least as they spent a year preparing for it. Having also won it last year, I fear that if we maintain this record they will stop inviting us back!

The Autumn season saw us visiting our affiliated regiment in Sweden, the 1st Livgardet, completing a pilot joint initial equine training course with Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery, participating in the Lord Mayor’s Show and finishing with a State Visit by the Amir of the State of Qatar. Our Sculptor in residence, Zoe Carmichael, who had been with us for nearly a year, held a magnificent exhibition at Horse Guards, which was incredibly well attended despite the driving rain.

moved stable night guards both in Hyde Park Barracks and at Horse Guards. We have also developed a relationship with The Horse Trust, who are taking 20 horses every weekend, which allows us to give soldiers more time off. By Spring 2025, this will increase to 50 horses per weekend.

We remain the go-to organisation for delivery of soft power effect in London, with visits from multiple 4*s from partner nations. The impact of this can be challenging at times for the Regiment but should not be underestimated in its value to Defence.

Outside of ceremonial duties, the primary focus for the year has been on reducing the soldiers’ working hours and improving their lives. I do not disagree with the last Chief of the General Staff, who after a visit described them as the hardest working soldiers in the British Army. Hitherto, they routinely worked more than 6 days and in excess of 80hrs a week, at least in part due to poor recruit inflow. I am pleased to report that a series of initiatives started more a year ago have borne fruit, and we have reduced their hours by some 40%. To achieve this, we have moved 40 horses out of London and into livery in Windsor. This has enabled us to loose box the herd in London and consequently we have re-

In addition, we have successfully piloted a series of innovative cleaning products, which have the potential to reduce the time spent waxing and polishing from 10 hours (on average) to less than 2 hours without compromising the standard. These are being developed for us, pro bono, by a company that makes paint products for SpaceX and NASA. We hope to bring them onto contract by Spring 2025.

Winter Training Troop are enjoying an excellent season whilst delivering a series of enhanced riding courses, and our soldiers are once again about to compete at the Army Alpine and Nordic skiing championships. We continue to face the dual challenges of poor inflow of soldiers and horses head on and will strive to seek marginal gains to improve the working lives of our soldiers.

Morale in the Regiment is high as we look to 2025 and I remain incredibly grateful not only to those serving but also to the families for their unwavering support. To be in command of the Mounted Regiment is truly humbling.

Diary of Events

by Major M J Thompson MBE, The Life Guards

As you will be aware, 2024 has been a year of unprecedented change for the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. Traditional activity has been adjusted, some elements have been temporarily removed from the calendar and the focus has been very much on setting the conditions for success whilst protecting the Workforce and ensuring that the horses are properly cared for. This has been an extremely challenging process and the rather dire forecast for soldier inflow, coupled with an aging horse population has somewhat compounded the task. That said, the Regiment has continued to deliver ceremonial excellence throughout the year.

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment has delivered five State Ceremonial Operations, 30 investitures, 91 visits and eight Defence Engagement activities.

The unseasonably wet winter had a bearing on the amount of time horses spent at grass and there was a concerted effort to limit their exposure to some quite unpleasant conditions. The horses returned and were immediately put through a traditional reconditioning phase, culminating in a month of assurance events to ensure that the Regiment was ready for the season ahead. Stable inspection, saddlery checks, uniform fitting, horse inspections coupled with Troop, Squadron and Regimental drills. These concluded a very detailed assurance process that enabled the Commanding Officer able to declare the Regiment ready for the season ahead. In this window we bade farewell to the Regimental Corporal Major as Mr Snoxell departed to take up appointment as the Command Sergeant Major for the Standing Joint Force Headquarters Group and welcomed back Mr Ottaway from Operation ORBITAL to take up his new appointment.

In this window the Regiment continued to offer and provide overseas training support. This saw Short Term Training Teams deploy to Nepal, Trinidad and Tobago, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, where equitation, farriery, saddlery, and equine welfare training was delivered to a grateful and most hospitable array of host nations. These Defence Engagement activities are seen as key in maintaining the heritage and prestige of the Regiment and in also demonstrating that our subject matter knowledge for welfare and husbandry advice is also in such high demand.

The Princess Elizabeth Cup1 was again

a keenly contested Regimental competition that demonstrated, once again, the exceptional turnout, bearing and finest traditions of the Regiment. Tpr Jeffrey RHG/D was selected, from the twelve competitors as a most worthy winner and was presented to his Majesty the King at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, and subsequently received the Wilkinson Sword prize at Windsor Castle on the 11 November 2024.

Focus very much switched then to preparation for The Major General’s Inspection. A number of rehearsals were delivered in April, escalating in importance from the Adjutant to the Commanding Officer, to the Silver Stick, culminating in the General Officer Commanding London District, Major General James Bowder OBE taking the parade on 18th April 2024. This year’s parade was significant in that Officers from across the Royal Armoured Corps, in their antecedent Cavalry Regiments accoutrements, took part along with the Regimental Staff Officers of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.

The Royal Windsor Horse Show went ahead as planned in early May. Regrettably, the Musical Ride has been unable to train, prepare and ultimately perform this year due to the paucity of soldiers and horses, and this will sadly

endure for the foreseeable future until entry, retention and horse numbers stabilise. The Princess Elizabeth Cup top six and overall winner, Cup Orderlies and the Regimental showjumping teams were still able to attend and ensure that the Regiment was still represented en masse at this prestige event. The A Team winning the services team jumping. In parallel a historical and conceptual Battlefield Study, Zandvoorde Ride 24 was organised to coincide with the 100-year anniversary of the unveiling of the Memorial to the Household Cavalry.

Focus then switched to the dismounted element of Cavalry Memorial Sunday. Major Steve McWhirter RHG/D, planned, executed, and helped to deliver a poignant and fitting ceremony carried out on a sweltering Sunday on 12th May 2024.

As part of the build up to the King’s Birthday Parade and the Summer State Visit for their Majesties, The Emperor and Empress of Japan, a refined and updated version of Exercise Op TRYOUT was executed in Central London. Testing and delivering this event prior to the central London activities was an essential testing component in ensuring that the reduced Divisional constructs, could still deliver security coverage and execute command and

State Visit for the Emperor of Japan 1 First competed for at the Richmond Horse Show on 16th June 1949.

Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■

control functions with the Metropolitan Police and other supporting agencies.

It was in this window that the then Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, announced that he had sought permission from His Majesty, to dissolve parliament, and called a general election to be held on 4 July 2024. The Operations and Training cell frantically reset the requirement for both grass rest for the horses and for the delivery of a summer training camp, once the date for the State Opening of Parliament had been set for the 17th July 2024.

The Regiment continued to prepare for the traditional String Band Rehearsal and early morning starts for the King’s Birthday Parade were delivered on consecutive weekends. This included the introduction of additional weekday rehearsals to bring the Regiment into line with the remainder of the Household Division, who would execute more than twenty rehearsals prior to the day. Following the Major General’s review, concurrent activity also commenced with the Regiment also refining its dismounted drill in readiness for the delivery of the Garter service. Early rehearsals, practice at Wellington Barracks to ensure staircase drills were polished were all conducted in the week between the Colonels Review and the birthday parade.

Major Tom Stewart LG, led the Birthday Parade for King Charles III and the Regiment carried out a near faultless delivery. Their Majesties travelled to the

Parade in the Scottish State Coach, with the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, and the Duke of Edinburgh all mounted. Number 9 Company Irish Guards had the honour to Troop their Colour.

A service for the Most Noble Order of the Garter was held in St George’s Chapel, Windsor on 17th June 2024. The Order of the Grater being the oldest and most senior Order of Chivalry in Britain, established nearly 700 years ago by King Edward III. The Regiment was resplendent in its delivery of the event and the attention then turned to the next two phases in this compressed period in the calendar.

The State Visit for the Emperor and Empress of Japan, was led by Lt Col Matt Woodward RHG/D, accompanied by Maj Tom Stewart LG and Maj Will Charlesworth RHG/D with four Divisions and a double standard in attendance. This was delivered perfectly and set the conditions for a reset prior to the delivery of the State Opening of Parliament.

Given the proximity to the other major state events there was arguably little to refine for the State Opening of Parliament, less for the slightly complex reform following the arrival of His Majesty. The event itself passed without issue with not even a very loud bunch of protestors putting the soldiers nor horses off their stride.

Summer block leave was broken into two parts over a six-week period and members of the Regiment, both equine and human were able to get away for a well-earned rest. In the background several Defence Engagement activities were being planned, ready for delivery in September. The Regiment had teams deploy to Spruce Meadows in Canada, to 1st US Cavalry Division in Texas, to the Swedish Life Guards and a further Battlefield Study to Normandy which enabled soldiers to travel and experience operating with horses on a different continent and to visit and reflect on past campaigns on mainland Europe. Adventure Training packages including parachuting, coastal steering, kayaking, and hill walking were also attended, which helped to compensate for the lack of a training camp.

course and get to experience some crosscountry activity in the Leicestershire countryside.

The Winter Training team deployed to Melton Mowbray and in time soldiers will routinely rotate through on a three-week package. Here they will complete an additional equine training

The last major event of the year was delivered on the 3rd December 2024. The State Visit for the Amir of The State Qatar was a Double Standard Sovereign’s Escort led by Major Tom Stewart LG. This final event was scheduled to be delivered at Windsor Castle, so a London delivery helped with the Regimental close-down, rough off and departure of most of the horses. It also enabled something of a traditional Christmas week to be fitted in prior to half of the Regiment taking some wellearned leave. The Quartermaster’s Drinks event, Troopers’ Christmas lunch and brick-hanging were all delivered during a compressed final week. In the background work and change activity continued at pace to deliver on the Lines of Effort associated with Project KNIGHTSBRIDGE. The key outcomes of which were to deliver equitation as a capability, build a sustainable tempo to ensure personnel operated within the Working Time Regulations, a climate in which soldiers feel fulfilled, a workforce sufficient in quantity and quality to deliver ceremonial excellence and an estate that conforms with policy and houses our people and horses in conditions befitting their role. There have been some tough choices to accept, and it will take some time before the Regiment returns to a position where it can regenerate sufficient workforce and horses to deliver the array of activities normally associated with the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.

The Commanding Officer

Major Stewart leads the Mothers brunch

The Life Guards Squadron

by Major Tom Stewart, The Life Guards

The year of 2024 has been a year of notable change for the Life Guards Squadron as it has adapted to new operational structures and working models. The Sqn has continued to deliver State Ceremonial excellence throughout, maintaining its revered position at the heart of State Ceremonial Public Duties (SCPD) and the fabric of the nation.

The most notable change to the structure of the Sqn has been the temporary reduction in the size of divisions from twenty-four horses to sixteen. A significant change that has optimised the operational efficiency of the Sqn but has also streamlined the Sqns capacity to respond to the challenges of lower military working horse (MWH) numbers and unforeseen incidents. Additionally, the birth of the livery contract has enabled the reduction of MWH numbers in camp. This was a welcome change, as it alleviated pressures on resources and significantly improved the living conditions of our horses and soldiers.

The beginning of the year marked the crucial period of “build-up,” setting the stage and preparing the MWH fleet for the demands of the year ahead. The

first hurdle of the year was set to be the Major General‘s inspection, having breezed through the first three rehearsals the Sqn was in a good place and was confident in being passed fully fit for the season. Unfortunately, the most

unexpected demand of the year came the day before when the Sqn “caused chaos in London” as several riders were unseated after the horses were spooked by construction work. The prompt and professional response of

“Eyes Right.” LG Sqn pass the Major General’s Inspection the day after the horse incident in London

Tpr Eaglestone, LCoH Collins and Tpr Swalwell on the State Visit of Qatar

our soldiers ensured that the situation was resolved as swiftly and safely as possible. Thankfully all the Soldiers are expected to recover from the incident and return to work in time. All MWHs that were involved have since returned to work. A particular thank-you goes to all those who have aided in the recovery of both our people and horses. The following day and demonstrating exquisite composure and professionalism the Sqn delivered an exceptional Major Generals’ parade and was deemed fit for the upcoming ceremonial season.

The month of May brought about the Royal Windsor Horse Show, the chance to discover who had won this years Princess Elizabeth Cup. This is a chance for six troopers from The Life Guards and six from The Blues and Royals to compete and be deemed the cleanest Tpr in the Regiment. As ever it was extremely close, and a huge amount of effort and time went into the preparations.

Preparations for the King’s Birthday Parade soon followed, a Life Guard Standard meant 2024 was a year for The Life Guards to lead The Sovereign’s Escort. The Sqn delivered, at it always does, two immaculate divisions to escort His Majesty the King. It was the first Birthday parade for a number of those in the Sqn; including all the Officers on this year’s parade. The Garter service was soon to follow, a chance to dismount from our horses and march around Windsor Castle, unlike the King’s Birthday Parade the occasion was blessed with sunny weather throughout.

It would normally be at this point that the Regiment deploys on summer camp; however, this year saw a later State visit from the Emperor of Japan. A double Standard with an RHG/D lead, the Sqn was required to provide

a full complement of Life Guards for the parade as well as a Long Guard at Horse Guards. An earlier than usual State Opening saw the His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen escorted to the Sovereign’s Entrance of

the Palace of Westminster to set out the Government’s legislative programme for the following parliamentary session.

August provided some well-earned respite for the Sqn horses turned out and

CoH Harvey returns MWH Tennyson to work after his run through London

Lt Bird and CoH Flannagan win the fancy dress event in the LG Sqn Cup

Lt Fircks reverts to reversionary mounted recce tactics in the field

summer leave gave all a well-earned break from the fast pace of London life. On return from leave the Sqn soon began preparations for the final parades of the year. Capt Redfarn led a detachment of Life Guards on the Cenotaph Parade, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have served before us. The year concluded with the State Visit of the Amir of the State of Qatar. The Sqn, once again taking the lead provided two divisions and a Standard Party, delivered on brisk winter’s day in cloaks. This parade drew 2024 to an end and a well-earned Christmas leave.

Outside the daily duties and state occasions the Sqn has been able to conduct key engagement activities. A visit to Uzbekistan, the Swedish Life Guards and Texas saw some fantastic opportunities for members of the Sqn to visit other Cavalry units across the world.

A year of coming and goings the Sqn has bid farewell to Maj van der Lande in January to embark on civilian life as well as Capts Fircks and Redfarn this December. Capt Godwin was posted to Pirbright as a PH1 instructor and Capt Carr-Smith returned to HCR as a Sqn 2iC. CoH Qio now watches over the Sqn

as the Provost and CsoH Semakula and Mcclure have both posted to the wider world of ERE.

As 2024 draws to a close, The Life Guards Squadron can look back on a year of remarkable achievements and important transitions. I thank all members of the Squadron for their hard work, dedication, and professionalism throughout the year. As we embark on 2025, we will continue to build on these successes of 2024, adapting to new challenges and maintaining the standards of excellence expected from The Life Guards.

The Sqn escorts HM The King to address the new Government

CoH Heathfield leads his first KLG on return to the Regiment

The LG Sqn lead the procession down the Mall

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

The Blues and Royals Mounted Squadron

by Major Charlie Onslow, The Blues and Royals

The 2024 season kicked off with the return of military working horses from winter grass and soldiers from well-earned Christmas leave. The focus in the early part of the year was getting soldiers and horses prepared for the upcoming ‘silly season’ usually culminating with the Kings Birthday Parade in June. The year began with the Major General’s Inspection on 25th April 2024, a significant occasion for evaluating the readiness of the Squadron and Regiment for the upcoming season. The inspection provides the Major General Commanding London District & the Household Division the opportunity to scrutinise the drill, turnout, and overall performance of troops – many of whom on their first parade since passing out of training. The troops, alongside their horses performed well, setting the tone for the year ahead.

In June, the squadron participated in the most important national event in the British ceremonial calendar. On 15th June, they were central to the King’s Birthday Parade or “Trooping the Colour”, celebrating the official birthday of King Charles III. This event saw two divisions of Blues and Royals, led by Major William Charlesworth and Captains Ed Henderson and Jamie Thomas, participate in the parade; with

Capt Harry Stone as Serefile Captain. After a long week of rehearsals and in biblical rain, the Squadron turned out to an impeccable standard and carried out their duties flawlessly – putting on a spectacle for an increasingly soggy audience and for those millions of viewers watching from home.

A short turnaround, on the following Monday, the Squadron traded their jackboots for wellies and showcased their dismounted ability in the Order of the Garter service at Windsor Castle – one of the oldest and most prestigious ceremonies of the British Monarchy. The Squadron deployed in full strength both as street liners on the processional route and as a staircase party on the steps to St Georges’ Chapel. On one of the hottest days of the year, and in both tunics and state helmets, it was a test of resilience for the soldiers after a busy ceremonial period. Their turnout and precision, even without horses, showcased their versatility and continued commitment to ceremonial excellence.

Normally a time to relax and reflect on the previous few month’s events, the ceremonial season for the RHG/D Squadron was far from over. A state visit for the Emperor of Japan and hastily called General Election saw Norfolk

summer camp kiboshed as troops prepared for yet more rehearsals. The former, which included a State Banquet at Buckingham Palace, a Royal Guard of Honour and a ceremonial procession, saw The Blues and Royals Squadron lead the escort during the Emperor’s visit to London on what was one of the year’s most significant international occasions. Later, on 17th July, the Squadron played a key role in the State Opening of Parliament, an essential event in the British political calendar. This year’s State Opening was particularly significant as it marked the opening of Parliament under the new Labour government. The Blues and Royals participated in the traditional procession, escorting the Sovereign from Buckingham Palace to Westminster, where His Majesty The King’s speech outlined the government’s agenda for the year. The squadron’s participation in this constitutional event was a reminder of their vital role in not only ceremonial but also political life in the United Kingdom, ensuring the traditions of the monarchy and Parliament remain strongly intertwined.

As the Squadron departed on Summer Leave, we also said farewell to Major Will Charlesworth who leaves us to attend Staff College in Shrivenham. He

left the Squadron in immaculate order, and we wish him all the best for his next venture. He certainly left big shoes to fill although I’m sure he won’t miss the 0530 alarms each morning! After a period of summer leave, and just as importantly some summer grass for the horses, the next event in the calendar was the Cenotaph Act of Remembrance on 10th November 2024. This year, the squadron put out a dismounted guard of honour at Horse Guards, with Captain Ed Henderson standing in prime position for national television cameras: capturing a poignant shot of both of London’s mounted units as the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery guns sounded the start of the minutes silence through Horse Guards arch.

The following month, and with ceremonial proceedings almost at a close, the Regiment took part in the Winter State visit for the Emir of Qatar on 3rd December 2024. Reduced to only one division on parade for the Squadron,

it was an opportunity for the newest batch of junior soldiers to experience a parade for the first time and to ‘pass out’ remount horses into the Squadron. The Squadron’s participation in this visit underscored their central role in strengthening ties between the United Kingdom and Qatar, while showcasing their ability to conduct complex and highly visible international ceremonies.

Aside from a busy ceremonial calendar, soldiers from the squadron have enjoyed a breadth of experiences both at home and abroad representing the Squadron and Regiment across the globe. Early in the year, Troopers Jeffrey, Dandie and Mottram were nominated for the Princess Elizabeth Cup – a meticulous exercise in ceremonial kit cleaning to determine the regiments ‘smartest trooper’ and a renowned internal competition of ‘red’ versus ‘blue’. The soldiers excelled, placing first, second and third respectively and seeing off the competition from down the ramp. The soldiers

were awarded their prizes by the Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal at Royal Windsor Horse Show, showcasing the amazing achievements of our soldiers at the home of equine excellence.

Away from their domestic achievements, Blues and Royals personnel exercised their knowledge and experience in a variety of overseas Defence Engagement activities. This included: the USA, Sweden, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Nepal, Uzbekistan, and Italy. Of note, Trooper Samuel Furness demonstrated a masterclass in equine ability, winning the much coveted ‘Bolte Cup’ at the US National Cavalry competition – much to the dismay of our US counterparts. These trips, albeit enjoyable, not only serve to enhance our operational and equine expertise but also provide an opportunity to build and strengthen international military relationships.

Despite the busy nature of the Mounted Regiment, it must be noted that the moving of military working horses to livery has had an overall positive impact across at all levels. Not only has horse welfare been significantly improved, allowing all horses to be in loose boxes, it has also freed up time to send soldiers on long-overdue career courses and to enjoy sport, adventurous training and non-ceremonial equine activity. In the absence of the annual trip to Norfolk, the RHG/D Squadron used this time to conduct a ‘London summer camp’ including team sports, Squadron socials and beach rides to Hayling Island. Earlier in the year, Trooper Seth Adams excelled on the Household Cavalry Regiment led sniper cadre finishing as top student - a highly impressive achievement given his lack of time spent in the field. More recently in November, Trooper Robert Bartlett showed outstanding courage and determination by volunteering for the RAC boxing night, in which he put up a spirited fight against a much more experienced boxer. LCpl Tippett has demonstrated huge dedication to her own personal fitness, reaping the reward in being selected for the Army women’s triathlon team. Moreover, we also have soldiers representing the Squadron in both alpine and Nordic skiing in Europe, and previously on the Cresta run in early in the year.

As the 2024 ceremonial season comes to a close, the RHG/D Squadron has once again demonstrated its unwavering commitment to excellence and its vital role in the Army’s ceremonial output. In a year of considerable change and relentless tempo, the Officers’ and soldiers have risen to the challenge, leaving the Squadron in an extremely positive place as we head into the New Year.

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment ■

Hayling Island

Headquarters Squadron

by Major S M McWhirter, The Blues and Royals

The past 12 months have been marked by remarkable accomplishments, ceremonial achievements, and steadfast dedication across HQ Sqn. Despite the challenges, each department contributed significantly to upholding the Regiment’s values and furthering its mission both domestically and abroad. This year, HQ Sqn played a crucial role in facilitating and participating in all ceremonial parades, ensuring each event’s success with precision. Additionally, our engagement with historical and operational education was highlighted by a comprehensive battlefield study, reflecting our commitment to continuous learning from the past.

This year, Tpr Brooks deployed on a six-month operational tour with Op ALUMINIUM. Opportunities for such extended deployments are rare, making this an exceptional chance for Tpr Brooks to represent the Regiment in an operational environment. The Regiment has received outstanding feedback regarding his performance, which is a testament to the dedication, adaptability, and professionalism of our soldiers. Tpr Brooks’ success on Op ALUMINIUM serves as an inspiration for future deployments and underscores our commitment to supporting both ceremonial and operational missions. The Warrant Officers’ and NonCommissioned Officers’ Mess remained at the heart of the Regiment, providing camaraderie and morale, hosting various key events that strengthened regimental spirit. Early in the year, we gathered for a State of the Nation dinner, followed by multiple CCOCA meetings, in preparation for the Cavalry Memorial centenary parade.

In a show of support, the Mess opened its doors for members to cheer on England in the World Cup against Denmark. Refreshment fridges were set up at KLG and in the locker room to enhance convenience. A memorable highlight was the Forcer Protocol suicide prevention event, where VIP guest Ross Kemp addressed mental health awareness, reflecting our commitment to our soldiers’ welfare. July saw a lively football match where the NCOs triumphed over the Officers and Troopers. The year concluded with a heartfelt farewell for departing members of HQ Sqn.

The Quartermaster’s Department remains invaluable, ensuring the efficient running of daily operations and supporting the Regiment’s logistical needs. This year, their focus was on assisting the squadrons in their

Staircase Party – State Opening of Parliament 2024

LCpl Crawford looking for the sun in Brecon

transition to divisional structures and managing multiple infrastructure projects that improved facilities for everyone. A notable achievement this year was the successful organisation and facilitation of multiple major ceremonial

parades, where the department played a key role in managing logistics and resources. The department also contributed to the Battlefield Study, enhancing operational knowledge and strategic thinking. The team bid farewell to WO2 (RQMC) Lewis and CoH Bremner as they moved into civilian life.

The RAO’s Department played a critical role in supporting high-profile events, including the State Opening of Parliament and the State Visit from the Emperor of Japan. Private Ebute AGC (SPS) noted the detailed preparations involved in these ceremonies, which required impeccable coordination to manage personnel and logistics. The RAO’s meticulous planning ensured that every aspect of these ceremonies reflected the Regiment’s dedication to upholding British ceremonial traditions and the department remained instrumental in facilitating all parades throughout the year.

Kassassin Lines (formerly Sick Lines) celebrated notable achievements and personal milestones. LCpl Twidale joined the Army Show Jumping Team, competing on MWH Viscount, a horse he had trained himself. Other significant accomplishments included Tpr Sumner’s victory at the Larkhill Hunter Trials, Tpr Hines’ completion of a 50km ultra-marathon, and multiple awards from the Army Equestrian Championships. Additionally, four SP paraded MWH Juno at Dyffed Shire Farm in Wales, and CoH Drummond represented the Regiment in the RAC Carp Fishing Team. These successes exemplify the dedication and resilience of the members at Kassassin Lines, who participated in all parades while excelling in personal and professional development.

The Saddlers’ department has been instrumental in supporting regimental activities, demonstrating exceptional craftsmanship and specialist skills in drill, skill-at-arms, and CBRN training. Three members of the team were promoted, with two advancing to LCoH and one to CoH. LCoH Collins was particularly praised for delivering BCDT lessons of outstanding quality. The team enjoyed adventurous training in the Brecon Beacons and took part in the Household Cavalry Foundation’s tough mudder event. The Master Saddler remains focused on innovative projects

HQ AT on the summit of Pen-y-fan on a beautiful, Brecon sunny day!

Cpl Maj’s out for a jolly along with RHQ to say bye to WO1 RCM Snoxell

to enhance the welfare of our military working horses, contributing to both ceremonial duties and the battlefield study initiative.

The Riding Staff continued to uphold the Regiment’s standards in horsemanship, training new military working horses and preparing them for deployment to the squadrons. They also represented HCMR in numerous equestrian competitions, consistently achieving top placements. Four instructors were posted to prestigious positions at Melton Mowbray and Sandhurst, helping develop the next generation of regimental instructors. The Riding Staff celebrated individual achievements, with LCpl D Pacey completing the London marathon and LCoH J Bayliss participating in adventurous training in Wales. Alongside these achievements, the Riding Staff played a vital role in ceremonial parades and contributed insights to the battlefield study, merging tradition with tactical development.

The Forge maintained a demanding schedule, providing on-call support for animal care during parades and overseeing Defence Engagements in Turkmenistan, Trinidad, Tobago, and Nepal. The Forge team competed internationally in shoeing events and continued training apprentices, with several expected to receive certifications in early 2025. Demonstrating a commitment to community, the Forge participated in the Windsor Lions Swimathon 2024 and celebrated CoH Forster’s victory in the Household Division Championship at Aldershot. The Forge’s dedication was instrumental in supporting all ceremonial events

and furthering our operational knowledge through the battlefield study. The Tailors showcased their expertise, supporting major ceremonial events from the Major Generals’ Inspection to the King’s Troop activities. Members participated in the Ceremonial Staircase Party during the State Opening of Parliament and engaged in charity work, including poppy sales. LCpl White represented the team at Chelsea Founders’ Day and completed a Battlefield Study in Normandy, while CoH Scheepers led adventure training in Iceland and participated in Defence Engagements across Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

HQ Sqn supported delegations from the US, Thailand, and Australia, as well as

Defence Engagement to the Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan Cavalries. Tpr Jeffery earned/won the Princess Elizabeth Cup and distinguished himself on the PNCO cadre. LCpl Hockey upheld the standards of the Oman and Nijmegen Kit Rides, held in London for the first time in two years.

This has been a year of great change within the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. Significant generation change that will endure and people have had to adapt and overcome the challenges presented. As always, Headquarter Sqn have been a pivotal enabler throughout this shift in battle rhythm and It has been a privilege to witness the hard work from all departments within the Sqn.

Tpr’s Jeffrey (L) and Evans fraternising with the locals in Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan

Defence Engagement – The HQ Uzbekistan & Turkmenistan Team pose for a pic with their counterparts. Left to right: CoH Scheepers, FCoH Forster, CoH Harvey and SCpl Selby

An SPS Experience at the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR)

by Private E V Ebute, Adjutant General’s Corps (Staff and Personnel Support)

Iarrived at HCMR to embrace the different challenge and new experience with ceremonial duties compared to my previous assignment with frequent deployments all year round. I have been involved in half a dozen major state ceremonial events and activities in the little over 6 months since my arrival. I have embraced this new experience tightly and enjoy working right in the heart of London.

Stewarding at Wimbledon. The Championships 2024.

Working as an Army Steward at the Wimbledon 2024 Championships was an unforgettable and unique experience. As a member of the Army’s ceremonial staff, I had the privilege of being part of one of the most prestigious and wellknown sporting events in the world. Being involved in this iconic event for the first time was both exciting and challenging, but it also gave me a deep sense of pride and accomplishment.

When the Championships finally began, I found myself immersed in the bustling environment of the grounds. The responsibility of ensuring the safety of players, officials, and visitors was a constant reminder of how important my role was. I stood at the centre court during this event, helping guide spectators to their seats, checking passes, and maintaining order during busy moments. My army uniform stood out in the crowd, and many fans and even players would occasionally ask questions or seek assistance, which I was happy to provide.

What struck me most was the atmosphere. There was a sense of excitement in the air, with fans eager to see worldclass tennis and cheer on their favourite players. As a steward, I felt part of this unique world, despite the challenges of managing large crowds and ensuring everything went smoothly.

One of the highlights of my time at Wimbledon was working with the other staff members, many of whom had been working at the event for years. They shared valuable insights and tips, helping me understand the finer aspects of the job. The camaraderie among the team was remarkable, and everyone worked together seamlessly to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the visitors.

Looking back on my time at the

Wimbledon 2024 Championships, I realise how much I learned. It wasn’t just about fulfilling my duties as a steward; it was about being part of a much larger operation, where teamwork, discipline, and attention to detail were key. The experience gave me a new appreciation for the scale and effort that goes into making an event like Wimbledon a success. I remain grateful for the opportunity to take part in it. HCMR, being a London based unit, meant that I could travel to the event with ease, and it’s history of state ceremonial commitments meant that I received the support of my unit to attend

State Opening of Parliament (SOoP), the State Visit (SV) of the Emperor of Japan.

The preparations for the SOoP begin

well in advance, with extensive rehearsals to ensure every movement and detail was flawless. I was among the team selected to be the stretcher bearers, participating in an event so closely tied to the British values of democracy and Monarchy brought immense pride. The State Opening highlighted to me, the role of the Crown in British governance, and further still, being part of that as a member of the Household Cavalry was a profound reminder of my Oath of Allegiance. I was made starkly aware that we were not only upholding strong military tradition, but also showing the strength, unity, and dedication of the Armed Forces to the nation. The impact I felt was compounded further, knowing that it was a televised event watched by millions worldwide.

Given HCMR’s role as a ceremonial

Pte Ebute

unit, I was also given the opportunity to take part in another example of military excellence the State Visit of the Emperor of Japan, a high-profile event that was both prestigious and demanding. I was responsible for preparing the PERSREP and liaising with the Ops Officer. This critical administrative task was completed to ensure that all SP involved were accounted for during the entire duration of the event, a critical role for such an important occasion.

The Household

Stewarding at Wembley, the FA Cup Final 2024.

Working in HCMR has also given me the opportunity to steward at the Emirates FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium, London. I assisted with the pre-kick-off pitch banner ceremony. This was a high-profile match which attracted a worldwide television audience. The aim was to promote the UK

Armed Forces in the best possible way, to raise awareness and to promote the opportunities for sport within the UK Armed Forces. It was a powerful message, one that I understood as showing that sport plays an important role within the UK Armed Forces and that connecting with young people through sport would inspire them to consider one day joining themselves.

Cavalry Mounted Regiment Forge by Warrant Officer Class 2 Pettit, Farrier Major

2024 has been another successful year for The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Forge. Testing at times, but great fun throughout; we have balanced parades, deployment and competitions. There have been numerous successes, including charity work in the background.

The year kicked off with several international defence engagement opportunities. Farrier Corporal of Horse MurdenWade deployed to work alongside the Mounted Branch of the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, which employs one qualified farrier and three apprentices. FCoH Murden-Wade provided anatomy lectures and discussed methods of remedial farriery that they could adopt using the materials at hand to

get the best results for the horses under their care. The hope is that one of the farriers will be able to visit our forge in London in due course.

Farrier Lance Corporal of Horse Chew’s busy year started with a trip to Kathmandu to visit the Nepali Cavalry. FLCoH Chew worked closely with a team of Nepali farriers, presenting daily lectures and workshops to develop their farriery and horsemanship and discuss ways to make the most of their constrained resources. Every time we have visited Nepal we have been welcomed by a team of eager and resourceful farriers, who have always impressed us with their ability to care for the animals of the Nepali Army without the resources we have come to take for granted. We hope It’s warm in here

Pte Ebute during the State Opening of Parliament Rehearsals

Left to right: Pte Ebute, LSgt Afidemenyo and Sgt Anywar during the State Opening of Parliament

this mutually beneficial engagement will continue for many years to come.

Similarly, FCoH Forster deployed to Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in March to work alongside both countries’ cavalry units, learning about how they operate in comparison, sharing experiences and techniques, and discussing the different tools and shoes we each use and their applications. Whilst there, FCoH Forster took the opportunity to jump in the saddle and ride one of the horses in Tashkent, and also to visit an old bazaar in Bukhara and explore Ashgabat.

It was soon time to dust off the tools to take part in the annual Cavalry Pairs Shoeing Competition, which has grown larger and larger each year. Indeed, it

was Farrier Lance Corporal of Horse Large’s turn to organise the competition this year, which is an honour bestowed upon the apprentice set to receive the award for Best Apprentice. Competition organisation tests their abilities beyond day-to-day life in the Forge. The competition sees pairs of farriers making and fitting two shoes to one horse in one hour, a caulk and wedge for the hind and a plain stamp for the front. The competition, which attracts some of the world’s best farriers, was run over the course of two days, with qualified military farriers taking part on the Friday, and civilian farriers and apprentices on the Saturday. This year’s military class was won by WO2 (Farrier Major) Pettit and Farrier Corporal of Horse Forster, and FLCoH Large won the Best Military Apprentice shoemaking round.

In April, the Household Cavalry made the news when five horses escaped during their daily exercise in Central London, causing significant disruption and multiple injuries to both horses and personnel. The incident started in Belgravia, caused by construction noise, and eventually ended in Wapping. The loose horses ran through several busy areas, including Belgrave Square and Fleet Street, causing damage and traffic incidents across the city. The Forge and Veterinary Department were immediately deployed to work alongside the Metropolitan and City of London Police to bring the incident under control. This played out in dramatic fashion across news networks internationally, with footage and images of a grey horse awash with blood alongside a large Cavalry Black galloping through

The Forge with two of their bigger customers!

An old mantra for the Forge

The Farrier Major warms himself by the unofficial forge

the City of London making headlines across the world. The situation ended with the recapture of the horses by police and soldiers. The injured animals were safely returned to Knightsbridge where they received the very best veterinary care available, and it is with great delight that I can report that all horses have made a full recovery and returned to duty. The Forge and Veterinary Department were recognised for their actions on the day.

With the drama behind us, the Regiment’s return to State Ceremonial Operations brought some welcome normality to the HCMR Forge, with a State Visit, a State Opening of Parliament, and of course the King’s Birthday Parade, on which Farrier Lance Corporal of Horse Steer rode for The Life Guards, and FLCoH Chew rode for The Blues and Royals.

Off on his travels again, FLCoH Chew deployed alongside other members of the Regiment to Spruce Meadows in Canada. The Regiment is invited each year to provide a Guard of Honour to

the “Masters” show jumping championship. Whilst there, FLCoH Chew was able to visit the Farrier World Championships which runs concurrently in the same location.

Closer to home, the Forge contributed competitors to a combined military team for the Home Internation Shoeing Competition in Harrogate, which involves qualified farriers working alongside apprentices, and the International Shoeing Competition at Stoneleigh Park. This competition is open to some of the best Farriers internationally and is the only competition of its type held in the United Kingdom. It’s an honour to be invited to participate in such a prestigious event.

As well as forging and shoeing competitions, several of the Knightsbridge farriers took part in representative sport. Warrant Officer Class 2 (Farrier Major) Pettit, FCsoH Forster and Cooney, and FLCsoH Blake and Large have played on some of the country’s most prestigious golf courses during a few interservice golf competitions, with FCoH

HCMR Medical Centre

Forster winning the Household Division Championship held at the Army’s golf course in Aldershot. WO2 (FMaj) Pettit and FCoH Cooney have represented the Royal Armoured Corps in carp fishing.

The Forge has also supported various charities throughout the year. WO2 (FMaj) Pettit and FLCoH Large ran 100 miles in January to help raise money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Society. WO2 (FMaj) Pettit, FCoH Forster and FLCoH Steer later donned their swimmers to raise funds for Troopers Community Equestrian Centre in the Windsor Lions Swimathon 2024.

Finally, we welcome our newly qualified farriers. FLCsoH Marsh and Reuter gained the Certified Military Farrier qualification earlier this year. We also congratulate FCsoH Forster and Murden-Wade and FLCoH HealeyPotter for achieving their Advanced Military Farrier qualification. We continue to support our four Apprentices through their training, keeping them on track to qualify next year.

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

This year, even the title of this article has been up for debate: as Defence Primary Health Care drives change, we combined with both of the medical centres at Wellington Barracks and Woolwich, briefly becoming London Central (Hyde Park) Medical Centre. We appear to have emerged with the sensible title of (cue drum roll)… Hyde Park Medical Centre. Change is good.

The medics tell everyone they have

been as busy as ever. Rumours leaked out last year, in this very journal, that LSgt Cromwell had managed to elude the Gunners’ clutches. He returned to a deafening hero’s welcome, with much adulation, street parties galore, and babies being named George/Georgetta in celebration. When not treating the ailing and injured, he has delivered a horde of Team Medic courses, whilst sprouting copious amounts of facial hair. LCpl Ryan also engaged in the

first two activities, but wisely chose not to do the latter, particularly as it would have impeded her aquatic progress swimming 46.5km, the distance of all five Normandy beach landings, raising money for Help for Heroes. After this physically herculean task, she has proven her intellectual mettle and completed her Access to Nursing course and hopes to be accepted onto an in-service Nursing degree next year. Sgt Peters however is far too important as Practice

Sir, it only holds a half pint!

FLCoH Chew schooling the competition on how to be a Farrier’s farrier!

Not one, but three Regimental Surgeons. Surg Maj Haworth RHGD and Surg Maj Hammond LG join the current incarnation

manager to be allowed out of the office on anything approaching fun but has enjoyed her time looking at spreadsheets in between wading through her inservice degree.

Capt Eskell has a relationship with the Medical Centre a bit like an imaginary friend. We all talk about him as if he has been about, but so rarely physically seen that doubts are starting to surface that he even exists. Apparently deployed for protracted periods on Op INTERFLEX and more recently on operations abroad, we await formal sightings of either him or Santa Claus.

The Officers ride out

Surg Lt Col Lewin and Capt Meg Apczynski saluting the Major General

The Surgeon Colonel escaped twice during the year. Firstly, to Cyprus where his acting abilities as a female refugee with cutaneous leishmaniasis, and a male refugee with horrendous diarrhoea, won plaudits from the tri-service GP training course. After much pushback, he also deployed to Sweden (again) to learn how the Swedish Lifeguards’ military medical team deal with equine injuries. It turns out they don’t have a military medical team. Another highlight this year was riding Hyderabad on his last parade, in front of the Major General, before he rode off into the sunset with the Horse Trust. Hyderabad that is, not the Surgeon Colonel.

With the formation of the Royal Army Medical Service, it appears the Surgeon Colonel has outlived the RAMC, but readers can look forward to a photograph next year of our RAMS personnel proudly sporting their new grey berets.

True to form, both Mrs Epi Addison and Ms Jane Baynham-Jones continue to act as the bed rock of the Medical Centre, providing that continuity and stability of care that all of those in the Regiment appreciate.

Next year we hope to expose the real story of whether Capt Eskell actually exists. Medical advice is that the reader should not hold their breath as this may be injurious to your health.

Surg Lt Col Lewin’s alter ego role-playing on exercise in Cyprus Capt Carr-Smith and Surg Lt Col Lewin testing Swedish headgear

RQMC Archer and SQMC Abbot with Swedish friends

Household Cavalry Training Wing

by Major Dean Owens, OC HCTW

OC: Maj DM Owens RHG/D

SCM: WO2 OM Thomas RHG/D

ESCpl: SCpl T Baker LG

SQMC: SCpl Hattingh/Galuvakadua

Life at the spiritual home of the Household Cavalry (Windsor) is as busy as ever. In early May, we got the task order to convene a trial course at DATR (Melton Mowbray) alongside Kings Troop RHA. This saw 3 members of staff and 12 HCMR trainees complete Khaki ride alongside 3 KTRHA trainees. The facilities and the location produced a more confident and competent rider. So, watch this space. The end of May saw the kit ride pass off, of Le Cateau ride and HCMR receive 1 +15 mounted duty soldiers to the Sqns and 1 x Ops Officer to RHQ.

There was a training pause in June, which allowed horses and staff members of the ‘wing’ to take part in the King’s Birthday Parade, the trainees conducted ‘Cav drill’ for those two weeks. The Government called a General Election so that laid to waste the annual look forward to ‘Norfolk’.

Members of HCTW permanent staff also took part in the State Opening of Parliament, mainly as the staircase party at Westminster Palace. August saw another kit ride pass off, of Mons

Kit Ride

ride, which also included six members of RCAMUS, for the older element ‘Bandies’, this included the new Band Master (BM).

September allowed some staff members to attend military courses, conduct

personal development and even take part in a charity bike ride through Europe.

As the end of 2024 approached, two more kit rides needed to pass out, Nijmegen and Oman. Remembrance events were supported as was the State Visit of

Warrant

Qatar in December with Major Owens again commanding the Staircase Party. Peninsula ride is steadily moving through ‘Khaki’ and we see St Quentin ride forming up, followed by Rhine. So, as I said in the opening line, busy as ever.

Officers’ and Non-Commissioned Officers’ Mess by Warrant Offier Class 1(RCM) Ottaway, The Blues and Royals

The Warrant Officers’ and NonCommissioned Officers’ Mess of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment has stepped firmly into probably the quietest summer season in many years.

That’s not to say it has been quiet but with the previous few years consisting of King Charles III Coronation and Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee and State funeral as well as the other host of ceremonial parades that are part and parcel of the Knightsbridge tasking it seemed that way. We found ourselves running what seemed like a very business-like and functional season. Three parades in the space of five weeks

meant that all persons were firmly on their game throughout to maintain such a high standard. This period extended through to mid-July and meant that the Regimental training period as we know it was turned off to allow for the ceremonial output. The Warrant Officers’ and Non-Commissioned Officers’ Mess would not have to move 90% of the Mess furniture to Norfolk and it allowed time for some much needed deep clean and repair works as the Mess closed for the summer leave period.

In June, the Mess hosted a presentation for a scheme called ‘The Forcer Protocol’. This is a form designed in

consultation with the police and other specialist support organisations to ensure key information is available to the police when they are searching for people who are lost or have gone missing. It is being rolled out as national initiative with all UK police forces. This is heavily linked with service personnel and its aim is to reduce the risk of harm to service veterans, reservists and currently serving members of the Armed Forces. Some of the Regiment’s veterans have a vested interest in this, including Paul Minter who served as a Staff Corporal and now runs the Head Up charity to assist with Mental Health for the Armed Forces community. The

Bike Ride

HCTW BBQ

LCpl Williams BBQ

Bike Ride

guest of honour for this was Ross Kemp as he has personally seen how PTSD has affected many people.

July saw an annual event usually undertaken at regimental training camp of a football match between the NCO’s Mess and Officers’ Mess. Due to numbers a select few Troopers joined the officers mess team to round up their numbers. It was a hard fought match with neither team wanting to take the loss and a battle of wills meant the score at final whistle was 2-2. The match turned to penalties with a back and forth evenly matched until an attempt by Tpr Furness was narrowly missed allowing for LCoH Blake to score the winner and take victory for the NCO’s team. The match wasn’t without casualties as LCpL Brown was stretchered off and of the course the bruised pride of the Officers Mess after their defeat.

In September we held a 22 year dine out for several soldiers who have either left or are about to leave the Regiment for civilian life. WOII Lewis, CoH O’Carroll,

LCoH Blake faces off against Lt Col Woodward

LCoH Blake scores the deciding goal in Officers Vs NCo’s football

WO2 Barber on the offensive

22-year silver presentation pieces for those members leaving the Regiment

Offiers Vs NCO’s football scenic version

CoH Lacey, CoH Henderson, CoH Bremner and CoH Capes were all dined out from the Warrant Officers’ and NonCommissioned Officers’ Mess for the last time. This has always been a tradition to have a sit-down meal hosted by the current Regimental Corporal Major to thank the members for their service within the Regiment. They will each be presented with a mounted silver piece of their choosing crafted by Mappin and Webb who are a Royal Warrant Holder and silversmith to the Royal Household.

At the start of November, a small lunch was held for HQ squadron to have a Leadership and Cohesion Lunch. This was for SNCOs and Officers of the mostly permanent cadre to look at all that had been achieved in the year and how we could look to expand the

horizons of the Regiment going forwards. In the past this was a yearly event which has faded away and Maj McWhirter was keen to revive this with the support of SCM WO2 Sedgwick and the RCM, WO1 Ottaway. It has always been a fact that HQ Squadron plays a huge part in supporting the sabre squadrons to deliver ceremonial output. The delivery of the smallest elements to those who are involved on parade day is what helps the Household Cavalry to perform at its best.

The Mess was honoured to host an event for the ‘Telic 4’ reunion. 20 years from the Household Cavalry Regiment’s tour of Iraq for those involved in that deployment. It was great to see old comrades come together after many years to celebrate the achievements and stories of the operational tour. This helped to maintain a family like bond developed when they once worked so close together as a team. 44 members were present from

still serving soldiers and others who have transitioned out of military life.

The end of the year will see two functions. The first being a ‘Winter Wonderland’ themed Ball organized by SCpl Abbott. This is for mess members and their partners to come together and celebrate the hard work and dedication they have achieved. The second is the annual ‘Brick hanging’. A long-standing tradition where serving and ex-serving members of the Regiment will ‘hang the brick’ above the bar and it will only close when the last member remains. In today’s Army the drinking policy has tightened the strap on alcohol misuse but still allows it in a good social context for group bonding.

As each year rolls around the new and old members will come through the Mess and memories will be rekindled. The Mess remains cherished for official events and gatherings with every Mess member taking pride in its rich history and tradition.

Silver Drum and Standard centrepiece

Telic 4 reunion gathered in the Mess

HQ Squadron Leadership and Cohesion Lunch

The Riding Staff

by Lance Corporal Daniel Pacey, The Blues and Royals

The Riding Staff have been busy this year both in London and in Windsor with the training of horses and people. Whilst the Remount Training Team continue to back, ride away, train and pass new horses out on parade. HCTW continue to train soldiers to ride horses for the very first time and get them parade ready in less than 5 months.

Within our team this year we have had a few movements in job roles. WO2 Evans RHG/D has moved on from his role as Equitation Warrant Officer (EWO) and has entered a new role that has opened which is the HCMR Liaison Warrant Officer, handing over to WO2 (EWO) Tony Glass LG. The Junior members of the Riding Staff have also had a couple people switch job roles such as LCoH Watkins and LCoH Gerrish swapping from RHG/D SEI and HCTW Riding instructor, LCpl Pacey and LCpl Bedford have also swapped roles as HCTW Riding Instructor to Remount team and this year has seen the arrival of two new members of the Riding staff team in LCpls Taylor and Skilton.

We started the competition season in mid-March with the Cotswold Cup One Day Event series which saw WO2 Evans and LCpl Skilton competing their respective developmental horses MWH Whitehall and MWH Valerian.

Both performed well during the 2024 season enabling them to qualify for the series final at Cirencester Park, this an improvement on last year and saw our running placing high up the list amongst some very skilled entries.

The Service Teams Show Jumping class held at Royal Windsor Horse Show is the most prestigious show in the calendar. Again, HCMR were well

represented fielding five teams, four of which finished in the top six. The highest placed HCMR team consisted of CoH Drummond and LCpls Reece and Philpott finishing a close second only two unlucky poles behind the DATR team.

After the busy Ceremonial season 43 SP and MWH deployed to the Defence Animal Training Regiment for the

Riding Staff 2024

LCpl Taylor riding Valentino at the Royal Tournament

Army’s week-long leg of the Tri-Service Equestrian Competition, the “Royal Tournament”. HCMR took 26 SP over the three days in total ranging in rank from Tpr to Maj, competing in both Show Jumping, Dressage and arena Cross-Country Jumping. All soldiers had a fantastic time and in doing so HCMR whooped the competition and took more accolades than all the other mounted units combined!

HCMR placed within the top four in every class entered. LCpl Taylor winning the Princess of Wales Cup, the Princess Anne Cup, and second in the Services Cup. Tpr Crocombe and MWH Thor cleaned up in the Junior sections winning both the MWH Section and taking the overall win in the Adam Betts Cup, and placing third in the grass roots Derby and the team Show Jumping.

We have also had members of the Riding Staff away at various ERE’s. CoH Martin and LCoH Todd are currently working in RMAS at Bruni Stables where they continue to train

both horse and rider to take part in the Sovereigns Parade. WO2 Heeley and CoH Alden currently at ETS in DATR based at Melton Mowbray, their main job being to deliver the RRI (Regimental Riding Instructor) courses to produce Instructors for both the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. Sadly, this year the Riding Staff said goodbye to two of their instructors in

HCMR Welfare Office

by Mrs Suzy Gould, RHQ

Another year has passed in the wonderful world of HCMR welfare where support is shrouded in discretion and the motto “loose lips sink ships” prevails along with the scent of bergamot scented candles. It’s all about the ambience and the warm welcome of a friendly welfare office.

The most recent event was the return of the annual and iconic Health Fair where masses of external exhibitors laid out information on their organisation’s military services to both serving and veteran personnel.

Strict orders were sent out from the UWO for the exhibitors to bring along plenty of free items. Keyrings and pens were highlighted as being the most coveted objects with milk chocolate as a firm third. Anything to appeal and retain the attention of Troopers that wanted to get back to kit cleaning to the old and bold who felt that none of this ‘health and beauty stuff’ was pertinent to them.

A popular stand was the masseur offering complimentary ten-minute back massages for those literally seeking hands-on attention. Equally as captivating to a group of adolescent Troopers was a stand being run by a Knightsbridge based beauty salon where skincare advice was being offered on the importance of SPF. Even more

LCpl Barnes and LCpl Eaglestone to civilian life, they were wished well in their future endeavours.

In summary, a wonderful year for development, in both soldiers and horses, with new instructors carving their way into the future of HCMR, old instructors leading their way and older instructors laying the path for them to walk on.

Tpr Crocombe riding Thor

WO2 Barber discussing the benefits of SPF and routine skincare

off his selection of

important for those featuring in viral TikTok reels and their close-in footage appearances.

Overall, the feedback on the Health

Fair was positive with the UWO and UWSNCO being complimented on the buckshee biros and the variety of incredibly knowledgeable exhibitors. Save the date for 2026!

Household Cavalry Band

by Corporal of Horse L J Wootten

The Band of the Household Cavalry began 2024 with some valuable rehearsal time to prepare our programme of music for a very busy forecast of events for the year ahead and an opportunity to perform open rehearsals and recitals to members of the public at Norden Farm Centre for the Arts in Maidenhead. This was, of course, fitted around the usual schedule of musical support for guard changes at Windsor Castle, St James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace, as well as two very successful musical outreach workshops in Maidenhead and Hereford.

March was dominated by three concert performances - the first at Berkhamsted College for the Household Cavalry Foundation, the second in partnership with Aylesbury Concert Band at Aylesbury’s Waterside Theatre in aid of The Army Benevolent Fund and SSAFA, and the third in Aldershot to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Corps of Army Music (RCAM).

Tpr Rouston showing

biro pens

Tpr Vettraino feeling the benefit of a deep tissue massage

Thanks to CoH Solis and CoH Orr for their assistance and military wisdom during 2024.

CoH Brown in State Dress at D-Day 80

The Major General’s Inspection in April meant that the concert stage was replaced by the familiar challenges of mounted band performances in Hyde Park, which demonstrated that the Band was in good shape for the coming ceremonial mounted season. The week after the Major General’s Inspection, the band travelled to Ypres, Belgium to commemorate the centenary of the unveiling of the Household Cavalry Memorial. The band provided music throughout the service at the Household Cavalry Memorial in Zandvoorde and later marched through Ypres before performing at the daily Last Post service at the Menin Gate where the State Trumpeters were honoured to be asked to play reveille for the service, a task usually performed daily by the buglers from the Ypres Voluntary Fire Brigade. The following day the Band played during a memorial service in Ypres Cathedral to great acclaim.

In May, the Combined Cavalry Old Comrades Association Memorial Parade (better known as Cavalry Sunday) and a Buckingham Palace Garden Party preceded preparations

and mounted rehearsals for the King’s Birthday Parade. In early June the State Trumpet Team performed on stage in Southsea for D-Day 80, broadcast live

on the BBC to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. The King’s Birthday Parade in mid-June was quickly followed by the Garter

Director of Music, Maj CM Bywater leads the mounted band on The Mall during the State Visit of their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan

LCpl Buswell and Juno at the Household Division Military Music Spectacular on Horse Guards Parade

Day service and ceremony at Windsor Castle, where new members of the Band got to learn the dark art of marching downhill in jackboots. Later in June the Band saddled up again for the State Visit of their Majesties the Emperor and Empress of Japan.

By July the band was busy rehearsing with the Household Division Specialist Contemporary Band and Countess of Wessex String Orchestra to form the

stage band for the Household Division Military Musical Spectacular on Horse Guards Parade as well as providing a mounted fanfare team to open the show. In the same month, the band gave its second concert in aid of the Household Cavalry Foundation; this time at the National Horseracing Museum, Newmarket, as well as providing musical support for the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery’s gun salute to celebrate the birthday of Her Majesty The Queen.

on Remembrance Sunday, the whole Band were on parade at Parliament Square for the National Service of Remembrance, and then at the AfroCaribbean War Memorial in Windrush Square in Brixton.

As the year closes, the Band is preparing for its involvement in the Household Division Scarlet and Gold Concert at Fairfield Halls, Croydon as well as the 75th annual Carols on the Hill service outside Windsor Castle, both of which bring a memorable and successful year to a fitting end.

On return from summer leave in August, following a period of public duties at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, the Band returned to Alberta, Canada for a three-week musical tour, starting at British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS), then moving on to Calgary providing musical support for the Spruce Meadows Masters Showjumping Tournament, and finally to Edmonton, where once again, we worked in collaboration with the Royal Canadian Artillery Band to give a sell-out concert in the city of St Albert.

In November, as always, the State Trumpeters were centre-stage at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Albert Hall, and

Sport and adventurous training remain a vital part of Band life, with personnel taking part in a wide range of activities. Mountain biker LCoH Robinson was given a place on the 2024 Army XC MTB Team as a developing rider and represented RCAM in the Army E-Racing series, leading to her being offered a full place in the 2025 Army XC MTB Team. LCpl Blackmore continues to both compete and umpire for UK Armed Forces fencing and was selected as Captain of the Army Men’s Fencing Team, leading them to victory over the Navy and RAF for the first time in ten years. SCpl Lamb, LCpl Fuentes-Moreno and Musn Perring represent the Army in hockey, with SCpl Lamb being awarded the RCAM Sporting Personality of the Year in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the sport both within the Army and as a member of the England Masters O40’s Team. LCoH Pearson, on the other hand, prefers his hockey on ice, and represents RCAM and the Band of the Household Cavalry with the British Army Allstars ice hockey team.

Congratulations are in-order for the members of the Band who passed the Household Cavalry Equitation Course in 2024: WO1 (BM) Andersson, LCsoH Pearson and Petrie, LCpls Crewe, Delgado Hynes and Manley, Musns Alsop, Bedford, Cox, Morris, Naegeli, Newton and Saunders. We welcome WO2 (BCM) Groves back to the band as well as welcoming the two newest members of the band – SCpl (ABM) Shepherd and LCoH Skelton. With arrivals there are inevitably some departures, and in 2024 we said farewell to WO2 (BCM) Screen and CsoH Kitchen and Wootten – we wish them all well in their future endeavours.

Last, and by no means least, the Band extends its warmest congratulations to SCpl (TM) Sandford who in February was awarded his Member of the Royal Victorian Order medal at Windsor Castle in recognition of distinguished personal service to the Monarch and Royal Family.

SCpl (TM) Sandford with his Member of the Royal Victorian Order medal at Windsor Castle

LCoH Robinson at the Army Torq 3-6-9 Mountain Bike race, Minley

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Exercise COCKNEY RODEO 2024

by Captain Charlie Wallace, The Blues and Royals

In a time of increasingly unstable global affairs, and with elections in both countries, the long-standing relationship between the British and United States’ Armies remains as important as ever. This relationship has conventionally been defined through operations, overseas exercises, and doctrinal exchanges. However, it is relatively rare for this bond to be exhibited through equine interaction, and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) has been, for some years, the bastion of this niche part of Defence Engagement.

HCMR has visited the USA on a number occasions: Exercise COCKNEY COWBOY saw soldiers and Officers honing their wrangling skills; the annual exchange with Culver Academy allows for the sharing of instructional techniques; yet the US National Cavalry Competition is a unique opportunity for HCMR Service Personnel (SP) to demonstrate equine excellence in a competitive setting, pitting themselves against some sixty highly trained US cavalry soldiers in the arena of Military Horsemanship.

The War of 1812 – colourised 2024

Capt Wallace narrowly avoids shooting his horse’s ear off

Following the success of Capt Bushell in the competition in 2023, five SP from HCMR deployed to the US with the weight of the Regiment on their shoulders – tasked with retaining the National Championship title. The detachment, consisting of Captain Wallace RHG/D, Corporal of Horse (CoH) Harvey LG, Lance Corporal of Horse (LCoH) McNally RHG/D and Troopers Furness RHG/D and Talaga LG departed from Heathrow on Friday 06th September 2024, arriving 18 hours later in the remote town of Fort Reno, Oklahoma. Steeped in US Cavalry History, the now decommissioned military base served as the main US remount depot between 1908-1948, breeding and training some 650,000 horses for use in World War I and World War II: a poignant reminder to the sacrifice of service animals in recent conflict and an apt location for such a prestigious competition. The five-day competition consisted of six disciplines: military horsemanship (dressage), combat horsemanship (Gymkhana – of sorts), show jumping, mounted sabre, mounted pistol, and mounted patrolling. Armed with a Smith and Weston revolver, Springfield carbine rifle, 1913 Patton Sabre and mounted on a 15-hand quarter horse, the team were given two

Sensory overload

Dual role

days to practise and ‘un-Knightsbridge’ themselves before starting the competition. Meanwhile, CoH Harvey, The Life Guards’ SEI and regimental tent pegging SME taught slight-of-hand with panache in a masterclass of sword (sabre) drill that had our allies purring. Day one, and the competition underway, the hopes of silverware looked unlikely where after a night of ‘community engagement’ led by Tpr Talaga in Oklahoma City, the team failed to place in the dressage discipline. Undeterred and with a hankering for rosettes and silverware, the team approached the following few days with renewed passion. Capt Wallace, out to prove himself after failure on the HCTW week 10 riding assessment, stormed home first and second respectively in the Mounted Sabre and Mounted Pistol disciplines. Meanwhile CoH Harvey, looking to avenge his loss to Capt Bushell in the 2023 competition placed 2nd in Mounted Sabre and was narrowly pipped to the post by Tpr Furness, who placed 1st in the show jumping. This left only the patrols competition to go and with Capt Wallace and CoH Harvey opting

to join the reigning champions as team navigators, LCoH McNally, Tpr Talaga and Tpr Furness were forced to explore other options. In a bizarre coalition of British cavalry and eccentric military re-enactors, they defied all odds to see off their competition - doing no favours for officer’s reputation with a map in hand. The stage was set for the ‘Bolte Cup’ – a class offered to the best fifteen riders across all disciplines and a stab at National Cavalry Championship glory. HCMR’s three qualifying team members put on an emphatic performance, with Tpr Furness cruising home in first place and finally putting Norwich on the map over the pond.

The second phase of the deployment saw the team visit our long-standing partners at the 1st US Cavalry Division in Fort Cavazos, Texas, to train for their Military Display at the Pasadena Rodeo – a routine not-dissimilar to the HCMR musical ride but with mounted weapons drill thrown in. In the spirit of true defence engagement and entering their second week in cowboy land – the team embraced the local culture

with gusto: they bought wrangler jeans and belts with offensively large buckles, donned Stetsons, ate BBQ three meals a day, insisted on greeting everyone with ‘howdy’, and got irrationally excited by the sight of large pickup trucks – it was glorious. With everything but their birth certificate and lack of side-arm pointing to them being Texan – they were ready for the Rodeo. The team moved down to Pasadena, Houston where the horses were stabled at NASA for two nightsaffording the team some well-earned downtime and a close-up look at some “big ol rockets”. The night of the Rodeo upon them and ready for the performance of their lives – they arrive at the ground only to find that Tpr Furness had forgotten his stable belt. Houston –we have a problem! Crisis averted and belts accounted for the performance got underway. A bad day to be a balloon or a watermelon, the team left a wake of destruction as they scythed and blasted their way through targets to the sound of emphatic cheers from the audience. But wait! What’s that noise? From the entrance came the rumble of wheels and the clatter of hooves as Tpr Talaga (aka the ‘Gun Slinger’) entered centre stage. Atop an 18th Century wagon pulled by mules, a pistol in one hand, carbine in the other, and with his Stetson clinging on for dear life - the remaining targets were dispatched with clinical precision signalling an emphatic end to the performance. The night still young, and horses back in their stables, the team hydrated on weak lagers and headed back in to enjoy a truly memorable night of barrel racing, roping, bull riding and country music – God bless the Lone Star State.

The final week of the trip, loosely dubbed as ‘further defence engagement activities’, largely revolved around horses, guns and sport; the much debated three pillars of dual role excellence. An early start, we headed north to College Station – home of Texas A&M University. The day started with a visit to Parsons Cavalry, the horse detachment of the University Corps of Cadets, before onward movement to watch a college football game at Kyle Field – a fortress of college football. Introduced to the concept of both tailgating and a sorority in the same morning, it was a sensory overload for most and progress on route to the stadium was predictably slow. Wading through a sea of denim and with every female student in the town now having seen a photo of the troopers in state ceremonial uniform, we finally made it to the game. At 106,000 seats the atmosphere was palpable and set the stage for a highly enjoyable evening that went on into the early hours. A few sore heads, the team set off on the next leg of the journey. After a brief stop at Texas’ answer to the Bovington

CoH Harvey conducts his first ever weapons handling test

tank museum, the day culminated with a western riding and roping display where LCoH McNally demonstrated an aptitude for catching steers that would have given Billy the Kid a run for his money. A few days left to run, the team put their feet up: they visited a Houston Astros baseball game; exercised the second amendment at the local gun range; and hit the town for one last time on

‘dirty 6th’ street in Austin. Cramming the last of their baggage space with Bass Pro merch and Levis jeans, and with Ex COCKNEY RODEO finally at an end, we jetted back to a rather drab and dreary UK for tea and medals.

The work of Defence Engagement is frequently underestimated, and whilst this experience was extremely enjoyable,

it is easy to see the operational effect these deployments can have. We are extremely grateful to the 11th US Cavalry Regiment, 1st US Cavalry Division, Col Kevin Smith and the US Cavalry Association for their incredible hospitality, who ensured without doubt this visit was one we’d all remember with fond memories for many years to come. Please can I go again?

A Royal Rendezvous: The HCMR’s Swedish Sojourn with The Life Guards Squadron

by Captain Charlie Carr-Smith, The Life Guards

Earlier this month, 12 of us from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment set off on a four-day mission to Stockholm to meet our Scandinavian counterparts, the Swedish Life Guards. Our task? To observe their ceremonial routines, share expertise on equine management, and, of course, fulfil a hearty dose of defence engagement.

Day One: Horses, Briefings, and Arena Envy

We kicked things off with a warm welcome from the Swedish Life Guards’ Commanding Officer, who provided an overview of their rich heritage, operational duties, and the ceremonial traditions they uphold. Then, to help us get our bearings, we took a hack through Stockholm’s Djurgården Park - a beautiful, quiet retreat in the heart of the city, think Hyde Park but bigger and more picturesque. After our ride, we were treated to a tour of their stables and barracks. The true showstopper, though, was their enormous indoor riding school: a stunning 90m by 40m arena that put our own facilities rather to shame. It left us wondering if perhaps a little renovation inspiration might be in order back home!

The evening saw us trying Stockholm’s restaurant scene, and it certainly didn’t disappoint. Hearty meats, soup with mustard and pancakes with cranberry sauce put Ikea’s offerings to shame. SCpl Abbott shared some entertaining stories about his love for the band Hooberstank which had our hosts in stitches. One thing is for sure, they could not maintain the rate at which British soldiers can consume alcoholic beverages.

Day Two: Palaces, Guard Changes, and the Swedish Royal Stables

Day two began on a more formal note, with a tour of the Swedish Royal Palace. We had front-row seats for the

Tpr Saunders and Smith enjoying their ride through Djurgarden

changing of the guard - a serious and elegant affair. Afterwards, a traditional Swedish lunch was laid out for us, a wholesome spread that did wonders to keep us fortified against the afternoon chill. Next, we were off to explore the Royal Stables, Sweden’s equivalent to our Royal Mews. Their stables were immaculately kept, and the Swedish pride in their equine heritage was evident in every stall.

That evening, we were lucky enough to dine in the Swedish Officers’ Mess. It was a grand occasion, where we found ourselves comparing everything from regimental traditions to ceremonial dress. We then made our way into Stockholm for a proper night out, all suited up in matching ties, looking like a scene straight out of a mob film. At one point someone even asked if we were with the Mafia – a role we played convincingly, until LCoH Collins decided to throw his tie around

his head and take over the dancefloor, ending his act with a shirtless performance that left the crowd thoroughly entertained.

Day Three: Park Rides, Process Sharing, and Farewell Dinners

With sore heads, we saddled up again for another serene hack through Djurgården. Stockholm’s Park trails offered another reminder of how blessed the Swedish Life Guards are to have such an idyllic environment for their daily rides. Back at the barracks, we gathered for a workshop focused on sharing knowledge and practices. From parade routines to stable protocols, both teams were eager to learn from each other, with discussions ranging from serious operational improvements to the finer points of ceremonial flair. As we talked through our procedures, we found it refreshing to see how our units shared core values, even

if our approaches sometimes differed.

Our final night in Stockholm called for a celebratory evening out, exploring the city’s nightlife to wrap up our Swedish adventure in style. Traditional dinners, a bit of dancing, and some spontaneous sightseeing marked the end of a productive - and memorably enjoyable - day.

Day Four: Packing Up and Heading Home

With a successful visit behind us, day four was our travel day, and we prepared to head back to London. After packing our kit, we bade farewell to Stockholm. Our visit to the Swedish Life Guards Squadron was more than just a ceremonial tour; it was a chance to build lasting ties, gather fresh perspectives, and return home with a few new tricks and a little bit of Scandinavian flair tucked away in our kit bags.

LCoH Collins in a Swedish Guards bearskin

The comfiest SCpl Abbott and RQ Archer have been in the saddle

Exercise COCKNEY SWORD: 80th Anniversary of WWII Normandy Battlefield Study

by Warrant Officer Class 2 Kevin Sedgwick, The Blues and Royals

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day, WO2 Sedgwick organised Exercise COCKNEY SWORD, a fiveday Battlefield Study to Normandy for the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR). With the assistance of Household Cavalry historian Mr Peter Storer, his expertise guided the HCMR grouping through significant D-Day sites, providing insights into the challenges faced by Allied forces and imparting essential leadership lessons for application in military roles. Major McWhirter and WO2 Sedgwick structured the study to be highly interactive, setting taskings for each participant to deliver briefings and tactical analyses on D-Day’s pivotal moments, encouraging strategic thinking and personal engagement with history.

The study began at Pegasus Bridge, where British glider troops executed a daring night-time assault, marking one of the first engagements on D-Day. From there, soldiers moved to Sword Beach, retracing the footsteps of British forces who stormed the shores on June 6, 1944. This immersive experience set

the tone for the days to come, as HCMR soldiers delved deeper into the history and tactics of the Normandy landings.

Over the following days, participants visited other significant sites, including Juno Beach, where Canadian forces played a critical role, and Omaha Beach, known for its fierce battles and the daunting cliffs American troops courageously scaled. At Pointe du Hoc, HCMR witnessed the steep cliffs that American Rangers climbed under heavy fire, gaining a profound perspective on the resilience and bravery required in such operations. The journey continued to Utah Beach, highlighting the airborne and amphibious tactics that contributed to the success of Operation OVERLORD.

The visit to Normandy included moments of reflection on individuals who displayed remarkable bravery during the invasion. Among them was Major Richard “Dick” Winters of Easy Company, known for his leadership and courage on D-Day and beyond. Additionally, we learned about the courage of Piper Bill Millin, a band member

and personal piper to Brigadier Simon Fraser (Lord Lovat), who famously played the bagpipes under fire as troops landed on Sword Beach. These stories highlighted the unique blend of resilience, leadership, and morale-boosting spirit that played a role in the success of the Allied forces.

The week was capped with a Squadron cohesion meal, bringing HCMR members together to reflect on the shared experiences, foster camaraderie, and strengthen the bonds within the team. This closing event reinforced the sense of unity and personal growth achieved throughout the battlefield study.

Upon return to Hyde Park Barracks, it was evident that each of the 18 soldiers had gained a deeper appreciation for the history of D-Day and valuable leadership lessons. Ex COCKNEY SWORD instilled a renewed sense of purpose, resilience, and connection to the Regiment’s legacy, leaving a lasting impact on all involved.

The team at Pegasus Bridge

Partridge Shooting in Iraq: A Cavalryman’s Guide to Defence Innovation

by Captain Piers Flay, The Blues and Royals

“What has Flay been doing for the last four and a half years?” A question fewer people than my ego would care to admit have asked.

The real answer: working in jHub. Don’t let the name mislead you - it’s not a Jewish dating agency, and it may sound unassuming, but this department is the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) answer to the US’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) or a ‘Skunkworks’ for UK Strategic Command (StratCom). It’s a 50/50 mix of civil servants and regular military personnel, focusing on StratCom’s challenges. This means we have a wide remit, and I’ve been lucky enough to spend the last four years primarily supporting special forces and PJHQ (Permanent Joint Headquarters), acting as a troubleshooter when new challenges arise.

The two projects I’ve chosen to highlight show the freedoms that have been available, should your chain of command support you and allow you to work to intent. It goes to show that if you have 4* backing you can achieve big results in a

short space of time. In this case, the projects are connected. This highlights one of the real benefits of working directly

with end users on their challenges - you start to understand their needs, even when they don’t know the array of

Capt Flay and Scott Kneller (Jhub) with PEEWEE

Covey of Partridges, getting ready for flight testing

options available to them.

The Growing Threat of One-Way Attack UAS

The war in Ukraine has laid bare a new and pressing danger: One-Way Attack (OWA) UAS, a cost-effective and deadly threat with the power to target all facets of society. From soldiers on the front line to critical infrastructure like power stations, these UAS have changed the face of modern warfare. Their use is expanding rapidly, and their swift evolution poses a severe challenge for defence forces worldwide.

This isn’t a distant threat; the UK military has already encountered this threat first-hand in theatres like Iraq for Op SHADER and the Red Sea. Unlike smaller drones often used for surveillance or small-scale attacks, these OWA UAS are sophisticated, one-time-use weapons, designed to crash into their targets and cause significant damage. To add to this threat is their accessibility: relatively inexpensive and easy to produce, OWA UAS can be acquired and deployed by both state and non-state actors. This makes them an urgent and growing problem, especially when considering the high cost of countermeasures.

The ease of production and availability of these UAS on the open market has led to their rapid increase on the battlefield. Their simple design means they can be manufactured and deployed quickly, allowing adversaries to scale up their operations without requiring extensive infrastructure.

The scale and frequency of these attacks demanded an urgent response. The MOD’s response to this growing threat would become Project SOTERIA

Project

SOTERIA: Countering

OneWay Attack Drones in Theatre

The RAF’s counter-uncrewed aerial systems (C-UAS) solutions, though valuable, were ultimately found wanting in this new, highly lethal environment. With risk to life deemed unacceptably high, jHub was called on to address the gap and provide a UK solution for protecting our forces. One of the most significant projects within jHub’s coming of age. Pj SOTERIA was a direct tasking from the Chief of Joint Operations (CJO), the 3* who is in command of all deployed military personnel. The project was critical in addressing specific operational challenges around OneWay Attack (OWA) UAS in theatre. In early January 2022, this reached an intolerable level and jHub was called on to help give the UK a solution to protecting

our deployed forces against this aerial menace. With three days’ notice I was sent out to Iraq to assess the situation on the ground and my team would follow. Our task was to come up with a workable plan to give the UK a kinetic ‘hard kill’ solution that could defeat this

threat and augment the RAF’s existing electronic warfare (EW) ‘soft kill’ solution (using technology to disrupt enemy communications and equipment).

Before people became aware of large OWA UAS from the Russian attacks

Capt Flay showing off the guns

Centre of gravity checks

Effingo 3

on Ukraine in February 2022, Iran had been getting its early development reps building these UAS and launching them through proxy forces, against coalition bases in Iraq and Kurdistan. To be clear, these are not small quad coptertype drones used for tactical ISR; these are flying bombs designed to blow up military and civilian infrastructure, they were a big problem, akin to the V1 in WW2.

On getting to Theatre, the words ‘Seek shelter, seek shelter, seek shelter’ could be heard blasting over the tannoy system, affectionately known as the ‘big voice.’

You knew this could be the harbinger to the very thing we were there to find a solution to defeat. When your own life is at risk, it certainly helps focus the mind, especially as helmet and body armour was to be within arm’s reach 24 hours a day.

From a capability perspective, Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) sits in the Royal Artillery (RA), and they are responsible for shooting anything helicopter size and above, the RAF Regiment were tasked with defeating Counter ‘Small’ UAS i.e. quad copter size devices, which were the predominant threat in the 2010’s, used to great effect by ISIS (remember those guys?). For some of the more seasoned readers, they may remember that the old Rapier batteries were held as a joint asset, ‘ahh the good old days’. Had that still been the case my job would have been a lot simpler. Alas, they had gone their separate ways with the retirement of Rapier. That leaves us with a problem, no one formally had responsibility for shooting anything between a helicopter and a quad copter. As you can imagine, there is a lot of explosive that can be flown in something the size of a small aircraft that is smaller than a helicopter but larger than a quad copter. The enemy,

Iranian aligned militia acting as a proxy for Iran, had worked this out, and Iran was producing these OWA UAS at scale. The Americans were very happy to pull the trigger on anything that was airborne. To be fair to the RA, they tried to help as early as possible and were supportive, but they could only bring two weapons to the party at that time, a Stormer (CVRT based Air Defence platform) and for various posture reasons that was not deemed appropriate, and a Lightweight Multirole Launcher (LML) which is a tripod variant, but technically still a Man Portable Air Defense (MANPAD).

So, after a week on the ground, we got our solution submitted to 4* StratCom who was General Sir Patrick Sanders at the time. The solution was summed up in a six-page document with a price tag of £36.6m. It was in three phases, each with its own extremely ambitious roadmap, or as the RAF described it ‘an impossible timeline’. Within 48h we got our reply…green light.

Out of the proposed three phases, the final one was the most ambitious, which was our team’s responsibility to deliver. If implemented correctly, each phase in turn would reduce the risk to life, while collectively giving us interoperability with the US systems. We had given ourselves 180 days to complete the task of procuring a new weapon system and radar, integrating them, testing them, and installing them on site with all the associated infrastructure and training.

To achieve pace, we opted for an in-service missile, as it already had a procurement pathway and all necessary data

points to operate in a known and ‘safe’ envelope. We chose the Lightweight Multirole Missile (LLM) produced by Thales in Belfast. However, that left us to look at a new launch platform, the choice was a wheeled or static version known as RAPID Ranger or RAPID Sentry.

We had initially wanted a wheeled variant, however, ultimately it was decided the RAF would take on the responsibility for the system and so it became a static solution, for point defence.

This was to be combined with a very capable radar from SAAB. Together, they made up the solution. The systems now had to be tested in the UK and then sent to their new custom designed and built infrastructure courtesy of the Royal Engineers. First the system had to be tested in the UK at Manorbier in Wales.

While the Royal Engineers were breaking ground, we ended up being asked to assess all the bases in Iraq to understand their force layout and their equipment to counter this threat and report back to the General in command of Op Inherent Resolve. We returned back out 7 times in total to complete the job.

What was delivered, was said to be “the fastest procurement of a kinetic defeat system since WW2” according to the commander of British forces in Iraq at the time.

Project

EFFINGO: Replicating Enemy Drones for Realistic Defence Training

Inspired by lessons from Project SOTERIA, we sought a more affordable and versatile solution to train UK Forces, ultimately creating Project EFFINGO - Latin for “replica”.

Working in jHub comes with the unique opportunity to not only choose your projects but also design new solutions where current offerings fall short. Project EFFINGO was born from such an observation. While supporting Project SOTERIA, we saw first-hand the limitations of current drone systems, including the Banshee drone, built by QinetiQ, with a price tag of around £120,000. Though effective, it struck the team as an overly costly way to conduct testing and training, that was workforce intensive.

This idea was reinforced during a visit to Erbil, Iraq, where I saw the Americans using a similar drone for C-UAS drills and for defeat practice. While their system had a smaller radar cross-section, it still wasn’t optimal for the missions we were handling. This sparked the idea to

create our own, more efficient, and costeffective drone, which became Project EFFINGO.

The goal was to replicate the offering of expensive systems like Banshee but at a fraction of the cost, in a way that could offer both an externally and eventually internally representative

solution. By doing so, we could maintain operational effectiveness while cutting down on unnecessary expenditures, an essential move in today’s fastpaced and resource-conscious defence environment.

According to UK C-UAS doctrine, the pursuit of enemy UAS follows the

Taking some downtime on base courtesy of ‘Golf for the Gulf’ a US military charity, with the Force protection team from TF Manchu

The first Partridge kill with ‘Peewee’

Detect, Track, Identify, and Defeat (DTID) cycle. Project EFFINGO plays a crucial role in this, providing an accurate representation of enemy drones across multiple parameters to aid in the effective prosecution of targets.

From the outset, Project EFFINGO was driven by events in Theatre. It aimed to prove that intelligence gathered in operational areas could be rapidly exploited to produce tangible capabilities within weeks, not years, ensuring that soldiers receive realistic training at the pace of relevance. Since its launch in August 2023, two representative EFFINGO airframes, Partridge and Dart, have been designed and produced using exploitable intelligence derived from theatre operations. These airframes provide realistic C-UAS training opportunities for UK Forces, and they were used against the SOTERIA systems in OP SHADER. As its namesake suggests,

the ‘Partridge’ is bred for sport, and it finally proved itself when taken to Iraq on to test the Force protection measures on site, before being shot down to christen the system. Currently, the system is in use by 2 C-UAS Wing (RAF), the Typhoon force (RAF), Ground-Based Air Defence (Army), and soon by Fleet Operational Standards and Training (Royal Navy).

Small Teams, Big Results: Agility and Empowerment

in Defence Innovation

The common thread in both of these projects is the empowerment of small, agile teams that have a mandate to challenge the status quo. When you’re trusted to work directly with end users and given the backing of your leadership, outsized results can be achieved.

These projects have underscored for me that, when trusted with responsibility

and given the autonomy to act, even small teams can drive major outcomes in defence. This is the kind of agility and commitment I hope more of our forces get to experience. And one final note: jHub shouldn’t be an officers-only sport. I look forward to seeing SNCOs integrated into these roles, where their expertise would make a tremendous impact.

As threats evolve, so must our approach to defence. The mission at jHub goes beyond immediate solutions—it’s about building a force that’s agile, futureready, and prepared to meet new challenges head-on. For anyone seeking to make an impact, jHub is where defence innovation becomes action. If you see an opportunity with jHub, take it. Defence innovation isn’t just a role; it’s a mission to safeguard the future.

Strengthening Bonds: The Household Cavalry’s Adventure at Spruce Meadows

by Captain Jamie Redfarn, The Life Guards

In a remarkable display of ceremonial excellence, the troopers from the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) recently participated in the prestigious Princess Elizabeth Cup, leading to their deployment on Exercise COCKNEY MAPLE at the renowned Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament in Canada. This event not only showcased the skills of the British Army but also reinforced ties with a vital NATO partner.

The mission involved a team of six service personnel who provided mounted escorts during the Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament, an esteemed equestrian event. Their goal was to demonstrate the ceremonial capabilities of Mounted Troops while highlighting the diverse opportunities available within the British Army.

Before the main group arrived, an advance party of four - two from HCMR and two from the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery (KTRHA) - landed in Calgary four days early. Their task was to assess the suitability of horses provided by Spruce Meadows. After carefully selecting horses for specific roles, the team gradually introduced the state ceremonial uniforms to ensure the horses were comfortable with the unique equipment.

Upon arrival, the troops were warmly welcomed by the Spruce Meadows

team. They received a guided tour of the exceptional facilities, including pristine arenas set for the presentations. The following days were filled with preparations as the troops familiarized themselves with their assigned horses. After hours of cleaning and organizing equipment, the show was ready to begin.

The tournament featured two main arenas: the ‘All Canada Ring,’ used for

national classes, and the ‘Main Ring,’ reserved for international competitions. The team’s debut performance took place in the All Canada Ring, where they had the chance to test horse and rider combinations and interact with the Canadian mounted troop, the Lord Strathcona’s Horse. The event went smoothly, aside from a minor mishap involving a dropped helmet on the exit from the prize giving ceremony.

A boat trip on Lake Minnewanka, the second biggest glacial lake in Canada

With the All Canada Ring behind them, the focus shifted to the Main Ring, a globally recognized venue that attracts top equestrians and their prized horses. The excitement was palpable as two Life Guards and two Blues and Royals prepared for their first serial. The team worked seamlessly, ensuring everything was ready in time, with support crew members following in the old golf buggy.

As they entered the arena, the atmosphere was electric. The horses, all former showjumpers, were well aware of the spectacle they were part of.

Accompanied by riders in shining armour and ceremonial tack, they escorted the class winners to the front of a cheering crowd. The sight was breathtaking, with many spectators seemingly more captivated by the mounted escort than the winners themselves.

As the tournament progressed, the bond between horses and riders grew stronger, showcasing the professionalism and enthusiasm of the troops. With the event concluding, the team felt a bittersweet sense of accomplishment but also looked forward to some welldeserved rest.

Following a debrief with the organizers, the team travelled to Banff for a cultural pursuits package. Their accommodation was a pleasant upgrade, allowing for a more comfortable stay. Over the next few days, HCMR and KTRHA enjoyed each other’s company, sharing stories and promoting camaraderie in support of Op Teamwork action plan.

The team eagerly explored the breathtaking wilderness of Banff National Park, hoping to spot the famous bears. They embarked on a western trekking ride through the forests, but despite the stunning scenery, the elusive bears

LCoH Chew and Capt Redfarn preparing for their ride past in the All Canada Ring

remained hidden.

After receiving local advice, they visited Lake Minnewanka, renting a boat in hopes of sighting the bears along the shores. They were met with disappointment once again.

However, as their trip neared its end, a stroke of luck struck. Suddenly, cars began to stop along the road, and people jumped out with cameras in hand. Following suit, the team discovered two bears foraging peacefully at the edge of the road. The sighting was the perfect conclusion to their adventure in Canada, allowing them to leave with cherished memories and a strengthened bond with their Canadian counterparts.

In summary, the Household Cavalry’s participation in the Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament not only highlighted their ceremonial prowess but also cultivated international camaraderie, showcasing the spirit and dedication of the British Army.

An elusive bear finally spotted on our last day

Crystal clear waters in the streams of the Banff mountains

The Officers’ Mess with a view of Slough...

A rose between two thorns

Annual LG vs RHGD Tennis at Buckingham Palace

Capt Quickfall has a snooze after Christmas lunch

Valentines day sorted

Capt Henderson taking no chances at Raffles

Capt Tregear having clearly stolen a magician’s hat

Capt Redfarn packs a punch

Fathers and Sons Supper

Capt Carr Smith showing the Troops how it is done

Major Onslow explaining ‘dual role’

Mess members show their support for our Farmers

Household Cavalry Sports Round-up

Household Cavalry on the Cresta Run

by Major Paul Chishick, The Life Guards

The Regiment sent a team out to St Moritz this year for both the InterRegimental and Inter-Services Cresta competitions. 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.

The Cresta Run is the oldest Ice Sport in the world, having been in existence for over 130 years. A natural ice run, built from scratch every year by the hard working ‘Arbeiters’, running for three quarters of a mile, it winds 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.

This year we brought out four soldiers to take part in the Army Novice week in early January with 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. As usual, this tuition was not enough to prevent all the riders from earning the highly coveted Shuttlecock tie for falls at Shuttlecock in their first week. Whilst not bringing back the silver in the first week, Tpr Greener LG and Tpr Matthews RHG/D were selected to stay out to compete for a place in the Army Squad. Both Troopers progressed well over the course of the season, with Tpr Matthews being the only army rider to qualify to ride from Top this season, continuing the tradition of Household Cavalry soldiers qualifying from Top.

The Army Top Championships saw six serving Household Cavalrymen competing for the Scots Guards cup, as well as one former Household Cavalryman, now commissioned into the QRH. Capt Charlie Wallace RHG/D secured

Household Division riders at Finish:

Front: Tpr Greener LG, Tpr Matthews RHG/D, Capt Hobbs GRENS , Capt Coleridge GRENS, Capt Kaye LG, Capt Thomas RHG/D, Capt (retd) Villiers-Smith GREN GDS

Back: Lt Mancais LG, Maj Chishick LG, Lt Burnett QRH (late RHG/D), Capt Villiers-Smith GREN GDS, Capt Wallace RHG/D, Maj Barnes RHG/D

victory on the day, retaining the cup for the Household Cavalry, with a strong performance from the other Household Cavalry riders.

After another day of warm weather and heavy snow, the Army team went into the Inter-Services competition on 29th January, a cold and hard day, with four serving Household Cavalry riders in the team. The competition comprises

three teams of six - one from each service. With the Army Captain injured, Major Chishick, Tri-Service chairman, stepped back in for the day. With some excellent riding by Capt Wallace and Capt Villiers-Smith (of the Grenadier Guards) the Army secured first, second and third places in the team event. With Maj Jack Barnes RHG/D and Lt Tom Mancais LG (in his first season riding for the Army, in sixth and seventh

Maj Chishick on Shuttlecock Corner

places respectively the Army consolidated their victory over the other services with a margin of 18 seconds – an almost unprecedented gap. The Army retained the highly coveted InterServices trophy, with Maj Chishick winning the Lord Trenchard Trophy and the Auty Speed Cup for the fastest time of the race. In the Handicapped races, Tpr Matthews was placed Second in the

Services’ Silver Spoon at Junction and Capt Thomas won the Harland Trophy, the Top Handicapped race with his best times of the season.

The Regimental team continues to go from strength to strength, forming the backbone of the army team. We now have ten serving Household Cavalry Top Riders plus two Top Riding former

Household Cavalry Regiment Sailing

by Lieutenant George Boyle, The Blues and Royals

2024 has been an extremely successful year for Household Cavalry sailing with HCR making the most of the HDiv yacht Gladeye for AT as well as picking up awards at various inter-Regimental events.

In May and June, the Regiment conducted two successful weeks of AT on the Solent, seeing inexperienced crews gaining theoretical and practical confidence while on the water. The Regiment also sent a full complement on Ex SCARLET FLOTILLA in the coastal and inshore waters between Weymouth and Chichester. The exercise brought together eight yachts crewed by all Regiments of The Household Division, and was regarded as a brilliant piece of Blue Red Blue bonding. The Regiment has been pushing its soldiers to achieve their day skipper qualification, with two Junior Non-Commissioned Officers passing the theory stage of the qualification and set to complete the practical element in the next year.

ORs who have now commissioned into other cavalry regiments. We are hugely grateful to the Household Cavalry Foundation for their support – which is focussed at the beginners and other ranks. The Regiment are keen to continue bringing out further novices and interested parties should contact Lt Mancais who will be heading up the Regimental team for 2025/6.

Ahoy! Is that a Great White Shark?

Shark protection on the horizon?

The Household Division “On Parade”

From a competitive lens, it has been a fantastic year so far for HCR. Two teams competed in the Household Division Seaview Regatta. This saw a mixture of officers and soldiers competing against other Regiments of the Household Division, returning to Bulford victorious! Following this inspiration, HCR placed first overall the following week in the J70 Household Division Regatta, bringing home the Princess Elizabeth Cup. These crews also made a up a large component of the Cowes Week crew on Gladeye that managed to secure an impressive 3rd in class this year. The Regiment also sent a team to the Combat Arms Regatta, with strong performances from all on the Solent.

An overall fantastic year for The Household Cavalry on the water!

HCR Football

by Staff Corporal Jon Hinchley, The Life Guards

The HCR Football Team have had a progressive and diverse year this year. The team competed in various six-a-side competitions, the Cavalry Cup and the UK Army South League. In addition, the team completed a preseason tour to Fort Irwin in the USA and have had a fantastic start to the new 24/25 season.

As the 23/24 season ended, the team had a couple of months to re set and re-engage with new ideas and principles for the next season. We started by buying two new strips, home and away and organised a thorough pre-season schedule. This culminated in a pre-season tour to Fort Irwin to play friendlies against 11 Armoured Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse).

The HCR Squad for the pre-season tour

HDiv J70 Regatta Serving Officers (Lt Boyle, Maj Paul Chishick, Capt Bushell) with the Princess Elizabeth Cup

AT on Gladeye From left to right: LCpl Deignan, LSgt Stevens, LCpl Calloway, LCpl James

HDiv Seaview Regatta. From left to right: Maj Wright, Capt Sentance, LCpl James (Proving that Tin(s) can float!)

Army Polo tour to King’s

by Captain Jonty Barlow, The Blues

After a successful summer for the Household Cavalry polo team, winning the Captains and Subalterns tournament, coming second in the inter-Regimental tournament, and two Household Cavalrymen taking the only two permanent spots in the series against Pakistan earlier in the year, it

and Royals

Club, Egypt

was only fitting that both Capt Jamie Thomas (RHG/D) playing off 2 goals and Lt Jonty Barlow (RHG/D) playing off 1 goal were selected for the Army team to play against an Egyptian side at Kings Club in Cairo.

The team departed for a week of training

In the immense heat of Death Valley, and against a formidable opponent who recently won the State Championship, HCR played three friendlies against our American counterparts. All three games were incredibly close and competitive. The first two ended in 1-1 draws and the final game decided by penalties for which HCR was the victor. The sheer heat and frequency of the games allowed 22 players from both HCR and HCMR to gain valuable minutes in an incredibly competitive and arduous environment.

Whilst in Fort Irwin, the team visited the Blackhorse stables to see 11 ACR Horse Detachment, where we got an insight to their roles and responsibilities and a tour around their stables. The team got various briefs from 11 ACR about the Blackhorse’s job as a permanent armoured OPFOR for the US Army. As well as getting a tour around their Motor Pool to see the US Army’s Armoured Fighting Vehicles.

The team got plenty of chance to bond with trips to Los Angeles to see the sights, a trip to Hoover Dam and a stopover in Las Vegas. Fort Irwin very kindly let us use their pool for recovery and we got a chance to see the “Painted Rocks”, rocks painted in Regimental colours for those who have exercised in Fort Irwin.

The first league game saw HCR beat Military Intelligence South 7-2 in a dominating performance. 8 Bn REME were the next opponent, and with the score 5-2 to 8 Bn REME with 15 minutes to go, saw HCR over come the odds to come back and win 6-5, scoring the winner with the last kick of the game. HCR then went on to play 32 RA and after a very hard battle in the elements, won the game 3-2.

With players buying-in to our system and style of play, and a strong preseason, the HCR Football Team have started this year hugely competitive. The team went through the 9 pre-season games unbeaten and so far in the league have won 5 of the 9. As a result, HCR currently sit first in the league with a very strong chance of winning!

at the idyllic Kings Polo Club on the edge of Cairo. Two immaculate pitches, pitch side accommodation, and stabling for 180 horses situated on the edge of a desert was the home for the group of 8 players vying for a spot in the team for the big game. The mornings were spent training with the Army coach

Obligatory squad photo in Las Vegas

The team had a great opportunity to look over US Army AFVs at Fort Irwin

and afternoons filled with cultural trips. The team rode across the desert to the Saqqara pyramids on Arabian stallions (with only limited control) and made the obligatory visit to the great pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Finally, early Christmas shopping was completed with a trip to the souk (market) haggling over Chinese tat and visits to the ebony (and not so ebony) stores, all of which culminated with Capt Jamie Thomas asking the last remaining authentic Fez shop in Cairo if they could make one in blue red blue colours.

The team of budding diplomats were one evening invited for a cocktail party at the British Embassy, once quoted as King Charles’ favourite embassy. We drank and laughed the night away at the kind generosity of the Ambassador, followed by some early morning padel and eventually a hint of polo.

Quickly came Friday, the midday sun and the start of the big match. The team was Capt Jamie Thomas (Team Capt), Lt Jonty Barlow, Capt Hector Faire (KRH) and Brig Nick Cowley (QRH), Capt Rob Cameron (77X) and Capt George Linfield Brown (AMS) subbing amongst themselves for the last spot. The game started poorly for the team, quickly going 5-2 down after the first 2 chukkas and the full force of the Egyptian sun was not aiding the pale faced Brits. However, slowly but surely the plucky British Army fought their way back to 8-5 down for the start of the final chukka. With two horses left for the final chukka and the ever inspiring leadership of our team Captain, we still had belief. Goal by goal we got back level at 8 all, with seconds to spare Lt Jonty Barlow hit a

pass to Capt Jamie Thomas 60 yards from goal slightly out to the side ready for a shot and a hope of glory for the first time for the British army over this Egyptian team. Capt Jamie Thomas,

Capt Jamie Thomas runs to goal whilst Lt Jonty Barlow clears out any defence

British Army Polo Team for Egyptian polo tour 2024

Team take a cultural trip to the Sphinx and Great Pyramids

ever the staunch diplomat did not want to create a rift between the two nations, so carefully hit the ball wide by 5 yards to keep the peace, closely followed by

HCMR Golf

the final bell.

The two teams, content with the draw, retired the horses and went to celebrate

by Warrant Officer Class 2(SCM) M Barber, The Blues and Royals

2024 has been an incredible year for the HCMR Golf Team, filled with memorable events and exceptional golf courses that truly showcased the talent and camaraderie among our players. Throughout the year, we were fortunate to play at some of the finest golf courses in the south of England, including Worplesdon, Windlesham, Pyrford Lakes, Centurion, and Sunningdale, among others. Many of these events were offered free of charge, making it accessible for all players at HCMR to participate and enjoy the game.

The format for our events was designed to foster interaction and friendly competition, utilizing a 4BBB (Four Ball Better Ball) format, where two HCMR players teamed up against two civilians. This allowed us to engage with the club’s staff and members who were keen to share a round of golf with our soldiers, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Each event was meticulously organized, ensuring that everyone was well looked after from start to finish. A highlight of the year was when LCpl Hodgkyns received two one-hour lessons from Peter Holland at Centurion Golf Club. Peter, a former professional golfer, shared invaluable insights and expertise, enhancing LCpl Hodgkyns’ skills on the course.

One particularly exciting event was held at Richmond Park Golf Club, organized

as a collective. Engulfed in conversation by the few hundred spectators, fun was had for the rest of the day but sadly followed by the flight back to reality.

by CoH Conney. This event was our very own version of the Ryder Cup, aptly named the “Horse Ryder Cup.” The atmosphere was electric as players took to the first tee, with one team dressed in blue under the captaincy of LCpl Ricky Skinner and the other in white, led by CoH Kyle Blake. The day concluded with victory for the blue team, who will proudly defend their title in 2025.

In September, CoH Pete Forester achieved a remarkable feat at Aldershot

Golf Club during the Household Division Summer Meet. Winning on such a challenging course is no small accomplishment, and his success was a highlight of the year for the team.

Overall, 2024 was a year of growth, friendship, and achievement for the HCMR Golf Team. As we reflect on the events and experiences, we look forward to building on this momentum in the coming years, continuing to strengthen our community through the love of golf.

Horse Ryder Cup Teams 2024

HCMR vs Pyrford Lakes 2024

Household Cavalry Polo 2024 Season

by Captain Jamie Thomas, The Blues and Royals

The season began with a training day at Tedworth Park Polo Club, a great chance for returning players to blow away the cobwebs and get their eye in. Whilst also allowing new faces to try Polo for the first time. Captain Carr-Smith LG took to it like a duck to water along with Troopers Nicholls and Furness RHG/D.

After the HCMR ceremonial season ended the focus then moved on to the squad players. Up first was the 1DRSBCT Tournament at Tedworth Park Polo Club. With such a depth of talent in our ranks the Household Cavalry were split into separate teams. Lt Col Tom Armitage LG and Lt Jonty Barlow RHG/D finished top of the division narrowly beating Lt Colonel Matt Woodward RHG/D and Capt Jamie Thomas RHG/D. SCpl Kitchen unfortunately took a nasty kick to the knee after the State Visit ruling him out for the season.

Just a week later, Capt Jamie Thomas RHG/D and Lt Jonty Barlow RHG/D were selected to play for the Army team against a visiting team from Pakistan in a two-match series. The first match at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst was the first game played at Sandhurst since COVID-19. The second game at Guards Polo Club was a fast and furious match with the Army coming out on top.

We then moved to the Inter-Regimental Finals. One of the most anticipated fixtures in the Army Polo Calendar. The

team of Lt Colonel Matt Woodward RHG/D, Lt Col Tom Armitage LG, Capt Jamie Thomas RHG/D and at back Lt Jonty Barlow RHG/D lined up against the Welsh Guards on the Dukes Ground at Guards Polo Club. With both teams evenly matched on handicap it was a nail-biting game. Both teams dealing blows to the other throughput the match. Lt Colonel Tom Armitage LG scored a goal to take us into the lead, however the Welsh Guards equalised through Capt Ollie Powell. In the dying seconds of the game the Welsh Guards were awarded a penalty which they scored to take the trophy home. The result left the team feeling deflated having ought to have won.

Capt George Lane-Fox RHG/D was selected to be the substitute for the Rundle Cup. Army vs Navy. For the first time in decades the Navy won the game, with Capt Lane-Fox helpless on the sidelines, itching to show them what a Cavalryman could do!

The Captains and Subalterns Tournament was next on the horizon. Lt Jonty Barlow RHG/D captained the team with Lt Col Tom Armitage LG, Trooper Conor Beukes RHG/D (who returned from the Guards Parachute Platoon) and a last-minute stand in

Polo team start of season Chukkas

Capt Thomas, Lt Barlow victorious for the Army

The only useful thing Capt Carr-Smith can do with a Polo stick

Inter-Regimental runners up

by Major Kelly Richardson RA. A dominating display of polo saw the Household Cavalry win the tournament comfortably.

The final game of the season was at Ham Polo Club, Richmond. A fundraising event for the Household Cavalry Foundation (HCF) saw a team of Lt Col Matt Woodward RHG/D, Capt Jamie Thomas RHG/D, Lt Jonty Barlow RHG/D, Capt Hugo Hunter LG play against East Asia. When the horses that had been hired for us arrived with no bandages and long manes, we knew we

Captains and Subalterns winners

were going to be up against it. The East Asia team mounted on far better horses ran rings around us as we pony club kicked in an attempt to get our Yaks into a canter. A rather embarrassing scoreline was slightly rescued by a late penalty from Capt Jamie Thomas and a slick goal from Lt Jonty Barlow. In his final match for the regiment Capt Hugo Hunter was selected as the most valuable player.

In September Capt Thomas and Lt Barlow were again selected for the Army Polo Team for a tour of Egypt where

they drew 8-8 with a team from Kings Polo Club, Cairo. We were also strongly represented in the Major General’s Tournament at Guards Polo Club with Capt Thomas, Lt Barlow and Capt LaneFox selected for the Hook Army Team, sadly torrential rain meant only one of three matches could be played. Overall, a successful season with plenty to build on next season. As we look forward to the winter the team will hopefully be playing the Moroccan Royal Guard in February 2025.

HCMR Rugby Team at the Household Division Sevens Tournament

by Captain Charlie Carr-Smith, The Life Guards

In June, the HCMR rugby team travelled to Aldershot to compete in the Household Division Rugby Sevens tournament, hosted by the Irish Guards. Over four matches, we battled hard, ending with two wins and two losses in a day of memorable competition and fierce camaraderie.

We started on a high note, clinching our first victory against a mixed Guards team. Building on that momentum, we defeated the Grenadier Guards B team in a well-fought second match. Next, we faced off against the Irish Guards A team - undeniably the strongest team of the day. Despite our best efforts, they overpowered us and would go on to win the tournament. Our final match against the Welsh Guards A team proved to be a physical showdown. While they took the win, Capt Wallace left a lasting impression by flattening their adjutant with a colossal dump tackle into touch, resulting in an unfortunate broken ankle for the Welsh Guards officer.

Star performances came from Tpr Jessop, whose speed, agility, and

fearlessness were an asset throughout the tournament, and from LCpl Cheney, who provided standout leadership on the field. Capt Wallace made his presence known with some enormous tackles, and CoH Qio – still a force to be

reckoned with at age 47 – demonstrated impressive strength and skill. While we didn’t bring home the trophy, the HCMR team showed resilience, talent, and a fighting spirit that we can all be proud of.

The Magnificent Sevens

Sailing for Beginners

by Trooper Jeffrey, The Blues and Royals

Sailing the Household Division

Yacht Gladeye out from Portsmouth, avoiding a head on collision with HMS Prince of Wales, swimming in the waters around the Isle of Wight, cooking a slap up meal for the crew and still learning how to effectively tie a reef knot is just scratching the surface of the fun we had on our Competent Crew AT course on the yacht Gladeye

Five troopers from HCMR successfully completed competent crew, learning key skills on how to efficiently crew a vessel, comprising of engine checks, navigational skills, waking the boat (slipping the mooring lines), coming alongside, putting the boat to sleep (raising the Household Cavalry Blue Red Blue) and where the real fun is had tacking and gibing on the water. During the week the team all not only found a new passion for sailing but also developed in our confidence and leadership skills when tasked with taking the helm and navigating around the Solent. From three of the crew having never sailed

before this course, by the Friday Gladeye had a fully-fledged crew who smoothly transitioned

Exercise COCKNEY MIZZEN

Sailing Adventurous Training

by Lieutenant Dema Fircks, The Life Guards

We are told Adventurous Training is supposed to challenge the individual, test the teams’ cohesion and develop a new skill intended to make a person more robust. Looking back on Exercise COCKNEY MIZZEN, it’s clear it did exactly that. Leaving Gosport harbour on Friday afternoon with Gladeye, a steady 8 knot breeze and cloudless skies behind us has to be one of the harder things we’ve done this year. CoH Scheepers, a furiously keen sailor was a great first mate, and once Tpr Vettraino had mastered the notoriously difficult bowline knot by the final day had a mighty crew behind him. Tpr Hines would not be defeated by a mere knot and spent the whole of the first afternoon practicing the bowline on his own, by day 4, he too could do it. Hines also successfully impersonated Daniel Craig the entire expedition (see photo), and if there’s one thing we did learn about sailing, it’s that optics are everything.

Tpr Mollyneux could not have been a cooler cookie throughout, so cool in fact that at times we forgot she was on the boat. All of the clarity, vim and delegative instinct of a successful Life Guards NCO. Not one to be missed, Tpr Furnell was in charge of music throughout

boat, adept in the knowledge gained from the days at sea. This was adventurous training at its best.

Morning after a long night in Portsmouth

The view from the Gladeye when aside on the Isle of Wight

around the tasks of the

The motley crew, helmed here by Tpr Mollyneux

Tpr Hines (a.k.a 007) oversees a successful departing from Cowes as Tpr Vettraino (right) prepares to do a bowline knot

the trip, he was also instinctively responsible for evening activities, having a bloodhound’s instinct for a good pub, and pints tolerance of 3 grown-ups. Not one to be beaten, this left me all too aware that Gladeye, which I’m told is a great boat, does not have a single cushion on the top deck - something for the PXR.

LSgt Stevens who, if he were

to name his own boat would name it “Holdmabeer”, was an excellent instructor, with an unnatural tolerance for goonery. Four new ‘Competent Crew’ members and sailing enthusiasts, the Household Cavalry have done a great thing.

Having received the all clear from Major Chishick due to it being corduroy, The Life Guards bucket hat was adopted all week long. Showing remarkable adaptability from the Piccadilly Cowboys

Expedition Arctic Express

by Corporal of Horse Scheepers, The Blues and Royals

CoH Scheepers got the opportunity to sail around Iceland on Expedition Arctic Express as one of 3 Watch Leaders, amongst a crew of 15 on Discoverer (Challenger 72). The first few days onboard were spent learning “the ropes”, from person overboard retrieval to manually inflating the tender and rowing ashore to enjoy some of

Iceland’s iconic natural hot springs.

The crew also did a few onshore excursions to some of the most beautiful waterfalls, volcanic craters with various levels of activeness, finally visiting the Oldest Parliament still in use.

Navigating around the Western Fjords

in some challenging weather that chilled the bones, but sailing alongside a pod of Minke whales in Isafjordur, warmed the heart.

The trip culminated with CoH Scheepers being initiated into the Ancient Order of the Blue Nose, only achieved by those who have sailed in the Arctic Circle.

First day back from being out in the Arctic Circle Whales Spotted

Sub Zero night sailing

Skogafoss Waterfall

Anchored in Bildudalur

Foreword

by Colonel Commandant Royal Armoured Corps, Lieutenant General

N C L Perry DSO

MBE

Today, we face an era defined by complexity and uncertainty, where global stability is increasingly challenged by shifting geopolitical realities. The resurgence of nationalism alongside great power competition, regional instability, the proliferation of advanced technologies, and non-state threats combine to create an unpredictable landscape. The war in Ukraine reminds us that state-on-state warfare has not been relegated to history. Meanwhile, tensions in the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East, growing economic competition, and the emergence of hybrid warfare require vigilance, adaptability, and unity of purpose across all domains.

Against this backdrop, and that of the Strategic Defence Review in 2025, the Royal Armoured Corps remains central to the Army’s ability to respond decisively. We are an institution that has long served as a cornerstone of the British Army’s operational strength. Our history is one of innovation, courage, and unyielding determination, forged in the crucible of modern conflict and honed by our dedication to readiness and adaptability. These qualities are once again much in demand. Our platforms and our people provide a critical edge, offering manoeuvre, firepower, and resilience on the battlefield. Yet, we are more than just the sum of our platforms. The men and women of the Corps embody professionalism and ingenuity, prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow while honouring the traditions of those who came before us.

This past year has been a testament to the relentless commitment and operational tempo of all our regiments. From deployments in Eastern Europe as part of NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence to delivering key contributions to training missions and global exercises, our regiments have demonstrated their readiness and versatility. Whether supporting operations, maintaining a visible deterrence in critical regions, or preparing for large-scale combat operations, our people and platforms have been fully engaged across the spectrum of military activity. Their unwavering dedication ensures the Corps continues to stand at the forefront of the UK’s approach to global security.

The challenge set by the Chief of the General Staff to double our lethality in three years and triple it by the end of the decade requires us all to think big and be ambitious. As we navigate these challenges, it is vital that we continue to modernise – not only our equipment but also our thinking. The conflict in Ukraine teaches us that new technologies are additive to rather than replacing extant capability. The trinity of firepower, protection and mobility remains as relevant as ever, but the balance gets ever harder with the extraordinary proliferation of mostly uncrewed airborne systems (UAS) – both sensor and shooter – with UAS responsible for nearly 70% of all Russian casualties in Ukraine. Investment in cutting-edge

technologies, such as AI and autonomous systems, must be paired with rigorous training and a focus on integrating these innovations into our operational frameworks. Furthermore, our commitment to partnerships with allies and global institutions ensures that we remain a key contributor to international security and deterrence.

This foreword is not only a reflection on our achievements but a call to action. The challenges we face are formidable, so our resolve must be greater. Together, we must ensure that the Royal Armoured Corps continues to stand ready, adaptable, and resolute in its mission to protect and defend, whatever the future may hold.

News From The Associations

The Life Guards Association Annual Report 2024

Patron: His Majesty The King

President

Lieutenant General Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne KCVO CBE

Chairman: Colonel (Retd) 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 (Retd) J D A Gaselee

Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) W R Lindsay OBE

Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) H S J Scott

Major J J Dove

Captain E G Godwin

Mr B K Gibson

Mr C J Trietline

WO1 (RCM) D D Snoxell

WO2 D D Stafford

Mrs J C Dwerryhouse

Mr I M Fearnley

Mr P J Richards MBE

Minutes of the 90th Annual General Meeting Saturday 25th May 2024, Castle Hotel Windsor

Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) H S J Scott, opened the meeting at 1800hrs and welcomed everybody present. He then stated that he would act as Chairman for the meeting due to Colonel (Retd) J D A Gaselee being delayed enroute to the AGM.

The Chairman informed those present that the Minutes of the 89th Annual General Meeting were published in the 2024 edition of the Household Cavalry Journal which was sent out to all Association members at the beginning of April. He then requested a proposer and a seconder to confirm that the minutes in the Journal were a true record of those proceedings.

Proposer – Mr Paul Richards MBE

Seconded – Mr Tony Prynne

Chairman’s Report

The Chairman informed those present that the annual accounts for the year ending March 2023 are in

the Household Cavalry Journal. The accounts have been audited by Stiles & Co Accountants and no issues were raised. They were signed off by the trustees in June 2023 and uploaded to the Charities Commission website as per the Charities Commission Rules. Included with the Accounts is the Trustees Annual Report and the Independent Examiners Report. He further informed those present that they have in front of them the accounts March 2023 – March 2024 which is currently with Stiles & Co for auditing. He then highlighted the following, there has been a significant uplift in donations which was due to a donation from Colonel & Mrs Georgie Hartigan’s estate a total of £146K was received. Welfare spend exceeded 27K which is an increase of £10K on the year before. This was spent on 37 cases for assistance, ranging from Brown/ White goods/Carpets/Training and food vouchers. You will also notice that there is a rise in expenditure for the Annual dinner which has been agreed

by the trustees. He reminded those present that a Children’s Fund was created to pay those Children who lost their parents on Operations. This was payable when the Child reached the age of 18. Tpr Babakobau’s youngest child received a sum on 8th May. The Chairman informed the meeting that there are still funds in the Children’s Fund which will be divided between all five orphans after the last payment which is to be payable later in May.

The Chairman recorded a vote of thanks to all those that had made donations to the Association during the previous 12 months.

The following observations were raised and discussed:

A question was raised with regards to the annual donation to St George’s Chapel in Ypres, after a brief discussion it was agreed that the Chairman and the Honorary Secretary will research this further.

It was to be recorded that the trustees of The Life Guards Association should be thanked for nurturing the investment portfolio over the many years to the point that it now allows more flexibility and gives the ability to spend more on worthwhile causes.

The Chairman informed the meeting that the current active membership of the Association stands at 2117. He then requested that he would be grateful to you if you would encourage any former Life Guards that are not in contact with the Association to register, he further explained that this can be achieved via the Association website. The Chairman informed the meeting that year ending 31st December 2023 HHQ had received 53 notifications of Association members that had died in that period. He informed the meeting that the Honorary Secretary does send out emails to the Association reporting those deaths when he is made aware, they are also posted on the Association website.

The Chairman recorded a vote of thanks to all the Area Reps for their continued support to the Association. He informed the meeting that the trustees are currently discussing how to update how Area Reps may be deployed bearing in mind that they are all volunteers.

The Chairman informed the meeting that the preferred method of communication is email and reminded everyone to inform HHQ with any changes to your contact details especially your home address. The Chairman informed the meeting that it is appreciated that there are other methods of communication. He confirmed that the Association has a Facebook account, and should you wish to join it, you should contact the Honorary Secretary who will assist you in doing so. The HCav Connect App is now also available and is proving to be very popular and is an ideal way of keeping in contact with Old Comrades, you should contact the Honorary Secretary for more information. He informed the meeting that currently there are 102 Old Comrades that are not on email, they are sent 2 letters annually for them to remain in contact with the Association.

The Chairman informed the meeting that recent Zandvoorde Centenary Unveiling Re-Dedication Ceremony

that took place recently was a great success and attendance was excellent. He reminded the meeting that the annual event will return in 2025 and will take place on weekend commencing 24th November 2025. The Chairman also highlighted that The Life Guards attendance at the 2024 Banger Rally was significantly improved. It is hoped that the next Banger Rally in 2025 which is the 10th year anniversary will see more in attendance.

Attendees for the 2024 dinner number 147.

The Honorary Secretary informed the meeting of the following events that will take place over the coming months. This is to encourage members to meet Old Comrades throughout the year.

Forthcoming Events

2024

5th July - Household Cavalry East Anglia Dinner (Great Yarmouth) 20th July - Household Cavalry Yorkshire Dinner (York)

3rd Aug - TOOT (The Old Oak Tree) Annual Dinner (Leamington Spa) 3rd Aug - Household Cavalry Old Comrades Reunion (Detmold)

27th Sep - Household Cavalry

Association North Staffs Annual Dinner

12th Oct - Household Cavalry

Association Dorset 42nd Annual Dinner

2nd Nov - Kosovo 25th Anniversary Reunion

15th Nov - Household Cavalry South West Dinner (Exeter)

2025

19th Apr - Household Cavalry Association North East

9th May - Household Cavalry Veterans Rally (Belgium/Germany)

24th October - Zandvoorde Annual Commemorative Visit

AOB

The Chairman informed the meeting that next year’s dinner has not yet been confirmed but the hope is that the LG, RHG/D dinner, and the HCR Open Day will take place on the same day. The trustees are waiting for a date to be confirmed and then a plan will be hatched.

Mr Tony Prynne informed the meeting that the Area Reps are not informed of

soldiers when they leave the Service of either who their Area Rep is or that there is an Association. A discussion took place, and The Honorary Secretary agreed to discuss this with Tony later.

Mr Tony Prynne requested if it was possible for the Association to fund the servicing of a Dingo Armoured Car that is owned by son of a former Life Guard. The vehicle is used to promote The Life Guards as often as is possible. The Honorary Secretary agreed to discuss this with Tony later.

Mr David Bole informed the meeting that he will become Master of a Livery Company in the City of London which is The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards and his chosen Charity for that year will be The Life Guards Association. Mr Bole informed the meeting that his plea will celebrate King Charles II to the present King. His Banquet will take place at Mansion House present will be the Lord Mayor 10th December. Mr Bole informed the meeting that he will liaise with the Honorary Secretary to confirm attendance.

The Chairman recorded a vote of thanks that Mr Bole had chosen The Life Guards Association as his chosen Charity.

Mrs Helen Le Gallais informed the meeting that to the best of her knowledge there is not an Area Rep for the Channel Islands. The Chairman asked the Honorary Secretary to investigate this.

The Regimental Adjutant informed the meeting that the Annual Household Cavalry Journal numbers have increased this year and is requesting that if you had any articles that you would like to be printed you should contact him directly.

There being no further business the meeting was closed at 1826hrs.

Action Points:

St Georges Chapel

Mr Prynne Area Reps

Mr Prynne Dingo maintenance

Mr David Bole

Helen Le Galais – Area Reps

Year 2023

£1,970.00

£0.00

£0.00

£1,970.00

The Life Guards Association Income and Expenditure Account - 31st March 2024

Income Donations Life Membership Excess Exp/Inc

Liabilities Norman

Total

Year 2023

£0.00

£0.00

£100.00 0

£0.00

£100.00

Expenditure

Stationary/Office Equip Misc Expenses St Georges Chapel Norman Hearson Prize Donations Transferred to No 2 Account

Total Assets and Liabilities

The Life Guards Association Charitable Trust Accounts - Restricted & Unrestricted

Income and Expenditure Account - 31st March 2024

Year 2023

£41,148.38

£39,653.18

£979.84

£885.00

£30,122.86

£3,184.08

£3,372.00

£11,517.10

£1,483.32

£390.00

£783.00

£3,172.25

£1,422.73

£0.00

£1,492.00

£139,605.74

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

Total

£2,188.02

£2,790.00

£6,641.00

£0.00 £150.00

£746.96

£120.79

£1,472.57

£0.00

£5,242.60

£295,201.33

Year 2023

£20,162.72

£0.00

£1,000.00

£38,314.81

£791.79

£4,216.87

£288.00

£8,805.51

£3,702.65

£2,106.00

£16.00

£0.00

£7,394.49

£5,015.11

£80,000.00

£6,330.50

£0.00

£19,192.72

£197,337.17

Expenditure Days Pay Scheme* AMF HCR Childrens Fund Grants*1, 2 Donations Postage*1 Christmas Cards Dinner Transport Wreaths & Poppies* Diaries & Notebooks Memorials

Battlefield Tour GPF *1 Transfer of Funds Merchandise inc Prints Journal Honorarium*1 Total Excess Income / Exp

£22,129.67

£1,000.00

£32,733.41

£2,398.21

£5,218.82

£1,660.80

£10,044.40

£374.53

£1,777.52

£0.00

£0.00

£3,982.28

£5,795.40

£131,000.00

£6,299.02

£0.00

£9,500.00

£233,914.06

£63,106.27

Notes on the Accounts 2023/24

1. For ease of presentation the Life Guards Association Charitable Trust Account and the Life Guards Charitable Trust Account No 2 have been combined in accordance with Charity Commission guidelines governing the presentation of accounts. Payments and Receipts that include the Restricted account are marked with an asterix.

2. Donations continue to be received into the Life Guards Association account. Of note we were a beneficiary of the estate of Colonel and Mrs Hartigan contributing £146,280 of donations received. This is reflected in a higher than normal Donations movement due to a large bequest donation being moved to the investment portfolio.

3. Additionally we action Internal transfer of ODPS from #2 account to #1 account as from Jan 24 reflected in Grantsthis means we’re paying grants from the ODPS revenue and not investment interest payments.

4. Reasons for assistance include: Accomodation, White/ Brown Goods, Property adaptation or maintenance, Medical Equipment, Tools & Training Courses, Clothing, Food, Healthcare, General Living Costs, & Funeral Expenses.

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 on the internet The Life Guards Association and go to The Life Guards Membership page and complete the online form.

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://www. householdcavalryconnect.com/about/ the-life-guards-association

Change of contact details

All are requested to inform HHQ of any changes to their contact details.

This will 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://www. householdcavalryconnect.com/about/ association-update-details or to write to HHQ at Combermere Barracks.

The 91st Annual General Meeting

The 91st Annual General Meeting will take place on Saturday 29th March 2025 at the Household Cavalry Regiments Warrants Officers & Non Commissioned Officers Mess in Bulford Camp.

The 88th Annual Dinner

The Life Guards Association Annual Association dinner will take place on Saturday 29th March 2025 at the Household Cavalry Regiments Warrants Officers & Non Commissioned Officers Mess in Bulford Camp.

Annual Zandvoorde Battlefield Tour - 2025

The annual Zandvoorde battlefield tour will take place from the 24th October – 26th October 2025. 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 online, however payment by BACs or Cheque must be made before your order will be dispatched.

https://www.householdcavalryconnect. com/shop/hcav-shop

You may also request a paper order form to be sent out to you by Royal Mail. All order forms/email confirmations are required before shipping of any orders, this allows HHQ to confirm that all address that orders are shipped to are correct.

Payment by BAC’s

The Life Guards Association Charitable Trust

Sort code 30-11-75

Account number 21291060

Cheques made payable

The Life Guards Association Charitable Trust

Posted to The Honorary Secretary

The Life Guards Association Home Headquarters Household Cavalry Combermere Barracks Windsor Berkshire SL4 3DN

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 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

Essex

Mr J K Stanworth OLD HARWICH jstanworth19@gmail.com 07830 173227

Gloucestershire

Mr J McCauley FAIRFORD jaskel1993@talktalk.net 07747 180110

Kent

Mr J Dean AYLESFORD 07736 033962 jezdean101@msn.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 842 592

Mr I Sanderson MBE RETFORD janeandsandy@googlemail.com 07831 899918

Oxfordshire

Mr S English DIDCOT steve_english@btopenworld.com 07500 948176

Somerset

Mr B R Kelland WELLINGTON brnkll@hotmail.co.uk 07882 969 032

South Yorkshire

Mr W A Loftus DINNINGTON loftusalive@aol.com 01909 518405/07956 478238

Staffordshire

Mr D McKenzie Stafford dm3347@yahoo.com

Suffolk

Mr S Smith HAVERHILL stevesmith0588@hotmail.com 07947 210658

Surrey

Mr T G W Carrington 01276 36384

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

WALES

Powys

Mr A T Prynne BUILTH WELLS at.mprynne@btinternet.com 01982 552296

Isle Of Man

Mr T Bougourd bougourd@manx.net 07624 453168

Rest of the World

AUSTRALIA

Mr G Coleman REYNELLA coleman839@gmail.com (0061) 8381 2074

Mr R Barnes TASMANIA rbarnes@tassie.net.au 00 6103 6429 1227

Mr D Moxom YASS dalemoxom@gmail.com

CANADA

Mr C Grant MEDICINE HAT ALBERTA crgrant@telus.net +1 403 527 2982

Mr C Ludman SICAMOUS BRITISH COLUMBIA c.ludman@hotmail.co.uk +1 250 253-5562

GERMANY

Mr A Cobb HERZEBERG +49 5521 987 592 acobb30963@aol.com

NEW ZEALAND

Mr J Bell TORBAY 0064 021 619 514 jigjag1@hotmail.com

USA

Mr K J Frape COLUMBIA SOUTH CAROLINA frpkth@aol.com 001 (803) 787 1244

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

Major Simon Turner, formerly Scots Guards, listens to the infantry exploits of the Household Cavalry in the First World War Lord Astor of Hever overlooking Flanders

The Blues and Royals Association Annual Report 2023/24

President

Chairman Honorary Secretary Treasurer

Mr A Peat

Mr G Jones

Mr P Storer

Major (Retd) A M Harris

Mr N Hemming

Mr J Naylor

Aims and Objectives.

HRH The Princess Royal KG KT GCVO QSO

Colonel (Retd) J P Eyre

Capt (Retd) C J Elliott

Major (Redt) L J Kibble

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

Reasons for assistance.

During the past year the Association has continued to maintain its aims and objectives as laid down in the Constitution and Rules. In support of application for assistance, from members of the Association the sum of £24,705.96 has been distributed from the funds to contribute to 24 cases, which have been seen and sanctioned by the committee. The Association Annual Dinner was held at The Castle Hotel, Windsor on Saturday 30th March 2024, with 220 members in attendance. The Annual General Meeting was held prior to the dinner, and the minutes of this meeting are in this year’s Regimental Journal.

Summary of Financial Assistance given during the year.

• Applications received 28

• Grants / Donations made 24

• Applications referred to other funds 14

INCOME

Dividends

Bank Interest

Information Technology Support

Donations

One Day’s Pay Scheme

Christmas Cards

Postage received for Cards

Dinners

Miscellaneous

Grant Refunds/Transfer Repayments

Diaries

Wreaths

Memorials

Battlefield Tours

TOTAL

The following is a summary of the main purposes for which grants / donations were made during the past year:

• Accommodation Costs 1

• Clothing / Food Vouchers 3

• White/Brown Goods 9

• Invalidity / EPV 3

•

• Courses 2

• Rehab

• In-Pensioner Xmas Grants 2 Income.

Income during the year was £99,554.20 of which £48,924.07 was contributed by either serving officers or soldiers under the “One Days’ Pay Scheme”, 51% was kept by the Association for charitable use, 49% was transferred to the Household Cavalry Foundation. Donations were also received from members of the Association. The Dividends received from the Associations Investments

Financial Statement

01/04/202231/03/2023

£0.00

£5.22

£500.82

£14,233.93

£47,436.53

£4,590.76

£754.28

£5,245.00

£3,605.99

£47,748.25

£2,414.00

£0.00

£0.00

£14,875.22

£141,410.00

01/04/202331/03/2024

£0.00

£42.39

£251.04

£18,537.18

£48,924.07

£4,163.06

£730.66

£13,584.69

£3,443.10

£7,473.11

£387.01

£0.00

£0.00

£2017.89

£99,554.20

EXPENDITURE

Dividends

Bank Interest

amounted to £23,379.00 for this financial year, these were reinvested into the portfolio.

Expenditure.

Expenditure for the year totalled £98,801.58, these costs were made up from the Grants made by the Association and varies administrative expenditures in support of the Association Members including, transport for organise events i.e. Battlefield Tours, memorial parades, and dinner nights. It also covers admin cost for IT Support, insurance policies, Honorariums, postal cost, memorabilia and NMA Maintenance. In the past 12 months the Association have needed to pay for legal advice in order to assist in a complex case in regards to a future Association asset and trust, there has also been the final support payment for the “Military App” the online and mobile platform support network for the Association and serving members.

Information Technology Support Donations

One Day’s Pay Scheme

Christmas Cards

Postage received for Cards

Dinners

Miscellaneous Grant in Aid

Diaries

Wreaths Memorials

Battlefield Tours Transfer to Investments

TOTAL

01/04/202231/03/2023

£0.00

£0.00

£3,426.31

£2,010.00

£23,244.19

£18.00

£2,444.83

£15,130.28

£16,657.54

£66,180.54

£0.00

£1,585.62

£1,070.99

£19,305.09

£0.00

£151,073.39

01/04/202331/03/2024

£0.00

£0.00

£4,546.03

£2,155.00

£21,988.06

£1,983.60

£1,924.26

£1,866.92

£34,136.35

£24,705.96

£0.00

£1,416.21

£0.00

£4,112.19

£0.00

£98,801.58

CASH and BANK

Cash in Hand

Current and Deposit Accounts

Total Cash and Bank Debtors Creditors

Total Funds

01/04/202231/03/2023

£0.00

£69,276.30

£69,276.30

£0.00

£0.00

£69,276.30

01/04/202331/03/2024

£0.00

£70,028.92

£70,028.92

£0.00

£0.00

£70,028.92

Investment Portfolio.

The Household Cavalry Foundation investment portfolio currently sits at £7,323,109.00, of which The Blues and Royals Association Investments make up 20.4% of this fund thus making our share of the portfolio valued at £1,500,997.00.

Report of the Independent Examiner.

I have examined the Associations Bank Statement, Balance Spreadsheets and the Income and Expenditure Accounts and report that, in my opinion, these give a true and fair view of the Association Financial affairs as at the 31st March 2024, in line with the excess of income over expenditure for the year ended on this date.

Mrs Jane Rozario Accounts Manager FGH Inns Ltd

The Blues and Royals Oliver Montagu Fund Annual Report 2023-24

Aims and Objectives.

During the past year the Association has continued to maintain its aims and objectives as laid down in the Constitution and Rules. There have

Income

Dividends

Cash

been two requests for assistance which amount to £2,200.00.

Income.

Income during the year was £10,000.00

Financial Statement

01/04/202231/03/2023

£0.00

£0.00

£0.00

01/04/202331/03/2024

£0.00 £0.00

£0.00

£0.00

£10,000.00

£10,000.00

01/04/202131/03/2022

£0.00

£37,593.52

£5,357.94

£42.951.46

£0.00

£0.00

£42,951.46

01/04/202231/03/2023

£0.00

£35,509.17

£25.25

£35,534.42

£0.00

£0.00

£35,535.42

Expenditure

Grants

Expenditure.

Expenditure for the year totalled £7,200.00

Information Technology Support

Miscellaneous

Donations

Christmas Cards

Postage

Diaries

Memorials

Totals

Investment Portfolio.

01/04/202231/03/2023

£1,900.00

£785.10

£3,000.00

£0.00

£0.00

£0.00

£0.00

£0.00

£5,685.10

01/04/202331/03/2024

£2,200.00

£0.00

£5,000.00

£0.00

£0.00

£0.00

£0.00 £0.00

£7,200.00

The Household Cavalry Foundation investment portfolio currently sits at £7,323,109.00, of which The Blues and Royals Association Investments make up 18.9% of this fund thus making our share of the portfolio valued at £1,390,935.00.

Report of the Independent Examiner.

I have examined the Associations Bank Statement, Balance Spreadsheets and the Income and Expenditure Accounts and report that, in my opinion, these give a true and fair view of the Association Financial affairs as at the 31st March 2024, in line with the excess of income over expenditure for the year ended on this date.

Mrs Jane Rozario Accounts Manager FGH Inns Ltd.

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of The Blues and Royals Association Committee held in the Castle Hotel, Windsor on Saturday

Item 1: Opening of the meeting

The Chairman opened the meeting at 1800 hrs with approximately 50 Members in attendance.

The Chairman welcomed all members in attendance.

It was noted that 155 tickets were sold for this year’s event, which is a decrease compared to previous years. This was attributed to an oversight in accounting for Easter’s changing date. Despite this, the turnout was considered strong under the circumstances.

The Chairman extended congratulations to the two newly appointed Blues and Royals Regimental Corporal’s Major who were present at the Cinner:

Mr Durran – HCR

Mr Ottaway – HCMR

Item 2: Confirmation of Minutes from last meeting

Last year’s Minutes have been emailed to all who are attending the Dinner, I would like to ask if there are any questions raised?

As no points were raised by the Members, the Chairman asked for a proposer and for a second.

Proposed by Capt (Retd) Chris Trinick

Seconded by Mr Stan Gillingham

Item 3: Summary of Accounts

The Honorary Treasurer presented the Statement of Accounts, noting that the full details will be published in the Journal.

It was observed that the overall investments have declined, largely due to ongoing events in Ukraine and Gaza. However, it was emphasised that the investments are long-term, and recovery is anticipated over time.

The Chairman shared the positive development that Rupert Fryer will now be overseeing the Association’s interests within the HCF Portfolio.

Item 4: Cases for Assistance

This year the cmte have handled approx. 23 cases with a spend of approx £22k

The Hon. Secretary confirmed the

figures previously discussed and noted that the number of cases remains below pre-COVID levels, which averaged approximately 50 cases per year. Despite the cost-of-living crisis, there has not been a noticeable increase in requests for assistance. It is commendable to see Association Members actively helping other Members by guiding them toward the Association for support. However, Members requiring assistance should be directed to SSAFA. This ensures they are assigned a caseworker, added to the case management system, and given access to support from other charities.

A big thank you to the Committee for managing cases so efficiently, enabling quicker responses and timely assistance.

Item 5: Changes to Cmte

The Chairman highlighted the practice of annually rotating 1 or 2 Committee Members. Mr Nick Hemming has agreed to stand down this year after 10 years of dedicated service. The Chairman expressed gratitude for his valuable contributions during this time.

A new committee member will be announced at the next committee meeting.

Item 6: The Combines Cavalry Parade 12th May

This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the Cavalry Memorial Parade. Members are encouraged to attend, to ensure a strong presence for The Blues and Royals Association.

Key Roles for the Parade are, Maj Gen Tim Sulivan will lead the Blues and Royals, Nick Hemming will carry the Wreath and Stan Gillingham will carry the Banner, continuing his role from previous years.

Following the Cavalry Memorial Service, attendees will proceed to the Bombing Memorial to hold a Service in Remembrance of the victims of the 1982 bombing.

The RCM, Mr. Ottaway, has generously offered the use of the Mess Bar, which will be open from 12:00 hrs to 15:00 hrs.

Item 7: Anniversary Dinners

This year marks two significant anniversaries, 25th Anniversary of Kosovo, D Squadron led on behalf of HCav, and

30th March 2024

the 20th Anniversary of Telic 4, A and B Squadrons played a leading role.

Kosovo Reunion, a date has been selected by the Kosovo team for their reunion. Around 60 veterans have been contacted and invited to attend, the event will take place at the Warrant Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers Mess at HCMR.

Funding for Anniversary Reunions:

The Association Committee has agreed to partially fund reunions that commemorate significant dates, as both these Anniversaries fit the criteria the Association will contribute.

Item 8: Annual Dinner 2025

The Honorary Secretary has scheduled a meeting with both Regimental Corporal Majors to address challenges and discuss strategies for increasing participation from Serving Personnel at the Annual and Area Dinners.

We are all acutely aware of the obstacles we face, including the rising costs imposed by civilian contractors for Mess functions and ongoing accommodation issues. However, this discussion aims to find effective solutions and establish a clear path forward to ensure next year’s Dinners are successful.

Item

9:

Any Other Business

The legacy Will of Mr Ron Eyre

As previously briefed, we have been working on the Legacy Will of Mr Ron Eyre, with his property estimated to be valued at £500K. The Hon. Secretary has been collaborating with solicitors to ensure the Association remains compliant with Charity Commission rules.

The good news is that our legal advisor, Mr Peter Knight, is now actively assisting the Association at no additional cost. We are also in the process of appointing Maj (Retd) Rick Manning as a Trustee for the property to safeguard the Association’s interests.

The Chairman extend his personal thanks to Rick for volunteering to act as a trustee on our behalf.

Changes to the Army Dress Code

This update is very recent, having been announced just two days ago: soldiers

are now permitted to grow beards while in uniform.

At this point, the chairman invited WO1 (RCM) Ottaway to provide further details and explanation.

Item 11: Arrangements for next AGM

Saturday 29th March 2025, next Annual Association Dinner, Stones Hotel, Sailsbury.

Close of Meeting

The meeting was closed at 1815hrs.

The Blues and Royals Association Regional Representatives 2024

As mentioned in the 2023 Journal, for many years, volunteers served as Regional Representatives for The Blues and Royals Association, consenting to the publication of their contact information in the Household Cavalry Journal for easy communication with fellow Association Members in their respective regions. With the recent surge in modern technology and social media platforms like the Military App, seeking assistance has become more accessible than ever before. While the Honorary Secretary traditionally relied on Regional Representatives, it has become increasingly evident that all Association Members are more than willing to lend a hand when called upon, whether it involves attending local funerals or providing any other form of support. Working closely with other military charities such as SSAFA and TRBL, the Association is confident that, with the assistance of all our Members, we can establish a robust network across the UK. Overseas Representatives have been retained, acknowledging the unique challenges in managing this aspect.

OVERSEAS

Americas

Canada /Nova Scotia

Mr Bruce Snell 1-902-3080713 brucesnell@live.com

Central USA

Mr P Scott 262 852 5205 scottphilip@att.net

Eastern USA

Mr Rixon 001 781 237 6970 crixon@verizon.net

Australia

Mr T Dyson tonydyson2439@msn.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

11am Long Guard Change

Household Cavalry Foundation

by Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Giles Stibbe OBE

The Household Cavalry Foundation (The HCF) is the Household Cavalry’s official charity.

Duty of Care = Here to Help

“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

Duty of Care = Here to Help our Household Cavalry “family”.

When this report is read the Household Cavalry will be celebrating The Presentation by our Colonel-in-Chief of new Squadron or Union Standards emblazoned with Battle Honours uniquely dating back 364 years to Tangier 1661. Either on parade or in the audience will be Comrades-in-Arms who this century have won these bravery awards: a Distinguished Service Order, four Military Crosses, four Conspicuous Gallantry Crosses and a George Cross. We will also honour the memory of those

who made the ultimate sacrifice.

This Standards’ parade is also an opportunity to remember our Operational Casualties and acknowledge the lead by Will Bartle-Jones who started the process that set up the Fund which specifically supports them. Will was Adjutant HCMR for the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and an operational sabre Squadron Leader. This is in our proud and unique HCav “Best of Both Worlds” mounted operational and ceremonial tradition and Heritage exemplified by the former Life Guard, who, it might justifiably be claimed is responsible for saving not only the United Kingdom but also Democracy during our planet’s last total war: World War 2. Churchill’s Spymaster or “C” as he was known, Major General Sir Stewart Menzies KCB KCMG DSO MC LG (18901968) was immortalised as “M” by James Bond’s creator Ian Fleming, who worked for him.

“M” was Spymaster, Bletchley Park’s creator and Alan Turing’s mentor. Aptly, in November 2023 at the village of Luckington near the RHG Beaufort’s home Badminton, C’s grandson, the Derby-winning Trainer Michael Bell (also a former LG), unveiled a plaque in C’s memory.

C’s heroic service in World War 1,

as a 2nd Life Guard, included surviving Zandvoorde in 1914, where he was wounded, and the First Battle of Ypres, where as a subaltern, he earned a DSO. He won a MC and was gassed at the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915. The Ripley photograph commemorating “C” was displayed in St Margaret’s Westminster at Remembrancetide. After what was hoped was “the war to end all wars”, C, his brother Keith and their step-father, George Holford, commissioned Munnings to paint The Drumhorse. This and all Serving Officers’ Trust property was re-catalogued during 2024 as part of a 10-year review.

Finance

Both HCF’s Fund Managers recognise the continuing key help of US shares in trying to mitigate the economic impact of the UK’s new government.

So, more than ever since The HCF was founded over a decade ago, Fundraised Income is “key terrain” and The HCF’s Trustees’ focus - Donors and selected Events - remains “mission critical”.

The Trustees are also extremely grateful to those who remember The HCF by legacies in their Wills.

So, all readers are asked to acknowledge Fundraising for The HCF is Top Priority for both our Serving Soldiers and Veterans. As incentive the process is genuinely user-friendly for All Ranks: Entry fees and kit are subsidised,

Sir Stewart Menzies’s grandson Michael Bell (also LG) unveils the Memorial Plaque at Luckington November 2024

RIPLEY - A Life Guard Officer (could be Menzies) in a Poppyfield for Remembrance

and turn-out is guaranteed to be both robust and smart in the best HCav tradition, as exemplified by our London Marathon 2024 runner: Peter Osborne who deployed to Bosnia with Crispin Lockhart and B Squadron in the summer of 1999; the same campaign that saw D Squadron spearheaded by James Blount lead the liberation of Kosovo. Turn-Out is a “winning combo” of elegance and practicality because ex-HCavman Matt Pellett’s Troop Logos has all relevant badges, colours and insignias. Matt is congratulated on gaining 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-of-Command. Veterans either apply directly or via the Home HQ of their respective Regimental Associations.

Investments

Overall global stockmarkets proved resilient despite events in Africa, Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Ukraine, Yemen, and the

United States. The results’ headline for HCav’s charities’ investment values in The HCF’s portfolios is a net investment gain for Financial Year 2023-4 of £328,442 against a 2022-3 loss of £253,483.

Calendar Year 2024 Performance (Net of Costs) = Cazenove: +13.1%; Waverton: +10.8%.

The HCF’s new Finance Trustee, Rupert Fryer, led a triennial review of Fund Managers during 2024. This resulted in maintaining the status quo: The HCF portfolios’ percentage split remains 60% Cazenove, 40% Waverton. HCF Stakes in both funds remain proportionate to original and subsequent investments. All HCav charity funds remain split between Cazenove and Waverton.

Current context: “Some economists think higher public spending will temporarily boost Britain’s economy in 2025, although the outlook is clouded by the possibility of global trade frictions spurred by the policies of US President Donald Trump, and a worsening euro zone economy.” (Reuters)

Readers are reminded that Restricted Funds can only be used for purposes that their Trustees sanction.

The six Restricted Funds in The HCF’s Investment Portfolios of seven stakeholders remain: Operational Casualties, The Blues and Royals’ Association, The Oliver Montagu

Fund, HCR, HCMR, and the Serving Officers’ Trust. The HCF remains the only Unrestricted Fund and seventh stakeholder.

Best Practice and Due Diligence

Annual reviews continue to ensure audit, banking and insurance costs remain competitive. For example, a new high-interest Deposit Account was opened at J.P. Morgan.

Trustees are also grateful for our HCav family’s collective expertise exemplified by:

Legal: Stone King. Audit: Buzzacott. Monthly Management Accountant: Carol Harmsworth.

Gift Aid is applied whenever possible.

The majority of The Day’s Pay Scheme (paid voluntarily by serving officers and soldiers) is given to both Regimental Associations. The HCF’s share helps to fund its annual grant to HCav Serving Soldiers.

In April 2024 Trustees approved increased financial support for our Operational Casualties, Veterans, Serving Soldiers and Dependants; and our Heritage, Horses and this Journal.

Personal Learning Credits for Serving Soldiers and providing educational sponsorship for Veterans.

All retail activities remain coordinated by our Household Cavalry Museum’s shop.

The only exceptions are some specific uniform items supplied via Quartermasters, and cards and diaries from our Regimental Associations via

RIPLEY - The Household Cavalry Coronation Present on show at Floors Castle

Peter Osborne - 2024 London Marathon Runner for The HCF

RIPLEY - The Household Cavalry Coronation Present on show at Grimsthorpe Castle

Home HQ Household Cavalry.

Welfare

The HCF and the LG and RHG/D Associations all pay similar annual amounts on welfare.

Although the LG Association is outside the HCF investment portfolio, it is included in all relevant welfare case considerations.

Children

In 2024 Trustees paid the last of the children, who lost their fathers on operations during this century, from the Fund created to help with their education. This Fund is now closed.

HCav’s global support links via zip/ postcode-based volunteers to Regimental Welfare Officers and Home HQ HCav and continue to prove genuinely viable as described in the Household Cavalry Welfare Guide. Its two pages with a flow chart are confirmed as user-friendly by our global Household Cavalry “Family” of about 10,000 All Ranks: 1000 Serving Soldiers and 9000 Veterans, and their Dependants.

Camaraderie and feedback from our Regional Dinners is also extremely helpful.

- One key result of these combined initiatives is emergency cases are resolved fast.

Operational Casualties are The HCF’s specific responsibility. A 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 longterm 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 as exemplified by Paul Minter’s charity Head Up

Our two Operational Casualties who remain Ascot War Horse Memorial Scholars, achieved more success: Corie Mapp is the 2024 para-bobsleigh season World and European Champion: his best-ever result. Corie also plays Sitting Volleyball for Team GB. All Corie’s sponsorship is specifically for him and so independent of our Operational Casualties’ Fund.

Clifford O’Farrell is congratulated on promotion to Staff Sergeant Instructor (Staff Corporal). His main effort was to ensure the Army Cadet detachment (18 Troop HCR) continued to improve

with key HCav support. 18 Troop now has 35 cadets and 5 adult instructors. After expert instruction one cadet was awarded a Praiseworthy Action certificate for providing first aid to a casualty.

Following his awards for best new instructor and best adult shot in 2023, Richard Ward consolidated these achievements - unique for a doubleamputee - by qualifying as a Skill at Arms’ Instructor.

Next challenge is a new Riding course for cadets. Once accepted by the ACF, it may prove to be a key source of recruits for HCMR: a significant advantage of co-location in Combermere Barracks, Windsor!

Clifford is also re-establishing cadet training for Windsor’s Saint John Ambulance. His focus is inevitably on leadership training as well as… First Aid! As all readers know “No Comms = No Bombs”. So, Clifford’s second priority is Signals’ training to be used towards cadets’ BTEC level 2 qualifications.

2024 was a mixed year for Mark Howard who sadly dislocated a shoulder and broke its socket. After an operation to stabilise his shoulder, his ambition remains to be the first Wheelchair user to complete the London classics in the same year (Marathon, Ride London and Serpentine swim) before being the first “Wheelie” to attempt The Three Peaks challenge and The Dragon Ride,

Britain’s hardest cycle event.

The HCF’s two key Welfare priorities remain:

- To prepare for the gradual emergence of latent Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Research by King’s College, London University claims 88/1,000 (9%) deployed will suffer future PTSD. Sadly, alcohol dependency is also sometimes linked to PTSD.

- To ensure the continual quality of prosthetics for our Wounded, Injured and Sick (WIS).

Robin Bourne-Taylor CGC ex-LG’s genuinely user-friendly Military App, continued to develop as the default go-to setting on countless HCav mobile phones. Robin’s nationwide “Walk + Talk” initiative continued its splendid progress this year. For example, its obvious links to adventurous training exemplified by The Guards’ Mountaineering and Climbing Club for both Serving and Veteran soldiers. Founded by Household Cavalryman Alistair Galloway, its successful team leader is Wayne Diffin and we are looking for new Top Cover to succeed Rob Gibbs who is thanked for his fantastic help.

Annual HCF help is matched by support from the Foot Guards and HQ Household Division.

Anya Hindmarch gives some fashion tips to Headquarters Household Cavalry

Serving Soldiers

Both our Regiments and our Band again received annual funding that was increased 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 culminate with the formal MoD annual audit.

Please remember all capbadges serving with HCav are supported by The HCF.

Our Band is also eligible for Royal Corps of Army Music support, and their Through Music We Care concert series for The HCF proves the top quality of the British Army’s senior and largest State Band with its unique mounted ceremonial role. This was exemplified by a joint concert at Berkhamsted School on 7th March 2024 led by our Director of Music, Craig Bywater. Our next Through Music We Care concert was in The City of London on Thursday 6th March 2025.

Extra-special thanks are also due to impresario Brian Smith who publishes this Journal and The Guards Magazine; and James Blount’s support has, as ever, been fabulously kind with unique prizeaccess.

The fantastically original twelve photoportraits of Household Cavalrymen by Ripley - our present to our new Colonel-in-Chief - continued a spectacular nationwide tour at significant places linked to HCav: Blenheim Palace and Floors, Grimsthorpe and Arundel Castles. These iconic photo-portraits are also on display in our Museum whose shop has copies for sale.

Readers will still regularly see what is probably The HCF’s most original advertising, on a London taxi driven by HCMR rider-out Judith Elliott who is thanked for her indefatigable support.

“Hardy Perennials” continue to provide vital funding.

For example, the annual Chauveau v Whitbread cricket match at Burton Court remains definitively competitive in the combative tradition immortalised in the name of HCR’s affiliated ship HMS Iron Duke!

Another lucrative Dinner to greet the New Year at Buck’s Club was 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 HCav personnel and their relations and friends who extremely kindly volunteer to help The HCF. For example, HCav wife and mother, Mel Barnes who personifies running resilience! Special thanks are due to HCMR’s Team, led by CoH Glendenning, who supported The HCF at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

Readers are asked to remember The HCF’s policy is events are now selective because that is less risky than organising events which, before 2016 while sometimes popular, never guaranteed income. Before 2016 events also often unacceptably increased the workload of already busy HCav soldiers.

Heritage

The Serving Officers’ Trust (part of The HCF since 2016) continues to rationalise its pictures, silver, furniture and albums, and is grateful for significant support from retired officers and their families such as the new Daresbury Albums. Our definitive

Christie’s catalogues had their 10-year revision.

- The HCF also offers property conservation support to both WOs & NCOs’ Messes.

Sales progress of The Household Cavalry At War. The Story of The Second Household Cavalry Regiment in World War 2 by Roden Orde. Its re-publication by Pen & Sword was funded by the generosity of serving and retired personnel. It is available at a 45% discount in person from our Museum (museum@householdcavalry.co.uk) or by mail from The Guru Book Shop sphillpotts@gmail.com

The HCF ended its five annual £5000 payments to The Guards’ Chapel Organ Restoration Fund. These annual payments matched those paid by the five Foot Guard regiments. Equal repayments will be made if this Restoration Fund exceeds its target.

Our two last historic AFVs - Ferret and Saracen - are now resplendent on their plinths at Bulford.

Above all The HCF is most grateful to HCMR’s Sculptor-in-Residence Zoe Carmichael for her generosity.

Chairman Spencer McCormack hosts The HCav East Anglia Dining Club Summer Gathering

Capt Tim Faulkner caught at the West Country Dinner

Horses

This year’s fund was given to HCMR for equipment not provided by the Ministry of Defence.

Governance:

The HCF’s five Trustees are:

A. Chair The Silver Stick, Brigadier Mark Berry.

B. Deputy Chair Lt Colonel Jim Eyre who chairs the RHG/D Association and the Oliver Montagu Fund.

C. Lady Jane Grosvenor who is mother, wife and descendant of Household Cavalrymen.

D. John Dove.

E. Finance Rupert Fryer.

Regimental Adjutant, Lt Colonel Ralph Griffin, is their Secretary.

The HCF’s staff remains me full-time, and Mary Edwards our weekly Finance Administrator.

The Household Cavalry Foundation

Statement of Financial Activities to 31st March 2024

Income and Expenditure

Income from: Donations and legacies Investments and interest receivable

Total expenditure

Net (expenditure) income before investment gains (losses)

Net (losses)/gains on investments

Net income for the year Transfers between funds

(253,483) (186,609)(186,609) 4,434,785 4,248,176

The charity has no recognised gains or losses other than those shown above. All the above results were derived from continuing operations.

Commander Household Cavalry and Zoe Carmichael unveil a sculpture at her launch at Horse Guards, 26th September 2024 Hastings with his sculpture

Household Cavalry Museum

by Nicola Ayrton, Director

The Household Cavalry Museum is honoured to unveil two newly conserved objects in our collection. These historic pieces, which have never been publicly exhibited before, both underwent conservation by the Royal School of Needlework, with generous support from The Life Guards Association members. Both items now proudly on display in Horse Guards, give a fascinating insight into the Regiment’s history.

The first of these items is the Brussels Liberation Standard, presented alongside a Medallion to Major D. Bowes Daly, MC, Commanding ‘A’ Squadron, 2nd Household Cavalry Regiment. These objects commemorate the Regiment’s pivotal role as the first British troops to enter Brussels on 3rd September 1944. Thanks to meticulous conservation work, the Standard has been carefully restored.

Equally compelling is the remarkable tunic of John Edwards, a 1st Life Guards trumpeter who sounded the charge at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 at just sixteen years old. Edwards, born on 4th October 1799 in Westminster, joined the Regiment at the astonishing age of nine, likely serving as a drummer boy. The tunic, made from the same

The restored Brussels Standard presented to 2 HCR

Christopher Keeys with John Edwards’ Tunic

John Edwards’ Tunic

material as those worn by adult Life Guards, features ornate piping, enhancing its unique character. This extraordinary piece of history, which has been passed down through Edwards’ family for over two centuries, has now been generously gifted to the museum by his four times great-grandson, Christopher Keeys.

John Edwards had a long and distinguished career, serving under three sovereigns - George III, William IV, and Queen Victoria. In 1859, he became a Queen’s Yeoman of the Guard and later an Out-Pensioner at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. He is buried in Highgate Cemetery. His tunic, bearing signs of wear and rudimentary repairs, is currently undergoing conservation to

prepare it for display. It is now exhibited alongside his Field Bugle and Waterloo Medal in London, ensuring his remarkable story is preserved and shared with future generations. To further honour Edwards’ legacy, the museum is developing an educational initiative that will bring his inspiring journey to life for local schoolchildren of Westminster.

Beyond this significant historical display, the museum is also celebrating a major milestone in its commitment to accessibility and family engagement. We are thrilled to have been awarded a ‘Family Friendly’ Grant by Museum Development London and Arts Council England. As part of this initiative, we are introducing ‘Relaxed Early Openings’- a sensory-friendly morning

A child enjoying dressing up as a Blues and Royal

programme designed specifically for children and families with additional needs. Additionally, we have developed sensory backpacks for families to use, extending accessibility beyond the early opening events. It has been fantastic to have the support of the regiment for these initiatives.

In further recognition of our dedication to inclusivity, the Household Cavalry Museum has been nominated for the prestigious Kids in Museums - Family Friendly Award. This nomination is a testament to our ongoing efforts to create an engaging and welcoming environment for all visitors, especially younger audiences. The Family Friendly Award is a highly respected honour in the cultural sector, celebrating institutions that go above and beyond to ensure families feel welcome and engaged. We are incredibly proud of our staff and volunteers, whose dedication makes these experiences possible. We encourage our supporters to continue nominating us on the Kids in Museums website (www.kidsinmuseums.org.uk/). The deadline for submitting a nomination or application is 5pm on Friday 25th April 2025.

In addition to our work on accessibility, we are delighted to announce we are in the process of creating a dedicated display honouring the Gallantry Recipients of the Household Cavalry Regiment This exhibit will celebrate the bravery and sacrifice of individuals who have been awarded gallantry medals throughout our Regiments’ history. Featuring personal accounts, artefacts, and a visual display, this exhibition aims to bring their extraordinary stories to life.

We warmly invite visitors to continue to explore and recommend the museum; to visit these new displays and learn more about the rich heritage of the Household Cavalry. Together, we continue to celebrate and preserve the proud history of the Household Cavalry for future generations.

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 2024 and 31st December 2024.

The Life Guards Association offer their sincere condolences to all members of their families.

May they Rest in Peace.

22763009 Tpr J Barron LG

Served from 1952 to 1954

Died 5th December 2023, aged 89

22556722 Cpl E W Bullock LG

Served from January 1954 to January 1966

Died 17th January 2024, aged 87

23879546 LCpl J West LG

Served from June 1962 to June 1974

Died 19th January 2024, aged 83

23679189 Cpl C R Briggs LG

Served from September 1960 to September 1966

Died 20th January 2024, aged 81

464802 Capt G R Petherick LG

Served from October 1959 to November 1970

Died 29th January 2024, aged 82

526093 Major I W Kelly LG

Served from August 1966 to November 1997

Died 3rd February 2024, aged 76

22241070 Musn C F Corbett LG

Served from September 1948 to March 1968

Died 14th February 2024, aged 91

409558 Capt E D Boldero LG

Served from March 1950 to November 1958

Died 21st March 2024, aged 93

23215092 WO2 N W Taylor RVM LG

Served from August 1955 to August 1980

Died 25th March 2024, aged 86

14087491 Tpr J A Debenham LG

Served from November 1945 to May 1948

Died 25th March 2024, aged 97

486675 Capt C A Joll LG

Served from December 1968 to July 1975

Died 18th April 2024, aged 75

22556613 G Irvine LG

Served from January 1954 to January 1966

Died 25th April 2024, aged 87

24306487 LCoH D Cowling LG

Served from January 1974 to January 1988

Died 14th May 2024, aged 66

23814245 Tpr K Garner LG

Served from November 1960 to May 1963

Died 4th June 2024, aged 85

22071126 Tpr K C Dulson LG

Served from October 1948 to May 1950

Died 1st July 2024, aged 94

24125871 WO1 R J H Stephenson LG

Served from November 1969 to November 1994

Died 2nd July 2024, aged 71

23334838 Tpr J Eldridge LG

Served from September 1956 to September 1959

Died 14th July 2024, aged 89

24041877 Tpr J Hadfield LG

Served from May 1967 to August 1974

Died 14th July 2024, aged 74

24393574 WO2 G A Wright LG

Served from August 1976 to January 2000

Died 18th July 2024, aged 64

22556175 Tpr N W Court LG

Served from September 1953 to September 1955

Died 4th August 2024, aged 89

22556175 WO1 K W Iveson LG

Served from December 1952 to December 1978

Died 15th August 2024, aged 89

24763689 Tpr T K Brown LG

Served from March 1986 to January 1992 Died 30th August 2024, aged 59

24394882 Tpr N C Waude LG

Served from 1978 to 1981

Died 7th September 2024, aged 62

24292018 LCoH K P White LG

Served from January 1974 to January 1987

Died 8th September 2024, aged 67

24021542 SCpl R J Borthwick LG

Served from September 1965 to May 1988

Died 11th September 2024 aged 76

23679183 Tpr M Watson LG

Served from September 1960 to September 1966

Died 1st October 2024, aged 83

22556181 LCpl F Fox LG

Served from December 1952 to December 1955

Died 11th October 2024, aged 89

23679106 LCpl J W Wood LG

Served from April 1960 to March 1968

Died 15th November 2024, aged 78

487335 Maj D Charles LG

Served from October 1947 to May 1983

Died 21st November 2024, aged 95

22556374 LCpl G S Russell LG

Served from June 1953 to June 1956

Died 25th November 2024, aged 89

22205582 Tpr D A Bloor LG

Served from January 1950 to August 1955

Died 26th November 2024, aged 92

22556828 Cpl T E Roseblade LG

Served from September 1954 to September 1960

Died 3rd December 2024, aged 88

430494 Maj M A L Young LG

Served from July 1953 to March 1969

Died 4th December 2024, aged 94

24306470 Tpr M S Brown LG

Served from September 1974 to 1979

Died 13th December 2024, aged 66

22556242 Tpr E C Chapman LG

Served from February 1953 to February 1956

Died 19th December 2024, aged 89

24848941 Tpr M Zollino LG

Served from August 1989 to October 1996

Died 24th December 2024, aged 53

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.

422767 Surg Capt M Charter RHG

Served from April 1964 to June 1967

Died 2nd March 2023, aged 90

22556326 LCpl O Burt RHG

Served from April 1953 to April 1956

Died 12th June 2023, aged 89

23389262 LCpl W Miller

Served from January 1957 to January 1959

Died 20th January 2024, aged 86

428198 Ct R Herbert RHG

Served from May 1952 to June 1954

Died 12th January 2024, aged 89

Lt J Wilkinson 1RD

Served from August 1959 to January 1961

Died 22nd January 2024, aged 89

24239359 Tpr P K Gillard RHG/D

Served from October 1972 to March 1979

Died 1st February 2024, aged 66

24393545 Tpr AB Simpkin RHG/D

Served from August 1976 to March 1983

Died 3rd February 2024, aged 63

400100 Lt General Sir R M H Vickers KCB CVO OBE RHG/D

Served from March 1947 to October 1983

Died 6th February 2024, aged 95

24448324 Tpr S Turnbull RHG/D

Served from October 1978 to January 1984

Died 8th February 2024, aged 61

306751 CoH J Inns RHG

Served from April 1945 to January 1953

Died 14th February 2024, aged 97

22556035 Cpl J F K D Rudd RHG

Served from July 1952 to July 1955

Died 22nd February 2024, 89

23879691 Capt N Lewis-Baker RHG

Served from February 1963 to January 1968

Died 3rd March 2024, Aged 78

461500 Capt A Stanley-Smith 1RD

Served from January 1959 to July 1966

Died 3rd March 2024, aged 85

Cpl J Chapple RHG

Service dates unknown

Died 7th March 2024, aged 75

23929012 CoH T G Collett RHG/D

Served from April 1963 to September 1979

Died 20th March 2024, aged 79

LCpl R Wilson RHG/D

Served from 1978 to 1983

Died 25th March, aged 52

24304037 F/LCpl D Tonge RHG/D

Served from September 1972 to May 1978

Died 31st March 2024, aged 70

23373746 Tpr H W Cooper RHG

Served from March 1957 to March 1959

Died 1st April 2024, aged 87

Tpr A Woodhouse RHG

Served from April 1949 to May 1954

Died 5th April 2024, 93

24220343 LCpl P Slater RHG/D

Served from September 1971 to February 1978

Died 9th April 2024, aged 67

22091638 Tpr G Lowthin 1RD

Served from June 1948 September 1950

Died 16h April 2024, aged 93

24125975 LCpl I Stephen RHG/D

Served from February 1970 to April 1980

Died 9th May 2024, aged 68

23300857 LCpl F T Drewball RHG

Served from June 1956 to June 1958

Died 12th May 2024, aged 86

30132655 Padre G J Scott

Served from October 2012 to October 2017

Died 15th May 2024, aged 62

10696956 Tpr N Quantrell RHG 2 HCR

Served from January 1943 to September 1946

Died 23rd May 2024, aged 100

24041773 Tpr P Bates RHG/D

Served from June 1965 to January 1975

Died 29th May 2024, aged 74

24394275 LCoH S Brettell LG/RHG/D

Served from June 1978 to July 1988

Died 2nd June 2024, aged 63

24125896 WO2 K Gimblett RHG/D

Served from September 1970 to September 1993

Died 11th June 2024, aged 71

23923308 CoH W R G Maskell RHG/D

Serevd from September 1962 to March 1973

Died 1st July 2024, aged 77

23865739 LCpl G Short RHG

Served from August 1961 to August 1964

Died 2nd July 2024, aged 83

484287 Lt Col N Carding MBE RHG/D (Vet)

Served from July 1967 to March 1989

Died 8th July 2024, aged 80

23215913 Tpr P Grimshaw RHG

Served from December 1959 to January 1965

Died 25th July 2024, aged 86

23969356 Tpr M S Urquhart RHG/D

Served from May 1965 to May 1972

Died 27th July 2024, aged 76

22922273 Tpr E Stanley RHG

Served from January 1953 to February 1955

Died 1st August 2024, aged 91

24012111 WO2 F France RHG/D

Served from July 1965 to July 1987

Died 13th August, aged 80

23617612 Tpr A Sherrington 1RD

Served from February 1959 to February 1961

Died 3rd September, aged 85

22556966 Tpr B M Bently RHG

Served from February 1955 to February 1958

Died 25th September 2024, aged 87

22325676 Tpr J Harris RHG

Served from January 1950 to February 1952

Died 27th September 2024, aged 93

25180453 Tpr M Johnstone RHG/D

Served from May 2003 to June 2010

Died 12th October 2024, aged 41

22556314 Tpr C Kilmister RHG

Served from February 1953 to May 1956

Died 12th October 2024, aged 89

481247 Lt M Sorby RHG/D

Served from March 1966 to January 1971

Died 19th October 2024, aged 80

23865875 LCpl B Lewis RHG

Served from February 1962 to May 1968

Died 22nd October 2024, aged 80

23407718 Tpr M E Lane RHG

Served from May 1957 to May 1959

Died 10th November 2024, aged 86

24353220 Tpr M Bartlett RHG/D

Served from January 1974 to March 1980

Died 10th November 2024, aged 68

24710358 LCpl C Stickland RHG/D

Served from May 1986 to June 1999

Died 11th November 2024, aged 54

23875608 SCpl K Taylor RHG/D

Served from February 1961 to May 1984

Died 12th November 2024, aged 80

452947 Lt I Pilkington RHG

Served from April 1958 to April 1960

Died 21st November 2024, aged 86

Major I W Kelly

397599 Capt C Worthington RHG

Served from January 1948 to June 1953

Died 24th November 2024, aged 94

WO2 (BCM) M Brammer RHG/D

Served from April 1964 to March 1993

Died 24th November 2024, aged 77

23117092 CoH E Freeman RHG/D

Served from January 1955 to January 1977

Died 7th December 2024, aged 88

24096692 WO2 (BCM) Peter Marsh RHG/D

Served from February 1968 to August 1993

Died 13th December 2024 aged 71

Late The Life Guards by Brigadier James Ellery, formerly The Life Guards, Major Christopher Slater, formerly The Life Guards and others

Ian Kelly, who died on 21st March 2024 aged 76, joined The Life Guards as a trooper and retired as a major in 1997. During a highly successful career, he excelled in all the disciplines for which the Household Cavalry is known, both military and equestrian. A man of charisma, humour, kindness, and energy, he was one of the most talented of his generation. To quote his former Squadron Leader and Commanding Officer, James Ellery, Ian was always ‘immaculate, whether on parade or on operations, and was a great role model’.

Ian’s mischievous sense of humour was legendary. His contemporary, Chris Slater, recalls his audacious ‘April Fool’s Day’ spoof at Knightsbridge that landed him in considerable trouble. On 1st April in the mid-1970s, just before 10am, Corporal of Horse Kelly informed the Orderly Officer that he had just received a telephone call from the Adjutant to say the Queen’s Life Guard had to be at Horse Guards by 10.30, not 11.00. The Orderly Officer ran to the square, hurriedly inspected the QLG, and set them on their way to Horse Guards. In the meantime, Ian’s cry of ‘April Fool’ was drowned by laughter in the squadron office which only ended as the sound of horses was heard. The QLG was now on the move and could not be stopped, despite Ian chasing them down the South Carriage Drive shouting at the Guard Commander, (a Corporal of Horse), to slow down and lose time. Despite Ian’s attempts, the oncoming QLG arrived 15 minutes early, watched curiously and with some irritation from his office window, by the Major General, Jim Eyre. Ian was soon in front of the Commanding Officer, Trevor Morris, who had some difficulty keeping a straight face as he handed out the extra duties. ‘The Household Cavalry have been mounting guard at 1100hrs for the last 250 years’ he said ‘so it’s not your place to instigate a change’.

23215118 In Pensioner Michael Paling

Served from April 1955 to March 1968

Died 13th December 2024 aged 86

Capt Patrick Conolly-Carew RHG

Served from April 1958 to March 1965

Died 18th December 2024, aged 86

24072083 CoH Anthony Flude RHG/D

Served from July 1965 to August 1976

Died 27th December 2024, aged 77

421862 Capt Christopher Berry Green 1RD

Served from June 1951 to August 1953

Died 30th January 2024, aged 91

Ian Kelly joined The Life Guards in 1966, serving in the newly formed A Squadron on a regimental tour in the Far East, with squadrons deployed to Borneo, Malaya, Singapore, and Hong Kong. The Regiment returned to Windsor in 1968, and in 1969 Ian married Lynne following a whirlwind romance. They were two strong and dedicated people who made an excellent team. Lynne’s support to Ian and commitment to the Regiment was unfailing. An early test of their marriage was that three weeks after their wedding, Ian departed on a 9-month unaccompanied tour in Sharjah. It was a long and happy marriage which continued for a further 55 years and produced two sons, Jamie and Andrew, who have both pursued highly successful careers, a tribute in all respects to their parents.

By the early 1970s, the Regiment was converting from the armoured reconnaissance to the armoured role prior to a move to BAOR and Detmold in the autumn of 1971. With only a brief period to settle into armoured soldiering, The Life Guards were now warned for a 4-month emergency Northern Ireland tour the following year. It was during the work-up training to this deployment that Ian had a serious car accident, breaking his right leg and damaging his femur. He was in hospital for some time, and so remained in Germany with the rear party. In 1973 and having fully recovered from his injuries, he was sent to BATUS in Canada for six months as part of the Gunnery Safety Staff.

His next move was to Knightsbridge, a posting he initially resisted but one that he embraced with characteristic style and determination. During his time on mounted duty he did much more than become merely a ceremonial horseman. He attended the Long Equitation Course at Melton Mowbray, joined the Riding Staff (‘The Blue Mafia’), and became a skilled equestrian, both on parade, as a competitor in events, and later in the hunting field with the Weser Vale.

Back in Germany in the early 1980s, Ian became the Squadron Corporal Major of the newly formed D Squadron prior to a Northern Ireland tour at the Maze Prison. As James Ellery, the Squadron Leader, remembers, some called the Squadron the ‘Depot Squadron’ because the average age was below 20 and only a small number of its 140 members were married. Ian demanded high standards, and when, on a parade, his eagleeye spotted a well-turned-out trooper with a pierced ear, his sharp Scottish voice left no one in doubt. ‘If ever I see you wearing an earring, I will rip it out’, a phrase that still makes James Ellery wince all these years later!

The stakes during the Northern Ireland tour were high, and particularly so for D Squadron, charged with ‘keeping a few

hundred IRA and other terrorists secure in the Maze Prison and in the infamous H-Blocks’. Under a previous regime, the inmates had broken out and burnt down part of the prison, and Ian was key to making sure that this would not happen under D Squadron’s watch. He quickly set about convincing the prisoners that they were safer in prison than out! It worked: the next escape attempt was long after The Life Guards had left!

When the time came for promotion to Warrant Officer Class One, Ian Kelly proved to be equally qualified to become the Regimental Corporal Major of either The Life Guards or the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, such was his proven ability in both roles. In the event, it was The Life Guards who benefited from Ian’s high standards on the parade ground and in the field. Throughout his career, and in all his appointments, Ian was always a patient tutor and mentor to everyone, regardless of rank.

Ian Kelly was commissioned in 1987 while the Regiment was in Windsor, serving as Technical Quartermaster and later, in Sennelager, as Quartermaster, and finally as Quartermaster and HQ Squadron Leader at Knightsbridge. In retirement from the Army, he was the Deputy to the Crown Equerry at the Royal Mews, and later worked for the International League for the Protection of Horses, now known as World Horse Welfare.

James Ellery recalls Ian’s time as Quartermaster in Germany ‘during an unsettling time in the run-up to the somewhat incoherent deployment to the Middle East’. He was ‘of incalculable value as an advisor to me for the 1st Gulf War where the Regiment won a battle honour. Ian Kelly will remain an example to all’. A perfect epitaph for one of the most distinguished members of The Life Guards in more than a generation. He will be remembered by all as a professional soldier of the highest standards, and also a man of great warmth, humour, kindness, character, and generosity.

Captain Christopher Joll

Late The Life Guards with thanks to The Daily Telegraph

Christopher Joll, who has died aged 75, was a British military historian, author, and military event organiser best known for directing the British Military Tournament.

Such was the persistent and sometimes pernickety nature of Joll’s corrective missives to journalists unable to tell their Gold Stick from their Silver Sticks-in-Waiting, that the newsroom soon adopted a new word to describe his punchy communiques: a ‘Jollicking’.

Regular Jollickings would be doled out to those confusing rank and regiments, misinterpreting what he described as ‘chivalric accoutrements’ and failing to properly count the number of epaulettes on any liveried shoulder. As the regimental historian of the Household Cavalry, he was particularly irritated by errors relating to The Blues and Royals, Princes William and Harry’s regiment, whom Joll would refer to as ‘Wales’ and ‘Sussex’ respectively.

Ever the Sandhurst-trained gentleman, however, his unapologetic attention to detail never got the better of his impeccable manners, grace and good humour. A self-confessed ‘anorak’, he merely saw it as an extension of his military duty to point out where mistakes had crept in and correct them for fear of ‘a lot of old Colonels who read the Telegraph grinding their dentures over tomorrow’s cornflakes’. Another jollity of the Jollickings was his colourful turn of phrase. For example, the cerebrally challenged would be described as ‘not over blessed in the top hamper’.

Even after being diagnosed with bladder cancer, Joll continued to offer advice from his hospital bed with the proviso that he was undergoing ‘temporary replumbing’ and might be ‘off games for a few weeks’.

Born in Marylebone on 16th October 1948, the first child of Ian Joll and his wife Eileen, née Sykes, Christopher Joll was educated at Oundle before gaining a place at Trinity College, Oxford. However, due to their over subscription of soldiers that term, he ended up at Mansfield College to read law.

He was commissioned into The Life Guards, serving early on in Northern Ireland, where he narrowly missed being blown up by a booby trap car bomb. Once, when he and a colleague entered a church, they were described as ‘two prongs of evil’ by the Reverend Ian Paisley.

Christopher left the Army in 1975 to go into business. Starting his career as an investment analyst at Lazards, he climbed the ladder to serve as a director at Alvis and chief executive at Georgeson & Co. As deputy chairman of GCI Focus, he managed the PR for the development and marketing of the Gherkin, Paternoster Square, Central St Giles, Bow Bells House, Battersea Power Station, and Chelsea Barracks.

Christopher served in The Life Guards, completing four tours of duty in Northern Ireland. Later, he became The Daily Telegraph’s go-to expert on all military matters, with a particular focus on the uniforms, medals and insignia worn by members of the Royal family and service personnel at major state occasions including the Platinum Jubilee, the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, and the Coronation of King Charles III.

His commentary of the Telegraph’s live coverage of Trooping the Colour attracted 1.6 million views, while his narration during the late Queen’s funeral was watched by 1.8 million via the Telegraph website and YouTube page.

He then left to build a portfolio of non-executive directorships with pre-IPO and listed companies, and also turned into a business his long-term hobby of writing and directing events for charities, including José Carreras & Friends (1991) at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane.

In 2010, through his company, MJ2 Events, he revived the British Military Tournament on behalf of the Army Benevolent Fund, after it had fallen victim to defence cuts. He also masterminded the Household Cavalry Pageant, the Royal Hospital Chelsea Pageant, and the Gurkha 200 Pageant.

A prolific author, he wrote 21 books, including The Drum Horse in the Fountain (2018) with Anthony Weldon, about heroes and rogues in the Household Division, and Spoils of War (2020), about the treasures, trophies and trivia of the British Empire. His Speedicut Saga series chronicled the lives of major historical figures including Rasputin, Adolf Hitler, and Charlie Chaplin.

In 2021 he teamed up with Corrie Mapp, a trooper in The Life

Guards whose armoured vehicle ran over an IED while on combat operations in Afghanistan, causing him massive injuries. Their book, Black Ice, describes how, following a gruelling rehabilitation, Mapp won gold in the inaugural Para Bobsleigh World Cup competition in St Moritz in 2014, before becoming the overall World Cup champion in 2018.

Joll’s last book, Bonfire of History, with Penny Cobham, explored the intriguing past of Madame Tussaud’s, where an important collection of historical relics and art, including Napoleon’s underwear and campaign carriage, were lost in a fire at the museum in 1925. He was still contributing to Britain at War magazine and working on a book entitled Royal Bastards when he died.

Christopher’s wit never deserted him and when told it was time to go into a hospice for palliative care, he turned to the nurse and with a wry smile said: ‘What shall I pack?’

An avid schnauzer lover, Christopher lived in Bath, where his interests encompassed everything from cooking Ottolenghi recipes to opera and needlework. He was a dedicated collector of Post-Impressionist pictures, and between 2001 and 2013 he and his partner Philip were responsible for restoring Sham Castle, an 18th-century Gothic folly in Shropshire.

Warrant Office Class 1 R J H Stephenson

Late The Life Guards

by Major Michael Whatley formerly The Life Guards

Richard Stephenson died on 2nd of July aged 71. Richard - or Stevo as he was universally known to his friends and colleagues - served from November 1969 until November 1994.

He reported to Stanley Barracks to train as a Junior Leader in The Royal Armoured Corps Training Regiment. On completion of training he was posted to Combermere Barracks, Windsor. In September 1971 he moved to Lothian Barracks, Detmold, to serve on the Chieftain Main Battle Tank (MBT) as part of 20th Armoured Brigade. The historical name for this period, prior to the unification of Germany, was the Cold War. Which of course was true, issued waterproofs were ponchos, - very useful in the turret. Cold weather equipment, the heavy-duty pullover and green woollen gloves were not effective at minus 15 degrees!

Stevo served in C Squadron as a Chieftain driver and was very quickly promoted to squadron leader’s driver. During this period of preparing for Hohne Ranges and the Saltou training area the training was interrupted by the news that the Regiment would deploy to Northern Ireland. The Regiment deployed to Northern Ireland from August to December 1972 in the infantry role. Stevo served in No 2 Rifle Squadron, based in the Short Strand, Belfast. This tour was extremely challenging, the squadrons experiencing some of the worst rioting of the troubles. Stevo acquitted himself well during the tour

gaining a reputation for being a reliable, tough and steady hand.

The Standards Parade was held in spring 1973, with C squadron representing The Life Guards. Following the Parade Nick Carter and Stevo were selected to take part in a Keeping the Army in the Public Eye (KAPE) tour and were granted a free weekend. Bored and short of money, Stevo suggested they could hitchhike to stay with his aunt in Swindon whereby they could be fed, watered and receive a little pocket money. Nick thought this was a great idea and duly travelled to Swindon with Stevo in anticipation of a fun relaxing weekend. Arriving in Swindon late on Saturday, cold, wet, tired and only to discover that his aunt had moved house. They spent the night in a bus stop exchanging a few “choice words” at each other. Nick and Stevo often reminisced about that weekend, maintaining that was the night they learned the value of the 6 P’s.

The Regiment returned to Windsor in 1975 and very quickly adapted to the armoured reconnaissance role. Stevo gained his D&M instructor’s qualification and his CVR(T) Crew Commanders’ conversion. He also served in B squadron, converting to the Fox CVR(W), which was a sea change from the Scorpion. During 1979 the squadron deployed to Cyprus on a six-month tour in support of the UNFICYP peace keeping mission.

In the early eighties the Regiment returned to Lothian Barracks Detmold, returning to Cold War soldiering, with the added challenge of deployments to Canada, exercising on the prairies to practice all aspects of a Battlegroup deployment including live firing.

Stevo attended the, All Arms Drill Instructor’s Course at the Guards Depot, Pirbright, which must have been quite a challenge for an ex-junior leader. He passed the course with flying colours and was subsequently posted to the Guards Depot as a superintending CoH. He enjoyed his posting and often reminisced about his time at Pirbright, it certainly set him on the right track for further promotion and equipped him with a set of skills he would use to good effect in his role as SCM.

The Regiment returned to Germany in 1990 as part of the 33rd Armoured Brigade, based in Athlone Barracks, Sennelager armed with the Challenger 1 MBT. Soldiering was satisfying and fun, working on an excellent vehicle and with good clothing! Stevo was the HQ squadron SCM, responsible to his squadron leader for keeping a varied and large squadron in good order, in the way only Stevo could! He was particularly adept at managing the large number of Warrant Officers in the squadron, all of whom thought they were the most important!

Following a successful BATUS deployment in the first year in Germany, the Regiment was engaged in OP GRANBY, the first Gulf War. Stevo was very frustrated, as HQ SCM, at the lack of an opportunity to deploy forward with the sabre squadrons. However, he became well remembered for his direct method of command and his ability to “grip” all ranks, all arms and all units in Camp Blackadder.

Following the Regiment’s return to Athlone barracks, Stevo continued to serve as HQ SCM. He was single and lived in the Mess, where he enjoyed the Lush Club, when all the single Mess members would gather on a Sunday afternoon to shoot the breeze. One of his responsibilities was to act as PMC, responsible for the smooth running of the WO’s & NCO’s Mess. Stevo had arranged a karaoke evening one Saturday, later the next week Ian Kelly the QM, clearly disapproving of this low-grade entertainment, couldn’t help himself, he had to stop Stevo and ask what’s Garrykoky all about? Stevo was the epitome of tact with his reply!

Another successful event he organised was a Russian night, with copious amounts of vodka flowing. Stevo, sitting at the same table as the RCM and his wife, goaded the RCM into a drinking competition. The glasses were lined up and they each took a shot in turn. After the tenth shot Stevo suggested they swap full glasses, the RCM took a sip and discovered Stevo had been knocking back water. Fortunately for Stevo he saw the funny side of the joke, Stevo was also assisted by the fact that Mrs. Belza found the whole event even more hilarious.

He was posted on promotion as RCM of the Junior Leaders Regiment. This was one of his greatest achievements and most befitting. He was the last RSM/RCM of Bovington, responsible as part of a team for the closing the Training Regiment and camp. He spoke fondly of his tour there and the fact that this post played strongly to his many strengths. Stevo’s final posting was GCM of Catterick Garrison, an ideal posting for him. He was well respected by his Mess members, though they were rightly a little wary of him.

In retirement Stevo took on a number of roles in the Middle East and Africa. Never afraid to place himself in danger he travelled to places many would avoid. He had a reputation for being a sound manager, tough when required, but also with a compassionate side. He was always in demand. During his breaks, he would return to his family in the North East. He was particularly proud when his niece was commissioned into The Royal Artillery. He remained a strong supporter of the Association and Warrant Officers Dining Club returning to reunions, always with a twinkle in his eye.

Typical of him and wanting no fuss, he failed to inform any of his friends that he was not well. His funeral was very well attended with over 70 Association members in attendance and many more being represented. This was a reflection of the high regard many had for this modest, well mannered, tough, clever and compassionate individual. He was a true one off and a proper Life Guard gentleman.

Lance Corporal of Horse Kevin White

Late The Life Guards

by Les Dobson formerly The Life Guards

Kevin (Chalky) White joined the Junior Leaders in Bovington in January 1973 straight from school. Kevin, as an enthusiastic youngster, had pestered his father to allow him to join the Army and finally his father relented and signed the papers. Weeks later Chalky had had enough and begged his father to allow him to leave! His dad would not sign the release papers, so the rest is history!

Kevin was posted to Detmold into the indomitable 1 Troop where he started to learn his trade. He was soon a popular member of the squadron as the first thing you saw was the most spectacular grin! As a growing lad he also had a prodigious appetite, he was almost impossible to fill up.

On returning to Windsor, he was on his way to an exercise on Salisbury Plain, driving the troop leader in his trusty Scorpion 02FD59. During one of the halt parades, he was parked in a lay by opposite Blackbush Airport and he was checking the track on the right hand side. The next thing he knew, he was flying through the air! He had been hit in the back by a lady driving a Ford Capri. He was in a lot of pain but thankfully no breaks, just black and blue from bruises. In A&E the thing he was most concerned about was the doctors finding him wearing a pair of lady’s tights under his coveralls! He said it was to keep him warm…………

Following the tour in Windsor Kevin and his new bride Jane of 3 whole days moved to Detmold in Germany. On the married patch in a little place called Ampostteich just outside Detmold. Great and lifetime friendships were soon formed, particularly with the Binghams and Dobsons. Conveniently the house on the corner had a ready supply of beer, provided by an old lady who never seemed to run short on crates of Herforder!

This was also a time when Lots of courses were available and Chalky grabbed many of them: Crewmen, crew commander and D&M instructor. There was also the time when the Regiment had a phase when a few misguided souls wanted to jump out of aircraft. Chalky in fact did about 25 jumps! (but wisely avoided P Company!). Kevin completed lots of courses but two courses he would run a mile from if mentioned were PIRBRIGHT and the thought of horses and Knightsbridge; they put the fear of God up Kev!

Kevin saw plenty of different countries and cultures during his service years. His postings included NI, Norway, Denmark, Canada, Berlin and Cyprus. He was also part of the Challenger 1 trials in 1980/81.

Kevin had significant sporting prowess. He played rugby for the Regiment and RAC. Give him the rugby ball and he would steam roller his way through and get close to the try line or score himself. At the inter squadron athletics competition the hammer throwing attracted a lot of fast moving and slim athletes to try their luck. At the end of the competition Chalky approached the circle facing some light hearted banter from these athletic experts. Chalky with great calmness hefted the hammer, spun three times and launched the hammer. Needless to say it went the furthest by a considerable distance. It turned out he was a competent hammer thrower and had won a Southern Schools Championship title. It was therefore no surprise that this powerful and smart individual was chosen to be a key element of The Life Guards bearer party for Lord Mountbatten’s funeral.

In 1990 with The Life Guards about to deploy back to Germany, Kev decided that a change of career was needed. He was soon in the Police, where his natural charm, large grin and very calm manner made him a very effective policeman. In short order he had a wide circle of friends and soon became a pillar of his community. BBQs at the White household became legendry. On retirement from the Police, Chalky could not stop assisting people and was soon a steady and stalwart driver for an old peoples’ home. His natural courtesy and charm made him a popular part of the team.

In his latter years it was devastating to see this robust and tough individual being hampered by a debilitating disease. Although physically he was becoming less and less able, his mind remained sharp as ever. He pushed himself to maintain a brave face with friends and family. Central to this were his two daughters Emma and Claire and his grandchildren. He also re engaged with the Association, catching up with his many friends and colleagues. Determination, walking sticks

and wheelchairs were just a means of getting to see his friends who queued to chat with him and to reengage with that smile.

It was a measure of Chalky’s popularity that at his memorial event, it was standing room only, with a very large turn out from the military and the Police. Of course, Chalky had the last laugh, with half of those attending dressed in suits and the other half in Hawaiian shirts!

Condolences go to Jane, Emma, Claire and their children and Chalky’s many friends. They have lost a loving father and grandfather and the World has lost a caring and generous man who had that gift of raising peoples’ spirits just with an infectious smile.

Lieutenant General Sir Richard Vickers

Late The Blues and Royals and Royal Tank Regiment

with thanks to The Daily Telegraph

Lieutenant General Sir Richard Vickers, who has died aged 95, saw active service in Korea and Borneo in the course of a distinguished career but, arguably, his most challenging appointment lay closer to home.

In March 1969, at Detmold, BAOR, Vickers, then a lieutenant colonel, assumed command of The Blues and Royals following the amalgamation of the Royal Horse Guards and the 1st Royal Dragoons.

This was the first amalgamation in the Army to take place between regiments of different corps. It involved welding two proud and famous regiments, each with over 300 years of history, with different traditions, customs and experience into a new armoured regiment equipped with Chieftain tanks.

The Royal Horse Guards, however, had little technical or tactical experience of tanks before the amalgamation and Vickers had a very short time-frame in which to train officers and men in new and highly sophisticated equipment and bring them up to peak efficiency.

With a combination of charm, enthusiasm, professional skill, inspiring leadership, and sheer hard work, he accomplished this and built the new regiment into a happy, united team capable of filling a full operational role in the defence of Western Europe. The citation for the recommendation of an award of an OBE concluded: ‘It is extremely improbable that any other officer in the Army could have achieved what he has achieved in this period’. A remarkable tribute.

Richard Maurice Hilton Vickers was born at Jubblepore, Central Provinces, India, on 21st August 1928. His father, Lieutenant General Wilmot Vickers, became the Quartermaster-General of the Army in India. Young Richard was aged 10 when his mother, Mary, aged 40, died saving him from drowning. It

was established later that she had a weak heart. It was a trag

edy that he felt keenly throughout his life.

He was educated at Haileybury, where he was head boy, before joining the Army in the ranks in 1947. He attended the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, where he was awarded the King’s Medal and the Sword of Honour – a first for a cadet at the Academy at the time.

In 1948, he was commissioned into the Royal Tank Regiment and posted to 1 RTR in BAOR. He excelled at sports and was part of the regimental team at rugby, tennis and cricket. He also represented the UK Combined Services at squash.

1 RTR deployed to Korea and landed in December 1952. Vickers commanded a troop of Centurion tanks in what was a war of the hills with squadrons supporting raids by destroying enemy defence works and preventing all forms of movement by daylight.

At night, they fired on pre-arranged tasks in support of fighting patrols. In addition to coping with regular shelling from Chinese artillery and mortar units, he and his men had to acclimatise to the harsh Korean winter. During quiet periods, he sometimes went butterfly-hunting in the hills. A few pot shots were fired at him but he was never hit.

After serving as adjutant of 2 RTR in BAOR, in 1956 he was appointed equerry-in-waiting HM The Queen. He was a great fan of the glamorous Princess Grace of Monaco and when she visited Buckingham Palace, he was delighted at the prospect of escorting her to the drawing room and having a few moments alone with her. It all went wrong, he said afterwards. Many of the staff of the Royal Household rushed in from different rooms in an attempt to talk to Princess Grace and he never got a look in.

After Staff College, followed by an appointment as brigade major with 7th Armoured Brigade Group, in 1965 he commanded a squadron of 4 RTR in Borneo during the undeclared war with Indonesia known as the Confrontation. On his leave, he went butterfly-hunting in Malaya and brought a good collection back to England.

His success in command of the 1st Royal Dragoons and the subsequent amalgamation with The Royal Horse Guards (The Blues) was rewarded by early promotion to colonel on the Defence Policy Staff and then command of 11th Armoured Brigade.

In 1977, he was selected to command 4th Armoured Division. His ADC recalls arriving at the GOC’s house to introduce himself and finding Vickers high above the ground and lopping a big branch while sitting on the wrong side of the cut. In the course of his career, Vickers and his family moved house more than 24 times but expertise in DIY may not have been one of his many talents.

He was Commandant of RMA Sandhurst from 1979 to 1982 and then Director-General of Army Training. It was his last appointment before retiring from the Army in 1983 in the rank of lieutenant general.

For the next 10 years, he was Director-General of the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust. Operating as the Churchill Fellowship, it funded adult citizens in the United Kingdom from all areas of society with the aim of developing new solutions for UK issues based on successful innovations overseas. His enthusiasm and dedication in processing many thousands of applications and in supporting the Fellows and the causes

Richard Vickers as Commandant of RMA Sandhurst, with the Queen Mother

-

that they cared about made a great contribution to the work of the Fellowship.

Vickers was always true to himself, always concerned for others and always fun. He was adept at conjuring in the style of Tommy Cooper. His friends were never quite sure whether these tricks were going to work or not and were sometimes reluctant to hand over their watches to be bashed by his hammer. He enjoyed all the country pursuits except hunting and was an expert fly fisherman.

He was appointed MBE in 1964, advanced to OBE in 1970, knighted in 1983 and appointed CVO in 1998, the year that he completed 12 years’ service as a Gentleman Usher to the Queen.

He married, in 1957, Gaie Roberts, the daughter of Major General ‘Pip’ Roberts, CB, DSO (two Bars), MC, an outstanding British armoured commander in the Second World War. She survives him with their three daughters.

Colonel James Hamilton-Russell MBE DL

Late The Blues and Royals

by Captain Edward Hamilton-Russell formerly The Life Guards

Colonel James Hamilton-Russell was born on 11th September 1938 and died on 5th February 2025. He was educated at Eton College before being commissioned into the 1st Royal Dragoons, his father’s Regiment, on 10th May 1958.

He served in BAOR, The Persian Gulf, The Arabian Peninsula, India, Norway, Turkey, Denmark, Germany, Singapore, Cyprus, America, Malaysia, London, Windsor and as a Company Instructor at RMA Sandhurst.

On 30th October 1965 he married Alison Heard in the spectacular surroundings of Winchester Cathedral.

On amalgamation of the 1st Royal Dragoons with the Royal Horse Guards in 1969, James became Regimental Adjutant of the Household Cavalry, helping to iron out the inevitable issues which arose. In 1971 he took command of a squadron. It was while Squadron Leader that he was awarded an MBE for his role in establishing the UK Rapid Reaction Force and introduced his squadron to Winter Warfare Training in Norway – a completely novel way of soldiering for the whole Regiment.

Between 1978 and 1980, he was appointed GSO 1 to General Alexander Haig, Supreme Allied Commander Europe, who had served as the White House Chief of Staff under both Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford.

The relationship and experience gained with General Haig held him in very good stead for a later posting to Washington DC when he encountered General Haig again who by then

had progressed to being President Ronald Reagan’s Secretary of State. Haig was attempting to broker a peace between the UK and Argentina during the Falklands War in 1982.

In 1980, James took command of The Blues and Royals in Windsor, during which time members of the Regiment joined the task force in the Falkland Islands. Mindful of the impact on those at home, he (and his wife) insisted on daily briefings to the wives and families, which endeared him to Officers, Soldiers and their families alike.

Tragically, on 20th July 1982 the IRA placed an IED in a car on Rotten Row in Hyde Park killing four members of the Regiment and seven horses. This was the darkest of times for everyone in the Regiment which required huge compassion, clear leadership and military excellence in equal measure.

Later that year, having been promoted to Colonel, he became Silver Stick in Waiting to Her Majesty The Queen remaining in post until 1986. This proved to be one of the proudest postings for him. His pride in commanding all Regiments of The Household Cavalry on Horse Guards, for the Presentation of new Standards by Her Majesty, allowed him to deliver an immaculate parade involving both horses and armour.

In 1986, James became Deputy Chief of Staff and Commander, British Contingent, UNFICYP in Cyprus, which required constant entertaining due to the 6-month rotation of the British contingent in Nicosia. Having been back-to-back Commanding Officer and then Silver Stick, the change of pace in Cyprus was embraced to the full by both him and Alison. The sun, sea and the mountains allowed him to fulfil and justify the adage “work hard and play hard”. Their standard of hospitality and entertainment was legendary.

In 1988, he moved to become Assistant Military Attaché in the British Embassy in Washington DC. He served in Washington until 1991, during which time the United States invaded Panama, under Manuel Noriega. At the time Colonel James was visiting an exchange officer at Fort Worth in Texas and watched aghast as swarms of helicopter gunships departed heading for Panama. He then had the unenviable task of ringing the Prime Minister, in the middle of the night, to inform her of what had just unfolded.

In 1991, he returned to London for his final posting as Chief of

Staff, London District, during which time he was particularly proud to ride on the Queen’s Birthday Parade with his twin sons, Mark and Edward, who had joined The Blues and Royals and The Life Guards respectively.

After 35 years of distinguished service which was epitomised by his calm temperament, sense of humour, judge of character and his ability to see what was right and what wasn’t, he retired in 1993 to his beloved Shropshire, where he threw himself into the running of the family estate, Dudmaston Hall, while continuing his love of travel with his wife, Alison.

In 2007, he was appointed a Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire and became President of the UNESCO world heritage site, the Ironbridge Gorge Museums.

For the last 18 years of his life, having suffered a severe stroke, he was left in a wheelchair and robbed of his speech. Colonel James approached this in a typically stoic manner, with a very firm but cheery “Oi” (most notably to His Majesty The King at the Presentation of Standards in 2023), all while being looked after wonderfully by his adored wife, Alison, until her death in 2022.

He is predeceased by his wife, Alison (2022), his daughter, Julia (2024) and is survived by his sons, Mark and Edward.

Lord Carew

Late Royal

Horse Guards

with thanks to The Daily Telegraph

The 7th Baron Carew, who has died aged 86, was a fine horseman who competed at the 1968 and 1972 Olympic Games in Ireland’s three-day event team on his horse Tawny Port, and won the team eventing silver medal in the 1962 European Championships at Burghley.

Ponies and horses were a ruling passion for all four siblings at Castletown. The magnificent house, with its colonnaded wings, rang out with a constant round of entertaining, from parties for the Dublin Horse Show to hunt balls of 400 guests in white tie, ball gowns and swallow-tail hunt coats.

Pat was educated at Elstree in Berkshire and then Harrow, where he opened the bowling for the first XI with his lifelong friend Robin Butler, later the distinguished civil servant and crossbench peer, Lord Butler of Brockwell. Robin Butler spent many Easter holidays at Castletown.

In 1958 Conolly-Carew was commissioned into the Royal Horse Guards, The Blues. He served at Combermere Barracks, Windsor, followed by Cyprus towards the end of the EOKA troubles, then with BAOR at Herford Barracks, Germany, and finally a spell in the Mounted Squadron at Knightsbridge. While at Sandhurst, Conolly-Carew took up eventing with his brilliant mare Ballyhoo, who had begun life as a Dublin barge horse. Later, at Knightsbridge, he took five months’ leave to train for the Olympics.

By then he had met Celia Cubitt, granddaughter of the 2nd Baron Ashcombe. Patrick and Celia married in 1962 at St Margaret’s Church, Westminster; Celia’s cousin, the future Queen Camilla, was a bridesmaid.

When Pat left the Army in 1965, they returned to Ireland with their young daughter, Virginia. That year, Castletown was sold and the Conolly-Carews settled nearby in Co Kildare, where Pat pursued his riding career, buying Tawny Port from the British eventer Chris Collins, showjumping for Ireland and competing at 11 Badminton Horse Trials.

On one occasion at Badminton, during the roads-and-track section (where the rider walks beside his horse), Ballyhoo broke free, risking disqualification had the mare not been caught and returned to Pat by his friend (and three-times Olympic gold medallist) Richard Meade.

Pat also showjumped with the Irish Nations Cup Team in 1970 and 1978. Celia rose to be an international dressage judge and chairman and president of the Irish Pony Club.

Patrick Conolly-Carew later became an elder statesman of the equestrian world, serving as chef d’equipe of the Irish threeday eventing team at the 1976 Olympics, and ground jury at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics.

He was also president of the Irish Equestrian Federation (197985), chairman of the Fédération Equestre Internationale’s three-day event committee and bureau member between 1989 and 1997. During this period the bureau was doing its best

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth presenting the cup for winning the Services Showjumping at The Royal Windsor Horse Show in 1962. The other team members were CoH Thompson and Jeremy Smith-Bingham

Pat Conolly-Carew was also Ireland’s 12th man in a cricket match held in the grounds of Trinity College Dublin in 1965 against West Indies, with their terrifyingly fast bowlers. Conolly-Carew recalled that he had never been so glad to be out in his life: “I faced six balls and didn’t see one of them.”

Patrick Thomas Conolly-Carew was born in London on March 6 1938 to William (Bill), the 6th Baron Carew – a title in both the British and Irish peerages – and his wife Lady Sylvia, née Maitland, daughter of the 15th Earl of Lauderdale of Thirlestane Castle in the Scottish Borders. Pat and his two sisters and brother were raised at Castletown House in Kildare, widely considered to be Ireland’s finest Palladian house, built in the 1720s by his ancestor William Conolly, Speaker of the Irish House of Commons.

Patrick Conolly-Carew competing at Burghley in 1962 on his horse Ping Pong

to standardise international competitions to make them fairer for all nations. Prince Philip, former FEI president (1964-86), described Conolly-Carew as a real ally during these tough meetings.

On inheriting the two peerages from his father in 1994, Carew took a keen interest in sitting on the cross benches in the House of Lords, speaking with authority on his two passions, sport and Ireland.

First and foremost, he was a family man who cherished being the head of an old Irish, aristocratic family and took pride in any of his relations’ endeavours, whether large or small.

“There was never a dull moment with Pat around – he was a hugely kind and fun character who was loved by all,” recalled his younger brother Bunny Maitland-Carew, who took his mother’s maiden name of Maitland when he inherited the Lauderdale seat of Thirlestane Castle.

Patrick Carew was also field master of the Kildare Foxhounds for a number of seasons, and an accomplished shot, a member of several syndicates in Ireland.

He is survived by his wife Celia, their three daughters, Virginia, Nicola and Camilla, and their son William, who succeeds as the 8th Baron Carew.

Sir Thomas Dunne

Late Royal Horse Guards with thanks to The Daily Telegraph

Sir Thomas Dunne, dashing and self-deprecating LordLieutenant of Herefordshire.

When he was made the 1,001st Knight of the Garter he took as his crest ‘a wolf rampant holding between the forepaws a bottle’

Sir Thomas Dunne, who has died aged 91, could reasonably be said to have embodied the county of Herefordshire.

The heir to an estate near Leominster that had been in his family since 1678, Dunne was the Queen’s representative in the county for three decades, serving as its Lord-Lieutenant from 1977 to 2008 (and as Lord-Lieutenant of Worcester from 1977 to 2001). It was an astonishingly long tenure, which he crowned by chairing the Lord-Lieutenants’ Association, effectively making him the senior Lord-Lieutenant in the kingdom.

He was also president of the Friends of Hereford Cathedral, the Hereford Historic Churches Trust and the Herefordshire Nature Trust, steward of the Hereford and Ludlow racecourses,

and trustee of a dauntingly long list of local museums, choral societies, cricket clubs and scout associations.

The secret to his unfailing energy, he explained, was that he positively enjoyed the rows and dramas in all the organisations he was asked to lead, since he was born and bred in foxhunting country, where rows and dramas were both ferocious and frequent.

Dunne looked every inch the dashing young Lord-Lieutenant – he was even chosen by Miles Jebb as the cover star for his history The Lord-Lieutenants and their Deputies – and he dispatched his ceremonial duties with the panache to be expected of a former captain in The Blues. But he was not at all pompous.

His greatest delight was in telling stories against himself, and he was thrilled on his first engagement as Lord-Lieutenant, when he clanked into a town hall in his full regalia, only to be firmly turned away by the lady serving tea, who told him: “I’m sorry, love, but the band are having their tea downstairs.” Dunne was equally tickled to learn that the “Gatley” of his ancestral home, Gatley Park, meant “goat hollow”, and in the early days of email, while his fellow landowners were concocting rather more stately email addresses, he made his own email “goathollow”.

Dunne’s genius was in getting along with, and getting some fun out of, everyone he encountered. His local history talks dwelt on the more eccentric, off-beam denizens of his county. He was held in no less esteem by his local garage proprietor and by his butcher than by the late Queen, who grew very fond of him.

In 2008, when he was made the 1,001st Knight of the Garter –Prince William being the 1,000th – he took as his crest “a wolf rampant holding between the forepaws a bottle” (the bottle was understood to be whisky).

That year, when he stepped down as Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, 2,000 people turned up to Hereford Cathedral to attend his farewell service – more than could fit inside the nave, and a substantial portion of the entire Herefordshire population, which was around 180,000.

On his death, the flags of council buildings across Herefordshire were lowered for a week to half-mast.

The eldest of three, Thomas Raymond Dunne was born on October 24 1933 to Captain Philip Dunne, later an MP, and his wife Margaret, née Walker, a whisky heiress; Thomas’s younger brother Martin would become Lord-Lieutenant of Warwickshire (1997-2010), and his sister Philippa would marry the 2nd Earl Jellicoe.

Their father was something of a Boy’s Own hero: a noted figure in the hunting world and on the Turf, celebrated for his bravery and gaiety, he had been awarded the MC at Salerno Bay in September 1943, and had earlier fought in North Africa with the No 8 (Guards) Commando.

The family home was Gatley Park, a romantic, early-17th-century brick house set in hilly parkland that had been sold to the Dunnes, then landowners in the Welsh Borders, by the widow of the Royalist MP Sir Sampson Eure. The family, formerly “Dwn”, were descended from the Welsh princes.

Young Thomas, however, spent his early years at his mother’s home of Chadshunt in Warwickshire, where he hunted passionately; the unwritten rule was that the children would have to ride to any meet within eight miles. Later he would be joint master of the Radnor & West Herefordshire Foxhounds.

Sir Thomas Dunne: dispatched his ceremonial duties with panache. Credit: Willie Burlington

After Ludgrove, Eton and Sandhurst, he was commissioned in 1951 into the Royal Horse Guards, serving in Germany and Cyprus.

In 1957 he married Henrietta Crawley, a niece of the television commentator and MP Aidan Crawley; the actress Anna Massey was a bridesmaid at their wedding at St James’s, Piccadilly, which was attended by Princess Alexandra.

Over their 67-year marriage, the beautiful Henrietta was the linchpin of all he did, whether making Christmas stockings for his officers in The Blues or handling the intricate seating plans at the annual meeting of Lord-Lieutenants at St James’s Palace. In 1959 Dunne left the Army to look after the 1,500-acre estate at Gatley, but retained a strong affiliation with the Forces, serving later as president of the West Midlands Territorial and Army Volunteer Reserve Association and national vice-president of the Royal British Legion, and as an honorary colonel in the Mercia Regiment, the Worcester & Sherwood Foresters and the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry.

In 1981 he accompanied the then Prince of Wales to the SAS base outside Hereford, where they were invited into the regiment’s famous stun chamber. Noise and smoke grenades were thrown in to the darkened room, but the commanding officer deemed the explosives insufficiently impressive, and ordered more to be added. When the pair emerged suitably shaken but roaring with laughter, Dunne’s hair was standing on end.

In 1972 he sought the Conservative nomination for the soonto-be vacant seat of Leominster, but was not encouraged when, during one of his campaign speeches, he noticed one of his best friends sound asleep in the front row. He lost out to Peter Temple-Morris, who held the seat for the Conservatives until 1997.

Among many other endeavours, Dunne was president of the 3 Counties Agricultural Society, joint-president of the Mid Wales & Herefordshire Magistrates Association, West Midland regional director of Central Television, vice-president of the Friends of Abbey Dore, governor of The Bishop of Hereford’s Bluecoat School and Lucton School, and a church warden.

Evelyn Waugh described Dunne’s father Philip as “‘chivalrous, with a sense of private honour uncommon nowadays”; the same was true of Thomas Dunne, who never raised his voice, always put people at their ease and was a fount of sound advice, particularly to the young.

In 1995 he was appointed a Knight Commander of the Royal

Victorian Order.

He is survived by his wife Henrietta, by their daughter, Milly Soames, a Deputy Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, and by their two sons, Philip Dunne, former MP for Ludlow (200524), and Nicky Dunne, chairman of Heywood Hill bookshop; another daughter, Letty, predeceased him.

Sir Thomas Dunne, born 24th October 1933, died 6th January 2025.

Lieutenant Colonel Noel Carding MBE Late RAVC

by Lieutenant General Sir Barney White-Spunner formerly The Blues and Royals

Lt Col Noel Carding MBE was born on 14th December 1943. His distinguished career began when he was commissioned on 6th July 1967.

Appointed as the Veterinary Officer for the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) on 25th May 1978, Noel’s responsibilities were immense. He oversaw the care of 250 horses, managed 13 farriers, and was in charge of selecting and purchasing new horses and remounts.

Noel’s dedication was particularly evident during the Hyde Park Bombing in 1982. His exceptional care ensured that none of the injured horses succumbed to their injuries. For his work, he was rightly awarded an MBE. He handled considerable media exposure with poise. The Commanding Officer, Lt Col A Parker Bowles praised Noel in a report “I worry every time he falls off a horse, he becomes less mobile and could seriously damage himself in the future. However I have been very lucky to have him under my Command and he is a great asset to the Regiment.”

In 1983, Noel was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and initiated the transfer process to the The Blues and Royals, although sadly this transfer did not occur as they would not allow him to take up the full time Veterinary Officer of the Household Cavalry due to experience that could be gained from those behind him in the RAVC.

In 1986, his duties expanded to include purchasing horses for the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, including a notable trip to Hungary to establish future buying options, a practice that continued into 2024 according to curators’ notes.

His 1987 annual appraisal highlighted his outstanding technical proficiency, sound administrative skills, and his contagious

A young Thomas Dunne

The Commanding Officer (Lt Col A H Parker-Bowles) and the Vet (Maj Noel Carding RAVC) visit Sefton

enthusiasm and zeal. He willingly took on extra tasks and spared no effort to help others. His expertise in equine care was sought by multiple organisations, including the Royal Mews. He fully embraced Regimental life, earning admiration as a charming and congenial colleague, as noted by Lt Col Morrisey-Paine.

After 22 years of distinguished service, Lt Col Noel Carding MBE retired on 27th March 1989. His remarkable career left an indelible mark on all who knew and served with him, He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered, especially due to his performance during the Hyde Park Bombing.

Major John Peck

formerly The Blues and Royals

by his daughter Kate Camfield

John, or Jack as he was known, was born in the small Bedfordshire village of Gravenhurst. He enjoyed a countryside childhood with family living close by and was lucky that during the war his father was based at a nearby RAF airfield. He was joined by his brother Derek in 1943.

John left Shefford Secondary School aged 15, where he had been a House Captain due to his sporting prowess, and in his last year he was the School Captain.

On leaving school his father advised him to make the most of any opportunities that came his way. So, when they stopped teaching him anything new at the local garage where he first worked, he moved on to the nearby greengrocer who taught him to drive a lorry passing his driving test with flying colours. He also learnt to ride when a neighbour, who also encouraged him to join the Army, let him exercise and ride his horse.

In 1956 John sat his National Service written test and when he was told that the Royal Horse Guards were actively recruiting, he had no hesitation in choosing to join the Ceremonial rather than Armoured role.

Jack served in the regiment for 32 years. A career that was divided between Knightsbridge, the Regiment in Windsor and Detmold, and the Guard’s Depot. He ended his career in 1988 in Knightsbridge as Quartermaster.

In 1973 he was one of the Corporal Majors chosen to carry a Standard, at the Presentation of the new Regimental Standards and the following year he carried the Standard on The Queen’s Birthday Parade. He took part in many ceremonial occasions, including infamously the Silver Jubilee in Germany – those of you that were there or heard about it later will probably agree that he was safer on a horse than standing on a tank! Jack enjoyed taking part in tent pegging and show jumping competitions at Olympia and the Windsor Horse Show and riding with the Weser Vale Hunt.

Importantly, he was a wonderful soldier; brilliant at Skills at Arms; a real example to everyone; supportive and a great mentor; admired and acted as a father figure to many; an inspirational speaker, where some speeches have not been forgotten and well respected – even by the Footguards! What’s more he was fun.

He was a very active Mess member and having spent time as the Officers’ Mess Corporal Major he went on to become a keen planner of events and always a willing participant of any shenanigans afoot!

After leaving the Army, Jack went to work for the Corps of Commissionaires. He was the Manager of the Corps’ largest area, London. He managed the area with zeal and success and was known throughout the organization to be quite firm but fair.

Jack was always smartly attired and had good humour, telling amusing stories against himself and frequently laughing at life’s experiences.

Sport played in a major part in Jack’s life. He started playing football in school as goalkeeper, a position he continued in the Army, earning him the nickname ‘Jack the Leap’.

He had a great love for cricket: playing wicketkeeper for the regiment, the Eton Ramblers and Pirbright Village teams. He became a member at Surrey Cricket Club on retirement and travelled around the UK watching matches and making new friends. Cricket was frequently a topic of conversation and many overs were bowled over a feast of fish and chips. He had an amazing internal body clock that would wake him up just as the TV coverage of matches down under started!

Family was very important to Dad. He met Pat on a blind date in February 1958, they were married a year later and were married for over 65 years. His children were always encouraged to join in activities with him: whether it be playing sport, going to Summer Camp in Stoney Castle, making cricket teas, going to football matches and accompanying him on his walks around the UK.

He also loved spending time with his three granddaughters: Robyn, Holly and Alice. He was happy to be involved in any games being played, cheering them on at school events, and as they got older embarrassing them with boyfriend questions, but over the moon when they all met the one. Dad was delighted with the arrival of his great granddaughters Anna, Sophie, and Eva and finally a great grandson Rory.

In retirement, Jack enjoyed going on holiday, topping up his enviable mahogany tan! He loved meeting up with family, friends and old colleagues and would happily drive across the UK and Europe to see them.

As per his father’s early advice, John (Jack) made the most of all the opportunities that came his way. He never forgot where he came from, was proud to be a Blue and Royal and amazed at all he had achieved.

He will be greatly missed by all of his family and friends.

Nigel Lewis Baker

Late Royal Horse Guards with thanks to The Daily Telegraph

Nigel joined the Royal Horse Guards in March 1963 at Windsor, where he commenced basic training, after which he chose to go mounted and commenced Riding School on a horse named Huntsman.

During his time at Windsor, he was also made responsible for Hercules, the Life Guards mascot, who was a very stubborn and selfopinionated Shetland pony, who paraded on occasions in a miniature drum kit with gold coat uniformed doll on top. That outfit can still be seen in the museum.

After Windsor Riding School, Nigel was sent to complete ceremonial training at Knightsbridge Barracks, London. This was the old Victorian built Knightsbridge Barracks, where the RHG and LG each had four troops stationed living in eight enormous troop rooms above the stables with only a small cast iron stove at the far end for warmth. It was fleas in the summer and mice in the winter, Nigel said. Juniors started near the door and were able to move their bed space down one nearer the stove, each time a new batch of recruits arrived. You soon got used to heights too, as the stairs were all outside, even to the cookhouse that was way up in the roof. The Stores were in the roof too, on the other side of the ‘square’, and the office at the bottom of the stairs was Jim Fisher’s barber shop. Next to him was the coal hole where the allocated bucket full was collected to last the day. At Nigel’s Pass Out parade he was presented with a Regimental crested lighter as the Best Recruit! A few days later at the Remembrance Parade at the Cenotaph, Nigel said he nearly fainted having been charged for his turnout, for which he received 7 days restriction of privileges. A wonderful start, restricted to barracks, spending set hours on fatigues and parading behind the night guard each evening as a Defaulter, Nigel said.

Back in the 1960’s a Trooper earned £6 a week and worked mostly seven days a week with occasional weekends off, which did give time for some fun in the West End after a day of relaxing in bed. Every morning, we had Watering Order which meant riding one and leading another for an hour. On Sundays the horses were taken in to the riding school, where it was bare back antics and relay races.

Mounted on his horse Ike [58] Nigel occasionally managed to get in the ‘box’ on Queens Life Guard, although mostly it was Front Gate Sentry or the Sentry over the Arms (chicks) which was just 13 steps each way. Also, in the 1960’s foot sentry’s meant sentry duties were through the night, and many a lonely night Nigel spent gazing through the closed gates into Whitehall.

Nigel admitted they did get up to quite a bit of mischief at Horse Guards, including occasionally climbing over the rooftops to the Admiralty in the evening. Nigel recalled on one memorable occasion Dicky de Burgh disappeared on his own and was absent when CoH Jackson did a room check, so he sat on the end of Dicky’s bed awaiting his eventual return. Dicky eventually

arrived back, draped in an amount of coloured cloth which turned out to be part of the Royal Navy Ensign less the small Union Flag in the corner, which Dicky had sent back up the flagpole on its own. Of course, CoH Jackson was thrilled that a charge for damage from the Admiralty would far exceed any punishment for absence he could arrange, and he told Dicky to take it back where it came from in the morning and explain his misdemeanour. Next morning Dicky came back with nothing but a smile on his face and later explained that the Admiralty had passed the problem to the Ministry of Public Buildings and Works, but they just took it off him and said they had plenty more and sent him back without even a flea in his ear. This was the luck that followed Dicky throughout his time at Knightsbridge.

Nigel’s time with the Mounted Regiment was varied including spells as special groom, Officer’s Orderly and Medical Orderly. Nigel admitted he was fired from each one. In 1967 Nigel wanting promotion transferred to the RAOC and The Queen’s Regiment where he was commissioned. However, the Household Cavalry was always Nigel’s first love and he still considered the Blues his true military family and was the Regiment’s local representative for many years and paraded with the Regiment at Cavalry Sunday in Hyde Park every year. More recently he said he was fortunate to find a position as a Volunteer with the museum in Windsor, leading guided tours around the barracks and educating our visitors to 350 years of our history.

Lieutenant John Wilkinson

Late Royal Dragoons

assembled by Captain Chris Elliot formerly The Blues and Royals

John enlisted in 1959, after completing his Basic and Officer Training and was Commissioned into the Royal Dragoons (Royals).

Without much time to settle into his new role, Lieutenant Wilkinson received his joining instructions to muster at a Troop Ship in Southampton with the Advance Party in late Autumn of 1959. He was swiftly deployed to Aden/Oman, where he found himself Messing with 11 Hussars.

As the Main Party from the Royals arrived, Lieutenant Wilkinson was assigned as a Troop Leader in B Squadron, patrolling Oman and Aden. In 1960, he remained with the Rear Party in Aden, this time Messing with The Life Guards, as the Regiments Main Party deployed to Malaya.

After returning to the UK in 1960 he served for 1 more year before discharging in 1961.

One of his proudest moments as a Royals Officer, was the opportunity you all gave him to participate at the Waterloo Commemoration Services and the capturing of the Eagle in Dumfries, where he was given the honour of laying the wreath at the grave of Capt Kennedy-Clark. He so enjoyed hosting the Regimental Lunch afterwards for those attending. It was a

special day for him and one he looked back on fondly during our many hours of reminiscing over the last few months.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Peter Marsh

Late The Blues and Royals

by Captain Stuart Marsh RCAM and formerly The Blues and Royals

WO2

Peter Marsh sadly passed away on the 13th of December 2024. Pete had wanted to be a drummer ever since he was four years old and at the age of 10, he started the drum lessons which would define his military career. In 1968 Pete made the obvious choice to follow in his father’s (Bill Marsh) footsteps when he enlisted into the Royal Horse Guards. However, in contrast to his father he auditioned and was accepted into the Band, Pete soon started training at the Junior School of Music at the Guards Depot. Pete’s ability and attributes were soon clearly evident, and he was subsequently elevated to the position of Junior Regimental Corporal Major.

Riding school followed and in no time at all Pete was dispatched onto his first of his many happy years on the Household Cavalry Musical Ride. Pete was a first-class percussionist, but he was soon to become synonymous for his calm and assured presence as the mounted drummer leading the bands on many of the major State Ceremonial parades for over 25 years.

One of his proudest moments was when his son Stuart joined the Band of the Blues and Royals, and they were both sat astride the Drum Horses in front of Her Majesty the Queen at the last Berlin Tattoo in 1992. After the show, at Her Majesties request, they were both presented to Her Majesty. Naturally, they were first in line! In 1993 Pete officially handed over the foot reins to Stuart as civilian street beckoned. In 2014 Pete, Bill, and Stuart were present as the first three generations of Warrant Officers to dine at Hyde Park Barracks with the annual Blues and Royals Warrant Officers’ Dining Club Dinner, a truly proud moment for the family and their Regiment.

Craig Stickland

Late The Blues and Royals

by Captain C Elliot

formerly The Blues and Royals

Craig, affectionately known by his comrades as Sticky, embarked on his distinguished military career with The Blues and Royals at the age of 16. Straight out of school, he began his basic training at Bovington in June 1986. His training was intensive and thorough, with Chieftain driver training at Catterick preceding his deployment to Germany. Sticky’s first major exercise on the North German plains found him crewing a Centurion Armoured Recovery Vehicle (AARV), setting the stage for a career marked by hard work and camaraderie.

Sticky’s dedication saw him back on Chieftains for numerous exercises. He was among the select few to undergo conversion training and gunnery courses for the new Challenger 1 tanks, an experience he cherished. He vividly recalled the excitement of unloading these brand-new tanks from landing ships in Holland, the fresh paint still fragrant, as they escorted them back to central Germany.

When the Regiment returned to Windsor, Sticky’s found himself on a posting to Belize, where he celebrated his 21st birthday in unforgettable fashion. Surrounded by friends and sharing stories with SAS members who happened to be there at the same time. He snorkelled, drank, and caught barracuda for a beach side barbecue at Quay Chapel. This love for the jungle led him to volunteer for Mission Orinoco, a mission marking the historic union of the Household cavalry Regiment, which was even documented by BSkyB.

Life back in Windsor was no less eventful. Craig became involved with the 5 Airborne Brigade and TALO operations, he was also involved with exercises like Operation Woodshed at Heathrow and intensive training sessions on Salisbury Plain, Sennybridge, the Mull of Galloway, and even overseas in Egypt, Spain, and Sardinia. He participated in exchange programs with the Canadian Cavalry and executed challenging tasks such as night beach landings with the Royal Marines of 3 Commando Brigade, manoeuvring armoured vehicles onto Mexefloats in the Irish Sea.

Sticky’s drive and dedication paid off when he passed his Junior Non-Commissioned Officer (JNCO) Cadre with distinction, earning the title of “Best Improved Student.” He received his well-deserved promotion despite the delays caused by Options for Change. Craig continued to excel, achieving an A pass on his Driving and Maintenance (D&M) Instructors course before transitioning from sabre troops to the Admin troop. Here, he obtained his HGV and Hazmat qualifications in preparation for D Squadron’s winter deployment to Maglaji, Bosnia, under the UN.

Beyond his military achievements, Craig’s personal life blossomed. In a gesture that showcased his heartfelt spontaneity, he proposed to his lifelong love, Sarah, at the wedding reception of his close friend, Nik Moore, a year before they married. The couple bought a house on Church Road in Newton Abbot in 1996 and married in 1998 at Wolborough Church, surrounded by cherished friends and family. The celebration included special touches from the regiment, such as crystal wine glasses presented by the Master Tailor Martin Peat and friend Mark Hooper, all orchestrated by the thoughtful Quartermaster, Captain Mick Harding.

Craig’s military journey was met with challenges, including a serious knee injury that led to his medical downgrading. Yet even then, his resilience shone through. He joined HQ Squadron, managing Regimental ammunition on Exercise Brightstar in Egypt, once again working alongside individuals he deeply respected, including Vince Maher, Mick Harding, and Michael Norris, each leaving a lasting impact on his life

and career.

Craig, alongside Dean Cox and under the guidance of Klaus Fisher, volunteered to organise the Household Cavalry Dinner in the South West. This event was due to have been Craig’s final dinner, Friday 15th November - a moment he had looked forward to as a heartfelt farewell. It is deeply poignant and a great sorrow that his battle ended just four days before.

Craig’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment and passion. His boundless spirit and dedication to both his regiment and his loved ones will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Ken Gimblett

Late The Blues and Royals

by Captain C Elliot

formerly The Blues and Royals

Ken passed away on Tuesday, June 11th, at the age of 71.

Ken joined The Blues and Royals in October 1971 and was initially posted to HCR(M). During his early days with the Mounted Regiment, Ken went AWOL for two weeks, only to be found in the NAAFI accommodation with his soon-to-be wife, Maggie. He was charged and spent the Christmas period in Colchester. Upon his return to duty, due to his immaculate turnout and professionalism, he was quickly promoted to Lance Corporal in 1972.

In 1974, Ken was posted to the Guards Depot, where he served for two years before returning to HQ Squadron in 1976. Over the next four years, he was posted between A Squadron and HQ Squadron until he was promoted to CoH and posted to the RAC Gunnery School with a small team to convert to a Challenger gunnery instructor.

Ken returned to the regiment in 1983 to 4 Troop, A Squadron. In 1985, he was promoted to Staff Corporal and joined Recce Troop under Lt Col Sulivan. During a Brigade exercise O group, the secure Ptarmigan phone rang, interrupting the Colonel’s briefing. The duty operator announced, “Corporal Major Gimblett, it’s your wife, Maggie just calling up for a chat.” Colonel Sulivan was not impressed!

In 1988, Ken was promoted to Warrant Officer Class 2 and took up the post of MTWO before becoming the SCsM of A Squadron (1989/90) and HQ Squadron (1991/92) until his discharge. Ken served in both RHG/D and HCR(M) in the UK, BAOR, NI, BATUS and Cyprus.

Ken was an ardent sportsman, participating in the Regiment’s rugby, football, and basketball teams. He was known for forgoing his orange at halftime for a cigarette and a pint and always came off the field as the cleanest player. How he managed that, no one knows.

Ken and Maggie were fantastic supporters of Regimental and Mess life. He was always fun to be around and a larger-than-life

character. Ken and Maggie had four children, Alison, Richard, Steve and Karen who between them produced four grandchildren, Louis, Sam, Isabel-Grace and Cloe, who Ken dotted on

He will be missed by all who had the privilege to serve with him.

Trooper Norman Quantrell Late Royal Horse Guards

by Ted Heath Curator formerly The Life Guards

10696956

Trooper Norman Edward Quantrell served in the Royal Horse Guards (RHG - Blues) from 1943 to 1946.

Prior to this, he was a Territorial (TA) soldier with the Royal Army Service Corps until 1943, when he transferred to the Regular Army and the RHG. Unfortunately, his earlier papers do not provide more details about his TA service, only acknowledging that he served.

Norman trained as an Armoured Vehicle driver mechanic and deployed to France and Europe on 9th July, 1944, departing from East India Dock in East London. He entered the Theatre on 13th July, 1944, and remained in Europe until December 17, 1946.

While the record does not specify, Norman likely served in the 2nd Household Cavalry Regiment (2HCR), which pushed across Europe and was described by General Sir Brian Horroks as ‘the finest Regiment he had seen’ or words to that effect.

He was discharged upon his return in December 1946.

Norman was entitled to the following medals:

• 1939-1945 Star

• France and Germany Star

• War Medal

• Defence Medal

His discharge report records: “A likeable man, entirely honest, hardworking, a good driver and competent man.”

It was Soldiers like Norman who stood up to be counted when called upon. “Never was so much owed by so many to so few.”

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

General Office: 01753 755061

E-Mail for Home HQ is: homehq@householdcavalry.co.uk

E-Mail for Secretary LG Assn is: lg.regsec@householdcavalry.co.uk

E-Mail for Secretary RHG/D Assn is: rhg-d.regsec@householdcavalry.co.uk

Recruiting and Admission procedures for In-Pensioners Royal Hospital Chelsea

The Royal Hospital Chelsea are currently reviewing their recruiting and admission procedures as they now believe there may be some senior citizens with military experience who might be eligible to become InPensioners but who are not aware of the eligibility criteria or what being a Chelsea Pensioner means. To be eligible for admission as a Chelsea Pensioner, a candidate must be:

• Over 65 years of age

• Either a former non-commissioned officer or soldier of the British Army; or a former officer of the British Army who served for at least 12 years in the ranks before obtaining a commission; or have been awarded a disablement pension while serving in the ranks.

• Able to live independently in the sheltered accommodation (known as Long Wards). The Royal Hospital does not usually accept direct entries in to the Infirmary.

• Free of any financial obligation to support a spouse or family.

If you are in receipt of an Army Service Pension or War Disability Pension you will be required to surrender it upon entry to the Royal Hospital. Please note that if your Army Service or War Disability Pension does not meet a minimum threshold you will 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

Data Protection

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.

Change of Home Address

Members are requested to inform us, through Home Headquarters Household Cavalry, of any change in your address. Every year both Associations lose touch with a number of members who have failed to notify us of those changes. Any correspondence returned will result in that member being placed in the non-effective part of the database.

Your E-Mail Addresses

Notification of changes to your E-mail address is as important as changes to your postal address. Please keep us informed of these also.

Regimental Items for Sale

PRI shops at 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: www.householdcavalrymuseum.org.uk

Should you be unable to find what you want, contact Home HQ for further information.

Websites

The MoD official Household Cavalry Website can be found at: https://www.army.mod.uk/who-weare/corps-regiments-and-units/royalarmoured-corps/household-cavalry http://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 Birthday Parade and Reviews

The Major Generals Review will take place on Saturday 31st May.

The Colonels Review will take place on Saturday 7th June.

The Kings Birthday Parade will take place on Saturday 14th June.

Combined Cavalry Parade and Service

The Combined Cavalry Old Comrades Association will take place on Sunday 11th May 2025.

Helpful Contacts

The following is a list of organisations which members may find useful for future reference.

Veterans-UK (0808 1914 2 18)

The Ministry of Defence’s Veterans UK helpline provides assistance on many issues including benefits, housing and welfare.

Veterans UK helpline

Veterans UK

Ministry of Defence

Norcross

Thornton Cleveleys FY5 3WP

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 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 ex-Officers 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

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

Blind Veterans UK

Blind veterans UK, formerly St Dunstan’s, cares for Ex-Servicemen who have lost their sight for any reason (even after leaving the Service). For more information contact 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 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

Ministry of Defence (MOD) Medal Office

There is now one Medal Office, which covers all three Services and they be contacted as follows:

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

For additional information about medals visit: www.veterans-uk.info

Cyprus GSM Clasp – 1963-64

As a result of an Independent Medal review conducted by Lt Gen Sir John Holmes a General Service Medal is available for those qualifying between 21st December 1963 and 26th March 1964. This is relevant to some Household Cavalrymen.

Veterans Badges

Men and Women who enlisted in HM Armed Forces between 3rd September 1945 to date are entitled to a Veterans Badge. There is no qualifying length of Service. You can download a form from the Veterans Agency Website at https://www.gov.uk/apply-medal-orveterans-badge

Army Personnel Records and Family Interest Enquiries - Historical Disclosures

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) keeps the records of former members of our Armed Forces for administrative use after their discharge. A Subject Access Requests (SAR) form needs to be completed in order to access records for all ranks in the Army that served after 1920. The following address should be used for ex-soldiers wishing to access their personal records:

Army Personnel Centre, Disclosure 2, Mail Point 515, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow, G2 8EX

Tel: 0845 600 9663

The following address should be used for family members wishing to access records of deceased soldiers:

Army Personnel Centre, Historical Disclosures, Mail Point 400, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street, Glasgow, G2 8EX

The following personnel Service records have been transferred to the National Archive (formerly the Public Record Office) and are available for public access.

• Army Officers commissioned prior to 1920

• Army Other Ranks that enlisted prior to 1920

Service records which pre-date those held by the MOD have been transferred to the National Archive and are freely available for public access. However the National Archives is not resourced to carry out searches. Enquirers are instead welcome to visit, or hire an independent researcher - see the National Archive website for further details at http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/ militaryhistory/

The Veterans Oyster Photocard

You can travel free at any time using your Veterans Oyster photocard on:

Bus - Travel free at any time on buses within London Tube, tram, DLR and London Overground showing the TFL symbol

You can apply for a Veterans Oyster photocard if you are:

• Receiving ongoing payments under the War Pensions Scheme in your name (this includes widows, widowers and dependants)

• Or receiving Guaranteed Income Payment under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme in your name (this includes widows, widowers and dependants)

Transport for London will not issue a Veterans Oyster photocard if you live in London and are eligible for the Freedom Pass. Visit - http://www.tfl.gov.uk/ tickets/14424.aspx or Oyster photocard team on 0845 331 9872 for further details and application.

Household Cavalry Charities

We are always extremely grateful if past and serving members of the Household Cavalry wish to make donations or leave legacies in their Wills to our principal charities.

To help you decide which of our charities you may wish to benefit, and how, please read the following summaries of the objects and payment details of the main Household Cavalry charities.

If you have any queries please ask the Secretary of your Regimental Association.

Household Cavalry Foundation (HCF) (Charity No 1151869)

www.hcavfoundation.org

HCF is now the umbrella organisation

for all Household Cavalry charities and funds. The origin of the Foundation lies in the Household Cavalry Central Charitable Fund (Charity No 1013978), whose Declaration of Trust for this Fund was made on 10th February 1975. Its primary function then was to build up funds to deal with major regimental casualty incidents, and major events such as the Standards Parade. With the union of the two Regiments in 1992 the Declaration was re-issued on 6th August 1992.

Its primary source of income is from The Day’s Pay Scheme (formerly The One Day’s Pay Scheme) into which Household Cavalrymen voluntarily contribute (less musicians). A minimum of 51% of this income is passed to each Assn (LG and RHG/D) and that must be spent on the ‘welfare’ of retired members and their dependants who are in need. The HCF is here to support all the Household Cavalry family in times of need or distress with five noted pastoral care objectives:

1. Support for serving soldiers. The HCF aims to help serving Household Cavalry soldiers by providing funding for additional training, sporting activities, life-skills or educational opportunities with the assistance of the Regimental Welfare Officers external to those already provided by the Armed Forces. This will help to ensure that our troops remain motivated and dedicated to their careers within the Regiment or assist them in the transition to civilian life.

2. Caring for our casualties. Building on the excellent work of the Operational Casualties Fund, Household Cavalry personnel who suffer either

MWH Quetta with a Jim Carey haircut

MT preparing for B Vehicle Inspections

physical or mental injury during their service can rely upon the HCF to provide them with the best possible support. This help extends to families and dependants too, and can take many forms. Our core aim is to ensure that our personnel and their families are aware of and have full access to all possible existing welfare provision. Where these welfare systems are found to be insufficient, the HCF will provide funds and physical support to ensure that our casualties can confidently either return to their regimental duties or move into civilian life with the reassurance that they will be supported for as long as they may require it.

3. Welfare support for our Veterans. The HCF works closely with both The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals Associations, which both continue to conduct business in the usual way. We are extremely fortunate to benefit from the excellent communication networks and goodwill provided by the two Associations and thanks to this the HCF is able to increase the levels of help for former members of the Regiment in time of financial need or hardship. We look forward to 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, com-

radeship and the welfare of the Regiment and perpetuating its deeds and preserving its traditions;

c. providing and maintaining a memorial or memorials to those members of the Regiment who have died in the service of their country;

d. advancing the education of members of the Regiment;

e. promoting the advancement in life of members of the Regiment by the provision of assistance to enable such persons to prepare for or to assist their re-entry into civilian life.

The objects of the Association and the Charitable Trust are identical. They have separate legal identities for the purposes of clearer lines of responsibility, especially important for management of the Trust’s funds. The new Trust’s objects were expanded to include all the reasons most regiments have a regimental association, including now also the overall object of promoting the ‘efficiency’ of the Regiment which simply means that the Association can support the serving Regiment more closely if it ever wishes to. Hitherto, the Association’s charitable trusts had no legal power to support the Regiment. The priority for any cash grants by the new Trust remains to help members and former members who are in need because of hardship.

Also, although the new Charity rules allowed the three old charities to be merged, the existing funds in the three charities were ‘ring-fenced’ so that they can only ever be used for hardship cases. This means, for example, they can never be used to pay for a memorial or a social function: only new money received after the establishment of the new Trust can be used towards any of the new ‘efficiency’ objects.

The Blues and Royals Association (Charity No: 229144)

The Blues and Royals Association is itself a registered charity reformed in 1968 after the amalgamation. Its aims are very much similar to those of LG Assn.

The Blues and Royals have two charities, The Blues and Royals Association (Charity No. 259191) and the Oliver Montagu Fund (Charity No. 256297) which have similar, but not identical, objects to The Life Guards Association Charitable Trust. The Oliver Montagu Fund has less restriction on how its funds may be spent. Also subsumed in RHG/D funds is The Rose Fund.

Household Cavalry Association North Staffs Branch

President:

Lt Col (Retd) R R Griffin formerly The Life Guards

Secretary amd Treasurer: Mr I J Taylor formerly The Royal Horse Guards

Although the Corona virus period seems like an age ago, many people/ organisations adapted their way of living/operating, so as to be able to function in the face of adversity.

The change in lifestyle seems to suit so many that it has now become a norm.

Our Branch is no exception, at the height of the virus we kept meetings to a minimum, contact was maintained via email or ‘phone.

When the situation was eased, we resumed our meetings by holding a Saturday lunch every six weeks or so with members, wives and partners, even with membership falling, we continue to do.

In March, several members made the trip down to Windsor for the RHG/D annual dinner to meet up with old colleagues, many tales to be told and memories rekindled.

In May, the Secretary and his wife, Branch Chaplain the Revd Ann Taylor, were honoured to be invited to the Buckingham Palace Garden Party to

celebrate The King’s birthday.

It pays to look at the weather forecast and err on the side that it may not be as pleasant as one would like, in this case, the forecast was for rain about the time the hosts were due to appear, there was a deluge and those who had not seen the forecast found they were not dressed suitably.

In the event, the King and Queen did not attend, but The Prince of Wales and other members of The Royal family braved the elements.

In August, the Secretary and member Ken Healey travelled down to the National Memorial Arboretum to support the veterans of the Cyprus Memorial at their Remembrance service, like many veterans groups their ranks are getting a little thin on the ground, but it was a pleasure to support them.

For several years now, our annual Branch dinner has got later and later in the year so as not to coincide with other Branch events, to the point where it was termed as an annual Christmas dinner. On checking the dates of other events around the country, it was decided that September was the most suitable month that did not clash with other groups’ events, the annual dinner therefore was held on September 27th.

Sadly, shortly after this event, we lost two of our long serving members, former

Life Guard Fred Fox, and our Chairman Barry Lewis.

The Branch Secretary and member Ken Healey went down to the National Memorial Arboretum again early in November to place wreaths on the Regimental Memorials and say a few prayers.

As our Annual dinner was earlier than past years and we had a couple of months before Christmas, we planned another proper Christmas dinner on November 30th as it was the last time we shall be meeting up this year, and it was an apt time to remember our recently departed colleagues, we were pleased that RHG/D Association Secretary Chris Elliott and his wife Nickey, along with Major (Retd), Les Kibble and his partner Karen were able to join us.

Our next social get together will probably be in February 2025, we’re all going into hibernation for the next couple of months!

For our serving colleagues, our prayers and support are with you in the coming year.

For any serving or former Household Cavalry soldiers who wish to know more about us, contact the Branch Secretary at: ianandann.taylor@gmail.com

Ann at the Palace

Ian at the Palace

The Household Cavalry South West Dining Club

The Household Cavalry South West Dining Club was held at the Exeter Golf & Country Club on 15th November 2024 and was attended by 66 members of the Association, past and present.

The South West Dinner is well attended and is open to all past and serving association members, including those who have been attached to the Regiment.

by Dean Cox

This event is into its 4th year and Lionel Digby who has one of the largest displays of military memorabilia puts on a great display for all those who attended the event.

This year our guest speaker was Col Giles Stibbe who gave a great speech and paid tribute to Craig Stickland (aka Sticky) who was one of the organisers

who sadly passed away this year. The dining club remains a great way of meeting up with those you haven’t seen for many years, make new friends and to enjoy a night of banter and renew contacts.

Next year’s dinner is to be held on Friday 14th November 2025.

TOOT 2025 Dinner and Charity Auction

(Raising funds for The Life Guard Association)

The ‘TOOT’ Dinner & Gathering was originally set up over 15 years ago by Don McKenzie and held for many years at Tillington Hall Hotel in Stafford. A wonderful, more casual gathering of Life Guard Comrades and their spouses with a chance to meet, catch up and chew the fat.

Sadly, after Covid the hotel in Stafford closed so a new venue was sort after. The organising of the event was also taken over by Clare Holmes, wife of ‘Trooper’ Danny Holmes as Don decided to take a step back. The Woodland Grange Hotel in Leamington Spa was chosen as the new venue for the last four years. However, the 2025 event will now be held at a new place!

The hotel that has been chosen is where the 2 Royal Anglian Regiment hold their Annual Summer Ball and it has come recommended.

Details for next year’s event are:

Saturday 13th September 2025 @ 19:00hrs to be held at:

BEST WESTERN ROCKINGHAM FOREST

Nr Corby Northants

NN17 2AE

https://rockinghamforest.co.uk/

What you can expect:

Friday Evening: An informal gathering of comrades at the hotel to enjoy an evening of catch up and drinks or venture out for a meal, etc.

Saturday Evening: Dress - Smart Casual (ties not required unless you wish to wear). A sit down three-course meal with comrades. Commencing at 1900hrs for 1930hrs. The meal is followed by a Charity Auction where much fun is had and money raised for The Life Guard Association. There is also a fabulous raffle held over the weekend.

Sunday: Departure after breakfast.

Dinner Tickets: £45 (3 courses)

Rooms: £70 B & B Singles

£80 B & B Doubles

To book your tickets or a room reservation please call: 01536 401348 - Option 1 (reservation) and quote CORB00422.

You are very welcome to attend just the meal and do not need to stay for the weekend.

For any further information please call Clare Holmes on 07810003246 or email clare_bower@yahoo.co.uk

South West Dining Club Dinner

TOOT 2024

Yes – we have no Pristina…

During the autumn of 1998, D Squadron returned from a long OPFOR duty in BATUS with the rest of HCR, having previously returned from Bosnia at the end of 1997. All ranks were looking forward to a bit of a break during 1999 while HCR formed a Battle Group to deploy to Bosnia that summer. The troop leaders from 97/98 were all redeployed to new roles, plans were in place for career courses, weddings, and the exacting duties of rear party in Windsor.

Well, that did not last long. Freshly into the new year, the air war in Kosovo was mounting. 4th Armoured Brigade was deploying under Brigadier Bill Rollo, when the cry went out for a brigade recce squadron. When we first heard about it, we imagined that the rest of the formation recce community would be biting the hand off of HQ Land G3 O&D, but apparently not - and it fell to the rear party of HCR to furnish. Based mostly on D Squadron, ably supported by troops from A and HQ Squadrons, with a makeshift cadre of officers (one of whom claimed to want to be a singer – oh, how we laughed!).

By May 1999 we were sitting in Macedonia, encamped next to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, and listening to NATO jets on various communication

devices. The link between a Household Cavalry Brigade Commander and Household Cavalry Recce Squadron led to comments about us being a Pretorian Guard, while we knew that we were there to add tone to what would otherwise have been a vulgar brawl.

We had succeeded in extracting a set

of Ptarmigan SCRA from a reluctant 3 Div, as well as a job lot of KL43C data communication devices. This was all designed to ensure that the Signals CoH, Paul McKechnie, would have enough Crypto to worry about to keep himself warm at night.

We had not anticipated the need to clean

D Sqn on Serb Border - Frank Bruno Visit

Big - Bad and Ugly - Fortune McMullen and Hitchings

fascist graffiti from our vehicles, courtesy of the good people of Thessaloniki. However, it gave us the excuse to liberate a mobile flagpole to display the D Squadron oblong and was certainly more interesting than gate duty and RAAT tasks back in Windsor. As D Squadron led the way into Kosovo, the SCRA and 5m mast proved critical. as it provided the only working link between 16 Air Assault Brigade, HQ 3 Div, and HQ ARRC. The Paras were generously equipped with TACSAT; sadly, a combination of a violent storm and very large

strategically placed hill (which, given its impact on 16 Brigades comms, was aptly name Kodra e goleshit), conspired to ensure that, in fine airborne tradition, they couldn’t speak to anyone.

So what? Well 25 years later, there followed an approach from a MOD protocol officer, who was looking to garner support for a Kosovo Embassy drinks in London, to celebrate the 16th year of their independence, to which they invited a small collection of UK Kosovo veterans to commemorate 25 years.

This included the author and Richard Carney. Prior to the function, there was a meet up between Sean McMullen, Jonny Pass, Gary Pilchowski, Richard Carney and the author, where the plan for a get together was hatched. In the ensuing silence, we were fortunate that Sean, frustrated by the evident lack of volunteering spirit at the table, agreed to take on the organisation…

Hence, on Saturday 1st November, in Walkers of Whitehall, with kind support from The Blues and Royals Association,

On Patrol - ex Serb equipment destroyed during the air campaign

Time for a Kit Kat - McMullen and Hitchings

I thought you were map reading

James Blount about to start serenading McMullen

McMullen - protest

Blount and Clee about to start a duet

about 30 former members of D Squadron met to reflect on world events, and an era when Recce was really cool and did liberation (Paul Scott’s words, not mine). The senior serving (only serving) Officer was Lt Col Danny Hitchings LG, and the tallest men present were Richard Gallagher and Sean McMullen. We sadly had a number drop out at short notice due to work commitments. General Bill Rollo sent a kind form of words to remind us that there had been a serious military purpose for the evening. James Blunt even sent a message via his proxy - Gary Pilchowski; though it was less amusing than the imaginary version I attributed to him. All in all, it was a cracking night, superbly organised (thank you Sean), though I think we all left thinking there had not been enough time to satisfactorily engage with all.

Lord Worsley: A Short Life and an Honourable Enemy. Zandvoorde 1914

by The Rt Hon The Lord Astor of Hever PC DL, formerly The Life Guards

Lord Worsley, Royal Horse Guards, was killed on 30th October 1914 at Zandvoorde, north east of Ypres in Belgium. Lord Worsley was married to my great aunt Alexandra, and it is thanks to her that the place in Zandvoorde where her husband and many other Household Cavalrymen were killed in 1914 was later purchased and the Household Cavalry Memorial was erected there. Alexandra was just 24 when she became a widow and outlived her husband by nearly half a century. I knew her well and was very fond of her. She was the younger sister of my grandmother Dorothy Haig, and died in 1963.

Alexandra’s father, Lord Vivian, was Ambassador in Brussels when she was born. The bonds with the Belgian royal family were strong and Alexandra’s brother George was ADC to King Albert in the Great War. Lord Worsley was born in August 1887, the eldest son of the 4th Earl of Yarborough and grew up at Brocklesby Hall in Lincolnshire. He was educated at Eton and was later sent to Frankfurt to learn German. Proficiency in German and French was a prerequisite for entry into Sandhurst.

In October 1908, Lord Worsley joined the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues), his maternal grandfather’s old regiment. In June 1911, he was part of the Sovereign’s Escort for the Coronation of King George V. In 1912, when my maternal grandfather, Douglas Haig was appointed GOC at Aldershot, he asked his brother-inlaw Worsley to join his staff as an ADC. In June of that year, Worsley took part in the King’s Birthday Parade.

In August 1914, following the declaration of the First World War, the bulk of the British Expeditionary Force was mobilised. Before leaving for France, the Royal Horse Guards were sent to Ludgershall Camp on Salisbury Plain for training. Worsley was there, in command of the Machine Gun Section. On 6th October, the 3rd Cavalry Division left Ludgershall by train for Southampton. Lady Worsley drove to see her husband off at Southampton, and the ship, SS Basil, sailed that afternoon.

Loading and unloading proved an ordeal for the horses; they were overcome with terror as cranes hoisted them from the deep holds with slings around their bellies, swung them high above the deck and lowered them quivering. The horses hated it. There were 23 ships in convoy with an escort of torpedo boats en route to Ostend.

Once on Belgian soil, the Household Cavalry faced some very long mounted patrols probing the countryside for signs of the enemy. There were few opportunities to stop and rest. Men would fall asleep in their saddles and be woken by those riding beside them. For the horses the conditions were terrible, something that was very difficult to witness as a cavalryman’s first concern is always his horse. They had been used to living in warm stables, with good food and straw for their bedding. Now they were tied up on temporary horse lines, exposed to the elements, without proper exercise and weakening for want of forage. Food was scarce; the enemy had set alight the harvest grain and burnt the

barns storing grain.

On 21st October, two squadrons of the 1st and 2nd Life Guards and The Blues machine gunners were deployed at Zandvoorde Ridge, which was only 120 feet high but considered strategically important to halt the German advance to the Channel Ports. At this stage of the war the fighting was still very dynamic and deep trenches were considered unnecessary. Instead, the troops

D Sqn 25 Reunion Survivors Photo

Charles Sackville Pelham, Lord Worsley Born 14th August 1887

found themselves in hastily dug, shallow trenches on forward slopes, with no protection and in full view of enemy soldiers arriving like a tidal wave. It was a death trap, and to make matters worse, the weather was very stormy.

In Worsley’s last letter to Alexandra, penned on 27th October, he told her that his favourite charger Bodmin had been killed by a shell. He signed off with the following words: ‘God keep you and me, and bless us both and our friends’. On 29th October, the Blues were relieved in the trenches by the two Squadrons of the 1st and 2nd Life Guards. The 1st Life Guards’ Maxim machine gun was jammed, and as this was indispensable for covering such a vulnerable section of the line, Worsley was asked to remain in position with his section. ‘All in a day’s work’ was the swift reply of the young officer.

There was no let up. After seven consecutive nights in appalling weather and under continuous attack in the trenches, Worsley and his men were hungry, exhausted, and soaked to the skin.

At 6 am the next day, surrounded by enemy forces and open to attack on three sides, the gigantic German artillery barrage started to eject the Household Cavalry from Zandvoorde.

The storm of shrapnel and high explosives blew their trenches to pieces before the massive German infantry assault got underway. The order had been given to withdraw. Most of the Brigade managed to retire in good order. Communication lines had been cut in the bombardment, so runners were dispatched to the two Life Guards squadrons and Lord Worsley’s machine gun section. The order to retire never reached them, because the first two

runners were killed enroute.

When the German infantry advanced, it was over in minutes. Those that had not been killed by the preliminary shelling were then overwhelmed in brutal hand to hand combat as the enemy swarmed over their trenches. By 9 o’clock the British trenches passed into the hands of the enemy. Nobody escaped against these hopeless odds. With fighting all around, the British and German bodies were hastily buried in mass graves.

But one soldier, Lord Worsley, was given a special burial, and this is an amazing story.

Oberleutenant Freiherr Sigmund von Pranckh, in charge of the machine gun section of the Bavarian Jaeger (hunter) Regiment, had watched the fighting through binoculars until his own machine guns had silenced it. After the battle he went forward to inspect the captured trenches and made for the place where Lord Worsley had continued firing his single machine gun to

the bitter end. So impressed was he by Worsley’s bravery, that he wanted to find out more about him. On examining his papers, he was astonished by what he found and by how much they appeared to have in common. They were the same age, 27; both were noblemen (von Pranckh was a Freiherr or Baron); both were machine gun officers, of the same rank in elite regiments. And, crucially, both were married.

He was very moved by this and instinctively felt that Worsley should have a proper grave.

He returned to his company and gave instructions that Worsley’s remains were to be buried and the grave marked with a wooden cross. He then asked another officer to make a detailed drawing showing the precise location of the grave in the crater of a heavy howitzer shell next to where Worsley had died. And then he gave instructions that this information was to be passed via the War Office in Berlin via diplomatic channels to Worsley’s family in England. Von

Lord and Lady Worsley prior to his departure by ship to Ostend. 6th October 1914

Lord and Lady Worsley, looking very happy together just before the war. She was just shy of her 21st birthday when they married, he was 23

Lord Worsley and his Machine-Gun Troop at Ludgershall. Early October 1914

Pranckh carefully collected Worsley’s personal effects, including letters, diaries, a gold wedding ring and a Cartier watch, with instructions that they were to be returned to his family.

Von Pranckh’s gesture was an extraordinary act of humanity. Indeed, it was almost the last thing he did, as was killed the next day and was later buried in the German military cemetery in Zandvoorde.

On 7th November, the War Office sent Alexandra a telegram to say that Worsley was missing.

In a state of shock, she wrote to her husband asking for news and saying that she hoped he was being held prisoner. She also wrote to my grandfather General Sir Douglas Haig, her brotherin-law, asking him to help her with information about casualties. He was very concerned about Worsley’s fate. The Yarboroughs made many enquiries through the Red Cross in Switzerland and various other diplomatic channels. But it was not until 11th January 1915 that the family heard through the American Legation in Berlin that Worsley’s name had appeared on an official German list of British killed, and that he had been buried in Zandvoorde. Nothing was heard of the others who had been killed on that same day.

On 20th January 1915, The Times published the official announcement of Worsley’s death.

Von Pranckh’s detailed map giving the whereabouts of Worsley’s grave did indeed go to the War Office in Berlin and eventually to the family in England. In December 1918, after the war was over, armed with von Pranckh’s map,

a British officer located Lord Worsley’s grave. He also took a cutting from the only living thing on the ridge, an osier (or willow) tree, which was planted on the family estate in Lincolnshire. A cutting was taken from that tree and given to the Regiment; it is now growing at Combermere Barracks, Windsor.

Fortunately, the impressive wooden cross the Germans had erected survived, (less the top which had been shot off) and it been placed directly over Worsley’s body. After the war, this was sent to his family and now hangs above his sword at All Saints Church in Brocklesby. In January 1919 a replacement wooden cross was erected by his brother. In the spring of 1919, Lady Worsley accompanied her sister and brother-in-law to Belgium, and they

visited the grave. Having seen it, her wish was to have her husband’s body left where he was buried. And, at her request, an additional cross was added bearing the words GRAVE NOT TO BE TOUCHED. She then set about purchasing, from the local Belgian farmer, a suitable amount of land to preserve the grave where her husband was buried.

There was much dialogue between officials of the British and Belgian governments to have the land around Worsley’s grave declared an official cemetery. But the site was sloped and bound to have drainage problems, and it was decided that it was not suitable. So, in September 1921 his body was exhumed and reburied in Ypres. The family was not present, but placed on his coffin, as it was lowered into the ground, were two

Sigmund Freiherr von Pranckh and his wife Gisela Gräfin von Hohenthal und Bergen. Born in 1887, he was killed in action on 31st October 1914 while serving with the 1st Battalion of Bavarian Jäger His wife was born in 1892 and died in 1967

Lord Worsley’s grave at Zandvoorde marked by a wooden cross. In 1921 his body was moved to the Ypres Town Cemetery Extension

Unveiling of the Household Cavalry Memorial at Zandvoorde, 4th May 1924

small bunches of marigolds, one from his mother and one from his widow.

Lady Worsley donated the land where her husband’s body was found to the Imperial War Graves Commission, who then passed it on to the Household Cavalry. On 4th May 1924, a memorial was placed here, commemorating the 120 members of 1st Life Guards, 118 members of 2nd Life Guards, and 62 men of the Royal Horse Guards who died in the surrounding area. The memorial was unveiled by Field Marshal Haig, Colonel of the Blues, and my grandfather.

My grandmother recorded the event in her diary. In short sentences, she wrote: ‘The service was simple and nice. Very sad. My sister was there with Lord and Lady Yarborough and the two brothers, feeling it very much’. The fighting at Zandvoorde had been terrible. The Household Cavalry had not been able to stop the Germans capturing the ridge. But, by their wonderful defence, the cost to the enemy was heavy, and they managed to gain valuable time for the

British line behind them to hold their ground. The Germans’ desperate attempt to reach the sea at Calais was brought to a halt.

That day two cavalry squadrons and their machine gun section simply ceased to exist. Apart from Lord Worsley, nothing was ever recovered of the other brave men.

On 4th May 2024, one hundred year on from the day that the Household Cavalry Memorial at Zandvoorde was unveiled, the Household Cavalry returned for a service of re-dedication. Among those at this poignant service were the present Lord Worsley, the great grandson of Lord Worsley’s brother, and Laurin von Pranckh, great grandson of Freiherr Sigmund von Pranckh. They stood together at Zandvoorde, and later the Menin Gate, to lay a wreath in remembrance of all those killed 110 years ago.

Rededication of The Household Cavalry Memorial at Zandvoorde.

4th May 2024

by Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) R R D Griffin, The Life Guards

Pilgrimage and commemoration remain an essential learning tool for the military, remembering the past deeds and actions of our forebears. It is rare that one can rededicate a memorial exactly 100 years to the day of its unveiling. This is what the Household Cavalry managed to do at Zandvoorde on 4th May 2024. The guiding document for the weekend was the service booklet from 4th May 1924 loaned by Major Sir Edward Crofton, formerly Coldstream Guards, whose father, Sir Morgan Crofton, served in the Second Life Guards. In 1924, HM The King was represented by FM Haig whose brother-in-law, Lord Worsley, had perished at the site of the Memorial, along with his machine-gun section from the Royal Horse Guards and a squadron from both the First and Second Life Guards. Thanks to significant research by Lord Astor of Hever, formerly The Life Guards, grandson of FM Haig and great nephew of Lord Worsley, the scene was set for a historic weekend.

This was a truly pan Household Cavalry event, with Colonel Life Guards, HQ and Home Headquarters Household Cavalry, both our Associations, our Band, The Household Cavalry Regiment,

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, and the Training Wing all contributing, along with a number of relations whose ancestors and cousins either died or survived the dark days of October 1914. The wider Household Cavalry family who managed to travel to Ypres and support included Crofton,

Vandeleur, Worsley, Yarborough, Strutt, Wyndham, Churchill and many others.

A formal dinner was given on the Friday for 100. The evening was enhanced by a brass quintet from the Band who played beautifully and as quietly as is possible with brass instruments. The Colonel

Laurin von Pranckh, great grandson of Freiherr Sigmund von Pranckh, and Lord Worsley, great grandson of Lord Worsley’s brother, at Zandvoorde

The Padre at the Memorial

delivered a very powerful speech which was an attention grabber and set the tone for the next two days. However, what really enhanced the evening was the inclusion of the Band and some of the Marching Party. The seven Troopers who sat down with, not only the good and great of Ypres, but also four peers, The Associations’ members and a number of senior officers, looked immaculate in their blues, behaved impeccably, and joined in.

On Saturday, lectures were given in St George’s Church, Ypres. The Regimental Adjutant gave the administrative brief and then set the scene for the remainder of the day, starting with the strategic reasons for the outbreak of the First World War and why the Household Cavalry were on the ridge at Zandvoorde. Lord Astor spoke about his great uncle, Lord Worsley, and the humanity shown by a Bavarian, Freiherr von Pranckt. Major Sir Edward Crofton spoke on his father’s deployment to Ypres in early November 1914, bringing to life the very human activity and observations. His description of riding through Ypres in early November set the scene for all to imagine. The whole group then split into two parties and deployed onto the ground to complete a Battlefield Study at Hill 60 and the London Scottish Memorial.

This was conducted by our home-grown experts, Pete Storer, a former curator of the Household Cavalry Archive and Major Brian Rogers LG. They brought the realities of war to life and explained everything so well to this very mixed audience.

The final stand was held at Zandvoorde. This was a triumph of the coming together of Battlefield Study provided by our experts, an appropriate field service delivered by The Reverend Tom Sander and with music from the Band. The village turned out in force to support ‘their’ Memorial. The laying of wreaths and the symbolism of reconciliation with the Freiherr’s closest living relative and the current Lord Worsley was extraordinary. The haunting Last Post and Reveille blown on the Zandvoorde ridge is a memory many shall cherish for years to come.

An evening parade in the Grand Place in Ypres with horses, the Band, two Pipe Bands, a Marching Party and Black London Taxis was an absolute triumph. The horses were the wow factor for the locals. Cpl Palmer dressed as a Life Guard of 1914 attracted significant attention, as did Capt Harry Stone, RHG/D and CoH Mancey LG and the trumpeter in modern day State Dress. CoH Mancey

was outstanding in calming fractious horses and concerned men as the battle hardening of pipe music had obviously been left out of the horses’ training package! The sound of clattering hoofs certainly was evocative of Sir Morgan Crofton’s ride through the City 110 years beforehand.

The Band, under the guidance of Maj Craig Bywater RHG/D, gave a concert worthy of the Albert Hall. Clever choreography and inclusion of the London Scottish Pipes and Drums and FM Haig’s Pipe Band clearly demonstrated that regular and reserves can pull it off, which they did to wide acclaim in the Belgian press.

Cpl Maj Barber made order out of chaos for the Marching Party, gave confidence, a quick sword lesson to Lt Milo Holland RHG/D and then proceeded to hold a ten-minute dismounted drill rehearsal behind closed doors. At the Menin Gate the troopers’ drill was sharp, precise and enhanced the whole Last Post Ceremony. Colonel Life Guards delivered the exhortation and then led the wreath layers in laying wreaths. He placed the Household Cavalry wreath on behalf of our two Colonels, other wreaths were laid by Col James Gaselee, Lord Astor, Freiherr von Pranckh, The Earl of Yarborough and the Surgeon Colonel. A former Scots Guards Officer, The Hon Philip Astor, played the Lament at the Menin Gate, note perfect. Prayers and speeches followed, which allowed us an insight as to how the Belgians respect and honour our dead.

The Church Service delivered on 5th May was extraordinary. All the Household Cavalry supporters marched around the Cathedral in a similar fashion to Cavalry Sunday (or a Black Sunday), following the Band and endeavouring to be in step. The Dean of the Cathedral could not have been more welcoming or delivered a more heartfelt opening to the Service. The Padre, Tom Sander, assisted and made sure all was on time and welded

The Band at the Menin Gate

The Band playing at the Service of Rededication at The Household Cavalry Memorial at Zandvoorde

The Band leads the parade past the Cloth Hall

the various clergy together so they all contributed. The Band gave a performance that would have outshone any professional orchestra. The first piece of music, Mountain Thyme, was breath taking and it matched the location to perfection. The State Trumpeters blew Last Post and Reveille from the gallery just below the roof. The fullness of the sound matched the Coronation!

This was also a Household Division event. We had a former Grenadier Guard, two former Coldstreamers, (Simon Vandeleur (relation in LG)) and Sir Edward Crofton (father in 2 LG).

Cpl Maj Barber must be commended for his patience with French Customs who halted the pantechnicon and wanted to count all the swords, even though the

paperwork was in order!

As the various parties drove home on the Sunday evening it was hard not to reflect on the gruelling conditions our Regiments fought through in the autumn of 1914. The thin red line was very thin at times, but a dogged resistance, straight shooting and sound leadership helped save the day. Over a century later it does seem right to learn to remember, and to reconcile when the opportunity arises. A pilgrimage to

Ypres is an absolute must for those who are interested and should remain on everyone’s bucket list.

“The English Channel is the Mount Everest of Channel swimming”

by Harry Sutherland

Open water swimming is one of the most dangerous and unheralded endurance sports in the world taking the body to the edge in conditions that some describe as madness. Among the obstacles are sharks, poisonous jellyfish, violent seas, hypothermia and physical agony beyond comprehension. Without wetsuits, swimmers brave the planet’s coldest waters for sometimes up to 20 hours. Their only armour is goggles, a swim cap and speedos. No spectators, no medals, no parades, just you against the water. The Channel is largely a mental battle. Overcome the mental side and assuming you have done the training and can swim fast enough, you will succeed.

The beginning…Aug 2021 (Age 63 yrs)

“Harry you have to feel the water ……. Try to feel it in your fingers and hands, as if you were shaping it”… At my age, honestly it felt ridiculous to start with this sort of malarkey ……. However, encouraged by my coach, I joined a group of men and women half my age, and got to work. We fought jellyfish, rocks, coral, huge swells and waves, but we survived, formed solid friendships and were all the better for it. Four of our number then shook hands on Swimming the English Channel.

The Preparation (over 24 months)

Robben Island (Capetown) in May 2023 & 2024

The iconic prison Island swim in 14c waters. Earning me a record as the oldest fastest swimmer to achieve the

double (15km) and a trophy for outstanding services to open water swimming. Nelson Mandela’s favourite poem kept me going :

“It matters not how straight the gate How charged with punishments the scroll

I am the Master of my Fate I am the Captain of my soul!”

Lake IJsselmeer (Amsterdam) Aug 2023

Largest inland lake in Western Europe @22km, in 8.25hrs.

Swimming, at the risk of over simplifying, is principally about two elements: Propulsion and Drag. The first you need massive amounts of and the second as little as possible. In freshwater your body naturally sinks more and therefore you have more to pull through the water.

Cork Distance week (Kinsale, Ireland)

in July 2023 & 2024

Hosted by the Swimming Hall of Fame

1st English Channel attempt - July 2023

Storms throughout July and into my swim week in August, made it largely impossible for boats to even leave the harbour. My son Jack sent some memorable words of encouragement:

“Dad as you enter your swim week and the unknown of every morning being swim or no swim, good weather or bad weather, remember that we are all behind you cheering you on from the other side of the world. Maybe you will swim next week or maybe this week. Whatever the case, perseverance and a strong mind will get you through and you’ve got both in abundance. Go make history you crazy bastard. Be one of the ‘few to few’ among the ‘many too many!“

Frustratingly, my channel attempt for 2023 was aborted.

Robben Island Swim with Table Mountain and Cape Town in the background

The Padre leads the service in St Martin’s Cathedral, Ypres, on Sunday 5th May

September 2023 - “Back to the Beginning”

Despite two internationally recognised endurance swims to my name, I was now back to the beginning, which felt a bit like ... drawing Community Chest in Monopoly. Another year of Training, Technique Improvement, just plain ‘KBO’, to quote Churchill, and no £200 ! Swimming is considered four times more grueling than a road run. Hence a swimming marathon distance is 10km to a running marathon of 40 km. The Channel distance is like running 168 km in one go.

Nutrition, training, sleep & jellyfish

Burning between 4-5,000 calories per day Nutrition & Sleep are vital, along with weight increase to combat the cold. Km after Km after Km, long slow open water swims(15 - 25km) and short hard interval training (5-6km) in the pool often twice a day. New masochistic self-imposed exercises: breath holding (5.30 mins personal best although ‘children, this is not to be attempted at home or ever on your own’) and hanging to exhaustion from grab bars. Push to the point where muscles and lungs are screaming and begging for relief and then ask the mind to step in and take over. Massages and yoga to recover. Morning starts @ 0430, cold showers and cold water plunges in the Ice Freezer.

A large Box jellyfish contains enough poison to kill an adult in 4 minutes. Attacking the heart, respiratory and lymphatic systems. One morning I got belted by one 2km offshore and paid the price, anaphylactic shock and hospitalization!

Channel tides & Dover Straits

The Channel comprises the English shipping lane, the separation zone and

the French shipping lane, and with approx. 400 ships per day is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. Every 6 hours the tide moves 56,000 cubic Km of water through the narrow Dover Straights. Producing the infamous channel currents.

2nd Attempt 28th July 2024 - Samphire Hoe (0415 hrs) ...

Four men on my boat (Pathfinder): Skipper Eric & his no 2, Keith the official independent observer and my Coach Derrick Frazer. All here at this ungodly hour for my benefit along with 200 or more people following on the channel tracker……. 2 yrs of training almost every day; around 2000 km in swims, my aborted year in 2023 and so here we are - no pressure.

In the water, damn the cold, swim to beach, fiddle with goggles, no leaks no fogging for next 14 hrs please. Clear the water line, turn, wave, foghorn blast to acknowledge. A final stretch, shut my eyes, breath slowly and deeply and steady the mind.

Pathfinder & feeding

The skipper considers the swimmer as his 3rd engine. I swim into & then just behind the spotlight and off we go. Breath, stroke, glide, pull, push, recover, repeat …… goggles fit fine; stroke regular; water probably about 16c, Swim for an hour to dawn & ’first feed’.

Endurance swim feeding, is a water bottle thrown from the boat attached to a rope with carbohydrate powder mix and (for me) diluted with warm Roibos tea and honey. Sports caffeine gels, peaches, grapes or marsh mallows (as a treat !) And an Ibuprofen every 4 hours (prevention rather then cure). Feeds on average every 30mins. Essential to keep feed time to an absolute minimum. Grab your bottle, flip onto your back, stay horizontal, open your throat and simply ‘neck it’. 10-15 secs max. Slow feeds can accumulate to be the difference between success and failure.

The independent observer Keith, dubbed ‘the Headmaster’ of the boat, steps out of the cabin and peers at me through his glasses, over his clipboard. His job to document the whole swim and ensure rules and regulations are followed. He counts strokes per minute (“SPM”). His analysis tells them if I am tiring and whether or not to pull me out. My deepest fear was being beckoned towards the boat to declare that I was not making headway and had to abort.

Headmaster’s notes extracts ……

1115 hrs- Harry continues to make good

progress across the channel. Cap Blanc Nez estimated 10 miles and cap GrisNez 12 miles to starboard. Ebb tide increasing and taking us back down the Channel. Current speed over seabed is 2.2 kts.

1230 hrs - Feed. Derrick asking Harry to keep pace up ‘Give me 5 minute speed bursts before & after each feed – I’ll time you.’ Harry nods acknowledgement as he starts swimming.

1400 hrs - Feed. Derrick confirms ‘Nice position – keep pushing – all looking good – keep it up.’ Excellent 15 sec feed again. Some prehistoric looking jellyfish seemed far too close for comfort, but fortunately I only got belted once close to the end.

14.40 hrs- Weather fine, wind has increased – now N/E Force 3. Sea smooth with slight swell. Air is 19.3ºC and water 18.1ºC. Harry making good progress – Wissant off port bow and Cap Gris-Nez 2½ miles off starboard.

16.10 hrs- Getting close now. Cap GrisNez is +1 mile to port – but flood tide has started to flow and will quickly take us back up the coast, past Cap Gris-Nez. Now the hard work starts – Harry has got to get across the tide and close in as possible so that he can land east of Cap Gris-Nez.

1620- Feed. ‘You are reeling it in! Excellent feeding job!’ …. ... and swimming again.”

Poetry

It passes the time whilst swimming: Noel Coward, Rudyard Kipling, Banjo Patterson, Ernest Henley, Wilfred Owen and more, all had their immortal words recited into the murky depths of the Dover Straits. And for some reason I simply could not shake off the hymn: “For those in Peril on the Sea” ……….

Eternal Father strong to save, Whose arm has bound the restless wave Who bids the mighty ocean deep, It’s own appointed limits keep O hear us when we cry to Thee, For those in Peril on the sea.

“The business end of the swim”

‘The English Channel starts at 25km’“the business end of the swim”. After 12 hours constant swimming: ‘Dig deep, trust in your training, increase the pace, don’t back off.’ Cap Gris Nez Lighthouse at 3-5km? distance judgement clearly suspect with head in water. Plug my head down and swim to next feed …….. lighthouse disappeared. Was I hallucinating? Quite possibly after 12 hours in the water. Didn’t dare ask Derrick in case he pulled me out for insanity. Head

Harry Sutherland

down Sutherland, glide, pull, push, recover, get on with it! 30 minutes later the lighthouse was there again, maybe not hallucinating? Derrick was pumping the air and telling me to go for it…… time ticked on…. The final battle…. Just dig in and where is Rudyard Kipling when you need him?

“If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew, to serve their turn long after they are gone; and so hold on when there is nothing in you, Except the will which says to you

Crack

Hold on!”

on crack on !

And suddenly the sand is under my knees, I swim and wade and swim again and walk out of the water quite comfortably in the end to a huge waiting ……. Nothingness. No one at all, just a humble sandy beach with a few pebbles, one of which I collect as a memento. Raising my arm in mock gladiator salute, lie down on the sand, stare at the enormity of the sky and try to take it all in.

They told me life would never be

HCav Veteran Rally 2024

by Paul H Halfhide

Portsmouth - Normandy - Valhalla

The three Rally rules are:

1. At least one member of the crew must have served with the Household Cavalry

2. Car/banger to cost less than £1000

3. No D***h***s!

With the rules once again established it was decided to hold the 9th Household Cavalry Veterans Banger Rally over the last weekend in April for our chosen beneficiary charity this time: The Royal British Legion, following in the footsteps of our glorious forebears to Normandy, especially as this year was to be the 80th Anniversary of D Day. Alex Gaddes, (spelt G-A-D-D-E-S Assoc Secretary take note!) Rally 2i/c and I proceeded to hatch a plan then conducted a Recce in mid-March to ensure it was viable and more importantly; an evening venue sufficiently large enough to accommodate around 50-60 thirsty participants.

We decided the most appropriate channel crossing was Portsmouth – Caen, P&O were approached and very kindly supported us with a subsidised tariff

the same again after swimming the Channel; you dig so deep, you discover hidden unknown depths in your tank; No crowds, no medals, no accoladesjust the sure and certain knowledge that you have done it; I am told that some 1,900 swimmers in history have swum the English Channel and that I am now one of 12 people ever, of my age and older to do so and as of today of those 12, the 3rd fastest.

Oh the lengths to which we go to create our imaginary podiums!

and by the time the evening of 25th April came around we had an Invasion Force lined-up on the docks of 20 cars containing 54 rallyists consisting of some seasoned competitors together with 4 teams rallying for the first time that we were delighted to welcome in no particular order; Team Rupert (Jules Spears and Tom Kenyon) Team Churchill (Shaun “Sizzler” Fry and his brother Lee, Team Bawbags (Duncan Wood and Russ Eldridge) together with Team

Panzer Wagon (Andy Panter and our token “Chippy” Nick Duckworth, ex RTR, who, we understand; came along to see just how things should be done properly).

The overnight voyage docked just after 06:30hrs (local) and it is fair to say feelings were “mixed” as some teams had

British Normandy Memorial

Mick Robertson and James Evans

Mr Pete Storer, Kerry McNamamara, Chris Lewis and Stevie Goodwin

managed to grab a few hours gonk while others had elected to explore the on-board leisure facilities and so were a little bit “jaded” as we began Day 1. This was designed to be a day of interest and learning, to that end, Rally HQ had enrolled the services of our very own resident historian and was absolutely delighted to welcome Mr Pete Storer to the crew as we navigated, in convoy, around a dozen places of historical military interest, each time de-bussing to receive a mini battle-field tour/explanation of events, including the British Invasion beaches, both Allied and German war graves and museums etc. We ended around 16:00hrs and teams made their way to Bayeux to check-in to their chosen accommodation before meeting-up for dinner together, a quiz*, the issue of Day 2 instructions followed by a few beers before getting our headsdown in readiness for the morrow.

*April ‘23 Glyn Jones 47 (Rally Master for Life ‘cos it was initially his idea) held

a birthday party at The Kings Head pub in his hometown of Farnham, located in the highlands of Surrey. He chose to stylishly (as is his norm) adorn his function room with several pictures/photos and artefacts, of which one was his precious Team Bren Standard. Several rallyists were fortunate to be invited, one of whom; Simon Johnson (at the time a serving Police Officer and 50% of Team Spitfire with Steve Welsh), after the consumption of at least 2 beers; thought it highly appropriate to steal said banner, much to the distress of 47 and secrete-it until it could make a suitable appearance at a later date TBC. There then followed several weeks of consultation of how best we should utilise the bounty before the ideas gang had a Urika moment! The flag was given to my wife (BA Cabin Crew) with the intention of taking it on trips abroad and having a photo taken holding-it infront of a famous landmark resulting in 20 quiz questions for teams to guess the country & city followed by the return

of his missing flag (to his amazement) together with a presentation of a commemorative album.

Day 2 was to be the rally itself, teams were set-off, in the order they finished the quiz, from 09:00hrs in 2-minute intervals, to individually navigate their way around Normandy, visiting as many locations they chose, from an issued list of circa 50 sites of historical military interest, uploading an image of each to social media as they progressed for evidence. Teams had to be selective when choosing their routes as the cutoff time for all was 16:00hrs and there was deliberately not enough time to visit them all. The scoring was designed so that the further they travelled and the more (relevant) pictures the judges @ Rally HQ could see (whilst enjoying a splendid lunch); the more points they amassed – simple! It is very fair to pointout that some teams took the day very seriously indeed, traversing the exercise area with great speed, dash elan,

Lt Col (Retd) J P Pass and Sean McMullen

Mr Paul Maxwell

Russell Vickers and Gus Brakes

with 1, Team Curahee (Sean McMullen and Jon “The Colonel” Pass) attempting to catch the judge’s collective eyes and glean extra points by wading into the sea at Sword Beach, however, the panel was not suitably impressed. On completion teams made their own way back to Bayeux to lick their wounds and prepare for the evening.

At 19:00hrs we all met, suitably dressed in “sh!t shirts” for dinner followed by the prize giving ceremony. All the teams were asked to vote for Best Banger which was easily won by Team Rupert. The Bus W4nker accolade (think Annual Firing D!ck of the Day) was carried-off by Team Border Reivers (Tim Callow and Kevin Glasgow) having parked their car in the town square at the end of Day 1 and choosing to ignore the signs that said “no parking, market tomorrow” (or similar) resulting in them unable to get their car out to compete as they were surrounded by a cheese stall! The Michael Whitman Charity Trophy (for the previous rally most money raised) was commendably won by Team Eagles (Mark Dyche, Vince Latino, Adrian Phillips who spent most of the weekend “caring” for Mick Robertson. The ceremony was then rounded-off with THE most prestigious trophy; that of Rally Champions 2024. The judge’s decision was never going to be democratic, always more dictatorial and absolutely

final. Suffice to say, despite a valiant attempt by Team Curahee (3rd) and a concerted effort by Team Last Minute Dot Com (Toby Austin & Stuart “Skip” Rushton) coming 2nd again by just 1 point, once more Team Hellcat (Steve Martin, Karl Sparks, Stu Marsh and Gwyn Thomas) were crowned the winners and so retain the trophy until next year when Alex will resume the mantle of Rally Master for the 10th episode forecast for 9th – 11th May 2025 ending in Germany.

The evening concluded with much discussion debating the results over a beer

or 2 and a great deal of the landlady’s homemade Calvados (wow!) with almost no-one drinking too much as we had an early start the next morning to drive 40 minutes back to Caen and the ferry home.

My most heartfelt thanks go to ALL that took part and making yet another legend, you managed to raise a total of just over a truly amazing £16,500 for the RBL. If you’re reading this, feel you meet the criteria and fancy finding-out more about the event; please don’t hesitate to contact any of us? Regards and salutations Paul H Halfhide.

Sword Beach

Team Hellcat HCav Rally Winners 2024

Team Hellcat 2024 winners

The Next Generation of Household Cavalry?

The CCF at Caroline Chisholm School (CCS) in Northampton was formed in January 2021 as part of the Cadet Expansion Programme. CCS students are proud to wear the Life Guards cap badge and to have an affiliation with our parent Regiment; the connection coming through the Contingent Commander Lt. Iain Rayner, who was a musician in the then Life Guards Band back in the 1990s. Since its formation the contingent has grown from a small number of just 15 founder cadets to 63 cadets at the time of writing. We have four cadet officers supported by our very experienced School Staff Instructor Sgt. Major Ieuan Webber (PWRR). Our cadets have taken part in two Summer Camps and worked their way through the cadet curriculum, with some having achieved the Basic, 1 and 2-star awards. Activities have included fieldcraft, range shooting and CQB simulation, watersports, team-building and adventure training activities.

As a contingent we have adopted the Regiment’s ranking system and our Junior and Senior cadet NCOs are proud to wear the crown with their stripes. Four of our senior cadets have achieved Cadet CoH rank and are currently undertaking JCIC with the intention of training the younger

cadets in Basic and 1-star lessons later this year. There have been many highlights in the first years of our existence, not least taking part in a significant parade for HM Queen’s Diamond Jubilee as part of a 1500 cadet-strong parade in our home town of Northampton. Our contingent is becoming a regular feature around the town and community through Remembrance parades and community events such as a parade to mark the memorial for former Simpson barracks in Northampton and the D-Day 80th Anniversary. We have also had the pleasure of visiting the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment at Knightsbridge and the museum at Horse Guards and look forward to hopefully visiting again this academic year. We have also had a visit to our school from the HCav engagement team who occupied our cadets with a variety of command tasks and information

about the regiment.

We really try to encourage our cadets to follow the heritage of the Life Guards and, as part of their military knowledge, they have researched regimental traditions and battle honours and presented to their peers. Training in Air Rifle and L98A2 GP Rifle has been undertaken and many have completed their Basic and 1-Star shoots and we have enjoyed Fieldcraft, Navigation and First Aid training. We encourage our cadets to strive for high standards of drill and turnout in the best traditions of the Regiment and despite our geographical distance from our parent unit, to wear their uniform and insignia with pride. Whilst a military career is not the prime intention, we have some cadets who are seriously considering careers in the Armed Forces and we are doing what we can to enable them to achieve that aim. All our cadets are developing into well-rounded, disciplined young people who are able to self-regulate, take risks and step out of their comfort zone, volunteer readily, represent the school and the CCF and are willing to set a positive example to those around them both in school and the wider community. We are very proud of what they have achieved so far and look forward to growth and development in the future.

Caroline Chisholm CCF cadets successfully navigating their self-built crafts at Summer Camp

Caroline Chisholm CCF cadets preparing for CQB action

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Veterans 1960/1970

Chairmen

The Lord M Manton

Maj J Shaw

Admin Team

David Mills

Steve Scarf

Colin Blackaby

Roger Jeffries

S

teve Scarf, Colin Blackaby and I keep in regular contact with each other, and we noticed new area groups forming which are fantastic ideas, the only problem we had was that we didn’t really know many members! With that in mind, we decided to form are own private group where we all knew each other, and we could reminisce our time with the Mounted Regiment! Obviously, some great stories do come out!!!

We wanted an active group so we could keep in regular contact with each other; one problem was not everyone is on FB so we also have an email list, keeping everyone up to speed with future projects. We started a Zoom meeting group which has proved popular; we will also have a WhatsApp group (which may be more ‘user friendly’). The Zoom meetings have proved successful for meeting

Detmold Smoker

by Adrian Cobb and Mike Binks

Iwould like to say that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, unknowingly put the wheels in motion for the Detmold Smoker.

After the garden party in 2014, former Household Cavalry soldiers started to meet up on Facebook. Names and faces from long ago started popping up, and it didn’t take long to realise that quite a few had settled down in Germany.

Mike Binks started drumming people up for a get together at the OWLs Club in the old grounds of Hobart Barracks in Detmold.

And just like that, the Detmold Smoker was born.

The first Smoker was in 2019. A small affair of ten people, where we enjoyed a BBQ and drinks, sitting around and swinging the lantern. A small unofficial committee started having ideas for the next event, and though Covid put us

up with long lost friends from NZ / AUS.

Last October we held our first social evening at Peterborough with 40+ members and their wives attending. This was a great success also showing a CD of the 1973 musical ride (I think there were six of us present that night that were also on the ride).

To the future, we will be hosting another social event i.e. dinner / buffet, with

other events planned and finally finishing the year off with a festive drinks party. Lastly, the most important thing is that we stay in contact with each other, and we are not forgotten; the group now consists of 100+ members.

If you would like to find out more about this group in the first instance email David Mills using the following email address: birenba4@gmail.com

back one year, we sent out invitations through the social media back to Blighty and worldwide. Anyone who would like to visit the old cold war stomping grounds would be more than welcome. It was a great success. A total of 38 took part, bringing visitors over from the UK and from as far away as Canada.

It is now 2024 and we have just celebrated our third Detmold Smoker. Without blowing our trumpet too loud, what a roaring success it was too. Many had travelled over from the UK early to take part in the pre-Smoker warm up at the Theotmalli. A restaurant/pub in the middle of old Detmold where all different types of schnitzels, sauces, potatoes in all variations and vegetables could be taken from the fantastic buffet. All of this was, of course, washed town with local beers and spirits.

Saturday would be part two of the Smoker weekend. Brian Smout, the resident chef at the OWLs Club and former Catering Corp, set the charcoal alight on his BBQ grill just before the first of our around 60 guests arrived. The nervous ones amongst us were worried that it wouldn’t be enough and much too late. Of course, Brian is a professional and our fears were very unnecessary. After a welcoming speech from Mike and a minute of silence to remember our friends who had passed away since our last Smoker, we all got down to some serious banter.

Because we have all become older and our shapes, hair colour and faces have changed, we decided to give everyone name tags. Okay, a strip of duct tape with the person’s name and or nickname written on it. Red for The Life Guards, blue for The Blues and Royals, and black for those who served for both cap badges.

The BBQ was excellent with bratties, steaks, fish and all that goes along with them, followed up with an assortment of cakes for dessert. As the food was settling and being washed down with wine and local beer, Martin ‘Buck’ Rogers and myself took advantage of the lull in the battle and talked everyone into parting with their hard earned Euros for raffle tickets. The favourite prizes seemed to be the old German beer mugs but the top prize of a “Meal for one at any location in the World” went to Tom Dixon. A 24-hour Compo ration pack with a set of old mess tins.

Well after dark, a thunderstorm rolled in causing everyone to rush inside the OWLs clubhouse and continue the fun, while the Think Tank braved the elements to pack up outside. Inside, the Smoker continued with many stories being told and the odd leg or two being pulled. I’ve heard it told that this went on until the wee hours of the morning until the last person left the venue.

Part three.

Mike Binks organised for the Monday, a visit to the Rommel Kaserne of the Bundeswehr know that they missed an excellent day. Clambering all over, inside and out of a Leopard 2A6 battle tank. Asking the crew a thousand questions and getting honest answers once they understood where we were coming from. I personally found the German version of my old gunners seat a very welcoming position, telling myself that it wouldn’t take long to get the hang of it. The few that managed to get a ride up and down the tank park climbed down off the turret with bigger grins than the Cheshire Cat.

After a guided tour of the static vehicles scattered around the barracks, and a lunch of Bratwurst and potato salad, we all went to the Puma APC and simulators. The Puma, a state of the art fighting machine, gave us an insight to the art of modern warfare with all its electronic assistance. A stark difference to the 1972 Leopard 1 driving simulator. Sitting in the simulator cab and driving across the roads and fields, while in a different room a 2mm camera skimmed across a model of the German countryside. The shooting range was fun for everyone. Like one big computer game but having the German HK G36 and the HK MP7 to shoot with. The only things missing were the smell of cordite and hot brass. A fun day was had by all.

As for the next Detmold Smoker? We hope to organise one in 2026. Please try and attend, even only to find out if Mr Tony Smith can ever win a raffle prize.

Two Wheeled Stallion (?)

by Major Rick Manning, formerly The Blues and Royals

Despite 2024 being a lean year for Rideout’s, there have been some informative and interesting visits. The first Ride out was in April when HCR invited members of the bike club and association to visit Bulford for a social evening on 11th of April, where the members had an opportunity to interact with serving members in the WOs’ and NCO’s Mess, followed on Friday by a briefing and demonstration of the new vehicle variants. The entire group want to thank the Commanding Officer and Regimental Corporal Major for organising this visit and members of the mess that gave up their time to host us. It was certainly a revelation and Insite into the modern technologies and the way that the regiment will be a part of any new conflicts. It certainly is a massive step change in operational capability and opportunity for the Regiment.

The Groupe then said farewell to Bulford at lunch time and took the scenic route to Exmouth, where the plan was to immerse ourselves in the culture of the west country led by well-known Wurzel, Chris Trinick. However, in the traditions of the club, Exmouth turned out to have some very strange residents and bizarre public houses that even shocked Chris, (Thats one location to remove from the bucket list). The following day was spent winding our way through the countryside to the nighttime location and bright lights of Bristol. Bristol once again did not disappoint, even to the fact that some of the members were offered rooms with easy access free of charge, to the immense amusement of the remainder of the group. After an entertaining evening in the city, the group broke clean on Sunday morning with everyone getting home safely by early afternoon.

There have been several small group excursions into the midlands and Peak district but sadly the weather has not

been the best friend to the group this year and several excursions had to be cancelled or postponed. One of the lowlevel days Rideout’s which did however take place was to Grimsthorpe Castle in July, hosted by Lt Colonel Spaz Miller, where the Silver Stick tuned out in support of the club on his new bike, despite his remarkably busy schedule.

This was one of the few trips where the sun shone on the group. There have been several small groups which have managed to get over the channel this year in a pilgrimage to visit Normandy in the 80th year. The last visit was in the final week of September when a small group visited an number of inland points of interest and all the 5 main beaches, they also visited the landing point of 2HCR at Grey sur Mer on 14th July 1944 and continued on to CWGC Cemetery at Hermanville to pay their respect to the four Household

Cavalrymen buried there: Lieutenant A D Potter RHG, Corporal R H Dooley LG, and Trooper E J G Ariss RHG, and Trooper E H Kenney LG (who Served

with Lovat’s Commandos). The group returned to UK on 29th September dry but very humbled by the experience.

Planning now starts for 2025 and hopefully the weather will allow interesting and above all dry rides next year.

Bike Club with WO1 (RCM) M Doran

Rick Manning, Chris Trinick, Les Kibble, Spaz Miller, Chris Elliott, Brig Mark Berry (SS HCav)

Chris’s Elliott and Trinick at the front of the Mille Mile

C Sqn SCM and Sqn Ldr still understand the Dress Code