have been many. Capt F Hopkinson moved on to yet more hunting, albeit this time in the civilian capacity. Capt G Ashby took over as LG 2IC and Capt R Gordon-Dean returned for another dose of HCMR replacing Lt E Holiday in 2 Troop, who moved to Dorset to complete the Troop Leaders’ course. The Christmas period will see Lt TDA De Ritter move on to a Troop Leaders’
course too and Lt J Campbell and 2Lt CE Lewis will move into the 1 and 3 Troop spots on completion of their Riding School training. CsoH are in a constant rotation and this year saw CoH M Williams move to ATDU as a SCpl, CoH Stafford took up the position of HCTW SNCO and CoH Rawasa embarked on civilian life. We welcome CoH Mowatt back and CoH Snoxell here for
his first time. There was also change in the SQMC department as SCpl S Chinn handed over to SCpl A Slowey. All in all, a successful term for The Life Guards Squadron and we will now await the challenges that 2014 will bring.
The Blues and Royals Squadron
T
Guards are no match for us, with five of the six finalists coming from The Blues and Royals Squadron. A particular mention must go to Tpr Duffy RHG/D, who single-handily blew the rest of the competition out of the water. Lt Maples RHG/D took the top three competitors to the Spruce Meadows International Horse Festival in Canada, where much fun was had by all. With Squadron and Regimental drills completed and the end of May approaching it was time for the Queen’s Birthday Parade and rehearsals. The Sovereign’s Escort was under a Life Guards Standard while the Squadron was led by Capt Rawdon-Mogg as the Serrefile Captain, with Capt Hills and Ct Maples leading the divisions.
he Blues and Royals Squadron has had yet another busy year, though more traditional compared to the two previous years. The Squadron has, of course, conducted its duties to the highest of standards and thanks must go to all for making this happen. The Squadron received two new officers; Ct Bacon to replace Capt Fitzroy (on retirement) and Ct Maples to replace Capt Owen (posted to Afghanistan as Adjutant of the ISTAR Group). The early part of the year saw the grass horses return in a particularly dishevelled state, resembling woolly mammoths. After a monumental effort from all, a quick wash and scrub behind the ears and a ‘short back and sides’, order was restored. The Squadron then set about the task of building the horses up in preparation for the Commanding Officer’s Horse Inspection and the Major General’s Inspection. The severe weather in March meant that the Major General’s Inspection had to be conducted on Horse Guards Parade. The wind proved to be a test for all, none less than SCM Salina and the Squadron Standard; but, as expected, this was not a problem for him. Having been blown round the parade ground the Squadron was given the seal of approval and preparation began for the ceremonial season ahead.
Dishevelled winter grass horses return
SCM Salina weathers the storm
The season quickly swung into full flow; with the State Visit of The President of the United Arab Emirates in Windsor. After the State Visit the Squadron quickly moved into drills for the State Opening of Parliament; as well as a couple of weeks in Wales in order to complete annual training. The Squadron performed particularly well in the Richmond Cup, proving that The Life
Trooper Lighten in the Richmond Cup Don’t I look smart?
Having successfully completed the Garter Service, the ceremonial season was finally over and the Squadron could set its sights on Regimental Training. The Regiment returned to West Tofts Camp in Norfolk again this year. The Squadron’s time in Norfolk allowed for a comprehensive Op TRYOUT, made more entertaining by the addition of streetliners for the first time. This gave a platoon from No. 7 Company, Coldstream Guards, a chance to test their mettle and an insight in how to avoid startled horses and their riders! Regimental Training saw an improvement in equitation skills all round; not without the occasional non-voluntary dismount - seeing the Sqn Ldr himself taking a trip to the local A&E. The Squadron also had the richly deserved opportunity for both horses and men to relax, with rides through the countryside and beach rides at Holkham. The Troop tests went particularly well, with a strong effort from 3 Troop RHG/D. Regimental Training culminated in the Open weekend which was highly successful this year, seeing record numbers attend with fun had by all. On returning from Norfolk the Regiment enjoyed a well-deserved leave period, with each soldier receiving three weeks leave and the majority of the horses going to grass at the Defence Animal Centre. The LG Band performed at Basel in Switzerland and a group under CoH Cowen went to look after The
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