Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess Update

PIPES AND DRUMS UPDATE

Sergeant J Willoughby Pipe Major

This has been a very busy period for the pipes and drums.

After an incredibly challenging COVID period that saw the Band dispersed to different locations forming Mobile Testing Unit teams we finally came back together. However, this was very short lived, and the band found themselves dissolved into the Squadrons once more to prepare for Op CABRIT 8. BADGER were first to deploy and as such the Drum Major, LCpl Bowtell, LCpl Brandt, Troopers Boniwell, Knott, Skelton, and Thomson all carried out a very intense flash to bang training package running up to the deployment.

In true Pipe Band tradition, not only did they pack their operational kit but also their full Pipe Band ceremonial uniform to provide musical support to the Battlegroup and local community. The pace of the deployment was fast, and practices were squeezed in where they could, not easy in a country where the temperature reaches -2 on most days. Very different from their last trip to Jamaica! The deployed Pipes and Drums played at the British Embassy as well as supporting the Armed Forces parade in Tallinn and the Victory parade in Paide alongside the Mercian Regiment’s Fyfe’s and Drums. One of the biggest surprises was LCpl Bowtell completing the Mispo half marathon so a huge congratulations to him on that achievement. The Drum Major displayed his versatility when the Estonian president, Alan Karis visited the troops and was shown around the CR2 proving that not only is he the Drum Major, but also a highly trained tank commander proving that you continue to progress through the RACES career path in the Pipe and Drums.

BADGER returned after a successful six months and it was now the job of the Regiment to prepare for deployment as the Lead Battlegroup, this time taking DREADNAUGHT and elements of EGYPT with them which again meant that the second half of the pipe Band deploying. Cpl Green, LCpls Brock, Catterall, Stephens and Troopers Allerton, Archibald, Clarke, and Gregory all deployed on this wave and again packed their uniform and instruments to continue where BADGER had left off. No sooner had they arrived but LCpl Stephens had his No1 dress on to welcome 3rd (UK) Division Deputy Commanding General, Brigadier General Meredith on his visit to the Battlegroup. LCpl Stephens received a coin to add to his growing collection. This was followed a few days later by welcoming another dignitary, this time Mr Ross Allen who is Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Estonia for his visit to the Battlegroup. We wish them all the success with their tour and look forward to their return.

Back at Tidworth and with the easing of COVID restrictions, the band (mini band) are starting to get tasked more and more from messes trying to catch up on two years’ worth of dinner nights as well as our own commitments.

LCpl Bowtell and Tpr Skelton prepare for their BADGER dinner night debut in the WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess Drum Major engaging with the Estonian president, Alan Karis on his visit during Op CABRIT 8

LCpl Bowtell and members of BADGER completing the half marathon while in Estonia

LCpl Brandt receiving the ‘Most improved Drummer’ award from Maj Rowen, Director ASB&HD

The Pipe Major played at 3RMP dinner night at Bulford, an extremely nervous night, not because of playing but due to the amount of RMPs in one place! However, he kept his nerve and repeated ‘No comment’ all night. BADGER had their annual BADGER week ending in the BADGER dinner night. This was an opportunity for LCpl Bowtell and Trooper Skelton to display their playing skills to the Squadron on their own without the Pipe Major or Drum Major playing with them. They performed well and managed to keep their nerves in check, so we look forward to more displays from them in the future.

November, as always is our busiest month and this year is no different. The Pipe Major and Drum Major will be travelling around the local area supplying musical support to different Regiments as they try and regain some normality. It was a pleasure to be able to play one last time at the Officers Cambrai dinner at Vintners Hall London, it was also a fantastic opportunity to say farewell to Officers’ past and present that I had worked with over the 12 years in the RTR. The Cenotaph is always an emotional occasion as we all remember people that we have lost, both military and civilian, but this year was slightly more emotional with the realisation of it being the last one the Pipe Major would ever play in the current role. During this month, we also offered our