Page 57 - Bugle Autumn 2023

BAND & BUGLES
of Wessex Cup. This was a series of team challenges with Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex observing the various tasks. Six teams entered from various services and cap badges, including a team from The Lincoln and Welland Regiment, Canada, who claimed victory on the day. Despite this, the RCAM team worked hard to claim a very creditable second place.
March was pretty action packed. In early March the band hosted participants for the Regional Bands solo competition, providing accompaniment for all wind band entrants. Adjudicated by Lieutenant Colonel Mike Smith (Commanding Officer Regional Bands), and Major Mark Aldridge (SO2 RCAM Soldiers APC Glasgow), the bar was set high with LCpl Jamie Nuss (Band Tidworth) ultimately claiming victory. The Band and Bugles would however like to commend our very own Musn Ewan Atkinson for an outstanding performance.
Commandants’ following the solo competition we were into rehearsals for our annual Colonel Commandants inspection.
This was inspected by Brigadier Daniel Reeve (Chief of Joint Force Operations, Permanent Joint Headquarters), who stood in for Colonel Commandant General Sir Patrick Sanders (Chief of the General Staff). After a long week of rehearsals, the band and bugles had the opportunity to wind down with their annual dinner. The evening was enjoyed by all and included the annual presentation of the Silver Bugle. This is awarded to the unit member who has been recognised by the command team
as having gone the extra mile to positively impact the unit and/or peoples in it. This year it was awarded to Musn Ewan Atkinson for his outstanding contributions in producing band arrangements and compositions and for his sterling effort in representing the band in the Regional Band solo competition.
Later in March the Band and Bugles performed for a RIFLES rededication service and concert at Hannover Square church in London, then just before the band took a well- earned Easter break, we were involved in a JNCO Cadre Passing out parade at 1st Battalion The Rifles in Chepstow.
After the Easter break the band commenced preparations for the biggest engagement they had done in recent memory.
The end of April and into May saw The Band and Bugles undergo preparations for
an historic engagement. Op. Golden Orb was the Coronation of His Majesty, King Charles
III, and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. This was the largest ceremonial operation in 70 years! The Band and Bugle Major were right in on the action, marching the Infantry contingent (excluding Foot Guards). Rehearsal days were very long and arduous, however this did not impact morale. On the day of the Coronation there was a profound sense of pride and excitement and despite the typical English weather, it did nothing to dampen morale. To be involved in the largest engagement of a lifetime will be something that all ranks within the band will never forget.
In the immediate aftermath of the
Op. Golden Orb
was the Coronation of His Majesty, King Charles III, and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. This was the largest ceremonial operation in 70 years!
Coronation the band launched straight into a busy summer season. The Band and Bugles took another journey to Chepstow as 1 Rifles were preparing to say farewell – the battalion relocating to Cyprus. We were also involved in other engagements, such as providing musical support to the Royal British Legion’s annual conference in Torquay. The band were also back in Buckingham Palace to provide support to one of the many garden parties, as well as performing SoR in front of members of the Royal family and guests of honour.
The beginning of June saw us deploy to Gibraltar. This was to support the Band of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment through some of their summer duties. This included a freedom parade through the Gibraltar city centre, and a garden party for His Excellency The Governor of Gibraltar. The Band and Bugles’ main effort, however, culminated in The King’s Birthday Parade in the presence of His Majesty’s representative, The Governor of Gibraltar. The tour was enjoyed by all. Whilst in Gibraltar and after a very busy few weeks post-coronation, some downtime was enjoyed. Opportunities were given to do activities such as caving
and paddle-boarding, as well as a tunnel tour and powerboating. There was also time to relax, whether that be exploring the sights of Gibraltar and the famous rock or just relaxing on the beach.
The Band and Bugles of The Rifles are looking forward to the rest of their busy summer season and the challenges that come with it.
RIFLES The Bugle 57