Page 8 - Bugle Autumn 2023

1 RIFLES
INTER COMPANY BOXING
Recently, the battalion held a successful inter-company boxing tournament culminating in a fight night consisting of eight bouts in a range of weights, from Light-welter to Super-heavy, including a Womens’ Welter weight bout. All boxers underwent an intensive six-week boxing camp to ensure their technical and physical abilities were up to scratch, as some boxers had as many as three bouts in four days. In a close contest, A Coy managed to take the inter-company title with special mentions going to Rfn Mullen of A Coy for winning “best boxer” and for Rfn Griffiths of A Coy for winning “most courageous boxer”. All boxers should hold their heads high as the standard was exceptional, and all boxers made their respective companies proud. Swift and Bold.
Sjt Robert Nichols
In May, and with Royal attendance, the battalion paraded through Chepstow. The parade gave the battalion the opportunity to say farewell and thank the town for 15 years of hospitality and assistance, ahead of the move to Cyprus.
The battalion march down the high street, where they saluted HRH The Duke of Kent before halting at the dais. The Band of Bugles then performed a medley of regimental classics, and the Commanding Officer gave a
Battalion Boxers
speech of thanks. 1 RIFLES have been based in Chepstow for over a decade and will return after two years in Dhekelia.
The people of Chepstow turned up in strength, with lots of well-wishers and even a promise of a leaving party from Pitchers – the local night club. A Scout group watched in wonderment as The Band of Bugles, in all their pageantry played ‘Over the Hills,’ a real crowd pleaser. Someone in the crowd fainted, but that was more than likely because of the heat rather than the battalion’s flawless drill!
it was fantastic to take a step back and say thank you to Chepstow
With the additional workload that has come with the unit move, it was fantastic to take a step back and say thank you to Chepstow for being so hospitable, whilst also having the opportunity to let the people of the town know what we are doing, and when they can expect us back. With only a handful of annoyed motorists it was a very wholesome event.
In Dhekelia there is no bridge big enough to fit the battalion underneath and, as much as we are all excited and looking forward to Cyprus, we’re going to miss our home.
Lt F Raishbrook, OC Guns Pl
8 RIFLES The Bugle
Congratulations to Rfn Hale (1 RIFLES Recce Pl), pictured with the outgoing Colonel Commandant, who finished the most recent 1 RIFLES JNCO Cadre as the top student.
FREEDOM OF CHEPSTOW
TOP DOG! H