Page 83 - Bugle Autumn 2023

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RIFLES Wellington Pop-Up Museum
In June The Rifles Museum hosted a temporary exhibition in Wellington, Somerset to support The Rifles being granted the Freedom of the town. The exhibition was displayed in the ‘Pop-Up Shop’ in the centre of town. Its success was due in no small part to the strong working relationships established between the Museum, Council, and Regiment.
The theme of the exhibition was The Rifles today, including formation, post-2007 history, RIFLES traditions, and the Regiment’s links to Somerset – both current and historic. The objects on display came from the Museum’s collections. A handling collection allowed visitors to try on a range of uniforms and equipment.
The objects that attracted the most interest was a RIFLES Monopoly set (a limited-edition released in 2019) and a British Army ration pack. The handling collection also proved very popular, especially the helmet and forage cap.
The exhibition was well-attended. Visitors included families, school groups, military enthusiasts, people with little or no knowledge of the Army, Riflemen, and a range of veterans. The latter came primarily from the Somerset Light Infantry, Somerset and Cornwall Light Infantry, and The Light Infantry, but also from other RIFLES antecedents – including the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, Royal Gloucestershire Regiment, and King’s Royal Rifle Corps.
The exhibition helped to raise awareness of the Regiment and the Freedom, which took place at the end of the exhibition week. Additionally, it encouraged visitors to go to both The Rifles Museum, Winchester, and other parts of The Rifles Museum’s Network.
James Fenton
RIFLES The Bugle 83
the event of rain with umbrellas.
We met Major Plunkett, RIFLES Equerry
to the Queen, and he was able to give us unprecedented access into Buckingham Palace to rehearse with the state coaches and work around the issue of horses hating umbrellas. It was very surreal at times
but useful to ensure that things would go smoothly on the day.
On Coronation Day we made our way through London to our start line, and the atmosphere was electric. Thousands of people were filling the streets and the nerves had started to pick up. It was amazing to march through the crowds on our way to the Abbey, but once the guests started to arrive, I had the incredible honour of providing some shelter to the King and Queen as they arrived in the state carriage, a moment to cherish forever. I was also lucky enough to have provided the same
to the Prince and Princess of Wales and a number of other Royals and former Prime Ministers.
I am immensely proud to have been able to showcase the RIFLES green to the millions watching around the world and have had a small part in the day.
The old saying goes never volunteer for anything in the Army. That said an email came through out of the blue asking for a Warrant Officer to support the King’s Coronation. As this was going to be an historical event I swiftly volunteered.
Once I was told I was selected I had to be in London within the next 24 hours. When I arrived, I found out that I would be standing outside Westminster Abbey to receive the King and Queen for the Coronation.
It was a surreal experience and something I will never forget. To be within meters of the King and Queen and provide them shelter from the elements, meeting and speaking to other personalities, such as ex-Prime Ministers and the Prince and Princess of Wales will be a memory that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Westminster Abbey Greeting Party, with General Sir Patrick Sanders
WO2 LAKE