Page 68 - Journal Compilation
P. 68
54 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
Farewell to Germany
The regiment have been resident in Germany since 2003 and we’ve left Germany before without really marking the occasion so what made this time any different? Well this time we would be leaving Germany with the view that we would never return, the Army 2020 plan sees all troops out of Germany before 2018. It was decided last year that we needed to mark the occasion with a formal parade which would draw a line under our time in Germany and allow us to say ‘Thank you” to those who have supported us during our time in Sennelager. As most of you will know the regiment has spent much of the last 60 years in Germany with spells in Wolfenbuttel, Detmold, Hohne and Osnabruck as well as Sennelager, not to mention time in Berlin, so for us to leave without marking the occasion would be a travesty.
The plan was to invite the RCA and make the weekend one to be remembered. Those who travelled across from the UK are of course be commended for their commitment, many of whom came by coach and as we all know that is not a journey for the faint hearted. Shortly after arrival and a quick bite to eat in the WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess it was up to the
sports pitches to watch the Regiment play QRH at Rugby and to see some of the kit and equipment we use in our new Light Cavalry role. Needless to say we won the Rugby quite convincingly and it is safe to say the RCA and serving regiment made a start on the beers. The day rolled nicely into the night and stories were swapped in the WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess until the wee hours, Sammy Pritchard and Martin Ruscoe even stayed awake for some of it!
The following morning saw the regiment say goodbye in typical British Army fashion with a parade in Dempsey Barracks in front of local dignitaries and our families. Notably the RCA formed a division of men who were then the nal ones to leave the square with a poignant march past. Brigadier Georgie Powell leading the contingent and Col Basher
The following morning saw the regiment say goodbye
in typical British Army fashion...
