Page 94 - MERCIAN Eagle 2022

looked him up and down and said, “I hope you’ve got your running shoes” and his veins suddenly turned icy cold... Happily, for him, the Regiment seemed willing to tolerate this very unathletic addition to their ranks and all rubbed along very nicely (apart from Pearson days) for the next few decades.
Over the next 8 years, with a group of musicians who could rise to any occasion, there were quite a few highlights; Hong Kong was busy and offered a great variety of musical experiences, followed by the kind of high ceremonial that military bands were created for, Public Duties in London. His last Bandmaster highlight was the Tercentenary parade, memorable for the amount of rain which soaked into the uniforms and the number of times the Tuba players had to tip water out of their instruments.
On leaving the 1st Bn, Eddie was borrowed by 3 CHESHIRE and eventually joined them on a permanent basis as PSAO of C Company in Ellesmere Port where
he had the pleasure of working for a very friendly tight knit group of men and women.
After three interesting years he moved to Runcorn and took over the role of Bn HQ PSAO until a reorganisation of the TA meant that he was surplus to requirements. At the tender age of 50, he volunteered for full- time service and was posted to The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards in Fallingbostel.
Having swapped his RTR black beret for a blue one, he now had to swap again for the SCOTS DG signature grey beret (but with a 22nd cap badge). When the post of RAO of The Kings and Cheshire Regiment (KCR) came vacant, he was successful
with his application and joined them as RAO, looking after many old faces from 3 CHESHIRE and some new ones from the King’s Regiment. He had to transfer to the Adjutant General’s Corps to take the job, so another beret swap saw him with a green one, complete with a different cap badge.
Another re-organisation was more far reaching and led to the formation of The Mercian Regiment and amongst the many changes, saw the Cheshire Regiment Companies of KCR moving to form part of the new 4 MERCIAN and once again, Eddie was out of a job! Being of advanced years, he decided to call it a day and took early retirement. He was persuaded to take over the job of CRA Secretary as a volunteer, when Alan Hughes retired and took up the reins on the day after the 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment disappeared from the Order of Battle.
Eddie is very grateful for all the support, encouragement and (often unsolicited) advice over the last 14 and a half years. He said that it was an interesting and rewarding experience.
Although Eddie officially handed over the role of CRA Secretary at the AGM
in February, he continued to organise
the dedication of the Cheshire Regiment Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum held on 2nd September 2022.
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Memorial Dedication and Inauguration at the National Memorial Arboretum
What a glorious day it was on Friday 2nd September 2022, at the National Memorial Arboretum, for The Cheshire Regiment Association with the Inauguration and Dedication of a Memorial to The 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment.
There were 11 CRA Branch Standards on display and Mr Derek Sykes, Stockport Branch, carried the main Association Standard making a nice round total of 12.
An ensemble from the Mercian Regiment Band provided the music for the event and the welcome desk was manned by The Ram Major from The Mercian Regiment.
Over 200 members and guests of
the CRA assembled at the NMA for the short service, led by Reverend Cannon, and Dr Greg Platten, who is the Padre
for 4 MERCIAN (V). The day included contributions from Peter Gresty, CRA Chairman, and Maj Gen Andrew Sharpe CBE, last Colonel of the 22nd. The service was kept short and simple and was well received by all those attending.
Following the service those who had registered for the reception were treated to an excellent afternoon tea in the Oak Rooms of The Aspects Centre.
During the Afternoon Tea Peter Gresty,
CRA Chairman, presented “Brigadier Mike Dauncey Awards”, which are for service to the CRA as a whole, to Stuart Harrison and Ashley Farrall for all their efforts in fundraising and overseeing all aspects of the design, production and installation of the new Memorial.
The weather managed to stay dry until well after the afternoon tea allowing
everybody to get around the arboretum for a good look around.
If you were not able to be there on the day please pay a visit and have a look
for yourself, you won’t be disappointed. Incidentally the trees to the rear of the new memorial are Oak Trees, of course.
Wha Wadna Fecht Fa Charlie.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE