Page 64 - Bugle No. 17 Spring 2021

LONDON
As expected most of our activities in support of the 5 Pillars of The Regiment we usually support or organise were cancelled, postponed, severely reduced in scope, or were carried out online. Added to this, the absence of the bulk of 7 RIFLES on Op TOSCA in Cyprus and latterly on post tour leave was felt acutely and made us realise how many uniformed representational tasks in the Greater London area are taken on, uncomplainingly, by our Reservists.
RIFLES support for the Army Cadet Force (ACF) in London suffered complete lockdown much to the intense disappoint- ment of the cadets and their instructors as they greatly value contact with Regulars and Reservists.
However, the ACF has adapted well to using virtual platforms to deliver training and interest sessions across all levels including their Adult Instructors. They also combined this with delivering motivational and inspirational sessions to stimulate discussion and self-development mainly aimed at their senior cadets.
Overall, it has been a frustrating and challenging time for the ACF, and they have tried hard to keep the cadet experience flame alive and keep up the moral of both cadets and adult instructors. They have been holding regular virtual competi- tions and cadets have competed in remote sporting events which they can undertake in their local area whilst complying with current restrictions.
Col Larry Davis (late 4 (V)RGJ), ACF Commandant City of London & NE Sector, has introduced a Commandant’s Coin (Inspire to Achieve) to recognise and reward any Cadet
or Adult Instructor who is displaying inspirational and motivational qualities, these are quickly becoming much sought after.
Mayor Making ceremonies in our accredited London boroughs were either postponed or carried out virtually thereby omitting the usual rather formal ceremonial procedures.
As expected, Remembrance week 2020 was completely scaled down with the usual laying of wreaths at the graves of
our KIA Riflemen being replaced by an online Armistice Day service at all eight battalion locations which was watched live by most of the families of our fallen on a Facebook link that received 24,000 views.
The Christmas visit to RIFLES In-Pensioners in the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey and the Cenotaph Parade were all declared “non-par- ticipation” events. This meant prepositioning the Christmas cheques for the pensioners and the regimental wreaths with the relevant organisers for positioning on our behalf.
The London Branch of the RGJ Association, the only association branch of our forming regiments in London, wasn’t able to run its usual full programme of monthly and Christmas activities. Despite this their members have remained loyal and no resignations have been submitted.
The absence, for most of the year, of 7 RIFLES on UN duty in Cyprus (Op TOSCA) has been acutely felt in Iverna Gardens W8, joint offices of Bn HQ 7 RIFLES and the London Office of The Rifles. We look forward to their return and normalisation of conditions when we can once again be amongst energetic, innovative, inquisitive, fit and stimulating Reservists and Regulars to brighten up our days.
J-D v M
The
ACF has adapted well to using virtual platforms to deliver training and interest sessions across all levels
64 RIFLES The Bugle
THE LONDON OFFICE
OF THE RIFLES