Page 19 - Bugle Spring 2024

3 RIFLES
The sniper comp tested the Riflemen
In the midst of competition
DURHAM
CATHERDRAL
DINNER
In November the Battalion’s Officer’s and Serjeant’s took advantage of being deployed in the North East by holding a regimental dinner in one of our historic heartlands – Durham. The purpose of this was to mark Remembrance Day, host our international partners and honour the sacrifice of the Ukrainians in their struggle for their homeland. The setting for this dinner was the historic and spectacular surroundings of Durham Cathedral. We were mere yards away from the hallowed ground of the Durham Light Infantry Chapel, the resting place of the colours and memorials of one of our famous and fierce antecedent regiments.
Drinks were taken in the Cathedral cloister, which in another life saw Harry and Ron walk briskly between Potions and Defence against the Dark Arts. Clad in mess kit, those present were a smart sight to behold. Perhaps except for a post-leave Capt Wells whose overalls and waistcoat were clinging on for dear life or Lt Cottrell donning a clip-on bow tie – a visible testament to his notoriously forgetful admin.
After drinks we moved through to the delightful Cathedral Undercroft for a three-course supper. Throughout, despite our regimental traditions, in honour of our Ukrainian guests, toasts were drunk. A profoundly moving experience despite the quality of wine. Purchased in great quantity by Capt Maciejewski and Lt Wilson who prefaced volume over quality, as the saying goes ‘quantity has a quality
all of its own’. Despite their pleadings, they have been given a reshow at the Christmas Ball.
There were members of the wider RIFLES family in attendance, the XO and the RSM of 8 RIFLES and the Divisional Colonel, making this a truly regimental affair. Eagle Company from the Royal Dutch Army and 4A and 4B from the Norwegian Home Guard were all present. Perhaps more importantly than all these distinguished guests were the Ukrainians present. With whom, it was incredibly special to be able to mark the end of our training mission, say farewell and toast to a Ukrainian victory.
RIFLES The Bugle 19