Page 42 - The KRH Year of 2023 (CREST Sharing)

42 The Regimental Journal of The King’s Royal Hussars
At the Royal Hospital Chelsea
First, the Mess welcomed many associates of the Regiment for an event, the first of its kind for some time. Representatives from the Freedom counties and cities, the Worshipful Company of Salters, the Royal Southern Yacht Club, former Colonels of the Regiment, and the Trustees all gathered for tank rides and dinner in the Mess.
After a welcome coffee in the Warrant Officers’ and Sgts’ Mess it was time to get changed into coveralls and hit the tank park. Gunnery training, static vehicle displays, and tank rides gave the guests a chance to experience what life was like for those in the Regiment and to meet the soldiers and officers who directly benefit from their generosity. A quick mess tour, more coffee, and there was just enough time to grab a quick shower and change for dinner.
After several polishing evenings, the Mess looked at its mes- meric best and we had a wonderful evening that lasted late into the night. The UCM and his team cooked up a delicious menu, which paired with the finest booze corporate hospi- tality could buy made for a memorable evening. This was a great chance to renew friendships and thank those who have been stalwart supporters of the Regiment over the years. There remains no agreement over which Palmer was commanding the tank however...
The Mess welcomed John Sweeney for the first Flashman Lecture of the year. Mr Sweeney is a renowned journalist currently residing in Kyiv, and he provided a unique insight into the conflict and conditions in Ukraine. During a boister- ous evening and several glasses of whiskey, C Sqn Ldr chose once again to espouse his claim to the title of ‘Most Handsome Officer in the Mess’: He was swiftly corrected in no uncertain terms by our guest, to the delight of all, the honour instead being bestowed upon his own 2IC.
Next in the offing was a Battlegroup Dinner Night to cel- ebrate the Battle of Balaklava. With the GOC of 3 (UK) Div as the guest of honour and a room packed with members of the battlegroup, the Officers’ Mess pulled out all the stops to host their guests, with one group having such a good time that they cancelled their return transport to continue the party with the subbies. At least one mess member attracted the amorous attentions of the attached arms, but singularly failed to notice their advances – disappointment all round in the finest tradi- tions of the Officers’ Mess.
Fancy a quickie darling? It’s pronounced quiche...and no...
The PMC briefs the Friends of the Regiment
For many of the Officers, November meant one thing – field sports and the arts – as Maj Padgett led the pilgrimage to the Highlands to hunt, shoot and ‘sit soft’ whenever possible (noth- ing to do with piles, apparently). Several of the Officers were blooded for the first time, including the Adjt (in spectacularly gory fashion) and all returned to Tidworth feeling that they had done their bit for rural conservation, much to the chagrin of Edinburgh University Vegan Society.
Officer education continued, and the Speaker of the House, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, joined the Mess for an evening, delivering a fascinating “podcast style” pre-dinner talk to the Mess. He must have thoroughly enjoyed himself because a reciprocal offer was made for members of the Mess to visit London to attend PMQs, and his Chief of Staff even offered the Adjutant a job(!!!). It remains to be seen if Capt Turner will grace the house with his presence or if boozy bonhomie was behind such a generous offer.
As the year ended, Winter Sports lured many a junior officer to the fleshpots of Verbier or the ascetic warrior-monk existence in Norway. The remainder hosted the soldiers for a Christmas dinner on the tank park, the Adjt valiantly volunteering to taste test the sausages, ensuring they were safe for everyone.
With the soldiers dispatched on Christmas leave, the Officers girded themselves to host their counterparts once again from the Warrant Officers’ and Sgts’ Mess. Some questionable car- ols, flowing festive drinks, and CO-instigated masks, meant an early night and a sore head for the Sqn Ldrs while the party continued into the small hours, a fitting end to a long year.
GS & HB