Page 132 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

Of cers and WOs Regimental Dinner Night; Re-counting the battle of Alexandria
THIS SUMMER EVENT, FEATURING A HOG ROAST, BUCKING BRONCHO, FIRE PITS AND A WELLIES AND WAISTCOATS DRESS CODE, WAS DESTINED TO BE OUR MOST UNUSUAL EVENT YET
Of cers’ Mess
The mess has been very active over the past 12 months. We welcomed our new Commanding Of cer, Lt Col Penhale, at the Winter Ball in November, which saw the Of cers and their partners attending the black-tie dinner at Wyvern Barracks, in Exeter. Following this hugely successful event, it wasn’t long before we were all back together for the Battalion’s annual leadership development weekend and Regimental Dinner at C Company’s headquarters in Dorchester in January.
The January Regimental dinner has traditionally focussed on the Battle of Wagon Hill, but this year we chose to gain some insight into the Battle of Alexandria. The evening found the Of cers and Warrant Of cers dining together and we were joined by Commander 160 (Wales) Brigade, Brigadier Alan Richmond OBE. Throughout the evening a four-part presentation was given by the subalterns of A Company, describing how a beach assault and counter-attack preceded the main battle, where the 28th Regiment of Foot earned the back badge that we wear today.
As we drew closer to the summer, “Messtival” was organised. This summer event, featuring a
hog roast, bucking broncho, re pits and a wellies and waistcoats dress code, was destined to be our most unusual event yet. After the band, “Jimmy and the Hound Dogs”, had nished, the strength test had been completed and the home-made marsh- mallows had been toasted, the event closed leaving mess members and visitors wanting more.
One month later, several members of the Mess, including the Commanding Of cer, Battalion Second-in-Command and Executive Of cer, made their way to London to attend the Ri es Of cers’ Dinner. We were welcomed with champagne as we entered the Guild Hall and soon moved outside to watch the Regimental Band and Bugles. After an impressive performance, we waited to welcome our Colonel-in-Chief, Field Marshal HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. A fortunate few were able to meet him before the dinner, where we were addressed by the Regimental Colonel, General Sir Nicholas Carter. We left London feeling proud to be part of such a successful Regiment and looking forward to our next event in November.
2LT Matt Hancock, A Company
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