Page 218 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

A visit to the Blues & Royals stables where one of the horses ate Paul Allen’s hair. Sammy Slater (now deceased) smiles.
AS THE MARCHERS APPROACHED HORSE GUARDS AT THE END OF THE ROUTE PRINCE CHARLES WAS THERE TO SALUTE THEM ALL
Sunderland DLI Association trip to London, Remembrance Weekend 11-14 November 2016 On Friday 11th November 2016, 44 association members and family from Sunderland, Horden and Peterlee, Hartlepool and Bishop Auckland journeyed to London to spend the weekend in the company of thousands of like-minded veterans paying tribute to the fallen. After pick-ups at Sunderland, Peterlee and Hartlepool, the luxury golden coach from JH Coaches at Birtley, made its way to the arranged lunch stop at the Stockyard near Rotherham on the M18. Here we picked up Mike Kilner (ex 1LI ) and his partner who had contacted us through facebook.
A picture quiz and a couple of raf es helped to pass the time and we were soon passing the iconic illuminated arch of Wembley which would host the big England v Scotland football match later in the evening. Our coach driver Steve skilfully negotiated the heavy London rush hour traf c and we were pleased to disembark outside the Holiday Inn Forum in Kensington, at around 6pm.
Thanks to JH Coaches booking arrangements, the room allocations were spot on and people were soon able to relax and freshen up in their very comfortable rooms.
As the big football game was being televised in the locals pubs most people elected to venture out and try the local ale and watch the game. An enjoyable night was had by all, especially as England came out comfortable 3-0 winners.
Saturday began early with an excellent cooked breakfast, for most of the crowd who then boarded the bus for our pre-arranged trip to the Blues and Royals Barracks at Combermere, Windsor.
Regimental Corporal Major Steven Parker, a Sunderland Lad and veteran of 4 tours of Afghan- istan, met the coach at the Barracks entrance and came on board to explain the days itinerary.
First a visit to the Stables to see the magni cent ceremonial horses and get a run down of the 12 week basic training as described by Lance Corporal of Horse Blake. At this point it should be explained that there are no Sergeants in the cavalry hence the reason why LC of Horse Blake had 3 stripes on his shirt and not 2 of a Corporal.
RCM (WO1) Parker then led us to the garages where many of the armoured vehicles and small tanks were kept. Many of the members remem- bered the Scorpions and Scimitars from their own service and not surprisingly RCM Parker explained that these were being phased out to be updated by newer better models (when the politics are sorted).
From there we were escorted to the WOs and NCOs mess which uniquely to this regiment was open to everyone from Lance Corporal up to Warrant
Of cer. As a memento of our visit the Sunderland Branch Chairman, John Appleby, presented RCM Parker with a DLI Plaque which he gratefully accepted. This then led us nicely up to lunch which we enjoyed in the Dining Hall for the princely sum of £1.90 per meal.
Last, but by no means least, we strolled down to the Blues and Royals own museum where we were given the potted history of the Regiment (the oldest in the British Army) dating from 1601 up to the present day. As well as this most informative and amusing talk, the members, particularly Sharon Slater, enjoyed trying on the pieces of uniform and armour which you see every day at the entrance to Horse Guards Parade. A memorable day was had by all.
Sunday dawned with the weather much improved from Saturday’s persistent rain. Again breakfast was taken early because the coach had to be at the designated parking spot off Pall Mall by 9.15am. After quite a delay in the Mall we were nally allowed to disembark. Our 21 marchers, with their desig- nated passes, headed for the checkpoint at Horse Guards Parade and those who wished to spectate made their way on foot to the Remembrance Garden in front of Westminster Abbey.
Crowds of Spectators were already 6 to 10 deep at the barriers around the march route when we nally reached a good spot adjacent to Churchill’s statue. When the cannon sounded at 11 o’clock the 2 minutes silence was impeccably observed. Following the Royal Family and VIP wreath laying, the veteran’s march began with the Light infantry leading the way to constant applause from the crowd. Our contingent (average age 64) marched off about 5 minutes later and looked tidy as they turned out of Whitehall into Great George Street. As the marchers approached Horse Guards at the end of the route Prince Charles was there to salute them all.
A few of the party returned to the Light Infantry section in the Garden of Remembrance where a short memorial took place for lads lost in more recent con icts. Buglers sounded the “Last Post” and speci c names were read out.
Most people then made their way to the Union Jack Club in Waterloo where again the hospitality and the company was excellent. After the exertions of the long day, a quiet night was spent at the hotel before the long drive back to the North East. Michael McMahon, Secretary Sunderland DLI Association
With sincere thanks to Steve Henderson (Driver) and Helen Noble (Sales Manager) at JH Coaches in Birtley. RCM Steven Parker, The Blues and Royals, Major Chris Lawton MBE, The Ri es, Durham.
Members of Sunderland Branch arrive safely in London
216 REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS
THE RIFLES