Page 45 - QDG Volume 9 No. 2 2021

1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
43
dialled down. The night mostly entailed eating Beef Wellington and sampling copious amounts of alcohol, with various members of the Mess putting in a great shift. Even Sgt Maj McKinnon managed to last an hour before sleeping in a ches- terfield! The evening was very different and although it never substituted the formal dinner, it was the best that could be put together and it is hoped that next year we will be able to celebrate it in true tradition. For members of the Regiment that have not been to this dinner, it’s a tradition that has been going on for over 200 years since its inception after the battle of Waterloo in 1815.
The next event was organised by Sgt Speed and came in the form of wine tasting. The evening began with a civilian company showcasing their wares, and with most of the Mess cradling full glasses of “rouge”. We went at it. Mess members were given five different glasses of wine to taste, but after only one glass it was as if Sgt Maj Comley was born in France and was the world’s leading connoisseur in wine tasting! I could continue with the story, but to cut it short he is now nick-
named “Bobby one glass” and the rest is history. The evening was a great success and activities like this is what it is all about.
On the 2nd September
hosted F Sqn for their inau-
gural gathering. For this
event, many members of ERE
(Extra Regimental Employ-
ment) returned to Robertson
Barracks and were hosted in
their respective Messes. The
day started at 1230hrs with
lunch and then all attendees
went into a period of brief-
ings. It was great to see
everyone and understand
what they have been up to!
The Colonel of The Regiment
and 7th Brigade Commander
also presented the Regi-
mental Medal to Lt Col Tyson
and the Op TURUS medal to
WO2 Griffiths. Afterwards, a
game of cricket was played
Sqn were crowned champions. With the day almost over, the main focus switched to the evening and with the Officers’ Mess now retired to their own Mess, a BBQ was
put on and many drinks were consumed. It was a great evening, and it was bril- liant to see everyone. Hopefully as the years progress, we can build on this and
welcome back even more Dragoons.
In November we said goodbye to RHQ and A Sqn who deployed to Mali on Op NEWCOMBE 3, shortly after- wards we then welcomed back C Sqn. We managed to organise a few drinks at Christmas before C Sqn went on their post operational tour leave and it was great to see them and catch up. There were a few sore heads the following morning and everyone had a good evening.
With the end of 2021 now in sight, everyone is now looking forward to 2022
when TGHQ and A Sqn return. Hope- fully COVID19 will take a back seat and we can all enjoy the Mess returning to a state of normality.
SW
the Mess
Hopefully
as the years progress,
we can build on this and welcome back even more Dragoons.
in which F
Sgt Wilkins
Mr Griffiths
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