Page 71 - Mercian Eagle 2016

unit with entertaining antics.... in a similar vein, Pte Adam Barber provided the vital service of fixing the PA system through his experience as a former club DJ whilst being concurrently charming to the Assistant Regimental Secretary, reassuring her with his ability to fix a variety of minor snags.
The day itself was, as ever, very well attended by the full spectrum of young and old, veterans and serving soldiers, with some very moving moments as we saw the visits of the families of those fallen in battle. The service had added poignancy as we remembered the Centenary of the Battle
of the Somme, highlighting how little has changed for soldiers over those hundred years and how the men of the Regiment
in recent years have been asked to make those same sacrifices for Queen and Country.
As a recent and “foreign” import, it
was humbling to see the Regiment come together, to share in memories of absent friends and to raise a toast or two on
their behalf. I discovered afterwards that members of my own family from centuries before are buried in the churchyard at Crich, an interesting connection I was previously unaware of. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the Regiment of which
I am now a part and I look forward to returning next year, although hopefully this time with less responsibility for tents.
CO, RSM & Colour Party, 4 Mercian, Crich, July 16
The Colour Parties form up for inspection, 4 Mercian centre, July 16
Band and Colour Parties on parade at the memorial, 4 Mercian left, July 16
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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