Page 121 - Mercian Eagle 2013

each of our four Battalions being put through their paces by RSM Paul Muckle (2 MERCIAN). The soldiers spent several hours each day rehearsing all aspects
of the parade and provided a unique spectacle for the employees and clients
of Worcester Warriors Rugby Club as
they dominated the ground for the week. Fortunately, the Regiment was blessed with excellent weather throughout the whole week which contributed towards
the maintenance of a happy body of men, which may not necessarily have been the case had the weather been inclement! By the penultimate day the parade had been whipped into excellent shape with the only remaining question being the behaviour of LCpl Derby who so far had lived up to his star billing by consistently acting like a diva.
The day of the presentation saw an excellent crowd of around 5,000 attend Sixways Stadium on a beautiful summers day. The Regiment was delighted that
HRH The Prince of Wales, as Colonel in Chief, was able to present the new Colours to the Regiment on behalf of HM The Queen. The parade was immaculately turned out and, commanded by Lt Col Des FitzGerald, performed its duties superbly. Having presented the Colours and taken
the salute, the Colonel in Chief spoke to the Regimental family about the shared values and heritage which holds the Regiment together, the fortitude against adversity shown by the Regiment over recent years on operations and at home and of the need to hold to these values as we move forward. He commented also on the invaluable
support received by the Regiment from
the counties and communities from which our soldiers hail and of the importance of maintaining this link. All that remained of the parade was for the Regiment to march off parade for which they were proudly joined by members of our various Regimental Associations and Cadet Forces. As if to sign off a very successful day perfectly, LCpl Derby demonstrated exemplary behaviour throughout.
Immense Thanks
The event was a fantastic day for the whole Regimental family and was the product of
a lot of hard work, mostly from individuals who had other pressing tasks at the same time. Special mention must go to Lt Col (Retd) Bill Temminck, Maj Doug Hallam and Maj Fred Slaney for their superb enthusiasm and management of the logistical planning of the event. Ms Cindy Baines and the
staff deserve immense praise for their transport plan which enabled members of the Regimental family from all over Mercia and beyond to attend the event. RHQ Chester for their work to support the VIP Plan. The indomitable Lt Col (Retd) Dougie Bridges provided invaluable service across all things drums – without his work it is safe to say that the Mercian Corps of Drums would not have been on parade looking as professional as they did. Lastly huge thanks must go to the staff at Worcester Warriors Rugby Club who gave of their all throughout and could not have been more helpful and professional.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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