Page 62 - Bugle Issue 20 Autumn 2022

SOUTH
Cadet LCpl Mahadere leads in the Book Party
Oxford Concert
The county regiment of Oxfordshire, The Rifles and its forming and antecedent regiments, The Royal Green Jackets and
The Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire
Light Infantry were both celebrated and commemorated in the City of Oxford on Saturday 7 May 2022. The centre piece of the day’s events being a service of dedication for the regimental memorial book held amidst the grandeur of the city’s magnificent Christ Church Cathedral. The service marked the close affiliation the regiment has with Oxford dating back to 1782, the value it places on its links to the county, and the sacrifices made by those who serve in its ranks.
The day started with Oxford’s Saturday morning shoppers being entertained by
the Waterloo Band and Bugles of The Rifles which performed in Leiden Square. The band comprises wholly of Army Reservist Musicians drawn from across the county. Led by WO2 Bob Ghigi, they played a medley of well-known military classics as well as more familiar tunes.
The day centred around the service of dedication for the regiment’s memorial book that takes pride of place inside Christ Church Cathedral. The book is a sombre roll of honour that names the 45 who gave their lives on operations with the Royal Green Jackets and the further 62 who served with the present day RIFLES Regiment.
Speaking of the day Major Tim Brown, the Officer Commanding A Company, 7 RIFLES based at Edward Brooks Barracks in Abingdon said, “This was a memorable day for The Rifles and to have this wonderful opportunity to
be able to engage with the local community was very rewarding. Watching the crowds in the shopping centre singing along and being entertained was enjoyable, but it was the service in the cathedral that provided that very special moment of reflection and remembrance.” The book was marched down the nave
with 16 year-old Army Cadet Mahadere from Headington Detachment, Oxfordshire Army Cadet Force. The finale to the day was a sunset ceremony performed by the Waterloo Band in the grounds of Christ Church.
62 RIFLES The Bugle