Page 143 - RSDG Year of 2023

Military planning is often a contradiction of terms. This could not be said about the either the overnight rehearsal or the Coronation itself. SCOTS DG were safely dropped at Farnborough Train Station by Cpl Cabemaiwasa and LCpl Nailatica before boarding the bespoke rail service to Waterloo Station. For those not queuing to use the onboard toilets, the excitement was palpable. The conductor had coerced one of the bands to assist him over the loudspeaker so that each message delivering essential information which he’d amusingly woven mottos into was preceded by some form of fanfare. Announcements such as “Fear Naught, this service will be Second to None” bellowed over the loudspeaker as the train raced towards the capital. As the service jolted through Clapham Common, the commuters were perplexed as they were suddenly flanked by trains full of service personnel in their finest uniforms. This was for some individuals the first time they’d been inside the M25 which provoked lots of observations and comparisons to their clearly idyllic hometowns such as Glasgow.
Once everyone had marched to Wellington Barracks, the opinions had changed and there was an acknowl- edgment that parts of London were in fact rather fancy. Inside the barracks you could have been confused for thinking it was T in the Park. Every bit of space had been filled with eateries, barista vans, and portaloos. As the contingent waited to step off they sat on gym benches in
the underground carpark where they were able to chat with the Colonel of the Regiment, the Pipes and Drums, and Maj Jake Baillie who was orchestrating all the logistics as the London Central Garrison Quartermaster. Whilst chatting, he reassured the Regiment that they wouldn’t have to slum it underground for the big day and listened to the soldiers gripes about not having hidden any cigarettes within their uniforms. As they marched back to Waterloo over Westminster Bridge, Maj Baillie could be seen doubling towards the station with a bag in hand, only those from SCOTS DG knew that the Quartermaster’s essential business was delivering cigarettes and lighters for his unit when they arrived at Waterloo.
After a day of rest and polishing, Coronation Day finally arrived. The contingent from the Regiment woke early and gathered in the corner of the Victory College carpark for a glass of port and a toast before loading up for the final time. For the overnight rehearsal the city was empty, however, this time the city was alive. The station was filled with camera crews and onlookers as the units disembarked and waddled over the polished floors to form up on the street under the threatening clouds. The Regiment made it to Wellington Barracks before the rain started and were greeted by Maj Baillie who introduced a guide who led the Regiment through the labyrinth and into the Junior Ranks Mess. Nestled high above the parade square, the Regiment played pool and watched the celebrations
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