Page 56 - RSDG Year of 2023

54 EAGLE AND CARBINE
PADRE
Capt T Flowers
It was a proud moment for me taking over from Padre Mike to become Padre of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards. Growing up with a fascination for the Battle of Waterloo and the wonderful paintings of the Scots Greys at Waterloo, and notwithstanding my memories of the Pipes and Drums as a chart act in the 70’s it is an honour and a privilege to be here.
In September we were visited by the Moderator of the Church of Scotland The Reverend Sally Foster-Fulton accompanied by The Presbytery of Fife Clerk Rev Dr David Coulter (former Chaplain General of RAChD). The Moderator was introduced to the delights of the Jackal and was shown a short presentation on the Regiment and its capabilities.
In October prior to Wessex Storm, we held a Coronation Medals Drum Head Service attended by AVM Paterson, senior RAF Officer in Scotland, this was one of his final official duties before retirement. I was also invited along with the CO and RSM and our wives to attend the Station Fijian Communities Fiji Day Celebrations.
In November Remembrance was a busy time visiting the Troops on Wessex Storm to conduct an early Remembrance Service in the field. (This was to fit in with the battle rhythm of the exercise.) I then made the long drive back to Leuchars to lead the Remembrance
Sunday services at Leuchars Parish Church, St Martins, Guardbridge and Anstruther.
We shared an enjoyable Christmas in a day event which included a Carol service at Leuchars Church in which Black Country and chocolate themed Nativity stories went down well with the troops.
In April I was asked by the RSM to lead a field service to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Nunshigum one of the most crucial actions during the Burma campaign. The story of bravery of the tank crews of B Company 3 Carabiners was inspiring.
It was also my sad duty to lead a Memorial service to Dawn Byrne who passed away suddenly earlier in the year. Dawn has worked in the officer’s mess at Leuchars for over 20 years, she was the one who made the young officers feel at home and helping them to settle in. She often referred to them as her “sons”. She will be sadly missed.
May the blessings of light be upon you, Light without and light within,
And in all your comings and goings, May you ever have a kindly greeting From them you meet along the road.