Page 59 - RSDG Year of 2023

to persuade someone to accompany them to dinner, to show off their Mess Kit on a formal Mess Night. Shortly thereafter the Mess hosted the Deputy Colonel-in-Chief to lunch, allowing the RCWO Staff Sergeant Lumsden an opportunity for a run out. The man is an artist, and he did not disappoint. He served Sous vide beef tenderloin cooked in a water bath at 54˚C for eight hours, finished by pan searing in rosemary & garlic, served with celeriac and potato puree, pea puree roasted baby carrots pickled anchovy salsa Verde and roasted butternut squash. This was followed by White chocolate & mascarpone cheesecake served with cranachan crumb honeycomb wild raspberry gel, Italian meringue & whisky butter- scotch sauce. As I said; an artist.
Following from this was the Robertson Dinner; named after the soldier who held every rank from Trooper to Field Marshall. The dinner is attended only by those who have completed a Commander’s Course (to my relief, tank commanders were allowed), in recognition of the achievement of becoming a tactical vehicle commander (something which is not merely handed out in the Royal Armoured Corps), and the dinner will become a regular fixture. It was a pleasure and a privilege to host Crew Commanders from Corporal up in our Mess. The next item was a hasty Balaklava, which was not as elaborate as usual since it took place on the eve of Exercise WESSEX STORM, however the battle honour was still marked in appropriate fashion. The final major event of the year was the Regimental Ball, this year a winter ball since no one was around over the summer. As I write I am only just recovering from the event, where we welcomed guests and former or ERE officers and after a splendid dinner partied till the wee small hours. At the end of the year we bid fairwell to Brian Butler, the Leuchars Officers’ Mess Manager, who has been a familiar face since we came back from Germany in 2015, and we thank him for his hard work and dedicated service.
The Commanding Officer presents a retirement gift to Mess Manager Brian Butler on completion of 49 years’ service
The PMC, the RAO and Lt Boylin at the Ross House BBQ
As the year closes, I hope that I have made some progress towards revitalising the Mess. There are already events tentatively scheduled for 2024, including a parents’ night and a dinner in the Royal and Ancient golf club. I am quite confident that with the crop of young officers at RD currently, your Mess is in excellent hands and is assured for many years to come.
Capt Cooper and 2Lt Stephenson Riding the Marches in Edinburgh
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