Page 116 - RSDG Year of 2022 CREST

124 EAGLE AND CARBINE
2022 proved a pivotal time in our country’s history. Two historical events back-to-back and delivered with total professionalism that only the UKs armed forces could delivery. As the Quartermaster of London Central Garrison my team overseen both events as well as other numerous significant activities throughout the year.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee was a festival of celebration ensuring our Colonel and Chief got the party she deserved, after 75 glorious years on the throne. Everything staged from Wellington Barracks and supported by my fantastic team. It all went off as planned due to the hard work and dedication of all involved in the real-life support.
OP BRIDGE was a surreal occasion for. From the high of the Jubilee to a huge low when the news broke. This event was a complete contrast of emotions and what I can only explain as a steely focus to succeed like something I have never experienced. The mood was of complete calm as everybody involved knew the importance of this monumental occasion. It was impressive to see that all three services, common- wealth troops as well as the other uniformed services all came together to deliver a first-class procession, no
more than what Her Majesty deserved. A remarkable woman throughout the decades. This was an absolute pleasure to be involved in and something that I will never forget.
The Regiment was of course involved in both, and I can honestly say without question the boys and girls who came down did the Regiment proud. Quite simply “Second to None”.
In addition to these historical events, we were involved in supporting the Border Control and London Ambulance Strikes on four occasions that added extra burden on our Forces. Wellington Barracks also hosted many members of the Regiment during the Cav Mem weekend. Free accommodation in central London was not to be sniffed at and well grasped by all the tight LEs.
So, what for the future? We will support the upcoming Coronation in May as well as the Kings Birthday Parade in June. A new era and another two significant calendar events in history. The Army Expo comes to Wellington Barracks in July showing and demon- strating to the world the British Army’s handwear and our support to Ukraine. My team will be right at the heart of it.
London Central Garrison
Maj J D Baillie