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enlisted the assistance of Bob Johnson to play the trumpet at the planned dedication ceremony.
A date was agreed, local dignitaries were invited, as well as members of the descend- ant’s family and from the Regimental Association. On the day we had approxi- mately 70 people attending including the Lord Mayor of Cardiff and Her Majesty’s representative, the Lord Lieutenant. The Royal Welsh Regiment kindly provided their splendid ceremonial goat ably han- dled by the Goat Major. Standard bearers from the Regimental Association and the British Legion also added colour to the event.
After an introduction to the history of the cemetery by a local academic, the great grandson of the survivor gave an account of his ancestor’s life. This was followed by a very moving account of a soldier’s life in the Crimea and the charge given by Major Charles Whitaker, which brought mem- bers of the family to tears. The assembled audience then proceeded to the grave- side for the unveiling of the new grave- stone. The ceremony was punctuated by appropriate cavalry trumpet calls by Bob Thomas. After the unveiling and wreath laying, Lt Col Christopher Le Hardy read the famous Lord Tennyson poem describ- ing the charge. He and Paul Alford (also in attendance) had both ridden the valley on a battlefield tour and were able share their insights. Research also located the medals
awarded to John Henry Harding and their current owner, a collector who had bought them at auction. He attended on the day and allowed the descendant’s family to handle their ancestor’s medals.
Light refreshments were organised by the descendant’s family after the event and of course some Regimental Association mem- bers were able to slake their thirst in a local hostelry.
From a simple idea, this grew into a com- plicated project with more moving parts that I had originally envisaged. It would
not have been possible without the support of HHQ, the Colonel of the Regiment, and members of the Regimental Association only some of whom have been mentioned. Thank you all, once again.
It is important that soldiers know that they will not be forgotten when they become history. The regimental motto, Viret in Aeternum; means ‘may their names flour- ish forever’. John Henry Harding, a mem- ber of our regimental family, will now be remembered forever.
MJB
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
The Royal Welsh Regiment kindly provided their splendid ceremonial goat
IP A Collins IP D Lines IP T F Lyall IP R Ibbotson IP B Weastell
In Pensioner Bert Weastell joined The Royal Hospital in July 2021. In the short period he has been here he has become very popular with pensioners and staff. Over the Remembrance period he took part in the Albert Hall and Cenotaph Parades.
Once again it was a quiet year 2021 through- out the hospital. Up until 29 March 2021 we were in what we called “RHC COVID State Red”. On 29 March we went to “amber”. We were allowed outside the hos- pital grounds and families and friends were allowed to visit with certain restrictions. All pensioners are still tested on a weekly basis. In August we held two parades, the first on 3 August was the Governor’s Review with associations and military personnel who had assisted during the lockdown period being invited. The main Founder’s Day Parade was held on 5 August with the
Geordie Collins in his wet weather outfit
We are all looking forward to 2022 when we will hopefully once again see regiments, association and friends at Cavalry weekend in May 2022.
Royal Hospital Chelsea 2021
reviewing officer being His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO. The flower show was held in September and also horse jumping.
This year 2022 the hospital has already planned the Flower Show in May and Founder’s Day in June. Also in the plan- ning are Masterpiece live at Chelsea and horse jumping. Already pencilled in is Remembrance in November where every pensioner will take part in a parade. Again this year we hope to visit places over the Remembrance period. Last Christmas we still carried out the stirring of the pudding and the cutting of the cheese and cake. At Christmas a lot of the pensioners took the opportunity to stay with family and friends. Those that stayed behind had an excellent time by all reports. On Christmas Day the Governor informed us that King Phillipe of Belgium would be the reviewing officer at Founder’s Day. Also in December 21 the Colonel of the Regiment, Brig H A Watson MBE and Maj M Tazey MBE visited the hospital to present us with our Christmas grants. It was good to see them.
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