Page 74 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

HRH FUNERAL
74 RIFLES The Bugle
Front and Centre at the Duke of Edinburgh’s Funeral
The passing of His Royal Highness
The Duke of Edinburgh was clearly an emotional event for all with links to
The Rifles, our forming and antecedent regiments. Prince Phillip embodied the ethos and leadership example that we as Riflemen strive to achieve and for those of us that were fortunate to have met him during his tenure as Colonel in Chief it was clear that he genuinely cared about his Regiment and Riflemen.
It was therefore a huge privilege that The Rifles were personally selected by His Royal Highness to form his Guard of Honour at his funeral. The Guard, represented by Riflemen from across the Regiment, including the Band and Bugles, participated in a period
of short and sharp drill training before completing a number of rehearsals for the event and as would be expected the profes- sionalism and standard of the Riflemen was present from day one.
For anyone who watched the funeral the personal touches and detail were clear to see and whilst the TV coverage did not show all of the event from the perspective of the Riflemen you can only imagine the sense of occasion and pride that they felt in representing the Rifles and themselves.
The presence and personality of His Royal Highness will be greatly missed but it is reassuring that albeit in a small way we were able to show our respect and adoration to a Rifleman who was with us from our conception, had a genuine interest in our past, present and future and above all cared about his Riflemen.
His Royal Highness will be
greatly missed
What role did you play at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral? I was part of the honour
Guard that formed up in Horseshoe Cloister
Were you proud to play an integral part of the event? I was extremely proud and honoured to be able to pay tribute to our
former Royal Colonel, especially knowing it was part of his wishes for the Rifles regiment to for fill this important role.
How significant was The Rifles’ contribution on the day? I felt the regiment was well represented on the day with troops in the special relations part, the honour guard, the band who were fantastic and of course a number of high ranking generals on parade, but the true significance of the rifles role was that it was at the request of Prince Phillip DoE himself
Did you meet the Duke of Edinburgh and if so what are your recollec- tions of him? Never personally met
Did the Duke of Edinburgh’s military career resonate? Absolutely as a member of the armed forces family through his military service and his further years of service to the Queen and country he epitomised the core values and was a total inspiration to those still serving not forgetting the fact he seen active service so had an absolute understanding of what young men and women go through on deployments.
How much did the covid precautions influence and impede your role?
I don’t feel the Covid restrictions had to much of an effect, we are all now used to being able to operate within government guidelines and other than having to be regularly tested and isolated we were able to prepare in the same professional manor we would for any other task requiring a high level output.
Did you take part in the Duke of Edinburgh award? Yes, having joined
CSjt COLEMAN MC
5th BATTALION THE RIFLES