Page 75 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

the army at the age of 16 years old I went through training at AFC Harrogate, the phase one training ran hand in hand with the DoE award scheme and I left with a bronze award, it was a really good programme and helped to develop me both as a young man
and professionally as a soldier.
Did that have any influence over you desire to join the armed forces? I believe it helped to set the conditions for success in the army.
How much planning and practice went
into the participation? As Riflemen the drill
square is not our natural habitat, however
in true rifles style we can turn our hand to
anything and deliver results, this was no
different, there were some long days rehearsing, ironing and polishing but it was all met head on by the riflemen. I can imagine the higher-level planning was very methodical and detailed but from what I hear Prince Phillip had already sorted the majority of the running order leaving the finer details in capable hands.
Considering the Duke was a patronage of The Rifles, did that have an impact? There was a very real sense around everyone of just what an honour it was to be a part of, this I believe is in no small part due to his relationship with the regiment, and everyone just wanted to pay tribute to him in the best possible way they were able.
Were you nervous to take part in such a historically significant event?
Absolutely , it was not lost on me the scale of the event and the amount of TV camera’s and press there was, knowing that around 1 Billion people would be watching world wide was a very sobering thought. The real pressure and nerves for me was just ensuring we got it all right for the Royal Family in their hour of grief, this is what felt most important not the camera’s.
What role did you play at the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral? I was part of the Guard of Honour.
Were you proud to play an integral part of the event? Immensely proud to be part of such a huge piece of history.
How significant was The Rifles’ contribution on the day? MASSIVE- to be the Guard of Honour is huge, something to be immensely proud of. The deliver a present Arms as the procession arrived at St George’s chapel, was a huge moment, something that rightly so made me feel pretty emotional on the day.
Did you meet the Duke of Edinburgh and if so what are your recollections of him? No
Did the Duke of Edinburgh’s military career resonate? Yes, he had a huge career in the Navy, something he was hugely proud of.
How much did the covid precautions influence and impede your role? They didn’t, the hole stage management insured we could still complete our role, but remain safe at the same time.
Did you take part in the Duke of Edinburgh award? No
Did that have any influence over you desire to join the armed forces? No
How much
planning and
practice went
into the participation? We were notifed on Friday, then met in Pirbright Monday evening. We then had 4 days of full on rehearsals to prepare the for that day. Long days from 0830-1730 spent on the drill square.
Were you nervous to take part in such
a historically significant event? Hugely nervous, the last time I took part in something like this was 2002 for the Queen mothers funeral, then I was a young Private soldier, we only did street lining then. To
be part of the guard of honour, front and centre of St George’s Chapel was a huge moment, anyone who states they weren’t nervous is lying.
Anyone who states they weren’t
nervous is lying
HRH FUNERAL
RIFLES The Bugle 75
Capt LEE JONES
RIFLES ADJUTANT