Page 7 - The Light Blue Volunteer 2019

Pakistan Military Academy Riding Gala
OCdt Harborne was invited to join the RMAS delegation partaking in a riding gala at Pakistan Military Academy, Abbottabad, Pakistan.
In the morning they practised for their events before turning their hands to ‘ring jousting’, involving the use of a sword to chop a melon, and flick 2 rings into the air. This was followed
by horseback archery, and tent pegging whereby the rider
must stab and pick up a wooden ‘peg’ from the ground using
a lance. OCdts then received a tour of the impressive grounds and museum, before being hosted for lunch. The day culminated in a 3 chukka polo match and prize giving. In all, the trip was a valuable insight in to our Pakistani counterparts.
OCdt Harborne
Waterloo to World
War II Battlefield
Study
Together with 5 OCdts from other units, I was invited on a battlefield tour aptly called Waterloo to World War II.
We were joined by Major General Porter and our American counterparts, a cadet from Westpoint Academy and Colonel Exner formerly of the US Marine Corps. Over the 6 day tour we visited Pegasus Bridge, Tyne Cot Cemetery, Hill 60, Menin Gate, Langemark, Hougoumont, Les Arromanches, Sword Beach, Point du Hoc and Napoleon’s last HQ, and became good friends. The trip was historically and spiritually eye-opening, and was made especially interesting by the insightful input of Col Exner and Maj Gen Porter. On the last evening, 2Lt. Heather Dunmall started our final meal together with a poignant grace that concluded the trip perfectly.
JUO McConnell
THE LIGHT BLUE VOLUNTEER 7