Page 52 - RADC Bulletin 2022

Festival Of Remembrance 2021
Maj K Blyth, Cpl Crook, LCpl Fox & Pte Hughes
Maj K Blyth
I must admit to never having previously watched the Festival of Remembrance, so
I was unsure what I was in for when I was asked to participate and act as RADC OIC. After doing a little research I was soon aware of what an honour and privilege it was, as well as what a responsibility it would be to represent the Corps at such a major event. Cue me printing off every email I received, quadruple checking all my kit and panicking about my drill for the week or two beforehand!
Thankfully I was joined by a fabulous contingent of RADC personnel of various ranks who made the OIC part of the task
a breeze. It was clear to see everyone was thrilled to be there and excited to take part. The Friday flew by as skilled drill instructors tried not to scream as we descended a
flight of stairs in Wellington over and over again while trying to stay in step with the correct timings. Though not to brag, we did ourselves proud and performed a lot better at this than most of the other groups! We were then whisked to the Royal Albert Hall for rehearsals before a late night of polishing and ironing to get ready for the next day.
The Festival of Remembrance takes place at the Royal Albert Hall on the Saturday
with an afternoon performance and a filmed evening performance. It is fair to say that nerves and adrenaline were high but the camaraderie of our group and all those alongside us made it a fantastic day. Our drill went as well as could be hoped, the other performances were fantastic and it was hard not to shed a tear for some of the stories even when it was the third or fourth time we were hearing them.
The Festival will stand out as a surreal but incredibly moving highlight of my career and I am incredibly proud and grateful to have been able to participate and represent the RADC.
LCpl Fox
The annual Festival of Remembrance hosted by the Royal British Legion took place on 13th November 2021 at the Royal Albert Hall (RAH). The festival was a commemorative event dedicated to all those that have served and sacrificed from Britain and the Commonwealth.
This year was of special significance, it celebrated the centenary of the RADC and the Royal British Legion. The RADC was fortunate enough to have 10 representatives attend the event and form part of the Military Muster to ‘fly the flag.’ We showed off our cap badge with pride as we walked in perfect sync down the stairs of the RAH.
The 10 representatives included: Maj
Blyth, Maj Bassi, WO2 Beckett, Sgt Chance, Cpl Crook, LCpl Fox, LCpl Burch, LCpl Duckworth, Pte Boatang and Pte Hughes.
The event preparation began on Friday 12th with a very early start at Wellington Barracks for briefings/breakfast as well
as the start of the all-important practice walking down the famous Wellington stairs. We rehearsed all day, before visiting the RAH for security passes and a further rehearsal of walking down the steps before forming up in a uniformed muster ready to sing hymns, pray and witness the famous ‘Poppy Fall.’
Whilst at Wellington we took the opportunity to visit the Kings Troop stables and meet some of the horses/riders who regularly parade through London on official events. This was an eye-opening visit to see what goes on in the wider Army.
With the last of the rehearsals complete, our No 2 uniforms ironed, and shoes shined we were ready for the main event. Sat 13th
50 RADC BULLETIN 2022
CENTENARY