Page 4 - 1RHA 2022

2022 will be noted in history for several significant events globally and domestically. While most of
the world looked on in shock and dis- belief at Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, it provided succour to potential aggres- sors who seek to achieve their strategic aims through war rather than diplo- macy; it also acted as a wakeup call to those who thought the era of state-on- state conventional armoured conflict in
Europe was over. This context will set the backdrop for what 1st Regiment does over the coming years – and this is already evi- dent when you read through this year’s Journal.
And of course, we all celebrated with much joy and fanfare, Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee commemorations in June, only to mourn our Captain General’s death in September. Our late Monarch’s funeral conducted in full State Ceremonial splendour and military precision truly marked the end of an era as we all reflected with great pride and admiration her decades of com- mitment to public service and to her Armed Forces in particular.
One constant in an era of change remains the sheer professional- ism, commitment, and determination to succeed demonstrated by every member of 1st Regiment, and the incredible support (not to mention patience!) of the families and friends of those who serve. Being the Right of the Line is a privilege the Regiment has rightly had bestowed upon it but is also one that must be carried with humility; those who observe 1 RHA from afar rightly expect excellence and it is clear to me in every dealing I have with the Regiment that you are delivering against that expectation every day, and then some.
It has been a tremendous honour to serve as your Honorary Colonel over the past 5 years, full of memorable moments help- ing to reinforce my unstinting belief that 1 RHA is, bar none, the finest Regiment in the British Army. That accolade is down to you all and as I hand this mantle over to Major General Jez Bennett, I wish you all the very best in the future and encourage you to keep doing everything you do that makes 1st Regiment ‘first’ in every sense of the word.
God Save the King!
1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
Honorary Colonel Major General N Marshall OBE
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