Page 55 - 1RHA 2022

1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
Op PLATINUM 2Lt A Wicking RHA
In late May 2022, a detachment of 24 soldiers from 1 RHA deployed onto Op PLATINUM, to take part in HM Queen Eliz- abeth II’s Platinum Jubilee pageant. Nestled amongst a busy
forecast of events, the Marching Contingent were afforded lit- tle time to prepare and rehearse prior to deploying. However, the careful instruction of RSM Matthews and Sgt Spall, shaped us into a well-drilled body of men and women, before, on 27th May the contingent deployed to Pirbright. Once there, we were entrusted to the slightly less careful yet more “motivational” Guards Drill Wing Instructors. A recreation of Central London, from Wellington Barracks to all the way up the Mall was created on the parade square, and like bobsleigh drivers, we completed endless laps, memorising and visualising the route at hand. After a few days on the circuit came the early morning rehearsal, and we were transported in the dead of night to Wellington Barracks. Regardless of our apparent sleep deprivation, the muscle mem- ory kicked in and the quiet streets of London were disturbed by 1500 military personnel from across the Armed Forces and Com- monwealth. After a 2-day intermission, came the final rehearsals and the seal of approval from the Drill Wing. Once again, we were whisked into London during the early hours and pushed into the basement of Wellington Barracks. After a breakfast sandwich and
a gallon of tea each came the main event. Considering that a vast majority of the contingent had little experience of a major parade, and that a team had to be drawn together at short notice, the 1 RHA contingent performed admirably and special thanks must be extended to Sgts Richards and Wharfe who provided much need experience and support.
Families Day
On the 11th of June, E Bty organised and ran a Families Day for the regiment. Following many sleepless nights from Capt Davey and Bdr Nyamekye, who organised much of the entertainment, the day started with a medals parade, to award the personnel from the regiment their Platinum Jubilee Medals, presented by the Honorary Colonel, Major General N Marshall. After the parade, the Regiment and their families moved down to the Pig- geries to visit stands which represented the broad culture within 1 RHA. There were cultural food stands from Nepal, Ghana, Fiji and the Caribbean amongst others. It was also a great opportunity to showcase the Regiment’s capability to friends and family, with a Warrior, Bulldog and AS90 display, with SSgt Curran running weapons stand and Sgt Adade providing excellent instruction on camouflage and concealment.
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