Page 36 - Mercian Eagle 2014

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Trooping the Colour
Primarily the parade was designed to formally celebrate the amalgamation of
the 3rd Battalion the MERCIAN Regiment into the 1st and 2nd Bns. The occasion
of the parade was also to encompass
the 1 MERCIAN unit move from Catterick Garrison to Picton Barracks, Bulford as
well as moving in to 1(Armoured) Bde.
It was additionally an opportunity for all ranks to enjoy a ceremonial event and for members of the newly merged Battalion to embrace the change and look forward to the latest chapter in our Regiment’s history. Importantly we marked the day by enjoying ourselves with our families for the first time in a long time.
The day itself was split into three parts; a Colour Parade in the morning, a families sports event in the afternoon and a combined Officer’s and WO’s & Sgt’s Dinner Dance in the evening.
The Parade
After a series of comprehensive drill rehearsals under the watchful eye of the Regimental Sergeant Major the Bn was ready to complete a full parade, trooping the colour in slow and quick time. The salute and inspection was taken by CLF, Maj Gen Everard who was delighted with the 1st Bn’s enthusiasm and turnout.
We were ably supported by the RA band on the day and must pass our thanks on to them.
The Families Sports Afternoon
The Unit Welfare Officer searched high and low for the best stands and entertainment Wiltshire had to offer the families and we all were delighted with the show. On offer for the families were zorbing and archery and an air rifle range, face painting, sand figures and a full outdoor BBQ courtesy of WO2
Hart and the rest of the Catering Platoon. There were some great military stands as well with everything from anti tank practice on the Javelin Missile trainer and a look at the armoured vehicles we are now using,
to sitting inside a Super Puma helicopter! The afternoon culminated with the Inter Coy Tug-of-War event, won in solid fashion by Dragon Coy.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE