Page 115 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN) 113
All the cadets thoroughly enjoyed the visit to the regiment and all are looking forward to further visits to the regiment in the near future.
B Squadron’s Corps of Drums only started a few years ago, but has blossomed into a wonderful group of cadets all eager and passionate about learning a new instrument and putting on a great show wherever they end up playing. They work hard throughout the year, attending weekly training on top of their usual troop parade nights as well as having the opportunity to attend two National Music Camps and be trained by the Army Cadet Forces musically skilled instructors and the army’s very own School of Ceremonial.
In 2018, the cadets were out playing to the public at local super- markets, and even at a local pub charity event, raising money for the BHF and COPD and also for new kit. I was also an op- portunity to show off their new drums (which had also been paid for by their own fund-raising activities and also a few donations) this helping to raise the profile of both the army cadets and The Royal Lancers locally. Next year they are hoping to get all their No.1 dress which they use to perform in fully changed over to that of The Royal Lancers, a challenge in itself as this is not is- sued kit for the cadets.
In May, the cadets put on a local performance to their friends and families, both to get their music heard and to gain donations towards kit. The cadets were lucky to be invited to play for the soon-to-be-retiring Lord Lieutenant later in the year, at the Curve in Leicester city centre, joined by C Company and F Squadron. They also were honoured to perform at a local business awards show in the city centre as well. The drummers had the oppor- tunity this year to play a second Festival of Remembrance with
Side drum from the Corps of Drums
Ratby Brass Band. As in 2017, the cadets did themselves proud in performing to a church audience and remember the fallen on the night before the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The following day, the cadets lead the Remembrance parade at a local village called Cosby. The cadets got nothing but positive feedback from the hundreds of locals who came out to pay their respects, who complimented them on their music and smart dress. The cadets have already been invited back to lead the pa- rade next year. B Squadron Corps of Drums had an outstanding 2018 and hope to play at more events including maybe at The Royal Lancers family’s weekend in June 2019, grow even bigger in size and learn many more marches in 2019.
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Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland Army Cadet Force – Victory Show 2018
As always, the Victory Show at Cosby is an early start for all involved. Coordinating cadets from different detachments, including the Corps of Drums (CoD) can be challenging, but they all come in high spirits and love being part of one of the largest re-enactment shows around. Our main role is to create a Lance Guard for the VIP and veterans’ tent whilst the Corps of Drums entertain the visitors between displays.
This year, with the weather being so good, we were lucky enough to see the spitfires and hurricanes fly, as well as a World War 2 parachute drop from a Dakota to honour Arnhem. As always there is the re-enactment of a battle between the Germans and Allied forces, lots of loud bangs from tanks, machine guns and rifles, many originals. There are representatives from every country involved; the most being British, Americans and Ger- mans, but also Russians and Japanese, covering land, air and sea battles.
When the cadets were not performing or doing duties, they were given time to walk around all the displays, see the reproduction vehicles, uniforms, tents and weaponry. The cadets love being part of the Show, meeting the veterans and talking to the partici- pants. The highlight being trying to work out what the medals are, and spotting the Legion d’Honneurs.
The compliments received over the two days for both the Lance Guards and Corps of Drums was amazing, comments on their exceptional behaviour and how well they portray themselves and the cadets; and therefore, The Royal Lancers.
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Victory Show, Lance Guard