Page 62 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

60 REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN)
were shot this week, 11 of which were first timers (Lieutenant Woodward’s making a memorable birthday). This is no mean feat and probably a record for the exercise – although one should remember that the stalk is always the most important part. It was a relief for the estate team too, with low water levels and a late start to the rut, game had been in short supply to visitors to the lodge up until this week and while we missed the salmon season this year, we have already earmarked a place in September next year. Everyone was delighted to be joined by Captains Richard- son and Guest for the latter part of the week, making the long journey geographically and conceptually to return from postings to catch up with their brother officers.
So, I am pleased to report that Ex FF 31 (it started in 1978 and formally in ‘88) was a huge success. The event continues to be a highlight of the Officers’ Mess calendar and provides a superb opportunity to celebrate the camaraderie that we all rightly cher- ish. On to 2019! ADGB
The Mess in front of Rhifall Lo
Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess
2018 saw the Warrant Officers’ & Sergeants’ Mess fighting a three-frontier battle. First up was Operation TOSCA 28, where approximately 40 mess members deployed to Cyprus. The Regiment took over from a fellow cavalry regiment, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, who had set high mess standards – or at least as high as they can be for a Scottish regiment.
Information gained from previous reconnaissance was not wast- ed. We knew what was needed to transform a large bleak room into a mess which was suitable to host Generals, Brigadiers and Members of Parliament, with true Lancer panache. In Catter- ick 10 MFO boxes were filled with the finest silver, pictures and chattels, and then shipped to Cyprus. This was all under the watchful eye of Sergeant Fad Greenwood, the newly appointed Mess manager.
To get the mess up and running was an Operation TOSCA Mess committee. At the head of this beast was Warrant Officer Class II