Page 78 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

76 REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN)
This year four Royal Lancers travelled to the winter resort of Saint Moritz to compete in the Army Championship in the Cresta Run. Involving hurtling downhill, head first down a run made entirely from natural ice, all competitors showed their mettle. Trooper Price and Lieutenant Titcomb, both in their novice seasons, achieved very respectable times through- out the week as well as becoming members of the Shuttlecock Club (having exited the run prematurely at the infamous cor- ner). Both managed to get low fifties in times, going over fifty- five miles per hour.
This is possibly due to competing against Josh Lewsey of Rugby World Cup fame and David Hasslehoff (who both attended be- ginners’ school with Lieutenant Titcomb and Trooper Price), motivating the team to up their performances. Lieutenant Tit- comb, however, did not achieve the easiest route there, crashing seven out of his first eleven runs. A late recovery of form and bravery was a relief later in the season, peaking just in time for the Army Championships.
Both Lieutenant Gray and Corporal Williams-Tanton were re- turning for their second and third season respectively. Both raced well throughout their time, setting “hello hellos” (a Cresta term for best time across all seasons) as well as taking some spec-
tacular falls. Corporal Williams-Tanton especial- ly outdid himself, taking a spill out of the run in order to have an excuse to get his clothes cut off him in front of some stunning
Swiss doctors (although having been thoroughly physically ‘as- sessed’ by a Navy doctor first).
Come the race day all four members of the Lancers were fit and ready to go. With the addition of Captain Wythe (who is the Army Cresta captain) and Second Lieutenant Colquhoun, all were keen to compete for some silverware. Unfortunately, of the eleven teams starting, only four remained in the running at the end of the day, Shuttlecock and Bulpetts taking down several teams. Lieutenant Titcomb, Second Lieutenant Colquhoun and Trooper Price all placed in the races, with Lieutenant Titcomb winning some fine silverware in the Novice Open (the other two being treated to a kiss).
Special mention must go to Second Lieutenant Colquhoun and Captain Wythe who went out as part of the Army Team. Captain Wythe proved fine Lancers pedigree by being the fastest man in the Army (and indeed across all three services) whilst Second Lieutenant Colquhoun was the fastest woman from Junction Hut (in only her first season and second season women could compete). An exceptional achievement from both and some great riding throughout the season.
Another successful Cresta season for the Lancers, with the young officers and soldiers looking in fine form to repeat last year’s success in winning the ‘17th/21st Lancers Cup’ for years to come. If, that is, Lieutenant Gray can stay in the run for once.
TCWG
Battledore Lancer