Page 89 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN) 87
Ceremonial and Commemorative Events
First World War Centenary Services in Mons
This year marked the centenary of the end of the First World War, a globally important event, but with special resonance for Belgium and the town of Mons, where the war physically end- ed. The Royal Lancers has long had an affiliation with Mons, as the 5L had been the last regiment to leave Mons in 1914 during the retreat from Mons and the first regiment to return to Mons in 1918. Furthermore, Private George Ellison, a 5L and the last British soldier to die in the Great War just hours before the 1100 armistice, is buried at Saint Symphorien Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, just on the outskirts of Mons. As such a Lance Guard from the regiment was requested to take part in the vari- ous services taking place over Remembrance Weekend. Captain Anani-Isaac and Sergeant Ellerby took six Other Ranks from the Regiment across to Mons for what would be a weekend to re- member. Also transported to Mons on the request of the Mayor of Mons was the painting called “The Return to Mons” which was displayed in Mons Town Hall for three days.
The weekend began with a joint service for the British and Bel- gian Prime Ministers on Friday 8th November at St Sympho- rien and both laid wreaths at Pte Ellison’s grave and also that of Pte George Parr, the first British soldier to die in the War in 1914, coincidentally buried opposite. Afterwards, members of the Lance Guard were able to meet the Prime Minister at a reception. That evening, the Lance Guard were introduced to the delights of Belgian beer and local cuisine (Trooper Bilsland insisted on having chicken nuggets and chips). On Saturday, we took part in the Canadian Remembrance service at St Sympho- rien, led by the Canadian Governor-General Julie Payette. Also present were a large cohort from the 16/5L and members of the Artists Rifles. The Lance Guard were also fortunate enough to meet the several generations of Pte Ellison’s descendants; from his granddaughter to his great great great granddaughter (just months old!).
On Remembrance Sunday we attended a service by the Brit- ish, Canadian, Irish and German contingents of the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) again at Saint Symphorien. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the regiment on Ptes Ellison and Price’s graves by Troopers Bilsland Williams. In the afternoon the Lance Guard took part in a fantastically well attended parade in Mons town square along with Belgian, Canadian and French colleagues. The parade was led by a fel-
The Lance Guard: Sergeant Ellerby, Trooper Rice, Lance Corporal Richardson, Trooper Bisland, Corporal Terry, Trooper Williams, Trooper Moulton and Captain Anani-Issac
Lance Corporal Richardson meeting the Prime Ministers
low Lancer, General Sir James Everard (Deputy Supreme Al- lied Commander EUROPE) and the guest of honour was His Majesty Prince Laurent, the brother of the Belgian King. The Lancers returned home, satisfied that they had done the current regiment and their antecedents proud at several extremely high profile events across an extremely busy and significant weekend.
JAI
The Lance Guard with members of the 16/5L Regimental Association
The Lance Guard with Private Ellison’s descendants