Page 24 - QARANC Vol 15 No 2 2017

22 QARANC THE GAZETTE
Presentation of the Corps Brooch
On 22 May 1959 HRH Princess Margaret, Colonel-in- Chief of the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps arrived at the Depot and Training Establishment, Hindhead. A guard of honour marched to the Museum, led by the Band of the Royal Army Medical Corps. The Princess’s car stopped outside the Museum and the Princess stepped out to be greeted by our Director, Brig Dame Monica Johnson. Everyone stood to attention to honour our Colonel-in-Chief, the officers gave the Royal Salute and, when all this was done, Captain Watts marched smartly up to the Princess and informed her that the guard of honour was ready for inspection.
The Princess then inspected the ranks and returned to the dais where she was presented with a corps badge, gold, set with diamonds, rubies and sapphires, by the youngest member of the Corps at the time, Q/1003407 Pte Joan Stacey, saying “On behalf of all members of the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps I offer to Your Royal Highness this Badge, with our humble duty, as a token of our loyalty and affection”.
Her Royal Highness then went to the Museum, where she was presented with a silver key for its opening by Q/1003386 Pte June Farrimond after which Her Royal Highness departed, wearing her brooch, for the Aldershot Show.
Subsequently a message was received from her Lady-in- Waiting:
“Her Royal Highness has asked me to express again, through you to all ranks of the Corps, her heartfelt appreciation of the truly exquisite badge brooch which was presented to her. The Colonel-in-Chief thinks that it is one of the most beautifully designed brooches that she has ever seen, and will always wear it with the greatest pride and joy”.
The above is the history of the Corps Brooch as worn by Her Royal Highness Sophie, Countess of Wessex, our present Colonel-in-Chief.
This article was submitted by Mrs Valerie Abraham Q/1003390 with help from Joan Stacey Q/10O3407 (Mrs Smye), June Farrimond Q/1003386 and an old edition of the QARANC Gazette.
Private June Farrimond presenting the key of the museum to HRH Princess Margaret, Col-in-Chief.
Joan Stacey presenting HRH Princess Margaret, Col-in-Chief with the Corps Brooch.
HRH Princess Margaret, Col-in-Chief leaving Hindhead 22 May 1959.
HRH Princess Margaret, Col-in-Chief inspecting parade.