Page 31 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2019

REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN)
stability and prosperity to the Balkans-inspired crisis. With the course being conducted in English, and our war-torn nation speaking only Hungarian, language assistants were an indispen- sable asset. The offering of much very strong coffee was required to keep them prepared to translate. It did appear however that the Hungarian students struggled the most with this: having to pretend not to understand their native tongue, and then react to only the often (deliberately) poor translations led to pulling of much hair from some very shapely moustaches.
The value of the training was matched only by the opportunity to work alongside such a diverse range of ranks, nationalities and experiences. From Hungarian and Finnish special forces to an Azerbaijani fighter pilot, each had their own opinions on how to deal with the everchanging situation... although perhaps some of the more kinetic solutions to disgruntled refugees should re- main confined to the classroom.
Our hosts were ever gracious, keen for us to learn about not just peace support, but also Hungary. As such, they arranged for a cultural excursion to Budapest; including a tour of the Royal
Palace and armoury, as well as a chance to experience the famed nightlife of the city’s Jewish District. The latter more than lived up to its reputation: the city was very welcoming and enjoyed (perhaps too much) by a British contingent set free from the quiet, sedate pace of Szolnok.
The generosity, support and training provided by the Hungar- ian Defence Forces was excellent, as was the hospitality. While evenings billed as Goulash parties were a regular occurrence, the availability of vegetables was not. When informed that some greenery would be welcome the chefs delivered the very next day. It could be said though that their decision to deep fry it in thick batter did marginally lower its nutritional benefit.
Hungary opened its arms to us and provided sterling training which will be of benefit in any peacekeeping mission across the world, as well as wider training in dealing with civilian organisa- tions and charities. We were hosted well and met some charac- ters none will soon forget.
When The Royal Lancers were approached by 12 (Armoured Infantry) Brigade to represent the British Army and the United Kingdom in the 2019 Bastille Day parade, we jumped at the chance to show off our world-famous foot drill skills. The UK had been invited to send a guidon party to form part of a contingent of nations involved in President Macron’s European Intervention Initiative. Equipped with the required number of swords (RSM Pook, Lt Batterbury and Lt Buchanan), lances (SSgt Wooff, SSgt King), weaponised pace stick (Sgt Younger), the all-important Guidon (RQMS Hobson) and 1x interpreter (Lt Buchanan), the team set off for Saint Cyr L’École, Paris.
Those who recognise the name should not fall foul of the same mistake Lt Buchanan made on arrival. After marvelling to
The Colour Party marches on
Bastille Day Parade 2019
JSC
29