Page 6 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2019

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REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN)
Colonel of the Regiment’s Foreword
It is impossible to guess what will be go- ing on in the world at the moment you scan these pages. All I can say with some certainty is that it is likely to be unstable, that the requirement for first class defence forces will remain unanswerable, and that The Royal Lancers will be making a signifi- cant contribution to them.
Being a successful Regiment is an output both of the capabilities of the serving regi- ment and of a unique sense of belonging to a family that takes care of those who have served in the past, and of a pride in its her- itage. You will see all these aspects in this excellent journal.
Having left the Army over eight years ago I
have been struck by the degree to which the
Regiment still feels like home. The names
and faces may have changed but the char-
acters are familiar and there is the palpable
sense of belonging amongst both soldiers and officers.
The detail of activity at Regimental Duty, in our Museums, with our Veterans and Old Comrades and at Home Headquarters is covered in later pages. As you read, I would draw your atten-
tion to the commitment and service that is shown by so many to the Regiment – much of it unseen and certainly with no tangible reward.
There are several exemplars who deserve particular thanks. First, Brig Andrew Hughes who, as the first Colonel of The Royal Lancers, set us on the right path with his mix of tact, positivity and determina- tion. Maj Gen Robin Searby has retired as Chairman of the Regimental Trustees, marking the end of over 50 years of wise and dedicated service to the Regiment – much of it in key appointments. A similar period has been given by Capt Mick Holtby who steps down as Assistant Regimental Secretary (Heritage).
A family, as we know, functions effectively with countless acts of service and we are no different. This journal includes many
examples of activities, both amongst the serving and retired community, that have only come to fruition because of someone putting in some discretionary effort. I would very much like to thank those who have done so and encourage others to think about how they too can help.