Page 36 - QARANC Vol 16 No 1 2018

34 QARANC THE GAZETTE
Remembrance
The Association National Standard at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance
For the first time in the history of the Festival of Remembrance and in light of the seventieth birthday of the QARANC Association, the Royal British Legion (RBL) invited us to parade our national standard alongside the RBL branch standards. All branches of the Association were asked to confirm the availability of their respective standard bearers to attend all rehearsals and the two public performances. I was lucky enough to be chosen to represent the Association on this auspicious occasion.
The regimental secretary passed my contact details to the RBL and emails started flying into my inbox. One of these included a link to a music file for the march-off from the arena. No words of command are given to the standard bearers other than the initial “GO” as you stand outside the hall and it’s your turn to launch yourself down the steps. The music file was sent to inform us that the march-off was to be in quick time. Jupiter from Holst’s Planets Suite was to be played in slow time, so some practice was recommended to get timings right, ensuring all standards moved off at the same time and cleared the arena before the music stopped. Having retrieved the national standard from the Royal Garrison Church in Aldershot, I’m not sure what my neighbours thought of me standing to attention in the carry position for two minutes and four seconds before marching across the car park at the back of my flflat with the standard. However, I found the practice really paid off once I reached the Albert Hall.
On Friday 10 November 2017, having registered and completed my security brief, I joined the other female standard bearers in a very cramped changing room, before proceeding to the Albert Hall itself for the fifirst rehearsal. It was there that I met with my counterparts
from the WRNS and the WRAC who, as part of the Women at War 100 commemoration, were also parading their regimental standards. On arrival in the hall, we were informed that the three women’s services would take pride of place and follow the RBL national standards across the main arena. We would stand on the stage awaiting the royal party rather than stand with the branch standards on the main arena flfloor. However, we had little time to practice as the whole rehearsal process was running late, and with the standard bearers being the last group to
rehearse, we had to squeeze in a quick rehearsal before the hall was cleared to allow the security staff to come in and ‘sweep’ the building.
The Saturday morning rehearsal was a little disjointed as we performed a protracted dress rehearsal to join in the national two minutes silence at 11.00. However, at least we now had all our cues as to the various drill movements required of the standard bearers throughout the performance. Although not often seen by the television audience, the standard bearers bob up and down throughout the performance saluting Chelsea Pensioners, war widows and others, as well as paying our respects during the two minutes silence.
A quick packed lunch and we were soon back in the hall waiting at the top of the steps ready for the afternoon performance. I am glad to say that despite navigating a very low door frame I managed to get my standard into the holster and ready for that all important “GO” on both performances. It was with great pride that I crossed the floor of the Albert Hall and reached the stage safely and in step. After the Royal salute we then proceeded off the stage to sit up by the organ, watched the whole performance and paid our respects as and when required. I stood with great pride as the contingent of QARANC personnel joined the muster prior to the religious service, and I enjoyed their company all too briefly throughout the two days.
It was an unforgettable moving experience which will live in my memory for a long time, and thankfully the sore arm and shoulder resolved quickly after a few days’ rest. Thank you to Col Irvine, CNO Army, Carol Kefford, Colonel Commandant and the Trustees for selecting me to perform this task on behalf of the whole Association. It was an honour and a privilege to be part of this occasion.
Major (Retd) Edith M Edgar Aldershot Branch