Page 14 - The Gazette Autumn 2023

14 The Gazette QARANC Association
route all the way to Wellington Barracks which was our first stop.
There we had the opportunity for downtime and a bite to eat before stepping off again. As the ceremony started, we made our way up the Mall to take our position in front of downstreet for as was affectionately known as the long wait. We could hear the ceremony through speakers standing to attention for the national anthem before stepping off as a whole parade simultaneously. Navigating numerous London Landmarks lead us to the Mall as thousands of people lined the road. The Flags of Great Britain and the Commonwealth along the route was a phenomenal sight to witness.
As we stood in Buckingham Palace for the three cheers to the King and Queen all the work of the last few weeks had come to an end. Overwhelming pride and sense of achievement was undoubtable. As a detachment we were incredibly proud to represent QARANC on such a key moment in history.”
QA Corporal Bethany Brown of 205 Field hospital writes: “Being part of the Coronation parade was an incredible privilege. From the first day of rehearsals to the last step on the parade it was surreal. As a drill instructor I enjoyed seeing the progression from the first day to the final rehearsal, everyone put so much effort in and looked incredibly smart. Representing the QARANC on parade will be something that I will remember for many years to come.”
Lieutenant John Thornhill, QARANC, writes: “I joined 207 Field Hospital in August 2016, and was commissioned in June 2021. I am a charge nurse in a critical care unit, responsible for shift and staff management in this high-pressure clinical environment. I am also a practice trainer providing educational support for the critical care team.
Having a passion for drill and ceremonial occasions, I became a member of the Royal British Legion 12 years ago and entered National Youth Standard Bearer competitions, winning at county, regional and national levels. This enabled me to become the RBL’s National Youth Standard Bearer and, after in adulthood, Deputy National Standard Bearer and later National Parade Marshall.
The RBL had been involved in the planning for Operation London Bridge for many years, so when the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was announced, we massed standards at the Cenotaph for the state funeral. It was then confirmed the RBL would provide 100 standard bearers for Operation
Looking back on this historic occasion, it was a huge learning experience with several ‘pinch me’ moments.
Maj Thomas Johnstone sporting very colourful scrubs
Golden Orb, the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
As National Parade Marshal I was responsible for commanding the standard bearers. I worked closely with Chief Marshal to ensure that the RBL standard bearers maintained their usual high standards.
Op Golden Orb had been in planning for many months and lessons were learnt from the Op London Bridge for what was to be the largest ceremonial event we had witnessed. I could not really appreciate the scale of the event until I attended a rehearsal at RAF Odiham. The parade took up two full runways and highlighted how large the procession would be.
Looking back on this historic occasion, it was a huge learning experience with several ‘pinch me’ moments, for example sitting in the Guards Chapel in London for a briefing and realising how honoured it was to be in this position.
My highlight though, was witnessing 100 standard bearers in Parliament Square for the Coronation procession as their Majesties passed; I find it hard to put into words the huge sense of pride I felt.
Lieutenant John Thornhill far left