Page 48 - QARANC Spring 2024

48 The Gazette QARANC Association
A special Remembrance ceremony with Queen Camilla
Members of the QARANC family including regular, reserve and retired personnel, gathered with other soldiers, sailors and aviators on the North Green at Westminster Abbey for the 95th Field of Remembrance.
On Thursday 9 November 2023 we gathered on the green outside Westminster Abbey alongside CNO(A) Col Paul Jackson KHN, Col Comdt Andrea Lewis RRC, the Association’s secretary Tracey Buckingham ARRC and other serving, retired and reserve personnel.
At 10:58 the last post sounded initiating a two minutes’ silence providing a chance to reflect and remember all those who made the ultimate sacrifice who have been affected both physically and mentally, directly or indirectly by the numerous operations of the British Armed Forces. Personally, I reflected on the Fusiliers who died on operations and lost their battle with their demons, some who I served alongside.
Patron of the Poppy Factory, Her Royal Highness, Queen Camilla was in attendance to lay a wreath and conduct a review of the 308 plots. As she made her way passed the numerous plots of poppies, some with names of the fallen, she crossed to our side and made her way up to speak to the person to my right.
I remember thinking, “Right, it’s your Royal Highness and not Ma’am”. As she approached, she offered her gloved hand out and I saluted before shaking her hand. She asked who I was, to which I
I remember thinking, “Right, it’s your Royal Highness and not Ma’am”
proudly stated “Cpl Shilling, Your Royal Highness, representing the Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps” to which she smiled and said “Ah yes. Are you having a good day?” “I am, thank you. This is my colleague” pointing to my left to retired QA Pat McKay ARRC. I wanted to ensure Pat spoke with The Queen before she alternated sides again.
Albeit a short service, it was an honour to mark one of the QARANC plots at the opening of the Field of Remembrance 2023.
Cpl Danny Shilling, JHG SE