Page 21 - QARANC Vol 14 No 8 2014

Every Soldier, Sailor and Airman knows that a pre-requisite of their service will someday involve drill. However, due to the busy tempo of ops and everyday work how often do you really get to practice your skills? Nonetheless, on 28th June 2013, a team of forty tri-service medics from Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), Headley Court got to put some practice in, as we had been cordially invited to a historic thanksgiving service at St Martin’s Church, Dorking.
The aim was to celebrate the centre’s unique and high- profile work with injured military personnel. This prestigious honour was followed by an impressive parade through Dorking centre. The event was timed to coincide with Armed Forces Day celebrations in the town.
The Staff were accompanied by two of the DMRC patients
and followed the Band and Bugles of the Rifles. The parade went smoothly with Gp Capt Walton, Commanding Officer DMRC, and Vice Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Gordon Lee- Steere taking the salute.
Several thousand people lined the streets to cheer, wave and catch a glimpse of the parade, including school children who had been given the afternoon off to show their support.
DMRC Headley Court personnel were honoured to have taken part in such a parade and be welcomed so graciously by Dorking and all its residents.
H Marshall
Cpl QARANC
DMRC Headley Court
THE GAZETTE QARANC 19
Armed Forces Day Parade
Marching through the Town Centre
Awaiting inspection