Page 46 - QARANC Vol 17 No 2 2019
P. 46
44 The Gazette QARANC Association
Millbank Branch
Chair: Lindi Kibbey Secretary: Judy Cook
This has been yet another busy active period for the well supported Millbank Branch. Again we have a member who has achieved outstanding success. Our congratulations to Major (Retd) Una Cleminson BEM, TD, the first female National Chairman of the Royal British Legion.
Thank you to all members for their contributions to the Gazette and of course everyone’s support throughout the year.
Annual Parade of the Federation of Old Comrades Association of the London Territorial and Auxiliary Units, 2 June 2019
On yet another beautiful June day, the 24th year that it has stayed dry, the annual Old Comrades Parade was to have taken place. This is the annual parade and service of homage in memory of all members of the London Territorial and Auxiliary units, who have died in the service of their country.
However, due to City of London Police advice, the parade did not take place this year, so instead we assembled at the Honourable Artillery Company (HAC), where Janet Watson proudly paraded our standard and Jane Parker joined those for inspection. Brigid Kelly also represented Millbank Branch. The parade was inspected by Colonel Richard Burford, BEM, TD. Following the inspection there was a service of homage conducted by Father David Armstrong, Priest in Charge, St Botolph’s, Bishopsgate. The service this year was all the more poignant due to the 75th Anniversary of D Day, a few days later.
Lunch followed in the grand and historic surroundings of Armoury House with Colonel Burford giving the after lunch address. He explained the historic and long link between St Botolph’s Church and the HAC and also, his boyhood memories of the war, which rounded off a splendid lunch.
Jane Parker
Janet Watson and Jane Parker proudly carrying and escorting the Millbank standard at the annual London Territorial and Auxiliary units parade.
Judy Cook Secretary
Una Clemison, first female National Chairman of the Royal British Legion
Drumhead Service, Figure Court, Royal Hospital Chelsea
Late last year my husband, previously of 3 Para, fellow Millbank member Kay Kiggins and I were privileged to attend a Drumhead Service to commemorate the actions of the London Divisions during the final Hundred Days Offensive of the First World War. The service was conducted by The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Lord Chartres.
We received a warm welcome at the entrance from the women of the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry (FANY), who then directed us to our seats in the square around the drumhead. Guests included the Lord Lieutenant of London, Sir Kenneth Olisa, General Sir Redmond Watt, Governor, the Royal Hospital Chelsea, representatives and mayors from most London boroughs, military associations, and military attachés from the embassies of France,
Belgium, Australia, New Zealand and Germany, plus, very importantly, the relatives of Private Jack Harvey. Jack was born in Peckham, London and served in the London Regiment for the four years of the war. He won the Victoria Cross in October 1918, when he singlehandedly rushed a machine- gun post, killing the crew and thus putting it out of action. He survived the war and died in 1940.
The opening of the service started in spectacular fashion with the Pipes and Drums of the London Scottish, followed by the highly polished boots scrunching on the gravel path by members of the London Regiments, City of London Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force, The FANY, a contingent of Royal Navy reservists and Royal Marines, The Royal Yeomanry and of course the Chelsea Pensioners in their traditional scarlet uniforms.
With the colours laid on the drumhead, The Right Reverend Lord Chartres introduced the service which included the history of the war, prayers and a London medley of songs by the North London Military Wives Choir. Finally the exhortation was read, followed by the Last Post, Reveille, a blessing and the National Anthem.
After the service we attended the hospitality marquee before touring the interactive stands, displays and arena events by Youth Organisations in Uniform. Our thoughts turned to these young groups we came away, dearly hoping they never see the horrors of war.
Figure Court set up for the Drumhead Service
Janette Parkins