Page 203 - The Bugle 2018

Chris Copson, Curator of The Keep Military Museum in Dorchester laid a Dorset Regiment wreath, and Nick Speakman, ex-Dorsets, read the Regimental Collect.
In May the Regimental Association held its annual Reunion in Exeter. Despite clashes with the Royal Wedding and FA Cup Final, there was an excellent turn out for the traditional march along the High Street and the Drumhead Service in front of the Cathedral. The only issue was that the Cathedral bells were being tolled for the Royal Wedding throughout the Service which tested the loudspeaker system. A draw was declared! We were very fortunate to have the combined Salamanca and Waterloo Bands leading the parade, as well as Devon ACF Corps of Drums – two bands for a single event must be something of a record in these days of musical austerity. A number of President’s Awards were presented by the new Association President, Lt Gen Sandy Storrie to individuals who have contributed a great deal over the years. Then everyone was happy to get out of the sun and into the Corn Exchange for the real reason for attending – beer and lamp-swinging. After the formal function ended at tea time, many relaxed for a short time before attending the ‘after-party’ organised by the Exeter Branch in the White Ensign Club. Needless to say, that continued into the small hours.
In late May two coaches-full of Devon and Dorsets (as well as a few guests) left Exeter for France to commemorate the centenary of the iconic battle of Bois des Buttes as a result of which 2nd Devons were awarded the Croix de Guerre. While the success of the trip did not depend on good weather, most activities were to take place outdoors so fingers were firmly crossed. Despite many large storms in Northern France over the period, they only took place overnight so that the Centenary Commemoration was able to take place without anyone getting wet (except with sweat as it was very warm and humid). The scene which greeted everyone in La Ville aux Bois les Pontavert was of
initial disarray and lots of milling around as groups were sorted out and liaison was conducted with the Mayor and other French officials. They had their ideas of how the parade would be conducted and we had ours, but very quickly compromises were arrived at and by about 1030 hrs Lt Col Bill Sharpe as Parade Commander and WO1 Tony Cox as Parade RSM had got everyone in place and in good order on the road between the Mairie and the Memorial to 2nd Devons. Those on parade were approximately 120 Devon and Dorsets, 30 Gunners from 5 Battery
TWO BANDS FOR A SINGLE EVENT MUST BE SOMETHING OF A RECORD IN THESE DAYS OF MUSICAL AUSTERITY
The new Memorial at Wagon Hill
The Regimental Reunion Parade through Exeter
THE RIFLES
REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS 209