Page 256 - The Bugle 2018

Brig John Hemsley and Lt Col Mike Motum
Getting ready to go
THIS EVENT, HELD EVERY EVENING 365 DAYS OF THE YEAR, HONOURS THE MEMORY OF THOSE SOLDIERS WHO FELL IN THE YPRES SALIENT DURING THE FIRST WORLD WAR
ACF Somerset Cadet Band
The Menin Gate, 2nd September 2017
A battlefield pilgrimage of the Ypres Salient, led by Brigadier John Hemsley, was drawing to a close. Earlier proceedings had included expertly guided tours, splendid lunches, a Service at St George’s church and a meet with the Mayoralty of Ypres and exchange of gifts within a finely reconstructed medieval building. But, in spite of this build up it was the evening ceremony at the Menin Gate on Saturday 2nd September that was the highlight.
The Silver Bugles Band of Somerset Army Cadet Force had been invited to play marking the 90th anniversary of The Somerset Light Infantry sounding their bugles at the opening of the Menin Gate on 24th July 1927. Led by Bugle Major Libby Bunker and commanded by Captain Scott Bunker the Silver Bugles began with Sounding Retreat outside the Cloth Hall. There was an enormous and highly appreciative audience. Following this ceremony the Silver Bugles Band set off for the Menin Gate to participate within the traditional evenings salute to the fallen. This event, held every evening 365 days of the year, honours the memory of those soldiers
who fell in the Ypres Salient during the First World War. The Last Post itself is always played by buglers from Sapeurs Pompiers, the local Fire Brigade. Prior to that and afterwards the packed crowds were entertained by two bands at either end of the impressive Gate. The Norwich Pipe Band played at the City side and at the portal leading to the Menin Road stood the Silver Bugles. The crowd were immediately impressed by the Silver Bugles Band who arrived, their bugle sound resonating from the domed ceiling and at 140 paces per minute. Their rendition of Highland Cathedral, in front of a Pipe Band, was also noteworthy.
After the impressive ceremony, the Silver Bugles Band marched down Menenstraat to a Reception hosted by The Rifles and Light Infantry Associ- ation, Somerset. There Brigadier John Hemsley, Lady Gass (representing the Somerset ACF Trust), Brigadier Alastair Fyfe, Colonel David Farrant and Colonel Paul Richardson were amongst many friends and well-wishers. Thereafter the tired cadets formed up outside the Cloth Hall for a final display.
Before this special day the Cadets had an oppor- THE RIFLES
262 REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS