Page 88 - The Bugle 2018

HRH The Countess of Wessex inspecting D Coy
Operation CABRIT HOMECOMING
Every successful Operational Tour deserves a units that played a significant role in the deployment,
Homecoming Parade and Operation CABRIT 1 was no exception. On the 14th November 17 the Battalion opened its gates and spent a full day celebrating the success of its recent deployment to Estonia, and the hard work of the Riflemen and their families in supporting the Tour.
The day started with a coffee reception at the Officers’ Mess. Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex was welcomed back to her Battalion and met many members of the Wiltshire community, Regimental personalities, serving officers from other
A CHEER RESOUNDED AROUND THE SQUARE FOR THE TRADITIONAL ‘DOUBLE OFF’
Eyes left at the Double
and members of the 1st Estonian Infantry Brigade headquarters with whom the Battalion served in Estonia. This event also provided a perfect oppor- tunity for the presentation of a spectacular Silver Stag, gifted to the Officer’s Mess in memory of Major Josh Bowman by his family and friends.
Her Royal Highness visited the Warrant Officers’ and Serjeants’ Mess to present Long Service and Good Conduct medals to Serjeant Jones, Lance Corporal Tooley and Corporal Davies and to meet their families. This was swiftly followed by two hosted lunches, one in each Mess.
The Homecoming Parade itself followed lunch. Her Royal Highness thanked both Commanding Officers for their delivery of her Rifleman through the Estonian deployment, and personally thanked the Families for their dedicated support to the Battalion. The Band and Bugles of the Rifles supported the Parade and many a cheer resounded around the square for the traditional ‘Double Off’.
With all formal activity over, the Riflemen and their families moved to the Warrior Sheds which had been converted into a family friendly area for celebrating the return of the Battalion to Bulford. The bar and food sustained all in attendance and the music and fairground provided the opportunity to let off some steam.
The event was a great success and served both as a chance for the Battalion to fully re-engage with life in Bulford and to thank those involved, either directly or indirectly, in the successful deployment on Operation CABRIT 1.
Major M Clayden
Officer Commanding A Company
94 FIFTH BATTALION
THE RIFLES