Page 121 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN) 119
17/21L on parade at Westminster Abbey
A week of remembrance
On the 6th November, we had our gathering at the regimen- tal memorials at the National Memorial Arboretum. This was the first year we were able to parade as a single group, as now both the 9/12L and QRL memorials are situated side by side. Again, this was another good turnout, of predominately 9/12L, but all are welcome. Mr Colin Whitehead and Don McLean of- ficiated for us this year, with three wreaths being laid: Captain Mick Holtby for the QRL, Major Johnny Sewell BEM for the 9/12L and Major Martyn Pocock laid a wreath on behalf of The Royal Lancers. Later in the week, on Thursday 8th November we all paraded at Westminster Abbey at the Field of Remem- brance. Again, HRH Prince Harry led the Dedication Service at the Field of Remembrance. Brigadier Andrew Hughes CBE stood front and centre to represent the RLOCA, and we were joined by a good cross section of OCA. Again, we were joined Mr Len Greetham MM (27L) who was accompanied by his two grandsons, both who had military service (REME and AAC), he is determined to be there in two years for his 100th birthday.
Mr Don McLean with a cuppa keeping warm
Scarlet Lancers forming up at Horseguards
Remembrance Sunday on 11th November, was the most signifi- cant that anyone who paraded will ever attend. Members of the RLOCA were scattered all over the UK and Europe. For those who paraded at the Cenotaph, were indeed very lucky. For the marching contingents, most had their ticket allocation reduced, which resulted in some of the RLOCA regulars being disappoint- ed. The three marching contingents were led by the Colonel of the Regiment. It is hoped that those who were unsuccessful will join the marching squad again in 2019 if the ticket allocations are increased back to their former levels. Members of the 16/5L returned to Mons to join the regiment in the commemoration of the return of the 5L to Mons and remember Private George Ellison, of the 5L, who was the last British soldier to die on 11th November 1918. Major Phil Watson, after he had been to Mons and pay his respects found himself at Moÿ de l’Aisne, fulfilling a long-standing obligation to the 12L. Interestingly Major Watson found himself also with Mr Patrick Baty, who he had seen a few days earlier at Westminster Abbey who this time was with the party from the Artist Rifles – a small world indeed!
The Royal Lancers at the cenotaph
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