Post by aghart on Nov 14, 2011 15:22:18 GMT
The Bournemouth, Poole and District branch were offered two places (out of 7000) to march past the Cenotaph in London on 13th November 2011.
What an experience. Myself and Dave Larcombe travelled up to Bexleyheath where we stayed overnight in Hotel accommodation and met up with the others who were in the same contingent as us. On Sunday we travelled by coach to London and made our way to Horseguards Parade where the parade formed up. This is just like the RTR parade at the Cenotaph except much much bigger. Once the march past began we still had to wait a while until it was our turn. As we passed the cenotaph we gave an eyes left in salute to the war dead, the loud applause from the public and the fact we were marching passed current members of the forces who were at attention and presenting arms "to us" sent a shiver down my spine. Once passed the cenotaph we turned right to more applause from the huge crowds (more shivers down the spine) carried on turned right again (more cheers and applause) which brought us back to Horseguards parade. Here we marched passed the saluting dias and gave an eyes right to the inspecting officer. I was within touching distance of the inspecting officer who was no less than HRH the Prince of Wales, I gave the best eyes right of my life to ensure the RTR badge on my beret was as close to being in his face as possible. I have no idea if he noticed but what the hell, I was there, I was part of it and was a proud as punch to wear the RTR badge on behalf of the Association.
We then went to the Union Jack club for an afternoon function which included a free bar, did I have too much to drink? damn right I did, but I wasn't driving! but sadly dave was.
It was simply an amazing experience. We were part of the " not forgotton association" contingent, never heard of them? neither had I until we were invited to join their contingent. If you read my monthly branch updates you will learn more about them as I have managed to get them to provide the guest speaker for our February meeting.
Our branch of the Association was only chosen because the London branch could not attend so we may not get another go next year. If we do it is only fair that we stand aside and let someone else experience the occasion. To march is by invitation only, but the crowds contained large numbers of ex servicemen wearing medals and beret's and it would be worth the trip just to be in the crowd.
For both myself and Dave Larcombe it was a very special day.
Fear Naught
What an experience. Myself and Dave Larcombe travelled up to Bexleyheath where we stayed overnight in Hotel accommodation and met up with the others who were in the same contingent as us. On Sunday we travelled by coach to London and made our way to Horseguards Parade where the parade formed up. This is just like the RTR parade at the Cenotaph except much much bigger. Once the march past began we still had to wait a while until it was our turn. As we passed the cenotaph we gave an eyes left in salute to the war dead, the loud applause from the public and the fact we were marching passed current members of the forces who were at attention and presenting arms "to us" sent a shiver down my spine. Once passed the cenotaph we turned right to more applause from the huge crowds (more shivers down the spine) carried on turned right again (more cheers and applause) which brought us back to Horseguards parade. Here we marched passed the saluting dias and gave an eyes right to the inspecting officer. I was within touching distance of the inspecting officer who was no less than HRH the Prince of Wales, I gave the best eyes right of my life to ensure the RTR badge on my beret was as close to being in his face as possible. I have no idea if he noticed but what the hell, I was there, I was part of it and was a proud as punch to wear the RTR badge on behalf of the Association.
We then went to the Union Jack club for an afternoon function which included a free bar, did I have too much to drink? damn right I did, but I wasn't driving! but sadly dave was.
It was simply an amazing experience. We were part of the " not forgotton association" contingent, never heard of them? neither had I until we were invited to join their contingent. If you read my monthly branch updates you will learn more about them as I have managed to get them to provide the guest speaker for our February meeting.
Our branch of the Association was only chosen because the London branch could not attend so we may not get another go next year. If we do it is only fair that we stand aside and let someone else experience the occasion. To march is by invitation only, but the crowds contained large numbers of ex servicemen wearing medals and beret's and it would be worth the trip just to be in the crowd.
For both myself and Dave Larcombe it was a very special day.
Fear Naught