February sapper mag:Layout 1 21/1/09 16:14 Page 24
O
n the 1 Nov 08, with all parties and again. That’s more like it. As the marching
safely returned to the United contingent of 350 gradually improved, stands
Kingdom, although some via the Royal College were organised, tents erected, programmes pre-
for Defence Medicine, Selly Oak in pared, seating put out, every corner of the camp
Birmingham, 23 Engr Regt (Air Asslt) began a was polished and the final touches to the
month of frenetic activity. On the menu were Garden of Reflection were completed. Then
remembrance services, numerous functions, an the key question was asked “Has anyone
inter-squadron sports competition and adventure checked the weather forecast for Friday?”
training to list just the key events. But the real Torrential rain was the answer!
focus came on 21 Nov when a 12 month jour- The day was upon us and although it was
ney came to its conclusion; this would be no very chilly, the sun was thankfully shining
normal medals’ parade. brightly; so much for accurate forecasts. The
Months in the planning, the final three gates were opened and a deluge of guests
days became a blur of activity. It was time to scrambled for parking spaces. Over 700 fami-
dot the ‘Is’ and cross the ‘Ts’. The first drill lies, friends, official and private guests, airborne
rehearsal, as expected, was a complete success veterans and no shortage of VVIPs, from across
but the RSM decided that was probably a the United Kingdom, descended on Rock
fluke so we would be doing it again … and Barracks to witness the event. At 1030hrs, and
again … and again. If only that were the case. with the BBC, ITV and local media briefed and
The first drill rehearsal was an unmitigated in position, the RSM bellowed for the Regiment
disaster and the RSM was not surprised that to ‘Get on parade!’ The Corps Band set the tim-
we would be doing it again … and again … ing as the medal recipients, strangely six inches
taller and with bulging chests moved into position. The RSM to this day. It was to have been at this stage that Harold
handed over to the Adjutant, the Adjutant to the Commanding Lansdell, Airborne Veteran, WW2 Glider Pilot, great friend and
Officer before the pristine black car delivered the Reviewing supporter of the Regiment would give a short speech, reciting
Officer to the dais. Maj Gen Cima CB (late RE), Resident his experiences as an Airborne Sapper. Unfortunately, Harold
Governor of the Tower London took the salute before moving to passed away two days before the parade but his words lived on
the crowd for the first of the medal presentations. Sappers through fellow veteran Lt Col (Ret’d) Nicholson.
Chatting-Waters, Allsop, McKechnie and Bell had all been It was time for the Regiment to march off, fall out and
injured during Op Herrick 8 but had recovered in time to be with rejoin family and friends for the remainder of the day’s festivi-
their friends, family and colleagues on this day; a special ties. After two hours battered by a bitterly cold wind the relief
moment for all of us. of finally moving again was heavenly; the collective low groan
With all the medals awarded it was time for the next event. from the rank and file could almost be heard from the crowd.
A collaboration of the Royal Engineers Association (Airborne With the media vying for prime position the Commanding
Branch, and at its heart Mr Eric Blenkinsop) the Regiment and Officer lead his Regiment from the parade square accompanied
the construction company Skanska, had funded and created ‘The by the Corps Band playing ‘Wings’.
Garden of Reflection’, centrepiece the Lt Col John Rock bust. It would be foolish to summarise the day simply as a
For the uninitiated Lt Col John Rock is the founding father of resounding success. That was always going to be the case and it
Airborne Forces and a Royal Engineer. There is no one man bet- was so much more than that. It was our opportunity, under the
ter suited to truly represent the spirit of the Regiment than him. pretence of a medals parade, to say thank you to everyone for
As the maroon cover was removed his legacy watched on – the their support to the Regiment, not only during the tour in
new regime from the parade square and the veterans, proudly Afghanistan but also since its formation in 2002. The Regiment’s
displaying their colours, from the crowd. He remains the wider family is ever increasing and the day was as much in
embodiment of Airborne Sapper ethos that we all strive to honour of them as it was for the proud men and women rewarded
achieve and his spirit now resides in the centre of the Garden of for service to their country.
Reflection, watching over the past and present and an inspiration
24
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68