interesting conversation in the mess hall in the evening. Although all contingents were memorable for different reasons, the ANZAC contingent might take the medal for the most commented on. The Kiwi’s had several Māori Soldiers stripped to the waist for the parade showing courage to practice this in early morning rehearsals where the temperature wasn’t yet in double figures.
As the parade approached, a rehearsal was staged in central London to learn the route. To avoid traffic this was conducted at 0300 hours and meant a night on the floor of Wellington Barracks whilst the complex logistics of moving thousands of troops into position was enacted. Once again, the contingent faced this with great endurance and drew envious comments on their level of preparedness (see below picture).
The detachment passing Nelson’s Column on route The Mall and Buckingham Palace.
of all: to see in front of you hundreds of marching troops all in step, massed bands playing, fences on each side lined by supporters twenty deep, TV cameras sweeping above the parade and all this providing a backdrop to Buckingham Palace directly in front of you was a genuine honour. The eyes right, to the Sovereign’s Representative was immaculate and as we marched back into Wellington Barracks each soldier stood ten-feet tall.
A final march, with supporters each side, to the coach home was completed and then tiredness swept in. The contingent, to a person slept their way back to Pirbright and quickly tidied
their room to get back home and try to spot themselves on TV.
It was a proud day for the country, a proud day for the Corps to be one of the specially chosen regiments to march and a proud day for those that marched. The troops selected did their respective cap-badges proud, they held their own (and in many cases surpassed) the standard of drill in other regiments who are much more accustomed to parades and ceremonial duties. Whilst only ten- days it formed many bonds and was a great reminder of the friendships that the Corps creates. As General Ghika noted, this happens once in a millennium, and the Corps was centre stage for the show.
Private Pedro (SPS) and Cpl Holt (RMP) play Chess whist waiting for the early morning Rehearsal in Wellington Barracks Underground Car Park.
Finally, it was time for the parade itself; with butterflies in stomachs the contingent formed up and marched out on to the main square of Wellington Barracks and awaited the band’s first note. The next few hours flew by in a whirlwind of music, concentration, and shouts of support from the crowd. The detachment responded perfectly to all drill commands and adapted well to the frictions that come from the adrenaline of the day. There was one moment, when turning through Admiralty Arch and looking down The Mall that must rank as the most surreal
Captain Chapman (ETS) speaks to the media after the parade.
AGC JOURNAL 2022 43
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