Visit of the Colonel-in-Chief 8 - 9th July 2006

9th July 2006

King Abdullah II Bin Al Hussein made his second visit to Robertson Barracks on the weekend of 8-9th July 2006. As he landed by helicopter, he was welcomed by the Colonel of The Regiment, The Commanding Officer, his ADC and subsequently inspected the honour guard dressed in Hussar uniforms. Throughout the visit he was accompanied by HRH Prince Rashid bin Al Hasan and HE Timoor Daghestani.

Dressed in Light Dragoon Uniform, the Colonel in Chief presented Operation Telic 6 medals to B, C and HQ Squadrons. In his address he thanked the troops for their hard work in Iraq and also thanked the families for the support they had given to those deployed. He then took a royal salute as The Regiment marched past, and left the parade ground. Watching the parade were soldiers’ families, members of the Regimental association and assorted press and media journalists.

Following the ceremony, the Colonel-in-Chief attended a garden party in and around the Regimental Marquee. He met soldiers of all ranks, accompanied by their girlfriends, wives, children and parents and was interested to hear about peoples experiences, opinions and concerns.

In the evening, the Colonel-in-Chief attended a Regimental Association Officers’ Dinner in the Officers’ Mess where he had the opportunity to catch up with old friends and be introduced to fellow Light Dragoons, both retired and serving.

The following morning, the Colonel-in-Chief rose early in ORDER to be welcomed INTO the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess for breakfast. As he left breakfast to depart FROM the helipad, the route was lined by the whole Regiment who waved him off.

After the departure of the Colonel-in-Chief, a party was held for the families, featuring fun fair rides, live music and a disco – another ‘thank you’ for their support during Operation Telic 6.