Op Herrick 6: Life in the Rear Party

5th June 2007

The Rear Party, commanded by Major Ed Kennedy, is in fine fettle as it keeps the home fires burning in the absence of the main body of the Regiment. With C Squadron returned FROM Afghanistan the Rear Party has received a welcome boost in numbers, giving it some extra freedom FROM the constraints of guard commitments to crack on with training, sports and a number of public relations events.

Before going on leave, a medal parade was held for C Squadron at Robertson Barracks on Tuesday 24 April. The Colonel of the Regiment attended to welcome them back and present the medals. He gave a fantastic congratulatory speech, defining the achievements and hard work of the Squadron, who gave a fantastic account of themselves, raising the reputation and profile of the Regiment. The Squadron were grateful for his words and the recognition they deserve.

Captain Charlie Harcus represented the Regiment at the Norfolk Scouts Association centenary event, taking the salute in Fakenham town centre in front of a parade of 500 Scouts, Cubs, Beavers and Girl Guides. He then delivered a reading to the assembly, taken FROM Scouting for Boys, the bible of scouting, by Lord Baden Powell, and explained the Light Dragoons-Baden Powell link.

On Friday 11 June Captains Tom Robinson, Graham Milson and WO2 Bell hosted members of RAF 100 Club at Robertson Barracks – veterans of the 100 Group, all of whom were based in Swanton Morley during the Second World War. The visit, and the Light Dragoon assistance and hosting, was thoroughly appreciated.

There was an excellent turn out at the Southern Reunion Dinner on Saturday 12 May. OC Rear Party delivered an informative speech on the state of the Regiment, on operations and at home, written by the Commanding Officer in Afghanistan. As always, the Cavalry Memorial Parade the next day, not dampened by the dreary weather, was a great opportunity for old friends in the serving Regiment and those retired to catch up and reminisce (albeit, and conforming to tradition, with extremely sore heads!).

Looking forward, the Rear Party diary is filling up rapidly. Regimental representatives will attend the Fakenham Races on Sunday 20 June, the Royal Norfolk SHOW on 27 & 28 June and the Veterans Awareness Day which is to be held in Norwich on Sunday 24 June. Additionally, a period of adventurous training is currently being planned for mid-summer, a Rear Party Golf Competition is programmed-in and C Squadron will be hosting the City of London and North East London Sector ACF.

Capt Lenny Newcombe and the welfare team have been kept extremely busy ensuring the needs of those families, whose husbands and father’s are deployed are all being catered for; with a trip to the zoo a day on the beach and a fancy dress BBQ just a few of the events that are been organised to keep them all suitably entertained over the summer months.

All is well at home and our thoughts are with those on operations and their families.