A few days before the big event my wife Jane and I both started checking the London weather forecast…sunny, possible rain, very hot, possible thunder storms; as ever, prepare for anything.  I know that a few beers were drunk on the previous evening but only a few of us seemed to head for the Old Shades, a shame, because  together with Johnny and Jeanette, Yoda and Sarah we were entertained over dinner by a waiter called Marius – ask for him next time you call.  During our meal he did the most amazing magic tricks producing playing cards and balls from nowhere and then making signed cards appear from multiple-layered wallets – it was baffling.  Before Shelts asks, he doesn’t do parties or shows but a good start.

We were supposed to meet Sqn Ldr Mick Stokes outside the Old Shades the next morning but luckily for me, I bumped into him in the Gents of the RAF Club.  Many will know Mick from his time on TSW to where he has recently returned as OC HQ Sqn.  Mick was busy all day herding various cats that his brother had invited to the Parade so were a little behind schedule by the time of the RV….no problems, people had chopped to the diversion and were already at Horse Guards.

Once again Mick seamlessly got us through security and out onto the Parade Square where most of us were treated to absolute front row seats – we were so close you could smell the horse sweat and taste the dust and they were the nicer bits!  As the start time drew closer a large, imposing, incredibly smart Guardsman approached us from the middle of the Square; it was Garrison Sergeant Major Vern Stokes….Mick’s brother and the route to our invitation to this fabulous event.  I asked him how the troops prepared for the parade given that the weather had settled on full sun and 30 degrees.  He replied that the application of science had taken over from the previous regime of “ up early, a beasting, a full english and a good drink of water. Now they ensure everyone drinks regularly during the week leading up to the parade, increase salts and get up normally with no PT; this leaves them properly hydrated with stable blood sugars.  Unfortunately, as you may have seen on the national news, this didn’t work for about 17 soldiers.  The trombonist who, having fainted got back to his feet to carry on received a round of applause but the medics took him away anyway..  Later on I asked a Welsh Guards Senior which part he found most difficult during the parade, he thought it was the actual trooping of the Colour through the ranks of the regiment as this required them to stay still for about 35 minutes; hard on a normal day, brutal in the heat.  

I also asked the question you always wanted to ask but were too scared. What is under that bearskin?  There’s a headband with skull cap not dissimilar to that on the old Tommy helmet we used before the Combat Helmet was introduced.  Attached to that is a stick-like structure, a bit like a basket but without the fibres woven in, onto which sits the bear skin.  Yes they are real bear skins although synthetics are being trialled.  So black and furry…just what you need on a hot day.

I won’t explain the background to the parade, I’m sure you can Google that for the facts but it is very impressive seeing 1400 men and women marching, turning and changing formation with such precision. The audience has to be on the ball too as you stand to pay respects to Regimental Colours each time they pass.  This includes the Gun Carriages of the King’s Troop as they hold the same ceremonial status as the Regimental Colours. Our President, AVM Howard, commented how you don’t get a full appreciation on the TV – he said this as 1200 bayonets snapped onto the rifle barrels! 

After the parade most of us delighted in being taken back to the WO&SNCO Mess at Wellington barracks for a few drinks and a BBQ. It was very revealing to witness the soldiers returning and peeling off their bear skins, the sweat pouring down their faces; these guys deserved a beer. Finally, I’m sure all who attended would wish to thank the Association & Wayne for the hard work in making the arrangements but especially to the two brothers-in-arms – Mick and Vern Stokes. 

Thank you gentlemen for a very special experience.

Neil Cromarty