Presentation Of New Colours 1984

THE PRESENTATION OF NEW COLOURS

The Presentation of New Colours to the 1st Battalion took place at Howe Barracks on Friday 8th June. The day was fine and sunny and the spectator stands full as the battalion, led by the Band and Drums in scarlet uniform marched onto the parade ground. The Colonel in Chief arrived by helicopter just before 11 a.m. and was met by the Lord Lieutenant for Kent, and the Colonel of the Regiment.

After being received with a Royal Salute, His Royal Highness inspected the Battalion. The Band and Drums trooped in slow and quick time across the parade ground and then No 1 Guard escorted the Old Colours while they were trooped through the ranks for the last time. The Colours were slow marched off parade to "Auld Lang Syne" with the parade at the "Present Arms" and with all the spectators standing. It was a moving moment, especially for those present who had witnessed the presentation of the Colours by the Colonel in Chief twenty-five years earlier at Newport, Isle 'of Wight when the Regiment was formed

The consecration of the New Colours by the Chaplain General followed and the Colours were then presented to the two subalterns entrusted with their care by the Colonel in Chief.

In his address to the Battalion His Royal Highness said:

"It is almost exactly 25 years to the day since I presented the Old Colours to the regiment newly formed by the amalgamation of the Duke of Edinburgh's Wiltshire Regiment and the Royal Berkshire Regiment. I said then that there was a chance to create new traditions and to help constructively in building a Regiment that can live up to and indeed surpass the standards of both its predecessors!

Considering the long and distinguished records of both previous regiments, Battalions from both regiments took part in the Normandy battles of 40 years ago, I think surpass may have been asking the impossible, but there can be no doubt at all that you have fully lived up to their high standards.

You have certainly had to contend with situations well outside their experience. Cyprus, Belize, Northern Ireland, fireman’s duties and Greenham Common may not have been quite as dangerous as outright war but they demand the same discipline, commitment and self-control. I believe that the Regiment can look back with considerable satisfaction on your first 25 years and I hope that these new Colours, which I have just presented on behalf of the Queen, will take you through the trials and triumphs and occasional vicissitudes of the next 25 years with equal success."

The Commanding Officer gave the following reply:

"Sir, it is my privilege, on behalf of the Battalion,to thank you most warmly for presenting the Colours today in the name of Her Majesty the Queen. We would ask you, Sir, to convey to Her Majesty our humble duty and assurance that we will guard, honour and protect our Colours wherever we may serve."

The Battalion received the New Colours with a Royal Salute and then marched past in slow and quick time. The parade concluded with three cheers and a final Royal Salute to the Colonel in Chief.

Luncheon was served to all guests who attended. His Royal Highness honoured the Officers with his presence at Luncheon in the Officers Mess Tent and then visited the Sports field where the WOs/Sgts, soldiers, their families, friends and the Old Comrades were lunching. The Colonel in Chief visited all the Company tents and also the many static displays before departing at 3 p.m. A full and memorable day was rounded off by celebration parties being held in the various Messes until the early hours of the morning. A wonderful firework display was held at midnight to mark the Regiment's twenty-fifth birthday.

It was a day that lived up to everyone's expectations and will be long remembered.