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Regimental Histories - Year 1960-1985 - Brockbank - Page 0066

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Transcription A Short History of the ch/IZth Lancer:
Major Wilkinson at the end of a memorable two years and the
Squadron preceded the rest of the Regiment to Dctmold in
December 1970.
At Catterick the highlight of 1970 was the visit of the Col»
onel-in-Chiefin May: this was combined with Mons/Moy day —
a notable run—in for SSM Bell Who had relieved RSM Soulsby
in April on his commissioning into the Royal Pioneer Corps.
Her Majesty came after a series of strenuous engagements and
the weather was not kind. But her presence defeated the damp
and cold, and all ranks, including over 200 Old Comrades and
wives, were delighted to entertain her. Another occasion in July
gave equal pleasure. In front of a large crowd on the Windsor
Polo Ground which included Her Majesty the Queen, the
Colonel-in—Chief, Prince Charles, and the Duchess of Glouc»
ester, Colonel—in—Chief of The Royal Hussars, the two Regi~
ments played a match to celebrate the centenial anniversary
of a similar contest at Hounslow between 9th Lancers and
10th Hussars. History records that this game was played for an
hour and a half by teams of eight. This time there were teams
ofeight again but the match was oftwo chukkas. The regimental
team was captained by Major General Prior»Palmer and con—
sisted of the author, Lt-Col Perry, Lt-Col Laurie, Lt-Col-
Swindells, Captains Going and Clapton and Lt Gemmell. The
General called a meeting on tactics during the morning in the
Royal Mews at Windsor as a result ofwhich the Regiment won
by 3 goals to 2, reversing the result of 1870. Prince Philip and
Lord Mountbatten umpired and the respective Colonels-in—
Chief presented Scrolls to their teams who were then presentd
to Her Majesty The Queen. This memorable occasion is
recorded in a picture in the Officers Mess presented by Lt—
Col Perry.
The forced retirement due to failing eyesight of the Regi—
mental Quartermaster, Major Quinn, was a sad event in 1970.
He had joined 9th Lancers from the Royal Tank Regiment after
wartime service in the Mediterranean and he was RSM at the
amalgamation. He set high standards and had strong principles
which earned him the respect of everyone. RQMS Paton was
commissioned as his successors During the last year at Catterick
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