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Regimental Histories - Year 1960-1985 - Brockbank - Page 0105

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Transcription Tidwttrth
A Squadron, returning from Cyprus in September, began
converting to the Scorpion and Scimitar.
It is not surprising to know that it was a quiet period for the
'I‘idworth stables where the three regimental hunters went out
when possible — and the winter of 1978 was a bad one — with
the South and West Wilts. Running, much advocated by the
Commanding Ofiicer, was a more regular exercise for all ranks.
Captain dc Salis, an international lawyer and reserve officer of
the Regiment, decided to spend an eighteen months attachment
with it. He quickly learned that running was the thing but once
it was clear to him that there was no way of avoiding it the only
thing to do was to go ahead and win the Eastern District
competition. He was in the Regimental team that did so.
For the last five months in Tidworth, which would end in
May 1979, the Regiment was mainly concerned with planning
the Guidon Parade in May and preparing for the subsequent
move to Munster, A special Assistant Adjutant, Captain
Gundry, was appointed for the Guidon parade to work with
the new Adjutant, Captain Lindsay, who took over in January.
The Regiment had continued to carry, with the approval of the
Colonel—in-Chief, both the Guidons of the foundation Regi-
ments since 1960 but these were now worn DIJL The parade
was combined with Mons/Moy weekend. Rehearsals, under
the eye ofDrill Sergeant Everest of the Grenadier Guards who
came to assist the RSM, went on for over a month. The quality
of the preparation for the celebrations was amply revealed in
its conduct.
Friday 4th May was a fine day like all the others on this
memorable occasion. 300 members of the Association and their
wives had gathered in the stands on the Tidworth Tattoo
ground together with regimental families and friends of those
taking part. 2,000 school children from all around added to the
excitement. At 10.55am Her Majesty's helicopter appeared
overhead to land nearby where she was greeted by the Lord
Lieutenant, The Earl of Malmesbury, and the Colonel of the
Regiment. On the parade ground the Regiment was drawn up
in four Lance Guards of 4 Officers and 24 men each, 24 Fox
armoured cars and the Band. The 9th Lancers’ Guidon, pre-
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