Regimental Histories - Year 1960-1985 - Brockbank - Page 0064
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A Short History of the 9Ihp’12th Lancerr where a team trained by Captain Vere-Laurie and SSMMcMeeken made a good start at this very competitive meeting. If the training year could be monotonous all ranks could at least plan their recreation and social life with more certainty than in BAORi The investiture of The Prince of Wales in July 1969 was a great state occasion. Major Wynne, a descendant of Owen Wynne who raised the 9th Lancers, led a party of 19 to Caer- narvon Castle and the Band paraded at Cardiff to take part in a Tattoo. “The massed bands display”, records the Journal) “required a frontage of 31 trombones and it was no mean achievement to complete the movements Without losing a rank or two in the moat.” A month before Mons/Moy day Lt- Col Woodhead handed over command to Lt‘Col Swindells who came from the 5th Royal lnniskilling Dragoon Guards. He had had the experience of passing through the Potential Officer Wing of the 12th Lancers in 1949. Lt-ColWoodhead’s fine period of command was recognised by the award of an OBE in the New Year honours. The life of A Squadron in Berlin was different. Maior Pye had the challenge of an independent command in a large inter- national garrison well in the public eye. The stamp of inde- pendence was rapidly assumed by the appearance ofa squadron track suit, a special squadron badge and a newspaper e “Berlin Lancer”. Close liaison with allied counterparts in the United States and French Armies was one of the key requirements. No doubt SQMS Ferguson had much to discuss with Marechal- des-Logis Blanchard. A great deal of time had to be spent on preparing for and taking part in ceremonial parades, Twice a year the Squadron was relieved in order to shoot or train in the BAOR Zone. Nevertheless, a full part was taken in the recreation available. The Squadron cricket team gained the distinction of reaching but not winning the BAOR final and the polo players had much fun in the Berlin tournaments as well as entering a team for the inter-regimental competition. Corporal Bishop, the fire NCO, was well tested during the tour with fires in the Cookhouse, Sergeants Mess and Ofiicers Mess. Major Pye, en route for the Staff College, was relieved by 62 |
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