The British Army say that 5 Rifles have swapped digging in for the drill square in preparation for Ceremonial Duties in London.
After a well-deserved summer leave and the Battalion Patrol Competition in Thetford, A Company 5 RIFLES temporarily hung up their field boots and took to the drill square in preparation for Ceremonial Duties in London. According to a news release:
“This was only the second time since formation in 2007 that The Rifles have mounted The Queen’s Guard at St. James’s Palace, Buckingham Palace, The Tower of London and Windsor Castle. Following three weeks of relentless square bashing and tailoring in Bulford and Woolwich, the Garrison Serjeant Major for London District praised A Company 5 RIFLES on their performance after a meticulous Fit for Role Inspection at Wellington Barracks. The word ‘excellent’ was used! On 7th Oct 19, A Company 5 RIFLES marched onto the forecourt of Buckingham Palace for the first time to relieve No 7 Company Coldstream Guards, flanked by police and crowds amassed in their thousands.”
CO 5 RIFLES Lt Col Andrew Ridland remarked that:
“A Company have done the Battalion and Regiment proud and offered a once in a lifetime opportunity the Riflemen will never forget.”
I love it when the ceremonial troops rotate. When I’m back in the UK, at home in Windsor, I always check out the Guard and Band rotations for the summer. The variety of marching bands is a real joy to watch – and to think I can do it 6 days a week in high-season!
Can anyone tell me why the Rifles’ No 1 Dress isn’t rifle green? Silly hat too, better with a shako like in the Peninsula War.