On Thursday 7 November 2019, Bill
Veazey once again looked after the corner of the
On Saturday 9 November 2019,
Nigel Lacey paraded the Association National Standard at both performances of
the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance, in the Royal Albert Hall.
On Remembrance Sunday 10 November
2019, and for the 17th time, the Association contingent took part in
the annual parade at the Cenotaph. This
year we were only 30 actually marching, so obviously age and ill health is
taking its toll. As usual the meeter,
greeter and caller of the roll, was Mick Griffin.
Our joint leaders were former
Provost Marshal and Association Vice President, retired Group Captain Ted
Scaplehorn OBE, and Association Chairman, Alan Mitchell. They were “escorted” this year, by only
retired Group Captain David Stanley.
As usual our Right Marker was Big
Brian Burgess. Our Left Marker and TV
target was as ever, George “Badger” Brookes.
George was wearing our contingent identifying badge of C17 (ie Column C,
contingent number 17). We know it works
because David Dimbleby immediately picked us out (however briefly)!! The rear Right Marker was Alan Cook and the
rear Left Marker was (as usual) Brian Flinn.
The RAF Police Contingent was (as
usual) under the command and control of Bill Veazey MBE.
The two traditional wreaths were
carried by Ian McIntosh (PM and RAF Police) and Keith Davies (Association
members).
Instead of the traditional 6
columns of ex-service personnel, there were this year, only 5. Column C was the last to leave Horse Guards
Parade and last onto
Back again on Horse Guards Parade
and after the National Anthem, Bill
Veazey ordered “dismiss”. Then it was
into the cellar bar in the Silver Cross pub on
Bill also thanked John and
Clare Walton for their 17 years of
organising the Association contingent on
the parade. John in turn thanked everyone who has marched over the years for
contributing to the success of our contingent, in particular to Bill and
Clare. John also appealed to all members
to keep supporting our contingent and the new organisers Ian McIntosh (ianmcintosh265@btinternet.com
and Keith Davies (keithdavies150@btinternet.com).
Also on parade were several
members who are patients and carers from Blind Veterans UK (formerly St
Dunstans).
Once again with the
John Walton