Marjorie's Royal Red Cross by Marjorie Bandy

 

The Royal Red Cross (RRC) is a military decoration awarded for exceptional services in military nursing. The award was established on 27 April 1883 by Queen Victoria after nurses had served in Zululand and their work was not recognised officially.  The first recipient was Florence Nightingale and the second Jane Decilia Deeble, who had served in Zululand.  The award is made to a nurse who has shown exceptional devotion and competence in the performance of nursing duties, over a continuous and long period, or who has performed an exceptional act of bravery and devotion at their post of duty. 

Source: Royal Red Cross - Wikipedia

Where were you when you were informed?

I was working as a Staff Officer at MOD that I was to be awarded the RRC in the New Year’s Honours of 1985. I think that it was at the end of November.

How was I informed?
Brigadier Rooke handed me an envelope from her safe.

Did I know why I was being honoured?
My RRC was for the response of the QARANC personnel serving in The Falklands response to the devastating fire which occurred on 10 April 1984, some 40 years ago.

How long did I have to keep it a secret?
Not too long as I was given a New Year’s honour.

How did the family react to the news?
Obviously, everyone was delighted.

Did I celebrate before the Palace event?
As I was living in a flat in Greenwich my parents came to stay and we went out for supper the evening before locally.

How did I feel to see my name in the newspaper?
Seeing your name in the papers always gives a buzz, especially the local newspaper at home. My Mum saved every newspaper cutting of me doing something, usually meeting a member of the Royal Family.

Who went with me to the Palace?
My parents came with me and as it was such a special occasion MOD provided an official car to take us.

Who presented my medal?
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth gave me my medal and of course she was well briefed for all medal recipients.

What did we do afterwards?
I was still a member of the RAF Club at the time and we went for a meal there as of course I was still in uniform.

Other observations
The presentation was only 4 weeks before my wedding and so it was a bit sad that I was only allowed two guests as it meant my then fiancé couldn’t come. As my wedding was the next month my mum insisted on a different outfit for each event – much to my dad’s consternation!

Lt Col (Rtd) Marjorie Bandy RRC

The Sash of Merit 1989 - by Jan Westbury

Officer training at the Queen Alexandra's Training Centre, Aldershot 1989.  

I really enjoyed the eight week training programme, I think because of the variety every day from drill, PT, military classes and so much more. Spending all that time on ironing, bulling shoes and starching veils was a great discipline and I loved being smart.  My biggest problem was dealing with my curly whirly hair, with wisps always escaping and I became determined not to be caught out again.  One of the girls had a great way of stretching her head during inspections so her hair was off the collar.

The girls I joined with were such fun and the social side was great, we seemed to have a party every week.  It is sad all these years later to only be in touch with one of them. We should have a reunion.

As a mature entrant I had to keep up with the younger ones, so the effort to not be last on runs made me push hard to be at the front, with first place occasionally.  I loved the challenges. I didn't need to be the best, but I was motivated to do well.

At the end I was awarded with the Sash of Merit. It was a shock, but of course I felt very proud.  The picture below was taken for the local newspaper. 

There were a couple of disappointments, in that we could not have our last parade with our families in attendance outside. It absolutely poured with rain and we had to march into the gym. That was a challenge trying to keep in step.  The other disappointment was that my parents were in the Caribbean on holiday, so missed the whole event.  My closest friends were to attend, but they were stuck in Cheltenham, snowed in.   However, it meant I could circulate with everyone else and still enjoyed the special lunch.

Happy days.

Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The view from The Palace garden. By Carol Kefford

It was pure luck that I had this amazing experience. I was in my final couple of months as Colonel Commandant QARANC so a few more weeks and I’d have missed it. The original Coronation plan had been for the Master General to represent all of the Army Medical Services, so without the timely and vocal intervention of Colonel Graham Johnson as Colonel AMS successfully making the case for the individual Corps' Colonels Commandant to also parade, I would have missed it. So, on two counts at least I was very, very fortunate.

We were to be part of the 100 strong senior officers' cohort which included all but the Service Chiefs who were in the Abbey. However delighted I was, I confess to anxiety creeping in very quickly. I had not marched in formation for at least 20 years and more on this later.

The detailed instructions were only being released close to the event but we knew that they would include a video of the hat's off routine required during the 'Three Cheers'. So, after 20 years of not marching and never having done 'Three Cheers' while on parade, I could only wait to find out what was required. More on this later too.

There was then the matter of changing my rank crowns and cap badge to the Kings Crown. These were in very high demand and very short supply, but mine arrived in the nick of time. The cap badge was a different fitting to the Queens Crown I had on my No 1 dress hat so required some nifty work with a scalpel to get it fixed, and changing crowns on gold cord shoulder boards required some strong arm manoeuvres with a large pair of pliers. With only minor damage to my fingers the job was done.

Overnight rehearsal! By this stage I had my niggling concern about the drill, hoped that I had got the uniform right and now remembered that I hadn't actually stayed up all night for at lest 20 years either. I did remember though that if things were as interesting and lively as they often were on night duty then it would not be difficult to stay awake.

We were briefed during the afternoon in the Guards Chapel by the Garrison Sergeant Major the now very well known WO1 Vern Stokes, Coldstream Guards, at which point I think we all recognised that the overall Coronation plans were way beyond anything seen before. This was indeed going to be interesting. GOC London District spoke and found a polite way of telling his fellow Generals and not quite so very senior officers that our job was to suspend any notion of independent thought and simply to do exactly as we were told.

It was lively too as we assembled in Main Building, changed into No 1 dress and caught up with colleagues and friends. A sense of excitement and 'Aren't we lucky?' was evident. Then on to the coaches at 2200 for the short drive to Wellington Barracks. 100 senior officers did exactly as they were told to exit Main Building in good order, but still nothing had been left to chance and there were guides posted at every doorway, lift and staircase to make sure we didn't wander off.

We were held at a road junction and so witnessed the procession from Waterloo Station. Imagine. In the dark, band after band with troops marching behind each one, all in full dress uniform, across Waterloo Bridge to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben with the London skyline lit up behind. Quite a sight.

Off the coaches and we were formed up in a pre-determined order. I was middle of the left flank and so to my delight found that I would be front row at the Palace. Just one rehearsal for the three cheers and then into the Officers Mess for something to eat and the long wait.

The QARANC contingent and their AMS colleagues were now held, along with the rest of the Army, in the (massive) underground car park at the Barracks so one of the highlights during the rehearsal and on the day was spending time talking to our personnel. They were in tremendous spirits in spite of the tough rehearsals that you will read about elsewhere. I was incredibly proud.

After a few more hours spent watching the spectacle of the Army elements of the procession form up and march off behind their respective bands, we formed up. I think this was about two in the morning but having carefully followed the GOCs instructions to suspend independent thought I had quickly got into the swing of not thinking for myself and so had lost track of time by then. "This is going to be interesting" I thought to myself.  About 100 of us, completely out of practice and with no rehearsal were about to step off. But we came to attention pretty smartly and got underway without embarrassment. I confess I needed to change step here and there to begin with but behind the Massed Bands of the Irish Pipes and Drums we all settled very quickly.

Now, I have only ever marched on a parade square. The route to the Palace garden involved cobbles, speed bumps, gravel, kerbs and grass and quite a lot of changing direction. But we arrived in good order.  Fascinating just how deep in our brains these skills have embedded. I needn't have worried.

We were able to move around and chat for a while then formed up to wait for the main procession to arrive. On the day the procession would go behind us onto the grass but it was flooded in parts so they marched between us and the Palace and straight out of a side gate. Or at least that had been the plan but it was locked!! The man with the key was duly found and everything started up again. Another unexpected and unique treat to watch the entire procession march past just a few feet away. We followed the procession behind 'our' band round the Victoria Memorial, up Birdcage Walk and were brought to a halt on Horseguards. There, the Guards officer designated to keep us in order passed on the feedback from the GOC London District that the Senior Officers Cohort had generally done well but please could we not fidget quite so much on the day.  It was generally agreed among the senior officers that we would not need to fidget quite so much on the day because we would not be quite so incredibly cold on Saturday afternoon as we were in the very early hours of Wednesday morning. We were freezing and had been very happy to set off marching again just to warm up.

Walking across Horseguards as dawn was breaking was magical. Still wide awake I captured the memory and started to look forward to doing it all again in daylight.

Buckingham Palace Garden

 Others will describe their experience of     the Coronation procession and the       overall day so I will return straight to     Buckingham Palace Garden.  

The 'Three Cheers' was incredible. Concentrating hard on getting the hat off onto shoulder, up in the air, back to shoulder, back on head routine correct and in time with everyone else I was completely unprepared for the wall of sound. The volume and resonance was immense. Fortunately there were two more to go, to focus on and enjoy. 

Having been delighted to find myself on the very front row I had realised once in-situ for the rehearsal that we were so far to one side that however much I tried to swivel my eyes (without fidgeting of course) I was not going to be able to see The King and Queen.  All I could see were a couple of the ground floor french windows and net curtains. But those curtains twitched and Prince George appeared resplendent in his red tunic followed by the King. They opened the door and watched the parade leaving the garden while chatting and pointing at the activity. What a bonus.  

A guardsman had been positioned at the garden gate to say repeatedly as the senior officers passed, "Sirs, Ma'am's, you are moving into public view, please stay in step". Cheeky I thought. We had completely nailed it some time ago.

There was one last treat to come. The march up Birdcage Walk behind the Pipes and Drums. I was very conscious that this would be my last ever and I needed to not only concentrate on what I was doing but take it all in and remember the moment, how special it felt, what it meant, and once again how extraordinarily lucky I was to have had such an experience.

Master General AMS, Senior Health Advisor (Army) and the AMS Colonels Commandant in Buckingham Palace Garden

 
Col (Rtd) Carol Kefford Former Colonel Commandant QARANC

QARANC AND ATTEMPTING P COY - PART TWO by Rod Eldridge

Part one described how I passed pre para, also known as "beat up"!  If successful at regimental level pre para, you then go to Catterick for the all arms Parachute Company "P Coy".  Part two is all about attempting P Company.

It was only a few days after passing pre para and still feeling sore, it was off to a bleak Wathgill Camp N Yorkshire with 5 other 16 CSMR unit members.  This would be our home (house of pain) for the next 3.5 weeks. 

As with all things Army it was up at a ridiculous o’clock, eat a hearty breakfast, kit up, collect weapons and then get bussed to Vimy Barracks. It was November 2003, it was cold, wet, and foggy! Just lovely for doing extreme constant phys! The idea was to be the grey man, which wasn’t difficult as I had grey hair, but being the most senior rank and given the number 1 to write in white on my lightweights it made me stick out rather more than I wanted. 

Day one is a full-on assessment/screening with a BFT which must be completed under 8.30 mins, the high air assault course trainasium and lastly 8 (very quick) mile tab. We numbered 106 at the start we were down to 76 after day one! As an officer you are always pushed to back at the start of events, whilst not proud of myself, but being so keen to pass I pushed many a body out of my way to ensure I made the cut. I had made it and so I was officially on the course, every day we had to undergo at 2 least and sometimes three grueling training events, including, 10 milers, 20 miles runs and tabs, CFT, Stretcher races, log runs, gym work, swimming tests, hill reps, day, and night nav exercises, sections attacks, assault courses and a steeplechase. Over time we were eventually reduced to 42 with only one other 16 CSMR colleague remaining with me. We were given presentations to do, and if we were picked up on our kit, weapons or not having totally filled water bottles we given show parades “show cleans” most evening just to keep them tempo of pressure. Evenings were about kit prep and personal admin, treating blisters, aches, and pains etc. being the “medic”, I was always asked for advice, treatment, and medications if appropriate. It struck me to what lengths folk would go to keep going and pass P Coy, even if they were in severe pain or had suspected stress fractures, they wanted to medicate up and keep going this was not what I couldn’t endorse. It was better to stop, recover and try again. I recall on 26th November which was my 40th birthday, we did a ten-miler tab, with weight and weapons to the aptly named Land of Nod! We stooped at a hill and were made to run up and down the hill 20 times, at the end when we reached the bottom. We were marching on the spot when my name was called out congratulating me on reaching my 40th birthday and I was made to do another rep of the hill whist the rest of squad were kept marching on the spot whilst singing happy birthday Maj Eldridge (airborne humour).  Not one of my best birthdays presents but one I’ll never forget!

So having endured 2.5 weeks of thrashing you are entering into test week, one more week of hell that includes eight tests and it’s done. Steeple chase, CFT, stretcher race, Log race, 10 miler quick tab under 1.50 hr, 20 miler, milling and trainasium. You must get 45 points to pass as I recall some events are worth five point and some 10 points, the bottom line is it’s best not to fail anything. I struggled in the milling I was pitched against a very large and muscular Welsh Sapper who was looking forward beating up an officer. I gave as good as I could knocking him down and he returned with the same, apart from the bout being stopped to due to my use of inappropriate language deemed unbecoming of an officer when over we drew, so it was 5 points in the bag much better than losing and having no points at all. The other events whilst tough were OK, I didn’t mind the infamous log race, it was extremely tough, but the stretcher race was horrendous, keeping the heavy stretcher above your shoulder whilst moving at pace with little respite when swapping out, nearly caused me to quit but a little voice said no way you have come too far, and this was the final event. The P Coy CSM gave words of encouragement! and pushed me down the last hill and it was done.

I passed all the events and thought I’ve had made it, but it was most reassuring during the pass-fail parade that afternoon, when I was called to attention on hearing my number, No 1, I stood to attention and I replied yelling out :539939 Major R Eldridge QARANC 16 CSMR, a most welcome reply said “pass”. I was so relieved and elated it was hard to stand at attention whilst they read out the other 36 passes and 3 stand up fails.  The latter are cruel because you have made it to the end having endured so much, but didn’t quite meet the standard to undergo parachute training and join airborne forces.

I was absolutely chuffed, but hadn’t given too much thought to parachuting, I’m not keen on heights and it wasn’t easy but once you’ve passed P Coy you will do the jumps. I was caught off guard when returning to the unit as I was greeted like a  hero for my achievement. Once back from P Coy I could legitimately wear a parachute smock, so I made a B line for the QMs clothing store. You are called a penguin until you get your wings, so I went to Brize ASAP for the next jumps course. I did some jumps with recently qualified SAS which again was interesting as they still have to undergo the basic parachute course.

This was my first all arms course and it gave so much more than a badge and the meagre para pay, I met and trained with other arms and services and gained insights into their roles, some of these I worked with back at brigade and later on when deployed. So, for me it was a change to day to day running of a DCMH or MH Nursing and it helped me feel included and others who were badged felt they could approach me, this had a definite impact clinically as we saw an increase in referrals. The doubters are for me those who know deep down they are not able to pass this formidable and arduous course and it’s their way to rationalise this realisation. So, for me yes it was worth it on my levels and it’s an important achievement in my life.


Lt Col (Rtd)  Rodney Eldridge 

QARANC AND PRE PARA COURSE- PART ONE by Rod Eldridge

 

PART ONE

Why do Pegasus Company (P Coy)?  And if successful why then jump out of a perfectly serviceable aircraft? 

It’s like most worthwhile challenges it’s because it’s there!  And it is indeed worthwhile, for the doubters the following may offer some insight to support my personal assertions. 

When I joined the Army in 1986, I became extremely fit in basic training, gaining the best recruit and best recruit PT awards on passing out. 23 Parachute Field Ambulance (PFA) came on a visit (sneaky recruiting I thought) to Keogh Bks and tried very hard to coax me into their unit. I was a qualified RMN and destined for QEMH, and as there was no established role for me at 23 PFA, I’d be employed as a CMT 3 painting boxes and erecting tents.  Not for me, as I wanted to nurse and join my brother Malcolm who was then a Serving Captain in the RAMC at the QEMH in Woolwich.

This experience and subsequent meetings with 23 PFA, mainly at sports competitions and events, not only planted a seed but further sparked a curiosity in these fit, capable, and confident guys.  Once dual qualified I subsequently commissioned and I then sought to join 23 PFA as Training Officer.  I applied and submitted numerous posting preferences, but records came back with some reason why it was not possible at this stage of my career.  There was a sense at the time that being a QA serving in the field army was frowned upon and not the best career move, thankfully this is no longer the case.  My service career path had very much leaned to the mental health setting rather than general nursing. Whilst I never gave up on the idea of doing P Coy, I got on with my mental health nursing. 

It was when attached to 23 PFA on operations in KOSOVO in 1999 and then then 16 CSMR during the Iraq war in 2003 I joined in with the unit PT and extracurricular training and not only did I keep up, but often beat some of the fit guys. They said I should do P Coy, I said I wanted to but my current posting and likely future appointments had no requirement for a RMN military Parachutist.

It all changed when posted to 16 CSMR Colchester in 2002 the home of 16 AA BDE and on the held strength with a parachutist PID.  The only issue was, I was 39 yrs of age and the cut off for volunteering and attempting P Coy was 35 yrs of age. I was given dispensation by the CO and was passed medically fit. So this was it, I had finally got the chance to earn my wings or BBC! (Blue Badge of Courage). I always believed you should be trained for your role, and it seemed logical to attempt and pass P Coy if you were in an airborne unit. I wanted to lead by example, but also fancied the personal challenge.

I began training in earnest with watching my diet, stopping drinking, and planned 3 months of gradually increasing exercise in preparation for the Pre Para course to be held in Aldershot. I worked on speed, endurance and carrying weight in my bergen etc. I did something every day; sprints, hill repetitions, long runs, long marches, gym work and swimming. This prepared me well and I passed Pre Para without difficulty. I was however the butt of many jokes being the old timer, but those much younger than me were challenged not only physically, in that I kept up with and on occasions beat them on events, but also psychologically, thinking I can’t let a crusty old Major (nurse) beat me. Our CO loved it and used my age as an example to many who had sat on the fence with attempting P Coy.

Look out for part two next week and attempting P Coy!

Lt Col (Rtd)  Rod Eldridge 

We Will Remember Them - A Weekend of Remembrance 2023 by Domini Barrett

 10th -12th November 2023

I am known to keep myself busy, but this year’s Remembrance Weekend held more commitments than normal. All very different, but each one an important part of my life as an Army Reservist and National Health Service Nurse.


Friday

I love being a member of the Middle Wallop & Andover Military Wives Choir (the seventh one I have been part of as different postings have taken me to different places). I not only get to sing with a group of like-minded women, wives and those with a military link, but enjoy the camaraderie, friendship and support this gives me as a military wife and Army Reservist.

The choir had a wonderful evening performing a Remembrance Concert at the Army Flying Museum in Middle Wallop. We sang not only songs that are part of our core repertoire; but linked to remembrance, as well as some more lively pieces. We interspersed these with poems, readings and sharing our experiences of being military wives and the challenges this brings especially when your partner is on operations or long military exercises. This includes for me, having had 9 military moves in 14 years and having gone through periods of separation.

The venue was full and we were very well received. A wonderful, memorable and moving evening.

Saturday

As a paediatric nurse working at Salisbury Hospital with long waiting lists we had an additional day of surgery. 15 children needing dental treatment under a general anaesthetic. Working a full and busy 13 hour shift in the Day Surgery Unit it was impossible to observe the Armistice Day, 11 o’clock, 2 minute silence, but I managed to take time and reflect over my lunch break of those who had gone before us and made the ultimate sacrifice. I wore my poppy with pride. I have also just completed a course at the hospital to be an ‘Armed Forces Advocate’. This involves wearing a nice badge (!) and supporting and signposting those who are linked to the Armed Forces, including veterans.



Thankfully I was home in time to watch on television the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance from the Albert Hall. It is always such a special occasion.

Sunday

The choir rehearse every week at the Middle Wallop Station Church in Hampshire - this is one of the bases for the Army Air Corps and is where many learn to fly the Apache Attack Helicopter. Each year therefore, the choir sing in the main hanger at the Service of Remembrance taken by the Station Chaplain for those serving, their families, veterans and guests. This is followed by the Act of Remembrance at the War Memorial close to the camp entrance. This part of the morning included a fly past. It was an emotional and sad time as I reflected on the operational tours I have supported in Afghanistan and those who lost their lives there.

It is an honour though to be involved in this event and I am always so proud to be in uniform to represent the Reserves as a Nursing Officer in the QARANC.

Major Domini Barrett

Memories of being in the Territorial Army - 219 Wessex Field Hospital by Jan Westbury

 Before I joined the regular army I was in the Territorial Army and have fond memories of my colleagues, the drill nights, weekend exercises and two week camps.  In between I took advantage of anything on offer, such as sailing and earning my competent crew certificate.  I think back to camaraderie and fun.  Here we are at the pub for some well earned refreshments!  I seem to have a lot of photos from my army days where I am snapped eating.

As we expanded and developed, in April 1988 we officially became the Gloucester detachment with a grand opening.

On parade prior to the grand opening.  Not everyone had uniform!

With my surgical trolley, scissors at the ready, for the cutting on the ribbon

It was great to be part of a team that won the Nutbeam Shield that year for our military skills.  At that time our colleagues in the regular service did not necessarily appreciate the skills we had and we seemed to be the butt of many jokes, usually called weekend soldiers.

                                                                                                                                                                                           

I like  this photograph of two Captains,  Sally and Elaine, as their marching looks so synchronized. There is something about marching together that makes you feel proud and even better if you have a marching band to help you along.

Happy Days!