The Kings Royal Hussars

Regimental Reunion at

 Aliwal Barracks Tidworth

30th August to 1st September 2002.

We came from near and far to rekindle our friendship with those we had served with during our time in the Regiment, and we Shiners (10th Royal Hussars) mingled with the ex Cherry Pickers (11th Hussars), The Hawk's (14th/20th Royal Hussars), and the Kings Hussars, all now just history, but not forgotten as we realise that we have been claimed as part of the Association of the Kings Royal Hussars.

Many of us after arriving at our accommodation in nearby Villages on the Friday, made our way to Aliwal Barracks for the evening in the various Messes, we chose the Cpl's Mess, we got the luxury arm chairs, given up to us old codgers of three score and ten, (the one with the white beard is a fraud he is only sixty eight), I personally enjoyed the chat with the young lads, who wanted to know how many medals I had got, I had to admit that I had none, but Tom Parnell has plenty, I asked them about their jobs as a tank crew, I was surprised to learn that the lowest rank is L/Cpl. and only two had revolvers the other two had rifles, and that the shell consisted of three parts, no dispensing with spent shell case through pistol port then, most of the chat was their pride Challenger 11, all too technical for me, way ahead of my old Comet I said we were sorry to lose them as they were, I think wanted for Korea.

Our next issue was an old pre war  type Valentine S.P. Gun that was very slow, we hated these, but the gun was good. our evening in in their company was a pleasure.

Saturday arriving on the Parade Square so many people old, young, wives, children, and so many serving Soldiers, all so ready to assist us, help you onto the Mini Bus, direct you to all the activities that had been arranged for you entertainment.

The Capability Display was a grand sight of the vehicles in deployment, the sheer speed of the Tanks manoeuvring into position was quite breathtaking, and the commentary so explicit, this was the highlight of my weekend, we toured the exhibits on the Tank Park, these Tanks are so large, the temptation was to climb up and look inside, and possibly get in, but I feel sure I would get stuck and have to be greased and uncerimonialy levered out.

I can truthfully say that I just did not have enough time to see and enjoy all that had been prepared for us, the Spitfire that gave the display, the Air Balloons rides, the Parachute Display, how could a man guide himself to such a small landing place? Marvellous! The Boer War dressed Horseback Pig Sticking was a delight, The Band is always THE Attraction we will never forget those Marches or the Regimental Tunes that we marched to, "well done" Band of Hussars and Light Dragoons. Down to the Polo Ground fast riding and turning whacking and walloping you must be a good rider to compete, I feel sorry for the horses, not really my thing, but a lot of spectators there who were enjoying every moment.

I had a mission while there, it was my intension to speak to all Shiners there, and get their details onto my Register of Shiners as it is a bit out of date, phone numbers had altered as new codes have been issued, or people have moved, wearing my Maroon Shiners Baseball Cap I asked if they would give their details, and managed to get seventeen up to date, nearly three hundred on it now, since I have reunited several with old mates.

Saturday evening lucky us, same seats in Bar, most had their wives with them, the drinks never stopped coming, not that we can manage many now, the food, I just stood spellbound at the choice of meals on display, so plentiful and so appetising that we just did not know where to start, that ex Sergeant major with daubs of cream from the light pastry on his chin did not deter him from enjoying his choice of dessert, the roast pig was very nice, the BOOM BOOM Room lived up to it name with the loud music, and the dance on the Plaza to the Dance Band in the semi darkness, we stayed till late but as we had been in the sun we were a bit sunburnt and tired with all the activities we bade "good night" to our old and new friends.

Sunday morning 11.30 Church Parade at St Michael's Church with the Guidon on Display

Lunch or  BBQ. As I depart for home, I try to imagine the preparation for our Association Weekend the time and effort and expense, we enjoyed every moment of it, I have written to Lieutenant Colonel T.C.Allen on behalf of the Shiners thanking him and his regiment for such an enjoyable time.

Stockport weekend October 19th still time to book. Smiler  

    Email: Smiler@hussar.fsbusiness.co.uk