Sunday 12th May The Cavalry Parade 10 am in Hyde Park .Tom Parnell greeted us in full dress, nine from our area, including Norman Long, George Walker, Don Kane, Alan Boyce, Derek Ivings, Bill Shires, all with their wives, John Hewitt from Darlington, David Marshall his wife and daughter from Leeds, we were dressed in blazer and Regimental tie, and Beret, and the odd Medal, we were one of the only regiments that were able to make up a full row of six in line who looked (I am told ) smart.
The young Officers immediately in front of us who were seven abreast, one who's Bowler Hat had been damaged did nothing for the reputation of their Regiment ( That could only be the Kings Royal Hussars as they were so young) as they giggled the whole March and Service.
I remonstrated with the O/C Parade that we were to take the lead this year, he said he knew nothing of that arrangement, so we decided to take the rear instead, it has amazed me for years that we are not formed up ready for the March in readiness to move off, the band plays and you just get into place as you go along, I suppose the training has stayed with us, because by the time you have marched the half mile you are all in columns and in step, there are five bands and thousands of ex servicemen take part in the March, the laying of the wreath, then the service at the Bandstand, The Last Post and Reveille.
The Parade is watched by thousands of spectators, the Duke of Gloucester then makes a walk about along the barrier chatting to the Public, my wife is always in the front, as you know if any body in the crowd is wearing a Broach of a Regiment, that is a good reason to talk to that person, on seeing the 10th Royal Hussars Broach he had a chat to my wife, and said that his father had been the Colonel of the 10th Hussars and had fond memories of them.
We made our way to the Mandarin Hotel in Knightsbridge for the presentation to Their Royal Highnesses. We were introduced by Colonel Kaye to Her Highness The Duchess of Gloucester, who again told us of her father in law's fondness for the 10th, she remarked that it was pleasing to see so many from the Regiment that still came to the Cavalry Parade.
The Duke in his speech, firstly informed us of the removal to hospital of Colonel Upton (Who wrote the book 10th Royal Hussars) who had been taken ill just before the parade, ( he has not regained consciousness 10 days later).
We were told of the arrangements for the association weekend at Tidworth, the costs were now set, it should be good. I have been on these, and can assure you that it is organised down to the last detail, you will be kept entertained all the while, and will be not want for food or drink, any worries about getting about, you get taken every where in the mini buses, there is plenty of good accommodation in Amesbury and nearby, and the kids can come!
We were all Shiners on our table, caught up with the latest news, had a good meal enjoyed the whole day, that’s what it is all about, it is a shame that more of us can't get to our gatherings distance is the main obstacle.
Founders Day Royal Hospital Chelsea 7th June, this is a must, to see those Pensioners on their only official Parade the salute is normally taken by one of the Royal Family when the Chelsea Pensioners do the March of The Old Brigade, brings a lump to your throat once seen never forgotten!

Smiler      Email: Smiler@hussar.fsbusiness.co.uk