Members of the Regiment gathered at St Andrews Church Ampthill to attend a memorial service for 2nd Lieutenant Nicky Hull who was KIA in Belfast at the start of the Pompadours tour in April 1972.
This event had been delayed for the 50th anniversary of his death in 2022 due to lingering fears over COVID-19.
After the Ampthill rectory held a service with many references to the Regiment. A sunny spring day saw the then Officer Commanding Major Trevor Veitch lay a wreath at the graveside after a traditional act of remembrance by Padre Major Ben Norton from the Vikings.
Members of the Vikings, Poachers, Steelbacks as well as other members of the RBL who had turned out to show support by offering their prayers as RBL crosses were signed and laid. Major Ian Wilkins thanked RHQ and the wider regiment for their support at short notice in getting the event supported before allowing Major Veitch to read a letter received from Nicky Hull’s mother after the funeral thanking his men and the Battalion for their support.
This emotional moment was followed by a few words from Ollie Dent who knew Nicky particularly well before e everyone enjoyed a buffet and each other’s company. Special thanks must go to Paul Rigby for all his work sorting out the details on the ground in Ampthill.