The morning of the 6 May 2023; a date to remain in the hearts of many for a generation. 43 Soldiers and 6 Officers represented the Royal Anglian Regiment for the Coronation of Their Majesties, King Charles III, and Queen Camilla. The Marching Detachment was drawn from members of the 2nd Battalion, they paraded alongside Colour Parties from all three Battalions of the Regiment.
A culmination of work that started whilst the 2nd Battalion was still deployed in Oman as part of the Land Regional Hub. Post Easter leave the detachment was assured by HQ Infantry to ensure they were of the required standard prior to deployment to the Centralised Area in Longmoor Camp; from here the team conducted daily training at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst to ensure a thorough understanding and conditioning for the task ahead. The daily regimen saw troops average 25,000 steps per day, in ammunition boots!
The overnight rehearsal in London set the conditions for the main event. The troops formed up on the platforms of Waterloo train station prior to loading onto York Road to march across Westminster Bridge. The sight of Westminster Palace and the clock tower of ‘Big Ben’ shone brightly against the moonlit silhouette of the London skyline. As we approached Wellington Barracks, we encountered many late-night travellers that had been surprised by the mass deployment of ceremonial troops into central London.
The day of the Coronation was nothing less than a truly unique experience to march through our Nation’s Capital; bayonets fixed, swords drawn and Colours flying. On the day the awe of the spectacle almost overwhelmed the senses. Crowds on the Mall were over 20 people deep and the noise, fantastic! The processional groups that marched to escort the Gold State Coach from Westminster Abbey were 1.6km/1 mile in length, all to escort the Gold State Coach, weighing four tonnes and pulled by eight horses, the sheer momentum that is gained means that once it is moving there is very little that can be done to stop it, zero margin for error, only a flawless demonstration of the movement will do.
Having formed six ranks, entered Bucking Palace Gardens, grounded arms, and removed headdress, troops prepared for the arrival of their Majesties onto the terrace. The key moment of the parade arrives, “Three cheers for His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen, hip hip!” A roar bursts from the assembled soldiers, sailors, and airmen, it can be heard in St James’ Park and beyond; it is broadcast to millions of people watching at home in the United Kingdom and millions more overseas.
The soldiers selected for the task represented themselves and the Regiment to the highest standard. Though ceremonial duties may not be the comfort of many in the Royal Anglian Regiment, the ability to deliver excellence at any task truly is. Words do very little to portray the sense of pride and honour I feel of being able to lead the Regiment’s representative group, a privilege, and the envy of many, I’m sure. It is a memory that will stay with me forever.
By Captain Alexander Langley.
