Lest We Forget

A late invite came on Saturday evening from my RE (Amph.) colleagues to join the Wreath laying ceremony this morning at Newcastle's Eldon Square Memorial.

A bright, but cold morning saw us safely parked up out of the way. Marjorie. took over the camera to record the proceedings and I joined the rapidly growing throngs of blazered and be - medalled Royal British Legion and Veteran. organisations. Some 500 of us formed up in 4 ranks, not the usual 3 ( in order to fit us in the space allocated to us) and set off at the modified marching pace for the Vets. Normal Army marching pace is 120 beats per minute but today our martial music was being provided by a Highland Regiment Pipe Band who march at 112 BPM. Stately and dignified and more in keeping with our physical abilities!

As we rounded the corner formed at the junction of Percy Street and Blackett Street, we were met by rousing cheers and a sustained burst of applause by the already large numbers of spectators lining the perimeter of the Memorial Garden. The Garrison Sergeant Major brought us to the Halt, then gave 'Parade will Advance' 'Right Turn' to bring us correctly occupying the Northern boundary of the Gardens. We faced into a very bright sun and the 'Stand at Ease', 'Stand Easy' relaxed us all. Generous applause came from all around, and some very welcome cups of coffee were quickly "organised" from a coffee shop behind us. There were of course, those amongst us who preferred a stronger libation and several surprisingly large hip flasks were rapidly produced and their contents used to toast "absent friends".

As the Parade gradually formed and filled all sides of the Square, and the Band of the Northumberland Fusiliers played appropriately sombre airs, the civic dignitaries moved into position. The Garrison Sergeant Major's crisp command instantly quelled the chatter and we looked up to watch the four Sentinels posted at the Memorial corners go into the "reverse arms" stance. A Naval Rating moved across to begin untying the Union Flag's halyard, and the time gradually moved to the Silence. The single round of gunfire signifying the start was a shock and sent the hundreds of pigeons who reside in the Square, flying out in alarm.

The only sound was the muted whooshing of the Shopping Centre's air-conditioning, and the faint cries of the babies and young children around us. We hope that these children will continue with this honourable tradition but equally hopefully that their names will never need be inscribed on its memorials.

The pigeons were disturbed once again when the gunfire cracked out and the Service of Remembrance began with the 'The Last Post' Two rousing hymns.. "Guide me, O thou great Redeemer" and "Jerusalem" opened and ended the service. The March off was led by the Regular Army troops and when the Cadet forces moved off in their wake, we Vets. were set off by the GSM to parade past the saluting dais( (EYES RIGHT!) at Grey's Monument, along Blackett Street and left up Northumberland Street, applauded and cheered every step of the way.

We then turned into Northumberland Road, halted and were then properly dismissed..... "Officer on Parade!" ... "Fall OUT!"..... our cue to turn right, salute, and march 3 paces forwards and then relax!

I've reckoned up and that has to be my 50th Remembrance Day parade. My first was in 1960 in Gibraltar and today was my first in my own home town of Newcastle.