RSA Liverpool

Saturday 21st June was an early start for 10 ardent members of the RSA Liverpool Branch. A coach was soon underway with personnel from 156 Tpt, 4 Lancs, LUOTC and members from both RSA’s Southport and Liverpool. We headed south to join 5,000 spectators for the TA 100 National Pageant. In the presence of; His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall and His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex. Frank Conlan provided sandwiches and pork pies all round with a spot of Earl Grey from Steve Brisk. The Earl Grey soon became a potent “Gunfire” with the aid of a bottle of Navy Rum kindly donated by Jim Mayne. We arrived at Scotland Yard, our designated drop off – pick up point at 12:30.

As we toured the Mall and Horse Guards, Jim Mayne was soon engaged in conversation with a tourist from the USA. Her late husband was serving in the UK during the D – Day landings; a new friendship had been forged in the Anglo – American relations. There was barely enough time to impart an alliance with the beer pumps and bar staff of the “Westminster Arms”. Although Johnny Hough and Para Taggart had managed to create a seal with the “Westminster Arms” that was almost unbreakable.

The security check found Steve Brisk and Terry Hodge both in compromising situations with the Police metal detectors, it has to be said that Terry Hodge was the more embarrassed of the two. He had forgotten about a very, very personal item placed in one of his pockets. He can’t recall what year it was secreted there. Let’s hope he disposes of the item before his next encounter with a sensitive metal detector.

During the pageant we were treated to theatrical displays of varying landmark years throughout the history of the TA; featuring actors, singers and historical vehicles. The programme was narrated by Brigadier Richard Holmes, Mr Bernard Cribbins and Miss Rula Lenska. The deaths last week of four soldiers in Afghanistan, three of them members of the TA gave the occasion a sharp, poignant theme.

The oldest surviving TA member, 104-year-old Edwin Cooper, was brought on to the stage in a wheelchair and given a loud round of applause and a standing ovation which was instigated by our very own Steve Brisk. Mr Cooper, a former lance corporal from Abergele, north Wales, said later: "The TA has improved a lot since I was a member during the Second World War. I'd love to join today if they would have me."

General Sir Richard Dannatt, the Chief of the General Staff, addressed the 5,000 spectators at Horse Guards Parade: "Eleven TA soldiers have paid the ultimate sacrifice and laid down their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2003; three this week in Afghanistan. With their memories and sacrifices very much in mind, our work nevertheless goes on. The TA's contribution was very much appreciated and valued by professional soldiers”.

The Prince of Wales, referred to the "lives that have been so tragically lost". The rest of his speech was devoted to praising the TA soldiers' dedication, their families for the sacrifices that they made, and employers who gave time off for "drill nights, training weekends and annual camps". The Prince, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the TA, said the Army was "absolutely vital and the envy of other nations" who fill us all with "unashamed pride. The TA is a key pillar in the defence of the realm, a unique and indispensable asset to this country".

Following the pageant we found a local Watering hole closer to Scotland Yard. Frank Conlan appeared to have discovered a bricked up doorway complete with “doorbell”, we never found out if it worked. Once again it was to be a whistle stop bar before commencing the journey home. A customary bottle of port disguised as a flask was produced by Steve Brisk this was a welcome addition to aid in the activation of the sleep process. Not that John Waters needed any help sleeping, he managed to sleep for best part of the out bound and return journeys. George Suffler was so engrossed in a conversation with Para Taggart; Nick Hoare found it impossible to escape the drones of both voices. Len Hinds had sat through it all and was the perfect gentleman.

Our thanks are due to so many involved with the TA100 project, but a special thank you to WO1 (RSM) PT Haughton 33 Signal Regiment, without an invite members of the RSA would not have been able to attend.

Yet another good time was had by all.