Cadets from 4 Pl Scots Guards and 5 Pl Scots Guards (ACF) from Glasgow and Lanarkshire Battalion joined their fellow Scots Guards cadets in London to attend the annual Scots Guards Remembrance Parade known as Black Sunday. The cadets travelled from Lanarkshire to London to attend the parade held at the Guards Chapel in Wellington Barracks and paraded to the Guards Memorial at Horse Guards. Alongside other affiliated detachments, including;
235 Westminster (Scots Guards), GL-MXNW
95 Cadet Detachment, 9 Company, Greater London SE
102 Cadet Detachment, 10 Company, Greater London SE
145 Cadet Detachment, 14 Company, SW London Sector
4 Pl Scots Guards, Amiens Company, Glasgow and Lanarkshire
5 Pl Scots Guards, Amiens Company, Glasgow and Lanarkshire

The cadets travelled down from Scotland on the Saturday morning and arrived in London in the early evening. They were hosted by Middlesex and Northwest London ACF where they spent the rest of the evening working together to get their uniform ironed to look sharp and boots polished to be nice and shiny. After a good night’s rest the cadets got up nice and early on the Sunday to travel into the centre of London to attend the Parade, starting at Wellington Barracks. The drive was spent with the cadets enjoying the sights of Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, for many it was their first time being in London. With a bit of free time before the days events cadets took a stroll to Buckingham Palace, where they took plenty of pictures.

Returning to Wellington Barracks the cadets joined the other Scots Guards Detachment as they were presented with their brand new Scots Guards Banners. An exciting experience for two cadets who were selected to be presented the banners, Cdt Robertson (4SG) and L/Sgt Waugh (5SG). These cadets were nominated as the Banner Bearers to receive their respective banners from Lieutenant Colonel William Tulloch, Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion Scots Guards.

After the presentation the cadets got to speak with a familiar face, the Regimental Sergeant Major of the 1st Btn Scots Guards, WO1 Campbell. Who many cadets recognised, and he recognised many of our cadets from previous visits and events from our home in Glasgow. WO1 Cambell greeted the cadets, as they exchanged their excitement for the event.

We asked L/Sgt Waugh how it was to receive the new banner;

After the presentation cadets marched with the banner’s to the front of the barracks for some group and Detachment pictures. Cdt C/Sgt Gough (5SG) took the parade, as well as the parade towards the Chapel where cadets moved into the Chapel with the Guards and their guests.

This commemoration remembers members of the Scots Guards who have fallen in conflict since 1642. The service taking place within the Royal Military Chapel. During the service C/Sgt Gough was selected out of all of the cadets attending to deliver a reading to the assembled members of the Regiment, past and present, and the cadets.

We asked C/Sgt Gough how it felt to deliver the reading;

After the service concluded the cadets formed up alongside all members of the Regiment to march along Birdcage Walk. An incredibly unique experience and a highlight for many of the cadets to not only be able to march with the band but march surrounded by many supporting members of the public.

Here’s what Cpl Dickson (4SG) had to say on how it felt to be apart of the parade;

Marching to the Guards Memorial for a wreath laying service and two minute silence. On their return to Wellington Barracks the salute was taken by Lieutenant General Kiszely (rtd) former CO 1st Bn Scots Guards. The cadets did their Btn proud with some “very impressive drill”, as complimented by their Instructors.

After the exciting parade the cadets visited the Guards museum, where they were able to learn more of the history of the regiment that they are affiliated to. Many of the cadets enjoyed the exhibits and learning about the interesting history, and purchasing a couple of souvenirs. For our cadets the day finished with lunch within the Barracks, before a long trip back to Lanarkshire. An incredible experience for the cadets, for some a highlight of their cadet career, for others their first ever cadet experience, like it was for Cdt Trainer (4SG), we asked her how the experience was for her;

– post by Sgt Gough (5SG)