One year ago yesterday was the state funeral of HM Queen Elizabeth and looking back now, I wonder how those who took part in the huge event were feeling the day after? Almost 6,000 military personnel were involved and the operational arrangements for making sure they were sufficiently fed and watered, as well as provided with the necessary ‘care’ throughout the day must have been unbelievably complex. How on earth do you rota in adequate supplies of drinks, food, comfort breaks, etc whilst ensuring they were well hydrated and able to carry out their duties in relative comfort?
I bet a year ago today, many of them were looking back 24 hours reflecting on feelings of pride, satisfaction and sheer pain! The blisters, aching muscles and fatigue must have been numerous.
The reason I post this is because last weekend I was chatting to a family member who is in the police and he was one of a further 10,000 on duty that day. He said that some of them didn’t manage to get relieved for up to seven hours! Can you imagine standing for that amount of time without a break and having to remain fully focused, knowing there was no likelihood of a rest period for hours. I think they were well provided with plenty of drinking water and I guess a few packets of sweets in their pockets would have helped sustain them, but even so!
I bet there were a few unfortunate ones who ended up getting missed for food, comfort breaks and just a general stretching of the legs.
He also said that police officers were drafted in from forces right across the country, and so whilst the London-based ones were perhaps ready for what they faced, some of the more remotely based personnel had a bit of a culture shock!
I saw a few stories yesterday about how brilliantly well the event went, and it did, of course. But I also wonder how many of those involved look back today on what might have been a bit of a tortuous nightmare?
I bet a year ago today, many of them were looking back 24 hours reflecting on feelings of pride, satisfaction and sheer pain! The blisters, aching muscles and fatigue must have been numerous.
The reason I post this is because last weekend I was chatting to a family member who is in the police and he was one of a further 10,000 on duty that day. He said that some of them didn’t manage to get relieved for up to seven hours! Can you imagine standing for that amount of time without a break and having to remain fully focused, knowing there was no likelihood of a rest period for hours. I think they were well provided with plenty of drinking water and I guess a few packets of sweets in their pockets would have helped sustain them, but even so!
I bet there were a few unfortunate ones who ended up getting missed for food, comfort breaks and just a general stretching of the legs.
He also said that police officers were drafted in from forces right across the country, and so whilst the London-based ones were perhaps ready for what they faced, some of the more remotely based personnel had a bit of a culture shock!
I saw a few stories yesterday about how brilliantly well the event went, and it did, of course. But I also wonder how many of those involved look back today on what might have been a bit of a tortuous nightmare?
