Trooping the Colour

Mr_L · 17 Jun 2006 at 12:59

Von Smallhausen said:
I notice Prince Harry is displaying a medal. Where did he get that from and what for ? He's just joined and hasn't seen action.

A short investigation tells me that it is a Royal Jubilee medal. Source.

When I was little I use to like watching the parade, but it's always the same so I don't tend to watch it any more.

Chasser · 17 Jun 2006 at 13:01

fatiain said:
Always thought the guardsmen looked a bit daft in full ceremonial garb carrying an SA80, couldn't they give them some older looking guns?

Why? The SA80 is the current standard issue rifle. I bet they are glad they are not still drilling with the SLR or even the .303.

LoadsaMoney · 17 Jun 2006 at 13:01

**** i knew i got out of bed to early, thought it would have been all over by now.

Goes back to bed.

Chasser · 17 Jun 2006 at 13:05

Mr_L said:
A short investigation tells me that it is a Royal Jubilee medal. Source.

Not sure how though, the qualifying criteria is: "All personnel who are in paid effective military service with the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force on 6 February 2002, who have completed 5 calendar years service and were enlisted on or before 7 February 1997"

I suppose Liz can give them to whoever she wants though.

Big Spender · 17 Jun 2006 at 13:06

and as always, the red arrows pull off a perfect formation

Kol · 17 Jun 2006 at 13:07

Awesome scenes.

Jimmeh · 17 Jun 2006 at 13:08

I thought the Tornado's formation was spot on... no yaw corrections what so ever.

Big Spender · 17 Jun 2006 at 13:10

wow, i've never seen that before, the guardsman removing the bearskins and giving three cheers! wish my birthday was as good as this

fatiain · 17 Jun 2006 at 13:14

Chasser said:
Why? The SA80 is the current standard issue rifle. I bet they are glad they are not still drilling with the SLR or even the .303.

I know it's standard issue (crap as it is) but it just looks out of place alongside the guardsmans uniform.

fatiain · 17 Jun 2006 at 13:14

Cybermyk said:
My Dad, gone but not forgotten.

*salutes*

Chasser · 17 Jun 2006 at 13:16

fatiain said:
I know it's standard issue (crap as it is) but it just looks out of place alongside the guardsmans uniform.

Yeah I suppose so, but it's all part of the tradition. They always parade with service issue rifles, which today is the SA80. Personally I think the SLR did look a lot better.

Von Smallhausen · 17 Jun 2006 at 13:27

Thanks for the medal info.

The Lancaster flight was awesome, but I couldn't help dab a tear almost when the Spits flew over. It's sad that only two Spitfires remain in flying condition on the BBMF.

Spiffing show chaps.

Stringy · 17 Jun 2006 at 14:34

Was nice to see the flypast, a great showing by the RAF today, and the Pongos did a pretty good job on the ground too

Von Smallhausen said:
The Lancaster flight was awesome, but I couldn't help dab a tear almost when the Spits flew over. It's sad that only two Spitfires remain in flying condition on the BBMF.

According to the BBMF's website they have 5 airworthy Spits, I figure they only used 2 today as that's all that was needed and was practical?

Von Smallhausen · 17 Jun 2006 at 14:43

OCdt Stringy said:
Was nice to see the flypast, a great showing by the RAF today, and the Pongos did a pretty good job on the ground too

According to the BBMF's website they have 5 airworthy Spits, I figure they only used 2 today as that's all that was needed and was practical?

Aha ... the that Hugh bloke was wrong then. He said there were only 2 Spitfires and one still has bullet holes in the wing off 1940.

Thanks for that. Still an absolute treat to watch though. I love Spits.

Big Spender · 17 Jun 2006 at 14:44

Von Smallhausen said:
Aha ... the that Hugh bloke was wrong then. He said there were only 2 Spitfires and one still has bullet holes in the wing off 1940.

Thanks for that. Still an absolute treat to watch though. I love Spits.

im sure he said that about the lancaster, or maybe i just misheard him

Chasser · 17 Jun 2006 at 14:44

Von Smallhausen said:
It's sad that only two Spitfires remain in flying condition on the BBMF

See this, lots of good info on spits: http://www.militaryairshows.co.uk/spitaw.htm

As Stringy said, the BBMF have five, but there are still a lot more out there still airworthy.

marcus25 said:
im sure he said that about the lancaster, or maybe i just misheard him

More than likely he was referring to the lancaster.

Von Smallhausen · 17 Jun 2006 at 14:49

Aha. I can't speak Welsh or understand it so I can never underhand a bird they are spraying.

Freeman · 17 Jun 2006 at 14:50

Jimmeh said:
'Tis very impressive if a little drawn out.

We, as a nation, are undoubtably the best at this pompous parade type stuff!

Pompous yesm parading, no

atpbx · 17 Jun 2006 at 14:59

I've stuck some pins in my eyes instead.

AS you can probably understand typing this is a little difficult because of that.