Readers will recall that the last issue of the Gazette closed with G Coy at the commencement of a period of momentous change, with our impending move from 1/51 Highland to the re-formed London Regiment fast upon us.

As you will see from the title of these notes, change has not been as rapid as had been predicted, and the month of May finds the Company in a state of suspension, although as will be seen, far from a state of suspended animation! For the Historical record, as from April 1st we remain part of 1/51 Highland for administration and kit, but under command of 8th Bn The Queen's Fusiliers as regards training. Further to this our soldiers are soon to be on posted strength 8QF, leaving the Officers and PSIs as the last bastion of the Hodden Grey north of the border. This will continue until the executive order is given for the formation of the new Battalion, whereupon, together with the London Irish, we will join with the Queen's and Fusilier Companies of 8QF as A (The London Scottish) Coy, The London Regiment. At the time of writing it is anticipated that we will receive authority from ECAB (Executive Committee Army Board) at some time in July.

As will have been noted, the most visible sign of our transformation, occurred on the night of Tuesday, March 31st, when we were given permission to re-badge from 1/51 Highland to the badge of The London Scottish. That this had been achieved at a time when many old and distinguished badges are threatened with removal from the Armies Order of Battle, was not un-noted, and produced an added poignancy to the evening. Old 56 Div hands will be interested to know that we are joined in this distinction by our friends in the London Irish, who revert to the blue hackle in the Bonnets of their officers, and so in this time of change, a quiet revolution occurs in London!

As expected, Tuesday 31st produced an excellent attendance from the Serving Company, Pipes and Drums, Old Comrades and friends of the Regiment. At 2000 hours the Company was brought to the shun, and accompanied by a selection of slow airs, Mrs Heather Clemence presented the 'new' badge to our serving soldiers. Each Jock saluted in turn. Mrs Clemence was accompanied by Col John Clemence and Lt Colonel Peter McLelland, Commanding Officer of 8QF and CO Designate of The London Regiment, Col Peter has seen a lot of us recently, as in the space of one week, he was presented a plaque on the Tuesday, wined and dined on the Friday by the Pipes and Drums, and was last seen on the Saturday leaping out of a helicopter accompanied by OC G, the 2IC, CSM Welsh and Pte Ryzyc, 'somewhere' in Norfolk!

Needless to say the apres parade was in true London Jock style, and the Canteen was full when, on the magic hour of midnight, to the sound of the Pipes, new badges were replaced by old, and all ranks drank a toast to "The Regiment". Midnight marked 25 years to the day since the formation of the Highland Volunteers.

Last updated 22nd September 2000