Royal Albert Hall

[Wee Weasley Welshman]

Just finished. Bloody good show. All involved. Very moving.

WWW

[Wycombe]

Yep, agreed, the "muster" from those currently serving looked a bit thin though didn't it - can't think why that might be

Not quite sure why they had to jazz-up "Abide With Me" in that fashion though - not very traditional.

Apart from that, yes it was very well done.

[WE Branch Fanatic]

The feature on the injured Ammunition Technical Officer was very well done, bringing home the stark reality of the human cost.

[EODFelix]

Yep, Pete Norton - couple of intakes after mine. Received an email from him just b4 he went out.

[WIWOWessex]

I agree totally, the whole occasion was very moving. The muster was, as usual, crisp and well drilled, a tribute to those who took part and organised the ceremony. Well done the Royal British Legion.It was just a pity that the discipline and well practised drill was not matched by the Chiefs of Staff at the Cenotaph today, what a shambles!!! They should be ashamed of themselves. The vast majority of the civilians involved put in a better performance... at least they were in step!!!

[Roland Pulfrew]

Originally Posted by Wycombe

Yep, agreed, the "muster" from those currently serving looked a bit thin though didn't it - can't think why that might be
Not quite sure why they had to jazz-up "Abide With Me" in that fashion though - not very traditional.

I thought that the muster was exceptionally thin. If ever there was evidence of the forces being overstretched this was it. The TA must have made up the majority of the service personnel present on the floor (no slight or insult to the TA intended before anyone accuses me of doing so)!! I actually thought the muster somewhat embarrassing - but then I am also pleased because it might give a hint to the politicians that we are overstretched, despite what our senior officers might say, but I guess the Bliars didn't even notice.

Anyone know if it is traditional for CDS to be present in the PM's box?

[gar170]

Originally Posted by Roland Pulfrew

I thought that the muster was exceptionally thin. If ever there was evidence of the forces being overstretched this was it. The TA must have made up the majority of the service personnel present on the floor (no slight or insult to the TA intended before anyone accuses me of doing so)!! I actually thought the muster somewhat embarrassing - but then I am also pleased because it might give a hint to the politicians that we are overstretched, despite what our senior officers might say, but I guess the Bliars didn't even notice.

Anyone know if it is traditional for CDS to be present in the PM's box?

I don't think these idiots that we vote for every 4 yrs would notice if the taliban moved into no 10 they would still say that the forces are not overstretched

[Chugalug2]

Originally Posted by WIWOWessex

well practised drill was not matched by the Chiefs of Staff at the Cenotaph today, what a shambles!!! They should be ashamed of themselves. The vast majority of the civilians involved put in a better performance... at least they were in step!!!

Just watched the rerun on the Beeb, and yes you are right, the first time their drill has been open to criticism. To be fair though, the only one in step was the CAS and did you know he has over 4000 hours in fast jets? Said in hushed and respectful tones by Dimbleby, so it must be true!

[Flatus Veteranus]

I thought that both the RAH and Cenotaph ceremonies were excellent, and Auntie Beeb's coverage was to the usual high standard. My only comment is that Dimplebum might have identified the lady who carried a wreath to the Cenotaph next to Tony Bliar. I believe it was the Kiwi PM, in London for the opening of the Kiwi war memorial in Hyde Park.

[Chugalug2]

Originally Posted by Flatus Veteranus

I thought that both the RAH and Cenotaph ceremonies were excellent, and Auntie Beeb's coverage was to the usual high standard. My only comment is that Dimplebum might have identified the lady who carried a wreath to the Cenotaph next to Tony Bliar. I believe it was the Kiwi PM, in London for the opening of the Kiwi war memorial in Hyde Park.

Yes, you are right FV she was, and Dimbleby did at one point say so, also later explaining that NZ was not represented in the Commonwealth Laying of Wreaths as she had already done so. Despite my above comments, the Cenotaph ceremony was if anything more moving than usual. I was OK until I saw those very young kids marching by with their mum, and they were wearing their dad's medals. Very smart and so proud. Fair cracks you up doesn't it?

[vecvechookattack]

Dimplebum also mentioned that this is the 25th Anniversary of teh Falklands Campaign...hmmmmmmmmm

[Pontius Navigator]

Originally Posted by vecvechookattack

Dimplebum also mentioned that this is the 25th Anniversary of teh Falklands Campaign...hmmmmmmmmm

Perhaps that is why he was so respectful of the CAS's hours as maths may not be his strong point.

Agree with all the posts above. Didn't the veterans display superb marching skills. Good training, you don't forget.

[gravity victim]

I was very proud to watch my daughter singing with her school choir at the Albert Hall (red robes, with RN square collars). However she confirmed that during rehearsal that awful electric guitar riff in 'Abide with Me' had everybody in fits of disbelieving laughter. Also, there was some booing as Mme Blair arrived.

[effortless]

I'm sorry but I thought that the Band of the Royal Marines sounded like some spam drum majorette parade. Tin hat ready for incoming.

[Yeller_Gait]

Cenotaph

Perhaps Sky got it right, excellent coverage, correctly identified Helen Clark and got the 25th of the Falklands as next year.

Very moving ceremony all told.

Y _G

[4fitter]

RAH - yes as always moving. Also very empty compared to previous years. Didn't mind the RM showing off their musical versatility. Still feel it was hijacked by 'celebs' with no real Service - Chris de Burgh excepted.

Mrs 4f and I had a domestic as she feels very strongly about RAH - she attended a number of years ago - and I reminded her that my numerous years service compared to hers made my view more relevant - wrong move !

[brit bus driver]

Was it just me, or did CAS set off with the final echelon of ambassadors/high commisiioners before being piulled back by CGS?
Might have been me as I was trying to relay the gravitas of the occasion to my two-year old. Start 'em early on something this important I say. Echo the previous sentiments of a most moving ceremony.

[Kitbag]

4fitter, have I missed something, does CdB actually have some mil service hidden away, or is he, like most of his generation, merely related to someone with military service?

[PPRuNe Pop]

I made it a point this year to have my two grandchildren with me to watch. My 10 year old grandson was very keen to understand why all those all taking part were not all military. He does now.

John Nicol looked very smart.

As for the Chiefs, words fail.

[Pontius Navigator]

Especially impressive were all the heads of State, I mean the lines of HOS. They moved as one, as if they had been drilled by the Brigade of Guards.



On second thoughts, they probably had.