All four elements of the UK’s Armed Forces were represented at HMS Raleigh, in Cornwall, for a passing-out-parade held to congratulate the latest group of recruits to complete basic training.
While the vast majority of those on parade were wearing the dark blue of the Royal Navy, the VIP inspecting officer for the day and guest of honour was Group Captain Simon Harper, Station Commander at RAF Halton.
Taking central spot on the parade ground to provide the musical accompaniment was the Band of the Prince of Wales Division, an Army band based at Lucknow Barracks, who were under the direction of Warrant Officer 1 Claire Milgate.
They were deputising for the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Plymouth who were fulfilling engagements down under for the 100th anniversary of the Royal Australian Navy.
As ever HMS Raleigh’s Parade Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer 2 Laird Webster kept a watchful eye over the parade as the representative of the Royal Marines, who are an integral part of the Naval Service.
Captain Bob Fancy, the Commanding Officer of HMS Raleigh, said:
“ We often have VIP inspecting officers from other areas of the Armed Forces accept the invitation to join us for the passing-out-parade, but it is somewhat unusual to have all elements of the military on parade here at any one time.
“It’s great for the recruits to see as increasingly the Royal Navy work alongside the other services during various operations around the world.”
[mappress] Press Release, October 22, 2013; Image: Royal Navy