Bugle Summer 2026 - Flipbook - Page 61
SOUTH
SIEGE OF CALAIS MEMORIAM
In May, a gentle trickle of veteran and
serving Riflemen arrived at the port of
Calais to pay their respects to the few. As
the German Blitzkrieg swept through France
during the Spring of 1940, the few, fought
a delaying action at Calais against the
overwhelming odds of two German Panzer
Divisions. The action was hoped to provide
valuable time to allow the bulk of the British
Expeditionary Force (BEF) and French
forces to withdraw from Dunkirk to Britain.
In the end, some 338,000 troops escaped to
mainland Britain from Dunkirk, far more than
previous estimates.
Those few, were three Rifle battalions,
forming part of the hastily reformed 30 Inf
Brigade in those dark days of April/May of 1940:
• The King’s Royal Rifle Corps (now 2 RIFLES)
• The Rifle Brigade (now 4 RANGER,
previously 4 RIFLES)
• The Queen Victoria’s Rifles (R) (previously
HQ Coy 4 RGJ, now part of 7 RIFLES)
• Supported by 3RTR and approximately 1,000
French Forces
After lunch, everyone moved to the Green
Jacket Memorial in the port for a wreath laying
event and to pay their respects.
A particular standout of the day was the
attendance of the 2 RIFLES wreath laying party
consisting of Lt Page, Sjt Nicholls, Rfn Hibbard
& Rfn Louraine: all were extremely polite,
respectful and very well turned out; typifying
everything that is special about the RIFLES,
engaging with many of the locals.
ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA:
GOVERNOR’S REVIEW
One of the highlights of the Royal Hospital
Chelsea calendar is the Governor’s Review,
a parade of the pensioners held in advance
of Founder’s Day, which commemorates
King Charles II, the founder of this unique
community in 1692.
The morning of the parade presented
challenging conditions, with heavy rain
showers and several Tube line disruptions
causing uncertainty about whether the
event would proceed. Fortunately, the parade
went ahead as planned, and the sun made a
welcome appearance during the proceedings.
As always, the pensioners performed
admirably, looking exceptional in their
distinctive red tunics. The parade was reviewed
by General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE DL
and following the parade, attendees enjoyed a
delicious curry lunch at the Pensioners’ Club,
providing a wonderful opportunity to catch up
with friends and engage with the pensioners.
The Review would have provided a significant
morale boost to all the pensioners ahead of
their inspection by The Queen on Founder’s
Day itself.
RIFLES The Bugle 61
