Drill by numbers

the one I could never figure was salute to the front. why did you then turn around and go back to where you had come from ?

Sheldrake remembering it makes wonder whether it was a Boys Regt thing.[/quote]


Brum, I don't recollect it being taught in Boys Service but it probably was, I should imagine that over 2 years the Instructors worked their way through the Drill Manual. I did Public Duties at Buck House in 1979 and if memory serves, when Her Maj was in residence the Sentries were doubled. Every so often, the reason escapes me, one of the Sentries, both of whom were standing at ease would give the word of command "Up", they would both come to attention (preferably at the same time - but we were Gunners), Shoulder Arms, turn in opposite directions, march 10 paces, about turn, march 10 paces, halt, left/right turn, order arms and stand at ease. I remember that the guys would wait until the Japanese tourists had focused their cameras and then do the Sentry Go drill. This would give the tourist a lovely photograph of 2 empty sentry boxes.

steve jones wrote:

the one I could never figure was salute to the front. why did you then turn around and go back to where you had come from ?

The old chesnut was "It stopped the squad marching over a cliff"!

steve jones wrote:

the one I could never figure was salute to the front. why did you then turn around and go back to where you had come from ?

I've got a feeling that was the drill for Pay Parade, Steve.

You had to march up to the table, salute, pick up your pay, salute again and march out.

Probably before your time mate

brum wrote:

steve jones wrote:

the one I could never figure was salute to the front. why did you then turn around and go back to where you had come from ?

I've got a feeling that was the drill for Pay Parade, Steve.

You had to march up to the table, salute, pick up your pay, salute again and march out.

Probably before your time mate

Pay and pay slate correct Centurion.

Stand fast !

Two Sesterces Barrack Damages, you horrible little Legionary you !

Hallo!! Brums got himself a place at Bde HQ

We really need someone, preferably from the All Arms Drill Wing, to put us right on the ins and outs of Foot and Rifle Drill. I remember that we were told what to do to enable us to do it "In a smart, soldier-like and uniform manner" but we were never given a reason why! Maybe they thought we were Guardian readers.

The Drill Book must be huge.

Just think, there's stick drill, standard drill, lance drill, sword drill- bugger that.

Who remembers the story (attributed to the late RSM Brittain) of an RSM who answered the phone to hear his CO's voice. He responded by yelling "I am calling the Guardroom to attention and saluting you now. SAH !

A myth, perhaps ? I would love to have been there !

brum wrote:

Stand fast !

Two Sesterces Barrack Damages, you horrible little Legionary you !

What barracks? They only issued me a tent, spear and a daft looking skirt and I have to share the tent. Then I get sent to this gods forsaken hole called Hibernia. Mind you, their skirts are warmer than ours. Last time I let a recruiting centurion talk me into joining the XX1 Legion. Letter to my Senator I think!

Yikes, I'm a Brigadier !

Get that cruciform up Sarn't Major, I'm off to my bloody chateau.

brum wrote:

The Drill Book must be huge.

Just think, there's stick drill, standard drill, lance drill, sword drill- bugger that.

Who remembers the story (attributed to the late RSM Brittain) of an RSM who answered the phone to hear his CO's voice. He responded by yelling "I am calling the Guardroom to attention and saluting you now. SAH !

A myth, perhaps ? I would love to have been there !

Never heard that one Brum, but it wouldn't surprise me knowing him!

I was around for pay parades Brum, though i think it was more a matter of going into the pay clerks office and getting your money, cig and petrol coupons.

Pay and Paybook Correct Sahhh!!! salute and about turn

Mikey wrote:

Pay and Paybook Correct Sahhh!!! salute and about turn

THATS HOW I REMEMBER IT

Quote :

the one I could never figure was salute to the front. why did you then turn around and go back to where you had come from ?

If you had carried on, the poor sod bieng saluted would be trampled underfoot.Could have been a good thing in some cases.

Isn't it the advance and retreat or something?

??????????????

The General salute stuff Gordon.

Is it the Advance in Review Order you're thinking of Jim ?

advance in review order, 15 paces, usually done to the first part of 'Britsh Grenadier"

"ummmm .. 14 paces ..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKLNgLZqPMA

Blandford 2004 .. Pass out parade

Len (Ciphers)

13 check 1,2..followed by present arms and a general or royal salute..That`s the way i remember it.must have done dozens of them during my three years at Harrogate.Can`t remember ever doing one after my passing out parade..

Change direction left or right could be a complete lulu,as the mark time segment tended to speed up a little

brum wrote:

Is it the Advance in Review Order you're thinking of Jim ?

Yes Brum, though the only time I ever did it was on our passing out parade.