“Armed Forces Day Celebration -Saturday 25 June”

The Armed Forces Day celebration went well with a parachute jump display by members of 16 AA Bde. It was followed by air and sea cadets competing for gun dismantling, crossing the obstacles and returning to the start position and assembling again. The members of air cadets won the competition.

The competition was followed by marching by the Standards of the Colchester Branch of the Royal British Legion, Air Cadets, Sea Cadets and neighbouring Branches of the Royal British Legions, Gurkha Contingent (only nine, including Major Valentine West), eight members of the Colchester branch of the British Legion, sea cadets and air cadets led by the Army Band of the Colchester Garrison. The following were in attendance from CNS:

Chairman

Major Valentine West

Mr Phakta Bahadur Pun

Mr Karna Bahadur Rana

Mr Sovit Gurung

Mr Singha Bahadur Gurung

Mr Debendra Limbu

Mr Ambar Limbu

Mr Dhan Bhujuwar

The veterans and cadets parade was inspected by Lord Lieutenant of Essex, the commander of 16 Air Assault Brigade, and dignitaries from various organisations and local MP.

The final act was attacking an enemy position and destroying the enemy bunkers by the work of four combat teams by their firepower and combination of tactics and slick military manoeuvre.

There were plenty of other attractions for children and food stalls for the general public to enjoy. My grandson enjoyed it tremendously.

I saw a minority of CNS members attending the military activities to celebrate Armed Forces Day. It was such a fun-filled attraction; I am sure people who turned up did enjoy it tremendously.

Despite advertising several times, only a handful of veterans did turn up for the parade. And I like to thank those who attended the parade from the bottom of my heart.

A very well done!!!

Udai B Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

CNS