At the height of a riot in Belfast it was reassuring to still be able to hear the platoon sgt bellowing out orders, despite the chaos & the scream of PIG engines....
Joined up at RM Deal June 1975 Kent , 36 of us sixteen year olds. Drill Square everyday in the sun excellent stuff, October we marched through Deal in Full Lovet's with weapons. Six months later 9 of us did our Pass Out Parade In Full Blues at CTCRM Lympstone Devon, Inspecting Officer, Lord Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma.... almost 50 years ago now ! 😮
I have had the privilege and honour to attend Parades at RMAS and other establishments. Always good to see members of your unit passing out especially qualified doctors etc.
Passed out of RAF Swinderby early eighties. Proudest day of my life. An ex Bomber Command station dripping with history - now demolished - but I digress. The thing we all feared was rain, not because we minded getting wet, but because a rainy day meant the passing out parade would be held in a huge J Type aircraft hangar. A very very echoey hangar, that swallowed all the drill instructor's commands into one unintelligible noise. Happily the sun shone for us that day.
Hi Keith. One of the proudest day's of my life was watching my son with my family passing out at RAF Halton. It was freezing cold but when the parade started managed to focus on my son the cold weather went to the back of my mind my whole body felt warm inside with pride watching my boy turn into a man. As a proud father trying not to cry. Thanks for sharing keep the video's coming
As British Army ORs attached to Gurka Battalions we did not do drill because of the 140 paces per minute that they did. But, British Army Officers with the Gurkas had to do their 140 paces drill, still do sword waving, words of command AND learn the Gurkalie language. Started as an other rank (but usually a Subaltan) in a section to pick things up, bed in and grasp the language. Eventually move up to their rightful place in the company. They had to buy a different uniform as well from the UK standard. Great time, great people.
In basic training one day, our drill instructor must've thought we needed cheering up. "Today you're going to learn a new drill movement!" We all groaned in unison. "Continue watching this way, and I'll give you a complete demonstration of the movement. The name of this movement is 'changing sex on the march'". He did it, too. And no-one could go more than three paces without falling about in hysterics. Happy days...
I know a lot of mates who hated a drill bash, but it never bothered me. We got beasted on the square a bunch in phase 2 and all it did was help get my core strength up. I also learned to tick tock really well and would trick of the lads to tick tock on the square. The banter was real! I really enjoyed drill with a band. It put a real spring in my step and added some much needed swagger for our pass out parade. I was awful at bulling my boots, but I could make a good cup of tea, so I'd be 'tea boy' and the others would chip in with my boots until I got a hold of some beeswax for my dress pair.
Royal Signals late 1960s and I used to love drill. At our passing out parade we had the top uniformed general (reporting directly to the Chiefs in the MoD).take the parade; I had never before or since seen so many brass hats, plus TV crews from BBC and Tyne Tees TV. I was the centre man in the front rank and the bloody general stopped to speak to me in front of the TV cameras. He asked me where I was before here. Being a nervous 17 year old, I answered "In the barracks over there sir". He smiled and explained he didn't mean that, had I come direct from school. This was at Helles Lines, Catterick. In Aden, other units used to refer to us as 15th Mini-Guards. I still do Whitehall every November with all the other old codgers and try my best to maintain step but with all the other geriatrics, it's bloody difficult! I watch a lot of current stuff on the web and I am constantly disappointed at today's standard of drill. Particulary with the cow kicking Guards. What happened to the old days of "thigh parallel to the ground, lower leg perpendicular" etc?
Another great video, cheers. Here’s one for you - a platoon, having been on the ranges all day are outside the armoury. Half of them have cleaned their weapons and handed them in. Provost Sgt spots them and tells them all to fall in as the Regiment is forming up on the Square for CO’s address. Half the troops have no weapons, some have one weapon and the rest have two weapons. What words of command does the Provo Sgt use? I’ll put you out of your misery. “Squad, Squad shun. Move to the left in threes, Left Turn. Those without arms will swing both arms, those with one arm will swing one arm and those with no arms will swing both arms, By The Left, Quick March” 😊
Drill is really important. When you get the hang of it, and you can act exact in formation, it's som much easier to learn how to work together in a lot of field and combat situations, like handle an artillery piece, a heavy machine gun och as part of a tank crew. And it doesn't hurt to look good for the public - it creates good will and confidence in the troops.
Being a rifleman we of the royal green jackets we felt distinctly different fromthe other regiments in the army 120 paces to the minute snappy drill and short sharp fast movements beutiful to behold when done right, i remember one time we provided the honour guard to the queen bless her when she opened milton keynes back in the early 80's we marched in all smart as shiny buttons with no'2 dress and fixed bayonets feeling really proud of ourselves having done nothing but drill for the past two weeks but the funny thing is as we drew near to our allocated position to be the guard all the kids present were shouting LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT etc but they were not in tune with us so you had to really concentrate when your pace was made it nearly caught me out once or twice as i thought ''shit am i in step'' but all was well and we were shit hot, well done D company 4th (v) btn that day we felt proud and i am sure the locals were proud of their boys that day. drill has its place in presenting and moving a body of men or women from place to place, saying that the guards drill of late looks really sloppy or am i just older. thanks tab great little subject.
As a junior, all my CSMs and RSMs were guardsmen. They really beasted us around the square. Even today I can’t help but look at the guards dressing as they march past a dias and imagine what those SNCOs would be saying! 🤣
I did my AADIC in Pirbright in 1985, The plan was to prepare me for greater things. My Course NWE 240 was probably the best course I ever did in the British army, from Basic drill right through mutual and on to Funeral drill which at the end there is a wake, the devastation was un-believable as we had some Canadians on our course. My instructor C/sgt Vic Foley had a bit of a soft spot for me because I was on special duties in Ireland at the time so I didn’t get the statutory bone dome, from that minute I was nicknamed “Poet” vis The character in Askerisk the Gaule. I would recommend the drill course to anyone that needs to learn comportment and how to drink port!!!!
The beasting before you get to the normal drill during training. How many times a minute can you left turn, right turn, mark time and forward march. Soldiers scattered to the four corners of the square and some on the way to the guardroom. Not forgetting running around the square with the rifle above the head shouting out things like "I'm a teapot" when you dare draw breathe !!!!
Square bashing like uniforms seems to have become less arduous. To maintain your hair BD uniform took hours of damping the arms and legs turning them inside out and and layering on soap, turning right way out ironing the soap creases in order to get some semblance of a tidy sharp uniform, the arrival of lightweight made life easier and indeed many had the creases sewn in. (CSM permitting) It looks like MTP is just pulled out of the washer and worn ? The same with ‘bed blocks’ tiled floors blanco and brasso once a daily chore used as part of the overall unit discipline now long gone.
One of the many reasons for becoming a Sapper was that it greatly reduced the percentage risk of me ever having to march up and down the square again… :)
When I was with 21 Engr Regt out in Germany they had to do a far bit of Square Bashing for the Freedom of Nienburg Parade in 1996. I could here them from the Stores. As I was one of the few that didn't do any Square Bashing before the Parade itself I was excused with three broken ribs. I did do the Parade and it was bloody agony, as I was worried that if I didn't do the Parade then they would have turned round as said I wasn't fit enough to go on Leave.
I proudly remember us all swaggering off the parade ground after our RAF Regt passing out in 1987, halcyon days... As a quick aside I was invited/ordered down to RAF Uxbridge in London immediately afterwards to begin 4 weeks ceremonial training with the then QCS (now KCS of course) & was binned off and sent to a field squadron instead for having bandy legs & teenage acne!! I was absolutely delighted, it was the only time I can remember being glad I had spots 😀
@@Buckrogers8746 Heels on fire!!!! 😂😂 You did all right then, a Junior Sergeant 😊👍🏼 I was only an adult Recruit in the Regular Army. Rifting was done away around the early 90’s. At least officially. Recruits were to learn drill at a pace faster than the official Regimental paces (118 for normal infantry/ cavalry, 116 for Foot Guards and 140 for Light Div, or there abouts!) So “Rifting” was officially banished. I managed to be able to do it but I made it as “laugh” and I explained why I was doing it (if you can do it at speed correctly you can do it at normal pace even better). Eventually though I was pulled in a nice way by the RSM, about 1996ish. My brother in the early 2000’s and after 2010 onwards was certainly forbidden to use any type of drill as a punishment. I found that most soldiers in the infantry didn’t mind the occasional parade, particularly if there was a good reason. St Patrick’s Day was good for us as there was a big curry/sports/beer/vomiting . But not necessarily in that order 😂
@@bugler75 A beasting was the favoured punishment for us Guards Recruits when I was at Pribright at the end of 94. Along with Change Parades. If you really cocked up you had to bump the Ceiling in the the Guardroom, if you weren't put on a charge and given Extra Duties. We used to harangued around the Drill Square at 140 steps per minute as warm up for our Drill lesson to Follow.
I was in the Coldstream Guards, in winter we used to get a warming up drill called "Rifting" It was crazy! "Step to the time I call out!" Lef-ri-lef-ri-lef-ri at an incredible pace! All we needed was the bloody Benny Hill theme tune in the background and it´d of been perfect...................
I remember my old section commander in Pirbright taking our troop on the square. He'd say "you should be thinking look at me I wanna be fuckin looked at!"
All Arms Advanced Drill Instructors Course. I did this course in 1980 at Pirbright The WO1 was Barry Veitch, Scots Guards All 6ft 12 inches of him The best course I ever did. Keep up the good work. John
@@jaegarfiftyeight8048 funny you should say that after completing refits or maintenance the submarine would carriy out an. initial stop trim dive . Members of the ships company would be designated ballast party. With the submarine virtually stopped in the water at a designated depth members of The the ballast party would be sent forward or aft to fine tune a perfect horizontal trim Water would be pumped into trim tanks to then compensate for the weight of the sailor's the ballast party was usually made up of lard asses
@@exsubmariner That’s interesting, and it just shows that the saying ‘many a true word spoken in jest’ often holds water. (Oh no, there it could be again). A school pal of mine went off to join the RN at the same times that I joined the Army. He wanted to be a, 🤔 now what did the ‘skimmers’ call the submariners? I can’t recall what he told me. I enjoy films about submarine warfare (Hunt for Red October etc) but I’m not sure that life would suit me, I prefer the wide open outdoors. The ‘Matelot ballast’ made me laugh, I’ve sometimes heard the word ballast used as a p%55take for FLUBs in the mob. 🤣🤣🤣 I can see scope for an amusing sketch in the trimming scenario you describe on a sub.
@@jaegarfiftyeight8048 good morning mate. Sometimes our friends in the grey funnel line. Would refer to submariners as Bubbleheads Sun Dodgers soap Dodgers
@@exsubmariner ‘Grey funnel line’ 🤣🤣 Sun dodgers/soap dodgers rings a bell. Out of interest, who would you say has the edge in submarine warfare - us or the RuSSians?
Yes remember basic at ATR Winchester doing drill. Military police staff sergeant taking us. Pissing down with rain it was on the drill square, he reminded me of the Gestapo shouting his drill commands with the rain on his face and his black long trench coat all shiny and wet. In the TA it was the usual Tuesday night drill hall and weekends away at Aldershot. On the drill square at the regs barracks a corporal taking us. I got punished for laughing with another recruit. Had to clean up the squaddie sick from the night before piss up in the barracks. 🤮🪖🥾🙄
Great subject 👍🏻 As a junior soldier had plenty pass-in/passing out parades as well as drill and turnout competitions. Loved them all even if they were a chore. Kleared boots turning blue and varnished boots turning yellow in the heat was a laugh (for some!); Some invited ‘inspecting officers’ didn’t get the message that it was ‘notional’ - Royals in particular! Some were real so and so’s for it. Taking you a stage further in your foot drill I am now going to teach you……….🤣 And don’t forget pokey drill, with a real rifle, not an SA80! 😖 Dig those heels in! Wonder if anyone reading will remember ‘the Beachley Shuffle?’ Keep ‘em coming Keith.
I remember practicing sword drill under the RSM as a subaltern. We had a lady ac/adj who of course joined us. So as we all appeared with our steel, the RSM produced this special new issue ladies sword. It was a plastic toy one 😂...we couldn't stand up.....couldn't get away with that now I'm sure.
Was hard for me in the Irish army, all commands were in Irish, being a sod from Enfield, lol loved it the time i had with the irish guys was the best, ok thanks.
I remember my dad coming to my passing out at Bassingbourn in 1972. He looked across the square at the Depot Sergeant Major and swore "Bloody Parker" who as a Cpl. in 1944/45 had trained my dad and made them march around a lamp post that they had to march to and then turn round and go back. No "about turn" 50 x short!
On my regular force basic training March out it was the largest intake since ww2 we had a total of 13 Platoons March out it was so large because of the Bosnia 🇧🇦 Deployment 94-96 they were desperate to recruit (must have been to accept me 😂) 3 infantry, 3 Armour, 3 Artillery and the remainder 4 Logies ie: storeman, admin, drivers, engineers etc
I ended up in MRS at Pirbright having buggered my Back and hips on the start of Week three of Basic Training as a Grenadier Guards Recruit. We had just had Adjutants Form Up on Monday and or first lesson of the day was Drill. I struggled with drill in Ammo Boots, So whilst being Threshed around the Parade Square as warm up. One of the L/Sgt Called Halt and every one did, except me. I slide in in agony as, I had managed to slip a couple of discs, put a curve in my spine and did something to both my hips. I then Spent the next 3 months in Browning Platoon after a few weeks in MRS. with daily physio. I was very nearly Medically discharge in the early days as they didn't think I would walk again without a limp. In the end I transferred out ended up with the RLC not my first choice. After being there for nearly 6 months I finally Passed out. Then I ended up in Germany and When they Closed down Nienburg we did a Freedom Parade. I didn't do a Single drill lesson leading up to the Parade, as a couple of weeks earlier we were playing 5 a side in the Gym at our new home in Osnabruck. when I went to huff the ball as hard as I could and missed the ball, but managed to almost summersault with the effort. I broke three ribs, so was excused from doing the Parade. However we were going on leave straight after the Parade and I was worried that if I didn't do the Parade then they may have said I wasn't fit to drive home on Leave. So I ended up doing the Parade. I loved a bit of Square Bashing. As long as I wasn't in Ammo Boots, they were lethal with me in them. My Father was for a short while in the Queen's Colour Squadron when He was out in Germany, which was were he met my Step Mothers First Husband, As they were both in it together. I know that My Dad wasn't happy about being in the Queen's Colour Squadron as he was an Engine Mechanic on Lightings. I even came to know of him as he used to deal with our Computer system when I was at Wattisham Airfield. He would have passed away a few years afterwards. My Back Injury has come back to haunt me in later life. As I have Arthritis in my Spine and peripheral joints were I have had injuries. I even lost my mobility with it for a few years. Been back on my feet for just under nine years now. I still can't run, but that is don to buggering up my knees in the Army.
Hey Serge, love this video, it brought back some great memories of my square bashing at Azimghur Barracks, Colerne. Our Drill sergeant was a tall good looking git, who was popular with the female recruits, but on the square he was a right Harris hole, worse than the RSM in our unit, his patience was like a grenade with a faulty delay, the thunder birds tick tock muppets were literally screamed off the drill square, their feet definitely defying gravity. I loved drill and thankfully I was 3rd generation military background so I did my homework and got to a reasonable standard before I started. Knowing the way that the army worked, breaking you down and rebuilding your to their standards , my ethos was think of the worst and anything else was something better. It served me well. Cocky know alls who fancied themselves had a very rough ride on the square, in the barracks on any type of inspection was great entertainment as our block was up stairs, lockers out of windows, shoddy uniform and boots, out the window. But the hardest part was trying not to laugh or smile. God I miss those days. The memories are like it happened a year ago, reality is, it was the early nineties when I joined up. Now I’m 59 and physically wrecked with osteoarthritis and duff legs neck and right arm, wouldn’t I have done anything different instead , absolutely not. I stand by my bed for your next instalment. I solute you ✌🏻🏴🇬🇧
I remember our RSM used to take all the J/NCOs out square bashing during lunch break every so often. This one day we weren’t up to his standard and he shouted God send me some soldiers, quick as a flash one of the guys stepped forward and shouted Advance party from heaven sir, even the RSM cracked a smile 😂😂
My dad did the Keys Ceremony in Gibraltar a couple of times in the early 60s. He was RE (1st Fortress STRE) and was pulled off his day job in the power station for a few weeks each time. In the 80s I did more square bashing and parades as a cadet than a part timer though - all with vintage DP 303s - just like the old man.
Another good video about the basic of the forces life. I enjoyed lots off the aspects of military life but like many drill was not a passion. Obviously you appreciate that ceremonies take place for good reasons. But apart from that its the only course I managed never to go on some how ! Whilst having to work with the guards a few times they had a very different attitude obviously. They seem to enjoy the barrack life more than running around Salisbury plain. Horses for courses. be careful what you sign up for.
Out of all your wonderful videos Keith this one brings back the most memories, even had a little chuckle to myself at all the halfwits during drill basic training who could not work out left from right🤣🤣🤣
Hi, Ref Drill. As a RCT and in RAMC unit we usually had a Parade every Monday, as you said to make sure all are there. But every Wednesday RSM´s parade. Tuesday and Thursday PT parade at 07:30. Also Wednesday and Friday, sports Parade. Friday if you were fit that means early knock off.
When i am on a long walk or feel myself tiring the old tempo come into my head chle dheas chle dheas chle dheas chle.... i learned to march in the irish army where the commands were in irish
Best part of basic loved it,,when we passed out we had no band, they played the music via a record player and speakers around the square,at certain points around the square we lost the sound,we were warned about this and told to keep the drum beat in our heads,and it worked ,passout went really well and i`m sure our TSM had a tear in his eye🤣.
Hiya Keith, Being an ex-drill pig you took me down memory lane again. When I was a Cpl my unofficial call sign was 'Inch-High-D-I' at 5'6'' Well I had the last laugh Queen's Colour Sqn & ended up as SWO. I think some of the square bashing must have sank in evetually 🤣🤣🤣Best Wishes as always Johnny
After a years basic training at the Guards Depot your pass out was a big deal. We had Lord Mountbatten as the inspecting officer. I'll always remember the RSM "Piggy Barnes" bigging us up before we marched onto the square, bands leading the way, colours flying and bayonets fixed. As the senior recruits, we were the dogs nuts. Imagine when you get to Battalion and your the lowest of the low again lol. As Guards though, we constantly drilled, wether on ceremonial duties or not. It was just a part of daily life.
I loved square bashing. Even today, at the age of 60, on my daily walks I’m pacing off in my head because it clears my mind like a form of meditation. I feel like a right plonker when I’m doing it but it relaxes me and picks up my pace.
Keith you have a great memory! Everything spot on from my memory. We "passed out" in 1972 ..long time ago now , royal artillery Woolwich Arsenal never forget it. Didn't mind drill was actually on guard of honour twice . Great vid great memories. Oh by the way is it me or as the standards of drill slipped because when l see today's marching it looks really sloppy💂
I did all mine a the Chappy factory Guards foot drill it was a fantastic Shouted at and insulted and called Sir at the same time Then i went onto Light Division to learn Light Infantry Drill great days looking back
Funny you've done this video today as I woke up early this morning and was flicking through you tube and found a video about pace sticking, It was strange to watch. When I was taught drill back in the 80's it was arm's shoulder high parallel to the ground now it seems to be arms bent at elbows chest high, some of the junior ranks were marching like this and the senior ranks like I was taught.
Your spot on Keith everything u said not attention sion lol a passed out in Catterick at helles barracks a think it's now the infantry div. Yep band the works we had a brigadier inspection he just walked round and it was how u doing then the slow March before passing out ma family were so proud that day
I really enjoy your vids and a good tab, takes me back to the 25 years I did in the Army. I joined in 1967 as a boy soldier so had 2 1/2 years of daily drill and fortnightly parades. Finished up as WO1 RSM, your vids go on a few years more and let me know how things progressed after I left. i.e. I only had DPM, black boots and never had an SA80. G’luck mate and keep up the tabbing. 👍🫡
I remember, when I was at 11 Field Wksp in Minden and 11 Brigade was awarded Freedom of the City in 1972. Can't remember the military dignitary but I assume it was probably 1 Br Corp Commander. Interestingly, the FRG Section of 11 Fld Wksp also supported 7 Armoured Div in Fallingbostel.
@@jaegarfiftyeight8048 Can't say as I do, unfortunately. I was there for three years (May '71 to August '74) and for most of that time, I ran the small Unit Repair Section, out of contact with the main Wksp, trying to teach a RAF Gen Tech Cpl the ropes, so people could have come and gone in the rest of the unit and I wouldn't necessarily know. Sorry!
@@rayjennings3637 Sounds an interesting role. My cousin was there around that time if I’m not mistaken. He went right up through the ranks eventually to WO1, and during his time in the REME became world ISDT champion. He subsequently then transferred into the RCT on commission to run their motorcycle display team who I think were called The Blue Helmets.
I never considered Officers to be “Soldiers” Officers are a different breed altogether a good Officers like a bloody unicorn 🦄 rare as hell and worth their weight in gold 🔥
We are not all bad. I served for 4 years in the RA, advance signaller and driver, crew commanders course, reached the lofty rank of Bombardier (great rank by the way), then went to Sandhurst. Those initial years truly helped me in my further 20 years service. Cheers.
@@zaynevanday142 it was right for me, but there are some very good direct entry officers too, those eager to listen and learn from more experienced soldiers, regardless of rank. There are also bad officers who previously served in the ranks. It depends on the individual.
As I mentioned before I was Coldstream Guards originally before I went to the Airborne. So I've done more than my fair share of going up and down the square. In fact, the only reason that I did P Company was because I didn't want to do the troop. Like most squaddie ideas, it seemed like a good idea at the time. Halfway through P Company I was thinking, "Shit, I wish I'd done the troop". In the guards when silly season comes around which is around late April, early May, you may as well move your bedspace onto the square.
I remember doing drill in basic training, and the corporals would fall us out for a smoke break, and they would shout “ go away and burst into flames, and for those that don’t smoke you can go through the motions” 🤣 Happy days
I didn't mind Drill in Basic Training but Ì found it hard not to laugh at some of the things our Troop/Drill Sgt said to people who messed things up. Once practising for our Pass out Parade one bloke got ahead of himself and called the Troop Sgt "Sarge"😮 the Sgt said "Sarge?? Is that Sausarge or Massarge??" I burst out laughing and we were both sent off to run around the perimeter of Woolwich Bks main parade square, wearing Barrack dress, Twat hats and SLRs held above our heads and as a ex Gunner you'll agree thats a BIG parade square. Sgt Wallis his name was, great bloke and instructor, made it to Major b4 retiring, fuñny thing, when he was made a Battery Commander his BSM was one of my fellow trainees on that cold January day in 1977. Passed Out later that month. Luckily my unit wasn't big on parades foŕ no real reason so the annual Inkerman Day parade(I was in 49 Inkerman Bty)on 5th November and my Cardre Course and maybe 1 or 2 more. Not bad for 7yrs service. I was more of a "In the Field soldier than a shiny barracks boy" Having said that, the last few years I spent 4-5months of the year in full time Tug of War training with the Regimental team. Only time I wore Ammo Boots.. Clumping up and down wearing Ammo boots guarding a Royal Palace?? Not for this Gun Bunny
We were in our 1st month of training by November 76 so I'm guessing you would have been the next Troop to Pass-Out after we did in January... Small world my friend init?
Drill is very important no matter what the nay sayers state. I still remember marching out of the pearly gates at Woolwich. We had the RA Alanbrooke Band. Excellent. Did it all again a few years later at another impressive establishment, but it didn't have quite the same buzz despite the venue and occasion. We had the Mayor too, and in fact a few days earlier, Tommy Steele ran that bloody assault course with us (then so he says, he went to the premierof Alien. Probably saw the same creatures earlier in that stinking swamp that was the assault course 😂). Memories
Being Scots guards I was used to being bounced around the drill square in training but depending where you were sent after basic determined how much drill you did. I was lucky in a way because I got sent straight to Northern Ireland out in the cuds after basic, but after the tour finished and after our leave it was straight onto Spring drills and rehearsals for trooping the colour which was six weeks away. Hated drill with a passion but every day we practiced none stop and it did my head in. You don't really know what the definition of torture is unless you have worn a tunic and bearskin on a hot day for hours on end. Did a full year of public duties after that then the following year went to Germany for a five year stint doing armoured infantry a totally different role and one which I liked more than the square bashing. Didn't do much drill in Germany except the odd barrack guard or remembrance Sunday. Next taste of drill was on the nco, s cadre or drill course where you learnt to drill a squad and march them around the parade ground. Hated it at the time but looking back we had some good laughs. 😂
I'm ex Royal Artillery 76-83 I dunno how you Guardsmen, Cavalry etc blokes coped with all that work you put into your uniforms. Then learning all them drill moves? Fair play to y'all, I couldn't have done it. Are Bearskins more comfortable to wear during a parade than the peaked cap Twat hats issued to all us craphat. Them 2 chinstrap buttons felt like they were bolted (too tightly) into your skull. Amused me the way Guardsmen DS's used to slash the peak of their tw*t hats, reminded me of the SS for some reason. Respect mate
@@harrymonti6586 it's part of the job mate, you don't like it but you get used to it. Loads of bullshit in basic training, never get a minute to yourself always bulling and polishing. Once your kit is up to standard it is just a matter of keeping on top of it.
@@kevinadamson5768 yeah your right mate, when I joined the Army in 1976, I joined fully aware that dogs abuse doing things you couldn't see the point in doing was all going to part of the Army experience so just got on with it without complaining, after all, nobody had forced us to join up. Well nobody I knew had been forced. You Guardsmen had way more kit to polish and clean than us Gunners, public duties and all the uniforms and bits and pieces that go with it must take ages to do up to standard and maintain. Guess it's worse for the Household Cavalry blokes, havin to polish metal breastplates, spurs, while the worry of their horse havin a hissy fit and galloping off into the distance with the rider hanging on, uniform all in disarray during Trooping of the Colours parade. How long do you have to learn and practice all the drill moves for a parade like that? Sorry for asking so many questions but it's only in recent years I've started to find out the many different ways different units did things their way. Didn't really pay much attention to these differences back then but when you've got far too much time free, its something I've started taking a interest. 1st time I saw some Royal Greenjackets doing that fast marching that looks a mixture of marching and jogging I thought they were messing around lol. Enjoy your weekend mate👍
In the Guards we had extra drill movements such as left about turn, this was so we always turned to our front, then we had patrols, the Corporal of Horse would say, this is your front, then march towards you and extend hos fingers to to show what he wanted you to do, march off on patrol, salute, present arms, when you were in pairs a lead trooper would tap his SLR on the floor verios times for salute, or patrol, using the fingers to end the patrol. The Household cavalry also had whip drill, all NCO'S carried whips when on duties like orderly Corporal, you were never taught this, you had to learn it off an old hack, it was usually used when you were regimental orderly Corporal mounting the night guard, you had to buy the whip yourself.
Not used often (thankfully only once In my service) but funeral drill was interesting to learn and a bit tricky (Rest on your arms, reversed. I think? Spoken orders, no shouting). Also, I thought I was going to pass out (in the literal sense!) firing the three round salute. A fairly stressful occasion anyway, then holding an SLR at about 45 degs wearing a snug No.2 dress jacket on a warm day! Like being in a bear hug.
You haven't done a video about "Bull" yet - maybe doesn't happen anymore - "if it moves, salute it, if it doesn't, paint it white" as my old man described it
Very true about the lack of drill in Bns. I recall chaos when the RSM told the Bn. on a practice parade to "For Inspection Port Arms". He then told CSMs to get a grip of their companies and teach it and we discovered our CSM didn't know what to do and was flanneling. Highly embarrassing. Thank goodness he didn't ask us to rest on arms reversed!
Apart from basic training (Ashford), I never once did a parade in 6 years, come to think of it, after basic I never got my boots muddy, did a BFT, CFT or APWT ! Sounds odd I know but it's the truth. I was Green Slime (Int Corps) after that TA for 9 years. The Green Slime were an odd bunch - we weren't elite soldiers, but just errr very different to rest of army 😊 I remember "tick tocking" perfectly well on passing out. 👌 a right shambles....
😂 You made me laugh! And honestly, the first time I read the term Green Slime I was angry. One of your briefs saved the life of a patrol officer was on in the Markets Estate in Belfast. You guys had more important things to do than ‘Present Arms’ Thank you Int Corps Can I ask what MAB is? Thanks, Ian (grateful to you and career infantry)
MAB4 Artists. Missed army when I left and joined the TAVR (Reserves now). Things in 1980s were pretty different to the way things are now, much less organised and informal then. Everything was made up as you went along..... if it worked, it was repeated. 😂
towards the end of basic they let us have a couple of beers, they affected me badly, drill first thing in the morning still suffering salute to the left up went my left arm followed by get him away to the guardhouse for a beasting.
When you ask a civvy the first thing about a Soldier it’s their Parades, drill and turnout. Is good drill necessary to make a good soldier? Not at all but it is necessary that all soldiers go through that process to help mould them. I had a very varied career in the Royal Irish. In the mid to late 1990’s we had a very close relationship with the (as it was) the Light Division. Due to our. Heritage our Bugle Section was supposed to use Light Division drill. A lot of this has now gone. Light Division drill was very different. A minimum of 140 paces a minute. The three parts of the normal drill command was different. To make a Platoon in 3 ranks turn to the right and March , the words of command was as follows: 1: Eyes front, Pla----toon, or equivalen ( come from stand easy! to the ‘shun) 2: Move! To the right, Quick March! (The platoon would come to attention, automatically turn to the right and start to march at the Regimental pace, at least! 140 paces per minute). The opposite was the command: Facing Left (or Right)….. Halt! The troops would halt as per the normal drill manual but then automatically face the direction orders and automatically stand themselves at ease. The Rifle was always at Trail Arms, Shoulder Arms or At Ease. Never sloped. The Light Division (now Rifles had a lot of traditional commands). I got a paper pass at the Light Division for my Drill Courses as I had made so much training with the RGJ and Ligjt Infantry. Two superb Regiments. I finished as the Regimental Nursing Officer of 2 Rifles in Ballykinlar after my career as an Infantryman. Drill is a pill to be taken twice a day. Or as quoted by the the RAMC: Drill is a suppository to be suffered as a pain in the arse twice a day. In my experience as a Depot Corporal, Drill was something as a rite of priveledge that most felt made them different from the average civilian: They had accomplished something. Passing Out Parades used Bugle Calls in place of voice commands. The Royal Irish Regiment, at various times, has used a combination of both. It’s needs to plant its flag in one camp or the other! My recruits enjoyed their drill (I was a Corporal) as I tried to explain why and what for the reasons. The vast majority told me it was of benefit even years after I had taught them! “Markers! Take post!!”
Did 3 1/2 years on Queens Colour Squadron(RAF Regt) 1986- SLR was great for rifle drill, SA80 was unimpressive. We did one Royal Tournament with SMLE. (18’ bayonet) Having finger joint issues now, probably from smashing the rifle, to get a decent sound.
Have you ever thought of metal detecting, lovely fields out the front of your place ?It's good for the mind ,lots of ex soldiers do detecting to help with mental health as well
@LetsTab59-bd4fd look up " Roman licking dog" on Google, I found this in 2017😉 there is a few places that do detecting for soldiers that suffer with PTSD and other things and detecting has helped them so much history in our land ,I ones found 4 Gloster cap badges and 1 rear cap badge ,and loeas of blank .303s and bits of grenades ,found out it was a traing ground for the home guard
It’s funny…. That how long I’ve been out of the army….Drill sticks in you mind😂…..I was ahead of you with regarding to left turn 🤦🏻♂️….an laughing to myself👌🏽
At the height of a riot in Belfast it was reassuring to still be able to hear the platoon sgt bellowing out orders, despite the chaos & the scream of PIG engines....
Joined up at RM Deal June 1975 Kent , 36 of us sixteen year olds. Drill Square everyday in the sun excellent stuff, October we marched through Deal in Full Lovet's with weapons. Six months later 9 of us did our Pass Out Parade In Full Blues at CTCRM Lympstone Devon, Inspecting Officer, Lord Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma.... almost 50 years ago now ! 😮
makes you proud to be a soldier when you pass out marching with a band
Even as a reservist back in 1988, the pride I felt on pass out will live with till I move on over.
@@donaldmckernan6335 Bless you boys.
I have had the privilege and honour to attend Parades at RMAS and other establishments. Always good to see members of your unit passing out especially qualified doctors etc.
Passed out of RAF Swinderby early eighties. Proudest day of my life. An ex Bomber Command station dripping with history - now demolished - but I digress. The thing we all feared was rain, not because we minded getting wet, but because a rainy day meant the passing out parade would be held in a huge J Type aircraft hangar. A very very echoey hangar, that swallowed all the drill instructor's commands into one unintelligible noise. Happily the sun shone for us that day.
I really think it's one of the most memorable days that we have.
Hi Keith. One of the proudest day's of my life was watching my son with my family passing out at RAF Halton. It was freezing cold but when the parade started managed to focus on my son the cold weather went to the back of my mind my whole body felt warm inside with pride watching my boy turn into a man. As a proud father trying not to cry. Thanks for sharing keep the video's coming
Jesus even after all these years when you barked out "SQUAD. SQUAD SHUN! " me while boddy stiffened up like a bolt . 😆
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Same here.....
As British Army ORs attached to Gurka Battalions we did not do drill because of the 140 paces per minute that they did.
But, British Army Officers with the Gurkas had to do their 140 paces drill, still do sword waving, words of command AND learn the Gurkalie language.
Started as an other rank (but usually a Subaltan) in a section to pick things up, bed in and grasp the language. Eventually move up to their rightful place in the company. They had to buy a different uniform as well from the UK standard.
Great time, great people.
In basic training one day, our drill instructor must've thought we needed cheering up.
"Today you're going to learn a new drill movement!"
We all groaned in unison.
"Continue watching this way, and I'll give you a complete demonstration of the movement. The name of this movement is 'changing sex on the march'".
He did it, too. And no-one could go more than three paces without falling about in hysterics. Happy days...
I know a lot of mates who hated a drill bash, but it never bothered me. We got beasted on the square a bunch in phase 2 and all it did was help get my core strength up. I also learned to tick tock really well and would trick of the lads to tick tock on the square. The banter was real!
I really enjoyed drill with a band. It put a real spring in my step and added some much needed swagger for our pass out parade. I was awful at bulling my boots, but I could make a good cup of tea, so I'd be 'tea boy' and the others would chip in with my boots until I got a hold of some beeswax for my dress pair.
Exactly Bret, we all helped each other out
Royal Signals late 1960s and I used to love drill. At our passing out parade we had the top uniformed general (reporting directly to the Chiefs in the MoD).take the parade; I had never before or since seen so many brass hats, plus TV crews from BBC and Tyne Tees TV. I was the centre man in the front rank and the bloody general stopped to speak to me in front of the TV cameras. He asked me where I was before here. Being a nervous 17 year old, I answered "In the barracks over there sir". He smiled and explained he didn't mean that, had I come direct from school. This was at Helles Lines, Catterick. In Aden, other units used to refer to us as 15th Mini-Guards. I still do Whitehall every November with all the other old codgers and try my best to maintain step but with all the other geriatrics, it's bloody difficult! I watch a lot of current stuff on the web and I am constantly disappointed at today's standard of drill. Particulary with the cow kicking Guards. What happened to the old days of "thigh parallel to the ground, lower leg perpendicular" etc?
Slipping away I fear
Another great video, cheers. Here’s one for you - a platoon, having been on the ranges all day are outside the armoury. Half of them have cleaned their weapons and handed them in. Provost Sgt spots them and tells them all to fall in as the Regiment is forming up on the Square for CO’s address. Half the troops have no weapons, some have one weapon and the rest have two weapons. What words of command does the Provo Sgt use? I’ll put you out of your misery. “Squad, Squad shun. Move to the left in threes, Left Turn. Those without arms will swing both arms, those with one arm will swing one arm and those with no arms will swing both arms, By The Left, Quick March” 😊
Drill is really important. When you get the hang of it, and you can act exact in formation, it's som much easier to learn how to work together in a lot of field and combat situations, like handle an artillery piece, a heavy machine gun och as part of a tank crew. And it doesn't hurt to look good for the public - it creates good will and confidence in the troops.
Very true 👍
Being a rifleman we of the royal green jackets we felt distinctly different fromthe other regiments in the army 120 paces to the minute snappy drill and short sharp fast movements beutiful to behold when done right, i remember one time we provided the honour guard to the queen bless her when she opened milton keynes back in the early 80's we marched in all smart as shiny buttons with no'2 dress and fixed bayonets feeling really proud of ourselves having done nothing but drill for the past two weeks but the funny thing is as we drew near to our allocated position to be the guard all the kids present were shouting LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT etc but they were not in tune with us so you had to really concentrate when your pace was made it nearly caught me out once or twice as i thought ''shit am i in step'' but all was well and we were shit hot, well done D company 4th (v) btn that day we felt proud and i am sure the locals were proud of their boys that day. drill has its place in presenting and moving a body of men or women from place to place, saying that the guards drill of late looks really sloppy or am i just older. thanks tab great little subject.
Cracking story mate, thank you for your support it's very much appreciated 👍
As a junior, all my CSMs and RSMs were guardsmen. They really beasted us around the square. Even today I can’t help but look at the guards dressing as they march past a dias and imagine what those SNCOs would be saying! 🤣
Honour guard? Deary me!
GUARD OF HONOUR! You dozy individual!
Repeat after me...GUARD OF HONOUR!
I did my AADIC in Pirbright in 1985, The plan was to prepare me for greater things. My Course NWE 240 was probably the best course I ever did in the British army, from Basic drill right through mutual and on to Funeral drill which at the end there is a wake, the devastation was un-believable as we had some Canadians on our course. My instructor C/sgt Vic Foley had a bit of a soft spot for me because I was on special duties in Ireland at the time so I didn’t get the statutory bone dome, from that minute I was nicknamed “Poet” vis The character in Askerisk the Gaule. I would recommend the drill course to anyone that needs to learn comportment and how to drink port!!!!
Oh yes......Port 😋
The beasting before you get to the normal drill during training. How many times a minute can you left turn, right turn, mark time and forward march. Soldiers scattered to the four corners of the square and some on the way to the guardroom. Not forgetting running around the square with the rifle above the head shouting out things like "I'm a teapot" when you dare draw breathe !!!!
Nice St George’s Flag flying 🔥
Careful. You'll have the bobbies round to arrest you.
@@RayM53worth it 😂
Good old days
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I dreaded hearing the command "Mark Time"... By the end of basic training we all had quads like bison! :-)
That was the worst 😫
"Change step, Change step, Change step...' and repeat
@@michaelingledew Stop stop, you're traumatising me!
Square bashing like uniforms seems to have become less arduous.
To maintain your hair BD uniform took hours of damping the arms and legs turning them inside out and and layering on soap, turning right way out ironing the soap creases in order to get some semblance of a tidy sharp uniform, the arrival of lightweight made life easier and indeed many had the creases sewn in. (CSM permitting)
It looks like MTP is just pulled out of the washer and worn ?
The same with ‘bed blocks’ tiled floors blanco and brasso once a daily chore used as part of the overall unit discipline now long gone.
Very true 👍
Always makes me smile - thanks for the memories.
You are welcome 😊
Yes, I remember the "Passing Out Parade" at HMS Ganges in 1965, with the Royal Marines Band playing "Hearts of Oak" and "A life on the Ocean Wave". 👍
Love both of those tunes, very stirring stuff 🫡
One of the many reasons for becoming a Sapper was that it greatly reduced the percentage risk of me ever having to march up and down the square again… :)
Good thinking
Hurrah for the CRE !
🤔 You weren’t in juniors then! 🤣🤣🤣
When I was with 21 Engr Regt out in Germany they had to do a far bit of Square Bashing for the Freedom of Nienburg Parade in 1996. I could here them from the Stores. As I was one of the few that didn't do any Square Bashing before the Parade itself I was excused with three broken ribs. I did do the Parade and it was bloody agony, as I was worried that if I didn't do the Parade then they would have turned round as said I wasn't fit enough to go on Leave.
@@Simon_W74 Great place Nienburg.👍🏻
I proudly remember us all swaggering off the parade ground after our RAF Regt passing out in 1987, halcyon days...
As a quick aside I was invited/ordered down to RAF Uxbridge in London immediately afterwards to begin 4 weeks ceremonial training with the then QCS (now KCS of course) & was binned off and sent to a field squadron instead for having bandy legs & teenage acne!!
I was absolutely delighted, it was the only time I can remember being glad I had spots 😀
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You're probably tired of hearing it, but all i can think about is Michael Palin's sergeant major in "The Meaning of Life" 🤣
Love the clip 🫡😂
Ex Guards still have nightmares ( in a good way) of the Drill .Great vid as always
You were the experts when it came to Drill 🫡
1 year basic training in Pirbright Guards depot ,, I’ll never forget that Sir ,,?
Changing step , change step
I perfected that command on the two miles to the Guardroom that was 300 metres away! 😂
Remember being "Rifted" across the square?
@@bugler75 what a rifting we used to get ,, I was household Cav and made it to j/ Dsgt taking the parade , that pissed all the grunts off
@@Buckrogers8746 Heels on fire!!!! 😂😂
You did all right then, a Junior Sergeant 😊👍🏼
I was only an adult Recruit in the Regular Army.
Rifting was done away around the early 90’s. At least officially.
Recruits were to learn drill at a pace faster than the official Regimental paces (118 for normal infantry/ cavalry, 116 for Foot Guards and 140 for Light Div, or there abouts!)
So “Rifting” was officially banished.
I managed to be able to do it but I made it as “laugh” and I explained why I was doing it (if you can do it at speed correctly you can do it at normal pace even better). Eventually though I was pulled in a nice way by the RSM, about 1996ish.
My brother in the early 2000’s and after 2010 onwards was certainly forbidden to use any type of drill as a punishment.
I found that most soldiers in the infantry didn’t mind the occasional parade, particularly if there was a good reason.
St Patrick’s Day was good for us as there was a big curry/sports/beer/vomiting .
But not necessarily in that order 😂
@@bugler75 A beasting was the favoured punishment for us Guards Recruits when I was at Pribright at the end of 94. Along with Change Parades. If you really cocked up you had to bump the Ceiling in the the Guardroom, if you weren't put on a charge and given Extra Duties. We used to harangued around the Drill Square at 140 steps per minute as warm up for our Drill lesson to Follow.
I was in the Coldstream Guards, in winter we used to get a warming up drill called "Rifting" It was crazy! "Step to the time I call out!" Lef-ri-lef-ri-lef-ri at an incredible pace! All we needed was the bloody Benny Hill theme tune in the background and it´d of been perfect...................
"Rifting"... Haven't heard that for years :-)
😂😂 double quick time is used in the Glass house 😂😂😂
@@zaynevanday142 Been there, wore the T-Shirt.........................
Sadly forbidden since the late 1990’s………officially 😂
😂
I remember my old section commander in Pirbright taking our troop on the square. He'd say "you should be thinking look at me I wanna be fuckin looked at!"
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All Arms Advanced Drill Instructors Course. I did this course in 1980 at Pirbright
The WO1 was Barry Veitch, Scots Guards
All 6ft 12 inches of him
The best course I ever did.
Keep up the good work. John
Thank you John
The only drill we had on a submarine was kept in the electrician's tool bag
🤣🤣 I imagine that if you all marched to either end as a squad it would go nose down or up!
@@jaegarfiftyeight8048 funny you should say that after completing refits or maintenance the submarine would carriy out an. initial stop trim dive . Members of the ships company would be designated ballast party. With the submarine virtually stopped in the water at a designated depth members of The the ballast party would be sent forward or aft to fine tune a perfect horizontal trim Water would be pumped into trim tanks to then compensate for the weight of the sailor's the ballast party was usually made up of lard asses
@@exsubmariner That’s interesting, and it just shows that the saying ‘many a true word spoken in jest’ often holds water. (Oh no, there it could be again).
A school pal of mine went off to join the RN at the same times that I joined the Army.
He wanted to be a, 🤔 now what did the ‘skimmers’ call the submariners? I can’t recall what he told me. I enjoy films about submarine warfare (Hunt for Red October etc) but I’m not sure that life would suit me, I prefer the wide open outdoors.
The ‘Matelot ballast’ made me laugh, I’ve sometimes heard the word ballast used as a p%55take for FLUBs in the mob. 🤣🤣🤣
I can see scope for an amusing sketch in the trimming scenario you describe on a sub.
@@jaegarfiftyeight8048 good morning mate. Sometimes our friends in the grey funnel line. Would refer to submariners as
Bubbleheads Sun Dodgers soap Dodgers
@@exsubmariner ‘Grey funnel line’ 🤣🤣
Sun dodgers/soap dodgers rings a bell.
Out of interest, who would you say has the edge in submarine warfare - us or the RuSSians?
Won best at drill and best recruit/cadre three times. Regular army, reserve, then JNCO’S cadre. Loved drill because DRILL IS BRILL!!
Yes remember basic at ATR Winchester doing drill. Military police staff sergeant taking us. Pissing down with rain it was on the drill square, he reminded me of the Gestapo shouting his drill commands with the rain on his face and his black long trench coat all shiny and wet.
In the TA it was the usual Tuesday night drill hall and weekends away at Aldershot. On the drill square at the regs barracks a corporal taking us. I got punished for laughing with another recruit. Had to clean up the squaddie sick from the night before piss up in the barracks. 🤮🪖🥾🙄
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Great subject 👍🏻
As a junior soldier had plenty pass-in/passing out parades as well as drill and turnout competitions. Loved them all even if they were a chore.
Kleared boots turning blue and varnished boots turning yellow in the heat was a laugh (for some!);
Some invited ‘inspecting officers’ didn’t get the message that it was ‘notional’ - Royals in particular! Some were real so and so’s for it.
Taking you a stage further in your foot drill I am now going to teach you……….🤣
And don’t forget pokey drill, with a real rifle, not an SA80! 😖
Dig those heels in!
Wonder if anyone reading will remember ‘the Beachley Shuffle?’
Keep ‘em coming Keith.
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My cadets absolutely love doing Drill, and they do take a great deal of pride in doing it well, and looking smafrt. Great video once again mate
Cheers Baz 🍻
I remember practicing sword drill under the RSM as a subaltern. We had a lady ac/adj who of course joined us. So as we all appeared with our steel, the RSM produced this special new issue ladies sword. It was a plastic toy one 😂...we couldn't stand up.....couldn't get away with that now I'm sure.
😂😂😂
Great vid, love it. Had a great time in basic. Made me the man I am today.
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Was hard for me in the Irish army, all commands were in Irish, being a sod from Enfield, lol loved it the time i had with the irish guys was the best, ok thanks.
Cheers Glen 🇨🇮
I remember my dad coming to my passing out at Bassingbourn in 1972. He looked across the square at the Depot Sergeant Major and swore "Bloody Parker" who as a Cpl. in 1944/45 had trained my dad and made them march around a lamp post that they had to march to and then turn round and go back. No "about turn" 50 x short!
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On my regular force basic training March out it was the largest intake since ww2 we had a total of 13 Platoons March out it was so large because of the Bosnia 🇧🇦 Deployment 94-96 they were desperate to recruit (must have been to accept me 😂) 3 infantry, 3 Armour, 3 Artillery and the remainder 4 Logies ie: storeman, admin, drivers, engineers etc
I remember disliking drill that much, when I was asked to become a DI, I refused and became a CBRN instructor instead 😂. Great video again.
I ended up in MRS at Pirbright having buggered my Back and hips on the start of Week three of Basic Training as a Grenadier Guards Recruit. We had just had Adjutants Form Up on Monday and or first lesson of the day was Drill. I struggled with drill in Ammo Boots, So whilst being Threshed around the Parade Square as warm up. One of the L/Sgt Called Halt and every one did, except me. I slide in in agony as, I had managed to slip a couple of discs, put a curve in my spine and did something to both my hips. I then Spent the next 3 months in Browning Platoon after a few weeks in MRS. with daily physio. I was very nearly Medically discharge in the early days as they didn't think I would walk again without a limp. In the end I transferred out ended up with the RLC not my first choice. After being there for nearly 6 months I finally Passed out.
Then I ended up in Germany and When they Closed down Nienburg we did a Freedom Parade. I didn't do a Single drill lesson leading up to the Parade, as a couple of weeks earlier we were playing 5 a side in the Gym at our new home in Osnabruck. when I went to huff the ball as hard as I could and missed the ball, but managed to almost summersault with the effort. I broke three ribs, so was excused from doing the Parade. However we were going on leave straight after the Parade and I was worried that if I didn't do the Parade then they may have said I wasn't fit to drive home on Leave. So I ended up doing the Parade. I loved a bit of Square Bashing. As long as I wasn't in Ammo Boots, they were lethal with me in them.
My Father was for a short while in the Queen's Colour Squadron when He was out in Germany, which was were he met my Step Mothers First Husband, As they were both in it together. I know that My Dad wasn't happy about being in the Queen's Colour Squadron as he was an Engine Mechanic on Lightings. I even came to know of him as he used to deal with our Computer system when I was at Wattisham Airfield. He would have passed away a few years afterwards.
My Back Injury has come back to haunt me in later life. As I have Arthritis in my Spine and peripheral joints were I have had injuries. I even lost my mobility with it for a few years. Been back on my feet for just under nine years now. I still can't run, but that is don to buggering up my knees in the Army.
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I was told that the pace stick was for turning new recruites into lolly pops😂
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Hey Serge, love this video, it brought back some great memories of my square bashing at Azimghur Barracks, Colerne. Our Drill sergeant was a tall good looking git, who was popular with the female recruits, but on the square he was a right Harris hole, worse than the RSM in our unit, his patience was like a grenade with a faulty delay, the thunder birds tick tock muppets were literally screamed off the drill square, their feet definitely defying gravity. I loved drill and thankfully I was 3rd generation military background so I did my homework and got to a reasonable standard before I started. Knowing the way that the army worked, breaking you down and rebuilding your to their standards , my ethos was think of the worst and anything else was something better. It served me well.
Cocky know alls who fancied themselves had a very rough ride on the square, in the barracks on any type of inspection was great entertainment as our block was up stairs, lockers out of windows, shoddy uniform and boots, out the window. But the hardest part was trying not to laugh or smile.
God I miss those days. The memories are like it happened a year ago, reality is, it was the early nineties when I joined up. Now I’m 59 and physically wrecked with osteoarthritis and duff legs neck and right arm, wouldn’t I have done anything different instead , absolutely not.
I stand by my bed for your next instalment.
I solute you ✌🏻🏴🇬🇧
🫡 Thank you very much
I remember our RSM used to take all the J/NCOs out square bashing during lunch break every so often. This one day we weren’t up to his standard and he shouted God send me some soldiers, quick as a flash one of the guys stepped forward and shouted Advance party from heaven sir, even the RSM cracked a smile 😂😂
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My dad did the Keys Ceremony in Gibraltar a couple of times in the early 60s. He was RE (1st Fortress STRE) and was pulled off his day job in the power station for a few weeks each time. In the 80s I did more square bashing and parades as a cadet than a part timer though - all with vintage DP 303s - just like the old man.
Brilliant thanks 🫡
Another good video about the basic of the forces life. I enjoyed lots off the aspects of military life but like many drill was not a passion. Obviously you appreciate that ceremonies take place for good reasons. But apart from that its the only course I managed never to go on some how !
Whilst having to work with the guards a few times they had a very different attitude obviously. They seem to enjoy the barrack life more than running around Salisbury plain. Horses for courses. be careful what you sign up for.
Cheers Gary 🫡
Out of all your wonderful videos Keith this one brings back the most memories, even had a little chuckle to myself at all the halfwits during drill basic training who could not work out left from right🤣🤣🤣
Cheers Mike all the best mate 👍
Hi, Ref Drill. As a RCT and in RAMC unit we usually had a Parade every Monday, as you said to make sure all are there. But every Wednesday RSM´s parade. Tuesday and Thursday PT parade at 07:30. Also Wednesday and Friday, sports Parade. Friday if you were fit that means early knock off.
The old chest out, neck on the back of the collar, dig the heels in,no bending the elbows and arms at shoulder height. Hated drill.
When i am on a long walk or feel myself tiring the old tempo come into my head chle dheas chle dheas chle dheas chle.... i learned to march in the irish army where the commands were in irish
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Pass out parade for me was 1978 in front of my mum, dad and granny a day I will never forget.
Great memories 👌
Best part of basic loved it,,when we passed out we had no band, they played the music via a record player and speakers around the square,at certain points around the square we lost the sound,we were warned about this and told to keep the drum beat in our heads,and it worked ,passout went really well and i`m sure our TSM had a tear in his eye🤣.
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Hiya Keith, Being an ex-drill pig you took me down memory lane again. When I was a Cpl my unofficial call sign was 'Inch-High-D-I' at 5'6'' Well I had the last laugh Queen's Colour Sqn & ended up as SWO. I think some of the square bashing must have sank in evetually 🤣🤣🤣Best Wishes as always Johnny
Cheers Johnny 🍻 always good to hear from you 👍
Not to forget the Regimental band that plays at the pass-out parade. For the Parachute Regiment we had the Pegasus band.
Can't even begin to imagine how tough it must be carrying and playing an instrument and doing drill.
After a years basic training at the Guards Depot your pass out was a big deal. We had Lord Mountbatten as the inspecting officer. I'll always remember the RSM "Piggy Barnes" bigging us up before we marched onto the square, bands leading the way, colours flying and bayonets fixed. As the senior recruits, we were the dogs nuts. Imagine when you get to Battalion and your the lowest of the low again lol. As Guards though, we constantly drilled, wether on ceremonial duties or not. It was just a part of daily life.
I loved square bashing. Even today, at the age of 60, on my daily walks I’m pacing off in my head because it clears my mind like a form of meditation.
I feel like a right plonker when I’m doing it but it relaxes me and picks up my pace.
I hope you have your beret on sir
@@Buckrogers8746 No!! But I’m baldy enough that I should be wearing it!!
I always liked doing drill. I really enjoy your channel and like to see the difference between us and the UK. Cheers Ron
Thank you Ron, much appreciated mate 👍
Keith you have a great memory! Everything spot on from my memory. We "passed out" in 1972 ..long time ago now , royal artillery Woolwich Arsenal never forget it. Didn't mind drill was actually on guard of honour twice . Great vid great memories. Oh by the way is it me or as the standards of drill slipped because when l see today's marching it looks really sloppy💂
Thank you and yes I believe you're right standard's are slipping
Excellent. Many thanks
Thank you
I did all mine a the Chappy factory Guards foot drill it was a fantastic Shouted at and insulted and called Sir at the same time Then i went onto Light Division to learn Light Infantry Drill great days looking back
Cheers Jeff, thank you for commenting 🫡
Brilliant vids will you do one about church parade and army pardries pleas ?
I'll have a go, thank you
@@LetsTab59-bd4fdnice one boss look forward to it let's TAB 😅
I was a scaley back that one you did about radio procedure v cool
Funny you've done this video today as I woke up early this morning and was flicking through you tube and found a video about pace sticking, It was strange to watch. When I was taught drill back in the 80's it was arm's shoulder high parallel to the ground now it seems to be arms bent at elbows chest high, some of the junior ranks were marching like this and the senior ranks like I was taught.
Not as sharp nowadays
Your spot on Keith everything u said not attention sion lol a passed out in Catterick at helles barracks a think it's now the infantry div. Yep band the works we had a brigadier inspection he just walked round and it was how u doing then the slow March before passing out ma family were so proud that day
Cheers Kenny, always great to hear from you mate 👍
I really enjoy your vids and a good tab, takes me back to the 25 years I did in the Army. I joined in 1967 as a boy soldier so had 2 1/2 years of daily drill and fortnightly parades. Finished up as WO1 RSM, your vids go on a few years more and let me know how things progressed after I left. i.e. I only had DPM, black boots and never had an SA80. G’luck mate and keep up the tabbing. 👍🫡
Thank you Greg, that's very kind and much appreciated
I remember marching behind chuffer smith ..eggy gas and holding me breath thanks chuffer lol😂
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I know it's against the norm, but really enjoyed drill, you wouldn't forget 1231 😮
Always loved a drill instructor using his pace stick.....some great clips on you tube of them in action. Can you do us a demo please??
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I remember, when I was at 11 Field Wksp in Minden and 11 Brigade was awarded Freedom of the City in 1972. Can't remember the military dignitary but I assume it was probably 1 Br Corp Commander. Interestingly, the FRG Section of 11 Fld Wksp also supported 7 Armoured Div in Fallingbostel.
Do you recall a bloke called Gwynn?
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@@LetsTab59-bd4fd that was fer rayjennings Keith. My cousin served with 11 Spanner Benders at one point. 🙂
@@jaegarfiftyeight8048 Can't say as I do, unfortunately. I was there for three years (May '71 to August '74) and for most of that time, I ran the small Unit Repair Section, out of contact with the main Wksp, trying to teach a RAF Gen Tech Cpl the ropes, so people could have come and gone in the rest of the unit and I wouldn't necessarily know. Sorry!
@@rayjennings3637 Sounds an interesting role. My cousin was there around that time if I’m not mistaken. He went right up through the ranks eventually to WO1, and during his time in the REME became world ISDT champion. He subsequently then transferred into the RCT on commission to run their motorcycle display team who I think were called The Blue Helmets.
I never considered Officers to be “Soldiers” Officers are a different breed altogether a good Officers like a bloody unicorn 🦄 rare as hell and worth their weight in gold 🔥
We are not all bad. I served for 4 years in the RA, advance signaller and driver, crew commanders course, reached the lofty rank of Bombardier (great rank by the way), then went to Sandhurst. Those initial years truly helped me in my further 20 years service. Cheers.
@@gunner678you did it the right way not straight out of school 🔥
@@zaynevanday142 it was right for me, but there are some very good direct entry officers too, those eager to listen and learn from more experienced soldiers, regardless of rank. There are also bad officers who previously served in the ranks. It depends on the individual.
I joined in 1976.... I didn't attend RMAS until 2012..... I was a WO1 1997-2012.....
@@TheJon2442 good for you. Made many good friends who came through your route. Good memories.
As I mentioned before I was Coldstream Guards originally before I went to the Airborne. So I've done more than my fair share of going up and down the square. In fact, the only reason that I did P Company was because I didn't want to do the troop. Like most squaddie ideas, it seemed like a good idea at the time. Halfway through P Company I was thinking, "Shit, I wish I'd done the troop". In the guards when silly season comes around which is around late April, early May, you may as well move your bedspace onto the square.
Bloody hell Matt, Guards and P Coy, two tough gigs mate well done
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Or maybe I'm just stupid mate :)
I remember doing drill in basic training, and the corporals would fall us out for a smoke break, and they would shout “ go away and burst into flames, and for those that don’t smoke you can go through the motions” 🤣 Happy days
The only drill I ever really did after Basic Training was for a remembrance parade in Marlow quite a proud day as I remember
Cheers Bob, good memories 👌
I didn't mind Drill in Basic Training but Ì found it hard not to laugh at some of the things our Troop/Drill Sgt said to people who messed things up. Once practising for our Pass out Parade one bloke got ahead of himself and called the Troop Sgt "Sarge"😮 the Sgt said "Sarge?? Is that Sausarge or Massarge??" I burst out laughing and we were both sent off to run around the perimeter of Woolwich Bks main parade square, wearing Barrack dress, Twat hats and SLRs held above our heads and as a ex Gunner you'll agree thats a BIG parade square. Sgt Wallis his name was, great bloke and instructor, made it to Major b4 retiring, fuñny thing, when he was made a Battery Commander his BSM was one of my fellow trainees on that cold January day in 1977. Passed Out later that month. Luckily my unit wasn't big on parades foŕ no real reason so the annual Inkerman Day parade(I was in 49 Inkerman Bty)on 5th November and my Cardre Course and maybe 1 or 2 more. Not bad for 7yrs service. I was more of a "In the Field soldier than a shiny barracks boy" Having said that, the last few years I spent 4-5months of the year in full time Tug of War training with the Regimental team. Only time I wore Ammo Boots.. Clumping up and down wearing Ammo boots guarding a Royal Palace?? Not for this Gun Bunny
Harry we would have been there at the same time, I got there in November 1976 and passed out April 1977. I was Colenso Troop, 59 Aston Bty.
We were in our 1st month of training by November 76 so I'm guessing you would have been the next Troop to Pass-Out after we did in January... Small world my friend init?
Drill is very important no matter what the nay sayers state. I still remember marching out of the pearly gates at Woolwich. We had the RA Alanbrooke Band. Excellent. Did it all again a few years later at another impressive establishment, but it didn't have quite the same buzz despite the venue and occasion. We had the Mayor too, and in fact a few days earlier, Tommy Steele ran that bloody assault course with us (then so he says, he went to the premierof Alien. Probably saw the same creatures earlier in that stinking swamp that was the assault course 😂). Memories
How about pokey drill 😂
Being Scots guards I was used to being bounced around the drill square in training but depending where you were sent after basic determined how much drill you did. I was lucky in a way because I got sent straight to Northern Ireland out in the cuds after basic, but after the tour finished and after our leave it was straight onto Spring drills and rehearsals for trooping the colour which was six weeks away. Hated drill with a passion but every day we practiced none stop and it did my head in. You don't really know what the definition of torture is unless you have worn a tunic and bearskin on a hot day for hours on end. Did a full year of public duties after that then the following year went to Germany for a five year stint doing armoured infantry a totally different role and one which I liked more than the square bashing. Didn't do much drill in Germany except the odd barrack guard or remembrance Sunday. Next taste of drill was on the nco, s cadre or drill course where you learnt to drill a squad and march them around the parade ground. Hated it at the time but looking back we had some good laughs. 😂
I'm ex Royal Artillery 76-83 I dunno how you Guardsmen, Cavalry etc blokes coped with all that work you put into your uniforms. Then learning all them drill moves? Fair play to y'all, I couldn't have done it. Are Bearskins more comfortable to wear during a parade than the peaked cap Twat hats issued to all us craphat. Them 2 chinstrap buttons felt like they were bolted (too tightly) into your skull. Amused me the way Guardsmen DS's used to slash the peak of their tw*t hats, reminded me of the SS for some reason. Respect mate
@@harrymonti6586 it's part of the job mate, you don't like it but you get used to it. Loads of bullshit in basic training, never get a minute to yourself always bulling and polishing. Once your kit is up to standard it is just a matter of keeping on top of it.
@@harrymonti6586 the bearskin was quite heavy mate.
@@kevinadamson5768 yeah your right mate, when I joined the Army in 1976, I joined fully aware that dogs abuse doing things you couldn't see the point in doing was all going to part of the Army experience so just got on with it without complaining, after all, nobody had forced us to join up. Well nobody I knew had been forced. You Guardsmen had way more kit to polish and clean than us Gunners, public duties and all the uniforms and bits and pieces that go with it must take ages to do up to standard and maintain. Guess it's worse for the Household Cavalry blokes, havin to polish metal breastplates, spurs, while the worry of their horse havin a hissy fit and galloping off into the distance with the rider hanging on, uniform all in disarray during Trooping of the Colours parade. How long do you have to learn and practice all the drill moves for a parade like that? Sorry for asking so many questions but it's only in recent years I've started to find out the many different ways different units did things their way. Didn't really pay much attention to these differences back then but when you've got far too much time free, its something I've started taking a interest. 1st time I saw some Royal Greenjackets doing that fast marching that looks a mixture of marching and jogging I thought they were messing around lol. Enjoy your weekend mate👍
@@harrymonti6586 six weeks for trooping the colour.
In the Guards we had extra drill movements such as left about turn, this was so we always turned to our front, then we had patrols, the Corporal of Horse would say, this is your front, then march towards you and extend hos fingers to to show what he wanted you to do, march off on patrol, salute, present arms, when you were in pairs a lead trooper would tap his SLR on the floor verios times for salute, or patrol, using the fingers to end the patrol. The Household cavalry also had whip drill, all NCO'S carried whips when on duties like orderly Corporal, you were never taught this, you had to learn it off an old hack, it was usually used when you were regimental orderly Corporal mounting the night guard, you had to buy the whip yourself.
Great comment Pete thanks for sharing it mate 👍
Not used often (thankfully only once In my service) but funeral drill was interesting to learn and a bit tricky (Rest on your arms, reversed. I think? Spoken orders, no shouting). Also, I thought I was going to pass out (in the literal sense!) firing the three round salute. A fairly stressful occasion anyway, then holding an SLR at about 45 degs wearing a snug No.2 dress jacket on a warm day! Like being in a bear hug.
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13,14 1...2, every monday morning ❤
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You haven't done a video about "Bull" yet - maybe doesn't happen anymore - "if it moves, salute it, if it doesn't, paint it white" as my old man described it
Got one in the pipeline, watch this space.
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Should be entertaining 🙂Probably get you lots more clicks
Trying to workout your cap badge bruv, is it The Old Queens Reg?
PWRR, an amalgamation of the Queens Regt and the Royal Hampshires
I was in the RGJ light infantry and we marched at 180 paces per minute....oohh my aching legs
Bloody fast.
Very true about the lack of drill in Bns. I recall chaos when the RSM told the Bn. on a practice parade to "For Inspection Port Arms". He then told CSMs to get a grip of their companies and teach it and we discovered our CSM didn't know what to do and was flanneling. Highly embarrassing. Thank goodness he didn't ask us to rest on arms reversed!
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Swift And Bold
Cracking Drill you lads did, very impressive 🫡
Apart from basic training (Ashford), I never once did a parade in 6 years, come to think of it, after basic I never got my boots muddy, did a BFT, CFT or APWT ! Sounds odd I know but it's the truth. I was Green Slime (Int Corps) after that TA for 9 years. The Green Slime were an odd bunch - we weren't elite soldiers, but just errr very different to rest of army 😊 I remember "tick tocking" perfectly well on passing out. 👌 a right shambles....
😂 You made me laugh!
And honestly, the first time I read the term Green Slime I was angry.
One of your briefs saved the life of a patrol officer was on in the Markets Estate in Belfast.
You guys had more important things to do than ‘Present Arms’
Thank you Int Corps
Can I ask what MAB is?
Thanks,
Ian (grateful to you and career infantry)
MAB4 Artists. Missed army when I left and joined the TAVR (Reserves now). Things in 1980s were pretty different to the way things are now, much less organised and informal then. Everything was made up as you went along..... if it worked, it was repeated. 😂
@@ExMAB4 I think some things haven’t changed ! 😂😂😂
"Anyone got any better ideas than marching up and down the square?"
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towards the end of basic they let us have a couple of beers, they affected me badly, drill first thing in the morning still suffering salute to the left up went my left arm followed by get him away to the guardhouse for a beasting.
Foot drill instills discipline. Soldiers must react quickly as a team.
When you ask a civvy the first thing about a Soldier it’s their Parades, drill and turnout.
Is good drill necessary to make a good soldier?
Not at all but it is necessary that all soldiers go through that process to help mould them.
I had a very varied career in the Royal Irish. In the mid to late 1990’s we had a very close relationship with the (as it was) the Light Division.
Due to our. Heritage our Bugle Section was supposed to use Light Division drill. A lot of this has now gone.
Light Division drill was very different. A minimum of 140 paces a minute.
The three parts of the normal drill command was different.
To make a Platoon in 3 ranks turn to the right and March , the words of command was as follows:
1: Eyes front, Pla----toon, or equivalen
( come from stand easy! to the ‘shun)
2: Move! To the right, Quick March!
(The platoon would come to attention, automatically turn to the right and start to march at the Regimental pace, at least! 140 paces per minute).
The opposite was the command:
Facing Left (or Right)….. Halt!
The troops would halt as per the normal drill manual but then automatically face the direction orders and automatically stand themselves at ease.
The Rifle was always at Trail Arms, Shoulder Arms or At Ease. Never sloped.
The Light Division (now Rifles had a lot of traditional commands).
I got a paper pass at the Light Division for my Drill Courses as I had made so much training with the RGJ and Ligjt Infantry.
Two superb Regiments.
I finished as the Regimental Nursing Officer of 2 Rifles in Ballykinlar after my career as an Infantryman.
Drill is a pill to be taken twice a day.
Or as quoted by the the RAMC:
Drill is a suppository to be suffered as a pain in the arse twice a day.
In my experience as a Depot Corporal,
Drill was something as a rite of priveledge that most felt made them different from the average civilian:
They had accomplished something.
Passing Out Parades used Bugle Calls in place of voice commands.
The Royal Irish Regiment, at various times, has used a combination of both.
It’s needs to plant its flag in one camp or the other!
My recruits enjoyed their drill (I was a Corporal) as I tried to explain why and what for the reasons.
The vast majority told me it was of benefit even years after I had taught them!
“Markers! Take post!!”
Great account 🫡👍
@@LetsTab59-bd4fd Thank you Sir🫡🇬🇧☘️
Did 3 1/2 years on Queens Colour Squadron(RAF Regt) 1986- SLR was great for rifle drill, SA80 was unimpressive. We did one Royal Tournament with SMLE. (18’ bayonet)
Having finger joint issues now, probably from smashing the rifle, to get a decent sound.
I was a junior leader so had to pass out and at the end of the year we had to graduate into man sevice
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Have you ever thought of metal detecting, lovely fields out the front of your place ?It's good for the mind ,lots of ex soldiers do detecting to help with mental health as well
Never thought of that, we've got plenty of coastline around here as well, cheers 🍻
@LetsTab59-bd4fd look up " Roman licking dog" on Google, I found this in 2017😉 there is a few places that do detecting for soldiers that suffer with PTSD and other things and detecting has helped them so much history in our land ,I ones found 4 Gloster cap badges and 1 rear cap badge ,and loeas of blank .303s and bits of grenades ,found out it was a traing ground for the home guard
The Royal Navy and RM slide their feet as they don't have to bang their feet to put their brains into action!!
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Bit off topic mate , just wondering what boots you use for your TABS. ..Are they British Army issue ?
Yes, Hiax army issue, but since retirement I've had to purchase a new pair.
Cameronians Scottish Rifles (now disbanded) marched at An incredible pace
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there's a few vids of passing out parades in recent years..... looking at the drill standards.... not great.
Slipping a bit
Taking you a stage further!!!!!! The reason........
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Drill is a pill and should be taken twice daily 😁
Drill is a suppository and is a pain in the arse! 😂
No microphone ? Obviously not using the 7x p’s principle 🙄😂🫡
Typical, head up arse moment 🙄
It’s funny…. That how long I’ve been out of the army….Drill sticks in you mind😂…..I was ahead of you with regarding to left turn 🤦🏻♂️….an laughing to myself👌🏽
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