Reunion write up by Lt. Col. Jeremy Moger.

South West Association Reunion

Ramnuggur Dinner 20 November 2021

The light at the end of the tunnel was not a train coming towards us, but the brilliant light cast by the South West Association rising Phoenix-like from the end of lockdown, celebrated by a much yearned after Ramnuggur Dinner held at the Wessex Royale Hotel in Dorchester on Saturday 20 November 2021.

After an interregnum of some four years, latterly caused by Covid restrictions, it was wonderful to see so many old, bold and currently serving come together for our annual dinner. With the passing of far too many of our ageing friends and comrades over that period, my expectations were pitched towards some 15 – 20 turning up. How wrong I was. We sat down to a joyful evening of renewed friendship and celebration with a total of fifty-one. It was almost a question of who didn’t come.

Sadly, Tony Wagstaff, immobilized by a very recent knee replacement was unable to join us (probably the very first gathering he has missed over the years), but old comrades answered the call from as far afield as Norfolk, Lancashire, Salisbury and most places in between. An invitation also went out via WO1 Jason Bain KRH currently the Garrison Sergeant Major ARMCEN Support Unit to anyone serving at Bovington/Lulworth. The invitation was answered in less than a heartbeat and nine Warrant Officers and SNCOs joined us. Of these nine, seven were WO1s all KRH which, by my calculations, leaves few if any senior posts for other cavalry regiments at Bovington/Lulworth to fill. Well done the KRH.

Much as I would wish to mention everyone by name, I shall restrict myself to just a few. Phil Midgley and John Cornish as always were there. Jim Bond, who was my predecessor, came back to the fold after several years absence, so good to see him. Steve and Belinda Penkethman our recently appointed Regimental Secretary joined us as our guests for the evening, so too Peter Garbutt recently retired from that post. There was good representation from past Royal Hussars which included Colin Danvers, Bruce Whittit and Adrian Harris. My thanks to Adrian for providing the musical input with a dinner call and later in the evening Last Post. My past caught up with me in the presence of Steven Smith, who had been my squadron clerk back in Hohne days as well as Steve Wheeler, Mick Blakey, Bryan Lythgoe and Steve Gee, all of whom at some point were with me in B Sqn and had story’s to tell!!

After the Loyal Toasts, the gentlemen formed the Horse Shoe, an account of the battle and the names of those killed and wounded were read out and after the playing of Last Post a minute silence was held, also in remembrance of those old comrades we have lost since the last time we met four years ago. The passing of a cup had to be replaced due to the risk of Covid infection, but champagne was passed in single shot glasses and each in turn raised a toast to, “The Heroes of Ramnuggur”.

In conclusion a very heart felt thank you goes to all who answered the invitation, including those serving at Bovington/Lulworth. By feedback from many who attended it was a joyous evening made so by such excellent attendance. A final thanks to Paul Baker who took many photographs of the evening, many of which can be found at: https://atomic-temporary-82432135.wpcomstaging.com/celebration/ . The South West Association is very much back on track.

Jeremy M. D. Moger.

Lt Col (Ret’d)

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