At 1100 hours on 17th March,The Regimental
Sergeant Major halts on the drill square in front of the Battalion
and gives the words of command " Stand Properly at Ease",
the St Patrick's Day celebrations have begun. The Parade is
taken by a Senior member of the Royal family and for many
years this was HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. His Grace
the Duke of Abercorn who is the Colonel of the Regiment is
also in attendance.
The day is not only the spectacle of the parade it is a lot
more, and brings the family of the Irish Guards together
both
old and new. The day starts at 0600hrs with the traditional
Irish wake up of "Gun Fire". This is coffee and
Irish whiskey served by the Sergeants and Officers mess
to
the other ranks all accompanied by one of the Battalion pipers
playing the regimental quick march "St Patrick's Day".
At 0800hrs it is time to go to church prior to marching
onto
the square for the parade. After the parade is finished the
Other ranks make their way to the dining area where they
are
waited on by the Sergeants and Officers mess. This finished
it is time to retire to your relevant messes and socialize
with Irish Guardsmen past and present. |
