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H.R.H

Early in ’44 someone noted that it would shortly be the birthday of Princess Elizabeth. One of the officers who had served a tour of duty in the Palace pointed out that her eighteenth birthday was a very important one. She would rule in her own right one day.

It was decided that a letter would be sent to her covering the good wishes of the officers and men at Spangenberg, Ealarging. On this we would have a British parade on her birthday. This idea grew and orders were issued.

Accordingly, every day everybody checked their uniform patching and darning. The turnout was amazing. People who had been wandering round in scruffy greatcoats and balaclavas appeared in smart uniform, some patched but tidy. All badges and buttons shone. There was a positive rainbow of forage caps and a surprising display of medals and ribbons.

The adjutant called for Markers and the lads who had rehearsed this were proud. There was a bugle sounded ‘On Parade’ and on we went. The guards were going spare. They ran out the machine guns to cover the courtyard and called out their resources, but we took no notice and fell in, a thoroughly military manner.

The commanders, with an escort, came out and asked the colonel what was going on. When told it was for her Royal Highness’ birthday he said “I am a great admirer of the British Royal Family. May we join the parade?” “Certainly not replied the colonel this is a British parade. You may watch, but be quiet.” The jerries departed.

This really was quite an occasion, taken place in the heart of hostile Germany.

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