1st ANNUAL REGIMENTAL GENERAL MEETING
The first ARGM took place at the TA Hall Elgin on Friday 22nd March 2002. The new Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier Hugie Monro (Click here for picture) opened the meeting explaining that his aim was for this to be an annual event for both the Regular Battalion and the Associations so that we could discuss mutual matters of interest, get briefed on Battalion events and discuss how best to help the Regular Battalion with recruiting and so on.
He also gave us his VISION for the Regiment which was strongly supported by all present.
Brigadier CS Grant late QO HLDRS gave a brief on the Future Army and highlighted FIST (Future Infantry Solider Technology) which lead us to believe that our sons would be bionic, computerized and able to see for ten miles in the dark before spitting bullets from our left nostril at the enemy around the corner! Cool!
Lt Col Alex Alderson the Commanding Officer of The Highlanders gave a very interesting brief on the First Battalion, what they have been up to, their manning problems and how much they enjoyed the exercise in Kenya. A five minute film was shown, filmed in the style of the Blair Witch Project about the final attack in Kenya which had us all wishing we were there! Lt Nick Charteris and Sgt Bain gave a talk on D Coy's time in Kosevo and this was followed by Capt Steve (Box) Weymss the OC Recruiting Team who detailed the huge problems faced by recruiting in an area 1/5 of the UK landmass with a small population with low unemployment. We need 150 recruits ready for the Battalion's move to Germany in 2004 and the Association were issued pamphlets etc to help in the battle.
Lt Col McNaughton A and SH CO 51 HIGHLAND our TA regiment gave a brief on his unit and again highlighted the fall in recruiting. He has 2 Companies B and C both HLDRS Companies and is currently about 30 under strength.
Both cadet battalions gave different talks, most of which was interesting especially when followed by Captain Bruce Hitchings and his report on how we have increased the pipers and drummers in the Cadet Forces to record levels.
There then followed the Colonel of the Regiment standing up and allowing people to discuss in open forum the subject of the deeply felt anger by ex QO HLDRS about the fact that the title Queen's Own Highlanders had been replaced by Seaforth and Camerons in the Battalion's sub title.
Suffice to say, not every one is happy, some suggested that the officers who made up the amalgamation committee had not asked the Associations for their views and this was apologized for.
A suggestion that The Highlanders lose the 'Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons' subtitle and rename their Companies after the various regiments was popular, although I remember this being floated in 1994 during the second amalgamation meeting.
Other arguments included the fact that the Gulf War battle honour was won by Queen's Own Highlanders. The cap badge was Queen's Own Highlanders and so on.
The Colonel of the Regiment listened and promised to listen further and seek other views.
However, the feeling from the serving members quite rightly was that they were Highlanders, not Seaforth, Camerons, Gordons or Queen's Own but Highlanders. This was supported by the RSM 1 HLDRS, Colin McInroy, himself a former QO HLDRS man. Bearing mind the fact that New Colours cost thousands I personally cannot see the Government agreeing to any change even if the Army Board do because of the cost of changing everything again.
We shall see what we shall see! Suffice to say, we will remember the Queen's Own Highlanders as being a great Regiment who in only 33 years gained a high and deserved reputation as a hardworking, brave and loyal Battalion.
A good natter and a few drinks were enjoyed along with a curry lunch. Well done to all the 1st battalion lads who attended and helped set the place up etc. A good day for all old and bold, young and old! I've only been out 2 years and I feel like an old f*rt already!