Turning of the Pages at Westminster Abbey

Narrated by Capt C Flett RAMC (V)

On Friday the 30th of June, six members of 205 (Scottish) Field Hospital (Volunteers) set off on a big adventure over the Border. Myself (Capt Carolyn  Flett), SSgt John Caithness and Sgt Sandra Delonnette left Dundee Squadron in what the booking reference claimed was a people carrier and so it was with no room for luggage. An uneventful hour and a half later we arrived at Edinburgh Squadron where we picked up WO1 (RSM) C C Johnson, Cpl Stewart Low and Cpl Stephan Bott. From Edinburgh the RSM took over the driving.

The RSM is a bit of a “gadget man” and had brought along a new toy SatNav. From then on we were all under the control of a bossy woman with an American accent who frequently sounded exasperated. We continued on our way through the wind and rain until we crossed into England and blue skies. A welcome stop at a motorway service station on a lovely sunny evening saw us fed and watered and ready to move on. returning to our vehicle, we found it sporting two English flags . . . . . . Could this have been the RSM ?Apparently it was to help us foreigners blend in !

Onwards to London where our friendly ! voice on the SatNav directed us successfully to 256 Field Hospital, our home from home for the weekend. A good nights sleep in the gymnasium and we were ready for the big day. We parked the vehicle at Westminster Abbey and were lead off by the RSM for the obligatory bacon roll and coffee, well fortified we returned to the Abbey.

We were met by Lt Col Harvey who talked us through the detail of the beautiful RAMC stained glass window. He showed us the books of remembrance, which are quite different from each other. His stories of some of the individuals listed were very moving and further underlined the importance of the task ahead. There was time  for a few final practices under the watchful eye of the RSM before the tourists started to arrive.

We were now fully aware of what a privilege it was to be there. We then went to change into our uniform prior to the RSM’s inspection (it’s an RSM thing). Just before 1100 hrs we marched down and entered the Nave where we waited for a few minutes. There were lots of tourists around and the books themselves were flanked by standard bearers from the RAMC Association. Representatives from the Royal Hospital Chelsea and lots of other RAMC spectators were in attendance.

The large numbers were due to it being the 90th anniversary of the Somme. Then the nod came from Lt Col Harvey and the ceremonial party stepped off and moved into position. Cpl Low turned the pages, all went well, much better than the rehearsal and then we marched off. After being fell out we returned in uniform for photographs (lots of photographs). Everyone agreed that it was a wonderful experience and deeply moving.Afterwards we visited the Royal Hospital Chelsea where we were looked after byi/index.htmpJ Harris andi/index.htmpH Beazant. They showed the party around the Hospital grounds and the Museum. We enjoyed chatting with them and the time slipped by far too quickly. There are currently 6 RAMC in the hospital and recently a donation of £50,000 was given by the RAMC Association to renovate the Hospital wing.We spent a relaxing evening in the city before returning home to the rain on Sunday. Naturally the flags were removed from the car before crossing the border.The whole experience was an honour and a privilege and each and every one of us agreed that we would do it again if the chance arose. If any of you ever get the chance to take part in this ceremony I urge you to do so.