Warm welcome for the dignitaries

Performing the official welcome to the guests and ladies, he said: “Lord Lieutenant, Mr Mayor, Sirs, Ladies and Gentlement, on behalf of the North Irish Horse Regimental Association North West Branch I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all here this evening to this our 60th Anniversary of the North West Branch celebrating the Battle of the Hitler Line. We extend a warm welcome to Col Chris Edwards OBE, TD, Dep. Comd. of 2 Sig Bde, on his first visit to our annual Hitler Line dinner.

“We welcome back the assistant army adviser to the Canadian High Commission, Lt Col Denis Janell and his wife Sylvie. Also Mr Gerry Chester who is one of the survivors from the Battle of the Hitler Line.

On behalf of the association, I would like to thank Major Mac McGowan for all his hard work done during the year and especially his help in organising the dinner here tonight, and Mac from myself a very special thank you and also Major Rey Kirk, regimental secretary for sending out all communications regarding this dinner, also Capt Henry Moore Regimental ass treasurer for all his help over the year.”

Tribute

He also paid tribute to the piper, Cpl Wilson.

“Our next association meeting will be held on Monday, June 18, where we will plan our meetings for the next year. I would appeal for as many members as possible to attend.

“Finally many thanks to the Belfray Country Inn for the excellent meal and service we have had tonight, also the the members of the association who came along today to help set up and members of 69 Sig Sqn.

“May I remind you all that the Church Service and Parade will be held in Dunmore Park Camp on Sunday, May 27, at 11am. All that is left is for everyone to enjoy the rest of the night and have a safe journey home.

Major Sam Burgess read out a citation about how the Squadron came by permission wear the Maple Leaf emblem on their shoulder, and on behalf of the City Council, the Mayor of Londonderry, Alderman Maurice Devenney, congratulated the Association on their milestone anniversary, and wishing them continued success for the future, he then went on to make a number of presentations, including those to the Lord Lieutenant, Col Chris Edwards, OBE, TD, Lt Col Denis Janell and Mr Gerry Chester,” the chairman said.

Prior to the speeches, four ‘Loyal Greetings’ were read aloud by the chairman of the Association. The first was from Her Majesty the Queen, the second was from HRH Prince Charles, the third was fro HRH The Princess Royal and finally, one was readf from HRH Princess Alexandria of Kent.