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Farewell Dinner to WO1 (Regimental Sergeant Major) & Mrs A Johnson
 by the Sergeants' Mess - 28th February 2009

WO1 (RSM) A Johnson - Regimental Sergeant Major, 1st Bn Coldstream Guards
From 10th May 2007 - to 1st March 2009
 
The evening of Saturday the 28th February 2009 saw the Sergeants' Mess say farewell to the 'Sarnt Major (WO1 RSM A Johnson) and his good lady wife Claire.

The function was the first in Aldershot for the Sergeants' Mess after recently moving from Windsor and the evening promised to dine out the 'Sarnt Major in the style accustomed and befitting for the Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) of the Battalion.

Mess members and their guests started to arrive for 7pm for pre drinks. 

There were many old faces that turned up from all corners of the country to say farewell, including Coldstreamers currently serving at Sandhurst & posted away from Battalion, and a few old faces (Dave Claydon - past RQMS of the Bn, Micky & Michelle Walton - past QM's Dept - Barney & Louise Courage - past Welfare Office). 

In addition to this, a number of Late Entry Officers also donned their Tuxedo's to say farewell (Capt & Mrs Hunter, Capt & Mrs Etherington & Capt & Mrs Hannon), and we were also welcomed by the Commanding Officer and Adjutant (Lt Col & Mrs TW Gray & Capt & Mrs Russell) of the Battalion.







As most of the mess members were enjoying their pre-drinks the Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (RQMS) Vern Stokes was outside to meet the guest car arriving (with flashing lights).  The vehicle brought in the RSM, his wife Claire and Mothers of Claire and the RSM, who exited and made their way up the steps to the Sergeants' Mess for pre-drinks before the Drummer sounded the dinner call.




          The menu for the evening was:

          Starter - Goats Cheese Crumble
          (Portabella Mushroom Layered with Goats Cheese and Tomato, Topped with a Garlic & Herb Crumble)

          Main Course - Queen Victoria Chicken (Stuffed Chicken Breast with Smoked Bacon Spinach and Red Leicester Cheese, in a Light Breadcrumb)
          served with Berichone Potatoes, Medley of Baby Vegetables & Peppercorn Sauce.

          Dessert - Trio of Chocolate Mousse (Layered Chocolate Mousse on a Brownie Style Base, Topped with a Selection of Wild Berries and a Tuillie Biscuit)

                    Followed by - Cheese and Biscuits, Coffee & Port.

As all took stood by their seats the RQMS who was hosting and saying farewell to the RSM asked for grace, tonight read by LSgt Bagot-Moore.



The Meal was outstanding, and wine flowed as friends talked and chatted about the past couple of weeks and the move from Windsor.  The RQMS announced that after dessert that there would be a 15 minute break to 'powder the nose, or water the potatoes'.




After the break, cheeseboard, coffee, mints and port was served and then, from behind the curtains came the sound of drums and flutes.  The curtains opened and in marched the Corps' of Drums, without doubt the finest and most renowned Corps' of Drums in the British Army.



A short while later the Drum Major (Ben Roberts), asked for the 'Sarnt Major to join the Corps' at the front of everyone and take up the 'Bass Drum'.  Managing to keep in check with the rest of the Corps' the 'Sarnt Major also got everyone clapping in unison to the beat.



The Corps' also treated everyone to the outstanding display of 'florescent drumming' (as I like to call it), when all lights are turned off, candles are blown out and the Corps' play with florescent drumsticks that can be seen by a couple of infrared lamps that are brought in, out of view. The Corps' were excellent and the Commanding Officer commented on their fine display when the Drum Major asked permission to march the Corps' off.  It should be noted that on the night previous to this, the Corps' were privileged to play for Her Majesty, Colonel-in-Chief, and His Royal Highness at a Concert at Windsor Castle.



After the fine display it was the RQMS's turn to tell everyone of the 'Sarnt Majors past, one of the incidents involving a young 'Sgt Johnson' (many years ago) losing a pair of binoculars and having to fill out a 'lost rep', eventually getting fined for the incident.  Everyone enjoyed the account and were then in hysterics when the RQMS explained that he 'couldnt have looked very hard' as he took a fatigue party out the day previous and found them for him (presenting the 'Sarnt Major with a fresh, and somewhat new looking, pair of binos).



On behalf of all mess members the RQMS finished his speech by presenting the 'Sarnt Majors good lady wife, Claire, with a bunch of pristine flowers and the 'Sarnt Major with a cheque to put towards his 'Grand Father Clock' that will soon be on display in his house (perhaps somewhere to hide his 'superman costume?? - see images below).



It was now turn of the Regimental Sergeant Major who was obviously very touched by the evening.  After presenting his 'two Mums' with flowers, he then explained that he had received many messages from mates and muckers (see below) and thanked them so very much.  He also said that he would like to 'publicly thank' a few people by name, and did just that.  The 'Sarnt Major also explained the amusing story of the day he went to Recruiting Office to join the Army and was greeted by two (large) gentlemen who couldn't stop laughing when he showed an interest in joining the Coldstream Guards.  However, both of the men thought that the young 'Johnson' might just 'have something' when he knew that they were Sergeants, and providing he 'grew a few inches' were willing to let him take the first step towards the Capstar.

Since that day, those Sergeants were right about one thing - this man standing before them WAS due to take on the Regiment.  Finishing his career as the pinnacle that all Guardsmen dream of becoming - the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Battalion.  Yes, they were certainly right about this man 'having something about him' ..... I wonder if he would have still got through the door if they knew that he had done all the growing he could? (sorry Sir).



As the Regimental Sergeant Major was growing to the close of his speech he looked at his watch a couple of times, most probably thought that he was thinking of all that 'drinking time' that was on the way, however this was for from the truth.

After presenting the mess with an outstanding piece of artwork, a glass case featuring a hand made (by the RSM himself) to scale version of two battles from the Coldstream Guards.  The first being the 'very first' battle involving the Coldstream Guards (Dunbar, the first engagement fought by the Regiment, coming just one month after its formation) and last battle that the Battalion were involved in, during Op Herrick 7.  A remarkable gift that most of the Battalion will be able to relate to, and will certainly be a talking piece over many pints in the Mess.

Closing, the Regimental Sergeant Major then looked at his watch one last time and said that he once heard of someone that made a farewell speech lasting 16mins and 50seconds (RSM K Robinson) and had been practicing this speech over many days in his bathroom.  He, explained for the final time as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Battalion, was now another - finishing his speech in exactly 16mins and 50 seconds (the Coldstream Guards were formed in 1650).



As the 'Sarnt Major sat, the whole mess then stood in respect, and gave thanks to a man that has been without doubt, remarkable, during his time as the Regimental Sergeant Major.  The messages below that have received for him are a reflection of this.

Messages received for the 'Sarnt Major at the time of 'going to press':


I would like to take this opportunity to say goodbye and good luck to Andy Johnson (Johno) who is stepping down as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Battalion.
I have known Johno for many years we served together as section commanders through to CSMs and I must say he is one of the most competent and professional soldiers I have ever served with.
Johno I wish and your family all the best for the future and I am sorry that I cant make it this weekend to dine you out.
Take care mate, Rob Mathews (WO1)

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"Remember, Pump up the privs? it was based on that awful disco tune (pump up the jam) that was in every bar in Cyprus during the 2nd Battalion's time there.
All the best mucker - John 'Axeman' Anderson

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Have been meaning to write to Johnno for the last two years, since I watched him strutting up The Mall on The Troop just before taking over from Peter Carr.  I Only just found out he's leaving but have written to him to wish him the best, but if he reads this, he'll know I mean it!

I Served with him when he joined 15 Platoon, 4 Coy back in the good old 2nd Bn days and did our Corporals Course together (he came top by the way!).   All the best Johnno........I didn't know about his 'dining out' dinner, but wouldn't have been invited in case I gash another after dinner speech!
Thanks again Gaz N!! (Gibber)

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Jonno is a good man and a great example of how a Coldstreamer should be. I remember him as an extremely keen LCpl who loved the regiment. Will he be staying in the army or out to pastures new? He would be an asset to any unit if he was commissioned...
All the best, Pablo.

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Jonno was my Platoon Sergeant in Germany and Bosnia in 92/93. He always set a high standard in all that he did and with a great sense of humour.
I would just like to take this opportunity to wish him and his family all the very best for the future.
Kindest regards, Scott.


I (amongst many, many others) have personally have known the 'Sarnt Major for many years and can honestly say that this man is truly 'Second to None', I, on behalf of everyone reading this, wish him, Claire and his family, the very best for the future.

A Brady
Webmaster
 

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