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InterCompany PaceSticking, Londonderry 2003.
(this page WILL take a little time to load, as it's FULL of pictures!)
(Smaller images are thumbnails, click to enlarge)

This page is broken down into two sections, firstly a brief description of the teams and judges (below). Further down the page is a photographic experience of whole of the the mornings events

General
The Inter Company Battalion Pacesticking Competition took place at Londonderry, on Friday 7th March 2003. The weather held off, although there were a few times in the mornings activities that looked as though we were due for the "normal Londonderry down-pour". The "order of battle" had already been drawn, and the teams were all primed from 10:00hrs on the main square………let the battle commence.

Order of Battle
1st : down the range: Support Company

Team:
DRIVER: WOII (CSM) A LEWIS
STICKERS: CQMS P DOWNES, SGT A BUSHBY & LSGT S WALKER

2nd down : Three Company

Team:
DRIVER: WOII (CSM) R MATHEWS
STICKERS: CQMS S BERRYMAN, SGT D GIBSON & LSGT B ROBERTS

3rd down : Headquarter Company

Team:
DRIVER: WOII (CSM) M ETHERINGTON
STICKERS: CQMS D CLAYDON, SGT D WATTS & LSGT E PICKERSGILL

4th down : Two Company

Team:
DRIVER: WOII (CSM) A JOHNSON
STICKERS: CQMS D HANNAN, SGT G McWILLIAMS & LSGT B SUTHERLAND

And Last, but not least : One Company

Team:
DRIVER: WOII (CSM) P BAKER
STICKERS: SGT M BELL, LSGT P DAVIES & LSGT G GOLDTHORPE

Judging Board
The Judging Board consisted of the following members of the Battalion:
The Commanding Officer: Lt Col G.K.Bibby MBE
The Quartermaster: Major R.H.McCormack MBE
The Adjutant: Captain M.R.L.Payne
WOI (RSM) N.J.Overton
WOII (DSgt) N Sprott

Step Sharper…..YOU!
There was nervous talk around the admin tent, and it was mentioned (but not confirmed) that Sgt “Mac” McWilliams had asked his Company Quartermaster Sergeant prior to coming on the square, “Which way round do we wear this Sash thing, Sir”, the CQMS after confirming his answer by looking in the nearest mirror gave his 50/50 answer. Obviously Mac spends far too much time being “a steely eyed killer” or that’s his excuse!

The teams performed exceptionally well especially when you consider that even as when speak, many are on operations and none had as much time to practice as they would have liked. Watching all the Company Teams take part it was an outstanding effort by all concerned, which that proves that Coldstreamers can adapt to any given situation once again.

It was a sight to see so many members of 8 Brigade come out from their Headquarters to see what all this “Daft, sticking thing was all about!”, but to see them watching the whole competition was proof that even they found it entertaining!

You had to be there!
There were only a few embarrassing moments from the competition, but that is another story that should be passed on from the individual to the person wanting to know, and not placed on the webpage for all to see…….well……apart from one moment, which I will take on the chin for putting on the net.

The pictures to the right are from the best sticker receiving his prize, a man who shone through and proved to be the smartest of the bunch, such pride, such grit, such determination! He smartly received his best sticking prize, a big cheesy grin for all to see, and then re-joined the teams to await the Regimental Sergeant Major to seek permission from the Commanding Officer to fall out the Parade. Permission was granted, and all were given the word of command, which we all would know that you turn squarely to the right and salute. Well…………….all did, apart from the Best Sticker, who turned squarely to the right and stepped off! A cry from the crowd of “Take it back off ‘im” was very apt, and I just happened to take a photo of the incident! It's good to see that all those years as an instructor at the All Arms Drill Wing were not wasted!

Sorry Dave, but it was cleared though the Big Badge!

Results of the Competition
The result of the competition was as follows:
Runners Up: Headquarter Company

Winning Team: Number 1 Company

Best Sticker: CQMS D “I always did it that way at the Drill Wing” Claydon

As the Commanding Officer stated to all involved, “a truly outstanding performance by all concerned” which made the event a great success. Another example of The Coldstream Guards being “Second to None”.

The photos below were taken from the event, please enjoy.

The Day

Everyone waited in anticipation for the event to start, the port was opened. Dutch courage was issued to all participants (notice the port to the left).

Trying not to make the "Stickers" feel uncomfortable, the crowd started to build and these too started on the port........!

Support Company Inspections

SP Company were first down the range, starting with the inspection, front and rear. The Quartermaster did an excellent job........considering some said he had a hangover from the night before (Quartermasters Farewell to Londonderry Function), he just insists that he's not an early person!

Support Company down the range

Slow March (left) Quick March (right)

oh no...it's starting to rain!

Three Company Inspections

3 Company were next and the inspection took place again front and rear, is that a smile brooding from the CQMS, or is it just gas!

3 Company down the range.

Slow March

Quick March

Headquarter Company Inspections

It was now the turn of Headquarter Company to show all how "Sticking" should be done! The rumour is (although it's not confirmed) that the Commanding Officer thought we had a new Sgt posted to Headquarter Company......no.....it's Dave Watts, for one he's never seen him in uniform never mind 2 Dress and when he does see him it's usually on hole 12 at the Radison! You can see that the pressure from the night before before is beginning to tell on the Quartermaster!

HQ Company down the range.

Slow March

Quick March

30 minute Break
It was now time for a 30 minute break in the activities there was now quite a few people in the crowd even the Brigadier and Padre turned up for a free coffee.

But wait a minute, where's Mac? (the Mess Manager), he should be around here somewhere! Don't tell me he's suffering from the nights previous "session" as well?

Ahhhhhhhhhhh..............there he is, together with Ian, Nobby, Bri and Robbo. Mac insisted he wasn't under pressure!

Break over and back to the competition

2 Company Inspections

2 Company were primed and ready to go. The CSM made a few final adjustments to his team. All Sashes were worn in the correct way (explained earlier in "you should have been there"). As you can see, the Quartermaster hasn't moved an inch since he inspected HQ Company!

2 Company down the range.

Slow March

Quick March

1 Company Inspections

This was the last Company Team to go down. LSgt Pete Davis was exceptional in showing the Quartermaster his impression of a "Drunken Flamingo in 2 Dress". (He was really mid way through carrying out the correct drill of "Pace to the Rear" to enable the Quartermaster to check the soles of his boots). The Quartermaster later baffled Sgt Dinger Bell by asking to see the soles of both boots together!

1 Company down the range.

Slow March

Quick March

The Result
The Competition was now finished, the judges were conferring, the teams were back on parade to await the outcome. The Commanding Officer addressed the teams before announcing the winners

One Company had won, apparently it was a hard decision but there could be only one team winner.

CQMS Claydon received his award of "Best Sticker, 2003", Sgt "Mac" McWilliams was a little upset not to receive this award. Never mind Mac, there's always next year!