Windsor Castle

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The Queen's Guard Share Their Stories

Sergeant Christian AAC

AAC I arrived on the 1st of July 2009 at RAF Uxbridge ready to take up my place on the Queen's Guard. I was looking forward to two of the venues more than the others, these  were Windsor Castle and the Tower of London, as I had completed several Queen's Guards at Buckingham Palace in 2007, which was the Corps Jubilee year.

I felt very confident with the lads and girl who were in my Flight (A Flt) as they had worked very hard at Middle Wallop and had gained the reputation of having a fearsome strike of the weapon, which was the envy of the other 3 Flights within the Public Duties Squadron. I enjoyed the Tower of London Duty because of the 700 years of history contained within the walls of the Tower. I have taken full advantage of looking at all the exhibits including the Crown Jewels and the Henry VIII presentation. My favourite part of the duty was the Ceremony of the Keys, which has taken place every night for 700 years. With the public being just a few feet away, and the walls of the tower encasing you, the theatrics are brought to life and I felt like part of something really important within British heritage.

My favourite duty is Windsor as there is just a natural elegance about the place. I particularly enjoy walking round, relaxed in Combat 95 talking to the tourists and answering questions as they take a huge interest in the Army and are very grateful for the job being done, both here and overseas. Another positive to the Windsor Guard is that you get to march through the streets from Victoria Barracks up to Windsor Castle where the public gather in large numbers to watch and show their support.

If the Corps has the honour of forming another Public Duties Squadron in the future I would urge and encourage soldiers of all ranks to become part of it and experience what I have luckily had - on two separate occasions.

Airtrooper Cross AAC

When I heard the Army Air Corps were going to have the honour of Public Duties once again, and there was the need for volunteering Airtroopers, I asked to have my name put forward straight away.

My experience of Public Duties so far has made me feel exceedingly proud. There are highs and lows as with anything, but the feeling of marching out on to the forecourt, whether it be at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle or the Tower of London, is exhilarating and , in my opinion, cannot be replicated anywhere else.

I feel extremely honoured to have had this opportunity and now look forward to finishing our duties, with as much energy and enthusiasm as when took our very first mount.

Airtrooper Finch AAC

Completing Public Duties has been a good experience. The first month at Middle Wallop had its highs and lows but at the end it was all worth it, and that was proven on our first mount at Windsor Castle.

I have met a lot of new people whilst on Public Duties and have learnt a lot about the people's differing backgrounds.