3:45am - yet another early start saw the band wondering up and down the lines in combats, dazed by the impending journey via land and air to our spiritual home that is Ireland. 

A quiet coach ride to RAF Lyneham and two hours in the airport waiting lounge prepared the band for the flight.  Once on board the more robust characters in the band sat on the flimsy cargo net pews and buried their heads for a sleep, while the more delicate travellers could be seen testing all the straps, harnesses and loops for some time.

After a good night's sleep (for some!) and a hearty breakfast (for others!), we made our way to Belfast.  The journey by coach took the band through the more scarred areas of the city that were renowned during 'The Troubles' and it was a chance for the newer members to take in the atmosphere of the painted curb stones and wall murals. 

When we arrived at St Anne's Church of Ireland Cathedral the police presence was overwhelming and after a brief historical tour by the Reverend Dr RSJH McKelvey the band set up.  Appropriately we were situated next to a memorial plaque for the Irish Guards.

The service was held in memory of the fallen on Operation Herrick 10, for 19 Light Brigade.  Soldiers and families gathered with HRH Prince Edward, the Lord Mayor of Belfast and other high ranking dignitaries.  The names of the 83 soldiers who were killed, including those shot dead by dissident Irish Republicans outside Massereene Barracks, Antrim in March just hours before they were to leave for Afghanistan.  Among the names of the deceased was that of someone closer to home, the Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, Lt Col Rupert Thorneloe MBE.  With the service drawing to a close, the emotion in the cathedral was apparent and the band appropriately played 'Fame and Glory' as the outgoing voluntary.