Guernsey's New Colours

At the 2013 AGM of the Guernsey Battalion tribute was paid by our President, Sir Geoffrey Rowland , to the service and commitment of Sir Charles Frossard KBE who had held office as first President of the Battalion for over 40 years. Sir Charles had left a bequest to the Battalion and it had been agreed that a new Battalion Colour should be acquired in his memory and also that a suitable framed photograph would be hung in the headquarters of each Company. These items were duly acquired and it had been planned that Lady Frossard should make the presentations at the 2014 Church Parade. Unfortunately Lady Frossard, whose daughters would be out of the island at that time , felt unable to attend and consequently she had requested that Sir Geoffrey should make the presentations on her behalf. Sir Geoffrey confirmed that he would be honoured to do so and that the new Colour would serve admirably as a fitting memorial to Sir Charles and celebration of his immense service. Sir Geoffrey recalled a conversation with Sir Charles at a past Battalion Church Parade and paraphrased what Sir Charles had said - “ Children at certain stages , as they grow up, are often not very good at listening to adults but they invariably imitate what they see. The Officers of the Battalion with their bearing and infectious enthusiasm set a marvellous example in every way. The youngsters follow it . With guidance , instruction, a little help and a little hope they flourish. What a wonderful movement the BB is.”

The 2014 Church Parade was duly held at St. Mary’s Church, L’Islet - home of the 2nd. Guernsey on the second Sunday in March. The weather was glorious with the band of the 2nd. Guernsey leading the parade and the 2nd Guernsey carrying the “old” battalion Colour. The service was conducted by the 2nd Guernsey Chaplain and lessons were read by Guernsey’s Bailiff Mr. Richard Collas and by the Battalion President, Sir Geoffrey Rowland. During the service the Chaplain presented the framed photographs of Sir Charles to each Company Captain before dedicating the new Colour which was then presented by Sir Geoffrey to Lt. Chris Tebble, of the 5th. Guernsey - the annual Church Parade is hosted by each Company in turn and during the service responsibility for the Battalion Colour passes from one Company to the next. The 5th. Company will thus hold the Colour for one year and it will be carried at formal parades around the island.

Bryan Brehaut,
Secretary,
Guernsey Battalion.