February 2025 E-Update

Upcoming LD Association Events of Interest: 

26th April Hull reunion

The annual Hull reunion will take place on Saturday 26th April at The King Edward Pub on Analby Rd Hull. There is accommodation local to the Pub if it is required, everyone will be made welcome, and it would be wonderful to see some more serving Light Dragoons at the gathering.

11th May 101ST COCCA Cavalry Memorial Parade

The 101st CCOCA Cavalry Memorial Parade will take place on Sunday the 11th May, we look forward to seeing as many Association members on Parade as possible. On Saturday the 10th May we have been invited once again to the Royal Hospital Cheslea for a Curry supper, more details to follow in due course.

13th June Newcastle Quayside get together

The annual June gathering at the Weatherspoon’s Quayside will take place on Friday 13th June from Noon onwards. Unlike last year the weather has been booked to be hot and sunny and we look forward to welcoming all Association and serving members of the Regiment to the event.

Miscellaneous 

July 2026 Presentation of the new Guidon

The presentation to the Regiment of the new Guidon will take place over the weekend of 24-26 July 2026.

Association members are encouraged to support this memorable once in a generation event if they can do so. The presentation will take place in or very close to Catterick Garrison and will comprise of a full weekend of activities and events with the highlight on the 25 July being the Guidon Parade itself.

More details to follow in due course.

On Afghanistan’s Plains

Brigadier Allan Mallinson has recorded in a book the Regiments tours of Afghanistan. The book puts into historical context the reasons why the British Army found it there again, in a geopolitical sense why we had to be there and what things were like on the ground for those deployed there. The book is available to Association members for a cost of £10 which should be made payable to the following:

The Light Dragoons Regimental Association Charitable Trust
Sort 30-11-75
Account number 00747329

Please quote BOOK and Surname when ordering.

Soldiers of the Sultan

Written by Paul Hodgson an Officer who served with 13/18 H the book is based on his extensive diaries whilst on loan to the Sultanate of Oman, it is a fascinating account of the proxy war against Russian and Chinese guerilla forces.
More information and how to purchase the book please email the local independent bookshop Eaves and Lord at:
barrylord1965@btinternet.com
richardeaves31@btinternet.com

Notifying HHQ

When an Association member sadly passes away, we kindly ask that those from the Association who may have known the deceased or who are in contact with the family of the deceased contact HHQ and inform us of the sad event. Just because a message in posted on social media does necessarily mean HHQ are aware of the situation, the reduction in staffing at HHQ means that social media sites may not be monitored regularly.

Light Dragoon Peer Support Group (LDPSG) 

LDPSG offers a confidential listening service to all our Veterans and Association members, they can be contacted on 0330 1077 467 Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm The aim of the LDPSG is to help those who are struggling in any areas of their personal lives. 
 
They are not psychologists or clinicians – we are ex Light Dragoon soldiers who have served and lived alongside you, with an understanding of the obstacles in life after service, this service is open to all who served with the Light Dragoons and our antecedent Regiments. 

Op Courage 

The first call for help takes courage.  If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health or wellbeing, expert help is available from Op COURAGE: The Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Service. 
If you are due to leave the Armed Forces, just left the Armed Forces or left many years ago, Op COURAGE is there to help, to access information please follow the link below:

Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists – NHS

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