I don’t know about Steve who was driving but I was certainly nervous commanding in the turret, hoping that I would give the correct instructions for him and that our timing on the crossovers would be right. Because of this I was further out the turret than I should have been to gain better visibility. During a lull in rehearsals an officer who had commanded a Saladin during the 1960’s came over and commented on the excellent condition of the Saladin and also offered me some advice on commanding a Saladin.“Mr Saladin commander” he says.
“Yes Sir” I say’s.
“You look like bloody Rommel standing up in that turret, get yourself down a bit lower man and you will look more warry and cool” he says in a typical Rupert accent.
“Very good sir” I say.

I saluted him as he walked away, oops forgot to use four fingers and a thumb used two instead!
2pm and everyone was ready. Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall arrived to a Guard of Honour, and the Pageant started. Everything went smoothly and to plan. After the Pageant we were to do a drive past up the Mall, in two columns, past Prince Charles who was on a Saluting Dias which I thought was at the end of the Mall. We set off two abreast with a Saracen on our left who I was keeping a close eye on as he did not have a commander and his vision would be very limited. About halfway down Steve came on comms and said “Oh look there’s Prince Charles”. I spun round in the turret and there was his Highness right in my face, ‘’oh s***’’ I thought ‘’what do I do?’’ I am sure he was grinning as he saluted, seeing the look on my face at being caught unawares. (27 years since I was in the army and I could not remember if you saluted whilst in a turret) I had to do something so I smiled and nodded. I still dread the door bell going in case he’s sent the Beefeaters to lock me up in the Tower.

Unloading went ahead smoothly and it didn’t take much encouragement for Major Mike Whately to say yes to the invitation for him to unload the Fox. Accommodation was being provided for all the civies at Purbrite Barracks and after a bit of socializing at Chelsea we spent 2 hours in the car getting out of London and off to the five star [well not quite!] rooms. A leisurely start on Saturday was followed by another nearly two-hour trip into Chelsea via mini bus, to be greeted on arrival by an even greater array of vehicles. The arrangements were that we would make up convoys of five or six vehicles and for two Military Police Motorcyclists to escort us from Chelsea to Wellington Barracks in Birdcage Walk, this to happen around 15:00 hrs on the Saturday afternoon. Great fun was had by all on the convoys, with much picture taking and bemusement by the quantities of tourists in the area. In fact, as we rounded the corner of Buckingham Palace Road the whole crowd in front of Buckingham Palace was seen to turn [almost in unison] to view the unique convoy travelling at speed through the streets. I forgot to mention that the Motorcycle Escorts told us not to hang around and go as fast as possible on the road, through red traffic lights [they would hold the traffic] in order to cause as little disruption to the London traffic as possible. And without hesitation we all duly obliged. Once we had all arrived at wellington barracks we had a briefing by Major Whatley and a walk around Horse Guards Parade, then back to Purbrite. A leisurely day on Sunday we visited a couple of museums in London then a BBQ in the evening at the Sergeants mess. Monday started with breakfast at purbrite then bussed into wellington barracks. Most of the day was spent, as the Army put it, "hurry up and wait" In the afternoon we had our first rehearsal. We all lined up on Bird Cage walk, then as we were called, filtered into Horse Guards. Trying to keep in line with the other Saladin beside us was a challenge! Once around Horse Guards, then it was out onto the MALL and a drive down to Buckingham Palace. After that we went back into Wellington Barracks and had time to reflect, while after further bus ride to Purbrite we were greeted by a curry supper at the Sergeants mess. Tuesday and more "Hurry and Wait"

Nerves building, we all parked up on wellington barracks parade square in order. First was a World War One lorry followed by a selection of WW11 vehicles including humber armored scout cars, Stag Hound, Bren Gun Carrier, Half Track and Daimler Dingo. Then it was our turn, or at least the post war vehicles......Ferrets, Saracen, stalwart, "us" Saladins, Foxs, CVRT Sabre, Scimitar, Scorpion and the House Hold Cavalery's own CVRT'S. The selection of over 50 vehicles was amazing and i doubt we will ever see a parade like it again. At approx 20:00 we started moving forward. When we drove on to Horse Guards Square it was just brilliant! 7000 people watching and us in our little Saladin. I (Stephen MacHaye) was commandingand giving Terry the nod to keep level with the Saladin beside us. Overall it was a fantastic experience and you wouldn't belive just how proud we felt.