See Distribution Ref: RHQ RTR/5.12. ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTION: CAMBRAI 2017 CENTENARY (24-26 Nov 17)

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1 Home Headquarters Royal Tank Regiment Stanley Barracks The Armour Centre, Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JB. Telephone Military Fax Fax DII: RACHQ-RTR-RHQ-RegtCol See Distribution Ref: RHQ RTR/5.12 Date: 12 Jun 17 ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTION: CAMBRAI 2017 CENTENARY (24-26 Nov 17) 1. General. The celebration of the centenary of the battle of Cambrai (C100) will be held in Cambrai over the weekend Nov 17. The weekend includes commemoration for the Tank Corps fallen. This instruction supersedes the Initial Attendance Indication letter of Oct 16. Therefore, you should complete one of the final attendance pro formas at Annex B for individuals and at Annex C for RTR Assoc Branches, in order to register formally for the event. The key differences from the WngO are: the All Ranks Party is now on evening of Fri 24 th and the separate Officers Reception and RTR Assoc Evening events are on Sat 25 th Nov; attendance of a VVIP is yet to be confirmed. 2. The Regiment s financial outlay for the weekend is substantial. Therefore, in addition to a number of Regimental guests, the event will be primarily for serving and former adult members of the Regiment with their spouse, partner or invited guest. The weekend follows a similar format to the normal quinquennial visits to Cambrai. The outline programme of events is given below. It will be necessary to update you further as planning is refined in the weeks ahead. Those that do not currently receive updates from the Regtl Col, should register their personal address with Ms Angie King, HHQ RTR at RACHQ-RTR-RHQ-AdminOffr-2@mod.uk. 3. The weekend is preceded by the march to the Cenotaph on Sun 19 Nov with; a Remembrance Service at St Mary Aldermary; lunch at Vintners Hall; and the Barley Mow reunion in the evening; for which a separate attendance pro forma will be issued in due course. The RTR Regimental Duty (RD) Group, about 450+ strong, will conduct activities in the Cambrai area from Tue 21 Nov, to include a football match against Cambrai Town FC. Fri 24 Sat 25 Sun 26 All less RTR RD Gp arrive Cambrai or hotels in surrounding area : Drumhead Service, CWGCC Louverval RTR RD rep gp + retd RTR members : RAC Band Concert, Cambrai Cathedral, mainly for locals, free to all : All Ranks Party, Palais des Grottes, Cambrai public gardens : Cambrai Presentation celebrity historian, Cambrai Theatre, Place Jean Moulin : Battlefield Tour : Repeat video showing of celebrity historian presentation, if required, Cambrai Theatre : Town War Memorial event, Place du Leclerc, RTR RD gp + retd RTR members : RTR Assoc Evening, Marché Couvert, Place du Marché : Officers' Reception, Town Hall : Inauguration Deborah museum, Flesquières, FR event + RTR snr reps : Freedom of Cambrai ceremony- town gate and parade - town square : Mayor's Vin d'honneur, Town Hall / or departure Cambrai own arrangements. 4. Events. The weekend s main events are: 1

2 a. Fri 24 th : Drumhead Service, CWGCC Louverval. The Drumhead Service will take place at the CWG cemetery at Louverval, 12 miles South-West of Cambrai on the D930 main road, at Attendance from the Regiment will include: RTR Council members; a representative element of the RTR RD Gp; and those retd RTR members that wish to attend. Given that the Main Effort on Sun 26 is the Freedom of Cambrai parade, the service has been brought forward to Fri. Dress for retd members is suits or Regtl blazers, RTR tie and medals (not miniatures). If you wish to attend, please make your own way there and back to the Cambrai area. There will be a FR police presence around the cemetery to control traffic and parking. b. Fri 24 th : RAC Band Concert. As in 2012, and requested by the Mayor of Cambrai, the concert is primarily for the local French population. The location is the Cambrai cathedral at Place Jean-Paul II off Avenue de la Victoire (the road leading up to the town square from the south) from Attendance will include French local dignitaries and Regimental representatives, members of the French public and those who wish to attend from the wider Regimental family. The concert is free. c. Fri 24 th : All Ranks Party. The aim is to bring the Regtl family together, serving and retired, within the ethos that has always characterised the Regiment. It will be held at the Caves Palace (Palais des Grottes / PdG), a large conference/concert venue in the Cambrai public gardens. As a celebration of the Battle of Cambrai, the event will include; a Cambrai 1917 theme supported by the Tank Museum Mk IV replica; a rolling slideshow of Regtl images over the century; a hot meal and three bars; a UK live band, supported by the RAC Band and the RTR Pipe Band; gladiatorial games for the younger element; bench and table seating for 750; and an RTR PRI shop selling C100 related items; concluding with a fireworks display. Timings are The meal consisting of a main course, dessert and one drink will be free, using a voucher system, followed by cash bars. A photographer will be in attendance. d. Sat 25 th : Battle of Cambrai Presentation. A celebrity historian/media presenter will present the Battle of Cambrai in the town theatre, Place Jean Moulin. This will be recorded, both for posterity and a second screen showing at if required. Seating is limited to 650. The presentation will be followed by a short battlefield tour admin briefing. Timings are: theatre open; presentation; battlefield tour admin briefing; RV with coaches. It is suggested that waterproofs and robust walking shoes are needed for the battlefield tour. e. Sat 25 th : Battlefield Tour. The Battlefield tour, supported by a guidebook, is being planned and resources based on the parameters set out below. Please note, private cars should not enter the battlefield area before in order to avoid the centralised coach transport plan. (1). Medium: a mounted tour of the battlefield with presenters on each coach to describe the events. It is hoped there may be a single opportunity to visit the new D51 Deborah museum in Flesquières, subject to agreement from the Cambrai Town Council [Note: Given the anticipated VVIP presence on Sun 26 for the official opening, the FR may be unwilling to open the museum unofficially on Sat 25 for so many visitors]. Duration: 2 hrs 15 mins. (2). Heavy: 2 rolling stands and 4 static stand locations. A presenter will be aboard each coach, delivering information whilst mounted and dismounted. Duration: 3 hrs 15 mins. f. Sat 25 th : RTR Assoc Evening. The event will take place in the Marché Couvert, Place du Marché, Cambrai. Pre-buffet drinks will start at before supper at The evening will include: reception drink; a welcome from the Col Comdt RTR; a hot buffet supper of starter, main course with vegetarian option and dessert at 15 phd plus a cash bar; a photographic area; a visual display of 1917 battle of Cambrai film clips through to more 2

3 modern film clips; an RTR PRI shop selling C100 related items; and music from an RAC Band ensemble, the RTR Pipe Band, and other military background music. The venue will be suitably decorated as in Tables will not be designated by Branch or group to enable people to move freely around the venue. It should prove to be an enjoyable and fun night. Dress should be jacket and tie. RTR Assoc Branch coaches may park on the Place du Marché outside or can drop passengers off and return later. The evening will end at midnight. Please note, the absolute Health & Safety limit for the venue is 500 people and no more, all can be seated. A photographer will be in attendance. g. Sat 25 th : Cambrai Town War Memorial Ceremony. As in previous quinquennial Cambrai visits, a representative group from the Regiment will join the Cambrai town council, FR military and members of the public in commemorating the fallen at the town war memorial at Place M Leclerc at the north side of the public gardens. The RTR group will consist of: members of the RTR Council; a contingent from the RTR RD Gp; the RAC Band; and those retired RTR members that wish to attend. The ceremony lasts about 35 mins and starts at Dress for retd members is suits or Regtl blazers, RTR tie and medals (not miniatures). h. Sat 25 th : RTR Officers' Reception. The event will take place in the Town Hall in order to host the Regtl Guests appropriately. The format will include: a champagne reception on arrival until 20.15, at which point wine will be served; serving officers and partners arrive, retd officers and partners arrive, Regtl Guests arrive; welcome from the Col Comdt RTR, followed by a reply from the Mayor of Cambrai; buffet meal served, including canapé starters, hot main courses including vegetarian option, desserts and wine at 30 phd; music will be provided by an RAC Band ensemble and the RTR Pipe Band. Provision will be made for some seating areas in the venue. Dress is to be: serving officers, mess kit and miniatures; retired officers, black tie and miniatures. A transport plan for the evening will follow in due course. Due to FR security clearance requirements ahead of Sunday, the event will end at to enable contract cleaning and hand back by The venue s Health & Safety capacity is 500 people. Therefore, with Regtl Guests, the availability for RTR serving and retd officers, spouses and partners will be about 440. i. Sun 26 th : D51 Deborah Museum Opening. In 2015 the Mayor of Cambrai initiated fund raising at Department and State level for the construction of a purpose built museum for D51 Deborah in Flesquières. The location is directly beside the hillside that is the CWGCC Flesquières. Work is progressing well and Deborah will be moved in mid Jul to enable the rest of the museum to be constructed around her. Part of the museum s theme is D51 s return to the earth, so most of it will be above the tank. It is hoped that a VVIP will be present together with FR state and local dignitaries at the official opening. It is a FR event, which will be attended only by senior RTR representatives, due to the tight time and security constraints of returning to Cambrai for the parade. j. Sun 26 th : Freedom of Cambrai Parade. To mark the Regiment s centenary the Mayor of Cambrai will grant the Freedom of Cambrai to the CO at the Place Porte de Paris at The Regt will then march through the old town gate, up the Avenue de la Victoire and onto the town square. The Regiment will be joined on the square by representative groups including: a RTR Assoc contingent with Branch Standards, further instructions to follow to Branch Secretaries; a contingent from 501e Régiment de Chars de Combats; and representatives of the FR Anciennes des Combattants Assoc, which will include at least 116 standard bearers. We await confirmation of which VVIPs will attend the parade and whether or not the Regiment s new Standard will be presented. There will be two 900 seater stands on the square, one for FR spectators and one for Regtl spectators. Allocation of seats in our stand will follow in a separate instruction but spectators allocated a stand seat must be seated by The parade will conclude with a march past the Town Hall at approximately k. Sun 26 th : Vin d'honneur. A representative group of about 100 serving and retired members of the Regt are invited to attend the Mayor of Cambrai s Vin d Honneur in the Town Hall at The event will include speeches with wine and canapés. If you would like to be considered for attendance, please indicate this at Annex B and Annex C. 3

4 5. Administration. Please complete the relevant return pro forma at either Annex B or Annex C. a. Cambrai Locations. The map of locations is at Annex A. Please note the following car parks, which will be controlled by FR police: Marché Couvert. For use by RTR Assoc coaches on Sat 25 Nov evening and during the Freedom of Cambrai parade on Sun 26 Nov. Grand allee du Jardin. For use by approximately 300 private cars, for those with an associated car pass that wish to break away directly after the parade on Sun. Additional Parking. Additional car parks for Sun 26 may be required subject to returns. If required, further details will follow, which may include shuttle transport if FR security arrangements so dictate. b. Security. Given the ongoing terrorist threat, event security will be controlled by FR State resources. Further details will follow on passes and other security arrangements. Access to Cambrai town centre will be controlled heavily by FR police, details to follow. c. Hotels. All Cambrai hotels are now fully booked. For other hotel accommodation, please use the specified website at: (from menu on left, click Battle of Cambrai, then follow instructions on hotels page) for hotels in Arras, which is about 30 mins by motorway. If those hotels become full, additional hotels will be added to the website for Douai first, then Valenciennes. Using this website please make your reservation direct to the hotels. Finally, the serving Regiment may not need all of their rooms reserved in Cambrai. We will know shortly if there is spare capacity, which will then be added to the website. In the main, these rooms will be in a low-budget chain type hotel. Please give your hotel name and address at Annex B or Annex C, even if booked some time ago. d. Travel to / from France. Individuals and RTR Assoc groups should make their own way from UK, or other start points, to and from the Cambrai area. e. Event Transport. RTR Assoc Branches should use their own transport to and from events during the weekend. For all other individuals, a centralised transport system will be available for Friday night and Saturday including the evening (taxis are rare in France at night). This will be available to: those in Cambrai hotels; those in Arras hotels; and then hotels in either Douai or Valenciennes, if numbers demand that those towns are also used for accommodation. It is assumed that everyone will wish to self-drive on Sun 26 Nov, having checked out of their hotel. The detailed transport plan will follow. Please indicate your requirements at Annex B. f. Name Badges. For all those attending any event in civilian clothes it is intended to supply each person with a special C100 name badge. To get this right, it is important that we have your full details as requested at Annex B or Annex C. g. Medical. A crew from the FR equivalent to the St John Ambulance service will be on call during evening social events. In addition, it is advisable to bring a current European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which can be applied for at h. Payments. Payment for event ticket costs should be by BACS electronic-payment as below or cheque for those without internet to Mrs Debbie Solomon at HHQ RTR, Stanley Barracks, Bovington, BH20 6JB. Please confirm on your returned pro forma the date of your electronic payment: UK A/C Holders: RTR Centenary Fund; at Holt s Military Bank, Farnborough; Sort ; a/c no ; using ref identifier as C100Surname i.e. as much of your surname as your bank permits. 4

5 Overseas A/C Holders: RTR Centenary Fund; at Holt s Military Bank, Farnborough, UK; using ref identifier as C100Surname i.e. as much of your surname as your bank permits. o BIC: RBOS GB 2L. o IBAN: GB96 RBOS Processing upward of 1500 returns at HHQ RTR will be time consuming. Therefore, we do not wish to accept CR/DR card payments by phone. Payment and attendance returns must be with HHQ RTR by 12 July otherwise non-attendance will be assumed. i. Refunds. Unfortunately, due to the scale and attendance expected at the event, refunds will only be made in the case of exceptional circumstances. j. Mobility Access. Mobility access to all venues during the weekend is good less for some aspects of the battlefield tour and on the parade spectator stands, for which a plan will be devised. Please contact the C100 Coordinator with any concerns or enquiries. k. Communications. (1). Pre-C100. This instruction and further updates will go out to: the HHQ RTR distribution list; RTR Assoc Branch Secs; the RTR Facebook page; and the RTR website at If you know of other individuals that may not be aware of those means, please let them know. (2). During the Event. An information desk and tel number will be established in Cambrai over the weekend. Further details will follow once location confirmed. l. Information Packs. Your information pack will be sent approximately 4 weeks before the event. It will contain: name badges; event tickets and vouchers as appropriate; vehicle security pass and, if required, personal passes; a Cambrai town map; and any other relevant information. For the FR security checks you will also need your passport. 6. Enquiries. If there are any points that are not clear or if further information is required, please contact the C100 Coordinator, Lt Col (Retd) Colin Cheshire, at: ceefour@btinternet.com; or Signed on original S J MAY Lt Col (Retd) Regtl Col Distribution: RTR Council 2IC RTR OC DREADNAUGHT RTR RSM RTR OIC Offrs Reception OIC RTR Assoc Evening OIC All Ranks Party RTR Assoc Branch Secs Regimental List RTR Facebook page link RTR Website link 5

6 Annexes: A. Cambrai Event Locations Map. B. C100 Admin Return All individuals, less those in RTR Assoc Branches. C. C100 Admin Return RTR Assoc Branches only. 6

7 ANNEX A TO HHQ RTR/5.12 CAMBRAI TOWN MAP C100 LOCATIONS DATED 12 JUN 17 Town Hall Offrs & Civic Reception Victory Monument FR & RTR wreaths laid. Town Square Freedom of Cambrai Parade Grand allee du Jardin Private car parking for Parade Sun 26 Nov Marché Couvert RTR Assoc Evening / parking Cambrai Theatre Presentation: Battle of Cambrai Palais des Grottes RTR All Ranks Party Freedom of Cambrai Ceremony & March SP Cambrai Cathedral RAC Band Concert 7

8 ANNEX B TO RHQ RTR/ 5.12 C100 ADMIN RETURN ALL LESS RTR ASSOC BRANCHES DATED 12 JUN Completion Notes: a. Attendance forms are required at HHQ RTR before 12 Jul, after which we will assume non-attendance. The completed form should be ed to bencoord@royaltankregiment.org for Mrs Debbie Solomon or, if internet is not available, then by post to her at: HHQ RTR, Stanley Barracks, Bovington, BH20 6JB. b. The personal details you provide ensure that HHQ RTR records remain current. Therefore, please complete fully and legibly. This information will be held securely and will not be used for purposes other than C100 administration. In providing the information, you agree to HHQ RTR holding it. c. Payment should be made as set out at para 5.h. in the main instruction, i.e. BACS electronic payment preferred, cheque if unavoidable. d. Please do answer every point below; otherwise we will have to assume you don t wish to attend that event. Where an asterisk is shown, delete as appropriate. e. You will receive confirmation by or telephone once your pro forma is received. If you do not receive such a notification within a few days, please call Mrs Debbie Solomon on , rather than assume that all is well. 2. From: Current rank... / or, if retired, former rank on leaving the Army. Initials... First Name... Surname... Decorations... Address Postcode... Tel... Address:... Vehicle Make: Type:. Colour. VRN. 3. Accompanied by: Rank* / Mr* / Mrs* / Ms* / Miss* Initials First Name... Surname... 8

9 4. Summary of Payment Made: E-payment made on:... / or cheque enclosed. Event Total attending RTR All Ranks Party free N/A RTR Officers Reception at 30 phd RTR Assoc Evening at 15 phd Total 5. Accommodation (To be completed by all). I will be accommodated at Hotel.... Address:. 6. Fri 24 th : Drumhead Service, CWGCC Louverval ( ): I* / we* wish to attend and will make my* / our* own travel arrangements. 7. Fri 24 th : RAC Band Concert, Cambrai Cathedral ( ) - free: I* / we* wish to attend. I* / we* will* / will not* require bus transport as outlined at para 5.e. of the main instruction. [Note: the transport, if required, will take you on to the All Ranks Party]. 8. Fri 24 th : All Ranks Party, P de G ( ) free, unlimited attendance: I* / we* wish to attend and will make my* / our* own travel arrangements. I* / we* will* / will not* require bus transport as outlined at para 5.e. of the main instruction. 9. Sat 25 th : Battle of Cambrai Presentation, Cambrai Theatre (09.00 or 11.30) - free: I* / we* wish to attend the: celebrity presentation* / the TV recording presentation* I* / we* will make my* / our* own travel arrangements. I* / we* will* / will not* require bus transport as outlined at para 5.e. of the main instruction. 10. Sat 25 th : Cambrai Battlefield Tour (start time 10.00) - free: I* / we* wish to attend a: Medium Tour (on a coach with a guide, stopping at stands but not dismounting). Heavy Tour (on a coach with a guide, dismounting at stands). Note: if required, packed lunches should be organised by individuals with their hotel. 9

10 11. Sat 25 th : Cambrai Town War Memorial, Place M Leclerc ( ): I* / we* wish to attend and will make my* / our* own travel arrangements. 12. Sat 25 th : RTR Assoc Evening ( ) max attendance approx. 500: I* /we* wish to attend the evening at... ( 15 per hd). I* / we* speak French to the following standard: High... Medium... Basic... and would be prepared to assist with hosting arrangements. I* / we* will* / will not* require bus transport as outlined at para 5.e. of the main instruction. 13. Sat 25 th : Officers Reception ( ) max attendance approx. 440: I* /we* wish to attend the reception at... ( 30 per hd). I* / we* speak French to the following standard: High... Medium... Basic... and would be prepared to assist with hosting arrangements. I* / we* will* / will not* require bus transport as outlined at para 5.e. of the main instruction. 14. Sun 25 th : Freedom of Cambrai Parade, Town Square ( ) - free: I* / we* request seat(s) in the British spectator stand (capacity 900 priority to those with mobility issues). I* / we* will travel to and from the event under my* /our* own arrangements. I* / we* have the following mobility requirements, i.e. wheelchair / step climbing difficulties: Sun 18 th : Mayor's Vin d'honneur Reception ( ): I* / we* wish to be considered for attendance within the RTR representative group of approx. 100 people. 10

11 ANNEX C TO RHQ RTR/ 5.12 C100 ADMIN RETURN RTR ASSOC BRANCHES ONLY DATED 12 JUN Completion Notes: a. Attendance forms are required at HHQ RTR before 12 Jul, after which we will assume non-attendance. The completed form should be ed to bencoord@royaltankregiment.org for Mrs Debbie Solomon or, if internet is not available, then by post to her at: HHQ RTR, Stanley Barracks, Bovington, BH20 6JB. b. The personal details you provide ensure that HHQ RTR records remain current. Therefore, please complete fully and legibly. This information will be held securely and will not be used for purposes other than C100 administration. In providing the information, you agree to HHQ RTR holding it. c. Payment should be made as set out at para 5.h. in the main instruction, i.e. BACS electronic payment preferred, cheque if unavoidable. d. Please do answer every point below; otherwise we will have to assume you don t wish to attend that event. Where an asterisk is shown, delete as appropriate. e. You will receive confirmation by or telephone once your pro forma is received. If you do not receive such a notification within a few days, please call Mrs Debbie Solomon on , rather than assume that all is well. 2. From: RTR Association.. Branch Secretary: Address: Postcode Tel address:.. 3. Hotel in Cambrai Area:.. Address:. 4. Arrival date in Cambrai area:. Departure date from Cambrai area:. 5. Branch Contact Person in Cambrai area: Name: Mobile number:.. address:... 11

12 6. Names of those attending: Please complete the form below at Appendix 1 showing the names of those attending from your Branch. This is specifically needed for the special name badges, which will show: name details and organisation. It may be that Assoc Branches might like the name of their Branch on the badge and possibly the number of their former RTR Regiment. Please state the requirements below. 7. Mobility Issues. Every consideration will be given to those with mobility issues. For the events during the weekend, we need to know the numbers involved in advance. Please include at Appendix 1 those Branch members that: are wheelchair users; have difficulty climbing steps; or have other mobility requirements. 8. Summary of attendance: Ser Event Numbers Cost Male F male 1 Fri 24 Drumhead Service, CWGCC Louverval 2 Fri 24 RAC Band Concert, Cambrai Cathedral 3 Fri 24 RTR All Ranks Party, PdG 4 Sat 25 Battle of Cambrai Presentation, at Cambrai Theatre 5 Sat 25 Battle of Cambrai Presentation, at Cambrai Theatre 6 Sat 25 Battlefield Tour: Medium 7 Sat 25 Battlefield Tour: Heavy 8 Sat 25 Cambrai Town War Memorial, Place M Leclerc 9 Sat 25 RTR Assoc Evening, Marché 15 per head, e.g. in cost column ( x 15phd) = 10 Sun 26 Freedom of Cambrai Parade, Town square 11 Sun 26 Vin d Honneur, Town Hall Total cost 9. Payment. a. E-payment for made on.. b. Cheque for sent on Appendix: 1. RTR Assoc Branch Attendance Return. 12

13 APPENDIX 1 TO ANNEX C TO RHQ RTR/ 5.12 RTR ASSOC BRANCH ATTENDANCE NAMES DATED 12 JUN 17 Ser First Name, Surname, decorations etc. Organisation / former Regt Mobility Issue Carer s Name

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