Minden Day 2024
Ominous dark clouds loomed over Berwick Barracks for Minden Day 2024 as the chairs were put out and final arrangements were made. People began to arrive, the ratio of Leslie tartan trews greatly increased, and the musicians began to gather. A van delivering hundreds of red roses arrived and they were neatly and beautifully arranged on silver trays, ready to be worn in honour of the famous victory at the Battle of Minden, 1752. Legend has it that at some point, either before or after the battle on 1st August 1752, the English regiments picked roses and put them in their hats. The tradition to wear a red rose continues to this day.
The military band assembled and could be heard warming up, pipers began arriving and Nancy’s Dancers were getting ready for their performance. It was also wonderful to be joined this year by the Northumberland Fusiliers. As the events started it began to warm up and, at certain points, the sunshine even poked its way through the clouds.
This year’s guest of honour was Sir Chay Blythe CBE BME, first person to sail single-handedly westwards around the world without stopping. He had been in the KOSB before embarking upon his sailing career. It was wonderful to have him present throughout the day, at the Barracks for the presentation of roses and on the steps of the Town Hall for the taking of the salute.
We were also pleased to have the daughters of Band Sergeant Major Charles Ernest Packer MM present at our Minden Day celebrations this year. This was the first year they had attended, and it was an honour to talk to them about their family connections to the regiment. Their father, Charles Packer MM, was awarded the Military Medal in 1945 for his bravery and services as a stretcher bearer as part of Operation Overlord. The announcement in the London Gazette at the time stated that he had “complete disregard for his own safety” and that “no praise is too high for the magnificent work he has done”. A brave and selfless man who showed endless care for all around him. He was a talented musician, in particular as a clarinet player. He joined the 1st Battalion in 1930 at the age of 15 and was with the battalion throughout World War II. He was with them for the withdrawal from Dunkirk in 1940 and the landings on Sword Beach in 1944. This year being the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings made it even more special that his daughters were able to join us for Minden Day.
This year, veterans were invited to take part in an ongoing project to record memories about Minden Day for the KOSB archives; those participating spoke about why the day is important to them, favourite Minden Days, or ones that just really stuck out in their minds. It was lovely hearing the Minden memories and this is something that we hope to continue on a more regular basis.
