Anstruther Rotary’s 4th November meeting was an open evening, with the club welcoming a number of guests. Following a buffet meal everyone enjoyed an especially interesting presentation from Sergeant Alan Mowbray and Second Lieutenant Rupert Nurick of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards – the regiment to be stationed at Leuchars by 2015, along with REME in support.

Currently stationed in Germany as Heavy Cavalry, the regiment traces its origins to 1678 and the Royal Scots Greys; fighting at Waterloo and Balaklava and always on grey horses – a tradition now reflected in the colour of their berets.

The regiment was armoured at the outbreak of WW2 and has more recently served in Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iraq and Kosovo. Currently the regiment has two squadrons in Afghanistan in a Force Protection role.

As well as learning something of a long and distinguished history in battle, we heard too of life in the regiment. We were reminded of their 2009 hit parade success ‘Amazing Grace’ – a record that ended up making over £1 million for charities. We also learned of other charitable work – of ‘Caring for Courage’, which is a charity fund caring for the families of those killed in action. For this cause former member of the regiment, Mark Lapping completed the ‘Ironman Wales’ Challenge swimming 2.4 miles, cycling 112 miles and then running a 26.2 mile marathon - and so far raising in the region of £6,000.

Alan and Rupert concluded with information about the Army’s current strategic plan – ‘Army 2020’ – of pairing with the Scottish and Northern Irish Yeomanry - and of a change of role to that of Light Cavalry, with a new family of lighter and faster multi purpose armoured vehicles. 

Following many questions – all answered helpfully and very professionally, club member Graham Meacher proposed a vote of thanks for a most interesting and well-prepared talk.