Special Service To Honour Regiment ADCs

A special service is to be held next Sunday to mark the 40th anniversary of Bermuda Regiment Aides-de-camp [ADCs] to the Governors of Bermuda.

Retired Major Alvin Daniels, the first Regiment officer to become an ADC, said: “The purpose of the service is to mark four decades of service to successive Governors by the Bermuda Regiment.

“It will also commemorate the former ADCs who have passed on and, to some extent, the former Governors who have died as well.”

Maj. Daniels, who was appointed to succeed Welsh Guards officer Captain Hugh Sayers, who was assassinated along with Governor Sir Richard Sharples in the grounds of Government House in 1973, said there were around 18 former ADCs still alive.

Four of the ten Governors since 1973 have also since died.

He added: “The recent death of Major Chris Wheddon, who had been an ADC, acted as a spur to pay tribute to and remember those former ADCs.”

The service will be held at St Peter’s Church  at 11.15am on Sunday May, 26.

Maj. Daniels said: “All former ADCs are welcome and we have also extended an invitation to other retired officers to attend. The public are welcome to attend as well.”

Maj. Daniels will read the first lesson at the service, which will be conducted by St Peter’s rector, Rev. David Rath, who is also the Regimental chaplain, with the rank of Major, while the second lesson will be read by current ADC, Captain Clifford Powell.

After the service, wreaths will also be laid at the graves of Sir Richard and Capt. Sayers, who are buried side by side in the graveyard of St Peter’s.

A floral arrangement marking the ADCs and former Governors who have since died will be displayed during the service and later donated to a local rest home.

Maj. Daniels, who retired in 1976, but returned to Regiment duty in 1981, and retired again in 1987, continues to serve as secretary to the Defence Board and to the Regiment’s Promotions Board.

He added that other commemorations will take place this year, including a dinner for former ADCs hosted by Governor George Fergusson at Government House in July.

Former ADCs will also that month take the salute at a Beating Retreat ceremony in Hamilton.

And the planting of four cedar trees to mark each decade of Regiment service at Government House will take place in September, followed by a picnic in the grounds for ex-ADCs and their families.

Former ADCs will also make presentations to two Bermuda charities in July as part of the celebrations.

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