Photos: RBR 60th Anniversary Cocktail Reception
[Updated] The Royal Bermuda Regiment [RBR] celebrated its 60th anniversary this weekend with a cocktail reception at Warwick Camp.
“This year marks a historic milestone – the 60th anniversary of our Regiment. Under the banner ’60 Years of Service: Honouring the Past. Securing Our Future,’ the year-long celebration pays tribute to six decades of dedication, camaraderie and unwavering commitment to duty. More than just a commemoration, this anniversary is a living reflection of the Regiment’s evolution, its people and the values that continue to shape its future,” the RBR said.
Update Sept 7, 7.52pm: A spokesperson said, “Serving and former soldiers took a trip through the decades last night as the Royal Bermuda Regiment launched its 60th anniversary celebrations at Warwick Camp.
“Dignitaries, including His Excellency the Governor and RBR Commander-in-Chief Andrew Murdoch, as well as Premier David Burt, were among the guests welcomed for an evening of fellowship and recognition.
“It was the first in a series of events that will unfold over the coming months to mark the battalion’s enduring service to the island since its establishment on September 1, 1965.”
Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Simons, the Regiment’s Commanding Officer, told attendees last night: “Our 60th anniversary year is a year of opportunity. Not only is this year an opportunity to draw attention to the Regiment as we celebrate this milestone, but it also presents an opportunity for the National Security and Defence Review, which will soon commence.
“It is my hope that this review brings greater clarity around Bermuda’s defence requirements on land and in our waters, and removes existing barriers so that we can deliver the most appropriate and efficient capability possible, and one that’s wellresourced.
“It is also my hope that this exercise will chart our course for the next decade so that the service we provide to Bermuda grows stronger and becomes more attractive to volunteers, and that our Regiment, the Royal Bermuda Regiment, is increasingly valued by our people.”
A spokesperson added, “The RBR is committed to providing a disciplined force dedicated to national security, civil support and community development, and speakers at the event shared their reflections on different decades of the battalion’s existence.”
Major [retired] Leslie Lowe took guests back to the 1960s, telling them: “In 1965, two proud units – the Bermuda Militia Artillery and the Bermuda Rifles – were amalgamated to form a single, united force: the Bermuda Regiment.
“This was more than an administrative change, it was the start of a new identity blending traditions, skills and comradery into one body of service.”
He added: “The 1960s were also a time when Bermuda, like much of the world, was experiencing social change. The Regiment stood as a symbol of discipline, teamwork and shared purpose, welcoming members from all walks of life and providing a model of co-operation in a changing society.
“By the end of the decade, the Regiment had already established its reputation for professionalism at home and abroad. Those early years laid the foundation for everything we celebrate today – 60 years of honour, readiness and service to Bermuda.”
Major [retired] Barrett St Vincent Dill told attendees that the 1980s was a decade of “growth, discipline and international engagement” for the battalion.
He said: “We were, at that time, a fraternity, consisting of both conscripts and volunteers with long-lasting friendships, brotherhoods, commitments to common goals and aspirations united by the three Cs: conviction, commitment and courage.
“In keeping with future aspirations and ambitions, in 1981 we evolved from a fraternity to an all-inclusive organisation, welcoming women into the Regiment for the very first time, giving a further strength to the battalion.”
Maj Dill added: “The ‘80s proved that the Regiment was not just built to endure, it was built to excel, rivalling any uniformed services on the planet.”
Major [retired] Marc Telemaque, who spoke on the 2000s, said that the 21st century brought tremendous change.
He added: “Seeing the faces that are here this evening, it is clear that we are an enduring organisation, an organisation that engendered a level of pride and camaraderie that is unrivalled throughout this community.”
A spokesperson added, “Guests were encouraged to participate in a legacy box project, whereby messages written by RBR members past and present will be sealed in a time capsule to be opened years from now.
“Major Kenneth Wainwright, the Regiment’s Quartermaster, introduced the committee of RBR members that will facilitate a year of events to celebrate the battalion’s 60th anniversary, which will include a presentation of new regimental Colours next month.
“For more information and to keep up to date with the RBR’s 60 Years of Service celebrations, visit the Regiment’s revamped website at rbr.bm.”
