Regiment Honours Soldiers At Battalion Night
The hard work and achievements of Royal Bermuda Regiment soldiers were recognised at a Battalion Night this week, when medals, promotions and certificates were awarded.
A spokesperson said, “His Excellency the Governor and RBR Commander-in-Chief Andrew Murdoch CMG was welcomed to Warwick Camp where he congratulated troops on their successes and acknowledged their commitment.
“At the ceremony on Monday, long-service certificates were awarded to soldiers for up to 40 years of duty.
“Additionally, Operational Service Medals were given to eligible RBR members who were unable to receive them in October, when they were first presented during the visit of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester.”
Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Simons, the RBR’s Commanding Officer, said: “As an organisation that spends most of its time operating and training separately, Battalion Night is a fantastic opportunity to get everyone in the same room or on the square to acknowledge their contributions, their service.”
He added: “For the past few years we’ve put on a supper for the entire Regiment, which is an opportunity for people to connect with those outside of their sub-units and across ranks. Soldiers and officers can engage informally so that we continue to build connection and a sense of belonging.”
The spokesperson said, “Among the promoted soldiers was Sergeant Orville Hall, 40, a drummer in the RBR’s Band and Corps of Drums, who advanced from the rank of Corporal.”
“I’ve been working towards it,” he said. “I checked the boxes, completed some courses, I’ve been commanding my section and going above and beyond for the band.”
Sgt Hall, a chef from Devonshire who enlisted in 2010, added: “It’s always been my ambition to grow.
“After my first year in the Regiment, it became family to me and there was no turning back. It’s my reset from civilian life, it prepares me to go back to my regular daily duties.
“The Regiment has helped with my personal development – I’ve discovered my fitness and how fit I can be – and it also assists with communication skills.
“It has broadened my horizons and I’ve made lifetime friends here.
“I would tell anybody who is considering joining the Regiment that it’s a good opportunity and will help you to discover yourself beyond the limit that you know now.”
Acting Colour Sergeant Morricko Iris, a soldier of 15 years, said his promotion from Sergeant meant a great deal.
The sanitation labourer, from Devonshire, added: “I’m trying to go as far as Warrant Officer, so this is another accomplishment on my long road.”
On the qualities that made him a candidate for promotion, A/CSgt Iris said: “I’m always willing to step up no matter what, I will do the job and try to make the best of it. I’m put in positions of trust and responsibility, I guess my capability was recognised.”
He added: “I love everything about the Regiment – the comradery, the ability to work with other agencies and to go on deployments to help out in other countries – those types of things I would never have been able to do if I hadn’t joined the Regiment.”
