91st Belgian Cenotaph Parade – London, 12 July 2025

It was a scorching summer morning—proper redders in full branch rig of ties, blazers, and green lids—as the City of London branch assembled for the 91st Belgian Cenotaph Parade in central London. With temperatures nudging over 30°C, the ceremony kicked off bang on time at 1100, marked by Big Ben striking eleven bells in the background. The organisation was spot on—every element ran like clockwork.

This unique tradition, dating back to 1934 following the death of King Albert I of Belgium, remains the only occasion when a foreign military marches armed and in uniform through central London. It’s a powerful and longstanding symbol of the bond forged between Belgium and the UK during the Great War.

On the ground, the turnout from both nations was impressive. Around 250 Belgian armed forces personnel took part, joined by British contingents including the Band of the Grenadier Guards. It was a strong display of camaraderie and shared remembrance.

From our branch, eleven proud green lids formed up, led by Chairman Graeme Golightly. The Branch Standard was carried with due honours by Mike Russell, and Stephen Gilkes laid a wreath at the Cenotaph on behalf of the branch. In addition to those on parade, several more branch members joined later to support—making for a great turnout overall.

It was also great to see our branch friend from Zeebrugge, a certain Kaatie Buysse, for a quick catch-up and photograph before the parade. Kaatie was representing Province of West Flanders.

The parade route began in King Charles Street, mercifully shaded, before moving out behind the band to Whitehall for the main Cenotaph ceremony. There we stood for roughly an hour during the extensive wreath-laying—a fitting and dignified tribute. From there, we marched on to Horse Guards Parade, formed up at the Guards Memorial for a second wreath-laying, and continued to Wellington Barracks for final form-up and dismissal.

The branch conducted a swift tactical withdrawal across a very busy St James’s Park—dodging tourists and bicycles alike—before establishing itself in the Admiralty pub. A few much-deserved wets were on offer, and the presence of a Chelsea Pensioner among us didn’t go unnoticed. The branch drew plenty of attention, with multiple rounds bought by civilians, especially tourists. This, of course, became something of a challenge for our Treasurer, Stephen Gilkes, to keep track of the two free wets the branch was offering.

All in all, a strong showing by the branch, a fine example of Allied unity, and a day marked by pride, reflection, and just the right amount of chaos at the pub.

Tom Frearson

Engagement & Outreach Officer

RMA CoL

14th July 2025

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