Typecast on Remembrance Day

I am not a little bit excited to welcome my Guest Blogger to the stage, so-to-speak. Although if I’m being accurate with the analogy, I should say the ‘outer stage’,  since she is more likely to be found on the Centre Stage. But when she isn’t dancing, she is a veritable force to be reckoned with in the world of blogging. If you don’t know her, then you should get to know her. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Nickie of Typecast:

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For as long as I can remember I wanted to join the RAF when I left school.  I had my full career planned out and nothing and no-one else registered in it.  I joined the Girls Venture Corps when I was 12 years old and spent Monday nights for the next three years learning about everything connected to aviation, marching skills, leadership qualities and taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.  I was promoted to Lance Corporal and was allowed to lead parade ready for inspection.

 

But then I found out that the Air Training Corps was finally moving into the 20^th Century and inviting girls to join their squadrons.  I knew that it was the best move in the long term – the ATC had gun and flight training for a start – but mainly because they were directly connected to the RAF.  I reluctantly handed my notice in at the GVC and told them I would be leaving in November.

 

In November of each year, all the local forces organisations, voluntary groups and beyond took part in the Remembrance Day parade.  My final parade as Lance Corporal in the GVC was to be marker in the squad and to lay the wreath on the Cenotaph.  The greatest honour ever, in my opinion.  I lead my squadron through the streets of Lytham, gave the “eyes left” command as we marched past the Cenotaph and solemnly laid the wreath immediately after the Last Post complete with my final official salute for the GVC.

 

I lead my squadron back to the disperse area and ordered them to “Fall Out” for the last time.  I saluted my Senior NCO, stepped back, removed my cap and felt proud that I’d had this opportunity as my last duty for the GVC.