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Lacombe soldier assumes Queen’s Guard duties in England

Canadian artillery soldiers assume Queen’s Guard duties in England
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Gunner Michael R. Buxcey from Lacombe is currently over in London and Windsor taking part in Public Duties. (Photo submitted)

Last week, members of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery United Kingdom Public Duties Contingent (RCA UK PDC) began their month-long Public Duties in London and Windsor.

Gunner Michael R. Buxcey from Lacombe is based in Shilo, Manitoba currently, serving with the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery.

From Oct. 4 to 22, Buxcey and 90 other soldiers of the RCA UK PDC will comprise the Queen’s Guard at the four Royal residences in the London District, Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London. A Changing of the Guard ceremony was held at Buckingham Palace on Oct. 4.

The RCA UK PDC was invited by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to form the Queen’s Guard to honour and commemorate the 150th anniversary of the formation of The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery (RCA) A and B Batteries.

“This is the first time that The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery has had the privilege of undertaking Public Duties in the United Kingdom. It is quite the honour, especially with this month being the 150th anniversary of the forming of the Regiment’s A and B Batteries,” says Master Warrant Officer Jason Power, Sergeant Major, The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery UK Public Duties Contingent.

During the several mount and dismount ceremonies, which will occur throughout the month long tasking, the Queen’s Guard will be accompanied by the 36 person Royal Canadian Artillery Band, based in Edmonton.

“This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for our soldiers and they are embracing every moment of it. While training and preparations leading up to this were at times long, when Canadian soldiers marched onto the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, they truly felt the full magnitude of their duties. This is not something that is by any means a common task for Canadian Armed Forces members and it is an honour and a privilege to be here as a member of the Queen’s Guard,” says Major Michael Crosier, Guard Commander, The Royal Regiment of Canadian Artillery UK Public Duties Contingent.

In addition to guarding the official Royal residences in the London District, the RCA UK PDC will participate in ceremonial events supporting the 150th anniversary of the formation of A and B Batteries during September and October 2021 while in the UK.