Leliefontein 2011
This year’s Leliefontein celebrations began a little later than usual because of our deployment to Wainwright on Ex Maple Resolve. With the Parade on the 19th of November, preparations began to take place as the Sqn returned. The Sqn drill team practiced hard under the direction of MCpl Jamie Dunn. Although B Sqn was unable to win the competition, the RSM made it very clear that there were only a few points between the first and the last team.
On the 17th of November, the RCD had our Leliefontein Sports day competition. The Sports Day fosters esprit de corps and camaraderie amongst the squadrons. More importantly, it determines Right of Line. Right of Line is decided by both the results of Sports Day competition and the Drill competition. Unfortunately, B Sqn was unable to put enough points on the board and the honour went to D Sqn. Most notable of B Sqn's efforts for the day were from the volleyball team led by Cpl Congo. The team rallied after defeat by A Sqn to return and beat RHQ for first place. Our ball hockey team fought their way valiantly to the final game against A Sqn. With stellar goal tending by Tpr Marten, the team was tied 2-2, with no end in sight. With only minutes to spare, MCpl Dolmovic scored the game winning goal bringing B Sqn their second first place finish of the day. With a strong finish at the chain of Command race B Sqn came in third overall out of the Regiment.
With the sports day over, the only things left were the parade and the All Ranks Dance. 2 Troop was tasked with the setup and conduct of the All Ranks Dance. Headed by Lt Mitchell and Sgt Power, the coordination for the dance had started weeks in advance. Tables had to be found, linens rented, chairs rounded up, and servers hired to feed 650 Dragoons and guests. On Saturday 2 Tp arrived and began the setup of Y101 while Lt Mitchell and Tpr Nash of 2 Tp escorted General Addy to the parade. During the setup of the dance, Tpr Weekes of 2 Tp was called away to the parade square where he was awarded the Tpr of the year trophy for his exceptional performance at work. With the parade over, the Regiment retired to the Coriano Club for refreshments, before getting ready for the dance.
By 1900, Y101 was filled with the Regiment and guests. The Master of Ceremonies for the night was Sgt Mackenzie. Ulrichs served a prime rib dinner with desert, which was excellent. The bar staff from the Coriano Club kept the beer and liquor flowing as fast as could be poured. With Maple Resolve, Remembrance Day, and all the Leliefontein preparations completed, it was time to relax and enjoy the evening. The dance was also a great opportunity for the significant others of B Sqn to get to know each other. Throughout the night, Lt Mitchell and Sgt Power ensured the dance ran smoothly. With the last of the stragglers leaving safely by 0330hrs, Y101 was locked up for the night. By 1000 Sunday morning 2 Tp was back for the final cleaning. With the smell of stale beer in the air and piles of garbage everywhere, 2 Tp cleaned for several hours, transforming Y101 back into the pristine parade square that it used to be. We are not sure how Sgt Milarchuk found the cleanest job of counting the money, but made sure he got his hands dirty when he returned.
This year’s Leliefontein activities were a huge success. Everyone enjoyed the celebrations and the tradition of Leliefontein is continued.
On the 17th of November, the RCD had our Leliefontein Sports day competition. The Sports Day fosters esprit de corps and camaraderie amongst the squadrons. More importantly, it determines Right of Line. Right of Line is decided by both the results of Sports Day competition and the Drill competition. Unfortunately, B Sqn was unable to put enough points on the board and the honour went to D Sqn. Most notable of B Sqn's efforts for the day were from the volleyball team led by Cpl Congo. The team rallied after defeat by A Sqn to return and beat RHQ for first place. Our ball hockey team fought their way valiantly to the final game against A Sqn. With stellar goal tending by Tpr Marten, the team was tied 2-2, with no end in sight. With only minutes to spare, MCpl Dolmovic scored the game winning goal bringing B Sqn their second first place finish of the day. With a strong finish at the chain of Command race B Sqn came in third overall out of the Regiment.
With the sports day over, the only things left were the parade and the All Ranks Dance. 2 Troop was tasked with the setup and conduct of the All Ranks Dance. Headed by Lt Mitchell and Sgt Power, the coordination for the dance had started weeks in advance. Tables had to be found, linens rented, chairs rounded up, and servers hired to feed 650 Dragoons and guests. On Saturday 2 Tp arrived and began the setup of Y101 while Lt Mitchell and Tpr Nash of 2 Tp escorted General Addy to the parade. During the setup of the dance, Tpr Weekes of 2 Tp was called away to the parade square where he was awarded the Tpr of the year trophy for his exceptional performance at work. With the parade over, the Regiment retired to the Coriano Club for refreshments, before getting ready for the dance.
By 1900, Y101 was filled with the Regiment and guests. The Master of Ceremonies for the night was Sgt Mackenzie. Ulrichs served a prime rib dinner with desert, which was excellent. The bar staff from the Coriano Club kept the beer and liquor flowing as fast as could be poured. With Maple Resolve, Remembrance Day, and all the Leliefontein preparations completed, it was time to relax and enjoy the evening. The dance was also a great opportunity for the significant others of B Sqn to get to know each other. Throughout the night, Lt Mitchell and Sgt Power ensured the dance ran smoothly. With the last of the stragglers leaving safely by 0330hrs, Y101 was locked up for the night. By 1000 Sunday morning 2 Tp was back for the final cleaning. With the smell of stale beer in the air and piles of garbage everywhere, 2 Tp cleaned for several hours, transforming Y101 back into the pristine parade square that it used to be. We are not sure how Sgt Milarchuk found the cleanest job of counting the money, but made sure he got his hands dirty when he returned.
This year’s Leliefontein activities were a huge success. Everyone enjoyed the celebrations and the tradition of Leliefontein is continued.
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