Page 43 - Demo

41PARADE SQUARE PAINTelling Right from LeftAt the end of our frequent drill parades at Cranwell, our D Squadron always started the march-off with a left turn. This is important, don't forget it. In my defence for what follows, I remind you that my father had been lost at sea relatively recently before this event.This was the annual Ferris drill competition. (Editorial Note: Seemed then deadly serious as an important part of competing to be the Squadron which would carry the Queen%u2019s Colour the following year. No pressure!). We were going to march off and the order was given %u201cRight turn%u201d. I knew this was wrong we always marched off to the left. I also knew that even when you were given the wrong order you are supposed to do the right thing. So I did the right thing - and turned left. The rest of the Squadron did the real right thing and turned right.After my left turn, I found myself staring our Parade Commander, Flight Cadet Mitchell, in the face. I wouldn't dare tell you what Mitch hissed to me. It involved my rifle and sideways, that's all I'm saying.The late Colin PilcherThe Drill Manual %u2013 Liberties taken by D SquadronFor the Drill Competition described above by Colin Pilcher, with Mitch as Squadron Commander, I was the Standard Bearer with Robin Tydeman and Dave Bills (95 D) as Escorts.For parades in general, whilst the Colour or Standard Party stays on the sidelines, the cohort of troops is marched on, formed up, stood at ease and then brought to attention and the Parade Commander orders %u201cMarch on the Squadron Standard%u201d. After an extended wait, we realised that Mitch had forgotten to bring the troops to attention