Imperial Society of Knights’ Bachelor service

  • Posted on: 17 July 2014
  • By: Hugh Toler

In the morning of 17th July, I attended the Imperial Society of Knights’ Bachelor service in St Faith’s Chapel in the Crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral.  It was an occasion of great pomp and circumstance most which appears to have been devised in the last 50 years.  It was nonetheless a fine spectacle of red and gold for all that.  Immediately afterwards I drove up to visit 1st Battalion the Royal Irish our affiliated Regiment who are based in Shropshire.  I was their guest at the Inter Company Boxing Finals where they were competing for the Fox Cup.  This event concluded what had been four days of inter company athletics and other sports.  After a drink in the Sergeants’ Mess I was escorted by a most elegant and charming lady Assistant Adjutant to the event.  All the Officers and Sergeants were in Mess Kit, while the Rangers were in their No 2 Dress.  The Pipes & Drums escorted each boxer to the ring with a rousing tune.  The whole event was presided over by RSM with a magnificent row of medals.  Each bout was fought with tremendous vigour and was supported by the Companies of those competing with great roars and chants. Afterwards we repaired to the Officers’ Mess we were joined by the Sergeants and contestants for a few drinks and sandwiches.  Once again my charming escort ensured I was never without a full glass or good conversation.