Dated: 29/May/2011 

By Chev. Steve Nimmons GCStG OLJ 

 

 

I was very honoured to represent the Order at an event and dinner hosted by The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment last evening. On May 16th 1811, forebears of the regiment served in the bloody battle of Albuhera, Spain during the Peninsular War.

The allied army at Albuhera was approximately 33,000 strong, mainly consisting of about 9,000 British troops, 9,000 Portuguese and 15,000 Spanish. They faced 25,000 Frenchmen. The main allied formations supported by 7 cavalry regiments and 6 gun batteries. 

The Buffs suffered staggering 85% casualties on 16th May 1811 and lost the Regimental Colour to the enemy. 16 year-old Ensign Thomas was carrying it and shouted ‘Rally on me, men, I will be your pivot’ when he was struck down, crying, ‘only with my life’. 

Albuhera is a key PWRR Regimental Day. It is said that after Albuhera the 57th’s survivors inaugurated the Silent Toast to the ‘Immortal Memory’. Since that time, officers and SNCOs have stood intermingled and silent within a circle and individually drunk out of a ‘cup’ to the ‘Immortal Memory’. This is to remember those who fell at the battle and those who have fallen since. The original silver cup is reputedly made from the 57th’s officers’ silver accoutrements, such as their gorgets, and has the medal of the longest-living survivor, Colour Sergeant Henry Holloway mounted within it. He was a drummer aged only 11 at Albuhera.

I cannot fully express what an honour it was to participate in the Regimental Day and Silent Toast with the officers and SNCOs of Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment. To drink to the ‘Immortal Memory’, a 200-year unbroken tradition was very poignant, moving and a profound honour.

I extend my most sincere personal gratitude to the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment for the invitation to this special event. The bond of friendship between the Order and the regiment is one of which we are immensely proud and we will strive to further. 

I would also like to thank all of the officers who provided a most warm welcome and excellent hospitality in the mess, in particular to Capt. Clive Phillimore MBE a truly excellent host. 

The Order thanks the regiment for its selfless and important work and once again we reiterate how proud we are of our affiliation.