Regimental pioneer's

**Rog Ball 01** · 17-09-2008, 20:16

I have just noticed from Rob 60's photos that the Pioneer SNCO (I believe a CSgt) is wearing a BEARSKIN asnd is carrying a SWORD.

When I served in he Bn, only Pioneer WOs worn the aforementioned items, and I was under the impression that this was sill the norm.

scorch · 17-09-2008, 22:09

I beleive this is true however i will confirm this when we go back to work in a couple of weeks, i will do my utmost to find ouT why the said pioneer snco was wearing the bearskin and carrying the sword.
Jas

**DP43** · 18-09-2008, 22:56

My understading is this is an appointment NOT rank and thus should be afforded all due respect.

**Rog Ball 01** · 18-09-2008, 23:47

Sorery DP, bu I disagree.

I can remember John Nye and the great Bill Street wearing yhe same dress as their Pioneers and not wearing he Bearskin and sword until they were WOs.

Dave from has confirmed that the Bearskin and sword will only be worn by the Pioneer WO.

scorch · 19-09-2008, 09:55

One thing we must remember is that we are new Regiment so some traditions will change.

Paul Hinge · 19-09-2008, 23:06

Hi Jason
Traditons are just that......tradition! If the new Regiment wishes to utilise aspects from outside the antecendent regiments history then it either changes the regiments customs or indeed dilutes them to such an extent that former members don't recognise what is being presented to them.
I can confirm that the only members on a full parde in the RWF who wore a bearskin were Warrant Officers and Commissioned Officers. Pioneer Sgt's/ C/Sgt's were allowed to wear a beard and on ceremonial occassions a sword and their headress was the busby whilst in full ceremonial order.The only non-Warrant Officer on parade who wore a Bearskin was the Drum-Major who could be a Sgt!
These points raised, as many others that have been raised previously in the Forum, is the reason the Chairman of the RWFCA has asked for people to take part in creating a verbal history of the Regiment its because as time passes on little innovations and quirky additions to customs see them change or lost forever.

Hingey

**Rog Ball 01** · 20-09-2008, 06:37

Well said Paul. the traditions of the regiment will live on i understand from various sources.

daibeer · 20-09-2008, 10:59

At this moment in time, I believe the Drum Major to be a Corporal. Whilst he has the privelage to wear the full kit, what chance does he have during Company O group when he has to fight for his platoon when it comes to duties. Come on the 1st Bn, have the sense to at least make him a local Sgt. At least he can go to the Sgt's mess !
Dai

scorch · 20-09-2008, 11:27

As we speak the Drum Major is now a member of the mess and holds the rank of local Sgt. And to carry on about traditions i am proud to off been a Royal Welch Fusilier and i love all the traditions which made us stand out but that was not the point i was trying to make, The point was maybe it was a tradition of the 2nd Battalion and we have upheld one off theirs like wearing of chevrons on both arms.