Royal Signals unit ready for historic debut after passing Fit for Role inspection
Personnel from 222 Squadron 22 Signals Regiment are ready to take up duties at royal palaces for the first time in their history.
Stepping away from their usual Nato communications role, they will swap the countryside for the capital and take on their most prestigious role yet.
The 120-strong squadron will conduct the ceremonial work for the next 12 weeks, guarding the Tower of London, Windsor Castle, St James's Palace and Buckingham Palace – the King's official residence.
The prestigious honour does not come without some challenges for the soldiers.
222 Signal Squadron Troop Commander Lieutenant Cordelia Lampard told BFBS Forces News: "You're sort of in the forefront of the public eye, the Changing of The Guard is a big tourism attraction.
"So every time we step off, every time we are in this kit, I mean even today we saw at Wellington Barracks, the people sort of swarm towards us when they saw the band and they saw us there.
"Everything we do is being watched, so if you make mistakes it will be online, or when we don't make mistakes we are still going to be all over, so it's just quite a lot of attention on you all the time, it's pretty bizarre."
However, Lt Lampard was quick to praise the 222 Squadron, which primarily works in communications and technical elements.
"For the soldiers, this is the other end of the spectrum," she said.
"Some of them have taken to it like a duck to water, others have found it more challenging, but it's challenged everyone in different ways.
"It's been outside of the norm, which is why people join the Army. It's not your day-to-day, something very different."
She added: "It has been a big challenge for the soldiers but all of them have taken it in their stride and have all done incredibly well."
Supported by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas, 222 Squadron was checked by an inspection party consisting of the Brigade Major, Household Division, Lieutenant Colonel Charles Foinette along with the Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew Stokes, The Master Tailor, Sergeant Lavia, and the Adjutant of the London Central Garrison, Captain William Hart.
Every aspect of their kit and drill was scrutinised to ensure it was of the highest standard in order to perform ceremonial duties for King Charles.
Royal Signals provide the communications infrastructure to ensure the Army is always connected, but this new role was "a bit of a throwback" for some.
"It's gone well. It's very different, a bit of a throwback to basic training," said Corporal Jake Smith.
"A lot of early mornings, a lot of late finishes, and then you are just out doing drill learning different roles and commands," he added.
But, like a lot of the other soldiers, Cpl Smith was excited about the "different environments and places we are going to be working in. Central London, public-facing, it should be really good."
Having added new skills to their repertoire and passing their Fit For Role inspection, 222 Squadron personnel are now deemed ready to perform ceremonial public duties.
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