Ex-RAF commander drops rank to join Honourable Artillery Company as trooper

A former senior officer in the Royal Air Force has joined the Light Cavalry Honourable Artillery Company as a humble trooper.

Despite his former high rank, Air Marshal (Retired) Andrew Turner enters the oldest regiment in the British Army like everyone else, as the equivalent of a private.

Following a 40-year career in the RAF, Trooper Turner said joining the Army Reserve unit had been a "fantastic opportunity to continue to serve".

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He said: "[I found it] quite inspiring that I've been invited to join the company... I really enjoy the challenge.

"I'm deeply curious about being pressed at different times in different ways."

For the new recruits, one of the challenges to master is the drill seen on the parade square.

Drill Sergeant Malcolm Johnston explained the difficulties.

He said: "We use 1861 drill, so Victoria's drill is very, very different to any modern drill.

"People have to unlearn everything they've learned and then re-learn."

The Light Cavalry HAC is a ceremonial sub-unit of the Honourable Artillery Company, providing a ceremonial bodyguard for the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of the City of London.

It is made up entirely of volunteers and is open to all ranks of any service.