Lt. Colonel Johnny Thompson of the Scots Guards and Handsome Men In Kilts **Appreciation Thread

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Three questions for our teacher!

So many members of the military carried their military unit's "Canes" and "Pace Sticks" during the many Processions after our late Queen's passing. Is there a reason why Jonny did not carry his Royal Regiment of Scotland "Regimental Cane"?

A Google search mentions they are carried "On Parade" or "On Duty". My search for more specific information has not been successful.

Does the Royal Regiment of Scotland have additional manuals, discussing the on duty/on parade use of special accoutrements such as the regimental cane, broad sword, when and when not to wear sword slings, etc., that is available for download so we can continue to learn some of the more detailed information?

We see our lovely Jonny with the Sgian Dubh but might there ever be a reason for him to carry the Regimental Dirk?

Cane.png
 
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For those interested in Jonny’s military background, and consequently his rise to his current position, I’ll give you a bit of background. Those not interested, either prepare to be bored or scroll on by!

Anything here IS in the public domain, if you know where to look, so I am not giving away secrets, but some of it is a bit obscure so might be new-ish formation.

I think everyone knows he went to Aberystwyth Uni, and what he studied ther? Worth remembering Aberystwyth was also attended by HM the King. During this time he served in the University Army Officer Training Corps.

Shortly after graduating Jonny entered the RMA Sandhurst to join the commissioning course for Officers.

Gaining entry to Sandhurst is (for 99.9%) a gruelling procedure. If you are interested I can post you some information about it, or … you can took it up for yourselves!

Jonny commissioned in 2006 (alongside a rather notorious member of a rather well known family).

He did not join the RRS imediately after commissioning from Sandhurst but served very briefly in another Corps. Why he changed is not generally ‘out there’ so not my story to tell, sorry.

Any infantry soldier or officer does a basic Infantry course at the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick before joining their regiment, and Jonny would have done the same.

By December of that year - 2006, he had moved to 4 SCOTS and was promoted to Lieutenant.

Towards the end of 2008, he was promoted again to Captain.

While the speed of his promotion was not unprecedented, it was more rapid than the average, which should indicate his aptitude for leadership.

For those interested in leadership, how Sandhurst develops and trains Officers, and Army education, I’ll digress for a moment as it speaks to Jonny’s character, experiences and training.

There is a 3 part documentary on Sandhurst - each part looking at one of the 3 terms of each commissioning course. For those who really want to understand more about what shaped Jonny, I recommend watching. They are from 2010, so slightly later than Jonny’s era, but the course would have been very similar and they are informative. They will also while away a couple of hours if you are twiddling your thumbs!!!

Part 1 -

Part 2 -

Part 3 -

being YouTube, I think these should be available in all areas.


Worth remembering the motto of Sandhurst is ‘Serve To Lead’.

When talking about leadership in the British Army, Lt. General Sir Nick Borton - Formerly of the Royal Highland Fusilers and 3rd Uk Division (3UK Div), currently Commander of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, one of NATO’s most senior military leaders- said

“…why leadership is so important - The role and responsibilities that are placed upon us is to legally take life in the defence of our nation. And that is a higher calling than the people who make crisps for a living, so it demands we hold ourselves to the highest professional and moral standard, and part of that is giving our people the leadership they deserve."

Gen Sir Patrick Sanders, Chief of the General Staff said -

“Leadership - It’s commanding men and women to do things that are often against their nature. It is inspiring men and women to be their very best. At its most extreme, it’s about individuals taking personal risk for the sake of people around them, or the sake of the mission.”

I think it would not be foolish to think that both Jonny’s upbringing, and his subsequent training have instilled, and improved upon what was probably always a genetic predisposition to leadership. The nurturing and education have brought about the behaviour we so often see exhibited.

OK, back to Jonny’s career….

He served with 4 Scots through his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, seeing major action during Operation Herrick. A hugely worrying time for his family, and all of those related to anyone serving at that time.

Following his return from Afghanistan he spent some time with 3UK Div, in Salisbury, was promoted to Major in 2015, and returned to the RRS.


I think that is enough for now. I‘ll continue and add more later if anyone wants to know and is not too bored.

Please more explanations, this isn`t boring at all. Thank you!
 
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Three questions for our teacher!

So many members of the military carried their military unit's "Canes" during the many Processions after our late Queen's passing. Is there a reason why Jonny did not carry his Royal Regiment of Scotland "Regimental Cane"?

A Google search mentions they are carried "On Parade" or "On Duty". My search for more specific information has not been successful.

Does the Royal Regiment of Scotland have additional manuals, discussing the on duty/on parade use of special accoutrements such as the regimental cane, broad sword, when and when not to wear sword slings, etc., that is available for download so we can continue to learn some of the more detailed information?

We see our lovely Jonny with the Sgian Dubh but might there ever be a reason for him to carry the Regimental Dirk?

View attachment 5859836
I thought a Dirk was the dagger worn down the sock?
 
I thought a Dirk was the dagger worn down the sock?
It is a larger bladed weapon. Describing it as a "weapon" may be incorrect. It may have some type of historic significance and is still worn today out of respect and honor. I see it worn by Pipers. Below is a screen capture of the RRoS website image of dirks and sgian dubhs. Not to scale. The Dirk is considerably larger. I have also included the website. Go to the RRoS website. Click on "SHOP" and next click on "SCOTS SHOP ONLINE". Then click on "Uniform Clothing and Accessories". On the drop-down menu you will see "Dirks and Sgian Dubhs".

The Sqian Dubh is the small knife Jonny tucks into his right-side hose. I believe you tuck it into your hose based on being right or left handed - At the ready in case you are attacked by highwaymen! :nuts: Actually, I do not think it is supposed to be considered a weapon. However, if I were a soldier in the RRoS, if allowed by regulations, I would have it sharp and ready for action at a moment's notice. Even if just for snipping off threads hanging from some of the 500 parts of the uniform!

I am actually trying to count and add up all of the bits and pieces of his No1 Ceremonial uniform. I am up to 45 individual pieces and that does not include the need to continually check conditions of buttons, embroidery, piping, buckles, feathers, RRoS badges, and ribbons to ensure it is all present and accounted for with nothing loose or frayed. Jonny needs his own Butler!

One may purchase items from the RRoS online store. I have not attempted to and do not know if there is a top secret soldier code to enter to qualify to make a purchase. Eyes on the Tam O-Shanter as it looks comfy and warm!

Dirk.png
 
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Jonny is featured in several 2012 Getty photos. According to the information provided by Getty, it is for an awards ceremony on 13 Oct 2012 at Birkhall. Our Jonny is out of focus but he is a Captain and is the solder standing closest to the viewer. Isn't Charles' clothing mangificent!

View attachment 5859798
Why can't Jonny have an outfit like Charles does. He could wear to events that don't require a uniform.
 
For those interested in Jonny’s military background, and consequently his rise to his current position, I’ll give you a bit of background. Those not interested, either prepare to be bored or scroll on by!

Anything here IS in the public domain, if you know where to look, so I am not giving away secrets, but some of it is a bit obscure so might be new-ish formation.

I think everyone knows he went to Aberystwyth Uni, and what he studied ther? Worth remembering Aberystwyth was also attended by HM the King. During this time he served in the University Army Officer Training Corps.

Shortly after graduating Jonny entered the RMA Sandhurst to join the commissioning course for Officers.

Gaining entry to Sandhurst is (for 99.9%) a gruelling procedure. If you are interested I can post you some information about it, or … you can took it up for yourselves!

Jonny commissioned in 2006 (alongside a rather notorious member of a rather well known family).

He did not join the RRS imediately after commissioning from Sandhurst but served very briefly in another Corps. Why he changed is not generally ‘out there’ so not my story to tell, sorry.

Any infantry soldier or officer does a basic Infantry course at the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick before joining their regiment, and Jonny would have done the same.

By December of that year - 2006, he had moved to 4 SCOTS and was promoted to Lieutenant.

Towards the end of 2008, he was promoted again to Captain.

While the speed of his promotion was not unprecedented, it was more rapid than the average, which should indicate his aptitude for leadership.

For those interested in leadership, how Sandhurst develops and trains Officers, and Army education, I’ll digress for a moment as it speaks to Jonny’s character, experiences and training.

There is a 3 part documentary on Sandhurst - each part looking at one of the 3 terms of each commissioning course. For those who really want to understand more about what shaped Jonny, I recommend watching. They are from 2010, so slightly later than Jonny’s era, but the course would have been very similar and they are informative. They will also while away a couple of hours if you are twiddling your thumbs!!!

Part 1 -

Part 2 -

Part 3 -

being YouTube, I think these should be available in all areas.


Worth remembering the motto of Sandhurst is ‘Serve To Lead’.

When talking about leadership in the British Army, Lt. General Sir Nick Borton - Formerly of the Royal Highland Fusilers and 3rd Uk Division (3UK Div), currently Commander of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, one of NATO’s most senior military leaders- said

“…why leadership is so important - The role and responsibilities that are placed upon us is to legally take life in the defence of our nation. And that is a higher calling than the people who make crisps for a living, so it demands we hold ourselves to the highest professional and moral standard, and part of that is giving our people the leadership they deserve."

Gen Sir Patrick Sanders, Chief of the General Staff said -

“Leadership - It’s commanding men and women to do things that are often against their nature. It is inspiring men and women to be their very best. At its most extreme, it’s about individuals taking personal risk for the sake of people around them, or the sake of the mission.”

I think it would not be foolish to think that both Jonny’s upbringing, and his subsequent training have instilled, and improved upon what was probably always a genetic predisposition to leadership. The nurturing and education have brought about the behaviour we so often see exhibited.

OK, back to Jonny’s career….

He served with 4 Scots through his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, seeing major action during Operation Herrick. A hugely worrying time for his family, and all of those related to anyone serving at that time.

Following his return from Afghanistan he spent some time with 3UK Div, in Salisbury, was promoted to Major in 2015, and returned to the RRS.


I think that is enough for now. I‘ll continue and add more later if anyone wants to know and is not too bored.

Thank you. I never realised how complicated an officers position and career was. Are officers able to transfer between regiments or is their training solely focused on their current position. I’m asking this as if Jonny leaves The King is there a position available for him in RRS or will he be posted elsewhere. Does he have a choice or is he just reassigned?
 
Has anyone seen this spectacular video of Jonny marching? I believe this was in London in 2019. Jonny appears at around the 43 second mark.

How can he possibly stand that straight! His upper body is perfectly still as if frozen, all while keeping his eyes straight ahead, being aware of his surroundings and carrying the broad sword! You can also hear Jonny calling commands after he has marched out of view. Jonny should teach marching at Sandhurst, if there is such a course.

 
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I'd like to ask Romegirl about the uniform. The RRS clothing is so elaborate and detailed, do Officers have help with it? Like a Valet to lay everything out to be worn on Ceremonial occasions, to clean and press his uniforms or does Jonny have to polish his own brogues and metal clasps on his belts? I kind of suspected he could leave his spats outside the bedroom door at Windsor or Balmoral overnight and they'd arrive the following morning spic and span but perhaps not?

Also for the Mess Dress Regimental Dinners, do Officers keep their white gloves on during eating and drinking? And one thing Jonny will have to adapt to when he returns to the Army is, instead of the Toast being TTQ, he will have to say TTK!
 
Quote from RomeGirl
"He served with 4 Scots through his deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, seeing major action during Operation Herrick. A hugely worrying time for his family, and all of those related to anyone serving at that time."

A humble and sincere "Thank You" to Jonny for his history of military service and unswerving devotion to his continuing service and all that it requires of him.

And "Thank You" to Jonny for your continuing service with the Royal Regiment. Any soldier who goes through the training, straps on all of that heavy gear and equipment, and voluntarily boards a plane flying into a war's combat zone is heroic beyond my capacity to find the proper words of praise. Thankfully someone was looking over him as he applied his knowledge and skills while on deployment. He is so fortunate to have returned to his family, friends, and the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

And "Thank You" to Jonny for his service as Equerry to both Charles as the Prince of Wales and now Charles as the King. Jonny brings such a large and special presence to the position that has not been seen before and, I am certain, must be deeply appreciated by both the King and all serving in the Royal Household.

According to an Army Colonel friend in the the US, to be personally saluted by the President of the United States & Commander in Chief of the US military, is an honour. It is intended to thank that particular soldier and give Presidential recognition for their service.
 
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One of my favourite items of Uniform from the RRS Manual seems to be standard issue for Officers of all Regiment's- the blue/grey Winter Coat, seen on Jonny at the Remembrance Sunday Service at the Cenotaph in 2022, handing the Monarch's wreath to the King.
I'm afraid in 4 pages of Getty, these were the only decent images of Jonny in his coat I could find. (I did have a couple of close ups of Jonny saluting but realised they have been photoshopped with stubble so deleted them from my collection).

gettyimages-1244745280-1024x1024.jpggettyimages-1244743373-1024x1024.jpg
 
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