Following the death of Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh last week, I was moved to recall my memories of him which centred around the award he introduced in 1956. It required participants to carry out a number of challenges designed to bring out ones confidence and encourage self respect and discipline, both of which form part of the Object of the Boy’s Brigade. I joined the scheme through the BB in 1963 at 13 years old. I achieved Bronze, Silver and Gold between 1963 & 1967 receiving the three award button hole badges. The BB badge system covered at least the minimum requirements to satisfy most Award challenges, however the one which did not quite reach the DofE standard was the expedition badge. Here the DofE Gold standard was higher requiring a 4 day expedition with 3 nights camp for the Gold award, planned by the people taking part and checked by adjudicators including at several route checkpoints . I have many fond memories of my experiences on expeditions in the Peak District for Bronze & Silver, and for Gold in North Wales over Easter in 1965 & 1966 in the hills around Llangollen, Lake Vyrnwy and Lake Bala. It snowed in Wales at Easter in 1966!!
My most treasured memory is the day I went to Buckingham Palace to receive my award from Prince Philip. It was Monday 21st July 1969, a memorable day for another reason also. On that morning I got up at 3am, watched Neil Armstrong on tv take his first steps on the moon, then set off with a friend, our parents and a family friend who had a big car on the 5 hour drive to London. It was a beautiful sunny day and on arrival at Buckingham Palace gardens the recipients were split into small groups , then 1 person was selected to receive the awards from Prince Philip. Sadly neither of us were chosen but were congratulated by him in a group. I believe the scheme and the BB helped me in the T.A. being commissioned and gaining a command. I pray for Queen Elizabeth today for her sad loss.
Maj (Retd) Alan Crozier TD RL