Gurkhas on Parade

The Square (Parade Ground) was the domain of the Battery Serjeant Major, or Regimental Serjeant Major in non-artillery units. Woe betide any man or officer walking across it without good reason. The cry of, “That man there!, or, “You sir!”, would ring out, bringing the offending soldier or officer to a sudden halt. This would be followed by a fearful lecture by the Serjeant Major, telling the offender exactly why he should not walk across the square. Regardless of rank, the Serjeant Major was, and still is, a man to be respected by all, including the Commanding Officer.

Inspection in Progress
The two buildings beyond are now Le Méridien Hotel

In and around the buildings around the Square, soldiers would have lived, worked, drilled and attended parades. When in use by the army, the buildings would have been painted regularly and kept spotlessly clean. Frequent barrack room inspections kept the soldiers on their toes.

Derelict Buildings around the square some time ago.

The Square on Google Earth

A Soldier’s Home