The Seniors on point, in full strength that day, more than half have QS on their sleeves, and even more Bushman’s Thongs on the rest of their shoulders. In another year, all those that were there marching that day would be a QS too. They were the pride of our Group, the resurgence of confidence and esprit de corp.

The two Junior Troops, the core strength of us, representing the hope of our future years. No slouch these boys – having won 5 banners and trophies in Competitions colony-wide among them thus far in ’67.

Bringing up the rear, the newly formed Air Scouts with their gray berets and gold insignia, the first Air Scout Troop in Hong Kong, and the first time their unique uniforms were shown to the public and other Scout Groups.

Up Caroline Hill Rd, as we turned the last bend, the stands of the stadium came into view.
Headed into the wind, the Colour bearer let loose the silk, and the White & Blue, golden tassels streaming, unfurled.

Even the last rank of the formation could see the Group Colour snapping in the breeze on point up ahead, and felt the power of the columns of Gray marching in cadence.

200 meters to the gate across the road, we paused, and heard the thundering of a hundred pair of feet marking time on the pavement, and felt the tremour.

And then we surged ahead, a flying wedge, led by the White & Blue into the stadium.

The 11th Kln fielded the largest contingent that day, half the length of the football field honour guarded by a long line of Gray, proudly in support of ‘Ad majorem Dei Gloriam’.

I was there, together with the hundred in 11th Gray, and just like them, full of pride and confidence.
And out of this line of Gray, within 5 years, until the uniform changed, 32 Queen’s Scouts were to emerge.

I remember that to this day, some 47 years ago……MY 11th Kln Group, still mine’s.

Our White & Blue, long may it stand proud and strong.