For Brigadier (Brig) Patrick ‘Patch’ Reehal, the coronation will be not only be the culmination of months of planning but also something of a family affair. Patch’s brother Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Ben Reehal and his son Marine Patch Reehal are all taking on roles for the event.
Brig Reehal is Commander of 101 Operational Sustainment Brigade based in Aldershot, who are tasked with providing ‘real life support’ for all of the thousands of military on parade. And who better to assist than Lt Col Ben Reehal, appointed to support his older brother as his Deputy Joint Commander of Logistics, especially for the Coronation.
Ordinarily, Lt Col Ben is the Commanding Officer of 27 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, part of the 3rd (United Kingdom) Division but he has been assisting with the logistics of everything from feeding to transport and accommodation, medical and veterinary support, not only on the day itself but throughout the entire series of rehearsals that have been taking place across multiple locations.
Brig Patch explained, “We are a small part of a big team including the armed forces, civil servants, and contractors. We have coach drivers, chefs, kitchen staff, barbers, tailors, cleaners, medics and security teams. This is a genuine military and civilian combined national effort.”
And if ever there was a person to give a sense of customer feedback on that support, Marine Patch Reehal is in the perfect place to do as part of the marching contingent. He said, “Saturday will be a very proud moment, it’s a privilege to be a part of His Majesty’s coronation alongside my Dad and uncle.”
The Reehals can trace their military lineage back over 150 years with forebears having served continuously since the Boer War, but this will surely be the culmination of that proud heritage.
Brig Patch said, “For myself, Ben, and my son it’s a moment of intense pride. We have a very strong military family tradition, so this really is very special for us, as it was for our ancestors, to honour our Sovereign, our Commander-in-Chief and make the United Kingdom proud.”
