Military Women

[kiwi]

http://www.youtube.com/v/cKQzOei4mUo

[kiwi]

To be a Yeoman Warder, (Beefeater), at the Tower of London, a person must have served 22 years in the Army, Royal Marines or Royal Air Force; note- No Royal Navy!,  have been awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and reached the rank of Warrant Officer. (Crusty not eligible. 7 days nick in Hong Kong!!). This has always been a male preserve, however........................................................................

http://www.mod.uk/Defenceinternet/DefenceNews/HistoryAndHonour/FirstEverFemaleBeefeaterIsAppointedAtTheTowerOfLondon.htm

[kiwi]

The story about the female Beefeater has me on two thoughts. The first is that I am a traditionalist and believe that military traditions should and must always be observed and kept in the same order.

The second though it that, this Warrant Officer has proven themselves. They have obviously worked hard and met the standard to achieve such a position. Because I believe hard work and good order should be rewarded I think I am going to have to sit on the fence for this one.

Crusty, just quick question. I have just looked through information one the net about Beefeaters and nothing mentions why the Royal Navy can not hold the position, any thoughts?

[kiwi]

Collo, I'm trying on the Royal Navy bit. What I've come up with is that in 1826, Sir Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, was Constable of the Tower of London, and he decreed that, "Only gallant, meritorious and deserving Sergeants of Her Majesty's Army will bcome Yeoman Warders at the Tower."

Later qualifications included having served 22 years, be a recipient of the Long Service and Good Conduct medal, (15 years of undetected crime). Royal Marines, and later Royal Air Force W.O's/SNCO's were admitted. I can only think that the Royal Navy was excluded as it's impossible for a Royal Navy bloke to go 15 years without getting into some scrape, so none of them have got the LS & GC!!

Having said that, I have read something on the www that Royal Navy are eligible, but it's an unconfirmed source. I'll trawl the MoD site again.

[kiwi]

15 years of undetected crime

Cheers mate, I was thinking someone in the chain of command for once had common sense.

I love that bit about ?undetected crime?, it?s like the good boys at school are really the bad boys that never caught. :twisted: 

In serious talk though, I always put it down to that the Tower was a fort and their for under the jurisdiction of the Army. I knew vaguely that the Royal Marines where able to hold the position but was clueless about the Royal Air Force.

[Elwingflys]

Good vid...And I think you might be right about the Navy. LOL