Lt Col Foster-Brown takes over at Warwick Camp
The Bermuda Regiment has a new man in charge after Lt Col Michael Foster-Brown officially assumed command of the military unit at a handing-over ceremony on Saturday evening.Lt Col Foster-Brown, 41, takes over from Lt Col Brian Gonsalves, who has been the Commanding Officer of the Regiment for the past four years.The new commander — the first non-Bermudian to hold the post — officially accepted the Sword of Command from his predecessor on the parade square at Warwick Camp in front of packed galleries of dignitaries and spectators.The Sword of Command was given to the Regiment by former Bermuda Governor Sir Edwin Leather in 1977.It is used to symbolically mark the transfer of command from one CO to another, and Lt Col Foster-Brown officially assumed control of the Regiment the moment he accepted the sword from Lt Col Gonsalves.The hour-long display of military tradition, precision and pomp kicked off in bright sunshine with a full military band accompanying Lt Col Gonsalves onto the square, followed by the massed ranks of officers, NCOs and conscripts.Governor George Fergusson then took the Royal Salute before carrying out an inspection of the parade.After speeches by His Excellency and Lt Col Gonsalves, the official handover took place.The ceremony ended with a blessing by Regiment Chaplain David Raths, and was followed by receptions for soldiers and guests.Lt Col Foster Brown, who has seen action in Iraq and Afghanistan, has pledged to increase the number of volunteers in the conscripted force during his three-year command of the Regiment.