In June, 1953 Bermudian Arthur Tatem was a corporal in the 1st battalion Royal Welsh Fusiliers and very close to being demobilised at the end of five years? service with the British army. A signals specialist, he was serving with his unit in Belize and Jamaica when he was asked to join his fellow soldiers being despatched to Bermuda in connection with the July summit meeting between three world leaders, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, US President Dwight Eisenhower, and French Premier Joseph Laniel.

Specifically, Cpl. Tatem was asked to share his expertise with Bermuda in the setting up of a communication line between the Mid Ocean Club in Tucker?s Town, where the three leaders would be staying, and Prospect, where his regiment was being billeted.

What, Mr. Tatem thought, could be better than returning to his homeland as a finale to his army career? He readily accepted the offer. Thus it was that he flew home with his regiment on a British Overseas Airways Corporation stratocruiser ready for security duty.

?We met with Mr. Jack Ferguson of the Bermuda Telephone Company and some of his men concerning the details of setting up the telephone lines, and more importantly the security of them,? Mr. Tatem remembers.

Setting up and maintaining wireless communication was also part of his duties, as was participating in ceremonial duties.

Naturally, Bermuda wanted to put its best foot forward for its distinguished guests, so the Fusiliers, including its regimental band and popular mascot, Billy the goat, spent countless hours drilling, marching and parading to perfect their performance.

?By the time we were done some said we were as good as the renowned Guards regiments in England,? Mr. Tatem says. ?Our band was superb.?

As time wore on, Bermudians grew used to seeing rehearsal marches and parades winding through the streets of Hamilton, and Mr. Tatem was understandably proud to be part of what would clearly be a momentous event in Bermuda?s history.

Or so he thought.

Sadly, after a month of intense preparation, Bermuda learned that the summit was postponed due to Churchill?s illness, and the Fusiliers were ordered to return to base in Jamaica. For the man who was known as ?The Royal Welch Fusilier who never got to Wales?, the opportunity would never come his way again, for by the time the summit did take place a few months later ? in December, 1953 ? his army service had ended, and he was back in Bermuda ? a civilian among many who crowded Front Street to witness the great Churchill inspect the troops, admire Billy, and take the salute.