The End and New Beginnings?

It is fitting that the last edition of the Corps Journal should contain a tribute to the men and women, members of the Corps, who have served the Army with such conspicuous dedication and skill over the 114 years of our history.

The Royal Army Pay Corps has a reputation for excellence, second to none. The Corps has provided a diverse financial service worldwide without fuss or self advertisement - it is a measure of our success that the vast majority of soldiers receive this support with little or no effort on their part. The Corps has led the way in the acceptance and exploitation of new technology to the benefit of improved efficiency throughout personnel administration in the Army. No stranger to change, it has shown understanding and vision in facing the challenges arising from the formation of the Adjutant General's Corps and the reduction in the size of the Army. However, perhaps its most admirable quality in some ways has been its ability to integrate into every unit of the Army and at the same time retain a fierce loyalty and pride in the parent Corps.

Regimental pride is as great in the Royal Army Pay Corps as anywhere in the Army and stems from a justified self confidence in professional ability. I believe that the traditions of service and excellence that have evolved over the Corps history will endure and sustain those who serve on in the Army in a new even more demanding role. I hope and believe that the Regimental Spirit of present and past members of the Corps will survive and prosper through the medium of the Royal Army Pay Corps Association .

On a personal note, I wish to thank all the officers and soldiers of the Corps who have supported me with such consummate skill during my tour as Paymaster-in-Chief. I trust you will all prosper and continue to find a rewarding and satisfying career in the Army.

On 3rd April 1992 the Royal Army Pay Corps said farewell to Winchester with its last ever "Freedom Parade" and on 6th April 1992 was amalgamated into the Adjutant General's Corps, forming part of the Staff and Personnel Support Branch (SPS).

FIDE ET FIDUCIA

The RAPC quick march is "Imperial Echoes"

Imperial Echoes (1913) is the title of a piece for solo piano by Arnold Safroni. In 1928 the tune was adapted as a march by James Ord Hume (1864–1932) and recorded for His Master's Voice by the Band of the Royal Air Force, conducted by Squadron Leader R.P. O'Donnell, M.V.O. In 1940 the opening and closing parts of this recording were chosen to introduce and close the BBC's daily news programme Radio Newsreel.

Imperial Echoes became a regular part of the repertoire of military bands and was adopted by the Royal Army Pay Corps as its regimental quick march.

Play it below

"Keeping The Flag Flying!"