History of CASPER

The Ceremonial Association of Surrey Police (CASPER)

The Ceremonial Association of Surrey Police (CASPER) was formed in early 2006 as a direct result of ceremonial activities carried out by members of the Walking Association of Surrey Police who were participating in the 100km van Ieper walking event held in the Ieper Salient in May.

At that particular event officers from WASP also took part in the following commemorative events.

	• Last Post ceremony at the Menin gate.
	• Inauguration of a headstone at The London Rifle’s Cemetery, Plugstreet, Belgium.
	• Nocturne ceremony at Plugstreet Woods Cemetery.
	• Ceremony at the German Military Cemetery, Langemarck, Belgium.

The Association’s creation was further motivated by an official invite from the Parade Master of the Armistice Day / Poppy Parade and the Bergermeister of Ieper, Belgium to bring a Police contingent and actively participate in the Parade.

Therefore, in November 2006, fourteen officers were honoured to assist with and participate in the armistice event.

This was the first occasion in over 20 years that a British Police contingent actively participated and paraded at the Menin Gate on Armistice Day, as far as anyone can remember. A fact not overlooked by the public who applauded the Police contingent as it marched away from the Menin gate.

Subsequently, invites and resultant activities of the group have expanded. For example, we are proud to have participated in the following events:

	• Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate, Ieper, Belgium.
	• RAF Memorial Service at Malta
	• Ceremony at the German Military Cemetery, Langemarck, Belgium.
	• D-Day Commemorations at Caen, Normandy, France.
	• Normandy Veterans Association / D-Day Parade at Arromanches, Normandy, France
	• Normandy Veterans Association / Royal British Legion Parade at Beyeux, Normandy, France.
	• Normandy veterans Association / National event Cenotalph Whitehall London
	• National Police Memorial Commemorations (Local) Police Federation National office, Leatherhead, Surrey
	• Armistice Day / Poppy Parade, Ieper, Belgium.

	The vast majority of these events are attended by various official bodies. For example, members of the various relevant Royal Households, or Presidential Office; High Ranking Military, Police, Civil officials, Local Dignitaries, National and International press.

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