Operation TAY BRIDGE

International Information

International Operation Name: Operation TAY BRIDGE

International Mission Name: Operation TAY BRIDGE

Mandating Organization: British Royal Family / Government of the United Kingdom

Region Name: Europe

Location: England

Mission Date: 31 March 2002 - 10 April 2002

Mission Mandate: The Canadian government will provide both military and civilian representatives to represent Canada at the funeral of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

Mission Notes: At the time of her death on 30 March 2002, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, was Colonel-in-Chief of The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, The Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother’s Own), and The Canadian Forces Medical Services. Plans for her funeral, which had been in preparation for years, expressed her desire that her Canadian Regiments and Services be represented at the official funeral ceremonies. Under Operation TAY BRIDGE, four members from each of the Black Watch, Toronto Scottish, and CFMS deployed to England on 3 April 2002 and were barracked at RAF Uxbridge. They participated in the funeral procession from St. James Palace to Westminster Abby on 5 April, and that from the Abbey to Windsor Castle on 9 April following her lying in state. Representatives of the Toronto Scottish joined those of their allied regiment, The London Scottish, to lay a wreath at Clarence House, The Queen Mother’s London residence. Operation TAY BRIDGE was concluded following the final interment ceremonies on 10 April 2002. All CF personnel redeployed to Canada on 11 April 2002.