Birmingham Commonwealth Games: Southampton soldier raises flags at ceremonies

Corporal James Langdon is part of a squad of ceremonial flag raisers that will attend around 300 medal ceremonies during the games.

He will be raising the flags of the gold, silver and bronze medal-winning athletes' countries at the Sandwell Aquatics Centre. 

The centre is hosting swimming, para-swimming and diving events.

The 28-year-old said: "I volunteered because I thought it would be a good experience.

"Opportunities like this don’t come along very often." 

A keen sportsman himself, James is a member of the RLC golf and ice hockey teams.

He said: “I play numerous sports.

"I started playing ice hockey whilst on a two-year posting in BATUS (British Army Training Unit Suffield) Canada and I’ve recently started playing again.”

James, alongside 67 Army personnel, 36 members of the Royal Air Force and 35 from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, trained for this prestigious honour at Nesscliffe training camp in the West Midlands.

The group completed refresher training in basic drills and the art of ceremonial flag-raising.

The Army School of Ceremonial conducted the training, ensuring that the group's look and demeanour are of the highest quality when they march out in front of a global audience.

Colour Sergeant Lee Blackstock was part of the All-Arms Drill Wing team that gave training and led drill rehearsals for His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral.

He said: “There is an enormous sense of pride amongst the personnel taking part. I’m happy they are all at the required standard and I will be watching them with pride when they are on TV.”

The Birmingham games started last month on Thursday, July 28 and will be ending on Monday, August 8. 

For more information, visit: birmingham2022.com