It was a leap into an unknown wilderness, but as he prepares to pass the mantle to the incoming aide-de-camp next month, Capt. Edward Lamb has few regrets and a host of rewarding memories.

Looking back on his time spent as the Governor Lord Waddington's right-hand-man, perhaps the recollection that stands out most is the successful Royal Visit in March.

"Meeting Her Majesty was the pinnacle,'' he said, "the outcome of several months of meticulous planning and preparation.

"Everything ran smoothly from start to finish and I remember crashing into a massive heap at the end of it all.

"A close second, came the visits to the Island's schools. His Excellency toured all the primary, secondary and pre-schools both public and private.

"That was a highlight because I met so many fantastic children.'' Although it occupied much media attention, Capt. Lamb said the controversy surrounding the alleged unfair dismissal of former Government House butler Mr.

Andre Nesbitt, was not a low point.

However, he explained there were several difficult decisions he had to make regarding other staff members during his first year on the job.

"I received no support and was left standing alone after I had made the choice I deemed to be the correct one.

"I felt very alone.'' An unyielding passion for a new and fresh challenge initially propelled Capt.

Lamb to apply for the job as the Governor's aide-de-camp.

But a devout confidence in his ability to maintain a calm head under pressure, and a healthy dose of intestinal fortitude, made his two-year tenure memorable and personally rewarding.

Had he made a different decision in 1988, however, the opportunity to serve his country in this capacity would have been lost.

The idea of becoming the Governor's aide-de-camp was not among his healthy list of priorities when he joined the Bermuda Regiment as a recruit in 1980.

Instead he climbed steadily through the non-commissioned ranks becoming a Warrant Officer (second class) in 1986 when he was only 25.

"That was unheard of,'' he recalled. "But I simply couldn't see myself as a Sergeant Major for the rest of my career, and I didn't want to give up my civilian job if the opportunity to become Regimental Sergeant Major presented itself.

"Being a Sergeant Major instilled mental toughness in me, but more importantly, it underscored the importance of attending to the welfare of the soldiers in my charge.'' Meanwhile, Capt. Lamb decided a move to the Officers' mess was required since it presented the only vehicle for further upward mobility.

After receiving a commission and subsequent promotion to Lieutenant in 1989, the misty dream of applying for the aide-de-camp's job came into sharper focus.

In 1992, he joined an elite realm of Bermudians to have held the position since Major Alvin Daniels became the first aide-de-camp in 1973.

"The critics will ultimately judge,'' he said. "But I'd like to think I have upheld the dignity, integrity and tradition of this position.

"I'd like to think I played an important part in increasing the visibility of the aide-de-camp and I would like to be remembered as a personable, affable individual who went out of his way to serve his country with pride.'' MOVING ON -- Capt. Edward Lamb bids farewell to Government House as his tenure as Lord Waddington's aide-de-camp ends on December 1.