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THE KING’S ROYAL HUSSARS

REGIMENTAL JOURNAL 2008

1

AffiliationThe Royal Gurkha Rifles

Bond of FriendshipHMS Dauntless

Territorial Army AffiliationsA (RWY) Squadron, The Royal Yeomanry

B (RWY) Squadron, The Royal Wessex Yeomanry

C (RGH) Squadron, The Royal Wessex Yeomanry

D (DLOY) Squadron, The Royal Mercian & Lancastrian Yeomanry

Alliances1st Hussars - Canada

10th Light Horse - Australia

2/14th Light Horse Queensland Mounted Infantry - Australia

Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles - New Zealand

The Guides Cavalry (Frontier Force) - Pakistan

The King’s Royal HussarsRegimental Journal

Tidworth

The Regimental Journal of The King’s Royal Hussars2

The King’s Royal Hussars Journal

CONTENTS

Volume 15 2008 Tidworth

© Crown Copyright: This publication contains official information. It should be treated with discretion by the recipient. The opinions expressed in the articles in this journal are those of the author anddo not necessarily reflect the policy and views official or otherwise, of the Regiment or the Ministry of Defence. No responsibility for the goods or services advertised in this journal can be accepted bythe Regiment, publishers or printers and advertisements are included in good faith.

Published by Crest Publications, 20 Moulton Park Office Village, Scirocco Close, Northampton NN3 6AP. Tel: 01604 495495. Fax: 01604 495465. email: [email protected]

Editor: Major RJ Cullinan Assistant Editor: Captain NGH Bourke

Regimental SportAlpine Skiing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71Football . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73Polo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74Sailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76Hockey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77Ex CRIMSON CRESTA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78World Duathlon Championships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Regimental Adventurous TrainingEx CRIMSON ENDURO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80LAD Adventurous Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

ERE A Hawk in Sierra Leone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82A Hawk in Glasgow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84A Hawk with the Light Dragoons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84A Hawk in the ARRC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85A Hawk in Basra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86 Un Falco in Italia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86A Hawk with 2RTR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87Hawks on Trial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88A Hawk in Cyberspace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89A Hawk in Harrogate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90A Hawk in Cyprus with the UN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90

Affiliations and AlliancesThe Royal Gurkha Rifles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93HMS Dauntless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94The Royal Wessex Yeomanry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94D (DLOY) Squadron The Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry . . . . . . . . 951st Hussars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 962nd/14th Light Horse Regiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98

The Regimental Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Valetes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104Lest We Forget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113The King’s Royal Hussars 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114Births and Marriages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Foreword by HRH The Princess Royal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Foreword by the Commanding Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Diary of Major Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Regimental Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Honours and Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Regimental Medal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14C Squadron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15A Squadron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21B Squadron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24D Squadron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29HQ Squadron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Quartermaster’s Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34Quartermaster Technical’s Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35Close Recce Troop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Command Troop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Motor Transport Troop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39Training Wing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Regimental Provost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Welfare Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Light Aid Detachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43AGC Detachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Regimental Aid Post . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Catering Troop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Gymnasium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47Regimental Chaplain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Battle Group Headquarters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

The Officers’ Mess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51The Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55The Corporals’ Mess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56The Wives’ Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Colonel-in-Chief visit to Regiment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59Regimental Reunion Weekend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60Ex NORTHERN HAWK - South Ribble and Preston Freedom Parades . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Professional Development The Flashman Lectures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65Ex CASSINO ACE –

12 Mech Bde Battlefield Tour to Monte Cassino . . . . . . . 65A Soldier’s Perspective . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67Ypres and the 10th Royal Hussars (PWO) . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Life as a 14th King’s Hussar from 1863 to 1888 . . . . . . . . 69The Battle of Constantine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

The Regimental Journal of The King’s Royal Hussars 3

Foreword By The Colonel-in-ChiefHRH The Princess Royal

As your Colonel-in-Chief I was delighted to visit the Regiment in 2008and hear of all that has been going on during another busy year. Through BSquadron’s tour to Afghanistan, the Regimental training year in Canada and theUnited Kingdom, and Freedom Parades in Preston and Leyland, you haveshown great professionalism, spirit and commitment. I congratulate you on allthat you have achieved and the loyalty you have shown to the wider Regimentalfamily. I also warmly thank your families for the support they have given you.


I took command of the Regi-ment on Wednesday 13th Feb-ruary 2008, the proudest day ofmy military career and one towhich I have been looking for-ward since my selection forcommand of The King’s RoyalHussars in October 2006. Twodays later, I was in Afghanistanwith B Squadron, meeting sol-diers who were coming to theend of a highly successful anddemanding tour, as part of OpHERRICK 7. Through con-summate professionalism andsound judgement, B Squadronhad become very much the

‘weapon of choice’ for Commander 52 Brigade and I noted duringmy visit that morale was extremely high. Following my departure,the Squadron was in the thick of the action once more. Fortu-nately, however, no soldiers were lost and B Squadron returned toa heroes’ welcome on 19th March.

I will not cover the honours and awards from Op TELIC 10 andOp HERRICK 7 in my foreword as they are explained in detailelsewhere in the Journal; suffice it to say that the bravery and self-lessness of our soldiers have been recognised. However, as youwill note from the citations, let me also say, without denigratingpast achievements, that the bar has been raised. In the days whenour only commitment as an army was Northern Ireland, acts ofcourage stood out. Now, when we are heavily committed in 2 sep-arate operational theatres, soldiers are doing amazingly bravethings every day. Being Mentioned in Dispatches, or gaining aJoint Commander’s Commendation are phenomenal achievementsand should be recognised as such.

2008 was another training year, in preparation for deployment toIraq on Op TELIC 14, in May 2009. The challenge was consider-able; A Squadron and C Squadron trained independently as partof 3 YORKS Battle Group (BG) and 1 R ANGLIAN BG, respec-tively. Whilst A Squadron remained on tanks, C Squadron con-verted to the WARRIOR Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) at shortnotice and took on a distinctly tired WARRIOR fleet. B and DSquadrons formed the core of KRH BG. For B Squadron, thismeant returning to work from post tour leave mid-May, conduct-ing a short Challenger 2 re-familiarisation course and joining thecompressed training progression. Despite the considerable de-mands and lack of time imposed by the programme, all of thesquadrons delivered impressive results. Indeed, it is a tribute tothe resilience of our soldiers that the KRH BG achieved a per-formance peak higher than any other during Ex MEDMAN 4.Following Ex MEDMAN 4, the Regiment took on the task ofOPFOR (opposing force or enemy, to the uninitiated) for ExMEDMAN 5. Indeed, the last flight recovering KRH soldiersfrom Canada did not land until 19th November, at which pointthe majority of us were caught in the maelstrom of preparation forthe Combined Inspections Week – a period during which all of theRegiment’s logistic processes were put under the microscope.Sadly, our time in Canada was marred by the tragic, accidentaldeath of Tpr Stewart McAllister. At the request of his parents,Tpr McAllister was given a military funeral. Our thoughts con-tinue to be with his family.

Despite the rigours imposed by the training programme, we, theserving Regiment, were able to host a Regimental Reunion Week-end, between 20th and 22nd June. The event started on Fridaynight with drinks in the different Messes, continued on Saturdaywith a series of stands on the parade square, a military display andan All Ranks Party, and culminated in a Regimental church serv-ice, prior to Sunday lunch, again, back in the various Messes. Iknow from your kind letters that those of you who were able to at-tend thoroughly enjoyed yourselves.

It should also be noted that we were not idle following our returnfrom Canada. Much of the Regiment went north for Ex NORTH-ERN HAWK between the 1st and 3rd of December, during whichwe paraded the freedom of Preston and South Ribble, whilst theRegimental Football Team played a series of matches. Great fun,but next time, I will try to march in the summer!

Let me conclude by pointing out that despite the hectic nature ofRegimental life, and probably because we have not forgotten howto have fun, we are now fully manned. This is certainly not trueof the wider Army, or indeed the rest of the Royal ArmouredCorps, and the Regiment should be justifiably proud of this con-siderable achievement.

Foreword

By The Commanding Officer

CO handover takeover.

Lt Col Giles Harrison,The Commanding Officer.


January21 – 29 Feb Back to Role Training

February25 – 29 Ex CASSINO ACE

March3 KRH BG Study Day4 – 25 Apr C Sqn WR Conversion10 – 14 A & D Sqn CATT10 – 14 Hodson’s Horse Competition10 – 21 Recce Tp Skills Cadre19 B Sqn Return from Op HERRICK 720 B Sqn Op HERRICK Medal Parade17 – 21 Ex MUDDY HAWK 122 – 4 Apr Ex CRIMSON IBEX24 – 4 Apr Easter Leave

April4 – 12 May B Sqn POTL7 – 18 BGHQ Work Up Training22 – 23 Mini CAST

May2 – 31 C, A, D & HQ Sqn Annual Firing Period, CMR

June2 – 6 Regimental MATTs Week2 – 6 B Sqn CATT2 – 6 A Sqn 3 YORKS CAST9 – 13 Ex MUDDY HAWK 29 – 13 Ex ECHELON HAWK 9 – 13 A Sqn 3 YORKS CATT18 Visit of Colonel-in-Chief20 – 22 Regimental Reunion Weekend23 – 14 July A & C Sqns Summer Leave Period24 KRH BG Study Day

July5 Officers’ Mess Summer Ball7 – 9 MWCap Study Period

8 – 11 Recce Tp CATT11 – 25 B Sqn Annual Firing Period, CMR12 – 13 Rundle Cup14 – 18 KRH BG CAST14 – 29 Aug C Sqn OPFOR MM321 – 25 Ex CRIMSON ENDURO25 – 31 Aug A Sqn MM3 3 YORKS28 – 1 Aug KRH BG CATT

August4 – 25 Summer Leave 28 – 3 Oct KRH BG Ex MM4

September1 – 5 C Sqn, CATT8 – 11 C Sqn, 1RANG BG CAST15 – 18 C Sqn, 1RANG BG CATT29 – 3 Sep C Sqn, 1 RANG BG FTX

October4 – 31 KRH BG, OPFOR Ex MM56 – 17 C Sqn, 1 RANG BG Ex DRUID’S DANCE 25 Balaclava

November8 – 9 Northern Reunion17 – 21 Combined Inspections Week22 Ramnuggur 24 – 27 12 Bde Sports Week28 – 4 Dec Ex NORTHERN HAWK

December1 Op TELIC 14 PDT Starts11 Regimental March & Shoot Competition11 Bengough Trophy11 All Ranks’ Dance13 Officers’ Mess Christmas Ladies’ Dinner Night16 Soldiers’ Christmas Lunch16 WOs and Sgts to Officers’ Mess Christmas Drinks18 Regimental Carol Service19 – 11 Jan Christmas Leave

Diary of Major Events 2008

Lt Col Nick Orr being pulled out of Aliwal Barracks on a Challenger 2.


2008 has been another hectic year forThe King’s Royal Hussars (KRH)

that saw the majority of the Regimentreturn from Op TELIC 10 post tourleave in January, whilst B Squadronwas still on Op HERRICK 7 untilMarch. The KRH have conducted acomplete training year in 5 months,culminating in a very successfulBATUS and receiving a ‘Robust CT4’from BATUS; no mean feat given thevery compressed timelines and skillfade that we have experienced since wewere last on Challenger 2 (CR2) in

2006. A Squadron supported 3 YORKS and C Squadron sup-ported 1 RANGLIAN throughout the year. Both squadrons havereceived high praise from the respective Commanding Officers.The KRH have also provided elements of OPFOR (OpposingForce) for Ex MEDMAN 3 and commanded OPFOR for ExMEDMAN 5, prior to starting pre-deployment training for OpTELIC 14 on the 1st December. The KRH Battle Group (BG) wassuperbly supported by ‘Corunna’ Company, 3 YORKS, com-manded by Maj Zac Stenning, 127 Battery, 19 Regt RA, com-manded by Maj Richard Wallwork, and 8 Armoured EngineerSquadron, 26 Engr Regt, commanded by Maj Richard Brown. All3 were key members of the BG from the outset and their hard workand efforts were very much appreciated.

February saw the handover of the new Commanding Officer (CO),Lt Col Giles Harrison took over from Lt Col Nick Orr. We hit theground running with the new CO making his direction very clear‘to be the best BG in the Brigade (Bde)’. The pace of life increasedand Op TELIC 10 suddenly seemed a dim and distant event as wegeared up for what was going to be a very busy and compressedtraining year, especially for B Squadron who did not start train-ing until May in preparation for an August deployment to BATUS.The pace of life was such that the training organisations, Com-bined Arms Staff Trainer (CAST) and Combined Arms TacticalTrainer (CATT), were surprised at the amount that we wanted toachieve within the time given. Both training events were ideal op-portunities to push the BG HQ planning teams to the limit whichstood us in good stead to produce coherent BG plans in BATUSwith limited time available and under pressure.

Getting back to our ‘core skills’ as tank soldiers was a key aim forthe year and to re-affirm ourselves as masters in the art of MountedClose Combat in the war fighting environment. All the squadronstook this on board and used the time available to conduct maxi-mum training. Every opportunity to ‘get out of the back gate’ was

Regimental Notes

Maj Mike Rayner, The 2iC.

Annual Troop Tests at Castlemartin Ranges.

Brig Cullen (12 Mech Bde Comd) firing ACT at Castlemartin.

utilised with some very novel exercises taking place in the earlierpart of the year. The main training event for the Regiment was amonth long firing period at Castlemartin Ranges. The Regimentexceeded itself with a first time pass rate on Annual Crew Tests of94% and a 100% first time pass rate on Annual Troop Tests. Wealso managed to qualify the Brigade Commander, Brigadier DavidCullen, as a CR2 commander, who, in turn, took a keen interest inthe role and life of an armoured soldier. Brigadier Cullen is a wellknown face about the Regiment and he has been impressed by theOfficers’ and the Soldiers’ cavalry flair and attitude to work andlife. B Squadron exceeded all expectations during their gunneryperiod having had only a month to prepare and then achieving a100% first time pass rate at both Annual Crew and Troop Tests.

Challenger 2 on Salisbury Plain.

C/S 32 Ready to go in BATUS. C/S 0C Scanning his arcs.


The month of June saw a very welcome visit by the Colonel-in-Chief with some very entertaining presentations and tank parkdiscussions from the squadrons. Immediately after the visit weprepared for the Regimental Reunion Weekend, with the messesbeing open on Friday night, a fun packed day on Saturday prior tothe Regimental Party held on the tank park, and a Church Paradeand Service on Sunday.

BATUS was the major training event for the year and saw the Reg-iment supporting Exercises MEDMAN 3, 4, and 5. A Squadronsupported 3 YORKS BG while C Squadron provided an elementof the OPFOR. The KRH BG then deployed on Ex MEDMAN 4and commanded OPFOR for Ex MEDMAN 5. In addition to thiswe also provided 24 officers, SNCOs and soldiers to BATUS asTemporary Staff. This saw some of our soldiers away for over 4months in what was meant to have been a relatively ‘easy’ year.

Fire to such an effect that the OPFOR Commanding Officer statedthat he didn’t know what had hit him!

On return from BATUS the Regimental focus shifted from oper-ations to logistics with the Combined Inspections Week. This isthe formal inspection and auditing process of the Regiment thatused to take place during various stages throughout the year, buthas now been merged into 1 week. Preparation was conductedthroughout the year to ensure that our daily working practiseswere in line with direction from HQ LAND. The week was very

HRH with WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess.

At the end of Ex MEDMAN 4 the KRH BG was given the acco-lade of the ‘Best BG’ seen by BATUS in the last 2 years. Profes-sional, high standards were maintained throughout. The BGproduced outstanding equipment husbandry that matched the tac-tical achievements, with the BATUS tank fleet being looked afterin a manner that BATUS had not seen for a long time. Bothsquadrons had at least 12 tanks available on the start line eachmorning, which is a huge credit to the crews and the Light AidDetachment (LAD), who provided an outstanding service to theBG. The final attack saw BG synchronise Air, Arty and Direct

A Sqn Tprs catching a moments rest on the prairie.


successful, with the inspection teams being viewed as ’friendlyforces’, allowing ourselves to be educated, thereby improving ourdaily management processes. All the inspection teams were im-pressed by what they saw, with all of them taking away best prac-tice to pass onto the rest of the Army. Both the Quartermaster(QM) and the Quartermaster Technical (QMT) have since beeninundated with phone calls from other regiments and battalionsseeking advice and help.

In December the Regiment exercised its Freedom Rights in Ley-land and Preston. Both parades were well supported and we werewell hosted by the respective councils. The marching passed offwithout a hitch, and even the snow and ice did not dampen the spir-its of the school children and crowds who came out to support us onboth days. A big thank you went to the Heavy Cavalry and CambraiBand for the part they played to ensure the success of the parades.The Regiment also sent up a recruiting team for the duration, witha couple of Scimitars and a CR2 to drum up interest in the Regi-ment. In addition to this the regimental football team conducted atour of the North West to raise money for Help for Heroes.

The final 2 weeks of the year saw the completion of the Troop TestCompetition for the Bengough Trophy, which was won by 2ndTroop D Squadron. The Troop Tests Competition was runthroughout the year and designed in a manner that allowed thechain of command to identify where improvements could be madeat Troop level. Troop Leaders, therefore, had to concentrate onG1, G3 and G4 issues, understanding their soldiers, equipmentand operations throughout the year. The Regiment ran a March& Shoot Competition over a 10km course followed by a 60 roundshoot. The competition included stands on Regimental history,equipment inspection and battlefield first aid. Once the presen-tations had been made, the evening moved on to an all ranks’ party,courtesy of the Commanding Officer’s and Servicing Soldiers’Welfare Funds - an excellent way to end the year.

2009 will see the Regiment prepare for operations in Iraq, althoughat the time of writing the exact nature of the deployment is still un-known. This will be the 5th operational tour for the Regiment in6 years.

MR

KRH present cheque to Help for Heroes for money raised during 2008.


Major N Perry OC M Squadron, Special Boat ServiceAfghanistan

Maj Perry was appointed to theDistinguished Service Order(DSO) whilst commanding MSquadron, the Special Boat Serviceon operations in Afghanistan dur-ing Op HERRICK 7. The DSO isawarded for distinguished com-mand and leadership during activeoperations against the enemy.

(Distinguished Service Order)

direct hit from a rocket propelled grenade, and with his own ve-hicle sustaining small arms fire, Cpl Street continued to push for-ward, in spite of the Foden having no front wheel and towing a 23tonne Mastiff. For the next hour he struggled to control his vehi-cle with one hand on the wheel whilst attempting to engage theenemy with his pistol out of the window. Throughout he gave en-couragement and clear fire orders to his other 2 crew memberswho were engaging the enemy with machine guns from within theFoden cab.

Dismounting to recover the stricken Mastiff was courageous in theface of the enemy. His decision to continue to drive a partially dis-abled vehicle with no serious ballistic or mine blast protectionthrough 2 enemy ambushes kept the route free for the Squadron,maintained tempo at a critical time and undoubtedly preventedsignificant casualties from being taken. His leadership of theFoden crew whilst under sustained attack, his personal courage indismounting and completing recovery under fire and his skill incontrolling a crippled vehicle deserve formal and lasting recogni-tion. He was an example to all around him, particularly so, giventhe paucity of protection he enjoyed and the vicious nature of acontact that saw an armoured Squadron post over 20 grenades andleft over 20 enemy dead. He was a credit to his Squadron andCorps and his was a conspicuous display of gallantry.

(Military Cross)

Major C S MacGregorD Squadron LeaderBasra, Iraq

Maj MacGregor, commanding DSquadron The King’s Royal Hus-sars, was involved in all of 2 RoyalWelsh Battle Group’s (BG) mostdangerous missions. This in-cludes its first mission, when hissquadron cleared a 1½ km routeinto Basra City and held it openfor the next 4 hours, all the whileunder attack from a total of 14 Im-provised Explosive Devices(IEDs), sporadic mortar fire andconstant small arms and rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attacks.Two other missions deserve special

mention, as both were essential in giving the Commander the flex-ibility to prosecute the campaign on his terms.

On 21st June 2007, Maj MacGregor led a re-supply convoy of over50 wheeled and tracked vehicles from 5 different units, from Basrato the desert forward operating base of the Maysaan BG over200km away. En-route they repeatedly came under fire from smallarms and RPGs and were hit by 5 IEDs, sustaining damage to ve-hicles and minor casualties. When a helicopter was despatched toassist, it was shot at by a surface to air missile and had to return tobase, leaving the convoy alone once more. As a result, the convoytook 29 hours, without respite, to reach its destination. Through-out, Maj MacGregor led firmly, courageously and displayed im-mense initiative and commonsense. Even when finally in theforward operating base there was no let up; the convoy was re-

Honours and Awards

Operational Honours and Awards

Corporal Street REMEFoden Recovery Vehicle Commander, B SquadronAfghanistan

On 24th January, Cpl Street wascommanding a Foden RecoveryVehicle in support of B Squadronthe King’s Royal Hussars, whichwas conducting framework patrolsto the south of Musa Qal’eh. TheSquadron had been tasked to cleara reported enemy VCP with scantintelligence on enemy numbers ordispositions. At 1100 hrs theSquadron was advancing northalong the Gereshk to Musa Qal’ehroad, a single track that offered nopossibility of manoeuvre; shopsand compounds restricted visibil-ity and arcs to a matter of metres.

As the lead elements of the Squadron entered the village of Regay,the enemy attacked with rocket propelled grenades and smallarms. Returning fire at close quarters the Squadron attempted topush north and clear the road.

Making slow progress in the face of heavy enemy resistance, theSquadron Leader’s Mastiff armoured vehicle suffered steering fail-ure and was immobilized. Cpl Street moved forward in his Fodenrecovery vehicle in spite of having virtually no ballistic protectionagainst blast or small arms attack. Whilst under accurate and sus-tained enemy fire, he dismounted and, along with the crew of thestricken Mastiff, hooked up to recover the vehicle. With theSquadron Leader now commanding the lead vehicle in the convoy,the order was given to push north and fight through the ambush.Having cleared through the enemy position, some 2km later, theSquadron discovered that the road was blocked by a bridge thatwould not sustain the weight of Mastiff. The decision was as in-evitable as it was unpalatable - to recover through the ambush.

On the return route, the enemy had prepared 2 further ambushes.During the first, Cpl Street’s front left wheel was destroyed byenemy small arms fire. With the vehicle to his front sustaining a


peatedly mortared, damaging further vehicles and delaying theirdeparture, and all of this in temperatures of over 50 degrees centi-grade. Maj MacGregor then had to rally his scared and exhaustedtroops and lead them south, back through the same terrain theyhad driven the day before, in the certain knowledge that theywould be attacked again. It took D Squadron a further 16 hours toreturn south and in that time they were hit by IEDs and frequentlyshot at, on one occasion disabling 2 logistic vehicles which had tobe recovered from the ambush site, again whilst under fire. Theendurance of the convoy was significant alone, but to conduct thewhole thing under enemy fire and to lead his disparate group ofmen and vehicles successfully, despite sustaining several casual-ties, was superb.

On 16th July 2007 Maj MacGregor was tasked with escorting theBrigade Commander into Basra for a key meeting. The intensityof enemy action during the 7 hour patrol was truly remarkable.On the way to the meeting, D Squadron was hit by 5 IEDs andseveral RPGs, many of which damaged vehicles. Having droppedoff the Commander, they patrolled the local area to protect him.For over 2 hours they were shot at, hit by rockets and blown up.Several vehicles were penetrated and required recovery under fire.There was a constant threat from a sniper who had previouslykilled soldiers in that area. The soldiers returned accurate fire andhit over 10 enemy gunmen. Maj MacGregor constantly motivatedand inspired his troops so that at no stage did they flag. He per-sonally led several patrols and supervised the recovery of vehicles.He then roused his frightened and battle-weary soldiers for theroute back. As expected, they were attacked again, taking morehits and sustaining several casualties.

Space does not allow me to list all the incidents of Maj MacGre-gor’s consistently superb leadership, often acting as an independ-ent sub-unit. These 3 patrols serve merely as examples of themany occasions where he has displayed amazing tenacity, courageand leadership, in the harshest of conditions and often under sus-tained fire, for which he deserves official recognition.

(Mention in Dispatches)

A/Captain J CadburySecond-in-Command, B Squadron Afghanistan

Capt Cadbury was Second in Com-mand of B Squadron, The King’sRoyal Hussars, during Op HER-RICK 7 in Afghanistan. He hasrepeatedly demonstrated the mostoutstanding leadership and ex-traordinary courage under fire. Heis an acting Captain.

On 24th September 2008 BSquadron was deployed north ofForward Operating Base (FOB)INKERMAN in support of CCompany, 1st Battalion the RoyalAnglians. With the Company in

heavy contact in the Green Zone, B Squadron Leader pushed ontoRoute 611 and advanced to provide intimate support; he wasquickly engaged at short range from multiple firing points. See-ing his Squadron Leader under heavy fire with little room to ma-noeuvre, Capt Cadbury drove his own Mastiff armoured vehicleonto a forward slope overlooking the enemy. Personally manningthe General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and giving fire orders

to his gunner manning the Grenade Machine Gun (GMG), he re-mained in this position for the next 45 minutes, receiving sus-tained and accurate fire from enemy Rocket Propelled Grenades(RPGs) and machine guns. Fully aware that he should have al-tered fire positions, he declined to, knowing that his action woulddraw fire away from the infantry and allow his Squadron Leaderto close with and destroy 2 of the enemy firing positions, there-fore securing the Company’s flank.

Three days later, when FOB INKERMAN was attacked by anenemy 107 mm rocket, Capt Cadbury was first on the scene tocommand the extraction of 5 casualties. Despite these losses, hisfirm leadership was a critical factor in there being no reduction inthe moral component of the Squadron’s fighting power then andafterwards. On the 10th November Capt Cadbury planned and ex-ecuted an audacious raid across the Garmsir canal. Leading fromthe front, and accepting the fact that he was pushing Mastiff overdifficult and uncharted terrain towards an enemy whose strengthsand dispositions were unknown, he advanced into the heart of anenemy defended location, destroying one machine gun post beforecontinuing to push the half squadron further. As a result of hisactions the potential to unlock Garmsir’s Eastern Forward Lineof Enemy Troops (FLET) was demonstrated.

During Op MAR KARADAD (the recapture of Musa Qal’eh) hecommanded B Squadron Group during the vital phase, in the ab-sence of the Squadron Leader. The grouping included 18 Mastiff,the Guards Recce Force, a Close Combat Troop of 40 Commando,guns, engineers and mortars – no mean feat for an acting Captain.With sparse intelligence, taut timelines but plenty of time to think,he prosecuted continuous operations against the enemy. He ledthe block across the Musa Qal’eh wadi to distract attention fromthe town itself and remained in contact for 4 days. Subsequently,he led a strike on the enemy stronghold of Kariz de Baba, person-ally guiding the Battle Group through mined territory at night,before establishing a foolproof flank guard, destroying the enemyobservation post and defeating their counter attack, thereby al-lowing Right Flank Scots Guards to reach their objectives. Hisactions that day drove the enemy out of Musa Qal’eh District.

Capt Cadbury deserves significant formal and lasting recognitionfor his courage when commanding under fire. His command,leadership and example have been quite exceptional, particularlygiven his rank and experience.

(Mention in Dispatches)

Staff Sergeant TaylorTroop Leader, B SquadronAfghanistan

SSgt Taylor has been employed asa Troop Leader with B SquadronThe King’s Royal Hussars, com-manding a Mastiff armoured vehi-cle troop. Throughout OpHERRICK 7, SSgt Taylor’s troophas been responsible for un-earthing an unprecedented num-ber of Improvised ExplosiveDevices (IEDs).

SSgt Taylor’s commitment andcontribution to countering thisthreat has been far more thanstrong leadership. He leads fromthe front. He has never delegated


the decision making for carrying out Vulnerable Point (VP) clear-ance drills. A combination of being systematic in his IntelligencePreparation of the Battlefield (IPB), understanding the enemy’stactical mindset, and developing a very strong sixth sense has seenhim develop an incredible ability to defeat the IED threat. He hasalso contributed to the development of counter IED drills, therebyhelping others.

The results have been exceptional. His first find on 16th Octoberin the Sangin Wadi was extremely significant, with his troop re-covering a complex IED consisting of 8 mortar rounds attachedto a pressure plate. 12 days later, in the same area whilst movingfrom Camp Bastion to Forward Operating Base (FOB) INKER-MAN, he unearthed another complex pressure plate IED, this timecontaining 4 mortar rounds. During Op MAR KARARDAD hediscovered a further 2 devices, one whilst escorting a Royal Engi-neer Search Team and one whilst securing the area of a Coalitionlegacy mine strike.

SSgt Taylor’s troop has, by no means, been the only troop to havesuccess in this field, but what makes him stand out is the mannerin which he has taken direct personal responsibility for the train-ing of his troop and the execution of the drill. Furthermore, he hasbeen extremely proactive at documenting his techniques throughthe Lessons Learnt process and offering training and advice toothers in the Task Force. The results speak for themselves, and asa direct result he has prevented both potential injury to his per-sonnel and certain and significant damage to the Mastiff fleet. Hedeserves formal and lasting recognition.

(Joint Commander’s Commendation)

Sergeant Lloyd Troop Sergeant, B SquadronAfghanistan

Sgt Lloyd of B Squadron, TheKing’s Royal Hussars, was em-ployed as a Mastiff Troop Sergeantduring Op HERRICK 7, where hewas responsible for identifyingand confirming an unprecedentednumber of Improvised ExplosiveDevices (IEDs).

Sgt Lloyd demonstrated consider-able leadership, skill and personalcourage in consistently deployingonto the ground to conduct Vul-nerable Point (VP) clearancedrills. The conduct of this drillhas particular connotations forMastiff crews: with no integral

dismounts, the crews had to adapt a four man drill to be conductedby just two men, with no cover men. Sgt Lloyd stands out fornever delegating this risk, but dismounting on every occasion tolead young Troopers.

The results were exceptional. During his first find on 16th Octo-ber 2008 in the Sangin Wadi, when EOD was not immediatelyavailable, he unearthed a pressure plate, 8 mortar rounds, a bat-tery pack and the connected wiring, using a paint brush; thecourage displayed was outstanding. 12 days later, whilst en routefrom Camp BASTION to Forward Operating Base (FOB)INKERMAN, he confirmed the presence of another complex IED,this time containing 4 mortar rounds. During another operation,he discovered a further 2 devices, one whilst escorting a Royal En-gineer Search Team and one whilst securing the area of a Coali-tion legacy mine strike.

Sgt Lloyd is not the only individual to have had success with OpBARMA, but what makes him stand out has been his steadfast

leadership, personal courage and systematic approach, all of whichhave delivered significant results, which merit recognition.


Corporal Harris REMEWarrior 512 Commander, D SquadronBasra, Iraq

With only limited experience onthe REME variant of the Warrior(WR) Armoured Fighting Vehicle,Cpl Harris deployed to Iraq withinthe Fitter Section of D Squadron,The King’s Royal Hussars. CplHarris made every effort to learnas much as she could about theother versions of the vehicle, theirrepair and recovery and how to doso when under fire.

On every deployment Cpl Harrisdemonstrated selfless commit-ment, discipline and courage.

Often under Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) and small arms fire,in a vehicle without the protection afforded to the infantry Warriorvariant, Cpl Harris played a key role in ensuring the safety of ve-hicles and crews working around her and the swift evacuation orrepair of stricken vehicles. One such example was as follows:

In early July 2007, Cpl Harris deployed as the WR 512 variant ve-hicle commander in support of D Squadron as they escorted the 1(Mechanised) Brigade Commander into Basra City. Only 5 milesfrom the Contingency Operating Base (COB) the convoy was at-tacked. The Mastiff vehicle in which the Brigade Commander wassitting was disabled by a powerful roadside bomb or ImprovisedExplosive Device (IED). Cpl Harris was first on the scene, andafter an initial recce of the incident area, she noticed that theBrigade Commander’s vehicle had been hit in the under-belly.With the constant threat of further IED attack she dismountedfrom her WR whilst under enemy small arms fire and attemptedto affect a recovery of the vehicle. Initially, this proved unsuc-cessful. On closer inspection, and still under fire, she realised thatthe IED had also damaged the front of the vehicle and, therefore,its ability to steer correctly. She commanded a hasty, limited re-covery and moved the vehicle into a safe area out of the line of fire.Calmly, Cpl Harris then called for a Foden Recovery Vehicle toallow the disabled Mastiff, with the Brigade staff, to be recoveredback to the COB. With the help of Cpl Harris’s quick thinkingand actions, no casualties were sustained and all vehicles were re-covered safely.

On many other critical occasions Cpl Harris provided sound me-chanical recovery advice in extreme circumstances. Cpl Harrismust be commended on her constant professionalism, courageunder fire, agility of mind and ability to command in combat.


On 24th January 2008, LCpl Mossop, a Mastiff gunner, was de-ployed on a framework patrol with B Squadron, The King’s RoyalHussars, to the south of Musa Qal’eh. The Squadron, tasked withfinding and neutralising an illegal Taliban vehicle check point,was clearing the Gereshk – Musa Qal’eh road in a northerly di-rection.

At 1100hrs the Squadron moved into the village of Regay. As thelead elements of the Squadron moved through the village theenemy opened fire with small arms and Rocket PropelledGrenades (RPG). The Squadron returned fire and pushed northto continue clearing the enemy resistance. The enemy, numberingover 50 and operating at extremely close ranges, continued to trackand attack the Squadron for the next 2 hours. 3km further downthe road, the lead elements of the convoy discovered that the roadwas effectively blocked to the north by a bridge that would notsupport the weight of Mastiff.

With the vehicles fixed on one road and with no exit, the SquadronLeader ordered the Squadron to turn around and return back intothe heart of the enemy. At this stage both the Battle Group Head-quarters and an attack helicopter in support had reported that theenemy were digging an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) intothe road to the south and were preparing to ambush the Squadron.

LCpl Mossop now found himself as the gunner of the lead vehicleheading directly into the heart of an enemy ambush. As his vehi-cle re-entered the village of Regay, the enemy initiated the first of2 well co-ordinated ambushes. With engagement ranges below theminimum range of his Grenade Machine Gun (GMG), Mossop hadto fight off sustained enemy attacks with a General Purpose Ma-chine Gun (GPMG) and his personal weapon, firing into alleywaysand doorways from which the enemy were engaging his vehicle.Over the next hour he defeated several concerted enemy attacks,allowing his vehicle to continue to make progress out of the am-bushes, in spite of his vehicle sustaining accurate enemy fire.

At the exit of the village, LCpl Mossop identified an oil drum andanother suspicious device lying in the road. Sensing this to besome form of IED, and ignoring accurate RPG airburst grenadesand what was now withering enemy small arms fire, LCpl Mossoparmed his light anti-tank weapon (LAW) and fired at the potentialIED. He then attempted to engage the device with his GPMG, butwhen he had a stoppage on his machine gun, he displayed a par-ticularly cool head and continued to fire rounds into the road withhis personal weapon. With LCpl Mossop having done all he couldto clear the route, the vehicle commander, not knowing if the IEDhad been neutralised, ordered the driver to advance, clearing thevulnerable point and leading the Squadron out of the enemykilling area.


Lance Corporal MossopMastiff Gunner, B SquadronAfghanistan

As a Junior NCO, LCpl Mossop accepted considerable responsi-bility and personal risk in accurately engaging numerous enemiesduring this fierce fire fight. He demonstrated exceptional resolveto continue to engage the enemy knowing that his vehicle waslikely to drive over an IED, whilst the initiative that he showed inengaging the IED with his LAW deserves recognition.


Sergeant Lowe Troop Sergeant, B SquadronAfghanistan

Late in the afternoon 1st March2008, 3rd Troop, B Squadron, TheKing’s Royal Hussars, was operat-ing in the Garmsir Area of Opera-tions during Op PECHTAWBEAR. Having punched deep intothe enemy territory to the east ofGarmsir, the troop of Mastiff wasextracting back to Garmsir’s canal,when the Troop Corporal’s Mastiffarmoured vehicle suffered a minestrike, destroying both front tyresand crippling the vehicle’s steer-ing. With this vehicle effectivelydisabled in enemy territory, and asthe light was dying, Sgt Lowe

started to orchestrate the extraction of the damaged vehicle out ofan enemy killing area. However, at the critical moment, theground to one side of his own vehicle gave away and his Mastiffcollapsed into a ditch. Sgt Lowe effectively had two disabled ve-hicles to deal with as the enemy closed in.

Sgt Lowe took immediate control of the situation. As night beganto fall, he dismounted and, despite the obvious threat from theenemy who were now in close proximity, dealt with the situationeffectively and quickly. Initially he prepared the Troop Corporal’svehicle for recovery and then returned to extract his own vehiclefrom the ditch into which it had fallen. As he started to move thetwo Mastiffs to the relative safety of the western side of the canal,he was engaged by enemy small arms fire. Sgt Lowe displayed ex-ceptional cool headedness, courage and leadership in recoveringboth vehicles – one in a crippled state – across a medium girderbridge over the canal, under fire.

As a result of Sgt Lowe’s leadership and courage in the face of theenemy, his troop was extracted from the most precarious of situa-tions, despite being isolated and surrounded by the enemy. SgtLowe is recommended for a COMBRITFOR Commendation forhis calmness of mind, clear thinking under pressure and the ut-most professionalism in support of B Company, 1st Battalion, TheRoyal Ghurkha Rifles.

(Commander British Forces Commendation)


Corporal Harpley REMEECM Storeman, B SquadronAfghanistan

Cpl Harpley was employed as theMastiff Group’s ElectronicCounter Measures (ECM) storeman based in Camp Bastionthroughout Op HERRICK 7. Hewas responsible for the accountingfor and servicing of Mastiff ar-moured vehicle ECM and Bow-man radios, whilst he also workedtirelessly with the Mastiff FieldService Representatives (FSRs) inorder to ensure that Mastiff avail-ability was as high as possible,throughout the operational tour.

Cpl Harpley had a phenomenal ef-fect in identifying faults with new ECM equipment allocated toMastiffs in theatre. He operated independently and with minimaldirection and co-ordinated action directly with the National Sup-port Command in order to ensure that there were no delays to theoperational readiness of the Mastiff fleet. Without his completecommitment to his role, the introduction of Mastiff intoAfghanistan would have encountered significant difficulties.

Although an electrician by trade, Cpl Harpley routinely appliedhimself to maintaining the Mastiff fleet and co-ordinated repairsto vehicles that had suffered mine strikes and suspension damage,working independently throughout the night on a routine basis.The Force Protection Industries Field Support Representativescould not be more complementary about his technical expertise,his dedication to supporting Mastiff and his sheer appetite forwork.

Cpl Harpley has exemplified the very best of qualities of a RoyalElectrical and Mechanical Engineer tradesman. Through his per-sonal drive, his force of character and absolute dedication to sup-porting his squadron, he has had an immense impact on theoperational effectiveness of the Mastiff Group throughout the op-eration. He deserves formal and lasting recognition.


Troopers Pilling and LeachMastiff Drivers, B SquadronAfghanistan

Tprs Pilling and Leach have been employed as Mastiff drivers in2nd Troop, B Squadron, The King’s Royal Hussars, during Op

HERRICK 7. They are awarded COMBRITFOR commendationsfor consistently carrying out route clearance drills to the very high-est of standards, resulting in their troop finding an unprecedentednumber of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

Both were designated as the Troop’s Ebex (mine detector) opera-tors throughout their tour in Helmand Province. In the face of aconsiderable Pressure Plate IED threat, they displayed particularcool headedness and great attention to detail when clearing Vul-nerable Points (VPs). Over the duration of the tour they searchedseveral thousands of metres of ground, by both day and night andin all weather conditions, running the constant danger of steppingon a complex IED. Without organic dismounts in the Mastiffsquadron, they have consistently conducted these drills withoutcover-men, accepting considerable risk from the threat of com-mand wire IEDs.

2nd Troop’s results speak for themselves. Tprs Pilling and Leachhave been responsible for discovering 4 complex IEDs that weresubsequently destroyed in situ or were recovered for forensic ex-amination. Their actions have not only saved damage to equip-ment and potential threat to life, but have served as an example toothers.


Warrant Officer First Class (WO1) SloanMeritorious Service Medal

WO1 Sloan has 21 years of exem-plary service with The King’sRoyal Hussars and, before amalga-mation, The Royal Hussars(Prince of Wales’s Own). Sincejoining the Army in 1986, he hasserved in Germany, the UnitedKingdom, Northern Ireland,Canada, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraqtwice and Afghanistan. WO1Sloan’s contribution to the highregard in which the Regiment andby extension, the wider Army isheld, is without doubt. He per-

sonifies the core values of the British Army - service to others, in-tegrity, humility and dedication.

WO1 Sloan has, throughout his career, been a shining example tothose around him. He is light-hearted but firm, quick-thinkingyet measured and is the epitome of loyalty both up and down thechain of command. His work as Recce Troop Sergeant during theinitial move into Kosovo was of particular note, where his diplo-macy was put to the test in policing the delicate relationships be-tween Serbian and Albanian factions. On Op TELIC 6, whennominally employed as the RQMS(T), he wrote the training pro-gramme for the Iraqi Training Centre in Tallil, a programme thatbecame the blueprint for Iraqi training in the region. Whilst aSergeant Major at ATR Winchester, his professionalism, ability toinspire recruits and impeccable example in every respect was thesource of regular compliment; he is an outstanding ambassadorfor the Army.

During Op TELIC 10, as the RSM, whilst deployed forward in thesearing heat of the Maysaan desert for weeks on end, his ability toengage and understand the moods of all ranks, made him an in-valuable advisor to the Commanding Officer, who trusted and re-lied upon his insight. He was an unflinching example to the BattleGroup and an exceptional motivator through hardship. Whenback in the Contingency Operating Base (COB) outside Basra, hiscareful diplomacy steered compromise and resolution between the

Tpr Pilling Tpr Leach


numerous military and civilian agencies living in Camp Charlieand it was his personality that dissolved the evident static betweenorganisations.

As a character, WO1 Sloan is gregarious but modest. His dedica-tion and service to others is unequalled and he is universally re-spected within The King’s Royal Hussars and the wider RoyalArmoured Corps. He makes time for others, and without com-promising his authority, remains entirely approachable despite hisrank. Genuinely benevolent, he has regularly given his time inthe setting up and running of SAAFA events, doing so quietly and

without recognition. WO1 Sloan is superbly robust, both physi-cally and mentally, and still passes fitness tests at the very front ofthe Regiment. He has played regimental rugby and is a great sup-porter of all regimental sport. As he has proved on countless oc-casions, he is unflappable under pressure and cheerful through themost pressing of circumstances.

For his exceptional contribution to the Regiment, and the Army,throughout his 21 years of service, WO1 Sloan is unreservedly rec-ommended for the Meritorious Service Medal.

Regimental MedalRegimental Medal No. 213 Warrant Officer Second Class (WO2) Bland

It was with the remainder of theRegiment and the Brigade de-ployed, that B Squadron had toprepare for Op HERRICK 7.Without the supporting hierarchy,WO2 (SSM) Bland was left withan unprecedented amount of re-sponsibility in converting 72 indi-viduals to Mastiff in an incrediblyshort period, directly liaising withLAND Command Training Divi-sion, the driver training school atLeconfield and Headquarters 3Division to achieve the feat. De-spite the extreme workload, he

spent his evenings moving the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’Mess in the absence of most of its members.

Once deployed in Afghanistan, his leadership and dedication wasoutstanding, particularly following the serious casualties sufferedwithin the Squadron. He has worked independently and deci-sively throughout and made great personal sacrifices. His excep-tional performance both before and during Op HERRICK 7 hasbeen recognised and remarked upon by many in the various Head-quarters with whom he has worked.

For his outstanding contribution to the military efficiency andgood name of The King’s Royal Hussars, WO2 Bland is awardedthe Regimental Medal.


The Senior Squadron eagerly anticipated the challenges posedby the 2008 training year. A seemingly robust plan was in

place, which included back to role training with the reversion backto Medium Armour on the familiar CVR(T), a range period inCastlemartin and exercises in both BATUS and Salisbury Plain.All we had to do was execute it. As in previous years the planchanged, but the Squadron reacted professionally, completingeverything that was asked of it with enthusiasm and style.

Back in January, the Squadron returned from well deserved leavepost Op TELIC 10, fully refreshed. During leave, Lts Wythe andCrofton, LCpl Davey and Tprs Neary and Simler represented theRegiment as part of the KRH Ski Team achieving some excellentresults. Other members of the Squadron visited all corners of theworld, with LCpl ‘Sparra’ Morley especially enjoying the hospi-tality of the Far East, yet again! At work, an extensive manningreshuffle occurred and CVR(T) conversion courses started inearnest. Rigorous fitness sessions commenced to re-tone our bod-ies post Christmas. Most memorable were the SSM’s swimmingsessions during which it was discovered that he is actually half fishand that it is possible to sweat under water!

It was about March, when the Squadron realised that plans for theyear were ‘subject to change’ and the old adages of ‘being com-fortable with uncertainty’ and ‘remaining flexible’ started to beused with increasing frequency by Regimental Headquarters. TheSquadron achieved the nearly impossible by getting rid of itsCVR(T) fleet before it even arrived, in expectation of the arrival of

C Squadron

the best, in fact they were from the scrap yard in Iraq, destinedfor base overhaul. Having previously received several fleets inhorrendous condition, expectations were not high. What turnedup broke all previous records and occupied the Squadron for theremainder of the year. Despite their rather dilapidated appear-ance, it was great to actually have some vehicles on which to workand train. Probably the greatest pain was experienced by the TankPark Manager, Sgt OG White, who visibly aged by the day, as hewrestled with fleet management via the new and inflexible vehi-cle data base system, JAMES.

As always, some of the key personalities changed over during theyear. The SQMS, SSgt Coleman departed to become A Squadron’sSquadron Sergeant Major (SSM), Lt Will Wythe was posted to

AFC Harrogate to be the cuddly big brother figure to16 year old recruits and Lt Crofton moved across tobecome B Squadron’s Second in Command. As re-placements, we welcomed SSgt Dunn as the newSQMS who returned from a stint with the TA, and

was to conduct amour platform for

some Warriors (WR). C Squadrontrial, using WR as a Medium Ar-the remainder of the year, in antici- pation of operationsin 2009. There was tangible excitement as WR is a farbetter platform on which to trainand fight. However, the Army’sWR fleet is hugely over stretchedand therefore none were immedi-ately available. Eventually, somewere identified but they were not


2Lts ‘Tintin’ Tyson and ‘Bagpuss’Boulter fresh from the Camberleyassembly line!

By the beginning of the summer,C Squadron was starting to flex itsmuscles. WR conversion wascomplete and we deployed toCastlemartin Ranges to embark onWR conversion firing. The sham-bolic WRs had been transformedinto working wagons, due to sig-nificant and prolonged work onthe tank park. As ever the BOW-MAN radios caused considerabledramas and it took a team of spe-cialists from General Dynamicsseveral weeks and some technical wizardry to make our commu-nications fit such that we could drive, fire and talk - a miracle!

Initially, the plan for ranges was to merely complete the conversionshoots, the final requirement for our overall conversion to WR.Due to the speed with which we progressed and the levels of sup-port that we received, the decision was made to progress into a fullblown range period. The Squadron performed exceptionally andachieved high first time passes on Annual Crew Tests, the bench-mark that must be passed to demonstrate competence. The In-fantry instructors were unusually complimentary over CSquadron’s use of the WR, normally the preserve of infantry com-panies, so it appeared that we had turned a corner. The Fitter Sec-tion was brilliant, and not only kept all the WRs firing, but really

gelled within theSquadron. The armour-ers were especially busymaintaining the anti-quated weapon systems.The new ‘Tiffy’, SSgtClarke, enjoyed his firstrange period on tanks,very different from hiscommando background.As an Army Triathlete, hetakes fitness seriously buthis astonishingly quickbasic fitness assessmentrun of a mile and half in 7mins 18 secs was some-thing special, as was hislycra kit. His penchant for burgers and the adoption of the SSMas a drinking partner, may see him taking a little longer in future!

In terms of extracurricular activities, much was achieved in Wales.Not least getting to know each other properly, away from the con-straints of Tidworth, with a few nights out enjoying the local beer.Tpr ‘Jackass’ Bardell managed to outdo Jonny Knoxville and set anew pickled egg eating record of 20 eggs in 15 minutes. Thank-fully the medic, Cpl Marrow, was on hand to recommend reme-dial treatment and there were no lasting after effects that werespoken about! Castlemartin saw the emergence of ‘McDunnalds’championed by SSgt SQMS Dunn. C Squadron’s Burger tent be-came legendary throughout Pembrokeshire with a healthy cus-tomer base including a significant chunk of A Squadron from theadjacent range! Popular menu items included the ‘Breakfast Bap’and the ‘Double Dunn with Cheese’, both of which contained suf-ficient calories to negate eating for the rest of the day! There wereseveral epic quotes recorded by the SQMS staff: classically, TprGreen, who when taking an order from the SSM for an egg banjo,was heard to say “....is that with an egg….!”. More embarrassingwas Tpr Baikey who at full volume and well in earshot of the highranking officer in question said “Burger ready for the randomdude in the RAF!”. The random dude in the RAF, just happenedto be a good friend of the Commanding Officer (who was also inearshot!) and was actually in the Navy; the Squadron Leader hadto spend the rest of the day on a diplomacy mission! Off the range,the Squadron bar was a constant source of morale and raised asmall fortune for the coffers thanks to the sustained efforts of theSQMS team: LCpl Nugent and Tprs Green and Blay.

On the affiliations side, we were very fortunate to be able to attendthe dedication of the new 11th Hussars (Prince Albert’s Own) me-morial at the National Arboretum on 17th May 2008. TheSquadron Second in Command, Capt Quentin Hicks, took a hand-

The TPM Sgt OG White taking H&Svery seriously. Tiffy Clarke saluting a higher being.

Lts Tyson & Boulter, from a bygone age! Brake testing in WR.

Fixing the broken WRs.


picked team to represent the serv-ing Regiment to the commemora-tion. LCpl George Burke laid thewreath and then all went on to theannual reunion. The attendancewas much appreciated and rein-forced the strong links to our an-tecedent regiment.

June saw the Squadron deploy onits first exercise of the year, ExEGYPT HAWK on SalisburyPlain. It was to be a week longlow-level training opportunity toset the foundations for the year.For some, it was their first time on exercise since joining the Reg-iment and for most it was their first prolonged period on WR. Cpl‘Nosher’ Wilson ensured high standards of Cavalry behaviour weremaintained by interrupting a squadron Orders Group to deliverspecial sustenance, not usually found in conventional ration packs!The Wednesday evening was memorable for several reasons; firstlyCpl ‘Chubby’ Brown returned to Regimental Duty after a lengthyspell in Civvy Street and secondly we held a fantastic smoker witha few quiet beers in a remote barn on Salisbury Plain!

The final week before summer leave was spent preparing for theRegimental Reunion Weekend on 20-22 June. Our main focus wasthe ‘All Ranks Party’ headlined by Jim Davidson on the Saturdayevening. A Huge effort was made by all, in clearing out, cleaningand decorating several of the hangars to create a huge party area.About 800 partygoers turned up and a splendid evening was en-joyed by all. The church parade the following morning was aslight struggle for some; most were in good order and interestinglythe SSM (along with several other SSMs!) selected the wrong hatto accompany his Service Dress!! A thorough party clean up fol-lowed, before the Squadron set off for 3 weeks of well deservedsummer leave. The Second in Command returned from Italy witha fiancée, Tpr Linnane persuaded a friend to shoot him with an airrifle and Tpr “I’m a big lad” Kempton claimed to be drunk for theentire period!

Post summer leave the Squadron deployed to BATUS to partake inEx MEDMAN 3 as the OPFOR (enemy) Infantry Company withthe 2RTR Battle Group (BG), fighting (training with lasers)against 3 YORKS, who had A Squadron KRH attached! The ad-vance party deployed several weeks early to ensure that vehicleswere taken over and that all admin was completed prior to the ar-rival of the main body. This was just as well as the main body’s de-parture dates slipped several times due to ‘RAF issues’, whichmeant that on arrival in BATUS there was just enough time todrop off luggage before deploying straight out onto the prairie for

Ex RED DAWN, the OPFORbuild up training period. It was atthis stage that we made contactwith our infantry dismounts, No.3 Company, Welsh Guards com-manded by Maj Guy Stone. Rap-idly, we became accustomed to theWelsh modus operandi; in partic-ular their penchant for not usingnames but referring to each othersimply by 3 digits, it materialisedthat the reason for this was thatthe 80 guardsmen only shared 3surnames, which otherwise madecommunicating a little tricky!

The 5 day warm up exercise saw usforging links with the wide range of cap badges and personalitiesthat would make up OPFOR; BGHQ and Falcon Squadron fromour neighbours 2RTR, old friends A Squadron HCR allies fromOp TELIC 10 and assorted Engineers and REME. The Sturgeon,a modified CVR(T) representative of a Russian troop carrying ve-hicle complete with the latest 1950s armoured technology, was a farcry from our WRs back in Tidworth. Commanders’ ribs, drivers’faces and gunners’ entire bodies were soon black and blue thanksto the non-existent suspension and the seemingly endless array ofpointless protruding handles. During the initial exercise, OPFORtactics were rehearsed, which essentially involved punching hardand fast on a single axis to breakthrough enemy lines to then causehavoc in their rear area. The old and bold, Sgt Ormond and CplFarling, had clearly seen it all before and spent the majority of theexercise in the Equipment Control and Coordination Point(ECCP) awaiting spares and reminiscing about old times! Tpr‘Gluebag’ McLaughlan partially redeemed himself for a spate ofclub-footed driving with the revelation that he was adept atCVR(T) maintenance!

BATUS was a steep learning curve for the new Troop Leaders. LtTyson exhibited the type of calmness one would hope for when‘under fire’ when his GPS failed prior to leading the Squadron ona daylight mission critical move….not! Furthermore, having com-menced the exercise as a 2Lt, he was so eager to promote, that hephotographed himself wearing a Captain’s rank slide. Thankfullythis petulant act was witnessed and his spell as a 2Lt was extendedby a further week! Lt Boulter covered himself in glory, in anotherattack as the Squadron charged down the ‘Valley of Death’, by per-sistently dominating the radio net at the crucial moment request-ing to be reset having driven into a minefield, that shock horrorthe enemy had not marked! Life would be so much easier if theenemy followed basic conventions….., someone is in for a shockout in Iraq next year!

Lt 'Bagpuss' Boulter.

Sgt Josh Ormond.

Having demonstrated to Com-mander BATUS that 2RTR BGwas a suitably proficient enemy,we were released for 10 days wellearned R&R and Adventure Train-ing. Tpr ‘Gluebag’ McLaughlanimpressed again, by taking to para-chuting as naturally as to CVR(T)D&M, managing to ultimatelycomplete a 40 second freefall andland in one piece! Cpl Kennedywon the tough guy prize for tack-ling the Rockies Ice Climbing ex-pedition, second only to SASselection! The Squadron Leaderand Second in Command bravedthe treacherous rapids of BritishColumbia in a flimsy, over ladencanoe and after many collisionswith rocks, swampings by tidal waves and involuntary swims,amazingly completed 100kms in 3 days! Meanwhile, other ele-ments of the Squadron bomb-burst to different parts of Canadaand North America; the more mature elements headed to Mon-tana (apparently good fishing country…!) and there was an un-confirmed sighting of two crimson vests and some silver shadowson the ‘Strip’ in Las Vegas…..! Tpr Baiky shared a hotel roomwith 4 cowboys….., because it was cheaper than hiring his ownroom….?!

All returned to the prairie refreshed and financially broken for thestart of the Tactical Engagement System (TES) (a bit like laserquest) phase of Ex MEDMAN 3. Our first encounters with theWR Coys of 3 YORKS BG brought some surprises: Sgt Lloyd sto-ically refused to handover his map to the enemy when captured,whilst Lt Tyson couldn’t have surrendered his fast enough! 3Yorks BG drew first blood, infiltrating their recce and snipers intoour rear area by night, causing slight surprise as dawn broke.However all was not lost as the situation afforded Tpr Baiky aka‘Rambo’ the opportunity to redeem himself after the ‘cowboy’ in-cident! Cpl McMullen worked hard throughout to keep BOW-MAN up and running and LCpl Burke became the TES guru. ASquadron appeared periodically in their CR2 and proved veryhelpful on one mission, by enthusiastically machine gunningdown their own infantry, saving us the task! On the quotes side oflife, Cpl ‘Nosher’ Wilson quickly dowsed enthusiasm for a muchanticipated shower run back to camp by stating “you could fly re-turn to Moscow in that time, and get some Duty Free!” and LtTyson confirmed earlier impressions, by asking “do you think theArmy has a factory that produces rag?”. Overall, BATUS was verysuccessful and hugely enjoyable; 3 YORKS were given a goodthrashing despite the best efforts of the Safety Staff and their ‘God-Guns’ (used to kill off OPFOR when they are too successful!).


The canoeing legends, Sqn Ldr & 2iC, its harder than it looks!

Tpr Kemp and his four legged friend.2Lt Tyson with burnt nose, practisingbeing a Capt ahead of schedule.

Sturgeons in the leaguer.

The over worked 2iC catching up on some kip.

Aligning the WRs’ TES kit.


Back in Tidworth, the SSM Frenchie Childes held the fort withnotable commitment, even popping into the office once or twice,during breaks in Olympics coverage! He, and Tpr Blay, are to becongratulated for completing the Regimental Land’s End to JohnO’Groats bike ride in an impressive 6 days. After a much neededlong weekend, post BATUS, the Squadron embarked on a 3 weektraining stint back on WRs in Warminster. Initially, the Squadrondeployed to the Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (CATT) to con-duct some much needed low level Medium Armour training in thevehicle simulators. This was followed a week later with SquadronHQ (SHQ) partaking in 1 RANG BG (The Vikings) CAST as lowlevel controllers supporting their HQ, whilst the remainder of theSquadron reacquainted themselves with the tank park and pre-pared for the forthcoming TESEX. The final week saw theSquadron alongside the 1RANG BG in CATT conducting inte-gration training, amalgamating our WR with their Bulldogs withvarying degrees of success, given the limitations of WR which aswe soon discovered is not, by any means, a tank!

Whilst KRH BG impressed everyone in Canada on Ex MEDMAN4, the Senior Squadron deployed onto Salisbury Plain for ExDRUID’S DANCE with the 1RANG BG. The first few days werespent conducting more low level integration with the ‘Viking’ in-fantry companies with their Bulldogs (familiar to C Squadron stal-warts, from Iraq 07!). As Medium Armour, the Squadron was tobe utilised in accordance with normal tank doctrine (accepting thesignificant limitations of WR!). For the most part the Vikingswere keen to embrace what we offered and at the Sub Unit levelclose links were forged. The Vikings preferred to operate from therelative comfort of West Down Camp (WDC) throughout the ex-ercise, which the SSM found so agreeable that he took up resi-dency in the car park whilst muttering constantly about the lackof CVR(T) spares; the remainder of us became reacquainted withhides and cam nets!

Our extensive training incorporated conventional warfare and in-cluded the opportunity to practise FIBUA in Copehill Down Vil-lage, a purpose built facility to hone the techniques for fighting inthe urban environment. As the Vikings slogged from house to

house, our role was to provide impetus and momentum to the bat-tle, with deliberate armoured thrusts, great fun for us! Back inWDC, the LAD worked all hours to keep the WRs on the road andthey very commendably kept availability at 12 or 13 vehicles outof 14 throughout. Prior to the start of the final phase of the exer-cise, welcome news was received, concerning a number of well de-served promotions from Tpr to LCpl. Many congratulations areextended to LCpls ‘Baz’ Brailsford, ‘Tom Selleck’ Bardell, ‘Jack’

Tprs Woody & Westy.


Buczacki. Each morning commenced with a rousing 0600hrs PTsession with SSgt ‘Sweaty’ Sweatman, swiftly followed by endlessdrill rehearsals and parades. The northern climes threw up manychallenges, apart from the obvious allure of Liverpool, with thickand permanent ice coating all marching surfaces. The mere act ofremaining upright was a feat in itself, as demonstrated by LtsTyson and Reid, who managed to execute a complicated ‘arse overtit’ manoeuvre, resulting in Lt Tyson knocking himself in the eyewith his elbow!

For the Senior Squadron, 2008 has been a demanding, varied andultimately fulfilling training year. The list of achievements andthe progress made is commendable and just shows what can bedone when all get stuck in. The Squadron has worked with 3 dif-ferent Battle Groups, operated on 3 different armoured vehicles(none of them a tank!) and successfully completed all activitiesand had a bit of fun in the margins! C Squadron departs on wellearned Christmas leave, safe in the knowledge that all have giventheir very best. We look forward to 2009 and to receiving furtherdirection, to dispel uncertainty, of what the year will bring; be itthe opportunity to deploy on Op TELIC 14 in WR or somethingquite different. We remain ‘flexible and poised’!

JC

Kempton, ‘Sim’ Simler and ‘JD’ Daniels all of whom welcomedthe rank, additional responsibility and of course pay!

The final phase placed us under the direct control of The Vikings’BG HQs for the first time. Operating at a more leisurely pace thanwe were accustomed to back in the armoured world, 3 missionswere completed. The first saw the Squadron successfully bouncethrough 5 consecutive attacks with no time to draw breath or, inSgt ‘OG’ White’s case, calm down having been shot by ‘notional’NLAW (anti-tank missile) multiple times. By the 5th attack, thesurviving 4 WRs were positioned on a flank providing fire sup-port, whilst horizontal rain lashed down. For the next 2 hours,the commanders practised ‘jockeying with turret umbrellas de-ployed’, a much neglected but essential skill for all true cavalry-men!

The 2nd mission took us up to the inhospitable north west of thePlain, where steep slopes and deep valleys made for hazardousfighting conditions. The Squadron was ambushed to deadly ef-fect by OPFOR early on in the battle leaving only 3rd Tp Leader,Sgt Josh Ormond and Sgt ‘Bagpuss’ White (who was confirmed asdefinitely awake) to carry on the fight to a victorious conclusion.The last day of the exercise consisted of a BG attack on the Cope-hill Down Village. Dispersed and spurious use of the Squadron byThe Vikings and our lack of night fighting capability, renderedmany as bystanders for the final few hours, the SQMS kindly de-livered refreshment in the form of curry to 0B, which made for a‘Carlsberg Endex’! The 3 week exercise was a beneficial piece oftraining and was enjoyed by all, even if it was not the most chal-lenging. C Squadron has developed significantly and is nowhighly proficient on WR and confident in working intimately withthe infantry, which will stand us in good stead for next year on OpTELIC 14 when we may have to do it for real.

The final activity for the year saw elements of the squadron, se-lected for their drill prowess, and backfilled by B and DSquadrons, deploy to a very wintery Altcar Camp for Ex NORTH-ERN HAWK. The Squadron Leader was absent on paternityleave, but was ably replaced by B Squadron Leader, Maj Jules

The Sqn Ldr’s Tank Inspection, prior to Ex DRUID’S DANCE. Sgt Gaz Blacklock awaiting direction!


Although A Squadron moved smoothly in status from RearParty back to its primary Challenger II (CR2) role, most of the

personnel therein still had hearts racing from the pace of the pre-vious year and its deployments. The training year would prove tobe no great respite though, with the main focus being on prepar-ing the Squadron for exercise in Canada in August. Before thatcould happen, the Squadron had an immense amount of prepara-tion, training and testing to complete.

Old friendships were confirmed and new friends discovered as theSquadron settled in, with new personnel in most positions. Thebest opportunity for this bonding was often found on the tank parkitself, where refresher training through the early part of the yearreminded everyone how demanding the care routine can be for acomplex armoured vehicle. Despite being given a limited fleet ofquestionable condition, the collective knowledge of the experi-enced members was passed on (under the considerable efforts oftank park manager SSgt Whittaker), from a simple start-up pro-cedure to more challenging maintenance tasks. This time investedwould later prove to be invaluable throughout the period inCanada and with generally decent performances in the BengoughTrophy troop tests.

The Squadron also bonded outside work. Particular emphasis wasplaced on the reinstated sports afternoons and events such as theRegimental Boxing night, where the Squadron was represented bya very gallant effort from Tpr Seaborne. Opportunities were alsotaken to enjoy a relaxed chat and a drink (or two) when possible.The range package in Castlemartin, Wales, gave several memorablenights and was regarded by many to be a highlight of the year.Pembroke, surely, cannot wait to welcome back A Squadron!

The main business of the range package was a veryintense fortnight of firing exercises and assess-ments. With the Squadron’s regular fourteencrews plus reserve crews, the Colonel andCommander of 12 Brigade all firing,schedules were extremelytight and the pres-sure was con-siderable.

The added pressures of startingwith a depleted fleet of vehicles(exacerbated by a delay in obtain-ing spares), in combination withthe usual ammunition ‘bashing’and safety measures, ensuredthese were demanding days whichresulted in the need to enjoy acracking burger from the SQMS’stent. The result of the hard workwas success, with all crews pass-ing their Annual Crew Test andachieving a generally outstandinglevel of gunnery. This is testa-ment to the many hours dedicatedby our own Sgt Mackayand all the gunnery in-structors in the monthsprior to firing, withmany late evenings andweekends being givenup. Also worthy ofpraise are the efforts ofthe Fitter Section inbringing our vehiclesonline and SquadronSergeant Major (SSM)Coleman who stagemanaged the distribu-tion of ammunition andvehicles around the

range with aplomb.

The success of the range package, in conjunc-tion with the days we could snatch training onSalisbury Plain and in the Combined ArmsTactical Trainer (CATT) in Warminster,

A Squadron

A Sqn 2iC- Capt Harrison.

The REME CRARRV provides a streamline body modification to call sign 11.


meant the Squadron approached our trip to the BATUS exercisesin Canada in good shape. The Squadron was to provide the ar-mour capability of the 3 YORKS Battle Group (BG).Thus, wespent much of the run up to deployment liaising with their hier-archy in order to share as much knowledge and trait as possible.They were soon found to be an outstanding group who were notonly keen to prove their ability in the field but would also proveto be excellent characters with it. Most were also able to snatchsome summer leave, but a few hardy soldiers formed an advanceparty, with the aim of taking on the tanks in Canada and beginningthe shattering quantity of maintenance required to bring the tanksto even the basic standard required. Their efforts were monu-mental with, for example, five auxiliary engines being changed inone day on one tank!

When the main body of the Squadron arrived in Canada there re-mained more work to be done, which was set about with enthusi-asm, and spirits were high as we left the gates to embark on ExMEDMAN 3.The exercise is split into two main components: twoweeks of live firing and two weeks of simulated manoeuvre utilis-ing a laser based system known as TES, ‘Tactical Engagement Sim-

ulation’. The live firing phasewas often hampered by per-sistent vehicle problems andother frictions and theSquadron was required to callon all of its strength to main-tain standards. As everyonebecame more tired though,some of our underlying qual-ities started to shine throughsuch as flexibility, determina-tion and, above all, the abilityto deal with whatever wasthrown at us (be it the veryhot weather, long hours orsudden, bizarre changes insituation).

This was to prove invaluable as we progressed through to the TESphase. It was here that the Squadron proved its worth, playing anactive part in repeated successes against our nimble enemy (pro-

3rd Troop lead the attack across the prairie.

The Sqn Ldr, Maj Jackson, in a 'condormoment'.


vided by 2RTR with C Squadron KRH attached) and, in the wordsof the Brigade Commander, being critical to victory in the finalbattle. Come the end of the gruelling month, however, most weremore than glad to return to camp. It had, in the words of CharlesDickens (via 2nd Troop Leader, Lt Bourke), been “the best oftimes, the worst of times.” The Squadron was rightly proud of thepart it took in the BG achieving ‘Collective Training Level 4’, animportant validation of a unit’s skills.

For most of the Squadron, Canada did not stop there, however.All of those not returning to England for career courses or essen-tial tasks were required to stay on and work with the incomingKRH BG at short notice. The input that A Squadron made withtheir comrades in their equally successful exercise was notedthroughout and all can be proud of the resilience and abilityshown.

Of course, no Army activity can ever be described as ‘all work andno play’. Time and space was made to ensure that the Squadron

took advantage of the fantastic opportunities that Canada affords,be it the occasional trip into the local metropolis ‘Medicine Hat’,further ashore to Calgary or the USA, or the fantastic adventur-ous training that the Army co-ordinates in the Rocky Mountains.Almost all of the junior members of the Squadron were given theopportunity to have a go at an activity, be it canoeing, climbing,trekking or the very popular skydiving (although rather less pop-ular with Tpr Gager’s nerves!).

On completion of Ex MEDMAN 4, the Squadron were able to takea deserved trip back home to loved ones before starting the processof preparation for our expected deployment to Iraq in spring 2009.As part of this, A Squadron once again saw a change in variouspersonnel. Not least, this involved bidding a fond farewell to theSquadron Leader, Maj Rupert Jackson. Maj Jackson had overseenour entire year and was very popular in the Squadron for hisboundless enthusiasm and good nature. He has now departed (notso reluctantly?!) for a posting in Milan and the new SquadronLeader, Maj Valdes-Scott, has very quickly established himself inpost. We also welcome SSM Portwood, fresh from moulding TroopLeaders in their developmentin Warminster, and the newSQMS, SSgt Allen.

In closing, we approach theend of the year in a familiarlybusy state of flux. Whatevermay come of 2009, however, wemay look back on the daze of2008 with pride. The outcomeof the efforts was undoubtedlya Squadron with character andability. It has shown that it isfit to train for operations and,all willing, A Squadron willsafely enjoy similar successthis time next year.

Lt Bourke dries off having dug out hisbogged tank.

Tpr Gager keeps his ear to the radio.

Major Valdes-Scott, at the Freedom of Preston parade.

B Squadron at Castlemartin Ranges.


route was proved from MusaQaleh to Nowzad, thereby dimin-ishing the exposure of troops tothe Improvised Explosive Device(IED) threat that had plagued pre-vious routes. Throughout, thegeneric armoured expertise of theThe King’s Royal Hussars provedthe rub in applying aggressive fire-power and bold manoeuvre in ahostile environment against a cun-ning and tactically agile enemy.The advancement of the UK’s in-theatre drills for countering theIED threat owed much to the ini-tiative and courage of individualsof all ranks.

This report is insufficient to do justice to the numerous accountsof operations and individual contacts that occurred. One event is

B Squadron

As the remainder of the Regiment enjoyed a much deservedChristmas with families and friends, B Squadron continued

to feast upon the Afghan yule log in the depths of winter amongthe foothills of the Hindu Kush. The last chapter of theSquadron’s sojourn on Op HERRICK 7 was no less eventful thanthe months that had passed before. Deployed upon Mastiff, a pro-tected patrol vehicle, the Squadron continued to advance the in-novative and ambitious use of this highly capable andsoldier-friendly platform. In a bid to pre-empt the much publi-cised ISAF December surge into Musa Qaleh, the SquadronLeader decided to take his R&R with a view to being back for theoperation. OPSEC was clearly good, as the surge began in his ab-sence; with Capt Cadbury, the Squadron Second in Command atthe helm. At this stage, the Squadron came under the commandof the HCR Battle Group (BG) and troops (independently) oper-ated in support of the investment of the town. The Musa Qalehsurge was a resounding success and put an Afghan National Armyface on the prosecution of a major operation against the Taliban.

Following the surge, the Squadron was split. 3rd Troop operatedin the South of Helmand Province alongside the Gurkhas, athrowback to Italy in 1945; in particular the Battle of Medicina,precipitating the Regimental affiliation. The remainder of theSquadron continued to work as a part of the HCR BG (now BGNorth) working principally out of Forward Operating Base (FOB)EDINBURGH in the vicinity of Musa Qaleh itself. During thisperiod, the handover takeover of Squadron Sergeant Majors (SSM)in contact took place between WO2 Bland and WO2 Taylor. TheSquadron conducted a spectrum of operations, including influ-ence, confidence building and humanitarian aid. Patrols were un-dertaken to gather intelligence, dominate the ground, prove routesand to disrupt the Taliban’s attempts to control ground and in-timidate the population. None of these activities were discrete,with single patrols achieving multiple effects; many entailed ro-bust reaction to contact. Some operations were deliberate and oth-ers undertaken as part of framework operations. In this time, a

Cpl Marshall.

52 Bde Comd visits B Sqn.


worthy of recollection in detail and perhaps offers an insight intothe nature of other squadron operations. With only weeks to goprior to the end of the tour, the Squadron Leader’s group was de-ployed on a mobile patrol to clear checkpoints west of the MusaQaleh wadi. Having undertaken this task, the decision was madeto prove a route through Regay, a notorious Taliban hotbed. Aswas perhaps expected, the patrol was ambushed and fought its wayout over a 10km route. Pushing through the urban area, fightingwas at close quarters as the Mastiffs received flanking volleys ofrocket propelled grenades and armour piercing small arms fromside alleys and compounds. The Squadron responded in kind withall weapon systems and grenades thrown from turrets at Talibanclose at hand. Having penetrated the ambush, the patrol thenpushed onwards along the valley, only to be thwarted by an im-passable bridge. With no alternative but to retrace their steps, thecolumn turned back into the hornet’s nest, now reinforced by fur-ther manpower and IEDs. By aggression, initiative and a numberof acts of outstanding courage, the patrol succeeded in beating offtheir aggressors. During the contact, Cpl Street the Squadron re-covery mechanic, recovered the Squadron Leader’s Mastiff underintense close quarters fire without concern for his own mortality.He was deployed in an unarmoured Foden recovery vehicle andfired single handed from his cab as he moved to the stricken ve-hicle, before dismounting and hooking up and effecting an ex-traction. The Mastiffs once again demonstrated their immenseresilience; however, the Squadron still required an emergencydrop of vehicle spares whilst in a desert hide at high alert the fol-lowing night. Even in the face of such belligerence there is stillspace for light-hearted moments. Proving the old adage that anArmy marches on its stomach, SSM Taylor’s crew fought off thebest of the Taliban at the same time as scouring the depths of theirvehicle for a packet of Twiglets. LCpl Plant’s Ritz biscuits provedan unsatisfactory substitute; residents of Regay apparently stillenjoy this cheesey comestible!

Return to Tidworth was marked by a medal parade, with music bythe Royal Gurkha Regiment Band and medals presented byColonel of the Regiment. It was fitting that the whole Squadronwas able to attend the parade, with LCpl Nowell and LCplO’Donnell (both very seriously wounded in action) breaking offfrom their rehabilitation for the event. The parade was well at-tended by families and friends and proved a fitting finale to a sem-inal experience for all members of the Squadron. The tour inAfghanistan was universally acknowledged as a life changing ex-perience and the professionalism of all ranks recognised by theplethora of operational and regimental awards. Congratulationsgo to Cpl Street REME who was awarded the Military Cross; CaptCadbury, Mentioned in Dispatches; SSgt Taylor, Sgt Lloyd andLCpl Mossop, Joint Commander’s Commendations; and SgtLowe, Cpl Harpley REME, Tpr Leach and Tpr Pilling,COMBRITFOR Commendations. WO2 Bland was awarded theRegimental Medal.

Mastiff on Patrol. B Squadron Medals Parade.

B Squadron at Castlemartin Ranges.


Upon return from post tour leave, the Squadron faced an inten-sive period of training in order to prepare itself to rejoin the KRHBattle Group (BG) for Ex MEDMAN 4 in Canada. At the helmwas a change of personalities; Maj Buczacki took over as SquadronLeader and Capt Crofton as Second in Command. The challengeof re-roling onto tanks, having been divorced from the platformfor 2 years, was a stiff and daunting prospect. 70% of the Squadronhad never exercised on tanks before and many would be absent oncourses for the majority of the training season. Set against the ab-breviated period of build-up training (3 months), the Squadronhad a number of strengths upon which to found success: a lack ofpersonnel turbulence and attendant esprit de corps, comfort withfighting a vehicle and field conditions, and confidence in the basicprinciples of weapon systems. However, given its limitations, theessence of the Squadron’s preparation was to be simplicity deliv-ered excellently.

The progression began in earnest with low level collective trainingin the virtual environment of the Combined Arms Tactical Trainer(CATT) and in the reality of Salisbury Plain. From the outset,drills were honed and troops prepared for their default tasks.Things began slowly; LCpl Trotman learned publically that a tankneeds to be started up before it will move. A coterie of young of-ficers endeared themselves to their new Officer Commanding, bycommandeering his tank and the eternally innocent Tpr Leach totest out the submersible capabilities of a Challenger 2. The cul-mination of field training was a smoker during which LCpls Lyonsand Holden instructed the Squadron in the tactics, techniques andprocedures for escaping from a burning naturist colony. After theinterludes of the Royal Visit and the Regimental Reunion Week-end, the ground rush of annual firing at Castlemartin Rangesstruck with a vengeance. Sgt Baird, the Squadron Gunnery NCO,intensified his bespoke programme of virtual and practical train-ing to enable crews of disparate experience the optimum prepara-tion for firing. SSgt Wild, the Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant(SQMS) honed his burger flipping skills in his bid for the es-teemed Crossed Spatulas award. Tpr Beacher started to brush upon his Welsh.

An independent deployment to Castlemartin offered the Squadronthe privilege of autonomy of approach. This was to prove essen-tial in combining gunnery with individual training prior to de-ployment to Canada. Some strong early performances wereenabled by high levels of vehicle availability thanks to the combi-nation of the impeccable Fitter Section support and good weather.This positive trend continued, as all expectations began to be sur-passed. The odd aberration marred a superb first week on theranges; Sgt Budd proved that there is such thing as a stupid ques-tion, when he asked the trailer if they could “just confirm to me ifthe bag charge goes in blue or orange end first?” Performances onthe ranges were matched by the après-ski Paddling in Pembroke.The Squadron party was a salubrious and high-brow affair with afew hands of bridge followed by a spot of ballroom dancing. The

The new OC B Squadron thinking he’s funny; B Squadron Officers pretending thathe is funny.

first week of ranges had engendered high hopes for the AnnualCrew Tests (ACT). Crews held their nerve and maintained stan-dards; resultant was a 100% first time pass with six crews obtain-ing Level 6 passes and six crews obtaining Level 5 passes. LCplFord was Squadron (and Regiment) Top Gun. The successes onthe ACTs were followed by a 100% first time pass at the AnnualTroop Assessments, with 4 Troop taking the honours. Ranges cul-minated in a Squadron Leader’s half-squadron exercise, capping aprogressive and productive period. Perhaps the most importantresult of ranges was the integration of the new arrivals (both gun-ners and drivers) into an operationally experienced and bondedSquadron; their hard work and professionalism was fundamentalto the Squadron’s success.

Notwithstanding the auspicious outcomes of troop and squadronlevel training, the principal hurdle of the training season was al-ways going to be re-integration into the KRH BG. With the ex-ception of limited conceptual and physical (synthetic) training inthe UK, the metaphorical and literal baptism by fire would be on

LCpl Mossop – back from the dead.

B Squadron Command Team.


proved to be the pinnacle of live fire. Unhindered by external fric-tion, the Squadron generated a high tempo in both the advance tocontact and delay; including long range HESH and smoke shoots.The culmination was all 14 tanks firing on the move, line abreastover a 6km pursuit. Even the ‘devil tank’ of the veteran SSgt Tay-lor offered him enough redundancy of reversionary modes to enjoythe most exciting day of his last ever exercise.

As the Squadron began to integrate with other elements of the BG,the Troop Leaders would default to roles (when possible), 1stTroop, Capt Warwick - lead for all moves and most miserable netmanner; 2 Troop, SSgt Taylor – reinforcement of BG Recce andpermanently indisposed; 3 Troop, Lt Perrott – intimate supportto engineers and Squadron sleeping stag and 4th [sic] Troop, SSgtPortwood – intimate support to infantry and Squadron ‘schneck’!At times, BG level live fire proved frustrating, owing to the re-strictions imposed by range templating (in particular at night) andthe realistic sinusoidal curve of periods of high activity interposedwith inactivity. A dawn pursuit with B and D Squadrons abreastdemonstrated the colossal steps that both Squadrons had made inreturning to tanks after operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Maintenance days provided limited respite and a vital opportu-nity to keep the Squadron on the road. Tpr Verth took the op-portunity to explore the Prairie in T shirt and boots in his bid tostop his body from atrophying prior to his PTI course. Cpl StreetMC in a desperate bid to skive the exercise, impaled himself to thedepth of a finger on a bivouac pole; he tearfully traipsed to theRAP with cries of ‘malingerer’ echoing in his ears. Sgt Keeleywould occasionally appear from the pack bay of a tank braying inhis incomprehensible wookie cries to ‘Tiffy’ Nelson and so soakedin oil that he resembled a member of the RTR. Cpl Sumner tookthe opportunity to attempt toturn the Squadron Second inCommand into a WiganAthletic fan; his

bluffers guide left nostone unturned and in-

cluded the cost of a pie andthe optimum pre-match wa-

tering hole. Capt Crofton whois now seeking extra-military em-

ployment was last seen auditioningfor the job as ‘B’ the Wigan mascot.

Ex MEDMAN 4. BG training inCATT provided the opportunityto integrate with other arms forthe first time. Owing to the ab-sence of some crew commanders,Cpls Hope, O’Mara and LCplMossop stepped up as virgins tothe challenge of command of Chal-lenger II (CR2). On occasions,navigation in the wiles of cyber-space proved testing; LCplMossop found himself defendingthe enemy Main Defensive Areafacing the combined arms effect ofthe entire KRH BG. The exercisereminded everybody of the tempoof armoured operations and the re-quirement to deliver a concentra-tion of force.

A much welcomed summer leave preceded immediate departureto Canada. A very short but intensive period of vehicle prepara-tion consisted of takeover and rejuvenation prior to deployment.The BATUS fleet is tired owing to the pressure of current opera-tions upon spares and the exigencies of the previous exercises dur-ing the training year. Anxiety over vehicle reliability was beliedby the entire Squadron making the 60km route onto the trainingarea. High levels of availability were maintained throughout theexercise, testament in part to crews, but principally the tireless ef-forts of the Fitter Section.

Squadron live fire proved to be the highlight of the training sea-son for most members of the sub-unit. The decision to go tacti-cal from the outset founded the battlefield discipline and fieldskills that would be subsequently put to the test on ExTRACTABLE (BG live fire) and Ex TOTALISE (BG TESEX).Sgts Lowe and Baird provided experience and mentoring in theart of tactical gunnery, giving the Troop Leaders the confidence intheir crews to be able to fire and manoeuvre boldly. Owing to alack of reliability of the light A and B vehicle fleet, the SSMjumped from vehicle to vehicle like a Norwegian hitch-hiker. Ex GREY GOOSE, the Squadron con-firmatory live fire exercise,

The OC, tired and pensive.

C/S 30.


replen as close to A1 Echelon as possible; indeed his efforts toachieve this were so successful, that one tank drove right throughthe MTO’s four poster bed. Sgt Dix developed repetitive straininjury from cross-decking with the Squadron Leader.

Despite the rare tactical reversal and the occasional cry of “likelambs to the slaughter”; the Squadron’s performance on TESEXwas consistently outstanding and delivered a fitting validation ofthe versatility of a KRH sub-unit. In 5 months, B Squadron hadreset from operations on Mastiff in Afghanistan to CR2 in BATUS.Many of the lessons learned on operations proved generically ap-plicable to the application of force in any environment and thetraining season endorsed the benefits of minimal personnel tur-bulence in perpetuating a common bond and understanding. Thenewcomers to the Squadron (including myself) have been wel-comed into a family with fine heritage and in turn, done our bestnot to let that family down.

ENDEX was the last time in the calendar year that the Squadronwould be united. For some, adventurous training beckoned fol-lowed by support to OPFOR for Ex MEDMAN 5, with Lt Perrottstepping up to be Second in Command of the Infantry Company;for others a prompt return to the UK enabled time with familiesat the end of a prodigiously busy 20 months of Pre-DeploymentTraining, an operational tour and a training season. A number ofmembers of the Squadron caught up on career courses denied tothem by this frenetic period. Congratulations go to LCpls Plantand Bamber for passing the RAC JNCOs Command Cadre. LCplPlant finishing a commendable second out of a highly competi-tive course of 40 soldiers; all the more impressive for a lack of anyopportunity for preparation.

JNEB

C/S 0C.

The TESEX phase of the exercise, and the arrival of a real ratherthan wooden enemy, necessitated an adjustment in approach fromthe procedural to the innovative. The instincts and initiative ofcrew commanders became pivotal to seizing and maintaining theinitiative. On occasions there were distractions; SSgt Portwoodcommenced a mortal duel with the Ginger Prince. The inevitablerivalries for Squadron Top Gun began in earnest with the earlyrunning made by C/S 0B; more likely owing to poor tactical place-ment than any other reason! (The award eventually went to TprDyer, 0C’s gunner). Cpl Smith, having been hamstrung by theslowest tank in the squadron for the initial phases of the exercisewas provided a new lease of life with a pack lift. Unfortunatelythis was also to prove a new lease of death, as speed resulted in oc-casional over eagerness.

B Squadron’s default role was as point sub-unit for BG advances.The eternal pressure of meeting H-hours resultant in some fraughtnights on the prairie! The most notable example of this, a nightadvance to contact in thick cloud, driving rain and across difficultterrain tested the mettle of even the most hardy; Cpl O’Mara didhis best impression of a chimpanzee hanging from the ceiling ofhis vehicle, C/S 10 managed to demolish some of the farming in-frastructure of the southern training area and C/S 0B dragged thebest part of a FIBUA village across the area. For some, the in-evitable pressures of the exercise finally began to take their toll onvehicles; Cpl Bradley and Cpl Marshall became B list celebrities atthe ECCP. For others the inevitable pressures of a long life of sol-diering began to take their toll, SSgt Taylor became an A listcelebrity in the OPFOR prisoner of war cell! SSgt Wild endeav-oured to break the BATUS record for establishing a Squadron

Brokeback Mountain - Capt Crofton adventurous training.


After a well earned Christmas break with families and friends,D Squadron returned to barracks in January 2008 with a cou-

ple of missions in mind: converting back to CR2 in preparationfor BATUS success and welcoming and forging the new team. Itwas a joy indeed to take ownership of tanks again after masteringthe Warrior but a sadness to say ‘adieu’ to some of the other age-ing D Squadron stalwarts. A re-ORBAT, now so common insquadron life, had occurred over leave and, thanks to CaptCaulfield, the membership of D Squadron now reflected the teamrequired of a traditional Sabre Squadron. We welcomed in WO2Loftus, SSgt Shearman, Sgts Allen, Clark, Clough and Cpl Hol-land to name a few and said our fond farewells to the likes of Lt QHicks, Lt Rich Crofton, WO2 Kennedy, SSgts Hargreaves,Weekes, Sgt Robinson and Cpl Deacon. One thing we all learntwas that there is no such thing as an indispensable man. The newarrivals took up arms with the style and ethos expected of theSquadron and preparation for 120mm ranges started in earnest.

January and February provided opportunities for some to attendindividual training courses missed whilst on operations and forthe re-introduction to CR2. Having been away from heavy armourfor over a year the complexity of this re-conversion was not un-derestimated; as with all the squadrons we had drivers that hadnever driven and gunners that had never gunned. Having to shareequipment, real-estate, training facilities and instructors with theother squadrons and 2RTR added to the puzzle that the SHQ teamhad to manage. Cpl Pople deserves special mention for his tire-less commitment to achieving the highest gunnery standards inless than adequate conditions.

The key training events that forced the Squadron together morethan anything occurred in Castlemartin: in ‘Paddles’ and on theranges. In the former, Tpr Edgar proved a useful tour guide to theSquadron Leader and introduced him to all and sundry as his‘Dad’, having won the privilege of commanding the Squadron fora day.

In the latter, the hard work and long days of conversion trainingpaid off and the Squadron enjoyed a good range period, achievingfirst time passes at Annual Crew Test (ACT) and Annual TroopAssessment (ATA) across the board. Lt Beattie learnt such a lotabout love, life and everything in between that he was sent backagain to Pembroke to assist B Squadron. He provided much mirth

D Squadron

Spot the helmet.

for them, particularly in hischoice of footwear. His wovenshoes were subject to a ‘kanga-roo court’ and then sentencedto death by CR2 firing squad.Perhaps, as testimony to BSquadron’s poor coax skills,the offending footwear only re-ceived a glancing blow andlived to fight another day (al-though Lt Beattie’s mothersubsequently discovered themand binned them!)

D Squadron lined up and ready to go.


In addition to ranges, some excellent low level training was con-ducted with Corunna Coy, 3 YORKS on Salisbury Plain. TheSquadron’s innate memory of Warrior twinned with our renewedCR2 skills made for an excellent opportunity to shake out and testour manoeuvre, contact drills and mutual support before the startof synthetic training and BATUS. There is nothing better than‘time on tanks’…although the Squadron managed some time awayfrom Tidworth through other means. Lt Nick Beattie took 1stTroop to Thorpe Park for some extreme wakeboarding, with anumber of spectacular high speed head plants. Lt Rob Garretttook 2nd Troop on an introduction to yachting - cruising acrossthe Solent from Gosport to Cowes and back in beautiful weatherprior to a night out in Portsmouth for the European Cup final. InLt Rob Adkin’s absence (another course), 3rd Troop went to Lon-don with Lt Nick Beattie, for a cultural tour of the British ArmyMuseum and Chelsea Hospital and, surprisingly, they all cameback after a night out.

By July, with a squadron level CATT complete, CAST underwayand Battle Group (BG) CATT prepared, the Squadron was set upfor success. The foundation for a successful BATUS as BG andOpposing Force (OPFOR) was laid. The Squadron then badefarewell to Maj Chris MacGregor who headed to his next appoint-ment within the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) in Ger-many. Maj Justin Kingsford managed to escape early from hisdesk in Whitehall for a taste of life at the sharp end. The Squadronthen formed up as 4 sabre troops for the first time to learn somegood synthetic lessons – the basic art of staying alive, and not get-ting stuck in too early, amongst others. All good stuff for what wasto come. The bulk of the Squadron then headed separate ways forsome well earned summer leave. A few of the boys felt they couldwait no longer for the Canada experience and volunteered to headout on Ex MEDMAN 3 with A Sqn as part of the 3 YORKS BG.

D Squadron deployed to Canada on return from leave, and despitea fairly challenging timeline, managed to roll out of the back gateon D-1 with 14 CR2s. Somehow, all 14 also reached the firing linefor D Day - although there were some worrying moments; notleast when C/S 10 (Lt Beattie) reported being bogged in, despiteno-one being able to recall sighting any water or mud on the wayout. This first ‘bogging’ was to become something of an officersport, as a hat-trick was completed. The other participants: theSquadron Leader – although 0B’s was apparently part of a cun-ningly devised training serial (sort of!); Lt Garrett, who felt thatan extra night and sunrise on the prairie, albeit bogged-in adja-cent to EXCON, was the only way to reminisce properly.

The early days of the exercise werefairly turbulent – due in no smallpart to a rash of minor injuries.Thankfully, none of these were tooserious and all are either recoveredor are in the process of recovery atthe time of writing. The Squadronprogressed well through the troopand squadron level shoots with afantastic day on Ex GREYGOOSE– a squadron advance to contact,which produced some of the bestsub-unit drills BATUS had seen inliving memory. As well as master-ing the basics, a number of the more ‘nerdy (but increasingly bat-tle-winning) geeks’ managed to get the BOWMAN p-BISA systemworking effectively, handing off targets to each other – Cpls Hud-son, Holland, Astley, with Sgt Clarke and LCpl Jerry Stringer insupporting roles.

Cpl Kendall attempts to keep hismouth shut.

Sgt Clough, deployed contrary to popular belief.

2 Troop deploy.


The BG level live firing finale consisted of both B and DSquadrons conducting a BG pursuit. The sight of two squadronsadvancing line abreast in a cavalry charge was as close as you canget to armoured ‘pornography’ and certainly got CommanderBATUS hot under the collar! Fresh from bravely attacking card-board, the Squadron came crashing back down to earth by fittingthe Tactical Engagement Simulation (TES) kit and soon found outthat targets that shoot back are that much more tricky to kill!

After a steep learning curve the Squadron conducted a very ‘Gud-erian-esque’ break out to the north and encircled OPFOR duringEx CHAMELEON, with Cpl Pople managing an early and deci-sive identification of the enemy’s armoured reserve. The subse-quent mission (part of Ex TOTALISE) taught us a valuable lessonin that armour without infantry support is extremely vulnerable inthe TES environment. The defence and delay mission of Ex TO-TALISE was notable in that the Squadron defeated the bulk of theOPFOR, not once, but twice (it having been regenerated) fromwell sighted, mobile defensive positions. Cpl Holland, in partic-ular, drew the attention of Commander BATUS for his proficientcrew commanding skills during this engagement. The final mis-sion on Ex TOTALISE saw the Squadron hit peak form in break-ing through a dismounted LAW and Javelin matrix to then launchinto the flank of the armoured reserve at the optimum moment, as-sisting in a notable BG victory at the end of the exercise.

Although all ranks deserve credit for a highly successful Ex MED-MAN 4 – not least those replacements from A Squadron – a few de-serve special mention. Sgt Collins and Tpr Barford were awardedthe Commanding Officer’s commendation for their considerableefforts. The Fitter Section complete, SSgt ‘Tank’ Sherman, CplKendall and the Second in Command all deserve credit for theirvarious parts played in keeping the ‘tail’ of the Squadron goingthroughout the exercise. Tpr South picked up the award for themost improved driver. There were notable victories; the prize forthe most cookies concealed and eaten during the exercise (WO2Loftus by a mile); least time spent in the battle (Cpl ‘Rick’ Astleypipped Sgt Clough to this one), and most airtime (Capt Perowne -by some distance).

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.

Dutch hasn’t grasped the concept of hide and seek.


The rump of the Squadron remained in Canada and took part insome form of adventure training, and the D Squadron hardeneddrinking team deployed for 7 days to our Canadian affiliatedbrethren in the 1st Hussars (more of this in another article). Onreturn from our various adventures D Squadron formed the crewsfor Infantry Company during OPFOR on Ex MEDMAN 5. Wewere joined by 40 members of 3 YORKS who provided our dis-mounts. The training element of the OPFOR task was extremelycivilised and ultimately great fun. The battling phase had its frus-trations as we often had to fight with what felt like both arms anda leg tied behind our backs. With some relief the final membersof the Squadron returned to the UK by mid November. In addi-tion to the usual Christmas festivities the Squadron managed topick up 1st and 2nd places in the arduous March and Shoot com-petition, as well as scooping the Bengough Trophy through thefantastic efforts of 2nd Troop complete - a fitting end to a very suc-cessful year. We say farewell to Capt Peter Perowne, WO2 SSMLoftus, SSgt ‘Billy’ White, Sgts Allen, Sercombe and Clough, andwelcome in Capt ‘Q’ Hicks who clearly could not bear to be away,WO2 SSM Sinclair and Sgt Whitehill.

JNJK Patrolling on the prairie.

Tpr Kirkbride in a jam.


Headquarters Squadronitary funeral in his hometown ofChorely, and his coffin was carriedby some of his closest friends fromHQ Squadron.

Post BATUS, HQ Squadron’sfocus switched to the preparationfor the Combined InspectionsWeek (CIW) - a combination of thelogistics, equipment care, trans-port, fuel, medical, pay and admininspections all rolled into one biginspection. Although great to getit out of the way all together, it wasa real test of the department’s re-solve in prioritising their work. Itwas acknowledged by the inspec-tion teams that KRH led the Brigade in best working practices,and due to all of HQ departments’ hard work, was a success allround.

With the CIW completed the focus switched to the preparation forEx NORTHERN HAWK, the Regiment’s main recruiting surgefor several years. Conducted during late November and early De-cember, the main aim was to reaffirm links with the North West ofEngland and centred on regimental parades in the Boroughs ofPreston and South Ribble, with a concurrent recruiting surge andfootball tour. Despite the typically inclement weather and severeconditions of Altcar Camp, the soldiers undoubtedly enjoyed theparades and the support they received from the people of Lan-cashire.

This has been an overview of some of what HQ Squadron has beeninvolved in throughout 2008. Departments and troops have em-bellished further in their own articles. We look forward to somewell deserved Christmas leave, prior to steeling ourselves for whatthe New Year will bring.

TW

HQ Sqn Ldr, Maj Trevor Winchcombe

Time moves on but not much changes in the realms of HQSquadron; it continues to support the Regiment in its myriad

of activities whilst also functioning effortlessly within its own de-partments and troops. A change at the top, with Major Winch-combe taking over command from Major Oliver who has sincebeen posted to Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (CATT) in Sen-nelager. Also a new SQMS, with SSgt Bushell taking on the largestand most complicated account in the Regiment, and seeing SSgtWhittaker move to a Troop Leader’s post in A Squadron. Onlythe Squadron Sergeant Major (SSM), WO2 Wood, remains fromthe previous year, forming the continuity in the Squadron HQ.

The year started well with HQ Squadron entering 2 teams, HQ ‘X’and HQ ‘Y’ into the Old Comrades Competition, which prettymuch included all the fit personnel in the Squadron in some wayor another. Experience prevailed over youthfulness, and HQSquadron not only managed to win the cross country competition,but was also placed well enough in the other sports to win the com-petition outright, despite copious amounts of wheezing and lotsof tired bodies throughout!

The main part of the year was taken up with numerous trips toCastlemartin Ranges to support the various squadrons’ firing pack-ages, as well as visits to CATT and Combined Arms Staff Trainer(CAST) in Warminster. Low level training was conducted on Sal-isbury Plain, with Exercises MUDDY HAWK and CRIMSONHAWK, prior to the Squadron deploying to BATUS in support ofA Squadron on Ex MEDMAN 3 and/or KRH Battle Group (BG)on Ex MEDMAN 4. BATUS provided the Squadron with the op-portunity to put its combined training skills to test, and washugely successful throughout. Post Ex MEDMAN 4, a large com-ponent of HQ Squadron stayed on in Canada to take part in ExMEDMAN 5 as Opposing Force (OPFOR). Generally, OPFOR isregarded as the more fun, but no less challenging side of exercis-ing on the Prairie. Again, HQ Squadron completed this with itsusual mix of professionalism and flexibility. The deployment toBATUS finished on a solemn note with the untimely and tragic ac-cidental death of Tpr Stewart McAllister. He was given a full mil-


It would seem that we now start the journal notes every year stat-ing what a busy time it has been; well, 2008 has been no excep-

tion! In February we said farewell to WO2 (RQMS) Rutter whomoved onwards and upwards to take up the role of RegimentalSergeant Major. We then welcomed WO2 (RQMS) Bland, but onlyafter he had single-handedly defeated the Taliban and then sur-vived a worse fate: the RQMS course at Deepcut!

The KRH Battle Group (BG) was to have a full training year andthe department was required to provide all the support to coverthe deployments and the routine activities back in Tidworth. Thiswas only possible by splitting the team into 2 groups. The firstaway team task came in May when the Regiment moved to Castle-martin Ranges. The new RQMS proudly led his team consistingof Cpl Kev ‘Shakey’ Price and LCpls Jim Longton and Del Ben-nett into the Welsh valleys. With the accommodation and ammu-nition sorted, the RQMS designed a number of sporting challenges– very apt for an Olympic year. Not only did this display his ultracompetitive side, but also his imagination. If it looked remotelypossible that he might lose a fixture he would re-invent the rules,redesign the course or, if all else failed, cheat! Surprisingly, hav-ing had his phone surgically removed from his ear, the QM madean appearance at Castlemartin, doubling up as the RegimentalGunnery Officer, and put to use his vast gunnery experience andlocal Pembrokeshire knowledge!

At the same time, the home team, Sgt ‘Dart’ Arrow-Smith, Cpls‘Dell’ Wilkins, Chris ‘Ash’ Ashmore, Rick ‘Monkey’ Hodkinsonand LCpl Dave ‘Simmers’ Simcock were back in sunny Tidworth.With a royal visit and the Regimental Reunion Weekend looming,the team had more than enough to keep them busy. Dart beganwheeling and dealing with other units and Monkey sorted the loanstores - not bad from 30,000 feet! Dell and Ash started gatheringkit ready for BATUS, whilst Simmers took over as the facilitiesmanager (never thought that would make it into a Regimentaljournal!).

Soon the RQMS and his team were back on the Welsh Riviera, thistime in support of B Squadron who had returned fromAfghanistan earlier in the year and were playing catch up in orderto be prepared for deployment to BATUS. B Squadron demon-strated tremendous gunnery skill throughout and, fortunately,

were able complete a squadronlevel exercise which solved theproblem of ammunition disposal!

It was not all work, work, work asthe department enjoyed a numberof very successful nights out. Thevisit to Ringwood brewery was verypopular, needless to say there werea few sore heads in the morning.

Finally, the QM and the away teamdeployed to Canada on Ex MED-MAN 4. Once the handover/takeover from the 3 YORKS BGwas completed, LCpl Del Bennettwas shipped off to live in the ammunition compound for 3 weeks,while the remainder of the team supported the KRH Battle Groupfrom Camp Crowfoot. This proved to be much busier than weimagined, with the team deploying out on to the prairie every cou-ple of days to support the maintenance days, armed with ammu-nition drops, fresh food and stores.

With Ex MEDMAN 4 complete, it was time for some to head backto Tidworth, while Cpl ‘Shakey’ Price and LCpl Jim Longton re-mained in Canada supporting the OPFOR commitment. Back inTidworth, Sgt ‘Dart’ Arrow-Smith and his team were franticly work-ing on the accounts in the department in preparation for the Com-bined Inspections Week. All the hard work was well rewarded witha very good result - a testament to the calibre of the department.

With the year coming to a close, we now look forward to Christmasand a well earned spot of leave, prior to pre-deployment trainingstarting for the Regiment’s third Iraq deployment in 2009. Fi-nally, congratulations to WO2 (RQMS) Bland who has been se-lected to be the next RSM. Well done also to Cpl Hodkinson andCpl Ashmore, who both promoted during the year. Last, but notleast congratulations, to Cpl Price and Claire on the birth of theirson Kalin George. It just remains for me to thank everyone in thedepartment, not just for their hard work, but for maintaining asense of humour!

MC

Quartermaster’s Department

The QM, Capt Mark Collins.

QM Team.


Where has the year gone? Out of operations and into a train-ing year, the pace has not slowed down. The first major

event of the year was the handover of RQMSs as we said farewellto WO1 Mark Witham who left to become RSMI Ranges at Lul-worth and greeted WO2 Mark Sword. The handover was con-ducted during the Statutory Health Check (SHC), the first of manyinspections for the Regiment during the year. The build up to theSHC was interrupted by the Regimental firing camp which sawCpl Heap and LCpl Lockett deploy to Castlemartin for a month insupport of A and D Squadrons. In fact, Cpl Heap enjoyed theWelsh countryside so much he went back in May to support BSquadron’s range period. This was the start of the party gameknown as musical tanks. As a type 44 Regiment and only physi-cally owning 18 tanks it soon became apparent that not everybodywas going to have their own train set. So A passed to D whohanded some back to A and all were handed to B who redistributedto A & D! C Squadron was somewhat more fortunate. Left out ofthis as the Medium Armour squadron they received 8 Warriorsstraight off the boat from Iraq and the only thing missing was RPGmissiles hanging off the side! After ranges the squadrons startedto deploy on to Salisbury Plain Training Area to conduct low leveltraining, and the department also deployed for a week to start itspreparation for BATUS. Sgt Jeff McParland decided to prove thatlife really did begin at 40 and volunteered to cycle from Lands Endto John O’Groats. He managed to make it to Exeter A&E depart-ment after a high speed wipe out on day one. More recently he at-tended Salisbury A&E after falling off his motorbike - only 15more counties to go! It was at this point we sadly said farewell toMr Tony Turner who had been with the department for 6 yearsand was moving on to pastures new.

As the remainder of the department went on some well deservedsummer leave, Cpl Dave Almond deployed to BATUS on Ex MED-MAN 3 to assist the 3 YORKS Battle Group (BG) Tech in the in-tricacies of Challenger 2 (CR2) and supporting A Squadron. EarlySeptember saw the minority of the Troop fly out to BATUS inpreparation for Ex MEDMAN 4. This saw Cpl Paul Bensley stepup to Troop Sergeant, a roll he informs me he was born to do andCpl Devon Miller who spent the whole deployment ensuring theQM(T) did not lose his mug! Cpl Almond remained in BATUS asthe ‘in camp guru’ whilst Cpl Bugsey Malone and LCpl Buckleytook over the new MAN trucks, and were thoroughly delightedwith the air con feature. As expected, the exercise was challeng-ing. The QM(T) assumed the role of DCOS for the initial part andagrees it suits DE officers better. Mean-while the Troop worked tirelessly, spend-ing most of the time demanding sparesfor the worn out CVR(T) fleet. After anextremely successful exercise the task ofhanding over to the incoming BG started.This meant even longer hours, preparingthe accounts and accepting all the de-mands that were coming in from thesquadrons. Soon after the handover wesaid farewell to Cpls Malone, Almondand Miller who flew back to the UK tobolster the Rear Party, and welcomedLCpl Larkin who flew the other way toassist Sgt Bensley and LCpl Buckley inmaintaining the OPFOR account. TheQM (T) assumed the role of OC BaseAdmin Group with the responsibility of -well everything except being a QM!

The Rear Party, headed up by WO2(RQMS) Mark Sword, had the unenvi-able task of preparing the Regiment for

the upcoming inspection week, and maintaining all the accountsof those deployed. LCpl Stocks managed to catch up on 2 years ofelectronic ITSs which nearly broke him and Cpl Heap started hisresettlement. Many hours of burning the midnight oil ensuredthat all the accounts were ship shape and dealt with the issues thatstill came down from Brigade and Division.

The department was complete again in early November, allowingthe QM (T) and RQMS (T) to conduct a raft of inspections priorto the new Combined Inspection Week (CIW). This is a series ofexternal inspectors checking everything the Regiment does. Theyare in fact the same inspections that used to happen over the pe-riod of the year all condensed into 1 week. Some sleepless nightsand a lot of hard work saw the Regiment come through with fly-ing colours. Immediately after the CIW, WO2 (RQMS) IainRutherford left for ATDU Bovington on promotion, a great sup-porter of the Troop he will be sadly missed. His replacement, againon promotion is SSgt Bren Weatherby who has already managedto get himself on a course. Cpl ‘Couz’ Heap has left for ‘civviestreet’ after what felt like years of resettlement. We wish him thevery best.

The department is now preparing for next year’s operational tour,taking over Warriors, Bulldogs and Mastiffs to allow the Regimentto conduct specialised training. Everyone is looking forward toChristmas and a good chunk of ‘downtime’ with our families,ready for whatever next year brings.

MGK

Quartermaster Technical’s Department

The A2 Echelon.

QM (T) Team.


It has been an extremely challenging and busy year for the Troopwhich has developed tremendously over the past 12 months, and

is currently preparing for operations in 2009 as part of the BrigadeObservation Company. We were fortunate to get a wide cross sec-tion of soldiers from across the Regiment, all of whom had opera-tional experience in either Iraq or Afghanistan. Captain Kaye tookover as Troop Leader, SSgt Barrow as the Second in Command andSgt Ashton as the Troop Sergeant in November 2007. Many pre-vious reconnaissance figures also appeared out of the woodworkready to embark on the training year, with the goal being ExMEDMAN 4 in September. There were, of course, numeroushighlights throughout the year. First up was Ex LONG PATROLin January 2008. This was an exercise in which 4 KRH soldiers;Capt Kaye, Cpl Oldfield (now Sgt Oldfield who is an FAC attachedto 5 Rifles), Cpl Pople and LCpl Westwell went to Brecon as partof the Light Role Recce Course. It was an extremely useful and in-teresting week in which we learnt a great deal about 4 man patrols,alternative General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) firing, CloseTarget Reconnaissance (CTR) and yet more digging of Observa-tion Posts (OPs)! We were privileged to be under the instructionof a WO1 from Hereford, who took great delight in beasting thecavalry boys!

The following month’s activity was Ex CRIMSON STEALTH 1,our first exercise as a complete troop based on Salisbury Plain. Weconcentrated on our dismounted skills, principally that of naviga-tion, CTRs, OPs, 4 man patrol techniques and reaction to contact.It was an enjoyable week particularly for those who had only everbeen on Challenger 2 before. The most amusing moment was tosee Tpr Leach emerge out of a civilian car, in full patrol kit hav-ing found himself navigationally embarrassed during the individ-ual night navigation phase. That said, he wasn’t the first and wasnot the last during the course of the year!

In March, the Troop had the opportunity to put their newly ac-quired stealth techniques to good use. Capt Kaye was approachedby the Recce Wing of the Land Warfare Centre via a Colonel ‘Wilf ’Charlesworth who runs a stretch of the River Avon on SalisburyPlain. Essentially, he was suffering from poaching and propertywas being damaged on a regular basis. Following a couple of rec-ces to the area and a visit to the local Padre the Troop put in a lit-tle operation to see what we could find. With a command cell inthe bell tower, an OP and two cut off teams, we struck gold on thefirst night. The suspect was photographed in the act, completelyunaware, by Cpl Chris Pople and the photos dropped off to the po-lice! This earnt us a couple of crates of beer and was useful prac-tise in preparation for BATUS.

The next major event in the calendar was the annual firing pack-age at Castlemartin in May. The combination of absolutely stun-

Close Reconnaissance Troop

ning weather, some interesting PT sessions around the local vil-lages, a bank holiday weekend of carnage and the birth of SSgtBarrow’s daughter, Kaitlyn, miraculously resulted in some out-standing shooting. Cpls Buglass, Pollard and Oldfield were in-strumental in coaching the Troop, though, one should also notethe Second in Command’s Annual Crew Test score- clearly thepressure of the Commanding Officer watching got to the battlehardened warrior!

It was certainly one of the most enjoyable periods of the year andvery rewarding to see the vehicle crews come together, particularlythe five new gunners. We also had the apparently rare privilege ofdriving the Scimitars off the railhead at Haverford West to theranges, though Captain Kaye, having broken down and lost thepolice escort, ended up taking his vehicle through the centre ofPembroke, which caused a few minor issues. At the end of therange package LCpl Brown 700 was awarded the prize as the bestgunner. The Troop’s pink ‘going out’ shirts, tastefully selected bySgt Ashton and Cpl Pople, have remained infamous in South WestWales where we seem to have gathered quite a facebook gathering.

In June the Troop completed Ex CRIMSON STEALTH 2. Thiswas another enjoyable exercise on the Plain where we completedall our low level training on vehicles, and hammered the obstaclecrossing drill, as well as setting the conditions for a Battle Group(BG) assault by day and night. Once again, we were blessed bygood weather, though vehicle availability was rather poor, a themewhich was to continue into BATUS.

Prior to going on summer leave the Troop completed a week ofCombined Arms Tactical Trainer (CATT) alongside B Squadron

LCpl Grimes, Tpr Leach, Cpl’s Wilkinson Buglass, Tpr Constant on Ex CRIMSON STEALTH 2.

LCpl Westwell terrifying the locals at CMR!

The Results!


and the BG weeks of CAST and CATT. Although useful lessonswere learnt the Troop were very much looking forward to beingon a vehicle as opposed to a computer simulator!

The culmination of our year’s training saw us deploying to Canadain late August on Ex MEDMAN 4. The exercise went extremelywell for the Troop, though we suffered from a horrendously poorfleet of CVR(T). Throughout the exercise we averaged about 50%combat effectiveness, and so some crews did spend a depressingamount of time in the ECCP, with every single vehicle goingthrough at least 1 fan as well as the other problems. As a result, weended up pooling an extra 8 vehicles; 4 Spartans and 4 cut downland rovers in order to get as many people out as possible. Of note,we achieved a 25km insertion as 3 patrols, led by Capt Kaye, SSgtBarrow and Sgt Ashton, into the 3 YORKS main defensive areawhere havoc was wreaked prior to the armoured strike at dawn.The 25 day exercise was fundamental in cementing all that we had

learnt, and brought on theTroop tremendously, both tac-tically and professionally. Forthe younger and less experi-enced soldiers it gave them anopportunity to soldier both onand off the vehicles, whilst thecommanders were able to ex-ercise with tremendous free-dom and rewarding responsi-bility. The only disaster waswhen Cpl Pople and Tpr Con-stant flipped their cut downLand Rover, James Bondstyle, in the early hours of themorning en route to a FIBUAassault. Fortunately theyonly received concussion,though the vehicle was a write off.

Since returning to England in November the Troop has made afew adjustments and welcomed some fresh faces for our commit-ment to the Brigade Surveillance Company. We are currently 27strong, having been through some arduous training on the Plainalongside the 3 YORKS and R ANGLIAN Recce Platoons as partof the selection process. It is a fantastic opportunity for a heavy ar-moured regiment to put forward so many men into a classic lightrole task and I am confident that we will have a highly successfultour.

In conclusion, it has been an exciting and enjoyable year, despitethe usual Army frustrations and most importantly, we will be de-ploying next year as a troop - the first time since Kosovo.

PK

Command Troop

Recce Tp Ldr 'showing off!'

Sgt Ashton, Cpl Buglass, SSgt Barrow, Capt Kaye.

Command Troop’s year has gone from busy to manic. Thefreshly formed Troop found itself with 26 MFO boxes scat-

tered around the floor space and 2 offices on 2 tank parks; OK,where does it all go?

The more than frequent MUDDY HAWK exercises ensured thatthe planning team were well prepared for Combined Arms Tacti-cal Trainer (CATT), Combined Arms Staff Trainer (CAST) andBATUS. The Troop were well versed in guarding mine tapetrenches, tent erection courses and the ‘where do you want thenext white board to go’ politics. As ever, work continued behindthe scenes repairing boards and changing the layout of the tents ina well rehearsed manoeuvre (ish). The RSO fitted in very well.Promoting from RSM to photocopier and brew boy; this was achallenge for him and amusing for us. Along with some interest-ing looks and comments around the bird table, the batting orderwas decided (brew boy it was). Cpls McLeish and Murphy soonbecame the Troop bulldogs, ruling the tank park with an iron fistand stopping the other members of the Troop asking stupid ques-tions like “Sarge, have you got a pencil”.

Capt Sloan was soon notified of his future employment as the Wel-fare Officer, so on hearing this good news he thought he would trysome welfare tactics out on the lads. This went well, as he was ascompassionate as an assassin! However, throughout the year hedid become more approachable which only seemed to throw thelads off balance and scare them even more.

CATT and Battle Group (BG) CAST brought their own challengeswith late night trace parties and re-shows, meaning that the days

got longer and sleep was a rarity. The Troop deployed to Castle-martin in May and conducted a different range package with somevery interesting schmooly shooting. The RSM is still convincedhe got a level 6 on his Annual Crew Test! Something different thisyear meant that the Second in Command’s tank doubled up as theBrigade Commander’s crew. This was great for them and meantthat when they did not want to be somewhere they name droppedthe Big Man - who was going to tell them otherwise? Cpl Eads-forth tried to pass on his gunnery knowledge during the week andall went well. It was not all work though, and the Troop did havetime away and had a day out to Thorpe Park. There were somevery scared faces (we have the pictures to prove it) and a great dayout.

Ex MUDDY HAWK 3 (how many can there possibly be?) wentahead as planned. We tried everything to find an excuse not to doit, but without vehicles, how could we argue? The deployment toCanada was effortless, with all the correct kit being sent to top upthe kit list that BATUS had waiting for us. Well, that was not en-tirely true, but thankfully there were some KRH permanent staffin Canada that had the ability to get kit at short notice. Sgt Dur-rant worked so hard, constantly finding faults with the JAMESdatabase (Joint Asset Management Equipment Solutions), and theEquipment Care Directive. Unfortunately this proved too muchfor him and sadly he did not deploy due to his mild heart attack.Looks like he finally broke! Thus Cpl McLeish stepped up to takeover the reigns as Troop Sergeant. So began the nightmare of com-municating with Recce Troop 30km away and with only man packradio. The comms situation got so bad that Capt ‘300 Club’ Sloanand SSgt ‘Combat’ Calvert deployed on their black taxis (boots) to


The Troop has now been reformed, ready for the forthcoming op-erational tour. We say farewell to Capt Sloan who goes on to be-come the Welfare Officer, Sgt Durrant who takes on a TroopLeader post in A Squadron, Cpl Murphy who leaves us for theTraining Wing, LCpl Ethrington who goes on to cut his teeth inRecce Troop and Tprs Holmes, Farrar and Mackay who move ontoA and B Squadrons respectively. We welcome into our ranks CaptWarwick and, the now Sgt McLeish, and look forward to the freshchallenges of next year.

KS

Anyone seen the tents?

set up a rebroadcast. It seemed a good idea at the time, until yourealised how much kit they would have to walk with. Withbergans bulging with batteries, they set off! On arrival at theRebro location it seemed to be held by the OPFOR (enemy). Afterdestroying the enemy position and setting up the Rebro they de-cided that lying still for too long was not for them, so they left theradios in place and went on a search and destroy mission. WithSA80s loaded they destroyed half the 3rd shock army – apparently.

Canada had its glitches, but we continued our cavalry traditionsand on occasion you sometimes heard, “the tents are too close -move them apart”, and so we did. Tprs Fawcett and McKay grewup very quickly- they were even heard gripping a few people,shouting, “Grow up and act like a NCO”, not bad for the smallestand newest Troopers. No one was entirely sure how many peoplethe BGLO (Maj Winchcombe) had on his crew - at one point hehad all the Command Troop NCOs in his 9x9 tent doing jobs forhim! Where they all slept who knows, but what we do know isthat his whole crew were found behind his tent catching 40 winksat the time. The pace didn’t let up for OPFOR with the majorityof the Troop staying behind to continue the tent manoeuvres.

In camp, the RSWO and BSM were showing signs of stress whichwas evident by a 1000 yard stare. Once investigated it was foundthat the RSWO could not complete “Command and Conquer” onthe easy level! Also the BSM was constantly mystified how hisBUDT was defeating him on the solitaire game. Were they evensupposed to be working?

Jokes aside, the Troop has been busy and life could get you down,but the very nature of the individuals in the Troop meant thatthere were always some morale boosting people around. Ours wereLCpl Payne and Tpr Befoh – “practical jokes r us”. We are not yetsure if they ever finalised their civil partnership, but they do makea lovely couple.

Where are my Staff?

SSgt Calvert (Bowman System Manager) & RSWO Russell fixing


As the nights draw in and we enter the twilight of another hec-tic year it’s hard to believe what we have accomplished this

year. It’s been exciting, frustrating, revealing, rewarding, chal-lenging, sad, funny; we have seen uncertainty; we have seen JPAworking, JPA not working; we have shot more crocodiles from ourcanoe than you can ever imagine; got on and off so many buses wehave lost count; climbed that many mountains our feet continuallyache; but stepping back on those aching feet to ponder and reflectover 2008, above all, it’s been really great fun.

The first challenge to conquer this year has been written in theRegiment’s history books for all Motor Transport (MT) Troops ofthe past, and that’s to qualify all the new soldiers that have joinedMT, to ensure that they bring something to the party. It takes avast amount of hair pulling and cunning stealth, with a slight tingeof bluff, to train a new soldier to drive military vehicles worth over½ million pounds. It must be said that WO2 (MTWO look at meat Glastonbury) Wilson achieved this tall order in record timethanks to the rather naïve 1 Mechanised Brigade Master Driver.We also had the added frustration of converting our entire com-plement of new and old drivers to the new SV MAN fleet (re-placement truck fleet for the old 4 tonners) prior to deployment onEx MEDMAN 3 & 4 in the middle to latter part of the year.

To develop the Troop’s tactical understanding of the A1 echelon,the MTO Capt (was blonde but is now grey) Wills, wrote a 2 dayexercise (which actually took him 3 days to write!), which saw themajority of the Troop deploy on Ex CRIMSON HAWK, aimedprimarily at being CT 1 & 2 level trained. This was conducted onSalisbury Plain (SPTA) over the period 9th – 11th May 2008 andculminated in the Squadron Leader’s test exercise on 12th May2008. Whilst the majority of the Troop endured the harsh(ish)

conditions of SPTA, Sgt Weath-erby took this opportunity to popdown to the beach and top up histan (Northern Monkey)!

Our focus remained very heavilyon the continuation of courses andsupporting the myriad of tasksthat came our way (usually on aFriday afternoon). The Troop hadby now cemented a solid founda-tion and amongst the nearest croc-odiles was the Regiment’sdeployment on annual ranges toCastlemartin (CMR). Cpl ‘moretime off than John Wayne’s safetycatch’ Warren, ably assisted by Tpr‘size 18 feet and finally got someboots’ Howarth, managed to sup-ply all manor of spurious individ-uals with white fleet vehicles.Somehow 22 left for CMR but only21 came back? Operating at reachmeant that the Troop had to coverhundreds of miles per day to sup-ply the Regiment with vital lifesupport. In fact, we spent a lot oftime travelling to and from Tid-worth to pick up vital items of for-gotten equipment, like Challenger2 bore sights, soldiers, vehicledocs, and more, which cannot bementioned! Meanwhile, theMTWO decided that the onlySTOP sign in Aliwal Barracksneeded cleaning. Armed with hisbucket and sponge and wearing his high visibility vest he set aboutcleaning the stop sign. It’s a shame he hadn’t had the same ideaabout his office during the 2 years he’s been in it!

As summer approached fast, so did the impending deployment toBATUS. We were providing manpower for Ex MEDMAN 3 and4, Opposing Force (OPFOR) and the winter maintenance team.Now, deploying to any part of the world can be time consumingand fraught, but why is it that it always takes days to travel toCanada and the majority of the time is taken up sitting aroundSouth Cerney? A small contingent from MT troop left with ASquadron in July to participate in Ex MEDMAN 3. It was whilstdriving a new ½ million pound Unit Support Transport (UST)

Motor Transport Troop

The MTO, Capt Gary Wills.

Work.

Sgt Bren (Northern Monkey)Weatherby sunning himself.


riod 17th – 21st November 2008. The inspection team fromLAND looked at all our Equipment Care procedures, fuel ac-counting, managerial processes, and drivers’ hours. Overall theTroop did exceptionally well and all the hard work that precededthe inspection certainly paid off. In conclusion, the Troop has pro-gressed from strength to strength over the last year and is ready formore testing times which may lie ahead.

GDW

MAN truck during this exercise, that LCpl Wilkinson entered intothe ‘spot the difference’ contest on the move. Can you spot thedifference between the two USTs below?

In August, the KRH Battle Group (BG) deployed to BATUS,spearheaded by the pre-advance party, which a number of theTroop were also on. We arrived after the obligatory prolonged waitat South Cerney, keen and eager to get our hands on these new ve-hicles, which we only had limited exposure to. The trouble thatappeared was the BATUS staff weren’t expecting us. If they were,it was strange that it took 4 days to find the 34 vehicles which ap-parently were ready for handover!

D - 1 arrived and with it came the excitement of 25 days on theprairie. The Troop is so diverse that for some it was the 16th timeon the prairie, for others it was the last time on the prairie, somewished they were never on the prairie, whilst for others it was the

Spot the difference!

first. No matter how many or how few times you have driven outof the back gates of Camp Crowfoot you always feel excitement,nervousness, and in the case of the MTO’s driver, Tpr Dave ‘watchme hit this bump’ Askins, the back of the MTO’s hand. The Spe-cial to Arms phase of the training is designed to test all the G4 el-ements of the BG. It’s fair to say it did; for some it was a littlemore taxing than expected, others were in a permanent state ofshock, but some found time in the hustle and bustle of the G4world to relax.

The A1 echelon had a trouble free time over the whole of ExMEDMAN 4 and learnt a whole lot about supplying the fightingechelons with the essentials. We also learnt a G4 acronym forRECCE - Rubbish, Excrement, Chocolate, Collision, ECCP! TheA1 echelon also won the lost and found competition through theefforts of SSgt Bushell. Tpr Wilton spent his time constructivelydeveloping the new SA80 A3, which can fire around corners!

After a thoroughly successful Ex MEDMAN 4 and OPFOR, theTroop returned to Tidworth and it was all hands to the pump toprepare ourselves for the Combined Inspection Week over the pe-

Very rare proof of Cpl Penning smiling.

If I was any more relaxed they would call me LCpl ‘Horizontal’ Hewitt.

The new SA80 A3, fires around corners! Tpr Wagstaff before leaving the Regiment on a high!


At the beginning of the year a number of new faces were draftedinto the Training Wing. Cpls ‘Jolly’ Jolliffe and Darren ‘Chip-

munk’ Chapman became Regimental CIS and D&M instructorsrespectively and Cpl Matt Davis-Bawn took over the PublicationStore. In May we welcomed back from ERE Sgt John Fenby asthe wing SNCO. We said goodbye to the elusive Sgt ‘Spicy’ PeteSaunders, who after a stint on winter maintenance in Canada, hasleft the Army after completing 22 years. Good Luck Pete.

This has been another hectic year for the Training Wing. Withthe Regiment’s main focus being preparing for and deploying toBATUS, the training bill to ensure that all soldiers were correctlytrained meant the Training Wing staff never stopped. With con-version and career courses to arrange and deliver, MATTs trainingto co-ordinate and the constant demand for small arms ranges andtraining areas, there was hardly ever time to breathe!

Throughout the year, the wing has delivered training support tothe Regiment by delivering over 60 courses, including the con-version courses for Warrior, Bulldog and CVR(T). Soldiers havealso been trained as Challenger 2 gunners and loaders, and somehave received career progression in signals and map reading. Inaddition, we have also conducted pre – course training for all sol-diers attending external courses at Bovington. As if that didn’tkeep us busy enough, Cpls Jolliffe and Chapman have both de-ployed onto Salisbury Plain on RAAT Tasks, (a shock to both I’msure!). Cpl Davis-Bawn deployed to BATUS whilst simultane-ously preparing the publications store for the Combined Inspec-

tion Week. Not to be left out, SgtFenby became the RegimentalWhole Fleet Manager over the rearparty period. This saw him be-come responsible for almost every‘A’ vehicle whilst the Regimentwas away enjoying the BATUS ex-perience. Capt Ford became theRegimental juggler as he battledwith the constantly changingtraining bill, but found time toarrange the Regimental footballtour.

As we run into Christmas, theTraining Wing staff will gothrough another transition as weprepare for next year’s operational tour. Sgt Fenby is off again,this time to take up the SNCO reins within MT and will be re-placed by SSgt Ian Hargreaves. Cpl Davis-Bawn is off to the Reg-imental welfare team and Cpl Jolliffe and Cpl Paul Murphy willdo a job swap between the Training Wing and Command Troop.Finally, in the New Year, Captain Ford moves on to become MTOas we welcome back the newly commissioned Capt Witham asTraining Officer. I’m sure 2009 will bring fresh challenges as ourfocus becomes Iraq, and ensuring that all are correctly trained forour operational tour.

DF

Training Wing

Cpl DB demanding yet morepublications for the CIW!

Regimental Provost

The New Year saw a change of RSM and the look forward to avery busy and hectic year.

In February, the Garrison opened the new Detention Facility inBulford. This was headed by Sgt Debaughn and LCpl ‘HAT’ Day;sadly the Troop lost LCpl Day for a 6 month detachment to the cus-tody suite. LCpl Day got first hand experience dealing with de-tainees and excelled in his position.

Next on the agenda was the Wives’ Club Exercise (Ex CRIMSONTAIL!). The opening detail on the programme was the daunting taskof teaching the wives foot drill. This took place on a very cold and wetApril morning and to the surprise of Sgt Debaughn, the wives put ona good performance which could embarrass some junior soldiers.

The coming of May saw Sgt Debaughn deploy to CastlemartinRanges (CMR), leaving LCpl ‘Keith Lard’ Leach back at the Reg-


iment to hold the fort and prepare for the Regimental ReunionWeekend, which he managed with consummate ease and profes-sionalism.

Summer was a great opportunity to get involved with some wellearned sport. Sgt Debaughn represented the RAC and the Armyat Rugby League, whilst LCpls Day and Leach took up Motocross.

During the later part of the year, the Troop was split down forBATUS; the RSM took his Dog (LCpl Leach) under his wing andonto the Prairie, whilst Sgt Debaughn and LCpl Day had the notso envious task of running the BATUS detention facility. On re-

turning from Canada, the Regiment had two freedom parades(Preston and Leyland) to look forward to and, in preparation, en-joyed a great many drill sessions which were of great use as bothparades were resounding successes.

Sadly, LCpls Day and Leach moved onto Squadron life and Iwould like to thank them for their support in their roles withinthe provost department. Finally, my extended congratulations tothe RSM on his commissioning, and thank him for all his supportthroughout a hard but most enjoyable year and wish him goodluck in his future employment.

DeB

Welfare Office

As usual, it has been a busy time within the welfare departmentwith deployments to both Afghanistan and Canada. Whilst

the soldiers were deployed, the Welfare Office continued to put ona wide and varied activities programme for the families.

We started the year by saying a fond farewell to Emma Orr andfamily as they moved onto newer pastures. Fortunately they havenot moved too far away and we often see them in Tidworth or atsome of the organised activities. We wish them all the best for thefuture. Tina Harrison arrived in March to take up the helm of theWives’ Committee and did so with vim and vigour. First up wasthe wives’ exercise (Ex CRIMSON TAIL!) in April where we man-aged to lure 35 of the wives to deploy on a 36 hour exercise. It tooka great deal of organisation, and with huge support from the Reg-iment, it was an enormous success. The stands included com-manding a Challenger 2 around the all weather driving circuit,outdoor survival and air soft (like paint balling) shooting. In theevening a BBQ was laid on and a few well earned bottles of winewere consumed around the camp fire. It was all finished off witha leisurely 5 mile walk back into camp. Due to its success there istalk of making this into an annual event but maybe on a smallerscale.

The visit of the Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment, the PrincessRoyal, provided much focus for activity. The Regiment provideda static display of both Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFV)and Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks (MBT). We were fortunateenough to have a gathering of wives and children from across theRegiment who were able to meet The Princess Royal, who in turnwas truly interested in the opinions offered and later remarked thatit was a pleasure to meet the KRH wives and families.

The main event for the summer was the Regimental ReunionWeekend. The Welfare Office and Wives Committee were calledupon to help raise money for local charities. After a hard day ofselling tea, coffee and cakes, a total of over £200 was raised. It wasa great success and thanks must go to the committee for sacrific-ing their time on such an important day.

The welfare team organises a coffee morning every Wednesday inSt Michael’s Church hall and every Tuesday evening in OrdnanceHouse. The team also tries to put on different activities through-out the year from flower arranging to card making. One highlightthis year was a curry cooking demonstration by the military chefs.Headed up by Sgt Ainsworth and his team they managed to put onan excellent show and the food wasn’t that bad either! This was sowell received that there are aspirations to do something similarwith a different theme again next year.

The Welfare Office is always keen to try and give the opportunityfor the ‘WAGs’ to have an evening off and meet other people in arelaxed environment. To that end we held a series of events such

as ‘singstar superstar’competitions and vari-ous quiz nights. Unfor-tunately these are notalways as well attendedas we would like. Thedepartment is alwayskeen for ideas on how toimprove these eventsand gratefully welcomesany suggestions.

The highlights of thewelfare department’s an-nual activities are theHalloween and Christmas parties. There is a long standing tradi-tion that these parties are the biggest and the best, and this yearwas no exception. A very big thank you must go to Cpl MacDou-gal and the team who managed to convert the ‘boom boom room’into a very scary dungeon! We managed to entice around 150 peo-ple to the party and they all had a thoroughly enjoyable evening.Likewise, the Christmas party was a huge success as Father Christ-mas arrived and put on an excellent show for both the adults andchildren alike.

The welfare team would like to say welcome to Capt Kevin Sloanwho has moved across from the RSO slot to take up the reigns asCapt Gavin Hanratty moves across the plain to Upavon. We wouldalso like to welcome Sgt Davis-Bawn from the training wing to re-place Sgt Pete Benson who leaves the army to put down his rootsin sunny Spain. A great deal of work goes on behind the scenes inthe welfare department and with the Wives Committee . If youfeel that you have anything to contribute, please volunteer andpass on your information to the welfare team.

GH

Tina calls an impromptu orders group.

Olly Benson driving Father Christmas’ sleigh..


Following the busy and tumultuous operational year that was2007, you would be forgiven for assuming that 2008 would

offer the KRH and its LAD some well earned respite; alas, it wasnot to be. For the LAD, 2008 has seen a huge changeover in man-power; at the time of writing, I find that only 11 of the LADnamed in the 2007 journal remain in post. Included in this num-ber is the Artificer Sergeant Major, WO1 Jim King, who, with mereplacing Capt Sam Allinson in February, is now enduring histhird EME. 2008 has been an extremely busy training year, com-pressing some fifteen months worth of training into only nine.

The year started with Challenger 2 (CR2) refresher training,quickly followed by troop and squadron level training on Salis-bury Plain. Sharp changeovers between sabre squadrons were re-quired due to our reduced Challenger 2 holdings, resulting in somelong hours for the sabre squadron fitter sections. C (Medium Ar-mour) Squadron had their CVR(T) replaced by some rather ‘kaput’Warriors (WR), fresh from Op TELIC, ensuring they didn’t missout on the long hours. The new Artificer, SSgt Paul ‘offensive-shorts’ Clark, quickly realised that life in an Armoured LADwould differ somewhat from the relative bliss of the CommandoBrigade.

Castlemartin Ranges provided the Regiment with the opportunityto refresh gunnery skills in preparation for BATUS and providedthe LAD with some much needed competency training. With theChallengers parked on the firing point, the vehicle mechanics keptthemselves busy playing cards, drinking coffee and repairing theoccasional generator. Life was good. The technicians and ar-mourers were less fortunate, working incessantly to keep the Chal-lengers and CVR(T) firing. Sgts Rick Parker and ‘Vera’ Lynnoperated on virtually no sleep for two weeks, a taste of what was tocome in BATUS, whilst LCpl Richie Gould led the good fight onthe armourers’ side.

Whilst all of this was going on, B Squadron was deployed on OpHERRICK 7. With tightly capped numbers, every fit REME Cplor above was utilised as a vehicle commander and spent the ma-jority of the tour operating in both a tactical role, whilst main-taining their REME roots and repairing equipment when thetempo allowed. During the tour, LAD soldiers commanded fight-ing vehicles and were directly involved in combat operations,fighting alongside KRH soldiers. Their actions exemplify theREME soldier-tradesman ethos with Cpl Ryan Harpley beingawarded a Brigade Commander’s Commendation and Cpl RichardStreet being awarded the Military Cross.

Following low level and gunnery training, it was time for the bigtest – BATUS. First to depart were SSgt Craig Lilley and his bandof merry men, attached to 3 YORKS Battle Group (BG). The mer-

riment was short lived as the reality of the prairie kicked-in. Withsix Challenger 2s breaking down in as many miles on day one; ‘Ex-ercise Sleep Deprivation’ as it became affectionately known, hadbegun. The Warrior 512 crew, Sgt Andy Coulson, LCpl Pete‘Turbo’ Turbutt and LCpl ‘Eggy’ Egglesden never seemed to stop,constantly moving, diagnosing and repairing faults. TheCRARRV was rarely seen without a Challenger in tow and evenmanaged to ‘piggyback’ a tank, during what was later described byCpl ‘Yams’ Harrison, the Squadron recovery mechanic, as a routinerecovery job. ‘Yams’, now a Sgt, has been posted to SEME as a re-covery instructor – help us!

With SSgt Craig Lilley waxing lyrical down the telephone to theEME and ASM about the horrors of BATUS, it was a nervous

Light Aid Detachment

B Squadron Fitter Section on Op HERRICK 7.

Driving with NVGs is not as simple as one may imagine!Cfn Craig Hughes, B Sqn Fitter Section, Op HERRICK 7.

The damage caused to Cpl Street’s Foden during a recovery task at Regay.


LAD that departed for Canadian shores to complete Ex MED-MAN 4, the KRH BG exercise. Taking over half a tired fleet ofChallenger 2 from the previous BG, and half of an activated fleetfrom BATUS, the vehicles were licked into shape in the impossi-bly short time frame allowed. SSgts Billy White (D Squadron) andTim Nelson (B Squadron) had begun a head to head availabilitybattle that would continue throughout the exercise, adding somehealthy competition. Some of the younger tradesman soon re-alised why being in a sabre squadron was considered the pinnacleof their spannering career.

Sgt Danny ‘the doctor’ Collins, fuelled by coffee, was repairingChallengers quicker than D Squadron could break them, despitetheir best and sustained efforts. B Squadron also managed to keepmost of their Challengers in action, despite Sgt ‘Stan’ Keeleyspending more time in the ECCP repairing his CRARRV, affec-tionately named ‘spider-pig’ (?), than the Squadron’s tanks. RecceTroop spent so much time in the ECCP, that most thought it wasRecce Troop hide. Despite the incredible efforts of LCpls ‘Turbo’Turbutt and ‘Mac’ McLuskey, the CVR(T) fleet proved impossibleto keep fit and Recce Troop spent much of the exercise on foot.

All worked long hours, too long at times, in order to provide thecapability the BG needed to carry out missions. At times tempersfrayed and things were thrown but, as always, the LAD pulled to-gether and delivered the goods, achieving the highest availabilitya 2-1 BG has had in BATUS in recent memory. A testament to theexceptional work and self sacrifice that all had put in.

Following the rigours of Ex MEDMAN 4, Opposing Force(OPFOR) was warmly welcomed by the composite Fitter Section,led by SSgt Billy White. After a good handover from the previousOPFOR, the opportunity was taken to get away for a week’s standdown while waiting for the spares to arrive. This time allowedpeople to recharge their batteries, with trips to Las Vegas, Calgaryand Adventure Training all made available. On returning to camp,

the spares were in and it was back to work. OPFOR LAD de-ployed for a week’s build up training before making first contactwith the BG, whilst SSgt Karl Spinks, Cpl “The General” Mur-phy and Cfn Hughes operated from camp providing ES liaison anda major assembly delivery service. The week was a good opportu-nity to get acquainted with CVR(T) as, with the exception of Turboand Mac who were sick at the sight of them, they were new to mostof the section. Over the next three weeks, many nights were spentchanging final drives, gearboxes and rear idlers in the cold. Somebig collective efforts were put in on these nights allowing OPFORto cross the start line with all vehicles fit. The dreaded handoverof the vehicles to BATUS, which had looked like it was going tobe emotional, was made easy when the QM(T) brokered a dealwith BATUS, allowing a smooth hand back. Sgt “Tiffy” Collinswas proud of what his troops had achieved over the three weeks,even Cfn Hughes who went man down to have his appendix out –weak!

With the majority of the LAD deployed in BATUS, C Sqn re-mained in the UK as part of 1 Royal Anglian BG, deploying on ExDRUIDS DANCE on the 6th of October. The move out wentsmoothly, as did the first few days, with the majority of time takenup with attaching TES kit to the Warriors and to the Tiffy bus.The first week ended with the Squadron smoker, leaving Cfn’s IanHart and Sam Davies more than a bit merry and the former beingput to bed early. The second week saw a few personnel changes,with Sgt Jones replacing ‘Plug’ Shearman as the Section Sgt and‘Spud’ Taylor deploying as the Squadron Recy Mech. With theWarrior’s proving reliable, it was CVR(T)s that were again causingpain. One started squealing with seized fan bearings whilst an-other simply caught fire. From that point forward, the twoCVR(T)s started going downhill, with both acquiring new faultsdaily. The crews and fitter section remained in good spirits formost of the time, even though one bulkhead got taken out whatseemed like 20 times and had a new engine fitted by an FRT from4 Battalion REME. The only other vehicle with major issues be-longed to the Squadron Second in Command. His vehicle devel-oped a problem with its fuel injection pump, and kept most of thefitter section in West Down camp for a good part of the exercise.On the 22nd the Squadron made the move back to camp. Thiswent well with only one hiccup, which was the 513 breaking downat the wash down, resulting in a red-faced Recy Mech. After agood clean up, the Squadron were stood down for a well earnedlong weekend.

It wasn’t all work! A leadership day was organised for the juniorranks of the LAD on 16th June 2008. The day started up at themain LAD building, with most people whinging, not wanting tobe there and not really knowing what they were doing. Once in-formed that it was a day away from normal routine, everyone sooncheered up. Transport arrived to take us to Bramley training area.Once there we were split into equal sized groups and briefed onthe day’s activities. In these briefs it came to light that a crate of

Sgt Danny Collins and LCpl Redfearn both ‘threw a track’.LAD at work.

Pack change by night.


refreshing beverages would be given to the winning section, whichinstilled more competitiveness and enthusiasm into the teams.Teams were given maps, compasses and the grids of their check-points. They were then instructed to navigate to the tasks in cer-tain times to gain points (the quicker the more points). Eachperson in the section had at least one task to take the lead on. Thetasks varied from evacuating a casualty from a Land Rover in aminefield to being guided, blindfolded through laser beams. Allof the tasks were physically and mentally challenging, testing in-dividual leadership to the full. When the day drew to an end,everyone got the transport back and reconvened in the attachedarms for prize giving. The prize for best section went to Cpl Mur-phy’s section. Everyone who took part said they enjoyed the dayand most learned from the experience.

In between CT training, RAAT tasks and inspections for this andthat, the Recovery Section made time to carry out specific-to-rolerecovery training. This ranged from loading dead vehicles ontotrailers for the Regimental Reunion Weekend to carrying outequipment denial using PE4 (explosive) in a style more commonlyassociated with James Bond. Cfn ‘Spud’ Taylor soon learnt thatsweaty palms and trembling hands are not a good combinationwhen handling and crimping ‘dets’. BATUS proved to be an ex-ceptional learning curve for the Recovery Mechanics – encoun-tering recovery tasks under very testing conditions. The challengeoften lies in getting to the stricken vehicle casualty, often to theembarrassment of the vehicle commanders who may have sufferedfrom ‘sinkage’ in a place often denoted by the colour blue on amap. The most valuable lesson learnt for all the CRARRV crewswas that in order to ensure that a task is completed efficiently, thenthey must have sufficient fuel to get to the task in the first place.

As we approach the end of 2008, I feel it is safe to say that the LADhas achieved much this year and following a huge turnover of staff,is once again a cohesive and very capable unit. This was recog-nised when the LAD received a strong green grading onTECHEVAL for the second year running, a feat achieved by veryfew units across the whole Army. Op TELIC 14 is currentlyplanned for 2009, and the LAD will do what it has done best in re-cent years – remain flexible. Whatever 2009 throws at this LAD,I have every confidence it will rise to the challenge and supportthe Regiment in the manner to which it has become accustomed,Arte et Marte.

DM

Cpl Penrose diagnosing CR2 starting problems at CMR.

AGC Detachment

Having arrived in April this year my first impression of the sol-diers in the AGC Detachment (AGC Det) was of a happy

bunch who had survived despite adversity. The poor manning ofthe Detachment could have been crippling, but with each of themdoing at least two jobs they kept the ship afloat. Since then wehave welcomed, with open arms, new arrivals to the Det, and theworking pace did settle down somewhat. The new RAO manage-ment team set about supporting the Squadron HR Administratorswith a twice weekly training programme, instilling a frameworkwithin our business for management checks, communicating withthe Regiment through the monthly RAO News bulletin and or-ganising functions and activities.

And, of late, there has been plenty of reason to organise a ‘Do’.Since the summer, the Det has had 3 farewells, 2 weddings, 2 pro-motions and a baby! Of particular note was the gliding afternoon;it really was a buzz to be dragged up into the sky above Upavon onthe end of a winch, more so if you were lucky enough to do a loopthe loop or not so lucky depending how you looked upon it. Ei-ther way, there were grins all round when we relived the glory inthe bar afterwards. The afternoon was topped off with a visit to thelocal curry house. Curry is proving to become a theme for ournights out and without fail every outing has been a laugh from be-ginning to end. We have a tremendous bunch in the Det; plentyof characters, a shared sense of humour and a strong team spirit.

There have been several momentous events in the Regimental cal-endar towards which the Det contributed. The Regimental Re-union Weekend held in June called for all hands on deck.Responsible for the blue light display some of the Det were in-volved with directing fire engines and police motorbikes, othershelped out on the burger stands and we had overall responsibilityfor the money –just as it should be as we are the money men for theRegiment. The commitment to BATUS was the biggest task of

the year and the DetachmentCommander, Captain GemmaLeek led the administrative sup-port in Canada, as well as ensuringthat everyone had a seat on theflight out there and back. PrivatePrice, straight out of training cele-brated her 18th Birthday whilst inCanada and was stitched up whenthe Det arranged a shout out forher on BFBS radio.

So, whilst there is still a lot for theDet to achieve, we would like tothink that the new team have hadan impact.

JD

The RAO and Team.

Getting Ready - LCpl Rowntree.


Variety, flexibility and change best describe 2008 for the Regi-mental Aid Post (RAP). From January to December there has

never been a dull moment, with the staff turning over at a rate ofknots...

The first challenge 2008 presented for the RAP was preparing forthe Brocklehurst Trophy. Army Boxing Regulations now makethe stringent medical examination more daunting a challenge forthe competitors than the fights themselves. The medics workedhard to ensure all the appropriate medical checks had been per-formed and we spent several days completing the medicals. For-tunately, enough soldiers eventually got through the medicals andthe event was a spectacular success. It was a relief for the RAP tobe redundant on the night. The doctor, ably assisted by LCpl Jol-liffe, did not have to leave her seat at the ringside; the only signif-icant casualties of the night being a few bruised egos.

The focus for the year then shifted to addressing the health and fit-ness of the Regiment. The Unit Health Committee provides amonthly focus to ensure that there is a management plan for allour injured and ill soldiers and an opportunity to discuss healthstrategies to meet the needs of every soldier. We have benefitedfrom having a Remedial Instructor qualified PTI joining the team(SSgt Sweatman), at last enabling both remedial and rehabilita-tion physical training programmes to take place in addition to nor-mal squadron PT.

The RAP deployed on Ex ECHELON HAWK, during June, inpreparation for Ex MEDMAN 4 in Canada. This gave the RAP agreat opportunity to practise erecting and dismantling the RAPtentage and gave the medics a chance to display their impressiveacting skills in the form of amputees and gunshot victims. An en-tertaining demonstration was provided of how to provide carefrom point of wounding, back to the RAP and then the exercisingtroops were given the opportunity to put the lessons learnt intopractice through a few scenarios that aimed to dislocate their ex-pectations. The scenarios were set up for unsuspecting exercisingtroops and several litres of artificial blood, first field dressings andtourniquets later, the battlefield casualty drills were brought tolife…unlike some of the unfortunate casualties themselves!

Ex MEDMAN 4 was the next challenge of the year. Once risk as-sessments were completed and jabs were up to date, the team dis-appeared off to the prairie leaving the RMO and LCpl Jolliffebehind to keep the home-fires burning in Tidworth. Maj StevenEdgar, poached from 3 YORKS, stood in as RMO on the prairieand was definitely kept busy with a wide variety of real time in-juries sustained in the austere BATUS environment, in addition to

Regimental Aid Postparticipating in the exercise sce-narios. Now the team is back inUK and together again and it’stime for boxing …..

Over the course of 2008 the faceshave changed several times. At thestart of the year LCpl Philp andLCpl Marrow decided to join uspermanently, following their at-tachment on Op TELIC 10 so be-came part of the industrious team.Unfortunately, LCpl Marrowworked a little too industriouslyand has been promoted, so we loseher again! The first to leave us wasCpl Wood (RAMC); after a yearwith the KRH he went to pastures Cpl Miles - adept with scissors!

Maj Anne Fieldhouse and her Medical Team.

new in Aldershot and we welcomed the infectiously good-hu-moured Cpl Stacey Miles (RAMC) in his place. Next to move wasCpl Jones (KRH) who is to be congratulated on his promotion toSgt and posting as Warrant Officers’ & Sergeants’ Mess Manager.Finally, LCpl Jolliffe (RAMC), now very much Mrs Jolliffe, left usto become a civilian and is now working at Salisbury District Hos-pital. She has worked incredibly hard over her three year postingwith the KRH and is very keenly missed by the RAP and GarrisonMedical Centre alike. LCpl Baldwin (KRH) and Maj Fieldhouse(RAMC) have been the only constants throughout the year. Bothare in the process of increasing the potential Army recruits popu-lation and we wish them luck with the challenges of family lifethat are due to be presented in 2009.

AF

Catering Troop

Over the past 12 months the Catering Troop has seen manychanges, not only in faces but also in the way daily routine is

carried out in a joint KRH/2RTR kitchen. Please do not be fooledinto thinking many hands make light work, this is not the caseand with two Regiments feeding from the same facility there aretwice as many commitments and twice the problems. Competi-tive rivalry will always be healthy within the department; how-ever, all the chefs have gelled well and have made one big happyfamily…..sometimes!

As always, the Catering Troop found itself victim to the numerousevents and social gatherings in the Regimental calendar. The Reg-imental Reunion Weekend was one of tears, sweat and more tearswith the burger and hot dog stand proving very popular on a cold

June morning. The evening was also a success, with a BBQ buffetfor approximately 1000 people. With the BBQ refusing to lightuntil the last minute, things were looking to go wrong. However,the coals did eventually catch and then came the smoke. Visibil-ity was so bad we were referred to as “gorillas in the mist” and res-pirators would have come in quite handy. Even Mr Jim Davidsoncommented “The cook’s tent is on fire” which was not far fromthe truth, as the lamb chops hit the grill. After a smoke filledevening and some very sore eyes, the guys finally got a couple ofhours off, to get ready for the Sunday roast dinner the followingday. Another big success, and credit to the Catering departmentfor pulling off this very busy weekend. Our efforts must have cer-tainly impressed as the KRH wives’ club requested a live currydemonstration from the Regimental chefs to pick up some valu-


able tips and to get a feel for Asian cuisine. This was a huge suc-cess with Cpls Scott and Franks shaking and baking whilst SgtAinsworth commentated. Sgt Ainsworth took the Gordon Ram-say role in his stride and kept his script (language) pretty much tothe words of the TV presenter. There will be a similar ‘cook off ’demonstration forecasted for 2009; however, the department is justwaiting for a Delia Smith look alike to be posted into the Troop first!

Although the Catering Troop has had no operational tours thisyear, it did deploy to BATUS where a very good, but busy, timewas had by all. Feeding the Battle Group was no easy job, con-sisting of KRH (main BG), 4 Bn REME, 19 RA, 3 LSR, 3 YORKSand 26 Engr Regt, with chefs from each Unit being attached to theTroop. New friends were quickly made and old friendships re-newed. Feeding numbers in excess of 1000 soldiers in camp andout on the prairie was no mean feat and quite a challenge – how-ever, the department pulled together well and worked extremelyhard to produce well deserved hot meals for the exercising troops.During the time in BATUS most of the chefs completed adven-ture training, with a few managing to jump out of a perfectly goodaeroplane (which was going to land anyway)! Another participatedin an expedition to the Canadian glaciers, and a few others em-barked on horse back to the Rocky Mountains. With sore back-sides had by nearly all, it was a rare treat that was very muchenjoyed by everyone.

There has also been room for sport and leisure in the busy calen-dar. The 3 UK Division 5 a-side football tournament for FoodServices Personnel was held in Borden. Organised by the 12Mechanised Brigade Catering Warrant Officer as a Divisional gettogether, a great day was had by all the chefs and their families.The KRH/2RTR Chefs team saw victories in all but one match,securing a place in the final. After a hard match against a worthyopposition, the team won the tournament. Well done to the ef-forts of all involved.

A couple of congratulations are also in order. Firstly, to Cpl Stone-ley for getting through to the second round of auditions for thenew season of Gladiators on Sky 1, unfortunately missing out onthe third round by a whisker. No more shouting “Contenderready” by the rest the Troop! Also, a huge well done to Sgt IanSmith and the KRH team for completing the Lands End to John‘O’ Groats charity cycle event. Cycling just short of 900 miles injust five and a half days, the team raised £3600 for Help for Heroeswhich supports service personnel injured in conflicts around theworld.

On a final note, 2008 has been an eventful year within the depart-ment with career goals and personal goals being met all round. We

say farewell to WO2 Goreing who has been posted to JHQ Ger-many following his promotion to WO1. Also leaving us are CplStonely who has been posted to 7 Sigs in Elmpt Germany follow-ing his promotion to Sgt, and to LCpl Hodge who has gone onto33 Field Hospital in Gosport following his promotion to Cpl. Wewish them the best of luck for the future and thank them deeplyfor all their efforts. A final well done to everybody within theTroop for a year well spent and we now all look forward to thechallenges of 2009.

HM

Members of the Troop volunteered as extras for Brokeback Mountain!

KRH/2RTR Chefs team.

Gymnasium

On 19th May 2008, I found myself posted out of the comfortzone of rehabilitation, and back into mainstream physical

training (PT). I was posted to The King’s Royal Hussars. I wasextremely pleased to be posted back to the Field Army, and to abusy teeth arm unit. I replaced SSgt (SSI) Greaves, whom I thankfor the telephone call handover/takeover!

Prior to my first day, and wanting to create a good impression, Iarranged a visit to the Regiment. WO1 (RSM) Rutter gave me aguided tour of the unit and introduced me to many personalities.The most important department was obviously the Quartermas-ter’s. This was the time that I handed in my maroon beret and ex-changed it for a brown one. “Never mind”, I said, “at least I getsome maroon trousers”. “They are Crimson”, frowned the RSM.Oops. First impressions and all. Upset the RSM already! SSgt ‘Sweaty’ Sweatman.


Being a remedial instructor, and having spent a few years at theDefence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Headley Court,meant that nobody can escape PT. I have slowly worked my wayaround all the various departments within the Regiment and haveearned the nickname ‘enemy forces’.

I have only been in post for 6 months and I feel that the Regimenthas welcomed me with open arms. I am looking forward to the re-

mainder of my tour, promoting all aspects of PT. Next year, Ihopefully get to see an armoured regiment deploy on Op TELIC14 and I am excited at the challenges that this post will offer.

Possibly, by the time I leave, I will have done enough to be re-named ‘friendly forces’!

SS

Regimental Chaplain

It is always interesting taking over as a chaplain in any regiment,sometimes you hear how wonderful your predecessor was, or, in

some cases nothing at all. It is also interesting to see the differ-ences in regiments, looking into their history. History is very im-portant; it gives us a firm foundation on which to move forward.

For me, it has been an exciting time, with a battlefield tour withHQ theatre troops centred on the war-torn sites around Caen, see-ing how a well dug in enemy would be able to see you for quitesome distance. During that tour I had the privilege of looking atsome of the war grave cemeteries in the area, seeing the graves offour chaplains who died in the fighting.

Next on the agenda came the Regimental Reunion Weekend, withits church service on Sunday. Again, an important time to bringthe family together, to remember the past, and look towards thefuture. It was during this service that we remembered the courageof Lt James Leith of The 14th King’s Regiment of Light Dra-goons, who on 1st April 1858 was awarded a VC during the IndianMutiny.

Watching the Regiment train both at Castlemartin (despite takingeight hours to get there), and not much longer to get to BATUS,it was impressive to see the power of the tanks and, in BATUS, tosee the various arms working together to achieve the aim. Again,there were moments of remembering, both at the spot in Castle-martin where Tpr Thomas (RH) died, and in BATUS, gatheringaround the memorial to Cpl ‘Frenchie’ Lepine. The number ofthose who knew them and worked with them may be gettingsmaller, but the need to remember is just as great.

In December the Regiment paraded through both Preston andLeyland, exercising the Freedom of those Boroughs. In puttingthe Order of Service together, I wanted to findout the history of the whole thing, and what Ifound out I have reproduced here.

The Freedom of Entry is the greatest honour acivic authority can bestow upon a military unitand allows that body of troops to “Marchthrough the streets of the city with bayonetsfixed, drums beating and colours flying.”

This honour dates back to the laws of ancientRome that made it a capital offence for Romanlegions to enter the city in formation or withweapons without permission. This was meantto ensure that ambitious generals did notmount a military coup against the Senate.Similar laws were passed by cities throughoutthe medieval era, also to protect civic securityand rights, even against their own King’stroops.

However, legions, regiments, or other martialgroups that had given heroic service or whose

honour was beyond question, might be granted Freedom of theCity: the group would not have to disarm or break ranks beforethe city gates were opened to them. Given the serious risk the citywould be running, this was a rare honour.

Gladys and I are looking forward very much to serving the Regi-ment for the period we are here, and hopefully, having the oppor-tunity to conduct more research for my PhD in Army ChaplaincyHistory.

RDB

In memory of Tpr Thomas (RH).

In memory of Cpl ‘Frenchie’ Lepine RH.


Since returning from Iraq at the end of 2007, Regimental Head-quarters has been as busy as ever, with the focus on the train-

ing year, with its myriad of tasks and requirements. The mainevent has been the Regimental deployment to BATUS over thesummer and autumn months, closely followed by the preparationfor the Combined Inspections Week, all requiring the tight coor-dination and liaison with HQ 12 Mechanised Brigade (12 MechBde) and the various regimental subunits. The year has also seenthe changeover of appointments within RHQ’s top corridor, alsoknown as puzzle palace, with the expectation of the future de-ployment to Iraq on Op TELIC 14.

Lt Col Giles Harrison took over command of the Regiment fromLt Col Nick Orr in February, with the promise of a busy yearahead. Within a short time, a plethora of CO’s directives emergedfrom RHQ, giving guidance on the CO’s expectations, coveringeverything from Challenger 2 (CR2) gunnery to the role of a TroopLeader, the latter causing great consternation amongst the newsubalterns as they learnt that more than simply making it out ofbed was required of them! Any hope of Regimental PT beingbrushed under the carpet was also dashed as Colonel Giles con-tinued the policy of a CO’s run on Friday mornings, with membersof the top corridor firmly expected to participate. Colonel Gileshas led the headquarters through an exceptional year of staff andtroop training exercises, culminating in the successes of Ex MED-MAN 4 in Canada. Often clouded in cigar smoke in the field, com-bined with a suspect piece of headgear, he has never allowed aconstraining issue to adversely affect the Regiment’s progresswithout a thorough investigation of the problem first.

The Regimental Second in Command (2iC), Maj Mike Rayner, hasbeen busy throughout the year planning the events and exercisesthat would fill the training timetable. Traditionally, one of thebusiest jobs in the Regiment, it has been suggested that MajRayner’s distinguished silver hair has only really truly blossomedwhile in this role. As the BG Chief-of-Staff, while in the field andduring exercises, the 2iC has kept the planning staff in BGHQ ona tight rein, ensuring a high quality of paperwork and planninghas been produced at Orders Groups. While back in camp, usuallywith spreadsheets and planning diaries piled high around the of-fice, he has managed the Regiment through the plethora of tasksdemanded of it from higher headquarters, outside of the usualtraining expectations.

The Adjutant, Capt Angus Tilney, has aided a seamless transitionof Commanding Officers and has rarely been seen away from hisdesk, such is the life of a busy adjutant. His lycra-clad excursionson a bicycle have caused several cases of shock in RHQ, especiallyduring his ‘warm-ups’, and only weakly justified by claims that it

was all for charity. Despite this occasional relaxation of dress, hehas kept the new officers’ sartorial elegance in check with an ironfist, making sure the Orderly Officer is inspected every day to thehighest standard before commencing his rounds, ensuring latenights of polishing uniform by fearful subalterns. The Adjutanthas taken part in all of the major training exercises throughout theyear, including a narrow escape in Canada when his vehicle wasdealt a glancing blow by a large engineer bridge.

The Operations Officer, Capt Will Hodgkinson, has had a busyyear in league with the 2iC, with all the frustrations that come withdealing with higher formations during a training year. Low-leveltraining time has been scant, with a busier-than-ever SalisburyPlain adding to training friction, and making Regimental train-ing harder to plan. 3 squadrons also had to complete their two

Battle Group (BG) Headquarters

The 2iC, Maj Mike Rayner.

The Adjt, Capt Gus Tilney.

weeks of annual firing before thedeployment to BATUS, with themonth or so of build-up training,all having to be de-conflicted andcarefully managed. CommanderBATUS appeared to have foundhis long lost son, as Capt Hodgkin-son put in a strong performanceduring Ex MEDMAN 4, leadingto much praise at the After-Ac-tion-Reviews, and much conse-quent ribbing from the rest ofRHQ. Capt Mark Harrison tookover from Capt Hodgkinson mid-way through the Canada deploy-ment, and became a reducedplanning team with the CO andRecce Tp Ldr for Ex MEDMAN 5, in the OPFOR role. Rumoursof familial ties with the CO, and hence accusations of nepotism,have been strongly denied.

Further along the top corridor of RHQ, WO1 (RSM) Rutter hascontinued the fine traditions of previous Regimental Sergeant Ma-jors, and kept RHQ, as well as the rest of the Regiment, on thestraight and narrow. Never far from the CO’s or Adjutant’s side,his open office door is a mixed blessing, often dependent uponyour rank. Always keen for his own high standards to be reflectedby the RHQ officers, he has often been let down by the top corri-dor, but despite this he has maintained an efficiency second tonone. Whether dealing with ‘Prisoners of War’ on exercise inBATUS, compiling duty lists for the squadrons, or ensuring thehighest standard of soldierly turnout at the northern Freedom Pa-rades, RSM Rutter has always been at the forefront of Regimentalactivities.


Soldiers’ career management, thatkey element of modern militaryprogression, has been the mainrole of the Careers ManagementOfficer, Capt Mickey Caulfield.The CMO’s phone has occasion-ally been silent, but for the major-ity of his daily work, CaptCaulfield juggles phone calls,emails and personal visits by in-terested soldiers, in his quest toensure both the Regiment’s andthe individual’s interests are bestlooked after. He also has theadded bonus of dealing with theArmy Manning and Career Man-agement Division in Glasgow,where confidential reports are always sent, but often not returned.Capt Caulfield’s job description has also included sorting out themyriad of posts that needed manning for the BATUS deployment,and all the supporting roles that accompany such an exercise. Al-though he did not deploy to Canada himself, he maintained an al-most nightly vigil in his office, acting as the rear link, andanswering his phone at every hour of the day. Capt Caulfield hasalso recently taken on the unofficial post of mascot for the head-quarters, always providing a morale boost at the right moment,usually when the computer system has crashed, again!

The year has been a busy one for all concerned on the top corridorof RHQ, and despite the rumours on the tank park, a huge amountof work has been done, and continues to be done by all involved.At the time of writing, RHQ is busy planning for deployment toIraq, fully aware of the political and military uncertainties thatface 12 Mechanised Brigade over the next 12 months. But despitethe difficulties in forecasting, RHQ, with all its quirks and per-sonalities, will continue to try and minimise the impact of the tur-bulence on the sub-units involved, whatever the task we, as aregiment, are asked to fulfil.

MRH

The Ops Officer - Tubby Rug Back. The RSM - WO1 Rutter.

The CMO - Capt Mickey Caulfield

Capt Mark Harrison.

The Pissing Boy with George and the Dragon!


has handed over to SSgt Sinclair asMess Sergeant Major; a debt ofgratitude is owed to the former forhis outstanding service to theMess, in particular in moving intothe new building single-handedly.

The new Mess continues to be‘Crimsoned’ in our endeavour toturn it from a Terminal 5 depar-ture lounge into a home. Grati-tude goes to Mark Collins andHonorary Mess Member, Lt ColSimon Ledger for their efforts infacilitating redecoration, the lay-ing of a new lawn and the chang-ing of curtains. Historically, these would have been simpleenterprises; however, the Mess is now at the behest of contractorsand such changes to the fixtures and fittings entail a bureaucraticGordian Knot of red tape. The complex management of the Messsilver continues to be taken forward thanks to the sterling (no punintended) efforts of Philip Kaye and Trustees Brig Tim Allen andBrig Robert Sinclair.

Early 2008 saw a busy period of Mess activity, mess kit buttonswere routinely exercised and increasingly tested. The outgoingCommanding Officer appeared determined to gain his money’sworth from 2 years of command. A number of social occasions ofburgeoning extravagance culminated in the bacchanalian feast ofhis dining out. The Mess nearly ran out of cutlery in matchingthe number of courses. The incoming Commanding Officer in-

The Officers’ Mess

Following a busy year of preparation for and deployment on op-erations, 2008 appeared to present the first opportunity for a

number of years to rejuvenate Mess life and re-populate a ratherbare social calendar. To a certain extent this has been achieved.However, this perhaps myopic optimism was to prove largely ill-founded as the travails of a busy training season impinged uponour decadent intentions. Nonetheless there have been a numberof highlights, if somewhat shoe-horned into periods of frenetic so-cial activity.

First, the inevitable valetes and salvetes. The Mess bade farewellto the Commanding Officer, Lt Col Nick Orr and welcomed LtCol Giles Harrison; with the handover, the strategic focus of theMess adjusting from gastronomic extravagance to excellence ofsingle malts. Richard Slack moved on to the MOD to be replacedby Jules Buczacki; Chris MacGregor has moved to the Fatherlandmaking way for Justin Kingsford and Rupert Jackson has passedon the baton to Charlie Valdes-Scott, whilst beating a hasty ex-traction to Milan. The administrators turned over in force, withMark Melhorn relieved by Julia Doig, and Tom Tilbury makingway for Gemma Leek. Sam Allinson handed over the Mess span-ner to Duncan Maclean; Kevin Mentzel the crimson cassock andsurplice to Roy Burley. Mark Brightwell has returned to theGurkhas, his year and half with the KRH demonstrating that theaffiliation is alive and well. New bloods to the Mess arrived in theguises of Kevin Sloan, Nick Beattie, James Hood, George Tyson,James Scott, Rupert Reid, Felix Clarke, Tom Moger and DavidWelford. Although not at Regimental Duty, the best wishes of theMess go to Alex Ulster, Peter Heath and James Cadbury in theirbids for freedom. The poison chalices of PMC and Mess Secre-tary have also been offloaded; James Cullinan to Jules Buczackiand Pete Perowne to David Warwick respectively. WO2 Hobbs

Lt Gibbs about to turn berserk.

The Mess Sec posing.


evitably needed to galvanise socially both the Regimental Officersand the Battle Group in preparation for a busy year. Pursuant werefurther dinner nights and a group of subalterns somewhat dauntedby the Beak’s capacity for Bruichladdich. By mid-May BSquadron had returned from post operational tour leave and forthe first time in 14 months the full complement of the Mess wasassembled.

The Mess opened its doors to the Colonel-in-Chief during theRoyal Visit, providing her respite from the inane grinning of RichCrofton, commander of the Guard of Honour. The subsequentRegimental Reunion Weekend enabled the Mess to welcome theRegiment’s families and friends. A reception on Friday eveningand a Sunday curry lunch were attended by Mess Members andtheir relatives of recent and more distant past. Beset by the fre-netic operations and training treadmill such rare opportunities areessential for maintaining the important bonds with the wider Reg-imental congregation.

Under the watch of James Cullinan, the Summer Ball was organ-ised in aid of the charity Help for Heroes. The charity’s supportto Headley Court has recently benefited members of the KRHwounded on operations, in addition to the growing number ofservice personnel from across the armed forces. Perhaps, pre-dictably, the theme was ‘heroes’, thereby offering an insight intothe inspiration of Mess Members; Padre Roy Burley and guestscame as John Wesley and family, Mark Kvesic as Sherlock Holmesand Tom Gibbs as David Beckham? The PMC endeavoured toimpersonate Cato from the Pink Panther films but was welcomedby his SQMS SSgt Wild as a long lost family friend. An auctionof promises provided the highlight, with the Mess Sergeant Majorpimped for the largest bid of the evening; his offer of a silver serv-ice dinner for eight people sparked interest to the tune of £1200.In total, £7500 was raised by the event. Rupert Reid’s efforts en-sured that the now infamous KRH version of the ‘Manneken Pis’relieved himself of vodka and Redbull throughout the night. Asthe party wound to a close, guests were awoken to an impromptu

Fire Officer Hicks.

The Commanding Officer’s wife with Elvis.

Sherlock Kvesic - known sleuth and


fire practice thanks to Quentin Hicks, the Heath and Safety offi-cer. Nick Beattie, the Orderly Officer assisted in evacuating the ac-commodation and in the process interrupted the wooing activitiesof a number of party-goers. As ever, the post-party brunch was aforum for resolution of the previous night’s unresolved questionsand indeed some wider concerns; George Tyson boldly sought toanswer a widely held misunderstanding by asking: “Is Wimble-don played on Astroturf or grass?”

The Mess closed for the duration of the deployment to Canada.However, ENDEX was followed by the traditional Battle Groupcocktail party. Amid the intense period of transition from exer-cising troops to OPFOR, the event provided a fitting way of thank-ing the non-KRH members of the team, OPFOR, the BATUSStaff and others without whose support the KRH’s performancewould not have struck the heights that it did. With much of theadministration left until the last safe moment, the PMC and MessSecretary managed to order twice the intended amount of cham-pagne and Quartermaster Mark Collins was dispatched into Med-icine Hat to purchase the ingredients for the cocktails. With 50minutes to go before H-hour and no sign of the Quartermaster, aslight concern was raised as to whether Albertans knew what aMoscow Mule was and whether Britain was the only country thatdrank ginger beer. Fears subsided as the ingredients were deliv-ered; enough Mule for the whole of Russia let alone Moscow. Theparty was, therefore, well lubricated. The KRH officers were chal-lenged to a boat race by the officers of the OPFOR, 3rd BattalionThe Yorkshire Regiment (Duke of Wellington’s), one of theArmy’s most feted rugby playing units. However, the combinedimbibing prowess of Gus Tilney and Mark Kvesic saw off theYorkshire men and we politely returned to our champagne.

Several Officers used their time in Canada to enjoy extracurricu-lar activity. Rich Crofton and Rob Adkin took themselves on a

road trip through the Rockies; dressing themselves like JohnWayne in stetsons and Cuban heels, they lived out the BrokebackMountain dream. Nick Beattie enjoyed the en suite hospitality ofthe Medicine Hat Police Force having been wrongly (or perhapsrightly) identified as a miscreant as he attempted to break up afight in the town. The underworld kingpin was [allegedly]‘tasered’ several times and behaved like a rampant beast before hecould be restrained. Beattie was interviewed extensively about hislinks with the Albertan mafia and has been electronically tagged.In response to his misdemeanours, Nick was made the BattleGroup Media Officer with the responsibility of taking a journalistfrom Preston adventurous training!

The year has also been interspersed with a number of highly suc-cessful Potential Officer visits. The visitors have been given aninsight into the soldiers and professional role of the Regiment aswell as its history. Many thanks go to the RSM and the PMC of theWarrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess for supporting these eventswith a Mess tour followed by tea and toast. For those who wishedto take up the challenge, dinners in the Officers’ Mess inevitablyended with sore heads from fox’s masks and carpet burns from vig-orous games of kabaddi.

At the behest of a slavic PMC, the Ladies’ Christmas Dinner Nighttook on an eastern European flavour. A quartet of balalaikas andaccordions entertained guests during the meal before a superbcabaret of Cossack dancers and vodka shots ended the meal. TheMess were briefly misled into thinking that Neil Bourke and NickBeattie were having a wrestling match, only to realise that one ofthe dancers was performing in a suit resembling two fightingdwarfs! In the finale, Rich Crofton and Ed Hodges were invitedto join the dancers and demonstrated a feeble lack of supplenessand rhythm. Their claim that they were somewhat restricted intheir mess kit was met with disdain by one and all. As the Com-manding Officer and Field Officers retired, the young (subalterns)and the strong (Kevin Sloan and Michael Caulfield) remained onthe dance floor until the early hours.

The calendar ran out with the annual hosting of the Warrant Of-ficers and Sergeants. Having arrived upon a double-decker bus,the guests commenced the traditional exchange of ribald carols.Gary Wills was this year’s author of the witty repartee on behalf ofthe Officers’ Mess. Mild abuse descended into festive libationsand the evening turned early morning following the kind recipro-cation of invitation of the RSM.

JNEB / DRMW

The Welfare Officer with a gladiator ventriloquist’s dummy.

Capts Caulfield and Sloan snorkel the Adjutant – a strong performance.


After the success of Ex HIGHLAND HAWK under Maj TomHolloway, a return was always planned. However, due to the

uncertainty of when Op TELIC 10 would finish a suitable weekwas difficult to find. Finally in late January, a couple of days werefound and a team of Officers’ Mess crack shots packed their kit!The plan on this occasion saw a mixed bag of experienced and notso experienced guns hit the M11 and head up to the wilds of CaptPerowne’s farm up in ruralist, north Norfolk. To add to the glam-our of the outing the wives and girlfriends attended in force. Theteam was headed up by Col Nick with a clutch of Field Officers,and a host of subalterns. After meeting at the bar of The HosteArms Hotel, Burnham Market, we headed of to meet up with ColJonathan Powell (a Regimental trustee) at his house to assess thelocal Champagne situation. Having rather hammered ColonelJonathan’s champagne the party headed back to The Hoste Armsfor some supper and an early night in preparation for the follow-ings day’s shooting. The first part of the plan worked very well;however, 3 bottles of whiskey and 6 hours past bedtime, the secondpart of the plan had clearly failed!

It was a rather fragile team that took to the field the next morning.Aided by some antique weaponry, that would have had the QM upin arms, the team took to the field, initially rather unsuccessfully.The party was picked up and transported around in a very com-fortable and smart Second World War army lorry fitted out withleather seats and a bulging drinks cabinet. The first drive saw alarge number of shots, an empty game cart and a very concernedgame keeper. However, in the second drive Capt Hodgkinson, asthe complete novice, seemed to be setting the standard for othersto follow and Capts Perowne and Kaye seemed to start to seethrough their hangovers.

After some liquid refreshment for elevenses, the standard seemedto improve. The higher echelons may well have tucked into theodd ‘less sporting’ confidence booster to raise their game, how-ever, by lunch the bag was not unrespectable. After a hearty lunchand a healthy dose of sloe gin, the party set out in a far more con-fident and boisterous manner. All of the guns had a lot of shoot-ing; however, in apparent disgust at the standard, a large numberof the girls headed off with the beaters for most of the afternoon.The end of the day saw a bag of 130, with pheasant, partridge,woodcock and pigeon in the bag. Everyone certainly let theirweapons off and had an enjoyable time. The shot to kill ratio was

Ex NORFOLK HAWK

Hodgy the basket balancer.

not, however, the sort of statisticto celebrate over. Suffice to saythe lead rights of the Perowne’sfarm certainly seem to be worthconsiderably more than they hadbeen prior to the arrival of theKRH. Shot of the day certainlywent to a screaming partridgeshot by Capt Hodgkinson on hisdebut.

The evening saw another fantas-tic dinner at The Hoste Arms.The private dining room hadbeen set aside and the party satdown to another long evening ofentertainment. The evening

again went without a hitch apart from Maj MacGregor and ChessieLangdon (the soon to be Mrs Quentin Hicks) agreeing to disagreeon any number of subjects during the evening. A subdued crowdmet for breakfast on the Tuesday morning. Col Nick thankfullypostponed his Commanding Officer’s conference back in Tid-worth, thus allowing all to enjoy a heartening walk on the beachafter which the party headed back down to Tidworth to take upthe day job once again.

PP


This has been a busy year for the Mess as some attempt wasmade to make up for lost time the previous year. With every-

one re-organised into their squadrons for the training year, theMess diary opened with 3 consecutive days of events that left evensome of the hardier Mess members looking worse for wear. The6th February saw the Regimental boxers invited into the Mess fora few drinks after what was an excellent night given the short timeavailable for training.

The next night, 7th February, saw the Mess sit down to dine outLt Col JNN Orr; a night of good music, excellent food and plentyof drinking. The night will be remembered by most, for years tocome, for Sgt Pete Benson’s leaving speech. Never has such an elo-quent wordsmith performed in the Mess, the likes of which prob-ably will never be seen again. The Mess wishes Lt Col Orr andhis family the best of luck for the future.

All had to rise the next day, hangovers or not, for the handover ofWO1 (RSM) K Sloan to WO1 (RSM) AJ Rutter. WO1 Sloan wasdue to be commissioned and take over the post of RSO after onlya year in the RSM’s seat, with WO1 Rutter moving up fromRQMS.

February was the month of love and some fine food and intimatetables were provided so members could woo their better halves tothe sound of an excellent string quartet and popping Champagnecorks.

On the 16th April, the RSM arranged for a local wine supplier tocome along to the Mess to demonstrate some of his wines. A fineselection of whites, reds and ports were provided for the Messmembers’ and their wives’ and girlfriends’ enjoyment. A relaxedevening with good wine and great company. Who could ask formore?

The 24th May was the long awaited Fathers and Sons day. It wasa bright morning when the Fathers assembled curious to knowwhat their sons got up to at work. A full programme of static dis-plays, demos in the PGTE (tank gunnery training simulators)building and tank rides kept them busy during the day. All of thiskept them well entertained and built up a healthy appetite for theevening ahead. Many proud fathers sat down that night to jointhe Mess for a dinner night. There was no shortage of laughterand merriment. Some even tried to tempt the waitresses back totheir’s for the night……!

On 7th June, the Mess was finally able to dine out Capt Sloan afterhis whirlwind tour of Afghanistan with a ladies’ dinner night. Thespeech this time was provided by WO2 (SSM) ‘Geordie’ Kennedy.The Mess was then treated to the most angelic rendition of “End-

The Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess

less Love” by Capt Sloan and WO1 (RSM) Rutter. There was nota dry eye in the house and an ‘X Factor’ application was promptlydespatched by post for the duo!

A few of the senior Cpls’ Mess Members were invited over for aquiz night hosted by the quiz master SSgt ‘Bushy’ Bushell. Someof the strangest quiz questions ever heard were asked, with a lotabout golf. The final scores left the B Squadron team victorious,even though Recce tried to muscle in on the winner’s photo byover running it with pink tops. With July, came the BBQ seasonand the chefs were allowed out for a day. After much smoke andvery little fire, proceedings got underway with a manly menu ofmeat and a little salad, for show. Three days later we were outsideagain, this time to entertain the SNCOs from other units whowould be joining the KRH Battle group for its time in BATUS.

The CO admiring the orator, Sgt Pete Benson!

RSM Stick Handover.


when the Regiment was deployed on operations. Also the 160thRamnuggur Ball was successfully celebrated, under the co-ordi-nation of WO2 Childes. The evening was outstanding and thor-oughly enjoyed by all. The Regiment has re-orbated for OpTELIC 14. Whatever 2009 holds in store, the WOs’ and Sgts’Mess will no doubt help lead the Regiment through yet anothersuccessful year!

AS

RSM’s daughter’s school Kingdown School vist KRH and make donation to H4H.

The end of July saw A & C Squadrons deploy to Canada for ExMEDMAN 3, with A Squadron providing an armoured Squadronto 3 YORKS BG and C Squadron providing a critical part of theOPFOR. The end of August saw B, D & HQ Squadrons begin todeploy for Ex MEDMAN 4 as the KRH BG. Some stayed behindin Canada to provide OPFOR for Ex MEDMAN 5 while CSquadron deployed on Ex DRUID’S DANCE back on SalisburyPlain.

Most of the Mess were back in Tidworth for Remembrance Sun-day and the families’ Sunday lunch where the children werethankfully kept entertained for 2 hours by a clown and some bal-loons.

Mess outings during the year have included the Grand MilitaryCup, Army vs Navy rugby and the Cavalry Memorial Parade. Atthe last, the PMC was seen dancing off with some rather large menin lycra and seemed to be enjoying himself! Guards of Honourhave been provided to the weddings of Capts Cadbury and Per-owne.

At the time of writing Sgt ‘Beaker’ Lee is handing over the dutiesof Mess Manager to Sgt ‘Jonah’ Jones. During his tour Sgt Leehas had to uproot the Mess and move to a new building at a time

The Corporals’ Mess Abusy training year never lends itself to an active mess life, but

with a new PMC in the shape of Cpl Neil Gilpin, we gave it a go.

The first order of business was the convening of a new committee;Cpl Paul Astley as PMC (Des) and Cpl Matt Davis-Bawn as PECwere unwittingly coerced with the promise of a free beer. Littledid they know how much they would have to do for that drink!

The previous committee had been dissolved prior to the Christ-mas leave, therefore the take-over was non existent. To make mat-ters more difficult, the Mess was being refurbished andconsequently closed, making Mess meetings tricky to organise dueto finding alternate and sufficiently large venues. Thankfully,however, with one week to spare before the Medicina Ball, theMess re-opened and Cpl Gilpin and a team comprising: CplsDavis-Bawn and Pople and LCpl Larkin, who spent every eveningfor a week frantically hanging pictures and filling cabinets in orderto be ready for the grand re-opening on Medicina night.

The Medicina Ball itself was a great success, brilliantly organisedby Cpls Donald (PMC) and Hope (PEC). The Garrison Theatrewas transformed into a glamorous venue for the festivities and theMess was turned into a late night casino and all were able to party

on until breakfast, despite the PEC’s torturous attempts atKaraoke.

After the considerable work put in to the Mess, it was a great ho-nour to host the Colonel-in-Chief, The Princess Royal, for the finalpart of her visit to the Regiment in the summer, where she met

with a gathering of Regimentalfamilies.

The majority of the Mess then de-ployed to BATUS where an enjoy-able, if not well attended, cheeseand wine quiz night was held. TheColonel and RSM contrived to winthe competition, although it wassuspected that the combinedknowledge of Cpls Pearson andMacdougall may have helped!

Onto Christmas, and the workloadfor the Christmas function fell toCpl Macdougall. After manychanges to both the date and loca-tion, the Garrison Super Diner was selected as the venue. It wasall hands to the pump, as Cpl Macdougall, utilising the experienceof Cpl Pearson, set about transforming the venue from an abovecookhouse room into a glitzy Hollywood nightclub. With ‘TheMovies’ as the fancy dress theme, the Mess members went to townwith a glittering display of costumes. The entire Star Wars sagacould have been re-enacted with Cpl ‘Darth Maul’ Baines and Cpl‘Aren’t you a little short to be a Stormtrooper’ Caldwell and no lessthan 3 Darth Vaders duelling over the buffet with light-sabres.Furthermore, the classics, old and new, from The Wizard of Oz tothe Matrix, including The Dark Knight ,were well represented, ifsomewhat scarily by Cpl Steve ‘The Legs’ Sullivan, not to men-tion the PMC’s take on Monty Python complete with coconuts.Cpl Martin Heath proved that clerks are used to being walked over,


by turning up as a red carpet, which won him the best male fancydress prize. Best female went to Mrs Baines with Cpl and MrsRob Warren picking up the best couple, although Rob claimed thathe was unaware that it was a fancy dress night. Despite the fre-quent interruptions from the smoke alarms and the fact that thecomedian clearly had not been told that he was supposed to befunny, a great night was had by all! Special mention should bemade to the fact that the RSM came to the function straight froma Daz doorstep challenge!

Finally, the Mess members would like to wish all those who havemoved up to the WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess or out into civvie street thevery best of luck for the future.

NPG

Ice Statue. Cpls’ Mess Committee.

WAGsWives, girlfriends, WAGs … it matters not what our title is; in

recent years, the term ‘Wives’ Club’ seems to have becometoo ‘Jam and Jerusalem’ for the majority, so let me simply refer tothe ‘committee’ and reassure you that we are working as hard asever to keep up with the pace of Regimental life. This year hasseen the committee plan, organise and run several activities withthe support of, and in support of, the Welfare Office, including aBBQ in Savernake Forest, a sponsored walk to Everleigh, a SingStar Superstar evening, a couple of Quiz nights, several Sundaylunches, flower arrangements for the Harvest Festival at St.Michael’s Church and of course, the annual Halloween and Christ-mas parties. One of the biggest highlights was the Wives’ exercise– Ex CRIMSON TAIL – great fun and it gave us a taste (literally)of a soldier’s life! No more ‘boil-in-the-bag’ for me please! We allhope that a similar exercise will be able to be run next year. Hide complete.

Ex CRIMSON TAIL.

This year the committee hastried to adopt the motto ‘Bythe wives, for the wives’(apologies to Abraham Lin-coln) and in that way relievethe Welfare Office of some ofthe responsibility for sup-porting the Regimental fam-ily. The committee alsofocused on having squadronreps, and in this way gavethe wives and girlfriends an-other point of contact, otherthan the Welfare Office. Asa group, we are not only re-sponsible for organisingevents, but also for raisingmoney for the committee,the Regiment and the chari-ties that we have chosen tosupport; to this end, we havehad a very successful year.However, as with all committees, we could not function withoutinput and support and for both of these things we have to thank allthose people who attend our activities and give us ideas for futureevents. Most importantly, we thank the stalwart volunteers whogive up their time to plan and run these events.

No doubt 2009 will bring new challenges and new opportunities,and the committee will be there to support the Regimental family.

TMH


Trick or treat.

Harvest Festival – ‘The Path to Reconciliation’.


Colonel-in-Chief, Her Royal Highness The Princess RoyalVisits The Regiment 18 June 2008

The rain held off long enough toencourage most of the guests towalk up to the Driver TrainingArea to watch D Squadron’s Mo-bile Vehicle Display. The specta-cle was meant to start with aparachute jump, sponsored byMaj Jerry Denning’s Nether-avon-based display team. Theclouds had lowered, however,and the wind increased such thatby mid afternoon the jump con-ditions were no longerfavourable. The vehicles, how-ever, were ready to go. Capt PetePerowne, the Second in Com-mand, had rehearsed the crews asbest he could given the othertraining constraints on the Regiment. The composite crewsdemonstrated to the crowd the typical manoeuvrability of theChallenger 2, Warrior and Bulldog in both counter insurgency andhigh-intensity operational scenarios (and to those choreographingthe event, the radio skills and mental agility that allows the RoyalArmoured Corps to ‘cuff it’ so successfully!). The timing, aggres-sive action, dust, smoke and cordite of the display reminded allthose in the audience that had served on armoured vehicles abouttheir days in the Regiment and wowed a new generation so thatone day they might join us.

C Squadron, under the guidance of Maj James Cullinan, had beensaving the best until last. In their hangers they had created the

Simon and Lars teach Dad (SgtOrmond) about thermal imagery!

The Static Display - a Sherman tank. Casualty evacuation from Warrior.


It is not often that the Regiment has the good fortune to host theRegimental Association, Old Comrades, friends and family

within its lines, but in the summer of 2008, we did just that. In 3days, from Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd June, over 1500 peoplecame through our new home in Aliwal Barracks to reacquaintthemselves with the soldiers, vehicles and good heart of the Regi-ment. On Friday night, all the Messes hosted welcome drinks par-ties and the tone of the weekend was confirmed. Old friendships,long overdue a drink or two, were reinvigorated whilst surroundedby the ties, tie-pins, blazer badges and brooches of the four an-tecedent regiments. Typically, the entertainment on the first nightwas self-made and could have continued well into the morning butSaturday had much in store.

Maj Trevor Winchcombe, HQ Squadron Leader, had worked tire-lessly with his team to ensure that the ‘Summer Fete’ and staticdisplays on the Regimental parade square were all they could be.Amongst the Regimental vehicles available for all to climb on werea Challenger 2, Warrior, Bulldog and WMIK Land Rover. In ad-dition, several historic vehicles from WW2 and earlier were gen-erously loaned for the day for all to admire. Castledown Radioplayed music throughout the day when not conducting interviewsor advising guests of events and timings. The squadrons had allprepared stalls (a raffle, tombola, splat the rat, wet-sponge throw-ing and beat the goalie) to entertain the crowds and the Welfare Of-fice and Wives’ Committee provided tea and cake stalls; the PRIshop, a venue for the wives’ businesses to drum up trade and evena couple of racing bikes for Capt Angus Tilney and WO2 FrenchieChildes to demonstrate their prowess in the saddle prior to theircharity ride down the length of Britain. The chefs, never to beoutdone, cooked up BBQ sandwiches and kept the crowds well fed.

Regimental Reunion Weekend

The Band.

Colonel of the Regiment inspecting the ranks.On parade at Preston.

Jim Davidson warms up the Old Comrades. Marching to Church.

The Regiment about to enter Church.


setting for a night to remember for the serving soldiers, Old Com-rades and guests alike. The lights were up, the stage built, the din-ing tables laid. The bars were overflowing with beer and thedodgems were sparking. The comedian, Jim Davidson had kindlyagreed to perform for the Regiment and he did so with gusto; theblue rinse in one or two of the Old Comrades’ hair-pieces an apt re-flection of the material – but what a good start to the night. De-spite the smoke, the chefs created a magnificent feast on a coupleof tent-housed burners and presented the banquet with the flairthat the Regiment expects; thank you. The band was fantastic andentertained the crowds all night, even when the clouds openedspirits were not dampened, merely diluted at the bars.

Every generation was well represented throughout the weekendand the whole thing ran like clockwork. One must never forgetthat the best spontaneity is always planned – in this instance thetremendous backstage effort of WO2 Kennedy and the RSM mustnot be overlooked. The Regiment openly showed its profession-alism and good cheer throughout the event. Every soldier work-ing to make the day a success was praised by the CommandingOfficer and the thank you letters from those who attended are tes-

tament to the behaviour and ethos of our soldiers. The efforts ofall enabled over £5000 to be raised for charity on the day; split be-tween the Army Benevolent Fund, Help 4 Heroes, the KRH Wel-fare Fund, the KRH Museum and the local Naomi HouseChildrens’ Hospice.

CSM

Exercise NORTHERN HAWKEx NORTHERN HAWK 2008 was a chance for the Regiment

to reaffirm its links to the North West of England, and wascentred on the Regiment’s major recruiting ground of the countyof Lancashire, during November and early December 2008.

Organised by Maj Winchcombe, Ex NORTHERN HAWK’s mainfocus was the Regiment exercising its freedom to march throughthe Boroughs of South Ribble on the 2nd December and throughPreston on the 3rd with “bayonets fixed, drums beating andcolours flying”.

On the parades, were the Commanding Officer, Second in Com-mand and Adjutant, the RSM and Guidon Party, two 50 manmarching guards, and the 33 strong Heavy Cavalry and CambraiBand from Catterick. These were supported by a team of diasguards, ceremonial markers, drivers, security and media personnelfrom the Regiment.

On a particularly overcast and sleeting morning at Leyland theparade formed up behind the Civic Centre, but as the Guidon wasmarched on parade the weather broke and a bright blue sky covered

Marching through South Ribble.On parade.


traditional Lancashire Hotpot, particularly fitting for this time ofyear. Again, following speeches by the deputy Colonel of the Reg-iment, the Commanding Officer and the Mayor, a Silver Chal-lenger 2 was presented to the people of Preston, and the Regimentreceived a commemorative scroll and fine glass punch bowl.

Other activities during this period included a Regimental recruit-ing campaign headed up by Capt Sloan and twenty mixed capbadged personnel from across the Regiment, along with a Chal-lenger Main Battle Tank, 2 Scimitar CVR(T), a FODEN Recov-ery Vehicle, and several DROPS transporter vehicles from 5 GSRegiment RLC. With expertise from Sgt Pendlebury and theArmy Recruiting Team (ART 9 Preston), the recruiters visited nu-merous local schools and Cadet Forces where challenge activities,such as climbing walls, team building tasks and vehicle displaystook place, as well as, supporting both parades. Public interest wasexcellent and several thousand individuals participated in the ac-tivities, in one way or another. The week was designed to leavethe children with a positive experience of the Army and promotethe forthcoming parades, and was hugely successful.

The Regimental Football Team, headed up by Capt Ford and SgtAshton, also conducted a tour of the North West, playing severallocal teams without defeat, whilst raising several thousand poundsfor ‘Help for Heroes’ charity along the way.

Whilst in Lancashire, HHQ(N) organised an impromptu Regi-mental Association gathering in the 55th Division Club in Pre-ston, which the Regiment ably supported, and at which several oldassociations were rekindled. On the final evening, an all ranksmeal and drinks event took place in Altcar Camp, prior to a well-earned long weekend and return to Tidworth.

This was the first time in 5 years that the Regiment had exercisedits freedom rights, and sixteen years since the granting of the free-dom of the Boroughs of South Ribble and Preston in 1992, andwas seen not only as a huge success by the Regiment but alsogreatly enjoyed and appreciated by the people of Lancashire whoattended the events.

TW

the parade ground, to everyone’s delight. The Mayor of SouthRibble, Councillor Barrie Yates and the Colonel of the Regiment,Colonel David Woodd conducted the inspection prior to the troopscompleting the long march through the town centre, which waslined by spectators and school children waving flags. The salutewas taken outside St Mary’s Church, and with a congregation ofover 500, Padre Roy Burley and Father Jonathan Cotton then con-ducted a Service of Remembrance, with the Guidon being placedacross the Regimental Drums on the altar. Following the service,the Regiment and invited guests and dignitaries moved to theCivic Centre Banqueting Suite for a buffet reception. Speecheswere made by the Colonel of the Regiment, the Commanding Of-ficer and the Mayor, with the presentation of a Silver Challenger2 to the council, and receipt of a decorated commemorative stoneplaque in return.

The Regimental football team.

The next day broke with bright blue skies and a rising sun, butvery much colder; ideal marching weather. A similar parade washeld at the Cenotaph in the Preston Flag Market. On that occa-sion, the Mayor, Councillor John Swindells was accompanied byBrigadier Euan Morrison who was standing in as Colonel of theRegiment. With a shorter marching route, the salute was takenon the Guild Hall Steps prior to the troops moving inside thepacked Minster of St John. The Padre conducted the proceedings,this time in conjunction with Father Timothy Lipscomb, with theservice being supported by the resident choir and again the HeavyCavalry and Cambrai band. Afterwards, the procession made itsway to the Guild Hall for a drinks reception, followed by a meal of

The Guidon being marched out of the Minister of St John, Preston.


The Officers’ Mess was fortunate enough to see the continua-tion of the Flashman Lecture series. We welcomed a number

of Regimental ERE Officers who came to speak about specific as-pects of military life. These lectures serve a number of purposes.Primarily, they provide a detailed insight into areas of military de-velopment from the perspective of their conceptual developmentfrom within the Ministry of Defence. Likewise, it may provide aninsight into an area that we might otherwise not know a huge dealabout. It allows the members of the Mess to hear first hand aboutundergoing military developments that will subsequently have ahuge impact on the way that we carry out our job. Furthermore,it allows the ERE speakers to return to the Regiment for this shortperiod, allowing them to catch up with old friends whilst also giv-ing the younger members of the Mess an insight in to life beyondRegimental Duty and possibly avenues that are available to themin the course of their military careers.

Maj Charlie Valdes-Scott came down from London in order to talkto the Mess about his job as SO2 Armour and working for the De-fence Intelligence Staff (DIS). He was able to give the Mess an in-sight in to what roles the DIS fulfilled. However, more specifically,he concentrated on the design, development and manufacture offoreign Main Battle Tanks (MBTs); an area that he was intricatelyinvolved in as SO2 Armour. Charlie highlighted what the globalthreats are that are intrinsically linked to foreign development ofMBTs. He then went on to concentrate more specifically on whereRussia and China are going and the capabilities of the most currentarmoured power being developed by these nations. In particular,he looked at the capabilities of the latest Russian and Chinesemain battle tanks in relation to that of the Challenger 2. Charlielooked beyond the contemporary developments to give a look be-hind the scenes at the future threat MBTs. Members of the Messwere given the chance to view photos of this Russian develop-mental tank that could potentially be in service in the next seven

years. It was a thoroughly interesting talk that put the role of aChallenger 2 into perspective within a greater global context.

Maj Jim Peachey talked to the Mess about Digitization. Thisproved to be an extremely positive lecture about the implementa-tion of all systems digital across the spectrum of army activity. Inshort, he described with great panache how moving into the digi-tal era will assist the British Military in increasing its operationaltempo and kinetic effect across the entirety of the battle space.The general consensus and conclusion reached at supper by thosewho attended was that – as BOWMAN has proved – it is an aspectof professional life that needs to be engaged with. We will wait tosee how successfully the Army makes the digital transition, butone thing is certain, for it to succeed, we must give it our maxi-mum attention.

Maj Justin Kingsford also travelled down from the Ministry of De-fence, where he had been working for the Director of EquipmentCapability Ground Manoeuvre (DEC GM). He talked to the Messabout the Future Rapid Effects System (FRES), an area that hewas closely involved with. This is a subject that was of particularinterest as FRES is due to replace CVR(T) in due course. Justingave a frank insight in to what is meant by the concept of FRES,and what some of the current issues are surrounding its introduc-tion. The evening allowed members of the Mess to ask questionson this controversial military development. Justin was grilled asto why the procurement of FRES is seemingly taking so long. Hereassured the assembled gathering that the requirement remainsdemanding and continues to include the lessons learnt from cur-rent operations, despite the challenges surrounding its introduc-tion. It is fair to say that amongst my colleagues there remains aconcern of ‘jam tomorrow’ as far as FRES is concerned, althoughthe pressing need to replace CVR(T) at the earliest opportunitywas well received.

NB

Professional Development

The Flashman Lectures

Ex CASSINO ACE – Battlefield Tour to Italy HQ 12 Mechanised Brigade celebrated the arrival of the new

Brigade Commander with a bout of conceptual training thattook the form of a battlefield tour. The week was intended toachieve a good degree of brain tickling and humoured socializingwhilst subtly presenting the Regimental persona to the new com-mander. The detail of the various battles was brought to life by thehistorian James Holland whilst the military analysis and contextwas provided by the regiments and battalions within the Brigade,who were invited to entertain for a day each. Maj Chris MacGre-gor cracked the whip as the KRH Monte Cassino project officerand ensured that all of our presentations passed muster despitesome of the challenging hangover fuelled conditions! The KRHteam comprising: The Commanding Officer, the Second in Com-mand Maj Mike Rayner, D Squadron Leader Maj Chris MacGre-gor and the Operations Officer Capt Will Hodgkinson, presentedelements of the final battle that led to the capture of Rome and rel-ished in the opportunity to have the final word, at every opportu-nity!

The Battle of Monte Cassino was a costly series of four battles dur-ing World War II, fought by the Allies with the intention of break-ing through the Winter Line and seizing Rome. In the beginningof 1944, the western half of the Gustav Line was being anchored

by Germans holding the Rapido, Liri and Garigliano valleys andcertain surrounding peaks and ridges, but not the historic abbey ofMonte Cassino, founded in AD 524 by St. Benedict, although theymanned defensive positions set into the steep slopes below theabbey walls. On February 15th the monastery, high on a peakoverlooking the town of Cassino, was destroyed by Americanbombers. The bombing was based on the fear that the abbey was


being used as a lookout post for the Axis defenders. Two days afterthe bombing, German paratroopers poured into the ruins to de-fend it. From January 17th to May 18th, the Gustav defenses wereassaulted four times by Allied troops. These operations resulted incasualties of over 54,000 Allied and 20,000 German soldiers.

In the first instance, the plan of U.S. 5th Army commander, Gen-eral Clark, was for the British X, US II and French ExpeditionaryCorps to launch an assault across the Gustav line over a 30kmfrontage. The assault was designed as an attempt to break throughthe first line of defences and more crucially to create a diversionfor the US VI Corps to conduct an amphibious landing at Anziofor a subsequent strike north, behind the German line of defences,towards Rome. British X Corps led the sequential assaults alongthe coastline and made incredibly strong progress towards theGustav Line but required reinforcing in order to push home theinitiative. HQ 5th Army failed to react which allowed the south-ern German position to be reinforced from Rome and the integrityof the Gustav Line to be restored. In the centre US II Corps were

almost entirely stopped from crossing the River Rapido and sub-sequently took a further 8 days to reach the far bank. The FrenchExpeditionary Corps conducted a right flanking manoeuvre alongthe ridgeline to the north of Monte Cassino. The Corps made ex-tremely good progress and had found a corridor to exploit that by-passed Monte Cassino and could threaten the German rear areabut were denied reinforcement which resulted in a loss of tempo.US II Corps made a final assault along the mountainous ridgelinetowards Monte Cassino which resulted in a hideous 3 day battle re-sulting in 80% losses in the infantry battalions. Finally US IICorps was replaced in the line and the first battle came to an end.

Thus began the second battle – Op AVENGER. The bridgeheadthat US VI Corps had established at Anzio was becoming increas-ingly threatened which resulted in a significant amount of pres-sure to launch a second assault. Some Allied commanders werebecoming increasingly convinced that the capturing of themonastery of Monte Cassino would unlock the valleys below totheir manoeuvre assets. The intelligence picture was not clearenough to indicate whether the monastery was being used by theGermans as part of their defensive position or not: “If not occupiedtoday, it might be tomorrow and it did not appear it would be dif-ficult for the enemy to bring reserves into it during an attack or fortroops to take shelter there if driven from positions outside. It wasimpossible to ask troops to storm a hill surmounted by an intactbuilding such as this, capable of sheltering several hundred in-fantry in perfect security from shellfire and ready at the criticalmoment to emerge and counter-attack. ... Undamaged it was aperfect shelter but with its narrow windows and level profiles anunsatisfactory fighting position. Smashed by bombing it was ajagged heap of broken masonry and debris open to effective firefrom guns, mortars and strafing planes as well as being a death


trap if bombed again. On the whole I thought it would be moreuseful to the Germans if we left it unbombed”. Major-GeneralKippenberger GOC New Zealand Corps.

On the night following the bombing, a company of the 1st battal-ion Royal Sussex Regiment (one of the British elements in 4th In-dian Division) launched an unsuccessful assault on the monasteryresulting in 50% casualties. The following night the Regiment wasordered to conduct a Battalion attack which resulted in similarfailure and casualty rates. By the time the Rajputana and GhurkaRifles had conducted expensive and unsuccessful sequential at-tacks the second battle of Monte Cassino was called off.

For the third battle, it was decided that whilst the winter weatherpersisted, forcing a crossing over the River Rapido downstream ofCassino town was an unattractive option (after the unhappy expe-riences in the first two battles). The “right hook” in the moun-tains had also been a costly failure, and it was decided to launchtwin attacks from the north along the Rapido valley: one towardsthe fortified Cassino town and the other towards Monastery Hill.The idea was to clear the path through the bottleneck betweenthese two features to allow access towards the station on the southand so to the Liri valley. None of the Allied commanders werevery happy with the plan, but it was hoped that an unprecedentedpreliminary bombing campaign by heavy bombers would assistthe attack. Three clear days of good weather were required andfor twenty one successive days the assault was postponed as thetroops waited in the freezing wet positions for a favourable weatherforecast. The New Zealand and Indian Divisions were launchedinto the assault after the bombing campaign and spent the follow-ing 6 days fighting tooth and nail for every inch of ground. Theweather had turned once more making the ground impossible tomanoeuvre assets. Eventually the exhausted and depleted Divi-sions (Indian Division suffering 3,000 casualties and the NewZealand Division 1,600) were pulled back and the third battle drewto a close.

Thus began preparations for Op DIADEM – the Allies’ final throwof the dice. General Alexander’s strategy in Italy was

“...to force the enemy to commit the maximum number of divi-sions in Italy at the time the cross-channel invasion is launched.”Circumstances allowed him the time to prepare a major offensiveto achieve this. His plan was to draw the bulk of the British 8th

Army, commanded by Lt. Gen. Oliver Lease, from the Adriaticfront across the spine of Italy to join the U.S. 5th Army and attackalong a 20 mile (30 km) front between Cassino and the sea. The5th Army (U.S. II Corps and French Expeditionary Corps) wouldbe on the left and the 8th Army (XIII Corps and 2nd Polish Corps)on the right. With the arrival of the spring weather, ground con-ditions were improved and it would be possible to deploy large for-mations and amour effectively.

The attack took place with 4 Corps in the line, US II Corps on theleft flank, French Expeditionary Corps center left, British XIIICorps center right and 2nd Polish Corps on the right flank. 1Canadian Division was in reserve with US VI Corps stood by tobreakout from Anzio to cut off the retreating German Army. Aftera week of bitter fighting the Gustav Line was broken and the Ger-man 10th Army retreated to the Senger Line (also named theHitler line). A few days later the Polish Corps and Canadian Di-vision had concentrated forces and broken through the SengerLine. With the route to Rome open US VI Corps broke out fromAnzio to support the advance. In the event, the capture of Romewas conducted by US VI Corps whilst the 8th and 5th Army con-tinued to engage with the German 10th Army.

The battlefield tour was a thoroughly enjoyable and worthwhileexperience, forging closer links with brigade staff and sister regi-ments alike, which no doubt assisted working relationshipsthroughout the training year. Many interesting and pertinent les-sons were drawn out over the discussions; a useful period of re-flection away from the hectic life back in Tidworth.

WH

A Soldier’s PerspectiveThe start of 2008 was very challenging as I was training for the

Regimental boxing competition. I was part of Team DSquadron being coached by the experienced Cpl Calland. Our daywould start at 05:30 hrs for a run, this would normally involve run-ning still half asleep wondering what the hell I was putting myselfthrough at daft o’clock. The rest of the day would be quite frus-trating as I was also on my phase 2 signals course, so sparring hadto wait until the evening. Anyway the fight night eventually camearound and I won my bout via a TKO in round one, GREAT! DSquadron also went on to win the Brocklehurst trophy - a great re-sult. All that training ended up being worthwhile after all.

I managed to settle back into Regimental life quite quickly after-wards, and the tank park was where most of the work was gettingdone. For the next couple of months we were preparing ourselvesfor ranges. All of the gunners had to go through the Turret Gun-nery Trainer (TGT) to complete synthetic Annual Crew Tests(ACTs) before deploying to sunny Wales. I was slightly appre-hensive going to Castlemartin as I had never live fired before. Notonly that but I was commanded by the gunnery guru Sgt Clough.I thoroughly enjoyed my time down there. We had some memo-

rable nights out, especially ourSquadron do, as well as getting faton SSgt Shearman’s burgers! Backon the firing point my fears wereput to one side as I managed toscore a level 4 on my ACT. I wasslightly disappointed as I knew Icould do better, but a pass was apass.

Life in Tidworth continued upuntil I went on summer leave priorto deploying to Canada. Duringthe two weeks I managed to visitmy dad who lives out in northernCyprus. A nice break, though Iwould soon be back on a plane onmy way to BATUS. Tpr Lees, LCpl Atkinson, Cpl Calland & Iwere asked if we would like to help out A Squadron manning anddeploy with them almost 8 weeks earlier than the rest of oursquadron. Although people thought we were crazy we agreed and

Tpr Buckle - the author!


before we knew it we were on our way. The heat took its tollstraight away as the temperature rose well into the 30’s. We hadjust less than 2 weeks before we started Ex MEDMAN 3. Origi-nally I was down as the Squadron Leader’s driver, and then I wasgunning for Cpl Burnie before finally being changed on the day ofdeployment to SSM Coleman’s operator. I think all of A Squadronwill agree it was an emotional experience, though the majority ofus got through it and lived to tell the tale. After Ex MEDMAN 3a few lads and I went up to Edmonton for a few days. We had agreat laugh and now have very fond memories of that trip whichwas a rewarding break after a hard 4 weeks on the prairie. Thoughit must be said the drive back knowing I had to do it all over againwas one of the most depressing journeys ever! When we arrivedback from our ‘jolly’, D Squadron had already taken over the ve-hicles. I was still down to gun for Sgt Clough on c/s 41. Within aweek of the exercise our vehicle had been stripped of parts afternumerous automotive problems and so I ended up gunning for LtGarrett on c/s 20 after his gunner had been injured. Now I quiteenjoyed gunning but at times when I was stuck in there for 12hours straight I loathed it! Being a big lad certainly does not helpyou in these situations and I often found myself feeling envious ofKirky’s size, though I quickly regained sense, told myself to get agrip - why would I want to have the body of an 8 year old!!! Bar LtGarrett getting us bogged at ENDEX on the way back to camp, itwas a relatively fun exercise. The highlight must be killing c/s 81- aka Prince Harry. They do say that you earn your money out onthat prairie and I agree. It was a very challenging time, though itdid give me the experience I needed to progress. Afterwards I wentadventure training in the Rockies. I opted for ice climbing. Al-

though it did not turn out to be this, I did enjoy my time there. Weclimbed 3 mountains in 4 days and on the last day the temperatureat the summit had plummeted to -18°C. We were very grateful forthe warm kit we were provided. A few days later and we had takenover the OPFOR vehicles for Ex MEDMAN 5. I was gunning andoperating for Cpl Duxbury. It was probably the most enjoyableout of the three exercises. It was also a memorable time for me asI was promoted to LCpl. A very proud moment as I do want a longand successful career in the army and this was a step in the rightdirection. Though it was also a time that brought great sadness asour friend and colleague Tpr McAlister died following a tragic ac-cident. He will long be remembered as a cracking lad and will besorely missed by all.

Leesy & I returned to the UK with our Canadian accents and aftera long weekend it was back to normal. My focus was now on theBrigade sports week. I was representing the Regiment at rugbyunion. We defied all the odds by winning our group, though wefell just short by losing in the semi finals. Still a great achieve-ment and I think a mention should go out to LCpl Laureau for allhis effort in training us and pulling together a good side. I wasunfortunately unable to participate in Ex NORTHERN HAWKdue to being involved with Corps rugby but did hear all went well.

Looking back it was a memorable year, where I learnt numerousskills and gained some very valuable experience. I now look for-ward to 2009 with increased optimism, and hopefully another en-joyable year.

Ypres and the 10th Royal Hussars (PWO)

On the afternoon of October 13th 1914 a patrol of the 10th Hus-sars under Lt C B Wilson was scouting, forward of 22nd In-

fantry Brigade, to the west of the Belgian town of Courtrai.German troops were known to be in the area and Wilson’s patroleventually ran into a force of enemy cavalry just south west of thevillage of Ledeghem, near Ypres. A short, sharp fight followed,in which neither side gained the upper hand. When Wilson with-drew he was forced to leave behind the body of 22 year old L/CplAWA Beckwith.

Beckwith became the first 10th Hussar to be killed in action dur-ing the Great War and was one of around 100 officers and menfrom the regiment who would lose their lives in the bitter fightingduring the autumn and winter of 1914 and the spring of 1915, nowremembered as the 1st and 2nd battles of Ypres.

For the 10th, the bloody climax of the struggle to defend Yprescame on Thursday 13th May 1915 in the action at Potijze that lefttheir Commanding Officer, Lt Col ERA Shearman and his imme-diate replacement, Major CBO Mitford, dead and the effectivestrength of the regiment reduced to just 4 officers and 98 otherranks.

Those ‘Shiners’, who it was possible to bury, lie forever in beauti-fully kept Commonwealth Cemeteries. The names of those to‘whom the fortunes of war denied the known and honoured bur-ial given to their comrades in death’ are recorded on the Ypres(Menin Gate) Memorial and it is to this memorial that my friendsand I, like many thousands of others from across the Common-wealth, are drawn to commemorate the armistice and the sacrificesthat led up to it, each November.

My father served with the 10th and passed on to me his love ofand pride in a fine regiment. Each year, he and I, accompanied by

a small group of friends, make the journey to Ypres and lay twopoppy wreaths, badged to the 10th and to today’s King’s RoyalHussars. It is our hope that we will be able to continue to visitYpres for many years to come in order to remember those menwho lost their lives fighting with a fine regiment.

Martin Buckley, Wellingborough

Martin and Tony Buckley.


Troop Sergeant Major Edwin Mole joined the 14th King’s Hus-sars in 1863, shortly after they had converted to Hussars from

Light Dragoons (1861). Stationed during his career in Aldershot,Edinburgh, Ireland, India and South Africa, he offers a unique in-sight in to life at Regimental Duty in the late 19th Century. All ex-tracts are from A King’s Hussar, collected and condensed byHerbert Crompton [Cassell and Company Limited, 1893].

On arrival at the Regiment in Aldershot: “The 14th Hussars con-tained as fine a body of fighting men and as smart a set of soldiersas any in the British army, their only fault being a love of pongelo(beer), for, truth to tell they were hard drinkers”. It’s good to knowthat certain Regimental traits are still very much alive today!

Tour lengths seemed a little longer 140 years ago. “There were 15men in my Mess, 14 of whom had 3 or 4 medals from their longresidence in India, where the regiment had been for 19 years with-out coming home”.

Punishments were also a little harsher than the present day:“Trooper AH had been punished for taking his horse out of stablescontrary to orders, and insolence to a non-commissioned officer.It seemed a pretty small crime for which to flog a man to death”.

On issued kit: “My uniform consisted of a pair of blue cloth over-alls with 2 yellow stripes down the sides, a tunic of blue cloth with6 cross rows of yellow braid in front, and 2 straight ones down theback, a stable jacket, which fitted as tight as a glove, and a secondpair of overalls, called leathers. My arms and accoutrements werea muzzle-loading carbine, a sword, a pair of spurs, pouch and belt,and last, but to my thinking best of all, a bearskin busby, with ayellow cord hanging over one side, and a white plume in front”.

Field sports were very much part of thefabric of life for all ranks: “I was alwayskeen for sport, and bagged severalblack buck gazelle and spotted deer,besides one panther and two cheetahs,and any amount of wild duck, teal, par-tridge, jungle fowl, peacock and hare”.

Whilst in South Africa, the 14th intro-duced some innovative dismounteddrills with similarities to some of thetactics and techniques of today: “TheBoer method of warfare. Riding out 10to 12 miles on the level plain, which skirted hills, the order wouldbe given to ‘bunch’ our horses, and dismounting, we would fastentheir heads together and execute various foot manoeuvres, such asskirmishing in extended formation, or attacking foe in the hills”.

The author’s reflections on life in the Army being ‘tougher in hisday is, I am sure, a complaint that has been and will continue to berepeated down the years. He was also evidently well versed in re-tention: “What changes there had been! My first comrades hadbeen men who enlisted for a life-time, whilst the lads I recently hadto deal with served what was, in comparison, merely an appren-ticeship to the profession of arms. The young soldier is infinitelybetter off, both as regards food and clothing, and the money he canearn. The Service is a good service and compares favourably withmany civilian ones”.

JK

Life as a 14th King’s Hussar from 1863 to 1888Troop Sergeant Major Edwin Mole


In the summer of 1945 the 11th Hussars led 7thArmoured Division (The Desert Rats) into

Berlin after German forces had finally surren-dered. Berlin was at that time mostly occupied bythe invading Russian Army, who were looting anddestroying anything they found of value. AntonyBeevor, himself an 11th Hussar, has written a finebook on the battles for Berlin.

The Regiment, equipped with armoured cars, wasquartered in Spandau Barracks in West Berlin.The barracks were relatively undamaged, but theOfficers’ Mess lacked furniture and equipment tomake it up to a reasonable standard.

The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant ColonelBill Wainman DSO MC, instructed an officer totake a troop of soldiers to see what could bescrounged to make the Mess more habitable.Their first call was the ruined Japanese Embassyin the Tiergarten, later to be the site of the Vic-tory Parade led by the Regiment. Here theyfound a set of chairs and a large carpet, which im-proved the ante-room considerably. There wasalso a massive safe, which the assault troop spent most of the daytrying to open, but when the safe was finally cracked it was foundto contain only wads of worthless Japanese currency.

They then moved to the massive Italian Embassy, which althoughby now technically one of the Allies, was being systematically de-stroyed by the Russian occupiers. In the shattered dining roomthey found a large intact oil painting, which was brought to theMess where it conveniently covered a shell hole over the mantel-piece.

When the Regiment subsequently moved to Jever, Delmenhorstand Osnabrück the painting accompanied them to each of theMesses. In Osnabrück the PMC of the day decided to have theItalian painting cleaned by Herr Brickwedde, a German art dealer,who was paid with a case of whisky. Brickwedde identified thepainting as being by Johannes Lingelbach, of whom more later.In 1950 the 11th Hussars moved to the former Luftwaffe base atWesendorf, where they patrolled the Iron Curtain frontier betweenwest and east Germany.

Three years later the Regiment was ordered to Malaya, so much ofthe Mess furniture including the painting was handed over to theincoming Royal Dragoons, who remained until 1956. The newGerman Bundeswehr was being formed to take on the task of pa-trolling the frontier, and it was planned that they should be sta-tioned in Wesendorf Barracks after it became empty on thedeparture of the Royals.

The German Chief Clerk of the Royals, Heinrich Bleyer, knew thepainting well, and was a friend of Dr Ackmann the Director of thelocal Gifhorn Museum. They realised that in the confusion of ahandover this valuable painting might be lost or damaged. Hetherefore quietly arranged to collect the painting one night andtransport it to the Schloss Gifhorn Museum. Dr Ackmann re-searched the background of the painting and confirmed his opin-ion it was by Lingelbach.

After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 the Italian Embassy cir-culated an extensive list of missing works of art they were anxiousto trace. At this time the painting was on display in the Rittersaalin Schloss Gifhorn, but was incorrectly labelled as ‘The Battle of

The Battle of Constantine

Alexander’. However the size and artist were similar to the paint-ing ‘The Battle of Constantine’ listed as missing from the BerlinEmbassy and it was finally identified by an art specialist fromBraunschweig who had made a study of Lingelbach’s work.

Johannes Lingelbach (1622 – 1654) was in fact a Dutch citizenthough born in Frankfurt. He spent much of his life in Rome,where he probably painted ‘The Battle of Constantine’ in about1650. The painting is largely allegorical, though during the actualbattle in 312 AD Constantine defeated Maxentius at the gates ofRome.

Under a post-war agreement between Germany and Italy, all for-mer Italian property was to be returned, so after much discussionthe valuable painting was shipped to Rome and held in the Galle-ria Nazionale di Arte Antica.

In 1999 I was approached by an old friend, Colonel Tom HugganRTR attached to the British Embassy in Rome, asking if I knewanything about an important Italian painting which had recentlybeen removed from a German provincial museum. I remembereda big painting in the Officers’ Mess in Delmhorst, Osnabrück andWesendorf, but unsurprisingly as a young officer had not takenmuch interest in it.

I contacted a number of 11th Hussars who had served in Berlin in1945 and the story emerged. This was passed on and provokedpress comment as to how the British Regiment had saved somevaluable Italian heritage from the Russians. Whilst visiting Romein 2006, I arranged with Colonel Tom Huggan to meet the Galle-ria Director, Dr Anna Lo Bianco, who showed us the Lingelbachpainting, now restored to its original owners and to be hung in theGalleria.

Several years later, by chance I met the daughter of a pre-war Ital-ian ambassador in Berlin, who remembered as a child a huge bat-tle scene in the Italian Embassy reception room. The Embassy isnow fully rebuilt, and who knows the painting may one day behung in its former place of distinction.

Col TA Hall CVO OBE

On 28th November, a 14 man team of intrepid ski explorers leftTidworth, and rainy England, for the 25th Ex WHITE

KNIGHT in Verbier, Switzerland. Having driven through thenight, including a meal stop in the delightful Reims on the way,the team arrived to a snowy and cold Verbier with huge anticipa-tion for the coming 6 weeks of Alpine skiing. For many of theteam, it was their first time in the Alps and they were excited tolose their skiing virginity, if not anything else. In that boat wereTprs ‘Sherman’ Lewis, ‘Where’s my shoe’ Price, ‘Gurning Cham-pion’ South, ‘ILB’ Metcalf, ‘Big Air’ Blay and the resident chaletgirl Tpr Gurung. There were then a couple of holiday skiers withprevious experience including the team Captain, Lt ‘Patrice’ Boul-ter, his side kick, Lt ‘Have you seen my jump picture’ Hood andTprs ‘Gob Shite’ White and ‘Munchkin’ Forbes. The backboneand experience of the team therefore lay with previous ‘seasonairs’Sgt ‘Hank’ MacKay, LCpl ‘DHP’ Simmler, Tpr ‘Yorkshire’ Mor-rison and Tpr ‘Worm’ Neary. With a great mix of novices and ex-perience, everybody looked forward to the first day of skiing andthe dreaded ski-off by sampling a bit of pre ski après ski.

The ski-off came and went without too much embarrassment foranybody and the initial signs for the team were good with SgtMacKay and Lt Boulter both representing in Group 1 and TprMorrison and LCpl Simler Group 3, Lt Hood and Tpr ForbesGroup 4 and Tprs White and Lewis in Group 6. The novices, TprsSouth and Blay were joined by late arrival Tp Neary in Group 7,while Tprs Metcalfe and Price dominated in Group 8, leaving TprGurung to cook up a storm in Group 9. With much snow, andtherefore much “pow pow” about, the first few weeks of traininginvolved a great deal of variation and was very challenging. Hav-ing almost exclusive access to the resort, it did not take long for allthe groups, including the novices, to start conquering the likes of10 000ft Mont Fort. By the end of week 2, we were all being leadpast signs that advised “Only good skiers beyond this point”. Mostof this was down to the brilliant tuition of the Swiss Ski Schoolwho consistently pushed our boundaries and were always on handto show how it should be done. From teaching the aggressive racecarving techniques to the more relaxed powder free skiing, the first3 weeks of training brought everybody to such a level that thetraining could be brought up a step before Christmas. This step upcame in the form of pole training. This is the introduction to rac-ing and saw everybody put their game faces on. This coincidedwith more of the resort opening up and we moved on to theSavrolyre slopes and into the “Stade”. This move certainly shiftedthe focus of everyone’s attitude. The technicality of the skiing cer-


Regimental Sport

Alpine Skiing

tainly picked up and everybody responded accordingly. With only4 in the team who had raced before, most people had a lot to learnin terms of rules, regulations and techniques. The initial focus ofthe training was the 1st race day, our 1st chance to don the KRH‘zoot’ suit. It was a truly momentous occasion and all the boys ac-quitted themselves well in their 1st timed event of the season.

By this point however, the team had already suffered a number ofinjuries, some more serious than others. Trp Metcalf had had hispride badly injured when his beloved Jess would not go joggingwith him, and Tpr Forbes had knocked his head trying to spyfrom under beds. More seriously, however, was Tpr Blay, whohad landed rather more voraciously than expected after hittingan icy patch at the beginning of week 2. After being heli-lifted toSion Hospital, he was lucky not to be operated on. Thankfully herecovered enough to get home within the week. It was a greatshame as he showed much potential in his first season and hadalready proved himself a huge asset both on and off the slopes inthat first week. It is hoped he will make a full recovery and lookto get back on the slopes with the team next year. Equally seriouswas the reoccurring injury of Sgt Mackay. Christmas day wasonce again memorable for Sgt Mackay when he woke up in suchserious pain that he was unable to walk. He also took delight intelling me it was his second Christmas day with Dr Popescue, hav-ing broken himself attempting the 2005 Christmas day jump. SgtMackay never fully recovered but was kept out in Verbier in orderto pass on his great experience as team race coach and occasional‘bon oeuf ’.

Despite the injuries and rigorous training regime, the team stillmanaged to find some time to have a little fun. During the 6weeks, five lucky team members were fortunate enough to cele-brate their birthdays. Lt Boulter, Tprs Forbes, Price, South andNeary all become a little older and wiser, although the latter is de-bateable. Each birthday was commemorated by the inaugural, andnow institutionalised, Crock Royale Challenge. While Trp Forbesput in a noble effort first up with a time of just over 12 min, spe-cial mention must go to Tpr South as the first member to break the10 min barrier in the very testing DFT.

When the team finally made it out of the chalet, we were able toput our stall out early with the infamous Warrior Party as first onthe calendar. The King’s Royal Hussars’ Ski Team once againshowed their worth off the piste by hosting a truly memorable andenjoyable party in which all the regiments got thoroughly in-volved, in both the theme and the Warrior itself.

In the tuck!


cessful B team, consisting ofLt Hood, Tpr Price, TprNeary and Tpr White.

There was then a day’s breakin the racing due to New Year’sEve and another party ensued.Once again we played host tothe beginning of the eveningas the HCR conducted a fire-works show in our back yard.With the snow falling rapidly,both the ‘vin chaud’ andpunch went down a storm withthe crowd and before we knewit, it was time to make our wayto the world famous VerbierPlace Central. In a blur ofchampagne and snow, everybody saw in the New Year before con-tinuing up the hill to the Televerbier bus shelter for the Army“Cash Bar” Party hosted by the RTR. It was a great way to see inthe New Year which started with yet another great powder day.

It was then swiftly back to the job at hand and the racing was mov-ing into both the individual and team events. It was back on theslopes that the strength and depth of the KRH Alpine Ski team of2008/09 really shone through. With superb support on the sidelines from Lt Gen Shirreff, his family and entourage, as well as theCommanding Officer and his wife, Tina, the whole team reallystepped up to the mark. Individually, the team excelled, withawards for ‘best in group’ going to LCpl Simler, Tpr Forbes, TprSouth and Tpr Price. Lt Boulter and LCpl Simler both finishedup in the top 15 and Tpr Forbes in the top 20 with only 3 day’sprior experience. For the second year running, a large KRH Bteam, consisting of Lt Hood (Slalom and Super G), Tpr Neary(Slalom, GS, DH and Super G), Tpr Forbes (GS), Tpr Morri-son(DH and Super G), Tpr White (Slalom), Tpr Price(Slalom),Tpr South (GS, DH and Super G) and Tpr Lewis (GS and DH)walked away with prizes in every discipline as well as the overallprize. The A Team failed to reach their full potential due to theirinconsistency, but showed their true crimson colours by perform-ing outstandingly well to win the final race of the championships,the Super Giant Slalom.

It is from this success that we have managed to take a team to theDivisional Championships in Serre Chevalier. Lead by Lt Boul-ter, the racers - Cpl Simler, Trp Morrison and Tpr White will becoached and mentored by the experienced old hat, Sgt Mackay.We wish them the best of luck and every success.

JRH

From the 23rd to 27th December was a well deserved stand downperiod that allowed those who wanted to, to get home for the fes-tive season. Those who stayed behind, however, enjoyed a realChristmas to remember. Firstly, there was the Ice Hockey, a dan-gerous yet entertaining evening of big hits and even bigger falls.We went down a couple of players during the warm up and CplSimler had his shin sliced open in a particularly wet fashion. De-spite this loss, Tprs White and Morrison dominated the rink andlead us to victory in the plate competition. Despite his dancing onice experience, Tpr Forbes battled with the physicality of the gameand consistently came off second best when attempting to bodycheck the ice!

Christmas Day itself was yetanother great day. It beganwith some snow to really getus in the festive mood. Wewere then asked to assembleup the mountain to a cham-pagne breakfast hosted by 3SCOTS. The champagne was,however, just a pretence for ahuge jump off. With the rampbuilt, everyone, helped by alittle Dutch courage, went andwent big. Front flips, backflips, 180s and 360s were all at-tempted, and nothing landed.Tpr Forbes once again enteredinto the spirit of it and easilytook the longest run up of the day. Most surprisingly though, helanded it but could not stop himself and as a result, had a particu-larly long walk back up the hill. From the mountain, we all wentfor a traditionally Swiss Christmas meal at the Fer a Cheval. Itwas all finished off with a tasty morsel of chocolate brownie, de-voured ‘sans’ hands. From there it was off to Farrenet apres ski barfor live music and festive joviality. It was a very different Christ-mas to most, but thoroughly enjoyed by all.

With everybody back from the leave period, it was straight backinto pole training in preparation for the beginning of the 1st raceweek. This was begun with a seeding giant slalom. As the 1stproper race attempted by most of the team, the results were en-couraging. Notably, Lt Boulter, LCpl Simler and Tpr Forbes ex-celled and represented the KRH right up the order. Havingachieved a seeding time, the 1st Championship race was the indi-vidual Slalom. Although a very technical event, everybody copedextremely admirably. The first testing day, however, was the TeamSlalom event where the A team, consisting of Lt Boulter, LCplSimler, Tpr Morrison and Tpr Forbes, had a disappointing daywith a couple of falls, and only just managed to beat a hugely suc-

Christmas Day jump.

Lt Boulter on the Slalom.

The all important pre-race stretch.


Due to the Regiment’s operational tours the team were unableto enter into the league for the 2007/08 season. We did however

enter the Cavalry Cup. We made a late start and the Regimentalfootball team re-formed after Christmas leave in 2008, with over 40people putting their names forward to want to play. Under newmanagement with Capt Caulfield handing over ‘Football Officer’ toCapt Ford and Sgt Ashton becoming the team coach as WO1“Geordie” Kennedy was now posted. We hit the training hard withthe aim being the retention of the Cavalry Cup.

Our first game was away against the Household Cavalry MountedRegiment at Burton court London. The Regiment provided a coachfull of supporters which helped create a ‘home game’ feel. Thisbeing our first match, and with a crowd shouting us on, it took aboutten minutes to settle the nerves, however after that, the team playedsome great football. The team dominated the game creating manychances and started to score at will. The Regiment were eventualwinners 7-1.

We drew 1RTR in the next round, our first home fixture and full ofconfidence after our 7-1 victory we knew 1RTR were going to be agood side with some physically strong players. We were the first toscore and went in at half time 1-0 up. The game was end to endwith both teams creating and failing to score before 1RTR wereawarded a dubious penalty. They took the chance to equalize and atfull time it was 1-1 with the need for extra time. We were sure ourhard work on the training ground would now shine through andwithin minutes we scored. Then shortly afterwards we were 3-1 upgiving us some breathing space and we were convinced the gamewas ours. The old football clichés of “it’s a funny old game” comesto mind. 3-1 up with 5 minutes to go and 1RTR scored from a cor-ner. Panic seemed to set in and in the last minute they score againand we are faced with penalties. Unfortunately after a valiant effortwe lost the shoot out 5-4 and with that our season came to an end.

Unfortunately Regimental commitments again prevented us enter-ing the league for the 2008/09 season. We did however enter boththe Army Cup and Cavalry Cup. Our first game was an Army Cupmatch against 4 Bn REME, with 7 first team players still in Canadawe were reliant on our large squad to produce a team. The playersselected played superbly on the day and came away with an im-pressive 3-2 victory. With the next round being a few weeks away weplayed the Land Warfare Centre (LWC) in a friendly. This was achance to develop our younger players and give some their first Reg-imental Cap. With LWC having only been beaten once all season,we were very pleased with 3-3 final score and we looked forward to

playing 12LSR in the next round of the Army Cup. The gamestarted badly with us being 1-0 down after 2 minutes. The shock ofthat early goal meant that we were chasing the game and concededagain before half time. The second half saw a much better per-formance and although we scored early and played very well we werebeaten 5-3 by a better team on the day.

This year as always the Regimental football team’s priority is to winthe Cavalry Cup. With that in mind the Commanding Officergranted the funds and time for the team to go on tour to better pre-pare for the competition which will start in January 2009. The teamdeployed in December to the north west of England on a tour. Theaim of the tour was to promote the Regiment, raise money for Helpfor Heroes and develop our game. With three games culminating ina final game against Lancaster City in a Help for Heroes charitygame. The first game was against the prison inmates at Kirkhamprison. Although a good game to start the tour, it was as you’d ex-pect very physical. The guys played some very good football on apoor pitch and ran out 5-0 winners. LCpl Wylie scored a hat-trickand LCpl Frietag bagged two to make the golden boot competitionvery interesting.

On Saturday 29th December Wigan Athletic FC kindly agreed topresent us with a signed shirt, which we could use as a prize for ourcharity draw. They gave us 18 tickets to the game against WestBromwich Albion and we were invited onto the pitch at half timewhere Paul Scharner presented us with the shirt.

Unfortunately after a good start to the tour, the cold whetherlooked like it was going to get the better of us. Our final two gameswere cancelled due to frozen pitches within 15 minutes of eachother on Tuesday morning. With some frantic running aroundand many phone calls we managed to get a game against 2 YORKSat Weeton Barracks on Tuesday 2nd December. The pitch was interrible order and made the game very hard to control for bothteams. It ended 1-1 which was a fair result. With our final gameat Lancaster City also off due to the big freeze LCpl Wylie wentinto action armed with only a mobile phone and local knowledge.Within hours he managed arrange another game and get a flood-lit pitch. All was back on. The bad luck that seemed to hit ourtour struck again with our final game being called off by the offi-cials at the last moment due to 4 of the flood lights blowing bulbs.However with some negotiations by Capt Ford we managed to talkthe other team into having a game anyway! We started very wellagainst a good team who play and train together every week. Aftergoing 2-0 up the team continued to play what was the best footballof the tour, running out convincing 7-2 winners.

This was a fantastic tour with the all 3 aims easily achieved. Thetour would not have been possible without the hard work and

Football

The Team.

LCpl Wylie and Sgt Blacklock at Wigan Athletic FC v West Bromwich Albion.


commitment of those who attend but a special word of thanksmust go to Cpl Sumner and LCpl Wylie. Between them, theyarranged all of the matches and all of the fund raising activities.They should be congratulated for raising over £2,000 for Help forHeroes. Well done.

This article cannot go to print without mentioning a few prizesawarded. The ‘Golden Boot’ went to LCpl Wylie who scored tengoals in three games. The ‘Player of the Tour’ award went to LCplDenton and with Tpr Mellis picked up ‘Most Improved Player’.SSgt White was very glad to pick up the ‘Donkey of the Tour’ prizefor some hilarious errors made on his part. As we close on Christ-mas we look forward to another year of trying to play as manygames as we can before going on our operational tour. All beingwell I hope to see you at the Cavalry Cup Final during Cavalry Re-membrance Weekend in May 2009.

DF

LCpl Wylie scooping the ‘Golden Boot’ award for scoring the most goals.

Polo

Regrettably, the opportunities to play polo in the modern armyare few and far between; operational tours and summer de-

ployments to BATUS have played havoc with the Regimental polocalendar for several years. Thus the summer of 2008 was eagerlyanticipated by experts and beginners alike. The stables had relo-cated to the new lottery funded Tidworth Equestrian Centre in theold walled gardens behind Tedworth House, all looked promising!

Under the dedicated management of Cpl Pearson ably assisted byTpr ‘hangover’ McBride, the 7 KRH ponies returned from wintergrazing in late February and were soon joined by Capt Hicks’ twoponies, Target and Mizmo. Cpl Pearson had commandeered acomplete end of the new yard away from the ‘civy horses’ withbeautiful new stables, tack room/ polo office, hay store and feedroom. The old stalwarts Peepo, Presidente and Munchie were nowably supported by the Argentine arrivals from 2006, Candil, Car-pentero, Escabana and Maestro.

By early April, the ponies were raring to go and it is a credit to CplPearson’s hard work and many cold hours slogging round theroads in the spring that the ponies remained sound throughoutthe long season. Lt Boulter had followed Capt Hicks to Argentinafor a few weeks in March and returned full of enthusiasm. Therewas also renewed interest from a wider circle in the Officers’ Messwith half a dozen officers often parading after work to ride out.Importantly a number of soldiers and their wives joined in in-cluding Cpl Gilpin and Cpl Baines. The most committed was MrsOrmond, who rode out regularly in all weathers despite the variedbehaviour of the ponies.

The principal focus for the season was the Inter Regimental Com-petition, which on paper we stood a good chance of winning, given

our players, ponies and time avail-able in England. May and earlyJune saw Capts Hicks and Kayeand Lt Boulter turning out regu-larly in matches and chukkas atTidworth and Capt Kaye, also theArmy Polo Association Secretary,led the Army team to victory atAscot whilst Capt Hicks wasbeaten up in more ways than oneby the England’s Women team atRMAS! Range periods andsquadron exercises restricted thetime the team could practice to-gether particularly as our fourthmember, Col Woodd was heavilycommitted with the HPA. We played the Royal Navy in the semi-finals at Perham Down in an ugly and hard-fought game, marredby the negative tactics of our seaborne opponents. We clung ondoggedly and with great support from the sidelines were only agoal down with 3 minutes remaining. Capt Hicks then took apenalty from just over the half way and using Target’s speed andaggression, punched through the Navy defence to score. CaptKaye then broke straight from the throw in and won a 60 yardpenalty, which he lofted in fantastic style through the posts tosnatch a great victory from the jaws of a disastrous defeat.

The second weekend of July was the climax of the season withCapts Kaye and Hicks representing the Army in the Rundle Cupat Tidworth on the Saturday and then the KRH vs Royal WessexYeomanry(RWxY) in the final of the Inter Regimental. The Run-dle Cup became sadly a mirror image of our semi-final game

KRH polo groupies - Capt and MrsHodgkinson - Capt and Mrs (to be)

KRH Polo Team for Inter Regimental Final Lt Boulter, Capt Kaye, Capt Hicks, Col Woodd.


against the Navy where in atro-cious conditions they bullied theirway to a strong early lead. TheArmy was well supported by alarge crowd, with a strong KRHcontingent, but our fight backcame too late with goals by Hicksand Kaye in the dying minutes notbeing enough.

Having put this defeat behind us,the focus fell on the biggest gameof both the season and for manyyears for KRH polo. Capt Kayereceived calls from several currentand retired officers in the run upto the game and No.2 Ground atGuards’ was dominated by the KRH supporters led by Lt Col Har-rison and the Adjt. Cpl Pearson’s close eye for detail and hardwork with Tpr McBride ensured the ponies were as best preparedfor the match as was possible; fit as fiddles and dressed to kill withimmaculate KRH bandages and saddle cloths. Thanks also to Tprand Mrs Stansfield who made the journey to help in the ponylines. The old soldiers Peepo and Presidente, who have servedmore years at RD than many Sergeant Majors, donned their crim-son and primrose armour for their biggest challenge yet!

The KRH started well with a number of strong plays down fieldwith Capt Hicks’ pony, Target, showing great turn of foot. TheRWxY replied with a very strong second chukka and pulled to aclear lead with great play by a brand new 2Lt of almost civilianbearing! Capt Kaye was hamstrung by a wild Tidworth hirelingand suddenly the momentum began to slip away. Despite the sec-ond half of the match being dominated with huge KRH pressure,we failed to convert numerous opportunities into goals. Lt Boul-ter rode hard at number 1 and showed real potential with tightmarking and some clean hitting. At back, Col Woodd worked tire-lessly in defence, all the more remarkable given that most of hiscontemporaries, long since retired from the saddle, were support-ing from the grandstand! Despite ponies and players giving theirall, the match ended in crushing disappointment and a narrow de-feat. Capt Kaye received some consolation, winning the bestplayer award.

Summer leave and then BATUS hampered the remainder of theseason and the ponies went out to work at the club to earn theirhay and winter grazing! Capt Hicks returned to the field in Sep-tember and led the Army team to a commendable fourth place inthe Major General’s cup at Guards, which was again won by theRWxY. The taste of defeat in the Inter Regimental Final remainsvery bitter and there is a sense that our great chance has gone forgood. With another tour of Iraq looming in 2009, next year’s poloprogramme is uncertain.

However, 2008 has been a summer of huge fun in the stables andwith the new clutch of young officers raring to play, the futurecould be promising. None of this would have happened withoutthe unyielding graft of Cpl Pearson, whose knowledge, good hu-mour and patience keeps KRH polo on the road year after year.In the world of both military and civilian polo, he is well respectedand continually enhances the good name of the Regiment, wher-ever he goes!

QJMH

Pre-Season Training in Argentina

In July last year whilst spread-eagled in the dust of the COB out-side Basra as the mortar alarm sounded for the umpteenth timethat day I wondered if there was a better way of spending time inthe Army. So after some well timed hints to the Adjutant and my

Squadron Leader that therewas not much going on in earlyspring, I left a dark and dampHeathrow in early Februaryand arrived in sunny BuenosAires (BA) to begin a tortuousmonth of non-stop polo. ElRincon is one of the premierpolo schools in the country.Run by the diminuitive Mar-cello Monteverde, the schoollies 2 hours drive from BA nearthe small town of 25 de Mayoamid mile upon mile of flatopen farmland in the Pampas.

When I had spoken to Marcello in BA he had offered a discountprice should I ‘entertain’ the two other guests there, a pair of Aus-trian ladies. With visions of Heidi Klum and her twin sister I wassadly faced with two chain smoking 60 year olds, who I could wellimagine dominating the drill square at Sandhurst. So with onlypolo to concentrate on I settled into the gruelling routine of stickand balling for two hours every morning on a selection of won-derful ponies and chukkas in the early evening.

Marcello s one on one instruction was the best I have ever receivedaided by his sometimes too close a translation of metaphor. “Nowlift your bum up, no too much, just enough to wipe….” and “notbend at the waist, just crouching like you surprise your girl-friend.....” Invariably the weather was beautiful and as I headed tothe swimming pool to cool off prior to my siesta I wondered howthe CFTs were going back in Tidworth!

Every evening, local players would converge on the club to playchukkas and where in England that would mean some farmers ontheir hunters here it was six and seven goal professionals and asmattering of precocious teenage talent. The standard was veryhigh and it took me a few days to get back in gear. There were ofcourse days when I rode off the ground determined to chain sawmy sticks up and stick to cricket, but slowly my confidence andpolo improved.

Chukkas would finish around 8pm and players and grooms wouldsit leisurely by the stables sipping ‘mate’ or heading to the localbar for some local brew. The lifestyle of the place was absolutelysuperb and I spent many an hour wondering how much land Icould buy here by selling my estate in England (or rather my Vaux-hall Astra and Regimental uniform on eBay).

I was very keen to see a little more of the country so leaving mypolo sticks behind in BA I caught a bus to Patagonia for a longweekend. I stayed at the lakeside town of San Martin de LosAndes near to the Chilean border. The area is known as the LakeDistrict and is a haven for adventure sports. So I passed my finaldays in Argentina whitewater rafting, biking and trekking in themost picturesque of places.

As a country Argentina has so much to offer both the tourist andbusinessman. The size of the country takes some appreciationbeing as large north to south as John O’Groats to the SaharaDesert. The economic woes of recent years are being slowly re-versed yet it remains a very cheap place to visit. An enormoussteak and a few beers only setting you back £5!

So thank you to The King’s Royal Hussars and the Army Polo As-sociation for making my trip possible and I hope by the time thisis published the Inter Regimental Trophy will be safely in AliwalOfficers’ Mess (unfortunately this was not to be – ed!).

QJMH

Capt Quentin Hicks on Presidente,Cpl Pearson dancing.

Capt Quentin Hicks on Target.


Either side of the frenetic couple of days on the Isle of Wight RobGarrett and Al Wicks were to be found frequently seeking a bit ofrelaxation in the form of offshore races across the channel on thenew Army yacht, ‘British Soldier’, an Archambault 40, fresh out ofthe mould from the French boat builders in March.

In between the frenetic training schedule, there was an opportu-nity taken by Lt Garrett to introduce 17 members of D Squadronto the sport. A successful day was spent in sublime early May sun-

shine cruising to and from Cowes for lunch, showing theropes to three crews on the RACYC’s X332, White

Knight V and two borrowed RE charter yachts. Agreat day was had by all, and this remains an oppor-

tunity to be further pursued in 2009 and beyond,with the eventual aim of getting

soldiers to gain RYA accred-ited qualifications through

the JSASTC.

RG

Sailing

The main focus of the sailingseason for the Regiment was

the RACYC Seaview regatta heldat the end of May. This year theRegiment was represented notonly by the crew attending fromTidworth, but by a strong repre-sentation from across the widerRegimental family, both those sail-ing on the behalf of current post-ings and those contributing to theorganisation of the event.Brigadier Tim Allen, Commodoreof the RACYC, was brought intothe action in the protest commit-tee room along with Col (Retd)Tony Singer, whilst out on thewater Nick Berchem (RWxY) andRACYC Secretary Al Wicks (CIS School) were to be found bat-tling it out whilst Peter Schofield contributed vital coaching tips.

The Regiment fielded a crew of mixed experience from acrossspectrum of Regimental service; Lt Rob Garrett, crewed by SgtDanny Collins from the LAD, and Tpr Kieron South, only twomonths out of training, a Gosport lad returning to his local wa-ters. The two days saw six races sailed in a variety of conditionsfrom light winds to a relatively strong squall on the first afternoonin which the Regiment profited. On the second morning two raceswere managed in light airs before the wind died completely, caus-ing racing to be suspended. This was perhaps to the benefit of theforty competitors who had enjoyed a drinks reception and sit-down supper in the Seaview yacht club the night before. It turnedout to definitely be in the favour of the Regiment, who havingfought a ‘battle royale’ with one QRL crew on the Thursday, bothon the water and in the protest room, had to await the outcome ofa final protest from another QRL crew on the final morning beforethe results could be declared official. Luckily, having swiftly de-veloped an understanding of the Seaview Mermaid class and tac-tics to deal with the tidal and wind conditions to their benefit, the

KRH were able to just pip the CIS schooland QRL to the overall title, winning theGold Cup for first Regular Regiment andaptly KRH cup for winning overall crewfor the first time in some years.

The new YMCA advert.

Scooping the awards!


There were not many opportunities to train throughout the yearand this became less so with the deployments to Canada.

Nonetheless, by late November the sporadic training culminatedin the Brigade Hockey Tournament. In a competition where manyof the teams practice on a regular basis we put no expectations onourselves to walk away with any silverware, but were happy to takepart and compete fiercely. We were to play five games to see if wewould qualify for the finals the following day. The games weresplit into short fifteen minute games and tested both personal en-durance and recovery.

Our first game was against 4LSR (Logistics). We out played theopposition throughout but were never able to convert our oppor-tunities into goals and walked away with a draw. Our next twogames saw us go up against the best two teams in the competition.Despite some excellent play and some superb saves by Cpl Gilpinwe lost to 228 Signals squadron by three goals and 19 Regt RA (Ar-tillery) by two goals. At this point we were not in a strong positionand having not scored a goal up to this point we were rather hesi-tant about our future. We then to played 3 YORKS, formallyknown as the Duke of Wellington’s, who had appeared to be ourmost evenly matched opponents. Our single goal won us the

match and gave us a small glimmer of hope. Our final game wasan unfortunate no score draw against 6 Battalion REME,whichfrustratingly squandered many opportunities to seize the advan-tage. The end result for the day decreed that our single goal, whichgave us one win and two draws put us into third place and gave usthe opportunity to compete for the finals the following day.

Without wanting to sound negative the initial finals were a pre-dictable warm up for an exciting final few games. KRH lost to 228Squadron and 4LSR lost to 19 Regimentt, where both victors werethe far superior teams. That put us in the 3rd/4th play offs with4LSR. The score draw previously proved that there was all to playfor. It was a closely contested game but neither side got the ballagainst the back board. Another score draw pushed the game topenalty flicks. Steadfast under the pressure we won 5-3 and pickedup 3rd place. In the final 19 Regt won the tournament on penaltyflicks. It was a surprising result given the sporadic training ses-sions but was more than deserved by playing to the best of ourabilities. The potential within the hockey club is extremely highat present and this bodes well for next year.

DRMW

Hockey

The Team Top Row: Capt Warwick, SSgt Wilde, Capt Hodges, LCpl Furness, Cfn Primhak. Bottom Row: LCpl Rowntree, LCpl Everiss, Cpl Gilpin, Cpl Solly, Tpr Hatton.

The Cavalry and Guards Club has one of the finest Edwardian buildingsin London with stunning views of Green Park that is ideal for:

For further details and information please contact ourBanqueting Co-ordinator on:

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Telephone: 020 7659 0905 Fax: 020 7495 5956www.cavgds.co.uk

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London W1J 7PX


On 27th January 2009, four members of The King’s Royal Hus-sars made their way to the snow capped mountains of Switzer-

land, in order to throw themselves down the infamous Cresta Run.This is a sport that the Regiment has not participated in for manyyears and was therefore somewhat of a leap in to the unknown forthose involved.

The Cresta Run itself is a single man skeleton toboggan coursethat is roughly three quarters of a mile long. It snakes downthrough the mountain resort of St Moritz, playground of the rich,the beautiful and for one week only, four King’s Royal Hussars.

During an early stage in our visit, a Swiss local was overheard say-ing that he enjoyed doing the Cresta Run while the British serv-ices were in town. This was because we supposedly had lots ofcourage, but very rarely did we know what we were doing. Thismantra was embraced most wholeheartedly by ‘Team KRHCresta’. From the very start, the intrepid team that included CaptMark Harrison, Capt Tom Perrott, Lt Rob Adkin and Lt NickBeattie threw themselves down the hill with such vigour that youmight have thought that the Swedish cheerleading team were wait-ing for them at the bottom!

The first day saw the team arrive at the infamous clubhouse justafter dawn to begin their tuition. This essentially consisted of abrief talk on how to survive the Cresta Run. We received the nec-essary equipment from an old lady called Victoria. A sign on herdoor that referred to her as ‘Spiritus Cresta’ confirmed our suspi-cions that she was the physical embodiment of Cresta and hadbeen around when the Run was first carved in to the icy gully atSt Moritz in 1885. We received all the necessary equipment, whichincluded boots with metal teeth attached to the toes. These wouldbe used to ‘rake’, and thereby slow us by a degree, whilst hurtlingdown the slope. Once we had our knee pads, elbow pads, and hel-met in hand we were ready to go. We met our ‘Guru,’ a Swiss sep-tuagenarian called Arnold, whose body was held together by pinsfrom multiple accidents on the Run, and who was tasked with giv-ing us instruction and advice on our first three runs. The first runwas an eye opener for all, especially for Lt Adkin, who flew out onthe famous Shuttlecock Corner during this first run, thereby be-coming the first KRH officer to claim his Shuttlecock tie. Whilstthis was met with some amusement by those at the top, we all knewthat at some point we would be following suit. Sure enough, hewasn’t to be the sole member of the Shuttlecock club for long, asone by one each member of the team fell victim to their own con-fidence and lack of control, and tumbled headlong into the softsnow and hay.

We were advised that riding the Cresta Run was a bit like beingwith a beautiful woman. The first couple of times you are justpleased by the fact that you are doing it. However after a whileyou just want to get better and better. Wise words indeed. Eachrun saw the members of the team slice seconds off their times. Bythe last run, the average time had improved by thirty seconds.

By the fourth day, we had amassed a sound eleven runs. We werebeginning to see ourselves somewhat as professionals. The Inter-Services competition was to take place and a handicapped ‘SilverSpoon’ race was implemented that allowed those of us who hadjust started (or ‘the fresh blood’ as we were frequently referred to)to compete. It involved three runs, with the fastest average scorewinning. If we fell out on Shuttlecock Corner on any of our runs,then that was your glory hopes dashed, and you could take no fur-ther part. Of the four team members, we all collectively felt thatwe had had a disappointing first run, and as a result we neededto pull the stops out in the next two if we were to achieve at all.

Despite good improvements on the second run, we still needed todo better if we were to stand a chance against the more seasonedcompetition. It was down to the last run. All four individualsachieved personal bests on their last completed run. For Lt Adkin,this was one run earlier than the others, after ending in much thesame way he started; flying out at the corner of doom. In the endPerrott finished third, Beattie fifth and Harrison sixth.

That evening saw the Inter Services’ dinner party, which involvedall the competitors of the various competitions coming together

Exercise CRIMSON CRESTA

Lt Beattie, after coming off Shuttlecock Corner.

Team KRH Cresta Capt Harrison, Lt Beattie, Lt Adkin and Capt Perrott.


with much wine and merriment. We had been asked at short no-tice to produce a skit. Whilst we all found ourselves very amusing,we weren’t quite sure how funny everyone else would find us - es-pecially the collection of Generals, Air Marshalls and Admiralsthat made up the audience. However, within the first two minuteswe had every soldier, sailor, pilot and marine shouting ‘Hussar’and we knew we were on to a winner. It resulted in us being votedthe best sketch of the night, and more importantly, receiving mul-tiple free drinks.

Our last day in St Moritz saw us bid farewell to the riding friendsand comrades that we had made during our visit. We also got thechance to watch some of the Cartier Snow Polo world Cup, whichtook place on the frozen lake of St Moritz. There we mingled witheveryone from Russian oligarchs’ peroxide harems to the film crewof a Bollywood blockbuster. After sweet talking our way into theCartier VIP tent and sipping on the free Champagne, we all de-cided that this was potentially a lifestyle that we could become ac-customed to.

All in all, it was a great trip and one that was enjoyed by all. Hope-fully it will have sown the seed for the future, and we will see theKRH becoming regular features in St Moritz, and furthermore,prominent members of the Army Cresta Team.

NAPB

World Duathlon Championships

Swindon Duathlon was to be the place where I would gain myplace on the Great Britain team for Duathlon. For those not in

the know, Duathlon is a sport that comprises of a running leg, fol-lowed by a cycling leg and then another running leg – not to beconfused with Biathlon! Of course racing in all conditions is partof the sport, however waking up on a chilly April morning andseeing snow on the ground was certainly not something I hadplanned for.

And so the first running leg began, and after 10km everythingseemed to be going fine. However it was on the cycling leg wherethe cold really managed to bite. My feet became so numb to the ex-tent that when I came off of the bike one of my big toes felt like itwasn’t there any more! During the first half of the second run Ihad to run/limp in a rather comic fashion until it warmed up again.Because of this, and just the feeling on the bike of trying to blockout the pain, I genuinely believed I had no chance of qualifying.Amazingly I qualified 3rd in my age group.

The difficult thing with qualifying so early in the season and withthe World Championships at the end of September meant that Ihad to be careful not to burn out. I had planned all my Duathlonraces for the season, however, unfortunately the first time I de-cided to let my hair down whilst on a visit to Castlemartin Ranges,I accidentally slipped over and damaged my right shoulder! Luck-ily I had not dislocated my shoulder but it still meant the earlyend of the Duathlon season for me. Having felt confident to puta good challenge in for the REME Duathlon Championships itwas slightly disappointing not being able to take part. I decidedto rest the injury for two and a half weeks as even jogging causedslight discomfort. The doctor gave me the positive news that theythought no permanent damage had been done so as soon as thepain was gone I commenced my training. Slowly but surely thespeed started to come back but I knew I would go to the WorldChampionships blind as there was not enough time to fit in a raceto see where my fitness was at.

Finally race day was here. With the rain finally stopping just be-fore the race, the mood was positive on the start line. On paper therun was my strongest discipline so getting on the bike in about60th place out of 80 was quite difficult psychologically. On thebike my race picked up though, having a great battle with an Irishcompetitor. After cutting through the field back into about 15th,and fighting off the dreaded cramp, the final run was all aboutpreservation. Crossing the finish line in 11th was personally agood achievement and overall the experience was excellent. Iwould highly recommend it to anyone interested.

PC

SSgt Clark at the finish.

Capt Perrott showing how it is done.


The Challenge was to cycle the 877 miles from Land’s End toJohn O’Groats in just 6 days, a daily average of 12 hours in the

saddle and 146 miles, whilst raising funds for Help for Heroes. Inthe process of building a regimental team the enormity of the chal-lenge became ever more apparent. By comparison, the longest legof the 2008 Tour De France was a marathon leg of 144 miles – lessthan our required daily average. However, this did not deter thewilling volunteers and by mid January an enthusiastic squad hadbeen raised. With planning in hand, training started in earnest onthe indoor cycling machines whilst we awaited delivery of our bi-cycles. By the end of March we had bought 5 regimental road bikesto equip those who didn’t have their own. The route had been de-cided and an available week booked. Hopes of finding affordableovernight accommodation had failed so we were forced to acceptthe cheaper camping option.

There were casualties in the buildup due to training injuries andothers backing out. By the timewe drove out of Tidworth on 19thJuly, bound for Land’s End, theteam comprised 7 cyclists: CaptAngus Tilney, Capt Mark Bright-well, WO2 ‘Frenchy’ Childes, SgtJeff MacParland, Sgt ‘Smudge’Smith, Tpr Jamie Blay and TprMax McBride. The 4 man supportcrew was mounted in 2 vehicles.The first support team, consistingof Tpr Howarth and Cfn White,were tasked to establish and thenpack up the overnight camp sites.The second team of Cpl Miller andCpl Astley were responsible forproviding immediate support to the riders: carrying rations anddrinks, spares for the bikes and establishing resupply points every20 to 30 miles along the route. The riders carried enough food,drinks and spares to sustain themselves for at least 2 hours at a time.

At 6am on 20th July the team was ready on the start line for whatwe knew would be the first taste of a gruelling week. Day 1 set thetone with a muscle sapping haul along the busy A30 with its longhills, followed by a route through winding lanes towards Tauntonwith the beautiful countryside also providing its own challenge ina series of climbs and descents. With a mere 130 miles covered itwas on one of these steep descents that disaster struck. Whilst rac-ing down a winding wooded road, we were surprised by a particu-larly steep and unmarked bend. The riders struggled to hold thecorner but it was Sgt MacParland who crashed out at speed, bring-ing an immediate end to his challenge and an overnight stay in Ex-eter hospital.

Despite the early disappointment of Sgt MacParland’s accident, theteam pushed on with renewed determination. Day 2 started witha cold dawn and aching bodies, but developed into a bright sum-mer’s day bringing varied scenery that quickly raised the spirits.Cycling up the steep Avon gorge brought its rewards as we crossedthe spectacular Clifton Suspension Bridge en route for the longhaul north towards Telford. But the climax of the day’s ridebrought us to its own low point when, after 16 hours in the saddlewe were told on arrival at our evening camp site that there were nowashing facilities. Strip washing in a bucket of tepid water at theback of a tent was somewhat short of the dream that had sustainedus throughout the day, but things soon looked up as we tucked into

another healthy feast provided byTpr Howarth and Cfn Taylor usinga trusty Number 5 cook set!

Day 3 saw the team pushing onwith a brief stop to show the flag inPreston, before breaking into thespectacular scenery of the LakeDistrict and a very civilised camp-site in Kendle. The hot showerswere a welcome break, before an-other early night tucked up in our12 x 12 tents, with the Help for He-roes banner hanging proudly out-side and lycra laundry adorningthe unlikely looking military en-clave pitched within a distinctlyfamily orientated camp site. Aswith other sites, fellow campers were fascinated by our challenge,many stopping to read the information board that stood outside thetents and drop a donation into the collection bucket, before wishingus well and heading off with loud encouragements to their own off-spring to join such an illustrious and adventurous regiment!

Day 4 and yet another 0500hrs reveille to test the resolve. Soon afterleaving Kendle, we were straining up a seemingly endless climb thattook the best part of half an hour to scale. By this stage serious ques-tions were being asked of the riders; this early climb was certainlya taster of what lay ahead. But whilst the crippling mileage took itstoll on tired muscles and inflamed joints, the support crews neverfaltered in their provision of critical assistance, bringing sustenance,water, ibroprufen and ice packs despite the increasing remoteness ofour surroundings. Soon we reached Gretna Green and spirits soaredas we set our bearings for Edinburgh and pedalled on. Navigationwas not simple as we manoeuvred our way through Southern Scot-land. At one point we inadvertently cycled a stretch of motorwaybefore later receiving an almost incomprehensible verbal bollockingfor cycling over the ‘cars only’ section of the Forth Road Bridge! Itwas a relief to reach our campsite after an enormous 175 miles cy-cled in the day. I for one was certainly walking slightly strangely asI hobbled woodenly from the shower block towards my awaitingcamp bed.

Day 5 took us as far as Inverness, through stunning scenery andwith a stiff wind to occupy our minds but assist our progress. How-ever, it was our mental resolve that was most tested as our bodiesscreamed in protest at the high and sustained levels of abuse beingmeted out. That night we shared the camp site with a rowdy bunch

Adventurous TrainingExercise CRIMSON ENDURO

The team at Land's End.

Sgt MacParland headed for A & E.

SSM Childes takes an improvisedbath!.


of French teens, midges in theirclouds and a thunderous sky thatrumbled and threatened to make ourlast day an event dreamt up by Satan’sown PTI.

Day 6 was dreary and dank, with afierce gale forcing us to hunker lowover the handle bars and battle everyyard as we scaled the mountainousclimbs of the Scottish East Coast. Butnothing would stop us at this stageand after another 150 miles the skiescleared to a brilliant blue as we scaledthe last climb and ran down the longhill towards our finishing line. At1800hrs on 25 July, the team reachedits target at John O’Groats, 5½ gru-elling days after leaving Land’s End.

The challenge offered a rare opportunity to see the whole countryand its often breathtaking scenery as we wound through the variedtopography. We had achieved our aim in a memorable week, rais-ing just over £4500 for Help for Heroes. Each member of the teamhad burnt around 8000 calories and drunk about 10 litres of watereach day, whilst overcoming numerous personal challenges alongthe route. We had cycled for an average of 12 hours a day, with thelongest leg being 175 miles. We returned proud of our achievementand enormously grateful to so many friends, family and well wish-ers for their support and encouragement throughout the whole ven-ture, without which it would have been so much harder to achieve.But best of all, we silenced the many critics who didn’t think thechallenge was possible!

AMAT

LAD Adventurous Training

On 20th January 2008, 11 hardy souls from the LAD left Tid-worth for the beautiful Austrian region of St Anton to under-

take some arduous ski training. For 8 of the party it was anintroduction to skiing and they gained their Basic Ski Proficiency(Alpine) before they left. Of the novice skiers that went, the mainpeople of note were SSgt Craig “Banzai” Lilley, who could betrusted to get from A to B in the most direct route possible, notnecessarily on his skis. Cfn Danny “Jump King” Adamson, whomanaged to lose control, fly over a jump and land on his own skis,giving himself several stitches in the process…a feat even HomerSimpson would have been proud of! The trip was such a great suc-cess, that Cpl John Neal didn’t want to leave, so he cunningly brokehis leg in 3 places on the penultimate ski run of the trip, in orderto secure another 2 weeks Austrian hospitality at the localKrankenHaus!! Ironically he had been awarded the title of ‘BestStudent’ by the instructors at the café at the top of the run! A greattime was had by all and we can’t wait for next year to do it all again!

Sailing was also on the agenda. On 23rd April 10 members of theLAD set off for the British Kiel Training Centre, with the aim ofqualifying as competent crewmen. All who took part agreed thatit had been a fun and interesting experience. They visited 6 dif-ferent ports during the week, and covered 197 nautical miles, andseveral hundred road miles in a speed limited minibus. Some evencommented on the fact that the yachts were actually faster thanthe minibus!

The beginning of July also saw LAD personnel deploy from Tid-worth to Penally Camp to take part in a week of hiking and watersports in Wales. It consisted of a 22km walk along the Pem-brokeshire Coastal Path, sea kayaking, a day at a local theme parkas well as a day of multi activity watersports. All of the days were

enjoyable because theywere spent well awayfrom DII, JAMES,JPA etc. However thewater sports day wasdefinitely the mostmemorable. As alwaysin that area of thecountry, the eveningswere spent checkingout the local hostelriesfor future reference,namely the inevitableRegimental firingcamp in 2009.

DM The skiers .

Ex PENALLY TIGER.

The morning fog.On the road.


Mere mention of the name Sierra Leone still conjures up im-ages of the bloody civil war that engulfed the country for 11

years (1991-2002). Even today, some 7 years on, phrases such as‘war torn’, ‘blood diamonds’, ‘child soldiers’ and ‘savage amputa-tions’ spring to mind all too easily. But it is not a fair reflection ofthe current situation. Sierra Leone has come a long way sincethose dark days and its progress is testament not only to effectivecollaboration between the government and the international com-munity, but also to the will and strength of the Salones themselves.The security situation has been successfully stabilized, the gov-ernment’s presence has been re-established throughout the coun-try, refugees and displaced people have returned and the economyhas begun to recover. And, importantly, the country held free andfair elections in 2007 (parliamentary and presidential) and 2008(local); largely peaceful and well administered, the 2007 electionsresulted in an orderly transfer of power from government to op-position, in stark contrast to many other elections in Africa in re-cent times. It was a remarkable achievement, of which the Salonesare justifiably proud.

Much of Sierra Leone’s progress has been due to significant andsustained levels of engagement by the International Communityduring the past 7 years. And the UK has been central to this ef-fort. Principally focused on security sector reform (SSR) in theearly days, the UK’s effort more recently has shifted towards socialand economic development in order to alleviate poverty and en-courage growth. And this adjustment in emphasis is due to an in-creasing level of confidence in the security sector, largely due toconsiderable and successful engagement by the UK in SierraLeone’s security architecture, its police and its armed forces.

The UK-led International Military Advisory and Training Team(IMATT (SL)) has been a fundamental element of the UK’s SSReffort throughout the post-war period. Formally established in2002 following a series of military interventions during the latter

stages of the civil war, IMATT has focused its effort on helpingthe Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) transforminto an effective, democratically accountable and affordable forcecapable of meeting its missions and tasks. The team has varied insize and shape over the years, peaking at some 120 in the early daysbut now down to about 70, with valuable contributions fromCanada (currently 7), USA (3), Nigeria (2) and Jamaica (1). A loanservice appointment, all UK members deploy for a 12-month un-accompanied tour. There have been a number of KRH in SierraLeone over the years; Lt Col Johnny Rogers and Lt Col HenryJoynson were there at the end of the war, and Maj Simon Lang,Capt Peter Heath and Cpl Steve Daniels have all played their partin IMATT in recent years. All of them have made their mark inone way or another. Indeed, Major Simon Lang was so taken bythe place that he returned to work there after retiring from theArmy and Cpl Steve Daniels is having such a good time that he

EREA Hawk in Sierra LeoneBrig J Powe

Author with the President.


has extended for a further 8 months. And what’s not to like – it isa wonderful country, blessed by spectacular natural beauty: rollinghills are carpeted by jungle interspersed with a network of smallvillages; wild orchids, pigmy hippos, troupes of monkeys and anextraordinarily wide variety of birds abound in the dense forests;white beaches stretch along the coastline, divided into natural baysby outcrops of black rock; and barracuda, tuna, red snapper, dol-phins and migratory whales swim offshore. Not a bad place tospend 12 months!

In its early days, at the end of the war, IMATT concentrated itseffort on disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR),on re-building the armed forces and on establishing a structurethat would stand the test of time. More recently, it has shifted itsfocus to providing advice and support at all levels of the force:small up-country teams provide tactical-level advice and trainingsupport to battalion commanders, brigade headquarters and theprincipal training establishments; imbedded teams in key unitsand the Joint Force Headquarters provide operational-level ad-vice; and a team in the MOD helps to shape policy and informstrategic-level plans. The team’s main effort is the moral compo-nent of RSLAF, emphasising ‘thinking’ not ‘things’, and trying toinculcate an ethos where individuals have the moral courage andintegrity to make the right choices naturally.

Much has been achieved by IMATT over the past 7 years andRSLAF is now a reasonably effective force. Focussed outwardrather than inwards, it acknowledges the primacy of the police forinternal security and it is largely apolitical. Furthermore, its train-ing regime is improving and there is a wealth of talent amongstthe young soldiers and officers which augurs well for the future.But it continues to face many challenges. In particular, it remainsunaffordable (largely due to the state of the nation’s economy) andit faces significant challenges in terms of infrastructure and equip-ment. The Defence Budget (less pay) in 2008 was £3.5 million, apaltry sum for a force of about 10,000. Spent almost entirely onbasic running costs, very little is left for longer-term development;their barracks are in a shocking state, they have limited kit andtheir vehicle fleet is likely to be off the road in 2 years’ time due toinsufficient investment in spares. One of IMATT’s principal tasksover the past 2 years - aimed at improving affordability - has beento persuade the Government of Sierra Leone to reduce the size ofthe RSLAF from 10,300 (in early 2008) to 8,500. Despite consid-erable delays and a number of political difficulties - it was not aneasy task to convince either the SL MOD or the Government tomake so many soldiers redundant - there has been encouragingprogress in recent months.

Furthermore, RSLAF are looking to provide a contingent for aUN PSO in the next 2 years, initially company-sized and then abattalion. It is aspiration that IMATT are actively supporting asit will send a signal to the wider international community aboutSierra Leone’s progress and help to generate some much-neededincome. But RSLAF will need considerable help from a benevo-lent donor if they are to find the funds required to equip them-selves sufficiently to mount such a force.

However, while there has been some progress in certain areas,Sierra Leone continues to face significant challenges. Corruptionand patronage remains rife at all levels of government and society,parliament and the judiciary are weak, and an ineffective civil serv-ice means that the government struggles to deliver even basic serv-ices to its citizens. Furthermore, Sierra Leone remains amongstthe poorest countries in the world and sits at the very bottom ofthe UN’s Human Development Index. And other statistics makegrim reading: of a population of 5 million, 57% live on less than adollar a day, 60% do not have access to safe water and 26% live inextreme poverty (less than 2700 calories per day); average life ex-pectancy is 42 years, a quarter of children die before their 5thbirthday and mothers have a one in six chance of dying in child-

birth – the highest rate in theworld; an estimated two-thirdsof Sierra Leone’s youth areunder or unemployed; and atnearly 31%, the adult literacyrate is amongst the worst in theworld.

But also worrying is the emerg-ing threat from drug traffick-ing. Sierra Leone - alongsideother West African countries -is increasingly seen by SouthAmerican drug cartels as aneasy access route to Europe,and the volume of cocaine pass-ing through the country ap-pears to be growing. A recenthaul of 700kg of cocaine seized from a light aircraft that hadcrossed the Atlantic illustrates the scale of the problem (at the timeof writing, the haul is languishing in IMATT’s armoury!). If thetrade takes a hold, there is a danger that the vast sums of money in-volved will serve to corrupt officials, attract the unemployed andfuel wider criminal behaviour.

So, despite success in the security sector, there remains much forthe new government to address. Sadly, despite early optimism, itappears to be struggling to deliver what is required and there is adanger that the Salones may run out of patience if conditions failto improve. The International Community will continue to pro-vide support, in particular to alleviate poverty, but the next fewyears will be crucial and the elections in 2012 will be a particularmilestone. IMATT will remain for the foreseeable future (al-though funding cuts are a particular threat), albeit on a reducingscale. So if you are looking for a challenging, interesting and re-warding post for 12 months (and a bit of extra cash!), put in yourapplication now. It’s a fascinating place with much to offer andwell worth a visit!

Cpl Steve Daniels poses at the SewaRiver.

Capt Peter Heath surrounded by some of his friends.


Common with many headquar-ters and organisations in

today’s military the Army Person-nel Centre (APC) has undergone aconsiderable amount of change.More specifically, a change to itsstructure following the APC Re-organisation and a change to itsprocedures with the introductionof the mighty JPA. This is not theforum to debate the merits of ei-ther, nor do I believe the appetiteof the reader would stomach sucha debate but we seem to be copingwith it all. I took up my appoint-ment at the start of 2008 (the firstday of the restructured APC) andassumed the responsibilities as career manager for all H Cav andRAC senior Majors and Lieutenant Colonels. Now therein lies achallenge. Whilst it is true that the Army takes all sorts, it nevermore so than in our illustrious Arm. From the straight up anddown, no nonsense, just give me an order, Tankie to members ofHer Majesty’s Household Cavalry, we cover any spectrum youcould care to devise and are much the better for it. I have thepleasure to serve the most fantastically self-centred to those (thevast majority) who wish just to continue to make a contribution.It would be wrong for me to belittle this contribution our officersare making. With an Army at full stretch the strain on the cohortof Majors in particular is all too evident in our work. Thewretched business of trawls through the chain of command to filloperational tours has now largely been replaced with formal ap-pointing being conducted by the APC. This is a positive move butthe supply of officers who should do a tour for career reasons haslargely been exhausted and we are now very much nominating of-ficers in order to meet the needs of the Service. We must all dowhat we can to look after our senior Captains and Majors if we are

to retain sufficient officers for the future. Our efforts must be putin the context of sluggish RMA Sandhurst output between 01 –04, a peak in PVRs in 06 and a high operational demand for offi-cers that has weakened the strength of this cohort.

And what of life in Glasgow? Beau Brummell would have defi-nitely deemed it ‘Foreign Service’ and he would be right. TheScots do many things differently (in many cases just for the sakeof doing it differently) but on the whole for the better. The resultis that we live in beautiful and dramatic countryside outside a vi-brant and culturally rich city, with good and cheap transport linksand many sporting opportunities on our doorstep. The people aregenuinely friendly and as one proudly told me ‘Even the muggerswill ask you how you are doing as they knife you’. However, tobalance the good, there are areas of the city of seemingly irre-versible poverty, drug addiction and crime. And I shan’t mentionthe weather (or rain as it is known) but I have observed that everythird commercial premises seems to sell different means of mak-ing your skin turn various shades of orange. There is also a dis-tinctly refreshing non-PC approach to health and an almostperverse pleasure in driving down average life expectancy figuresthrough the determined consumption of stickies, crisps and allother nasties.

It should not surprise you that the Crimson Tide reaches all theway up here. My landlord was a serving officer (Simon Graham –ex 14/20 H and KRH, and CO QOY from summer ’09) and theScottish Reunion is a growing and most civilised affair. I appre-ciate we served up here back in ’46, but proudly proclaiming theRegiment’s service under the Duke of Cumberland is not for thefaint-hearted. However, although I thoroughly recommend serv-ice in the APC, I now hanker for the wearing of uniform, the whiffof diesel fumes, soldierly banter and, fundamentally, a return tothe business end of our Army. Anna and I are honoured to be re-turning to Regimental Duty in 2010 and we look forward to itenormously.

A Hawk in GlasgowLt Col A T L Potts

Lt Col A T L Potts.

A Hawk with the Light DragoonsMaj H Willis

When the desk officer from theRAC MCM Division called

me on a Saturday morning, I knewsomething odd might happen.When he then asked me if I couldsay “yarrp” I definitely knewsomething was up. Having repliedin the positive, he then asked if Iwould like to move to deepest Nor-folk to be Second in Command ofThe Light Dragoons. And here Iam.

The Light Dragoons is a reconnaissance regiment and formed, likeKRH, in 1992 as a result of Options for Change. An amalgamationof the 13th/18th Royal Hussars and the 15th/19th King’s Hussars,the Regiment recruits from Northumberland and South Yorkshireand is known as England’s Northern Cavalry. Robertson Barracks,Swanton Morley has been home for the Regiment for some timeand since 1992 the Regiment has completed multiple tours of theBalkans and more recently, Iraq and Afghanistan.

One of the reasons I so readily accepted the job was the manyfriends that I have had in The Light Dragoons and its forebears.

Additionally, I had some previous experience ranging from Yeo-manry PSIs, a UN tour alongside 15/19H in Cyprus to some very,very memorable parties in Hohne. Because of all this, I felt that Iknew a little of the character of the Regiment. Above all, I knewthat The Light Dragoons were a very friendly Regiment and I haverediscovered that fact, over and over again since arriving.

The histories of both Regiments are entwined through the courseof time. 10H and 15H fought together in the Peninsula and the lat-ter claim that it was they who captured General Levebre De-nouttes after Benevente, although they do not have a painting ofthe event or the silver medal awarded to the quick thinking youngCpl in 10H for his bravery! That said, 13LD claim that they ac-tually pinched Joseph Bonaparte’s potty and then swapped it for arather nice table that 14LD had looted after Vittoria. Whateverthe fact or fiction, the Regiments have campaigned, served andfought alongside each other whether it was at the Charge of theLight Brigade or the Cavalry Cup Final!

But battle honours and the like are only outward manifestations ofsomething deeper, something harder to define. People talk of cul-ture, ethos or corporate identity yet none of these words really sumit up. It’s the ‘feel’ of a Regiment that marks it out and LD feelsmuch like KRH. The accents may be different, the trousers cer-

Maj H Willis.


tainly, but otherwise it is just like being at home. Perhaps all ofthis just goes to prove that the ‘Cavalry Spirit’ of old is alive andwell and is something that transcends cap badge, role and recruit-ing area?

Before I wax too lyrical, there is a serious side to all this stuff; it isactually part of the Moral Component of Fighting Power. It is partof the glue that binds people together and the Army needs thatglue, especially today. As I write, the Regiment is training veryhard for a forthcoming tour of Afghanistan, where FormationRecce has and is continuing to prove its wider utility. Whilst there

may be somewhat less emphasis on traditional recce, the modernFormation Recce Regiment brings a package of capability, skillsand mindset that is well suited to contemporary operations. Asthe only RAC unit within our Brigade, it is axiomatic that weshould also be enthusiastic and knowledgeable proponents of Ar-mour and all that it entails.

It is early days, but I can safely say that whilst it may be best by farto be a King’s Royal Hussar, there’s certainly no gloom in being aLight Dragoon!

Employment in the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) is awell worn path for recent KRH officers: Felix Gedney as MA

to the Commander, Mark Harrison and Ed Hodges as ADC to theCommander, and now the Commander himself, Lt Gen RichardShirreff. I entered the ARRC through the other end of the build-ing into what is the engine room of the HQ. I was posted to the G7branch as EPS. A jump from company to corps level is signifi-cant, and I had little idea what that meant when the note came infrom MCM Div, but now it is more than clear. I am part of a tal-ented Exercise Planning Staff that works within the Training andDevelopment branch.

In a normal HQ, training is subordinate to G3 operations and G5planning but the ARRC has no troops under permanent commandso it must be prepared to subsume troops, from across the coun-tries of NATO and the Partnership for Peace, for a huge spectrumof operations. In order to remain the first among equals of NATOHQs, the ARRC sets itself an intensive and ambitious trainingregime. When not on operations, this culminates every year withEx ARRCADE FUSION in November – and this is what I inher-ited to run as project officer when I arrived in August. The exer-cise scenario was based in a counter-insurgency environmentsimilar to Afghanistan and in addition to the Land HQ, involvedthe maritime, air and special operations components. The exerciseis massive; it takes a year to plan, and has a budget of nearly⇔2,000,000, with over 3000 people, and with 3 Divisions and 4Bdes as the LOCONs. In addition, a ‘White Cell’ of subject mat-ter expertise is bought in to replicate the agencies and authoritiesthat would be engaged at the operational and strategic levels dur-ing an operation (to include the UN, aid agencies, DfID, FCO, Sta-bilisation Unit and the media) – all of this prepares the ARRC, asa High Readiness Force, to deploy under NATO, EU, coalition ornational auspices to undertake combined and joint operationsacross the operational spectrum; in practice this means deployingto such operations as as HQ ISAF as it did in 2006 or HQ KFORas it did in 1998.

I have now moved jobs and have taken on the role of ‘scenariomanager’ – in effect, I am designing the story that the ARRC liveswithin and that allows the HQ to train at the highest levels andagainst all its training objectives. I have daily contact with all gov-ernment agencies, travel across the NATO HQs of Europe coor-dinating training and am one of a small team at the heart ofactivity within the HQ. There never seems to be enough hours inthe day and, given that I thought I would see more of my familythis year than last, the work is hard but fascinating.

A Hawk in the ARRC – Fortune favours the brave.Maj C MacGregor

Ex ARRCADE FUSION.

MacGregor taxi service is up and running!


A Hawk in Basra Maj T Holloway

Between Feb and Aug 08 I deployed to HQ Multi National Di-vision (South East), as SO2 G3 Media Ops. For much of the

6 month tour I ran the Press Information Centre (PIC), as the SO1post was gapped. The difference between this tour and my last asC Squadron Leader in Maysan could not be starker. Last summerthe oppressive heat and persistent enemy action were the mainchallenges, this summer John Humphrys and other journalistsprovided the difficulties. Well aware of soldiers’ frustrationscaused by a perceived lack of understanding by the UK popula-tion, I thought my challenge was to explain to an apparently apa-thetic audience what the British Army was still doing in Iraq andwhy. Regimental Journal readers will know of the importance ofthis domestic support to the men and women serving on opera-tions and their families. With precious little media or marketingbackground I ran a small office of similarly gifted amateurs whosejob it was to raise the profile of the British military mission in SEIraq.

My preconceptions of the domestic understanding were illfounded. Over the course of the past year the British populationhas rallied behind servicemen, at home as well as overseas. The5th anniversary of the start of Op TELIC, in mid March 2008, pro-vided a grandstand opportunity to tell the UK what was beingdone in their name. The 5th anniversary was a busy time for thePIC, the coverage was broadly positive, and the experience pre-pared us for the months ahead. Literally days after the last jour-nalists left Basra, Op CHARGE OF THE KNIGHTS, or “Saulatal Fursan”, the Iraqi name for the operation, began. The PICtempo increased exponentially as the Iraqi Army fought for con-trol of Basra; in the first 3 days I conducted 163 interviews, thoughthings began to calm down after a week or so. To our frustrationa decree preventing journalists visiting was imposed from on high,lasting until late April. Thereafter the floodgates opened, and byJuly we were at full capacity – often with 3 or 4 different pro-grammes running concurrently. The visits by PM Brown and Sen-ator Obama brought more media attention, and complication.

As the British military spokesman in southern Iraq, I was blessedthat events during my time captured the imagination of the world.That we had a good story to tell made my job significantly easier.The situation in Basra, and indeed within Iraq as a whole, has

MND-SE Spokesman.

completely turned around during the course of 2008. Though theBritish effort has often been overshadowed by national and globalmedia outlets desire to score political points of one sort or another.

British servicemen continue to serve in extreme conditions, tosupport the Iraqi Armed forces whose progress has impressedeveryone. British Military Transition Teams (MiTTs) live andwork with their Iraqi Army partners, sharing the same risks, ini-tially in pretty unpleasant and unsanitary conditions. The resultof this hard work and personal sacrifice is a vast improvement inthe security of Basra, which has allowed the resilient people of thiscity to pursue normal lives. Markets are flourishing; the streets arefilled with people dressed as they wish, not as the religious ex-tremists dictate. There is hope, and with it expectation. Basra’slegacy of 35 years of underinvestment and systemic neglect cannotbe understated. Basic and essential services are decrepit; mainselectricity is on for about a third of the day, provision of pipedclean water is minimal, and the sewerage system can best be de-scribed as inadequate. Together, British and Iraqi troops havebrought security to the area, allowing investment, reconstruction,and resumption of normality in a city famed for art and culture.An oft repeated mantra within the HQ was that Iraqi problemsneed Iraqi solutions, and that is precisely what has happened inBasra during 2008.

Un Falco in Italia (A Hawk in Italy)Maj R M Jackson

Since relinquishing commandof A (xHx) Sqn, I have been in

Italy working in the Trainingbranch at the HeadquartersNATO Rapid Deployment Corps(Italy) (HQ NRDC ITA) concen-trating on exercise planning. TheHeadquarters is about 30 minutesfrom Milan, and I have becomeone of only 26 UK personnelworking in the Headquarters, andthe only native English speaker inmy staff branch. Working withthe Italians is tremendous fun andthe most enlightening aspect ofmy new environment is theamount of change that has oc-curred since the Italian military transformed from conscription toprofessional military service in 2000. What they have achieved in

such a short space of time is impressive, and what the Italians mightlack in relative experience they more than make up for in ingenu-ity, industry and initiative.

The HQ NRDC ITA, like its counterparts in Spain, Germany,Spain, Turkey, Greece, France and Poland is modelled on theAllied Command Europe Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) basedin Rhiendhalen. It is a relatively new organisation having beenformed in November 2001, is directly subordinate to SupremeHeadquarters Allied Powers Europe, but can be under com-mand of one of the Joint Force Commands for North AtlanticCouncil directed missions or operations.

In 2008 the main effort has been to train a large componentfrom the HQ NRDC ITA as augmentees for the NATO ISAFmission in Kabul starting in January 2009. As part of this ISAFfocus, HQ NRDC ITA conducted a Corps level command postexercise (Ex EAGLE ACTION 08) in field conditions, sup-ported by NATO and the Italian military and MOD. During

Maj R M Jackson.

OPFOR is great fun.


the exercise the Commander and Staff were put through theirpaces as the Land Component Command in a demandingAfghanistan based high intensity counter insurgency scenario.In addition to further individual and collective training specif-ically for the ISAF mission, HQ NRDC ITA has supported anumber of other NATO exercises, including ARRCADE FU-SION 2008.

With a large slice of the Headquarters away in Afghanistan in2009, the remaining elements of the Headquarters, staff andsupport elements will focus on preparation for the HQ NRDCITA’s Combat Readiness Evaluation and becoming the NATOReaction Force (NRF) in 2010 for 6 months. Within weeks ofthe ISAF tour finishing the Headquarters will commence ahighly intensive period of exercises and training to meet theNRF training objectives and requirements.

As you might imagine, the prospect of living and working in Italyprovides some interesting and diverse opportunities for adventure.Since my arrival in September, the UK contingent has managed tosqueeze a charity cycle up the Tour de France Alpe D’Huez stage(a climb of 1120m in 14km and 20 bends), conduct a battlefieldtour to Tuscany and the Appenine mountains into a busy trainingcalendar. I have also been fortunate enough to participate in theItalian Cavalry’s celebration of the charge of the Genoa and No-vara Cavalry in 1917, and will shortly enter the Italian Army Ski-ing Championships in February 2009. With lake Maggiore, Comoand Varese on the doorstep, the Campo Die Fiore National Park inmy back garden, not to mention Monte Rossa (Europe’s secondhighest mountain), the Aosta valley just 2 hours away, and Milanand other historically and culturally fascinating cities and townsjust a stone’s throw away, there are opportunities for explorationand adventure abound!

A Hawk with 2RTRMaj J Senior (2RTR FALCON Squadron Leader)

Fresh from a night in Camp Crowfoot, the Tank Company,blessed with near 100% vehicle availability (yes, in CVR(T)!),

sits in its leaguer, waiting to strike. At this point, only I in theTank Company have the headsets on, listening to distant, franticvoices. Troopers and Lance Corporals huddle and jostle playfully,free from the burdens normally associated with exercises: camnets, perpetual body armour, helmets, and rifles. Crew com-manders laze in the autumn sunshine in the lea of a vehicle, wait-ing, like The Few of nearly 70 years ago, for the bell to ring andthe call to mount up. For we are not the ones under the watchfuleye of the BATUS staff: we are providing the opposition force andwe are enjoying every minute of it.

But we are not ready to strike yet. The battle is still someway off,and the grumble of the enemy heavy armour, even allowing forthe distorting echoes of the Prairie’s coulees, is obviously distant.For now, the only thing to kill is time: BVs bubble and tea isslurped from filthy mugs; drivers are in and out of the their toolbins; food is continuously munched; and the little red dots thatmark the enemy on my map slowly draw themselves inextricablycloser to where we will strike.

But we are not ready for that yet. It is time to update the crewcommanders. As I do the distant, indistinguishable rumble of ad-vancing armour gains, for the first time, identifiable definition. Asingle tank can be isolated from amongst the noise, changingdown a gear, accelerating, stopping. The enemy is progressing

northwards, edging slowly towards our killing area: friendlyforces are trading space for time; intent, no change. We will fixwith half the Tank Company, strike with the other. Update over,crew commanders shuffle back to their vehicles, waiting for thecall.

But we are not ready for that yet. In readiness, each one of them,each one of us, adjusts our turret to ensure everything is at hand.I am a creature of routine: I expect that most commanders are thesame. My binoculars are tied to the hatch so both Cpl Cheethamand I can pick up and put down; my GPS in bungeed to the Com-mander’s Sight; my map, bulldog clipped at the right fold, iswedged into the turret roof; lumicolours are in my vest pocket;and the headsets are on. Command Net always on A, Tank Com-pany Net always on B. When we roll out of this leaguer I want tobe looking for the enemy, not pens.

But we are not ready for that yet, albeit we are getting close. Now0A wants to speak to me on the net. He has not been interestedin the Tank Company up until now. In the dark hours it was arecce battle and as dawn broke the infantry delayed the enemy ar-mour with its lethal Javelin missile matrix. Now, as mid-morn-ing approaches and the heat of the sun makes softies and glovesredundant, the focus switches to the tanks. It is the only card COOPFOR has left to play. He reminds me on the Command Netwhat he wants me to do. He knows I already know but he tells meagain anyway. I acknowledge and switch to the Tank Company


Net and remind the Crew Commanders of what we are about todo. I know they already know but I tell them anyway.

But we are not ready for that yet, although it is minutes away. I seeTpr ‘Peanut’ Jones climbing into the driver’s cab of my vehicle: Idid not tell him to climb in. It was not necessary for we have beenplaying this game for long enough to know without speaking. Ifeel and hear call sign 10 tick into life as he starts the engine. Allthat separates us from action now is a word of command. I wait,my crew waits, the Tank Company waits, listening, fiddling, ad-justing, looking, expecting...

“One Zero, Zero Alpha, Move Now”. In a flash the message I re-ceived from the CO is relayed on the Tank Company Net, and Iwant my words to instantaneously catapult my vehicle in readi-ness to strike. Banging my hand against the turret roof, I silentlyberate Peanut for allowing my urgency to be constrained by thelaws of physics. But soon we are moving. I settle into the turret,head and shoulders, and see the Tank Company manoeuvre out ofthe leaguer and split into two halves: one to fix, and one to strike.Call sign one-zero goes with the strike.

We are moving quickly now, and with every roll of ground, seem-ingly with every tuft of grass, the commanders and operators holdtense, trying to prevent the smack of track on Prairie being trans-ferred to cupola on ribs. It is an impossible task, and while thebody armour offers some cushioning, the best protection is to ac-

cept that it is going to hurt. Now Cpl Cheetham is scanning thehorizon; “Where are they, shouldn’t we be seeing them by now?”

“Contact. Tanks. Half a squadron in open”. Have we caught themout? The fixing force is now in place, trying to hold them while thestrike force manoeuvres into position. I try and adjust the plan inrecognition of what I am seeing on the ground. Zero Alpha is nowasking me for a sitrep for the third time. Switching nets I try andbe considered, reminding myself of the type of information he willbe after, but my attempts are thwarted by a thump in the ribs fromthe cupola as Peanut pushes hard to get into position. “We’re beingengaged”, screams Cpl Cheetham. “Where the hell from?”

“There he is, about a thousand to our nine o’clock. Hard reverse,right stick”. If I can hook back north while call sign one threecovers my move, I could get around the back of him. We are nowfighting in pairs. The attempt to stage manage a fix and strike bal-let must wait. Travelling to outmanoeuvre him, quickly at firstand then down to a crawl. It seems to take an age but eventuallywe trundle to a slow stop. I am now standing on my turret, on mytiptoes. I can’t see him. I tell Peanut to creep forward while I re-main standing, inch-by-inch allowing me to see over the crest ofthe mound.

“There he is. Get him Cheets”. Cpl Cheatham lays the gun onand fires within seconds. The enemy tank’s engagement simula-tion lights begin to flash.

Hawks on TrialMaj I Simpson MBE

The Armoured Trials and Development Unit (ATDU) has formany years employed ERE Officers and soldiers in support of

the MoD Equipment Programme and judging by the group pho-tos along the hall in ATDU, many of those have been KRH ormembers of our predecessor regiments. What will have changedhowever, for anyone returning from those earlier days, is the levelof work focused on the UORs (Urgent Operational Requirement)and the diversity that the work brings. In fulfilling its mission,ATDU has secured the services of 3 ‘Hawks’. Maj Ian Simpson,who runs the Comms and Vehicle Systems desk (strange choicefor a gunnery man?!), although he has managed to move all thegunnery related trials into his office. Cpl Bohana, who as a CR2,CVR(T), Warrior and Panther Crew Commander, is always in de-mand and constantly out on the area with the latest piece of equip-ment. And as this article is written, WO2 Rutherford has beguntaking on one of the key roles at ATDU, that of RQMS.

Whilst completing its mission of trials and development for allthe Royal Armoured Corps equipment, ATDU has taken a leadrole in the development and deployment of much of the Army’snewest capability. Across both the current theatres of operationsATDU provides support and ‘user’ knowledge across the domainof Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs) and in particular to theUOR programme. This has included the improved developmentof the Remote Weapon Stations (RWS), for use across a numberof AFV’s, a static sangar version for local base protection and asystem for use with the latest support vehicles. Although somesystems are not specifically for RAC use, the work in support ofthese ‘outside agencies’ not only provides capability to supportour current operations but will also ensure we are ready with thebackground knowledge to bring these systems into RAC plat-forms in the future. One system already benefiting from the RWSis the PANTHER command and liaison vehicle. This will shortlybe seen in KRH colours, with the latest version being put throughits paces at ATDU by Cpl Bohana. With much improved relia-bility and a recent outing to Afghanistan this vehicle is proving

to be a welcome addition to the fleet. With outstanding mobilityand its high levels of blast protection a ‘theatre specific’ versionof PANTHER is currently being developed for a possible futuredeployment.

In support of our armoured specific projects ATDU has been pro-viding capability across the spectrum, from personal equipmentto heavy armour. The development of a new crew helmet has pro-vided an improved ‘all purpose’ system. The helmet can now beused both on and off the AFV, is compatible with the sighting sys-tems and has a ballistic protection level that exceeds our currenthelmets. This system is also being evaluated as part of the newpersonal equipment procurement, everything from socks to sleep-ing bags and webbing is being reviewed, to replace our currentCombat Soldier 95 issue. Also in this area is the prospect of a newAFV specific body armour, which promises an improved level ofprotection with less weight and, more importantly for AFV crews,less bulk. Back in the area of armoured vehicles, ATDU is work-ing to increase the capability and reliability of the CVR(T) fleet. A

Maj Simpson on one of those business trips!


host of additional features have been or are in the process of beingfielded, these include a package of improvements that will ‘re-power’ the engine with the same levels of performance as the orig-inal vehicle (remember when they used to do 70 mph down theM1!). For those D&M instructors out there, this includes a 33%increase in torque being delivered through an up-rated gearboxfor faster acceleration and improved performance at altitude. Anew high-performance cooling group has also been provided to in-crease capability while operating in high temperatures. These fea-tures, coupled with a hot restart capability, have been successfullytrialled in the hot and dusty conditions of Oman this summer.With the addition of a Drivers Vision System similar to that pro-vided for CR2 (forward and rear view cameras) the CVR(T) driverwill see a significant increase in the capability of his equipment.

Improving capability to turret systems has not been forgotten andthe Armoured Corps is now the first to see the benefits of the lat-est Thermal Image (TI) systems. The Scimitar TES fleet has re-cently being fitted with M-SPIRE TI which, for the GunneryInstructors, uses a Quantum Well Infra-Red Photon Detector andoffers a significant improvement in performance over any in-ser-vice TI system. In addition it has also being demonstrated in aCR2 providing a similar increase in capability that is long over-due in our ageing TI system. The CVR(T) fleet has also been aug-mented by the development of a turreted weapon station forSPARTAN. The ODIN system provides the ability to mount ei-ther a 7.62mm or .50 Cal machine gun for use under armour. Thisflexibility coupled with a TI surveillance and target acquisitionsystem provides a capability the fleet was previously lacking. Atthe heavy end of our business CR2 continues to be adapted to meetthe changing threat. Mine Blast Protection (MBP) levels havebeen improved throughout the crew compartments; this coupledwith the next generation of armour ensures that CR2 protectionlevels remain second to none. The area of survivability and pro-

tection is a continuous cycle of development and ATDU take alead role in the trials and development of both current and futureprojects.

As you may now appreciate there are a multitude of programmesand projects that come through the gates of ATDU, of course notall of them can be mentioned here. However, it is fair to say thatATDU, especially while the Army is sustaining 2 operational the-atres, provides an important link in the provision of that capabil-ity. KRH are playing a key role in that success by providingdedicated and professional soldiers, who in turn provide essentialuser knowledge to these programmes. I can whole-heartedly rec-ommend ATDU as a great place to work for officers and soldiersalike. It offers fascinating work on essential projects that mean alot to the lads on the ground, what more could one ask, apart froma couple of business trips to the States now and again and bit of ad-venture training in Austria every year?!

Cpl Bohana, Maj Simpson and WO2 (RQMS) Rutherford with PANTHER.

A Hawk in CyberspaceMaj J C Hay

Having spent enough time liv-ing out of a suitcase whilst

conducting Tri-Service BOW-MAN conversion, it was wonder-ful to receive a posting to theCombined Arms Tactical Trainer(CATT(G)) over in Sennelager,Germany. Maj Dave Oliver and Inow work together, a stone’sthrow away from the QRH inAthalone Barracks. The CATTtraining facility is one of 2 ar-moured warfare centres owned bythe Army, and as one would ex-pect the pace of life is busy. The£300 million facility has been op-erational for nearly 5 years andwas initially, designed for conven-tional high intensity operations up to BG level. Recent operationshave necessitated it to evolve to cater for Future Army Structures(FAS) orbats, the training of supporting arms, the ContemporaryOperating Environment (COE) and a number of recent new piecesof equipment. Most of the training we deliver, within the trainingcycle, is completed prior to a BATUS deployment and in combi-nation with CAST; with BGs planning their missions in CAST tosubsequently execute them in CATT. It is a challenging arenawhere armoured tactics are worked up for adaptive foundationtraining (A War) however recently ‘The War’ (Iraq and in the fu-ture Afghanistan) databases and tactics have been ‘fought’.

The scale of the simulation is impressive, 2 squadrons of CR2, 2WR Companies, 4 Forward Observation Officers in WR and 8CVR(T), totalling 70 vehicle specific and 70 generic vehicle sim-ulators (GVS). The GVS support the majority of other BG assets,such as engineer vehicles, recovery assets, air defence, Apache, 432series and even dismounted stations. The simulators are realisticand reflect the real world in that if driven badly they will over-heat, throw tracks, run out of fuel, swallow lumicolours in the tra-verse monster and even roll down hills if the handbrake isn’tapplied. The separate BGHQ element, allows the physical di-vorcement from the rest of the BG, and with ‘Link to Live’ arriv-ing soon, even further separation will be enabled. Even the enemycapability can be manipulated as determined by the ability of thetroops under training and mood of the SO2 manning the controlpanel; normally the enemy starts off restrained, with the 3rd ShockArmy in reserve for the end of the day!

With the Germany based Brigades frequently deploying on oper-ations, a significant proportion of our work has been as ObserverControllers on various exercises, away from CATT. Recently, weenjoyed a deployment to JMTC Hohnfels, Bavaria, to support a 20Brigade exercise. This necessitated swapping ‘hard effect’ for ‘soft’with cultural awareness and influence thrown in. Regrettably,with additional support extended to several exercises in Canadaand Kenya has irritatingly left the calendar worryingly full, leav-ing precious little time for skiing!

Maj J C Hay.


The KRH has manned the post of a Platoon Commander atAFC (H) since the college first started to admit recruits over

10 years ago; numerous subalterns from the Regiment have servedas 10 Platoon Commander during the Colleges’ history.

On return from Op TELIC 10, I was informed that I would havethe privilege of taking over from Captain Ben Bishop as the re-placement 10 Platoon Commander. Having completed the neces-sary ASLS courses and passed the police vetting process, Iassumed command in May 2008. To assist me I had an excellenttraining team, consisting of a Welsh Guards Sgt and 4 Cpls, rang-ing from a large Para to a young Engineer, all motivated and thor-oughly competent.

I took over the Platoon after they had completed 2 terms of train-ing and I was there to see them through their last term before theymoved onto their Phase 2 establishments, undoubtedly the mostenjoyable term as they had a lot of exercises, battle camp and fit-ness! I very quickly saw that for 16 and 17 year old soldiers theyhad already grasped the fundamentals of soldiering and were be-ginning to display a maturity and competence that far exceededwhat I had expected. This was an excellent base on which to buildand the pace of life in their final term ensured that they graduatedas a fit, motivated and well trained group of soldiers. The Platoonwon the march and shoot, as well as the endurance race and alsoproduced the best final Platoon attack on the final test exercise,much to the annoyance of the infantry Platoon Commanders! Itwas a great pleasure to see the Platoon graduate and move ontotheir further training, not least because it heralded a welcomebreak for the Training Team!

Come September, a new Platoon arrived and with it came the chal-lenges of shaping forty eight 16 year old boys into a cohesive Pla-toon. There can be little doubt that it was hard work, especially onthe Cpls, who had to teach them everything from brushing teethto ironing; and inevitably some of the recruits left realising theywere not up to the required standard. The satisfaction however atthe end of 6 weeks intensive training, seeing a Platoon of youngmen who now took pride in their appearance and were both phys-ically and mentally stronger, stood in front of you was significant.It was during their half term that I learnt that I was to be recalledto Regimental Duty earlier than anticipated, as A Squadron 2iCahead of the forthcoming Iraq tour. Although excited about re-turning to the KRH, I felt a degree of loss as I would not see 10Platoon complete their year of training, something that wouldhave brought huge pleasure. I left the Platoon after the end of

A Hawk in HarrogateCapt W Wythe

their first term, safe in the knowledge that their training had gotoff on the right foot and hope to hear in due course that they allgraduated successfully!

AFC (H) proved to be an exceptionally interesting 7 months, notleast because it meant that I was able to see the high standard oftraining that the recruits receive before they arrive at their Regi-ments. The quality of the Training Teams, especially the Corpo-rals is excellent and the KRH continues to be very wellrepresented. A posting to AFC (H) represents a unique, yet re-warding challenge that opens your eyes to the training environ-ment in an all arms setting and should be grasped if ever offered.

10 Platoon Training Team.

Capt Wythe supervising the ‘Reorg’.

A Hawk with the UN in CyprusWO2 W Price

To tell the story of the troubled island of Cyprus could fill vol-umes. Ever since being deployed with United Nations Forces

in Cyprus (UNFICYP), I have researched the history of this mis-begotten land.

In my opinion, and if it were possible to attribute a job spec to apiece of land, it would have to be that of a prostitute. For the bestpart of 5000 years, successive empires and dynasties have walkedinto Cyprus, taken what they desired and then left, often withoutpaying, the latest in 1960 being the British. However, in 1960 fol-lowing a bitter guerilla campaign by the Ethniki OrganosisKyprion Agoniston (EOKA) Greek rebels/freedom fighters, whowere fighting to gain ‘Enosis’ (a union with Greece), the island


gained its independence. The 3 main interested parties involved,Greece, Turkey and the UK signed a ‘Treaty of Guarantee’. Thistreaty stated that the 3 signatory nations would not seek to annexthe new Republic of Cyprus for their own gains and equally theywould act against any other nation that attempted to do so.

The new Republic of Cyprus was fraught with problems betweenthe majority Greek Cypriots and the minority Turkish Cypriots(who, incidentally wanted ‘Taksim’ which is a union with Turkey).Violence and discrimination against both sides was rife and mur-der squads roamed the island seeking out victims, killing themwith impunity and with a hatred more familiar to Balkan nations.

By 1964, the 2 Cypriot communities had separated and groupedthemselves together in ethnic enclaves each one forming ad-hocmilitia units to provide defence against attack from the other. De-spite this, the old ethnic hatreds festered and the violence contin-ued. In the same year the tensions and murders had become sointolerable that the UN was asked to intervene and provide troopsto keep the two sides apart.

As an interim solution, whilst the UNFICYP force was beingformed, the British provided troops from its own Sovereign BaseAreas on the island to maintain peace. The irony of this Britishdeployment would not have been lost on those who fought withthe EOKA against the British 5 years previously, only to have thesesame troops patrolling the island once again. When the UNFI-CYP troops arrived they were based across the entire island and byand large managed to keep a lid on the violence.

It was never an ideal situation as there were many obstacles placedin the path of UNFICYP. The peace was restored but fragile. InJuly 1974, the incumbent President of the Republic of Cyprus,Archbishop Makarios III was overthrown in a military coup. Heonly narrowly escaped being assassinated and was taken to Rhodesby RAF jet. The coup was led by regular Greek officers, assistedby the Cypriot National Guard (NG) and former EOKA members.The NG was staffed entirely by Greek Cypriots, who were dissat-isfied with Makarios and his permissive attitude towards the Turk-ish Cypriots.

The new President was an altogether different man, his name wasNikos Sampson. He had fought in the EOKA campaign againstthe British in the late 1950’s and since the independence he hadled murder gangs in the north of Nicosia. He was responsible formany deaths amongst the Turkish Cypriot community. To theTurkish, both in Cyprus and in mainland Turkey, Sampson repre-sented a direct threat to the Turkish Cypriot people. As far as theywere concerned, because the coup was led by Greek mainland of-

ficers, the Treaty of Guarantee was broken and therefore entitledTurkey to act in defence of the Turkish Cypriot community.

On 20 July 1974, five days after the coup Turkish forces launchedwhat they deemed a humanitarian intervention operation (the restof the world saw it as an invasion) and landed 6000 troops onCyprus both from the air and by sea. They quickly captured Kyre-nia Port in the north and linked up with Turkish Cypriot fightersin the northern suburbs of Nicosia. By the middle of August theyhad captured most of the northern side of Cyprus, totaling 37% ofthe entire island.

A UNFICYP brokered ceasefire triggered an exodus of biblicalproportions with all the Turkish Cypriots living in the south flee-ing north and the Greeks in the north fleeing south, (there is theodd still Turk living in the south and vice-versa). A Buffer Zone(BZ) was established between the two halves of the island and itwas into this that UNFICYP deployed. The BZ represents 3% ofthe total land mass. With the Turkish occupying 37% and theBritish Sovereign Base Areas another 10% this leaves only 50% inwhich the Greek-Cypriots can call their own. The modern dayUNFICYP is made up of about 16 principal contributing nations.The main military contributors are Argentina (Sector 1: Nicosiawest to the Kokkina pocket), the UK (Sector 2: Nicosia District)and Hungary/Slovakia (Sector 4: from Nicosia east to Fama-gusta/Varosha). Inexplicably there is no , military logic at its best!There is also a Mobile Force Reserve (MFR), which is companystrength and truly multinational. It has a platoon of UK troops, aplatoon of Slovaks and a platoon of Hungarians (the platoons areall a mixture of contributing nationalities). It also has a TacticaArmoured Car troop, which is crewed by the Argentines. The CoyHQ is provided by the UK although the Coy 2iC is Argentinean.When on parade with weapons (FAL, SA80 A2 and AK variants)it is a sight that would send a Guards Drill Instructor apoplectic,and is a ticket only event!

UNFICYP has recently undergone a moderate troop reduction,which has meant that instead of manning the line from static OPlocations, we have now moved into mobile patrolling. A few Pa-trol Bases have been retained in the more remote areas in order toprovide a permanent presence there. There are a total of 860troops currently attached to UNFICYP. Within the British Con-tingent (BRITCON) there are 26 continuity posts each of 2 yearduration, for SNCO or Officers. The remainder is made up of a 6month Roulement Regiment. This has, in recent years been a Lo-gistics Regiment, but as I write it is a composite TA Signals Reg-iment. It is the first time ever that the TA has been deployedoperationally in Regimental strength. If successful then it couldbe the shape of things to come.

WO2 Price in the BZ with Turkish republic of Northern Cyprus in the background. WO2 Price & his boss Lt Col Villagran.


was closed for several hours,whilst UNFICYP mediated be-tween the 2 sides and had thecrossing reopened. Such smallthings can escalate into eventsquite out of proportion to the al-leged crime. When it is consid-ered that both sides will have toagree on issues such as landrights (north and south), ArmedForces, Policing and other fed-eral agencies it promises to be along and winding road.

There is also the question ofwhat are known as ‘the miss-ing’. These are some 1486Greek Cypriots and 502 Turk-ish Cypriots are still listed asmissing since the war in 1974.Others from both sides vanished prior to that, during the inter-communal violence pre UNFICYP. There are regular demonstra-tions by both sides demanding that their whereabouts are revealed.UNFICYP has set up a laboratory here in the UN Protected Area(UNPA), where scientists from both sides work along side the UNCommittee for Missing Persons in trying to identify remains thatare discovered. The remains of 250 people were recovered fromseveral mass graves in 2007. Both leaders now meet regularlywithin the UNPA. They talk alone for an hour or so and thenemerge to have talks around the table with representatives of theUN and other agencies. Just recently the former President of theUSA, Jimmy Carter and Archbishop Desmond Tutu visited tooffer the support of their good offices. Only time will tell what theoutcome will be. The common consensus is that if the Islandreaches agreement that the UNFICYP mission will cease. In ac-tual fact the military force will increase in size considerably, tocover the entire Island whilst it settles down, followed by a reduc-tion and a possible termination to the mission.

Naturally being on the holiday island that is Cyprus it is not allwork, work, work! The opportunities for all kinds of sports areendless. Some of the beaches in the north are seriously spectacu-lar and even in the height of summer one can be the sole occupierof a golden sand beach with azure green sea. In the south, thebeaches are far more commercialised, but this brings with it abeauty of a quite different kind, mostly Scandinavian and mostlytopless, sunglasses are a must!! Snorkeling around Cape Greco issomething that must be experienced to be believed, the abundanceand colours of the aquatic life is simply outstanding.

The opportunities to eat well and drown yourself in Brandy Soursor Keo are immense and the custom of ‘Kopiaste’ is sometimes dif-ficult to ignore. The prevention of what is known as ‘the CyprusStone’ is a constant battle that must be fought daily. For those ofyou that know me, fortunately there is cider available and I havebeen known to indulge myself once or twice you will be pleased tohear! When SSgt ‘Spud’ Taylor was looking for a suitable honey-moon location, I managed to convince him that Cyprus was theplace, he went for it only after the reassurance that Strongbow waswidely available on the Island, sales in the NAAFI rocketed!

Finally in closing, I consider myself very fortunate that in the cur-rent climate of operational deployments I have had the opportu-nity to spend 2 fantastic and stable years in the sun, accompaniedby my family and to have the pleasure of watching my 2 little sonsthrive on it. Furthermore, the sunshine is guaranteed for 300 daysof the year (it hardly rains for the other 65!) and the UN pay me avery generous allowance for the privilege of serving here. No com-plaints from WO2 Price!

Training in Sector 4.

During my posting of a little over a year, I have been attached toHQ UNFICYP. My role is loosely described as the Military Train-ing Cell (MTC) Warrant Officer. It would normally be filled by aCaptain (SO3) but the British provide a WO2. My boss is an Ar-gentine Lt Col; this represents the total training staff for the en-tire military presence across the island and within the HQ, (soguess who the work force is!). Within our office there is also amember of the Gardai (Irish Police Force), who is the Training Of-ficer for the UN Police (UNPOL). With Irish on the left flank andArgentines on the right, it can be a bit like Rourkes Drift (we wonthat one too!).

One of the better aspects of my job is that I am always out andabout within the BZ, which not only gets me out of the office butalso ensures that I see the entire island. The official languagewithin the mission is English and I have the enviable honour tored pen all my Colonel’s written staff work, which is a new expe-rience for me, having always been on the receiving end of a criti-cal red pen!

My responsibilities are wide and varied, but in the main I am re-sponsible for all the military training that takes place across UN-FICYP, after the troops have arrived in theatre. This includesInduction Training Courses, Military Observation and Liaison Of-ficers Courses. I also organise and run a Military Skills Competi-tion for each rotation, which is fiercely competed for amongst thedifferent nationalities and attracts several VVIPs. Regrettably, Imust inform you that the Argentines have won for the last 3 com-petitions, something that this UK rotation is keen to rectify. I amalso responsible for the planning and execution of numerous ex-ercises across the BZ, ranging from a simple accident and Heli CA-SEVAC on the patrol track, to a full scale deployment of all Sectorreserves and the crashing out of the MFR to anywhere within theBZ. When I am exercising Argentinean troops using Slovak andHungarian role players it can be quite a challenge to achieve theobjective. Consequently, I am now a fluent in Spanglish, highlyconversant in hand signs and adept at talking very loudly (theBritish last resort when speaking to a foreigner!).

During my time, the most positive step forward in the attempt toreunify the Island has occured. Both sides have leaders inDemetris Christofias (south) and Mehmet Ali Talat (north), whoare keen to seek a resolution to the ‘Cyprus Problem’. In earlyApril 08, the controversial and symbolic Ledra Street was re-opened for the first time since 1964. Some hours later however itwas briefly closed again for an incident that typifies the problemsthat will need to be surmounted if the Island is to be fully reunited.A Turkish Cypriot Policeman entered the Zone separating Greekand Turk by a few feet to straighten a flowerpot, this was construedby the Greek side as an illegal Turkish Police patrol and the street

Wayner’s wheels.


During the first half of the year attention was focussed mainlythe activities of the 1st Battalion deployed on Op HERRICK

7 in Afghanistan (Sep ’07-Apr ’08). They were based in Kanda-har, less B Coy, and their role was that of Regional Battle Group(South), a manoeuvre asset available to the Commander for em-ployment across Southern Afghanistan. B Company was deployedto Garmshir in Helmand Province initially under the command ofthe Household Cavalry. The Battalion was employed in a widerange of operations from war fighting at one end of the spectrumthrough to ‘hearts and minds’ tasks at the other and importantlyit was a role that very much played to the strengths of a Gurkhabattalion. Many of the specific operations were conducted in sup-port of Task Forces from other nations. Most notably the highlysuccessful operations conducted with the Canadians resulted in 1RGR being awarded the Canadian Forces Unit Commendation,previously awarded to only four other non-Canadian units. Men-tion should also be made here of B Company who, although de-tached, were also very much involved in the shooting war – in factin contact with the Taliban on nearly every day of their 6 monthdeployment. Attached to them and assisting them in their rolewas HRH Prince Harry, a fact that went unreported until relativelylate in their tour. Such a high intensity deployment for the Bat-talion inevitably came at a cost. Every company suffered casual-ties and the Regiment lost a fine young officer with the tragicdeath of Maj Lex Roberts in October 2007.

In the UK during the first half of the year the 2nd Battalion wascommitted to Spearhead and at one stage were stood-to for the po-tential task of maintaining stability as Kosovo declared its inde-pendence. Recces were conducted and all preparations made butin the event, frustratingly, the Battalion was never deployed. Theirtraining continued with deployment to Afghanistan on Op HER-RICK 9 always in mind. In April Lt Col David Wombell handedover command to Lt Col Chris Darby thus giving Colonel Chris aclear run at the pre-operational training phase and the full sixmonth deployment of the Battalion.

The 1st Battalion, having returned to Brunei in April 2008, hasbeen involved in a period of re-organisation and restructuring,based on lessons learnt during operations, to ensure they are bet-ter balanced for Op HERRICK 12 in 2010. The highlight of recentmonths, however, has been the award of an OBE and 5 MCs as aresult of the operational tour. It has also been a time of some tur-bulence for both attalions with soldiers departing to man the sec-ond Gurkha Reinforcement Company, more men departing asvoluntary “transfers out” and the welcome arrival of recruits. An-other major highlight for the 1st Battalion was the very welcomevisit by our Colonel in Chief, The Prince of Wales accompanied by

The Duchess of Corn-wall, in late October.Although it was ashort visit HRH metmost of the Battalionand in particular thewounded from theAfghanistan tour whohave now returned toBrunei. The Battalionalso found time for ad-venturous trainingwith soldiers attend-ing a SCUBA divingcourse in the KotaKinabalu area andBattalion runners entering the epic race up the mountain. How-ever, the major sporting achievement of the year was the Battal-ion’s victory in the Brigade of Gurkhas’ Nepal Cup footballcompetition, wresting the trophy from the Queens’ Own GurkhaLogistic Regiment.

The 2nd Battalion deployed to Afghanistan (Op HERRICK 9)during October leaving the first Gurkha Reinforcement Company,now renamed F Company, in Sir John Moore Barracks with theirRear Party. The Battle Group HQ, under command of 3 Com-mando Brigade, is based at Musa Qal’eh in Helmand Province to-gether with B Company and certain support elements. ACompany is employed in the Police Mentoring role and is based atLashkar Gah with troops deployed in small parties among the Bat-tle Groups. On current plans F Company take over from them inApril 2009 (Op HERRICK 10) as part of 19 Light Brigade at aboutthe time the rest of the Battalion returns to UK. D Companyy isattached to Battle Group South in Garmisir located at ForwardOperating Base (FOB) Delhi which was previously the home of BCompany 1 RGR during Op HERRICK 7. The Battalion is alsoproviding two independent platoons, one operating in the DanishArea of Operations, and one with the Commando Logistic Regi-ment.

The 2nd Battalion operations have come at a cost and it was withgreat sadness that we heard of the tragic death of RfmYubraj Raias the result of gunshot wounds he received during a fire fight on4th November 2008. Within a fortnight there was further tragicnews with the death of CSgt Krishnabahadur Dura on 15th No-vember 2008 as the result of an IED action on the vehicle he wastravelling in. Both men will be sorely missed by all and ourthoughts are with their families at this difficult time.

Affiliations and AlliancesThe Royal Gurkha Rifles


HMS Dauntless

als, and a complete bridge team for navigation throughout the tri-als period. At this early stage, HMS Dauntless’s sea trials are goingvery well, with all the major power and propulsion checks suc-cessfully completed. As BVT and the other contractors have beenable to build on the experiences gained from HMS Daring’s seatrials over the last year, and because we have been able to sendmany of our ship’s company to sea in HMS Daring, we will onlyneed to do two sets of contractor’s sea trials before the Royal Navyaccepts the ship.

Concerning the Ship’s Company, numbers have continued to growand all the Heads of Department and Senior Rates for most tech-nical sections have now joined. After a period of rapid growth wehave now achieved a steady state of fifty personnel who will com-plete sea trials, test our procedures and prepare for the remainderof the Ship’s Company who join next autumn.

HMS Dauntless is the second of the Royal Navy’s new power-ful Type 45 Destroyers, having just successfully completed

her first sea trials before Christmas 2008. HMS Dauntless is affil-iated to The King’s Royal Hussars through what is known as aBond of Friendship – a link that is common between many armyregiments and Royal Navy vessels. This was forged towards theend of last year and has successfully rekindled the link betweenthe Regiment and the Royal Navy since the last Bond of Friend-ship with HMS Beaver some years ago.

HMS Dauntless has been making exciting progress. From beingvery much a ship under construction, the ship is at sea conductingher first set of contractor’s sea trials - a most significant milestonethat we have all been building towards for the last 18 months.

The ship’s company has grown to fifty over the last six months,while our relationships with the City of Newcastle and other keyaffiliates have continued to develop and we look forward to get-ting many more of our ship’s company involved as they arrive.

The start of sea trials is a major landmark in any new ship’s life,providing a clear marker that most of the construction is complete.The focus has now shifted to setting to work and testing the com-plex power and propulsion, combat system and domestic equip-ment at sea. She is still very much BVT’s ship, but an increasingnumber of Naval personnel are involved. For these first sea trials,sailors from HMS Dauntless are on board providing the emer-gency party to deal with any fires, floods or other incidents. Hope-fully their skills and expertise will not be required and they will beable to use their time to work closely alongside the various con-tractors to learn how to maintain and optimise their equipment.We are also providing marine engineering watch-keepers, coverand expertise for the various gunnery and weapon engineering tri-

HMS Dauntless

Rather than regurgitate the same material which has adornedthis page since 1992, detailing the role and organisation of the

Royal Wessex Yeomanry, I thought that this year I might use myprivileged position at the heart of the Regiment to offer a closerlook at the detail of the Yemonary’s current situation, and theRWxY’s relationship with The King’s Royal Hussars.

As regular readers will be aware, the RWxY’s mandate from DRAClies firmly with the provision of two capabilities in support of aLarge Scale mobilisation, namely an Armoured ReplacementSquadron and 3 Squadrons of Individual Replacements to backfillChallenger 2 Squadrons with Tank Crewmen and other additionalmanpower such as Liaison Officers and their crews. Training tosupport these capabilities continues, but is increasingly balancedagainst the requirement to prepare and deploy soldiers to supportregular RAC Regiments on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.The tale of the TA’s development from the “Weekend Warriors” ofthe past to an active part of the “One Army Concept” has beenwidely told over the last couple of years. I can report that this talehas a thick vein of truth, particularly at the most junior levels, witha small but increasing number of JNCOs, and indeed youngSNCOs boasting a wealth of operational experience to match thoseof their regular peers.

As well as training and support to operations, the Yeomanry has avery important role as the public face of the Army within the widercommunity. Across the South West, the RWxY’s Squadrons aretied in to the County structures, and across the country, the TA

The Royal Wessex Yeomanry

has gone through a surge of public activities this year in celebra-tion of their centenary. Events such as Ten Tors, which is run byHQ 43 (Wessex) Brigade, and Badminton Horse Trials, which issupported annually by the RWxY, offer real opportunities to getpeople in green uniforms into the public eye, at a time when theRegular Army, dressed in sandy-coloured uniforms, is rather busyinteracting with an altogether different audience. Squadronsparading on Remembrance Sunday in towns and cities across thecountry further serve to remind their populations that the army isnot simply something that exists on the news.

Camp 2008 Otterburn.


Life for the Yeoman can be incredibly frustrating. For example,the introduction of increasingly stringent training requirementsmean that newly trained soldiers must go through four full days oftraining before they are allowed to drive a military Land Rover.Giving up two weekends from a limited budget and within a busyprogramme is frustrating, but needs to be done and ensures paritywith the Regular Army. The real frustration lies in the require-ment for the course to be delivered by an instructor qualified by atwo-week course at Leconfield, for which the TA have previouslyhad no need. By the time an individual has been identified whocan give up a fortnight to train as the instructor, but then his Join-ing Instructions point out that attendees on the instructors’ courserequire a C+E licence, our volunteer reserves begin, understand-ably, to loose interest. The increasing operational experience ofour soldiers simply adds fuel to the fire; having thoroughlygrasped the “can-do” attitude of an Armoured Corps regiment onoperations, many struggle to accept the “not until you’ve done thecourse” aspects of routine training.

The relationship between the KRH and the RWxY remainsstrong, and is, I hope, one which is strengthening. Over half of

the Regular staff are KRH, with at least one of us in each location,and a very healthy proportion of the Non-Regular Permanent Staff(the ex-regular staff who largely administer the Regiment) are re-tired members of the Regiment. Geography certainly helps, withTidworth being the first port of call when seeking support fortraining, but far more positively, the way in which Yeomen de-ployed on operations have been welcomed into the Regiment hasbuilt real credit. In particular, the willingness of Squadron Lead-ers to use competent and confident Yeoman NCOs as commanders,embedded into the structure of a Squadron, has built up muchcredit, and has meant that those individuals now actively encour-age their TA soldiers to look for opportunities to serve with theKRH.

In the near future, the RWxY will continue to support the regularRAC on operations. An interesting and useful new capability iscurrently being developed to allow formed units of Yeomen to de-ploy to conduct Base ISTAR tasks, while a steady stream of youngsoldiers will continue to seek employment as drivers and gunnerson Fighting Vehicles. The KRH are well-placed to take advantageof this support.

AS

D (DLOY) Squadron, The Royal Mercian and Lancastrian Yeomanry

Although most Journal articles start off with the words “We hada busy year this year” we really did “have a busy year this year”.

Over and above the usual round there were two major mile stonesin the life of the Squadron, and one in the life of the Regiment.

There was a shift in emphasis in 2008 to collective field trainingfor the Regiment whereby each squadron hosted a tactical week-end for the remainder of the Regiment. The benefit of doing thiswas that (apart from being retention positive because it got peopleout on the ground doing some proper soldiering) it also enabledthe Squadron Leader for the exercise to command what was in ef-fect a war establishment strength squadron of 100 plus men in, ef-fectively, the scenario of his choice. The benefit for the soldierswas of course the experienced of what it was like to operate in afull strength squadron environment.

The Squadron had a number of representatives in the Regimentalteam at the Yeomanry Sky Championships in Verbier (where else?)

in January 2008 including the Squadron Leader Major Brooke.This year the RMLY carried away the team honours which wewere extremely pleased about, having been ‘pipped’ into secondplace in a number of previous years.The training year really kicked off with our own D Squadron ex-ercise which was counterinsurgency based. Operating out of theSwynnerton UN base, the Squadron had a truly first class exercisewhich was written and planned by Captain Toby Gaddum, theSquadron Second in Command, who had enormous input fromSSgts Brannick and Weekes KRH. Both certainly seemed to knowwhat they were talking about.

A major event this year for the Regiment was the Freedom ofWigan parade, which took place on the 8th March 2008. Thisgreat privilege was granted to the RMLY because of the presenceof D (DLOY) Squadron in the borough and was done after manyyears of lobbying the local political establishment. The Regimentis the first corporate entity to be granted the freedom of the borough.


D Squadron RMLY provided much of its fair share of soldiers togo on operations in 2008 with 5 returning from Op TELIC inApril 2008, and 3 going to Op HERRICK in April with the LightDragoons. Another 5 then went away on Op HERRICK with theQDG. Names have been withheld to protect the innocent! In fu-ture operations the emphasis for the Regiment and the Squadronwill shift from back filling other regiments to our own operationalrole - ISTAR. Our secondary role will be to assist regular regi-ments with their own establishment for operations.

Regimental summer camp was on Salisbury Plain which com-prised a week in the Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (CATT) atWarminster, followed by a week on the plain culminating in a Bat-tle Group (BG) level exercise. The BG was made up of a contin-gent from 4 Mercian Regiment. Using the CATT experience therewas a build up from CT1 through to CT3 culminating in the lastday - a BG level attack with A, B and D Squadrons supported bythe infantry company against C Squadron as enemy. This was afast paced exciting ‘full on exercise’ which was a fantastic end tothe training year and a testament to the amount of hard work thathad gone into the CT training.

As the year drew to a close we marched as a Squadron throughWigan on Remembrance Sunday, and on the day had a very mem-orable and well executed lay up of the old 1991 DLOY Guidon.We had been granted permission to lay the Guidon up in the DrillHall as opposed to the local church and the old DLOY padre fromas long ago 1991, Padre Trevor Vaughan, very kindly agreed tohold the service which was an outdoor drum head service at theTAC with many of the former serving DLOY officers attending.

Looking forward now to 2009 there is a shift in the emphasis oftraining to more on the current operating environment rather thanCT war fighting which is of course our primary role.

JB Lt Eastham wishes he had not volunteered.

1st HussarsAs part of our long standing relationship with the Canadian 1st

Hussars it was arranged that a party of KRH officers and sol-diers would head over to Toronto post Ex MEDMAN 4. In ex-change a troop of 1st Hussars would join us in BATUS for ExMEDMAN 5, where we were due to be playing the OpposingForce (OPFOR) to the 2 RTR Battle Group (BG). Thus, no soonerhad we been through the wash down after a busy 25 days on theprairie, a KRH team led by the Commanding Officer headed off toLondon, Ontario, for a seven day action packed visit. Suitably, arecce party had already been out in Calgary the night before our0700hrs flight to Toronto, where it was clear that everyone was ina serious mood for a party. Cpl Chris Pople damaged his bank ac-count by purchasing Dom Perignon for a mere $400 a bottle,though, fortunately, he only bought three bottles! Sgt’s ‘CombatCal’ Calvert and ‘Cluffy’ Cluff managed to have a free night out,having blagged their way into a club pretending to be a scout partyfor ‘Judge Jules’, who was due to be playing in Calgary in No-vember. We understood what sort of a visit it would be as soon aswe emerged from the airport in Toronto, when a coach arrived tomeet us, equipped with pretty female waiting staff, and all man-ner of alcoholic drinks. The bar having been set early, we wereobliged to continue the visit in the same vain as previous KRHtrips before us.

We stayed in the 1st Hussars’ camp for the first four days in Lon-don, Ontario, a pleasant student city. After a few warm up drinksin the Officers Mess we headed out into town, which despite beinga Sunday night was fairly vibrant. We established Molly Bloomsas our local pub and enjoyed our first sample of London life! Ofnote, during our stay in London was the visit to the BAE Systems

factory where they produce various LAV models. It was an ex-tremely interesting insight into the versatility of the vehicles andtheir global market. The entire vehicle is produced under oneroof, where quite literally the sheets of steel and other parts arriveat one end of the factory and an average of one vehicle roles out theother end, per day! Many of the workers, particularly the weldersare reputed to be some of the best in the world. An area of concernis the protection of the vehicle and the requirement for it to with-stand the IED threat. The fact that they are a wheeled vehicle alsomakes them extremely versatile in terms of maintenance, spareparts and the practicality of getting around places such as Iraq andAfghanistan. The turret is also highly versatile with the option ofputting on a variety of different weapon systems to suit the client’s

The CO’s doctrine chat was going down a storm...


needs, such as the .50, GMG and RemoteWeapon System. Following the visit tothe LAV factory we were taken around thelocal brewery. It was highly amusing dur-ing a blind taste, that a bunch of Englishsoldiers should prefer the ‘Lite’ beer overthe rather more manly stuff, though I amquite sure that nobody has since asked fora Bud ‘Lite’in their local. It clearlyhelped matters a great deal that our tourguide was an attractive blond and we wereable to sample plenty of beer on the wayround. Again, this was another fascinat-ing insight and our Canadian hosts wereagain keen that we should start drinkingas early as possible.

Following another hectic night out wewere extremely privileged to be given theopportunity to play a round of golf at RedKite, an absolutely stunning course, cour-tesy of the 1st Hussars Honorary Colonel.Comically, the majority of the KRH team,with the exception of Sgt Major Hobbsand Capt Harrison had not so much as picked up a club before, letalone played 18 holes on a course that boasts the likes of ShaunConnery. Local players appeared rather horrified, to say the least,at the sight of a dozen soldiers, all sporting different forms of dressand ribbing each other with various accents as we attempted toeven tee off! Sgts Allen, Calvert and Cluff looked rather more likea cast out of ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ than rock stars as theystrolled around the course. Despite the rain, we all had a fantastictime and had an outstanding dinner with the Honorary Colonelafterwards. Once again, to round off the evening we ended up ina night club in London.

On route to Toronto we were shown around the Niagara Falls, abreathtaking sight, despite all the tourists. Once again, we werefortunate to have our 1st Hussars guides with us, and so took in allthe historical importance of the sight. Our visit ended with a cou-

At Niagara Falls.

ple of relaxing days in Toronto before returning to BATUS to pri-marily dry out and get back on Exercise. We were extremely priv-ileged to have a Troop of 1st Hussars’ with us during ExMEDMAN 5 ably led by Lt Chris Vandeburg, who were deployedas part of the Recce screen. They performed to a high standardthroughout, battling against the fiercely cold temperature morethan anything else. In conclusion, the exchange of visits was ex-tremely beneficial to our Regimental affiliation. On a personalnote, many of the KRH and 1st Hussars soldiers are now very goodfriends, with all the KRH soldiers wishing they could get a post-ing to London, Ontario! Professionally, Canadian soldiers, in-cluding those of the 1st Hussars, are playing an important role inthe neighbouring province of Kandahar, Afghanistan. We all thor-oughly enjoyed our time with the 1st Hussars and hope that wewill be able to reciprocate the visit in England.

PK

1st Hussars visit KRH BG on the prairie.


An ASLAV patrol from B Squadron supports a road move by Reconstruction TaskForce - Three through Oruzgan Province, Afghanistan.

The revitalisation of the 2nd/14th Light Horse Regiment(Queensland Mounted Infantry) to a Regular Army Cavalry

Regiment, as part of the Hardened and Networked Army initia-tive, has been a significant milestone in both the history of theRegiment and Australian Army capability. The rapid growth ofthe Regiment and a commensurate increase in operational tempoin 2006/07 was unprecedented in the modern Army and 2008 hasbeen no exception. As the Regiment remembered the Battle ofSunnyside (1901) on New Year’s Day 2008, the majority of theRegiment were deployed on operational service with the Over-watch Battle Group (West) – Four [OBG(W)-4] in Southern Iraq,Security Detachment Twelve (SECDET XII) in Baghdad, or Re-construction Task Force – Three (RTF-3) in Afghanistan.

Throughout the year, the performance of the 2nd/14th LightHorse Regiment (Queensland Mounted Infantry) soldiers, bothoperations and in barracks, has been of the highest order and hasbrought great credit to the Regiment and the Royal Australian Ar-moured Corps. The OBG(W)-4 deployment was of historical sig-nificance as it saw the first Regimental deployment of the Unitsince the Great War. Regimental Headquarters, A Squadron anda large portion of Support Squadron combined with force elementsfrom across 7th Brigade to form the sixth and last Battle Group todeploy to Southern Iraq on Operation CATALYST, under com-mand of the United Kingdom-led Multi-National Division (SouthEast). The outstanding commitment of all Light Horse personnelduring this deployment was paramount to the success of the mis-sion and a hallmark of the very successful conclusion to Australia’scommitment to operations in Southern Iraq.

The return of OBG(W)-4 was also marked by the Australian Gov-ernment’s historic welcome Home Parade on 28th June 2008,recognising the commitment of all members of the AustralianArmy who had served in the Al Muthanna Task Group, OBG(W)and Australian Army Training Team-Iraq rotations. In front of avery appreciative Brisbane crowd, the parade provided a fittingwelcome home for the Regiment and all those who served inSouthern Iraq on Operation CATALYST since 2005.

2008 has also seen the return of B Squadron personnel who servedin Iraq and Afghanistan with both SECDET and RTF-3 duringthe period October 2007 to April 2008. Following in the footstepsof the very successful C Squadron deployments in 2007, the per-formance of the Light Horse force elements in both deploymentshas again highlighted the significant contribution of Cavalry inthe success of contemporary operations. And as this article isbeing written, with C Squadron and elements of B Squadron de-ployed on Exercise Swift Eagle, the RTF-4 Cavalry componentfrom C Squadron is half way through their return to Australia,having handed over their operational responsibilities inAfghanistan to 2nd Cavalry Regiment. This in itself is anothersignificant Regimental milestone, as it marks the completion ofan unbroken period of operational deployment by members of theRegiment since March 2006, including two OBG(W), three RTFand four SECDET contingents.

As the New Year approaches to sound 2008 to a close, the Regi-ment will be complete and in home location for the first time inalmost three years. As the reins of the Regiment pass to Lieu-tenant Colonel Chris Mills, the Light Horsemen remain readyand committed.

Forward.CM

Second/Fourteenth Light Horse Regiment(Queensland Mounted Infantry)

A Squadron’s Tactical Headquarters occupies a night hide in the desert outsidethe Al Muthanna city of As Samawah, Southern Iraq.

Callsign Zero Foxtrot provides security to a key leadership engagement in thetownship of Ash Shatrah in Dhi Qar Province, Southern Iraq.


The Regimental AssociationLt Col (Retd) JRD Kaye, Chairman of Regimental Association

The Regimental Association has had a busy year and branchsecretaries have worked hard to organise successful reunions

in Cheltenham, Darlington, Dorchester, Edinburgh, London,Newmarket, Preston, and Winchester. In the main, attendancehas been down with the exception of Dorchester. This was JimBond’s last reunion as branch Secretary, and it was fitting that itwas such a success, as he and his wife Judy have put in so muchwork for the Association over the years. I am delighted that Lieu-tenant Colonel Jeremy Moger has agreed to take over the SouthWest branch from Jim Bond, and that Colonel Tony Singer is get-ting things moving in Gloucestershire.

I am very grateful to the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant ColonelGiles Harrison, for making the effort to attend all the reunionsand for encouraging serving members of the Regiment to attend aswell. He has been able to brief us all on the activities of the Regi-ment over the past year, and what lies in store for The King’sRoyal Hussars in 2009, and this is much appreciated. Unfortu-nately, due to the Regiment’s deployment to Canada he could notmake the Darlington reunion.

The Commanding Officer attends the Scottish reunion in Edinburgh.

Ken Dowding has decided, with regret, that he can no longer actas the liaison officer with the town of Medicina. He has done somuch to foster the good relationship between the Association andThe Regiment with the people of Medicina over a very long time.

At the Association AGM it was decided that Home Headquarters(North) would be the point of contact with Medicina in the firstinstance, and that Colonel Godfrey Tilney would oversee liaisonwith Medicina. This is wholly appropriate as his father; Lieu-tenant Colonel ‘Freckles’ Tilney was the Commanding Officer ofThe 14th/20th King’s Hussars at the battle of Medicina.

In April, a lunch in the Cavalry and Guards Club, was organisedby Major General John Friedberger, for Sergeant Major Tom Par-nell 10H (an in pensioner at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea) to markhis 90th birthday. There was a good turnout of Tenth Hussar of-ficers and it was a very happy occasion.

On 17 May the Eleventh Hussars memorial at Alrewas was re-ded-icated. There was a large turnout of Eleventh Hussars on whatwas a filthy, wet day. The old Tenth and Eleventh Hussars me-morials had to be moved from their original locations due an errorby those who were responsible for the layout of the whole site atAlrewas.

The memorials were subsequently moved and replaced, paid forby the Royal British Legion and are now in matching Portland

11th Hussars Memorial.10th Royal Hussars Memorial.

stone, opposite each other, either side of the main path. They arein fact the only memorials that flank the main path leading to theArmed Forces Memorial and they look superb. The original me-morials were conceived, designed and paid for by ex Regimentalmembers and enthusiasts from both regiments, (‘The Shiners’ and‘The Cherrypickers’) who worked hard to raise the capital neededfor each project. The ‘Shiners Club’ also took the opportunity ofthe move to raise money so as to change the 10H plaque from alu-minium to marble and that has now been completed.

In June, the Regiment kindly in hosted an open weekend for OldComrades and the serving Regiment’s families. This was a greatsuccess and thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

I was very impressed with the enthusiasm, professionalism andflexibility of all ranks, who had worked so hard to produce theweekend’s activities in the midst of a hectic programme of train-ing. The All Ranks Regimental smoker on the Saturday night wasa thoroughly well deserved reward for all their hard work and itwas an excellent evening.

The Commanding Officer had even been able to pull a few stringsand secure the talents of Mr Jim Davidson OBE as the headlineact. The Association is very grateful to the Regiment for giving usthe opportunity to visit them.

Jim Davidson OBE flanked by SSgt ‘Bushy’ Bushell & young Frank Smith.

The Household Cavalry and Royal Armoured Corps War Memorial.


On 11 November the Household Cavalry and Royal ArmouredCorps War Memorial at Bovington was dedicated by The DirectorRoyal Armoured Corps, Brigadier S Caraffi MBE ADC, The As-sistant Chaplain General 4th Division, The Reverend Father AParish CF (RC) and Bovington Garrison Chaplain, The ReverendP Bosher CF. The war memorial is dedicated to those members ofthe Household Cavalry and the Royal Armoured Corps killed onactive service since the cessation of World War II and those thathave died as a direct result of terrorist action. The following rel-atives attended; Mrs Joan Will (wife of the late SSgt John Simpson,Royal Hussars (PWO), killed in Northern Ireland on the 7th No-vember 1974) her daughter Elizabeth and Son Robert. Mrs Anne-Marie Holt and Mr David Holt, (mother and father of the lateTrooper Daniel Holt, King’s Royal Hussars, who died in Kosovoon the 25th July 1999). The Regimental families and guests gath-ered at the Tank Museum for 10:15 in the morning, and were metby WO2 Penkethman KRH, and ushered to their seats havingbeen introduced to Major General and Mrs John Friedberger,Major General Sir Michael Palmer and Lady Palmer, andBrigadier Clive Robertson.

The service was very moving, as was the Act of Remembrance,during which a trumpeter from The Band of the Light Cavalrysounded The Last Post and The Reveille. While the lament wasbeing played by a piper from the Pipes and Drums 1 Royal TankRegiment, wreaths were laid by Colonels’ of Regiments.

The dedication was very much a family affair for all those that at-tended, and many of the families commented after the ceremonyon the closeness that they felt with their Regiments .

On 2nd and 3rd December the Regiment exercised its freedom ofSouth Ribble and Preston. This was preceded by a recruiting‘surge’ by the Regimental Recruiting Team, which had been sentNorth, so that it could capitalise on the Freedom Parades. TheRegiment also hosted a drinks evening at the Fifty Fifth DivisionAssociation Club on the evening of the 1st December. This was toenable the Regiment to meet as many Old Comrades as possibleprior to the Freedom Parades. It was a very good evening andthose Old Comrades and Regimental personnel who attended thor-oughly enjoyed themselves. On the morning of 2nd December theRegiment paraded at Leyland Civic Centre, for the Freedom of the

Colonel of the Regiment and the Chairman of the Association.

Borough of South Ribble. The parade went extremely well withthe streets of Leyland lined with local residents and lots of schoolchildren supporting the Regiment. This was followed by a churchservice at Saint Mary’s Church and then a civic reception at thebanqueting suite. On December 3rd the Regiment formed up atthe Cenotaph in the Flag Market, Preston, before exercising theirFreedom and marching around the city centre. This was followedby a church service at the Minster of St John, and a civic receptionat the Guild Hall. The Regiment were made extremely welcomeby the people of Preston and South Ribble and it was a greatchance for local families, with sons in the Regiment, and for theOld Comrades to see and talk to the soldiers.

Looking to the future, I have a concern that younger members ofthe association are not supporting reunions. However SergeantMajor Richard Mogg is organising another informal reunion inSalisbury on 7 March 2009. In 2007 this reunion was attended byover 200 people and was all organised by e mail. Maybe this is theway ahead!


Captain, The Earl of Ulster1998 - 2007

After the Regiment’s move to Tidworth and the Guidon Parade,Alex was inexplicably sent on the Jungle Warfare Instructors’Course in Brunei, an experience that haunts him to this day. Alexwould then work for the Guards a second time (on this occasionthe Coldstream) when he was sent to augment their deployment toLondonderry for a year. Returning as A Squadron Second in Com-mand, Alex spent some brief but happy months serving in, or atleast near, armoured vehicles before the Regiment converted to in-fantry for a NIBAT tour and Alex returned to Northern Ireland.

His tour was cut short however as the Army attempted to tutorhim at AJD. Alex then found himself in London attempting thenear impossible task of encouraging young people to join theArmy. Alex then made an unsuccessful attempt to join the Regi-ment for their first taste of Iraq in 2004. The following year Alexwas sent as Training Major to the Royal Yeomanry in Croydon.Alex’s last job in the Army was as SO3 Info Ops in 1 MechanisedBrigade’s HQ on Op TELIC 10, where he got to see the KRH onoperations one last time.

Alex is currently living in London with his wife Claire and theirson Xan. He is working as a consultant in a think tank and wewish him and his family all the best for the future.

BG

VALETES

Alex Ulster joined DSquadron in 1998 aftercompleting Commission-ing Course 972 at Sand-hurst. After his TroopLeader’s Course at Bov-ington, Alex was part of DSquadron deployment tothe LRRPS School inBavaria. Here the KRHwere acting as HunterForce for trainee specialforces and other personnelfrom all over NATO. 1999brought frenetic activity asthe Regiment prepared fora short notice deploymentto Kosovo. However itwas several weeks before D

Squadron, as part of the Irish Guards Battle Group, joined the restof the Regiment in Macedonia. When the ‘big push’ came it waspeaceful and the welcome NATO forces received was a far cry fromcurrent operations. Alex and his troop, then part of a GreenHowards company, managed to find an isolated spot for their tour,which was possibly the quietest place in the Balkans.

Major T C Banks1999 - 2008

Ashby had crumbled under the pressure of military service, butfor some reason the sausage roll remained remarkably intact.

Tom began his career in earnest as a Troop Leader in A Squadron,where his first master in the art of leadership was Richard Hannay.He was also given the almost insurmountable task of learning goodadministration from the Squadron Second in Command, RupertHope-Hawkins. He declared an early interest in rugby and as aresult undertook the famously ambitious (or foolhardy) task of tak-ing 30 members of the Regiment on a tour to South Africa. A voy-age as unprepared as this had not been undertaken since StAugustine decided that the most appropriate means of interconti-nental travel would be a coracle. The tour did not get off to themost auspicious of starts, in particular the official meeting withthe South African host, which was conducted before sunrise fromTom’s bed! Surprisingly, the remainder of the tour was an un-qualified success both on and off the pitch.

Tom then went to Canada in the much vaunted Recce Squadron.On return, he switched allegiance to B Squadron. (In fairnesseveryone in the Regiment at that stage was under command of BSquadron Leader; including the AGC Det and half of the wives).He joined the Regimental Ski Team in 2001 and proved beyonddoubt that admiring your shadow in the snow does not necessar-ily make a good skier. He then disappeared on Ex LONG LOOKin 2002, having secured the “waterproof guarantee” that there

Having gone down fromOxford, Tom Banks joinedSandhurst in 1998 andafter a year of behavinglike a prep school pupil,made the naïve mistake ofwinning the War Studiesprize (which demonstratesthat this prize can beawarded to someone whohas never studied a war).This error hounded himthrough a succession ofCommanding Officers,who decided that what wasneeded for a Young Officerwith a degree in historybut with no military expe-rience, was more practicein writing essays.

After a short sojourn on the Troop Leader Course from September1999 to February 2000, Tom joined the Regiment in Tidworth inMarch 2000 along with Anthony Hackney, Julian Smith, CharlesAshby, and (unknown to him at the time), a sausage roll hidden inhis underwear. By 2002, both Anthony Hackney and Charles


cluded meeting the head of the Egyptian Intelligence Serviceswearing only half a tie; he proved that it is advisable to iron morethan the collar of your shirt if you are likely to be asked to removeyour jacket at a diplomatic reception.

Tom’s final move was to the ISTAR Training and Advisory Teamin Netheravon. Obviously the team had been told that their in-duction programme was lacking bite, so they spiced it up by put-ting Tom on immediate notice to move for Afghanistan. He dulywalked out of the interview and onto the tarmac at Brize Norton.He spent three months in Helmand installing and training theMarines in new surveillance equipment, and a further 9 monthsfielding calls from Afghanistan about how to use “this new sur-veillance equipment that some Cavalry Officer left here”. It was atthis time that he also developed a prolific appetite for writing pa-pers (some of which were even read by his masters).

On 14 September 2008, Tom finally decided that there was no fu-ture in public sector employment and left regular service. Thenext day, the Government launched its rescue plan for the entireprivate sector. He has decided to train for the altogether easier,better-paid and more secure life of a junior barrister, and intendsto impress his future employers by doing a postgraduate law de-gree at Oxford (Brookes). His sharp wit will be missed (he evendrafted his own valete)! We wish him and Abby all the very bestfor the future.

BZ

would be a job waiting for him upon return. Unemployed sixmonths later, he embarked on a period of intense mess secretarialwork in the Ops Room in Dungannon.

In 2003, Tom took over Recce Troop coincident with the infamousBOWMAN conversion. It was during this period, that he devel-oped an affinity with the English legal profession, having en-countered many of them in a professional capacity throughout thecourts of Wiltshire and Lancashire. However, he decided that ar-moured reconnaissance was not edgy enough and undertook theproverbial Welsh Hill Walking and Jungle Trekking Holiday inearly 2005. His longevity on the course can probably be attributedas much to the curiosity of the staff as any demonstration of com-petence. (Question from the Directing Staff: “Which military or-ganisation could assist you with this covert mission? I’ll give youa clue; they are based in Cyprus and wear headphones a lot”. An-swer from Banks: “BFBS?”)

After a short stint in Iraq, he sneaked into the Defence IntelligenceStaff through the back door (presumably anyone who goes throughthe front door fails the counter-surveillance test). Applying all thescruples and magnanimity of his hero, Machiavelli, he managed tomanoeuvre himself into the Chief of Defence Intelligence’s Pri-vate Office, where he enjoyed an excellent relationship with LtGen Andrew Ridgway. This was undoubtedly because of his per-sonal contribution to the Middle East Peace Process; which in-

Captain P Heath2002 - 2008

Thankfully, Pete soon found himself in Verbier with the Regi-mental Ski Team, where he became the expert in ski maintenanceand preparation – a topic on which he would exhaustively briefthe remainder of the team! He troop led in Canada during 2004,displaying his ingenuity, tactical aptitude, challenged timekeep-ing and ever-ready sense of humour, before becoming the BSquadron Operations Officer in the build up for Op TELIC 6. Ondeployment to Iraq, he managed B Squadron operations with hisusual professionalism and humour, as the Squadron worked to theDanish Battle Group in the expansive area north of Basra. Thejob saw him liaising with the Danes on a daily basis, where his re-laxed charm, mischievous sense of humour and sharp mindquickly endeared him to our Scandinavian partners. For the lat-ter part of the tour he spent time in Brigade Headquarters, wherehis intimate understanding of the Area of Operations added amuch needed sense of perspective to the operations room.

After a tour of Bosnia as AMA to Brig Miles Wade, his last 18months of service were spent in Sierra Leone, where he wanderedthe remote jungles and townships offering advice to the NationalArmy. He returned with exciting tales of his brushes with the localwildlife and ventures into the most secluded parts of this distantland. As he embarks on a new career as an airline pilot, the abid-ing memories are of a slightly disorganised, highly capable, andentirely engaging story teller.

AT

Capt Pete Heath com-missioned into TheKing’s Royal Hussars inApril 2002, from wherehe completed his TroopLeader’s course and de-ployed to Northern Ire-land in December thatyear. Troop Leading inC Squadron, he had theunenviable ability oflanding himself in themost awkward of situa-tions; the ‘known char-acters’ of Armagh wereattracted to him and histroop. On one occasion,he found himselfblocked in at a VehicleCheck Point by everycharacter from the intel-

ligence cell’s directory, who seemed intent on giving a young offi-cer a hard time.


Captain B Backhouse 2003 - 2007

After his Troop Leader’s course Ben joined D Squadron for thetraining year, before returning for a second tour of Northern Ire-land. There, he worked as an acting Captain in Brigade Head-quarters, before taking a posting to the Army Foundation Collegein Harrogate. Whilst the Officers’ Mess missed his antics, Benwas taking a more serious stance on life, marrying his long termgirlfriend, Stefanie, and soon becoming a father. He returned toRegimental Duty as the Regimental Signals Officer, just in time totrain and deploy to Iraq on Op TELIC 10. He spent an enormousamount of time deployed forward into the harsh desert of MaysaanProvince, where he proved to be a continually robust, hard work-ing and loyal character. His input into Regimental Headquarterswas understated and reliable, working as the second OperationsOfficer on top of his other responsibilities.

Ben leaves the Regiment to pursue a new life in New Zealand withhis family. As Farmer Ben’s hair grows longer in the wilds ofSouth Island, New Zealand, the abiding memories are of an ut-terly charming and loyal officer, who will be remembered per-forming wild stunts on his unicycle.

AT

Capt Ben Backhouse com-missioned into The King’sRoyal Hussars in April2003 and was sent straightout to Northern Ireland tojoin the Regiment in Dun-gannon. He worked withC Squadron, and very soonfound himself in charge ofa day out in Belfast duringwhich various soldiers de-cided to go AWOL.Learning that a robustsense of humour would becritical in his chosen pro-fession, Ben bought him-self a unicycle on returnfrom tour and quickly be-

came an accomplished unicyclist. Many a memory see “Jack-house” unicycling through the hedges of the Mess garden, orexperimenting with thunder-flashes in watermelons and pillows.

Captain J Cadbury2004 - 2008

snowboarding or the Russian strippers. Having spent a small for-tune at Boris’s Strip Bar, Cadbury decided it was time to tightenthe purse strings and get himself further qualified, so attended theRegimental Gunnery Officer’s course in Dorset.

Having successfully qualified, he returned to the Regiment at theend of 2006 to become Second in Command of B Squadron. Team-ing up with Maj Richard Slack and WO2 SSM Bland, he made agreat contribution to the running of the Squadron during the pre-deployment training for the looming operational tour toAfghanistan. His relaxed and pragmatic attitude was enjoyed byall, his AFV Commanding skills however were not, particularlyby the unfortunate owner of a Jaguar who made the mistake ofparking his precious car in the path of James’ Warrior! When the Squadron finally deployed on Op HERRICK 7 in Sep-tember 2007 it was decided that the best way to operate the Mas-tiff Group was by splitting into 2 half Squadrons. Therefore, formuch of the tour James worked independently, being attached tothe Royal Anglians, Marines and the Household Cavalry. In eachof these units he earned respect for the Regiment and himself,through his courage, intelligence and charm. He also earned him-self a Mention in Dispatches for his courageous and selfless ac-tions, as described earlier in the journal.

On returning to the UK, James decided that it was time to moveon from the Army. In the summer, James and Isabel married inthe South of France and they have since moved to Dubai. Jameswill be remembered at the Regiment as a charming and amusingman, who was quite happy not to be selected for the RegimentalBoxing Team or partake in a personal fitness test, but as someonewho stood up for what he believed in thereby ultimately having agreat impact on those around him.

TP

Captain James Cadburycommissioned into TheKing’s Royal Hussarsfrom the Royal MilitaryAcademy Sandhurst in2004. After a lively timeon his Troop Leader’sCourse, James deployed toIraq on Op TELIC 6 withA Squadron. There, he led3rd Troop with aplomband took his troopthrough some toughtimes. However, thetoughest times were notsuffered by him but by hisbrother officers on the oc-casions that he took his

monthly malaria tablet. One particular malaria occasion that isremembered by all is when the walls of the accommodation por-takabin violently shook with what was assumed to be the blastfrom nearby indirect fire, all officers dived for cover in accordancewith the drill only to discover that there had been no explosionsbut just Cadbury hammering the walls of the adjacent cabin withgusto in a delusionary state induced by said pills! Although therewas instant relief that their lives were not in immediate peril,James was avoided in future during his ‘time of the month’!

After a long and emotional tour of Iraq James needed time to chillout so he was dispatched to partake in the Army SnowboardingChampionships. Not renowned for his sporting ability, due toarthritis and brittle bones; he proved his worth in the novice cat-egory, although it was difficult to tell what he enjoyed more, the


Modest in both stature and manner, Ashton never stood on cere-mony or gave himself airs; he wore the same suit at his first job in-terview and his last board meeting. He offered shrewd advicewhen asked, and showed determination when needed. Havingsucceeded his father in 1983, he took his seat in the House ofLords, but never made a maiden speech. He retired from Barclaysin 1987.

During his Oxford years, Ashton had served as a territorial officerof the Royal Gloucester Hussars, and also found ample time forhunting; he would go to his office early to open post and dictatereplies, then hunt all day and return, in muddy breeches, to signthe typed letters. He hunted with the Heythrop - of which his fa-ther had been master - for almost 70 years, and a special lawn meetwas held at his Gloucestershire farm when his age combined withthat of his faithful mount Sparbuck reached 100.

He was treasurer of the hunt and, with his wife Pauline, joint pres-ident of its pony club; it was a delight to him that his elder sonHenry - who now succeeds to the peerage - became a joint masterin 2007.

Ashton was also a keen skier. Less conventionally, a dislike of stay-ing in hotels prompted him in his younger days to acquire a Dor-mobile, in which he and his wife travelled widely, and later acaravan - though its comforts were so meagre that he sometimespreferred to spend the night in the car, accompanied by his dog.

Tom Ashton married, in 1957, Pauline Trewlove Brackenbury,whom he met at a dance at Sezincote, the Gloucestershire home ofthe Kleinwort banking family. The Ashtons had two sons and twodaughters.

Sir Philip Payne-Gallwey 11th Hussars (PAO) 1955 - 1961

Philip Payne-Gallwey died, sadly, inFebruary 2008 after suffering a seriesof mini-strokes. He was known tomany as PPG, Phil, Mini Bart, PocketBaronet or plain Philip. He was themost generous and loveable characterwith a wonderful sense of humourand fun, no one loved a party morethan he.

He followed a well-trodden path:West Downs, Eton, Sandhurst andthen was commissioned into a cavalryregiment, in his case the 11th Hus-

sars. Philip joined the Regiment in Malaya in 1955; as OrderlyOfficer, I had to get up at some unearthly hour in the morning atSeremban Station. He appeared out of the sleeping compartment,small in stature, tapping his leg with his cane, telling the porter inno uncertain terms what to do and looking the split image of hisfamous uncle Peter P-G, my first Commanding Officer – before Icould stop myself, I had instinctively saluted him.

He was posted to B Squadron in Johore Bahru; it wasn’t long be-fore the Regiment realised that it had acquired an exceptionalcharacter, he was immensely popular with all ranks even down tothe lowest char-wallah. He had enormous energy, sometimeshardly matched by the results. It wasn’t long before he had teamedup with Tim Forster, who in later years was to become his great-

OBITUARIES

Lord Ashton of Hyde11th Hussars (PAO) 1945

The 3rd Lord Ashton of Hyde, whodied on August 2nd aged 81, was a di-rector of Barclays Bank and the headof its Manchester district, where hisantecedents had made their name andfortune in the cotton industry.

The Ashton family were cotton pio-neers in the small town of Hyde, east ofManchester. In 1800 six Ashton broth-ers were involved in the foundations ofa business which grew to be the town’sbiggest employer, engaged in spinning,weaving and calico printing.

Thomas Ashton Jr, born in 1808, was a Liberal, a Unitarian and asocial reformer; he became Hyde’s first mayor when it was incor-porated as a borough, and one of the first mill owners to provideday schools for child workers. His son, Thomas Gair Ashton, wasin turn elected as Hyde’s first Member of Parliament in 1885, andwas raised to the peerage as Lord Ashton of Hyde in 1911. Thefirm of Ashton Brothers & Co survived - though no longer underfamily ownership - until 1968, when its remaining mills weretaken over by Courtaulds.

Thomas John Ashton, grandson of the 1st baron, was born on No-vember 19th 1926; his mother was a granddaughter of the 1st LordCrawshaw. He went to Eton, and was commissioned into the11th Hussars just before the end of the Second World War, havingwon the Sword of Honour at Sandhurst. He served in the army ofoccupation in Germany and rose to the rank of captain; on demo-bilisation he went up to New College, Oxford, to read History.

On graduation he was recruited to join Barclays Bank’s “speciallist”. This was an elite group - made up largely of friends and con-nections of the bank’s founding families - who received acceler-ated promotion to the level of local director, bypassing the branchmanagement ranks. The director responsible for the system,Cuthbert Fitzherbert, was himself a New College man with Man-chester connections and a keen interest in hunting: Tom Ashtonwas accordingly a perfect candidate.

In his early years with the bank, Ashton was seconded to BarclaysDominion, Colonial & Overseas, serving in various parts of Africa.On his return in 1957 he became a junior local director in Oxfordunder the tutelage of Sir John Thomson, the archetypal Barclaysgentleman-banker of the era. One Oxford resident who came toAshton’s attention was Robert Maxwell - to whom Ashton firmlyforbade his managers to lend.

In 1968 Ashton moved to Manchester to become senior local di-rector and chairman of the local board, and in the following yearhe joined the bank’s main board in London. He was closely in-volved in the integration of the Liverpool-based Martins Bank,which was acquired by Barclays in 1969 and brought with it an ex-tensive branch network in the north-west.

He also became a director of a number of Barclays subsidiaries, in-cluding its Canadian arm and its small but enterprising merchantbank in London - from which he resigned, he said, because he“couldn’t understand what they were up to most of the time”.


est friend, in organising the Regimental Racing activities at theMalayan Amateur Race meetings. Philip’s enthusiasm for horsesand racing had been awakened by his uncle Colonel Peter P-G, andhe spent as much of the school holidays as he was allowed work-ing in the Colonel’s racing yard at Nine Yews near Wimborne. Itwas his uncle’s influence I think, more than anything, which con-vinced Philip to join the 11th Hussars rather than the 7th Hus-sars, his father’s old regiment.

Philip was a wonderful sportsman and never knew which he en-joyed most – hunting, shooting, fishing, stalking or racing underRules; if asked which, he would probably answer the one he hadparticipated in last.

When the Regiment returned to Carlisle, Philip was in his ele-ment. Martin Grant Thorold, then Commanding, had decreedthat hunting, shooting, fishing was duty not leave; Philip took himat his word. He owned a horse called Unpredictable; it was un-predictable by nature as well as by name. One day, hunting withthe Zetland, Unpredictable bolted when cantering across a stubblefield to the first draw. Unfortunately, before he could regain con-trol, and to Philip’s horror, he knocked a child off his pony.

Much to Philip’s chagrin, he was later to tell us that a little oldlady on a white horse had ordered him to take his wild animal tothe rear until he had it under control. On another occasion Un-predictable, when asked by Philip to jump a post and rails besidethe Regimental Horse Box decided to turn sharp right up the rampinto the box. The language from within, so we are told by thosewho could hear, turned the air blue. When the field had gone byand Philip thought the coast clear, he re-appeared, jumped the postrails and with swallow tails flying he was up with the leaderswithin a few fields.

He and Tim Forster lost no time in arranging the racing activi-ties; Philip was prepared to ride anything regardless of its chancesor reputation. Who will forget the Adjacent Hunts Race at the Be-dale Point-to-Point in 1957 when Philip was offered the ride onRatty, a horse belonging to Major Perse. As the field went downthe bank straight for the last time, it was noted that not only wasthe bit hanging out of Ratty’s mouth, but both reins were on theright side of the horse’s neck, a real problem as the course is left-handed. By luck or fine riding, Philip managed to keep Ratty onthe inside of another competitor, who helped him round the finalbend and into the home straight. Kicking on for all he was worth,saw Philip win by half a length.

Philip, sadly, left the Regiment in 1961 and for the next four yearsworked as Assistant Trainer to Arthur Budget. From here, hejoined the British Bloodstock Agency, and it wasn’t long before,not only was he made a Director of the BBA, but also of the Na-tional Stud.

Whilst working for the BBA in 1979, Mr Stavros Niarchos askedPhilip to become his Racing Manager. This led to one of Philip’sgreatest successes: at Keenelands prestigious July Sale he boughtNureyev for the then record price of $1,300,000. The story goesthat Philip and Niarchos were standing together and Philip hadplaced his assistant, Joss Collins, some tiers back with orders tokeep on bidding as long as Philip’s pipe remained in his mouth.As the price rose to a million dollars, with the excited throng push-ing forward, Collins temporarily lost sight of Philip. Panic!Should he go on bidding or stop? Relief! When he caught sight ofPhilip again, he still had his pipe in his mouth.

Nureyev won two Group races and earned the dubious distinctionof being the only 2,000 Guineas winner ever to be disqualified.But it was really as a sire that he excelled, after standing at Niar-chos’ stud for one year, he was syndicated for $14,000,000, not abad return on one’s money after only four years. Philip’s other

great success was the purchase of the stallion Sir Tristram for SirPatrick Hogan. This stallion was to transform New ZealandBloodstock and raise it to the same level as in Europe. Philip washugely influential in the bloodstock world; the Racing Post re-ported his death under an article headed ”Death at 72 of blood-stock legend”, and went on to say “many in the bloodstock worldare respected, but not many who are loved like he was, but morethan anything, he will be remembered as a lovely, lovely man witha wonderful twinkle in his eye.”

Philip was also a great supporter of National Hunt racing; heowned many chasers, usually in partnership with another owner.In 2000, he shared a horse called Relaxation with Mickie Wiggin,who won the National Hunt Chase at the Festival meeting by adistance. This win coincided with Philip’s birthday, and afterAnne Hamer had presented him with the Hamer family cup, PiersBengough informed the crowd around the unsaddling enclosure ofthe fact, who spontaneously burst into “Happy Birthday.” The lit-tle man was so embarrassed, puce in the face, he was seen trying tohide behind his recently presented trophy.

Philip’s Royal Ascot attire had to be seen to be believed; he reallywas the epitome of an Edwardian Baronet minus the spats, with animmaculate top hat that shone and the largest pair of race glassesyou have ever seen. Liz Bruce asked him one day if he really usedthem to watch the horses or whether he stood on them so that hecould see over the heads of the racegoers in front of him. Liz wasalso the perpetuator of another joke on Philip’s top hat; this time,standing behind him, she managed to write in red lipstick on topof his hat “I love you” without his being aware of what she haddone. On the way to the paddock prior to the next race, he could-n’t understand why people were laughing and smiling at him.Eventually, on discovering the cause, Philip was not amused; inseeking me out, he accused me of ruining his beloved hat, and Iwas informed that Lock’s repair bill would be forwarded shortly.

For some years, Philip had shot grouse on his friend Jack Collings’moor in South Durham. After Jack’s death in 1986, Philip wasasked if he would like to rent the shooting of Scargill. Within amonth, he had arranged a syndicate of like-minded friends whowere to remain together for eight years until Scargill Moor wassold. So the story goes, that shortly after the syndicate came intobeing Philip sent a telex to the members “Shoot Scargill Thurs-day.” This was shortly after the end of the miners’ strike. Philipwas rather put out, when some two days later, just as he was leav-ing for Scargill, there was a knock on his front door and two secu-rity officers had arrived to enquire of his intentions towards MrScargill. I think Philip thought he was about to have his guns con-fiscated there and then.

The Scargill syndicate was an extremely happy one, and this feel-ing fostered by Philip was felt by keepers, beaters, flankers andpickers-up. Shortly after Philip’s death, I ran into little BobbyBaker who drove the game cart on Scargill. I told him of Philip’sdeath; tears almost came into his eyes and he said “Do you know,sir, that Sir Philip was, in our opinion, one of the finest Englishgentlemen we had ever met.” All were equal in his eyes, and thefirst thing he did on arrival on the moor was to come across to uswith his normal greeting of “Morning team, hope all are well” or,if it was raining, “Sorry for the inclementie weather, now let’s getcracking.”

It was Philip’s ability to remember the first names and circum-stances of all those who worked for him, and to treat them asequals, which made him so popular, respected and admired by somany; particularly by the ladies who he always addressed as “Mydear.” One of the joys of being with Philip was that you neverknew what he was going to do or say next. Once playing golf withhim, he topped his tee shot, his ball rolled rather pathetically forabout ten yards and came to rest in a tuft of grass, Philip, with


mounting blood pressure marched menacingly forward until hestood glaring down at his ball and was heard to say “Without adoubt, you are the most ridiculous little testiculie I have everseen.”

What a character, what a friend – the five hundred-plus peoplewho attended his funeral bears witness to this. In the congregationthere were three of the carers who looked after him in his lastyears. When one of them was asked how she was getting on look-ing after Sir Philip, she said, “Fine, but I have had to learn anawful lot of new words.”

I doubt if his like will ever be seen again, but one thing is certainfor sure: all of us who knew him will never forget his memory aslong as we will live.

Lieutenant Colonel T Walsh14th/20th King’s Hussars 1948 - 1961

Lt Col Ted Walsh, who died aged 90on Jan 20th 2008, was one of the lastsurviving officers to serve with the In-dian Army before the Second WorldWar. He commanded the 14th/20thKing’s Hussars from 1959 to 1961.

He was the son of Lt Col CharlesWalsh DSO MC, Connaught Rangersand Royal Signals, who boxed for theArmy when commanding his Regi-ment, and was happiest defendinghimself in the Somme trenches with aclub with 6” nails hammered through

it. His mother was highly intelligent and artistic, and it is fromher that Ted inherited his considerable artistic skills. She couldnot be described as maternal, however, and her cold and distantattitude to her son was probably the cause of his reserved and pri-vate manner in later life.

His parents lived in Ireland until 1922. Ted’s earliest memory wasseeing the front of their house in Dublin disappear when the IRAblew it up. His parents then moved to Mere in Wiltshire where hisfather ran a hunt livery stable, and Ted and his brother huntedregularly with the South and West Wilts, where the redoubtableIkey Bell was Huntsman.

On his holidays from Stowe School, Ted, as well as breaking horsesand exercising them, would work for the local butcher. At the timehe wanted to be a vet, and learnt at first hand there about animals’anatomy. The butcher owned coursing greyhounds, took Ted tomeetings, and awoke in him a lifelong passion for the sport. AtStowe the academic side of life appealed less than shooting, poach-ing on neighbouring land, and regularly exercising his housemas-ter’s horse.

On leaving Stowe he went to Germany and spent a few monthswith a local family. Even then, in 1935, he witnessed every daythe callous treatment of Jews, and experienced at first hand thehypnotic effect of Hitler at a rally in Munich.

When he went up to Magdalene, Cambridge, his horsemanshipwas such that he worked first for a dealer’s yard in Newmarket asa ‘roughrider’, assessing new horses as they arrived, then ridingout for Tom Leader, the National Hunt trainer, and racing inpoint-to-points for Bernard van Cutsem, Philip Lever (Lord Lev-erhulme), and Bernard Whaley Cohen among others. This left lit-tle time for his History tutorials and it was suggested eventuallythat he switch to Rural Economy as the tutorials didn’t start until11am, which fitted in better with his way of life.

In 1938 he joined Prince Albert Victor’s Own Cavalry, PunjabiFrontier Force, thanks to Pug (later Lord) Ismay who was a fam-ily friend, and whose regiment it also was. Though the regimentwas starting the sad but inevitable process of giving up its horsesand learning the art of mechanized warfare, there was still timefor the traditional sports and pastimes of the Indian Cavalry. Tedenjoyed Polo (at which PAVO excelled), pig sticking, racing andshooting all sorts of game, from snipe to tigers.

When the War started PAVO was sent to North Africa, but toWalsh’s great dismay he was left behind. He had achieved a Dis-tinction on a tank gunnery course, and with the continuing ex-pansion and mechanization of the Indian Army he was deemedbetter employed as an instructor than deploying with his regiment,and he did not rejoin them until they were stationed in Persia in1942. He remained with them for the rest of the war, ending upfighting the Japanese in Burma. However his enforced stay inIndia did allow him to meet and marry Peggy, a marriage thatlasted to her death in 2007.

He was closely involved in the tragedies and massacres of the Par-tition of India in 1947. From Independence in August 1947 theBritish Army had no authority and was confined to barracks, thecivil authorities were frequently split along religious or racial linesand the only disciplined force was the Indian Army which was it-self by no means big enough to control the vast tide of refugeesmoving from India to Pakistan or Pakistan to India, and incidentsof ruthless robbery and massacre were frequent. In those lawlesstimes ruthlessness was needed by the authorities too. Walsh wasDAQMG of 123rd Indian Infantry Brigade who in September 1947were in Amritsar, one of the railheads from which Moslemrefugees would travel to Lahore in Pakistan. It was noted thatmany refugee trains were being ambushed and the occupants mas-sacred, and it came to light that the stationmaster was telegraph-ing information to accomplices up the line who would thenorganize an ambush. He refused to stop doing so, and the localcivil authorities declined to act. That night Walsh and another of-ficer threw a hand grenade into the stationmaster’s office, killinghim. The massacres stopped. Both the officers involved swore toeach other that they would never say who actually threw thegrenade and it remains a secret to this day.

In 1948 he transferred to the British Army and was accepted intothe 14th/20th Kings Hussars, going with them to Libya and Ger-many, and being seconded to do intelligence work in Egypt, thenCyprus.

He took command in February 1959 and has been described as thebest Commanding Officer since the War. He immediately showedhis talents as a trainer of men and as a disciplinarian, demandinghigh standards particularly of his officers, and he was not slow torequire the resignation of those who did not meet these exactingstandards. The Regiment was undergoing a turbulent period, hav-ing been deployed as separate squadrons all over Germany, with BSquadron in the Armoured role in Berlin, and the remainder act-ing as ‘Taxi Drivers’, providing Saracen APCs with Commandersand Drivers for the Infantry; not a role designed to foster Regi-mental cohesion and fighting spirit. National Service was draw-ing to a close, and the Regiment was tackling the problem ofrecruiting and of developing the ethos of a professional long serv-ice organisation. The taxi driver role ended in November 1960and the Regiment was reformed in Hohne in the Armoured role,to its great relief. He handed over command to Dickie Talbot in1961 and the culmination of his period of command was in Juneof that year, when the Regiment was given a new Guidon. On thedress rehearsal he was presented with a Regimental Medal – andnever was one more deserved. In his period of command he raisedmorale, improved standards, and laid the foundations of an up-to-date professional Regiment.


At home his and Peggy’s parties were well attended events, theevenings ending with furniture downstairs being moved to the gar-den to make room for Scottish dancing. Some of the wilder sub-alterns would end up with the furniture after a particularlyenergetic swirl and loss of grip with a partner.

His greatest joy was working with soldiers and a desk job did notappeal, so he left the Army and became estate bursar at StoweSchool. There he not only started up the Stowe Beagles, scouringthe country for the best hounds, but he also searched back throughthe archives to find how the landscape had been laid out by Capa-bility Brown, and set about changing the shape of woods so thatthe full beauty of the vistas that had first been created could be ap-preciated again. He also oversaw the meticulous repainting ofsome of the rooms in the original buildings to their former glory.In recognition of their love of Stowe, the family scattered his andPeggy’s ashes in the Grecian Valley with the entire pack of theStowe Beagles following behind.

He was a man of wide talents, and extraordinarily well educated inmany fields. He could draw, carve and paint (his copy of ‘The Flagof Truce” is almost indistinguishable from the original, and hispainting of the Guidon parade in ’61 is in the Regiment’s collec-tion), had a wide knowledge of all field sports and was a giftedhorseman. He was also an outstanding shot with a rifle.

He was always a lover of field sports but of them all Coursing washis greatest enthusiasm. Wherever he went he found a ‘longdog’which would course local prey, in India a greyhound, and, whenPAVO was sent to Persia, a saluki to hunt gazelle. By this time hehad whippets, and joined the Whippet Coursing Club in its in-fancy, becoming Secretary for a few years, and then Chairman, in-troducing military discipline to the otherwise unruly members. Alurcher joined his hunting pack at home, and then a terrier, and hewas at his happiest taking out his ‘bobbery pack’ across Bucking-hamshire countryside. He then left his job at Stowe, and he andPeggy started up a nursery which they ran for 8 years. With hisartistic eye and Peggy’s plantsmanship they created a wonderfulgarden that was a joy to explore.

At 60 Ted started writing books. His extraordinary knowledge ofthe countryside and hunting of all kinds gave him a platform, andhis first book, Lurchers and Longdogs, has become a classic. Toresearch mediaeval law at the Bodleian Library for the book hehad to teach himself Middle English to be able to read the texts.Longdogs by Day, The English Whippet, (in conjunction withMary Lowe) and The Poacher’s Companion followed, while hecontributed chapters in other books on country matters and wrotefor The Field and the Shooting Times. He became official pho-tographer to Towcester Racecourse and to the National CoursingClub for some years, taking superb action photographs for both.He would say of Towcester that it was an excellent way of gettingin to watch the racing free! He would judge at lurcher shows allover the country and was still judging the Champion of Championshows well into his seventies. Ted was extremely well read, had asuperb collection of sporting books, an unmatched eye for a horseand a hunting dog, but was quiet and modest about his achieve-ments and talents.

The death of their eldest daughter Susan was hard for them to bearand made them age visibly. When it was apparent that he andPeggy could no longer manage on their own they came to live withtheir younger daughter and son-in-law, John and Anne Smales, inNorfolk. John had commanded the Regiment from 1984 to1986.Although Ted missed his old village, he took to Norfolk countrylife with enthusiasm, riding on his electric Tramper armed withan ordnance survey map, loving talking to people he came across,and taking a deep interest in all country matters.

In all, he was the sort of man many of us aim to be; a good leader,a deep and well educated thinker, a first class sportsman, a loving

father and a faithful friend. His natural modesty meant that henever indulged in self-advertisement and his reputation is foundedon his solid worth. Peggy died seven weeks before him, and it isa mark of their closeness over 64 years of marriage that he followedher so quickly. He well appreciated that he could never haveachieved what he did without her unremitting love and support.His friends and family miss him.

Major H Petch MC DCM11th Hussars (PAO) 1930 - 1958

Harry Petch joined the 11th Hussarsin 1930 having just attained the age of21.

In 1934 he went with the Regiment toEgypt as a Trooper in A Squadron tobe stationed at Helmieh a few milesnorth of Cairo. Soon after its arrivalthe Regiment was involved in theArab revolt in Palestine in 1936; andHarry Petch, then a Lance Sergeant,soon found himself in action atNablus.

On September 3rd a RAMC ambulance was attempting to ferrywounded back to base when it ran into heavy fire at a road blockand turned back only just in time to escape a waiting ambush.Lance Sergeant Harry Petch with two armoured cars answered itscall for help and on arrival he was alert enough to catch a glimpseof a mine trip wire, in the headlights of his car. Halting the troopa few yards away from the trap, he went forward alone on foot todismantle the mine, in spite of the heavy small arms fire that heencountered from the moment he left his car. With complete dis-regard for his personal safety, he removed the nail from the mine’sdetonator releasing the firing gear, then lifting the mine clear ofthe roadway he led his troop on past the ambush and escorted theambulance back to Nablus with its wounded occupants. For thisaction he received a well deserved Distinguished Conduct Medal.

As shown by the Nablus episode, he was a man who was seen to ad-vantage under active service conditions, yet he still played his partin the peacetime life of the Regiment. He was a good cross-coun-try and three mile runner and probably did more for the Regimentin the swimming world, where he was instrumental in formingand coaching a very successful water polo team.

By 1940 the Regiment was trained and prepared for action in theWestern Desert, but by then Harry Petch’s qualities had beenwidely recognised and he was selected to return to England to trainfor a commission. This he successfully obtained and the Regimentwas only too eager to recall him straight away as a LieutenantTroop Leader to rejoin A Squadron.

He was with A Squadron for the whole of the Western Desert Cam-paign, culminating in the epic advance from Alamein to Tunis,surviving being blown up on a mine together with an altercationwith a German anti-tank gun, after which he was decorated witha Military Cross.

He accompanied the Regiment to Italy and was then promoted toSecond in Command of A Squadron with which he had servedcontinuously since joining as a Trooper twelve years previously.

In 1944 the Regiment returned to England to be stationed atAshridge in preparation for the Normandy Invasion.

Early in 1945 in Holland, he was made Squadron Leader of BSquadron at a time when the Regiment was on observation duty


along the banks of the River Maas at the extreme north westernpoint of the Allied line. This was an uneventful period and therewas little activity from the Germans on the other side of the river;the main job being aiding Dutch refugees crossing the river fromthe North and also enjoying some excellent duck shooting. How-ever this did not last long and with the crossing of the Rhine inMarch 1945 Harry Petch and B Squadron were fully involved oncemore.

At the end of hostilities and when the Regiment left Berlin forpostings in North West Germany, Harry was able to indulge in hislove of the outdoor life especially the shooting expeditions on theNorth German marshes. During that time he was given commandof a small leave centre on the Friesian Island of Norderney; thiswas a popular appointment where he was able to give vital intelli-gence to the Regiment about the arrival and whereabouts of thefirst migrant geese as well as sending them plenty of gull’s eggs.Having a launch under his private command he was able to collectregimental and other guests from the mainland which was muchappreciated.

By then he had met and married Jane (Joyce) Rankin who was atthat time working for one of the welfare organisations in Germany.When a daughter came along, he thought it time to give up mili-tary life and in 1958 he left the Army after 28 years and settled justoutside Sherborne in Dorset where he purchased a smallholding.He loved the outdoor life and the hard work attached to runningthis enterprise; however, after a little while he found that it wasnot sufficiently viable economically and consequently he took themomentous decision to sell up and move the whole family over toAustralia; a traumatic decision but as it turned out a very wise one.

Arriving in Perth in 1967, he found it surprisingly easy to settle inhis new surroundings. He was immediately employed by CSIRO,the national science body, and soon afterwards, Jane being a qual-ified teacher, was seized upon by the education authorities whowere desperately short of teachers. He found the open air life ofAustralia completely to his liking, as well as having the opportu-nity to watch some very good cricket. He spent most of his leavewith the family exploring the outback and indulging in ‘fossick-ing’ which involves prospecting for various precious or semi-pre-cious stones and other exciting gem stones. Although he neverfound an opal the size of a pigeon’s egg or a gold nugget, he didfind some very interesting specimens which he enjoyed polishingup and forming into an attractive collection.

When his daughter Ann married a Government official and movedto Canberra Harry and Jane moved over to be near them. WhenJane unfortunately died in 2004, he moved in with Ann and Peterand their three children. His latter years were spent reading andgardening and although it had been hoped that he would reach themilestone of a hundred years old, alas he died in July 2008 at theage of 98.

The Regiment had been his life; he was a staunch 11th Hussar, avery brave and intelligent leader, well loved and respected by allranks. He was famous for his infectious sense of humour whichwas manifested in various catch phrases which he employed whenplaying backgammon and cribbage in the Officers Mess. Althoughhis contemporaries become fewer and fewer with age he will al-ways be remembered with great affection.

Major G E Ford North MC, DL, JP10th Royal Hussars (PWO) 1940 - 1945

Geoffrey Ford North (he later justused the surname North) was born in1917 and educated at Winchester andNew College, Oxford where he devel-oped a life long passion for steeple-chasing. Having fallen at the firstfence in his first race Geoffrey had hisfirst of many winners in 1939. Hesurvived a crash in a light aeroplanejust before his law finals but wascalled to the Bar before the War. Healso joined the Royal Wiltshire Yeo-manry and on mobilisation he wascommissioned, went on a course to

the Cavalry School at Weedon and was then equitation instructorof a training regiment in Edinburgh. Seeking a more active role,Geoffrey joined the 10th Hussars shortly before the regimentsailed for North Africa in late 1941.

The first major battle was at Saunnu in which the 10th, in the 2ndArmoured Brigade with the Bays and 9th Lancers, held up a largeGerman armoured force but at great cost. In May 1942 at the Bat-tle of Knightsbridge, Geoffrey, a troop leader in C Squadron, hadhis tank struck, killing his driver and operator and wounding thegunner but he continued fighting single-handed. By the Battle ofEl Alamein he was the Adjutant and shortly afterwards he tookover command of C Squadron as Major G H Errington had beenbadly wounded in the battle.

C Squadron was heavily engaged in the fierce battles of early 1943which successfully drove the Germans and Italians from NorthAfrica: Mareth Line, El Hamma, Wadi Arakit, and Grombalia.Major Ford North was awarded an immediate Military Cross forhis leadership in these battles.

He remained in command of the squadron in Italy, during thebreakthrough of the Gothic Line and in the battle for Cesena. Heonly handed over on 26 February 1945 when posted to becomeGSO1 (Equitation) at Headquarters 8th Army. In this capacity hewas involved in starting British Army racing near Trieste and inAustria soon after the War ended.

Geoffrey Ford North left the regular army and returned to Eng-land in 1947, having been one of the most successful of armouredsquadron leaders. He was greatly respected by all ranks of CSquadron; one still-surviving tank commander of those days sayshe was ‘one of the best’.

He returned only briefly to the Bar as his heart was in the coun-try. Geoff (as he was often known) therefore went to The RoyalAgricultural College at Cirencester and subsequently farmed inGloucestershire, New Zealand and finally for 40 years in Devon, inwhich county he was High Sheriff. He married Margaret de Greyin 1950 and they had four children. His riding career came to anend in 1954 when Geoff broke his back in a fall at the Heythroppoint-to-point but his interest in racing, his sense of humour andlove of his family and the countryside contributed to his long andhappy life.


Major D Awdry10th Royal Hussars (PWO) 1943 - 1947

Daniel Awdry, who died on October11th aged 84, was a Wiltshire solicitorand one of the last MPs to combine afull-time job with life on the Conser-vative benches - before giving it up asan impossibility in 1979, after 17years representing his native Chip-penham.

Awdry made his greatest impact atWestminster as one of the few Torybackbenchers to urge Edward Heathto moderate his Industrial RelationsBill rather than provoke confronta-

tion with the unions, insisting its most controversial clauses were“not worth going to the stake for”.

Heath should not have been surprised; in his maiden speech in1963 Awdry had criticised the Macmillan government for notdoing enough to help redundant workers. His economic pater-nalism was matched by a strong support for the railways; his tren-chancy against the unions surfaced when they obstructed efforts bysuccessive governments to modernise the industry.

Daniel Edmund Awdry was born on September 10th 1924, the sonof Colonel Portland Awdry, MC, and the former Evelyn French.Educated at Winchester, he underwent officer training for theRoyal Armoured Corps at Sandhurst, being awarded the Belt ofHonour. He served as a lieutenant with the 10th Hussars in Italyfor the final winter of the war, and in 1947 left the regular Armyfor the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry, from 1955-62 as a squadroncommander with the rank of Major.

In 1950 he qualified as a solicitor, joining the family practice inChippenham. Most of its work was routine, but he did sporadi-cally attract headlines defending the great and the good in motor-ing cases.

He represented Sir Patrick Devlin, then a Lord Justice of Appeal,in 1961 when he was fined £20 at Marlborough for careless driv-ing, and the same year defended Prime Minister Harold Macmil-lan’s younger daughter Sarah at Malmesbury on charges of drivingwithout a licence.

While in the House he defended Lord Tucker, a former lord of Ap-peal, on careless driving charges at High Wycombe. And in Au-gust 1973 he secured a high-profile acquittal of Captain MarkPhillips, who was about to marry Princess Anne, at Salisbury onthe more serious charge of dangerous driving.

In 1958 Awdry became Mayor of Chippenham, the seventh mem-ber of his family to hold the office; the following year he was pres-ident of the Southern Boroughs Association.

In 1962 the local MP, Sir David Eccles, was elevated to the peerageon leaving Macmillan’s cabinet. The shortlist to succeed himcaused a furore among local Conservatives; the only local men toapply, Awdry and Charles Morrison, were left off and there wereclaims that Central Office was trying to install Paul Dean, then amember of the Conservative Research Department.

After a week of protests, Awdry and Morrison were invited to theselection meeting; Awdry secured the nomination and found him-self fighting a “little general election”. Five vacancies were to befilled on November 22nd 1962, and with Tory loyalties strainedover Macmillan’s decision to take Britain into the Common Mar-

ket and the Liberals still rampant after Orpington, Eccles’s ma-jority of 8,875 looked far from safe.

In the event local farmers decided against fielding an anti-Marketcandidate; one stood in South Dorset and handed the seat toLabour. Awdry did have to contend with three servicemen fight-ing the seat to secure a discharge (there were 28 in all five seats),and on the day the Liberal Christopher Layton cut his majority to1,588. (He would reduce it again in 1964, and in 1966 to just 694before the tide turned.)

Awdry played himself in slowly at Westminster. He became sec-retary of the Conservative backbench transport committee and,briefly, parliamentary private secretary to Edward du Cann, min-ister of state for trade. He was one of the first MPs to suggest localcouncillors should receive “some small payment”.

Labour’s return to power in 1964 brought an intake of mod-ernising MPs keen to align parliamentary sittings with the work-ing day. Awdry saw the danger of this and that December tableda motion opposing such moves and stressing the contributionmade by MPs with jobs outside. Yet he did find time to top theLords’ and Commons’ bowling averages and play tennis for theCommons against their French counterparts.

After his narrow re-election in 1966, Awdry became secretary ofthe party’s backbench legal committee. He supported moves toreform the divorce laws, and took a keen interest in the Bill au-thorising the breathalyser, calling for motorists suspected of goingover the limit to have a second breath test within 30 minutes.

He breathalysed himself, and just failed the test, after drinkinghalf a bottle of British Railways claret on his train home. Awdryemerged as a commuters’ champion when, early in 1968, he wasone of 15 passengers stranded at Bath at 2am after their train wasdiverted. Another train supposed to be held for them left beforethey arrived, but Awdry - without saying he was an MP - createdsuch a fuss that it was stopped and sent back for them.

At the time of UDI, Awdry refused to vote against United Nationssanctions on Rhodesia. But his Left-wing Conservatism mani-fested itself most clearly in October 1967, when he was one of 10Tories to propose an economic programme of “acceleration andexpansion” in contrast to Labour’s deflation.

It included import quotas, private capital for state industry, a man-agement revolution in Whitehall, and a new legal framework forindustrial relations, with incentives for the unions to co-operate.He took up the cudgels most vigorously with the Labour govern-ment in March 1970, when he exposed the rewriting of the CrichelDown code within Whitehall without reference to Parliament. Alocal farmer had tried to buy back from the Ministry of Defenceland requisitioned from his father in 1942, only to be told that be-cause planning permission had been granted for sand extraction itwas not farmland, so could be sold to the highest bidder. The sonwent to the auction - and was outbid sixfold by a sand company.

The 1970 election brought Heath to power and put Awdry’s ma-jority into five figures. He clashed with ministers on the IndustrialRelations Bill, but backed Heath’s renewed overtures to Europe.In June 1971 local anti-Marketeers, led by a Frenchman, de-manded his resignation; he retaliated by inviting Walter Kiep, aGerman parliamentarian he had met at a Königswinter seminar, to speak in the constituency.

The next year a furious Awdry complained to the home secretary,Robert Carr, and the Metropolitan Police commissioner, when an-other friend, who happened to be chairman of Boots, was muggedin Knightsbridge by two Household Cavalry troopers. The case


was rushed through the magistrates’ court the next morning with-out the victim being notified, the assailants receiving nominalfines. Carr’s response led Awdry to accuse him of “covering up”the court’s undue haste and leniency.

Soon afterward, Awdry became PPS to the Solicitor-General, SirMichael Havers. This did not prevent him telling the house at theheight of the miners’ dispute that brought the government’s de-mise that the Industrial Relations Act needed amendment.

Awdry, who was still running his solicitor’s practice, found theboisterous House of the late 1970s a strain, with tempers frayedand numerous late-night sittings. Eventually he found even hiscolleagues too much to take; when Marcus Fox, sitting next tohim, heckled James Callaghan, Awdry first asked him to desist sohe could hear what the prime minister was saying, then moved toanother seat. He retired at the 1979 election, observing: “When Ientered the House, it was regarded by many as a part-time job.”

Before he went, Awdry fell foul of objectors to giant KC135 tankeraircraft being stationed by the US Air Force at Fairford. With fiveneighbouring MPs, he asked the MoD for the fullest consultation;told a decision had already been taken, they advised their con-stituents not to jeopardise “national security and Anglo-Americanrelations” by protesting further, and were accused of duplicity.

Awdry served on the boards of BET Omnibus Services, Sheep-bridge Engineering, Rediffusion and Colonial Mutual Life Assur-ance. He became Deputy Lieutenant for Wiltshire in 1979.

Away from politics, he was a lover of chess and a keen student ofthe game. When commentators objected to the standard of play atthe 1978 World Championship between Karpov and Korchnoi, heurged them to remember that “when games are played under greatstress and against the clock, human mistakes are inevitable.”

Awdry married Elizabeth Cattley in 1950; they had three daughters.

Captain D A Harries10th Royal Hussars (PWO) 1948 - 1956

David Harries joined the 10thHussars when the Regimentwas stationed at Iserlohn, Ger-many and became a TroopLeader in C Squadron where hequickly proved himself a verycapable officer.

He also proved himself a goodhorseman and competed inmany of the local horse shows.He was an assistant whipper-inand was also a great help whenwe were short of hunt staff com-

ing out on hound exercise during the time the Regiment had thehounds in Germany.

David was Adjutant to Colonel Alastair Tuck for the first part ofthe Regiment’s tour in Jordan before handing over to John Willis.The 10th Royal Hussars Gazette records that: “His departure wasdelayed owing to the Suez crisis, and when he did leave the scenewas like a ‘Brocks’ benefit’ and there was very nearly another kindof crisis. His aeroplane could not take off until the new Adjutant,who was sitting on its tail, was removed by the aid of fireworks.”After leaving the Army, David pursued a successful career in IBM. He was an extremely popular officer and will be greatly missed byall who knew him.

Captain R D Horsfall11th Hussars (PAO) 1944 - 1947

Robin joined the 11th Hussars atAshridge in February 1944, havingserved in the Home Guard under age,after training at Sandhurst. The Reg-iment had then returned to Englandprior to the projected D-Day landingsin Normandy. He then became akeen wartime officer. The Regimenthad Armoured Cars in which it hadconsiderable experience in desertwarfare, and was part of the 7th Ar-moured Division as it had been up tothen.

The landings were made in Normandy on Juno Beach atCourseulles-sur-Mer on June 9th. It leaguered at the village ofRyes after landing. Robin was wounded by a bomb at Ryes. Hewas determined to rejoin the Regiment and demanded to do so.He was with D Squadron on his return as the landing troops ad-vanced south. He was again wounded by a mortar shell and wasagain evacuated, this time to return later to the Regiment in Ger-many six weeks before the end of the war. He served in Berlin,Jever and Goslar in the post war period in Germany as a lieutenant.He became ADC to General John Combe who was then G.O.C.British Troops Austria.

As a more senior subaltern he will always be remembered as kindand helpful to the various new boys joining the Regiment post warwho had no active experience.

When he left the army, he went to Kenya to take up farming. Hehad a large farm in Mount Elgon, later taken by the Kenyan gov-ernment. He retained property at Kilifi, on the coast near Mom-basa which he handed later to his sons.

He took a full part in the farming life in Kenya and in public du-ties .He was a magistrate. He became a member of the Board ofAgriculture and became Executive Chairman of the Kenya Na-tional Farmers Union. He also assisted Tony Lutyens, ex X1thHussars, to set up Sunbird Charters - now Air Kenya.

On final return to England, he established a Danish inspired in-ternational company in the Sudan to produce yeast from molasses- this saved the Sudan half a million pounds in foreign currency.He was pleased to umpire the Sudan Egypt Polo tournament. Healso worked with his sons to promote trade with the Third WorldCountries.

He married Zoe Jean in 1948 and had two sons Charles Douglasand Michael Geoffrey and a daughter Suzanne Elizabeth. Theypaid fitting tribute at his funeral in Henley this year. The EtonBoating Song and Coburg were played.

Robin was a kind, determined and very public spirited memberboth of the Regiment and during the rest of his life.


WO1 (RSM) Ron Huggins10th Royal Hussars (PWO) and Royal MilitaryPolice 1938 - 1946

Ron Huggins started his military ca-reer as a boy trumpeter with TheRoyal Wiltshire Yeomanry in 1934.He joined the 10th Hussars at Tid-worth in 1938 at the age of 18.

His abilities were quickly recognizedand by 1940 he had been promoted toTroop Sergeant in A Squadron. InMay 1940, he deployed with the Reg-iment to France, landing at Cher-bourg. The 10th Hussars, equippedwith A13 Cruiser tanks, were in 1stArmoured Division and were giventhe immediate task of taking part in

the Division’s operation to support French forces south of theRiver Somme.

It was the Division’s aim to establish bridgeheads over the Sommeand Ron found himself in the thick of the action when the Regi-ment attacked the heavily defended German positions at Huppy,near Abbeville, south of the Somme. When his Troop Leader waskilled in his tank by a shot to the head, Ron gave fire support sothat the tank could withdraw.

After the Regiment was eventually evacuated to England via Brest,Ron was based at Longbridge Deverill in Wiltshire, where theRegiment was reformed and re-equipped before taking up its roleas part of the Ist Armoured Division mobile reserve for the de-fence of Southern England.

In June 1941, the Ist Armoured Division including the 10th Hus-sars were warned for service in the Middle East and Ron sailedwith the Regiment to Suez via Durban and the Cape. Equippedwith American Honey light tanks and British Crusader tanks, theRegiment continued operating with 1st Armoured Division whenit relieved 7th Armoured Division at Antelat. Ron saw action asa tank commander against a mixed force of Italians and Germansin the battle of Saunnu and again in the fierce ‘cauldron’ battle ofKnightsbridge in May 1942. On 29th May he was severelywounded on the Gazala Line.

After recovering from his wounds, Ron transferred to the RoyalMilitary Police and served in the Italian campaign. He joined theSpecial Investigation Branch and was promoted to WO1. He re-ceived a Mention in Despatches.

He retired from the Army in 1946 and worked as an EducationWelfare Officer for Wiltshire County Council. In 1967 he becamethe senior Education Welfare Officer for the Isle of Wight CountyCouncil.

He retired to Bournemouth and was a dedicated volunteer andgreat ambassador for the Friends of the Tank Museum for 20 years.He had great charm and he entertained thousands of visitors withhis reminiscences. During the school holidays he was often to beseen in the Museum with his own display of personal memora-bilia, giving visitors a flavour of his time in the Army, and he wasstill taking part in displays at the Tank Museum at the age of 83.

He wrote a book about his early experiences in World War 2 enti-tled ‘Return to the Somme - BEF 1940’.

Staff Sergeant W R Woodcock14th/20th King’s Hussars 1959 - 1982

William Richard (Bill) Woodcock wasborn in Liverpool in 1941. He joinedthe 14th/20th King’s Hussars in 1959& retired as a SSgt in 1982. Bill diedsuddenly on the 17 July 2008 aged 67.Bill spent his early years in the stablesas a groom; looking after the horseswhich proved to be one of his pas-sions. His early years were turbulent,to say the least. His prowess outsidethe boxing ring soon became appar-ent and as a result he joined ASquadron boxing team. However, hedidn’t do too well as according to Bill

“I couldn’t get on with all the rules”. He loved horses and dogsand could not stand idly by and watch any animal being mis-treated. On one occasion when the Adjutant was visiting “New-market House” (the stable area) one of the officers rode a horseback into the yard in a hell of lather. On seeing this Bill pulled theofficer from the saddle and holding him by the shirt front put hisfist close to his face and said if he, the officer, ever brought a horseback in this condition again he would beat the living daylights outof him. This was one of the few occasions Bill did not get intotrouble. By 1963 he had completed a farrier’s course in the UKand as with everything that Bill was interested in or put his mindto he gave his all in his thirst for knowledge. He married Mar-garet on the 4th September 1963 and this brought stability to Bill’slife. In 1965 Bill and Margaret were blessed with the birth of adaughter Karen, and two years later a son, William, completed thefamily.

The next few years were spent in Command Squadron as a mem-ber of Air Troop and in 1970 Bill was promoted to the rank of Ser-geant and transferred to Recce Troop and later, as a Troop Sgt withB Squadron in Hong Kong. It was whilst in Hong Kong he de-veloped another passion, this time, sub aqua diving. This beganwith an expedition to the Isle of Gan, with more diving to followmainly in the Maldives and Fiji. Bill took his diving very seri-ously and as with most things it was only the rules that got in theway. He became a SADS ( Sub Aqua Diving Supervisor, a tri serv-ice qualification and not an easy one to attain). Because of thisqualification Bill was able to train many Regimental divers. Hedid this in Herford and when A Squadron was in Cyprus in 1975.Bill enjoyed his diving well into retirement and was often flyingoff to warmer climes to follow his hobby.

By now (1977) Bill was promoted to SSgt and in 1978 returned toHohne, BAOR with D Sqn as a SSgt Troop Leader on Chieftain.This tour didn’t last long as he was posted to The Duke of Lan-caster’s Own Yeomanry (DLOY) as a Permanent Staff Instructorin 1979.

Bill Woodcock was a good man, fiercely loyal to both his Regimentand Liverpool. He took no nonsense and gave no nonsense. Heoften found barrack room life a bit boring and he much preferredto spend his time in the field where he really came to the fore.

Billy left the Army in 1982 and settled in Ashburton, Devon wherehe put his farrier skills back to work. The family moved aroundfor a while with Bill doing numerous jobs from managing anewsagents to running security for De La Rue. Bill then startedhis second career as an Armourer at Boscombe Down and the fam-ily settled in Enford, Pewsey. Unfortunately Margaret died on the30th August 1998.

In 2000 Bill met Jackie at Tidworth. Jackie was already part of the


regimental family as her previous husband, Peter Speakman (whosadly died in 1991) did his national service with the Regiment andher daughter, Tracy married WO2 (SSM) Neal Gaskell. In 2002Bill and Jackie moved to Yorkshire where they lived the good life,growing all their own produce and enjoying village life. Bill al-ways kept active and enjoyed country sports, joining a shootingclub and playing golf whenever the weather permitted. If it wascold, or it rained for more than a few days, Bill would be on the in-ternet looking for a holiday so that he could indulge in his favoritesport, deep sea diving. Bill had a very colourful and happy time inthe regiment and had a remarkable memory for regimental triviaand associated stories, most of which would have you in stitches.He was a very popular and respected man and he will be sadlymissed by all his family and friends.

M O J Fooks14th/20th King’s Hussars 1946 - 1948

Maurice Fooks, who died in February last year, served in the Reg-iment from 1946-1948. He was a most agreeable person, and wassaid to be like his father, who served in the Regiment at an earlierpoint, and was held in similar regard. Maurice gave every evidencethat his army service was an enjoyable period, and endeared him-self to colleagues by his good humour and useful capacities. Hisdeparture from the scene will sadly remove from his friends theopportunities for the sharing of recollections of joint experiencesduring his stay with the Regiment, and he will be missed for hisuseful participation during his time with us all.

Staff Sergeant D Johnson The Royal Hussars (PWO) 1962 - 1984

Derick Johnson was born in 1938 butdid not join the Army until 1962. Onarrival in Paderborn he was posted toC Squadron initially in SHQ, then 2Troop, and Lieutenant Tim Landonwas his troop leader throughout the10th’s tour in Arabia. Although hiscareer began slowly, once Derickstarted to realise his potential he rosefrom Tpr to Trp Sgt – still with CSquadron – in the three years before

amalgamation with the 11th in 1969. He married Vera Elkins in1970 and their two daughters were born in the following years.

Derick Johnson remained as a Tp Sgt in C Squadron of The RoyalHussars, serving with the UN in Cyprus, in Hong Kong andNorthern Ireland before a short tour with HQ 11 ArmouredBrigade when the regiment moved to Germany.

Derick rejoined the Regiment for the 1974 tour in Northern Ire-land and he was with a patrol outside the Regiment’s normal op-erational area when it was ambushed; SSgt Jock Simpson waskilled, an accompanying RUC officer lost his sight and Derick re-ceived the severe injuries which were to affect the rest of his life.

WO2 Brian Gormley, whose future wife Noelle was the Sister inthe Intensive Care Unit of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfastduring his initial treatment, said in an address at Derick’s funeral:“Derick suffered months – years of operations and treatments. Heendured all this with stoicism and courage. His one wish was toget back to duty as soon as possible and he even managed to visitthe regiment before we returned to Germany. Sadly it became ap-

parent that he would never manage to regain full fitness and hefinished his service with the RAC Junior Leaders’ Regiment atBovington. There he laid down his roots for returning to civilianlife, having been promoted to Staff Sergeant. I never heard Der-ick bemoan his fate or show bitterness over what had happened tohim. I think lesser men would have thrown in the towel. Dereknever did.”

Trooper S J McAllisterThe King’s Royal Hussars 2005 - 2008

Tpr Stewart McAllister was born on23rd May 1988. After enlisting intothe Army in Preston, Tpr McAllisterstarted his Phase 1 training at theArmy Foundation College Harrogatein January 2005. After a year in Har-rogate he moved to Bovington wherehe completed his Armoured Corpsspecific ‘Phase 2’ training. He arrivedat Aliwal Barracks, Tidworth, on 10July 2006 and began his service withD Squadron, The King’s Royal Hus-sars as a Challenger 2 driver. A littlelater he moved to C Squadron and

conducted pre-deployment training for operations in Afghanistanand then Iraq, deploying to Iraq on Operation TELIC 10 May 07.He worked initially as a Scimitar (tracked reconnaissance vehicle)driver in the Maysaan province of Iraq and then subsequently asa Bulldog (tracked armoured troop carrier) driver when theSquadron moved back to Basra province. He flourished duringthe operational tour, developing into a knowledgeable soldier witha great aptitude for driving armoured vehicles.

Following the operational tour he moved to Motor TransportTroop in late 2007, where his driving talents were put to very gooduse. He attended and successfully passed a CAT C driving course(Heavy Goods Vehicle) at the Driver School of Training, Lecon-field, in May 2008 and in July 2008 obtained his certificate to drivevehicles carrying dangerous goods and became a Unit SupportTanker (fuel tanker) driver for Exercise MEDICINE MAN 4. Theexercise took place in Canada over the period August – Septem-ber 2008, where he completed a very successful and challengingmonth living on the Canadian prairie.

Tpr McAllister died in October 2008, in a tragic off duty accidentwhilst still in Canada. He will always be remembered by thosewho knew him as an able and enthusiastic soldier, but much morethan that, his many friends remember him as a thoughtful, con-siderate and utterly genuine colleague who would go out of his wayto help those around him. He loved his weekends away, where hespent the majority of his free time at home in Chorley, Lancashirewith his family and friends.

It is sometimes said that the most zealous and useful who dieyoung, while the dull grow old in their beds. This is certainly trueof Tpr Stewart McAllister, who will be sadly missed by all ranks.


We extend our deepest sympathy to relatives and friends of former members of the Association who have died:

Name Service Dates Date of Death

Tommy Tucker 11H (PAO)Mr J Arrowsmith 11H (PAO) 12 Aug 2007Cpl R J Stokes 14/20H (1944-1948) 27 Oct 20072LT A P H Fradgley 14/20H (1950-1951) 10 Nov 20072LT R C Long 14/20H (1949-1951) 23 Nov 2007Lt M O J Fooks 14/20H (1946-1948) 01 Jan 2008Capt M Gorner 10H (PWO) (1942-1946) 02 Jan 2008LCpl T A R Winks 14/20H(1950-1951) 10H (1951-1952) 02 Feb 2008Sir Philip Payne-Gallwey 11H (PAO) (1955-1961) 03 Feb 2008Maj G E F North 10H(PWO) (1940-1946) 05 Feb 2008Mr R J Shearing 10H(PWO) (1963-1973) 07 Feb 2008Cpl A J Grayston 11H (PAO) (1938-1945) 09 Feb 2008Mrs M Bidgood - Wife of Lt Col J F S Bidgood 10H (PWO) (1961-1962) 11 Feb 2008Mr W Salt 11H (PAO) 22 Feb 2008Mrs L A Hayler – Wife of George Hayler 11H (PAO)(1932-1939) 10H(PWO) (1939-1945) 25 Feb 2008Cpl Eric “Topper” Brown 10H(PWO) (1948-1952) Mar 2008Mr P W Gladwin 14/20H (1950-1952) 14 Mar 2008Mrs M Cobley – Wife of SSgt A. F ‘Tom’ Cobley 11H (PAO) (1938-1960) 15 Mar 2008Sgt C J Braithwaite 14/20H (1942-1946) 17 Mar 2008Mrs D Hodgkinson – Wife of Lt Col George Hodgkinson 11H (PAO) (1944-1969) RH (PWO) (1969-1978) 25 Mar 2008Cpl A L Taylor 10H(PWO) Apr 2008Mr J L Doble 14/20H (1952-1954) 25 Apr 2008Mrs P Greenwood – Wife of SSgt M Greenwood 14/20H (1964-1987) 14 May 2008Mr N Chippendale 11H (PAO) 27 May 2008Lt R D Horsfall 11H (PAO) (1942-1947) 27 May 2008Mr G W J Hill 11H (1943-1947) 05 June 2008Mrs U Stirum – Wife of Maj C P M Van Limburg Stirum 10H (PWO) (1943-1961) 08 June 2008Mr L G Davies OBE MM 11H (PAO) (1941-1946) 16 June 2008Mr D G Stannett 10H (PWO) (1952-1969) 26 June 2008Mr H Jinks 10H (PWO) (1943-1945) June 2008Mr J F Rider 11H (PAO) (1945-1947) 09 July 2008Mrs E Blakiston-Houston – Wife of Maj Gen J Blakiston-Houston 11H(PAO) (1902-1941) 12 July 2008SSgt W R Woodcock 14/20H (1959-1982) 17 July 2008Maj Harry Petch 11H (PAO) (1930-1958) 18 July 2008Maj The Lord Ashton of Hyde TD 11H (PAO) (1948-1965) 02 Aug 2008Mr L G W Reed 10H (PWO) (1960-1969) RH(PWO)(1969-1978) 17 Aug 2008Mr D L Evans 11H(PAO) (1951-1953) 21 Aug 2008Sgt L A Foxcroft 14/20H (1961-1973) 29 Aug 2008Mr J T Maddock 14/20H (1940-1946) 01 Sep 2008Ssgt G G Elliott 14/20H (1945-1968) 11 Sep 2008Sgt R K Huggins 10H(PWO) (1937-1946) 17 Sep 2008Cpl L White 14/20H (1940-145) 22 Sep 2008Mr N W Germain 14/20H (1942-1946) 03 Oct 2008Mr B L Woolnough 11H (PAO) (1946-1958) 10 Oct 2008Maj D E Awdry 10H (PWO) (1943-1945) 11 Oct 2008Capt D A Harries 10H (PWO) (1948-1956) 16 Oct 2008Mr P Hancock - Foster son of Mr John Hewitt 10H (PWO) (1953-1967) 20 Oct 2008Mrs Lilian Bourne – Wife of Albert Bourne 10H (PWO) (1940-1943) 20 Oct 2008Mr T Baugh 10H (PWO) (1939-1946) 21 Oct 2008Sgt FF Lander 14/20H (1931-1937) 26 Oct 2008Tpr S J McAllister KRH (2006-2008) 30 Oct 2008SSgt D Johnson 10H (PWO) (1959-1969) RH(PWO) (1969-1982) 31 Oct 2008Maj A A Race MC 26H (1939-1946) 05 Nov 2008Mr C Stump 11H (PAO) (1934-1942) 2008Mrs M L Cavendish – Wife of Maj Gen P B Cavendish CB OBE 14/20H(1943-1981) 15 Dec 2008Mr G Ellender 14/20H(1927-1942) 16 Dec 2008Mrs J Wilkins – Wife of Capt P J Wilkins 11H (PAO) (1964-1969) RH(PWO 1969-1992) 16 Dec 2008Capt C R Dawnay 10H (PWO) (1953-1965) 28 Dec 2008

LEST WE FORGET


The King’s Royal Hussars2008

Colonel-in-ChiefHer Royal Highness The Princess Royal KG KT GCVO QSO

Colonel of the RegimentCol (Retired) DJB Woodd

Home Headquarters

Chairman of Regimental Association Lt Col (Retired) JRD KayeRegimental Secretary Maj (Retired) RCH BoonAssistant Regimental Secretary Capt (Retired) JC Cornish

Regimental HeadquartersCommanding Officer Lt Col GRMcD Harrison Second-In-Command Maj MS RaynerAdjutant Capt AMA TilneyOperations Officer Capt WD HogkinsonCareer Management Officer Capt MA CaulfieldIntelligence Officer Capt MW BrightwellRegimental Sergeant Major WO1 AJ RutterIntelligence WO WO2 B Hobbs

Headquarters SquadronSHQSqn Ldr Maj WinchcombeSSM WO2 WoodSQMS SSgt BushellCpl ShoresLCpl LawTpr Malone

Recce TroopTp Ldr Capt KayeTp 2iC SSgt BarrowTp Sgt Sgt AshtonCpl BuglassCpl PollardCpl Pople 574Cpl WilkinsonLCpl BoxLCpl Brown 591LCpl Brown 700LCpl CairnsLCpl GrimesLCpl IrwinLCpl Mason 293LCpl MountainLCpl WestwellTpr Beard 695Tpr BowmanTpr ConstantTpr Green 658Tpr GungorTpr Leach 091Tpr NormanTpr Thomas

Command TroopRSO Capt SloanRSWO WO2 RussellBSM SSgt CalvertTp Sgt Sgt DurrantCpl BurnsCpl EadesforthCpl McLeishCpl MurphyLCpl DickensonLCpl EckhardtLCpl EtheringtonLCpl FreitagLCpl HarrisLCpl HoughLCpl MundayLCpl Payne 382LCpl RandallLCpl RymerLCpl SmilesLCpl WhittinghamTpr AltyTpr ArnfieldTpr BefohTpr FarrerTpr FawcettTpr GainfordTpr HamletTpr HolmesTpr Hughes 093Tpr Jerram Tpr McDonald 338

Tpr McKayTpr Murphy 747Tpr Pickering

Quartermaster’s DepartmentQM Capt CollinsRQMS WO2 BlandSgt Arrowsmith Cpl Price 300Cpl AshmoreCpl HodkinsonCpl WilkinsLCpl BennettLCpl LongtonLCpl Simcock

Quartermaster Technical’sDepartmentQM(T) Capt KvesicRQMS(T) WO2 SwordSSgt RutherfordSgt McParlandCpl AlmondCpl BensleyCpl HeapCpl MaloneCpl MillerLCpl BuckleyLCpl LarkinLCpl LockettLCpl Stocks


Motor Transport TroopMTO Capt WillsMTWO WO2 WilsonSgt WeatherbyCpl BourneCpl CaldwellCpl ClaytonCpl GillonCpl MaherCpl PenningCpl ShepherdCpl WarrenLCpl BatesLCpl CampbellLCpl CritchlowLCpl ElliottLCpl HewittLCpl McGloneLCpl Wilkinson Tpr AskinsTpr AstonTpr Cook 804Tpr CooperTpr DewhurstTpr DixonTpr Edgar 101Tpr Green 859Tpr HagleyTpr Howarth 140Tpr MasseyTpr McAllisterTpr NewshamTpr PercivalTpr RatcliffeTpr StancombeTpr SteeleTpr WagstaffTpr Webb 436Tpr Wilkinson 826Tpr WilliamsonTpr Wilton

Training WingTrg Off Capt FordRGSS SSgt RuddickTrg SNCO Sgt FenbyD&M NCO Cpl ChapmanSigs NCO Cpl JolliffePublications Cpl Davis-Bawn

Welfare DepartmentUWO Capt HanrattyUW SNCO Sgt BensonLCpl Pearce

Light Aid DetachmentEME Capt MacLeanASM WO1 KingAQMS WO2 LeeSSgt HatzerSSgt NelsonSSgt ClarkSSgt HoggSSgt JarrettSSgt LilleySSgt O’CarrollSSgt SpinksSSgt WhiteSgt Collins

Sgt CoulsonSgt FewtrellSgt LovejoySgt LynnSgt JonesSgt KeeleySgt MillerSgt ParkerSgt ShearmanCpl MacLeodCpl HarpleyCpl HarrisCpl KalewskiCpl KirwanCpl MadamsCpl MurphyCpl NealCpl HarrisonLCpl BarringtonLCpl CarmichaelLCpl CastelluccioLCpl ClarkLCpl CrockerLCpl CuthbertsonLCpl EgglesdenLCpl FisherLCpl FurnessLCpl GarnerLCpl GarvieLCpl GouldLCpl GroveLCpl GuyattLCpl HoltLCpl JonesLCpl KeenLCpl MatenganzaraLCpl McLuskeyLCpl MuntonLCpl NeedhamLCpl RedfearnLCpl RodgersLCpl SeedhouseLCpl ThickettLCpl Trimlett-GloverLCpl TurbuttCfn AdamsonCfn BuchananCfn DaviesCfn HartCfn HenryCfn HiltonCfn HughesCfn JonesCfn Opoku-AmankwahCfn PaddisonCfn PrimhakCfn WoodsCfn MartinCfn McKevittCfn McLaughlinCfn PhilpCfn RoetsCfn TaylorE2 (Civ) C Bartholomew

Adjutant General’s Department DetachmentMaj DoigCapt LeekSSgt Wilson

SSgt CowdroySgt BrownSgt HernSgt MoranCpl EvansCpl HeathCpl JohnCpl NicholsonLCpl HarrisLCpl HowatLCpl MamafainoaLCpl PhiriPte PricePte Rowntree

Regimental Aid PostRMO Maj FieldhouseCpl JonesCpl MilesLCpl BaldwinLCpl JolliffeLCpl Marrow LCpl Philp

Catering TroopRCWO WO2 MillardSgt AinsworthSgt SmithCpl FranksCpl ScottCpl StonelyCpl ToshLCpl AddisonLCpl DarchevilleLCpl HodgeLCpl LordaPte AlePte HampshirePte GurungPte PikePte Tsikata

Chaplain’s DepartmentRegt Chaplain Padre Burley

Regimental ProvostSgt DebaughnLCpl DayLCpl Leach

Officers’ MessMSM SSgt SinclairTpr BrailsfordTpr Pearce

Warrant Officers’ andSergeants’ MessSgt LeeTpr Jack

Miscellaneous PRI Cpl MacDougallPost NCO Cpl RobinsonStables Cpl PearsonStables Tpr Mcbride


C SquadronSqn Ldr Maj CullinanSqn 2iC Capt HicksSSM WO2 ChildesTp Ldr Lt BoulterTp Ldr 2Lt TysonTp Ldr Sgt OrmondSQMS SSgt DunnSgt BlacklockSgt BraceSgt LloydSgt WhiteCpl DugdaleCpl FarlingCpl HayCpl HendronCpl KennedyCpl McMullenCpl MorleyCpl Wilson

LCpl BaldwinLCpl BurkeLCpl Denton 960LCpl HowarthLCpl NugentLCpl TaylorLCpl ThornleyTpr BaikyTpr BardellTpr BellTpr BeltTpr BlayTpr BrailsfordTpr Daniels 762Tpr Denton 093Tpr EgertonTpr ElyTpr EversTpr Gould

Tpr Green 858Tpr HardacreTpr HodgesTpr HopesTpr KellyTpr Kemp 948Tpr KemptonTpr LinnaneTpr McLaughlanTpr NearyTpr ShortTpr SimlerTpr TabinerTpr WalkerTpr Webb 629Tpr WestTpr Wood 618Tpr Wood 183

A Squadron

B Squadron

Sqn Ldr Maj JacksonSqn 2iC Capt HarrisonSSM WO2 ColemanTp Ldr Lt BourkeTp Ldr Lt GibbsTp Ldr 2Lt HoodTp Ldr SSgt WhittakerSQMS SSgt HargreavesSgt GodfreySgt GreenSgt MacKaySgt ShawCpl BainesCpl BurnieCpl CollierCpl DonaldCpl GillamCpl GilpinCpl SollyCpl YeoLCpl BartonLCpl DavenportLCpl Everiss

LCpl HayLCpl HillLCpl JohnstoneLCpl LaureauLCpl Oliver-HughesLCpl ParkerLCpl RichardsonLCpl RudgeLCpl WintersLCpl WylieTpr AlexanderTpr BawnTpr BondTpr BradfordTpr Brown 134Tpr CritchleyTpr EatoughTpr FallowsTpr FieldTpr FrodshamTpr GagerTpr GeelanTpr Hatton

Tpr HayesTpr HodgsonTpr Hughes 868Tpr MalloyTpr Mason 324Tpr McGlynnTpr MellisTpr MetcalfTpr MorrisonTpr PattonTpr Scott-HakeTpr SeaborneTpr StaffordTpr StansfieldTpr TiffinTpr WalesTpr WardTpr White 847Tpr Wilkinson 468Tpr Wilkinson 655Tpr WoodruffTpr Young 712Tpr Young 748

Sqn Ldr Maj BuczackiSqn 2iC Capt CroftonSSM WO2 Taylor Tp Ldr Lt WarrickTp Ldr Lt PerrottTp Ldr SSgt PortwoodTp Ldr SSgt TaylorSQMS SSgt WildSgt BairdSgt BuddSgt DixSgt LoweCpl BradleyCpl BurnsCpl Hope

Cpl Marshall 408Cpl MartinCpl OmaraCpl RymerCpl Smith 947Cpl SumnerCpl ToveyCpl YoungLCpl BamberLCpl CockerLCpl FordLCpl HoldenLCpl LyonsLCpl MossopLCpl Murphy 882

LCpl O'DonnellLCpl OliverLCpl PeggLCpl PlantLCpl RogersonLCpl SherringtonLCpl Smith 590LCpl TrotmanTpr BarnettTpr BartonTpr BeecherTpr CallonTpr CarrTpr CarterTpr Carter


Tpr ChadwickTpr DyerTpr GidzinskiTpr HambletonTpr HannonTpr Hughes 238Tpr JacksonTpr Kates

Tpr Leach 510Tpr LewisTpr LomaxTpr MarriottTpr MorecombeTpr PepperdTpr PercivalTpr Pilling

Tpr RadcliffeTpr Smith 054Tpr ThorntonTpr VerthTpr VesseyTpr WebleyTpr WilliamsTpr Young

D Squadron

Sqn Ldr Maj MacGregorSqn 2iC Capt PerowneSSM WO2 LoftusTp Ldr Lt AdkinTp Ldr Lt GarrettTp Ldr 2Lt BeattieTp Ldr Sgt AllenSQMS SSgt ShearmanSgt ClarkSgt CloughSgt SercombeSgt SilveyCpl AstleyCpl CallandCpl DuxburyCpl HollandCpl HudsonCpl KendallCpl LeeCpl Pople 803Cpl SimpsonCpl SullivanCpl Thompson

LCpl AtkinsonLCpl Cook 916LCpl HullahLCpl MulchayLCpl PerkinLCpl RoundLCpl SaundersLCpl Smith 096LCpl StringerTpr BarfordTpr BaronTpr BeggTpr BradburyTpr BuckleTpr Davies 572Tpr DrugganTpr Dunkerley-EdwardsTpr DynesTpr Edgar 558Tpr EdmonsonTpr FreerTpr FremontTpr Giles

Tpr GoodwinTpr GrimshawTpr GrumettTpr HumeTpr Jones 393Tpr Kemp 005Tpr KirkbrideTpr KulikTpr LaneTpr LeesTpr MathewsTpr OllerheadTpr ParkerTpr Payne 287Tpr SargeantTpr SouthTpr StanfordTpr SuttonTpr VernonTpr White 477Tpr Woodbine

Officers at ERE

Col (Retd) DJB Woodd Chairman of Trustees of KRH Museums in Winchester and Preston

Lt Col (Retd) JRD Kaye Chairman of Regimental Association

Brig (Retd) RWH Sutcliffe Regimental TrusteeLt Col (Retd) AJQ Powell Regimental TrusteeJJ Nunn Regimental TrusteeLt Gen ARD Shirreff CBE COMARRCMaj Gen AJ Bradshaw OBE MOD A BlockBrig JJ Powe OBE Comd IMATTBrig MWE Wade CBE Comd 145 (HC) BdeBrig TC Allen Comd CTC LWCCol AFB Ashbrooke Principal Consultant (BPR)

MCSACol CHD Darell Defence Attache, RomeCol JNN Orr DCDC (Pers) DD OM

STRATCol NGT Polley SMA (Land)Col SWG Suchanek Team Leader DC IPT DLOLt Col STW Bridge SO1 Info Ops, Old War

Office, MODLt Col CHD Danvers SO1 BLO, Officer de Liaison

BritanniqueLt Col PDW Garbutt SO1 SOTD, LWCLt Col N Grant-Thorold SO1 Land Concepts DCDCLt Col JAF Howard Deputy President AOSBLt Col NW Hunter Commanding Officer, The

Queen’s Own Yeomanry

Lt Col HRD Joynson Op TELICLt Col JDS Moir MBE SO1 Experimentation, LWCLt Col ATL Potts SO1 Offr RAC MCM DivLt Col JJ Rogers OBE Comd, HQ DTE

Pembrokeshire Lt Col RAU Todd CO, ATR WinchesterMaj N Bercham SO2 O&D HQ DRACMaj JEM Carey-Hughes Trg Maj RMLYMaj JCV Denning Comdt JSPC (N)Maj EM Halffman OC 12 CTTMaj IJ Hardbattle CMO AFC (H)Maj AC Harman Msn Sp Br LWCMaj TM Holloway SO2 G3 Media Ops HQ 3

(UK) DivMaj RE Kalewski ACA (S) AFCO Maj JNJ Kingsford SO2 FRES Initial, EC GMMaj TG Mallinson 2iC, The Queen’s Royal

HussarsMaj JG Peachey SO3 G7 CIS CTGUKMaj DM Oliver SO2 CSS CATT (G)Maj S Penkethman SO2 CSS (Trg) HQ BATUSMaj NCL Perry OC M SqnMaj GRO Preston SO2 G5 Plans HQ 5 DivMaj JM Senior SO2 Reserves DRFCMaj AE Sharman Trg Maj RWYMaj I Simpson SO2 Comms and

Veh Systems, ATDUMaj RO Slack OBE SO2 Iraq Ops 3 MODMaj CDW Smith SO2 Armd Tactics Wing, RSA


Soldiers at EREWO1 Towell Corps RSM, DRACWO1 Kennedy RSM ICSC(L)WO1 Witham RSMI Ranges, AFV Gnry SchWO2 Baker CRT BovingtonWO2 Bell 40 CTT (Fulwood Bks)WO2 Bellman Tayforth UOTCWO2 Danson Defence Acadamy WO2 Jessup ChicksandsWO2 Penkethman CIS SchoolWO2 Pomfret ATR(H)WO2 Price CyprusWO2 Rodmell LWC TDTWO2 Rogers 1 Mech BdeWO2 Wade Royal YeomanaryWO2 Whittaker HQ DRACSSgt Andrew BATUSSSgt Brannick D Sqn RMLYSSgt Farmer DRACSSgt Hill BATUSSSgt Robinson C Sqn, RWXYSSgt Slaternth RAC(V) Gnry TeamSSgt Spyers RAC Export Support TeamSSgt Weekes D Sqn RMLYSgt Addison 19 CTTSgt Bretherton ACIO PortsmouthSgt Briscoe D&M SchSgt Davies Gnry SchSgt Deacon CIS SchSgt Garner Sqn RWxYSgt Godwin AFCO PrestonSgt Grief 4 CTTSgt Hepworth 7CTTSgt Jagger RMASSgt Kostilek ARRCSgt Lancaster CIS SchSgt Maclean W Sqn RYSgt Mitty Gnry Sch

Sgt Nowell D&M SchSgt O‘ Donnell B Sqn, RWxYSgt Oldfield 40 Regt, RASgt Pendlebury ART, PrestonSgt Preston Gnry SchSgt Price Gnry SchSgt Spyers RWxYSgt Underwood CIS SchSgt Warren D&M SchSgt Whitehill URBAN OPS WG BGTUSgt Woods 40 CTTA/Cpl Saunders ATR (W)Cpl Bohana ATDUCpl Booth RAC Trg RegtCpl Breen ATR (W)Cpl Davies RAC Trg RegtCpl Goodson RAC Trg RegtCpl Hinton RAC Trg RegtCpl Hocking ATR WinchesterCpl Hurst AFC (H)Cpl Jones BATUSCpl Marshall RAC Trg RegtCpl Oakes ATR (B)LCpl Bateson ART BicesterLCpl Daniels IMATT Sierra LeoneLCpl Duckworth ATR (B)LCpl Harrison ART ChepstowLCpl Hodgson ATR (W)LCpl Palmer ART 42 Bde PrestonLCpl Parr HQ 145 (HC) BDELCpl Ruse LWCTpr Beardart ChepstowTpr Mathews HQ SOINC(A) - BOWMAN

TRIALS TEAMTpr Scott CRT Bovington

Troop Leader’s Course2Lt J Scott2Lt R Reid

RMASOCdt F ClarkOCdt T MogerOCdt D Welford

Maj JRL Smith ICSC (L) JSCSCMaj CAJ Valdes-Scott SO2 Armr DIS, Old War OfficeMaj HAO Wicks SI AFV CIS SchoolMaj CJM Williams MBE COS 16 AA BdeMaj D Wild BEM Base QM PRB GuterslohMaj HJ Willis 2 I/C, The Light DragoonsMaj MN Wilkinson SO2 Ops/O&D HQ AGCapt APGR The Earl of

Ulster Media Ops HQ 1 Mech BdeCapt TC Banks SO3 ITAT Ch ISTAR

Capt BEH Bishop Rotary Wing Pilots CourseCapt E Hodges ADC COMARRCCapt BNA Grey SO3 J3 Man OpsCapt JC Hay SO3 Instr G1/G4 BOWTAG (JT)Capt RM Hope-Hawkins SO3 G3 Ops/O&D HQ 7

Armd BdeCapt LE Lewis SO3 ITAT 2CH ISTARCapt AHL Michael SO3 Ops/Lans 152 PSECapt AT Ponde SO3 J3 Ops HQ 16 AA BdeCapt WR Wythe Pl Comd AFC (H)

Births and MarriagesThe following lists contain those births and marriages that the Welfare Office were made aware of, apologies to those

unintentionally omitted.

Cpl Price and Miss Claire Kellow Kalin 2 Jan 08Cpl and Mrs Pople Molly 13 Jan 08Maj and Mrs Grey James 18 Jan 08Tpr Tabiner and Miss Grey Elsi 19 Jan 08

LCpl and Mrs Thorpe Lola 4 Mar 08Cpl and Mrs Young Nathan 18 Mar 08Sgt and Mrs Ainsworth Ruby 22 Mar 08Maj and Mrs Michael Bertie 6 Apr 08

Births


Cpl Daniel Sumner and Mrs Rebecca Sumner 14 Jul 07 LCpl John Rowntree and Miss Gemma Hornby 28 Mar 08LCpl Mark Baldwin and Miss Janine Taylor 29 Mar 08Tpr Andrew Hannan and Miss Jenna Blaxill 02 May 08Cpl Liam Kennedy and Miss Susan Davies 10 May 08Cpl Michael O’Donnell and Miss Charlotte May Chave 14 Jun 08Tpr Christopher Giles and Miss Hannah Jubb 27 Jun 08Capt James Cadbury and Miss Isabel Buchanan-Jardine 28 Jun 08Tpr Nicholas Bawn and Miss Kerry-Ann Cavanagh 05 Jul 08LCpl Ross Whittingham and Miss Stephanie Hall 12 Jul 08Sgt Dave Moran and Mrs Nadia Moran 02 Aug 08 Cpl James Young and Miss Victoria Miller 02 Aug 08Tpr Matthew Parker and Miss Natalie Davies 09 Aug 08Maj Matt Wilkinson and Miss Sarah White 06 Sep 08Capt Peter Perowne and Miss Cathy Sawyer 15 Nov 08Capt Gemma Leek and Mr Matthew Jones 22 Nov 08Tpr Daniel Payne and Miss Louise Waistell 06 Dec 08LCpl Ford and Miss Joanne Ball 20 Dec 08

Maj Matt and Sarah Wilkinson.

Capt Peter and Cathy Perowne.

Marriages

Maj and Mrs J Smith Scarlet 26 Apr 08Sgt and Mrs Barrow Kaitlyn 26 Apr 08Maj and Mrs Sharman Matilda 14 May 08Capt and Doc Banks William 6 Jul 08Cfn and Mrs Garner Chloe 15 Jul 08 LCpl and Mrs Carins Theo 31 Jul 08SSgt and Mrs Sweatman Samuel 18 Aug 08Sgt and Mrs O’Donnell Finley 30 Aug 08Maj and Mrs Valdes-Scott Orlando 20 Sep 08LCpl and Mrs Everiss Harrison 26 Sep 08LCpl Murphy and Miss Hudson Evie 29 Sep 08Cpl and Mrs Maher Arron 14 Oct 08Maj and Mrs Holloway Bertie 15 Oct 08 Cpl and Mrs Kalewski Dylan 25 Oct 08LCpl and Mrs Munday Leon 30 Oct 08

Pte and Mrs Tsikata Brian 31 Oct 08Sgt and Mrs Smith Amy-Lee 3 Nov 08Tpr and Mrs Befoh Liberty De Silver 6 Nov 08Sgt Hern and Miss Ridgard Alexander 8 Nov 08Maj and Mrs Cullinan Jemima 18 Nov 08Cpl and Mrs Hinton Oliver 20 Nov 08Tpr and Mrs Stansfield Illyria 25 Nov 08LCpl and Mrs Atkinson Lucy 27 Nov 08Sgt Dix and Miss Hughes Faith 09 Dec 08LCpl and Mrs Plant Riley 20 Dec 08Maj and Mrs Kingsford Poppy 25 Dec 08SSgt and Mrs Taylor Daisy 29 Dec 08LCpl and Mrs Stocks Bailey 29 Dec 08Cpl and Mrs Malone Hayden 30 Dec 08Cpl and Mrs Sumner Adam 30 Dec 08

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