here - Greater London Reserve Forces` and Cadets

WINTER
2015/16
LONDON
BRIDGE
The Journal of the Reserve Forces’ and
Cadets’ Association for Greater London
IN THIS ISSUE:
Gold and Silver Awards for London organisations
Supporting the National Citizen Service
Bomb Disposal – BD75 commemorations
Reservist honoured by Sikh community
Canoe Slalom World Championships
www.glrfca.org
Contents
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3
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5
6
7
8
10
11
12
13
14
15
> View from the Bridge
16
>
Lord Mayor honours Reservists
> Briefing for HR specialists
> 600 Squadron Marking Milestones
17
18
19
> 600 Squadron Parachute School
> Ex TITANIUM FALCON 15
20
21
22
23
24
> London Poppy Day
> Employer Engagement update
> National League Signing
> Gun Salute for Chinese State Visit
> Exercise SHARPE SHOOTER
> Gold and Silver Awards > National Citizen Service
> Royal Yeomanry Veterans Party
> Lord Mayor’s Show
> HAC Awards
> HAC Ex VAMBRACE HORIZON
> 106 Regiment Slalom Champion
> Supporting 16 Air Assault Brigade
> 101 Regiment BD75
> Sapper Blanchard Challenge
>
DIY SOS
> Employer Reception
> 144 Para Med Sharing Best Practice
> 103 REME Honing Field Skills
VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE
Colonel Hugh Purcell Chief Executive
Opportunity beckons as a result of
the good news that much of the 2015
Strategic Defence and Security Review
will redress the faults of the 2010
Review and the Government’s
commitment to sustain the NATO
target of spending 2% of GDP on
Defence. However, some capability
enhancements will not be usable
until 2025 which, coupled with the
requirement to deliver major
efficiencies over the period, can only
increase the challenges faced by this
generation of military personnel.
Keeping ahead of the times will be
possible if RFCAs also have the opportunity
to reinvest – the Paterson Review made this
point – and an efficiency of 5% may be
achievable within our current manpower
count, should such a figure be required.
However, with reinvestment, any new
model would probably look similar to what
we have already, provided we remain both
imaginative and innovative. There is the
potential as an Arm’s Length Body to
operate more as a Regional Association
and to make better use of our Professional
Support Staff to provide more services.
The carrot is reinvestment, but failure
to make demonstrable efficiencies will
undoubtedly be penalised by the
Treasury. As some military programmes
are currently unaffordable, we wait to
see where the pain will fall, especially
as manpower ceilings will be uplifted
slightly and Cadet Strategy 2020 has
been endorsed.
Examples are a cadet administrative
support model for the ACF and ATC,
building on the current 4Cs model and
provision of ‘best value’ across London’s
estate by delivering work on the Regular
estate as well; building on six current
projects – two earlier projects having
been delivered to specification, on time
and within budget, to the satisfaction of
the customer.
>
151 Regiment Courier Awards
> Liaising with the US Army
> Reservist receives Sikh Honour
> 135 Geo Squadron in Mongolia
> OP TRIG MED
> The LONDONS
Commemorate Loos
> It’s a Wrap!
> Royal Yeomanry
Ex COCKNEY TOUBKAL
••• Stop PRESS ••• Stop PRESS •••
Huge congratulations
to Major Henry Dowlen of RMR London who
was awarded ‘Best Reservist’ at the Sun’s
‘Millies’on 24 January.
London Bridge and Cadet London Bridge are published twice a year
– in January and July. We always welcome feedback, so if you have any
comments or suggestions please contact us. Equally if you would like to
submit an article for future issues of either newsletter, please email it by
1 December or 1 June to Mark Demery:
gl-comms@rfca.mod.uk or call 020 7384 4676
> 256 Field Hospital
Passing out from Sandhurst
> 150 years in Braganza Street
> 3 MI Battalion Ex COCKNEY SKADI
> 7 RIFLES Display Webb Ellis Cup
> WW1 Soldier’s Tale update
> Scotland – Coast to Coast
> Alternative Venues
£100
The best article in London Bridge submitted by a
unit or individual will receive £100. The star
article for this issue can be found on page 20.
Front Cover
Gunner Greg Pitt from 106 (Yeomanry) Regiment
RA taking part in the 2015 Canoe Slalom World
Championships for Team GB.
Edited, designed & produced by DNA Ltd. www.dnal.co.uk
LONDON
POPPY DAY
On London Poppy Day, as always, there was a
splendid turn out of Reserves and Cadets
collecting money at tube and mainline stations
throughout London. 600 Squadron targeted British
Airways headquarters at Waterside where ten
Reservists joined with colleagues from British
Airways and a party from RAF Halton to raise an
amazing £13,000. The total collected by Armed
Forces personnel in London – Regular and Reserve
– plus Cadets and Veterans was £850,000.
LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
3
Niall Ahern –
Employer Engagement
update
Although we are now in 2016, it’s important to look
back at an incredibly successful events programme
in 2015. Just a few highlights have been selected
for you in this edition of London Bridge.
All of these wouldn’t have been possible without the Regular, Reservist
and Cadet Instructors who turn up to help ensure these events go
smoothly for employers. Thank you for all your work in 2015 and we
look forward to replicating a similar successful events programme
throughout 2016.
In addition to events, 2015 built on the success of the inaugural year
of the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
For the Greater London region, 18 organisations were successful
in obtaining the prestigious Silver Award ranging from small charities
to international banks and professional bodies. Successful organisations
were treated to an exclusive afternoon at RAF Northolt – see page 6.
On 14 January, 16 national Gold Award winners were announced and
received their Award in Downing Street. Nominations for 2016 will be
open soon and we encourage all readers to nominate organisations
large and small through the dedicated ERS website (details below).
Finally, some of our readers will have heard that the SaBRE Campaign
(Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers), which had been
running for over 12 years, has now come to an end. In its place,
Defence Relationship Management (DRM) has now taken on defence
engagement initiatives. Having started in response to call outs during
the OP TELIC & HERRICK years, defence employer engagement has
now progressed and covers several other elements that SaBRE simply
Greater London RFCA has added its name to the growing list
of organisations that have signed up to the Armed Forces
Covenant. The Covenant was signed by GL RFCA’s Chairman,
Colonel Marc Overton, a business leader and senior Army
Reservist and GL RFCA’s Chief Executive, Colonel Hugh Purcell.
couldn’t encompass. DRM continues to support Reservists and
employers in exactly the same way SaBRE did, but now includes
support to service leavers, Cadet Instructors, spousal employment
and the wounded, injured and sick. Throughout 2016, you will begin
to see the MOD logo and brand being used more widely.
If you would like to get in touch about any of our events or defence
initiatives please contact me via my email or the web link below.
Niall Ahern
Regional Employer Engagement Director for Greater London
Email: gl-empsp@rfca.mod.uk
Web: www.gov.uk/mod/employer-relations
A National
League
The National League, which covers the fifth and sixth
tiers of football in England and Wales, has joined
an ever-growing list of leading organisations (over
800) in signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant.
The event took place at Horse Guards with the Chairman, Brian
Barwick, signing on behalf of The National League and Major General
John Crackett, Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff, signing on behalf
of the Armed Forces.
Further recognising the close link between the Army and the game of
football, two players from Aldershot Town – the home of the British
Army – were present alongside soldiers from the London Irish
Regiment and HQ London District. 100 years ago members of both
these were among those soldiers who took a break from hostilities on
the Western Front to play the ‘beautiful game’ – the WW1 Christmas
football match which has become an icon of how sport can transform
lives, even those enduring the horrors of war.
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LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
Aldershot Town are the first football club to sign the Covenant with
others of the 68 member clubs planning to sign individual pledges at
the League’s half-yearly conference in Telford in January.
EMPLOYERS OBSERVE
A ROYAL GUN
SALUTE
Employers who support defence initiatives and who
have an interest in China were given the exclusive
opportunity to observe a Royal Gun Salute in honour of
the State Visit by the President of The People’s Republic
of China, Mr Xi Jinping and Madame Peng Liyuan. Soldiers from the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired a 41-Gun Salute
in Green Park – just after midday on Tuesday 20 October. At the same time,
Army Reserve Soldiers from the Honourable Artillery Company fired a
41-Gun Salute at the Tower of London.
The guests, hosted by GL RFCA, included representatives from Alexander
Hughes, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch, BNY Mellon, Bouygyes, CBRE,
ICBC Standard Bank, J.P.Morgan, London Chamber of Commerce and
Industry, Marsh, Moody’s Investors Services and Standard Chartered Bank.
They watched as the 68 soldiers with 86 horses from the King’s Troop Royal
Horse Artillery pulled the six guns into position for firing the 41-Gun Salute
– which took place at eight minutes past the stroke of midday. This was the
exact moment when the President of China was received by HM The Queen.
After the Salute, the guests saw the Royal procession return to Buckingham
Palace, escorted by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
Metropolitan Police Team Scoops Top Prize
Ten teams from Greater London’s employers got
together at the Honourable Artillery Company in
October to battle it out at 2015’s Exercise SHARPE
SHOOTER. The winning team from the Metropolitan Police Service joined
runners-up from PwC with teams from Defence Relationship
Management, Financial Reporting Council, GL RFCA, J.P. Morgan,
Moody’s Investor Services, Morgan Stanley, International Bankers
and UK Power Networks.
Hosted by the City of London Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association,
SHARPE SHOOTER is the annual indoor military skills competition at
which London organisations are given a chance to compete against
each other in a fun and friendly military environment. The aim of the
event is to promote and generate awareness of the Volunteer Reserve
Forces among London employers, many of which have employees
serving as Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
During the course of the evening each team visited 10 stands run
by some of London’s Reserve Forces units. Scoring and guides
were provided by the First Aid Nursing Yeomanry and the
University of London Officer Training Corps and the Silver
Salvers, for the winners and runners-up, were kindly provided by
The Worshipful Company of International Bankers.
LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
5
Prime Minister thanks employers
for supporting the Armed Forces
On Thursday 14 January, the
Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon,
recognised employers who provide
outstanding support to the Armed
Forces and presented Gold Awards
to the winners of the Ministry of
Defence’s Employer Recognition
Scheme (ERS). These organisations
later met the Prime Minister at
No.10 Downing Street.
Businesses who hold ERS Gold Awards proactively
advocate and support the Armed Forces community,
both internally to employees and externally to the
wider community. They have introduced HR
policies to encourage the recruitment of Armed
Forces personnel, spouses and veterans, and
they enable Reservists to fulfil their annual
training commitments or support them during
mobilisation.
This year the Gold Awards focused on
commitments to employ Reservists, veterans,
and Forces family members. The winners from
London were: Deloitte, J.P. Morgan and PwC.
J.P. Morgan run a market-leading Ex-Military
Internship Programme to help service leavers of
all ranks transition into successful careers in the
private sector, whilst PwC have created a ‘Military
Network’ which provides invaluable guidance to
those transitioning out of the Forces and the veterans
and reservists employed throughout the firm.
Defence Secretary, Michael Fallon, said “Support
from these organisations is making a real
difference to our Armed Forces community. They
are ensuring that the men and women who have
done and continue to do so much for our nation
are treated fairly. Whether allowing Reservists the
time to train, providing jobs or supporting veterans
and spouses, these companies embody what the
Armed Forces Covenant is about. I am delighted to
thank them for their unwavering support.’’
London companies receive
the Silver Award
Reservists additional leave to attend training;
advertising jobs to Service Leavers; offering work
placements or interviews to veterans and
encouraging staff to join the Reserve Forces or to
become a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer.
Presenting the awards on behalf of the three
Services were Commodore Andrew Jameson,
Commander Maritime Reserves, Major General
Edward Smyth-Osborne, General Officer
Commanding London District and Air
Commodore Dom Toriati, Air Commodore
Air Staff. 18 London-based businesses were
invited by the Ministry of Defence to
RAF Northolt to receive a Silver Award
in recognition of their outstanding
support to Defence.
Julian Brazier MP, Minister for Reserves, welcomed
the employers and said: “It is wonderful to see so
many organisations representing private and public
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LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
sector excellence supporting the Armed Forces.
It is really important for Reservists to know they
have supportive employers, and for Service
spouses and veterans to know that they too
have the support of their employers.”
The 18 companies receiving the Silver Award all
employ Reservists and have actively demonstrated
their support for Defence personnel. Some of the
ways companies can do this include offering
The companies presented with Silver Awards
were: AECOM, Amey, ATOS, BNY Mellon,
Bouygues, Brent Council, Department for Work
and Pensions, Domestic and General, HMRC,
KPMG, Kuehne + Nagel, Metropolitan Police
Service, Network Rail, Royal Free Hospital, SAAB,
The London Vape Company, The Warrior
Programme and Triforce Recruitment.
The event was organised by GL RFCA with
support from RAF Northolt.
SUPPORTING
THE NATIONAL CITIZEN SERVICE
The National Citizen Service
(NCS) is a once in a lifetime part
residential experience open to all
16 to 17 year olds across England
and Northern Ireland. The
programme helps young people
build skills for work and life while
taking on exciting challenges,
making new friends and
contributing to their community. Groups of students taking part in the NCS
had the opportunity to visit Reserve units
in Greater London. A group from Croydon
went to 151 Regiment RLC where they
were introduced to a professional military
environment and met officers and soldiers
from the Regiment as well as seeing some
of the vehicles they use. The students also
presented a social action project to a panel
from the Regiment.
Captain Derek Gregory from 151 Regiment,
who helped co-ordinate the Croydon visit,
said, “The group had a well thought-out plan
and delivered their presentation professionally.
Collectively, the group had a constructive
answer to every thought process challenged
by the military panel. The exercise clearly
demonstrated the group’s ability to plan and
work as a team – very much the qualities sought
after by the Army.”
Another group from Bromley went to 265 (Home
Counties) Air Assault Battery, 106 (Yeomanry)
Regiment Royal Artillery based at Grove Park.
As well as having a tour of the missile training
facilities, gyms, vehicles and specialist
equipment, the students were given presentations
on the values and standards of the British Army
which acted as a point of reference for an
interactive workshop on the qualities of an
employee. They also presented a campaign idea
around a social action project; to raise
awareness of homeless youths and, healthy
eating on a budget.
Six groups of young people from Tower
Hamlets were hosted by HMS PRESIDENT.
The groups had to give a ‘Dragons Den’ style
presentation on a social action project to a
panel of Naval staff and were given a tour of
the facilities at the Naval base, where they
met personnel from Naval Regional Command,
the University of London Royal Naval Unit,
Sea Cadets and the Royal Naval Reserve.
Royal Yeomanry Veterans Christmas Party
Army Reserves from The Royal
Yeomanry and 150 Recovery
Company (REME), based at Mitcham
Road Barracks in Croydon, hosted a
group of Second World War and
Korean War veterans plus others from
the Royal British Legion at a special
Christmas party.
The guests were treated to festive fayre with Christmas
Carols and military music played by The Band of
the Royal Yeomanry. Other attendees included
the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Croydon,
Colonel (Ret’d) Ian McRobbie DL, the Deputy
Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Wayne Lawlor and
Councillor Emily Benn, Croydon Council’s Armed
Forces Champion.
Daphne Clarke, 94 (above), accompanied by her
sister Pauline Youthed, enjoyed the opportunity
to meet up with some old comrades and share
stories and reminisce about the old times.
Daphne, probably the only remaining female
survivor to have served in Normandy on D-Day,
was a secretary with 21 Army Group under
Montgomery. Originally from Upper Norwood,
she was too young to enlist at the age of 19
and had to have special permission from her
parents. She said “I didn’t have to go, I didn’t even
have to join up but I was so proud of my country, I
felt I had to do it.” Daphne spent time in France,
Holland, Germany and Belgium where she
experienced dreadful conditions including a bitterly
cold winter in Brussels, staying in the unheated
former Gestapo Headquarters, where she and many
others contracted pneumonia. Even though she
was offered repatriation, she refused. Daphne wrote
many letters home which are now kept at the
Imperial War Museum and are available for anyone
who would like to read about her experiences.
LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
7
LORD MAYOR’S SHOW
The Lord Mayor’s Show can trace its history back to the
sealing of the Magna Carta when King John agreed that
the City of London could have its own Lord Mayor
provided he swear allegiance to the Monarch and ‘show’
himself to the people.
To celebrate the 800th anniversary of the Lord Mayor’s
Show, more than 7,000 people, 173 horses, 140 vehicles,
marching bands and floats representing school children,
businesses, Livery Companies and community groups
paraded from Mansion House to the Royal Courts of
Justice and back to Mansion House via Victoria
Embankment. The world famous St Mary-le-Bow
church bells rang out a special 800-change at noon. 8
LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
The original Lord Mayor’s journey was always taken by river. The new
Lord Mayor, Alderman Lord Mountevans, celebrated that history by
travelling to the City in a splendid flotilla of traditional Thames barges
and small boats accompanied by Sea Cadets.
Tower Bridge opened in salute and the new Lord Mayor then alighted
at HMS PRESIDENT to be greeted by the Commanding Officer,
Commander John Herriman, before inspecting the Guard of Honour.
He subsequently met AB Dawid Wozniak from the City of London SCC
(HMS Belfast), who is a Lord Mayor’s Cadet for 2015/2016, before
participating in the traditional rum ceremony “up spirits”.
101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment (EOD) formed the Guard of
Honour for the Parade, ahead of which the Lord Mayor presented the
Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Dickie Hawkins, with a
ceremonial Scroll granting the Regiment ‘City Privileged Regiment’ status.
LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
9
THE HONOURABLE ARTILLERY COMPANY
In July last year, in front of friends and family, the
Minister for Reserves, Julian Brazier MP, presented
Operational Service Medals (OSMs) to members of
the HAC who had served on Operations in Afghanistan,
(Op HERRICK) and during the Ebola crisis (Op GRITROCK).
also a trained musician, teaching music and playing in an
orchestra in Lincolnshire. Matt was deployed as part of the Band
of the Royal Armoured Corps. One of the highlights of his tour
was to take part in the last Remembrance Day service held in
Khandahar, attended by Prince Harry.
In addition, Volunteer Reserve Service Medals (VRSMs) and Clasps
were presented to five HAC soldiers who had completed 10 or
more year’s loyal service.
Another recipient of the OSM was Lieutenant Nic Clark (pictured
7th from right) who served on Op GRITROCK, working alongside
volunteers from all over the world during the Ebola crisis in Sierra
Leone. He deployed with the Regular Army working as part of a
mobile team that assessed the state of Ebola screening
checkpoints along the Guinea/Sierra Leone border.
One of the recipients of the OSM was Lance Sergeant Matt Quick
(pictured 5th from left), the only Army Reserve Musician to have
served on Op HERRICK. He is an infantryman with the HAC but
communications specialists. The second, Enabling Troop, brings together
all the specialist logistics posts from across the HAC Squadrons into a
centre of excellence to provide agile and robust sustainment to the Regiment.
The Regiment also conducted a guns course, run by their Regular
counterparts at 7 PARA RHA, which qualified soldiers from the HAC’s
newly-formed PARA Gun Troop for Light Gun STRIKE level 2.
This exercise was significant in many ways. The training took place almost
exclusively on private land and included participation from no less than
18 external military units and civilian agencies. There was significant
cooperation with the civilian authorities including the Isle of Wight Council
and emergency services. The civilian population were also engaged with
from the start by the HAC info-ops team establishing connections to the
Island media outlets and Civil-Military Co-operation (CIMIC) teams
conducting door-to-door engagement with local communities.
The HAC conducted its Annual Training Period with
Exercise VAMBRACE HORIZON, a test of its developing
Surveillance and Target Acquisition (STA) skills, on
the Isle of Wight. The Exercise was designed to test
the concept of the HAC’s ongoing role and assess the
performance of sub-units, some of which had only
recently been formed.
The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jim Doherty, said: “Exercise
VAMBRACE HORIZON was an impressive and challenging undertaking,
about which the HAC should be rightly proud. The Exercise has set the
standard for unit-delivered training in the Army Reserve (and in fact the
Army in general) and it continues to demonstrate how the HAC is the
exemplar when it comes to unit activity and, therefore, recruiting, retention
and the other fringe things that are crucial to continued success.”
Having simulated a real overseas operation by travelling on an MC-130
Hercules from RAF Mildenhall to the South Coast, courtesy of the Special
Operations Wing of the US Air Force, the Regiment spent two days training
for the exercise at Thorney Island before moving across the Solent.
Curious residents on the Isle of Wight lifted their eyes skywards as the
first move of US Air Force CV-22 Osprey helicopters flew overhead, while
the main elements of the task force landed at Yarmouth aboard mexeflotes
from the military port at Marchwood.
The exercise then moved into distinct operational phases as the Regiment
tested the STA skills and those of the supporting elements that have been
developed since its re-role last year. The first, Communications and
Information Systems (CIS) Troop, has given the Regiment its own
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LONDON BRIDGE WINTER
2013
2015/16
General Sir Richard Barrons, Commander Joint Forces Command
and also Colonel Commandant and President of the HAC, addresses
members of Enabling Troop
106 (YEOMANRY) REGIMENT RA
Slalom Champion
Gunner Greg Pitt, an Army Reservist with 106 (Yeomanry)
Regiment Royal Artillery, took part in the Canoe Slalom
World Championships at the Lee Valley Olympic Course
in September for Team GB. His canoe was funded by the
Regiment with assistance from GL RFCA. Team GB won
the Bronze Medal in the Men’s C2x3 SENIOR.
Greg has an impressive track record having previously competed in four
World and seven European Championships, consistently winning team
medals – top 15 in all Championships Individual Class; five times Senior GB
Slalom Athlete (2010-2015); previously under 23 level for GB, Junior
World Bronze Medallist and European Silver Medallist. He just missed out
on qualifying for Rio and so his current focus is on Tokyo and being
competitive on the championship circuit.
On the military side, in July 2015 Gunner Pitt passed Bravo – the 2-week
Phase One course designed to be the climax of an Army Reserve recruit’s
training – and is continuing with trade training and promotional courses,
making use of the facilities and opportunities offered by the Army, both
Regular and Reserve.
Supporting
16 Air Assault
Brigade
265 (Home Counties) Air Assault Battery, part of
106 Regiment, now wear the maroon beret of the
Parachute Regiment.
mentally and physically challenging All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection
course – the first step towards earning the famous parachute wings and
becoming a fully qualified Airborne Gunner.
265 Battery is affiliated with Regular Army counterparts 12 (Minden)
Battery Royal Artillery of 12 Regiment Royal Artillery. The two units
work together to support 16 Air Assault Brigade, the Army’s high
readiness rapid response force. As part of the closer affiliation between
the two, there will be extra training and the opportunity for members of
265 Battery, who are based in Grove Park, to secure a place on the
Addressing the Battery, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Birch, Commanding
Officer 7 Parachute Regiment RHA, welcomed the members of 265
Battery to 16 Air Assault Brigade. He said “The maroon beret signifies
the link that exists between us, our relationship, history, capability and
joint pride in what we do. It takes hard work to earn the right to wear
the beret. I urge you to take the opportunity to get your wings.”
LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
11
101 (CITY OF LONDON) ENGINEER REGIMENT (EOD)
2015 marked 75 years of Bomb Disposal (BD75) and
to commemorate the anniversary, a series of events
took place, primarily to honour the fallen but also,
to raise funds for three deserving charities: Blesma,
Walking with the Wounded and The Royal Engineers
Benevolent Fund. Together with 33 Engineer Regiment, 101 Engineer Regiment set
themselves a target of £75,000 which they have now more than exceeded.
The events included a concert at Saffron Walden Hall hosted by The Corps
Band and supported by the Wimbish Military Wives Choir and Jools
Holland, the Regimental Honorary Colonel; also a charity boxing match,
‘Battle of Bethnal Green’ held in May; the Service of Remembrance at
St Paul’s Cathedral in October and providing the Guard of Honour at the
Lord Mayor’s Show in November. All these events provided veterans and
serving officers and soldiers from both regiments many opportunities to
remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The year culminated with 101
Engineer Regiment (EOD) being
granted the very rare honour of
‘City Privileged Regiment’ status
by the City of London which has
been granted on only 10 prior
occasions in the last 600 years.
Raising Funds
in memory of Sapper Blanchard
Reservists from 221 Field Squadron
(EOD) in Catford took part in their
annual charity event in memory
of Sapper Will Blanchard, a fellow
soldier killed in action in
Afghanistan in October 2010. Challenge. 2015’s charity, Walking with the
Wounded, was chosen by the CO of 101 Engineer
Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Dickie Hawkins and
is one of the charities that will benefit from BD75.
The challenge was for two teams of six soldiers
to carry a stretcher weighing 50kg over a 40 mile
route – which they achieved in 13 hours and 16
Sapper Blanchard was an outstanding Reserve
minutes – an outstanding effort! Bewl Water
soldier and who is still much missed by all who Country Park in Kent were extremely supportive
knew him. In Will’s memory, the Squadron started and provided use of the Egg Box Field, free of
an annual challenge for charity – the Blanchard
charge, for the Squadron to use as a base.
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LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
Summing up this year’s challenge, Captain Tom
Roach, Permanent Staff Administration Officer
(PSAO) at the Catford Army Reserve Centre said
“For the last five years I have had the privilege of
working with some truly outstanding Reserve
soldiers from our Squadron. They never fail to
amaze me with their tenacity and appetite to keep
Will’s memory alive and strong. Each year they
conquer whatever task is set them with gusto and
camaraderie. This year’s target was to raise £2,000,
before the day began we’d already raised £2,100.”
Army Reserves complete their
own DIY SOS in Southwark
Army Reservists from Catford’s 221
Field Squadron (EOD) spent a day
in Nunhead transforming the life
of someone in need. The band of 18 soldiers gave up their time to
conduct their own ‘221’s DIY SOS’, to help a
member of the local community, Jeremiah
Sheenan, an American who has lived in the UK
for twenty-five years, and has Multiple Sclerosis.
He uses both crutches and a wheelchair and
increasingly had difficulty getting to the main
road outside his house, some 40m away.
He was bowled over when Captain Tom Roach
proposed building a pathway to enable him to
access the road more easily. Ian Messenger,
Branch Manager of Buildbase in Peckham,
agreed to supply all the materials needed and
delivered them for free.
On the unseasonably warm November day,
there was a great community spirit. Neighbours
kindly laid on tea and cakes and let the
soldiers use their facilities. The mother of one
of the Reservists also generously cooked a
delicious lasagne to feed the hungry volunteers. Employer Event
Jeremiah said “The whole experience, from
the first meeting with Captain Roach and the
arrival of his team, has been so very
humbling. This path will simply change my
life; that’s how much it means to me. I can’t
thank them enough for what they have done
for me. Bless our Armed Forces.” Captain
Roach added “Our Reserve soldiers continue
to impress me with their generosity of time
and professionalism. To be able to help
Jeremiah was such a good feeling for us all
and the support of Buildbase and the local
community has been fantastic.”
Army Reservists from 101 Engineer Regiment
hosted an evening reception at HMS PRESIDENT in
September to thank their employers for their support. Guests met local civic dignitaries, senior military officials and members
of the Regiment who train in Catford and Bexley. Employers, including
representatives from organisations which have received Bronze, Silver
and Gold Awards for their support to the MOD through the Employer
Recognition Scheme, were given demonstrations of specialised search
and bomb disposal equipment used by the Reservists, many of whom
have served overseas in both combat and humanitarian operations. The guests were also entertained by The Countess of Wessex’s String
Orchestra, a 24-piece orchestra which is part of the Corps of Army
Music and based at Woolwich Barracks.
LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
13
144 PARACHUTE MEDICAL SQUADRON
Sharing Best Practice…
…with Regular Counterparts
…and with the Royal
Naval Reserve
Reservists with 144 Parachute
Medical Squadron spent two weeks
in Gibraltar on a training exercise
with 16 Medical Regiment. More than 100 soldiers, both Regular and
Reserve, took part in Exercise BARBARY SUN.
The training consisted of three phases including
medical training, Role 1 validation – ensuring the
Reservists are current and able to deploy on
operations with their Regular counterparts –
and finally some well-earned adventure training. The medics are trained to provide battlefield
advanced life support and during the course of
the exercise were tested on their handling of a
wide variety of simulated casualty scenarios.
144 Parachute Medical Squadron and the
Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) Medical Branch
conducted a clinical study day in October at
HMS PRESIDENT. The aim was to learn and develop knowledge
of Contingency Operations and humanitarian
relief response/medical HADRO (Humanitarian
and Disaster Relief Operations) in a tri-Service
environment, in order to enhance Squadron
and RNR preparedness for potential future
requirements.
40 senior Reserve and Regular clinicians
attended, including a Member of Parliament,
Surgeon Commander Andrew Murrison MP
and the Clinical Director 16 Medical
Regiment, Colonel Nigel Tai.
Also present was Colonel Kevin Davies,
who is President Designate of The
Interallied Confederation of Medical
Reserve Officers (CIOMR). As CIOMR is a
truly tri-Service organisation, he was keen
to make contact with colleagues in the
RNR medical community in order to set
the conditions for the UK’s tenure of the
Presidency.
The event provided a great opportunity to
foster relationships between Services –
Regular and Reserve – and doctors and
nurses and will facilitate further clinical
training opportunities. 103 BATTALION REME
REME Reserves hone their Field Skills
69 Army Reserves from 103
Battalion Royal Electrical and
Mechanical Engineers (REME),
which has two new London-based
companies in Croydon and Barnet
and new platoons in Warley and
Bexleyheath, spent their two-week
annual exercise on Salisbury Plain. They were supporting the Regular Army’s
4 Armoured Battalion REME, and were tested
14
LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
and validated over the fortnight as they carried
out maintenance of armoured equipment. They spent some of the time ‘in the field’,
away from garages and hangars, where they
were tested on setting up a field workshop;
vehicle engineering and maintenance;
carrying out defensive position manoeuvres;
CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and
Nuclear) scenarios; casualty evacuation;
CIED (Counter Improvised Explosive Device)
drills and resupply. 151 REGIMENT RLC
Army Reservist
honoured at
National Courier
Awards
Private Claire Williams, a Reservist
with 562 (Southall) Transport Squadron
RLC, was presented with an award for
Heavy Vehicle License Excellence by
the Minister of State for the Armed
Forces, Penny Mordaunt MP, at the
19th Gala National Courier Awards
organised by the Institute of Couriers. The event, which took place in October at the
Institute of Directors in Pall Mall, celebrated
excellence from courier companies large and
small, regional and networked. Claire is a land and buildings surveyor in her
civilian life. She joined the Squadron as a nondriver but completed her General Service (GS)
driver qualifications just nine months later. An
outstanding soldier, she has demonstrated
commitment to the Squadron above and beyond
her role by undertaking a Recruiters Course and is
engaged in training new recruits who will one day
become Army Reserve drivers. She is involved in
all aspects of Squadron life, including running the
Army Reserve Centre’s bar. Claire maintains a high
standard of fitness and was selected to represent
151 Regiment RLC in the annual RLC Military Skills
Competition. She was part of the winning Female
Team and the runners-up – out of the entire RLC –
in the shooting.
151 Regiment cross the Atlantic to build relationships
Officers and soldiers from 151
Regiment RLC have been taking every
opportunity to expand upon their
understanding of ‘the conceptual and
moral components of fighting power’,
by engaging in liaison activities with
the US Army. These began with 124 Squadron RLC leading
personnel on Exercise GOLDEN COYOTE in South
Dakota – a Combat Support and Combat Service
Support exercise involving mounted and
dismounted operations. The logistic component of
the exercise involved both military scenarios and
other tasks, including delivering timber to Native
American reservation areas for use in community
projects. As well as practical exercises, the
Reservists were also able to shadow National
Guard counterparts and conduct a Battlefield Study
of Little Big Horn as well as visiting Mount
Rushmore and Harney Peak. What struck them in
particular was the warm welcome they received
from their military and civilian hosts.
On a reciprocal visit, 7 US Army Reserve and
National Guard personnel joined 562 Squadron in
the UK. The visitors travelled to training areas in
Aldershot and ranges in Lydd, before visiting 17
Port & Maritime Regiment and RAF Odiham. They
also visited Stonehenge and HMS VICTORY and
HMS WARRIOR in Portsmouth, concluding with a
trip to London which took in the Battle of Britain
bunker in Uxbridge and The Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Army Reservist Honoured
with Sikh Siropa
Staff Sergeant John Rock from 151 Regiment RLC
was honoured by the local Sikh community in
Southall with a ‘Siropa’ presented to him by
Sant Baba Amar Singh Ji in the presence of a
congregation of 10,000 at the Guru Nanak Sikh
Academy PARKASH 2015 event. The Sipora is a
garment of dress bestowed on someone as a mark
of honour and acknowledgement of devotion. Staff
Sergeant Rock’s commitment to serving the
communities was highlighted in both Punjabi and
English and broadcast to the Sikh community in
the UK. He is part of the Regiment’s Outreach
Team and has worked hard engaging with the
local community, building strong links with
organisations such as the Guru Nanak Sikh
Academy. On receiving the award he said,
“I am extremely proud to be awarded this great
honour from the Sikh community. I have been
privileged to have the opportunity through our
outreach programmes to engage with local
communities, gaining understanding and
mutual respect by communicating the values
and standards of the British Army.” LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
15
Lord Mayor of London
Honours London’s Reservists
Briefing the City’s
HR Specialists
More than 50 future business leaders from the City
of London and beyond attended a Briefing Dinner at
the Guildhall in July, hosted by the City of London
Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association.
One purpose of the event was to give HR Specialists from among the
City’s businesses, institutions and organisations an understanding
of what Reservists do for the country. The guests met with people who are in the Reserves or who train Cadets,
to gain an insight into the value of the Reserve and Cadet experience. The former Lord Mayor of London, Alderman Alan
Yarrow, hosted a special reception at the Mansion
House in September for London’s Reservists, their
guests, partners and employers. As Lord Mayor, he
was also President of the City of London Reserve
Forces’ and Cadets’ Association and was accompanied
by the Chairman, Brigadier Alastair Bruce.
The volunteer hosts, many of whom work in the City and manage their
business life with their Service activities, were able to explain to their
peer group what the City’s Reserves are up to particularly at a time of
change and growth in the Reserves. Guests were asked to provide an
insight into their company’s policy on, or experience of, employing
Reservists and were invited to contribute to the discussions on how
mobilisation affects members of the Reserves and their employers.
The reception was held to pay tribute to members of all Reserve Forces
Units with links to the City of London, who had either been mobilised or
who were recommended by their Commanding Officers for exceptional
service. One such Reservist was Corporal Rosie
Dicks, an intensive care staff nurse, from
256 Field Hospital (pictured), who had recently
returned from a six month tour in Sierra Leone,
as a member of the British military and medical
response to the Ebola crisis. London’s
Reservists have consistently supported their
Regular counterparts on humanitarian and
peacekeeping missions.
600 (CITY OF LONDON) SQUADRON
Marking two milestones at The House of Lords
October saw 600 (City of London)
Squadron RAF Reserves who are
based at RAF Northolt mark the
milestone of 90 years as a unit.
The Squadron was formed in October 1925,
and since then an annual all-ranks dinner has
been organised which usually takes place at the
Butchers’ Company Hall. The Company have
sponsored the unit since it was reformed in
1999. This year the dinner was of such
importance that the Honorary Air Commodore,
Viscount Trenchard, made the facilities at the
16
LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
House of Lords available. The event was well
attended by serving and retired personnel. The
Guests of Honour included Group Captain Paul
Atkinson from 1 Group, who spoke glowingly of
the Squadron’s record, professionalism and
achievements today.
The Squadron also marked another milestone:
Sergeant Derek Jelley, currently a trade
coordinator on the Squadron, was among the
first members of the RAF Reserve to be awarded
a ‘Blue’ since Reservists became eligible for the
award. Derek’s was a Sailing Blue presented for
participating in an inter-Service sport. He is
pictured receiving the award from Group
Captain Atkinson.
Parachute Training School
Corporal Laura Evans has just completed a two-year detachment
with the Parachute Training School at RAF Brize Norton. While
still dedicated to her civilian job as a Firefighter, she has used her
spare time to work alongside regular RAF colleagues in flight
operations management, building RAF experience around her
civilian shift pattern.
Laura learnt about the different types of parachutes used, the structure of the training
courses, the locations of the numerous drop zones and much more. She had the
opportunity to see how working in flight operations with the RAF brings everything
together for world-class training. She even had the chance to go on two major exercises
to the USA where she was able to contribute to the training of military parachutists in
specialist skills, in all weathers and conditions.
Laura said, “The experiences that I’ve gained from being a Reservist have been some
of the best in my life. I never dreamed I would be in America sitting on the open ramp of
a transport aircraft, watching the troops jump out over California during all hours of the
day and night.”
Wing Commander Andy Calame, Officer Commanding 600 Squadron said, “Corporal
Evans has demonstrated by her professionalism what today’s part-time Reservists are
able to contribute to the whole RAF, paving the way for future Reservists to follow her.
The skills she has learnt in leadership and management will no doubt easily be used in
her civilian career as well.”
Soaring with the Falcons
In late September, a team of
handpicked Reservist officers and
airmen joined Regular Air Force
colleagues as key components of one
of 2015’s most important Air Exercises.
Led by Squadron Leader Dwayne Dawson, the
Squadron Chief of Staff, 10 personnel joined the
training staff of Exercise TITANIUM FALCON 15.
They moved to the Defence College at Shrivenham
for two weeks’ intense work in field conditions;
providing the enemy force and fictional
intelligence picture for the Joint Forces Air
Component Headquarters (JFAC).
Squadron team made up almost 10% of the staff
who delivered the training.
JFAC is the UK field-deployable Air Headquarters,
and is in the process of working up through
training and practice to be a front line asset for
NATO – deployable to any crisis anywhere in the
world within a matter of weeks. The team from
600 Squadron had prepared a large portion of
the exercise background and the fictional events
to populate 10 days of crisis management
training for the JFAC experts. The exercise was
the summit of months of work and the 600
Lieutenant Colonel Gavin O’Keefe, the Exercise
Director, said, “600 Squadron provided a most
excellent team. The civilian skills that these
Reservists brought greatly enriched the scenario
and helped stretch those that they were training.
A brilliant contribution and I give many thanks.”
LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
17
135 GEOGRAPHIC SQUADRON RE
Regular and Reserve
geographers go
mountaineering
in Mongolia
Led by Captain James Smith, a team
of nine men and one woman from
42 Engineer Regiment (Geographic),
based at RAF Wyton, went
mountaineering in Mongolia last July.
Two of these adventurers were from
135 Geographic Squadron, based
in Ewell.
Travelling by plane, 4x4, camel and foot, the team
eventually reached the Tavan Bogd National Park
taking nearly seven days to get there.
Establishing their base camp at 3000m above sea
level, the team spent the following 18 days
learning mountaineering skills.
TRIG MED 2015
team summited a number of the peaks in the
Altai mountain ranges within the National Park.
One of the many successful summits for both
teams was the ascent of a 4000m peak, which marks
the border between Mongolia, Russia and China.
One of the main objectives of the exercise was to
familiarise the team with mountaineering
equipment, and educate them in summer and
winter mountaineering techniques. For this the
teams were split into two groups; one tackling the
glacier within the National Park, the other ascending
the surrounding mountains. During the trip the
The expedition was a great success, and was the
first that the British Army has carried out in that
part of the world. Adventurous training is hugely
important to the Armed Forces which aims to
‘promote enhanced operational capability through
controlled exposure to risk’.
For 42 Engineer Regiment, this was one of the
most ambitious expeditions planned to date,
and it is hoped that similar expeditions will be
conducted on a bi-annual basis.
OP TRIG MED 2015
In November, 135 Geographic
Squadron RE deployed to Cyprus on
Operation TRIG MED – the recce,
reconstruction and re-survey of
Sovereign Base Area (SBA) boundary
pillars in support of the Sovereign
Base Area Administration (SBAA). The task provided a detailed update on the condition
of all boundary markers between the Republic of
Cyprus and Turkish Cypriot Authorities. With four
soldiers from 14 Geographic Squadron RE, a Plant
Operator Mechanic from 521 Specialist Team RE
and equipment support from 23 Para Engineer
Regiment, the task was also a great opportunity to
work with other members of the Corps of Royal
Engineers.
During the first phase, the Squadron operated
within the Eastern Sovereign Base Area, working in
close proximity to the UN Green Zone and the
Turkish Controlled Area. Liaising with SBA Police
and Turkish Military Forces occasionally posed
challenges but good relationships were built to
18
LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
enable easier working environments. The second
phase of the Squadron deployment was in the
Western Sovereign Base Area – a more rugged
and rural environment. As each day finished a raft
of recce reports were completed and given to the
Construction Team who started replacing the
majority of damaged or missing boundary pillars
with steel pillars set in concrete. Where a steel
pillar was not suitable a small alloy disc was
cemented in to position known as a flush marker. Despite a very busy schedule there were
opportunities for Adventurous Training,
whether it was mountain biking or rock
climbing, and small groups of Squadron
personnel were released to make the most
of the opportunities. The Squadron also
spent a day together enjoying a selection of
watersports and an eagerly anticipated party
on the beach.
THE LONDON REGIMENT
D Company
Centenary
Trip to Loos
To mark the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of Loos,
a major battle honour of the London Irish Rifles (LIR)
and 12 other London Regiment battalions during WW1,
a contingent of D Company (London Irish Rifles) from
Camberwell took part in the commemorations
organised by the London Irish Rifles Association and
the town of Loos-en-Gohelle.
The party picked me up en route from the London hospital where I work
as a senior staff nurse and, travelling through the night, we arrived in
Arras in time for breakfast. With parade kit meticulously prepared, we set
out for the scene of our forebear’s famous exploits, resplendent
in No.2 dress, hackles bristling. Immediately catching the eye were two
enormous slag heaps, which were key objectives in the battle. These were
universally viewed with horror by today’s soldiers. Imagining the terrible
struggle of those troops in the equipment of that era set the tone for the
commemorations. In Loos we assembled in the serene setting of the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s cemetery. A moving service
led by the Battalion Padre gave thanks for the sacrifice of those who had gone
before us and paid tribute to the unquenchable spirit of the LIR.
The service reminded all present that the true cost of that war was not just
the lives of the soldiers lost, but the profound and lasting destruction meted
out to the communities of the towns and villages in which it was fought.
Following the service, a parade marched through the town during which the
LIR band and their French counterparts provided a unique insight into the
marching variations of the nations. Dedication of a memorial to the LIR at
the town’s War Memorial and recognition of the ‘Mother of Loos’ followed,
before we ended at a reception in the town’s gymnasium.
Sunday brought a Church Parade at a Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery
where LIR men were buried, and later at the larger memorial to the LIR at Dud
Corner. The ‘skirl’ of the pipes added a mournful air to proceedings and time
for the Company and Association to reflect on the actions of our predecessors
a century before us.
Lance Corporal Jonathan Elias,
D Company, London Regiment
It’s a Wrap!
With the power of social media in their sights,
Reserves at The London Regiment tasked Sharp
End Films with creating a dynamic three minute
blockbuster that shows The London Regiment’s
important role as an infantry regiment. The movie,
which was shot at Longmoor Training Camp,
promotes the wide-ranging opportunities and roles
that are available in the Army Reserve with sound
bites from the part-time soldiers that have
experienced them. One of those featured in the video is Fusilier Lee Dobinson who has
been in the Army Reserve for five years and looks after Children with
Special Needs at Beatrice Tate Secondary School in Mile End. He
became a part-time soldier in order to better himself. He said “I really
wanted to push myself outside of my comfort zone.” Lee loves
travelling and has taken advantage of the adventure training and
overseas travel opportunities that being in the Army Reserve can
bring. “I’ve been skiing in the French Alps; deployed on a UN Peacekeeping
Tour in Cyprus; been to Kenya on a training exercise with the Grenadier
Guards and I’ve just come back from a week in Canada, working with the
Canadian Army. There are always loads of opportunities.”
The film is being used on a variety of social media platforms including The
London Regiment page on the Army Jobs website as well as the Regimental
Facebook page. It is also being used in presentations and at careers fairs.
LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
19
ROYAL YEOMANRY
Exercise
COCKNEY
TOUBKAL
£1ST0AR0
LE
ARTIC
In the autumn, the Royal Yeomanry completed an
Adventurous Training expedition in the High Atlas
Mountains in Morocco. We stayed a day in the walled city of Taroudant in a small, colonial era
hotel for briefings – but with plenty of water rugby and volleyball between
lectures. Being woken early the next morning by the adhan, the Islamic call
to prayer, reminded us that we were now in a profoundly Muslim country.
Once in the Atlas Mountains themselves, we met our mules and porters
who were to ferry our tents and larger bags from camp to camp. It may be
an overused cliché, but Morocco really is a land of contrasts: a whole day
trekking in the heat through a desolate, arid landscape of brown rocks and
scree would change suddenly as we descended in the evening into lush,
fertile villages abounding in orange and date trees. Three days into the trek
we arrived in the bustling village of Imlil, where we met up with elements
of the Moroccan Army and Gendarmerie who spent the next week with us.
We then trekked towards Jebel Toubkal – at 4167m it is the highest
mountain in northern Africa. To our collective disappointment we were
unable to scale the mountain itself due to snow and ice at the summit.
This meant we had a day spare to complete the theory part of the Summer
Mountain Foundation qualification, covering navigation, weather, risk
assessments and law of the countryside.
Continuing our trek East, our team bagged our first peak and the highest
summit of the expedition – Jebel Aguelzim South (3650m). From our
vantage point we had a clear view of the snow capped Mt Toubkal so it was
a slightly bitter sweet success. Ultimately though, we achieved our aim to
20
LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
traverse the mountain range, possibly setting a new route in motion
for future groups.
In our next village campsite, some of us experienced one of the
cultural highlights of the trip – the slaughter and skinning of a young
goat according to Halal custom, which we devoured that evening. One
of the REME soldiers had been a butcher and was able to talk us
through the process, yet the most fascinating part of it was when the
cook made a small incision in a hind leg, then blew into it to inflate
the gap between the meat and the skin thus making it easier to skin –
the undamaged skin commands high prices from tourists in Fez.
Having completed the main part of the expedition, we journeyed to
M’hamid, near the border with Algeria. We had an evening camel ride
to watch the sunset before spending a night under the stars. Next
morning some tried their hand at sandboarding (like snowboarding,
only much slower) before we formally said goodbye to our Moroccan
comrades. We then made the long journey north to Marrakesh and
experienced another very different side to Morocco – a packed and
bustling city full of noise, bartering and hidden cultural gems.
We are grateful for the generous donation from the Ulysses Trust as
well as the hard work of Captain Jules Ward and the two mountain
leaders – Major David Larkham and Flight Lieutenant Chris Fawcett –
for setting up and running the truly memorable and thoroughly
enjoyable expedition.
Trooper Dominic Kirby,
C & S (Westminster Dragoons) Squadron
256 (CITY OF LONDON) FIELD HOSPITAL
Medics pass out
as Officers from
Sandhurst
Eight medical Reservists from 256 Field Hospital passed
out of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in November
following a four-week intensive Officer training course. The medics had attended a Commissioning Course for Professionally
Qualified Officers specifically designed for doctors, dentists, pharmacists,
nurses and lawyers. The course, which is accredited by various academic
and professional institution, develops leadership and professional
competencies to the level demanded of an Army Officer. Whilst the focus of the course is on command and leadership, participants
also spent time learning about global security, aspects of leadership
psychology and the history of warfare. The tactical exercises included a
week on the ranges firing the Army’s latest weapons systems, learning how
to use digital communication equipment and the physical challenge of core
survival skills. The final exercise saw the participants operating in a
contemporary environment with peace support operations, war fighting,
negotiation and media operations.
Lieutenant Colonel Marie Richter, the Regiment’s Second in Command, said,
“I could not have been more proud of the officers than watching them passing
out from the Military Academy, which is something many aspire to but only
the best achieve. They now have two careers, and their Reservist one is off
to an excellent start. What an experience; they now have the best leadership
training to take back to their NHS jobs and apply to their everyday lives.”
ARMY MEDICAL
SERVICES RESERVE
RECRUITING NOW
If you’re searching for something extra from life, and would relish the chance to have a
rewarding experience outside of normal working hours, you’ll find it all in the Army Medical
Services Reserve (AMS Reserve). We offer the best of both worlds to people who want
to experience Army life but are unable to make a full-time commitment. If you’re a doctor,
nurse, allied health professional or health care assistant, and you can spare as little as
19 days a year, then the AMS Reserve could offer you the training, excitement, financial
incentives and challenges that you simply cannot experience elsewhere.
T: 0121 6336450
E: ARTD-RG-ProfQualRecruitingTeam@mod.uk
Search Army Medical Services Reserve
29237_AMS_London_Bridge_Ad_210x148.indd 1
21/12/2015 13:23
LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
21
150 years of Training Reservists
In August, members of 256 Field
Hospital and honoured guests
attended a ceremony at Braganza
Street Army Reserve Centre in
Southwark to celebrate 150 years
of continuous use of the site by
Volunteers, Territorials and Reservists. The Army Reserve Centre is now the Regimental
Headquarters of 256 Field Hospital, who have
been resident there since 1995. However, the
Reserve Centre and Drill Hall in Braganza Street
(at one time called New Street) has a long and
illustrious history in the training of Reservists,
going back to 1865. On parade were members of the Regiment
from all four of its detachments (Kennington,
Kensington, Kingston and Brighton). They
were joined by Her Worshipful the Mayor of
Southwark, Councillor Dora Dixon-Fyle;
Brigadier Peter Gilbert, Deputy Director General
Army Medical Services and members of the
Regiment’s three affiliated Livery Companies –
The Worshipful Companies of Apothecaries,
Barbers and Cutlers.
Councillor Dixon-Fyle said “It gives me great
pleasure to be here today to commemorate
20 years of 256 Field Hospital in Braganza
Street and 150 years of there being Reservist
training at this location. I would like to thank all
members of the Regiment, past and present,
for their impeccable service. We are very proud
to have your Regimental Headquarters in the
Borough.”
On the same occasion, Warrant Officer Class 1
(WO1) Alan Marriott, who works for the MOD
as a storeman and also serves with 256 Field
Hospital, was awarded a Commendation from
the Chief of the General Staff for his outstanding
service to the British Army. He received the
award from Brigadier Gilbert. The citation read, “WO1 Marriott is a vastly
experienced and highly competent soldier who
has added and continues to bring untold value to
the Army Medical Services. He has contributed to
the careers of hundreds of troops, provided
excellent medical care, supported his commanders
at all levels and represents his profession with
total commitment. He is the man of choice when
a safe pair of hands is required and is equally at
home engaging with Generals as with recruits...”
Alan said “I’m very honoured to receive this
special award. I’ve always strived to be an asset
and not a hindrance and to do everything to the
best of my ability. I am also lucky to have worked
alongside some great people.”
3 MILITARY INTELLIGENCE BATTALION
Exercise COCKNEY SKADI 2015
Across London, for one week, desks were abandoned in the
offices of major accountancies, consultancies, law firms,
Whitehall departments, police stations, universities,
hospitals and media businesses as their normal incumbents,
who also serve with 3 MI Battalion, headed to the slopes
of Val Thorens for a week of Adventurous Training. 84 personnel deployed on Exercise COCKNEY SKADI under the Ski Foundation
Joint Services Ski Scheme. With the aim to ‘develop individual courage and
leadership skills through controlled exposure to risk’, every participant was
tested in some way, through attempting SF1, 2 or 3 qualifications or
‘Continuation Training’. The programme was physically and mentally engaging; with a balance of time
on pisted slopes, off-piste, ski-trekking and avalanche transceiver drills,
alongside evening lectures ranging from avalanche awareness to meteorology. For many, this was their first time skiing and for others, this was their first
experience of Army Adventurous Training. With a professional and deeply
instilled focus on Operational Support within the Battalion, the Exercise was
a reminder for some and an education for others, of an important aspect of
the Army that doesn’t exist in the civilian world.
The Exercise was a great success and marked one of the highlights of 2015.
Captain Martin Kent,
33 MI Company Training Officer, 3 MI Battalion
22
LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
7 RIFLES
Army Reserves
showcase the
Webb Ellis Cup
On Monday 7 September, the famous Webb Ellis Cup –
The International Rugby World Cup Trophy – was on
show at the Army Reserve Centre in West Ham, home
to G Company 7RIFLES. The Cup had been showcased to audiences around the world as part of the
build-up to the Rugby World Cup 2015 before starting a 100 day tour of the UK
and Ireland on 10 June, to mark the final countdown to the tournament. It was
on show at the Army Reserve Centre for two hours, having been at West Ham
Football Club and before moving on to the Olympic Stadium.
The event was attended by over 100 soldiers and their families, giving them
all a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have their picture taken with such a
cherished trophy.
UPDATE
in France?
images from all who are
Read the posts and see the shared
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the First World War.
a soldier during the early years of
in real time on
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as they would be 100 years later.
around the world
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and read it all in this compelling book.
Back in Battersea, Ma continues to struggle with
the rising cost of living, while Pa has joined the
Volunteer Training Corps, guarding railway bridges
PART ONE: MARCH 1914 - JUNE 1915
is on Facebook and
Like so many teenagers, Walter Carter
is 1914, a few months
Twitter. He also writes a blog. But this
conflict the world has
before the outbreak of the greatest
ever seen.
the devastating
Aged just 19, Walter is about to share
his friends, his fellow
changes in his life with his family,
social media.
soldiers and the world. All through
his job as a porter at
You can follow Walter as he leaves
with his Territorial Force
Clapham Junction Station to train
of the front line.
battalion before leaving for the horrors
the girlfriend he
What impact will all this have on Lily,
whilst working as a
loves? Will his sister Rose survive
How does his
nurse on the ambulance trains in France?
Front while his brother
Home
the
on
life
with
cope
mother
of his eldest brother
refuses to sign up? And what news
one of the first to arrive
Charlie, a regular soldier who was
WW1 SOLDIER’S TALE
in case of an attack on Britain. Walt’s girlfriend, Lily, has seen
Since war broke out a year and a half
her friend Mabel leave to work at the new munitions factory in
ago, Walter and 1/23rd Battalion The
Woolwich and is trying to summon the courage to take on war
London Regiment have completed
work herself. Meanwhile, the refugee crisis has left crowds of
long months of wartime training,
Europeans without a home, the Balkan countries are falling fast
taken their place in the front line
to Austria-Hungary, the Indian infantry has been relocated from
and participated in the Battle of
France to the warmer climes of Mesopotamia, soldiers have
Loos. During the battle, Walter, by
learned to rub their feet with whale oil to stave off trench foot
then a Corporal, was badly injured
and the Derby Scheme hasn’t brought in enough recruits to
by shrapnel. He has spent time
prevent conscription…
recuperating back in ‘Blighty’ and has now taken up a Sergeant’s
post, training officers in Berkhamsted, where he will
More than 17,000 people from across the world are
stay until he has regained enough strength to return
now avidly following the story of Walter Carter,
to the Western Front. Walter’s sister, nurse Rose,
a Territorial Force soldier from Battersea, on
WW1 SOLDIER’S TALE
having worked on the hospital trains going to and
WW1 SOLDIER’S TALE
Facebook. Told through social media as well as a
from Boulogne and as part of a Field Ambulance
blog, the events of the First World War are brought
near the line, has finally been allowed some leave.
to life through a cast of characters, who report on
Whilst at home she has the opportunity to rekindle
daily life 100 years ago, in real-time.
her friendship with Jamie, an amputee soldier
receiving treatment at the Roehampton ‘Human
You can now read the first 15 months of the story in
Repair Factory’.
book form – Part 1 is now available to buy on Amazon.
PART ONE
MARCH 1914 - JUNE 1915
Including comments, newspaper clippings, images and
more, it gives a unique insight into the life of a soldier
during the early years of the First World War.
To follow the story of Walter, his friends and family, visit:
facebook.com/WW1SoldiersTale
twitter.com/WW1SoldiersTale
WW1SoldiersTale.co.uk/blog
If you would like to support the project, or would like more information,
please contact david@dnal.co.uk or call 01235 831006
Search for WW1 Soldier’s
Tale on Amazon for
paperback and
Kindle editions.
Don’t forget
to leave us a review!
LONDON BRIDGE WINTER 2015/16
23
105 Mile
Scotland
Coast to Coast
What started off as a personal
challenge to achieve – and a perfect
excuse to visit the Highlands of
Scotland – turned into a fundraising
challenge I could never have
imagined when I signed up to the
Scotland Coast to Coast on a cold
January morning in 2015.
The C2C involves 105 miles of running, cycling and
kayaking across Scotland from Nairn on the North
Sea Coast, crossing the Highlands and ending up
in Glencoe on the edge of the Atlantic sea, all in
the space of a 12 hour time limit! The September
day started with a perfect sun rise as we departed
the North Sea coast for the first 12 mile run.
However Scotland didn’t disappoint and soon the
wind and rain set in. By the afternoon and into
the final 15 mile run on the West Highland Way,
the weather had really closed in. I made it to the
finish line just in time for the cut off at 11 hours
37 mins. A fantastic way to see the Highlands,
but next time I think I’ll just cross it by car...
Thank you to the many individuals who were kind
enough to donate. Also, thank you to my Reserve
Unit, 600 (City of London) Squadron, for whom
I helped raise the money as part of their 90th
Anniversary celebrations. My fundraising target
of £600 was nearly doubled and now stands at
£1,130.38!
Niall Ahern, Regional Employer Engagement
Director for Greater London
If you would like to donate please go to:
www.justgiving.com/600-SQN-Nialls-Coast-to-Coast-2015
ALTERNATIVE VENUES IS A NON-PROFIT
PART OF GL RFCA, RESPONSIBLE
FOR THE HIRING OF THE
RFCA’S BUILDINGS
MEETING ROOMS
TEAM BUILDING
WORKSHOPS
EXHIBITIONS
SPORT EVENTS
DANCE EVENTS
EXAMINATION HALLS
CLASSROOMS
OUTDOOR TRAINING
INDOOR TRAINING
COMMUNITY GROUPS
HOSPITALITY
BANQUETING
KITCHENS
NURSERIES
FILMING
REHEARSALS
WINE TASTING
INDOOR FAIRS
PARKING
STORAGE
PHONE MASTS