LONDONS RETURN EDITION 8 copy

LONDONSʼ RETURN
Edition 8 2011
LONDONS RETURN - THE NEWSLETTER OF THE LONDON REGIMENT
Contents
Private Peter Kayiwa
THE TEAM
2
Commanding Officer - Lt Col Marc Overton TD
Battalion 2IC -Maj Rupert Hill
Commanding
Officer’s Notes
3
22KM Charity
Swim-A-Thon
6
Training Major - Maj Guy Lock COLDSM GDS
Adjutant - Capt Nigel Torp-Petersen COLDM GDS
Quartermaster - Maj Graham Donald SG
London District
Rugby Sevens
7
Armed Forces in
Battersea Park
8
Regimental Administration Officer- Maj Steve Wake
Ex Prairie Thunder
9
Chief Clerk - WO2 Tony Packer
Ex Broad Reach
10
OC HQ Company- Maj Bob Brown
Regimental Sergeant Major - WO1 Hutton SG
OC A Company- Maj Geoffrey Strickland
Uniform to Work
Day
12
Ex Alburhera Dash
13
TF JAG JHF
15
LONDONS” LIFE
16
Earl of Wessex Visit
17
Lt Bunton
18
‘TOBRUK” JNCO
Cadre
18
A Company
19
Death of Private Peter Kayiwa
It is with much regret that I write to
inform you of the death of Private
Peter Kayiwa of 3 (Cruikshank)
Platoon, A (London Scottish)
Company, The London Regiment who
died in service on Wed 6 Jul 11.
Peter Kayiwa was born in Uganda
and joined A (London Scottish)
Company to realise his dream to
become a soldier. Peter attended
three Recruit Training weekends at
Malta Barracks before signing up to
conduct the composite Recruit
Training programme of the SAXONS
CHALLENGE course at the Army
Training Centre at Pirbright, a
renowned centre of training
excellence.
During a 3-mile run Peter Kayiwa
dropped out of the group and was
OC B Company- Maj Tim Smart
OC C Company- Maj James Swanston
OC D Company- Maj Crispin Swayne
Editor’s Notes - Capt Rob Hill
Welcome to the LONDONS’ RETURN Edition 8. Thank you to
those who supplied articles and pictures for this edition and
those who didn’t - you know who you are.
helped by training staff who noticed
he looked unwell. He was quickly
evacuated to the Medical Reception
Centre at Pirbright, however a
number of qualified medical staff
were unable to revive him. He was
pronounced dead by the
Regimental Medical Officer. The
family and Regiment are indebted
to all those at the Army Training
Centre Pirbright and a number of
others who helped Peter Kayiwa.
The family and friends of the
Kayiwa family held a Roman
Catholic Funeral Mass on 4 Aug 11
at St Joseph’s, Roehampton Lane
attended by Maj Rupert Hill,
Battalion Second-in-Command,
representing the London Regiment,
Maj Stuart Young representing the
London Scottish Regiment, Major
David Carter representing A
(London Scottish) Company and
2
Capt Rohan De Silva who is
appointed the Casualty Visiting
Officer. Private Kayiwa was buried
in Uganda at a funeral service on 8
Aug 11 attended from the UK by his
wife Nancy and daughter Iris
Kayiwa, and Capt De Silva.
The London Regiment hosted a
Service of Thanksgiving at
Regimental Headquarters, The
London Scottish Regiment, 95
Horseferry Road to celebrate the
life of Private Peter Kayiwa. The
service was held on Sun 28 Aug.
Peter Kayiwa died 6 Jul 11 at
Pirbright,aged 31 years old and
leaves behind a widow Nancy and
two children, Iris and David.
Capt RDP De Silva
Unit Welfare Officer
Commanding Officer’s Notes
Commanding Officers
Address London Regiment
Drumhead Service - Warcop
11 Sep 11
It is great to see so many on the
square here today. With over
250 personnel at Annual
Training Period from 8 different
units, 50 at the RTC on recruit
training and with 90 soldiers
having completed career
courses this year already, the
Battalion is well on its way to
regenerate itself. Considering
we only had 80 soldiers on ATP
in 2009 and 150 last year to
have over 300 soldiers training
as part of and with the London
Regiment this weekend is an
impressive achievement and is
the result of a lot of hard work
recruiting and retaining soldiers
back from Operations.
For the first time in the last 6
years we have had the numbers
on the ground to conduct
collective training. With 2
companies and a full Battalion
HQ deployed on the Exercise
we have exercised both
Commanders and soldiers on a
very demanding exercise in very
hostile conditions. Indeed the
weather conditions were so bad
that the Battalion Second in
Command was literally blown
away holding onto the 30 foot
HQ tent when it was blown off
the training area. Judging by the
Hurricane weather warnings it
may get even more emotional
next week.
Not only are we running an
Annual Camp we are also
conducting a Battle Camp to
prepare soldiers for Operations
in 2012. Next Friday based on your
performance we will be confirming
which soldiers are being put
forward to be mobilised in
November onto HERRICK 16 with
1 Battalion Grenadier Guards.
Having sent 36 away with them on
Ex PRAIRIE THUNDER in Canada,
the feedback from this ground
holding Battle Group has been
excellent and they are very keen to
have you. I was also with the
Commanding Officer of 1st
Battalion Scots Guards this week
who is already planning for at least
30 of our soldiers to reinforce his
Battle Group when we mobilise in
May next year for HERRICK 17.
As I stated after the Personal
Fitness Assessment last week,
what we are doing is not easy and
will require you to make sacrifices
and dig deep into your personal
resolve. To be prepared for
Dismounted Close Combat, the
most demanding job in the Army
and to be accepted and have
credibility in one of the finest
Regiments in the British Army,
before deploying into one of the
most demanding places on earth is
a real challenge for you and your
families. We are putting you
through some of the most
demanding infantry training
anywhere so you are properly
professionally, mentally and
physically prepared. This is not
easy and to balance this
commitment against your civilian
work and family life is exceptional.
For those of you who complete the
training and mobilise you should be
very proud of what you achieve, I
certainly am.
As many of you heard when Major
General The Duke of Westminster
visited us earlier this week, both
the Army and the Territorial Army
are going through the most
dramatic changes in terms of
organisation and force structures
for the last 100 years. The
requirement to grow a Territorial
Army from around 14,000 to 30,000
active strength while very exciting
for the Reserves, is a massive
challenge and will require different
legislation, a different training
regime and greater resourcing. He
was especially clear that we need
to increase our Company
3
establishments and ensure our
units were in the right locations in
order to force generate up to
formed sub-units on operations
and to conduct collective training.
During this time of change it is vital
we continue to shout about our
successes and highlight the
support we are delivering to the
Regular Army. Just as we influence
the key decision makers and
population in Afghanistan, more
than ever before we must conduct
influence operations at home, to
ensure we are best placed in this
new future force. Be it our soldiers
back from H12 and H13, our
Pipers on Beating Retreat and our
Colonel HRH Prince Edward on
Trooping the Colour or LCpl
Vergotinni from B Coy driving the
Head of the Army to work in his
tube on the London Underground
for Uniform to Work Day, our
profile and reputation in the Army
and across London is the highest it
has been for a long time.
As well as preparing from
Operations these influence Ops
continue during Camp. We have
already had a number of influential
visitors including HRH our Colonel,
the Deputy Commander Army
Reserves, our TA boss and the
Director of Infantry, our Arm and
Service Director. The feedback
from each of them has been
incredibly positive and supportive.
Next week we have the Director
Reserve Army and the GOC
London District who as well as
being our boss as the Major
General Commanding the
Household Division will also be
keen to understand how we are
supporting the Foot Guards
especially on Operations. I would
especially like to thank those
visitors here today. Kathleen
Tominey who as the Civilian
Secretary in HQ London District
has been very supportive of the
Regiment especially for agreeing
the funding for the Battlefield
Study. Also to the members of the
Regimental Council for taking the
time off to be here this weekend, it
is great to see Alderman Fiona
Woolf who is our representative
from the City of London, a vital link
for the Capitals Regiment and one
we are especially proud of. Finally
I would like to welcome our sister
Regiment the Toronto Scottish and
thank Colonel Taylor and Colonel
Moore for their support and help in
organising this exchange. Colonels
the friendship and bond between the
two units is stronger than ever and
very important to us. I am so glad
your Regiment is here with us on
camp.
Looking forward there are a number
of events that you need to attend.
Firstly there is a FIBUA weekend on
14-16 October. At Imber Village this
is forecast to be an excellent
weekend with 1RRF providing
Warrior support. The Lord Mayor’s
Parade on 12 November is a scale
A Regimental Parade. Wearing your
new FAD uniforms we will be
exercising our right as a City
Regiment to march through the City
with our Colours Flying, bayonets
fixed and swords drawn. Broadcast
on the BBC with millions watching
this will also be the Regiment’s send
off to the soldiers mobilising a
couple of weeks later and will
include a reception for them and
their families. We are also planning
a Regimental Parade to present the
Diamond Jubilee Medal at the
beginning of February to those who
have by then completed 5 years
service in the Army. With 180
soldiers in the Regiment eligible for
this medal this will also be another
important Regimental event to
recognise the commitment made by
our longer serving Reservists.
For the last year we have been on a
journey to rapidly regenerate the
Regiment. While we are now well
placed, the next 12 months are
going to be very busy both
delivering 100 soldiers into Regular
Battle Groups to go to Afghanistan,
as well as starting the process of
bulking up the Reserves as part of a
new combined force. It is a very
exciting time to be in the Reserves
and a very exciting time to be in The
London Regiment.
Finally as I said in front of the VIMY
memorial the last time we
conducted a Drum Head Service,
and especially relevant to those
looking to deploy with VIMY and
GAZA Companies in 2012 , having
paraded our Colours this morning,
remember and be proud of who you
are and the unit you belong to. When
you are on your own in a forward
operating base in Afghanistan as
part of another unit and someone
asks where you come from, you can
turn to them and say – I am from the
London Regiment, the Capitals
Infantry Regiment. Formed over 100
years ago with over 90 Battalions we
were the largest Regiment in the
British Army and twice the size the
Regular Army is today. Now the
Reserve Regiment for the Guards
Division we are one of the most
deployed units in the Territorial Army.
You should be proud, hold your head
up high – you are part of one of the
most respected Reserve Regiments
in the British Army, your commitment
to serve is outstanding and you
stand head and shoulders above
your fellow countrymen.
Commanding Officer’s Speech to
YPRES Homecoming – Sun 8 May
Your Royal Highness, Deputy Lord
Mayor, Major General, Honoured
Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen. It is a
great pleasure to welcome you here at
Horseferry Road today to the
Homecoming parade of our soldiers
back from Afghanistan.
I would specifically like to welcome our
new Colonel His Royal Highness
Prince Edward who was only
appointed by Her Majesty the Queen a
week ago. Your Royal Highness, it is
a very great honour for the Regiment to
have you as our Colonel and we
greatly appreciate the interest you are
already showing in the unit.
We are also very privileged to have the
most senior Reservist, Major General
Greg Smith attending today. General
Greg as a fellow TA infanteer is a great
supporter of the Regiment, not only is
this his second visit in the last 12
months, but given we are right in the
middle of the Reserve Review your
time today is especially appreciated.
The primary purpose of today is to
welcome home our soldiers who have
returned from HERRICK 13.Having
been in Afghanistan since October last
year we have had 8 soldiers deployed
4
with the 5th Battalion, The Royal
Regiment of Scotland (The Argyle
& Sutherland Highlanders) mainly
in the Dismounted Close Combat
role, while Lt Paul has been
serving with 1st Battalion Irish
Guards as a Liaison Officer with
the Danish Battle Group. Patrolling
out of Forward Operating Bases in
small groups these soldiers have
been holding ground and engaging
in combat on a regular basis.
Given the nature of this campaign
the medal and clasp you are about
to receive is significant and
recognises your courage and
bravery in the face of a determined
enemy. As with previous
deployments the feedback I have
had has been excellent and
confirms that LONDONS soldiers
continue to deliver a consistently
high performance in these
demanding and hostile conditions.
Talking to their Commanders it is
also clear your service has
contributed to helping make
Afghanistan a safer place enabling
socio-economic development to
take place.
With your recent operational
experience you now have a vital
role to play in the Battalion’s
regeneration. With another 100
soldiers preparing to go on
Operations next year your
expertise is essential, please get
involved, we are keen to learn from
your experiences. You should also
aim to get on promotion and career
courses as soon as possible so
that you can better help influence
and teach those who are planning
to deploy.
For the friends and families present
here today, I would like to thank
you for the courage and support
you have provided while your
soldiers have been deployed. It
must have seemed like a very long
time. Fostered by the Welfare
team and various events across
London a real support structure
has been established. You are
very much part of the Regimental
family and I do hope you keep in
contact.
As well as welcoming these
soldiers back, we recently found
out from last year’s deployment that 2
of the 57 soldiers from AMIENS
Company have been awarded
Operational awards. While you will
hear later the details of what LCpl
Roberts and Pte Wilkie have done, it
is clear these two young Reservists
have committed acts of bravery and
heroism that are outstanding and truly
humbling. Without their individual
involvement it is clear others would
have been killed or injured. They are
role models to us all and deserve our
recognition and praise.
Finally we will also be presenting a
long service medal – the Volunteer
Reserve Service Medal to CSgt
Proudfoot. Having recently
completed two tours of Afghanistan –
LCpl Roberts and Pte Wilkie with
their awards
the first with the Welsh Guards as a
Company Intelligence SNCO and
then last year with AMIENS Company
as part of the NCO Training team, this
medal is for 10 years of service in the
TA. While we have a lot of soldiers
serving for 3-5 years, in order to
operate we must retain the skills and
expertise of soldiers like CSgt
Proudfoot. The TA NCO is the
backbone of our organisation and his
service and commitment is
appreciated and should be
recognised.
I would also like to mention and thank
our other guests.
As London's Territorial Army Infantry
Regiment we are very proud of our
connections to the City. I would like
to especially thank Colonel Sir
Michael Savory who has just handed
over as Regimental Honorary Colonel
after 5 years. A former Lord Mayor of
London he has been instrumental in
strengthening our relationship with
the City and being able to hold our
Homecoming parades for SOMME
and AMIENS Companies at the
Guildhall was a fantastic privilege
for the Regiment. Also on the back
of the changes to the Regimental
structure he has ensured a
permanent City representation on
the Regimental Council. I am
especially pleased that Alderman
Fiona Woolf, who is a great
supporter of the Reserves and was
at our last Homecoming Parade, is
also here today.
It is also great to see The Deputy
Lord Mayor of Westminster
Councillor Jan Prendergast here. The Royal Borough of Westminster
has always been very supportive of
the London Regiment, especially
the London Scottish, Lord Mayor
on behalf of all of us, thank you for
your support.
Before we proceed with the
presentations and given we are in
the middle of a Reserve Review I
would like to make three points
about the Regiment and how we
continue to support operations:
The first is that with nearly 30,000
Reservists deployed over the last 8
years across both Iraq and
Afghanistan, the role of the
Reservists on Operations has now
been legitimised and is an
accepted part of how the Army
does its business. While the way
we deploy Reservists has
undoubtedly improved, it is still
relatively unstructured, informal
and somewhat ad-hoc. We look
forward to the Reserve Review
which will hopefully formalise the
way we support the Regular Army,
aligning and integrating the TA with
the Regular Army’s operational
structures, with an enduring ‘slice’
of Reservists as part of the
deploying force. This ‘Whole
Force’ approach proposes a more
flexible and integrated approach to
Regular and Reserves which is
vital going forward. Secondly, as a
unit the London Regiment
continues to prove our operational
effectiveness, relevance and utility.
In the last 8 years over 420
soldiers having been mobilised, in
effect the whole Battalion has
deployed. With another 100
soldiers preparing to go in 2012 in
support of the Foot Guards we are
one of the most deployed units in
5
the TA. At the same time having
deployed as individual and formed
Companies in both combat and
training roles we have also proved
that we are both highly flexible and
adaptable.
Finally, in designing the future TA,
operational output will have
primacy, but due regard must also
be given to the role and size of the
unit in delivering collective training
and generating critical mass and
moral coherence. On the back of
serial mobilisations and with 70
soldiers deployed, the Battalion that
was left was depleted. Over the last
12 months we have been
concentrating upon recruiting and
rebuilding the Regiment. I am glad
to report that with over 130 recruits
joining the Regiment and with 90%
of those from AMIENS Company
now back soldiering with us we are
now back to full strength. Also, by
training other London TA units as
infanteers for operations, we now
have over 200 soldiers regularly
attending training weekends
preparing for deployments in 2012.
To maintain this level of activity and
fulfil our role as the Foot Guards
reserve on operations, it is clear
that the Regiment needs a larger
establishment and to increase its
presence to cover the whole of
London.
To conclude, for all those on parade
today this is an exciting time for the
Regiment. Each of you has helped
strengthen our reputation and
standing – we are all very proud of
you. I am very proud of you,
welcome home – you are re-joining
the Regiment at a very exciting and
busy time and itʼs great to have you
back. Thank you for the service you
have given your Regiment, your
City and your Country.
Lt Col MAJ Overton TD
Commanding Officer
LONDON REGIMENT SOLDIERS
COMPLETE A 22KM CHARITY
“SWIM-A-THON” RELAY
A TEAM OF TEN swimmers have
successfully completed a 22 km
relay at the Copthall Leisure
Centre in Barnet in aid of The
London Regiment Welfare and
Benevolent Fund.
The team was drawn from across
The London Regiment but also
included “guest” swimmers Miss
Shelley Coleman and a cadet from
the local Army Cadet Force (ACF).
The event was organised by B
(Queenʼs Regiment) Company
who are based in Edgware and the
Middlesex Branch of the Queens
Regimental Association kindly
provided four adjudicators, who
are all former serving soldiers of
the Company.
Mayor Lisa Rutter and Escort Mr Mark
Rutter with the Swim-a-thon team.
The highlight of the day was a visit
from the Mayor Councillor of
Barnet, Lisa Rutter and her Escort,
Mr Mark Rutter. Event organiser,
Captain Gary Anglin said: “We’re
delighted the Mayor has taken
time out to come and visit us. It
helps to highlight not only the
commitment made by our soldiers
who have mobilised on operations
but also demonstrates the fantastic
support we receive from the
public.”
Captain Anglin by the pool
Captain G Anglin
B Company
Captain Anglin and his great fund raising efforts
6
London District Rugby Sevens
2011
comfortable 28-0 lead and a
fantastic win.
It was with boundless enthusiasm
that the London Irish Rifles rugby
team arrived at Trail Finders Rugby
Ground in West London on a sunny
April Sunday to participate in the
London District reserve rugby sevens.
The team was the first Rugby side
fielded by D Company in 10 years
and with OC and CSM D Coy’s
endorsement of “you had better
smash them” ringing their ears they
were determined to make a good
show of themselves against the
established HAC and London
Scottish sides.
Round 3 in the Competition and
The LIR currently leading the
trophy saw the team facing the
HAC, the winners of the trophy
prolifically in recent years.
However despite the cheerleading
section led ably by LCpl Gent,
Young Grace O’Clee and Lt
Martin and backed up in
enthusiastic fashion by the A Coy
contingent in a show of London
Regiment solidarity, the LIR lost
14-7 in a hotly fought contest with
an equalising try disallowed after
Chris May was judged harshly
and some would say doubtfully “to
have stepped into touch” to score.
Round 1 and despite a number of the
team having participated earlier that
morning in the Ironmonger’s trophy,
the team took to the pitch in the
unfamiliar colours of black and St
Patrick’s blue with a sense of purpose
to play against The London Scottish.
Tackles crunched in and the Irish
crashed over for a first half converted
try to take the lead 7-0. However
considerable pressure in the second
half saw the Jocks draw level and
force a 7-7 draw with inter- company
rivalry being more than evident in the
hotly contested tackles.
Round 2 saw the fighting Irish play
the Royal Naval Reserve. By this
stage the team was fully in its stride
and with a formidable pack of Sgt
Anderson, Rgr Clark and LCpl
Aspinall pushing the Navy pack all
over the park, quickly recycled ball
saw a chip kick from Captain O’Clee
at Fly half grounded by LCpl Styles in
enthusiastic style to take the lead. A
good run by the fly half and off load
saw Rgr Clark clear and in unfamiliar
territory to charge in from the 22 to
score the 2nd try for the Irish .For the
remainder of the game the Navy
struggled to contain the London Irish
Rifles team who physically pounded
the RNR defence. A third try for the
company was disallowed as Captain
O’Clee was judged to have fended off
the naval defence rugby league style
with his forearm and denied the LIR a
further lead. Renewed pressure
finished off by 2 more fantastic solo
tries by Chris May gave D coy a
The HAC were now confirmed as
winners and the A Coy and D Coy
teams in joint second place with
only points difference in the LIR’s
favour, the team captains decided
to play off in true inter-company
style to decide who would secure
the runners up spot in the 2011
London District Reserve Forces
rugby sevens. As the Jocks
warmed up for 10 mins prior to
the game the LIR team rested at
pitch side and discussed its
strategy deciding that LCpl
“smash them up front and get the
ball out to the gas men “ Aspinall’s
strategy was a good option.
The Jocks elected to kick after
winning the toss to begin round 2
of the Celtic show down with
everything to play for. Quickly the
Jocks exerted pressure on the
LIR scrum, however the Irish
forwards held firm and retained
possession. Another kick ahead
by “I can kick quite well for a back
row forward O’Clee” at fly half
saw Chris May over the line for
another excellent try for the LIR
securing a 7-0 lead after being
converted by Trewartha. Then a
moment of magic for the forwards
saw Clarkie breakaway from the
ruck which had been well secured
by Sgt Anderson and LCpl Styles
on the LIR 22 ,Clarkie off loaded
to Big Will Aspinall who
proceeded to charge from the
halfway line being pulled down
7
just short of the Scottish 22. An
excellent off load in the tackle
from Aspinall was collected just
outside the Scottish 22 by O’Clee
on the charge who, fending off the
first Scottish tackler, proceeded to
use every part of his considerable
stride to race in to score beneath
the post whilst being pursued by a
determined batch of Jock players.
However, in the second half
tragedy struck after scrappy
rucking and a poor control of the
game by the referee saw an
offside dangerous tackle by a
Scottish player drive LCpl Styles
into the ground with a suspected
neck injury.LCpl Gent raced on to
the field followed at a distance by
the portly figures of St Johns
ambulance to ensure the casualty
was correctly treated and when
confirmed he was not seriously
injured accompanied LCpl Styles
to the nearby Hospital for a check
up.
The game resumed with both
sides scoring a try a piece and the
LIR securing its well deserved
runners up slot in the competition
and a cracking result for its first
appearance in a decade.
It is of note that the competition
and enthusiasm shown by all
those involved and the help given
by the D company command
structure throughout was fantastic
and has really given the LIR rugby
team a fantastic level of
support ,firmly putting the London
Irish Rifles on the London District
Rugby Map.
Watch out HAC, who knows next
year we may go one better?
Captain John O’Clee
D Company
WANDSWORTH RESIDENTS
HONOUR THE ARMED FORCES
IN BATTERSEA PARK
HUNDREDS OF WANDSWORTH
RESIDENTS yesterday celebrated
the contribution of their local Armed
Forces by supporting a Companion
Dog Show in Battersea Park hosted
by the Council’s Park’s Police. The
event took place on Sunday 26
June (10.30am – 4.30pm) in honour
of Britain’s armed forces: past,
present and future with all proceeds
from the event going to the military
charity, the London Regiment
Welfare and Benevolent Fund.
Councillor Ravi Govindia, Leader of
Wandsworth Council said: “Armed
Forces Day provides an opportunity
for us to show our gratitude and
appreciation to the armed services.
We have invited the community to
come and join us today to celebrate
the brave men and women who risk
their lives in defence of our
country.”
Wandsworth is home to territorial
soldiers from the London Regiment
based in Battersea, Balham and St
John’s Hill and the Royal Marine
Reserve based in Southfields many of whom have seen
operational duty in Iraq or
Afghanistan.The London
Regiment’s Major James
Swanston, Officer Commanding C
(City of London Fusiliers) Company
located in Balham High Road said
“The London Regiment and other
local Reserve Forces receive a
tremendous amount of support from
the London Borough of
Wandsworth and we see ourselves
as immensely fortunate to have
such a close relationship with them,
and particularly the efforts they go
to in thanking our soldiers who go
on operations.” He continued “We
are delighted to be able to be
involved in Armed Forces Day and
have the opportunity to meet many
of the local residents of
Wandsworth.”
There are also army, sea and air
cadet squadrons located within the
Borough who offer local young
people many worthwhile and
exciting opportunities.
Dog owners registered their pets
from 10.30am and the event’s
London Regiment Pipers at Battersea Park
Official Opening took place at
midday by Wandsworth’s Mayor,
Councillor Mrs Jane Cooper. The
day’s festivities got underway with a
Military Dog Display by the Defence
Animal Centre (DAC).The DAC,
based in Melton Mowbray, is a joint
service establishment responsible for
the procuring and training of all of
the Military Working Dogs that are
used by the armed forces. The dogs,
many of whom are donated by the
public, are mainly trained as sniffer
dogs to detect drugs and bombs
including substances such as TNT,
Cordtex, C-4 and Semtex.
Particularly suitable breeds are
German Shepherds, Belgian
Shepherd Dogs (Malinois) and all
gun dog breeds.
Visitors were then treated to a
rousing display from the Pipes and
Drums of the London Regiment.
Show Judging commenced with 4
Pedigree Classes and 16 Novelty
Classes including the Best Marching
Dog and the dog with the waggiest
tail.
In addition to a funfair, dog trade
stands, laser shooting, and a
climbing wall supplied by the
Coldstream Guards, visitors also
had an opportunity to meet Territorial
Army soldiers from the London
Regiment, several of whom have
recently returned from operational
service in Afghanistan, to speak
about their military role in the
community and beyond and to
handle some of their personal kit
and equipment taken on operations.
Media Press Release
Major Swanston receiving a
cheque for £631.50 from the
Mayor of Wandsworth
8
operational experience in
Afghanistan and Iraq to draw on,
but for many this was their first
time working with regular soldiers
and their longest field deployment.
Regardless of prior experience all
agreed however that this was a
very physically challenging and
demanding exercise.
EXERCISE PRAIRIE THUNDER 3
THIRTY-TWO SOLDIERS from The
London Regiment joined the 1st
Battalion Grenadier Guards on Exercise
PRAIRIE THUNDER 3 in Canada, a
demanding 22 day Brigade level field
training exercise involving all arms live
firing serials, as well as an extensive
Tactical Effect Simulation (TES)
exercise covering both Force-on-Force
and Stability Operations. In all over
1200 soldiers took part in the exercise,
drawn from across the 12 Mech Bde
Battle Group.
Soldiers interact with Afghan
actors playing civilians and
local security forces.
Canada. It is larger than all other
British training areas worldwide
combined and is comprised of an
expanse of prairie which is subject
to extreme and unpredictable
weather. Those taking part in the
exercise were routinely subjected to
high day time and low night time
temperatures and witnessed
dramatic electrical storms as well
as tropical downpours, hail and
even some snow. These conditions,
which can turn the prairie from
dustbowl to quagmire in a matter of
moments, made living conditions
very arduous and were an everpresent backdrop to the exercise
itself.
The Battle Group role was that of a
NATO task force which is assigned
to restore national boundaries in
the oil and gas rich district of
Pokharistan between the
neighbouring countries of the
United Western States and the
Northern Democratic Federation.
Although the exercise is intended
to provide foundation training for
the “All Arms” battle and included
the use of AS90 and Challenger 2,
which have never deployed to
Afghanistan, there was none-theless a close parallel with current
operations in some of the serials.
Troops were required to operate
out of FOBs in villages which bear
a striking resemblance to those in
Afghanistan and conduct
“influence patrols”, interacting with
Afghan actors playing civilians,
local security forces and
insurgents through the use of
interpreters or “terps”.
Pte Fombutu (B Coy) prepares
for a live firing serial
The British Army Training Unit Suffield
(BATUS) is the British Army's largest
training area and is located in the South
Eastern part of the province of Alberta,
LONDONS soldiers attached to
Inkerman Coy prepare for patrol
Sgt Anderson (D Coy)
returns from a town patrol
to the appropriately
named FOB Somme
Extreme temperatures and
unpredictable weather make living
conditions arduous.
The majority of LONDONS
soldiers, all of whom are
considering deploying on Operation
HERRICK 16 with the GREN GDS
BG in 2012, were attached to
Inkerman and No.2 companies and
undertook training alongside their
regular counterparts. Some of the
LONDONS soldiers had prior
9
Strong bonds of both friendship
and respect were formed between
Grenadiers and Londons during
the exercise with a number of
soldiers requesting that they return
to the same platoons and sections
for the H16 tour. Some Regular
and TA soldiers even plan to take
summer holidays together on
return to the UK.
Captain Chris Green
RSO
EXERCISE BROAD REACH
Exercise Broad Reach is an
Adventure Training off shore sailing
package based in Gibraltar. The
exercise organised by A Coy QPSI,
CSgt Monger consists of four, 1
week packages which enables 5
individuals plus qualified crew to take
part in some real offshore sailing.
I write this report after the
completion of the first week offshore
sailing. The crew for the first week
consisted of Captain Bartlett and
myself, CSgt Tester; both of us from
D COY, John Monger and Geoff
Smithers. We flew out from Luton on
Sunday 22 June looking forward to a
week’s proper sailing in the
Mediterranean.
We arrived in Gibraltar early evening
and were quickly through customs,
Capt Kentish looking the more
pleased to be back on the ground
after a little bit of turbulence during
the flight. We caught a taxi to Gun
Wharf, the military adventure training
centre where we were taken over to
our vessel,The Pickle, an Elan 37, a
very capable racing/cruising 37
footer yacht.
Once on board the crew quickly
chose their sleeping quarters for the
duration of the week ahead. I being
a light sleeper ended up with the
narrow seating in the main cabin
area. After storing away our bags we
headed off into Gibraltar town centre
for an evening meal and some light
refreshments.
The Skipper
diet and Healthy Eating. (Later this
was preceded with a sneaky full
English, err healthy eating?) With all
the crew’s kitty spent, a taxi was
needed to bring all the goodies back
to the Yacht and to find somewhere
on board to store it. All the admin
now squared away we proceeded to
take the Yacht out for our ‘first feel’ of
her and the crew to go through man
overboard drills and work together
for the first time ironing out old skills
and learning new. We ended the day
back in Gibraltar now fully prepared
and nautically focused and looking
forward to the skipper putting us
through our paces for the week
ahead.
Tuesday 24th we set sail (after
waiting for Capt Bartlett to return
from another shopping expedition
this time with a non stick pan and
sharp knife in his hands. I wonder if
a sneaky full English was had ?) On
our maiden Voyage, a 2 hour sail
across the straits of Gibraltar to the
coast of North Africa a Spanish
owned town called Ceuta. This
enabled everyone to regain
their sea legs, some more than
others. The trip across had
some good wind and under sail
we managed to get up to 6
Knots. Here we practiced our
mooring in Spanish harbours
and anchoring up stern to port
with a lazy line. A slimy rope
handed to you from under the
water which led down to an
anchor and was tied on at the
bow.
The next day saw us sail down
the coast of Africa to a
Moroccan port called Smir. After
tackling the Moroccan Customs
questions in French about our
civil employment, like ‘what is a
postman’ and ‘what is a
plumber’; strange looks at my
passport cover, Arsenal Football
Club, were given permission to
moor up. Here we moored up
Port side and then had a meal
on board cooked by Capt
Bartlett; not a bad effort, Ham
and Cheese Omelettes. We
then ventured off to see what
Smir had to offer; not a lot. Only
the 5 Star hotel provided us
with some beers after obtaining
Moroccan currency, they would
not accept Euros.
Thursday 26 saw us up at 0700,
well that was the planned time
but with a mix up of the local
timings by the skipper, which
The first full day started for the crew
at 0730 when the showers at the
centre were opened. Well I say 0730
but me being as I said a light sleeper
and early riser was up at 0530 (much
to the other crews annoyance) and
then off to the shops to get the
essential tea and milk, all good
CQMS skills.
After all the crew had been through
the ablutions we were met at 0830
by the Yachts’ keeper and went
through a full handover/takeover and
safety brief. Then Capt Bartlett and I
went to the Local Morrison’s (Being
on British soil, all the good Brit shops
in Gibraltar) to stock up on the
weekly essentials. Captain Bartlett
proceeded to fill the shopping trolley
as if he was on the TV programme
Super Market Sweep, muttering
something about a no carbohydrates
On the Ocean Waves
10
saw him add on to many hours from
GMT, it was actually 0500 hrs. Still
this was no problem for me, early
riser, but was funny to see the look on
the other crews faces, when the
actual time was realised. This was
added by a comment of ” I thought it
was strange seeing the locals eating
out so late last night” now realising it
was 2 hours earlier than thought by
Captain Kentish. You would have
thought it would be easier to get out of
the port of Smir than arriving; alas no.
Similar procedures had to be done to
leave; our early start now made late
by the Moroccan Customs and Police.
It did not help when the expected
wind to speed our journey across the
Med to Estepona died down. The sea
was clam across the straits of
Gibraltar, however we achieved
speeds up to 5 knots enabling us get
some tacking in to get us past the
headland; tacking involves coming
about, swinging the main sail and the
Jib from one side of the boat to the
other. This has to be done in good
timing as not to lose any wind in the
sail. The perfect timing of the tack
given by CSgt Monger and carried out
perfectly by the crew enabled us to
catch andovertake a sailing Yacht that
had left port before us on the same
route.
The journey across was mixed
between being under sail, using the
main sail then just the jib sail and
under motor. The journey across
covered about 50 miles and took
about 8 hours. While crossing the
straits of Gibraltar we were
accompanied by some Dolphins which
were a pleasant surprise.
The Pickle Moored Up
Entering Estepona marina was a bit
tricky and Capt Kentish had to navigate
us through some shallow depths and
high sandbanks.
Friday we sailed to Marbella and by
mid afternoon with some good wind
behind us we got up to 5 and 6 knots
and got some decent sailing in. When
Moored in Marbella Geoff and I went
off to the beach for a swim while the
rest of the crew had a siesta.
The evening was spent at a
local restaurant and again
some light refreshments. It
was an early night as
tomorrow the last sailing day
for the first weeks crew would
see us up at 0600 for an 8
hour sail back to Gibraltar. The
wind again was not particularly
good but we managed a speed
of between 3 to 5 knots under
sail before switching back to
the engine as we approached
the rock of Gibraltar. Once
back at Gun Wharf we washed
and scrubbed the yacht ready
to be taken over by the next
crew from the London
Regiment, which included
WO2 Nimmo, Sgt Amos,
LCpl’s Cue and Gent and
Private Humphreys under the
same skippers. We wait for
their added tales at sea.
I can conclude that the first
week was a success with the
crew working as a team for the
first time together in a
demanding and testing
environment learning new
skills together and gaining
essential experience as a
competent crew. Thanks go
out to Capt Kentish and CSgt
Monger and to the Gibraltar
Adventure Training Centre for
the loan of the Yacht PICKLE.
Real Sailing
11
CSgt Tester D (LIR) Coy,
CQMS
UNIFORM TO WORK DAY
Members of the Reserve Forces
have worn their military uniforms to
their civilian jobs today for Uniform
to Work Day, organised as part of
the build up to this weekend's Armed
Forces Day.
Chief of the General Staff, General
Sir Peter Wall, joins Army Reservists
on the Northern Line of London
Underground for their daily commute
across London on Uniform to Work
Day 2011. Chiefs of Staff from all
three services lent their support to
Uniform to Work Day, by joining
Reservists who wore their uniform to
work and by taking public transport
to the Ministry of Defence.
Uniform to Work Day has been
organised as part of the build up to
Armed Forces Day on Saturday, 25
June 2011, which celebrates all of
those who make up the Armed
Forces Family. It also provides an
opportunity to celebrate the role of
the Reserves and to show the public
the Armed Forces are made up of
people from all sections of the
community.
Gen Wall and Territorial Army (TA)
soldiers, LCpl Phil Vergottini,
Lieutenant David McConkey and
Ranger Michael Noonan, all took the
Tube to the Ministry of Defence
offices, while Admiral Stanhope took
LCpl Vergottini drives his train whilst chatting to CGS
a river taxi to work accompanied
by AB Wilkinson, from the Royal
Naval Reservists, and Lieutenant
Ollie Clark, from the Royal Navy.
LCpl Vergottini is a tube driver on
the Northern Line and last year he
left civvy street for a six-month tour
of Afghanistan, where he was part
of the Counter-IED (Improvised
Explosive Device) Task Force,
providing infantry support for the
specialist C-IED operators.
LCpl Vergottini said:
"I'm proud of being part of the TA
and all that I've achieved there, and
today is an opportunity for me to
show the public that, behind my
usual work clothes, I also serve my
country. I completed a tour of
Afghanistan last year, but most of
the time I look like any other
civilian.
"The support we get from the public
and our employers on Uniform to
Work Day is a huge boost to morale
for me and my fellow TA soldiers."
Meeting them today, Gen Wall said:
"I am very pleased to have this
opportunity to show my support for
our TA soldiers by meeting LCpl
Vergottini at his place of work, and
enjoy a ride in his driver's cab. The
value and ethos of the Army can
only enhance our TA soldiers'
performance in their peacetime
roles. I am delighted to witness this
first hand."
Press Release
Capt Hill
LCpl Vergottini takes the Tube with CGS - General Sir Peter Wall
12
Alburhera Road Trip – Exercise
Alburhera Dash May 2011
The RV was at Portsmouth Docks on
a rather untypically warm summer
evening, WO2 Seymour was first to
arrive with his rather ancient (classic)
Kawasaki 750 loaded to the max (how
did he ride with all that kit on) ?
CSgt Geoff Smithers then followed
with a couple of buddies, and bringing
up the rear was myself and a couple
of mates.
We took the overnight crossing to
Caen, we all RV’d in the bar for a few
‘wets’ and a team talk from CSgt
Smithers on convoy procedures, lost
comms, road signs and the law and
even a couple of words on European
Police anti- ambush drills.
Once we hit French soil, we headed
on out for the first RV which was
Poitiers (300 Km distance), on the
way we stopped at a delightful little
French bistro for lunch. By this time
there were seven of us and all riding a
plethora of bikes including BMW GS
1200 (x3), Honda VFR 1200, Honda
CBF 1000, WO2 Seymour on his 1991
‘Kwacker 750’ and even a ‘Yammy
R1’. At Poitiers we separated into 2
groups, 4 camped overnight in Poitiers
and myself plus 2 mates headed on
down to Biscarosse (passed Bordeaux
and onto the Atlantic Coast) (another
300Km). We stayed in a caravan on a
campsite, the others ‘roughed it’ under
canvas.
When we reached our destination we
had been ‘in the saddle’ for 12 hours
and all 3 of us were walking like John
Wayne.
Alburhera Memorial. Captains Cheese and Peet with Actors.
WO2 Seymour’s bike was
extremely noisy and everyone kept
overtaking him so that they could
avoid any temp deafness.
The next leg was much shorter,
Biscarosse to Bayonne (90Km),
therefore we spent the majority of
the day riding, walking up the sand
dunes on "Dune du Pyla" (a
national heritage site) and
swimming in the Atlantic. We were
the only people in the ocean (it
was not a very warm day) and the
locals were all standing on the
beach gazing at us (Mad Dogs and
Englishmen etc). At Bayonne we
again stayed on a campsite in a
caravan, very reasonable at 15
Euros each per
night.
Captains Cheese and Peet at the PWRR
Day 3, was over the
Pyrenees, we
planned a good
route on the most
arduous roads over
the mountain,
plenty of twists and
turns and ‘knee
down’ stuff.
Crossing the border
(somewhere) our
next RV was
Salamanca in
Spain. By this time
the weather was
really getting hot
and leathers were
13
hard work when not moving fast.
We stayed in a small hotel in
Salamanca not far from the old city
walls. The hotel let us put the bikes
in the garage, we went to our
rooms for some personal admin
then we ‘hit’ the Old Town. The
place was extremely ‘buzzing’, it’s
a University town and it was Friday
night, need I say any more ?
Day 4.This was to be our Final
destination, Badajoz in Spain, we
stayed at a nicer hotel with a
swimming pool but was told that we
couldn’t use the pool. The law said
it was not allowed to be used until
June. Needless to say we used it
anyway. We also couldn’t use the
bar and restaurant as they had
private functions all weekend.
We wandered down to a smaller
tapas bar down the road which was
First RV in France. Capt Cheese,
CSgt Smithers, WO2 Seymour with
‘Team’
Peet (Fusilier att to Psyops) at
Alburhera and we all participated in a
toast to the brave and fallen on the
bridge which was an integral part of
the battle.
We moved to the memorial which is
to the rear of the village, the
memorial was funded by the PWRR.
We met up with several senior
officers; even the Director of Infantry
Brigadier Dennis (late PWRR) who is
an extremely keen ‘biker’ and has
undertaken several charity rides for
various Army Welfare Funds.
The Bridge in Alburhera,where we toasted the Brave and Fallen
very basic to say the least, but ok.
Badajoz is off ‘the beaten track’ and
hardly anyone speaks English, but
as long as you can say ‘Cuerveza’ ,
all is well.
Whilst in Badajoz we went over the
border into Portugal and had a look
round the old town of Elvas. This
was a British HQ during the
Peninsula War. We were looking for
the other 4 riders as we hadn’t seen
them since day 1. We rode into
town on a hot Sunday morning, 3
bikes, 2 with aftermarket and
extremely noisy exhausts, the locals
were attending church parade in the
main square and were really not
impressed with the noise and told
us to move on in a most polite
way.We eventually found their
campsite and saw all the NATO
towels and Union Flags but not
them, they had all gone for a ride .
The main event of the trip was the
200 Anniversary of the Battle of
Albuhera where the British and allies
(Spanish and Portuguese) defeated
the French after some fierce
fighting.
Many of the London Regt
predecessors (East Surreys, Buffs
and Middx Regt, West Kents PWRR, Various Fusilier Regts,
Inniskiling Fusiliers – Sister Regt to
the LIR) were at Alburhera also.
The event attracted various VIPs
including the British Ambassador
and several high ranking politicians
and Military personal from the
various countries that were involved.
The PWRR sent along 2 coach
loads of the ‘old comrades’ and
several serving soldiers and took
part in the parade.The weather was
in the 90’s and we were absolutely
‘baking’ in our leathers and bike
gear. We met up with Capt George
The Village, Battle of Alburhera 200
Year celebrations
Our last leg was the return from
Badajoz to Bilbao for the return ferry
to the UK, a distance of 700 Kms. We
left at 0330 believing that we could
reach the docks by 0930, oh how we
were mistaken. We all remember how
‘no plan survives first contact’, well
this happened, we didn’t allow for 5
fuel stops for the Yammy R1 (once
coming of the motorway at 5am to
look for garages that were not open),
The sudden decrease in temp from
19 degrees when we left to 8 degrees
as we got further North.The fact that
the Docks at Bilbao are not actually
in Bilbao but are 17 Kms further
West. It also sheeted down with rain
for a couple of hours.
We actually made the boat with
minutes to spare, we arrived at
1030 (the actual sailing time) after
some pretty hairy riding during the
last 17Ks). The girl at the ticket office
was just closing, we called her back
and she said we better hurry, we got
to the Police check, the British Police
wanted passports and ID etc, the
Spanish cops just laughed and told
us to ‘open the throttle’ and get
across the docks NOW.
‘Knee down’ Through the Pyrenees.
‘Miller time’ in France
14
TF JAG JHF (A)
In Elvas, Portugal waking up
the town on Sunday morn.
We shot across the docks at breakneck
speeds, with crowds all watching from
the stern, as soon as we got on the
ramp went up and we were away.
We spoke with loads of people on the
return trip and all talked about these 3
mad bikers who were doing ‘wheelies ‘
across the docks to catch the boat.
The actual trip lasted 7 days and we
covered 2,400 miles, we visited 3
countries and rode some of the best
roads in the world, no potholes,
courteous drivers and not many police.
Weather was great (mostly), will
definitely do it again.
The LONDONS Adventure Motorcycle
Club (LAMC) was set up a few years
ago by CSgt Geoff Smithers and Capt
Steve Kentish (C Coy – QPSI and
PSAO).
The idea is to bring together ‘Bikers’
form the London Regt and friends in an
informal atmosphere to enjoy biking.
Any types of bikes and riders are
welcome.
Trips taking place or planned are;
Nth Africa - 2012
Europe – Stella Alpina - 2012
Bastogne Battlefields – Oct 11
Various other days and weekends
during the year.
If you are a biker and interested contact
Geoff Smithers on –
LONDONS-C COY-QPSI(Smithers
Geoffrey). [LONDONS-CCOYQPSI@mod.uk]
020 8672 1168 Work
Lance Cheese
Capt
D (LIR) Company
Having just started to settle into the
job of SPSI C Coy in March, I
received a phone call from Glasgow
asking if I could deploy to
HERRICK as the RQMS for TF JAG
(JHF (A)). Being an obliging, don’t
laugh, sort of chap I acquiesced to
their request and within a week or
so was at Chilwell, OPTAG and
then Brize on the rather elongated
trip out to Camp Bastion.
On arrival I was met by a Royal
Marine CSgt, who proved to be a
mine of information and just to
break the ice it was useful to
discover we knew a few of the
same people. He had been
standing in for the previous RQMS,
who had returned to the UK without
a replacement due to the AAC not
being able to cover the slot.
2 days of ROSI and I was ready to
take up the reigns.
The Department. At the time this
consisted of a QM – Royal Marines,
1 RQMS, usually AAC but now me,
2 SQMS’ a Royal Marine and an
AAC, 2 Sgts , 2 Cpls, 3 LCpls, 3
Ptes. So a few more people than
usual….RQMS and CSgt Burton.
What do we do? Well basically we
are the J4 and MT support for the
entire Rotary Wing Aircraft force in
Theatre approx 850 personnel and
68 motor vehicles of different types.
We have Chinook (RAF) Sea King
(RN) Merlin (RAF/RN) Lynx and
Apache AAC. We also provide the
support for the MERT to a lesser
degree PEDRO all the REME
ground support, the MAOT Heli
Handlers and anyone else who
comes under the JHF (A) umbrella.
If the ‘copters don’t fly the chances
are I have forgotten to order
something, touch wood that hasn’t
happened yet!
What makes life really difficult is the
turn round of staff. We seem to be
constantly RIP’ing. Some of the
RAF teams are only here for 10
week tours. The AAC rotate every
4 months.
15
By the time I leave I will have had
3 different teams working for me
and 3 different bosses! This brings
its own issues.
During every 4 month cycle we
have to have an LSI, ECI and
BOO. The LSI and the ECI are
both preceded by “advisory”
inspections. It can be a complete
nightmare as on the recent LSI,
about 3 weeks after I arrived, the
new SO2 had changed a lot of the
practices which were in place from
the previous inspection, as he liked
things reported and recorded in
another way. “ I am not saying it is
wrong but I like it done this
way….”. Looking back through
the files it would appear that this
happens nearly every time! Roll
on next month when the new guy
comes…..NOT.
A lot of my initial period was spent
educating people on how the
Department would run. The QM
had laid down the policy but the
enforcement was down to me and
my SQMS’. Trying to get the RAF
and RN to play the “Army” game
has posed a few problems but we
have got them sorted out….mostly.
It does prove to be quite a
challenge dealing with the ever
changing staff and policies. The
AAC can be awfully precious and
don’t like the roughty, toughty
Infanteers or anyone else. One AH
Pilot got quite upset when I
wouldn’t exchange his Uback when
his pen leaked. I did offer to do so
if he paid for the replacement on
the grounds of his destruction of
military property which he didn’t
find funny but the QM had quite a
laugh about it!
On the whole things are quite a
challenge on a daily basis, by the
time I get back I will be, without
doubt, the subject matter expert on
ITS, DR, ECI and LSI so if you
have a question…….please direct
it to someone else!
RQMS
WO2 Tuckey
Camp Bastian
LONDONSʼ LIFE
Beating Retreat at Horseguards
Commanding Officer Taking the Salute at the Guards Coy Passing Out Parade
WO2 Radford with the new D Company outfits
16
HRH THE EARL OF WESSEX VISITS LONDON
RESERVISTS ON PRE-MOBILISATION TRAINING
HRH The Earl of Wessex, the
recently appointed Colonel of The
London Regiment, today joined
members of the Regiment who are
taking part in their two-week annual
camp in Catterick, North Yorkshire.
The Annual Training Period (ATP)
forms the end of the pre-mobilisation
phase for at least 50 of the soldiers
who are hoping to mobilise in
November to deploy to Afghanistan
in Spring 2012.
Over two hundred reservists are
taking part in a Final Test Exercise
(FTX) which comprises of three, 24
hour tactical scenarios requiring
them to draw on their core infantry
skills. The reservists who come from
all walks of life have braved the
driving wind and rain carrying out
night patrols and deliberate attacks.
A spokesman for His Royal Highness
said that Prince Edward had very
much looked forward to coming to
visit the London Regiment on their
ATP in order to support the
preparation for operations.
He regards being Colonel of the
Regiment a huge privilege but there
is much to learn and no better way
than doing so by visiting soldiers in
the field. He looks forward to getting
to know all members of the
Regiment as well as he can in the
years ahead and being part of the
Regimental family.
Lt Col Overton, Commanding Officer
said:
The Regiment are extremely grateful
that HRH The Earl of Wessex was
able to visit us while on our Annual
Training Camp In North Yorkshire in
his capacity as our Honorary
Colonel. This was a great
opportunity to meet officers and
soldiers and watch them being put
through their paces on a very windy
and rainy day! HRH was also able
to meet some of the soldiers who
are soon to put their 'day jobs' on
hold and mobilise for a tour of
Afghanistan.
Press Release
Captain Hill
17
A View from the Australian Army
Shoes unpolished, shirt untucked, the
crease of a well-executed iron nonexistent on my jelly-bean inspired
camouflage. To the British soldier the
Australian Army standards of dress
may seem a little lax to say the least.
Well that was the impression I got from
my new colleagues on my first day in
uniform at the London Regiment.
This month marks four years for me as
a member of the Australian Army
Reserve, a relatively feeble
achievement compared to some,
however one that has brought me a
lifetime of experiences, challenges and
rewards including the opportunity to
continue my service here in the United
Kingdom with the British Territorial
Army.
As reserve force members there is one
principle of war which is arguably key
to our success - flexibility. With many of
us balancing our military service with
civilian careers, family life and a
number of other pursuits, it is no
surprise that we must be flexible in our
approach. This flexibility is no-doubt
reciprocated by our two organisations.
In my case this has allowed me the
privilege of remaining as a member of
the Australian Army Reserve whilst
being attached to D (London Irish
Rifles) Company, The London
Regiment during my stay here in
London.
Apart from the superior dress
standards employed in the British
Territorial Army (which my foreign
status thankfully allows me to be
exempt from) there are a number of
differences which have taken some
getting use to.
One consideration I may not have
made when deciding to move to the
UK was having to learn a new
language. Like the Australian Army, the
Londons operate not only in English
but also (probably more so) in
acronym. Despite this, my knowledge
of Australian Army acronyms has not
prevented orders group from often
being more like a Japanese lesson to
me.
Having never operated the SA80
service rifle I found that the position of
the cocking handle (opposite side to
the F88 Austeyr Service Rifle used
in Australia) does not entirely
conform to my existing weapon
handling practices, which may have
put some of my colleagues on edge
to say the least. As yet I have not
been offered any live ammunition.
What is common between our two
forces (apart from a love of her
majesty) is the air of
professionalism in both our
organisations particularly within the
NCO and Senior NCO ranks. They
are well trained, intelligent and
have a wealth of experience with
many having been on deployment
overseas including Afghanistan and
Iraq. I would encourage all
members of the London Regiment
to draw on the great wealth of
experience and knowledge held by
your colleagues – I know I will be.
With the intent to significantly
increase its size and utilisation over
the coming years, it is an exciting
time to be a part of the British
Territorial Army and my new role
within it as PL COMD of the Recruit
Platoon (13 Pl) at D Coy will allow
me to be at the metaphorical front
line – I am keenly looking forward
to the challenges and adventures
ahead.
If you are ever find yourself down at
D Coy and note the signature jellybean suit of the Australian Army,
please feel welcome to say ‘g-day’
and have a yarn.
Lt Bunton
D Company
‘TOBRUK’ POTENTIAL JUNIOR
NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICER/
FIRE TEAM COMMANDER
CADRE PIRBRIGHT, AUGUST
2011
The latest of the battalion PJNCO
cadres took place between
Saturday 13th August and Friday
26th August at Brunswick Camp,
Pirbright. Run in conjunction with
3rd Battalion Princess of Wales
Royal Regiment, based in nearby
18
Farnham, Surrey. The cadre was
loaded with an ambitious and
determined body of some forty
students drawn from nationwide
cap-badges, including Royal
Anglian Regiment, Royal Irish
Regiment, Royal Welsh, Rifles, as
well as PWRR and Londons.
The London Scottish contingent
included myself, Pte SuronkuLindsay and Ypres Coy’s Pte
Keyzer as the ‘potentials’, while
Cpl Anderson acted as Platoon
Sergeant, and L/Cpls Cue,
Fleming and James performed DS
duties.
Having begun the Catterick
PJNCO cadre in April with Pte
Turton, only to be medically RTU’d
after a few days, this was to be my
second attempt at the course in
2011 and from the outset I was
determined to give a good account
of myself and to enjoy the steep
learning curve that would no doubt
follow in the coming fortnight.
Saturday began, as ever, with the
Personal Fitness Test; the flat
roads and tracks of Pirbright
seeming a million miles (in the
right direction) from the hilly,
windswept Catterick course. A
good run time was recorded by all
and the introductory ‘fizz’ woke us
up for the obligatory welcome
package, breakdown into 1, 2, 3
and 4 sections (or multiples of ten)
and kit admin in the lines which
followed, before the first week of
largely classroom-based activities
began. The more physically
demanding aspects of the second
week’s field phase on Sandhurst’s
Barossa training area (to culminate
with a six-mile Combat Fitness
Test with 25kg weight), was
steadily built up to by the inclusion
of a four-mile boot run and a fourmile weighted march on the
Sunday and Monday.
The importance of basic navigation
skills to the potential NCO was
explored with a simple day and
night navex on the Aldershot
training area around Caesar’s
Camp. Working in teams of three
we navigated between a series of
stands designed to test radio
communication and map-reading
skills. Dividing our time between
the classroom at Farnham TAC,
where we were introduced to a
dizzying array of subjects including
the Ethos of the British Army,
Battle Procedure, time analysis,
the grouping system, Warning
Orders, Formal Orders, Combat
Estimates and Fire Mission
procedure (a degree of information
that would have been mindnumbing had it not been for the
teaching skills of cadre OC/Chief
Instructor, Major G Long, PWRR
and his many Field Marshal Slim
quotes and film references), and
the great outdoors (covering model
making, PW handling, remind and
revise of section attacks and
patrolling skills such as obstacle
crossings). The first week gave us
the information necessary not only
to give us an insight into the role of
the JNCO, but also for us to begin
to develop SOPs as a section for
the field phase.
Week one culminated with a highly
enjoyable practical test in shooting
coaching, during which we learned
how to critique, advise and
encourage a firer on the range,
both live and DCCT (Dismounted
Close Combat Trainer). Also with a
drill phase, during which each
student had the opportunity to drill
a squad around the parade square.
The middle weekend, during which
the four PJNCO sections
participated in Ex Capital Patrol,
was a challenging test due to the
ground covered (in excess of 50
km from 2300 Friday to 1200
Sunday by some accounts) and
the lack of sleep (grabbed in three
45-minute ‘power naps’).
Beginning at a FOB on the
Pirbright training area, we
navigated between various stands
which taught and tested various
skills including Casevac, patrolling,
Close Target Recce and contact
drills. This phase was really an
opportunity for the candidates
strong in navigation and leadership
to come to the fore and the
dynamics of the sections really
began to take shape. The weekend
closed with a trophy parade and
speech by the Commanding
Officer, London Regiment, an
impressive lunch and an
opportunity to catch up with other
members of the Company who we
had left behind in London the week
before. While friends returned
home exhausted (pass the smelling
salts for Pte Wynne), another albeit
unusual TA weekend done, those of
us on the Cadre headed back to
camp to prepare, without missing a
step (though footsore), for the
following day’s Final Training
Exercise, Ex Lion’s Pride – a week
of soldiering in the field!
Under our DS Section
Commanders (My own 2 Section
was under D Coy’s Corporal
Roberts), the second week got
underway with a mix of teaching
and practice – covering advance to
contact, harbour drills, ambushes,
recce patrols and platoon attacks.
As this was an assessment period,
each student would be assessed
on command and control, a set of
Orders and Patrol Report,
leadership, navigation and a series
of appointments, either as 2iC,
Section Commander, or in some
cases Platoon Sergeant and
Platoon Commander. We had
been warned off that Wednesday
would see the arrival of VIPs and
the media to observe our rolling
platoon attacks, though escalating
events in Libya meant this was not
to be and I think most of us were
quite pleased just to crack on with
the exercise.
Thursday brought the final,
deliberate attack against an enemy
named in the Orders as the ‘Sons
of Camberley’ (an insurgent group
made up largely of renegade
Londons in desert camouflage). A
good fight they put up too, before
End-ex at midday and the anticlimax of weary post-exercise
admin. The smiles all-round spoke
volumes though: only the CFT
stood between us and the
completion of the course (or,
perhaps more immediately, a hardwon evening spent in Sandes
NAAFI)
And so, to wrap up, the six-miler
was a walk in the park after the
previous weekend’s ‘trail of tears’,
the interviews were brief and the
reports firm but fair. London
awaited our return, and Pirbright is
so much closer to it than Catterick!
We had all passed the course, with
promotion a little further along the
19
road for some us than others, but all
would take something away from the
course, if not a first stripe on a rank
slide. For me, it was all about the
ground – using it to one’s advantage
in an assault, finding the best way
over it, a reminder of not covering too
much of it a single superman bound
without the right rate of covering fire or
manoeuvring. Again, both a steep
learning curve and a reminder of the
basics, but an altogether valuable
experience, full of information that has
made all those in ‘Tobruk’ cadre better
soldiers.
Strike Sure
Pte Scott Dingley
1 Platoon
A COMPANY
A Company - ready for action
A look ahead to Exercise Summer
Leader 2011
30 Jul- 21 Aug 11
With the Capital Attack exercises
coming to an end and Ex Capital
Patrol, being run by 'A' Company,
coming up in August, the summer
training period is usually relatively quiet
in the run up to ATP.
However for Officer Cadets looking to
complete the Territorial Army
Commissioning Course at the Royal
Military Academy Sandhurst there is
potentially a very busy summer ahead.
Exercise Summer Leader 2011, run by
the Officer Training Wing at LDRTC, is
three weeks of concentrated
leadership training that must be
passed as just one of the criteria to
attend Sandhurst. Broken down into
two parts, Military Leadership
Development Programme Modules 2
and 3, the course covers all aspects of
leadersip with a focus on the orders
and estimate process and culminates
in a seven day battle camp where
OCdts are placed into appointments
from 2ic to platoon commander, all
designed to be a testing phase to the
material learnt during the rest of the
course.
This summer as well as having
several ocdts from The London
Regiment attending, we are also
sending a number of staff to assist,
providing opportunities to teach and
train some of the TA's future leaders.
If you are interested in Officer Training
and want to find out more then why
not speak to your platoon commander.
2Lt James Eaves
A (London Scottish) Company
Exercise Prairie Thunder 3
The build up to this exercise started for
us at the beginning of July with a
week’s live firing in Brecon run by the
London Regiment with some NCO’s
from the Gren Guards helping with
safety. The week began with the
individual and pairs fire and
manoeuvre up to a platoon attack. This
weeks training helped greatly in what
was to come when we got to Canada.
After a weekend off, it was straight to
Lille Barracks in Aldershot to join the
Grenadier Guards. We were split
between 2 Coy and The Inkerman Coy.
Myself and Pte Ross K going to The
Inkerman Coy and Cpl Anderson and
Pte Price-Brown going with 2 Coy. We
had a week of PT in the mornings
followed by weapon handling lessons
mainly on the N-LAW and various
administration tasks preparing for
Canada in the afternoons.
On the 22nd June at 20:00 we got on
the transport to Brize Norton for our
flight at a ridiculous time in the
morning. The flight took 10 hours with
a stop for fuel at Goose Bay. When we
landed at Calgary Airport it was
straight onto a coach with no air con
for an hour and 45 min drive to
British Army Training Unit Suffield
aka BATUS. After arriving we were
sent to lunch at the scoff house
(rubbish food) and then shown to
our accommodation, we then had
briefs until 21:00, so there was a lot
of the old nodding dogs going on.
The first week in BATUS was more
admin and PT which is when we
first ran in to the local mosquitoes.
The Exercise Prairie Thunder 3
started for us on D-1 29th June.
Day one involved vehicle drills,
going into hides and leaguers and
camouflaging the vehicles. As
Inkerman was the light role
company of the battle group we
spent the first five days on a range
3 hours drive from the main BATUS
training area as it was across a
river. These five days took the same
format as what we’d just done a few
weeks before in Brecon, except that
we went up to Coy level attack and
there were a lot of FIBUA drills for
clearing buildings that were dotted
around the ranges and a rubber 360
shot house/compound. The
mosquitoes on this range were the
worst we saw as we were right next
to the river; this is where we saw
some of the biggest hills I’ve ever
seen on a live firing range!
On arriving back with the battle
group on the main prairie we had a
maintence day and then more Coy
attacks supported by the BRF in
WIMKs on one day with mortars
and another attack with CVRTs. We
then went to a FOB shoot that had
360 degree arcs, a lot was made of
this but it was a bit of a
disappointment as anything smaller
then a 30mm couldn’t really fire. It
ended up as 2 days sitting around in
the rain. After the FOB it was a
maintence day (with a BBQ) and
then a couple of days changing
from live to blank firing for the TEZ
Phase.The final ex started with a 14
hour road move into enemy territory
with us at the back in our MAN
trucks having to dismount every five
minutes with N-LAWs, with lots of
reports of En tanks and trucks
driving around. Although we didn’t
see any, the Coy suffered about 10
casualties! The Coy was then
tasked to secure a bridge crossing
for the rest of the BG, obviously for
20
us that meant tabbing while
everyone else drove across the
bridge in their AFVs without even
realising we had been there for the
last 7 hours. After most of the BG
had advanced up to the next
objective and we were waiting for
our trucks when all but 20 of the
Coy were taken out by IDF! Luckily
the coy was brought back to life for
the next objective, an oil refinery.
The rest of the ex included a lot of
FIBUA taking villages, working out
of FOBs with sentry/QRF/patrols,
clearing tunnel systems, high
temperatures and more
mosquitoes! When end ex was
called the battle group rushed off
back to camp, it started raining and
all the wheeled vehicles started
getting bogged in. It therefore took
twice as long as it should have to
get back.
After a couple of days in camp it
was off to Trails End Camp the
adventure training centre in the
Canadian Rockies. I went on
Ghost Run that was the canoeing
with Pte Ross K. This was 2 days
instruction on canoe handling and
a 2 day expedition down a river in
the Canadian Rockies which was
the best bit of Canada, even
though Ross tried to drown me in
some rapids on the last day.
In short the best thing about the
exercise was the chance to show
the Gren Guards what a TA soldier
was capable of and the chance to
get to know some of the bods we
would be going on HERRICK 16
with.
Pte Mellis
2 Platoon, A Company
Slipper City........
After an interesting year, living
the dream, in 2010 a desperately
pleading phone call from the
OCE (Operational Commitment
Establishment) in Glasgow
asked if I could re mobilise and fill
the RQMS slot with Task Force
Jaguar (Joint Air Group) in
Afghanistan.
A frantic trip to Chilwell and then
Lydd, for OPTAG saw me flying into
Theatre on the 18th of April. Met off
the plane by one of my SQMS’ I
was told I was booked onto RSOI
the next morning at 0700 for 2 days
of fun. Oh how I wish it was fun.
Day 1 lectures and day 2
acclimatisation.....Someone has a
sense of humour. Acclimatisation
on day 2 consisted of a 2.5 mile tab
to the ranges with full kit for zeroing
and sitting around in the sun
cooking all day while basically
doing OPTAG again.
My third day saw me in work
meeting the team and trying to
survive first contact in a tri service
environment where the egos are
enormous! Quotes like “but I’m an
Apache Pilot, why should I sign for
that?” and “but I’m 1310 (RAF)”
were and, sadly, still are the norm!
The TF JAG QM’s Department
covers all three services. There is a
QM, RQMS, 2x SQMS (CQMS’ in
Infantry speak) 2x Sgts, 2 xCpl, 4x
LCpl and 4 x others, these are Air
Troopers, SACs or Sailors. Quite a
big department really. We cover all
the J4 for a host of people who
work on the Rotary Flight Line. This
means we look after all the Air
Dets-Merlin, Apache, Lynx, Sea
King 4 and 7, Chinook, all their
support elements, the refuelling
people, heli handlers, MAOT,
MERT and the Air Support Group.
The best bunch are the MERT for 2
reasons. 1 They are the least
bother, all they ever require seems
to be clothing exchanges due to
blood contamination and 2. All the
nurses that work there are really fit
and blonde. In fact if there was an
“Uback” Boob competition one of
the MERT girls would undoubtedly
win! On top of all that their high
readiness waiting area is next to my
Office and they provide a pleasant
view and a pleasant distraction
from the norm......sunbathers......
Days are long and at times trying.
Considering that we are on
Operations it is amazing the
amount of “in Barracks” rules and
regulations that we have to follow.
The procedures and forms that I
have had to follow and fill in to get
Tier 2 protection, fondly known as
the Combat Cod Piece, for the
Ground crew “crash” teams is
unbelievable.
With my usual finger on the pulse,
it is interesting to discover just
who gets or will get issued what.
The MTP day sack and combat
hand bag will now only be issued
to ground troops. Similarly Mk 7
Helmets and the Gerber/head
torch pack is only going to issued
to Dismounted Ground troops in
the FOBs. Osprey plates are now
100% changed for each Herrickthey go back to UK for
examination and testing then get
stamped up and returned for the
next Herrick, as you can imagine
this is understandable but a
logistic trial. We are also now
getting an introduction of Tier 3
protection; these are ballistic type
protective trousers which will be
worn over MTP trousers in
conjunction with the Ballistic
pants, combat cod piece and
MTP. If offers further protection to
the Vallon and Goldie guys.
An interesting aside, is that we
had a “bird down” the other week.
Due to small arms fire the
hydraulics on a Chinook was
damaged and they had to
emergency land about 200 yards
from a FOB and couldn’t take off
again. This scrambled a REME
crash team from here, who
decreed that it couldn’t be fixed en
situ, couldn’t be airlifted back
without stripping out so would
have to be road moved. We
organised this and the Chinook
was incorporated into a convoy to
be returned to Bastion. The night
move set off and were well on
their way back only for the escort,
from the 9/12 Lancers, to drive a
scimitar into the side of the thing
causing a further £20,000.00 OF
DAMAGE. The driver I believe got
AGAI action taken against him the
21
result of which was a £150.00
deduction towards repair.
I don’t understand some of the
fine systems in the modern army.
When I joined up an ND got you a
month’s pay fine if you were on
Ops. The Door gunner on a Lynx
had an ND with .50 Cal while the
Copter was getting refuelled,
pulled the trigger and embedded a
round into the ground by the
refuelling truck.....£400.00! I ask
you; apparently it’s all to do with
human rights!
Still it’s not all work.....well it is but,
I have bumped in to a few known
people. Maj Will Towers, the old
Training Major, was here for a few
days doing a RECCE for the
“team” he now works with in
Tidworth. Capt Jim Bewley, one
time London Jock, is out here with
1 Rifles. CSgt Andy Galer-ex F
Coy- is backwards and forwards
as the J2 Rep at OPTAG. Coupled
with that I have bumped into 3
guys who were in the Gordons
with me-Jim Archibald last
Gordons and first Highlanders
RSM now Lt Col, Kevin Wood, my
first Sect 2ic now Major and Capt
Ronnie Christie, who did his
PJNCO Cadre in the Bn with Keith
Brown, who some of you may
remember. Small world as they
say.
I’m back to the UK for R and R
over the ATP period and will pop in
and see you all at Warcop as it’s
just down the road. Plenty of jobs
out here for budding soldiers but
the weather and beach are not all
they have been cracked up to be!
Bydand and Strike Sure
Nick Tuckey
WO2 RQMS
TF JAG
BFPO 792
Farewell From 2Lt James Duffus
It is with regret that my time with the
London Scottish will very shortly be
coming to an end. As of September
2011 I will be leaving the London
Regiment and the Territorial Army to
start on the regular commissioning
course at the Royal Military Academy
Sandhurst (RMAS). It had always
been my intention to look at a career
in the regular army and now after
completing my degree at King’s
College London I will be moving on to
the regular army. After first joining the
TA in 2008 with the University of
London Training Corps, I was
fortunate enough to become a TA
Sponsored Officer (TASO) with the
London Scottish. Ever since then I
have had a great time with the
London Scottish. After commissioning
into the TA in July 2009 I was
fortunate enough to be given a place
as a platoon commander with the
London Scottish. Whilst a platoon
commander I have thoroughly
enjoyed being able to work with very
competent London Scottish soldiers
and officers. I have also had the ability
to undertake some excellent training
which has given me experience which
I will certainly carry forward for the
rest of my army career.
There are a number of highlights
which personally stand out for me.
One of the first experiences I had with
the London Scottish and when I
realised just how much history the
regiment had was when I went to
Messines on a battlefield tour in
February 2009. Also whilst a TASO
with the regiment I soon found out
about the regiment’s rugby team and
starting playing rugby for the
regiment, which I have enjoyed being
a part of ever since. After being
fortunate enough to be given a place
as a platoon commander with the
London Scottish, I have enjoyed the
training I have been able to
undertake and being a part of the
recruit training team as well as more
recently the recruiting role I have
been fulfilling. One of my highlights
was also being attached to 3 SCOTS
last summer as a platoon
commander on Exercise ASKARI
THUNDER in Kenya. I have also had
a great time going on other activities
such as watching Scotland vs. Wales
in Cardiff last year and taking a group
of London Jocks parachuting.
Upon joining the regular army I am
looking at either staying with the
infantry by trying to join the Royal
Regiment of Scotland or as a
slightly different choice of regiment,
looking at joining the Army Air
Corps as a pilot.
Lastly I would like to thank the
London Scottish and London
Regiment for allowing me to have
spent the last few years with them. I
will certainly never forget my time
spent serving with the London
Scottish and will always regard
myself as a London Jock and will
try to make many a Hallowe’en
Dinner in the future.
Strike Sure
2Lt J Duffus
Presentation of New Colours to
the Royal Regiment of Scotland Edinburgh 2 July 2011
The Colours of a British line Infantry
Regiment are a unique and special
symbol of a soldier’s allegiance to
his sovereign. In years gone by
officers and soldiers on the
battlefield have sacrificed their lives
for the safe keeping of these
precious flags, in more recent times
although no longer present on the
battlefield, they have become the
embodiment of a Battalion’s
traditions and spirit, new Colours
usually being presented every 25
years.
It was amongst this historic
backdrop that myself and 9 other
London Jocks made the long
journey up to Edinburgh to witness
as guests, the presentation of new
Colours to 6 of the 7 Battalions of
the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
The London Scottish Contingent
22
We hit the road early doors on the
Friday morning, and planned to RV
with the resident Cockney Jocks in
Edinburgh, Cpl Ian Veitch and LCpl
Greg Staunton both enjoying
married life in the Scottish Capital.
After a slow start we were up and
over the border in good time, spirits
were high at the prospect of a
historic weekend representing the
Company.
On arrival we were joined by LCpl
Mansfield, LCpl Staunton was
particularly kind in showing us some
hospitality in town, introducing some
of the newer members of the group
to the sights and sounds of Princes
Street and the Grass Market.
Recently returned from HERRICK
13, Pte’s Keyzer and Thornhill took
the opportunity to have an
impromptu reunion with members of
B Coy, 5 SCOTS and a highly
enjoyable night was had by all.
Early Saturday morning, the
Staunton household was caught in a
whirlwind of Number 2 dress, with
spats and sporrans all over the
place. After some final touches, we
were all set for the day; LCpl
Parsons looked particularly dashing
sporting a rarely seen No. 2s jacket
(minus the Pipes however!). We
stopped for some photos on what
was turning out to be a warm, sunny
day and as we walked towards the
Castle and onto Holyrood, a
strangely reassuring feeling came
over us: Edinburgh is most definitely
the place to be seen in Highland
uniform wearing medals!
On arrival we were greeted with
some curious looks from some of
these in attendance, clearly
confused about the kilts on the
soldiers in front of them, however
not all present failed to recognise
the illustrious unit in front of them.
An elderly gentleman, formerly the
Adjutant of 51st Highland
Volunteers sometime in the 60s or
70s when the London Scottish were
part of them, remarked to the OC
how ‘it was excellent to see the
Hodden Grey in attendance.’ As we
settled in, Lt Wickman started to feel
the effects of the heat and went into
a rapid decline, we managed to
revive him just as the massed band
and the Pipes and Drums entered
the grassy arena with the 650
soldiers who were on parade.
It was certainly a special sight;
never before had so many Colours
been on parade at the same time
and the Jocks out there looked
resplendent in their Number 1s.
The Queen made her entrance to
present the Colours, afterwards
taking an opened top car round the
parade ground to review her troops
‘top cover up’ style as LCpl
Mansfield humorously called it.
The Queen talked about the
historic past of the Scottish
Regiments who had shared a
common bond in battle and service
for their country. Their move into a
new and bright future with the
presentation of these Colours,
represented a new dawn for
Scotland’s Infantry and a special
place in the country’s Armed
Forces.
As the ceremony closed we were
reminded with a tinge of regret
about the absence of The
Highlanders, 4 SCOTs currently
deployed in Helmand, Afghanistan;
this had particular resonance to the
London Jocks in attendance
because of the historical
connections between our units and
because the majority of us there
have served on Op HERRICK. Our
thoughts of a safe return went out
to them. The parade ended fittingly
with the marching off of the old
Colours of the Regiment which
were followed by the old and bold
from all the ancedant Regiments.
We certainly had a chuckle at the
OC and Mr Wickman banging up
salutes for a good 15 minutes as 6
Battalions worth of old and new
Colours went past!
We recovered back to Horseferry
Road early on Sunday evening, an
enjoyable weekend had by all
concerned. The weekend
presented us with an excellent
opportunity to revisit our
Regimental roots, put ourselves in
the public eye and lift the profile of
the Company north of the border,
while being guests at a historic
occasion for the Royal Regiment of
Scotland.
LCpl Briggs
A Coy
Ex Rock Jock I 1 -3 July 2011
This adventurous training weekend
was to be about rocks. Not a
geology field trip but a weekend
where we were to swim under rocks,
squeeze through rocks, climb over
rocks and jump off rocks.
Nine members of 2 Pl headed to the
glorious Pembrokeshire National
Park coast to tackle the new extreme
sport of Coasteering. First of all we
had to locate our bunkhouse at PwllCaerog Farm in the middle of the
night. We arrived after 2am and not
surprisingly, there was no answer
from the farmhouse. Luckily we
found our bunkhouse that was
surprisingly comfortable and cosy,
which makes a change from being
under canvas.
After a stupendous and hearty Welsh
breakfast, we headed off to the
beautiful Abereiddy Bay. The sun
was out and the water chilly as we
had an early morning dip followed by
a game of football.
WO2 Nimmo Leaps
After a lunch of ice cream and
several cups of tea, it was time to
meet up with our instructors Rell and
Will. After a safety brief, we donned
full wet suits, bootees, gloves,
23
buoyancy aid and helmets and
entered the surf. We were
encouraged to display our
gymnastic skills as we were tasked
with our first jump off solid rock into
pools of kelp and wracks. These
consisted of the penguin, the
squirrel, belly flop and many other
fine displays especially from
Forrester (gangster pose), Porritt
and his flying squirrel and Turner’s
look of horror (not bad for a guy of
51!).
We learnt to swim with the current
as we floated/swam through a
natural sea cut tunnel about 50m
long to the other side of the
headland with Richards and
Duhanney warding off killer squid
to our rear! Here we encountered
the toilet flush and tumble drier.
These were large notches cut into
the rocky headland where the tide
sweeps you up landward and then
drags you out to sea again in a
kind of aquatic roller coaster ride.
Porritt managed to get himself
beached. This was great fun and
we all felt very safe even though
the swell of the tide was huge. We
have stills and a video to prove it.
After climbing over the barnacle
and up over the point, we came to
a ledge of about 30ft where we
caught up with another group.
This group who had more than
their fair share of disco leggers and
nervous Neris’s made way for us
as we all took the leap into space,
no wusses in our group!
It is not over yet, after a bouldering
across the rock wall, Nimmo fell off
straight away only to have the
mickey taken out of him by Amos
for someone who can reach
Everest but not cling to a wall.
Well Amos our resident climbing
instructor soon demonstrated his
superior climbing skills by plopping
straight into the sea before the
traverse began, something about
ear ache, balance, sea water in the
lug ‘oles!! It was then up and over
the rock to an old quarry called the
Blue Lagoon. No Brooke Shields
in sight, but the lagoon was
certainly blue. With no delay we
were popping off another 30ft jump
like kamikaze penguins into this
man made wonder.
ground to see where the river run
through its subterranean course,
from there we were ‘posted’
through the ‘Letter Box’. Afterwards
we crawled under million tonnes of
limestone ceiling, unlocked the ‘Key
Hole’, survived the ‘Death Ledge’
and swirled into
Making a splash
But it was swim and climb out and
face the finale. The monster, the
big one, the long drop. This was a
jump that was close on the
boundary of safety and going
splat. Any higher than water acts
like concrete. This was a
mammoth 35ft decent through
Welsh space into the azure blue
tranquillity. It felt like that you were
in the air for an epoch before
entering the crystal water. Wow
what a buzz.
Back at the bunkhouse, the
JNCOs ran a well earned BBQ
with a few sherberts to rid one’s
throat of salty water and seaweed.
Then out to the city of St David’s
for the platoon smoker and watch
the big heavyweight boxing clash.
I kid you not, each member was so
tired that only one pint was
consumed each before all retired
for a kip.
Up early next day and off to
another glorious national park of
the Brecon Beacons. Porth yr
Ogof to be exact near Ystradfellte.
A vast network of limestone caves
containing orcs and goblins
awaited us. Yes Humphrys they
do exist! We met our instructors
Gary and Tom who provided a
safety brief and a background into
the geology of the area and an
introduction into speleology
(formation of the caves). See, not
just adventurous training with me
but educational too!!
After kitting up and looking like
Telly Tubbies in coveralls, we
descended by rope down into a
sink hole. The wannabe
troglodytes ventured deep under
2 Platoon Coasteering Display
Team
the ‘Toilet Flush’. Two and half
hours later, the platoon returned to
fresh air and changed out of wet
clothes and soon Z bending and
rubber necking all the way home to
London.
The aim of the weekend was to
provide challenging opportunities to
my troops that few other
organisations can provide. Some
had to overcome fear of heights,
being in cold water and fear of tight
spaces (like Sgt Amos’s wallet!).
The weekend was also about team
bonding, personal development and
leadership as well as the often
forgotten but simple aim of
retention. Most of all it was about
the Jock and the Rock.
WO2 Nimmo
Farewell…. For now.
What can I say, it was only a little
over two years ago I first walked
through the doors of Horseferry
Road for my first drill night with the
24
London Scottish. At first I didn’t
quite know what to make of the
place but I very soon realised I
was part of something very
special. I had been adopted by
the London Scottish and was part
of the family. I found London
Scottish to be one of the most
professional units I have ever
served with. Every man from the
junior private to the senior
commander was dedicated,
hardworking, fun and
professional. That is why it only
took me four weeks from first
moving to London to sign up to
go to Afghanistan.
It would be hard to pick my
favourite memories because
there are so many. I think some
of the top ones would be going
on a mortar cadre with Catford
and spending the whole time
running up and down the range
because I didn’t know how to use
the weapon! Watching most of B
Company clinging to the front of
an Ambulance during a CFT
because the back was full whilst
A Company was up at the front.
Cups of tea on exercise with Cpl
Oyalegan. Tuesday night clubs at
Horseferry Road – need I say
more. The best part though
(looking back) would have to be
Herrick 12.
But it is not my personal
memories that made London
Scottish such a special place, it is
the people. You all know who you
are. It is you guys that make the
London Scottish what it is today
and I believe that my proudest
achievement in the army is to be
part of the family. It is on this note
I must say “until next time”. I
came to London Scottish as an
ex Guardsman with 6 SCOTS, I
leave for 6 SCOTS as London
Scottish. Although I may wear
another cap badge and no longer
the blue red blue I will always
remain London Scottish.STRIKE
SURE.
LCpl Staunton