the craftsman - reme museum€¦ · throughout my time in reme and had some good bosses who have...

June 2019

Magazine of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

THE CRAFTSMAN

242 [email protected]

ContentsFEATURES

Excellence in REME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246REME Personnel receive Op SHADER Medals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .247Reserve Reflections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .248Reserve Commissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249REME Arms School UOTC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .250HMS Albion Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .262REME RHQ Receives D-Day Inspired Engraved Poem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .264REME Association Members Mark the Liberation of PoW Camps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .266Need to Know – The Eagle Sight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .267Visit of St Eligius Lodge to Lyneham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269Sherston Probus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .269Are Sergeants the new Corporals? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .281

REGULARS

Course Photograph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259Obituaries; Death Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .283London Gazette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .284Corps Orders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .285The REME Charity Donations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .286Corps Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .287

SPORT

REME Cross Country - What A Season! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270English National Cross Country Championships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .272Ex SUN RUNNER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .273REME Snowboard Season Roundup! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .275Santon Enduro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .279

OPERATIONS AND EXERCISES

Op ORBITAL Ukraine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251Op TRENTON 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .252Ex WESSEX STORM 18/5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .258Ex DRAGON REVIVAL 1/19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260

JUNE 2019 Volume 75 No. 6

Corps Formation: 1 October 1942

Corps Motto: Arte et Marte

Corps Patron Saint: St Eligius

(Celebrated 1st Sunday in December)

Editor: Katy Walton+ Corporate Publications Editor,RHQ REME, The Prince Philip Barracks, Lyneham, CHIPPENHAM, SN15 4XX [email protected] (preferred method) (Mil: 95481 4529 Civ: 01249 894529

SUBMITTING ARTICLES TEXT: should be submitted in MS Word and namesaved as per the article. No formatting, columns, powerpoint etc. Articles to be cleared by CO/OC/EME orappropriate REME CoC, or nominated substitute andshould be submitted as soon as possible.PHOTOGRAPHS: MUST be submitted separately, injpeg format and be at least 500kb preferably 1mb ormore. Only photos over 3mb can be considered for thefront/back covers and please remember captions.FILESHARE: websites, such as dropbox are ideal forsubmitting larger files.EMAIL: The ONLY email address which should be usedis: [email protected]. Not DII. Pleaseuse the article title not ‘Craftsman Article’ as the emailtitle.TIMINGS: The latest submission date is the first day ofthe month prior to publication. This does not guaranteethe article will be published in that specific edition.

Births, Engagements, Marriages and Deaths:These will be inserted free to all past and presentmembers of the Corps.

Contents:The contents of The Craftsman are strictly copyright andall rights are expressly reserved. The views expressedherein do not necessarily reflect the policy and views,official or otherwise, of the Editor, the Corps or theMOD, therefore no responsibility for these will beaccepted. Whilst including an advertisement we are notnecessarily endorsing the product and as a result, thepublisher and its agents do not accept responsibility forany transaction between the reader and the advertiser.Whilst we take all precautions with regard toadvertising, readers are advised to take professionaladvice before entering into any commitments.Letters concerning reproduction, contributions or anyother matter should be addressed to the Editor.

© Published by RHQ REME. Funded by The REMECharity. www.remecharity.org.

Advertising All communications

regarding commercial advertising

rates should be made direct to the

Editor.

Sustainably produced by an EMAS

and ISO14001 accredited printer.

Greenhouse Graphics Limited,Hampshire. ( 01256 880770.www.greenhousegraphics.co.uk

© Crown Copyright

General Handling:This publication contains official information andshould be treated with discretion.

www.greenhousegra

phic

s.co.

uk

C

ARBON CALCU

LA

TO

R

204gms

CO2e

Producing

this item used

Front CoverREME Cross Country – What A

Season! Article on page 270.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 243

275

248

270REME CrossCountry

262HMS Albion

Recovery

266

264

246Excellence inREME25

2


Key:

RHQ REME

Operations

Exercises

Other

REME Global Reach IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

In our newest feature we highlight theglobal reach of REME personnel, whetherit be on operations, exercises or any other challenge set before them.

Five personnel from 5 Regt AAC Wksp have been deployed toBATUS, Suffield, Canada in support of the 29 Flt AAC Gazelle fleet.During the 3.5 month deployment they will ensure that aircraft aremaintained at a readiness for the vital MEDEVAC cover during abusy period supporting multiple exercises, as well as completingrange clearance from the air before any artillery live firing.

Technicians will be carrying out scheduled maintenance, repairand overhaul of major components on the Gazelle, ensuring thatthe aircraft are airworthy and have enough airframe flying hours

for essential flying currency training.

BATUS – Canada

Former Sgt ‘Knoxy’ Knoxhas been selected torepresent the UK ArmedForces in this year’sDepartment of DefenceWarrior Games in Tampa,

Florida in June.

Warrior Games – USA


IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

GET INTOUCH

Where in the world are you keepingthe punch in the Army’s fist?

Phone: (Mil) 95481 4528/ (Civ) 01249 894528Email: [email protected]: facebook.com/REMECorpsTwitter: @Official_REMEInstagram: @REME_Official

#TravelTuesdayKeep an eye on our social media channels forour new Travel Tuesday campaign, giving youweekly updates on REME’s Global Reach.Then catch up on everything you’ve missed inthis dedicated section of The Craftsman!

28 members of 7 Aviation Support Battalion REME will be conductinga Battlefield Study to Crete from 23-27 June 19. They will be

studying the German invasion of Crete in 1941 named Op MERCURYand comparing the events to modern day doctrine, as well asanalysing the CSS considerations of such deployment.

Ex MERCURY EAGLE – Crete

REME tradesmen from A Sqn KRH are completingvital repairs to maintain the KRH Battlegroup inEstonia. As part of the NATO enhanced ForwardPresence Battlegroup on Op CABRIT 4 these VM’sare preparing a CR2 MBT for Ex SPRING STORM, amulti-national exercise involving the 1 Est Bde andBelgium forces. They have been out there sinceFebruary/March and will hand over to the next

Battlegroup in October/November.

663 ES Platoon, 3 AAC Wksp have been deployedto Estonia in support of five Apache AH on OpCABRIT. With assistance from 7 Bn REME, 3 AACWksp facilitated a complex and demanding

deployment of five AH across Europe in five days,demonstrating the Regiment’s ability to projectmass aviation at reach and sustain it for an

enduring period.

Op CABRIT (Ex SPRING STORMand Ex TIGER CLAW) – Estonia


This month’s Excellence in REME interview is with Cpl Darryl Tate, the TeamManager and Secretary for the Army BMX Team. He’s also currently ranked 9th inBritish Cycling for BMX, Male 25-29, regularly finishing in the top 10 when racing.When he’s not on two wheels, Cpl Tate is a Class 1 Vehicle Mechanic at 6 Regt RLCLAD. In this month’s interview, he demonstrates how he has been able to balancehis sport ambitions with his military career.

Excellence in REME

2. Are you happy you made the right decision? Yes, I have enjoyed my time so far. I’m not going to lie, there have been some lows, but youget those in any walk of life and job. I have gained some very useful qualificationsthroughout my time in REME and had some good bosses who have helped me along myjourney. I feel, due to these people and my own drive, that I have become a more-roundedsoldier and person in general. There is plenty of room for self-improvement with lots ofopportunity to get on military and sports courses which can improve your ability as aleader and person.

4. How does Cpl Tate differ from the Mr Tate whofirst came to the Army and the Corps?I feel I have grown up and matured a lot from when I first joined.REME has always pushed junior leadership with command andleadership days. Part and parcel of progress in the Corps is thebuild up to attending your Class 1 course. Part of that was a two-day course Potential Artificer Assessment Board (PAAB)* wheregroups are mixed together and putunder pressure to see how they react,command and lead fellow Soldiers tosee if they have got what it takes tobecome an Artificer Staff Sergeant. Ibelieve this and other courses such asPNCO, JCLM and AT has allowed me tolearn my strengths and weaknesses, tobuild and improve myself as I movethrough my career.

6. What has been your biggest achievement so far? I believe my greatest achievement so far in the Army has beenrunning the Army BMX team and coming fourth in the BritishNational Series. In my personal life it is having my wonderfulfamily and raising three beautiful, loving children and of coursethe support of my wife, sticking by me with all the rubbish she

has put up with from me.

Cpl Darryl Tate

5. You are the current TeamManager/ BMX Secretary of theArmy BMX Team for 2019.What is your secret to success?A passion and drive to perform well andprovide a team fighting for first place atthe races. We are still currently buildingthe BMX discipline across the Army byrunning taster days and working closelywith the other Cycling disciplines. Ihave had a great response and backing

from the Army Cycling Union (ACU) with funding and help withrunning the team, as most in this role seem to be very experiencedWarrant Officers or Officers. They have put time aside to help mewhen I have asked for or required it. I can’t thank the ACU and otherdiscipline members enough for their support throughout the pastcouple of years and going forward.

7. How does being asuccessful sportsmandiffer from being aSoldier? Being a successful Sportsmanand Soldier doesn’t differ thatmuch in my opinion; they bothtake passion and drive,DEDICATION and great supportaround you to keep you on thestraight and narrow.Sometimes you also need to bepulled out if you’re going toodeep. I make it work with latenights, busy schedules andhelp from outside parties. But alot of support from the ACUand my wife helps me keep ontrack in both my career andsport.

1. What made you join the Army? I joined the Army as I thought it was a good career to have which would let me travelthe world and gain qualifications to see me into ‘civvy’ street once I finished my time inthe Army.

3. What have been the highlights of your career so far?My biggest achievement is that I had the honour of receiving myArmy Colours this year for the work I have done within BMX, pushingthe sport forward within the Army and working towards#InspiringSoldiersToCycle across the Army.


8. What are your goals for 2019 as a REME Soldierand in wider life? My aim is to follow the Artificer route to achieve the most I canfrom the career I am in and set myself up better for ‘civvy street’.My goals for 2019 are to focus on BMX, gaining more interest andbuilding the sport across the Army. I want to raise its profile andfind some of the undiscovered talent that is out there.

10. If you could sum up your life now, how would you do it?I wouldn’t have achieved what I have without the Army. I havebeen to countries I wouldn’t have visited, let alone done sports inthese countries such as Snowboarding, Skiing, Mountain Bikingand BMX. Getting paid to do these during working hours andpaying very little to attend these sports is all thanks to thefunding received through units and the Army. Also, the Army hasallowed me to raise a family and have a good life without fear ofnot having the money to pay the bills.

clear picture or vision in order to make a decision based on thatpicture. Do what you feel is best to achieve your goals and if youstumble then improvise, adapt and overcome and move forward toreach your goal and success.

*This has been changed to the REME Soldier Potential Assessment Board and opened up to all trades.

9. What attributes do you think makes a successfulSportsperson and Soldier, and what advice wouldyou give others chasing similar success to yours?I would say you need to have respect, confidence, dedication,passion and drive. If you need to ask questions, then ask and get a

Scribe: Captain Martin Peak

Operation SHADER is the operational code namegiven to the contribution of the United Kingdomin the ongoing military intervention against

Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). The operationbegan in Iraq on 26 September 2014, following a formalrequest for assistance by the Iraqi government. By 21October 2014, the intervention had extended on to Syria.By September 2017, the Ministry of Defence hadannounced that over 1,000 personnel were engaged intheatre. Throughout 2017, members of 22 EngineerRegiment LAD deployed on Op SHADER 4 and 5, insupport of 3 and then 5 Armoured Engineer Squadrons,providing training to the Iraqi Forces in urban mobility,so as to aid in their breach and clear of Mosul.

On 16 Jan 19, Cfn Johnson joined many othermembers of 22 Engineer Regiment to receive his OpSHADER medal from Lieutenant General RichardCripwell. Unfortunately, not all members of the LADwere available for the parade, so OC LAD, Capt Peak hadthe privilege of presenting the remaining medals to SgtRowlands, LCpl Childs and Cfn Gasher.

REME Personnel presented with Op SHADER Medals


who need it where wecan. I am hugelydelighted thatincreasingly, REMEReserves are nowplaying our part withmany more nowcontributing - as wequite rightly shouldbe through direct

contributions - we are getting there.Perhaps some of the more solemn

events I have attended, are to sayfarewell to those serving Officers andSoldiers who have sadly passed away.As Reservists, a number of those havebeen from what would be considered‘natural causes’ but this also serves asreminder that in the main we areoften ‘more mature’ than our regularcounterparts. This I think reallyreinforces the need for us all toperhaps take that bit more care inlooking after ourselves. We do owe itto ourselves, and of course ourfamilies, and not forgetting the ArmyReserves, to try to be as fit andhealthy as we can be; a mantra manyof you will know I have now very

As always however, I was enthused and overwhelmed bythe resilience of Officers and Soldiers in the REMEReserves, who in the main have accepted yet again

sometimes significant changes as to how and in someinstances where they train. As I am sure you will be aware, weare now in the revised structure of three fully mannedbattalions some 12 months ahead of plan... as always in theReserves - we just got on with it. Over the last year it has beenan absolute pleasure to visit Battalion level training on severaloccasions and see more than 200+ REME Reserve Soldierstraining - something I would suggest that many of my recentpredecessors perhaps never saw. Additionally, for the first timein REME Reserves history, the Reserves now have a place on adivisional ORBAT at Sub Unit level… we now need to prove wecan deliver that capability. As always, I have every confidencethat REME Reserves will just get on with it and make it happen- just like we alwaysdo.

It has been anabsolute honour tohave served as ColREME Reserves and beinvolved with theCorps at the heart ofits business. Duringmy time I have beenprivileged to attendmany events with thewider REME family,from re-badging ofArmy Cadet units tothe Corps, to REMEAssociation events, and of coursespending some great times with a fewof our amazing residents at the RoyalHospital Chelsea. Equally, havingserved as a trustee of The REMECharity, I have been party to and beenactively involved in the, perhapssometimes, little-known work they alldo for us all. This very small band ofdedicated people support those of uswho still serve in the form of grants tosports and adventurous training, togranting and administering the manymuch deserved requests forbenevolence from across the REMEfamily. As we always say here, wedon’t make grants that will be lifechanging; but we can help to make adifference for those family members

Scribe: Col Mark Simpson

RESERVEReflectionsAs I now come to the end of my tenure as Colonel REME Reserves andhandover to Col Kevin Hearty, I wanted to take a few minutes to reflectupon my time in post both as figurehead of REME Reserves and asDeputy Corps Colonel.

Clearly for the most part of my tenure, A2020R and the shaping ofREME Reserves for the future has consumed much of my time (and thesleepless nights!). It was a period of sometimes difficult decisions thathad to be made, yet again changing the shape of REME Reservesfollowing on from the changes of A2020 but a few years ago.


much taken to heartover the last three years- and have everyintention of continuingto do so.

It is always said thatgood things alwayscome to an end, andwhilst I am immenselylooking forward to mynext challenge asDeputy Commander of101 Log Bde, I cannothelp but be a little sad atleaving my current job; ithas been a tremendousexperience. I haveworked with and metsome fantastic peoplenot only within RHQREME and MODLyneham, but also right across the REME estate, Regular, Reserve andRetired. It is the passion and enthusiasm for this fantastic REMEfamily that has at times galvanised me and made me realise just howlucky I have been to be in such a privileged job.

Best wishes to all.

The Corps is delighted to welcome itstwo newest Reserve SecondLieutenants, who were commissionedon Saturday 23 March at Sandhurst,supported by Col REME Reserves andtheir OC, Maj Eddy Murphy. 2lt DanMorris takes up Platoon Command at158 Company in Keynsham on top ofhis day job at DE&S in Bristol. 2ltAndrew Farrington is a Missile Designerfor the Aircraft Research Association inBedford and is now also a PlatoonCommander at 118 Recovery Companyin Northampton. The Reserves haveworked hard at increasing the inflow ofJunior Engineering Officers and havecommissioned 19 Direct EntrySubalterns in the last three years, whichsees us almost fully manned. To Andrewand Dan, welcome to the fabulousCorps of REME.

Maj Eddy Murphy (OC 118 Rec Coy), 2ltDan Morris, Col Mark Simpson (Col

REME Res), 2lt Andrew Farrington, LtCol Paul Rees (SO1 Res, RHQ REME) on

the hallowed steps of Old CollegeRMAS

Scribe: Col Mark Simpson

Reserve Commissions

In the May edition of The CraftsmanMagazine, we referred to the ‘Hammer and Pincers’ as ‘Hammer and Tongs’ on pages 216-217. This has been

brought to our attention as being incorrect. Instead, it should have read as the following:

The ‘Hammer and Pincers’ appointment badge has traditionally been worn by Arti�cers of REME to signify a

higher level of technical training. This is now being extended to all JNCO Class One tradesmen with the

purpose of signifying a higher level of technical training as a JNCO and as an Arti�cer. However, this does not allow

Class 1 Sergeants or Artisans to wear the ‘Hammer and Pincers’ appointment badge. Neither will Artisan Warrant

O�cers assigned/appointed to AQMS posts be able to wear the AQMS (Arti�cer) rank slide.

Hammer Pincersand ParadeCorrection

The Craftsman is YOURmagazine, air YOUR views,

share YOUR news

SCRIBE: SGT I McDERMID

REME ARMS SCHOOL

University Officer Training Corps (UOTC)

During the weekend of 15 - 17 March, University students from

across the country travelled to the home of the Corps to participate

in the University Officer Training Corps (UOTC) weekend. Staff from

the REME Arms School ran a Basic Close Combat Skills (BCCS)

serial. This took the form of a Section Attack stand as part of a

round robin organised by RHQ REME. Officer Cadets were assessed

on their knowledge and application of the six Section Battle Drills

and the basic mechanics of a Section Attack. There were varying

levels of ability throughout all the teams, and all of the staff noted

that Aberdeen UOTC put in a remarkably impressive performance.

Those who were not qualified to conduct a Section Attack, were

upskilled and knowledge gaps were filled by a walk and talk-through

from Sgts Eatough, Hunt and Webber, enabling the Cadets to

understand the fundamentals of a Section Attack for future events.

The stand included a weapons display, led by Sgt Tamang when the

Cadets were shown a General-Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG),

Glock Pistol, Helmet Mounted Night Vision Sight (HMNVS) and

Combined Weapon Sight (CWS). Overall, the Cadets expressed their

enjoyment of the training and the skills taught and practiced.

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION FOR YOUR SKILLS

Improving the world through engineering

Become professionally registered as an Engineering Technician (EngTech), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) or Chartered Engineer (CEng) through a route specifically designed for REME personnel. Enhance your military career and benchmark your skills and training.

07590 735 816 or [email protected]

Ross Raffermati, EngTech MIMechE Clare Phillips, CEng FIMechE

Union sparked riots and the hopes of the younger generation weredashed. The ongoing conflict has also dented any aspiration thecountry has of an alliance with NATO. The Presidential Elections inlate March 2019 was an important time for the country.

I was fortunate to deploy as DCOS Op ORBITAL from August 2018to February 2019. On the invitation of the Government of Ukraine,we have been supporting the Ukrainian Armed Forces, with theAmericans and the Canadians. Our contribution has been based onthe deployment of Short-Term Training Teams (STTT). During mydeployment, 1 Armoured Infantry Brigade units deployed trainingteams to assist with unit and brigade level training, as well as thedelivery of ‘Train the Trainer’ (T3) courses. The aim is to grow theinstructor pool, in order that training is delivered by the Ukrainians inthe future. The introduction of Maritime Training in 2019 will see therole of Op ORBITAL expand.

HQ Op ORBITAL is comprised of a number of IAs, and the Officerposts are held against the OCE liability. While there are only a fewappointments open to the Corps, if the opportunity arises, I wouldencourage you to deploy to this fascinating country, which holdssuch strategic importance for the UK.

Few will be familiar with Operation ORBITAL and thefact we have had personnel deployed in Ukraine since2015. It is not widely reported, but the country

remains locked in conflict with the Russian Led SeparatistsForces (RSLF) in the south-east of the country. Static,trench warfare accounts for several Killed in Action (KIA)and Wounded in Action (WIA) on a regular basis. Awayfrom the front line, the access to the Sea of Azov via theKerch Strait restricts the use of key western sea ports,which also has a significant economic impact.

Following their independence from the Soviet Union in1991, successive governments failed to stem corruption,which had suppressed its economic growth. In late 2013the last-minute failure of the then President, ViktorYanukovych, to agree an association with the European

Op ORBITALScribe: Major Phil Noke REME

Independence Day Parade

STTT 0119 - Ranges delivered

by A Sqn HCR

STTT 0219 - End of course Parade, 3 RIFLES

Kyiv, Remembrance Day 2018 with the D Comd, Lt Col Forde RTR

Building Partner Capacity - Ukraine



Op TRENTON 5 LADUnited Nations Mission in South Sudan

Foreword: Capt Gino Hinson OC LAD

Op TRENTON is the UK Task Force contingent deployed insupport of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan(UNMISS). Over 50 different nations make up the 14,000

troops deployed under UNMISS. This provided the opportunity towork with other armed forces from around the globe such as India,South Korea, Mongolia, Rwanda, China, Bangledesh, to name but afew. The UK deployment consists of approximately 300 Regularand Reserve personnel based in three locations, Malakal, Bentiuand South Sudan’s capital, Juba. The UK Task Force providesUNMISS with wide ranging engineering support with the bulk ofthe Op TRENTON 5 Task Force being provided by 36 Engr Regt and1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards. The LAD comprises of twoFitter Sections that are embedded within the two EngineeringGroups at Malakal and Bentiu Protection ofCivilians (POC) camps: each holding 25,000and 125,000 displaced persons respectively.The Op TRENTON 5 Task Force deployed toSouth Sudan during the wet season, whichsaw monsoon rain followed by temperaturesin excess of 40°C and high humidity on a dailybasis. These conditions made vehiclemovement extremely treacherous as therewere no metal roads within 700km of themain operating areas of the Task Force. Allvehicle movement in and around the POC’swas on poorly maintained tracks which turnedto thick mud as soon as it rained (recoverymechanics were very busy during the wetseason). It is also worth noting that both

Malakal and Bentiu could only be resupplied by air and that wasalso dependant on the weather. Throughout the deployment, thesmall LAD faced a very heavy workload maintaining over 400 mainvehicles, associated plant and equipment. This coupled with asupply chain that was dependant on UN air transportation, meantthat even the most critical spares would take a minimum of sixweeks to arrive at location if you were lucky and required the itemto be available in the UK. Add to that the extremes of weather, itwould not take long for equipment to become unserviceable andnon-taskworthy. In order to enable the engineering effect tocontinue it was important that the tradesmen adopted a ‘repair byrepair’ approach and utilised expedient repairs where appropriate.Also, of high importance was ensuring that operators looked after

their equipment. In that type of environmentevery piece of equipment is precious and youcannot afford to lose or break anything. All inall, each tradesman knows that they learnt agreat deal about not only their trade, but alsotheir own capabilities during the tour. Theyalso learnt to make do with what they had andto look at innovative ways in which tocomplete tasks. They all adapted to theirsurroundings above my expectations andpushed themselves to the limit on manyoccasions in order to get the job done. Theyshould all be proud of their achievementsthroughout the tour and I know theirexperiences will serve them all well in thefuture.

REME 76th Birthday Scrapheap Challenge Cfn Ojha instructing LEC’s

Capt Gino Hinson hosting the DefenceSecretary Gavin Williamson on the River

Nile for breakfast

36 Engr Regt Wksp’s pre-deployment trainingstarted in earnest in early February 2018 bycompleting all MATTs as well as various in-barrack South Sudan briefs. Multiple andextensive range packages were also held at theLydd and Hythe range complex enabling allTask Force personnel to complete ACMTs on

Pre-Deployment TrainingScribe: Sgt Kittle

pistols, SA80 variants and riot guns. Twoseparate, five day, briefs for all ranks were alsoheld at Lydd Camp. The package consisted ofthree days of lectures and two days of practicaltesting. These included, vehicle contact drills,foreign weapon familiarisation and genderbased sexual violence (GBSV) scenarios.

Finally, the Task Force was ready for the twoweeks MRX held in May 2018 on STANTAtraining area. During the MRX, all aspects of thetraining we received in the previous months


Our deployment to South Sudan didn’t have the best of starts withSSgt Marx having passport and visa issues which resulted in himbeing returned to the UK for three months. He was replaced by theonly REME BCR, Sgt Dean Nash at very short notice.

On arrival in Malakal one late July evening, we received thebriefest of handover as the majority of key Op TRENTON 4 personnelwere flying home the next morning. This was due to our arrival beingdelayed by a month caused by the Visa issues that no one trulyknows the extent of. So, in every sense of the word, we hit theground running on our first day! The VMs were faced with whatlooked to be a very daunting workload. Fortunately, with sheer hardwork and determination, by the end of September MEG was

operating at 91% availability. Quite remarkable giventhe restrictions of spares procurement and severityof the austere environment. In between numerous BVehicle servicing and general repairs, the FEPSproved to be quite problematic for the VMs withbatteries, starter motors, FIPs and control screens allrequiring attention numerous times during the tour.Our resident RE Fitter, LCpl Tyrrell always seemed tofind tasks that required his attention, even if theequipment was completely new to him or, in manycases, NOTHING to do with him. This resulted in bits

of kit scattered all around MEG in thousands of different pieces.Never go ‘full Tyrrell’! In-between stripping down every bit of kit hecould lay his hands on, LCpl Tyrrell pulled off a fantastic bit of workover several days by getting the TEREX AC35 up and runningthrough exhaustive time spent fault finding and tinkering with theelectrics, suspension and the engine. Eventually the crane burst back

into life giving MEG an extra lift capability which was verymuch needed.

The LECs were a massively effective force multiplierduring our tour. They undertook servicing tasks whichfreed the VMs to concentrate on the more complex taskssuch as the EPLS gearbox change, which was a delight in a

Malakal Engineering Group LAD

Improvised recovery: Cpl Martinez recovering a MAN SV using an EPLS, MWT and a tracked excavator.

were put to the test in wide ranging and enduring scenarios, whichsometimes felt like they would never end. Whilst theatre realtieswould thankfully prove to be somewhat different to the worst-casescenarios we received, the training prepared us as a Task Force forwhatever South Sudan might throw at us if the peaceful situationwere to deteriorate.

DeploymentThe first elements of the LAD (OC, SSgt Marx and SSgt Munroe) deployed toKenya on the 1 July, with the plan being to move forward to South Sudan shortlyafter. Unfortunately, the South Sudanese Government had declined allmovement in to the country for UK troops and insisted that visa applicationswere re-submitted. This left the Advance Party stranded in Nairobi with noindication of likely movement dates. Although restricted on movement outsideof Kifaru Bks, the PJHQ Support node put together a few welfare trips which sawthe members of the advance party visit local attractions such as the NairobiNational Park. After three weeks, the advance party deployed on 22 July.

CIMIC Training in Malakal town within a disused 1940’s REMEWorkshop. SSgt Marx and LCpl JVR by the REME TRF that has

remained intact for an estimated 70 years

MEG Task Org;OC LAD: Capt HinsonI/C MEG Workshops: SSgt Marx and A/SSgt Nash Armr Cl2: Sgt KittleVM Cl2: Cpl MillershipVM Cl2: LCpl RogersRE Ftr Cl2: LCpl TyrrellRech Mech Cl2: LCpl Janse Van RensburgVM Cl2: Cfn McAdamLEC VM’s: Dismus, Elia, Angelo

Malakal Engineering Group LAD


roasting hot South Sudan December and a long term non-taskworthy equipment. Halfway through the tour, SSgt Marxfinally arrived and we said our goodbyes to A/SSgt Nash whohad performed excellently standing in at seriously short notice.His knowledge and experience proved invaluable whenassisting the VMs with the multitude of complex tasks thatregularly arose. Wishing to make his mark from the off, SSgtMarx’s carbon footprint raised serious concerns when he setupon doubling MEGs paper usage within his first seven days intheatre creating a folder for every conceivable eventualityknown to man.

On the Armourer side of life, there weren’t too manyweapon-related issues, due to the lack (thankfully) of kineticactivity. Time was spent between all three locationsundertaking MEI’s and carrying out minor repairs. The gift thatkeeps on giving that is calibration also befell to the Armourerand was in some serious need of TLC prior to the LEA inNovember. This proved most problematic as when TME wassent away, it would be extremely rare that we would ever see itagain given the logistical nightmare faced by the UKTF. In manycases, TME was returned to us unserviceable or missing keycomponents. The Armourer was also blessed with being theFacilities Manager for MEG which entailed endless repairs to ACunits as well as numerous ‘camp janitor’ tasks. Liaising withvarious UN agencies and personnel to enable repairs on the UNaccommodation and facilities proved frustrating and extremelydifficult, due to differences in working patterns. The UNaccommodation and buildings are certainly not in the beststate and required a fair amount of hard graft, black nasty andmodified repairs. As is always the case, a wide range of REMEand RE tradesmen pulled through and kept the water runningand lights on!

Numerous social and team buildings events were heldduring the tour, which was crowned with the ‘scrapheapchallenge’. Teams of various cap badges were given the task ofbuilding a ‘contraption’ that stood the rigors of several tests andraces to celebrate REMEs 76th birthday in October. SupportTroop came through as winners and lifted the inaugural StEligius Cup.

As the tour drew to a close, we started to reflect of what wehad achieved. Given the rough start we inherited, MEG LADtradesmen performed excellently and were never foundwanting. The ability to adapt and overcome complexengineering problems with little or no resources in austereenvironments is when REME and RE tradesmen perform bestand that was certainly the case in South Sudan. The benchmarkhas been firmly set for Op TRENTON 6 LAD to follow.

Op TRENTON 5 Malak

Fitter Section in a Box utilised for EPLS clutch renewal

SSgt Nash about to start a tyre changing marathon with the Indian Infantry Batallion!


kal Engineering Group

First Tour perspectiveScribe: LCpl Janse Van Rensburg

OC LAD and SSgt Nash conducting repairs to the water pumpthat provided drinking water for the UK camp at Malakal

We finally landed in South Sudan in July after a very long wait in theUK. We were soon hit with high temperatures, 100% humidity and abattlegroup of flying nasties. You would have thought being SouthAfrican, it would be an easy ride but it was the total opposite!

We spent two days in Juba waiting for transfer flights to ourrelevant destination before arriving at Malakal. HOTO with OpTRENTON 4 LAD was hastily conducted that night. Due to our Visadelay, Op TRENTON 4 personnel were flying home the next morningso there was no time to spare! My main objective during this processwas to ensure all Lifting and Recovery inspections were up to dateand all outstanding demands were accounted for.

The initial part of the tour for me was at times, a little frustrating.Mainly due to the fact I didn’t have an SV(R) in my location, whichrequired me to become a little more imaginative with the recoverytasks that fell my way. These were few and far between (other tradessay thankfully). So, instead of twiddling my thumbs waiting for thenext recovery task to come in, I assisted the VMs, RE Fitter andArmourer whenever I could, which broadened my knowledge onother trade groups.

Three months later, I was given the opportunity to experience life

in Bentiu and FINALLY get my hands on the sole SV(R) in theatre. Iwas sent to Bentiu on a temporary replacement for I/C Recovery CplMartinez, as he was away on his long-awaited R&R. I was able toutilise the equipment held there, recovering vehicles and sometimesmoving ISO containers around in order to support the Task Forceachieving its engineering objectives. Due to the terrible groundconditions and inexperience of drivers, we encountered more thanour fair share of vehicles being bogged in. In one day there were fourvehicles bogged in within our location. On the narrow roads theSV(R) was not able to make it down to the casualties, but with theassistance of plant vehicles, we manged to recover all four casualtieswith no further damage to any of the vehicles.

My free time was spent making improvements for our room,welfare areas and workshop by knocking up tables, chairs andshelving units. On Saturdays we were fortunate to get involved insporting activities, including fishing on the White Nile, park runs andvolleyball. During the weekend, there were movies and gamesnights which kept us occupied.

I was fortunate to have gained a lot of experience whilst in SouthSudan, both in Malakal and Bentiu, which has broadened myknowledge as a Recovery Mechanic in preparation for my Class 1course. Overall, I have enjoyed my time during the tour and havelearned a great deal from more experienced members of the LADfrom the various trade groups in theatre.


With the Op TRENTON 5 Recovery section splitover two locations, Malakal (MEG) and Bentiu(BEG), BEG was by far the busier of the two interms of vehicles getting stranded. This was,coincidentally, where I was located with theSV(R) and seemed to draw bad luck wherever Iwent! The Recovery Section already had atumultuous beginning to the start of OpTRENTON 5 where the first hurdle was theoutgoing RiP being offset. So, the incoming

personnel had to conduct a handoverby other means, which was less thanideal given the complexities of thetheatre. Getting into a rhythm provedtricky, as I was constantly occupiedfrom the off with recovery taskingsand crane duties. The BEG Camp wasin a constant state of flux due toseveral upgrades and this involvedthe SV(R) conducting non-stop craneduties in lieu of a suitable liftingcapacity. Op TRENTON 5 also justhappened to RiP during the rainyseason, and although ‘groundappreciation’ and ‘route selection’ maybe phrases that strike a chord forsome, it still proved a lesson forothers, mainly drivers, who becamecaught out in the tricky and extremelychangeable conditions. This meantthe SV(R) was gainfully employed inits primary role with great success andproved an invaluable asset.

MEG managed to fair slightly betterin the immobilisation stakes with one

BEG LAD supported variousequipment and platformswhich carried out tasks suchas camp maintenance,improvements within theUN compound andengaging in developmentprojects within Bentiu town.Having such a diverse fleetposed both engineering andproblematic challenges for the Fitter Section. The constraintsencountered included a very slow logistics chain for items such asvehicle spares, limited work facilities (we had no hard standing!), andoperating in a particularly hot and humid environment. Thehandover received by the LAD from Op TRENTON 4 was much likethat experienced by MEG Fitters, pretty muchnon-existent! It took the team a good couple ofweeks to systematically go through all theequipment, familiarising ourselves with theexemptions in place to keep the kit on the roadand understanding what facilities we hadavailable to us to enable us to carry out ourwork.

One of the issues we did inherit was a fleet oflighting towers, which are a key security asset.They arrived to Bentiu on a previous general re-supply. Out of the 18 held in location, 11 werenon-taskworthy as a result of the poor lashdown procedures used for the transit of the UNkit. A massive effort was made by Sgt Grant andLCpl Bunn to check every platform, demandingall spares that were outstanding and hasteningthem by placing them on the medical cold chainsupply. There are now only three non-taskworthy lighting towers, a big improvementfrom what we were handed. For otherequipment where we did not receive spares asquick as we would have liked, expedient repairprevailed. Needless to say, you probably will notfind a vehicle that doesn’t either have a patch ofduct tape or E-metal affixed to it! Mostimprovised methods of repair were successful,and you could see the progression ofadaptability and robustness in engineeringthinking applied by the Fitter Section. This is akey skill set which has helped to overcome the

BEG Task Org;I/C BEG Ftr Sect: A/SSgt MunroeBEG Ftr Sect 2IC: Cpl SavageRE Ftr Cl1: Sgt GrantRecy Mech Cl1: Cpl MartinezVM Cl1: LCpl BunnVM Cl2: Cfn OjhaVM LEC’s: Mayang, Daniel, Duncan

lack of spares available in theatre, whilst improving the engineeringknowledge of the whole Section.

Within the Fitter Section, the UN employed two local IDPs, Mayangand Daniel, who served as Vehicle Mechanics. They were managedby another Vehicle Mechanic, Duncan, who worked for UN Opswithin Bentiu. All three were given Class 3 status and a TradeProficiency Book which they worked hard to complete. The mix ofpractical application from the LECs and methodical technique fromthe REME VMs created an expansive learning environment in theworkshop, which proved to be a vital remedy for continued tasksuccess.

Some Soldiers felt like they served very little purpose to theUNMISS, as operationally the theatre is far less kinetic than the likesof HERRICK. However, from a REME Soldier’s perspective, I think everymember of the Fitter Section has achieved an experience gainedfrom Op TRENTON 5 that will add value to the career of them all. CfnOjha, having obtained his Class 2 so close to the deployment of thetour, gained key engineering knowledge in the field of expedientrepair and has also been able to identify the need to imply risk

mitigation to faults. LCpl Bunn felt his greatestachievement was being deployed forward toprovide ES for the Nhialdhiu route upgradetask, which now enables a better means oftransport for the employees of the world foodprogramme. This has been BEG’s biggest UNtasking to date. Sgt Grant built extensiverelationships with other nations due to his roleas Camp Facilities Manager, which enabledhim to be able to provide critical support forthe UK Engineer Group to go forward withtasks. Finally, I would say my mainachievement on Op TRENTON 5 wasdeveloping a better understanding of Africantime keeping… 1700 hrs really means 1745!

Cfn McAdam instructing a RwandanSoldier on LandRover repairs

Recovery SectionScribe: Cpl Martinez

Bentiu Engineering Group (BEG) LADScribe: Cpl Savage

Bentiu Engineering Group LAD


Sunset in Malakal after a monsoon

OC LAD fishing on the River Nile

First Tour perspectiveScribe: Cfn Ojha

After arriving in South Sudan, our Fitter Section was beenextremely busy and constantly occupied looking after all the kithere in Bentiu. The day to day tasks of the Engineers put a bigstrain on an already tired fleet of B and C vehicles. I waspersonally responsible for repairing and servicing all the vehiclesout in theatre, thankfully with the help of two locally employedCivilian mechanics to help out.

As this was my first operational tour, I was quite apprehensiveas to what to expect but was surprised by the amount of socialactivities organised. These have included Bentiu’s Got Talent,Queen’s Gurkha Engineers (QGE) birthday celebrations andvarious sports activities like football and volleyball with othercontributing Countries (TCC’s). In particular, I played an integralpart in the QGE birthday celebrations as I am of Gurkha heritage.My role was to participate in the Khukuri Dance which weperformed in front of the whole Task Force in BEG. It was judgedto be so good that it was selected to be part of the UN Daycelebrations.

This tour has been an excellent opportunity to develop myconfidence, experience and skill set as a tradesman. Although Ihave heard that the realities of theatre here are not of a similarnature to those in the likes of Afghanistan, I have found the hightempo of work challenging but rewarding at the same time. Weare nearing the end of the tour in South Sudan, which has seen usmake a real impact as a Fitter Section to increase the vehicleavailability of BEG. I am also proud to be able to hand over aWorkshop which is far more developed from when we firstarrived. This will put Op TRENTON 6 in good stead to be able tomaintain and further improve the equipment availability here inBEG.

I am very much looking forward to returning back aftercompleting this tour in 2019 and travelling to Nepal to see myfamily and share the tales of my experience.

of the more complex recovery tasks occurring while I was there. I wasvisiting MEG on an LRE assurance check, but the less said to my 2IC,LCpl Janse Van Rensberg (JVR), about this job, the better!

The SV(R) was also employed for crane duties around the UNcompound, performing various tasks including water bore hole lifts,but more specifically on dedicated Engineer tasks when, once again,the treacherous rainy season ground conditions rendered the TEREXAC35 redundant due to its extremely limited, if non-existent, crosscountry capability. The first priority tasking involved upgrading anexisting pedestrian gate around the PoC camp. This task involved theEngr Plant section ripping out the original structure and the SV(R)lifting four ISO shipping containers into place. Later, the SV(R) wasemployed to lift an observation post on top of the same recentlyconstructed structure on a follow up task. There were also more thanenough compatibility issues between UN and UK equipment, themain one being pre-fabricated TCU’s, ISO shipping containers andthe EPLS. These involved either the EPLS ripping the structure of theTCU or the ISO containers jumping off the CHU. These supplied asteady stream of jobs throughout the tour that required to berighted in place by the SV(R) crane.

No Recovery Mechanic’s task is complete without mentioning LREthough, and being located in BEG with the SV(R), it was no mean feat

organising the inspection, testing and recording of LRE in threeseparate locations and organising the records effectively. This wasaffected by conducting training of competent personnel to carry outLERK duties and forecast inspections well in advance. This was alldone in three short months leading up to an LEA in Theatre to boostmorale just a little.

With the LEA and tour completed to a more than satisfactorystandard, new challenges are already on the horizon for 36 Engr RegtRecovery section. LCpl JVR is looking forward to his new postingafter his recent promotion and I get to look forward to another LEAin the New Year back in Maidstone after six months away. No rest forthe wicked!


area and better understand the capabilitiesof the vehicles. This was much needed for thelikes of SSgt Haughian, who was known toget lost on even a straight track (TinkersTrail). The shake out provided an opportunityto refine equipment stowage in preparationfor the FTX and get used to living in austereconditions.

The weather meant the troops quicklybecame well versed in self recovery as theterrain was unforgiving and the enemy forcewere using Warriors, which allowed easiermovement across the ground. This meant thefighting troops did not always have the timeto wait for the Recovery Mechanics who wereconstantly on task. Cpl Costello-Fenwickcame to save the day and lighten theworkload for the Recovery Mechanics, oncehe had returned from Norway.

During the FTX phase, everyone started tofeel the effects of the cold weather and

On 29 October A and C Squadrons of The LightDragoons left Catterick Garrison to deploy on ExWESSEX STORM on Salisbury Plain Training Area.

The move was split with armoured vehicles, moving onlow loaders, to Westdown Camp where the Battlegroupformed up. This was made up of A and C Squadron of theLight Dragoons, A Squadron from the Royal ScotsDragoon Guards, supported by 2 Bn REME and 6 Regt RLC.

The exercise was split into phases, which included livefiring, both vehicles based and ground, battle exercisesand the FTX. The Observer Mentors were present for allthree phases, sometimes from a distance but at othertimes inside the harbour area. However, they wereinvolved in making the switch between phases as smoothas possible including the TES fit.

This was a poignant moment as we tooka minute to remember Cfn Anthony Lombardi and LCpl

Richard Brandon, both killed on Op Herrick 10 whilstserving in The Light Dragoons LAD.

Exercise WESSEX STORM 18/5The Light Dragoons LAD

EME: Capt Dyer ASM: WO1 Purves Scribe: Cpl Hardy

The three fighting Squadrons primarily used Jackals andCoyotes. This meant the Fitter Sections also needed tooperate from the same platforms in order to reach thesame areas as the fighting troops. Using the Jackals as a Fitter truck quickly becameproblematic in regards to space and limitations as to what ST&E and spares could becarried, while leaving space for personnel and their kit. This was overcome throughcareful planning and gave lots of options for the future.

The six-day live firing package started with the Armourers pooling together in orderto cover all ranges, working on a variety of weapons including GPMG, HMG and GMG.They were always busy, but so were the ranges and all training serials were achieved.

On 11 November, the Battlegroup came together to show their respects onRemembrance Day, with the Padre leading a service during which he read out thenames of LD soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice. This was a poignant moment as wetook a minute to remember Cfn Anthony Lombardi and LCpl Richard Brandon, bothkilled on Op Herrick 10 whilst serving in The Light Dragoons LAD.

The battle exercises gave the Squadrons a chance to familiarise themselves with the

“”


pouring rain, which meant personal admin had to be at a highstandard at all times. This was not a problem for Cpl Adam Ray whobrought his own 9x9 and space heater and even found a way to get afew days off the exercise with, in his words, ‘a gash to the head’. Thiswas later found to be a small graze. The FTX phase seemed to benon-stop with very little time between mission cycles.

The highlight of the exercise was Cfn Tate being tasked to call‘Reveille’ at the end of his guard but instead of individually wakingpeople, he took it upon himself to stand in the middle of the harbourarea and shout at the top of his voice, ‘Reveille’ repeatedly until toldto stop.

ENDEX marked the return to Westdown Camp and the start of thepreparation for the handover of vehicles to Land Training Fleet (LTF).The LAD were now back together as a collective rather than workingas individual Fitter Sections. The handover went very smoothly andallowed the return back to Catterick sooner than expected. All-roundthe exercise was a good test and the LAD achieved the highestequipment availability ever seen by FTU, despite the adverseweather conditions and limited space on the vehicles.


2Lt A Davidson Pl Comd Power PacksFor the majority of the Platoon this was the first experience they andI have had with power packs as we made the transition from beingV&G Platoon into our new role as Power Packs Platoon. We deployedto Germany fully prepared for ‘spannering’ in the bitterly coldGerman winter but were pleasantly surprised to find ourselves in arare February heatwave and temperatures hitting near 20 degrees.We went straight into a few hectic days of setting up the PPRF; thesize of the challenge became apparent when we offloaded themodules and it virtually filled the large parade square we would beworking from. With individual modules to wash down packs, runthem up, drain and re-fill them, the footprint is colossal. Theinflatable penthouse shelters where the power packs are repairedare an absolute luxury compared to working in a woodblock as weused to do on exercise in V&G. Unfortunately, the generators thatpower them kept tripping out so escaping the shelter before itcrashed on top of us became a regular occurrence until the Techsand the VMs took on the engineering challenge and made the powerplan more reliable!

My experience so far in REME has mainly beenworking with Land Rovers and MAN SVs so Irelished the challenge of power packs. Themembers of the Platoon got to know their wayaround the packs very quickly thanks to the SMEsfrom 1 Field Coy always on hand to guide us if wegot stuck. We learnt about the process of powerpack repair, from the damaged pack entering thesystem to it coming out neatly wrapped in plasticand ready to be transported back to the front lineand put back into an armoured vehicle. The wholeprocess involves so much use of the forklifts,cranes and logistical support that’s it’s hard toimagine how we’re going to do this tactically inthe future. But it’s exactly problems like this thatwe got to grapple with on this exercise and theopportunity to experiment and seek novel andinnovative ways of making the processes moreefficient was both fun and rewarding; challengingall of us as engineers.

1 Fd Coy were instrumental for this exercise asthe subject matter experts. A team of 13 deliveredtraining to the sponsored Reserves, training forthe transition of V&G to Packs Platoon andoversaw power pack repair of 3 Op CABRIT packsand the repair and assurance of 14 SOF packs; nosmall accomplishment for a fledgling platoonunder guidance.

EXERCISE

DRAGON REVIVAL 1/19

5 FORCE SUPPORT BATTALION

Introduction – Maj J M Anthistle OC 15 Fd CoySince 2013 when 50 and 55 OPR Coys were disbanded, the Corpshas battled on with a single Power Packs Platoon in 1 Fd Coy of 5FS Bn REME. In February 2019, members of 15 Field Coy deployedto Sennelager to take part in Ex DRAGON REVIVAL; this was therebirth of the second Power Packs Platoon and doubling of OffPlatform Repair (OPR) capability for the Corps.

Ex DRAGON REVIVAL had multiple aims. The first was toprovide Power Pack Repair Facility (PPRF) training to the Reservesand sponsored Reserves of 101 Bn REME. The second was torevive the second packs platoon, disbanding 15 Fd Coy’s V&GPlatoon and forming 15 Fd Coy Packs Platoon as well asidentifying the Company as a whole as an OPR capability. Thethird was to repair Op CABRIT power packs and assure powerpacks stored in Monchengladbach as part of the storedoperational fleet (SOF). All whilst practising the road to war whichsaw the Company deploy from Tidworth, overnight ferry to theHook of Holland, break out PPRF from Monchengladbach andthen set up the entire PPRF system in Sennelager. Not only wasthis an excellent test of the Company’s convoy driving skills using15T flat beds with trailers for the first time, but it was also a vitaltest of our ability to project the OPR capability.

Power Packs Platoon

PPRF is a big beast when laid out and operational

Bde Comd 104 Bde reliving his old GS Coy experience of Packs


15 Fd Coy, 1 Fd Coy and 101 Bn REME for Ex DRAGON REVIVAL 1/19

2Lt J Golding Pl Comd Rec Pl

Recovery Platoon were put tothe test early on in the veryfirst road move of the exercise.A 9T MAN truck went downbefore even leaving the UKand was towed for theremainder of the journey. TheSVRs proved to be vital whensetting up the PPRF in theabsence of a forklift; they wereused to load, offload andposition modules and powerpacks. Recovery training wasconducted and a significantamount of time was spentdiscussing the additional rolesRecovery Mechanics can takeon in complimenting the OPRcapability. This will involveexciting opportunities to betrained as MHE operators andthe force protection

specialists, requiring additional patrol skill and weapons training. Itwasn’t all hard work; members of the Platoon also took time toexperience some German culture. As well as sampling plenty ofGerman food, we went on a guided tour of the VW factory inWolfsburg which churns out 3,500 cars per day. The shop floor is over2km long and is the workplace for 70,000 people. We were remindedof the connections the factory has to the REME by a tribute to MajorIvan Hurst in the VW museum.

Electronics Platoon

Recovery Platoon

2Lt T Kempa Pl Comd Elec PlWhilst deployed on Ex URBAN DRAGON, Electronics Platoon havegained an insight into the PPRF and OPR capability; it isn’t just a VMsplayground. Whilst also performing their usual BOWMAN Level 3repair, the Techs have been shadowing the PPRF course and learningabout the common electrical faults which they could be repairing inthe future. The Run Up Module involves somecomplicated diagnostic equipment which we will berunning and maintaining. We have also been gettinga look at how the manufacturers, Marshalls, do theirinspections and maintenance of the PPRF. Germanyalso provided an excellent opportunity to explore thebest of what the country has to offer. This included avisit to Cologne, with its amazing 157m high spires,the second tallest in the world! We also had a solemn,insightful trip to the Nazi Concentration Camp atBergen-Belsen, where over 50,000 prisoners died. Thiswas the first camp to be liberated and is also the siteof Anne Frank’s grave.

SummaryWe closed down the Exercise with a celebratory BBQ (in February!) and wavedgoodbye to the Reserves. The exercise marked the successful rebirth of the secondPower Packs Platoon and enhancement of REME’s OPR capability. The Company willnow go on to consolidate everything it has learnt, from the road move to repairinggenerators, to forming its own SOPs. These will be put to the test in May when wedeploy for Ex URBAN DRAGON, testing our new trade skills in an urban environmentwith a few BCS scenarios thrown in to keep us on our toes. In September we willreturn to Sennelager to repair the remaining SOF packs and are prepared to assistwith anything coming out of Op CABRIT. By then we will be relative experts and aself-reliant, self-projecting and fully operational off platform capability.

Rec Mechs proving vital for the projection of the Company when no forklifts are available

HMS Albion Recoverywould end up in the same situation. We made our first pull and theBARV barely moved an inch. We stopped and investigated further tosee if we could adapt our plan, but the BARV was stuck in roughly 6ftof clay which was acting as an anchor on the vehicle. It wasestimated that approximately 100 tons of pull was required to movethe BARV. This carried on for two long days and nights slowly movingthe BARV inch by inch. We were determined it would work. Every pullcaused a bow wave of clay to appear in front of the vehicle, whichmeant getting back in the water and digging between pulls, all thewhile working against the incoming tide. This method was notsuccessful as HMS Albion had already been delayed by 24 hours sowe had to relinquish their equipment and it was loaded and sailed

It was September 2018 in Brunei. The weather was as hot as italways is and the humidity made it feel as if you’re breathing inwater. The Royal Marines from HMS Albion and Soldiers from the

Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) have successfully completed theirjoint exercise demonstration for the Sultan of Brunei. The displayteam were well into the task of preparing to reload their equipmentback on to HMS Albion, in preparation to move on to their nextlocation, Singapore. It was during this phase that Capt Bage, SO3 ESreceived a call asking for support in recovering a vehicle from thebeach. He instructed the workshop to assemble a team toaccompany him in order to evaluate the situation and assess wherewe could be of help. Little did we know what hideous task awaitedus on the beach of Penanjong Camp!

On arrival at Penanjong Camp, we were greetedby a rather friendly looking Bruneian Soldier, whoescorted us to the location on the beach where thelanding craft had been deployed as part of thedemonstration. What greeted us was a BeachArmoured Recovery Vehicle (BARV) that was almostcompletely submerged approximately 100 metersout in the South China Sea. The first task was to getan understanding of how badly the vehicle wasstuck, so we decided to don our swim shorts andinvestigate. The BARV had been sat in the ocean forsome time at this point, as the tracks werecompletely submerged in the sand and the towingeyes were barely visible. Sgt Ayling, the RecoverySNCO, discussed with Capt Mike Bage what wouldbe required and then began to formulate a plan.Firstly it was decided to utilise what vehicle assetswere currently available, which were the RoyalMarine Vikings and the Medium Wheeled Tractors.This equipment was already located on the beach.

We linked the equipment together, chaining thevehicles to ensure that no other valuable asset

Scribe: Cpl Leek


away. This left us with a limited amount of equipment, most of whichnow belonged to the Royal Brunei Army. Slowly each vehicle beganto show signs of wear and we were afraid to push the vehicles anyfurther. It came to a point when we had to call it a day and weneeded to adapt the plan, again!

New day, new plan! We had called a well-known local contractor tosee if he could bring out the big guns and he did not disappoint. Wearrived back at Penanjong Camp to see an army of the contractor’sbulldozers and the RBAF had even brought down a bulldozer andexcavator of their own. It took a few more long days of hard work,with digging and pulling to try and relieve this vehicle of its waterygrave, day by day, getting inch by inch closer to land. However, theBARV remained stubborn and resisted every pull. Eventually theBARV was pulled close enough to land for us to be able to adapt ourplan one final time. A few calls and a meeting later with a discussionregarding how the BARV could be lifted off the beach, and a decisionwas made. We would use a local contractor who owned a trackedmobile crane.

The final day had arrived. The crane was ready, hooked up waitingfor the final checks to be complete. Finally the BARV slowly crept upfrom its clay pit, again inch by inch. Slowly but surely it wasrecovered to dry land.

It had taken three weeks, many long days of planning preparationand hard work in relentless heat. The task involved many workingparts including; REME tradesmen, Royal Marines, RBAF and localcontractors, each providing a unique skill set all giving maximumeffort to the task at hand, showing true professionalism and realteam spirit.

All in all, it was a great experience to be able to get the chance towork with such a variety of trades and cultures. A once in a life timeopportunity but not an experience I would welcome again too soon.


www.remeshop.org.uk

01249 894871

The REME Shop carries a varied range of items from brandedclothing, gifts, statuettes, accessories, military uniform items and

bespoke personalized products on request.The Corps shop is located within the REME Museum and o�ers a

collection service.

The REME Trading Company (of which the shop is a part of ) is a ‘not for pro�t’ and runs in support of The REME Charity for The REME

[email protected]

SHOP

By Katy WaltonOn 11 April, Lt Col (Retd) Mike Tizard and Ms Bev Bate, onbehalf of REME and The REME Charity, were presented withan engraved slate plaque by Mr. Robin Aitchinson and Mr.Pete Wadner. On the slate was the poem ‘The Longest Day’ byRobin Aitchison, which Pete Wadner had engraved.

After receiving the slate plaque, Bev Bate said,“I was pleased to meet both Robin Aitchison and Pete

Wadner at the REME Museum… and delighted to be

Robin Aitchinson “The poem was written in memory of my grandfather and as tributeto those who took part in the D-Day landings on 6 June 1944.

My grandfather, Hugh ‘Jock’ Aitchison, was a RN Commando andspent three weeks on Sword beach. Pete’s father also landed onSword beach. It is possible they may have met briefly [though we willnever know for certain].

The poem is based on the little I was told by him as I was growingup. “I’m no hero. My medals show I was there. We left the boys on thebeach” and so on. The poem was written in a flash after watching TheLongest Day movie. I then placed it on the BBC People at Warwebsite where it sat forgotten for a number of years along with thepoem ‘At the Cross’.

After doing a web search, I was astonished to find my poem wasbeing used all over the world by all kinds of organisations. The poemhas featured at remembrance services, veteran funerals, been left atwar cemeteries, in reports by the BBC and CNN, and used inmuseums and schools. The poem is also being used in the USA as

part of an education package and is used to teach children as part ofWW2 history…

… I am humbled at how many people have read, used and left ‘LongestDay’ to honour those killed and those who have survived in past andpresent conflicts.

It is with great pleasure that ‘Longest Day’ will be on display at [RHQ]REME.”

Pete Wadner“I took my Dad to the 50th Celebration of D Day and only then did I findout he was on the landings. Sadly I lost my dad 10 years ago and I stillhave his medals, REME beret and cap badge.

My Dad was very proud to have served from 39 to 45 with the REMEand enjoyed his time with the REME Veterans. This was after he retired. [It]was the only time I saw my dad with “friends” all my life; before that I onlysaw him with acquaintances. It was so nice to see him relaxed around hisfellow Veterans.

Since I retired I have been doing woodwork and have a small marketstall once a month in Chipping Sodbury. This is where I met Rob Aitchison,the author of the poem. He liked my work and asked if I could do

Longest Dayby Robin AitchisonDo not call me hero,When you see the medals that I wearMedals maketh not the hero,They just prove that I was there.Do not call me hero,Now that I am old and grey,I left a lad, returned a man,They stole my youth that day.Do not call me hero,When we ran the wall of hail,The blood, the fears, the cries, the tearsWe left them where they fell.Do not call me hero,Each night I stop and pray.For all the friends I knew and lost,I survived my longest day.Do not call me hero,In the years that pass,For all the real true heroes,Have crosses lined upon the grass.

RHQ REME Receives D-D


‘Longest Day’ was written on to a wooden plank in Helmand as a memorial to Cpl Hopkins.

presented with the poem ‘Longest Day’ engraved on a slateplaque. We plan to display it in Regimental Headquarters inthe near future.”

This all happened thanks to a chance encounter when Petewas selling his work. However, that was just the start of thePete and Robin’s work together in creating this beautifulengraving. The story actually started with Pete’s father andRobin’s grandfather. It is best told in Pete and Robin’s words:

something in wood that would do his poem justice. He liked what I didand agreed I could sell them. My thought was I cover my cost, which are£10.00 and donate £5.00 to the REME Benevolent Fund… I am only a one-man band so I cannot make hundreds but I will feel proud that I am doingsomething my Dad would be proud of. ”

‘Longest Day’ has since become a favourite for use at memorials andpresentations.

It was used by the Parachute Regiment as part of their memorial for CplDale Hopkins, aged 23, who was killed in Helmand, Afghanistan. It waswritten out on a wooden plank and left with five welded bullets in theform of a cross at the base. Then on their return home, Lt Col AndyHarrison included the poem in an article for a charity dinner.

Robin was also was invited by the Gurkha community to read andpresent ‘Longest Day’ to Captain Limbu, Nepal’s last surviving VictoriaCross holder.

At the crossby Robin AtchisonStep up here before me childso that I may hear your name.Thank you for the flower dearPlease tell me why you came.Grandma had to see youShe misses you everyday.She has told me all about youbut I know not what to say.Auntie has your photographand I have seen your face.She keeps you on the mantleyou take up pride of place.Daddy has kept your medalssince he was a lad.He remembers when you went awayand the good times you both had.So you see we are all hereOn this glorious day.We keep you in our thoughts and hearts.You are never far away.Poppy x

REME during D-Day Over30,000REMESoldiersandOfficerswereinvolved inD-Day.

BARVs were developed rapidly, starting inDecember 1943, resulting in 60 BARVsbeing ready for D-Day.

Elements ofsome BeachRecoverySections wereashore withinthe first halfhour of D-Day,ensuring theykept up themomentum of traffic coming ashore.

REME were tasked with redesigning waterproofingkits so they could be applied just before they wereneeded. Only 2% of vehicles that failed to make itashore through deep water was due to a fault in

waterproofing due to REME’s solution.

Vehicles were waterproofed to drive through the seaup to 6ft deep, in order to reach the beach.

Day Inspired Engraved Poem

(Below) Robin Aitchison, BevBate, Pete Wadner, and Lt Col(Retd) Mike Tizard at The

REME Museum


their captors considered them to be sub-human, they were nothoused. Instead they were left in a wired off open compound to fendfor themselves with many hundreds dying of starvation.

In October 1944, 400 British Paratroopers from the failed ArnhemBridge action arrived to swell the numbers.

The town of Oerbke now stands on the site of X1b.

On Tuesday 16 April, a group of former servicemen andtheir wives, who had served in Fallingbostel with 7Armoured Workshop gathered together for their

annual service. They were there to remember and mark theday in 1945 that Prisoner of War Camps Stalag X1b and 357were liberated by the 8th Hussars Recce Troop, as they pushedacross Luneberg Heath.

Two members from the Potteries and District Branch, formerRSM of 7 Armd Wksp, WO1 John Painter and his wife Mary,were present as the Memorial Gates situated adjacent to 7Armd Wksp were opened to commemorate the release ofprisoners.

If the photograph of the gates looks familiar, it may be thatyou have seen the ones at the NMA which are a replica ofthose in Fallingbostel.

Fallingbostal and the nearby infamous Bergen-Belsen Camparea are very well-known locations to thousands of soldierswho served in that part of BAOR over the years, but many arenot familiar with the Prisoner of War camps mentioned.

During the course of World War II over 96,000 prisonerswere detained in these two camps from a number of alliedcountries. The camps were originally built to house Germanconscripts in 1934, but in 1939 became a camp to hold Polishprisoners after the invasion of their country.

Following ‘Blitzkreig’ in 1940, 40,000 Dutch, Belgian, French andBritish prisoners arrived in X1b.

During 1943, Italian soldiers were held there following theirchange of loyalties to the Allies.

By 1944 Russian prisoners began to arrive in huge numbers and as

REME Association Members Markthe Liberation of PoW Camps

Scribe: Maurice Hope

www.theiet.org/armed-forces

WITH YOU NOW AND FOR THEREST OFYOUR CAREER

ffor your Be r

g f r professiona

recog

a n

for your professionalism and expertise

Professional registration provides recognition of your military skills and experience and may mean you are eligible for up to £3,000 once achieved*.

e are licenced by the Engineering Council to award Chartered Engineer (WIncorporated Engineer (application process in place via

With IET membership discounts available for technicians and annual fee

your professionalism and expertise


e are licenced by the Engineering Council to award Chartered Engineer (Incorporated Engineer (IEng echnician ) and Engineering T Technician (application process in place via REME Special Registration Agreement (SRA)


a .


e are licenced by the Engineering Council to award Chartered Engineer (CEng),echnician ( echEngT ) with a streamlined

REME Special Registration Agreement (SRA)**.


professionally registered, contact us:

extT IETMOD and your 62277*** and we’ll call you back

Call +44(0)1438 767648

d, contact us:

and your full name o t and we’ll call you back

+44(0)1438 767648

The Institution of Engineering and T

.theiet.org/armed-forces to see if you meet the SRA criteria.Visit www**

*Provided by the MOD, dependent on eligibility – available from April 2019.

With IET membership discounts available for technicians and annual fee reimbursement by the MOD, there is no better time to apply

echnology is registered as a Charity in England & WThe Institution of Engineering and T

.theiet.org/armed-forces to see if you meet the SRA criteria.

*Provided by the MOD, dependent on eligibility – available from April 2019.

With IET membership discounts available for technicians and annual fee reimbursement by the MOD, there is no better time to apply

ales (no 211014) and Scotland (no SC038698),Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Wechnology is registered as a Charity in England & W

WITH YOU NOW AND FOR THEREST OFYOUR CAREER

.theiet.org/armed-forces to see if you meet the SRA criteria.

2019

With IET membership discounts available for technicians and annual fee .reimbursement by the MOD, there is no better time to apply

, Stevenage, SG1 2Aayales (no 211014) and Scotland (no SC038698),Michael Faraday House, Six Hills W

.www theiet.org/armed-forces

Email [email protected]

***Free text line, no charges apply

, United Kingdom.Y, Stevenage, SG1 2A

org/armed-forces

[email protected]

.***Free text line, no charges apply

The Sight in the photographs is currently occupyingspace in the REME Archive!

We know what and we have a pretty good idea when.It’s a hand held Eagle Passive Night Vision Sightmanufactured by Pilkington PE Limited in the mid-eighties; ours is missing the binocular eyepiece. It canbe vehicle and tripod mounted. It doesn’t appear tohave a NATO Stock Number so it’s safe to assume itwas never codified and would have been in fairlylimited use (ours might be the last one in existence).The bag that comes with this particular sight ismarked MOD Police.

The sight has a five-degree field of view, x8magnification, weighs 2.5kg and runs off two x 1.5Vbatteries.

What we don’t know is where it was used, by whomand in what role. If you can fill in the detail please letme know at [email protected]

The Museum has limited storage space and the Sightis not directly of REME interest. If we can’t determinewho used it, where it was used and why, it will bedisposed of which we might later regret!

NEED TO KNOW

THE EAGLE SIGHTBy Lt Col (Retd) Steve Colling - Corps Historian

I keep six honest serving-men(They taught me all I knew);

Their names are What and Why and WhenAnd How and Where and Who.

Rudyard Kipling - The Elephant’s Child



An Artists Reception and Lunch is to be held atPrincess Marina Officers’ Mess on Friday 28 June2019 and is open to all members of the REME

Institution and the REME HQ Officers’ Mess. Guests willinclude all traceable artists connected with the Corps artcollection and others notable for their support to theMess, along with spouses and partners. Previously atWest Court, this event was resurrected last year in thePrincess Marina Officers’ Mess in Lyneham and a mostenjoyable afternoon was spent by all in attendance.

The event will start at 1100hrs with a short trip to theREME Museum prior to returning to the Mess. Receptiondrinks will then begin at around 1200hrs followed at1300hrs by a restaurant style three course lunch withindividual tables of 8-10 diners. Cost will be £30 perhead inclusive of drinks during the reception and winesat lunch. Dress is smart casual.

All REME Institution members, serving or retired, whoare interested in attending this event, either with theirspouse, partner or other guests, are asked to contact theCorps Mess Secretary, Maj (Retd) Geordie Wright-Rivers,by email at [email protected] asearly as possible but no later than Friday 14 June 2019. Alink requesting further details and payment instructionswill then be sent to your email address by return(serving members please ensure that this is a civilianemail address as the link will not work on DII).

REME Institution Artists Reception and Lunch

Friday 28 June 2019


Scribe: Lt Col (Retd) Stuart Cowan

Visit of St Eligius Lodge (No 8295) to Lyneham

On 3 April, brethren of the Corps Lodge ofFreemasons visited MOD Lyneham. Blue skiesprevailed and an excellent day ensued,beginning in the Museum and concluding witha tour of the camp and training facilities. Thevisit also gave the Lodge the opportunity topresent a donation of £1500 to The REMECharity. St Eligius Lodge membership is drawnfrom serving and retired, Regular and Reservemembers of the Corps. We are always lookingto expand. New members are always welcome.

For more information go to militarymasons.org.uk

For a copy of the Admin Instruction which includes abooking proforma, please contact Maj Marc Wilding

[email protected]

The 2019 ECE Reunion willbe held on 7 September

2019 in the Harris MMWarrant Officers’ and

Sergeants’ Mess at DSEME Lyneham (by kindpermission of the Corps ASM).

Electronic ControlEquipment (ECE)Technician Re-

union

Sherston PROBUSVisit to Lyneham

One of Lt Col Pete McMillan’s last acts as Chief Instructorat the REME Arms School was to arrange a visit fromone of the many PROBUS (retired professionals)

groups from around the UK. Unfortunately, the date changedto 27 March 2019 which was after Pete departed so it washosted by the Museum Director Maj (Retd) Rick Hendersonand Lt Col (Retd) Stuart Cowen. The group consisted of manyretired RN, RAF and MOD personnel along with somemembers involved with the SV programme to deliver MANvehicles to the MOD. They found the tour fascinating and itwas a good opportunity to display Corps heritage andengineering training at its best. The visit leader, Mr TonyJoliffe thanked all involved for a very interesting andinformative visit and presented a very generous donationcheque to The REME Charity at the visit’s close.

CalmConnect

txTegenintor lisf

ouk yanTh

Connectt Shout txeTTe

or support in a crisis, FGe

o 85258t Shout tor support in a crisis,

t HelpGe

President – Maj Gen C T McClean CBE (Outgoing) Brig A Stuart (Incoming) Chairman – Col P J McArthur Scribe: Secretary – Maj Mike Lovell

Corps Championship WinnersMale Champion – Capt E Knudsen 8 Trg Bn REMEFemale Champion – Capt L Hall 4 Armd CS Bn REMEVeteran Champion – SSgt Wainwright 4 RIFLES LADJunior Male Champion – Cfn Williams 13 AA Sp Regt, 8 PARA Fd Coy Junior Female Champion – Cfn Jepson 1 RHA WkspReserve Male Champion – Sgt Newnham 103 Bn REMEMajor Unit Champions – 8 Trg Bn REMEMinor Unit Champions – 24 Cdo RE WkspFemale Team Champions – 4 Armd CS Bn REMEJunior Team Champions – 8 Trg Bn REMEReserve Team Champions – 102 Bn REME

REME CROSS COUNTRY

Corps Championship 2018

The Annual Corps Cross-Country Championship was heldon 7 November in Tidworth Garrison. Yet again, we had ahuge turnout of nearly 350 personnel contesting a range

of categories over two challenging courses (male and female).To my knowledge only the Army Finals has a larger turnout. Atestament to the CoC in busy Field Army Units ensuring thatopportunities are grasped. On behalf of the CorpsManagement for your continued support; thank you… Nowlet’s try and get over 400 runners on that start line next year!

The conditions were pretty kind although extremely blusteryin comparison to previous Championships, which have beenimmensely challenging under foot following periods of heavyrain. The tough mile or two against the wind up the BulfordRange Road this year may linger in the back of everyone’sminds for a while; it is in mine! The Championship was themost successful yet. It also presented the perfect opportunityto thank Maj Gen Colin McClean CBE for his leadership, impact,support and passion for the sport as our President. He hashanded over the reins to Brig Andy Stuart (Hd Eqpt) to drivethe sport on, who, along with Brig (Retd) Allan Thomson (CEOAspire Defence), kindly awarded the prizes. I must also takethis opportunity to thank Aspire Defence on behalf of REMECross-Country as our event sponsor and for their continuedsupport. Thanks also goes to 4 Armd CS Bn REME as the hostunit. We could not have delivered the event without theircomplete support.

Remember, the aspiration is to see over 400 runnerscontesting the categories next year – see you there!

Inter Services Cross Country Championship The following Corps athletes represented the Army in the Inter-Services Championships held at RAF Halton on 14 February 2019.Senior Male – Capt Knudsen (8 Trg Bn REME) placed first Army andthird overall against a set of high-level RAF athletes; a considerableachievement. Female – Capt Hall (4 Armd CS Bn REME) was crowned Inter-ServicesChampion following a gruelling battle versus her Army rival CplHodgkinson, capping a dominant season.U23 – LCpl Titcomb (5 RIFLES LAD) placed first Army and secondoverall in his first representational appearance at Inter-Services level. Masters Male – WO2 McGeever MBE (22 Sig Regt LAD) continues asthe Team Manager.


Looking forward… Corps Long Distance Fell Championships – July 2019 – DTBC – Wasdale Campsite, Lake District.Corps Road Relay Championships – 17 July 2019 – MOD Lyneham. As part of the Corps Festival of Sport.Ex CRAFTSMAN RUNNER 5 – 8 – 14 September 2019 – Keswick, Lake District. Corps training camp aimed at all levels from beginner to theseasoned Corps athlete for 40 REME personnel.Corps Cross Country Championships – 6 November 2019 – Tidworth Garrison.Finally, if you are interested in running (in any capacity) and want to get involved or have any queries regarding the sport contact – Maj MikeLovell ([email protected]) and I will gladly assist.

incorporates the Inter-Services and Army Championships. 8 Trg Bn REME continued in winning fashion, adding the Army and

REME Half Marathon titles to their trophy haul over the past year.Capt Ed Knudsen recorded a personal best with an outstanding 69mins, placing second overall in the race and first in the Army andCorps Championships. In the female event, 8 Trg Bn REME securedthemselves as Corps Champions, with Cfn Burrows leading them tovictory as Female Corps Champion. Corps Champions – 8 Trg Bn REME (Male and Female teams)Second Male Team – 13 AA Sp LAD REME (LCpl Williamson placedsecond Army and second REME in 72 mins)Third Male Team – 4 Armd CS Bn REME

Corps, Army and Inter-ServicesHalf Marathon Championships

The Corps Half Marathon is still in its infancy after being re-introduced in 2017 following a 12-year hiatus, but is well on its wayto being established as a popular event on the running calendar. Therace was contested within the Fleet Half Marathon and also

The Army Inter-Corps Championship 2019This was the main event on the calendar at Corps level andorganised this year by REME. The event was delivered as acarbon copy of the Corps Championships and was contestedon the Bulford/Kiwi Training Area in blazing heat on 27February. With home advantage, we delivered across allcategories, both at team and individual level. Capts EdKnudsen and Lauren Hall were both crowned champions inthe Senior Male and Female categories. LCpl Williamsondelivered a break-through performance, finishing third in theSenior Male race with several other Corps male and femaleathletes in respective top 20 positions. The team results were:Senior Male Team – Champions: 7 Av Sp Bn REME TeamManager – Capt Chris Eastman Senior Female Team – Second place: 8 Trg Bn REME TeamManager – Maj Charlotte HayesU23 Male Team – Second place: 24 Cdo RE Wksp REME TeamManager – SSgt Oke Masters Male Team – Second place: 5 FS Bn REME TeamManager – WO2 Jarvis This was the most successful trophy haul by REME in the eventfor over 20 years.


The calendar requires input from your units to ensure we are able to produce a high quality product

We need high resolution JPEG photographs (min 1mb) depicting your unit on operations, in barracks, on exercise, adventurous training or participating in sport within the last 12 months - caption is required for each.

There will be a £250 prize for the best photographs received - submission deadline is 1 October 2019

PLEASE DO NOT CONTACT THE CRAFTSMAN MAGAZINE REGARDING PHOTOGRAPHIC SUBMISSIONS

REME 2019 CALENDAR

You can e-mail [email protected] Post a CD to Corporate Comms Manager, RHQ REME, The Prince Philip Barracks, MOD Lyneham, Chippenham SN15 4XX

We need your photographs!


This hill was something else. After what felt like a long time and alot of emotion, I arrived at the top but there was no time to recover. Ihad to push on. The next part was a slight downhill so I opened upmy stride and could see I was catching the next few girls. That wasmy incentive and I knew their backgrounds too. I arrived at thewoodblock with the last quarter of the race to go and managed toovertake England’s representative in the Steeplechase at theCommonwealth Games in 2018.

That felt really good and I got a bit greedy and wanted to catchsome more. After the woodblock there was a downhill and one ofthe girls behind came flying past me. I’m not sure she knew she hadabout 400m of flat running at the bottom of this hill to the finish andshe was probably going to regret that… My next target was another

England runner who I could tell was slowingdown.

With the last stretch to go, I gave it everythingbut couldn’t quite get her. I finished the course of8.2km in 30mins:09 which I was happy withconsidering the terrain. My club got team Silvertoo which was a great achievement. My positionwas 16 out of 1034 runners and about right forwhere I am at, at the moment. The 15 in front ofme have all been selected for their country or GBthis winter season. And as me and my coach said, Iam currently sat at the top of the Championshipwaiting to be promoted into the Premier League(that’s our analogy). Until that promotion comes, Iam going to continue to work hard, building onthe fantastic performance so far.

My Army team mates were also in the race.Jesse Lutwytche came 72nd and Kelley Haniver185th. My REME team mate Ed Knudsden came92nd in the Senior race too. After the race, I went

out with my team matesfor dinner, exchangingstories about our racesand eating good food.Then on Sundaymorning, we went out forour recovery run aroundthe countryside. What agreat weekend away, butthat is done now and myfocus is ahead to my finalthree weeks of theseason. It is on to thenext block of trainingincluding representingREME at the Inter-CorpsChampionships.

It is getting close to the end of the season and after a really drywinter I was praying for some rain to churn up the course. Turnsout it was the opposite and we were greeted by 16 degrees heat,

which was going to be a first for a National Cross-Championships. Itravelled up to the course on Friday 23 February, with three of myteam mates (luckily for me the boys love to drive for some reason!).We arrived at 7pm at Harewood House in Yorkshire and got readyfor dinner which was going to be a carb loading session. We tuckedin and were literally the last ones to leave, making sure we got allthe fuel required for what was ahead of us.

National Cross-Country is not like any other race. This is properCross-Country and I consider all the races I have done this seasontame compared to the hills and terrain that the course up inYorkshire was. I arrived at the race and it reminded me of a festival.The sun was shinning, everyone was in high spirits and the venuewas breath-taking. We were running in the grounds of HarewoodHouse, a stalely home. What I love about crosscountry is thestunning places you get to run in but also the fact that there is noelite area like in a road or track race.

I walked the course with my coach, deciding what the plan was. Itwas two laps equalling 8.2km for the entire race. The terrain wastough and I couldn’t quite believe how hilly it was. It was a far cryfrom the easy terrain at the Inter-Services a few weeks ago. I got setfor my warm up, which went to plan, then got ready to go throughthe tent to the start. This is where the timing chips get checked; is itusually a strap around the ankle. Obviously, I had it on my left ankle;wearing it on the right is not part of my pre-race ritual!! On the startline we got in formation. I felt safe, surrounded bymy team mates and training partners. I looked upfrom the start and could see the first 800m, all up-hill. This was going to hurt really badly. Oh well!

The gun went and I couldn’t believe that wewere finally going. As there was over 1000runners charging up this hill the plan was to stayout of trouble and avoid a bottle-neck. As I wentup the hill I was in a good position and getting tothe top, there was a group of about 20 of us alltucked in together. I looked around and most inthe group were internationals. That felt good. Wegot a quarter of the way round and it was quick.Part of me wanted to go with the pace and take arisk but the other half of me knew this wasn’t theplace to be playing games. I wanted a consistentrun that kept me moving up the ladder. Icontinued on with a small gap between thisgroup and we came up the dreaded hill that weencountered at the start.

Cross-Country

English National ChampionshipsScribe: Capt Lauren Hall

journey to their accommodation which was located in Psathi village,Polemi. Prior to the start of the event, the team were able toacclimatise by visiting the facilities within the local area andconducting a recce of the event stages.

The team performed extremely well throughout the event withsome very respectable times and some PBs achieved, despite duringsome stages when it was feeling more like a mountain climb ratherthan a run.

The team returned with some members nursing rather largeblisters (Q!) and sore joints but all proudly showing off their newlyreceived sun tans and well-deserved medals.

Prior to deploying to Cyprus, a Justgiving page was set-up and aWattbike challenge was completed at a local B&Q Store, the teammanaged to raise a very respectable £875.31 for Scotty’s LittleSoldiers, which supports children and young people who have lost aparent whilst serving in the British Armed Forces.

The deployment would not have been such a success withoutgrants from the REME Central Charitable Trust, Berlin Infantry BrigadeMemorial Trust Fundand LockheedMartin.

Early in 2018, an enthusiasticteam of six was formed frompersonnel employed in the

Defence School of Electronic andMechanical Engineering (DSEME) totake part in the Cyprus InternationalChallenge over the period of 22 - 25November 2018. The Challenge wassplit over four days and included asix Km time trial, 11 Km mountaintrail, half-marathon across multiple-terrain and finished with a 10 KmCity run in Paphos.

The team, consisting of Lt ColPete McMillan MBE, WO2 (AQMS)Steven Page, WO2 (CSM) KerryEvans, SSgt Geoff Harvey (Admin),Sgt Stuart Bowden, SgtBishnukumar Tamang and Sgt MartyHunt MBE departed from BristolAirport on 19 November and flewinto Paphos International Airport,this was followed by short car

Scribe: WO2 Ryan Veal

SSgt Geoff Harvey in the hot seat raising money for charity

Sgt Stuart Bowden in the hurtlocker after completing the

11km uphill stage

Lt Col Pete McMillan happy to befinishing the half marathonEx Sun Runner 18 Team proudly showing their well-deserved medals

The Team in their matching T-shirts ready to take on the challenge

E X E R C I S E

SUN RUNNER 18



Contact SSgt David Brown ___93784 6103 ___01752 236103

2019 Fam dates:__15-19 Jul 19__16-20 Sep 19

All enquiries are to be submitted with Chain of Command approval to either:

Capt J Whitehouse (SO3 CLM Trg) - [email protected] A Plant (SSI CLM Trg) - [email protected]

Please Note: This is not a bid for a place on course. To qualify you must be an MTI of the following rank: PNCO & JCLM - Sub Cpl / SCLM - Sub Sgt.

MTI CONTINUATIONHave you been employed as an MTI and would like to maintain your skill set?

You may be able to assist on a PNCO, JCLM or SCLM.

PNCO

17/06/19 - 28/06/1901/07/19 - 12/07/1915/07/19 - 26/07/19

07/10/19 - 18/10/1918/11/19 - 29/11/1913/01/19 - 24/01/19

JCLM

03/06/19 - 14/06/1901/07/19 - 12/07/1902/09/19 - 13/09/19

04/11/19 - 15/11/1903/02/20 - 14/02/2016/03/20 - 27/03/20

SCLM

17/06/19 - 28/06/1922/07/19 - 02/08/1914/10/19 - 25/10/19

18/11/19 - 29/11/1917/02/20 - 28/02/20CO

URS

E D

ATES

:

Hot food is served between the hours of

10.00 and 14.30.including daily lunch specials, freshly made

sandwiches, baguettes, paninis, and

a children’s menu.

We also offer a call in and take out service.

the crowns cafe is a stylish café located within the reme museum at lyneham.

it has a relaxed atmosphere, where you can enjoy homemade cakes, cookies,

scones, pastries, cooked breakfasts & lunches, cold drinks or a cup of fresh

barista coffee or tea.

We’re open: 9.30 - 16.30

Monday to Saturday.

Next on the calendar was theREME Winter SportsChampionships. Ex SNOWSPANNER brings all thedisciplines - Snowboarding,Alpine, Nordic and Telemark -together in a single locationwhere unit teams andindividuals compete for gloryand to celebrate ‘Sport for All’.The Snowboarding elementcomprises three events, withan aim of allowing novices toexperience the thrill of anextremely challengingcompetition while also takingmore advanced riders to alevel where they are ready to

represent the Corps at the Army SnowboardChampionships.

On top of the usual Parallel Giant Slalom (head-to-head gate racing) and Boardercross (four-personcarnage) events, this year participants welcomed thelong-awaited return of the Slopestyle competition(jumps and tricks). This was only possible thanks toSSgt Jacks and his team of instructors deliveringdedicated training on Ex SUPREME GLACIER to givenew riders the skills needed to compete safely in thisevent. Despite some very challenging conditions, thecompetition was a resounding success andhighlighted the great atmosphere and camaraderiethat typifies snowboarding as a sport. It is worthpointing out that a number of new riders wereselected from this event to join the REME Corps Teamas they prepared for the next and final event of theseason’s calendar - the Army Championships.

The Corp’s Snowboarding season began in November lastyear at Ex SUPREME GLACIER on the Stubai Glacier inAustria, REME’s much loved annual winter sports TrainingCamp.

This year we had a great turnout of over 170boarders over the four weeks, almost 70 ofwhom were beginners. All showedenormous courage and commitment inchallenging conditions, not least thoselearning to ‘SEND IT’ for the first time.For the uninitiated, this involves ridinga rail or launching off a kicker (jump) inthe ‘board park’ with maximum style(regardless of the landing), earningbragging rights for the rest of the week.

Once again, the Snowboarding elementwas in the safe hands of SSgt Chris Jacks whoalso used the opportunity to deliver a BASI(British Association of SnowsportInstructors) Level 2 InstructorsCourse. The Corps now proudlyboasts more BASI L2 instructorsthan any other Corps or groupin the Armed Forces. Asignificant achievement byany measure and one thatcontributes to effectivedelivery of superb training for allREME personnel.

Scribe: Out-going Secretary – Maj Mark GreensmithForewordAs REME Snowboarding continues to go fromstrength to strength, it’s worth having a look backon yet another hugely successful season for theREME Team and Corps Snowboarding in general.

Snowboard Season RoundupREME

Army Champions Again!

REME Corps Training CampEx SUPREME GLACIER

The REME ChampionshipsEx SNOW SPANNER

JARGONALERT: ‘SEND IT’= riding a rail or

launching off a kicker(jump) in the ‘board park’

with maximum style(regardless of the landing),

earning bragging rightsfor the rest of

the week.

TheCorps now

proudly boastsmore BASI L2

instructors than anyother Corps or group

in the ArmedForces.



The Army Championships – Ex SNOW JACK

This year, a Corps Squad seeding list was introduced, which tookindividual results from Ex SNOW SPANNER, Ex SUPREME GLACIERand also considered a rider’s previous year’s competitiveexperience to aid Corps Team selection. This year’s Corps Teamwas made up of a mixture of seasoned Corps Squad ridersas well as four riders who had not competed at this levelbefore.

SSgt ‘Ginge’ Blackbourn captained the team as theyfought to retain the Corps title. Remembering theevent, Sgt Dave Grant remarked onhis first time representing theCorps: ‘The training week was a bitof a shock to my system as itchallenged the way I normally ride,however Appi, our Austrian trainerand former Olympian, soon had usall carving smoothly on the raceboards. The training gave us timeto bond and develop as a teamwhich massively showed on thehill; the REME Team looked andacted as one. I thoroughly enjoyedmy first time at the competitionand am really looking forward tonext year’s!’

In the Parallel Giant Slalomevent, riders competesimultaneously on two identicalcourses side-by-side, first tacklingthe red gates before swapping andtaking on the blue. This creates anexciting head to head knockoutformat. The cumulative times forboth courses are then added tofind the winner of each heat,ultimately ending with one rider crowned overall Champion. TheREME Team performed brilliantly in this event with a total of fiveriders finishing within the top 16. The event was concluded withan all-REME final where Sgt Dave Grant narrowly beat SSgt MarkBlackbourn in a very tight heat.

The second event at the Army Championships was Boardercross.This event can be most accurately likened to Motocross. Fourriders are released from the gates to fight it out over a challengingcourse. In total, five REME riders managed to fight their waythrough rollers, round the berms and over kickers to eventuallyfinish in the top 10. SSgt Blackbourn and Sgt Grant again met inthe final. However this time the result was reversed with SSgtBlackbourn claiming victory.

Slopestyle was the final event of the Championships, givingcompetitors an opportunity to showcase their freestyle skills.Professional riders marked competitors on the height, complexity

and style of each of their tricks. This is definitely the best eventto watch and demands a huge amount of grit and mental

strength from riders to push through the fear barrier,forcing every participant well out of their comfort zone.REME managed to get four of their riders into the top10. Cpl Andy Mullineaux produced an impressive

performance in testing conditionsto finish first.

Overall, the REME Team cleanedup in every event, winning theCorps competition by a healthymargin of 150 points to theirnearest rivals, the Royal Engineers.Sgt Grant won the Best Newcomertrophy as well as finishing as theoverall runner up, a hugelyimpressive performance for his firstArmy-level Championships. SSgtBlackbourn won the overallindividual event and was crownedArmy Champion, with CplMullineaux finishing as the bestVeteran.

Speaking on his experience at hisfirst Army Championships and onbeing selected for next season’sArmy Squad, Cfn Jordan Foster said,‘After only five weeks on asnowboard, I was initially a littlenervous about attending the ArmyChampionships. As soon as Istarted racing, my nerves lifted and

I managed to finish sixth overall. Ihad an unforgettable experienceand was so happy to be selected forthe Army Squad!

This event is used to identifypotential riders for the Army Squad

and no less than five REME riders wereselected for potential inclusion in the

Army Team for the 2019/20 season. Afantastic result for them and for the Corps, who retained the ArmyCrown for a second year, demonstrating the enormous depth ofskill and passion for the sport in the REME Snowboardingcommunity.

Thetraining gave

us time to bondand develop as a team

which massivelyshowed on the hill; the

REME Team lookedand acted

as one.

Afteronly five weeks

on a snowboard, Iwas initially a little

nervous about attendingthe Army Championships.As soon as I started racing,

my nerves lifted and Imanaged to finish

sixth overall.

“

“

”

”


Last season two REME riders were successful in beingselected this year, with SSgt Dale Gallagher and LCpl DanRobinson heading up the REME contingent of the ArmyTeam at the Inter-Services Championships in Meribel,France. For LCpl Robinson this marks the culmination of anamazing journey, having only first competed at Ex SNOWSPANNER in 2016. To make it to represent the Army in lessthan three seasons is almost unheard of and a greattestament to his skill and commitment. The 2019 Inter-Services competition was particularly fierceas the Australian Defence Force Team took part, along withthe Army, Navy and Air Force Teams to battle it out. SSgtGallagher made a great start to the competition, narrowlymissing out on the Boardercross final after a hard-foughtphoto finish and eventually finishing fifth, just ahead of LCplRobinson in sixth place. The REME pair then went on tofinish fifth and twelfth respectfully in the Parallel GiantSlalom, an outstanding effort considering LCplRobinson was drawn against the eventual winner ofthe slalom, whilst SSgt Gallagher was eliminated by aParalympian. SSgt Gallagher again impressed in theSlopestyle event, landing a huge Backside 360 tofinish in tenth place. Overall both REME ridersfinished in the top 10, helping the Army Team tovictory as the Inter-Service Champions by theslimmest of margins. This year’s competition was oneof the closest contests ever seen at Inter-Service leveland is a testament to just how every rider counts.

This season is the last that has been overseen byBrig Richard Bennett (Late REME) as the ArmySnowboarding Chairman. Over his tenure as theArmy Chairman and previously as REME Chairmanfor many years he has managed the administration,growth and development of the sport within theService and the Corps. His efforts over this periodhave been boundless and have increased the profileof the sport, the number of overall participants andthe standard of boarding. The fact that the ArmyTeam’s performance at the Inter-ServicesChampionships over this time has improved year onyear is testament to his efforts. We would thereforelike to say a massive thank you to Brig Bennett fromall of the REME Snowboarding family. We wish youall the very best for the future and hope to see youon the slopes again very soon!

Inter-Services

Final Word

Season Summary

At the end of another fantastic season for REME Snowboarding at all levels, thegrass-roots scene is thriving with 70 new beginners taking to the snow and fournewly qualified BASI Level 2 instructors. We are Army Corps Champions for thesecond year in a row as well as Individual, Newcomer and Veteran ArmyChampions, capping it all with two riders already representing the Army andanother five riders also selected for the 19/20 Army Squad. The next winter season is an ideal time to get involved in this fun and exhilaratingsport. If you would like find out more, get in touch with the REME Committee andthe new Secretary, Maj Mark Foster; speak to your unit winter sports rep about ExSUPREME GLACIER; and keep an eye out for upcoming events on the REMESnowboarding Facebook and Instagram (#remesnowboarding) pages!


Ever Thought of Becoming aREME Winter Sports Instructor?

ALPINE

SNOWBOARD

NORDIC

If you are interested in becoming anAlpine Ski Instructor, please contact:REME Alpine Chief Instructor: SSgt L Tidd

[email protected] visit the ATG (A) website:

atga.mod.uk/cmsnew/index.php/skiing

Course Information AlpineSKI LEADER 1 SKI LEADER 22019/11/17–2019/12/01 2020/01/12–2020/01/242019/12/05–2019/12/19 2020/01/26–2020/02/072020/01/12–2020/01/24 2020/02/09–2020/02/212020/01/24–2020/02/07 2020/02/23–2020/03/062020/02/09–2020/02/21 2020/03/08–2020/03/202020/02/23–2020/03/062020/03/08–2020/03/202020/03/22–2020/04/03The online booking system can be foundat: atga.mod.uk/cms_new/index.php/skiingPOC: SSgt L Tidd (4 REME).

If you are interested in becoming aSnowboarding Instructor, please contact: REMESnowboard Chief Instructor: SSgt C Jacks

[email protected] or visit theBASI website: www.basi.org.uk/

Course InformationBASI Snowboard Level 1 course/s on ExSUPREME GLACIER 19 (18-22 Nov & 2-6 Dec).Required to attend the following week toattain shadow hours for full qualification.POC: SSgt C Jacks (1 SG).

If you are interested in becoming a NordicInstructor, please contact: Nordic Secretary:Capt A Hardman

[email protected] visit the ATG (A) website:

atga.mod.uk/cmsnew/index.php/skiing

Course InformationBASI Nordic Level 1, Ex NORDIC SUMMERBLUEBELL (9 – 20 Sep 19) in Lyneham.POC: Capt A Hardman (5 REME).

SH IBRITCKDAY 2019ATR

RMYASH

cuit on Tk Cirarell Pt Cadwheld ahe 2019 British Army MotorT

CKDAY 2019RMY

y 8th Augustsdahurcuit on Ty is beingk daacrle Tcyche 2019 British Army Motor

ideal time to cahis is the acing? Tr

ested inInter

ridingel ofvour ley

tet, whasupporvide help andopr

will be on hand toeamace T Teamshe RT

CKDAY 2019y is being

h tchis is the

ested in

el ofervte

vide help andwill be on hand to

eams

Y

The aim of the day is for riders to transfer skills from track to the roads

or [email protected] any queries contact us via

hire companies available onrack bike. ou can use a road bike or a tY

and ultimately makeThe aim of the day is for riders to transfer skills from track to the roads

ving SoldierOpen to all Sercuit on Tk Cirarell Pt Cadwheld a

or [email protected] any queries contact us via

the day (booked in advance)There are also track bikerack bike.

for a safer road ridingThe aim of the day is for riders to transfer skills from track to the roads

.ans and friendseter, Vsving Soldiery 8th Augustsdahurcuit on T

ppointmentdisavBook now to a

yon the daace licenseour ry

potential to do, andevy hama

any questions yace teams fthe r

ideal time to ca

There are also track bike

The aim of the day is for riders to transfer skills from track to the roads

ppointmentoidv

ace licensepotential to do

, andouany questions yor f fh tcideal time to ca

TORSPORRTTMO

, 5 Battalion REME, 94342 3292 Sgt Richard Spencer-Fleetor

, 5 Battalion REME, 94342 3292or

British Army search Facebook for

For more details,

ppointment

on 01525 877087dakacrLimits T

ough NoBook thr

£105cost ofeducedor the rffor the r

TDAATD19Use Code B

, 5 Battalion REME, 94342 3292

Dayrack Tsearch Facebook for

For more details,

on 01525 877087syda

ough No

£105educed

TD19


Maj Corsie’s Bike Number 124 The bike complete with AAC livery

Normally at this meet the ground is dusted with snow The meet took place in Thetford Forest

technique at many Army MCA training days.The second lap was similar, although Spikedid not improve on his Special Test time asexpected due to the course having cut up,exposing a number of awkward roots on theracing line.

Laps 3 and 4 were where the race reallystarted to get exciting. Without the SpecialTest to slow riders, the check times reduced,upping the speed at which the riders nowneeded to cover the ground. Added to this,first the Championship riders came chargingthrough the pack on lap three, closelyfollowed by the Expert Class on lap four,causing chaos on some of the single trackgoing as riders attempted to find alternativelines. Running 11th and 10th in class on thetwo special tests, Spike was disappointed toincur three penalty minutes at the end of therace, dropping him to 15th overall. However,he consoled himself with the fact that hehad not ridden since the ArmyChampionships, some six months earlier, socould not be considered to be ‘ride fit’. TheFebruary course, which is normally dustedwith a light snow was basked in gloriouswinter sunshine and at 49 years of age, hewas only one year off entering the SuperVetclass!

On 24 February, with unprecedently fairweather for the time of year, it was awelcome return to Thetford Forest for theBattalion’s Motorcycle Enduro team, thistime for the first round of the East of EnglandEnduro Championship. The Saturday trackwalk highlighted the Diss MCC’s excellentorganisation, and a smooth and flowingcourse that promised high speed andflowing going. Unfortunately, injury woesbeset the team again, and ‘young gun’ LCplDaniel Hughes had to pull out with ashoulder injury, leaving just veteran stalwartMaj Spike Corsie, OC 72 Coy, to fly the flag.The healthy 180+ rider entry illustrated thepopularity of the event and the goodweather helped to ensure a positive andfriendly atmosphere in the paddock.

Following the timecard format with onecheck per lap, the Clubman and VeteranClasses were required to complete four lapsof the 12-miles woodland course. The firstlap was straight forward, although theSpecial Test came early in the lap beforeriders had much chance to warm up and getinto their stride. The greatest divider was alane of fallen trees, all at inconvenientangles, that the riders had to cross, whichwas the undoing of a number of riders who

The course in the unseasonableFebruary sunshine

had failed to practice their slow speedobstacle crossing skills. These posed nohazard to Spike, who had demonstrated the

Scribe: Maj Spike Corsie

MOTOR CYCLING


BADMINTON

CorpsChampionship

1 October – 4 October 2019Those interested should contact:

[email protected]

For more information and to book a place, please contact: Paul Isitt [email protected] 01935 381524 / 07843 477848

For REME dependants 29 July - 2 August 2019

Dinghy Sailing CourseThe REME Sailing Club are providing anopportunity for REME dependants tolearn or develop their skills at dinghysailing. No prior experience requiredbut there is a minimum age of eight

years old.The course will be held at South CerneySailing Club (SCSC) near Lyneham, thehome of REME Water Sports with an

excellent sized lake and clubhouse withgalley and showers. Camping on site is

permitted for those who wish to.Costs: £80 per person plus membershipof the REME Sailing Club (from £15).

Payment by BACS transfer.

For further information, including how to enter, contact:WO2 (AQMS) Andy Bickerton

REME Tennis Championships

Alde

rsho

t Ten

nis Centre

27-28 June 2019 You don’t need to beRoger Federer to enter.

A positive attitude and driveto improve is all that’s required.

[email protected] 3075


The new model shows that each group can specialise onparticular tasks and though cross-briefs there is a greatereconomy of scale allowing personnel to excel in their area

a number of things at once; a future exercise, some vehiclesfor next week, getting spares sorted, medical and dentalappointments and I had just asked him to give me a manningstatement at short notice. In short, his hair was on fire. A

Craftsman was heard saying ‘If this iswhat being a Tiffy is, then count me out.It’s not worth it!’ The second incident Iremember was going down to the shopfloor and talking to a Corporal. I askedfor a quick brief and he struggled tobrief past the job he was carrying out.Further to that, it took me a while tospot him as he was indistinguishable

from the others in the crew; a sure sign that he was not in theright place as a supervisor. This situation couldn’t go on,something had to change.

The LAD’s structure was of four Squadron Fitter Sections(SFS). The Fitter Sections were led by a Staff Sergeant orSergeant. Each Fitter Section also had up to nine men fromCorporal to Craftsman. The SFS would take their share of thefull spectrum of G1-9 functional areas. This ranged frommedical appointments and soldiers stuck in traffic to briefinga Squadron OC on the ES plan for a future exercise. This alsothrew up additional complications as two of the Squadronswere Close Support Squadrons who were generally muchbusier. Another problem that was touched on earlier was thateach SFS had the full spectrum of problems to deal with andso it was exhausting for the commander to adjust his focusfrom the nearest crocodile to dealing with future plans andeverything in between.

The solution we employed was to separate into groups offunctional areas and refocus the job responsibility within eachrank. The hope was to maximise the experience andresponsibility for each rank. I wanted every soldier to havecontrol of their piece of the puzzle and to allow the Corporalsas Section Commanders to actually Command.

I don’t know when it started but perhaps overthe last decade, I feel the balance ofresponsibility, ownership and essentiallypower moved up the ranks from Corporal toSergeant. Perhaps these were the Corporalswho had the operational experience and‘good ideas’ a few years back and oncepromoted the next crop of Corporals werecoming from a different angle? Whatever thereason, and somewhat unfairly the ability forthe Corporal to make decisions was beingremoved and therefore his opportunity togrow as a commander and leader. I believethe sentiments of these actions were honest,but the result was an imbalanced structurethat everybody struggled with.

As I became OC at 4 Regt RLC LAD inAbingdon I noticed a situation. The LAD wasin a good place and the Soldiers were welllooked after but there was something missing; empowermentat every rank. I would like to share with you how we changedour LAD structure to enable Corporals, and indeed every rank,to feel empowered to make decisions within their rank andexperience; to control their own day’s work. I’d like to give a quick overview of how things changed.

There were two incidents which I rememberbeing told about. The first was when a group ofCraftsmen were observing an Artificer who wastheir Fitter Section Head. He was trying to deal with

Are Sergeants the new Corporals?Scribe: OC: Capt Iain Rodger

The Artificers are freed up to concentrate on the next big plan and liaise with the Sub-Unit OCs

A vision of tranquillity

Health Warning: An LAD’s job is to provide ESsupport to their Unit, andhow they do it may workfor one LAD but perhaps

not another!

“

”


The diagram above shows the original set-up with four discrete groups all carrying out the same tasks.

This did not allow for an economy of scale or for any group to be particularly effective at any one task

commanded by the Fitter Section Corporals for their taskings.The Lance Corporals look after the normal Section 2IC thingsso the Corporal has the space to execute his plan. TheCorporals know what needs to be done that week and utilisetheir manpower efficiently to achieve maximum work output.He only really needs to see the Prod Sgt to give updates orrelay problems that the Sergeant may be able to help with.

It must be said that both Staff Sergeants and Sergeants stillneed to get out of their offices and interact on the shop-floor.This easy yet invaluable act builds trust and enables a bettersense of cohesiveness.

There are some additional benefits in the outcome of thisnew structure. The structure is simple enough to brief quicklyto the Squadrons knowing they have the confidence to go tothe correct rank for the best response. If they need to knowabout something today, find a Corporal. If it’s somethinghappening soon, find a Sergeant and if it’s in the future, talkto the Tiffs. This rebalancing of responsibility has increasedthe pride in each Soldier’s work and given them a sense thatthey control their day-to-day work which is crucial to jobsatisfaction.

The outcome of this new structure is that each rank canfocus on a specific area and plan better within it. The fast ballsare kept on the shop floor where soldiers are ready and ableto deal with them and the Artificers now listen to Classic FM ina quiet office whilst they plan the careers of the LAD Soldiersand shape the way in which we will be employed better in thefuture. This has created an environment in which there is anaspiration to move up the ranks and enjoy the new benefits

too. When deployed, the Fitter Section willdeploy at the scale most suitable. AtRegimental level, Artificers are a must, butI always look to reduce that rank as far aspossible to create potential fordevelopment without surpassing thethreshold for risk. Allowing my Corporalsto run a fitter section not only helps themto develop as commanders but also helps

them learn how command relationships work and buildconfidence briefing to senior Regimental Officers.

4 Regt RLC LAD has grown throughout this change instructure but it is an evolving beast that is ever improving ouroutputs. If you would like to discuss anything in this article,please do find me on ModNet and send me an email.

The new set up aligns levels of experience toscales of the jobs. There was a lot of officemoving as the original Squadron Fitter Sectionswere removed. In its place were function offices.I sat down with the senior ranks of the LAD andwe drew up the new roles and responsibilitiesfor each office, below is the result.

Artificers Office. This office has two Artificerswho deal mainly with G1 and G5. Firstly, they will look out toexercises that are over the horizon and seek earlyengagement with the Squadrons to shape the ES plan. Theywill track and develop this plan until ready to handover to theSergeants. The other aspect of their role is the administrationfor two fitter sections of Soldiers. This includes careerdevelopment, managing leave and providingthe link for the most junior soldiers to theworld outside of the LAD. On the whole, I toldthem to think like a Platoon Commander.

Production Sergeants Office. The twoProd Sgts own the Squadron’s EquipmentSupport out to three to four weeks. EachSergeant primarily concentrates on their twoSquadrons. They work out what needs to bedone each week to meet targets and ensurethat the spares supply chain is working forthem. They are the best office to ask for acurrent ES picture with regards to supportingour commitments. They should try to reduceall possible ES frictions from the shop floor toallow the Corporals to run it.

JNCOs Office. The coalface. This office iscommanded by the Corporals. There are fourSquadron Fitter Sections run by a Corporal ineach. The Lance Corporals and Craftsmen are

Cpl Clarke is now in charge of the shop floor and deals with its day to day running whilst the Production Sergeants ‘grease the wheels’ for the next tasking

Empowerment

I wanted every soldier to have control of their

piece of the puzzle and toallow the Corporals as

Section Commanders toactually Command.

“

”


OBITUARIESFormer Cpl Kevin Marshall

By SSgt ‘Ray’ OwramI regret to inform the Corps of the passing of Kevin Marshall whodied on 12 March 2019, aged 58.

Kevin started work at Coopers of Oulton as a mechanic andjoined REME TA in 1983, attached to the Duke of Wellington’sRegt in Sheffield, later moving to 150 Coy RCT in Leeds. Duringthis period, he ran his own Breakers Yard near Castleford for atime before working for Colin Holden’s in Rothwell, then Apple-yards LandRover in Leeds and finally Thorne’s Jeep in Wake-field. He then made a complete career change to become a Land-scape Gardener, which was his passion from an early age.

His final parade was at Pontefract Crematorium on 27 March,attended by nearly 300 friends and former comrades in REMETA. The Standards from Doncaster and West Yorkshire Branchesof the REME Association ensured a well-deserved send off andthe family were very touched by our attendance.

Kevin was a Soldier First, Tradesman Always.Arte Et Marte

Col (Retd) Denvir Molyneux Drury TDBy Julian Drury

I regret to inform the Corps of the passing of Denvir Drury onTuesday 2 April 2019, aged 88 years in Southport Hospital, sur-rounded by family.

Denvir served with REME for 35 years, joining the Army onNational Service in 1956 and was commissioned as a SecondLieutenant in 1957. On completion of his National Service in late1958 he transferred to the Territorial Army and served throughthe 1960s, 1970s and 1980s in North West England, with succes-sive promotions to Lieutenant, Captain, Major and LieutenantColonel, including attachments to 125 Infantry Brigade and 235Squadron Royal Corps of Transport in Liverpool. From 1958 untilthe 1967 reorganisation of the TA he was part of the TerritorialArmy Emergency Reserve (the ‘Ever Readies.’) His final post wasas Colonel of the Merseyside Army Cadet Force, from which hefinally retired in the early 1990s.

His funeral service was held at St Helen’s Church, BridgesLane, Sefton, Merseyside on Thursday 18 April 2019, followed bya short committal service at Thornton Crematorium.

Major (Retd) J McIntyreScribe: Major (Retd) J W Barnett

I regret to inform the Corps of the death of Major Jim McIntyrewho passed away on 6 April 2019, aged 74 after a very short ill-ness.

Jim was born in Carlisle on 15 December 1944. His father wasa Railway Fireman. He was one of the only children to pass thescholarship from Petteril Bank Primary School to attend CarlisleGrammar. At the age of 15, Jim’s Headmaster said he had twochoices – leave or we throw you out.

This was the incentive for Jim to pack his bags and join theArmy Apprentices School at Arborfield in 1960. He was in 60CGroup, many of whom he kept in touch with.

On leaving the Apprentices School, he had a full career inREME with postings in the UK, BAOR and Hong Kong. To theenvy of his contemporaries, he also had a glamour posting of twoyears in Koblenz in Germany. I was lucky enough to visit him inthis location.

I first met Jim when he joined SEE as a Course Design Officer.He was good in this appointment, with great initiative in design-ing courses to get the best from the students. He also involvedhimself in other pursuits, particularly Rugby.

After leaving the Army in 1995, Jim settled in a small villagenear Sevenoaks. He was very active, particularly as the personwho villagers would turn to for help in building or repairingitems. He would readily turn his hand to the repair of parkbenches or even fabric in the local church and such like.

He was President of the local branch of the Royal British

Legion. He is survived by his wife Gillian and two daughterswith many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jim will be remembered by all his family, pals and friends withhappiness, respect and love.

BACHELOR – Maj (Retd) John Bachelor, passed away 13 April2019, aged 88. Dates of Service 1945 – 1985.MCINTYRE – Maj (Retd) James McIntyre, passed away 6 April2019, aged 74. Dates of Service 1960 – 1995.ROBINSON – Former WO2(AQMS) Alec Robinson, passedaway 22 April 2019, aged 82. Dates of Service 1953 – 1976. SMITH – Maj (Retd) John T Smith, passed away 10 April 2019,aged 85. Dates of Service 1948 – 1984.

Death Notices

Be quick as this competition has limited spaces!

If you would like to enter or for more

information contact Capt Midgley on

Mil: 94412 2001

or email: [email protected]

REME 6’sl - 17 July 2019

MOD Lyneham


9 April 2019REGULAR ARMY

Commands and StaffBrigadier S. P. HAMILTON CBE 543296 assumes the appoint-ment of Director Support Army Headquarters 4 April 2019 and isgranted the substantive rank of Major General with seniority ofthe same date.Regular Commissions (Late Entry)Major S. M. O’CONNOR 559465 retires 2 October 2018(Belated Entry)


Regular CommissionsMajor E. C. CAMERON 559448 retires 2 November 2018 Intermediate Regular CommissionsMajor J. T. WOOLDRIDGE 562311 retires 27 December 2018 Captain M. L. FROST 30028298 retires 16 December 2018 Captain H. R. WINTERBOURNE 25210946 retires 16 Decem-ber 2018 Captain A. K. HARRISON-WOLFF 30089168 resigns commis-sion 10 November 2018 Captain J. W. ARROWSMITH 30151750 from Short ServiceCommission 1 November 2018 to be Captain with seniority 13April 2016 Captain E. L. ASKINS 30137837 from Short Service Commis-sion 1 November 2018 to be Captain with seniority 8 August2018 Captain M. L. GREENING 30123240 from Short Service Com-mission 1 November 2018 to be Captain with seniority 12December 2018 Captain A. K. HARDMAN 30146798 from Short Service Com-mission 1 November 2018 to be Captain with seniority 8 August2018

Extracts from theLondon Gazette

Captain J. T. U. MARENGO 30115601 from Short Service Com-mission 1 November 2018 to be Captain with seniority 8 August2018 Captain B. T. READ 30068861 from Short Service Commission1 November 2018 to be Captain with seniority 21 May 2018 Captain J. ROWE 30146883 from Short Service Commission 1November 2018 to be Captain with seniority 8 August 2018 Captain R. H. SHELMERDINE-HARE 30119246 from ShortService Commission 1 November 2018 to be Captain with sen-iority 11 April 2018 Captain S. A. WREATHALL 30184824 from Short Service Com-mission 1 November 2018 to be Captain with seniority 9 August2017 Lieutenant R. CHURCHER 30219711 from Short Service Com-mission 1 November 2018 to be Lieutenant with seniority 12December 2016 Lieutenant J. C. HOLMES 30146803 from Short Service Com-mission 1 November 2018 to be Lieutenant with seniority 12December 2016Intermediate Regular Commissions (Late Entry)Major I. R. KING 24779781 retires 6 November 2018The following have been awarded the 1st Clasp to the LongService and Good Conduct Medal (Military)CAPT, J. J. BAYLEY, REME, 25024560LT COL, M. J. EDWARDS, REME, 542679The following have been awarded the Long Service andGood Conduct Medal (Military)SGT, A. St. M. ANDERSON, REME, 25177478SGT, M. S. CARTER, REME, 25163543SGT, M. S. HARVEY, REME, 25158532SSGT, G. K. OPPONG, REME, 25180461SGT, S. P. RICKMAN, REME, 25156651SGT, L. SHAW, REME, 25156760


Commands and StaffColonel P. J. ARMSTRONG OBE 516550 retires 19 April 2019REGULAR ARMY Intermediate Regular CommissionsMajor R. E. LARDER 559623 retires 5 January 2019 Major G. BOYD 25166044 retires 22 January 2019 Captain S. A. BARNES 30170183 from Short Service Commis-sion 1 November 2018 to be Captain with seniority 12 April2017 Lieutenant (Acting Captain) O. J. MCAFEE 30146864 fromShort Service Commission 1 November 2018 to be Captain withseniority 8 August 2018 Lieutenant I. A. TAYLOR 30013720 from Short Service Commis-sion 1 November 2018 to be Lieutenant with seniority 12December 2016

ARMY RESERVEOfficer Cadet Luke James GALLANTREE 30275008 to be Sec-ond Lieutenant (on probation) 30 September 2017 (BelatedEntry)

30 April 2019ARMY RESERVE

Second Lieutenant (on probation) A. R. FOSTER-HALL30169488 is confirmed as Second Lieutenant 26 September2015 (Belated Entry)Second Lieutenant (on probation) N. MOYLAN 30237800 isconfirmed as Second Lieutenant 27 September 2015 (BelatedEntry) Second Lieutenant (on probation) L. J. GALLENTREE30275008 is confirmed as Second Lieutenant 30 September2017 (Belated Entry)Second Lieutenant (on probation) L. D. YARDY 30160380 isconfirmed as Second Lieutenant 27 July 2013 (Belated Entry)

7 May 2019ARMY RESERVE

Second Lieutenant N. MOYLAN 30237800 to be Lieutenant31 March 2017 (Belated Entry) Second Lieutenant A. R. FOSTER-HALL 30169488 to be Lieu-tenant 26 September 2017 (Belated Entry)

Want your...News

InfoEvents

on social media

DigitalREMEContact

Send your stories, photos and videos to:

[email protected]@reme-rhq.org.ukSend your stories, photos and videos to:

[email protected] your stories, photos and videos to:


25184706 Cpl A Boffy 29 EOD AND S GSU GP WKSP 07-Jan-19 Rec Mech30146136 Cpl JR Brown WITHHELD 04-Feb-19 Tech Elect25196048 Cpl RE Penning WITHHELD 15-Feb-19 VM30058098 Cpl JA Crookes KRH LAD REME 01-Apr-19 VM25203569 Cpl R Young 1 BN REME 12-Apr-19 VM25205352 Cpl SD Lant 29 REGT RLC 29-Apr-19 VM

To be Corporal30183339 LCpl EJ Girling 4 REGT AAC WKSP REME 02-Oct-17 Tech AV30053957 LCpl CJ Lawrence KRH LAD REME 29-Jan-18 VM30019398 LCpl S Haslam RDG LAD REME 19-Feb-18 Rec Mech30066364 LCpl VO Pratt 1 RHA WKSP REME 16-Apr-18 Rec Mech30133471 LCpl EW Graham REME DET INF AIR ASSAULT BN 01-Oct-18 VM30158421 LCpl JR Gray RTR LAD REME 01-Oct-18 Rec Mech30167537 LCpl CP Harper 3 BN REME 01-Oct-18 Rec Mech30158421 LCpl JR Gray RTR LAD REME 01-Oct-18 Rec Mech30167537 LCpl CP Harper 3 BN REME 01-Oct-18 Rec Mech30158421 LCpl JR Gray RTR LAD REME 01-Oct-18 Rec Mech30167537 LCpl CP Harper 3 BN REME 01-Oct-18 Rec Mech30163819 LCpl E Newsum 150 PRO COY 1 RMP 08-Oct-18 VM30030804 LCpl VA Townsend WITHHELD 15-Oct-18 VM25229700 LCpl JO Cowling 29 EOD AND S GSU GP WKSP 05-Nov-18 VM30147065 LCpl P Paisley WITHHELD 05-Nov-18 Armr25199122 LCpl JAN Whitmore WITHHELD 05-Nov-18 Rec Mech30173655 LCpl JR Grainger 7 AA BN REME 12-Nov-18 Tech AC25172608 LCpl J Hillier 1 SG LAD REME 30-Nov-18 Mtsm30172876 LCpl HJ Irwin 29 EOD AND S GSU GP WKSP 03-Dec-18 TSS25220952 LCpl FC Saville-King 12 REGT RA WKSP REME 04-Dec-18 Rec Mech30105222 LCpl JJ Golder 13 AIR ASSLT SP REGT RLC

LAD REME 07-Jan-19 Rec Mech30135282 LCpl AJW Kirby QDG LAD REME 07-Jan-19 Rec Mech30161895 LCpl NJ Warhurst RDG LAD REME HQ 07-Jan-19 Rec Mech30105222 LCpl JJ Golder 13 AIR ASSLT SP REGT RLC

LAD REME 07-Jan-19 Rec Mech21171837 LCpl A Gurung 75 ENGR REGT LAD 04-Feb-19 TSS25119661 LCpl S Meeke 8 PARA FD COY 18-Feb-19 Rec Mech30058878 LCpl MT Nicholls QRH LAD REME 15-Apr-19 VM30028122 LCpl FP Bryan 1 SIG REGT LAD REME 28-Aug-19 VM

To be Lance Corporal30195086 Cfn CD Moss RDG LAD REME 07-Oct-17 Rec Mech30209805 Cfn M Braithwaite 4 BN REME 08-Jan-18 Armr30182556 Cfn AG Hewson 10 QOGLR LAD REME 15-Jan-18 VM30154509 Cfn JM Kiff 1 R ANGLIAN 05-Feb-18 VM30225811 Cfn RE Littlejohns 1 RRF LAD REME 09-Jul-18 VM30189963 Cfn S Livingstone 2 BN REME 01-Oct-18 VM30233238 Cfn H Bell 1 R WELSH 06-Oct-18 VM30182213 Cfn TC Bevan 4 SCOTS LAD REME 08-Oct-18 Armr30220067 Cfn RK Walker 10 QOGLR LAD REME 08-Oct-18 VM30230824 Cfn K Scholes 3 BN REME 08-Oct-18 VM30173387 Cfn SN Roberts 16 REGT RA WKSP REME 26-Oct-18 VMW1064333 Cfn JJ Gleave 5 REGT RA WKSP REME 26-Oct-18 VM30130855 Cfn BWR Keene KRH LAD REME 06-Dec-18 VM30149799 Cfn JJ Bannister 4 BN REME 06-Dec-18 VM30056250 Cfn VD Knight 2 BN REME 07-Jan-19 Mtsm30261143 Cfn GD Hunt 5 REGT AAC WKSP 09-Jan-19 Tech AC30160364 Cfn E Tazuka-FotsingRL LAD REME 14-Jan-19 VM30203590 Cfn ND Todd RG RR5 OT SOUTH CENTRAL 14-Jan-19 VM30232477 Cfn CH Long RG RR1 OT EDINBURGH 14-Jan-19 VM30123951 Cfn CH Heath 1 RHA WKSP REME 15-Jan-19 VM30158510 Cfn S Edwards COSU OPS WING JES 15-Jan-19 VM30153428 Cfn M Green 8 PARA FD COY 04-Feb-19 Armr30214872 Cfn MB Adam HCR LAD REME 04-Feb-19 Armr30215434 Cfn D Smith 21 SIG REGT LAD REME 04-Feb-19 Armr30235968 Cfn TJ Passingham SCHOOL OF INFANTRY 04-Feb-19 Armr30242195 Cfn JD Lawrence 1 YORKS LAD REME 04-Feb-19 Armr30249557 Cfn TA Sturgess RL LAD REME 04-Feb-19 Armr30158501 Cfn LJR McDonald 2 BN REME 05-Feb-19 VM30256734 Cfn HMJ Tolfree 16 REGT RA WKSP REME 06-Feb-19 Tech Elect30242199 Cfn IOD Morgan 5 BN REME 13-Feb-19 Tech Elect30142347 Cfn D Khadka 4 REGT AAC WKSP REME 20-Feb-19 Tech AV30272223 Cfn JMB Edwards 3 REGT AAC WKSP REME 20-Feb-19 Tech AV30272887 Cfn RK Hawken 5 REGT AAC WKSP REME 20-Feb-19 Tech AV30273793 Cfn JS Brooks 1 REGT AAC WKSP REME 20-Feb-19 Tech AV30273800 Cfn LC Young 7 AA BN REME 20-Feb-19 Tech AV30265552 Cfn GS Jackson 7 AA BN REME 03-Mar-19 Tech AC30249072 Cfn K Mohammadian 5 BN REME 04-Mar-19 Armr30267097 Cfn R Cridland 7 AA BN REME 13-Mar-19 Tech AV30276583 Cfn AB Keogh 8 TRG BN REME 13-Mar-19 Tech AC30277148 Cfn HS McBride 8 TRG BN REME 13-Mar-19 Tech AC30277896 Cfn SF Brown 1 REGT AAC WKSP REME 13-Mar-19 Tech AC30278423 Cfn KJ Ace 8 TRG BN REME 13-Mar-19 Tech AC30278619 Cfn EDL Lloyd 7 AA BN REME 13-Mar-19 Tech AC30278705 Cfn L Pettitt 8 TRG BN REME 13-Mar-19 Tech AC30279571 Cfn GB Wilkes 8 TRG BN REME 13-Mar-19 Tech AC30214966 Cfn M Hyde 3 REGT AAC WKSP REME 24-Mar-19 Tech AV30167522 Cfn JA Hughes 1 RRF LAD REME 03-Apr-19 Armr30198240 Cfn N Greer 1 RRF LAD REME 29-Apr-19 Armr30234319 Cfn TA Wilson 26 REGT RA WKSP REME 29-Apr-19 Armr

To be Warrant Officer Class 1Number Rank Initials Name Unit Effective Date Trade25061306 WO2 DP Richards 3 REGT RLC LAD REME 01-Apr-19 Art Veh25067050 WO2 AW Smyth D CAP HOC AM CAE 01-Apr-19 Art AC25071581 WO2 LA Lovejoy JFIG J6 CAP 01-Apr-19 Art Elect25079243 WO2 DJ Bell 1 REGT AAC WKSP REME 01-Apr-19 Art AC25080777 WO2 DJA Leo QRH LAD REME 01-Apr-19 Art Veh25087850 WO2 RG Ward HQ RC SUPPORT 01-Apr-19 Art Veh25093386 WO2 K Burke 2 BN REME 01-Apr-19 Art Veh25104287 WO2 AL Culliford KRH LAD REME 01-Apr-19 Art Veh25107272 WO2 G Morris 1 BN REME 01-Apr-19 Art Veh25112681 WO2 GP McGettigan 1 MERCIAN LAD REME 01-Apr-19 Art Veh25114124 WO2 SJ Bawden ATDU 01-Apr-19 Art Veh25114269 WO2 JR Garwood JHC MISC UNITS/J4 AEST 01-Apr-19 Art AC25118503 WO2 GD Wyatt 6 BN REME 01-Apr-19 Art Veh25119909 WO2 SCJ Brumpton

-Taylor 6 BN REME 01-Apr-19 Art Veh25121280 WO2 C Bale 4 BN REME 01-Apr-19 Art Veh25122275 WO2 C McGuigan 102 BN REME 01-Apr-19 Art Veh25127040 WO2 HS Roy LEAT COMMAND 01-Apr-19 Art Veh25074234 WO2 RM Grisley ES TDT 01-Apr-19 Art Wpns25093091 WO2 G Foulkes AJAX A&T TEAM 01-Apr-19 Art Wpns25053596 WO2 FJ Condron 6 BN REME 04-Apr-19 Armr25142463 WO2 K Geldard HQ 1 ARTY BDE 08-Apr-19 Art Veh25055845 WO2 TW Oneill 4 BN REME 15-Apr-19 Art Veh25106686 WO2 KJC Ross DSA DAIB LAND ABW 15-Apr-19 Art Veh25097476 WO2 CJ French HQ 1 ARTY BDE 29-Apr-19 Art Veh25122044 WO2 LJ Bush 5 BN REME 29-Apr-19 Art Veh

To be Warrant Officer Class 225125799 SSgt GR McConaghy 5 REGT AAC WKSP 08-May-18 Art AV25049756 SSgt TDJ Mott 1 WG 02-Jul-18 Art Veh25109047 SSgt SA Williams 47 REGT RA WKSP REME 02-Jul-18 Art AC25114245 SSgt MD Atkinson 47 REGT RA WKSP REME 02-Jul-18 Art AC25139620 SSgt AJ Gray 4 REGT AAC WKSP REME 16-Jul-18 Art AV25047164 SSgt J Yorke BATUS WKSP 27-Jul-18 Art Veh25106312 SSgt A Guyatt QRH LAD REME 30-Jul-18 Art Veh25115241 SSgt MR Shipp RHQ REME 30-Jul-18 Art Wpns25101142 SSgt FS Yassin DES COMLAND LE VDM ABW 24-Sep-18 Art Wpns25111569 SSgt ML Hannon JHC MISC UNITS/J4 AEST 24-Sep-18 Art AC25122278 SSgt MD Robinson 1 SCOTS 08-Oct-18 Art Veh25200766 SSgt AB Shepherd HQ ARF 15-Oct-18 Art AC25168515 SSgt GJ Bezant 3 REGT AAC WKSP REME 22-Oct-18 Art AVW1033205 SSgt PD Christie JFD DEFAC DAOD TECH

SCHOOL 05-Nov-18 Art Wpns25091587 SSgt JS Harrison DES COMLAND LE VST ABW 26-Nov-18 Art Veh25048970 SSgt AR Diplock 4 BN REME 03-Dec-18 Art Veh25114061 SSgt J Bower 6 BN REME 07-Jan-19 Art Veh25077504 SSgt RL Marshall LSP OMAN 01-Apr-19 Rec Mech25100184 SSgt S Thomas 1 MERCIAN LAD REME 08-Apr-19 Rec Mech25051285 SSgt MR Jopson 1 RHA WKSP REME 06-May-19 Art Wpns

To be Staff Sergeant25195229 Sgt ADA Mahoney 19 REGT RA WKSP REME 16-Mar-18 Art Veh25204578 Sgt KS Wenderott RTR LAD REME 16-Mar-18 Art Veh25212872 Sgt LPV Greenslade 8 PARA FD COY 15-Jun-18 Art Wpns25231678 Sgt CN Martin 2 BN REME 15-Jun-18 Art Wpns30043307 Sgt S Ridge 6 BN REME 15-Jun-18 Art Wpns30050627 Sgt J Gallagher 32 REGT RA LAD REME 15-Jun-18 Art AC30012944 Sgt D Bell 16 REGT RA WKSP REME 14-Dec-18 Art Elect25142330 Sgt SG Shrimpton HCR LAD REME 14-Mar-19 VM

To be Sergeant24966795 Cpl K Steen 2 R ANGLIAN LAD REME 04-Dec-17 Rec Mech25204949 Cpl RA Coster 1 REGT RLC LAD REME 23-Jul-18 Rec Mech25200727 Cpl BC Thompson 1 WG 10-Sep-18 VM21170332 Cpl K Sherpa 7 AA BN REME 01-Oct-18 Tech AC25169722 Cpl SP Glenn BATUS WKSP 01-Oct-18 Mtsm25173196 Cpl WM Betts 4 RIFLES LAD REME 01-Oct-18 VM25229913 Cpl MJ Rathband ISS DEV ENG ABW 01-Oct-18 Tech Elect25233619 Cpl MJS Cresswell 4 BN REME 01-Oct-18 VM30013659 Cpl S Lancaster 4 SCOTS LAD REME 01-Oct-18 VM30018178 Cpl SD Ball 26 ENGR REGT LAD REME 01-Oct-18 Tech Elect30029590 Cpl J Lownds 7 PARA RHA WKSP REME 01-Oct-18 VM30114110 Cpl RW Armstrong 7 AA BN REME 01-Oct-18 Tech AV30148624 Cpl GA Mitchell 5 REGT AAC WKSP 01-Oct-18 Tech AV25221306 Cpl CE Jones 1 REGT RLC LAD REME 12-Nov-18 Armr30071097 Cpl SJ Chaplin JEWOSC 12-Nov-18 Tech Elect30019584 Cpl JA Story 13 AIR ASSLT SP REGT RLC LAD

REME 19-Nov-18 Rec Mech30018448 Cpl AJM White WITHHELD 26-Nov-18 TSS30092753 Cpl LC Taylor 7 AA BN REME 07-Jan-19 Tech AC30034014 Cpl JD Rockett 3 REGT AAC WKSP REME 07-Jan-19 Rec Mech

Corps Orders


The Trustees of The REME Charityacknowledge with sincere thanks thedonations received during the monthof APRIL 2019. They also wish toacknowledge the regular subscriptionsreceived from the Officers and Soldiersof the Corps and retired members of the REME Institution:DonationsTrekking to Everest Base Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£525.00Trekking to Everest Base Camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£445.00In memory of Mr Terence Shingles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£227.15London Marathon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£107.00Sherston Probus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£100.00Andover Branch REME Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£50.00Gornall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£50.00J Turnbull in memory of Ian Went . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£30.00Dave Whitehead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£20.00SSgt Ray Owram in memory of Cpl Kevin Marshall . . . . . . . . .£20.00Mr Richard Camidge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£20.00Give as you Earn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£15.00Payroll Giving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£14.44K Osman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£8.00Michael Burrows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£7.00

Total Donations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£3,214.27Total £’s paid in Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£10,650.15No. Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27Average Grant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£394.45

If you would like to see how your money is spent, we welcomeone or two observers at The REME Charity meetings. The meet-ings are held midweek, approximately every three weeks. If youwould like to observe a meeting, please contact The REMECharity Secretary on ( Mil: 95481 4527 or Civ: 01249 894527in the first instance.

The REME Charity is here for both veterans and serving person-nel in times of hardship or need. Contact via SSAFA ( 0800 7314880 www.ssafa.org.uk or The Royal British Legion ( 0808 8028080 www.britishlegion.org.uk or your Unit Welfare if serv-ing. All enquiries and information is dealt with in the strictestconfidence. If you wish to discuss any benevolence need youcan contact us on ( 01249 894523.

Anyone wishing to leave a legacy to The REME Charity, which is exempt from inheritance tax, can add a

codicil to their will. Our registered charity number is 1165868

The REME Charity

� � � ��

£35Entrance Fee

� � � � ��

� � � � ��

� � � � � � � ��

� � � � �� @m� � ��

� � � � � � � � � � �

� � � � � � � �� @� � � ��

� � � � � � � � �

£40

� � � ��

REME R yugbREME R

y Union,ugbREME Rt and present plaaso all pOpen t

ds DiarAwThe 20

Presents...

C

M

Y

Wand teague, Mas Ly Union,ialsicfs and oferyt and present pla

nner Nightds Di9 Annual 1The 20

Presents...yugb

omen’s.om frials

nner Night9 Annual

y Union,ugbREME RCM

MY

CY

CMY

K

omen’s.Wand s erteague, Mas Ly Union, omen’s.

SSgt Andy Fyles Andrewgan Lloyd Moryd Morgan Llo Capt Llo

ormation please contther infFor fur

[email protected] SSgt Andy Fyles [email protected] Llo

:actormation please cont

Recovery Mechanic SNCOReunion 2019

For further information please contact Sgt A Beacocke-mail- [email protected]

Telephone Civ 01249 89 4795 Mil 95481 4795

The annual SNCO Recovery Mechanic Reunion will beheld on the weekend 5 July 2019 at DSEME Lyneham.

All Recovery Mechanics serving and former servingOfficers, Warrant Officers and Senior Non-

Commissioned Officers are invited to this event.

Corps Calendar2019

JUNE

6 REME Pace-Sticking Competition

13 REME Aviation Officers’ Dinner

20 REME Corps Council

20REME Institution Beating Retreat

and Buffet Supper

25REME Institution and Officers’

Mess AGM

28 Artists Lunch

JULY

6REME Reserves Management

Board (in Derby)

14Regimental Sunday Royal

Hospital Chelsea

16 REME Craftsman Cup Cricket Final

17-18 REME Sportsfest 19

18 REME Sports Awards Dinner

SEP TEMBER

4REME Museum Policy

Committee Meeting

10REME Association Executive

Committee

12 REME Command Group

12 Corps Dinner Night

20 Retired Officers Dinner

21-27REME Commissioning

Assessment Board

24REME Institution and HQ Officers

Mess Executive Committee

26The REME Charity Finance and

Investment Committee

28 Corps WOs’ and Sgts’ Dinner Night

OCTOBER

19-20 Reserves Conference and Dinner

24 Autumn Guest Night

NOVEMBER

7 Field of Remembrance

13 The REME Charity Trustees Meeting

14 REME Corps Council

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

��

�� @��

��

�R

RCH

TYI

�

the craftsman - reme museum€¦ · throughout my time in reme and had some good bosses who have...

Documents