Supporting veterans

Private Richard Lake of 167 Regiment RLC details his challenging journey to breaking a new World Record tabbing back-to-back marathons in support of mental health awareness and veterans’ charities.

My journey to completing 30 back-to-back marathons began on the morning of 13 Mar 21 which started like every other Saturday for me - chatting with friends at the Veterans’ Breakfast Club in Grantham.

I was with my close family friend and veteran, Simon Auckland. Simon was opening up to me about his current struggles with his mental health and what he was saying really struck a chord with me. Until this point, nobody was aware that I had attempted to take my own life in 2015, as I too had suffered mental health issues. I wanted to ensure that Simon knew he didn’t have to deal with his problems alone, so I opened up to him about my past to show support.

Upon leaving the Breakfast Club, I couldn’t shrug off what Simon had said. Knowing he was struggling had hit me hard and I wanted him to know how much he was loved and appreciated by us all.

Arriving home, I spoke with my wife and told her that I wanted to do something for Simon and that is when I had the idea of tabbing 30 back-to-back marathons consecutively for 30 days – a challenge that would be new World Record. I immediately rang Simon and told him what I was planning to do and it was agreed that I would also carry a total weight of 28kg and that I would also raise money for charity.

I decided to raise money for Battle Back Golf – a programme originally founded at the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre in 2009. The programme has proven successful in supplementing the physical, psychological and cognitive rehabilitation of over 200 serving and veteran personnel (including Simon who was introduced to the charity in 2017 after receiving life-changing injuries which sadly ended his military career).

I knew that I would need at least eight hours per day to complete the challenge, but I was unsure how I would arrange the time without having to take 30 days unpaid leave. It later dawned on me that in Grantham there is a funeral director and veteran, Jason Price, who might be able to help. I decided to put the idea to him and asked if it was possible for him to pay my monthly wage. To my surprise, he agreed, giving me the green light that I needed to start my event.

Jason also runs an organisation called ‘Detecting for Veterans’ and I therefore decided that in return for kindly agreeing to cover my wages, I would raise money for his organisation as well as Battle Back Golf.

I began my challenge on 22 Mar 21 and the night before, my stomach was in knots. On the morning of the challenge, I was starting from Price and Sons Funeral Directors, accompanied by my Regimental 2IC Major Roger Marshall, Squadron 2IC Captain Claire Richards, Regimental Adjutant Captain John Gajdus and Regimental Sergeant Major WO1 Paul Jordan. I felt privileged to have them there to start what was undoubtably going to be the hardest challenge of my life.

Over the next three weeks, I faced countless challenges, both mentally and physically. I discovered things about myself that I didn’t previously know; I am robust, I am determined and I proud to have used my own mental health troubles to show others that you can get through it and you can succeed.

I want to thank all those who came out and supported me, in particular the personnel from 167 Regiment RLC and my family and friends. Also, to Jason Price as without him, the challenge never would have happened. Finally, thank you to all who donated - I set myself a target of raising £5,000 but to smash that and raise a grand total of £6,740 is unbelievable.

8 Pte Lake celebrating with his

son Davey

Private sets new world record in support of veterans’ mental health

8 Pte Lake successfully raised £6,740

for charity

8 Personnel from 167 Regt RLC

supporting Pte Lake at the start of his challenge

8 Major E K Stuart

RAOC/RLC Ken Stuart was born in Totnes, Devon in 1945. His time from eighteen months until eleven years was spent in a catholic orphanage where life was hard and short of fun. He had a thirst for knowledge and read extensively. Keen to learn more, Ken joined the Junior Leaders in 1961 at the age of fifteen. Ken got stuck into Army life from the start.

His first posting was to CVD Marchington, as an auditor, where he met his future wife Joy. A year in Bahrain was followed by marriage and a first taste of patch life in Liebenau, Germany whilst working with 1 Div Tpt Regt RCT. Ken was promoted to Sergeant in 1969 and posted to Singapore, working on equipment statistics. The family moved to Hong Kong via boat for another year before a return to the UK and a three-year stint at HQ Director Ordnance Services in London. Those long working hours paid dividends as he was promoted to WO2 having moved to work at ICP Viersen, where he also founded the Joint Services Rapier Cell. Now with four children in tow, Ken was posted to GCHQ in 1978 as the Ordnance Liaison WO.

Ken was subsequently promoted to WO1 and was posted to Nicosia, Cyprus to be the UNFICYP FOWO. It was during this time, in 1983, that he was honoured to be appointed as a Conductor. He also put his authority with children to good use as leader of the UNFICYP youth club (KIDCON). A tour as WOIC Ordnance Depot Dharan, Nepal followed where, without the requisite experience, he became OIC Stables and part time BFBS DJ!

In 1984, Ken was commissioned and began life as an officer at COD Bicester, whilst continuing to work with children as the leader of the Junior Youth Club. After promotion to Captain, he assumed command of the RAOC Stores Section within the REME wing of the Royal School of Artillery in Larkhill and volunteered to become the Chairman of the Larkhill Scout Group.

A return to Germany followed as he entered HQ BAOR as SO3 Supply with the opportunity to perfect his unique ten-pin bowling style. Over the next six years, Ken bowled weekly for the “Rowdies” in JHQ and for the “International Tigers” in Krefeld. Much like his career, his bowling was effective and consistent; many trophies were collected and his observational witticisms became legendary. After promotion to Major in 1991, he moved down the road to Ordnance Services Viersen as the Senior Stores Officer, but this quickly transformed into a job as OC Stores Squadron within the newly created BAOR Theatre Drawdown Unit.

After a busy and successful three years at the Theatre Drawdown Unit, Ken, now as a member of The RLC, was assigned to HQ Land in 1995 as the SO2 Closed Stores Accounts Liaison Team within the Logistic Support Branch. It was during this time that he was dispatched to Bosnia in order to inspect and reconcile inaccurate theatre ammunition accounts. Such was his proficiency that he failed to spend sufficient time in theatre to qualify for a medal.

In 1998, his previous success with the BAOR Theatre Drawdown Unit led to a posting to Thatcham Sub Depot as 2IC and OIC Closure team. Ken’s calm assuredness, eye for detail and excellent leadership of the military and civilian staff led to an orderly and efficient closure of Thatcham. It is an achievement that he was rightly proud of. 1998 also saw him assume the responsibility of treasurer of the Larkhill Thrift Shop, a post he held for twentythree years until his death.

Having already established the family home in Amesbury, Ken’s final posting was to the Defence Storage and Distribution Centre in Bicester as OIC Domestic Accounts Reconciliation Team. He retired from the Army as a Major on 31 October 2000.

Ken Stuart served in the British Army with distinction as a soldier and officer across the globe for forty years. He died in Salisbury Hospital on 17 June 2021 at the age of 75 and is survived by his loving wife Joy, four children and seven grandchildren.

8 WO2 Tatenda

John Mavhera RLC It is with great sorrow that we report the death of WO2 Tatenda John Mavhera. Known to all as John, he died suddenly on the 8th June 2021. A loyal and irreplaceable member of The RLC, his passing is felt with profound sadness. Our thoughts are with his wife, Melinda, and his two children Tyra and Tia.

Born in Zimbabwe, John enlisted into The RLC in March 2004. After completing Phase One and Phase Two trade training he qualified as a Supply Controller. In 2004, he was posted to his first unit, 13 Air Assault Support Regiment, in Colchester.

In February 2006, he deployed for two months to Oman on Ex DESERT EAGLE where he was recognised for his exceptional qualities in trade and leadership. After two weeks R&R in April 2006 he deployed to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 4, where he ran the Task Force Helmand Forward Demand Cell in support of Camp Bastion. He was selected for promotion to LCpl in August 2006 and upgraded to Class 1 in February 2008.

In 2008 John was assigned to 2 LS Regiment. He deployed on Op TELIC 12 where he was awarded the Multi-National Division (South East), Deputy Commander Operations’ Certificate of Meritorious Service. He promoted to Cpl in August 2009.

In 2010 John was detached to 2nd Battalion REME and deployed on Op HERRICK 14 as an A/Sgt. For his effort, he received a Certificate of Commendation from the Commander Equipment Capability, HQ Joint Force Support (Afghanistan). Promoted to Sgt in July 2012 and due to his strength of character, outstanding leadership qualities and exceptional trade skills, he was appointment as an Instructor at the Defence School of Logistics.

After promotion to SSgt in April 2016, John was assigned to 4 Rifles and deployed with them on Op SHADER 3.5 as the RQMS (Maint).

On his return from Op SHADER 3.5, he was appointed The RLC Tennis team captain and was influential in player recruitment, the annual championships and its organisational structure. For this he was awarded his Corps Tennis Colours in June 2018.

During his time with 4 Rifles, he briefed members of Land Supply Chain, Army HQ, on unit storage capacity and also the utility and benefits of the newly release Handheld Scanning device. Unlike other units, John fully embraced the technology and realised the benefit it could provide. Little did he know that this brief and his skills, forward thinking and presence of mind, would make him stand out as an ideal candidate for a future assignment to Army HQ.

Promoted to WO2 in February 2019, he was posted to Land Support Chain, Army HQ, as the Army Inventory Control Tower Warrant Officer. Using his immense technical skills, leadership and desire for knowledge he developed the control tower team to such an extent that they realised an inventory efficiency of over £184M. During the initial COVID-19 response, John and his team were responsible for providing essential PPE and oxygen cylinder availability not only for Army HQ and HQ Field Army, but also HQ AIR, NCHQ, DE&S and the newly formed Defence Support Operations Centre. This enabled key supply chain strategic decisions to be made which resulted in 100% availability of PPE. As a result of his leadership, personal commitment and dedication, he and his team received a CFA Team Commendation in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List.

John also devoted his personal time to professional development, gaining a BSc Honours in Logistic Management and completed the majority of his MSc degree in International Logistic and Supply Chain Management. He also devoted his time to raising money to support the education and emancipation of students at Mavhudzi Primary School in the Manicaland Province of Zimbabwe. He was, of course, an absolutely devoted husband to his wife Melinda and father to his two daughters Tyra and Tia.

LAST POST

Adams - On 11 July 2021, Mr J G Adams RAOC Biggs - On 14 August 2021, Brig B R Biggs late RAOC Bodham - On 5 July 2021, Mr E Bodham RAOC Bond – On 21 December 2020, Mrs L Bond Brophy - On 26 July 2021, Mr J Brophy RAOC Brown - On 4 August 2021, LCplAneika Browne RLC Burford - On 6 June 2021, Mr J Burford RAOC Carr - On 21 June 2021, Mr R L Carr RAOC Carter - On 9 June 2021, Maj G E Carter TD RAOC Cole - In February 2021, Mr E Cole RASC/RCT Cornwell - On 1 June 2021, Maj G E Cornwell RAOC/RLC Cowdry - On 9 August 2021, Brig D F A Cowdry late

RAOC Curphey - On 15 May 2021, Mr P Curphey RCT Doland - On 26 July 2021, Mrs D Doland Donnithorne - On 25 January 2021, Mr L Donnithorne

RAOC Edwards - On 8 August 2021, Maj GCW Edwards

RASC/RCT Fox - On 17 July 2021, Col GBL Fox late RCT/RLC Garrard - On 26 February 2021, Mrs JM Garrard Gibson - On 9 July 2021, Maj S D Gibson RAOC Gutteridge - On 31 July 2021, Mr Albert Gutteridge RCT Haskayne-Jones - On 11 April 2021,

Col GE Haskayne-Jones MBE TD late RASC/RCT Hennessey - In June 2021, Mr K Hennessey Queens/RCT Heydon - On 27 May 2021, Mr A Heydon RAOC Hill - On 4 July 2021, Lt Col M S Hill RAOC Hinton - On 4 May 2021, Mr A J Hinton RAOC Hutley - On 17 June 2021, Mr HG Hutley RASC Johnstone - On 22 July 2021, Mr J I Johnstone RAOC Lee - On 1 August 2021, Mr R Lee RASC Lee - On 22 June 2021, Mr R Lee RAOC Lewis - On 4 August 2021, Col EA Lewis late RASC/RCT Little - On 23 May 2021, Mr R Little RAOC Macfarlane - On 6 June 2021, Mr R Macfarlane RAOC Marshall - On 20 July 2021, Mr K Marshall RAOC May - On 24 February 2021, Mr M J May RAOC McAllister - On 26 June 2021, Mr AJ McAllister RCT/RLC Parkes - On 18 July 2021, Mr R Parkes RAOC Parsons - On 27 July 2021, Mr C Parsons RASC/RCT Rose - On 11 April 2021, Maj P Rose RCT Skelton - On 18 July 2021, Maj A Skelton RASC/RCT Stevens - On 22 July 2020, Maj DW Stevens RASC/RCT Stretton - On 7 July 2020, Maj JH Stretton RASC/RCT Taylor - On 6 June 2021, Mr A P Taylor RAOC Vose - On 10 July 2021, Mr J R Vose RAOC Webster - On 17 June 2021, Mr P J W Webster RAOC Williams - On 22 May 2021, Lt Col L J Williams MBE TD

RAOC