The Sustainer - Spring 2023

Sustainer THE

Journal of The Royal Logistic Corps R SPRING 2023

World-class • Innovative • Adaptable

We Sustain

Sustainer THE

Corps Motto: We Sustain Regimental March: On Parade by Albert Elms Regimental Slow March: Lion, Sword and Crown by Craig Bywater

formed in 1993

Volume 31 No 1 R Spring 2023

8

2

14

20

27

42

Contents

12 Mouths to Media

24 Punjab to Palace

An Army Photographer’s journey

Sgt Pardeep Kaur MBE tells her story

2 ‘Out Pensioners’

14 Training Matters

The Royal Hospital Chelsea launches Outreach

5 Join us for RLC30 Details of events to mark 30 years of The RLC

8 RLC Photographic Competition The winners are revealed

News and views from DSLA

20 Adventurous Training Overcoming my fear of the unknown

22 Systems Analysts 2022 saw the largest intake in a generation

27 The Forgotten War The Forming Corps’ role in Korea

32 Unit news A round-up of reports from across The RLC

62 RLC Equestrian 2023 ‘a very promising year to look forward to’

EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to the first of three editions of The Sustainer to be published in 2023. In February RHQ The RLC issued the announcement below.The editorial team's capacity remains at historic levels and we will ensure that all your contributions are published despite the reduced number of editions.To keep the editions as current as possible, I am happy to discuss submission deadlines for articles, although Unit reports should adhere to the schedule outlined below if possible.

REDUCTION OF SUSTAINER PUBLICATIONS In a bid to save costs, reduce environmental damage and ease the staffing demand on regiments, RHQ has taken the decision to reduce the number of Sustainer publications from four down to three per year. Submission dates and editions will now be as follows: 1. The Sustainer spring edition remains unchanged with a publication date of mid-March.

2. There will be no autumn edition in 2023.

3. The summer edition copy deadline will be 5 Jun 23 (publishes mid-August).

The theme is RLC30.

4. The winter edition copy deadline will be 2 Oct 23 (publishes early December). The theme is sport and AT. 5. The spring edition 2024 deadline will be 10 Jan 24. Theme TBC. If you require a deadline extension to include an event, you must request from the editor by the deadline. The editor will endeavour to include all submissions for publication in 2023 and will increase the issue sizes of the summer and winter editions as necessary, to accommodate.

8 Peter Shakespeare Email: Peter.Shakespeare100@mod.gov.uk Contact: +44 (0) 7901 676309.

Charter: The Sustainer records the activities and achievements of the Corps family, its units and personalities, as well as the organisations of the Forming Corps and their Associations. It keeps soldiers of today in touch with each other and soldiers of yesteryear in touch with the Corps of today. The Journal is not only a means of cohesion and communication within the Corps but also a source of research material for posterity.

Editorial Staff Editor: Peter Shakespeare Assistant editor: Miss Katherine Lack Email: rlcsustainer@gmail.com Graphic Design: David Blake Copy deadlines for THE SUSTAINER: 5 Jun 23, 2 Oct 23, 10 Jan 24 Change of Address: Serving members of the Corps who are due to move into or out of non-RLC appointments (eg E2) and other subscribers are requested to notify the Editor of their change of address. No information, no magazine!

Publisher: The Regimental Association of The Royal Logistic Corps, RHQ The RLC, DCLPA Worthy Down, Winchester Hampshire. SO21 2RG. Email: peter.shakespeare100@mod.gov.uk Tel: +44 (0) 7901 676309 Typesetting, Printing, Binding and Distribution: Holbrooks Printers Ltd, Norway Road, Hilsea, PORTSMOUTH, Hampshire PO3 5HX. Data Privacy: We distribute The Sustainer using mailing data held in a secure contacts database within RHQ The RLC. Your inclusion on this database is by virtue of the fact you are serving in the military, or you are a current member of the RLC or Forming Corps

Associations. The Sustainer only uses your personal data for the purpose of sending you the magazine. The mailing data is treated in the strictest confidence, is password protected, is only shared with our printer and is deleted after each use. If any serving RLC personnel have concerns with regards to the storage and use of their personal data they should contact RHQ The RLC’s Data Protection Officer, Richard Stockman. Richard is Assistant Regimental Secretary and can be contacted at: Richard.Stockman256@mod.gov.uk Photographs: The Editor accepts photographs for publication on the understanding that those submitting them have, where required by data protection legislation, obtained consent to publication from those depicted. Anyone who believes this is not the case or has a DPA related concern should contact the Editor. peter.shakespeare100@mod.gov.uk Advertising: There is normally no space for commercial advertising, please contact the Editor.

Security: This Journal contains official information. It should be treated with discretion by the recipient. © Crown Copyright: All material in this Journal is Crown Copyright and may not be reproduced without the permission of the Regimental Association of The Royal Logistic Corps. © Cartoons are copyright.

Disclaimer: No responsibility for the quality of the goods or services advertised in this Journal can be accepted by the publishers or their agents. Advertisements are included in good faith. The contents of this Journal and views of individual authors or units does not necessarily reflect the policy and views, official or otherwise, of the Corps or Ministry of Defence.

Front Cover: 2022 RLC Photographic competition best image LCpl Yousaf (4 Regt RLC)

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

1

THE SUSTAINER | NEWS The Royal Hospital Chelsea (RHC) has launched a Veterans Outreach programme to provide more direct support to veterans, particularly the elderly, living beyond the perimeter of the Royal Hospital estate.

Initially RHC is piloting ‘Chelsea Outreach’, which focuses on veterans in the Greater London area. RHC has run a series of themed events at the Royal Hospital, where veterans from all three Armed Services and the Merchant Navy were invited to enjoy comradeship, shared memories, hospitality and some fun alongside the ‘In Pensioner’ residents, in essence becoming ’Out Pensioners’. This offer will expand once other planned facilities within the Royal Hospital come online.

At the launch RHC Governor, General Sir Adrian Bradshaw KCB OBE, said: “We are currently conducting ‘reconnaissance by fire’ and once we have established the numbers and requirements of veterans beyond our immediate perimeter we will have a better idea how we should proceed.

“In due course, and having developed our modus operandi we intend to extend this offer beyond

#BritishArmyLogistics

The Royal Hospital Chelsea Veterans Outreach Programme

London and, offer a ‘Nationwide Outreach’ element in partnership with local service charities and organisations in regions where there are large concentrations of military veterans.”

London based RLC and RLC

Forming Corps Veterans are very welcome to attend any of the RHC Chelsea Outreach events.

Flyers for the events and more information can be found at: https://www.chelseapensioners.co.uk/outreach

RLC Veteran named Professional Driver of the Year Attention former students of Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College The Defence Academy is trying to reach students who attended Welbeck DSFC between 2005 and 2019 but who left without joining Defence. Their parents or guardians who incurred the Default Event Recovery charge may have been overcharged and due a refund. Email enquiries to the Defence Academy on DEFACDTOEES-HQ@mod.gov.uk

2

Kenneth Bond VR, an RLC Veteran and City of Birmingham chauffeur, has won a Gold Quality, Service and Innovation (QSi) Award, and was named Professional Driver of the Year 2022, at the UK’s only national awards for the private hire, taxi and chauffeur sector.

Kenneth, whose son is currently serving in 4 Regiment RLC, was presented with his award at the Professional Driver QSi Awards held at the Celtic Manor Resort in Newport, South Wales.

Kenneth chauffeurs dignitaries around Birmingham, including the Lord Mayor. There is hardly a driving qualification available that he doesn’t hold and the judges praised the way he continues to

strive to be the best. The awards, open to every chauffeur and private hire company in the UK and are designed to recognise operators and individuals that demonstrate excellent standards of quality, service and innovation.

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics In November 2022 six members of The RLC were selected to represent Army Netball for an overseas visit to North America.

The mixed team had five representatives and the women’s team had one. The visit consisted of two legs, firstly playing in the US Open Netball Championships in Las Vegas and then onto a three-match series in Vancouver, Canada.

In Las Vegas, both teams competed in a two-day tournament in their relevant categories. The mixed team had a tough category, playing teams from across the United States and across the world including teams from the Caribbean and Canada. The women also had tough competition which included the US National Netball Team. Both teams had an enjoyable two days of highly competitive netball which was played alongside some interesting entertainment including an Elvis impersonator, an icon of Las Vegas!

The mixed team finished eighth in their category with the Women’s team winning the overall Championship Cup. Away from the court, players also had time to enjoy the sights of Las Vegas including the amazing hotels and a team tour to the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon.

In Vancouver, both teams had a three-match series against the British Columbia team which included representatives from the Canadian National team. The

NEWS | THE SUSTAINER

Army Netball overseas visit to North America

opposition was strong, and all of the players enjoyed the high standard of netball that was played. Alongside the netball, players also had time to see the sights of Vancouver which for some included cycling around Stanley Park, seeing the Capilano Suspension bridge and a team visit to Grouse Mountain to visit the bears before their hibernation. The

8 The RLC’s Army team members: Lt Waters, Maj Kemp, LCpl Lowther, Sgt Woodvine, Cpl Drummond, Pte Vuibau

tour was a fantastic opportunity and it was great to see so many from The RLC involved.

For any RLC Officers or Soldiers who are keen to get involved in netball please contact: eleanor.sutherland102@mod.gov.uk

RLC Junior Mountain Leadership Development The RLC Adventurous Training Association will be conducting "zero to hero" training courses in rock climbing or summer mountaineering in 2023.

Building on successful events in 2022, in 2023 the RLC AT Association will facilitate several activities designed to enable greater access to AT and encourage junior leaders onto the AT leader/instructor pathway.

AT is key to developing individual and collective operational effectiveness and is mandated for all units. As part of the People

and Ethos strand of The RLC Strategy, consideration of AT across the Corps has shown – unsurprisingly – a low proportion of AT leaders and instructors amongst those early in their careers (Pte to Cpl and 2Lt to junior Capt). This has been cited as an impediment to the generation of unit AT. A two-week package delivered

by JSMTW Ballykinler in Northern Ireland, in June, will enable participants to receive build-up training and formal qualification in their chosen AT discipline

and they will return to their units ready to deliver high-quality AT. The package is designed for junior soldiers and officers who have experienced an activity to foundation level and are keen to develop further into leaders. For those who do not have the all pre-requisite experience, the RLC AT Association will be running two exercises in April and May to fill experience gaps.

For more information contact Maj W L Nesfield. Telephone: 0300 160 9707. Email: luke.nesfield965@mod.gov.uk

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

3

A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE The Colonel RLC

‘‘

Throughout January and February I’ve had further opportunities to visit units and detachments supporting operational activity, NATO and UK and global operations. The professionalism and tenacity that our people are demonstrating on a daily basis is truly inspirational and befitting of our coming of age

4

One of the purposes of the Corps journal is to form a historic record of events across the Corps, Regiments, Sub-Units, Detachments and the Trades.

With the removal of formal historic record keeping, and so much contemporary activity recorded online, often all that we will be able to reflect on in future years is our own journal. I encourage any member of the Corps to contribute news stories and articles to the Sustainer.This is now more relevant than ever, with the shifting tides of world events and significant changes to the Corps and its structures.

As trailed in the RLC Downrep, and as a result of reduced staff capacity, the Sustainer will now only be produced three times a year, but I look forward to additional content through an increased reporting period.

2023 kicked off with the Corps HQ staff coming together for an estimate to better - not just prioritise - our own workflow, but to understand our own outputs and how we can optimally support our units and people. Part of this was creating a mission statement (below) for the Corps HQ, which I trust you will support and engage with.

Promote heritage, conduct commemoration. Promote pride, ethos, identity and belonging in The RLC. Support serving personnel, veterans, cadets and their families.

Support workforce planning and career management. Deliver influence, engagement, recruitment and retention activity... In order to enhance the reputation, and to improve the cohesion of the Corps family, its engagement with society and sustain operational capability.

It has been a tremendous privilege to attend two Corps-wide events this year already. The first was a JNCO symposium held at Worthy Down Station. A genuinely superb

event, which over 100 JNCOs voluntarily attended, including a range of guest speakers from the APC desk officers, to external motivational speakers. The event concluded with a formal mess dinner night which was world class occasion and an excellent educational opportunity. I look forward to hearing accounts of the positive effect from the event. The second was the annual WO1’s convention, this year held at Grantham. What a privilege and honour to open the event and meet so many talented WO1s at the absolute top of their game, bursting with energy, innovation and ideas on taking the Corps forward. These two events, at both end of the experience spectrum, further convinced me of the talent and commitment in and amongst our ranks.

Throughout January and February I’ve had further opportunities to visit units and detachments supporting operational activity, NATO and UK and global operations. The professionalism and tenacity that our people are demonstrating on a daily basis is truly inspirational and befitting of our coming of age.

This is the last issue of The Sustainer prior to the RLC30 event in Winchester on 1st June. Early indication is that the event will be a sell out with the Corps packing Winchester Cathedral (contingency plans are being worked to give additional capacity) to give thanks to those that went before us and to celebrate our achievements. It will also mark the first Corps Open Day at the rightful home of the Corps since 2018.

Finally, huge congratulations to Col Andy Geary OBE, Col Pete Skinsley OBE, Lt Col Billy Dilkes MBE, Maj Rab McAllister MBE, Maj Sophie Spencer-Small MBE, WO2 Abimbola Oluwasona MBE and Sgt Pardeep Kaur MBE who were recognised in the 2023 New Year’s Honours List.

We Sustain.

Colonel P A Allen ADC

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

On 1 June 2023 The Royal Logistic Corps will formally recognise relocation to the historic city of Winchester to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Corps, with a Freedom of the City Parade and service of Thanksgiving at Winchester Cathedral.

8 Parade and Service of Thanksgiving 500 personnel from across The RLC will conduct a Freedom Parade.

They will be joined by RLC and Forming Corps veterans. Following the parade there will be Service of Thanksgiving at Winchester Cathedral. Tickets should be booked via the QR code below.

8 Reception Events Following the Service of Thanksgiving there will be a VIP reception at the Cathedral and a Regimental Lunch. Free transport will be available to Worthy Down Camp where food and refreshments will be available including an all ranks BBQ and curry lunch for on duty personnel. Further tickets are available below for veterans, families and friends.

8 Open Day and Concert From 1500hrs a Community Open Day for 3,000 people will highlight the breadth and depth of the talent within The RLC, promoting the aspects of diversity, sport, STEM and sustainability, representative of the modern Army and The RLC. The open day will transition to an open-air concert following a spectacular firework display commencing at 2200hrs. Entrance will be by ticket only (see below). There is no parking on site.

To register to attend the RLC 30 events scan the QR code and select from the menu of options

For updates on the RLC 30 events go to:

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk

FROM THE RANKS

‘‘

I wish my successor, WO1 Steve Muir, the very best of luck as he takes over in June.

Good luck Steve, I know The RLC is in good hands. Corps SM… Out!

Hello everyone and I trust you and your families are all safe and well. I am struggling to understand where time has gone, as I write my final ‘From the Ranks’ article as the Corps Sergeant Major.

Despite it only being March, the Corps has continued to be extremely busy in the initial months of 2023, with Military Aid to the Civil Authority (MACA) twinned with a response to industrial strike action, which saw a lot of RLC Soldiers lose their Christmas leave. A huge thanks to all of those that deployed for keeping your sense of humour and approaching these tasks with professionalism and a sense of Corps pride. It was amazing to see.

As always, I have been out and about visiting the Corps’ units.

9 Regiment hosted an excellent VVIP visit which saw Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal shown the great work its Soldiers do. During the visit HRH also presented Operational Service Medals and Long Service and Good Conduct Medals. I took a week out to visit the RLC Soldiers working in British Forces South Atlantic Islands - aka the Falklands.

The 100 plus Soldiers there are doing amazing work providing logistic support to both MPA and the wider island. I also had the privilege to see some amazing battlefield sights from Op CORPORATE; a truly amazing trip and well worth the 18-hour flight.

February saw 15 Squadron QOGLR resubordinate to 13 AASR. This was marked by a brilliant parade in Colchester were all the squadrons welcomed 15 Squadron back to the fold. Here in Worthy Down, we delivered some awesome events for the people of The RLC, kicking off with the inaugural RLC JNCO Leadership and Development event. This saw, for the first time,

nearly 100 JNCOs come together to listen to some inspirational and educational presentations, finished off with a Corps dinner night in the Corps Sergeants’ Mess. A huge thank you to the team from Kineton, under the leadership of WO1 (RSM) Walker, who expertly delivered the event.

This year’s RLC WO1 Convention was delivered in Grantham Station.

Our Senior Soldier Leadership came together to discuss and receive presentations on ‘The Modern Day Royal Logistic Corps’. It was a rich couple of days connecting people professionally and socially. Massive thanks go to WO2 (SSM) Wardle and his team from 1 Regiment, who delivered a superb convention.

I wish to end if I may, with a plea to the Soldiers of the Corps. On 5th April 2023, your Corps is 30 years old. On the 1st June 2023 in Winchester and at Worthy Down, we will come together to celebrate the 30th Anniversary and plant the flag in our new Corps home of Winchester Garrison. Please attend and support the RLC 30 events on 1st June, they are for you and your family to enjoy.

As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, this is my final Sustainer ‘From the Ranks’ and I cannot begin to tell you what a privilege and honour it has been to be the Senior Soldier of the best Corps in the British Army. Thank you for an amazing two years and the unwavering support and honesty you have given me as your Corps Sergeant Major.

Finally, I wish my successor, WO1 Steve Muir, the very best of luck as he takes over in June. Good luck Steve, I know The RLC is in good hands. Corps SM… Out! WO1 C Sutherland Corps Sergeant Major RLC

8 The inaugural RLC JNCO Leadership & Development Dinner Night

6

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

RLC FORMING CORPS | THE SUSTAINER

A belated invitation accepted!

The garrison church of St Michael and St George is a well-known landmark in the heart of Aldershot Garrison. With its foundation stone having been laid by Queen Victoria in 1892, it has a long and proud history of serving the pastoral needs of countless thousands of troops, both British and Commonwealth, who have found themselves based in Aldershot. Originally dedicated to St George, the church adopted its second name, St Michael, in 1973 when its use was passed to the Roman Catholic community in the Garrison. It is the Cathedral Church of the Roman Catholic Bishop to the Forces.

The church has long been the spiritual home of the Royal Army Service Corps (RASC) and the Royal Corps of Transport (RCT), housing the books of remembrance of both corps, as well as their memorial chapel. Until the mid-1970s, it was also the corps church for the Army Catering Corps (ACC), which at that point transferred its allegiance to the Royal Garrison Church of All Saints. In the early 1950s, however, the ACC had erected a memorial plinth within St Michael & St George to house its Book of Remembrance commemorating the Corps’ fallen of the Second World War. Although the ACC no longer regarded the newly-named church of St Michael and St George as its corps church, it

proved impractical to move the memorial plinth. For this reason, it remains in situ along with a Book of Remembrance, a page of which is turned during the celebration of Mass each Sunday. A similar act of remembrance is undertaken with the RASC and RCT Books of Remembrance.

To accommodate the requirements of the Roman Catholic liturgy, the layout of the sanctuary area of the church was amended in the 1970s to incorporate a new altar to enable the priest to celebrate Mass facing the congregation. At this time, both the RCT and the ACC were invited to support the installation of their respective corps badges within the sanctuary floor to mark their

8 Pat Watmore unveils the ACC badge

long-standing relationship with the church through the RASC. Whilst the former accepted the invitation, for reasons which are unclear, the ACC appears to have declined! A recent major refurbishment of the Cathedral Church, especially of the sanctuary area, provided an ideal opportunity for the ‘absence’ of the ACC to be corrected.

In December 2022, during a short, but meaningful service conducted by the Dean of the Cathedral, Father Nick Gosnell (himself a retired Army padre), the newly-installed ACC badge was unveiled formally by retired ACC Warrant Officer Class 1, Pat Watmore, a regular member of the Cathedral’s congregation. In attendance were a number of retired ACC members as well as Major General Seumas Kerr CBE, Chairman of the RLC Heritage Committee, and Lieutenant Colonel Steve Yafai, the RLC Regimental Secretary. The small ceremony therefore marked a somewhat long-overdue acceptance of the initial invitation to install the ACC badge within the Cathedral sanctuary! This was made possible by the generous support of the Royal Logistic Corps Association.

8 L-R: Lt Col (Retd) Steve Yafai, Pat Watmore, Maj Gen Seumas Kerr CBE, Lt Col (Retd) NR Shepherd

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

7

THE SUSTAINER | RLC PHOT COMP

#BritishArmyLogistics

2022 RLC Photographic Competition Entries for the 2022 RLC Photographic Competition were down on 2021 levels, but the quality of this year’s entries impressed the judges for their high standard of artistic interpretation and technical merit.

The winners (three categories not awarded) Best overall image – LCpl Yousaf (4 Regiment RLC) “Passing the RFT”.

Sport and AT – Sgt Berry (Catering SNCO Queen’s Royal Hussars) “Morning Sunrise” Portrait – Lt Col Stonehouse (RHQ The RLC) “Time’s Gone By”.

RLC Equipment & Trades in Action – WO1 Herbert (151 Regiment RLC) “Top Cover”.

Soldering – LCpl Yousaf ( 4 Regiment RLC) “Passing the RFT”.

Highly commended LCpl Woodfield (4 Regiment RLC) “RLC Enduro”.

Capt Restall (157 Regiment RLC) “Orders”.

WO2 Baskerville (11 EOD&S Regiment RLC) “Remote Attack”.

8 Time's Gone By - Lt Col Stonehouse

8 Remote Attack - WO2 Baskerville

8

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

RLC PHOT COMP | THE SUSTAINER

8 Morning Sunrise - Sgt Berry

8 Orders - Capt Restall 8 Passing the RFT - LCpl Yousaf

8 RLC Enduro - LCpl Woodfield

8 Top Cover - WO1 Herbert

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

9

THE SUSTAINER | CAREER MANAGEMENT

#BritishArmyLogistics

YOUR CAREER, YOUR CALL Career management team

RLC SOLDIERS SO1: Lt Col Bratcher SO2: Maj Polson SO3: Capt Bannister WO1: WO1 Neilson QOGLR: SSgt Subba Following on from the winter issue’s insight into some of the roles that are challenging for us to fill, this time we are focussing on jobs that could be described as The RLC’s best kept secrets.

There are multiple opportunities available for officers and soldiers from all trade groups to undertake employment in places that they might otherwise never have heard of, let alone visited. Here, we have two examples of RLC Service Personnel undertaking roles in Brunei, both for the British Army Garrison and on loan service.

If these stories have sparked a desire to undertake a similar role somewhere in the world, ask your RCMO to contact your career manager and ask about what is available in your rank and Career Employment Group.

Pegawai Waran 1 (WO1) John Canning Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) Loan Service (LS) Senior Ammunition Technician (SAT) Brunei Darussalam is a small Islamic Sultanate on the northern part of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. Apart from its South China Sea coastline, it is surrounded by the Malaysian state of Sarawak. With a population of around 461,000, it is 200 square miles smaller than Norfolk. Brunei is the 49th member of the Commonwealth and until 1984 was a British protectorate. The Sultan and his son Prince Mateen both attended Sandhurst.

The RBAF was founded in May 1961 and consists of around 7,000 active personnel. It is split into three branches: The Royal Brunei Land Forces, which is approximately the size of a UK Brigade and is comprised of a Special Forces unit, three Infantry Battalions, an 10

8 WO1(SSM) J Canning

Engineer (CS) Battalion and a Logistik (CSS) Battalion. The Royal Brunei Air Force is a mainly rotary wing force, tasked with support to the other military branches. The Royal Brunei Navy is a small force tasked with navel defence, maritime patrols of the oil platforms and search and rescue operations.

I am part of the LS team which comprises 30 Tri-Service personnel ranging in rank from CSgt to Lt Col. The SAT post is the only RLC specific post within the LS team.

We are fully integrated into the RBAF meaning we wear RBAF uniform, use RBAF ranks and are issued with RBAF ID cards. We are to all intents RBAF soldiers for the duration of our assignment. Each member of the LS team is placed to add value to the RBAF, whether that be through providing assurance and oversight to operational tasks and training, plans roles within the Ministry of Defence, or training delivery within the Officer Training School. Most of the RBAF practices use UK policy

and doctrine, giving a familiar structure albeit with a variety of different equipment.

My role within the LS team in Brunei is to ensure explosive safety across all three Services, offer SME advice on all ammunition, Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD), Conventional Munitions Disposal (CMD) and search matters and provide professional development for two RBAF units, the ammunition technical personnel from Ammo Group within the Logitstik Bn and the EOD teams from CBRE which sit under the Engineer Bn. The role provides an interesting view into how UK practices and procedures have been adopted and adapted to suit this challenging environment.

In the UK, issues like moisture or vegetation growth are small and easily fixed issues. Here they are exacerbated by the heat, the amount of rainfall and the speed at which the jungle grows! Ammo Group has recently conducted a demolitions programme to reduce some of the life expired ammunition stocks, this gave the perfect opportunity to provide training to newly qualified technicians and

8 A baby Asian water monitor lizard in my garden

8 View into the South China Sea, New Year’s Day 2023, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics reassess Ammo Group personnel in their ability to conduct demolitions is a safe and reliable manner.

Like many of the LS posts, I am the only UK SP within my department, giving the opportunity to fully integrate with the Bruneian personnel and sample Brunei far more than any tourist ever could.

The pace of life in Brunei is a lot slower than that of the UK, which can be a double-edged sword. It does however provide an opportunity to spend time with family and enjoy the amazing features in this part of the world, including exploring the wildlife in the jungle or in your garden. In the UK we had squirrels and stray cats, here we have Asian water monitor lizards, macaque monkeys and the odd wild boar!

Having only been in post for a couple of months I’m still finding my feet, I’ve managed the river tour and a trip along the coast to Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia so far and have many more plans to travel and make the most of this amazing country and the opportunities for travel around this part of the world.

British Forces Brunei: An Ammunition Technical Warrant Officer’s perspective

by WO2 Bishop The British Forces Brunei (BFB) Ammunition Sub Depot (ASD) supports the Resident Infantry Battalion, 1 RGR, and Infantry Battle School, as well as ever-expanding strategic interests in the wider Indo-Pacific region and Tri-Service deployed assets. Like each of the isolated ASD posts globally, Brunei’s geopolitical position presents some exceptional opportunities to engage locally and overseas with specialist British units and foreign forces to provide Ammunition Technical (AT) Support to organic and partnered nations.

The team comprises one ATWO, a Sgt and Cpl Logistic Supply Specialist who fulfil the roles of Depot Supervisor and CA Account Holder, respectively, and a Class 2 AT. Whilst all SMEs, the scaling encourages a deep mutual understanding of all roles by all personnel. Location and a fragile logistic bridge demands precise stockpile management and forecasting up to 18 months in

CAREER MANAGEMENT UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

8 WO2 Bishop

advance – typically the preserve of the LSS but understood and deliberated by all. Equally, non-AT team members effectively plan and execute (under ATWO supervision) the disposal by detonation of tonnes of unserviceable ordnance.

Climate dominates all aspects of the job with infrastructure and munitions management an absolute focus. Exposure to tropical heat and near-saturation humidity for munitions compromises the firing performances and safety – the efforts to maintain operational effectiveness and reduce the logistic and financial burden of excessive commodity wastage is constant and dynamic. Recent infrastructure investment has enhanced the climatic conditioning capacity of the ASD to 40% representing a 100-fold return on investment over the next three years in recovered stock. The environment is ideal to conduct in-service surveillance and explosive trials to support the broader efforts of inventory managers within Defence to manage through-life capability.

Imminent OTXs include destinations such as Australia and New Zealand for Ex PACIFIC KHUKRI to support the RIBs company and battalion level exercises. Thailand and Malaysia are on the horizon for Defence Engagement opportunities in the near future.

Emerging from COVID-19 restrictions on movements and integration, plans are underway to reinvigorate mutual support to explosive safety audit training with the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF). The relationship with the Loan Service ATWO, embedded within the RBAF, is as robust as ever with combined efforts to offer British C-IED doctrine and CBRNe IED disposal assurance regimes a priority for the approaching training year.

The local flora and fauna, unique to the Borneo biosphere, is truly fascinating and worthy of safari. Monitor lizards, the national Hornbill birds and the resident troop of monkeys are a daily sight from the office. Popular pursuits beyond the wire include the cult-like jungle hashing and trekking. The SFA and SLA, each have community swimming pools and are close to the local surfing beaches. Regional travel is undoubtedly one of the biggest perks of the post with the Borneo States of East Malaysia less than 30 minutes’ drive away and the majority of South East Asia within a two-hour flight. Forthcoming AT is planned to include skiing in Japan and a battlefield study throughout Vietnam is also on the agenda. They say some would pay for these privileges.

8 11 EOD&S Regt deployed support staff and 1 RGR Demolitions Party following the disposal of 10,000+ 40mm grenades over three weeks

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

11

THE SUSTAINER | ARMY PHOTOGRAPHER

#BritishArmyLogistics

From Mouths to Media My journey to becoming an Army Photographer

By Cpl Nanda Atherton I have always loved taking photos.

From weekend walks with the dogs, to friends’ and family events, I have always been behind the lens. It never even crossed my mind that I could do it for a job.

Having joined the Army as a Dental Nurse in the Royal Army Dental Corps in May 2014 I learned new skills, made lifelong friends and grew in confidence. After six years I started to get the itch for something more; something more challenging and rewarding. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a chance conversation with a colleague drew my attention to The RLC’s Army Photographer trade. After a bit of research both online and through friends and colleagues, I knew this was what I had been searching for. In September 2020, I enquired about transferring and sought advice on how best to prepare myself. By Christmas 2020 I was hooked on the idea and my

Mother-in-Law gave me my first DSLR camera. From that moment on I lived and breathed photography and sought to improve myself tirelessly - much to the annoyance of my husband and children who were forever the victims of my obsession, although the dog was a more than willing participant! In January 2021, I was assigned a mentor and given a multitude of tasks to achieve based around improving and assessing my ability as a photographer.

These ranged from demonstrating basic compositions to capturing portraits of people in their workplace and even organising days with different units where I was able to go and take practice images. I was even lucky enough to attend an event and get images of the rapper, Big Narstie!

Once my mentor was satisfied, I was ready to go forward in the process, I attended Defence Photographer Aptitude Assessment (DPAA) at the Defence School of Photography (DSOP), RAF Cosford. After successful completion, I was given a course start date for April 2022. This would be broken down into seven weeks photography and seven weeks videography. Whilst on trade training, I completed an intense course to improve my understanding of photography, equipment, lighting, composition

and so much more. Passing out in July 2022, I started my first posting in the Army Media and Communications department at Army Headquarters, Andover. In just four months I have seen, learned and travelled more than ever before.

My very first job was to capture portraits of CGS and DCGS during a VIP visit to Army HQ, and I was absolutely terrified! With support from one of the more seasoned Army Photographers I made my way through this ominous task and proved that I was capable of so much more than I knew. I captured images on the Army EXPO, where all units displayed their fighting capabilities and equipment as well as assisting with the Army Remembrance video. I have flown in a Wildcat Helicopter multiple times to take shots from the air and to help create footage for a release to service of new equipment. I was fortunate enough to be deployed to Cyprus to capture footage for Ex AUSTERE WOLF which opened my eyes up so much more to the vast roles and capabilities the Armed Forces can utilise. The highlight of my new career so far has been deploying on Op BRIDGE to Windsor Castle for the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, which was a huge honour and a very humbling moment. It was incredible to see the effect first hand of Her Majesty’s passing on the world. I also travelled to Cardiff Castle to get images of His Majesty King Charles’ first visit as King to Wales and the Senedd. I was no more than a few metres away from him mere months after qualifying as an Army Photographer!

Since transferring and taking on this new, dynamic and exciting role, I have never looked back – the trade has already helped me realise my potential and given me the opportunity to work doing something I love, as well as finding new ways to be creative and improve my skills for the future.

8 Shooting Big Narstie in a bomb suit

12

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

TRAINING MATTERS | THE SUSTAINER

Taking BCT to another level

By Cpl Magowan, 63 Air Assault Support Squadron, 13 Air Assault Support Regiment The Section Commanders’ Battle Course (SCBC) is the first Brecon tactics course conducted by Infantry JNCOs in their career and is aimed at qualifying rifle company section commanders. It is a tough and highly competitive course and there are limited spaces for NCOs from other cap badges. I was fortunate enough to attended SCBC 2203 and this is my story.

SCBC 2203 ran from 16 Oct 9 Dec 22. There were 97 NCOs who started, 66 of which eventually completed the course. I was one of four non-infantry personnel to start the course and one of two to pass the course. This was an important step for me on the road to becoming an instructor at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

During the lead up to the course, I was apprehensive, both due to the arduous reputation of the

course but also uncertainty of how I might be perceived by the different infantry NCOs. Even though I was confident in my pre-course preparation, I also knew that it would still be a challenging experience as I would inevitably have less experience of infantry skills than most of the other students.

The first few weeks were certainly challenging and I had a steep learning curve. I quickly had to adapt and absorb as much information as possible to enable me to perform to the same standard as my peers. Weeks one to five included multiple pass or fail assessments on weapons, navigation, tactics and other aspects, but as the weeks went by my confidence grew more and more. By week six I was given my first command appointment, which went very well. This week was

certainly my favourite due to the variety of training, such as FIBUA, FIWAF, and I was also nominated to be the Platoon Sergeant for my first experience in the trenches during a platoon attack.

Overall, I found the course to be really rewarding, especially the chance to prove myself amongst my infantry peers. When in a Section Commander’s appointment, you are required to choose your own 2IC and on the final exercise I was asked to be a Section 2IC on three occasions over the week. I was also given a command appointment for the final company attack, which was a great privilege. I was graded as the most supportive by multiple people within my section and even graded as top of the section by a few, which surprised me considering how challenging the first few weeks had felt. The experience has developed me, both as a Section Commander and immensely as a person. This is something I will take forward and use to develop both myself but most importantly, to help improve and develop those around me.

I would urge anyone who is potentially thinking about it to attend this course. It is tough but completely achievable and highly rewarding. If anyone would like help or information regarding any pre-training (especially important as the infantry NCOs routinely conduct six to eight weeks of preparation) or just a general insight into the course, please don’t hesitate to get in contact and I would be more than willing to help.

8 Members of SCBC 2203 on Pen y Fan

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

13

THE SUSTAINER | TRAINING MATTERS

#BritishArmyLogistics

Defence School of Logistics and Administration Commandant Gp Capt G Williams Unusually the last edition was my first foreword for the DSLA contribution, and this is likely my last as we look forward to welcoming Group Captain Rachel Mawdsley to the DSLA as Commandant in August. Coming from a joint background, I’m sure she will also look forward to catching up with The RLC via Sustainer!

This has been another jam-packed period for the DSLA, in the classroom and out.There are many opportunities out there for us all to grab - whatever our interests - be that in sport, history, the environment, or giving something back to charity, and as ever Sustainer gives us all a reminder to go out and grab them. If we do not have good stories to tell when our military careers have ended, then we are missing a trick.

Command Wing – Chief Instructor Lt Col Rob Williams, Field Logistics 1 On 21 November 2022,Troop Commanders’ Course 90 (TCC90) departed DCLPA Worthy Down to embark on Exercise TIMBER ARNHEM, a weeklong Battlefield Study of Operation MARKET GARDEN, an Allied operation of WWII. It started with guide Sgt Simon Evetts giving a historical backdrop on the evolution of Allied tactical logistics during WWII, followed by a couple of the presentations from students of TCC90.

By late afternoon, the course departed by coach to take the ferry to Holland and arrived on the morning of 22 Nov 22.

The first destination was Bridge No. 9 over the Bocholt-Herentals Canal, better known as ‘Joe’s Bridge’. Here, on the 17 September 1944, Lt Col Joe Vandeleur overcame German anti-tank guns enabling the bridge to be crossed.

The remainder of the morning included tracing the route along Route 69 (known as Hell’s Highway) and a stop at the Wilhemina Canal in Son. By 1400 the group had arrived at Camp Vught, an internment camp run by Nazi authorities in the occupied Netherlands, which served as a poignant reminder of why we fought.

The group finished the day heading into Nijmegen, stopping off at the John S Thompson Bridge, the scene of a successful and quick action by the 82nd Airborne near Grave.The next morning was spent visiting the Waal Crossing Memorial in Nijmegen. Here, in an action immortalised by the film ‘A Bridge Too Far’, the 82nd Airborne crossed the Waal River under enemy fire in canvas sided boats, paddling with their rifle butts.

After spending the rest of the morning at the Freedom Museum in Groesbeek, the course then travelled to John Frost Bridge, Arnhem.The focus was now on the endeavours of the British 1st Airborne Division. At Frost Bridge, where 2nd Bn Para’s made an improbable stand, the group spent time discussing the logistical considerations for both the British and German units in the AO. A vignette on Lt Col John Frost was delivered by Maj Matt Bowsley and the day finished with a brief from Capt Phil Coleman of the Irish Defence Force about the situation in Ireland during WWII. On Thursday, the group visited several locations in the 1st 14

Airborne AO; these included Drop Zone Y at Ginkel Heath and Wolfheze where much fighting happened. Lunch was spent at the Airborne Museum Hartenstein the site of Major General Urquhart’s HQ. One of the most memorable visits was to the Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery, where the course laid a Remembrance wreath. After this, they stopped off at the Oude Kerk overlooking the Nederrijn River, across which many British soldiers escaped the German encirclement, and at Urquhart’s House in Arnhem.

Overall, the trip was very useful to centre everyone’s understanding of tactics and logistics to the ground on which such a campaign was fought.

RAF Logistic Officer Training Logistics Officer Training Course – Fg Off Rob Dowie and Plt Off Maisey Osborne The Logistics Officer Training (LOT) course is 11-weeks long and turns newly commissioned junior officers into Logistics Officers ready to be released into the world.

LOT26, the most recent graduates, had 13 trainees ranging from direct entrant Plt Officers to a Flt Lt embarking on their fourth Phase 2.

LOT26 began with a Flt Commander module.This revised the skills attained at RAFC Cranwell bringing them in line with the logistics profession. Following on from this was a look into the structure and how external agencies fit into logistics. A formative assessment known as Office Simulator finalises this module.This is a week-long assessment which consolidates all that has been learnt focusing heavily on life as a Flt Cdr on a MOB.Welfare, mindfulness and time management are tested heavily along with appraisal writing.

Next, the course enters an in-depth look at each area of logistics, spending around one week on each element; Supply, MT and Catering.To break this up, the course were afforded Station visits to RAF Benson, RAF Wittering, RAF Brize Norton and MOD Abbeywood, showing a wide range of different areas officers can work with or utilise in their careers such as ACSSU’s at Wittering and the DE&S element of supply chain management at Abbey Wood.

On the lead up to DepEx (the summative assessment) the officers learn all about the role of a DLG Cdr and in DepEx they get “deployed” and put their knowledge to the test.This

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

all takes place within a nice warm office so I use the term ‘deployed’ loosely. Everything learnt over the last 11-weeks comes into play to prove they are qualified to operate in the profession.This means managing aircraft, supply, catering etc., and all of the quirks that come with working with our greatest asset, people.

On completion of the course, there are many directions in which the Logistics Officers of the future can head, hence the importance of the broad range of the course. Now the course is complete the graduates are posted to a variety of roles spread across the country, and internationally.There are multiple Flight Commanders and Contract Support Officers and individuals posted directly into strategic Staff Roles.

Reaching out to those interested in perhaps commissioning into the logistics profession or even transferring over from the other Services, the recent graduates have compiled their words of advice and top learning points: “Make the most of any hold.Visit as many sections as possible across your own Station and visit other units to gain a greater understanding of the wider logistics focus.”

“Immerse yourself in opportunities for development prior to arrival. Enrol yourself in useful DLE courses, teach yourself the foundations of logistics, this allows the pieces of the jigsaw to slot into place much more easily.”

“Be confident. Embrace feedback. Be comfortable with the unknown. Absorb the knowledge of those around you.”

Logistic Specialist Training Wing (LSTW) – CO Wg Cdr Sam Alexander LSTW Sqns, based at Worthy Down, Marwood and Brize Norton have continued to deliver a wide range of training output over recent months.

In Sep 22, the RLC Vehicle Support Specialist (VSS) Training Team led by SSgt Matthews from 73 Sqn, deployed onto Salisbury Plain to conduct Exercise VIKING SHIELD, a pilot of the new VSS SNCO course. RLC VSS manage vehicles and equipment throughout the supply chain and the SNCO course enables soldiers to understand and plan their part in the war-fighting environment.The exercise tested the SNCOs’ plans for deployment and occupation of a Vehicle Replenishment Section (VRS) whilst attempting to replicate an austere operational environment.This instance of Ex VIKING SHIELD was a pilot course, allowing the instruction team to develop the training to fully incorporate the ‘Train As You Operate’ direction.This was achieved by incorporating a complex scenario with both hybrid and conventional threats.

The troops deployed on wheels via convoy and established their VRS within an impressive four hours, supported by Class 1 JNCOs’ and VSS Class 3 troops from 17 P&M Regt RLC.To add true realism, the exercise had various crews and Bulldog armoured vehicles provided by 1RHA.This simulated battle group roup units.The exercise was a huge success and 73 Sqn now looks forward to planning and deploying on Ex VIKING SHIELD again in March 2023.

November is the month when the military community, veterans, friends and families come together to reflect and remember those fallen, injured and impacted by conflicts past and present. On 9 Nov 22, 73 Sqn assisted at St Mary’s Church, Eling in their annual War Graves Maintenance.

Members of the Sqn came together to assist in cleaning up military headstones, graves and surrounding areas ahead of

TRAINING MATTERS | THE SUSTAINER Remembrance Sunday. A great effort by all and a key part in building relationships in the local community.

Following the War Graves Maintenance, the Sqn attended the Remembrance Sunday service also held at St. Marys Church.The service was a time for reflection and remembrance and perfectly executed by the Church’s team. OC 73 Sqn read the Act of Remembrance, along with both SSgt Trevenna and Cpl Stoneman providing readings to the congregation.The service was followed by a short gathering between the Sqn and the local congregation to thank 73 Sqn for their service and efforts with the war Graves.The Sqn then completed the afternoon with a light lunch with both military and civilian staff and their families.

8 SSgt Trevenna and Cpl Dodds clearing weeds along a War Graves path

8 Capt Russell,Sqn 2IC, and her family enjoy a moment after the Remembrance Service

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

15

THE SUSTAINER | TRAINING MATTERS

8 73 Sqn enjoy a photo with family, friends and members of the Eling Parish at St Mary’s Church

Food Services Training Wing (FSTW) - CO Commander Tom Shaves RN Remembrance Day history lesson and presentation at St Paul’s (CoE) Primary School, Slade Green, Kent On the morning of 4 Nov 22, daily life was looking the same as most days for the young pupils of St Paul’s Church of England Primary School in Kent. Little did they know that they were about to have a memorable experience that will stay with them for a very long time, perhaps forever. Sgt John Bagudu from the Food Services Training Wing (FSTW) was honoured to be invited by the Headteacher of the school,Wendy Cornford, to spend the day with the pupils and give a presentation on the history and importance of Remembrance Day. A very proud moment for the pupils and Sgt Bagudu was the number of times a lot of them told him it was their first experience meeting a soldier and one or two were moved to tears. Slade Green is a deprived area in London and most of the pupils have limited exposure to life outside their homes.They predominantly come from low-income families with limited levels of higher education. As a result, the outcomes for these pupils are generally lower than national averages. Sgt Bagudu’s contributions in the form of a workshop and presentation would have helped bridge the

8 Sgt John Bagudu at St Paul’s Church of England Primary School

16

#BritishArmyLogistics

gap and enrich their life experiences which positively impacts their outcomes.

St Paul’s (CoE) Primary school has since written to request further visits in the future.

Plant-based Continuous Professional Development (CPD) at Worthy Down On 5 Jan 23, FSTW hosted a CPD plant-based workshop in Worthy Down.This workshop was run by Forward Food and Human Society International UK.The day was attended by 25 Chef instructors across the Wing including civil servants.

8 Culinary treats from the CPD plant-based workshop

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

TRAINING MATTERS | THE SUSTAINER

Jenny Chandler, food writer and UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) European Pulse Ambassador, delivered her masterclass to the Chef Instructors about different natural plant-based products such as Umami, creating different textures and embracing the sustainable world of pulses and grains.

The room was filled with energy and passion from the Chefs who were busy creating menus and producing incredible plant-based dishes. It was an excellent training session for the instructors to learn about different dishes, gaining skills on how to consume more plant-centric food for sustainability and good health. Members from the MoD Vegan and Vegetarian Network joined for the sampling and taste-testing throughout the day.Thanks go to Indy Kaur from Plant Futures and Charlie Huson and John Randall from HSI for organizing this event.

Command Supply Training Wing (STW) – CI Lt Col Nick Homer During this period, STW organised an Operation TEAMWORK event which involved five teams from across Worthy Down in a one-day cricket competition. Op TEAMWORK recognises the importance of instilling teamwork in day-to-day life and aims to actively strive to remove barriers, maximise diversity and enhance operational capability through true inclusion.The event was an all-inclusive activity to encourage teamwork and friendly competition, with the RN Team crowned the overall winners.

A Tri-Service team recently deployed to Gibraltar to deliver much needed MJDI,VITAL and SEESUPS2 training to the Civilian Defence Workforce. During their time away, the STW team also managed to visit the Ammunition Storage Site located in ‘The Rock’ and thoroughly enjoyed a tunnel tour guided by WO1 Jamie Edwards of The Gibraltar Regiment.

SCD have had another busy period supporting the Worthy Down Remembrance Parade in Winchester and participating in the King Alfred Cup.They have also continued to develop course delivery methods by modernising lesson content to ensure a more interactive platform which is more suitable for different learning styes.

Sgt Pavlou has completed a Shooting Safety Managers Course and Sgt Biney completed a NEBOSH National General Certificate. SCD would like to congratulate Sgt Anna Kampela for her runners up award for the DCLPA Trainer of the Year Award 2022.

It has been another busy period for the RN Division of STW running courses including professional promotion courses, pre-joining courses, Dangerous Goods and the Maritime Reserve (RNR) courses and weekends.The RNR had a Continuous Training Weekend led by Instructor, CPO Lisa Guy RNR. She is part of the team at Worthy Down and

8 PO Luff representing RFA at Her Majesty’s funeral

when not taking RNR courses she also instructs Dangerous Good courses.

PO (RFA) Pete Luff represented the RFA at Her Majesty’s funeral, marching through London with the RFA, Police and Fire Service element.

The Royal Engineers Logistics Division has seen a workforce churn, with a farewell to the Senior Instructor Maj Shaun Montague and QMSI WO2 Matt Murphy and a welcome to WO2 Tekbahadur Gurung who is the replacement QMSI. The Division delivered a successful ME Engineers Logistics Class 1 course, with Spr Jukes from 21 Engineer Regiment being awarded Top Trainee. SSgt Afriyie volunteered and attended his 13-day Christian World Cup charity event in Guatemala, managing to raise £500,000.

The Division also took part in a well-deserved AT week in Wales which was organized by Sgt Rafal Whitcher.

The Royal Logistic Corps Association and Forming Corps Associations Membership If you are keen to enhance your network, join a group of like-minded professionals who share a common purpose, or just catch-up with lost friends and acquaintances, why not join The RLC Association or one of The RLC’s Forming Corps Associations? If interested, please contact the Veterans, Families and Civil Engagement Officer (VFCEO) - Victoria Parkes at: Email - VFCEO@rhqtherlc.org.uk Telephone - 01962 887785 Alternatively, you can download the Membership Registration Form from the RLC website. https://www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk/who-we-are/the-rlc-association/

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

17

THE SUSTAINER | COLLECTIVE TRAINING UNIT

#BritishArmyLogistics

Collective Training Group DCOS: Lt Col G Roberts RLC • BOWO: WO1(SSM) M Walters RLC You may have come across the Collective Training Group (CTG) in the past and wondered what we do and how we do it, plus why it is in Sustainer. CTG is a small HQ of 35 personnel (composed of a mixture of civil servants and military including four RLC personnel) located in Warminster that delivers Collective Training (CT) to the Field Army.

As the name suggests, the HQ provides all CT from Training Level F upwards (old money CT 4). The HQ is responsible for writing, delivering and validation of all field force units either about to deploy or being held at readiness. It also provides training to individuals that are being augmented for deployments wherever the British Army is deployed overseas.

The units that CTG has under command are all focused on CT, and are about to conduct training in the coming year. These are known as Collective Training Establishments (CTE): The British Army Training Unit Suffield / Kenya (BATUS, BATUK); the British Army Training Support Unit (BATSUB) in Belize; Combat Ready Training Centre (CRTC) Germany in Sennelager and Westdown Camp in the UK; Mission Ready Training Centre (MRTC) in Bassingbourne and the Combined Staff Tactical Training Group (CSTTG) in Warminster. These Units have Combined Arms Staff Trainer (CAST) and Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (CATT) in Warminster, Bassingbourne and Germany and last but not least there is the Land Training Fleet Warminster LTF(W). A

brief description of each establishment is below: • BATUS. Support and facilitate unit delivered collective training in order to support the preparation of forces for readiness and operations. o Prairie Storm Armoured Battle Group training for 3XX units.

• BATUK. Deliver and assure collective training for combined arms manoeuvre forces, in order to prepare force elements for readiness and operations. o Haraka Storm (previously Askari Storm) light role training mainly for 1XX and 16X plus the new Rangers.

• BATSUB. Support and facilitate unit delivered collective training in order to support the preparation of forces for readiness and operations.

8 BATSUB facilitates unit delivered collective training

o Mayan Storm training in complex terrain to mainly 1XX units but also MAB and other NATO allies plus RE support.

• CRTC. Deliver and assure combat ready, and where directed mission ready, collective training for combined arms manoeuvre forces, in order to prepare force elements for readiness and operations. o CRTC (G) Tallin Dawn and Iron Storm (pre-deployment training for Op CABRIT and armoured battle group training that has moved from Canada to Germany in line with the Integrated Review and Future Soldier o CRTC (UK) Wessex Storm (Readiness training for 1XX units.

• MRTC. Deliver and assure mission ready (to include individual mobilisation and mission specific training) and where directed combat ready, collective training for combined arms manoeuvre forces, in order to prepare force elements for readiness and operations.

8 3XX units train at BATUS

18

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

o Pre-deployment training for Iraq, Mali, Op TOSCA and any other UN or PJHQ/LOC commitment, as well as individual readiness Regular/Reserve • CSTTG. Deliver and assure command, staff and tactical training to nominated forces in order to prepare force elements for readiness and operations. o Provide synthetic training using CATT and CAST to validate a BG in a simulated environment.

• LTF(W). Manage, sustain and deliver Land Equipment for operational (MRX/MST), (CT E/F) Fd Army and other Force Elements’ training.

• HQ Hannibal (as part of HQ CTG). TF HANNIBAL is to represent the contemporary threat across all training domains thereby delivering genuine adversarial pressures.

The composition of the CSS team within HQ CTG is mixed cap badges - currently RLC, REME, Scots Guards and RTR.

COLLECTIVE TRAINING UNIT | THE SUSTAINER

• DCOS Lt Col G Roberts RLC – Responsible for G1, G4, and G6.

• SO2 CSS Maj C Proudfoot SG – Provides direction and guidance for logistic matters for the Group and CoC • SO2 ES Maj R Jenkins REME – Provides SME direction and guidance to the CoC and the CTEs for all equipment focused areas within the Group • BOWO WO1 (SSM) M Walters RLC - Provides SME guidance on the supply chain and is the lead for all LSA&I activity across the CTEs • BArt WO1 (ASM) J Reed REME Provides SME advice on all Equipment focused areas within the Group • Master Driver WO2 (SQMS) R Gill RLC – Provides direction and guidance on all policy relating to the use all vehicles across the Group • WO ES Mat WO2 (SQMS) L Friend RLC – Provides direction and guidance on all ES Mat and looks after the reverse supply

chain for repairables across the Group • WO CSS WO2 M Shelley RTR – Provides direction and guidance on ammunition and ORP allocations and funding each financial year for CTE activities and is the lead for all IX systems (Churchill, Muster etc).

One of the key G4 functions is the provision of LSA&I. Each CTE receives an audit each year, with additional advisory visits as required.

Post COVID-19 locations have been visited more frequently, providing personal support after a two-year absence to ensure relationships are maintained and to understand frictions so that they can be dealt with in a timely manner.

Due to the challenges of providing G4 in remote overseas locations, the delivery of LSA&I provides a real insight, as well as providing an opportunity for some R&R during the weekend that you are there (have to have some perks to job).

As the only formed G4 team within the Land Warfare Centre it also provides support to those Ops Groups as well as the School of Artillery (RSA), Combat Maneuverer Centre (CMC) and to the LWC Support Branch. Although we are always busy, it’s rewarding and good fun. If you are reading this and find yourself in one of our locations, think about the work behind the scenes that ensures you have world-class training and are ready to deploy for future operations around the world.

8 Combat bridging at CRTC Sennelager

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

19

THE SUSTAINER | EXERCISE

#BritishArmyLogistics

Ex TIGER EISEN SCHLANGE 23 A personal experience by LCpl Maryam Uddin - 101 Operational Sustainment Brigade Deploying on the 21 Jan 23 and travelling from Gatwick Airport, a team made up of staff from HQ 101 OS Bde finally reached its destination… Innsbruck. We were deploying on Ex TIGER EISEN SCHLANGE 23 which was the Bde HQ’s overseas Distributed Training (DT) Alpine skiing expedition to Neustift, Austria.

It seemed surreal as I have never skied before, and I was excited and anxious all at the same time. But Maj Gareth Martin and other members of the team assured me I was going to have the time of my life and it would be enjoyable whilst I learn a new skill. I wanted another qualification under my belt, because why not? But I did not envisage I’d reach the standards required to qualify for it.

As soon as we landed, we got stuck in, and so not to waste any skiing time we started all the relevant admin needed for us to be on the slopes first thing the next morning. As the AT was only a week-long, we wanted to get as much time on the slopes learning new skills and techniques as possible.

We settled in quickly into our selfcatered apartments and headed straight for the hire shop that evening to collect the equipment we needed for our courses. Up early the next morning, we were briefed on standard procedure: what not to do, what to do and how to do it safely and some key points, references and information on the location. To top it off we were assigned exceptional instructors - Maj Stu Robinson (SF 2 Gp 2), Maj Chris Button (SF 1 Gp 1) and Capt Chris Jopling (SF 1 Gp 2).

We were broken into groups of ability commensurate to skiing qualifications and experience. I was in the group to gain my SF1 qualification. The foundation level.

The very first moment I got onto the slopes and put my skis on I was just filled with fear. However, I quickly realised that I was afraid, because it 20

was something I hadn’t done before. The first day on the slopes was lovely and with perfect weather, it was a perfect first day to ski. But I hated it because I was not

picking up the basic techniques as quick as the rest of my team, which was a let-down and I was overthinking every movement, which was ruining the day for me.

As the instructor taught us how to snow plough (the famous pizza and fries) method, with the basics of turning left and right, it did not feel basic to me. However, our instructor’s teaching skills were immense and his patience admirable, which made me, and my team feel at ease.

The green routes are for novices or people who need to build up their confidence on the slopes. To begin with, through my eyes, they looked

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics by far the toughest and scariest.

But towards the end of the expedition the green slopes looked like an absolute breeze. On the first day of skiing I lost count of how many times I fell, but if you’re not falling, you’re not trying, right? Well that’s what everyone said. After mastering the green routes, blue routes were mentioned and we all just stared with a look of distress on our faces, because we were all frightened of falling over again, or not being able to do it. This was quite absurd as everyone pushed their limits and just got on with it.

The blue routes had looked like a challenge, but before we knew it, we were flying down them without falling or sliding. We were really skiing and in a manner the instructor was pleased with, notwithstanding a few minor flaws!

We practiced continuously to sharpen up our technique and began to ski without looking, or feeling, so nervous. Most importantly, the team was enjoying themselves thoroughly. By the end of it all the ability groups came together and skied the same slopes.

This allowed us as individuals to show the rest of the team that we had mastered the basics, how far we had come from the first day and how much we had learned.

At the end of each day all the groups came together to talk about the day they had and what routes they had skied. The SF2 groups went on to complete and introduction to ski touring and most of their time was off-piste, which seemed crazy to me, but they had a whirlwind of a time and loved the experience.

As the days went on, you could see our teamwork develop and strengthen, which was one of the expedition’s aims, and what our day-to-day roles as soldiers teaches us to embrace. We cooked as houses which allowed me to get to know my house members more and discuss topics which were fascinating. We laughed and we complained, as women do, about the men! I’m sure it was the same for the rest of the houses minus complaining about men.

Some houses had very questionable meals, while others looked quite decent.

The remarkable thing about

EXERCISE | THE SUSTAINER

these opportunities away from the office is they allow us as a collective to understand our strengths, but most importantly our weaknesses and work on points areas we can improve.

To conclude this experience and adventure, I would certainly recommend everyone to give skiing a go, or any AT for that matter. You never know how much you might like something or get good at it, if you don’t jump in with both feet and try it. AT enhances character building and team cohesion, which is fundamental and supportive in any tasks given in the workspace or

in the field. To complete the trip, we had a team meal at Aumi’s Pub (Café Anny) enjoying good food and having a laugh at everyone’s expense about the ridiculous falls we had on the slopes and the mishaps that happened during our time. Maj Martin who ran with the AT alongside Capt Limbu, gave out special thank yous to the staff who made this AT possible and presented achievement awards. I am extremely competitive with myself, so I always try to apply the best of my ability to everything I do.

Despite my initial fear and anxiety this was evident during my first experience of Alpine skiing as I was proud to be awarded ‘The Most Improved Skier’.

The exercise was designed to challenge our physical and mental ability, whilst developing leadership, physical robustness, and team cohesion. The expedition exposed us to Alpine skiing in an arduous environment whilst doing so in a controlled and safe way.

The intent of the exercise was to train qualify and develop as many skiers from the Bde HQ as possible.

The exercise successfully qualified eight SF1s, 13 SF2s, delivered continuation training for three SF2 skiers and provided an excellent opportunity for four military instructors (and Bde HQ Staff) to successfully plan and deliver a T3, DT expedition to remain current and competent.

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

21

THE SUSTAINER | HEADS OF TRADE

#BritishArmyLogistics

Systems Analyst

By WO1 J McConnell MBE The trade and the Logistic Information Systems we support are transitioning to a more public sector facing capability not to dissimilar to a new public management model under the auspices of the Business Modernisation for Support (BMfS). These terms are compiled under a Bridging the Gap (BtG) agreement that is likely to take effect in early 2024 with industry workshops a necessity to ensuring Logistic (IS) meets user expectations. The journey through the sustainment and transition are ongoing particularly with respects to the workforce and the imminent increase under the Integrated Review (IR), however, I’ll leave the members of the team to update you on these matters.

WO2 (SSM) C Lloyd, Training and Recruitment WO In September 2022 the trade welcomed Sgts Chitedze, Edwards, Gurung, Mohammed, Prophet and Singh. The largest intake of personnel for a generation. They entered the probation period of three months working through the Land Warfare Centre endorsed

Record of Training; delivered internally by our DTTT Phase 3 qualified instructors. The 10 foundation training objectives cover a variety of subjects including IT networking, server virtualization and encrypted router devices; plus, the logistic and engineering applications that the trade supports: MJDI, JAMES, SS2 and VITAL. The cohort worked individually and collectively throughout, displaying a strong bond and were all successful in completing the foundation training objectives by December 2022. Now into the development phase of their training objectives, they are learning about topics like user access device image deployment, operations and exercise logistic IT planning and conducting site surveys. This is achieved in

8 In 2022 the Systems Analyst Trade had the largest intake of personnel for a generation

conjunction with their core functions of incident management and service requests. It is a busy period for our new Systems Analysts, and they are already adding much value. They have received their presentation/project topics. Utilising Microsoft Teams and Power Apps to design tangible products to improve the processes and benefit the trade. Also, creating a social media presence across Defence platforms to improve Systems Analyst awareness and interest. These are on time to be delivered in the second quarter of 2023. As usual the entire Record of Training has been reviewed for currency and improvement; we look forward to delivering to the next cohort mid-2023.

SSgt J Chirwa, Deployed MJDI PM On 31 Jan 23, two RLC Systems Analysts, WO1(SSM) Jason McConnell MBE and SSgt Joel Chirwa, employed within DE&S Live Services, attended the 2023 Boeing Defence UK (BDUK) Digital Services and Analytics, Senior Leaders 8 Systems Analyst training is delivered internally by DTTT Phase 3 qualified instructors

22

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics Strategy Workshop in Donnington.

The launching of the BDUK’s 2023 Priorities and Objectives event also provided BDUK Managers and Senior Technical Leaders an opportunity to directly interact with Service Personnel on the operational end of the UK MoD customers accelerated Digital Strategy.

The afternoon session themed “The Customer” attended by the two Systems Analysts was opened by a virtual presentation by Air Vice Marshal Richard Pratley (ACDS Support Operations, UK Strategic Command) who highlighted the current global and UK specific political and military challenges and emphasised the significance of the strategic collaboration between the MoD and industry delivery partners. Apart from attracting attention in the room being the only participants in uniform, the two Analysts took part in group discussions and a Q&A session on the impact and the importance of the work BDUK carries out on behalf of the MoD. This was centred around deriving a common definition of a customer for Digital,

HEADS OF TRADE | THE SUSTAINER

8 SSgt Chirwa presenting at the BDUK workshop

Logistics, IS, Data and Intelligence capabilities that BDUK delivers for the MoD with the view to understand what the customer requires. The key challenge presented to the BDUK managers and senior technical leaders was the need to engage the end users and the deployed support agencies in defining capability requirements to ensure that industry partners deliver capabilities that not only meet the high-level strategic aspirations but are also practical and fit for purpose on the operational end.

The final message from the Head of Trade is that the trade remains unique and versatile with its BAU and general outputs providing a diverse and challenging environment to test one’s ability, whilst expanding knowledge, skills and behaviours in various technological fields. If this is something that may appeal, then please engage with the training and recruitment WO or alternatively seek out the opportunity within the Digital Transfers hosted on the Defence Gateway.

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

23

THE SUSTAINER | FEATURE

#BritishArmyLogistics

By Peter Shakespeare

Getting something back

Sixteen years ago, if you had told a young woman from India’s Punjab, that in early February 2023 she would be interviewed by a magazine, in advance of receiving an MBE from His Majesty King Charles III, it’s unlikely she would have believed you.

But for RLC Chef Sergeant Pardeep Kaur MBE, that’s exactly what she was doing. In 2007 Pardeep Kaur left her native Punjab in search of new opportunities and moved to the UK to live with her aunt and uncle. Initially she found work as a beautician, but in 2009 the opportunity she was looking for dawned on her: “At the time I didn’t know why, but something in my mind told me to become a soldier in the British Army,” she says. “I knew nothing about the Army, let alone what part of it to join, so I began to research what trades I could go into. Then I went to the recruitment centre in Wembley and they told me straight that as I was from the Commonwealth most of the trades open to me were basically those of The RLC. Because of my Punjabi background, and the fact I liked to cook, I decided I wanted to become a Chef and show the whole army what our cooking is all about.”

It took Sgt Kaur nine months before she was accepted for Phase 1 training: “Basically my English

wasn’t good enough, because we weren’t brought up as English speakers at home,” she explains.

“The language barrier was very challenging and also the cultural change was a big thing; including British food and the different values and standards in this country compared with what I was brought up with.”

She began her basic training at ATC Pirbright in October 2009 and found the 14-week transition from civilian to soldier another significant challenge. “As a woman I struggled with spending long periods in the field, without showers or normal sanitation facilities. I got through

that, but there was one point, while on exercise in Wales, when I started to question my decision. I was not used to being cold and wet and living in such close proximity to so many people, but I said to myself, think about why you started this. When I thought why I started it, I knew I had to finish it!”

“I remember standing proudly on the parade square at Pirbright a couple of weeks later, thinking, despite the gruelling 14 weeks of training, you’ve done it. It was a great moment in my life.”

As a Chef, Sgt Kaur completed her 14-week Initial Trade Training at Food Services Training Wing (FSTW)at DCPLA Worthy Down.

Her first posting was to 16 Air Defence Regiment Royal Artillery in Rutland. “After 12 months with 16 Regiment I volunteered to work with the Army Diversity Action Recruiting Team [DART] in Aldershot. There were soldiers from all cap badges, from all backgrounds and faiths and our job was to change perceptions of the Army. In teams of two or four we visited schools, colleges, Sikh temples, mosques and Hindu temples. We gave presentations about the Army, the different religions and cultures in the Army and about our own lived experience. Given my colour, religion, I am a Sikh, and nationality, I used to get so many people asking why was I in the British Army? My answer was, it’s not 8 Like mother, like son

24

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics about being in the British Army or the Indian Forces, it’s about what you want from your life. For me, I was inspired by my forefathers fighting in WWI and WW2 and I wanted to continue that legacy and stand proud in this uniform and say this is who I am.”

Following her tour with DART, Sgt Kaur was posted to the Household Cavalry Regiment (HCR) in Windsor, working in the Sergeant’s Mess. During this time Sgt Kaur became pregnant and following the birth of her son and maternity leave she returned to Windsor. She says: “After returning to work at the HCR, I was selected for promotion to Lance Corporal.

Following my promotion, I was posted to 1st Battalion The Grenadier Guards in Aldershot. It was a very good unit to work in and I gained so much experience and confidence as a chef and soldier as we were always on the move, going on overseas exercises, to places like Kenya and Latvia.

Latvia was a big exercise, where I was involved in feeding the battlegroup. From there I volunteered to go with 36 Engineer Regiment to South Sudan. This changed my whole lifestyle, because I was working with the Gurkhas and Sudanese and I gained so much experience from the way the Nepalese cook. While Nepalese food is similar to Indian cooking, it has so many subtle differences in the way it is made.

South Sudan was my first time on operations and we fed over 2,000 people at our base, which as much as it was challenging was really good for my own development as a chef. While I was there I organised a charity event for McMillan Cancer.

My Mum had cancer and survived, so I decided to make 500 cakes in the field kitchen and raised over £400 with the money being donated by the multi-national forces there.”

On her return to the UK in 2019, Sgt Kaur was promoted to Corporal and was posted to 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh as a production supervisor. She continues: “At this time, along with my normal duties, I became involved with the Defence Sikh Network as the female representative and helped with the Army Multi Cultural Network and

FEATURE | THE SUSTAINER

8 Pardeep Kaur came to the UK in 2007 from the Punjab seeking new opportunities

Army Service Women’s Network, promoting diversity and inclusion. I am often asked: do women get treated differently in the Army to men? My answer is no! We get treated the same as long as we are are playing as part of the whole team and accept we are part of one Army family. Through my work with the networks, I have done lots of live TV and radio interviews with Asian channels, BFBS and the BBC. The BBC was a programme where we set up a field kitchen with the Royal Welsh and demonstrated how they cooked for the troops during WW1. I was helped by WO2 Kerry Bale, who is the training officer at FSTW and WO2

8 Paying respects at the site of the battle of Saragarhis

Lee Lawrence, the RCWO at the Royal Welsh. While at the Royal Welsh, I also set up a fundraising page to raise money for the NHS Ambulance during Covid. I was inspired by Capt Sir Tom Moore and I ran a full marathon around the garden of my quarter in six hours 15 minutes.

During a deployment with the Royal Welsh battlegroup on Op CABRIT in June 2022, Sgt Kaur promoted for a third time and in October 2022 was posted as a Sergeant Instructor to Food Services Training Wing. On 14 December, while working out in the Worthy Down gym, she was called by the CO FSTW, Commander Tom Shaves RN, who asked her to come to his office. He told her to sit down and asked if she knew why she was there. Thinking something terrible had happened she says she broke down in tears of joy as he broke the news that she would be awarded an MBE in The King’s New Year’s Honours list 2023. “I couldn’t believe it,” she says. “Once I had calmed down, he explained that it was recognition for all my hard work since Covid kicked off, my charity fund raising, the work I have done to promote the Army, diversity and inclusion and my work within the Defence Sikh Network, all while delivering the desired outputs of my day job.”

Sgt Kaur’s previous CO (Col Rupert Streatfield) at the Royal Welsh wrote her citation in recognition of dedication and achievements and she says the Battalion, her CO and her chain of command supported her at every step and she makes special mention of her immediate boss at the Unit, WO2 Lawrence (RLC).

While in Phase 2 training, Sgt Kaur discovered her passion for personal fitness. For the growing number of followers of her numerous social media channels, she combines her love of cooking, healthy food with some serious workouts and her posts and vlogs are all intended to inspire others to eat healthily, to exercise and to look after their bodies. She says: “Fitness became a main priority for me. I wanted to be physically and mentally strong and I have worked at it ever since. My messaging on social media, is also about putting

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

25

THE SUSTAINER | FEATURE

#BritishArmyLogistics

8 The CO of 1 Royal Welsh wrote Sgt Kaur's MBE citation

8 Sgt Kaur is now instructing at FSW

8 Sgt Kaur showing the Army what Punjabi food is all about

across the right perceptions about us as soldiers. If we look fit and healthy, we present a good, the right, image of ourselves. If I can inspire only 10 people from the thousands that follow me, to make a positive life change, then I think I have done something good.”

While deployed in South Sudan Sgt Kaur participated in the Indian Independence Day celebration run with over 200 other runners and was the first placed female medal winner. On Op CABRIT, Sgt Kaur took part in the Estonian Scouts Battalion march over 30km carrying 15kg and completed it in 4 hours 26 minutes. She adds: “I am very competitive with myself and always push hard. In Estonia to get a medal in the Scouts March you

must complete in under 4 hours 30, so I just dug in and did it.”

In terms of family matters Sgt Kaur is a single mother and she says she has been able to achieve her army career and personal goals, thanks to incredible help and support from the Army throughout her service and from her extended family. When deployed, or at busy times, her son’s paternal grandparents look after him and while she has found it tough not seeing him for long periods, now she is instructing at FSTW she can look forward a period of family stability. She also has a brother in the Army. Guardsman Harwinder Singh Bhopal, is currently serving with the Scots Guards in Catterick.

Sgt Kaur reflects on one of her other career highlights to date. She explains: “I felt truly blessed to be selected to visit to India and Pakistan with the Defence Sikh Network. It was a dream come true, to visit all the holy places. On 12 September 1897, 21 Sikh soldiers fought to the last man at the battle of Saragarhi, defending a military outpost against 10,000 Afghans. It is one of the greatest stories of sacrifice and is hugely significant for Sikhs. We visited the site of the battle to pay our respect to the fallen soldiers.

“So it has been an incredible journey for me so far, and I owe so much to the Army and the people I have served with,” she concludes.

“And it’s far from over! While I have never served in an RLC unit, my loyalty is 100% to the Corps. When I left Phase 2 training I wanted to serve with the combat arms, but now I am at the level I am, an opportunity might arise to serve in an RLC unit in the future. My personal career plan from now is to keep pushing myself as hard, and for as long, as I can and I would love to return to ATC Pirbright as the RSM. My ultimate ambition is to be selected for a Late Entry Commission. But only God knows the future, so let’s see what he has in store for me.”

8 Sgt Kaur during the Defence Sikh Network's visit to India and Pakistan

26

8 Sgt Kaur in Estonia with her Scouts March medal

Waheguru Ji Ka Khalsa Waheguru Ji Ki Fateh.

Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal! (“Whoever utters, shall be fulfilled”)

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

RLC MUSEUM | THE SUSTAINER

The Korean War (1950-1953)

By Major (Retd) Simon Walmsley Director, The Royal Logistic Corps Museum Often called “The Forgotten War”, this brutal and bloody conflict resulted in millions of deaths and caused Korea to be split into two halves, along the 38th parallel.

Korea remains divided today, with an oppressive and cruel regime ruling the North and a highly developed and industrialised society thriving in the South.

The fighting ceased 70 years ago this year, with the signing of an armistice, although the actual war never officially ended. Most of the remaining Korean veterans are now in their 90s and it is perhaps appropriate to remember and reflect upon what they went through.

Forming Corps of The RLC were deployed as part of the British and Commonwealth contingent to this United Nations Operation. Around 60,000 members of the British Armed Forces served in Korea and many of these were National Servicemen. It was the beginning of the Cold War and the American led forces fought the communist North Koreans, Chinese and Russian forces, often in fierce hand to hand pitched battles.

The drivers of 57 and 78 Coys RASC worked throughout the war, picking up and dropping off supplies and troops using their QL Bedford’s. However, Air Despatch and the amphibious DUKWs also played their part.

27 Ordnance Field Park and 4 Ordnance Composite Depot were the two main RAOC units deployed.

Their vital role was to keep British troops supplied with ammunition and equipment to maintain military operations during this arduous campaign.

The Chefs of the ACC established cookhouses all along the lines of communication and in the rear

areas. From blazing summer heat, to freezing winter snow, innovative and imaginative solutions were

8 Korean War Medals Pte WT Craig ACC

8 QL Bedfords of 78 Coy RASC, Korea, 1950-53

found to feed the force. Staff Sergeant Hawkes ACC spent two and half years as a POW of the Chinese and along with hundreds of others was held in the harshest of conditions.

The RPC provided a Pusan Guard Company and a British Commonwealth Labour Unit was formed in July 1953 and remained in Korea until 1957, until it was felt safe to reduce British troop numbers in the region. Their task was to employ local civilians to support the commonwealth forces.

Over 1,100 British forces were killed and 2,600 wounded with many others suffering long periods in captivity as POWs during this bitter war.

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

27

THE SUSTAINER | TRAINING MATTERS

#BritishArmyLogistics

The Defence School of Transport Net zero carbon accommodation at DST The Defence School of Transport (DST) continues to make strides in reducing its carbon footprint whilst modernising its aging infrastructure.

2023 saw the delivery of the building modules which will provide two new net zero carbon course accommodation blocks at DST. These new student accommodation buildings will provide 112 bedspaces in two to three-person rooms, ablutions, drying and utility rooms.

They are made up of a total of 36 modules, which are transported from Reds10 Yorkshire factory to site 90% complete.This allows for a 70% quicker onsite construction timeline and a significant reduction in disruption to DST as an operational site. Overall, the project will take just nine months from instruction to handover.

Both buildings will be fitted with rooftop solar panels, air source heat pumps, under floor heating and heat recovery systems in the showers and drying rooms. Reds10’s SMART building technology system will be installed in each of the buildings and will provide detailed information on their energy usage to understand trends as the buildings are being used.

This information will be fed across all camps using these accommodation blocks within half an hour, increasing the efficiency of the buildings.

Brig Richard Brown, Head of Army Infrastructure said,“It’s great to see this project moving along so quickly.

Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) allow us to be able to deliver the much-needed accommodation for the DST significantly quicker than we could have ever hoped for, had we used a traditional construction method.”

Rob Vining, Deputy Head of Major Programmes and Projects (Army) at Defence Infrastructure Organisation, said:“It’s great to see such rapid progress in the DST Leconfield Carbon Net Zero Student Accommodation project, realising the benefits of 3D offsite MMC to deliver high quality accommodation for our Service Personnel (SP).The DIO is committed to delivering infrastructure 28

Commandant: Colonel Chris Henson QGM COS: Lt Col Ben Aumônier RLC GSM: WO1 M Hickey

8 A new accommodation block is lowered into position

that enables the British Army to deliver against its strategic objectives and this project is another example demonstrating DIO’s ability to respond to that demand.”

With the units on site, assembly and internal fit out is on schedule with completion projected for March 2023.

Remembrance and community engagement Remembrance is an important event in the military year and last November, DST’s workforce and students paid their respects on 11 Nov 22 during a service conducted by Rev Father Paul McCourt CF (RC). Many of the contractors and civil servants on the Staff at DST are veterans and the campaign and service medals they wore on parade demonstrated the depth of their experience to the trainees starting out on their career.

The Armistice commemoration also provides an opportunity for the School to reinforce its links within the

community and leading up to it, DST military personnel visited Leconfield, Skirlaugh and Flamborough primary schools, where children had the opportunity to engage and ask questions with the SP and shared their thoughts of Remembrance. Students from Leconfield Primary school also took part in a special Remembrance service at St Catherine’s Church, where over 40 aviators from several nationalities, killed during WW2 and in subsequent operations whilst operating from RAF Leconfield, rest in peace. On Remembrance Sunday, over 100 SP from DST paraded for the Remembrance Day Service at Beverley Minster, before marching to the Hengate Memorial Gardens, for a wreath laying ceremony. Similar contingents from DST attended services in Driffield and Sledmere with smaller groups and individuals providing representation at locations across the East Riding.

Whilst most of the staff and trainees at DST are serving in the Army, Remembrance reminds us that joint operational effect requires inter-Service co-operation and understanding. Cpl Appleyard of Training Delivery HQ co-ordinated a Force Development Event for military and civilian personnel to further this.

The group visited the Royal Air Force Museum at Hendon, followed by a visit to the Houses of Parliament, where they received an impressive guided tour by the Senior Door Keeper of the House of Lords.They finished the trip by visiting the Royal Naval College at Greenwich and the Royal Hospital Chelsea.The event was a great success and achieved the aim in developing a wider knowledge and appreciation of service ethos and shared history.

Road safety demonstration Prior to Christmas, DST’s road safety team, in partnership with Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue and North Yorkshire Ambulance Service conducted a road safety demonstration for DST trainees.This

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

TRAINING MATTERS | THE SUSTAINER wellbeing effort at Leconfield. It’s a small start but will be followed by much larger plantings over the next year or so, creating new rural training environments, heritage planting and habitats to encourage biodiversity.The Conservation Team and 25 Regt volunteers should be proud of their contribution towards making DST a greener environment.

annual event highlights the dangers of driving and the far-reaching consequences.The effect is not just felt at the scene, it extends to all those involved, from the immediate first responders through to family, friends, hospital staff, physios and beyond.

As Defence’s centre for driver training, DST repeatedly and unashamedly highlights not just the dangers of drink driving, but also how inclement weather and other factors can affect the drivers’ control of a vehicle.Traffic incidents remain one of the biggest causes of off-duty deaths and injuries to SP and the School wants to encourage RLC drivers to lead the way in demonstrating what safe and skilled driving looks like, both on and off duty.

National Tree Week 26 Nov – 4 Dec 2022 National Tree Week is the UK’s largest annual tree celebration and 2022 saw the country’s conservation sector, volunteer groups and tree-lovers come together to plant thousands of trees to mark the start of the annual tree planting season.

8 The winter road safety demo

Trees and hedgerows are some of the most powerful tools the UK has in the fight against climate change, so with the winter planting season in full swing, members of DST’s conservation team and trainees from 25 Regt RLC planted 15 fruit trees, 13 of which have created a new orchard on DST’s impressive driver training area and the remaining two were planted in the garden of Ladysmith House for all to enjoy.

These trees will provide much needed forage for bees and will enhance the wider conservation and

Sport The Gymnasium staff recently arranged a successful sports fair, during which they showcased the many sporting activities on offer at DST. From canoeing, kitesurfing and boxing to basketball, there was something for everyone. Several sports clubs and teams were able to highlight their activities and recruit new members.The day also offered staff and students the opportunity to take part in a number of sports games and activities.

The team has also been busy with the Commandant’s Physical Development Shield (CPDS).The CPDS will run for 12 months and consists of six sporting events.The aim of the competition is to promote team cohesion and departmental interaction in a physically challenging sporting event whilst encouraging healthy sporting competition within DST.Watch this space for an update in the next edition!

DST is regularly recruiting for a variety of Civil Service roles throughout the year.To receive regular updates, please register your details at: https://www.civilservicejobs. service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi 8 Clay pidgeon shooting and archery on show at the winter sports fair

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

29

THE SUSTAINER | THE RLC FOUNDATION The RLC Foundation continues to go from strength to strength, developing an ever-expanding network of links to the commercial and academic logistic communities. The Foundation’s core aim – to promote professional development in the Corps through engagement with industry and academia - remains at the heart of all that it does.

A DHL sponsored event on 28 Feb 23 focused in on Automation and Digitization of logistic supply chains. The event was held at DHL’s East Midlands Gateway Logistics Park, Kegworth, Derby.

Supply chains will continue to optimise efficiency in the coming years through the use of robotics, automated processes and innovative technologies. DHL’s East Midlands Gateway operation demonstrates how this vision has been made into reality, with many fully automated processes supported by automation and integrated systems. A facility tour followed the initial presentations.

On 9 Mar 23 the RLC Foundation hosted a ‘Women in Logistics’ event in Theatre 1, DCLPA Worthy Down.

The event followed International Women’s Day on 8 Mar 23, which celebrated the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women worldwide.

There were three distinct threads to the event: women serving in The RLC, women who have left The RLC and forged new careers in the commercial sector, and women

8 At DHL fully automated processes are supported by innovative technologies

30

#BritishArmyLogistics

The RLC Foundation

8 The DHL event took place at its East Midlands Gateway facility

Best contribution by a Soldier: Cpl Sam Webster – 6 Regt RLC (£150)

8 Robotics in the supply chain increase efficiency

who have had solely civilian careers. Each guest presenter addressed the challenges and successes they have experienced, along their respective career paths.

There will be a full report in the summer edition.

Congratulations to the RLC Foundation Review article prize winners. The winners were chosen by an independent assessment panel.

Best article: Maj Andrew Cox – HQ Army (£200) Best contribution by an Officer: Maj Andrew Cox – HQ Army (£150) Best contribution by a Warrant Officer/SNCO: Sgt Craig Saunders – Defence Munitions Kineton (£150)

Category Awards History Best article: Maj Andrew Cox – HQ Army (£150) Runner-up: Maj Colin Taylor – 25 Regt RLC (£100) General Interest Best article: Sgt Craig Saunders – Defence Munitions Kineton (£150) Runner-up: No selection Operations & Training Best article: Capt Christian Reedman – 10 QOGLR (£150) Runner-up: Lt Ash Peckham – 17 P&M Regt RLC (£100) Personal & Professional Development Best article: Col Nov Nanovo – 2OSG and PA Consulting & Lt Jack Mason 6 MI Bn and PA Consulting (£150) Runner-up: Sarah Wilmot – DHL (£100) Learn more about the RLC Foundation here: http://rlcfoundation.com/

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics Flt Lt Miller and MAcr Attridge, two JHSS Mobile Air Operations Team Leaders (MAOTLs), deployed to the jungle training areas of British Forces Brunei (BFB) to partner with 9 Para Sqn RE (9RE) to optimise and validate Helicopter Landing Points (LPs) for the much-anticipated arrival of the RAF Puma into theatre.

The initial phase consisted of joint planning between 667 Sqn AAC who were flying the Bell 212, the MAOTLs and 9RE to produce a schedule of works. This was followed by jungle in-situ guidance to the Sappers at each LP before assuring their work for Puma and extracting by helicopter. Work was fast paced in temperatures in the mid-30s with up to 95% humidity at times, making it a hot and sweaty task.

Army Expo 22 The Army Expo for 2022 was held at Copehill Down Village on SPTA with a number of stands encapsulating the latest technology including Challenger 3, Boxer and the new Apache. JHSS was tasked with supporting the Warfighter stand lead by 1 Avn Bde. Designed to demonstrate the integration of JHC and 16 Air Assault Bde, a combination of Wildcat and Apache began the demonstration assisted with pyrotechnics. This was followed by an insert of 3 Para

by Chinook at Copehill Down.

As part of the demonstration, VIP’s were invited on board the Chinooks to gain an appreciation of airborne assaults. With JHSS assisting and co-ordinating the pax handling, Stage 1 safety briefs were delivered at Deptford Down before boarding chalks on to the waiting aircraft.

ARTICLE | THE SUSTAINER

“We’re not celebrities…

Get us in there”

Ex HABILE HOOKER Ex HABILE HOOKER was a Sqn Combined Training (CT) 2 level exercise that was held across Barton Stacy, Bramley and Bramshott training areas with Mobile Air Operations Teams (MAOTs) conducting tactical helihandling training scenarios whilst having to plan operations against a live enemy and deal with a simulated civilian population.

The three MAOTs operated in each training area with the HQ being based out of Bramley, with each team working with both Puma and Chinook. The teams lifted a variety of complex loads including 105mm guns, Land Rovers and various netted loads

8 Assuring HLS for Puma in Brunei 1 conducting tandem hook operations. Operating from several training areas allowed the teams to work on their navigation skills.

Ex NOCTEM WARRIOR 22 In May 22 a MAOT consisting of rotating personnel from JHSS deployed on Ex NOCTEM WARRIOR for six-week stints.

Operating out of Naval Air Facility El Centro in Southern California, the team conducted HLS recces in preparation for all CH47 Sqns to conduct their training.

The desert environment is challenging, especially when conducting underslung load serials. Not only because of the heat but due to “brown out” which is caused when the downwash combined with the loose desert surface result in poor visibility and additional hazards.

During the team’s down time, there was plenty to. Such opportunities included visiting the USS Midway, surfing in San Diego and a round of golf at Palm Springs.

8 MAOTLs in Brunei

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

31

THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

#BritishArmyLogistics

1 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps BICESTER CO: Lt Col L Butler MBE • Adjt: Capt C Graham • RSM: WO1 J Halliday 2 (CS) Squadron After a well-deserved summer leave, 2 Sqn deployed for three months on Op ISOTROPE in Dover, supporting the UK’s response to small boat migrant crossings.

During the deployment, 2 Sqn and RHQ conducted joint scenario planning with Armed Police to validate 1 Regt as the UK Stand-by Battalion (UKSB), ready to deal with homeland resilience tasks.

In November, the Sqn virtually joined the Regt for Op TEAMWORK, participating in a variety of discussions on accountability, ownership and responsibility. Cpl Boucher then lead Ex RHINO DRIVE, which was a regimental driving competition, hosted by 2 Sqn’s Rear Operations Group on Barton Stacey Training Area, which 2 Squadron won.

On its return to Bicester, 2 Sqn was placed on 12 hours’ notice to move. The Sqn deployed soldiers to Poland supporting Op HARFA and The Falkland Islands.

The year finished with soldiers being rewarded for their outstanding work over the preceding months: Pte Whitworth and Pte Rowbotham both received a Brigade Commander’s coin. SSgt Griffith was named in the New Year’s Honours list, receiving a General Officer Commanding Commendation and Sgt Cameron received a Commander Field Army Commendation.

12 (CS) Squadron Soldiers from the Sqn have supported a number of regimental commitments. Op SANDROCK saw members of the Sqn deploy to Kosovo, concurrent to deployment on enduring UK Resilience operations at home. In addition, a troop deployed to the USA (California) to provide real life support to 20th Armoured Brigade Combat Team on Project CONVERGENCE 22. Upon completion of the test-exercise, personnel undertook cultural visits to the Hoover Dam, Grand Canyon and Huntington Beach.

32

23 (GS) Squadron The Sqn has continued to focus on developing its military skills in the build-up to Op CABRIT. The Regt’s mighty Fijian community, led by SSgt Bola (23 Sqn), completed a 12-hour static bike challenge in support of Didcot Community Hospital and facilitated by Oxford Health Charity. They completed a virtual tour equating to two and a half times around Viti Levu, the largest island of Fiji (1,188 km). Their efforts raised a whopping £2,000 for the charity.

74 (HQ) Squadron 74 Sqn soldiers have stepped forward to lead in several charitable events to give something back to the local community and military charities.

8 Cpl Gray alongside staff delivering food to Bicester Food Bank

8 Members of 12 Sqn enjoying some well-deserved down time at the Hoover Dam In October, Cpl Gray started to collect donations for Bicester Food Bank a local charity annually supported by 1 Regt. Cpl Gray enlisted the help of JNCO’s from across the Regt to gather as many items as they could. The event was huge success and Cpl Gray managed to collect 92kg of food, toiletries and other household products, that were distributed to the local community.

In November, Cpl AmponsahDadzie hosted SSAFA Armed Forces charity for a Big Brew event raising nearly £200 for the charity.

In December, Cpl Cuckson and Capt Graham hosted a charity wargaming event, Ex RHINO HAMMER, raising money in support for ‘Model for Heroes’. With an original fundraising goal of £250, Ex RHINO HAMMER managed to reach a fantastic sum of £3,600.

This event attracted several spectators including the Army Sergeant Major. Well done to LCpl Penaluna, LCpl McCallister, Pte McCarthy, Pte Brannan, Pte Knight, Pte Green and Pte Priestley for facilitating and running an amazing day.

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

4 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps ABINGDON CO: Lt Col A Gartside • Adjt: Capt J Critien • RSM: WO1 J Brackenbury The final quarter of 2022 saw 4 Regiment RLC heavily involved and supporting Ex CERBERUS 22 (3 Div’s validation exercise) continuing its Op CABRIT commitment and providing the significant RLS to the Army Expo, amongst a raft of routine training to prepare for Lead Armoured Task Force (LATF) commitments.

4 Squadron During this period, 4 Sqn formed a composite Log Sqn as part of Task Force HERCULES, which provided tactical log support to Ex CERBERUS 22. Over a three-month period, members of the Sqn successfully supported the exercise.

The Sqn provided 166,489 litres of bulk diesel, 12,742 ration packs, and 82,392 bottles of water. This was the main effort, but the Sqn also made the most of the opportunity of being in Germany, including: trade training, XC driving, NAVEXs, vehicle maintenance, sports competitions, PT and cultural visits. In addition to the exercise, the Sqn also moved 19 power packs across Germany to support the maintenance of the LATF fleet.

This was a fantastic opportunity for the junior soldiers, many of whom have never driven abroad or over such distances. They did superbly and were a credit to the Regt and Corps, earning high praise from GOC 3 (UK) Div and Comd 12 ABCT. 33 Squadron 33 Sqn is currently deployed on Op CABRIT 11, providing the HQ and log elements of the Theatre Support Squadron (TSS). An eventful time so far supporting the Enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup (eFP BG) on various exercises, providing recovery assets, essential materiel through distribution points, RMP support to enable free movement in Estonia, signals support ensuring comms are maintained and finally providing and maintaining eFP ammunition.

60 Squadron The newly formed 60 Sqn has gone from strength to strength. The term started with the Sqn providing RLS to the Army Exposition on Salisbury Plain. Since then, the Sqn has progressed through the collective training pathway in preparation for the Ex IRON STORM series in 2023 (LATF validation). This included conducting vital trade specific training and off-road driver training.

Additionally, 60 Sqn has supported other exercises, operations and MACA taskings whilst also conducting some well-earned AT in North Wales. Squadron social events have continued, and troops have represented The RLC and Army in a variety of sports.

75 Squadron The busy pace experienced by the HQ Sqn through the autumn continued in the run up to Christmas leave. 75 Sqn has mainly been conducting build-up training in preparation to deploy on Op

8 Conducting hasty resupply to 1 Avn BCT

8 Loading PP ready to move across Germany

INTERLINK. This has involved a congested training pipeline run in tandem with the other continuous tasks. Members of the Sqn have deployed on Ex TALLINN DAWN and Op ISOTROPE over the festive period and the new year promises to be just as busy. Acknowledging the importance of team cohesion, the Sqn saw multiple events take place in the days prior to leave.

The Light Aid Detachment REME The LAD has been focussed on preventative and preparatory maintenance to minimise the amount of ES burden during Ex CERBERUS and ahead of taking over the LATF commitment. It was 4 Sqn’s Fitter Sect (SFS) who joined them on Ex CERBERUS and thanks to the brilliant integration with the task squadrons, the SFS consistently provided excellent support and SME knowledge, maintaining an average availability of 96% throughout. This expeditionary approach of integration and greater driver ownership by the LAD is paying huge dividends for the Regt.

Of note, Cfn Potts was selected for promotion to LCpl, and Cfn Dupres was awarded a 4 REME CO’s Coin for his outstanding work ethic throughout the exercise.

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

33

THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

#BritishArmyLogistics

6 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps DISHFORTH CO: Lt Col A Richardson • Adjt: Capt JP Oliver • RSM: WO1 S Lucas MBE

Late 2022 saw 6 Regiment RLC undertake (at short notice) the role of lead HQ and sub-unit for the UK Standby Battalion (North).

Supported by sub-units from 32 ENGR and 1 REME, the Regt was held at 12 hours’ notice to move over the Christmas period to deploy in support of UK resilience taskings. These taskings could range from support for flood defences to bolstering armed support to the Police.

The Regt also deployed a team of Logistic Specialist Suppliers to Mali on Op SOREHAWK, to advise and conduct the theatre logistic drawdown and a troop onto Op REIMAGE supporting the country during industrial action. For those not held at readiness, the festive season was a welcome break prior to 64 Sqn deploying to Oman supporting 2 R ANGLIAN on Ex DESERT KHANJAR and 62 Sqn deploying to Salisbury Plain supporting 4 SCOTS on Ex WESSEX STORM. 6 Regt has a proud history of supporting the local community and charities like the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF). Be it through engagement with local schools, charity physical training events or supporting heritage events like the ‘Waggoners Challenge’, the Regt’s 34

soldiers are always going the extra mile. In March 2022, the Regt was awarded ‘Best Regular Unit’ in the ABF’s Carrington Drum Awards for raising the most money, finishing behind the RMAS and AFC Harrogate.

The most recent success story was Race the World. This charity event is distance-based where teams need to run, walk, row or cycle the distance it takes to cross the seven continents of the world.

Totalling 35,000 km, the Regt dug deep to finish top of the leader board in nearly every stage, locked in a fierce battle with the Infantry Training Centre (Catterick) for top spot. The soldier’s commitment to give up their weekends to organise fundraising events saw them raise

8 The Regt's ABF Race the World stand at Thirsk Racecourse

£7,796.57 for the ABF; a significant achievement which deserves plaudits. This success followed the Regt’s Light Aid Detachment’s 10km ‘Field Gun Run’ challenge raising money for the REME soldiers’ charity. An Inter-Sqn event, the Regt raised an additional £250 for great causes.

Looking ahead, the Regt continues to train and develop as the lead for the Brigade Support Group for the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (Land) 24 (VJTF(L)). Key to this will be the Regt’s deployment to Germany on Ex ARRCADE LEDGER in June; a multinational validation exercise where NATO forces come together to learn and integrate ahead of assuming very high readiness in 2024.

The tempo in the Regt is high, but equally exciting. It is at the very heart of UK Defence activity supporting UK and NATO operations, has soldiers deployed all over the world and remains committed to developing all regimental personnel to reach their full potential.

8 6 Regt soldiers developing their fieldcraft skills ready for VJTF(L)

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

7 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps COTTESMORE CO: Lt Col D Groce MBE • Adjt: Capt A Coe • RSM: WO1 G Hardy

7 Regiment RLC has been dispersed across the globe this quarter.

68 Squadron deployed concurrently on both Ex KHANJAR OMAN and Op INTERFLEX. Those on Ex KHANJAR OMAN provided RLS and logistic support to the exercising troops and were also responsible for setting up the training area and liaising with host nation elements to make sure the exercise could continue to run smoothly. The Sqn was extremely successful in all its aims and gained the respect from everyone out there. Meanwhile, the remainder of the Sqn was deployed on Op INTERFLEX with attachments from across the Army.

Providing critical logistical support to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 68 Squadron was the key link enabling onward movements of personnel to training areas and the subsequent move back to Ukraine.

They also controlled the ordering and issuing of personal kit and preparing materiel to be gifted to the trainees for the duration of their training. Extremely rewarding work for all involved.

At the time of writing, 9 Squadron is taking over from 68 Squadron as the lead sub-unit on Op INTERFLEX. The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force’s involvement is growing, making Op INTERFLEX truly TriService. 9 Squadron will form the

command team, with workforce being drawn from across all three services. Pooling all the skills and experience from across the Armed Forces will create a diverse and effective team with significant amounts of knowledge and experience across the J4 chain, which can only be of benefit to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

On 1 Jan 23, as part of the Integrated Review, 17 Squadron reformed in Dalton Barracks, Abingdon, to become the Regt’s third task sub-unit. Now a Fuel and General Transport Squadron, 17 Squadron formed in 1965 as 17 Squadron Royal Corps of Transport (RCT), based in St David’s Barracks,

8 WO2 (SSM) Sean Chambers

8 68 Sqn on Ex KHANJAR OMAN Hilden. It resubordinated to 10 Regiment RCT in 1971, based in Bielefeld, Germany. As part of 10 Regiment RCT, the Sqn deployed operationally three times to Northern Ireland between 1975 and 1983. In 1991, the Sqn provided logistical support on Op GRANBY (Gulf War One). This was followed by deployment on Op GRAPPLE (Bosnia) in 1992 - 1993 under 5 Ordnance Battalion RAOC. On formation of the Royal Logistic Corps in April 1993, 17 Squadron was resubordinated under 7 Regiment RLC. It deployed twice on Op TELIC as well as numerous times to Northern Ireland prior to disbandment in 2011. 17 Squadron’s first challenge in 2023 will be deployment on Ex ASKARI STORM in the spring, supporting 1 COLDSTREAM GUARDS. 7 Regt was delighted to announce that both WO2 (SSM) Chambers and WO2 (SSM) Bunn promoted to WO1. Furthermore, both were selected for RSM duties – a fine achievement.

The future is exciting for 7 Regt.

The support to the Armed forces of Ukraine continues on Op INTERFLEX, alongside other commitments worldwide. The Regt is delighted to have welcomed 17 Squadron, and the re-basing move to Abingdon beckons.

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

35

THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

#BritishArmyLogistics

9 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps HULLAVINGTON CO: Lt Col A Bhundia • Adjt: Capt C Bevan • RSM: WO1 C Blackburn It has been another intense period of exercises, deployments, sport, AT and community engagement for 9 Regiment RLC. 66 F&GT Squadron 66 F&GT Sqn has had an exciting few months with an abundance of training ahead of its upcoming CT A/B exercise. In addition, sqn personnel have participated in plenty of sports and AT, including rugby, table tennis and netball and Pte Ackerman gained his MTB instructor qualification, so will now be able to deliver distributed training to the Regt.

In the spirit of ‘Giving Something Back’, members of D Tp raised £300 for Movember. The Sqn continued its annual tradition of providing support to Malmesbury Council during busy Christmas shopping periods by marshalling traffic. Also, members of the Sqn have been helping the local schools in clearing debris and participating in rejuvenation projects.

84 MS Squadron 84 MS Sqn has been busy with both training and community engagement activities. The Sqn successfully conducted a field exercise focused on basic soldiering skills and a trade exercise, which included setting up Medical Supply Detachments and completing multiple trade-specific serials.

The Sqn participated in various Remembrance Day events in the

8 LCpl Mabo raised £564 for the ABF local community, with Sgt Singh being honoured with an invitation by the Sikh Soldier Organisation to reflect on service to the Armed Forces. Cpl White continues to give back to the local community by volunteering with the Gloucestershire Youth Offending Team.

In sports, the Sqn has performed exceptionally well with LCpl Gaunavinaka and Pte Conn representing the RLC Women's Rugby team. Pte Conn achieved a significant personal milestone by qualifying for the Women's Army Rugby Union team and contributed to its recent victory against Sweden.

90 HQ Squadron 90 HQ Sqn has been keeping busy supporting service families.

Alongside the regular weekly coffee mornings the Welfare Department has delivered multiple events including Halloween and Christmas

parties. It also delivered a regimental trade fair in December to support SP's partners who run their own small businesses. The Department also opened the Buckley Barrack’s Community Centre as a space for junior ranks to relax and socialise outside of working hours. The positive feedback from this helped to shape the revamping and reopening of the junior ranks bar and social area, which was officially opened by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal in Jan 23.

94 Squadron QOGLR 94 Sqn has engaged in a number of sporting activities over the last few months, from celebrating team success to individual achievements in sport it continues to provide the ability to develop SP's leadership, fitness and resilience.

Sport The Regimental Ski teams enjoyed success at the RLC Championships held in Hemsedal, Norway. The Alpine team led by Lt Langridge (94 Sqn) was crowned overall Alpine Champions. SSgt Jackson (90 Sqn) inspired the team to success, being presented with the award for the Men's Individual Overall Winner.

The Nordic Ski Team comprised of novice skiers finished ninth in the 7.5 km Skate Sprint Race and the Classic Mass Start, this was followed by a 10th place finish in the 4x4 Classic Relay Race.

Sgt Bardan Sunuwar led the regimental squash team to win the Team Cup at the RLC Individual and Inter-Unit Squash Championship.

Sgt Jody Baxter and Cpl Annie Nelson came first and second in the Ladies’ Cups, respectively.

In November, 94 Sqn’s LCpl Lok Mabo completed the London Victoria Park Half Marathon in 1 hr 54 mins, raising over £564 for the ABF The Soldiers Charity, demonstrating the wider impact on community sports can provide.

8 The victorious regimental Alpine team

36

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

10 The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment ALDERSHOT COMMANDER: Lt Col G R Sugdon • Adjt: Capt S Smith • RSM: WO1 L Sunuwar 10 The Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment remains committed on Op TOSCA 37 and Op CABRIT. The Rear Operations Group (ROG) continues its support to 101 Operational Sustainment Bde (OSB). Both at home and abroad, the Regt has ‘Given Back’ with activities in support of local communities, families and charities.

‘Giving Back’ Continuing the theme of ‘Giving Back’ for this edition of the Sustainer, it is important to note the key role the 10 QOGLR Welfare Department is delivering in support of the Regt’s deployed personnel and their families. The team, led by Capt Magar and SSgt Faunch, has delivered a variety of activities for families, the biggest of which was a fantastic Christmas Fair, provided in conjunction with 27 Regt. An array of activities were available, including rides, a Christmas Market, food outlets and the all-important Santa’s Grotto. The Welfare Department was also visited by The Rt Hon Dr Andrew Murrison, Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans, where the opportunity to both showcase its excellent welfare provision and highlight specific welfare challenges was exploited.

Armistice Day provides the opportunity to honour those who sacrificed their lives in conflict and to thank those veterans still with us. 10 QOGLR, both at home and abroad, marked the occasion with a number of activities. In Aldershot a contingent attended a Remembrance Service at the Gurkha War Memorial in Aldershot, joined by the large Nepalese community from across the Garrison. In addition, the Regt held its own service within its cultural Temple, with representation also at the Aldershot Garrison Church.

In Cyprus, the deployed force joined their UN counterparts at a combined Act of Remembrance at the Wayne’s Keep Cemetery in Nicosia.

10 QOGLR maintains close links with military charities and is continuously involved in fundraising events. This year it continued its attendance at London Poppy Day, with personnel volunteering to collect funds on the streets of the capital in support of the Royal British Legion. The wider QOGLR family has also been busy, with partners of serving Gurkha soldiers (known as the QOGLR Ladies) taking part in the arduous Trailwalker Challenge. The team endurance event requires participants to walk, jog or run 100km across the South Downs Way. The QOGLR Ladies completed the event in an impressive 19 hours and 15 minutes; a remarkable achievement, breaking their own previous record and raising £3.5K for the Gurkha Welfare Trust and Oxfam.

Operations On the operations front, the Regt remains committed to the overseas deployments of Op TOSCA (Cyprus) and Op CABRIT (Estonia).

In both theatres, those deployed have had significant impact, improving the respective states of the operation and reaffirming 10 QOGLR’s reputation for professionalism and excellence.

The ROG personnel were committed to Military Aid to Civilian Authority (MACA) tasks over the Christmas period, with drivers

8 Visit of Min DPV greeted in 10 QOGLR

tradition by Capt Damber Limbu (Adjt ROG)

deployed in support of the South East Coast Ambulance Service.

This provided vital support to the NHS to ensure ambulance services were maintained throughout industrial action.

10 QOGLR experienced further success in 2022 on Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL with a new team achieving a Silver Medal in the military skills challenge; a great result. In Badminton, following on from success at the RLC Championships, 10 QOGLR had significant triumphs at the Army Championships. With winners across numerous categories, including Pte Bishal Khadka winning the Men’s event, the team finished as Army runner-up.

The Regt also enjoyed success at the RLC Ski Championships, typified

by Pte Sijan Rai crowed overall Novice Champion.

Jai 10 QOGLR!

8 Op TOSCA Remembrance Service

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

37

THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

#BritishArmyLogistics

11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal & Search Regiment RLC DIDCOT CO: Lt Col A Hambley • Adjt: Capt R Dunbar • RSM: WO1 S Soper 11 EOD & Search Regiment RLC has the privilege of working directly with the Emergency Services, providing immediate EOD and Search support across the UK 24/7, 365 days a year.

Additionally, the Regt provides the Field Army with global specialist ammunition support and assurance. Not limited to only giving back to our local communities with its operational outputs, members of the Regt regularly contribute to a wide variety of good causes through some amazing extra-curricular activities; this article captures but a couple of recent examples.

Ex SATON FORCE The latest iteration of 521 EOD Squadron’s Bomb Disposal Operator validation exercise, Ex SATON FORCE, hosted 180 Police Officers from across North England, North Wales and Scotland on Catterick Training Area. Undaunted by torrid conditions, the Police Officers joined the EOD teams conducting a variety of simulated training tasks, sharing incident response techniques and scene management skills. It proved an excellent relationship building exercise, not just between the EOD Teams and police, but also between different police forces who attended. Additionally, the event was used to further integrate and develop national and specialist capabilities with National Incident Liaison Officers, Hazardous Area Rescue Teams, and the Fire Service in response to significant events.

Cpl Knight - 11 Years of Felix Fund… 11 fundraising challenges 11 EOD&S Regt shares a personal relationship with the Felix Fund, the bomb disposal charity which provides a significant level of assistance towards the well-being of both current and former EOD operators; many of whom have served within the Regt. In recognition of the charity’s 11 years of dedication, Cpl Knight from 721 38

8 An EOD Operator responding to a suspicious vehicle on SATON FORCE Mayhill Massacre

8 The biggest supporter, Malachi, at the “Race to the Tower” double marathon

EOD Sqn embarked on a personal mission in support of the Felix Fund.

“To celebrate 11 Years of the Felix Fund, a charity that has helped both myself and many people that I know, I set out to complete 11 fundraising endurance events in 12 months. The events included my first triathlon, double marathon and canicross races. My race results have included third place at the ‘May the Fourth’ half marathon, second place at the ‘Forest Warrior’ mud run and first place at the ‘Revenge of the Fifth’ half marathon. However, my biggest personal achievement was the ‘Race to the Tower’ double marathon. Not only because of the distance, but because I fell ill two days before the actual event.

Instead of giving up, I contacted the race organisers and made special arrangements to complete the event solo at a future date to be determined.

As soon as I recovered, I began my preparation. I was sure to note the locations of the official rest stops to ensure my attempt was as close to the official route as possible. Finally, with the help of a small support crew of friends and family, a date was set. The event was certainly demanding, even down to the force feeding and hydration intervals. But knowing how much preparation I had done and having a cause to raise funds for, this kept me pushing on until I finally crossed the finish line at Broadway Tower, where we at last got to celebrate in a true British fashion with plenty of tea and cake!

The whole year has been packed with planning, research, training and of course the events themselves. Despite all the challenges I have faced, I hope to build on these experiences in my future endeavours.”

Cpl Knight set out to raise £1,100 throughout 2022 for the 11 years of The Felix Fund charity. Completing seven trail runs, two half marathons, one triathlon and one double Marathon, he raised a commendable £1,328 for this worthy cause.

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

13 Air Assault Support Regiment RLC COLCHESTER CO: Lt Col R Edwards • Adjt: Capt K Smith • RSM: WO1 G Patterson 2022 was another exciting year for 13 Air Assault Support Regiment RLC; filled with exercises, operational deployments, enduring commitments and AT. Below are some of the highlights and achievements from the last months of the year.

RLC Ski Championship Ex KNEES BEND saw 17 individuals from the Regt deploy to Hemsedal on a four-week training programme in preparation for both Nordic and Alpine Skiing events. Despite being a very junior team, the male teams in both categories secured impressive third overall positions. WO2 (SSM) Tina Jones was awarded her Corps Colours for dedication to the sport and Pte Marr was selected for the Corps Female Alpine team.

Ex JEBEL SAHARA The final quarter of 2022 was a busy one for 63 Air Assault Support Sqn, with the troops split across multiple continents. A section from Airborne Troop deployed on Ex JEBEL SAHARA in Morocco, delivering EPLS and TCV support to 2 PARA, as well as controlling the Drop Zone, calling in, and clearing the Air Despatch loads. Personnel also deployed to Norway conducting Arctic Training and BV 206 driving in preparation for Ex JOINT VIKING with 2 PARA. Junior commanders Ex JUNIOR ENDEAVOUR recently brought together junior soldiers of all cap badges from across 13 AASR to develop leadership skills and understanding of the Army Leadership Code, Values, and Standards. Both theory and practical tasks throughout the week provided a fantastic opportunity for the junior commanders to develop and refine their personal leadership styles.

Ex LIGHTING STRIKES TWICE Petroleum operators from 82 and 63 Air Assault Support Sqns

8 JNCOs conduting battle PT on Ex JUNIOR ENDEVEOUR

families and friends to reunite, give blessings and exchange gifts.

8 Cpl Channon receives her British Army Sports Official of the Year award

recently deployed on Ex LIGHTNING STRIKES TWICE with 27 Regt RLC to revise and practice the core components of their trade.

The troops honed their skills throughout the two weeks, whilst constructing and decommissioning a Primary Bulk Fuel Instillation and an Enhanced Storage Module. It also provided the opportunity to set up and demonstrate the Light Forces JOFS Equipment, sharing best practices with counterparts.

Dashain and Tihar Oct saw 15 Sqn QOGLR host the first Dashain and Tihar festivals following the Sqn’s re-designation to 13 AASR. To celebrate, the Regt’s Nepalese community and guests came together to enjoy comedy sketches, cultural dances and songs performed by the Sqn’s SP and their families. The auspicious period of Dashain and Tihar festivals is an occasion for

Extra-curricular activities and sporting successes On 12 Dec 22, members of 47 AD Sqn navigated their way through 33 miles of snow, ice, and cold weather from their current home at RAF Brize Norton to their former home in Lyneham. Starting and finishing in the dark, and walking through the bracing winter conditions, the team achieved their objective to complete the distance in under 12 hours whilst raising an impressive £420 for the Walking With The Wounded charity.

Keeping to the arduous theme, a job well done for 15 Sqn QOGLR Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL team who successfully navigated through 70km of the challenging Wales terrain to secure a Gold Medal.

Finally, a notable mention must go out to Cpl Heaney who was awarded the British Army Sports Official of the Year for outstanding achievements and contributions to Army Netball. She is one of the most qualified Netball umpires in the whole of the Army.

The Regiment now looks forward with optimism to the opportunities and challenges of 2023 on the conclusion of another memorable year!

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

39

THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

#BritishArmyLogistics

17 Port & Marine Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps SOUTHAMPTON CO: Lt Col V Crompton MBE • Adjt: Capt D Levens • RSM: WO1 B Sweeney With 17 Port & Maritime Regiment RLC back from Ex AUSTERE WOLF 22, the welfare team was ready to support the soldiers, their families and the local communities to get into the Christmas spirit.

This started off with sending Christmas presents to the soldiers deployed in the Falkland Islands running the military port.

To ensure none of the Regt’s service families were left out, the welfare team supported Santa Claus to ensure over 300 presents were hand delivered across the service families’ accommodation. To support the single personnel in barracks on Christmas Day, the welfare team ensured they felt some Christmas cheer with a personally delivered present. Finally, supporting the wider civilian community, the Regt hosted a Christmas Fayre to help small local businesses.

MacMillan Mighty Hikes In September 2022, Capt Neil Scott, SSgt Dervan Butler and Cpl Tim Nuttall from the unit welfare team raised £1,426 by completing the 26-mile MacMillan Mighty Hike across the Cornish Coast. The charity was chosen due to its excellent ongoing support to 17 P&M Regt families. This has included chemotherapy, counselling, family trips away and specialist beds to improve the lives of those battling with cancer.

The Goggins Challenge On the 28 Sep 22, Sgt MacPhee along with her support crew, Lt Nott, Cpl Navoka and LCpl Harding took on the Goggins Challenge to raise money for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

This challenge involved covering four miles every four hours for 48 hours. The team completed 24 miles running and 24 miles tabbing with 15kg, with members of the Regt joining in throughout the challenge.

The team raised £1,300 for the ABF. Marchwood Scouts For the past five years, Sgt Fisher 40

has been actively involved with the 5th Marchwood Explorer Scout group. He started volunteering as an occasional helper when his son joined and last year he become section leader. They meet once a week and at weekends in the summer months. This is a great opportunity to pass on his personal skills as well as those learned serving in the Armed Forces. The Scouts work to the same Values and Standards as the British Army, so helping young individuals develop these comes naturally. Their biggest goal of 2022 was to work towards the Survival Skills badge. This involved teaching basic survival skills and all of the training was put into practice during the summer over a three-day camp. As the group is a registered charity, it spends portions of the year fundraising through

8 Regimental Santa delivering presents to the children in Services Family Accommodation

8 Personnel supporting Sgt MacPhee to

complete four miles every four hours in the Goggins Challenge

various events, which is a great way of engaging with and giving back to the local community.

Ex MARINA REVIVE The 17 P&M Regt Dive Team conducted Ex MARINA REVIVE, an exercise that helped the elderly residents of Hythe Marina in cleaning up the marina berths and recovered lost items following Storm Bara. After 27 dives, the team spent 1,379 mins below the surface recovering lost engineering equipment. Whilst on task, the divers also assisted Solent Dolphin Charity, by conducting an in-water hull survey of one of its vessels, MV Alison MacGregor, which had been fouled at sea. Solent Dolphin is a fantastic charity which supports the wellbeing of people in the community who have learning disabilities and life limiting conditions, offering free boat trips on Southampton Water. The MV Alison MacGregor is a purpose-built catamaran for 12 passengers and the inspection ensured that any damage was accounted for, so she could continue to operate safely and remain seaworthy. Without the divers’ efforts, Solent Dolphin would have needed to contract out the work, using up much needed funds.

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

25 Training Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps LECONFIELD CO: Lt Col B Ekman • Adjt: Capt D Millington • RSM: WO1 T Rennie The last four months have been a busy period for 25 Regiment RLC. The Regt has seen trainees and permanent staff undertake several sporting events, a comprehensive Adventurous Training package and participate in charity and Remembrance events.

Utilising every piece of cardio equipment in the main gym, Cpl Aitken headed up the Race the World (RTW) competition.

25 Regt embraced the frigid conditions and smashed through the distance, finishing in the top five of the competition.

Lt Main deployed with several trainees on Ex KNEES BEND, the RLC ski competition. With 80% of team members being complete ski novices, the team made huge leaps forward during the training week.

They learnt the specific skills they needed to prepare for the racing, but more importantly, developed their ability to push through fear and embrace the challenges head on. A special mention must go to Pte Hancox, who received a CO’s Coin from CO 6 Regiment, Lt Col A Richardson, for her significant improvements throughout the race week, gaining over 40 positions from her first race to her last.

The Regt’s Rugby Union team has also achieved success in a recent fixture against 7 Regt RLC. The close-run game saw 25 Regt charge ahead in the closing stages.

With several trainees playing their first full match, the experience of

the coaching staff had clearly proved valuable. With the team now well-formed, preparations for upcoming fixtures are underway.

Another highlight for the rugby team was the Rugby League World Cup. Soldiers from across the Regt were able to march out onto the pitch before the start of both the Men’s and Women’s final, a huge honour and a great experience for all involved.

Sport of all forms plays a huge part of the routine at 25 Regt.

8 25 Regt and DST personnel on the Remembrance Parade

During a recent visit by the new Commander DCLPA, Brig Daley, 25 Regt showcased the range of sports available to soldiers to highlight how important sport can be to their development. The Regt has been lucky enough to have soldiers selected for Corps and Army level sport in the last year.

The efforts of the JNCO instructors to spot and nurture talent cannot be overstated.

Soldiers of 25 Regt took time to give thanks on Remembrance Sunday, being fortunate enough to take part in several Remembrance services. This included a parade through Beverley town centre, with all departments from across DST represented. Sgt Revill headed up the Poppy Appeal, taking a group of trainees to Leeds city centre where they raised £10,500 for a fantastic cause.

8 RLC trainees raised £10,500 for the RBL in Leeds

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

41

THE SUSTAINER | UNITS

#BritishArmyLogistics

27 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps ALDERSHOT CO: Lt Col B Reehal • Adjt: Capt A Heathwaite • RSM: WO1 R Simpson In early September 22, 27 Regiment RLC deployed on Op INTERLINK in support of the Ukrainian war effort. Logistic Enabling Nodes (LENs), previously commanded by three regular RLC Units, were handed over in Poland, Slovakia, and Romania.

Under the Commanding Officer, Lt Col Ben Reehal, over 100 SP comprised primarily of Officers, Warrant Officers, and senior specialists, ensured the accounting, assurance and transition of all gifting in kind from the UK and some other partner Nations to Ukraine.

With most of the Regt remaining in Aldershot, the ROG remained busy. From command of the concentration areas on Op LONDON BRIDGE, to delivering the first charity boxing evening between the RLC and REME in partnership with BuildForce, the Regt also continued to deliver on all the usual tasks and trawls. It has been a very productive period for 27 Regt.

The Regt produced some fine performances on Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL and Ex NORTHERN STRIKE and enjoyed full Alpine and Nordic ski seasons. The Nordic team fought its way to the Army championships and special mention must go to Pte Taylor (8 Sqn), part of the RLC Women's winning team in the 4 x 5km relay, who saw off

8 Pte Ord, Pte Beeching and Pte Stirling

collecting money during London Poppy Day

42

8 The winning 27 Regt basketball team

8 The CO and Pte Fudge with Mr Mills from the RBL

the best the Army has to offer to take 1st place. Finally, and after winning the RLC basketball championships, the 27 Regt team went on to take the title of Army basketball champions under the leadership of SSgt Murray (91 Sqn).

Charity and giving On 3 Nov 22, troops from 8 Fuel and General Transport Sqn, travelled to Clapham Junction Station in London to sell poppies, as part of the Royal British Legion’s London Poppy Day. The aim was to raise money and awareness of the Royal British Legion and remembering the soldiers that have died in warfare from WW1 to the present day.

Based at the busy Clapham Junction train station the Sqn was met by some veterans and civilian volunteers who briefed them on how the day would run and the merchandise that was available.

Members of the Sqn worked in teams across the station to collect donations from the kind members of the public. By the end of the day, each team managed to raise over £2,000 each to the satisfaction of all the volunteers.

Throughout the day, the public continuously donated to the poppy appeal and spoke to the troops on the ground. Many stated what remembrance meant to them and gave praise thanking the soldiers for their service.

Poppy Appeal - Cake sale

By Pte Fudge 8 Sqn I had the opportunity to conduct a cupcake sale at The Bell, St. Omer barracks on 11 Nov 22 to collect money for the Royal British Legion.

To ensure the success of the day, several hours were spent baking and preparing the night before.

The cupcake sale was successful, and I managed to raise an incredible £170. Thank you very much to all the service personnel of the 27 Regiment RLC for your outstanding support.

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

29 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps SOUTH CERNEY CO: Lt Col E Sedgwick • Adjt: Capt Z Marsden • RSM: WO1 S Goldsborough Having recently returned from Ex CERBERUS, 29 Regiment RLC has continued to support Defence level operations across multiple continents alongside its continued commitment to equipping and training Ukraine’s Armed Forces.

The Regt perseveres with its high-level of global commitments (496 SP deployed in 2022) by maintaining its commitment to five enduring operations in the early part of 2023. Additionally, the requirement to support postal and movements activities to firm bases, global exercises and operations is expected to endure.

Ex WINTER WOLF 22 A number of key personnel including the CO, 2IC and OpsO deployed on Ex WINTER WOLF 22 in the battle labs at Shrivenham, to further 104 Bde’s understanding of TEG capabilities and doctrine.

Drawing from recent lessons learned from TEG deployments such as Op PITTING, Ex DEFENDER and Op INTERLINK, the outcomes of this analysis will help to update TEG doctrine and SOPs. 99 Squadron disbandment Selected for disbandment under Future Soldier, 99 Sqn paraded for the last time on 9 Jan 23 under Maj K Vannerley and WO2 (SSM) S Stephenson. The disbandment sees its Postal Courier operatives moving to 80 Sqn and the Movement Controllers to 69 Sqn respectively. 99 Sqn formed in 1993 as part of 24 Transport and Movement Regiment. It was one of seven squadrons based in Catterick Barracks in Bielefeld, Germany.

Originally a Postal Sqn, its personnel have deployed in support of operations and exercises across the world. In February 2014 the Sqn became part of 29 RLC based in Princess Royal Barracks, Gutersloh and was renamed as 99 PC & MC Sqn. In 2016, the Sqn made its final move to Duke of Gloucester Barracks, South Cerney where it became 99 Sqn RLC.

Community engagement Personnel from across the Regt have taken part in numerous community engagement activities over the past quarter. 59 Sqn personnel assisted the annual Cirencester ‘Relay for Life’ event which raised over £41,000 for Cancer Research. SSgt J McNee and various members of Comms Troop oversaw a charity toy collection on behalf of The Family Haven, providing over 30 Christmas gifts for vulnerable children across Gloucestershire, whilst Sgt S Cotterell (59 Sqn) devoted a significant amount of her free time to support the ‘Max and George Trust’; a charity which trains and rehomes dogs from across Europe.

Ex CENTURION DEEP 22 On 27 Oct 22, 16 SP from 29 Regt departed for Malta for a week of SCUBA diving in the Mediterranean. The group embarked on a five-day course with Dive Deep Blue, starting with learning the basics of sub-aqua kit husbandry with the help of the instructors. Throughout the week the group advanced from 1m dives all the way up to a 20m deep dive on the fifth day.

The result of this progressive training saw all 16 SP awarded their BSAC Ocean Diver Qualification. A hugely successful trip which was enjoyed by all. 29 Regt looks forward to returning to

8 50 Sqn Remembrance Parade in Stroud Dive Deep Blue in 2023 where more soldiers can begin their sub-aqua careers.

CO’s Shield With several squadrons still in contention, the final events of the CO’s Shield event included a Biathlon race comprising of a 1km SkiErg followed by a 10-round shoot using a .22 biathlon rifle with penalty laps for each shot missed (there were many!) before concluding with a 2km run. A challenging yet enjoyable event with 55 HQ Sqn triumphing. The final event of the CO’s Shield was a five-mile cross-country race around the airfield and barracks with 99 Sqn prevailing. After collating the various scores from each event, alongside deployability and education statistics, the overall winner of the 2022 CO’s Shield was 55 HQ Sqn.

8 Sgt Shaw shooting during the CO's Cup Biathlon competition

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

43

THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

#BritishArmyLogistics

150 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps HULL CO: Lt Col H McCullough • Adjt: Capt A Ellis • RSM: WO1 B Stephenson 2022 proved to be a productive year for 150 Regiment RLC and saw numerous personnel deploy in support of operations and standing commitments; others attending training both in the UK and overseas; and the Unit begin to understand its future role under the Future Soldier Integrated Review.

Training weekends have seen soldiers compete in sport, conduct both mounted and dismounted tactical training, driver training, AT and everything in between. A highlight of the year was deploying to Barry Budden in Scotland in the Autumn for the Regt’s Annual Continuous Training exercise. Here, the Regt's soldiers gained qualifications in a number of areas, including GPMG, First Aid at Work, Team Medic, DTTT, Comms and EPLS conversion training.

Meanwhile the 150 Regiment Band - the RLC’s only reserve band deployed to Gibraltar for its ACT, where it trained alongside the band of the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.

Another of the most notable serials in the closing months of the year was the short notice mobilisation of 19 personnel from the Regt to take part in the Homeland Resilience pilot. Under 8 RIFLES, the lead unit for the first pilot, 150 Regt personnel assembled at Scarborough Barracks in Doncaster, to prove the concept and conduct further specialist training, including the

8 Soldiers receive the RFT brief on

Ex HALBERD Phoenix, the Regimental ACT

8 Soldiers competing in the Regimental Military Skills competition at the last training weekend of the year erection of flood barriers. The original concept for the pilot was to mobilise these personnel in response to a live event somewhere within the North of England, which would see Reservist soldiers helping in their

local communities. However, with the pilot window coming to an end and no adverse weather on the horizon, the decision was made to mobilise for a training serial to test the call-out process.

The final regimental training weekend of 2022 saw the Regt deploy to Altcar for a military skills competition consisting of several stands based around core skills.

This was followed by a well-deserved social evening to look back over the year before some light PT on the Sunday to complete the weekend.

Looking ahead, 2023 will see further changes to the Regt, with 160 Squadron RLC resubordinating to 150 Regt on 1 April, extending the geographical footprint south of the Humber to Lincoln. The Regt has made efforts to strengthen links with its antecedent units and looks forward to supporting 6 Regiment RLC in the delivery of the Wagoner’s Challenge event at Sledemere House in the spring.

Sledmere was home of the Wagoner’s Special Reserve during WW1 and saw 1,130 agricultural workers with equestrian experience deploy to the Western Front as experienced wagon drivers.

8 150 Regiment RLC soldiers participate in Ex NORTHERN STRIKE

44

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

151 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps CROYDON CO: Lt Col E Lewis • Adjt: Capt O Roberts • RSM: WO1 B Hinton 151 Regiment RLC has taken the 2022/2023 training year by storm, by fully engaging in the Individual Training Requirements to enable the Regt’s soldiers to achieve their training targets for another year.

This is excellently highlighted by 240 Squadron going above and beyond during its Christmas training weekend. Instead of the usual, go-karting or clay shooting, the Sqn decided to enhance its navigational skills by conducting a driver navigation exercise, which was a great success. This not only provided the drivers with the opportunity for the usual team cohesion, but also the necessary skills they need to be a highly functioning members of The RLC’s driving community.

Deepening the collective understanding of the 151 Regimental history has been a key focus for 562 Squadron. The Sqn used their OC’s disposal weekend to visit the Imperial War Museum and conduct presentations on various historical military logistics topics. This has shown to improve the soldiers’ presentation skills in addition to their understanding of military history and the reasons The RLC and the Regt does things in a certain way today. This event was followed closely by 508 Squadron’s visit to the new RLC Museum in Worthy Down. 508 Sqn

also focused on RLC history and how 151 Regt was formed.

210 Squadron’s focus was all about recruitment and increasing the numbers of soldiers within the Sqn and therefore it focussed on the local community. The Sqn assisted with the Park Run in Nonsuch Park, which went very successfully and Capt Morgan from 210 Sqn and multiple soldiers from 508 Sqn attended an Army engagement evening to show the

8 Members of the Regimental Recruiting

team drumming up interest in the Army Reserves at a community parade in Barnet, North London

wider community in London what the Army is, and what it’s like to be a member of the Army Reserves.

There has been a major focus across the Regt on recruitment and WO1 Herbert (OC RRMT) has been conducting extremely valuable recruits’ weekends, which not only involved the recruits in training with the wider Regt but also gives them an insight into their future role within the Army Reserves.

151 Regt’s personnel also proudly did their duty by representing the Regt across a multitude of Remembrance Parades across London. Members of the Regt showed up in impressive numbers across the capital to remember those that had gone before them.

Their immaculate turn out and professionalism was noted by members of the public. We Will Remember Them.

8 Members of 240 Squadron taking part in driver navigation serials

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

45

THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

#BritishArmyLogistics

152 (North Irish) Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps BELFAST CO: Lt Col R T Clements • Adjt: Capt A Gordon • RSM: WO1 M S Macrae 152 (North Irish) Regiment RLC deployed on Ex AUSTERE WOLF to Cyprus as part of 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade’s exercise to test the Theatre Enabling Group. Those not able to go to Cyprus were also tested on ACT, which took place across Dishforth and West Tofts. The end of the year brought the CO’s Challenge, Christmas functions, and a few awards.

Ex AUSTERE SHIELD and ACT Deploying a composite squadron of Petroleum Operators and Close Support Tanker (CST) Drivers, 152 Regt was testing the Reserve’s ability to complete a full take over of a Bulk Fuel Installation from their Regular counterparts.

Over the next two weeks, the Sqn issued and distributed fuel to the rest of the exercise.

As part of the exercise, the CST drivers were thoroughly tested, including driving their vehicles onto Mexeflotes. This was a novel experience for nearly all involved.

The Petroleum Operators were operating a fully Reserve BFI, showing that the Army Reserves in 104 TS Bde are capable of relieving their Regular counterparts to allow onward movement of the Bde as part of the exercise.

152 Regt was the only sub-unit on the exercise to successfully deploy a complete composite sqn and fully replace a regular sub-unit.

Those unable to enjoy the warm weather of Cyprus conducted their annual camp in England. A split

8 Ex AUSTERE WOLF - delivering orders location ACT between Dishforth in Yorkshire and West Tofts in Norfolk, it was designed to improve professional competencies within the Unit, especially the number of qualified Close Support Tanker and Unit Support Tanker drivers and operators.

CO’s Winter Challenge Over a cold weekend at the end of November, 152 Regt headed to Magilligan Training Camp to compete in the CO’s Winter Challenge. An Inter-Unit competition between the Sqns, as well as a team from Queen’s University OTC, the teams were being tested on their fitness, military skills and knowledge and their determination to win.

There were multiple stands testing navigation, vehicle recognition, quad bikes, VR tests,

8 152 RLC Burns Night - Hon Col and Pipe Major drinking from a quaich

and command tasks. This culminated in a 300-metre final race, incorporating a stretcher race that gained wheels, ammunition tins, and various additional weight as the run progressed. An excellent event enjoyed by all, with a few well-earned drinks in the bar afterwards.

Social events The end of 2022 brought on the usual Christmas functions. Both were well attended and allowed the Regt to see out 2022 in style.

January blues were not seen in 152 Regt when 211 Sqn hosted an early Burns’ Night supper for the Unit. An excellent opportunity to sample some whisky and enjoy the Unit's own Pipes and Drums.

8 Ex AUSTERE WOLF - reversing CST on Mexefloate

46

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

154 (Scottish) Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps DUNFERMLINE CO: Lt Col S Johnson MBE • Adjt: Capt P Ryan • RSM: WO1 A Maloney It was a flurry of activity for 154 (Scottish) Regiment RLC in the run-up to Christmas. Ex MUDMASTER was one of the highlights at the end of last year, with civilians and military personnel putting their off-road driving, recovery and navigational skills to the test.

The 100-mile route started in Edinburgh and finished in Glasgow, travelling across some of the most difficult terrain for off-road driving the UK has to offer! The Regt saw some successes in a variety of categories. LCpl Brooks and OCdt Worden came first in the truck category, while Maj MacLachlan and Capt Sparks won first for 154 Regt. Thank you and well done to all who took part. It is by far one of the most popular events in the training calendar, not only for the Regt but across the wider RLC. Maj Davidson led a battlefield study to the Netherlands where the party studied the bold and ambitious plan to drop over 30,000 paratroopers up to 70 miles behind enemy lines to secure multiple bridges in the infamous Operation MARKET GARDEN. Whilst the focus was on command decisions at all levels, particular attention was paid to the implementation of the supply chain throughout the operation and how the implementation of good logistics can have a decisive effect on the battlefield.

The CO’s Sword Competition also

8 Ex MUDMASTER recovery stand

8 Ex MUDMASTER mud, mud glorious mud! continued with all sqns taking part in a rowing competition across the central belt. The teams consisted of

all ranks and commitment contracts, and it was as simple as the furthest rowed in a certain period. 251 Squadron (Irvine) was the winner by a country - ‘nautical’ mile earning it some points for the leader board! The overall winners will be announced in April 2023.

Recently the Regt has returned from Garelochhead Training Area.

Despite the weather being traditionally Scottish, all trades exercised successfully in their capacity and gained some valuable training. Brig Seal paid the Regt a visit and despite the weather not playing ball, the Regt was able to greet the Brigadier with a warm Scottish welcome with accompanying banter.

There have also been a few changes in key personnel within the Regiment. A special mention must go to SSgt Inglis who has taken over as the SPSI of 221 Sqn in Glasgow. Not only has be brought a wealth of military knowledge and experience, but he is also the 2022 overall Drivers Champion of the Armed Forces. The Regt also welcome a new RSM, WO1 Maloney and looks forward to his experience and guidance over the next few years.

8 Op MARKET GARDEN battlefield study

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

47

THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

#BritishArmyLogistics

156 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps LIVERPOOL CO: Lt Col T Steed • Adjt: Capt B Griffin • RSM: WO1 R Thomas On returning from a ‘Soldier First’ focussed overseas training exercise in Croatia, 156 Regiment RLC jumped back into technical skills, conducting an LSS Class 32 upgrade course to maintain our soldiers’ trade ability. In November, the Regt began preparations for Remembrance Sunday, with representatives from each subunit marking the day in Wirral, Liverpool, Sefton, Southport, Lancaster and Manchester. The final few weekends of 2022 were spent ensuring our individuals met their annual Individual Training Requirement, before culminating in the Chalker Cup competition.

Alongside this activity, Ptes McPartland and Sergeant finished as runners up in the RLC Orienteering Championship Female Team event, while 10 of our soldiers travelled to Norway to represent the Regt in Alpine and Nordic Skiing. In the New Year, the Regt delivered an M Qual course, qualifying 32 pax across 12 units to safely deliver battle lessons, ensuring quality training can continue to be delivered through 2023. The regimental male football team had a great start to the year with a 9-1 victory over 75 Engineer Regiment, while LCpl Dumbell was selected as captain for the Army Reserve Women’s football squad.

8 A team of 10 represented 156 Regt at the RLC ski championships

48

8 381 Sqn were the Chalker Cup victors hosted for a soldiers’ Christmas dinner at Bootle ARC.

8 The Regt is preparing to deploy on Ex IRON TITAN 23

The Chalker Cup The Chalker Cup was presented to 156 Regt by Baroness Chalker of Wallasey and has been the InterSquadron competition ever since and is awarded to the Sqn which performs best in a military skills competition, focussing on the core tenets of marksmanship, military and trade skills and physical ability.

Prizes for the fittest soldier and best marksman are also awarded. This year was unique in Chalker Cup history, as 156 Regt’s partnered regular units, 10 QOGLR and 27 Regt RLC also entered teams. After a gruelling competition, witnessed

by DComd 101 Op Sus Bde, it was 381 Sqn, 156 Regt that emerged the victors. That evening all visiting units and 156RLC personnel were

Awards This quarter Sgt Robinson, and LCpl Doddrell received their Volunteer Reserve Service Medals for ten years’ qualifying service in the Army Reserve; while Cpl Parsons received a clasp in recognition of 15 years.

Capt Tony Sandle also formally received a CGS’ Commendation in recognition of his extraordinary work to support the UK COVID response and his engagement with the Veteran community.

Looking forward The Regt remains focussed on mobilising personnel in support of Op INTERFLEX, providing training to Ukrainian volunteers. This will be supported by numerous trade and instructional qualification courses, ensuring the Regt’s personnel deploy in good order. Concurrently, the Regt is preparing for deployment on Ex IRON TITAN 23, developing the soldiers’ trade ability and driving skills to ensure a smooth integration with 10 QOGLR and 27 Regt through the 101 Op Sus Bde exercise.

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

157 (Welsh) Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps CARDIFF CO: Lt Col A Briggs • Adjt: Capt J Restell • RSM: WO1 C Jones

2022 saw 157 (Welsh) Regiment RLC continues to build its profile as Wales’s only logistic regiment and further build the bonds with the local communities it serves.

The Regt is excited as it looks ahead into 2023 and the challenges and opportunities that it will face. As various members of staff leave and join, and recruitment maintains a positive upward trend, the Regt keeps making healthy progress towards Comd 101 Bde’s intent of being useful, usable and used.

Corps of Drums – RBL Festival of Remembrance The 157 Regt Corps of Drums was once again invited to perform at the Royal British Legion’s Welsh Festival of Remembrance in Cardiff. An event attended by circa 500 people, including dignitaries from Welsh Government. The Band was the highlight of the show, fantastically supported by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas, and the RLC Corps of Drums, with the black light show going down a real treat for all those in attendance. The professionalism and musical ability that the bands demonstrated was second to none, making for an exceptional performance that the audience would not forget iIn a hurry. Drum Major (WO1) Lock said: “It is great to be able to represent the

Regiment and Corps at these prestigious events. Our drummers were superb and thoroughly enjoyed the evening”.

Ex RUDOLPH DRAGON 2022 Every Christmas the Regt gets together for a weekend of CO’s Sword events and festivities including a soldiers’ Christmas lunch over some well sung carols.

Nescliffe Camp was the venue this year - during a very cold weekend in December - where all the Sqns competed in team building and physical challenges, fantastically provided by the SPSI and PSIs, with the results counting towards the overall CO’s Sword competition. 398 Squadron, based in North Wales, retained the Sword for the second year in a row following a very consistent run of

8 The permanent staff at Cardiff Castle

8 398 Sqn with the CO’s Sword on Ex RUDOLPH DRAGON

form. Congratulations to them once again. Cpl Patterson of 398 Sqn said: “We are very proud to bring the Sword back to North Wales for another year. It reflects the hard work and dedication all the members of the Squadron have put in over the past 12 months.”

Permanent staff Xmas function Christmas is a wonderful time to get together, discuss all that happened in the past year and look ahead to 2023. The permanent staff from across the Regt took the opportunity to explore Cardiff and indulge in the Christmas Market bratwursts; with a self-guided tour of Cardiff Castle providing a nice backdrop to our festivities. Christmas jumpers and mulled wine were in full force as everyone said goodbye to 2022.

Beige List promotions and new appointments The Regt would like to congratulate Capts Dave John (2IC HQ Sqn) and Joel Clarke on their selection to Major on Beige List 23. This is deserved recognition for their continual hard work and dedication to the Unit.

The Unit would also like to welcome WO2 Mark Finch, who starts in his role as the Regimental Training Warrant Officer.

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

49

THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

#BritishArmyLogistics

158 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps PETERBOROUGH CO: Lt Col A Swales MBE • Adjt: Capt J Eddie • RSM: WO1 L Hutchinson October saw the Commanding Officer Lt Col R Futter handover to Lt Col A C Swales MBE. The change comes amid 158 Regiment RLC’s final preparations for switching role from transport to aviation support, as directed

by Future Soldier and the Integrated Review.

hockey, attending most games and achieving some great successes recently with the team. She was selected for the Army Hockey match, as part of the England Hockey Cup, on 12 Feb, where they won on penalties. They progressed to the quarter-finals which were scheduled for 5 Mar.

Project NEWBURY In November, new garages at Sobraon Barracks were officially opened during a visit by Col Stone VR, the RLC Colonel Reserves. The excellent new facilities have been built for 160 (Lincoln) Sqn as part of the multi-million-pound Project NEWBURY and will be used to deliver outstanding training to both the Army Reserve and Cadets in the Lincoln area. Col Stone also presented Capt Bruce Saunderson, PSAO to 160 Sqn, a GOC’s Commendation for his excellent work on enabling the new complex. Capt Saunderson leaves the Regt in March on retirement after an extensive military career which began in the South Atlantic during the Falklands War. The Regt extends a sincere thank you to him for his many decades of selfless service and wishes him well for the future.

202 (Ipswich) Sqn 202 Sqn OC, Maj Steve Hook MBE attended the pass-out parade of Pte Newman, Pte Ponce-deLeon Zapata, Pte Goddard and Pte Reeves, who all completed Phase 1 training at ATU Grantham on Sat 8 Feb 23. The Regt extends its congratulations and welcomes them all to The Steelbacks.

Regimental ACT While Grantham is a far-cry from Blood Hound Camp in Cyprus, the Regt’s second ACT of the year also succeeded in providing plenty of quality training. Over two weeks, DTTT, M Qual, and B3 to B2 Driver upgrade courses were delivered to the troops. Capt Fade, WO1 Freeman, and WO2 Cruttendean ran the M Qual which saw 10 successfully complete the course.

This will empower the Reservists to plan and conduct their own training serials independently, which is extremely useful considering Reservists do not routinely complete the course.

8 Capt Saunderson receives his GOC’s Commendation from the Col Res

RAMB 5 from 10 to 12 Feb 23 to develop driver knowledge, promote team spirit, and provide retention positive training. The aim of the weekend was for the troops to practice core driving skills, complete B3 to B2 career upgrade courses, conduct familiarisation training on the 15-ton MAN platform, and maintain FLRT competency. In addition, the Sqn also took the opportunity to complete essential ITR training as part of a challenging and engaging experience. Finally, the chefs were not to be forgotten as they utilised the opportunity to develop the trade skills of Cpl Howe.

In sport, Pte Marsh has been doing very well representing 201 Sqn and the Regt in women’s

Look ahead The Regt’s focus is firmly on completing the transition from a Transport Regiment to an Aviation Support Regiment. This unique role will see a war fighting increment from 158 Regt embed into 7REME in the Aviation BSG, supporting 1 Av BCT. As part of the transition, the Regt bids goodbye to 160 (Lincoln) and 203 (Loughborough) Sqns and welcomes 294 (Grantham) and 678 (Milton Keynes) Sqns. Thank you to all those serving in 160 and 203 Sqns for your consistent commitment to 158 Regt over the years.

8 2Lt Al-Azzawi delivers a

brief to troops on Ex RAMB 5

201 (Bedford) Sqn 201 Squadron deployed on Ex 50

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

159 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps COVENTRY CO: Lt Col A Heather • Adjt: Capt K Cahill • RSM: WO1 (RSM) P Whiting With this Sustainer’s theme being ‘giving back’ what better way to highlight what 159 Regiment RLC’s soldiers and officers have been up to within the community; raising awareness of the what the British Army Reserves while completing valuable training.

In September 2022, the Regt supported HQ West Midlands Brigade Youth Engagement Team, hosting a Scouts’ Mechanics Activity Badge. The event took place at 123 Supply Sqn in Telford, which was delighted to work with Shropshire/Tern Valley Scouts to inspire and enthuse young people about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

With the Army’s increasing emphasis on utilising STEM to recruit the best talent and motivated young people, showing its practical application was a perfect opportunity to engage with soldiers of the future. The Mechanics Activity Badge will help give Scouts insight into the world of mechanics, technology and raise awareness of both the Regular Army and the Reserves.

Members of 243 HQ Sqn were honoured to support and host the Coventry Commonwealth Cultural Mela 22 hosted by BOPA (British Organisation for People of Asian Origin) and Coventry Mercia Lions Club. The day started with the inauguration of the Canal Basin Peace Garden by a wide range of community leaders, Armed Forces

personnel, faith leaders, Miss England competitors and representatives of other groups. This peaceful and tranquil area is available for use by all of the Coventry community. The afternoon saw the team move to an indoor location in the city centre where they remembered HM The Queen, welcomed HM King Charles III - who visited the project last year - and were then entertained by a range of traditional entertainers, including a group of Ukrainian Singers and Sikh Martial Arts Performers.

159 Regt regularly hosts MAD events (military activity days) for local colleges and recently it staged two very successful events in Stoke and West Bromwich. Local students participated in a planning activity, weapons handling training, a relay race along with a few discussions about life in the

8 Maj Birtle hosts the Coventry

Commonwealth Cultural Mela 22

Reserves and the wider Army. This has proven a great way to engage with young people with an interest in a career within the Armed Forces and also build relationships with local colleges.

November saw 159 Regt personnel deployed to Sennybridge where they were given the opportunity to complete their navigation ITR along with their fourth assured event of the year.

The Brecon hills were beautiful and true to form they were cold, wet and very windy which posed a great challenge to all. The overall turnout across the Regt was excellent with a total of 118 soldiers and officers attending.

Finally, in December, after a very long hot summer and a busy autumn the 159 Ex Knees Stretch Nordic Ski team endured a stark contrast with temperatures dropping beyond -20°C. However this did not deter them, and they came away will a plethora of medals. Cpl Moloney - Champion Female Senior Reserve - Cpl Busk Champion Male Senior Reserve and Maj Taylor - Champion Veteran Reserve and overall Champion Reserve. 159 Regt will return in 2024 to win the Champion Nordic Reserve Unit!

8 Next year’s RLC Reserve unit winners!

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

51

THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

#BritishArmyLogistics

162 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps NOTTINGHAM CO: Lt Col W Steel MBE • Adjt: Capt O Lewis • RSM: WO1 D Teal The RLC Military Skills Competition 162 Regiment RLC successfully fielded two teams for this year’s competition; a mixed team and a male team. The Regt started the training for this event before the summer and completed three successful training weekends. The weekends were well attended and each included a morning on the ranges, an afternoon of revision for the six theory stands, a loaded march and RFT training, followed by more revision.

The event itself was really well executed and the obstacles were tough and ensured that teams were muddy from head to toe right from the start of the march. The 25m range was much more challenging than anticipated and the RFT exercises much more tiring! Both teams came home with medals, the mixed team winning its category and the male team winning both the male Reserve as well as the overall Reserve category.

Ex AUSTERE WOLF Five members of 162 Regt deployed to Cyprus on Ex AUSTERE WOLF in Oct 22, supporting their Regular counterparts in 17 P&M Regt with the important task of running the Port Task Group. During the exercise more than 1,700 linear meters (LiMs) of vehicles and equipment from 17 different units were safely transported between

the Sea Mounting Centre, Marchwood and Limassol.

All members of 162 Regt thoroughly enjoyed the opportunities this presented, putting their movement operator trade knowledge to the test whilst deployed on a large-scale, joint exercise. On successful completion of the exercise, all the participants were rewarded with the opportunity to make the most of the beautiful and magnificent landscapes of Cyprus: be that paddle boarding at Kyrenia Beach, a cultural visit to the fabulous Paphos or an entertaining day at the Akrotiri Go-Karting track.

Community engagement 282 Sqn has been very busy within the local community in recent months with Remembrance parades at Middlesbrough

8 Members of 162 Regt helped run the PTG on Ex AUSTERE WOLF

Cenotaph, Middlesbrough football stadium and the clean-up of Victoria Cross recipient Sgt Morley’s grave. 282 Sqn’s main effort in the build up to Christmas was collecting donated food and personal hygiene items for the Riverside Care and Support Hardwick House for ex-servicemen and women. The Sqn collected over 20 bags and boxes of food, which was dropped off by WO2 Copland, Cpl Kearns and the Sqn’s newest reservist, Pte Haddley. Pte Haddley said: “I was very proud to be giving back to veterans within the community and am looking forward to more engagement with Hardwick House in 2023.”

Exercises KNEES BEND and KNEES STRETCH 162 Regt sent two teams to the RLC skiing competition this year, one Nordic and one Alpine. After a week of training both teams took part in the second week’s competitions. The cold made competing a challenge, but both teams represented the Regt well by conducting themselves to a high standard and overcoming the difficulties laid out by the weather.

In Alpine, Cpls Heath and Palmer won awards and the Nordic team won second placed Reserves team.

8 The winning 162 Regt Mil Skills team

52

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

RESERVE UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

165 Port & Maritime Regiment RLC PLYMOUTH CO: Lt Col G Symonds • Adjt: Capt L Hunter • RSM: WO1 Liguari This quarter, 165 Port & Maritime RLC has concentrated on achieving certificates of efficiency and the overall increase of deployability within the Regt, while maintaining key outputs such as providing personnel to Op ILKANE. Additionally, there has been handover of Regimental Command.

The Regt said farewell to Lt Col R Williams, who takes up his post as Chief Instructor at DCLPA and who has brought many positive changes to the Regt. The Regt extends a very warm welcome to Lt Col G Symonds on her assumption of command.

This edition concentrates on a project conducted by 232 Port Sqn, followed by some of the opportunities offered to those serving across the Regiment, and the critical service the OH Squadron provides to the Armed Forces.

232 Port Sqn - Penhale Dunes’ Dynamic Dunescapes The project took place on Penhale training area to assist Cornwall Wildlife Trust with dune rejuvenation and scrub clearing. It was a great opportunity for both training and engagement, with lots media coverage, and the project is scheduled to take place again in Oct 23.

The work, which involved clearing the scrub and the long grasses back to bare sand, has helped improve Port Operators’ skills, enabling them to become more confident manoeuvring a JCB, with work very different to they’re used to. The other bonus was that the exercise was local to 232 Port Sqn so the reservists were able to develop their skills while benefitting both the local community and environment.

710 (Royal Buckinghamshire Hussars) OH Squadron The importance of operational hygiene is never far the front of a commander’s mind during a major conflict. OH is the means to provide a deployable laundry and shower

service, primarily to support field hospitals but which is also available for the general use of all troops. It is important to the maintenance of health and morale, especially during a period of rehabilitation.

165 Regt holds the British Army’s only Sqn dedicated solely to the provision of OH. Located in Aylesbury, the OH Specialist is an RLC trade open to reserve soldiers only and involves a two-week Class 3 course and Class 2 Workbooks that are completed in subsequent years, before progressing to the OH Detachment Commander level. If you are about to leave the Regular Army and considering joining the Reserves, opportunities exist to join the Sqn right now. Email: 165RLC-710PSAO@mod.gov.uk AT Ex CARIBBEAN EXPRESS took place in January and offered 10 members from across the Regt a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to conduct AT in an environment which was both challenging and adverse.

For two weeks, expert skipper WO2 Pat Audas, supported by a first and second mate, ensured that the crew was able to develop the skills it needed to efficiently and safely crew the Challenger 72 “Discoverer”.

Covering just over 600 nautical miles, the islands visited included St

8 710 (Royal Buckinghamshire Hussars) OH Sqn

Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Guadeloupe, Antigua, Isles des Saintes, Dominica and Martinique.

Winds reached over 30 knots and ensured the abilities of the (mostly novice) crew to put reefs in the sails were perfected! These demanding conditions, alongside seasickness and tiredness, helped develop team building skills and resilience while offering a real reward at the end.

Other upcoming AT opportunities, in March include skiing in France and rock climbing in Greece. This will be followed by MTB in Mallorca, offshore sailing in the Arctic and kayaking later in the year.

8 Ex CARIBBEAN EXPRESS

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

53

THE SUSTAINER | RESERVE UNITS

#BritishArmyLogistics

167 Catering Support Regiment RLC GRANTHAM CO: Lt Col M Dyos • Adjt: Maj S Conway • RSM: WO1 A Cartwright Army Reserve Chef Symposium 167 Catering Support Regiment RLC hosted the first Army Reserve Chef Symposium at Grantham in Nov 22 on behalf of the Field Army. The aim of the event was to bring all Army Reserve chefs together to promote ‘espirit de Corps’ throughout the trade. Around 80 Army Reserve chefs were in attendance and found it really useful. The two-day event offered information on the trade, its future and ways to improve lines of communication as well as recruitment and retention methods; all geared towards improving the overall capability of the Army Reserve trade.

HQ Field Army’s aspiration for the symposium is to give Army Reserve Chefs an annual platform for discussion and professional development. A huge thank you to WO1 Stones and his team for organising the event. Date for the next symposium will be pushed out once confirmed.

Skiing 167 Regt deployed personnel to Hemsedal Norway on Exercise NORDIC KNEES STRETCH and Exercise ALPINE KNEES BEND. On arrival the teams were met with temperatures of -20ºC which unfortunately meant the first day of training was cancelled. Day two received a green light and all team members were in great spirits and ready for training despite the cold.

The team worked hard over the first three days, covering around 20km a day. The first race was an individual 7.5km female race and a 10km male freestyle race which included a mass start; a first for several team members.

Congratulations to Sgt Curtis who placed second Reserve Vet in the 10km race! Other results included LCpl Davis - first female Reserve Junior in 5km mass start and 7.5km sprint; Capt Richards second overall Vet in 5km mass start and 7.5km sprint, first female Reserve in 5km mass start and 7.5km sprint and first female Reserve Vet in 54

5km mass start and 7.5km sprint.

In addition to individual results, the Nordic team of Capt Richards, Sgt Curtis, LCpl Davis, LCpl Short, LCpl Davis and Pte Lai, were named Mixed Team Nordic Champions.

Congratulations also to Sgt Wightman, Sgt Hayball and LCpl Heanes of the Alpine team who continued to climb the rankings as the competition progressed.

Furthermore, Sgt Curtis and Capt Richards received their Corps Colours for ‘Continuous Contribution to Nordic Skiing’.

Ex ARMY SUSTAINER Ex ARMY SUSTAINER 23 will take place on 24 Jun 23 at Prince William of Gloucester Barracks Grantham. It is an Army-wide catering competition for all Regular and Reserve Chefs, organised and managed by 167 Regt on behalf of Fd Army. The one-day competition schedule includes 15 technical classes ranging from field and improvised catering team events to individual classes in both static and live theatre. RAF and Navy, MOD Industry partners and International allies are also invited to compete.

The exercise serves as a fantastic platform to develop new talent, train field skills and highlight potential new British Army Culinary Arts

8 167 Regt medals won at Ski RLC 23 Team competitors, opening up opportunities to represent the Army team at Ex JOINT CATERER at the Hotel, Restaurant and Catering Show. In turn this can result in potential selection for the prestigious Combined Services Culinary Arts team who compete in catering competitions worldwide.

All Army Chefs (both Reg and Res) are encouraged to take this opportunity to showcase you and your unit/formation and interested parties should use QR code provided to enter (please inform your CoC that you hope to compete).

The POC is: WO1 Stones (Glen.Stones233@mod.gov.uk)

Farewells The Regt says goodbye to Sgt Bloor, Cpl Brindley and LCpl Mason-Lamb.

All have given many years of service and expertise to the Regt and they will be sorely missed.

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

2 Operational Support Group RLC (2OSG) GRANTHAM CO: Lt Col A Chambers • 2IC: Maj J Bastin • RSM: WO1 Allison 2 Operational Support Group RLC has been busy focusing on training. Trade and ITR training weekends have been plentiful with members of the Group enjoying some different dynamics to training which have been brought in from the new members of the permanent staff training team. An additional annual camp took place in Beckingham, which saw a high output of the Unit achieving their certificate of efficiency. 2 OSG is continuing to support Ops, with Maj Sapwell recently deploying on Op ILKANE, Maj Hicks on Op CROSSWAY and SSgt Shand continuing excellent work at DST Leconfield. With future commitments to DEFENDER 23 and IRON TITAN 23, 2OSG looks forward to another busy year of deployments.

Trade training 2 OSG kicked off the new year with the first of two Operational Labour Support Courses (OSLC) for 2023.

Delivered over a five-day period, the aim of the course is to prepare SP for deployment in a labour support role, whether through direct employment of locally employed civilians or through a range of contracted solutions. Students came from 2OSG, 9 Regt RLC and 29 Regt RLC. Visit During Ex BEAVER LODGE, 2 OSG welcomed the Comd 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade, Brig C King.

It was a great opportunity for the Brig to meet the members of the Group and see them getting back to basics in the field.

The Reserves Inter-Corps Championship Congratulations to the RLC Reserve Football team, managed by CO 2 OSG, which won the Army Reserve Inter-Corps Football Championship played in Oct 22 in Grantham. This was the third running of the competition but was the first occasion that The RLC was able to

field a team. Despite a number of key players unavailable, The RLC beat the Infantry 1-0 in the final with the winning goal scored by LCpl England 167 RLC. Man of the match in the final (and selected by Army FA) was Pte Kyle 152 RLC. Despite not having a recognised goalkeeper available for the competition, special mention goes to Pte Cresswell of 165 RLC who volunteered to go between the sticks and made some exceptional saves throughout the competition. If any RLC Reserve soldier/officer wishes to be considered for the team, please get in touch through your chain of command with Lt Col Chambers.

Sports Glasgow Rangers FC welcomed around 150 Armed Forces Personnel to Ibrox for its Armed Forces Day in Jan 23. WO2 Billy McCallum had the honour of being selected as the British Army lead representative. He spent the day in the company of Ranger’s greats and was hosted in fine surroundings. Meeting the manager

8 Army Reserve Football Inter-Corps Champions take the trophy home

and watching the game from the director’s box was a personal highlight for him and it was a day he will never forget.

Ex MONTY MERGER Maj Claire Sapwell deployed with an eclectic team from Home Command, HQ Army and ARITC to assist with the delivery of the Ski Foundation (SF) Syllabus for Ski Tour Training on Ex MONTY MERGER. Despite a lack of early season snow, the French Alps did not disappoint and conditions were close to perfect for all levels of ski ability. Instructing on the SF2 Course, the students were challenged with skiing variables of slope and terrain and most had a new experience of skiing off-piste. It was also their first introduction to ski touring and the theory behind avalanche training and planning a ski tour.

Promotions, welcomes and farewells 2 OSG would like to offer a warm welcome to Pte Dougan and Pte Kawa who have recently joined the Group from 158 RLC. Welcome also to two new PSIs, Sgts Roberts and Skorek.

8 Students on the SF2 Course ‘finding their feet’ with ski touring

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

55

THE SUSTAINER | OTHER UNITS

#BritishArmyLogistics

132 Aviation Supply Squadron Royal Logistic Corps IPSWICH OC: Maj McHugh • SSM: WO2 S Jones 132 Squadron continues to sustain 1 Aviation Brigade Combat Team (BCT) as part of the BSG, whilst supporting the transition of Apache Helicopter (AH) E model and sustaining the legacy AH D model with aviation spares. Although the Sqn has been busy with support to AH within Wattisham Flying station and in the deployed space, it has been extremely busy with a number of other tasks including support to Ex CERBERUS 22 which saw both the OC and 2IC deploy for several weeks supporting the BCT validation.

London Poppy Day 22 Charity work is something 132 Sqn always embraces, this time participating in London Poppy Day 22 (LPD). A team of 25 personnel from Wattisham Flying station, headed up by SSgt Chokotho, set off from Stowmarket at 0500hrs and headed into London. By around 0700hrs the volunteers had arrived at Farringdon Station and were stood buckets at the ready to begin collecting.

Although it was a long day for the volunteers, everyone seemed to enjoy engaging with people and talking to them about different things to do with Service life. At 1900hrs the collecting stopped, all the money was collected by RBL staff and the team packed up. A huge thanks to all the personnel

8 LDP 22 - collecting at Farringdon Station 56

8 The 132 Sqn Ex KNEES BEND 22 team logisticians, the main lesson to take away was prior planning and preparation with good intel on the ground is critical to supply troops on the ground. Security on the ground to ensure clear supply routes both land and air is essential to avoid the enemy intercepting resupplies.

8 The ski team received a CO's Coin for their perseverance

that volunteered their own time to help collect on the day. A staggering £11,868.15 was raised in just 12 hours, beating the previous totals.

Battlefield Study Some members of the Sqn took some time to visit Arnhem and Oosterbeek, Netherlands, the area of Operation Market Garden. It was time to relive the battle that was fought by 1st British Airborne Division, the US 101 Airborne Division and the 1st Polish Independent Parachute Brigade against the German forces.

The troops had an enlightening experience and learned many lessons on this BFS, however as

Ex KNEES BEND 22 Looking back at all the exercises that the Sqn has taken part in this year; this was on a different scale however with the same challenges.

A group of novice skiers, lead by Cpl Parkins, headed to Norway to complete in the RLC Ski Championships (Alpine). The team would have to drive through Europe before making it to Hemsedal Ski Resort, located in Hallingdal, Norway. Over a period of three weeks the team would learn many different disciplines the make-up Alpine ski racing.

The team of utter novices started from walking on snow with ski boots on up and down a hill, to stopping, turning, control, falling and getting up, body placement and positioning and with each new day came a different slope and challenge. The team was awarded a CO’s Coin for persevering and never giving up, having started every race towards the back of the field with 126 other individuals taking part. Well done team!

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

British Forces Brunei - RLC Logistic Support BRUNEI SO3 Log Sp: Capt N Kelsey • GSM: WO1 Khem Ollivierre

The Ammunition Sub Depot (ASD), British Forces Brunei (BFB), is located in West Borneo, in the nation state of Brunei Darussalam. The ASD is the only ammunition depot providing second line support to BFB for the storage and supply of live and blank munitions and explosives, and is the only site east of Cyprus serving the broader Pacific region.

Despite the recent severe national restrictions imposed during COVID-19, the team of two RLC Supply Specialists and two Ammunition Technicians have maintained support to the resident infantry battalions - 1 and 2 Royal Gurkha Rifles. Also, other infantry and specialist military units conduct regular arduous training courses in the tropical environment to provide the Defence requirements of jungle warfare.

The ASD is constantly engaged

8 RBAF Ammunition Technical and Logistic Specialist liaison

8 The ammunition in-load is unloaded from MV Anvil Point

with enabling activities, the depot itself supplying and maintaining the ammunitions stockpile in a highly restrictive climatic environment.

Everyone in the team carries out SME roles and responsibilities and performs above the standard to accomplish BFB operational output.

Defence engagement with the host nation is frequent. A recent official visit from the Royal Brunei Armed Forces (RBAF) was an opportunity to show and share the British approach to maintaining and storing explosives, and also to build

upon the good relations with our fellow logisticians. Early this year, the annual resupply by RORO from Defence Munitions Kineton, comprised nine ISO containers to restock the depot, in-line with provisioning with resident units’ training forecasts. Concurrently, the ASD backloaded almost 80 tonnes of shelf life expired (SLED) ordnance. Brunei’s climatic category plays a vital role in sensitive commodity management and firing performances and specific storage requirements are a constant balancing act. Many stock lines are reduced to a one year life if not maintained in correctly conditioned explosive store houses.

Most recently, the ASD worked hard and prepared for the Ammunition and Supply LSA&I simultaneous to the changeover of units within 1 and 2 RGR in 2022.

Only now is ASD returning to physical audits, as the assurance team were not able to visit in previous years. Although, after their visit last year, they were thoroughly impressed and satisfied with the ASD’s effective management of the ammunition accounts and ammunition husbandry within the ASD. 8 Containers of munitions from the annual RORO resupply

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

57

THE SUSTAINER | OTHER UNITS

#BritishArmyLogistics

Logistic Support Squadron CLR BARNSTAPLE OC: Maj D Withers • SSM: WO2 K Naudo The transition to the Future Commando Force continues at pace bringing some exciting changes and opportunities to the Commando Logistic Regiment (CLR). The creation of a new combined CSS Troop concept sees RLC Soldiers forming mixed troops with their Royal Marine counterparts to provide very close support to the Littoral Strike Groups. The Logistic Support Squadron is deeply involved in trialling cutting edge new equipment, such as logistic drones and deployable fuel cells making this a very interesting time for RLC Commandos.

Ex MUSSADAM FORT 22 A CSS section from CLR deployed under Lt Pritchard to Oman to support Bravo Coy, 40 Commando as it conducted strike team training and integrated training on a CALFEX with 29 Commando Regiment RA and other assets.

This produced unique challenges trying to support a small force at reach across the desert and it created great training opportunities from a CSS perspective and for individuals who were able to go onto the ranges and utilise a variety of weapon systems.

CWWC 23 Numerous troops deployed to Norway to conduct their Cold Weather Warfare Course (CWWC), preparing them to live and fight in an artic environment. The training consists of a four-week course, all delivered in the field under the arduous artic conditions that begins with a week of survival training and then progresses onto building in tactics culminating in a force-on-force exercise at the end.

Individuals are taught to live, move, and fight in small teams focusing on not being found and conducting reconnaissance on the enemy via observation points and recce patrols. This builds on the skills already learnt on the Commando Course and facilitates success 58

during Ex JOINT VIKING and Ex AQUILLA later this year.

8 CWWC teaches soldiers to live and

Ex FROSTY FUELS 23 The winter of 22/23 saw Dieppe Troop taking full advantage of UK Commando Forces Winter Deployment package and getting out to Norway to conduct one of the most niche trade exercises in recent history. Whilst Ex FROSTY FUELS didn’t get properly underway until February, the troop was out in Norway prior to Christmas to conduct its environmental training, namely the Cold Weather Survival Course.

Instructed by Royal Marine Mountain Leaders, this course takes soldiers from zero experience in an arctic environment to having a grasp of the skills needed to

survive. After some time back home and preparing the kit to deploy, the troop flew back out to Norway and got straight into routine, knowing they had the elements working against them. Building a PBFI is hard work at the best of times, but in temperatures dipping down to 27ºC, it made the simplest of tasks challenging. Whilst the exercise had to be run dry due to the proximity of a local watercourse, it provided invaluable feedback and training as to how the troop will operate and fight in this environment should the need arise.

8 Troops were able to fire a variety of weapon systems on Ex MUSSADAM FORT 22

fight in the artic

Pre-Commando Package (PCP) LS Sqn, on behalf of CLR RM, is a main donor unit for the All-Arms Commando Course (AACC). The PCP is a mandatory four-week course that develops both military skills and physical fitness in order to give students the best opportunity to pass the AACC. The PCP is a progressive yet demanding course starting on day one with an eightmile loaded march carrying 25kg, and the Royal Marines Basic Fitness Test. Candidates should arrive being able to pass both tests within the allotted times. If you feel you have what it takes to earn the coveted Green Beret and serve in Commando Forces, contact LS Sqn Ops at: 3cdox-clrlsops@mod.gov.uk

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

20 Transport Squadron The Royal Logistic Corps LONDON OC: Maj C Frost • SSM: WO2 G Keen Celebrating sporting achievement It is with great pride that 20 Transport Squadron RLC announces its recent victory in the GOC’s Cup for the Minor Units category. The Sqn’s impressive win came after fierce competition against several other units within the London District, including a major RLC unit.

The GOC’s Cup is a coveted award presented to winners of both major and minor unit categories that achieve the highest overall points across various sporting events such as cross-country, basketball, volleyball and more. This accomplishment is a testament to the unwavering dedication and professionalism of all members of the Sqn, who can now take great pride in their hard-earned recognition.

Op TEAMWORK: A testimony to exceptional teamwork In Feb 23, both military and civilian staff from 20 Tpt Sqn participated in Op TEAMWORK, held at the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Main Building in London. This event was a thrilling showcase of exceptional teamwork and collaboration among all squadron members. Through tackling a series of challenging scenarios that required extensive coordination, communication, and decision-making skills, the team was able to work together seamlessly and effectively, showcasing its unique expertise and experience.

The success of Op TEAMWORK is

evidence of the Sqn’s dedication and selfless commitment and an excellent opportunity to showcase its knowledge. It was also a chance to reinforce the strong bonds that exist within the team, further highlighting its ability to work harmoniously as one.

Revisiting history in Belgium In Dec 22, 20 Tpt Sqn embarked on a two-day battlefield study trip in Belgium as part of Ex HERMES SCHOLAR. On the first day, the troops paid their respects to fallen soldiers at the St. Symphorien WW1 military cemetery by attending a moving wreath-laying ceremony.

On the second day, they visited the historic Waterloo Battlefield, where

8 Members of 20 Sqn with their GOC Cup silverware

they not only learned about the key events that took place there, but also discovered the rich historical connection between the Royal Army Service Corps’ predecessor, the Royal Waggon Train and the Battle of Waterloo. 20 Tpt Sqn has a strong historical background that goes back to The Royal Waggon Train.

Participants were captivated by a 4D film at the Waterloo Museum, providing an immersive experience of the location and events of the battle. At the site, they came across various monuments, of which the Lion Mound was the most impressive. They also visited Hougoumont Farm, which played a crucial role in Wellington's successful campaign to defeat Napoleon.

The museum offered a wealth of information, featuring paintings, statues, maps, and other artifacts, all contributing to a comprehensive and enlightening experience of the battle.

The troops also took the opportunity to explore a local Christmas market in Bruges, savouring traditional Belgian street food and indulging in the festive offerings before heading back to London.

8 Members of the Sqn on the Waterloo Battlefield

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

59

THE SUSTAINER | OTHER UNITS

#BritishArmyLogistics

Joint Helicopter Support Squadron (JHSS) BENSON, OXFORDSHIRE OC: Maj A Hughes • 2IC: Flt Lt J Traynor • SSM: WO2 P Devine The fourth quarter of 2022 has been fast paced and rewarding for JHSS. Personnel have enabled aviation LIFT on exercises and operations both in the UK and abroad and achieved sporting success for both the Army and RAF. Ex HOOKERS SWORD In December, JHSS deployed to Longmoor on Ex HOOKERS SWORD for the annual CT Bravo exercise, covering infantry skills at troop level with an aviation spin.

Exercising troops were tasked with the reconnaissance of landing points for aircraft and having to defend them from enemy forces as well as practicing battlefield first aid, navigation and LOAC as there were complex serials with white forces. This gave the junior commanders the chance to test their leadership ability whilst operating in their stretch zone; enabling them to be fighting fit for any future deployments.

Sporting achievements RLC personnel from JHSS deployed on Ex NORDIC KNEESTRETCH and Ski RLC 2022 in Norway. JHSS sent a team to compete against all major units where it was placed fifth in the Nordic competition and sixth overall. A fantastic showing from the Sqn’s athletes. JHSS also has two players in the RLC football team and four who competed in

8 The Sqn looks forward to supporting aviation on exercises around the world

60

the RLC squash championship.

Finally, JHSS dominated the RAF Benson Station Commanders Cup, a monthly event where all sections from across the station compete in sporting events. JHSS competitors did not lose a single event throughout the entire year.

Enduring commitments JHSS continues to commit troops globally in support of aviation operations. These include sending troops to Brunei, Falklands, Kenya, Norway and California as well as holding standby duties for Hurricane relief in the Caribbean and sending a small team out to Cyprus in support of Commando Helicopter Force. These commitments ensure the troops are current and competent, enabling all aircraft across JHC in a variety of environments, allowing the Sqn to be a highly adaptable and deployable force that is highly relied upon by the wider Army and RAF to enable the movement of troops and equipment in any situation.

Looking forward The Sqn now looks forward to continuing to support aviation on

8 The JHSS team placed 5th in the RLC Ski Nordic competition and 6th overall

exercises in Kenya, California, Oman and Estonia and anywhere else the Support Helicopter Force requires the Sqn to support them.

JHSS is also sending troops out to support 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team exercises, providing specialist SME knowledge to the units deployed.

8 In 2022 JHSS assured Puma landing sites in Brunei – see page 31

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

OTHER UNITS | THE SUSTAINER

Defence Munitions (DM) Kineton Station TEMPLE HERDEWYKE CO: Lt Col D Pickersgill • RSM: WO1 J Walker 121 Squadron continues to repair and maintain ammunition in support of operations and training, with Advanced Short-Range Air to Air Missiles (ASRAAM) recently being processed for the first time at DM Kineton. This was a Whole Force effort including civil servants, RAF, and Army personnel from the Ammunition Technical Support Group (ATSG). The ASRAAM needed to be inspected within tight timelines to ensure the missiles and containers were fit for issue for operational use.

This involved inspecting the missile for damage and ensuring it had the correct markings, as well as repackaging the missile into a new container utilising appropriate cranes and lifting equipment. As the Ammunition Technician in Charge (ATiC), Cpl Marfell was responsible for planning the task and supervising his team to ensure safe and timely completion of the task whilst adhering to strict technical standards. Cpl Marfell’s team, including Cpl Jones, Cpl Prosser, LCpl Hall, LCpl Pilbeam, AS1(T) Farrall and AS1(T) Thor-Dymond, demonstrated their technical ability whilst highlighting their adaptability and innovative prowess.

The tight operational timeline aside, another significant challenge to overcome was how to get the ASRAAM safety into the Ammunition Processing Building (APB) itself. Originally designed for processing general munitions, the three-meter ASRAAM containers made it especially difficult for the ATiC and his team to fit the missile through the transit doors.

Undeterred, the team used their initiative and engineering proficiency to devise a series of controlled manoeuvres around structural pillars and tight corners allowing the missile to enter safely enter the APB. Sport In December 2022, six Army personnel from DM Kineton deployed to the RLC Downhill Ski

8 The DM Kineton Ski Team in Norway

8 Cpl Hill finished 18th in the individual slalom

Championships. The team was split into ability groups, ranging from complete novices who had never skied before, to those who have a couple of seasons’ experience. The first two weeks were spent undertaking quality training days before the competition began in the final week. Cpl Hill achieved the team's best result finishing 18th in the individual slalom. Every member of the team improved on their initial seeding places, giving an excellent benchmark on which to build.

Overall, a successful, injury-free exercise where soldiers tested themselves in a competitive setting, gaining valuable experience on the snow. Roll on next year!

Op TEAMWORK DM Kineton has maintained a full and varied Op TEAMWORK program since the ‘All Stop 2022’. A recent competitive team event was held and, in the spirit of inclusivity, was specifically designed to ensure 100% participation regardless of medical status or injury. Junior LCpls

were selected to become team leaders helping to prepare them for LCpl Army Leadership Development Program courses. Designed and delivered by the Unit PTI, Cpl Sanneh, the event consisted of a host of command tasks, physical challenges, and individual tests.

Strategy and leadership were required to ensure the best person was selected for each event, depending on individuals' strengths and weaknesses. DM Kineton is now looking forward to ‘All Stop 23’ on the 8 Feb 23.

Finally, DM Kineton would like to congratulate the RSM on his award of the Meritorious Service Medal on His Majesty the King’s 2023 New Year's Honours List.

8 LCpl Pilbeam and LCpl Hall packing an ASRAAM

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

61

THE SUSTAINER | SPORT As the 2023 competition season looms around the corner, the RLC Mounted Sports Club (MSC) has a very promising year to look forward to.

The club heads into 2023 with an up-and-coming grassroots cohort, a strong representation of RLC soldiers and officers on the Army Teams and continued RLC influence at all levels within Army and UK Armed Forces equitation. To better aid the support it provides to all ranks within the club, it has also reorganised into supported disciplines – see contact panel.

Army teams 2023 We are extremely pleased that The RLC has had a very successful intake into the Army teams for 2023. We have representation from all ranks, both regular and reserve and across all equestrian disciplines. All riders will participate in both Corps and Tri-Service level competitions in addition to national and international level competitions against civilians.

Army Dressage Team: Maj Rebecca Darke (29 RLC), Cpl Gillian Gallagher (att 103 RA) Army Eventing Team: Maj Rose Lambert (9 RLC), Pte Brian Leung (151 RLC) ** Army Showjumping Team: Capt Lara Dixon (1 RLC), Cpl Chris Davidson (att 4 SCOTS), Maj Hannah Hewins (AHQ) ** ** Army Development Team Army Grassroots League (AGRL) – Series 1 The AGRL seeks to develop, educate and start less-experienced riders on their competition journey.

Riders are assigned a horse kindly provided by the RA Saddle Club at Larkhill. They ride a set dressage test with an optional showjumping course, together which forms ‘combined training’. The 2023 series kicked off early in January with four RLC SP from a range of units. All RLC SP managed to get a placing and we look forward to following them into the AGRL final in April 2023.

Dressage: Maj Paul Gotobad (AHQ) - 3rd Combined Training: WO1 Ben Wright (DES) - 3rd, LCpl Ben Stevens (att to 5 Bn REME) - 4th, Pte Beth Guzkowski (162 RLC)– 5th 62

#BritishArmyLogistics

RLC Equestrian

Military competition season 2023 In 2023, the Army Equitation Association has unveiled the new Inter-Corps Competition where points are accumulated from each military fixture. We are looking to build upon last year's success, which would not be possible without our valuable support staff who help us on the ground. SSgt Todd Hayes (151 RLC) has shared some of his experiences below.

A view from the ground – SSgt Todd Hayes (151 RLC) Attending the 2022 Royal Navy Championships as a groom was the first ever equestrian competition that I attended. This was a massive eye opener, only having joined the club late last year.

I was eager to learn and Maj Darke was a very helpful mentor passing her knowledge onto me from her years of experience. The

8 Team RLC at AGRL series 1

four days I spent there enabled me to be more confident and ready for my future challenges on my riding journey. I feel more prepared to compete in the upcoming Army Grassroots League by understanding how some of the basic exercises I have been taught apply all the way up to Corps level and beyond.

The rhythm of a competition and the preparation at all stages takes dedication from the whole team and I am so proud to have seen Team RLC succeed. I would like to encourage new riders, to help out at Corps-level competitions to gain some competition experience, as I still learnt a lot despite being on my feet and supporting from the ground.

Social media – Search “RLC_equiuk” on Instagram, “RLC Mounted Sports Club” on Facebook.

The RLC MSC supported disciplines contacts: Mounted Skill at Arms - Maj David Puckey David.Puckey947@mod.gov.uk Polo - Capt James (Nick) Lowe James.Lowe643@mod.gov.uk Dressage/showjumping/eventing (Corps team) – Maj Hannah Hewins Hannah.Hewins825@mod.gov.uk Centralised training including beginners novices and non-horse owners – Maj Georgie Mawbey Georgina.Mawbey101@mod.gov.uk

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

#BritishArmyLogistics

8 Brigadier Michael Charles Owen QGM – late RAOC 27 November 1936 – 31 December 2022

OBITUARIES | THE SUSTAINER Brigadier Michael Charles Owen was born 27th November 1936. He was one of four children born to a poor mining family in South Wales. He described his father as ‘unambitious’ and mother an Irish rebel and he meant rebel. After her funeral in 1973 he was taken for a drink by her Irish brothers, all card-carrying members of the IRA, who offered him a ‘special pass’ to visit them in Ireland, assuring him that nothing would be done to him by the ‘boyos’ with their pass in his hand. As a serving member of the British Army, at the time, he declined their kind offer.

Mike spent his childhood in the Cynon Valley with the run of the surrounding woods, mountains, and slag heaps with ‘the gang’ other boys from the same village. During WW2 they watched German bombers flying low up the valley but lost interest when they climbed into the next one; because despite hundreds being killed there, it might as well have been another country. It was a very limited world that they lived in.

Mike was bright and applied along with 600 others for the 60 available places at Aberdare Grammar school. He was top boy in the entrance exams. School went well both in class and on the sports field and he left with good O Levels, but A Levels and University were beyond the means of the family, so he left school to earn a wage. Working initially at a radio repair shop and then a silk printer, he attended night school where he did an ONC but before studying for an HNC, he joined the Army.

Mike described his childhood as poor, limited but contented. He joined the Army in 1954 as a private soldier and was quickly promoted to Corporal. His elder brother prodded him to apply for a commission which he did rather half heartily and was surprised to be accepted into Sandhurst via Mons and he passed out in 1957.

During Mike’s 37 years in the Army, he saw service in the UK, Germany, Singapore, Borneo, Cyprus, Northern Ireland and the USA in ever more senior roles and rank. His career appeared to consist of either blowing up or making safe explosives. Mike was injured

while moving dangerous WWII ordnance in Germany and again making safe a booby trap in Borneo. He came under sustained fire in Cyprus, confronted pipe bombs in Northern Ireland, disarmed a car bomb meant for the visiting Shah of Iran in Germany and lectured at Quantico, the FBI HQ in the USA. The poor lad from the South Wales mining village had, by any standards, a remarkable career.

For 54 years of that journey his wife Pat was beside him or as he openly called her ‘his princess’. Mike met Pat, a teacher, at a cocktail party in Germany in 1959 and what followed Mike described as evenings of tennis and a great deal of fun. They married in 1960 and remained a devoted and loving couple. They were two kindred spirits - Mike told of having to blow up unstable ordnance on a cold wet day and not waiting the required 20 minutes, walked straight to the pit and was horrified at what he saw! Turning and running, the explosion threw him through the air but apart from some scrapes and a bruised ego he was fine. On returning home Pat immediately asked him ‘what happened just before 3pm?’

He explained and she said that she had fainted and after coming to, had remained anxious all afternoon. This repeated itself whenever Mike was in danger and frightened.

As dementia bit and Pat’s health faded, Mike’s gentle devotion was an example of what love and duty truly is.

Finally, there was his faith. Mike studied, was examined, qualified, and practiced as a lay preacher and that deep founded faith was certainly a major factor in his fight back from Pat’s death. Regrettably, COVID and the lockdown, or solitary confinement as Mike called it, was no friend to the active, sociable Mike but as his health faded his stoicism was remarkable and a real example right to the very end.

That famous son of Rome, Seneca said: ‘A Life well lived is long enough’ and that Mike firmly believed. But Mike summed it up best in his own words: ‘It has been a good life”.

Brigadier Michael Charles Owen QGM will be remembered with vast love and great respect.

Huw Owen Nephew

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

63

THE SUSTAINER | LAST POST

#BritishArmyLogistics

LAST POST Ashmore - On 30 June 2022, Mr M Ashmore RAOC Allen - On 2 February 2023, Mr H Allen RCT Barrow - On 21 September 2022, Mr F Barrow RAOC Blackburn - On 13 January 2023, Mr P Blackburn RCT Blanchard - On 31 July 2022, Mr M Blanchard RAOC Brock - On 2 August 2022, Mr D R Brock RAOC Burton - On 10 February 2023, Mr T Burton RAOC Campbell - On 29 January 2023, Lt Col RGC Campbell RCT/RLC Cantrell - On 19 December 2022, Lt Col F Cantrell RAOC Clark - On 22 December 2022, Mr J J Clark RAOC Cole - On 15 November 2022, Mr R Cole RAOC Connor – On 1 March 2023, Mrs Victoria Connor (nee Kavanagh) - WRAC/ACC/RLC Cook - On 12 August 2022, Lt Col R V Cook MBE RAOC Cook - On 14 October 2022, Mr J A Cook RAOC Corbey - On 24 October 2022, Maj R G Corbey Inf/RAOC/RLC Cornet - On 2 February 2023, Major AB Cornet RCT/RLC Cotgrave - On 17 December 2022, Mr R Cotgrave RCT Couthard - On 26 November 2022, Mr S Coulthard RCT Dalwood - On 3 January 2023, Lt Col HL Dalwood BEM RASC/RCT Darling - On 30 December 2022, Mr F Darling RASC/RCT Davies - On 25 Janaury 2023, Maj W A Davies RAOC Dellow - On 30 December 2022, Sir J A Dellow CBE RAOC Dilly - On 29 November 2022, Mr DF Dilly RCT Durrant - On 29 December 2022, Mr J Durrant RAOC Edwards - On 16 January 2023, Mr G Edwards RCT/RLC Eman - On 19 August 2022, Maj J M Eman MBE RAOC/RAEC Etheridge - On 6 January 2023, Maj SP Etheridge TD RASC Evans - On 20 April 2022, Maj KN Evans BEM RASC/RAOC Flood - On 2 January 2023, Mr M Flood RAOC Forbes -On 07 January 2023, Maj ARM Forbes RASC/RCT Foster - On 11 August 2022, Mr M F Foster RAOC Foster - On 23 September 2022, Mr T Forsyth RAOC Fry - On 13 October 2022, Mr J Fry RAOC Gibson - On 1 January 2023, Capt ACL Gibson MBE RASC/RCT Gordon - On 19 August 2022, Maj J J Gordon RAOC Gray - On 1 February 2023, Maj S Gray RCT/RLC Green - On 6 November 2022, Capt C M Martin RAOC

64

Griffiths - On 1 December 2022, Mr B Griffiths RCT Harvey - On 18 september 2022, Mr D Harvey RAOC Hemming-Tayler - On 3 February 2023, Lt Col DJ Hemming-Tayler RCT Higgins - On 8 December 2022, Mr B Higgins RAOC Higgs - On 17 December 2022, Capt JS Higgs RASC Hoad - On 8 November 2022, Maj A S Hoad MBE RAOC Hobson - On 11 January 2023, Lt Col RB Hobson MBE RCT Holtorp - On 10 August 2022, Maj P J Holtorp RAOC Jones - On 9 December 2022, Col IR Jones OBE Late RASC/RCT Kendall - On 8 May 2022, Mr D J Kendall RAOC Lewis - On 10 January 2023, Capt RE Lewis RASC Lincoln-Jones - In May 2022, Mrs J Lincoln-Jones RCT Matthews - On 29 September 2022, Lt Col P Matthews RAOC Mourant - On 24 April 2022, Mr R Mourant RAOC Murray - On 2 December 2022, Maj JD Murray RCT Musgrove - On 20 June 2022, Capt W D Musgrove RAOC O’Grady - On 4 January 2023, Mr WP O’Grady RASC O’Neil - On 31 October 2022, Maj TN O’Neil RASC/RCT Owen - On 31 December 2022, Brig M C Owen QGM Late RAOC Pascoe - On 21 Septenber 2022, Mr G Pascoe RAOC Raybone - On 30 June 2022, Mr C S Raybone RAOC Read - On 12 August 2021, Mr J Read RASC Read - On 7 Janaury 2023, In Pensioner G N Read RAOC Robinson - On 30 September 2022, Mr W H Robinson RAOC Rolfe - On 14 October 2022, Mrs M Rolfe (nee Irvine) Maureen WRAC/RAOC Roper - On 6 December 2022, Mr D Roper RAOC Shipman - On 21 November 2022, Mr HJ Shipman RASC Stevenson - On 10 Janaury 2023, Mr S Stevenson RAOC Storey - In November 2022, Maj R Storey RCT/RLC Swift - On 23 Janaury 2023, Capt R Swift RAOC Tippen - On 24 December 2022, Lt Col JF Tippen AAC/GPR/RASC Toye On 21 November 2022, Hon Col B E Toye RAOC Triggs - On 20 December 2022, Maj D Triggs RAOC Trollope - On 28 December 2022, Maj CFA Trollope RASC Walton -On 07 January 2023, Mrs B Walton Wansell - On 25 July 2022, Mr J Wansell RAOC Whatley - On 28 January 2023, Mr F R F Whatley RAOC Williams - On 31 October 2022, Mr J Williams RCT Williamson - On 5 December 2022, Maj AF Williamson RASC/RCT

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk • Facebook: The Royal Logistic Corps • Twitter: @UKArmyLogistics

On 1 June 2023 The Royal Logistic Corps will formally recognise relocation to the historic city of Winchester to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the Corps, with a Freedom of the City Parade and service of Thanksgiving at Winchester Cathedral.

8 Parade and Service of Thanksgiving 500 personnel from across The RLC will conduct a Freedom Parade.

They will be joined by RLC and Forming Corps veterans. Following the parade there will be Service of Thanksgiving at Winchester Cathedral. Tickets should be booked via the QR code below.

8 Reception Events Following the Service of Thanksgiving there will be a VIP reception at the Cathedral and a Regimental Lunch. Free transport will be available to Worthy Down Camp where food and refreshments will be available including an all ranks BBQ and curry lunch for on duty personnel. Further tickets are available below for veterans, families and friends.

8 Open Day and Concert From 1500hrs a Community Open Day for 3,000 people will highlight the breadth and depth of the talent within The RLC, promoting the aspects of diversity, sport, STEM and sustainability, representative of the modern Army and The RLC. The open day will transition to an open-air concert following a spectacular firework display commencing at 2200hrs. Entrance will be by ticket only (see below). There is no parking on site.

To register to attend the RLC 30 events scan the QR code and select from the menu of options

For updates on the RLC 30 events go to:

www.royallogisticcorps.co.uk

“ FOR ANYONE EVEN THINKING OF JOINING, DON’T HESITATE – IT’S ONE OF THE BEST DECISIONS I’VE MADE.”

As a serving soldier you often come across the Chelsea Pensioners. They get invited to the mess. Although they were in the Army 20 or 30 years before you, they’ve done the same things. It doesn’t change. You’re singing off the same hymn sheet. When you’ve been soldiers, you have this bond.

When my wife died, I thought, “What am I doing knocking around in a threebedroomed house? I don’t like this. I’ll apply to be a Chelsea Pensioner”. I came down on a small recce first, because I knew someone who was living there. That first night I went with him to the Pensioners’ club for a beer and as soon as I walked in the door I thought, “This is the place for me”. It took me back 30 years to the sergeants’ mess. In my berth at night, I sometimes think of how many generations of Chelsea Pensioners have been here in these buildings before me.

My four-day trial stay was brilliant. Everyone stops and talks to you. During my interview they said, “Aren’t you a bit young to come in here?”. I said, “I can live independently, I’m not married and I’m in receipt of a state pension, so I meet your criteria. And you need people like me to cheer up those old ones!”

WE ARE WELCOMING APPLICATIONS TO BECOME A CHELSEA PENSIONER. To find out more, contact our admissions team: 020 7881 5204 admissions@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk www.chelsea-pensioners.co.uk/become-chelseapensioner

For me, the best part is going out and representing the Royal Hospital. There’s nothing else to worry about. The hardest thing is choosing what to have for lunch!

For anyone even thinking of joining, don’t hesitate – it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made.