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.

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.

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.

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

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.

6 Regiment The Royal Logistic Corps DISHFORTH

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 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

£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.

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,

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.

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 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.