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‘‘The new Museum situated at Worthy Down - outside of the wire - is an outstanding facility, which perfectly showcases our Corps’ unique heritage in a state of the art and interactive setting

The Colonel RLC

As I write we are less than a month away from the government further releasing Coronavirus restrictions, which will mark a significant waypoint on the roadmap back to getting back to something nearer to normal. There is much to look forward to for the Corps as we begin to resume events and activities that we have all missed out on for over a year.

On 13th May our Colonel-in-Chief, HRH The Princess Royal, visited Worthy Down to open the new RLC Museum as its Patron. The new Museum situated at Worthy Down outside of the wire - is an outstanding facility, which perfectly showcases our Corps’ unique heritage in a state of the art and interactive setting. The facilities include a historic vehicle display, a mezzanine floor for temporary exhibitions and group activities, meeting facilities and a café and shop. It is something that everyone associated with the Corps can be very proud of and I urge all of you to visit as soon as possible and bring along your families and friends.

The Corps’ regiments remain fully committed to operations and exercises and the past months have seen several noteworthy deployments. 27 Regiment and 20 Transport Squadron played a leading role in the funeral arrangements for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh in April. 27 Regiment commanded the Joint Concentration Area providing the Real-Life Support and co-ordination role for all military involvement in the funeral and 20 Transport Squadron led the transport plan. I have been inundated with praise from the other Corps involved, who could not speak highly enough of our soldiers and officers for their professionalism and forward leaning approach. 27 Regiment continues to support ceremonial commitments in London and Windsor as the resident Public Duties Company until July. 9 Regiment is currently deployed across multiple theatres supporting Op TORAL redeployment in Afghanistan and Oman and on Ex DEFENDER 21 in Greece; working with our US Allies as the HQ of the Theatre Enabling Group. 6 Regiment is mid-way through its tour on Op TOSCA in Cyprus supported by Reservists from 159, 158 and 150 Regiments and is making an excellent contribution to the UNFICYP force.

I do hope that you have been receiving the monthly RHQ RLC Downreps, which are part of RHQ RLC’s concerted effort to communicate with you all better; particularly focussed on reaching the 40% of the Corps that sits outside our regiments. If you are not yet on the distribution list and would like to be added please contact the Corps Adjutant, Capt Jake Ardley. I am conscious that a large percentage of our trade groups serve in small detachments across the Army and we are working on how we can better use the Trade network to communicate better and further enhance pride, identity and ethos in line with the Corps Strategy. This edition of The Sustainer sees the return of the Head of Trade updates and our Corps Communications Team in RHQ is also supporting the Heads of Trade to introduce online trade forums and regular video updates via social media to further build the network and maximise reach.

Over the past few months the RHQ team has been supporting Army HQ in informing the future structure of the Corps as part of Defence’s Integrated Review. This work is ongoing, and I intend to issue another Corps wide update towards the end of the summer explaining in more detail the implications for the Corps.

The summer brings the inevitable churn to RHQ The RLC, with the handover of key appointments. Lt Col Ciaron Dyer hands over as COS to Lt Col Louise Stewart, Maj Jayne McCroary hands over as SO2 Pers to Maj Simon Robertson and Maj Jay Goodchild hands over as SO2 Trg Ops to Maj Jacqui Barlow. Thank you to you all for your steadfast commitment in supporting the Corps over the past two years and all the best for your future endeavours.

The final word must to Corps Sergeant Major Broom, who hands over to Corps Sergeant Major Sutherland after three years in appointment. On behalf of the Corps, a huge thank you for your unstinting loyalty and selflessness. You leave an indelible legacy, we wish you all the very best for ICSC(L) and your future career in the Corps. Colonel J C West ADC

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, WO2 (SSM) Charlie Bruce from 52 Port Squadron, 17 Port and Maritime Regiment RLC set himself a challenge to raise money for the children’s charity ‘The Pied Piper Appeal’. He was concerned that the charity may be negatively affected by the pandemic and that charitable donations would likely decrease.

Founded in 1992 by Peter Hickman, the Pied Piper Appeal is the leading children's charity in Gloucestershire. Its mission is to make a difference to the lives of sick and disabled children in the county by funding the Children’s Centre at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, supporting local Special Educational Needs and Disability schools, improving children’s experiences at mental health facilities and supporting children and their families with life-limiting illnesses.

Kitted out in a 20kg weighted vest, WO2 Bruce decided he would embark on a journey of running 5km every day, starting on 12 Apr 20. Determined to raise awareness for this essential charity, he was relentless in adhering to his running routine and stuck to his challenge regardless of the unpredictable British weather.

WO2 raises over £12,000 for children’s charity

8 WO2 (SSM) Bruce with his father,

Maj (Retd) Ian Bruce RLC, the day he completed his first marathon

As the donations started to roll in, WO2 Bruce was spurred on to challenge himself one step further by setting himself longer distance targets each time he hit another milestone in his fundraising efforts. Still wearing his weighted vest, he decided to run 10km when he raised £100, 20km for £2,000, 30km for £3,000, 35km for £4,000 and 42km for £5,000. Having completed one 42km marathon, he received a £1,000 donation in one hit and decided to do another 42km the next day for his £6,000 achievement.

In addition to this, WO2 (SSM) Bruce also completed a 24-hour workout challenge at Reebok CrossFit Glevum. Testing both his physical and mental capabilities, on Saturday 19 Dec 20, every hour, on the hour, WO2 (SSM) Bruce took on one of the benchmark 'Girl' workouts within CrossFit, all before completing his daily 5km run!

His admirable achievements saw WO2 Bruce raise an impressive £12,462 for the Gloucester Royal Hospital, with the money being used to purchase two mental health wards for the Pied Piper Children’s Centre. In total, between 12 Apr 20 and 31 Dec 20, he covered a commendable distance of 1,635km.

Reopening the Tower of London

On 19 May 21, as part of Public Duties, personnel from 27 Regiment RLC took part in the opening ceremony for the reopening of London’s top tourist attraction, The Tower of London. They supported the fanfare from four trumpeters from the Band of the Royal Yeomanry outside the Tower in the highly-anticipated reopening after the attraction had to close to visitors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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/

‘‘Enjoy whatever the new normal looks like, but please do not forget the sacrifices made to get here. Remain careful, stay safe and watch out for each other

Hello, I hope you are all safe and well. As I write my final edition of ‘From the Ranks’, I am trying to reflect on and quantify the last three years as The RLC’s Corps SM. It is impossible, in these few words, to capture everything that we have achieved or do justice to just how far the Corps has come. However, I can say with absolute certainty, that we have never been more valued and needed. The Corps is held in such high regards that our reputation proceeds us. We are tried and tested, both operationally and in barracks. We are current, relevant, professional, flexible, able; and we are true SMEs and masters of our own destiny.

Since taking up post in summer 2018 - the year of RLC 25 - I have been lucky enough to witness and be involved in so many events. All of which I will remember and cherish forever. Irrespective of the event’s nature, there has been one constant; and that is the ability of our officers and soldiers to continually step up to plate and deliver the goods. No matter the situation or circumstances, you continue to impress at all levels. You laugh in the face of adversity and relish the challenges placed in front of you and you as individuals and as teams, should be (rightfully) just as proud of your successes, as we are of you!

As we celebrated our 25th anniversary, what stood out for me, is the way the Corps came together. We marked the occasion in style, and we continued to do so for 12 months. I truly believe this was a turning point in our history and when the Corps came of age. There has been a general buzz around the Corps for the last three years and I feel you are genuinely proud to wear our cap badge, TRF and stable belt and are comfortable and confident about who and what we are.

I know the past 14 months has been difficult for all of us, but again you delivered in spades and we cannot have asked anything more of our personnel. I really do mean it when I say congratulations on a job well done and I would like to thank each and every one of you. Through your efforts, this Corps has benefited; you have directly helped the nation and you have saved lives or played your part in saving lives. And for that we will be forever grateful, both individually, as a nation and collectively as a Corps.

The Government is slowly relaxing the COVID-19 restrictions and I hope by the time that you read this article, all restrictions should have been lifted. It is time to bring the fun back to the Corps. We need to come together, we need to socialise again, we need to compete and get our sports events back on track. Enjoy whatever the new normal looks like, but please do not forget the sacrifices made to get here. Remain careful, stay safe and watch out for each other.

COVID-19 has also created opportunities for the Corps to adapt and try new things. RHQ The RLC along with the 2* and 1* community have had the opportunity to develop and launch a new RLC Strategy that is fit for the future, fit for purpose and fit for the Corps. The Strategy has been well received and has enhanced our reputation across the Army. I would like to thank those of you that have assisted with this project so far. The Strategy will continue to evolve as will the Corps; and we will continue to call on you to help it develop, so please lean in and help us to be better!

I have been able to enjoy this post thanks to your superb individual and team efforts. Please know, that I, along with the all The RLC’s senior leadership, am eternally grateful and cannot thank you enough for what you do for this Corps. Thank you for your support over my tenure. I know you will do the same for my successor, WO1 (Corps SM) C Sutherland. Good luck Corps SM (Chris) and good luck to you all. Be safe, take care and I hope to see you soon. WO1 P S Broom Corps Sergeant Major RLC

RLC Reservist SSM joins veteran care team

WO2 (SSM) Colin Adams, has joined Broughton House Veteran Care Village in Salford as its head of facilities.

WO2 Adams left the Regular Army in 2017 but maintains his service involvement with 156 Regiment RLC and is currently Squadron Sergeant Major 236 (Manchester) Squadron. During Op RESCRIPT, WO2 Adams was mobilised as the deputy military liaison officer for Greater Manchester, working with the NHS, police forces, fire and rescue services and local authorities across the region. He was demobbed in February and joined Broughton House.

In his new role, he co-ordinates the full range of the care village’s facilities spanning the buildings, the grounds, security, maintenance, equipment, vehicle transport and stores.

Corporal Kaur Pardeep has an entire marathon in her garden to raise money for the NHS East Ambulance Service.

Cpl Pardeep began raising money for charity back in 2018 when she deployed on Op TRENTON. She baked 500 pieces of cake to raise £400 for Macmillan Cancer Support. Since then, she has committed herself to accomplishing at least one fundraiser each year and in 2020 planned to run the Brighton Marathon. The event was cancelled, but inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore’s 100 laps, she ran the distance in her garden. Cpl Pardeep is aiming to become a PTI and is already busy preparing for her next fundraiser, which will see her complete a triathlon to raise money for veterans.

Pte Umit Rai (above) of 22 Signal Regiment is the latest winner of the Mackenzie Award. The award is granted every six months to a British Army Chef for outstanding achievements, either in or out of the kitchen and Pte Rai’s citation shows a clear indication of his commitment and dedication in both of these fields.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, Pte Umit was part of a small team tasked with providing catering support to numerous Mobile Testing Units: stepping up to act as a shift 2IC in the absence of any JNCO’s. He embraced technology to provide a number of healthy dishes which were then shared on Defence Connect with a step-by-step guide. He also found the time to maintain team ethos by running several virtual quizzes not only for his team, but also their families. During Ex LOYAL LEDA, Pte Rai stepped-up again to shift 2IC, a task that required him to run operations in a field kitchen overseeing the production of meals for over 500 personnel whilst the production supervisor was in a separate location.

WO2 Adams says: “It’s close to home and I jumped at the chance to work with veterans. They deserve the best for all they have done for the country and I wanted to do something to give back to them. I’m really enjoying the role and working with a great team of people who are very dedicated to the residents. I feel I’m lucky to be here in this job.”

Broughton House is currently undergoing a £13m transformation to create the UK’s first Veteran Care Village. The first stage of the redevelopment saw veterans moved into a new three-storey building which has 32 residential and nursing care beds over two floors. The next stage of the scheme will feature 32 residential care and residential dementia care beds and six independent living apartments alongside an Armed Forces support hub. Broughton House is seeking to raise a further £1.4m to complete this stage of the project. www.broughtonhouse.com

RLC Chefs go the extra mile

Looking for a new challenge challenge

We are recruiting! ?

Position: Drum Major Start date: Jun 22 Applications close 30 Sep 21 Applications close 30 Sep 21 Qualifications or experience required

T To apply, email: craig.humphreys110@mod.gov.uk o apply, email: craig.humphreys110@mod.gov.uk