Indoor rowing Gold

An outstanding indoor rowing season sees an RLC Lance Corporal take bronze at the World Championship and gold at the USA Indoor Rowing Championships.

This indoor rowing season has seen LCpl Elvin from MRTC Bassingbourn go from strength to strength. With indoor rowing competitions adapting to become virtual, it has meant that they have become more accessible for rowers to compete against their peers on a global scale. This is no more evident than with LCpl Elvin who started the season off winning the RAF virtual championships, followed by racing at the Scottish Indoor Championships where he achieved third place in the men’s 2km (30-39 year). Spurred on from this success, he went on to represent the Army at the British Indoor Championships, where he competed in the men’s (30-39 years) 2km and 500m races, in which he achieved fourth place in the 2km and third in the 500m which automatically qualified him for the World Indoor Rowing Championships. Along with qualifying to represent the Army in the men’s 500m (30-39years) event at the World Championships, he was also selected to represent the Armed Forces in the Men’s Team event, where he took third place in both categories. Not happy with his world success, two weeks later he went on to compete in the USA Indoor Championships Men’ s (27-35) 2km and took first place.

This outstanding achievement has been a culmination of six years of development, hard work and training. After getting into rowing following a CrossFit competition in 2015, LCpl Elvin signed up for the Army Indoor Rowing League (AIRL) in 2017. The AIRL is an indoor rowing competition open to all serving personnel, both as individuals or units and has a monthly challenge running from September – February. It was during this that LCpl Elvin found his competitive streak winning the men’s open for the first three years and the 30-39 category last year. With an obvious talent for rowing, LCpl Elvin has been selected to represent the Army at the British Indoor Rowing Championships for the last four years.

Indoor rowing is a physically and mentally demanding sport, made all the harder over the last year due to all the restrictions put in place. This has resulted in LCpl Elvin having to put in long solitary hours of training, in a cold garage with little support or encouragement. To be able to do this day in and day out takes great strength and determination, mentally and physically having to push himself further. It is a known fact that he has a bucket next to him for when things get tough! Additionally, he has had to balance work, training and family life, along with the ongoing restrictions COVID-19 brings and having to adapt to competing in a very different environment.

You don’t have to be a world level athlete to take up indoor rowing or enter the AIRL. Indoor rowing is a great sport which is accessible to almost anyone who can get access to a rower. It is a low impact sport, which engages the whole body from the legs, to the back and arms. This is ideal for those people who may be suffering from joint issues and unable to participate in high impact sports like running, but still want to stay fit and compete in a sport. Should you be interested in taking up indoor rowing, further information can be found on either the Army Indoor Rowing League Facebook page, or contact Maj Charlotte Peterson: charlotte.peterson249@mod.gov.uk

Maj Peterson can provide you with details for both indoor and on water rowing.

8 During lockdown

LCpl Elvin has trained in his garage

World Success for LCpl Elvin

8 LCpl Elvin celebrates his US Indoor

Championships win

8 WO1 (SSM) Jonathan Payne

8 Corporal

Eparama Rokodrava Warrant Officer Class One Jonathan ‘Sammy’ Payne enlisted as a Junior Soldier in the Royal Corps of Transport on 20 August 1981, before completing Seamanship training and eventually qualifying as a Navigator (now Mariner) and Coxswain on Army Landing Craft and MEXEflote. He was a very loyal and professional soldier serving some 14 years as a Regular and a further 22 years as a Reservist. During his Regular service, Sammy initially served in 20 Maritime Regiment RCT aboard Her Majesty’s Army Vessels St George, Arakan and Ardennes. He also completed three tours of the Falkland Islands and numerous exercises in Norway. In November 1989 he was posted to 17 Port and Maritime Regiment RCT as a MEXEflote Coxswain, deploying on numerous exercises around the world aboard the Knight Class Royal Fleet Auxiliary Landing Ships Logistic. He also completed a fourth tour of the Falkland Islands and played Rugby Union for his regiment and Corps.

Sammy left the Regular Army as a corporal on 12 March 1996, gaining employment with G4S as a cash solution manager (moving cash around the country in armoured vehicles). Missing the camaraderie, team spirit and sense of belonging of military life, he joined the Territorial Army on 26 September 1998 as a national soldier with 165 Port Regt RLC based in Grantham. His extensive port and maritime experience enabled him to work closely with all trades and he swiftly promoted through the ranks to WO1 in less than 12 years. Sammy was employed as Sqn Ops WO in 2003 when 165 Port Regt mobilised for Op TELIC. He initially deployed to the Sea Mounting Centre at Marchwood to oversee the

It is with great sorrow that we report the death of Corporal Eparama Rokodrava. Known to all as Roko, he died suddenly on the 23 March 2021. A loyal and irreplaceable member of 1 Regiment RLC, Pioneer and Fijian communities, his passing is felt with profound sadness. Our thoughts are with his Wife, Josivini, and his three children Setaita, Arieta and Eparama.

Born in Fiji, Roko moved to the UK in 2001 with the sole purpose of joining the British Army. He began his Phase 1 training at Pirbright in October 2001 before passing out into 23 Pioneer Regiment as an assault pioneer. His commanding presence, strength of character and natural leadership was quickly identified and rewarded with promotion to junior non-commissioned officer. He subsequently deployed to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 6 in a Force Protection Role, followed by an assignment to the Northern Ireland Support outload, before moving out to Um Qasr in Iraq to relieve his old unit 17 Port & Maritime Regt RLC. He was mobilised again in 2013 for Op HERRICK 18, where he worked with the Labour Support Unit in Kabul, responsible for some 900 Locally Employed Civilians.

As a Reservist, Sammy served in many roles, from Coxswain on Landing Craft to Squadron and Regimental Ops, Head of Trade and Troop Commander. However, it is his employment as a very successful Regimental Sub-Unit Support Officer in a Full Time Reserve Service appointment for which he will be most remembered. Assuming this appointment on 9 March 2015, he is credited with the successful growth of 266 (Southampton) Port Sqn during Op FORTIFY to 125% of establishment. His recruiting prowess was most evident on the Isle of Wight, where the geographically isolated Troop was the only military presence for the island community. With only seven fully trained Reserves and threatened with closure, he deployed his team to swell the ranks and raise its profile. Granted the Freedom of the Isle of Wight, the future of the Troop is now secure and trained numbers are in excess of 30.

Across the South East, Sammy was highly regarded as the professional face of Army Reserve recruitment. His team were always first on the list for community focused events delivered by 11 Infantry Brigade, the South East Reserve Forces and Cadets Association and the Royal British Legion. He was especially proactive in educating his team to portray a confident, informative and welcoming image at all recruiting and community engagement events. Many recruits will remember him for his professionalism and pride in every aspect of his role, and his personal interest in their development and successful journey through the training pipeline.

Battalion as Provost Corporal.

In 2011, Roko’s natural mentoring and coaching approach enabled many young recruits to make the transition from civilian to solider, setting the condition for the future junior leaders of today’s Army. Employed as a Section Commander in the Army Training Regiment, Winchester, Roko’s infectious personality, humility and loyalty undoubtedly set many a young solider up for success; he was the epitome of the British Army’s Values and Standards. The Army needs more Rokos.

Returning to St David’s Barracks in 2013 as 23 Pioneer Regiment disbanded, Roko posted to 1 Regiment RLC and played a crucial role in the Quartermaster Department enabling the Unit to move from Germany to Bicester in 2015. He has been the backbone of the Regiment ever since; fulling various roles, each one given his full, undivided and professional attention. No one could ask for a more loyal, humble and dedicated soldier.

8 Corporal Semi Degei Rokotovitovi

Most recently he has been a valued member of 2 Close Support Squadron where, notably, he deployed on Operation RESCRIPT, the British Army’s contribution to the UK’s response to the COVID pandemic. As a Driver in support of the North West Ambulance Service, Roko’s kind and compassionate leadership provided invaluable support to the nation in time of greatest need.

A passionate rugby player, Roko spent his early years playing at unit, Corps and Army level before making the transition to the veterans team. More recently, he held the roles of assistant manager and kit manager. He was also the 1 Regiment RLC coach, such was his love for the great game.

A tower within the Fijian community, Roko was the Lead Pastor for the Assemblies of God

It is with deep regret that 29 Regiment RLC reports the death of Corporal Semi Degei ‘Roko’ Rokotovitovi, who has sadly passed away aged 41 at the Duke of Gloucester Barracks, South Cerney. A loyal and irreplaceable member of The RLC, his passing is felt with profound sadness.

Born in Suva, Fiji, Semi moved to the UK and joined the British Army in November 2001. He completed his Basic Training before passing out into 8 Transport Regiment RLC as an Army Driver.

He was a loyal and dedicated soldier, having served 19 years and reaching the rank of Corporal.

During his service, Semi carried out many tours of duty within the UK, Germany, Cyprus, Poland, France and Kenya, in addition to two operational tours of Afghanistan which he completed in 2008 and 2011.

On return, Semi served with 7 Regiment RLC in Bielefeld, Germany and earned promotion to the rank of Lance Corporal in March 2013. Semi moved with the Unit to Cottesmore in September 2014 before returning to Germany in January 2015 for an assignment with 6 Regiment RLC in Gutersloh. In September 2016, Semi was selected to fill the role of Second-in-Command of the Vehicle Fleet of the British Army Training Unit Kenya. Here, Semi spent six in Great Britain. A figure head of his culture within the Regiment and wider community, he was unreservedly generous with his time, guidance, encouragement and faith. A great leader in all respects.

Roko had the rare natural ability to inspire and command respect from everyone who had the privilege to have him in their lives, not just through his physical presence and infectious humour but through his unrivalled work ethic, natural compassionate leadership and his unwaveringly positive attitude. A friend, mentor and leader to so many, his loss to his family, the Regiment, the Pioneers as well as the wider Bicester and Fijian communities is immeasurable.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this difficult time.

months maintaining the equipment required to enable vital operational training for Land Forces. On completion, he returned to 6 Regiment RLC, now based in Thirsk and served there until May 2018.

Arriving in South Cerney as a newly promoted Corporal, most recently Semi has been a valued member of 99 Squadron, 29 Regiment RLC where he was employed as the Manager of the Squadron’s vehicle fleet.

A passionate and talented rugby player, Semi excelled at both union and league. He played Rugby League for The RLC and the British Army and Rugby Union at Corps and regimental level; he was also a key part of the 29 Regiment RLC team. Such was his love for the great game, he willingly gave his time to support the RLC Ladies’ team, where he held the role of Team Logistic Co-ordinator.

Semi was unreservedly generous with his time, guidance, encouragement and faith. He was a much-loved member of the Fijian community and willingly made time for anybody. He was central to any activity taking place within the Squadron and the wider Regiment. Semi could light up any room with his friendly, engaging personality and his huge smile. A friend, confidant and leader to so many, his loss is immeasurable.

Our thoughts are with his wife, Vasemaca, his daughter, Mariena and his son, Eminoni.

8 Major Alan

Clydesdale Major Alan Clydesdale BSc MSC MInstPet, sadly passed away on the 28 March 2021 aged 58. A loyal and dedicated soldier, he was commissioned into the RAOC in 1982 and transferred to the RLC in 1993 on formation of the Corps.

Held a number of varied appointments during his career including SO3 3 Inf Bde HQ & Sig Sqn, S02 G4 Ops and SO2 Logistic Sp Branch HQ Land. He was well known to the Reserve cohort having served as SO2 Trg Maj, HQ RLC TA and then COS 2 Log Sp Gp in Grantham. He subsequently served in Afghanistan with RC South, then in HOC CSS at Army HQ. He retired after 34 years' service and joined the Civil Service as part of the team at the Defence Land Safety Regulator, part of Defence Safety Authority.

He will be remembered for his commitment and service, for his wry smile and his dry sense of humour. His family were at his heart and our thoughts and condolences are with his wife Lisette, and his children Jess, Hannah and Mark of whom he was justifiably proud.

LAST POST

Bakx - On 25 April 2021, Mr PA Bakx RASC/RCT/RAPC Bamford - On 5 March 2021, Mr (ex-Cpl) J Bamford RAOC Bennett - In March 2021, Mr M Bennett RASC/RCT Bigham - On 30 November 2020, Mr T Bigham RAOC Bisset - On 28 March 2021, Lt Col AG Bisset RCT Boot - 20 April 2021, Maj (QM) D Boot RASC/RCT Bowser - On 21 April 2021, Brig PC Bowser CBE DL

RASC/RCT Browne - On 17 April 2021, Maj G J Browne MBE RAOC Budgen - On 1 March 2021, Mr (ex-WO1 (Cdr)) G Budgen

RAOC Burbridge - On 5 August 2019, Mr J Burbridge RAOC Clemow - On 14 April 2021, Mr G Clemow RAOC Clydesdale - On 28 March 2021, Maj A N Clydesdale

RAOC/RLC Craister - On 13 March 2021, Mr R A Craister RAOC Devonald - On 2 February 2021, Mr G Devonald RASC Edwards - In March 2021, Mr WF Edwards RCT Elmer - 10 May 2021, Mr P Elmer RASC Hinton - On 4 May 2021, Mr A J Hinton RAOC Mavhera - 8 June 2021, WO2 Tatenda Mavhera, RLC McDonald - In March 2021, Mr S McDonald RCT Peradon - On 25 April 2021, Mr I F Peradon RASC Pheby - In December 2019, Maj AW Pheby RCT Ridding - On 9 March 2019, Mr J G Ridding RAOC Rokodrava - On 23 March 2021, Corporal Eparama

Rokodrava RLC Rokotovitovi - In 21 April 2021, Corporal Semi Degei

Rokotovitovi RLC Saunders - On 1 April 2021, Mr KBS Saunders RCT Saunders - On 8 March 2021, Mr IJ Saunders RCT/RLC Selvon - On 18 May 2021, Mr (ex-WO1) K Selvon RAOC Skinner - In March 2021, Mr M Skinner RCT Spreadbury - On 13 March 2021, Lt Col WE Spreadbury

MBE RCT Stonham - On 25 March 2021, Mr D Stonham RAOC Tunstall - On 4 April 2020, Capt P A Tunstall RAOC Tuplin - On 26 March 2021, Mr D Tuplin RASC/RCT Von Zugbach de Sugg - On 18 April 2021, Maj R J L von

Zugbach de Sugg RAOC Wellings - On 4 April 2021, Lt Col MJ Wellings RASC/RCT Wells -On5 March 2021, Cpl Adam Wells RLC White - On 13 May 2021, Mr A White RASC White - On 8 October 2020, Mr Desmond Harold White Wildman - On 12 March 2021, Mr A Wildman RASC/RCT Winn - On 6 March 2021, Mr F Winn RASC/RCT