23 minute read
Fighting Through
At the onset of World War II, it became clear that a vast logistic focus would be required to massmobilise the British Army against the threat of Nazi Germany. As a result, in January 1940, the Royal Army Ordnance Corps 3 Division was established under Lt Col G Viner OBE.
Almost 83 years later, the latest incarnation of that original formation, 3 Regiment RLC, under the command of Lt Col G Wincott RLC, will formally disband on 31 Mar 23 following wider Army restructuring under the 2021 Integrated Review. As a final farewell, Sustainer looks back at the history of one of the Corps’ crucial units, celebrating what has been accomplished by those who have served and supported, helping to facilitate The RLC to be what it is today.
8 ‘First and last’ – current CO Lt Col G
Wincott meets the first CO, Maj Gen (Retd) J S Kerr CBE
8 Soldiers from 31 Sqn, Dalton Barracks
In the beginning Post-World War II, and during the onset of the Cold War in 1965, the transportation element of 3 Regiment was formed. It was subsequently renamed 3rd Division Transport Regiment in 1970, 3rd Armoured Division Transport Regiment in 1977, before amalgamating into 3 Close Support Regiment on 15 December 1992 on the handover of RAF Abingdon to the Army after 60 years of RAF tenure. The camp was renamed ‘Dalton Barracks’ in honour of James Langley Dalton VC who, as part of the Commissariat Corps, won the Victoria Cross in the Battle of Rorke’s Drift in 1879, and has been the home of 3 Regiment ever since.
The RLC vision of 3 Regiment saw the combination of the transport capabilities of the Royal Corps of Transport with the supply expertise of 3 Ordnance Battalion, Royal Army Ordnance Corps, the Unit that originally started its life in 1940. As with many British Army units, its forming elements were based across the globe with many located in Germany throughout the height of the Cold War. One such element was 3 Ordnance Battalion, commanded by Lt Col J S Kerr CBE. He oversaw the Unit move from Soest in Germany to Abingdon in late 1992. Hundreds of personnel, vehicles and weapons made the journey back across the English Channel and upon arrival, they took over the station from the RAF.
The Regt at the time was made up of four squadrons, all of which have their own distinct history. 35 Squadron hailed from 35 Squadron RCT; 31 Division Troops Squadron was formed from the core of 21 Ordnance Company; 32 Brigade
3 Regiment RLC – A final farewell
CO: Lt Col G Wincott • Adjt: Capt J Double • RSM: WO1 R Conway
Support Squadron was a decedent of 31 Ordnance Company and 21 Brigade Support Squadron took its title from 21 Squadron RCT. The varied roles of the squadrons combined to enable the Regt to fulfil its role of providing logistic support to 3 (UK) Division, at the forefront of evolving logistic support doctrine and practice. Now known as 21 (Key), 31 (Chameleon), 32 (Panther) and 35 (Rhino) Squadrons, their names and legacies will live on across the wider RLC as they take up up new homes in 9 RLC, 10 QOGLR, 6 RLC and 25 RLC respectively.
Handing over to Lt Col M H Lewington in November 1993, the Regt deployed to France in June 1994 as the D-Day Centenary support unit, responsible for co-ordinating events at Arromanches.
In October 1994, the Regt deployed with UN peacekeeping forces to Bosnia as the Operation
GRAPPLE V British Logistic Battalion, returning to Abingdon in April 1995. Later that year, 21
Brigade Support Squadron was detached to 4 General Support Regiment and deployed to Sipovo on Operation RESOLUTE.
Lt Col R J Bacon assumed command of the Regt in May 1996
and the Unit (less 21 Brigade Support Squadron which remained behind to support the Division) deployed to Bosnia in April 1997 as the Operation LODESTAR United Kingdom Logistic Regiment. Completing back-to-back tours, 21 Brigade Support Squadron later deployed in October 1997 supporting 4 General Support Regiment.
September 1998 saw Lt Col A D Bristow adopt command. The Regt deployed again to Bosnia on the Millennium tour in September 1999 as 3 (UK) Logistic Regiment comprising of 32 Brigade Support Squadron, 35 (Headquarters) Squadron, elements of 31 Divisional Troops Support Squadron and 60 Transport Squadron attached from 4 General Support Regiment.
8 Armoured protection vehicle near
the Divisional Support Area in LIPA, Bosnia, 1997
8 Lt Pembridge explaining the Regiment’s
humanitarian efforts in Kupres, Bosnia to HRH the Princess Royal in 1998
Returning in March 2000, the Regt welcomed 10 Brigade Support Squadron and in May 2000, after the operational tour, 31 Squadron reformed back in its routine Division Troops Support Squadron role.
In early 2001, Lt Col C Blong took command and in June, 21 Brigade Support Squadron deployed on Operation AGRICOLA 6 to Kosovo. At the same time, 10 Brigade Support Squadron deployed to Cyprus on Exercise LION SUN, later also deploying to Canada on Exercise IRON ANVIL from August to September of the same year.
Modern day operations Since the formation of The RLC, 3 Regiment has distinguished itself on operational deployments, delivering Close Support Logistics across the globe. In 2002 it was a key component of Operation FINGAL as part of the British Army’s contribution to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan as well as deploying to Bosnia in support of Operation PALATINE.
The Regt featured in numerous deployments on Operation TELIC in Iraq, where both Close Support and General Support Squadrons would rotate through tours of duty. More
8 Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal
presenting soldiers of 3 Regiment with their Operational Service Medal for their first tour of duty in Helmand, Afghanistan
recently, the Regt covered numerous rotations of Operation CABRIT in Estonia as part of the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence, enabling the crucial deterrent against the continually evolving threats and reinforcing the commitment to NATO partners.
8 21 Bde Sp Sqn on Op TELIC 4, Iraq 2004
8 The wives choir performs at 3 Regt
Op HERRICK 18 families day 2013
Over the years as the logistic and military demand has changed, adaption has remained a key tenant to the Regt ensuring 3 Regiment has been able to provide in any context, every step of the way. More recently, soldiers have deployed on Operation ESCALIN which safeguarded the nations fuel supplies during the 2021 winter fuel crisis, as well as Operation RESCRIPT, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The proud history and ethos of the ‘Red Trinity’, ‘fighting through’ has been at the very heart of the Regt
8 3 Regt formed up on Ex PRARIE STORM 15/2 BATUS
8 Fighting Through
since the beginning. The men and women of 3 Regiment RLC have served with distinction, at home and abroad, always the embodiment of the Corps Motto, ‘We Sustain’.
2022 - Transition from Readiness to Disbandment Despite receiving the news of disbandment, the Regt continued to provide operational output well into 2022. In the spring, the Regt provided troops to the UK Standby Battalion (UKSB), a force trained and ready to support civilian agencies in the UK should the need arise. It continued to uphold its logistical commitment to the Lead Armoured Task Force and the Vanguard Armoured Infantry Brigade as well as committing troops to operations in eastern Europe.
Having completed a handover takeover with 4 Regiment RLC, the final deployed elements supporting Operation CABRIT were successfully recovered. 4 Regiment will now look to build upon the impressive achievements that 3 Regiment delivered in establishing the Theatre Support Squadron (TSS) that integrated with NATOs Enhanced Forward Presence battlegroups. Recovery of personnel deployed to Poland on Operation INTERLINK in support of NATO’s response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine earlier this year is also complete.
Even with disbandment accomplished, former members of 3 Regiment have remained operationally deployed in Cyprus, under 10 QOGLR on Operation TOSCA, as well as in Mali on Operation NEWCOMBE. Other obligations to international exercises also continued unabated, with officers and soldiers participating in Exercise CERBERUS in Germany, soldiers providing Real Life Support to exercise troops, and a number of junior officers seconded to support and gain an insight of the inner workings of 101 Operational Sustainment Brigade Headquarters. The Unit also deployed further officers to Croatia with 156 Regiment RLC in support of Exercise SAVA STAR, an infantry skills-based exercise that saw British Army personnel integrate with the Croatian Armed Forces.
Within the UK, the Regt contributed to homebase operational commitments, whilst also focusing on the professional and personal development of personnel within the Unit. A team of RLC Drivers recently returned from the inaugural ‘Enterprise Approach’ scheme, which saw drivers afforded the opportunity of a work placement with national corporations, giving them a valuable insight into their equivalent civilian industry whilst gaining a vast amount of experience behind the wheel.
Sporting success Away from operations, the Regt has a remarkable sporting history with
8 3 Regt RLC football team celebrate a win
numerous champions across multiple disciplines from athletics and cross-country to rugby and motocross. The Regt has had champions in combined service events and can count a number of medal winning Commonwealth Games athletes among its former personnel.
The Regt has continued to enjoy significant sporting success even during its last few months. In golf, WO1 (RSM) Conway was crowned the ‘Army Golf South East Summer Meet’ Handicap Champion; under his direction and guidance the 3 Regiment team also became the ‘Autumn Meet’ Champions. In boxing, CFN Brookes achieved phenomenal success by being crowned Corps, Army and Combined Services Champion, which has rightly led to her inclusion in the British Army development squad. With an impressive and rather imposing form, the Tug-OWar team also earned a place at the Royal Highland Games in Braemar, Scotland, where they achieved a Tri-Service bronze medal.
Whilst not strictly a sport, nor a traditional military skill as such, the Regt is also the proud owner of a Guinness World Record which involved pulling of a van for almost 50 miles in 24 hours around Blenheim Palace – well worthy of a mention. It was a unique and fantastic display of grit and drive to succeed, backed by the entire Regt, and all for a charitable cause.
The final days Shortly before the disbandment concluded, the Regt was honoured to host Maj Gen (Retd) Kerr CBE. He
8 World Record Breakers! The 3 Regt
team pulls a truck around Blenheim Palace for 24 hours in 2020
took the time to visit the soldiers and officers undertaking the complex task of accounting for, and reallocating, hundreds of vehicles and pieces of equipment.
Remembrance Sunday saw the Regt parade across the county for the last time to honour and remember those that made the ultimate sacrifice. The Commanding Officer Lt Col Georgina Wincott attended the service in Abingdon before taking the salute as troops marched from the town’s war memorial.
The disbandment has also been marked by a number of events including a dine out for the Commanding Officer by the regimental officers, warrant officers and SNCOs. The remaining squadrons also hosted their own allranks dinner nights to celebrate their histories and thank their people.
The formal disbandment event was marked on 2 December 2022 in Dalton Barracks with a flag lowering ceremony. Invited guests included former members of the Regt as well as the Master General of Logistics, Maj Gen S Hutchings OBE and the Corps Colonel, Col P Allen ADC who met with members of the 3 Regiment community, including veterans, Service Personnel and their families before reviewing the Troops on parade. Onlookers witnessed the lowering of
8 Not afraid to use innovative forms of
transport, 3 Regt’s squadrons go head to head for the traditional Christmas Sleigh Ride at Dalton Barracks 2015
8 Farewell 3 Regiment The Royal
Logistic Corps
the Red Trinity flag for the final time, marking the end of 29 years for 3 Regiment RLC, and almost 83 years since the establishment of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps 3 Division.
Finally, the Regt’s soldiers and officers have been preparing for assignment elsewhere in the Army; their experience, years of training and dedication will now be shared across the wider force. Disbandment is a mission as important as any the Regt has had to fulfil, ensuring the motto of ‘Fighting Through’ logistics endures into the future.
8 The 3 Regt standard is lowered for the final time
during the flag parade on Friday 2 Dec 22
8 The last CO of 3 Regt RLC is dined out - Nov 22
The Colonel RLC
As 2022 draws to a close, so does my first year as Colonel RLC. A year that sadly will be remembered for the loss of our beloved Queen and the welcoming of our new Commander in Chief, His Majesty King Charles III.
In early September, over 1,000 personnel from 15 RLC Units, plus staff and planning support, were involved in Op LONDON BRIDGE. Real Life Support was delivered by 101 Operational Sustainment Brigade, delivering concentration areas and forward mounting bases in Hampshire; personnel were employed in their primary trades of driving, supplying, catering, EOD support, photographers, movement control and communicating. A special train was even chartered for transport of force elements from the south coast to London Waterloo. Sadly the Corps no longer has Railwayman as a trade-group, although I’m pretty sure if we did, we would have operated that too!
It was a real pleasure to attend the Conductor's Parchment ceremony at the Tower of London in October. The appointment of Conductor is unique to The RLC and dates to the 17th Century. Conductors are considered the head of their trades and act as the Corps’ technical Subject Matter Experts, in support of capability development. Conductors are also responsible for generating esprit de corps within their trade groups and work closely with the Corps SM to support wider RLC regimental identity and ethos. It was fitting and appropriate that the Tower of London, and its historic connection with the Board of Ordnance was used to celebrate the occasion.
November kicked off in earnest with the London Poppy Day fundraiser event. The RLC contingent, under the leadership of Lt Col Kerry Mann led the charge with over 250 people deployed across London, which was the largest single contingent across Defence. Their efforts were rewarded, and for the first time in its history the LPD raised over £1m for the Poppy Fund. A remarkable achievement. For the second year running, the RLC Association marched as a contingent at the annual parade at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday. It was great to catch up on TV later that day to see some familiar faces from the veteran’s community. An incredibly popular event for our veterans, young and old, book early next year to avoid disappointment. Away from the smoke, along with the Corps SM, I represented The RLC at the Winchester Cathedral Remembrance Service. It is reassuring to see just how welcoming the city has been as our new Regimental home.
Later in the month, and on a wet and stormy November day, we visited 1 Regiment RLC committed to Op ISOTROPE, the counter illegal migration operation in Kent. At the tail end of their three-month deployment, it was truly humbling to see first-hand the professionalism and dedication of our soldiers, working 24/7 in support of the Home Office and Police under some challenging conditions.
Sadly, a visit to 102 Brigade and 27 Regiment deployed in Germany as part of Op INTERLINK was thwarted by bad-weather. Instead a series of virtual briefs by the command team and a Q&A session provided a fascinating insight to operational level logistic planning, coordination and tactical delivery. God speed and safe travels to all of those still deployed.
Sadly the first engagement of December was the disbandment parade of 3 Regiment RLC. A regiment with a long history and one which has consistently delivered on operations. The flag was lowered to the last post, memories preserved, and artefacts consigned to the Corps Museum. Whilst a poignant day for the Regiment and the wider Corps it was wonderful to catch up with some illustrious alumni of 3 Regiment and share memories of their time in the Unit.
Finally, I would like to express gratitude to you all for your efforts over another challenging year and to take this opportunity to wish you and your families very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year as we look forward to moving forward to our 30th year as Corps in 2023.
We Sustain.
Colonel P A Allen ADC
Lt Col Simon Townsend RLC Deputy Commander BGN says farewell for a second time
Few people are fortunate to serve in Nepal and fewer people are fortunate to serve in Nepal on more than one occasion. However, Lt Col Townsend who previously served as SO3 G4 recently completed his second tour this time as deputy command and chief of staff of British Gurkhas Nepal. As is tradition when serving in a Gurkha unit, as well as some RLC units, the intent was for him to be towed out of camp in a lavishly decorated land rover to mark his departure from the unit.
Unfortunately, the event had to be scaled back due to the passing of HM The Queen, but the Unit was still able to give him an appropriate send off. After a small lunch in the combined mess with the Officers, Warrant Officers and SNCO’s those in attendance then moved to the
8 Lt Col Townsend signing the visitors
book in the presence of Comd BGN Col Paul Smith (late RLC), Capt Sundar Sherchan R SIGS (SO3 G2/3/6) and WO2 Yogendra Limbu QOGLR (RQMS)
combined junior ranks club to allow the JNCOs and civilian staff the opportunity to say goodbye. Some brief speeches followed, one delivered in Nepalese showing Lt Col Townsend’s commitment to the Nepalese people he worked alongside. This reduces The RLC’s footprint in Nepal as Lt Col Townsend will be replaced by a Gurkha, but this will have no impact on the Corps’ output as it continues to make significant contributions to BGN’s core outputs. All members of BGN wished Lt Col Townsend and his family all the best for his next assignment at SHAPE in Belgium and who knows, he may even be lucky enough to serve a third tour.
WO1 Ayshea Todd is now in the post of Corps SM Reserve
WO1 Todd joined the Army Reserve in 2001 enlisting into 150 Regt RLC and training as both a Driver and Comms Specialist. In 2003 WO1 Todd mobilised on Op TELIC deploying as an augmentee with 6 Regt RLC as a Det Commander.
In 2005 WO1 Todd posted to 162 MC Regt RLC where she subsequently traded as a Movement Controller and then pursued instructional qualifications which led to her completing various tours within both Basic Training and Phase 3 Training as a Section Commander, DIT Trainer, Platoon Commander and then finally as Workforce Warrant Officer at Army Training Unit (North).
WO1 Todd is excited, honoured and thrilled to be selected as Corps SM Reserve and return to the RLC in its 30th year of formation and looks forward to promoting related events and visiting units and meeting reservists over the next 36 months.
Outside of her Reserve duties WO1 Todd lives in Whitley Bay with her husband Gary she loves to travel, socialise and spend time with Roxy her cockerpoo.
Royal Logistic Corps FoE 2023
The key Corps-run activity dates for 2023 can be found as a loose insert in this edition of The Sustainer. Readers accessing the magazine online, or who wish to have an electronic copy, can access it by scanning the QR code using a mobile device or by following the short link: https://bit.ly/3Fn54to
Season’s greetings everyone. As Christmas leave approached, all of you like me must have been ready for a break. 2022 was a long year with some real challenges. As I have been reflecting over the last 12 months, I have thought about what the Corps has achieved throughout the year… Almost too much to list or quantify.
I will attempt summarise in this short article, the standout activity the Corps has been involved in recently and most importantly exactly how much The RLC has contributed to the British Army and Defence.
As always, our people have been providing enabling and logistic support around the globe and at home. Over 200 Soldiers from the Corps delivered and supported Op LONDON BRIDGE with additional RLS tasks on Op BECOMPASS and Op BALLAM.
The war in Europe continues, which has seen RLC personnel from 102 OSB deploy to command and facilitate the IDCC - a joint operation to support Ukraine. 27 Regt deployed across three locations in Europe on Op INTERLINK, which has provided brilliant and testing low-level command and empowerment for our Junior Officers and NCO’s.
At home the amazing team from 2 Sqn 1 Regiment have been deployed on Op ISOTROPE working with UK Border force processing migrants arriving in the UK via small boats. This task is a real example of Soldiers using soft skills and empathy, as they receive migrants who have been on a harrowing journey crossing the channel, to seek asylum in the UK.
December saw the disbandment of 3 Regiment, who marked the occasion with a parade and dinner night. 3 Regiment has a rich history spanning The RLC and our Forming Corps. A very sad day.
On the sporting front, the Corps Boxing Team comfortably beat the REME 4-0 in a charity boxing evening sponsored by Buildforce. The RLC Winter Sports Team delivered both Ex KNEES BEND and Ex KNEES STRETCH in Hemsedal, Norway. For the first time, the exercise saw 250-plus Soldiers skiing in testing and very cold conditions - minus 21!!!
The planning for RLC 30 is advancing at pace. The event is shaping up to be a brilliant spectacle and a very fitting opportunity to ‘plant the Corps Flag’ in Winchester and celebrate our 30th Anniversary. I urge you all to get involved.
Finally, as the year draws to a close, I look forward to what 2023 brings for us as a Corps. What I am certain of is we will remain ready, professional, and relevant. If you are reading this pre-Christmas despite the Royal Mail strikes, I hope you and your families have a very Merry Christmas. I wish all of you a prosperous and fulfilling New Year. Wherever you are please stay safe.
WO1 C Sutherland Corps Sergeant Major RLC
RLC Nordic and Alpine skiers train in a very cold Norway
The RLC Corps of Drums Update
By Drum Major Cpl Morris
The first half of 2022 was a very busy and rewarding for the Corps of Drums (CoD), with a number of sporting and AT opportunities balanced against ongoing commitments to public and Defence musical engagements both in the UK and overseas.
March 2022 saw the CoD undertake the largest number of engagements since the disbandment of the RLC Band in 2019. Typically the CoD undertakes around four to six engagements per month, but March saw 14 engagements due to the ability for messes to hold large scale indoor functions again.
Thailand - On 2 Jun 22 the CoD provided musical support for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee party hosted by The British Embassy, in Bangkok, Thailand. The event was held at the Four Seasons hotel and was attended by approximately 1,750 guests including Defence Attaché from various countries, to high-ranking Thai Police and Military officials including the Head of Thailand’s Armed Forces.
Turkey - The CoD flew to Turkey on 7 Jun 22 for yet another Queen’s Jubilee Celebration event, this time hosted at the British Embassy Compound in the Turkish capital, Ankara. This event was also attended by various distinguished guests with a blacklight drum display performed to the 1,500 strong audience.
The CoD was invited to take part in a defence engagement activity with the Turkish Military Band Command. We were treated to listening to a variety of musical ensembles before being able to perform our own display to their 120 musicians and officers. This was the first ever visit to the Turkish Band Command by any British Military ensemble.
Corps of Drums Concentration Catterick
In July, the CoD took part in an army-wide Corps of Drums concentration, culminating in a Massed Corps of Drums Beating Retreat which was the largest since The Royal Tournament in 1997, with over 170 drummers from nine different cap badges on parade.
Just before the end of the Beating Retreat the Corps of Drums
8 Corps of Drums and Thai Military
Officials at the QPJ Celebration
broke away from the Massed CoD and performed its drum display for the VIPs and guests, later described as “a highlight of the whole show”.
Silver Lady sponsors Corps Rugby League
Re-formation of 7 Fuel & General Transport Squadron, 27 Regiment RLC
In accordance with the Integrated Review and the Army Command Plan, 7 F> Sqn is being re-formed under 27 Regt RLC. The Sqn was disbanded on 26 Apr 12 and will re-form in spring 2023.
It currently has a freshly painted and carpeted SHQ but precious little by way of Sqn pictures, memorabilia, or historical artifacts with which to celebrate over 140 years of service.
If anyone who has previously served in 7 Sqn has any pictures of the Sqn in formation, on exercise or on operations, items they would be willing to donate or loan for display in Sqn lines or simply a good story that’s worth capturing in the Sqn history, please get in touch with Maj Gus O’Leary at: fergus.oleary228@mod.gov.uk Silver Lady is extremely proud of its long standing connection with The Royal Logistics Corps and has always been honoured to be asked to support and assist in the various sporting endeavours within the military.
As such Silver Lady has sponsored RLC Corps boxing for over fifteen years as well as many individual regiments and we are excited to announce our latest venture commencing in 2023 where Silver Lady will be sponsors to The Royal Logistic Corps Rugby League.
