Mount Kenya Adventure

Sir Edmund Hillary, the first mountaineer to summit Mount Everest stated: “People do not decide to become extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.” Hillary understood that life challenges provide opportunities to achieve personal growth and development. In July 2022, 16 committed Army Reservists from 156 Regiment RLC achieved a remarkable goal and summited Point Lenana (4,985m), Mount Kenya. This arduous AT expedition offered soldiers a fantastic opportunity to develop personal attributes and skills through controlled exposure to risk.

The mission was to climb Mount Kenya via the Chogoria and Sirimon routes to Point Lenana (4985m) the third highest (non-technical) summit. At 5,199m, Mount Kenya is Africa’s second highest mountain after Kilimanjaro. This ancient, extinct volcano, which rises in the centre of the country, is usually capped with ice and snow and forests blanket its slopes. The local African communities who live under it regard Mount Kenya as sacred and God’s earthly home. Point Lenana is the third highest summit in the massif and is shadowed by Batian at an intimidating 5,199m and Nelion at 5,188m. A BATUK-approved, civilian AT company, African Ascents Ltd, provided support for the expedition.

The expedition was considered High Risk and Remote (HRR) and was conducted at high altitude (between 2,500-3,500m above sea level) and very high-altitude (over 3,500m). Preparatory UK-based training activities were essential in order to mitigate climatic and environmental risks during the expedition. Soldiers were required to complete two training weekends, one in Snowdonia National Park in the vicinity of Cnicht mountain and the other in the Lake District National Park over Bowfell and Crinkle Crags. During the two weekends, soldiers not only improved their hill waking and navigational skills but also developed their physical fitness in an effort to ensure they were sufficiently prepared to take part in the challenging expedition.

Adventure on Mount Kenya

The training activities were instrumental in fostering authentic bonds and building trust between expedition members.

The journey to Kenya was particularly disastrous, but there is nothing more forgettable than a journey which goes according to plan! After 36 hours of travel which involved a missed connection flight in Doha airport, a six-hour nap on a hard airport floor, a surprise journey to Saudi Arabia, a stolen wallet and two lost hold bags, the group finally landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. A short commute by coach transport through the bustling Nairobi streets, past honking Matutas (privately owned disco buses), took the group to Kifaru Barracks, Nairobi and a long-awaited, comfortable bed. An early morning start saw the group travel some four hours to Nyati Barracks, Nanyuki, where soldiers completed elements of the Summer Mountain Foundation syllabus prior to embarking on the expedition.

Following initial acclimatisation, the group was collected outside Nyati Barracks by Paul and Bonnie, the guides from African Ascents Ltd. The minibus journey to the start of the Chogoria route consisted of a steep climb up a dirt track through the montane wetland forests. The minibus spluttered, shimmied and slid across the bright, red mud until its back tyres became hopelessly stuck. Even with the help of sixteen soldiers, each attempt to dislodge the vehicle seemed to bury the tyres deeper into the mud until a Land Rover came to save the day. Maj Dowling’s expert rope tying skills enabled the minibus to be towed to safety and the group eventually

8 Giant Lobeilias were a feature as

altitude increased

8 Cushion plants and heath grasses on

the decent to Lake Ellis

arrived at the Chogoria Gate (2,950m), to start the expedition.

It was a blue-sky day as everyone departed from the Chogoria Gate along arguably the most magnificent ascent to the summit. A walk through the cloud forest above the condensation level brought the group to the first campsite, which the porters had painstakingly prepared by erecting seven tents and one mess tent. After a generous evening meal comprising of tomato soup and hearty chicken stew, everyone retired to their tents for an early night’s sleep.

Day two saw the group hike past the natural tree line, across drought-resistant plant communities to Chogoria Roadhead at 3,300m. A trek down a steep slope brought everyone to Nithi Falls, a majestic waterfall which surges and plunges down the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya. The hike progressed through extensive moorland on humid slopes past cushion plants and heath grasses to the breathtakingly beautiful Lake Ellis. Located at 3,455m, Lake Ellis is the third largest lake on Mount Kenya. An adventurous few bravely swam in the lake and greatly under-estimated how cold the water was!

The team left the shores of Lake Ellis early in the morning on day three and were faced with the longest trek of the expedition. After a rather strenuous walk, the Gorges Valley eventually came into view. As the mist blanketing the valley started to clear, the magnificent, glassy waters of Lake Michaelson could be seen surrounded by imposing red cliffs. The group descended down a steep, treacherous path to Lake Michaelson in order to allow for recuperation at a lower altitude overnight.

The next morning, the group was welcomed by several hyraxes (large guinea-pig-like creatures) which could be seen scrambling around the rock face near camp. As everyone ascended towards Simba Col Camp (4,620m) and the altitude increased, the flora and fauna became more specialised and giant Lobelias could be seen with thick stems and large, impressive flower heads. At the end of day four, at Simba Col Camp, the temperature dropped below freezing and sleep became difficult for everyone.

On the morning of day five, the group started its ascent to the summit. The hike took everyone over a moon-like landscape, uninhabitable for flora and fauna, with jagged rocks and ice. The group finally summited Point Lenena around midday after a precipitous, rocky climb. The sense of achievement everyone felt at accomplishing such a fulfilling goal won’t be something that is easily forgotten. After taking endless photographs in an attempt to capture the beauty of the mountain, the group started the long, challenging descent towards Old Moses Camp.

Day six saw everyone walk down the southern side of Mount Kenya along the Sirimon route towards the collection point at Old Moses Camp. With tired legs, everyone clambered into the minibus and said their farewells to a wonderful team of porters and guides who had made their dream a reality.

On returning to BATUK, soldiers were able to decompress over two days, which involved a trip to Ngare Ndare Forest, a protected, hidden treasure in the foothills of Mount Kenya. Pristine blue pools and waterfalls awaited everyone, followed by a walk across a long, suspended, bridge above the tree canopy.

Having climbed more than four times the height of Snowdon (1,085m) in five days, everyone was genuinely proud of their achievement. This expedition presented soldiers with a unique opportunity to stretch their capabilities and gain a greater understanding of the skills required in the mountain environment. In the words of Sir Edmund Hillary: “It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.” In the face of adversity and when unforeseen obstacles presented themselves, all the soldiers approached the expedition with a stoic mindset and were not defeated by the scale of the task at hand. During this testing climb, and working together as a team, all participants attained Summer Mountain Foundation qualifications which some hope to use in the future to attain the MLT qualification.

8 Re-sections in the mist 8 The 156 team at Nithi Falls

The RLC Equestrian team has had a very busy summer, representing the Corps at all levels across all disciplines. RLC Equestrian

The Army Dressage Team Team RLC had a very successful weekend at the UK Armed Forces Dressage Championships (3-4 Sep) thanks to the resident Army Dressage Team riders. Maj Becky Darke and her horse Nadisker (Disco) had a bit of a bumpy start but pulled it together and narrowly won the overall title. Cpl Gillian Gallagheer and her new loan horse Artic Cello (Archie), have been working hard this summer with the Army team. The strength of their partnership was evident as she had improved on her previous scores as well as winning a string of rosettes. A very well done to Cpl Gallagheer as this was a step up to the next level for the combination. The team also welcomed Lt Col Taylor-Fox RA (CO, 103 RA) and her 2IC Maj Braddock RA who very kindly travelled to visit and support Cpl Gallagheer. They were delighted with her performance and discussed how to better support her in her sporting endeavours for team RLC.

The Royal Navy Championships The RLC Equestrian team returned to Wales and the David Broome Event Centre for the Royal Navy Championships. This was a show jumping competition with the Corps team competing at 80 and 90cm heights.

Maj Hannah Hewins (AHQ) and Pte Brian Leung (151 Regt) were joined by Maj Becky Darke (29 Regt) and SSgt Todd Hayes (151 Regt) as their ground support. Maj Darke provided performance coaching from her years of competition riding experience, whilst newcomer SSgt Hayes was thrust feet first into his first experience of grooming at a corps-level competition.

Maj Hewins rode some stunning clear rounds in her first competition with her new horse, Cinzano (Simba) and scooped up one sixth, two fifths and a second placing. This allowed her to claim the novice championship for the military section of the competition. Pte Leung was out again with his youngster, RL Shiva (Jay) and secured a tenth place in their final round; showing an all-round improvement in their partnership. Pte Leung also secured a sixth place in the, 90cm class at the Army One Day Event in July. Polo - Captains' & Subalterns' Tournament and the AGC Cup by Lt Col Lucy Anderson MBE Having had the Captains’ and Subalterns’ Polo tournament postponed in July due to the extremely hot weather, the tournament was re-scheduled for 20-21 Aug with the AGC Polo Tournament being held the following weekend. The RLC was one of the few teams which was still able to muster a team in August and hence found itself in Div 1 for the Captains’ and Subalterns’. The largest benefit to having less teams entered (there are often 18 teams mounted) was there were enough horses to be able to play a full four chukkas each day. Testing the physical fitness and stamina of the riders, the RLC team was first up against the Veterans. The team consisted of Pte Nick Akuffo, Capt Henry Christiansen, Maj Nigel Prescott and Lt Col Lucy Anderson. For Pte Akuffo it was his first competitive match and he did himself proud. Playing at number one, he put his lessons into practice with success at getting the ball in the line outs and attempting some great back hand shots. The RLC started with a lead of 1.5 goals to 0 due to a difference in handicaps, but the Vets with a wealth of experience were soon breathing down our necks having shots on goal. With some great ride offs and ponies at full stretch, the ball frequented both ends on a regular basis and by half time the score was 1.5 to 3 to the Vets. The RLC made a strong comeback with Anderson scoring a penalty from the 40-yard line and Christiansen finishing off a loose ball in the goal mouth. Ultimately the Vets proved too strong with a 5 to 3.5 goal victory.

On the Sunday, The RLC was up against the AMS. Having got their eye in the day before and used to playing with one another, The RLC dominated from the start. Using the full width of the pitch the goals started to roll in, with Christiansen

Credit John Eccles Photography

8 Pte Leung at the Army ODE

8 Team photo at RN Championships

8 Maj Rebecca Darke (29 RLC) receiving

the Equestrian Index UK Armed Forces Dressage Championship Trophy from Ekko Equestrian

scoring from open play and Prescott poised ready to receive a shot up front and put it through the posts. Neck shots, open back hands and ride offs in the attack were all practiced with great results. In the third chukka Anderson made a beautiful steal from the halfway line and took it the full length of the pitch with the AMS in hot pursuit, but she couldn’t be caught. By full time the score board showed 7-0 to The RLC (Anderson 3 goals, Christiansen 2 and Prescott 2).

A week later the same team formed up to take on the Royal Yeomanry and the Royal Signals in the AGC Cup. With each of the opposition having a strong zero goaler in their teams, it was a tough contest right from the start. Playing only two chukka games, there was no time to sit on our laurels. The Royal Yeomanry were a slick team with Maj Will Mawbey riding his own horses and taking the ball down the pitch, with The RLC in hot pursuit. The RLC riding off and marking players wasn’t as tight as it should have been, and the price was paid with Mawbey putting four goals past us. In the Royal Signals game Capt Ed Richards and Lt Col Barny Jacques-Grey kept the team busy and despite the efforts to mark them, six goals were scored to Maj Nigel Prescott’s one. The score board was disappointing, but the RLC team played well.

Pte Akuffo is congratulated for his performance and the team now switches its attention to the winter arena season where its short play and riding skills can continue to strengthen.

For those who would like to find out more about learning to play Polo in The RLC please contact Capt Nick Lowe: James.Lowe643@mod.gov.uk

Grassroots training– Maj Georgie Mawbey (AHQ) The centralised training, which is open to all levels of riders from across all disciplines focuses on developing all level of riders for

8 Lt Col Lucy Anderson (APC), Capt

Henry Christiansen (10 QOGLR), Maj Nigel Prescott (DIO) and Pte Nick Akuffo (5 Bn REME).

their chosen discipline. This is open to both riders that own their own horses and also those that do not. Horses are provided by the Royal Artillery Saddle Club for the latter and its base at Larkhill is where the Grassroots League takes place. Flat, jumping, XC and stable management lessons are taught over the two days. Complete beginners are given the opportunity to develop their riding and stable management through the development pathway focussing on them being able to take part in the Army Grassroots League. The Army Grassroots League 2023 will start in earnest in Jan 23, covering three competitions and a final. Riders can either compete in dressage or Combined Training. Combined Training is two disciplines: dressage and show-jumping. All riders must be able to walk, trot and canter safely and for those wishing to do combined training, be able to jump up to 70cm. Riders earn points across the three competitions and those that score points are eligible to take part in the final. Once the riders have graduated from the Army Grassroots League, they are able to join their corps teams at the main military competitions.

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

8 Cpl Gillian Gallagher (RLC attached to

103 RA) with CO Lt Col Taylor-Fox and Maj Braddock (103 RA) supporting Cpl Gallagher on her second day of competing

The Sussex branch of SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, needs your help

SSAFA is a trusted source of practical, emotional and financial support, for serving personnel, veterans and their families in their time of need. In 2021 our trained teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 66,000 people, from WW2 veterans to those who have served in more recent conflicts, or currently serving (both regulars and reserves), and their families. The SSAFA family includes the Military Wives Choirs, both an independent charity and a subsidiary of SSAFA, which supports women across the military community.

Denise Reekie, the branch publicity and recruitment co-ordinator for the Sussex Branch of SSAFA says that following the ravages of COVID-19, their volunteer numbers have fallen, leaving a desperate need for more help.

SSAFA looks after veterans and serving personnel and their families in their times of need. To volunteer with them, there is no need for any military connection or knowledge; a desire to be kind and help people is all that is required.

Apart from the normal stresses that everyone goes through, military and ex-military personnel often have poorer health due to injuries sustained at work. Their family situation can suffer because of sustained periods of separation and there is a significant risk of mental health crises due to stressful working environments. Service Personnel who join straight from school are often institutionalised and find the transition to civilian life extremely difficult and confusing.

John, a SSAFA beneficiary, says: “SSAFA helped me when I injured my back in Afghanistan. Not only did they provide support for me whilst I went through rehabilitation, but our caseworker also helped my wife, who was struggling to cope with my temporary paralysis and our small baby. Without SSAFA I am not sure how we would have coped because, due to being moved around the country every two years, we didn’t live anywhere near any of our family.”

If you are a great organiser with good administrative skills, the Sussex team needs senior administrative volunteers, such as Divisional Secretaries. Or if you are creative and enjoy organising events, you can be a big help. Perhaps you are more interested in hands-on volunteering as a caseworker, supporting people like John? Caseworkers are the bedrock of SSAFA’s voluntary network and are severely in short supply.

SSAFA provides extensive training and support to volunteers. Some of the training is vocational and you will gain a recognised qualification. All of the experience you gain by volunteering looks excellent on your CV and gives you a warm glow inside.

SSAFA Chichester Divisional Secretary, Lorraine Clode, says: "I volunteered as a SSAFA caseworker five years ago. It is an honour and a privilege to meet veterans, hear anecdotes about their lives in the service of our country and to assist them in their time of need. Working with Armed Forces service charities, we assist this very special cohort to remain independent and enjoy the quality of life they richly deserve. It is equally rewarding for me on many levels as our team of caseworkers and visitors work together to support each other and our clients. If you would like to join our motivated team, please contact us so we can explain how SSAFA works and discuss what role may best suit you."

Check the roles available in your area by going to the SSAFA website ‘Volunteer’ section and inputting your post code. For regional information you can visit: ssafa.org.uk/sussex or call: 0204 5669126.

8 Lieutenant

Colonel Graham William Parker, OBE 1932-2022 Graham was born in Stafford into a family of engineers, mechanics and drivers. Discharged early from National Service in the Royal Engineers, he was commissioned 2Lt RASC at Mons OCTU in July 1952. Postings to 2 Main Supply Depot BAOR (Advanced Base Belgium) and 36 Coy RASC MT BAOR (GHQ Staff Car Unit) were followed by a posting in 1955 to MELF ‘Force O’ at Aqaba, Jordan. He supported the 10th Royal Hussars as Platoon Commander of ‘Y’ Independent and 16 Coy Tk Tptr Pl RASC. Rona joined him in Aqaba. Following the Suez Crisis and withdrawal of ‘Force O’ from Jordan, Graham spent two years at MELF Tripoli, Libya with 1 Coy and 38 Coy RASC MT. Tripoli was the location for the film Ice Cold in Alexwith RASC soldiers as extras. The stars Sylvia Syms, John Mills, Anthony Quayle and Harry Andrews often visited the Officers’ Mess.

Graham returned to BAOR from 1959 to 1964 with postings to 108 Coy RASC, JHQ and Bünde as Adjutant of 2 Div Colm RASC. Joanna and Julian were born at BMH Rinteln. During a tour in London as instructor/lecturer at the Army School of Recruiting, Woolwich, Graham completed an extra-mural course in Transport Studies at the LSE. He attended No. 2 Advanced Transport Course at Longmoor and returned to Germany as OC 5 Squadron in 8 Regiment RCT, Münster. To commemorate the Squadron’s centenary Graham arranged a parade of 50 vehicles with soldiers in period uniform.

Following Course No. 28 at the British Transport Staff College, Woking, Graham led a joint military staff team on CICC (West), HQ Army Strategic Command. CO of 152 (Ulster) Regiment RCT (V) was followed by CO of the Recruit Selection Centre in Sutton Coldfield. During the firemen’s strike in 1977 Graham coordinated emergency military cover as Garrison Commander in West Midland District. In 1978 he was posted as Chief of Procurement, LANDA Division at SHAPE. He was awarded the OBE in 1979. In 1982 he returned to JHQ as a Staff Officer, retired in November 1983 and worked as an RO at LAMS Antwerp for 11 years, after which he and Rona retired to Wilton, Wiltshire.

Whilst at SHAPE and living near the 191418 battlefields, Graham’s 40-year passion to research and remember the WW1 generation began when he guided a tour to the Somme for the SHAPE Military History Group. Graham’s natural gift as a guide led to requests for tours from RMAS, the Royal College of Defence Studies, TA Units and the Junior Leaders. The breadth of his knowledge grew as he studied the Western Front from the Belgian coast to the Vosges. He was an Honorary Vice-President of the Western Front Association and an honorary member of the International Guild of Battlefield Guides. In 1990 Graham instigated the annual Poppy Parade and dropping of poppy petals at the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing during the 11 November ceremony in Ypres.

In retirement Graham joined Salisbury Rotary Club. He was involved with fundraising for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, remembering his friend 2Lt David Deakin RASC, who died in 1957 from poliomyelitis at BMH Tripoli.

Graham loved sport, especially hockey, and was a talented artist and musician. He enjoyed carpentry, making many treasured wooden toys including a large rocking horse and building a Mirror sailing dinghy from a kit.

Graham was a member of the Salisbury Plain Branch RASC/RCT Association. He passed peacefully at home in March 2022 aged 89. Rona, Joanna and Julian thank the Association and Graham’s former colleagues for all their support.

Memorial Service For Lt Col Anton Young OBE RLC

Lt Col (Ret’d) Anton Young OBE was a much respected and admired Branch Secretary for SSAFA in Central London for a decade, until his untimely passing in April 2020 during the first COVID lockdown.

Funeral arrangements at that time were restricted to 11 mourners. This Memorial Service therefore represents a fitting tribute to his life and work in the Armed Forces and SSAFA.

The Memorial Service will take place on Tuesday 17 January 2023 at 12 noon at the Chapel of St Peter Ad Vincula within the Tower of London. For further details please contact SSAFA divisional operations Roger Davie: Lc_citynorthandeast.division@ssafa.org

LAST POST

Ashmore - On 30 June 2022, Mr M Ashmore RAOC Barrow - On 21 September 2022, Mr F Barrow RAOC Beer - On 10 October 2022, Maj AR Beer RCT Blanchard - On 31 July 2022, Mr M Blanchard RAOC Bridle - On 4 October 2022, IP C Bridle RASC/RCT Brinley - On 30 October 2022, Maj JR Brindley TD RCT Brock - On 2 August 2022, Mr D R Brock RAOC Burnett - On 16 October 2022, Mrs BE Burnett Chisholm - On 24 October 2022, Maj RM Chisholm

RCT/AAC Clarke - On 17 September 2022, Mrs SR Clarke Cook - On 12 August 2022, Lt Col R V Cook MBE RAOC Corbey - On 24 October 2022, Maj R G Corbey

RAOC/RLC Corney - On 29 June 2022, Mr D Corney RASC/RCT Cunninham - On 10 July 2022, Mr JTW Cunningham

RCT Eman - On 19 August 2022, Maj J M Eman MBE

RAOC/RAEC Fernside - In October 2022, Mr K Fernside RASC/RCT Forsyth - On 23 September 2022, Mr T Forsyth RAOC Foster - On 11 August 2022, Mr M F Foster RAOC Fuller - On 20 October 2022, Maj DJC Fuller RASC/RCT Gordon - On 19 August 2022, Maj J J Gordon RAOC Gowlett - On 5 September 2022, Capt GP Gowlett RASC Green - On 6 November 2022, Capt C M Green RAOC Harris - On 6 October 2022, Maj RW Harris TD

RASC/RCT Harvey - On 18 September 2022, Mr D Harvey RAOC Holtorp - On 10 August 2022, Maj P J Holtorp RAOC Hope - On 17 November 2022, Maj JO Hope MVO

RASC/RCT Kendall - On 8 May 2022, Mr D J Kendall RAOC Kennington - On 24 November 2022, Pte JG

Kennington RLC Killinger - On 23 July 2022, Mr JS Killinger RCT Lewis - On 26 February 2022, Lt Col JEC Lewis RCT/RLC Mackenzie-Rayner - On 16 October 2022, Maj TH

Mackenzie-Rayner RLC Matthews - On 29 September 2022, Lt Col P Matthews

MBE RAOC McClean - On 29 October 2022, Capt H McClean

RCT/RPC McKinlay - On 5 September 2022, Mr H McKinlay

RASC/RCT Meier - On 17 September 2022, Maj Gen AL Meier CB

OBE late RCT Milward - On 14 October 2022, Mr WG Milward RASC Morris - On 13 August 2022, Mr KC Morris RASC/RCT Musgrove - On 20 June 2022, Capt WD Musgrove RAOC Myers - On 21 September 2022, Pte RP Myers RLC O'Neil - On 31 October 2022, Maj TN O'Neil RA/RASC Pashby - On 5 September 2022, Lt Col T Pashby TD RCT Pashby - On 5 September 2022, Mr AJ Pashby RCT/RLC Raybone - On 30 June 2022, Mr C S Raybone RAOC Reeks - On 11 October 2022, Maj D Reeks RE/RCT Robinson - On 30 September 2022, Mr WH Robinson

RAOC Scott - On 11 October 2022, Mr D Scott RASC Skelly - On 12 October 2021, Mr W Skelly RASC Street - In February 2022, Mr M Street RASC Wansell - On 25 July 2022, Mr J Wansell RAOC Wilkinson - On 21 July 2022, Mr B Wilkinson BEM

RASC/RCT