Craftsman Magazine - March 2022

THE CRAFTSMAN

Magazine of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

March 2022

The importance of Professional Registration in the Armed Forces By incoming IET President, Air Marshal Sir Julian Young KBE CB FREng CEng FIET Professional Registration is increasingly important in the Armed Forces and plays a significant part in creating a competent and skilled work force across the UK. Qualifications and associated Continued Professional Development should help bridge the gap between military and civilian trades. Although simply being registered doesn’t guarantee ex-military engineers a job, it could level the playing field and get someone an interview.

After a 40-year career in the Royal Air Force (RAF), I’ve always supported people developing themselves further through additional qualifications. The route often is through distance learning, which is hard work in a busy job. However, when you’re dipping into academia and then back into the workplace, the first time you answer a question or write an essay, you are better in your role because you are instantly applying that new knowledge and thinking.

I led the team with the MOD and HM Treasury that helped the roll out of the Defence Engineer Registration Scheme (DERS) across different branches within the Armed Forces; the scheme demonstrates clear value in people. The streamlined application process is excellent, and the Professional Engineering Institutions (PEIs) that step forward and take on the work to translate military skills and experience into qualifications will benefit greatly from doing so. I’m proud to be a member of the IET, because when I started campaigning on professionalisation within the RAF some 15 years ago, it was the first PEI to offer a streamlined route to Chartered Engineer (CEng). The IET for me was the RAF’s PEI of choice. Anything that can help streamline both the route of people into a PEI and the payment of fees is a positive.

As well as the DERS agreements, the IET is working hard to implement Central Payment Schemes in the Armed Forces. Having been successful with the RAF, with over 1,000 members Professionally Registered, we should be looking to roll Central Payment Schemes out for the other Services as widely as we can, including more companies in industry that already have had a lot of success with it. The IET welcomes engineers and technicians from all backgrounds; if you care about engineering in any or multiple sectors, the IET can be your professional home and has a unique position to fill. We need to be engaging with seniors and Fellows in all engineering organisations to promote the value in their people being Professionally Registered.

I’m looking forward to my term as IET President (2021-2022) and follow in the successful steps of all past Presidents. My specific area of focus will be to champion technicians and seek to facilitate the continued growth in their membership. I believe the majority of the ‘missing 3 million’ mentioned in Professor Uff ’s 2017 review of our engineering profession are technicians. We need to understand better what technicians are, what it means to be a technician and then offer them more through membership of the IET.

Find out more about becoming professionally registered by attending our latest webinar: What you will learn: – Benefits of membership and professional registration – Professional registration categories and application process – Our guidance and support

Register here:

theiet.org/craftsman-magazine The Institution of Engineering and Technology is registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No. 211014) and Scotland (No. SC038698).

The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2AY, United Kingdom.

Eat, sleep, engineer, repeat Julian’s President’s Address will be broadcast live on 14 October 2021 at 1pm BST

Sign up to watch at:

theiet.org/presidents-address

Corps Formation: 1 October 1942 Corps Motto: Arte et Marte Corps Patron Saint: St Eligius (Celebrated 1st Sunday in December)

MARCH 2022

Contents Volume 78 No. 3

FEATURES Letters to the Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 REME Women’s Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Overseas Operations: Op NEWCOMBE Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Unit Life: 1 AAC REME Wildcat Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 People’s Stories: Lead First-Reserve Opportunities for Officers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Unit Life: Bulford Garrison St Eligius Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 HQ Officers’ Mess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 An Evening with Frank Bruno MBE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Lifting the Decks-REME Mental Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Falkland Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 REME Association: Arborfield & District Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 REME Association: Caravan & Camping Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 REME Association: Guiseley Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 People’s Stories: John Searing 100th Birthday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33 REME Sporting Fixtures 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Women in Shooting: Clay Target Shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 REME Rugby League . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 REGULARS Guest Editorial: Lt Col Macklin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Screwjack Letter No 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 From the Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Corps Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Corps Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Editor: SSgt Andy Chammings + Corporate Communications Officer RHQ REME, The Prince Philip Barracks, Lyneham, CHIPPENHAM, SN15 4XX  craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk (preferred method)  subscriptions@reme-rhq.org.uk (for changes of address) ( Mil: 95481 4529 Civ: 01249 894529 SUBMITTING ARTICLES TEXT: should be submitted in MS Word and name saved as per the article. No formatting, columns, power point etc. Articles to be cleared by CO/OC/EME or appropriate REME CoC, or nominated substitute and should be submitted as soon as possible.

PHOTOGRAPHS: MUST be submitted separately, in jpeg format and be at least 500kb preferably 1mb or more. Only photos over 3mb can be considered for the front/back covers and please remember captions.

FILESHARE: websites, such as dropbox are ideal for submitting larger files.

EMAIL: The ONLY email address which should be used is: craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk. Not MODnet.

Please use the article title not ‘Craftsman Article’ as the email title.

TIMINGS: The latest submission date is the first day of the month prior to publication. This does not guarantee the article will be published in that specific edition.

Births, Engagements, Marriages and Deaths: These will be inserted free to all past and present members of the Corps.

Contents: The contents of The Craftsman are strictly copyright and all rights are expressly reserved. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the policy and views, official or otherwise, of the Editor, the Corps or the MOD, therefore no responsibility for these will be accepted. Whilst including an advertisement we are not necessarily endorsing the product and as a result, the publisher and its agents do not accept responsibility for any transaction between the reader and the advertiser.

Whilst we take all precautions with regard to advertising, readers are advised to take professional advice before entering into any commitments.

Letters concerning reproduction, contributions or any other matter should be addressed to the Editor. © Published by RHQ REME. Funded by The REME Charity. www.remecharity.org.

Advertising All communications regarding commercial advertising rates should be made direct to the Editor.

Front Cover: Power Pack replacement supporting 1 Yorks on SPTA, full article on page 18-19

Sustainably produced on paper sourced from responsible sources using vegetable based inks.

Jamprint Design & Printing Ltd www.jamprint.co.uk info@jamprint.co.uk 01249 823 950 © Crown Copyright General Handling: This publication contains official information and should be treated with discretion.

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Guest Editorial

Lt Col Rebecca Macklin, SO1 Diversity and Inclusion: Op TEAMWORK

Lt Col Rebecca Macklin

W

hat I love the most about being in the REME are the incredible individuals that we have and the amazing things that they do. The highs of my career have always been about the people and the team achieving together. I believe passionately in trying to make the Army the best possible place for all our people, and consequently, making the team better – ultimately, improving combat effectiveness, which is what we are all here for. Unfortunately, in my role as SO1 Diversity and Inclusion at Army Headquarters, I often see the darker side of our organisation; when things have gone wrong for our teammates. This might be through the deliberate acts of some – the enemy within (sadly, they are among all areas of society) – or through the accidental, unintentional actions and attitudes that damage our team spirit – the blue-on-blues – and undermine our Values and Standards.

Op TEAMWORK Early February saw the start of Op TEAMWORK with an ‘all-stop’ moment for the Army. This historic day, the 8th February, was the first of its kind in Defence (likely with our international partners too) and demonstrated our commitment to making our teams better. It was the Army’s opportunity to have a long, hard look in the mirror, to give us time to consider that each individual experience of being in the Army is not the same for everyone, and to acknowledge that for some of our teammates things are less than OK. Crucially, the day was about planning what we will do to make things better; now we need to put those plans into action.

What does #TEAMWORK mean for the REME? Op TEAMWORK is part of a wider campaign called #TEAMWORK - I like to think of it as that spirit that is the internal side of our recruiting campaign, #BELONGING. It will therefore mean something different to each and every one of us, but, whether in a Fitter Section, a project team, a REME Battalion or employed anywhere else in the Corps, #TEAMWORK is about your contribution: What are you doing to make the team better? Your team could be Regulars, Reservists, Civil Servants, contractors – whatever the make-up, it will be full of individuals with different backgrounds, different experiences, and 4 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

prime example. When on operations or exercise, we are really meticulous about the language we use; it matters - otherwise orders are not executed as planned or the correct spare doesn’t arrive – and yet, at other times, we can be lazy in our language. We don’t think about how the words we use can inadvertently offend or exclude people, or we use phrases that are “in” without understanding their meaning: language matters.

different skills to bring the team. We should be proactively making everyone feel valued, respected and that they belong. When we see something that isn’t right, we should call it out. I always go back to the quote, “the standard you walk by, is the standard you accept”, and for me, that is a really powerful check.

I also think that it is worth asking the difficult questions about why something is as it is, and we certainly shouldn’t be accepting “it has always been that way” as the answer – we wouldn’t have seatbelts in cars if we had stuck with that! In the D&I Maj Ian Hart briefing on 8 Feb at start of Op TEAMWORK, at BFSAI on the Falkland Islands policy space, we call it “lifting rocks” – that includes digging into the things that don’t sound right (we At the end of the day, this is about looking after all our would do it on operations: “the presence of the abnormal, the teammates and treating everyone with respect. This is about absence of the normal.”) So, if you overhear something that making our teams better. seems a bit strange, or someone makes a passing comment that If you would like to do more to improve the Army experience seems odd or offensive, ask them about it. If we don’t know what for all, please consider becoming an ally. An ally is someone who people are going through, we can’t help. Consider: if you are actively demonstrates their support of people who are swimming with the current, do you even know it exists? But if marginalised in some way. The Army offers a Diversity Allies you are swimming against it, it is significant. programme with online sessions that enable you to explore I often ask myself why we deem it acceptable to do certain different experiences of our people and provides a safe space for things at certain times, but not others – our use of language is a questions and discussion; but you don’t need to join the Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 5

programme to show that you are there for your teammates. For more information, speak with your chain of command or go to https://jive.defence gateway.mod.uk/groups/army-di on Defence Connect.

Finally, and most importantly, if you need help, please reach out. If you cannot find support close by, please consider calling one of our helplines: SPEAK OUT Helpline: 0306 7704656 civ or 96770 4656 mil.

Available to answer calls from 08001700hrs on weekdays, but they also have an answerphone so will call you back if you leave a message. You can also arrange for them to call you back out of hours. They are confidential, they use first names and are a military team – so understand the military environment. They will talk you through all the options and support available to you, and there is rarely something that they haven’t dealt with before. You can also email them on ArmySpeakOut@mod.uk Defence Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination helpline: 0800 783 0334 civ.

Available 24/7, 365 days a year. This is an independent, confidential helpline with trained advisors to provide emotional

6 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

support, guidance and practical advice.

Service Police Confidential helpline: 0800 085 0658 civ or 93835 4278 mil.

Available 24/7, 365 days a year. If the Operator is engaged and talking to someone else when you call, please leave an answerphone message.

LETTERS to the EDITOR

Send your letters/emails to: FAO Craftsman Editor, RHQ REME, The Prince Philip Barracks, MOD Lyneham, Wiltshire, SN15 4XX Or email: craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

REME Charity Donation from the Bevan Family A very big thank you from the REME Charity, the family of the late WO1(ASM) Ray Bevan, have very kindly donated £1000 to the REME Charity.

‘The donation reflects the loving cherished devotion of a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother and Uncle. He will be always be remembered with love and reflection’.

Mark Bevan (Son)

Too many unexplained Acronyms (TMUAs) Comment: ‘I am sure your scribes understand them but they will be lost to some readers’ Editor: We have made a conscious effort to capture and translate any unfamiliar or new acronyms at the proof-reading stage.

Hopefully moving forward this will add clarity to the article.

Screwjack Letter No 24 (January 2022) Comment: ‘In his Screwjack Letter No 24 (The Craftsman January 2022) quoted the Centurion Auxiliary Generator (aux gen) engine as being an 850 cc Morris engine used in the very early Morris Minors; close but not quite right. The 4-cylinder side valve ‘UB’ engine was designed for the 1934 Pre-Series Morris 8, see photo, with a capacity of 918 cc. It was developed for the Morris E type with a counter balanced crank and shell big ends replacing white metal. This engine was used in the MM Minor before being replaced by the 803cc overhead valve A series engine. Aux Gen engine was a fitted with an external oil filter and larger oil pump but the basic configuration was as in 1934. It served on in Centurions until the Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle (BARV) variant went out of service in 2005, 71! years after its introduction. The aux gen exhaust was close to the fuel filler, so careless refuelling led to some interesting fires.

Incidentally the engine was built using machinery bought by William Morris from the French company Hotchkiss, so many of the threads are metric but the bolt heads are Imperial’.

Email from ‘Morrisman’ Editor: Many thanks Morrisman, your comments have been passed onto Mike Strong.

Thank you for your letters and emails, please keep them coming, Your magazine, your say.

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Corps News

REME Women’s Network Scribe: Lt Col Katy Badham-Thornhill

T

he REME Servicewomen’s Network (RSN), often shortened in speech to the REME Women’s Network (RWN), was set up in 2019 to provide a forum for discussion of ideas, issues and opportunities for women across the REME family including Regular, Reserve and Veteran REME women. An informal network primarily focused on pulling together REME women for sports teams across the Corps has existed for many years and the formation of the REME Women’s Network was a natural further progression to enable the Corps to be firmly linked into the Army Servicewomen’s Network and other Corps Networks.

The last 25 years have seen remarkable progress for REME women, and our women are now represented across every rank and trade, and almost every specialism within the Corps. There have also been superb achievements by REME women across the full spectrum of sporting and adventurous training activities seeing our Corps represented at Corps, Army and UK Armed Forces levels. It is interesting, though, that despite those achievements, we have not significantly increased the number of

WO1 (Command Sergeant Major) Maz Hoer

8 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Lt Col Katy Badham-Thornhill

women in the Corps over that same 25-year period.

Since its formation, the REME Women’s Network has conducted events, both in person and virtual, to provide mentorship, information and inspiration across the Network. The Network has also provided an informal source for information gathering and an exchange of views for our Network members. Working in close coordination with three other STEM Corps: Army Air Corps, Royal Signals and Royal Engineers, the REME Women’s Network provides presentations and support to a wide variety of women to consider technical careers in the British Army.

The Network is available to the Corps to support the consideration and evolution of policy, the development of ideas and initiatives and engagement with Army and Defence Networks to provide speakers and representatives. We are also looking forward to working with the Colonel REME, RHQ REME and the wider Corps to support discussions that may be initiated after the recent the #Teamwork conversations.

We’d be delighted for men and women across the Corps to get involved - to do so send an email to REMERHQWomensNetwork@mod.gov.uk What does the Network mean to our members and what has a career in the REME meant to one of our members?

WO1 (Command Sergeant Major) Maz Hoer (6UKXX-CGP-COMD-SM <Marion.Hoer108@mod.gov.uk) I joined Army Apprentice College at the age of 16. I was in a mixed section. The other

women and myself bonded well, not only together as a female cohort, but also with our male counterparts. For me, team REME was a thing from the start.

I always enjoyed engineering but serving on the REME Recruiting Team in 2002 highlighted to me that in secondary schools there were very few women who were interested in it as a career; let alone joining the British Army to serve in the REME as an Engineer or Technician.

The comments were generally that no other women were doing engineering, or that they didn’t know anyone who had qualified as an Engineer and so didn’t want to pursue that career.

I always found that rather strange; I always felt well supported, both through my trade training and on joining the Field Army. I clearly remember the first day I arrived in Germany at my first Unit to be met by another female member of my LAD who got me settled in and helped me to integrate into the Unit straight away.

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Fast forward 22 years and I’m still here which must be a testament in itself! I’ve achieved things I never imagined, worked on multi-disciplined pieces of equipment and projects, gained engineering qualifications and been professionally recognised as an Incorporated Engineer. I’ve also qualified to deliver adventurous training and had the ability to play all kinds of sport.

All of this supported by the Corps.

What really makes me proud to be in the REME is the support that we give each other. From my personal perspective, we have some amazing female role models in the Corps, and I strive every day to try and be there to do the same for other members of the Corps.

The REME Servicewomen’s Network (RSN) has enhanced a network that was informally there before; being part of it has allowed me to find mentors, gather information, make friends and develop myself both professionally and personally and be encouraged to be the best I can be.

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Overseas Operations

OP NEWCOMBE ROTO 2 Scribe: Capt Walker OC LAD, 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment

Overview

T

he Op NEWCOMBE ROTO 2 adventure started in Apr 21, in a frosty Bodney camp about to commence Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRX), the REME team from no less than seven different units assembled to start what would prove to be the most challenging yet fulfilling 8 months of our careers. MRX went to plan and focused everyone’s minds on the sorts of technical problems we were likely to encounter. A brief two-week holiday in isolation followed and then our ROTO 2 deployment to Mali, a period of handover and acclimatisation was next before the hard work begun. Op NEWCOMBE has seen REME soldiers support the Theatre Group (TG) during six demanding operational deployments.

Throughout, the team have operated under austere and challenging conditions, facing temperatures of up to 45 Degrees Celsius, torrential down pours during the wet season and countless wind storms (haboobs). Nothing has been outside the capacity of those deployed and as you’d expect; the REME soldiers have delivered at every turn.

Stranded RIDGEBACK during Op MAKARA 1

Op NEWCOMBE ROTO 2 Op ELWIN 4 & 5: The handover and follow-on familiarisation patrols were opportunities for the TG to shake out and practice essential SOPs and drills that would be required throughout future operations. The TG operated within the Operational area named SWORD, which provided a mixture of all the terrains the TG will face over the coming months.

From an ES perspective, both Op’s went to plan, there were limited equipment issues although the Recovery Mechanics were put through their paces on several occasions. The Op did allow Fitter Sections to continue to acclimatise to the environment when deployed, and make improvements to the packing lists and ergonomics of their fitter trucks.

TG Leaguer during one of the torrential downpours during the wet season

REME Fitter Truck in TG Leaguer during Op MAKARA 1 10 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Op MAKARA 1: The Long Range Reconnaissance Group (LRRG) deployed on Op MAKARA 1 to the Ansongo Circle to understand the human terrain of Tin Hama, a town 25km SE of Ansongo assessed to be heavily under ISGS influence in the region. The Op proved to be extremely challenging from an ES perspective as it would see the TG cover around 200km cross country, and also some significant distances over metal roads. The 90km road move to Ansongo Camp proved to be difficult; the FOXHOUND platforms struggled with the heat and the SV fleet experience brake issues; again, due to overheating brake drums. The first night of the Op, saw the REME Force Elements (FE) repair several vehicles for the following day which would see the TG cover 40km of cross country driving towards Tin Hama. Day 2 proved to be extremely difficult, a MASTIFF suspension failure and a FOXHOUND electrical problem resulted in the TG Leaguering up 1km from the Main Supply Route (MSR) to conduct repairs. Day 3 and beyond proved to be a lot more successful, with less vehicle issues and all TG drivers quickly becoming more familiar with the terrain, the ES burden lessened. The end state would see an average availability of 95% throughout the Op and a host of lessons learnt for the LAD to build on.

Op MAKARA 2 and 2.5: Op MAKARA 2 and 2.5 continued the Mobile Task Force (MTF) objective of increasing stability in the Ansongo Circle, deploying the LRRG up to 200km South of Gao to the Niger border. The patrols aimed to deliver human terrain reconnaissance and security of the population along Rte Cat-C. The operations integrated Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) civil pillar field missions into patrols to visit projects and identify future activities, a first for the MTF. At last light on the eve of the MAKARA 2 patrol, it was assessed that groups totalling over 50 Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS) fighters on motorcycles from Niger carried out a marauding attack in the villages of Ouatagouna, Karou and Daounteguef. 57 civilians were killed, including a number of children. LRRG tactical activity rapidly refocused as a response to the attack. In response, the LRRG increased the tempo of our deployment, arriving 24 hours early to a Force Administration Area (FAA) in proximity to the incident, coordinating sensory and aviation over watch.

The ES challenges faced during Op MAKARA 2 and 2B were significant, due to the distances being covered and the harsh terrain, Fitter Sections would work tirelessly to ensure the TG maintained momentum. The issues faced during these operations largely focused around FOXHOUND (FHD) hydraulic leaks and overheating; High Mobility Tactical Vehicle (HMTV) suspension and wider wheel station issues; and SV braking and air pressure issues. The deployed Fitter Sections quickly became subject matter experts on all of the above repairs and the experience gained would prove invaluable on the TGs final Op. Op MAKARA 3: The last Op for ROTO 2, the LRRG deployed on Op MAKARA 3, this was the culmination of MAKARA Ops and a proof of concept of the MTF’s ability to project further than Route CAT (MSR). This saw the Swedish Forces (SWE MIC-R) patrolling to In-Delimane (and resupplied by Jordanian QRF) and the LRRG conducting a 480km march to Menaka and patrols to demonstrate MINUSMA’s ability to project force and to understand the security situation in the area. During the Op, the LRRG came under contact from small arms fire after following two armed men on motorcycle into an area of bushland. This resulted in a close-range dismounted extraction from contact

Repairs being conducted in a TG League

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followed by a mounted exchange of fire that resulted in 2 enemy KIA. Another highlight of the Op was a wildfire which dislocated the TG and resulted in the destruction of a JACKAL (JKL) which had caught fire; the destroyed vehicle frame was subsequently recovered to Gao. From an ES perspective Op MAKARA 3 was the most successful, although the most demanding of all the operations. On the route out, the Fitter Sections would complete in excess of 100hrs of production over the seven nights it took to get to Menaka. Once in Menaka Camp, a planned rehab period allowed for essential repairs to be conducted including an SV axle change and SVR intercooler changes. The rehab would see the LAD complete 150hrs of production and get the fleet back to 100% availability; given the time pressure, environmental challenges and limited re-supply options, this was a remarkable achievement by the deployed REME soldiers. The route back was more straight forward, the TG encountered only a handful of vehicle issues and were back in Bagnold Camp within 4 days.

SV suffering a broken axle during Op MAKARA 3

C Sqn Fitter truck (Cpl Riki Matton, Cpl Rach Gwilliam and Cfn Cheats Cheetham) during Op MAKARA 3

A Coy Fitter crew (Sgt Si Coakley, LCpl Kev Bacon, LCpl Mac McKernan) during Op MAKARA 3 Other nation support. The LRRG has benefitted from some fantastic support provided by our Swedish and German counterparts. At the shop floor level, relationships were built early on and have provided the LAD with a host of repair options, of note the German assistance when completing an SV clutch change and SVR engine change was outstanding. This support essentially ensured the TG was prepared in good time for future operations.

Other support included access to some bespoke ready use material and advice and guidance on a whole host of SV issues faced by the LAD.

The REME Team

SV Axle change being conducted during the Op MAKARA 3 rehab in Menaka Camp

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On reflection, Op NEWCOMBE has been the most professionally fulfilling experience of my career to date. From an engineering perspective, the challenges faced by the team have been significant, and presented themselves under some of the most austere conditions possible. The LAD has tackled some challenging operations which have all been followed up with significant rehab periods face on, and delivered results. Throughout, the deployed REME soldiers have operated as One Team, One LAD, made up of several Fitter Sections and national support element from a host of other units. As a

Picture of all deployed REME soldiers

The UK and German team that successfully completed an SVR engine change LAD CoC, we have put a lot of emphasis on building a strong team ethos, which in my personal opinion has resulted in success both in camp and on operations. I leave Mali with a huge amount of pride in the results achieved, which were all possible due to the professional effectiveness of the REME soldiers deployed.

Output: Rehab Period Output. The average two-week rehab has seen the LAD produce 2,500 production hours. Work conducted both in camp and when deployed included: • • • • • •

21 x FHD pack lifts 11 x HMTV hamper lifts 2 x SV engine lifts.

23 x HMTV airbags 19 x HMTV drive shafts 7 x FHD starter motors

• • • • • •

8 x FHD compressors 3 x FHD gearboxes 4 x SV Axles 1 x SVR engine 1 x SV Clutch 2 x JKL Engines

Members of the LAD that completed a half marathon whilst deployed in support of Charity

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Unit Life

1 AAC REME Wildcat Recovery

Scribe: Capt Tallis REME

O

n Fri 30 Jul 21, Ex AQUILAS STRIKE had just finished and three Wildcat helicopters were flying back from MOD Woodbridge.

10 minutes into the flight the lead Helicopter received a warning indicating that engine one was on fire. The Pilots immediately shut down the engine and discharged one of the two fire suppression bottles. The caption remained so the second fire

Protective covers secured to the Wildcat

14 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

suppression bottle was discharged. Now with the aircraft flying on one engine and no means of fighting a fire the pilots had to make an emergency landing. Rapidly approaching the Orwell river, the Pilots identified a Farmer’s field as a landing site and carried out an emergency run on landing before evacuating the aircraft.

Once the aircraft had been safely evacuated the other two Wildcat helicopters notified ATF (Aviation Task Force) operations team and they deployed elements of 661 Sqn. The situation was initially very confused due to the ‘end Ex’ situation and the fact that nearly all elements of the exercise had been collapsed and the road moves back to the Main Operating Base were underway. REME Technicians were quickly deployed to the site and an initial assessment was made by the Sqn and ATF that due to the restricted difficult access to the site, the aircraft being in the middle of a ploughed field, and both fire bottles being discharged, it would be necessary to request the assistance of the Joint Aircraft Recovery Team (JARTS). It was clear from the initial assessment of the aircraft that a major fire had

Capt Tallis overseeing the removal of the propeller blades

De-fueling taking place, in preparation for the road move

Removal of the blades, in progress not taken place but there was a question mark over the condition of the fire wire system. It was not possible to confirm this at the time as there appeared to be no access for any heavy vehicles and Airfield Support Equipment (ASE).

Whilst the initial aircraft assessment was being made the ATF operations team requested the assistance of the RAF Marham PCMIO (Post Crash Management Incident Officer) to assist at the scene. The RAF Liaison Officer (RAFLO) and PCMIO were quickly on site with JARTS arriving later that evening. As per Post Crash management SOPs, an aircraft guard force were deployed from the RAF Leeming mountain rescue team. They secured the site whilst plans were put ‘Take off’, the Wildcat is lifted so the HET can reverse under the aircraft together for the recovery. Initially the site was deemed to be so difficult to access that recovery would be extremely difficult and the original assessment of not being able to repair the aircraft was revisited (The work required to recover a Wildcat helicopter which had both fire bottles discharged and investigate a possible spurious fire fault was assessed to be a

Tie down complete and final checks being carried out

HET leaving the farmers field, heading towards the hardstanding area, where it is later transferred to the RAF low loader

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HET in place and tied down, ready for the next stage

With everything tied down and secured, it is ready to leave the farmers field

Lifted off the HET, ready for the approved trailer to take it to Yeovil

After arriving at Yeovil, the cab is being lifted off the trailer

16 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

lengthy process made even more difficult due to the access and conditions at the aircraft). The following day however, with more time at the site, JARTS contacted 19 Sqn RLC to assist with assessing the area. Capt Shields answered the call and went to recce the site. This is what he had to say.

‘In August 19 Sqn was rapidly tasked with recceing a Wildcat Helicopter that had made an emergency landing outside of Ipswich after it had just begun its return back to base from a training exercise. The Ops Officer Capt Shields and Staff Sergeant Miles was tasked with recceing the area, to see if the Oshkosh Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) could provide the lift to move the Wildcat to a suitable location for offloading.’

Once the recce was complete and 19 Sqn RLC had tested the ground and improved access, JARTS concluded the best course of action was to recover the aircraft by road. However, even with improved access, the authorised trailer would still not have been able to gain access to the field. Therefore, it was agreed that a HET provided by 19 Sqn RLC would transport the aircraft out of the field and then it would be transferred to an approved trailer. A small team from 661 Sqn LAD lead by Capt Tallis and SSgt Morris, were stood up to prepare the Aircraft for the road move, along with a SVR from (4 Regt AAC Veh Rec Sect).

By the afternoon of Mon 2 Aug 21 the team from 661 Sqn LAD arrived and immediately set about preparing the aircraft for the road move. The team worked into the evening and with most tasks complete the aircraft was ready for the lift the following day.

The JARTS team were impressed with the progress and moved the lift forward. Again 19 Sqn RLC was called upon to bring their HET in. This is what they had to say: ‘One HET with crew and Liaison Officer from 19 Sqn was tasked with supporting the JARTS in the movement of the Wildcat from the field to an area of hard standing to enable it to cross load the platform onto the JARTS low loader vehicle. The Driver Tank Transporters Operator’s (DTTO) comprised of LCpl Williams, LCpl Fastinage and Pte Fanshaw.

Once the HET arrived under the JARTS and with support from the REME 661 Sqn 1AAC the Wildcat was lifted onto the Kings Trailer and secured down. After secured the HET moved the Wildcat towards a secure area of hard standing within the farmyard. This allowed for the safe cross load of the Wildcat onto the RAF load loader from the HET. This was a unique opportunity to working alongside specialised lift capabilities within Defence.’

The cab was lifted onto the HET and then transferred to the approved trailer the very next day. The cab was then road moved back to RNAS Yeovilton. The REME team from 1 Regt was: Capt Tallis, SSgt Morris, PO Godwin, Sgt Williams, LCpl Melhuish, LCpl Munezero and LCpl Appleby (AAC).

Lowered safely at Yeovil

RAJA Careers and Employment Support Event Wednesday 30 March 2022* Open to all REME personnel who are in the resettlement process. REME Reservists, and Veterans are also invited to attend.

A fantastic opportunity to engage with companies that have an Engineering and Technical focus.

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The event will be held in the Catterick Garrison For Service Leavers, this is Leisure Centre, DL9 3EL. an excellent networking The majority of opportunity to assist with exhibitors attending are the transition into civilian national companies and employment. have vacancies available across the UK. If you are interested in attending this event, please contact info@rajareme.org *This event could be postponed dependent on COVID-19 social distancing measures at the time.

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Peoples Stories

LEAD FIRST – Opportunities for Reserve Officers Scribe: 2Lt Wells

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or the last 12 months since commissioning into 102 (Force Support) Battalion REME, I have been working full-time on Lead First, a programme for recently Commissioned Officers to work on a Full Time Reservist Service (FTRS) commitment to work alongside Regular Army peers. The programme is designed to give young Army Reserve officers the confidence and experience which would otherwise take years to attain. By virtue of this, they are a better asset when they return to their normal Reservist role, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience back to pass on to their peers and subordinates.

The programme does this with two main elements: firstly, by integrating Young Officers within Regular units to shadow their counterparts. Secondly, by participating on career courses which mean you will have all the qualifications you need until you reach Capt, allowing more time to be put towards exercising with the unit.

So far I have completed the Defence Trainer Capability course and with a recently agreed six-month extension up to May 22, I will also have also completed the Military Systems Engineering Course (LAND) (MSEC(L)), Junior Officer Leadership Programme 3 (JOLP 3), The Junior Officers’ Tactics Awareness Course (JOTAC) (Regular Course) and the Land Nav SME course.

As an Army Reservist, fitting those courses in around a civilian career would take a couple of years, whereas with Lead First the ability is there to do the longer Regular courses and get them all done within 12 months; meaning you are much further ahead in

2Lt Wells on Op RESCRIPT with 1 CS Bn REME, sniff test to check the seal of the COVID PPE

your career progression than you otherwise would be. As a Reservist, Lead First provides opportunities that you can’t get in any other way because the programme is funded through its own budget pot; therefore, you’re not using your parent unit’s Reserve Service Days (RSD) allocation, or, other resources so the opportunities can be great for all parties.

This has allowed for a wealth of opportunities for me to experience this year; after two months of Regimental Duties, my first attachment was to 1 (Close Support) Battalion REME (1 CS REME) on Op RESCRIPT. Dubbed an “RAF exercise” due to the comfort of the hotel we were staying in but the work came straight at us on the first day. The hospital staff, as well as the patients, were really pleased to see us and we were delivering a real effect that was rewarding for all involved. Whether it was moving patients throughout the hospital, “runner” tasks or cleaning; nothing was beneath anyone involved. The morale boost to the staff and patients was huge and they were evidently sad to see us leave.

This was definitely the highlight of my year because of the tangible effect we delivered.

Out on a daily PT session in Cyprus following this where I had 5 weeks on Ex LION STAR 4 with 4 (Armoured Close Support) Battalion REME (4 ACS REME) as Ex LION STAR 4 with 4 ACS Bn REME, out on a daily PT Session in Cyprus Platoon Commander on a

18 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Battlefield Craft Syllabus exercise. There was a robust PT build up to this and as this was my first deployment to a hot country I relished the training we were doing. Focused predominantly on Soldier First it was good to use in my first real test as Platoon Commander some of what I’d learnt at RMAS. The heat being in the mid to high-thirties was challenging and affected our training; but it was undoubtedly a great learning opportunity.

My next exercise came soon after, as I went to 1 YORKS in July for a month of training on Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA). This was my first experience of armour and a first line unit; I integrated into a Fitter Section in a Bulldog 432 with a WR512 alongside. I was brought up on a farm and so working on machinery my whole life, therefore the Using a WR512 to pack lift on a WR510; working through the night to keep 1 YORKS moving opportunity to get on the tools was one I jumped at. Seeing how Armoured Infantry work and the the Future Soldier ORBAT realignment. After Lead First, I intend to vital role that REME play working through the night to keep the unit undertake as many RSDs as I can throughout the year, potentially moving was something I found fascinating and proud to be a part of. through an Additional Duties Contract, fitting it around the civilian My next attachment and the one I am currently in, is at the Army self-employed work that I undertake.

Training Regiment (Grantham) (ATR(G)) as a Platoon Commander.

I would definitely recommend Lead First to any Army Reserve ATR(G) is a Phase 1 training establishment that sees 80% of Army officer who is commissioning. If you think it’s something you could Reserve recruits going through its gates. It’s a brilliant experience to do I urge you to take part, as you will come out much better for it at work alongside the NCOs who are some of the best in their cap the end and with the output from the Integrated Review and Future badge. I’d recommend working at a Phase 1 establishment for the Soldier there will be more of a need for well-trained Army Reserve confidence and experience you gain through instructing, as well as, officers to deploy on operations than ever. I would also urge units to the formal training you receive. It’s been a great opportunity to seek out and take on Lead First officers, as there is no cost to the unit concurrently hone both my soldiering and leadership skills. and they can bring in fresh ideas, enthusiasm and another pair of Looking ahead for the next six months, on top of the courses hands to help relieve the pressure where needed. All in all, it’s a winmentioned earlier, I will also be an assistant lead on Ex SNOW win for everyone. I have definitely taken away some excellent SPANNER and then I intend to have another attachment to a first line experiences and networks that will stay with me forever throughout unit, most likely a unit within 4X looking ahead into the realisation of my career.

1 YORKS LAD on exercise on SPTA, pictured in front of an SV(R)

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Unit Life

Bulford Garrison St Eligius Day Scribe: SSgt Meikle

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ue to deployments and the impact of COVID 19 it has been a few years since 5 RIFLES LAD has been able to fully celebrate St Eligius Day in true REME style. Therefore, in 2021 we decided to make the most of being in barracks with reduced COVID restrictions and a relatively clear FOE. We also realised that local units would be in a similar situation and that this presented a unique opportunity to bring together the various 1st line units in Bulford to celebrate together and bring back our Esprit de Corps! SSgt Meikle was tasked with designing a day with an event involving some physical competitions and an engineering challenge that would be competitive and rewarding but also enjoyable for all those taking part. Invites swiftly followed that were accepted

by HCR, 1 MERCIAN and 3 Div Sig Regt (3 DSR) LADs. The day started with the physical events where competitors were split between either a cross country race on Salisbury Plain or a British Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF) event in Bulford Garrison gym. Both events were fiercely competitive with a high standard on display; 5 RIFLES LAD proving to be too much for the other LADs and romped to victory in both, taking a commanding lead in the overall competition. After a short break for lunch, everyone reconvened for a few readings before the eagerly awaited engineering challenge which was of course build and race a go-kart. This was won by 3 DSR LAD with 5 RIFLES being dropped to 4th place after a clear violation of the rules – making the final scores for the overall competition extremely tight. It was then on to 5 RIFLES Cpls mess for the evening social function and prize giving. The night started off with one of Cpl Gurung’s famous Nepalese curries before the highly anticipated prize giving. It was a close run in the end, but 5 RIFLES LAD secured the first win of the Bulford St Eligius Day Shield.

British Army Warrior Fitness Competition Scribe: Cpl Cash For the St Eligius Day BAWF event, each LAD entered two teams of 4.

The BAWF was split down into 3 separate events. The first event was 1 rep max deadlift as a team combined, this produced a great start to

The Top Prize – The Annual Bulford St Eligius Day shield

BAWF row to victory the event with some impressive lifts. The highest weight that was recorded was 215kg by LCpl Easton of 5 RIFLES LAD. The second event was a 5km row as a team, which proved a very difficult but close event with only 10 seconds between 1st and 2nd place. The last event was a 20-minute As Many Rounds As Possible (AMRAP) circuit which involved 20 reps of box over jumps, burpees, 20k Calories ski and 4 rope climbs as a team, once complete you would

Pre-beasting brief before the BAWF event 20 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Deadlift Champions from 5 RIFLES LAD go back to the start and go again until the 20 minutes was up. A very tough circuit with the rope climbs being the biggest burden technically. The gym staff did an excellent job organising and running the BAWF event which was fiercely competitive with great efforts from all participants. The overall team results were: 1st – 5 RIFLES LAD 2nd – 1 MERCIAN LAD 3rd – HCR LAD 4th – 3 DSR LAD

Go-Kart Build & Race Scribe: Sgt Stokes After the obligatory speeches from the unit’s most junior Cfn, the stage was set for the Go-Kart race. After initial plans for a destruction derby were rejected due to H&S and obvious risk assessment concerns, we had to settle on a large lap around the vehicle hangers with a slalom weave to the finish line to test manoeuvrability. The judging panel (attending units’ EMEs and ASMs) started by scoring the vehicles on appearance, initiative and build quality before

5 RIFLES LAD go-kart took the opportunity to improve on HCR’s AJAX that they share a hangar with unleashing them for their best effort lap time. The admin order stipulated the kart must be propelled by human power only, and that it must also always have a Driver and a Commander on the kart.

The first team up were 3 DSR who had attached a pushbike to the back of the kart for the Commander to sit on and pedal. They got off to a flying start, making it around safely in short time. Following on next was HCR LAD, they made it around to the slalom where they flattened 5 cones before finally making it across the line with a bent wheel. The hosts 5 RIFLES went next, on their “AJAX 2”. Despite a slight detour they made it around the lap smoothly. 1 MERCIAN were set off last on their creation (I’m sure it looked familiar?) although a navigational error took them across the grass and over the kerb narrowly avoiding disaster. After the dust had settled, it was pointed out to the judging staff that 5 RIFLES didn’t have a Commander on the kart during their lap. So, despite SSgt Kyle Davies jumping on for the photo at the end, the decision was made to move them down to last place. Overall team results from this competition were: 1st – 3 DSR LAD 2nd – HCR LAD 3rd – MERCIAN LAD 4th – 5 RIFLES LAD

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3 DSR pedal power 1 MERCIAN LAD late entry Go-Kart looked vaguely familiar

Cross-Country Race Scribe: LCpl Brum

1 MERCIAN LAD neglecting style and ingenuity…but not safety

On the 1st December, 5 RIFLES LAD played host to a competitive 7.5km cross country event between ourselves and the HCR, 1 MERCIAN and 3 DSR LADs. The route consisted of a ferocious head wind, 8,000ft mountain, shark infested custard, and an entire battlegroup deployed on Ex IRON VIPER, challenging the finest runners the REME has to offer. 5 RIFLES had a clean sweep claiming 1st, 2nd and 3rd, proving themselves to the be fittest LAD out of what was an extremely competitive and determined field of soldiers hunting for glory. Battling a constant head wind for the first 4km along Salisbury Plain’s steepest peaks, every athlete dug in deep and powered on to the finish line. Guided by the Marshals giving up their time to make sure the event ran smoothly, and the route was as clear as it could be. Medals for cross country were presented to the top 3 male runners, Capt Hardman (5 RIFLES LAD), SSgt Durkin (5 RIFLES LAD) and LCpl Brum (5 RIFLES LAD). LCpl McKinley (5 RIFLES LAD) stole the show for the 5 RIFLES LAD Female team, winning 1st, 2nd and 3rd since no other female participants took part. Overall team results were: 1st – 5 RIFLES LAD 2nd – HCR LAD 3rd – 3 DSR LAD 4th – 1 MERCIAN LAD

Summary Overall, it was a thoroughly enjoyable day even if it was extremely challenging at times with all competitors giving 100% during the physical events in particular. It was an excellent way for each LAD to show off their engineering prowess but more importantly, the day was perfect for building cohesion between the LADs within Bulford Garrison through friendly competition and a well spirited social event in the evening. We plan to make this an annual event with HCR LAD taking the lead for the 2022 celebrations. 5 RIFLES will be aiming to repeat their win and add a second engraving to the annually presented Bulford St Eligius Day Shield.

The Prize Table

Overall Results: LAD

X-Country Points

BAWF Points

Go-Kart Points

Total Points

Position

5 RIFLES

294

340

0

634

1st

HCR

161

220

80

461

2nd

3 DSR

83

150

160

393

3rd

1 MERCIAN

92

250

40

382

4th

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Corps Function

HQ Officers’ Mess – Corps Dinner Nights Scribe: Captain R Shelmerdine-Hare (Corps Adjutant)

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n Thursday the 20th January 2022 the Corps held their 2nd Corps Dinner Night since restrictions were lifted.

They have been a fantastic opportunity to welcome those newly commissioned into the Corps as well as formally thanking those Majors and above who are leaving, or have left the Corps.

The January Dinner Night saw the Corps say goodbye to Major General (Retd) Mitch Mitchell CB MBE and Major General (Retd) Mark Gaunt CB. It was also the only time, we believe, that a serving Father and Daughter have been in attendance.

HQ Officers’ Mess events are in full flow so make sure you keep track of future events in The Craftsman magazine’s calendar and through the REME Connect website.

If you soon require a Dine-Out from HQ Officers’ Mess then please head to the REME Connect website and search for ‘Apply for Dine Out’.

Colonel Tim Hall alongside his daughter 2Lt Hannah-Beth Hall

Major Generals Rob Nitsch CBE and Mark Gaunt CB

Major General Mitch Mitchell CB MBE and Colonel Bob Fram MC

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Peoples Stories

An Evening With Frank Bruno MBE Scribe: WO2 (CSM) Mark Hollinshead

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he words ‘National Treasure’ are often overused, Frank Bruno however is very much that. From his struggles to reach the top in the Boxing ring to his highly published struggles outside of the ring. As part of the Lifting the Deck initiative, the Wally Harris MM WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess at Lyneham decided to get Big Frank in to discuss mental health, raise money for the REME Charity and give an opportunity for some Mess Members to meet a childhood hero.

VIPs from RHQ with Frank Bruno

The Boxer Frank Bruno had an explosive career with a fight record that still stands up today. He finished his career having had 45 fights. 40 of those fights were wins and of them, 38 were by knock out. His streak of winning his first 21 fights by knockout is a record rarely beaten by any fighter in history. A world title was always the aim and Big Frank failed at his first three attempts. With two of those losses coming against all-time greats Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis. In 1995, at the fourth attempt Frank won the WBC World Heavyweight title against Oliver McCall, this fight was massive at the time and was in front of 23,000 fans at Wembley Stadium. This refusal to give up on his dream captured the country and solidified Frank Bruno as the iconic boxer he dreamed of. A subsequent fight, against a former foe in Mike Tyson saw Frank lose his belt and ultimately retire from the ring.

After Boxing

Frank Bruno with Corps Colonel Philips ADC and WO1 (CASM) McNeill 24 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

After having a career with such highs and public adulation, quitting Boxing became a struggle. Frank has tried to replicate this by appearing in Pantomimes and multiple other TV appearances. None of which truly filled that hole. Frank eventually was diagnosed with Bi-Polar and has been sectioned multiple times under the Mental Health Act. Now however, he has a strict regime and routine and has his own Charity, the Frank Bruno Foundation, which exists to provide support and encouragement and the motivation to succeed for those facing

Standing proud with his WBC World Champion belt, which he won 1995

Frank Bruno signing gloves before the Event, which would later raise £1750

and recovering from mental ill-health. With a very clear message, if it can happen to the Heavyweight Boxing Champion of the World, it can happen to you!

An Evening With

Health awareness in tune with the ‘Lifting the Decks’ message.

‘Lifting the Decks’ is a 10-point plan aimed at all serving Regular and Reserve REME personnel, more information can be found on the REME Connect website and the Regimental Headquarters REME SharePoint page.

On Tuesday 11th January 2022, Frank Bruno arrived at the Wally Harris MM

WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess to much excitement.

With Jed Stone the Comedian from Omega Promotions as a warm up act the room was ready for Frank’s big entrance. With the room on its feet and Rocky music playing, Frank Bruno entered the Mess. After a quick meal, Frank then discussed his Boxing Career followed by his personal life including being sent to Borstal as a child. When he was speaking, you would not have known the room had 200+ people in it, all captivated by what Frank had to say.

Throughout the evening there were several activities laced into the night to generate money for the REME Charity including auctioning off multiple items of signed sports memorabilia. In total, the money raised on the night for the REME Charity was a massive £3,206.25, which will now go to good use supporting current and former members of the REME Family.

This sum added gloss to the great evening, along with raising Mental

Jed Stone interviewing Frank Bruno about his Career highs and lows

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USEFUL FREE APPS ON ANDROID & IPHONE (SEARCH USING THE TERMS BELOW ON THE APP STORES) • AIMS FOR ANGER MANAGEMENT • CBT I-COACH (SLEEP) • CURABLE (PAIN RELIEF)

• PTSD COACH • CBT THOUGHT RECORD DIARY

People’s Stories

Call Out For Stories Of The Falklands Conflict the Royal British Legion – have they ever been supported by the RBL, are they a RBL member etc.  Any other interesting points – do they have a generational link to the military, do they have any interesting memorabilia from the time, are they looking to be reunited with anyone from the conflict as part of the commemorations?

We would be grateful to receive all information as soon as possible as the earlier we receive stories the more likely they are to feature.

Interested individuals should forward the requested information to: Major (Retired) Geordie Wright-Rivers at association@reme charity.org who will forward relevant detail to the RBL Press Office.

Once we have received the information those concerned may be contacted by a member of the Legion’s PR or wider marketing team.

Please don’t be humble, we know many of you and your members will have many poignant and extraordinary stories in which there could be wide public interest, and we are keen to share as many of these as possible.

We are very grateful for your help with this matter and look forward to hearing from you.

Falklands 40

T

he Royal British Legion is looking for individuals who would be willing to share their stories and experiences of serving in the Falklands during the conflict.

These could be used in the media as well as on the RBL’s digital channels, such as our website and social media accounts.

As part of our commemorative activity we plan to share content on our channels from April onwards, culminating in coverage of the 40th Anniversary event at the National Memorial Arboretum in June. In addition to this, we are anticipating significant interest from national and regional media and are looking for people willing to share their stories in a range of broadcast, print and online media outlets.

The RBL’s Press Office would be grateful if you could take a moment to respond with answers to the following:  The names and contact details of individuals willing to be contacted about sharing their stories.  A brief summary of their service during the Falklands and any notable memories they are particularly keen to share (a sentence or two will suffice).  Whether they have a link to

www.remeshop.org.uk SHOP

The REME Shop carries a varied range of items from branded clothing, gifts, statuettes, accessories, military uniform items and bespoke personalized products on request.

The Corps shop is located within the REME Museum and offers a collection service.

The REME Trading Company (of which the shop is a part of) is a ‘not for profit’ and runs in support of The REME Charity for The REME Family.

01249 894871

sales@remeshop.org.uk

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REME Association

Arborfield and District Branch Scribe: John Worrall Secretary

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ur last article was published in the magazine in April earlier this year. Since then, the Branch has once again started to come alive; not until September though.

During the restrictions posed by lockdown, members have been kept informed of the news from RHQ and contact was maintained with those who have been ‘under the weather’.

Our membership is aging I’m afraid, but we have recently recruited some new ‘younger’ members: Major (Retd) John Alp and Janet, former WO2 Tony Raee and Sue and Julie Fairclough and they have come back for more.

Our first meet-up since March 2020 took the form of an afternoon ‘high’ tea in September at the Community Centre in Arborfield Green and it was a great success with over 40 members attending. Fortunately, the weather was very kind and

Sandra and Derek Slocombe with Brian Sweatman at the ‘Tea’ Party

The three horse sculptures

28 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

we were able to sit outside enjoying the warmth of the sun and have a good old natter.

We have decided that our meetings would take place in the afternoon starting at 1400hrs, coming out during the cold winter months after dark is not a good prospect and our first official meeting took place on Tuesday 9 October with a very good attendance. The meeting on 9 November was our last this year and Members entered into the festive spirit.

Bren Stacey, our Social Secretary for many years, who with his late wife Margaret raised many thousands of pounds for the Branch through their many activities, has decided to stand down and his position on the Committee will be filled by Eileen Craig.

Eileen worked in Hazebrouck Barracks for many years and with her husband former WO1 (ASM) John Craig are now regular attendees at the meetings and fully embraced ‘Association life’.

The Committee is keen to get our lady members more involved in the running of the Branch. Now that RHQ have issued directives regarding the status of Spouses and relatives of former members of the Corps, we are hoping that in future more will wish to join the Committee.

St Eligius Church, which was taken over by the Diocese of Oxford is now getting back to normal and a Remembrance Service was held on 14 November, with our members in attendance. Our President John Edwards and Myles Taylor, our Chairman. laid wreathes on behalf of the REME Association and the Arborfield Branch. In addition, David Keymer laid a wreath in memory of our late friend and member, Cyril Luger on behalf of his Widow, Margaret. The Church Warden at St Eligius Church is Major (Retd) Paul Marsden and I know Paul is keen to maintain the relationship with the Corps and the Church.

We were very sorry to hear that Hayley Bodman, the Association Secretary in RHQ is moving up North. Hayley has been our contact in RHQ for eight years and many will remember her when attending the Reunions. We wish her the very best and we will hope to meet up at the Reunions in the future, when she can sit back and relax.

Readers will remember that the Bramshill Hunt was demolished and I can now report that a new local Co-op has opened on the site. Arborfield Green, the new building project on the site of the old Garrison is still taking shape and most of the old military buildings have disappeared. If you are ever down this way it is well worth a visit to see the changes that have been made, although bring a ‘hankie’ because I can guarantee a tear will fall if you have happy memories of Arborfield Garrison. I am sure the same can be said of Bordon Garrison, which is now a new ‘town’.

Regarding the Garrison, earlier in the year three Horse sculptures, located close by the entrance to the old Hazebrock Guardroom, were unveiled by the Mayor of Wokingham, local artist Amy Goodman and Lt Col Mike Tizard, the (former) Corps Secretary in a ceremony broadcast on BBC and ITV local news channels. Also, in attendance were former Directors of the Museum, Lt Col Larry Le Var and his wife Rita and Lt Col Bill Cleasby MBE. (Bill, Larry and Mike were all Arborfield

ceremonial. Thereby often giving the right specifically to parade through the town ‘with drums beating and flags flying’. REME paraded through Wokingham on numerous occasions the most recent being in 2015 before the move to Lyneham.

Four members of the Branch; Bren Stacey, Danny McIvor, Dave Haswell and myself, armed with camera, with the permission of the Developers, gathered at the site and took some pictures of the fine sculptures, to remind everyone that there is still a REME presence in the area.

For more information regarding your local REME Association Branch, visit remeconnect.org

Horse still running. Bren with shovel and Groom, Dave Haswell holding the reins

Old Boys), I was there representing the REME Association. The sculptures pay homage to the horses that served in WWI and were cared for at the Army Remount Centre which was located in Arborfield from 1906 until 1937, as well as recognising the horses of today and the future.

Unfortunately, there does not appear to be any major recognition of the fact that it was the home of our Corps before closing on the move to Lyneham in 2016. In 1978, REME were awarded the status of Honorary Townspeople and the Freedom of entry to the Town of Wokingham under arms and in full

Some members of the Arborfield and District Branch Danny McIvor, John Worrall, Bren Stacey and Dave Haswell

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Are you ex-serving REME? Did you have a partner or family who were in REME? Where Are They Now? is a new feature, giving you the chance to share your stories with the wider REME Family.

If you have a story to share, email it to craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk # T h e R E M E Fa m i l y

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 29

REME Association

REME Association Caravan & Camping Club

Obligatory groupie photo for the Archive folder

to keep up to date with our activities, so please visit ‘REME Association Caravan & Camping Club’. he REME Association Caravan & Camping Club was formed During the year the club holds 8 rallies / weekends starting in in 1984 and caters for like-minded people who just love the March then monthly until October. The rallies are nationwide and outdoor life and camping in general; we don’t include shell start on a Wednesday and go through to the following Tuesday, scrapes. We would love to increase our membership which is although members do come along for shorter periods. Rally open to members of the REME Association, serving or ex-serving locations are generally commercial sites with full facilities and REME personnel from the REME Family and friends. Having site fees tend to be heavily discounted for the club. However, we survived and been in existence for 38 years we are grateful to our do charge a membership fee to join the club which is used to founding members; we are still strong. Having had a fantastic defray the running cost of the club. rally year in 2021, even though we lost two rallies because of During our stay, we entertain ourselves with quizzes, games, lockdown, it was good to meet up with old friends once we got and even ‘Bingo’ and if asked a ‘ukulele’ singalong by our resident going. duo David & Violet. Good weather brings out the BBQ’s and what We now start our 2022 rally year in March with our first trip to has become the norm is an American supper on Saturdays and the Poole area. We have a thriving Facebook page for members our fish & chip suppers and Sunday lunches in the local eateries.

We even have a ‘Boules’ competition, this past Our Rallies this year are at: year the ladies relinquished the title back to the gents after some years holding the trophy.

2022 EVENTS AT A GLANCE The accompanying photograph shows the club at the Armed Forces weekend in Rally No Date Location Pickering, North Yorkshire last year, with the theme of 1940 evacuees at the North 277 6th-12th April Holbeach, Norfolk Yorkshire Railway. We always have a group 278 11th-17th May Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire photograph for our records.

So, if you are a caravanner, motor homer, or 279 15th-24th June Llandovery, Brecon even ‘tenter’, do come along and give us a try.

We are a friendly club and members have 26th June- 22nd July Normandy, France, D Day Beaches + extended holiday stay made long standing friendships and even met old friends from their serving days.

280 13th-19th July Standlake, Oxford Photos taken during our rallies.

281 10th-16th August Pooley Bridge, Lake District For more club details, please contact the Chairman, Lloyd Le Tiec, 282 14th-20th September Malmesbury, Wiltshire Lloyd.letiec666@ntlworld.com or our Membership Secretary Mrs Janet Benson, 283 12th-18th October Emstrey, Shrewsbury Tel: 01522 884695.

Scribe: Lloyd Le Tiec

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30 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Enjoying the Yorkshire sunshine as well as participating in a game of ‘Horse Racing’, which one of the members has set up

The Online Home of The REME Family For all your Corps needs including: A digital version of The Craftsman Magazine A map of units where REME serve Information on the Corps Sgts’ & WOs’ Mess and Corps Officers’ Mess Details about Association Branches and groups Applications for REME Charity grants Visit remeconnect.org today

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REME Association

Guiseley Branch (West Yorkshire) Scribe: Bill Hayles (Chairman)

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Standing proud, Bill Hayles (Chairman) and Jim Whindle (Secretary of the Branch)

ust to let all know that the West Yorkshire Branch of the REME Association is still here. These are photographs of myself selling poppies on the day of the 11th November 2021 as a member of the Guiseley Branch of the RBL with Elsie Turner “the Boss” of the branch who puts in so much effort every year in organizing the poppy selling around Guiseley. The other photograph of myself and Jim Whindle, the Secretary of the Branch at the Remembrance Service on the 14th November at the Cenotaph in Bradford. Jim is also our Standard Bearer but due to injury was unable to do so that day. A volunteer within the Branch stepped forward.

Jason Townsend who had never done the job before did a grand job after a very quick rehearsal.

On the 28th November we celebrated our Founders Day with a Lunch at the 6 Acres Restaurant in Tong, Bradford. Due to the weather and illness there were 12 members present for a very nice afternoon.

If there are any Retired or even still serving members of the REME who live in West Yorkshire and would like to join us in the Branch please get in touch via the REME Association or RHQ, and they can put you in touch with Jim or myself.

RBL Poppy sellers Guiseley, Elsie Turner with Bill Hayles

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People’s Stories

Celebrating John Searing 100th Birthday O Scribe: Geordie Wright-Rivers

n 1st February 2022, the Corps Welfare Warrant Officer, WO2 Kelvin Redshaw, accompanied by the REME Association Development Officer, Geordie Wright-Rivers, were honoured to be able to celebrate a milestone 100th birthday in London, with one of our Corps’ Founder Members, John Dennis Searing.

John joined the Royal Army Service Corps in 1939 and was immediately posted to join the War effort in North Africa and the Middle East. He rebadged to REME at its formation; finishing the War at 10 Sub Workshop of 533 Base Workshop located in Cairo, Egypt.

John proudly served the Corps until 1949.

He celebrated his 100th birthday with four generations of his family present, proudly showing off his birthday card from Her Majesty the Queen which now sits alongside a birthday card from the Master General, Colonel REME and all members of the Corps.

Happy Birthday John and many happy returns - Arte et Marte.

John Searing during his time with the Royal Army Service Corps

John Searing sat between WO2 Kelvin Redshaw and Geordie Wright-Rivers, celebrating John’s 100th Birthday Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 33

REME Sporting Fixtures 2021/22

FOOTBALL: Mens 04 Mar

REME* vs Royal Corps of Signals, at Calne, KO 1030hrs.

01 Apr

REME* vs Royal Artillery, at Calne, KO 1030hrs.

13 May

RE vs REME, at Chatham, KO 1030hrs.

*all Men’s Home games are played at the Beversbrook Sports Complex, Calne, SN11 9FL.

RUGBY UNION: Mens 18 May

Corps Union Finals, REME vs Royal Engineers at the Army Stadium, Aldershot. KO (PM-TBC)

RUGBY LEAGUE: Mens Andrew.Sheldon250@mod.gov.uk 20-25 March Pre-Season Training Camp at Altcar Training Camp, Liverpool.

REME Cross Country/Running Michael.Lovell534@mod.gov.uk 20 Mar

Army Half Marathon at Fleet, starts at 1000hrs. Event incorporates the Inter-Unit and Individual Championships, all standards welcome, cost £27. www.fleethalfmarathon.com

REME Clay Target Shooting Peter.Meager849@mod.gov.uk 09 Mar

Taster Session, Bramley

04 May

Taster Session, Catterick

22 Jun

Women in Sport, Barbury Shooting School, Swindon.

06 Jul

Corps Championship, Bramley

21 Sep

Competition Training, Barbury Shooting School, Swindon

09-10 Nov

AGM Bramley & Bisley

Lifting the Decks Gary.Hooson683@mod.gov.uk 09-15 May

Virtual 10km, register through the REME Connect website, entry £15

Advertise your sporting fixtures and results here, contact:

craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Sport

Clay Target Shooting – Women In Shooting Day, 13 October 2021 Scribe: Cpl Joshua Ward

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inally, after months of patiently waiting and watching the news, our sports as we know them have finally started to resume, meaning we could finally get under way in planning the next events. One of these events was the Women In Shooting Day. The aim of this event was to showcase the sport of Clay Target Shooting and introduce more women within the Corps to it.

The day was hosted at Lyneham’s local civilian ground, Barbury Shooting School. The team there know how to make you feel welcome, and this day was just that. Brews were laid on and the Café was the perfect place to meet and greet potential new shooters within the Corps.

Once the days participants had arrived, Cpl Ward and WO2 Meager delivered the briefs on how the day would run and what exactly it is we do as a Corps team, before heading out to the ground and getting under way.

The weather held off, and this was the icing on what would soon be a mega cake. 5 ladies turned up, and every one of them had smiles on their face from ear to ear. The Corps is fortunate enough to have a vast depth of knowledge and several instructors of its own. Some of these were able to give up their time and help with the day. Without these, the day wouldn’t have been so successful, so thanks team!

The day itself consisted of two different disciplines. These were sporting, and skeet.

Sporting clay shooting is shooting at targets which replicate types of animals, such as Rabbits and Crows. These differ stand to stand and can be in all sorts of patterns and pairs. Skeet is different, in the sense that it is only two traps, and these are in towers. You move around them in a horseshoe and they stay on their fixed trajectory. This is one of the disciplines you might see in the Olympics. It’s fair to say, all the ladies both thoroughly enjoyed both disciplines and there were many broken clays all round.

Due to the success of the day, we are already looking at doing another next year. As with everything we do as a team, the next one will be bigger so watch this space!

For any queries regarding the Corps Shooting team, or Women In Shooting in general, please get in touch with Cpl Joshua Ward or Sgt Craig Hill.

Sgt Hill explaining all about visual pick up points

WO2 Felton watches on as one of the ladies smashes the target

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 35

Altcar Training Camp 20 - 25 March 2022 Team Manager: WO2 Sheldon andrew.sheldon250@mod.gov.uk

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The Screwjack Letters – No. 26 The ‘Air Rider’ Hover Craft, the new project

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t the end of my job in Osnabruck, Gill was expecting our second Daughter Katheryn so she went home to her parents a few weeks early. When I packed up our things I realised that our new washing machine was too heavy for an MFO box, so I took out the front left seat out of our Beetle and put it in the MFO box.

Then I put the washing machine in the Beetle. It was a tight fit. I had grown some magnificent Dahlias in the garden at Osnabruck so I filled the washing machine with Dahlia tubers, and drove back to UK via Ostende with no problems.

Having done my works training at Westland Aircraft, AG 21 invited me to re-train as an Aircraft Engineer. I accepted, and attended the Officers Long Aeronautical Engineering course at AETW Middle Wallop, with a period at the Royal Navy Engineering College (RNEC) at Manadon, Plymouth. The RNEC trained Ships Engineers as well as Aircraft Engineers. This was fortunate for us all, because at the end of the working day the hot water and steam from the steam turbine laboratory was used to heat the outdoor swimming pool nearby.

Midnight swimming in Summer after an evening in the Plymouth Sailing School Club was most enjoyable.

There were ten of us on the course. First thing in the morning we had to attend a parade, Navy style, where we were a ‘Division’. We were all called to attention with the order “Divisions, Ho !” We hoed, as you would. I can remember one formal dinner night at the College, where we all in our mess kit. It all went much as in an Army mess, until a sharp voice called “Hi Gang!” The thunderous response from several hundred voices was “Hi, Wishy-Washy!” I expect this was

Briefing A/SSgt Dodds

another Royal Navy tradition; like saluting at nothing when you step aboard a ship. Or else a recent pantomime in Plymouth?

The course continued at Middle Wallop including practical work on Scout, Sioux and Beaver aircraft. During this time came the first Moon landing. It was shown as it happened on television. I woke my five year old Daughter Jackie in the night to let her see and remember it. We also had a few days at Lee on Solent with the Fleet Air Arm where our next postings were notified and read out to us by an RN officer. For some reason mine amused him. It was to the REME Apprentices College at Arborfield.

At the College I took over the Aircraft Apprentices’ training wing from Major Bill Eames. Almost the entire College was in wooden huts. The Officers Mess accommodation was an H block, but I had a very pleasant married quarter. The Aircraft Wing was already wellestablished with ASM Gordon Fielder, five Civilian Instructors, a Secretary and a Storeman. There was also a cleaning lady called Mrs Dragon. I was also invited to undertake responsibility for one of the spare-time apprentice activities. I discovered that SSgt Anderson was building a small hovercraft and he wanted to be rid of it. The Hovercraft was the ‘Air Rider’ design promoted by the Daily Express.

Anderson had already built the hull and obtained three Villiers 197 engines, two Permali propellors, and the duct and fan for the lift engine. He said that he now realised that the design was so bad that he contemplated setting fire to it outside the offices of the Daily Express. I knew nothing about hovercraft but this seemed my cup of tea, and I took over the project. I advertised for a few volunteers in Part One Orders and we worked in the evenings for several months.

The Villiers engines each had built-in starter-dynamos which were permanently engaged with the engines and thus became dynamos, if required, once the engines started. Lift was to be provided by a fan bolted to one Villiers in the duct. This was set at constant speed when operating the craft, so I charged the battery from the lift engine. Thrust came from the other two engines mounted high at the rear to which we bolted the Permali propellors with outrigger bearings to try to counter gyro forces when turning. We made four rudders in hardboard which were steered in unison with bike handlebars by the driver. At each end of the handlebars I fitted throttle twist-grips to allow the driver to augment rudder steering with differential propellor speeds. The twist grips operated the sliders in the Amal carburettors via two cables each running in a single wide curve over the driver’s head. I decided to fit a short flexible skirt rather than an inflating cushion.

The great day came for a first trial run. I had the good sense to tell nobody other than my three helpers. I started the lift engine and we pushed the Air Rider onto the playing field, in a shower of dust and grass clippings. It just tipped on one side and the lift air spilled to the other side. It seemed top-heavy, somehow. There was a pile of bricks nearby, so we lined the floor with them. The craft now hovered level.

I climbed in, started the thrust engines and drove it across the field with no problems. The noise was deafening, but gratifying. I turned around gently, mindful of the gyro force strain on the thrust engines’ crankshafts and drove back across the field. I invited Apprentice Burton to have a go. I forgot to tell him to turn gently. Burton went fast across the field but attempted a flying turn. One of the thrust engine crankshafts broke. The engine still ran but its propellor was stationary. It was the ‘Back to the Drawing Board’ moment. Staff Anderson was right. The craft needed a lower centre of gravity and a wider base. The hull does not need to be shaped like a boat. A single, bigger thrust propellor, belt driven from a lower-mounted engine would probably be better. I should have stuck with oil-drum rafts.

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Museum

The REME Locomotives Scribe: Richard Davies, Curator, The REME Museum

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here are many traditions that link the British military with the civilian world, and one of these is naming locomotives after the regiments and units that comprise the United Kingdom’s Armed Forces.

REME has been no exception to this long-established activity, and this article marks the beginning of a series that describes each locomotive named REME, as well as outlining the relevant material in the Museum’s object and archival collection related to those respective histories.

The first REME locomotive was originally built in May 1934 at the Derby works of the London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company, and given the number 5996 (in common with the ‘big four’ firms that dominated Britain’s railways from 1923 until post-war nationalisation, the company was usually referred to by its initials, LMS). It cost £5,453 8s This image of ‘REME’ was taken on 27th March 1960 at the Camden shed in London. This is a fitting 10d to build, a sum that equates to location, as this is where the locomotive was based for much of its later years. One of the two about £277,000 today. nameplates can just be seen on the left-hand side At the time it was built, 5996 was Scots were redesignated as the Patriot class. designated as a member of the Royal Scot class (a class was a A total of seventy Patriots were built, and it appears most of group of locomotives with specific characteristics associated with them were named after British regiments or military the purpose for which it was originally designed). First built in organisations; many of the units chosen were based in 1927, the Royal Scots were produced to meet the need for a geographic areas served by the LMS and from which the Army modern locomotive that could pull LMS express trains to the recruited. Oddly, 5528 remained unnamed up to the point when North West and Scotland from Euston station. A year after it was the railways were nationalised in 1948. This was a strange built, 5996 was renumbered 5528 and the entire group of Royal situation: REME was without a locomotive, and 5528 was without a name. Fittingly, it took a former member of the REME TA, who had returned from National Service in the Middle East, to resolve the situation.

Mr. John Webb was a Fireman employed by the newly-formed nationalised British Railways at the Stewarts Lane MPD (Motive Power Depot) in South West London, and in 1958, he wrote an internal memo suggesting a locomotive should be named REME. History does not record if logic played any part in the decision, but the unnamed 45528 was ultimately chosen as the loco to receive the designation (5528 had by this time been renumbered as 45528 as part of the many changes brought about by nationalisation). The name ‘REME’ was applied at Crewe Mr. John Webb, the former REME soldier who first suggested a loco be named after the Corps, stands next to another, but much more modern, REME locomotive. This was taken in October 1987 when a class North MPD without any 47 diesel was named ‘Craftsman’. Captain Lionel Campuzano of REME TA’s Specialist Sector stands attendant ceremony (and also alongside Mr. Webb without consulting the Ministry 38 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

These two documents detail the arrangements for the 1967 presentation, as well as the note of thanks sent to Major Bridgman by the then-Museum’s Curator

of Defence), in August 1959. Surprisingly, the naming was not recorded in The Craftsman!

The newly-christened REME had the distinction of being the shortest name applied to any loco in the post-war period, as the pre-war HLI, or Highland Light Infantry, had long been replaced by the much more elaborate title ‘Highland Light Infantry (City of Glasgow Regiment)’.

REME had an eventful life. It worked all over the geographic area served by LMS, and was based at various times in North Wales, the Midlands, London (principally the Camden depot), the North of England and Scotland. It even appeared on the Irish boat trains from Carlisle and Glasgow. It was also the first Patriot to ever haul a Royal train, as it took King George V and Queen Mary to visit the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire at their home in Chatsworth, Derbyshire.

REME continued working until it was officially withdrawn from service in January 1963. The increasing reliance on diesel locomotives and British Railway’s move to electrification made its demise inevitable, and it was cut up at Crewe in the spring of that year. By the end of its 29 years of existence, it was calculated REME had travelled over one and a half million miles.

This was not the end of the Corps’ association with the REME loco, however: 126 Infantry Workshop (a TA unit) was based on Delamere Street in Crewe, and quite a number of their members worked in the many railway establishments located around the town. Somehow, and it is not altogether clear how, members of 126 managed to get hold of the nameplates that graced both sides of the locomotive. One remained, and was presumably displayed, in the Workshop until the late 1960s when the unit was disbanded. At this point, the OC, Major H. Bridgeman decided to donate 126’s nameplate to the Museum.

The Museum’s archival collection contains a number of documents relating to the donation. They show that the nameplate was presented at a formal ceremony that took place at the Museum’s former home in Moat House, Arborfield, on Saturday 25th February 1967. Three officers, five senior ranks and four soldiers were in attendance, in addition to the party from 126. The fact that the nameplate remains an important part of the Museum’s collection is an appropriate tribute to the original REME locomotive.

The next article in this series will appear in a future edition of The Craftsman.

The nameplate donated by 126 Workshop, and that now forms part of the REME Museum’s permanent collection

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Obituaries Major (Retired) David Nicholson Scribe: Paula Rastrick (Daughter of David Nicholson) Major David Nicholson of 48 Southfield Road, Hull died peacefully surrounded by his family on 21st January 2022 aged 84.

He joined the Army in February 1954 as an Apprentice and went to the Army Apprentice College at Chepstow for training as a Vehicle Mechanic.

He was promoted to the rank of WO2 in September 1977. He retired from the Regular Army aged 41 on 6th September 1979 where he joined the Territorial Army (TA). He retired from the TA as a Major aged 55 on 9th September 1992.

He was posted to 1 Corps Tps Wksp in Germany after qualifying in February 1957 and returned to the UK for service with DLI in May 1957. Whilst with the DLI he did a one-year tour of Cyprus.

He returned to the UK in July 1960 and served with 3 Inf Wksp.

He did tours in North Africa, Cyprus, the and UN Forces and Canada while with the Wksp.

He was posted to 9/12 L a n c e r s, G e r m a n y i n September 1965 and served with them until September 1967 when he left the Service.

He re-enlisted in September 1968 retaining the rank of Cpl and was posted to 7 Armd Wksp in January 1969.

He attended training as an Artificer Vehicles over the period of October 1970 until February 1972 and afterwards was posted to 24 Missile Regt in BAOR. A tour in Hong Kong with 50 Comd Wksp followed in June 1975 and he was posted to the Per manent Staff of SEME in July 1977.

40 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

After retiring from the Regular Army, he enjoyed jobs as a Garage manager at East Yorkshire Motor Services and Humberside Police.

He leaves behind two heartbroken Daughters Susan (born in Germany) and Paula (born in Hong Kong). He also leaves Grandchildren Lewis, Amy, Jon, Ashton and Great Granddaughter Harper.

What an amazing life he had in the Army. We are forever grateful to the REME family.

RIP Dad. Thank you, Paula x

Former WO1 (ASM) Gordon ‘Sandie’ Sanders 1936-2021 Scribe: WO1 (ASM) Jamie Stewart and Geordie Wright-Rivers Sandy was born in Nainital in India on 4 October 1936. He enlisted into the Army on 10 September 1952 and joined the General Service Corps and was posted to Boys Training at Arborfield. He graduated into the REME and had a series of postings to Germany, Colchester with the Strategic Air Reserve, Belize, Cyprus (1964-67), REME Tech Services in Germany as part of the Inspectorate, three years at Arborfield as an Instructor and finally as the Warrant Officer Class 1 ASM with the Electronic Workshop in Minden. He was discharged on 3 October 1976 having served for over twenty-four years.

Sandy was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct medal.

On leaving the Army he spent three years in Iran, repairing and marketing communications equipment and then later with Racal Electronics (Military Equipment Division) as a marketing executive where he worked for a further seven years when he retired and moved to live in Portugal with his wife, where they lived until 1999.

Sandy joined the Royal Hospital of Chelsea (RH No 049) on 5 January 2009 and was posted to Long Ward 3 as part of Number 1 Company and then later to Long Ward 23 in Number 3 Company.

Shortly after his arrival he assumed the role of a Museum Attendant in June 2009 which he carried out with great enthusiasm greeting our many visitors until August 2010. He then became a clerical

assistant within the Fundraising Team assisting with the RHC Friends membership subscriptions and generating new memberships as well as influencing donations to the RHC via the many contacts he had. Sandy also took full advantage of the many exter nal trips and activities on offer including being part of the contingent to visit Guernsey for their Liberation Day celebrations in May 2010 and May 2011 as well as supporting the island’s Poppy Appeal in 2011.

He very much enjoyed the annual Christmas lunch at Gordon Ramsay’s restaurant on a number of occasions and attended the FA Cup Final between Chelsea and Arsenal in May 2017. Sandy was also very proud to have been part of the lining party at the interment of the ashes of Baroness Thatcher in the Burial Ground in September 2013. Sandy died at the Royal Hospital Chelsea on 18 December 2021 aged 85. Our prayers and thoughts are with Sandy, his family and his friends.

WO1 (ASM) Raymond ‘Taff’ Bevan REME Ray Bevan arrived in this world on 18th September 1946 in Swansea, South Wales, to Laura and Richard Bevan. Ray’s Father had died when he was only 5 years old. Ray had learnt in later life that his Father had been posted to France and had fought alongside the resistance during WWII, something he was always proud of.

Born into the world with 5 older siblings, and soon to be followed by his younger Brother Albert. Ray enjoyed his school days, proving to be a good, bright student; thriving on the opportunity to learn.

After leaving school at 16, Ray started his working career down the mines in South Wales, bringing home money to contribute to the family home.

Ray joined the Army on the 8th April 1964 at the age of 17, and there started a career which he unknowingly, would relish and stay with for the next 25 years.

Ray’s first posting was to Weeton, and it was during his time here that he met his Wife to be Denise Lincoln, catching his eye whilst he and a friend enjoyed a night out in Blackpool.

It wasn’t long before Ray proposed, and they were married on 18th January 1969 in Poulten-Le-Fylde parish church. Going on to have two loving Sons, Simon and Mark.

Ray enlisted into the Corps of The Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, known to many during his time as ‘Taff ’. Ray was a keen, ambitious soldier, quickly moving through the ranks. He would excel at everything he set his hand to, including, passing his training as an Army Compressed Air Diver, one of the many skills he challenged himself to and passed with flying colours. He went on to become WO1 (ASM) I/C Recovery Training at Bordon.

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Ray retired from the REME in 1987 as a WO1 (ASM) and was accredited with exemplary service.

After leaving the Army, Ray continued looking to challenge himself, setting up his own company Hamble Ropes and Rigging Ltd, which developed into a successful business, and after a merger, became SWL Rope Lifting & Testing Ltd, with depots around the Country.

Ray kept a close connection with his cherished militar y background, supplying equipment to the MOD and Army barracks around Hampshire.

In 2014 he became a Freemason, being initiated into St Eligius Lodge No. 8295 the REME Corps Lodge, and soon after took part in the Remembrance Parade at the Cenotaph in London.

Although Ray retired from the REME, it never left his heart, always taking an opportunity to share a story or ten. Stories that will be remembered by so many, for many years to come.

Ray is sur vived by his Wife Denise, his two Sons, Simon and Mark, and his three Grandchildren, Lewis, Grace and Lili, all of whom will miss him dearly, but through whom Ray will live on, through the wonderful memories and stories Ray shared with them all.

RIP Ray ‘Taff ’ Bevan.

Former WO1 (ASM) (Retired) George Noble Scribe: Debbie Hargreaves (Daughter) supported

by Roger Elsworth (ex WO1(ASM)).

It is with great sadness that I have to report the death of my Father.

23855569 WO1(ASM) (Retired) George Peacock Noble born 24 May 1945, died 3 February 2022, aged 76 years.

George enlisted into the Army in November 1960 at Holbart Barracks in Detmold (BAOR) before joining the Army Apprentice School Arborfield early in 1961 as part of the General Service Corps. George served his 3-year apprenticeship as an Electronics Control Equipment Technician transferring to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) on his 18th birthday.

Graduating from Arborfield in 1963 as a LCpl, George had a very

successful career being promoted to the highest non-commissioned rank of WO1 (ASM) on the 21 January 1982. His Warrant awarded

by John Nott the Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom. George served in a variety of Units which included; 35 Central Workshops and 35 Base Workshops REME Old Dalby, 36 Heavy Air Defence Regiment RA Dortmund, the School of Electronic Engineering Arborfield on 5 occasions, 2 Field Regiment RA Dortmund, 26 Field Regiment RA Dortmund and 27 Missile Regiment RA Dortmund. He also served a short tour in Belize as a PRE-Team Leader.

During his service of 33 years and 130 days George was employed on the repair and maintenance of a variety of complex electronic equipment which ranged from supervising repair teams on guided missile systems, computing systems and electronic control equipment. He also worked as a Project Officer on the repair of RADAR systems and on the planning of work programmes with the support of a mainly civilian work force. As a senior technical Sergeant Major in an electronic training unit, he was responsible for the welfare, discipline and conduct of training for 250 staff and students. In his last posting with the School of Electronic Engineering Arborfield he was employed in the design and delivery of advanced electronic equipment repair and maintenance courses up to BTEC/HND level.

In his Certificate of Service Testimonial, George was cited as a highly competent Engineer, a confident and efficient manager of people and a popular team member with an excellent sense of humour who loved all aspects of Army life. During his service George was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and the Clasp to the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

Post Army Career.

Upon retirement George was recruited as a civilian into the position of Officer’s Mess Manager at the Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR), Melton Mowbray. The DATR delivers animal handling training for more the 400 personnel and role specific training for hundreds of military working animals per year. George remained in this role for 17 years, loving both the job and the team he managed and worked with on a daily basis.

Royal British Legion (RBL) activities.

Throughout his working and retired life George was an active member of the local RBL branch in Melton Mowbray and was engaged in multiple roles as part of the Branch Committee team. He gravitated post-committee to the small team that undertook the management of the town Poppy Appeal activities each year. He supported the co-ordination and logistics activities of the volunteer teams, personally distributing and then collecting poppy boxes and donation tins throughout the town and immediate surrounding village areas.

George Noble was a recognised face and character in the British Legion and Melton Mowbray life and will be sadly missed by many and loved by the family he leaves behind; Jacqueline his Wife, and his children, Debbie and Glen.

Former WO1 (ASM) Carl Gordon Hayhurst 1936 – 2021 Scribe: Geordie Wright-Rivers Carl was born in Lancaster on 13 September 1936. He enlisted at Preston on 17 February 1953 aged 16 into the General Service Corps before being transferred to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers on 1 February 1956. He was employed as an Instrument Technician and later appointed as an Artificer Instruments. His service was mainly based in the UK apart from a three-year tour to Singapore and Malaya between August 1957 and August 1960 and spent four years in Germany between August 1967 and July 1971.

He was discharged on 12 September 1976 having served for twentytwo years and promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer Class 1. For his service Carl was awarded the General Service Medal with clasp for Malaya.

Following his Army service in 1976 he initially found employment as a Technical Author with Ferranti Ltd in Manchester for a short period before moving to Preston & District Engineering Group in 1977 where he was employed as an Industrial Training Officer, which is where he remained for ten years until 1987. He then 42 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

became a School Teacher and Training Advisor in the Liverpool and Manchester area for the next ten years until 1997 when he retired.

Carl joined the Royal Hospital Chelsea on 6 March 2017 and was initially posted to Long Ward 20 (Duncan Ward) as part of Number 4 Company but shortly after his arrival he moved t o L o n g Wa r d 5 a s p a r t o f Number 2 Company. He also assumed the position of a Long Ward Representative in February 2018 which he carried out with great enthusiasm and diligence for over three years until September 2021 and when in 2019 I assumed responsibility for No 2 Company I was very grateful to him for his support to me and his fellow In-Pensioners. As well as being a REME Artificer, Carl was also a skilled Artisan and could put his hand to anything technical. As a very proficient picture framer and was in great demand providing high quality frames for fellow In-Pensioners and Staff.

He also took full advantage of the many external trips and events where he represented the Royal Hospital Chelsea on, and as a lifelong rugby supporter he particularly enjoyed attending matches at Twickenham as well as events organised and hosted by the REME Association. He was also part of the group to visit Number 10 Downing Street in September 2018 for a drinks reception with the Prime Minister. As he was a lifelong Guardian reader I am sure Mrs May was very grateful for receiving the benefit of Carls’ views on how the country should be run!

Carl was a much-loved character at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

He had a mischievous sense of humour and his genial personality meant that Carl was much loved within among his fellow InPensioners. He put in as much as he ever took out of our institution and represented the army veteran community with great charm and dignity.

Carl died in Charing Cross Hospital on 20 December 2021 aged 85. In the fashion which Carl would have entirely approved his passing was marked by many of his friends in the Chelsea Pensioners Club with ‘copious amounts of beer and wine’.

Former WO1 (ASM) Douglas Cannon Scribe: Former SSgt Brian Perkins Doug passed away on the 9th December 2021 at the age of 83 after an illness stoically fought.

Doug was born in Rochdale on 24th April 1938 one of nine children of which only four survived. He left school at 15 on a Friday to find his Mother had found him an apprenticeship with a garage 7 miles away beginning the next day, Saturday. So, started Doug’s curiosity with all things mechanical and electrical which was to shape the rest of his adult life. Life was hard in those early days, losing his elder Brother Norman at Caen while serving with a Scottish regiment as the Lancashires were not recruiting.

Realising National Service was looming he volunteered and enlisted with REME on 26th March 1956. He commenced six months basic and trade training at Blandford and Taunton followed by a two-year posting to Ipoh (Malaysia) to fight the Communists during the insurgency supporting the Gurkhas.

After a short spell in the UK he was then posted to Maralinga (Australia) for a year.

He met Hilary while on disembarkation leave prior to a BAOR posting to Herford and married her 12 months later on 2nd March 1964. He soon became a doting Father when Debbie was born on the 2nd October 1965 in Rinteln followed by Wendy born on the 11th November 1967 in Malacca, during a two-year posting to Malaya serving with the Australians and Gurkhas.

Returning to the UK for Artificer training presented the Cannons with a period of stability in Bordon for four years, Doug being posted to Bordon on the permanent training staff on completion of his Artificer course. From Bordon it was back to BAOR and 12 Field

Wksp in Osnabruck where he sampled the delights of FRG. He thoroughly enjoyed Army life and was a strong supporter of the Mess.

Towards the end of 1974 Doug was posted to Iran to join the Commissioning and Advisory Team in Ahwaz (CAAT) whose task it was to take delivery and commission Chieftain MTB and bridge layers for the Iranian Army. Deciding to give his new Ford Escort an extended road test he drove there through Europe and the Balkans, a distance of some 4,000 miles the car receiving a thumbs up. The whole family enjoyed this posting but towards the end of 1976 the unrest started and with Doug’s posting coming to an end the Cannons returned the UK. However, Doug had not quite finished with Iran and returned later when CAAT was evacuated to close the workshops down under armed guard.

Leaving the army in 1979 while stationed at SEME from a job he loved it was natural to settle in Hampshire and continue doing what he did best; which was course design and teaching in Heavy Armoured Vehicles Branch 84S. Although a quiet, caring family man whose hobbies included gardening, cooking, crosswords and walking, he certainly didn’t suffer fools gladly and may have ruffled a few feathers here and there. It didn’t take very long before his enthusiasm for complex mechanical problems began to shine through and for him to become a guru on all Heavy Armoured Tracked vehicles. Cutting his teeth on Centurion, Chieftain and ARV he later widened his repertoire taking the lead role in CRAAV and CR2 on its inception. His problem-solving ability and tenacity ironed out problems and anomalies with CR2, CRAAV and Warrior. He later designed a course for an AV the Indian Army.

Often criticised for trying to implant fundamental engineering principles to his peers during lunch refreshments these sessions did much to improve the knowledge, confidence and spirits of all attendees. Obviously, there was much competition to attend these extra curriculum lunches in those early days which was why the tuition was so good. One often returned with a renewed sense of vigour and understanding.

Doug is survived by his Wife Hilary, two Daughters, Debbie (now living in Australia) and Wendy, four Grandchildren and one GreatGrandchild, all, who will sadly miss him but will always cherish their fond memories of him.

Death Notices AINSWORTH – Former WO1 Basil Ainsworth passed away 13 January 2022 aged 89. Dates of service 1951 – 1972.

BEVAN – Former WO1 ASM Raymond (Taff) Bevan passed away 17 December 2021 aged 75. Dates of service 1964 – 1987.

CANNON – Former WO1 ASM Douglas Cannon passed away 09 December 2021 aged 83. Dates of service 1956 – 1979.

HAYHURST – Former WO1 Carl Gordon Hayhurst passed away 20 December 2021 aged 85. Dates of service 1953 – 1976.

HOMAN – Maj Gen (Retd) John V Homan passed away 28 January 2022 aged 94. Dates of service 1948 – 1982.

NICHOLSON – Maj (Retd) David Nicholson passed away 21 January 2022 aged 84. Dates of service 1954 – 1979 followed by the TA until 1992.

NOBLE – Former WO1 ASM George Peacock Noble passed away 03 February 2022 aged 76. Dates of services 1960 – 2000.

PHILLIPS – Former WO1 ASM Jeffrey Arthur Phillips passed away 06 December 2021. Dates of service 1960 – 1985.

SANDERS – Former WO1 ASM Gordon ‘Sandie’ Sanders passed away 18 December 2021. Aged 72. Dates of service 1952 – 1976.

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 43

Extracts from the London Gazette MARCH EDITION 11 January 2022 No Entries

18 January 2022 No Entries

25 January 2022 REGULAR ARMY Short Service Commissions Officer Cadet Jordan Peter BROWN 30266858 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 11 December 2021 Officer Cadet Samuel George CLARKE 30347736 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 11 December 2021 Officer Cadet Richard Paul GIBBS 30346537 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 11 December 2021 Officer Cadet Philip Michael JACKSON 30266892 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 11 December 2021 Officer Cadet Hasan Rahmaan KAYANI 30349153 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 11 December 2021 Officer Cadet Cole Andrew Mark LAKIN 30282853 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 11 December 2021 Officer Cadet Ryan LOVELOCK 30343304 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 11 December 2021 Officer Cadet Robert James PEARMUND 30350795 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 11 December 2021 Officer Cadet Michael RAND 30330388 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 11 December 2021 Officer Cadet Andrew Clive SULLIVAN 30244709 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 11 December 2021 Officer Cadet Toby Charles WILKINSON 30207090 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 11 December 2021 Officer Cadet Thomas Alexander WILSON 30336066 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 11 December 2021

01 February 2022 Lt Col R. A. CARTER 559539 to be Lt Col with Seniority from 30 June 2021.

Lt Col A. HUGGINS 560241 to be Lt Col with Seniority from 30 June 2021.

Lt Col P. MORRIS 24725948 to be Lt Col with Seniority from 30 June 2021.

Lt Col D. E. TAWLKS 562887 to be Lt Col with Seniority from 30 June 2021.

The following have been awarded the 1st Clasp to the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal CAPT, N. ATKINSON, REME, 24678852 44 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

The following have been awarded the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal CPL, T. D. COWBURN, REME, 30157400 The following have been awarded the 2nd Clasp to the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal MAJ, L. A. BRUTON, REME, W0819321 MAJ, G. T. CONWAY, RAMC, 25120565 The following have been awarded the 1st Clasp to the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal LCPL, K. S. DITON, REME, 25158702 The following have been awarded the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal CPL, M. BAILEY, REME, 25209021 SSGT, C. C. BROADBENT, REME, 24903390 SSGT, W. J. HARDWICK, REME, W0804001

08 February 2022 No Entries

Officer Assignments FOR FEBRUARY 2022 ASSIGNED TO

NAME

Lieutenant Colonel SULLIVAN FK MBE MONUSCO – OP PERCIVAL – CHIEF G5 PLANS Major COOK WE LINES PJ

DATE 3 Feb 22

STRAT COMD JW – SO2 FP and CBRN DCLPA WORTHY DOWN – DCOS

28 Feb 22 10 Feb 22

Second Lieutenant GOVAN CO DSEME LYNEHAM 8 BN REME – PL COMD ALAMEIN COY

28 Feb 22

FOR MARCH 2022 Lieutenant Colonel BUNKER DJ DG FIN MIL CAP – SO1 COORD SMITH MT 1 CS BN REME – CO

02 Mar 22 01 Mar 22

Major AITKEN NGE CARTWRIGHT OJ CLENCH SJ CORNES CJ COWARD CB DONALDSON NH KENNY JA LAWSON JS MUIRHEAD AD MURFIN SM PEAK MDB WOOSTER PR

LIVE DES COMJE ISTAR-DES BMFS PJSO PM1 D SUPPORT – SO2 PROTECTED MOBILITY DES COMLAND LE-DES LE VST SO2 HQ 102 LOG BDE – SO2 ES PLANS APC CM CSS – SO2A REME SLDRS APC CM OPS – SO2 CFM C AND A JUNIOR STAFF CENTRE – SO2 DS 18 DES COMLAND – DES LDACT SO2 PLANS RHQ REME – SO2 PERS OPS OFFICER HQ SW – SO2 ES LIVE DES COMJE HELS – DES WILDCAT MSN SYS EA SPACE COMMAND – SO2 LAND

21 Mar 22 21 Mar 22 21 Mar 22 21 Mar 22 21 Mar 22 21 Mar 22 21 Mar 22 21 Mar 22 21 Mar 22 28 Mar 22 21 Mar 22 21 Mar 22

Captain BAYLEY JJ

MOD DERENCE STAFF A BLOCK – SO3 J7 CAP LAND

14 Mar 22

Lieutenant RODGERS AM

5 FS BN REME – PL COMD 2 COY

31 Mar 22

YOUR MAGAZINE NEEDS

YOU YOU The Craftsman Magazine exists for The REME Family but it is only kept going because you provide the articles in it.

From engineering to fencing, if it is about the Corps you can write an article about it.

See inside the front cover for guidelines.

The REME Charity The Trustees of The REME Charity acknowledge with sincere thanks the donations received during the month of JANUARY 2022. They also wish to acknowledge the regular subscriptions received from the Officers and Soldiers of the Corps and retired members of the REME Institution:

KEEP CALM AND

WRITE

FOR THE CRAFTSMAN

We need your stories.

Donations Jan-22 14/12/2021 08/12/2021 08/12/2021 13/12/2021 10/01/2022 17/01/2022 06/01/2022 25/01/2022 26/01/2022 26/01/2022

From Jan 2022 Amount Amazon Smile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£480.99 1 Royal Anglian LAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£155.00 Glyn Winterbottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£105.00 CAF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£8.90 Mr JE and Miss J Tyler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£50.00 Sgts’ Mess collection Frank Bruno evening . .£678.50 IMO Geoff Parkes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£100.00 IMO Ray Bevan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£1,000.00 Mr PG Evans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£75.00 A McEntee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£20.00 £2,673.39

Date sent to Craftsman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31/01/2022 Total Donations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£2,673.39 Total £’s paid in Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£27,988.45 No. Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Average Grant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£813.19

If you would like to see how your money is spent, we welcome one or two observers at The REME Charity meetings. The meetings are held midweek, approximately every three weeks. If you would like to observe a meeting, please contact The REME Charity Secretary on ( Mil: 95481 4527 or Civ: 01249 894527 in the first instance.

The REME Charity is here for both veterans and serving personnel in times of hardship or need. Contact via SSAFA ( 0800 731 4880 www.ssafa.org.uk or The Royal British Legion ( 0808 802 8080  www.britishlegion.org.uk or your Unit Welfare if serving. All enquiries and information is dealt with in the strictest confidence. If you wish to discuss any benevolence need you can contact us on ( 01249 894523.

Anyone wishing to leave a legacy to The REME Charity, which is exempt from inheritance tax, can add a codicil to their will. Our registered charity number is 1165868

Whether reporting on an Exercise or Operation, reviewing a Sporting Event, or detailing your trade or experience within the REME Family, we want to hear from you!

The Corps Communications Team

We also accept Covid-19-related content and welcome your news.

Change of postal address Subscrip�ons@reme-rhq.org.uk

Please email your stories to: craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Are you emailing the right person?

The Cra�sman Magazine Editor Cra�smanEditor@reme-rhq.org.uk The Digital Media Manager Dawn.Cainey100@learn.mod.uk

Submissions (Digital and Print) remerhq-comms-groupmailbox@mod.gov.uk Other Communica�ons and Media requests remerhq-comms-groupmailbox@mod.gov.uk

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 45

Corps Calendar 2022 More information regarding Corps Mess Functions can found by scanning the QR Code, or by accessing the ‘REME Connect’ website or alternatively email; REMERHQ-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk for all general enquiries.

Corps Conference North (31 Mar) and South (04 April), to attend use the following QR Code to fill in the registration form attached. Aimed at Warrant Officer to Major cohorts on key developments across the RHQ, Army HQ, Field Army HQ and APC. SSgts in independent commands are also invited to attend as are Lt Cols and Comds ES. Administration Instructions planned for release NLT 18 Mar 2022.

MARCH 2022

28

Institution AGM and Corps Officers’ Mess AGM

08

Corps ASM Forum (MOD Lyneham)

08

Corps WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess Dinner Night

29-30

REME Festival of Sport (FoS)

17

Colonels Commandant Night

30

17

Corps Council Meeting

REME Sports Association Awards Dinner Night

29

Corps Mess & REME Inst Exec Meeting

TBC

Corps Council Meeting

30

RAJA Careers and Employment Support Event (Catterick)

J U LY 2 0 2 2 09

HQ Officers’ Mess Corps Ball

31

Corps Conference (North) (New Date)

09

REME Reserve Management Board

10

Regimental Sunday at Royal Hospital Chelsea

APRIL 2022 04

Corps Conference (South)

06-07

Regimental Sergeant Majors Forum at MOD Lyneham

AU G U S T 2 0 2 2 – NO SEPTEMBER 2022

22-25

REME Reunion Weekend (Nottingham), see back pages for more details

15

REME Colonels Command Group (New Date)

23

REME Reserves Management Board (Lyneham)

15

HQ Officers’ Mess Corps Dinner Night

23

REME Institution Dinner (Formerly Retired Officers’ Dinner)

27

REME Institution and Corps HQ Officers Mess Executive Meeting National Memorial Arboretum

23

Broxhead Dinner Night (Postponed)

27

Engineering Awards Lunch (Provisional)

M AY 2 0 2 2

ORGANISED EVENTS

HQ Officers’ Mess Corps Spring Guest Dinner Night

29

05 12

REME Junior Officers Seminar and Dinner Night

01

Corps 80th Birthday

TBC

Airborne Officers’ Dinner Night

18

STEM UTCs Craftsman Cup Final (MOD Lyneham)

TBC

Commando Officers’ Dinner Night

TBC

REME QM Dinner Night

20

MG REME Conference

20

HQ Officers’ Mess Corps Autumn Guest Night

19

Corps Colonels Command Group

19

HQ Officers’ Mess Corps Dinner Night

JUNE 2022

OCTOBER 2022

02-05

Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee (Bank Holiday weekend)

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 2 TBC

Corps WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess Dinner Night

02

The Queen’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour) and Platinum Jubilee Beacons

TBC

Corps Council Meeting

05

Ex SUPREME GLACIER (to 10 Dec 22)

11

Field of Remembrance REME Reserve Conference Shrivenham TBC)

03

Service of Thanksgiving

04

BBC Platinum Party at the Palace

25-27

05

The Big Jubilee Lunch, The Platinum Jubilee Pageant, The Royal Collection and The Queen’s Private Estates

09

Founders Day at Royal Hospital Chelsea (New Date)

01

St Eligius Day

10

Ex SUPREME GLACIER Finishes

23

Beating the Retreat and Cocktail Party

TBC

Artificers SM Forum

46 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

DECEMBER 2022

REME Reunion Weekend 2022 To be held ld at: t: 4* Ea Eastw twood Hallll Hote tel, l, Mans nsfie ield ld Road,, Eastw twood,, Notti tting ngham,, NG16 3SS

Friday 22nd to Monday 25th Aprill 2022 Either Eith er 1, 2 or 3 nig nights ts Hal alf Bo Boar ard,, en suite ite ac acco commodatio ation A 15% reduction in normal bar prices will apply all weekend Pre-Dinner Drinks receptions Friday and Saturday Gala Night Dinner and Port for the loyal toast Live entertainment each evening Free use of swimming pool and gymnasium facilities

Saturday coach shuttle service to and from Nottingham city centre Numerous daytime fun activities throughout the weekend

Optio tion n 1 - 3 nig nights ts package £224 per person Optio tion n 2 - 2 nig nights ts package £174 per person Optio tion n 3 - 1 nig nightt package £95 per person n (S (Satu turdayy nig nightt only nly

- inc inclu ludes Gala Din inne ner - Limite imited availa labilility ity) BOOKING FORM Package Choice(s (s) (Please indicate quantity required) Option 1 ________ Option 2 ________ Option 3 ________ Persona nall Details ils

REME Assn Branch (if applicable) ______________________________ Name ________________________________________________________ Address______________________________________________________ Post Code____________________________________________________ Mobile/Telephone Number _____________________________________

In 26 acres of landscaped gardens, this hotel is 15 minutes’ walk from central Eastwood, the birthplace of DH Lawrence.

It has a fitness centre, outdoor tennis court, indoor swimming pool and sauna.

Itinerary It Fr Friday 13:00 from14:00 17:30 18:30 20:00 Satur turday 07:30

Additional names included in this booking: ______________________________________________________________

Lounge bar in the foyer opens Check-in Welcome Drinks Dinner Fun Casino and entertainment

Breakfast Coach Shuttle to Nottingham City

*** V a r i o u s d a y t i m e a c t i v i t i e s ***

______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ tall nu number of guests ts in inclu luded d in th this is booking ing _____ Tota

16:15 18:15 19:15

Standards Rehearsal Standards Parade Gala Dinner and entertainment

07:30 09:00 09:30 10:15 10:30 18:30 Mond nday

Breakfast Padre & Standards Rehearsal Church Service with Standards Tea/Coffee and Biscuits REME Association Conference Dinner

ired Double ____ Twin ____ Single ____ Number of Rooms requir Whilst every effort will be made to accommodate all special requests this can only be done on a first come first served basis and cannot be guaranteed. A limited

number of disabled rooms are available.

Specia iall Requir irements nts (dietary/walking/hearing difficulties etc) ______________________________________________________________ All prices are inc nclus usive off VAT att the cur urrentt rate.

Book Now to avoid disappointment, places are limited.

Cheque ues to o be made paya yabl ble to o IOW Tour urs Please return this form with your remittance to: Moun untt Pleasantt (I (IOW)) Ltd td trading tr ng as IOW Tou ours 51 High Str treet,, Shankl klin,, Isle off Wight.. PO37 6JJ *** Book oking ngs can n also o be made by credit/debi bit card att th the number below *** Telephone (01983) (0 ) 405116 www.i .iowto tour urs.c .com

nday Sund

07:00 11:00

Breakfast Final Departures

ALL HOLIDAYS ARE SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY AT THE TIME OF BOOKING. SPACE IS NOT GUARANTEED UNTIL THE DEPOSIT IS PAID. Our Trading ng Charter (our (our T&Cs)) can n be viewed on n ou our website www.i .iow owtou ours.com