The Craftsman - May 2023

THE CRAFTSMAN

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In 2020, REME launched the Lifting the Decks initiative, with a focus on the mental wellbeing of serving REME personnel and veterans.

We are in the process of re昀ning Lifting the Decks, increasing accessibility with an added emphasis on reminding our REME Family to speak out about ‘what’s on their mind’ and that, whatever stage in their life, we will always be here to listen to and support them.

If there is something on your mind troubling you, big or small, whatever the cause, we are here to listen and to help. If you wish to get in touch regarding yourself or concern for someone else, please don’t hesitate to contact woym@remecharity.org

Corps Formation: 1 October 1942

Corps Motto: Arte et Marte

Corps Patron Saint: St Eligius (Celebrated 1st Sunday in December)

Editor: Mrs Katie Tarbard + Corporate Communications Officer

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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.

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Stallions Team (p.32)

The Future Capability Group

The Future Capability Group (FCG) is a specialised team within the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organisation. Responsible for developing and delivering future military technology and capability at a pace of relevance to enhance the UK’s defence posture and maintain its strategic advantage over potential adversaries. Working closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including the UK’s Armed Forces, government agencies, industry partners, and academic institutions, it ensures that it has access to the latest technologies, expertise, and best practices.

FCG is comprised of experts in various fields who are supported by access to a range of cutting-edge technologies, including robotics and artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and advanced analytics, which help to identify emerging technological trends, assess risks, and guide decision-making.

In order to ensure REME stays ready for the future, FCG is examining a number of areas of particular relevance, this article will now discuss three of the most prominent.

Machine Learning (Artificial Intelligence (AI)) and Autonomy

AI has emerged as a transformative technology in modern warfare, offering new opportunities to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of military operations. Advances in AI technologies are rapidly changing the nature of warfare, and are creating both challenges and opportunities for REME.

One of the most obvious applications to which AI is having an impact on modern warfare is in the development of autonomous systems. Autonomous systems, such as uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), and uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs), can operate without human intervention, making them ideal for tasks that are dangerous, dirty, or difficult for human operators to perform, or where multiples

of these technologies are needed, such as during swarm attacks.

There has been lots of coverage of these systems being used in the current conflict in Ukraine, much of which FCG has procured. With the help of AI, autonomous systems can make decisions independently, based on the information they collect from networked sensors and other sources. This allows them to perform tasks such as reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition, but also logistic lift, without risking human lives. However, the very fact that these systems are deployed without humans poses a problem for equipment maintenance, much of which is done physically. Without humans in the vicinity, who will conduct the physical work associated with repair and recovery?

AI can create advantage by processing large volumes of data from a range of sources, such as on-board sensor arrays, this therefore, logically, means it provides opportunity in predictive maintenance and self-repairing technology. These systems use machine learning algorithms to analyse data from sensors and other sources, in order to identify potential equipment failures before they occur. This will allow tradesmen to schedule maintenance activities more effectively, and to reduce the risk of equipment downtime or failure in the field. It also means though that the nature of the platforms upon which we will operate are changing. REME must push itself to the fore to repair these new platforms if the Corps is to stay relevant and engaged.

The constant iteration necessary to stay ahead of the current wave of digital transformation will require us to keep abreast of emerging technologies as they happen. There is little point in training on systems which are upgraded every 2 months, REME therefore needs to provide tradesmen with digital skills which will allow them to iterate their ability to repair, there are many examples of this as best practice across the UK in organisations such as The Digital Skills Partnership and Tech Partnership Education Agencies.

In addition, AI technologies are also raising

Scribe: Colonel Dan Anders-Brown, MA CEng FIMechE - Deputy Head of the Future Capability Group and specialist in AI and Advanced Materials.

Recent array of trial equipment which used various levels of autonomy to guide movement through a number of combat serials

Malloy T150 drone lifting stores during Army Warfighting Experiment

ethical and legal concerns, particularly around the use of autonomous weapons systems. As the REME become responsible for the repair of these systems (including coding and recoding), they will become central to the culpability of Defence, should a system malfunction with lethal consequences. Legally, who will be responsible if the system kills someone unintentionally, the designer of the system, the owner of the system, or the coder who gave it autonomy? This is currently a hotly debated topic.

Novel Materials

Novel, or advanced materials, are emerging as a key driver of technological advancement in modern warfare. These materials offer new opportunities for improving the performance, durability, and functionality of military equipment, while also reducing weight and enhancing energy efficiency. The example in the photo is of a clamping block from a submarine, the system has been topologically optimised to reduce material that isn’t required; leaving only material to deal with the particular stresses and strains placed upon it. The original is to the rear.

This gives significant options for light weighting, imagine this process being carried out on all under-armour subsystems of a Challenger. The resulting weight saving would be in the tons, improving fuel efficiency and MVBFs. In this example there was a weight saving of 89%. Another example could be 75kg ‘hernia bars’ being replaced by 10kg carbon fibre rods.

Indeed, one of the key areas where novel materials are having an impact on modern warfare is in the development of lightweight, high-strength materials, such as carbon fibre, graphene, and nanomaterials. These materials also offer significant weight savings over traditional materials, such as steel and aluminium, while also providing superior strength and durability.

Another area where novel materials are advancing modern warfare is in the development of materials with unique properties, such as shape-memory alloys, self-healing materials, and metamaterials. These materials can be designed to respond to external stimuli, such as temperature, pressure, or magnetic fields, in order to change shape, repair damage, or achieve other desired properties. This makes them ideal for a range of military applications, such as armour, antennas, and stealth technologies. Imagine armour which could repair itself once damaged!

The REME workforce will need to adapt to the new technologies and processes of advanced materials, in order to effectively maintain and repair the new generation of military equipment. They could also need to develop new skills, such as material science and chemistry, in order to properly support these new technologies.

Directed Energy Weapons

Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs) have been in development for many years, but recent advances in technology have brought them closer to becoming a reality on the battlefield.

DEWs are weapons that use directed energy, such as lasers or microwaves, to damage or destroy a target. These weapons offer several advantages over traditional weapons, including increased accuracy, reduced collateral damage, and the ability to engage targets at greater distances. The photos to the right show the DSTL trial of a Dragonfire system which was able to destroy a <4kg drone from over 2 miles away.

The development and future adoption of DEWs will require significant changes in the way that REME operates. Traditional weapons require regular maintenance and repair to ensure that they function properly. DEWs will require a different set of skills and equipment to maintain and repair. For example, laser systems require careful alignment and calibration to function correctly, and the optics and electronics must be kept clean and free from damage. Additionally, DEWs will initially require specialised cooling systems to prevent overheating and damage to the components.

The training we undertake will need to encompass more technical aspects of maintaining equipment such as this, and as technology advances, we must remain ready to adapt and change to the most recent updates.

AI, Novel Materials and DEW are just three of the exciting advances in the Army research and trial inventory, this article could have equally talked about a range of other futuristic capabilities which are becoming usable on the battlefield, and FCG are just one organisation attempting to understand what capabilities we will need to adopt to stay relevant. It is clear that our workforce will be more challenged than ever in the coming years, as the current rapidity with which technology is advancing continues. The REME Skills Review will address some of these predicted shortfalls, as will AWE, but we must share a cognitive desire to stay ahead of the changes in technology through seeking out opportunity to understand and adapt to them. The age of rapid change is here.

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DSTL trialing the Dragonfire system (above), which was able to destroy a drone (below) weighing up to 4kg

Clamping block from a submarine

LETTERS to the EDITOR

1RRF LAD and UAVs

Dear Editor,

Ifound two articles in the February Craftsman Magazine on 1RRF LAD and current UAVs particularly interesting as they are linked closely with work I was involved with in the 1960s and 1980s.

1RRF LAD

There is an article on 1 RRF LAD and I was the last OC of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers (1RNF) LAD in 1968 shortly before the Battalion became 1RRF, and so I was the first OC 1RRF LAD. 1 RRF was part of 6 Infantry Brigade which had just been moved back from BAOR by Harold Wilson to try and save money. We were stationed in the North of England with Brigade HQ at Catterick and we were 100 miles away at Kirton Lindsey; an old RAF station about 20 miles North of Lincoln. It was a confusing situation as most of the Brigade were stationed in UK Northern Command, while we were in East Midland District but all under the command of 2 Division, which remained in BAOR. My BEME was at Catterick and CREME at Minden in Germany. Later they were all moved back to Germany.

The LAD was located in one of the aircraft hangers which gave us plenty of room but in the winter was exceedingly cold. The Regiment was equipped with 80 FV432s in addition to the usual B vehicles, Land Rovers and Bedfords, and about 8 Stalwarts and a Scammel recovery vehicle. The Regiment also had an air Platoon with 3 Sioux helicopters supported by REME Technicians, who, although not in the LAD worked closely with us. In the second year the air Platoon was taken from us to join the new 660 Squadron AAC in support of 6

Brigade and I don’t think we ever had the use of a helicopter again. We trained in UK and would go out to BAOR for the big exercise in the Autumn, starting at Sennelager for low level training and moving up to Soltau for further training and the big annual exercise when the whole Division would operate cross country; simulating a war scenario.

The German Farmers put up with it because it was not far from the East German border and there was a team following the exercise paying the Farmers for the damage done. We had only 30 FV432s based in England and the remaining 50 in store in BAOR which were brought out when we arrived. All the B vehicles had to drive to BAOR, while the FV432s were sent by rail. One year we flew two FV432s in an RAF Belfast from Brize Norton to Gutersloh. Having previously been in an air-portable Workshop I was given the task of taking them out; which was an interesting and fun job. At the end of the exercise we had the prospect of getting a fleet of battle-weary vehicles back to UK,

UAVs

The other article I found very interesting was that on Army remotely piloted air systems. I worked in the development office on the Supervisor UAV in MOD (PE) in 1980 in its early trials period. This was the first UAV planned to be operated by the Army; although there were others which could be set up to fly a predetermined path and take photographs.

The Supervisor AV, named Wideye, is shown in the photograph in the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop beside Wisp (the smaller one) which was the prototype experimental AV from which Wideye was developed. Wideye had a TV camera and could transmit video back to a base station. It was a small, eggshaped, helicopter with two small 2 stroke engines and contra-rotating rotors. However, it was complicated and not very reliable and was cancelled in favour of the fixed wing Phoenix which launched from a ramp and landed by parachute.

The name Phoenix was given as it arose from the ashes of Supervisor, using virtually the same sensor system and eventually entered service with the Royal Artillery after long delays. It served successfully in the Gulf War in 2003.

My thanks to the Army Flying Museum for allowing me to take the photograph.

Yours Sincerely, Richard

Unwin, Lt Col REME (Retd)

Wideye at the Army Flying Museum

Football in Cyprus 1957-59

Dear Editor,

Ispent two years on the troubled Island of Cyprus, 1957-59. During that time, I was a member of the Wksp; Minor Units Football Club.

8 Inf Wksps were based out on the flat dusty plains, alongside the main Nicosia/Limassol Road.

Living under canvass for almost 27 months, life was made up of the following periods: daily working routines, supplemented by internal/external guard duties, plus mobile I/S patrols. Part of our recreational pursuits were bathing/swimming at the 5-mile Kyrenia beach as well as Football and Cricket.

8 Inf earned a good reputation with its footballing prowess, playing as we did, touring teams from the UK, and the established Major Army units; not forgetting the island’s local Cypriot Police team, and of course, Apoel FC Cyprus plus an Israel touring side!

Being part of the then 50 Brigade, we gained further prestige by beating them in a match, earning a proud footballing medal; which I regularly view and clean.

This photo shows the kind of pitches we played on (no grass).

The 1959 team was as follows:

Back Row L/R. Jimmy Austin, Jim Freeland (deceased), Gonker Bull, Ging Ellis, Pat Hanwell (deceased), Ken Danvers (deceased), Jack Cheadle (deceased), Brian Ellis, George Baker, Jock Hall (Supporter/First Aid).

Front Row L/R. Eddie Cosgrove, Prod Burton, Ginger Phillips, John Parr, Albert Thorpe, Jock Mahon, Jock Wilson, Photographer: Lt Cotton- 8 Inf, Motor Transport Officer. Arte et Marte.

Yours sincerely, John Parr

REME Institution Royal Reception

Thursday 21st September 2023, Windsor Castle

On behalf of our Master General, I am delighted to inform all REME Institution members, veterans and serving, of the Corps’ intent to host our next Quinquennial Royal Reception, to be attended by HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, at Windsor Castle on the evening of Thursday 21 September 2023. It will be wonderful to gather with you again, in this amazing setting, to celebrate our bond as an Institution and the ongoing success of our great Corps. Please apply to join us by completing the form below by the 19 May 2023 deadline.

Best wishes, Colonel Jason Phillips ADC

Attendance Open to members of the REME Institution, one guest per member. 600 places in total are expected to be available, determined by ballot. To enter, follow the link/scan the QR code and complete the form by 19 May 2023. Successful applicants will be noti昀ed by 1700 26 May 2023

https://remeconnect.org/royal-reception/

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The 1959 Football team

The quinquennial Royal Reception is in the initial planning stages. We are currently liaising with staff from the Royal Household. More details for the event will be released in due course.

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The Workshop on the Prairie – 6 months in BATUS

Scribe: Sgt Kate Bramley – (Electronic Support Group)

Asmall yet unique workshop, located in the heart of the Albertan prairies in Suffield, Canada, provides Equipment Support to the British Army Training Unit Suffield – the largest British Army training area. It has played host to countless military exercises since being established in 1972 and July 2022 marked the 50th year of BATUS, with multiple and varied celebrations.

With the pandemic coming to an end and BATUS starting to wake up again, a full, albeit different, exercise season beckoned. This promised 5 rotations of one-month exercises from May to September with 5 RIFLES taking the lead for their sub-unit battle craft syllabus training. Needless to say, BATUS Workshop ably supported the preparation with weeks of meticulous vehicle inspections and repairs. In March we concentrated on activating the BATUS vehicle fleet ready for the first exercising troops in over two years to deploy on the inaugural Ex PRAIRIE TORNADO.

Against the backdrop of exercise support, this article summarises a series of both routine workshop events and ‘BATUS 50’ contributions through the lenses of the participants.

Ex TIGER MEDICINE YETI 2022

On 26 Feb 22 members of BATUS Wksp deployed to Trails End Camp (TEC) in Western Alberta to form what would be the admin team for Ex TIGER MEDICINE YETI 2022 – SSgt Ben Lockyer as Camp Warrant Officer (CWO) and I, Sgt Kate Bramley, as Expedition Leader/Chief Instructor.

Sgt Bramley leading the SF2 group at the Stanley Glacier Firebreak

Sgt Reilly thoroughly enjoying his first day Ski touring Cpl MacHattie hitting some air

Due to being unused during the pandemic, TEC had been left as a shell of its former self, and in a state of relative disrepair in need of renewed effort. With only 24hrs before the first students arrived, there was no time for evening refreshments (as previously planned) and we set to work making the place look like a Type 2 Adventurous Training Centre.

After some solid grafting we were set with decent accommodation, rest areas and heaps of winter sports gear. Three very successful weeks of adventurous training raced past in a blur of snow, lessons, equipment and evening socials. A highly productive time, we conducted Ski Foundation (SF) 1, SF2 and Continuation Training courses, with numerous REME personnel getting the chance to experience the Canadian Rockies and level up their Ski qualifications. Making use of the world-renowned Banff Ski resorts: Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, Mount Norquay, Nakiska, and the SF2 students skiing at the abandoned Fortress Mountain Resort, were supreme highlights and appreciated as one of the many benefits of serving in Canada.

The admin team were delighted at the smooth running of the whole exercise, with the sole complaint being ‘the admin instruction did not tell me to bring a pillow’. A further highlight was Sgt Ant Reilly and his impeccable approach to Ski touring – with only his skis to blame for his technique issues and his daysack narrowly missing the group as it took flight down the mountain, after miraculously ‘falling’ off his back! He will be looking forward to attending his SF3 next season. Overall, a joy to instruct and glad to have inspired him and many others to advance their skiing experience and qualifications.

3rd Canadian Division and CFB Edmonton – RCEME Dinner and March for Unity

Scribe: SSgt Lange (Wksp HQ)

On 23 June a selection of REME members from BATUS were kindly invited to a candlelit dinner night at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton, the home of the 3rd Canadian Division, expertly organised by 1 Service Battalion RCEME. Following a steady 5-hour drive and with mess dress at the ready, what followed was a dinner night somewhat different to those we are accustomed to in the UK. Five fortunate members of BATUS Workshop attended, shared different stories, drinks and excellent food with our Canadian counterparts. A particular highlight was being treated to an impressively coordinated and colourful gymnastic display midway through the evening. As I say, not the most common mess entertainment, but we were hosted fantastically nonetheless.

The following day I was personally invited as the LGBTQ+ representative to participate in the first ever Pride Walk on a military

base. A privilege to be involved in, with some emotional speeches and a fantastic atmosphere, hundreds of soldiers and civilians participated in the walk. With such an open, enjoyable and goodnatured show of Defence unity, it was heartening to be part of such an event.

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The SF2 group exploring the abandoned Fortress Mountain Ski Resort

Sgt Bramley discussing avalanche features with the SF2 group

SSgt Lange marching alongside her Canadian counterparts in the first ever Pride walk on a military base

Representing the REME at the 3rd Division RCEME Dinner Night

Banff to Jasper Relay 2022

Scribe: Maj Wilson (OC Wksp)

Advertised as ‘the most beautiful relay in the world’, the Banff to Jasper Relay in Alberta, Canada, did not fail to disappoint yet again for 15 fit and fortunate BATUS personnel.

The annual 260km competition, notwithstanding a COVID-induced break since 2019, raises essential funds for the Brain Tumour Foundation (BTF) of Canada, of which a number of the organisers have been personally affected. BATUS personnel have competed several times and always place highly amongst a variety of teams from across Canada.

At 0700hrs on 4 Jun 22, after 12 weeks of intensive training, the North and South phase runners for all 25 teams began this iconic race – perhaps one of few in the world with a genuine risk of encountering bears! Maj Liam Wilson and SSgt Tony Hemingway, both of BATUS Workshop, made up the REME contingent, putting in sterling efforts to place 1st and 5th in their 20.6km and 17.5km legs respectively; keeping the team high up the leader board. Aside from the wildlife risk, the altitude varied between 1300-2200m above sea level and with most sections including significant elevation gains, it quickly became obvious that this race was a challenge like no other. Thankfully the whole team was suitably prepared, very well supported and encouraged at every step, managing to cross the finish line in an overall time of 22hrs 40mins, placing 1st in the Open category and 3rd amongst all teams.

The experience will no doubt be fondly remembered by all for many reasons and not least the after-party in Jasper – sipping cold refreshments against a sunset over the Rocky Mountains. Huge credit and thanks go to all participants and the drivers, support crew and BATUS lead organiser Sgt De-Coteau RLC for the training and execution of a fantastic event.

Most importantly, BATUS raised over $2,100 for the BTF of Canada and further reinforced the valuable relationships and superb reputation surrounding the British Army in Canada.

BATUS Spouses’ Exercise

Scribe: LCpl Soopramanien

(Armaments and General Support Group) With a signal from the Welfare Department and a craving from numerous military partners to experience a ‘real military exercise’, a select team of high quality ‘soldier first, tradesmen always’ BATUS Workshop personnel answered the calling.

A date of 28 June was selected and a period of 24 hrs was decided on – just enough for enjoyment and interest but insufficient for fatigue or boredom! A great deal of interest was found in the JNCO ranks of BATUS volunteering to assist in instructing on the exercise. A welcome sight even during a busy period. After meeting with some of the participants that had voiced an interest in the event, it was discovered that an initial thought that a “camping trip in green kit” was all that was required was entirely incorrect. “Make it hardcore!” was the cry. With that evocative

Banff to Jasper starting point – The team all set to take on the Banff to Jasper relay

Banff to Jasper – The most beautiful relay in the world

Sgt Rowe briefing the “1st Platoon Suffield Rifle Volunteers”’

Lesson 1 – ‘Camouflage and Concealment’

request ringing in our ears planning went ahead and the ‘1st Platoon Suffield Rifle Volunteers’ was born.

‘Aim high and expect disappointment’ was the familiar phrase, as requests for indirect fire support and Armoured Infantry assaults were swiftly dismissed (for obvious reasons), and so CT1 (old money) level lessons were settled on. Section attacks, camouflage and concealment, hygiene and living in the field were all delivered expertly before rigorous assessment of the troops.

It was a superb 24hrs and one in which the participants felt was executed in a highly professional, valuable, but also jovial and enjoyable way. Ultimately just challenging enough to facilitate learning and meet the aim of ‘dipping toes in the military water’, with the camouflage and concealment competition being a surprising highlight.

A big thank you to those who took part and genuinely tested themselves. A special thanks to the volunteer Instructors (Sgt Rowe, Sgt Bramley, Sgt Mosley and Cpl Philoe in particular) and all those who assisted in bringing this short but hugely enjoyable experience together.

Summer Function – Elkwater

Scribe: Cpl Rai (Electronic Support Group)

On 6 Jul 22 the BATUS Workshop summer function took place at Elkwater Lake and Provincial Park. A relatively short (Canadian) 110km ‘hop’ from Suffield, the location provided a calm and ideal environment for various water sports, games and an excellent barbeque. Sgt Oliver Tonks, a qualified Chef in a previous life, thankfully ensured we were kept perfectly fuelled for all our paddle

boarding, Kayaking, open water Swimming and boating.

One important and fundamental aspect this year, and especially coming out of COVID restrictions, was the inclusion of all workshop military, Canadian civilian employees and family members. While the children could enjoy the other garden games and local park, SSgt Tony Hemingway, SSgt Tom Rossiter and WO2 Craig Hunter excelled in the inter-departmental games; particularly the dancing, blindfolded musical chairs. Concluding the activities was a superbly resourced raffle with an array of high value tech prizes and vouchers to further ensure that people continued to enjoy the Canadian culture.

Finally, after a fun, warm day, with a hint of sunburn and some impressively crisp tan lines, we collapsed gazebos, finished off the burgers and packed the trucks. The event was much enjoyed by all attendees, especially the children and families, and thanks go to all members of ESG that helped pull the event together.

Cultural Day – BATUS 50th Anniversary

Scribe: Cpl Philoe (Armoured Vehicle Support Group) One of the more colourful celebrations for the BATUS 50th anniversary was a cultural day that showcased the 24 different nations and origins of all those currently serving in BATUS.

Habitants of Ralston village, locally based military personnel, families (Canadian and British Armed Forces) and civilian staff got to enjoy a day of enlightening history, incredible food, entertaining music and sampled some of the skills and crafts representing each culture.

Undoubtedly the most important and valued feature was the rich variety of food and drinks on offer, thanks entirely to the generosity of the organisers.

Immediately on entering the Hockey arena the powerful smell began to make your mouth water: Jamaican curried chicken, Grenadian saltfish souse, Fijian kava, Indian pani puri, Welsh cakes, Nigerian jollof rice, and many more savoury and sweet delights were laid out for all to enjoy.

A further vital aspect was ensuring all the children were suitably entertained, via a huge bouncy castle, whilst everyone else chatted, learned and tingled their taste buds. Genuine interest and grey matter enhanced as people asked around the stands of the cultures, history, locations and traditions carried through the ages. Fortunately, there was also a fair

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Cpl Bruno Jr looking very proud of his Grenadian dish

Banff to Jasper finishing line – Ready for a well-earned rest after taking the title in the Open category, and 3rd Overall

Cpl Rai (middle) unimpressed by his colleague’s Nepalese outfit

number of leftovers from the mountains

Compliments aplenty, the entire day was enormously appreciated by all concerned and sincere, renewed thanks go out to all the stand organisers, Chefs and contributors that made the day a resounding success.

Calgary, waving and joining in with the parade’s festivities.

Once the parade was complete, we were privileged to be given the chance to attend the day and evening shows to witness the bull riding, chuck wagon racing, barrel racing and fully immerse ourselves in the Canadian traditions. We were shown huge respect and hospitality from the Canadian public and event organisers. A great experience and one to remember.

The 41st Annual Ralston Rodeo – ‘Brits On Bulls’

Scribe: Sgt Bramley (Electronic Support Group)

In 1979 CFB Suffield hosted the first rodeo event in Ralston Village, aimed at providing BATUS personnel and their families a glimpse into Canadian cowboy and rodeo culture; this event has taken place annually ever since. The event has changed in its scope and scale over the years, ranging from professional circuit participants to the

Calgary Stampede – The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth

Scribe: Sgt Bramley (Electronic Support Group)

Friday 8 July marked the opening of Calgary Stampede, a highlight in the Albertan and Canadian calendar. With hundreds of thousands of individuals worldwide flocking to the city of Calgary to witness an outstandingly impressive spectacle of world-class rodeo events, cultural highlights and live music. As part of the BATUS 50 celebrations it was the perfect opportunity for members of BATUS to take to the streets and reinforce our enduring presence in Canada.

An early start for the team who had had almost zero sleep, we lined up with our Canadian Military counterparts to showcase a Panther as part of the Stampede Parade. The sun was shining with highs of 32 degrees Celsius, it was set to be a great day.

There was a huge turnout due to the fact that it had not taken place since 2019 through the COVID 19 pandemic. The streets were lined with over 150,000 people and an overwhelming number of cameras and Reporters. It was impossible to not be on TV – ending up on: CTV, Global News, CNN and many other local news agencies. Many of our families in the UK searched for a live stream to see us go by! We paraded on foot with Panther around the 5km loop of

Mrs Cian Thomas on her Title Bull ride

Bull Riding – The longest 8 seconds of your life

OC Wksp Major Wilson encouraging his Daughter to experience the Canadian fur display

of food produced, meaning the efforts of the many Chefs continued to be enjoyed hours afterwards.

Sgt Rowe (bottom left) consuming a little too much grog

more recent semi-professional shows and amateur events. Due to COVID 19 this event was not unable to take place during the past 2 years. However, with BATUS 50th anniversary celebrations ending, this year’s iteration was approached with renewed vigour in order to make up for lost time. The 41st Ralston Rodeo was born.

A team of keen individuals set to work to enable the event. With weeks of planning and some very questionable risk assessments, a very interesting invite appeared on Part 1s ‘You are invited to try Bull Riding!’. This was only one of the four amateur events that people could take part in, with Calf Roping, Hide Racing and Mutton Busting also on the cards. What could go wrong?

With volunteers raring to go, a one-time only Bull Riding training session took place, for many this was the first time they had come face to face with a bull, let alone ridden one. Hockey helmets and vests at the ready they climbed into their chutes ready for the longest 8 seconds of their life… If they were lucky. The fear in some individual’s eyes as they were thrown metres into the air from a bucking bull. Yet an unforgettable experience all round. With a ‘successful’ evening of training they were set to compete for the Ralston Rodeo Bull Riding title and belt buckle. Fast forward a week, it was time! The sun was out, cowboy boots and hats at the ready! Looking more Canadian than any of the actual Canadians in the area! In true BATUS fashion the whole village came out in support.

Members of the Wksp kitted up ready to take part in their events. SSgt Maz Lange gave a top performance in the Hide Racing, managing to complete a 360barrel roll whist being dragged by a horse and managing to stay on to earn her place in the overall ranking. She also proved herself to be quite a Calf Roper, holding a young steer in place whilst Mrs Lange and team secured the rope for the win!

Many family members took part including the children competing in the Mutton Busting event, holding onto a sheep for dear life whilst it bolted around the arena. A notable effort from Mrs Cian Thomas who took part in every event and earned the title of Bull Riding Champion and Women’s Hide Racing champion.

The day ended with a social event at Fort Whoop Up, local bands played into the night with refreshments provided by the local food trucks. A truly unique event to be part of and a great effort from all competitors and organisers.

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SSgt Lange holding the steer whilst Mrs Lange secures the ribbon for a win

Sgt Bramley getting involved with the Calgary Stampede Parade festivities

SSgt Lange about to complete a 360-barrel roll during the Hide Racing

Banff to Jasper – WOAH BEAR!

2 R ANGLIAN LAD & 1 REME ES Pl on Ex KHANJAR OMAN

Scribe: Lt George Arbuthnot

The 2 Royal Anglian Battlegroups time in Oman has come to an end. Over the past three months all the soldiers within the ES contingent have put in a hard graft, with equipment availability nearly increasing by a factor of ten. For their efforts it was only right that that all involved received some form of thanks. Members of the 2 Royal Anglian LAD, and the ES Platoon from 1 (CS) Bn REME took part in a multi-activity AT package; an excursion to Muscat and a cohesion day, aimed at strengthening ties between the two units.

During Ex KHANJAR OMAN, the Battlegroup was able to organise a multi-activity AT package an hour outside of Muscat. The four-day AT package consisted of a visit to Wadi Shab; where participants scrambled through the Wadi system, a visit to an Omani village, Kayaking, Rock Climbing, hill walking, mountain biking and a day of Sailing. Throughout, all individuals were mentally stretched and were able to form strong bonds with each other.

On day one, our group, who consisted of soldiers from both the LAD and the ES Platoon, visited a local Omani village in the

morning, learning about the local culture and trying some local coffee and dates. In the afternoon we then visited Wadi Shab, where we explored the Wadi as we swam/clambered up it. The next morning started with lessons on how to kayak, before paddling to a local beach, playing games along the way. One astute Crafty who will remain nameless spotted a small shark swimming by his kayak and let out a loud high-pitched cry, as he screamed in distress. On subsequent investigation the shark

Can you spot the ‘shark’ hiding in the picture?

Swimming at Wadi

After sailing in the morning, all participants managed to swim with turtles

transpired to be his paddle. In the afternoon we then went Rock Climbing, where we all had the chance to take part in abseiling and to climb three walls of varying difficulty.

On the third day the group went mountain biking in the morning, with several members of the group falling of their bikes, to the amusement of the remainder. Later that day we went hill walking, where junior soldiers had the chance to take turns leading the group. On the final day, we went on a sailing expedition. This stopped off within a natural harbour, where we were able to go snorkelling and observe the Omani marine animals. This proved to be the highlight for many, with all those who went snorkelling managing to swim with turtles.

By bringing elements of the ES Platoon & the LAD together for the AT package, we were able to continue building strong connections between individuals from both units; creating a natural personal affinity that will transfer over to a professional capacity.

During our penultimate week, all members of both the ES Platoon and the 2 Royal Anglian LAD took part in ‘Ex COHESIVE SPANNER’ organised by Sgt Gale, assisted by Cfns Matthews and Morrison. The Omani weather took an uncharacteristic turn, with the heavens opening in the afternoon. The morning of the cohesion

day was spent at a beach, where the team swam in the Sea, played beach sports, and had a long jump competition, which was won by Sgt Quansah.

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A visit to the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque formed part of a morning of learning about Omani culture

A morning at the beach for the ES Platoon & LAD

One team, the whole of the LAD & ES Platoon formed up together

After lunch we visited the Park Inn Hotel, where the team where able to swim, play Volleyball in the pool, play Darts and generally just relax before the buffet in the evening. The day allowed all to let their hair down in a casual environment. Ultimately this has fostered relations between individuals from within and between units, and will make us a stronger team for the future.

Five members from both 1 (CS) Bn and the 2 Royal Anglian LAD were fortunate enough to complete a four-day excursion in Muscat. Ex MUSCAT SPANNER allowed all participants to explore the city in a relaxed manner and gave us the opportunity to appreciate the country that has welcomed and hosted us for the last three months.

During their time in Muscat, the team visited locations of historical significance like the Mutrah Corniche, Mutrah Souq and the Mutrah Fort, the Al Alam Palace and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. They explored the city; visiting local shops, and had the chance to go GoKarting, with a friendly bit of competition, 1 (CS) Bn ultimately winning. Altogether, the cultural visit was an excellent way to unwind towards the end of a busy, yet successful training exercise. The visit solidified bonds between the two units at a junior level that have been developing throughout our time in Oman. This will serve the two units well as they look to work together again in the future as part of VJTF(L).

As we look back at our time in Oman, we can conclude it has been a resounding success. Availability has dramatically increased, thanks to

North Golf Day and Charity Fundraiser

the hard work that all individuals have put in. Less tangibly strong bonds have been formed between the 2 Royal Anglian LAD and 1 (CS) Bn REME, with the Esprit de Corps being significantly enhanced. The two units will work closely together again in the future and by having a strong foundation in place, the success that we have enjoyed out here will follow us into the future when we work together again.

If anyone is interested in playing, please go to our Facebook page, ‘REME North Golf ’ where you will find an admin instruction covering the day's event

Go-Karting

OP TEAMWORK 23

On Wednesday 8th February 2023, over 200 personnel from 4 Armoured (Close Support) Battalion REME took part in the Army wide Op TEAMWORK. All, both those in the UK and deployed in Estonia on Op CABRIT, stopped for Op TEAMWORK 23. The day started with a series of introduction videos to explain the importance of Op TEAMWORK, why it has value to all ranks of the Army as a whole, and introduces some of the key topics of discussion for the day. These videos were introduced by junior members of the Bn and provided important context for the rest of the day. This was followed by a communal serving of bacon or vegetarian rolls and a Battalion ‘Bake Off’ competition; which helped break the ice for constructive conversation. The Bn then broke down into Company’s for a series of discussions including Psychological Safety, Being Valued in a Team, and Challenging & Being Challenged. Each of these conversations included an icebreaker challenge to develop team building amongst Platoons and Company’s while also invoking a

healthy competitive spirit with the other Company’s. Throughout the day everyone was in civilian dress to break down the rank barrier and encourage people to speak up about issues in front of all ranks. This ensured it was a comfortable environment to speak honestly and openly at all levels and allowed everyone to voice their opinion in a constructive manner. By the end of the day, once all of the discussions were complete, all feedback given throughout the day was collated within BHQ, with positives, negatives and ideas on how to improve life within both the Bn and the Army as a whole. This feedback will give the Bn 2IC and newly formed TEAMWORK committee the direction required to ensure that all possible and necessary changes can be implemented to improve the lives of soldiers, promote teamwork and strengthen us a Bn and an Army.

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Reflections of a Retired REME Major – India and Nepal: Part Two

Scribe: Anonymous

Eventually the climate was having an adverse effect on Audrey so I took her to Darjeeling for a week. During this enjoyable holiday, we went riding. Guess what, Audrey never having ridden before, duly fell off her horse during a canter back to the hotel. Bravely, she remounted but we had to lift her off the horse when we got back!

At this point instead of returning to Calcutta, I had to travel on to Kathmandu for an assignment at the British Embassy and Audrey was given permission to travel with me. So, we went by

train via Siliguri to Patna and then took a short flight into Kathmandu. It turned out that at the rail junction at Siliguri we were but two hours behind the Dalai Lama during his flight from Tibet to India. On arrival at Kathmandu Airport I was handed an invitation for both Audrey and I to attend a reception at the Embassy celebrating our Queen’s birthday. This proved to be very interesting as King Mahendra and his Queen were there together with many VIPs. I asked our Ambassador why he needed a limousine in a city with but one short tarmac road which led from the three Embassies to the Royal Palace and no repair garages? His reply was that if it was bigger and better than the Russian Ambassador’s then he was happy! It was not possible to drive this car beyond third gear! He kept to his Land Rovers. Whilst I was working, Audrey decided to hire a bicycle and investigate the place. She nearly fell off when, turning a corner, she was suddenly confronted by an enormous Elephant loping along the street. I am sure she must be the first white woman in Kathmandu to nearly pick an argument with an Elephant!

During our stay we had the opportunity to trek in the surrounding hills for a view of the Himalayas. It was a crystal-clear morning and we were rewarded with a magnificent 180 degree panoramic view of these mountains. We asked our Nepalese woman guide to point out Mount Everest. It took some time before she suddenly said “Oh, you mean Tensing’s Mountain!” It was interesting to note that she refused to accept paper money only coinage when we came to pay her.

There were just two hotels in Kathmandu. One run by a White Russian called Boris and the other by a Burmese woman. The standing joke was that one could get dysentery for twice the price at one than the other! It was at breakfast one morning in our hotel that we met and conversed with what was to be the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Nepal. Sadly, he was promptly placed under house arrest by the King shortly after being elected! Our short visit to Kathmandu ended all too soon and we had to return to Calcutta.

After two and a half years living in Calcutta, it was time to move to the newly completed camp at Dharan. Our bungalow was ready for us. Having visited the place so many times I was fully aware of the problems that faced us. I had warned Audrey that we needed to purchase a stock of canned food in Calcutta to last us for six months as there were no suitable shops at Dharan. Instead of taking the short flight to Nepal, Audrey elected to travel by train to experience the conditions that I had faced during my many previous journeys to Nepal. So we all departed and I had the responsibility of looking after Audrey, Pahari, Barlu the dog, our baggage and a crate of tinned food for the 28 hours journey; via the Ganges, to Dharan. So, began our six months stay in a bungalow located between the edge of the jungle and the first of the foothills of Nepal.

Life at Dharan was pretty basic. A white bed sheet

Audrey at the Hanoman Dhoka Bazaar, Kathmandu

Patan - a small town near Kathmandu

was used as a screen for a film show outside with viewers turning up suitably wrapped in a blanket to keep warm. The Nepalese authorities permitted us to import alcohol considered by them as enough to last six months. This usually lasted about two months so we had four “dry “months before the next consignment arrived. A visit to the local market was an eye-opener. Meat, such as Goat and Buffalo (beef was banned) was displayed on the ground in the open with the trader, Kukri in his hand, asking ‘Which piece Memsab?’ Audrey wanted to buy a few oranges from a local villager sitting on the street. She was informed that she would have to purchase the whole basket load or none at all! During my first drive through Dharan High Street I noticed that dentistry was carried out in full view of all passing by. The building was open fronted with dust from passing vehicles blowing into the surgery! When we first opened the new tarmac road the locals took full advantage and plenty of traffic soon appeared.

In order to cope with flood waters during the monsoon period we had to create deep channels alongside the road to divert the water; otherwise parts of the road would have been washed away.

One day I passed a lorry which had overturned into one of these channels and a passenger had been killed. The other passengers had then promptly hung the driver on the upturned tailboard. As I passed there was the poor man gently swinging in the breeze watched by a local Policeman. Some 24 hours later I passed the scene again and there was the poor man still swinging from the tailboard and the same Policeman standing by the vehicle! If a person was unlucky enough to be put in prison the family were expected to feed him otherwise he starved!

Shortly after the opening of the new camp we were visited by the Minister for Defence, Mr John Profumo and his Wife, the actress Valerie Hobson. This was shortly before news of his affair with Christine Keeler became public knowledge. Audrey showed him around our bungalow and had a very friendly talk with him.

Quite a number of VIPs visited the camp and on one occasion our Commander’s Wife accompanied one of the visiting ladies to show her the local town. Whilst viewing one of the buildings a number of children gathered behind them and started to giggle. One brave young boy then went up to the lady and started running his finger up the back of her leg. They were fascinated by the fact that apparently white women had thin black lines on the back of their legs but their Mothers had none. Of course, the lady was wearing stockings with seams!

We employed a local Indian to travel to Calcutta each week to

purchase such things as butter, fish, bacon and meat. Unfortunately, due to the long journey back by train in the heat, by the time he arrived back on numerous occasions the ice had melted and the food ruined. However, the wives did their best. Audrey sent an SOS home to her Mother for dried yeast and proceeded to make our own bread. Our chickens were kept alive until it was time to eat them, baskets being placed over them for overnight protection from marauding animals from the nearby jungle. Poor Audrey was often in despair trying to find an egg for my breakfast that was not rotten. It was not unusual for her to crack as many as six or seven eggs before getting one to fry. Incidentally, when I visited the small isolated camp at Paklihawa I was always presented with cold mulligatawny soup for breakfast. In time I became quite fond of the dish!

It was at this location that one day a local woman was brought into the camp with the sole of her foot hanging off. Our young military Doctor, fresh from medical training, had to sew it back on again. This is but one example of situations that faced our people in those remote places. They had to learn fast and compromise when the situation demanded it.

When our hospital was first opened the medical staff were disappointed that few locals brought in their sick relatives for treatment. Only as a last resort did they bring in seriously ill patients, carried in large baskets, who were literally at death’s

Road being built at 10 Base Workshop (near Madras) (credit: REME Museum)

Audrey and the Author meeting Nepalese porters near Kathmandu

door, so to speak. When they realised that these people could be cured, patients began to flood in! The staff teased Audrey asking if she would agree to be the first white woman to have a baby at Dharan. We both agreed that life in Nepal in those days was hardly suitable for newly born babies! After all, we had only been there for a matter of a few months and were shortly due to return to England.

I will always remember the lead up to Christmas 1960. Audrey decided that she wanted a Christmas tree for our bungalow and Calcutta, some 300 miles away, was the only place where it might be possible to purchase one. Could I bring one back the next time I went on one of my numerous trips? One was duly obtained and l started my trip back on the train.

Unfortunately, during the night I was dozing in my compartment when I perceived that the rain had stopped but there was no noise of people on a platform. I hurriedly pulled down the blind, looked out and found to my horror that my carriage had been shunted into a siding and I saw the rest of my train disappearing in the distance. With luggage, bedroll, engineering items and one blasted Christmas tree I had to climb down from the carriage and walk quite some distance to a somewhat remote Indian station platform and await a few hours for the next train to Katihar! It turned out that I had been assigned the wrong carriage by the booking office in Calcutta. I duly arrived back at Dharan with the tree intact but me feeling tired and in a rather foul mood! However, we did enjoy our Christmas and the tree had survived!

April 1961 and it was time to depart Nepal. Our next-door neighbour agreed to take on Barlu the dog and I found Pahari, our loyal bearer, a new employer. Audrey and I returned to Calcutta for a week and then we crossed India again to Bombay. At that point I was feeling quite tired and not too well, so a week in Bombay helped matters and we boarded our ship and said farewell to the country at the well-known sight ‘The Gateway to India’. What an enjoyable and informative experience.

During our three years in India and Nepal never did we feel threatened in any way. The local people were always friendly, polite and helpful despite many of them having to live in absolute poverty.

We duly arrived back at Liverpool noting how green the fields seemed to be as we passed the Pembroke coastline.

There followed a happy reunion with family in Warminster and then a longish leave visiting my relatives in Kent. It was during our journey by car to Whitstable that Audrey gave indications that a baby could well be on the way! We did have the last laugh on those at the hospital in Nepal!

The Author at our bungalow in Dharan, Nepal

9 (Theatre Support) Battalion REME establishing now!

It has now been 4 months since the introductory article to the Corps’ newest unit, 9 (Theatre Support) Battalion REME. Much has been achieved since then and here follows a quick update of where we are now and our evolving plans for 2023.

What do we do again?

As a reminder, 9 (Theatre Support) Battalion REME is being established to provide Equipment Support to the Theatre Enabling Group (TEG). The TEG is a scalable force held at very high readiness who enable ground forces to enter a theatre of operations, anywhere around the world. It contains capabilities unique to the Army which encompass the entire end to end process of establishing and then sustaining land forces overseas.

The People

The Battalion was started by a small team of just 12 people in September 2022; charged with building a unit established for 202, from the very ground up. Having grown exponentially since then, we have now welcomed Cfn Misimisi into the fold; officially the 100th member of the Battalion! Happily, the trend seems set to continue with assignment boards projecting the continued inpouring of people throughout 2023, fresh for the challenges that await.

9 (TS) Bn REME Inaugural Dinner Night

Arrival of equipment means trade work can begin

CO - Lt Col John Anthistle

The Equipment

As the people have begun to arrive in numbers, so too has our equipment. Vehicles have been transferred from within 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade, which has even involved 152 Regiment RLC kindly driving Man Support Vehicles across to us from Northern Ireland. Within the coming weeks we will be receiving vehicles from as far as Germany and Canada and our Support Vehicle Recovery numbers will double from 2 to 4; making for some very happy Recovery Mechanics. We have collected some very shiny additive manufacturing equipment from 5 (FS) Bn REME and will be establishing a Maker Space in Aldershot just as soon as we find somewhere to park it! The equipment is presenting some challenges such as receiving only 10 serviceable weapons out of the first batch of 80 sent to us from depot. An unhelpful burden to overcome but one our Armourer is getting stuck into.

The Capability

As both the equipment and people are declared JAMES and Individual Training Requirement fit respectively, they will be put through their paces in Collective Training serials. We will be utilising operating procedures well practiced by 5 (FS) Bn REME to deliver 9 (TS) Bn REME capability. We will be driving hard to achieve Collective Training validation for 6 Theatre Enabling Company this summer ready for their first deployment to Europe after Summer leave. Autumn and Winter 2023 will see the entire Battalion coming together for consolidation training and experimentation so we are fully prepared for Op LINOTYPER in 2024.

The Life

Although pursuing an ambitious establishment timeline, those already in the Battalion are ensuring we achieve a healthy work/life balance. Our battle rhythm is now well established with time protected for personal development, physical training and sport as

well as production, training and assurance. Our Football team has enjoyed success, winning a local 5 a side league (because that’s all we could field at the time). We have individuals representing the Corps at Hockey, Cricket and Golf; the Army in Tae Kwon-Do and combined services in Rugby. Having the Army’s premier sporting facilities on our doorstep is certainly proving useful before the training and readiness commitments begin to see us getting out and away from Aldershot for prolonged periods.

Want to know more?

Places are filling up fast but if you are interested in joining our endeavour or would just like to know a little more, our contact details can be found in the unit welcome pack

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Cfn Misimisi - 100th member of 9 (TS) Bn REME

Rech Mechs discussing their craft with Comd 104X

Bn Football Team

Collections in Focus, Olympic Gold

In 2020/21, the Museum’s temporary exhibition space was filled with stories of the Corps’ exciting sporting endeavours. Since then, we have been very fortunate to receive some unique memorabilia to the collection that celebrates the success of individuals from REME.

Captain Jim Fox OBE

At the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, Sergeant Jim Fox REME won the gold medal in the Modern Pentathlon Men’s Team event. The vest worn for the event was gifted by Jim to a Fencing club charity auction many years ago and has recently been generously donated to the Museum’s collection by the successful bidder of the auction, Francesca Williams from Lincolnshire.

Consisting of five events, modern Pentathletes must compete in Fencing, Swimming, Show Jumping, Pistol Shooting and CrossCountry Running. From 1956, REME’s involvement in the sport saw members of the Corps represent the Army and United Kingdom at all levels. Starting in 1962, Jim Fox made significant contributions; competing in the Olympics, World Championships and Army International competitions. To date, Jim is the only

Scribe: Laura Stewart, Assistant Curator

This vest was worn by Jim Fox as he won gold in the Modern Pentathlon Men’s Team Event and was recently donated to the Museum. (2022.114)

The 1993 Wheelchair Marathon runners-up trophy. (E:96.0092.76)

Lance Corporal Jim Fox, British Modern Pentathlon Champion, 1963. (E:13.0543)

REME Museum

British Pentathlete to have competed in four Olympic Games: 1964, 1968, 1972 and 1976.

Not only were Jim Fox’s contributions to modern pentathlon in the Corps significant, he was also instrumental in initiating REME’s wheelchair marathon event at West Court, raising money for charity. It set a precedent for similar events around the country throughout the 1980s.

Staff Sergeant Becky Hoare

Staff Sergeant Becky Hoare has had many successes as a Triathlete. Becky unveiled the Museum’s temporary exhibition with Jim Fox. The display included a custom bike used by Becky as she won the World Military Ironman Champion title in 2016. Following the exhibition, Staff Sergeant Hoare generously donated the bike to the long-term collection.

From setting new UK records in 2010 at the World Ironman Championship, Staff Sergeant Becky Hoare has gone on to compete in events such as the Norseman Xtreme and the Celtman.

John Walker

After taking up Archery in 2013, John Walker has gone on to achieve great success. At the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, John won gold medals in both of his events: the Men’s Individual Compound (W1) and Team Compound (W1) Archery events. He also won gold, silver and bronze medals at both European and World Championships between 2015 and 2017.

With thanks to Jim Fox OBE and his family, SSgt Becky Hoare and John Walker.

Every effort has been made to ascertain the copyright ownership of the material in this article. Please feel free to contact the author of this article with any concerns regarding the copyright ownership of the material included, enquiries@rememuseum.org.uk

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REME Modern Pentathletes, 1970. (E:06.0690.113)

Lance Corporal Fox was part of the REME Training Centre Team that were presented this pennant after achieving third place at the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR) Championships, 1962. (1963.537)

Staff Sergeant Becky Hoare at Ironman Lanzarote. © SSgt Becky Hoare

Team GB Archery Equipment used by John Walker at the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games. (2022.26)

This custom bicycle was made for Triathlete and World Military Ironman Champion, Staff Sergeant Becky Hoare. (2022.25)

Ex DRAGON CRUSADER

View from the top

On 13th January 2023, members of 16 Signal Regiment attended Exercise DRAGON CRUSADER Ski 23 (DCS23) which was an Alpine Skiing adventures training package in Les Arcs 2000, France. The aims of Ex DCS23 were explained as: to introduce the most junior personnel to Alpine Skiing and The Joint Services Adventurous Training (JSAT) Alpine Skiing Scheme, challenge Soldiers and Officers to leave their comfort zone, both physically and mentally, and instil a sense of achievement in learning a new skill through authorised adventurous training pursuits. The end state is seen as acquiring Ski Foundation Qualifications (SF1 and SF2 qualification), and through further training progressing to Ski Instructors (SL1). The AT package consisted of two-week long packages and was organised by OC LAD Capt Spencer Jones.

The week started by leaving Beacon Barracks in Stafford at 1600hrs via a coach and after a 23-hour coach journey, we arrived in Les Arcs, France. On arrival we had an admin day to sort out accommodation, ski equipment and ski lift passes. This was my first time going Skiing with the Army so this was all a new experience to me, having skied once before. There were 8 of us in my group completing our SF1 qualification, many of which had never skied before.

The first day Skiing was about learning the very basics, for example how to put the skis on and off correctly, how to control ourselves on skis and what clothing to wear whilst on the slopes. Once we had learnt the basics it was time to put them in practice so we went over to the green slopes, where we spent the rest of the day learning to get from top to bottom safely

16 Signal Regiment Ski Group

Scribe: Cfn Kane

Cfn Kane

and controlled using the snowplough method.

On the second day the group was split into half as there was a skill difference between those who were learning at a quicker pace. The groups were split into four with an Instructor in each, we then headed out to the green slopes for the day. The group I was in focused a lot on controlling our turns, this started off using the snowplough method, once everyone had mastered this we moved on to learn how to do parallel turns. We all seemed to pick his up really quick so our Instructor set up a little slalom course using our ski poles, this seemed tricky at first but we soon all got to grips with it and managed to do all the turns. I found this very beneficial because it made us really think about tight turns and we had a more visual point of the turns that we needed to make.

The rest of the week we stepped up to the blue slopes with our Instructor showing us little tips and tricks along the way to improve us all. By the end of the week we had even managed to go down a red run a few times; which was really quite impressive considering

People’s Stories

One of the runs

some people had never skied before the start of the week.

I left Les Arcs at the end of the week having completed my Ski Foundation 1 (SF1) certificate. This week was a brilliant experience and something I would definitely do again if I get the chance.

Chevalier John McOwan celebrates 102 Years!

Scribe: Maj (Retd) Geordie Wright-Rivers, REME Association

John McOwan hails from the Scottish Borders where he recently celebrated his 102nd Birthday at his home in Peebles. The photo shows John reading his birthday card message from Colonel REME and the REME Family; kindly delivered by fellow REME Veteran Major Pat Spence.

A former Jeweller, John initially joined the Territorial Royal Artillery in 1938, and, whilst preparing to deploy to Salisbury Plain for training, instead found himself mobilised to the Firth of Forth in a Coastal Defence role. He was soon transferred to the ROAC and then on to Aldershot where he undertook and passed his Class 1 assessment as an Instrument Technician. A posting to Cairo followed, where he then joined REME at its foundation in 1942, before attachment to General Montgomery’s Desert Rats at El Alamein. In 1943 John was assigned to the American 5th Army in Salerno, Italy before returning to the United Kingdom to join troops deployed to sealed camps in order to maintain secrecy around the plans for the D-Day invasion. Then, in 1944, he landed at Gold Beach and served in Normandy during its invasion, later being stationed at Eindhoven during the Battle of the Bulge and on to Germany before the subsequent surrender of the German Armed Forces. At the end of the war, John returned home to Peebles and his former occupation as a Jeweller. More recently, the French Government awarded John the Legion d’Honneur and appointed him in the rank of Chevalier (Knight).

The entire Corps of REME is grateful to John for his dedicated service and we are very proud to have him as part of our REME Family.

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Group picture

John McOwan

The Great Tommy Sleepout by RAF Wyton Pathfinders Motorcycle Club

Scribe: Sgt Mark Ward

Let’s face it, the Pandemic hit everyone and everything hard, including social events and clubs and we, as a Club took heavy losses. Membership numbers plummeted but fortunately a few long standing members remained and kept the Club alive. Since my joining of the Club back in August 2022, numbers have begun to steadily rise back to a healthy place and we have started to bring back some historical events the Club used to be involved with prepandemic. We have re-established events such as taking part in Families Day held on camp and also our own take on the Pathfinder March; which we conduct on our motorcycles.

Since we have been increasing numbers steadily and have found we are gaining younger members also, we have begun to diversify the nature of events we are partaking in. One evening, a couple of the Committee Members and I had a ride out to a local to have a chat about which direction we could take the Club in to not only do more as a Club, but to also raise the standing that we have in the local community and to drive up the engagement we have with it.

We talked about many things, mostly where to go and what to do, but this conversation happened at the end of February which is around the time the Royal British Legion (RBL) conduct a fund raiser named ‘The Great Tommy Sleep Out’. What this involves is during the

month of March, as either a group or individuals, you are to ‘sleep out’ in whichever way you wish and to raise money for the over 6,000 homeless Veterans this country sadly boasts. We saw this as a perfect opportunity to do something as a Club and to raise money for a very worthy cause at the same time.

We discussed what we wanted to do and how to do it and this was a far cry from what the final plan ended up being. Initially, we decided it would be good to get a group of us from the Club to ride out to a field in the vicinity of Huntingdon, have a small controlled firepit, a couple of beers and get our heads down under the stars. We would then post on our various socials the link to our Just Giving page where anyone could donate to what we were doing, and the money would go directly to RBL. Brilliant! It was decided, that was the plan. A number of days passed and through contacts that I have made outside of work, managed to secure a location with permission for us to pitch up for the evening, have a small fire with some poorly cooked sausages for dinner and have a kip.

Everything was going to plan. We had managed to secure donations from family members of the Club through social media and a poster we made which we placed a QR code on to take you to the page. However, in my want to go big or go home, it was suggested to me by one of the members to get in touch with the Charity Officer from the Station, which I did. I was then put in touch with the local Armed Forces Covenant Officer, Thomas Kelly. This gentleman was pivotal in making the

day the success that it was. Tommy shared our enthusiasm for the event and helped us to create a day worth remembering. Through Tommy, I managed to speak directly to the Mayors of St Ives and Huntingdon and they kindly agreed to take part in the day and to help as much as they could. We needed a change of plan! LCpl Eagles the 2IC of the Club and myself quickly discussed how we could change the plan to involve the Mayors of our two local towns.

We came up with a plan to collect donations in high footfall areas of the two towns and to have the Mayors come along and to help drum up some interest in why we were there and the incredible cause we were hoping to help. It was agreed that we would spend three hours in both towns to then move onto our location for the ‘sleep out’ and that both Mayors would attend their respective town locations. We then decided it would also be a good idea to incorporate a local Legion to host us during the evening prior to the sleep out which the Legion in Sutton kindly obliged. This meant we would move from the second of the two towns, go to the Legion and essentially have a chat with members of the Legion and local Veterans that we invited there for the evening.

The day came and the support we gained from the local community was awe inspiring. We had members of the public donating large amounts of money and even a number of them stating that upon their return home, they would enquire to their local British Legion and join, in an attempt to help the Legion continue the fantastic work it carries out. We managed to secure donations from another local Legion in Ramsey to the tune of over £200 and even the local Freemason Lodge donating a massive £335. The day was an overwhelming success, not only due to the money raised, but the fact that we managed to raise such interest from the community and simply raise the awareness of what is happening up and down the country has hopefully meant that what we managed to achieve on the day, can go a long way to helping to reduce the number of homeless Veterans there are on the streets and also the support that the Royal British Legion deserves.

The sleep out itself was brilliant! We all sat around a fire pit, eating deliciously cooked BBQ food and we even hosted a couple of former serving soldiers; which was exactly what we intended to do. Get some Veterans together and to just simply be around currently serving members of the military and chat in the way only the military do; bringing back that military banter that they miss on civvy street. You can search The Great Tommy Sleepout on Facebook and find a page where people across the country are doing their bit in whichever way they chose and you will see the incredible support they are receiving. We have received such incredible support from the community surrounding RAF Wyton and as a Club, we intend to now engage more in local events such as St Ives Carnival with lots of other ideas in mind also.

The Royal British Legion conduct some incredible work ranging from helping homeless Veterans across the country to providing support to current serving and ex serving personnel and their

families. Our Just Giving page will be live until the end of April and if you wish to donate to our page, the money goes directly to the Legion and thus can be instantly used to support the great work they do. We have a rolling total so far of over £1,300 and that is only ever increasing so please, help us to help RBLI continue the incredible stuff they do. If you do wish to support us and RBLI, you can do so by searching on Just Giving ‘PathfindersMotorcycleClub’ with no spaces and that will take you to our page and donating is very simple. Or, you can go to the Royal British Legion website and you can hit donate at the top right of the screen. We know times are hard right now but any amount you could spare, you will be directly helping a homeless Veterans, quite possibly from your own town. All we ask is instead of getting that one last beer at the pub, or the price of a meal deal, get on our page and put the price of something as small as that to helping the Royal British Legion, thank you.

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Retirement of Mr Stephen Potter

Scribe: WO1 (ASM) Ric Browning LEAT Mids SO3: Capt Billy Shaw

Mr. Stephen Potter, a member of the Midlands Land Equipment Audit Team (LEAT), has planned to retire in May 2023. I first met Steve circa 2016. He was in my office metaphorically nailing my genitals to the wall over a steel wire rope fitted to a gantry crane during my unit’s Equipment Care Inspection (ECI). I also recall him correcting me for referring to a 1.13T Penman lightweight trailer as a 3/4T (I’m totally over it!). Fast forward to September 2019, I joined the Colchester LEAT as the ASM Team Leader. As I was being introduced to my new team, I recognised Mr. ‘metric, steel wire rope’ Potter and memories of previous encounters came flooding back. I learned Steve was to be my Deputy Team Leader (DTL), an important role which supports the LEAT with administration and delivery of audits nationwide and overseas. Jovial anecdotes aside, we became a pretty good team. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Steve’s company over the last 4 years, his quick wit and incorrectly perceived timid nature is rather unique and will be tremendously missed.

If the information I have is correct, Steve has committed just under 40 years to the Army and the REME. Both as a serving soldier/tradesman and as a MOD Civil Servant. Whilst precious time ticks by, it must not go un-noticed when an individual commits so much of their life to a specific cause. The current Midlands LEAT seized the opportunity during some collaboration training to say a few words to Steve and present him with a few items to show

Steve and the Midlands LEAT sightseeing in Canada whilst auditing BATUS in November 2019

Steve and team members enjoying a refreshment in Gibraltar whilst on a layover to Op NEWCOMBE in July 2022

Steve catching some muchneeded rest whilst travelling between audit locations

appreciation for his commitment.

Steve joined the Army in September 1973 as a 16-year-old boy. Attending Arborfield Apprentice College, he completed training as a Vehicle Mechanic. He served with 47 RA, 3 ADTR (Armoured Division Transport Regiment) Royal Corps of Transport (RCT)), 8 Fd Coy, 22 Engr, 4 ADTR (RCT), 103 Bn REME, Devon & Dorset Regt and 1 RHF.

In August 1998, Steve’s Army career ended whilst again serving with 8 Fd Coy, he retired as a WO1 (ASM). He enjoyed various employment as a civilian before joining the ECI Team in 2009. Since then he’s been the friendly face of many ECIs and LEAs, inspecting and auditing unit held vehicles, Lifting & Recovery Equipment (LRE – not lifting tackle!) and various plant and miscellaneous equipment. It’s understandable inspection and audit teams are not welcomed by units and establishments with a warm embrace. The Audit and Inspection regime is what it is, the necessity of assurance is widely understood.

Steve has been an exemplary member of the team: reliable and committed. He has applied passion and professionalism throughout my time on the team and undoubtedly prior. IT skills aside, his depth of knowledge has never ceased to surprise me. We’ve held many exciting discussions and debates about policy and legislation. Letting me think I’ve justified my reasoning to convince him enough to follow my understanding, he would often retrieve an extant DIN or Technical Instruction proving his view to be factual. A wealth of experience and knowledge, his departure will leave a huge void (this void can soon be applied for via the Gov Civil Service Jobs website!) within the team.

Steve, on behalf of all current members of LEA, we would like to thank you for your efforts and commitment; we wish you the very best of luck and enjoyment with your deserved retirement. Time for you and Ann to enjoy your motorhome even more.

Arte Et Marte.

LEA Op CABRIT(P) March 2023 - on his final overseas audit in Poland. Coincidently this was also his last exercise location as a REME soldier

REME Stallions Update 2022. @Remestallions

Ice Hockey continues to grow as a sport in the UK and the Armed Forces, with the REME Stallions being ever present on the Tri Service scene. Following pandemic restrictions, the sport has returned with full force and allowed the Stallions to partake in a full season of events.

2022 Tri Service Championship

In June 2022, both REME A and B teams returned to Sheffield to compete in a 16-team tournament from across the services. Several other Corps teams were joined by five RAF Stations, two Royal Navy and a Royal Marines team to compete over four days for the Tri Service Championship.

REME A began with a 2-0 victory over the RAF Vulcans and continued this form, winning five of six group games including a closely fought 2-1 victory over Army rivals, the Royal Engineers. REME B arguably were placed in a more difficult group but despite this, two group stage victories were achieved, sweeping aside the Royal Navy general service and RAF Blackhawks.

Knockout fixtures came later in the week, with both teams advancing in their respective divisions. REME B looked to take the plate and pushed the RAF Vulcans all the way; ultimately losing out during a tense and decisive penalty shootout. REME A pushed on with a Quarter Final (QF) win against Army All Stars before again meeting the Royal Engineers in the semi-final. This time the Stallions got on top early and played out a 3-0 victory; earning a place in the final against the Royal Navy Kings. The crowds gathered for the final which was played at an intense pace but eventually saw the Kings defeat the Stallions 5-2.

Despite defeat in the final. the Corps teams had a fantastic week and ensured that the REME are still considered one of the most formidable squads across the services. 2nd of 16 teams for REME A and REME B being the most successful of the 3 secondary teams resulted in a successful season for the Corps. Congratulations to Cfn Josh Nertney and WO2(AQMS) Carl Hayward on being top point scorers in each team over the week.

Scribe: SSgt James Prout

Cpl Harry McBride in action against the Royal Navy

Cpl Harry McBride in action Vs Royal Navy

Festival of Sport

2022 Army Cup

Following the success of the Tri Services, October brought the Army Championships to the Slough Ice Arena. Again, with a strong squad depth, the Stallions were able to field both A and B teams in the 8team tournament. REME A were in strong form, sweeping the group, winning 3 out of 3 games and ending with a 19-1 goal difference. REME B pushed the Infantry all the way and having led for a lot of the game fell 2-1 to a late goal. An impressive performance for a secondary team against one of the tournament favourites. Quarter Final one pitted REME against REME, the game being played out in good spirits with REME A progressing. REME A then met the Infantry in the semi-final where a highly physical contest played out. Both teams were awarded multiple penalties which disrupted the games momentum and following the final whistle the Infantry walked away victorious; an upset indeed! A Bronze Medal was still on the line for REME A who beat the Royal Signals in a decisive 6-0 game to achieve third place overall.

Corps Festival of Sport

As part of the Corps festival of sport, the Stallions arranged an inter squad 7’s tournament. The games were played in great spirits and at a fast pace 4 on 4 rather than the usual 5 on 5. With 30 squad members involved, esprit-de-corps was high and each team was keen to get their hands on the REME related prizes; the timeless classic that is the A5 notebook being the best! With the games being

played in Swindon, the team Manager managed to persuade the Corps ASM to lace up his skates once again and take to the ice; a fitting addition during the festival of sport. Although we know the Corps ASM’s dedication to looking out for the Corps soldiers, he certainly did damage to a few throughout the day with his aggressive and committed play! Team retro shirts won the day, SSgt Sean Davis leading his team to victory.

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Welcome to Banff!

REME Stallions & 1 Service Bn RCEME

Getting to grips with Canadian weaponry

Canada Overseas Sports Visit Ex STALLION 22

Following the years of restrictions, November 2022 brought the first opportunity for the team to travel overseas since 2019. To say this trip was long awaited is an understatement! The spiritual home of Hockey was the venue as the Stallions departed from Heathrow to Calgary, Alberta.

After the standard introduction to Canada from Tim Hortons and minus 10 degree temperatures, the first port of call was BATUS. Nostalgia was high for a few of the team who had served in Canada previously and the camp was quiet compared to what would normally be a bustling pre-winter repair period. Training twice a day commenced in preparation for the games to come. It is safe to say the jet lag was not helping at this point. The Ralston arena was packed out for the first game of the tour against the BATUS Lions. Despite the jet lag and partisan crowd, the Stallions walked away victorious with 12 goals coming from all over the team.

A curry lunch was shared between teams in the Jubilee Arms following the game where a great time was had. Never being too busy to remember, the team conducted a memorial service and laid a wreath at the Ralston Cenotaph; a sombre setting in the snow and freezing temperatures.

Further games were played including a big fixture against the Suffield Rattlers. The game was intense and with Canadian pride at stake a few flashpoints occurred. These were soon forgotten after the game where we were welcomed back into the bar. Despite a terrific effort, the Stallions took a 6-3 loss, we blame the jet lag!

Next up the team crossed the baron prairies of Alberta heading for Canadian Forces Base Edmonton to be hosted by our counterparts in the Royal Canadian Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (RCEME). The team was welcomed with open arms by some of our ex REME colleagues, ex WO1(ASM) Craig Lochrie (now RCEME Capt) and ex WO2(AQMS) Colin Munson (now RCEME Lt). A tour of 1 Service Bn RCEME introduced us to the commonalities and differences between ourselves and the RCEME. They roll what we would consider second, third- and fourth-line repair into one, with the Bn workshops having a spray bay, body shop and even an extensive textile repair facility. Each department laid on a kit and equipment demonstration for the team and there was plenty of banter being thrown back and forth. As for the Hockey, the Canadians put the Stallions firmly in our place with some outstanding performances on the ice; their idea of an OK player is substantially different to ours!

Defeats on the ice aside, the hosting and camaraderie was superb during the visit and hopefully we built a link to be strengthened in

the future. Another highlight of the tour was getting to watch a live National Hockey League (NHL) game that included the ice hockey version of Messi, Connor McDavid.

The trip was rounded off with a cultural visit to the Alberta Rockies, including the picturesque town of Banff. A bucket list moment was had by all when the team took to a frozen lake nestled by mountains to play an impromptu game in minus 10-degree temperatures, a truly unforgettable experience.

REME Ice Hockey is an inclusive team and we are always looking to bring on board new players from around the Corps. Anyone interested in playing can contact the team committee via email and follow what the team is up to on Instagram @remestallions

Team Manager SSgt James Prout – James.Prout855@mod.gov.uk

Asst Manager SSgt Adam Tallett - Adam.Tallett836@mod.gov.uk

Secretary WO2 Richard Gething - Richard.Gething335@mod.gov.uk

Pond Hockey in the Canadian Rockies

WO2(AQMS) Marc Hannon after a hard shift in the net

REME Triathlon have joined the RLC and AMS to form the CSS Cup, a 5-race event that allows all abilities of athlete to compete in a friendly environment, and in turn, compete for your Corps. We are encouraging all would be triathletes to ‘give it a go’, whilst also asking all experienced triathletes to promote the sport and represent your Corps.

For more information, please contact:

SSgt Richard McCready: richard.mccready728@mod.gov.uk

SSgt Chris Branford: chris.branford842@mod.gov.uk

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REME Karting

Scribe: Cfn Ben Hewitt Team Principal: WO1 (ASM) Alex Gooch Secretary: Maj Ian Hodgkiss

REME Karting Overseas 30 Hour Endurance Race, Campillos Spain, 15/16 Oct 22

After a successful season in the Armed Forces Karting Championship, the REME Corps Karting Team seized the opportunity to compete in a 30-hour endurance race (the race formed part of the Sodi Kart World Series). Fast forward to October and an early morning flight later, we arrived in Spain at Kart Centre Campillos; home to multiple European and World Championship deciders in Karting.

Following the build of the team awning and multiple track walks, we headed into practice with an open mind and high spirits. Practice consisted of multiple sessions clockwise and anti-clockwise for two days. After all the time on track I felt confident we could perform well leading into qualifying. Qualifying consisted of 15 minutes to deliver the best time possible. I managed a mid-grid position (16th) with the other REME kart 22nd. However, neither of us managed to compete in Q2 for the top 10 shoot-outs. Race day: all 27 karts lined up on the side of the track ready for a Le Mans style start at 1000 hrs. At

REME Kart Team at Airport: The team eagerly wait to depart the UK. Missing from the photo are WO1 (ASM) Alex Gooch and Cpl Sam Mckinlay who drove to Spain with the karts and equipment

Kart #20 REME Karting Team: Members of Kart #20 REME Karting Team

0955 hrs, drivers were anxiously stood waiting to sprint across the track to their karts. The flag dropped and I was instantly full of Adrenaline. The next hour was consumed battling hard against the other drivers before coming in the pits to finish my first stint.

As the next driver started their stint, I headed back to the paddock and watched as the team raced on. The sun had set and the flood lights lit the track, it felt epic. After 15 hours of racing the safety kart deployed for a controlled direction change – this was matched with a firework display which made it feel even more chaotic. More hours past, morning came and many places had been exchanged between the teams closing in on the chequered flag. The technique used to drive the karts was completely different to what the team was used to. Smoothness was key, Pro-Kart style driving unsettled the Sodi karts too much - causing the engine to bog down. The ‘tow affect’ made a huge benefit to a lap time; something the team doesn’t experience much on our shorter circuits. With five minutes left on the clock, all the teams celebrated by the start finish straight to cheer on all the drivers after a demanding but rewarding thirty hours. We finished the race in 26th and 27th places, narrowly missing out on the places in front. We were racing for 24th but I had received a 2-minute penalty for leaving the pits too early, mid-way through the night on a driver change... I suspect it could be the reason I was selected to write this article.

Following the race, we had the track to ourselves for a few days. The team utilised the occasion to full effect, practising in our own Pro-Karts and Rotax karts. Driver technique and development was achieved with improvements made all round. A stand-out memory was being on track fighting for position with another team member for forty laps, continually improving lap times; it was exhilarating! We finished the development training with some sprint races. These consisted of multiple heats, a semi-final, then a final. The team members’ internal desire to win made for some intense competitive racing.

Our time in Spain had come to an end. A team meal was arranged to allow time to relax and reflect. Not just on the 30-hour race, but back in the UK and the season we had just completed in the Armed Forces Championships where we’d been crowned Super Kart Category winners, 2nd Placed Team Overall and the ‘goto team for engineering assistance’. I look forward to help improve upon this in the 2023 season.

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REME Kart Team Campillos Grid Low res: A drone photograph of circuit staff and all drivers competing in the 30-hour endurance race

Kart #21 Arte Et Marte: Members of Kart #21 Arte Et Marte

REME Kart Team – What it means to win: The winner of the 30-hour race celebrates in style as he approaches the finish line

REME

One

Corps

enjoying some track time post the 30-hour race

Prior to joining the REME, I competed in multiple karting competitions, from club level to national and international competitions. Competing in Spain with the REME Corps Karting Team was an experience that will stand clear in my memory for a long time. I would like to thank everyone at the team and our sponsors, especially the REME Charity, for all the support during my time in the team so far. Anyone reading this article serving in the REME who has any interest in motorsport is strongly encouraged to get involved. Trials for new team members (not just drivers!) have recently been completed and the team would like to congratulate and welcome those selected. I look forward to racing with you.

Here’s to another successful year of racing with the REME Karting Team; where engineering meets sport.

My Time with The REME Corps Karting Team

Scribe: LCpl Kieran Wood

I’ve wanted to join the REME Karting Team and represent the Corps since my early days in the Army; inspired by when I attended the team trials at Llandow Race Circuit in South Wales during my Phase 2 training in Lyneham. The trials were a fantastic insight into how the team operates on a typical race weekend while providing a view into all the standard equipment and technology - like engine dynos and the grand team awning. The organisational competency and effort on display demonstrated the real commitment and passion the team invests towards achieving success. Following my achievement of team selection, the backing and support from my chain of command have been superb. It has enabled my career to continue while serving as a Corps sports representative and granting me time to participate in a sport I love each month.

A typical race weekend starts with collecting my MT White Fleet

The team being awarding the ‘Best Engineering Team’ at the final round of the 2022 season.

REME Champions!

Kart Team Track Time:

of the

Pro-Karts

vehicle and travelling to the designated track - perhaps Clay Pigeon (Dorset), Rowrah (Cumbria) or another circuit within the UK. We start by erecting our team awning on Wednesday, ready for a day of assembling, engineering, and maintenance on the kartsparticularly helpful for me as it allows me to experience a different side to engineering and show some of my skills and dexterity as an Aircraft Technician. Being surrounded by other team members with years of experience is an equally fantastic way to improve my engineering knowledge. On Friday morning, the team undergo a group track walk before getting ready to step into the karts for the practice sessions which take place throughout the day. We test the kart set-ups and make any necessary alterations to improve lap times.

Saturday is race day - by far the most enjoyable part of the weekend; usually comprising of 2 endurance races lasting 2 hours each. The REME Karting Team races in the Armed Forces Karting Championship, competing against other serving personnel drawn from all three services, as well as some civilian teams which enter separately. Each kart has 2 to 4 people racing within it, adding another element as pit stops are required for driver changes and fuel replenishment. It’s not just about gaining seconds/positions on the track; we must rapidly adapt to mechanical problems to remain competitive. Each kart participates in the qualifying rounds and is subsequently allocated a grid position depending on their best-

REME Kart Team QR:

achieved time. The race is a standing start, being involved in over forty karts turning into the first corner is exhilarating. After that first frantic rush, it’s a long stretch to the finish with each team fighting to be at the front.

Once the races have finished, the championship organisers lead a presentation and award trophies to the top teams of varying categories. This is a great finish to what is always a great weekend. The team works hard to repair the karts, understand what spares are required and collapses the awning ready to leave for our unit locations. Being part of the team takes huge commitment and time, but it’s definitely worth it!

REME Rugby Union are recruiting for Coaching Staff

The Chairman (Lt Col Dave Haslam) and Director of REME Rugby (Maj Andy Franklin) would like to invite any qualified Rugby Union coaches who are interested in becoming part of the Corps’ coaching staff to get in touch.

REME Rugby Union are keen to expand the numbers of coaching staff and ensure we can support our players over the coming seasons. If you are a qualified coach, have the time to give back to REME Rugby and want to be part of the best sport in the Corps, then please get in touch. REME Rugby has a 4 squads; Men, Masters, Women & Sevens, of which they all need extra coaching support. We look forward to hearing from you.

Chairman: david.haslam736@mod.gov.uk

Director of Rugby: Andrew.franklin939@mod.gov.uk

One of our REME karts

Army Powerlifting Championships 2023 – MOD Lyneham 22nd February 2022

Scribe: Sgt Rob Davies

On the 22nd February 2022 MOD Lyneham hosted the Army Powerlifting Full Power Championships. The event was organised by Maj Seb Madronal, Lt Matthew Thompson and Sgt Rob Davies with greatly appreciated support from the Army Powerlifting Union, MOD Lyneham Garrison Support Unit (GSU) and 8 Training Battalion REME; in particular the gym staff.

The competition consisted of competitors competing within respective weight categories across three disciplines, the Squat, Bench Press and the Deadlift. Each competitor had three attempts to record a maximum weight lifted for a single repetition within each discipline; which combined produces a total score used to differentiate competitors.

The competition saw 25 REME lifters step onto the platform; a significantly larger cohort in comparison to previous competitions. This was evident during the competition with multiple REME lifters contesting for the win within their respective categories. Although many were experienced competitors, it was extremely reassuring to see multiple new lifters, many of which were Phase 2 trainees, step onto the platform for the first time.

Performances of note:

Cpl Eleanor Kent (1 Regiment Army Air Corps Wksp) had an extremely successful day on the platform squatting 120kg, bench pressing 70kg and deadlifting 165kg. She won her weight category convincingly and picked up the award for the best lift of the day for her 165kg Deadlift. Her performance broke all REME records within her weight category; an outstanding performance for a lifter with an

Major Seb Madronal delivering the opening address

Lifters from 8 Trg Bn REME, including the fantastic team of spotters/loaders from Russell Platoon

Cpl Eleanor Kent 165kg Deadlift

Cpl Eleanor Kent with her trophies for ‘Category Winner’ and ‘Best Lift of the Day’

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Cfn Jake Tuddenham 175kg Deadlift

LCpl Danny Taylor receiving his 1st place trophy in the U90kg Class from Lt Col Gary Allen

LCpl Will Mcfarlane

LCpl Danny Taylor 250kg Deadlift

LCpl Danny Taylor 160kg Bench Press

LCpl James ‘Jim’ Thomas

REME Lifter Results

exciting future within the sport.

LCpl Danny Taylor (17 Port & Maritime Wksp) competed within the U90kg category and successfully lifted a 210kg Squat, 160kg Bench Press and 250kg Deadlift for a 620kg total, taking 1st place within his category; arguably the most competitive category of the competition.

REME Powerlifting is becoming increasingly popular as a sport; which has subsequently resulted in an increase in REME representation at Army level competitions and beyond. This success largely comes from investment at ground level, with multiple volunteers working extremely hard behind the scenes to consistently deliver Powerlifting through sports afternoons, workshops and competitions – As a Corps sport, our future looks extremely bright and we look forward to continuously supporting all of our lifters.

REME Powerlifting is an inclusive sport, for all levels of experience. If you are interested in Powerlifting please follow the REME Powerlifting Instagram page using the attached QR code.

Next Competition – REME Powerlifting Championships (Estimated Date - August 2023)

REME Powerlifting Instagram Page

Cfn Brad Newsome 240kg Deadlift

Cpl Matthew Wasteney receiving his 3rd place trophy in the U100kg class from Lt Col Gary Allen

Cfn Jordan Colwell receiving his 2nd place trophy in the U67.5kg class from Lt Col Gary Allen

Obituary

BRIGADIER BOB COOPER (RETIRED)

Scribe: Brig Mike Carey (Retd)

It is with much sadness that I report the death of Bob Cooper, who died on 28th February 2023, aged 82. While he had mobility problems for some years, he did not let that deter him from leading as active a life as he possibly could. His demise was in the end due to complications arising from a tragic fall at his home in Devizes.

Born in Nottingham and brought up in Derbyshire, he went to Chesterfield Grammar School prior to committing to a career in the Army. In 1957 he joined 9 Entry at Welbeck College, then the Army’s 6th Form College feeding candidates for commissions in the Technical Corps to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), where he was in 27 Entry. He was commissioned into REME in July 1961. His academic prowess quickly came to the fore, as he won the much-coveted opportunity to do his in-service Degree training at Cambridge University. He graduated with a MA in Mechanical Sciences in 1964.

Returning to active soldiering, he quickly signposted his intention to capitalise on his undoubted physical attributes by sailing through Parachute training and playing No 8 or wing forward for the Corps Rugby team. Not that he neglected his technical development, joining me and others on an Officers’ Long Electronic Engineering (OLEE) post-graduate course at the School of Electronic Engineering Arborfield. Together, we did a design project for a discriminating radar demonstrator which, to our great surprise, seemed to work! He obviously contributed more than me as, after a spell at 12 Infantry Workshop in Germany, he was selected to go to the Para Sqn RAC Workshop, supporting inter alia the Malkara Anti-Tank Wire-Guided Weapon (ATGW) System, before going to RMAS as an Instructor during 1971.

He next attended 7 Army Staff Course at the Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham followed by, on promotion to Major, the RAF Staff College at Bracknell. After his training as a Weapons Staff Officer, he was sent to the Procurement Executive as a GSO2(W) in the Quality Assurance Directorate at Woolwich. Escaping that, he was selected to command the Workshop attached to 16 Light Air Defence Regiment RA in BAOR, equipped with the radar-controlled Bofors 40/70 anti-aircraft system. He returned to the UK in 1977 to the Logistic Executive (Army) (LE(A)) at Andover where he was appointed as the GSO2 in EME2. This no doubt earned him a sunshine tour, on promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, as CRÈME Land Forces Cyprus double-hatted as CO 48 Command Workshop. What goes around comes around though, so the Mediterranean reprise ended with a return to Andover as SO1 DGEME Secretariat. In 1985 he moved to York as a Colonel to be Commander Maintenance NE/NW Districts. Thence it was back to Andover as Col EME2. Yet again maintaining a presence in the manpower field, he next went to Stanmore as Col PB21, looking after the Branch dealing with REME officer careers and postings. This led to selection for Brigadier and appointment as the Director of Production Engineering at Andover (again!). His tour there was relatively short-lived because he was needed as the Commandant of the REME Training Centre, based in Arborfield,

which Garrison he also commanded. He left active duty on retirement in 1993. It was then with a bit of surprise to some of his peers that he opted for yet a further tour at LE(A) Andover, by taking up a RO1 appointment heading the Army’s Health and Safety at Work Agency until he finally retired in 2001. As evident in all the varied challenges he faced during his military career, his style of leadership meant that he led from the front; never expecting anyone to do anything he would not be prepared to do himself, yet canvassing ideas and opinions where appropriate before making decisions which he then pursued with characteristic determination.

He had always been an avid sportsman from his youthful days in Derbyshire, when he often went climbing in the Peak District, outward bounding in the Lake District and hitchhiking from his home to Lands’ End and back. He was even known to slide away from school to the local snooker hall! During his Services life there was scarcely an extreme endeavour he didn’t pursue, expert as he was at Rugby, running marathons (London, Boston, Snowdon, etc), cycling (Lands’ End to John O’Groats in 7 days as well as classic climbs in the lumpier parts of the French Alps and Pyrenees), both downhill and cross-country Skiing, Squash racquets, Tennis, Windsurfing, Water-Skiing, Swimming and long distance walking (McKenzie trail in the Rocky Mountains USA, Pennine Way and SW England coastal path). Oh yes – and sport parachuting – he even tried to take Sophie, his Westie, for a Skydiving experience, but the dog (fortunately?) poked its head out of the jumpsuit at the wrong moment. Not that it was all sport. He loved music and the arts, particularly live classics and ballet. He and his Wife were both accomplished Artists and he was adept at carpentry, expertly framing many pictures for his colleagues. He liked to travel, overseas and camping or in a motorhome in the UK.

In later years, as the rigours of his more arduous activities caught up with him, he joined me and other members of the Tidworth WAGS, playing Golf up to 3 times a week. While he loved it, he was never much good at it, unlike all his other sporting activities. But he liked the camaraderie, fresh air and the chance to take his dog Fred for a walk; even when his mobility problems forced him to use a Golf buggy. True to a somewhat patchy record of cycle and motorcycle mishaps through the years, he even managed on one famous occasion to upend his Golf buggy at Tidworth.

Bob was a devoted family man. He married his Wife Jan in 1963

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Skydiving in Cyprus (advertising for REME ???)

In summer uniform, as Commandant HQ REME Training Centre Arborfield

while at Cambridge University and they had two Sons and a Daughter, leading to ten Grandchildren. Sadly, Jan died in 2020, leaving him to continue to offer wise counsel and support for the wider family in spite of his own failing health. In family matters as well as in his broader life, Bob’s relaxed and mild demeanour belied an inner strength to make tough decisions and stick to them. He will be greatly missed by his family and those others, both inside and outside the Army, who have been lucky enough to count him as a friend.

Death Notices

BRAY – Former SSgt Douglas Peter Bray passed away on 14 March 2023 aged 79. Dated of service 1959-1978.

CLAYPOLE – Maj (Retd) George William Claypole passed away on 17 February 2023 aged 82. Dates of service 1958-1995.

KEOGH – Former Pte Joseph Patrick Keogh passed away on 19 March 2023 aged 87. Dates of service 1953-1956.

PINDER – Maj (Retd) Keith Pinder passed away on 25 February 2023 aged 84. Dates of service 1960-1962 National service, then rejoined 1968-1993.

RUTHERFORD – Capt (Retd) Alan Rutherford passed away on 18 March 2023 aged 98. Served on D-Day and got an award in 2016. Dates of service 1942 – 1971.

SLEEPER – Former Cpl Michael Sleeper passed away on 25 January 2023 aged 84. Dates of service 1954 into the Army Apprenticeship School then into REME from 1957-1968.

Death Notice Requirements

In order to publish a death notice we require the following information: Surname, first name, rank, full date of death, ages and dates of service. An obituary with additional career and life information is welcome. To inform us of the death, please contact Ms Bev Bate, Corps Welfare Manager on ( 07936 902415 or  welfare@remecharity.org

STILL – Maj (Retd) Peter Leonard Still passed away on 09 February 2023 aged 91. Dates of service 1950-1969.

WELCH – Former SSgt John Richard Welch passed away on 18 March 2023 aged 80. Dates of service 1961-1983.

London Gazette May 2023

14 March 2023

No entries.

21 March 2023

No entries.

REGULAR ARMY

Regular Commissions

Major J.C.Q. RAWSON 25230330 retires 22 October 2022.

Captain E. R. A. RUVINO 25050494 retires 29 October 2022.

Regular Commissions (Late Entry)

Lieutenant Colonel R. HENSTOCK 559460 retires 11 October 2022.

Short Service Commissions

Captain C. M. AMES 30244602 retires 29 October 2022.

Officer Assignments

Lieutenant Unit assigned to Date of Assignment Colonel

The REME Charity

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: 07936902415 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 ( 07936902415,  welfare@remecharity.org.

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

Corps Calendar 2023

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. Dates are accurate as at the date of print - refer to the monthly Craftsman for any changes.

The CorpsCommunications Team

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Beating Retreat 2023

Thursday 22 June 2023

Beating Retreat and Buffet Supper

Where: The Princess Marina Officers’ Mess, Lyneham

When: Thursday 22 June 2023 1830 to 2200hrs

What: After the Beating Retreat has concluded, supper will be served in the mess. Attendance is open to Regular, Reserve and Retired Officers who are members of the REME Institution and their guests.

Dress: Lounge suits or equivalent Application and Payment

Tickets are only available from the REME Connect webpage: https://remeconnect.org/product/beatingretreat/ under the REME Institution link. Please scan the QR code below using your mobile phone to register for a REME Connect login and subsequently gain access to tickets.

As a member of the REME Institution, it is free to attend, each member may apply for one guest ticket at a cost of £15. For any additional information please email Geoff Beaumont on geoffrey.beaumont982@mod.gov.uk