The Craftsman - November 2023

THE CRAFTSMAN

Magazine of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

November 2023

for Scan ort Supp

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

woym@remecharity.org

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

NOVEMBER 2023

Contents Volume 79 No. 11

FEATURES 5 Bn REME 10th Anniversary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Officers’ Corps Dinner Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 A year within 1 IRISH LAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Ex DRAGONS BREATH 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 REME 81st Birthday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Opportunities at 8 Training Battalion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Buy a Poppy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 REME Institution Royal Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Trailwalker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 AFC Harrogate Graduation Parade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 REME Corps Memorial Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Junior Ranks Club Goes Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Potteries and District September Newsletter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 VJTF(L) CSS Visit to Spain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Ex CROSSED KEYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 8 Battalion REME Field Hockey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 HQ RC (LEAT) SW Sea Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 REME Boxing Championships 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

REGULARS Guest Editorial – Professionalism and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 From the Museum – The Life and career of Capt Harry Roberts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Corps Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Corps Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jamprint Design & Printing Ltd www.jamprint.co.uk info@jamprint.co.uk 01249 823 950 © Crown Copyright

Front Cover: REME Institution Royal Reception at Windsor Castle, p.24

General Handling: This publication contains official information and should be treated with discretion.

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Guest Editorial

Professionalism and Safety – The Role of the Army’s Engineering Professionals in Army Safety – REME Strategy Line of Operation 4 – Be professional in all that we do Scribe: Col Mike Jeavons CEng FIMechE

Introduction

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s the Army’s engineering professionals and as its Equipment Care advisors, the Corps has a significant role to play in Army safety.

Of course, I would say that as the former Chief Safety (Army), wouldn’t I? But having spent almost a year as Commander Equipment Support (Comd ES) of the 1st Division, I am even more convinced of it. We are in a unique position to advise, guide and influence so many aspects of equipment safety. This in turn, plays a key role in the Army’s safety management system as articulated in Army Command Standing Order (ACSO) 1200. As such, it forms an important tenet of our overall professionalism.

Many of you will be familiar with ACSO 1200’s Safe System of Work consisting of Safe Place, Safe People, Safe Practice and Safe Equipment. The Corps’ activities are at the heart of this model. Safe equipment speaks for itself and the recent work by the Corps to address identified shortfalls in training, authorising and assuring our Vehicle Inspectors highlights how important this is. Col Nick Sharples’ Guest Editorial in September’s Craftsman highlighted the need for safe people who are trained, competent and correctly authorised to undertake the activity they are tasked with. And we, as a Corps, are uniquely placed to understand the safe use of equipment through our position as embedded Engineers who are so often trained and experienced in both operating and maintaining the equipment.

Within our technical accommodation, we are also responsible for ensuring that our workshops are a safe place for our people to work,

with the right facilities to enable their activity.

In this article, the last in a series focussed on REME Strategy Line of Operation 4 (LoO 4), I will briefly look at the REME’s safety role through the lens of Lord Haddon-Cave’s five cultures that overall make up an organisation’s safety culture. You may already be familiar with these, but for those that aren’t, Lord Haddon-Cave led the public inquiry into the loss of the Nimrod XV230 in Afghanistan that led to the death of 14 service personnel. The subsequent report resulted in a seismic shift in the MoD’s approach to both aviation and wider safety management.

A Reporting Culture Since arriving in post as Comd ES, it has been clear to me that the adoption of Defence Unified Reporting And Lessons System (DURALS) across the Division’s REME units has been good. But culturally the Army is still more focussed on reporting what has happened rather than what has nearly happened. Near miss reporting is something that we have an opportunity to get better at and in doing so, we start to be able to scan ahead to see the iceberg that is coming rather than looking behind to see what we have just hit! As part of the LoO 4 development work, 3 (CS) Bn REME is conducting work to implement an engineering safety forum. The aim of this is to provide an opportunity to raise issues and concerns, to discuss potential solutions and to collectively agree how to improve engineering and wider safety in the unit. If it is successful, the intent is to roll it out more widely in the Corps. This 4 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

will provide a means by which our service personnel can raise issues which might otherwise fall below the normal reporting threshold and to potentially nip things in the bud before they become more serious. Our technical expertise also enables us to contribute to the subsequent local investigations following an incident or near miss. If equipment was involved, then a technical perspective is critical to understanding what went wrong (or nearly went wrong).

A Just Culture A Just Culture is one in which people feel empowered to come forward if they have made a mistake so that the organisation can learn from it.

It is not a “blame free” culture, but seeks to act proportionately and to recognise the balance between organisational and personal culpability.

This means that when someone makes a mistake (an unintended rule break), the organisational factors that led to that (eg fatigue, pressure, poor Army Equipment Support Publications (AESPs), inadequate tooling etc) are considered as well as the personal factors (eg choosing not to follow process). The diagram below taken from Army Command Standing Order (ACSO) 1200 shows this pictorially. I recommend that all REME Commanders apply this approach to grow the just culture within their units – especially when applying the discipline or administrative processes. It can also provide excellent evidence to support changes to our technical publications, tooling, and other supporting elements when there is a proven strong link between the factor and mistakes being made on the shopfloor.

A Flexible Culture Adapting to change is something we as a Corps are incredibly good at. We are constantly changing and adapting to enable new equipment, new technology and new ways of operating. In doing so, we need to remain alive to the risks associated with that change and continue to support our people in meeting it. We need to remain guided by policy but able to flex to adapt to the tactical and technical challenges in a safe, controlled manner. Again, the framework provided by Land Systems Maintenance Engineering

Authorities (LSMEAs) enables our engineering leaders to maintain this flexibility within a managed, authorised structure.

A Learning Culture Col Nick Sharples’ recent editorial spoke of the importance of learning and continuous improvement. This is at the heart of our professionalism as we must never be in the position of doing something just because “that is how we have always done it”.

Whenever I visit 1st Division REME units, I am struck by the sense of innovation and freshness of thinking. This ranges from REME Battalions seeking to harness Adaptive Manufacturing (AdM), through augmented reality to enable repair at reach through to something as apparently simple as implementing tooling solutions.

This is superb and we must continue to build on this excellent approach. Within 1 (UK) Division, the GOC has introduced Project Silver Rhino, which is focussed on identifying and overcoming unnecessary bureaucracy. We have already had some success with the removal of unnecessary armoury checks, ceasing of signing stack

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tally cards during ammunition checks and removal of the need to print off receipts for audits when claims are submitted on MyAdmin. There are many other projects ongoing, a significant one being the rationalisation of Joint Asset Management and Engineering Solutions (JAMES) training to reduce the burden and to focus it where it is needed. These have all been driven by suggestions from personnel across the Division and I encourage you all to get involved. For the wider Field Army, I anticipate this being drawn into the impending rewrite of Field Army Standing Order (FASO 500) and Defence Ideas, but in the meantime, those of you in the 1st Division can continue to submit ideas to Silver Rhino through the QR code on the right.

LEA and Techeval reports from across the Division. In most cases, areas of non-compliance or nonconformance are quickly addressed by units, but often seem to only address the symptom rather than the cause. For example, if a piece of lifting equipment that is JAMES managed equipment is found not to have been taken onto the unit’s JAMES account, the response is to simply to state that the item has now been put onto JAMES (often with a comment that additional training has been conducted). But why did that item not get taken onto JAMES in the first instance? Was there a process in place? If so, why wasn’t it followed? Was there a single point of failure?

Why did internal assurance not identify the issue? By asking these questions (and more), we can address the actual root cause and hence prevent a reoccurrence. Whilst REME are not the owners of EC in a unit, we are the unit’s EC advisors and hence we can assist and encourage our parent units to question and to seek the root causes.

In the longer term this saves time and effort as we don’t have to fix it again in a few months.

A Questioning Culture Lord Haddon-Cave considered this to be the most significant of the sub-cultures. He spoke of the need to ask questions such as “What if?”, “Why?”, “Can you explain?”, “Can you show me?”, “Can you prove it?”. He believes that questions are the antidote to assumptions, which so often incubate mistakes. As Engineers we are uniquely placed to ask these sorts of questions. Our brains are wired to think logically and to seek to fill gaps in our knowledge. As a result, we inevitably ask “why” if something doesn’t seem to make sense. This is always well in evidence when I visit REME units and there is never a shortage of excellent questions. Whilst I can’t always provide a good answer to them there and then, I will always take them away and work on trying to find the solution. Please continue to challenge me, to challenge each other, and to challenge those things that you feel are unsafe, unwise, or simply not understood.

An area where I think we can be even better is in our approach to assurance findings. These offer an excellent opportunity to identify and to address areas where our processes aren’t working. I see all

Summary REME continues to occupy a unique position in the Army’s safety model. We are often placed at the heart of equipment procurement, it’s through life management and are always critical to maintaining its safe operation through inspection and repair. In my position as Comd ES 1 (UK) Division, I am uniquely positioned to see how well the Corps discharges these duties as professionals. I am confident that we understand our responsibilities and that we discharge them professionally and effectively. As ever (and as part of our learning culture), there are elements that we could do better, and I encourage you all to continue to play your part in making us better at safely “Keeping the Punch in the Army’s Fist”.

Unit Life

5 Battalion REME 10th Anniversary Scribe: WO1 (RSM) Mahoney

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Roll of Honour 6 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

n Saturday 1st July 2023, 5th Battalion REME celebrated the 10-year Anniversary of its formation. The occasion was commemorated by commissioning a Roll of Honour which was hand-painted by Mrs Clare Donegan BEM. The hand painted Roll of Honour was presented at a joint Regimental Dinner in the Officers’ Mess at MOD Lyneham.

It was a pleasure to celebrate the Battalion’s history and to collaborate with Mrs Clare Donegan. Her presence at the Regimental Dinner to present the artwork to the Commanding Officer, Lt Col S Beevor and Regimental Sergeant Major, WO1 D Mahoney made the event even more special.

The evening was a huge success and thoroughly Lt Col S Beevor and WO1 D Mahoney, presented enjoyed by all. the Roll of Honour by Clare Donegan BEM

Corps News

Corps Dinner Night 7 September 2023

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n Thursday 7 September, over 140 members of the Corps Officers’ Mess enjoyed a fabulous Dinner Night in Princess Marina Officers’ Mess to welcome newly commissioned officers into the Corps and say a fond farewell to three illustrious retiring members. The new officers of the Corps are: Capt Marc Felton, Capt Greg Kendall, Capt Jason Marks, Capt Joseph Marriott, Capt Jae Murdoch, Capt Peter Robinson, Capt Paul Townsend, Capt Kerry Evans, Capt Carl Bale, Capt Martin Smith, 2Lt Charles Creelman, 2Lt Max Hetreed, 2Lt Oliver Hyett, 2Lt William Kinnersley, 2Lt Sara Ibrar, 2Lt Kelvin Lee, 2Lt Ruaraidh Oliver, 2Lt Emlyn Owen, 2Lt Scott Pillinger, 2Lt Alfie Todd, 2Lt Dara Utting, 2Lt Patrick Waite, 2Lt Jude Whale, 2Lt James Whiteley. Those retiring included our former Master General, Lieutenant General Paul Jaques CB CBE who commissioned into the Corps in August 1983 and leaves after 11 years on the Corps Council; including 6 years as our Master General. Also retiring were Colonel Dan Scott whose service included more than 3 years as Colonel REME and Colonel Dan Anders-Brown who originally joined the Corps as a soldier but was quickly picked out for commissioning and completes his service as Deputy Head in the Future Capability Group.

On the same night, the Corps Officers’ Mess was proud to unveil our wonderful portrait of our Colonel-in-Chief, HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO, which is now mounted in the centre of the Officers’ Mess dining room. This exceptional and stunning painting was produced by Mrs Sarah Spencer, a renowned Artist and member of the New England Art Club. A specific article will be written about this painting for the next edition of the Craftsman Magazine.

Dine Out of Lieutenant General Paul Jaques CB CBE, Colonel Dan Anders-Brown and Colonel Dan Scott

REME Late Entry Commissioning Course (RELECC) RELECC 23/002 5 Sep 23 – 15 Sep 2023

Military Systems Engineering Course (Land) 23/002 4 Sep 23 – 15 Dec 2023

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Unit Life

Faugh A Ballagh (Clear the way): A Year within 1 R IRISH LAD Scribe: Lt Hasan Kayani

OC LAD - Capt Jack Collicott

F

augh A Ballagh “Clear the way” (motto of 1 R IRISH) could not be more of an apt headline for the last year of operations and exercises that the Light Aid Detachment (LAD) has conducted. With 2 rotations of Op NEWCOMBE (Mali), Op DETILINA (Bulgaria), Ex WESSEX STORM 23/01 and various overseas trawls including the Falklands and Kenya, the tempo of life within the LAD has been challenging. Ultimately the resilience and professionalism of our tradespeople has allowed the delivery of high-quality Equipment Support (ES) at every turn; cementing the ever-growing reputation of the 1 R IRISH LAD.

OP NEWCOMBE 4 Foreword Capt Jack Collicott (LRRG EME)

Capt Collicott 8 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

The 4th rotation of the Long-Range Reconnaissance Group (LRRG) deployed to Mali on Op NEWCOMBE between 1 Jun 22 – 29 Nov 22. Led by the 1st Battalion the Royal Irish Regiment, the Task Group became part of the United Nations (UN) Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) mission and sought to provide security and stability to the Gao region. The deployed LAD, responsible for all Level 2 and Level 3 equipment maintenance and recovery, comprised of 1 + 29 personnel from 9 contributing units.

The rotation was themed with challenges, providing opportunity to improve long term fleet capability and deployed processes. The harsh terrain, blazing heat, disastrous storms, limited resources, and a degraded fleet that had been in this environment for nearly two years all added to the austere nature of the deployment. However, despite these constraints the performance of the rotation 4 LRRG LAD exceeded all expectations; achieving a commendable equipment availability throughout and enabling all operational activity. What is even more impressive is the sheer robustness and unbreakable morale of our REME soldiers. Without doubt the hardest working individuals in the Task Group, everyone one of them has certainly done this Corps proud.

1 R Irish LAD and 8 Fd Coy (Para) interoperability in Mali

Light Mechanised Infantry (LMI) Company Fitter Section Sgt Allen (Vehicle Mechanic Class 1) LMI Fitters deployed as a team of four, namely Sgt Allen, Cpl Briggs, LCpl Mills and Cfn Moore. Operating from a Coyote, the Section was responsible for the repair and maintenance of 1 R IRISH B Coy fleet of Foxhounds and Jackal / Coyote High Mobility Truck Variants (HMTV).

During a busy tour the Fitter Section honed their skills and knowledge on the Foxhounds and quickly gained valuable experience on the unfamiliar platform of HMTV. With such a tired fleet there’s always work to be done, especially on the days leading up to a mission, the Section worked around the clock to ensure the fleet were deployable at 100% availability. Whilst out on the ground,

Aviation ESMAT resupply

the Section was concurrently embedded within Coy HQ and acting independently during both recovery and repair situations. A constant battle with the heat both for personnel and machine against the hard, relentless terrain resulted in many demanding days for B Coy Fitters. Working deep into the nights to prepare for the next day’s drive, the team maintained humour and momentum throughout. Overall, Mali has proven a real test for the members of the LMI Fitters; real world knowledge and experience has been gained by all ranks. Foxhound platform improvements have been engineered and design amendments embodied to increase the resilience of the fleet in such challenging terrain. The Section has also gained a strong Infantry ethos, having been responsible for their own force protection with mounted GPMGs, the Section was heavily relied on to provide additional fire support during set tasks such as helicopter resupply and overwatch missions.

Cpl Kenny Lee and friend

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Light Cavalry Squadron Fitter Section – SSgt Entwistle (Artificer Vehicles) The Scots Dragoon Guards (SDG) provided a Light Cavalry Squadron to the LRRG Task Group, including their organic Fitter Section. The LAD is filled with people with a huge range of skill sets, some who have served for over 20 years and some for whom this was their first deployment. We operate from a Coyote, a self-reliant vehicle and protected by GPMG top cover.

We also have two Vehicle Mechanics (VMs) embedded with the troops to allow early diagnosis / repairs. They operate as SDG Troopers during a normal day but provide effective ES upon any sign of threat. Everyday whilst on camp we are constantly working to keep the fleet mission ready and to roll out whenever it is needed. The HMTV fleet has been a dream out in the desert and has kept up with the high demands of the operation. Despite this success, there are still large tasks at hand. With minimal resources we have maintained the mantra of repair forward (especially pertinent in Mali where we can only carry a limited amount of ES Mat). The main job of the SDG is to provide deep reconnaissance for the Task Group, sent far ahead of the main body, as we are attached to SHQ we get to see a lot of Mali and were able to experience the humanitarian side of life. Thoroughly rewarding, we feel we have made a positive impact on the Malian population, providing stability and allowing the UN to understand the ground-truth.

LCpl Rees (Recovery Mechanic Class 2) Vehicle recovery in Mali has been a great experience, which cannot be replicated in the UK. The distances covered during a patrol means we cover all kinds of terrain, ranging from hard rocky surfaces to open grassland and difficult soft sand. Coupled with extreme temperatures, it can be a real challenge for the vehicles.

We will often have to recover forward during the patrols; meaning if something breaks down it will need to be towed to the next location rather than back to camp. This means we could be towing a broken-down vehicle for the rest of the patrol; this requires careful driving / vehicle husbandry.

The Recovery Mechanics are attached to A1 Echelon but we provide intimate support to the LMI Coy and LCav Sqn out on the ground. Our average day normally consists of us providing support during the moves by winching and towing bogged in and brokendown wagons to maintain the momentum of the patrol. When not on the move we utilise our cranes to provide a lift capability to assist with the repairs of vehicles. Due to the extreme climate and

SDG Ftr Sect CTE self-recovery challenging terrain, we are very busy throughout a patrol as the harsh conditions really take its toll on the vehicles. I have gained a lot of experience during the tour which I think will stand me in good stead for the rest of my career. I have enjoyed the challenge and feel like we have achieved our aim during the deployment.

Cpl Thorne (Metalsmith Class 1) As the solo Metalsmith for OP NEWCOMBE all manner of jobs came into my workshop. I’ve had small jobs like drilling out rivets, straightening number plates to greater tasks such as removing sheared wishbone bolts. I’ve had some unusual jobs which involved cutting up a motorbike that was seized as evidence and dismantling / destroying a Jackal destined for disposal. No matter if the job is small or big it’s made all the harder by the 40°C heat that we face both on camp and on the ground.

When the operations roll round, I pack up my tools, my grinder and the O/A kit load them all in the Fitter truck in case there are any jobs for me out on the ground. Then I hop in the Commander’s seat of the SV(R) ready to help with recovering the next bogged in or broken-down wagon. I am the only Metalsmith to have deployed on all the patrols and I feel like this has made a real difference as it allows the command team to offer alternate repair solutions forward instead of having to recover equipment back to camp.

SV(R) duo sweeping long range patrol route

10 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

LCpl Dawes (Armourer Class 2) I am a Class 2 Armourer with 1 Royal Irish but I am working with the Scots Dragoon Guards (SDG) in their Fitter Section. I am employed as the Sqn Armourer and driver of the Fitter Section’s Coyote; this allows me to provide immediate equipment care and support during the challenging patrols.

The desert provides an interesting set of challenges to the care and function of the Task Group’s weapons.

Constant care and protection of the weapons is required to allow them to operate in these extreme conditions, which keeps me busy with repairs and educating users on additional equipment care required. The demands of the patrols have also seen me lend a hand to the hard pressed VMs, providing a spare set of hands to help with large jobs which were made more difficult by the desert and the heat. It is not just on patrols and within Camp Bagnold that the Armourers are required to work, we also provide equipment support to all British forces within Mali, this requires trips to the capital city Bamako and the British Embassy.

Sgt Beasley (Technician Electrical Class 1) Attached to Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) & Search as part of the LRRG, I am responsible for maintaining the Remote-Controlled Vehicles (RCVs) in theatre which consist of the DRAGON RUNNER and STARTER. I am also responsible for maintaining EOD Electronic Counter-Measures (ECM) and the three MASTIFFs that deploy. Cpl Garwood (VM1) is also attached to maintain the MASTIFFs. The RCVs have performed well in Mali and do not cause many issues however the biggest challenge is the suspension upgrade recently embodied.

Although difficult to maintain, the upgrade has proved to be invaluable in allowing the platform to be on par with the rest of the LRRG fleet. Our time in Mali has been challenging but it has been an enjoyable and steep learning curve for us both.

Sgt Greenwood (Technician Electrical Class 1) I have been responsible for repairing and maintaining the portable drones, Mini Unscrewed Air Systems (MUAS) equipment attached to the Light Mechanised Infantry Company (B Coy,1 R Irish) and the Light Cavalry Sqn (B Squadron, Scots Dragoon Guards). Currently the MUAS detachments fly PUMA and WASP, PUMA being the main platform with a range of 20KM and battery life of around 2 hours.

The MUAS capability has been mission critical, conducting reconnaissance and force protection flights throughout our patrols.

Whist deployed I carry out low level modular repairs in the field using ES Mat held with A1 Ech as well as conducting fault finding / repairs on the MUAS COYOTE. Overall, a long, tiring but rewarding time attached to the LRRG with the MUAS detachments. During the deployment we also ensured that everyone had time to relax and recuperate in between patrols, as a collective we even managed time to complete the “Lifting the Decks Challenge”.

Cpl Thorne utilising BROCO plasma cutter terrain we travel through, especially during the wet season, can be hard to navigate and good individual route selection is very important to prevent vehicle “bog in”. I really enjoy the cross country driving as it’s a great opportunity to enhance and develop our crosscountry capability.

During the patrols we have had the opportunity to carry out complex repairs which wouldn’t usually be conducted in the field.

REME have an ethos of “repair forward” which has seen us carry out many expedient repairs on vital platforms allowing the patrol to maintain combat effectiveness throughout. My main task was the maintenance of the air-conditioning fitted to the vehicles; especially important for the Task Group’s dog “Boris” who simply can’t function in the high temperatures. I have enjoyed working on different types of equipment and feel my trade knowledge has vastly improved which I believe will stand me in good stead when I achieve Class 1 status.

Cfn MacDonald (Vehicle Mechanic Class 2) Although I am part of SDG I am attached to the A1 Echelon, and our main task is to provide further ES resources to allow the Sqn and Coy Fitter Sections to focus on their main objectives. We have 2 x SV(R)s, a Fitter truck, CALM and HMTV. When deployed we conduct main assembly changes as well as maintaining a large support fleet e.g.

LCpl Hanna (Vehicle Mechanic Class 2) OP NEWCOMBE ROTO 4 has been an eye-opening experience for me especially being my first operational tour, the intense working hours and large area of operation we cover make for a great challenge. The

Desert repairs using SV(R)

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Lifting The Decks Team in Mali medical, stores, force protection vehicles. There have been many highs and lows whilst on tour, but I have learnt a lot and overall enjoyed the experience. Out on patrols is the best place to learn, any task that has come up in A1 we work together and help out with the Fitter Sections as one big team. Witnessing Metalsmiths and Electronic Technicians helping out to complete a task has been great to see, as it gets everyone involved. Driving the Fitter truck over difficult terrain can only be described as `wacky races` sometimes, you just put your foot on the accelerator and hope for the best that you don’t get bogged in or cause damage to your vehicle. The heat never gives in when out on the ground. The “haboobs” (sandstorms) are incredible! We have had to bunker down to the strong winds and the unforgiving rain hoping our kit isn’t blown / washed away.

However, the wild country of Mali has taught me so much and I am thankful for the experience.

Fleet REGENERATION and Summary – WO2 (AQMS) “Tosh” White (Artificer Vehicles)

Honorary RAF/REME Cpl “Bart” Bartholomew

Meal time in the desert

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Midway through the deployment we realised that the FHD fleet was becoming incredibly worn out with whole fleet failure a real possibility. A plan was put together that incorporated an ES team from 8 Field Coy (Para) flying into theatre for three weeks to conduct a deep regeneration of the LRRG fleet. The aim of this was to afford ROTO 5 the best chance of succeeding during their deployment by having the fleet in the best possible state. It just so happened that the regeneration team were in theatre over St Eligius Day so got involved with the events too. We had to reduce some of the day’s activities due to workload but were able to have an informal top table pizza night to celebrate the occasion. The Padre conducted a short service culminating in a rousing rendition of Sweet Chariot followed by a quiz, prize giving and LAD confessional! A great and light-hearted night was had by all topped off with a presentation as a thankyou to 8 Field Coy (Para). It is worth noting that this whole tour wouldn’t have been a success without co-operation from external units. On two occasions the ECM rehabilitation team from 5 REME flew into theatre to provide a much-needed health check of the LRRG ECM. Without this capability we simply would not be allowed out of the gates. One final mention goes to the RAF maintainers attached to us throughout. Cpl Bartholomew and Cpl Wilde both immersed themselves in our way of life and were real force multipliers, so much so that they were awarded honourary REME status much to their amusement. Sorry Bart, that’s a crate you now owe to the REME! Overall, it has been a tour of many challenges and often unprecedented workloads but in true REME style we have faced

it all with professionalism, humour and a strong desire for excellence.

We have come from a multitude of different units with a broad spectrum of skills and have amalgamated it to become a very strong engineering team. We have managed to complete the longest patrols North and East over all the ROTOs and have met every equipment availability start state for every patrol. We feel like we have achieved success in every way.

After some well-deserved time off over Christmas we were then straight into preparation for Ex WESSEX STORM 23/01. As 1 R IRISH were the only mounted Battle-Group deploying it was critical that all attached units supporting the exercise were factored into the ES planning so the LAD could support all types of equipment. Aligned to 16 AA Bde we had support from 8 Field Coy (Para) who were invaluable by supplying level 3 repairs and allocated us an FRT who were permanently attached to us. With the majority of the Bn deployed, the LAD split into their Coy Ftr Sects as well as holding a large ES contingent within A1 Echelon.

Mainly based around SPTA but with elements stretched out as far as South Wales and Corsham Mines there were many external challenges facing the Battle-Group but the ES contingent did not falter in delivering maximum availability throughout. With finely honed skills form recent operations our tradesmen were able to operate in tough field conditions and displayed maximum resourcefulness when dealing with complex repairs. A team effort driven by the proud reputation of 1 R IRISH and its LAD resulting.

REME soldiers were amongst others in receiving Brigade Commander commendations for their efforts on Exercise.

1 R IRISH are key stakeholders when it comes to innovation when operating in austere environments and the LAD is no exception.

From the utilisation of electric motorbikes for ES Mat distribution to the trialling of HMTV modifications such as a MultiLaunch Rocket System; we are at the cutting edge of technology. Always willing to test ES tactics and maintain the punch in the Army’s fist, repairing forward in the first instance and always looking to advance equipment resilience.

On completion of Ex WESSEX STORM all equipment was handed back to their custodian organisations in good time / order with the knowledge that the Bn would soon be starting a month of AT packages. Most members of the LAD took up the challenges which included Climbing, Mountain Biking and Sailing in various parts of the world, this was a much-needed time to unwind and offered our junior soldiers the chance to build AT qualifications.

Looking forward the LAD are already preparing for a deployment on Ex PEGASUS AMARANTE (Oman) starting in August where all the previous experiences will be culminated. The LAD will also be the first unit to receive the new HMTV recovery variant – the Light Weight Recovery Vehicle (LWRV), which will be put to its first test on this exercise. Designed to specifically recover HMTV and FHD it reduces the need for and SV(R) forward, thus increasing freedom of mobility for the Bn. To conclude, 1 R IRISH LAD very much “clears the way” for other units to follow, at the forefront of innovation,

Sgt Walker taking receipt of LAD electric motorbike much of the conceptual training is helping to build the Light Recce Strike doctrine for future 16 AA Bde operations. Our tradesmen are very much soldiers first, operating hand in hand with their Infantry counterparts, building trust and also promoting a strong EC culture within the Bn they support. For anyone reading this who likes the sound of such a kinetic unit then the leadership opportunities, chance to travel and engineering experiences that await you are endless.

Urgent inter-mission SV(R) repair

LAD Ex WESSEX STORM 23/01

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REME Museum

“Capture at Arnhem” – The life and career of Captain Harry Roberts Scribe: Richard Davies, Curator, The REME Museum

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he recent reference to Captain Harry Roberts in the Museum’s website blog written by my excellent colleague Lucy Brown, the Museum’s Social Media and Digital Marketing Officer, touched on the story of a man who, by any standards, had an eventful war.

Fortunately for the Museum, we have many fascinating objects associated with Harry in the permanent collection, and these enable us to tell his story to the fullest.

The fulcrum of his military career was undoubtedly the Allies’ 1944 airborne assault on The Netherlands, and it is worth spending some time referring to these events in order to give context to Harry’s experiences.

In September 1944, Field Marshall Bernard Montgomery flew to Brussels to see General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the supreme commander of the Allies’ forces, and proposed two airborne operations, MARKET and GARDEN. Montgomery’s plan under MARKET was for forces of the First Allied Airborne Army to seize bridges and terrain in the areas of Eindhoven, Grave, Nijmegen, Arnhem and Oosterbeek, while the complimentary operation, GARDEN, would see ground forces move North to support the entrenched airborne units.

Establishing these bridgeheads would enable the Allies to sustain the Eastward momentum they had generated beginning with the D-Day landings, and create a route for an invasion of Northern Germany.

Although planned and thought of separately, it is these operational names that have been combined in the public mind as Operation MARKET GARDEN, events described in the 1974 book by Cornelius Ryan, “A Bridge Too Far”, and the film of the same name released three years later.

Eisenhower consented to the plans for a number of reasons, with the main one being pressure from the United States to use the First Allied Airborne Army as an offensive unit. By this point in the War, eighteen airborne actions had been planned and cancelled; this was because the Allied front was moving so rapidly that the ostensive targets for the Paratroopers were taken by conventional ground troops before the drops could be made. Eisenhower also believed that using his airborne forces at this time could give the impetus for the Allies to cross the Rhine and inflict a massive psychological blow on the Nazis.

Harry joined REME in 1943 and was attached to the First Airborne Army. His civilian career meant he found a natural home in the Corps.

He was born in York, and when he was 16, joined the London and North Eastern Railway company (the LNER), as a Fitter in the firm’s

A Christmas Card sent home by Harry from Oflag IX A/Z 14 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

A wartime image of the Hotel Vreewijk in Oosterbeek where Harry was taken prisoner by the Germans carriage and wagon works. He wanted to join up when war was declared in 1939, but his employers considered his to be a reserved occupation so his request to leave was denied. He was eventually allowed to join and ultimately rose to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant.

Harry’s first posting was to the Corps’ Airborne Division Workshop, a unit formed in the same year he joined.

The Airborne Division Workshop that saw action in MARKET consisted of seventy-five REME personnel who occupied four Horsa gliders. Two of the four aircraft carried a jeep and trailer, while the other two transported troops, motor cycles, folding bikes and hand trailers. The Horsa aircraft was designed by Airspeed Ltd., and was a vital part of the British Government’s efforts to create a unit of airborne troops, a project that began in early 1941; military planners had studied the impact German Paratroopers had had during the Battle of France, and wanted the British armed forces to have a similar option for future operations.

The Horsa was made largely of wood, both in order to save weight and reduce the use of precious metals during wartime. It has been described as probably “the most wooden aircraft ever built”, and Harry clearly disliked it; he wrote “It was a flimsy plywood contraption which bucked and swayed in the tug’s slipstream.”

Despite this, Harry and his comrades took off from Down Ampney near Cricklade at precisely 11am on 18th September 1944, and joined those aircraft that formed part of the airborne “northern route” destined for The Netherlands. It is easy to imagine the apprehension and excitement that all the men in the operation probably felt, as they left the ground and

Harry was medically assessed in the early days of incarceration by both British and German Doctors, and the general consensus was that he should not have been alive as the bullet near his spine should have killed him. The rest of his time in the camp was accompanied by long periods of boredom and hunger, the former alleviated by gardening and wood cutting, the latter by a number of good meals over Christmas 1944. Fortunately for Harry, his incarceration also saw him recover from his paralysis and regain the ability to move unaided.

Oflag IX A/Z was evacuated on 29th March 1945, as the Germans realised they needed to retreat in the face of the rapidly advancing US 4th Armoured Division. The prisoners marched for sixteen days North East to Wimmelburg, where they were overtaken by a column of Sherman tanks. Harry was eventually transported back to Britain on a Stirling aircraft that took off from Brussels, landing at Wescote on 18th April 1945.

Eventually the bullet was removed in a long operation that took place in May 1945. This procedure was also preceded by a Doctor declaring that Harry should not be alive.

On leaving REME, Harry returned to the railways and resumed his work as an Engineer. He ultimately moved to Swindon where he became the Works Manager. Harry passed away in 1992.

It is beyond the scope of this piece to assess the success or failure of Operation MARKET GARDEN (and particularly MARKET in which Harry was involved), a debate that continues vigorously to this day.

The purpose of this article is to draw attention to the very personal story of a brave and resilient man, one of many who saw action with the Corps during World War Two. I am grateful to my colleague Lucy Brown, the Museum’s Social Media and Digital Marketing Officer, for the original inspiration for the article, and to Celia Cassingham, the Museum’s Archivist, for facilitating access to the Museum’s excellent collection of archival material relating to Harry.

Harry’s Prisoner of War identification card began the journey to the drop point to participate in the largest airborne operation in military history.

Harry’s glider arrived over the landing zone near the town of Wolfheze at just after three o’clock. The landing was almost a disaster, as a number of gliders were damaged or destroyed by fire from the German defenders as they descended. Although the landing of Harry’s glider was a safe one and he and his comrades were able to exit the aircraft, machine gun fire immediately killed one man and Harry was shot in the back.

With hindsight, Harry was able to reconstruct and write about what happened to him. Just like every other British soldier, he was wearing a gas mask, and the bullet hit the rubber folds of the breathing tube.

Although this deflected it and slowed it down, the round still had enough momentum to chip his spine between the fifth and sixth vertebra. This immediately paralysed Harry from the waist down, and although he was able to shoot some Germans from the fox hole in which he managed to take cover, he was later shot again, this time in the right shoulder.

Eventually, the Germans were forced back from the landing zone and Harry was recovered by stretcher bearers and taken to a hospital in Wolfheze (this town is about four miles from Oosterbeek and seven from Arnhem). After being moved to a casualty station based in Oosterbeek’s Hotel Vreewijk, he was taken prisoner by the Germans on 25th September as they began to fight back against the Allied troops.

Many of those who have studied the landings near Arnhem have said that the German soldiers facing the Allies were of the highest quality, and this along with MARKET’s operational and organisational issues were the main reasons why the attack ultimately failed. By the time Harry was taken prisoner, Operation BERLIN had been launched.

This was the night-time evacuation of the surviving soldiers from the British 1st Airborne Division, who were trapped North of the Lower Rhine.

Harry was eventually transported to Oflag IX A/Z, a camp that occupied a former girls’ school in Rotenburg near Bremen, and arrived there on 11th October 1944 (the word “oflag” is a contraction of the phrase Offizier-Lager, or officer camp, and shows Harry was taken to a camp specifically for senior ranks). The camp’s Commandant was the school’s former principle.

The programme for the memorial service attended by Harry a year after the Operation MARKET landings. The Airborne Forces’ sign shows Bellerophon mounted on the winged horse, Pegasus. This is the first recorded instance, albeit a mythical one, of an airborne warrior in human history

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A view from Aphrodite’s Rock

Exercise

28 ENGR REGIMENT (C-CBRN) LAD – EX DRAGONS BREATH 23 Scribe: Sergeant JM Dean

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untested. So, as far as a history of the ‘usual’ faults occurring, there is no such history. Over the course of the exercise, this soon proved to be challenging, as the suite was new and had yet to be put through the paces of a deployment. ‘Teething problems’ were persistent. With a small team of Technicians, it was our responsibility to ensure that the capability of the fleet remained in a fully functioning state and did not deteriorate.

In typical REME fashion, sleep was a luxury especially at the start of the exercise phase. 2200hrs 22nd May, we got a call from one of the FUCHS Commanders that during pre-mission checks his MM2 failed.

Upon inspecting the vehicle, it was found that the suite charging circuit had failed. This led to a lengthy 3hrs of diagnosis. After many ‘half-split’ methods, later it was found that one of the main solenoids Sgt Dean – Tech SNCO – Falcon Sqn Ftrs had blown within the suite power distribution box. Once it was changed, the vehicle was back in and ready for the mission just in As a Class 1 Technician, this was probably the most I’ve ever been time for the troops’ reveille at 0430hrs. Despite arguably being busier relied upon and utilised. Within the FUCHS vehicle platform is a than the Vehicle Mechanics, this exercise was a success; especially specialised Suite which enables the sub-systems to detect agents when considering trade development as this not only allowed my and conduct area surveillance and reconnaissance; these systems are Technicians to more effectively understand the equipment that they heavily tech reliant. Not only that, but they have largely been were working on, but encouraged them to identify and rectify faults more effectively through use of Army Equipment Support 28 Engr Regt (C-CBRN) LAD conducting DIM checks before pack repair Publications (AESPs).

The most rewarding part of the exercise was watching how the junior Technicians had grown from educated guessing to effective fault diagnostic procedures, although the ‘Gucci’ 28 degrees stand-down days were a bonus well worth noting. pril 2023 saw personnel from 28 Engineer, Counter-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (C-CBRN) Regiment, made up of a unique mixture of soldiers (Sappers, Tankies and attached arms) deploy to Bloodhound Camp; British Forces Cyprus on Ex DRAGONS BREATH 23. The aim of the exercise was to validate Falcon Sqn to TL C as the lead in a multi-component C-CBRN Sqn, as well as prove that if required to do so the Regiment could deploy at a moment’s notice to combat the ever-increasing CBR threat. As the only Regiment dedicated to Defence C-CBRN, it was imperative that the standard was met to ensure the delivery of future commitments for the unit. With a largely untested niche capability fleet, as well as a soaring Cypriot climate, this task would be by no means easy.

LCpl Callard – Class 1 Vehicle Mechanic – Falcon Sqn Ftrs Being a Vehicle Mechanic and being deployed to Cyprus was quite the experience. As part of the advance party, we had a unique opportunity to be deployed a month early which when Operation POLAR BEAR was called, enabled the Detachment to assist and provide ES to 16 Air Assault Brigade. As a Vehicle Inspector, I was put forward to help conduct inspections in RAF Akrotiri as part of an extension of the Joint Mechanical Engineering Transport Squadron (JMETS) Section. This involved many days away from Bloodhound Camp, but the experience was indispensable as I managed to work closely with several different white 16 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Acclimatisation TAB fleet vehicles ranging from Vauxhalls to Isuzu pickups. It was a nice change from working on the larger vehicles which Falcon have.

The climate, however, proved difficult from an ES perspective; especially during exercise phase when repairs and maintenance had to be conducted. One of the main difficulties encountered was when the vehicles had been running all day, they took longer to cool down due to the heat. This had a direct effect on our usual repair times, as we then had to wait for the packs to cool down before attempting any sort of pack lift. The deployment wasn’t all hard work as we got to have many days to explore the local area during stand down. We did day trips out to Nicosia, Pathos, Limassol and more. We visited many different beaches including the well-known Turtle Beach, Happy Valley, and a day trip to Pathos Zoo.

Cfn Nelson – Class 3 Vehicle Mechanic – 64 Sqn Ftrs Before I deployed, I didn’t realise that the Regiment was the only CCBRN asset, not just in the Army but Tri-Services. This meant that not only did we need to perform in our usual day jobs, but we also need to understand the workings of how we conduct ourselves in a ‘dirty environment’. This helped me realise how interesting the Army can be as well as the Regiment.

With this being my first overseas deployment, I soon gained an understanding of what was expected from a REME tradesperson on exercise. When things went wrong, it was our job to ensure it was at the standard to move back out on the training area, and that it was

Cfn Nelson prepping to cross the ‘Dirty’ Line

SV(R) Recovery

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deemed safe and free from any faults.

Doing work on some of the FUCHs was quite challenging as we don’t get to work on them very often as our unit is based over three locations but, luckily, I did manage to get the opportunity to learn how to carry out a pack lift. I also gained an in-depth understanding of the different components that make up the powerpack.

One of the main things that really stood out, and I no doubt will never forget, was the job satisfaction from carrying out a pack lift at sunset. It really opened my eyes as to what I could do as a Vehicle Mechanic.

LCpl Criddle – Class 2 Electronics Technician – Falcon Sqn Ftrs

Members of the LAD going through decontamination lanes

Regimental Cohesion at Akrotiri’s Party at the Park Summer Festival

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Being part of a specialised C-CBRN unit is both rewarding and difficult especially when out on the area. With temperatures averaging 28 degrees C, in addition to the burden of operating in a suit and respirator, a balance had to be struck between completing ES tasks in the field and preserving the workforce. It was interesting to theorise how different chemical warfare agents would behave in the arid and hot environment of Cyprus and how we could tailor our drills whilst working on a vehicle in a dirty environment to minimise risk and maximise productivity; it was a very good opportunity for training. Some members of the LAD had never done ES in 4R let alone took control of or gone through decontamination lanes, so it was a good teaching experience for us and a good learning experience for them. It was a good opportunity to work with Falcon’s Decontamination Section and develop SOPs. Equipment Support is a whole different ball game in a chemical environment. When working on a vehicle in a workshop you rarely second guess how to approach the vehicle, what part of a vehicle you lean on and where you place your tools between actions. In A CBRN environment, every move and action must be carefully considered. Tools and surfaces must be assessed for gross contamination and decontaminated on the fly. Taking a knee, or lying down is forbidden. An otherwise benign mistake in a clean zone can turn into a very ugly situation in a dirty environment. Due to the PPE movements, something as easy as turning a spanner is awkward and strenuous. Dexterity is reduced due to wearing 3 pairs of nitriles over the outer gloves making fiddly tasks impractical. Not only do personnel have to be proficient at their trades, but they must also be competent in the Army’s various CCBRN detection, identification, and monitoring equipment. All these factors combined create quite a high pressure and potentially high stakes working environment. Falcon LAD took all these challenges in their stride.

Overall Ex DRAGONS BREATH 23 was a good experience. I feel as if we have come together more as a LAD and have each imparted skills and knowledge to one another that will stand us in good stead for future exercises and operations.

REME News

REME - EIGHTY- FIRST- BIRTHDAY Scribe: Tony Church It was eighty-one long years ago when Britain stood alone A birth occurred quite quietly, but soon became well known And much respected as it worked, confirming its existence As a front-line military arm giving technical assistance Whenever and wherever it was needed or required Soon gaining great respect and universally admired.

This fledgling Corps was formed from the components of its peers And named “THE ROYAL ELECTRICAL AND MECHCHANICAL ENGINEERS” But known for short as “REME” generally by one and all And proved its worth immediately when it was found equal To its fierce baptism of fire at a place called Alamein And progressed onward through the years, extolling its proud name.

The crest of Laurel wreath surmounted with the Royal Crown With four shields bearing the initials of the Corps arrayed around Dividers in the centre formed the badge on its formation, To be succeeded five years on, when peace came to our Nation

By Lightning Bolt and Rampant Horse confirming well-earned fame, Continued by the heirs of those who first inspired this name.

So let us be upstanding and, raising a grateful glass, Wish our Alma Mater greetings for the many years long past, Of loyal and devoted service to our Crown and Nation And, though not now the numbers at the birth of our formation, We know that those who have the care of this, our spiritual home Will continue its fine record yet, for many years to come.

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Unit Life

Opportunities at 8 Training Battalion REME

Commanding Officer: Lt Col BB Creed MBE Scribe: Capt Nick Coleing

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Climbing is one of the circa 30 sports undertaken every week at the Bn during sports parade

Presentation of the CO’s Cup to Basra Coy

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very soldier of the Corps will be trained and commanded by 8 Training Battalion (8 Trg Bn) at some point in their career; but many people don’t understand the roles or opportunities that an assignment to the largest unit in the British Army offers. This article aims to highlight the opportunities and responsibilities available at 8 Trg Bn. Created through the amalgamation of 10 Bn and 11 Bn, and relocation to MOD Lyneham in 2015, the 1,200 strong Bn comprises of initial and subsequent trade training and permanent staff and is responsible for the trade training of all career employment groups. Appointments are diverse and range from military and physical training Instructors, care and welfare, technical instruction and Company and Battalion headquarters command team positions. Each role is demanding and is likely to be different from anything that you will have encountered up to this point in your career, but equally rewarding and full of opportunity. Whether you are instructing, mentoring, coaching, leading, administrating, or supporting trainees throughout your daily role, there are plenty of prospects to exploit to your benefit as you shape the next generation of REME tradespeople, inculcating the REME culture and ethos whilst providing an identity and sense of belonging.

Leadership. Regardless of your role at 8 Trg Bn, you will be responsible for leading large numbers of trainees through many aspects of their training. A Section Commander is typically responsible for 30+ trainees while a Platoon Sgt or Platoon Commander will be responsible for well over 100. The privilege of leading this many junior soldiers is challenging but offers the chance to develop your leadership style and your emotional intelligence far beyond other assignments; whilst ensuring that you develop as a leader. Across the Bn, we have enjoyed consistent positive results where permanent staff have gained the knowledge, skills and experiences whilst developing the behaviours required to prepare them for future promotion and postings.

Members of the Bn representing the Corps and winning the Ice Hockey Army Championships 2023

Management. A role at 8 Trg Bn will test, develop, and enhance your management skills as you coordinate trainees, resources, and time to achieve desired effects. These skills will set you in good stead for your future career. Many members of permanent staff have taken advantage of the additional continual professional development available to them such as degrees, MScs or CPD modules on the ILX platform.

Communication skills. Effective communication is often the difference between success or failure. As a member of permanent staff at 8 Trg Bn, you will grow and refine your ability to receive and assimilate information before verbally briefing trainees to ensure they are present and prepared for events and training. You will also develop your verbal reasoning skills and your ability to adapt communication

Cfn Stevenson collecting the Cfn’s Cup cricket trophy from Col REME

methods and delivery for your audience to build rapport and achieve results. There are endless opportunities to develop your written communication skills in a safe and supportive environment as you direct, plan and execute activities. Mastering these skills will make you an effective leader and set you in good stead for your future career.

Stability. A posting to 8 Trg Bn comes with relative stability as a non-deployable establishment. There are options to get away, however, commitments assigned to the Bn tend to be shorter and therefore better suited to personnel who prefer to not be deployed for extended periods. The key takeaway is that 8 Trg Bn provides stability, but the assignments remain challenging and rewarding.

MTI development. Whether you aim to pursue future roles as a Military Training Instructor or simply want to obtain new skills and qualifications to employ at regimental duty, members of 8 Trg Bn are encouraged and supported to gain Instructor qualifications

Members of the Bn on the Nijmegen Marches led by Capt Govan and Cpl Fisher

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whether they be conducted on site such as DTc, or M and K range qualifications or externally. During your assignment, there are opportunities for you to plan and deploy your trainees on exercises as you develop them as the newest members of the Corps. These skills make you invaluable for future units and assist in demonstrating your leadership ability.

Sport. Sport is a huge part of Army life and, at 8 Trg Bn, you are actively encouraged to partake at every opportunity. Currently, weekly sports parades see over 30 different sports conducted and permanent staff are encouraged to become sport OICs to drive sporting opportunity for trainees and Members of Permanent Staff staff alike. The Bn enjoys great during the Basra 20 CRARRV pull sporting success in everything from skiing, rugby, and swimming to motocross, clay shooting and powerlifting.

Adventurous training and expeditions. Life at 8 Trg Bn is busy by its nature, making AT and expeditions even more important as they offer chances to decompress and make full use of the Army offer. Members of permanent staff are encouraged and supported to organise and deploy on AT; with recent excursions including multi-activity weeks, an offroad adventure motorcycling expedition, as well as the Cyprus running challenge and a team deploying to the Nijmegen marches in the Netherlands.

Life as a member of Permanent Staff at 8Trg Bn is in equal parts challenging and rewarding. There are roles available for Cpl to WO1. If you are interested, please ensure MTI is on your SJAR and a recommendation is in the potential paragraph of the narrative. For 8 Trg Bn to fulfil its mission and provide the Field Army with the best possible REME soldiers, it requires emotionally intelligent, professional, motivated, dynamic, and capable leaders to mentor and shape our trainees into the next generation of tradespeople.

Members of the Bn enjoying the sun on an overseas golf tour to Cyprus

Members of the Bn enjoying the sun in Crete whilst deployed on a Battlefield Study

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REME Institution

REME Institution Royal Reception, Windsor Castle T he REME Institution Royal Reception was held in Windsor Castle on Thursday 21 September 2023 and was attended by around 560 past or present REME officers and their guests. Our Colonel-in-Chief, HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh GCVO, was also in attendance.

The REME Institution first held a Royal Reception in 1975 at St James’ Palace. The Corps was honoured that HRH The Prince Philip attended this event. A second Reception was held in Buckingham Palace in 1992 which was again attended by our Colonel-in-Chief HRH The Prince Philip. Thereafter, both the REME Institution and HRH The Prince Philip undertook to continue hosting Receptions quinquennially. Our last Royal Reception was held in 2018, at Buckingham Palace, and was hosted by HRH Prince Michael of Kent on behalf of HRH The Prince Philip. HRH Prince Michael of Kent also has a special relationship with the Corps; our first Colonel-in-Chief being his mother HRH Princess Marina, The Duchess of Kent.

You may be familiar with the Princess Marina Brooch which is currently on display in the REME Museum.

Our Master General, Major General David Eastman MBE welcomed our Colonel-in-Chief to

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the event and presented HRH to the members of the Corps Council and their guests who were also in attendance. Thereafter HRH was escorted through the Windsor Castle State Rooms and presented to a wide array of REME Institution members by Colonel REME, Colonel Jason Phillips ADC and Equerry, Captain Paige Welsh. Those presented to The Duchess of Edinburgh included serving and retired officers of the Corps, young and old, as well as all 14 of the officers who were commissioned at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in August this year, just a month earlier.

The Royal Reception itself was planned and organised by the Corps Secretary staff in the REME Regimental Headquarters on behalf of the REME Institution. In truth this means the bulk of the work fell to Miss Rachael Murphy and Major (Retd) Geoff Beaumont. Its’ success therefore was almost entirely down to their hard work and diligence. We look forward to the next Quinquennial REME Institution Royal Reception in 2028.

Photographs by Theodore Wood / Royal Palaces

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Challenges

Trailwalker Scribe: Capt C Paton

ACFC/ALDP Team prior to the start of the race. From left to right Capt Paton, Sgt Ninglekhu, Sgt Rai, Sgt Gurung

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railwalker is a unique 100km challenge organised by the Gurkha Welfare Trust Charity, in collaboration with the Queen’s Gurkha Signals Regiment. Over 250 military and civilian teams, each consisting of four participants, take on the challenge of completing the physically and mentally demanding course within the 30-hour limit. Starting in Queen Elizabeth Country Park and finishing at the Brighton Horseracing Course, teams have to endure and conquer the punishing landscape of

the South Downs.

At this year’s event, two teams from the REME Arms School took on the 100km challenge. Teams from the ACFC/ALDP Permanent Staff and students from the MSEC(L) Course were recruited to take on the challenge and to raise money for the charity that supports Gurkha Veterans and their families in Nepal.

The challenge takes participants over demanding terrain, up steep hills which would make a mountain goat feel sick and along rugged South Down trails, testing their physical fitness and mental fortitude. Furthermore, teams have to plan their refuelling strategy, demonstrate good personal footcare and navigate through the 10 check points; over half the teams will have to manage throughout the night.

Challenges like Trailwalker are not taken on lightly and require a high-level of dedication, good time management and personal sacrifice. Leading up to the event, the ACFC/ALDP team were hugely supported by the CofC who allowed the team to train together in order to prepare themselves for the challenge. However, the MSEC(L) were not so fortunate as they were last minute substitutes for the RHQ REME team who had to withdraw due to several ACFC/ALDP Team with their support crew on the finishing podium. From left to right injuries. Thankfully, for them, the – Sgt Subba, Capt Paton, Sgt Gurung, Sgt Rai, Sgt Ninglekhu, Lt Col Naylor and Sgt Shahi

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MSEC(L) team were ‘well hydrated’ after attending the REME Institution Royal Reception earlier that week.

Throughout the challenge, teams are supported by their mandated support crews. These support crews are responsible for providing their teams with essential supplies such as food, water, spare clothing, and medical aid. They offer encouragement, motivation, and emotional support to their exhausted colleagues; boosting their morale during their dark moments. The support crew’s expertise in logistics and navigation is instrumental for a team’s optimal performance and could ultimately lead to the demise of the team’s challenge.

With teams of four participants and their support crew, Trailwalker requires many of the attributes that we demand from our officers and soldiers such as physical robustness, detailed communication and a high-level of resilience. However, what Trailwalker definitely requires and develops is the “three ships” – leadership, fellowship and team-ship; for the strength of the pack is the wolf and the strength of the wolf is the pack.

After amassing over 130,000 steps, expending over 9,000 calories, consuming countless energy gels/bars and under a blanket of darkness, both teams successfully crossed the finishing line. They equipped themselves extremely well by posting very creditable timings, ACFC/ALDP – 13hrs 15mins (14th military team overall) and the MSEC(L) – 16hrs 30mins. Despite being physically and mentally exhausted, both teams and their

support crews had huge smiles on their faces as they enjoyed a traditional Nepalese Curry.

The Trailwalker is an outstanding and professionally coordinated event. It supports and raises money for the wonderful work carried out by the Gurkha Welfare Trust Charity; which supports the trusts vital work in Nepal, ensuring Gurkha Veterans, their widows, and their wider communities are able to live with dignity. Both teams raised in excess of £1,200 for this very worthwhile and important cause which made all the blisters, aching muscles and the blood, sweat and tears endured during the challenge, all the more meaningful. Therefore, if you are looking for a challenge for 2024, then I can highly recommend Trailwalker 2024

MSEC(L) Team on the finishing podium

People’s Stories

AFC Harrogate Graduation Parade Scribe: Major Jim Docherty

C

fn Alfie Docherty graduated from Harrogate on the 10th Aug 23. Cfn Docherty is about to commence Phase 2 training to become an Aircraft Technician. We wish him the best of luck in his new and exciting career.

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REME News

REME Corps Memorial Service – 28 September 2023 Scribe: Lt Hasan Kayani

O

n 28 September 2023, 5 Battalion REME attended the National Memorial Arboretum to celebrate and commemorate those who have served in the 82 years since the formation of the REME. The service took place in the splendour of the Arboretum and the Corps ASM brought serving members to attention; ready for the Padre to deliver the service.

Veterans and serving soldiers enjoyed watching the Standard Bearers taking their place to the tune of Lillibullero. Subsequently, 5 Battalion REME marched past the REME Corps memorial, which commemorates all members of the Corps since its formation in 1942. The Corps Colonel shared the excellent achievements across the Corps over the last 12 months and provided a view of what we have to look forward to.

All from 5 Battalion REME enjoyed the day, and were proudly reminded of the REME family we are all a part of.

Arte et Marte

28 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

MoD Lyneham News

Junior Ranks Club goes live!

O

n Monday 18th September 2023, Commandant DSEME and Head of Establishment of MOD Lyneham Col Paul Johnson, cut the ribbon at the official opening ceremony of The Chalk Horse, the MOD Lyneham Junior Ranks’ Club. The renovation of The Chalk Horse is part of MOD Lyneham’s ongoing efforts to improve and modernise the many different facilities for all those who live and work on site.

Col Johnson said, “I am delighted to open The Chalk Horse. Our Junior Soldiers, Aviators and Royal Marines are a vital component of our team here at Lyneham and their wellbeing and welfare is our priority.

We have previously invested in establishing an eSports suite and will soon have an upgraded cinema too. These fantastic new facilities at The Chalk Horse are a very welcome improvement and we hope to be offering some first-class entertainment here soon, such as live music and karaoke evenings. I sincerely hope that our people come and enjoy all that it has to offer.”

The Chalk Horse gives the Junior Ranks their own special social hub and the chance to relax and unwind, together. Not only does it include a shop, bar and fabulous food service it also houses a cinema, and a wide range of leisure facilities including pool tables, table football, darts board and table tennis.

This refurbished and refreshed space provides a welcoming and relaxing environment for all Junior Ranks, of all cap badges.

Col Mick Patey, SO1 Garrison Support Unit, who led on the project said, “The opening of the Chalk Horse delivers an excellent facility for all the workforce on MOD Lyneham.

The investment by ESS and the Garrison has delivered a project that everyone should be proud of. The project has been a genuine collaborative effort; coming on the back of the global pandemic, significant foresight, determination and stamina has been applied to ensure that we have come a long way in the last two years to improve the retail and leisure options on site.

The Chalk Horse and Pizza Si franchise follows on from the substantial revamp of the Community Store in 2022. However, we are not sitting on our laurels and stopping there, further investment will continue within the building with further refurbishments planned for the cinema and welfare facilities and then we will move onto other areas on site such as the retail offer in the Brunel Building.

I’m enthused with the output of this renovation project, it has been long overdue and despite numerous challenges, the journey to deliver the Chalk Horse has been worth all the hard work and toil. I now hope that all the workforce comes and enjoys the facility.”

Col Paul Johnson and Paul Maddox, ESS General Manager MOD Lyneham, officially open The Chalk Horse

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REME Association

Potteries & District September 2023 Newsletter Scribe: Maurice Hope Photos by John Hubbett & John Edwards

S

aturday the 2nd saw eight REME Veterans come together at The Weathervane in Meir for the monthly “North Staff’s REME Breakfast Club”, to enjoy a hearty meal and indulge in the type of banter that only they would understand. Numerous apologies were received as people were taking a well-deserved late holiday, now that children were back to school, and Grandparents can resume their own lives again.

Following our visit to introduce ourselves and the Branch on the 30th August, to the newly appointed Labour City Council Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Desiree Elliott (an ex Wren from fifty years ago), both Lt Col Edwards and myself have been co-opted onto the City Council’s Armed Forces Covenant Committee. We have no idea what is involved, but at least we should get a few useful contacts which will be of benefit to the Branch.

The Branch held its monthly lunch event on Tuesday 12th, with a revisit to one of our favourite dining venues, “The Ship Inn” between Cheadle and Tean in the Staffordshire Moorlands, where all fifteen attending enjoyed an excellent meal and friendly get together.

Cheadle is the home to St Giles Catholic Church which opened to worshipers in 1846 and is referred to as “Pugin’s Gem”, having been built by possibly the nation’s greatest architect Augustus Pugin (1812 -1852).

At our monthly Branch meeting, held on Tuesday 26th, we were pleased to welcome back into the fold Peter Tighe who joined the branch Keith Emery originally in 2003 and

carried our Standard for a good number of years before losing interest. No one remains in the Branch that remembers him, so it is like having a brand-new member joining us. Peter is a regular member of the North Staffs REME Breakfast club which is where we managed to poach him from.

Thursday 28th saw a number of our Branch members attend the annual Corps day at the National Memorial Arboretum; with our Branch Standard being carried for the first time by Keith Emery and a fine job he made of it. Our regular Standard Bearer Gil Mould was away sea fishing in Whitby.

Our Branch Patron Major General John Henderson CB was present, which gave us the opportunity to meet him for the first time, where he confirmed his attendance at our October Branch meeting on Tuesday 24th. This meeting will allow him to meet the Branch members prior to attending our Christmas Dinner on Saturday November 25th.

Joan Hubbert shows off her raffle prize

Patron and President

30 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Branch Secretary Brian and Veronica Billings

The REME Cross Country Championships will be held at Tidworth and Bulford Garrison on Wed 15 November 2023 Venue – Tidworth & Bulford Range Road Cost – £6.00 per person Timings – 1330hrs Race Start

Further information can be sought from the REME Secretary Maj Mike Lovell on michael.lovell534@mod.gov.uk Race entry link: https://racesignup.co.uk/site/event.php?eventid=3722

BE RECOGNISED BE REWARDED

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Gain professional al registration r sttration as regis an EngTech, IEng ng orr C CE CEng Eng throu through ugh a route specifically a y desi ally d des designed siigned for REME personnel. nnell.

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Exercise

VJTF(L) CSS Interoperability Visit to Spain 19-21 Sep 23 Scribe: Capt N Moorey

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ecently a team from 1REME and 6 RLC conducted a VJTF(L) CSS Interoperability visit to the Spanish Army Guzman El Bueno 10th Brigade in Cerro Muriano, Cordoba, Spain. The team consisted of Maj Wilks (MI Spanish LO), Capt Dixon (BTO), WO1 Large (Bn ASM), WO2 Fitzmaurice (WORM), LCpl Anderson (4 Coy VM) along with Capt Plimmer (RLC) and SSgt Markham (RLC) focusing on Spanish ES capabilities – Maintenance, Recovery, Repair and Logistics.

Like ourselves, the Spanish Army will deploy Forces in support of VJTF(L).

They are committed to a number of training exercises including Ex BRILLIANT JUMP, where we expect to work alongside our partners.

Understanding how they operate, what equipment they operate with, the availability of resources as well as key concerns; will provide us with valuable information for when formulating a plan of how we could maximise our interoperability effectiveness.

During the visit we were introduced to our ES, Artillery, Engineer, and Air Defence counterparts. We identified that despite the obvious differences with equipment, the Spanish Forces operate similarly to ourselves. ES is delivered by a dedicated, trained WF who conduct repair/maintenance using familiar techniques and processes, and to the same level as a typical REME Bn. Although we did not have sight of how our hosts operate in the field, it is reasonable to assume that organic ES deploys and operates similar to our own, as we were introduced to ES SP working within the Artillery and Engr Unit establishments. It appears that the Spanish Army do not operate with an Off-Platform Repair (OPR) capability instead relying on well-resourced Primary Eqpt Packs (PEP) to sustain mission effect forward. ST&E, LRE and general tooling used, also appears similar to our own. It was difficult to establish if we could share/provide ES Mat items due to the unfamiliarity with Spanish equipment however, metric measurement expense items could be shared. Deployable repair facilities 32 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

such as, mobile tyre changing, hose repair capability and power pack run up, were not seen, however, main Wksp’s were equipped to conduct associated repairs.

The Spanish will operate a number of heavily armoured tracked vehicles such as Leopard 2A6 (c70t) and Pizarro (c26t) when deployed. We were informed that the most common reported fault across the tracked vehicle platforms related to the running gear, in particular torsion bar failure.

The Spanish confirmed that they faced similar challenges with ES Mat procurement.

Recovery is provided by 2x Tracked Recovery variants, BUFFALO and CREC M47, these will be provided in small numbers. They do not possess a wheeled recovery asset and rely on self-recovery at peer to peer level using straight bar/A frame and vehicle mounted winches.

For longer distance recovery they utilise a flat rack (EPLS) style vehicle. It has been assessed that from a recovery prospectus, the SVR could offer in depth support for almost all of the B vehicle fleet that was presented, this would also include a towing capability for the M109 artillery and Pizarro vehicles.

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Exercise

Ex CROSSED KEYS Scribe: Capt JA Linnell

A break with a view

2Lt Forrester Exercise Coordinator

2

FS Bn recently ran a patrol exercise on Otterburn training area. The exercise saw 5 teams undertake a 45km patrol from Otterburn Camp around the edge of the training area, across tough terrain and water crossings, participating in a number of challenging command tasks along the way.

They stepped off across the late afternoon/early evening and arrived in the middle of the afternoon the next day in glorious sunshine after a particularly cold and windy night. This exercise proved quite the challenge for many of the exercising troops, with plenty of grit and determination shown by all those who completed the patrol as the majority had never undertaken a challenge of this magnitude before. We intend to run similar exercises going forward as the benefits and need of a challenge like this were highlighted to us, and I would recommend it to other units.

LCpl Campbell Participant Perspective

M

A section summiting the last check point

34 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

y team set off from Otterburn camp at 1900hrs which worked in our advantage as we, initially, were navigating in daylight. At this point, morale was high within my team despite most not having carried such weight in their kit before over such a distance. Conversation swiftly went bleak once it had turned dark, but we powered on through each command task and completed each of them well, allowing the newer craftsmen to command one each to give them an insight into what they might find on their ALDPs. It was only around after the 25km point, roughly 0200, that half of my team found themselves struggling with the patrol, and despite a short rest in the early hours of the morning they couldn’t continue.

Obviously, this wasn’t ideal for the few of us

that remained, but we got our kit on and carried on towards our next checkpoint. We only remained a smaller team for a short period as we were combined with another group who also had people that couldn’t continue. By this point, the morning daylight had come back up which made the navigation far easier, however the route for the remainder of the patrol was considerably more difficult than the start, paths and roads quickly turned off-road, and we began traversing hills. It was then that everyone collectively began to struggle and everything became a mental game to make sure you and those around you just kept plodding along. Morale had dropped but everyone could see the A section attempting a hands-on command task in the early hours finish line within grasp so continued and often taking lead on the command tasks. All in all, I think it was a on together. It was a huge relief once we all reached the end but it very good experience for 2 Battalion and for the soldiers who took was also definitely an achievement and arguably one of the most part. An exercise like this keeps soldiers on top of some of their basic physically demanding things I personally have done. Overall, it was infantry skills and demonstrates what is expected in a hierarchy to great to get experience in carrying heavier weight over further the junior soldiers who are looking to move into the next rank. distance something that we don’t do much of within the battalion and a strong chance for Juniors to show or in times, enhance their own leadership skills which can only benefit the battalion.

LCpl Laidlaw DS perspective

A

s the teams set off, we gave the troops grids and checked that they were happy plotting them and taking bearings to the first checkpoint. As the exercise went on, it was good to see that the troops were still going strong and keeping the morale high in the sections that they were in. For a battalion with a lot of junior members who hadn’t tackled something like this before (especially over so much distance) with quite an amount of weight on their back, they did really well. Though my own command task stand was one of the last stands for the troops to tackle, morale was still very high, and it was good to see that they were still laughing and joking.

It was also good to see the Craftsmen amongst the sections sometimes taking lead and navigating the more senior guys around

A cerebral command task on a windy summit

Final descent

A cosy setup for one of the high up check points

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REME Sport

8 Training Battalion REME Field Hockey Scribe: Captain S Ratcliffe

Tri Service Champions

W

hen 8 Training Battalion REME played their first friendly match against Swindon Town, a civilian team, in July 2022, they lost 1-0. A disappointing game with plenty to work on even though most of the players were at a high standard. Over the next two months, the main focus was teamwork, not individual skills as the ability to act as a team on the pitch and to predict each other’s movements was paramount over a player’s individual ability.

League

Cfn Byles outsmarts the Navy with an underarm pass

8 Trg Bn entered into the UK South Division Army Cup which ran in Aldershot with the first league games played in September 2022. 8 Trg Bn won every game, starting off the season at the top of the league. Each month a new competition day is conducted, adding points to the table to eventually determine which major units qualify for the Quarter Finals. The final league table can be seen on this page, but it is noted that over 18 games played by 8 Trg Bn had only 1 loss for the entire season, resulting in a 52 point clear lead.

South League - Semi Finals / Finals A bye through to the semi-finals saw 8 Trg Bn vs 7 Avn Sp Bn. Despite 7 Avn Sp Bn having some great players and the game being more than friendly, 8 Trg Bn came away with a 7-0 Win and were through to the finals. The last time that 8 Trg Bn reached this stage was 2016 and were runners up behind Army HQ and now, one again, Army HQ stood in our way.

The game started relatively evenly, with no

Capt Ratcliffe scores sending the keeper the wrong way

Cfn Stocker sends a long pass down the wing 36 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

LCpl Rawlings shows everyone how it’s done

2022/23 Season Stats Games Played

24

Wins

17

Losses

1

Draws

6

Goals Scored

98

Goals Conceded

18

2Lt Homan stands guard, seeing off every challenge against the Navy goals in the first 10 mins of the game but as the younger, fitter trainees on the 8 Trg Bn side, settled into it, the team play took over.

Passes between Army HQ players were consistent and accurate, working the ball up the pitch. Substitutes on the side-line, itching to get on the pitch and inject more pace into the game, encouraged those playing.

Final score: 8-0 to 8 Trg Bn REME! Army Champions at last.

Tri Service Major Unit Cup Traveling to RAF Halton, the Bn now faced the Major Unit winners from the RAF and Navy. In the first game against HMS Yeovil, 8 Trg Bn came out fighting. They overwhelmed the Navy winning 14 - 0 with every single player on top form.

Next was the RAF. 8 Trg Bn after a pep talk, considered this next game would be against their toughest opponents so far.

Starting the strongest 11 players from the off, 8 Trg Bn quickly made their presence known, scoring after only 3 mins. With Cfn Malltezi scoring 9 throughout the game, 8 Trg Bn ended on a winning score of 20 - 3. 8 Trg Bn, for the first time, became the 8 BN REME Tri Service Major Unit Cup Champions.

As the final whistle went on the season, 8 Trg Bn were Army HQ victorious, carrying the Silver and glassware back to Lyneham to be displayed with pride.

7 REME In the end, the consistency of the team and the bond created won the day. Every individual player brought something to the table and a variety of skill levels but each bought into the team 42 ENGRS ethos. A massive congratulations to each and every player 9 RLC representing 8 Trg Bn REME. Thank you to Cpl Jack Hillier for organising the League.

17 P&M 5 REME

Cfn Malltezi, top goal scorer, lifts the Tri Service Trophy

Lt Hutson goes in for the kill

League Table South Div Cup GP

W

D

L

GF

GA

GD

PTS

18

13

6

1

49

15

34

52

21

10

3

8

47

24

23

44

14

7

3

4

27

35

-8

31

16

6

3

7

27

22

8

31

21

7

5

9

33

39

-6

40

12

1

1

10

3

39

-36

5

5

2

1

2

6

7

-1

10

Sgt Sehmi avoids the attack

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 37

REME Sport

HQ RC, Land Equipment Audit Team (LEAT) Southwest (SW) Sea Fishing Scribe: Sgt M Thompson

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n Friday 22 September, members of LEAT SW boarded the San Gina in Swanage Dorset for an afternoon of sea fishing, in changeable weather and seas that were to prove a challenge to SSgt Banks. This was a rare opportunity to get the team together outside of the work environment and was gratefully funded through Commanding Officers Public Fund (COPF) and REME Adventurous

SSgt Craig Sherwin (REME Corps Fishing member and resident expert) showing the team how it’s done

Capt Lee Smith with a Bass

38 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

and Enterprising Activities Committee (RAEAC).

The fishing trip started out slowly, with the team attempting to catch some mackerel, intended to be used as bait for bigger fish.

After a catch of two small bait, the boat advanced to deeper water along more changeable weather and seas. There, the fish started biting, and some of the team members got lucky pulling in a myriad of different species.

This fun event ended with a presentation, with SSgt Colin Banks, despite fighting seasickness, winning the most caught with 6 and a half fish. Sgt Michael Thompson pulling out the biggest fish, SSgt Craig Sherwin with a catch of the smallest fish and both WO1 (ASM) Mark Collins & Sgt Mark Webb winning(?) the least caught, with a grand total of 0 fish (it’s the taking part that counts).

The activity was enjoyed by all offering some relief from an otherwise busy schedule and an opportunity to experience something outside of the norm.

A chance to do something different exists, along with multiple funding streams available for those that seek it out.

SSgt Colin Banks with the ‘Most Caught’ trophy

Sgt Michael Thompson with the ‘Catch of the Day’

WO1 (ASM) Fazeel Yassin with a Conger Eel

Are you in the REME and interested in playing Basketball?

To register your interest contact SSgt Cole: Daniel.Cole614@mod.gov.uk

Upcoming training dates (Tidworth Leisure Centre) 12-13 Sept 23 • 16-17 Oct 23 • 27-28 Nov 23

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REME Sport

REME BOXING OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2023 – Hosted by 7 Avn SP Bn REME Scribe: Capt G Burdon

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s current REME Boxing Champions, 7 Avn Sp Bn REME were requested to host the REME Boxing Open Championships 2023 over the period of 15 - 18 May 23 at Wattisham Flying Station; with the finals evening being held on Thu 18 May 23.

The aim of the competition was to deliver an exciting evening of amateur Boxing, exhibiting the core values of selfless commitment, courage, discipline and respect for others in order to enhance

Military Ethos within the Corps.

Over recent years the rallying cry for REME Boxing has been subdued, with stacked FOEs, additional commitments and COVID-19 all playing their part. It was the Battalion’s intent to roll back the years and make 2023 a ‘marquee event’ and hopefully cement a place for the REME Boxing Championships as a ‘must attend’ evening in the Corps calendar. To achieve our goal, we needed buy-in across the Corps which we thankfully received.

A special thank you must go out to the sponsors CARWOOD, L4 Teamwear and Forces Mutual, without whose financial support the event could never have taken place. The officials and medical staff who without them giving up their own personal time the sport of

Corps Colours 1: WO2(AQMS) C McKendry receiving Corps Colours from the Corps Colonel

Corps Colours 2: SSgt R Douthwaite receiving Corps Colours from the Corps Colonel

Entrance: LCpl Lincoln-Francis appearing through the entrance smoke 40 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Corps Colours 3: Sgt L Jones receiving Corps Colours from the Corps Colonel

Boxing could not continue. Last but by no means least, to the REME Boxing Committee whose guidance, selfless commitment and total professionalism allowed the whole competition to flow without fault. This was recognised during the event by the Corps Colonel presenting three members of the committee their Corps Colours for their dedication to the sport of Boxing and the Corps: • WO2(AQMS) Chris McKendry – REME Boxing Secretary • SSgt Ryan ‘Red’ Douthwaite – REME Boxing Coach • Sgt Liam Jones – REME Boxing Head Coach On to the champions and the warriors from the night with all Boxers epitomising the Corps motto, ‘Arte et Marte’, every bout showing it in abundance. The finals evening bout order (shown right): Best Boxer was awarded to Cpl Weldon, 1REME Most Gallant Boxer was awarded to Cpl Haynes, 7REME Some retorts from the Boxing and team winning head coach…

RED

Weight

BLUE

(w) LCpl Lorja, 1Mercian

Heavyweight

Sgt Pine, 7REME

Cpl Wolfendale, 21Engr LAD

Lightweight

(w) Cfn Kaminski, 8REME

Cfn Ellis, 13AASR

Light Welterweight

(w) Cfn Griffiths, 8REME

LCpl Deamer, 7REME

Welterweight

(w) Cfn Martin, 8REME

(w) Cpl Weldon, 1REME

Light Middleweight Cfn Palmer, 1SG LAD

Cfn Langton, 13AASR

Lightweight

(w) Cfn Worster, 8REME

(w) Air Tpr Andrews, 4AAC

Middleweight

Cpl Haynes, 7REME

Cfn Rickards, 4REME

Middleweight

(w) Pte Edwards, 7REME

Cfn Mowles, 1REME

Light Heavyweight

(w) LCpl Lincoln Francis, 7REME

Cfn Williams, 13AASR

Cruiserweight

(w) Cfn Hamilton, 4REME

Cpl Haynes – Most Gallant Boxer Having previously watched the REME champs, I decided I wanted to give it a go. I haven’t had to take or throw a punch prior to this, so starting with two left feet, no skills, and no experience was tough for me. After the first few sessions, it became apparent Boxing wasn’t just a brawl, and every punch thrown had to be with timing and precision. The Boxing event was something else with a great atmosphere. Unlike anything I’ve experienced before. 6 minutes you’re in the ring goes so quickly and it’s tough both physically and

mentally. After sharing the ring with a tough opponent and battling it out in what I’m told was a close bout, I was over the moon to be awarded Most Gallant Boxer.

Light Welterweight: Cfn Ellis (left) & Crn Griffiths (right) Lightweight: Cfn Kaminski (left) & Cpl Wolfendale (right)

Cruiserweight: Cfn Williams (left) & Cfn Hamilton (right)

Middleweight: Cfn Rickards (left) & Pte Edwards (right)

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Female Light Featherweight: Cfn Langton (left) & Cfn Worster (right)

LCpl Lincoln-Francis – Light Heavyweight REME Champion Best Boxer : Cpl Weldon receiving his award for Best Boxer

Boxing has been a big surprise for me and has come out of nowhere as I’ve never tried the sport before or had any means to start.

However, after getting injured in Corps Football, I needed a substitute sport to keep myself fit so I thought I’d give it a go. I started training in January, trained for around 2 months, and was then asked to represent 7 Battalion in the REME Corps Championships; ultimately winning in the final. Since then, I’ve loved it, and have built up a massive passion for the sport. I have been asked to represent the REME Corps Boxing team and I’m due to compete against the RAF in Cyprus; which I’m very excited about.

Going forwards, I would love to get a few more bouts, gain more skills and experience, compete in the REME Corps Championships again, then take part in next year’s Army Individuals.

LCpl Brewer – 7REME Head Coach

Light Heavyweight: LCpl Lincoln-Francis (left) & Cfn Mowles (right)

After winning the 2022 REME Corps Championships, I knew that there would be pressure to win again, and even more so since 7 Battalion would be hosting the 2023 event. Training was tough, and we hit some hurdles along the way, but with the support of the Battalion, my coaching staff, and of course the hard work and dedication from the Boxers, we managed to deliver a good training camp. 2023 marks the third consecutive time we’ve won the REME Corps championships, and the second consecutive year that we’ve finished the season with Army individual finalists and champions. As far as Boxing goes within the Army, 7 Battalion are relatively new to the scene and a lot of hard work has gone into establishing a

Team WFS: 7REME and AAC Boxers trained by Head Coach LCpl Brewer (far right)

42 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Most Gallant Boxer: Cpl Hayes (left) in action prior to receiving the award for ‘Most Gallant Boxer’ permanent Boxing setup at Wattisham. Having won silverware at every competition so far, we’ve gotten off to an excellent start. It’s been an absolute privilege to have led the team and I’m proud of the success that the Boxers have brought to the Battalion and Wattisham Flying Station.

The dedication and commitment required to prepare for such an event cannot be underestimated. Displays of courage, strength and stamina are all traits which embody Boxers and soldiers alike. The Corps is fortunate to boast some extremely experienced Coaches who give up their time to ensure our Boxers are given the best possible chance to succeed. Please support your Boxers; your authority to allow them to train coupled with your support and attendance at events speaks volumes to your soldiers who sacrifice blood, sweat and tears competing.

I hope all those that were able to attend will agree it was a fantastic night of REME Boxing. The finals were action packed, with 7 Avn Sp Bn retaining their title as REME Team Champions by the finest of margins, making it three in a row. Roll on 2024 where the finals will return to Lyneham, the home of the Corps and REME Boxing. I hope to see as many of you there as possible, AeM.

Light Middleweight: Cpl Weldon (left) & Cfn Palmer (right)

Team Winners: Lt Col M Jones, CO 7REME receiving the Team Winners shield from the Corps Col

Welterweight Winner: Cfn Martin hand raised as REME Welterweight Champion

Competitor Photo: The VIPs and Boxers posing for the final photo in the competition ring

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Obituaries Colin Davison Spencer

Ex WO1 (ASM) Brian Clements

Scribe: Ian Spencer

Scribe: Major (Retired) J Plumb

Colin Davison Spencer (born 19th January 1923), a former WWII REME Veteran passed away on 18th August 2023 at the Morton Grange nursing home in Derbyshire at the grand old age of 100 years and 7 months.

Colin was proud to have served in the REME, he was called up in March 1942 at the age of 19, joining the LAD 1 0 7 t h Re g i m e n t R AO C a t We s t g a t e i n K e n t w h i c h subsequently reorganised into the REME. The Regiment followed the Tank Regiment post D-day into France, Belgium, Holland and Germany before ending the war at a German Submarine base on the Denmark border.

Like many war Veterans, he was reluctant to talk about his wartime experiences.

He leaves behind his Wife of 64 years, Catherine Spencer and two Sons Neil and Ian. Colin Davison Spencer

I have to advise that my Step Father-in-law, Ex WO1 (ASM) Brian Clements, passed away on 29th September 2023. Brian was born in Kent in 1935 and spent his school years there before joining the Army as an Apprentice at Arborfield, intake 50B, and trained as an Instrument Technician. On completion of his trade training he was posted to Donnington, but not being particularly happy there, he volunteered to go to Korea in 1954. After Korea he was notified of a posting to Cyprus. He applied for Artificer Training and after passing selection he attended a 23-month course which was part of his trade conversion to Electrics, Instruments & Radio (now known as Avionics). On completion he was posted to Middle Wallop and then moved to 71 Aircraft Workshop REME in Detmold in 1966.

Life in Germany was rewarded with an unaccompanied tour to Sharjah in 1970, which was to last for 9 months as he had an R&R break in the middle. He returned to a First Line unit in Netheravon before being promoted to WO1 and posted to Aircraft Branch REME at Middle Wallop. Brian specialised in the Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wireless-guided (TOW) missile system and continued serving on the Long Service List at Aircraft Branch until his retirement in 1980. With his detailed knowledge of the TOW system he became the resident Civilian Instructor at Aircraft Engineering Training Wing until his return to Aircraft Branch where he remained until his final retirement in 1995.

After his retirement Brian continued his personal interest in Archaeology and was a volunteer at the Andover Museum. He spent the remainder of his life at the family home in Andover before ill heath meant his moving to a nursing home for the last two years of his life. He leaves behind children Debbie and Michael and Grandchildren Katie and Max.

Colin, left, with a friend

Brian in front of a Sioux helicopter - he spent most of his career in support of Army Aviation

Colin (right) pictured with his friends

44 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

CFN Jason Power is looking for any photos from his time in REME, he served 1988-1994.

If you have any photos of Jason please email the Editor, all photos will passed on.

Death Notices November 2023 FLEMING – Brigadier (Ret’d) Bryan Fleming passed away on 28th September 2023, aged 84. He served with the Corps between 19591991.

HILTON – Ex SSgt Brian Hilton passed away on 14th September, aged 86. Served with the Corps between 1954-1977.

MALONE – Former Sgt Gerry Malone Tels Tech, passed away on 7th August 2023 aged 91. He was a Boy Apprentice, joining AAS Arborfield in 1947. Dates of service 1947-1958.

WALKER – Former SSgt Reginald (Reg) Walker passed away on 25th August 2023, aged 84. Joined the Corps in 1954 and served 29 years.

WOULD – Cpl Luke Would, passed away on 16th September 2023 aged 34. Serving with the Corps from 2007.

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

We need you Friendship Stories!

Have you formed life-long or lasting friendships at REME? Are you REME friends like family?

The REME Charity The Trustees of The REME Charity acknowledge with sincere thanks the donations received during the month of SEPTEMBER 2023. They also wish to acknowledge the regular subscriptions received from the Officers and Soldiers of the Corps and retired members of the REME Institution:

12/09/2023 12/09/2023 14/09/2023 14/09/2023

From Amount In memory of David Paterson . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£46.25 In memory of Gerry Malone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£25.00 Margaret Purdham in memory of Victor Purdham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£150.00 Steve Budge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£10.00 Date sent to Craftsman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .02/10/2023 Total Donations Sep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£231.25 Total £’s paid in Grants Sep . . . . . . . . . . . . .£37,262.55 No. Grants Sep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 Average Grant Sep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£716.59

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

In celebration of National Friendship Day, we will be telling the stories of friendships formed within the REME Family.

Whether you are a Retired, Reserve or Regular, we want to hear your stories (and include a photo!)

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

Want your… News Events Info on social media?

Send you stories, photos and videos to: katie.tarbard324@mod.gov.uk

The Corps Communications Team Are you emailing the right person?

The Craftsman Magazine Editor CraftsmanEditor@reme-rhq.org.uk The Digital Media Manager (Temporary) Katie.Tarbard324@mod.gov.uk Change of postal address Subscriptions@reme-rhq.org.uk Submissions (Digital and Print) remerhq-comms-groupmailbox@mod.gov.uk Other Communications and Media requests remerhq-comms-groupmailbox@mod.gov.uk

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

London Gazette 19th SEPTEMBER REGULAR ARMY Regular Commissions Lieutenant Colonel N. K. STACE 527170 retires 17 June 2023 Regular Commissions (Late Entry) Major D. A. RISDALE 24757663 retires 12 June 2023 Intermediate Regular Commissions Captain L. S. WILSON 30201489 retires 24 June 2023 Short Service Commissions Captain F. E. CAMPBELL 30244673 retires 16 June 2023 Captain P. G. ASPINALL 30201406 retires 24 June 2023 Captain J. C. GOLDING 30201449 retires 24 June 2023

26th SEPTEMBER REGULAR ARMY Regular Commissions (Late Entry) Major J. A. MCHUGH 24781290 to be Lieutenant Colonel 26 June 2023 Short Service Commissions Officer Cadet Charles James CREELMAN 30297888 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 12 August 2023 Officer Cadet Maximilian Philip HETREED 30329170 from The Royal

Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 12 August 2023 Officer Cadet Oliver HYETT 30392528 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 12 August 2023 Officer Cadet Sara IBRAR 30246244 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 12 August 2023 Officer Cadet William James KINNERSLEY 30329185 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 12 August 2023 Officer Cadet Kelvin Chai Hin LEE 30327253 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 12 August 2023 Officer Cadet Ruaraidh Jack Morgan OLIVER 30395825 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 12 August 2023 Officer Cadet Emlyn Rhys OWEN 30397309 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 12 August 2023 Officer Cadet Scott Nicholas PILLINGER 30327584 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 12 August 2023 Officer Cadet Alfie TODD 30327270 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 12 August 2023 Officer Cadet Dara Singh UTTING 30329440 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 12 August 2023 Officer Cadet Patrick George WAITE 30396367 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 12 August 2023 Officer Cadet Jude WHALE 30327273 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 12 August 2023 Officer Cadet James Henry WHITELY 30327399 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 12 August 2023

3rd OCTOBER No entries

10th OCTOBER

The REME Christian Network connects serving Christians throughout their REME career.

Please email benjamin.crompton-allison100@mod.gov.uk or tiaan.deklerk101@mod.gov.uk to sign up and get involved!

1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

46 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

REGULAR ARMY Regular Commissions Lieutenant Colonel B. T. BURKE MBE 533041 retires 2 May 2023 Intermediate Regular Commissions (Late Entry) Captain H. C. MIDGLEY 25088060 retires 22 May 2023

Officer Assignments November 2023 Name Unit Assigned to Date of Assignment Lieutenant Colonel WATERSTON DAJ 3 UK Div - SO1 CSS 06-Nov-23 Major – No entries Captain – No entries Lieutenant CLARKE S 1 CS BN REME 4 COY - SO3 PERS OPS OFFICER 30-Nov-23 LOVELOCK R 5 FS BN REME 2 COY - PL COMD 13-Nov-23 RAWAL G 5 FS BN REME 2 COY - 2IC 27-Nov-23 Second Lieutenant – No entries

Corps Calendar 2023/24 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. All dates correct at time of printing, please check your monthly Craftsman magazine for amendments.

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 3

M AY 2 0 2 4

01-05 The Duchess of Edinburgh Cup

16

HQ Officers’ Mess Corps Dinner Night

16

REME Colonels Command Group

TBC

Southern RAJA Careers and Employment Support Event - REME Museum

TBC

STEM UTCs REME Engineering Cup

04 09

REME Reserves Conference Field of Remembrance

DECEMBER 2023 01

St. Eligius Day

JANUARY 2024 JUNE 2024 18 18

REME Colonels’ Command Group HQ Officers’ Mess – Corps Dinner Night

6

Founders Day at Royal Hospital Chelsea

7

Airborne Officers’ Dinner Night

13

REME Junior Officer Conference and Dinner Night

FEBRUARY 2024 23

Regimental Guest Night

MARCH 2024

14-16 AOBA Reunion Weekend

21

AEO Past & Present Dinner Night

20

Beating Retreat and Cocktail Party

23

Broxhead (Reserve Officers and WOs) Dinner Night

24

80th Anniversary of the Lenham Incident

23

REME Reserve Management Board

27

Sports Awards Dinner

TBC

REME RSM Forum

26-27 REME Festival of Sport

APRIL 2024

J U LY 2 0 2 4 21

Regimental Sunday at Royal Hospital Chelsea

19-22 REME Reunion Weekend

27

Corps Ball

24

TBC

SSE Candidate Briefing Day

18

HQ Officers’ Mess - Corps Spring Guest Dinner

Engineering Awards Lunch

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THE CRAFTSMAN

Magazine of the Corps of

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October 2023

The Editor welcomes all stories – from REME Sport or raising money for the REME Charity to Exercises and Operations or personal stories from serving personnel and veterans.

Please see the contents page for details on how to submit your story.