B Squadron
T
he last twelve months has seen B Squadron complete Operation HERRICK 11 as the Brigade Reconnaissance Force (BRF), recover from Afghanistan, watch its attachments return to their original units and slowly begin the inexorable preparations for deployment in 2013. The Squadron returned to Windsor in April having had a tough and challenging deployment, saddened at the very end of the tour by the deaths Sgt Paul Fox, Royal Engineers and of LCoH Jonathon Woodgate. In fitting testament to the nature of the tour and the extraordinary work of the BRF, Capt Robin Bourne-Taylor LG, was awarded the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, Maj (now Lt Col) Gus Macgillivray, Black Watch, and LCpl Daniel Fletcher, Royal Army Medical Corps were awarded the Military Cross. Following a well deserved stretch of post-tour leave, the Squadron returned to Regimental life and before long found themselves a week of adventurous training in Newquay. Amongst a variety of activities to choose from were surfing, kite-boarding, climbing and mountain biking. All of this was provided by some relaxed yet professional civilians with surf tans and unruly hair, all a very long way from the Adventurous Training of the past which usually included a nearing retirement, disenchanted and quite vocal Sgt Maj from the Royal Army Physical Training Corps. As a means of gently returning to work and catching up after a period of leave Newquay was perfect and, I’m led to understand, quite a good night out too. July saw the departure of Lt Col
Leading the charge.Tpr Sheppard at Brigade Sports Day
Macgillivray heading into London to pastures new and the return of Maj PJ Williams MC RHG/D from Staff College in the United States just in time for the B Squadron day out to Thorpe Park. In between gravity defying rides and some green looking troopers, the Squadron managed to acquire a new mascot in the form of a giant stuffed meerkat called Boris. After a generous summer leave period the Squadron was back to work in earnest completing our annual mandatory training before heading down to Castlemartin Ranges for a dismounted live-firing package. The ranges gave us a chance to get down to part of our core business and talent-spot some of those who had recently joined the Squadron. A second week of dry-training was organized as a chance to build upon basic soldiering skills and prepare the Squadron’s team for the Cambrian Patrol Competition. The sun shone on us for most of our time in Pembrokeshire but
All eyes on LCoH Wilkinson at the BRF Medals Parade
seemingly not long enough to warm the sea sufficiently before the Squadron’s military swim test which could, at best, be described as sporting. Following on from Castlemartin the Squadron was split three ways. The Cambrian Patrol team continued their build up to the competition. Another team under the joint leadership of Capt M Gris, LG and Lt G Mackay-Lewis LG prepared themselves for a few weeks in the Belizean jungle whilst playing the Opposing Force for the Infantry’s Platoon Commanders’ Course. The final group combined with a number of C Squadron and headed to the Midlands and RAF Cosford to attend a Static Covert Surveillance photography course utilizing telephoto lenses and practising low-light image capture.
B Sqn
Household Cavalry Regiment ■ 9