I do not think it is unreasonable to suggest that the Regiment has experienced a quite extraordinary year. The tone of our tour changed markedly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – the atmosphere became far more tense and the importance of the Battle group’s role in European deterrence was brought into sharp focus. The most tangible consequence of the rapidly evolving strategic situation was, of course, the extension to our tour. The extension ended up lasting three months, but for most of the period our people did not know when they would return home. For our soldiers and their families this resulted in a period of considerable uncertainty and worry. And yet they were superb; resilient, full of good humour and professionally outstanding. They have rightly drawn praise from across Defence for the manner in which they responded to the challenge – older readers would certainly recognise the Tankie traits of which we are all so proud.
