WARRANT OFFICERS’ AND SERGEANTS’ MESS UPDATE Warrant Officer Class 2 (RQMS) Roder (President of the Mess Committee) Up to the point that COVID-19 reduced the world to a standstill, the WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess had been enjoying a period of high activity. Multiple old faces left the mess and some fresh-faced, keen youngsters joined. Of exceptional note and with some sadness we dined out the following RTR Legends: Capt Johnson, Capt Macbeth, WO1 Causer, WO1 Simon and SSgt Hopkins. You will all be missed from Mess life and are welcome back any time.
RSM, RQs, and SSMs (2019 pre-stick change)
WO2 (SSM) Edwards enjoying the Scorpion Race
OFFICERS VS. SENIORS FOOTBALL
STICK CHANGE
CHARITY EVENT
I will start with some controversy and report that for the first time in decades the Officers’ Mess won the annual football match. Some very dodgy refereeing and what some would call “outright cheating” by the officers secured them a 3-2 victory in a very hard-fought game. This was followed by us being welcomed into the Officers’ Mess in Christmas jumpers to listen to the officers’ heroics. In particular, Maj Rooney (OC EGYPT) continually telling us the story of his 18-yard diving header, when in reality he tripped on his laces three yards from the goal and the ball struck him in the face before dribbling over the line. Revenge this year will be sweet.
January 2020 saw a new RSM. WO1 Harley Upham handed over the stick of power to WO1 (RSM) Richardson; a new opportunity and role for Harley to sink his teeth into as 1 Brigade Sergeant Major. We have no doubt he will make the role his own, taking the good name of the RTR with him. All mess members would like to thank Harley for his hard work, excellent leadership and support that he gave the mess during his two years as the badge. The dine out for WO1 Upham had to be postponed due to the COVID-19 situation but will happen as soon as restrictions on social events are lifted.
The Regiment took part in the Scorpion Race, a 6-mile cross country obstacle course on Salisbury Plain Training Area. As it was for charity, the Mess rallied to field as many members as possible, led from the front by WO2 (SSM) Edwards. A fun event enjoyed by all, with the proceeds going towards Scotty’s Little Soldiers, a cause close to the RTR’s heart. Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a charity dedicated to caring for the children of the fallen.
THE GREAT FLOOD OF 2019 At some point over the summer leave period, the Officers’ Mess decided that turning their ante room into an indoor swimming pool would be a good idea. The subsequent flood caused substantial damage rendering the officers homeless. Being the gracious, warmhearted and accommodating people that the Sgts’ Mess are, we rescued the refugees and had them dine with us for the next three months. This proved to be a great way to make the bond between our messes stronger and forged new friendships between seniors and officers from different squadrons that would not normally have contact; although towards the end of the three months it was becoming difficult to listen to yet another Sandhurst dit.
The Mess decoration has been a constantly changing beast. This has been a result of the hard work and dedication of the SNCOs within the mess; in particular, Sgt Dicks, Sgt Wood, DMaj Daulby, PMaj Willoughby, Sgt Rayner and Sgt Teece. The outstanding look and feel of the mess has been mentioned by numerous visitors. As with the rest of the world, the mess is looking forward to some form of normality returning, so we can open our doors and welcome guests back again soon.
UPCOMING EVENTS The Mess has the remainder of the year to look forward to with Cambrai, a boxing night and Christmas celebrations already in the calendar.
Regimental Sergeant Major stick change
16
MESS IMPROVEMENTS
As ever, the year will end with Officers Vs SNCOs football before welcoming the Officers into our Mess.
