Tank 2021 Vol.103 No.811

Assistant Editor: Jane Devine

Accountant: Gill McManus

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The RTR Benevolent Fund continues to provide extensively for the welfare of the wider Regimental Family – both in retirement and whilst still serving

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It is a Regimental priority to ensure that the POC list is kept up to date, with particular focus on ERE personnel to ensure that timely information on upcoming events can be received by all serving members of the regiment. It is therefore requested that all RTR personnel serving at ERE send their details to the Regimental Secretary at regtlsec@royaltankregiment.org

Editor: Major Rory McCullough

L-R Maj Bonner (2iC), WO1 (RSM) Richardson, Lt Col Worth, Capt Knight (Adjt)

CONTENTS

Forewords

Colonel Commandant Royal Tank Regiment 2 Notes From The Commanding Officer 4 Serving Regiment Squadron Updates 5

Officers' Mess Update 14 Support Hub Update 15 Pipes and Drums Update 17 Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess Update 19 Affiliations

The Royal Wessex Yeomanry 20 HMS Kent – Royal Navy 21 Tank Museum Update 24 Adventurous Training & Sport Sports Updates 26

Special Feature Op CABRIT Introduction to Special Feature 36

The Strategic Context for NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence 37 Ex BADGER SCHOLAR: Arming the soldiers of today with the lessons of the past 39 Out of the Prairie and into the Woods – Delivering TALLINN DAWN 42 RTR Battlegroup deployment on Ex TALLINN DAWN, Germany 43 Fighting in the Trees 44 If a tank fires in the Baltics and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? 45 Operating Drones in Estonia 46 Amiens Day, Op CABRIT 8 in Estonia 47 Articles

A View From The Reconnaissance & Armoured Tactics Division (RATD) – Navigating The Future 48 Innovation in the RTR 49 CHALLENGER 3 50

Resilience and the evolving threat from CBRN weapons 52 Operation TANGHAM – Somalia 54

Presentation of Captain Charles Hulton’s Sword to Falcon Squadron (C-CBRN) 55 Saladin Restoration Falcon Squadron RTR 56 Liverpool an RTR Stronghold 57 Book Recommendation 58 Historical Articles

The Third Battalion, Royal Tank Regiment and the Greek Campaign, April 1941 59 The Winter War 65 Home Headquarters & Associations Branches and Secretaries of the RTR Association 70 Home Headquarters Update 71 Announcements 72

Regimental Secretary’s dog Matilda (Tilly) takes charge! 74

Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Armoured Corps attend Chapel Service 75

The Friends of the Tank Museum Ypres Salient at Fromelles 76 Battle of Kalamata Waterfront Memorial 77 Graham Edwards Remembers 7RTR at Catterick 78

Royal Tank Regiment Golf Society The Phoenix Rises Again 81 OBE Granted to Phil Conran 82

100th Celebration for William Parker 83

Leslie Hutt 100th Birthday 84

Albert Birnie 100th Birthday 84

Tony Pyatt 105th Birthday 85

Huge thanks from Simon Tustin – Hadrian's Wall (or most of it!) in 48 hours 86

Memorial bench – Sgt Ronald W. Essex – 50 RTR 87 Branch Updates 88 Record of Deaths 97 Obituaries 98

FOREWORD

COLONEL COMMANDANT, THE ROYAL TANK REGIMENT

Brigadier G J Thompson (late RTR)

I would like to begin by welcoming Lieutenant Colonel Simon Worth as Commanding Officer and saying farewell to Lieutenant Colonel Jim Howard who led the Regiment admirably and with great dexterity through the difficult period of Covid. The Regiment’s discipline and performance was widely respected throughout Lieutenant Colonel Howard’s command and he left the Regiment with its reputation enhanced. The timing of this edition of Tank is fortuitous. It comes immediately after the publication of the Army’s Future Soldier Review and provides me with an opportunity to explain its likely impact on the Regiment.

We do not yet know for certain, but it is likely that, the Regiment will remain a Type 58 armoured regiment in Tidworth as part of 12 Brigade. It is likely to be formed into 4 Sabre Squadrons of 4 troops each of 3 tanks. In this configuration, the Regular component of the Regiment is likely to be Type 46 and the Reserve component, provided by the Royal Wessex Yeomanry, Type 12; the Yeomanry providing 1 troop to each Squadron. There is no change to the CBRN Squadron in Warminster.

I understand that there will be some scepticism about the Yeomanry’s ability to provide 12 crews at readiness. This is one of the areas where we will need to think imaginatively. But we must be positive, embrace the change and make the concept work. The upside is our total establishment of 580 is likely to remain the same - not the case for other combat regiments including those in the Royal Armoured Corps - and investment in a future Tank is secure.

Many will reflect that the Future Soldier structures resemble the Regiment’s Cold War balance between peace time and warfighting establishment. The coincidence with the Regiment’s deployment on Europe’s Eastern border to deter Russia will not evade notice either. All the squadrons are, or have been, committed to readiness or operations in Estonia: BADGER on CABRIT 8; BGHQ, EGYPT and DREADNAUGHT on CABRIT 9; and AJAX will deploy on CABRIT 10. CYCLOPS was held at readiness for the evacuation from Afghanistan. FALCON is at Very High Readiness in the CBRN role.

As the largest of the services, the Army came under sustained pressure to resize. The target of a 12% reduction in regular manpower while retaining the same capbadge frontage was undoubtedly challenging. Very few parts of the Army were untouched. The resultant future Army structure requires more underpinning by the Reserves at the expense of the Regular

component. At the end of the Review, the proportion of the Army’s structure provided by the Royal Armoured Corps remains constant at 9%. While there is still some fine detail to be worked out and formal direction to be issued, the two remaining heavy armoured regiments look to have fared relatively well.

The Regiment’s commitments reflect the fact that Great Power rivalry once again underscores international relations. In broad sweeps, history demonstrates that every 70 years challenger nations rise as the order created by the victors of the last war loses relevance. Seventy years after the treaties that ended the Second World War, China and Russia are prepared to challenge the order they judge detrimental to their Twenty First Century interests.

Brigadier Gavin Thompson, Colonel Commandant, The Royal Tank Regiment

The departure this year of the West from Afghanistan, has added complexity to those power relationships. It has quickly re-opened an era of competition in Central Asia, like that played out in the Nineteenth Century Great Game between the British and Russian Empire. China, Russia and Turkey each vying now for influence in Central Asia. Many give the West credit for making a good start at the nation building so desperately required in Afghanistan but our friends in Asia are now concerned about our strategic impatience. Their concern is that if the West tired of Afghanistan, it will tire of protecting Taiwan too. If that happens it could be an accelerant to Russian resurgence in Eastern Europe.

In the dangerous decade that lies ahead, it is possible that any, or all, of the 5 domains: land, maritime, air, space and cyber could become hotly contested and even crossover from sub threshold contestation to all out conflict. It is important therefore that the Integrated Review and Future Soldier has committed to investment in the Tank. It has protected, where possible, the heavy armoured structure retaining our Regiment as the foundation of the British Army’s heavy armoured force. We must be prepared to understand, operate and advocate for armour in the era that lies ahead. As pioneers, we must also be prepared to influence the development of the UK’s defence in any of the other emergent domains.

As our security interests return to great power rivalry, we should reflect on the professionalism with which our Regiment served to counter the threat of international terrorism and provide support to nation building in Asia. Many paid the ultimate sacrifice, others now live with life changing physical injuries, many more suffer daily from mental trauma. I am sure that many suffer this trauma in silence. It is important that whether serving or not we all keep a watchful eye for the signs of distress among our cohort. Whenever required, the Regiment is stood by to support.

This year, at home, the Regiment has again played a full part in the nation’s response to the Covid pandemic. The number of commendations awarded to Tankies is testament to that. There are too many to mention all by name, but I would like to point out the Standing Joint Commander’s commendations for Captain Morris and Sergeant Catterall.

Covid has also taught us new ways of operating. Last year we held a virtual Cenotaph Parade. It opened our eyes to new opportunities to stay connected. The launch of our new website is an example. Other initiatives include the creation of a Regimental History Group to support understanding at the Regiment and more widely. Next year we will explore other imaginative initiatives to communicate better. The Regimental Council will continue to put strategies in place to build longterm resilience and introduce initiatives to support the Regimental family. Next year’s focus will be on the retention of talent and our Veterans.

Sport has necessarily been curtailed this year. The Army decided against a Winter sport season in 2020-21. This year it will return. While the Regiment’s chance of success will be bounded by the deployment on Op CABRIT, we will look to nurture new talent. Following our runners up spot in the 2020 Princess Marina Cup, it is fitting that Captain Hugo Catmur was recognised for his outstanding contribution to Royal Armoured Corp Sport. We continue to provide a strong core to the Royal Armoured Corp’s Rugby Union Team. We are well represented in the Corp’s e-gaming team. The virtual world of tanks is an area in which there are many good reasons to stake a strong regimental footprint, not least as it is proving to be a fertile recruiting ground. Finally, I am delighted that we were once again victorious in the Cavalry Cup football competition.

Looking forward to next year, as well as our Colonel-in-Chief’s platinum jubilee, 2022 will mark the 105th anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai. Those who attended the centenary in 2017 will recall the increase in scale of events from previous quinquennial anniversaries in France. While 2022 will not quite be at the scale of 2017, it will broadly be of the same size and follow a similar format. After the enforced hibernation of Covid, it will not be one to miss.

Overall, I judge that this year has been a good one for the Regiment. We have proved our worth both in and out of role. The Integrated Review and Command Paper has committed the UK to investment in heavy armour and the generation of a tank that will see us through future decades. Where sporting success could be achieved it has been. We have laid the foundations for a bounce back with our Regimental network which will take us on to Cambrai 105. I look forward to seeing many of you there.

SERVING REGIMENT

NOTES FROM THE COMMANDING OFFICER

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Worth

Amidst the peak of the second wave, BADGER deployed to Estonia on Op CABRIT 8 with the 1 MERCIAN Battlegroup. They excelled on this demanding tour; indeed, I have heard nothing but praise from both CO 1 MERCIAN and the broader chain of command. Superbly led by Major Paul Hartley (and later by Major Rory McCullough), they proved to be superb ambassadors for the Regiment.

CYCLOPS, commanded by Andy Pilsworth, have done a superb job delivering the Rear Operations Group. They are also preparing to join the Battlegroup for Ex IRON STORM in Autumn 2022, a critical element on our journey to combat readiness. More broadly, FALCON continue to do great things as part of 28 Engineer Regiment, offering a world class C-CBRN capability to Defence.

When my predecessor wrote his forward this time last year, the Regiment was deployed across the country in support of the national response to COVID-19. It is worth looking back on that period for a few moments. The way that the Squadrons and our soldiers responded to the challenge was nothing short of magnificent.

It is my strong view that we will look back on this period with great pride; rarely do we have an opportunity to play such a vital and direct role in support of the nation. As you would expect there were many superb individual performances, and I am delighted that so many of our people have received formal recognition. The various deployments provided further evidence, if any was needed, of the Regiment’s ability to adapt to a new role at short notice and to deliver whatever is asked of us.

While BADGER was deployed, the RTR Battlegroup prepared for its own deployment on Op CABRIT 9. Our preparations culminated with Ex TALLINN DAWN, a demanding battlegroup exercise that took place in Sennelager, Germany. The Battlegroup deployed to Estonia in September and has now been in theatre for just over three months. So far, the tour has been incredible, and has offered more training in eight weeks than we could usually expect in a few years. As expected, our soldiers have adapted quickly to the demands of the Estonian terrain and have performed at the very highest standard – it really is a huge privilege to command such an amazing group of people. I acknowledge that for many it will be a very demanding six months; we are doing all we can to provide appropriate support and to help them enjoy the tour. I appreciate that the greatest challenge will fall on our families, and I remain hugely grateful for their support, it is very much appreciated. I would also like to thank to our incredible Welfare Team, who continue to amaze me with their energy and commitment. We will complete our tour in March 2022 and handover to 1 R WELSH.

Although the RTR Battlegroup is deployed in Estonia, nearly half the Regiment remains in Tidworth. Major Dan Berry’s AJAX has completed Ranges and will deploy on Mission Rehearsal Training before deploying to Estonia with 1 R WELSH. I have no doubt they will excel.

Away from work, we have been working really hard to rebuild our links with the Associations and our affiliated Cadets post COVID-19. I know there is much to do. I see our support to the wider RTR family as an essential and vital part of Regimental life; I would therefore be very grateful for ideas on how we can continue to improve the support we provide. In the short term the Tidworth-based Squadrons are stood by to support events and we are also trying to organise some Zoom-based webinars that I hope you will be able to attend.

Sport is also starting the emerge from hibernation and we are doing everything we can to reinvigorate our teams. I am particularly delighted that we have received confirmation that there will be winter sports competitions this year. Although our commitment to Op CABRIT will make it difficult to replicate the achievements of the last two years; we have every reason to hope that we will still be able to achieve some great results.

It has been an enormously busy year for the Regiment, but one that we can all be very proud of. Above all, we are energised by the opportunity to serve on operations. Looking forward, we have much to be excited about, not least combat ready training in late 2022. I very much look forward to sharing our journey with you.

Fear Naught

Lieutenant Colonel James Howard, Commanding Officer, The Royal Tank Regiment

Last year’s update signed off with plenty of promise. After a year disrupted by the impacts of the pandemic, we were looking forward to a return to our core role. Just as things were getting back to normal, Covid-19 struck again.

October was spent honing our skills in the synthetic environment. Best use was made of the Regimental VBS3 suite. Newly established in the gunnery wing, this facility offers the opportunity for Troops to practice low-level mounted drills. This allowed AJAX to hit the ground running when in the CATT the following week.

As we entered November, attention flicked to dismounted skills. This was cut short dramatically by the second national lockdown. AJAX came off exercise to deploy to Liverpool in support of mass asymptomatic testing. Accommodated in the now-infamous Pontins Southport, AJAX soldiers maintained their professionalism throughout the task. We established stations across the city providing the people of Liverpool with the facility to get tested. We were made to feel very welcome and received plenty of support from the public. What was initially planned as a ten-day task stretched on for five

weeks. We were all grateful for Christmas Leave and the resumption of our tank training in the New Year.

This illusion lasted a week. Victims of our own success, AJAX were called upon again and took over the testing of hauliers at Manston Airfield in Kent. Accommodation was slightly better this time but working on the completely exposed airfield in January was a howling experience. Once again, the soldiers executed their duty with the highest levels of professionalism.

This left us with three weeks to prepare for Castlemartin Ranges. Considering two-thirds of the Squadron had not completed a tank live fire package, it was a daunting task. Naturally, the Squadron’s gunnery instructors rose to the challenge and delivered an excellent training event. We returned to the CATT twice more after Easter leave, while variety was injected to the programme with small arms ranges,

adventurous training packages, and the resumption of sport.

AJAX will be battlegrouped with 1 Royal Welsh for Op CABRIT 10 in Estonia. Our first time to train together was supposed to be in Germany over the summer, but once again Covid-19 applied the brakes. Just as we were about to deploy to Sennelager, concerns over the Delta variant caused the exercise to be cancelled. While very disappointing, we knew we just had to be patient.

After summer leave, AJAX was validated to Training Level Bravo (Troop in a Squadron context) and brushed up on our dismounted skills. As I write, we look forward to our predeployment training for Op CABRIT 10. We will return to Castlemartin for a full three-week range package and join the Royal Welsh for a battlegroup exercise in the CATT in Germany. After Christmas, the battlegroup will re-deploy to Sennelager to be validated under Ex TALLINN DAWN. This will test our tactical skills and personal resilience in what will be sub-zero conditions. Come March, AJAX will deploy to Estonia, relieve DREADNAUGHT, and begin our deterrence mission.

Major Dan Berry

AJAX at Castlemartin Ranges in March

BADGER UPDATE

BADGER at the World Rally Championships

It would be fair to say that BADGER Squadron have had a busy year. Having been warned off for Op CABRIT 8 in October, and after a CR2 range package in Wales, the Squadron deployed to Germany on Mission Ready Training in the New Year. Battling the elements and negotiating the dual frictions of COVID Force Protection measures and the BREXIT Custom changes was no small feat, but the Squadron linked seamlessly up with the 1 MERCIAN Battlegroup and performed superbly on Ex TALLINN DAWN.

The first two and a half months of a summer Op CABRIT is somewhat manic. The Squadron rolled from one major exercise into another to properly integrate with the Estonian Brigade and to become familiar with the ground that we would be operating in. A major element of this integration was getting Estonian conscripts familiar with defensive tactics, so ‘The BADGERS’, as christened by the Brigade were almost in constant use. Led superbly by Major Hartley, the Squadron’s ingenuity, guile and most importantly aggression saw countless engagements won and the increasing number of ‘Pausex’s to reset the enemy became a familiar, if slightly irritating feature of the exercises.

As the following articles in the Journal will explain in more detail, operating in Estonia is certainly very different to Salisbury plain, Germany or BATUS. Fighting in woods, integrating with dismounts, and avoiding (mostly) boggy ground presented new challenges both for seasoned commanders and new. Combat Teams made up of Tanks and Armoured Infantry with a smattering of Engineers became the norm and whilst navigating was easy, maintaining situational awareness and then finding and defeating anti-tank teams under wet blankets became the main challenges for the crews. Tempo and momentum were critical, so exploiting opportunities however fleeting became the

hallmarks of the Squadron. Estonia was certainly a formative experience for members of the Squadron. Presenting a whole raft of challenges and opportunities, without the real estate frictions and resource restrictions placed on us when operating in Tidworth, those that deployed have become masters in their field again. Some have now become absolute experts in Troop level recovery!

June saw a change in command of the Squadron as we bid farewell to Major Hartley who moved to the Collective Training Group in Warminster. Thankfully, after a range package in Latvia and a Sqn level exercise, we saw a slight lull in activity, so the Squadron were

Major Rory McCullough

able to try and explore Estonia. Members of the Squadron enjoyed Adventurous Training, took their Tanks to watch the World Rally Championships, enjoyed a ride in a WILDCAT helicopter as well as participating in National Day Celebrations. The Tanks were always the main attraction and we hosted both UK Ambassadors to Latvia and Estonia, the MP Bob Stewart and DCGS Lt Gen Chris Tickell amongst others. A highlight was the Amiens Day Tank Olympics. Members of the Squadron competed against Tankies from the 501 Chars de Combat, the paired French Unit to the RTR.

Many of you would have seen the now viral video of the Challenger besting the LeClerc in the drag race. The day is discussed in more detail later in the journal.

September saw a marked increase in the number of black berets and familiar faces as DREADNAUGHT and the RTR battlegroup arrived ready for Op CABRIT 9. We wish them well and encourage the wider Regimental community to send care parcels to them as they battle through the Estonian Winter, whilst maintaining high readiness – no mean feat at all.

The Squadron are now enjoying some wellearned post operational leave. We will return to work with BADGER Week; a series of cohesion events planned by Sgt Dicks that culminates in a formal Mess dinner, a march and shoot competition and of course Cambrai. In the new year we start Combat Ready Training, again with 1 MERCIAN. This should see the 1 MERCIAN Battlegroup conduct live firing in Wales before deploying onto Salisbury Plain in the early summer.

CR2 flying past the LeClerc

CYCLOPS UPDATE

commenced gunnery training and prepared the tanks to a very high standard. With everything set, the Squadron deployed to Castlemartin for three weeks. With bad weather, as can be expected in early February, the Squadron were under pressure to get through all the shoots. But drive and determination saw CYCLOPS through, with every crew passing the Annual Crew Test and Annual Troop Assessment first time. At the end of the range package, Cpl Cundy’s crew were crowned ‘Best Crew’ and received a Commanding Officer’s Coin.

After Easter leave the Squadron deployed out onto Salisbury Plain for the Battlecraft Syllabus to transfer their excellent gunnery skills onto a tactical scenario. Deploying out a Troop at a time, they took the opportunity to refine low level skills and manoeuvre. For many of the junior members of the Squadron, this was the first time they had slept out on a tank. Each crew gained a huge amount from being on the exercise, which they will take forward into Combat Ready Training next year.

It has been another busy and demanding year for CYCLOPS, which has included a deployment in Liverpool to support the COVID-19 pandemic, Tank Ranges, Battlecraft Syllabus, a Potential Non-Commissioned Officer Cadre, Ex LONG RANGE and simulated training.

In November 2020, at very short notice, CYCLOPS were tasked to stand up a Squadron Group (with members of DREADNAUGHT) to deploy to Liverpool to conduct mass testing. This deployment saw the Squadron working to the King’s Royal Hussars Resilience Unit, housed in Pontins and delivering Asymptomatic Testing Sites around Liverpool Centre. The Squadron worked hard to get the Testing Sites fully operational and provided a professional and friendly service to the people of Liverpool. As a result, the R number in Liverpool reduced significantly from 300.4 per 100,000 on 6th

November to 173.1 per 100,000 on 23rd November. This sharp reduction not only saved countless lives but enabled Liverpool to be classed as a Tier 2 at the end of the English lockdown. For their outstanding contributions to the deployment Captain Adam Morris and Staff Sergeant Robert Catterall were awarded 3* Commander Standing Joint Command Commendations.

Following this the Squadron headed off on a well-deserved Christmas leave, getting to spend some much-needed time with their loved ones. On return to work, CYCLOPS

CYCLOPS delivered a Royal Armoured Corps Potential Non-Commissioned Officer Cadre, not just for those in the RTR but also the King’s Royal Hussars, Queen’s Royal Hussars and the Household Cavalry. This was one of the first of its type and proved very effective as the Regiments could pool their resources. The Cadre started with a week of instructional training in camp, followed by a test Exercise the week after at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Those that attended were put through their paces, with everyone learning a lot about themselves when in a command appointment and how best to work as a team. The Cadre was a huge success with Lt Seb Shimmings, who delivered the Cadre, receiving much praise from all those who attended.

CYCLOPS will be providing the Regimental Team for the 12th Armoured Infantry Brigade Operational Shooting Competition, so the Squadron deployed to Lydd and Hythe Ranges to prepare. Lt Tristan Knight and Sgt Sean Barrett arranged a fantastic training package, which saw the Squadron firing rifle, pistol, throw grenades, conduct urban building clearance drills and culminated with force on force in the urban range using the Marker Round Training System (effectively paint

Major Andy Pilsworth

OC CYCLOPS and OC AJAX at the entrance to Pontins

ball fired from a SA80 rifle). CYCLOPS had a fantastic time at Lydd & Hythe Ranges and the quality of the training delivered will certainly set the conditions for success at the Shooting Competition in November 2021.

Before departing off on summer leave, CYCLOPS conducted a week of simulated training at the Combined Arms Tactical Trainer in Warminster. Without the constraints of vehicle availability, the Squadron were able to build on what they had learned during the

Battlecraft Syllabus. Initially operating at Troop level, CYCLOPS built up to Squadron level and the package finished with force on force, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The opportunity was also taken for non-Commander Corporals to gain some experience in the Commander’s seat, which should put them in good stead when they attend the Crew Commanders Course.

With the RTR Battlegroup now in Estonia on Op CABRIT 9, CYCLOPS will be standing up as

the Rear Operations Group. During this period, the Squadron will be conducting Adventurous Training, Live Fire Tactical Training on Dartmoor Ranges in preparation for competing in the 12th Armoured Infantry Brigade Operational Shooting Competition and a Battlefield Study to Israel. Following this CYCLOPS will start their training progression ahead of Combat Ready Training as part of the RTR Battlegroup.

Ex LONG RANGE – CYCLOPS conducting urban operations at Lydd & Hythe Ranges.

DREADNAUGHT UPDATE

Major Nick Stafford

For DREADNAUGHT the last 12 months have been both extremely busy and extremely rewarding. The Squadron has made huge leaps in warfighting competency whilst getting to experience a large amount of what the modern Army has to offer – Live Fire Tactical Training, providing support to the civilian authority, Mission Ready Training, Adventurous Training, and Operations.

When I last wrote for TANK in September 2020, the Squadron was about to embark on a series of low-level Battle Craft Syllabus exercises on Salisbury Plain followed by a few weeks of training in the CATT. However, 36 hours into the first exercise and it was all change. The Squadron had to return immediately to camp, dump its equipment, and 24 hours later it was up in Liverpool, swabs at the ready, backfilling AJAX and CYCLOPS delivering Whole Town Testing. While it was incredibly frustrating to watch weeks of planning and preparation for exercise be destroyed in a single afternoon, and despite accommodation and food in the now infamous Pontins that made Knook Camp look glamorous, the Squadron cheerfully got on with supporting the national main effort. After a frosty reception, the cheerfulness and charm of the testing teams soon won over the local population.

After a short break for Christmas, DREADNAUGHT launched into 2021 with real intent. The task was simple yet demanding – complete all of the preparation for Mission Ready Training in just three months. The first job was getting the Squadron’s now slightly neglected vehicle fleet ready to fire while

completing weapon handling tests and the synthetic training ready for CR2 live firing at Castlemartin Ranges (CMR).

A firing camp on the Welsh Coast in February, with its charming weather, is a demanding undertaking at the best of times and February 2021 wasn’t the best of times. Immediately after arriving at CMR a stop fire notice for 120mm was imposed. However, whilst the Squadron couldn’t fire full bore, it could fire machine guns, and in spite of horizontal rain and hail it merrily set about completing the

GPMG pintle shoots and scavenging some extra 7.62 to practise its coaxial machine gun firing. The conditions were challenging, with average cross-range wind speeds at 4060mph, but the crews became pretty good at aiming off. When the stop fire notice was eventually lifted on day 8, the Squadron’s crews were well worked up and threw every effort into completing their Annual Crew Test (ACT) and Troop Assessments in the remaining range time.. In the final reckoning, and despite having to send crews down for ACT in frankly appalling shooting conditions, the Squadron returned the most level 5 and 6s in the Regiment and only overran by half a day.

After leaving half of the vehicle fleet with AJAX, DREADNAUGHT spent March with Troops rotating between field training on Salisbury Plain and small arms ranges, before the Squadron came together for a week of simulated training in the CATT. While this training progression was a compromise, with the Squadron level training conducted in the simulators rather than the field to enable the others to fire at CMR, it was absolutely invaluable preparation and allowed the Squadron to get most of its basic tactics, techniques, and procedures to a good standard. After the trials of CMR this period seemed to be going smoothly, but then the Squadron was suddenly notified that it would need to deploy its vehicle fleet, which was currently in use on Salisbury Plain and at CMR, to Germany…and the boat was leaving in 10 days’ time… Despite some late-night

The role fitness test prior to deployment

EX TALLINN DAWN

equipment takeovers, a small mountain of maintenance and a slightly fraught SQMS(T), the Squadron got it done and rolled into some much-needed Easter leave.

Straight after leave, DREADNAUGHT was on the road again, this time bound for Mission Ready Training, Ex TALLINN DAWN, in Sennelager, Germany. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 it had been decided that the RTR BG would train for Op CABRIT 9 in Germany rather than BATUS. This brought advantages (the terrain in Sennelager is very similar to that of Estonia) and disadvantages (the training area is far smaller and puts constraints on CR2 Live Fire Tactical Training). The exercise was made up of two weeks of vehicle preparation and conceptual training, two weeks of simulated training in the CATT, and an 18-day field exercise which was split

between Live Fire Tactical Training and a dry training exercise with TES (Tactical Engagement Simulation) equipment fitted against the OPFOR - Task Force Hannibal. The exercise was a great test for the Squadron which broadly had the upper hand over the OPFOR in the open spaces or whenever the OPFOR was found on the move, but really had to scrap hard in the close terrain. Despite its size, and therefore the limitations for live firing, the BATUS team’s imaginative use of the real estate delivered some excellent training and the TES phase in the close terrain was particularly useful preparation for Estonia.

After handing back the CR2 fleet in Germany, the Squadron returned to the UK for 10 days of isolation before heading up to Ashchurch to draw another fleet of CR2 for deployment

to Estonia. The next few weeks offered up the classic Pre-Deployment Training experience of individuals conducting multiple courses in multiple locations simultaneously. This made for another busy period while the Squadron conducted vehicle conversion training and qualified individuals in a huge range of specialist skills, from team medics to chain saw operators. Despite the workload the Squadron still managed to conduct some fantastic Adventurous Training, with three offshore sailing expeditions setting out, 45 members of the Squadron sailing and windsurfing off Thorney Island and a few attempting to jump out of planes over Netheravon whenever the wind allowed.

As I write this, the Squadron is in the midst of deploying to Estonia. So, the next year looks set to be as busy, and rewarding, as the last.

Troops delivering orders on exercise

EGYPT UPDATE

EGYPT continues to be the heartbeat for all Regimental activity providing support, sustainment, and administration both home and abroad. The Squadron has continued at pace throughout the last 12 months, supporting COVID-19 Testing and the deployment of BADGER on Op CABRIT 8, whilst simultaneously preparing for the RTR Battlegroup deployment on Op CABRIT 9.

With two key deployments, COVID-19, Battle Craft Syllabus exercises, CR2/WARRIOR ranges and a full assurance inspection regime the Squadron has had plenty to focus on. The period has seen several changes amongst the hierarchy, including a change in OC, with Maj ‘Bren’ Brennan replacing Maj Pete Rooney in Sept 20. We have also welcomed in Capt Frankie Caldwell, following his successful LE Commissioning, as the Motor Transport Officer.

The most challenging deployment of the year, so far, has undoubtably been on Ex TALLINN DAWN, which was the PreDeployment exercise to qualify the RTR Battlegroup for Op CABRIT 9. This saw the majority of EGYPT Squadron deploy to Sennelager for, in some cases, up to two months. As always, the Squadron were first in and last out in order to conduct handovers and takeovers and generally manage all aspects of the administrative and logistical burden placed on such deployments. It was a truly testing period which culminated in a

challenging validation exercise which would see the Battlegroup signed off as being ready for operational deployment. The success of the deployment was completely down to the departments and the hard work that went into ensuring that we were trained and ready to deal with everything that came our way. Throughout the year I have been ably supported by my SSM, WO2 Les Edwards and latterly WO2 Pete Aubrook and my various 2ICs: Capt’s Lee Johnson, Steve Lassman and latterly WO1 Kev Mighall.

One of the most difficult aspects of the past 12 months has been the management of the Squadron under COVID restrictions, this has certainly hindered our ability to get together, socialise and even parade and conduct PT as a formed body. As I write, things are now a little more stable and we have been able to conduct PT as a group but have gone well over 18 months without any social events or real structure to our sporting activities; I am very conscious of this and will aim to put this right on our return from Op CABRIT in 2022.

On the sporting front, some sports are well and truly back up and running, following COVID restrictions, whilst some are taking a little longer to re-establish themselves following 18 months of turmoil. SSgt Jay Heal secured 5th place, in the Masters Category, at the National Mountain Bike Series, with LCpl Woodman finishing 30th overall.

To conclude this update, I would like to thank and bid a fond farewell to the following key personalities of the Squadron:

• QM – Capt Tony Pasquale

• Squadron 2IC – Capt Lee Johnson

• RAO – Capt Steve Avis

• EME – Capt Ciaron Milne

• SSM – WO2 Les Edwards

• RQMS – WO2 Ben Roder

• RQMS(T) – WO2 Davie McIvor

• RAWO – WO2 Cheryl Roberts

• RCWO – SSgt Ash Wight

We all wish them well for the future. Fear Naught.

Major Warren Brennan

BGHQ setting up on Ex TALLINN DAWN OC

FALCON UPDATE

I would like to take the opportunity to thank the previous FALCON, Maj Mat Bonner for a robust and thorough hand over. FALCON is still held at a higher readiness which has been a real challenge to maintain over the pandemic. During the various lockdowns the Squadron was firstly dispersed but then managed in a shift pattern with never more than 50% of the Squadron in work at the same time.

This time has allowed FALCON to focus on the basics of soldiering, Counter-CBRN and Specialist CBRN. The Squadron conducted Troop level validation in November with the Troops showing how well they know their Fuchs and how to gain maximum value from the platform. Over the last year, I have restarted the OC’s challenge, a new competition which comprises of monthly activities testing physical, mental and specialist skills. Troops and Departments go head-to-head with the aim of getting the most points to get their team name on the Brig G Thompson Falcon Trophy. The inaugural challenge was won by the SHQ/Fitter section team.

The main effort for the Squadron over the last year has been to support the recently funded upgrade program for Fuchs, SUSTAIN.

This will see much of the chemical and radiological sense equipment replaced and upgraded in Fuchs. The Squadron has been acting as both users and Subject Matter Experts to RBSL to ensure that we get the best upgraded platform possible. As part of 28 Engineer Regiment (C-CBRN), FALCON has been playing a significant part in shaping and developing specialist C-CBRN SOPs for supporting large formations (Brigade and Division). This has allowed FALCON soldiers and Officers to deploy on many exercises, including Ex WESSEX STORM and Ex WARFIGHTER in the US.

Experimentation and innovation have been at the forefront of our daily activity. Soldiers have come up with good ideas that will increase our capabilities. They have then been able to purchase small scale equipment to prove and develop concepts, which is allowing FALCON to directly support capability development for future CBRN Area Survey and Recce (AS&R) capabilities. Over the next year this is an area that will grow with FALCON supporting Strategic Command, Army HQ, DE&S and Dstl.

Outside of our day jobs, FALCON have been conducted many activities including sailing and

parachuting with several soldiers collecting their day skipper and intermediate freefall parachuting qualifications. The 2021 OCs challenge has seen several great events including the FALCON strongman competition and a particularly arduous loaded march from Kimmeridge Bay to Lulworth Camp.

As FALCON looks forward to the next year, our focus is absolutely on Squadron level activity and verification. Ex ATLANTIC FALCON will see the Squadron deploy to the south-west UK to rehearse a Squadron level deployment in support of a Division. This will also be the first time that 28 Engineer Regiment (C-CBRN) capabilities will come together at Sub-Unit level to test the specialist CBRN Task Group concept. The Fuchs SUSTAIN upgrade will continue over the next year with the aim to be completed late next year, including a full respray. FALCON is in a strong position and has powered through the pandemic with added purpose and drive to get the CBRN AS&R capability out into the Field Army. Through frequent deployments on Ex WESSEX STORM and a possible deployment to CABRIT, FALCON stands ready to provide specialist CBRN manoeuvre support to Field Army units all over the world.

Major John Green

My first update for the RTR family having taken command of FALCON in July 2020, is, unsurprisingly, dominated by the COVID pandemic.

FALCON exercising on Salisbury Plain

OFFICERS’ MESS UPDATE

Mess has been very

the

Refreshing the Mess Rules and Constitution and reviewing the financial structures, to ensure that the Mess maintains a healthy position. On deployment on Op CABRIT 8, Major Paul Hartley handed over to Major Andy Pilsworth. Paul had spent considerable time refreshing the mess rules and constitution and reviewing the financial structures to ensure that the Mess remains in healthy position. With these foundations set, focus turned to the upkeep of Mess property and silver and the commissioning of new commemorative items for the wedding cake and of course event planning.

The first event held was a Living In Members BBQ, which was thoroughly enjoyed and gave those Living In the opportunity to conduct some much need cohesion and socialising. Following this, the first large scale event in 18 months was held in early September, with another BBQ for all Mess Members and those Officers attached to the RTR Battlegroup for Op CABRIT 9. Lieutenants Tristan Knight and Adam Mackenzie organised a fantastic evening, which was much needed. The Mess also took the opportunity to say farewell to Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Kev Forde, Major Paul Hartley, Captain Adam Morris and Captain Ciaron Milne.

Whilst the RTR Battlegroup are deployed on Op CABRIT 9, Mess life will continue with Families Sunday Lunches, a Christmas Party and a Burns Night.

The Officers’

quiet since the pandemic struck in March 2020, however the former PMC, Major Paul Hartley, took

opportunity to conduct some much-needed housekeeping.

Major Andy Pilsworth (President of the Mess Committee)

A tank outside the Officers’ Mess to welcome guests to the BBQ

Commemorative piece made to represent Ex KHANJAR OMAN, 2019, on the Wedding Cake

SUPPORT HUB UPDATE

'NEW NORMAL'

As the Nation moves onto, what some may consider the ‘new normal’, the Support Hub continue to use a mix of innovative and traditional methods to deliver welfare support. We have recognised the value that can be gained from integrating some of the technologies, made popular by the Lockdown into how we now do business. Op CABRIT 9 Pre-deployment briefs were delivered virtually, offering convenience, flexibility and allowing us to reach families throughout the length and breadth of the UK. Meanwhile, as the country became fatigued with Social Distancing, mask wearing and social isolation, we sought to slowly reintroduce the traditional events.

The journey out of Lockdown restrictions hasn’t been easy, but the Support Hub continues to ensure that the welfare of both soldiers and their families remains our top priority. The following are just a few of the events that we were able to put on for the community:

COFFEE MORNING AND KIDS ART CLUB

As soon as restrictions were relaxed, we were able to offer our wives/partners the opportunity to make friends and socialise within the Hub. The Kids Art Club is also another attempt at getting people back out socialising again whiles offering the children a chance to expand their creativity.

FAMILY PASSES

The Support Hub continues to offer access to attractions within the South West of England including Finkley Down Farm, Cholderton Charlie’s Farm, Atmosphere Trampoline Park and Golden Gecko indoor climbing Centre via annual passes.

PAULTON’S PARK FAMILY VISITS

Visits to the Paulton’s Family Theme Park were organised to offer families the opportunity for fun and adventure with some cost subsidised.

WATERPARK ADVENTURE

Families were given the opportunity to partake in some adventurous fun at Dorset waterpark. Families enjoyed the day bonding outdoors with other families, something that has been a rarity during this pandemic.

CHRISTMAS TREATS

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, The Support Hub was unable to organise the usual festive events, such as the pantomime visit and tickets to Longleat Festival of Lights. Therefore, the decision was made to offer every child within the regimental family a chocolate stocking selection box. A total of 500 chocolate boxes were gift wrapped and delivered by the Support Hub.

EASTER EGG COLLECTION

This event took place over a couple of days and involved a socially distanced ‘Easter bunny’ egg delivery sessions within the Hub’s Garden. It was aimed at easing families back into some semblance of normal life. COVID-19 has made this year challenging for all, but the Support Hub have adapted and overcome and still managed to provide help and support to all. We are always looking for ways to assist our soldiers and their families return to (some sort of) normality and if anyone requires any support or further information on any of these activities, please call us on telephone 01980 656057

Paulton’s Family Theme Park

Captain Dwain Tucker

Kids Art Club & Coffee Morning

Waterpark (above and below)

ANNUAL

ATTRACTION

PASSES, BOUNCY CASTLE

HIRE AND SUPPORT HUB ROOM HIRE

The RTR Support Hub hold annual passes for Finkley Down Farm and Cholderton Charlies Farm, both passes allow a family of up to 4 people entry, at the cost of £5.00 per family.

The RTR Support Hub also has an account with Golden Gecko Climbing in Romsey. The cost is £8.00 per person climbing.

Attraction passes can also be obtained from The Tidworth Hive located in Tidworth Leisure Centre at reduced rates.

The RTR Support Hub own’s a Bouncy castle which we hire out at a cost of £35 per day on weekdays, or £50 for the whole weekend.

The RTR Support Hub and Garden will also be available to hire for Birthday parties and social events at a cost of £50

Please enquire through the Support Hub for availability.

Payment is to be given into one of the Support Hub Team on collection of passes and all passes are to be returned on the evening of use.

Combi Van / Minibus Hire

The Regiment has a Combi Van and Minibus for hire. There is a £50.00 deposit and a daily hire cost. £30 per day for the 9-seater Combi Van. (£40.00 to non RTR families) £40 a day for the 15-seater Minibus. (£50.00 to non RTR families) These vehicles can be hired by anyone but will require the driver to have the appropriate category on their Driver’s Licence and be over 25 years of age. The vehicle will come with a full tank of fuel and must be returned in the same condition. So, if you are considering a trip out with friends, or maybe a family weekend away, then please contact the Welfare Office.

Please be advised that if you have pre-booked the minibus but a Welfare or Regimental commitment arises, your booking will be cancelled, but you will be contacted and refunded. (This is unlikely).

PIPES AND DRUMS UPDATE

This has been a very busy period for the pipes and drums.

After an incredibly challenging COVID period that saw the Band dispersed to different locations forming Mobile Testing Unit teams we finally came back together. However, this was very short lived, and the band found themselves dissolved into the Squadrons once more to prepare for Op CABRIT 8. BADGER were first to deploy and as such the Drum Major, LCpl Bowtell, LCpl Brandt, Troopers Boniwell, Knott, Skelton, and Thomson all carried out a very intense flash to bang training package running up to the deployment.

In true Pipe Band tradition, not only did they pack their operational kit but also their full Pipe Band ceremonial uniform to provide musical support to the Battlegroup and local community. The pace of the deployment was fast, and practices were squeezed in where they could, not easy in a country where the temperature reaches -2 on most days. Very different from their last trip to Jamaica! The deployed Pipes and Drums played at the British Embassy as well as supporting the Armed Forces parade in Tallinn and the Victory parade in Paide alongside the Mercian Regiment’s Fyfe’s and Drums. One of the biggest surprises was LCpl Bowtell completing the Mispo half marathon so a huge congratulations to him on that achievement. The Drum Major displayed his versatility when the Estonian president, Alan Karis visited the troops and was shown around the CR2 proving that not only is he the Drum Major, but also a highly trained tank

commander proving that you continue to progress through the RACES career path in the Pipe and Drums.

BADGER returned after a successful six months and it was now the job of the Regiment to prepare for deployment as the Lead Battlegroup, this time taking DREADNAUGHT and elements of EGYPT with them which again meant that the second half of the pipe Band deploying. Cpl Green, LCpls Brock, Catterall, Stephens and Troopers Allerton, Archibald, Clarke, and Gregory all deployed on this wave and again packed their uniform and instruments to continue where BADGER had left off. No sooner had they arrived but LCpl Stephens had his No1 dress on to welcome 3rd (UK) Division Deputy Commanding General, Brigadier General Meredith on his visit to the Battlegroup. LCpl Stephens received a coin to add to his growing collection. This was followed a few days later by welcoming another dignitary, this time Mr Ross Allen who is Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Estonia for his visit to the Battlegroup. We wish them all the success with their tour and look forward to their return.

Back at Tidworth and with the easing of COVID restrictions, the band (mini band) are starting to get tasked more and more from messes trying to catch up on two years’ worth of dinner nights as well as our own commitments.

The Pipe Major played at 3RMP dinner night at Bulford, an extremely nervous night, not because of playing but due to the amount of RMPs in one place! However, he kept his nerve and repeated ‘No comment’ all night. BADGER had their annual BADGER week ending in the BADGER dinner night. This was an opportunity for LCpl Bowtell and Trooper Skelton to display their playing skills to the Squadron on their own without the Pipe Major or Drum Major playing with them. They performed well and managed to keep their nerves in check, so we look forward to more displays from them in the future.

November, as always is our busiest month and this year is no different. The Pipe Major and Drum Major will be travelling around the local area supplying musical support to different Regiments as they try and regain some normality. It was a pleasure to be able to play one last time at the Officers Cambrai dinner at Vintners Hall London, it was also a fantastic opportunity to say farewell to Officers’ past and present that I had worked with over the 12 years in the RTR. The Cenotaph is always an emotional occasion as we all remember people that we have lost, both military and civilian, but this year was slightly more emotional with the realisation of it being the last one the Pipe Major would ever play in the current role. During this month, we also offered our

LCpl Brandt receiving the ‘Most improved Drummer’ award from Maj Rowen, Director ASB&HD

Sergeant J Willoughby Pipe Major

LCpl Bowtell and Tpr Skelton prepare for their BADGER dinner night debut in the WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess

Drum Major engaging with the Estonian president, Alan Karis on his visit during Op CABRIT 8

LCpl Bowtell and members of BADGER complet ing the half marathon while in Estonia

services to 4 Medical Regiment gunfire in their accommodation. It’s good to see the members of the band’s selfless commitment to help other Regiments, I only had to mention it once and everyone volunteered despite the early start, although I have never seen so much hair gel or smelt more aftershave since the last PTI pass off.

The Pipe Band would like to congratulate the Drum Major on his new position as CYCLOPS SQMS and wish him well in his new role. Also, to LCpls Brandt, Bowtell, Pearson-Delemare and Stephens on their promotions to LCpl and to LCpl Brandt for achieving the most improved Drummer award on his Class 3 Drummers’ course at the ASBM&HD in Edinburgh. We

would also like to bid farewell to Cpl Green who has decided to concentrate on his new position as CR2 Tank Commander for a while and LCpl Harding and Trooper Harrison who have both decided to concentrate on their career paths for the time being and lastly Trooper Knott who will move to Falcon.

On a personal note, this will be my last Tank Magazine article after writing them since 2010 when I first took over as Pipe Major of 1RTR as my time in the Army has finally come to an end after 32years and exhausting every extension in the British Army. It has been an extraordinary journey with many highs and only a few lows (mostly self-induced), I have met and worked

with some of the most professional, amazing, and at times, crazy people from all ranks and I am glad to consider many of them my friends. I have had the opportunity to travel to countries that I didn’t know existed as well as play and meet people that most only see on TV. It truly has been an honour and a privilege to be the Pipe Major of The Royal Tank Regiment for 12 years and I urge everyone to join and spend some time in the Band so that you too can have the opportunities that I have been blessed with. If you would like to find out more about the Pipes and Drums, then please speak to the Drum Major (SSgt Daulby) in CYCLOPSs SQMS store.

L-R: DM, LCpl Bowtell, Tpr Thomson and Tpr Boniwell demonstrating their professionalism both on and off tanks.

Drum Major, Tpr Skelton and LCpl Bowtell play alongside the Mercian Fyfes and Drums during the Armed Forces parade in Tallin

LCpl Stephens presented with the coin from Brigadier General Meredith DCG 3Div

WARRANT OFFICERS’ AND SERGEANTS’ MESS UPDATE

SUMMER FUNCTION

With BADGER deployed on Op CABRIT 8, and with DREADNAUGHT and EGYPT preparing to deploy with the RTR Battlegroup on Op CABRIT 9, the decision was made to give the Mess a Summer function so that members could finally have a drink together before all parting their ways to the many RTR commitments currently ongoing.

The current Forces Health Protection measures prevented us from using our own Mess at the time, so it was a last-minute scramble for the lucky Mess committee to find an ideal location outside of camp that was brave enough to let the Mess put money behind the bar. After many hours of calls and a bit of email ping pong a suitable venue was finally found and a small, low key event was held at the Gray Manor Hotel, a lovely venue with amazing and welcoming staff. It was a BBQ theme with a cocktail fountain for arrival drinks.

It was an ideal opportunity to get the Mess together, to welcome in those new members that arrived over the last year but also bid farewell to members who have now moved to pastures new. As the RTR Battlegroup now looks to deploy to Estonia and BADGER returns to re-join AJAX and the ROG, the Mess will continue to find ways to slowly come alive, after what we can all agree has been unprecedented times. Clearly, those members deploying will be missed but on their return the Mess can get together as a whole and look back on recent events.

Due to the uncertainty that COVID-19 has brought over the past year to the Regiment and with the constant battle of restrictions in recent months, the WOs & Sgts Mess was long overdue a function to bring the mess back together.

Sergeant Barrett (President of the Entertainments Committee) and Sergeant Perrin (Mess Committee)

Cocktail fountain for arrival drinks

WO2 Bethell (Trg WO), SSgt Davies (AJAX SQMS(T)) and WO2 Smith PMC (AJAX SSM) enjoying the evening

AFFILIATIONS

THE ROYAL WESSEX YEOMANRY

Major David Barclay

It has been another busy year for The Royal Wessex Yeomanry, with the Regiment’s main effort being preparation for the live firing package at Lulworth during our annual training period. This will see eight crews firing. The Regiment will also run a dismounted battle camp.

The Regiment once again has shown its robustness, adapting to the challenges of COVID-19. During the lockdown, drill nights were moved virtually to ensure that training was not disrupted and that the Regiment could maintain its currency. Individuals have been mobilised for Op RESCRIPT (COVID-19), and the Regiment has provided locations for those travelling from red list countries to test and isolate prior to the current scheme set up by the government.

This year, the RWxY have provided a crew to DREADNAUGHT for Op CABRIT 9. Initially firing with CYCLOPS in February they then joined DREADNAUGHT for Ex TALLINN DAWN as part of the RTR Battlegroup. The crew, now integrated into the Squadron, returned to Tidworth for preparation for Estonia. The crew have been made very welcome and the experience working alongside our full-time regular colleagues undoubtedly developed them as soldiers. They are very much looking forward to their deployment with the Squadron.

Further attachments have included a crew that joined B Squadron KRH at Castlemartin ranges to complete a firing package. Lt Ashworth has been attached to A Squadron, QRH for 9 months. The experience provided him with an excellent opportunity to develop the skills necessary in becoming a grounded and effective Troop Leader.

Despite the lockdown, Adventurous Training and Sport has still been big this year, with the

Regiment participating in Riding, Swimming, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Hockey and Sailing. Ex WESSEX SQUALL was the first sailing trip of the year that allowed Junior NCOs to qualify as Competent Crew or Day Skippers. This was followed by a further course in June, sailing around the Isle of Scilly. The Regiment is always well represented in the RAC Offshore Race Team, with two members racing in this year’s Fastnet race. Our swimmers recently had a successful outing at the Inter Corps and Unit championships, with RWxY becoming the Army Open Water Swimming Champions over 1500 m for the Minor Teams.

The year will continue to be exciting, as the Regiment celebrates 50 years since its formation. Squadrons will remain busy throughout the year, with plenty of mounted and dismounted training mixed with multi-day AT packages, a three peaks challenge and plenty of socials.

Sailing around the Isles of Sicily

C Sqn conducting dismounted training on Salisbury Plain

HMS KENT – ROYAL NAVY

Commander M Sykes (Royal Navy)

Message from the Marine Engineering Officer Lieutenant Commander Adrian Long Royal Navy: Dear families and friends of HMS Kent,

We have now passed the halfway point of the deployment and when we set sail from our Mid-Deployment Support Period in Guam we will be heading back towards the UK. Looking back over the first half of this deployment, Kent has proven she is able to deliver on operations, supporting and protecting HMS Queen Elizabeth and her other escorts from submarines in multiple operational theatres.

Operating on the other side of the world with extended periods at sea has presented some logistical and engineering support challenges but overcoming these has been extremely rewarding. With an upcoming period of maintenance support Kent will be fully prepared for the journey home.

During this maintenance period there is also an opportunity for our sailors to explore the island of Guam, as well as take some rest and recuperate prior to the return journey. It is regrettable that COVID-19 travel regulations have prevented friends and family from visiting during this period, but I hope you all take advantage of the improved connectivity to contact your loved ones as we all greatly appreciate your support and encouragement. We look forward to seeing you soon, stay safe in the meantime.

AB(SEA) Bennett connects the boat rope during a boarding exercise.

AB(AWW) Barrow acts as Swimmer of the Watch during a man overboard exercise.

In the Indo-Pacific

Above: L(AET) Lees and PO(AET) Watson fight a simulated fire on the flight deck during a crash on deck exercise.

Above: L (AET) Lees and PO (AET) Watson fight a simulated fire on the flight deck during a crash on deck exercise.

Right: Kent’s Force Protection team practice their skills against a floating target at night.

Right: Kent’s Force Protection team practice their skills against a floating target at night.

Below: In formation with USS The Sullivans and USS New Orleans

Below: In formation with USS The Sullivans and USS New Orleans.

Kent set off from Guam and started her period at sea with a bang conducting Naval Gunfire Support against an island range which was also the target for bombing runs by F35 jets from HMS Queen Elizabeth

Kent set off from Guam and started her period at sea with a bang conducting Naval Gunfire Support against an island range which was also the target for bombing runs by F35 jets from HMS Queen Elizabeth.

We have also conducted day and night small arms firings for both Royal Marine Boarding Team and Kent’s Force Protection team.

We have also conducted day and night small arms firings for both Royal Marine Boarding Team and Kent’s Force Protection team.

Above: Royal Marines practice close quarters skills.

Above: Royal Marines practice close quarters skills.

KEEP IN TOUCH - FIND US ON TWITTER

Please feel free to follow our Twitter account for more updates and news from the Ship!

www.twitter.com/hms_kent

Left:

Joint Operations

JOINT OPERATIONS

HMS Kent joined up with the US Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7) and Japanese Maritime Defence Force (JSMDF) in the waters off Japan for a period of joint strike exercises. This included live bombing runs on a range near to Okinawa as well as other joint air operations and exercises. On the final day all of the units joined into formation for the above photograph taken by Kent’s helicopter Shepherd

HMS Kent joined up with the US Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG-7) and Japanese Maritime Defence Force (JSMDF) in the waters off Japan for a period of joint strike exercises. This included live bombing runs on a range near to Okinawa as well as other joint air operations and exercises. On the final day all of the units joined into formation for the above photograph taken by Kent’s helicopter Shepherd.

Above: PO(ME) Stansfield teaches ET(ME) Boyea about Kent’s gas turbines during routine maintenance.

Above:

Below: LS(SEA) Bolton removes the cable gripper from the jackstay during a RAS with RFA Tidespring

Below: LS(SEA)

After the period of exercises with JSMDF and ESG 7 Kent visited Sasebo, Japan for a period of essential maintenance. Initially unsure whether the Ship’s Company would get off the ship due to COVID 19 restrictions we were pleased to be allowed into the US Naval Base to take advantage of their facilities even if we would be unable to enter Japan itself.

After the period of exercises with JSMDF and ESG-7 Kent visited Sasebo, Japan for a period of essential maintenance. Initially unsure whether the Ship’s Company would get off the ship due to COVID-19 restrictions we were pleased to be allowed into the US Naval Base to take advantage of their facilities even if we would be unable to enter Japan itself.

Leaving Japan, Kent was involved in live anti-submarine operations before meeting up with HMS Queen Elizabeth and other units of the Carrier Strike Group for the transit to Guam. In Guam we will all undertake a Mid-Deployment Support Period conducting maintenance prior to our return journey to the UK. This extended stop will also allow Ship’s Company an opportunity for rest and recuperation and an opportunity to explore the island or conduct adventurous training supported by a deployed team of Physical Training Instructors from HMNB Portsmouth.

Leaving Japan, Kent was involved in live anti-submarine operations before meeting up with HMS Queen Elizabeth and other units of the Carrier Strike Group for the transit to Guam. In Guam we will all undertake a Mid Deployment Support Period conducting maintenance prior to our return journey to the UK. This extended stop will also allow Ship’s Company an opportunity for rest and recuperation and an opportunity to explore the island or conduct adventurous training supported by a deployed team of Physical Training Instructors from HMNB Portsmouth.

In formation with JSMDF units and ESG 7 for a co ordinated photograph.

Left: In formation with JSMDF units and ESG-7 for a coordinated photograph.

PO(ME) Stansfield teaches ET(ME) Boyea about Kent’s gas turbines during routine maintenance.

Bolton removes the cable gripper from the jackstay during a RAS with RFA Tidespring

TANK MUSEUM UPDATE

The Tank Museum has had a very challenging period through 2020 and 2021, but has come through in rude health.

ONLINE

Richard Smith OBE MUSEUM

The closures due to Covid restrictions meant that the Museum has been closed for around nine of the last eighteen months. Only around 15% of the Museum’s turnover comes from public funding, so this put unprecedented pressure on the organisation’s finances. However, every market disruption comes with associated opportunity. The Tank Museum was already Europe’s most successful museum of any kind on YouTube before the pandemic, but Covid and its associated closures accelerated our shift to online business and content.

In the last twelve months, we have had around 400,000 viewers a month on our YouTube channel, who between them consumed some

3.7 million hours of content. This represents a huge increase in our ambition as a charity. To put this into context, in 2019, 220,000 people physically visited the Museum, staying on average for four hours at a time. In the future, we will be able to pursue both ways of engaging with the public, taking our stories to audiences of a scale which would have been inconceivable only a few years ago. The new online activity also helped plug the financial gaps left by the lack of visitors. In 2020 the online shop sales reached £1m, with the biggest seller of the year being rather fetching tank slippers!

Much of the other work of the Tank Museum has been curtailed or suspended with many staff on furlough or covering roles different to normal over most of the last eighteen months. However, we were still able to install new exhibitions in our Second World War galleries, which are based on a wide set of interviews carried out with veterans over recent years. These meant that we now tell a story of young soldiers and the battles they fought in, trying to bring alive the human stories that make the Museum such a compelling experience.

At the time of writing, the Museum is fully open to visitors again, with the workshops and collections teams back full time and catching up on a year’s backlog, while trying to bring our stories alive to the next generation.

World War 2 Stories exhibition

The Tank Museum conforms to the latest Government & industry COVID-19 guidelines, with an approved process in place to maintain cleanliness and aid social distancing.

ADVENTUROUS TRAINING & SPORT

THE CAV CUP IS HOME!

RTR 3 – 0 QRH

Cpl Wheeler

After beginning our Cav Cup journey with

an extra time win

against the Household Cavalry, the RTR made football look easy in the semi-final on the 4 March 2020 with a 5-1 victory over the Light Dragoons. The final would be a repeat of the 2019 final against the QRH, little did we know we would have to wait an arduous 491 days to finally be crowned champions and get our revenge.

Several obstacles had stood in our way before the kick-off. COVID-19 was still doing its best to interfere with our preparations. But when the 7 July 2021 finally came around, we knew we had a job to do. That job was to bring the Cav Cup home on its 125th year anniversary, home back to the oldest tank regiment in the world.

The game started brightly for the RTR, our two warm up friendlies the week before certainly helped us settle on the ball and we controlled the game in the early stages, every man knew his job from the outset. Cpl Niall Woollard, Cpl Rowan Irvine and LCpl Lawrence Larbi all missed good opportunities in the opening 20 minutes of the match, Cpl Woollard the biggest culprit.

Unfortunately, we were forced into an early change after 40 minutes after LCpl James

McGuire suffered an injury. Luckily SSgt Kev Mack was able to seamlessly step into his shoes and quickly found the pace of the game. No sooner had this happened, Cpl Woollard finally found his shooting boots and managed to find the back of the net with a superb left footed strike, giving the RTR a well deserved 1-0 lead. This was quickly followed by LCpl Larbi taking it round the QRH goalkeeper, the referee judged his effort to have crossed the line and the RTR now had a strong 2-0 lead that we would carry through to half time. It was nothing more than we had deserved.

As the second half began, the QRH came out of the blocks quickly and had some good opportunities in a spell where they were the better team. However good decision making from Tpr Tom Lewis in goal and excellent

leadership from WO2 Lance Rugg in defence allowed us to weather the storm unscathed and as a team we had regained control of the game come the hour mark. The killer blow came after around 75 minutes after the QRH goalkeeper failed to control a back-pass allowing Cpl Woollard to tap into an empty net for his second and the RTR’s third. He received a yellow card for removing shirt in an over exuberant celebration. He thought he was Cristiano Ronaldo, we thought Peter Kay had just turned up!

We managed to remain comfortable until the final whistle was blown 15 minutes later, largely thanks to the team’s ability to play good football and retain possession in all areas of the pitch. A well-deserved 3-0 triumph against a well spirited QRH side. Full time was an emotional affair notably due to it being both LCpl James McGuire and Cpl Stuart Duck’s last game for the RTR before leaving the service and moving on to other things. As team captain Cpl Rowan Irvine lifted the historic trophy, it felt like more than just a Cav Cup win, it felt football was finally back!

MAN OF THE MATCH: Cpl Niall Woollard

FALCON’S STRONGEST 2021

Lance Corporal Elmore

On July 26th, FALCON hosted a strongman-style event as part of OC FALCON’s inter-troop competition. The troops all selected teams of four to compete for maximum points, and 16 competitors in total lined up at 1330 to hear the competition brief and what lay in store.

In the first event, LCpl Batchelor and LCpl Harding set a blistering pace, deadlifting 120kg 20 times in 60 seconds to claim joint first. In the second event, LCpl Harding again proved his strength, this time tying with Cpl Stapleton on the 50kg Log Press, each of them lifting the strongman log from the floor to over-head 11 times in 60 seconds. The heat was turned up in the third event, which saw the competitors pull a Land Rover for 20 metres using a harness. Once strapped in, the sound of the whistle started the timer, and the brakes were released. Competitors pushed themselves to the finish line where the blast

of a second whistle signalled respite, and although there were several fantastic times from this event, Sgt Reed blew everyone away to claim first place with a time of 19.77 seconds. In the fourth event, Cpl Birch started to make his move on the field, putting in an impressive display with a ridiculously fast time of 23.95 seconds to flip a FUCHS tyre 10 times. This made the standings extremely tight, with all to play for going into the final event – the Loading Race. This event was made up of a 10-metre track with four objects at one end that competitors had to take one at a time and run to place it over the finish line, repeating

this until all four were over the line, with the fastest time winning. The objects used were a 32kg kettlebell, a 40kg sandbag, a 42kg beer keg and finished with half of an A frame. Once again, there were some great times all round, but with a time of 23.67 seconds, Cpl Birch took first place.

Once the last event was finished, the scores were added up before placings were announced and prizes given. Congratulations to Cpl Birch (1st place), LCpl Harding (2nd place) and Tpr Vincent (3rd place) all receiving winners packs courtesy of 10X Nutrition, who sent over a huge amount of their products to sponsor the event. All competitors were given a goodie-bag consisting of a ‘FALCON’s Strongest’ keyring, a shaker bottle, and various nutritional samples.

So, with FALCON’s Strongest 2021 done, hopefully here’s to next year’s competition –Strongest Tankie 2022!

RTR CYCLING

Captain Harry Finch-Pawley

Above and below: demonstrating the skills that got him there!

The past 12 months have predictably been quiet for both the RTR Mountain Biking and Road Cycling Teams. The impact of social distancing and Force Health Protection measures at various points throughout the year, as well as multiple deployments on Mission Ready Training and Op CABRIT have meant that conventional meets have not been possible, except for very limited instances.

WHERE THERE'S A WILL...

However, where there is a will there is a way!

As restrictions eased in July, SSgt Heal and LCpl Woodman competed in the National Downhill Mountain Bike Series at Hamsterly Forest, representing the Army Team. LCpl Woodman finished 30th in the Senior category, with SSgt Heal securing 5th place overall in the Master’s category. A truly excellent effort all around.

As conventional leg stretching wasn’t an option for the majority of the year, many of our riders began to compete and train virtually on ZWIFT both individually and with the RAC team on a number of separate events. This in turn led to a funding bid to the RTR for 4x top of the range turbo trainers, and 4x Zwift accounts to encourage this growth, and allow our riders to

get more out of this rapidly growing domain. Moving forward the intention is to consolidate our regular use of this equipment and in time, bid for more platforms, allowing us to continue to fly the RTR colours on the road, on the trail, and in the cybersphere; all while hopefully attracting new members to the team.

MORE FOR 2022

Looking forward into 2022, the RTR cycling team will continue to recruit new members and reconsolidate following the inevitable turnover of some of our more experienced veterans on posting; and as they leave the Army. As events become more widespread and restrictions abroad continue to ease, the

team will seek to engage in training camps and competitions where the opportunities arise, as well as continue to grow our presence in the virtual sphere. The original Mosel 2020 event as part of the Vintners team unfortunately was postponed due to COVID, but happily has been rescheduled for 2022, which will see 6 riders from the RTR cycle from Cambrai to Bernkastel over 3 days.

If you are reading this and are interested in getting into the sport, or simply interested in bringing your hobby into work with you, please get in touch with myself at Charles.Finch-Pawley100@mod.gov.uk

We take riders at all levels and are extremely keen to develop talent within the Regiment.

SSgt Heal on the podium.

RTR RFC 2020/21 SEASON

It has not been lost on anyone that sport has suffered throughout the pandemic. Rugby, however, for the pure nature of it being the closest of close contact sports, has had the carpet ripped from beneath its feet.

The RTR RFC have had to be patient as rugby’s return was never going to be simple. The RFU have rewritten the rules of the game for the safety of the player and the changes that had to be made have taken some getting used to. As the country began to open up, the RTR RFC players were keen as ever to dive straight back into the game they love. The team were first subject to the RFU’s D2 rules, which banned mauling or scrums to minimise unnecessary close contact between players.

With a brand new £1.4 million 4G rugby pitch built on Aliwal Barracks, the training ground was on the team’s doorstep. Training became a regular occurrence in early summer, before the first opportunity to play a competitive match presented itself. Griffins RFC (Army HQ and Andover Garrison) contacted the team to start up a previously held annual fixture. The team were of course excited for the opportunity, with 30+ players expressing their intention to play. This friendly fixture was played in good spirit, as both teams used it as an opportunity to shake out the cobwebs and practice different

combinations of players. With 20-minute quarters, each player got a run out in varying positions, allowing the team management to begin to understand where people will be best suited for competitive games. Ultimately, good rugby was played and the team walked away with a 33-22 win over the opposition. The nature of the teams new 4G home ground means fast and slick rugby can be played, which suits the team’s style of play.

A second game during the summer against Pewsey RFC, a local team to Tidworth, allowed more game time. Another game played in good spirits finished, the RTR unfortunately left without a win. 27-19 to Pewsey.

Now with the cobwebs shaken out and the rules relaxing further, the team are looking forward to playing some competitive rugby throughout the autumn and winter. Due to the RTR BG deployment on Op CABRIT, both DREADNAUGHT and EGYPT will be unavailable. For this reason, the team will not elect to join a competitive league, as they may be faced with difficulty finding a full team week in and week out. A continuance of sporadic local derby’s and the ARU’s fixture exchange will be the intention for the 2021/2022 season. Rumours also suggest that DREADNAUGHT and EGYPT wont escape rugby on their deployment, as local teams look for ringers when they can be available.

Lieutenant Andy Buffham

A team huddle during the Griffins fixture.

RTR VS Griffins – Lt Buffham throws in at the line out.

RTR E-SPORTS NEWS

Sergeant Cox

With the height of COVID-19 behind us the Regimental E-Sport team have grown into a well-seasoned and talented group of individuals. We have seen excellent results from both our established teams in War

(WT) and Call of Duty (CoD), with the RTR taking second place in the Intra-RAC “Soap”

the Scots DG. The WT team also have had success in a very

From these highly competitive teams some of our soldiers have been selected to represent the RAC and Army. A notable mention from the team is LCpl Dunbar who was selected to represent the British Army in the elite CoD team. This saw him play in an international match against the American Forces in a prestigious event sponsored by the makers of CoD “Black Ops” ACTIVISION. The event called Code B.O.W.L was a huge success with the Army team taking third place behind the RAF and the new US Space Force. Tpr Dungey lead the RAC CoD team to victory in the REME’s Mustang Cup which saw the RAC’s first major tournament victory after mixed success in the British Army’s Lions League.

The efforts of the Regimental E-Sport team have earned them the opportunity to be recognised as a legitimate activity and apply for funding with the intention of creating and E-Sports suite in the Regimental welfare facility. Not only will this act as a ‘home stadium’ where casters can stream their games but also as a place where young soldiers can come together and build friendships. This effect of building communities on platforms such as Discord and Twitch has helped soldiers deal with the mental stresses of being isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has also focused soldiers, built team cohesion, and satisfied their competitive hunger with regular fixtures and league tables.

The Army Sergeant Major joined the Army discord and spoke to the very junior of soldiers on issues such as mental health and provided a platform to raise concerns to the very top of the Army. With this initiative the British Army Discord platform provides a route to reach out for advice or help. The RAC Discord Community has 290 soldiers across all regular and reserve Regiments in the RAC.

Participation in E-Sports has helped young soldiers develop junior leadership; leading a small section in achieving mission successes

on a virtual battlefield and it has helped developed managements skills when organising fixtures. With the future of warfare being constantly digitised and remotely operated to increase safety of soldiers in the future, it is only necessary that units

develop the next generation of soldiers and nurture some of these overlooked skills. The RTR as always are leading innovation within the RAC with constant success and many members progressing to much higher level of competition.

Thunder

McTavish Cup with a valiant final against

convincing victory over the KRH team in August.

ARMY ENDURO

Lance Corporal Beavin

2021 has been a busy year for Army Enduro Motorcycling. I have had the pleasure and opportunity to compete in the 2021 Army Inter-Corps Enduro Motorcycle Championship, a series of one day event stages. At the time of writing, I am performing well, placing third in the first two rounds of a six round Championship.

In addition, I competed in Ex HARD RIDE, the Tri-service Enduro Championship. This is an annual event which takes place over three days, containing different scored events, such as best effort timed laps of a circuit, numerous trail stages, as well as a 14km timed Enduro with included test circuits. I managed to finish second overall in the Novice class and won the Jimmy James Shield for ‘Best RAC Rider’. Sgt Langston (QRH) and I entered as an RAC team and won the Buckley Cup for 'Best Novice Team' and 'Best Over All Team' for our performances in this Championship. On the back of these successes, I am planning to enter the 2022 Championship in the ‘Expert’ class. To prepare for this, I have been entering as many local club events and practice sessions as I can.

I would like to take the opportunity thank the Regiment and FALCON Sqn (C-CBRN) for giving me the time to allow me to compete in such an amazing sport and would encourage anyone interested in participating in the sport of Enduro to do so.

The author competing at the Championships

The author with Sgt Langston and our haul of silverware

RTR GOLF

Summer had truly arrived. With blazing sunshine and mercury bubbling in the thermometer, the RTR Golf team took to the course. Though COVID-19 hindered the fixtures of other sports, 18 holes under the sun is the perfect way to lift the spirits and dispel the viral doom-and-gloom.

September saw the team compete in the Rusty Putter competition. The jewel-in-the-crown of the Royal Tank Regiment’s Golf Team calendar. Rusty Putter is heatedly contested year after year, and the Mess teams get as much practice in as they can beforehand.

During the build-up to Rusty Putter, the Team played friendly fixtures in order to greasethe-groove of their game. In July, members of the RTR had the chance to play on a toptier course, the Royal Ascot. The event was organised by LCpl Jackson of CYCLOPS, who had this to say about the day:

“The day started out with bright sunshine, but by the 6th hole rain was torrential. The downpour flooded not only the greens, but our shoes too! Once the rain had stopped, we ‘cracked on’ and made the most of it. Some great golf was played throughout the day with everyone finishing on a high. Overall, a fantastic outing for the team.”

As the season progressed, the RTR team only continued to improve, slashing strokes from their scorecards round after round. Alongside the development of the players’ game, the camaraderie brought about by hours spent together on the course has continually built the team spirit over the past 12 months.

RUSTY PUTTER 2021

After months of anticipation, the Annual Rusty Putter competition has once again been and gone.

Organised by SSgt Tom Davies, Rusty Putter is a two-day event serving as the annual Officers vs Seniors competition. 2021 saw the addition of the Junior Ranks Mess, which served to add yet another layer of competitive spirit.

The event is traditionally held at Celtic Manor Golf Club in Newport, where, most notably, the 2010 Ryder Cup was held. Celtic Manor boasts three championship-grade courses, of which the RTR team had the chance to play two –The Roman Road and The Montgomerie. Both

courses are particularly challenging and set amongst stunning Welsh scenery.

Rusty Putter 2021 began with a rousing welcome speech from SSgt Tom Davies, and, as golf culture decrees, this was accompanied with some customary course-beers. Day one was played on The Montgomerie - A dramatic par 69 challenge designed by Ryder Cup legend Colin Montgomerie. Hosting the 2015 European Pro Tour, this course proved itself to be no mean feat for the RTR Team. The Montgomerie was played as stroke-play, a format of play whereby the score is taken from the number of strokes (shots) a player must make to complete all of the holes on the course. This was a helpful day for all and served as a practise-run for the competition the following day.

Lieutenant Connor Wright

Capt Munnery playing the fairway at Donnington

LCpl Martin practising a recovery shot

Part of the Rusty Putter Competition is the social aspect, a chance for the members of our team to enjoy some like-minded company (and a few more beers) at the five star Celtic Manor Golf Hotel. Our team members enjoyed a mixed grill buffet in one of the hotel restaurants and what might only be described as ‘terrible golf chat’ to accompany their drinks into the evening.

With a few sore heads the following morning, the Team took to the course for day two;

competition day. Competition was conducted in pairs match play, with each individual hole being won, drawn, or lost. Day two was played on the Roman Road; a challenging par 70 6,500-yard course which takes it’s name from the East-West Roman Road which runs across it. The players were left particularly impressed by the 12th hole of the Roman Road, which is ranked amongst the 50 best in the world.

Though fiercely contested throughout, the competition saw the WOs’ and Sgts’ victorious

once again. The coveted Rusty Putter trophy will continue to be on display in their Mess for another year. An excellent event all around, the RTR team will now look forward to returning to Celtic Manor in 2022.

We are always looking for our next fixture, be it with another regiment, association, or organisation. If you would like to organise a match, please contact Lt Connor Wright, or SSgt Tom Davies.

Connor.Wright153@mod.gov.uk

Thomas.davies923@mod.gov.uk

Rusty Putter

RTR OFFSHORE SAILING

Sun, Sea and Scotland?

Renowned for its crystal-clear waters, guaranteed sunshine, constant breeze and miles of white sandy beaches, Antigua is probably the best place on Earth to learn to sail. Instead, soldiers from DREADNAUGHT found themselves this summer venturing off the west coast of Scotland.

On the 18 of July, Cpls James Sansom and Nathan Smith along with LCpl Lewis Clarke and Tpr Kallum Philips became the crew of Joint Service’s Halberg Rassy, Petrel IX. Skippered by Capt Adrian Slim of the Royal Signals with First Mate Lt Adrian Langford, the crew spent seven days exploring the southern sector of Scotland’s Inner Hebrides.

With James, Nathan, and Lewis completely new to sailing, and Kallum having only completed his RYA Competent Crew course a few weeks prior, the week served as an excellent opportunity to introduce serving soldiers to thrill of offshore sailing. During the first week the crew ventured from Dunstaffnage marina and completed a circumnavigation of the Isles of Mull, Jura and Kerrera. The vessel called into the towns, anchorages and memorable locations of Tobermory (recognisable as the location of the fictional town of Balamory), Fingal’s Cave, the Isle of Colonsay, the Sounds of Iona and Jura, Port Ellen on the Isle of Islay, the Crinan Canal, the Sound of Corryvreckan and finally Oban before returning to Dunstaffnage.

Despite the unseasonably light winds and persistent Scottish sunshine (please see photographic evidence as proof), the crew managed a total of 188 nautical miles. At times they could have been forgiven for thinking they were amongst the Isles of Tortuga and Grenada rather than Staffa and Scarba.

A particular highlight of the week was the day spent ashore exploring the Island of Islay. Berthed in the marina of Port Ellen, the crew discovered what Hebridean island life was like, including going for a wild swim in the local bay. On their return to Dunstaffnage, the

crew left having enjoyed fair weather sailing in potentially Scotland’s sunniest week in history.

In their place came the RTR crew for the second and final week of adventure under sail. LCpl Ben Cornock along with Tprs Kane Salvage, Harry Terry and Jamie Bates and their skipper, Lt Col Richard Sernberg, arrived to take over the vessel. With an identical level of crew experience as the week prior, it was set to be another brilliant introductory week to offshore sailing for the soldiers aboard.

Thankfully, blessed with a bit more wind, the crew set about determining just how far afield they could sail over the exercise. Initially, the prospect of circumnavigating around the Isle of Skye was thought to be possible. But with the wind predicted to dwindle as the week progressed, a shorter, island-hopping

excursion in the northern sector of the Inner Hebrides was opted for instead.

Leaving Dunstaffnage on Sunday the 25 July, the crew sailed through the Sound of Mull until reaching the town of Tobermory where they stayed the night. From here, the crew spent the next few days sailing north, passing the well know Islands of Eigg, Rum, and Muck. An overnight anchorage at Loch Scavaig on the southern tip of Skye was insisted on by the skipper and enjoyed by all. Regarded as one of the best anchorages in Europe, Loch Scavaig is surrounded on three sides by the Cullin hills and offers dramatic views of the vast Loch Coruisk for those wishing to row ashore.

With sufficient wind up until the final day of the exercise the crew enjoyed champagne sailing conditions as they returned from the northern

Lieutenant Adrian Langford

DREADNAUGHT Squadron enjoys two weeks of offshore sailing in Scotland’s answer to the Caribbean.

Crew of Week 1 whilst berthed at Port Ellen

Heading into the treacherous Sound of Corryvreckan

isles. On the penultimate day, a northerly wind allowed the crew to hoist the spinnaker and gybe it down the entire length of the Sound of Mull, using the skipper’s drone to capture some brilliant footage whilst doing so.

On their return to Dunstaffnage marina a day later, the crew cleaned the boat and prepared it for the next oncoming Unit. All in

all, the RTR had two brilliant weeks of sailing in some fantastic conditions, experiencing the very best of what Scotland has to offer. With interest in offshore sailing at an all-time high, the Sqn now looks to the summer of 2022 to see where we might head next. Aware of the low likelihood of experiencing the Scottish sun in consecutive years, hopes of a trip to Antigua remain high.

Heading in Loch Scavaig on the Isle of Skye. Champagne sailing conditions towards the end of the exercise.

Cloud finally breaking to reveal the Isle of Rum.

Crew of week 2 snapped on the Isle of Skye.

The Inner Hebrides as seen from the Crinan Canal.

INTRODUCTION

Over the course of 2021 and 2022 The Royal Tank Regiment will have deployed on Op CABRIT 8,9 and 10. This will be the first time that the Regiment have deployed with their tanks to Estonia as part of the NATO Enhanced Forward Presence. This special feature will seek to explain the strategic and historical context of the deployments as well as the lessons identified, and challenges faced by the crews.

As this Journal goes to press, BADGER have recovered from Op CABRIT 8, DREADNAUGHT and EGYPT as part of the RTR Battlegroup are conducting themselves superbly on CABRIT 9 and AJAX are in the middle of the demanding pre-deployment cycle ready for Op CABRIT 10.

The challenges of operating in Estonia are numerous, but the lessons that we have identified, and the experiences gained have been second to none. Tank crews have become masters at operating in woods, training in ground restricted by swamps and

working alongside dismounted infantry. They have exercised and tested themselves against a fiercely determined and capable Estonian Defence Force who are certain of the peril of underestimating the threat from the East and regard the UK’s presence as one of the key tenets to their national security.

A Challenger 2 from BADGER operating in the dense woods of Estonia

THE STRATEGIC CONTEXT FOR NATO’S ENHANCED FORWARD PRESENCE

Lieutenant Jason Birtle

WHAT IS THE NATO EFP?

The eFP consists of four Battlegroups deployed in the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. These Battlegroups, led by the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and the United States respectively as shown in figure 1, are multinational, and combat-ready, demonstrating the strength of the transatlantic bond.

WHAT IS THE COMPOSITION OF THE UK-LED EFP BATTLEGROUP?

The UK’s contribution to the eFP in Estonia, named Operation CABRIT, consists of one Armoured/Armoured Infantry Battlegroup based in Tapa, Estonia. There are also smaller additions from the Danish and French Armies to the NATO mission in Estonia. On Op CABRIT 8, the French contingent is from our paired Unit, the 501 Chars de Combat. Alongside this, the UK contributes to the US-led Battlegroup in Poland and Operation AZOTIZE, an Air Policing mission based in Estonia and Lithuania.

WHY IS RUSSIA INTERESTED IN THE REGION?

Russia maintained a buffer zone around its border by occupying some of their neighbouring states post-World War 2. They formed a defensive alliance called the Warsaw Pact in 1955 and sought to distance themselves from western European countries. Since the breakup of the Warsaw Pact in 1991, countries who gained independence, including Estonia, have been trying to bolster security in the region which places Estonia at risk of Russian destabilisation attempts or annexation. Also, around 25% of the Estonian population is ethnically Russian and speak Russian as their first language (SOE, 2011). This provides Russia with an opportunity to develop a narrative of returning ethnic Russians to their homeland, whilst satisfying Russia’s desire to destabilise western-leaning states on Russia’s border.

WHAT IS THE THREAT?

The perceived threat causing the creation and deployment of the eFP, is a limited Russian incursion to seize terrain in the Baltic states. The origins of this perceived threat are Russian actions in Georgia in 2008 and more

recently, in Ukraine during 2014. The Ukraine conflict has focussed around Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk, but has had far-reaching impacts throughout Ukraine. Russian backed separatists in the border regions of Ukraine have annexed land or severely destabilised it to a point where the host nation can no longer enforce sovereignty over that region. This is an example of hybrid warfare which is less visible and easy to attribute than a conventional conflict, but potentially just as problematic to the Baltic states. This is because they have multiple options in terms of the level of conflict, whether direct or indirect, ranging from propaganda to a conventional war (IISS, 2015). Furthermore, there is a lingering conventional threat from the combat power in the Russian Western Military District. With minimal warning, it is assessed that Russia could deploy 27 Battlegroup sized formations, in contrast to the 12 Battlegroups that NATO can deploy with one week of warning (Radin, 2017). This does not however consider the defensive advantage for NATO forces and their air superiority.

Russian aggression would most likely have one of two aims: firstly, a political gain of testing NATO’s commitment to Article 5 of the NATO Treaty. Article 5 states that an attack on one NATO member is treated as an attack on all NATO members. Secondly, Russia may aim to gain a strategically important piece of land or a small bordering region inhabited by ethnic Russians (Radin, 2017).

WHAT IS HYBRID WARFARE AND WHY IS IT DEEMED TO BE A THREAT IN THIS REGION?

Hybrid warfare is the implementation of conventional and cyberwarfare, as well as leveraging politics and irregular forces which is designed to destabilize a functioning state and polarize its society (Moore, 2018). This is a tactic favoured by states who do not wish to engage in a full-scale war but instead use a variety of pressures to annex land or destabilise neighbours through political subversion amongst other tactics.

Hybrid warfare is well suited to an area where propaganda and political messaging could be effective but, where a full-scale conflict would be overly detrimental to the aggressor state. As there are concentrations of ethnic Russians in Estonia, 25% in 2011 (SOE, 2011), Russia may deem that it poses an easy target for information warfare and propaganda. Many ethnic Russians in the bordering Region of Estonia did not receive full citizenship status until Estonia joined the European Union (EU) as when Estonia broke away from the Soviet Union, only citizens from before their occupation had their citizenship acknowledged by the state (Koort, 2014; Radin, 2017). This lingering discontent makes it a region that may be susceptible to Russian subversion in a similar way to certain Ukrainian regions as they may associate themselves more with Russia than Estonia based on their heritage.

Figure 1. Enhanced Forward Presence Map of Deployed NATO Members (NATO, 2021).

WHAT IS THE NATO MISSION IN THE REGION?

Assessments of Russian intentions and the threat posed in the region have concluded that the hybrid threat requires a strengthening of defences against propaganda, cyberwarfare, covert action, and conventional warfare (Moore, 2018). This has resulted in the NATO mission focussing around three key effects; deter, defend, and reassure. It is tasked to deter Russian aggression in the region which includes an ability and readiness to defend Estonian sovereign territory. This is the most obvious function of the eFP Battlegroup but it also, by virtue of their location, provides a guarantee to the Estonian people that Article 5 of the NATO treaty will be honoured. Furthermore, it reassures the Estonian government that support exists to counter Russian subversion campaigns. This is essential as these campaigns have been seen in Ukraine as a way to soften a region before covert or conventional forces are deployed. A land grab or a political subversion attempt can be negated by forward mounted NATO troops as it immediately necessitates NATO involvement in the conflict if NATO troops are attacked. The forward mounting of troops reduces the dilemma of whether to deploy troops after aggression is carried out by unmarked forces who cannot be attributed to a state (Radin, 2017). The eFP also multiplies the impact of NATO air power in the region by reducing Russia’s ability to disperse troops to mitigate the impact of NATO air power (Fredrick et al. 2020).

NATO aims to defend Estonia whilst avoiding the excessive build-up of forces on Russia’s western border and in turn prevent the reinforcing of a familiar security dilemma; fearful of each other’s intentions, each side continues to increase forces in the region and with it the risk of conflict . Therefore, the UK eFP has the level of combat power where they can deter an invasion and defend against the vanguard elements of an invasion whilst not provoking Russia all whilst ensuring that Estonia is reassured of NATO’s commitment to its defence.

The combat power required has been calculated, partly based on the threat posed by Russian forces engaging in hybrid warfare as well as the larger conventional defence plan of the Baltics. Estonia assesses that two Battlegroups are required which is where

NATO has assisted by proving the UK-led eFP Battlegroup. This level of combat power should enable Estonia to deal with Russian Special Forces tactical actions in the region until reinforcements can be mobilised (JWA, 2015). It also balances the conventional threat from the Western Military District whilst minimising the escalation of tensions by posing a lower offensive threat.

NATO has specifically decided to deploy an Armoured/Armoured Infantry Battlegroup to the region, as opposed to a Light Battlegroup or air or naval forces, due to the historical success seen with heavy armour in a deterrence role. For example, the Berlin crisis in 1961 and Op VIGILANT WARRIOR in 1994 which saw Soviet and Iraqi troop build-ups respectively being balanced and deterred by a deployment of heavy armour forces to the regions (Fredrick et al., 2020). In the latter example, the threat to Saddam’s regime posed by ground forces is perceived as more significant than exclusively using an aerial bombing campaign. This threat leads to a faster de-escalation of tensions and contrasts with the deployment of light ground forces who are often associated with an increase in low-intensity militarised conflicts, and so could actually escalate tensions (Fredrick et al., 2020). Additionally, armoured battle groups represent a larger and longerterm commitment to the region’s defence which is a more effective deterrent.

HOW HAS THE UK DEVELOPED AN EFFECTIVE DETERRENCE?

A deterrence can only be effective when a force is perceived by any potential adversary as credible. The UK has achieved this through the implementation of training cycles in the build up to deployments on Op CABRIT, the full suite of capabilities that are forward mounted in theatre, and by deploying an Armoured/Armoured Infantry capability which demonstrates commitment to the region. As part of the UK eFP pre-deployment training, the Battlegroups are tested and validated before they can deploy and then they continue mission specific training while deployed in Estonia. This improves their credibility as they are further improving their ability to operate effectively in the appropriate terrain. The Battlegroup subsequently becomes more of a credible deterrent when they are acclimatised and familiar with the environment that they could be defending. This develops a broader capability in the British Army as the majority

of the UK’s combat power in an Armoured/ Armoured Infantry Battlegroup will have had exposure to operating in this environment. This capability improves the UK’s ability to deter due to its competency in operating in the specific region. Throughout their deployment, the UK eFP continuously exercises their readiness to ensure that any aggression from adversaries in the region is confronted quickly and effectively. This deters any adversaries from attempting to carry out a fast land grab before NATO can respond as the readiness timelines guarantee that NATO will respond and thereby escalate any potential conflict past a threshold that an adversary is likely to be willing to accept.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

1. Fredrick, B., Watts, S., Lane, M., Doll, A., Rhoades, A.L. and Smith, M.L (2020). Understanding the Deterrent Impact of U.S. Overseas Forces, RAND. USA: Calif.

2. Herz, J.H. (1950). Political Ideas and Political Reality. Western Political Quarterly. 3 (2), pp.161-178.

3. IISS, (2015). The Military Balance, International Institute for Strategic Studies. p. 6. See also Michael Kofman and Matthew Rojansky, “A Closer Look at Russia’s ‘Hybrid War,’” Woodrow Wilson Center Kennan Cable No. 7, April 2015.

4. JWA, (2015). Estonia, Jane’s World Armies.

5. Koort, K. (2014). The Russians of Estonia: Twenty Years After, World Affairs. 117(2), pp. 66-73.

6. Moore, C. (2018). Assessment of NATO Forces in the Baltic States: Credible Deterrent or Paper Tiger? Real Clear Defense. Available at: www.realcleardefense. com/articles/2018/12/10/assessment_of_nato_ forces_in_the_baltic_states_credible_deterrent_ or_paper_tiger_114015.html [Accessed on 24/01/2020].

7. NATO, (2019). Enhanced Forward Presence - Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. NATO. Available at: https://shape.nato.int/efp. [Accessed on 24/01/2020].

8. NATO, (2021). Boosting NATO’s presence in the east and southeast. NATO. Available at: www.nato.int/ nato_static_fl2014/assets/pdf/2021/4/pdf/210407MAP-eFP-e.pdf [Accessed on 29/07/2021].

9. RAF, (2019). RAF Fighters begin Estonian Air Policing Mission. RAF. Available from: [Accessed on 30/07/2021].

10. Radin, A. (2017). Hybrid Warfare in the Baltics, RAND. USA: Calif.

11. SOE, (2015). 2011 Population and Housing Censuses in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, Statistical Office of Estonia, Central Statistical Bureau of Latvia, and Statistics Lithuania, pp. 12-24.

EX BADGER SCHOLAR: ARMING THE SOLDIERS OF TODAY WITH THE LESSONS OF THE PAST

Lieutenant Daniel Saville

During their recent deployment to Estonia on OP CABRIT 8, BADGER Squadron used a study of the Battle of Narva to learn the lessons on how to use armour in the Estonian Terrain.

three years of fighting on the western bank of the River Narva as well as their own eastern bridgehead still inside ancient Russia. Over the course of a seven-month slogging match, commencing in February 1944, the Soviets desperately tried to secure a bridgehead on the western bank – crossing the thick ice on foot, with medium armour, and even at night with dog sleds. But to no avail. The armoured counter attacks of a single company of Tiger Heavy tanks were used to great effect.

It’s tempting to believe that in the 76 years since the end of the Second World War, technology, or innate human nature has significantly changed the character of war. Enough, maybe, to render the modern tank soldier somehow separate and immune from the challenges of that devastating past. However, as BADGER Squadron found on their battlefield study of Narva, in Eastern Estonia, their training and the experiences of tank crews in the Battle of Narva (1944) draw uncomfortable parallels, helping to form valuable lessons.

The Battle of Narva, 1944 was a seven-month defensive battle fought between German and Estonian forces and the attacking Soviet forces of the Leningrad front. It can be broken down into two phases – the battle for the bridgeheads of Narva and the defence of the Tannenburg Line. As the German Army Group North withdrew from its failed siege of Leningrad, they identified the narrow isthmus formed in Eastern Estonia, jutting out between

the natural barriers of the Gulf of Finland and Lake Peipus in the South, as a natural defensive line. This wooded swampy terrain would prevent the movement of heavy weapons and equipment in all but two key movement corridors, the Rollbahn, or ‘key route’ (modern day Highway 1), and the Narva-Tallinn railway line, which still exists. The Germans sought to block the Soviet advance, holding onto the Baltic Sea for their flow of natural resources, to keep their ally Finland in the War, and to prevent this corridor of advance being used to gain access to western territory. The Soviets wanted to weaken their enemy by exploiting all of these as part of Stalin’s ‘broad front’ policy of attacking across the entire Eastern front.

The scene was set for a defensive battle, with the German Army, Dutch, Estonian and Flemish SS facing off against a numerically superior Soviet advance. German Army Group North occupied bunkers from the previous

Eventually the infiltration of the Kirvasoo swamp on the South-Western edge of the Battlefield threatened to cut off the German forces left at the Narva Bridgehead and so in July the remaining SS units delayed back to a secondary defensive line, the Tannenburg line in the Sinimae Hills. These dominating hills became the scene of bitter fighting, turned into a hell-scape of craters and bunkers, but never fully leaving German hands. By the end of August 1944, the front had stagnated and both sides were worn down into a weary stalemate. In the end the Soviet Tartu offensive left flank around Lake Peipus in the South would necessitate the remaining forces be withdrawn into Latvia and the final stand of the Fatherland. However, a defence over seven months, in the space of 16km can be considered a significant strategic victory for the Germans.

All of this would have been foreign and unrelatable to the Squadron had we not been standing on the Western bank of the river Narva.

“It’s a bit of an anti-climax isn’t it” declared BADGER, looking out across the rather unimposing River Narva, 77 years later. Indeed, it reminded me of the River Trent. It was hard to envisage this as the site of one of the most important battles on the eastern front, or the modern border with Russia. Across the water was not the chain-link fenced, guard-dog and search light festooned border

A Tiger advances into the East Sack during the second Strachwitz operation.

we had imagined. It looked rather too soft to be a border of one of the larger super-powers and geopolitical opponents of our age. But yet again, nations plan to defend this corner of Europe – and what better way to start than to examine someone else’s homework.

To do this exercise, BADGER SCHOLAR aimed to learn from the successes and failures of the two opposing forces, focusing down at the tactical level and providing individual crews with the hard-won lessons of using tanks in close, swampy terrain and of the realities of a brutal total war. To do this we called on the accounts of German Tank ace Otto Carius from his memoirs Tigers in the Mud and walked the scenes of many of his actions.

One of his key lessons was already imprinted on us early in the tour by the bond-villainesque Estonian 1st Brigade Chief of Staff, the stocky giant, Major Teppo was “he who controls the road junctions controls Estonia”. Indeed, Carius corroborates this further in Tigers in the Mud during Op Strachwitz II, the fight for the swamps south of the Tannenburg line. In an effort to destroy the Russian forces preparing to cut off the Rollbahn, and with it all supply lines to the front at Narva, Graf Strachwitz massed his own bespoke force of armour and armoured infantry to push into the ‘East Sack’ concentration of Soviets.

In his opening brief, Carius recounts of Strachwitz, that he identified his vital ground early, declaring that the Carius’s Tiger Tanks festooned with infantry must “drive like the devil to the fork in the road… this fork must be reached as quickly as possible and kept open, that way, the four Panzer IVs and the APCs can advance and occupy the plain.”

Strachwitz, Carius and Major Teppo had learnt that the Estonian terrain bars access to heavy equipment in its marshy soil, so the ability to move heavy equipment is vital for whoever wants to control the country in any meaningful sense. In this case the Tigers and Armoured Infantry managed a shock attack under a heavy weight of fire to capture the key junction, push the enemy back and secure the right flank of the Narva Front. As such, soldiers were implored to see the strategic value of these incongruous tracks and junctions with their tanks being the perfect tool for controlling these.

The primary takeaway from Ex BADGER SCHOLAR was how well the Estonian terrain lends itself to defence. By virtue of channelling

forces into key movement corridors, much of the work was already done for the defending force, not requiring the significant shaping actions and resources needed in typical manoeuvre terrain. In addition to this was the skill and competence of experienced panzer crews, a fact which was not lost on the Squadron. The discipline and control needed to fight in conjunction with light infantry is significant. The margins between effective fire support and fratricidal fire in the fighting for trenches on the banks of the River Narva was close. In repulsing the intermingled Soviets that had gained a foothold in the German trenches, the German Tiger crews had to simply innovate control measures with the simple means they had:

“We had to support the infantrymen in rolling up the occupied portions of the trenches. That required a great deal of precision while shooting so our own people didn’t fall victim to our fire. We had to approach to within about fifty meters of the trenches, which ran in the normal zigzag pattern. From there, we observed the advance of our own people.

Whenever they took a section, the first man waved. We then shot-up the next ten to twenty-meter section with our 88-mm cannons until it was ready for the assault. As soon as our soldiers’ helmets appeared over the edge of the trench, we stopped our fire and men took the trench. Our teamwork functioned magnificently.”

Such rudimentary means of working with

infantry were already familiar to BADGER crews, having worked closely in support of the Estonian conscripts on the wooded tracks of the Central Training Area. Despite 77 years of developments in communications and doctrine, identification of friend or foe largely came down to marking the FLOT with improvised flags on a stick. The requirement for junior commanders to develop simple solutions to how to communicate without direct radio contact is a perennial problem.

Focusing down again on the important lessons for individual crew members, the accounts of Otto Carius have some strong advice for commanders which runs contrary to the best practices taught on Salisbury Plain. Carius advocated keeping hatches open and the commanders head up at all times, especially in the attack. His fervent belief being that the close terrain presented a need for enhanced situational awareness, and whilst this presented a greater personal risk to the commander, it would ultimately ensure the safety of the entire crew. His disdain for the Russian tank crews reluctance to open up is a common theme, as ‘tank commanders who slam their hatches shut at the beginning of an attack and don’t open them again until their objectives have been reached are useless, or at least second rate.’

This was brought out south of the dominating Sinimae Hills, the final defensive line held by the Germans until August 1944. Here the Squadron were considering how a tank

German Tank Ace Otto Carius and his Tiger crew, Narva 1944.

pair should deal with six enemy T-34s, four AT guns and supporting enemy infantry. An overwhelming task. Carius’s answer was to catch them in the flank and, with head up, observe and orientate his pair faster than his enemy.

‘Five T34s were already closing at full speed on the Rollbahn… a sixth had almost reached the ‘Kinderheim’ before we caught sight of it. But first I directed my attention to the five AT guns on the railway embankment which were threatening our flank. While my gunner was shooting it out with the Russian antitank guns, I looked to the left just at the right time. I discovered that the T34 had turned around when we showed up and was heading almost dead on towards Kerscher. The situation had reached critical mass. It was literally a question of seconds. We were lucky that the Russians had buttoned up as they always did and could not size the terrain up fast enough… Everything happened in the blink of an eye. Kerscher took care of the Russians with a direct hit. The remaining five T34s didn’t even

get to fire.’

As those six T-34 commanders had learned the hard way, the only means of successfully fighting in close terrain is to be able to appreciate the situation faster than your enemy. This was another lesson that didn’t need to be reinforced with the modern-day crews, though not wanting to squash an unlucky dismounted colleague they had done almost all of their training head-up. However, the point is still valid, that the fundamentals of tank soldiering never change, being aware of the situation, how it’s changing and where the threat is orientated is something, we should always be cognisant of.

The final lesson from Ex BADGER SCHOLAR was not a conceptual schooling in tank soldiering, but an education about the division that still exist in Estonian society. The not-so recent superpower conflict of the Second World War is remembered differently amongst Estonia’s divided ethnic populations, and this is still battled out on the Sinimae Hills. At the top of Grenadier Hill, the once formidable German

defensive position, there is a monument to the German and Estonian SS who fought in the Battle of Narva whilst at the bottom of the hill is the Soviet cemetery containing 20,000 dead. Estonians fought on both sides of the battle, with ethnic Russian immigrants after the war complicating things further. Today the scars of this division are visible in the defacement of the German memorial; large vandal induced cracks in the granite marker stones contrast with the fresh flowers laid at their base. It is evident that conflict still remains about how to remember the past in this region – just as the soldiers of BADGER found it perplexing to view the battle from the perspective of a German tank ace, some Estonians still find it hard to accept the identify of their former enemy as countrymen. As long as these tensions remain the target of exploitation by vying superpowers the lessons learned by BADGER crews from Otto Carius and the Battle of Narva, 1944, will no doubt endure.

The German Memorial Complex. Battle of the Tannenburg Line, Sinimae.

OUT OF THE PRAIRIE AND INTO THE WOODS – DELIVERING TALLINN DAWN

Captain Tom Chapman

The global pandemic has spurred a major change in the delivery of Battlegroup training. Armoured and Armoured Infantry Battlegroups will no longer deploy to BATUS, Canada to conduct major exercises. Instead they will take place in Germany (Ex TALLINN DAWN), the UK (Ex IRON STORM).

The TALLINN DAWN series of exercises is designed to get units ‘Mission Ready’. The mission at hand is Op CABRIT in Estonia. The exercise sees Battlegroups conduct a live fire package culminating in a Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX), followed by a TES Field Training Exercise (FTX) against a free-thinking enemy. The exercise is enabled by the former BATUS Ops Group, now part of the Combat Ready Training Centre (CRTC), based out of Westdown Camp, Wilts. 1 MERCIAN were the Guinea Pig Battlegroup in January/February 21, with the Armoured Squadron provided by BADGER. The second rotation in May/June 21 saw the RTR BG take centre stage, with DREADNAUGHT providing the Armoured ‘punch’.

The exercise takes place at the Sennelager Training Area in Germany. Whilst Sennelager may be the ‘world’s worst lager’, the training area offers many unique opportunities and challenges and the area offers ample fighting in woods and forests (FIWAF) and urban training opportunities. This is a challenge for manoeuvre minded commanders, used to the endless rolling prairie of BATUS. The most obvious challenge

for range planners has been the reduction in physical space when compared with BATUS. However, the close terrain is more akin to that which Battlegroups can expect in Estonia. As ever, the challenge of training in a ‘COVID environment’ has not been without its difficulties but by the RTR BG rotation these challenges were having little impact on training.

Units scheduled to deploy to Estonia can expect a busy period in the run-up to Ex TALLINN DAWN. Preparation includes Weapon Handling Tests, Annual Crew Tests, mounted live fire up to Annual Troop Assessment, CATT (simulators) and CSTTX (command and staff training). By the time Battlegroups leave Germany they will be validated up to level FOXTROT and ready to tackle Op CABRIT (after some well-deserved leave!). However, validation in Germany is only the beginning of the Combat Ready pathway. Op CABRIT offers a superb opportunity to train with allies, whilst being less encumbered by the rigours of Regimental Duties. By the time Battlegroups leave Estonia they will be welltrained and cohesive, ready for the next step.

The next step is Combat Ready Training. This is the most challenging combined arms training Armoured Battlegroups undertake. Success here deems a Battlegroup ‘Combat Ready’, after which they are held at high readiness. This series of exercises is called IRON STORM; a nod to the PRAIRIE STORM series of exercises in BATUS. Ex IRON STORM is split between two locations, with the live fire and the combined arms life firing element taking place on Castlemartin Ranges, and the final tactical exercise taking place on Salisbury Plain (no introductions needed to either of those locations!). However, do not expect similar experiences to previous exercises you may have conducted at these locations. The live fire will be more ambitious than anything previously attempted in Castlemartin. The exercise will dominate use of the Plain and include a ‘beefed up’ Task Force Hannibal who will play the free-thinking enemy or OPFOR. All in all, the combat ready pathway - starting with preparation for Ex TALLINN DAWN - is a challenging and progressive training pipeline that will see Battlegroups ready for whatever may be thrown at them.

Exercising Troops on the Line of Departure

RTR BATTLEGROUP DEPLOYMENT ON EX TALLINN DAWN, GERMANY

Captain Hugo Catmur

In April 2021 the RTR Battlegroup deployed to Sennelager, Germany, in preparation for its operational deployment, Op CABRIT 9. This was the first deployment of the whole RTR Battlegroup since BATUS in 2015.

the Royal Engineers, in a dynamic firing range that engaged targets across 9km of German countryside. Practicing different tactical actions across the complex and varying terrain provided for extremely beneficial training.

The seven-week exercise required a change of pace in the preparation stages following much of the Regiment’s deployment on Op RESCRIPT throughout the pandemic. Now, relieved from COVID testing, the Battlegroup re-focussed efforts towards its primary task of conventional warfare within an Armoured Battlegroup context. This was a transition welcomed with much anticipation. All were keen for the Battlegroup to demonstrate itself in its core role, and for the opportunity to get back on tracks and operate our vehicles in the field again.

There were many challenges to overcome, however. Firstly, the time to prepare was limited, bounded by the constraints of the pandemic. Secondly, the Regiment saw an almost complete change of HQ appointments over the six months prior, including the CO whose first day in role was the day of deployment. And finally, (albeit not an exhaustive list) the combat sub-units of the BG comprised of just one tank Squadron (DREADNAUGHT), just one Armoured Infantry Company (C Coy, 1 Royal Welsh) and a Squadron from the French military’s Chasseurs (a Squadron-level combat team comprised of tanks, armoured infantry, reconnaissance, and engineers). This required a very quick learning of everything from language to tactics, which our French counterparts did so very impressively.

The first 10 days of the exercise was spent on both vehicle preparation and rehearsals of the tactics we would be using in the field.

During this invaluable period, the Battlegroup came together for the first time in person and visualised the roles that each commander would be playing.

The first of the formal assessments came shortly after in CATT, the simulator training facility which allows all 500+ personnel of the Battlegroup to train together in the relative safety of a virtual environment. Every mission, or serial, saw noticeable improvement, and the HQ was pleased to receive a sound pass for this phase.

The next phase was live firing, which began at Troop level and progressed to CALFX (Combined Arms Live Firing Exercise). This brings together the combat power of tanks, armoured infantry (in both the mounted and dismounted roles) and artillery, all guided by the Reconnaissance Troop and supported by

To further develop our understanding of our own combat power, the Battlegroup was exposed to the effects of artillery in what was called the ‘inoculation’. From artillery rounds that were being fired from over 2,000m away, we positioned ourselves in our vehicles just 70m from where they landed. What many had initially thought was a wind-up proved to be a hugely useful experience revered by all. My own vehicle sustained damage to the periscopes, proving what could be achieved by artillery, but also the effectiveness of our armour.

Finally, the BG was put through its paces for the 10-day field-exercise operating against an enemy from 1 YORKS. Using TES, the laser emitting and receiving system that safely allows battles to be won and lost, the Battlegroup was tested in as many ways as possible to emulate reality. A gruelling but highly successful and rewarding final phase, the Battlegroup was pleased to be officially validated as mission-ready trained. It now looks forward to Estonia, where, by the time of this article being published the Battlegroup would have deployed and conducted its first exercises, where it will rely heavily on the lessons learned in Germany.

A Dreadnaught tank on Ex TALLINN DAWN.

C Company 1 Royal Welsh.

FIGHTING IN THE TREES

Lieutenant Patrick Larkin BADGER

Estonia – a country with approximately 50% of its land mass covered by forest – presents a new challenge to tankies, accustomed to the rolling hills of Wiltshire and the vast Canadian prairie. Over the course of the spring and summer, BADGER was hard at work learning the skills and adapting tactics for fighting in the dense woodlands that dominate rural Estonia.

BADGER have learned a lot training both against and alongside the Estonian Scouts Battalion – the regular element of the Estonian 1st Infantry Brigade. We quickly gained respect for the Scouts’ ability to strike and then melt away into the forest. We also had to learn and account for the fact that while our own mobility was greatly restricted by the heavily wooded and swampy environment that restriction didn’t apply to the enemy who were more than content to trudge through kilometres of swampland to get around us.

Another significant change to how we worked in this new environment was the use of ‘live camouflage’. The ‘cam nets’, that tankies new and old will be well accustomed to being tangled in, were substituted for branches of trees and shrubs that were cut down and fixed to almost all angles of our vehicles. This gave highly effective camouflage, even whilst on the move during the day – a marked advantage over the use of cam nets. We also found

that a thick layer of fresh foliage dampened the thermal signature of the vehicles. A slick and experienced crew could fully cover a Challenger 2 in 20-30mins and thereafter only had to top up the camouflage that had either fallen off or become too ‘tired’ looking.

Training in Estonia offered a number of freedoms. A good example was the use of abatis for obstacles. Using explosives, the defenders in the scenario would fell tree to form interlocking barriers in order to block routes. Afterall, trees were certainly not a rare commodity in Estonia. Felling large trees across long stretches of tracks and roads might have dissuaded some from trying their luck but with the memory of the Scouts getting round our flanks using unexpected routes fresh in our minds, BADGER crews took it upon themselves to test the effectiveness of this abatis. A lesson for both perhaps was that in the future, the Estonians will need to find some bigger trees if they wish to stop the Challenger

2s which turned these obstacles into kindling under their tracks.

BADGER worked hard to develop the way in which it fought in this unfamiliar terrain. The close engagement ranges, restriction on movement and, primarily linear, formations led to a set of new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to make armoured Combat Teams effective against a much more agile, light role enemy. These SOPs have been passed to the RTR Battlegroup who will continue to develop and refine them from their own experiences on Op CABRIT 9. They may find that the differing challenge of an Estonian winter will change things again, however one thing that will remain consistent across our tactics and doctrine will be the vital importance of interoperability. Whether it be within our own UK Battlegroups, linking Armoured infantry, fires, engineers and of course tanks – or whether it be fighting alongside our NATO allies, if you’re fighting in the trees you won’t get far going it alone.

The author commanding his CR2 in Estonia

Captain Rob Hornblower

As I write this article I sit in Tapa, Estonia entering my

2IC alongside the 1 MERCIAN BG. On reflection of the events of the past six months, the biggest frustration I have is that barely anyone, in the big scheme of things, knew that we were here, what we were doing, and why. Whilst this may seem like a pathetically vain frustration to have, it is not quite as it seems.

Information Activity & Outreach (IA&O) is seen as key to achieving the Enhanced Forward Presence Battlegroup (eFP BG) mission in Estonia. To deter aggression, reassure the Estonian people, and demonstrate NATO strength and unity. On Op CABRIT 8, IA&O has taken many forms, from Victory Day Parades and participation on multi-national exercises, to Veterans Day rock concerts and attending the World Rally Championships. This variety is great for not only offering deployed soldiers some variety, but also in engaging with the Estonian public first-hand. It is without dispute that these activities are valuable in seeking to achieve the mission, but there are several ways in which IA&O can be streamlined and improved to achieve better effect.

One of the most highly used messaging tools in IA&O is social media, with Facebook and Instagram in use by the eFP BG in Estonia. The difficulty which arises in effectively using these platforms is linked not only to the process involved in gaining approval for a post – a long winded and complex process – but also in understanding the strategy involved. Whilst there are undoubtedly people involved in Op CABRIT who understand this strategy, it does not seem to permeate down, meaning that there is a lack of understanding of who the target audience is, and what kind of content is required. Without this information, the result at battlegroup level is an often-directionless social media presence. Although it is easy to identify issues at the lowest level, it is arguable that as a wider Army we have fallen behind our adversaries, and the curve in general, in the social media space. This is partly due to a series of self-imposed restrictions, but also due to an insistence that “we know what is best” when producing output.

The British Army boasts 330,000 Twitter followers, yet it is dwarfed by the 476,800 followers of Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen, whose followership grew by

20,000 as I was writing. This hints towards a systemic failing in Army strategy but holds little relevance to the issue of Battlegroup level IA&O execution. To narrow the focus, at time of writing the NATO eFP BG Estonia Instagram page had 2,387 followers compared to 15,900 for ‘cossackgundi’, a 27-year-old British Man, and self-titled warzone photographer, fighting in the Ukrainian Marines. In contrast to Suhail Shaheen, cossackgundi fights for an ally of Britain. His profile, as an informal, immediate, and unfiltered account of his experiences gives a sense of realism, which is tempered by memes, Q&A sessions, and infographics. With Op CABRIT representing the largest ongoing overseas deployment the British Army has, with a dedicated IA&O function at Command and Battlegroup level, there is potential to surpass the kind of success seen by such informal pages. Instrumental in achieving this is the elevation of IA&O on the list of priorities for Op CABRIT, shifting to IA&O driven activity to achieve a strategic and operational output through a coherent and consistent narrative, rather than IA&O capturing content at a tactical level and seeking to create a narrative on a week by week basis.

Having seen on the eFP BG Estonia Facebook page, one video of Challenger 2 live firing in Latvia achieve 6,300 views, an Estonian language video by 77X championing interoperability stutter to 2,400 views, and a well-produced Challenger 2 vs Leclerc video hit only 2000 views, the realisation that the eFP message is not reaching a particularly broad target audience was stark. Rudimentary analysis of eFP BG social media account followership shows that in April 2021, 0.46% of Estonian Facebook users followed the eFP BG page –equating to 0.3% of all Estonians. If efforts to reassure the local population are a vital part of the mission, the statistics indicate that social media is currently not achieving this on a broad scale. Limitations of the existing IA&O strategy

in theatre were illuminated further when the unauthorised release of a Challenger 2 vs Leclerc drag race reached 160,000 views across Facebook and Instagram in less than 48 hours. A low production quality, immediate and raw piece of footage proved to be significantly more popular than the targeted efforts otherwise throughout the deployment, critically due to it reaching a more engaged and wide-ranging –albeit not Estonian – target audience. This is evidence that we are doing the right things to pique the interest of social media users, but we are not packaging and publishing them in the right way for social media success.

If IA&O is considered a weapon, our insistence as an army to control and develop our own strategy is perhaps misplaced – as such the answer at an Army level may be to employ specialists in branding, marketing and advertising to revolutionise the approach. At unit level this is, in my opinion, not necessary. In an age of social media, where IA&O can be significant in achieving the mission in a sub threshold conflict, the legitimacy of a message has its foundations in immediacy and authenticity. The ability to capture real and engaging material is something which the army already has – over 70,000 would be photographers of varying experience and skill all looking to capture images and videos for their own social media presence. Given the likelihood that the Army will continue to control its own output, the solution certainly lies outside of the most senior ranks of the Officer Corps. The intimate knowledge of social media held by some of our most junior Officers and Soldiers is the key to developing our understanding and delivering immediate and authentic content, and they should be trusted to be part of IA&O strategy development, image capture, and publication. It is reasonable to suggest that the Army should practice what it preaches by issuing broad IA&O intent for missions or periods of time, before affording mission command to those best placed to achieve success.

IF A TANK FIRES IN THE BALTICS AND NO ONE IS AROUND TO HEAR IT, DOES IT MAKE A SOUND?

final seven days on Op CABRIT 8 having deployed as BADGER

OPERATING DRONES IN ESTONIA

Lance Corporal Dunbar

In recent years the technological advancements in drone technology have made it possible to create smaller and more capable Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) that can offer invaluable intelligence on the modern-day battlefield. RPAS are widely available to both corporate and consumer markets but also have a military capability that can dramatically change the way soldiers conduct certain aspects of their work and in turn have the potential to save lives.

My name is LCpl Dunbar, I'm in the Royal Tank Regiment and over the last six months I've had the chance to get hands on with a consumer level drone. Having had the chance to use these small drones on multiple occasions they are very capable little machines that are very easy to get to grips with, making them ideal for quickly training up new pilots.

During my time with them they have been used in multiple roles such as content capture and using them as a new form of reconnaissance. For content capture, they are great for recording aerial footage of training exercises to look back on, to see where improvements can be made and what aspects of the training could be done differently now that a new perspective can be taken. Which, until recently, hasn't really been used to much effect back at the Regiment. I personally feel that even though it is relatively new to me, it offers great training value and there's no real reason why these can’t be taken on exercises going forward. Recordings of demonstrations and displays can also be filmed in a much better way giving the audience a far better view of what's going on than they have before. During my time out in Estonia this was used to great effect in showcasing how drones can be used to the DCGS Lieutenant General Sir Christopher Tickell KBE by showing how simple the controls are and giving him eyes on the display showing a live feed of what the drone could see from above.

I was able to have a look at the potential use in the reconnaissance role during my time out in Estonia as well. The specific model of drone that I have been using has the added feature of a digital thermal vision camera alongside the standard 4k one. The quality of this camera, as basic as it is, actually worked out to be very effective when used looking directly down above a woodland looking for “enemy” tanks. Looking head-on into the trees was far more limited due to the fact that it isn't a true thermal

camera but nevertheless still penetrated further than I expected it to. Flying over the tops of the trees and looking straight down however was far more effective and, after showing others that were nearby at the time from other Regiments, they too were also quite surprised at how clearly vehicles and dismounted personnel showed up through the trees. The only drawback I felt in using this specific drone for this role was how easily the signal from the controller to drone was blocked, in this case the trees. I'm sure as you go up the quality ladder and pay more these issues become less

and less of an issue, but this was the main issue I felt with the ones I got to use.

For what you can accomplish with these small and portable drones is well worth the investment in my eyes. You can teach, you can learn, and you can get a whole new perspective on things that even only a few years ago you were unable to get for a fairly low cost. It's still early days for drone adoption but I think that they will be used more and more throughout the military as time goes on and will become an integral part of the job.

The author with DCGS Lieutenant General Tickell on a visit to Estonia.

AMIENS DAY, OP CABRIT 8 IN ESTONIA

Trooper Matthews

The Battle of Amiens began on the 8th of August 1918 and ended on the 12th of August 1918 and involved British, Canadian, Australian, American, and French forces. This was the beginning of the One Hundred Days offensive, which brought about the end of the First World War. During the battle, the predecessors of the modern Royal Tank Regiment and the French 501e Régiment de Chars de Combat fought alongside each other in what would be one of the most significant victories for allied forces in the War and would help cement a bond of friendship between the two Units. Over 100 years later, and hundreds of kilometres away in Estonia, BADGER and the 501e Régiment de Chars de Combat joined together on the anniversary of the battle to remember and celebrate a shared battle honour.

The day began with a friendly sports competition. We played Volleyball, basketball and rounders. The French displayed sporting excellence in basketball and volleyball but all was not lost as BADGER completely dominated the rounders!

The French displayed sporting excellence in volleyball but the British dominated the rounders. After a brief interlude for lunch we convened again for a formal parade to honour the history and sacrifice of the predecessors to our Regiments. A moment's silence was observed before we prepared for the next event of the day and lined up along the airstrip of Tapa camp. In the middle stood the Challenger 2 and the Leclerc. The Tank Olympics had begun. The first event was the drag race.

The Challenger's engine roared to life as the Leclerc's turbine whined to max. Both vehicles thundered along the airstrip, the Challenger took the first victory. The following event was the most physically gruelling, the manual traverse race. Each team had four members

and had to traverse the gun of each tank 360 degrees by hand. The crowd soon erupted into cheers as the turrets began to turn. The second point was taken by the French.

The final event was the egg and spoon race. Each tank had a spoon taped to the end of the barrel, each time an egg fell, the Commander had to dismount and replace it. The French took an early lead in the race, advancing smoothly just faster than walking pace, while the Challenger struggled with the initial start.

However, a stroke of luck or technique hit the British crew and they began to gain on the Leclerc, jumping up to 3rd gear and followed by a mob of tankies shouting praise. However, the French took the final point, cementing their overall victory in the Olympics. To round off the evening, there was a social event in the French vehicle hangers where both Regiments mingled with food and drink. Great friendships were made all round.

Challenger besting the LeClerc in the cold start drag race

BADGER Sqn on the VBL Pull

Egg and spoon race

A VIEW FROM THE

TACTICS

ARTICLES

RECONNAISSANCE

& ARMOURED

DIVISION (RATD) – NAVIGATING THE FUTURE

For tank commanders past and present reading this article, the course has been updated and refined as one would expect but the core mission that defines the tank and its crew remains the same. After all, as we know, the character of war may be constantly evolving but the nature of war endures. What therefore must also endure is the preparation of tank commanders ready for advanced training and operations. They will be responsible for a devastating weapon system that combines shock action with lethality. They must be of sharp mind and possess bold determination with an ability to read the battlefield. The (sadly) discontinued RAC Tactics Volume 1 The Armoured Squadron neatly describes the requisite qualities of a tank commander as follows:

Situation awareness. The ability to read the tactical situation and move, strike and seize the initiative from the enemy. With the aptitude to observe and read the ground combined with an understanding of the enemy picture and the commander’s intent, a tank commander will be able to achieve effective manoeuvre.

Firm leadership. One must lead from the front. Underpinned by the facility to communicate succinctly and with unquestionable discipline.

Anticipation and speed of reaction. The capacity to think and act fast to regain the initiative and destroy the enemy.

Knowledge. The armoured commander should be master of his tank’s capabilities. One should know the enemy and its capabilities and have a clear picture of how a battlegroup works to defeat this enemy.

Common sense. Flair, boldness and initiative all have their place but should be tempered by common sense in order to prevent rash, hasty or ill-considered action.

As I say to each course on day one, you will not leave RATD as the finished article, but we seek to give you the tools with which to continue your journey. You will build upon your skills throughout your careers through continued

education, advanced training and experience to ultimately prepare you for operations.

THE ARMOURED COURSE: WHAT HAS CHANGED OR IS CHANGING?

n Urban training has increased using both Copehill Down Village and Imber Village for offensive and defensive actions.

n Use of Cubic trackers and analysts to provide better, evidence based, after action reviews. Exploiting the Defence Learning Environment to provide all course administration and learning material to promote a ‘flipped learning’ approach and for consolidation. Reference material in a variety of formats provided for wider learning and for use beyond the course.

n All courses are already aligned with Armoured Infantry but now two of the three courses per year will exercise alongside the Armoured Close Reconnaissance course for the summative latter stages thus giving a more realistic 1:1 Battlegroup FTX. Work is ongoing to integrate further capabilities from RA, RE, AAC (and Int Corps) to further develop the Battlegroup experience.

n The threat and, where possible, employment of the enemy will be more closely aligned with Project HANNIBAL to prepare students for continuation training.

n A better, more interactive, and relevant approach to AFV recognition to supplement professional tactical knowledge.

SUMMARY

A tank commander is directly responsible for three other souls and indirectly for many more. They command a multimillion pound killing machine. A force multiplier, one tank commander’s actions on a battlefield can be decisive. Successful students should leave RATD proud that they have achieved something significant and hungry to hone the qualities described above. We want students to succeed and understand that individuals learn at different rates. For those who may need extra time to achieve the training objectives, the staff will work tirelessly to support you if you have the right attitude. RATD looks forward to welcoming the future generations of armoured commanders (and especially Tankies) to the tactics course.

Good news! The quality of prospective tank commanders we are seeing from the Royal Armoured Corps is high and the Royal Tank Regiment is more than holding its own.

Major Godfrey Wilkinson – SO2 Armoured Tactics RATD

Directing staff conducting an after action review in the field.

INNOVATION IN THE RTR

Innovation is deep rooted in the RTR’s history and traditions. From Percy Hobart’s fire-breathing and amphibious tanks to the most pioneering methods of acquiring booty on Cambrai-eve, the Regiment’s soldiers have continued to innovate through the ages.

As the Regiment turns its attention towards a deployment on Op CABRIT in Estonia, focus has turned from the urban environment and the STREETFIGHTER project to warfighting in forests & woodblocks. The complex environment offers fresh challenges for the tank’s lethality & survivability.

Hobart’s Committee, the Regiment’s forum for identifying and implementing new ideas, has continued to deliver numerous capability improvements. SSgt Mitton has worked closely alongside the Armoured Trials and Development Unit (ATDU) to introduce power tools to the tank park, drastically improving the speed at which maintenance tasks can be conducted. Further work will be conducted to identify a way of charging the power tools

using the Challenger 2’s onboard batteries.

On the theme of power tools, Cpl Foster (CYCLOPS) has developed a track maintenance tool which assists with the arduous task of replacing trackpads. Adapting an electric demolition hammer to fit and remove the pads.

The introduction of power tools to the tank park improves morale and reduces fatigue, resulting in an alert and energised crew, ready to find and fight the enemy. The only disadvantage identified so far will be the lack of opportunity for young subalterns to attempt the mythical “one hit wonder” on a trackpad in an ill-advised attempt to gain favour with their new troop.

One of the most successful pitches at the Dragon’s Den style committee has been LCpl O’Donnovan’s range management

and accounting tool. The project is now being developed by the Ground Manoeuvre Experimentation Team and we look forward to participating in further trials on Castlemartin ranges in 2022.

The most recent Hobart’s Committee was conducted upon the return of the Regiment from training in Germany. Here, fresh ideas were pitched based on experiences on the Sennelager training area. Huge credit must be given to Capt Tom Quant for his work to develop innovation projects over the past few years. For his tireless efforts to identify, develop and implement capability improvements, Tom was awarded a Commander Field Army’s Commendation.

Captain Rhodri Lloyd

Streetfighter 2 in the urban environment

CHALLENGER 3

Major Andy Pilsworth

It was the news that we had all been waiting for and on 7 May 21 it arrived. A contract with Rheinmetall BAE Systems to deliver 148 Challenger 3 had been signed. This announcement not only confirms that the RTR will have a platform to operate on until 2040 but hushes all those who claimed that the “tank was dead”.

The step change from Challenger 2 to Challenger 3 will be significant and it will mark the heaviest investment in the Armoured Capability since Challenger 2 entered service in 1998. This investment is critical, as Challenger 2 is now under Obsolescence Management until it goes out of service in 2025.

Tank crews have a lot to look forward too, as Challenger 3 will focus its effort on lethality, survivability, mobility and obsolescence. Most notably, Challenger 3 will have a brand new, fully digitised, welded turret. The L30 Rifled Tank Gun will be replaced with the L55A1 Smoothbore Gun (which is fitted to Leopard 2 A7V) and will be capable of firing current and next generation multi-purpose and kinetic energy ammunition from NATO and the US. To compliment the gun, new sights will be fitted, which will enable day and night Hunter Killer, as the Commander will have an independent thermal. These sights will allow the crew to detect, recognise and identify at greater ranges, with improved accuracy.

To protect the crew, Challenger 3 will be fitted with a modular armour scheme designed by Dstl, capable of defeating the most demanding threats. To address the threat from Anti-Tank Guided Weapons, Challenger 3 has the option to be fitted with an Active Protection System.

Challenger 3 will retain the existing hull but to enhance mobility, the Heavy Armoured Automotive Improvement Project will deliver the following across the Challenger family (including CRARRV, TITAN and TROJAN): third generation Hydrogas, electric cold start, high efficiency cooling fans, improved efficiency radiators, electric cold start, improved reliability of steering units and the power pack will be upgraded from 6A to the 9A build standard.

Obsolescence throughout the platform will also be addressed with all obsolete parts replaced, thus ensuring that Challenger 3 remains fit to fight until 2040.

As a fully digitised platform, Challenger 3 will employ Generic Vehicle Architecture, allowing future and emerging technologies to be more easily integrated into the platform. When fielded Challenger 3 will be fitted with the existing communications bearer BOWMAN but will be capable of receiving the new system MORPHEUS when it enters service.

There is still a way to go on Challenger 3, as it now enters the Demonstration Phase of the Programme, but tank crews have been reinvigorated by the news and also had the opportunity to visit the Advanced Turret Demonstrator at ATDU and DSEI. For a senior Trooper/junior LCpl the prospect of being one of the first Challenger 3 Commanders is definitely something to look forward too.

RESILIENCE AND THE EVOLVING THREAT FROM CBRN WEAPONS

During homeland resilience or on operations, the fear of any form of Chemical Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) attack cripples our ability to plan due to the suffering such weapons are believed to cause. Small to large scale CBRN attacks form some of the highest likelihood and impact threats on the National Risk Register.1

Moreover, the ongoing pandemic highlights the need to have robust planning and resources for resilience. In the past, we have relied on a small group of specialists to arrive, takeover and solve our problems. This approach has dominated the procedures of those inside and out of the CBRN world. It has been tested in significant events twice in the last twenty years. Each time, the limitations have become obvious. A small group of specialists cannot solve a problem which demands mass and resources. It is vital that, to strengthen the resilience of the country and armed forces, the reliance on specialists must shift to confident generalists with only the most demanding roles completed by specialists. It is likely that CBRN specialists ‘would be quickly overwhelmed’ if they were the only personnel deemed

qualified to respond to CBRN incidents.2 The advancement of generalist knowledge across Defence would allow commanders to better understand the risk and avoid specialists becoming fixed by jobs which could be completed by those with basic CBRN training. Notwithstanding the fact that, within the hot zone, individuals must have the knowledge (and experience) to handle some of the most toxic substances humans have created, the majority of jobs and those completed in recent years by Defence providing Military Aid to the Civilian Authority (MACA) have been entirely generalist. The movement of supplies, maintenance of cordons and the establishment of accommodation to name a few. It is clear then that, with the role of the Army in MACA, and the shift from last resort to first response,

a cultural and political change in approach is due.3 Not just to avoid teams of specialists being kept on high readiness for long periods, or the immense burden of advanced training but to show that the majority of support for MACA, even in the case of a large scale CBRN attack, can and should be provided by welltrained generalists.

To understand the importance of generalists within resilience, we must understand the threat and how, since the early 2000s it has changed. Both Russia and China have been accused of running secret chemical and biological weapons research programs despite the international restrictions imposed. The series of Bellingcat articles exposing the work of the GRU’s Unit 29155 and the use of nerve agent on

Captain Nick Warren-Miller

British Army support to Op MORLOP in Salisbury

UK soil demonstrates that the State threat has not vanished. The further employment of these means against Alexey Navalny and allegedly against the Bulgarian businessmen, Emilian Gebrev in 2015, clearly shows that Russia holds the capability and is prepared to employ it on foreign soil. Whilst Dan Kaszeta states that the employment of chemical weapons is impractical due to the technical, financial and tactical difficulties, CBRN fits easily into the set of principles covered by hybrid warfare and States are prepared to use them.4 The common picture of the 1915 Ypres chemical attack is as outdated a view of chemical weapons in 2015 and beyond, as the image of the tank being limited to the Mark IV. The intended target for chemical weapons (CW) has also changed, while the earliest agents were focused on military targets, the civilian population and media are the high payoff targets of the hybrid battlefield. The combination of information warfare and CBRN weapons is highly potent in controlling the political will of a population.

While the perception of deaths from CW exposure is inflated, the psychological effects are not.5 It is this factor that has shown the value of CBRN to terrorist groups. The main growth in the terrorist threat can be categorised into two main areas, the focus on dual-use chemicals and biological warfare (BW). The rise of pharmacological based agents (PBAs) not classed as Schedule 1 is a significant threat. The proliferation of fentanyl, not only as a source of funding for terrorist groups, but a weapon in its own right could present a threat to global health security.6 The potential banning by the Taliban of opium poppy cultivation may, as it did in 2000, increase the availability of Fentanyl to Western markets.7 Allegedly, Carfentanil and Remifentanil has already been used by Russian security forces during the Moscow Theatre Siege.8 The most concerning threat from terrorist groups is the rising trend in technically knowledgeable members creating biological weapons programs. Al-Qaeda and Islamic State have shown interest in developing and employing BW. Prior to the invasion of Afghanistan, a Malaysian Army Captain, Yazid Sufaat had established a biological laboratory in Kandahar that made progress towards weaponization.9 The lack of enforceable restrictions, unlike those directed against

chemical weapons, mean intervention and regulation at the early stages of development is difficult. Finally, the advancements in synthetic biology have reduced the cost of producing biological agents as well as enabling the use of binary biological warfare (BW) and the creation of novel agents which do not react predictably to treatment. This technology is not limited to commercial laboratories and genetic modification kits are now available online for under $150 with comprehensive instructions.

The principles of C-CBRN are the same whether deployed on operations or conducting home resilience tasks. Our current approach is based on a high demand for technical information and, given the emerging BW and pharmacological based agents (PBA) threat, it could be estimated that the demand for CBRN Specialists is growing.10 However, using two crucial examples, it is possible to demonstrate that while the need for experienced and highly trained specialists is extant, the urgent demand is for enhanced generalists. Following the attempted assassination of Sergei Skripal on 4 March 2018, FALCON Squadron deployed in support of the civil authorities to remove contaminated vehicles and material from the centre of Salisbury. Both tasks sit outside the mounted Area Survey and Reconnaissance role. In simple terms, decontamination was required and not the specialist tasks that FALCON had trained for. The deciding factor on who to deploy was based on the completion of Live Agent Training as a suitable mitigation for the assessed risk not the specific CBRN qualifications that they held. Decontamination, and in particular, individual safe undressing is covered by CBRN Protection Group doctrine and should be a part of any unit’s training. Op MORLOP highlighted the need for mass in resilience operations with specialist support provided by civilian agencies. The final example is the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Coronavirus is a biological threat to the UK and the military has responded to protect the force and the public in a number of different roles. However, the majority of these have not required CBRN qualifications to fulfil or been anything more than generalist tasks. The Russians have deployed their specialist CBRN troops to aid the response, but this has been in the decontamination role which the UK Armed

Forces would define as a generalist task.11 The role of specialists is to identify the threat and inform commanders not recovery work. Increasing CBRN training across the Army will greatly alleviate the pressure on specialist units held at readiness who are not required to complete the majority of roles within CBRN focused MACA. This will apply to the deployed force on operations in equal measure and a strong military resilience to CBRN attack will reduce the likelihood of such weapons being used.

References:

1. Cabinet Office, National Risk Register (HM Government, 2020), 124.

2. Jack Watling, RUSI Conference Report: Counter CBRN at Home and Abroad (RUSI: 2020).

3. House of Commons Defence Committee, A New Chapter to the Strategic Defence Review (HoC: 2003).

4. Jack Watling, RUSI Conference Report: Counter CBRN at Home and Abroad (RUSI: 2020).

5. Prof Gary Sheffield, RUSI Conference Report: Counter CBRN at Home and Abroad (RUSI: 2020).

6. D. J. Heslop & P. G. Blain, Threat potential of pharmaceutical based agents, Intelligence and National Security (2020), 35:4, 539-555.

7. Greenfield, Potential Economic and Political Impacts of a Collapse in Demand for Afghanistan’s Opiates, (Santa Monica: 2021).

8. Christopher M. Timperley, Analysis of Clothing from Moscow Theatre Siege, Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 36:9, November/December 2012, 647–656.

9. Reuben Ananthan Santhana Dass, Bioterrorism: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic, Counter Terrorist Trends and Analyses, 13:2 (March 2021), 16-23.

10. Rebecca Hersman, RUSI Conference Report: Counter CBRN at Home and Abroad (RUSI: 2020).

11. Sergio Miller, Remember the ‘B’ in NBC?, BAR 180, 52-60.

OPERATION TANGHAM – SOMALIA

TANGHAM

British

In Baidoa, 60th Brigade of the Somali National Army (SNA) are trained by the SNA Training and Advisory Team (STAT) in basic soldiering and planning. In the capital, Mogadishu, UK and UN personnel are working alongside international partners to facilitate support to the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

The AMISOM Mission Support Team (MST) is a small team of UK officers tasked with providing advice and guidance to the AMISOM Force HQ. The 3* Headquarters commands a force of over 19,000 soldiers from Kenya, Ethiopia, Burundi, Djibouti and Uganda. Each Officer is a subject matter expert in Surveillance, Logistics, Intelligence or Engineering. Within the team, I was employed as the Military Assistant to the Head of Mission Support, Maj Gen Fidza Dludlu of Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) who was a graduate of RMA Sandhurst. Gen Fidza is a critical cog in the smooth running of Mission Support to AMISOM having been deployed there for over six years. As his MA, I facilitated support to all departments, working alongside the United Nations to coordinate support to troops on the ground.

Al Shabaab (A-S) have been active across the country in some form for almost 15 years. They control large swathes of territory across rural Somalia and have significant sources of income through taxation and organised crime. Operating as an insurgency/criminal organisation, A-S conduct regular Indirect fire, grenade and probing attacks on SNA and AMISOM bases, whilst operating covertly in urban areas to undermine security forces and spread fear. AMISOM deployed initially to clear Mogadishu and establish a permanent presence in Somalia. With the current mandate soon to end, attention has turned towards the handover to Somali’s and AMISOM extraction. Throughout my deployment, the transition of responsibility has coincided with a drawnout national election. Somalia is ranked as one of the most corrupt nations in the world, and so with a presidential election comes an

opportunity for extreme corruption. On multiple occasions, the political impasse has led to an escalation in clan violence, assassinations, and attacks on international partners in Mogadishu.

Living and working within the heavily fortified Aden Adde International Airport, has meant exposure to several foreign militaries and cultures. Most African Union staff officers are multi-lingual, able to communicate in English, Swahili, French, Amharic and Somali. With each troop contributing country responsible for their own sector, communication can often be difficult, with procedures varying across the AO. It is the role of Force HQ and the UK MST to try to maintain coherence.

Whilst the current mission in Somalia is not exactly geared towards Main Battle Tanks, I occasionally came across the odd piece of armour on my travels. Tanks are used in isolation as mobile bunkers rather than in support of infantry. Nonetheless, a solitary T-54/55 is generally a enough of a deterrent for A-S to take their business elsewhere. It has been a fascinating tour, working in a role that exposed me to high profile decisions and political insight and I will certainly value my experiences in Somalia. The next 18 months will be critical for the country; a new President, a new military laydown and possibly a complete extraction of AMISOM leaving the Somali’s to take the fight to A-S on their own.

Op

is the

Army’s presence in Somalia in support of the Federal Government of Somalia’s (FGS) fight against Al Shabaab (A-S). A small number of sub-missions are currently deployed in advisory or training roles in two locations.

Captain Will Baker – Military Assistant to the Head of Mission Support – UK Mission Support Team

The author with part of the team.

PRESENTATION OF CAPTAIN CHARLES HULTON’S SWORD TO FALCON SQUADRON (C-CBRN)

On a bright sunny morning on the 2 Sept 2021 in Warminster Mr Tim Allan arrived at Harman lines with a very special presentation for the RTR. In the back of Tim’s car was a significant piece of RTR history, a

Capt Charles Hulton, 6RTR.

Tim takes up the story: ‘In 1996, I completed my stint as adjutant of 1RTR, and was appointed as Equerry to HRH The Duke of York at Buckingham Palace. Royal Equerries for senior members of The Royal Family serve two years in post, and organise their public lives and diaries including all events. Given the state occasions that this includes, I had to piece together a full ceremonial suite of uniforms to convert a dusty tank officer into a shiny member of the royal household. During my 8 years at RD, I had never owned my own sword relying on the “the Mess Sword” for duties and ceremonial activities. I presented my problem to Lt Col (Retd) John Longman at RHQ RTR who said that, by chance, a family had been in touch to say they had found an RTR sword in their recently passed mothers’s personal effects. I met the lovely family at their house near Westbury and they produced a pristine sword in a leather campaign sleeve with a label tied to the hilt. The label stated it was part of the personal effects of Captain Charles Hulton 6RTR, who had died of wounds in Egypt 1941 - her beloved brother. She had kept his sword all her life, and the family wanted another Officer to carry it again. I must say that this was very moving, and so it was my honour to carry his sword on Remembrance Sundays at the Cenotaph in the years that followed. It served as a reminder of his sacrifice, the Hulton family’s loss, and the loss of all service personnel in combat.’

On the 80th anniversary of Charles Hulton’s death marked by the Regimental historian Gareth Davies via Facebook, Tim felt that the sword with so much RTR history should return to active service and be once again carried by an Officer of the RTR. With Westbury, where the sword had been kept for so many years, so close to FALCON, it was an obvious choice to return the sword to the Regt via FALCON. The sword will be mounted in FALCON’s office with a description of the swords journey and in particular describing Capt Charles and his ultimate sacrifice for the Regiment.

CAPT CHARLES HULTON, 6RTR

The Hultons were a family of Tankies. Charles’ father, John (a first-class county cricketer) had been an Infantry Officer in the Great War before he transferred to the Tank Corps in 1923. Charles followed his father to Charterhouse (where he played cricket of course) and then into the Royal Tank Corps. By March 1941 he was OC HQ Squadron, 6RTR. The Regt was in the Beda Fomm area when, on 22 March 1941, SHQ HQ Squadron was attacked by three German planes. The Officers' Mess lorry was hit. Rev J Bond, CofE padre from 3rd Armd Bde, who was visiting the Regt was killed. Capt Hulton was badly wounded and on 26 March he was evacuated to Cairo, where he died of his wounds on 7th May 1941.

sword owned by

Mr Tim Allan and Major John Green

Tim Allen presenting FALCON with the sword

SALADIN RESTORATION FALCON SQUADRON RTR

In early November 2020, I received the honourable task of restoring the FV601 Saladin VRN

car gate guard. This was presented to A Squadron, 1st Royal Tank Regiment in 2014.

Consistently exposed to the unpredictable elements of the British weather it had become a shell of its former glory. Over a period of nine months and the COVID-19 restrictions, it became an out-of-hours project for me, with the help from a few members of FALCON Squadron (C-CBRN).

Through the power of social media, I managed to track down some of the vehicle’s history, primarily that it has seen operational service in Egypt in 1969. We would welcome anyone with information on this particular vehicle and its former crews to get in touch, as we were unable to find this out. This information will really make the project special.

The first of my tasks was moving the Saladin out of the elements into a hangar to allow the restoration to proceed in the warm and dry. And with the help of FALCON’s hardworking REME Fitter Section, this was made possible. Armed with nothing more than a jet washer, grit paper and a few mugs of tea, I set to work cleaning and stripping the Saladin ready for painting.

Once preparations were made, and the correct paints obtained, the laborious task of painting the vehicle could commence. Once progress was underway, I was introduced to Steve Cleator of ‘Gate Guard Restorations’, a volunteer group who give up their time to help restore the Gate Guard vehicles

at various military establishments. Access to their guidance, support and spraying equipment saved a considerable amount of time and has ensured the finished product looks extremely professional. Further thanks must be given to Battle Group Raydon, a military vehicle restoration group who offered support to the project. As a result of the work, our beloved Saladin Gate Guard can sit proudly at Harman Lines for many years to come. Plans are now underway for the restoration project on the Centurion (45 BA 23) of 1st Royal Tank Regiment that currently stands guard at Harman Lines, Warminster, where FALCON Squadron (C-CBRN) are based.

07 BB 52 Armoured

Trooper Porter

Above: The author at work.

R and below: The restored Saladin.

LIVERPOOL AN RTR STRONGHOLD

Captain (Retd) Dean Hutton

Liverpool has a long history of involvement with the British Military of all three Services and particularly the Royal Tank Regiment. Liverpool and Merseyside has always been the main recruiting area for 1 RTR and remains a major recruiting area for the Royal Tank Regiment. Some recent events have cemented the relationship between us.

ROYAL TANK REGIMENT SOLDIERS HONOURED BY THE CITY OF LIVERPOOL

On the 13th December 2020 Troops from four Salisbury Plain Regiments were among those given the Freedom of the City of Liverpool for their work on Covid-19 testing, including Soldiers from the Royal Tank Regiment worked on the project and each Member was presented with a Commemorative Coin for their efforts.

2,000 troops were included on the project. They've carried out 200,000 rapid Covid tests in that time, testing about a third of the population.

As a thank you for their hard work, the Units were awarded highest civic honour possible - the FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF LIVERPOOL. Brigadier Joe Fossey received the honour from the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Anna Rothery

A scroll was handed to the Commander of the programme - Brigadier Joe Fossey which Read:

"At the height of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in November 2020, The Associated Regiments of the British Army led

by 8 Engineer Brigade on behalf of Standing Joint Command (United Kingdom) were assigned to support the City of Liverpool in its fight against the pandemic in co-ordinating and providing mass testing across the city. The city acknowledges the fantastic contribution of all personnel in such difficult and unprecedented times and thanks them all for their outstanding leadership."

The testing programme in Liverpool is credited with helping to bring down the Covid-19 infection rate locally from a peak of 680 cases per 100,000 people to under 100 within just six weeks.

Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Anna Rothery said: It was also a deciding factor in helping the area move from Tier 3 to Tier 2 following the lockdown.

"We are bestowing the highest civic honour on the Regiments involved in the testing pilot because of the huge contribution they have made to our communities during their time here.

"The City of Liverpool has a long and deeprooted association with the Armed Forces, and we are tremendously proud of the contribution made by service personnel, both here and abroad, to communities that need their support."

Brigadier Joe Fossey says it's come as a bit of a shock:

"We're very touched and it's evidence of just how warm the recognition has been throughout our time. The soldiers are thinking 'we weren't expecting that'!

"I think if your measure of success of any pilot programme is in how you can quickly test, adjust, and then deliver in different cities and different ways, I think then this has been enormously successful. This is just the start of the asymptomatic testing journey and we're mighty proud to have been involved at the start.

BOOK RECOMMENDATION

His is the extraordinary tale of a man who gained a Regular Commission in the Indian Army from Sandhurst but resigned soon afterwards. After a series of intriguing adventures, he then enlisted as a private soldier in the Royal Tank Corps. In May 1940, he played a major part in the counterattack at Arras, where two British infantry tank battalions held up the German advance for three days, enabling the success of the Dunkirk evacuation - and perhaps saving Britain from ultimate defeat in the process.

Strick's outstanding success as a Troop Sergeant in France saw him immediately (re-) commissioned, and his rise to high command was then swift. He commanded the North Irish Horse in Tunisia in 1943, and then in its greatest battle - breaking the Hitler Line in Italy in 1944. He served in seven Regiments and had four Regimental commands. This book focuses on his experience during World War II, drawing out the unique qualities required of leaders in close-combat battle, the particular demands of armoured infantry cooperation, and how an individual can make a success of such a rapid rise through the ranks during wartime.

This fine story of adventure and achievement is brought alive by Strick's remarkable correspondence – he wrote home to his family every second or third day throughout the war, except when action was too fierce to write - supplemented by the recollections of his comrades and years of archival research. More than a portrait of a gifted and morally courageous man, this biography also offers an insight into the arts of command and tactical control, and the difficulties of a family life fragmented by war.

For members and ex-members of the Regiment there will be the additional satisfaction of seeing the Arras Counter-Attack battle and subsequent fighting withdrawal to the coast being given the attention it has long deserved. It can be pre-ordered from Casemate publishing www.casematepublishing.co.uk/strick.

html

Tim Strickland’s biography of his Father is that of an ex 4 RTR Trooper who commanded three British armoured Regiments in World War Two and later a Bedouin Armed Car Regiment in the Jordanian Army. He rose from penniless hardship to great military distinction.

Major General Sir Lawrence New CB, CBE, CCMI

HISTORICAL ARTICLES

THE THIRD BATTALION, ROYAL TANK REGIMENT AND THE GREEK CAMPAIGN, APRIL 1941

Lt Col PJW Macro RTR

Following on from my article in last year’s Tank describing the involvement of The Third Battalion, Royal Tank Regiment (3RTR) in the defence of Calais 1940, this narrative will look at the 1941 Campaign in Greece. Again I will focus on 3RTR rather than the strategic picture or the other units.

The war diary for the period has survived, but is sparse in detail, certainly inaccurate in places, and has the hallmarks of being reconstructed in retrospect. The Tank Museum holds copies of a number of narrative reports by those involved1 which include one almost certainly written by Lieutenant Colonel Keller. I have drawn on these and also the reminiscences of the officers and soldiers of the Third quoted in William Moore’s Panzer Bait and Patrick Delaforce’s Taming the Panzers, as well as the archives of the Imperial War Museum.

On 24 February 1941, at El-Qassasin, Egypt, 3RTR received the order to mobilise. They also reported the death of 27 year old 7882953 Serjeant Alfred Graver. There are no further details of his death but he had been married to Constance, although the marriage was childless. The Regiment received administrative instructions on 25, 26 and 27 February 1941. On 27 February 1 Armd. Bde left El-Qassasin and 3RTR were ordered under control of 1 Armd Div. On 28 February, lists of deficiencies were drawn up and surplus vehicles returned to R.V.S. Abbassia. These new orders were not a complete surprise to the Regiment. Back in late January, 3RTR had handed over 28 new Cruiser Mk. IVA tanks to 5 RTR and received 28 old Mk IIA’s in replacement. No reasons had been given at the time for the exchange and this caused considerable resentment amongst the crews. The Third had also been returned from “Charing Cross” (near Marsa Matruh, 240 km west of Alexandria) to El-Qassasin and chopped from 3 Armd Bde back to 1 Armd Bde. Finally kit issues had been made of warm temperate clothing. Given the strategic situation and the previous declarations made by Britain, the troops, by now, already had a pretty good idea that they were bound for Greece.

The Third moved to Alexandria in early March 1941. B echelon moved by road, overnighting at Mena, while the Battalion

tanks were entrained on two separate trains at Tel-el-Kebir station. A Rear Party remained to clear up the camp area reporting some disorganisation due to torrential rains and flooding of the camp area. At Alexandria, once detraining was completed, tanks were dispersed around two separate areas of the dockyard. Tank crews bivouacked by their tanks and fed themselves from rations issued daily. In due course 3RTR’s tanks were loaded onto the SS Clan Macaulay (HQ and C Sqn) and the SS Senegalese Prince (A and B Sqns).

The crews then bivouacked on the decks, cooking for themselves on tank cookers. Brens and Besas were mounted as AA guns. The Third’s transport was also loaded onto the ships which departed from Alexandria 6 March and arrived in Piraeus 8 March with convoy AG2. The remainder of the Third embarked on the AA Cruiser HMS Bonaventure which sailed in company with the cruisers York and Gloucester with convoy AG4 overnight 9 – 10 March 1941.

HMS Bonaventure. (Sunk by an Italian submarine off Crete 31 March 1941). Credit IWM.

1 Which appear to have been collected by Capt Sir Basil Liddell Hart as part of the process of writing The Tanks Vol 2.

SS Clan Macaulay (Later sunk near Malta)

The Third disembarked, under the eyes of the German consul, and went into camp at Glyphada approximately 7 miles East of Athens. The tanks were unloaded in Piraeus on the morning of 12 March 1941. The regimental transport was unloaded first and moved straight out to Glyphada. Tanks were unloaded and bivouacked in the dock area until midnight 13 – 14 March 1941. The Battalion then moved by Troops through Piraeus to camp area at Glyphada. The tanks were dispersed in squadron areas and the troops bivouacked. It was reported to be very cold and rained. Some of the waiting time was occupied by naming tanks. Bob Crisp’s troop in C Squadron became “Cool”, “Calm” and Collected”. For tank crews there was the opportunity to slip into Athens to sample the nightlife.

This was not the case for B Echelon, which was under the command of Major R.N. Wilson left Glyphada in rain and snow that night. With this road party was Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant, newly promoted Staff Serjeant Bill Close. The route given was Athens – Thebes – Leveda – Lamia – Larissa – Kozani –Amyntaion. In atrocious conditions the column speed was around 8 mph. The column halted on the night 14 – 15 March a mile south of Levedia in 4-6 inches of snow with nowhere to get off the road. In the morning the route for B Echelon was changed to the coast road via Thermopylae to avoid the snowbound Lamia Pass. The Echelon spent the night at Lamia before arriving just south of Amyntaion on the evening of 16th March.

Meanwhile the tank crews were having an equally miserable move by train, still in two packets, with HQ and B Squadron tanks about 12-18 hours ahead of A and C Squadrons. Bob Crisp noted that there was just one carriage at the head of the line of flats for officers and the SNCOs attached to squadron headquarters.

Trooper Fred Dale of 3 Troop, A Squadron stated;

“We had no chains so we had to bolt planks to the wooden floors. There were no carriages for the crews so we had to make bivveys on the back of the tank flats. By this time the blizzards were howling down from the mountains.”

Trooper Jim Caswell of “B” Squadron described the journey;

“The train thundered along night and day, through tunnels and round passes. We

stopped occasionally mainly to take on water, then we dashed to the engine to get some boiling water to brew some tea, to swill the bully beef and biscuits down. The train driver, at first a little puzzled, became quite cooperative as time went on. We eventually arrived at Amyntaion station, unloaded the tanks and drove them to an olive grove and covered them with local greenery.”

A and C Squadrons arrived at Amyntaion on 18 March 1941 and took up their areas on the ridge two miles south of the town with HQ and B Squadrons. Tank crews dug in and bivouacked, feeding by tank cookers. Regimental HQ was positioned in a house near the station. Everything was camouflaged carefully and crews tried to keep civilians away from the tanks. The weather was very cold with snow and rain. During the period 19 to 22 March 1941 the Third’s Squadrons made extensive recces of the area north of the Veve Pass and Monastir Gap up to the Yugoslav frontier. All routes, paths and villages were explored. The countryside was noted as being very suitable for A10 tanks, if complete reliance could be placed on the tracks, which unfortunately were old and needed replacement badly. The locals were very friendly but the country was very hilly.

On 4 April 1941 all the Third’s Squadrons entrained at Amyntaion for a move to Plati and then on to the area south of the Bulgarian frontier. However, the following day the move was cancelled. The Squadrons detrained again and moved back to their previous locations, except that A Squadron stayed on the ridge south of Amyntaion.

The Greek campaign, codenamed ‘Operation Marita’ by the Germans, commenced at dawn on 6 April 1941, when the Germans simultaneously attacked Greece through Bulgaria and Yugoslavia in a pincer movement designed to encircle the Greek troops fighting the Italians on the Albanian front. As the German armies were already in Bulgaria the Luftwaffe began an intensive bombardment of Belgrade and Athens. XL Panzer Corps pushed across the Bulgarian frontier into Yugoslavia. At the same time XVIII Mountain Corps also entered Yugoslavia and Greece from Bulgaria and advanced westward through the Struma Valley, while XXX Corps advanced from Bulgaria into eastern Greece. Luftwaffe bombers led by Hans-Joachim 'Hajo' Herrmann attacked shipping in Piraeus.

SS Clan Fraser was in port unloading arms and 200 tons of TNT. At 0315 hours she was hit and destroyed when the TNT exploded.

During the day the whole of 3RTR’s B Echelon moved to an area one mile north of Komanos. Due to heavy rain the area was made impassable and a recce was carried out for an alternative area. The CO also ordered Lt Eeley and the scout car troop up to the Yugoslav frontier with orders to get in touch with any Yugoslav troops. If necessary, the troop was to enter Yugoslavia in order to obtain information. This troop went right through to Monastir and on to Skopje where contact was made with light elements of the German advance.

By the evening of 8 April 1941 the German 73rd Infantry Division (XL Panzer Corps, Lt General Georg Stumme) captured Prilep, severing an important rail line between Belgrade and Thessaloniki and isolating Yugoslavia from its allies. A Squadron of 3RTR moved to the Sotei ridge. They took up positions covering the main Kozani to Florina road and the southern edge of Veve Pass.

On the evening of 9 April 1941, XL Panzer Corps deployed forces north of Monastir, in preparation for an attack towards Florina. This position threatened to encircle the Greeks in Albania and the British “W” Force in the area of Florina, Edessa and Katerini. While weak security detachments covered the rear against a surprise attack from central Yugoslavia, elements of the 9th Panzer Division drove westward to link up with the Italians at the Albanian border. Meanwhile, despite many delays along the mountain roads, an armoured advance guard dispatched toward Thessaloniki had succeeded in entering the city that morning. By the morning of 10 April, XL Panzer Corps had finished its preparations for the continuation of the offensive and advanced in the direction of Kozani. The 5th Panzer Division, advancing from Skopje encountered a Greek division tasked with defending Monastir Gap, rapidly defeating the defenders. First contact with Allied troops was made north of Vevi at 11:00 on 10 April.

On 10 April 1941 A Squadron was detached from the Third to come under command of 4th Hussars, and moved to the area of Proasteion Ridge, 1 mile south of Ptolmais. On the morning of 11 April 1941 scout cars of the Third, possibly pulling back from their earlier trip into Yugoslavia, contacted the enemy on the

Action at Ptolmais 13th April 1941.

Florina plain heading for the Amyntaion Gap south of Monastir. German SS troops seized Vevi on 11 April, but were stopped at the Klidi Pass just south of town. During the next day, the SS Regiment reconnoitred the Allied positions and at dusk launched a frontal attack against the pass. That morning it was decided the Gap was to be abandoned on 12/13 and the withdrawal was to be covered from a position on the Sotei ridge. At 1430 hours C Squadron was ordered to the Pantaleemon area to counter the threat of an enemy tank advance from Kelle. The going was very heavy, eight miles of ploughed vineyards, and the weather, snow and sleet didn’t help. Six tanks broke tracks and one had a cracked distributor. These had to be abandoned due to the lack of spares. They were destroyed after the machine guns and breach blocks had been removed. Bob Crisp describes; “Seven dense columns of black smoke spread their message of gloom over the Macedonian countryside that evening as the tanks burned in a series of violent detonations caused by exploding ammunition.”

That evening, Crisp’s Number 9 Troop of Cool, Calm and Collected was the only C Squadron troop still intact. The Squadron took up positions to cover the southern exit of the pass. Meanwhile, A Squadron moved to the area south of Veve Pass to prevent an advance along the northern edge of the lake. At 2340, orders were received for B(2) Echelon to move to the area of Grevena. The night was reported as being very cold.

At 0045 on the morning 12 April 1941, B(2) Echelon moved to Grevena. At dawn the threat from Kelle was announced as a false alarm and C Squadron moved back from Pantaleemon area to cover the line from Amyntaion to Vegora. Meanwhile 5 and 6 Troops of B Squadron were ordered to assist the withdrawal of artillery from Xynon to Neron. The artillery was not located but assistance was given to the Rangers and Australian troops.

Orders were received to send B(1) Echelon to high ground south of the Alaiakhmon

River line. C Squadron moved to the area east of B Squadron on the Amyntaion Ridge. German infantry attempting to close onto the ridge were prevented from coming closer than 500 yards by machine gun fire from B and C Squadrons. They remained on guard overnight to prevent infiltration by enemy infantry patrols but none were seen. It was another clear night with a moon but very cold. Bob Crisp describes the tension of waiting in the dark, knowing only enemy were to the front;

“We stared boggle-eyed from the turrets, peopling the night with creeping forms which slithered towards us through the bushes, every shrub was alive and alien; the silence rustled with malevolence”.

At daylight on 13 April 1941, Easter Sunday, the enemy could be seen conducting a recce down the Veve Pass towards 3RTR’s positions. However, his progress was difficult owing to road blocks and demolitions in the Pass. At about 0730 hours two enemy AFVs appeared but retired soon after. From around 0900 hours an enemy infantry attack developed from Xynon - Neron. The Germans opened fire on the Ridge with light artillery which initially caused no damage but subsequently one tank received two direct hits.

At around 1000 hours B and C Squadrons were ordered to retire through A Squadron (and the 4th Hussars) at Ptolmais. By 1300 hours C Squadron reformed at Komanos with four tanks (the remainder were

Germans inspecting 3RTR tanks in Kozani, around 17 or 18 April. These are thought to be two of the three B Squadron tanks abandoned as roadblocks on 13 April.

abandoned mainly due to track trouble; this included the tank “Collected” commanded, it is believed, by Bob Crisp’s troop corporal) while B reformed at Ponteokome with six tanks. Enemy forces then approached, and while shelling started on the right flank, the Germans initially approached 4th Hussars and Maj Simpson’s A Squadron straight down the road with motorcyclists and a couple of tanks. These were all claimed as knocked out by No 1 Troop, A Squadron, commanded by Lt Denis Bartlett who won the MC for this action. Enemy AFVs took the track to Ardessa on the left flank so No.2 Troop was sent to support 4th Hussars. However, the Germans still managed to outflank on the left (West). At approximately 1730 hours enemy tanks got within 400 yards of A Squadron’s position; the whole squadron opened fire from hull down positions and assisted by a battery of antitank guns of the Northumberland Hussars and one 25 pdr of 2 RHA, firing over open sights, inflicted considerable casualties. The tanks of the 4th Hussars withdrew under cover of a smoke screen from A Squadron HQ tanks assisted by C Squadron’s remaining smoke mortar tank. The German tanks withdrew as it began to get dark. At around 1930 hours, 3RTR was ordered to withdraw to a line South of the River Aliakman. Three B Squadron tanks were left as road blocks in Kozani.

Between midnight and 0400 hours on 14 April 1941 crews began to arrive at B(1) Echelon and were fed. The 3RTR rearguard spent the night getting in three tanks which had to be towed. By daylight the rearguard reached a wooden bridge some 70 yards in length, with light handrails. The tanks were about the width of the bridge. The first tank across stripped the handrail. It was a very tricky piece of driving as the slightest mistake meant the tank plunging into the river 30 feet below. Some six tanks got safely across, thanks to the skill of the drivers. Bob Crisp at this stage was riding on the rear decks of a B Squadron tank, having been unhorsed from “Cool” when the fuel pump had broken the previous evening. Without spares, the A-10 had been destroyed.

The rearguard was out of touch with Brigade and the CO, who was with it, did not know of a ford a mile or so downstream by which the rest of the Brigade had crossed.

From here on, the retreat degenerated into the confusion and chaos typical of such events, especially when conducted without air cover.

By nightfall 15 April 3RTR, now down to about ten tanks, was across the River Venetikos and the bridge was mined for blowing. It was here that Bob Crisp lost his second tank. Originally detailed to cover the bridge over the river,

as he was moving it into position the A-10 threw a track. With the aid of Capt Plews, the regimental RAOC officer, the crew were able to winch the disabled machine under a tree where it could cover the bridge. The crew then built a fort of timber around the tank. Fortunately, before the Germans appeared, the CO relented and Crisp and his crew were recovered by truck to rejoin 3RTR.

Wednesday 16 April 1941 was a cold drizzling day of low cloud; this was welcome in that flying conditions were poor. At 1400 hours 3RTR marched. Bob Crisp had managed to persuade A Squadron Leader that he should take over an A Squadron tank and trailed at the rear of the column. The road was in poor condition and only metalled in stretches. Rain made it difficult for anything but tracks to move. Bombing attacks were frequent and the pace was very slow. By dark only ten miles had been covered. At midnight a long halt took place owing to the Rangers, next in front of 3RTR, being stopped by a bad patch in the road. Everyone went to sleep.

In the small hours of the morning of Thursday 17 April 1941, with the majority of the column fast asleep, OC 3RTR and 4H walked to the front to discover the problem. They found the blockage had cleared while the crews were sleeping and the road was clear ahead. After

Shows Bob Crisp’s tank beneath the tree, covering the bridge over the RIVER VENETIKOS, before its fort was constructed. The officer in the peaked cap is believed to be Capt Plews. The broken track can be seen in the right foreground.

this the pace increased and by daylight 3RTR and 4H were amongst some woods where a halt was made for breakfast. It was still raining!

Rain and low cloud continued up to nearly midday when the sun broke through and the Luftwaffe arrived. Lieutenant Crisp, in company with the Regimental 2IC (Major Carey) on his tank, shot down a HE111. Tanks continued to drop out through lack of spares and by 1600 hours, when they reached Kalabaka, there were just five remaining. Here the CO saw the brigade liaison officer with orders to get to Atalante independently and to take on supplies at Trikkala for the 250 miles march.

Dawn on 18 April 1941 found the Regiment still short of Larissa. The road was jammed with traffic and the Luftwaffe were out in strength. Attempts were made to bring a 2-pdr gun to bear on them and by cocking a tank on an embankment on the side of the road; two very near misses were scored. In “The Gods Were Neutral” Bob Crisp claims that it was his tank which was used. The stunt, however, brought retribution as the road was then heavily strafed for the next half hour.

When Altaulte was reached on 19th April the last tanks had broken down and their crews were taken on lorries. Bob Crisp lost his final tank, and Serjeant Jock Watt of A Squadron finally lost the A-10 which he and his crew had nursed over 100 miles back from the Vevi gap. All W/T sets and MGs were taken with the crews onboard lorries as the latter provided some form of defence against air attack. For the next few days the Regiment formed an anti-parachute force behind the NZ Division at Thermopolye. Those not deployed were held at Glyphada.

Around 26 April the Third was released to make its way to Nauplia in the Peloponnese, in the hope of evacuation. The majority of the surviving tank crews were evacuated by the Navy. A and B Squadrons went via Crete and eventually reached Egypt onboard a small Greek coaster. Meanwhile C Squadron managed to go straight through to Alexandria. Others, including Serjeant Jock Watt, managed to escape from the beaches in small boats and, over the course of several days, make their way down the coast and across to Crete. SQMS Bill Close hired a Greek fisherman with some of his Squadron’s payroll (which he had been about to deliver in early April and had

Painting: By David Rowlands

The German advance through Greece.

been carrying since the retreat began) to take him and John Myers to Crete. They were eventually taken onboard by a destroyer and landed in Crete.

Well over 100 others, particularly the B echelon, were less fortunate and were captured. These included Major Carey, Captains Bartrum and Scrafton and Lieutenant Bartlett. The RSM “Tiny” [W.] White, was captured along with SSM Claude Henry Cooper and Serjeants Stan Cox, A.J.R. Webber and Eric Shaw. Corporal Sammy Crook, and Troopers Ernest Chapman, Bert Jackson, G.A. Walker, A.D. Walton, D.G. Webb, Ern Williams and C.M. Whitehouse are a few of the others. Chapman later recalled: “We were now told that the Navy was coming to take us back to Egypt, but we should have to make our way to the south of the Peloponnese to a place called Nauplia, or alternatively Kalamata. We acquired some lorries belonging to various units and set off by night. All lights were banned and the journey was a complete shambles. Then at first light along came the Stukas to keep us company. They kept up their raids ceaselessly. After taking shelter in lemon orchards and moving when we had the chance, we at last came to the area around Nauplia. There was intense air activity going on at the time, with bombers, Stukas, 109's and seemingly anything that would fly joining in. Before long a hit was scored on the 'Ulster Prince' and she was set on fire. She was in the main channel into the harbour, so that meant the evacuation from Nauplia was over. A few of us set off back inland with the vague idea of going through the German lines. Alas we ran foul of a party of German paratroopers, and a couple of pistols are not a lot of use against fifteen or twenty Schmeissers. Discretion prevailed.”

For those captured the next few weeks had a grim similarity. On foot, by road, rail or sea, they were taken to a temporary camp in Salonika. From there, they were packed into a railway wagon designed for carrying cattle, with fifty other prisoners of war. There followed days of hunger, thirst and lack of sleep as the train made its slow way up through Yugoslavia to southern Austria and the final destination of Stalag 18A at Wolfsberg. Chapman, however, escaped four times from Salonika Alatini Barracks and PoW trains, eventually joining with the Greek Resistance (both Royalist

& Communist) from 1943-4. Originally from Barnsley, his tale is told in “Kiriakos – a British Partisan in Wartime Greece”.

The CWGC lists ten 3RTR fatalities for the Greek campaign. Three have no firm date of death listed, but have a range listed from 14th to 30th April. These are Troopers John Ashcroft, Thomas Bailey and Sidney Jackson. Originally “Unknowns”, they were identified in 1984. They are buried in a collective grave at Phaleron War Cemetery (near Athens), so it is possible, but far from certain, that they were from the same crew, and that they were killed on 14th April. Trooper Sidney Jackson’s CWCG records include a note that he was killed at Grevena.

Trooper George Budd, aged 29, Trooper Thomas Fisher, aged 26, Trooper Frederick Gartland, aged 21, and Corporal Cyril Rive, aged 24 are listed as casualties for 16 April 1941. All are commemorated on the Athens Memorial. Trooper William John Cameron and Serjeant Ernest Oldreive died 17 April 1941.

Lance Corporal Harold Nield, son of Harold and Emily Nield, of Manchester and husband of Evelyn Nield, of Ardwick, Manchester was killed on 23 April 1941. Harold died aged 26, or possibly 27, and is buried at Phaleron War Cemetery. He too was originally buried as an unknown.

Serjeant Shaw 3RTR on the Vevi Pass in April 1941 with a mixed group of British and Greek soldiers.

SSM Claude Henry Cooper, possibly with Oberst leutnant von Reckow.

Serjeant Ernest Oldreive

THE WINTER WAR

David Willey

One of the ironies of looking at what the British Army studies as part of its battlefield tours is the rather depressing nature of what might be called the bigger picture. In the 1970’s the Army regularly studied the Normandy Campaign with a view that a supposedly smaller, very sophisticated force (the Wehrmacht) could stop a larger, mass army (the Allies 21st Army Group) with the obvious parallels to NATO vs the Warsaw Pact, the pertinent issue facing the British Army in the Cold War. These tours had the unfortunate habit of ‘bigging-up’ the German achievement’s –sometimes to the denigration of the Allies' own efforts and of course ultimate victory in the campaign

When looking at the Winter War – there are some obvious parallels to the Current operations by NATO on Op CABRIT with the deployment of troops in the Baltics as a Forward deterrent to any possible Russian advance. The Finnish Army in 1939-40 used the terrain and the skills of their forces to – temporarily – hold up and embarrass an invading much larger Red Army force. However – as with Normandy – the ultimate success in forcing a decision by the Soviet forces should not be overlooked. A heroic delaying defence is all very well as long as the 7th Cavalry are coming or a negotiated settlement is imminent. With the might of NATO (having twice the number of military personnel as Russia) it will be interesting to see post Afghanistan that the commitment to fight and see the operation through has not been eroded.

But to the Winter War. Our modern concept of a country with established borders and an independent Government is still a relatively recent one for many parts of the world. What we see as modern day Finland historically spent a considerable time as part of the Kingdom of Sweden before being ceded to Russia in 1809. A sense of Finnish identity and subsequently nationalist feeling emerged in the 19th Century followed by the declaration of Independence in 1917 as Imperial Russia fell and the new Bolshevik era began. In 1918 a civil war was fought between Red and White factions in Finland with the ultimate result of a Finland looking more to the West than Bolshevik East – Russia. Tensions remained between the two countries as communists tried to overthrow the Finnish Government with Soviet support and Finns backed Finnish speaking peoples wanting independence on the Soviet side of the border.

When Stalin came to power, he developed ambitions in the West to ‘recover’ lands and peoples originally part of greater Russia (sounds familiar?) and this led him to the Molotov Ribbentrop Pact of 1939 – signed to the world’s astonishment between Nazi led Germany and the Communist Soviet Union. In the pact, spheres of interest were agreed and Stalin looked to reclaim areas of the Baltic, Poland and Finland as well as establishing ‘buffer’ zones to protect his homeland. From a Russian perspective two major invasions had occurred in the last 100 years, a major incursion from Poland in 1920 and another was soon to come – so having the breathing space of other countries or satellite states between the homeland and potential enemies

seemed sensible. At a strategic level, Finland was only 20 miles from Leningrad and as early as 1938 Soviet agents had approached the Finnish foreign minister concerned that Finland might be used as a conduit for German forces attacking Soviet Russia.

Germany invaded Poland on 1 September 1939 and the Soviet Union invaded Eastern Poland on the 17. In the following two months, the Baltic States, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia were forced to sign treaties with the Soviet Union allowing troops to be stationed on their soil. Finland began the quiet mobilisation of its military forces, with reservists; their military contained around 300,000 troops. In October the Finns were asked to send a delegation to

The BT 7 tank was an improvement on the earlier BT5 having a more powerful engine and an all weld ed construction with thicker frontal armour.

Red Square 1940. The May Day Parade in Red Square 1940. At this time Hitler and Stalin had created a pact with Russia supplying raw materials to Hitler’s arms industry.

EXPERIMENTS

The Red Army also took some of their huge T28 and T35 multi-turreted tanks to Finland along with experimental bridging, flame thrower, demolition and remote control variants for testing. None apart from the flamethrowers saw much success.

FINNISH TANKS

Finland had bought 32 FT tanks after the First World War – by 1939 most had been incorporated into fixed defensive positions. In 1938, 33 Vickers 6 ton tanks were bought from Britain. They came without optics and only a few were fitted with the 37 mm Puteaux gun. The aim was to fit a locally produced 37mm Bofors anti-tank gun but this had only been completed on 10 vehicles by the time war broke out.

THE TERRAIN

Moscow where a proposal of an exchange of land was made by the Soviet authorities –keen to create a buffer zone on the Karelian Isthmus by moving the border further north away from Leningrad. The offer was debated in the Finnish Parliament but public opinion was against the idea.

Most in the Soviet hierarchy believed a swift military victory would be achieved against the Finns – but not all. The Red Army had suffered huge purges in the 1930’s – over half the officers (over 30,000 men) had been shot or exiled. The Army had expanded and posts in authority were often filled by those showing political loyalty – not military aptitude. Political favouritism also meant the lessons learnt by Soviet forces under Zhukov fighting the Japanese at Khalkin Gol in the Far East went unheeded as another party of Generals under Marshal Grigory Kulik held sway in Moscow with Stalin.

The Soviets had a good understanding of the Finnish defensive positions having many sympathisers or a ‘fifth column’ as the expression emerged in the late 1930’s. Spies had also been infiltrated as tourists to map and photograph Finnish defensive bunkers and emplacements. The Soviets amassed 12 Divisions (about 450,000 troops) in four Armies – the largest – the 7th with 9 divisions was on the Karelian Isthmus. Here the Soviets also placed most of their tanks, 1,450 mainly T26 and BT vehicles.

T 26

The Soviet T26 was based on the British 6 ton tank built for export by Vickers.

The British tank saw great commercial success world-wide. Many were built under licence, often with changes –as with Soviet vehicles – to meet local requirements and industrial capacity.

The Soviet Union made over 11,000 examples – with many variants, single and twin turreted, flame-throwing – even a remote controlled model.

Few tanks had radios however and command, control and co-operation with the infantry was very poor. 70 examples were captured by Finnish forces and re-used – the Tank Museum has one of these examples.

BT TANKS

Two examples of the American Walter Christies designed tank were imported to the Soviet Union in 1930 along with manufacturing plans. The vehicle had a suspension system that allowed for fast cross country travel and so the vehicle was seen as an exploitation –or cavalry tank. Again the Soviets built tanks on a scale unmatched in the rest of Europe, over 8,000 of the BT series were made. The parade of hundreds of these BT vehicles in 1936 to foreign delegations led to Britain also to order a Christie based vehicle for its own Cruiser tank designs.

"Every acre of its surface was created to be the despair of an attacking military force."

John Langton-Davies - Journalist

The Finns knew they could not defend all of their border with the Soviet Union; it was simply too long with differing regional conditions. Their tactics for defence would have to suit the geography. Much of the border was mountainous or heavily forested. Metaled roads were very few and many areas were simply impassable. In the western and more northerly regions Finnish tactics were to allow Soviet advances and strike at columns when the opportunity arose. Further south on the Karelian Isthmus the Soviet forces were nearer major towns of significance – so more traditional blocking lines were planned. The Finnish military had been building defensive positions in the Karelian Isthmus throughout the 1920’s – strengthening them in the 1930’s. They looked to effectively use the terrain and cover most of the main routes running north. They placed 130.000 men in the Isthmus –25,000 in forward positions to delay any Soviet advance before they reached the main series of defensive positions – a line that was to become known as the Mannerheim line after Field Marshal Mannerheim – the wartime Finnish Commander in Chief. Impressive concrete bunkers (about one per kilometre) were spaced between traditional trenches and log lined dugouts interspersed with a number of waterways and lakes.

INVASION

The Soviets created a border incident on 26 November – shelling one of their own border posts and blaming Finnish forces. Further demands were then placed by the Soviets on Finland which were refused – and on November 30th Helsinki was bombed and the Soviet invasion began.

A mass Soviet advance north was met by the Finnish delaying force. The Finns had few anti-tank weapons but soon discovered that poor Soviet tactics led to the advancing tanks separating from the infantry. Quickly in the more closed country the Finnish troops realised the tanks could be attacked with crow-bars or logs jammed in the tracks – or set on fire with improvised petrol grenades – called Molotov cocktails. The Soviets lost eighty tanks in the first weeks engagements – the Finnish delaying force retreating to the main Mannerheim line position by 6 December.

Further attacks were launched – or the right of the Isthmus by a single Soviet Division after two days of a barrage. The ensuing mass attack saw heavy Soviet casualties. The Soviets bolstered their attacking force with tanks and more infantry but were still repulsed. A further Division was added to the attack and still no major progress was made by the attacking force. During one advance over a frozen lake the Red Army suffered over 1,000 casualties in an hour and lost 27 tanks.

Pushing their forces on Soviet tanks were allowed to pass through or over some Finnish positions – whilst the following infantry was decimated by well placed machine guns. Lone tanks were then hunted down or led into traps – boggy ground or ice covered lakes that were smashed by detonating mines on the frozen surface – sinking the tanks.

The Finns' policy was to allow the Russian tanks to penetrate their defences, even inducing them to do so by 'canalising' them through gaps and concentrating their small arms fire on the infantry following them. The tanks that penetrated were taken on by gun fire in the open and by small parties of men armed with explosive charges and petrol bombs in the forests and villages... The essence of the policy was the separation of the AFVs from the infantry, as once on their own the tank has many blind spots and once brought to a stop can be disposed of at leisure.’

BRITISH WAR OFFICE 1940

Attacks further north by Soviet forces met mixed results – some advances found little resistance but others – such as at a Soviet incursion at Tolvajärvi led to a decisive Finnish victory – the Finns suffering around 100 dead and 250 wounded – the Soviets over 5,000 casualties.

THE MOLOTOV COCKTAIL

The Finns named their home-made petrol grenades after the Soviet Foreign Minister who made the assertion that bombs dropped on Helsinki were in fact food parcels. ‘Here was a drink to go with the food’ the Finns retorted sarcastically. The success of the home made petrol bombs, made to throw on the engine decks of Soviet tanks, led to their mass manufacture by the Alko Corporation – over 450,000 were made at their distillery. The effect of fire on the tank engine could disable it – but often it would lead to the crew abandoning the tank, making them vulnerable to snipers and the tank captured or subsequently demolished.

SOVIET FAILURE

By late December 1939 the Soviet attacks on the Mannerheim line had petered out. Soviet troops were exhausted, lacking supplies and some refused to take part in more suicidal attacks. The conditions were particularly harsh that winter – a record low of −43 °C

(−45 °F) was recorded in January. The Soviet troops had come largely unprepared for such weather, there were many cases of frostbite before troops even engaged with the enemy and a postwar estimate put Soviet casualties from frostbite and sickness at 61,506 for the war. Soviet troops in their dark great coats stood out against the snow and ice as did their olive drab vehicles. The Finns whilst not well equipped were much more used to the weather conditions. Troops were issued with White snow capes and many had warmer winter clothing from their rural lives. It also helped that most Finns were proficient skiers. This made them mobile and elusive on the long western borders – attacking Soviet columns then retreating into the forests.

The mainly rural and agricultural background of many Finnish soldiers meant they were also proficient hunters and good shots. Sniping at Soviet troops became a part of the Finnish hit and run guerrilla tactics on the advancing Soviet forces along the western frontier. Columns of more numerous Soviet troops advancing West along the few tracks or roads were ambushed by Finnish troops. Vehicles at the rear of the column would be attacked blocking any retreat route and isolated groups would be attacked piecemeal or left to freeze, awaiting reinforcements. The Finns called these isolated groups ‘motti’ – a local term used to describe a stack of wood. Campfires and field kitchens were targeted to stop any warmth or nutrition comforting the troops.

A Soviet built T26 tank. Based on the British 6 ton export tank, this tank was captured by the Finns and re-used by their Army, hence the Finnish Swastika – hakaristi - a national symbol still in use. The tank was gifted to the Tank Museum in the early 1990’s.

One of the Finnish snipers gained a fearsome reputation – Simo Häyhä was credited with over 500 kills. Whilst his role was undoubtedly built up for propaganda reasons, the extraordinary total was confirmed after his death in 2002 when his wartime diary was found. The stoic resistance of many Finnish units gave a sense of national pride to the beleaguered nation and the term Finnish term Sisu became known to the wider world.

The Finns have something they call sisu. It is a compound of bravado and bravery, of ferocity and tenacity, of the ability to keep fighting after most people would have quit, and to fight with the will to win. The Finns translate sisu as "the Finnish spirit" but it is a much more gutful word than that. Last week the Finns gave the world a good example of sisu by carrying the war into Russian territory on one front while on another they withstood merciless attacks by a reinforced Russian Army. In the wilderness that forms most of the Russo-Finnish frontier between Lake Laatokka and the Arctic Circle, the Finns definitely gained the upper hand.

TIME MAGAZINE, JANUARY 8, 1940

Finland had wide international support after the Soviet invasion, the Soviet Union was ejected from the League of Nations and much of the world’s attention was drawn sympathetically to the Finnish plight. However little in the way of real material aid arrived in Finland before the war ended although volunteers from Sweden and Norway did cross the border with some planes and antiaircraft guns.

Finland suffered from the call up of reservists which put a great strain on the economy with workers absent at the front. The country had little in the way of an arms industry and war reserves of fuel, ammunition and weaponry was minimal. One small advantage the Finns had was that their rifle ammunition was the same as the Red Army’s 7.62×54mmR rounds. Captured ammunition was vital to keep the Finns fighting.

Britain and France proposed a number of schemes to help Finland, one in late January

demanded the right of passage through Sweden and Norway for troops. However the Finnish surrender stopped this plan from happening.

A SOVIET RE-THINK

Stalin was exasperated by the failure of the Red Army and the consequent humiliation in the Western Press. Soviet propaganda spouted reasons for the delays in victory – including the arrival of over 1,000 pilots from America. On 7 January Kliment Voroshilov was replaced by Semyon Timoshenko as the overall commander in the area. Soviet forces were reinforced and the concentration of effort now centred only on the Karelian Isthmus. Two army groups – the 7th and the 13th were formed – the 7th concentrating its attack on a 16km front. 25 divisions were now in positions where 10 had been earlier. Exercises were carried out attacking dummy positions to give confidence and experience to the new troops and white winter suits were issued. New tank units arrived along with a coating of whitewash to better hide them in

In America, maverick inventor Walter J Christie proposed a fast tank to the US Army on a new suspension system he had designed. He was an awkward character and fell out with many he dealt with but examples of his vehicle suspension were used in Soviet Russia on their BT tanks and in Britain on some Cruiser tanks.

the landscape. The heavy artillery, new tank units and reinforced infantry were put in place for a tactically simple, but numerically massive advance. On February 1st the Soviets started their new offensive by firing 300,000 shells at the Finnish positions in 24 hours.

The Soviet advance did not achieve an immediate breakthrough or victory. Huge numbers of Red Army troops were again mown down by Finnish machine gunners, but the Soviet tanks kept with the infantry and losses in the Soviet forces were quickly made up with reinforcements. For the Finns – exhaustion, lack of supplies and the attritional warfare took its toll. After ten days of battle, the Soviet forces on the West of the Istmus made a breakthrough. Mannerheim ordered a retreat to a reserve defensive line on February 15th

FORCED SETTLEMENT

Negotiations to end the fighting began in Stockholm Sweden on February 12th. Soviet pressure and the obvious appearance that Finnish forces were near exhaustion led the Soviet authorities to make further demands on the Finnish Government despite their willingness to come to terms on February 29th. Soviet forces continued to advance until a treaty was finally signed on March 12th in Moscow.

Finland lost more territory than had been originally demanded by the Soviet Union in 1939. The war had lasted 105 days and cost the Finns around 25,000 dead. Figures for Red Army deaths vary from 50,000 to 138,000 men.

The war led Finland to join the axis forces in the summer of 1941 as Germany invaded the Soviet Union and Finland saw an opportunity to reclaim lost lands. For the Soviet Union the poor command structure and failure to dominate despite greater numbers led to a return to more traditional rank structures and the reduction in importance of the political commissar. New equipment was coming into service along with the expansion of the Army when Germany invaded Soviet Russia in the summer of 1941. Little could be seen to have overtly changed in the Red Army performance when compared to the Winter War – but one thing clearly stayed the same. The incredible ability of the average Russian soldier to endure hardship, neglect, poor leadership and tremendous losses but still continue to fight for the motherland.

A Finnish soldier looks at a knocked out T26 tank. Such images flooded western media and acutely embarrassed Stalin.

A destroyed Soviet column. The problems faced by the invading Red Army can be seen in these two images. A narrow road limiting mobility, close forest hiding attackers and appalling weather conditions.

BRANCHES AND SECRETARIES OF THE RTR ASSOCIATION

Association Secretary: Capt (Retd) D C Hutton, HHQ RTR, Stanley Barracks, Bovington, Wareham, Dorset BH20 6JB – 01929 403360

Birmingham

Bournemouth & Poole

Bovington

Bristol, Bath & District

Meet 2nd Mon of each month at the Brass House, 44 Broad Street, B1 2HP at 12 noon.

Mr A G Hart, 69 Galloway Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4JS – hart.tiny@hotmail.co.uk

Meet 1st Tues of each month (not Jan/Aug), Ex-Servicemen's Club, 66 North Rd, Parkstone, Poole, Dorset, BH14 0LY at 8 pm. 01202778551

Mr P Rogers, 6 The Green, Kingston, Sturminster Newton, Dorset, DT10 2DX – paulrogers34@hotmail.co.uk

Meet 1st Sat of each month (not Aug), at Broadstone British Legion, Tudor Rd, Broadstone, BH18 8AW at 7.30 pm.

01258817607 07828623948

Meet 1st Mon of each month at RAFA Club, Eastfield, Westbury on Trym, Bristol, BS9 4BE at 8pm. 07894164554

Mr R Owen, Hillcrest, Felton Common, Felton, BS40 9YN – rtrabristol@gmail.com

Canadian Mr M Howkins, 369 5th Street SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A-0M7, Canada – mikethebrit13@hotmail.com

Cheltenham & District

Cymru Wales

Devon & Cornwall

Meet last Fri of each month at Cypress Club, 218 6th Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A-2S5, Canada at 7pm.

Mr R Hall, 87 John Trundle Court, Barbican, London, EC2Y 8NE – ronhallrtr@gmail.com

Meet 2nd Mon of each month at the Albion Club, North Street, Cheltenham, GL50 4DJ at 12 noon.

403 331 7619

02075883177 07813276609

Meet 1st Thur of each month at Fairwater Conservation Club, 61 Ely Road, Cardiff, CF5 2BY at 7.30pm. 02921404904

Mr T Hunter, 4 Marshall Close, Llandaff, Cardiff, CF5 2QQ – terence_hunter@sky.com

Mr G Burge, Alston Cottage, Alston, Ashburton, TQ13 7ET No monthly meeting. 01364 652769

East Anglian Mr K Forde – eastanglianbranch@gmail.com Meet at 3 locations 1st Sat of each month. Ipswich: The Halbert Inn, 15 Northgate Street, Ipswich, IP1 3BY. Bury St Edmunds: Wetherspoon, 57 Abbeygate Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1LQ. Norwich: The Cellar House, 2 Eaton Street, Norwich, NR4 7AB.

Hull & East Riding

07851541794

Meet 2nd Tues in Feb/Apr/Jun/Aug/Oct/Dec at King William Public House, Hallgate, Cottingham, Yorkshire, HU16 4BD at 8pm. 01482812750

Mr S Dale, 14 Albemarle Road, Bilton, HU11 4DR – steve@albest.karoo.co.uk

London Mr I Tompsett, 16 Rosecroft Close, Orpington, Kent, BR5 4DX – ianmtompsett@hotmail.com Meet 2nd Sat of each month (except Nov) at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, SW3 4SR at 2pm. 07714020244

Medway

Merseyside

Newcastleupon-Tyne

Oldham

Mr G T Smith, 246 Broadway, Gillingham, Kent, ME8 6DT – terrysmith1942@gmail.com

Meet 2nd Fri of each month at The King Charles Hotel, Bompton Road, Gillingham, ME7 5QT at 7.30 pm. 01634263099

Mr T G McClymont, 131 Deysbrook Lane, West Derby, Liverpool, L12 4YE – rtrrafo@sky.com

Meet last Sat of each month (except Dec) at the Vines Hotel, 81 Lime Street, Liverpool, L1 1JQ at 1.30 pm. 01512281561 07733435464

Mr G McCutcheon, 11 Paignton Square, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, SR3 1QT – geomccutcheon00@gmail.com Meet 2nd Sat of each month at The Newcastle Labour Club, Leazes Lane, NE1 4PF at 12.30 pm. 07850542980

Nottingham Mr B Rogers, 35A Church Street, Horsley Village, Derby, DE21 5BQ – Brianrogers214@icloud.com

Meet 2nd Thurs of each month at Stadium Leisure, Nottingham Rd, New Basford, Nottingham, NG15 1EG 12 noon.

Mr N K Rodgers, 9 Harewood Road, Shaw, Oldham, Lancashire, OL2 8EA – nielkrodgers@talktalk.net Meet 3rd Thurs of each month at The 3Cs Club, Henshaw Street, Oldham, OL1 2AA at 8pm.

Oxford Col (Retd) B A C Duncan MBE, The Cottage, Milton, Banbury, Oxon, OX15 – indiancobra@btinternet.com

01332883268 07740631426

01706849368 07770688564

No monthly meeting. 01295720974

Plymouth Mr D Lomax, 168 Pinewood Drive, Woolwell, Plymouth, PL5 1DE

Meet 1st Thurs of each month at the Plymouth Hoe Club, 1-2 Osborne Place, The Hoe, Plymouth, PL1 2PU at 7.45 pm.

Preston Mr A Rigby, 4 Kilnhouse Lane, Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, FY8 3AA – alanrigby4@gmail.com

Scarborough (1 RTR)

Meet 1st Wed of each month (not Jan) at WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess, Fulwood Barracks, Preston, PR2 8AA at 2.00pm.

Mr P Ramsay, 16 Guycroft, Otley, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS21 3DS – per4408@gmail.com

No monthly meeting.

Scottish Mr J Keenan, 4 High Road, Port Bannatyne, Isle of Bute, PA20 0NY – johnkeenan4rtr@gmail.com

Meet 2nd Sun of each month at Kirkcaldy United Services Institute, 8 St Brycedale Avenue, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1ET at 1pm.

01253711650 07914786487

01043464479 07717456203

01700504846

Sefton

Mr M Mattocks, 2 Patricia Grove, Bootle, Merseyside, L20 6LT – markmatt088@gmail.com

Meet 2nd Sat of each month at Flanagans, Queen’s Street, Waterloo, Merseyside, L22 5PA at 1.30 pm.

01519225419

2/3/6 RTR Mr R Hall, 87 John Trundle Court, Barbican, London, EC2Y 8NE – ronhallrtr@gmail.com No monthly meeting. 02075883177 07813276609

5 RTR

8 RTR

Mr K Nelson, 119 Digby Garth, Bransholme Estate, Hull, East Yorks, HU7 4NN – tankie@tankie.karoo.co.uk

Annual Reunion held last weekend in October at the Expanse Hotel, Bridlington, East Yorkshire, YO15 2LS.

Mrs M Folgate, 96 Upton Road, Bexleyheath, Kents, DA6 8LT – derek8rtr@aol.com Reunion and AGM held in March each year at the Trouville Hotel, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5DH.

01482835462

02083060060

HOME HEADQUARTERS UPDATE

NOTICES 2022

Army v Navy Rugby Match

Saturday 30 April 2022

In 2021 the RAC Rugby representative contacted RAC HHQs late in the year for their requirements for a limited number of match tickets for the forthcoming year. It is hoped this will again take place later in 2022. Once HHQs are notified, the Regimental Secretary will advertise the tickets and prices to the retired RTR persons email distribution list. Please note HHQ RTR will only have a limited number of tickets available, so it is based on ‘first come, first served’. On the day of the match, HHQ RTR will set up a hospitality stand for current and former RTR folk.

Details and location will follow from the Regimental Secretary in 2022. If you are not on the retired RTR persons email distribution list please contact the Regimental Secretary who will add your name to the list.

THE JAMES DEWHURST TRUST AIMS OF THE TRUST:

● To promote the undergraduate and postgraduate education of descendants of regular RTC and RTR officers whose names have appeared in the Army List.

● To make grants to assist the education of such persons.

● To provide financial or other assistance to assist such persons to travel outside the UK in order to further their education.

● To promote the efficiency of the RTR through education.

Selection of Candidates: Selection will be based on:

● An initial application for assistance, which where possible, should come from the dependant who will benefit from the grant, but we will accept applications from parents or guardians of them if there are good reasons for this to be so.

● Proof that a university place has been accepted by the student.

● Confirmation of the subject that the student is reading at university.

Applications:

● Applications are to be sent to the Regimental Secretary by 1 September each year.

● If the applicant is a Gap Year student applying for a grant to participate in a project associated with their prospective university course, they should give the details in the letter of application.

The Grant:

● Size of the grant depends on two criteria:

● The amount of dividend received from investments in the Financial Year.

● The number of successful applicants.

Follow up Action: Applications for the following and subsequent years at university should come from the student via letter with a brief report of their last academic year’s mark and grade. No applicant will be eligible to receive more than four grants.

RTR Officers’ Cambrai Dinner Night France, Saturday 19 November 2022

The 105th Anniversary 2022 annual Officers’ Cambrai Dinner Night will be held in France on Saturday 19 November at a venue to be selected by the Regimental Council. There will be no dinner in London. The event will be black tie, no medals. Location, timings and attendance application proforma will be advertised by the Regimental Secretary by email in 2022. If you are not on the retired RTR persons email distribution list and, therefore, do not receive regular email updates, please contact the Regimental Secretary.

RTR March to the Cenotaph Day

Sunday 20 November 2022 will not take place in the normal manner as we move this event to Cambrai in France for the 105th Commemoration.

We will organise a Wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in London with a smaller party than usual, but we will still mark the occasion.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PROMOTIONS 2021

Tpr to LCpl

Tpr Blondrage

Tpr Chapman 03

Tpr Smith 28

Tpr Bowtell

Tpr Gates

Tpr Gurndon

Tpr Hayward 04

Tpr Bullock

Tpr Pearon Delemarr

Tpr Hodgson

Tpr Kemp

Tpr Millard

Tpr Heckles

Tpr Porter

Tpr Rai

Tpr Skidmore

Tpr Carson

Tpr Adams

Tpr Mckinley

Tpr Payne

LCpl to Cpl

LCpl Diamond

LCpl Scarff

LCpl Smith

LCpl Coombe

LCpl Larbi

LCpl Millar

LCpl Cox

LCpl Winfield

LCpl Chiplin (A)Cpl Murphy (A)Cpl Whelan

LCpl Singh LCpl Gilbert

Second Lieutenant to Lieutenant

2Lt Buffham 2Lt Saville 2Lt Shimmings 2Lt Graves

Lieutenant to Captain

Lt Warren-Miller Lt Moore Lt Lowein Lt Catmur Lt Denchai Lt Munnery

Captain to Major

Capt Chisholm

Capt Last Capt Mcilroy

Capt E Hall

Capt W Hall

Capt Halls

Capt Smith

Capt Hollis

Major to Lieutenant Colonel

Maj Luson

Maj Coetzee

Maj Moseley

Maj Wight-Boycott

COMMISSIONED INTO THE REGIMENT

2Lt Mike Lawrence 11 Dec 20

2Lt Charlie Nutland 11 Dec 20

2Lt Sam Hepple 11 Dec 20

2Lt Tomos Rees 11 Dec 20

2Lt Elliott Reithofer-Taylor 09 Apr 21

2Lt Mark Lewin 09 Apr 21

2Lt Samuel Gibb 06 Aug 21

2Lt Rory Talbott 06 Aug 21

RETIREMENTS

Capt B Chandler (Ben) 06 Jan 21

Lt Col IC Laver (Iain) 29 Jan 21

Lt Col AS Gash (Anton) 17 Mar 21

Capt LE Johnson (Lee) 03 Apr 21

1/3 OFF RAIL TRAVEL FOR VETERANS. ROGER THAT!

Buying a Veterans Railcard for the first time is quick and easy with just 3 steps.

For Veterans from all the UK Armed Forces.

Add a named adult Companion to your Railcard free of charge.

Discounted Travel for Railcard holder, adult Companion and up to 4 children.

Buy 1 Year £30 or 3 Years £70.

To find out more and to register your interest go to https://www.veterans-railcard.co.uk

REGIMENTAL SECRETARY’S DOG MATILDA (TILLY) TAKES CHARGE!

Captain (Retd) Dean Hutton

There was hope in the air as we slowly emerged through lockdown. The previous year had been littered with cancelled events although the Virtual Cenotaph Parade in November 2020 was a success as this important occasion had to be supported. Many of our Association Branch Members were still able to place Regimental Wreaths at their local Memorials. 2021 has seen HHQ back in full swing and in the Office at Stanley Barracks, Bovington. As some normality returned we have been able to plan and engage with our Association Members, with small scale events, scaling up to our normal Parade this year at the Cenotaph.

We welcome a new member to the team, Lisa Burgess is a Civil Servant and has taken on the role of Media and Events Coordinator, some of you will have already received correspondence asking you to attend certain events. The new website that went live in October will support our Media and Communications initiative, which will support and expand our reach across the RTR family.

One of the beneficial side effects of the lockdowns has been the need for many of us to embrace online video conferencing and meetings, whilst it doesn’t compare to socialising physically it has enabled us all to keep in touch and look after each other.

I would like to thank all those Association Branches who have contacted HHQ, signposting a comrade or their immediate family member who has been struggling during these difficult times and enabling the Regimental family to give assistance. It has also enabled us to carry out our Council Meetings and other discussions ensuring that the many projects, from Branch meetings and the celebration of our many Centenarians, one in particular, which stands out was Tony Pyatt’s 105th Birthday, still going strong.

I would once again like to thank all those of you who donate to the Regimental Benevolence Fund, either via the 1 Days’ Pay Scheme or through our Virgin Money Giving page on our new website. So far, this financial year we continue to have a good return of applications for Benevolence, which is distributed on our behalf by SSAFA, RBL, and Poppy Scotland Christmas Grants are awarded to our Chelsea Pensioners and Christmas Hampers were awarded to a significant number of Regimental Families, nominated by the RTR Association Branches.

As you have read, your support is vital in assisting those comrades, serving and

retired, or their immediate families that find themselves in times of need. If you know of anybody who is struggling, be that mentally, physically or financially then please contact HHQ in the first instance, all information is treated in confidence and with discretion. HHQ can’t financially assist individuals directly, all Regimental and Corps Benevolence Funds utilise the services of SSAFA and RBL caseworkers, most of whom are volunteers. These organisations are currently struggling with a lack of caseworkers and mentors, if you find yourself with some spare time and would

wish to volunteer please contact us at HHQ for further information. To finish, I would like to thank all who have supported the HHQ team over this extended difficult and challenging year. If you have any queries or questions, please don’t hesitate in contacting the team. Lastly, I would like to thank all the team here at HHQ for their unstinting support that has enabled us to come out of the lockdown period with renewed energy and vigour.

ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA, ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS ATTEND CHAPEL SERVICE

Robert Swiniarski, Standard Bearer

On Sunday 17 October 2021 London

Branch members attended the RAC Church Service at the RHC. Among them were Peter and June Phelps, Bob Swiniarski, who paraded the Branch Standard in the company of Dave Larcombe with the Bournemouth Poole and District Branch Standard.

David Orman, Keith and Isabella Probert and Reg Fox, a 95-year-old veteran, also came up from BP&D. In-Pensioners on parade were Fred Bolwell and Bill McMinn. The service is always beautiful, and the choir were extraordinary. Their singing was truly divine. The Collect of the Royal Armoured Corps followed the State Prayers for the Queen, the Royal Family, and the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Then the National Anthem was sung, a blessing given by the Chaplain of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and Deputy Priest in Ordinary to HM The Queen by the Reverend S. D. Brookes (Stephen), after which the Choir and Chaplain processed from the Chapel to My Boy Willie, the Quick March to the Royal Tank Regiment. The Choir sang the dismissal from the Octagon as the In Pensioners leave.

Throughout lockdown worship continued, sometimes inside and sometimes outside at other local Churches. The Chapel team rolled up their sleeves and worked serving meals, collecting, and delivering prescriptions as well as newspapers. Over half of the pensioners had Covid, a number died, and overall, they assisted in arranging 50 funerals and outdoor memorials for pensioners. As the gradual reopening of the Hospital continues a number of services for bereaved families are to be held and one or two other services as well. The RAC Church Service was the first service to host those from outside.

In true tradition of the RAC Church Service those RTRA present retired to the bar afterwards at the kind invitation of Fred and a pleasant and convivial afternoon was had. A fantastic footnote to this story is that Reg and Fred did not know each other and had so much in common that enjoyed chatting that Fred invited Reg to come along to the evening Saturday meal at the Bournemouth Weekend which he duly did.

THE FRIENDS OF THE TANK MUSEUM YPRES SALIENT AT FROMELLES

On Monday 19th July 2021 the Friends of the Tank Memorial Yypres Salient (FotTMYS) were invited to attend the 105th Anniversary of the Battle of Fromelles at the Pheasant Wood Commonwealth War Grave Commission Military Cemetery.

Representing the FotTMYS were the RTR Battle Flag Bearer Capt (Retd) David J Williams TD and Madame Marie-Pierre Williams, Honorary Member FotTMYS.

The Ceremony commenced at 1800 and all were welcomed by the Master of Ceremonies, Lt Col Francois Nozaïc, Australian Army and the Mayor of Fromelles Mr Jean-Gabriel Masson.

The opening address was given by Mr Richard Smith Sous Préfet and Her Excellency Ms Gillian Bird Australian Ambassador to France.

Individual tributes were given to the fallen and the children of Fromelles laid a Rose at the graves of those soldiers ‘Unknown unto God’.

This was followed by the Official laying of Wreaths, Madame Marie-Pierre Williams laid a wreath on behalf of the President, Vice President, Founder Chairman, Board

of Administrators, and Friends of the Tank Memorial Ypres Salient.

The Exhortation was given by Colonel Joel Dooley. Defence Attaché Australian Army; They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

This verse is taken from the poem ‘For the fallen’ which was written by Robert Laurence Binyon (1869-1943). The poem was written whilst he was sitting on the cliff top looking out to sea from the dramatic scenery of the northern coastline of Cornwall. This being the fourth verse of seven which complete the

poem. Robert Laurence Binyon was too old to enlist into the military but went on to work for the Red Cross as a medical orderly in 1916. He lost several close friends and his brother-in-law during the Great War.

The last Post was then played. The Standards were dipped during the one minute of silence, followed by Reveille and the National Anthems of Australia and France. There were in total 43 Standards from France and Belgium, including our RTR Battle Flag.

The closing address and farewell was given by the Master of Ceremonies.

The vin d’Honneur was held at the local infant’s school.

HISTORY OF THE BATTLE OF FROMELLES

Fromelles can be found about eight miles west of Lille and five miles south of Armentieres. It can be visited easily by those using Ypres or Arras as a base for battlefield touring (it’s about a 45-minute drive from either).

Pheasant Wood Cemetery is probably the most visited site in the area, and has a museum next to the cemetery which was opened in 2014. There are a number of other interesting sites to visit in and around Fromelles. The village is not far from other battlefield areas, such as Cuinchy, Cambrin, Vermelles and Loos, all being within 10 miles of Fromelles.

The Australians have a close association with Fromelles, as this is one of the sites

where they suffered heavy losses during the Great War. The Australian 5th Division, along with the 61st British (South Midland) Division, attacked here on July the 19th, 1916.

At this time, the main Somme battles were raging around 40 miles to the south of Fromelles. The intention was to make a feint here to prevent the Germans from bringing reinforcements to the Somme. The Australian attack at Fromelles was their first significant battle in France and the only one in which they achieved no success. The Australians suffered 5,553 casualties in one night, the worst 24 hours in Australia’s military history. Many fell victim to German machine guns.

PHEASANT WOOD CEMETERY

This is probably the most visited site in the area, and with a fascinating history behind it. In 2009, archaeologists excavated several mass burial pits at Pheasant Wood near Fromelles. The remains of 250 British and Australian soldiers were recovered from these pits, which were mass burials made by the Germans after the Battle of Fromelles.

Considerable efforts were made to identify these men, whose remains had lain where they were buried together for more than 90 years. This involved the authorities and also many dedicated amateurs, working hard to try and make sure that as many graves in the new cemetery as possible bear a name. In turn, this means that many families finally know the exact resting place of their relative.

Captain (Retd) David Williams

The number of remains discovered was so high that the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) created a new cemetery for their reburial. This was the first new war graves cemetery to be created by the CWGC since the end of the Second World War. Fromelles (Pheasant Wood) Cemetery is located at the north-west edge of the village, not far from the church. It is only about a quarter of a mile from Pheasant Wood itself, where the men were buried by the Germans, and from which the cemetery takes its name.

At 11 a.m. on January the 30th 2010, the first of the remains were reburied at this new cemetery. Reburial ceremonies continued at 9 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during February 2010. The cemetery was completed in July 2010 and now contains 250 graves. Efforts to identify these men continued, to date 170 graves are of identified soldiers which represents the majority of the burials. At the time of the burials the ground was frozen and snow fell on many occasions.

The new cemetery has a generous parking area, with the recently opened museum located to the left. Outside the cemetery are information boards, giving the background to the cemetery.

MUSEUM OF THE BATTLE OF FROMELLES

Given the interest in Pheasant Wood Cemetery and the story of those who fought here, a new museum was planned by the Weppes commune. This was supported financially by both the French and Australian governments. The Museum of the Battle of Fromelles was opened in 2014. There was a previous smaller museum located in Fromelles town hall before that.

The museum is located right next to the cemetery and contains modern audio-visual presentations. The main one is a presentation showing the build-up to and day of the battle at Fromelles. There is an audio guide available for

these presentations. Other displays describe the area before the war, and trench life during the war.

There is also information on the story of how those now buried at the cemetery were found, and the exhumation of their remains. Also, an interesting time lapse video showing the construction of Pheasant Wood Cemetery. In addition, there are more traditional exhibits including artefacts found during the excavations and before, such as munitions, soldier’s personal possessions and there are several dioramas as well.

The museum is well worth a visit; there is a fee of €6.50 for adults and €4.50 for children 8-18 (those younger than 8 enter free). Also, individual guided tours are available at €2.50. Hot drinks and snacks, vending machines, and toilets are also within the museum.

Mme Marie-Pierre Williams receiving the TMYS Wreath from the Australian Wreath Bearer and placing it

The Parade of Standard Bearers approaching the Cross of Sacrifice. TMYS RTR Battle Flag Bearer being thanked by Her Excellency The Australian Ambassador to France Ms Gillian Bird

FotTMYS RTR Battle Flag bearer at the Cross of Sacrifice

BATTLE OF KALAMATA WATERFRONT MEMORIAL

Second-Lieutenant Tom Rees

11 Sept 2021 saw a gathering at the National Memorial Arboretum to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Greek Campaign of World War II. Sgt Perrin and I represented CYCLOPS, given the Squadron’s alignment to 3 RTR who fought in the campaign.

The memorial itself had a heavy Greek Orthodox element, which was a first for the both of us. There was also a recounting of some

of the personal tales from the campaign, many of which involved heroic attempts to evade capture by the Germans in the latter stages of the campaign. Given the time elapsed, most of those present were the children of veterans, and it was good to see how they are keeping the memory of those mens sacrifices alive. There was also representation from the Greek Navy, New Zealand Defence Force and Australian Defence Force, in recognition of their participation eighty years ago.

After the ceremony, we took the opportunity to visit the RTR plot in the Arboretum. As a

new Troop Leader this was a valuable insight into the history of the Regiment, and a good reminder of the importance of keeping these memories alive. It was humbling to see the care being put into the plot, and very gratifying to see that it is in good hands.

Regimental Secretary, Dean Hutton, lays a wreath on behalf of the RTR

GRAHAM EDWARDS REMEMBERS 7RTR AT CATTERICK

On returning from Hong Kong, 7RTR took over from 68 Training Regiment RAC

of

The Regiment was based at Waitwith Camp in which most of the accommodation, legend had it, had been condemned since the First World War! It was not a camp as one would normally expect as it had no fence around it and so one didn’t have to pass the guardroom when entering or leaving. On one side it was open to the Yorkshire moors so sheep would wander in and occasionally end up in a barrack room.

In the summer of 1955, following IRA raids on some military arms stores, a new guard was formed, known as the prowler guard. This was very different to the main and tank park guards, where you had to wear your best uniform, were

given no weapon, apart from a pickaxe handle, and had do two hourly stags (patrols). The prowler guard wore denims and plimsoles and were issued with a rifle and ammunition. After parading with the other guards, the prowler guard was locked in an old building and could only be let out by the orderly officer, whatever was taking place outside! Once a night, the Orderly Officer would call out the guard and then lead it on a patrol around the camp and check the identity of anyone who was about. It was a relatively cushy guard as you didn’t have to get bulled up, but it was very boring.

In 1956, there was an extraordinary pay parade and we had to wear gas masks. I can only think this was training for a gas attack. The lenses steamed up and so there was no way you could check your pay, but you still had to say, “Pay correct, sir.” In addition, the paying officer or his clerk would not be able to recognise who was collecting the pay!

At the end of June 1956, several of us were told to pack up all our kit and parade at 0800 the next morning. We weren’t told where we were being sent except that “a bucket and spade

on 1 March 1955, as one

the three RAC Training Brigade Regiments in Catterick Camp. A Squadron was responsible for basic training of recruits, B Squadron for Driver AFV and Potential Officer training and C Squadron for training Clerks, Gunners AFV and Signallers AFV. The Commanding Officer was Lt Col J K Greenwood OBE.

Graham Edwards

might be useful.” This was shortly after Colonel Nasser had nationalised the Suez Canal and it seemed likely that British and French forces could be deployed to take it back. However, next morning, we were told that only tank drivers were required and so many of us were stood down. About thirty, under the command of Capt P S Berry (OC Gunnery Wing), travelled to Devon to train on operating Buffaloes, tracked armoured personnel carriers with open tops, which were able to ‘swim’. They then moved to Malta to train with the Commandoes and then took part in an amphibious assault on Port Said in November. Sadly, a Sgt was killed by a sniper, but the remainder returned to Catterick in March 1957.

In August 1956, Lt Col F R Lindsay DSO MC took over as Commanding Officer. In November, the Regiment, less B Squadron, moved a mile down the road to Bourlon Barracks, which had modern 3-storey, centrally heated, “Sandhurst”

blocks. However, the Gunnery Wing office and classrooms remained at Waitwith camp and so personnel had to be ferried backwards and forwards every day.

In 1957, a basic fitness test was introduced for permanent staff. This included a 5-mile ‘bash’, which we were all dreading. When I did this, we were marched out of the camp by Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) and down the main road and then turned off down a minor road.

Before long, we were halted in a wood and fallen out for a smoke break. This lasted for a very long time and then we were marched back to the camp. Clearly the PTIs, also, didn’t want to march 5 miles!

The only tank exercise by the Squadron was held one weekend in May. Surprisingly, I was allowed to have a 48-hour pass for this weekend and so did not take part. I heard on my return that the exercise was not a success

as all the tanks had broken down on their way to the moors! This was probably because, for over two years, the Centurions had only been moved around within the tank park.

The Queen visited the Regiment in July. Although I was not selected for the guard of honour, I was to be one of the markers around the edge of Catterick Stadium for her arrival. We had to wear our No. 1 dress uniforms (Blues) with black shoes and were issued with smart black leather belts with pouches.

In August, 7RTR was replaced as the training regiment by 5RTR, on its return from Libya, and 7RTR moved to Germany.

As I had only six months left to serve and had resisted all attempts to get me to sign on, I transferred to 5RTR, changing my shoulder strap colours from red and green to red and light blue.

Colonel Commandant’s Parade Summer 1957

Leading C Squadron (right to left): Maj Green (OC), 2Lt Volkers, Capt Field, Capt Berry, 2Lt Paine, Sgt Lane, SSM Millett and Sgt Barratt.

ROYAL TANK REGIMENT GOLF SOCIETY THE PHOENIX RISES AGAIN

After what has been a different and difficult 18 months I am pleased to say that the Golf Society has managed to provide some humour and entertainment to our group and those members of clubs that have been lucky enough to be on the same course as us whilst we have attempted to knock a little white ball around with a stick. It has also been great to see that we have had some new members who have recently taken up the game.

Being released from our shackles in April, a group of 20 of us took on the wonders of Dartmoor at Tavistock Golf Club and although there were restrictions on the use of the clubhouse it was great to be able to meet up on a fantastic sunny day on a course that overlooks much of Dartmoor. In May a few of us moved on to an interesting course in Somerset for a charity event which was, we are told, originally built for the use of the Officers and men of the Somerset Light Infantry. Being built over the workings of an old mine and used in the Second World War by the RAF to dump unused bombs prior to landing it makes for some interesting landscape.

In June a number of us took up the invitation by the Tankie Golf Society based “Up North” to join them in the wilds of Worcestershire for a weekend of great golf, company and

camaraderie and hope that we will be invited again next year despite players from “Down South” being the winners both days and overall. In the same month we also played the annual Reunion Trophy which, through the vagaries of the new handicap system (golfers will understand what I mean) was won by Dave Pinder who had only recently taken up the game.

July took us to Looe in Cornwall for our annual humiliation against Looe’s seniors which Dave Taylor was able to arrange through his club. This was quickly followed by our annual support of Charlie’s Charity Day at Dainton Park, a great day out which raises funds for many of the local charities in Devon. This was immediately followed the next week with the annual RTR Golf Society Championships which had 32 entrants and was well won by Dave Taylor winning the Graham Pearson Trophy.

September saw six of us head across to darkest Wiltshire to play at Rushmore Park for the inaugural ABF Charity Day, a great day which raised a great sum for one of our forces charity.

October will see us through to our last meet of the year which will see us a Honiton GC and also a couple of us heading off to the annual Golf Monthly H$H Charity Day.

The RTR GS ( jeff5360@btinternet.com ) is always looking for new members whether you have played before or new to the game as are the Tankie GS which is run by Stephen Hodson who can be contacted via the Tankie Golf Society FB page.

OBE GRANTED TO PHIL CONRAN

An OBE has been awarded to Phil Conran for his work as chair of the government’s Advisory Committee on Packaging. Capt Phil Conran was in 3 RTR for a few years before retiring from the Army.

Mr Conran’s award, in the New Year Honours list 2021 published on 30 December 2020, is for his “services to recycling and the environment”. The announcement brought a warm response from other members of the Advisory Committee (ACP), who spoke of Mr Conran’s ‘hard work’ and ‘breadth of understanding’. He stepped down from the chair position last month when his term of office ended.

With many years of involvement in the packaging waste sector, he was announced by Defra as chair of the ACP in December 2014 (see letsrecycle.com story) and his term of office ended last month. He worked for Biffa until 2008 and developed the Biffpack compliance scheme and is now a consultant with 360 Environmental.

Phil Conran OBE

The RTR Golf society enjoying the 19th hole

100TH CELEBRATION FOR WILLIAM PARKER

Dean Hutton

It was my privilege to visit William Parker at his home to wish him a very Happy 100 th Birthday from the Regiment. He is seen in the picture with his gift and his daughter Sandra and son Andy. Born on the 1 st January 1921, William Joined 8 RTR in 1938 (23 rd Armoured Div in North Africa) he then Joined 11 RTR in 1941 (disbanded in 1945) moved to 7 RTR and left the Army one year later. He subsequently re-joined 7 RTR in 1947. In 1959 he Left 7 RTR and went to the Royal College of Science, Shrivenham as Instructor. In 1962 he joined 2 RTR and in January 1970 William was posted to Mons Military College Aldershot as an Instructor, in February 1971. William transfered to the RAOC in Northern Ireland. In 1977 William retired from the Army and continued as a civilian in Blandford. His family were with him to celebrate his special day.

William Celebrating his 100th birthday with his family

LESLIE HUTT 100TH BIRTHDAY

ALBERT BIRNIE 100TH BIRTHDAY

On the 6th July we celebrated the 100th Birthday of WWII 2 RTR veteran Albert Birnie. Albert is residing in a care home in Ferndown Dorset, but due to Covid-19 restrictions we could not visit him. However, he was thrilled to receive not just a message from our Colonel in Chief, but an embroidered RTR cushion from HHQ, and a card from both the RTRA Bournemouth & Poole and the London Branches.

Leslie recieving his present in RTR tank wrapping paper

Leslie with his commemorative cushion

TONY PYATT 105TH BIRTHDAY

Tony Pyatt was 105 on the 23rd Sept 2021, seen here with the Regtl Sec, Capt Craig Murphy and Tpr Glaysher. Tony served with 1RTR as the RSO and landed on Gold Beach on D Day +2 1944, he met up with the rest of 1RTR after leaving his landing craft with no map (someone had borrowed it) RHQ was in an orchard a mile or so from the town of Bayeux. Throughout the subsequent months the battle to take Caen progressed with difficulty, with 1RTR taking many casualties from the German Royal Tiger and Panther Tanks. Tony’s CO Lt Col Pat Hobart Commanded the Regiment for the remainder of the war and on to Berlin.

HUGE THANKS FROM SIMON TUSTIN – HADRIAN'S WALL (OR MOST OF IT!) IN 48 HOURS

Together with an intrepid team of walkers and dog, Simon completed the Hadrian's Wall fundraising trek (48 hours, just over 67 miles as it turned out) from Newcastle to Carlisle, spurred on by many kind donations, finishing on Sunday 16 August.

The team had almost perfect walking weather on the Friday and Saturday, completing 53 miles over those two days. The final leg felt a tad military, up at 2:15 in the morning, then trudging through the dark to get to Carlisle within the 48 hour deadline, finishing at 0900 on the Sunday morning, 16 August, with more than a few blisters!

Simon has been amazed by the generosity of RTR folk. Quite a number of donations were anonymous, such as the one that came with the message: "Ex 4th. Well done tankie! All the best on your walk!"

Thanks to your donations, and those from family and friends, they raised £8,036

(including Gift Aid) for the charity, AID, which works in war-troubled South Sudan and some of the more difficult bits of Kenya (like Marsabit in the north, on the frontline of militant Islam). Amongst other things, your donations will help with medical training (especially midwives), agriculture projects (there is widespread famine in South Sudan), microfinance to help widows escape poverty by starting small businesses (e.g. market stalls) and emergency relief for conflict victims. The Just Giving webpage tells more about AID and the walk at www.justgiving.com/campaign/ hadrianswall

L–R. Simon Tustin, Harry Tustin, John Deverell, Charles Raven, Debbie Thompson (and Melody, the greyhound)

Simon Tustin

“I have been blown away by the kindness of so many tankies. Thank you very much for your donations”.

MEMORIAL BENCH – SGT RONALD W. ESSEX – 50 RTR

Dave Larcombe & Tony Hart were made aware of a memorial bench near Moreton in Dorset by Col (retd) John Longman. The bench had been cleaned by Junior Leaders when Col Longman was CO JLR RAC in the 1980’s but has been left untouched for many years.

The bench is in memory of 7917459 Sgt Ronald W. Essex. 50 RTR. A native of Dorset, he was killed when his Valentine Tank was hit near Kidney Ridge during the Battle of El Alamein in November 1942 by an armour piercing round fired from a German 88 Flak Cannon.

Age 30, he has no known grave, but is named on the El Alamein Memorial in Egypt.

The bench has now been cleaned up; it is much better, but it is not perfect. We are however determined to have it as near pristine condition as possible in time for the 80th anniversary of Sgt Essex’s death in November 2022.

Below is an extract of the 50 RTR war diary (courtesy of the Tank Museum, Bovington)

After the memorial bench was cleaned, you can now read the message

There was no moon until the small hours of 2nd November and visibility on the approach march was almost nil because of the dust on the track on which we had to move. The tanks moved head to tail but even so the Commanders were losing sight of the vehicle immediately in front. Most of us switched our tail lights on to help the tank behind and quite often these were obscured by the blinding dust. During the advance behind the infantry the Colonel’s tank was fired on by an anti-tank gun which had, apparently, seen the MO’s tail light. The Col. was travelling behind the MO and the gun opened up when we had to do a right angle turn to get on to our route. At this time the moon was coming up and the tanks were silhouetted for some distance. The shots bounced just short of the Colonel’s tank. There was light enemy shelling during the advance but we suffered no casualties from it.

Dawn was beginning to break on Monday 2nd November as we approached 5th Cameron’s objective, and C and B Sqns. had then fanned out into battle formation. Suddenly in the halflight an anti-tank gun screen to our immediate left and front opened fire. It was difficult to see in this light from what range they were firing, but a.p. shells and machine gun tracer were whistling all-round the tanks. We replied with our Besas and threw out smoke while we maneuvered for good firing positions. Unfortunately, the command tank of C Sqn was hit several times and an 88mm holed the turret just after Capt. Williams and his crew had bailed out. Capt Williams resumed command in another tank. Capt Jolley’s tank was knocked out and another B Sqn tank was holed, killing Sergeant Essex. The Headquarters tanks came under heavy fire which stopped after the Besas had opened up and the smoke laid.

Major Rob Moseley

The memorial bench when it was discovered

OXFORD BRANCH ROYAL TANK REGIMENT ASSOCIATION – SITREP 2021

The Oxford Branch is slowly coming out of hibernation and hopes to gather once again for our Cambrai Lunch at the Foresters’ Bar, Kidlington on Saturday, 27 November, after a 2 year break due to the Covid pandemic.

Three of our ’Tankies’ are hors de combat as I write and, sadly, 2 of them are now permanently confined to barracks, so won’t be able to join us. We will, however, be in touch with them on the day.

Our most active (Associate) Member, John Walker, 5DG, lives in Oxford and is a regular volunteer at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) cemetery in Botley, Oxford. There are 670 souls laid to rest here including Lieutenant Ward, Tank Corps, who died on 8 December 1918, aged 26; RIP.

John Walker is also a founder member of ‘The Final Turn’ Parade (as named by John) where Veterans and members of the public gather to salute fallen service personnel as they complete their sad journey home at the turn in to the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford. The founding members also established a garden of remembrance on the verge bordering this turning, in which there is a daffodil planted for each of the fallen.

THE GREEN FIELDS

As I was just about to email this Sitrep to HHQ, I received a telephone call informing me of the sad news thar Frank Marland (RTR) passed to The Green Fields at 1700 hours this evening, Thursday, 30 September 2021. May he Rest in Peace.

Bruce Duncan

The Final Turn memorial plaque

The photograph shows a group of us marking the 3rd Anniversary of The Final Turn Garden of Remembrance on 10 April 2021. John Walker is 2nd from left and Bruce Duncan is 3rd from left.

THE LONDON BRANCH

London Branch had a surprisingly active year despite Covid restrictions. Although some of the more formal events and regular events were not held many events did go ahead.

Branch meetings were held monthly during 2021 proving the value of the subscription to ZOOM. Members, who are based throughout the UK and abroad were able to attend the monthly meetings for the first time, albeit electronically. The formal component takes 3040 minutes and the remainder of time allotted gives the chance to catch up with familiar faces. The Committee are following the lead of Bournemouth, Poole and District Branch and plan to incorporate ZOOM into future physical meetings.

Several social events took place throughout the year. Stalwart member Maureen Folgate organised two trips to Bournemouth in June and October, Allan Oliver recommenced the monthly lunches in different Central London pubs; and Peter (Tankie) Bennett hosted a fantastic lunch at the Crab and Winkle in Whitstable once restaurants were allowed to re-open. This was a chance to fund raise for 2ndhelpings and open to anyone with RTR connections. In addition, several members attended open air Not Forgotten drive-in concerts for Veterans and their families in Kent and Cornwall.

Members took part in the RAC church service at Royal Hospital Chelsea and several attended Founders Day and the Governor’s Review also at RHC.

The newsletter, as in 2020, was increased in length and frequency to enable those who were confined to their homes to have continuing connections with the Branch and with Regiment generally. This was well received. It will return to two monthly in 2022.

An analysis of Branch Membership, which has remained constant at around 140 showed that there are two members over 100; 17 nonagenarians; 41 in their eighties; 26 in their seventies; 25 in their sixties and 24 under sixty. Our youngest member is twenty-seven. We are proud to have all six RTR Chelsea Pensioners as members of the Branch. Interestingly a good number of our members belong to other branches as well. It was great sadness that we lost two of our long-term stalwart members who took with them much knowledge and history of London branch. We remember Ray Bebbington, Daphne Austin, Don Clough and Carl Neal who passed to the Green Fields in 2021.

On the Saturday before Remembrance Day 2020 I was given permission to visit the Field of Remembrance alone and plant the Cross on behalf of London Branch on the RAC/RTR Plot. The Field was not open because of lockdown thus our usual service was not held. This was a very emotional moment.

Standard Bearer Robert Swiniarski went to the Tank Memorial in Whitehall Place, also alone on Sunday 15 November 2020 to lay a wreath on behalf of the London Branch.

New contacts are being forged with the Regiment which is very gratifying. It is good for serving personnel to meet the Branches and members and to attend some of the solemn, commemorative events such as the Planting of the Crosses and our Cambrai lunch.

As a Branch we look forward to a return normality as we move into 2022.

Soldiers from BADGER Squadron at the London Branch Planting of the Crosses Parade

With the Standard Bearers and a potential recruit

PLANTING THE CROSS, REMEMBRANCE DAY, ARMISTICE DAY AND CAMBRAI 2020

Despite the tighter restrictions of November 2020, London Branch members still commemorated Armistice Day, the Planting of the Cross and Cambrai 2020.

Ian Tompsett, Branch Secretary, visited Westminster Abbey on Saturday 7 November with Carley Ansell and with special dispensation was able to plant the London Branch cross in the Field of Remembrance (bottom left). On Remembrance Day Branch Standards were paraded outside the front door of Branch Treasurer Alan Cooper’s house (bottom right) and Secretary Ian Tompsett’s house. Ian then attended Canadian Corner at Orpington All Saints Church (page 6). Peter Phelps visited the grave of James (Jay) Cartwright (Southern Iraq 2007) in Magdalen Cemetery Battersea to plant a cross (top left). Robert Swiniarski, Welfare Officer, attended a small Remembrance ceremony at Brockley and Ladywell Cemetery War Memorial, Tony (Bootsie) Harnett (Bottom right page 6) laid a cross at St George’s Church, Ramsgate War Memorial and found a Tank Regiment wreath already there.

Peter Burton stood to attention in his front garden with his grandson, Henry (left). Derrick Rex (seen on page 5 featured in the Coventry Building Society Poppy Appeal Advertisement) laid a wreath on behalf of 8RTR at Coventry War Memorial while Alan Cooper laid a cross at the grave of Alan Spong 8RTR in Ealing. Bob Swiniarski (Man on a Mission – right) went to the Tank Memorial in Whitehall Place on Sunday 15 November to lay a wreath on behalf of the London Branch. I am sure many of you did similar things or attended other small events.

Thank you all on behalf of the Branch.

We will remember them.

Ian Tompsett

NEWS FROM BOURNEMOUTH & POOLE BRANCH

2020 ended with a surprise event. An invitation from the Not Forgotten Association to attend a socially distanced festive Jingle Bell Rock concert in Southampton. 10 people in 5 cars attended from the branch.

It was apparently a very enjoyable event despite the restrictions. The main benefit was it gave us the chance to get some of our more elderly and less active members out of their homes and interact with branch members they have not seen for some months due to Covid-19. This was achieved by the generosity and selflessness of certain branch members who went out of their way to help those that needed assistance. The quiet hero types once again rose to the challenge.

With Covid-19 still in full swing, the monthly online Zoom meetings continued to be of vital importance. In March 2021 we even had our first guest speaker; Ian Daniels ex 1 RTR gave a fascinating talk on PTSD and how working with wildlife helped recovery. Lt Col (Retd) Vessey-Holt stepped up to the mark in May and

gave a most interesting account of operations during the latter part of WWI. In June it was the turn of Lt Col (retd) Gareth Davies to educate the masses. July was the turn of Lt Col (retd) Dick Taylor who explained how he goes about preparing for and writing his military books.

Despite the Covid-19 restrictions, an unofficial, scaled down and socially distanced, memorial and wreath laying service took place in Weymouth on 25th April 2021 (ANZAC Day) to remember the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps in WWI. There is an ANZAC memorial on Weymouth seafront because the town was a major ANZAC, rest, recuperation and transit centre following the Gallipoli Campaign. The sighting of the memorial opposite the Hotel Prince Regent was intentional, as the hotel was an ANZAC Military Hospital at the time. Still in Weymouth,

the US Memorial Day commemorations on Bank Holiday Monday (31st May 2021) went ahead this year. The Bournemouth & Poole Branch were once again the only “Army” Association to be involved, a wreath was laid by Pete Dore one of our last surviving WWII veterans and the branch standard was carried by Dave Larcombe. This Memorial Day service commemorates the US Forces who embarked at Weymouth for Operation OVERLORD in June 1944. Closer to home, in June 2021, the branch was represented in Poole at both the D Day and Falklands War memorials.

On 23rd June 2021, members of the branch took part in a graveside wreath laying ceremony in Lytchett Matravers, Dorset. They were remembering L/Cpl David Hopper, 2 RTR (serving at ATDU) who died following the crash of a Fox Armoured Car in 1976. This service

The only Army Association at Weymouth

brought two RTR veterans together for the first time in 50 years. Tony Hart and Steve Bagshaw were both part of the C Squadron intake of September 1970 at JLR RAC. Steve moved up the road to Allenby Barracks and 2 RTR in 1971, whilst Tony went to 1 RTR at the end of 1972. 50 years on and it seemed like yesterday.

The annual branch BBQ in August was a tremendous success, 44 people were in attendance, the weather was perfect, and it was just so good to abandon social distancing and face masks. Also in August, the branch was represented at the Far East memorial in Poole Park on 15th August to commemorate VJ day. On the same day, Poole celebrated its involvement in WWII with the delayed VE/ VJ 75 event on the Quay. Branch members were there in numbers and all wearing our distinctive polo shirts. The Branch HQ on this day appeared to be located at the outside tables adjacent to the Lord Nelson pub. Well, coincidences do happen!

In September 2021 we held our first physical branch meeting in 18 months. 17 people

attended including five new members. One of the new members is a 95-year-old WWII veteran Reg Fox who discovered us on Poole Quay during the VE/VJ Day event. This meeting was different in that it also involved nine absent members who dialled in remotely using Zoom technology.

It was confirmed that our guest speaker for November 2021 would be the Mayor of Bournemouth who is also the “Armed Forces Champion” for Bournemouth Christchurch Poole (BCP) Council. What does the Armed Forces Champion do? I don’t know, but by the time you are reading this we will know.

50 years and it's just like yesterday

Poole Branch HQ on VE VJ day

UPDATE FROM THE PLYMOUTH BRANCH

I think that all the Branches of the Association will agree that 2020 and most of 2021 have been difficult with the Covid-19 outbreak. By now most would have had both jabs of the vaccine and will be aware that we all must remain cautious.

A small party which consisted of the Chairman Terry Hughes, Standard bearer Bert Hammond and Graham Burge and the Bugler John Fisher. A small number of branch members were also able to attend in 2020 and a Plymouth Branch wreath was laid. Last Post and Taps were played by John. Dean Small and his wife also attended and pleased that we made the effort during restrictions.

The 2020 Annual Plymouth Branch Cambrai dinner was also cancelled. Restrictions would not allow the event to go ahead. The China Fleet country club was contacted by the event organiser Terry Hughes and through negotiations with the owners they agreed to move the event to November 2021 with no cancellation charges being levelled against the Branch.

Unfortunately, due to the national restrictions, the 2020 Annual Plymouth Branch Cambrai Dinner had to be cancelled. The China Fleet Country Club was contacted by the event organiser, Terry Hughes and they agreed to

move the event to November 2021. However, the Chairman decided on behalf of members that this year would not have been safe to hold the dinner so the event was postponed to 2022. All deposits for accommodation have been moved and the Club graciously waived all cancellation fees. We therefore look forward to November 2022 to gather as friends and commemorate the 105th Battle of Cambrai. We hope as many members as possible can join us at the Club.

There was no Armed Forces Day for 2020 as there should have been a Mayflower 400 celebration which again was cancelled. No AFD for 2021 but we have been informed that it will go ahead on the 25th June 2022 and the Plymouth Branch will make their presence known. I have to say that for three years running before the lockdown we had been voted best display amongst all the exhibits by the organisers.

It was not possible to hold normal branch meetings due to lockdown and distancing

regulations although some branches were able to use Zoom to keep in contact by online virtual meetings. This was not possible to arrange for the Plymouth branch due to having 189 members. The Chairman (Terry Hughes) has kept Branch members informed as best as possible with newsletters.

All branches would have found it difficult to raise funds and some would have been hit hard. Many of the normal events have had to be cancelled so fundraising has had to be forgotten or postponed. Our Chairman/Treasurer (Terry) again has been busy in finding ways in which to keep the wolves from the door by finding items that all members of the RTR worldwide would like to own. To start with he offered the chance to have metal tank key hangers and some 66 have been sold. Then resurrecting the RTR T shirt in Regimental colours with all four tank badges embossed on the front. 70 were sold and some even going abroad. Not satisfied with that, he started a Wednesday sweepstake where for a £1.00 stake you could win £25.00

if your number was drawn. This has brought in some more needed revenue.

Sadly, we have lost six members of the Plymouth branch who have gone to the Green fields. BOB HARWOOD, DENNIS FISHER, JAMES MORRISON, JEFF JAITAY, KENNETH JONES, and TERRY HENDY. So long old friends and we will meet again. Where possible the stand bearer (James Hammond) has been present or at least a Branch representative was in attendance.

On a more cheerful note, we have picked up 11 new members who have joined the Plymouth Branch.

What of the future? It is hoped to restart the monthly branch meetings when circumstances permit. Our Chairman Terry has been hard at work to confirm a new meeting premise, the Plymouth Hoe club and the RBL at Crownhill have been approached but he has also had a positive meeting with the Manadon Hall at Ernesettle. Their room with a bar is some four times the size of the old RAOB club so social distancing will not be a problem. Their Chairperson is currently away, however Terry has another meeting with them on 21st October for final confirmation. Terry will keep the Branch informed.

Dave Taylor will be leaving the job of Branch Secretary and will be handing over to Dave Lomax in September. Dave’s time will be as a trustee to the Association but will remain a Branch member.

There have been over 40 requests for the issue of the RTR Association membership cards which I am pleased to say have now all been delivered to members. Please do not get confused with the Plymouth Branch white membership card which the Treasurer issues each year. These are the blue cards that are issued by HHQ RTR and of which you agreed to pay 1 day’s pay when you were serving in the Regiment. If you never had one issued or have lost your blue card, please supply me with the following information; Regimental number, date served from & to and which RTR you served with initially. As a branch member the Chairman already has your postal address and contact details. The Association card does give you access to several locations. A new or replacement card will be sent to your home address.

There are many members that do not realise that the Chairman runs a small shop with the

small profit going towards Branch funds. Many of the items are seen at events such as the Armed Forces Day on Plymouth Hoe in July or at the annual Cambrai dinner in November. There are several members that for whatever reason cannot attend and so do not know what we sell or what is on offer. He is at present putting together a photo album of all the stock items that are available for you to purchase. The details of which will not include postage. There would be additional cost if the item is required to be posted abroad. Please be aware that we only hold a limited amount of stock of each item but if we do not have it available at that time it can be obtained, so there will be a short delay.

The branch is still here and still strong, hopefully we will soon be able to resume our normal activities.

If you have any questions please direct them to the Chairman, Terry Hughes.

8TH RTR UPDATE

The 8th RTR Association will be holding their annual Reunion in Bournemouth at the Trouville Hotel on the 18 to the 21 of March 2022.

Any other RTR members who would like to join them for this Spring Break will be more than welcome. Reasonable rates £49.50pp for Friday & Saturday, £45pp for Thursday & Sunday. If inviting a guest to Saturday evening dinner, the cost is £23.95pp. Some members start their weekend on the Thursday.

Entertainment Fantastic Duo Friday night

Fantastic Duo Saturday night

On Sunday we hire a coach to transport members to Bovington for the church service, after to the Officers mess for a curry lunch, or alternative, costing approximately £12.

All enquiries to either the Secretary, Maureen Folgate 0208 306 0060 derek8rtr@aol.com or The Trouville Hotel 01202 552262. The church Sunday is open to all Branches and serving officers and soldiers.

NEW RTR ASSOCIATION EAST ANGLIAN BRANCH

Whenever Tankies gather, serving or veterans, it’s as if time has stopped as the warm welcome, friendly banter and a feeling of comradeship is always in abundance.

It was during one of these meetings, Neil Kellett and Kev (Geordie) Forde, neighbours in Suffolk, that the topic of setting up an RTRA branch for East Anglia was discussed, knowing there is a large number of ex Tankies who have settled in the area. Most of the veteran Tankies were keeping in touch via social media, the golf course or just getting together on an ad hoc basis for a drink, so we felt it was worthwhile to scope putting these “gatherings” on a more formal footing but only for those that wanted it.

Geordie kindly agreed to do some investigation and seek advice from HHQ. After a few days, it became apparent that within the region there were a lot more Tankies than first imagined, and there had been several attempts to set up an RTRA in the past. An on-going project was being scoped by Bob Catchpool, who had been keeping a database of Tankie contact details, in excess of 40, who were interested in an association. Combining the efforts of Geordie and Bob, the road to setting up a new branch was well under way. With a “formal request” sent to HHQ RTR and RTR Col Comdt, the initial working group were waiting for an answer, which when Brig Gavin gave the approval was met with typical Tankie enthusiasm of great “what now”.

The new branch is to be known as the RTRA East Anglian Branch, with a wide geographical catchment covering Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds and Norwich with the aim of being friendly, modern and supportive to all veterans. The branch will have a monthly “gathering” at each of the three locations, reducing travel, and in addition the branch committee meeting will be held every four months at one of the venues.

On 14 August 21 the first monthly gathering was held. It was great to see so much support for the new branch at each location. The first committee meeting took place in Ipswich on 4 September 21, which 38 members attended. Geordie Forde was appointed Branch President, Neil Kellett was elected as his Vice and Bob Catchpool became our first Chairman. Volunteers also stepped forward for: Entertainments member - Paul Clark. Venues members - Ipswich - Carl Vinyard, Bury St Edmunds - Davie Donaldson, Norwich - Justin Shuter. Carl Vinyard also took on the role of Welfare member and Marie Ovenstone is the Treasurer. Good luck to all.

There is still plenty to do, and membership is growing steadily with 55 confirmed so far and more applications pending.

Throughout the whole startup process Roy Hill, Chairman of the Medway branch, provided us with advice and support, he also took the time to attend the Ipswich meeting, and we are all extremely grateful to him for all his help so far.

If you are posted to, live in or just passing through East Anglia, you have an open invitation to join us at any of our meetings, where you can meet with fellow Tankies who have a story to tell and a beer to share. The Branch contact details can be found by emailing eastanglianbranch@gmail.com

The Gathering in Ipswich

RECORD OF DEATHS

Allan, LCpl Steven. Died 7 February 2021

Baslington, Sgt Peter Carver. Died 7 June 2021

Battle, Tpr Vic. Died 18 April 2021

Bebbington, Ray. Died 10 April 2021 aged 87

Bellingham, Harry. Died 3 January 2021

Bevan, WO2 Tom. Died 14 October 2020

Blackburn, John (The Venerable John Blackburn CB QHC) Booker, Paul Charles. Died 26 December 2020 aged 68

Bough, Frank. Died 21 October 2020 aged 87

Bovingdon, Capt Nigel. Died 16 January 2021 Brown, Tpr Keith. Died 3 August 2021

Bryant, Frederick John Albert. Died 9 January 2021 Bullin, John (Jack). Died 17 August 2021 aged 100

Byrne, Cpl Harold. Died 27 January 2021 Campbell, Col Alistair. Died August 2021 Clarke, Capt Anthony. Died November 2019 Clough, Tpr Don. Died 7 July 2021 aged 83 Cooper, WO2 David. Died 8 February 2021

Cormack, WO2 Thomas (Tommy). Died 21 April 2021 aged 67 Crouchen, Martin (Edge). Died April 2021

Evans, Brigadier Michael John. Died 13 January 2021

Everard, Lt Col Richard (Dick). Died 25 January 2021 Feist, Bob. Died 2020

Gilbraith, Douglas (Charlie Chang). Died January 2021 Gray, Brian. Died April 2021

Greenway, Lt Jack. Died 8 November 2020 aged 77 Harber, Ken. Died 17 June 2021

Hendy, Terry. Died 10 November 2020 aged 83 Holtom, Brigadier Chris. Died 2021 Jefferies, William Arthur. Died 11 April 2021

Jones, WO1 (RSM) Graham George. Died 29 June 2021 Keys, Harry. Died 12 July 2021 Kilbride, WO1 Alan. Died 19 November 2020 Marland, Frank. Died 30 September 2021 Martin, LCpl Derek. Died 9 July 2021 aged 95 Mathews, Col Robert. Died 26 January 2021 aged 98 McMenamin, Scott. Died April 2021 Murray, Clifford. Died 22 May 2021 aged 99 Neal, Tpr Carl. Died 31 March 2021 Oliver, Tpr John. Died 12 February 2020 Pepper, Col Edward CBE. Died August 2021 Preston, Fred. Died 19 January 2021 aged 95 Smith, Sgt Leonard (Smudger). Died November 2020 Sturgeon, Maj Peter Sidney. Died 29 April 2021 aged 97 Thomas, Brian. Died 8 November 2020 Turner, Kenneth James. Died 9 November 2020 Uloth, Col Anthony. Died 23 September 2021 aged 92 Valler, Major David. Died 4 August 2021 aged 87 Vickers, Sgt Leslie. Died 20 March 2020 Welchman, WO2 Charlie. Died 22 November 2020 White, Alf. Died 13 May 2021 aged 98 Winterburn, Cpl John. Died 12 February 2021 Wright, Maj Hugh. Died 7 February 2021 aged 74

OBITUARIES

Brigadier M J Evans – 2021

Brig Michael gained a Regular Commission at RMAS on the 6th February 1953 and joined 5 RTR as a Tp Ldr in Bergen Hohne. However, an operational deployment to Korea quickly followed and he spent the bitter winter of 1953/54 on the Imjin Line with his Troop. 1955 saw him with the Regiment, then based in Libya and in 1957 he took part in the Nuclear Weapons trials at Maralinga, Australia. This came about because he was one of the very few NBC qualified officers in the RAC at the time; whilst in Libya the Adjt had fixed it so as he could attend David Fullerton’s wedding by sending him back to the UK on the NBC recce course. When the call then came for officers from the RAC to go to Australia he was one of the very few, if not the only one qualified!

He became Adjt of 5 RTR at Catterick in 1957 and then instructed at Mons Officer Cadet School in 1960 before attending Staff College. He met and married his wife Anne at this time and they went on to have four children. He became MA to Comd HQ 1 (BR) Corps at Bielefeld firstly under Lt Gen Sir Richard Goodwin and latterly Lt Gen Sir John Mogg. Returning to the Regiment as a Sqn Ldr in 1966. He took B Squadron to Aden where they provided perimeter defence of RAF Khormaksar before the Regiment moved to Wolfenbüttel. In 1972, and after attending Staff College as an Instructor, he took over as Commanding Officer 2 RTR in Munster.

Brig Michael's latter appointments saw him as OIC RAC Records, a post which was followed by two years in Tehran. This was the mission to deliver the Shir 2 tank to the Iranians and Brig Michael and Anne were able to escape just before the fall of the Shah. He was Deputy Commander 39 Bde in Belfast and then COS and Col GS HQ 1 Armd Div at Verden. A posting to the MoD followed as ACDS (Pol) at the time of the Falklands War. He ended his career as Dep Comd South West District, Comd Bulford Garrison and Comd AMF(L) enjoying the chance to train with the force in

Norway. In this period he was honoured by holding the position of ADC to Her Majesty the Queen.

Brig Mike was a keen sportsman playing Rugby, Hockey, Cricket and Golf throughout his time in the Army. He claimed that one of his more important Cricket matches was played in Korea where he was vice Capt of ‘England’ when they played ‘Australia’ as part of the 1st Commonwealth Division. Retiring on 7th April 1988, he and Anne settled in an Old Rectory near Lyme Regis. Here he learned to manage sheep and amongst other things he ran a small charity for Romanian Orphans (Friends of Children in Romania) but golf remained a passion. He played weekly, right into his 80s and captained the Ironsides. He remained independent to the very end and died in hospital in Dorchester following a fall on 13 Jan 2021.

Captain Anthony CL Clarke – 2021

Anthony, the son of the late Colonel TCA Clarke, was born shortly before WW2 and at the outbreak of war he was evacuated to Georgetown in South Africa with his mother and sister. Colonel ‘Nobby’ Clarke, his father having fought in World War 2, commanded 46th RTR until seriously wounded in North Africa. Post war, the family moved from one military garrison to another - in Kent, Yorkshire, Germany and finally to Dorset where Anthony’s father had become the Regimental Secretary of the RTR and remained so for many years.

Like so many children born of servicemen at that time, Anthony attended boarding schools, latterly Wellington College, thus it came as little surprise that he sought a career in the Army after leaving school. From Sandhurst, followed a YO’s course at Lulworth and Bovington before joining the 5th Royal Tank Regiment, then in Fallingbostel, as a Centurion Tank Troop Leader, at which he excelled. Rugby, hockey and tennis were sports he had enjoyed at school and played with vigour and enjoyment in the Army until

a serious knee injury playing rugby, forced him eventually to seek a career outside the Armed Services. Meanwhile, after a short spell as a Troop Leader, he spent three successful years at RMCS Shrivenham where he passed the degree course that, had he so wished, qualified him nicely for a range of posts in Industry. A return to Regimental duty followed for a year and promotion to Captain was unfortunately not sufficient enticement to keep Anthony in the Army. The Army’s loss became ultimately Industry’s gain, for meanwhile, he had by chance met his future wife Anne at a ‘Courts Martial’ and his future would lead to a life outside the Services.

After a short time working in computers, he joined his father-in-law in the Date Industry and spent time travelling to Iran every year. Meanwhile, the family duly became five (sons Rupert, Nicholas and Henry) and lived in Arundel. By the 1970s changes in Iran dictated another move, Anthony training as a teacher and the family moving to Beaulieu. Come the 1990s, the acquisition of an old Victorian barn with 30 acres in West Sussex led to a successful equestrian business. Retirement and finally life’s end came deep in the English countryside on Bircher Common in Herefordshire.

Fellow young officers and soldiers of 5 RTR in the early 1960s will remember Anthony, like his father ‘Colonel Nobby’, for his kindness and modesty.

Kenneth was chairman of the Bristol Normandy veterans and dedicated himself to them for many years. He was always proud to have been a Tankie. He landed on Gold beach D Day+12 in a Stewart and was on reconnaissance behind enemy lines until his tank was hit by an air raid on July 18th. He was the only survivor of the 3 man crew. Badly wounded with shrapnel wounds, one of which, a nut from his tank in his neck, stayed there for 50 years. He spent the end of his service in Italy before the end of the war.

Kenneth Turner – 2021

Donald Clough 1937 – 2021

Don was born in Blackburn, Lancashire, and was the Chairman and Standard Bearer of Preston Branch RTRA. Don did National Service in BAOR with the 8th RTR as a Centurion Tank driver, and it was a period in his life which he enjoyed, years later, he renewed his interests with the 8th and joined their Association. One of the year's highlights was to attend the annual reunion at Bournemouth with Barbara, his wife of 64 years.

Don married Barbara in November 1956 and settled in Blackpool. In the sixties, they emigrated to Australia before returning to Blackpool and eventually became hoteliers. A keen golfer, He loved the sporting world and was a member of the Blackpool Golf Club; his other passion was gardening which he shared with Barbara.Don was a wonderful family man to his wife and daughters, Linda, a Staff Nurse at Blackpool Victoria hospital; Janet and Susan, who live in the USA , their husbands and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

As well as Standard Bearer for Preston RTRA, he also attended Civic and Military events in Blackpool and further afield. Don always said that ‘it was an honour to carry the Preston Branch Standard at the annual RTR March to the Cenotaph in Whitehall and at the Regimental Church Service. After which to meet comrades new and old at the Vintners Reception and Barley Mow Pub. It was a happy few hours, sometimes a little too comfortable.’

A Requiem Mass for the Soul of Donald Clough was held in St John Vianney R.C. Church, followed by The Committal. At the Committal, along with family and many friends, Preston Branch and Blackpool Veterans formed a Guard of Honour with the Standards. During the service a personal letter to the family from Preston Branch President, Brigadier Ian Rodley, MBE, was read. The coffin was covered with the Regimental Drape, Family Flowers, a Red Poppy Wreath and his Beret. The Royal Tank Regimental March 'My Boy Willie' ended the Commitall.

He will be sorely missed.

Major David Valler – 2021

It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of Major (Retd) David Valler following a period of illness. David will be known to many of you as an experienced soldier and a forthright, wise and knowledgeable Officer who was a source of advice and guidance within the Army Air Corps as it grew to maturity.

Following a period of National Service in 1954, David enlisted for Regular service with the Royal Tank Regiment in 1958 and moved with the Regiment to Germany. When 5 RTR disbanded he transferred to 3 RTR, serving in Germany, UK and Sharjah. In the early 1970s he was seconded to the Army Air Corps for service with 1 Div Aviation Regiment, based in Verden. He subsequently transferred to the Army Air Corps as a Groundcrewman and by 1975 he was the RQMS of 3 Regiment AAC, which at that time was based in Netheravon. Shortly after that he was appointed as the RSM of 7 Regiment AAC, which was also based at Netheravon.

A year later, in 1977 he was commissioned and went on to serve in a variety of posts in the Army Air Corps including Quartermaster in 9 Regt AAC in Detmold until it was withdrawn from service in 1984, when he transferred to 4 Regiment, also in Detmold.

In 1985 he returned to the UK as QM for the AAC Depot Regiment in Middle Wallop before taking up the prestigious appointment as Staff Quartermaster for the Army Air Corps in the Directorate, where his experience and knowledge was put to good use at a time when the AAC was growing in stature. He retired from Regular service as a Major in 1989 but continued to serve the AAC as a Retired Officer in the Directorate and subsequently as a key figure in Aviation Branch Land in Netheravon. He took well-earned retirement in 1999.

Our thoughts are with his wife Diana, their children; Colin, Philip and Hilary.

A memorial ceremony for the life and times of Jack Philip Sydney Kelynge Greenway took place at Broughty Ferry on 23 January 2021.

Jack was the son of Lieutenant Colonel Sydney Greenway, who had commanded 8 RTR, so it was perhaps inevitable that he should join his father’s Regiment after Wellington and then University. Jack was commissioned into 5 RTR in 1966, based in Tidworth in the reconnaissance role. In 1967 he served with B Squadron during an emergency deployment to Aden and remained with the Squadron when it moved from Tidworth to Wolfenbuettel later that year.

Jack left the Army after three years and went on to teach geography and history in Dundee schools, until his retirement. Married to Anne in 1967, Jack became a ‘kind, loving and eccentric’ father to Marion and Aileen. He was a keen hill walker, completing all the Munros by 1990, an enthusiastic fisherman and all round countryman.

Jack was a mildly unconventional soldier and having served with him in Tidworth, Aden and Wolfenbuettel, I can vouch for the ‘special sense of humour and eccentricity’ mentioned during his memorial ceremony. Travelling as a front seat passenger in his VW ‘ Beetle’ could be a risky affair. A rifle lay on the back seat and if Jack spotted a rabbit or hare gambolling in an adjacent field, he slammed on the brakes, grabbed the rifle and took potshots from the sunshine roof, over the head of his cowering navigator. Congenial evenings at the tiny thatched cottage which he and Anne shared in Amport often meant jugged hare, followed by a slide show of Jack’s favourite Scottish mountains. A small refreshment might also have been taken.

He was one of a kind and I will remember him with affection.

Lieutenant Jack Greenway 1943 – 2020

Fred Preston 1925 – 2021

In January 2021, Medway branch sadly lost one of its oldest members. Fred Preston was born in Dittton near Maidstone in Kent on May 11th 1925. He started work, aged 14, at The Imperial Paper Mills in Gravesend as an apprentice paper maker. Aged 17, Fred signed up in Chatham on 23rd February 1943. Doing his basic and trade training in Bovington he was then posted to 3 RTR. On D-Day+3, 14420427 Tpr Fred Preston, a gunner in a Comet tank, landed on GOLD beach, Arromanches in Normandy. 3 RTR fought gallantly through France, Belgium and Holland before the big push into Germany. Following intense fighting, Fred was one of those brave soldiers who helped liberate Belsen PoW camp. He witnessed horrors that he would never speak of. Not until near the end of Fred’s life, did his family discover what he had seen. Fred also served with The Westminster Dragoons and left the Army, in the rank of LCpl in September 1947.

Fred returned to The Imperial Paper Mills, as a machine foreman and remained there until 1979. Fred married Barbara in 1950 and daughter Sharon was born in 1955. Fred’s family grew when in 1958 twins Coral and Lorraine were born. Fred was a loyal member of the Medway branch and enjoyed his time as Standard Bearer. Until his health began to deteriorate, he would seldom miss a branch meeting or the RTR March to the Cenotaph. The love of his life, Barbara sadly passed away in December 1996. He lived alone for several more years until it became clear that things were becoming difficult, so he moved into ’Copperfields’, a wonderful retirement home in Higham, Kent. His three daughters; he referred to them as ‘The Girls Troop’ , were always on hand to deal with any issues that he might have. He began to suffer from the onset of Alzheimer’s and became more and more frail.

In December 2016, Fred’s participation in the Normandy invasion was acknowledged by France and he was awarded the Legion d’Honneur in the rank of Chevalier. No-one from the French Embassy was available to present the medal so he told his daughters that he would like to accept it from a member of the Medway branch. It was a wonderful

event and there was more than one person there with a tear in their eye. Copperfields laid on a superb buffet.

Fred went peacefully to The Green Fields on 19th January 2021. His funeral, at Thamesview Crematorium near Gravesend, on 22 February was well attended. The Medway branch standard was carried and lowered in salute.

Fred was a quiet and honourable man with a great sense of humour. He enjoyed life and was totally committed to his family. He was a proud man who upheld the values of The Royal Tank Regiment to the highest level. His passing brought great sadness to all who knew him.

Bough – 2021

There have been a number of obituaries and articles following the death of Frank Bough, the TV anchorman and sports presenter. He already had a football Blue from Oxford and while serving with 2RTR, during National Service, he was picked up by BFBS, the British Forces Broadcasting Service, to act as a summariser during important football games which they were covering. It was this experience which gave him a taste for the media and paved the way for his subsequent notable career. He was a thoroughly competent troop leader and a very nice person, with absolutely no showbusiness “side”.

Frank Bough and Chris Bonington (now Sir Christian John Storey Bonington, CVO, CBE, DL) in a group picture from the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment

1928 – 2020

Dick was born at Moulmein, Burma on 10th February 1928 and joined the Army in 1946, commissioning into the Royal Tank Regiment in 1947. With not a lot of tanking to do in that initial period after the war, sports played a large part in life and Dick slotted neatly into the 1st XV Rugby team as a thrusting and speedy centre three quarter, thus playing a role in winning the Rhine Army Cup in 1948 and the Southern Command a year later when the Second had moved back to Crookham, Hants. Dick was also a hockey star and as rugby injuries tended to disrupt the hockey, Dick had to drop the rugby for hockey. Hockey was in fact his first love, so this was not a problem especially as the Second then won the Army Hockey Cup three years running (49 – 51) with him playing at left half. One of the finals was against 8 RTR which says a lot about the high quality of hockey played in the Regiment at that time. It was not long before Dick was invited to join the Ironsides team, then containing internationals, Combined Services and Army players, and competed with the top club teams at venues such as the annual Folkestone Hockey Festival.

The Second under Lt Col Eric Offord moved to Munster in BAOR where Dick took over Recce Troop. It was a busy time as the Cold War, with its nuclear overtones, impacted on battlefield tactical training but he still found time to become a regular member of the Rhine Army hockey team. A posting as Adjutant to the 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) followed in 1953 before returning to Regimental duty again in Munster in August 1955 as a Squadron 2IC. Sports there included both Regimental and Rhine Army hockey and tennis, and Regimental athletics where Dick thought he would try the pole vault. He was a natural and with his partner managed to equal the Army record.

A couple of years as Adjutant to the Second (56-58) was followed by a return to England. He managed to court and marry Valerie Anderson in October 1960 before promotion led to a posting to Singapore as GSO2 (liaison) at HQ Singapore District. This really did drop a square peg into a square hole as Dick’s energy, diplomacy and organisational ability fitted him perfectly for overseeing Op CONCORD which started shortly after his arrival to ensure a smooth transition of the base from colonial to the newly independent Singapore Government. Some feared that

Lieutenant Colonel Richard M Everard MBE

Frank

with the Malayan Emergency just ended there might be problems with the base’s large Chinese workforce. This led to Dick’s involvement with Social Services, community centres, youth clubs and other Singaporean government organisations in a major hearts and mind operation. It was not surprising that it resulted in a well earned MBE for Dick.

On promotion in 1971 he was posted as GSO 1 (Liaison) at the German Armour School in Munsterlager following a language course. This began a succession of highly successful jobs associated with the German Army where Dick’s engaging personality, ready good humour and diplomacy once more suited him well for a role where both his work and social activities did much to help foster good AngloGerman relationships in the armour field. 1974 saw him back in the UK as Commander of the RAC Ranges at Castlemartin where Simon was born in December of that year. A great deal of the firing was done by visiting German units at that time and Dick’s experience together with this technical expertise prepared him well for his next liaison job at the West German MOD in Bonn dealing with the development of an Anglo-German Main Battle tank. Dick was posted back to Bovington in 1977, first into his old job at HQ DRAC and then as DAA&QMG at HQ RAC Centre.

On retiring in 1983 the family moved to rural Winsley, near Bath. In 1990 he became a founding member of the British-German Officers’ Association.

(Bill) Jefferies 1928 – 2021

It’s with huge sadness we announce the death of our lovely Dad/Grumps, Bill Jefferies. Bill was born in Bedford and later moved to Lancaster where he joined The King’s Own Royal Border Regiment and was stationed with the Tank Corps in Egypt. Most recently Bill retired after long service with Ribble Motor Services as Traffic Inspector at Preston Bus Station. He was a founder member of Preston Concert Band, member of the Matchless Motorbike Club and Leyland Model Railway Club. Bill passed peacefully with his family by his sideto be reunited with his lovely wife Alice.

The funeral service was held on Thursday 22 April 2021 at Charnock Richard Crematorium.

Tommy Cormack was born on 7th January 1954 in Liverpool. He was part of Intake 72/15 at the RAC Training Regiment in Catterick which began in July 1972 and coming from Merseyside it was no surprise to find he was badged to 1 RTR. On completion of training at Catterick he arrived with others at Imphal Barracks, Osnabruck.

The first half of his career in 1 RTR was spent in C Squadron. Tommy served with C Squadron in Germany, Omagh, Hong Kong and Cyprus. In 1973, when based in Omagh, he was part of a mobile patrol when a bomb detonated just in front of his Land Rover. No one was injured and the driver managed to avoid the six-foot crater in the road. In Herford, Tommy took part in the Regimental nativity play, held in the Harewood Barracks Gymnasium. His role was as one of the three “wise” men? The three wise men entered the stable/ gymnasium, not on foot, and not on camels either. No, all three roared in on their Kawasaki 1000cc motorbikes, the audience was stunned!

In 1977 Tommy was on a course when he went out for the night to the Chequers Inn at Lytchet Matravers, it was a night that changed his life! There he met Debbie, and they married in 1980. The marriage was blessed with two children, a son Daryl and a daughter Natalee. In 1982, the Cormack’s went to Cyprus with C Squadron. There was a lot of cross posting between Squadrons during this period and after a year or so he arrived at Bovington to join A Squadron and as a DMI convert the Regiment from CVRT to Chieftain.

Tommy’s disciplinary record was not untarnished during his early years and so his promotion to Sgt was delayed somewhat but he did finally arrive in the WO’s & Sgt’s Mess whilst in Hildesheim. He then made up for lost time, his character, professionalism, and determination won him many admirers. He was quite simply a brilliant Troop Sergeant. Further promotion did follow and when the Regiment moved to Tidworth, he was a WO2 and held the position of MT WO. After 22 years’ service he left the army in 1994

Having spent time at Bovington and with Debbie being a native of Upton (Poole) the

family settled in Upton on his return to civilian life. He was a truck driver for a while, then worked at the Upton Oil Company. He was also a regular attendee at the annual 1 RTR reunion in Scarborough. In June 2004 he got his dream Job and became a civilian D&M Instructor at Bovington, teaching young soldiers how to be Tank drivers. Tommy Cormack was in his element and stayed at Bovington until he retired in December 2019.

Col Tony was a veteran of the Royal Armoured Corps and Army Aviation who commissioned through RMAS in 1949, serving as a Troop Leader in 1 RTR in Germany, Korea and the Canal Zone during a busy operational period. He completed his Army Pilot training in 1961 and served with 6 Flight before returning to Regimental Duty with 10th Royal Hussars in the appointment of Adjutant between 1963 and 1965, which included a tour in Aden. He filled a Staff post in DA Avn between 1965 and 1967 and returned to command a Squadron in the 10th Royal Hussars. A rotary wing conversion course and a tour as SO2 Tactics HQ AAC Between 1968 and 1970 was followed by a period as the Defence Attache in Khartoum before rerunning to Middle Wallop in 1972 to fill the appointment of SO1 Coord in HQ AAC and as the Editor of the AAC Journal. A posting to a NATO appointment in Brussels between 1975 and 1978 led to a post in the MOD as Director of Overseas Defence Relations before his retirement in 1983. Our thoughts are with his family and his many friends.

His widow, Margaret, is now living with a daughter in Northumberland.

William

Tommy Cormack 1954 – 2021

Colonel (Retd) Anthony Uloth 1929 – 2021

Raymond Bebbington 1933 – 2020

Ray Bebbington was born on 10th June 1933 in Hounslow, soon to be joined by his brother Vincent. The two remained close until the end. After leaving school he completed an apprenticeship with Jaguar, qualifying as a mechanic. In 1951, he was ‘called up’ for National Service. After basic and trade training, he ‘passed out’ from Catterick as Best Recruit. Ray was posted to Bovington to join the 7th Royal Tank Regiment and then boarded the RMS Empress of Australia for deployment in Hong Kong. He was the Troop Leader’s driver on an A34 Comet tank.

Ray was a staunch member of Medway and London branches of the RTR Association and was always present on Association events in the UK and abroad. He was the Welfare Officer in the Medway branch and was delighted to be able to help the ‘old folk’. He would admonish talk of being one of the ‘old folk’ himself. As Welfare Officer, instead of sending a bunch of flowers, Ray would personally deliver them to any of the branch widows who were in need of cheering up. Ray didn’t confine his generosity to Medway and London branches.

Ray was also proud to be a member of The Desert Rats Association and travelled far to attend functions. Also a FreeMason, he became the Worshipful Master of the Peace and Concord Lodge in Sevenoaks. He was a frequent visitor to The Tank Museum and had a deep interest in all armour, always buying tank related books which he would never have the time to read!.

He suffered with his health for many years but would not let it change the way he was. I visited him during his times in hospital and I noted that every time, the nursing staff would be falling over themselves to help him. With a glint in his eye and sense of humour, he was especially popular with the lady nurses! He always repaid the nursing staff’s dedication with flowers or chocolates. It has to be said that with his dapper turn-out and cheeky smile, he was always popular with the ladies. He was chosen as the main character, Great

Granddad, for the children’s book ‘Little Willie’, written by Faye Beerling, wife of Sgt ‘Wolfie’ Beerling, formally of 2 RTR. The picture shows Ray holding a copy.

Ray finally went to The Green Fields on 10th April 2021, aged 87 after 2 days in The Heart of Kent Hospice with his brother and niece Tracie at his bedside. His funeral was on 5th May, a wonderful warm and sunny day. Ray’s coffin was escorted by 3 Jeeps driven by friends. Medway and London branches formed a Guard of Honour at the chapel doors and both Standards were carried at the service. I am sure that he is now at the bar in The Tankie Tavern in The Green Fields waiting to buy the rest of us a drink when we get there. The loss of our dear friend has left a great gap in the lives of those who knew him. He will be remembered for a very long time.

Terry Hendy 1937 – 2021

Terry was born on 22nd July 1937 and started his service with the RAF during National Service. In 1961, he joined 3 RTR where he was stationed in Catterick and Detmold, West Germany. Sadly, Terry had to leave the Regiment on compassionate grounds in 1962. Terry met his wife in a chip shop in Efford, Plymouth and was married to Eileen for 56 years. They had three children; two daughters and a son and had eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. As a family there were lots of ups and downs, Terry suffered as much pain as the rest of us when three of his grandchildren died, over the years, but together with his wife was always so strong and kept the family together.

Terry drove buses, lorries, and coaches but he spent a lot of time as a taxi driver. His daughter said I think being a driver was how Dad got to know so many people. We couldn’t go anywhere without him bumping into someone he knew. Terry’s hobbies were watching football and he usually went to watch Plymouth Argyle at home matches, but Terry loved watching any football from supporting

his grandsons on the side-line through to Premier league matches on the television. In his younger years Terry loved to dance, he and his wife would dance to rock and roll, Terry was a teddy boy, and the Jive was a favourite for them.

Terry did everything he could to support charities. Terry said that he got through his health issues because God was watching over him and the least, he could do was pass on his good fortune and support others. Terry was always raising funds to support charities. Terry often took special needs and physically challenged children on outings, he would teach them songs to sing during the journeys. Terry would arrange for places like zoos, farms etc to waive any fees for admittance and he would cover any other expenses from his own pocket.

For 30 years Terry helped raise money for the Heartswell charity, now known as Hearts Together. He would get up early and travel to car boot sales to raise money for charities, and even though his health was not the best, he would be out in all weathers for hours on end. Terry would organise raffles, dinners and even go around to local shops and ask them to have a charity box by their tills. Terry used to dress as Santa and stood outside places like Asda, Sainsburys shaking boxes for hours in all weathers and he loved bringing smiles to children’s faces.

Terry’s health obviously got worse and after his wife passed away four years ago, he was heartbroken. “Even though Terry was housebound all callers and visitors were made welcome. Terry loved nothing better than having a cup of tea with his visitors and before long he would be chatting about his good old times. Everyone left with a smile and that extra bit of knowledge Terry imparted"

Alastair Campbell – 2021

Alastair was an infantry officer (Queen's Own Highlanders) for 34 years with operational tours in Oman, Northern Ireland, Bosnia and the Gulf. He Squadron led with 1RTR. His staff appointments included planning for the future size and shape of the army in the MOD in the mid-1980s; and in NATO HQ in Brussels in the early 1990s where he ran the Yugoslavia desk for the UK Delegation. As an Arabic and French speaker he spent the last phase of his military career in diplomacy as Defence Attaché in Qatar, Kuwait, Cairo and Baghdad.

On leaving the Army he joined UNHCR as Senior Security Adviser based in Amman. He was subsequently appointed Director of the British 'Think Tank', RUSI, in Qatar where he was a frequent commentator on Al Jazeera and the BBC covering Middle East events. He returned to Iraq in 2009 where he directed security for a US reconstruction project followed by a year in Basra as liaison officer with the Oil and Gas Sector.

Alastair worked for the Aga Khan Foundation concentrating on security and development in Pakistan and East Africa between 2011 and 2013. In 2014 he became Director North Africa for Salamanca Group with the main emphasis on Libya. From there he joined the FCO Stabilisation Unit and continued to work on Libyan issues such as reintegration of the militias and advice to the MOD and MOI. Most recently he has been advising UK's Joint Force HQ on joint planning and deployments and has just completed an appointment with NATO in Baghdad as a senior adviser to MOD.

He was educated at Eton, Oxford and Sandhurst and while at Staff College in Leavenworth USA he wrote a thesis on Islamic Fundamentalism. He has been a regular contributor to International Strategic and Defence Institutes both as a speaker and writer on the Middle East.

Lance Corporal Derek Martin 1RTR 1926 – 2021

We announce the death on July 9 of Derek Martin, longtime London Branch Member at the grand age of 95.

His son-in-law John Sills wrote after the

funeral at Basingstoke Crematorium on Thursday 5th August 2021: “I wish to convey our thanks to you, and your Branch members, for your support. Derek was very much a military man and enjoyed his time in the Tank Regiment. We would like to say a special thank you to Alan Cooper for attending on behalf of the London Branch and the Regiment. It was perfect that Alan came from Southall which is where Derek was born and lived for many years, and where a lot of the family came from.

One of his great grandsons took a shine to the wreath that the branch sent and will keep it. He was close to Derek. His cap and medals are going to a grandson (David) who is joining the Navy in early September. David is going to frame them. He may keep the regimental ties as well.”

Bob Swiniarski caught up with Derek in his care home in July last year for a ZOOM meeting and reminisced about Derek's WW2 experiences. He joined up aged 18 in March 1945 and served until February 1948. Derek was in Bockholdt and Berlin with Crocodile tanks. He joked that a Churchill would do 13 miles an hour if the crew got out and pushed; whereas a Comet would do 36 mph, had two Rolls Royce engines and a long gun.

He Feared Naught.

Carl Neal passed away on the evening of 31 March. Carl joined London Branch in 2018 having served in 2RTR 1980-1983. Carl had many interests including photography, fishing, was a rugby fan and also a great Poppy Appeal Fundraiser.

Those who knew him well will report that he had a wicked sense of humour. Sometimes too wicked as his many bans from Facebook illustrate. However, those same people will also say that Carl was incredibly kind and caring. He was extremely well loved and liked by all who knew him.

He was known to like the odd pint as well and boasted a fantastic bar at his house! He was a self-declared ‘gin guru’ with an impressive variation of stock kept on the shelf in his bar at all times.

It’s only fair that a mention of being a lifelong Arsenal fan should be part of our memories of him too. Carl absolutely enjoyed the informal London Branch Wetherspoon lunches that Allan Oliver organised, and in particular the company of those who attended – he became firm friends with the ladies ‘who lunched’. Carl knew he was not well and yet he kept a very positive focus until the end. He understood that every minute he could spend with those he loved was precious and worth fighting for. He will be very much missed by all who were in his life. Our thoughts are with Wendy and his family at this very sad time.

His funeral was on Monday April 26 and around 25 RTR friends and colleagues from the Post Office stood guard outside the crematorium in his honour along with those who attended the service, sadly restricted to 30. Ian Tompsett carried the Branch Standard in his honour for his final journey.

In the words of his good friend Jim Norquay: “Carl, you were from a rare breed in life, a true gent, a top bloke and definitely from the ‘top draw of life’. No doubt knowing you, on your journey to the Green Fields you will have stopped off at The Tankies Tavern, so until we meet again.........RIP Carl.”

He Feared Naught.

Carl Neal 1959 – 2021

F4H Taking Control of Tomorrow

The aim of F4H is to develop the ability of serving and retired members of the armed forces of all ranks and status – and their spouses or partners – to manage the dramatic change in cultures when resuming civilian life, ensuring they are better able to: Identify their own needs Take control of their lives Achieve their full potential Fully participate in society

I have started college and I am in the process of applying to university.

I accepted that the past was indeed the past and that I should move on. This attitudinal change I can only attribute to F4H. I changed my future outlook.

I didn’t think it would do me any good … I know what I want to improve but I can’t do it....but last night I felt a weight had been

The course enabled me to have the courage to … get back and the strength to ensure it would be done at my pace.

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