Regimental Histories - Year 1960-1985 - Brockbank - Page 0080
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Detmuld certainly there was little problem with early retirement. Service in Ulster brought out the best in all ranks and offered oppor— tunities to display leadership at all levels in operational con— ditions impossible in BAORr The wives left behind paid immense tribute to the families stafi under Captain Bell (now Regimental Technical QM): many learnt to drive, rifle shoot, ride and actually keep fit on the squash and netball courts, It was perhaps less disruptive to know that the whole Regi- ment, less B Squadron HQ, were to go to Ulster in January 1975 on the usual four months tour. Armoured training could therefore be done during the early months of 1974 and before A and B Squadrons (now under Majors Mort and Clapton) went to Sufl‘ield and Command and C Squadrons (Major Pye) to Norway. All had returned to take part in a divisional exercise before training for the Ulster tour began in October. The two squadrons that stayed with the 2nd Infantry Training Unit of the Norwegian Army at Evie were on their feet. It was good practice for what lay ahead in Ulster. They saw much of the remote and beautiful countryside and everyone they met was extremely friendly and hospitable. The planning for all this had been completed by the Commanding Oflicer before he handed over to Lt»Col Vere-Laurie in February, Lt-Col Maitland-Titrerton’s command had spanned two most difficult years though not perhaps the least exciting ones of any spent in BAORr He never had the opportunity to command the Regiment on training in Germany but his experiences at Suffield in 1972 would have probably been a good deal more exciting and valuable. The success of all the regimental activi— ties during his command, which included two ‘A‘ grades at Gunnery Camp, were a fitting tribute to his skill and good humour. In recognition of the achievements of the Armoured Fighting Vehicle crewmen in these difficult years the Colonel of the Regiment affirmed that the brass Rolls-Royce sleeve badge, worn prior to amalgamation by 12th Lancers Class 1 tradesmen, should be re—introducedr Another dress alteration agreed at this time was that for training and operations, particularly in Ulster, all ranks should wear a coloured (washable) cotton- 77 |
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