9th-12th-Lancers - Year 2008 - Page 0041
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| Regiment | 9th/12th Lancers |
|---|---|
| Year | 2008 |
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REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE 9TH/12TH ROYAL LANCERS (PRINCE OF WALES’S) 39 Squadron shortened pre deployment training by running the Base Security Stand before those members of the Regiment redeploying in the MiTTs left for Iraq. Cpl Reeves was to follow them into theatre shortly afterwards, having first completed his rehabilita- tion course. Not long after this he pro- moted to Sgt. Meanwhile back on Rear Party work began on revamping the Regimental Memorial with Cpl Stoker (carpenter in chief) and the SHEF Warden both providing assistance to Sgt Worgan. The Ferret and the RHQ fence too received some caring attention from LCpl Wright. Sgt Worgan departed later to get married and go on honeymoon and shortly after this the Regiment returned for a well earned rest. jW As Provost I’d like to be an approachable guy. Training Wing This year should have seen the Regiment deploying to sunnier climes with the Training Wing at the front gate waving them all off before heading to the nearest drinking establishment to enjoy a relaxing 4 months. As ever, it was not to be. It in fact turned out to be the busiest Rear Party since records began. The year started off with the usual shift of man power and also a very busy period. SSgt Coburn left with a big grin on his face, which for those that know him is about as frequent as Haily’s Comet orbit- ing the earth. Although he will be very settled in by now we all hope he enjoys his last days in the Army working in the Career Leadership & Management Wing in Bovington. He was replaced by another grumpy old man, SSgt Hughes, who took hold of the D&M reigns and realised how busy the Wing actually is. As if one Hughes wasn’t enough his little brother, LCpl Hughes, came to work as the Regimental Librarian. January through to March saw both SSgts McIntyre and Hughes, with the help of instructors from across the Regiment, converting the Brigade onto a large variety of vehicle platforms and weapon systems. By mid-March all those within 7th Armoured Brigade that required training on the equipment coming into service had done so. Concurrently the Training Officer, Capt Rathbone, and the Training Warrant Officer, WOZ Motum, were working hard in the planning cells preparing for the Regiment’s commitment to run Reception Staging and Onwards Integration. LCpl Hughes, having carried out his CBRN Instructors course, was flown out to Kuwait to give a helping hand. Once there the heat proved too much and he was on the return flight home within a week. SSgt Hughes acted as Maintenance Troop Leader, became a Regimental JAMES guru and remained running BULLDOG courses throughout. SSgt McIntyre ran the miscellaneous range on Udairi Ranges in Kuwait. The Training Wing hierarchy meanwhile were organising the most recent task, Pre Deployment Training for the MiTTs on return from RSOI. Throughout the operational year, the Regiment has still man- aged to send soldiers from the Regiment and attached arms away on various courses from B3 Gunnery to Gunnery Instructors, from JCCs to Crew Commanders and from return to role train- ing to GS conversions. The workload involved in ensuring that every individual soldier in the various departments and jobs across the world, working with different Regiments received their joining instructions in good time to sort out leave, flights etc... remains considerable. In addition, a project was under- taken to renovate the Training Wing. A lot of time, money and effort has gone in to its total refurbishment and by the time this goes to press it should be re-carpeted, re-painted with a BARCO fitted to every classroom providing full sound and vision. There will be new furniture in almost every classroom, a restructured Gunnery Wing, the hopeful return of a D&M Bay and a good working environment for the BCDT (lst Aid for the unknow- ing) in the attic of the main building coupled with a Skill at Arms room. So, where was I? Oh yes, enjoying a beer in the nearest drink- ing establishment... CAM Unit Welfare Office This year has been, without doubt, one of its busiest times for the Welfare Office. The year started off with the departure of Captain Dave Clarke and the arrival of the newly commissioned Captain Ken Hayes. What most may not realise is that, on its own, the changeover of Unit Welfare Officer represents a 50% turnover in staffing. The Welfare Office actually only compris- es of 2 military personnel but caters for around 384 soldiers, some 100 spouses and around 300+ children. Mrs Sharon Bartlett, the Welfare Clerk was replaced by Serina Donkin which I feel everyone will agree has worked very well. Mandy Reynolds (Padre) moved back to the UK to a Training Regiment so the spiritual needs of the Regiment were gapped for a while. September 2008 saw the arrival of Father David Smith, although it is unusual for the Regiment to have a Roman Catholic priest it is welcome. Father David has been on many operational tours and is proving to be a breath of fresh air in addition to look- ing forward to the neXt 2 years with the Regiment. The Welfare Office has essentially has been on Rear Party duties since March 2008. While the Regiment was busily preparing for Reception Staging and Onward Integration (RSOI) and eventu- ally, but unknown at the time, Operation TELIC 12, we had already started supporting the soldiers and their families that had deployed to either Iraq or Afghanistan earlier that year. With the advent of the Regiment’s deployment to Iraq the Welfare Centre received a much needed uplift with the addition of 2 civilian drivers and a mini-bus. All 3 of these were definite- ly worth their weight in gold; a point proved many times over. It relieved the burden of welfare driver on Rear Party personnel and allowed the welfare centre to give far greater support to both soldiers and their families. Not a day went by where either the bus or civilian drivers were not employed in support of the Regiment. This was certainly a morale winning asset for all. The Welfare Centre arranged and ran numerous events through- out the summer and will continue to do so throughout the win- The Cavalry and Guards Club 127 Piccadilly London W1] 7PX §QI . l A‘x‘ag We” “ E'Ez—fi $ ‘9'? The Cavalry and Guards Club has one of the finest Edwardian buildings in London with stunning views of Green Park that is ideal for: Weddings ' Receptions ' Dinner Parties Business Meetings ' Lunches For further details and information please contact our Banqueting Co-ordinator on: Telephone: 020 7659 0905 Fax: 020 7495 5956 www.cavgds.co.uk |
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