9th-12th-Lancers - Year 2005 - Page 0037
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| Regiment | 9th/12th Lancers |
|---|---|
| Year | 2005 |
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REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE 9TH/12TH ROYAL LANCERS (PRINCE OF WALES’S) 35 On completion of the handover from 1 Royal Anglians, the RCWO set about creating ‘action plans’ that would provide ini- tiatives to improve the catering infrastructure and resources at both unit and theatre wide level. The combination of a tented environment equipped with the newly procured Operational Field Catering System presented all the chefs with a new chal- lenge, which was to further test their culinary skills and time management The move from convenience style catering to home produced cuisine saw members of the Department especially LCpl Emma Allen develop new and innovative recipe ideas. The production from the Patisserie proved to be very popular with all the con- sumers, however, this did not assist in the promotion of the healthy eating initiative. More so, when a colour blind Pte Albert Bispart continued to identify all the products served on the hot plate as red. Sgt ‘forgetful’ Chris Wyatt has now forged a special relationship with his notebook and pen, if only he can remember to use it! Not a fan of getting up in the morning you are well advised to keep a safe distance from Sgt ‘Aubrey’ James Asher at least until mid afternoon when his body clock starts ticking in a positive and unassuming direction. Additional duties saw members of the Troop support multiples on the ground, for most a welcome break from the kitchen routine. The troop bids farewell and good luck to LCpl Dave Salih and LCpl Emma Allen on their move to a civilian society as well as congratulations to Pte Tora on selection to promotion to LCpl and WOZ Mark Nottingham on selection to WOl. Padre’s Message A period of stability on camp has provided an opportunity to develop the Garrison Church and strengthen links with the groups from both Army and civilian communities. The church was packed just before Christmas as we welcomed children from Gloucester Music School to provide seasonal music and carols, which they did with gusto and enthusiasm; even the not so cool padre, whose guitar strap snapped during a rather enthusiastic rendition of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, could knock the children off their stride! In the spring, I helped organise a Soldier and Community Course for the Brigade, taking thirty soldiers to Church House in Lubbecke. Guest speakers included Col Tony Singer, the Deputy Garrison Commander, who led a discussion on qualities of leadership, and David Loftus, Officiating Chaplain to The Military School of Music, who talked about his own experiences as a younger man confined to a wheelchair. There was also ori- Padre John /oo!<mg for h/s shoes, enteering at which we lost only one team, and a beer tasting competition which the lads were keen to repeat! This year has seen a closer partnership of the Garrison Padres and local clergy. I was privileged to take part in an Anglo Ger- man service in the main Lutheran church in Bergen to mark the anniversary ofVE day and rather bizarrely, went back to the vic- arage for a VE party, hosted by the pastor, complete with Vera Lynn music and Winston Churchill posters! In the autumn, more than 50 clergy from Protestant and Roman Catholic churches in the Bergen area came to the garrison to learn more about Army Chaplains and the history of Hohne camp. It also presented an opportunity to look at ways in which we could work closer together. This has been particularly help- ful during our deployment, as many of soldiers have German wives. As a first step, the Royal Army Chaplain’s Department has appointed a local Lutheran pastor as an officiating chaplain to Hohne Station to assist the Community Chaplain while the rest of us are away in Iraq. This year sadly saw the tragic death of Cpl Mark Payne: many of us from the regiment travelled back to Mark’s home town of Market Harborough for a Regimental funeral service. Appro- priately, for such a popular member of the Regiment, the town centre ground to a halt as we left the church to a filll lance guard and processed up to the cemetery. The work in Iraq has so far been busy with its usual highs and lows. Trooper Carl Smith came out to Iraq to join the Regiment following his training in Winchester. It came as a great shock to us all when he was tragically killed in a road traffic accident while on patrol. His death was a testimony to his personal courage and enthusiasm for the work he had undertaken and although only with the Regiment for a short while, will be missed by many. Although there are daily dangers, there have been opportunities to meet local clergy who have been welcoming and in some cases have allowed us to look around their shrines. Despite what appears in the press, there still seems to be co-operation between the Shia and Sunni mosques and grounds for hope. Iraq is home to Abraham’s birthplace. He was called by God in his later years to leave behind what was familiar and go on a journey, with no knowledge of where he would eventually end up. And I imagine that it is a similar experience for many ofthe Iraqi people today as they face a time of transition and uncer- tainty. Abraham’s journey led to the birth of a new nation: I hope and pray that out of the current uncertainty, Iraq may, through their political journey, have that same stability and strength. Rev’d john Vincent, Chaplain 9/12L A far cry from 2 mosques roundabout, |
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