9th-12th-Lancers - Year 2001 - Page 0030
Image details
| Regiment | 9th/12th Lancers |
|---|---|
| Year | 2001 |
| Transcription |
30 REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE 9TH/12TH ROYAL LANCERS (PRINCE OF WALES’S) At this stage, the RSWO, W02 Price, moved on to take up post as A Sqn SSM, and we then awaited the return of his replacement, W02 Martin, from Kosovo with C Sqn. During this hiatus, the troop moved into the realm . of gunnery, and the majority of us participated in the HQ I Sqn variants range, firing GPMGs both mounted and dismounted. It was clear that some in the troop were better suited to signals than to gun- nery, RSO not least. RI ‘4"! . 'l I. A I. The build-up for Ex SAIF SAREEA 2 commenced in earnest in June. The preparation of the vehicles on the Tank Park to bring them up to standard for a two month desert deployment of RHQ was no small task, nor was establishing just where exactly in the signals plan we fitted, and what equipment was required. On a road to nowhere/ The desert provided its own unique set of challenges. The great heat of the day affected communications for the worse, and we had to react accordingly. In addition to this we found ourselves facing the problems of working with units such as the Royal Marines Commandos and the Sultan’s Armed Forces who used different systems and methods to our own. To cap these conun- drums, Sgt Ingram was faced with the administrative leviathan created by so many officers inhabiting RHQ for so long! The troop performed an excellent job under the pressure of a long exercise in foreign conditions, and the younger drivers and operators are worthy of particular praise. The exercise provided us with a lot of experience that we can retain and employ in our future training. On return from Oman we found the new RSWO firmly estab- lished and ready to account for every bolt and switch, and Sgt Styles had left to instruct at Sandhurst on promotion. We are now back into the usual round of running courses, working on the Tank Park, and signals training for the Regiment. We look forward to the challenges of BATUS next year! Quartermaster’s Department The end of another busy year saw the departure of the RQMS Stu McGann on posting and his well-earned promotion to W01. Sgt Mick, ‘What are they going to do, sack me?’ Parks was posted back to the UK, Tpr Polly Pollintine departed for Civvy Street and, finally, Maj Bob ‘I need a change’ Hartwell took over as 0C HQ Sqn. These departures were filled with a new RQMS, Eddie Dent 7 who arrived just in time for Ex SWABIAN CRUSADE, the Logistic Support Inspection (LSI) and to volunteer for Ex SAIF SAREEA 2 in Oman, Sgt Charlie Brown, Tpr ‘I volunteered; hon- est’ Wilson and finally the new QM, Capt John Pearce. The Department has been busy supporting the Regiment during Operations, Exercises, Gunnery Camps, Adventure Training and numerous other activities including a Mons Moy weekend. The preparation and lead up to the LS1 saw the Department burn the midnight oil and Cpl Phillips had to rely on the inspi- ration from Ainsley Harriott to get him through those busy and important times. The hard work paid off with an excellent report and the highest of grades that will guarantee no inspec- tion will be necessary in 2002. Immediately after the LS1, and Mrs Lore Kanzenbach and Mrs Chr/sta Koh/er rece/vrng the/r awards for 7 2 and 26 years sen/roe to the Br/tsh Forces rn Germany in preparation for Mons Moy, the Regimental ‘Pie Eaters’ were on time, ready to hand in their No.2s for tailoring or exchange which guaranteed them exclusion from the parades and ensure a comfortable weekend. For some, however, there was a shock in that their uniforms were tailored well in time. This was due to the expertise of our two tailors. With over 35 years of service between them, Christa Kohler and Marie Schwietzer delivered. Some of the Department deployed on Ex SAIF SAREEA 2 and were in great demand for water, rations, clothing and other ‘good- ies’ kept in the infamous ISO containers. There were some small problems concerning resupply; we asked for water and got rations, and asked for rations and got water. Furthermore, it was usually delivered to the wrong location. Sgt ‘Ghandi’ Fletcher has since asked never to be left alone with an ISO container again! A little quality time came to the Rear Party when the Regiment deployed to Oman. Cpl Packwood finally managed to transfer the Ammunition Accounts onto UNICOM ‘Q’, only to experi- ence all the problems associated with running an electronic account. As these notes were being drafted, C Squadron was on Gunnery Camp having missed the summer Regimental firing period due to a Kosovo tour. Cpl Packwood finds it pleasing to see some of the junior members of the Squadron experience a cold, wet firing period. So, looking ahead, the current Quartermasters Department ORBAT for 2002 that will support the 0PFOR deployment to Canada (and Rear Party) is as follows: Quartermaster Capt John Pearce RQMS W02 (RQMS) Eddie Dent Accm SNCO Sgt Charlie Brown Sgt Gus Fletcher LD Ammunition Cpl Mark Packwood |
| Title |