9th-12th-Lancers - Year 2003 - Page 0021
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| Regiment | 9th/12th Lancers |
|---|---|
| Year | 2003 |
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REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE 9TH/12TH ROYAL LANCERS (PRINCE OF WALES’S) l9 This was taken on the chin, with the Tp once again getting on with the job in hand. The Troop Leader left theatre slightly early to run another Bosnia Training Package (BTP) for the Sqn of Household Cavalry, now due to replace us. The extension to our tour also looked slightly better when considering that the HCRs tour would have to be carried out over the winter, which is particu- larly warm in Bosnia! The Troop Leader then stayed on in sunny Hohne to aid the movement ofpersonnel and vehicles back from theatre, as well as witnessing the general reaction of the returning Sqn person- nel after 7 months in theatre. The rest of the year was taken up with post tour leave, over which time the Troop formed up once again at Tpr Allen’s wed- ding to Miss Laura Capuano on the 8th October, we wish them all of the best for the future. Next year holds new challenges and experiences for all with a possible deployment to the Gulf, the Troop is in fine shape, and looks forward to 2004. 4th Troop This year has been a diverse and challenging for the relatively new 4th Tp. In January after Capt Evans had returned from ski- ing and Cpls Johnson and Rowley had joined us from C Sqn, the troop deployed on OPTAG training, instilling a feeling of Deja vu in a lot of the Troop. On return from Sennelager, after knocking some RDG heads together in the final riot training, the issue of Ex PRAIRIE OWL was raised. This last minute exercise only required 2 commanders from the troop and in the end Capt Evans and Sgt Major demonstrated robust leadership by taking part themselves. A decision that was not overly wel- comed by their crews of LCpl Flint and Casey and Tprs Braisby and Bloomer. ._ T unfair to have all the best members of the Squadron in one B Squadron after S/X months prowng ’theyve st/H got /t’ After some well deserved leave the Tp managed to find its way to Prnjavor Tp House. This despite having to share with 3rd Tp, soon became to feel like home. The patrolling was split down between the commanders on their natural talents; with Cpl Johnson taking the late night bar patrols and Sgt Major the gruff rural countryside patrols. Sadly Cpl Rowleybroke his foot and had to leave theatre for a short while but not before some good work in his area of the Opstina. LCpls Flint, Pook and Casey also demonstrated their patrol commanding ability, with LCpl Casey taking an especially robust stance on the searching of houses. Meanwhile for the troopers, the relentless standing on the front gate did begin to take its toll on morale. However, they could always look forward to being abused by the seniors in the nightly football or volley- ball game. Cpl Rowley returned but was soon replaced by Cpl Parrot, as the SQMS needed his trucking skills. Cpl Parrott demonstrated an impressive ability to generate a rapport with the locals, although this did take a slight dip when he used the Tp Ldr’s Spartan to destroy a local’s house. However, ifyou are going to build hous- es by roads this kind of thing is going to happen. Luckily this event occurred just prior to GW troop taking over and 4th Tp moving to Banja Luka. Capt Evans went on R’ n R’, and on his return was shocked to find Sgt Major smiling. On closer inspection it turned out to be Sgt Rhodes who replaced Sgt Major as he left for ATR Winchester. The troopers happily celebrated the lack of guard duties in the metal factory and Tpr Braisby and Dorney got to spend some more time together, which was quite sweet. Tpr Smith returned from his Advanced Gunners course and the troop had Tpr Walker replaced with Tpr Ghandidzanwa as the former left for Iraq. Most of the troop failed to notice the difference. On return to Germany, Capt Evans discovered the ZIC’s office empty and quickly proclaimed himself the new one. Sgt Rhodes ever keen for glory landed in Germany said hello to the wife and kids and flew out to Iraq. The rest ofthe troop was split between the rest of the Squadron as it was finally accepted that is was troop, however we lkw forward to the day that it rises again. |
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