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9th-12th-Lancers - Year 1986 - Page 0027

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Regiment 9th/12th Lancers
Year 1986
Transcription Squadron sold Pimms to the local
population hand over fist and the
Regimtal fireworks. The entire Squad-
ron took part in the organisation of this
event and rain did not stop play nor mar
the enjoyment. Two Gunnery Camps
took place within a space of 4 months
interspersed by Christmas. The second
report made more pleasant reading than
the first but was less entertaining or in-
furiating. depending how serious our
readers rate Gunnery in an Armoured
Reece Regiment. Both reports cannot
be published owing to lack of space.
however suffice to say that the excellent
results were achieved through the skill
and determination of our Gunnery ln-
smicton, Major Wright. Sgt Stumbfl’g.
Cpls Harrison. Crofts. Filler and Hings,
The Squadron again distinguished itself
on Troop training achieving four of the
first 8 places in Troop tests; Sgt May—
cock and Corporal Draper, with Lance
Corporals Owen. Rainey and Trooper
lnkpen being narrowly beaten for first
place by the B Squadron GW Troop.
(Tpr Willis had jumped out of a Gast-
haus window the night before).
The Squadron pitted its wits against
A Squadron. Mr Wilson‘s troop located
and captured the A Squadron SQMS.
SSgt Rndford thereby bring the 36 hour
exercise to a speedy conclusion and
provoking the admiration of the Regi-
mental Sergeant Major whn stated that.
this was the first time that anyone had
located A Squadron SQMS in two
yearsl
After the Regimental Exercise. we
were delighted to be visited by the Col-
onel of the Regiment. He spent two
hours with the Squadron after the Chu-
rch Service in the field. He spoke to
every single soldier. two of whom. the
Sqn Ldr and the SSM. had had the pri-
vilege of serving under his command in
1967-69 and three of those whose fathers
had served under him. Cpl Francis.
Troopers Lodge and McGrath. He
brought with him as amanuensis an
Honorary ADC; Mr David lnglefield
who was promptly coopted as GW
THE 9TH/IZTH ROYAL LANCERS REGIMENTAL JOURNAL
Troop Leader for the Third World
War! We hope that they enjoyed them-
selves as much as we benefitted from
seeing them.
Since the last letter the Squadron has
acted as enemy for Probes. and 75
members of the Squadron have taken
part in Exercise ROMAN HUSSAR.
The latter exercise is an Exchange visit
to the ltalian Army. During the course
of two weeks trom 24 May until 8 June
we trained on their vehicles. Leopards
and M113, took pm in a joint exercise
with our hosts, gave a demonstration.
danced on the ltalian Riviera, climbed
Monte Ross: (by cable car). visited the
Cavalry Museum at Pinerolo and swam
in Lake Maggiore. Some played {out-
ball. others wine-tasted in Gattinara.
all enjoyed themselves in spite of the
somewhat primitive living conditions
and restrictions imposed on us by the
activities of Colonel Gadaffi. who de-
cided to threaten the island of [amped-
usn during our visit. the previous activ-
ities of the Red Brigades and the deplor-
able laek of good manners by the pre-
vious Squadron who prweded us in this
admirable exchange visit. Tpr Walters
HQ Squadron did sterling work - a fluent
Italian speaker — in enhancing Anglo-
ltalian relations.
' ,‘t‘
The highlight of our visit to ltaly was
the inspection of our Squadron by
Marches: Raimondo Marini-Clarelli.
the Liaison Officer to the Ninth Lancers
in 194445. He travelled all the way from
Rome. where he is an international
lawyer. to visit us. He watched our
demonstration. inspected us and took
the salute at a dismounted parade. He
then addressed the Squadron in moving
terms. accepted a small gifl in token of
his visit and drank a celebratory glass
of ‘Herforder' 86! We were honoured
to pay our respects to such a disting-
uished and delightful Old Comrade. We
hope that he visits us again in Germany
and Wimbish.
On that note. we must draw these
notes to a conclusion. The higher ech-
elons of the Squadron changed over at
the end of the year 1985. SQMS Hardy
became SSM and SQMS and Ruth Bond
joined us from HQ Sqn (their loss, our
gain). and W02 J A Simpson BEM was
commissioned. We thank John and Jill
Simpson for all that they did for us and
wish them the best for the future. We
look forward to greeting Major and Mrs
Robin Bennett in January l987. a hap-
py Christmas to all our readers in case
we do not see them at Mons May in
September
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