Mercian Regiment Quarterly Newsletter

THE MERCIAN REGIMENT QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Q4 2018 - NO. 1 ias ihn h Biae and Brigade the within rivals their challenge to ready were TeamBoxing Mercian 1 spirit, fighting strong a and deter - mination training, intense With petition. com- Boxing Brigade Infantry Armoured 1st the in won and Mercian Regiment fought hard The of officer 1 and soldiers 6 Pte StevenRoche Competition Brigade Boxing 1 MERCIANthe daily, slopes hours the on spent of number draining and a coaching level top With petitive downhill slalom racing. com- in part taking into skills their develop then and ski how to taught initially are as they limits their to pushed are novices complete being many with badges cap all of soldiers infantry d’Isere, Val in Based ercise FROSTEDBLADE. Ex- as known France in skiing ous Training package of Alpine to chance take part in a unique Adventur- the offered were January, 1MERCIANtroops through to From November Pte StevenRoche and NordicSki Frosted Blade outcome. less of the regard- tostepinthe ring, a warrior of resilience the and bustness takes courage, confidence, ro- It total. in bouts 9 being there box- with bouts, 7 of out our 4 won ers grit, and skill With es. putting them through their pac- h 1 ECA Nri Ski Nordic MERCIAN 1 The onships thisyear. - Champi Ski Infantry the ning of silver and gold medals, win- number a secured and the event in excelled MERCIAN 1 wider Army. the in corps their against pete com- to team best the select to seeks which exercise the of end the at held Championship This is all tested in the Infantry tigue. fa- and pressure stress, under courage physical of the extremes towards endeavour determination and limits, logical psycho- individual’s an test to are exercise the of aims The remarkably short periodsoftime. in achieved and significant is made progress Lt Dyson LCpl Cotterill Pte Briggs Pte Murdoch Pte Bradley Pte Skerrett Pte Rodgers ed 1MERCIANwere: represent who fighters The country, biathlon and alpine alpine skiing. and biathlon country, manship, through Nordic cross marks- and fitness leadership, endeavour, courage, nation, determi- of attributes personal and military their test and op devel- to soldiers for ronment envi - competitive a provide to is PIPEDOWN Ex of aim The Germany. stop Next season. first his ing be- Bi- this despite Novice event, athlon the in gold took member team one and ships the British Biathlon Champion for qualified successfully They my-wide. Brigades many Ar- against ing compet- with marksmanship, their skiing in skills their ing combin France; Contamines, Les in been has PIPEDOWN Exercise on stop latest team's - - - 2,500 allies from the UK. by 1 MERCIAN highlighting the vari- Ex SAIF SAREEA III ety, potency and lethality of weapon The exercise was deemed a huge systems able to be utilised in modern Pte Steven Roche success and cemented the Mercian conflict. Regiment’s reputation on the interna- In October, soldiers from 1 MERCIAN tional table. While deployed, elements of 1 MER- deployed on Ex SAIF SAREEA 3 in CIAN were able to make the most Oman where the 1 MERCIAN Battle- Soldiers and Commanders were test- of their free time and participate in group were tested in punishing con- ed in severe extremes of heat and unique adventurous training opportu- ditions. cold as they showcased the op- nities including trekking in the Jebel erational effectiveness of a mod- hills and scuba diving opportunities. 1 MERCIAN were able to demon- ern armoured infantry battalion at strate their expeditionary nature in de- the height of readiness. ploying all the way from Bulford with a full fleet of vehicles and equipment. Key highlights included a fire- power demonstration provided In Oman they were able to highlight their interoperability as they partnered their Omani allies in an exercise in- volving 60,000 Omanis with over

try’s adversaries and reassur- 1 MERCIAN in Pictures Upcoming ance to the country as a whole. Events 1 Mercian will have a leading role in NATO’s Enhanced For- There is a lot happening at 1 ward Presence. Mercian, in February troops will be returning to Oman, de- In March the Battalion has Ex- ploying on Exercise KHAN- ercise CITADEL GUIBERT to JHAR EDGE, combining forces look forward to; a combined with the Omanis to better our arms exercise designed to own individual skills as well as test the way various nations building better tactics and key interact, communicate, and ul- relationships with our interna- timately work together on oper- tional allies. Still carrying out ations. vital Operations, 1 Mercian will continue to with two separate Also in March, after winning the deployments; Operation OR- 1st Armoured Infantry Brigade BITAL and Operation CABRIT. boxing competition, the 1 Mer- cian boxing team will be touring Op ORBITAL will see soldiers Boxing Gyms around the UK. and officers from the Battal- With expert coaching, the team ion deploy to Ukraine to train, will be pushing their threshold, mentor and educate Ukrainian becoming evermore capable, Forces to better combat the robust and fierce fighters in the threat of a Russian invasion, ring. The tour will take them whereas Op CABRIT will see from Catterick to South Chesh- other soldiers and officers de- ire and finally Nottingham, all ploy to Estonia; one of NATO’s over the timespan of 3 weeks. Baltic allies. In Estonia, troops will act as a deterrent the coun- itd f oh O drills ROC both of sisted con- which areas up built and tactics in operating for techniques and CBRN navigation, basic cluding in- areas of number a focussed on Training days. two following the PT training and conducting and then 48 hours for the airfield guarding teams, in two worked company The afield. the Middle East and further tween theirmanysortiesto be- in ground the on while protected were Akrotiri at located assets naissance recon- and strike the various that ensure to tance impor- vital of was it task, by nomeansaprestigious was this Although Akrotiri. Line Security (FLS) at RAF Flight providing of task the with itself found Company (Malta) B weeks, short two Having been in Cyprus only 2 MERCIAN B (Malta)Coy ae fe sight-seeing tour aroundthearea). free a have and helicopter hovering a into winched be to excuse (any ‘casualties’ as volunteering act to by their training with Squadron cue Res- and Search RAF the assisting or BRONZE on OP time free their during beach the at down found be the usually could company fitness, personal devel op to opportu available nities the with Along at facilities RAF Akrotiri. gym cellent ex- the of advantage take also could company the of members time, down In their Mediterranean. the of session waters cool the alongside training circuit vigorous a beginning fore be- beach the to run mile 5 and a of form the took PTIs often company by the morning each ducted con- was training Physical and practicaltraining. - - seeking toconstantlyimprove. opportunity every at maximising is Battalion the which conditions, ing the Battalion a large variety of train- find themselves in. Cyprus provides prepared for any situation they may best com- and challenged are and manders soldiers that ensured has terrain new This new challenges. beat and face to has us allowed this villages, Mediterranean and gorges quarries, through ing clear- as such environments, new completely in place taken has ing train- the mentioned, previously As foreign policyintheregion. British support to standby on are we Cyprus in are we whilst as tal, vi- is This force. larger a of part as operating when SOP’s perfect and the company to continually develop allow and CT1 previously ran exercises the during learnt lessons of culmination a are exercises Group. These Company Lead on Africa North or East Middle the in where any- deploy to ready are we suring a Company worksas one unit – en- where exercise strength Company or worked a is exercise CT2 The in. operated not have they ments environ in soldiers chal- putting fresh lenge a provide conditions like desert harsh The U.K.. the in conducted exercises to compared environment different a to completely adapt to Platoons and Sec- tions the allowed exercises, exercises CT1 level lower The level. (Company) CT2 to up Section from ranged have exercises The cises. exer- several conducted has Bat- talion the Cyprus in arriving Since C (Kohima)Coy - Our camp at Headquarters Resolute Support had OP TORAL 6 good WIFI and welfare facilities, and with the market and Bazaar there was not much you could not get. The In July, Fire Support (Dragon) & A (Grenadier) Compa- cookhouse was better than ours back in Cyprus, with a ny were stood up to deploy to Kabul, Afghanistan as lot of options which helped stave off boredom. Overall, part of the UK uplift. The deployment was due to begin it was something completely new to me and a good in Mid-August, so this meant a quick turnaround to get experience. the relevant briefs and Mission Rehearsals complete and get out the door. It was made even more interest- Sgt Hall ing as this had to be done as the Battalion moved to its new home in Cyprus. This deployment to Afghanistan was a different experience from pervious HERRICK tours. The job and For many this was a return to a country they thought mission were different, but it was still driving towards they wouldn’t see again, the same end state of a but for others it was their more secure Afghanistan. first experience of Afghan- Our living conditions were istan. The following short ‘Working with other nations, namely the Esto- good, the welfare and gym vignettes give some expe- nians and the Finns, really added to the experi- facilities were top notch riences from Op TORAL: ence of this tour.” and there was plenty of time to do your own phys. Pte Gladwin Constant access to inter- net services made staying in contact with friends and My experience on Op TORAL has been different to family easy and therefore reducing the impact upon what I initially expected. Most days we were out on families following the short notice deployment. Work- task for a few hours, which left plenty of time for the ing with other nations, namely the Estonians and the gym. Finns really added to the experience of this tour. 4 MERCIAN Commanders. Junior our of ability the testing exercises tle Bat- to equipment CBRN in attacks section of consist may training The Training. Battalion for Reservists -30 20 out turns average Company On C Mercian. 4 within Companies other the alongside training busy been have Over the last 3 months, C Company (Kohima) C (Kohima)Coy CABRIT. pare to deploy with 1 MERCIAN shortly onOP portantly today as some of the Company pre- im- and then and provided Reserve the link important the highlights further This London. in church Postman’s National the at service a attending and Office Post the and Reserve was given the honour of representing both the CHESHIRE, 1 of member retired a Bird, Cpl roles duringtheGreatWar. important such played employment own their within colleagues how about learn to chance Novem- ber.unique a Reserve the of some gave This 11 on remembrance to up leading activities supporting was focus main The II. SSI- Ex on MERCIAN 1 with deployed bers mem- 5 had Company the October In year. of end active an quite had has Company B B (Malta)Coy er il nue e ean t h tp f the Reserve Sword. of tip the at remain we ensure will year training next the in opportunities training ny’s who wishes to take up the offer. The Compa will continue to offer an opportunity to anyone and busy been has Company C Summary In in Nottinghamshire andDerbyshire. ground the on progress real making are new Teams Recruiting a the Boyle, with CSgt but RUSUO, challenge, a is Recruiting majority ofthatsuccess. in the right direction with Mansfield seeing the but slowly growing is strength Company The Several new recruits have joined C Company. opportunity. student, who has taken a year out to take this the nextfewweeks.PteBruttonisafull-time in Mercian 1 with CABRIT OP on overseas deploying and mobilising be will Bruton Pte Mercian. 1 in parts Counter their alongside 3, Serra Saif EX on soldiers deploying in success- ful been recently has Company The age inatacticalenvironmentWarcop. pack- Firing Live week 2 Warhammer;a cise Exer- for preparation in fitness and skills ship marksman- their develop to continued have attend to they where Swynnerton, in started weekends range Company the Recently - D (Dragon) Coy On Remembrance Sunday the larg- HQ (Eagle) Coy est contingent of D Company per- D (Dragon) Company supported Sgt Mark Troth, from Charford, Bromsgrove, sonnel on parade was in Burton-Up- a number of Remembrance activ- joined the Territorial Army aged 17 in 1981. Dur- on-Trent. WO2 (CSM) Si Coulson ities throughout Staffordshire and ing almost 38 years as an Army Reservist, Sgt acted as Parade Marshall and the Cheshire during the 100th anniver- Troth has deployed on operations to Iraq on Op Burton based Machine Gun Platoon sary of the end of World War 1. A 4 TELIC and to Cyprus as part of a UN peacekeep- were well represented. It was par- Mercian representative was present ing force on Op TOSCA. He has also taken part ticularly poignant as Burton was the at most of the parades and services in military exercises in Kenya and Croatia. home to LCpl William Coltman VC, in the area. DCM & Bar, MM and Bar. Members He has helped of the Company were also on pa- On November 9 the OC, Maj Ian to train and rade in Stoke, Burslem, Longton, Nellins, attended a Remembrance mentor hun- Newcastle-Under-Lyme, Crewe, Service at Dovegate Prison. No- dreds of Army Congleton and Market Drayton. vember 10 saw members of D Reservists Company participating in ‘The Tab throughout Training for D Company has been for the Fallen’. The march was or- his career and focused on preparation for Ex WAR ganised by Ex Servicemen from over the last HAMMER in March 2019. This will South Staffordshire who are mostly ten years he be a Live Field Firing Camp were members of local Motorcycle Clubs. has worked as our soldiers will have the opportuni- 24 soldiers from D Company joined a Chemical, ty to conduct robust Infantry Train- them as they marched the 11 mile Biological, Ra- ing in a Live Firing exercise using route from The National Memorial diological and Platoon weapons. In preparation Arboretum to the War Memorial in Nuclear War- for that a lot of live firing and weap- Burton-Upon-Trent. The OC pre- fare Instructor on handling has been necessary. It sented commemorative medals to and Physical is encouraging that Drill Nights and all participants and a total of £1400 Training Instructor at the Army Reserve Centre training teekends have been well was raised for the RBL Poppy Ap- in Kidderminster. attended. peal. Sgt Troth said, “I am particularly proudly of help- ing so many young recruits, who had little or no concluding with a multi nation ac- experience of the Army when they first joined Upcoming tivity on Ex Iron Wolf in Lithuania. The Mercian Regiment, gain skills for life and be Events ready to serve their country with absolute com- The battalion will conduct Adven- mitment and integrity. It has also been fantastic The battalion has hit the ground turous Training activities in Ger- to see so many of these recruits rise through the running as we enter 2019 after a many both during summer and ranks and on to commissioned service.” rather exciting 2018, having con- winter. ducted plenty of activities across Sgt Troth’s long and loyal service was marked the spectrum of G3-7-9. They will be starting off the next with a special presentation ceremony where he few months by supporting the enjoyed breakfast with colleagues before the The forthcoming months see our Regimental Stoke v Notts MER- Commanding Officer, Lt Col Fraser Cuttle MBE, Warriors preparing to conduct CIAN Match Day on March 2 at presented him with a bespoke framed memento exercises at home and overseas the bet365 stadium. and a coveted Commanding Officer’s Coin. REGIMENTAL

iments. is one of our antecedence Reg- which Regiment Staffordshire North Battalion 8th the in Major SUPPORTa was Wedgewood Cecil as ty We sawasagreatopportuni months. six last the for with ly close- worked have we whom with charity the Enterprise Young by asked been have We the publiceye. in Regiment the keeping and engagement community of part is This Wedgwood. company pottery long-lived and famous with the engaging been have RST MERCIAN the and Myself Sgt LeslieBarker Wedgwood World of TEAM Armistice atBingham opment. Every street on the development was development the on street Every opment. Heritage Trails Association who helped Bingham make the devel and Legion Bingham British Royal Council, Town Bingham with ship in partner- was working The eventorganiser Nottinghamshire. of Lieutenant Deputy QVRM, Swann Judith er opment will be formally unveiled by Command first street name plate on a new housing devel vited to attend an event in Bingham where, the in- was I 2018, November 7th Wednesday On Fayle Sgt Anthony - od on is at ie t did 100 yearsago. it like part its doing wood Wedge with Regiment county the with MERCIAN Regimentas the together back shire Stafford- and Trenton Stoke of counties the Bringing action. in was two war world and war work like we did when the great co- to great is it Cecil Wedgewood, Major to back Thinking good oldcommandtasks. the including range gun bb and paintball attack, time and tion coordina eye hand BATTAK as, such provide can we ities activ - other various and stand recruitment RST a incorporate will also This March. in wood Wedge at place taking day ly fami- the promote to is this All - - - the developmentaspecialday. community,the within standing high of making schools to families and friends as well as those from attended that people several were There best byplayingmusic. do they what did band school’s secondary cal lo- the that of top On development. the to port primary school children who showed their sup- 900 over by painted bricks, house on poppies of display a also but names street unveil the of the ing just wasn’t event the of day The Foresters. Pte Joseph Dunsmore of the former Sherwood after named be will street first The WWI. in en named after those from Bingham who had fall- - - - • • • • FACTFILE Boisselle. the BattleofSommeatLe tion on3July1916during He wassadlykilledinac in 1910and1911. Borough ofStoke-on-Trent of theFederatedCounty He wasthefirstMayor service intheBoerWar. Service Orderin1902for Awarded theDistinguished shire Regimentin1883. Battalion, NorthStafford tenant inthe4th(Militia) commissioned asaLieu Cecil Wedgewood was - - - - with a MERCIAN commemorative med- pen and for all the work that they have Great Uncle Jimmy's al and a Regimental Scarf. been doing. 100th Birthday Overall it was a fantastic celebration Mr Gallimore's story is one of a bold, WO2 Scott Roxborough of 100 years of Jimmy's life. Jimmy true grit in the face of fear. thanked myself and Sgt Barker and said he was very grateful that we had James joined The Cheshire Regiment On January 30, myself and Sgt Barker attended and for his gifts. Jimmy's fami- as a machine-gunner in 1940. The very were invited to Great Uncle Jimmy's ly also thanked us and informed us that same year on the 28th May, he and the 100th Birthday party. This was arranged we were welcome back anytime. rest of his comrades had been tasked through his great-niece, Miss Nicky to fight for the protection of the small Fletcher and the Cheshire Regimental hill-town called cassle, during The Bat- Association. tle of France. It was here that 80 Brit- The Story of ish and French captured soldiers; in- Having had a good read through James' cluding James, were victim to what we military history I felt it was a great privi- Great Uncle Jimmy know as The Wormhoudt Massacre. As lege to meet such a remarkable person Waffen-SS surrounded those fighting and not only to meet him but also be in- Pte Steven Roche at Cassle, one of James' friends; Lieu- vited to his 100th Birthday celebrations. tenant Basile Glasspool, was one of the On first meeting Jimmy at his birthday The 30th January has marked the 100th large, unknown number of soldiers and party I was surprised at how well he birthday of a truly remarkable man and officers that were captured and thrown looked considering he was turning 100 veteran of the Cheshire Regiment: in to a cow shed, which Waffen-SS then years old. James Harrison Gallimore - known to used to massacre these prisoners of friends and family as 'Uncle Jimmy'. war by throwing in stick grenades and On Jimmy's arrival he appeared to be shooting those who survived as they very happy to see Soldiers in ser- The Mercian Regiment tried to escape. vice dress at his celebrations, was proud to visit such as he saw myself and Sgt a unique veteran from While this was happening, James had Barker I could see his eyes one of our anteced- so far managed to evade capture. He start to well up with tears of ent Regiments and and his friend; Ebenezer Jones, had no happiness that MERCIAN we believed it right to choice but to 'play dead'. German sol- Soldiers, decedents of the present him with our diers had anticipated this move howev- Cheshire Regiment, were own Mercian Coin er and began striking the bodies of the there at his birthday. as a sign of respect dead with the butts of their rifles, lead- to his service and to ing to the inevitable capture of James During the celebrations, his story. We would and his friend. This was the beginning myself and Sgt Bark- also like to thank The of a terrifying journey that would last for er presented Cheshire Regiment As- almost 5 years. Jimmy sociation for help- ing to make James found himself amongst 5,000 this hap- other soldiers from varying countries and Regiments. Given no food or water from the German forces, they all were forced to march through France and in to Poland; only receiving whatever food that kind French locals could give them and having to drink from puddles and ditches if they had the chance. All the while, prisoners at the rear would be shot at by Motorcycle mounted machine-guns if the prisoners should slow down and even when they passed through villages and towns; presumably to deter anyone having thoughts of escape. As they approached Poland, the prisoners found the locals to be less hospitable, often being spat at.

Want to read more? Check out his amazing story in full here. STAFFORDSHIRE REG eietl hpl hr, lhuh o service no although there, Chapel Regimental the and Barracks Whittington to moved Wethen has Staffordconnections. Taroniwhich Chapel private his in family his and Russell Mr was host Our Lichfield. outside 0630hrs, just for Hall Haselour to way our making On Remembrance Sunday, we stared at 0530hrs boys! done well press, world's the into Eagle, Knot the and the got and HRH, with audience to an gain managed we photographers, attending the by the repositioning fast of some after and direction walkabout the changed having present, not was Edinburgh of Duke the year this Sadly West- years. many spanning tradition a abbey; minster at Remembrance of Field the attend to On November 8, we all travelled down to London Staffordshire the by Regimental Association. dear held still traditions, Ian marshal the on carry to Lieutenant Parade on was Dudson Lord the consort, wife his and Trent, on Burton of Mayor the by VI, Watchman Pte of presentation official the was 17 October family aswelltheciviccommunity. we made for a splash of colour, meeting with the Derby,Pte with but attendance in not was he VI man VC MM. Due to the young age of Watchman Colt- William Lcpl to slab memorial the of veiling un- the at attendance in were we 4, October On day forStafford'sandMercian'salike. sure the Regimental Family will Know is Arnhem vate Watchman VI, on the 17th Sept, which I am C Sgt Watchman V was joined on parade by Pri- Greg Hedges ASSOCIATION Watchman Update you arestillserving. when even welcome are you remember Please seek outyourlocalbranchandvisit. to umbrella, family great our under served have ty, and deserve our respect. I would urge all, who yet to digni and pride with goodbye served who veterans more say to have doubt no will We did thehonours,togreatapplause. resident, local a of help the with VI, Watchman Pte which at Farm, Amerton at lights the on ing On December 2, we attended an invite to switch- nity. commu- business civic greater the within Army the of promotion the for bit our did We received. greatly where Boys the both which at midlands, West- RFCA with association in 2018, awards held and Birmingham Dinner Gala 8th paper's News ICC Phoenix the the 30, November On liamson, a'Watchman fan'. Wil- Gavin Mr UK, the for Defence for State of where we met and had photos with the Secretary a dinner in Drayton Manor Park's function rooms, door-fronted and attended we 16 November On morials. the north and south Staffordshire Great War me- of front in service poignant but brief a held and Square, our back claimed we inside, held was • UPCOMING EVENTS us asaRegimentalfamily. help thecivilcommunitybetterengagewith very modernandforwardlookingfeaturesto the kingdomofMercia. This willhavesome of theMercianRegimentandoldcapital Watchman togointo Tamworth -birthplace TBA -We havethe lifesizeBronzeof - THE MERCIAN REGIMENT QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

• Feeling isolated Veterans with Mental • Frequent periods of withdrawal into oneself Health Issues • Nightmares/flashbacks/insomnia • Anger or aggressive behaviour In the past year there has been an increase in veterans taking • Feeling distrustful and suspicious/blaming others their own lives due mental health issues linked to traumatic • Misuse of alcohol/drugs/gambling and/or food incidents. • Seeking out high-risk/dangerous pursuits.

Here are some symptoms you may recognise if you’ve had Often the symptoms are spotted by your family or close friends. traumatic experiences: If you are having difficulty or you are having a tough time, there are a number of specialist military organisations to help you • Work-related or relationship problems tackle the past and help you to take on the future. • Feeling numb and empty • Feeling suicidal Military Mental Health Helpline: 0 8 0 0 3 2 3 4 4 4 4 ( O p e n 2 4 h r s ) • Self-harm and self-destructive tendencies Combat Stress: 0800 1381619 • Avoidance of people and places Samaritans: 116 123 (Open 24hrs) • Panic attacks/anxiety/depression/mood swings

make a weekly financial contribution The Royal (payable by Standing Order) towards More information can be found here. Hospital Chelsea your living costs. This contribution will be based on an assessment of Regimental Headquarters has had affordability completed during the ap- several personnel getting in touch plication process. Please note, asking “How do I become a Chel- if you are in receipt of an Army sea Pensioner?” Service Pension and/or War Dis- ability Pension you may also be To be eligible for admission, a candi- required to make a top-up contri- date must be a former non-commis- bution (also based on an assess- sioned officer or soldier of the British ment of affordability) Army who is: • Free of any financial obligation • Over 65 years or of State Pension to support a spouse or family age (whichever is higher) • To be able to live independently • Either in receipt of an Army Service in the sheltered accommodation Pension or War Disability Pension (Long Wards) – the Royal Hos- which you would be required to sur- pital Chelsea is unable to ac- render upon entry to the Royal Hos- cept direct entries to the nursing pital OR if you do not receive an Army wards Pension you would be required to