Issue 24: August 2016 The Mercian Family Newsletter2 The Heart of England’s Infantry REGIMENTAL NEWS MERCIAN TEAM CROWNED CHAMPIONS OF ARMY FITNESS COMPETITION – Two teams of soldiers from the regiment emerged as winners in a recent British Army ‘Warrior Fitness’ competition. Taking place at PJHQ in Northwood, the troops had to complete a one rep max ‘clean and jerk,’ alongside CrossFit workouts ‘Murph’ and ‘Fran.’ The MERCIAN teams finished first and third. A great effort! BATTALIONS SUPPORT SALISBURY PLAIN EXERCISE - Soldiers from 1 and 2 MERCIAN have come together to take part in Exercise Lion Strike. The three-week course on Salisbury Plain helped teach officers how to direct and organise troops in a variety of challenging scenarios, including how to clear an ‘enemy village.’ They were supported by Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicles and Challenger 2 Tanks. REGIMENT SECURES FIRST RESERVIST INSTRUCTOR AT CATTERICK - Corporal Henshaw serves with 4 MERCIAN and has become the first ever Army Reserve instructor to be posted into the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick. The soldier will train new reservists on the Combat Infantryman’s course, as they look to join the infantry. A proud day for the regiment! 1 MERCIAN NEWS TROOPS LEARN ‘KRAV MAGA’ – Soldiers in Bulford have been learning the art of ‘Krav Maga,’ a self defence system developed for the Israel Defence Forces. Whilst encouraging students to avoid confrontation, if this is not possible, it teaches how to finish a fight as quickly as possible, with attacks aimed at the most vulnerable parts of the body. Combining various techniques sourced from aikido, judo, boxing and wrestling, it is known for its focus on 'real-world' situations and extremely efficient and brutal counter-attacks. SOLDIERS PROMOTED AT BULFORD- A huge well-done to soldiers from 1 MERCIAN who have been promoted from Private to Lance Corporal! Promotion followed the successful completion of their junior non-commissioned officer selection (JNCO). Lasting up to eight weeks, the gruelling course tests personnel on field craft, fitness, navigation and their ability to command a section of soldiers. BATTALION TEACHES SCHOOL CHILDREN ABOUT THE HOLOCAUST - Two soldiers from 1 MERCIAN have been working with students at the International School in Birmingham, educating pupils on the role of the British Army in ending the Holocaust. Ruth Barnett, a Holocaust Survivor initially spoke to the school about her experience, before the two soldiers discussed the relevance of the Army in the liberation of Bergen-Belsen. 2 MERCIAN NEWS CHESTER UNIT VISIT AFFILIATED SHIP - Troops from A Company, 2 MERCIAN recently visited the regiments affiliated ship HMS Albion. The visit was part of preparations for a charity bike ride that took place in mid-September. Soldiers cycled from Plymouth to Chester over three days, arriving in the city on Sunday 11th September to commemorate three infamous battles with ties to either the ship or regiment; Mons, Somme and Jutland. Royal Navy ship HMS Albion is due to be recommissioned later this year, after spending almost half a decade out of the water. The ship can carry up to 256 soldiers and various armoured vehicles, including the Challenger 2 main battle tank. MERCIAN OFFICER ATTENDS WESTMINSTER SOMME MEMORIAL - Captain Bell, an officer from 2 MERCIAN attended a commemorative service for the Battle of Somme at Westminster in early July, and was one of the soldiers asked to stand guard over the tomb of an unknown soldier killed in the battle. 4 MERCIAN NEWS LATEST RECRUIT AWARDED ‘BEST RECRUIT’ TITLE - Congratulations to our latest recruit for passing the Combat Infantryman’s Course, earning the title of ‘Best Recruit’ in the process; a fantastic achievement! Private Barber has now proudly join the ranks of C Company, 4 MERCIAN which is based in Nottingham. A small plaque was presented by Major Spalton upon joining, congratulating him on his success during training. Welcome to the regimental family! RESERVIST RETURNS FROM TRIP STATESIDE - One of our reservists has been in the United States working with the Iowa National Guard. Lieutenant Mark Jones from D Company, 4 MERCIAN was attached to the mortar and scout platoons, which holds the record for the longest single tour of duty since World War 2. During his time in the States, Mark travelled to Alaska, taking part in a demanding 29-day Exercise ARCTIC ANVIL. His role was to assist in repelling ‘enemy’ forces, while also doing his best to avoid the local bears! CADET NEWS STAFFORDSHIRE CADETS MEET OLYMPIC CHAMPION - A proud day for our cadets from Staffordshire during August, as they met Team GB athlete and Olympic gold medallist Joe Clarke. Joe won the kayak K1 gold in Rio and paraded through his hometown of Stone, surrounded by cadets from Stone Detachment, Staffordshire & West Midlands (North Sector (NS)) Army Cadet Force (ACF) who provided a guard of honour. The Olympic champion also took time to have a photo with Cadet Lance Corporal Robinson. Well done to our cadets for their fantastic work, and congratulations to Joe on a fantastic achievement. DERBYSHIRE CADETS EARN SHOOTING BADGES - Sure shot Army Cadets from Derbyshire were on target to earn their shooting badges at the Inter Service Cadet Rifle Meeting at Bisley, Surrey last month. Participants endured eight days of competition competing against 120 teams including some of the best teams in the UK. The Derbyshire team achieved a very respectable 21st place nationally, and were the top placed team from the eastern region. A great effort! CADETS REACH PINNACLE OF THEIR CAREER - Two senior cadets from Staffordshire & West Midlands NS ACF, RSM Nightingale and CSM Lewis have attended their Master Cadet Course at Frimley Park. This course is the top course for cadets across the UK as they reach the pinnacle of their career. Well done! ARMY CADET FORCE HOSTS ANNUAL COMPETITION - B Company, Staffordshire & West Midlands ACF hosted its annual inter detachment competition towards the end of August. Called the Ellwood Cup, the competition combines a number of different challenges, including ‘Best Cadet.’ Congratulations to the winner, Cadet Lance Corporal Marriott! BAND OF THE MERCIAN REGIMENT NEWS BAND DEPLOY ON ANNUAL CAMP – August was a busy month for the Band of The Mercian Regiment, as it carried out its annual deployment exercise in London, Windsor and Lichfield. Performances included a concert on the band stand in St James’s Park in Central London, and providing musical support for a passing-out parade at DMS Whittington to mark the completion of Phase 2 training for tri-service medical personnel. On both occasions, the band's performance was well received by the audiences. OTHER NEWS CHESHIRE & MERCIAN VOLUNTEERS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS ATTEND BATTLE OF ST JULIEN SERVICE – Sixty members of the Cheshire and Mercian Volunteers Regimental Associations attended a commemorative service for the Battle of St Julien last month in Stockport. On 31st July 1917, 20 officers and 600 other ranks of the 6th Battalion, The Cheshire Regiment went over the top near St Julien. The battalion arrived at its final objective on time, having secured all objectives in front, including the village of St Julien and four enemy guns. The cost was very heavy and the battalion lost nearly 500 officers and men. In August 1917, the battalion was relived and came of the frontline with only three officers and 124 men. BIRMINGHAM UNIVERSITY OFFICER TRAINING CORP COMPLETE RIOT TRAINING - Platoon commanders from Birmingham University Officer Training Corp, and soldiers from 4 MERCIAN have been conducting riot training. Introduced to public order drills and tactics, troops were able to plan, control and participate in a variety of challenging scenarios throughout the week long exercise. NOTTINGHAM MUSEUM OFFERS FREE ENTRY TO WFRA MEMBERS – Worcestershire and Sherwood Forester associations members who have a WFRA membership card, are entitled to free entry into Nottingham Castle to visit the gallery of the Museum of the Mercian Regiment (WFR Collection). Anyone who does not have a membership card should speak to the secretary of their branch regarding an application form. BENEVOLENCE / CHARITY UPDATE VETERANS AND SOLDIERS FUNDRAISE FOR MERCIAN CHARITY – Members of the Cheshire Regimental Association (CRA), Mercian Volunteers Regimental Association and soldiers from the mortar platoon of 4 MERCIAN completed a 26km sponsored walk in late August. Beginning in Stockport and ending in Sale, the annual event raises money for the respective charities and associations, with over a thousand pounds generated . Special note should go to our most senior walker Keith Mort, a CRA member who completed the walk with ease at the age of 72. GOLFERS RAISE MONEY FOR BENEVOLENT FUND – Over 100 golfers took part in the annual Mercian Regiment Benevolent Charity Golf Day during late August. Regimental Mascot, Private Derby XXXI was in attendance alongside the cadet band, and a fantastic £2900 was raised for the Mercian Benevolent Fund. Next year’s event is already booked for Friday 25th August. Contact RHQ Mercian if you would like further details, and thanks to all those that took part this year! OBITUARIES It is with regret we inform you that the below have passed away. Our condolences are with their families and friends at this difficult time. Full obituaries will be in The 2016 Mercian Eagle: Major Bernard Lambert MBE died on 12 July 2016 aged 89. Called up in October 1944, he was selected for officer training and given an emergency commission in The South Staffordshire Regiment. During a distinguished 32-year career, Bernard served around the globe, including in Hong Kong, Egypt, Cyprus, Germany and Africa. A final tour at regimental duty came in April 1972, when he became Families Officer with the 1st Battalion, Royal Hampshire Regiment. The time included two four- month tours in Northern Ireland, and Bernard was made an MBE at the end of his posting for the key part he had played in helping the families over three challenging years.