THE REGIMENTAL NEWSLETTER SUMMER 2020 EDITION

Introduction

Welcome to our July Newsletter. As you will read, COVID-19 still dominates, but things are changing and for the Battalions their focus is moving inexorably to restoring military capability and preparing for exercises and operations. They have acquitted themselves superbly throughout the crisis with their professionalism, willingness, compassion, and of course sense of humour, being the hallmarks of their success. Undoubtedly, their performance has further enhanced our reputation. Our growing reputation is further evidenced by our excellent recruiting figures, both for Kingsmen and officers. Indeed, at RHQ when we interview potential officers starting out on their careers it is now no surprise when asking why they want to join to be told ‘because of your reputation’. Recruiting is also a team game and from the Kingsman in a Battalion, to the enthusiasm and salesmanship of the Regimental Support Team, to the excellent instructors we have at ITC and RMAS, all have played their part. In this edition, we have attempted to give a wider perspective and add colour, by looking at some of our most recently joined officers and giving the thoughts of our Sandhurst platoon commander. But we are not insular, and in the King’s Division we have forged a great bond with our two sister , with three working as one being a truism not a slogan. Finally, RHQ has begun returning to the workplace on a blended basis. Whilst good to be back, the commute was not missed, and we will be working a blended pattern. The shop is also clearing its backlog of orders but for the time being any further orders should be made online. But as you have seen with the Regimental facemask, we remain innovative and up for the challenge.

1st Battalion

1 LANCS has spent the summer working hard to support the NHS and communities in the North West of England. Amongst a myriad of tasks, they have helped set up temporary treatment facilities, run COVID-19 mobile testing sites across the North West and have provided test kit drop-off and collection services for some of the worst affected elements of the UK care The Drum Major leads a lesson on the system. infantry assault bridge construction. The disruption COVID-19 has caused to the Battalion’s warfighting training has been significant. However, the Military Op RESCRIPT Aid to Civilian Authorities (MACA) tasks it was given have provided an All four 1 LANCS manoeuvre unprecedented opportunity for the companies have deployed troops in Battalion to assist, and be seen assisting, support of the Defence response to our home communities. COVID-19.

1. 1 This has been enabled by HQ company. In the opening weeks of the operation, 1 LANCS was directed to stand-up over 400 personnel to be ready to assist local authorities. As a first response, a number of liaison officers were embedded in local authority resilience forums. The Battalion also received a large uplift to its civilian vehicle fleet in order to move such a sizeable force. The first tasks it received were to help establish Patient Recovery Centres in Cumbria and assist in the construction of the Project NIGHTINGALE hospital in Manchester. The majority of activity Somme Company quad bike training that followed was the provision of COVID-19 testing. This initially saw A quad bike course has just been the Battalion providing ‘assisted completed and the Battalion has testing’ at Regional Test Centres but, as recently taken delivery of four Foxhound the national testing strategy developed, vehicles, which will be used for it was the Kingsman themselves who delivering crew training by the end of provided ‘self-test’ facilities at pop-up July. Somme Company was training high sites using specially modified vans. 1 priority for 4 Brigade, with sniper, LANCS deployed the very first of these reconnaissance and assault pioneer Mobile Testing Units and helped cadres being essential to the develop the capability for it to be maintenance of these specialist weapons replicated across the country. capabilities within the Battalion. The Battalion has run Mobile Testing Units every day since the concept was launched, but is now in the process of handing over this role to a commercial team. It is expected that by the end of July, we will have delivered 40,000 tests at Mobile Testing sites, and many thousands more at fixed sites. Also significant is the effort of the specially- qualified instructors who have trained many other military units and civilian companies in performing COVID-19 testing.

Training Very little military training has been conducted by 1 LANCS. However, as restrictions on activity were eased, Establishing an infantry assault bridge routine training has gradually recommenced. In camp, the MT Three cadres were conducted in the platoon have, systematically started south and north of England and also one driver theory training and testing, in Scotland. These have ensured that the along with practical driver training and Battalion will continue to field credible conversion courses. warfighting capability into 2021.

1. 2 Similar anti-tank and machine-gun well-earned leave when it finally gets cadres will run in late 2020, as will a home. mortar cadre, that will combine The Battalion’s focus is gradually shifting mortarmen from all three battalions in from supporting UK Operations, to the . training for warfighting and a potential Burma Company has led the way in a overseas deployment in 2021. The return to warfighting training for the remainder of 2020 will see increasing rifle companies and has been individual and platoon-level warfighting conducting platoon-level training in training as we prepare for validation as a the Peak District. Battlegroup in early 2021.

2nd Battalion

The last three months have been a very varied time for the Battalion. April saw it fully dispersed and working from home during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Battalion has, subsequently, maintained a high level of readiness to provide assistance to Op RESCRIPT. Despite this, a varied program of training was conducted - from Armoured Fighting Vehicle recognition to navigation theory. There were also a number of very competitive fitness leagues that made use of ‘Strava’

Quad bike training and ‘Boxfit’ apps. Anzio and Corunna companies will do similar once they have been released from their UK Operations duties. The 1 LANCS CIS platoon have been busy training themselves, and the Battalion HQ, to use the latest version of the Army’s tactical radio system and the software used in command posts.

Overseas Platoons

In early June, the Battalion welcomed back most of the Kingsmen who formed the initial Cyprus Reinforcement Platoon. A new platoon has now taken the role of supporting 2 MERCIAN, and will remain in Cyprus until the Battalion moves there in 2022. A second independent platoon remains stoic in Kenya, delivering security to the Explaining the test procedure to a member of the public Training Unit there following a significant delay to their The main concern throughout the return as a result of COVID-19. This lockdown period has been for the platoon is now scheduled to recover to welfare of the Battalion and their families the UK in late July and will take some - many of whom are key workers.

1. 3 The lockdown has represented the longest sustained period some had spent at home in many years and the chain of command has been keen for personnel to be able to make the most of this time.

Mid-June saw the Battalion being tasked to provide four Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) which travel around the North-West setting up COVID-19 testing sites, generally in car parks with a gazebo for shelter. Weather Contact drills at Weeton conditions have been typically varied, The remainder of July should see the with teams spending the day out in handing over of the MTU task to civilian everything from blazing temperatures to contractors before the Battalion takes pouring rain and howling wind. They summer leave and Arnhem Company have done so without complaint, begins training whilst Blenheim knowing that what they are doing is of Company deploy on operations. Chindit great importance. Company will be busy on individual Those who come for a test do so courses and supporting the above, whilst because they are concerned that they Arroyo - recently renamed from have the virus - as such they are Headquarters to Enabling company - will sometimes extremely scared, and the be mainly occupied with moving the Battalion’s Kingsmen have done a Battalion from Weeton to Pirbright in fantastic job of reassuring people and November. talking them through the test. It has been an excellent opportunity for them to get out into the communities that they serve and often live in. 4th Battalion

The Specialised Infantry rotation Over the last few months, 4 LANCS has continues to see the companies rolling continued training by online and virtual through 8 months of training, means, despite the difficulties faced operations and contingency. Blenheim during lock-down. Routine trawls to Company are soon to take up the baton support operations and exercises initially from Chindit as the operational ceased, but the Battalion’s commitment company, which will see them to remain ready, responsive and resilient deploying on tasks all over the world in endured. small teams to work with Partner Forces. The lockdown has resulted in them missing a considerable amount of training time, including the bulk of their main training event - an exercise in Kenya, which was unfortunately cut short. Since training has been able to restart, they have been training as well as circumstances will allow. They have conducted vehicle contact drills on the Weeton Training Area, ranges and a road move from Weeton to Nesscliffe, Shropshire – stepping off straight into a strike operation. Range training at Altcar

1. 4 Weekly Skype training sessions became designed to maximise retention positive the norm and our junior leaders were at activity and the facilities and resources the forefront of this innovation, available to 4 LANCS. The exercise has developing the conceptual component, provided the bedrock on which to build whilst utilising online testing as a Ex RESILIENT LION 2, set for September confirmatory tool throughout. Live this year. This replacement Annual briefings helped our Kingsmen remain Deployment Exercise (ADE) will focus on informed to protect the moral building 4 LANCS’ capability to operate component, whilst their engagement in a more complex environment, testing with the virtual training provided by Sgt the soldiers’ resilience and Peltier, our RAPTCI, protected the responsiveness. physical component. Our Kingsmen’s readiness continues to improve as we transition into the Army’s new Physical Employment Standards programme.

4 LANCS has proven its status as the lead Reservist unit in 4th Infantry Brigade and has recently undertaken Exercise RESILIENT LION 1 between Altcar and Nesscliffe Training Areas. Whilst there were many additional force protection measures put into place due to COVID-19, the ‘new norm’ was embraced by all and the exercise was a resounding success. The field training Ex RESILIENT LION - attack on the Forward Operating Base phase at Nesscliffe was a progressive reintegration to field soldiering, testing With the recent halt to employer and Offensive, Defensive and Enabling community engagement, many events Actions. Concurrently, the range were cancelled and each Company is package at Altcar provided an excellent looking forward to interacting with the foundation to our shooting skill, public again soon. 4 LANCS’ strong employing the SA80, Sharpshooter and regional ties to Cadet Forces and local Glock-17 weapon systems. An Infantry employers are of great importance and it Basic Radio Users cadre and a recruit- is noteworthy, that despite the inability to specific cadre was also run at Altcar. directly support them at present, 4 LANCS are keen to keep these bonds. It is hoped that the community and employer forecast of events will soon fill up once again and that many more employers will sign up to the Armed Forces covenant in due course. This binding link will support not only the Reserve Battalion, but also service leavers from the Regular Battalions.

Field training at Nesscliffe Lastly, 4 LANCS would like to congratulate those who have received It was a great chance to develop our recent awards as follows: young Kingsmen, particularly as they are LCpl Jones C (Kohima) Coy – AMS our most inexperienced soldiers and PNCO Cadre Top Student. have had the most significant time away Kgn Betteridge B (Somme) Coy - Lord- from military training. All training was Lieutenants’ Certificate of Meritorious

1. 5 Kgn Betteridge B (Somme) Coy - Lord- deployed on Op SHADER and worked Lieutenants’ Certificate of Meritorious with the Rear Operations Group. Life Service for Adults. was not dull, and he even managed to CSgt Grainger HQ (Waterloo) Coy - lead an Alpine Skiing Adventurous Lord-Lieutenants’ Commendation for Training expedition. Reserves. On the Battalion’s return from WO2 Edmondson C (Kohima) Coy - operations he took command of 7 Lord-Lieutenants’ Commendation for Platoon, Burma Coy, leading them on Reserves. tasks in response to the COVID-19 LCpl L Dervey – Volunteer Reserve pandemic. Op RESCRIPT has provided Service Medal (VRMS). an excellent opportunity to expand his LCpl Turner A (Ladysmith) Coy – knowledge and expand his skills. DCFA’s Coin for outstanding Samuel is a keen sportsman and is performance, commitment and looking forward to representing Burma capability delivery. in the inter-Company sports competitions. Outside of work he These individuals are prime examples enjoys hiking and travelling and is to their peers and truly represent what planning a trip with his partner to it means to be a Lion of England. explore Iceland in the future.

Lt Samuel Ogilvy

OFFICER RECRUITING A New Breed

Each year, eight officers join the Regiment form The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) and below we have invited three of them to give us their first impressions.

Lt Samuel Marks Born in Basingstoke, Samuel attended University College London from 2014-2017, graduating with a 2:1 LLB in Law. Whilst at university he completed the Reserve Commissioning Course and combined university life with working at 3 PWRR, and the University of London Officer’s Training . Prior to attending RMAS in May 2018 he spent time travelling in Originally from Exeter, Devon, Samuel Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. graduated with a degree in Biomedical Samuel arrived at 1 LANCS in August Science from the University of Hull. 2019 and joined the Rear Operations Between finishing university and Group as a platoon commander on a starting at RMAS, he worked at Exeter Pre-Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Hospital. In his spare time, he was a Cadre as part of working with the King’s reservist in his local Reserve Infantry Division Training Team in Cyprus. battalion and played rugby for the He is now commanding 9 Platoon, local union team. He joined the Corunna Coy and taking part in Op Battalion in August 2019 when it was RESCRIPT, leading a Covid Testing Unit

1. 6 team in the North West. Joining Battalion training with her platoon, and the at a busy and constantly evolving time expectation of a demanding Battlegroup has allowed for extra opportunities and a exercise followed and Op TORAL, in breadth of experience that has remained Afghanistan next year. interesting and enjoyable. Outside of work Lt Ogilvy lives in RMAS – A PLATOON Richmond, London with his girlfriend COMMANDER'S VIEW Sammi, a nurse at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. He has a keen Capt Simon Julian interest in rugby and maintains a desire Reporting from RMAS, officer recruiting to travel when time and finances allow. has gone from strength to strength over the last year. The Duke of Lancaster’s 2Lt Sarah Kerr Regiment is now firmly one of the most popular and competitive infantry regiments. It is obvious to junior term cadets that the Regiment offers a fantastic array of opportunities for any young officer and it will sustain an excellent and rewarding career. The pairing of both a Light Role and Spec Inf Battalion is a real draw to those who are interested in the purest form of infanteering and the most exciting deployments. Sarah was born and bred in Nottingham. She studied Civil Engineering at the Competition for the new intake looks to University of Manchester and later moved be extremely competitive again which to Bristol to work for Atkins Ltd as a is only a good thing as we can take our Structural Engineer for two years. During pick of the best young prospects. this time, she joined the Royal Monmouthshire Reserves which spiked her interest in joining the Regular Army. Life in Battalion has been very different to what she had expected due to the Corona Virus outbreak. Having arrived at the end of March this year, she has spent her time either on Op RESCRIPT taskings or on readiness. Initially deploying to Cumbria to set up two Patient Recovery Centres, she is currently commanding one of the Mobile Testing Units in the North West. She has enjoyed the challenges and opportunity to get to know her platoon, as well as working alongside other civilian organisations in support of the RMAS Instructor, Capt Simon Julian Op RESCRIPT effort. Being an instructor at RMAS is quite a Sarah enjoys boxing, triathlon and skiing. strange role to be in. It doesn’t seem Having boxed at Sandhurst, she is hoping long ago when I was receiving the very to represent her Company during the instruction that I am now giving to inter-Company boxing competition when cadets. You get an odd sense of we recover from lockdown. She is imposter syndrome when de-briefing looking forward to starting Infantry some poor

1. 7 young cadet who hasn’t performed Virtual Platoons were formed in order to particularly well during an attack, while deliver some training and maintain the knowing full well you made the exact Welfare bridge from Recruit to same mistakes when you were in their Instructor. position. Generally, working at RMAS is an incredible privilege, you feel the history, and most of all you appreciate the standard demanded. Each day you need to be at your best to demonstrate to officer cadets exactly what standard they need to reach. Hours are long throughout the course, but it is rewarding at the same time. It’s always a pleasure to see a cadet that really struggled in the early weeks to start to develop and thrive. You can hear the pennies drop every day and it’s great to see them comfortably pass a command appointment after weeks of development. LANCS recruits at ITC

This job really is a special appointment to Training Teams adapted to the new undertake. It is a huge privilege to constraints to deliver excellent training represent the King’s Division but also, via Apps such as Zoom, this was most significantly, to represent The Duke particularly well received by recruits of Lancaster’s Regiment. It is an and allowed for a continuation of the incredibly important role to take on. I Combat Infantryman’s Course. appreciate the trust the Regiment places As restrictions have relaxed HQ School in me to select and nurture cadets of Infantry has been able to direct the through the Choice of Arm process and resumption of training across ITC, The hopefully, if they are good enough, get Infantry Battle School (IBS) and the them a place in the Regiment. I am not Specialist Weapons School (SWS). There only vetting future platoon commanders, are mitigations across all sites to ensure I will likely be interviewing our future that recruits and those on career courses OCs and even COs. Something I take alike can train safely in this new seriously – and desperately strive to get environment. This includes changes to right. accommodation, social distancing and an increased focus on hygiene measures etc. ITC - RECRUITS RETURN TO At ITC, in particular, local camps have TRAINING been utilised to create extra space to Capt Alex Postles ensure that there isn’t a reduction in delivery and the Field Army receives its The ongoing pandemic has had a huge requirement of trained soldiers. Also, the impact on military commitments, this implementation of a controlled has seen priorities very quickly change monitoring phase ensures that there is across all units with the focus shifting to an extra level of control in order to the national COVID response. In line prevent infection on the site. with Government direction this saw the We are unlikely to go back to the pre- suspension of all non-operational COVID normal for some time but The training and a very quick change to School of Infantry has successfully working practices for us all. returned to its core business of During the initial outbreak, the Infantry delivering high quality, and safe, Training Centre (ITC) sent the majority of infantry training to all levels in The its recruits and Staff on leave. Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.

1. 8 THE BAND OF THE DUKE OF mentioned above is The Merseyside LANCASTER'S REGIMENT Police Band which is also conducted by the 4 LANCS Bandmaster, Warrant WO1 (BM) G W Holden & WO2 (PSI) Officer Class One Gavin Holden. R Howe Finally, our latest video was the theme During the forced Lockdown because of tune to The Great Escape by Elmer COVID-19, the Band of The Duke of Bernstein which was released on Lancaster’s Regiment has been unable Armed Forces Weekend.Future to rehearse or train in the normal releases will include John Lennon’s manner and all engagements were Imagine featuring our principal alto cancelled. With the likelihood of future saxophone player as the soloist, You rehearsals still undecided due to social Raise me Up starring Mezzo Soprano distancing measures of a minimum of 3 Danielle Louise Thomas, Don’t Stop meters between instrumentalists, the Me Now, Haven’t MetYou Yet with band has adopted a new way of the vocal talents of Musician Alex working including a programme of Huxley, and lastly in early August our virtual recordings which have been own Regimental March Selection of released on social media via Facebook, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, Twitter and YouTube. including The Kingo.

MUSEUMS

Cumbria’s Museum of Military Life

Following guidance from DCMS and Public Health England, and with grant funding from Arts Council England, and after extensive cleaning and writing of risk assessments, the Museum re-opened on Saturday 4 The Band performing The Great Escape in one of their popular videos July. In the current climate, Museum operations have changed to ensure There are many aims to virtual music visitor safety, with limited visitors on- training, with the overarching purpose site and bookings for admissions now to keep the musicians’ skill set on top being made on-line. The local media form whilst we cannot operate normally have been very supportive as both the and to ensure that when we can Museum and Carlisle Castle were eventually resume a normal routine, that amongst the first cultural sites to open we can hit the ground running and be locally. musically operationally effective. It also forms part of the virtual community engagement, reaching out to the public, maintaining a presence and providing entertainment. Furthermore, the videos have also included potential recruits and musicians from The Liverpool University Musicians Society. This has kept the interest of all musicians bubbling along and ensured that the strong connection with The Liverpool University Music Association is maintained, where some of their new members come from. In addition, performing alongside those ITV Border filming about the reopening of the museum

1. 9 We have been more active on social Infantry Museum media (@CMOML for all you twitter followers out there!) as all out in-house Readjusting to, albeit temporary, activity has been suspended but will be mobile work has allowed focusing on reviewed at the beginning of September. projects that have now come to the Over lockdown our on-line audience has front of queue. increased, with much interest in our At the Lancashire Infantry Museum this #MysteryMondays and #PhotoFridays, has enabled the assistant curator and plus virtual holiday workshops to engage volunteers to delve into the medal kids over the summer holidays. As we collection and begin discovering more, are currently operating on limited where possible, about the men behind staffing, requests for information are the medals. taking longer than normal so please bear The Museum’s medal collection, and with us. the conflicts they pertain to, held by However, plans to commemorate VJ day the museum is large and encompasses are afoot and with a kind donation from crosses multiple points in time the son of a former Border Regiment including the New Zealand Maori officer who fought in Burma, we are wars, the Second Boer War, and WWI putting together an external display using to name but a few. some of our photographic collection. To Beginning by painstakingly organising compliment this, on Saturday 15 August the medal recipients surname into we hope to host an event at the Castle to alphabetical order, the research could mark 75 years since the end of hostilities begin by researching what, if anything, in the Far East. All visitors to the event could be described of who the medal will have to book on-line with limited recipients were and of their time spent admissions due to coronavirus in their respective battalions/regiments. restrictions.

A selection of the medals being researched

2nd Border Regiment in Burma On the one hand, some WWI medal recipients have, blessedly, surviving All Museum trustees and staff would service records those without join the like to thank members of the many WWI soldiers whose service Regimental family who have been very records were lost during the London supportive through these difficult times. Blitz of WWII. This has meant finding limited information, if any, that can be www.CumbriasMuseumofMilitaryLife.org used to further uncover the person’s identity is problematic.

10 However, Second Boer War medal Full and up to date details regarding recipients having, by and large, some NML venues can be found here: sort of duplicate service record and this www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ has aided research. Moreover, using the opening-information available on-line sources and heritage and the Museum of Liverpool websites has proven fruitful in beginning Facebook and Twitter pages. to discover the identity of the men behind the medals. It cannot be understated of the tireless VETERANS work of the volunteers, including a silver award Duke of Edinburgh participant, Supporting the Community that has highlighted their invaluable help and eagerness to assist in this Chris Squires, former 1 KINGS and 2 research project. LANCS, has set up the Trafford Veterans community group with his partner Claire (ex Royal Navy) to Museum of Liverpool provide peer support activities to Armed Forces veterans and their National Museums Liverpool has now families. reopened, initially the World Museum and Walker Art Gallery. Visitors will need to pre-book a timed slot. Both venues will reopen 10am to 5pm Wednesday – Sunday (closed Mondays and Tuesdays). It is hoped that the Waterfront venues (including the Museum of Liverpool, Maritime Museum and International Slavery Museum) will open later on in the summer, dates have not been confirmed yet. Curatorial and other back-of-house teams continue to work from home for the time being.

Chris and Claire with their new van, purchased with a grant from the Veterans Foundation

During lockdown volunteers have been supporting the elderly by carrying out doorstep deliveries of food parcels, model kits, craft packs and reading materials. The group has recently provided support to The Trussell Trust by delivering bulk foodbank boxes to the 7 emergency response hubs in Trafford. The group has gone from strength to strength and they are about to become a Community Interest Company (CIC). The Tower of Medals in the Museum of Liverpool displays medals awarded to Kingsmen from 19th century to present day.

1.111 11 Regimental Shop Regimental Gin

For those serving – uniform items that are Our Regimental Gin has proved very not issued or obtained from one of the popular! We still have a few bottles Regimental tailors, the shop is the only left so get stocked up for summer. place you can get these items with the Priced at correct design. We are aware that there £28.00 plus p&p (normally £3.50) you are some cheaper alternatives but these can order it from the shop manager at have proved to be very poor quality. To [email protected] ensure quality, conformity and consistency please purchase from the shop.

As RHQ begins the blended return to the workplace, we have been able to get into the shop and clear the back log of orders. So hopefully you will have received or will shortly get your orders. Thank you for your patience. We will now turn to completing our last silver sale and getting items out.

Please note, the shop will not open to the general public for some time so please order on line at www.dukeoflancastersregimentshop.com or email [email protected]

RHQ LANCS Shop Fulwood Barracks Preston, Lancashire PR2 8AA Tel: 01772 260591 Email: [email protected]

CONCLUSION Contact Us Remember our key messages - We are the: Regimental Headquarters, • The North West’s Infantry Regiment Fulwood Barracks, • Lions of England Preston, • Soldiers of the Queen, our Colonel in Chief Lancashire • Kingsmen PR2 8AA Tel: 01772 260362 Web: www.army.mod.uk/lancs Social Media Email: [email protected]

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