SPINE LINE COMPETITION NASH, SUTHERLAND, BAWDEN, ARDIZZONE

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3-sol-sep.indd 1 21/08/2020 18:27 CONTENTS

FEATURES

29 Reservists at the ready Yeomanry set for Op Cabrit 37 Mission to Mali Dragoons answer peacekeeping call 43 Blitz spirit EOD operators’ legacy mission 20 47 Drawing fire Op Rescript captured on canvas 51 Mutual understanding Troops help shape commanding officers 55 Rolling back the years Armoured car brought back to life REGULARS

7 The Informer Top stories from across the Service 20 Need to Know Essential tips for today’s personnel 57 Talkback A rumination from the ranks 37 58 Bullet Points Troops’ intelligence assets 63 Reviews Books, music and games to fill your downtime 47 74 Final Word Reserves reflect on Polish push SOLDIERSPORT

70 Golf Soldiers return to the tee 71 Cycling Matthews shines on national stage 72 Disc golf New sport takes flight 73 Cricket Reds hit form in shortened season

4 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

4-5-sol-sep-SM-RL.indd 1 21/08/2020 13:52 Embracing 29 challenges THE Army has never been an organisation that stands still. Stepping forward to meet fresh challenges is ingrained in the Service’s core and this issue very much reflects that. UK personnel are currently deployed in more than 80 countries around the world and another is about to be added to that list in the form of Mali. A nation ravaged by chronic poverty, with terrorism and conflict on the rise, it will form the backdrop to a demanding tour for the Light Dragoons as they become the first British unit to join the UN’s peacekeeping mission in the West African state (page 37). But, as you would expect, the soldiers are relishing what lies ahead – as are their counterparts in the Royal Yeomanry, who are preparing for a significant milestone of their own. This winter they will become the first Reserve sub-unit to deploy on Op Cabrit in Poland (page 29). With the tempo so high you’d be forgiven for thinking that Covid-19 is now a distant memory. That is not the case, and troops are being reminded so as they return from leave this month (page 15). Such advice will be crucial if the Army is to maintain the fit and healthy force needed for its next challenge.

Richard LongO Acting Editor Where to find Soldier iPrinted copies THESE are distributed to every Army site at the start of each month. iFacebook, Twitter and Instagram ALONG with news and glimpses behind the scenes at Soldier, we publish a link to the latest magazine at www.facebook.com/ soldiermagazine and on Twitter 70 (@soldiermagazine). iOnline DIGITAL versions of current and past editions are available on the Army website at www.soldiermagazine.co.uk. Just click on the “read it now” tab. iPurchase IF you’re not in the Army you can buy Soldier from your high street magazine retailer or directly from us at subs@soldiermagazine. 63 co.uk (£23 for 12 issues in the UK).

Picture: Barry Marsden

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 5

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[email protected] British troops’ news asset

Female soldiers are to receive more support Acting Editor / Sports Editor Richard Long 01252 787098 (94222 7098) [email protected] Assistant Editor Becky Clark [email protected] Assistant Editor Cliff Caswell [email protected] Assistant Editor Georgina Coupe [email protected] Art Editor Tudor Morgan 01252 787100 (94222 7100) [email protected] Designer Jessica Hutchinson [email protected] Photographer Graeme Main 01252 787103 (94222 7103) [email protected] Photographer Peter Davies 01252 787103 (94222 7103) [email protected] Advertising Heather Shekyls Crack team tackles explosive aftermath 01252 787106 (94222 7106) [email protected] Army personnel provide critical help to British nationals and locals in Beirut Subscriptions/Enquiries 01252 787107 (94222 7107) N OPERATIONAL liaison and affected by the blast – luckily none [email protected] reconnaissance team (OLRT) were seriously hurt. Email: [email protected] Ahas been at the centre of a “We then worked with the www.soldiermagazine.co.uk joint Service effort to provide critical Foreign and Commonwealth Office, humanitarian support following the the Department for International Managing Editor Steve Muncey ammonium nitrate explosion in the Development and various NGOs to 01252 787095 (94222 7095) port area of Beirut. help coordinate relief efforts.” [email protected] The damage caused by the blast, During their 12-day stint in which measured 4.5 on the Richter the country, the OLRT supported scale and was felt 150 miles away in the Lebanese Armed Forces after Cyprus, is widespread and likely to their barracks in the port area was have long-lasting consequences. destroyed (see page 9) and also Lebanon was already experiencing a identified a weakness in the logistic major economic crisis and dealing with supply chain that was hampering the coronavirus pandemic, as well as relief efforts. SOLDIER – Magazine of the British Army accomodating more than 1.5 million “Lots of countries were throwing Ordnance Barracks, Government Road, refugees from neighbouring Syria. aid at Lebanon and, in one example, a Drugs were Aldershot, Hampshire GU11 2DU. A four-man squad of British shipment of drugs from another donor personnel was dispatched from Joint nation was damaged by the heat from SOLDIER is published by the Ministry of Defence damaged by and printed by Walstead (Roche) Ltd. Forces Headquarters in Northwood being left on the side of the airfield for Print contract managed by CDS. and they managed to establish an too long,” said Lt Col Allen. © CROWN COPYRIGHT 2020 operations room in Beirut within 48 “We decided to fly in specialist the heat hours of the blast. refrigerators on a Royal Air Force C-17 Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily A Royal Marine specialist in so these materials could be properly those of the British Army or the Ministry of Defence. We take every care to ensure details are correct. Soldier amphibious landings later travelled to stored – my team helped establish magazine takes no responsibility for errors or omissions. bolster the OLRT, while two engineers where they should be located and an Prices or dates quoted are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change. We do not endorse products from 66 Works Group, medical efficient supply system.” or services appearing in the directory, classified, editorial planners and a Reservist officer from The officer added: “The effort was a or display advertising featured in the publication. We take the Engineer and Logistic Staff Corps truly joint affair, with our maritime, land no responsibility for the content or security of third party websites mentioned in this publication. were called forward by the team to and air forces cooperating well with provide specialist assistance. civilian agencies – and all the while “The British Embassy was put out of working in a high-threat environment action by the explosion so we set up in with mass protests and civilian unrest a temporary embassy in a residential that sporadically broke out. Facebook: facebook.com/soldiermagazine building away from the port,” said Lt “But that’s where the OLRT’s Twitter: @soldiermagazine Col Pat Allen (RLC), head of the OLRT. rigorous training procedures really Instagram: @soldier_magazine “We established an area so embassy come to the fore. staff could conduct some crisis “It allows us to do our job and management, account for all their own protect the experts we sometimes need people and assist any UK nationals to bring with us.” Q

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 7

7-sol-sep NEW-SM-RL-CC.indd 1 21/08/2020 13:13 A taste of Army activity across the world

The IED threat out 1. GERMANY there is SNIFFING OUT CORONAVIRUS GERMAN military sniffer dogs at a training centre so high in the western town of Ulmen have been taught to detect Covid-19 infections in humans. Eight animals were coached for a week so they could distinguish between the mucus and saliva Light Dragoons get set of patients infected with coronavirus and perfectly for Mali – page 37 healthy individuals. The canines, made up of sheep dogs, spaniels and retrievers, achieved a detection rate of 94 per cent from more than 1,000 positive and negative samples presented on a random basis by a machine. The study was created jointly by the Bundeswehr and the 4. CARIBBEAN University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover. “This is just a pilot study at the moment,” said Holger Volk, chair of the university’s department of small animal medicine. “There’s a lot of potential to take this further – to really use these dogs in the fi eld.” The researchers are also looking at how well the dogs can differentiate between samples from Covid-19 patients and those with related illnesses such as fl u.

2. UK VIRTUAL GLOBETROTTERS TROOPS have been limbering up for a virtual global dash to raise charity cash. Soldiers taking part in the ABF Race the World challenge are collectively tabbing, running, rowing, cycling or swimming the same gruelling mileage as crossing the planet’s continents. Teams are signed up to complete the 4. CARIBBEAN length of seven, fi ve or three of these huge geographical spaces in a set period of time SHELL SCRAPES during September and October. SAPPERS have been playing their part in A healthy competitive spirit is expected 3. UK a dual effort to help turtles threatened during the contest, which is open to Regular by plastic pollution – as well as efforts and Reserve units, plus training regiments SUSTAINABILITY SUCCESS to recycle the waste for future use. and troops’ family members. Members of 24 Commando, Royal Visit www.soldierscharity.org to enter. A PROJECT to increase the grazing habitat at MoD Engineers – who are serving on RFA Shoeburyness is being expanded following a set of Argus – dropped by to help a sanctuary promising trials. for the endangered amphibians on the The 7,000-hectare site in Essex is home to island of Curacao. numerous rare species of wildlife and the introduction Following a beach clearance op with of six goats to grassland there earlier this year colleagues from the vessel, they helped is yielding positive results for conservation and a plastic recycling project move to a sustainable land management. new and more spacious building. Matt Elmer from Qinetiq, which operates the facility, The facility has been using the said the control measures had proved effective and material to manufacture items including increased biodiversity. facemasks for health professionals. The largest testing and evaluation range in the The RFA Argus is part of a group of UK, MoD Shoeburyness has long been subjected to ships centred around HMS Medway, restricted access and its marshes have subsequently which are currently deployed to the become a haven for protected species. region to help with the hurricane season.

8 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk INTELLIGENCE FOR THE ATLAS? Brief the team now: 2 & 3. UK 6. LITHUAINIA

Email: [email protected] Facebook: facebook.com/soldiermagazine Twitter: @soldiermagazine 1. GERMANY Instagram: @soldier_magazine 7. LEBANON 5. CYPRUS 7. LEBANON BEIRUT BLAST BACK-UP A FIVE-MAN operational liaison and reconnaissance team (OLRT) deployed to Lebanon in the wake of the chemical explosion in Beirut (page 7) provided critical assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces during their 12-day mission. The local barracks was flattened by the blast so the UK squad called in vital resources from Cyprus. “The Royal Navy’s HMS Enterprise brought in two ISO containers holding a 500-man tented camp,” said OLRT leader Lt Col Pat Allen 5. CYPRUS (RLC). “Mercian personnel, including an RLC chef, TOSCA RESERVE CONTRIBUTION REACHES NEW HIGH also arrived to help set up the camp and field PERSONNEL Meanwhile, troops from 2nd kitchens.” from 6th Battalion, The Mercian Regiment The team worked Battalion, have had their two-year posting as with civilian agencies and The Rifl es will the regional standby battalion in Lebanese authorities to complete an Cyprus extended due to the help coordinate relief efforts. unprecedented Covid-19 outbreak. handover from one Reservist They had been due to end battlegroup to another when they their tour in the summer but the deploy on Op Tosca this month. announcement means 480 soldiers – The 200-strong contingent will including 109 families – will remain 6. LITHUANIA relieve their counterparts from on the island until the end of 2020. 7 Rifl es on the long standing UN With the unit’s immediate future peacekeeping commitment – a confi rmed, attention has now turned EXERCISING FURIOUSLY mission that will see them remain to the day job and troops will shortly JOINT terminal attack controllers from the Royal in country until March. be conducting live-fi ring training up Artillery tested their targeting skills alongside Preparations for the tasking to platoon level. multinational counterparts on Exercise Furious Wolf. were maintained throughout the Exercise Aetos Fury will then test The gunners were joined by their equivalents from seven Covid-19 outbreak and the soldiers the collective competencies of each countries – including Estonia, completed their pre-deployment company and plans are in place for Denmark, Germany and the training and rehearsal exercise as command post serials using the unit- United States – on the Kazlu Ruda this issue went to press. based virtual trainer. ranges, where they practised the “This is really good for us,” said close air support tactics, techniques Lt Danai Osmond (RE), a member and procedures that would be of the battlegroup. “Because we utilised on a Nato operation are both in the Rifl es family the in a congested and contested handover has worked well so far. environment. “Morale is very high and we all Typhoon aircraft from 6 Squadron, want to fi nish our civvy jobs and Royal Air Force were among the get started.” airframes taking part.

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 9 Talon test passed

QRESERVIST ground crews learnt how to maintain, refuel and rearm the Apache attack helicopter during Exercise Talon Hydra. The three-week test saw six soldiers from 6 Regiment, Army Air Corps working on forward arming and refuelling points alongside their Regular counterparts on the Don't suffer in silence Stanford training area in Norfolk. Air Tpr Paul Roberts, who works as a helicopter pilot in his FFICERS and soldiers have been command was quickly informed. civilian job, said: “I’m comfortable operating under the rotor disc, but Ignoring the urged to keep a close eye on Col Boughton emphasised: working on military helicopters Oeach other’s mental wellbeing “Ignoring the situation is not an brings extra complexity.” in a move to spot any problems early option at a stage where the person

Picture: Cpl Danny Houghton, RLC Cpl Danny Houghton, Picture: situation is on – and provide help if needed. might potentially harm either The Army has stressed that themselves or others. not an option preventing issues from snowballing “If you are suffering, please do PERSONNEL SPEAK OUT is a priority while emphasising that not be afraid of telling someone QCALLS to a confidential Army helpline nobody should be afraid to ask for who can support you. There are also that assists soldiers in dealing with assistance. The appeal comes ahead groups, such as the Samaritans and professional and personal issues have of World Suicide Prevention Day on Togetherall, which can help too.” rocketed in the past year. September 10. Contact details for a full list of The annual report for the Speak Out Just over 6,500 people in the UK support organisations can be found service flagged a 74 per cent increase in civilian population took their own on pages 58-59. troops asking for advice during 2019 after lives during 2018 – the last set of Elsewhere, a suite of tools several years of static demand. Although junior soldiers accounted for published figures. promoted under the Op Smart banner half of traffic, officers made up around a Col Tim Boughton – from the could also help. third of it. Claims of poor treatment by Army’s Op Smart team – said troops Col Boughton added: “This the chain of command and unsatisfactory should keep an eye on each other and initiative provides a through-life set communication were common grievances. act if colleagues were struggling. of skills to promote and maintain Military chiefs believe the ballooning In highlighting the AID model, he mental fitness and resilience. uptake is down to the initiative – launched explained that personnel should first “It begins when a recruit or officer six years ago – now becoming far better ask their comrade if they suspected cadet joins the Service and continues known among personnel. an issue and intervene if they felt throughout their career, as well as Lt Col Jonathan Buxton (RA) – of the Army Unacceptable Behaviours team behind there was a problem. their transition to civilian life.” Speak Out – said the increase in calls was a Finally, they needed to disclose if See Defence Gateway, Defence “step change”. they believed their fellow soldier was Connect and the Army website for He continued: “It allows soldiers to pick at risk – making sure the chain of more information.

up the phone and speak to somebody who Main Graeme Picture: will listen independently and outside the chain of command. “We are able to give callers guidance to help them resolve any issues themselves, as well as signposting them SOLDIERS AND CELEBS OPEN UP ON CONFIDENCE to other resources available. Q LOVE Island host Laura Whitmore is among three celebrities to feature alongside “The large proportion of the 2019 calls – some 60 per cent – related to serving soldiers in an Army podcast exploring confidence and mental resilience. an array of professional issues and we The launch followed research that showed 89 per cent of so-called Generation were able to help take troops through the Zers believe self-confidence is important to achieving success in life, but 80 per options available.” cent think it’s hard to find in today’s society. Broad themes arising from the helpline In the second episode, footballer-turned-pundit Jermaine Jenas addresses have been presented to commanding imposter syndrome and, in the final instalment, body positivity influencer Chessie officers, regimental sergeant majors and King discusses the negative impact social media can have on confidence. others dealing with personnel issues. Call Speak Out on 0306 7704656. The Locker podcast is available on all major platforms.

10 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk [email protected]

TOP 50 TRIUMPH Q THE British Army has been included in The Times' Top 50 Employers for Women 2020. Chief of the General Staff, Gen Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, said: “To be included is recognition of the progress we continue to make to ensure that every single person counts.”

Picture: Graeme Main Graeme Picture: RESETTLEMENT REJIG QSOLDIERS handed compulsory discharges will now receive a full resettlement package in line with their years served. Funding boost for eco vehicle trials Previously, personnel shown the door had their entitlements slashed to the lowest ILENT running could become a motors to cover ground almost silently possible level – irrespective of how long they feature of Army vehicles in the as they carry out supply missions or had been in the ranks. Sfuture if a £7 million trial with reconnaissance patrols, improving But in a change of policy, the Ministry of electric drivetrains proves successful. reach, reliability and stealthiness, as Defence said it recognised that those leaving The funding will pay for energy well as sustainability. should have every opportunity for a smooth efficient technology that will be used The cutting-edge components will transition to a new career. Those departing should discuss their on SV trucks, Foxhound and Jackal 2 also allow them to operate more of circumstances with their chain of command armoured prototypes. the latest mounted and dismounted and individual education and resettlement The first phase will see the platforms technologies that are due to arrive over officer. See the Defence Connect learning and keep their diesel engines but gearboxes the next few years. development portal for further information. and drivetrains will be removed and Lt Gen Richard Nugee, head of the replaced with generators, batteries and MoD’s climate change and sustainability It is great electronics for hybrid operation. review, said: “It is great to see the Army The adoption of green technology testing electric vehicles. to be 300 is part of a defence-wide move to "It shows how seriously we are Senior warrant officers and guests will increase sustainability and reduce incorporating sustainability into our convene online this month to thrash out carbon emissions. But for troops operations, while also pushing the testing the issues facing British troops during the the benefits will be felt most out on boundaries of military innovation.” regimental sergeant majors’ convention the battlefield, where these systems Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land, IN NUMBERS have the potential to change the way NP Aerospace, General Dynamics UK, electric armoured and supply vehicles can Supacat and Magtec are creating the move around. prototypes, supporting hundreds of jobs They will be able to use electric across the UK supply chain until 2024. vehicles

FOCUSING ON FINANCES QA TWO-YEAR research programme to look into financial hardship and food poverty within the military community has been launched. Part-funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust, the study will work closely with SSAFA to collect and analyse data from serving personnel, veterans and Q THE project to modernise the Warrior fighting vehicle has notched up families of all three Services. a significant milestone with the completion of 59 battlefield missions. The Lt Gen Sir Andrew Gregory, the charity’s successful drills mean the Warrior capability sustainment programme is halfway chief executive, said: “The evidence base through its reliability growth tests. A key focus of the upgrade is the addition of of this research will enable us to plan and a new digital turret with the CT40 stabilised cannon, which will grant crews the allocate future projects and resources even

WARRIOR UPGRADE ON TRACK ability to fire on the move, as well as enhancing their situational awareness. more effectively than before.” Picture: Graeme Main Graeme Picture:

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 11 ADVENTUROUS TRAINING TAKES OFF

ARBORETUM GOES GREEN

QA NEW green space is opening at the National Memorial Arboretum this month, offering visitors a restorative area in which to gather their thoughts. The Royal British Legion’s Remembrance Glade features symbolic forms and plants, with the main QBRITISH troops have welcomed the return of speed and stamina, gliding stretches you mentally and focal point centred around a curved adventurous training following the Covid-19 lockdown, challenges your capacity to deal with multiple inputs.” mirror to reflect light and encourage with a new gliding course among the activities on offer. As with all training now, the course was adapted to contemplation. The package was successfully trialled last year but meet stringent coronavirus safety guidelines. It is situated towards the outer part its official roll-out was delayed by the pandemic. Lt Col Forde explained: “We’ve had to look at of the arboretum, next to the poppy However, introductory courses are now being staged our instructor-student ratios and minimising social fields, where a launch event will take at Upavon for units local to Salisbury Plain. interactions. So, we created bubbles, with one trainer place on September 14. And according to Lt Col Matt Forde (Rifles), and four soldiers per aircraft and inside the glider they commanding officer Adventurous Training Foundation wear facemasks.” Centre, competition to secure slots had been fierce. All adventurous training courses and expeditions are “We were pleasantly surprised by the demand – we now up and running in the UK, Cyprus and Germany. had around 550 applications for 48 places,” he said. Instructor training has also resumed in Bavaria, but a “People obviously want to do it. All adventurous decision on this year’s ski season has yet to be made. training enhances fighting spirit, mental resilience and “We are putting plans in place to deliver skiing in coping strategies and helps develop a positive mindset. the new year, but we will have to adapt accordingly as “But while mountain biking, for example, tests the pandemic progresses,” added Lt Col Forde. Picture: Peter Davies Peter Picture: Picture: Cpl Becky Brown, RLC Cpl Becky Brown, Picture: COLLEGE BEATS COVID Museum reflects on Rescript role QYOUNG Servicemen and women from Army Foundation College Harrogate notched OLDIERS and officers who and George Butler (pages 47-50) to up a notable victory against Covid-19 – deployed during the Covid-19 crisis join soldiers and record military life at completing their training in spite of the are being asked to play their part the height of the global pandemic. imposed virus lockdown. S The organisation’s new commander Lt in ensuring history is preserved for Their work – which includes sketches Col Simon Farebrother (QDG) told 400 future generations. of front-line mobile testing units and personnel recently passing out of the The Army is Bosses at the National Army recruits training during lockdown – organisation that they had pulled off a Museum are asking personnel for any may be shown at a future exhibition. “remarkable” feat, despite the challenges, artefacts and memorabilia troops have But Emma Mawdsley, the museum’s to reach their goal. in our DNA to build a collection reflecting the Op head of collections, said there was a The officer said the learning assimilated Rescript era. great deal more to the Service’s role from teaching their cohort would be applied Material being sought includes in the Covid-19 crisis. She added: “In for future courses, adding that the soldiers photos, as well as written reflections, this country the Army is in our DNA – a had “much to look forward to” in their future careers. diagrams of new equipment, building huge part of our culture. projects and information leaflets. “Minutes after arriving at Heathrow, The call was made as the museum Airport you see pictures of guardsmen CARRINGTON CALL commissioned war artists Peter Spens in bearskins – soldiers hold a special place in the nation’s history and are QUNITS are reminded that they could part of our life today. add some extra silverware to their trophy cabinet by raising cash for the “Op Rescript is a prime example of Army’s official good cause. how the Army stepped up to a national The Carrington Drum trophy emergency – so we would like to see is annually presented by ABF The anything soldiers can offer us. Soldiers’ Charity to an outfit that puts “Even small items, such as military on the best fundraising efforts for the issue facemasks, help to tell the story.” organisation. Regular and Reserve Mawdsley said that the museum regiments are eligible – entries for would also be seeking candidates to the 2021 competition close on March provide interviews about their own part 31, with the award presented at the annual ABF reception in June. in the Covid-19 period at a later date. The current holders – AFC Harrogate Anyone with material should first – have taken the trophy home for the email the musuem via [email protected] past three years. For more details visit and give a brief description of the items

www.soldierscharity.org RLC Sgt Rupert Frere Picture: they are offering.

12 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

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Contact Gav on Defence Connect GGroundround Army Sergeant Major, WO1 Gav Paton, vviewiew offers his take on Service life...

AM often of power. They even reminded of how had a Michelin-starred Imuch the Army chef-turned-soldier has changed in my serving scoff. years of service. All brought huge Take Reservists, life experience and for example. Having a range of different initially been one skills. But for me, it before I went full-time was the high standard during the 1990s, I can of soldiering that say from experience really stood out. that you could then This is no mean easily identify us feat when you from the Regulars – consider that most something that is now have demanding day near-impossible to do. jobs and freely give The quality of our their spare time to modern cohort shone serve their country. through during my There were a small recent outing with the contingent of Regulars Royal Yeomanry, who among them, but are preparing for an asking would have Lifelong learning path Op Cabrit tour. been the only way to This will be the tell them apart. S SOMEBODY who professional development first time a Reserve Our Reservists has just completed across the Service, company has deployed continue to do us They came Aa study package learning is no longer an to Poland and the proud and I have every in international defence optional bolt-on. personnel have done confidence that they from every policy and organisation, The new Army a great job in ramping will excel in eastern I’d like to make a plea to leadership and up – despite the Europe. They are corner leaders – point out your development pathway ongoing Covid crisis. certainly well prepared ETS officer to soldiers. will mean courses for Those on the pre- thanks to excellent of civvy They are an unfailingly NCOs and warrant deployment exercise instructors, who have professional group and officers being longer, at Cumbria’s Warcop maintained robust street can offer a huge range of more involved and training area came standards throughout. different courses in pretty with extra pre-reading from every corner Diversity is truly our much any subject that required. Commanders of civvy street – greatest strength. you can imagine. – you must be ready to from office workers There is a wider point release soldiers for study. to employees in O Reservists at the to be made here. With an We need to give troops Parliament’s corridors ready – p29-35 emphasis on continuous the space to develop. Suggestions sought for gym upgrades UP CLOSE Q A DRIVE is now under way to make the gym “the new bar” for Service personnel wanting to improve AND their physical and mental wellbeing. Views are being canvassed by the Regional PERSONAL Command Physical Development Branch on how facilities could be improved, whether with better What is your ideal lighting, enhanced kit or a beefed-up sound system. Q leave activity? Money is available for these upgrades and there is appetite and support for the initiative from the Seeing mum and highest parts of our Army. A dad – but the current We want to help improve gym facilities for our Covid situation, and soldiers so make sure you speak to your PTI with any their age, means it is suggestions you have. impossible Pictures: Graeme Main Graeme Pictures:

14 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

14-15-sol-sep-RL-SM-CC.indd 1 21/08/2020 15:51 [email protected] FFEARLESSEARLESS FFUNDRAISINGUNDRAISING

Grinding it out Virus warning issued ahead of return to work ARMY veteran Adrian Myatt, a former warrant officer in the RLC, HE Service’s health team are are frequently cleaned and that was among a six- reminding personnel that individuals report any potential man team hoping to TCovid-19 protection measures will symptoms immediately for the good of complete the Challenge Target: remain in place until such time as an others, as well as themselves. 72 fundraising bid £7,200 effective vaccine is developed and is “The impact of not maintaining as this issue went For: The Grenfell to press. The test readily available. these measures is potentially huge,” Foundation “With soldiers returning to the he added. will see them walk workplace after the summer break, “The virus is considered infectious 72 miles in under it’s more important than ever that 48 hours before symptoms start 72 hours while carrying 72lbs in everybody adheres to the guidelines to develop. You carry the risk of memory of the 72 lives lost in the we have put in place,” Lt Col infecting others, including vulnerable Grenfell Tower fire. To donate visit Gareth Moore (RAMC), Defence individuals, while operations The impact www.challenge72.co.uk Specialist Adviser in the Army Health and training packages could be Department, told Soldier. compromised if large numbers or key is potentially “Maintaining two-metre social individuals have to be suspended from distancing and scrupulous attention work to self-isolate for 14 days.” huge to hand hygiene remain the most For further Army-specific guidance effective methods of preventing the on Covid-19 measures read the Project spread of the virus. Phoenix force health protection “This may even be considered as instruction, which is available on effective as a vaccination. the Army Knowledge Exchange and “The risk of contracting Covid-19 is Defence Connect. ten times greater at one metre than at The Return to the Workplace brief two metres.” is available as a narrated version on The officer also pointed out how the former, and as a scripted format on critical it is that high-touch surfaces the latter. Fitness steps up Q IT PROVED to be a painstaking affair, but the effort was worth it for Maj Chris Brannigan (AGC (SPS)) as he RESERVISTS Pte Tom Warburton completed his barefoot walk from Land’s End to Edinburgh. The officer raised a staggering £620,000 towards a (Mercian) and WO2 Dan Mills (Para) – gene therapy for daughter Hasti, who has Cornelia de Lange Syndrome. There is no current cure for the condition. the bestselling author of Sniper One – have joined forces to assist Help for Heroes with the launch of its new socially distanced sponsored fitness challenge. Step 2 It asks participants to complete 10,000 steps a day for 30 days. It was devised in response to a forecasted 40 per cent drop in fundraising income due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Register at www.step2it.helpforheroes.org.uk MISSION COMPLETE

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14-15-sol-sep-RL-SM-CC.indd 2 21/08/2020 15:52 16-sol-sep.indd 1 17/08/2020 13:52 [email protected]

LAST month’s clues would have been a cinch for keen historians who know their commanders from the Second TomTom sat nav World War’s Far worth £379 East theatre. This month, we have teamed up with TomTom (www.tomtom.com) to offer you the chance to win a GO Camper camping-specific satnav. “Staycations” are becoming more popular as travel restrictions, unnecessarily long journeys and expensive accommodation lead to Virtual fight club is a knockout Brits swapping the Costa Del Sol for Cornwall. Navigation expert TomTom and Covid pandemic sparks creation of a new video gaming realm to help troops stay sharp ACSI, Europe’s leading campsite expert, have released a collection N ONLINE soldier community up new possibilities. of more than 9,000 points of that has been deploying video He pointed out that the ability for interest to help holidaymakers plan Agames to help keep battlefield troops to remotely convene, debrief a their next trip. skills sharp has started to attract top- situation and discuss alternative tactics To have a chance of winning level interest. had significant potential. simply tell us what links the clues Players in the tri-Service UK Fight With some members putting on the spine of this month’s Club have turned to wargaming titles together their own custom-built magazine. Answers – including as a way of engaging each other scenarios mimicking real-life situations, daytime phone number – to [email protected] online and practising manoeuvres that the format allowed for experience to by September 30. could be used on real-life exercises. easily be shared. Now, having picked up some 300 Capt Elliott added: “The successful members in the last six months alone, nights we have organised so far have the initiative’s leaders have briefed top improved soldiers’ tactical thinking and brass – including Chief of the General analysis skills. Sir Tom goes to college Staff Gen Sir Mark Carleton-Smith – on “There have been quite a number of the project’s potential. people at unit level joining us since the CAPTAIN Sir Tom Moore met junior soldiers and received his rank slides UK Fight Club administrator Capt Covid pandemic started and this has at the Army Foundation College in Oli Elliott (pictured right, Mercian) helped the community to expand his new role as Honorary Colonel. revealed that the initial concept had very quickly.” The centenarian visited the grown from a training analysis project The officer continued: “The UK They have Harrogate site and saw some of the at Army HQ. Fight Club is also currently involved in basic training and vocational tuition But the Covid pandemic had several projects – including working improved that the institution provides. provided added impetus – with remote with partners to improve the realism of He said: ‘‘It is a real honour to working giving soldiers the space to the software engines. have been made Honorary Colonel set up imaginative battlefield serials. “We are planning to host contests soldiers’ skills and I am just so pleased I was able to visit the college. Capt Elliott added: “We’ve been between different units to put the “The skills I learnt in the Army using a number of titles, such as tactical abilities of one outfit against benefitted me throughout my life Combat Mission: Shock Force 2, to play another, which will be interesting.” and it was wonderful watching the out several different scenarios. Personnel who would like to sign up training in action and speaking with “The participants fight through should first follow the community on the soldiers just starting out – I wish the campaign before using an online Twitter at the handle @UKFightClub1 them all well.” forum to discuss what they did, as well – and enquire with the administrators. as how they could improve in future.” “Whether you are a private hoping While the Army has used games to to gain tactical knowledge before a train soldiers in the past – with the junior NCO course, or a lieutenant Operation Flashpoint engine providing colonel looking for an easy option the basis for PC-based convoy to test your ability to command a simulations during Telic and Herrick – battlegroup, please get in touch,” Capt

Capt Elliott said the latest tech opened Elliott said. RLC Cpl Becky Brown, Picture:

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QINSTRUCTORS from ATR Pirbright hosted their very own Doko challenge on the training ground’s infamous Concrete Hill and raised more than £3,000 for an NHS charity. Based on the traditional Gurkha recruitment race, 20 permanent staff took part in the early morning challenge that involved teams of five carrying a 20kg traditional woven Nepalese basket over a distance of five kilometres with a target time of under one hour. Event organiser Cpl Dikendra Gurung (RLC) decided to replicate the tests that aspiring young Gurkhas face in Nepal in order to raise money for the NHS. Museum Tank The Picture: He said: “The Doko challenge is hard work. The demands it puts on you to complete it as fast as you can in order to be selected are enormous – I compared that to what the NHS has faced over the last few Online event off with a bang months in dealing with Covid-19.” HE world’s first live-streamed recreated into live shows for the virtual Tankfest attracted one million showcase and featured The Tank Tviewers and raised more than Museum’s Vickers Medium, Crusader £80,000 after the original event was and Tortoise vehicles. cancelled because of Covid-19. “It was a quick turnaround and we Due to take place in Bovington, the called in other museums in Belgium, armoured extravaganza was expected Holland, Austria, America and Canada to attract 25,000 tank enthusiasts but to help,” explained curator David Willey. was instead transformed into a ground- “It led to a successful international breaking three-hour fundraiser that collaboration and highlights included allowed fans to watch blazing tracked America’s M1 Abrams firing its gun. battles from home. “Footage from previous years was Footage of the world’s biggest used but we also had new angles display of historic armour was filmed from inside the vehicles.” Picture: Cpl Rob Kane, RLC Cpl Rob Kane, Picture: DEFENCE MASTERS We don’t Q PERSONNEL equipping themselves with want to the skills to deal with emerging threats are set to benefit with a new course from the Defence Academy. deter people In partnership with King’s College London, the organisation has launched Catterick safety campaign launched a MSc study programme that focuses on Q defence innovation. THE Defence Infrastructure The DIO adopts a range of Part of an initiative to modernise joint Organisation (DIO) has launched measures to keep users of the training professional military education, the course a hard-hitting safety campaign to estate safe including flags, digital will equip students with problem solving prevent serious accidents on the signage and employing wardens. But abilities and experience to deal with a range training area at Catterick. these are often ignored. of scenarios. Entitled “The Training Estate Isn’t”, Brig Jonathan Bartholomew, head it is the first phase of a wider effort of DIO’s overseas and training region, PARENTS’ MILESTONE to warn users of the dangers of said: “The Catterick training area accessing such sites when it is not offers some beautiful footpaths and QAN INITIATIVE dedicated to those safe to do so. bridleways and we don’t want to raising children has just added its It comes after research revealed deter people from accessing them. 3,000th member – and is continuing that the Catterick area has a high “But we want you, your families to grow. number of incursions, particularly and the local community to use them The popular Army Parents’ Network, by military personnel and their responsibly. The military trains every based around a closed Facebook families, with hundreds of near misses day, so only visit the training area group, aims to give those looking after youngsters support, help and advice. recorded during a six-month period. where and when it is safe to do so. It also offers some handy hints on A near miss is counted when “Just because you can’t see or hear day-to-day issues. unauthorised users come within 200 a live exercise doesn’t mean that it Search for the group on the social metres of a live exercise. isn’t taking place.” networking site for more information.

18 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

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1 KNOWKNOWEXPERIENCE | HEALTH | CASH | FITNESS | KITBAG I’d be Without theArmy different path vulnerable youngsters choose a dealing drugs.Now he’s helping Rutledge (WG) served timefor As ateenager SgtRhys started takingdrugsmyself. of poundsindebtandby stage this Ihad SD\WKHPRƬś,ZDVWHQVRIWKRXVDQGV dealers, Iwas forced tosellmore gear to spiral outofcontrol. sentence began –that things toreally – after servinghalfofmy 16-month in really large quantities. grew andgrew. network got bigger businessjust andthe and went ontocollege, where my money andpopularity. I wanted what they had;street cred, of older guys that Ilooked uptoand a user–at schoolthere were acouple arrangement for meat time–Iwasn’t the intent tosupply. possession ofClassAsubstanceswith by by timeIwas the 19Iwas inprisonfor I WASW sellingdrugsat age the of15and WAS se It was awful dealers –the were Because Istillowed money tothe But itwasn’t untilIgot outofprison By timeIgot the caught,Iwas dealing Despite this, Ileft good with grades itwasAlthough purely abusiness the tim dead London, guarding Queen. the as takingpartinceremonial dutiesin Romania, Germany andBelize,aswell was Falklands, senttoAfghanistan,the to Kenya andover nextfew the years I Battalion, Welsh Guards, Ideployed desperately beenneeding. disciplineand structureme the Ihad turned my life around becauseitgave broke medown andrebuilt me. and throughout my basictraining they chance onme. UHFUXLWPHQWRƱFHDQGWKH\WRRND my totake mother Army metothe some structure inmy life, soIbegged had got myself inwas outofcontrol. they couldn’t situation helpmeandthe I contemplated suicide. loved onesandat my lowest pointIeven taunting andterrorising meandmy But itwas only duringarecent Within sixweeks ofjoining1st militaryreallyEnlisting inthe The instructors saw measachallenge I hadreached rock bottom.Ineeded My family were distraught because 2 1 / 0 8 / 2 0 2 0

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deployment to Afghanistan on Op Toral that I started to really think about how far I had come – I had promoted to sergeant by this stage and my life had turned out really well. The bed space I was in reminded me of my prison cell and I began to wonder what had happened to those I knew inside and decided that I wanted to try and help other young people who found themselves in situations like I had. I thought that by going into prisons and speaking to those who think everyone has given up on them I could show them there is hope. With help from the police, prison services and Life Maps – a military engagement team youth initiative – I set up a scheme called Defeat Don’t Repeat (DDR). 7KHSLORWZDVDƮYHGD\UHVLGHQWLDOSURJUDPPHUXQ at Longmoor Training Area for 13 children who had been specially selected from London schools. The course now comprises low-level military training and challenges that promote teamwork and discipline including assault courses, casevac VFHQDULRVDQGGULOO,WDOVRWHDFKHVWKHPƮUVWDLGVNLOOV OLNHDSSO\LQJWRXUQLTXHWVDQGƮUVWƮHOGGUHVVLQJVś basically how to save a life if they see someone who has been attacked in the street. They are given the chance to talk about topics that youngsters are faced with today, such as racism, religion and gang culture. It’s all designed to take them out of their comfort zone, build up their FRQƮGHQFHDQGLQVSLUHWKHPZKLOH helping them realise there is more to life than the gangs, drugs and knife crime they might be caught up in. At the end they are presented ZLWKDFHUWLƮFDWH,WGRHVQŞW sound like much, but these are kids that have never been listened to or told ‘well done’, so it means a lot to them. Unfortunately, because of the recent pandemic we’ve had to delay the next course but I’m hoping it will be able to go ahead soon and in the future I would like to roll out DDR so that other units can get involved. If I hadn’t joined the Army I would be dead now or serving a very, very long prison sentence, so this is my way of giving something back to society,ety 3UR´OH as well as saying sorry for my past aandnd for what I put my family through. Name: Sgt Rhys Rutledge, 1st Battalion, Welsh Guards Age: 34 Hometown: Rhos-on-Sea, OTo follow Sgt Rutledge’s project North Wales search “Defeat Don’t Repeat” Military service: on Facebook. 2009-present

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 21

20-21-sol-sep N2K Exp-SM-RL-CC.indd 2 21/08/2020 17:20 Admin

silly niggles that can ruin your day on exercise – and how to avoid them

THE Covid-19 pandemic saw much of the Army’s training activities mothballed, but now the loosening of restrictions is heralding a welcome UHWXUQWRWKHƮHOGIRUPDQ\VROGLHUV Whether you are new to the Service, or just a bit rusty after months of lockdown, check out this advice from Army medic Cpl Peter Day (RAMC) about the common – and preventable – issues he treats on exercise…

To pop or 1. Blisters not to pop? 6RPHSHRSOHVXƬHUIURP Cpl Day says… these more than others, but they are very common, especially if Resist the temptation to pop \RXŞUHGRLQJDORWRIWDEELQJ7KHNH\ a blister and don’t stick tape directly on top as this will rip thing in terms of prevention is to keep the skin, leaving you open \RXUIHHWFOHDQDQGGU\

22 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

22-23-sol-sep N2K ExAdmin-SM-RL-CC.indd 20 21/08/2020 13:25

5. Headaches

People often come to me complaining HEALTH of headaches and most of the time it’s just that they haven’t eaten or drunk HQRXJK+DYHVRPHLEXSURIHQDQG paracetamol with you in your kit, but don’t just take it for the sake of it, and Most of these things come down make sure you take on food and water to being well prepared. The other ƮUVW

Social distancing can’t always be maintained in the field, so it’s vitally important to follow the force health protection measures &KD´QJ put in place by your unit to prevent the spread of Covid-19. This is highly uncomfortable and XVXDOO\DƬHFWV\RXULQQHUWKLJKVDQG These include: WKHVNLQXQGHU\RXUZHEELQJ0DNLQJVXUH OBeing rigorous with hygiene – \RXUNLWƮWVZHOOLVWKHƮUVWVWHSWRZDUGV wash your hands thoroughly with soap SUHYHQWLRQDQGGRQŞWJRFRPPDQGR9DVHOLQH and water whenever you get the chance. will help to reduce the friction when you’re Where this isn’t possible, use hand moving around but it’s best not to apply it sanitiser often. Avoid touching your face ZKLOH\RXDUHUHVWLQJ,QVWHDGZHDUORRVH if you can and sneeze or cough into your FORWKLQJDQGOHWWKHDUHDDLU1DSS\ elbow or a tissue rash creams are also soothing – but ensure you choose the OCleaning high-touch surfaces, breathable kind such as steering wheels and door handles regularly and/or in between individual users

OSticking within your team – “cohorting” may be used to prevent 2. Twisted unnecessary contact between different groups of personnel, so keep your ankles distance from anyone you don’t work with closely These are another common occurrence, so watch your footing and wear the correct boots for the training OSleeves policy – you can wear your \RXDUHGRLQJ

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 23

22-23-sol-sep N2K ExAdmin-SM-RL-CC.indd 21 21/08/2020 13:25 CASH Quick wins DRINKS ON THE GO save How to 7KDWGDLO\FDSSXFFLQRRQWKHZD\WRZRUNPLJKWRQO\FRVW \RXeEXWRYHUD\HDUWKDWDGGVXSWRDZKRSSLQJ £4,300 per £587.50*HW\RXUVHOIDQLQVXODWHGPXJRUưDVNDQG EULQJ\RXURZQFRƬHHLQVWHDG7KHVDPHJRHVIRUZDWHUś year without VZDSSLQJWKHERWWOHGNLQG FRVWLQJDQDYHUDJHRISSHU OLWUH IRUWDSZDWHU SSHUOLWUH śFRXOGFXW\RXUVSHQGLQJ really trying E\DQRWKHU£474LI\RXGULQNWKHUHFRPPHQGHGWZR OLWUHVSHUGD\ GROCERY SHOPPING

LOOK after the pennies and the pounds look after $FFRUGLQJWR/RYH)RRG+DWH:DVWHWKHDYHUDJH themselves as the old saying goes. IDPLO\WKURZVDZD\DOPRVWeZRUWKRIIRRGWKDW That’s certainly the mantra of the folks from the Money ZDVERXJKWEXWQRWHDWHQHYHU\PRQWKśWKDWŞVDURXQG Advice Service (moneyadviceservice.org.uk). £720 D\HDU(YHQLI\RXŞUHVLQJOHLWŞVHDV\WRJHW The website has loads of handy information on OXUHGLQWREX\LQJPRUHWKDQ\RXQHHGDQGLI\RX budgeting, borrowing, pensions, insurance and more, as JRVKRSSLQJWZLFHDZHHNVSHQGLQJDWHQQHUH[WUD ZHOODVDIUHHVDYLQJVFDOFXODWRUDQGƮQDQFLDOKHDOWKFKHFN HDFKWLPHLWDGGVXSWRPRUHWKDQ£1,000 per We’ve selected some of their top tips for cutting down on \HDU7KURZSODVWLFEDJVLQWRWKHHTXDWLRQDQGWKDWŞV unnecessary spending. Best of all? They involve minimal DQRWKHUeJRQH7RDYRLGVRPHRIWKHVHSLWIDOOV HƬRUWśLWŞVZLQZLQŦ SODQ\RXUZHHNO\PHQXFDUHIXOO\PDNHDVKRSSLQJ H M Forces OLVWDQGVWLFNWRLW%ULQJWKDWEDJIRUOLIHWRR TRAVEL Number: 1254869 VALID 12 MONTHS PHONE BILLS FROM DATE SHOWN O FIND CHEAP FUEL 13 May 2022 Dior suntem ide iminctotatur acest, offi Think supermarket, not service station when ci si cupta sit quis dolorempor OHANG ON TO YOUR OLD LWFRPHVWRƮOOLQJXS7DNLQJWKHWLPHWRƮQG HANDSET&RQWUDFWVIRUWKHODWHVW Issued by. ______ORZHUFRVWSHWURODQGGLHVHOPD\RQO\VKDYH L3KRQHFDQWRSDQH\HZDWHULQJeD SHQQLHVRƬRQHDFKLQGLYLGXDOYLVLWEXW PRQWKEXW\RXFDQƮQG6,0RQO\GHDOV PetrolPrices.comHVWLPDWHVLWFRXGDGGXSWR IRUOHVVWKDQDWHQQHU7KDWŞVDGLƬHUHQFHRIPRUH DVDYLQJRIDURXQG£230SHU\HDU9LVLWWKH than £1,000D\HDU ZHEVLWHRUGRZQORDGWKHDSSIRUIUHH OTARGET YOUR TARIFF0RVWSHRSOHSD\ IRUPRUHPLQXWHVWH[WVDQGGDWDWKDQWKH\XVH $FFRUGLQJWRWKH&RPSHWLWLRQDQG0DUNHWV OGET YOURSELF A RAILCARD OTHINK AHEAD $XWKRULW\VHYHQRXWRIWHQFXVWRPHUVFRXOGVDYH 7KH)RUFHV5DLOFDUGFRVWVeDQG %RRNLQJZHOOLQDGYDQFHFDQVDYH\RX £222D\HDUE\VZLWFKLQJWRDWDULƬWKDWEHWWHU HQWLWOHV\RXWRDWKLUGRƬPRVWWUDLQ XSWRSHUFHQWEXWHYHQEX\LQJWKH VXLWVWKHLUQHHGV0DNHDQRWHRIZKHQ\RXU MRXUQH\V,WŞVZRUWKKDYLQJHYHQLI WLFNHWWKHGD\EHIRUHFRXOGNQRFNDIHZ FXUUHQWSODQLVGXHWRHQGVR\RXNQRZZKHQ \RXDUHQŞWDIUHTXHQWWUDYHOOHU)RU TXLGRƬWKHSULFH&KHFNWKHFXWRƬIRU \RXFDQVZLWFKZLWKRXWSRWHQWLDOIHHV5LQJ H[DPSOHLI\RXPDNHMXVWIRXURƬ \RXUORFDOWUDLQFRPSDQ\śW\SLFDOO\LWŞV \RXUSURYLGHUDQGWHOOWKHP\RXZDQWWROHDYH SHDNUHWXUQWULSVIURP$QGRYHUWR HLWKHURUPLGQLJKWWKHSUHYLRXV *HWWKURXJKWRWKHUHWHQWLRQRUGLVFRQQHFWLRQV /RQGRQ\RXFRXOGVDYHDURXQG GD\)DPLOLDULVH\RXUVHOIZLWKRƬSHDN GHSDUWPHQWśWKH\KDYHWKHSRZHU £50, which more than DQGVXSHURƬSHDNWLPLQJVWRGULYHWKH &KDQFHVDUHWKH\ŞOORƬHU\RXDEHWWHU FRYHUVWKHIHHIRUWKHFDUG FRVWGRZQIXUWKHU GHDORQ\RXUSDFNDJHKDQGVHWRUERWK FITNESS

With pools now open for business after lockdown, Army swimming coach Garry Mitchell (ex-REME) offers advice on how to improve your form in the water

O Get a coach; RUƮQGD O Look to get some FOXEZKHUH\RXFDQUHFHLYH observational feedback or VRPHIRUPRIWUDLQLQJ7KDWZD\ DVNVRPHRQHWRYLGHR\RXXQGHU \RXZLOOPDNHPRUHFRQVWUXFWLYH DQGDERYHWKHZDWHULISRVVLEOH XVHRI\RXUWLPHLQWKHSRRO 7KHUHDUHSOHQW\RIZHEVLWHV 7KHWHQGHQF\IRUDORWRISHRSOH WKDWSURPRWHVZLPPLQJDQGLW who swim on their own is to is important to compare what GRZKDWWKH\DUHFRPIRUWDEOH \RXDUHGRLQJWRVRPHWKLQJ ZLWKZKLFKPHDQVWKH\GRQRW PHDQLQJIXO$ORWRIWKHWLPH YDU\WKHLUSURJUDPPHHQRXJKRU SHRSOHWKLQNWKH\KDYHFKDQJHG LQFRUSRUDWHWKHULJKWHOHPHQWVWR HOHPHQWVRIWKHLUWHFKQLTXH VHHUHVXOWV ZKHQLQIDFWWKH\KDYHQŞW

O Realistically, you should O Check out ‘Off the Blocks’, look to change your routine DIUHHRQOLQHSURJUDPPHIURP every six weeks WRDYRLGWKDW %ULWLVK6ZLPPLQJ+HUH\RXZLOO FRPIRUW]RQH ƮQGORWVRIDGYLFHYLGHRVDQG FRDFKLQJSRLQWVWKDWZLOOUHDOO\ O,QVWHDGRIMXVWMXPSLQJLQ KHOS\RXLPSURYH DQGVZLPPLQJPHWUHV break your routine down For more updates from 7U\WRVZLPVOLJKWO\IDVWHUDQG the sport join the British WKHQWDNHDUHVW7HQVHWVRI Army Swimming Union PHWUHVLVIDUPRUHSURGXFWLYH Facebook group or follow @ WKDQDVWUDLJKWPHWUHSORG britisharmyswim on Twitter

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 25 3LFWXUH6KXWWHUVWRFN Shooting Need to swot up on foreign weaponry? Here’s why the Small Arms School Corps collection should be your ´UVWSRUWRIFDOO

STAR WHEN Sgt Joel Coleman (pictured above, AGC (RMP)) was selected to take part in the US Military Police Competitive Challenge, he found himself in a bit of a bind. He felt honoured to be representing the British Army in the prestigious contest, a test of policing and soldiering skills held annually at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. %XWLWZDVDVWHSLQWRWKHXQNQRZQWKLVZDVWKHƮUVWWLPHHYHU that a non-US team had been invited to participate so there were no British personnel who could provide an insight into what to expect – and the weapons systems they’d be using would be US Army standard issue. Š:HFRXOGQŞWDƬRUGWROHWWKHVLGHGRZQ\HWZHZHUHJXLQHD pigs, basically,” explained Sgt Coleman. “We had been invited to take part to see if it worked for both sides, but we knew little of the M4 carbine or the M17 pistol. IN NUMBERS “Good workmen can’t blame their tools though, so I gave the Small Arms School Corps (SASC) a call to see if they could help us out.” They could. Together with teammate Cpl Jordan Main, he 2,000 spent the day at the SASC’s collection at Warminster, a magical Number of weapons PHQDJHULHRIPHWDOZDUHFRQWDLQLQJVRPHƮUHDUPVXSWR in the collection 40mm calibre. Some of the pieces are incredibly rare, including the Tinker’s Mortar of 1688 – the earliest form of grenade launcher and one of only two in the world (the other is in the Tower of London 3,000 armoury) – plus Napoleon Bonaparte’s duelling pistols. Also housed there are American Civil War muskets, Anglo- Visitors per year =XOX:DUULưHVWKHLFRQLF7KRPSVRQVXEPDFKLQHJXQXVHGE\ American gangsters in the 1920s and just about every variant of the ubiquitous AK-47. 7KHUHŞVQRƮULQJUDQJHEXWDQ\RQHFDQSLFNXSIHHOWKH 4,000 weapons and receive a detailed brief. Weapon loans “The collection is amazing and as we’ve moved away from ops per year to units in Afghanistan and Iraq the clientele here are mainly dealing deploying with deployments on short-term training teams,” explained one KITBAG

If you would like to visit the SASC collection telephone mil: 94381 2496 of the instructors, WO2 Alan Grierson (pictured below, SASC). “Getting hands on and understanding the way the American “Depending on the country they are going to determines what weapons worked was vital for us.” weapon system they need training on. Sgt Coleman was aware of the SASC’s collections through his “Nine times out of ten STTTs will be doing tactics and current unit, 2 Military Intelligence (Exploitation) Battalion. training with the host nation’s forces so they need to be au fait “We use it for regular courses and pre-deployment training to ZLWKRSHUDWLQJWKHLUULưHVDQGKDQGJXQV6DIHW\LVYLWDOš give our people a base level understanding of the weapons we He added: “Troops can come here by appointment, but if it’s a might encounter on the job,” he explained. whole unit or lots of personnel deploying we’ll take the weapons “We are an unusual, specialist unit responsible for gathering to them.” forensic evidence from an incident wherever it occurs around Being just a team of two, Sgt Coleman and Cpl Main spent the world and feeding intelligence back to commanders. the day at the facility with an instructor providing a tour “As a result, we need to keep our knowledge up on all sorts of the museum. They also received a thorough brief on the of weapons, what country they come from, how they work and ZHDSRQVWKH\ZHUHVSHFLƮFDOO\LQWHUHVWHGLQDVZHOODVVRPH know when they are safe or not. familiarisation training and handling tests. “Thankfully for us, the expertise they’ve got at the SASC “I had used the C8 – our equivalent of the M4 – in the past FROOHFWLRQLVULGLFXORXVO\JRRGśRXUXQLWKDGDPLQXWHEULHI EXWZDVVWLOOVXUSULVHGE\WKHGLƬHUHQFHVWRWKH6$ULưHš6JW just on the AK-47 and its variants. Coleman recalled. “I don’t think there’s a lot of awareness around the Army of Š$OOWKHEXWWRQVDUHLQDGLƬHUHQWSODFHVRLWFDQWDNHDOLWWOH this resource and the expertise available. while to get used to – the M4’s magazine release switch is where “Anyone serving can – and probably should – request a visit.” the SA80’s safety is, for example, which can potentially catch you out. “The M4’s light weight also surprised me and the fact \RXGRQŞWKDYHWRJHW\RXUKDQGRƬLWVJULSWRFKDQJH DID YOU KNOW? modes from safe to single shot to fully automatic – it can all be done with your thumb still on the grip, which you can’t do on the SA80.” The collection itself is funded by a charitable trust, The pair acquitted themselves well in last with a group of mainly former Service personnel 6HSWHPEHUŞVFRQWHVWHYHQWXDOO\ƮQLVKLQJKDOIZD\ serving on the board. Some have even donated WKURXJKDƮHOGFRQWDLQLQJHOLWH$PHULFDQ their own weapons. military police teams. Regular users include soldiers deploying “The US Army seemed to enjoy us being on Operations Shader and Tosca, STTTs, there and I think we’re hoping to make specialised infantry, special forces, ITDU competing in the contest a regular thing and DSTL staff, as well as civilian police. once the world returns to normal,”

added the NCO. Main Graeme Pictures:

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 27

Royal Yeomanry leads vital operational deployment to Poland kk

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 29

29-35 Sol-sep Royal Yeomanry-SM-RL-CC.indd 29 21/08/2020 17:52 :HKDYHDF\EHUDQDO\VWDQGDPHQWDO KHDOWKQXUVHGHSOR\LQJZLWKXV Words: Georgina Coupe/Steve Muncey Pictures: Graeme Main, Cpl Simon Watson, RLC Main, Cpl Simon Watson, Graeme Pictures: Muncey Coupe/Steve Georgina Words:

HE next rotation of British troops to bolster the Nato 7KHWZRXQLWVWRJHWKHUIRUPWKHOLJKWFDYDOU\UHFRQQDLVVDQFH battlegroup in Poland will be a historic one. FRPSRQHQWRIWK,QIDQWU\%ULJDGH T )RUWKHƮUVWWLPHHYHUDFRPSOHWH5HVHUYHVXEXQLW /DVW\HDUQLQH5<SHUVRQQHOZHUHFDOOHGXSRQWRVXSSRUW DXJPHQWHGE\DQXPEHURI5HJXODU$UP\SHUVRQQHOZLOO WKH4'*LQ3RODQGDQGLQWKUHHRƱFHUVDQGVROGLHUV GHSOR\RQ2SHUDWLRQ&DEULW ZHUHGHSOR\HG7KHIRUPHUZRUNHGLQDOLDLVRQUROHZLWKWKH86 )RUWKH5R\DO

30 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

29-35 Sol-sep Royal Yeomanry-SM-RL-CC.indd 30 21/08/2020 17:52 31-sol-sep.indd 1 17/08/2020 13:54 IN NUMBERS 32 Armoured platforms 68 Vehicles in the fleet

80 Reserves, rising to 90 by the end of the tour 54 Regulars, dropping to 44

32 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk Operating the Jackal – an open- topped vehicle – in extreme cold weather is a challenge in itself

kkbeing able to use professional civilian expertise will be really useful to us. “For example, we have a cyber analyst and a mental health nurse deploying and sometimes they are a better source of knowledge than other Regular soldiers.” With freezing temperatures expected during Eastern Europe’s long, cold winter months, the reconnaissance troops will FRQGXFW$UFWLFZDUIDUHWUDLQLQJLQFRXQWU\EHIRUHWKHRƱFLDO handover of command takes place on October 19. “Operating the Jackal – an open-topped vehicle – in extreme cold weather is a challenge in itself and after 15 minutes of GULYLQJDWVSHHGVRINSKWKHFUHZZLOOQHHGWRMXPSRƬDQG complete warm-up drills,” he adds. “And of course, there is the additional issue of Covid-19 and preparing for the possibility of a second wave. These factors will slow down the plan, but it just means that we have to be more methodical and ensure we mitigate the risks as best we can.” Despite initial delays in the delivery of some training caused by the pandemic, the Reservists have worked hard to catch up DQGDUHQRZƮUPO\EDFNRQWUDFNIRUDGHSOR\PHQWWKDWZLOOVHH them provide a reconnaissance and scouting capability to the Nato deterrent in the Baltic States. It’s essential the light cavalry mounted regiment are as FRPSHWHQWDQGFRQƮGHQWGULYLQJDQGRSHUDWLQJVSHFLDOLVW equipment at night as they are in daytime, and a round-the- clock training package has ensured they are as well trained as their Regular counterparts. After completing a programme on the Combined Arms Tactical Trainer, the mobilised troops moved onto Salisbury Plain. Here, they began a tactical phase that saw them carry out both mounted and dismounted urban attacks, cross country DQGUXUDOWUDLQLQJREVWDFOHFURVVLQJVƮHOGFUDIWDQGRWKHU HVVHQWLDOUHFRQQDLVVDQFHVSHFLƮFOHVVRQV DKHDGRIDƮQDO FRQƮUPDWLRQH[HUFLVHWKLVPRQWK kk

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 33 34 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk kk Troop leader Lt Courtenay Hallwood (pictured below, RY) “Carrying half of your bodyweight sucks and I put a lot of mobilised in May and will be responsible for a 12-man section pressure on myself to train hard in order to meet the standard, GXULQJKHUƮUVWRSHUDWLRQDOWRXU but if I can do it, I think anyone can,” she said. “I’m a civilian management consultant and joined the “I’m really proud and excited to be part of the deployment Reserves three years ago – it’s great because I have the best of and to see how other nations operate and work with them.” both worlds,” she explains. Alongside its incredible speed and agility, the Jackal comes “I’m particularly looking forward to the Arctic warfare HTXLSSHGZLWKDVXEVWDQWLDODPRXQWRIƮUHSRZHUDQGWKHFUHZV WUDLQLQJDQGRSHUDWLQJLQVXFKDGLƬHUHQWHQYLURQPHQW have been trained comprehensively on a wide range of weapon although there will obviously be challenges in making sure systems. These include the Javelin, heavy machine gun, HYHU\RQHLVVDIHDQGWKDWZHGRQŞWVXƬHUIURPDQ\ grenade machine gun, general-purpose machine gun and the cold climate injuries. VKDUSVKRRWHUULưH “I’ve got a combined squad of Reservists, Maj Matthews explains that while Op Cabrit is not expected some who have completed tours before and to be kinetic in the same way that his previous tours of others who are ex-Regulars, so we have a Afghanistan were – when British troops were engaged with good range of experience. ƮJKWLQJDQDFWLYHHQHP\śLWLVLPSRUWDQWWKH\DUHUHDG\WR “But, ultimately, everyone has volunteered respond immediately to any threat or aggression against them, and chosen to be here, and it shows. or the area they are tasked to protect. “The teams really are outstanding, and “While we are there, we will be working with a multinational I’m pleased with the way we have brigade that includes Romanian air defence and Croatian artillery integrated.” units, as well as the American and Polish armies,” he concludes. $VRQHRIRQO\ƮYHIHPDOHVWR “And at the end of the six months I want them to come back deploy she is keen to dispel any as the best light cavalry squadron in the Service. They will be a myths that women aren’t capable well-trained winter recce formation. of the physical aspects such a “There won’t be many, if any, in the rest of the British Army challenging job entails. that will have had that amount of training and experience.” Q

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 35 Email: [email protected]

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36-sol-sep.indd 1 18/08/2020 09:48 Training ramps up as troops prepare for new African adventure kk Words: Richard Long Pictures: MoD and Shutterstock Long Pictures: Richard Words:

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 37 E ARE in an excellent place and this is one Š,WZDVDOVRDFKDQFHWRJHWWRNQRZWKHIDFHVLQWKHWDVNJURXS of the best-prepared operations I have ever Š:HFRQGXFWHGDUDQJHRIPLQLPLVVLRQVVXFKDVFRUGRQDQG seen,” Maj Johnny Black tells Soldier as he VHDUFKRSHUDWLRQVDQGFLYLOHQJDJHPHQWWDVNVWRH[WUDFWKXPDQ “W ORRNVDKHDGWRWKH$UP\ŞVƮUVWGHSOR\PHQW LQIRUPDWLRQDQGGLGDYDULHW\RIPHGLFDOWUDLQLQJDQGFRXQWHU on the UN peacekeeping mission in Mali. ,('GULOOV:HZHUHDOVRDEOHWRLQWHJUDWHDOORXUGLƬHUHQWDVVHWV $VRƱFHUFRPPDQGLQJ$6TXDGURQ/LJKW'UDJRRQVKH śIURPVXUYHLOODQFHWRHOHFWURQLFZDUIDUHš will play a pivotal role in the long-range reconnaissance task 7KHIRUPDWLRQZLOOHPEDUNRQDIXOOPLVVLRQUHKHDUVDO JURXSWKDWZLOOEROVWHUWKHHƬRUWVRIWKHPXOWLQDWLRQDO H[HUFLVHLQWKHFRPLQJZHHNVEHIRUHDWWHQWLRQWXUQVWR SHUVRQQHOZKRDUHVWULYLQJWRVWDELOLVHDFRXQWU\UDYDJHGE\ performing the non-combat role for real when their six-month FKURQLFSRYHUW\LQVWDELOLW\DQGJHQGHULQHTXDOLW\ WRXUVWDUWVLQ'HFHPEHU :LWKWHUURULVPDQGFRQưLFWDOVRRQWKHULVHFRXSOHGZLWKWKH 6HOHFWLRQIRUWKHWDVNDGGVDIXUWKHUIHDWKHULQWKHFDSIRUWKH IDFWWKLVLVRQHRIWKHZRUOGŞVPRVWYXOQHUDEOHUHJLRQVWRWKH /LJKW'UDJRRQVZKRZHUHWKHƮUVW$UP\XQLWWRGHSOR\RQ2S HƬHFWVRIFOLPDWHFKDQJHWKHVWURQJ%ULWLVKFRQWLQJHQWZLOO &DEULWLQ3RODQG face a considerable test when they arrive in Africa. “In terms of retention, this is a massive positive and everyone LVYHU\H[FLWHGWREHJRLQJšWKHRƱFHUDGGV Š3HRSOHMRLQWKH$UP\IRUDYDULHW\RIUHDVRQVEXWRQHRIWKH PDLQRQHVLVWRVROGLHU'HSOR\LQJRQRSHUDWLRQVLVVROGLHULQJś The area we are DQGWKLVLVYHU\PXFKWKDW Š2XUMREZLOOEHWRSXVKRXWDQGXQGHUVWDQGWKHKXPDQ terrain, give feeds to the UN and make assessments on the going to in the north VHFXULW\VLWXDWLRQIRUSHRSOHLQDUHDVWKDWDUHGLƱFXOWWRUHDFK Š,WLVDQHZWRXUDQGLWZLOOEHDGLƬHUHQWUROHZRUNLQJZLWK HDVWLVDKLVWRULFURXWH WKH81EXWLWLVRQHZHDUHORRNLQJIRUZDUGWRš And while being excited by what lies ahead, the soldiers DUHDOVRIXOO\DZDUHRIWKHFRPSOLFDWHGEDFNGURSWKH\ZLOOƮQG IRUDYDULHW\RIGLƬHUHQW themselves in. Maj Black explains: “It is complex in the fact there are a WUDƱFNLQJLQFOXGLQJ YDULHW\RIGLƬHUHQWDFWRUVLQSOD\DQGWKHUHLVDOVRVLJQLƮFDQW YLROHQFHWKDWHEEVDQGưRZV LOOHJDOGUXJVIURP6RXWK “There are two extremist organisations who follow the ideologies of Isis and Al-Qaeda and on top of that everyone is trying to make a living. America – everything Š7KHDUHDZHDUHJRLQJWRLQWKHQRUWKHDVWLVDKLVWRULFURXWH IRUDYDULHW\RIGLƬHUHQWWUDƱFNLQJLQFOXGLQJLOOHJDOGUXJVIURP \RXFDQLPDJLQHJRHV 6RXWK$PHULFDśHYHU\WKLQJ\RXFDQLPDJLQHJRHVWKURXJKWKHUH Š:HZLOOEHRSHUDWLQJUHPRWHO\DQGZLOOEHVHOIVXƱFLHQWZLWK WKURXJKWKHUH RXUYHKLFOHV3K\VLFDOO\LWZLOOEHYHU\KDUGEXW,WKLQNZHZLOO relish that. “There are lots of hostile places in the world and this is one of those. The environment means it will be demanding, the %XWQRVWRQHKDVEHHQOHIWXQWXUQHGGXULQJWKHOHDGLQDQG WHPSHUDWXUHVZLOOEHYHU\KLJKDQGLWLVYHU\GU\RXWVLGHWKH DWZRZHHNH[HUFLVHRQ6DOLVEXU\3ODLQVDZWKHWURRSVSXWD rainy season. FRQƮGHQWWLFNLQWKHER[DVSUHSDUDWLRQVVWHSSHGXSDOHYHO Š3URIHVVLRQDOO\WKLVLVDIDQWDVWLFRSSRUWXQLW\śLWZLOOEHERWK 7KHWDVNJURXSLVDFURVVFDSEDGJHDƬDLUZLWK$6TXDGURQ challenging and rewarding.” RƬHULQJUHFRQQDLVVDQFHH[SHUWLVHIURPWKHLU-DFNDOYHKLFOHV A challenge certainly awaits personnel from the Royal DQG%&RPSDQ\RIQG%DWWDOLRQ7KH5R\DO$QJOLDQ5HJLPHQW Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, who will be responsible forming the infantry element. Medics, mechanics, UAV pilots and IRUHQVXULQJDQLPSUHVVLYHưHHWRIYHKLFOHVWKDWLQFOXGHV-DFNDO (2'RSHUDWRUVDUHDPRQJWKHVWURQJDQGYDULHGVXSSRUWLQJFDVW )R[KRXQG0DVWLƬDQG5LGJHEDFNUHPDLQXSDQGUXQQLQJśDV Š2XUWLPHOLQHVKDYHFKDQJHGTXLWHDELWš0DM%ODFNZKR ZHOODVFDUU\LQJRXWUHFRYHULHVVKRXOGWKHSODWIRUPVEUHDNGRZQ KDVFRPSOHWHGWZR+HUULFNWRXUVLQD\HDU6HUYLFHFDUHHU LQWKHƮHOG H[SODLQVŠ:HZHUHLQLWLDOO\ZDUQHGRƬDERXWWKLVLQ2FWREHU 7KHLUH[SHUWLVHZLOODOVREHUHTXLUHGRQHVVHQWLDOHTXLSPHQW ODVW\HDUśVRRXUWUDLQLQJHƬHFWLYHO\VWDUWHGWKHQ VXFKDVJHQHUDWRUVIRUWKHWDVNJURXSŞVƮHOGVXUJLFDOKRVSLWDO Š%XW6DOLVEXU\3ODLQZDVWKHƮUVWWLPHWKDWHYHU\WKLQJUHDOO\ ZDWHUFDUULHUSDFNVOLJKWLQJWRZHUVDQGIXHOVXSSO\V\VWHPV came together. Š,WLVJRLQJWREHDJRRGWRXUšVD\V66JW0DUWLQ3RWWHU 5(0(  “We were looking at logistics chains in terms of moving over WKHDUWLƮFHULQFKDUJHRIWKHƮWWLQJVHFWLRQRQWKHJURXQG ORQJGLVWDQFHVRXUVWDQGDUGRSHUDWLQJSURFHGXUHVDWDORZHU Š,WKDVEHHQTXLWHGLƱFXOWWRJHWWRWKLVSRLQW7KHYHKLFOHV WDFWLFDOOHYHODQGKRZZHFRXOGXVHH[LVWLQJGRFWULQHDQGPDNH need to be at the theatre-ready standard and, while we’ve been LWƮWIRUSXUSRVH working towards that, we’ve also had to train. kk

38 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk IN NUMBERS 11,644 multinational troops deployed on the operation…

With a further 1,452 formed police units involved 1,568 civilians engaged in the mission

Chad is the biggest military contributor, with 1,447 soldiers in country

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 39 RIFT achieves the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme’s Gold Award

RIFT founder and Chairman Jan Post says RIFT’s Head of Armed Forces Liaison Shaun Micallef-Green adds: ‘I am proud to lead a team of such dedicated people’... ‘new ways to engage “I’m delighted to announce that we have been awarded the with both the military’... Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award, “As an ex-Army Officer, I am proud to be a part of and I am proud to lead a team of such dedicated people, the company. We are keen to continue these efforts, committed to supporting the military community.” and will look for new ways to engage with both the military and other businesses moving forward.” Find out how RIFT can help you today RIFTrefunds.co.uk/Soldier Details of the legislation RIFT claim under can be found on www.HMRC.gov.uk under Call us on 01233 653004 section 336-339 of ITEPA 2003. We operate under this legislation to ensure that no one is exposed or receives a refund they are not entitled to. * T&Cs Apply. Visit our website for details.

40 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

40-sol-sep.indd 1 18/08/2020 16:52 MALI

kk“I’ve done Herrick and Telic tours in the past, but this is a new concept and is more of a peacekeeping role. “The training has been full-on, but it needs to be as this is WKHƮUVWGHSOR\PHQW Mission brief: Š)RUPHLWLVDKXJHKRQRXUDV,ZLOOEHWKHƮUVWDUWLƮFHURQ WKHJURXQG1RZLWLVDERXWJHWWLQJWKH\RXQJHUJX\VLQWKH right mindset and we are eager to get out there. The United Nations Multidimensional Š7KLVLVVRPHWKLQJZHŞYHEHHQORRNLQJDWIRUD\HDUEXWZH Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali GLGQŞWUHDOO\NQRZPXFKDERXWWKHW\SHRIPLVVLRQVZHPLJKW (MINUSMA) was established in April 2013 IDFHXQWLOZHJRWRQ6DOLVEXU\3ODLQ Its aim is to support political processes Š0DOLZLOOEHFRPSOHWHO\GLƬHUHQWWR,UDTDQG$IJKDQLVWDQZH in the country and carry out a number of are not kicking doors in – it is about hearts and minds.” security-related tasks 7KHGHSOR\PHQWDOVRUHSUHVHQWVVRPHWKLQJGLƬHUHQWIRUWKH A further resolution was passed in June 5R\DO$QJOLDQVZKRUHWXUQHGIURP&\SUXVODVW\HDUDQGDUH 2014 (it has been renewed every year since), still familiarising themselves with their light mechanised role. when the UN’s Security Council decided the 7KHH[HUFLVHRQ6DOLVEXU\3ODLQJDYHWKHVROGLHUVDQ mission should focus on ensuring security, RSSRUWXQLW\WRERRVWWKHLUH[SHULHQFHOHYHOVZKLOHJDLQLQJ stabilisation and the protection of civilians, as well greater insight into what lies ahead. as supporting political dialogue and reconciliation, “For a lot of the junior lads it was great to get that,” explains assisting the re-establishment of state authority and /&SO6DP+ROGLQJŠ2QHRIWKHELJWKLQJVZHZRUNHGRQZDV the promotion of human rights WKHDELOLW\WRLGHQWLI\YXOQHUDEOHDUHDV “The IED threat out there is so high and we were getting VPDVKHGRQWKRVHGULOOV7KDWZLOOUHDOO\KHOSXVZKHQLWFRPHV to picking what routes to take. Š%HFDXVHZHDUHGHSOR\LQJDVDORQJUDQJHUHFRQQDLVVDQFH force, we will be covering a lot of miles and there will be OHQJWK\SHULRGVZKHQZHDUHMXVWVDWLQDYHKLFOH)RUWZRRIWKH ODVWƮYHGD\VRQH[HUFLVHZHZHUHGRLQJURDGPRYHV “We did lots of shoot and scoot drills and there would be UDQGRPFLYLOLDQVSUHVVXULQJWKHJX\VRQWKHJDWH(YHU\VLQJOH RQHRIWKHPKDGDZHDSRQEXW\RXFDQQRWMXVWDVVXPHWKH\DUH HQHP\IRUFHV Š:HDUHQRWPDVVLYHO\RXWRIRXUFRPIRUW]RQHVLQWKHUHFFH role. It is not our main job and we are going to support the Light Dragoons, who are all over it.” /&SO+ROGLQJMRLQHGWKH6HUYLFHLQDQG0DOLUHSUHVHQWV WKH\HDUROGŞVƮUVWPDMRUGHSOR\PHQW $QGLWŞVDQRSSRUWXQLW\WKDWPHDQVKHKDVEHFRPHWKHHQY\ of his colleagues. Š,ŞYHKDGODGVIURPDFURVVWKH$UP\PHVVDJLQJPHWRVD\ KRZMHDORXVWKH\DUHšKHDGGVŠ,WKDVEHFRPHWKHELJWRXUWKDW HYHU\RQHZDQWV Š,WKLQN,ZDVDOLWWOHQDLYHZKHQ,ƮUVWKHDUGZHZHUHJRLQJś LWZDVRQO\ZKHQ,ZHQWWRWKHDOOUDQNVEULHƮQJDQGJRWRXWRQ exercise that it became real. Š3HRSOHDUHQHUYRXVEXWH[FLWHGDWWKHVDPHWLPHśWKLVLV what we sign up to do.” :LWKWKHLUƮQDOUHKHDUVDOORRPLQJWKLVQHZORRNWDVNJURXSLV almost set for departure. $QGZKLOHLWPD\KDYHEHHQDORQJWLPHFRPLQJ0DOLZLOO UHSUHVHQWWKHRSHUDWLRQDOLWFKWKDWQHHGVVFUDWFKLQJIRUPDQ\RI WRGD\ŞVSHUVRQQHOQ

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 41 ARMY FILM AND PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION ENTER NOW!

Email entries to: [email protected] by 2 Dec 20

Picture: Cpl Rebecca Brown, RLC Brown, Cpl Rebecca Picture: OMore information at www.army.mod.uk/photcomp BLITZ SPIRIT

'HDOLQJZLWKWKH/XIWZDƬH V ghosts, 80 years on...

VEN for a child with a vivid imagination the sight must have been unfathomable – a mesmerising, mechanical cloud approaching London’s East End. Naive instincts informed eight-year- old David Caswell that the aircraft in this droning swarm were EBritish. A child’s reasoning suggested that the less-capable Nazi aggressor could never put on such a brazen show of force. As he squinted into the autumn

DUFK5HJLPHQW,PSHULDO:DU0XVXHP ,:0& blue he could see traces of smaller aeroplanes – potentially fighters – darting in and out of the main formation as the aerial armada dulled the light in an awe- inspiring, man-made solar eclipse. “This was actually the first time we’d seen the Luftwaffe up close, massed as if the skies were its own airfield,” Caswell (pictured right) says as he recalls the attack of that 1940

September day. “And then they started dropping bombs. kk :RUGV&OLƬ&DVZHOO3LFWXUHV*UDHPH0DLQ(2'DQG6H www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 43

43-46-sol-sep EOD-SM-RL-CC.indd 2 21/08/2020 14:39 DUFKLYH Soldier 3LFWXUH

kk“You could feel the blast waves from explosions andand thethe anti-aircraft guns were firing – the noise was terrible,”e,” he adds. “My mum and I headed to the shelter, which just aboutout fitted in the garden of our house at Pragel Street, Plaistow. “I don’t remember there being any air raid warningg before the attack – the Germans came back twice during the dayay andand thenthen kept bombing into the night.” As the ordnance detonated, shattering the Londonn docks and communities built around them, other Germanerman devices plummeting to earth failed to detonate. It was a pattern that would continue throughout thehe years of conflict. While most unexploded bombs were rapidly dealt with,with, others are still at large – a grim Second World War legacyegacy resonating dangerously into the present day. Even now, the modern-day experts charged with making the ordnance safe admit being shocked by thehe destructive power that was levelled against civilians.s. SSgt Dick Gage (pictured right, RLC) – whose job involves making air drop ordnance safe – points to a single 250kg bomb found in Kingston as a recent case in point. The object’s degraded state required a controlled explosion on the building site near the university where it had been unearthed by a digger driver. Thousands of residents living in and around the area had to be evacuated as a result. Troops worked for a day-and-half on the tasking. The device was stabilised and a ballistic cover

44 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

43-46-sol-sep EOD-SM-RL-CC.indd 3 21/08/2020 14:40 containing 300 tonnes of sand built. Even then, the bomb still blew out windows within the safety cordon and its detonation was heard six miles away. “This was just one device, so you can imagine the impact raids must have had on people with little protection,” SSgt Gage, who serves in Aldershot as part of 11 EOD and Search Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, tells Soldier. “Being attacked with ordnance of such destructive power must have been horrific – it is hard to think of what people living under bombing experienced.” The grim statistics of the era are testament to the human cost. The first daylight raid on London – witnessed by the

3LFWXUHk,:0+8DQG+8 young David Caswell – claimed 300 civilian lives.

In all, some 16 British cities were targeted between September 1940 and into the first half of the following year in a period dubbed by journalists of the era as The Blitz. In all, the IN NUMBERS raids killed 43,500 people and injured tens of thousands more. The Blitz Today, specialists from 11 Regiment’s 621 EOD Squadron – where SSgt Gage is a senior NCO – deal with Second World War ordnance as part of their core business. Organised at four sites – with troops at Aldershot, Shorncliffe and Colchester, as well as the HQ at RAF Northolt – the 43,500 squadron is well placed to take on the Luftwaffe’s legacy. 1XPEHURIFLYLOLDQGHDWKV “There are a fair few different types and sizes of German bombs,” SSgt Gage points out. “They range from devices such as incendiaries, which were obviously designed to start fires, to

3LFWXUHk,:0+ much larger 250kg and 500kg weapons.” kk

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 45

43-46-sol-sep EOD-SM-RL-CC.indd 4 21/08/2020 14:40 kk“We carry a wide range of equipment – including some resources dating from the wartime era,” he adds. “In particular, we have a shelf full of books including a 1940s American document – effectively a Haynes manual for bombs. “Obviously, much of the ordnance we are faced with can be in quite poor condition – and this can make dealing with some weapons quite a challenge.” A typical kitbag for the EOD teams includes electronic stethoscopes to listen to the mechanism of the explosives, electromagnets that can halt clockwork components and even hand drills used to make fuses safe. The ideal aim is to make the device stable enough to be moved and disposed of elsewhere. But if this is not possible, a sand barrier – known as mitigation – can be constructed, allowing it to be safely detonated on location. Although there are charts of areas from the 1939-45 era showing where unexploded bombs are believed to have been dropped, SSgt Gage adds that the sheer scale of the attacks mean that many devices remained unrecorded. With the foundations of construction projects being dug deep into the earth, building sites are a common area for ordnance to be found, he continues. “The number of times we can be summoned by the police to deal with them varies,” he says. “Sometimes there is nothing and then you have a couple in short order.” While each task presents a unique challenge for the teams charged with keeping the public safe, it is a role in which they take great professional pride. Their job also opens up links to the past – and a reminder of the sacrifices of a generation who lived through a conflict that continues to define the modern world. “The fact weapons are still being found tells us something Recording the bombing about the scale of the war,” SSgt Gage concludes, “It is not lost on our teams that our work has a tangible link to history, and The huge scale of the Luftwaffe events that happened all those years ago.” Q attacks on London during The Blitz is shown on an interactive online map produced by the National Archives in Kew. Did you know? Visit www.bombsight.org to The ability to make safe air drop munitions is just one of the find the location and type of every unique abilities falling under 29 EOD and Search Group – of device dropped on the capital which 11 Regiment is a part. between September 1940 and May The umbrella outfit provides all of the British Army’s bomb of the following year. disposal, as well as some specialist search and military working dog, capabilities.

46 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

43-46-sol-sep EOD-SM-RL-CC.indd 5 21/08/2020 14:40 QDQG&DSW+XJK%HDWWLH5<

by George Butler

,QWHUYLHZV&OLƬ&DVZHOO,PDJHV1DWLRQDO$UP\0XVHXP/RQGR

Camden MTU, Grenadier Guards

War artists sketch troops at the Covid sharp end

EORGE Butler was familiar with trouble long before the coronavirus pandemic erupted – in the recent past the illustrator had sketched scenes in Syria Gand Afghanistan. There, at the cutting edge of history, the Kingston University graduate had captured the last days of Op Herrick and the aftermath of Islamic State’s defeat. But his latest assignment – which followed a commission from the National Army Museum – saw him on home soil and the front line of a new kind of war. kk

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 47

47-50-sol-sep NAM-SM-RL-CC.indd 2 21/08/2020 17:29 kkAmid escalating cases of Covid-19 and the military mobilisation to help deal with the crisis, he embedded with troops and began to draw their story. “At the pandemic's height I remember watching an online meeting,” Butler (picured above) recalled. “NHS professionals were explaining their personal protective equipment requirements to PLOLWDU\RƱFHUVDVVLJQHGWR deliver them. by George Butler George by

MTU Defence Academy, Shrivenham Academy, MTU Defence by Capt Hugh Beattie, RY Capt Hugh Beattie, by

The Swab Queue The Swab

48 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

47-50-sol-sep NAM-SM-RL-CC.indd 3 21/08/2020 17:29 by Capt Hugh Beattie, RY Capt Hugh Beattie, by

Move the PPE Move

“It was so strange seeing by George Butler George by this large mix of people in GLƬHUHQWXQLIRUPVśVRPHMXVW faces on the computer and others physically in the room – all working together.” With Armed Forces personnel deployed across the UK, Butler and fellow artist Peter Spens (pictured far left)

Indian Army Memorial Room, Sandhurst Memorial Room, Indian Army were commissioned by the Chelsea-based museum to record the unfolding story. A veteran painter of operations, Reservist Capt Hugh Beattie (pictured above, RY) was also cleared to capture the Rescript drama as resident artist with 77 Brigade. kk

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 49

47-50-sol-sep NAM-SM-RL-CC.indd 4 21/08/2020 17:29 kk Butler – whose uncle Ed and the UK national lockdown is a retired brigadier and – with the work taking several ex-Task Force Helmand weeks or more.” commander – admitted Aldershot-based Army feeling the hand of history on arts boss Lt Col Wendy Faux him as he visited the likes of (pictured below, RA) managed mobile testing sites. WKHSURMHFWRQWKHJURXQG He continued: “There was producing a programme for a strange feeling in all this LOOXVWUDWRUVDWVHYHUDOGLƬHUHQW being so close to home. prime locations. “It was extraordinary to see With the streets hauntingly how the soldiers adapted to quiet, sketchbooks captured their new roles, and I’m sure a Service adapting to keep its they will do it again should own core business functioning we have another Covid spike while backing key workers. in the future.” Š,WLVGHƮQLWHO\DSHULRGWKDW Capt Beattie, who has QHHGHGUHưHFWLQJLQDUWZRUNš served in the Reserves for Lt Col Faux said. nearly three decades and “We moved between the SURGXFHGKLVƮUVWRSHUDWLRQDO GLƬHUHQWXQLWVLQYROYHGLQ illustrations from Bosnia, was providing military aid to the equally enthusiastic. civil authorities, as well as Š,KDYHDOZD\VHQMR\HG seeing some of the Service’s SDLQWLQJVXEMHFWVWKDWUHưHFW day-to-day work.” the glory of achievement, and Highlights had included seeing the personnel on Op soldiers from the Corps of Rescript was case in point,” Army Music playing virtually he said. and bayonet training at the “It is great to be able to Royal Military Academy

put the Army and NHS onto Sandhurst, she added. RY Capt Hugh Beattie, by canvas in this way – recording The end results of the people who are doing great SURMHFWDUHFHUWDLQO\VSHFLDO

things for their country, as – and the National Army The Spread well as themselves.” Museum has hinted that the While photography has work from the Covid period long been the medium might be fully exhibited at a A call to arts of choice to tell the story later date. of the Armed Forces on But above all, it is ops, illustrators have been a unique record of SOLDIERS are being encouraged to pick up a important record keepers in troops once again pencil or paintbrush and try their hand at putting WKHPRVWPRGHUQFRQưLFWV proving their down their own personal slice of modern military 6HQLRUVWDƬDWWKH1DWLRQDO versatility. history on paper. Army Museum wanted Captured Army arts boss Lt Col Wendy Faux (RA) said she to preserve the military’s on canvas, the is on the search for troops with a flair for involvement in the Covid-19 story is uniquely translating Forces life onto canvas and wants them era in the same way as an preserved for future to come forward with their work. overseas deployment. generations. Q As previously reported, a competition has “Essentially we wanted to been running for artistic personnel where capture something of what the top prize is having their work the troops were doing day- performed at the 2021 Edinburgh to-day at the height of the Fringe. But Lt Col Faux stressed that outbreak,” said spokeswoman she was keen for more of the Army’s Claire Blackshaw. artistic talents to be recognised. Send “We commissioned work to [email protected] around April time – near the beginning of the pandemic Picture: Jessica Mund Jessica Picture:

50 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

47-50-sol-sep NAM-SM-RL-CC.indd 5 21/08/2020 17:29 +RZGR\RXVKDSHEHWWHUFRPPDQGLQJRƱFHUV"$VNWKHLUWURRSVŦ

HEN Lt Col Hal Moore and his men came under ferocious contact in a remote part of Vietnam, it was the calming words of his senior soldier that &RXSH W PDGHWKHGLƬHUHQFH In the confusion, with rounds zipping past, WKHFRPPDQGLQJRƱFHURIWKH86VW%DWWDOLRQWK&DYDOU\ 5HJLPHQWZDVFDXJKWRƬJXDUGSK\VLFDOO\H[SRVHGDQGPHQWDOO\ LVRODWHG%XWWKHIDPLOLDUKDQGRI&RPPDQG6HUJHDQW0DMRU%DVLO 3OXPOH\RQKLVVKRXOGHUOLWHUDOO\SXOOHGKLPEDFNWRUHDOLW\ Š,ZDVRQWKHUDGLRWU\LQJWRKHDUDWUDQVPLVVLRQZKHQKH VKRXWHGśŝ6LULI\RXGRQŞWƮQGVRPHFRYHU\RXDUHJRLQJWRJR GRZQŞšWKHRƱFHUUHFDOOHGRIWKHEDWWOHDW,D'UDQJKLJKODQGVLQ Š+HWKHQDGGHGśŝDQGLI\RXJRGRZQZHDOOJRGRZQŞš $GPLWWLQJWKH1&2ZDVŠULJKWDVXVXDOš0RRUHVQDSSHGEDFN WRKLVVHQVHVUHJDLQHGWKHLQLWLDWLYHDQGVXFFHVVIXOO\GLUHFWHG WKHƮJKWDWWKHDGYDQFLQJHQHP\8QGHUVWDQGLQJWKHYDOXHRIKLV VXERUGLQDWHŞVZRUGVKDGVHUYHGKLPZHOO 7KH,D'UDQJOHVVRQUHPDLQVVDOLHQWDFURVVWKHSRQGVRPHƮYH GHFDGHVODWHU,QDQHQYLURQPHQWZKHUHWKUHDWVFDQUDQJHIURP F\EHUDWWDFNVWRIXOORQFRQYHQWLRQDOFRQưLFWWKH%ULWLVK$UP\LV NHHQO\DZDUHWKDWOLYHVGHSHQGRQFRPPDQGLQJRƱFHUVOHDGLQJ

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52 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

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51-54-sol-sep CODC-SM-RL.indd 4 21/08/2020 14:36 kkŠ%XWRXWRIVLJKWWKH&2LVDOZD\VORRNLQJRXWIRUWKHLU ZHOIDUHśMXVWDVWKHWURRSVZDQWWKHPWRVXFFHHGšKHDGGV Š$VDUHJLPHQWDOVHUJHDQWPDMRUP\&2DOZD\VYDOXHGZKDW, VDLGZKHQ,SXWWKHVROGLHUVŞSHUVSHFWLYHWRWKHP Š7KHUHODWLRQVKLSZDVYHU\JRRGśHYHQZKHQZKDW,KDGWR VD\ZDVXQFRPIRUWDEOHš /W&RO+DGƮHOGśZKRFRPPLVVLRQHGLQWRVW%DWWDOLRQ 7KH/LJKW,QIDQWU\LQDQGKDVH[SHULHQFHLQ,UDTDQG PROFILE: $IJKDQLVWDQśDOVRVWUHVVHVWKDWWKHTXDOLW\RIWKHUHODWLRQVKLS EHWZHHQWKHOHDGHUDQGWURRSVLVFULWLFDOWRVXFFHVV HAL MOORE Š,QSDUWLFXODU,KDYHNQRZQP\560IRU\HDUVDQGWKHUH 5(0(0%(5('IRUKLVUROHLQRQHRIWKHƮUVW LVDKXJHDPRXQWRIWUXVWEHWZHHQXVšKHVD\VŠ%XWJHWWLQJ conventional clashes between opposing sides in the RXWDQGPHHWLQJDOO\RXUSHUVRQQHOLVLPSRUWDQWśVROGLHUVGRQŞW 9LHWQDPFRQưLFWś+DO0RRUHSLFWXUHGEHORZOHIWKDG FDUHZKDW\RXNQRZXQWLOWKH\NQRZ\RXFDUHš a rich military career. 7KHVHDUHZLVHZRUGV$V3OXPOH\VKRZHGGXULQJWKH +DYLQJJUDGXDWHGIURPWKH860LOLWDU\$FDGHP\ EDWWOHLQ9LHWQDPƮYHGHFDGHVDJRWKHVWURQJEDFNLQJRI DW:HVW3RLQWLQ-XQHKHVHUYHGLQ.RUHDEHIRUH VXERUGLQDWHVFDQPHDQWKHGLƬHUHQFHEHWZHHQVXFFHVVDQG FRPPDQGLQJVW%DWWDOLRQWK&DYDOU\5HJLPHQW IDLOXUH:LWKDJUHDWHUXQGHUVWDQGLQJRIWKHLURZQOHDGHUVKLS +LVOHDGHUVKLSGXULQJWKHFODVKDW,D'UDQJśGXULQJ VW\OH&2VFDQEHDGDSWDEOHWRIDFHDQ\VLWXDWLRQWKDWDULVHV ZKLFK$PHULFDQWURRSVZHUHKHDYLO\RXWQXPEHUHGś 7KLVSUHSDUDWLRQLVLPSRUWDQWśLQDPXOWLIDFHWHGUROHRI HDUQHGKLPWKH'LVWLQJXLVKHG6HUYLFH&URVV KXJHUHVSRQVLELOLW\ZKHUHOLIHDQGOLPEFDQEHRQWKHOLQH 0RRUHŞVODWHUVHUYLFHVDZKLPXQGHUWDNHVHQLRUUROHV FRPPDQGLQJRƱFHUVZLOORIWHQIDFHDEDSWLVPRIƮUHQ LQFOXGLQJPLOLWDU\OLDLVRQWRWKHDVVLVWDQWVHFUHWDU\ IRULQWHUQDWLRQDODƬDLUVEHIRUHUHWLULQJDVDOLHXWHQDQW JHQHUDOLQ 7KHRƱFHUZKRGLHGDWWKHDJHRILQ recalled his Vietnam exploits in his biography We ZHUH6ROGLHUV2QFH...DQG

54 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

51-54-sol-sep CODC-SM-RL.indd 5 21/08/2020 14:36 ROLLING BACK THE YEARS Historic vehicle preserved as exciting new era looms

ITH the Household Cavalry Regiment Wrecently taking delivery of the state-of-the- art Ares vehicle, its soldiers will be armed with a world- beating asset as they set about performing their reconnaissance role. But this does not mean the past should be forgotten and a dedicated team has been working on an important state,” LCoH Day continues. Bulford, it seemed even more project to restore a platform forward at such an alarming “It was used as a range important to ensure we keep that was first used by the rate, it’s easy to forget where target before it was the Life Guards’ history alive unit when it moved from we came from,” explains recce repurposed as a gate guard.” through the preservation horseback to a mechanised vehicle commander and lead Hailed as one of the finest of vehicles used by our role in the 1930s – the Daimler restorer LCoH Harry Day pieces of machinery produced predecessors.” Q Armoured Car (DAC). (pictured below, LG). for Britain during the Second “With the advancement The renovation – which World War, the DAC was

Report: Georgina Coupe Pictures: Graeme Main, HCR Graeme Coupe Pictures: Georgina Report: of new vehicles moving was completed in less than a capable of driving as fast month – was a labour of love backwards as it was forward for Day and his team of ten, and featured an additional some of who completed a rear driving position. similar restoration of a Dingo Independent suspension scout car three years ago. on each wheel ensured Breaking the vehicle down it was ideal for tackling into sections allowed them to difficult cross-country strip original paintwork back terrain in its primary role as DAIMLER ARMOURED CAR to bare metal, replace rusted a reconnaissance vehicle in nuts and bolts and repair Europe and both the Middle Crew: 3 damaged bodywork. and Far Eastern theatres. Weight: 8 tonnes A week-long preparation “As reconnaissance soldiers Max speed: 80 kmh and re-painting process we got where we are today Main armament: 2 pounder QF followed before it was and learnt our trade because Additional: 1x 9.92mm Besa meticulously reassembled. of machines like this," LCoH MG (Co-axial) 1x Bren .303 “This DAC has been in Day adds. LMG the regiment for at least “And with our recent move In-service: 1941-1960 40 years and was in a sorry from Windsor Barracks to

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 55

55-sol-sep DAC-EDIT-SM-RL.indd 2 21/08/2020 12:20

Hitting the roof over housing charge

HY have Service personnel It is a complex topic that continued to pay sits outside of the current Waccommodation fees throughout accommodation policy. the Covid-19 pandemic? The refund will apply only to The government’s direction was clear those ordered to work from home from the start – stay at home. in accordance with Service business Almost immediately the chain of continuity plans and were required to command took the sensible approach vacate single living accommodation to protect the force and directed the or substitute Service single majority of us to work from home where accommodation, but who continued it was possible and practical. to pay a housing charge throughout Simultaneously, get you home the lockdown period. allowance mileage payments were They will need to have had JPA YOUR letters provide an brought to a halt. updated in order to correctly record insight into the issues at the That was completely understandable their location and status and should top of soldiers’ agendas... as journeys were not to be made to and seek the refund via their unit human Many are but please be brief. Emails from soldiers’ residences. resources staff. must include your name and What is difficult to fathom, though, is Units have been recently informed feeling location (although we won’t why Service accommodation payments of the waiver by the MoD’s head of publish them if you ask us were not stopped at that time as well. people accommodation policy. Many are feeling frustrated that there The repayment of these charges frustrated not to). We reserve the right to was an immediate suspension of a to eligible personnel will take place accept or reject letters, and to relevant allowance but not this charge. through JPA in accordance with the edit for length, clarity or style. Can you help me understand this existing process for doing so. Before you write to us with a apparent inconsistency so I can accurately They will be made for the period RTQDNGO[QWUJQWNFƓTUVJCXG inform those who are equally miffed? of March 23, 2020 through to August tried to get an answer via your – Capt Jerome Davis, RA 31, 2020. Not all soldiers will qualify own chain of command. so it is important individuals contact Lt Col Bill Bowen, Head of their relevant unit staff to determine Accommodation, Personnel Policy, their eligibility. [email protected] responds: Thank you for raising a If units are affected by local @soldiermagazine very pertinent issue and I am pleased lockdowns beyond August 31, 2020, to offer some good news. and there is a similar requirement A waiver of accommodation for personnel with Service housing charges due to the unprecedented to work from home, an updated Covid-19 pandemic has been agreed. instruction will be issued.

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 57

57-sol-sep Talkback-SM-RL.indd 1 21/08/2020 14:56 BULLET POINTS Bite-sized data to keep you in the know

Jacqui Ritchie, general manager 0808 800 1007; UK – 0800 731 4880; CAREERS at St John’s Wood Care Centre, www.adviceasap.org.uk Germany – 0800 1827 395; 48 Boundary Road, London Cyprus – 080 91065; is trying to find more information Army Families Federation: Falklands – #6111; UK Armed Forces Rugby Football about the building’s former life 01264 382324; from operational theatres – Club is looking for a communications as an Army barracks. The centre mil 94391 2324; Paradigm Services *201; from officer. To apply go to: www.ukafrfc. celebrates its 20th anniversary www.aff.org.uk anywhere in the world (CSL operator co.uk/advert-communications- in October and is keen to invite will call back) – 0044 1980 630854 officer veterans to the celebration. Anyone Army LGBT Forum: with memories to share should www.armylgbt.org.uk; Forces Pension Society: Army Communications is recruiting email stjohnswoodmanager@ [email protected] 020 7820 9988 two Reserve SO1s and three SO2s bondcare.co.uk www.forcespensiosocietys.org with experience in media, comms, Army Libraries: Retired Royal Air Force marketing, PR or journalism. 01252 340094 Help for Heroes: Serviceman Andrew Clark is a The roles encompass exciting 0845 673 1760 or collector of British military tokens opportunities to support or lead Army Ornithological 01980 846 459; used in Iraq and Afghanistan and projects in campaigns, news, media Society: www.helpforheroes.org.uk is seeking examples of pre-2007 ops, internal and digital comms. Look www.armybirding.org.uk issues to boost his collection. If you out for the job specs on MS web. Heroes Welcome: have any items of interest email Army Welfare Service: www.heroeswelcome.co.uk Linx Security Training is offering a [email protected] 01904 882053; www.army.mod.uk/welfare- 20 per cent reduction on 28 courses The Air Training Corps, now part HighGround: support for serving and former personnel of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, www.highground-uk.org.uk through the MoD-approved Defence will celebrate its 80th anniversary 07951 495 272 Big White Wall, now Togetherall: Discount Service. The courses on in 2021. To help mark the occasion, www.togetherall.com Joint Service Housing Advice offer range from technical skills they would like to identify those who Office: to management with industry- were cadets when the formation approved qualifications. Visit www. Blesma, The Limbless 01252 787574 launched in 1941 and interview them Veterans: linxtraining.co.uk to capture memories of those early 020 8590 1124; Medal Office: days. Email al.munns@btinternet. www.blesma.org 94561 3600 or Interested in a career as a com personal trainer? Ultimate 0141 224 3600 Performance is expanding and on the The Women’s Royal Army Corps Blind Veterans UK: lookout for more ex-Service personnel Association has launched a (formerly St Dunstan’s) Mutual Support to join its growing ranks. Visit www. campaign to find the oldest 020 7723 5021; (multiple sclerosis group): upfitness.com/en/careers for more British female Second World www.blindveterans.org.uk www.mutual-support.org.uk information. War veteran. To nominate someone you think may meet the criteria visit Care After Combat: National Gulf Veterans’ and The Recruit for Spouses coaching www.wracassociation.org or use www.careaftercombat.org Families’ Association Office: programme, which helps Army #FindOurOATS on social media. 24-hour helpline 0845 257 4853; partners get back into employment, Career Transition Partnership: www.ngvfa.org.uk has received a funding boost to help Anita Louise Watson is trying to 020 7469 6661 it reach more husbands and wives. To trace her father, James Watson, Poppyscotland: apply for a six-week course of one- who served as a lance corporal in Children’s Education Advisory 0131 557 2782; hour sessions contact the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Service: www.poppyscotland.org.uk coaching@recruitforspouses. Engineers during the 70s. Anyone 01980 618244; co.uk with information should email [email protected] Regular Forces’ Employment [email protected] Association: Forces Families Jobs is a new Combat Stress: 0121 236 0058; platform designed to help partners 24-hour Mental Health Helpline for www.rfea.org.uk into meaningful employment. Visit DIRECTORY service personnel and their families www.forcesfamiliesjobs.co.uk to 0800 323 4444; Remount: 01451 850 341; see the site, which is free to advertise www.combatstress.org.uk www.remount.net on for employers who have signed the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity: Armed Forces Covenant. 020 7901 8900; Defence Humanists: Royal British Legion: www.soldierscharity.org www.defencehumanists.org.uk 0808 802 8080; www.britishlegion.org.uk Armed Forces Buddhist Society: Erskine: Chaplain 020 7414 3411; 0141 814 4569; Royal British Legion Scotland: SEARCHLINE www.afbs-uk.org www.erskine.org.uk 0131 550 1583; www.legionscotland.org.uk Armed Forces Christian Union: Family Escort Service: Hugh Corby is trying to trace the 01793 783123; 020 7463 9249 RBL Industries Vocational military medals and citations of www.afcu.org.uk Assessment Centre: his late father, Capt Eric Corby Felix Fund – the bomb disposal 01622 795900; (RA), who served as a forward Armed Forces Muslim Association: charity: www.rbli.co.uk observation officer during the Second Chaplain 020 7414 3252; 07713 752901; World War. Anyone with information www.afma.org.uk www.felixfund.org.uk Scottish Veterans’ Residences: is asked to contact him on 07961 0131 556 0091; 606766. Armed Services Advice Project: Forcesline: www.svronline.org

58 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

58-59-sol-sep-SM-RL.indd 1 21/08/2020 14:55 Single Persons Accommodation The Poppy Factory: www.troopaid.info Centre for the Ex-Services: 020 8940 3305; ROADSHOWSROA 01748 833797; www.poppyfactory.org uk4u Thanks!: www.spaces.org.uk 01798 812081; The Forces Pension Society is The Royal Star and Garter Homes: www.uk4u.org SSAFA: 0845 1300 975; 020 8481 7676; staging a number of roadshows at www.ssafa.org.uk www.starandgarter.org garrison locations throughout the Veterans Welfare Service: year, as well as FAR (financial aspects 0808 1914 218 (from the UK); Stoll: The Veterans Charity: of resettlement) briefings. See www. 020 7385 2110; 01753 653772; 0044 1253 866043 (from overseas); forcespensionsociety.org/news- events/events for the latest dates www.stoll.org.uk [email protected] www.gov.uk/government/groups/ veterans-welfare-service and details. The Not Forgotten Association: Troop Aid: The Army Engagement Team 020 7730 2400; 0121 711 7215 or 07734 384260; WRVS Services Welfare: roadshows – enquires to rc-aeg- www.nfassociation.org [email protected]; 02920 232 668 [email protected]

A river JUST HOW OBSERVANT or canal cruise worth ARE YOU? No. 943 £120 www.goboat. co.uk

TEN details have been changed in this picture of a soldier from the Royal A friendly crew will meet you by the kiosk to give you your instructions Yeomanry on pre-deployment training for Op Cabrit on Salisbury Plain. at a safe distance and provide life jackets for babies and buoyancy aids Circle all the differences in the left image and send the panel to HOAY for children. 942, Soldier, Ordnance Barracks, Government Road, Aldershot, Hampshire GoBoat is currently limiting group sizes to two households/bubbles GU11 2DU with your full contact details, including email address, by no per boat; or four individuals from different households. All changes are in later than September 30. accordance with the government’s workplace guidelines. A photocopy is acceptable but only one entry per person may be Choose from two departure points – Paddington, cruising along the submitted. The first correct entry drawn after the closing date will win a Regent’s Canal through Regent’s Park and past London Zoo; or from self-drive boating experience courtesy of GoBoat (www.goboat.co.uk). Kingston, along the River Thames and on to Hampton Court Palace. Nautical skills are not necessary as training will be offered on arrival The winners’ names will be published in the November issue. All the and you’ll be given a route map to help you navigate your way. usual rules apply.

www.soldiermagazine.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2020 59

58-59-sol-sep-SM-RL.indd 2 21/08/2020 14:55 Advertise in Soldier

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60-62-sol-sep.indd 3 18/08/2020 08:33 BOOKS Military history books. Specialists in new and used military books. Visit our website or for a printed catalogue call 01303 246500. www.militaryhistorybooks.com

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60-62-sol-sep.indd 4 18/08/2020 08:33 [email protected]

BOOKS SURVIVING HELL Ex-para relives being banged up abroad

iNICK Dunn appreciates the simple things in life. Making a brew with a kettle; doing laundry in a washing machine; having a bath. It is nearly three years since he and five other British veterans – the so-called Chennai Six – were released from prison in India, but even now, these basic necessities still seem like total luxuries to the former paratrooper. Their nightmare started in 2013 while working in security aboard the anti-piracy ship MV Seaman Guard Ohio, which customs officials claimed had strayed into Indian waters and was carrying improperly declared firearms. P66 Despite clear evidence to the contrary, they and their crewmates – three Ukrainians, 14 MUSIC Estonians and 12 Indians – were jailed, enduring filthy conditions alongside convicted murderers and rapists as they waited in

Picture: Barry Marsden Picture: vain for the wheels of justice to turn. P68 GAMES

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63-68-sol-sep REVIEWS-RL-CC-SM.indd 1 21/08/2020 09:41 For further details visit our website at:

64 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

64-sol-sep.indd 1 17/08/2020 14:04 The terrifying series of events BOOKS is revealed in Dunn’s account of their captivity, Surviving Hell, out in paperback this month. But talking to Soldier from his home in Northumberland, he admits he is still struggling to come to terms with the mental after-effects. “It still feels raw,” he admits. “I sometimes ask myself if I’m having memories of a previous life. “I’ll be having a good day, and then something small sets me off and I just go…”, he gestures downwards with his hand. “The cracks have been opening up recently.” It is difficult to see how anyone could come away from such an experience unscathed. Dunn spent three birthdays and Christmases in prison. Conditions were dire, with cramped, cockroach-infested cells, meagre rations, open sewers and the threat of violence never far away. He and his fellow prisoners had their convictions quashed, then reinstated. Meanwhile, hurtful conspiracy theories spread about their guilt. Having served in Afghanistan and Iraq prior to leaving the Armed Forces in 2010, the 34-year- old credits his ethos as a paratrooper for getting him through the ordeal. “If I’d gone into that situation without military training I’d have curled up in the corner of that prison cell and cried,” he continues. “I did that anyway, but I wiped my tears, dusted myself off and thought, ‘right, let’s address this situation. Here’s my bedspace, my area on the floor – I’ll make it my home’.

“I’m very proud to have served and it helped me deal with it.” Dunn also made a silent promise to make it back to his family. His mum had suffered an aneurysm shortly after his arrest, and his sister Lisa, whose own recollections are woven into the book, had put her life on hold to raise funds and awareness of the prisoners’ plight. “If anyone should get a medal, it’s my sister,” he says. “All I had to cope with was being in prison, missing my family, getting into a routine, OSurviving Hell, moving closer to the end of the tunnel where the by Nick Dunn, is published by Mirror light was shining bright. Books and released “My sister had to do so much more than as a paperback on that – all while worrying about me as well as my September 17, priced £8.99 mum’s health problems. “How she’s still standing is beyond me. She kept me going. I wanted to throw the towel in so many times.” Finally, in November 2017, the Chennai appeal court acquitted the men and a month later Dunn was able to return to his life. He gets emotional when describing the moment he emerged, blinking,

Picture: Newcastle Chronicle Picture: from the arrivals’ hall to a wall of photographers and the waiting

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arms of his family. “It was phenomenal,” he recalls. “How I didn’t break my sister in two, I don’t know – it was like two magnets snapping tightly together.” BOOK RELEASES Now, he takes every day as it comes. He continues to work in the security sector and says the gym is his happy place, “except on leg days”. During lockdown, he allowed himself a wry Sicily ‘43 smile when he saw people complaining about by James Holland boredom on social media. “I had to bite my lip a few times,” he admits. OPERATION Husky, the “I’d have loved to be in prison with everything Allied invasion of Sicily in I’ve got now. July 1943, is far from a “We take so much for granted. When I put a forgotten chapter in the kettle on, I appreciate how quick it is because +++++ chronology of the Second in prison we had to sit and wait for the stove to World War. However, it bubble up every single time. is too often regarded as a minor stepping stone “Everyone’s had their struggles, but I hope before the Normandy landings. This refreshing people appreciate things a bit more in life when new history of the Allies’ first venture onto all this comes to an end.” mainland Europe really challenges the established And the process of writing the book has also view and goes a long way toward explaining proved cathartic. the true significance of the mission. As ever with “It’s helped me get things off my chest,” he James Holland, an engaging narrative guides the says. “I still feel immense anger, but I’m not reader effortlessly from the strategic level, down letting it take over. through the operational conduct of the campaign “You have to look for the positives. I believe to the soldier fighting his own personal war. I this is my life test. Someone said, ‘right Nick, highly recommend this book. we’re going to see how tough you really are’. Mike Peters, ex-AAC “And I overcame it. I had to go through so many walls, so many setbacks, but every day is a new opportunity. Otto Eckhart’s “Sometimes you don’t know what you’re Ordeal capable of.” Q by Niall Edworthy PICK OF THE MONTH:

RARELY does a title make INTERVIEW: BECKY CLARK, SOLDIER me laugh out loud, but this one did just that. OPEN UP YOUR HEAD +++++ Very loosely based on actual events, the tale ,QGLHZDQQDEHVƮQGPLGGOHRI has Otto, a shy, reticent young man taking on WKHURDGRQGHEXWRƬHULQJ the mighty Heinrich Himmler, who tasks him to find the Holy Grail because of a book he has iIN A market awash with British indie bands, WIN written. He is sent off to the south of France to you need something very special to stand out gg bring it back – no excuses. Meanwhile, the Nazis from the crowd. are flexing their power and have just opened Do Sea Girls have it? The answer is a OSoldier has teamed Dachau Camp, where Otto’s father has been sent. resounding “meh, sort of”. up with Mirror The question is, can he find the Grail, rescue his With endorsements from the NME and Annie Books to give away father and get the girl (Himmler’s secretary)? It’s Mac and promising something so hot I’d be a copy of Surviving Hell. well worth reading this funny and well-written blistered, I was a little let down by this run of To be in with a chance of winning offering to find out. the mill, almost bland indie rock. That said, there tell us which Indian state the city of Chennai is in. Send your answer to Andy Kay, ex-RS hasn’t really been anything to blow your socks [email protected] or off since Oasis split up. on a postcard to the usual address by Want to join our review team? But this isn’t an album that’s totally devoid September 30. of promise. Email Opener Transplant sets the scene for what [email protected] follows in the sense that it’s almost there,

66 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

63-68-sol-sep REVIEWS-RL-CC-SM.indd 4 21/08/2020 09:48 MUSIC

although not quite. The guitars are solid, but the All I Want to Hear You Say has all the elements vocals are just too weak – so much so that the song required for a crowd-pleasing singalong festival lacks that bit of excitement needed to take it from a anthem as its loud and quiet moments intermingle half-decent offering to one you want to hear again. with some pretty impressive guitar work not seen since Put simply, it’s not the best start. However, don’t let Glastonbury went all commercial. that get you down as the following tracks pick up. Shake This Feeling is the undoubted highlight thanks The synthesiser guitar mash-ups certainly show to its rapid bass intro, intricate guitar picking, classic promise, especially on Violet, but they are undermined drum rolls and husky, haunting vocals. VERDICT: by dull and dreary tracks such as You Over Anyone, Although Sea Girls showed real potential in parts Not without merit, but more effort which tries to bring pianos into the mix like a modern of Open Up Your Head, I can only hope their live shows needed next time round +++++ day incarnation of John Lennon – but without the (in the not too distant future) will bring a little more Beatles’ polish. atmosphere and entertainment. This collection alone, Where the album is rekindled is in its successful albeit with some decent interludes, is a bit of a let heavier diversions. down to say the least. Q REVIEW: CPL SCOTT ROBERTS, RIFLES

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63-68-sol-sep REVIEWS-RL-CC-SM.indd 5 21/08/2020 09:48 GAMES

GAMES RELEASES

Skully For Switch

WITH a nod to 1980s’ classics Marble Madness and Wizball, this odd platformer casts players as +++++ an animated, voodoo-esque skull charged with bringing PICK OF THE MONTH: peace to a warring island. Long disconnected heads can do little else but roll about – so gamers initially have nothing but dexterity to GROUNDED guide them around their mythical world. As the plot unfolds, however, magic provides different Back yard survival tests the Xbox One struggled to maintain a seamless physical forms and new abilities. Skully is a mettle environment, with objects suddenly disappearing polished offering that will please fans of the and reappearing, we hope these glitches will be genre. The island is stunningly drawn, while a i WITH insects tearing each other to shreds, weeds ironed out. beautifully rendered musical score is the icing choking everything in sight and a host of other grim Gameplay is solid too. There is plenty to do on the cake. acts being played out, gardens are truly life-and- against the immersive backdrop, whether it is Cliff Caswell, Soldier death environments. making weapons and traps, gathering supplies or Now imagine being part of this chaos while simply trekking around. While players are always reduced to the size of an ant and you have the active, however, they are not overburdened to the Train Sim World 2 concept of Grounded – a survival challenge that pits point of exhaustion. In short, there is plenty of for PC, Xbox One and players against the horrors of a domestic ecosystem. time to enjoy the action. PS4 As seen in movies such as Honey I Shrunk the In addition, adventurers have the option of Kids, the backyard rapidly becomes a nightmarish tackling the back garden either solo, or with up MICROSOFT’S original jungle of epic proportions when humans revert to a to three miniature comrades in a cooperative Train Simulator was used pint-sized state. multiplayer mode, which adds to the fun. as an instruction tool by With common-or-garden bugs by the bucketload, All in all, Grounded looks the part, is fun to +++++ a Royal Logistic Corps rail staying alive in this game means finding weapons, as play and it would appear that there is plenty in it squadron – and realism is well as a decent intake of food and water to avoid to keep you coming back for more. We await the the watchword on this offering for enthusiasts. keeling over. finished garden nightmare with interest. Q Train Sim World 2 expands the popular first It might be an unusual proposition, but the demo game with new scenarios, rolling stock and Soldier sampled for the title which is due out next tasks including – if you are so inclined – a year suggests developer Obsidian Entertainment is VERDICT: shift in a tube cab on the Piccadilly Line. The doing a fine job. An unusual offering that holds late-build demo that Soldier was shown was Grounded is a visual treat. God-like rays stream great promise graphically stunning with playability to match through the foliage, the water appears convincing, +++++ the looks. The title’s inclusion on the console and the graphical fidelity of the setting, and manifest also suggests that it has more mass everything within, looks superb. appeal than might be expected. Although there were occasions when the REVIEW: DAVID MCDOUGALL, CIVVY Cliff Caswell, Soldier

68 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

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BACK IN THE GROOVE

HAVING been given the green light to return to the wicket, the Army men's team made the most of their shortened season. The Reds won four RXWRIƮYHPDWFKHVSOD\HG DQGDUHDOUHDG\SODQQLQJ ahead for 2021. Read more about their successful run on SDJH

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69-sol-sep-RL-SM.indd 1 21/08/2020 11:09 GOLF

GOLFERS SALVAGE SEASON WITH COURSE RETURN

ITH the Army Sport on the fairways and it was Cpl 300 personnel involved in Op Control Board giving Ben Ware (pictured far right) 5HVFULSWVRJROIKDVRƬHUHGVRPH Wgolf the go-ahead who topped the standings to be welcome respite. to resume after lockdown, the crowned champion golfer. “Speaking from personal Service’s players have been quick “We already had the venue in experience, sport is one of the to take to the tee. mind, as well as a provisional main reasons to stay in the Army The Intelligence Corps, Royal date, and as soon as the and over the last ten years the Electrical and Mechanical guidance was released we EHQHƮWVKDYHEHHQUHFRJQLVHG Engineers and Royal Logistic KDGƮYHGD\VWRJHWHYHU\WKLQJ more and more. Corps were among the together,” competition organiser “It is great to be playing again.” formations to stage summer Sgt Jacob Timson (pictured The Intelligence Corps, runners championships within days of the above) told SoldierSport. up in the plate competition at announcement being made, and “The main feeling was one "THE the 2018 Army Championships, with more tournaments to follow RIUHOLHIśWKDWZHZHUHƮQDOO\ return to the course for their in the coming weeks personnel able to get out and play some MAIN autumn meet next month and are making up for lost time. competitive golf. hope to be challenging for Those returning to the course “At the same time we had to FEELING silverware again next season. had to adhere to the obvious be careful and set an example; “We cannot compete with the social distancing guidelines, this was a military event at a WAS likes of the Royal Artillery and while observing subtle rule public course so we had to do Royal Logistic Corps,” Timson FKDQJHVVXFKDVOHDYLQJưDJVLQ everything by the book. ONE OF added. “But we are quite strong the holes, avoiding the raking of “Because we’ve been able to for a small corps.” bunkers and not sharing buggies, play outside the Army at our own RELIEF" The sense of relief stemming but the new format worked well. clubs for a few weeks, coupled from the resumption of play was More than 20 golfers with the fact some people have also felt by the Royal Electrical descended on Pine Ridge Golf been working reduced hours, we and Mechanical Engineers, Club in Surrey for the Intelligence had a lot of golfers in good form. who saw 60 personnel head &RUSVŞƮUVWWRXUQDPHQWEDFN “As a corps, we had more than out for the 36-hole format of

70 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

70-71-sol-sep-RL-SM.indd 1 21/08/2020 11:11 CYCLING

their summer championships at TIME TRIAL Tidworth Garrison Golf Club. The contest welcomed golfers of all ability levels and IN NUMBERS ranks, with Sgt Josh Macinnes named as the gross winner and WO1 Carl Appleby taking the AVERAGE stableford honours. SPEED, “To get back out and swing the IN MPH, clubs was a euphoric moment,” CLOCKED BY WO1 Carl Wray, secretary of MATTHEWS REME Golf, said. “It is a chance to salvage what ON THE DAY is left of the season. “We thought we might not have any golf this year so to get this 25.5 tournament in was a real bonus for us. WINNING “It is a huge boost for morale. The Army Sport Control Board MARGIN, IN could not have done more to MINUTES, facilitate this and make it work. OVER HER “The Corps Championships NEAREST will follow in September and we RIVAL already have 70 entries. After that, we will be hoping for a full season next year.” That sentiment has been 6 echoed by the wider golf fraternity given the fact a host of NH\Ʈ[WXUHVLQWKHVFKHGXOH ATHLETES have been cancelled due to the COMPLETED coronavirus outbreak. THE TIME TRIAL TEST TICKED OFF The Inter-Services WOMEN’S Championships, which were due to be held at Saunton Golf SENIOR RACE Club later this month, have been scrapped, as has the RIATHLON star Capt place, however, this was a Army Matchplay and Stableford Katrina Matthews decent margin. Championships and the Inter- 16 T(RAMC) showcased “Time trial is all about Regional and Inter-Corps her talent on two wheels as working on the roads, putting Championships. Q FEMALE she claimed a maiden win in the power down on the hills TRIATHLON cycling’s National 100-mile and being aerodynamic. Time Trial Championships. “These were proper British ATHLETES Having seen her country roads with lots of JOINING THE international season curtailed turns and roundabouts, so to OFFICER IN by the coronavirus pandemic, clock a sub four-hour time is a THE FIELD WKHRƱFHUXVHGWKH:LOWVKLUH real achievement.” event as way of preparing for While Matthews admitted a potential return to ironman WKHUDFHRƬHUHGDZHOFRPH action in the coming months. break from her primary sport, 4 A time of 3hr 55min she insisted the victory will 22sec saw the 29-year-old KDYHEHQHƮWVGRZQWKHOLQH GRPLQDWHWKHƮHOGDQGVKH “This was almost a POTENTIAL told SoldierSport she was test event for my ironman IRONMAN surprised by the emphatic competitions, where the cycle EVENTS manner of her victory. stage is 20 kilometres longer,” LINED UP “I was not expecting to win,” she explained. she added. Š,WZDVQLFHWRƮQGZKHUH FOR THE “A good result would have my limit is and to be able to COMING EHHQWRƮQLVKRQWKHSRGLXP push really hard knowing I MONTHS but I just performed really well didn’t have to do a run on the – COVID on the day. back of it. PERMITTING “It was convincing. Last year “There were some good there was only eight seconds lessons I can hopefully take 3 EHWZHHQƮUVWDQGVHFRQG forward to my next race.” Q

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70-71-sol-sep-RL-SM.indd 2 21/08/2020 11:12 TAKE OFF: A LAUNCH EVENT IS BEING HELD AT THE AMESBURY DISC GOLF DISC GOLF COURSE ON SEPTEMBER 30. EMAIL [email protected] FOR DETAILS

CABRIT TOUR HELPS NEW DISCIPLINE TAKE FLIGHT

ISC golf has become £30 and it is really accessible. It And it has been the same for all the latest pursuit to land can also be played recreationally the battalions rolling through. Don the Army’s sporting and competitively. “However, when I came back ODQGVFDSHWKDQNVWRWKHHƬRUWVRI “It is early days and the priority and started to look for places to a rapidly expanding player base now is to advertise what we’re play there were not many courses in Wiltshire. doing to see who else is out in the area. But Amesbury has 3OD\HGZLWKư\LQJGLVFVLQVWHDG there. I know there are lots of since built one and a lot of of clubs and balls, participants people who have played in the soldiers are now heading down. throw the discs at targets using past, or others that want to try it. “I am sure personnel must be rules similar to those followed in “This is great exercise and you playing in the other Services traditional golf. can just turn up at a course and as well. It might be a case of More than 30 soldiers from start throwing a disc around. It us leading the way and the aim Bulford, Tidworth and Larkhill is pretty addictive and from there is to have unit- and corps-level are testing their aim on a weekly you can look at competing in "IT IS competitions, as well as an Army basis and those at the helm events around the country.” representative team. are looking to capitalise on the Personnel already have access EARLY “It is growing rapidly.” growing momentum. to the sport on Army bases, with For more information on how An application for recognition ATR Pirbright and Gibraltar DAYS" to get involved join the Army from the Army Sport Control Barracks, Minley, boasting Disc Golf Facebook group. Q Board is expected in 2021 and courses of their own. hopes are high for future Inter- Op Cabrit has formed another Unit, Inter-Corps and, eventually, proving ground, with soldiers OLAUNCH Disc Golf has shown Inter-Services competitions. able to sharpen their skills on its support to the Army by offering “It is such a cheap sport,” WO2 camp in Estonia. RGTUQPPGNFKUEQWPVGFVJTGGCPFƓXG Gareth King (Int Corps), interim Š,ƮUVWJRWLQYROYHGZKHQ, piece starter kits. Scan this code and chairman of the Army Disc Golf deployed in 2017,” King added. enter ‘ARMYDISC3’ or ‘ARMYDISC5’. Association, told SoldierSport. “There is a course on site, so the Visit www.launchdiscgolf.co.uk “A set of discs costs less than guys were playing quite a bit.

72 SEPTEMBER 2020 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk

72-73-sol-sep-RL-SM.indd 1 21/08/2020 11:10 GAME OFF: THE INTER-CORPS TWENTY20 COMPETITION PLANNED FOR SEPTEMBER 8 TO 10 HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19 CRICKET SPORT SHORTS

Molinaro’s mammoth run

ENDURANCE athlete and former RƱFHU&DUOD0ROLQDURKDVVPDVKHGWKH women’s world record for the fastest time running from Lands’ End to John O’Groats. The 36-year-old, who is in the process of joining the Army Reserve, REDS MAKE MOST OF SHORT SEASON completed the punishing route in 12 days, 30 minutes and 14 seconds – an HƬRUWWKDWZDVPRUHWKDQWHQDQGDKDOI hours quicker than the previous best. “She averaged 73 miles a day for 12 KIPPER Cpl Jay Boynton Fus Marlon Simon (R Welsh, days, with just four hours’ sleep each (REME) said it “felt like pictured left) then led the night,” said sports masseuse Capt Swe’d never been away” as charge with the ball, posting Elysia Harrison (RLC). “When she he led the Army men’s cricket DVWKHPLOLWDU\RXWƮW reached the end it was pure emotion.” WHDPLQWKHLUƮUVWPDWFKHV claimed a convincing win. since lockdown restrictions The Twenty20 action were lifted. resumed a day later as the The Reds made up for lost Army triumphed over the Free WLPHZLWKƮYHƮ[WXUHVLQWKH Foresters, before losing to the space of eight days, a run same opponent, in another that produced four wins as double-header. the players quickly adapted to “We wanted an unbeaten cricket in a Covid era. Covid season and only "IT Cpl Varun Bali (AGC) top ORVWWKDWƮQDOJDPHLQWKH scored with 34 and Boynton last over,” Boynton told WAS FODLPHGƮJXUHVRIDV SoldierSport. “But it was great the soldiers downed Oxford to get the lads back together. GREAT University by 22 runs in “Some have been away Plans in place for kick-off the opening match of their supporting the NHS on Op TO GET Twenty20 double-header in Rescript and this has been a THE Army Football Association has Aldershot, a result that was good way to relieve some of published plans for the resumption of THE followed by an 11-run victory that pressure. the 2019/20 season following the in the afternoon. “It has been a disappointing Covid-19 pandemic. LADS A change of format brought year for everyone, but we have 7KHSURSRVDOVPXVWEHVLJQHGRƬ further success a week later as got to maintain a positive by the Army Sport Control Board and BACK" a century stand between Cfn frame of mind in the hope that Army Headquarters but, if approved, Liam Fletcher (REME) and Pte things will get back to normal WKHUHPDLQLQJƮ[WXUHVLQWKH&KDOOHQJH Tade Carmichael (RLC) paved next season. Minor Units and Reserve Cups will all the way for a 117-run triumph “These matches have been be completed this month. over the Fire Service in their an opportunity to cement the The Massey Trophy and Edwards 40-over showdown. team for then and we have &KDOOHQJH&XSƮQDOVZLOODOVREH The latter top scored with been looking for performances contested, while approval is being 65 as the hosts closed their from the players coming into sought for the resumption of this year’s innings on 271-9. Paceman the squad.” Q Inter-Services campaign. Follow @Armyfa1888 for updates.

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1 www.soldiermagazine.co.uk Cpl ChrisFisher Reservist dreams of. arethis whatevery Deployments like platform. the with more experience hoping toget course, soI’m my commander’s only just done Jackals yet asI’ve much timeon I haven’t spent LCpl Patrick Cleary bigger team. how we geltogether asa It willbeinteresting to see squadrons outinPoland. drawn from ourvarious working asalarger group at themomentbutwillbe We are allsub-unitbased Tpr James Taylor can’t wait to doit. will bechallenging,butI Marines andtheice dive package withtheRoyal The winter training them? and notusing skills all these point ofhaving life. What’s the mundane civvy getting away from my to good use–and training andskills Putting allour LCpl MatthewPrentice Cpl James Mashiter on tour. just soIcould go starting afamily I have delayed fact, my wife and of itfor me. In exciting aspect unit isthemost a wholeReservist able to deploy as And for usto be reason Ijoined. which isthe To mobilise, Great expectations deploying toPoland onOpCabrit Royal Yeomanry what they were most looking forward toabout We asked Reservists from the 2 1 / 0 8 / 2 0 2 0

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