The Magazine of The Royal of Signals Corps Formation: 28th June 1920 Corps Motto: Certa Cito Contents

On exercise December 2017 Volume 71 No: 6

FEATURES

Chrismas Message from the Corps Colonel 2 History of Signalling in 100 Objects 75 2018 Corps Calendar 84 The Last Parade - 88

16 1 Sig Regt REGULARS

Falkland Islands RSBF 4 News from Training 6 News from 16 Other Units/ 56 Royal Signals Association 80 Last Post 84 Obituaries 85

SPORT/ADVENTURE TRAINING

32 Sig Regt Parachuting 3 42 Exercise HARD RIDE 65 Exercise MERCURY COMPASS 15 66 Exercise DRAGON DIVER IV 67 Exercise NORTHERN INCA UNICORN 68 Exercise WIMBISH DIVER 2 70 Exercise DRAGON MALAYA TAHAN 72 Exercise DRAGON BAHRAIN ADVENTURER 74 Exercise ARCTIC EXPRESS 76 Exercise HIGHLAND EXPRESS 78

64 Sig Sqn at the NMA Service 46 37 Sig Regt Sailing towards Wishing all of our readers a Hvalfjörður Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Front Cover: SSgt Dan Jones, 226 Sig Sqn, 14 Sig Regt on Exercise DRACO'S SHADOW. Photo by LCpl Pete Dobson, 226 Sig Sqn, 14 Sig Regt.

76 Exercise ARCTIC EXPRESS The Magazine of The Note from the Editor

Welcome to our Christmas edition and the last year in which there will be six editions of the magazine.

Over the course of the past year The Wire has undergone some significant changes with the introduction of the Corps branding and articles becoming more image led. We trust these changes have made the magazine more attractive to our readers and made for a less onerous task for those of you who have to collate and submit the Unit content.

Looking forward into 2018, the magazine will now be published four times throughout the year, with an edition in Spring (March), Summer (June/July), Autumn (September) and Winter (December) and this will be reviewed at the end of 2018 with any minor changes being implemented; Units will be kept fully informed of these changes. Any articles that we have already received for the February 2018 issue will be published in the Spring edition. The deadline date for submissions for the Summer issue will be 2 April. A full list of the revised contribution deadlines will be published in the next issue.

As a reminder to Units, submissions should be sent via the Chain of Command to [email protected] and:

• Should be in Microsoft word with no formatting. • CofC should edit and approve articles prior to submission. • All images should be of the highest quality, over 500kb and sent as separate jpegs. • Potential front cover images should be over 3MB. • Submissions are to be received by contribution deadlines.

This is your magazine and our aim remains to promote the Corps and the great individuals within it. If there is something you want to see in the magazine please do get in touch with us or your Chain of Command.

In the meantime, we would like to thank all individuals and Units who have submitted content to us over the past year and we wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Certa Cito

Editor: Amy Petersen Subscriptions: [email protected] (preferred for submissions) All enquiries regarding subscriptions and changes of Mil: 94371 2817 Civ: 01258 482817 address should be made to Jess Lawson on Mil: 94371 2087 Civ: 01258 482087 or [email protected] SO3 Digital Communication and Publications: Stephanie Hamlett Last Post: [email protected] These will be inserted free to all past and present Mil: 94371 2818 Civ: 01258 482818 members of the Corps.

RHQ R SIGNALS, Griffin House, Blandford Contents: Camp, , , DT11 8RH Authors alone are responsible for the content of their articles. The opinions expressed in the Articles: articles of this publication are those of the indiv- Please email submissions in Microsoft Word format, idual authors and do not necessarily reflect the together with related photographs to the e-mail policy and views, official or otherwise, of the addresses above. Digital images should be in JPEG Royal Corps of Signals or the Ministry of Defence. format, kept separate (and not embedded within the All articles and submissions are published at the article) and supplied with captions. discretion of the Editor. This publication may contain official information and should be treated Contribution Deadlines: with discretion. 10th December for publication in the Spring edition. 2nd April for publication in the Summer edition. Advertising: All communications regarding commercial © Published by The RSBF Charity advertising should be made direct to yal Sig Ro na ls royalsignals.org/rsbf/ Be ne [email protected]. R vol SB ent Fund F Printed by Holbrook Printers Ltd, Norway Road, Hilsea, Portsmouth © Crown Copyright A Christmas Message from The Corps Colonel Colonel J Gunning

As the year draws to a close we can look back and reflect on the many and varied successes that the Corps has had. We have continued to deliver on every front despite undermanning, uncertainty and increasing demand. Our achievements have drawn a lot of formal recognition but the fact that the vast majority do this work quietly in the background and without the accolades that they all so richly deserve makes this all the more humbling. All of these achievements are down to the fantastic soldiers and officers, both Regular and Reserve, who continue to deliver under immense pressure. As we approach Christmas it is only appropriate that we also acknowledge the vital support of families and friends whose love and encouragement make all that we do possible.

As our Corps continues to serve in complex operations across the globe, many of you are asking what the future holds. The most important task is to continue to adapt and modernise in line with the rapidly changing character of conflict. Change will therefore continue to be a dominant theme over the coming year and we must embrace and seize every opportunity. Against this backdrop, the Corps has been directed to become more agile and forward thinking in order to allow commanders to use information as a weapon system. This means that we need to master technology and service provision in order to deliver effective information systems. To achieve this, we must use our experience and hard-won knowledge to adapt our structures, refine our doctrine, review our career employment groups and overhaul our training.

Many of you will have read the criticisms over the Government’s austerity drive however, the design of the force structure, as part of this work, is both logical and compelling. Within this our proposed A2020 Refine structures still need considerable work and we are now in a position where we can use the considerable experience across all ranks in the Corps to add the granularity that will allow us to champion digital change. We also have the opportunity to develop our hybrid structures by fully integrating the Reserves in order to maintain capability. At the same time we are also improving the way that we develop and procure our equipment. This is being done through closer integration with industry to deliver rapidly adaptable systems that will allow us to react as new requirements and technologies evolve or emerge.

We continue to face issues with recruiting under the partnership contract with Capita and we need a concerted effort at every level to advertise and promote the significant opportunities available in the Corps. Increasing our digital presence, along with more traditional recruiting activities, will be our main effort for the coming year. The drive to review and reduce inefficiencies and expenditure has also given us the opportunity and support to take a hard look at our training. The aim will be to remove unnecessary activity and thereby speed the passage of personnel to the field army. Considerable work will now go into reducing the length of our training pipeline, whilst ensuring that we still deliver highly trained and motivated soldiers and officers with the right levels of knowledge. As part of this we will also take the opportunity to examine our career employment groups in order to allow for more flexible career pathways and to provide more exciting and challenging employment. This work will be married to the ongoing drive for recognition through professional bodies and opportunities to gain civilian qualifications through further study and apprenticeships.

We must not forget that we are moving towards our centenary year, which brings the opportunity for both celebration and reflection. Our plans include a set of core events including an Adventurous Training Challenge, services of celebration and a number of overseas sports tours, all of which will be publicised more widely in the New Year. I will close by wishing everyone, be you Regular, Reserve or retired and all of your families, a very Merry Christmas in preparation for a busy, successful and rewarding New Year.

2 [email protected]

ROYAL SIGNALS PARACHUTING by Lt Rebecca Cooper

The Armed Forces Parachuting Competition 2017 kick-started on 16 August at Joint Service Parachute Centre (Netheravon) with three days of training to build up to the competition. With a team of 15 strong from across the R SIGNALS, with both Regular and Reserves, novices and experienced jumpers, this year was looking like one of our strongest years for a long time.

Three days of training before the event began on the Saturday allowed for some team bonding. There’s nothing like falling through the sky at 125mph with three other people to bring you together. Unfortunately, the first day of training wasn’t too productive when the plane crashed and jumping had to halt for the day. No one was hurt and all of the jumpers had already jumped out so they were fine – this only proved to skydivers that the safest way to land is by getting out of that plane!

After finishing training with a stint practising in the wind tunnel, the teams were looking forward to getting started. The competition was in full swing by Saturday with the RAF and the Navy turning up to take part as well and our teams raring to go.

There are events for all range of skill levels, from newly qualified to incredibly experienced and the competition allows for some time to help the more junior in the team to progress. While the weather wasn’t playing ball, parachute packing lessons were held and five people qualified in packing their own parachutes thanks to the help of the more experienced in the crew. Not only that, but over the duration of the week, two B licenses were gained, one FS1 qualification and some jumping milestones were reached.

Over the course of the week the team jumped over 200 times and took home seven gold medals and two bronze. There was gold for the Junior Accuracy Team much to their surprise, and within the team we had an individual gold medalist in FofS IS Jim Carrey who took to the podium like a duck to water. Our Freestyle gods SSgt Alex Clark and Lt Elise Sharpe won golds in the Freestyle A and B categories while our very own Sgt Rocky Hudson achieved a Bronze in the Freestyle B category.

A successful week all round for the R SIGNALS parachuting team, culminating in a display featuring the Red Devils and Sgt Hudson taking part in the parachuting display in front of VIPs and guests. Looking forward the team is continuing to grow and 2018 will see three progression weekends as well as a hopefully even more successful Armed Forces Parachuting Competition!

DECEMBER 2017 3 oyal Sign R als B en ev RS olent Fund ROYAL SIGNALS BENEVOLENT FUND BF

Season’s Greetings and Thank You

A huge thank you to all who support the RSBF; your continued financial help, your undraisingf and support, your kindness and comradeship makes a genuine difference to the lives of others. Your very own Corps Family…

Almost died “Thank you so very much for the financial help Family at its best that you sent me to pay my rent and help [with] “I was lucky enough to sit on a board when in kit…I have always been the one to help when uniform. It amazed me that ex-service personnel needed and never ask…I almost died three times had to bite the bullet and ask for help. I walked due to a motorbike accident and the help you away from that board with the understanding sent was very much appreciated.” that no matter how hard it got once I left the Signals there was always someone there to listen and help. Family at its best.”

Homeless alcoholic “I was a homeless alcoholic with no idea which direction to go in or who to turn to…I truly am I still miss her…. grateful for your part in my recovery and if there is “My wife suffered from Parkinson’s…the RSBF ever anything that I can do to help you/your [helped provide] an automatic bed and rise and organisation then please ask.” recline chair; these helped considerably. Sadly she died…the day after my birthday…After 57 years of marriage I still miss her.” Helping is easy The Corps is great at helping its own. People donate through Day’s Pay, through subscriptions, contributing to fundraising, collection pots and more and, with approximately two new cases every working day, contributions really do count.

If you’re feeling particularly benevolent this Christmas and want to make a donation one of the easiest ways is via text giving. Small amounts - the equivalent of the price of a “Bevvy” for Benevolence - help us provide cradle to grave financial support to those in need. Text giving only takes a minute but it really can help make a difference to the Corps Family.

Here to help If you need help or require information about the RSBF and benevolence/welfare please contact Linda. Email [email protected] or see https://royalsignals.org/rsbf/welfare-support/

Fundraising and supporting To find out more about fundraising, legacy giving, making a donation, entering for the Pennants of Merit for Fundraising or for any other matter please contact Sandra. Email [email protected] News from Training 1 (FOWLER) , 2 ARMY TRAINING CENTRE (ATC) PIRBRIGHT OC Maj S Devenish SSM WO2 S Ware

From Commute to Combat; a Reserve Recruit's Perspective Exercise 1 (FOWLER) SQUADRON REMEMBERS by Recruits Conner, Pickering, Ridgway and Toner by Cpl Laval-Chesterton Phase 1 (Bravo) training can be summed up in one word: 1 (Fowler) Squadron remains as busy as ever with no sign of it whirlwind. For a reservist coming straight out of civilian slowing down, continuing to train and mentor recruits street, the arrival onto a large military training centre with all through 14 weeks of Phase 1 training in order to pass out of its bells and whistles, can be somewhat daunting. This Army Training Centre Pirbright (ATC (P)) and onto their experience can become even more terrifying when they come respective phase 2 trade training. face to face with some severe looking who all look like they chew gunpowder and bend steel bars for breakfast. As the Squadron got closer to summer leave and the pace settled ever so slightly this was seen as a perfect opportunity This first impression however, is somewhat misleading. to get the whole Squadron together and run a Squadron Despite the strict military rigour the individuals within the cohesion day. To that end The Poppy Factory became an ideal training team are here to turn recruits from raw civilians with choice as it would benefit both the Section Commanders and an individual mindset into a body of troops capable of the wider Squadron to broaden their knowledge of the poppy in order to pass this on to our recruits.

On arrival at The Poppy Factory we were met by a rather amused tour guide Bob, who admired some of the Section Phase 1 (B) recruits on the range Commanders' choice of brightly coloured chinos, mentioning no names Cpl Dave Backhouse.

Once inside, we received a presentation on the poppy, its history from how it originated to how it has evolved over the years to its present day form. This was then followed by a guided tour of the factory, including how the Poppy is made today and how the different variants of the poppy are produced. Members of the Squadron even had the opportunity to make some themselves.

All in all it was a very successful visit with all members of the Squadron learning a lot and taking something away they didn’t already know.

Right: 1 (Fowler) Sqn's poppy assembling sklls

Below: 1 (Fowler) Sqn

6 [email protected] working and fighting as one cohesive unit in just a matter of heard. Cpl’s Dave Backhouse and Laval-Chesterton ‘LC’ of 1 weeks. Recruits soon find out that their training staff are not (Fowler) Signal Squadron were not pleased with their start there to ‘beast’ them, but are professionals from all corners position of 1st place. Both highly competitive and there for of the Army who are deeply passionate about their job and the win! will do everything they can to ensure that the future of the Army is secure, through the men and woman who pass out at On the other hand, Cpl Ashcroft and I were discussing if we ATC Pirbright. could manage any overtakes, having chosen 9th (last place) out of the hat. I was looking to take this event easy, there for Make no mistakes, Phase 1 Reserve training is hard. As the enjoyment, not the pain. However, deep down I knew Cpl recruits we often found ourselves with information flying ‘Ash’ Ashcroft was gunning for a win, having slipped a disc in towards us from all angles at a rate of knots. However, with the early hours before the previous year’s event and also not the help of the training team of 1 (Fowler) Squadron, 2 Army managing to participate in the Squadron Adventure Training Training Regiment Pirbright we learnt that it was okay to earlier in the year (Parachuting). make mistakes as long as we learnt from them, and learn from them we did! We all agree that it has been an incredible Race day arrived, game faces were on. Sodexo’s finest experience watching our transforming from a diverse nutritional breakfast options were being consumed – group of people of all ages, denominations and professions porridge, bananas and dirty big fry ups. Morale was high, into soldiers. sideburns were low, all sorts of lycra and pesty phys kit was worn by all. The sense of achievement that we all feel having completed the course is hard to find in civilian life, as Rudyard Kipling The event started with the 7km open canoe, with teams once said ‘every man thinks less of himself having never been setting off at three minute intervals. Highly comical scenes as a soldier.’ Not us. teams zig zagged their way down the canal and into the far distance. Having dodged several canal boats, swans, ducks Pirbright Adventure Race and reports of people capsizing (untrue) we arrived at the by Sgt Muchmore first transition point – canoe to bike. Straight onto bikes, blasting down the canal, looking for the Taff Trail turn off. It was that time of year again, ATC Pirbright’s annual event Now in 8th position, the competition was really on. Cpl – The Adventure Race, organised by 108 Sqn. Held in the Ashcroft and I set about trying to catch some groups, mainly Brecon Beacons, it consisted of teams of two competing over our fellow Sqn rivals Dave and LC. Unbeknown to us they had a 7km open canoe, 23km mountain bike ride and a 15km run. missed the turn off and were now well off the route with two flat tyres. Having done a fair bit of mountain biking and being The journey began with the trip from ATC Pirbright to the a keen road cyclist I thought I had the ride in the bag. How heart of all the ’s morale...Sennybridge, . wrong I was. Whoever chose the route had selected what I Everyone was playing it cool, acting like they were there for can only describe as the most beastly and hideous mountain the taking part and enjoyment. This all changed Monday bike route of all time. Twenty of the 23kms were uphill, the evening when kit was issued and start numbers were chosen terrain was either gravel or rocks, which threw you around out of the hat. Deep discussions over who’s chasing who, like a tennis ball in a washing machine and if you were lucky route selection and enough not to fall off, then the horizontal rain would assist in equipment choices could be destroying all morale. We finally reached the second transition – bike to run, with what I would say felt like tennis elbow and deep joint aches in the hands and arms from Below: 1 Sqn Section Commanders enjoying holding onto the bike for dear life on the final descent, but st being on exercise surprisingly we were in 1 place. We had overtaken all the other teams.

Now for the final stretch, with cramps setting in and teeth gritted we attempted to run back up to Windy Gap, at the base of Fan Y Big. The route would take us round past Crib Byn and up Jacob’s Ladder to Pen-Y-Fan, before heading Members of ATC(P) canoeing during the down the Storey Arms and going up to the 629m Trig Point annual Adventure Race and down to the finish at Forest Lodge. With Ash pushing the pace, and looking strong, we opened the gap considerably.

The OC, Maj Devenish and SSM, WO2 Ware, of 1 (Fowler) Squadron welcomed us at the Storey Arms, with the OC deciding to run the final stage with us. By now we were both firmly in the hurt locker so it was nice to have a fresh face with us. Thinking we knew best, Ash and I decided to straight line it across the hills, however, this slowed us down a bit. Now just mincing down to the finish thinking everyone was miles behind and now back on a firm track, with 500m to go, two teams popped out of the hedge line. The final race was on, a sprint finish between the teams!

A well organised and overall awesome and very challenging event, with Cpl Ashcroft and I taking home the trophy for 1 (Fowler) Squadron, 2 Army Training Regiment.

DECEMBER 2017 7 College 2IC Maj Anthera Burdus RSIGNALS Burma Dinner Night – by Cpl ‘Sam’ Clowes OC K Coy Maj ‘Yogi’ Cauldwell RSIGNALS Burma Company at (Harrogate) B Coy CSM WO2 (CSM) John Miller held a Company dinner held in the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess. The evening was attended by all members of Permanent Staff with a special guest WO2 Brian Cumming The Visit of Commandant DSCIS MBE from the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Brian served with the by Cpl ‘Thomo’ Thompson Royal Corps of Signals from 1950 – 1983. During this time he served in numerous campaigns and countries worldwide. Commandant DSCIS visited the Army Foundation College (Harrogate) on 9 Aug 17 to visit members of R SIGNALS The evening commenced with a presentation from Brian Permanent Staff (PS). Upon his arrival Col Percival had a about his military career and his life at the Royal Hospital photograph with PS at the main gates of the College. For Chelsea. With Brian being one of the hospital guides he was those that are not aware at the front gate there is a plaque fully in his comfort zone talking about the history of the that informs all arriving that this was the former R SIGNALS building, the hospital and by the end of it probably had a few Junior Leaders Depot, fondly remembered by the more people asking how to get a bed space themselves. “experienced” members of the Corps!

Dinner was soon called and the Company headed into the main dining area. Throughout the meal there were a number of readings read by members of the Company. The readings focussed on the important history of the Burma Campaign with information about each battle in which the platoons are named after. After finishing dinner it was time to move back into the bar which gave the opportunity to exchange more interesting stories with Brian, comparing how much the Corps has progressed over the past 60 years.

The night was enjoyed by all with special thanks to Brian for traveling up to AFC Harrogate.

Following the photograph Col Percival addressed all PS to dispel a few myths about Army 2020R, including interesting details about working more closely with the Intelligence Corps. He also spoke on various Regimental moves and manning that could impact many soldiers in the Corps. The presentation was well received by all those who attended. Col Percival then held a question and answers session from the PS ending in a more informal discussion over refreshments.

Overall the visit was very informative and enlightening concerning the varied and ever-changing world of modern CIS. HQ DSCIS TRAINING UPDATE

CLM can be granted through the Chain of Comd via APC). Once MFD, students should then be loaded onto the course at the As units are aware, there has been significant change in the earliest opportunity. delivery of CLM across the Corps, in line with Army-wide direction. Less WO CLM, all courses are 2 weeks long and are MLD (Permanent) (MLD(P)) – if there is no reason the student delivered on common courses for Regulars and Reserves. The cannot achieve all elements of the Critical TO’s (listed above), only elements of the course that students can be failed on then a Stage 2 (Unit Health Committee (UHC)HC) / Stage 3 relate to the Critical Training Objectives (TOs), that are Pan- (Unit MO) sign off is required. Army TOs: MLD (P) – if the student cannot achieve the Critical TO’s then PNCO – Values and Standards the unit should follow the process in the CLM handbook to Command a Fire Team in Basic Close apply for a waiver. [Note: Army HQ are still reviewing the Combat Skills (BCCS) Waiver Process. This should be released by Jan 18.]

JCLM – Values and Standards Students with a weight carrying restriction on the Appendix Command a Section in BCCS 9, should seek guidance from the Unit Medical Officer to confirm they can carry up to 30 kg for the BCCS element of the SCLM – Values and Standards course. Please see the revised Annex J to the CLM Handbook Control BCCS which is with your Unit Training Wings. Less successful waiver Issue Platoon Orders candidates, all other students will be expected to complete ALL aspects of the course. WOCLM – Values and Standards With the SCLM evolving into ‘Control’ BCCS from ‘Supervise’ Critical to successful completion of all CLM courses is BCCS, students must now be prepared to deploy into the field PREPARATION. This should be done individually, via unit/ Bde environment for a minimum of 48hrs. Due to this change, the led pre-CLMs and by unit Tp/ Sqn mentors. To aid student medical requirement for SCLM has now aligned with PNCO preparation, 4 Mil Sqn have designed a military training and JCLM. package that is on the DLE (the link will be on student JIs and also held in Unit Trg Wings). Once all preparation is done, students must complete the mandated pre-course paperwork Other Training issues: (again linked to the JIs) and ensure it is signed off by the designated unit officer, not below the rank of WO2. [Currently, Driving Licence Acquisition delivery for Cat C and C + E has 10% of students are returned to unit (RTU’d) for incorrect been changed to remove excessive waiting times, which completion of this paperwork]. caused delay in personnel being assigned to the Field Army. RSIN 010/17 contains all the relevant information. In essence, All students must be in date MATTs 1-9 up to and including the all Ph 2 soldiers will leave DSCIS with B or B+E licences and will final day of their CLM Course. Note: MATT 2 sign off purely only return for C/C+E if their unit role requires it. relates to successful completion of the AFT within the last 12 months. There is now NO requirement to record APFA HQ DSCIS are in dialogue with APC regarding future course attempt status for CLM purposes. loading for key career courses, in particular Class 1 Upgrader courses and CLM. This is aimed at giving students more time Medical loading on CLM courses has also been updated as to prepare for these important career courses. The planned follows: lead times for DSCIS delivered courses is as follows:

Medically Fully Deployable (MFD) – Self Certification only. Class One courses – 6 months notice Medically Limited Deployable (Temporary) (MLD(T)) – CLM course – 4 months notice Students should be given time via unit/garrison rehab facilities All other courses – 3 months notice to recover from injury/ illness (up to two 6 month extensions

DECEMBER 2017 9 11th (RSS) SIGNAL REGIMENT BLANDFORD

Exercise CATTERICK TIGER 2017 - by Sgt Stock 11th SIGNAL REGIMENT CO Lt Col CL Jardine RSM WO1 R Savage On 3 September 2017, eight members of 2 (Catterick) 2 (CATTERICK) SQUADRON Squadron deployed on Ex CATTERICK TIGER and headed towards Newquay after what has been a busy training year so OC Maj P Carpenter SSM WO2 J Wignall far. The main thing on everybody’s mind was food so once 3 (HARROGATE) SQUADRON we arrived at RAF St Mawgan we decided to go and explore the local town and amenities. The initial problem we had was OC Maj D Rees-Galey SSM WO2 C Deal trying to find parking for a 17 seater minibus which proved to 4 (MILITARY TRAINING) SQUADRON be eventful and google maps came in very useful. Once OC Maj GLM Dunn SSM WO2 Loynes everybody was fed and watered we decided to head back and prepare our bodies for what was to come. 5 (MARESFIELD) SQUADRON OC Maj J Budding SSM WO2 Smith Day 1 (Monday 4 Sept)

We all met at the main entrance to the accommodation and had to hatch a plan for breakfast as feeding was an issue on afternoon. As we made our way back to the surfing zone of the camp that we stayed on. We came to the agreement that the beach the first thing everybody noticed was that the tide the finest Café in town (Morrisons) was the ideal choice, Cpl had turned and the swell had increased which was evident by Matt Chadwick then proceeded to order salmon and avocado how hard it was to even get out to the breaker waves. on toast to which the nice lady behind the counter had a confused look on her face and stated we do not serve that and you will have to buy it. Cpl Matt Chadwick could not get GERONIMO!!! his head around why the café assistant would not just go and get the ingredients for his very random breakfast from the shop floor. We all still think that he must have thought it was some sort of high-end restaurant.

Everybody had filled their bellies and we headed for Fistral Beach Surf School, to start our first activity. Initially everyone had to be sized up for wet suits which later turned out to be eventful as everybody struggled to get into them. We headed outside, trying to hide our dad bods and made our way down to the waterfront to start what we all thought was going to be a boring hour long lesson on how to stand up on a surfboard, but boy were we all wrong. We SSgt ‘Jarhead’ The Squadron permanent staff and had a 15 minute theory Jarman looking especially WO1 Kennaugh sucking lesson then a nice little slightly less than up the surfing experience competition warm up her normal followed by the practical powerful self. aspect of the lesson, which #frightened was basically trying to catch a wave and stand up which proved challenging and The day ended on a impossible for some. high with the 40ft This carried on for jump and some around 1 ½ hours and wobbly knees then everybody was ready for food. We took a well-earned rest and had some fish and chips (it would be rude not to at the beach) and were left to our own devices for the rest of the

10 [email protected] The fun started with the first wave which wiped everybody had the previous day, so we decided to sample the local cafes out and pushed us back towards the beach by about 50 which were situated along the beach. A few hours had metres. SSgt Alicia Jarman felt the full force of the sea that passed and the OC and SSM re-appeared a little cold and day, when a rogue wave hit her from the left hand side then tired. Once they had warmed up we headed over to Barefeet as soon as she came up for air another hit and this was a Coasteering which was a little bizarre as the company was run vicious cycle for what must have seemed like a lifetime for from a couple’s front room of their house. We were then SSgt Alicia Jarman. I, Sgt Lee Stock could see what was given all of our equipment (which was a lot), and had the going on but was unable to even get close as the current was smallest of rooms to get changed which wasn’t an easy task. too strong and the laughter was getting too much. We headed off to the start point of the activity, which took a We all came to an agreement after three hours of getting a scenic route along the coastline and had a safety brief before beating that we would call it a day and give our bodies a rest. the first jump. The first jump was what they call a baby jump We headed back to camp to get sorted for the evening’s but in some people’s eyes it probably seemed a lot higher, we activities which consisted of, most importantly food and a then progressed around the coastline jumping in and well earned beverage. We also decided to partake in the clambering along cliff edges. venue's quiz night, which we didn’t think we would have a chance of winning but to our surprise we came 2nd, all thanks The jumps started to increase in size which for some members to Cpl Neil Morris who didn’t know when the Battle of of the Squadron proved difficult but with encouragement Trafalgar was (21 October). Apart from losing to the local from the remainder of the group, they jumped. We then pensioners it was a very relaxed and eventful night. reached a point in which we had to show our belly flopping skills, which had an audience of locals who were doing a spot Day 2 (Tuesday 5 Sept) of fishing and found it hilarious. WO1 John Kennaugh did not have a good experience but would have got gold in the face We started day 2 a little sore and bruised but were looking plant; the OC, Maj Paul Carpenter won the event by a good forward to the delights that followed. First up the surfing margin. We then reached a jump which had doubled in size company had kindly given us a free morning of surfing which and everybody’s nerves had set in, I, Sgt Lee Stock was the OC, Maj Paul Carpenter and SSM, WO2 John Wignall shunted to the front and had to suck it up and jump, which decided to do. Everybody else could not handle the beating felt like I was falling for an eternity, then everybody else again that we followed which I can only describe as lemmings walking off a cliff. We all thought it couldn’t get any Cpl Chadwick tackling AT as he worse but boy were we wrong. does his job, belly first! We had to swim about 50 metres with the tide coming in which was extremely difficult. We reached the final and highest of all the jumps, we all scrambled to the top and teetered on the edge of the smallest of lips before jumping. I can only explain it as being like hitting a brick wall when we finally made contact with the water. Once everybody had jumped we had the The Squadron permanent staff fun task of trying to Those surfboards looking excited to be coasteering swim the 50 metres certainly were heavier as was the shadow back the way we than they look came, against the incoming tide which was fun. We scrambled back up the cliff face to reach the top and headed back to the house to de-kit. Everybody was exhausted but in high spirits, as we headed back to camp.

All in all, it was a challenging and enjoyable two days for the members of 2 (Catterick) Squadron and we look forward to providing much of #Cliffhanger the same next year.

DECEMBER 2017 11 Exercise MERCURY CHAMPIONS 05 Individual race by his father Davey at the annual Corps By WO1 (FofS) Mallison Orienteering Championships. RIP James, you were only in our lives for a fleeting moment but you captured our The Royal Corps of Signals Orienteering hearts forever. Championships 2017 were held on 27 – 28 Sept on Long Valley South near Fleet. The Day 2 Team Championships competition consists of the Individual Day 2 and the weather gods were on our side. Championships (Day 1) and the Team Today’s team event was in the format of the Harris Championships (Day 2). Relay. Originating in Germany and introduced to the UK in the late 1980s by Lt Col Steve Harris the Harris Day 1 Individual Championships Relay requires planning and coordination under time Day 1 utilised the ‘Score’ format in which pressure making it an ideal test for military personnel. each runner is given 60 minutes to visit as The event is a Spanish score with two sets of controls, many of the 25 control sites, worth 10, 20 the spine controls and the others. The team, or 30 points, as possible. The competitors consisting of three members, each receive the same can visit the controls in any order but map; each member must visit those exceeding 60 minutes are punished each of the spine controls and with penalty points thus reducing their the other controls by one overall score. Despite a busy schedule we member of the team. The other were able to field 8 runners, the majority controls are divided between of who were novices whose experience the team members with the aim was limited to the Harrogate Cup to get all members to the finish orienteering competition from the Sig Kulwinder as close as possible to each previous week. The entire team Singh (lright) other. The time of the last returned from the course tired but full and LCpl member to finish is the team Utshab Rana of enthusiasm having fully enjoyed the time with time penalties added (above) for missed controls. event, a great sign for the future of the passing the Corps team as us more seasoned start triangle orienteers move on to woodlands new. Members of the team (below) during the planning phase The entire team performed well but a special mention must be made SSgt Jamie Ranson, LCpl Utshab Rana and Sig Kulwinder Singh. SSgt Ranson retained the Corps Men’s Open Champion title for the 8th consecutive year, managing to get all 25 controls with an amazing six minutes to spare getting the full 400 points. LCpl Rana and Sig Singh both entered the novice category and managed to comfortably secure 1st and 2nd places respectively and as a result LCpl Rana winning The James Averill Memorial Trophy.

The James Averill Memorial Trophy James was a talented outgoing individual whose enthusiasm and humour infected all around him. A strong character and natural leader he was certain to go far in the Corps. Despite his youth he was already making The Regiment were able to field a a name for himself within the Major Unit Team consisting of six orienteering family and was personnel (two teams of three with destined to be one of our most the combined times providing the formidable future stars. During overall score) and a novice team his Phase 2 training James was consisting of three personnel. The diagnosed with leukemia and as competition was fierce and with a a result was medically team primarily made up of novices the discharged. An epitome of a team faced an uphill battle. With the British Soldier, James was odds stacked against them they valiant, his resolve, performed tremendously. determination and humour Unfortunately, not knowing each never waning. Sadly James lost other’s strengths and weaknesses his battle in April 2016 leaving made the planning phase complex, behind his parents Davey and which with a few navigational mishaps Fiona and brothers Davey and LCpl Rana holding saw both the teams narrowly miss out Matty. The James Averill on taking first place. Both teams Memorial Trophy secured a commendable second place To commemorate the life of and I would like to take this James, The James Averill opportunity to congratulate them for their hard work. I think Memorial Trophy is presented I can safely say they have all been bitten by the ‘O’ Bug and to the winner of the novice James and his dad Davey will help revive orienteering within the Regiment.

12 [email protected] The Team, Back Row: LCpl Giri, LCpl Karna, LCpl Subba, Cpl Walker, Cpl Pettit, WO1 (FofS) Mallison, Front Row: LCpl Arjun, LCpl Rana, SSgt Ranson, Sig Sunhil, not present Sig Singh

Royal Signals Powerlifting n 27 September RAF Shawbury By Sgt Harrington 3 Sqn, 11 Sig Regt followed by his next successful lift of Oplayed host to the Annual Combined 310kgs; he weighed in at 99.3kgs that Services Powerlifting Competition morning on calibrated scales. where the Navy, Royal Airforce, and the Army went head to head in a Full With the help of these big lifts and lots Power and Single Lifts Competition. of effort from the other team members, This was hosted and organised by the the Army not only walked away as the Army Powerlifting Union committee winners for the Men’s Team but also which is made up from multiple cap the females won their competition too; badges and ranks from across the so it was a double win for the Army. Army. That being said the RAF gave us a run for our money and we only won both On the morning of 27 September Sgt the male and female competitions by a Dugal Williams (3 DSR), LCpl Indy small margin. Dhillon (14 SR) and Sgt H Harrington all met over at the gym in order to be The next big thing for Sgt Williams and weighed in and find out what discipline LCpl Dhillon is an overseas military we would be lifting in. Sgt Williams competition in Malta; this will be and LCpl Dhillon were both selected to Sgt Dugal Williams (3 DSR), LCpl Indy Dhillon hosted by the Malta Drug Free compete in the Full Power and (14 SR) and Sgt H Harrington (11 SR) Powerlifting Federation and run under unfortunately Sgt Harrington was not the rules of the World Drug Free needed as all of the selected team Powerlifting Federation. This will see members had turned up on the day; I did stay for moral both of these soldiers going up against soldiers from other support and to spot and load the weights; possibly harder nations across the world as well as the Police and Fire work than if I had competed! Service.

During the day there were many impressive lifts and personal For further information on Powerlifting please contact bests by competitors from all three services. One of the most Sgt H Harrington on 94371 2390 or join the Royal Signals impressive lifts was LCpl Dhillon’s opening deadlift of 300kgs Powerlifting Facebook Page and ask any questions there.

DECEMBER 2017 13 PIPES AND DRUMS OF THE ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS

All the performing in Italy developed the band with both the Pipe President Col J Cooper late R Signals new and existing band members learning and developing the Corps Pipe Major WO2 (PM) S Bell tunes in our repertoire. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and gained a lot of knowledge in how to both maintain my instrument and kit and also how to play with a band of such

Building for the Future on Exercise VENETO 2017 high standards. The band is now able to play a March, - by Sig Bouhadjar Strathspey and Reel and on its way to playing a full medley, all in time for the Army Championships coming up in March, and I am Sig Saul Bouhadja, having 2 years’ experience in the have lots more events and performances to look forward to Army Reserve with and Strathclyde Universities over the coming months. Officer Training Corps I decided to advance my piping ability through transferring to the Royal Corps of Signals. This

would be my first foreign trip with the Pipes and Drums of the Pte Agnew Royal Corps of Signals. I am Dylan Agnew and am currently serving with the AGC (SPS) at 22 Signal Regiment in . I have been After stuffing the trailer full of drums, pipes and No 2 dress in playing in Pipes and Drums throughout my Army career and such a style it would envy the best of Tetris players, it was also before joining up. I have personally played at events time to set off. Everyone was gleeful at the prospect of what such as The Commonwealth Games (Opening and Closing I thought would be a “10 day holiday”, and two minibuses and Ceremonies), The Royal Military Tattoo, Basel 2 combi vans set off for our destination, Asiago, Italy.

The trip, despite being wearisome was certainly enjoyable and new band members including myself were welcomed to the band and got acquainted with the others. After 12 hours of travelling with stops for the usual food and comfort breaks we arrived at our first night’s accommodation, a dilapidated camp near Dover. On first inspection of the billets we found there was already an occupant, a fox. The fox was clearly as perplexed as I on such an encounter but after Pipe Major Bell ushered the creature away it was time for a quick pipe practice. I don’t know if the fox was more frightened of the pipe major or the pipes but it didn’t return. A poignant lament in the Day two of travelling began early, with the band only getting cemetery their eyes shut for three and a half hours before it was time to get packed and set for the ferry. The lack of sleep clearly made some of the band a little cranky but nothing some good food couldn’t sort. This food came in the form of fish and chips served on the ferry at 0500hrs. When the ferry arrived it was back on the road and by 2100hrs we had arrived at the second night’s accommodation in Karlsruhe, Germany. Whilst in Karlsruhe the band stayed in a youth hostel, the relief we had with a hot shower and comfy beds cannot be put into words. On day three, as you’ve probably guessed we continued driving, finally arriving at our destination in Italy.

On arrival in Asiago it was time to unload the kit and find our doss bags. Unfittingly for some of the band the first few nights stay were in an old nunnery, which only housed the bare necessities but most of us were too tired to notice until the morning.

For the next five days the pipe band played three shows a day, moving around four main venues. One was on the stairs of a chapel, which both day and night attracted a large crowd of all age ranges, fascinated by piping. Another venue was on a scaffold stage, which was draped over by a display sign. We also played in a car park and at the British Cenotaph for those who died in the Battle of Veneto in the First World War. The latter of which was the venue at which the Brigadier laid a wreath to those who had served for the country.

14 [email protected] Tattoo and The Australian and New Zealand Tattoo to name but a few, as well as multiple high profile State events. Knowing that there was a Pipe Band on my doorstep and knowing a few of the guys prior to coming to the Royal Corps of Signals I was keen to come along and develop my piping further.

Ex VENETO 2017 is a March and Shoot competition which we, as the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Corps of Signals were to provide musical support during the event and the prize giving Ceremony. In my mind it was a great chance to get back into military piping and participate in high profile events throughout the world, and it was a great experience. Initially however the three day 1100 mile trip in a mini bus with nine other people was somewhat off putting to say the least, but this was a great chance to bond with the band even though On parade in Asiago we all had a hint of jealousy to those of the band who flew, namely WO2 Marty McPhie, Cpl Daz Anderson and LCpl Chris Dorman. On the trip LCpl Adam Meek for those who don’t know him is the definition of morale and he did his best to keep the bus entertained the entire trip, and even succeeded in getting a couple of laughs.

Upon arrival to Asiago Italy, the weather wasn’t the best and it was at this point that Pipe Major Bell’s wardrobe malfunction came to light as he continued to inform us all that he had only packed shorts and summer clothing, not arctic survival gear. The bad weather was short lived and the temperature was soon in the high 20s for the remainder of the exercise.

Our first few band jobs were pretty low key events in what I can only describe as various Another performance in the sun village squares. During each of these jobs we were followed by what I can only assume was our biggest Italian fan who thought it was a great idea to march behind the band playing his own Pipes. Rather than play along with us though he played whatever he fancied so as you can imagine it wasn’t too pleasant to the The trip wouldn't be complete without a band photo! ear; it probably wasn’t as bad as some of our playing though. After our first few Band performances we moved on to higher profile ones such as playing at the World War One British Cemetery just outside the town of Asiago, which was a complete honour, as well as the prize giving ceremony for the March and Shoot competition itself.

Overall the trip to Italy was a complete success not only in the musical sense but also it gave the Pipes and Drums a chance to bond as it was quite hard to do so because we are scattered throughout the UK and we have a number of new members. I am personally proud to say that I have played with the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Signals in Italy and I would advise anyone no matter what their musical ability to get in touch if they are interested in playing either the bagpipes or drums.

The Pipes and Drums are always recruiting experienced and learner pipers, drummers and highland dancers, both Regular and Reserve. Further details are available by contacting:

Email: [email protected] Phone: 07976 177667 Webpage: http://www.army.mod.uk/signals/24990.aspx Facebook: via the official Royal Corps of Signals page

DECEMBER 2017 15 1st SIGNAL REGIMENT STAFFORD 1st SIGNAL REGIMENT Sport CO Lt Col Muir MBE RSM WO1 D Corcoran 200 SIGNAL SQUADRON - by LCpl Royals, 200 Sig Sqn Stafford 10km OC Maj Pearce SSM WO2 Denham On 24 of September, 1 Signal Regiment took part in the 201 SIGNAL SQUADRON Stafford 10k. This large event comprised some 2271 OC Maj Scaife SSM WO2 Sabiston competitors. We fielded a team of 20 runners. Just before the 211 SIGNAL SQUADRON race we met up for a group photo, at the Bowling Green in Victoria Park. The team raced extremely well, with Maj Pearce OC Maj Ballard SSM WO2 Cleghorn th finishing 9 overall in an impressive time of 36 minutes. SUPPORT SQUADRON SSgt Holmes also put in an impressive performance, finishing OC Maj Middleton SSM WO2 Stillie 10th out of 1181 females. It was an excellent effort by all runners from 1 Signal Regiment who were all rewarded at the end with a t-shirt and medal. tour members to have a catch up. We then donned the now famous Corps Blazers and set off across to meet one of our sponsors (FDM) who have their HQ in London Bridge. At FDM we met with Col (Retd) Stewart Sharman, an ex-Captain of the Corps rugby team who hosted us extremely well and gave a very interesting overview of FDM’s business model and in particular their ex-forces programme. FDM recruit many ex-forces personnel, providing them with industry training and initial job placements.

Post reception it was time to head back across London and begin the long journey to New Zealand.

After 21 long hours flying from Heathrow via Dubai, the team arrived for some much needed respite in Sydney, Australia for a 12 hour stop over. We maximised our time here and made straight for Manly beaches on the recommendation from SSgt Members of the 1 Sig Regt team John Beart. Although cold it was a great opportunity to stretch our legs and for some of the braver members of the The Corps Rugby Union Team Tour to team to partake in some bodyboarding, most notable was New Zealand - by Capt Murphy, 201 Sig Sqn OpsO Capt James Harryman’s performance. Following this short but worthwhile break it was straight back to the airport for a 1 Sig Regt members of the Corps team: further few hours of flying until we landed in Christchurch.

Capt Murphy LCpl Wykes Sig Kay LCpl Nauvilou Sig Austin LCpl Drakeford Cpl Coward

We began the tour by meeting at 31 Signal Squadron, Uxbridge, London. This allowed the tour manager WO1 (FofS) Andrew ‘Jacko’ Jackson to lay down the tour rules and for all

The team in Australia

After departing the UK on a Wednesday, we finally arrived in New Zealand in the early hours of Saturday morning where we settled into our accommodation at Burnham camp and grabbed a few welcome hours sleep before donning the blazers and venturing into Christchurch for the Crusaders vs British Lions game. A great day was had in Christchurch, soaking up the atmosphere before the match in which the developing Lions test team triumphed against the top team in Super Rugby. This was a fantastic opportunity to watch some of the top players in the world show off their skills, and for us

16 [email protected] to show off the Corps blazers at a large public stage and to playing shirts by Graham Rowntree we went to our final provide the conditions for some vital team bonding. game against the New Zealand Fire Service; a game that took place under floodlights. Again we were privileged to receive the Haka before a very hard fought contest resulting in a narrow defeat 24 – 17, to a team consisting of many ex-professional players. After the game we were hosted excellently and were explained the history of their club which is founded upon a rich military standing. LCpl Jack Rush was rewarded for his efforts in the game with the receipt of the Man of the Match award.

Some of the team meeting Will Greenwood pre Crusaders game

After a much needed night’s sleep everybody awoke raring for the first of the two day’s training sessions - a fitness test! The second session of the day was a bruising contact session after which the players were greeted back at the accommodation by SSgt Oates, who had kindly prepared ice The Corps team post win over local team Kaikorai Valley baths. Demons After a further few days of training we were ready for our first game against the 2nd/1st Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment. We were afforded the honour of receiving a Haka from the players backed up by the rest of the Battalion - very much a tick off the bucket list for many of the players. Following this spectacle and a stirring speech by team captain WO2 (FofS) Paul Vernon, the Signals, cheered on by members of the NZ Signals, came out on top in a fiercely contested match winning 12 – 10 with LCpl Scotty Watkins being awarded Man of the Match. After such a hard game a recovery day was required and the tour party spent the following day at Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa, where the natural healing properties of the volcanic pools soothed battered bodies and the locals looked on at Corps Budgy Smugglers with wild envy. The team meeting Graham Rowntree with sponsor Hawkins Phase 2 of the tour commenced with a four hour drive south through picturesque countryside to Dunedin where we were With the tour coming to a close we had a meal to celebrate accommodated within the Army Hall belonging to 2nd/4th the achievements that we had made. The following awards Royal New Zealand Infantry Battalion. After a training session were given out: player’s player: LCpl Jack Rush, most to shake the journey out of our legs, we introduced ourselves improved forward: Sig Phil Kay, most improved back: Cpl to our hosts dressed in our fancy dress theme – Mexi-Trump Connor Holmes, top tourist SSgt Phil ‘Chadders’ Chadwick – before venturing out into Dunedin to sample the nightlife. and a number of players receiving their Corps colours. This The following evening we were hosted by 2nd/4th to watch meal took place in the illustrious Auckland revolving the NZ Maori v Lions match on a big screen in their Unit lines, Skytower, which tested everybody’s ability to deal with a great opportunity to socialise with our hosts whilst also jeer vertigo. Then it was time to watch the British Lions vs the All at them when the Lions asserted dominance. The second Blacks. Some of the team had managed to acquire tickets for fixture of the tour was against a local civilian team called the the match. Most notable was SSgt David ‘Batesy’ Bates who Kaikorai Valley Demons. This was our first exposure to how managed to appear all over TV representing the Corps in his the locals played the game and as we quickly discovered, they blazer. However, the real star was our mascot ‘Jimmy Signals’ were big fans of a quick but also physical game. Another hard who managed to get selfies with many of the players post fought game resulted in a second win for the Signals. game. For the rest of the team it was a case of the Fanzone in Auckland to watch on the big screens, which proved to have The final move of the tour was from the South Island to the an extremely good atmosphere. North where we were accommodated right in the centre of Auckland. This afforded us some time to look around the city The final stop on the tour was a visit to Hobbiton, one of the and acquire souvenirs for loved ones. We then proceeded to filming locations for the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit meet our sponsors (Hawkins) from Auckland. We were motion pictures, this allowed us to take Cpl Kyle Routley back privileged to be met by Graham Rowntree and have an to his natural environment. The visit also enabled all impromptu Q and A session allowing players an insight into members to have some time to reflect on the tour as a whole, the game at the highest level. After being presented with our before the epic journey back to the UK.

DECEMBER 2017 17 As the tour has now come to an end the team has laid down lost both their games and we had lost one, won one, we were its foundations for the future and is looking forward to pre- through to the final. season. This has not only improved everyone as a player but as an individual and most certainly as a team. Many memories have been made with this once in a lifetime trip along with On Exercise many friendships that I’m sure will endure. Exercise PREMIER CAPSTONE - by Cpl Farley, Sp Sqn

In September this year, fresh from summer leave 1 Signal Regiment deployed on their Regimental Battle Camp, Ex-PREMIER CAPSTONE in Stanza training area. A two week basic military skills package, orbatted as 3 Platoons. The exercise was coordinated, organised and run by Sgt Heyden.

The CT2 level exercise took place at Thetford training area and was broken down into two phases. Phase 1 being a refresh and remind lesson based package followed by phase 2, the scenario based confirmation package, where individuals were able to put into practice everything they had learnt in phase 1.

The first week was spent in Zulu training area, where the 3 Sig Hoppe, Cpl Routley, SSgt Levin and Capt Murphy platoons were able to practice and perfect their skills and meeting Alex Corbisiero drills under the direction of the DS. These lessons provided the troops with the foundation to build upon at individual and Volleyball - by Cpl Davies, 211 Sig Sqn section level. This included section battle drills, care under fire and break contact drills. As the week progressed the On 5 April 1 Signal Regiment hosted the Midlands Volleyball troops moved onto more complex aspects such as Platoon Tournament at MOD Stafford. It was a fun day where all attacks, vehicle contact drills and public order lessons. Once abilities were able to take part, 1 Signal Regiment managed to the lessons had been completed the soldiers had the field a competitive team. We managed to claim 2nd place and opportunity to practice their own SOPs in order to prepare therefore qualified for the Army Volleyball competition that them for week two. was held at Aldershot on 19 April. Week two started with deployment orders delivered by the Coy OC Lt Eveleigh. After moving to the drop off point the DS issued the exercising troops with their ammo before directing the troops to FOB DUNN where a relief in place was conducted with the host nation.

1 Sig Regt Volleyball team at the Corps Championship: Cpl Robyn Hurry, Sgt Michelle Steel, LCpl Beckie Adams, SSgt Jones delivering a lesson on patrol formations LCpl Anna Muir, WO2 Jo Cordery, Sig Courtney Biro, Cpl Lisa Antcliffe, Sig Amy Cassidy, LCpl Jade Gardiner Rehearsing what they’ve been taught. Due to leave we had to rearrange the team for the Army Practice makes permanent competition however we did get enough players, and on 18th April we set off to Aldershot ready for the competition on the 19th.

Our first match came at 1330hrs and we were up against 16 Signal Regiment; winning this game we then watched our next opponents, take on 16 Signal Regiment. Then it was our turn to take on the Engineers, unfortunately we did not win this game. However as 16 Signal Regiment had

18 [email protected] Once the Coy had settled in, built up The attack went well starting with the Coy in defence positions and got into routine position at the forming up point while the mortars under the platoon Sgts the first set of went in on the enemy positions followed by illume recce orders starting to come through before H hour started. Everything went well and the Ops room for that night. the platoons were able to take their objectives even though 2Lt Reeds went slightly rogue with The next few days mainly consisted of 1 Platoon. Obviously no final attack would be platoon patrols around the area both complete without a casualty extraction thrown in on foot and in vehicles, covering but 1 Signal Regiment managed to defeat the everything from platoon attacks to enemy force and extract all casualties in a safe and captured personnel and care under fire. timely manner. The evenings consisted of recce patrols and the FOB being attacked by the This was the largest military skills CT2 exercise the enemy at all hours, testing their Regiment had completed in many years. Overall defensive capabilities. the Exercise was a great success and a good learning aid to develop and improve on current On Wednesday evening the Coy was military skills. issued with final attack orders that were pushed down through the Concurrently to Ex PREMIER CAPSTONE Battle Platoons and Sections so every Camp a number of soldiers deployed to Barry LCpl Urvin delivered high individual knew the plan. The Platoons Budding to conduct Live Fire Tactical Training quality CPERS lessons were to clear the area of all enemy (LFTT). The aim of this exercise was to prepare all locations that they had previously those deploying on various tours and confirm they recce'd. have the relevant skills.

Live Section Attack Night defensive attack

Transition from rifle to side arm

Sig Davies (200 Sqn) SM Denham providing cover for Sig briefing her Anderson’s (200 Sqn) search RADOP

The Regiment at Endex

Cpl Hurry leading her section through a section attack were aware of the emergency drills. Heading to Pisang Adventurous Training (3210m) the team were able to view the scenic Annapurna mountain range. The acclimatization climb to the upper Pisang (3356m) was well spent visiting the Buddhist Exercise DRAGON PREMIER HIKE 17 monastery nearby. by Cpl Pratap Rai, 211 Sig Sqn The next day the team hiked to the The aim of the expedition was for a Manang village (3540m) for the well- group of 14 individuals to conduct a deserved rest period. However in rural and remote summer order to prepare for the higher mountaineering expedition to the altitude the rest day was utilized for Tilicho Lake (4919m) and Thorong an acclimatization hike to 4000m for La pass (5416m) with the intention an hour and back to the tea house. of enhancing leadership, fitness, The team had started to feel the self-reliance, initiative, courage and effect of the Altitude Mountain teamwork of the participants in an Sickness (AMS) during this phase, arduous environment. The trekking feeling mild headaches. expedition took place in the Annapurna National Park over the Feeling period of 1-22 Sep 17. It included 13 re-invigorated from days trekking from 764m through the rest day, the to 5416m. One step at a time over the wooden team hiked from Manang to Tilicho Before the team set off on the trek, bridge near Base Camp (4150m) the opportunity to acclimatize to the Dharapani on 11 Sep. The team altitude of 2551m in the vicinity of had to traverse the the Kathmandu Valley was not steep landslide missed. The team took this opportunity to visit a few of prone areas where Kathmandu’s tourist attractions like Swayambhu Sgt Milan and monastery and Durbar square. The monastery sits above SSgt(FofS(IS)) the city and gave the group a view of the extent of Gurung utilized Kathmandu. Durbar square was full of ancient buildings their group and narrow streets and had a brilliant atmosphere. management skills. After a quick visit to the Defence Section After reaching the at British Gurkha Kathmandu, the Tilicho Base Camp, Expedition leader, SSgt(FofS(IS)) Gurung the team climbed gave a thorough in-theatre briefing and up to 4300m for the trekking phase started with a seven acclimatization. At hour drive to the starting point in Sgt Kishan this height all Besisahar on 4 Sep 17. The heat and offering Snickers members were humidity was almost unbearable at times. to the local suffering from mild The roads were aggressive and dangerous children headaches so the whilst driving just a few metres from huge decision was made drops. It also gave us an opportunity to by the Exped leader to start group see rural Nepal which was a beautiful activities to divert the team’s attention backdrop of rolling mountains. from the AMS symptoms. LCpl Redwood volunteered to arrange a quiz night which The next day started early with breakfast, carried on into the evening. after which the team handed over their heavy bags to the porters and set off with The next day the team started early to their day sacks for an epic seven hours summit the Tilicho Lake to capture the hiking via Bahundanda. The pace was good weather. It felt tough even taking a naturally military, overtaking all the Teams getting in on the local culture few steps due to the low oxygen levels civilians who were walking the same route, with ‘Prayer wheels’ and took the team about 4 hours to reach but still taking in the views. After walking the lake. Tilicho Lake known as the for four hours, the team rested for lunch. highest fresh water lake in the world is situated at an altitude The next three hours took us to the first tea house of 4919m. After capturing the panoramic view at the lake the accommodation in Syange, beating the rush for hot showers. team recovered to Shree Kharka at a lower alititude for the night. The team then trekked from Shree Kharka to Yak The next two days were humid, hiking until the team reached Kharka (4010m) and Yak Kharka to Thorong Base Camp higher altitude. Sgt Milan who was the lead instructor gave (4540m). The team enjoyed playing the Nepalese traditional some navigation lessons on route. The team managed to ‘Carrom Board’ game and went to bed early to re-energise for complete from Syange to Dharapani (1942m) and Dharapani the hike to the pass next day. to Chame (2700m) in shorts. As the team were heading to Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) risk region, SSgt(FofS(IS)) On 15 Sep, the team started hiking at 0300hrs for the Thorong Gurung revised the emergency procedures and use of a La Pass (5416m) in order to avoid the wet weather later in the stretcher and oxygen cylinder so that the team members day. The ascent took nearly four hours and upon reaching the

20 [email protected] pass, Sgt Kishan surprised the team by presenting traditional expedition. Next on the itinerary was an internal flight from Nepalese hat ‘Dhaka Topi’ and ‘Dhaka scarf’ to all the Jomsom to Pokhara. Upon landing in Pokhara, the team had a participants and started celebrating with traditional Nepalese day to enjoy the view at the famous Phewa Lake and some and English songs. ventured in to view the Peace Pagoda.

It is only due to the cohesive team work, individual effort and The final part of the trip was a visit to Chitwan National Park leadership that all team members managed to trek to the on 19 Sep. This gave us a chance to view some of Nepal’s wild world’s highest pass. After the celebrations, the team animals. The guide from Gurkha Adventures (in-theatre descended to Muktinath (3800m) for the night. Early next trekking company) managed to squeeze slow canoeing, rhino morning the team members braved the freezing cold water to spotting, elephant riding and a jeep safari into our half day cleanse the sins by running through the 108 taps (as per the package. Hindu mythology) in the Muktinath temple. The final hike was from Muktinath to Jomsom via Kagbeni where the team were The three weeks in Nepal went very quick, the team had able to observe centuries old houses and caves. achieved so much in such a short period of time. There were so many highlights that choosing a favourite would be very Once at Jomsom the team bid farewell to the porters and difficult. A few of us didn’t want to leave, no doubt that we guides and thanked them for their assistance on the want to visit again.

LCpl Morgan cannot get enough of the scenic views along the route

Resting at the safe zone along En route to the landslide Thorong Phedi prone route

Elated to reach the Tilicho Lake (4919m)

LCpl Ellis with his team on an elephant safari

Posing at the slung bridge near Shree Kharka

All team members at the Thorong La Pass (5416m)

The team in front of the Regimental emblem

DECEMBER 2017 21 1st Signal Regiment say farewell to their Commanding Officer, Lt Col Phil Muir MBE By Lt Anna Mulderrig, 200 Sig Sqn The Commanding Officer and RSM being The Commanding Officer is greeted by OC Support Squadron, presented with The First Way Maj Middleton

he CO was given a fond farewell by each Squadron in turn on his final day here at T1 Signal Regiment. Each Squadron took their turn in putting the Colonel through his paces in a bid to say farewell.

The Commanding Officer was then met by OC 200, Maj Pearce where he was led into 200 Squadron’s garages to undergo a track off followed by a CFT road move in order to prevent Commanding in style! their vehicles going red on JAMES! Knowing the importance of statistics the Colonel was more than happy to get stuck in!

After a round robin of visiting the Squadrons and getting stuck in to their activities, the Commanding Officer and RSM paraded through the camp to the applause of the Regiment. 1 Sig Regt’s new Lt Col Muir (MBE) instilled that the soldiers of his Commanding Officer Regiment lived by his ten commandments, Lt Col Jon Davies known as The First Way. As a Commanding Officer he actively encouraged Junior Commanders and leaders to exploit freedoms and strive for excellence. Never be too busy to win, by this I believe he meant know what to Commanding Officer and prioritise and how. What is important to the Regimental 2IC soldiers you lead, demonstrate selfless reminiscing on fond commitment and sheer competitiveness. To that memories end it seemed only befitting that the Regiment presented the Commanding Officer with a framed copy of his ten commandments “The First Way.”

As we say goodbye to one Commanding Officer we welcome a new one, Lt Col John Davies, 1 Signal Regiment’s new Commanding Officer, a competitive runner and father of two. 1 Signal Regiment welcomes you and looks forward to being under your command!

Addressing the Regiment one last time Showing off his sporting talents. He shoots, he scores!

1 Sig Regt giving their Commanding Officer one final goodbye

The Commanding Officer presenting a cheque to Lt Mulderrig and Cpl Gurung (Bravo Troop) in recognition of Bravo Troop’s efforts in raising money for the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund and Macmillan Cancer Support

22 [email protected] 2nd SIGNAL REGIMENT Commanding Officers’ Foreword 2nd SIGNAL REGIMENT CO Lt Col CJ Lewin MBE RSM WO1 J McMahon A busy few months which has seen both 214 and 219 Signal Squadrons deployed in support of HQ 7 Infantry and 214 SIGNAL SQUADRON HQ 1 UK Division in very different testing environments. OC Maj D Whitworth SSM WO2 J Sheehan 246 Signal Squadron hosted yet another spectacular Dashain 219 SIGNAL SQUADRON in York having also celebrated as a QGS family in Bramcote shortly after the birthday sporting extravanganza. The OC Maj Z Haines SSM WO2 S Wood Regiment very sadly has had to say farewell to our beloved 246 SIGNAL SQUADRON RAO, Capt Carl Magin, who passed away suddenly following a OC Maj T Skinner SSM WO2 R Rai brief period of poor health. The Regiment is readying itself for another BFSAI rotation, for further support to the BATUS and SUPPORT SQUADRON BATUK commitments and a large CT1/2 LFTT and Tactical OC Maj J Lawer SSM WO2 C Chilvers Communications exercise in Otterburn where we will be focusing on the basics. I would personally like to congratulate LCpl Wright for his recent boxing successes and tenure as the stretch, around a mile in the distance was along the top road Army Development Squad Captain and also to LCpl Purdon, of Stanley. The competitors were soon spread out and you LCpl Roberts and Cpl Scott for their top three performance could see them all up until the first turn which was a big hill on Junior CLM. which leads into the heart of the capital.

We hit the first lap quite fast, still on target for the overall Falkland Islands’ PARA 10 - by LCpl Cammiss challenge. We’d been running on the flat ground and tabbing hard up the hills. Stuffing mouthfuls of Mars Bars down my On 9 July I awoke early to the sound of heavy wind and rain neck, we were soon back on the top road and approaching doing its best to blow the roof off our accommodation block. the first bend into Stanley. Being the only non airborne in the Today I would compete in a 10 mile tab around Stanley. group I felt quite confident I could continue with the pace and Organised by 3 Battalion, The Parachute Regiment (3 PARA), cross the finish line with the pacer group. participants could either compete in a two mile race or a 10 mile tab. The target for the tab was one hour fifty minutes. Before we knew it we finally managed to get sight of the finish line and we were cheered on. I stuck around to After a Costa coffee and a fry up I gathered my kit weighing congratulate the rest of the ISS lads coming in. Soon it was 35lbs and made my way to the pick up point. Eight of us, all back to the defence force building to receive our medals and from BFSAI ISS department, would take part in the race today get some food down our necks. supported by a competent admin team. As we made the hour’s journey over the Once we received our t-shirts questionable road to Stanley from and participation medals we all Mount Pleasant Complex, my morale gathered in for the closing began to grow as the sky decided it speech. I was quite pleased with would play the game and clear up ready my time until the winner’s time for the day’s festivities. was announced. 1 Hour 17 minutes overall by a Lieutenant Upon finding our way to the Falklands of 3 PARA! Defence Force building we were met by a sea of maroon t-shirts and the word Overall it was a great event and ‘Airborne’ upon every fixture and body a great day. available. Upon registration and £10 Exercise NORTHERN lighter we gathered in our own little corner ready for the opening brief. Everyone was thanked by 3 PARA for turning up to the event, which was all to raise funds for the ‘Support our Para’s’ charity.

The start line was quite a sight with the maroon and Bergans everywhere. The whistle blew and off we went. The route, which was 2 x five mile loops of Stanley, was quite deceptive, coming up and down some disgusting near- vertical hills. I decided to stick with the Para pacer group in order to hit the target and not burn out too quickly. The Gurkhas of our group soon disappeared naturally into the distance. The first TRIPOLI EXPLORER Flexibility was the critical principle, allowing meagre midgy by Lt F Drummond permeated campsites at Lake Myvatn to be avoided. Opportunities such as the numerous wonderful waterfalls Exercise NORTHERN TRIPOLI EXPLORER (10-26 July 2017), that peppered the landscape, as well as the picturesque possibly the catchiest of all Adventurous Training names, was panoramas compelled us to stop and admire just how a trekking and mountaineering trip to Iceland. A trip marked beautiful natural landscapes could be. LCpl Purdon was by a relentless adherence to the principles of war, namely: particularly astounded by the sheer enormity of the glaciers, selection and maintenance of the aim, the maintenance of cliffs and lagoons. The Glacial Lagoon in particular lives up to morale, economy of effort, flexibility, cooperation, its reputation by having a large number of unusually shaped sustainability and offensive action. icebergs in its possession.

Selection and maintenance of the aim was demonstrated by Cooperation was accomplished by supporting the less the determination displayed by all members of the trip, confident of the group. A terror of heights hampered Sig traipsing up the traverses of the many hills, and headed by Watson’s ascent of one crag, but determination and a pep the heroic efforts of LCpls Jones, Purdon and Sig Wilson. talk from Maj Mason, one of the instructors, drove him to the Peaks surmounted included Mt Hildarfjall and Mt Krafla. Mt top despite the difficult rocks. Kristinartindar was the sole mountain on the schedule that was spared due to poor conditions. The highlight hike had to The issues of sustainability swung our trip, forcing us to be the first, from Skogar to a hut on the mountain pass follow the sporadic spread of Bonus supermarkets (the between two massive glaciers and back down via an Icelandic equivalent of Aldi with the incredible number of waterfalls. prices of Waitrose). Thanks to deft handling of the CILOR funds from SSgt Rotherforth, the expedition 2ic, members of the trip managed to munch through well-balanced meals of cereal for breakfast, bread for lunch and pasta for dinner.

Offensive action was assured by all members of the expedition, with everyone always operating with extreme gusto and cheeriness. LBdr Rawes, the other instructor was instrumental in ensuring this with tales of his time, careening around Corsica. The best waterfall was undoubtedly Seljalandsfoss, which benefited from being on view from 360o and a remarkable rainbow; however Dettifoss (made famous by the film Prometheus) and Gullfoss were close contenders. Many thanks go out to all those who assisted in the organising of the venture without which it would not have been possible. In particular I’d like to Morale was maintained by ensuring that all campsites had highlight SSgt Rotherforth the expedition 2IC and the cooking and cleaning facilities that were of sufficient quality 2 Sig Regt RAO Department for their efforts. that no evening was spent sheltering from a shower. Particular favourite dishes included Pasta a la chopped (pre-cooked) sausages and tomato sauce (with nothing else) from Pte Hardie and Sig Wilson. More impressive were the numerous curries cooked by LCpls Deepen and Deevendra. The Nature Baths of Myvatn and the Reykjavik public pool also provided ample boosts despite the sulphuric fumes that infused the water and therefore any clothes that came into contact with it.

Effort was economised by taking days off whilst moving campsites every few days. This ensured that inevitably fatigued legs were allowed respite whilst feet and ankles were healed. Sgt Cooper, the minibus driver was rewarded no such relief, and remained roused partially due to incredible landscapes that were crossed but mostly to the excellent music and podcast selection of Lt Drummond.

24 [email protected] Exercise JORVIK WARRIOR - by SSgt Jim Nash breakdown identified the need to sharpen up our vehicle recovery plan. Once established in Swynnerton the Squadron In September, Support Squadron (Jorvik Squadron) deployed underwent remind and revise on activities such as vehicle to Swynnerton Camp for a one week exercise, JORVIK anti-ambush drills, cross country driving, tent erection, WARRIOR to conduct CT2 training. The focus of this exercise camouflage and concealment and BOWMAN refresh. Included was to remind, revise and practice the Squadron’s function of in the training delivered was a lesson on the considerations providing Echelon support for the Regiment’s Field for the siting of an Echelon. In this detachment commanders Squadrons. were challenged to consider the land area and operating space they would require in order to operate as part of the Following 15 years of campaigning in Iraq and , Echelon. the skills and knowledge to perform this task had become rusty to say the least. With a recognised training deficiency The knowledge and skills obtained from these instructional from the various departments that make up Support lessons was then tested by deploying and establishing the Squadron, the exercise sought to go back to basics. Providing Echelon on the training area. Although the deployment was teaching, practice and testing of core skills and competencies successful the testing highlighted the need for further the exercise sought to develop the Squadron to enable it to practice and intelligent planning of detachment loading in deliver Echelon support in a tactical environment. The order to minimise the time required to establish. impetus to become efficient and effective in this function charged by the Regiment’s main training exercise, KEY Ex JORVIK WARRIOR proved to be an excellent opportunity WARRIOR COMMUNICATOR taking place in November. to refresh core competencies and highlight future training that needs to be conducted as the Squadron looks forward to Making use of the transit from York to Swynnerton in order deploying on Ex KEY WARRIOR COMMUNICATOR. to practice convoy drills, some personnel gained useful knowledge and experience for the ‘actions on’ following a breakdown. A useful yet unintended training serial, this The Echelon formed up in packet order prior to deploying and establishing

LCpl Barnett delivering a BOWMAN lesson in the field

Members of the MT Department practising the camouflage and concealment of vehicles

DECEMBER 2017 25 3rd () DIVISION SIGNAL REGIMENT, BULFORD OC Lt Col JC Barber RSM WO1 K Mills

If it’s not on Strava it didn’t happen! Luckily for Exercise ARMOURED ADVENTURE – by LCpl Wolfenden us someone was recording 228 Signal Squadron Adventure Training took place in the hills of during the last week of July, the training gave us soldiers some well-earned rest before the exercise season began after the summer leave period. The training package comprised of mountain biking at Coed y Brenin Trail Centre with trekking and navigation training in and around Snowdonia.

The expedition started on Sunday morning leaving from Bulford. The exercise equipment was allocated and then the journey north began for the majority of the group. Accommodation for the exercise was provided by Adventurous Training Centre where we settled down ready for This picture doesn’t even the weeks activities. begin to show how much rain there was Monday morning came and the itinerary consisted of trekking and navigation exercises under the three instructors on the Miners’ track up , giving us a chance to brush up on some map reading skills and enjoy the sunshine. We had lunch en masse at the summit café then headed down to Llanberis where we met the transport and headed back to Capel Curig camp. With 3 (UK) Division Signal Regiments Sportspersons Dinner taking place on Monday evening; the remainder of the squadron travelled up to Wales on Tuesday to join us. The 10 students who climbed Snowdon on Monday travelled to the Coed y Brenin MTB centre and spent the day mountain biking under the instruction of Sig ‘Trail Blazer’ Bywood, lending a hand away from his recruitment post.

Left: It’s not what you do, it’s how cool you look doing it. LCpl Buttery strikes a pose whilst Lt Bunnett explains ‘Officer Navigation’ to Sgt Wingate

Below: Team ‘anti-clockwise’ by the shores of Llyn Idwal

26 [email protected] LCpl Wolfenden’s training kicked off with picking up the bikes 228 Signal Squadron Birthday – by Sgt Buchannan from Beics Brenin hire shop, learning a few basic skills in the training park, then doing a blue run before lunch and a long 228 (Armoured) Signal Squadron was formally known as red route after. Once the ‘sports personalities’ arrived at SHAPE (British) Signal Squadron, before being re-named on 1 around 1000hrs they went with Capt Wallis, the lead ML(S) for September 1959 to 228 Signal Squadron. It was subsequently the trip, to learn about micro navigation in the forests north of disbanded into various Ptarmigan trunk nodes within 7 Signal Capel Curig. Regiment. In the Defence Review of 1998, it was decided to reform 228 Signal Squadron as 12 Mechanised Brigade’s Wednesday came and the whole Squadron ascended on primary support Signal Squadron on 1 September 1999, and so Coed y Brenin Visitor Centre. Grey skies loomed and the the Squadron was born again. The pivotal date of 1 groups were swamped with monsoon levels of rain. September now marks our Squadron birthday and 2017 marks Regardless of the weather Lt Hadfield cracked the whip to our 18th; a momentous occasion for everyone. ensure we all got some training value out of the day, be that mountain biking or mountaineering. With the weather getting worse through the day, coffee breaks were enjoyed that little LCpl Cowley and Sig Neilson presenting bit more; the poor ladies serving in the café were literally a history of the Squadron to the current placing buckets under our chairs to catch the water. At the serving members end of the day the decision was taken to go for a meal at a curry house in Llanwrst’s Ty Asha, which doubled up as a bit of a celebration for those selected for promotion to Cpl.

Group practice in the training park before hitting the blue runs

It was handed to me to organise the celebration in the form of a toast and a few speeches before CO’s PT, followed by a BBQ and drinks in the afternoon. The day started out like every other within the Squadron; I had asked for two Bulldogs to be moved outside to act as a traffic stop and to provide a little context about the Squadron (we are rightly proud of being the only Armoured Squadron in 3DSR) but one of these promptly broke down! Hey ho there’s not much you can do about a 60 year old piece of equipment that has a history of throwing a paddy when asking it to work. Once in place and set up we managed to pull the Squadron together and Maj Clayton, OC 228 Signal Squadron said thank you to the Squadron for its efforts over the last couple of months and continuing efforts coming up to the Quarter 4 exercise period. It was No one said no to cake Thursday was the final day of the exercise and this gave then handed over to LCpl after CO’s PT the mountain bike instructors a chance to get a trek up Cowley and Sig Neilson to Snowdon in. Due to an accident on the , the talk about the Squadron only option was to walk up from Llanberis. The weather left history and then to the a lot to be desired, but the walk was completed in good time. Padre to give a humbling The remainder went with the two ML(S), Capt Wallis and speech and a minutes Lt Hadfield, to complete a circular route from Pont Pen-y- silence. benglog over the summits of the Glyders, one group going clockwise the other anti clockwise. The weather was less Once Regimental PT was than ideal with heavy intermittent rain and strong winds. The finished and the lads were Glyders was an emotional experience for those involved and a back at the Squadron few people looked like they had shell shock in the minibus on garages we managed to the way back! But everyone made it back safe. get a proper (coal) BBQ going with a great spread With the end of the exercise called, the group were more than put on by the chefs and a happy to start their summer leave as quickly as they could. few cans of fizzy pop Smiles were present all round with some good humour along which went down well. The OC even brought birthday cake the way. It was fair to say everyone enjoyed the change to the which was greatly received following PT! All in all an excellent battle rhythm and time out of work to enjoy the fresh air! All occasion promoting team bonding and Squadron ethos. It will round a good success on all accounts. be rightfully carried on in the future.

DECEMBER 2017 27 1 Sgt Jase Sgt Lt Col S Irwin WO1 C Steers Lt Johnston Lt Johnston - by Sgt Brown - by Sgt ‘fashion sense’ showing his off CO RSM Peckham. Sig and Pedley LCpl , Squadron Cohesion Day Squadron Cohesion L-R: Thomas, Lt Johnston, Cpl Lee,LCpl Ireland, LCpl Hinton LCpl Yardley, 2LT The AT package was a success and we were all exposed to exposed we were all and success a was package AT The a was Gathering Braemar the situations, testing and new would agreed they people of lots and experience fantastic again! go to want

251 Signal Squadron hosted a cohesion afternoon at Hawley Lake Hawley at afternoon cohesion a hosted Squadron Signal 251 by carried out and planned was Centre which Sailing Brown The afternoon consisted of fun activities for the children such as such children the for activities fun of consisted afternoon The paddle and lake the on rides boat football, table castle, bouncy the all for gifts and painting were face available Also boarding. children. race raft a in part took troops four the afternoon the in Later scratch from raft floating a build to had teams The competition. apparent It became drums. plastic and rope poles, ash using before Scouts the attended had competitors the of many that were that knots quality high the Army due to the joined they had teams the were assembled rafts the Once produced. being

be on the water the on be You’re supposed to to supposed You’re

- by LCpl Ireland

Lt Johnston The winning rafters , retaining the trophy they had won last year. last won had they trophy the retaining , Lt Tonks

Sep, members of 225 Signal Squadron ventured up to ventured up Squadron Signal 225 members of Sep,

The Braemer Gathering [email protected] to complete one lap of the large island on the lake and dismantle the rafts. The team who finished this first would be crowned the crowned be would first this finished who team The rafts. the dismantle lake and the on island large the of lap one complete to were Troop 2 determination, pure and techniques building raft quality high using by and were very competitive All teams winners. led by winners the crowned On 1 On The rock climbing activity was the most challenging most the was activity climbing rock The fingers. forearms and your on took it toll the due to challenges we had environment boulder the Within get could people far how as ourselves such between the around all went that route green a using only of some on us taken had instructors the Once venue. the of one on competition a had we then walls the top the to get could see who to routes auto-belay beat could nobody but quickest the person closest next the 9 seconds, of time a with seconds. 12 managed Throughout the following week we took part in a multi- a in part week we took following the Throughout walking hill kayaking, of comprising package, AT activity . surrounding area the in climbing rock and and three sections into down split was group The The activity. first their to ways separate their went of instruction under the kayaking went group first part we took basics, mastered the . Having Rowe Sgt given was victory and capsizing, of competition a in more spent who canoe boat open the in those to boat. the water than the in time Scotland for an Adventure Training (AT) package and to and package (AT) Adventure Training an for Scotland involved Gathering The Braemer Gathering. the in compete and weight-over-the-bar as events such games highland featured traditional event itself The toss. caber the We run. fell a and competitions dancing Scottish relay sprint the into team B A and entered an The Queen. the of front in run final the with competition other HRH and where we had finals the to got A team the unfortunately watching, family royal the members of 20 another second, close a we took but first RAF finished extremely tight. been have would it metres and 28 1

The Cantilever Climbing the “Glyders”

CO Lt Col S Irwin RSM WO1 C Steers

Adventurous Training at Capil Curig

WO2 'TC' Trebilcock organised the week at Capil Curig with support from SSgt 'Mickey' Partridge who ran the mountain biking and Sgt Julie West who ran the kayaking. Support for MLT activities were kindly supported by civilian instructors Ryan and Phil Pentecost.

Trekking proved to be the most popular of the activities with a Appreciating the plethora of choices for challenging climbs around Snowdonia. ground from Highlights on the trekking were a challenging ascent to the peak above of Mt Snowdonia traversing the east and west peaks en-route.

The other notable climb was to the summit of the “Glyders” and climbing over the or “Castle of the winds” to enjoy the twin peaks of and Glyder Fach and a compulsory photo on top of the “Cantilever”.

The mountain biking and kayaking were also thoroughly enjoyed, leaving participants enthused and looking forward to next year!

Ascent towards Snowdon

DECEMBER 2017 29 - by Sgt Ronnie De-Bique IAAF and IPC World Champions London 2017 With Trinidad and A Commonwealth and Royal Corps of Signals soldier has had a dream assignment this summer; Tobago's Jareem working at the 2017 IPC Para World and IAAF World Championships in London. Richards

Sgt Ronnie De-Bique, 243 Signal Squadron, had a front row seat at some of the world’s best para and able-bodied athletes competed in the top event of the year; even getting to pose for photos with the athletes and have a quick chat with them whenever possible. The highlight of the Championships was walking out the IPC flag on stage for the Athletes, Coaches and Officials pledge. Ronnie was also the Gold medal flag bearer throughout the IPC World Para Championship medal ceremonies. Watching Usain Bolt run his final competitive 100m in which he finished third was another highlight as well as the chance to take a selfie with the newest 200m talent, Trinidad and Tobago’s Jareem Richards; being the Bronze medal bearer for the Women’s Heptathlon and witnessing one of the greatest Men’s 4 x 400m Relay final legs, run by GB’s Lelonde Gordon.

Exercise FREE SCORPION Kassam Stadium – by LCpl Beardmore

On 19 March 17, 241 Signal Squadron deployed on Ex FREE SCORPION as part of a wider command, leadership and management week – Ex TIGER FIRST LOOK. The initiative day started with teams being dropped off at various points in Oxford and the surrounding area. Split into groups of five or six people and armed with only our ID cards and a covering letter we were tasked Feeding the lion with completing various tasks in and around Oxford. The task varied from making a pizza, or getting a photo on a boat right up to the more seemingly BBC Radio Oxford impossible tasks of feeding a lion and getting a ride in a helicopter.

Making a Pizza

Dugout at Kassam Stadium

30 [email protected] Gas, Gas, Gas 14 Sig Regt (EW) Cambrian Patrol team led by an enthusiastic Lt Livingstone

14th SIGNAL REGIMENT (ELECTRONIC WARFARE) CO Lt Col King RSM WO1 Stedman The competition is hosted and run by the Rhode Island Leapfest 2017 – ‘All The Way’ National Guard, with competitors accommodated at the University of Rhode Island throughout. 2017 was the biggest By Cpl Holmes-Siedle, 226 Sig Sqn (EW) competition to date, with a total of 70 teams and 10 nations jumping. International teams were the first to jump a few days prior to the competition, for parachutists to familiarise themselves with the US MC-6 steerable chute. Whilst a steerable parachute is a welcome change from the British LLP, the 10 knots forward momentum of the MC-6 means poor judgement of wind direction can see parachutists screaming into land at speeds up to 25 knots. The aforementioned poor wind judgement was demonstrated perfectly by Cpl Purdie, when his chute had to be left in the trees as he crawled from the adjacent ditch he found himself in.

For the entirety of Leapfest 2017, parachutists jumped ‘Hollywood’ (clean fatigue) and exited off the tail of a CH-47 Chinook via static line. Though jumping

Some of the Squadron’s Airborne members

There are many from outside the airborne community that struggle to comprehend why we ‘throw ourselves from a perfectly good aircraft’. But for those in the know, there is no greater feeling than being stood in the door to the cries of “RED ON...GO!”. Whilst the additional pay and the blue badge of courage are great perks, every military parachutist hopes to attend Leapfest, the oldest and largest military parachuting competition around. Leapfest 2017 was the first time members of 226 Signal Squadron had attended the event, thanks to extensive planning and liaison by 226 Air Adjt SSgt (YoS (EW)) Jones. Waiting to climb on board

DECEMBER 2017 31 Yet another CBRN Can you walk? Please tell casualty serial me you can walk!!

from a Chinook is a desirable prospect for any parachutists, The final parachuting aspect of Leapfest 2017 was the foreign the long 6 second wait for the parachute to deploy is enough wings exchange jumps that occurred throughout the week, to test any mans metal, as the red reserve handle dares you courtesy of international jumpmaster’s attendance. By the to wait a little longer. end of the week with all parachutes expended, of which there were 1027, members of 226 Signal Squadron had earned wings With ample downtime and a few days until the official from the United States, Germany, Italy and Botswana, which competition day, there were a number of evenings to enjoy were ‘punched in’ (literally) at a wing pinning ceremony on Rhode Island, included in this was the Leapfest banquet. the final day. From there, teams departed until next year. Competitors were served a three-course meal at a Newport riverside hotel where teams also presented the Rhode Island Leapfest 18 is already being secured in the 226 Signal National Guard with tokens of gratitude. 226 Signal Squadron Squadron calendar and will hopefully become an annual event however were caught somewhat off guard by forgetting their for the airborne members of the Squadron. Leapfest will presentation. It was only by chance that a keen musician undoubtedly provide additional incentive for members of the among the group had brought his bagpipes and kilt, providing Squadron and Regiment to attempt the All Arms Pre the gift of entertainment in the form of ‘The Rowan Tree’ and Parachute Selection Course (P Company) and become ‘Scotland The Brave’ which were well received by the members of the airborne community. international audience.

On competition day teams of four were dispatched from the Brawdy Open Day 2017 aircraft together, and once in control of their canopy were By Cpl Richards, Sp Sqn required to steer towards one of three ‘X’s on the DZ. From the moment their feet touched the ground a stopwatch The ‘annual’ Brawdy Open Day took place on 29 Jul 17 at began with a judge assigned to each parachutist. . Maj ‘DeDe ‘Watts, OC Support Squadron, Competitors had to execute a Parachute Landing Fall (PLF) had the con for this year’s event and the pressure was on and run to the ‘X’ with parachute still attached. Upon straight away since last year the event had to be cancelled reaching the ‘X’ the time would stop, and the combination of due to severe weather. Planning for the event started the four times would be the team overall time. months ago with a number of high profile vendors and Unfortunately, due to lack of experience with the MC-6 along exhibitors being targeted early. Every moment someone took with high winds and other excuses, we were unable to gain a a break from Lanyard Trophy, held here in May, or prep for podium finish. the LEA, the OC was on hand to give them a task. Support Squadron departments were allocated tasks early, ranging from raffle prizes, to advertising, to inviting vendors, to procuring tents, and on and on as the lists seemed endless. OC Support Squadron himself went in to bat with all of the various contractors and local authorities which had to be appeased and brought onside in order to make the event work.

The Open Day itself was the culmination of 14 Signal Regiment (EW) Regimental Week, which including a Regimental photograph on nearby Newgale Beach, and a cocktail party hosted in the grounds of St David’s Cathedral. The MTWO, WO2 Sean Dinsdale, was tasked with the site build in spite of a week of the most appalling weather which saw us lose three tents per night!

The day of the event itself turned out to be clear and even threatened to cause some sunburn later on as the sun came Airborne out; Brawdy summers are unpredictable and short in length

32 [email protected] During Ex DRAGONS TALON Ex DRAGONS TALON on Salisbury Plain with Bowen takes bilateral ‘special relationship’ Lt Webb members from the th Military The team dealing with a CBRN very seriously American 207 Intelligence Brigade casualty serial

– this was our day! Highlight of the day was the Royal Signals series of progressively large chainsaws; creating an 18 inch Motorcycle Display Team (The White Helmets) who put on a owl from an unassuming piece of tree trunk in less than 7 great show as always, and wowed the crowd over their two mins is a sight to behold! separate displays. They were ably supported in the main arena by the BASC Working Dog team and also 226 Signal Squadron, Cpl ‘Moses’ Richards was busy throughout the day keeping who put on a display of military tactics. Other events included the Facebook page updated with videos and photos, and the a demonstration by the local Fire Brigade and the Regiment’s amount of positive comments at the end of the day indicated chefs, led by SSgt Byron Davies, put on a military cooking that the day was a success. Any white space in the display that proved to be a hit again. programme was quickly filled by Cpl Alex ‘MC’ Tann and LCpl ‘Dinkley’ Donickey who kept the massively vetted playlist During the day, the queue at the Clay Target Range was going on the PA system. There were several grimaces and consistently huge, and children young and old kept coming choice comments as Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5’ was belted out as back to try and beat their time on the mini assault course. It we started work at 0720hrs, bearing in mind the last men got was also no surprise that, at the end of the day, the most off the field at around 2000hrs that evening. 223 Signal worn patch of grass was between the burger van and the bar! Squadron beat 245 Signal Squadron in the final of the Tug of War to round off a successful day for them. Each Squadron from the Regiment put on a static display showcasing their own achivements which proved popular as Over £3000 was raised for national and local charities and the were local clubs, small businesses and artisan vendors selling only casualty of the day was the umbrella belonging to WO2 local produce. One real highlight was the Speed Carving (RQMS) O’Connor, which may or may not have ended up on a Demonstration. Brendan Rock is a local craftsman who MAN SV on its way back to Blandford. Rewards may be creates carvings and wooden statues using nothing but a offered for its safe return!

Your legacy can help us safeguard the Royal Signals Community

Every year the RSBF helps hundreds of those who have fallen on hard times. This includes serving Signallers injured on operations, the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, members of the Corps who need assistance with specialist medical care for their children, or veterans who need help in maintaining their mobility and independence.

Help others in their time of need

There has been a long-standing saying that the “Corps looks after its own” and we help wherever we can. In the past three years the RSBF has granted approximately £1 million to help fellow serving and retired signallers and their families in times of need.

We don’t distinguish between Regular, Reserve, National Service, ex-ATS or WRAC who served with the Corps, officer or soldier and their dependants. Any case brought to us will be considered with expert support from SSAFA, The Royal British Legion and the Army Benevolent Fund.

You can help too - by leaving a legacy in your will. It’s simple to do and can make all the difference yal Sig to someone who has worn the same cap badge. Ro na ls Be ne R vol If you would like to make a difference please contact the Association. eW will be happy to provide SB ent Fund information on how to leave a legacy so that others from the Corps might benefit from your F generosity.

Contact: [email protected] 15th SIGNAL REGIMENT (INFORMATION SUPPORT) CO Lt Col T Moran BLANDFORD RSM WO1 (RSM) N Dorrian

It has been a busy time for the Regiment, but for a dispersed and hybrid unit like ourselves, this period has afforded us a rare opportunity for all locations, Regular and Reserve, to come together to train and socialise. Cpl Hayes has put together his thoughts on the exercise spanning Thursday to Saturday below:

Exercise MAU CONCENTRATION by Cpl Hayes

15 Signal Regiment (IS) conducted Ex MAU CONCENTRATION over 21 – 23 September in . The exercise was a collective training opportunity for the Regiment to conduct competitions, discussions and team building forums to promote Regimental cohesion and maximisation of the Regiment’s expertise. The aim of Exercise MC was to take the opportunity to exercise collectively at Blandford Camp, and also to assist in the cohesion of the geographically dispersed units including the national Reserve element, 254 (SGIS) Signal Squadron, as well as producing SSgts Laverick and Aspden, endeavouring to carefully transfer the quantifiable output to improve work processes potentially “toxic” balls from one end of the forest run to the and knowledge across the Regiment. other

Day 1 consisted of a round-robin competition Day 2 was taken up with discussion groups set by the CO, of physical and mentally challenging tasks – “The Good, the which aimed to provide feedback to RHQ from the ground up Bad and the Ugly”. The aim of this competition was to about ways to improve processes, maximising talent, enhance basic military skills and to forge greater team spirit retention and leadership. The discussion groups were and cohesion within Regimental personnel regardless of carefully constructed of a range of ranks to ensure everyone physical ability. From a DCCT scenario shoot, to reversing a had their views heard. The day started with the Regimental Land Rover blindfolded and a mock CBRN game that wouldn’t photograph, followed swiftly by a surprise CDT and a hasty be out of place on ITV’s “The Cube”, the Squadron’s revision of the MEL! competed to be the best. Part of the first day was also an opportunity for the Regiment as a collective to receive CGS’s The final day started with the de-brief of what was discussed Briefing Team, to give an update on the state of the Army and in the discussion groups to everyone attending Ex MC. Using future plans. the expertise that had arrived on the weekend from the A mixed cap-badge conga line as the SSM leads his blind troops into the back of a waiting, “reverse gear only” Land Rover specialist Reserve element, we also attended information workshops which included an Office 365 brief and cyber threat update.

At the end of the second day the Officers of the Regiment had a formal dinner night to promote cohesion and to give a rare opportunity for all Officers to interact socially, including all the Regular and Reserve Officers. The junior and senior ranks had a carefully approved games night to promote team building whilst having a competitive spirit. The games night started off with a welcome brief from SSgt Cammock (RE) detailing the events of the night, and of course was followed by a safety brief from WO1 (RSM) Dorrian. After a curry lunch supplied by the HQ WO & Sgts’ Mess, we moved on to the Under timed conditions, the teams had to de-kit competitions with a mix of physical and hilarious tasks, where from their forensic suits quickly to avoid losing points all personnel could participate, single and team events. An and being late for the next challenge! enjoyable evening for all, despite the inclusion of karaoke Sing Star!

A rare Regimental photograph comprising elements from all Squadrons, Regular and Reserve Colerne 21 SIGNAL REGIMENT surfing. As I have done a bit of stand-up paddle boarding before, I thought I would try my hand at CO Lt Col MJ Morton RSM WO1 (RSM) S Kelly windsurfing,how much different can it be? How SUPPORT SQUADRON wrong I was – of the two hours I was trying to windsurf, I spent about fifteen minutes stood on OC Maj K Overton SSM WO2 (SSM) A Skene the board and only about two minutes of those 204 SIGNAL SQUADRON fifteen were actual windsurfing. We went to the OC Maj SLR Gray SSM WO2 (SSM) K Stowell Estonian version of ‘Go Ape’, where Cpl ‘Nutty’ Nuttall overcame his fear of heights, just; he found 215 SIGNAL SQUADRON himself upside down on one of the zip lines and OC Maj J Hooker SSM WO2 (SSM) J Davies turned the air blue on the leap of faith. 220 SIGNAL SQUADRON SSgt James also organised a one night OpCIS Maj P Wright WO2 (SSM) N Dinsdale OC SSM Troop camping trip next to a lake in an Estonian woodland camping park where Cpl ‘Superman’ OPERATION CABRIT Thapa and LCpl ‘Bish’ Rai cooked the world’s best Gurkha curry over an open fire. A thoroughly good night OpCIS Troop - by LCpl Armstrong was had by all and a lasting memory has been permanently imprinted. We arrived in Estonia to join an already established 21 Sig Regt OpCIS team. The weather was a lot warmer than I expected, The battle group are also running entertainment activities reaching temperatures in the high 20s and with only a few on camp like pub style quizzes and the great Tapa bake hours of darkness each night. It did not take long to settle in, off, where myself andSgt Johnson were entered as the although I managed to put my foot through the top of SSgt Royal Corps of Signals team. We decided to make a Corps James’ bedside table after only being on camp for an hour. coloured Battenberg. Our slapdash style and general air of We were swiftly accepted into the incompetence made the judges believe that we fold and jumped straight into shift were only capable of creating a complete train work after an RSOI package. As the wreck disaster. However, the creation wowed comms kit was set up by the main the judges and won us best endeavour. It was body in April, almost all of the major also good for morale when the Lala Girls came to issues were ironed out before we Tapa Camp to give us a live performance. arrived. Left: Cpl Moore shows his “airborne spirit” during the sports day gun run During our deployment, we have regular contacts with other nations; sometimes we find ourselves having to work closely with the Estonian S6 (J6) department on the ICS , which can be trying at times due to the language barrier and different working practices. The French almost always march everywhere whilst singing, but as it’s the foreign legion, you can always pick out a few Scouse or Yorkshire accents. Cpl Giles, LCpl Payne and LCpl Watson pose next to a bush with their French colleagues As the deployment With the Lala Girls at has progressed, Salamanca Day there has been time for everyone to get away to do some Adventure Training (AT) and other activities. We were able to do a whole days water sports in Parnu, including sea kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and wind Right: LCpl Malatacca and his 14 SR teammate taking part in the Gun Run 36 [email protected] as part of the Engineers’ Sports Day RLDs – by LCpl Payne

Elements of 215 Signal Squadron RLD are attached to 5 Rifles Command Platoon for Op CABRIT (Estonia). The job of the RLD for this deployment was to provide interoperability in the form of a Tactical Voice Bridge (TVB) for the 5 Rifles BG. This would enable them to talk securely to the French Marines, Estonian Brigade, US Forces and various other nations. When the RLD arrived in Estonia the weather was cold, snowing and in all honesty, Baltic. With this in mind the spirit and morale of troops did not waiver.

The RLD, consisting of eight CS Ops and one CS Eng, have been attached to 5 Rifles Command Platoon for daily duties and activities such as PT, vehicle maintenance, 21 SR initial Op CABRIT deployment team communications taskings, media tasks and deployments with our French counterparts and the 1st Estonian Brigade.

However, the RLD did not just provide the TVB for the Battlegroup, but also assisted in communication lessons by helping instructors in lessons such as HF, VHF, RRB, ComBAT and Antennas and Propagation. The RLDs have also been heavily involved in influence activities and visits. These have included various events, such as the Estonia motor show, and visits from Boris Johnson and COMARRC, Lt Gen Radford CB DSO OBE. LCpl Payne, a former infantryman with 1st Bn , knew Lt Gen Radford when he commanded 19 Light Brigade in 2008. When spoken to by the General, he stated that he knew LCpl Payne from somewhere and with little prompt remembered exactly where and the job role he LCpl McAllister provided on Op HERRICK 10. looking fresh as a daisy after Sgt Johnson and LCpl Armstrong’s attempt at a Corps coloured Now the 5 Rifles BG commitments are drawing to a close, we the Ice Bug are all looking forward to leaving Estonia for a well-earned Challenge Battenberg for the Great Tapa Bake Off, earning them the coveted rest and a nice relaxing time on POTL over the Christmas “Best Endeavour” award period with our families.

Cpl Nuttall and LCpl Armstrong being put to use dicing meat for a Gurkha curry

Sig Carless finally “pulls” during the Engineers’ Sports Day

OPERATION TORAL

Members of the Squadron Cpl Flintoft and LCpl Patient at shortly before leaving NKC FOB Duskin while repairing an to return to the UK unmanned ReBro CO Lt Col E Byfield Stafford RSM WO1 S Dennis sole exception of the interviewer. Mostly for SUPPORT SQUADRON myself I quickly forgot about the age gap because OC Maj D Pun SSM WO2 (SSM) J Jennings of how engrossing Jeremy Bowen’s life was, 217 SIGNAL SQUADRON having spent most of his career outside of the country in war torn parts of the world. Incredibly, OC Maj I Peers SSM WO2 (SSM) D McDermott having interviewed heads of state such as 222 SIGNAL SQUADRON Colonel Gaddafi and Bashar al-Assad he seemed OC Maj R Day SSM WO2 (SSM) M Greenfield more interested in telling anecdotes about the general life and strife of the people in these 248 SIGNAL SQUADRON conflict affected countries. He talked in depth OC Maj R Foster SSM WO2 (SSM) S Rai about his love/hate relationship with Jerusalem, 252 SIGNAL SQUADRON and mentioned a Sky journalist trying to sneak out of a dinner party to get the scoop on the OC Maj N Coombs SSM WO1 (SSM) R Sinclair assassination of the late President Rabin in 1996.

The average age range in our second sitting had risen slightly Cheltenham Literary Festival with a more surprising smaller audience. On a personal note I By Cpl Sean Lamb was particularly keen to sit through this interview as General Lord Richard Dannatt was the main public figure when I was Members of 252 Signal Squadron, 22 Signal Regiment had the applying for the Army back in 2009. The interview consisted fortunate opportunity to attend the Cheltenham Literacy of 4 main sub themes, as we were taken through a journey in Festival, which was time with his new book, organised by 2Lt Alex Lim. History of Britain and her The festival is the oldest Army since 1945 and had a literary annual event which far more political agenda is run by The Times and this than our previous sitting. is the 68th time it has been After questions and run. It boasts popularity waiting for book signings from around the world, we had the honour of hosting some of the biggest being able to take a picture names from culture, politics with General Lord Dannatt and sport. Included were who kindly listened to our people such as Hillary demands of the perfect Clinton, Mary Berry and back drop. Matt Lucas, not only this they had many political and Having ended the day cultural interviews and successfully the majority of lectures about modern the group decided to get problems that world and 252 Sqn and General Lord Richard Dannatt tickets to see the comedian Briton faces today. It was Al Murray the Pub organised for us to attend Landlord which was two interviews first with showing in the same tent Jeremy Bowen, war time as the first interview. reporter and secondly the Unsurprisingly he did not ex-Chief of the General Staff tailor his language to the General Lord Richard average older aged Dannatt. members of his audience, coming out with his typical Within the group there was a brash satirical poke at level of reservation as we societal problems and walked to our seats in the making fun of the main events tent, where literature festival as a Jeremy Bowen was being whole. This was a fantastic interviewed, reservations way to finish the event off only because we were the with a far less serious tone only people in attendance and we laughed for nearly under the age of 40 with the 252 Sqn and Jeremy Bowen, the BBC Middle East reporter 2 hours straight.

38 [email protected] 30th SIGNAL REGIMENT BRAMCOTE CO Lt Col M Fayers RSM WO1 M Witham th SUPPORT SQUADRON QG SIGNALS 68 Birthday Celebration OC Maj M Eastman SSM WO2 P Munslow 244 SIGNAL SQUADRON (AIR SUPPORT) “The great thing about getting older is you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been”. OC Maj O Ford SSM WO2 A Cloney 250 SIGNAL SQUADRON One of the most awaited day for the Queens Gurkha Signals th OC Maj A Lish SSM WO2 J Rai family, 68 birthday of QG SIGNALS was held at Gamecock Barracks, home of the Queens Gurkha Signals in the presence 256 SIGNAL SQUADRON of Col of the Regiment, Brigadier JJ Cole, OBE Saheb on 23 OC Maj I Kirk SSM WO2 B Wildman Sep 17. 258 SIGNAL SQUADRON All the current serving and retired personnel of the Regiment OC Maj J Long SSM WO2 S Wood along with friends and families were present to witness this annual Regimental event. The day started with reporting of 1. the parade to the Col of the Regt by Adjt QG SIGNALS, Capt Shankar Gurung, which was followed by birthday speeches in English and Nepali by Comd QG SIGNALS, Lt Col MJ Fayers and GM QG SIGNALS, Maj Om Prashad Pun respectively. It was then followed by numerous award presentations to the worthy winners. A majestic display from the pipes and drums added tremendous charisma and stage presence, followed by the cake cutting ceremony. The parade was concluded with a highly encouraging speech by the Col of the Regt.

For this year the winners of the awards were as below:

Verdon and Carter Trophy - SSgt Subarna Gurung (SNCO with significant contribution) Relington Trophy- Cpl Tirtha Gurung (Most hard working 2. JNCO of the year) Best Piper - Sig Girish Gurung Best Sportsman - Cpl Bibek Gurung Best Shot- Sgt Saroj Rana Best Trainee - Sig Santosh Tamang

In the afternoon numerous mouth-watering delicacies prepared by the talented chefs were served at the gym hall then the inter Squadron sports competition commenced. This year a new sport “Kabaddi” was introduced for the first time along with football, volleyball and tug of war. The sports were played in a friendly but competitive manner. In the end, 250 Gurkha Signal Squadron was crowned the overall champion Squadron at the annual sports competition. 3. The whole celebration concluded with the prize giving ceremony. Altogether approximately 500 personnel attended the 68th birthday which was an ideal platform for all the attendees to meet and greet with numbaries and entire Regimental family members. Finally, the family support and involvement throughout the day were very much commendable.

Pics: 1. SSgt Subarna Gurung presenting the PALTAN’s FLAG (which was taken to Mt Everent) to Col of Regt, Brig Cole OBE. 2. Cake cutting ceremony on the QG Signal’s 68th Birthday by the Col of the Regt, Comd QG Signals, Mrs C Fayers and GM QG Signals. 3. OC 250 Maj Lish receiving the champion prize (SUNGUR) from Col of the Regt.

DECEMBER 2017 39 Operation RUMAN Lt Mould at a flooded EEHQ

by Lt Salero, 244 Sig Sqn

Op RUMAN, was the joint humanitarian aid operation that provided disaster relief to the UK Cpl Hann territories and surrounding areas that were attempting to clean up in the devastated by and subsequently aftermath of Hurricane Mara. Hurricane Jose

244 Signal Squadron (AS) have just returned from their deployment to the Caribbean in support of the Joint Helicopter Force (JHF). This marks the end of what has been a frantic and exciting time within the Squadron, with the other two troops being deployed on Exercise SWIFT RESPONSE 17 in Germany where they are supporting both AATF (Air Assault Task Force) and JHF 1.

This short notice operation saw the troop deploy outside of its readiness timeline in a flash to bang time of less than 7 hrs. After a chaotic time in South Cerney the troop deployed to Barbados on Sunday 10 September. No sooner had the plane touched the ground, they pushed forward to USVI (United States Virgin Islands). This was to be used as a staging post in order to allow the Puma force to deliver aid forward to BVI () and TCI (Turks and Cacaos Islands). The conditions on USVI were austere and tested the guy’s ability to live and survive out of a bergan for a prolonged period. Meanwhile a small detachment deployed forward to the “Seven Stars Hotel” under Cpl Diaper to provide TacCIS for the Chinook force.

Shortly into the deployment the USVI that was relatively unharmed by Irma, then got the news that was inbound. The Troop prepared to be hit by the storm by sandbagging the kit and battening down the windows and Sgts Steane and Nunns fighting doors. However, as the day progressed it became for comms on the Joint clear that the hurricane was growing in strength Helicopter Force strategic satel- and was upgraded to a category 5 hurricane. The lite bearer. Troop was evacuated in the middle of the night just hours before the hurricane was due to hit and as a result had to leave a lot of personal kit behind. After the storm had passed the Troop deployed Sgt Nimmo forward to USVI not knowing what would be island hopping awaiting them. The island had been hit by the with the Puma worst of the storm and the local population were JHF team. no doubt relieved to see the return of the British forces. After setting up the staff working environment and maintaining the equipment the guys were put to work helping the locals. This was the highlight for many on the deployment and was extremely well received by the locals both on USVI and BVI.

40 [email protected] Exercise CASSINO SWAN

by Cpl Dipendra Rai

Cassino was one of the most brutal battlefields not only in Italy but the entire Second World War, the battles took place Jan – May 1944. It is a part of a history that is both sad and a lesson to the present and future generations for the stories it holds of the sacrifice and the combined multinational operation during the war.

30 Signal Regiment conducted a detailed Battlefield Study of the Four Battles of Cassino over a period of three days. The study plan included a classroom based introduction and overview of the battle led by the Col (Retd) W H Buckley which was held in 30 Signal Regiment training wing, followed by a tour of various landmarks of the battlefield of Monte Cassino in Italy. The main aim of Ex CASSINO SWAN was to analyse Land Tactical Actions within a historical context in order to enhance the participants’ ability to plan and undertake contingent tactical operations.

As per the second phase of the study package, 22 personnel from 30 Signal Regiment were deployed to Monte Cassino in Italy from 12-16 Sep 2017. The participants analysed the Land Tactical Actions of the four battles that took place during the WWII. There was a Vedette Consulting Limited (VCL) to support the execution of the Field Phase ‘on the ground’ in Italy by providing an expert Italian guide and a UK expert practitioner. VCL personnel provided guiding services to and at the field phase stands, a good orientation at each stand, and a historical presentation.

The tour included not only the brief from the historian but also a group exercise where a nominated team provided presentations of the proposed problems and led the discussion. Each team took turns to discuss the same or different aspects of the events or questions. These discussions exercised the participants’ ability for critical thinking and improved their verbal presentation. Exercise director was at hand to round up these plenary sessions with each team. This multi-faceted battle marked one of the longest and bloodiest engagements of the Italian campaign during the WWII. After attempts to overcome the Germans in the Liri Valley and at Anzio, it ended in stalemate. The Allied force struggled to capture the Western anchor of the Gustav Line and the Roman Catholic Abbey of Monte Cassino. Thereafter, there were two more offensives that resulted in the destruction of the Abbey. There were more attempts to defeat the German Army using aerial bombardment on the region, which also failed to produce the desired result.

The tour of the Battlefied of Monte Cassino was completed with ceremonial speeches and honouring the fallen with wreaths on Cassino War Cemetery. This concluded our four day stay at Monte Cassino, Italy. Overall, all the participants were able to understand the different aspects of warfare; the factors that were the cause of friction during the war, and the synergies of joint and multinational operations. I believe the experience and lessons learnt from this short look into history will definitely help me and the rest of the participants to think laterally and make critical decisions when required in the future.

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DECEMBER 2017 41 32nd SIGNAL REGIMENT CO Lt Col RM Jones GLASGOW RSM WO1 (RSM) D Jackson BFSAI Deployment 01-15 Oct 2017 After mandatory briefings and the opening welcome by the Commander of British Forces on the third day, the team were Twelve of our team, from 40, 50 and 51 Signal Squadrons, given a MT induction to gain authority to drive on the have just recently spent two Falklands and a brief from WO2 weeks in the Falkland Islands as Cole (RQ LSS). The scene was set, part of the rotation spread the tasks and objectives were amongst the Corps Regiments given and a tour of the Air Power to perform essential work on available to the RAF and cultural the communications equipment visits over the Sat/Sun were that is 8000 miles away. promised.

51 Signal Squadron took the By day 4 the team were upbeat as lead with SSgt Craig Douglas they were now getting their organising the logistics and hands on the kit and working training ensuring that the within the remit given. The kit and selected troops would make vehicles allocated were in good the best use of their 14 days on condition with all comms kit the remote rugged island in the labelled and laid out for fitting Atlantic. into dets. Having SMEs was a huge advantage as they helped This was an ideal opportunity with the accurate fitment on all for some consolidated training dets ensuring that any problems and completion of workbooks were resolved instantly with a for the young inexperienced learning outcome for the personnel– something that individuals who had trade usually takes a year back at workbooks to complete. home with the day-to-day commitments of a Reservist. The team quickly got in to the routine and the days flew by and The trip started with all it was soon time to see what the members of deployment RAF did with their Typhoons and travelling from their respective have a guided tour around the units to Brize Norton; everything, unusually, went well with Island starting with Berthas Beach and walking 7.5 miles along the flight departures and before they knew it they were off, the coast taking in the scenery and seeing the penguins, only to stop at Cape Verde for seven hours due to the dolphins and many species of colourful birds. weather conditions in the Falklands (Mount Pleasant Complex (MPC)). Always looking on the bright side this gave our team PACEX came and went successfully at Fitz Roy and 36 miles the opportunity to sleep/rest/bond in the departure lounge away at Stanley; the team achieved their objective of assuring with food provided by the RAF. data, (HF and VHF) and then it was time to return home to the UK - but not before WO2 Cole incorporated a battle field Collected from the airport by a party from Logistic Support tour. Sqn (LSS) with whom they were working alongside for the next 12 days, the team were taken to the accommodation The two weeks will be a resounding memory for all the block which, as anyone who has already been there, is members of the team - their significant professional complete with amazing facilities ie swimming pool, gym, achievements, the travelling, the Island and its wildlife, shops, bars etc. and…..the constant piercingly cold wind. Exercise VENETO 17 1.

32 Signal Regiment has been taking part in Veneto for several years now. The opportunity to travel to Italy is enough to convince lots of reservists to use their precious holidays from work to commit to their second career.

Every year the location changes, albeit still in Italy, which ensures it’s never the same experience as the last, consistently drawing people back to take part once again. Nobody is ever sure what to expect, a consistent story from the veteran’s is the nerves from reading the orders about the helicopter drop off only to find the helicopter is a car or shipping container with a cd playing helicopter sound effects in the background.

This year’s Veneto started with an advance party travelling over three days by 2. road. After lugging all the equipment over, some of the party had the chance to make a quick trip to Venice for the day for a bit of sightseeing. A few days later the rest arrived by flight at Bologna airport and were greeted by Capt McVey and SSgt Aidens.

Two hours later after a drive into Asiago the reunited 32 Signal Regiment sat down for a barbeque before sorting out kit and ensuring everything was packed for the exercise. It wasn’t long until the sun went down and the teams of four were released in a staggered fashion into the famous carcopter only to be blindfolded and rallied off into the mountains. Tasked with making it to 3. Forte Interrotto the teams had to navigate in the dark through the woods and rocky terrain. After an enjoyable two-hour trek, teams started arriving to be greeted with the sight of the fort, and even better, a shot of grappa. When in Rome!

A few hours later teams were individually woken during the night to carry out a combat assessment to judge the team’s ability to communicate and coordinate an attack on the enemy. Following this they were tasked with setting up a helicopter landing site. Heads were once again laid to rest until morning when the daylight let everyone view the fort in its full splendour. Teams were soon released in the usual staggered fashion to continue with the exercise, they had to navigate and keep their eyes peeled for the enemy, their equipment and anything suspicious.

Along the way were enemy weapon caches and IEDs, their location noted the teams headed on through the hills until they arrived at the stands. 4.

Each stand challenged the team’s military skills in different ways, from shooting to casualty situations; the diverse tasks kept everyone on their toes as they honestly didn’t know what to expect next, throw in the language barrier and it gets even more interesting. To finish it off a downhill sprint through arduous terrain just to make sure everyone was spent.

A multinational event means multinational celebrations. The Italians were very generous with their food and wine, very few managed to finish everything on their plate but managed to keep drinking. As people started peeling off to their beds a friendly singing competition eruptedDECEMBER between the2017 different 41 nationalities, each gathering applause. Not long after the press-up competition started, it’s 5. not official or anything, it just kind of happened. Some people lasted till the early hours of the morning before it blurred into the next day for the ceremony.

All the competitors marched through the streets of Asiago to the skirl of the Regimental Pipe band, arriving in the town centre where the ceremony commemorated those lost in the first World War. 32 Signal Regiment had two teams who came in 2nd and 3rd in the overall competition; it’s always nice to bring back something shiny. With the kit packed most people flew back to the UK and the rest had a long drive back with all the equipment. Truly a great experience.

Pics: 1. One of the two teams that did so well to come second to the Italian paras 2. Amazing scenery but a hard slog 3. Sig Duncanson from 50 Sig Sqn being tested on a weapon with a difference 4. Overnight stay in a building used by the Allied Troops 5. One of the tasks - full of a powerful atmoshere from the annual of history DECEMBER 2017 43 Exercise NORTHERN CHARGE 17 excellently organised by WO1 (RSM) Del Jackson, and his committee of WO2 (SSM) Dave Reid and SSgt 'Woody' 32 Signal Regiment deployed some 180 Officers and Soldiers Woodward. This was a fantastic event and a suitable on its two weeks Annual Continuous Training (ACT) exercise introduction to the Regiment for Col Ruth. Week one (Exercise NORTHERN CHARGE 17) over the period 1 - 18 Sept culminated in a church service conducted by the Regimental 2017. This training was based in the main part of Queen Padre Maj Christopher Rowe, before the troops began the Elizabeth Barracks in Strensall and Catterick Training Area. transition to the field phase of the exercise. Some elements of the Regiment also took part in ECM training with 225 Signal Week Two was run entirely by OC 50 Signal Squadron in and Squadron, Maj Neil Coatsworth and his SPSI Training at RAF Linton on SSgt Guy Bufton. This was a fantastic week of Ouse. training conducted in the main over Catterick Training Area, and was based around a scenario Exercise NORTHERN of the Regiments soldiers deploying in support CHARGE 2017 was split into a of local forces who were tasked with hunting number of different phases down drug cartels in a fictitious “South and started off with a one American” country. This involved a lot of pre- day RSOI package, work from the training teams with intelligence organised by the unit reports, news articles and briefings to set the Adjutant Capt Will Easton scene to the soldiers before they deployed on and then for the first week the ground. Once deployed, the troops were Map reading the unit conducted a number split into two platoons under the Command of of different packages, Capt Ian Flannery and Capt Gordon Tibbetts, starting with an excellent and were tasked with undertaking a variety of four day range package tasks from close target recce’s, clearance co-ordinated by the patrols, OPs and culminated in a company Regimental Career attack on the final day of the exercise, to Management Officer, neutralise the cartels. This was an excellent Capt Terry McVey. This took week's training which the troops thoroughly the troops through grouping enjoyed because of the variety of tasks they had and zeroing practices, to undertake which was a break from the application of fire and ended normal section and platoon attacks. up with the vast majority of those achieving the ACMT, The Units deployed north, south, east and west which was a fantastic effort Dining in for our Hon Col Colonel Ruth on the final Saturday of Camp to undertake Post all round. The troops also Davidson MSP Exercise Clean ups and accounting for stores undertook a one day round robin competition day, going and equipment. The final official event of ACT 17 was the through a number of command task stands, getting used to cocktail party held in the Officers Mess at Jardine Street, working as small sections in preparation for the second weeks Glasgow, for some 60 guests from the community including field training. On the Friday of the first week, the unit held an local councillors, employers, charity workers and members of inter unit sports competition which had been organised by both the Scottish Senior Volunteer Warrant Officer, WO1 (SVWO) Paul Standing. and Westminster This day involved football, touch rugby, volleyball and hockey Parliaments. and was strongly contested by all those who took part. This was a fitting finale to an The middle weekend of ACT saw the Unit host a combined outstanding two Officers and Sergeants Mess dine in of our new Honorary weeks of Military Colonel, Colonel Ruth Davidson PC MSP which had been Training.

Cpl Banner, 51 Sig Sqn on the firing range

44 [email protected] 51 Sig Sqn at St Nicholas' Church

50 Sig Sqn, Darlington

40 Sig Sqn,

Peru - Archiepocisipal Musuem 32nd SIGNAL REGIMENT REMEMBRANCE

Peru - Archiepocisipal Musuem

Sig Jack Cameron, new in post at BFBS Scotland radio

51 Sig Sqn en route to St Nicholas Church

50 Sig Sqn, Darlington

Lt Col Rhidian Jones with Johnstone Beavers

DECEMBER 2017 45 CO Lt Col R J Lovett Redditch RSM WO1 (RSM) Kemp

It has been a busy period for the Regiment including ACT, Battlefield Studies, Adventure Training and various training weekends in between. Welcome to new members of the Regiment and congratulations to the Road Bike Team who won the Minor Unit Trophy at the Corps Championships.

33 (LANCASHIRE) SIGNAL SQUADRON Annual Continuous Training (ACT) – 8-17 Sep 17 by WO2 (SSM) K Smith OC Maj P Knight SSM WO2 Jolliffe 48 (CITY OF ) SIGNAL SQUADRON This year’s ACT saw the Coasteering – OC Maj L Sewell SSM WO2 Gurung Regiment deploy to jumping off heights Chickerell Camp on the up to 6 metres 54 (QOWWY) SIGNAL SQUADRON outskirts of Weymouth for a OC Maj S Kielty SSM SSgt C Smith variety of military skills and 64 (CITY OF ) SIGNAL SQUADRON range work, Adventurous Training (AT) and Inter- OC Maj A Powell SSM WO2 Hallewell Squadron competitions.

The fortnight started with a Potted Sports Competition Chickerell Ranges – GPMG Shoot which was won by 54 (QOWWY) Squadron. The following days saw Regimental personnel take part in a range of AT activities (developing individual courage and leadership skills); including trekking in the Dorset hills, mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking and coasteering; plenty of opportunity for all participants to try something new.

GMPG after a hard day's work We also had several days of range work and military skills lessons, with the highlights for many being the GPMG shoot, as well as getting a flight around the local area in a Chinook helicopter. The culmination of the activities was the Commanding Officer’s Challenge Cup competition. This took the form of a patrol competition, navigating between the various stands, including Casualty Evacuation and Obstacle

“Anyone order an Uber?” Chinook flights around the Weymouth Area

Left: Rock climbing near Weymouth Crossing, and then a march and shoot competition, with a bit Exercise GLOBAL CONCEPT of a stretcher race thrown in for good measure! There were by Sig K Murray 33 Sig Sqn some great performances throughout the day, but none more so than 54 (QOWWY) Squadron who were the eventual 37 Signal Regiment conducted a Battlefield Study over the winners. period 21–24 July, and were joined by members of their paired Regular Unit, 16 Signal Regiment. The party travelled to the A couple of more relaxing days followed, with Squadrons 1916 Somme battlefields of the Western Front and in having their own activities day, and also a Regimental day at particular examined the Southern sector. This sector is the the Bovington Tank Museum; where we enjoyed guided tours least visited part of the battlefield, which is unusual because it of the extensive exhibits. We also visited the saw the greatest successes on the first day of the Somme Communications Information Systems (CIS) school, the – 30thDivision’s attack at Montauban. Armoured Trials and Development Unit (ATDU), and the Driving and Maintenance (D & M) School. For some, this gave the opportunity to experience the armoured vehicle crash Guillemont Cemetery simulator, including “rolling” through 360o and exiting while it was upside down!

The group stayed in The Poppies, Albert, which provided easy access to the battlefields as well as all meals. There was also easy access to the town centre where members conversed with locals and managed to seek out the owner of a particular Trying the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank out for size – establishment visited on the Sunday (keep reading for the OCdt Marshall taking control reveal).

The Commanding Officer’s Physical Training competition Maj Knight, OC 33 Signal Squadron and the Op REFLECT followed. This saw Squadron teams running a timed circuit Project Officer at HQ North West, organised and led the around the camp and training area; picking up burdens en exercise to the battlefield. Maj Knight used the knowledge route, including a fancy dress stretcher carry. 54 (QOWWY) gathered whilst researching for his new book, Squadron were again victorious with their Cool Runnings Territorials in the Great War, to lead the study, particularly on theme. the movements of the 55th (West Lancashire) Division of the

This ACT provided many new opportunities to the Regiment’s soldiers, with a fantastic mix of Butte de Warlencourt – the whole party at the location Adventurous Training and Military Skills. We were on the Albert to Bapaume road, marking the furthest advance of the Battle of the Somme able to sample what the local area had to offer and we competed in the Commanding Officer’s Challenge Cup and PT competitions. Additionally promotions and coins were awarded for excellence amongst our soldiers. All in all an excellent ACT.

COs Challenge Cup Winners – 54 (QOWWY) Support Squadron

Territorial Force in later battles on the Somme. 55th Division had its peacetime HQ in Liverpool and its Divisional Signal Company is a predecessor to the current 33 Signal Squadron at Hyton. Part of the study was to look at the CIS available to the Signals 101 years ago.

On touring the battlefields, we visited ridge lines to view the battlefield from the German perspective; war memorials which are also convenient markers to key points of the battle, including the 41 Division memorial in

DECEMBER 2017 47 Map showing the movement of British troops; July to November 1916 Above: Capt Moran in contemplative mood at Flers which marks the first use of tanks; and cemeteries Newfoundland Park where the true cost of war can be contemplated. In Albert, we bumped into a British couple who had bought a With more than one farmhouse and renovated it as a B&B. We were invited round hundred years passing for a cup of tea on the Sunday, which we did. His barn was since the Battle of the full of memorabilia which the group enjoyed learning about, Somme, the family but most impressively, through the farmhouse cellar was one connections are still as of the German dugouts which had held up the British attacks. personal as ever. I was struck by not only the Particularly poignant for the party was the Canadian War scale of the casualties but Memorial at Newfoundland Park, the Sunken Road and 41 Division Memorial, Flers – the relatively small area in which also marks the first use of Hawthorn Ridge Redoubt Craters at Beaumont Hamel, the which they were Lochnager crater and the impressive memorial at Thiepval. the tank in battle. The war was just over two years old and an concentrated. Such A final poignant memory was when we visited the Gordon entirely new weapon of war had casualties today would Dump Cemetery and located the headstone of Sgt Vince been devised, developed and put consume close to 75% of Fountain’s Great Great Uncle who died during the battle. into action today’s Regular Army! Other News from 37 Signal Regiment

64 Sig Sqn Ex GLOBAL OPTIONS 1 – After a busy day of DCCT, swim tests and orienteering, Cpl Neil Hewitt (foreground) gets to grips with the GPMG. The OC and Ex GLOBAL TOTAL SSM also help pass on their experience to – Sig Adam other Sqn members Roebuck, 64 Sig Sqn at Go Ape 48 Sig Sqn - Sig Berriman awarded best shot in Phase 1 tackling his fear of heights training

48 [email protected]

COULD YOU BE A SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS OPERATOR?

SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS BRIEFING COURSES 2018

1/18 12-16 Feb 18 2/18 12-16 Mar 18 3/18 14-18 May 18

APPLICATIONS OPEN TO: R SIGNALS soldiers, all trades, male and female. to . UK national, 1 UK parent. MFD.

INTERESTED? Contact the Recruitment & Selection Troop P: 94240 8521 or + 44 1908 638521 E: [email protected]

To apply and for further information, see PD206.

CO Lt Col V Connelly TD RSM WO1 Ellis

Exercise LYNX VOYAGE AVENTUM challenge, excitement and fun to all who took part although the squeamish amongst the group struggled slightly as they From 9 – 23 Sep soldiers from 39 Signal Regiment deployed were taught how to kill chickens and skin rabbits. This was on Ex LYNX VOYAGE AVENTUM the Regimental Annual not in vain though as the fruits of their labours were served Continuous Training Exercise (ACT). The exercise was up to our aptly titled livery company, The Skinners for their multifaceted and geared around delivering the most lunch! appropriate training to soldiers and Officers of the Regiment in order to improve effectiveness but also ultimately have Whilst the Sgts and below toiled in the field, the SSgts and some fun! above were putting their cerebral capacities to the test, completing a 3 day package of comms planning with some The exercise was split between three locations, South Cerney, wider UK Ops focussed training. This was received Azimghur barracks and Jersey. Each of these locations offered enthusiastically as it offered role specific training which is a different stage of ACT. The first stage was centralised in often missed during low level military skills weekends. South Cerney. Each of the Squadrons arrived, conducted a RAC and went straight into a series of briefs to set the At the conclusion of both packages the time had come to context for the exercise and offer Regimental updates. dine in the new CO. A great evening was enjoyed by all as South Cerney’s Officers’ Mess hosted the Regiment. With a As Sunday arrived the focus was on the CO’s Cup few cloudy heads the Squadrons broke out into OC’s disposal Competition, a series of sporting events to find which days offering a variety of activities prior to the redeployment Squadron would hold bragging rights for the next year. The to Jersey for the Adventure Training (AT) package. competition was tight but the overall eventual winners were 53 Signal Squadron (who coincidentally had the lowest Week 2 started with a 0400hrs wake up call to head to the average team age by a good 10 years!). With the CO’s cup out ferry for Jersey. Despite this unpleasant start the week ahead of the way, Monday saw the whole Regiment conducting a was filled with activities to really push everyone out of their PACEX to confirm the serviceability of our Bowman platforms. comfort zones but also to educate. A rotation of Adventure This was a long day but proved to be extremely useful, Training including mountain biking, rock climbing and shaking off some individual's cobwebs. coasteering offered various challenges and a superb conceptual study led by the RAO, Maj Collins informed us of The exercise then split into two groups. The Sgts and below the events that took place during the German occupation of headed to Colerne under the highly trained supervision of the Jersey in WW2. RSM, WO1 Bernie Ellis to conduct a mixture of survival training and refresh basic military skills up to conducting All in all a brilliant mixture of challenging training with enough section attacks. This proved to offer just the right level of fun to keep us Reservists coming back for more!

Don't look down!

Sig Rilar giving a target indication

Taking over Jersey

SSgt Downs directing the uni-hoc MREP Programme 1 – 18 June 2017 served 2 meals a day, the menu choice being very interesting, by 2Lt Emily Griffiths including steak for breakfast! I qualified on their rifle system (M4) which involved pop up ranges up to 300m, I qualified as I was selected to take part in the 2017 MREP programme expert on the M2 50-machine gun (13/13) and got the chance where I was matched with the New York Army National to fire the MK19 grenade launcher. Luckily, I was given a Guard’s 27th Infantry Brigade Combat detailed tour of the electronic system training, which is a Team (IBCT); a Light Infantry Brigade computerised version of all military weapon systems – comprising of three Infantry very useful tool to have to improve , a Cavalry Squadron, an on shooting techniques. Artillery Battalion, a Brigade Special Troops Battalion and a Support Later on during AT, I was tasked Battalion - BSTB – Brigade Special with another Lt to set up and run Troops Battalion. I was attached to the confidence course for 2 days Bravo Company BSTB, which has whilst the Brigade cycled through. It platoons specialising in Signals was definitely a morale boost for the Intelligence and Tactical UAS. soldiers as they were able to exercise and work as a team around the I received a very warm welcome obstacle course and I learnt how to from my exchange partner, run a range correctly. Sgt Kelly and the Company Commander, Capt Doupe, who About half way through AT, we went took me to the Armoury where I on an excursion to Alexandra Bay, a changed straight into uniform M4 for more popular tourist spot which had a ready for lunch and to meet and CBRN history of “castles” (not like UK greet the various hierarchies. castles) and learnt about the town during a boat trip. We then drove The next morning, we deployed to to Sackets Harbour, the site where Fort Drum, New York County for Britain invaded America in 1812 to their AT – Annual Training. I spent learn about the history of the the next 13 nights sleeping in a one- battles that happened there. man tent, getting to know the soldiers and Officers and the I was fortunate enough to take structure of the Brigade. part in a live air assault with the 2Lt Griffiths artillery. We were loaded onto a Black Hawk preparing for I spent time with the soldiers that helicopter, which picked up a M777 Howitzer the Air Assault operate and fly the Shadow, an and taken to the drop zone. The team then unmanned reconnaissance aircraft; I fired 6 live rounds onto projected targets and even got to press the button to launch I got the chance to pull one of the lanyards. the bird! I found it interesting that they After the attack, personnel and equipment had a dual purpose of rebroadcasting were recovered by helicopter back to base. comms as well as gaining intelligence by This was one of the highlights of the trip. surveillance. The last couple of days were spent in Washington, DC. Sgt Kelly had set up a private Over the next few days, I was given a tour of the Senate house; he had a contact tour of Fort Drum which made me that worked in the building so we were able to appreciate the sheer scale of this go behind “closed doors” to the public. We training area, (about 434.1 km2 ) and spent a couple of hours in the Space Museum see the facilities available on camp. I then walked around the various war memorials ate in the portable field kitchen which including Lincoln’s memorial along the National Mall.

We spent the final morning at Arlington Cemetery, both impressive and humbling with the sheer amount of lives that have been lost over the years. It felt like a perfect way to end this amazing experience.

I would thoroughly encourage anyone to participate in the MREP programme, although it became stressful at times to organise, it was well worth it. The opportunities I had were second to none and I believe I have made some life-long friends.

DECEMBER 2017 51 71st (CITY OF LONDON) SIGNAL REGIMENT, BEXLEYHEATH CO Lt Col SWG Rankin VR RSM WO1 (RSM) Saxton

OC’s Update – 31 (Middlesex Yeomanry and 31 (MIDDLESEX YEOMANRY AND PRINCESS LOUISE’S Princess Louise’s Kensington) Signal Squadron KENSINGTON) SIGNAL SQUADRON by Maj Orr OC Maj A Orr SSM WO2 A Davidson It has been a busy period for the Squadron with a range of different activities being undertaken both to support the 36 (ESSEX YEOMANRY) SIGNAL SQUADRON Regiment but also in preparation for future events. There has A/OC Capt D Monk SSM WO2 T Pun been a heavy focus on the preparations for Lafone Day, which 68 (INNS OF COURT & CITY YEOMANRY) SIGNAL will be taking place on 28 October at St Paul’s Cathedral in SQUADRON London. This event will commemorate the centenary of the death of Maj Alexander Malines Lafone, of the Middlesex OC Maj S Bumby SSM WO2 R Cullumbine Yeomanry, who won a Victoria Cross at the Battle of Buqqar 265 (KENT AND COUNTY OF LONDON YEOMANRY Ridge, in South Palestine. (SHARPSHOOTERS)) SUPPORT SQUADRON OC Maj Baker TD SSM WO2 Springer The Squadron has made significant progress with its recruiting effort, with a total of eight new recruits having joined since what can only be described as some of the worst weather the start of the training year. This is in addition to a number of many of the soldiers had ever done such a task in. Despite the recruits from the previous training year now having this, everyone pushed through with all soldiers eligible completed their trade training. The excellent progress the meeting their MATTs requirement - special mention must be Squadron has made in terms of recruitment and retention given to LCpl Ibrahim who showed a great deal of was reflected with the excellent turnout for Annual persistence, pushing through to the very end of the 8 miles. Continuous Training. This camp presented the first opportunity for many of the Exercise PHOENIX FOCUS members of the Regiment to meet the new CO, Ops Major Annual Continuous Training 2017-by WO2 Gill and RSM, and enabled them to better understand both the new focus on operations and the impact of Army 2020 on all This year, 31 Signal Squadron ventured up to Scotland to involved. But it wasn’t all serious business, with members of complete their Annual Continuous Training. RHQ even taking part in the CO’s Competition, a sports tournament between the various Squadrons involving kick Garelochhead Camp, which directly overlooks the picturesque tennis, rugby football, volleyball and dodgeball. 31 Signal HMNB Clyde (that famously houses the UK’s Trident nuclear Squadron proudly came out on top having done exceptionally deterrent), became home to 24 soldiers and 2 officers of the well on the rugby football (a large part thanks to semi- Squadron as well as over 90 other members of the Regiment. professional footballer Sig Wells) and the kick tennis, though the troops will certainly have to practice their volleyball skills A range of activities were conducted throughout the two in preparation for next year, having lost all games! week period, ranging from comms exercises, military skills training, to cultural visits and Adventurous Training. However, The live firing ranges and military skills package were a great the camp began with an 8-mile AFT, in chance for both experienced and junior soldiers alike to hone

Driver training during ACT

52 [email protected] Regimental Sports Competition their key soldiering skills. On top of this, soldiers took part in climbing, mountain biking, canoeing, and hillwalking. Whilst BCD, navigation and off-road driver training (an exciting the weather was less than ideal (so to speak!), this was experience for all who took part!) which saw Sgt Nielsen, Sgt certainly one of the biggest highlights of camp and also Glass, LCpl Finnegan, LCpl Rose and Sig Bucket all provided a fantastic opportunity to get to know other respectively play key roles conducting training for the entire members of the Regiment. On the final day, 31 Sig Sqn was Regiment. proud to find that three of its own were to be awarded CO’s Commendation coins (only 7 were given out); LCpl Ibrahim, Of course, camp would not be complete without a Comms for her selfless commitment to the reserves and conducting a phase. Beginning with a PACEX, the Regiment then lot of the driving duties on camp; Pte Burbridge for being a conducted a tactical Comms exercise with 31 Sig Sqn key chef on the base and for smartly saving the regiment operating two detachments and a CST. For many soldiers, food expenses; LCpl Rose for conducting a lot of the BCD this was their first tactical Comms exercise and despite some training and for her skilful leadership as a detachment mechanical trouble, was a great learning experience for all. commander. Overall, a fantastic ACT for the Squadron!

Sadly, this was the final camp for SPSI, SSgt Robert Smiejkowski and SPSI (Tech), SSgt Ben Heath, who have both contributed a great deal to the Squadron over the past few Sqn cultural visit years; the cultural to Edinburgh and days provided a good Holyrood Palace opportunity for Maj Orr impressed by the everyone to visit sites Scottish weather on the such as Bannockburn, opening AFT Stirling Castle and Holyrood Palace amongst others, but it also gave the Squadron a chance to thank the SPSIs for all the hard work by taking them out for a lovely meal and drinks at Café Rouge in Edinburgh.

The camp ended with 3 days of adventurous training, which included options of

2Lt Wei and WO1 (SVWO) Keeble QVRM

Comms PACEX

DECEMBER 2017 53 OC’s Update – 36 (Essex Yeomanry) Signal Schools Centenary Battlefield Tour (SCBT) Squadron - by Maj Monk by Cpl Hughes

The last few months have been extremely busy for 36 (Essex In June, we deployed out in support of the Schools Centenary Yeomanry) Signal Squadron and having recently taken over Battlefield Tour (SCBT) programme having the good fortune command of the Squadron, I have found it rewarding and of attending these tours before. SCBT is a government enjoyable. There have been several promotions and awards funded initiative which allows two pupils and a teacher from as well as a few of our troops out on various deployments as each of the 4400 state schools in England to participate in a well. Firstly, congratulations go to Sgt Kelly, (at the time) battlefield tour to the Western Front. The tours are operated who was awarded the VRSM and Clasp by the Regimental by the Institute of Education (IoE) and Equity who is a Honorary Colonel, Colonel Ray Wilkinson QVRM TD VR who recognised school tour organiser. kindly came up to visit the Squadron and address the troops at the end of the evening. Our role on the tour was to provide a contemporary view of modern military service in comparison with military service of the First World War period. Completing our group was the First World War historian, who ensured we got the most out of every visit. The tour was over four days; 16 – 19 Jun 17 and each day had been laid out by the tour company, allowing for hands on research and visiting various sites of interest. Each school in the programme was issued with a soldier and a Battalion/Division to research in readiness for the battlefield tour, with the last day of the tour ending with a visit to the grave site of the researched soldier. This allowed for the students and teachers to develop a close understanding of the chosen soldier. Each day had a focus question which the students had to think about during the visits to the sites. Col R Wilkinson QVRM TD VR presenting Sgt Kelly with the VRSM and Clasp Day 1

The Squadron also had the former Regimental Honorary All schools arrived at Kingswood Grosvenor Hall in Ashford, Colonel; Colonel (Retd) Stephen Foakes visit the Squadron where after initial briefings and issuing out of and kindly awarded the VRSM and Clasp to Capt Monk and accommodation, teachers and students were separated to the VRSM to Sgt Crumpton-Taylor. Promotions:- allow for ice breaker activities, teachers went one way and Congratulations again go to Sgt Kelly on promotion to SSgt, we joined the students on the assault course; although an as well as both Signallers Kerlen and Vigor on their assault course with a difference as this one had high ropes, promotion to LCpl. zip wires, tarzan swings, monkey bars and even a team bonding singing station. The evening activity involved lessons As well as the above SSgt Thumwood (SQMS) received a on artefacts/weapons of the First World War and how they Presentation of the Lord Lieutenants Meritorious Service compared to the modern equipment we use today; active Medal and Certificate at the Drapers Hall in London. A encouragement was given to allow all the students the fantastic achievement and very well deserved indeed. Sig chance to have hands on with the equipment. Chilton also received a well-earned CO’s commendation coin for his excellent efforts over recent exercises. Day 2 – Question – How did the First World War affect During Feb to Apr 17 three of our own went out on Ex TARIK ordinary people? PATROL. Sgt Nugent, Sig Collington and Sig Gibbs deployed on a 6 week exercise on with 10 Signal Regiment An early start was needed for all to board the coaches for the giving them the opportunity to conduct military training AT trip via the ferry, our first visit today was to Lijssenthoek and cultural visits. Three of the Squadron are currently Cemetery, here we learnt of Nellie Spinder the only woman undergoing training for the ISS BFSAI deployment to the to be buried here. Falklands late 2018. LCpls Gurney and Vigor along with Sig As we walked along Collington are all looking forward to the deployment and the the entrance we opportunities that it will bring. saw the metal rods which represented the number of burials on each day of the war.

Next on our itinerary was the Memorial Museum Passchendaele Museum Passchendaele, here we had some free time to go around the museum and see all the exhibitions about the First World War, all set out in chronological order from the beginning of the War in 1914 to the end in 1918. We saw a reconstruction of a First World War shelter known as a dugout and a short film about the Battle of Passchendaele, finishing with a series of reconstructed 36 Sig Sqn, Edinburgh Castle ACT 2017

54 [email protected] trenches of both German and British style trench systems. during the First World War and our modern equipment, this After the museum, we headed to Flanders Lodge which section really engaged the students who had plenty of would be our luxury accommodation for our stay in Belgium. questions and all wanted to try out the equipment. After our evening meal we all changed into our best clothes for our visit to Menin Gate where we took part in the Last Post Ceremony with two pupils who were selected to join us in the laying of the wreath. Menin Gate is a memorial to the missing soldiers; the site holds the names of 54,406 soldiers. This year the gate is guarded by the lions, which are on loan from the Australian War Memorial for seven months as part of commemorations marking the centenary of the major battles in the Ypres Salient.

Caterpillar Valley

Day 4 – Question – Is remembrance more or less important 100 years on?

We packed up and checked out of Flanders Lodge with our packed lunches for the trip home, with a few more visits thrown in to finish off our Battlefield tour. Thiepval Memorial finishes our day of visits; the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme is on the highest point of land on the old Oz lions at Menin Gate Somme battlefield. The memorial holds more than 72,000 names of those missing. Day 3 – Question – Was the Battle of the Somme in 1916 really a disaster for the British Army? Langemark Cemetery was our second visit of the day and is the only German War Cemetery in the Salient. As you enter Our first point of call was Beaumont Hamel Newfoundland the cemetery you are met with several concrete plinths which Memorial Park, this park is dedicated to the Newfoundland are faced with bronze plaques, these hold the names of soldiers who were killed during the First World War. The almost 25,000 soldiers buried in what is a mass grave of more preserved battlefield is the site of the Newfoundland than 32,000 soldiers. Here the students and guides took turns Regiment’s unsuccessful attack on the first day of the Battle in reading out some record cards of various soldiers buried of the Somme. There is a lone tree here called the Danger here and learning a bit about their story. The tour historian Tree and is the only surviving petrified tree in this park to then went on to tell us more about the history of the site and survive the 1914 -1918 fighting. showed us pictures of when Hitler came to visit this cemetery.

Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland Memorial Thiepval Memorial

After lunch we moved onto Caterpillar Valley Cemetery where Tyne Cot Cemetery is where we learnt the role of the we learned how the ground was captured after the fierce Commonwealth War Graves Commission and how every fighting in the latter part of July 1916. After the Armistice the headstone holds a story. Tyne Cot is a staggering place and is cemetery was hugely increased to take the graves of some the largest British and Commonwealth War Cemetery in the 5,500 officers and soldiers who were brought in from other world. In all 11,956 soldiers are buried here. This experience smaller cemeteries and the battlefields of the Somme. By this was a real eye opener and the outstanding numbers of the point on the Battlefield tour the students were becoming very missing soldiers on the various monuments and the sea of aware of the high numbers of losses that were suffered graves lined up before you, really does make you think. This during the time of the war. Rounding off the day we had a SCBT experience is still running and will be for another few two hour show and tell session back at Flanders Lodge, where years, so if you have the chance to participate in this scheme we compared equipment, rations and first aid of those used we highly recommend putting your name forward.

DECEMBER 2017 55 News from other Units/Troops

CO Lt Col Andreas Kubitz (DEU Army) This being Germany, some of the local breweries were RSM CWO Steve Base (CAN Army) present and handing out free beer to those taking part in the parade so at least the lads could keep their thirst at bay. Wesel Schutzenfest - by Sgt Westmoreland

The end of summer here in Germany is accompanied by a rash of festivals, and as the Battalion continues to strengthen its place in the regional community, it was invited to participate in the Schutzenfest parade.

The town dignitaries arrive on horseback

In full Schutzenfest regalia, the various participants from The Battalion on parade around Wesel started to arrive and the parade began to take shape. An initial false start of the lead band marching off Heartily embracing a bit of ‘hurry up and wait’, we gathered before the rest of the parade was ready was laughed off, then at the Berliner Tor at 1800hrs for a 1945hrs step off. This gave the parade got underway and was marched up the length of WO2 (CSM) Tony Muers time for a quick inspection which the high street to Grosser Markt. Lots of saluting, bugling and revealed LCpl Andy Bywood had his collar dogs facing the horse wrangling ensued before the Dismissed order was given wrong way and no rank on his arm. Get the beers in, Andy. and everyone could relax.

628 SIGNAL TROOP ‘Whitney’ Houston as he starts a new life as a civilian – good luck to you all. OC Capt Sam McEvoy FofS WO1 (FofS) Matt Griffiths We are pleased to welcome the following to the family- WO1 SSgt Chris McKechnie (FofS) Matt Griffiths, arriving from 30 Sig Regt on promotion, SSgt Ash Liverton and SSgt Alex Menya, joining us from the It has been another extremely busy period for the Troop as QDG; both on promotion to SSgt, Sgt Jese Saunitoga moving summer leave draws to a close and final preparations are the short distance from BGSU, Cpl Matt Grochowina, arriving made for those deploying to in support of NATO from 14 Sig Regt, Cpl Laura Foster joining us from 33 Field Mission Resolute Support and those deploying to Turkey in Hospital, Cpl Nirjung Gurung and LCpl Hemendra Pun, both support of the NATO Mission NATO Support to Turkey. The arriving from 11 (RSS) Signal Regiment having joined the remainder of the Troop, will make up the ROG, and continue R SIGNALS from the & Queen’s Gurkha on NRF. Engineers; and the following from phase 2 training- LCpl James Horton, LCpl Arbin Gurung, Sig Gethin Mole, Sig Jack Once again there has been a considerable turnover of Johnson, Sig James Rustean, Sig Stuart Comrie and Sig manpower as we bid a fond farewell to the following; WO1 Karina Antil. (FofS) Pete Fraser as he heads to HQ 1 (UK) Signal Brigade, SSgt (SQMS) Karl ‘Dusty’ Binns who heads off to 16 Sig Regt, Honours and awards SSgt Sarah Chapman, posted to HQ 4 Inf Bde and HQ NE having spent two years as Chief Clerk, Sgt Matt Hunt posted It has been another successful period as four members of the to Cyprus (best get some factor 50 suncream ordered!), Cpl Troop were awarded Commander NATO CIS Group ‘Hitman’ Gurung who leaves on promotion to become the commendations for their sterling work, congratulations to Regt Accountant at 1 RLC, Cpl Jhuplal Bantha Magar who WO1 (FofS) Pete Fraser, Sgt Stew Blakeley, Sgt Mark Webb leaves on promotion to 11 (RSS) Sig Regt and Sig Keegan and Cpl Ash Spooner.

56 [email protected] 13 Sept 17 saw Capt G Smith RN, Chief S2/6 NATO CIS Group, Adventure Training - by Sigs James Rustean and Gethin Mole SHAPE HQ visit the Unit to receive an update on Unit business, see how the pre-deployment preparations were Twenty members of 628 Troop have recently returned from going and to present awards to recipients within the Troop. two weeks Adventure Training (AT) in Bavaria, Germany He presented Sgt Will Hillyard with his QCVS for his Trojan- where we stayed in the Drei Mühlen lodge in the town of like work in Afghanistan in 15/16, the LS&GC to Sgt Mark Wertach. The journey from Blandford to Wertach was a long, Newton, a GOC’s commendation to Sgt Gaz James for his sticky 20 hour drive in a cramped nine seater minibus on a work on Op SHADER with his previous Unit and the warm Sunday evening, I know, lucky us! Once we arrived at Commander NATO CIS Group commendation to Sgt Mark the lodge we peeled ourselves out of the minibuses and made Webb. our way into the lodge. We were then split down into three syndicates and were briefed on the Adventure Training (AT) for the next 10 days.

The AT itself consisted of three main activities: rock climbing, hill walking and kayaking. Each activity lasted for two days with a break for the weekend in the middle to do some sightseeing and a rest from the strenuous and physically demanding AT.

The rock climbing was run by Sgt Stew Blakeley who gave everyone a couple of lessons on how to attach themselves to the rope and how to belay for a partner while they were climbing. The groups had the opportunities to climb a number of natural walls around the Fussen and Obersdorf areas. The scenery was spectacular and at the top of the walls there were amazing views of the Bavarian valleys. Everyone had a Capt G Smith RN with the award recipients go at a number of different climbs ranging in degrees of Pre-deployment Dinner Night - by SSgt Chris McKechnie difficulty, with some relatively easy level 3 climbs As a small unit, within a fragmented organisation with our up to challenging level 6 for Battalion Headquarters in Germany, it isn’t very often we get the more experienced to host a ladies dinner night, but on 21 Sept 17 we did so as climbers. Due to the changes part of the final preparation for deployments to Kabul and in weather two of the groups Turkey. It afforded the Commanding Officer Oberleutnant A went to an indoor climbing Kubitz an opportunity to visit and speak with the soldiers and centre, where as well as wish those deploying a safe and speedy return. He was normal climbing walls they accompanied by Maj A Campbell R SIGNALS, the battalion 2ic, had a hanging rope ladder Capitaine E Henriett and Chief Warrant Officer S Base. suspended from the ceiling. Challenges were set to climb The dinner night allowed mess members to host the the rope and touch the beam LCpl 'Spiderman' Prinn making Corporals and their guests, dispelling many myths whilst at the top as quickly as we it look very easy educating them on the traditions and history of the institute. could. The ladder was The evening also allowed the Commanding Officer to present pivoted at the top so the his coins to SSgt Martin Copson, Sgt Rob Jones, Cpl ‘Hitman’ faster we climbed the more it Gurung and Cpl Ash Spooner for their hard work and rotated. Everyone enjoyed rock climbing but a few were not dedication. Overall a good night was had by all. too keen on the heights or the abseiling back down.

Ladies dinner night

DECEMBER 2017 57 LCpl ‘Jeffers’ Jeffrey insisted on being lowered down slowly direction that we wanted them to go. Once everyone had got with the sound of panic in his voice. Not everyone was so to grips with that we started to play a few games. We played uncomfortable on the walls and the common opinion was a game like American football in the kayaks, this resulted in a that LCpl ‘Princess’ Prinn is in fact Spiderman with his ability few more practices of the capsize drill but eventually it to scale walls with no apparent places for hands or feet, while improved our abilities to move the kayak around the lake. Day repeating ‘Just dig your toes into the wall!’. 2 we went to the Rottachsee which is a bigger lake and allowed us to work on the skills we had learnt the previous Activity two was hill walking with Sgt ‘Thomo’ Thomas. When day and play some different games. One of Sgt Andy it was described as hill walking it was selling the activity short, Madden’s favourites was the Broncho challenge. The aim of it was more like mountain walking! The first day of the activity this was to get the kayak to spin in the water by alternating was the hardest and involved a 14 mile trek. Not that far in a forward and reverse strokes, while leaning over to one side straight line but there was the inconvenience of a six mile and creating as much white water as possible. Inevitably that climb to the height of over 1800m to reach the top of the followed up with more capsize drills for people losing their Grunter Mountain. As the syndicates we did this climb once balance and the lowest scorers in the competition. The but Sgt Thomas did it four times during the two week weather was glorious for most groups and those who decided package. It took each syndicate around four hours to climb to just to wear the wetsuit and buoyancy aid ended up with the top of the track that was covered in roots and rocks but some amazing patches of sunburn and tan lines. Everyone the views from the top were amazing and went a little way to agreed that it was much nicer paddling around the lakes in making it worthwhile, the main reason everyone wanted to sunny Bavaria compared to being back in Blandford working! get to the top was the little café where everyone could get a brew, lunch and a short rest before heading back towards the lodge. Sgt Thomas reported back that there were plenty of ‘Snap Reps’ sent during the ascent but morale picked up slightly on the way back down, until Sgt Thomas pointed out the bear paw prints in the mud! The second day was thankfully a lot shorter and flatter route. The benefit was that the second route passed a beautiful lake and as the weather was so good we took the opportunity to practice our cannonballs and backflips into the water. After our swim we dried off and Sgt Thomas took us through how to construct a stretcher with a rope. It was not very comfortable but lucky for us no one needed it for real. The best part about the walking stage of AT was the fact we always finished off with a place to get an ice cream. A* for the recce and route selection. LCpl Jeffrey and Sig Mole enjoying the tranquility of the water

During the weekend there was a choice of activities to do around the local area and a chance to take in some of the local culture. We split down on the Saturday into three groups with one group traveling to the Kehlsteinhaus, more commonly known as the Eagles Nest, second went in to Munich to do a bit of shopping, while the third stayed local to Wertach and visited some of the local towns and an outdoor swimming pool. The Eagles Nest was a great place to visit even though it was a three hour minibus ride but the route took us through the mountain roads with tight bends, steep climbs, sudden descents and only a small metal barrier stopping us falling off the side of the mountain. We were grateful that we were in the minibus as it was nearly as bad as the hill walking route. The Eagles Nest was a gift to Adolf Hitler for his 50th birthday and was a mountain retreat 1900m The view from the top was worth the effort high overlooking the Austrian border. It is accessed by walking through a tunnel roughly 100m into the mountain and The third activity was kayaking and was run by Sgt Andy then taking a lift up the remaining 400m to the Eagles Nest. It Madden. The kayaking took place on two lakes; Gruntensee, was bombed by the allies during the war and has now been which is overlooked by the Grunter Mountain and Rottachsee reconditioned into a museum and restaurant. It gave us a next to the town of Rottachspeicher, which was a short bus great view of the surrounding mountains and when the ride north of Wertach. The surroundings were no less clouds cleared you could see for 100’s of kilometres around. spectacular and the lakes were not as cold as expected. Kayaking started with an orientation to the kayak and a safety On the Sunday a second group went to the Eagles Nest to brief. We were then taught the capsizing drill and how to check out the views for themselves, unfortunately the rescue people who were capsized. These were great lessons weather was not as good but they still had a few good photo in theory but in practice everyone just found the quickest way opportunities. The remaining two groups decided to head to get out of the kayak and get their head back above water. towards Zurich for the day. This gave the groups the Once everyone had ‘practiced’ the capsizing drill and had opportunity to look around the city, admiring the expensive confidence that they could get out we learnt how to move cars and figuring out how many years we would need to work the kayaks on the water and get them to go in the rough to afford one of the posh watches from the multiple watch

58 [email protected] shops. The third group went go-karting at Kartbahn and shown how to correctly handle the carabiners. Montlingen on the Swiss border. As the lap times started Meanwhile the second group headed to the café for some tea getting recorded and displayed on the big screen the event and cake before their turn amongst the trees. got more and more competitive. Sig Rustean, LCpl ‘Jeffstig’ Jeffers, Sgt ‘too fast’ Thomas and Sgt ‘making up the Although being taught how to correctly apply the safety numbers’ Madden had a great battle with the races becoming procedures involved with the usage of the harness and the a bit like dodgems and tactical driving to try and gain an carabiners, newcomer to the Troop Sig ‘Johnno’ Johnson still advantage. Fastest time was set by Sgt Thomas with 29.763 had managed to forget how to properly do this. The seconds, beating the Jeffstig by 0.2 seconds. carabiners were supposed to be attached to the equipment located in the tree tops in a certain way for safety purposes. We had a final day of R&R after we had handed back all our However, he had decided to attempt the zip line whilst only borrowed equipment to the lodge. A group went off to visit being half attached. With luck he landed safely and was one of the castles that was a short bus ride along the valley allowed to proceed through to the following courses after and then into the town for lunch. The rest of us ventured to being shown yet again how to use the equipment correctly. Europe’s longest alpine coaster. This was a rollercoaster that Once the second group had passed the safety checks from snaked its way down the side of a mountain for just short of the “Go Ape” team they advanced to the starting line. Eager 1500m in length. The cars were single man, rickety toboggans to catch up to the first group, they started the first obstacle. that apparently did have breaks but only Sgt ‘Culli’ Culliford Their enthusiasm however, was short lived as actually used his! We were set off at intervals by the Cpl ‘Pre’ Nuptial reassessed the risks involved with the attendant at the top who tried to give us a safety brief but all heights of the trees and decided it was here he would we wanted to do was catch the man in front. It was a great abandon the challenges ahead due to his fear of the fall. ride down and we picked up speed quickly as we hurtled towards the bottom of the mountain. The sharp corners and hairpins threw the driver from one side to the other, questions were asked whether the small lap belt would actually keep us in the car, fortunately everyone survived but a few were looking a bit green at the end!

Cpl Meade at home in the trees Sgt Thomas making sure LCpl Jeffrey was posing for the camera to get a headstart Each of the three obstacle courses at “Go Ape” that we It was then back to Wertch and an afternoon spent by the embarked on, had new and pool in the wonderful sunshine, trying to even out the exciting challenges all ending horrendous tan lines from kayaking. That was AT nearly in great fashion with a finished, the only thing left was another long drive back dramatic zip line finale from across Europe and back to a less sunny Blandford. The AT was the tree tops. When both enjoyed by everyone and meant a lot of the new members to teams finished, we headed the Troop got the chance to meet and get to know their new back to the nearby café as the colleagues over a beer and through the harder times like course proved to be when climbing a mountain or trying to escape a kayak. physically demanding and tiring. After a great lunch we Francesca Tree Tops – by LCpl Shaw headed back to camp for an early knock-off after a great Thanks to the efforts of LCpl ‘G’ Watton and Sig ‘Kat’ Wood, day of team work and on the morning of 7 September, DCM D headed to Moor’s cohesion on the course. Valley Country Park, where we embarked on the “Go Ape” This day out proved to be a treetop obstacle course. This course consisted of three short relief from the stresses of but separate obstacles where we had to scale various ladders, work and allowed for a master the swinging logs and zip line from the heights of the greater bonding of the troop trees down to the security of the ground. as we prepare to embark on NS2T and Op RESOLUTE On arrival we were split down into two groups. The first SUPPORT in the upcoming Cpl Andy Moran doing his best group set off to be fitted into their constraining harnesses month. Tarzan impression

DECEMBER 2017 59 epal Signal Troop (NST) on behalf of Headquarter Chitwan. Our journey to Chitwan was accompanied by the Gurkha Welfare Scheme (HQ GWS) is responsible for mesmerising view of the early sunrise along the hills assorted Nconducting an annual mandatory inspection on with the challenging roads of Chovar, Bhimphedi then Communication and Information System (CIS) and Hetauda Bypass which was utterly pleasing after leaving the Information and Communication Services (ICS) capabilities pollution of Kathmandu valley. Upon arrival at the AWC deployed at Area Welfare Centres (AWCs). These are based at Chitwan on the lunchtime, the warm welcome and hospitality different parts of both Eastern and Western regions of Nepal. by the AWC staffs and a quick update by the Assistant Area Four team members consisting of Cpl Gaurav, Cpl Sanjay and Welfare Officer (AAWO), we commenced our task of testing, LCpl Kishan led by Capt Nim (OC NST) deployed on inspecting, resolving the communication issues and refresher Ex PASCHIM SIGNAL KHUKURI (PSK) 17/03 over the period 9 training. After finishing our tasks in just over two hours, we – 14 Sep 17 at AWCs Chitwan, Butwal, Bheri and Gulmi. hurried towards AWC Butwal for an overnight stay. The night in AWC Butwal was notable, after struggling to sleep in the The primary aim of the exercise was to test and inspect all sweltering hot rooms of terai weather of Nepal. CIS/radio equipment in order to ensure their serviceability and safety for operations. The secondary aim was to highlight and Next morning, we headed towards AWC Bheri located in resolve any issues or CIS/ICS related works as well as provide Birendranagar. Birendranagar is a small valley town in Mid- refreshers training on HF radios in order to ensure AWC Western Nepal with cultural and ethnic diversity. This aided in personnel were current and competent. our cultural learning of Western Nepal. Upon arrival at AWC Bheri, we were welcomed by Hon Lt (QGO) Khadgabahadur The team set off very early morning on the 9 Sep 17 by road Thapa Ex QG SIGNALS and team. The staff of the AWC were from British Gurkha Kathmandu (BGK) to beat the ever preparing for the pension programme for the following day. present traffic congestion of Kathmandu valley towards AWC During our conversation with the AWC team, we gained a lot of information on how the AWCs are taking care of the EXERCISE service and welfare pensioners along with launching the GWS PASCHIM SIGNAL Ex PSK 17/03 team with KHUKURI 2017 Senior Area Welfare Officer, Maj (Retd) 'Hitman' Gurung Phase 3 QG SIGNALS By LCpl Kishan Gurung, NST

60 [email protected] developmental projects across their areas of responsibility. services they provided not only to the ex Gurkhas but the After light refreshments and a really pleasant chat with the whole communities in different parts of Nepal. In the evening, team we checked into a local hotel for the night. After a it finally rained in Butwal which was a great relief and we had sleepless night in Butwal, we had a good night’s sleep in a a better sleep than on the previous visit. spacious air conditioned hotel room in Birendranagar. Early the next morning, while AWC started to fill up with In the morning, after breakfast, we visited two of the famous hundreds of welfare pensioners to collect pensions and free places, Kakre Bihar (Buddhist monument) and BulBul Tal medical check-ups, we started the inspection, maintenance (artificial lake). The imagination and the reality of the lake and training lessons for the staff. Then we left Butwal and broke Cpl Gaurav’s heart and he moaned all the way back to headed towards Gulmi for our final task. After passing never Butwal. On the way back to Butwal, we had a quick stop at ending Soviet-era style snake roads of uphill and downhill, we the Bheri Bridge. Cpl Gaurav’s and Cpl Sanjay’s photo session finally arrived at AWC Gulmi. The AWC staff were busy was as mesmerising as the Bheri River and the suspension distributing welfare pensions. We were warmly greeted by bridge. We passed through Bardiya National Park and the the AWC team and they explained to us the current situation long, straight stretch of East-West Highway, we arrived at of the AWC Gulmi. I was fortunate to meet my ex Troop Staff AWC Butwal in the evening. On arrival at AWC, we were of NST Saheb, SSgt (Retd) Prabin Thapa. After completion of welcomed by Maj (Retd) 'Hitman' Gurung, SAWO Butwal and our tasks, the AWC’s staff treated us with delicious “messing” Ex Gurkha Major QG SIGNALS then BGN. He gave us the with a few drinks. presentation about the importance of GWS, AWC and the The next morning before leaving for Pokhara, we went to climb the famous Resunga danda (hill), Tamghas. After a 30 minute uphill drive we started walking to the view point at the top. The gentle walk led by the OC NST Capt Nim, in no time turned into a tab. The paratrooper OC left us three in dust and sweat in no time. On reaching the top, the view was breath-taking. Even though I’m scared of heights, I managed to fight my fears and climbed the view tower for splendid sceneries. After spending some time at the top, we returned back to AWC, collected our luggage, said goodbye to the AWC’s staff and headed towards Pokhara. After passing Ridi bazaar, the next 12 kms of the road along the monsoon swelled. Kali Gandaki River to Mirmi bazar would have made the top ten list of National Geographic channel “World’s Most Dangerous Road”. It was a scary Ex PSK 17/03 team adventure and fun leader Capt Nim, OC NST at the same time. is welcoming at AWC The way the Gulmi Landover conquered the road, the bosses at Jaguar Landover would have been really pleased. After a quick tea break at Cpl Sanjay’s grandpa’s home in Cpl Sanjay and LCpl Kishan maintaining the Waling, who HF dipole antenna himself is a veteran of Gurkha Engineers, we arrived in British Gurkhas Pokhara in the evening for well-deserved fine dining with a few drinks and rest. The next morning we headed back to BGK and were welcomed by the crowds and pollution.

Overall Ex PSK 17/03 successfully concluded with the inspection and maintenance of CIS equipment and providing AWCs staff with refresher training. It also presented us an opportunity to explore AWCs in Mid-West Nepal. The efforts to support the mission of GWS and pensioners by the AWCs were very appreciable and very commendable. We, as representatives of NST hope for the longevity and continuation of the AWC’s excellent service which has been of utmost benefit for the ex-Gurkha servicemen, their families, and local communities all over the rural areas of Nepal.

DECEMBER 2017 61 Saudi Arabian National Guard Communications Project Team allies. CSWS (MNG Brigadier) cannot speak English and my Programme Director: Brigadier Pete Drew Arabic is not even rudimentary, therefore my translator (Mutasem) was vital to facilitate communication for key Hajj Deployment 2017 - by Maj ‘Pat’ Patrick (Liaison leadership engagement (KLE) and understanding. Here is his Officer Western Region (LOWR)) Hajj story.

During the lunar month of Dhul-Hijjah My Hajj Experience almost three million Muslims, of which - by Mr Mutasem Yahya twenty-four thousand were from the (SANGCOM Translator) UK, made their way to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the rituals of The Koran tells every able Muslim to the Hajj pilgrimage. This year’s Hajj perform the Hajj at least once in a took place 26 Aug - 05 Sep. The lifetime, and for many it is a lifelong Ministry of National Guard (MNG) ambition. Pilgrims follow in the provided security support, which was footsteps of the Prophet Mohammed, enabled by MNG Signals Corps (SC), led spending a night in prayer near the town by Commander Signals Western Sector of Muna, which turns into an enormous (CSWS) and supported by SANGCOM. tented camp. On the morning of the The intent was to design and deliver an following day, they proceed to Arafat appropriate communications Mountain, where they perform the architecture that supported the IER for central ritual of the Hajj by watching the Haji accommodation 1937 MNG SC. This was achieved by sunset over the mountain. I moved with providing an ICS networked capability my family from Jordan to Saudi Arabia in of twelve telephony and data services 2003 and have been working in to all required Mecca sites, which SANGCOM since 2007. My primary role is enabled C2 for MNG Hajj objectives. I, to help interface (Arabic and English) along with my translator Mr Mutasem between Ministry of National Guard Yahya and a team of contractors from (MNG) and Liaison Officer Western our prime contractor GPT deployed Region (LOWR) – Maj Pat Patrick. It is throughout the event to provide very important to me to have an advice and technical support. Working excellent working relationship with the closely alongside the MNG Signal MNG to understand their working habits, Corps in a deployed advisory role, odd quirks and personalities. Over the enabling communications and building last ten years I have developed my capacity to support Hajj was a knowledge and methods of translation in fantastic opportunity to actively my best diplomatic manner to assist LOWR in carrying out his duties and promote a closer and stronger Haji accommodation modern day working relationship with our close avoiding potentially embarrassing

62 [email protected] Brigadier Pete Drew with SANGCOM Team members and families faux pas. This is particularly important during the Hajj mission implemented by CSWS. The Commander was so pleased with as there is a lot of activity that requires coherent the discussion and for the support that SANGCOM provided coordination. I first supported Hajj in 2008 when I joined the he offered us lunch with him and his Officers. We sat on a Western Region team in Jeddah. Being a Muslim working traditional rug on the floor and had a Mandi, which is a whole with a western organisation to support the most religious sheep on a plate full of rice, eaten with our hands. The meat event for Muslims is a unique experience. Saudi Arabia shares was very tender and tasty and it was a great traditional a long history with the UK that goes back to the early years of experience. last century.

The Hajj mission has a number of diverse tasks that involve close support and advice to be maintained with the MNG SC to ensure their communications are always available. To accomplish this we deployed to an advance post which is the closest site non-Muslims are allowed to visit, about 5km away from the Haram boundary. The Haram boundary is adjacent to Makkah (Mecca) and is closely guarded by police and Saudi security services. People entering are scrutinised as only Muslims with an in-date Hajj permit are allowed through. Unfortunately, as Maj Pat is not a Muslim we had to follow a long route, bypassing the main highways through desert and mountain roads to get to Makkah, which involved going through five security checkpoints. The passage through these checkpoints was made easier by having a MNG escort assigned to us. Our deployed accommodation was a remote unmanned communications site. Most of the surrounding The Whole Force Approach area is desert, which meant extreme dry heat throughout the day. Temperatures were very high averaging about 43°C. The main MNG camp was about 500m away from our site and we would spend a lot of time attending meetings with CSWS and his Officers. Trying to understand their requirement was often not all together straightforward and needed a good listening ear and patience to understand their demands from a Saudi perspective. However, they were always interesting meetings and it was good to be able to translate between LOWR and CSWS to enable effective discussions. In one particularly long meeting with CSWS we discussed the extensive role of the Royal Corps of Signals and how their support to the Hajj mission had developed over the years and what could be done to improve in the future. Prior to deploying we conducted a security review under the guidance of the SANGCOM Yeoman, WO2 (YofS) Paul Etchell, who had visited from Riyadh. He had recommended a number of Liaison Officer Western Sector, Mr Mutasem Yahya physical security enhancements which were well received and and SANG Commanders Engaging closely with the MNG certainly helped develop a useful to remove cultural barriers, which made it easier to more effective working relationship and allowed Maj Pat to discuss issues. The interaction between LOWR and CSWS enhance his understanding of Saudi culture and customs. Hajj tended to be generally less formal, which definitely helped me is an excellent opportunity to spend time with MNG SC to translate, especially during the longer meetings; I was just Officers and gain a more detailed appreciation of their thankful that there was always a good supply of tea, Arabic mentality, character and interests. The deployment was also coffee and dates available. Al hamdulilah.

Desert Driving for Beginners – by Maj Nick Flavelle

While the entertainment options for residents of Saudi Arabia are ever increasing with concerts and shows now a regular occurrence in the Kingdom, a main leisure activity for both expats and locals remains desert driving. This may evoke visions of driving through a desolate wasteland; however the area around Riyadh is full of interesting sites and genuinely stunning scenery.

With the SANGCOM team temporarily stood down for the Eid Al-Adha public holiday, acting ICS Portfolio head Dan Philips bravely volunteered to organise a beginner’s desert driving expedition to the unimaginatively titled ‘Red Sands’ area of Riyadh This was to be followed by a picnic at the end of the equally unimaginatively titled ‘Camel Trial’.

So it was that at the unsociable hour of 0600hrs our small Mr Dan Philips discovering why convoy of 4x4 vehicles left Riyadh and after cruising through the Camel Trail is well named the empty freeways of Riyadh arrived at a deserted stretch of picture perfect sand dunes. After a quick lesson in preparing the vehicles for sand driving (which mainly involves letting an alarming amount of air out the tyres) a short circuit through the dunes was staked out. Team members were then instructed in the basics of sand driving and taken through the circuit. Despite Capt Suni Kandola getting lost half way all was proceeding extremely smoothly until the programme director’s vehicle created a valuable learning opportunity by becoming bogged in. This provided the perfect opportunity for the team to practice vehicle recovery drills.

Around midday and with the the temperature creeping towards 50°C it was time to re-inflate tyres and head to the Camel Trail. As we did this some team members made the alarming discovery that it is possible for the ground to become so hot it can burn the soles of your feet through normal shoes.

The Camel Trail is a short off road journey that takes you from the main highway through a camel farm to a picnic spot that boasts near 360° views of the escarpment that surrounds Riyadh. It is a The stunning vista at the end of the Camel Trail favourite spot for expats and locals and the team was fortunate to have the whole site to themselves. As experienced team members deployed golf umbrellas and other forms of shelter, us newer team members quickly discovered the utility of such devices as the sun beating down with an almost physical force. Fortunately in exchange for picnic items Lt Col Alexander and family were willing to provide shelter.

The team is greatly indebted to Mr Dan Philips for organising such an enjoyable and educational day out, bring on the next one, InShaAllah.

64 [email protected] EXERCISE HARD RIDE Exercise HARD RIDE 17 was this year’s Army Motorcycle Championships, held on Bovington Training Area. It is a three day, off road competition comprising of trials and enduro disciplines. You can enter as an individual or as a team; to enter as a team you both must be on the same unit strength. There are two classes of rider experience of which you can enter, expert or novice. This year saw a good number of entrants from across the Army as well as some guest riders from the RAF and Veterans. The expert class had 35 entries and novice class had 59. Three riders from the Royal Corps of Signals managed to attend the event - SSgt Ricky Gaston and Sig Scott Murphy both from 11 Signal Regiment who entered as a team and Sgt Adam Huber from JSSU entered as an individual.

Day 1 – Everyone started arriving early on Friday to get a good area to set up; we unloaded the bikes and started turning the back of the pantec into our room for the next two days. Bike scrutineering opened at 1330hrs, which allowed us to make sure our bikes were safe and ready to use. SSgt Gaston This year saw a prologue competition taking place on day and one, this was a voluntary event for serving personnel as a bit Sig Murphy of fun and had no impact on the championship results. It was with their approximately a 400m circuit, with manmade obstacles, from silver for tractor tyres to logs to go over. It was a two lap timed event. Best Novice After a healthy meal and lots of water, we got our heads Team and down ready for a 0916hrs start. 3rd Best team overall

SSgt Ricky Gaston tackling one of the trials sections Day 3 - is based around speed and time keeping, you have to complete one x 15km lap in a given time. If you’re late you will get a time penalty, you have to complete five laps with the lap time allowance getting less and less each lap. In the middle of the lap was a special stage, this was a separate timed event, consisting of an 800m lap in sand with some obstacles. I got the feeling that both Sgt Huber and Sig Murphy hadn’t grown up yet, as each lap in the sand they decided to fall off of their bikes to have a play in the sand.

All three riders performed extremely well over the weekend, - is based around bike control, three as Team R-Sigs –SSgt Ricky Gaston and Sig Scott Murphy took Day 2 nd st x 15km laps will see you coming across 10 bike control home the 2 best Team Overall and the 1 Place Novice sections. You need to navigate around each section (small Team. courses with obstacles such as rocks/hills/mud/trees), you get penalty points for putting your feet down or stopping. Also within the lap is a ‘Graded Hill’ section, a twisty slippery/loose After a bit of a shocker on the special stages Sgt Huber surface with tree roots, the rider starts off with 10 points and dropped down the rankings in the individual contest. the further up the hill you get the less points you receive. After completing the three laps, 30 trial sections and three The trophies and final positions are the least of it though with graded hills the lower your score the better. At the end of day the weekend being focused around enjoying the sport and one SSgt Gaston was 5th almost going clear on every trials the bike time. section and some strong riding on the graded hill. Sig Murphy was in 12th and Sgt Huber with only three points Individual results: from the trials sections but high scores on the graded hill was th in 15th. SSgt Ricky Gaston - 8 Sgt Adam Huber - 19th Sig Scott Murphy - 47th

Sgt Adam Huber in a rare standing position If you are in the Royal Corps of Signals (Regular or Reserve) and are interested in off road motorcycling and would like to compete in the future then please contact SSgt Ricky Gaston on one of the following:

Email - Gaston, Ricky SSgt (BLANDFORDGAR-QM(G)-SQMS- BAR) Mil – 94371 2483

DECEMBER 2017 65

Scottish 6 Days by LCpl Jack Menzies

LCpl Matt Young decided on day three he would stay on the course until night time so he could navigate using the stars.

The rest of the Royal Signals team performed very well gaining some excellent results and gaining plenty of experience, whilst helping to bring on those less experienced in the sport. After three days on the hills there was a rest day, which in orienteering world means an urban sprint by those really enthusiastic runners! The team did manage to get some down time though and went on a cultural trip to visit ‘the Boss’ at Balmoral and for a swim in the river to refresh our tired legs. People were starting to feel it by Day six but the enthusiasm for the sport kept them going.

The final night was prize giving for the team and 14 Sig Regt (EW) cleaned up with the three prizes awarded. LCpl Jack Menzies won the male final sprint trophy and Sig Seb ike most ‘Wire’ articles this one starts with an over Carnwath won the mystery leg award, which is where a exaggerated monstrous minibus journey which was only random person from outside the team picks one of the legs Lsurvived thanks to the confectionery wizardry of from that day and everyone’s times get added together over Bassetts and Haribo. Our starting flag was the edge of the the week. The winner is the person with the lowest time. world in Pembrokeshire, Wales and we spent ten hours navigating on a bearing of North East to Aberdeen, Scotland, When I first signed up to orienteering I was very sceptical. It collecting other team members en route. was just map reading and running, right?!! And although Sig Seb Carnwath convinced me there is an element of After a night’s rest we teamed up with others from the Royal following involved, the precision of the map reading is far and Corps of Signals orienteering team and set a course to the beyond anything I imagined. I really had fun being challenged first venue of the Scottish 6 Days event held in the Scottish and will definitely be returning to retain my trophy. Highlands. This was my first ever experience of such an event and I was amazed to find a field transformed into an orienteering Mecca of 3000 funnily dressed nerds from around the planet.

With an over enthusiastic commentator on a tannoy system, crowds of mega geeks and a festival like atmosphere, this was a steep learning curve for the three novices from 14 Signal Regiment (EW). With our first ever run being a technically difficult 6km in the Glen Tanor area we soon learnt that running around Scottish mountains could be good fun though it did feel like we were doing mountain goat impersonations at points, though not as graceful!! Rising to The 14 Sig Regt team LCpl Young the challenge the three novices successfully got round the route in very respectable times.

With six days of highly challenging runs and a rest day in the middle, the rest of LCpl Jack Menzies the week followed in the same vein. Each and LCpl Matt Young day bought on new challenges and found us navigationally challenged all over the Scottish Highlands, each of the three novices developing our own unique tactics to complete the course; LCpl Jack Menzies sat on a rock looking like a lost imp and feeling sorry for himself until a duped competitor asked if he needed help; Sig Seb Carnwath developed a very successful tactic of following people he knew, or hoped, were on the same course, whilst

66 [email protected] EXERCISE DRAGON DIVER IV by Sgt Leanne Booth

On Sunday 13 August 2017 six members from The Mission Training and Mobilisation Centre (Individual) (MTMC(I)) along with six personnel from 4 Yorks, 9 Regt RLC and 170 (Infrastructure Support) Engineer Group embarked upon a 16 day scuba diving expedition to Gibraltar. The aim of the expedition was to progress ocean divers to sports divers and sports divers to dive leaders under the British Sub Aqua Club training courses.

The entire expedition was run by SSgt Morris with assistance from other expedition members. We were accommodated at Devil Tower Camp alongside the , with a fantastic view of the rock (and front row seats to every plane taking off!) The diving activities consisted of a mixture of wreck and reef dives interspersed with all the usual skills and drills required to carry out BSAC diving. We were expertly driven around Gibraltar’s coast by our Coxswains WO2 Steve Fisher (4 Yorks) and CSgt Nick Drowley (4 Yorks) in and around Rosia Bay, the historic deep water harbour on Gibraltar where the crystal clear (often very cold) waters allowed us to see some amazing sea life. The highlight of the dives was the depth progression down to 30m on the SS Excellent.

During the expedition the group took part in two fascinating cultural visits run by ex-Gibraltar Regiment Capt Pete Jackson. The first visit consisted of a one mile walking tour of the WWII tunnel, a mere slice of the remaining 34 mile tunnel system in Gibraltar. Starting off at the Maida Vale entrance Pete set the scene and gave an extremely detailed round up of the history of Gibraltar. Everyone was captivated by the level of detail Pete could reel off and all from memory.

The second visit was to SS Excellent the lower St Michael’s caves – a more challenging part of the underground network. Pete arrived with helmets and ropes so we knew we would be in for a treat. After “kitting up” and some horror stories to get us in the mood we Scuba diving headed down a long thin metal Lower St Michael's Caves ladder. Pete’s knowledge of the caves was phenomenal and he was able to point out all the main features including all the obscure underground formations resembling personalities such as and rocks that looked like babies hands! The highlight of the trip was reaching the underground lake, normally out of bounds to the public, and seeing all the amazing light reflections and rock formations was a real honour.

Overall, Exercise Dragon Diver IV was a great opportunity for individuals to progress and develop their skills in scuba diving and was successful in pushing each member to their limits. WWII Tunnels

DECEMBER 2017 67 xercise NORTHERN INCA UNICORN 17, conducted to the start of the trek. Acclimatisation included visiting two between 26 Oct - 12 Nov 17, was led by SSgt (SPSI) very impressive Inca ruins; Saqsayhuaman and Tambomachay Guy Bufton. Its aim was to promote the JSAT scheme with the distances and altitudes being increased each day in at all levels within 32 Signal Regiment, and in accordance with the acclimatisation plan. particular,E junior ranks as it provided a fertile learning environment to develop future summer mountaineering On 2 November the team massed with their kit for the 7.5hr instructors and inspire junior soldiers to follow in their journey to Huanccalle in Vilcabamba District from where the footsteps. trek was to begin; the journey took in some truly breath taking scenery and involved a brief stop for coffee in On 26 Oct 17 the team centred on the Army Reserve Centre at Ollantaytambo. Darlington from the four corners of the Regiment (Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh and East Kilbride). On arrival the team On arrival at Huanccalle the team were treated to the first of were issued loan pool equipment and other essential what were to be fantastic meals by the chef team, provided equipment. Following a series of briefs by the exped leader by the trek company and, the following morning they all, and the Environmental Health Team there was just time for a together with the local guides Omah and Rolando headed off refresh on satellite phones by Sgt Clarke and Cpl White prior on what was to be the trek of a lifetime. to deployment by coach to Heathrow. The first stop of the day was at the Inca ruin of Rosapata On the last leg The team flew via Bogota directly into Cusco, arriving at Vitkus. It was whilst we stopped here that Cpl Rob Browne 3430m which was, for some, a bit of a shock to the system. succumbed to a very nasty stomach bug and by the time we Over the next four days, however, the acclimatisation training arrived at our second stop for the day, Yuraqrumi Nusta saw the team adjust to this increase in altitude, and Hispana it was obvious he would not be able to continue. The eventually they peaked at 4180m before onward movement senior guide Gilf took Rob down the hill and spent two days with him at the hostel while he recovered and was returned to the team on the back of a mule on day three of the trek. The route He was greeted to unanimous support and assured that there would be no long faces or horsing around now that he was back in the corale!!

On arrival at Camp One (another Inca ruin, Incawasi) they were welcomed by their guides with happy hour, biscuits with jam and butter and a side order of tea before being served a meal fit for royalty, prepared on a single ring burner by our more than capable local cooks; having trekked for over eight

Amazing scenery EXERCISE throughout the trip NORTHERN INCA UNICORN

Acclimatising on the second day - SSgt Guy Bufton is happy - so far so good

68 [email protected] hours, 16km in distance and over 700m in not once but twice in one day with two high mountain passes altitude gain from the start point it was to negotiate - one at 4465m and the last at 4515m. The 15 km on a work- very welcome indeed. weather closed in as the team made their way up into ing railway track in stunning and at times extremely challenging terrain. By the the blistering heat The evening bore witness to a fantastic and time the first pass had been negotiated the heavens opened at times rather scary light and sound show and ensured all of the team got a free shower and tested in the form of a stupendous thunder and their full Gortex suits to their maximum capacity. With a lightning storm which had everyone in rather moist lunch devoured with vigour the team pressed on awe. The rain storm that ensued did for the highest pass that their trek was to offer and with it dampen some kit but not their spirits and many celebratory photographs and high jinks ensued. with the coming of dawn they were to be treated to yet more awesome scenery as Arrival at Camp Three meant that the hardest days of the trek we made our way further from civilisation. were behind them but new challenges awaited - the Throughout what was to be a relatively negotiation of the high amazon jungle awaited in the morning short distance (8km but nearly 700m as they worked their way towards their goal of Machu Picchu. altitude gain from the valley floor taking As they woke the following morning to stunning views of the us to 4000m for our Camp Two setting) Andes they were in no doubt of the challenge that awaited On the last leg they only met one local coming the them with 7km to trek downhill to the transport. They had other way which was an indication of actually planned to walk out of the jungle but as they bade the remote nature of this trek over the farewell to the mule drivers and began the trip out in the two better known routes in the Andes. local combi vans they quickly appreciated the reason they did not - the road was narrow and there was no protection for As they arrived at Camp Two the team walkers from oncoming vehicles or rock falls. geared up for a rest day - not a day off. Lectures and practical lessons and Arrival in Santa Teresa also meant a night in another hostel revision in key mountain topics were and the chance of a good night’s sleep in a proper bed and given - the JSATFA process, applications their first hot shower in five days. They stepped off the next for TOPL, equipment characteristics morning on what was to be a rather more arduous day with a design and use, security on steep ground, 15km trek along the railway line from the Hydroelectric selection and layout of campsites, water project to Aguas Callientes nestled in the lea of Machu Picchu. purification to name but a few and The difference in altitude and humidity played on the group delivered by the expedition and eventually took its toll with the group having to seek the instructional team; Maj Heather shade for an hour or so before completing the days trek. On Lawrie, SSgt Guy Bufton, SSgt Dave arrival to Aguas Callientes they were faced with tourists for Riches and Sgt Brian Clarke. the first time since leaving Cusco and it was then that they all realised how privileged they had been to be one of only 3-4 On day four of the trek the team groups a year that complete the Vilcabamba trek accredited struck out for what promised to be by the guides as one, if not the toughest hikes, that runs in their most challenging day so far the area. during the trek, a day that would see the team break their altitude record The final day on the trek was an experience and a bucket list for the expedition so far item of many of the expedition members - ascent and exploration of Machu Picchu and Waynapicchu. The mountain was shrouded in jungle mist for the two avid Lord Of The Rings fans Cpl Steph Bannan and LCpl Serena Murray and this only added to the mystique and wonder of our visit. Home for 6 nights Some excellent photo opportunities were taken despite with reveille at the ever moving mist and the team had a fantastic six 0330hrs hours exploring this wonderful and exotic wonder of the world. Before long we quickly found ourselves boarding the train for Ollantaytambo.

On arrival back in Cusco the team were treated to a cultural visit day involving a visit to the Inca museum and many of the other stunning tourist rich sites around Cusco (and a little souvenir shopping) prior to conducting a short but meaningful remembrance service in a local chapel on the 11 November at 1100hrs. A sad farewell to the team at our hostel and a frantic drive across Cusco before beginning the 19 hour journey back to the UK and eight hour onwards All is going to plan - SSgt Guy Bufton transfers to home unit locations ensued. gives the thumbs up to his team during acclimatisation The team all enjoyed the experience of a lifetime and the Regiment is set to benefit from its newly qualified and freshly revised SMF qualified personnel. We await excitedly for the next outstanding opportunity to explore and develop in the outdoors leading the way for the next group of intrepid folk to follow and join.

DECEMBER 2017 69 By Capt Bramson RE, Sgt Jacques R SIGNALS, Cpl Grimwood REME, LCpl Gurung AGC, LCpl Roycroft RAMC

Exercise WIMBISH DIVER 2 as the name suggests was a diving exped run by the combined EOD units based at Wimbish Station. A few of us were fortunate to be involved in the original Ex WIMBISH DIVER expedition to the Red Sea last year too; so this trip had a lot to live up to!

Personnel involved in the expedition were a mix of diving abilities, mainly from 33 Engr Regt (EOD) and 101 Engr Regt (EOD) with additional personnel attached from 36 Engr Regt, 170 Engr Gp and 3 RSME. Our group mainly consisted of Sappers with a few other random Cap Badges included e.g. Int Corp, AGC, REME, R SIGNALS, RAMC and a RN Submariner bolted on for comedy effect more than anything! It was an unforgettable experience observing awesome wildlife, especially sharks, in their natural environment all at close proximity. For one lucky individual, finding a working GoPro Hero 4 perched 25 m down on a reef wall was the highlight of the exped, although much to his dismay there was no “homemade amateur-footage” stored on the camera! This is our account of a week spent sailing on and diving in the Red Sea, Egypt which was run by Blue O Two, a diving company in Egypt.

We arrived in Egypt at Hurghada airport where we were led to our coach by Blue O Two reps. After a dangerous four hour drive to Port Ghalib we found ourselves wearily clambering onto our ‘live aboard’ boat and home for the week, the Blue Horizon, where we were welcomed with some much needed food. There wasn't much left over (this seemed to be the norm for the first few days) we were then shown to our rooms to sleep off our food comas.

the plus side a strong coffee was provided for the people who Day 1 – 1 July had ordered one. It was at this point phone signal was Day one started with breakfast before we departed to our completely lost; we were now truly alone! first dive site which was at Marsa Shouna. This was to be a ‘shakeout’ dive so the instructors could confirm our diving ability and test and adjust weight and equipment in relatively The first dive of the day was another ‘shakeout’ dive, well it shallow waters was meant to be! For before heading people who needed out into the ‘deep lessons/instruction to blue’. One diver qualify to the next was mildly Sports Diving grade or amused when his the Ocean Diver buddy removed qualification it was a his face mask to case of do a shakeout wash it at depth dive. This was to make (he believed it sure there were no was fogging up minor issues with their but it turned out kit and get taught the visibility was lessons whilst under the just really poor!). water.

The second dive After the dive was of the day was at complete it was time for Elphinstone Reef, breakfast, kit check and this is a cigar- a couple of hour’s shaped reef sunbathing if you’re not running north- a sun dodger like myself south and over 400m in length, located in the southern Red and WO2 AQMS 'Gaz' Clark! Then lunch before we arrived at Sea, close to Marsa Alam. It was named after Admiral George our second dive site of the day. Dive brief time again, this Elphinstone, a British naval commander who served in Egypt time the Ocean Divers were let loose as they had no more in the Napoleonic wars at the beginning of the 19th century. training to undertake. However it was the Sports Divers’ Unfortunately no sharks seen but an interesting dive lesson time again: advancing their skills and diving practices nevertheless with much better visibility than the first dive! before handing them a new qualification. The reef itself was Day one of diving complete followed by some card games on interesting to look at with all of its coral formations and the top deck. anemone (underwater plants) waving with the current. It was also a good chance to see white tip reef sharks, blue Spotted rays, turtles and dolphins that made this dive the better of the Day 2 – 2 July two. After this dive it was dinner then relax whilst the captain Day two started as the guides meant for the week to carry on: of the boat took us off to the next dive site ready for the next an early wakeup call for kit check followed by a dive brief. On day’s diving.

70 [email protected] Day 3 – 3 July only dropped to 15m when the white-tip was circling us, coming as close as 2m in front. With some great pictures We started our first dive in Umm Arough, a new dive site, taken, we swam along the reef heading back to the Blue where eight of us were progressing towards Sports Diver with Horizon. the instructors. We explored lots of fish around the reef and putting the DSMB (inflatable signal buoy) up for the boat to After returning to the boat for lunch and a spot of sunbathing pick us up – a difficult skill to master. Then we moved to Umm the third and final dive of the day was approaching. The Khararhim at St. John Caves with some of us leading the instructors had noticed that several white-tip sharks had been second dive of the day. This was to improve our navigation appearing in and around where we had anchored onto the skills under the supervision of an instructor and again trying reef. Our final dive plan had changed and now revolved the difficult DSMB launch on the way up. Then we moved to a around staying close to our boat; the Blue Horizon. Staying place called Melehi, finishing the day with our third dive with between five and 8m depth we made as much noise as the instructor exploring around the reef. We ended the possible. Soon enough, there were three white tip reef sharks evening with a nice dinner prepared by the chefs, approaching us. Intrigued as to what we doing, the sharks congratulating a few guys and girls that qualified as Sports approached us closely but with caution. For the whole of our Divers. dive they stayed within a visual distance, interweaving between our pairs allowing everyone an equal chance to see Day 4 – 4 July one up close and personal. With our camera full from the day We moved a significant distance to a new dive site at and time under the water running out, we returned to our Daedalus Reef where we were told that there was a good boat, reset our kit and packed everything away for the day. chance to see sharks, in particular hammerheads. We moored up next to a lighthouse that marked the reef with nothing The day ended by filling ourselves with an amazing array of else around us but the sea. food. The spread was put out by the chefs and crew as a final meal and was soon enough cleared by us! With a full stomach, We had to be sent out on the inflatable boats to the northern we settled in for a night of relaxation. edge of the reef due to strong currents pushing southward. We were not disappointed on our first dive with many of us Day 6 – 6 July getting a good glimpse of hammerhead sharks below us at The last day of diving saw us move back towards Port Ghalib, around 40 m depth. The creatures seemed shy of divers and our original point of departure. On the way we stopped off at kept well below us. As the reef floor was very deep it was a some of the reefs we had done before for a few final dives of good chance for us to practice our buoyancy at depth, which the expedition. The dives were not as difficult as those before for some of us was quite difficult. In the afternoon we got an but it was a chance for us to put into practice what we had informative and interesting brief on sharks from the Blue O learnt over the week. It was also an opportunity for a bit of Two reps. fun: some of the divers playing a game of underwater cards at about 15 m depth! Once we returned back to the boat it was Day 5 – 5 July all hands to the equipment to get everything clean ready for So our penultimate day of diving had arrived. Our main focus transport back home the next day. Once we returned to Port of the day was to simply see some sharks and we were all Ghalib we had the opportunity to have a group dinner at a determined to get as much visual confirmation as possible (as local restaurant followed by sampling the bars on the well as some cool GoPro videos). The first dive (still at dockside! Daedalus Reef) began just before 0800hrs. We stayed close enough to the reef wall to use it as a visual reference and The next day, having completed our packing, we reluctantly waited for the sharks to come to us. After some time, we embarked the dodgy coach back to Hurghada ready to catch spotted several hammerheads swimming approximately our flight back home. 15-20m below us. They hung around for five minutes then dispersed. After just shy of an hour under the water we Overall the trip was extremely positive for everyone involved. surfaced and returned to the Blue Horizon. It was an excellent opportunity for most of us to go diving somewhere completely new, but also somewhere we could After breakfast and some time to relax, we were preparing easily practice our diving skills. It certainly lived up to the for our second dive. The dive plan was the same as the previous years’ exped for those who had been before, and it morning dive so we set off on the boats at 1200hrs. We must was successful in qualifying several new BSAC Open Water have made slightly more noise entering the water this time. and Sports Divers. Most now look forward to our next dive Within 10 minutes a white tip reef shark was upon us. We had opportunity and possibly next year’s WIMBISH DIVER.

DECEMBER 2017 71 3rd Jul – 20th Jul 2017 By LCpl Allan Smith

Over the course of 17 days, nicknames. YoS Norton 14 members of 230 (Malaya) flicked between ‘Survival Signal Squadron, 16 Signal The full group during the first jungle trek Steve’, because he was the Regiment set out to only one with prior complete arduous experience of being in the Adventure Training (AT) in jungle, to ‘Cowboy Steve’ Malaysia. Our aim was to due to his rather large sun conduct a nine day jungle hat. A fine system was also trek in the Taman Negara implemented for National Park and to summit misdemeanours. These the highest peak in fines were 2 Ringgits each peninsular Malaysia, Gunung (equivalent to 30p) and Tahan (2187m). It was also they were given for a an opportunity to explore variety of reasons, but all to the rich military history of do with poor personal the British Army in the admin or drills. Each region, as our Squadron had individual was capped at a been based in Malaysia and 25 Ringgit limit and I’m Singapore in the 50s and 60s. ashamed to say that I reached that limit, followed closely by Sig ‘Mountain Drew’ Williams. There were more nicknames, After a long flight via Dubai, we arrived in Kuala Lumpur. As however they were left in the jungle as they were not fit for part of our acclimatisation we had two day treks near the city, civilisation. the first one was called Bukit Broga. Although it was only a peak of 400m it was still challenging as it was our first time We trekked for two more days until we reached the campsite being exposed to the heat and humidity and the climb was just before the seven river crossings that we had to complete. quite bare leaving us directly exposed to the sun for large However due to unseasonably bad weather the river was parts. The name of the second mountain we were to climb flowing at a higher and more aggressive pace and was called Gunung Kutu. This was significantly more difficult unfortunately this meant that we could not cross. This carried as this was over a longer distance and over harder terrain. on for two more days before we ran out of time to summit This was also our first experience of what the jungle would be the peak and had to make the decision to turn back. At the like, and Lt Adhip ‘Adventure’ Sherchan was the first casualty end of the trek we were all exhausted and truly got to after being stung by 3 hornets. experience the meaning of AT. The jungle is quite a lush but unforgiving environment. From being attacked by leeches, to Before we set out on our nine day trek through the national having ants swarm all over those blood soaked clothes that park, we had an admin day which enabled us to buy any last you’re trying to dry, to dodging poisonous snakes, plants that minute supplies. We also used this opportunity to experience have spikes and hornets the local food markets and restaurants before travelling north to Kuala Tahan, the gateway town to the National Park.

We set off into the jungle, full of optimism however it wasn’t long before we started facing problems. Trekking in the heat The group at Kranji War Memorial in Singapore combined with carrying weight made us wet with sweat and due to the humidity we just stayed wet throughout the day. Trekking for 15km on the first day was a hard task as the route involved ducking and diving over many obstacles and deadfall. The heat and humidity was almost unbearable, and I never thought it was possible to sweat as much as we did. As soon as we got into camp we went into a routine of washing our bodies and clothes, setting up our tents, collecting drinking water and cooking our evening meals. After the first day LCpl Kieran ‘DV’ Farrow could not hack it anymore and had to be escorted back out of the jungle before we got any deeper. The task of escorting him back fell to the OC (who was also one of our instructors) Maj Graeme ‘Gone Home’ Endean and a willing volunteer in LCpl Eliot ‘Jack’ Davies.

Undeterred by the reduction in our group and to keep our morale up during the trek, we gave each other jungle

72 [email protected] Jungle boats

The group after 5 days in the jungle on top of one of the peaks

Exploring the sights Lt Sherchan and FoS Norton The campsite of Kuala Lumpur

swarming you, it was a constant battle with nature. To give an idea of how remote and isolated we were, we trekked for seven days 30km into the jungle and in all that time we only saw one other group.

When we got back to civilisation we turned our kit around and had a day of admin before we headed to Singapore. We boarded an overnight train and we each had our own small Jungle river bed space, the journey was about eight hours and we all slept for the duration. When we arrived in Singapore we travelled straight to Kanji War memorial, a Second World War cemetery where we paid our respects to those that had fallen in battle.

We also visited the world famous Raffles Hotel. The huge luxurious hotel personified Singapore as the rich and thriving country that it is. The prices for a drink were eye watering, but it would’ve been rude not to have had a Singapore Sling.

The next day, we went to The Battle Box which is the popular name of the underground command centre constructed under Fort Canning. It was an emergency bomb-proof command centre during the Malayan Campaign and the Battle of Singapore, where we learned about how the Fall of Singapore actually came about. The final night we explored the city’s many nocturnal cultural activities, and then the following morning made our way to Singapore airport where we boarded our flight to Dubai, and then back to Britain.

We gained a lot from this trek. It helped us grow as individuals by being exposed to conditions we’ve never experienced before. It brought us all closer as colleagues and friends, which was good for newer members of the Regiment. We all took something from this experience and we can only thank Lt Sherchan and Maj Endean for organising the trip.

We’ll be lucky to do anything like that in the Army any time soon if ever again and it’s something that I will tell my family and friends for the rest of my time in the Army and beyond.

DECEMBER 2017 73 Exercise

OIC Lt Bratby 2IC Sgt Burley

underlying rocks. Even with the best of training there were a few falls and people stacking in along the challenging route. The bikes we used were of a very high quality and I found it surprising how easily they flew over seemingly impassable rocks. After a few falls and many curses we made it to the Exercise DBA was a multi-activity Adventurous Training (AT) top of Mount Olympus and the view was simply stunning! package of rock climbing, mountain biking and hillwalking in the Troodos mountains in Cyprus. Twenty members of 255 The next activity was rock climbing and for someone that isn’t Signal Squadron, 16 Signal Regiment deployed to Cyprus overly keen on heights I was between 15 – 24 Jul 17. apprehensive, however as soon as I found myself climbing it became Below is an account from Lt Bratby on easier than I expected and with the Sig Watkins experience: belay duties help of an enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructor, we all flew The first thing you notice as you step up! The group completed several off the plane in Cyprus is the searing climbs each of different levels of heat, even at 2200hrs and because ability and my confidence grew of this we had an early start the throughout. following day so we could get straight into the first activities in The last activity was hill walking order to avoid the worst of the sun which we all thought would be an later in the day. easy stroll but there were a couple of people that struggled – Sig Aaron The first activity I had was mountain Fairhurst! The scenery was amazing biking but as I hadn’t ridden an and we took many photos along the actual bike in years the “skills way up to the top. We took turns to session” in the morning was more navigate parts of the route off track than needed and what we were and stopped for an ice cream at the taught became apparent as we top of Mount Olympus. made our way up the Troodos mountains. We were taught tight On completion of the AT phase we manoeuvring for the corners we’d had some down time where we potentially face and also the attack could let our hair down and relax on position which is where the pedals the beach and enjoy a couple of are at the 3 – 9 o’clock position so to drinks. avoid the pedals colliding with

74 [email protected] HISTORY OF SIGNALLING IN 100 OBJECTS

In the build up to the Corps Centenary in 2020 we intend to publish a series of articles on objects which have formed part of the history of Signalling in general and the Corps in particular. This will be a challenge and we may not achieve our target in the time available but the aim is to entertain and inform and we will use a combination of The Wire and Digital Media to do so. Whilst the bulk of the objects are held by the Museum, some will not be and we would be happy to consider short articles with photographs of other objects from serving or former members of the Corps. We hope that you enjoy the series.

Certa Cito!

No 32 COMCAN - Strategic Radio

It is easy to forget, now that we have instant news, satellite communications, mobile telephones, the internet and miniaturised radio sets, that long distance and medium range communications all relied on HF Radio. The SWAB 8 HF Radio (above left) now rests in the Royal Signals Museum, but in its day provided the strategic HF link from Cyprus to the UK. Less well known is that Royal Signals manned this system known as the Commonwealth Communications Army Network (COMCAN). When the School moved from Catterick to Blandford Camp, the first element to move was the HF Power Group. As you approached Blandford Camp from Salisbury by road either in daylight or at night, your first view would be of the masts that marked the transmitter site (near Engineers’ Corner) and the receiver site in the area of the Single Living Accommodation opposite to the current Welfare Hub. These antennas were beamed at Cyprus and the HF Power Group worked a daily schedule so that the Royal Signals tradesmen could be trained on the COMCAN system. You would also have been taught how to work on the messaging system. The second picture shows the TARE (Telegraph Automatic Routing Equipment) that was installed at Boddington in Gloucestershire. You can see WO2 (FofS) Flint working on the early computer. The TARE computer shown, which just routed messages from the tapes, rejected if the operator made any error! COMCAN transferred to the Defence Communications Network (DCN), operated by the RAF, who took over Boddington in 1969, so HF Power Group only lasted 2 years in Blandford; it was first in and first out!

DECEMBER 2017 75 4 – 18 JUNE 2017 by Lt Col C Owen

Sunset just before Arctic Circle xcitement had been growing within me over the previous two Eweeks; I was off sailing on a Challenge 72 yacht from Iceland through the ice flows and into the Arctic fjords of Greenland. I was packed and had plans in place to travel from the South West to London Gatwick on Sunday morning 4 June. One last check online to confirm my Crusing from Rejkjavik train times when panic set in – the trains had been cancelled. A quick consultation and the domestic chief of staff grumpily agreed to get up at 0500hrs to drive me to the airport.

The journey the next morning was progressing well, I was just 15 minutes from Gatwick when I received a call from the rest of the crew asking if I had the flight tickets – unfortunately I did not - but said I would check the joining instructions again for a booking reference number, unfortunately there was no booking reference number. On joining the rest of the crew by the check-in desks I called the JSASTC duty number and was informed not to worry just pop down to the check-in desk and present our passports and all would be ok... which it was.

Harpa Concert Hall After a short flight and transfer into Reykjavík we found HMSTC Adventure “parked” outside the stunning glass Harpa Concert Hall. After a quick orientation we had our first lesson on how expensive Iceland was, beer was over £10 a pint! The following morning I set off with one of the crew to a Chandler’s to make good the shortage of charts and other navigational information. A 20 minute return taxi ride, at the cost of £50, and purchasing what would have been about a hundred pounds worth of charts in the UK but cost about £450 in Iceland, we were back on-board Adventure; just in time to see the victualling party arrive crestfallen at the lack of choice and cost of food. We were still short of a few navigational items that would have been exceedingly useful but were just not available in Iceland; however we were Approaching Isafjordur ready to sail.

The next day saw us continue with the raft of safety briefs and yacht system orientation, including a practical demonstration for each of the three Watchs on how to get a 15 stone water logged crewman back on board should the worst happen. This was followed by a short afternoon's familiarisation sail in the bay outside Reykjavík with the mandatory man overboard demonstration by the Skipper and practices for myself and the second mate. After a short but tense manoeuvre I successfully recovered the fender and bucket, learning that a 72 foot yacht is considerably less agile than the Corp’s 31 foot Najad, but still exceedingly responsive under sail and engine.

The following morning, after an evening planning our route we cast off from the jetty and set sail for the Arctic Circle. Unfortunately the initial plan of sailing across to Greenland was a non-starter as there was some six miles of Motoring out of ice surrounding the Island; instead we headed north to cruise the Western Isafjordur Fjord Fjords, which confusingly are in the North West Corner of Iceland. We then hoped to circumnavigate Iceland. First stop was to be Ísafjörður, planned as a long day's sail. After some eight hours at sea it was rapidly becoming apparent that our plans were being thwarted by a combination of an adverse current and strong wind on the nose. Later I really felt for the midnight to 0400hrs watch who came off watch shivering from the cold and had only managed to sail 6 miles towards our destination, after tacking back and forth

76 [email protected] Background pic - anchored in Hvalfjörður for four hours. The next morning saw a beautiful sunrise and a chilly motor into Ísafjörður harbour. After a short rest we set out to HMSTC explore what turned out to be a small settlement notable for its black Adventure sandy beach and the “best” fish restaurant in Iceland, according to Mast repair the harbour master – it may not have been the best restaurant in Work Iceland but the eight or so fish dishes were magnificent, particularly the cod cheeks and curried fish.

We left early the next morning after sending one of the crew up the mast to make repairs to the radar dome. Light was not a problem, as whilst the sun did dip below the horizon for about 40 minutes each ‘night’ it did not actually get dark, we were in perpetual daylight. Unfortunately there was to be no sailing initially as the winds were too light to propel the 40 plus ton weight of a Challenge yacht. There was a quiet expectation for the next few days, we were hoping to sail into the Arctic Circle and visit the Island of Grimsey with its puffin colonies. Once we emerged from the Fjord the winds built enabling us to hoist the mainsail, foresail and staysail, and with the wind on our beam as we headed north, we were flying along. As the journey continued we changed Night sailing towards course progressively to a north easterly direction from which we were Hvalfjörður expecting the wind to come from over our stern, potentially a dangerous point of sail; fortunately Njord, the Norse god of the wind, was with us and it shifted to remain on our beam, we were still flying along. However, even though Njord kept us sailing fast through a calm sea he was not kind enough to keep us warm; the northerly arctic winds were bitterly cold. Over the next 36 hours we sailed steadily towards our destination. I was lucky enough to be on watch when we were closing on Grimsey and noticed our position, which prompted me to change our course such that just before 0400hrs we crossed into the Arctic Circle; I took a quick photograph of the chart plotter and then dipped back down to a south westerly heading towards Grimsey’s small harbour.

We arrived in Grimsey, a sleepy island, with some 80 humans living with 70,000 puffins. Once secure alongside the harbour wall the crew set off for a trek that took us back into the Arctic Circle to visit the puffin colonies. The colonies were surprisingly quiet given the number of puffins perched precariously on the cliff faces safely away from us and the Icelandic ponies. After exploring the island and lifting our spirits in the bright warm sun we set sail once again, heading south west towards Siglufjörður. With steady winds we ran with the wind, goose winging along, towards the truly spectacular Icelandic coast line with snow topped rugged mountains, Puffins on Grimsey stretching left and right, as far as we could see. Once at Siglufjörður the skipper looked at our progress to date and reassessed our plan. It was apparent that without a change in weather conditions we would be pressed to circumnavigate Iceland so the decision was taken to back track the way we had come. Whilst this was disappointing it did mean we would probably get a day in Reykjavik to do some sightseeing.

Siglufjörður, disappointingly turned out to be a rundown fishing village, with hints of its former glory as the Herring Fishing Capital of the world. Now its only saving grace was an excellent museum to its fishing heritage. Therefore we swiftly set sail the next morning on a long 48 hour passage back towards Reykjavík, our destination Hvalfjörður Fjord. What followed was some of the most exquisite sailing of the entire trip: good, with bitterly cold winds that had us flying through the seas and creating just enough turbulence and sea noise to attract dolphins. As always they darted playfully alongside our bow and crisscrossed our path. Disappointingly however, whilst we did see the water spouts of whales and their majestic tails smack the water as they dived, we were not close enough to identify them or get photographs.

Our arrival in Hvalfjörður was breath taking, stunning rugged hills surrounded the glass like water on the fjord, and the only sound was the yacht chugging along to its anchorage. Once the anchor was dropped and we were swinging gently in the light wind we got the dingy out and proceeded to explore our anchorage. There was a colony of eider ducks, yes you’ve guessed it, bred to pluck and fill your duvet, abounded along with a multitude of other birds; there was even a small pool full of hot thermal waters. We had a peaceful rest in this majestic spot before dragging ourselves away for the short hop back to Reykjavík.

Once back in Reykjavik we had two frantic days ahead of us: one emptying the yacht of everything from our personal clothing to the all-important sails in order to spring clean Adventure from stem to stern. Once completed back on everything went. Next came 24 hours of sightseeing – we hired cars and set off to imitate our American colleagues and “do Iceland”. It was a long day, leaving at 0900hrs and returning at 0300hrs the following morning, but we did get to see all of the major tourist sites along the south coast including waterfalls, black basalt beaches, icy lagoons and of course the magnificent geysers.

As always the last day was an anti-climax as we said our farewells to HMSTC Adventure, our home for the last two weeks and each other.

DECEMBER 2017 77 ive members of 37 Signal Regiment participated in Ex HIGHLAND EXPRESS (Leg 14), an offshore sailing exercise off the west coast of Scotland over the period 8 - 15 Aug. Our skipper was Capt Iain Affleck of 32 Signal Regiment. We took charge of SSgt Milton pouting at the helm the yacht, a Hallberg-Rassy 342 from the previous unit at Dunstaffnage marina near Oban. After victualing the yacht and completing safety briefs, we slipped from the Fpontoon and then practised our coming alongside drills. Following this we left the marina and began our first sail towards the straits of Mull, enjoying good winds and weather. We moored up in Loch Aline for the night, and enjoyed our first meal onboard, a fish soup, prepared by WO2 ‘Robbo’ Robinson. Leaving Loch Aline the following morning, we headed for Tobermory, better known to our younger readers as Balamory! During the sail, we took the opportunity to practise our man overboard drills and blow the cobwebs off tacking procedures; with each of us taking turns to take the helm and man the port and starboard winches. Mastering the words of command for the tac proved a challenge to some of us, none more so than for Capt Adrian ‘Aidy’ Moran, who came up with the most permutations on the 3 sets of commands!

Our original plan had been to sail north, but the forecast later in the week did not favour this route. A change of plan meant we would head further south to avoid the torrential rain and very strong winds that were expected. However, following the morning weather check, the forecast had changed again; so, the original plan was reinstated. Leaving the marina at Tobermory the weather had already started to turn and the conditions were noticeably rougher. Cpl Neil Hewitt and Capt Moran were both feeling green, with the latter becoming our resident chunderer. Our intention was to go to the marina at Mallaig but this was full due to most civilian yachts tending to stay alongside rather than test their ‘oileys’ in the foul weather. We continued onwards to moorings at Inverie. Here is the location of mainland Britain’s most remote pub, the Old Forge. ‘If it ain’t raining it ain’t training’ Following the evening meal, it was decided to visit this remote pub. After a challenging dinghy trip, once ashore the crew discovered the Old Forge was closed due to an upcoming wedding! The engine on the dinghy suffered from water ingress on the final trip back to the yacht, so the paddles had to be broken out with WO2 Griffiths and WO2 (RQMS) Robinson undertaking a bit of additional phys with a 150 metre paddle, Hawaii 5-0 style back to the yacht. We were all wet, and some of us aching, and bedded down after what had been a long day.

EXERCISE HIGHLAND EXPRESS By Cpl Neil Hewitt, 48 Sig Sqn, 37 Sig Regt

The crew of leg 14 Ex HIGHLAND EXPRESS 2017

78 [email protected] The winds overnight blew strong and the yacht rocked away. After an uncomfortable night’s sleep, still tired, we set off and headed north again as we had a tidal gate Cpl Hewitt at the helm on the way to Coll to meet at Kyle Rhea, stopping for lunch on a mooring at Armadale along the way. With a southerly wind edging towards Force 7, we only used our foresail but still maintained 6 ½ knots. We sailed between the mainland and Isle of Skye, timing our passage to coincide with the tidal gate and arrived at the Kyle of Lochalsh late evening. Whilst coming alongside Cpl Hewitt was in need of some remedial rope work training as he managed to mix up his OXO with an XO and he was duly named the XO for the day.

The next day we had an early start for a long 60 mile sail south. As the day progressed the weather improved and turned from wet and dreary to glorious sunshine. It was also probably our most scenic day's sailing as we passed by the islands of Rum, Eigg and Muck. We sailed past Ardnarmurchan, the most westerly point of the British ‘I can see the pub from here’, mainland. We also saw a tall square rigger sailing ship, the Old Forge pub, Inverie and lots of wildlife including dolphins and seals. It almost felt like we were in the Caribbean, not only because of the weather, but by that time we had heard a lot about it from SSgt Milton and WO2 (RQMS) Robinson (apparently, they have sailed there before!). Earlier than expected we arrived at moorings in the bay of Arinagour on the island of Coll. In the still waters round the island, WO2 (RQMS) Robinson and the Skipper fished for mackerel and made a decent catch. WO2 Griffiths repaired the outboard and this time we had a successful trip ashore without incident. Nursing red faces from the sun; we caught the end of the world athletics and Usain Bolt’s final race. The observant amongst us noticed people emptying around the same time and whispers of dancing, assuming it was SSgt Milton’s aftershave causing the rush to the exit, and Cpl Hewitt (the observant one), not speaking up enough at Skipper and would-be skippers the time. Only later did we discover we had missed an island Ceildih, which looked lively even as we headed back.

The next morning, we enjoyed freshly fried mackerel for breakfast and set sail for Tobermory. We arrived at mid- afternoon to a packed harbour where a fundraising day for the RNLI was being held, and where we had prime viewing of a demonstration of a sea rescue using a life boat and helicopter. That evening we headed into Tobermory where we saw the competitive side of the skipper as Scotland beat France, England (Staffordshire and the West Midlands), and the USA at darts.

Our final day turned into a long day's sailing in torrential rain, and into wind back to Dunstaffnage. After ‘turning Giving way to a Tall Ship around’ the boat we headed into Oban for a crew meal where we met an old Cavalry colleague of SSgt Milton’s, who he had told us many amusing tales about during our week of sailing.

The week's sail was very successful with most of it spent under sail. We would like to give special thanks to our skipper Capt Iain Affleck for his fun, friendly and calm nature which was tested at times but never broke, and for his expert knowledge of the area which meant we made the most of the sailing conditions, plus his mate WO2 Griffiths for all his hard work both in preparation of the exercise and during it.

DECEMBER 2017 79 Royal Signals Association

Patron: HRH The Princess Royal President: The Master of Signals Chairman: Brig DA Hargreaves

he notice about the AGM was published in the October issue of The WIRE. Please note that the meeting will be in the El Alamein & Trafalgar Suite at the Victory Services Club, London, and not the Carisbrooke Hall on Sat 17 Mar 18. I hope T many members of the association will be able to attend. The Autumn Central Committee Meeting was held in London on 10 October, the Opening of the Field of Remembrance on 9 November and the Cenotaph Parade on 12 November (see pics below). I am looking forward to visiting the following branches/ events: Harrogate, Loughborough, Project Noel VIII and Newcastle. RHQ continues to be very busy and time passes so quickly - it seems like only yesterday it was January!

Please do get in touch in the New Year to reserve your place at these events in 2018 - by email, letter or phone. [email protected]/ RSA HQ R SIGNALS, Griffin House, Blandford Camp DT11 8RH / 01258 482090

For other up to date information about the Association, events and items of interest do visit our website at http://royalsignals.org/ Local branches can all be contacted direct via the form at the foot of their pages.

The Collect of The Royal Corps of Signals

Almighty God, whose messengers go forth in every age giving light and understanding, grant that we of the Royal Corps of Signals, who speed the word of man to man, may be swift and sure in sending the message of Thy truth into all the World. May we serve Thee faithfully and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, make such success of our soldierly duties on this earth, that we may be found worthy to receive the Crown of Life hereafter, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

General Secretary and Treasurer: Col (Retd) TW Canham Assistant General Secretary: Maj (Retd) MS Tivey Membership Secretary: Mrs CA Addison Grant Co-ordinator: Mrs L Sizeland

80 [email protected] New Life Members - a warm welcome to the following members, enrolled since the last issue of The Wire:

Sgt Steven Anderson 1975/97 Sgt Richard Horsfall 1963/80 Capt Roger Rimmer 1977/00 WO2 Anthony Barker 1980/04 Cpl Dale Irving 2003/10 Cpl Tim Ryan 1984/95 WO2 Frank Bentley 1962/85 Sig William LeCras 1998/03 Sig Lynne Scholes 1989/92 Pte Margery Bush 1977/79 Sgt Christopher Liddle 1975/89 LCpl Gary Setterfield 1971/80 Sig Dean Cootes 2002/11 Sgt Thomas Morris 1974/85 Cpl John Shaw 1975/82 Lt Col Terence Crane 1978/17 Capt Ben Newby 1994/13 Cpl Richard Thomasson 1996/02 LCpl Graham Crawford 1987/93 Sig Keith Newman 1991/95 Sgt Charles Tolton 1978/93 LCpl Michael Davies 1961/59 Cpl Daniel O’Connell 1997/04 Sgt Keith Vickers 1976/93 LCpl Lee Dunville 1989/95 Cpl Chris Pengelly 1988/98 Sig John Walter 1975/85 SSgt Neil Garnett 1988/12 Sgt Barry Pickles 1987/00 Cpl David Warwick 1962/71 Cpl Noel Hanchard 1981/89 Cpl Robert Porch 1999/04 SSgt Gary West 1988/12 Cpl Shaun Haslam 1986/03 Sgt Pamela Richards 1955/60 SSgt Steven Whitehead 1990/14 Sig Nik Healey 1988/03 Cpl Darren Richardson 1997/04 Sgt Warren Wright 1990/13

President Brigadier RH Maxfield operation on his foot. He welcomed particularly Malcolm Chairman Lt Col PF Soward Hirst, who had only joined the association earlier this year, Secretary Mrs P Craven and Richard Pitman, also attending for the first time. Apologies had been received from our President, Brigadier Maxfield, who reported that he and Mrs Reunion 2017 Maxfield are still coping well and expressed his pleasure in 37 Members of our association hearing that the dinner was well supported. Apologies started to arrive at were received later from Carl Cank’s daughter, Chelsea, the Warwick Hilton and from another member who joined earlier this year, Hotel on Thursday, Sean Mullen. 8 September, for The chairman reported the deaths of eight members since our 25th reunion. our last reunion, Cliff Wood, Barry and Kathleen Smith, Strangely this was Keith Armitage, Heather Chitty, Pete Butcher, Islwyn exactly the same (Taff) Tudgay and David Ayres. After a moment’s silence, number that and grace, dinner was served. assembled at the Victory Services Following loyal toasts, a toast to the ladies and informal Club for our first touching of glasses to ‘absent friends’ we had a short gathering on AGM, the main matter being a ‘State of the Union’ August 24, 1993. message from the Chairman. This was followed by a Although the presentation of two Burns crystal wine glasses engraved actual reunion with ‘Jimmy’, the Corps badge, to John Horne in weekend ran from recognition of his long and dedicated service to the Friday evening to Association as General Secretary and Reunion Organiser. Sunday morning, a To this was added a bottle of ‘Red’ to christen them and a number of potted Orchid for Joyce in recognition of the fact that she members took up and John form an invincible team. the offer to extend John and Joyce Horne their stay in Committee Meeting Warwick to three or even four nights. Committee members met for a short meeting on Sunday On Saturday morning one of Mr Johnson’s shiny new morning. Mrs Pam Craven, daughter of John Hill, was coaches arrived to take most members to Trentham confirmed as General Secretary and Reunion Organiser Gardens, near Newcastle-Under-Lyme, from which they following John Horne’s resignation. Alan Lewis accepted returned laden with ‘goodies’ from the Shopping Village - the post of Assistant Editor and John Horne remains on the 60 or so timber lodges creating a friendly village the committee as revered elder statesman! atmosphere. Whilst the weather was fine most of the time Reunion 2018: It was agreed in principle that we should gentle rain fell at midday when some members enjoyed a return to Warwick next year and suggested that for our children’s portion of sausage ‘n chips - with, to their Saturday outing we might return to the Black Country delight, a free drink! Living Museum. The weekend Friday September 8 to Those dining started to assemble in the Barford Suite, with Sunday 10 September, with the options to arrive a day its own bar, at 1900hrs and were welcomed by Chairman earlier and/or depart a day later (as this year) has been Pat Soward, temporarily in a wheelchair following an pencilled in the hotel diary.

DECEMBER 2017 81 LIVERPOOL BRANCH President Jimmy Carruthers that such a milestone should be acknowledged in some Chairman/Area 2 Representative Bob Taylor way and wanted to send him a letter. Secretary/Treasurer Tony Mullin Standard Bearer Graham Mullin Bob Taylor went off to find the new memorial for the Entertainments Alan Stowers Devon and Dorsets which Bob served with in the early Pete Alden seventies. Colonel Ian Thomson, who had travelled down Neil McHugh with us on the coach, had sat beside our blind Korean BIM/Web Page Editor Tony Mullin veteran, Leslie Simpson, and had got on so well with him that he very kindly looked after him for the day. Leslie was August ended on a sad note as we lost one of our quite made up to be escorted around by a Colonel. member’s wives after a long and brave battle with cancer. Janet Dellius, Jimmy Dellius’s wife was a member After the refreshments we all reassembled and boarded of 59 Signal Squadron (V) when they met and we were the coach and headed for the Royal British Legion premises saddened to hear that she had died. Members of the in Alrewas where members were able to partake of more branch attended her funeral on 29 August. fitting liquid refreshments for an hour or so before returning to Huyton. We arrived back in Huyton at 1900hrs On 2 September at 0700hrs members of the branch in the evening and some members decided to go up to our assembled at Alamein Army Reserve Centre, Huyton. We bar for a small get together before leaving for home. boarded the coach, driven by one of our members Damien Docherty, for the trip to the Royal Corps of Our oldest member, Walter Pritchard’s birthday was on Signals Annual Service at the National Memorial 14 September and we had planned to visit him and present Arboretum (NMA), Alrewas. Our branch normally goes to him with a birthday cake, in Corps colours, a card and a the NMA in July but we changed it this year to coincide polo shirt. David Solomon had picked up Tony Mullin, as with the Corps Annual Service. We had 41 members of he was not allowed to drive after his operation, and we the Liverpool branch on the coach, 2 members from had arranged to meet our chairman, Bob Taylor at the care Northern Ireland Branch and 1 member, Col Ian Thomson, home. from the Southport Branch. Bob Taylor, our Chairman, and his wife Lyn and Alan Jenkins made their own way to Walter with the NMA. Chairman Bob Taylor After boarding the coach Alan Stowers made sure that everyone received their, now customary, haverbag and we settled down for the journey to the NMA. Unfortunately our coach developed a fault with the door and due to health and safety reasons we had to divert to the coach depot to change coaches. Despite this we arrived at the NMA in good time and safely.

Once we arrived some of our less able members had booked buggies and they went to collect them whilst Alan reported in and collected all the wrist bands for the refreshments later. We all then made our way to the Corps memorial for the Service. Our Standard Bearer, Walter with Graham Mullin, was in Berlin and our “stand in” Standard his family Bearer, Tony Mullin, had recently had an operation so could not carry our standard. However, John Taggart stepped into the breach and “volunteered” to carry the branch Standard.

After the service was over we made our way around the various memorials and eventually to the refreshment marquee where light refreshments were available and it was a chance to meet up with other branch members and officers from all over the Country. We met up with Commander 1 Signal Brigade, Brigadier Paul Griffiths, who was most interested in the Liverpool branch and From time to time we get requests from Caroline Addison informed us that he was also a “scouser”. Whilst talking to support funerals in the local area and we had received with him he became particularly interested in learning one for an ex WW2 veteran, aged 96, John Cunningham on about our oldest member of the branch, Walter the same day as Walter’s birthday so Bob Taylor, John Pritchard, who was turning 101 on 14 September. Walter Hough and John Taggart had all gone to this funeral and had been a WW2 despatch rider in the Corps. He said they would meet up with us at 1500hrs to present requested that we send him his contact details as he felt Walter on his birthday. Walter’s family were also present

82 [email protected] and his daughter had come over from America to be there the event. It was a brilliant day and was enjoyed by all and for his birthday and we had liaised with her over this. Walter went away, tired but really pleased with his experience. The rest of us had a David Solomon was in his element as really good day going around he learned that Walter, although he the various military stands and joined up as a despatch rider, had we were able to be there at the retrained as an original Electrician finale to cheer the White Driver later in the war. David was Helmets off the parade to really chuffed and spent much time applause and a guard of honour chatting with Walter about his trade with the bands playing the which was also Electrician Driver. Corps march. It was a very sad Once Bob Taylor arrived with John day to see them leave for the Hough and John Taggart we lit the last time after 90 years. candles on the cake and Bob presented Walter with his card and Once again we received a polo shirt. Walter was keen to show request from Caroline us a letter he had received from Addison to support yet Commander 1 Signal Brigade and had another funeral on already made arrangements for it to be framed and put up 19 September for another on the wall next to his framed card from the Queen on his WW2 Royal Signals veteran 100th birthday. aged 94, William/Bert Lewis. Again our Chairman, Bob We had also arranged a surprise for Walter with his Taylor, John Taggart and John daughter as the Royal Signals Motorcycle Display Team, Hough attended the funeral “White Helmets”, were having their last public display in on the branch behalf and Bob Preston at the Preston Military Show on 16 September. As Taylor read out the Corps Walter had joined up as a Despatch Rider we thought it collect for the family who would be fitting for him to attend this event as a guest of were very appreciative of the honour and have photos taken with the team before they support we able to give. were disbanded. The event organiser, Sandie Jackson, was instrumental in organising this for us and had arranged for It is such a pity that we only Walter and his family to have VIP passes for the day. She learn of these WW2 Royal also arranged for the local Media and Television to take Signals veterans so late in photos and interview Walter. their life when it is too late to offer support before they die, but if we don’t know about Once again the branch had arranged a coach to take them there is nothing we can do. members to the Preston Military show and some 33 members attended the show in support of the White As a branch we are now approaching a quieter period until Helmets who were being disbanded. Once again John 28 October when we will be holding our Halloween Taggart “volunteered” to act as our Standard bearer for Evening.

MIDDLESEX YEOMANRY ASSOCIATION

On 22 September 2017, Don Grocott, Mike Lansdown, Paul were privileged to have with us on the visit Ben Bradley, Willmott, Tara Willmott, David Gibson and Guy Anstiss of Major Lafone’s great-great-nephew. the Middlesex Yeomanry Association visited the site of the The Association went on to visit battle of El Buggar Ridge near the CWGC cemetery in Beersheba in Israel, where Major Beersheba where 18 of those Alexander Lafone and 18 who died are buried. Ben Middlesex Yeomen made the Bradley had brought his bugle, supreme sacrifice nearly 100 and it was particularly fitting years earlier, and for which that he played Last Post and Major Lafone was posthumously Rouse beside the grave of Major awarded the Victoria Cross. Lafone, where we laid a wreath. Despite the map-reading challenge caused by the many The next day we visited the site changes which have taken place of the battle of El Mughar near Ben Bradley places Major Lafone’s pocket watch in that part of the world since at Point 720 Rehovoth, which took place 1917, the precise locations of shortly after the battle of El Points 630 and 720, where the Regiment made its famous Buggar Ridge, and paid our respects to the Middlesex stand, were identified with a high degree of certainty. We Yeomen buried in the CWGC cemetery at Ramleh, including

DECEMBER 2017 83 Middlesex Yeomen of the Royal Corps phase of the Middlesex Yeomanry’s of Signals, who perished in WW2, the commemorations of the Lafone VC Regiment having become part of the Centenary. In the next issue we will provide Corps on its formation shortly after a report on the Lafone Day Parade, Services WW1. and Dinner, which took place the following month. On our final day we went to the CWGC cemetery in Jerusalem, and once again paid our respects to those Middlesex Yeomen commemorated there (as well as the many men of the Kensingtons who fell in the battle to take Jerusalem in December 1917 and who are buried there). It was especially pleasing at this point to have the Last Post and Rouse played by the British Defence Major Lafone’s grave Attache to Israel, none other than Colonel Ronnie Westerman, late R SIGNALS. This was a fascinating and moving visit, and a fitting first Last Post at Jerusalem CWGC cemetery

Corps Calendar 2018 January Last Post 17 RSTL Board London February Maj NL Baker 1943-70 Oct-17 2 Honorary Colonels' Briefing Day Blandford Cpl G Blondel 1971-93 Sep-17 Sig M Brewis 1943-47 Sep-17 16-18 Exercise LIGHTNING STRIKE SSgt M Brown 1975-93 May-17 March Maj AR Bushell 1955-80 Oct-17 16 RSA Central Committee Meeting London SSgt S Crawford 1978-02 Nov-17 WO2 J Curran 1950-72 Oct-17 16 RSA Curry Supper London Maj P Day 1974-87 Nov-17 17 RSA AGM London Cpl J Deane 1977-84 Oct-17 30 RSTL Board Blandford Cpl E Drake 1947-49 Nov-17 April LCpl D Emmess 1978-82 Oct-17 WO1 R Evans 1943-67 Sep-17 25-26 Race the Sun Maj LL Golden OBE 1941-46 Oct-17 May WO2 W Goss 1952-76 Oct-17 12-13 Lanyard Trophy Brig T Hackworth OBE 1951-88 Oct-17 Lt Col G Harwood MBE 1916-05 Nov-17 16 Corps Council Meeting London LCpl G Harrison 1959-70 Oct-17 16 Corps London Dinner London Sgt R Harrison 1964-86 Oct-17 20 Eden Camp Parade Malton, N Yorks Cpl J Hiscock 1950-55 Oct-17 Sig J Hollihead 1969-75 Sep-17 June Cpl A Laine 1953-65 Oct-17 15-17 Corps Weekend Blandford Sgt J McLaughlin 1962-86 Oct-17 17 Corps Luncheon Blandford Sgt M Murphy 1962-84 Oct-17 28 Princess Royal Day Sig M Muschamp 1953-55 Nov-17 WO2 M Nelson 1961-86 Nov-17 30 Armed Forces Day National LCpl F Patman 1950-52 Sep-17 TBC 10th Gathering of the Clans Horden Cpl J Pavledis 1957-59 Oct-17 September WO2 C Peter 1952-77 Oct-17 Sig A Reid 2006-10 Oct-17 1 Corps Memorial Service Alrewas Cpl A Savage 1952-71 Sep-17 TBC RSA Central Committee London Sig M Sidebottom 1964-67 Oct-17 November Sig P Slaughter 1992-96 Oct-17 1 Scottish Dinner Glasgow Sgt JB Smith 1962-79 Oct-17 Col I Swan 1939-75 Oct-17 8 Field of Remembrance London Capt J Tasker 1945-59 Sep-17 11 Cenotaph Parade London Sig P Thorne 1943-47 Sep-17 15 Corps Council Meeting London Sgt G Wiggins 1963-72 Sep-17 Lt Col R Willingale 1946-82 Oct-17 15 RSI London Lecture & Dinner London 16 Corps Council London

84 [email protected] OBITUARIES

BAKER - Major Norman Baker died 2 October 2017 Norman received five service medals: The Burma Star (given to those who served wartime service in Burma, Major Norman Baker was born parts of India and Malaya), The Defence Medal, The 1939- 8 April 1924 in Liverpool. 1945 War Medal, and two operational tour medals; General From 1935 to 1943 he was at Service Medals with The Canal Zone (Suez) and Northern Liverpool Collegiate School, Ireland clasps. and was head boy. Norman had two particular long-term Army friends. The Norman was an Instructor first was Captain Ron Budd. They met up at a number of with the Boy Scouts Royal Signals training establishments prior to their OCTU Association and during the in 1944-1945, and were at Wrotham Camp together, at war was in the OTC, ATC OCTU in Catterick together, and in Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia and Liverpool Defence together at one point, though in different units. The other Cadets. He also did his was Major General John Boyne MBE who was in the Scoutmasters training REME, and they met in the Canal Zone in 1955; John Boyne course. is still in touch, though sadly Ron Budd died early in 2017.

Norman retired in 1970 and went to Teacher Training He was accepted to Cambridge for degree studies in College, and embarked on a new career teaching Science, modern languages, but decided to join the Army in 1943 mainly at Hardye’s School in Dorchester, Dorset. and then enjoyed a 27-year Army career. When Norman retired from teaching he lived in Dorset Norman was an Officer in the Royal Signals 1943-1970 with his wife Caryl who died in 2008. He was a keen (27 years) and was commissioned in April 1945 very close gardener, and was very involved in village life and the local to the date of his 21st birthday. Church. Norman moved to a care home in South Buckinghamshire in his later years and died peacefully on He saw active service in 1945 in India, and then in 2 October 2017. He leaves two sons, five grandchildren, Singapore and Malaya at the end of the War with Japan. and four great grandchildren. He went on to serve in Egypt, Libya, the Canal Zone, Suez, Harrogate, Catterick and Berlin in the 1950s, then Yemen, Services were held on 17 October in Amersham, Cyprus, MOD London, Blandford Camp, and Northern Buckinghamshire, and 4 November in Winterborne Ireland in the 1960s. Stickland, Dorset.

LE QUESNE – Major Eric Le Quesne died 5 September 2017 having two daughters, Jacqueline Ann in 1958 and Rachel Dawn in 1961. His career next took him to Allied Forces Eric Le Quesne was born North in Norway and his third child, Keith Hammond, was in Guernsey on 26 October born in December 1962. He was posted to the British 1934. He was evacuated Army of the Rhine, serving with units in Lippstadt and to Glasgow with his Herford, and was awarded the Long Service and Good family at the age of five, Conduct Medal on 2 March 1969. although they returned to Guernsey after the After further tours in Bahrain, Germany, Cyprus and Malta war and he attended he was promoted to Captain in 1977 and then Major in Elizabeth College. He 1981. He retired from the Corps after a final posting to the decided to join the Falklands and then took up a post with the Sultan of army and was Oman’s forces but finally decided to retire to Guernsey on persuaded by a Royal 2 April 1996. He was secretary of the Guernsey Royal Signals recruiting Signals Association for many years, receiving his Honour Sergeant to join the Royal Badge in 2009 and his 50 years badge from the Corps of Signals. In March Lt-Governor, Sir Ian Corder, in March this year. Eric died 1951 at the age of 16 he was at on 5 September 2017 whilst cruising on a P&O ship in the 6 (Boys) Training Regiment, Beverley. Norwegian fjords. His funeral was held at the Town Church in Guernsey on 13 October and was attended by so By March 1953 he was posted to Middle East Land Forces many people that they couldn’t all fit into the church. initially in Tripoli and then Cyprus. He was a Corporal at 20 Tony Hull attended to represent the Beverley Ex-Boys and sent to Supreme HQ Allied Powers Europe in Paris in together with Bob Peake and Ray Williams from the Poole 1956. By the age of 22 he became a Sergeant and married Branch.

DECEMBER 2017 85 GOLDEN - Major Lewis Golden OBE died 27 October 2017 Front. The division stood by from D-Day in June with growing impatience as one after another fifteen planned Lewis Golden was born in operations were cancelled, and it was not until London in 1922. His father September that the ill-fated landing at Arnhem took had been born in Romania place. By that time the adjutant of the Divisional Signals, but had been brought to Golden took command of a sector of the headquarters England when six months defences. When the Division withdrew he swam the fast old, he had served in the flowing river Neder-Rijn to safety with his company Canadian army during the Sergeant-Major and his batman who, alas, perished during First World War and had the crossing. then been naturalised. His mother’s family had The day the war in Europe ended in 1945 he flew into been in England for Norway with the division’s 1st Airlanding Brigade to help generations. deal with the surrender of the German army. The warm welcome given by the Norwegians made it a summer of Following a spell in the sheer delight. In the autumn he was back with the 1st Home Guard in London in Parachute Brigade in command of the Signals, but as a 1940, Lewis Golden joined the Jew he asked not to accompany it to Palestine. Instead Army in 1941 as a volunteer soon he was sent to India where he became the adjutant, then after his eighteenth birthday. He was second-in-command, of the signals regiment of the 2nd to become one of the first Royal Signals officers to qualify (Indian) Airborne Division. as a parachutist, for having been commissioned in 1942 and serving for a short while with the 8th Armoured He always said he enjoyed his years in the army save for Division in Surrey he asked to go to The Airborne Division, their most dangerous or uncomfortable episodes, and he later renamed 1st Airborne Division, in Wiltshire. His maintained several of his service friendships for many reception there was none too promising : his Commanding years. He wrote about the role of signals in the 1944 Officer, the then Lieutenant Colonel ‘Ginger’ Moberly, operation in Echoes from Arnhem which was published in with whom Golden and his wife were to form a close 1984. Despite the communications failures in the Arnhem friendship in later years, told him “All my officers are hand- operation, Lewis Golden remained a staunch defender of picked, and I haven’t picked you!”. the actions of the then Major Tony Deane-Drummond, with whom he had established a personal friendship. But he survived, persuading his Commanding Officer to let him gain his parachute wings and join the division’s 1st Released from the army towards the end of 1946, he Parachute Brigade. He was with the brigade for the qualified as a chartered accountant and was for two years invasion of North Africa in November 1942, which was the the chief accountant of Emu Wool Industries Limited, a first time that a British parachute force of any size saw small public company in London, an appointment which action. The subsequent fighting in Tunisia was fierce and ended abruptly in 1950 when he gave gratuitous support costly in casualties on both sides. The Germans named the to one of the managing directors during a boardroom brigade ‘The Red Devils’. row. He then set up on his own in Queen Anne Street and practised from there for forty years, greatly He stayed with the 1st Parachute Brigade for the invasion benefitting from his association with his friend Sidney of Sicily in July 1943. Dropped at the wrong place at the Manches, a leading solicitor. Golden’s firm, Lewis Golden wrong time, his party were ambushed at short range by & Co, continues. His resultant business activities included the enemy but, miraculously unharmed, Golden escaped founding Everest Double Glazing which he formed in his by laying all day undetected at the edge of the German office in 1964 with him as its financial director until 1988, position until they withdrew. years of vast expansion of the company’s business; but he still found time for communal interests. In September that year he took part in the invasion of Italy, serving as the signals officer of the 1st Airlanding He became a Justice of the Peace in 1968 and sat on the Light Regiment, the division’s artillery unit which North Westminster bench. The London Library was in temporarily left the division and joined the 1st Canadian financial difficulties, and in 1972 Golden became its first Division in its exciting and fast moving advance from treasurer since its inception in 1841. He held that office as Motta in the south to the regional capital, Campobasso, chairman from 1991 to 1994. The library’s finances renamed ‘Canada Town’ by the Canadians on its capture, prospered. A huge endowment fund was built and then continuing further north but with the 2nd New invested so that the resultant income paid for much of Zealand Division. the library’s operating expenses. Members’ subscriptions were consequently kept at an affordable level, and the During the invasion of Sicily in 1943, he became separated membership grew substantially. Golden was appointed from his comrades when parachuting into the country, and OBE for his achievement and later on was made a vice- vowed that if he escaped the enemy ambush he would president. fully embrace Judaism, which he did with gusto after the war ended. He similarly came to the rescue of the Wiener Library, the Holocaust Library in London, again raising a large At the beginning of 1944 the Regiment rejoined 1st endowment. For many years he served as the trustee of Airborne Division in England to prepare for the Second the Wordsworth Trust in Cumbria responsible for finance;

86 [email protected] and at the same time he was the treasurer of All the charities which Golden Friends of the National Libraries, Friends of supported were able to benefit Lambeth Palace Library and Friends of the significantly from grants made by British Library. With a long-standing associate, the Golden Charitable Trust which John Ehrman, he formed The National had been formed in 1972. He Manuscripts Conservation Trust in 1989, was a remained active in other areas and trustee and then chairman. in 2007 became president of the Petworth branch of the Royal In 1957 Golden was a founder member of British Legion, and a life president Westminster Synagogue, its first Treasurer, then in 2015. Chairman, then President; but his interests extended to various Christian places of worship, He married Jacqueline Frances in in particular to Chichester Cathedral where his 1953. It was a very happy marriage. service over many years on the cathedral’s Besides helping him in many of his advisory council convinced him that a endeavours she was herself well substantial endowment was urgently required. known for her wide communal Independently his friend David Bowerman interests both in London and in reached the same conclusion. They got West Sussex. She died in 2005, together with others in 1997 to establish the Chichester survived by their two sons, two daughters, ten grandchildren, Cathedral Millennium Endowment Trust, the investment and four great-grandchildren. In 2008 Golden met income from which is applied towards meeting the ever- Patricia Burr, a widow, with whom he established a close and present costs of building restoration. lasting relationship. In 2010 Golden became a founder trustee of the Friends of St Mary’s Church in Petworth.

In 1976 the family withdrew from London to West Sussex and ran the beef and arable farm which they had bought in 1971. It needed thorough restoration to bring it to the high standard which it eventually reached, a labour of love which gained it the West Sussex Conservation Award in 1978.

With age beginning to sound its warning, Golden and his wife moved in 1994 to the nearby town of Petworth, where they had many friends through his role as chairman of the Petworth Festival of the Arts from 1983 to 1985. Both he and his wife continued to give active support to the festival and eventually were made vice- presidents. He found himself again having to raise money, this time so as to solve the financial problems besetting the Petworth Cottage Nursing Home.

Both he and his wife were founder trustees of the Petworth Cottage Trust which established the town’s museum, Golden being responsible for finance. With him in the chair they brought together a committee to publish a millennium map of the town. They also took an interest in the Music Mind Spirit Trust, and Golden served as a trustee.

He suffered one notable failure, which he much regretted. It was his association with the renowned King Edward VII Hospital near Midhurst. Golden was alarmed at the lack of financial stability there, and he pressed for the building of an endowment fund adequate to solve the hospital’s financial problems in perpetuity; but try as he might his plea fell upon deaf ears and inevitably the hospital eventually closed, to the surprise and dismay of a great Lewis with Maj General Deane-Drummond at many of its admirers. Caythorpe in 2008

DECEMBER 2017 87 Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Signals

The Story

The Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Signals was formed in April 1957 and disbanded on 10 August 1967 with 246 Junior Leaders on parade. Originally it was formed from 6 (Boys) Training Regiment Royal Signals (who were based in Beverley, North Yorkshire) at Rawlinson Barracks later re-named Denbury Camp, Newton Abbot, South Devon.

The idea of the 2017 Newton Abbot Last Parade Reunion to commemorate the closing of the Junior Leaders Regiment was from J/Cpl Jim 'Chalky' White whilst at the 2016 reunion in Virginia, USA. Different ideas formulated on the format the reunion would take and finalised that the idea of a Parade and March through the town followed by speeches in the town centre, then a formal dinner in the evening.

A “recce” was done and it was impossible to get a hotel and a venue to accommodate the estimated 200 who could possibly attend. Eventually the racecourse who have a corporate venue facility which is next to the Premier Inn in Newton Abbot was selected and meetings took place where Chalky had negotiated a varied menu at a really good price.

Due to unforeseen circumstances Chalky had to pass the responsibility of the final organising of the reunion to another ex-boy, J/Cpl Phil Kirk. Jim selected Phil because of his successful leadership of the 2010 expedition.

Phil then recruited local boys Pete Whitfield, Rick Underhill and Jim Humphreys, along the John Topping (Parade Commander) and Ted Kilpin (Pipes) to assist him in the task.

The Day Before

Ex-boys came from all over the world including the USA and most met up at the Newton Abbott Branch of the Royal British Legion where a buffet was laid on courtesy of Babs Underhill (Ricks better half). Phil Kirk had commissioned 'Chalky' White to print elaborate name badges with the Troop icon, name and dates at Denbury in the form of a Debit Card. These were given out and Phil, with his sense of humour told the guys that because of their age they may forget who they are.

A great evening all round with some ex-boys who had not seen each other for over 50 years; you can imagine the banter going on. On the Day

On Saturday 9 September 2017 over 100 ex-junior leaders paraded for the very last time with Parade Marshall John Topping (pace stick and all) trying to keep everybody in step and in good order! They were marched to the Clock Tower in Newton Abbott, piped there by Ted Kilpin the very last Pipe Major of the Regiment. John Topping had remembered everything from his training and the march went really well.

Arriving at the clock tower, Phil Kirk, the event organiser, delivered a detailed soliloquy of Junior Leaders past, present and now. He emphasised that although only approximately 2,500 passed through the Regiment they had a major impact on the Corps. The majority of them made senior NCO and Warrant Office status with a number being commissioned and reaching the rank of Lt Col.

Without doubt the short period of time spent at Denbury had a major impact on the boys future careers, many of them passing out to man service qualified up to Warrant Officer educationally and to Junior NCO status, military and trade wise. He also mentioned the many awards ex Regiment boys had achieved. The parade was dismissed and the guys could take a nostalgic tour about “Flogget” as we called it. Some went to look at the camp which is now an open prison. Phil did warn them not to go into the Cider Bar. (Ex-boys reading this will know what he meant).

The Dinner

The last parade was also marked by a formal dinner in the evening at Newton Abbott Race Course Corporate Venue with the Mayor of Newton Abbott as principal guest. Also on the top table sat Lt Col Bob Peak who many will remember as an instructor at Denbury. Lt Col Pete Whitehead OBE also on the top table, an example of what an ex boy can achieve in army service.

The whole event was masterminded by Phil Kirk who made a number of presentations during the evening to the people who had assisted him. A Regimental plaque and flowers were presented to the Mayor and the after-dinner toast to Her Majesty was fittingly initiated by Lt Col Bob Peak. Port, being the preferred toast, was made available to all. The event was marked by each boy getting a Royal Signals keyring engraved with the event date.

The event went without a hitch which was a tribute to the efforts these organizers had made to fit this memorably commemoration of the closing of a well-loved Regiment, the Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Signals Denbury.