THE wire June 2013

www.royalsignals.mod.uk The Magazine of The Royal Corps of Signals FUTURE MOVES OF CORPS UNITS

On 5 Mar 13 the SofS announced the Army Basing Plan as part of the Army 2020 programme. The R SIGNALS element is shown below:

Serial Unit (Future Title shown) Future Location

1 HQ 1 (UK) Sig Bde Innsworth 2 HQ 11 Sig Bde and HQ West Midlands (WM) Donnington 3 1 Sig Regt Stafford 4 2 Sig Regt York 5 3 Sig Regt Bulford 6 10 Sig Regt • RHQ – Corsham • 225 Sig Sqn – Lisburn • 241 Sig Sqn – Bicester • 243 Sig Sqn – Andover • 251 Sig Sqn – Aldershot • 81 Sig Sqn – Corsham 7 11 (RSS) Sig Regt Blandford/Lyneham 8 14 Sig Regt (EW) St Athan 9 15 Sig Regt (IS) • RHQ – Blandford • GCN Sqn – Corsham Sqns to be renumbered 233, 259 and 262 Sig • GIS Sqn – Blandford Sqns • LSST – Bicester • LICSG(V) – Corsham 10 16 Sig Regt Stafford 11 18 (UKSF) Sig Regt Hereford 12 21 Sig Regt Colerne 13 22 Sig Regt Stafford 14 30 Sig Regt Bramcote 15 216 (Para) Sig Sqn Colchester 16 204 Sig Sqn Colerne (as part of 21 Sig Regt in 2015) 17 299 Sig Sqn (SC) Bletchley 18 628 (NATO) Sig Tp Wesel (tbc)

TRANSFERRING TO THE RESERVES

By the time you read this edition of The Wire, I hope that further details of the future structure of the Corps, in particular, our Reserves will have been announced.

For those whose regular service is about to come to an end, you may wish to be aware that there are a number of incentives for you to transfer to the TA within three years of leaving the Regular Army. Not only will you normally be able to transfer in your current rank but there is also a transfer bonus! Further information can be found in DIN 2013DIN01-095 which outlines the procedure for transfer to the TA.

If you would like to express your interest in transferring to the TA you can send an email to [email protected] which should include your name, your civilian email address and any location preferences and HQ R SIGNALS will pass your details to your local TA unit for them to get in contact with you.

Further detail on resettlement can be found through the RSA website at www.royalsignalsassociation.co.uk

Further detail Reserve Opportunities can be found at www.ms.dii.r.mil.uk/reserves/opportunities/index.htm JUNE 2013 Vol. 67 No: 3 The Magazine of the Royal Corps of Signals Established in 1920 Find us on The Wire

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Mrs Jess Lawson To see The Wire on line or to refer to Guidelines for Contributors, go to: Tel: 01258 482087 http://www.army.mod.uk/signals/heritage/1311.aspx Subscribers All enquiries regarding subscriptions and changes of address of The Wire should be made to: 01258 482087 or 94371 2087 (mil) or [email protected]. Remittances should be made payable to Royal Signals Benevolent Fund

CONTENTS Page News from Operations 2 News from Blandford 13 News from Training 14 News from Formations 21 News from Regiments 23 News from Squadrons 84 Royal Signals Association 97 Last Post 104 Obituaries 104

FRONT COVER BACK COVER

Cpl Davies of 216 (Para) Sig Sqn calling in a A gentle day out on the river for Merlin during CT2 training 200 Sig Sqn north of Nairobi Authors alone are responsible for the content of their articles. The opinions expressed in the articles of this publication are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy and views, official or otherwise, of the Royal Corps of Signals or the Ministry of Defence. All articles and submissions are published at the discretion of the Editor. This publication may contain official information. It should be treated with discretion by the recipient. THE WIRE, JUNE Printed2013 by Holbrook Printers Ltd, Norway Road, Hilsea, Portsmouth © Crown Copyright 1 NEWS FROM OPERATIONS

2nd SIGNAL REGIMENT

CO Lt Col Vaudin RSM WO1 (RSM) Mason

219 SIGNAL SQUADRON

OC Maj Davis SSM WO2 (SSM) Stansfield

HQ ISAF ICS Det – by Sig Comack

It has been a relatively quiet month for the HQ ISAF ICS DET. With a few of the louder members away on R&R it’s been a nice chilled atmosphere, although it has felt strange not hearing the penetrating laugh of Sgt Chris Taylor echoing throughout the Det since he has developed an unhealthy addiction to LOL Cats, an internet website.

We’ve also missed out on Cpl Chris ‘Welly’ Welburns weekly tantrums, usually over small trivial things like the cookhouse has run out of Tang powder or someone’s taken his spinning KAIA – by Cpl Watson slot at the gym. Safe to say, when he unleashes the inner beast it’s best to vacate the room as water bottles (empty) The past 2 months in KAIA have seen the half way mark of the will be launched. tour go by. The weather is constantly changing and fooling everyone and we recently had a football match between the The Det has been impacted with the change over of Brits and the Americans and a surf and turf BBQ. personalities. Cpl Stew Pierson RAF has sadly departed us and has been relieved by Cpl Shane Weir RAF. Stew was a The weather in Kabul over the last two months has being good addition to the team as he had a special relationship random to say the least. One day the sun will be out and with the Staff Officers and was always there offering support you’ll be contemplating sunbathing, then the next the rain and comfort when panic set in. We have it on good authority will come then it will be sunny again. Every time you ask a from him that Shane is more than capable of stepping into his local they tell you that the snow has finished and by the end shoes and with his Irish accent it won’t be long before he wins of the day it’s snowing again. It makes you wonder if these the hearts and minds of the Staff. people do actually live here.

We are into month four now and much to everyone’s surprise The varying change in weather has turned the ISO Park where LCpl Bentley ‘Hulk’ Hames has managed to find himself in the ICS Det stores are kept into a mud bath. LCpl Bass unfamiliar territory… the gym. Most people set themselves managed to get bogged in whilst taking a trip to fetch reasonable and achievable targets when first starting out, not equipment, then as Sgt Dave Dowson and Cpl ‘Watty’ Watson LCpl Hames: “By the end of tour, I want traps like Tom Hardy” recovered him a second vehicle, they got bogged in and had was his bold statement. While his attitude is to be admired, I to be recovered by LCpl Pete Bass. Thinking we had learnt can’t help but feel that all the protein and testosterone in the the first time, we then waited for it to dry up but obviously world won’t be able to help him in his quest. not long enough as about 2 weeks later Watty did the same thing and so did LCpl Rachel Carwardine.

As the half way point in the tour has been and gone, the KAIA ICS Detachment have more than settled into a routine that seems to be a bit like living in the film ‘Groundhog Day’. To break the routine, someone had the idea of organising a BBQ, as the weather at the time seemed to be warming up. After a few days of planning we settled for a Saturday night. So with food prepared and a few non-alcoholic beers to wash it down with, we got the BBQ lit just in time for the weather to turn sour and the snow to start falling. But we endured the weather and went for it anyway. Just as things got going one of our Brit counterparts in KAIA arrived with a big box of king crab which he had managed to swop for a pair of boots and this made for a memorable night with everyone huddled around the BBQ to keep warm and tuck into the crab and steak.

On an early Friday morning in Feb LCpl Pete Bass joined a few other last minute put together Brits to play a game of football

2 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 Suresh Limbu, SSgt (FofS) Pratap Ghale and SSgt (FofS(IS)) Kay.

The visit of the RGR Pandit and Lama provided a very welcome opportunity to get together as a Squadron and as a wider Gurkha community at Camp Bastion last month. As a Christian celebrating a combined Hindu and Buddhist temple service in a Muslim country I can say I had a truly multicultural experience! The service was an excellent opportunity to take a little time out to reflect on the tour so far and to catch up with old friends over breakfast.

We are all very much looking forward to coming home in May and of course celebrating our return in style with our families and friends. Thank you to everyone back in York for all your continued support; it has been invaluable.

against an American team, who have a training sessions twice a week. Although well organised the Americans could only field a team worthy of playing infant school girls. Thus, they were defeated 11-4. This goes to show that no matter how much they practice they are still American and should stick to hitting balls with sticks.

246 GSS 2000KM CYCLING HOME ABF CHARITY DURING OP HERRICK 17 – by Sgt Damber Thapa

2 Signal Regiment Multi Event Challenge (MEC) was organised by the RSM, WO1 Lamont during the period of 7-21 Jan 13 and would cover the distance from Bastion to York (5,617km). The Charity was associated with our own Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) and 246 GSS was delegated 2000km of the overall distance. It was decided that HICSSS personnel would cover it by completing 4 x cycling stints between the 14-15 Jan during the 6 meal times.

On the morning of 14 Jan 13 (0500hrs), Sgt Damber with his supporting team set up four bikes in front of BSN1 DFAC in order to catch the maximum amount of support. All the participants were eager to get going. Even in the middle of our hectic operational commitment, we were able to show 246 SIGNAL SQUADRON great team spirit as we set off under very sunny skies. The very generous BSN personnel exceeded our expectations on OC Maj Orr day one, so much so we beat our own target! SSM WO2 (SSM) Durga

HICSSS – by Maj Orr

We are now very definitely on the home straight. The vast majority of the Squadron have had their two weeks of R&R and have returned well rested and eager to push on to the end. The pace of life continues to be very high indeed. For almost 2 months we have been focused on closing more bases across Helmand Provence. At any given time we have had up to 3 teams deployed to remove our equipment whilst providing communications to the last moment. Closing bases has required a great deal of re-organisation and the Squadron has been working tirelessly to reconfigure our network to accommodate the changes.

We were all delighted to hear last month of a number of promotions in the Squadron. Four of our SSgts were selected for promotion to WO2, which is a remarkable but well deserved achievement. Shabash to SSgts Suresh Gurung, Lovely day for it. Four cyclists from HICSSS

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 3 We were determined to make the second day as successful as driver provides a means of transport for HICSSS or JFCIS the first. We were very grateful that the people from BFBS personnel. He is also the first response if one of the had agreed to broadcast our efforts to generate as much contractor generators goes down. The department has many interest as possible. There were a lot of rumours doing the other tasks including the maintenance of all fire extinguishers rounds that we would not raise as much as we had on day within the Squadron, to ensuring that all our equipment's PAT one, and that we would fail to make our target. However, the Testing is up to date. generous people of Camp Bastion did not let us down and we again exceeded our expectations.

The event was a great success, where we managed to raise $2000, a sum greater than any other JFCIS department. Our hard work was rewarded by a great ‘Sybas’ from OC 246 GSS and ‘a pat on a back’ from the RSM. Well done to all involved and I am sure the participants will look back on the event with pride for a long time.

HICSSS POWER SECTION – by LCpl Ishwor Pun

Power Section has always been the backbone of the HICSSS with vital roles and responsibilities. The section is manned with 6 RSEs, Sgts Uttam and Smith, Cpls Jyoti, Kumar and Dil and LCpl Ishwor. Sgt Uttam is in charge of the power side and Sgt Smith looks after the MT. During the tour we were pleased to hear that LCpl Dil will be promoted to the rank of Corporal.

Our primary role is to provide 1st and 2nd line support to Sgt Uttam waits for the CO for his snap inspetion various communication sites, each with a FEPS generator providing standby power. These are used if the contractor generators fail. The section is also responsible for conducting We are now just over halfway through the tour and we will electrical safety checks on the backup distribution kits. The continue to provide services at our best to make the section controls servicing, maintenances fault finding and remaining time successful. inspections of the FEPS, REACHER and LFG generators all over Helmand Province. Every three months we also conduct LASHKAR GAH TROOP – by LCpl Lloyd Martin assurance visits to all the PBs and FOBs. As well as maintenance visits, we have deployed a number of times to It’s been an incredibly busy 3 months but we’re surprisingly fix specific issues. Recently we have had the opportunity to half way through the tour and R&R is very much underway. deliver lessons on various generators to other trades and As soon as Christmas came to a close we had our Kestrel and Regiments. This included Royal Logistic Corps personnel as a mast climbing Jedi (LCpl Mike Morton) fly back home for part of cross training package delivered by our section. Over some well deserved R&R. All was going well until the 14th the last few months we have also been able to use our day passed and he was yet to return. Many of us were commercial civilian qualifications to assist other HICSSS contemplating whether he had “done one” and gone AWOL, departments by wiring up power to various computer which was swiftly written under his name in the Troop office. systems. This was later erased by none other than the CO and replaced with “WEAK”

LCpl Morton eventually appeared 9 days overdue with the classic excuse; “the Norovirus was doing the rounds” I’m sure I recall our Troopie educating Mike on the well known forces medication “just man up”.

I’m sure the rest of us were assessing how worthwhile it would be in trying our upmost to get the runs in order to challenge Mike’s 3 weeks leave. I think his record is yet to be broken.

The November (Movember) Tashes are slowly but surely declining in number. Lash was once full of competitively hairy upper lipped individuals who bucked the trend and held on to them for as long as possible, however they have somehow managed to be left behind in the UK. We’re not sure if it’s the wives and girlfriend verdict or the fact that we looked like special individuals. Will the few remaining survive?

LCpl Ishwor carrying out First Works on FEPS at JOC NER We recently had the JFCIS(A) Commander, Col S G Hutchinson MBE, swing by with our Squadron 2IC (Capt Lok) to award our Troop OC, Greener Saheb with his third pip. Congratulations The section’s secondary role is to run the MT for HICSSS and once again. Let the “aye aye Capn’s” commence! JFCIS (A). The MT section comprises of 15 green fleet vehicles, 11 Land rovers, 2 MAN SV 6T, 1 JCAB and a Quad bike. The night's entertainment was organised and supplied by our The MT section is responsible for ensuring all the servicing Bingo Bachelor, Cpl Tirtha, who not only organised the game and maintenance is carried out. The section also provides a but also stepped up to the position of head chef and duty driver and a duty Royal Signals Electrician. The duty orchestrated the cooking of the Gurkha curry. A massive

4 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 comedian. The two lovely girls with “amazing personalities” were very much appreciated by the strategically seated Gurkhas and British counterparts; occupying the front row. There’s confirmed speculation that one of LCpl Martin’s future wives, Katie Melua will be rocking up at our location soon too.

The few remaining moustaches are worn with pride thanks to the crew who helped Tirtha prepare and cook the bhat and also to our close allied counterparts – the US Marines of 9th Comm Bn, who work alongside us, who sourced our temporary one day pet chickens. Cpl Tirtha, once more your well drilled unconventional Bingo skills went down The Jock contingent are happy with the Iron-Bru flavoured lolly a treat... “2 little ducks, 48” “5 times 5, 25” pops

Col Hutchinson described the unforgettable night along the lines of, “I haven’t laughed so much in ages, to be deployed in We also have had a few of the reserves rotate to different Helmand Province, outside in a tent in the middle of a lightning locations around Theatre. Lashkar Gah’s COMMCEN mother, storm, eating a delicious Gurkha curry while playing bingo… Cpl Sarah Williams, moved on to pastures new and will spend what a surreal experience!” the remaining 3 months in Camp Bastion helping them out. There is a rumour that Camp Bastion got wind of Sarah’s 120+ There’s been a fair few changes happening on base lately, not parcels in 90 days and have sent reinforcements to help deal only have a few departments now downsized and withdrawn with the potentially future influx of incoming post. from LKG but there’s also two additional Sangers which need to be manned. The ICS Troop has not only been asked to I’d like to thank her on behalf of LKG’s ICS Det for her cover the extra duties for 12hr guard as well as the Sanger outstanding project management skills in dealing with all shifts, but have also been tasked with installing the phone sorts from the Troop t-shirts to the festive decorations lines to each one. This was joyous news to our already active supplied by her many connections back home. It was an telemech, Cpl Michelle Smith, who’s been working tirelessly absolute pleasure to work alongside you, enjoy your R&R and on projects around the Brigade Headquaters, with the odd we look forward to seeing you again back in York. extra curricular outing with the local Special Forces. She’s been counting down the days until her telemech colleague, Capt Greener was quick to remind her that she is Lash Troop Sig Carl Ridehalgh, returns from his well timed R&R – she’s through and through and should wear her LKG branded never missed him so much. apparel in HICSSS as much as possible.

Ailey lai namaste, Pachi feri vettaula.

FOB SHAWQAT – by Sig Sagun

Op HERRICK is not the first time British troops have fought in Afghanistan. The first, second and third Afghan wars saw British troops based in both Helmand and Kandahar. A reminder of that history can be found at Forward Operating Base Shawqat. It was built in 2009 inside the ruins of an old British fort called Farangi — which translates as the Foreigner’s Castle – on the advice of local elders. The remains of the old fort walls dominate the FOB.

Five of us with different trade skill from 246 GSS have been working in this location for the past 3 ½ months. We took over the Detachment from 16 Signal Regt on 9 Nov 12 under command of A/Sgt Netra. Cpl Sailen is responsible for the VSAT and PROMINA and LCpl Singha looks after the Overtask system. LCpl Lalit is our master of the Kestrel links and as for Sgt Sanjeev models the latest trends in Warm Kit! myself, Sig Sagun, although class 2 RSE by trade I have been doing more of the Telemech’s job as well as my own trade.

We’ve also had the CSE show venture out to “Lash”, to grace We have already completed half of our tour. Since the last us with their stunningly talented dancing duo along with a time of writing things are settling down and everything is gifted musician who upstaged a moderately humorous going smoothly now. We have become fully competent not

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 5 only in our own jobs, but also have a good understanding of scoff and a crammed gym. It has also been a busy time for us each others within the Det. Currently we are supporting 1 as we have had to establish more infrastructure and move Mercian at FOB SQT, along with a few outposts. The number systems as a whole within the PB. As well as this, our Danish of these is reducing as we look to complete transition. counterparts have just completed their RIP, meaning we have started to hear the previous issues of ‘Windows says my The detachment has become undermanned since R&R kicked password is wrong’ and ‘honestly, it turned itself off’. No in on 9 Jan 13. Since then the detachment is being run by 4 doubt we will hear this more and more as 40 Commando personnel and that will continue until the last person, Cpl hand over to troops on Op HERRICK 18. Singha, comes back from R&R at the end of March. Apart from our day to day jobs, we have also been providing the With the absence of Sgt Navin on R&R, Sgt Kajiman has security for the FOB. We are covering a remarkable number assumed the role of Detachment Commander. With this extra of Sangers and other duties each day. pressure and work load, Sgt Kaji has become impenetrable to mere words. Only after asking him the same question eleven Occasionally we receive moral boosting parcels from our times will he finally look up from his computer and ask ‘did loved ones back home along with some welfare parcels from you say something?’ lovely people in the UK. Although we are far away, the parcels and packages make us to feel close to home.

We are all now looking forward to Cpl Sigha’s return as that means it will be almost time for us all to return home to our loved ones.

MOB PRICE – by LCpl Amy Cassidy

The month of January went by in a flash mainly due to the start of the R&R period. This was a much needed and deserved break and we all have been returning refreshed and ready for the rest of the tour. LCpl Carr had a great start to his leave, as when waiting at the HLS to go back to Bastion, he proceeded to get blown over by an incoming Chinook whilst carrying all his kit, resulting in him imitating an overturned turtle. LCpl Cassidy trying hard to strip a fibre cable

As a send-off to friends we have made in 1 RGR who have approached their end of tour, we bid farewell to them with a curry night. This led to myself and LCpl Ramesh spending the night shift prior to the curry with 4 live chickens in our det. I was determined not to get attached to them as the last time I made friends with ‘Marcus’ the goat, I was quite troubled to see him served up with rice and veg. The send-off was received well, especially when the guitar inevitably came out.

With over half the tour completed successfully, our thoughts are now turning to going home. With more upcoming large scale jobs we will be kept busy and hopefully the time will fly until then!

Sgt Kajiman and LCpl Heavy setting up MMS LCpl Carr untangling the cables on the back of the Overtask servers LINE SECTION HICSSS – by Sgt McClarence

The camp has becoming increasingly busy, with the closure of Just over half way through Op Herrick 17 and the Line Section two more Patrol Bases in the AO meaning long queues at has seen three busy months in keeping the infrastructure

6 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 within Bastion and Helmand operational. Since the first guys a look at the American Cable dogs and how they conduct Newsletter the guys have continued as they started and have their business. Things usually run smoothly however the worked tirelessly on the day to day tasks we have. Sig various types of British accents in the section can confuse ‘lightning’ Williams from 10 Sigs quickly got to know the rest things slightly. of the section and within a few days had come to be known as the section joker! As the weeks drew on he proved that in All in all so far we have had a successful 3 months of what is some cases lightning can strike twice!! proving to be a very busy Op HERRICK 17. Let’s keep up the good work as the end gets nearer!! Winterisation was well under way when the heavens opened and Sigs Oli ‘Bear’ Mcleod and Liam ‘Princess’ Holland found SOUTER FORCE PROTECTION AND TRANSPORT COMPANY out that the best place to start in future was by checking for holes in the tent above their bed spaces. The rain proved a OC Maj Wilson nuisance as faults came in thick and fast whenever we had a SSM WO2 (SSM) Whitfield downpour meaning the lads were constantly busy ensuring that phone lines were repaired. K10 – by Sgt ‘H’ Harrington

Personnel of K10 are nearing the end of the R&R season with only a couple still left to go. This is good news for the Multiple as larger numbers will make guard and MT that little bit easier. With people returning from R&R the focus now has turned to finishing the job and returning home to our friends and families.

A most memorable event over the last few months occurred in March when K10 had the pleasure of moving Maj Gen Bashall around the Kabul AO. The day didn’t start that well due to the flight from Bastion been delayed, however we made the most of it by having a coffee or two whilst waiting in the sun. Once the General and his entourage arrived we could commence with the visit programme. We visited HQ ISAF and Qaragha making sure the he made his key appointments. An unfortunate outcome from this is that Cfn Stewart who already considered himself a good driver The line section demonstrates British/American Co-operation became even smugger when the General called him by his again first name and complemented him on his driving abilities. To this day he bigs himself up using this situation as proof. A constant stream of tasks from outdets requiring Inst Tech assistance has ensured the section has clocked up a number K20 – by SSgt ‘Molly’ Molyneux of air miles all over Helmand, on jobs ranging from equipment moves, Base closures, faults and new installs. Sig ‘Gringo’ Multiple K20 has had another eventful and busy few month Magrino is a regular visitor to the Rotary flight line and is now here in Kabul since the last Wire entry. The R&R plot has on first name terms with all the staff down there. really kicked in with lads leaving and arriving daily. This has meant that morale has much improved but the work load has Numerous cable pulls have been done with long cross site also increased. The Multiple is still going strong completing lines testing the patience of the section, especially when our many tasks around the Kabul AO, mastering the art of splicing was carried out in the silent hours in pits along the staying awake on guard and creating a small trench around roadside when dust was down to a minimum. Sig Griffiths camp during our many perimeter patrols! makes the most of the cable pulls as he sees it as extra phys in his quest for Op Massive!! He can be seen flexing his newly A few of the more ardent Manchester United fans (only one is made guns with a cable in his hands whenever he takes part. from Manchester) have managed to become minor celebrities (well in their minds anyway). SSgt ‘Molly’ Molyneux, Sig ‘I’m a PTI don’t you know’ Harris and Sig ‘Pest’ Robinson had their picture taken with what can only be described as a piece of art (not everyone shares the same view) which has found its way onto the popular TV show Soccer AM. Upon seeing themselves on the silver screen they started planning their future careers on ‘Big Brother’ and ‘I’m a Celebrity’ much to the amusement of the other multiple members. Everybody within the Multiple is working hard to finish the tour on a high and counting down the days until the end of tour and some well earned leave.

K30 – by Sig ‘Picky D’ Pickard

On Thursday 7 March whilst on our last day of QRF, we had a day of leadership initiative and team building exercises to celebrate SSgt Britton’s birthday. The first exercise was to Fault fixing after a storm build a bridge out of paper that spanned 50cm and could hold a litre of water. All the bridges were of equal strength and attractiveness with a solid effort all round. Unfortunately, Cpl ‘Reggie’ Hammond has been busy building relations with there were some undercover saboteurs, LCpl ‘dog’ Park and the Americans helping install new links and working on our Sig ‘pest’ Hardcastle made it their mission to ruin our bridge cabling within Camp Leatherneck. This work has given the with various design flaws.

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 7 K30a – QRF challenge day. A model Tower Bridge which could K30 on their first photo call hold a litre of water

The filming took place whilst we were on the QRF rotation In the evening the multiple then delivered a variety of carrying out our normal tasks such as foot patrols. They also presentations, these include some factual and some comical took several photos of the three people that were being efforts. The majority of the presentations were carried out interviewed for the local paper articles. After the patrol we well, highlighting to some the need for prior preparation. All demonstrated the QRF capability by responding to an in all it was a very fun and productive day that ended with a incident. In the demo we reacted as we usually would by birthday cake being shared by the Multiple. crashing out to the Foxhounds then carrying out our TTPs as required. In the morning of the third day the BFBS team ARMED FORCES FILM CREW VISIT filmed SSgt Britton doing some of the usual duties that he – by Sig ‘Mummies Boy’ Whitaker would carry out on guard, for example dealing with visitors to camp. In the afternoon we took the BFBS team out on a BFBS recently visited Camp Souter and our Multiple was to be mounted patrol, we took them out in the Foxhound vehicles filmed carrying out our usual routine and tasks. Throughout visiting some of the main supply routes. On the final day they the 4 days they were attached to our multiple they filmed took time to finalise the interview with SSgt Britton for his enough footage to create a short video on our Multiple video clip and the three of us for our newspaper interviews. Commander SSgt Britton that is available to view on YouTube. Also during their time with us they carried out interviews for All are invited to watch SSgt Britton make his first local papers back in the UK with Sig Whitaker, LCpl Woolley professional YouTube début by visiting www.youtube.co.uk/ and Sig Kent. These articles were also made available online inafghanistansouterforceprotectionandtransportcompany on the UK Forces Afghanistan’s facebook page. Feel free to leave a comment to show your support.

4 MECHANIZED BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS AND SIGNAL SQUADRON (204)

– by 2Lt David Cummings Main Troop has seen a vast majority of change. With the It has been an extremely busy month for all involved with 204 drawdown of forces and subsequent closures of bases, it has Sig Sqn. As we prepare for the inevitable drawdown and meant that we have had to be extremely flexible in the way much anticipated arrival of 215 Sig Sqn, much work has been we operate, Sig Gerraint Kayll being instrumental in lending done and is still to do before the RiP can commence. his previous Operational experience, meaning we were able to adapt to the situation and keep communications constantly Within the Headquarters in Lashkar Gah, the main emphasis ‘in and working.’ has been on Transition. Maj Balfour has therefore been stating the importance of the Commander’s sixth precept of, In keeping with the drawdown procedures, the last month ‘Continuous improvement in all aspects of the organization;’ has seen manpower constantly go. This mainly involved the so as everyone is preparing to handover to their successors, Troop hierarchy of Sgt Rimmer and Capt Houlbrooke we are continually improving our standards and work ethic completing half a tour, the latter filling the spot of within TFH. Throughout our tenure we will have successfully Decompression 2IC, a job to which we will all be envious of, handed over or closed 25 Patrol Bases and the next HERRICK however; we have been promised more beer tokens! iteration will continue with this good work and also take on the herculean task of moving the Task Force’s Headquarters Shortly after the beginning of March we lost a further four to BASTION. One of the main successes of the tour has been personnel including LCpl Brown and Sig Young; both end of the close partnership with our Afghan counterparts. Our touring early in a bid to scale-down manpower in Theatre, experienced signallers have helped to teach communications leaving spots that would be hard to fill! In preparation for the to Afghan uniformed Police and Army, including a course to arrival of 1 Mech Bde, we lost LCpl Crocker and Sig Madden to female students; this is a significant development. the Real Life Support Team in Bastion.

8 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 power and ethernet cables, wiring up the cameras, installing monitoring terminals in the control room, testing the cameras and training the Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) on how to use the equipment; something which would prove to be pivotal in the handover to the ANSF.

The first three days were spent in the Juvenile Centre which is situated next to Helmand Province Prison. The friendliness and politeness were clear to see as we were greeted with chai (tea) and a tray of nuts by one of the young local boys who helped out there. A local contractor was enlisted to help with drilling holes in the walls for the camera brackets to be placed on. Once the initial job of hanging the brackets up and laying out the cables was done, FofS Malla was integral to the next stage by colour coding each of the different cameras. In total, all four cameras were installed by the second day.

During our time in the Juvenile Centre, we attracted some attention from the detainees, who were very intrigued by what was going on. The final day was a training day which was conducted by Sgt Lamkin.

Sig Kayll. Smartest beret award

On top of everything else, the Troop have been hard at work setting the conditions for Op HERRICK 18, this has incorporated upgrading every one of their TacSat radios to the new ‘Integrated Waveform’ function, equipment care inspections and a lot of general administration. However; with all the changes, the attractive task of providing tactical communications to the whole of Helmand Province, carried Day four started with the anticipation of a new location and on with distinction. As we prepare to handover to 215 Sig a slightly different job. We arrived at HEIDI knowing this Sqn, we know we will have given them the opportunity to was a greater job as there were 12 cameras to install and the expand on the successes of the Main Troop of HERRICK 17. cabling to go with it. We had a slightly delayed start as we had problems drilling through the walls to hang the camera During the latter end of Op HERRICK 17, a small team of CSEs brackets. Once this had been rectified and the brackets and RSEs from Task Force Helmand (TFH) HQ and Forward were up, it was already the end of day one. From this point Repair Team (FRT), led by TFH FofS, deployed into Lashkar onwards, we laid all of the cabling; which took a longer than Gah District Centre to install surveillance system in the first predicted. After all the commotion, the team managed to Juvenile Centre and Helmand Evidence Intelligent get a system running which, effectively, made it more efficient Development Integration (HEIDI) in National Directorate of and only from then we could install the cameras. Security (NDS) compound. This was named Project HEIDI & JUVENILE CENTRE. We worked as a team, some of us laying cables while others labelled them and some people installing the first cameras as this was going on. The cameras that were installed at HEIDI were much simpler to do and they were installed very quickly. As we did in the Juvenile centre, there was a day allocated for fault finding and making any adjustments which were required before we could say it was a finished job. This was completed and the final day was training the ANSF who would be operating and monitoring the equipment, this was done by the FofS on his own this time.

All in all, the project was a success; we completed our job within the allocated time, all 16 cameras between the two locations were installed, tested and then taught to the ANSF. Now they are installed, the longer term capability will be sustained by local contractors. The ANSF will have a much easier job now because they can monitor the locations a lot easier and have recorded evidence of things that happen. Starting on 11 February 2013, the team left MOB Lashkar Gah The project attracted some deserved widespread ministerial with the FP team from TSU LKG ready to start work. This appreciation, and this can subsequently be seen as one of the process was to include the amicable job of the laying of major projects completed during 204’s time here.

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 9 In addition to the HQ, it has also been an eventful month are based out of within TFH for the RLD’s. Tactical Support Unit Nad-e-Ali (TSU Shawquat; RiP NDA) AO has seen two PB’s close within a month and preparation is being thorough preparations aiding towards the RiP. As well as this, thoroughly elements have been deployed from Nahr-e-Saraj (NES) aiding implemented. Sigs with the closure of PB1, PB5, Op Sterga, CP Praang and CP Hickey, Barker and Sola highlighting just how quickly the drawdown of bases and Tomsett are all troops is occurring. With the closures, everyone has been enjoying the tasks of working extremely hard having to collapse MDORs and tidying cables and accounting for all the Comms kit. As part of the transitional making sure the phase the PBs have been successfully closed and handed over Antenna farms and to the ANA, a great success demonstrating the importance of MDORs are all in tip flexibility. top condition.

As well as the drawdown, elements have been deployed as With the countdown communication specialists, completing varying job roles. This officially started, has included being utilised as Ops Room Staff providing there has been vast comms support for HQ elements at MOB Price, as well as J6 amount of last-minute support to the PB’s throughout NES. Additional to this, Op Bronze and Op individuals have also been deployed on deliberate Ops with Massive; the Danish and as a QRF when required, providing numerous unfortunately for LCpl communications capabilities such as Bowman and TacSat back Reid and Sig Whitaker to NES HQ. at PB Folad, sunbathing has currently been Sig Matthews and Miss Katie Melua in MOB banned! All RLD Lashkar Gar personnel have maintained a good level of fitness throughout the 6 months. Most enjoyed taking time to go to the gym between shifts with Troop PT getting carried out each Friday afternoon. For NES RLD, this included stretcher races and circuits with LCpl Hayes and Cpl Boddy taking the lessons. Football and Volleyball competitions were also held, with the RLD victorious on every occasion. There was also a surprise visit from Katie Melua accompanied by two comedians, which also provided some great morale and a change from the pace of life on Operations.

All soldiers within the RLD have performed very well within their respective job role be it in the Ops Rooms around NES, NDA or deployed on specific operations around the AO and Sig Tomsett are now looking forward to returning home to their families and partners, for a well earned welcome home.

As well as essential duties within the respective HQ’s, 40 For 204 Signal Squadron it has been a whirlwind of a tour, Commando RLD have been helping out in the Comms Troop particularly with the Ministry of Defence’s Basing stores throughout the tour. ECM maintenance being regularly Announcement and subsequent result of the future executed and fault reporting of any comms kit getting disbandment of 204 Sig Sqn later in 2013. However, completed. Other jobs included keeping the MDOR folders distractions aside it is significant the fact that 204 finishes on up to date and completing IMI’s on all the kit. Furthermore, this high note. As we prepare to hand over to an extremely experience was gained by NES RLD’s by visiting the likes of keen 215 Sig Sqn, we can keep our heads held high on what PB5 and PB2 and recognising the fact that a lot of power has been an extremely successful tour for everyone involved equipment needed maintained and consequently getting with 204. We now look forward to returning home to a well involved and helping out. As for a number of the RLD’s who deserved alcoholic beverage!

1 MECHANISED BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS AND SIGNAL SQUADRON (215)

OC Maj E Byfield tour and we hope that they all have a relaxing and enjoyable RSM WO1 (RSM) L Starr post tour leave.

After a busy MST period for 6 months, 215 Sig Sqn were finally RSOI - by Sig Daniel Stanley ready for deployment on Op HERRICK 18, and for some, it couldn’t come soon enough. Those that hadn’t deployed On 22 March 13 we arrived in Afghanistan after a journey of before were apprehensive, but also eager to put into practise over 7238km! .We were met at the flight line by SSgt Jules all that they had learnt over the last 6 months. We received Dolan (who had already been in Theatre for 3 weeks) and put an excellent handover from 204 Sig Sqn who had a successful into temporary accommodation near to where the RSOI

10 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 package is delivered. Depending on your category and role in Day 4 consisted of patrol skills, Op CARDEL and working with Theatre your time on RSOI ranges from 2 to 5 days. All of my the ANA. It was interesting to see how we are adapting to RLD who are attached to 4 RIFLES are CAT 2+, so we had a cope with the insider threat and also learning how the insider steady 5 days to tuck into! threat affects the ANA much more than ISAF.

Before starting RSOI we had ‘day zero’ which allows you to Our final day of RSOI was a CQM shoot where we learnt to recover from the long journey and acclimatise. Many of us turn and shoot with the butt of the rifle on the front plate of had not experienced a climate or altitude like Afghanistan our Osprey, followed by casualty evacuation using different before. We were also issued more kit and equipment and forms of stretcher over varying terrain. This was something given some time to explore Camp Bastion, including the most of us had not experienced before and it certainly gave delights of the American PX! Plenty of the lads took this me much more confidence in my shooting ability! opportunity to stock up on sweets and buy a discount priced gorilla box. I, like anyone who had not been to Camp Bastion Although most of the RSOI package was revision of our before, was surprised at how huge it is. It has its own bus comprehensive MST package, it did keep all the things we had routes to get around camp and is around the size of learnt fresh in the front of our minds. I think it is an excellent Aldershot. package and of real value to all. RSOI definitely helps ease you into life on tour. RSOI commenced on Sunday and continued through to Thursday. FIRST IMPRESSIONS - by Sig Luke Baines

Day 1 of RSOI was a full day of PowerPoint briefings on So here we are, after 6 months of pre-deployment training, everything from personal hygiene and driving to CIED and the 215 Sig Sqn has finally arrived in Afghanistan. It feels like it insider threat. It covered a lot of ground that we went over has been a long time coming and I think most of us are glad on ARB but it was useful to be reminded and updated on best to start the tour and get through it as quickly as possible! practice in Theatre. The training we received in the year building up to tour was Day 2 started with a kit inspection to check our PPE and was very comprehensive, but a few of us found the weeks leading followed by a 2 mile walk to the ranges in full kit to get used up to tour quite frustrating. It is difficult as you are mentally to the heat and weight of Osprey. At the ranges we zeroed preparing yourself to leave your family and anticipating what our weapons and ancillaries and went round a number of is to come. This all makes life at home difficult. It is good to useful stands with topics including basic first aid, Op CARDEL, be out on tour doing our job! RoE, CIED and more personnel hygiene! I think they are trying to tell us something! At the end of this day all Cat 1 personnel We flew out to Afghanistan on 22 Mar 13 arriving in Camp packed their kit and prepared to travel on to their various Bastion with relative ease. For quite a few members of the onward locations in the AO. Squadron, including myself, this was our first tour. I think most of us were excited by the challenges that tour would present and the experience we would gain over the coming months. For one member of 215 Signal Squadron, Sig Dave ‘Peter’ Kay, this was his first ever flight out of the UK! I am sure it is one he will never forget!

Some of the guys chilling out before flying to Afghanistan

We were happy to have a rest day on arrival and this gave us a chance to acclimatise and get used to some extreme weather WO1 (RSM) Freddie Starr tries on his ‘combat nappy’ for size! changes. In the UK it was snowing and here it was a solid 28°c. We managed to recreate the scene from “Top Gun” within hours by playing volleyball (shirts off and ballistic Day 3 focused on the CIED threat employing the use of HORN, sunglasses on) and many of the Squadron had a cheeky KFC! GOLDIE and VALON. We used lanes with mock devices placed Safe to say this was not the start to tour I was expecting. in them and watched a demonstration of Op BARMA 360° drills using search dogs, known as BEEK dogs. It was amazing As usual on tour Op MASSIVE commenced instantly. There to see just how much dogs can help us in this area. In the are quite a few participants across the Squadron including, evening we studied lane clearing carried out at night, which Sig Graham Gibb, LCpl Ashley Morgan and the not so butch was just as effective as in the day. Sig Cyrus ‘the virus’ Church. The usual faces were also in

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 11 attendance, with the Squadron PTI LCpl Gaz Hulin putting in the hours to maintain his wash board abs and tree trunk arms.

Our RSOI package commenced early on Sunday morning with a lot of soldiers from the Squadron participating in the 5 day package to become CAT 2+ qualified. One of my personal highlights was RODET training were you simulate being rolled over in a vehicle. It is safe to say I landed on my head…

We are now all located with our battle groups across Helmand Province. I am attached to 2 SCOTS and the facilities on our camp are better than many of the camps I have exercised on in the UK. Talk about “train hard, fight easy”! The gym is well stocked with weights and cardio machines and I am really happy with my bed space. It helps that I am with a really good set of blokes which will make this experience all the better. Oh and the food is not bad either!

So here is to the next 6 months of sun, sand, and …….. no sea! Let's all have a safe one! The RSM makes from friends at the TOA shura!

BEING AWAY FROM HOME - by LCpl Michelle Dougan As the parade began to form up and the cameras started to roll, we took our places either side of the flag pole between a 215 Sig Sqn have been away nearly 4 weeks now and everyone bagpiper from 4 Mechanised Brigade, reflecting on the is settling in and starting to miss family at home a little or a outgoing Brigadier being late Royal Regiment of Scotland, lot! However, we are all very much getting used to life on and a bugler from 1 Mechanised Brigade, whose incoming tour and we have become like a little family here supporting Brigadier is late Rifles . each other. We have a really good bunch in Main Troop and morale is always high with characters like Sig David Evans, Sig The parade was brought to attention by the Command Laura Ward, LCpl Roberts and Sig Leslie Rhodes. Everyone is Sergeant Major and we were off! The Padre gave thanks for receiving mail and it is a great laugh to see some of the things the valiant service of those that served on Op HERRICK 17 and your family send you. It is amazing what a box of chocolate wished us luck to continue in their stead. After an address can do for a shift. from the out going Brigade Commander, it was drill time. The bagpiper began to play and The Black Rat was lowered. I You would think after a few years of serving in the Armed slowly attached the 1 Mechanized Brigade flag, praying it was Forces you would get used to being away from home, your the right way up, and I held my breath as I raised it and it all family and loved ones, but it is very different being away here went seamlessly! My small sense of relief was outweighed by to being away in the UK. You see what the local nationals a massive sense of pride. The parade was finished with an have, or lack of, and it makes you think of all the things you address by our Brigade Commander; Brig RTH Jones MBE. take for granted at home. It is difficult not being able to contact your family everyday, just to see how their day has The following day, in true Main Troop tradition, the fridge was been and to let them know how you are – when you know kindly stocked with fizzy drinks by yours truly and Sig Collett they are at home worrying about you. We all make good use to pay the debt for our 15 minutes of fame on international of the welfare phones, internet and ebluey system out here television! and we are all very grateful for it. There is however, something liberating about not having a mobile phone with you all the time!

Our family and friends have a lot to adapt to whilst we are out here. Most of us will go back different people inside and out. I think for all of us though, it is your family and friends that help you get through the tour because you know they are waiting for you at home.

THE TOA PARADE - by Sig Joshua Davies

The lowering of The Black Rat marked the end of an accomplished and successful tour for 4 Mechanised Brigade, with their hard work paving the way for Op HERRICK 18. 1 Mechanized Brigade took this chance to show their appreciation to all the personnel from 4 Mechanized Brigade for what they had achieved. Whilst for 4 Mechanised Brigade the parade was a chance to reflect on the past 6 months as their flag came down. The responsibility and privilege of the change of flags was been given to 215 Signal Squadron. Chosen from a cast of hundreds for this honour was Sig Lee Collett and Sig Josh Davies. We were well rehearsed in the days leading up to the TOA by three Regimental Sergeant Majors and we had the added benefit of getting our clothes ironed with razor sharp creases. The RSMs took it upon themselves to constantly remind us that the parade would be televised and shown on the evening BBC news broadcast. It is safe to say both of us were very nervous! Sig Collett and Sig Davies raise the 1 Mech Bde flag

12 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 NEWS FROM BLANDFORD

We started on the 18th of A First Year's Perspective February in Abingdon at – by Sig Sumpter Dalton Barracks for our six week intensive training The first year's consist of Cpl camp. On our first day Frank, LCpl Conway, LCpl nothing could have prepared Hennis, Sig Holdcroft and us for what the reverse ride myself. After completing school was going to throw selection the next process to at us, we started with follow go through was training the leader which was going camp to prepare for that well for everybody except first show in which we would LCpl Glover who came off at (if successful) receive our high speed after clashing White Helmet! into Sig Short which when going backwards seemed It had been approximately about 30 mph but in reality TRAINING CAMP 2013 four months since we had was probably only about done anything with the team 15mph. After that accident we and all needed the cobwebs had a short break while Sgt Pallis went to find a more blown off. It was a mixture of trepidation and excitement as challenging route for us and when he returned he said he had we were shuttled to the airfield for our first day of riding. found “death valley” which consisted of everything up to tyres, barrels, loose gravel and deep muddy puddles which As the Team travel on the bikes in pairs it was important for made everybody nervous but excited to try it out. On our us to learn to do this with the same level of accuracy that the first attempt at battling death valley every single person had rest of the Team has, and as easy as it sounds, it proved more fallen off one way or another. It was probably only on our difficult than it looked and took us the best part of two days 10th attempt that everybody got through it successfully. to grasp.

Our next stage of training camp was tricks and ride training Towards the middle of the training camp just as we were which everybody couldn’t wait to start, so we could give our getting “comfortable” with our tricks we were told that there bodies a rest from reverse riding. Once everybody had been were more for us to learn as we needed first year riders for allocated their tricks it was a long and hard process in the book reading trick and tableau! We were watching mastering them with one major accident when Sig Austin lost demonstrations of each trick and it all became slightly control of the Cossacks and crashed it. This resulted in LCpl daunting but also made Wiltshire being catapulted off the side and Sig Day’s foot us eager to pick the getting caught in the chain and partially amputating his big tricks up to get that toe which ended up with a trip to the hospital so it could be feel good feeling when pinned and sewn back on. you carry them out (without falling off). As a result of last year's rain and more predicted this Summer the Team decided it was best to prepare for it by putting It was all going to plan together a wet weather show which only consisted of our off and the progress was road bikes but it was this training in dry conditions when we consistent when the had our second accident. Cpl Rees went a bit too wide in the Team were struck with arena, caught a patch of moss and was flung off the bike and two injuries in the ended his training camp with a fractured arm. Apart from penultimate week of that, we are now prepared for all weather and conditions. training! The most shocking one being Sig Training camp was coming to an end and after six long weeks Day’s partially of hard work and a few injuries we put on a show for amputated toe after Abingdon Camp to say thank you for their help. On the day of getting it trapped in the the show we did a warm up and it was a good job we did chain! because it was the worst show of the camp with, people falling off tricks and people leaving the pits too early. It was This put extra pressure on us to train well yet as safely as all topped off when LCpl Greenhalgh wheelied the five bike possible to refrain from further injuries as the Team was now fan with everybody on it but fortunately nobody was hurt. short on man power.

The show itself went perfectly with no mistakes or mishaps The past six weeks had led up to the final day of training in and all in all we had a very successful training camp with which we were all performing a full show to a local school and minimum injuries and very little bike damage. We packed up the personnel at Abingdon camp. Altogether it was a good and headed back to Blandford to prepare for our opening experience from a first years point of view, and has prepared show and the rest of the 2013 season. us and excited us for the show season, and more importantly for us for the opening show.

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 13 NEWS FROM TRAINING

11th (ROYAL SCHOOL OF SIGNALS) SIGNAL REGIMENT BLANDFORD

CO Lt Col M Brookes RSM WO1 (RSM) M Darby

1 (OUSTON) SQUADRON

OC Capt G Ashman

The last few weeks have been particularly busy for 1 (Ouston) Sqn; delivering the day to day training for the future Inst Techs, RSEs and CLSs of the Corps as well as dealing with the fallout of the recently released Implementation Order for the reorganisation of the Regt. The headline for the Sqn is come 6 May 13 it will no longer exist and Battleaxe Tp, Power Sect and CSS will reside with 3 (Harrogate) Sqn and CLS Sect will move to 2 (Catterick) Sqn. RTW will move under the command of RHQ as part of the reorganisation. As I type the personnel have been handed over and fingers crossed the training plans and G4 chain will follow shortly.

The planning of this has been made particularly difficult by the SSgt Brameld checking Sig’s Dewhurst and Moates work, “It fact that the Chief Instructor, Capt Rajeev Shrestha, has not looks OK to me!” yet returned from the ‘AT’ trip to Nepal (I am considering posting him AWOL!) but when he does I’m sure he will use his A speedy set-up which, for a few sockets and lights only took years of experience to smooth the process out. the best part of 5 hours!!! Once the “birds nest” of cables was squared away, the power actually worked so, from the Battleaxe Tp have continued to deal with the daily surprises power section a big thumbs up gents. that the Phase 2s throw up and this has been challenging recently with a high turnover of PS. We would like to say Good luck to Cpl ‘X’ Gregory who is on his JCLM – hopefully it thank you and good luck to Cpl Pickersgill as he posts to ‘Unit won’t be too cold for you, you warm weather soldier. Withheld’ and welcome to SSgt Challand (again!), Cpl Hopefully the weather also gets better soon for Mr Jim Elsworth and Cpl Green. All of this has happened in the O’Connor, now he has a Volkswagen Polo “Cabriolet”. Finally continued absence of Lt Gifford who claims to have been on the section is looking forward to the future of now being part JOTAC as well gaining her Day Skipper qual – I’m sure she has of 3 (Harrogate) Sqn. Apologies 1 (Ouston) Sqn SHQ but the been away more than the CI! grass is always greener!

POWER SECTION - by SSgt Brameld

Posted in: Sig ‘Gordy’ Bennett – Welcome to Power Section. Posted out: Nil (All volunteered and denied!)

THE FOREFRONT OF TECHNOLOGY!

Not normally at the pinnacle of leading technological advancement, the RSE normally provides the power to the equipment! The balance however is now being reset and the VLE (Computer learning for us EDs) area for all RSEs is nearly complete. Sgt ‘Gaz’ Evans is now busying himself to ensure it is up to speed and running as only his black or white attitude will allow – be warned, ‘Gaz’ likes his regulations and rules!

At present the latest basic course ELBR 12/003 are nearly at the end of their time in Blandford, which is a shame as we were just getting to like them! However a rare opportunity occurred recently in which SSgt Matt Brameld actually left his office. With the help of Sgt ‘Mitch’ Mitchell they took the students out onto the area at Lulworth, FOB George, to Sig ‘Troy’ Edwards and his “Birds nest” of cable complete a real time Power Exercise set-up. This was in support of 2 (Catterick) Sqn Ex CATTERICK CULMINATION. Sig ‘Troy’ Edwards of ELBR 12/002 took the lead in organising the deployment of power, with the help or hindrance of the Power to the Corps! basic course.

14 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 2 (CATTERICK) SQUADRON welcome address, the Chairman, Brig Ian Dobbie gave a report of the 25 years since the 150th Anniversary Celebration. OC Maj CJ Lewin The Chaplain General and Chaplain in Chief RAF took part and SSM SSgt G Bufton ASR William Wade gave a report.

The Sqn is saying good bye to Capt Dixon, off to NI as a Tp For me the highlight of the service was when the Army Commander, Capt Bilney to 228 Sig Sqn, Mr Henderson, the Scripture Reader for Gutersloh Garrison Germany, William new RSM of 216 Sig Sqn, A/Cpl Swan to 21 Sig Regt and Mrs Wade, shared his life story. In his closing remarks, he ended Lianne Richards our Sqn IM Manager who is leaving the Sqn with Psalm 113:7-8a: ‘He raises the poor from the dust and lifts to complete her degree in Education. We wish them all the the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes.’ I best of luck with their next job. believe everyone related with this.

We welcome to the Sqn Capt Kerr the new 2IC coming in from After the service there was a reception where I chatted to ATR (P), Capt Bennett the new Iron Tp OC from 14 Sig Regt very inspiring members of SARSA about young servicemen (EW), Capt Rich Simpson as new Beaufighter Tp OC coming in and women joining the association. On the Arrival of His from 228 Sig Sqn, WO1 Wells as OC Rhino Tp all the way from Royal Highness Prince Philip to the Reception, three cheers the neighbouring Sqn of 3 (Harrogate) Sqn, A/Cpl Cogram, A/ of Hip Hip Hurray were shouted with a sounding response and Sgt Slaughter and A/Sgt Chemjong Saindra who have come in joy from everyone. to the Sqn as trade instructors. I end with a brief History of The Soldiers’ and Airmen’s SOLDIERS' AND AIRMEN’S SCRIPTURE READERS Scripture Readers Association (SARSA): Our Work ASSOCIATIONS 175TH ANNIVERSARY ON 14 MARCH 2013 AT commenced informally in 1818 amongst troops in the THE GUARDS CHAPEL, WELLINGTON BARRACKS, LONDON Woolwich Garrison. It expanded to such an extent that in - by: Sig Osei-Frimpong, Beaufighter Troop 1838 concerned Christian Officers formed the Soldiers’ Friends Society and The Army Scripture Readers; the then Chaplain General placed it on a more formal footing by issuing a Charter in 1854. In 1938 the Army Scripture Readers and SACA amalgamated and in 1952 the name, The Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Scripture Readers Association was adopted, usually known by the acronym, SASRA.

ABF/PANDORA BRITISH ROSE CHARM PROMOTION – by Sig Gibbons, Beaufighter Troop

In 2007 my Dad, Martyn Gibbons MBE, was a Sergeant in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and sustained a severe lower body injury when a mortar hit him whilst serving on his second tour of Afghanistan. During the following 5 years he endured surgery, treatment and rehabilitation which ultimately ended in a medical discharge. During this time our family life was difficult, the stresses and strains that were endured by the family were at times extremely challenging. The Army L-R (front row only) The Reverend Jonathan Woodhouse, Benevolent Fund (ABF) has become a tremendous support to Colonel Edward Armistead, Air Commodore Ben Laite, Vice my parents, my sisters and me. President Sir Lawrence New, Duke of Edinburgh, General Lord Dannatt, Major General Morgan Llewellyn, Chairman Brigadier The generosity of the ABF has helped fund a running machine Ian Dobbie and The Venerable Ray Pentland RAF to aid with my father’s rehabilitation. In addition to this they helped with a family holiday to France which gave us all some well needed respite, in addition they helped my Mum to On Thursday 14 March 2013, The Soldiers' and Airmen’s return to education and begin training as a nurse. Scripture Readers Association (SASRA) celebrated its 175th Anniversary and Thanksgiving Service in the gracious presence Every serving Army soldier gives a full day’s pay each year to of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who the ABF. Your money gives families like mine a little extra represented Her Majesty the Queen, Our Patron, as she was support at difficult times. poorly and unable to attend. This was held at the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks, London. ABF invited me and my mum to go to Pandora HQ in London to take part in a photo As a Member I was invited to the Thanksgiving Service. I left shoot for Mother’s day. The Blandford Camp on the Wednesday before en route to purpose for the photo London with my No 2 Dress immaculate, shoes bulled and shoot was to promote the inspected by my Troop staff the week before. I was beaming British Rose Charm which with joy to be attending such a gracious Service. Once I had 15% of the proceeds go to arrived at Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks I changed into the ABF. Also helping to my No 2’s and had a final look in the mirror; I wore my Jimmy promote the charm was cap badge with great pride. Sara Cox and her mother as she is a big supporter of the There was a wonderful atmosphere as the chapel entrance filled with both military and civilian (ex-military) guests and we talked about experiences in service and how SASRA can make an impact. On the arrival of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, we sang the National Anthem. The Service was led by Rev Kevin Bell, Senior Chaplain London Division, our President, General the Lord Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL gave the

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 15 ABF. When we arrived there we were greeted with a glass of one another, as a result of their time trial positions, in a head champagne each then got sat down to get our make-up done to head race to the bottom of a short slope. Next was the professionally. While we were getting that done we were skate park where riders were given the day to perform any interviewed by the ABF asking what certain charms mean to tricks they could to score points. Unfortunately the skate us and why we have chosen them. After that were able to park at Rauris leaves much to be desired, especially the C-Rail create our own Pandora bracelet making it personal to us, which finishes by firing the rider into the railings next to it. which we got to keep at the end of the day. Every British The final event was the infamous boarder cross, where much Rose Charm purchased helps families like mine and gives like the dual slalom riders compete to be first to the bottom, them the support they need and a chance to rebuild their except this time there are four competitors and only one lives. track to share. This resulted in plenty of elbow flailing and face planting. The fortnight was brought to a close with Please continue to support the ABF, I have benefitted from everyone at the event meeting in a local pub to announce their help. Support should be available to everyone when prizes and have a few beers. It was a great event and they are in need. everyone on the team would recommend it to others.

EXERCISE MERCURY SNOWRIDER - by Cpl Sanders, Iron Tp WEYMOUTH 10KM - by Sig Goulding, Iron Tp

It was pretty bog standard “AT” start for the team of six It was coming to the end of a long Operator trade course for heading to Austria on Saturday 2 March, meeting up at 0400 CSBR 12/010 and we decided to do a charity event to raise to begin an epically long bus ride from Blandford to Rauris, money for Marie Curie Cancer Trust, a charity which most of Austria. us could to relate to.

The good mood as a result of being released from the minibus The event was a 10km run along Weymouth sea front, but prison was soon tamed with a good old fashioned safety and being well trained, fit soldiers we wanted to make the run timings brief from the Royal Signals Snowboarding more challenging and decided to run it in boots carrying 10kg. committee, bringing everyone’s expectations back down to Conditions were not the best. Bitterly cold wins made it earth. The trip was split into two, where the first week would harder to run and a mixture of terrains with hills made the run consist of tutoring and the second of team competition more difficult. We all got some funny looks as we lined up events. with the lycra clad civilians.

On the first day the group of six from 11 Sigs were split up, with half the team being allocated to novice groups where they could learn the basics, and the other half given instruction on how to improve their riding ability as part of “intermediate” and “advanced” groups. To assess the ability of those who had ridden before, boarders were given a 300m or so stretch to show off what they could do so that the instructors could put them in one of six ability groups. This put Capt Harryman in the first group, Sgt Trev Carter in second and myself in the third. Capt Harryman’s glory was soon dulled as the next day he was demoted to the second group for not quite cutting the mustard, much to his dismay. The first week then continued with instruction on technique from the ‘RipStar’ team, whilst the snow gradually melted away. It wasn’t often that those from 11 Sigs would bump into one another other than at lunch, where Capt Harryman would be smoking, Cpl ‘Jimmy’ Somerville would be executing an Eeyore impression, Cpl ‘Herby’ Hyde would be nursing a cup of tea and Cpl ‘Noodles’ Pritchard could be seen Despite the conditions everybody completed the event in cutting around the gondola station quizzing confused respectable times. Cpl Pritchard led the way crossing the line Austrian members of the public on their attendance of first with, Sig Ridley Boyce, Sig Peart, and Sig Barnett not far P-Company. Mercifully the weather brought a huge “dump” behind. After the event there was tea and biscuits at the of snow around the end of the first week which made for hotel and Sig Davis enjoyed a complementary massage from some excellent riding. the fitness instructor.

The second week held several events, starting with a dual Donations were being taken online, and with a short period of slalom where boarders of all abilities were pitched against time to donate before the run, we still raised £385.00. Donations can still be made online and will be greatly appreciated. www.Justgiving.com/csbr-12-10.

3 (HARROGATE) SQUADRON

OC Maj J Wilson SSM SSgt C Boswell

EXERCISE HARROGATE FOLLY 2013 – by Sig Richards

Friday 22 February saw members of Ulster and Lightning Tps deploy on Ex Harrogate Folly 2013. It all started as we stepped onto the coach in very cold conditions with no clue of where we were going and what would happen when we

16 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 got there. On arrival on the first evening we were met by the The day was a very good mix of specialist units and basic skills calm exterior of the directing staff and we went through the which everybody enjoyed and there are definitely some usual start of exercise procedure. Ammo was issued, cam budding volunteers for all the specialist Units of the Corps. cream applied and it was on the move to our sleeps for the night, which as we all had expected was a very dense wooded area in the middle of nowhere. Bashers up and patrol harbour established it was time to get into what would be the only comfort out of the cold for the weekend, our sleeping bags.

Day two began in the cold which was definitely in negative temperatures. Morning routine conducted, it was to the stands for the day. A six stand round robin awaited us all with stands consisting of specialist units from the Corps with 18 (UKSF) Sig Regt, 216 (Para) Sig Sqn, 299 Special Comms Sig Sqn and some added basic military skills stands run by members of 3 Sqn. The stands all had their own style. Imagine, darkness surrounded us, night vision goggles lit the way, partially, with an unknown situation ahead. A door blocked the way, the demolition team stood by to take out the door. Standby was signalled, and soon after the explosion came. This was our cue to move, so we sprang up and burst in taking out several enemies in each corner of the room. We tactically pressed on to the next room where we Cpl Smith briefing a fire team about to deploy expected to find our target. I’m told I wasn’t the only one that fired off a few rounds at the cardboard hostage with a baby in hand. Slick drills. I blamed the adrenaline… 264 had Day two arrived, and it was to hit us thick and fast after definitely given us a unique taster with some awesome high another cold wake up in the morning. A round robin tech night vision. competition awaited us as we began our first task, each task being as difficult as the one before. Two contact drills stands Buzzing after shooting the hostage, we pressed on to 299 with different feels, with one in the open and another Special Comms who had another unique stand. A table was conducted through the tree line, tested our communications laid out and upon it were several weapons, among them were skills to the max. It was then on to some observation where a Heckler and Koch Mpk, and a Glock 17. An insightful brief we used some skills we don’t always hear about with A-H and was constructed, a great salesman’s pitch into the Sqn and SCRIM coming in very useful. Apparently the medic, LCpl the weapons systems, certainly sounded like a great chance Pocock, sings like a girl (it will be the last time he volunteers to snatch at. Suddenly it got serious, and we all found to assist in stands). The last stand for our section was the ourselves either tied up with tape or tie raps and even BCD stand and it was a shock to us all. I found this particular handcuffed. We were then told to get out of the situation we scene setting well planned out. Patrolling down a path to find were in, easier said than done I might add. A few tips were an abandoned Lynx helicopter, granted it had no rotary thrown our way, not to my avail anyway, but followed by a blades, with a screaming casualty inside and one unconscious how-to demonstration. Some pretty neat drills to be victim. Raspberry jam was everywhere! It required some remembered. quick hands on action to get them out and treated accordingly with quick cas-evac to a safe area where we We later met up with 216 (Para) Sig Sqn, who walked us finished. through a slick Contact Drills stand, making it look dead easy. Followed by ourselves who, of course, didn’t perform quite With the last stand of the day completed we all thought it the same. Yet all in all a good insight as to how it’s meant to would be straight on the coach back to Blandford and be done, with a much needed refresher and warm up. Exercise over, but no, I think not! Admin of course culminates all exercises and cleaning and packing was to follow with The day was rounded of with some navigation skills which several hours to spare before the coach arrived. Snow was would be needed for the night navigation that evening, BCD hammering down now, the warmth of the coach was which would definitely come in useful and some basic gratefully received, especially by my face. Soon to be back on patrolling skills to keep our basic battle skills up to scratch. camp, with pizza in hand and a Gucci bed to lie on.

EXERCISE TOPHAM HATT 13 – 14 APR 13 – by Sig Pritchard and Sig Yates

A number of Phase 2 and 3 soldiers deployed on Ex TOPHAM HATT to assist in the renovation of Herston Halt station in support of the Swanage Railway Trust. The whole event was planned and coordinated by Sgt Gabbidon.

Sig Yates: This weekend I spent two days in Herston Halt on Ex TOPHAM HATT. The weather was terrible - it didn’t stop raining all day. I was asked to make a safe walkway down to the station. I enjoyed most of it, and it’s quite satisfying to see my work when finished. We had plenty of breaks and brews on demand. The staff supervising us were decent and helped us. Overall it was a good experience and I’m glad I did it.

Sig Pritchard: After an initial safety brief we were split down Two soldiers about to go dark and breach the building into groups and detailed on our tasks for the weekend. I was

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 17 paired with Des, a former Royal Engineer in the hut on the Cpl Besh Chemjong was used as a guide in the early stages of platform. My main job was to salvage a rotten cupboard. the trek, bringing D&V and AMS victims down off the Saturday was spent sanding and painting the cupboard down. mountain to Lukla. After another hair-raising flight back to A few little odd jobs needed doing such as changing a broom Kathmandu they were accommodated at BGK (British head and fitting photo frames into racking. Later on Saturday Ghurkha Nepal camp). after work was finished we had a BBQ and a few beers which was a good laugh. Sunday was a relatively short day, I just LANYARD TRAINING – by Cpl Glancy spent a few hours putting a second coat of paint on the cupboard and walls of the hut. All in all it was quite a good This year’s preparation is already off to a great start, with weekend, the highlight being that on Saturday whilst training being kept to the highest standard and competition everyone was out in the rain I was inside and dry. being fierce. WO1 Chris Brown (3 Sqn) is leading the training with the help of LCpl Liam Mills from the Garrison Gym. One 4 (MILITARY TAINING) SQUADRON of the venues for the teams' build up programme is the Brecon Beacons, with its slightly undulating terrain and OC Capt M Brown demanding hills this will be a great opportunity to pin point SSM WO2 (SSM) Butler the strongest members and create the best team.

611 (COMMUNICATIONS TRAINING) SIGNAL TROOP The team already has a huge amount of experience, with Cpl Mark Glancy who is a previous Lanyard Trophy winner, Sgt Tp OC Capt B Rowson Craig Fitzsimmons and Cpl Matt Devlin who both have completed the competition. Capt Mick Brown is the OIC and Another busy few months for the Tp supporting 11 (RSS) Sig hopes to be able field three male teams and one female team. Regt with all their trade course exercises. I would like to These teams will be a mix of permanent staff, Phase 2 and 3 congratulate my Tp SSgt SSgt Bruce Morrison and Sgt Mat soldiers. The strength of the squad at the moment is very Thomas for their well deserved promotions. Cpl Matthews high which will make team selection difficult. It is expected on his marriage to Nicola and the birth of their son Max, Cpl that all teams from 11 (RSS) Signal Regiment will do well in the Mo Morris on engagement to Helena, LCpl Bruce Lee and competition. Lesley on the birth of their daughter Jessica and LCpl Jay Usher and Madeline on the birth of their daughter Ayva. 5 (HARROGATE) SQUADRON

A warm welcome goes to Sgt Chris Jones, Cpl Swede Roberts, OC Maj T Wood LCpl Willow Smedley and LCpl Clarkey Clarke who have SSM WO2 (SSM) Mason joined the Tp since the last publication. FOREMAN OF SIGNALS COURSE 83 LIFE IN 611 - by LCpl Smedley – by Sgt Burton and Sgt Pham

Since I arrived in the Troop in late February this year it has Since coming back from Christmas leave FofS83 were straight been a busy few months (all cold and wet). I have deployed into the first exam period, therefore many things had been out on multiple exercises, gaining valuable experience from forgotten due to two weeks ‘stand-down’ (even though we my peers in order for me to fulfil my role has an instructor had assignments). There was a lot of last minute cramming here in 611 Tp. The Troop has recently been restructured into and we’re sure a few members of the course ‘stagged-on’ in 4 sections, each with a Cpl in charge, with the aim of gaining the classroom. However, we all passed, with Sgt ‘Daz’ Upton smoother transitions between all the exercises we support; doing extremely well in both exams. this should allow us to have more time for detachment maintenance, PS training and teaching and, hopefully, some Sgt Paul Walton has been busy behind the scenes preparing a well earned down time. ‘day-out’ to the security exhibition in Farnborough; however this wasn’t just a buckshee jaunt as WO1 (FofS) Kev During our week of re-organising we had a Tp outing, first for Macdonald had set us homework to research whilst there. this year; an afternoon of go-karting kindly organised by LCpl Thanks Foreman! Bruce. After a grulling day of racing around the track the overall winners after the hour were LCpls Graham Bruce, It wasn’t all plain sailing though as we had a close escape Emma Parker and ‘Willow’ Smedley. Leading by example was from a lunatic lorry driver on the M3, thankfully for us we had SSgt Bruce Morrison ‘sin binned’ for driving like he was in his SSgt Yates to set him straight. Talking of the M3, Sgt Aaron mini and 18 again. The slowest person around the track was, Russell and Sgt Paul Walton have two very different ideas of not surprisingly, Cpl Stu Tait, he is blaming a slow car! what a motorway is, one of them thinks it’s a round-about!!

EXERCISE EVEREST TIGER 1 – by Cpl Machin All students from the FofS83 course were very excited when the three week long Military phase timetable was dished out. Ex EVEREST TIGER 1 was a high risk and remote expedition to It gave us a gap between the arduous classroom slog and Nepal between 6 – 27 March 2013. The package was put brain bashing theories inflicted upon us at a daily rate! We together by the Master at Arms’ Capt Rab Lundie and all had to produce various presentations and a mock SJAR as qualified mountaineers from across 11 (RSS) Signal Regiment. homework along the way. This would be the first time a team from the Regiment or Garrison has attempted to reach Everest Base Camp at At the Ex ROCKSTAR BAYONET presentations we were grilled 5,364m and then to go one stage higher up to Kala Pattar at about how we would site concert equipment and how to 5,555m. justify why we had done it, this then led to SSgt Richie Hill being asked: “Why did you put the stage in front of 5 massive Cpl Jimmy Machin and Cpl Besh Chemjong from the PNCO trees?”, to which he replied “I’d cut them down for the concert CLM team attempted the gruelling trek with 18 other and plant new ones after”. members from across the Regiment, starting from Lukla, home of the world’s most dangerous airport. After a nervous Term 2 has gone well so far but we now look forward to a flight the trek began with team overcoming various obstacles well deserved Easter leave, only to come back and be hit with such as D&V, AMS (altitude sickness) and rogue yak herds. more exams.

18 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 YEOMAN OF SIGNALS COURSE 67 – EXERCISE YEOMANS FLURRY – by WO1 (YofS) McDonnell

This year, Yeoman of Signals Course Adventurous Training took on the somewhat “different” form of Ex YEOMANS FLURRY. An arduous team building exercise requiring Yeoman of Signals’ students to run the length of Hadrian’s Wall, covering a distance of 84 miles in 2 days carrying emergency and support equipment was, the DS were convinced, just the tonic for classroom induced cabin fever.

The exercise represented an opportunity for the eclectic mix of Royal Signals, Royal Marines and Royal Netherlands Marines Corps future supervisors to develop the bonds that would invariably be drawn upon throughout their future careers. Given the nature of the exercise, there would also be an opportunity for the Course Officer, Capt (Tfc) Vanandel, and Course Co-ordinator, WO1 (YofS) McDonnell, to appraise 42 Miles down, 42 to go. Sgts Perks and Heathcote arriving at the character of YofS 67 students outside of their comfort the Halfway point zone; something which can often be afforded too much quarter in the relative safety of the Royal School of Signals. story and for most, the prospect of another 42 miles was almost enough to put them off their bacon sandwiches. This is the point at which character flaws were going to be exposed and I am heartened to report that neither blisters nor agonising joints prevented the course from departing in good spirits and after another hard day’s slog the teams arrived east and west in Newcastle and Bowness-on-Solway; even the course Officer and Co-Ord had to don trainers and turn in a 40 miler to collect a replacement minibus from Newcastle Airport.

The remainder of the week was a little less physical and entailed an educational visit to the Royal Armouries where the course fired various weapons including the new Glock pistol. The return home was via the National Memorial Arboretum where the students took time to pay their respects to our fallen comrades, laying Royal Marines and Royal Signals wreaths and reciting respective Corps Prayers. Commence Appreciation: 2 Teams, 2 Minibuses, Start-Points 84 miles apart. What do you do Next?? Mission accomplished; with the students having experienced a little more Esprit de Corps than was otherwise timetabled and the Course DS satisfying themselves that the Yeoman of If any supporting evidence were required in justifying Signals remains the supervisor of choice where defeat is not Appreciations during YofS Selection, it was provided by 5 Sqn an option. SQMS SSgt ‘Luke Hazzard’ Hayward when he careered over a drystone wall 10 minutes into the exercise, leaving half the course teetering, Italian Job style. Having conducted an unexpected appreciation, the lads set off, on foot and in blizzard conditions, to their new start point and in true Yeoman fashion – Cracked On.

Day one’s horrendous sub-zero conditions tried their best to dampen spirits, as the 2 halves of the course raced their respective routes across the wall, to no avail, and the lads started to arrive back at the half way farm, wet and cold, but in good time and spirits having put 42 miles behind them. Day two was, in the spirit Yeoman of Signals Course 67 pay respects to the fallen at the Corps Garden within the National of honesty, a different Memorial Arboretum

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 19 ARMY TRAINING REGIMENT WINCHESTER

B SQUADRON best practice and ‘lessons learned’ and assist with command development training. Tp Comds must balance the career OC Maj Elisabeth Roberts aspirations and training requirements of their subordinate 2IC Capt Brendan Naughton instructors with the needs of the Sqn and the training of recruits. Mastering erudite report writing, timely and The last 4 months have seen B Sqn provide 2 intakes (5 Tps) effective planning of lessons (be it on the layout of a harbour of Standard Entry (SE) recruits to Phase 2 establishments of or from within the pre-prepared navigation syllabus) and the RAC, REME, RE, RAMC, AGC (SPS) and of course the R familiarity with range procedures and LF shoots will assist. SIGNALS. With each course lasting 14 weeks, Tp Training Teams have been constantly busy, with very little flex in what has proven to be an unrelenting 14 week training programme. It includes various instructional and education periods, 4 field exercises, a ‘realities of war’ excursion, a week of outdoor activities in Wales, 3 NAVEXs, a CO’s Competition and numerous range days, framed by a plethora of other activity not to mention the Pass Out Parade. Having undertaken the Tp Comd, Ops Officer and 2IC roles within a Training Sqn, I feel qualified to recommend Phase 1, and in particular Winchester, as a potential posting to any ‘Training Year’ officer. Teamwork

A year at a Phase One training establishment is rewarding. Whilst varied in the challenges it presents, the extent to which one can affect a recruit’s training experience is profound. Recruits now come from all backgrounds and include school leavers, second jobbers and university graduates. They could be from Teeside, Telford, Torquay or Toronto. Any competent instructor will consider the various factors relating to the differing backgrounds, motivation and ethics of this generation of recruits, and adjust their approach accordingly. As well as offering the opportunity to work with A Recruit negotiates the bayonet lane during the CO’s the best JNCOs the Army has to offer from all arms and Competition corps’, the variety it offers a Tp Comd as an instructor, mentor or commander, is unique. Where Junior Entry (JE) courses had the luxury of 23 weeks to deliver Common Military Syllabus (CMS) training, the regimen of SE requires that the Course is packed out with enough periods to cover Field Craft, Skill-At-Arms, PT, field exercises, Education, Drill, and MATTs training to name but a few, in order to prepare a recruit for the next stage of their training, be it at Bovington, Bordon or Blandford. Regardless of the extent to which they advocate the methods highlighted at the Army Recruiting & Training Division Staff Leadership School (ASLS) Defence Train The Trainer (DTTT) Course, all Tp Comds, Tp Sgts and Sect Comds are now required to demonstrate a more versatile instructional skill-set. Flexibility of approach, an advanced awareness of coaching methods and profiling of recruits is common place. It goes without saying that empathy and fairness are as applicable here as they are at RD.

The dynamics of the Training Team as a collective also have to A LOAC / BCD serial tests recruits during Ex FINAL FLING be flexible. While the Course Loading and Recruit Allocation Plans (CLP and RAP) endeavour to map out training activities for the next Training Year (TY), changes inevitably take place. NOTICES Although a Tp may be required to be deliver the CMS to 40 regular recruits of mixed cap-badge allocation, a change may Congratulations to Sgt Carter (B Sqn) and Sgt Hallsworth (C dictate that they are also ready to deliver training to the Army Sqn) who both enjoyed success on the Sgt-SSgt promotion Reserves, a whole new challenge in itself, and one that is set board. We welcome Cpl Brereton (A Sqn) who has previously to manifest itself more profoundly given the aspiration to been serving on operations with the RSIST 1WG and Cpl Boldy increase strength to 30,000 by 2020. Tps also contribute to (A Sqn) from 14 Sig Regt (EW).

20 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 NEWS FROM FORMATIONS

11 SIGNAL BRIGADE

Comd Brig Jonathan Cole OBE May 1940. The action cleared the way for German ground COS Maj Hervey Scott forces to enter Belgium, unhindered by fire from the mighty Eben-Emael. Business in the Headquarters has been moving along with the wide range of responsibilities and tasks changing and being adjusted constantly. This has not diluted the enthusiasm displayed while tackling the jobs and there is always a buzz of activity! The planning for the communications footprint in Afghanistan post combat operations is well underway, and the future divisional CONEMP for the reaction force has already started in earnest. In terms of force generation the next phase has started for H18 which has seen 215 Sig Sqn deploy and 3 DSR about to deploy on H18, with 21 Sig Regt and 207 Sig Sqn heavily embedded in MST2 preparing for H19.

There are numerous members of the staff team leaving for pastures new; we wish them well and good luck in their new posts. We have also had several people assigned to the Headquarters; welcome and hope you enjoy the challenges that will certainly come over the next two years. And finally, The Bde Oldies Comparing Notes On First Issue Battle Dress before the articles, many congratulations to Capt Steve Buckley on receiving a GOC’s Commendation for his sustained efforts in force generation in support of Op HERRICK (don’t The in-depth tour included visiting the hospital, gun portals, worry we will show you where the bell is!); well done. bathrooms and accommodation areas, the latter bringing a tear to Maj Charlie ‘Centurion’ Miller’s eye; the 11 SIGNAL BRIGADE COMMAND BOARD AND HEALTH accommodation was just the same as when he first joined! COMMITTEE Reproduced mock ups of the original German gliders gave individuals pause for thought to consider the young men who The Bde Command Board is an important gathering for the audaciously assaulted this supposedly impregnable fortress in Commander, taking place once a quarter with the location these ‘flying coffins’. It was noted by some that the LE changing each time. It gives the opportunity for all his COs to fraternity seemed to remember a lot of the dress and be in one place at the same time with his key staff to discuss equipment on display from their early postings around the issues, share best practice and give direction. The most globe… recent one was kindly hosted by CO 16 Sig Regt, Lt Col Rumsey, on Elmpt Station. The tour was summed up by Capt Jack Stokes, who had gave an excellent appraisal of the battle fought here using a thorough examination of the principles of war and the tactics used by the Germans. This proved to be an excellent opportunity for the key personalities in the Brigade to spend time together in an informal setting and further enhance the cohesion across the Brigade units and Headquarters staff.

Team photo outside Fort Eben Emael

The meeting was preceded with a short CT1 exercise taking the form of a battlefield study to a 1930s Belgian military defensive establishment, Fort Eben Emael. Located on the Belgian-Dutch border, the inactive fortress is maintained by local volunteers, who also provide guided tours. Our guide explained that it was designed to defend Belgium from a German attack across the narrow belt of Dutch territory in the region. Constructed in 1931–1935, it was reputed to be impregnable and, at the time, the largest in the world. The fort was neutralized by 56 glider-borne German troops on 10 Maj ‘Herr Flick’ Scott Grinning After Inspecting Bed Packs

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 21 EXERCISE ROMAN SKI – 11 SIG BDE BAVARIAN SKI TRIP even began to believe the rumour that some kit being used was from Sir Edmund Hilary’s training camp. Ex ROMAN SKI was a Brigade Adventurous Training Skiing exercise to the Sontofen region of Bavaria. As always with AT the objective was to develop, through challenging pursuits and within an outdoor environment, leadership and other qualities to enhance the performance of the attendees. The Comd’s intent, with all training, is the Bde HQ is to lead by example and ensure the opportunity to participate in all disciplines is exploited.

Organised by the BEME, Capt Si Holmes, his mission to become the most popular BEME in the HQ took another impact when briefing on the transport plan; to drive the 900 miles from Donnington to Bavaria, telling us that AT is meant Maj Scott attacking moguls to be arduous after all! Thankfully he regained ground after announcing there would be an overnight stop at Elmpt Station. Unfortunately this gave an excellent opportunity for After a full day of instruction, the group would meet up for Capt Steve ‘Back in My Day’ Buckley to regale to the awe the final hour to ski as a team. This was a good chance for struck younger members of the team with epic tales of individuals to catch up on stories of death defying black runs arduous comms exercises across the Northern German plains. attempted, off piste hazards avoided and mogul fields He enthusiastically pointed out every hill he had ever put a conquered. It also allowed for the team helmet camera to be comms detachment on and, with even more gusto, every deployed in order to capture the spills, thrills and falls of Schnell Imbiss he had eaten in. those who may have pushed a little too hard on the steeper slopes to show off in front of the team. A number of Arriving at the REME Lodge in Bavaria after the epic 14 hour inadvertent falls where captured for posterity, with Brig Jon drive proved an eye opener to those who have never used ‘it’s not that steep’ Cole leading the field and WO2 Richie ‘I any of the Bavarian military lodges before. Superb facilities only snowplough’ Wilson coming in a close second. and a picturesque location marked the start of what promised to be an excellent week's skiing on the Nebelhorn Ski area. A quick lodge brief and room allocation was followed by a bout of bickering as room mates divided up bunk beds. However, one area of immediate diplomacy was spotted with the COS, Maj Hervey ‘I don’t snore’ Scott, allowing the Bde Comd, Brig Jon ‘I don’t care if I do snore’ Cole to go on the top bunk, claiming it would be easier to kick him from below when he snored. It was at this point the Bde Comd mentioned that he had set his email account to auto forward to the COS for immediate action…but only after he’s made his bed.

The Bde Comd Preparing To Fly

The superb facilities at the REME lodge where polished off by an excellent programme of evening entertainment ranging from traditional bar games, pub quizzes and bingo. This also provided the opportunity for further education especially when the Comd asked “What’s a Jagerbomb?”; as usual the COS was on hand to provide the perfect answer with 5 examples! It is safe to say that everyone’s skiing ability was Maj Cooper turning at speed on the kiddie slopes developed throughout the week; experienced skiers worked on higher level skills and complete novices reached the level where they can confidently attempt black and off piste runs. With kit issued and individual skiing experienced assessed, we Everyone completed their Ski Foundation 1 Certificate, have were split into ability groups and mixed with the other units the ability to develop this and where tested in a challenging using the lodge. We would ski in these groups for most of the environment. day in order to benefit from targeted levels of instruction. With abilities from complete novice to instructor level this progressive instruction worked extremely well. The Novice group benefited from slow incremental training and had the additional joy of watching intricate demonstrations of SSgt John ‘Bambi on Skis’ Barber slowly falling over while trying to ski up hill. The more advanced groups could work on fine tuning techniques, unlearning bad habits and tackling more challenging areas of the Nebelhorn.

Evening lectures on mountain safety, avalanche awareness and mountain weather provided excellent education materials and allowed us to make informed choices about personal equipment to take each day on the mountain. Personnel from other units questioned whether an internal Bde comedy 1970s fancy dress ski-wear competition was taking place and some The Bde HQ synchronised Ski team at the top of the Nebelhorn

22 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 NEWS FROM REGIMENTS

1st (UNITED KINGDOM) ARMOURED DIVISION HEADQUARTERS AND SIGNAL REGIMENT HERFORD

CO Lt Col J G Hill assets. If they have forgotten their password or their monitor RSM WO1 (RSM) D J Mears has unexpectedly exploded then we can always be relied on to bend over backwards between 0800 and 1700. Although It’s all change in RHQ as the Regt has welcomed a new CO, we are a strong working force who will “happily” give up our RSM and Ops Officer in recent weeks. weekends for the “cause” we do get the rare occasion where we can take five minutes to let what little hair we have down and put our feet up. This usually does require an excessive amount of alcohol always provided by the connoisseur of spirits himself, FofS(IS) Hancock.

CHEESE AND WINE FUNCTION (EX SWANKY SOIREE) – by LCpl Pritchard

On Fri 25 Jan TM Troop was transformed into an iconic wine tasting venue with a wide selection of cheeses for the high profile dignitaries to enjoy. The extravagant event kicked off at 1400; slowly the arrivals trickled in bringing with them a bottle of the most expensive vino they could afford (€3.00 bottle of Jacob’s Creek). Each arrival was greeted by one of TM Troop’s finest, LCpl Huddart, typically dressed in the most à la mode attire. Each guest was handed a wine-tasting card which would be used to determine the premier wine of the night, and then shown into TM Troop’s exclusive bar (aka the crewroom) where they mingled with the establishment’s regulars.

After an hour of socialising TM Troop was in the presence of some of 1 (UK) ADSR’s greatest wine tasters such as Capt Yaxley, WO2 (SSM) Moore, Capt (TOT) O’Hara and Capt (TOT) Raynor; the amateurs (LCpl Nicholson) didn’t stand a chance against such connoisseurs.

As the evening progressed, the banter was bouncing around the venue like a beach ball at a Nickleback concert, the majority of which being aimed at Sgt Edwards’ “incredibly hot” guest courtesy of WO2 (SSM) Moore. Once the cheese Lt Col Carter hands over to Lt Col Hill as CO of 1 (UK) ADSR platters had been brought out, the attendees did not hesitate to dive straight into the most potent cheeses ever served in TM Troop. First we bid a fond farewell to Lt Col Rich Carter, who moves on to PJHQ. We wish him and his family all the best for the The night drew in and the company slowly diminished, but future. We extend a very warm welcome to Lt Col Jules Hill, before the event could truly conclude the awards for the best who took over the reins as CO at the beginning of March. The bottle of wine and the greatest wine taster of the evening Regt has also said goodbye to newly-promoted Capt Kev East, had to be presented. Although a very close competition for who hands over to WO1 (RSM) David Mears. Finally Maj both awards, there was no one who could quite compare the Kelvin Grice leaves us for Blandford; we welcome Maj Mark cultured nose and taste buds of WO1 (YofS) Carter, and all Holden in his place. other bottles faltered in comparison to WO1 (FofS) Floyd’s bottle of 2013 Black Tower. HEADQUARTERS SQUADRON As the function drew to an end and the majority of the guests OC Maj S Vernon staggered home to nurse what would become a memorable SSM WO2 (SSM) B Anderson hangover, a few hardcore revellers stayed and continued to sample the remainder of the wine followed by the last of the The Sqn has seen both the 2IC and SSM depart – best of luck beer and a few regrettable shots all supplied by the guru of to Capt Laura ‘Yakkers’ Yaxley and WO2 (SSM) Chris Moore TM Troop, SSgt (FofS(IS)) Hancock. in their new postings. Despite the hangover LCpl Pritchard, along with rest of TM TECHNICAL MAINTENANCE TROOP Troop had put on the most unforgettable functions to date. There will be many more in the future. At TM Troop we work arduously around the clock to help 1 (UK) ADSR get the best out of their information system

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 23 A DAY AT THE MUSEUM – LCPL HUDDART’S LEAVING Data Prep and PACEX, then the main event, Ex TETHERED FUNCTION – by LCpl Pritchard FLIGHT. It’s been emotional! Even though Falcon has proved to be somewhat unpredictable and weather conditions have When any member of the Armed Forces, whether they are a been freezing, morale has (mostly) remained high. Falcon has Private or Captain, thinks of a leaving function, it is expected put up a good fight but with the help of some technical to involve a 24 hour binge on the devil’s nectar. TM Troop, wizardry from the CS Eng team and particularly Sgt though, were in for a shock. ‘Slaughter’ Stares and LCpl ‘Flash’ Gordon, the ‘new kid’ Falcon is under control. Following many lessons learned and With the plans for LCpl Huddart’s leaving function being a an A-team of det comds, we look forward to TETHERED complete mystery to everyone, rumours burned through the FLIGHT 2 in April. Troop like Sgt Edwards burns through his paperwork, with ideas being bounced around that we may be going to the In the background, the Sqn has had a major shuffle around local Herford brewery, or go-karting. ready for tour. We have too many names to list as 201 welcomes an entire troop of 28 transferees from across the However, as the journey neared its conclusion we approached Regiment forming Hawk Troop and their Tp Comd Lt Miller. the aged cobbled lanes of Wewelsburg, the home of an old SS We bid good luck and farewell to Maj ‘The Boss’ Brunton, Sgt Camp during the years 1932-1945… can you see where this is Billy Watt, Sgt Copland, Sgt Lance Buckle and Cpl Dave going? Watson who move to 212. We also say goodbye to LCpl Kane Crawford leaving Germany for 14 EOD. We wish you all the We disembarked from the vehicle, pondering the idea that best for your futures. maybe there was a paintballing ground around the towering castle, but again we were wrong. EAGLE TROOP

We entered the castle and FofS(IS) Hancock approached the OC Lt C Dawes desk to enquire where the pre-booked English language tour SSgt SSgt J Stevens guide was. This proved difficult as the language barrier got in the way, with the FofS(IS) talking louder and louder and using EXERCISE TETHERED FLIGHT – by LCpl Janes more and more hand gestures to try and clarify what was going on. Eventually, with no tour guide in sight, we decided On 25 February 2013 201 Signal Squadron deployed on EX it was best to create our own tour. TETHERED FLIGHT, the Squadron’s first tactical Falcon exercise with the new equipment. After roughly an hour we came to the end of the castle, thinking that we could now go for a few cold beverages, but The exercise started with a parade at the cookhouse at the as we left the building a very attractive tour guide ran up to rather sociable time of 0330 before lining up our detachments us shouting that we had gone to the wrong castle and she in packet order for the convoy to Elmpt Station. The journey was meant to be taking us on a tour of the guard post and went smoothly bar one driver change credited to Sig Chris fort. The tour guide spent the next 2 hours briefing us all up Evans who was suffering from ‘long blinks’. on the history of the location. As we finally approached the end of the tour most of us were exhausted and thirsty, but a The first half of the exercise was very frustrating for all lot more informed on how the SS functioned. involved due to the number of different faults arising from the new equipment, which slowed progress and inevitably put The drive back was quick for everyone except for LCpl us behind what we were capable of achieving as a Squadron. Butters, who had been tasked with the unenviable job of Not to mention keeping our engineers busy! getting us all back to camp unscathed while we slept. Upon arrival in the Troop bar, what had once been a troop of The week rounded off well with one of the best ever Sqn zombies gradually woke up. As the night progressed the goal functions organised by Sig Chris Evans in order to celebrate of stumbling back to our rooms was in sight until the dreaded our time spent under the command of OC Maj Pete Brunton. game “21” was rolled out. All those that couldn’t handle the The first part of the night was spent at an all you can eat, all intensity of the game retired to their place of slumber, you can drink indoor go-kart track which the boys took full although the hardcore amongst them stayed behind and advantage of. A then very merry Squadron took over a bar in continued drinking until late with stories that must never see Roermond, Holland where everybody let their hair down! the light of day. Back on exercise we had RSIT inspections and deployed out The next morning was the last time LCpl Huddart set foot into onto the area for what proved to be a successful and TM Troop; everyone was sad to see him go as he was a valued worthwhile exercise. Despite still being hampered by faults, asset of TM Troop, 1 (UK) ADSR and the Royal Corps of most of the detachments managed to get links in. The short Signals. He will be missed and we all wish the best at his new deployment also gave some of the newer, less experienced assignment with 1 LANCS in the role of a Combat Infantryman. det comds a chance to manage det routine for the first time. After turnaround on Thursday afternoon we lined up the 201 SIGNAL SQUADRON vehicles ready for the journey back to Herford on Friday morning. OC Maj A Hutton SSM WO2 (SSM) Miners There are a few crate moments to mention from this exercise. Cpl Richie Williams for forgetting his det folder. LCpl Tom SQUADRON UPDATE – by Sig Brigham Manning for leaving some of his det’s equipment back in Herford and by far my favourite goes to Cpl Dip Malla for In the run up to Easter Leave, Eagle Troop and Kestrel Troop E-purging a DC3T, rendering the equipment useless. have worked as one in the effort to get Falcon off the ground, so present a joint 201 Wire Notes this month. CROSS COUNTRY UPDATE – by Lt Dawes

Business has been booming in 201. We have devoted most of A hugely successful season draws to a close: the 1 (UK) ADSR our time to taming the new Falcon capability. Following the cross country team has kept pace in the last few races against Falcon Set To Work Exercise, we went straight into In-Barracks tough competition. We rely on excellent, fit and committed

24 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 regular runners at the core of the team and fantastic efforts KESTREL TROOP from a great number of guest runners for every race. Special thanks to Lt Jo French who managed the majority of races OC Lt R Drysdale before her departure in February. SSgt Sgt Buckle

Army Championship Finals, RMA Sandhurst EXERCISE PREMIER CHARGE – by Lt Drysdale

The biggest race in the calendar, this fantastic event was held On a cold wintry Monday morning in late February 212 Sig Sqn at Sandhurst featuring some of the best cross country runners received orders to deploy to Sennelager training area on the in the Army. Despite a long journey from Herford the team Regimental battle camp. With snow still on the ground, the was in high spirits and a enjoyed great course and enemy was not the only thing seen as a threat to the friendly atmosphere. There were some very fast times posted by Sig forces’ operations. McGill and Maj Lou McClean in particular. No prizes this time, but 1ADSR represented admirably and should be very proud After the usual pre-deployment admin had been taken care – scoring very well across the board. of, it was a short drive down to the 1 (UK) ADSR AO. The Squadron shook out in the assembly area and prepared for BA(G) League the arduous insertion tab to FOB RHINO.

Race 7, Paderborn. FOB RHINO, we were pleased to find, was well-equipped to dominate the ground in the local town with heavily armoured A freezing cold afternoon in Paderborn gave us some of our sangars affording good protection and views across the area. best results this season. This was a particularly tricky course Even better, it had heated bedrooms which felt like saunas, with hills so steep you almost had to clamber up them, and a power showers and a cookhouse serving 3 hot meals a day. true test for your trail shoes on especially off road terrain. Once SSM SSgt Wood was happy that we were into routine, 9km later, a triumphant LCpl ‘Smiler’ Maosa stormed into first OC Capt Davidson sent us out on our first patrols of what was place, closely followed by some very well placing teammates, an intense patrolling matrix to dominate the ground and fix QMSI Bareham and SSgt Laughton, fending off tough and find the enemy. It would be fair to say that morale was competition from 5 RIFLES. Some great runs too from those high when we considered the fate of HQ Sqn, who were at ‘just warming up’ for Iron Mans, and a special mention for the this point shivering in a sqn harbour in a wood block 5kms to hardworking female team. our west. After two days of recce and reassurance patrols, and a sharp increase in enemy activity, we reluctantly handed Race 8, Herford over the comfort of the FOB to HQ Sqn and prepared to move into a harbour location from which to conduct offensive The BA(G) League Finals were hosted at home in Herford and operations. enjoyed an enthusiastic turnout from the Div staff, including the GOC in person as well as regulars from 1(UK)ADSR. The old favourite CO’s run route was extended on a very icy course but the crowds encouraged some photo skid finishes on the final sprint. The result couldn’t have got any better – first place from Paul ‘The Physio’ Westwood and Sharon ‘Catch her if you can’ Bareham. (Both interviewed for BFBS in the very fetching new 1ADSR tracksuits!) There was also a hard-earned season second place female for Capt ‘Yakkers’ Yaxley. These triumphs and the great efforts all season brought the Female joint first and Male (Major Unit) joint second for BA (G) League.

There was further success at the BA(G) Inter-Corps Championships at Hameln in March, with Sig Royals and 2Lt Haley on the winning female team, albeit running for 20 Bde thanks to a low turnout. In the men’s race, LCpl Maosa came 2nd – a strong finish to an excellent season which has seen him run for the Corps team. The relative luxury of the FOB was much-appreciated

The contrast of the warm secure FOB to the snowy and frozen wastes of the harbour was a shock to some, but it was time to get our war faces on. After our initial soak and harbour work phase, orders were delivered for recce patrols to be sent out to confirm the enemy locations. As the patrols left and the sun set it was apparent that if there were any enemy attacks on the harbour, the depleted defence would be up against it.

The first shot rang out at 2136hrs, and marked the start of a prolonged probing attack against the Sqn for the next two hours by an enemy force assessed to be in Sect strength. The troops were stood to and spread to cover the gaps, the Sgts running around furiously trying to maintain control of the ammunition. Despite numerous probes and attempts to occupy our harbour, the enemy found that 212 Sig Sqn was The 1ADSR cross country team too great a match. The decisive event was a bold counter

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 25 attack led by SSM SSgt Wood that saw 2 enemy captured and of us have ever witnessed. Since returning from Sennelager the withdrawal of the rest of the force. the Troop had an opportunity for some downtime with a day out skiing, before the build-up to Ex BAVARIAN CHARGER and The following morning the Sqn received orders for an RSIT inspections begins in earnest. advance to contact. Intelligence suggested enemy standing patrols had been set up in a wood just over 1km from our A decidedly slimline Main Troop returned from Easter leave, harbour. The contact that ensued saw 8 enemy dead and the with a deep breath needed to list all those we have said capture of vital intelligence detailing enemy dispositions and a goodbye to: Sig Roberts and LCpl Wilcock move to 212 Sig likely HQ in compounds to our North. The stage was set for Sqn, and Sigs Abraham, Hooghiemstra, Holdcroft, Houston, the decisive battle of the campaign. Hubbard, Hudson, Jones, McCabe and Monington go to 201 Sig Sqn. We wish them all the best of luck. We also welcome Sig Woolley from Blandford.

REGIMENTALT BOXING NIGHT 15 FEB 13 – by Sig Rusling

What started as a group of guys who could barely string a couple of punches together ended with a team of well-trained boxers proving that they had earned their place in the ring.

It all started in December, a couple of weeks before Christmas leave. E-mails had gone around the squadrons asking for volunteers, and the boxing team started with about 40 in total, but after the first couple of weeks of training people were dropping out and eventually the team was set at 18.

Once everyone had returned from Christmas leave, the real training would begin: all day, every day, for nearly two months. The mornings would consist of a run followed by SSgt ‘Stevo’ Stevens getting excited about ammo skills, and the afternoons would be circuits and conditioning, followed by more skills and handwork. Capt Davidson delivered orders in the Friday morning twilight to a battle-weary band of warriors. By the end of the O Group, they were ready to get stuck into the enemy and sacrifice themselves for the greater good. Crossing the Line of Departure in the dawn haze the Sqn set off at an aggressive pace. Lt Buescher led the initial assault against outlying positions in the edge of the village whilst Lt Drysdale’s troop circled around the village to set up for the break in. A swift action saw the Troop break into the first compound and despite higher than anticipated enemy numbers, the skills and drills and strong leadership of the section commanders took the first compound allowing Lt Buescher’s Troop to echelon through and destroy the enemy in the second.

The exercise was a great opportunity to refresh military skills and drills and a huge improvement was seen over the course LCpl Beck with his award for Most Gallant Boxer of the exercise. The general feeling was one of satisfaction at a job well done as Endex was called and the Squadron retired to Harewood Barracks to recover and enjoy a hard earned We trained as a Regiment, and soon there was a close bond weekend. between all Squadrons and all boxers. As a result, knowing how your opponent fought and knowing that you were 211 SIGNAL SQUADRON fighting a friend made fight night special. Each bout brought something exciting to the crowd, from the speed in the OC Maj T Moran lighter categories to the three rounds of heavy blows in the SSM WO2 (SSM) R Savage heavier categories.

MAIN TROOP

OC Lt E Haley SSgt SSgt C Simmonds

February saw 3 members of Main Tp competing at the Regt Boxing Night – Sigs Rusling, McCabe and Da Costa all put in excellent performances on a fantastic evening. Well done also to Sig Duckron for his efforts in coaching the team.

Many of us have deployed to Sennelager, some on Ex PREMIER CHARGE, providing safety comms to the Regt Battle Camp, and some on Ex IRON RHINO, wheeling out the much- loved brew tent and ICS helpdesk in support of 20 Bde’s CAST Ex. A special mention goes to Sig ‘War Wound’ Abraham for the most dramatic reaction to a glorified papercut that most Lt Col Carter presents Sig Thomas with his award for Best Boxer

26 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 always things were never quiet, especially as SSgt Chadwick decided to throw in a MATTs package just as everyone was looking to go on leave.

Unfortunately Sigs Blythe, Boyd, Buchanan, Daly, Farrell, Joyce, Raven, Thomas and Wilson have moved to 201 Sig Sqn, but we are pleased to welcome Sigs Spencer and Trundle from RSS Blandford.

EXERCISE IRON RHINO 13 – by Sig Smith

211 Sig Sqn yet again deployed to our beloved Sennelager Training Area as part of Ex IRON RHINO 13, the aim of which was to train Brigade staff in planning and executing simulated combined arms manoeuvres and wide area security ops.

The full line-up of 1ADSR Boxing Night competitors 211’s role was to provide ICS support and trunk comms between 20 Armd Bde in the field and in the CAST building. The fight night produced a number of ‘slobber knockers’, Spec Task Tp deployed 4 vehicles, 2 CLASPs (Combined Local from light welterweight all the way up to heavyweight. The Area Support) and 2 BMs (Bearer Modules) 2 weeks before fights on the night were: the 20X staff officers arrived. This was to ensure a trunk link could be established to provide a VBS2 simulated UAV feed Sig Brown vs. Sig Maiden – Brown winner for both HQs and reduce disruption during the exercise. A Sig Farrington vs. Sig Rusling – Rusling winner few small problems did occur thanks to Sig Jack Joyce Sig Boyle vs. Sig Fidler – Boyle winner snitching on Sig ‘Granddad’ Lea after he had plugged in the Sig John-Teye vs. Sig Slack – Slack winner wrong antenna head, but thankfully this was swiftly resolved. Sig Robson vs. Sig Willard – Willard winner Once both sites had laid fibre and DVTs (phones) into the Sig Daly vs. Sig Bagley – Daly winner respective locations and the links were tested it was into Sig Phillips vs. Sig Eaton – Eaton winner routine. Sig ‘Morale’ Reynolds even opted to stag on three Sig Amarah vs. Sig Wilson – Wilson winner nights in a row to secure a night off to watch Manchester Utd Sig Da Costa vs. LCpl Walford – Walford winner lose to Real Madrid. Sig Wilson vs. Sig McCabe – Wilson winner LCpl Beck vs. Sig Thomas – Thomas winner When the exercise went live and staff officers started to arrive the remainder of 211 Sig Sqn began to support Divisional Best boxer Sig Thomas Staff within the CAST building, having spent the previous Most gallant LCpl Beck week setting up. Cormorant had been providing a steady passage of data and voice until Sig ‘the generator tripped‘ Winning Squadron 212 Sig Sqn Entwistle had a moment with the ‘BIG RED’ (emergency stop) button on his detachment. With much flapping the BM was Thank you to Capt Tudhope and all those who helped put re-powered and the link re-established. together an enjoyable and memorable evening. The exercise was a success with the newer members of the TAC TROOP Troop receiving valuable time on the detachments in a working environment, all of which will stand them in good OC 2Lt I Archambeau stead for the future when Spec Task is the last Cormorant SSgt SSgt C Brady troop left standing. The Troop is now looking forward to Ex BAVARIAN CHARGER in the near future. Tac Troop welcomes new Tp OC 2Lt Ian ‘Archie’ Archambeau, fresh from Blandford, and says goodbye and good luck to 212 SIGNAL SQUADRON LCpl Hingley, who moves to 14 Sig Regt. OC Capt C Davidson SPEC TASK TROOP SSM WO2 (SSM) D Cattle

OC Lt J Mason ANZIO TROOP SSgt SSgt R Jones OC Lt C Buescher Spec Task Tp have thoroughly enjoyed the prolonged wintry SSgt Sgt T Durbridge conditions in Herford, often finding any excuse to deploy to the much loved STA (Sennelager Training Area). In February EXERCISE SNOW WARRIOR – by LCpl Clarke we displayed the mighty, and some might say beautiful, Cormorant Fleet for the Board of Officers before deploying On a very cold, snowy morning in January a few of the straight out of the door for Ex IRON RHINO 13, a 20 Bde CAST guys from the mighty 212 Sig Sqn were excitedly waiting to Ex. The three weeks living out of the Lancashire Cookhouse get down to Bavaria to enjoy the opportunity of 9 days skiing were over all too soon before Spec Task headed back into the down in a small village called Wertach. Following an warmth of Hammersmith Barracks. It was not only down at emotional 8 hours drive in a coach we arrived at the Drei Sennelager that Spec Task performed admirably but also at Muehlen lodge, where we were directed to our rooms, swiftly the 1 (UK) ADSR Boxing Night displaying a Sqn(-) effort of 6 followed by the issue of all the kit required for this adventure. boxers for the event! Sigs Blythe, Daly, Fidler, Phillips and Wilson did their Troop and Squadron proud, with Sig Thomas We got split into various ability groups of around 6 people. A the pick of the bunch with his award for Best Boxer. couple of us, LCpl Clarke and LCpl Graham, took part in the SF1 course (beginner), while Lt Buescher and Sig Ray started March proved to be a pretty short affair due to the early in the more advanced SF2 group. The first few days were just Easter leave in advance of Ex BAVARIAN CHARGER, but as the training stages. Depending on the instructors some

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 27 groups moved around and tried out different slopes. All in all, We arrived in good time and took over the accommodation; everyone learnt and improved massively and went from the as the 1 (UK) ADSR group was the biggest group by quite a training slopes in Ober- and Unter-joch to what eventually way we were split in 3 hotels across town. The three most seemed like Mount Everest on the dizzying heights of the senior members of the contingent stepped up to take charge Fellhorn and Hoher Ifen in Austria! Across the various of each block. Monday morning came, and with a slight sense competency levels some took it in quicker than others but in of excitement mixed with fear and uncertainty lingering in the general everyone had fun and it was very enjoyable exercise. air all 130 members of the Royal Signals Snowboarding team camp came together for the first time at the base of the main After every day of skiing we were given a presentation on a lift. The group was broken down into Novices and ‘Open’ number of subjects such as avalanche awareness and a riders – a mix of experience from intermediate to expert. debrief about the day we spent on the slopes. Despite the – Under the direction of the Ripstar instructors and our own somewhat unexpected – fatigue experienced by most of us, SSM Savage the novices were broken down further to this was usually followed by a few cheeky cold ones in the 9 separate groups of between 8-10 and the Open riders were lodge bar to finish off each day! The nature of the exercise taken up the mountain for an assessment to split them into made for an all ranks mix at the bar and offered some room ability groups. for a number of conversations. The next few days comprised of a lot of sore bums and We greatly enjoyed our time in Bavaria and would recommend suspected broken coccyxes, for some frustrating at times, but anyone interested to give it a go! it was rewarding when the novices began to pick it up and link turns. However, all knew that at the turn of the week AREZZO TROOP stood the much anticipated ‘Race Week’. This struck fear in to all, fear which spurred on extra practice, fear which pulled OC Lt C Miller you to your feet and forced you to continue until you got it SSgt SSgt M Laughton right, and fear that heightened your ability to listen to your instructors. It was also the fear which dragged you out of Arezzo Tp deployed on a Regimental Battle Camp for HST your pit after a night out on the sauce. ready to go into MST. The first day, in fact the whole week, was a cold one especially having the snow still falling. This By the end of the week all the novices had lost the fear and didn’t stop us from completing section and platoon attacks; begun to really enjoy the art of snowboarding. The Open LCpl Rory Cobb also demonstrated how to test your own trip riders had honed their skills and sharpened their edges. flare. Despite the conditions, all the guys got on with it and showed courage and leadership throughout, thoroughly Race week arrived deserving a long weekend. and everybody was on edge, and Back in barracks our main effort was the handover of our on the edges of Bowman dets to another Sqn. To that end we had to make their snowboard! sure all work on the dets was squared away with Cpl Reg The beginners Holdsworth running about for demands! With that put aside, had some of the all detachments were handed over with little hassle and now best runs of the we can concentrate on our next deployment to Afghanistan. entire competition, with During the last month we have had a number of members LCpl Waryk joining 212 Signal Squadron for the next Op Tour. We have gaining an expert welcomed Cpl Sutherland and Cpl Holdsworth. Sig Elliott has time of 32 already made a sporty impact, representing the Corps and seconds; however Army football teams and scoring in and winning both games. he was disqualified for It’s going to be a lot busier in the coming months due to the going the wrong deployment in the near future but all the guys are ready and way around the raring to go. flags. The Snowboarder MONTE CASSINO TROOP Cross was complete carnage OC 2Lt G Baynes with Lt Edworthy SSgt SSgt J Bean Sig Wilson demonstrating his skills going over the finish line in a The Tp wishes Lt Jo French the best of luck as she moves on superman pose, to pastures new, and welcomes 2Lt Gavin Baynes from mostly on his face. However great success in the 1 (UK) ADSR Blandford. team was Sig Wilson who finished an impressive 2nd from over 70 novices. RIMINI TROOP From the 22 Riders we took, 6 were intermediate. LCpl OC Lt B Edworthy Calderbank had to step out of the A team due to a suspected SSgt SSgt C Wood back injury which saw our teams chance of victory dashed. However LCpl Hingley and Sgt Pardoe performed very well, EXERCISE SNOW RIDER IV – by Lt Edworthy as did Cpl Emma Pardoe and LCpl McWhir, who brought home medals for the girls. The team pulled together very At 0015 on Sunday 3 March 13 we embarked on our long well and gave a tremendous effort for 1 (UK) ADSR. journey from Herford to Rauris, Austria. After months Although unfortunately we did not win the competition, we of preparation and meetings the plan was coming together; have gained a lot of experience and some great talent for the we were to move to Rauris have a jolly good time then return sport was shown by novices and experianced riders alike. to Herford with medals and glory. But for now it the plan was just to make it there in one piece. Bring on next year!

28 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 3rd (UNITED KINGDOM) DIVISION HEADQUARTERS AND SIGNAL REGIMENT BULFORD

CO Lt Col PR Griffiths and his merry detail out for his new expedition coupled with RSM WO1(RSM) R Luke news of their troubles lifted everyone’s morale. Never one to miss an opportunity for training, the SSM quickly altered the As the Spring approaches the focus of the Regiment has day’s events to begin MATTs while we waited for news of the shifted to the forthcoming deployment to Afghanistan on Op Warden’s progress. HERRICK 18. Approximately half the unit will deploy to provide communications support and force protection for UK Thursday brought a brand new day as I was due to conduct and coalition forces from May-Nov 13. The majority drawn my first ever top cover shoot which was instructed by Cpl from 202 Sqn, Sp Sqn and RHQ will be based in Helmand as ‘Emma Dilema’ Watson, Cpl Andy ‘Ski’ Latusek and Sgt ‘Stu’ part of the JFCIS and HICSSS. Whilst 258 Sqn with elms from McCreadie. Next was the pairs fire and manoeuvre followed across the Regiment will provide the Kabul ICS Sig Tp, Kabul by the section sanger shoots. We had heard all sorts of Support unit and Kabul Forces Protection and Transport rumours about the sanger shoot, things like “It’s a big lake, Company. For those remaining behind the challenges are just you’re going to be cold, wet and all in all a mess by the end of as tough; 206 Sqn, Sp Sqn and the ROG will help to field it”, bearing in mind it was still sub freezing temperatures. I’m FALCON and focus on the development of the new Re-active not going to lie, I was absolutely dreading this final shoot. As Force Headquarters concepts with a series of exercises it came to it I thought to myself, “Last shoot Hayley, last throughout the summer and autumn. shoot!”and to my relief it was nowhere near as bad as people had made out and actually quite enjoyed it. However this was 202 SIGNAL SQUADRON the afternoon so the first group had already generously broken up the ice for us to run through. OC Maj C Dixon SSM WO2 (SSM) K Brown All in all this was a very, very cold week but something all of us had to complete to be able to deploy. We all survived, roll EXERCISE BUFFALO SOLDIER - by LCpl Hayley Latusek on the Afghan summer!

In March, 202 Signal Squadron deployed to Lydd Ranges for a THE HOSPITAL SECTION live firing package ready to deploy on Op HERRICK 18. As we - by Cpl Donkin, LCpl Nuttall and LCpl Bettley arrived at the location the weather wasn’t great, high winds that bit through you like ice and we were all under the illusion Amidst the busy preparations the Sqn has been conducting that the weather could not get any worse the following day. for our up and coming deployment the small but specialist Oh! How wrong we were! Hospital Section have found the time to conduct a wide range of Mission Specific Training to fully prepare us for our role of Breakfast was early doors on Monday at 0615 and as we providing CIS support for the Role 3 Hospital in Camp Bastion. walked to the cookhouse you could see that everyone’s Made up of Cpl ‘Stonkin’ Donkin, LCpl Nuttall and LCpl morale was high, impressing each other with their fancy kit ‘Tetley’ Bettley we have not only excelled in our knowledge designed to keep you fighting through the Afghan summer, and understanding of our role but also really bonded as a only problem was, it was minus 9 degrees! Once we were on Section. We were required to complete a range of courses the ranges it was even worse as the only word to describe the racking up a fair few miles to learn the various systems we day was BLIZ-HARD. The scores at 300m for the APWT were will be maintaining. These included Whole Hospital more like how many fingers people had left than anything Information System at Queen Elizabeth Barracks Strensall, shooting related. We had to aim off a target and a half to the Picture Archiving Communications Service at AGFA in Leeds, left at that distance to hit anything in the blustery wind. this system manages digital images taken by the radiographer Though it was a challenging day due to the APWT being a and finally Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham to attend predominantly static shoot we persevered and really felt like the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) progress was being made in preparation for the more course. We feel these courses have given us a strong enough interesting shoots. baseline of understanding to build on when we deploy.

The next day as we all awoke from our nice, warm, comfy We are currently expanding our skill set while deployed on military beds and looked outside of the window we all knew the HOSPEX with 33 Field Hospital. This is also providing time that Tuesday was not going to be any different. That was with Microsoft engineers to further our understanding on the until we had the call that there would be no firing as the systems we will be working with. We are all looking forward Range Wardens could not get into work. Unfortunately for to deploying in a new role and facing any challenges that the ‘First Detail’ before news of the Warden's lack of snow come our way head on. ploughs had reached them they managed to 206 SIGNAL SQUADRON ‘dig’ their way onto the range, using boots and OC Maj D Spencer shovels, an event which SSM WO2 (SSM) J Johnson has been described since as the low point in a NORMANDY TROOP TRAINING WEEK - by Sig Wenn. number of military careers. Back at base Monday: We started work just like any other but our Troop camp, the news that we Commander, Lt French, had planned some surprises for us would not be following over the coming week. The first task was a few ice breakers, LCpl ‘Sir Walter’ Scott we had to stand in front of our fellow Troop members and

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 29 talk about random topics pulled out of a hat. Topics including set free and all travelled back to our homes for a well-earned such things as; life guards, water, lemons, glass and even weekend off. The Queen. As an individual we had to speak for around 5 minutes, telling our Troop history, developments in time, the 3RD (UK) DIV HQ AND SIG REGT v 30TH SIGNAL REGIMENT present and even what they expect the future holds for each BOXING - by LCpl Whitford individual topic. In the afternoon we jumped on a TCV over to Tidworth where SSgt Swan put us through our paces on the It’s the big night, it’s what we have been training for, it’s who DCCT range, completing a number of exciting shoots. we are. Those who made it to that night of boxing are those who endured hours of physical exhaustion coupled with pain Tuesday: Tuesday was a rather exciting day. SNCOs from and sweat, all to pay off in the next three boundary pushing 18 (UKSF) Sig Regt came down to our garages and gave us a rounds against an equally dedicated opponent, but we presentation on the training and way of life of a Special Forces couldn’t just get here, we needed training. Communicator. Many of the Troop were extremely interested in such an exciting job role and one totally different from Six weeks until the night, the night that each of us would be normal garage life. Once this had finished we then moved out counting the days down in our heads until it reached us. on to the local training area, where we were given lessons by Fourteen stood in the dusty garages of 202 Sig Sqn, nothing members of 264 Sig Sqn in SERE (Survival Evasion Resistance but a few lockers crammed with the various tools of the Extraction). They demonstrated to us how we could build boxing trade and a pile of mats by a wall. We didn’t realise it fires, shelters and catch wild animals. We then got to spend yet but these mats would have hours of sweat and more the afternoon practising the skill we had been taught in the blood split upon them than we could ever of thought. morning in small groups. Walesy, not a big guy, not an arrogant guy, but definitely not a guy I’d mess with. The confidence that Walesy emits gives us all the confidence that this is possible, days and weeks of training will again confirm this. First cardio session and as a group we can already see some minor work needing to happen for some people, such as Sig Marriot and his inability to run without starting a thigh fire from chafing.

From the 14, little over half remained by the fourth week; many lost due to shock of the overwhelming feeling when been struck in the face, as Sig Baithwaite and others found out. By this point in the training we all knew the way others fight and how to push each other to a limit, a limit that we all wouldn’t like to find so readily. Sig Francis’ ability jumped in such epic leaps that we were all caught by surprise, as she throws a flurry of heavy hitting fists towards unsuspecting Normandy Troop practicing SERE opposition. The king of heavy hitting would without doubt go to Sig Ewers, as a great shock I’m sure this will be. The almost robotic slams of his left, followed by an equally Wednesday: On the Wednesday we had an inter-Squadron tremendous right was something not to take lightly. We all sports day competition. The sports varied from one to took this guy seriously after his 50% effort, clean KO of a another like throw a rugby ball into a basketball hoop, dribble sparring partner. As the weeks of remaining training dwindle a rugby ball around cones, hitting shuttlecocks into a tire or in days the names of the boxers for the night are called out, throwing table tennis balls into various sized containers at no one is surprised, but now it feels real. Training shifts from various distances. The competition finished with a group mini soul grinding physical pain to the raising of spirits and passing fitness test and then Tug of War. Mons Troop were the overall of ring knowledge. So little time left now, but all that has winners with Normandy Troop a close second. The afternoon needed to be done in training and in ourselves has not only consisted of a quiz with various topics including Corps history, filled us all with the feeling that we can do it, but the feeling general knowledge and sports. We stayed in our teams from there is no way we can’t do it. the morning; this was not just a test for brawn but brain as well. Normandy Troop swept up with Cpl Nex’s brain On the day there is no doubting that they put in a stellar providing all of the answers in world class time. performance, a hard fought night ended up in 3DSR’s favour as we lifted the trophy after defeating 30SR. No opponent Thursday: The Troop set of in a small convoy of two minibuses could be found to match Sig Ewers, but Sig Green impressed to London. When we arrived one group was dropped off all with a first round technical knock out. Returning to the at the Tower of London. The other group had to park up Troop as conquering heroes, we all eagerly look forward to near the Natural History Museum in which they would visit. the Corps boxing with two of our Troop in the running. Personally I learnt that dinosaurs are actually real! The groups spent around 3 hours at each place, before meeting back at 258 SIGNAL SQUADRON the minibuses and the long trip back to Bulford Camp. OC Maj A Senneck Friday: Once again we had another trip to London to watch SSM WO2 (SSM) E Watson the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. SSgt Swan had taken part in the ceremony before, as well as Cpl Stu KABUL ICS TROOP - EXERCISE ROMAN PASHTUN Barley. They were full of background and insider information - by LCpl Freemantle as to what goes on and how the guard is carried out. For many of the Troop this was a first time experience which Quarter to six is only a good time when it’s in the afternoon. everyone appeared to enjoy. Once this was finished we then Unfortunately, we were meeting in the morning so the timing moved to the local area for a bit more information about was 0545... and that’s never a nice time to be starting the day. public duties carried out and then visited the Guards memorial With all the bags loaded on the vehicles we set off. Most and split up for some lunch and a quick drink, before the long people were able to get themselves back to sleep quite and final journey back to camp. We then arrived we were quickly; the rest of us had to find other ways to amuse

30 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 ourselves for the journey. Amazingly though, everyone woke collapsed was were the commander would’ve been sitting. up when the minibus pulled into the services (there’s nothing After a momentary panic LCpl Tuck was tasked with sourcing quite like the smell of McDonald’s breakfast to wake you up). a replacement end piece. Later that night we erected it and Once LCpl Miller had finished his 2 double bacon and egg attached it to the rest of the tent. The rest of the exercise muffin meals, we set back off. went quite smoothly, the only faults that came in were users either turning off their UAD or forgetting their password and We arrived at West Down Camp and headed straight to locking the account. Building 45 (the main building we would be working from). Upon entering, our hearts sank; we were greeted by rows and When Endex was called, the tear down was one of the fastest rows of VOIP phones, microwave dishes, cable drums, server I have been involved in. The phones and UADs were gone stacks and various computer components. To our delight within seconds with the cables out shortly after. The desks most of this kit wasn’t for us, it seemed that the building we were collapsed and taken out with the chairs. Finally, down were using was also the store for all the CIS kit held on camp. came the tent (pretty much exactly the same as putting it up, We took all our stores into our new office and as we hadn’t but in the opposite order). Once all the kit had been brought yet been issued with our accommodation, we found a space back in all we had to do was wait for the Blanco to be for our bags. We then set about creating our Ops Room, complete and what a wait it was, the last laptop was finally building the servers and went to have a look at the main area complete at around 2 in the morning. where the exercise would be conducted. Installation techs form 202 Signal Squadron and 10 Signal Regiment had already SUPPORT SQUADRON started laying fibre and cat 5 cables for the VOIP phones and UADs in Building 1 (where Excon, Hicon and Locon were OC Maj A McKenna situated). We checked over the plans to see what was SSM WO2 (SSM) K Law required and went to get it issued to us. By this time the install techs had almost finished all the cabling in Building 1 so EXERCISE MERCURY SNOWRIDER 3 - by WO2 Law we put everything in place and got to work neatening everything up. It was that time of year again to strap on a snowboard and take part in the annual Corps Championships which are held in Later that day some more personnel from 202 Signal Rauris, Austria. The team, which consisted of WO2 Karl Law Squadron arrived with 2 ISO containers filled with tables, (Team Captain), Maj John Reid, Cpl Simon Vella, LCpl’s chairs and a DRASh tent for us to use as our JFCIS(A) site. Graham De Souza, Elizabeth Astbury, Lindsey Raven, Alex After acquiring a forklift we began unloading the ISOs and Hopkins, Joelle Burton, Daniel Jenkinson, Zac Shaw and Sigs putting the tent up. Gary Robson, Ross Anthony and Sam Lander, all met at 0800 on Friday 1 Mar 13 to start the long journey over to Austria, With the JFCIS(A) tent up, we had a look at the plans and stopping at Elmpt station on the way for a much needed half then put the tables, chairs, UADs and VOIP phones in way rest. accordingly. It was almost complete, all we needed to do was the finishing touches when the Regimental FofS(IS), WO2 As expected it was a long and tiring journey but we finally Douglas came to have a look and decided that all the desks arrived on Sunday morning just in time to see the sun rise should be facing the entrance instead of the Commander like over the snowy mountains. On arrival, accommodation was the plan said. So we had to carefully, with the help of the issued and any team member that needed hire equipment Install Techs move the whole room around. Then, just as it went into the cellar to get what would be their kit for the was all finished the Regimental TOT, Capt. Fielding came to next 2 weeks. The rest of the day was spent sorting out have a look. He thought it would be better if all the desks admin and prepping the equipment ready for the week of faced the projector screens so the layout mimicked the layout training that was ahead. Then to the bar for a well deserved of JFCIS(A) in Camp Bastion. Now all the cabling was in place, beverage. the UADs were out and the VOIP phones were configured. We thought we were ready for the exercise to start and all we Monday morning came round in a flash and everyone was had left to do was play the waiting game... we couldn’t have ready to start the exercise. The team was split pretty 50/50 been more wrong. with regard to intermediate and novice riders, giving us a good chance to win the team event. While we were down at Building 1 getting that end of the network ready LCpl Price and LCpl Meakin had been battling At this point all the novices are split into their training teams with the Housekeeper server, trying their hardest to get it for the week, so off they went with their instructors and working. LCpl Price even took it to Blandford Camp to get started to learn the art of snowboarding. For the Advanced the boffins there to fix it. The OTES wasn’t much better! A and Intermediate riders, it was a trip to the top of the system that had on previous exercises given us minimal trouble had to be re-built 3 times before it started working. In fact the only thing that didn’t give us any trouble was the Reacher Det, which was surprising as that never normally worked.

The build week was over and the exercise phase had started. Due to people being away on a team medic’s course we were on minimum manning. This meant that we had little room for alternating through the various jobs. I was tasked with access control of the JFCIS(A) tent. The weather the week before had been quite pleasant, but for some reason as soon as this part of the exercise started it all changed. The wind picked up, the temperature dropped and we even got a bit of snow. The wind got so strong that it collapsed one of the end pieces of the main JFCIS(A) tent. Luckily there was no one in the tent as they were having briefs about how the exercise was going to run, especially considering that where the tent had 3 DSR team on the first morning

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 31 Cpl Simon Vella WO2 Karl Law mountain for the all important ride off, to see which group knock out there was nothing to lose. Most of the team were and instructor you would have for the week, and much to his knocked out in the 2nd round (top 16) but Cpl Simon Vella relief, this year WO2 ‘Ed’ Law stayed on his feet all the way placed 2nd in the Open Riders Slalom (although this had to down. Ride off completed and groups selected it would now be relinquished as he is a non Royal Signals cap badge) and be a week of expert training, improving everyone’s riding and LCpl Lindsey Raven placed 1st in the Female Open Riders learning new tricks. Slalom, and in the Novice Slalom (Male & Female) LCpl Joelle Burton and Sig Ross Anthony placed 3rd. The training was extremely tiring and intense, pushing every individual to give the maximum so we would all get the Tuesday was Slope Style, and it was a beautiful day, the sun maximum out and this showed at the end of each day as was out and there was a little bit of fresh snow. The whole everyone was worn out but happy. The progress was also camp made their way to the freestyle park where the event showing in the teams riding skills, pulling off new tricks and was to take place. The way the event worked would be 2 pushing our own limits a little more each day. Sadly in the 1st hours training, dialling in your best run, and then after lunch week we had an injury in the team with LCpl Elizabeth a 2 hour Jam session while being judged by 2 separate judges Astbury dislocating her coccyx (ouch!) meaning she had to at different points in the park. During the practice runs LCpl now rest and not risk falling on it again. Although the Lindsey Raven hit the kicker getting some big air, but was competition was mainly in the 2nd week, all Open Riders unstable during the jump and landed heavily on her back. (Advanced and Intermediate) had their 1st race on the Friday; This prompted the park to be closed while she could be this was a seeding race for the Dual Slalom. This took up the treated. Sadly due to the nature of her injury she could not most of the day and all but one of the 3DSR open riders be moved and had to be air lifted to the nearest hospital. qualified through to the race that would take place on Thankfully later that day after x-rays and scans nothing was Monday. At the end of the day the focus shifted to the broken, just massive bruising. Once the park was cleared the farewell fancy dress party that is given to the instructors each competition continued and for all involved it was a year, and this year’s theme was traditional Oktoberfest successful Jam session. Sadly none of our team placed in the outfits. The range of costumes was outstanding, although a top 3. lot of them had no resemblance to any Oktoberfest I have ever been to. The night was a success and everyone was The next competition was the Boarder Cross which everyone thankful that Saturday was a day off. was looking forward to,. There had been plenty of snow and Sunday morning we were all back on the mountain ready for the course was looking good. Sadly we cannot control the the start of the competition week. The 3 events were Dual weather and as much as we wanted more snow, we didn’t Slalom, Slope Style and Boarder Cross. Sunday was the want it to spoil the event, but sadly the weather closed in Novice seeding races, and again all novices qualified for the and visibility was very poor, with it being a complete main novice Slalom, which would be taking place on Monday. whiteout at the Boarder Cross track, with temperatures down to -20 to -29 with the wind-chill. This weather system Monday came and it was Dual Slalom Open Riders and Novice closed in for our final 3 days so the Wednesday and Thursday Rider’s race day. The weather was good and not too icy. was spent training as a team on the middle to Lower Open riders were first to start and by means of a one run Mountain, assisting the novices in improving and also

Members of the 3DSR team on the Hybrid Boarder Cross/Slalom course

32 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 practicing all the things learnt in the previous week. Friday 1st Place – Female Slalom – LCpl Lindsey Raven came and still the weather was too severe at the top so it was 2nd Place – Team Event – Scores counting from Maj John decided to set up a Boarder Cross – Slalom Hybrid at the Mid Reid, WO2 Karl Law and Cpl Simon Vella Mountain point. This was still going to be a four rider race 3rd Place – Novice Slalom – Sig Ross Anthony with the top 2 going through to the next round in a 1 run 3rd Place – Female Novice Slalom – LCpl Joelle Burton knock out. Novices started this time, then the Open riders. It Best Wipe Out – LCpl Lindsey Raven took about 4 hours to get down to the finals with all the riders cheering on the people left in. It turned out to be a A successful 2 weeks was had by all and everyone enjoyed it, really enjoyable and challenging course which finished the and hopefully have been inspired to continue in the sport. camp on a high. None of this could of happened though without the dedication of all those involved and without the generous The last thing to happen was the prize giving ceremony which funding the team received, so a huge thank you to the was to be held in a nice restaurant in the next village along. Mercury Snowrider committee for all your hard work and The place was crowded and everyone was spending the last patience when things don’t always go to plan. A big thank of their CILOR on a big slap up meal. This year 3(UK) DSR you to 4 Div Sports Board, the ASL and 3 (UK) Div HQ & Sig walked away with the following prizes: Regt for the funding and support to keep the costs to a minimum for all those in the team.

10th SIGNAL REGIMENT CORSHAM

CO Lt Col EA Dallyn MBE 225 (ECM(FP) SIGNAL SQUADRON RSM WO1 (RSM) JA Garner OC Maj G Johnston Life continues at a pace within 10 Sig Regt with a range of SSM WO2 (SSM) Gleadall operational tasks and wider sporting activity. Support to Op HERRICK remains busy with 225 (ECM(FP)) Sig Sqn committed EXERCISE BRUNO TORCH – by WO2 (SSM) Gleadall to the Op, including the implementation of future ECM capability known as Project TRUST, whilst the Installation Mon 11 Mar 13, members from all four Squadrons within 10 Technicians from both 241 Sig Sqn and 81 Sig Sqn (V) provide a Signal Regiment converged upon Brunswick Camp, Pirbright continuous surge capability in preparation to assist with to conduct Ex BRUNO TORCH. A two week package headed in-Theatre ‘musical chairs’ as HQ TFH prepare to move to up by 225 Signal Squadron (ECM(FP)) focusing on leadership Bastion later this year. 251 Sig Sqn are ramping up for and individual development. summer State ceremonial season and supporting UK Ops, whilst 243 Sig Sqn continue to support AHQ and various other Day One - The first task of the course was to split the 19 customers. students down into sections, this would be easily achieved under the guidance of LCpl ‘Randatron’ Thomas. As the That said, we have still managed to find time for sport, streaming run unfolded, it was apparent that it was a pretty adventure training and a junior soldier leadership exercise. cheeky 4 mile run, consisting of a 2 mile squaded run followed This has included an AT exercise to Sierra-Leone, around 30 immediately by 2 miles best effort. Although all parties runners from the Regt competed in the Fleet Half Marathon arrived raring to go, the element of the unknown was firmly (some of us got more value for money from the entrance fee etched into each and every student. The majority took their than others..!) and some inter-Sqn rugby followed by an first exposure of BRUNO TORCH in their stride, all except, outstanding sportsman dinner supported by Mr Danny Talbot LCpl ‘Ouch, Ouch’ Butland who within 20 metres, was flat on who competed in the Olympics and is a GB 200m runner. his face having tripped on a curb. The nasty curb in question WO2 (SSM) Gleadall also organised an outstanding leadership was more reminiscent of an iceberg having 8/9 under the exercise, which included a bomb-burst exercise (and the surface. With the Sections loaded it was time to get the ball award of extra points for someone who got a Bruno The Bear rolling with an introduction to their DS, Blue Section being Sgt Tattoo…!). In RHQ we said farewell to WO1 (RSM) Glyn Hayes and Red Section Cpl Lee Butcher. As we know, a Nowosielski who moves on to 1ADSR and is replaced by WO1 section usually comprises of 8 personnel, although that (RSM) Garner. wasn’t going to be the case as the students became acquainted with their new section member, the dreaded FRED (a 6ft, 70Kg dummy).

Navigation was next on the agenda, headed up with Sgt ‘Bogged in so many times I’ve lost count’ Clarke. Little did the students know that what they were about to learn would be put into practice that evening when they were thrown straight into a night nav competition. It came very apparent to the DS that not everyone had grasped concave and convex hills and perhaps the lesson had merely added to their state of confusion. Blue section looked like they were a sure bet for an opening win. That was until they realised that the final pairing consisted of LCpl ‘I think we’re lost’ Subba and Sig ‘If only it t’were, t’Yorkshire, I know t’ place like t’ back of t’hand’ Turner finally arriving at the finish 2 hours after the cut off. Joined by a search party, on a scale more akin to searching for Chilean miners, rather than soldiers lost on a UK training area. WO1 (RSM) Nowosielski hands over to WO1 (RSM) Garner

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 33 Days 2 and 3 - With an unscheduled late finish on the first suitable to snowmobiles as opposed to white fleet. The night, the second day began with PLD 1 – An introduction to students then competed in an interesting and challenging the Log. This was going well with both sections leap frogging Navigation/Command Task competition spanning the each other for the lead, until disaster struck as Cpl Pritchard Catterick training area, finally demonstrating that there were took the liberty to get up close and personal with the log. some soldiers within the Regiment that are able to use a map Note to all readers, it is not advised to get up close and and compass. The day was finished off with the delivery of personal with a log of any description and I feel I must clarify practical lessons to the wider audience; the majority had been that no logs were injured throughout the whole of Ex BRUNO well planned and successfully delivered. TORCH. Tuesday and Wednesday focused on values based leadership, coaching and mentoring, a couple of cheeky PLD’s Day 9 - Tuesday and it was indeed time for a cultural visit, and some late night brain teasers; the first being an early however, not before an hours introduction to the ‘Land of morning call from WO2 (SSM) Andy Gleadall briefing Sig ‘I’m Nod’ a part of the Catterick countryside that will be stuck in a rabbit trapped in headlights’ Butler that they needed to be the students mind for the foreseeable future. Post pain, a in the classroom in 15 minutes in suits. quick shower and breakfast we loaded the vehicles and headed to Malton for a visit to Eden Camp, a former WWII Day 4 - Thursday saw the students move to Bramley to take PoW camp, now converted into a spectacular museum. The part in the high wire confidence course and also to further students were there to bolster their presentations which develop navigation skills on the orienteering area. The high would be delivered on the Thursday afternoon. With wire course was to become more of a mental challenge to everyone’s brain full to brimming with new WWII knowledge some individuals rather than just a physical one. Lt Chris we departed, all bound for Pirbright. ‘Could someone please belay me down’ McGraw attempted to give a perfect demonstration on how to complete the Day 10 - A visit to One Squadron at ATR Pirbright was on the course with minimal distress. The result was an epic fail, agenda on the Wednesday morning and an opportunity for culminating with Lt McGraw begging to be belayed down, to some to see familiar faces, with two of the Section the sanctuary of hard ground. After a few words of commanders having previously served within 225 Signal encouragement, the end was insight and he achieved a pass. Others spent several moments looking more like personnel protesting against new motorways than soldiers conquering their fear of heights. By the end of the day, I am happy to report that every student completed the course albeit it on the second attempt for a few. Even LCpl ‘Stop making the tree wobble’ Ingelby manage to complete it in a record time of 3 hours, 12 minutes and 15 seconds. Luckily for him his visiting OC and SSM had left and weren’t subjected to the fine display. Day 5…..6 then 7 - Friday saw the students arrive in the classroom; ready to have their mid course interviews prior to a cultural visit to the London museums. What they actually received was a set of orders for Ex BOMB BURST. The sections had everything but the essentials removed and given The final PLD, Blue Section begin to edge ahead a task to be completed over the next 72 hours. The exercise culminated in York train station on Sunday. As the exercise moved north there was a distinct change in the weather. Squadron (ECM(FP)). The students received presentations With the sun firmly left in Pirbright, the students were from the Section Commanders, had a Q&A session with two welcomed to York with flurries of snow. Their final resting impressive recruits, who had potential officer written all over place for the evening was Wathgill Camp, a wonderful place in them. The students then got to see a perfect demo on the the idyllic North Yorkshire countryside. A definite if you are bayonet range. The morning ended with a final Q&A session attempting to get away from all forms of mobile with the OC, SSM and the Section Commanders. All communications with the outside world. exercising troops gained a lot from the morning and a couple of potential instructors may have been highlighted. The The evening saw the Ex BOMB BURST debriefs and with the remainder of the day lent itself to presentation and rehearsals CO fresh from the Fleet half marathon and the RSM sitting in in preparation for the final day. to hear the many stories of the adventure that had arisen over the weekend. Nothing though was able to surpass LCpl Day 11 - The final day was upon us (a relief to some) and what ‘It’s all about selfless commitment’ Lafferty, who wanting to a day it was going to be. The final PLD and what a treat was impress, managed to convince a tattooist to give him his very in store as the section scores were tied. Stage one was a first tattoo which was the Regimental crest, Bruno Bear stretcher race and Red Section went off quickly however, himself! Blue Section were hot on their heels. At the 12 mile Day 8 - Monday brought point they were neck and about new challenges, the neck with blue gaining first assessing how much momentum. Sadly, impact the 5 inches of weakness in the ranks snow lying on the ground raised its head, even with was going to have. It was strong DS encouragement deemed safe and the they fell behind almost out training continued with of sight. Blue team arrived only a few minor issues for at the Assault course a the DS; mainly, attempting good 400 metres in front to across the training area and didn’t look back to an environment more finishing 10 minutes in front

The Chosen men of 10 Signal Regiment

34 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 of Red Section, much to the dismay of SSgt ‘I think I might conducting a number of introductory walks and allowing take losing badly’ Barrett. After recovering from the personnel to adjust to the heat. morning’s gruelling test of endurance, agility, physical and mental strength, it was time for the final presentations to begin. All soldiers delivered glowing presentations which were well researched and prepared from the topics they were given at the start of the exercise. This was an excellent opportunity for the junior members of the Regt to present to the DS, RSM and CO, an opportunity they would not normally get. This was swiftly followed by the presentation ceremony.

Final Ceremony - There were two trophies on offer at the final ceremony. The first was presented to the wining section. Blue Section took the honours ensuring the trophy changed hands from last year’s results. The final award went to the top student, after much deliberation from the DS the trophy was presented by the CO to Sig Young from 241 Signal Squadron after performing admirably throughout.

Outamba-Kilimi National Park

The expedition personnel were introduced to the hustle and bustle of Sierra Leone with an early morning landing into Lungi Airport, followed by a three hour journey across dirt roads to the city of Makeni. After a short break the team continued to Kamakwie, for an overnight break. The following day we arrived at Outamba-Kilmi National Park, a truly remote location dotted with idyllic huts for us to stay in. From the park we conducted a canoe safari, viewing hippos in their natural habitat from a safe distance. We also did several walks deeper into the national park, hoping to see chimpanzees and elephants. Sadly we had no success due to the recent bushfire that had stripped the landscape of much of its vegetation. The walks served their purpose though and all personnel became aware of the effect that the intense heat would have on their bodies even after only walking for a relatively short period of time.

LCpl Lafferty begins the high wire course

241 SIGNAL SQUADRON

OC Maj SJ Bristow SSM WO2 (SSM) Tomkins

EXERCISE BINUTMANI SPIRIT SIERRA LEONE 2 – 21 FEBRUARY 2013 – by Capt Exell Command Task: How To extract the vehicle Ex BINTUMANI SPIRIT took place in February 2013 in Sierra Leone, West Africa. The expedition consisted predominantly After departing Outamba-Kilmi we returned to Makeni to of regular Royal Corps of Signals personnel, but we were prepare ourselves for our main effort, the ascent of Mount joined by Capt Clare Bliss of 243 (V) Field Hospital who came Bintumani. The guidebook said that getting to the mountain to provide essential medical support. would be harder than the climb itself; it wasn’t wrong. We knew the roads to the trailhead would be fairly bad, but BINTUMANI SPIRIT was an innovative AT expedition, nothing prepared us for quite how bad they were. The especially given its unique choice of location. The aim of the smaller roads leading deep into the mountains were little expedition was to summit the highest mountain in Sierra more than dirt tracks, littered with ruts, rocks and boggy Leone, Mount Bintumani (1950m). Prior to this the intention patches. We averaged a speed of about 15km an hour and was to spend a period of time acclimatising at the Outamba- got stuck on more than one occasion, resulting in a number Kilmi National Park in the north-west of the country and command task style exercises, only with no time limit or

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 35 option of failure. Unfortunately our first attempt at reaching the CO’s Cup Rugby in the afternoon and with the amount of the village of Yfin, where we were due to start trekking from, injuries, we were unsure how many would make it. was halted by a collapsed bridge. The bridge had originally consisted of a number of logs, but a lorry had tipped over and Having recce’d the venue we were basically looking at a blank broken half of them, making it impossible to cross; the wreck canvass, so knew we had our hands full. This room had to of the lorry was still on its side in the river below. look and smell of sporting achievements, so a lot of work needed to be done. This involved trying to collect as much sporting memorabilia as we could from across the Regiment, which involved printing poster pictures of Capt Collins and his skiing team with their action shots, sports shirts and jerseys, sporting equipment and decorating the room. I am sure LCpl Bailey managed to use up 251 Sig Sqn’s yearly stationary budget with all the printing we did. SSgt Lawson did come to the rescue with his advertising boards and kayak as OIC for Kayaking, however we had underestimated the size of the area he would require so a quick 60 minute makeover was needed on the day prior to final approval.

Hippo Safari

After being granted permission from the village chief to camp at the local school and getting some rest overnight we made our way, painfully, back to the main road to attempt an approach from the North. Our intention was to reach the village of Sinikoro and start the trek from there. Again, once we left the main roads our journey became painfully slow. As dusk descended we reached a wide river crossing and decided not to attempt the crossing until first light on safety grounds. In the morning one vehicle successfully crossed the river but failed to make it up the steep river bank on the other side; it could not gain enough traction on the loose sand. We were too far away to walk to the trailhead and there was no time left to try any other route, so sadly our effort to climb Mount Bintumani ended at this point.

With much regret we took our picture next to the river that had defeated us and began retracing our steps to the main road, again! We did manage to summit a couple of other peaks in the country, including Wusum Hill in Makeni and Sugar Loaf in Freetown. However, despite not achieving of main objective Ex BINTUMANI SPIRIT was still a worthwhile venture, exposing individuals to a new, unusual culture, and placing members the team outside their comfort zone and in testing situations.

251 SIGNAL SQUADRON Sig Baines after receiving his Regimental Half Colours and Junior Winner of the Corps Cross Country Trophy OC Maj J Squires SSM WO2 (SSM) L Watts The evening began around 1900hrs with guests arriving 10th SIGNAL REGIMENT SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR 2013 dressed to the nines, with Sgt Evans running around making – by Sgt Evans sure everything was still good to go. All guests were asked to take their seats ready for the safety brief and a quick through On 27 February, 251 Sig Sqn hosted this years Regimental the evening’s events. Standing at the front, I was able to take Sportsperson of the Year award at The Bell JRC, St Omer in the view that we had managed to get 120 personnel from Barracks, Aldershot. After being handed the task of OIC of across our Regiment into a grand venue. It was very the event back in January 2013, my work was cut out to have impressive. Once the brief was completed, it was time to it organised and everything in place ready for the CO’s final move onto feeding the troops which was took the form of an inspection prior to the event. Danny Talbot, GB 200m runner impressive buffet laid on by our civilian contractors. They and a member of the GB 4 x 100m relay team had been invited impressed the troops with the high quality of food being as our guest speaker, with the help of Sgt Gunn knowing his served and this was also used as an opportunity for everyone ‘coach’. Having chosen my committee of Cpl Rushworth, LCpl to mingle and have a few beers before the presentations. Bailey, LCpl Whitehead and Sig Lightfoot, I knew things would run smoothly. Then came the turn of the OIC sports to give their briefs on their achievements over the last 12 months and the way ahead Trying to get a Regiment as diverse as ours together is a task for the following year. The CO had given specific direction in itself as we are not all located in the same area, so the that the briefs weren’t to last more than 2 mins, with some of logistics tested us right up until the event itself. Having held the OIC’s clocking in just under, and SSgt (FofS) Cadogan,

36 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 of the Year award for his contribution to sport and having played and represented the Regiment and Corps at a variety of sports over the past 12 months.

After another successful and entertaining evening it was time for the Sqn’s and RHQ to part their ways for another year of Sporting memories as the canteen cowboy arrived on time and asked us to leave in an orderly fashion. I suppose someone has to spoil the fun.

243 SIGNAL SQUADRON

OC Maj D Hughes SSM WO2 (SSM) J Attwell

Change in the Squadron continues at a pace with new arrivals and sad departures over the past few months. We say a very warm welcome to Capt Paul Lester, our new Squadron 2IC, Cpl Kirsty Burgmans and Cpl Kieran Webster. We say a sad farewell but good luck to Sgt Pete Mellor who leaves us to take up a post as a trade training instructor in Blandford, Sgt Wez Mullen, who is leaving the military for a new challenge with BT, and LCpl Dean Ford who has successfully completed the challenging 299 Signal Squadron selection course. Last SSgt Lawson receiving his Regimental Colours from Danny Talbot but not least a very fond farewell to SSgt (YofS) Lee Johns who leaves the Army after 24 years service to the Corps. We who must have forgotten what time appreciation was, wish them all the best of luck. decided she would talk about Swimming and Water polo for around 5 mins. She was very close to being ‘red carded’! VISIT OF THE CORPS COLONEL – by Sgt Gilles

The time came to present the awards and with the help of On Tuesday 26 February 2013, the Corps Colonel, Col G R Danny Talbot handing out the certificates and prizes, and the Norton, visited the Squadron in Andover, chaperoned by WO1 citations being read out by the Adjutant, Capt Foster. One by (CRSM) McMullan. On arrival he was met and welcomed by one they came up to collect their Half and Full colours. Capt Maj Hughes and WO2 (SSM) Attwell. Pirt, SSgt Partridge, Sgt Tweed, Cpl Prince, LCpl Billingsley, LCpl Daws, LCpl Downey, LCpl Sainthouse, LCpl Smith and Sig The Squadron had put together a number of stands which Baines were all awarded their Regimental Half Colours, and included a PowerPoint presentation of the Squadron’s Capt Collins, SSgt Lawson, Cpl McGlade and Cpl McGrath capabilities, current and ongoing support to MOD assets and were awarded their Regimental Full Colours along with a 10 recent successful operations and tasks. From there he was Signal Regiment plaque.

Now it was time to announce the winner of the Sportsperson of the Year award. Every Sqn had to nominate one member who in their eyes should be awarded such a prize. Whispers and rumours had flown around all week who it might be and only a small circle knew who the winner was having been personally chosen by the CO. The room went silent as they waited for Capt Foster to announce that LCpl Thomas of 225 Sig Sqn was the winner of 10 Signal Regiment’s Sportsperson

LCpl Thomas receiving the Sportsperson of the Year award from Danny Talbot WO2 (FofS(IS)) Crompton Receiving his Royal Warrant

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 37 escorted through to 605 Signal Troop floorplate where the eventually won, but like all battles, took many casualties. Cpls Sqns Ops Officer, Capt Nicky Coombs, introduced the Colonel Nick McGrath, Pritchard, Sgt Andy Higgins and YofS ‘Bobby to each of the sections for a short brief on their roles and Busche’ Rees to name but a few. Cpl Pritchard unfortunately responsibilities. These included the Service Ops desk run by broke with ease on the warm-up before an actual game. It WO2 (FofS (IS)) Chris Crompton, the Network Support was an epic match where everyone on both sides put in 110%, Section with Sgt Helen Tweed, and the T&R section briefed by sometimes a little too much with a dodgy illegal tackle from Cpl Nick McGrath. Even the mechs had their say (albeit with a Sgt Emosi Nabakeke that launched me half way across the really small vocabulary) with Sgt Andy Poole. After which pitch in mid air, without even seeing the ball. came 643 Signal Troop, currently led by SSgt (YofS) Toby Rees and their sections. The Defence Internet Monitoring Team led by Sgt Andy Higgins, the Defence Monitoring Team led by Cpl Jay Oakley, and the Technical Security Team led by Sgt Leigh Gilles. Finally, the Colonel was taken to an equipments overview by SSgt (FofS) John Shambrook and the Army Hosting Environment, by SSgt Paul Casey.

Post briefings, Colonel Norton presented the LS & GC to SSgt (FofS (IS)) Dave Shilton, the Master of Signals Commendation went to SSgt Paul Casey and the SJC Olympic Coin was presented to both Cpl Chris Smith and Mr Simon Harris for their individual efforts over the Olympics. Also awarded was the Prime Minister's Commemorative Medallion to LCpl Nakacia for playing his part in the security of the Olympics, and last but not least WO2 (FofS (IS)) Crompton was awarded his well deserved Royal Warrant.

Once the Medals had been presented, the priorities were set back in place when all and sundry were ushered to follow the Sig Scotty Nolson letting his presence be felt Corps Colonel into the Mess bar for food and drinks. A social mingle between every rank and civil servant began, and the Colonel ensured that he spoke to as many personnel as he Coupled with the surprise aggression of Sig Scotty Nolson, could, although, it did appear that the ever looming shadow there were also a few surprise try scorers, including myself, of the Corps RSM seemed to part the JNCOs like Moses Cpl Dave Harrod and SSM Jon Attwell, along with some parting the Red Sea. All in all, a wonderful day was had by all. outstanding performances from Cpl Oakley and Sig Chris It was a privilege for the Squadron to meet and host the Newton taking our tournament tally to 19 trys. The day was Corps Colonel, and we hope he enjoyed his time at Andover. rounded off with the presentations with 243 taking the clean sweep, and Cpl Jay Oakley being given the Player of the CO’S CUP RUGBY COMPETITION – by LCpl Ingleby Tournament, which as a Sqn we were all enormously proud of. With the support of our cheerleaders, LCpl Chris Smith and We were wary of the challenge ahead when it came to Sgts Helen Tweed and Leigh Gilles, our driver Cpl Richards training and preparing a team. Luckily we had a keen, and our Fijian secret weapon LCpl Nakacia, all in all we had a knowledgeable, albeit seasoned Rugby Coach in the form of thoroughly enjoyable competition. Cpl Jay Oakley. We also had an unofficial assistant, occasionally joining us on training who would basically reiterate everything Cpl Jay Oakley had said, in the form of Sgt Chris Durnell. We began training around two weeks prior to the competition, gathering up on the sports pitch in a group of varied ages and shapes whilst all sharing ability level of struggling to throw and catch the weird shaped ball. As the date of the competition loomed closer, we stepped up the number of sessions a week. We eventually started moulding well as a team. Capt Simon Vannerly also helped coach us on a few sessions which helped massively.

On the day, we all drove down, piled off the bus and immediately begun to psyche ourselves out with the help of the SSM, WO2 Jon Attwell and others, who rapidly pointed out to us all that the other Sqns players looked both humongous in size and meant business. Cpl Jay Oakley wasn’t happy, banned us from looking across at them and got The Victorious Team us immediately training and preparing away from the pitch. Before we knew it, the first game was upon us. Whilst many of us were nervous, we were definitely ready, with an FLEET HALF MARATHON – by Sgt Tweed excellent coach and some really good preparation and warming up, we were all psyched and ready to play. On a particularly wet, windy, snowy and hail ridden Sunday morning the seven stooges in the form of Sgt Dave Jarvis, Sgt Our first game was against 251 Sig Sqn, which after a huge Daz Morley, Sgt Helen Tweed, Cpl Dave Harrod, LCpl Andy effort from both sides, we eventually won. After a small Fraser, LCpl Kieran Pugh and LCpl Jennifer Smith got upon break and some more motivation we then went on to beat the minibus kindly driven by Cpl Becky Burnell, and made 241 quite substantially in a game that was both challenging their way to Fleet to battle the 13.1 miles of the Fleet ½ but really enjoyable for all our team. We then went on to play Marathon. Upon arrival, the weather had now settled on 225 in the final, which was not just a final but what can only driving wind and rain (the snow had kindly retreated), and all be described as an all out war, a battle which we once again runners were soaked within minutes of trudging through the

38 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 mud to the bag tent to meet the rest of the Regiment's accurate records and identified and repaired several service runners. We all got our numbers, sorted admin, and huddled faults. inside the tent desperately trying to stay as warm as possible before the race started. 857 was visited by Maj Andy Kennedy and Capt Paul ‘Mash’ Masheter whilst on their annual camp and were impressed by the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of all Island personnel.

They had a meeting with Station Commander Ascension Island Base, Wg Cdr Mark Taylor who was impressed by the professionalism of the Sqn and thanked the Troop for the work completed and was grateful for their assistance in repairing the damaged cable. Unfortunately a contractor digging a new trench picked up the 100 pair cable route from the Exchange at the Airhead to the metropolis of George Town and took out 65% of the circuits including the telephone link to the UK.

The Squadrons runners looking wet but happy Luckily 81 Sig Sqn arrived in Theatre the day before and immediately Sig Steve ‘Nice Guy’ House and Sig Gerald ‘spear chukker’ Copley armed with their Telemech Tool kits The ½ marathon started dead on 1030 hrs and it took the swung into action and repaired the cable within 4 hours. If majority of us a couple of minutes, spent mostly giggling in the Sqn Installation Technicians hadn’t been on Island it would anticipation for the run ahead, to cross the start line. The have taken many days to fly technicians out to complete the weather seemed to read our minds and managed to reduce to repair. The team were made very welcome on the Island and just a slight drizzle and the wind all but disappeared for the were invited to many social events, one of which was the full duration of the race, which made for ideal cool and calm Sunday Fish Fry BBQ to which the team supplied the Tuna running conditions. steaks, the food and company was excellent, especially the Wahoo, Rainbow runner and lobster all freshly caught. It was a busy route, with well over 2000 runners finishing the race. Even though there was a distinct lack of training evident Capt (Mash) Masheter’s only catch was unfortunately the within the group and the route felt like it spent most of its small bait fish on the way out, but the biggest catch of the time going uphill, all 7 runners finished and finished strong. eight Tunas caught was Cpl John ‘Macca’ McCrone weighing Sgt Dave Jarvis delivered an impressive 1hr 29mins. Old boy in at a respectable 130Lbs. These were given to the local Sgt Daz Morley finished in 1hr 44mins; Cpl Dave Harrod fishermen but a few huge steaks were kept for BBQs on completed the race in 1hr 46mins. ‘Team Tweed’ in the form English Beach and the Sunday fish fry. of Sgt Helen Tweed and LCpl Andy Fraser crossed the line in 1hr 49mins. LCpl Kieran Pugh finished his first ever long Cpl Stu ‘zenby’ Lazenby and Cpl Steve House completed the distance event in an impressive 1hr 52mins and LCpl Jen Smith Dew Pond run after a long days work, with respective times knocked a whole 5 mins off last year's time finishing in 2hrs of 1hr 20mins and 1hr 47mins; which starts at the Turtle ponds 12mins. in Georgetown where all the contestants dip their hands in the water, and finishes about 7 miles later and some 2817 feet All runners finished the day with a smile on their face and a higher at the dew pond at the summit of Green Mountain. If KFC in their hand. Carling did a support crew it would be nothing like that given to the two runners by Maj Kennedy and Capt Masheter.

Whist at the Island Sunday fish fry BBQ Sig Iain ‘Hardy’ Jefferies, who is new to the Sqn, went over to chat with some roofing contractors that he had met earlier in the week. There was one person that Iain didn’t know who introduced himself as the RSM to which Sig Jefferies replied Oh you must be the Roofing Service Manager then? WO2 (SSM) Ticehurst quickly whisked him away to have a few words in his shell like! The Sqn is looking forward to its next visit to the Island to complete more communications infrastructure work.

The CO with the team looking surprisingly fresh in the finishers' tent

81 SIGNAL SQUADRON OC Maj Andy Kennedy SSM WO2 Matt Ticehurst

Seven members of 857 Troop and WO2(SSM) Matt Ticehurst deployed to Ascension Island in February led effectively by Tp SSgt Jon ‘Big Un’ Helm. Having a very successful exercise, The team enjoying the sunshine they completed a data cleanse and test of the telephone infrastructure and network of the Island, producing new

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 39 14th SIGNAL REGIMENT (ELECTRONIC WARFARE) HAVERFORDWEST

CO Lt Col M Purves Walton spanked in and SI Sgt ‘Ghost Recon’ Blockley decided RSM WO1 (RSM) M Taylor he didn’t need night vision or his day sack or his webbing.

14 SIGNAL REGIMENT (EW) PNCO CLM 001/13 From then on everything ramped up as patrols dealt with - by SSI SSgt (SQMS) Wildman multiple enemy positions and POWs, whilst those back in defence defended the compound from waves of attacks. The For two weeks in March, 14 Sig Regt ran a R SIGNALS PNCO final FOB attack saw SSgt ‘indige’ Wildman orchestrate a CLM Cadre. The course started with sheepish soldiers greeted daring occupation of one the sanger’s; Lt ‘MATT5’ Macdonald by the SMI WO2 (SSM) Corcoran who swiftly moved into a was seconds away from declaring ‘broken arrow’ on the coy packed evening of GMPG weapon training. Next morning net but, with a lull in the battle, seized the initiative and started early with the AFT, catching out some individuals, launched a Troop counter attack. Despite sections wading whilst teaching others the importance of foot care. Then the through streams and swamps up to their chest in places, the classroom based mandatory CLM content began. Additional attack went well. No sooner had LCpl ‘hard target’ Purja fired topics were also included into the MEL, including a command his last round when ENDEX was called. tasks day, along with protein rich subjects such as the 7 questions, combat estimate and the orders process. Thursday After a few words from the SMI, a soaked, tired but saw the sections receive Lt ‘I’ll guide you back’ Macdonald’s exhilarated Troop began the turn around of equipment before orders for the BCCS phase and SSI SSgt Wildman issue out a heading back to Brawdy. The performance from the course mountain of equipment. The final day of the week was spent was consistently strong throughout the 2 weeks and the DS as an SOP day and focused the Sections on developing their were especially impressed with the standard of soldiering own SOPs for the week ahead. demonstrated. The training team considered this a tribute to the preparation of individuals and formal development and The second week came early and was built around a training investment that they received back in their parent contingency scenario in central Africa, reinforcing a struggling units prior to the form up of this PNCO CLM course. army who were faced with a rebel uprising. This was initiated by a lengthy Infiltration starting at dusk. It wasn’t pretty; lack of familiarity with the HMNVS resulted in the course opting for Blackpool illuminations in the harbour, much to the dismay of WO2 Corcoran. The Troop soon settled into a testing routine with a QRF-Patrols-Defence rotation. The local rebels, managed by Sgt ‘Jerry’ Helliwell, were well briefed and rehearsed; delivering over 50 scenarios testing everything the Troop had been taught back in Brawdy.

SSgt Ben Wildman keeps a close eye on the training

223 SIGNAL SQUADRON (ELECTRONIC WARFARE)

OC Maj C Elesmore SSM WO2 (SSM) D Corcoran

EXERCISE CANARY GOLD 2013 - by LCpl Anderson

On 17 Feb 13, 11 sailors embarked on a voyage around the Canary Islands as part of the annual Joint Services expedition, Ex CANARY GOLD. Our two-week expedition was the final leg Don’t let go! Section 1 complete Command Tasks on a of CANARY GOLD, and the crew consisted of five members of surprisingly dry day for Brawdy 223 Sig Sqn, 14 Sig Regt (EW), two Submariner engineers, one RAF reservist, and a Royal Engineer. The ship’s skipper was a former Bootneck (Royal Marine), and the 1st Mate a civilian Midway through the week a deliberate operation to secure a Yachtmaster Instructor. building was launched. The infil was conducted at night and saw the Troop scale and descend a steep ridgeline before After a long nights travel and early morning flight we landed clearing numerous buildings. No sooner had they secured the in Lanzarote. Greeted by George Richardson, the skipper, we area than a rebel counter attack ensued, forcing an extraction stepped aboard the vessel HMSTC ‘KUKRI’, our home for the back up the ridgeline to an ERV. It was epic, LCpl ‘Narcolepsy’ next two weeks. Kukri is one of 21 Joint Service yachts used

40 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 for adventurous sail training. Training was the first objective dinghy training, as well as anchoring practice just off the and two days were spent in preparation for the open sea, beach at Punta Papagayo. A short hop from there brought us before properly setting sail for Puerto Mogán, Gran Canaria. into Port Calero to finish where our journey began. We 50% of the crew were instantly sea sick, with LCpl’Jim Brown successfully finished the exercise as RYA Competent Crew perhaps feeling the worst as he valiantly cooked our evening qualified, with a total of 522 nautical miles and 31 night hours meal below decks. Despite the queasy stomachs, morale and to enter in our logbooks. Ex CANARY GOLD is a thoroughly team spirit remained high as we pushed on southwest enjoyable adventurous training exercise and one that I am through the waves. Dolphins were sighted several times once sure we would all participate in again. we were away from the coast and could often be found playing at the bow of the vessel posing for the eager cameras of Spr Chris Radcliffe and Cpl ‘JT’ James-Tall who both competed for the best photographs.

Upon our arrival into Gran Canaria we were greeted with tourists waving as we came into harbour. Fenders at the ready, we smoothly came alongside the dock in the marina and gladly stepped ashore, eager to explore the island and enjoy some of the local ‘paella.’ After some routine maintenance and weather check, it was time to set off again. This time we had our sights set on the Isle of Gomera, an island less commonly known to British tourists. With its beautiful mountainous countryside and a quaint town on the harbour it was rather idyllic.

A sunny February afternoon for sailing in the Canaries!

236 SIGNAL SQUADRON (ELECTRONIC WARFARE)

OC Maj K Rhodes SSM WO2 (SSM) G Lawson

HUET – HELICOPTER UNDERWATER ESCAPE TRAINING – by LTC Vicki Bentley

On Wednesday 20 February ten personnel from 236 Sig Sqn (EW) underwent a one day HUET course at RNAS Yeovilton. The HUET or helicopter underwater escape training is more commonly referred to as ‘the dunker’ and has been used to train British Armed Forces aircrew and frequent flyer passengers to escape from heli crashes into a body of water LCpl Joanne Anderson of 223 Sig Sqn (EW) takes the helm since 1985. Two specialised modules are used, one to simulate a smaller aircraft such as the lynx and the second larger module to simulate a Merlin or a Sea King. While at sea the crew divided into ‘Port’ and ‘Starboard’ watches – working to a continuous four-hour shift cycle. After a choppy final approach to the island, we picked up the dimly lit approach to San Sebastian and slid into the marina in the early hours. Our time alongside was productively used to recce the nightlife of the island, and enjoy LCpl’Paul Freestone’s amazing ‘sea-pimp’ shirt. We embarked at the only club in the town and within minutes LCpl Jo Anderson became the bar DJ – an instant hit.

With a couple spare days we set sail once again, with Lanzarote as the final destination. Dodging through shipping lanes and with the crew now more competent, morale was high on the longest leg of the two-weeks. LCpl Anne Johnson picked a small fight with a moveable part of the ship while the ship was pitching heavily, resulting in an impressive black eye. Once ashore a harbour worker later asked: “So… your boyfriend…he hit you?!”

After a night in Rubicon marina, the crew completed some The Dunker

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 41 Our day began with a safety brief from the instructors on how The first few days almost always ended with some sort of to operate the straps in the cockpit, hazards associated with momentous collision. One of the most spectacular being the dunk and recommended drills and procedures. The straps when Lt ‘Take a knee’ Booth crashed hard and managed to used were identical to those on an aeroplane only this time take a chunk out of his board and pride whilst attempting to instead of going on holiday we would be submerged beat LCpl ‘Too Fast’ Martin, who won due to his lack of ability underwater, upside down and in the dark potentially fearing to turn or slow down. The CO, Lt Col ‘Legend’ Purves, also for our lives (although the instructors were adamant that we suffered a crash after he jumped off a 5 metre ramp whilst would be fine, and it had been at least two years since the last doing a 720 degree rotation and on landing had to take fatality – thankfully this was a joke!) evasive action to miss a small child in his path.

The group was split and the practical drills began with six of Further on in the week the major casualties just kept on us sat in the larger module each sharing one escape window coming with SSgt (YofS (EW)) ‘Ouch’ Gabriel bruising his ribs; per three people. Everyone had a role to carry out once we Sgt ‘Painkiller’ Vaughan also bruised his ribs a couple of days were submerged, whether this be operating the leaver to later whilst practicing on the border cross course, known by open the window or placing a hand on the side to aid in the everyone as the “Death Trap”. At the end of the first week all escape. Once strapped in we had little time to get nervous as of the teams went out for a well-deserved drink, with some the module was lowered quickly, water rose to our chest level crazy dance moves in some shocking costumes being enjoyed before we were advised to take a large breath by the by all. A great night was had! instructor. It then descended to the bottom of the pool. Adrenalin was pumping as we were immersed in cold water, filling our sinuses and impairing our vision. Everyone remembered their jobs and in what order they were leaving so thankfully no one got stuck on the way out.

With the first run down we quickly gathered to go again. This time there would be no delay for a last breath and the heli would be spun 180 degrees so we would be escaping whilst upside down. By this stage most of the group were divided, some loving the adrenaline rush and others completely terrified. Either way there was no going back and we were dunked again. Engulfed in water whilst upside down definitely made operating simple straps slightly more tricky, but luckily we all made it out safe.

The last two dunks were in twilight and night conditions, not LCpl Martin leading the way forgetting still being upturned. Although more demanding, we all stayed focused and the evolution went without a hitch. The start of the second week saw the team competing in the A day of heli dunking proved to be a different challenge for slalom with LCpl ‘Speed King’ O’Mahoney in particular doing each individual, some just enjoying the ride whereas others exceptionally well and coming 4th overall in a category made faced and overcame serious fears. At whatever level each up of around 75 novices. Unfortunately, due to injuries the participant pushed a personal boundary that day, so a experienced members of the team, SSgt (YofS (EW)) Gabriel worthwhile, adrenalin fuelled experience was had by all. and Sgt Vaughn, could not compete in the events and all the pressure was placed firmly on LCpl ‘Captain Slow’ Wood, who 245 SIGNAL SQUADRON (ELECTRONIC WARFARE) constantly reassured us of his freestyle ability. However, due to his snowboard, bindings, goggles and other multiple OC Maj J Barber excuses LCpl Wood had a bad day in the office and came SSM WO2 (SSM) M Parkinson second from last.

EXERCISE MERCURY SNOWRIDER - by LCpl Martin As the week progressed everyone in the team improved massively including Sgt ‘Can’t turn, won’t turn’ Godfrey On Saturday 2 March a team of nine packed in to two cars (Intelligence Corps) who managed to link a handful of turns with two weeks’ worth of kit each and left Brawdy on the together and Lt ‘Medal Winner’ Robinson, who actually won sunniest day of the year so far, eager to get the monstrous a race. It was good to see the Regiment’s new born hope for twenty two hour drive out of the way. On reaching Rauris, freestyle LCpl ‘Tricky Trickster’ Garbett practicing tricks and Austria, the team was pleasantly surprised with what was to managing to pull them off to all of our amazement. be our home for the next two weeks as we were All in all a very productive two weeks with six novices accommodated in a 4 star apartment which is a step up in achieving 1 star, one intermediate a 2 star and two class from the normal standard Army accommodation. intermediates gaining their 3 star awards.

After a well-earned night’s sleep the team were sized up and SUPPORT SQUADRON then given their equipment followed by briefings on admin and what to expect during our stay. Once this was over the OC Maj K Sturman team decided to sample the night life of the town, or lack of, SSM WO2 (SSM) J Jenkins before getting an early night. As the first shards of light cut through the cracks of the highly recommendable 4 star BUSY TIMES IN SUPPORT SQUADRON - by Sgt Helliwell apartment, there was an air of anticipation as the team of 14 Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare) threw back the bed After finishing the last of my post-tour leave, I joined Engineer covers and sprang into action. The first few days were spent Support Troop mid-February. Having previously worked here I trying to master stopping and basic turns for the novices knew I had to hit the ground running to keep up with the while the intermediate and advanced groups learnt how to diverse and fast turn around of work required with only half carve up the slopes and practice freestyle tricks. the man power which was previously there. Luckily the Squadron keeps to the ‘work hard, play hard’ mantra, with

42 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 many members taking part in an assortment of activities over raise support and awareness of the Paul Sartori Foundation, the past few months. ABF Soldiers Charity and Cancer Research.

Sgt Tyrell from the QMs was able to put together this years Although the Squadron as a whole does not deploy, it Exercise DRAGONS PISTE, a set of 2 weeks worth of skiing/ continues to remain busy in supporting the needs and rolling down the slopes. Other goings on in the QMs sees the demands of the Regiment. arrival of Sgt Hartley from 18 Signal Regiment and soon to depart this July, SSgt Roseveare after 23 years. He can be ARMY CUP RUGBY SEMI FINALS – by LCpl Bradley quoted as saying he’s enjoyed the ride, but is looking forward to family time and a 9-5 job. Meanwhile LCpl Hellwig has After a number of arduous games and a few disappointing been keeping the competitive spirit going with his on going, forfeits, the Brawdy Brumbies were ecstatic to say the least monthly inter-department sporting competitions. Currently to earn a place in the Semi Finals of the Army Cup, a game to tied for the lead are the LAD and MT winning the volleyball be played in the home of the British Army, Aldershot. We and tug of war respectively. started upping the already demanding training sessions in preparation to play the highly reputed Scots Dragoon Guards Headed up by Cpt Booth, members of the LAD and SSgt and by the time the travelling day was upon us, we were Blears from MT took part in the Devizes to Westminster hyped up and ready to give our best. International Canoeing Race. An epic 125 miles finishing with the last 17 miles in the tidal portion of the Thames.

A favourite for many members of Support Squadron was this years Exercise WELSH EPIC. One week of road biking and a second off-road biking. The weather might not have been kind, but punctures and teddies in the corner aside, all agreed both weeks were good fun.

Using the river as cover during the final attack Capt Billy Morris and Capt Grant Winkles work well together to consistently win good line-out ball This year was the Regiments turn to host the 2 week PNCO Development Course. Myself and Sgt Rick Steel assisted as On game day the squad assembled in RMA Sandhurst’s DS, along with LCpl Green playing enemy. The first week restaurant for a light breakfast before making the short coach consisted of team building exercises, presentations, lessons trip to Aldershot, making the most of the training time we and practise in preparation for the field phase in Lulworth. had before the game began. After some light passing drills For those who don’t know the Lulworth Training area, it is a and some line out practise under Sgt Taff Jones, it was time favoured spot for CLM courses, offering a huge variation in to get together in the changing rooms for the pre-game pep terrain for such a small area. It also appears to be one large talk. Capt Billy Morris and Sgt Chris Selby went through the boggy marsh. To that end, finding cover did not seem to be starting 15, as well as naming the game’s skipper, Sig Phil Kay. much of an issue as most puddles were found to be waist 1345hrs saw a well-trained and enthusiastic Brumbies squad deep. Good thing submersion drills were taught before make their way to the pitch and when the starting whistle deploying! was blown we made sure our presence was known and not be underestimated. This worked well and the opposition Upon returning from Lulworth, I was happy to see the arrival started to lose patience and get overly aggressive. of extra manpower in the workshop in the form of Sgt John Edge, recently back from Herrick 17 and Sgt Michelle Steel, The game was stopped briefly when Cpl Bri Thornton was newly posted in. With Unit Inspections around the corner and knocked unconscious by a stray shoulder to the face and we the hand-over of the majority of the vehicle and equipment were soon rewarded with 2 of the Guards players sin-binned. fleet taking place, the timing of their arrivals has been We used this to get the overlap and cheered went up as LCpl impeccable. Gwynne Walker pushed home the first try of the game. Unfortunately the try wasn’t converted but this didn’t The Squadron is looking forward to many upcoming events dampen our spirits and we carried on pushing a determined including the LAD heading up the Regimental leadership opposition until a third player was sin-binned after Cpl Bri course and the MT, who are putting together the Support Thornton took another high tackle. Try as we might, we Pembrokeshire Coastal Path Challenge charity event. The couldn’t get to the try line and were disappointed when the Squadron team is looking to cover 186 miles over 7 days to Guards managed to play round our line and score their first

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 43 try, which was converted. Throughout the remainder of the first half both teams battled against each other with another brilliant try scored by Capt Karl Eastwood. As the ref blew the half-time whistle, we were trailing only slightly with a 14-12 score-line.

A vomiting Cpl Bri Thornton was taken to Frimley Park hospital by the RSM to treat a fractured jaw and was replaced by an eager Capt Billy Morris, who galvanised the squad and prepared us to take the game back into our own hands. We went back onto the pitch just as enthusiastic and prepared as we had at the start of the game and started playing as hard as we could. A few more injuries saw LCpl Macca Mackay, Pte Charlie Berry, Sig Phil Kay and LCpl Gwynne Walker taken off the pitch, and as new players were bought on, the squad relentlessly tried to hold back the Guards who were starting The course members - slightly damp but relieved to be in one to play wide around an exhausted team and put points down piece more and more frequently. Unfortunately, the squad didn’t manage to score in the second half and the final whistle and hit the trail. The course had many up and downs, slips marked the end of an extremely well-played game on both and skids but the ‘You Been Framed,’ award has to go to LCpl parts. Both teams made their way to the Athletics Clubhouse Churchward with his poor attempt to ‘follow the track,’ by to celebrate with a meal and a hard earned drink before we making a b-line for the trees at a rate of knots, miraculously were back on the bus making our way home to Brawdy. seeing the end of the course with all limbs still attached. Next season will hopefully see the diversified Brumbies squad progress further through the Army Cup and we plan to use Down hill mountain biking means a lot of hill climbs. A few the time ahead of us to refine ourselves as a squad with some over keen individuals with a masochistic enjoyment for 7’s play and a number of friendly games. burning legs greeted these miles of assent with a traditional, ‘race to the top’ attitude. The enduring of cramping quads MAIS MOUNTAIN BIKE LEADER AWARD – by LCpl Churchwood and seizing calves saw SSgt ‘King of the Hill’ Saxton victorious. A mention also goes out to Sig Jen Crabtree. She Anyone with a passion for mountain bikes would not be began nervous and rather underrating herself but by the end disappointed with the scenic trails on offer at Merthyr Tydfil. of the course was tearing down the trails and showing The array of terrain and various trail difficulties make a quality everyone how its done and even recceing routes only after to location to train and test potential instructors. Members of 14 be deemed unsafe. Signal Regiment were lucky enough to get on a course in this area to qualify for the Mountain Bike Leader Award Level 2, In all it was a hugely beneficial course and all riders achieved allowing them to be instructors to lead a group of cyclists on their level 2 instructor qualification, ready to take groups out varying technical terrains, not exceeding 500 metres. over the following months. That is of course if WO2 (FofS) ‘I would rather fall off my bike and run graciously’ Jones’ wife The course was kick-started with the routine introductions; will let him buy a new bike. Maybe she will hear the constant some rather shaky expressions made it clear some individuals chanting from SSgt Tom Earl of ‘BUY BUY BUY’ were more nervous than others. A full spectrum of experience ranging from hardened trail centre riders, down to All 11 riders would like to extend their gratitude to Aeden ‘I did jumps when I was a kid’ were in attendance. Once the O’Neill of Gethin MTB and his supporting staff, for a classroom stuff was out the way everyone was raring to go thoroughly enjoyable and informative course.

15th SIGNAL REGIMENT (INFORMATION SUPPORT) BLANDFORD

CO Lt Col P Pearce RSM WO1 (RSM) Collins runners which made us even more apprehensive about the race. We made our way through the crowds to the runners’ 233 (GLOBAL COMMUNCATION NETWORKS) SIGNAL village after fighting our way through Elvis and Scooby-Doo SQUADRON before waiting for an hour or so for the race to start.

OC Maj (TOT) RJ Wymer We were called to our start pens and waited there in the freezing cold for about 45mins before the gun went off. The 600 SIGNAL TROOP atmosphere was amazing with thousands of people lining the whole of the 2 lap course cheering everybody on. There were OC Capt (TOT) RJ Pace bands, singers and radio station stands throughout, alongside SSgt SSgt M Beckett what was probably the worst thing, numerous drunken people outside the beer gardens sipping cold refreshments (I BATH HALF MARATHON – by LCpl Walker nearly stopped to join them at the 9 mile point).

On Sunday 3 March 2013 WO2 (FofS) Read, SSgt (FofS) As we were coming to the finish of the first lap we were Brewington, Sgt Cunnington, LCpl Darby and I took part in shouted at to stay to the left as the elite runners came the Bath half marathon. sprinting past to finish the whole race!

We arrived at the station early to get the first train into Bath All of us said the same as we came around the corner and saw and we were surrounded by loads of professional looking the finish line, ‘It was the best feeling ever’. After the race we

44 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 LCpl Walker, LCPL Darby and SSgt (FofS) Brewington received our medal and a goody bag, along with a discount for next year’s Bath Half; not the best time to offer such an incentive! Overall it was a very good day even though we were all hanging out… but the atmosphere was brilliant.

259 (GLOBAL INFORMATION SUPPORT) SIGNAL SQUADRON

A/OC Capt R Cleminson The famous Checkpoint Charlie SSM W02 A Humes RA Tuesday morning’s first stop was the seat of German INFORMATION SUPPORT TEAM (GERMANY) government, the Bundestag (formerly Reichstag), partially destroyed by fire in 1933 and badly damaged during the OC Mr Martin ‘Shaggy’ Shenton closing stages of WW2, now magnificently restored complete OpsO WO1 (FofS) Paddy Ferguson with glass dome to which we ascended the summit for a look over the city-scape in daylight. The rest of the day was taken EXERCISE VISTULA ODER: CULTRAL VISIT TO BERLIN up by a walking tour of the Brandenburg Gate, Holocaust - by Sgt Mick Garry Memorial and the former site of Hitler’s bunker, long since destroyed, before rounding off with dinner at the Block The cold and murky pre-dawn of Monday 27 February saw House restaurant in Alexanderplatz and a visit to the members of the Information Support Team (Germany), based Warschauer Platz area in the former East for a few light at Sennelager, assemble at Paderborn HauptBahnhof at the refreshments. start of a three day cultural visit to the German Capital. Those attending included Mr Martin ‘Shaggy’ Shenton (OC), SSgt Wednesday saw the majority of the team set off to sections Daz Powell (TSM), SSgt John Paterson, Sgt Tom Fyvie, myself of the Berlin Wall, the Soviet Memorial in Treptower Park and and Cpl Dave Fletcher, along with our very special guest, WO1 the excellent Checkpoint Charlie museum, whilst I ventured (FofS (IS)) Kerr ‘Jonny’ Laye, from Blandford. out on a walking tour of the former concentration camp KZ Sachsenhausen in Oranienburg in the former East Germany, approximately 35 km north of Berlin. Now designated a National Memorial, the guided tour offered a sombre and humbling insight into the camp system operated under Nazi rule and continued for some time under Soviet occupation.

A quick RV back at the hotel was followed by the short 50m walk to Berlin HauptBahnhof to board the train for home. Thank you to all involved and especially CO 15 Signal Regiment (IS) and CO Paderborn Garrison Support Unit for funding.

DII Tp

OC Capt (TOT(IS)) Pete Asplen FofS WO1 (FofS(IS)) Kerr ‘Johny’ Laye Sgt Fyvie and Cpl Fletcher outside the Bundestag OP HERRICK 17 (DEC 12 – MAR 13) - by Sgt Evans

A quick change of trains in Hanover saw us arrive in Berlin in Sgt Nikki Philips (Team Leader) and I deployed to Camp time for lunch at the ‘Hard Rock Café’ on Kurfurstendamm Bastion early December to take over from SSgt Daz Powell where we were joined by former team member, now and Sgt Chris Slade. Cpl ‘Scouse’ Herbert was also deployed Dusseldorf resident and retired SSgt Nat Turney who greeted with the previous team but he was remaining with us for our us with the excellent news that he had recently secured work tour to help provide continuity. We were given a whistle stop as a civilian contractor in Afghanistan. The entire team wish tour of Bastion by the outgoing team and had the equipment him the best of luck. Sightseeing was followed by dinner in handed over so we could get down to work. Cpl Herbert was the revolving restaurant at the top of the Fernsehturm invaluable at the start, with his experience of the systems in (English: television tower), which at a height of 368m is the Bastion and his knowledge of Housekeeper. It was not long tallest structure in Germany and offers spectacular panoramic though before Cpl Herbert returned to UK for his R&R and we views of the entire city. were on our own and had to start working ourselves.

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 45 Christmas away is always hard on the guys but we all tried to completing numerous tasks that has come its way: from make the best of it. Sgt Phillips and I attended the carol surging additional analysts into Afghanistan to assist with the service on Camp Bastion. After hot mince pies and non- implementation of MJDI/James within ES Coy, deploying alcoholic mulled wine (we still think it was Ribena) we all personnel to Germany for Ex BAVARIAN CHARGER to assembled at the vigil site for the service. As we waited the providing technical support for Bde exercises and higher duty phone rang and our LO, WO1 (FofS) Dave Wood, was formations at Ex JOINT WARRIOR. calling to ask where we were in the crowd. Earlier we had all been given large cylumes, so I started to wave mine in the air The migration of second line units from Global to MJDI to attract his attention. The trouble was everyone else continues and is nearing completion. A small number of units seemed to think this was a good idea and a cylume Mexican are still utilising the legacy system but MJDI release 5 has now wave started to expand out from where we stood. Suffice to been installed at most units. Also, Unicom Out Of Barracks say the LO could not find us. servers within first line units in Theatre are being migrated to MJDI. The next tranche is due to be completed in May with Christmas day started with everyone from the SST FWD teams the remainder to be completed by the end of the year. The joining with 2 Signal Regiment for Christmas mince pies and upgrade of currently deployed MJDI servers from R1 to R5 is the opening of the gift boxes. Fancy dress was abundant with planned for the near future with locations spread throughout various versions of Santa Claus wandering around. That the world. The DCC software specific to MJDI has arrived and afternoon we went to the cookhouse for Christmas dinner. trialling is ongoing before the rollout to units. Client Build 3.1 Unfortunately they had run out of turkey, but they had lots of has been released with various patches and improvements Brussels sprouts so everything was good. with Client Build 4 to follow shortly.

The remainder of the tour proceeded as well as expected. We In recent months, Analysts have deployed worldwide in order did a number of hugely interesting L3 support tasks for to maintain support. A site survey for the installation of MJDI Housekeeper with everyone looking forward to returning has been completed in Kenya; a processor for the Global home in March, and with only a minor hiccup with our return server was replaced in Brunei; a Seesups 2 software upgrade flights we all got back home safely. Together we all wish our was performed in various Germany based units and Unicom replacement team, Sgt Kirsty Wint, LCpl Ian Harvey and LCpl Out of Barracks familiarisation training for units due to deploy Gyan Dahal the best of luck during their time at Camp Bastion. on Op HERRICK within the UK. There has also been a plethora of smaller jobs the Sqn has achieved throughout the UK. 262 (LOGISTICS SYSTEM SUPPORT) SIGNAL SQUADRON During this busy period trade progression has been OC Maj M Osborne AGC (ETS) maintained with personnel attending essential courses. SSM WO1 I Cochrane RLC Qualifications have been gained in Comptia A+ and N+, Security +, SCIDA and CCNA which adds much knowledge and Logistic System Support Squadron are to undergo a name value to the Sqn. Also, personnel have attended education change. The new title is to be 262 (LSS) Sig Sqn. It will be courses in order to be eligible for promotion. business as usual with the role of providing Level 3 deployed support worldwide and maintaining Log IS service support The Sqn is proud to announce the promotion of SSgt within the tri service deployed space remaining the same. The Singleton within the Systems Analyst trade. The following main body of the Sqn is the Systems Analyst trade, posted personnel changes have occurred. Departure-wise; Flt Lt exclusively to Bicester, augmented by RLC suppliers plus Jones has been posted to RAF Wittering, Sgt La-Plain to 42 various trade groups from the RAF. The personnel within the Engr Regt, Hermitage and Cpl Gordon to 12 LSR, Abingdon. Sqn have been reorganised into three teams. This is to Arrivals-wise: Flt Lt Foster has been posted in as the OpsO, coincide with the operational cycle and provide a robust Sgt Parsons as a Systems Analyst probationer, Cpl’s Amoah structure to sustain support for the role and taskings. This in and Ampadu-Mensah as suppliers within JSMAT. turn will provide increased man management and clearer defined responsibilities across the Sqn. The Sqn looks forward with its “bring it on” attitude to the hectic next couple of months and to report its successes in The Sqn has been extremely busy in the past months the next edition of The WIRE.

21st SIGNAL REGIMENT (AIR SUPPORT) COLERNE

CO Lt Col A R Aitken LAD LEADERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT EXERCISE RSM WO1 (RSM) S Brown - by LCpl ‘Dickie’ Bird

The Regiment is now firmly into MST 2 in preparation for In February 2013, it was decided that 21 Signal Regiment (Air deployment on Op HERRICK 19 in November 2013. The Support) LAD should go on exercise. It is common to find an Regiment is looking forward to the coming months with the LAD on exercise practising the skills of the unit they are operational focus never more evident with the PASHTUN attached to; which led the OC LAD, Capt Si Mansfield, to series of exercises in full flow and STA continuing weekly. A decide some REME based exercise skills should be practised. special congratulations goes to the Female Cross Country A scenario was bestowed on the LAD through the medium of Team for winning the Army Inter-Unit Championships. film from Sgt Tom Mitchell; whose acting skills were so phenomenal that some members of the workshop truly SUPPORT SQUADRON believed they were under attack!

OC Maj C Budding Day one started, as any day should, with a circuit PT session SSM WO2 (SSM) D Stedman under the control of LAD PTI, LCpl Adam Veale. Now suitably awake, the first task of the exercise was given to the troops;

46 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 to plan a route card to the exercise area, which would then be presented to the seniors within the LAD. With a list of fictional vehicles to be included in the road move, all sections jumped straight in to the first tasks planning a suitable route and presentation method. Presentations varied from the perfect rendition of road move veteran Cpl ‘Ginge’ Roberts, to a good first effort from Cfn Gilley. Once everyone had his or her perfect route, it was decided that the M4 should be utilised and the road move began. After a gruelling 2-hour transit, the members of the LAD arrived at Bramley Training Area and began unloading their kit. The first night began with two games courtesy of Sections 1 and 2. 1 Section led a game of Pictionary, the highlight being Cpl ‘Taff’ Evans’ confusion over the saying “being in the same boat” which resulted in two boats being depicted. This was followed by a 2 Section Quiz, where the integrity of the Section was called into question after they duly won their own quiz. Cpl Roberts commanding his CP Day Two started with the challenge of siting a workshop somewhere in the training area. The resulting sites ranged SQMS DEPARTMENT from areas big enough to hold a battalion from 1 Section, to a small but open field, with a little HESCO for cover, from 4 The Sqn would like to say a farewell to Sig ‘Nico’ Pigan from Section. After everyones hard work, it was decided that all the very busy SQMS department. Although a professional sections would have their CPs situated within range of their dodger at making the brews, he’ll be greatly missed by all, PRRs. Everyone then rushed to get their tents erected before especially SSgt (SQMS) Dave Durrans after the outstanding the sun went down and the running of the CP phase of the work he has done in his short period of time here. Good luck exercise began. in your new post in Blandford and congratulations on your promotion to Lance Corporal. The CP exercise lasted 24 hours, testing everyone’s nerves after limited sleep. Participants were pushed further with CHRISTMAS CAKE COMPETITION - by Sgt Smith challenges being thrown at the sections in the middle of night ranging from different ‘duty of care’ problems, to researching On 3 December 2012 the annual Regimental Christmas cake and presenting on ‘a famous leader’. All tasks were met with competition was held at Colours Restaurant. Five weeks enthusiasm and were rewarded at the end of the 24-hour before, the whole catering department were tasked with period with a good nights sleep. But, before everyone could creating a cake of their choice that was to be completely sleep, Sections 3 and 4 needed to entertain the LAD edible, seasonal and they were issued with a ready made fruit members. The highlight of this evening was the ignorance of cake, one packet of icing and one of marzipan. All the chefs LCpl Adam Veale on what a goat sounds like and the perfect relished the opportunity of the challenge and began work on impression of a guinea pig by Cfn Eddie Irvine. their masterpieces.

Two weeks before myself and SSgt Rogers ran a master class to help the junior members of the Department. It was also to see how everyone was getting on and the standard of the cakes. To our surprise everyone was getting along just fine and the standards where high.

On the day of the event all the cakes were on display and the banter was high. The Regt 2I/C, OC Sp Sqn, 2I/C Sp Sqn, UWO and Adjt were invited down to judge and sample some mince pies and mulled wine.

Cpl Hall carrying the burden

The final day of the exercise began with a PT session that consisted of a boot run followed by the splitting up of juniors and seniors for a royal rumble wrestling match. The competitions expended everyone’s energy and resulted in LCpl Alex Deans being crowned champion. What could be the reward for working so hard? A Land Rover push back to the HQ naturally! This task was dealt with quickly and the LAD moved the fastest it had all week to pack all the kit up so the move back to camp could begin. Sgt Smith holding LCpl Plant’s Cake In summary the exercise was well enjoyed by everyone and the challenges allowed the participants to learn new skills and After 20 minutes of judging and debate the results were in. techniques they can use throughout their careers. Third place went to Pte Namaganda with her snowman and Christmas bulbuls. Second place went to SSgt Rogers with his

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 47 Log cabin (‘Fix’) and First Place went to LCpl Plant with his Penguins. The cakes were then taken to 43 Bde and judged amongst many others. Well done to LCpl Plant, who received runner up in the JNCO category.

The cakes were then auctioned off during the Offrs to WOs and Sgts’ mess Christmas ‘shindig’ and it came as no surprise that ‘beer’ loosened the wallets of individuals and a grand total of £400 was raised and donated to ABF.

All in all the standards were high across the board and it was an enjoyable event that gave the catering department a good festive competitive spirit and in my eyes there were no losers it was a valiant effort by all. Well done! A rare moment when the snow had thawed

REGIMENTAL GENERATOR BAY MOVE - by Sig Harris carrying out various other activities. We have also had several new arrivals to the Sqn who we welcome and encourage to During our time working in the MT hangar, we ED’s had a attack every opportunity presented to them. In the coming dream; A dream that would move us to our own independent months there promises to be plenty of these opportunities as working environment, the legends referred to it as the RGB. we ready ourselves for the Regt’l sports concentration as well We too wanted to feel the aura and prestige of such an as what promises to be a thoroughly demanding range environment, so we made one! package at the end of Apr.

The dream came true when a few…hundred phone calls were EXERCISE CHIMERA STRIKE 2 made. The building that was chosen was an old Tech Wksp which hadn’t been used since before the Regiment’s Op This exercise was to be used to validate the state of the Sqn HERRICK deployment in 2011. It is fair to say it had seen for deployment after an extensive series of pre training and better days, but this didn’t dishearten us. Armed with limited several rigorous exercises which the soldiers have conducted funding and correct PPE, we put our DIY skills to the test and over the previous few months. When planning the exercise started off cleaning, painting and fixing doors. and the serials to be conducted within it we relied heavily on the TTP’s passed on to us during the recent ARB and TCC With a short deadline the lads worked hard to get the new which the lions share of the Sqn attended. RGB up and running within a couple of weeks and progress was fast. We now had a functioning workshop, lecture area Having concentrated on basic military skills and drills in and office. previous training we decided to give this exercise a decidedly Afghan/HERRICK/communications focus. The soldiers got plenty of practice using Op CARDELL as well as conducting and being involved in shuras which were brought to life by Nepalese soldiers which we borrowed from 2 Sig Regt. Their involvement acting as LN’s or as ANSF was invaluable and added to the realism of the exercise no end.

The new digs

The new RGB has given a great sense of achievement to the lads that worked hard to make this happen. We now have lectures and lessons regarding our trade on a weekly basis, improving our trade knowledge and understanding of the equipment that we will be using in the future. Most importantly we now have a fully functioning workshop to perform practical activities and adequate storage for our equipment. Another shura to attend and more vital information to collate

And finally, a huge restroom to put the icing onto our hard earned cake! Well done! EXERCISE CHIMERA STRIKE 2 ROMAN TROOP PERSPECTIVE - by Lt J Collins 214 SIGNAL SQUADRON On 18 Mar 13 Roman Troop deployed on a combined military OC Maj S Bennett skills and communications exercise to Whinny Hill training SSM WO2 (SSM) G Lancaster area in Catterick.

This has again proved to be an exceedingly busy period for On arrival at the training area and after we had conducted the the Sqn as we continue to plug away at STA as well as usual safety procedures we proceeded to move into our new

48 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 homes for the coming week. Roman Troop conducted a Saxon Troop put together an assault course for the kids which handover of the wonderfully grim FOB South, whilst Saxon was made out of cardboard MFO boxes and Camouflage; this Troop lived it up in the lap of luxury that is PB North. From was a big hit with the kiddies and was a welcome break for here we quickly set to establishing communications and some of the parents as some of the children got lost inside. began dominating the ground with patrols to reassure the Roman Troop put on a “Beat the Goal Keeper stand”, it was local population. popular with the troops probably because it was a chance to kick a ball as hard as they could at Sig Luckwells face. The As is always the case the weather soon took a turn for the children were also kept busy with a bouncy castle, colouring worse and within 24 hours we had every type of season books, a face painter and a balloon stand ran by the Sqn MT. thrown at us. Add to this some colourful scenarios that The buffet was delicious and no doubt nutritious but didn’t involved everything from broken down vehicles to suicide last long after the lads descended on it like a plague of bombers to escorting a VIP out of the area through a series of locusts. Tea, coffee, squash and coff-tee were also provided, sewer tunnels (a personal highlight) and we quickly realised but the main attraction by far was the disco. It was DJ’d by that this was going to be very good, but demanding exercise. the most outgoing DJ in the North, he had the kids up dancing Some strong performances from the likes of Cpl Dalzell and and playing games, they absolutely loved it. He did at one LCpl Williams as Section Commander and 2 IC respectively point try to get the seniors and officers up but they tried to ensured that Roman Troop was led by example. Two ignore him and looked down at there shoes. All in all it was a memories that will not be quickly forgotten are that of LCpl great success and everyone had a fantastic day. Moores taking charge of the GPMG during a night attack and Sig Castle deciding that manoeuvring though the tunnels feet 220 SIGNAL SQUADRON first would be a good idea, it wasn’t!!! After five days of hard work in some very demanding conditions Ex CHIMERA STRIKE OC Maj A Parkinson 2 came to an end in the same way it started, under a blanket SSM WO2 (SSM) P Robertson of snow.

All in all this was an excellent exercise where everyone EXERCISE SCORPION EXCHANGE – by Sgt Thomas involved gained a lot of experience in both the use of communications on operations and of working as a multiple. It was a cold and early start on 23 January 2013 for some members of 220 Sig Sqn, as we departed a very snowy 214 SIGNAL SQUADRON FAMILIES DAY - by Cpl Illes Azimghur Barracks for a cultural visit to HMS Illustrious, which is currently berthed in Portsmouth. It was my first week back On 23 March the Sqn held a families day for the whole of the at a Mainstream Regiment for a few years and I was looking Sqn prior to deploying on Op HERRICK 19. It was also a forward to the prospect of a day off work so soon. chance for the soldiers and their families to come together to raise money for the Air Ambulance and the Still Born and Neo- On arrival we were met at the “gangplank” by CPO Bell and Natal Death Society, the Sqns two nominated charities. Due Lt Lewis, who were to be our tour guides for the day. After to the inclement weather the event was held in the gym on saluting at the gangplank, we ‘came aboard’ the ship and Imphal Bks. It was organised by Sgt Scotty Johnson and Cpl placed our bets to see who could get in the most innuendos Dan Hale and it was a great success, with everyone having a before lunch. Due to the confined spaces on board the ship good time. Sig Salisbury brought home made cakes and we were split into two groups for the tour, Officers/SNCO’s in scones for the bake sale which went down very well and one group and JNCO’s/Signallers in the other. Our first port raised a bit of money for charity. Sig Novak’s Mum also made of call (pun intended) was to the Mess for a “Wet” where we a couple of amazing cakes that were used as prizes for grilled our host on Navy life. We then toured the ship which guessing how many boilies were in a bowl. 499 was the included going out on deck, visiting the Ops Room, living winning guess, only 16 away from the actual amount. quarters, engine room and most important of all, the Bridge, which was to our surprise a familiar Ptarmigan Blue colour.

After lunch in the “Galley” and a quick trip to the “heads”, we went out on deck for a fire fighting demonstration. The biggest threat to crew on a ship is surprisingly enough, fire; every sailor is trained at a special fire fighting school before they can go to sea and we got a demonstration of some of the techniques used in order to tackle them. Back onto dry land we made our way to the gym where we played “Deck Hockey”, with some of the crew from the ship. Deck Hockey

Lt Collins tries his hand on the tin can alley in some very tight jeans Deck hockey….. In the gym!

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 49 is pretty much the same as normal hockey but with a Navy and to all those involved in the various stands and activities twist. Naturally we let the Navy team win so as not to throughout the day. embarrass them in front of the home crowd. The Officer/ SNCO’s team also let the junior team win; obviously this was COMMANDO SPEAN BRIDGE MARCH 2013 – by Cpl Cridland just to keep morale high amongst the Junior Ranks. Revenge will be sweet though when the Navy visits us on our home In 1996 it was decided to reconstruct the original World War II territory next month. Special thanks go to Lt Goodman for Commando speed march route to raise funds for various organizing the day, and Lt Lewis and CPO Bell for being charitable bodies. This has now become an established excellent tour guides. annual military event attracting over 300 entrants a year. The march is held over the original course between Spean Bridge railway station and Achnacarry House in the Scottish Highlands. The initial march took place when the volunteers arrived at Spean Bridge station, heavy kit would be placed upon the volunteers, who were then force marched to the gates of Achnacarry House carrying their fighting order weighing 36lbs. The time allowed to cover the 7 mile route, was 1 hour. Any volunteers that failed to achieve this time were about-turned and immediately RTU’d.

On 7 March 2013 members of 21 Signal Regiment (Air Support) departed on the epic minibus journey to the north of Scotland where the competition was being held. Once we arrived at Spean Bridge, one of the organisers kindly agreed to show us the route as we had never seen it before; this gave some a morale boost and others more nerves. That evening we went back to the village hall for an early night ready for the race the next day. The Illustrious 220 Signal Squadron In the morning we went down to the start at 0930hrs where LCpl Dan Gray took the warm up while SSgt John Miller and EXERCISE SCORPION ILLUSTRIOUS 2 – by Sgt Thomas the other team captains attended a brief. Shortly after we got to the start line the organiser started the race with a Ex SCORPION ILLUSTRIOUS 2 took place on Tuesday 12 March ‘standby……go!’ and then everyone sprinted off on the 400 13 and involved 220 Signal Squadron hosting members of the meter flat before the 1.5 mile incline. Once at the top of the Royal Navy, based on HMS Illustrious, as part of a continuing hill the course turned into undulating road, a perfect chance exchange program set up by the Sqn OC. The day was to to gain some speed. During the race SSgt John Miller’s shoe consist of a pistol shoot on the 25m range, a weapons stand, lace came undone and this gave Sig Pike the perfect a tour around a communications detachment and then finally opportunity to overtake him a mile before the finish. To into the gym for a sports showdown. complete the route in under an hour is an achievement worthy of note. There were only three competitors who The Royal Navy, in true style, were fashionably late, turning achieved this from the Regiment and they were SSgt John up a good hour and a half later than expected. After tea and Miller, LCpl Dan Gray and Sig Pike. Cpl Stanton, Cpl Mark biscuits, the visitors were escorted down to the range where Howland, Sigs Wood, Pearce, Richards and Wright all finished SSgt Gary Ward gave an introduction to the Sig Sauer pistol, over the 60 minute mark, however some were very close to as none of the group had fired a Sig before. Lt Geo Maas, the the sub 1hr target. LCpl Dan Gray finished 31st overall and 1st RCO, then gave the mandatory safety brief. The weather from the Regiment. As a Regiment we finished 17th overall didn’t let us down, gale force winds and snow, perfect range out of a strong field of 21 Airborne and Commando teams. weather. The visitors were then split down into groups, In the evening we went to the Alexandra Hotel where the whilst one group was conducting the competition shoot, the meal and Awards Ceremony took place. The food was lovely, other were conducting concurrent activity in the form of a good service and a volatile atmosphere between the Airborne weapons stand organized by Cpl Elliot Heyden. A safety and Commando teams made it an interesting evening. It was supervisor accompanied each firer to carry out all the weapon a good experience and I would recommend this event to drills and ensure the pistols were pointed in the right anyone. direction.

After the shoot, the group was escorted up to the communications detachment where Cpl Dave Wingate gave them a brief insight into the various pieces of equipment and antennas that we use on exercise/tour, and also a brief insight into life on det. Once lunch was over it was up to the gym where 220 went head to head with the Royal Navy in hockey, basketball and football. The pressure was on after WO2 SSM Paul Robertson threatened AGAI action if we lost. All three games were close, but 220 just managed to clinch the title and pay back after our defeat in Portsmouth. Just to rub the Navy’s nose in it, we had a big shiny trophy presented to 220 by the Sqn OC. I’ve got a feeling the Navy will be after revenge in the not so distant future.

The exercise was a resounding success and special thanks must go to the Royal Navy for taking time out to visit us at Azimghur Bks. Thanks also go to SSgt John Miller and WO2 (SSM) Paul Robertson for organising and overseeing the visit The team at the Commando Memorial in Spean Bridge

50 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 EXERCISE SCORPION PARLIAMENT – by Sig Weatherall skills training. This training has included Rigger Marshaller and Landing Point Commander training, learning to attach As the ferocious and hardworking 220 Signal Squadron underslung loads to hovering helicopters, with a practical test continue on in their pre-deployment training for Op HERRICK on Chinook at Colerne. Also there were ranges for the SA80 19, the Squadron descended upon The Houses of Parliament and pistols, from a simple ACMT, Fire and Movement Test to a for a cultural day out in the heart of the capital. After all, it’s foggy IBSR in Sennybridge. In addition, Bravo Troop has gone important to find out where the important decisions (and through a MATTs package and OPTAG to see them fit to terrible decisions) are made which affect our Army on a daily deploy. basis. Bravo Troop will be manning the Joint Aviation Group (JAG) So, on Wednesday 6 March, 22 of the finest, bravest and quite HQ in Bastion, providing flight following and command frankly most beautiful soldiers to ever grace the Royal Signals support for the JAG staff. In preparation for this, much left Colerne at a soul destroying 0630 and descended upon training took place in the Training Wing Ops Room Trainer, a London in our wonderful 62mph chariots, or to the untrained mock Ops Room that proved an effective training tool. This eye a ford transit minibus. prepared the troops well for deploying on Ex PASHTUN JAGUAR, an MRX that took place from Netheravon involving After battling through the awful traffic on the M4 and trying all helicopter types and replicating Theatre. This gave the to navigate the mind boggling London Underground network, troops an opportunity to work with the staff and the AAC we arrived at Westminster to start our tour of Parliament. We signallers they will deploy and work with and feel the were greeted by the local MP to Colerne who welcomed us pressure of working with real aircraft. personally before we undertook the tour. B Tp also held a Families Day at Colerne for their loved ones to receive welfare briefs, be shown the Ops Room Trainer, and enjoy a meal together in the local village. As this article goes to print the Troop will be already in place in Theatre and relishing the challenge and opportunity to realise all of the training they have gone through these last few months.

SQUADRON BURNS NIGHT - by Cpl Godley

As a fiercely patriotic Scot I was asked to organise a Burns Night for the Sqn, overseen by the other fierce Scot SSgt (FofS) Brewington.

We both went in to full swing to organise an event that the Sqn would remember, especially as many of the younger members had never experienced a formal Scottish occasion. All the food and entertainment was fairly easy to organize, but the biggest problem was finding a good piper to play on the night. It was not until the day of the event that I found Throughout the tour, there was plenty of interesting Sig Motherwell from Blandford Garrison Support Unit who information taken on board and plenty of interesting sites to kindly agreed to play, to our relief. see such as the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Overall the day was a great success and was enjoyed by The night started with arrival to bagpipe music and drinks everybody, and I would recommend this cultural visit to all. before we waited to take our seats with the formal entry of OC 244 and the guest of honour, the Regt 2IC, piped to the 244 SIGNAL SQUADRON top table. The evening meal consisted of pate with French toast for starter, and haggis, neeps and tatties for the main OC Maj P Stowell MBE meal with Scotch sherry trifle for dessert and all lashed down SSM WO2 (SSM) J Bonney with red and white wine.

As 2013 unfolds, 244 Sig Sqn continue their busy calendar in Before the main meal was served the OC conducted the Burns support ofJoint Helicopter Command. A Tp come to the end Night tradition of toasting the haggis which is done using the of a very successful six month tour of Op HERRICK as TF JAG bard's words in an old Scots Dialect. A mean feat especially Sig Tp whilst B Tp conduct a relief in place as this is written. for an Englishman, but one which the OC conducted On A Tp’s return the Sqn will say a fond farewell to A Tp OC, impressively without a mistake. Sig Motherwell then Lt Turner, who moves to 16 Sig Regt. Meanwhile C Tp take on entertained the room with some impressive bagpipe skills the FE@R commitment, preparing to support Ex JOINT that got the blood going and a few hollers from the WARRIOR and D Tp prepare their equipment and personnel enthusiastic and slightly inebriated Jocks in the room. for deployment to Jordan on Ex PASHTUN VORTEX 13a. I Tp begin their MST for deployment in August, a belt-fed In true Burns Night tradition it was then time for my toast to sequence of STA and mil-skills in a compressed four month the lassies. Of the two choices of funny and chauvanistic or period. All of this has left a small window for team cohesion, heatrfelt and charming, I went with funny and chauvanistic. resulting in a very successful Sqn Burns Night. The bad jokes and anecdotes seem to have had the desired effect with the men but a few angry looks from the women BRAVO TROOP – PRE DEPLOYMENT TRAINING - by Lt Bensaid told me to hand over to the FofS for the lassies retort in which she gave back as good as she got; with both barrels. Bravo Troop, 244 Signal Squadron has now completed six months of Pre Deployment Training and is on the verge of To conclude the evening the top table was piped out and the deploying on Op HERRICK for a four month tour. Regiment’s DJ in residence, Sig Prior, took to the helm. This provided the highlight of the night, with the OC attempting Under Lt Chloe Bensaid and Sgt John Carroll, Bravo Troop has ‘Gangnam Style’, something he was scarily good at. gone through a busy package of communications and military

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 51 22nd SIGNAL REGIMENT STAFFORD

CO Lt Col L Westerman With the experiences of previous ARRC exercises under our RSM WO1 (RSM) A Fraser belts it was relatively plain sailing throughout and ENDEX was soon upon us. With the opportunity to go on some well- 217 SIGNAL SQUADRON deserved Easter leave dangled like a carrot, the tear down was completed in an amazingly good time. Every member of OC Maj N Schurmann the Tp worked extremely hard throughout to ensure that the SSM WO2 (SSM) Stephenson exercise was a success.

Throughout March, 217 Sig Sqn had been dispersed across the 222 SIGNAL SQUADRON country supporting build-up exercises to Ex JOINT WARRIOR, a JTFHQ Exercise. A Tp and members of B Tp, bolstered by O OC Maj O Dinnis Tp of 248 GSS, deployed to Catterick, with C Tp supporting SSM WO2 (SSM) King 30SR in Bramcote. Supporting a JTFHQ exercise brought about a series of unique challenges for the Sqn, but provided After a very hectic start to 2013 the Sqn was pleased to have a valuable experience for its members; allowing for some plenty of good news from APC Glasgow regarding individuals novel solutions to the new problems faced. After a bout of selected for promotion. Prior to Christmas leave, WO2 (SSM) Easter leave, the members of the Sqn prepared to deploy on Billy King was selected for promotion from the WO2 – WO1 Ex JOINT WARRIOR itself, this time spreading out even board followed in short order by success for SSgt (SQMS) DJ further across Britain. The Sqn has not only been employed Seymour and SSgt (FofS) Ian ‘Plod’ Wardle who will each be on this exercise, but its members have also supported EHCDR taking up posts as Warrant Officers Class 2 later this year. trials in Blandford, competed in the Stafford Half Marathon Congratulations to all three and all the successful candidates. and also welcomed FALCON into the Sqn. The upcoming months look to remain very busy with a substantial part of With the Sqn in constantly fluctuating state there are some the Sqn on exercise and providing support to FALTAT. notable new arrivals in the shape of a new Sqn 2IC, Capt Ben Woollan and two new Troop Commanders, 2Lt Dave Irons EXERCISE SWAN CONNECTION – by Lt Owens and 2Lt Pete Malan, taking over Hotel and India Troops respectively. We also welcome, SSgt Williamson and Sgt C Tp deployed to Bramcote throughout March, the second Nelson to Hotel Tp and MT, whilst wishing a fond farewell to coldest on record. This exercise was 30SR’s PACEX ahead of Sgt Jo Murphy to 21 Signal Regiment (AS) and a temporary so Ex JOINT WARRIOR and saw the entire Sqn stood up at short long to SSgt ‘Chappie’ Chapman who is off to BATUS for a notice to provide some of the comms systems required. All few months. Meanwhile the Squadron rumbles forward. that stood in the way was the unique problem of using NATO equipment to support a UK HQ exercise and how to ensure Whilst the Sqn has contributed much to the regimental that we could talk to everyone we needed to. This was set to support to Ex JOINT WARRIOR, there is still plenty going on be 3 weeks in the field; or in a tent in a car park as it turned to keep us on our toes. Following a brief Easter break, the out to be! The initial 2 weeks was the chance to fully Sqn finally got its hands back on FALCON ready to tackle the understand what the staff would need, how we could provide unfinished business left over since we handed it over in it and learning to work with an unfamiliar Regt. Autumn 2011 to 30 Signal Regiment. Welcoming the FALCON Training Advisory Team (FALTAT) we have now begun our Set The last week was a staff writing exercise ahead of Ex JOINT to Work prior to three introduction exercises taking place in WARRIOR and an opportunity for a dry run with some of the the coming months, which will see FALCON deployed in staff that we would be working with. Importantly it provided support of HQ ARRC later this year. the opportunity to test the laydown for the upcoming exercise with the staff in and working. With the myriad of REGIMENTAL WOMENS BASKETBALL – ARMY FINALS services that were required, the Network Equipment Room - by Sig Mathews had a collection that could quite possibly rival that of the Corps Museum, and at times the heat generated made you Having celebrated a win against 30SR to make it through to forget just how cold it was outside. C Tp itself was an the Army finals in Aldershot, 22SR Female Basketball team amalgamation of personnel: 222 Sig Sqn provided a Large where determined to see their winning run continue through MAGPIE node and some of its Detachment members, B Tp to the finals. This was our first opportunity to prove the point provided extra manpower and H Tp provided Install Techs. that we deserved our place there. A strong field of four This gave this composite Tp a wide breadth of experience and teams lay ahead of us with the lead up to the semi final and expertise, and allowed these to be shared throughout the hopefully, the final. All four matches were played on the first Regt. day in a round robin style tournament, playing two twelve minute quarters running clock. The arrival of the staff cemented the relationship between the 2 Tps; C Tp, 217 Sig Sqn and C Tp 256 Sig Sqn. Cross- Our first match was against Army HQ; this was a big game we training ensued, with both Tps working together and learning needed to come out strong and get a good lead with points a great deal from each other about unfamiliar equipment. By on the board early. The starting five consisted of Cpl Gurung, ENDEX all were confident, whether it was fixing a FALCON Sig Mathews, Sig Boulter, Sig Collins and Cpl Wood. Army phone, or fault finding on MAGPIE and Dii-LD UADs. This HQ came out fighting but we came out stronger and fitter to meant that anyone could man the service desk in any role, the point that at halftime it was 25-8. Our main aim for the vital in a busy HQ. The staff arrival brought with it the usual second half was to not allow them to double up on points. requests for services and some more unusual. Most notably The final score was 47-14 to 22SR. the request to change from BBC News to Sky News and then to Al-Jazeera News as they gave a more global perspective. After a massive confidence boost our second game arrived

52 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 quickly, this time against 8 Med Regt. This game seemed to flow differently to the last as they only had 5 players and were a fairly inexperienced team. We used this game to set up plays and utilise the fast break as much as possible. During the game 8 Med Regt lost a player to an unfortunate injury so for the final three minutes we dropped a player and played 4 on 4. The final score was 50-10 to 22SR.

Next we faced the RHA. Even though they hadn’t had the best run of luck it was apparent that they could still throw up some good 3 point shots and were not to be underestimated. We decided to close down the outside shots and utilise our main outside shooter, Sig Collins. She was on absolute fire. Cpl Gurung was also particularly impressive, playing as the big man inside. Final score was 46-18 to 22SR. Sgt Nelson delivers a hot debrief

The final game was against 28 Eng Regt. This we perceived as appointment really scratching their heads. Individuals due to our hardest game as they too had won all previous games. attend JCLM and PNCO CLM courses were particularly keen to The game was indeed hard with good play from both teams re-hone their skills and halt any skill-fade. yet 22 prevailed. Final score was 36-20 to 22SR. The result meant that we had secured top spot in our pool and were Each stand focussed on the reintroduction of previously then favourites to win the competition. The next challenge learned skills whether that was a section attack, casualty was the semi-final in which we would meet RHA again. Now extraction under fire or a fighting withdrawal. They had knowing how they played and who to close down we set up twists thrown in enabling training to be accessible to all, even the game in our favour and won. Final score 42-12 to 22SR. for those who were downgraded in some way, and it was deemed would still benefit from the training. The whistle blew and the final was underway. 28 Eng Regt had won their semi final and were now facing us. The game was end to end with basket after basket and no clear team edging out. At half time we were four points behind. In the final quarter the game seemed to change momentum and we gained the upper hand although not quite enough and they won, the final score being 36-24 to 28 Eng Regiment.

Overall it was a valuable experience as a team and individually. Cpl Gurung, Sig Mathews and Sig Collins were all selected for the Army Basketball Team. As a whole the team achieved a great amount of confidence and experience and second place in their first tournament is nothing to be sniffed at. This is just the start for the 22 SR Female Basketball team.

222 SIG SQN OC’S CHALLENGE BATTLE EXERCISE TRAINING – by Cpl Carter With friendly force actions (colourfully) screened, Cpl Mason moves position SSgt Finn put together a challenging and engaging MATT 3 and 5 event to constitute the OC’s challenge. The training and As the day progressed, it became progressively colder practice took place over two days at both Beacon Barracks meaning that personal drills were being tested and each and and Nesscliff Training area. The aim of the training was to every person had to resist the temptation to ‘mong it’. ensure all 222 Signal Squadron personnel received an overdue Having had the lessons in camp the day before it wasn’t long practice and reminder of their basic skills and drills covering before the old cobwebs were dusted off and each scenario Basic Close Combat Skills (BCCS), medical and casualty drills, took hold of the exercising troops. The nature of the day and navigation – without the use of GPS! highlighted how enjoyable it can be to get back to basics and remember that we are soldiers first. Even at the very basic The lessons in camp were completed in good order. All the level that this training was aimed at and delivered there was basics were covered; camouflage and concealment, why an invigorated turnaround of the troops upon our return to things are seen, basic patrolling, the 6 section battle drills, camp. Everyone put 100% effort into the day and this made and the mechanics of the attack. Some troops had to really the DS’ debriefs all the easier. With the Regt Battle Camp not search around the grey matter for the answers to the far away there are already cries for more training and chances obligatory end of lesson questions but Sig ‘Death’ Minors to build on what was a successful start to a new training year. took it all in his stride and impressed with Rain Man like knowledge of the 6 section battle drills. 252 SIGNAL SQUADRON

The exercise day began at the crack of dawn as we rolled out Acting OC Capt A Taft to Nescliffe training camp. Unfortunately not even SSgt SSM WO2 (SSM) A Williams ‘Scotty’ Finn’s well placed contacts could get us SH so we travelled in minibuses instead. The training area was sodden EXERCISE LIGHTNING STRIKE – by Sig Emery and this would make for some very soggy section attacks. This did not hamper the spirits, in fact it seemed to lift them Ex LIGHTING STRIKE was a day long recruiting exercise aimed at potential young officers. The aim was to give them Unknown to the exercising troops, three stands had been set an insight into R SIGNALS units’ activities and job roles and to up in order to meet the training objectives. They focussed on ask serving servicemen any questions throughout the day - BCCS primarily but encompassed a range of challenging basically the unit was selling itself like a supplier to its scenarios which would get those fortunate to be in command customer.

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 53 final brief from Capt Lorains on how the day was going to plan out and what needed to be done before the teams started arriving. At 0800 the first team arrived and Capt Lorains talked about the Regiment’s role and their commitments to supporting HQ ARRC. A stand was also setup inside the tent with the different types of equipment from phones, secure laptops and multimedia kit. After this introduction the 2 teams would race each to see who could complete the task the fastest and most accurately. Whilst the teams were doing the task LCpl Nauraj, Sig Emery, Sig Robertson, and Sig Turner would be coaching them and pointing them in the right direction.

As the day came to a close the final challenge beckoned. All teams would participate in a preliminary ‘final’ event and the 4 top teams could take part in the main challenge. The first OCdts get to grips with a tent challenge comprised of 6 stages in a relay format where at each stage a member of each team had to complete a task The potential officers were in small teams that came from ranging from eating a ration pack, putting on a CBRN suit and their local areas across the country, ranging from Aberdeen to doing the most un-human like running I have seen. The Plymouth. Each Regiment had a stand strategically positioned atmosphere was great and the crowd grew loud with cheers around Blandford Camp and at each one the potential officers of encouragement. The teams met this with the enthusiasm, had a task to complete within a time scale and dependant on hard work and the competitiveness they had shown all day. their time they were awarded points. Once they had been to every stand the points collected from each stand would then HQ ARRC SOFTWARE UPGRADE PROJECT tally up to give a final score/position. This would then lead - by LCpl Martin-Davy onto the final challenge held up near the FOB where all teams could participate. SSgt Jim Cunningham was tasked to head up an upgrade rollout of Microsoft Windows 7 to the ARRC Headquarters in 22 Signal Regiment arrived a day early in order to set up our Gloucestershire with a tight dead line by the end of March. stand and to straighten out any potential problems that might Due to the complexity of the rollout, he acquired skills from occur during the day. The drive down in the Daff in the early around the Sqn and Regt to complete this project, including: hours of Friday morning was an adventure in itself as the members from 1st line with their understanding of morning commuters of Bath city centre can testify. There departments within ARRC-HQ; 2nd line members and their was no promise of a sunny day, instead we got a typical knowledge of deployment software; the 3rd line team British morning; unpredictable, bitterly cold with strong brought technical knowledge of deployments used during Ex winds, as Sig Emery and Sig Robertson would soon find out. STEADFAST JUNCTURE; and the Application Engrs team were required for the large amount of specialist software that is On arrival in Blanford Camp we met up with Capt Lorains, required by the ARRC users. LCpl Nauraj and Sig Turner who had driven down with additional supplies. Coming down a day before proved to be Now the team had been assembled, it was time to create a great idea and we used the time to set up the 18x24 display plan of action. This was carried out with a brainstorming tent and our kero heater filled 9x9 admin tent. Our stand was session that covered many topics. Items that were an Ops Room with the appropriate layout of tables and chairs; considered during this phase; platforms i.e. machine types however for simulation of equipment we used laminated (Dell 390), user software (Office2010, Lync), machine cards to prevent damage. There was also a generator that software (drivers), deployment software (Acronis workstation provided electricity to the Ops room and all cables were laid or server), build instructions, deployment instructions, user and connected. The idea was that the team had to tear down handouts, time frame for first deployment. the Ops room then move all equipment and electrics to a new location selected by Capt Lorains. Now we had the finer details of the project laid out we could start producing our first image. We were given instructions This would provide invaluable experience to potential officers that the sqn was going to be trialing the software first. LCpl and enhance and develop leadership skills, communication, Assoun headed this task with LCpls Adeoti and Watson, working as a team, planning, attitude, listening skills and however they found that producing multiple images at the many more. At 0700 on the Saturday morning we received a same time created problems. LCpl Martin-Davy helped to create a chart that was then used to identify what stage any build was in and this also gave a timeline for completion. The image was then configured and now known as the master image. Sgt Simpson and LCpl Bojang advised through a few initial complications before it was ready for deployment.

LCpl Spain then developed the document for the upgrade. This was finely tuned prior to rollout to the ARRC users. During this part we found that parts of the process could be easily missed and also took time to complete. With help from LCpl M-D we then put into practice the Migration tool and this not only increased productivity but reduced errors that come with repetitive tasks. LCpl Jay, Sig’s Francis, Gillick, McInerney and Ross augmented the team for the roll-out and were critical to its success. They can now build on their experiences on this project when it comes to upgrading the deployable equipment! Sig Robertson supervises the action

54 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 When the rollout was well under way Sgt Callaway managed Lap times over the noise of the Go-Karts and took a group the team to upgrade fifteen computers in a morning with the picture. appropriate paperwork and error resolution being completed in the afternoon. I suppose it is only fair to mention that two of the fastest three drivers happened to be some of the guys from 22 Signal Coordinating and implementing this rollout has been very Regiment, Stafford. Needless to say we will not be inviting difficult but rewarding, with many obstacles in the way. anyone from Stafford again! However, through the teamwork of each member we were able to carry out all tasks to a high standard. As with some We thanked the guys from Stafford for all their help over the military tasks, timelines can move very quickly and this means last few months and the event served as a nice farewell to working out of hours is the only way forward. The team them. As far as we know everyone enjoyed the experience made the most of the opportunity to improve their IS skills and had a great time. We will look forward to doing and gain a better understanding of the ITIL process and be something like this again in the future, hopefully on an even ahead of many of your peers. At the end of the rollout LCpl bigger scale like a mini grand prix at an outdoor circuit with Assuon hosted the entire project team at his home to prizes, presented by super models! congratulate it on its achievement and to bid a fond farewell to SSgt Jim Cunningham on completion of 22 years service.

CO’s SAFE AND SKILLED DRIVING COMPETITION 2013 – by LCpl Mummery

Sig Ray and I were tasked to run a stand for the CO’s Safe and Skilled Driving Competition. After a short brief we hatched a carefully thought out plan. On 20 March we went up to Stafford to set-up and carry out dry rehearsals of the stand. We had a short discussion about making the stand a bit more challenging, Sig Ray definitely showed his darker side! With that in mind, we sat down and planned out our stand to the very finest of detail, making sure not to miss anything.

On 21 March the day had come, we were confident our planning and preparation would prove to be good. We headed once more to Stafford to put the final touches in and to receive our first participants of the day. Groups of soldiers The podium posers: 1st Sig Francis AKA ‘Franky the Drifter’, 2nd from various Troops turned up one by one. On arrival they LCpl Jay AKA ‘Jay’, 3rd LCpl Mummery AKA… never mind! were surprised to learn that the stand was “blindfold garaging”. The idea of the stand was to safely drive and reverse a Land Rover into garages whilst trying to miss cones. EXERCISE DRAGON PISTE – by LCpl Adeoti The driver was blindfolded and taking instructions from a vehicle commander who in turn was taking orders from a man I have always wanted to ski and so was excited when LCpl on the ground. ‘Sonny’ Assuon and I were given the chance to be part of Ex DRAGON PISTE, an adventurous training expedition organised The day went without any problems or issues and everyone by 14 Sig Regt. We had never been on a skiing trip before and from the Regtl 2IC to the newest and freshest Signaller knew this was going to be a challenging but exciting one. commented on how difficult and challenging the stand was. After a 24hr coach ride from Leigh Delamere to Meribel village A few of the comments included some varied responses like in the south of France it all seemed worthwhile as the “It was hard enough with the cones, but then you had to mountain views were the most spectacular sights I had ever blindfold us!” and “It really does feel weird driving blind”. seen. The mountains in Meribel averaged about 2500m above sea level and were all covered in snow. We got off the coach All in all the day was a massive success, and as a small and had a quick brief from Lt Eldridge and got allocated our Squadron we scooped 2nd place. apartments. We had five people to each apartment and it wasn’t long before everyone got settled and started bonding. EXERCISE HONG KONG MARIO KART 1 - by LCpl Spain The word from everyone in our novice group was how excited we were and how we could not wait to get on the “piste”. On Wed 28 Mar, LCpl Bojang and I organised a sports afternoon at JDR Indoor Go-Karting in Gloucester Quays, to The next day after a quick morning brief our group was encourage team cohesion and give people an opportunity to assigned an instructor and it was not long before we got the get together outside of work. order to “get your skis on”. After a quick introduction to what we should expect and a long safety list of points to As there was at least 20 of us, the company was good enough consider, the words “follow me” from the instructor brought to give us a £5 Army discount. For some this was their first more excitement to the group and it didn’t take long before experience at go karting and it worked out well as it was just we all got behind him on our skis. We learnt the basic skills of before payday and wasn’t too expensive. getting the skis on properly and safety features, the correct way to handle your poles and how to efficiently propel The first group were very gentlemanly and civilised on the forward and not forgetting the most important skill of all: track with hardly any stoppages. Unlike the 2nd group which how to stop! We spent most of the first day on the very easy was more like a demolition derby! Luckily despite several (green) slopes trying to apply what we had just learnt and by collisions and pile ups, somehow everyone managed to walk the second day most of the group were ready to get on an away unscathed. easy (blue) slope. From then on the confidence in the group grew significantly and by the fourth day we all were having a LCpl Assuon kindly stepped up and was on hand as usual with go on the hard (red) slopes and one even suggested trying his camera acting as our Squadron photographer. Afterwards one of the very hard (black) slopes - which the instructor we eventually managed to sort out who had the top 3 fastest kindly declined. By the end of the week we all could

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 55 killing zone. Besides, we wanted to see the looks on their faces when they realized they were going to get even wetter on this bitterly cold day. It may be cruel, but as MasterCard would say, ‘Priceless’. After a £5 spend on the water guns, and 20 seconds later, the ambush had been sprung and the drenched victims floated off down the river leaving the ambush party cheering on the high ground.

After lunch we went on to the ‘Hole in One’ golf challenge where you could win a brand new Fiat 500. A feat that was not as easy as it sounds; the hole being on an island in the middle of the lake and the golf balls having the average weight of a helium filled ping pong ball. Capt Whitworth, RQ James, Cpl Unsworth and Sig Munro all fancied their chances of driving the prize home that night, yet they all failed!

Before we left we visited the Aquarium. It was really The novice group take to the piste interesting with lots of unusual sea creatures such as Stingrays and Sharks to be seen close up. All in all, it was an appreciate the effort put in by each member of our group and amazing day out with lots of laughs, jokes and scary knew the exercise was a success. LCpl Assuon and I would moments! We will all look forward to our next Troop day out, like to thank 14 Signal Regiment for inviting us; it was a that’s for sure. wonderful experience full of fun memories and I look forward to another ski season later in the year. EXERCISE STAFFORD STONE - by Cpl Stott

SUPPORT SQUADRON It all started at the beginning of January were the MTO gave Cpl Stott the epic task (SPAM) to host the CO’s Regimental OC Maj Renshaw Safe and Skilled driving Competition 2013, Ex STAFFORD SSM WO2 (SSM) Marshall STONE.

EXERCISE STAFFORD RIDE – by Sig Monson Cpl Stott, new to the role as the Regiments Driver Training NCO had his work cut out to get everything in good order for During what has been an extremely busy period within the the big day, which was on March 21 2013. Running around Regiment, the QM(T) Department took the rare opportunity with his head on fire Cpl ‘Switched-on’ Stott knew to conduct a Troop day out to Alton Towers. This was a good preparation was no easy task but thanks to Sig Luke opportunity to bid farewell to Cpl Danny Unsworth after his 3 ‘Skywalker’ Anthony and Sig Zac ‘Bang’ Tidy got on the tasks years service to the Regiment and to welcome our new straight away. QM(T), Capt Dean Whitworth, as well as Sig Jase Munro to the Department. The only drawback to the day was although Ex STAFFORD STONE was a series of 8 round robin stands the middle of March it was absolutely freezing. focused on maximum participation from all ranks and various driving platforms which covered all different licence When we arrived at Alton Towers we were given a categories. A big thanks goes out to the Sqn MT’s who were presentation by Miss Katie Chapman, Trade Marketing responsible for the planning and organisation of individual Executive on how the civilian logistic chain works within Alton stands. After coming up with a plan, Cpl Stott briefed the Towers. We thought it would be a good idea to compare the MTWO, WO2 John Kennaugh, on the event. The boss wanted G4/Logistic chain within the Army to a major civilian company. a few minor tweaks (BIGGER THAN BOSNIA) for the final event. Once the presentation was finished we entered the theme Sig Anthony was then called upon to get in touch with some park with our tickets at the ready; Sgt Mark Millns vying for local business’ with a transport background around Stafford first place in the queue. No sooner had we gotten through to come in on the day to open up stands and give information the gates when some of the group took advantage of the £7 on a number of products relating to their companies including ‘bottomless coffee cup’ offer that was available. The the AA, Staffordshire Town Council, driveme.net and Halfords. prospect of drinking your own body weight in coffee/hot chocolate on an icy cold day was an absolute steal at £7. He also set up a stand for the launch of the stations Cycle to However, I thought I’d be a bit more economic with my Work campaign which was a big success. MOD Stafford has options and talked Sig ‘Scouse’ Henry into paying for his mug, then spent the rest of the day sharing it with him; just hope he doesn’t have any cold sores!

Being a week day, the theme park was relatively quiet; therefore we took full advantage of going on every ride. Sgt Millns was still racing everyone for front row seating, so we just sat back and let him, especially as he headed off to the water rapids ride. Some of the more discerning members of the team hung back from the water rides, especially as it felt like we were living through a second ‘ice age’. Did I say hung back? What I actually meant to say was lured them into an ambush! After waving goodbye to our nautical companions, we ran around the side of the ride to take up a good firing position on the water guns. After some productive ‘Grouping and Zeroing’ at some unfortunate civilians our main prey approached. We made no attempt to conceal ourselves and there was no where for them to go, except directly into our Capt ‘Paddy’ Townley showing off the fruits of his misspent youth

56 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 recently struck up a relationship with Stafford Travel Network and Sustainable Transport with different ideas and incentives of reducing traffic and keeping everybody safe. The “Bike Bus” has agreed it will visit Beacon Barracks throughout the year to support our campaign to get more people proactive when it comes to riding their bikes to work, by sending their bike mechanics to do free health checks on soldiers’ bikes and by bringing an artificial mountain biking track for us to enjoy during some downtime.

The final event was fast approaching and some of the Sqns were neck and neck. At 1530hrs all the Regs Sqn’s were on the start line itching to start. Sp Sqn led all the way to finish line!

After totalling up the scores in the back of the van with the Sqn SSMs breathing down our necks it was announced that the mighty Sp Sqn came first and 252 Sig Sqn second, winning by a whisker over third place 222 Sig Sqn. Sp Sqn walked away with the prizes. Bring on the next CO’s Challenge! Glamorous assistants, OC and SSM Sp Sqn

30th SIGNAL REGIMENT BRAMCOTE

CO Lt Col R J Watts MBE contingency warfare, albeit with varying levels of success. A RSM WO1 (RSM) Setchfield change in command appointments brought a move into FOB Dyer where a relief in place was conducted in preparation for subsequent missions and tasks allocated for the next 3 days. PNCO COURSE (10-22 FEB 13) – by Sgt Lower Needless to say, the enemy had their movement severely The second PNCO course of the training year at 30 Signal restricted with numerous arrests made and J2 passed up the Regiment traditionally experiences the best of British CofC. Positions were assaulted and snap VCPs were initiated. weather; and as 33 apprehensive faces lined up for the As expected, the section 2ICs were worked hard by their streaming run on a wet and cold Sunday afternoon, this was section Cpls, Cpl ‘Dicko’ Dixon, Cpl ‘Olly’ Myles and Cpl no different. The arrival brief by course SSI Sgt ‘Gaz’ Lower Subash throughout. An arduous casualty evacuation over a 3 explained that with the first assessment out of the way, mile route challenged some physically and for one section it Monday morning would present the second, a simple AFT also challenged their navigation skills when 3 miles became around Bramcote Barracks. After losing one on the 8 mile more like 4 miles! journey round the windbreaks (a route that would soon become all too familiar for the students), the course was After a few well deserved drinks, CO 30 Sig Regt, Lt Col returned to it’s full compliment of 32 students from across Watts, presented the Top Student and Top Field Soldier to A/ the Corps. LCpl Ramesh and A/LCpl Symonds respectively.

The timetable is a mixture of lessons and development exercises held both inside and outside. With the ongoing refurbishment and decoration of 30 Signal Regiment’s Training Wing many lessons were given outside and were accompanied by a variety of climatic conditions. As the snow fell, talk of the possibility of cancelling the PLDs and exercise phase grew, but alas, never came true.

As the week progressed the students’ team cohesion grew and was demonstrated during the afternoon of command tasks, two more PLDs and a 3 way training rotation of section SOPs including CASEVAC under fire and assaulting an enemy position. After deployment orders issued by 2Lt ‘Monkfish’ Powell, there was a welcome Saturday off to conduct personal admin.

Early Sunday morning began with a final kit check by Sgt ‘Jacko’ Jackson and the Prelim move down to Caerwent Training Area. On arrival at the Republic of the Federation of Gwent initial battle prep was completed before the Platoon were re-tasked to adopt a defensive formation in nearby woods as FOB Dyer was OOB for at least the next 24 hours. After a few startled faces, the Platoon moved off on a 3km insertion march. The next 24 hours were certainly a shake- out for some, but demonstrated the adaptability of today’s R SIGNALS soldier with the ability to mix conventional and Casualty extraction under enemy effective fire

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 57 EXERCISE SERENE SWAN – by Capt Clark While on the ski competition we competed in four different styles of skiing Downhill, Super Giant Slalom (Super G), Giant CO 30 Sig Regt’s training directive for 2012/2013 details the Slalom and Slalom. We would complete two races a day on requirement for SNCO, WO and Offr Development exercises each event to get a final seed position. By the end of the to be delivered at the Regimental level, whilst JNCO and competition, 30 Signal Regiment had two members of our private/signaller development is delivered at the Squadron team that made it into the top 50 of the division. and Troop level. Ex SERENE SWAN is 30 Signal Regiment’s Furthermore, they successfully made it into the Army Warrant Officer Development Package and the 2013 exercise competition the week after to compete in another more took place in Cardiff between 6-7 Feb 13. demanding contest. Hence a big well done is required to LCpl Aaron Rouget and LCpl Kirsty Abel. Departing on the morning of 6 Feb 13, with passports ready for our border crossing into Wales, the Regiment’s Warrant Overall this was a brilliant military exercise; it developed our Officers, CO, Regimental 2IC, Adjutant and AGC(SPS) Det skiing ability at such a rapid rate. As a Regiment and a Corps Comd set off on our intrepid journey. Following a motorway we had tremendous success and we managed to produce service stop, which offered the opportunity to take on board some fantastic results. It was a great team that went out and coffee to wake up prior to the first activity; the Warrant we will hopefully see more next year! Officers were presented with the Junior Officers’ Leadership Programme Mounting Instruction Exercise. This 85 page A big thank you to LCpl Kirsty Abel for organising the exercise document is given to 2Lts and Lts attending JOLP. For the and making it a fantastic opportunity for all involved. remaining hour of the journey, the Warrant Officers had to read and prioritise the information, and continually ask “so UK MIDLAND INTER-UNIT BASKETBALL COMPETITION what?”. On arrival at Ty Llewellyn TA Centre, the Warrant - by Lt Walker Officers were tested on their understanding of the scenario and the task they had to complete. 30 Sig Regt has a large following for basketball so all members of the team were determined to perform well. This initial grilling was only the beginning. Following Adjutant However there was concern as the Regtl diary had not been Capt Matt Cox’s estimate presentation, the Warrant Officers able to fit in much training time before the event. then had an individual planning exercise to complete. This was, of course, followed by the inevitable question and The female team only had one match against an extremely answer session, during which courses of action were either strong 22 Sig Regt team. The much more inexperienced 30 justified or disregarded and plans defended. The final activity Sig Regt team put up a valiant effort but could not stand up before dinner was a presentation on resettlement, to their competition and unfortunately lost. However, as accreditation and planning ahead. runners-up in their league, they will have their chance again when they meet in the National competition. Dinner was in the Red Hot Buffet Bar in the centre of Cardiff, a short walk from the TA Centre. After dinner, an impromptu In the Major Units, the competition was strong as we realised question and answer session followed as the group found from the first match when we went down by 7 points early themselves in a pub quiz. None of the mental rigours of on. However, after the first quarter it all changed as we soon earlier in the day compared to the demanding nature of these found ourselves leading for the rest of the match. questions as the group, split into 2 teams, struggled to identify the interior of Cardiff’s pubs in the picture round! It The team then managed to continue in the same vein, goes without saying that neither team won… convincingly beating both the Engineers and AAC Regiments in their consecutive matches. However, 16 Regt RA had an The following day commenced with debates. The Warrant equally strong start, losing none of their respective matches Officers discussed Europe, UK devolution and UK politics prior and putting us in joint first place. This match was to decide to moving to the Welsh National Assembly to see how it the winner of the competition and it was not going to be an should really be done. The guided tour around the assembly easy task. From the start the teams seemed very equally was followed by the opportunity to watch a committee matched, with 30 Sig Regt leading only by 4 points for the discussing the moral stand point of Wales’ proposed “Opt- majority of the first half. However into the second half the out” policy to organ donation. Representatives of faiths fatigue of the much smaller Artillery squad started to show as within Wales all presented their views to the panel. the lead crept further and further away from them and saw us through to victory and the competition win! Following lunch, the group moved back to Bramcote. The majority of people slept (waking only for a visit to With only one match left against 22 Sig Regt the team went in McDonalds), worn out by their mental exertions over the past already sure of their position, but wanting the clean sweep few days and not at all by Cardiff’s night life - and if the night (and for Corps pride), they made sure of their position at the had played a part, it was only due to the demanding nature of the pub quiz, and not anything else!

DIVISIONAL ARMY SKIING COMPETITION – by Sig Andrews

A Troop enjoyed a slow introduction to a New Year making the most of the calm before the storm with the Regimental and Squadron level exercises just around the corner. However, one member of A Troop was busy tightening their bindings and waxing their skis in preparation for Ex SPARTAN HIKE in the French Alps. On 10 Jan 13 the exercise commenced. It was the demanding Divisional Ski Competition held in France over a 3 week period. We competed with several other units in the same division. Our team consisted of: Sig Andrews, LCpl Aaron ‘The Rocket’ Rouget, LCpl Kirsty Abel and finally Sig Mike ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ Haughton. Lt Walker with the Regimental Basketball Team

58 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 top with a final win leaving the team 5 – 0, only having trailed Hopefully now we will have some more runners volunteering for 10 minutes in the first game and through to the National to carry on with the remainder of the season and the next. Inter-Unit competition. Lt Alex Walker also picked up Most- Valuable Player of the competition to finish off the teams COMMONWEALTH DAY CELEBRATION – by Sgt Strange dominant performance. On 11 March 30 Signal Regiment held its first Commonwealth CORPS CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP – by Cpl Churton Day. This was an ideal opportunity for the Regiment to show off the diversity of cultures of its soldiers to all those on Cross country is now coming to the end of the season, with Bramcote Station. The idea behind the event was for as many only a few more league and competition races left. As a different Commonwealth countries to be represented as Regiment we have tried to maintain a strong representation possible, ideally by members of the Regiment from those for both male and female teams at each of the races. Due to countries. To do this, 8 stands were created representing St our work commitments as a Regiment and certainly as a Vincent, Fiji, Sierra Leone, Kenya, England, Scotland, Northern Squadron this is not always the easiest of tasks. Sgt Nicky Ireland and Nepal (although not actually a Commonwealth Moxon is the IC of the female cross country team, and works country). Each stand gave information about their country tirelessly to get the girls released to represent the Regiment. and some even provided traditional food for visitors to try. Alpha Troop had full support for the female team having Alongside this, a buffet was provided by the Regimental chefs three out the six members running for the most recent event, with different foods from around the Commonwealth and the Corps Championships at Bulford Camp. Nepal and a cake stand organized by Bramcote Ladies.

The Corps Championship cross country all started the evening Sgt ‘Songs’ Roger of Sp Sqn created a stand to show not only before where both teams spent the night at Blandford Camp. his native St Vincent but also to represent the Caribbean Fortunately only a short 40 minute drive from Bulford Camp. region as a whole. He provided maps of the Caribbean where Sgt Vicky Lomax had to meet us there after being persuaded he explained the layout of the different islands and he cooked to run whilst on her way back from playing Corps rugby! The a variety of food including green banana with salted cod fish morning of the race was very cold, the dreaded conditions from St Lucia, ackee and salted cod from Jamaica and also you expect when taking part in a cross country race. We doconua, made with sweet potato from St Vincent. He also arrived with plenty of time, got ready and took a look at the had Hairoun beer, 85% rum and ginger wine from St Vincent. route which we were going to be running, the model of the Cpl ‘Max’ Sila and LCpl Veramu cooked lovo chicken and pork ground mainly seem to consist of hills. On the race brief we for the Fijian stand. Lovo is a traditional Fijian method of found out the route for females was 4.2 km and for the males cooking which involves an earth oven. Visitors to the stand it was 6.2 km, we were then told about the ‘mountains’ that were told that traditionally, this sort of oven was used to we were going to be running over called ‘chalk’ and ‘red brick’ cook people too until the practice of cannibalism was ended hill so everyone was a little apprehensive at this stage! in the 19th century! The stand was decorated with sulus, a Fijian cloth used for sarongs, sea shells and Fijian arts and The female race started 30 minutes before the male race, all crafts items alongside a slide show showing the sights of Fiji. the girls made their way to the start line which was a mission The stand for Sierra Leone was run by LCpl ‘HK’ Hussan-King. itself. The race began and it was a dash to get a good To accompany his display and slide show, LCpl Hussan-King position around the football pitch before we went out the made traditional foods from Sierra Leone and had a display of gate onto the area. As soon as we hit the area the mud traditional clothing. appeared, the ground was extremely slippery making it hard to get any speed up. Everyones main effort was to try and The Kenyan stand was presented by Sig Kev Masamba from stay up straight and not fall over or lose their trainers. LCpl Sp Sqn. He was dressed in Kitenge, which is the Kenyan Kirsty Maughan was not so fortunate and took a slight fall, national dress. He had a presentation showing the history of she was one of the many competitors that finished caked in Kenya and its relationship with the UK, details of the mud. To everyone’s relief the female race was over and the population, differing languages and traditional dress of the snow was starting to get worse by the time the guys started differing cultures in Kenya and maps showing important areas running. of the country. Sig Masamba also prepared mandazi, which is similar to a doughnut and is normally eaten for breakfast or as The Corps was well represented with units coming from all a snack during day. The English stand was run by Lt Smith over the UK and Germany. 30 Signal Regiment did well and LCpls Stu Helin and Coleman from 256 Sig Sqn. The stand overall coming third in the male and fifth in the female event. included scones, cream and jam and an interactive quiz to test your knowledge about England. A DVD of Braveheart was being shown on the Scottish stand with Iron Brew served as refreshment. The Northern Ireland stand had cans of

Ladies at the finish line, L to R LCpl Renshaw, Capt Bell, Sgt Moxon, Cpl Churton, LCpl Maughan, Sgt Lomax Cpl Max Sila preparing the lovo

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 59 Guinness (not actually from NI). Sigs Small and Mitchell, both Following on from the kickboxing, the Combat and Exercise from 256 Sig Sqn, ran these stands. Cpl ‘Bish’ Bishnu from Centre’s head coach instructed the group in submission 250 GSS arranged the stand for Nepal. Cpl Bishnu had a grappling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Chokes, holds, sweeps, locks display showing the history, different regions and the culture and submission techniques were all honed in the Centre’s safe of Nepal. He also had some traditional foods and wore the yet informative environment. national dress. Training in the weeks to come will also focus on judo from a Whilst the various stands were successful, the event was Commonwealth Grandmasters gold medallist, boxing with made complete with a bouncy castle and face painting for the former England No 1 amateur and undefeated pro Lee Ferrie children making it a really family friendly occasion. All those and more Thai Boxing from one of the other instructors that running the stands enjoyed presenting and enlightening those used to train in Thailand. Squadrons within the Regiment will attending with the information and foods from their countries also be able to bring their whole Squadrons for self-defence and received positive feedback too. In all it was a good day sessions. These sessions will firstly focus on conflict that was enjoyed by all the soldiers and their families. resolution, which the one of the centre’s instructors teaches to NHS staff, and then also on how to protect one’s self if the SUPPORT SQUADRON situation cannot be resolved peacefully.

OC Maj S Lockwood Regardless of which activity we have focused on, the group SSM WO2 (SSM) Womble has always left the Centre thoroughly satisfied having enjoyed excellent training and having benefitted from a thorough 30 SIGNAL REGIMENTAL MMA CLUB workout. Although offers of contracts from the UFC may be - by Capt N A Clark AGC(SPS) some years off, 30 Signal Regiment aspires to be at the cutting edge of MMA within both the Royal Signals and the Having not had a sports afternoon since finishing RMAS, I was Army. 2012 saw MMA be recognised as a sport by the Army very pleasantly surprised to arrive at 30 Signal Regiment and Martial Arts Association; 30 Signal Regiment’s training should find that sports afternoons were not a mythical occurrence stand us in good stead to lead the Royal Signals charge for but a weekly event. I began to wonder which sports that I success in this new Army sport. enjoy I might be able to do as a Wednesday activity. On behalf of all members of 30 Signal Regiment that have Having joined a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) centre local to enjoyed and benefitted from MMA training, I would like to Gamecock Barracks, I decided that since Wednesdays were thank the Regimental 2IC, Maj Dave Rook, for supporting this available for sports, it would be good to reinvigorate the 30 venture and also the instructors at the Combat and Exercise Signal Regiment’s martial arts club and once again have it as a Centre, Nuneaton. Wednesday afternoon option. Both the centre and Regimental 2IC were receptive to this idea, and so a plan was BRAMCOTE STATION UNIT WELFARE AND COMMUNITY formulated. DEPARTMENT – by Sgt Moxon

As well as the advantage of already having links to the centre The Welfare and Community Department has continues to close to the base, MMA was a logical choice as it would provide primary welfare and community support to our maximise interest within the Regt. As well as currently being soldiers and their dependants. Sgt Nicki Moxon has been very popular through such films as “Warrior” and “Here busy organising numerous community events and activities Comes the Boom” and the Ultimate Fighting Championship for all soldiers and dependents. A successful recent trip to (UFC) being televised, MMA would have the advantage of Cadburys World, shopping trips to Bicester Village and offering something for everyone - I wanted the club to be as numerous other well-attended events have been appreciated inclusive as possible. 30 Signal Regiment has won the by all those that have attended. Whilst Capt Dougie Icke has Birtwistle Pennant for Sport for the last 2 years, and I wanted put away his Father Christmas suit for another year, he the Regt’s ethos of sport for all to be reflected in the martial remains on standby to assist her in any dressing up tasks for arts club. Anyone with a background in any martial art would the remainder of the year! LCpl Kirsty Abel recently used her be able to attend training and both benefit and also add value business skills to source a Bouncy Castle which has now been to the training from their own experience. deployed in anger on numerous occasions at our regular Community Hours in the Hub community room on Friday The other deciding factor in choosing to re-establishing 30 afternoons; as well as renting it out for children’s parties and Signal Regiment’s martial arts club as an MMA club was due Regimental social events. Sadly she won’t however be having to its broad nature, offers more than any other martial art a little ‘bounce’ herself as she sustained a fractured tibia (and perhaps more than any other sport) both the scope for whilst representing the Corps and the Army at downhill skiing personal development and the opportunity for improving and ‘egging’ it down steep slopes! Luckily, we still have work soldiering attributes and qualities: courage, physical fitness, for ‘hop-alongs’ in the welfare arena! We are now also controlled aggression, discipline, determination, judgement, looking to purchase an indoor children’s play area for our Hub fighting spirit, self-confidence and personal responsibility to community room which we hope will be an instant success name just a few. with our younger children and their families.

Following the Regiment’s health fair in November, at which 25 Capt Dougie Icke eagerly awaits a funding decision regarding officers and other ranks of various levels of experience (from his skatepark project and is hoping it will be successful - if so beginner to Army team) expressed an interest in attending he wants it set up for summer so the kids (and young MMA training sessions, the first training session was held in soldiers) can BMX, skateboard and scooter in a safe but January. The Combat and Exercise Centre in Nuneaton exciting environment! He is also attempting to organise a provided us with one of their top coaches for our first Wives and Partners female choir and sees himself as a sessions. Eval Denton, 8 x British, 3 x European and 2 x World potential choir master, and the next Gareth Malone, with Thai and Kickboxing champion, instructed the group over a ambitions to organise a grand concert! It is rumoured that he series of weeks in striking techniques, which ranged from is a bit of a karaoke star and this might has gone to his elbows to kicks. A healthy dose of strength and conditioning head! Some of the wives are not convinced however, and are exercises were thrown in for good measure, during which having to be promised ‘wine’ as an incentive to attend! SSgt Eval’s slightly sadistic, dry sense of humour shone through! Somras Tamang, continues to be the professional and

60 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 efficient Office Manager that he is, and is going to be a hard The Regiments stand was a simple idea, the scenario was that act to follow when he retires from the Army at the end of this the ICS Det’s had been deployed to the fictional Northern year! We have recently started to let him out for the odd African country of Lali and landed near the notional airhead of game of golf on a sports afternoon to unwind, as he is by all Limbuktu. They had to assemble the comms tents whilst still accounts a decent player, but not enough for him to get used maintaining the security of the detachment and deal with any to it! Cpl Kharun Rai is still the happiest man in the Regiment problems that might arise. After their arrivals brief by Capt whilst running the Station PRI shop and can be heard each Dan Tope the two teams were taken by their individual DS morning repeating the Welfare Officers Mantra which is ‘Sell, and briefed further on the scenario by Lt Alex Walker and 2Lt Sell, Sell’! The department is delighted to now have Mrs Sunil Kandola before beginning to unload their kit off the Karen Thwaites as our new Bramcote Station Hive back of a MAN SV or Bedford. The simple task of assembling Officer! She has been busy reading stockpiles of literature the tents was somewhat complicated by the arrival of a group and surfing the intranet in order to be a fountain of all of local nationals, brilliantly played by X Tp, who were bringing knowledge in order to provide information to our soldiers and 4 casualties for the teams had to treat. The injuries had all their families. Our Welfare Deployment NCO, Cpl Neil been prepared beforehand by our BCD instructors and were Dickinson is busy ensuring that our deployed soldiers and all of various severity. Of particular note was Sgt Dan their families are supported, including his own 258 Sig Sqn (3 Degnan’s internal blast injuries, which saw him sending a ADSR), who will soon deploy to Afghanistan. Lastly, our stream of fake blood all over the unlucky student that went Gurkha Support Worker, Mrs Shova Gurung has continued to to treat him. Whilst the casualties were still being treated the provide an excellent service to our Gurkha families and remainder of the crowd would start to turn on the students, community! She is a very close second to Cpl Kharun Rai for asking about how the wounded were doing and if they had being permanently happy and deserves a huge medal for the any food or water for them. Of course, the students were not wonderful support and excellent activities and events she to know this as they had been instructed to speak only in provides for our Gurkha families! As a department we all look Nepalese, adding yet more complexity to the problem. If the forward to supporting our soldiers and military families as angry local nationals were not dealt with firmly then they best we can in the future! would start to become a bit of a nuisance and see what they could steal from the det. This would often see a student chasing after a Gurkha to try to recover a stolen item of equipment. Often this was only a bit of tent that the local national decided they wanted to help repair their house, however on other occasions this was one of the casualties and in one case one of the students themselves.

Station families sharing jokes with Unit Welfare Team

250 (GURKHA) SIGNAL SQUADRON

OC Maj J Malcolm SSM WO2 (SSM) Tirtha Rai

EXERCISE LIGHTING STRIKE 2013 – by Capt Dan Tope

X Ray Troop were asked to help support the Corps annual Who says ‘it dies not snow in march!!!! University Officer Training Corps recruiting event and we were happy to lend our support and take the opportunity to show off the Regiment and the QGS in the best possible light. So it After the event was over the students would receive a debrief was with bags of enthusiasm that they travelled down on how they dealt with the ever increasing problem they had immediately after finishing their commitment to the 16X CAST faced and as a reward they were treated to traditional Nepali exercise. food and drink in the form of aludam and whiskey panni. Whilst enjoying the food and drink the students were After getting to Blandford late Friday night, the 9 man team encouraged to speak to the boys in order to learn more about were up early to set up the stand, with everything coming the Regiment and serving in the QGS. Everyone seemed to together just before the first team of students arrived. The enjoy the stand, however how much of this was down to the format of the event was simple, 24 teams from the various fact that we gave students whiskey, I will never know. An UOTC’s would travel round different stands, each one located excellent performance all round from the Troop who made somewhere different in the Camp and run by a different Regt. both brilliant casualties and local nationals alike. At each stand they would have 40 minutes to undertake either a physical or mental challenge that somehow related to 16 AIR ASSAULT BRIGADE CAST (N) the Regiment’s role. After all the stands had been completed the teams would gather together and the winner announced Both the AATF and JHF(C) ICS Det’s were deployed to CAST before they all had to take on the final challenge, which had (N) in preparation for Ex JOINT WARRIOR. This involved been planned by the current Troop Commanders Course. The deploying all the comms kit and tails equipment into the event wasn’t all about hard work however and in the evening Brigade HQ. Whilst the majority of personnel were working in all the students and their DS were invited into the Warrant either Brigade Main or 4 AAC, there were also individuals Officers and Sergeants Mess for a formal dinner. embedded with both the French and 2 PARA Battlegroup

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 61 staff. The build itself did not pose any major problems, with 256 SIGNAL SQUADRON the bearer and all the systems dropping in nice and quickly. Once the exercise had started and all the staff had arrived, OC Maj A Aylward the det personnel were also involved in manning the HQ SSM WO2 (SSM) Lane SPOC. This saw everyone gain experience on MAGPIE and also refresh their Bowman skills as they had to help deal with EXERCISE SWAN CONNECTION – by Sig Forrest (A Troop) faults on any comms system, not just 30 SR kit. On the 22 February 2013, A Tp deployed with Early Entry HQ 2 In the evening there was always time for messing and IC to Catterick Training Area on Ex SWAN CONNECTION. The messing did a great job in ensuring that there was some form exercise was a good opportunity for newer members of the of curry every couple of days. On one of the nights we took Tp to learn the full structure of an Early Entry deployment. over the cooks tent after evening meal and had all the Gurkha The aim was to supply UK secret data using JOCS, Skylark and personnel from the exercise come and also invited key people the other comms equipment held in the Tp. All personnel, from 216 Signal Squadron. A good exercise, it has put us in a including younger members, have to be competent in all the good condition for the start of Ex JOINT WARRIOR in April. comms assets. This was achieved by the more experienced members of the Troop passing on their knowledge during on COL BG VISIT TO RHQ QUEEN’S GURKHA SIGNALS AND 250 the job training. Lessons taught prior to deploying gave an GURKHA SIGNAL SQUADRON – by Sgt Rajkumar Gurung insight as to what was expected.

14 February 2013, as usual, was celebrated by all the loved LCpl Helin taught Stormbridge tent erection, which is always ones in the name of St. Valentine, but this year the dairy of hard. LCpl Maughan taught us how to use and pack our RHQ Queen’s Gurkha Signals and 250 Gurkha Signal Squadron personal kit and equipment and Sig Dixon gave instruction on was filled with some thing even more important, a welcome the installation of JOCS. On arrival at Catterick, as the build function for the newly selected Colonel Brigade of Gurkhas, begun, guard positions were deployed at each access point to Col J G Robinson. secure the area. The tents were built quickly and efficiently to allow the comms equipment to be moved in and set up along The visit commenced early in the morning at the 30 Signal with the power cables and fibre optic cables. Regiment Officer Mess where Col BG was received by Commander QG Signals, Lt Col R J Watts MBE, OC 250 GSS, The Troop Commander, Lt Symon Smith kept a watchful eye Maj J Malcolm and QGS Officers. After a short meet and as the Staff Working Environment (SWE) was put in place. A greet Gurkha Adjutant, Capt Ganeshbahadur Gurung gave a few days after completing the setup a visit from Lt Col Watts presentation on QGS Regimental matters, operational MBE gave the Troop a boost of morale. Despite the freezing, commitments and the achievements of the QGS through out snowy conditions that had set in, the CO stated that the HQ the year. He also highlighted the QG SIGNALS structures/ build was the best he had ever seen! The visit was followed issues in the light of A2020 implementation and T3 by a full tear down and move to a building of opportunity the redundancy. provided more work space and warmer sleeps for the troops. Once settled into the new location, more on the job training He was then accompanied by OC and SSM to visit the Troop commenced. Each shift encountered deliberate faults which lines where he got the opportunity to know and understand were designed to test the efficiency of them and also there about FALCON, the UK Armed Forces’ new generation tactical knowledge of the various equipments. communication system. More importantly he saw how 250 GSS have displayed their technical skills, knowledge, ability The exercise also saw five personnel celebrating birthdays and dedication to bring the systems into the service. during it. Sgt Rose, LCpl Baxter, LCpl Renshaw, Sig Andrews and Sig Booth all spent their birthdays in Catterick with the Troop enjoying some very nice birthday cakes!!

Ex SWAN CONNECTION - A Tp Col BG gets briefed by Sig Nirmal Gurung

EXERCISE SWAN CONNECTION – LCpl Acton (C Troop) Despite the Squadron’s heavy involvement on the various exercises, including more tests on FALCON, a curry lunch was Ex SWAN CONNECTION was split down into 4 stages. The organised. All Cpls and above gathered in the Himali club first was the build phase where C Tp and all their manpower where Col BG Saheb was formally welcomed. After his short started to build the HQ complex. As this was going to be the but inspiring speech, the delicious curry was served. biggest JTFHQ Deployment to date due to the number of different comms systems involved, the Troop were a little To conclude, the visit was enormous success and we would worried to say the least but we dug in and to our surprise we like to wish him every success in his new appointment. did it in the quickest time that we had ever done it! It only took one day to finish the initial build of the tented complex.

62 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 The second phase consisted of testing and adjusting between the new equipment. 22 Sig Regt brought their MAGPIE system to the HQ. 250 Sig Sqn were responsible for the Falcon Dets and we held DII (LD) with Sgt Lomax, LCpl Payne and Sig Westall doing very long shifts to make sure all was running OK on the DII (LD) for when the Staff Officers arrived. The bad points about this phase were that with the different classification of all of the systems, we didn’t have enough separation space between SECRET and RESTRICTED. On the other hand the good points about the testing phase were that the new equipment worked well. The integration of the different Troops went really well as we all got along with each other. On the final week the Staff Officers arrived, and the HQ was fully manned. The tuck shop took a pounding despite being emptied and replenished every two to three days. We couldn’t work it out if it was the Staff Officers who had the munchies or just LCpl Bush getting bored on nightshift. On a more serious note, as the Staff Officers had not used the new LCpl Dear and Sig Clyde MAGPIE system or FALCON phones before, we expected a lot of faults to be called in. The team work of all three Squadrons various strategic sites, before producing full recce reports and meant that the exercise ran smoothly. C Tp helped as much delivering it as a presentation. As the days progressed the as they could on MAGPIE to make 22 Signal Regiment’s life on teams soon became proficient with exactly what was required the exercise a lot easier, as they helped with faults on our from all members, so the tempo increased. To our delight, we equipment too. C Tp had a couple of FALCON trained guys found ourselves conducting two recces a day with up to 5 attached to 250 Signal Squadron to increase their manpower. hours transit before even starting the reports!

The final stage came when ENDEX was called and the Staff Unfortunately the only vehicles available throughout were Officers left. We then had to pack away all the comms hire cars. With their huge red marked number plates the equipment we had deployed and also helped 22 Signal police and locals were not the most welcoming! Yet keeping Regiment pack their kit as well for their drive back to a low profile was part of the training and, for the most part, Stafford. Once the comms equipment was all packed away this was well understood. we then had to tear the HQ down. This meant that all of the signs, tables, chairs and electrical equipment had to be placed The final phase of the exercise consisted of three days of back in the ISO containers ready to deploy on to the next route recces. If we thought it was hard getting all the exercise which is will be Ex JOINT WARRIOR taking place on necessary details when you were stood in a site, it was Salisbury Plain, which we are all looking forward to! another story whilst driving and navigating at 50kph! However, with a bit of practise and with the help of a EXERCISE GOLBAL VINE – by Lt Walker Dictaphone we soon applied all we had learned from the week before. Having returned from Christmas leave, Bravo Troop conducted a week of pre-deployment training prior to Ex Although the exercise was very intense with little time to GLOBAL VINE. This consisted of a variety of skills including think let alone sleep, once ENDEX was called we had a 36 driving and navigation using spot maps, vehicle anti-ambush hour window to unwind. The weather was quite poor so drills, site and route reconnaissance lessons, reconnaissance there was little point going to the beach! So what else was reports and extensive training on the PRC 117F radio. there to do apart from sink a few beers and give each other stick for the long list of tired blunders? After the busy pre-deployment package the Troop were ready for deployment on Ex GLOBAL VINE. On 14 January 2013 we On return from Cyprus the Troop jumped straight into a deployed from RAF Brize Norton to fly into RAF Akrotiri. MATTs training week. Currently the Troop has soldiers Upon arriving in Cyprus we spent the first few days deployed around Africa and out supporting various Joint conducting refresher training before the exercise hit full Force Headquarters’ exercises, putting to good use the swing. Teams were sent out daily to conduct recces of lessons and experience gained in Cyprus.

32nd SIGNAL REGIMENT (VOLUNTEERS) GLASGOW

RHQ Exercise in Catterick in Sep and the Ex LION STAR deployment to Cyprus in Nov. CO Lt Col Rennie-Smith RSM WO1 (RSM) Love On the Operational Shooting front, the 32 Signal Regiment Shooting Team goes from strength to strength, and at the We currently have fourteen soldiers deployed on Op HERRICK recent Theatre Troops OSC the team won 12 of the Corps TA 17; two x IA’s and twelve attached to 2 CSR spread trophies as well as the Inter-Corps falling plate competition throughout Helmand Province carrying out a variety of tasks. for the first time. They are approaching their last month in Theatre and very much looking forward to plenty of drill practice prior to the We welcome Maj Emma Bruce, the new RCMO and WO2 medals parade in York next month, after which they will join Henderson, the new ROSWO the training cycle in preparation for the Annual Deployment

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 63 33 (LANCASHIRE) SIGNAL SQUADRON

OC Maj R Paterson SSM WO2 (SSM) Jolliffe

DEATH OF SGT BUCHANAN

It is with regret that we report the unexpected death of Sgt Edward ‘Eddie’ Buchanan on Saturday, 30 March 2013.

Sgt Buchanan enlisted into Liverpool University Officers’ Training Corps on 14 October 1980 and transferred to 59 Signal Squadron (V) in 1981. In The Heritage Room 1984, he successfully completed the Royal Signals We are hoping that the local Liverpool and Southport Royal Junior Commanders Course Signals Associations might also want to donate any objects and was promoted to LCpl. He for display in the museum! also attended the Combat 40 (NORTH IRISH HORSE) SIGNAL SQUADRON Lineman Course and the NBC NCO Instructors Course. Sgt OC Maj S Burgess Buchanan was promoted to Cpl in January 1985 and Sgt in SSM WO2 (SSM) G Campbell July of the same year. EXERCISE NORTHEN FROLIC 2 1-3 Feb 13 Sgt Buchanan served with 103 Regiment (V) Royal Artillery, as a private soldier, between 1991 and 1994, then returned to 33 Ex NORTHERN FROLIC 2 took place over the period 1-3 Feb 13 Signal Regiment (V). In August 1996 he completed the All at Palace Barracks and Thiepval Barracks (Lisburn). Arms Clerk Class 3 Course and transferred to the AGC. He attained the All Arms Clerk Class 1 in August 2001. WO2 Colin Ritchie headed up the weekend and managed to pull in something different for the training programme. SSgt Sgt Buchanan was serving as A/SSgt in 33 Signal Regiment (V) Emily Potter from 225 (ECM) Sig Sqn offered him an instructor when the Regiment was disbanded in 2010. He opted to serve for a day; thus giving 40 Sig Sqn an excellent opportunity to in the new 33 Signal Squadron (V) as a Sgt. His final course gain some insight into the 225 ECM role and learn about the was the GSR Conversion Course in July 2012 in which he equipment suite which they use. As promised, Sgt Philip continued his keen interest in NBC training of over 27 years. Foyle from 225 (ECM) Sig Sqn delivered a very informative He also worked as a civilian clerk in 33 Signal Regiment and lecture on the ECM kit and its capabilities. This was then at the successor Squadron for over 20 years. underpinned by stories and examples from operations, which the guys found very amusing and interesting. There was Sgt Buchanan’s personality and his role as TA and Civilian certainly a lot of curiosity when it was made known that 225 Clerk meant that he has fulfilled a key role in the Royal Signals take reservist soldiers on tour – watch this space! on Merseyside for over thirty years. He was one of the first people anyone met when joining the Squadron and he made a In addition to comms training taking place at Palace Barracks, lasting impression. He enjoyed shooting, all sorts of gadgets two Sqn Bowman Dets were deployed to Thiepval Barracks and technology, and photography. For many years he under the direction of SPSI, SSgt Drew McMahon; one of recorded the life of 33, as a Regiment and a Squadron, in his these Dets was further sub-tasked to a Key Town Visit (KTV) in photographs. He took great delight in ‘gassing’ us over many Lisburn City Centre in support of 40 Sqn’s recruiting team on years, but this was never held against him as we knew that the ground. This deployment of Bowman radio equipment our pay was always right. offered an excellent opportunity to confirm the operation of the VHF radios during the road move; notwithstanding RECEIVING PTARMIGAN ARTEFACTS INTO THE UNIT HISTORICAL ROOM

On the demise of 33 Signal Regiment the PSAO Maj Bob Dobson, being the magpie he is, collected as many artefacts as he could from the old Regiment to be held in one place here in Huyton. 33 Signal Regiment had a long history from its formation in 1967 and could trace it’s lineage back to the Second World War and beyond in it’s Squadrons. These artefacts were collected and are now on display in the Historical Room. Mr Ian Foulkes, an ex member of the Corps helped by donating various items to us, including a Ptarmigan Fax, power supply from a 439, a 16 Line ULS, Cossor Printer and various other items. He has also offered to loan items of uniform in an effort to help build the Historical Room. This project is developing now with the local museum in Prescot wanting to send and archivist to help catalogue the items and then for items to be loaned between us enabling them to be seen. This is all in context with developing Educational Visits to the TA Centre for youth groups, schools and colleges. Sgt Black explaining generator operation and maintenance

64 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 contributing a ‘real life’ feel to a recruiting stand and en-masse to N Ireland, so the pressure was clearly on to do a attracting potential recruits to our Sqn. good job!

The recruiting team, headed up by SSgt Ian Palmer, Cpl Andy WO2 Corry Urwin (RTWO) was the lead man as plans Bradshaw and Cpl Jackie McKeown, established their commenced early in the 12/13 Trg year. At Sqn level SSgt recruiting stand on the main street in Lisburn adjacent to a Ricky Dennison was instrumental, during early 12, in group of people preaching the gospel. Maybe SSgt Palmer submitting all the necessary booking forms to BK. The TQMS, was seeking to implement some V&S? The recruiting stand Sgt Stevie Agass, was also busy sorting brass and received a great deal of public interest; ranging from pyrotechnics as part of the early planning cycle. RHQ individuals stopping to reminisce about their time in 40 Sig conducted a recce to BK in Oct 12 and all systems were go! Regt to children speaking on the VHF net to the C/S at Thiepval Barracks. Everyone visiting the stand received As the RTW approached there was a lot of hard work information about the Sqn’s ‘Bring a Buddy’ night; delivered and focus on the ‘attention to detail’. Two men, notwithstanding a good Sqn overview and insight into Royal although not with the Sqn when planning commenced last Signals UK Ops equipment. Concurrent to passing radio year, both fully launched themselves into the RTW; these traffic the troops were also revising some important Det drills were the SQMS, SSgt ‘Dusty’ Miller, and the SPSI, SSgt Drew over at Palace Barracks; Sgt Black is seen explaining McMahon. With a week to go WO2 Urwin did a final prep generator operation and maintenance. visit to BK with the OC, 2IC and several key instructors.

On Sunday Sgt Debbie Wolfe ran a BCD lesson and introduced On 1 Mar the G4 team, headed by SSgt Miller, took over the the troops to the new stretcher. Cpl David Jones was facilities in BK and prepared for the first Regtl visitor at ‘volunteered’ for the role of casualty, although his acting 2200hrs that evening. The main bodies, coming from abilities were stretched when he tried to play an unconscious Scotland and England, had a long journey and did not arrive sufferer; lifeless usually means no talking! A BCD scenario until much later. First in were the Scottish cohort (51 Sig Sqn was then presented to the class in groups with each team and 52 Sp Sqn) along with 50 Sig Sqn; who all arrived around assessed on their knowledge of injuries and first aid. 0345hrs. After a few hours sleep they were up, had breakfast (to the backdrop of a lone piper playing) and ready for A word of thanks to OC 225 Sig Sqn, Maj Grant Johnston, and training. Just after breakfast 33 Sig Sqn arrived after an his team for providing some valuable ECM familiarisation overnight ferry trip (and a bit more sleep). 33 Sqn did well training; exactly the sort of mutual activity needed to bring getting to BK in good time and were able to join the rest of reservists closer aligned with the Regular Army. the Regt on morning parade. After a brief on the day’s activities, groups were assigned and everyone deployed out REGIMENTAL COMMS EXERCISE 23-24 FEB 13 to the four key training stands; CIED/ECM, MMTR, Urban Contact Drills and Falling Plates. The Sqn deployed two Bowman Dets to Palace Barracks under the command of Cpl Johnny Booth and Cpl David Jones The CIED/ECM stand proved to be a big hit with the troops. to take part in a Regtl comms training Ex in late Feb. While This was ably run by SSgt Drew McMahon, Sgt Ricky Lindsay the experienced people refreshed their radio skills it was also and Cpl Alan Sims. Mutual support was offered by Sgt ‘Tinny’ a great opportunity to introduce new members of the Sqn to Foyle of 225 (ECM) Sqn who delivered an excellent, the Bowman equipment and let them ‘cut their teeth’. Under concurrent activity, a brief on all the man-portable ECM suites. the watchful eye of the two knowledgeable Cpls the crews Exercising troops coming through the stand were instructed undertook Det siting drills and practice of SOPs; this was on the ECM equipment and presented with a patrol scenario underpinned by some detailed revision of Det Comd using Vallon detectors for route clearance. Naturally there responsibilities and routine in the field. was a hidden IED to be found and a sniper thrown in for good measure. In the background there was urban village sniper We successfully established comms with 51 Sqn in Edinburgh. contacts and live firing on the ranges; all adding a realistic Due to the good height of Cpl Booth’s location, and careful element to the training. siting of his Bowman Det, he was able to achieve the radio link across the Irish Sea using his vehicle mounted 4m whips. At RHQ the Regtl Yeoman, YofS Ross Menzies, was more than pleased with the results which the Dets had achieved. Having attained the Regtl objectives on Saturday it was time to focus on the all-important Det Maintenance on Sunday, so the crews went through their Bowman kit sorting any issues from the previous day and preparing for the next deployment.

Two of the recent additions to the Sqn, Sig Philip McIlrath and Sig Craig Cairns, both received a valuable comms insight from the knowledge imparted by Cpl Booth and Cpl Jones; in particular the new guys got some key nuggets of info to help them with their forthcoming Class 3 Operators Course. Thanks to Cpl Booth they also managed to experience some ‘hands on’ FFR recovery lessons as an extra. Just shows - no matter how much experience a Det Comd has there is always that one lurking mud patch on the training area just waiting A CIED team, fitted with man-portable ECM equipment, to bog you down! extracting their casualty

MILITARY SKILLS REGIMENTAL TRAINING WEEKEND (RTW) 1-3 MAR 13 The Urban Contact Drills, in the ‘bleak’ Village of Mussendun, was delivered by WO2 Corry Urwin and SSgt Ricky Dennison; This was a key event on the calendar as the Sqn were heavily with their R Irish regular service background it proved to be involved in delivering an RTW in Ballykinler Training Area (BK). both valuable and interesting training. After an introduction It was the first time the whole of 32 Sig Regt had deployed on Reaction to Effective Enemy Fire and Initial Contact Drills

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 65 the Sect Comds were taken away to receive orders; the rest running top. It was the day of the Royal Signals Cross Country of the section conducted Battle Prep. When the Comds had Championships and over a hundred like minded individuals undertaken their combat estimate the patrol was issued were gathered on a sports pitch at Picton Barracks, Bulford. I orders and moved out on foot from their base location into am pretty sure that we were all praying for the same thing; the urban village. For many it was the first time in such that the start would come soon. surroundings and the tension was clearly evident as the patrols moved along the streets and deeper into the village. It had been a real challenge to assemble any sort of a team, The unexpected lay ahead and everyone was ready when due in part to the timing - mid week - but mainly snipers engaged their patrol. Each patrol was assessed on the geographical spread of 32 Signal Regiment did not help. their ability to establish safe routes, identifying choke points However, true to form, it all came together. The Team was and react to enemy fire. The training certainly brought home made up of personnel from Scotland, Northern Ireland and the difficulties of urban patrolling and taught the exercising the North of England and it’s safe to say that we really did use troops some valuable skills in a guerrilla warfare environment. planes trains and automobiles to get together for the race.

On the live firing stands Sgt ‘Flash’ Gordon was controlling I entered the team in the men’s event, as a minor unit. 6 the Falling Plates while Capt Paul Williams was directing the runners could run but only 5 counted. This was my lucky day, MMTR. The Falling Plates range was conducted well and I only had 5 runners anyway, no injuries please! At last came there was clearly a good degree of competitiveness - teams the start which consisted of the usual once round the sports battled it out, running from the 300m point to the 200m point pitch to stretch the field out before reaching the narrower and dropping to the prone position to engage their plates. paths on the hill. The course proved to be long and difficult; it Capt Ian Wolfe did a great job down range by setting up the was no surprise to see that large amounts of rain over the plates while at the firing point the two range staff, Sgt previous week had made the going either treacherously Maggie McMillan and Cpl Natasha Pinnock, maintained the slippery on the slopes or extremely muddy on the flat. safety of the firers while recording times and scores. Well done to the 33 Sig Sqn team for securing the best overall time I had the honour of being the team leader, but by far the best for taking all the plates; a great ending to a spirited shoot. runner was Sgt Kev Patterson (50 Sqn), closely followed by WO2 Corey Urwin (RHQ), who were both selected to run for The MMTR also proved to be very worthwhile. The bulk of the Corps veterans in a later event. Sig Forbes (51 Sqn) also exercising troops had never fired from an elevated look-out did very well, coming in as the second junior runner. Sgt Rob post let alone at a moving target. It was certainly a great Allinson (50 Sqn) and I were placed elsewhere in the field. opportunity for everyone to experience something new and very different. Capt Paul Williams and his team – SSgt Ricky 51 (SCOTTISH) SIGNAL SQUADRON George, Sgt Ricky Lindsay, Sgt Mark Patterson and Cpl Andy Bradshaw – did a highly professional job mentoring and OC Maj P Mell guiding people through the stand. There were clearly a lot of SSM WO2 (SSM) A Tochel lessons gained as individuals came away from the range in deep discussion about techniques and skills needed for NEW YEAR AND CHANGE OF PERSONALITIES – EARLY 2013 engaging moving targets from a variety of firing positions. The Sqn have had a few changes, the main one being Maj It was good to see Col Chris Edwards, Asst Comd 11SigX, over Helen Jephcote departing to a job at 51 Brigade HQ in Stirling in NI for a visit along with Col Allan Lapsley, Hon Col 32 Sig and Maj Penny Mell taking over at the helm. We wish Maj Regt and Lord Rogan, Sqn Col 40 Sig Sqn. All three Colonels Jephcote all the best in her new role and welcome Maj Mell got around the stands to meet with troops and discuss a into the fold; we hope she has an enjoyable tour “North of range of issues. As always it is important to have VIPs visit the border”. and experience first-hand the high level of training being delivered and commitment displayed by the 32 Sig Regt SSgt Stu Reid (PSI Tech) has been poached by the Regt to fill troops. In all it was a great training event and, with the the Foreman’s role, not bad for an RD Tech (who says you weather on our side, the troops clearly enjoyed the variety of have to complete the course to do the job). Sgt Si Whyte has stands laid on. For countless members of the Regt it was moved over from RHQ to fill the post with the Sqn. their first visit to N Ireland and the training facilities available at Ballykinler, without doubt, impressed many people. Over the past few months we have also been very busy breaking in our new SPSI, SSgt Mark Reay. He’s been told to While WO2 Corey Urwin, Capt Paul Williams, SSgt Drew standby, with his wallet at the ready, to purchase a crate for McMahon, SSgt Ricky Dennison and Sgt ‘Flash’ Gordon did a appearing in The Wire! great job across the stands, the G4 team kept the troops ably supplied in the background. Well done to SSgt ‘Dusty’ Millar, BURNS SUPPER - by SSgt Dave Mackenzie Sgt Stevie Agass, Sgt Wendy Cush, the Chefs, LCpl Flo Conlane and LCpl Danna Jamison and the two 40 Sqn G4 51 Sig Sqn took the opportunity on the final MATTs weekend mules, Cpl ‘Smarty’ Smart and LCpl Barry Kelly. Sig Kyle to hold their Burns Supper. This was supposed to be low key Carse, as ever, did an outstanding job as an accomplished occasion with only those on the weekend attending. piper and his enchanting tunes at breakfast certainly pleased However, as we had a few guests from 52 Sp Sqn on the the visitors. Well done to him indeed! weekend we invited them along to what turned out to be an excellent event. We had 46 in attendance and Capt Jane 50 (NORTHERN) SIGNAL SQUADRON Chisholm was counting the bottles of wine she had bought wondering if there was going to be enough! The new OC, Maj OC Maj B Hogg Penny Mel, was in attendance and, being vegetarian, I SSM WO2 (SSM) P Standing wonder what she thought of it all? As she put money behind the bar for drinks we can assume that it was a success. ROYAL SIGNALS CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS 13 FEB 13 - by Sgt Dave Riches All personnel who had been allocated speeches were situated at the top table. The Haggis was piped in by our very own Sgt Wednesday 13 Feb 13 and the weather was not good, with a Lindsay Munro, who also addressed the Haggis in fine bitterly cold wind which seemed to slice straight through my fashion!

66 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 LCpl Ross Aitken did a lovely poem before the immortal excellent demonstration of gamesmanship! The weekend memory was carried out by SSgt McDonagh from 52 Sp Sqn, ended with a long journey home, only for the Sqn to be who begged to do it! There was a very comical ‘Toast to the greeted by the sight of SSgt Iain Munro supervising the Lassies’ by Sgt McRobbie; which was very swiftly returned washing of the vehicles with his 2 helpers; OC and QM(V). with the ‘Reply from the Lassies’ by Sgt Vaughan, giving as good as she got. 32 SIG REGT SHOOTING CADRE MAR 13 - by Craftsman Martin Currie All in all an excellent night topped off by the PSAO, Capt Iain Affleck, putting his hand in his pocket. I think he had the After a weekend tabbing around Otterburn training area in wrong trousers on as he found money there and put it behind the dark I was driven up to 71 Engrs TAC in Elgin to begin a the bar for all to enjoy. A fantastic night was had by all and week on the ranges with the Regtl shooting team. The we now look forward to next year. training for the week consisted of polishing our skills with the L85A2, LSW and 9mm Browning. The captain of the shooting 52 (LOWLAND) SUPPORT SQUADRON team, Capt Paul Williams, was on hand with Maj Terry McVey to offer their experience and direction. OC Maj J McNaught SSM WO2 (SSM) S Parks Being relatively new to 32 Sig Regt this was the first time (outside of MATTs Trg) that I had shot with members of the 52 SP SQN AT THE RTW IN BALLYKINLER (NI) – 1 MAR 13 wider Regt; it was interesting to see the varying degree of - by SSgt Tam McDonagh skills and experience. While many had fired with the shooting team before, there were several, like me, on their first foray 52 Sp Sqn travelled to Northern Ireland in early Mar for our into competition shooting. first visit to one of the most beautiful parts of Great Britain. After a long road and ferry journey, we finally arrived at Baile After conducting a weapon handling test to confirm my Coinnleora about 0345hrs (Ballykinler to our English Sqns). A competency with the rifle it was a case of playing catch up fabulous breakfast (including poached eggs) was served at with the other firers. The DS were very good and offered me 0630hrs by the Master Chef WO2 John Wren and his bleary one-on-one coaching on successful firing. My time in the eyed team on his last Regimental weekend with 32; in the UOTC had familiarised me with the rifle – there is nothing background we were serenaded by the sound of a lone Piper better to focus your attention like getting hit in the head by playing an excellent set of traditional tunes. the SUSAT the first time you fire! After the staff did a bit of work with me I rejoined the rest of the shooting team for the main training. The rest of my first day was spent tackling the uncomfortable – and unlikeable – standing supported and kneeling supported firing positions at 100m. I came to the conclusion that the supporting post, kindly supplied by the range staff at Fort George Ranges, must have been designed for hobbits and not much use to anyone over 5’6”.

After what can only be described as an average start from me the rest of the week consisted of practicing the various Operational Shooting Assessments from Defence Assessment to Fleeting Encounter. Certainly, on the falling plates, I soon learned that control of breathing and correct run pace down a range all helped to improve my shooting.

My week of early rises was also mixed with an attempt to get to grips with the ornate diversity of our Regiment. People with accents from across Scotland, England and Northern WO2 Wren with Sgt Tinney and Cpl Holmes Ireland all came together to huddle in the same troop shelter when we were getting a brew or hiding from the hailstones. WO2 John Wren, Master Chef of 32 Sig Regt for the past 17 years, is now retiring after 22 years Regular Service and 17 On reflection I regard the Shooting Cadre as a very successful years TA Service. John has earned a reputation for producing week. Aside from the hilarity amongst everyone, my rifle very high quality and varied meals, all underpinned by a skills and knowledge of weapons were certainly honed to an professional and excellent catering service provided to the acceptable standard. It is a great feeling of satisfaction Sqn and Regt during his time as RCWO. It gives me great looking down a range through your sight, releasing a round, pleasure to state my admiration and respect to him, who watching a plate fall and knowing it was your shot – and not should be commended for his loyalty and dedication; he will someone cross lane firing. The weather might have thrown be sadly missed by all those under his command. snow, sleet, hail, rain and wind but it will not deter us from The Sp Sqn team doing the stands at the RTW were joined by the shooting competitions to come. a ‘youthful’ Rifleman McVey, aka Maj Terry McVey QM (V), who clearly showed the younger members of the Sqn that THEATRE TROOPS OSC 13 -14 APR 13 - by Capt Williams you cannot teach an old dog new tricks. He certainly displayed some excellent shooting abilities on the MMTR and On 11 April, 13 members of 32 Signal Regiment’s Shooting Falling Plates! A first-rate range package was enjoyed by Team started making their way down to Southern England to everyone – and all against the fantastic backdrop of the take part in this year’s Theatre Troops Operational Shooting Mourne Mountains and Slieve Donard; the highest peak in Concentration. The team was made up with representatives Northern Ireland. The training ended with a visit by the from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Darlington and Liverpool. Honorary Colonel, Col Allan Lapsley. Friday was final preparation for the competition, not only in The evening concluded with a games night between the WOs/ refreshing the contents of the shoots but also preparing for Sgts and JNCO’s Mess hosted by 40 Sqn. 52 Sqn’s reputation competition conditions. For many of the team this would be was once again salvaged by SSgt Ballantyne (RAMC) with an their first time under these conditions, so it was important to

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 67 be mentally prepared. All of the team got to practice a few of qualified for the shoots at least once. This practice on the match ranges the inter under match conditions was certainly the cherry on top in Corps finals terms of preparedness. This allowed the three teams of four where they to go into the weekend feeling quietly confident. were up against even Saturday started early, and after a quick breakfast we headed stiffer out to the ranges, the first shoot being Match 44, The opposition Advance to Contact Match (The Whitehead Cup). This starts from the with a 500m sprint down the hill and back up the hill to No 1 RLC and range at Pirbright which has to be completed in 3 minutes. AGC. This This is then followed by an advance to contact over 500m. All was a very the team completed the shoot and all thought they had done close really well. That was until the score carDs eventually came rundown back. There was obviously an issue as practices 3 and 4 had with all the not recorded any scores!! NOOOOOOOO. We have to do a teams reshoot! We decided to move on as per the squadding arriving at timetable and come back for that at the end of the day. the 200m point about With last year’s Champion shot on the team in the form of Sgt the same Gordon and the winner from the year before, Capt Williams, time, the scorekeeping was serious business with the two neck and weapons neck most of the day. There was also an outsider in the form were made Cpl Colgan – Corps Champion of Cpl Colgan who was shooting out of his skin closely ready and the followed by Maj Hogg, LCpl Guymer and Cpl Harrison. As we 10 plates fell were running a little late due to the issue on the first range within 3 seconds of teams arriving at the point. It was very we were moving from one range to the next at a rapid rate of close between the RLC and ourselves but the A team’s last knots. The team put in a very good FIBUA score with Sgt plate went down just before the RLC plate meaning they won Gordon leading the way with a 181 with Cpl Cogan and Capt the Inter Corps Falling Plate for the very first time. A fantastic Williams on his heels with 176 and a 168 respectively. The achievement by the A team. team then got the gunners in action with LCpl Guymer having a drama with a damaged magazine which cost him dearly. Sig It was time to announce the champion shot for each of the McNally from 50 Sig Sqn took to the gun run like a duck to Corps. This time Cpl Colgan had just pipped Sgt Gordon and water and shot a fantastic 182 which gave him second place. Capt Williams to the post. Congratulations to Cpl Colgan for A great achievement for someone competing in his first ever achieving the honour of Corps Champion. It was then time to competition. The team then jumped into their white fleet and carry off the deservedly proud Cpl Colgan in the champions headed to Ash Ranges for the next phase of the competition. chair to the Royal Signals presentation area following behind the band of the Royal Signals who were playing the tunes. At Ash ranges we fired Match 47, the Short Range Rural Contact Match and Match 52, the Pistol CQB Match with Capt At the Royal Signals presentation we found out just how well Williams firing a 94 on Match 47 and a 120 on Match 52. it the teams had done. Every single member of the team came was time to head back to rainy Pirbright to do Match 44 home with at least two awards, and as a whole we managed again. We were all looking forward to that!! Some very good to claim the majority of the prizes, including Best Officer - effort from the A and the B team saw them complete this Captain Williams RHQ, Best Young Soldier - Sig Philips 40 Sig Match finishing the day in first and second place with some Sqn, Best Class B Soldier - LCpl Guymer 33 Sig Sqn, Champion very good scores with Cpl Colgan firing in a score of 144. at Arms - LCpl Guymer 33 Sig Sqn, Individual Rifle Champion - Cpl Colgan 40 Sig, Champion Rifle Team - 32 Signal Regiment On Sunday morning we returned to Ash ranges for the finale and Inter Corps Champions Falling Plates - 32 Signal Regiment. of the weekend, Match 45, the Attack AND Re-Org Match. It was a proud moment for all of us, and well illustrates how This is fired as the deciding shoot in the rifle championship far practice and preparation go in achieving goals. We are (where we had five firers in the top 6) and LCpl Guymer shot now setting our sights on the 42 (NW) Bde OSC with our final an excellent match with a score of 168. This is then followed goal of attending TA OSC in June and performing well, by the falling plate competition. Facing stiff competition from hopefully getting even more of the team into the TA Top 50 some of the other teams and with half of the team never this year. having competed in the falling plates before it was going to be a challenge. Thanks must But our also go to all the determination staff that put so carried us much effort into through and preparing the Team A and team and Team B met in organising the final with everything, Team A winning particularly the by a couple of QM’s plates. The Department and falling plate 52 SP Sqn for all champions of their hard work the Royal Signals at Fort George portion of the durings the competition then Shooting Cadre.

The 32 Sig Regt Shooting Team

68 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 37th SIGNAL REGIMENT (VOLUNTEERS) REDDITCH

CO Lt Col Cairns TD and enjoy themselves at the same time. Sig Clive Bass (a RSM WO1 (RSM) Moore recent recruit to the Regt) enjoyed himself and some of the Après Ski too, tutored by the OM! The QM, Capt Tom Lappin The Regiment would like to welcome new members and their (having been self taught in his youth), struggled at times to families to the Regt: Capt Nav Muhammad (RCMO), Capt Paul rectify old habits and culminated his comeback with a chair lift Garner (OC RRMT), Capt Neil Amis (36 Sqn PSAO), WO1 calamity worthy of YBF! (RSM) Chris Moore, SSgt Shawcross (48 Sqn SPSI) and Sgt Gilbert (Sp Sqn PSI).

11 BDE TRADE CAMP - by SSgt Chwieseni (53 Sqn SPSI Tech)

37 Signal Regiment ran a Trade Camp from 16 Feb 13 – 01 Mar 13 at Swynnerton Training Camp, for all TA units within 11 Sig Bde. Various Regiments contributed instructors and training was provided to qualify TA personnel to Class 3 level in the CS Op (V) and RSE (V) trades. 72 students (all keen and ready to learn) started the training on a very cold training area in the Midlands and the following results were achieved:

CS Op (V) Class 3 part 1: 44 Students attended Part 1 which included training in BOWMAN VHF and HF Radios, Antennas and Propagation and 12m Mast, Voice Procedure and BATCO, Message Procedure, EW, Infosec and Compusec and Army Org and Map Symbols

CS Op (V) Class 3 part 2: 27 Students attended and passed this part which included BOWMAN Adv Sig Sys and Level 1 Maintainer. All of these were awarded their TRF on the graduation parade. The whole team RSE (V): There was only 1 candidate who attended and then subsequently passed the RSE (V) course. The CO mastered avalanche drills, whilst Sig Andrew Hemming challenged the instructors throughout the exercise Congratulations and special mention to Sig Geddes from 38 with 360 degree spins and some intriguing break dancing (not Sig Regt who was awarded the prize for top student. part of ski foundation 1 however). WO2 (RQMS) Robbo Robertson decided that he would bring his group up to his EXERCISE DRAGON VON TRAPP IX 2-10 MAR 2013 level (developing the old Ex SNOWQUEEN style) with speedy - by SSgt Abbot (RHQ) descents down the mountain; much to the horror of SSgt Paul Jones, who just wanted to get through the exped with 37 Sig Regt set forth to the Tyrol in Austria to attempt to both legs intact. conquer the slopes once again. Most of the group confessed to skiing at some point in their careers, some more confident than others, with one or two new additions to the art. Day one showed the true standard of the group and also the task that lay ahead for the instructors WO2 (YofS) Scouse Lloyd and SSgt Tim Abbott.

Thankfully there was plenty of snow and the sun shone throughout the week; helping the groups to progress quickly

QM & OM departing the Ski Lift SSgt Smith uphill skiing

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 69 As ever, a ski ex-ped demands plenty of effort during the days the first time for 37 Sig Regt. The Austrian resort of Rauris that included snow holes, ski touring (uphill skiing) and offered around 30-40km of pisted runs and a modern lift avalanche drills and in the evenings; additional stamina was system. The Exercise is seen as a stepping stone into the needed to keep up with the locals off-piste. Après ski Corps Team and the Army Championships (48 Sig Sqn are activities included sledging, watching a synchronised skiing lucky enough to already have a representative from the Team competition, ‘shock’ and an Austrian dancing/singing evening currently serving in the Sqn). The Corps Team also enjoyed (where men in leather shorts danced and slapped each some training time as part of Snow Rider, impressing the other!). Overall an excellent skiing expedition was had by all, Novice’s with their skills. with all members thoroughly enjoying themselves and achieving a well earned Ski Foundation Award. The main training phase of the Exercise was to provide teams and individuals adequate instruction for all standards 36 (EASTERN) SIGNAL SQUADRON participating. The Novice riders received an introduction to snowboarding from an approved Ski and Snowboard OC Maj K Humphries Instructor (from the Karl Maier Ski School). Intermediate and SSM WO2 (SSM) Tara Pun Advanced riders received instruction from the Dutch snowboard school RIPSTAR; on Freestyle riding and This has been a busy quarter for the Squadron with various Snowboard Cross and all took part in Slalom training and Sqn and Regtl exercises, some of which have been curtailed racing. Tuition and training was on a daily basis between by the arrival of snow in late January and February. 0900-1530 Hrs. The main aim of the Exercise was to gain the Army Snowboard Star Award which is part of the new Army The Squadron Annual Dinner was held on Saturday 9 March Training and Development program. Individuals were 2013 at Colchester TA Centre. The principle guests for the assessed by the group instructors towards the end of the evening were CO 37 Sig Regt, Lt Col D Cairns TD, camp and depending on the level achieved, suitable Star Oberstleutnant Helmut Ginzinger, Oberstleutnant Robin awards were attained. Wiegt and Oberfledwebel Ulrich Meier from the Landeskommando, WO1 (RSM) P Watson and Mrs S Watson, All three Novice riders Sgt Trimm, Sig Lennon and Sig Hussain and the past Master Poulter, Mr John Briggs accompanied by attained the 1 Star Award. Sig Bailey, who is an Intermediate Mrs Elisabeth Briggs. A total of 61 people sat down for rider attained the 3 Star Award (the highest possible award dinner and shared a very enjoyable evening. for a person on their first Snow Rider Exercise).

The Squadron welcomed Col Chris Edwards OBE TD, Asst Comd 11 Sig Bde UK Ops, to Colchester TA Centre on Tuesday 12 March 2013. Following a presentation on the Squadron, its current recruited/trained strength and future plans; Col Edwards then presented a series of promotions and medals to members of the Squadron.

We welcome Sgt Warren who after completing his regular service has joined as a Tp Sgt at Colchester. SSgt Dawson also joins us from the RLC (TA) as Tp SSgt at Cambridge; although currently badged RLC, SSgt Dawson completed over 22 years Regular and TA service with the Royal Signals.

Congratulations to the following on promotion and awards:

Capt Umesh Pun – Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal WO2 (YofS) Clarke – Bar to VRSM SSgt (FofS) Webb – Bar to VRSM Sgt Morley - Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal Sgt McRae – Promotion to Sergeant Cpl Chalcraft – Promotion to Corporal and Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal Cpl Wright – Promotion to Corporal Cpl Morris – Promotion to Corporal LCp Fleming – Promotion to Lance Corporal LCpl O’Connell – Promotion to Lance Corporal

Finally, after a period of 8 months, the position of PSAO has been filled and the Squadron would like to welcome Maj Neil Amis and his family. Maj Amis completed 32 years Regular service in November 2012 with 2 RTR.

48 (CITY OF BIRMINGHAM) SIGNAL SQUADRON

OC Maj L Mayell SSM WO2 (SSM) Potts Snowboarders from 48 and 36 Sqn

EXERCISE MERCURY SNOW RIDER IV - contributions by 48 and 36 Sqn personnel The main competition phase for both male and female riders included the parallel slalom (timed knock-out competition), Members of 48 Sig Sqn, Birmingham and 36 Sig Sqn, snowboard cross (timed knock-out competition), freestyle/ Colchester, travelled to Rauris Austria to compete in the slope style (intermediate and advanced riders only, awarded Annual Corps Snowboarding training camp and Championship; on a points system).

70 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 The whole team thoroughly enjoyed the experience and had Mainland Army Force (TF) and Greek Cypriot National Guard nothing but good things to say at the end, with all members (NG)). Sector 2 has also dealt with protests from Greek keen to participate again next year. They have also offered Cypriots, involving hundreds of people, which lead to the JOC the committee any assistance to grow the TA participation having to call out the Sector 2 QRF and Mobile Force Reaction across the Corps in the future and are happy to support in any (MFR) team to keep control of the situation (a lot of airwave way possible. Sig Lennon said the following; “After joining traffic for the Duty Rad Op to deal with). Within S2 JOC, my the TA last July, completing Midlands Challenge 12 and finishing role as one of the Duty Radio Operators (DRO) is to account part 2 of Trade Training this February, I was ready for my first for Crypto and the Brent Satellite Phone. This would be adventurous training exercise abroad. After arriving and being checked with the British Sovereign Base Area (SBA) both in issued kit by our instructor, I instantly earned the nickname ‘Elf’ Episkopi and Dhekelia. I would also monitor 4 Radio NETs, all for the simple reason – I ‘apparently’ look like an elf and it looks on different frequencies, covering the UN Helicopter flights, as though this may stick with me. I really enjoyed the whole HQ JOC in UNPA, Sector 2 Primary and Secondary Nets…. experience and would recommend new members of the TA to try a new sport or challenge as Adventure Training really lived up to its name. The team were excellent and I particularly enjoyed the war cry from our instructor ‘Snowboarders, what is your major profession? A wo a wo a wo’ still not quite sure what that was all about, but it was quality! As a group we got on really well, working together to ensure we had a good time but also to ensure daily duties got completed, for example, we all took it in turns to cook a meal, wash up and clean up. For me, I really enjoyed the Exercise, as I’ve never had the opportunity to do anything like snowboarding and to be getting paid for it as well, was just the icing on the cake! It was the first time I had been to Austria and the first time I had been outside the UK in 8 years; so it gave me a good life experience and I have also got something to brag about to my mates”.

Sector 2 Patrols book in and out of S2 JOC with the DRO and get their specific patrol orders from the Duty Watch Keeper. If you need to book out from Wolseley Bks for any reason (apart from PT or personal admin time) this is where it’s done. As the DRO, I would liaise with the Duty Watch Keepers, NG and TF Molo’s, UNPOL, CYPOL and SCAMEL. Should there be a requirement for a Patrol to assist UNPOL (United Nations Police) with incidents happening within the Buffer Zone, this was also done via the JOC, who then pass the info onto the Patrols going out on the ground. I have also been out on Patrol in the Buffer Zone with the Operations team and enjoyed many Helicopter flights in the UN’s Bell 200, flying over the Buffer Zone from Sector 1 (which is currently the Argentinean’s AO) to Sector 4 (Hungarian and Slovakian AO). Sig ‘Elf’ Lennon on the slopes The main point of these flights was for the JOC to become more familiar with the ground and to have a bird’s eye view of what is happening on the ground. 53 (WALES & WESTERN) SIGNAL SQUADRON Cyprus is a really busy and interesting place to ply your trade OC Maj M Longcake and learn new skills on an overseas Operational Tour and I SSM WO2 (SSM) Cash would recommend it to anyone.

OP TOSCA JOINT OPERATION CENTRE (JOC) SaBRE AND UNIT PRESENTATION TO SUPPORTIVE EMPLOYER - by Sig Barrett (53 Sqn) (POLICE) – Press Release from 53 Sqn

I deployed on Op TOSCA towards the end of 2012 and have Warwickshire Police has been praised for enabling its staff to spent most of my time in the Joint Operation Centre (JOC). undertake military service, as a serving officer completed a The JOC for Sector 2 is located within Wolseley Barracks, tour of duty in Afghanistan with the TA. Inspector Lucy Nicosia, Cyprus. This is where the Operations Officer, DET Sewell, a Capt in the TA, spent 6 months in Helmand Province Commander, Operations Warrant Officer, Continuity Warrant with the 1st Bn Welsh Guards where she combined her police Officer (who is on a 2 year posting with UNFICYP), 4 x Duty and Army experience in a role within the Police Mentoring Watch keepers and 4 x Duty Rad Ops work (consisting of both and Advisory Group. Inspector Sewell is a member of 867 Regular and Reserve Forces and where I fit into the team - Sig Queen’s Own Warwickshire Worcestershire Yeomanry Troop Barrett from 53 Sqn). and was deployed between April and October 2012. Her role included visiting police stations and check points, holding Together the team provides a 24/7 watch over all that meetings with station and checkpoint commanders, and happens in and around Sector 2 Buffer Zone. This forms the training Afghan police officers in such things as weapon Area of Operation (AO) for 101 REME BN GP in URR2 and is no handling, first aid, searching people and other policing skills. mean feat as it forms the hub of real time information coming Sylvia Parkin from SaBRE (Supporting Britain’s Reservists and in from all over the Buffer Zone. During the first month of Employers) presented Warwickshire Police with a certificate being in Theatre, they had everything from fires in the BZ, to to show appreciation of the force’s support to all members of allegations of Weapons Violations (from both the Turkish staff who are reservists:

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 71 54 (WORCESTERSHIRE) SUPPORT SQUADRON (V)

OC Maj C Quincey SSM WO2 (SSM) M Evans

This month the Squadron congratulated the newly promoted Sgt Jason Twist and Cpl Craig Johnson alongside LCpl’s Lindsay Webb, Roy Jones and David Jones; very well deserved by them all. Sgt Dan Hine left the Squadron after two years as PSI Tech in order to mobilise for an operational tour; we wish him luck and will be keeping in touch. The Squadron also passed its congratulations to LCpl Steven Hope on the birth of his baby girl.

Squadron training has been as diverse as ever. Several fortunate members had the chance to develop their skiing/ socialising skills on Ex SNOW WARRIOR and Ex DRAGON VON Pictured Capt Cherry (UESO), Capt Sewell, Deputy Chief TRAPP IX, in Germany and Austria respectively. In the UK, Constable Brunton and Sylvia Parkin (143X RSCD) training has been progressing in earnest as Squadron members strive to meet their bounty requirements before the Presenting the certificate to Deputy Chief Constable Neil 31 March cut-off. Ex SQUADRON TROT included some testing Brunton on Thursday 21 February, she said: “Warwickshire is appreciation exercises and a few crafty command tasks, an excellent supportive force, committed to making it possible courtesy of SSgt Taylor. Meanwhile, Ex GLOBAL WARRIOR for members of staff to fulfil their military service. SaBRE works managed to test soldiers’ military skills. with employers to help them support their staff, and it is great to see that support in action.” DCC Brunton also received a certificate from 37 Sig Regt, presented by Capt Chris Cherry, also a serving police officer in a neighbouring force. DCC Brunton said: “It’s great that we have been able to support Lucy in this and to support the country. She has been able to use her military skills in her police work and her policing skills during her military deployment. It’s a win, win situation”.

Speaking about her time in Afghanistan Inspector Sewell said: “I was nervous about what the tour would bring, but wanted to complete an operational tour during my time with the TA. The reality of entering a war zone is soon realised when you are instructed what to do if you come under fire and issued with 150 rounds and morphine! There is hardship on a six month tour. You miss the basics, especially out at the patrol bases where there are no proper toilets, no running or hot water. You have to continually have your wits about you as the insurgent LCpl Andy Hemming retrieves an ammo box during a command threat never goes away. It is difficult being away from family task on Ex SQUADRON TROT and friends, although most bases now have internet access or satellite phones to stay in contact with loved ones. I also The recruiting drive is in full swing. Squadron members have received lots of letters and parcels from family and friends as been encouraged to participate in the recruiting effort at all well as the Royal British Legion in Alcester. I did enjoy my levels and are shepherding friends and acquaintances into the experience and I am grateful to Warwickshire Police and the TA TA. The Squadron now has 9 recruits progressing through for making it possible. I didn’t knock any walls down, but I Phase 1 training and many more on the way. certainly knocked a few bricks out.” 38th (STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS) SIGNAL REGIMENT (VOLUNTEERS) SHEFFIELD

Certificates for CO Lt Col S A Smith members of RSM WO1(RSM) S Hook the Reserve and Cadet UPDATE FROM RHQ Forces who have given Since the last edition of The Wire the Regiment has welcomed exceptional a new Regt FofS, WO2 Pete Sorrell to Sheffield again. The service Regiment said fairwell to Regt FofS SSgt Jim Trott, who will beyond the join 7 Armd Bde Sig Sqn and 1 Sig Sqn YofS WO2 Grey normal call of Wootton, who will be joining 30 Sig Regt. We wish them well duty. This in their new employment. year he awarded The Regiment hosted the Lord Lieutenant for South certificates to Yorkshire’s Certificate Presentation on 12 Mar 13. Each year two members SSgt J Moulson and WO2 (SSM) Bal Ross the Lord-Lieutenant, Mr D B Moody, awards Lord-Lieutenant of 64 Sig Sqn, receiving their Lord Lieutenant Certificates

72 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 SSgt J M Moulson and WO2 (SSM) Bal Ross. Congratulations We were all given a few small wooden blocks and shown how to both! to chop them down into smaller pieces to help start a fire later on. Two methods were shown of how to stack up the 1 SIGNAL SQUADRON (V) kindling and smaller pieces of dry wood to start a fire. The first was like a Jenga stack, 3 or 4 pieces lined up next to each OC Maj S Osei-Agyemang other all facing one way, then the next layer they were all at a SSM WO2 (SSM) M Gott 90 degree angle to the previous layer. The second was based around a Tipi tent, three pieces leaning towards each other It is with regret that the Squadron says a sad farewell to our meeting at the top, kindling in the middle and adding sticks YofS, WO2 Gray Wootton, we wish him all the best for the and other fuel on to create a pyramid. future on his posting to 30 Signal Regiment. Next was the shelter building lesson, where Cpl Jon Lloyd XMAS PARTY went over different types of shelters, which way they should face, how to incorporate a fire into your shelter area and so The Sqn held its annual Xmas dinner on Sat 6 Dec 12. Fifty on. Then we were divided up into teams of three, and were members of the Sqn sat down to a traditional Xmas fayre set loose in the surrounding area to scout out a shelter followed by games and a few drinks in the bar. location of our own and start our own shelter construction.

Once all the teams had found a location we spent around 2-3 hours constructing a shelter, we were then called over for another lesson, chicken disposal. We were shown how to make the chicken dizzy/relaxed and then how to kill it by slitting its throat. The survival instructor then showed us how to remove all the feathers by drenching the chicken in boiling water, making it easier to pull off the feathers, then how to remove all the insides and divide it up into wings, legs and breast meat.

SURVIVAL WEEKEND – by Sig Daniel Baulch

After arriving on Friday night we were told that due to the snow around each of the TA Centres we would be staying at the TA Centre for the night and heading down to Yardley on Saturday morning. Rugby Tp all suffered, trying to survive on takeaways. After spending the night in the guard room, all personnel were up at 0700hrs and went about our morning ablutions.

After a quick jog to the local co-op we managed to have a half decent breakfast. We kitted up and boarded for Yardley at around 0900hrs, arriving around an hour later. Once there, we had a quick tab from the drop off point to the admin bunker where we were given a brief for the exercise by Sgt Ian Chalmers. Before There was a quick fire starting lesson inside the bunker, out of the wind to show how to set up starting a fire using fire steel and a striker against cotton wool and such, before adding kindling and larger pieces of fuel. The second lesson was similar but outside, much harder when battling the elements.

After

After a few more hours of finishing touches to our shelters, we started getting our fires going as it was starting to get Sig Tetteh outside his shelter dark, and very cold. With the help of a heavy flow tampon,

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 73 some dead dry grass and the wood we were given to chop up EXERCISE MERCURY SWORD 2013 earlier in the day, our group managed to get a fire going fairly quickly. From here on in there was always one person During the period 18-20 Jan 2012 2 Sig Sqn (V) deployed to watching/feeding the fire making sure it didn’t go out. The Cameron Barracks in Inverness on Ex Mercury Sword. This others were gathering fuel for it to last us through the night. was a military training package and focused on Skill At Arms Once a decent supply of wood was gathered and chopped up (SAA) and BCDT and CBRN scenario based training. The into manageable pieces, the person watching the fire had training was conducted at the Fort George Range Complex. boiled an ammo tin of water, two of us went to get our food For the SAA phase the soldiers completed Live Fire 5 and the for the night. We copied what we were shown earlier with ACMT (BCCR). This was the culmination of the range work regards to the chickens and soon had a decent amount of conducted during the training year (DCCT and live firing). For meat to cook for dinner. Some people boiled the meat in an most soldiers in the Sqn this was the first time they had ammo tin, others fried the meat on the ammo tin lids and attempted the ACMT and a high standard of marksmanship others put the chicken on a spit and roasted it. After the was achieved. For both ranges Sgt Rod Hamilton was the chicken was eaten, we went about sorting out stag rotations Range Conducting Officer and he was ably assisted with WO2 to watch the fire through the night. Our group did this in 2 (WORTT) Smith, SSgt Ian Stewart and 2IC, Capt Crocket hour shifts, which went surprisingly quickly… it must be acting as his range safety supervisors (although during the something to do with playing with fire. ACMT the 2IC informed us that he was the only person capable of operating the targetry from the comfort of the We got through the night without the fire dying; although we nice warm hut!). did have to gather a bit more fuel throughout the night, it is surprising how much you need. Everyone was up between The CBRN training was conducted by Sgt Cat Duncan and was 0700-0800hrs and most of the groups were on the hunt for scenario based, taking the soldiers on from MATT level more fuel after the night shift. There were 2 more lessons on training. The BCDT training was conducted by Capt Bertram the Sunday; the first was methods of gathering water, and Sgt Lesley Bayne. Again this was challenging, scenario morning dew, condensation and snow to name a few. based training taking the soldiers on from the MATT level. The training was a success with all training objectives The second was on making signals so you can be rescued. achieved and the soldiers tired but happy. All instructors for These were divided up into 3 sections, sound and sight. Sight this exercise were TA soldiers and the standard of instruction was divided into 2 sections, natural and pyrotechnics. After was excellent. A big “thank you” to all students and going through various ways of making yourself heard or seen, instructors who attended and made the exercise a success. a box of Mini Flares was produced for us all to practice with. Shortly after this was ENDEX. We dismantled our shelters, stubbed out our fires and returned to the Admin Bunker to pack some kit away before tabbing back to the Mini Vans and heading back to our respective TA Centres.

Sgt Lesley Bayne ‘bombing up’

L-R: Sig Akehurst, LCpls Prockter and Simmons, Pte Walker and EXERCISE STEEL FURNACE 01 - 03 FEB 2013 LCpl Lloyd Ex STEEL FURNACE was the third instalment of the 4 build up weekends run by 38 Sig Regt. 2 Signal Squadron’s role in this 2 (CITY OF DUNDEE & HIGHLAND) SIGNAL SQUADRON exercise was to deploy two dets and one SCP across multiple (VOLUNTEERS) locations around the north East of Scotland.

OC Maj Alex Scott SSM WO2 Dave Honeyman

HELLOS AND GOODBYES

The Squadron would like to say a warm Scottish welcome to our new YofS, WO2 (YofS) Chris Powell fresh from JFCIS ME.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to SSgt George Cowan on his award of CGS’s Certificate for Outstanding Service in the New Years Honours List.

74 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 On the Friday night both Dets moved to RM Condor for a The weather did its usual to try and challenge us with Ex quick PACEX, then deployed into their locations for the KENSINGTON START the first casualty. The plan had been to evening (Barry Buddon and Blackdog ranges near Aberdeen use the LBTA at Blandford to do some serious operator respectively). Once comms were in, they all quickly settled training, however the snow had other plans and after making into normal det routine; Signallers making the brews and travelling to site impossible, the Operations Officer Capt Corporals inspecting the inside of their eyelids! Amanda Washbrook and her team rapidly set about putting together a training programme based at the TA Centre which went as far as setting up a complete detachment in the drill hall! The aims of the weekend were achieved albeit in more normal surroundings as all the personnel attending got the opportunity to do some useful refresher training on the HF systems.

EXERCISE STEEL FURNACE 1-3 Feb 2013

Ex STEEL FURNACE was the first field comms exercise of the New Year and is the third of a cycle of four field weekends aimed at rehearsing the Regimental communications assets with the focus of this weekend on Det level drills and training being led by the JNCOs at detachment level whilst the seniors practiced running an SCP and associated R2 returns.

The weekend got off to a great start when we managed to get both available FFR departing their parent TA Centres at Coulsdon and Kingston out of the door by 2030hrs, beating the previous record by a number of hours, with the main body Fantastic sunrise for those on the early shift! following shortly behind and meeting up at Longmoor training area.

When the main body arrived, they were met by the sight of two FFRs bogged down on the training area in a classic case of the rescuer becoming a casualty as LCpl Goring, who went to assist Sgt Marshall Smith who had got stuck at one end of the area, became stuck himself. After a lot of digging and pushing, LCpl Goring’s vehicle was extracated and decided to move to an available area of hard standing whilst the other vehicle was not so fortunate and was staying put for the night whilst the two detachments concentrated on getting and maintaining communications on the Regimental Nets.

On Saturday morning, the K Tp vehicle was recovered under control of Sgt Gunter (REME) and moved to a more suitable area so that detachment training, under the ever watchful eye of Capt Dave Alleyne could commence. SCP was fully established and the OC, Maj R Lovett, joined us on the area.

As the signal to the distant stations on the net started to Cpl ‘Krafty’ Krawczyk even managed to teach some old school deteriorate late Saturday, Capt Washbrook and Sgt Marshall- A&P by connecting his own radio to a tree Smith devised a cunning plan to introduce a flood scenario in order to ensure traffic rates were maintained with the Squadron assets. This was bolstered with the deployment of Later on, it was all go! The SCP moved from Dundee to a ‘light’ detachment, commanded by OCdt Roma Coates from Aberdeen, one of the Dets moved to Gordon Barracks and the SUOTC who had joined us for the weekend with assistance other moved up to Blackdog. Everyone could tell they were from Sig Searle, being dispatched with man pack HF sets to in for a cold night, horizontal snow blowing in from the North the other end of the training area to provide an additional Sea kept everyone on the colder side of comfortable, but field detachment. nothing a good helping of Haribos couldn’t sort! During the night all the Squadron callsigns fully bought into Another good weekend for everyone with valuable lessons and developed the scenario so that by day break the whole learned by all ranks. area around Liphook was fully submerged. There had been mass population moves and crocodiles had been spotted in 41 (PRINCESS LOUISE’S KENSINGTON) SIGNAL SQUADRON the area. (VOLUNTEERS) 64TH (CITY OF SHEFFIELD) SIGNAL SQUADRON (VOLUNTEERS) OC Maj Bob Lovett SSM WO2 (SSM) Dave Honeyman OC Maj Stu McHenery SSM WO2 (SSM) Ross 2013 started off in the same way as 2012 finished with a busy programme of Tuesdays and weekends with a strong focus on EXERCISE STEEL WELD 12 – 14 APRIL 2013 - by Sig Graeme Casey increasing skills across the Squadron on the Bowman equipment as well as catching up on MATTS for those who 64 Signal Squadron deployed out to North Yorkshire as part still required them before the end of the training year. of Ex STEEL WELD, a wider Regimental communications exercise. The objectives of this exercise were to deploy out

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 75 from our locations and swiftly establish robust 46TH (HALLAMSHIRE) SUPPORT SQUADRON (VOLUNTEERS) communications, with the aim of consolidating the training of the past year to give us a strong base for the rest of the OC Maj Thelma Ward training year. SSM WO2 (SSM) Medley

The 3 troops paraded and immediately set about the task of EXERCISE STEEL CAST 15-17 MAR 13 preparing the Detachments for deployment, after which the Squadron collected at Carlton Barracks in Leeds, which was to Ex STEEL CAST saw Support Sqn deploying out of the TAC in be the staging area for the movement out to locations in the sub arctic conditions to Ellington Banks Training Area, Ripon. morning. This deployment was for the first time since ADE and was a welcome relief from the Manor Top blues. Morning came and the Detachments moved from Leeds to locations across the Catterick Training area, with SCP setting The advance party consisting of Sqn 2 IC Capt Jim Walshe, up at Newfound England Farm to provide the Squadron WO2 (MTWO(V)) Tommy Simpson, WO2 (RQMS(V)) Mark comms, and with the additional responsibility of acting as Alexander and SSgt Babs Bedford made their way to Ripon to RADCON for the duration of the exercise. In addition to this, establish A Ech, prior to the arrival of the main body. The a Detachment was sent to provide comms for the Regimental objective was to supply water, rations and fuel to 64 Sig Command Post located at Darlington. Sqn’s SCP and comms Dets prior to them setting up to establish comms for the exercise.

This was achieved with the minimum of fuss. The remainder of the weekend was spent revamping the interior of the TCOPO, ATUD instruction, exercise planning, defence writing theory and practice use of the roll up portable stretcher, an introduction to the team medics pack, vehicle familiarisation, and cross country driving. A mixed and worthwhile assortment of training activity.

LAD, led by Capt Damian Hardy and WO2 (AQMS) Carl Bunting accompanied the main party to Ellington Banks and brought their new “big boys toys” – the SVR (Wrecker), and Man SV. This provided Sqn personnel with the opportunity for vehicle familiarisation, off road circuit training as well as special to arm training for the detachment

The Sqn would like to welcome Chef Sgt Alan James ‘Burney’ Burnside, recently transferred from 146 REME Rotherham; their loss, our gain! Our new chef has raised morale (despite RADCON deployed at Newfound England Farm sub zero temperatures) within the Sqn tenfold by exercising his Great British Bake Off skills producing scones, muffins and stickies. Well done! The Detachments arrived on location and began swiftly setting up the masts and radio equipment. Having completed Sqn personnel are now queuing at SSgt Shaw’s door for the this in short order, attention was then turned to establishing next size up in the new PCS. Sgt Burnside also took the comms to the other stations. This was achieved, for the most opportunity to provide “on the job training” to Pte Ball and part, except for the station based at RCP, which was still Pte Morrison of 64 Sig Sqn. fighting to engineer comms in tricky conditions (turns out a location surrounded by tall buildings is not the best place for Despite weather conditions, the general feeling about the effective comms, (who knew?). exercise was that training objectives had been met and plans were put into place regarding future exercises. Communication amongst the 64 stations (with some distinctly Scottish-sounding callsigns fighting their way through) began in earnest, with a complicated relay system being worked to allow communications with the RCP (Chinese whispers?).

This continued throughout the night, with brief flickers of working comms coming through from RCP and a few of the southern stations in the Regiment. Comms closed down at 0700, and after a breakfast laid on by Pte Ball, who did a sterling job providing food for the SCP, the laborious task of teardown began.

The unusually calm Catterick weather experienced through the weekend took a turn for the worse just in time for the teardown, with gusty winds adding an interesting element to the proceedings. Luckily, the tent canvases were packed away swiftly, as they were threatening to take some Signallers for a flight around the training area! (Hang gliding lessons a prudent measure for the future?) Our new Chef/Magician, Sgt Burnie Burnside, who managed to Once turnaround had been completed at Leeds, 64 Squadron abracadabra 10 man ration packs into some very tasty edible dispersed back to their home locations for a final debrief. food!

76 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 39th (SKINNERS) SIGNAL REGIMENT (VOLUNTEERS) BRISTOL

CO Lt Col M Cosgrove MBE The Sqn took the lead for the planning and implementation of RSM WO1 (RSM) W Scarrott a Regtl MATTs package during the weekend 22- 24 Feb 13. The main effort for the exercise was to conduct as many MATTs as The Regiment continues to enjoy its fond association with The possible with priority given to those subjects that are more Skinners’ Company and all ranks were pleased to host the suited to field based training and testing. Attended by 130 all Master and Wardens of the Company during their recent visit ranks drawn from across the Regt, all were accommodated at to a Regimental exercise. On the Operational front, we Longmoor Camp for the duration of the weekend with the continue to train and mentor individuals in preparation for various MATTs conducted on the local training areas, ranges mobilisation and deployment with 21 Signal Regiment (Air or in classrooms on the camp. The emphasis for the exercise Support) later this year. Additionally, we are pleased to see was for the TA to take the lead wherever possible from the Capt Mark Craster, Lt Val O’Regan, SSgt Pete Rendall and Sgt planning phase through to execution of the deployment with Drystan Davies home safely from their respective the majority of the MATTs Stands, Instructors and DS activities deployments to various parts of Afghanistan. being conducted by TA Offrs and SNCOs.

In Bristol, we extend a warm welcome to Capt Dave Curry who has assumed the newly established RCMO role - the Adjt is finally glad to have someone to share the work load with! We also welcome SSgt Glen Moffat into the 57 Sig Sqn fold as their new SPSI.

All ranks of the Regiment also welcome Maj Sarah Trevelion as the new OC of 56 Signal Squadron in Eastbourne. We wish her every success in this post. Farewell therefore goes to the outgoing OC, Maj Keiron Francis, whose energy and drive in command have certainly kept the RHQ officers on their toes! AFT during the MATTs weekend The Regiment also recently bid farewell to Capt Phil Hay, our much beloved QM. All ranks would like to wish him a successful tour in the Falkland Islands as he assumes LAD ASSISTING THE REME MUSEUM - by CFN Green command of the Joint Comms Unit there. We welcome therefore our new QM, Capt Wayne Dunbar who is looking The Squadron’s REME personnel spent a very productive forward to another posting working for Maj Neil Fisher! weekend 13 – 14 Apr assisting the REME museum in Bordon in restoring to working order and in preparing a number of their 93 (NORTH SOMERSET YEOMANRY) SUPPORT SQUADRON vehicles for movement to a new home in Lyneham. This included starting a number of vehicles that had not been OC Maj A Morris maintained for a considerable time and shifting World War II SSM WO2 (SSM) K Butcher era ARV and Main Battle Tanks including a Churchill, a Sherman and a post war period Conqueror weighing some 85 The Squadron welcomes its new OC and at the same time, the tons to new positions in the Museum. Corps welcomes a new Officer - Maj Andy Morris has finally left his REME routes behind him and has assumed command of the North Somerset Yeomanry. The Squadron therefore bids a fond farewell to Maj Phil Smith who has moved up to RHQ as the Unit Employment Support Officer.

The LAD at the REME Museum

56 SIGNAL SQUADRON - EASTBOURNE

OC Maj S Trevelion SSM WO2 (SSM) R Vincent Maj Morris (L) and Maj Smith on HOTO of the Squadron At the time of writing, Maj Keiron Francis is in the process of conducting his HOTO with our new OC, Maj Sarah Trevelion. Congratulations to WO2 (SSM) Keith Butcher and W02 We would like to welcome Maj Trevelion to the Sqn and at (RRWO) Emma Butcher on the birth of their baby Zac Riley, the same time we bid a tearful farewell to Maj Francis – the born in true TA fashion on a Tuesday evening drill night. Eastbourne Airshow will not be the same ever again!

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 77 The main focus for the Squadron in this past month has been soldier, Rct James Simpson. Not many people have the the visit of Gen Sir David Richards, Chief of the Defence Staff. signature of the current Chief of Defence Staff on their After much pestering by the then OC, Maj Francis, a promise attestation certificate! made during a car journey across Eastbourne a few years ago was upheld and the General attended an awards ceremony at Other activities have seen Sig Adam Wilmshurst organise a the Eastbourne TA Centre on 14 March. The General was day of clay pigeon shooting for the Squadron. Twelve joined by the Squadron’s Honorary Colonel, Maj Gen John Squadron members headed over to the centre in Falmer early Moore-Bick. on an all too rare sunny day. It soon became clear that those who are regular firers for the Regiment may be good at rifle The General presented 12 awards to recipients of diverse shooting but their static nature means they aren’t so good at ranks. The VRSM was awarded to WO2 (YofS) Timothy Still the fluid movements required for clay pigeon. Ironically it for 10 years’ service. The VRSM 1st Clasp was awarded to was those with less shooting practice who found the skills Capt Steve Hall, WO2 Gary Windham, Sgt Paul Hawes, Sgt easier to master. The aim of the clay shot is to fire a few Justin Hewett and Sgt Pete Paine for 15 years service. The inches in front of the target as it starts to lose momentum. VRSM 2nd Clasp was awarded to SSgt Eric Gardyne and Cpl This is easier said than done if you are used to aiming at an Colin Teo for 20 years’ service. The VRSM 3rd Clasp for 25 exact spot on a target. The competition mixed left, right, years’ service was awarded to Sgt Richard Bonner. ground and forward targets and in the end the winners were WO2 (YofS) Tim Still and Sig Kahling Wan.

In a final shoot out Sig Wan pipped the Yeoman to first place. Not everyone can be a winner but Sig Wilmshurst ensured that all effort were rewarded by presenting LCpl Heanes with ‘Worst Shot’ of the day for coming in last. He assures us it was only because he didn’t want to lose his finely tuned marksmanship skills prior to the Royal Signals Corps Competition in April. We will see.

Proving the Squadron members are some of the fittest we’ve ever seen, Cpl Ben Carter, Sig Jake Cole, Sig Kerrie Edmonds, Sig Nathan Kay and Sig Kahling Wan all took part in the Eastbourne half marathon without any prior training. All finished in good time and, despite some dodgy fancy dress costume, all should be incredibly proud of themselves.

CDS shares a joke with WO2 Windham during the medal presentation

Outside of length of service Sgt Jo Reader was presented with her Op HERRICK medal. Capt Gary Jennion received the GOC Theatre Troops Commendation. The most junior solider amongst the award winners was Sig Chris Platt who was presented with the JFCIS Op OLYMPICS Commendation for his outstanding work over the summer across a wide range of communication equipment and across multiple units.

In addition to presenting medals the General was keen to talk to the soldiers and was impressed by their dedication and enthusiasm. He also took a moment to attest our newest

The Sqn at Eastbourne ½ marathon

The desire to compete continued with Sigs Cole and Edmonds then going on to compete in the Hastings Half marathon only a week later. Well done to all, you’ve made us very proud and done a great job to raise the Squadron profile.

57 (CITY AND COUNTY OF BRISTOL) SIGNAL SQUADRON

OC Capt B J Newby SSM WO2 (SSM) R Vise

The relentless pace of training and taskings for the Squadron has continued in the last two months. The REEBOK detachment has been very much in demand for VIP demonstrations, support to exercises and courses, and being CDS presents Sgt Jo Reader with her Op HERRICK medal on reduced NTM covering other asset maintenance. These

78 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 weekday tasks have been supported by our highly committed reservists and the ever ready PSIs.

The quality of the individuals in the Ssquadron is highlighted by some recent personal achievements. Sig Morris transformed into OCdt Aimee Morris after passing AOSB main board. This means we have the unusual and perhaps unique situation of father and daughter in the same Regimental Officers’ Mess, with Maj Andy Morris as OC 93 Sp Sqn. Congratulations are also due to Sgt Cassie Downs who returned from her Senior CLM course at Blandford after coming top student, we look forward to her passing on her knowledge in the Sqn. Even more congratulations to Sig Oliver Camm from our Gloucester based W Tp, who won the prestigious Skinners’ award for best all round male junior rank in the Regiment. On the athletic front, well known sportsman The Master and Wardens of the Skinners’ Company receive an LCpl Josh Seller is currently touring Cyprus with the Corps Exercise Brief hockey team. We hope he has taken enough cash. Regiment’s BOWMAN and CST dets were checked and tested ready for future deployments. The comms were good, but some complaints were heard about leaky new tents in the heavy rain. The senior leadership of the Worshipful Company of Skinners visited training on Saturday.

Capt Newby receives the Skinners’ Award on behalf of Sig Camm from the Master of the Skinners’ Company

The Squadron has welcomed back SSgt Del Richards who missed being our PSI(T) so much he decided to join the TA on leaving the Regular Army. Sig Baily has transferred in and Sig Taylor has been newly attested to join the Phase 1 pipeline. LCpl Tackley receiving her award We bid farewell to Sig Mulchay returning to 94 (Berkshire Yeomanry) Sig Sqn and Sgt Ali MacGilp has transferred to 93 The Skinners are the London Livery Company that give us our SP Sqn. “Skinners” epithet and have been associated with the Regiment since the time we were headquartered in London. REGIMENTAL DEVELOPMENT WEEKEND The most important aspect of their visit was to present the Skinners’ awards for best all round junior rank (male and After a break of some time the Regiment has returned to the female). This year the awards went to Sig Oliver Camm and concept of Regimental Development Weekends. These LCpl Becky Tackley. An all ranks social cohesion event was concentrate the effort and manpower of the entire Regiment held on Saturday night with a quiz and other games. On to raise operational capability at all levels. Longmoor Training Sunday time was spent on PT and central briefings from Camp was used as a base for comms training, Lanyard Trophy Regimental personalities on topical matters. training, BSS, Officer training and REME STA training. All the

71st (CITY OF LONDON) YEOMANRY SIGNAL REGIMENT BEXLEYHEATH

CO Lt Col J Picton SQUADRON OVERVIEW – by Maj Mike Curtis-Rouse RSM WO1 (RSM) D Graham Another fraught month for the Squadron passes by and with 47 (MIDDLESEX YEOMANRY) SIGNAL SQUADRON it, a change of command, new personalities, new exercises (VOLUNTEERS) and awards to be presented. OC Maj Mike Curtis-Rouse SSM SSgt Claire Goodwin In February, the acting OC Capt Alex Orr was relieved by Maj SPSI SSgt Paul Tinsley Mike Curtis-Rouse coming back to the Squadron after a three year absence serving with 2 Signal Group. The Squadron

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 79 watched with baited breath to see whether Maj Curtis-Rouse EXERCISE PHOENIX CHALLENGE – by Sgt Pat Coleman and Capt Orr would provide the same level of interesting banter they did when they were Ops Officer and 2IC A dismal and grey evening saw the start of the first respectively. However so far, possibly to the disappointment Regimental Exercise under the command of the new CO, Lt of the troops, nothing significant has happened other than Col Julian Picton. The Squadron deployed fourteen soldiers Capt Orr complaining that the OC never pays his bar tab... and officers to the exercise, whilst several others were away on the Brigade Driver Training Camp, Junior CLM and other February also saw the arrival of the new Ops Officer, Capt career courses. Craig Turner transferring from 7 Rifles in Reading to the Squadron. Capt Turner, though not cap badged Royal Signals, Ex Phoenix Challenge was a round robin of six stands spread has proven to be a formidable leader in the field and is rapidly across the Thetford Training Area (STANTA) in Norfolk, with a getting to grips with the peculiar complement of combined distance of around 20km to be completed on the communications equipment that that the TA Royal Signals first day. This would form Day 1 of the Regimental provide in support of both UK and enduring operations. Competition with Day 2 comprising of a March and Shoot. Leading the Squadron’s team was Capt Craig Turner with the Congratulations go to LCpl Jacob Hennigan for completing team consisting of; Sgt Pat Coleman, Cpl Chris Devine, Cpl Junior CLM successfully and ranking in the top third and to Lt Rosie Ewbank, Sig Bruno Sato Mantos and Sig Anthony Tim Roberts for passing JOTAC, also in the top third. Sigs Malcolm. Bruno Matos Santos and Mike Macfarlane passed their ICS Operator Class 3 Trade course and last but not least Sigs The first day saw an excellent performance by the Squadron’s Lauren Saul and Anya Woolliams passed their DITS course. team, under the confident and apt leadership of Capt Turner. Once across the start line the team very quickly disappeared OLYMPIC COIN PRESENTATION – by Capt Alex Orr into the mire of the undergrowth, adopting a confident patrolling posture as they moved from stand to stand. On the evening of the 19 Mar 2013, the Squadron was Finding the mental agility stand a mere trifle and achieving delighted to welcome the Mayor and Mayoress of Hillingdon, maximum points, the team moved onto the Comms stand Councillor Michael and Rosemary Markham, to TAC Uxbridge where the erection of two 12 metre masts with a sloping wire to present Jubilee medals and Olympic Coins to eligible antenna configuration; in theory very simple until it was personnel. The Olympic Coins were an idea, originally discovered that the previous team had managed to bend the conceived by the Prime Minister to be issued to all members middle section of one of the masts... of the Armed Forces and Emergency Services who worked on the Games. To be eligible for a Coin, a member of the Over the course of the first day the Squadron’s team Reserves (or Emergency Services) must have worked on the managed to score the highest number of points on all but one Games for a period of greater than seven days between the stand, giving a particularly commendable performance on the 18 Jul and 15 Sep 2012. Ops Major’s Challenge – an entertaining around-the-field stretcher race. In the Squadron, Lt Tim Roberts, Cpls Craig Langley and Rosie Ewbank, LCpl Caz Langley, Sigs Sarah Speller, Laurie Gregory, Day 2 comprised of a March and Shoot, and the OC was Andy Roberts and Lauren Saul all received Coins for their Op pleased to discover that the Squadron’s team was the only Olympic service. one which had retained all its team members over night and was the only mixed gender team surviving. Again with Capt The Mayor of Hillingdon inspected the Sqn, accompanied by Turner deciding that the only way to tackle the M&S was to the OC, and then presented both the Coins and Jubilee Medal set a time (in this case 40 minutes) and then exceed it, the to members whom were not available earlier in the preceding team took off at a frantic pace. Sgt Coleman, who is in the year. Afterwards both the Mayor and the Squadron process of mobilising for Op HERRICK, was participating in full Honorary Colonel, Col Don Grocott spoke to the Squadron Mk7 Helmet and Osprey body armour. However, despite the regarding the important commitment that the Olympic Games not insignificant streams of perspiration rolling off him as the represented with respect to the use of the Reserve Forces. team fast tabbed it around the 3 mile course, there was not a word of compliant issued from any team member. A formidable buffet was laid on by SQMS, SSgt Gary Cheshire, from which the hungry Squadron members had to be Arriving at the finish line having achieved a total time of 37 restrained from attacking, until the Squadron guests were minutes, the team proceeded to shoot, achieving a good able to attempt to secure a few morsels... score with Capt Turner and Sgt Coleman shooting particularly well.

Sgt Sophie Spittle receiving her Olympic Coin from Councillor Capt Turner centre leads the 47 March and Shoot team to Michael Markham, Mayor of Hillingdon victory

80 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 Overall the team finished second, due apparently to the fact organise Sqn trg events with the recent one being a “back to that the Regimental scoring cell were struggling with keeping basics” training on the CST and Bowman dets which has been account of the number of points that 47 were achieving. The well received by those that attended. We welcome the new Squadron looks forward to the next competition when the PSI Tech Sgt Matt Grounds, posted in from 251 Sig Sqn Regimental slide-rule will be updated to a new-fangled Aldershot. Welcome to the Sqn and the joys of working with calculating machine. the Territorial Army. The Sqn continues to carry out charity events throughout the region with several members of the 68 (INNS OF COURT & CITY AND ESSEX YEOMANRY) SIGNAL Squadron attended this year’s “CRUFTS” event at the NEC SQUADRON (VOLUNTEERS) Birmingham, where a cheque was presented to Hounds for Heroes and additionally supporting the Mayor of the London A/OC Maj Dave Cornick Borough of Bexley “uniform” day for “Help for Heroes”. The SSM WO2 (SSM) James Paton New CO, Lt Col Julian Picton, visited the Squadron and was SPSI SSgt Jay Beattie dazzled by members of the Squadron presenting their detachments, including BOWMAN, CST and REEBOK. He also LONDON DISTRICT VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS 2013 met members of the Squadron socially in the bar afterwards. - by Capt John Donaldson Good luck and a safe tour with 3 Div goes out to WO2 Adi Keeble and Sgt ‘Caz’ Castro, can’t wait for the war stories The London District Volleyball Championships were held at fellas. Wellington Barracks in London and comprised of four Regular Army teams and only one TA team (us!). With very little PTI KETTLEBELL AND POWERBAG TRAINING AT GRANTHAM practice and a team that had never played together before, - by Sig Paul ‘Booty’ Harrild we were amazed at how successful we were. After some very close run games, 71 Signal Regiment finished a very As a part of the “Army Betterment Plan” all Army Reserve commendable joint second place to the Blues and Royals and units are being issued with the new gym kit which contains won the right to go on to the Army Championships being held Powerbags and Kettlebells. To learn how to use the new kit, in Aldershot in May. Stand-by for more news! LCpl ‘Crazy’ Crane, Cpl ‘The Beast’ Sutton and Sigs ‘Booty’ Harrild and ‘Robbo’ Roberts, the Squadron PTI’s, attended a course at Prince William of Gloucestershire barracks in Grantham over the period 16 – 17 March 2013.

After a heroic attempt at keeping our eyes open for early morning theory lesson in a very warm and comfortable class room, we then went on to an afternoon of continuous practical exercises and techniques. The lesson ended with a full on circuit which was a bit cheeky but demonstrated the effectiveness of the new kit when used correctly. It’s safe to say, the effect of DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) meant that all four PTI’s look like a scene from Monty Python’s Ministry of Silly Walks with tight hamstrings and monster glutes for several days after. A thoroughly enjoyable course, and all 4 PTI’s look forward to “familiarising” the Squadron with their new found skills

EXERCISE PHOENIX CHALLENGE – STANTA - CO’s CHALLENGE 2013 71 (City of London) Yeomanry Signal Regiment Volleyball team (Capt Donaldson - PSAO 68 ICC&EY Sig Sqn – centre rear) It would have been nice to say that the first day of the CO’s Challenge dawned bright, warm, and dry, heralding the onset of Spring, but the reality was altogether different. Cold and 265 (KENT AND COUNTY OF LONDON YEOMANRY dull, with snow and rain threatening - Winter was reluctant to (SHARPSHOOTERS)) SUPPORT SQUADRON (VOLUNTEERS) release its grip on the UK.

OC Maj Keith Wrate The deployment from Bexleyheath to STANTA was almost SSM SSgt Leigh Griffiths uneventful – except for those who chose a more circuitous SPSI SSgt Carl Shackleton route than necessary. Upon arrival, we ran into the smooth- running machine that was the G4 twins WO2s Perry and SQUADRON OVERVIEW Springer, got our accommodation assignments, dumped our kit, put our weapons in the armoury, and got our heads down It has been another busy period for 265 Sp Sqn since our last in anticipation of an early start. entry in The Wire. Most of the Sqn was involved in the Regimental Military Skills competition, Ex PHOENIX Reveille came all too soon and, after a quick trip to the CHALLENGE in Thetford over the period 15 – 17 March, with ablutions, armoury, and cook house, we were standing, in the Sqn team putting in a very proud effort over a demanding anticipation, outside EXCON, waiting for our first brief. It was weekend. This involved moving tactically around the area not long in coming and, having collected our “extra” kit – visiting stands with military style scenarios The Sqn PTI’s Cpl radio, spare battery, and body armour – we cast about for Jim Sutton, LCpl ‘Crazy’ Crane, Sigs ‘Booty’ Harrild and some means of getting to the Start point. Spotting a likely ‘Robbo’ Roberts all attended the Kettlebell course at target getting into a minibus, we soon determined that he Grantham, and we all look forward to receiving them into the was both going to the Start point and had sufficient space for Sqn so we can all have a go. Again the Regimental run Driver us – we were soon on, and off. Training camp was fully support by several members of the Sqn being led by the OC, Maj Keith Wrate and SSgt ‘Daz’ A brief by the SVWO, WO1 Steve Healey gave us the outline of Lane, providing essential skills and assistance over the 2 week the day – patrolling to 6 stands over 7 hours, spread out in period. The SPSI, SSgt Carl Shackleton continues to plan and large loop over varying terrain in STANTA. In fairly short

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 81 order, we headed out to our first stand, not knowing what Stand 5 was the Med task – patrol to a point 2 kms distant awaited us. over marshy, wooded terrain to investigate reports of an explosion, and to deal with any casualties. Recognising that Our first stand was the Comms Problem, otherwise known as we had insufficient time to get to the target site, let alone having (in our case) 6 blokes put up a ½ wave dipole, in windy assess casualties, we were on the lookout for casualties from conditions. In spite of certain issues, such as the team the off. Sure enough, we came across a substantial casualty consisting of one NFQ, one Clerk, 3 EDs, and an Operator within minutes. Springing into action, Sgt Harry Jules and Cpl (who last put up a ½ wave dipole in 2002), the team were well Richy Kane started triage while the rest of the team kept on their way to achieving the right solution – e.g. braid length, watch. The book was followed, the casualty received initial height, direction – when they hit a snag by running out of treatment and an ambulance was summoned by radio. While time. At least Sgt Harry Jules managed to apply his weight to waiting for the ambulance Sgt Jules sent a runner back to the problem of the loose guy spike before it could end in Stand 5 and commandeered a combi van to take the casualty tears… back towards the ambulance. The casualty loaded on, we followed on, transferred the casualty to the ambulance, and Quickly packing up the mast kits, we were debriefed and set had our debrief. off patrolling to the second stand, entitled “Sniff, Sniff – was that you”? The task, initially quite simple, was to retrieve a The last Stand – “Can You See What I See?” – was the load of containers and sandbags which had spilled from a observation round. The team had a stretch of forest path vehicle. Working our way through carefully, all the while around which 20 various items were scattered, and which we suspecting something would happen, we fell victim to the had to spot, identify and mark on a route plot. Some were inevitable, and one of the containers came open, discharging obvious – the bright orange mine tape - while others were a noxious liquid. The call of GAS GAS GAS had us into our more subtle; the only one we missed was the role of brown respirators, and then CBRN suits. Once ready, we then had to parcel tape stuck on the end of a broken branch stub. spend some time experiencing the degradation that sets in when wearing the kit. This was achieved by having us shift One long last patrol remained, through the rain, to the Start the various containers around until we were sweaty, point, and stand down for the day. Once back, we waited, breathless, and uncomfortable. together with the other teams, for the results of Day One. In the end, it was (apparently) too close to call, so we were Another debrief, and we were on our way. The weather, given one last task. Basically, we dumped day sacks and ran a which had merely been overcast and cool, turned, with sleety 1 km loop, collecting ammo boxes and jerry cans on the way. rain and the occasional bit of snow making life joyful. We Pleasantly surprisingly Cpl ‘Canada’ Broadbent wasn’t the last arrived at the third stand – That Sinking Feeling – to be to finish. Scoring was on time taken from start to last team greeted by two lines of mine tape about 5 metres apart. member finishing. Dispersed at various intervals between them were a number of empty sandbags. Our starting brief was that all we had to Day 2 dawned wet and dreary – perfect weather for the do was use these sandbags (representing fragile stepping March and Shoot. Teams lined up, gave their kit one last stones) to cross from one side to the other. Only two check, and then set off. Three km later, they prepped for stipulations complicated the task – firstly, no person could shooting, and took their turns on the range. have more than one foot on any one “stone” and, secondly, any stone – once stepped on – left without a foot on it would The scores from Day 1 and Day 2 were added up and the sink. Given that the stones were a bit of stretch apart, the positions of each team confirmed. The Regiment formed up loss of any stone would mean a restart. All we had to do was for the results and were regaled by the CO, whose enthusiasm walk across in a chain, with each person putting their feet on the right stones at the right time. Key members of the section Cfn Jordan Auguste-Ryan and Cpl (Then promoted to Sgt on the weekend) ‘Nugget’ Nugent threw ourselves into the task, with the inevitable result that we went foul almost immediately, at which point we discovered that there was a penalty involved thus we were all, bar one, hooded. Despite several further attempts, we were unable to shake off the loss of coordination and control caused by the blindfolding, and ran out off time.

More patrolling through rain and light snow found us at Stand 4, or “I have a cunning plan”. Command tasks can be awkward and troublesome and, sometimes, fun. On this occasion, both the DS and us had a bit of fun – they, by watching our antics, and us, by getting stuck in. The tasks were varied and new to us – arranging the team into number order, without being able to speak, and whilst wearing blacked out respirators; moving team members around on a wobble board, whilst carrying awkward objects; moving water from a jerry can to a bucket 8 metres away, using only a couple of lengths of gutter and drainpipe, each with holes strategically added, and moving numbered tyres from one pile to another, through an intermediate pile in a particular order.

Needless to say, we were challenged, but responded with enthusiasm, logic, skill, daring, and occasional hilarity – at least the DS were kept amused by our efforts. Although we got fairly wet on the last task, we fared well overall, and left our fourth debrief somewhat pleased with our efforts. Sgt Jason Bontoft with his “foot” up, again !!!!!

82 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 for verbosity was obvious. The results were announced and gun dogs and the final of the freestyle event it was back on the winning team, led by Capt Jim Swain, presented the “combi” van and back to Bexleyheath. A thoroughly themselves to receive the latest trophy to be added to the good day out was had by all and definitely for a worthy cause. Regimental store – the Golden Boot. VISIT OF THE COMMANDING OFFICER, LT COL J PICTON QC TO 265 SP SQN (V) – 9TH APRIL 2013.

The new CO of 71 (City of London) Yeomanry Signal Regiment, Lt Col Julian Picton QC, visited the Squadron on their first training night of the new training year. He was met be Sqn officers led by the OC Maj Keith Wrate and the Sqn 2IC Capt Paul Ukpai and was fully briefed by them on Sqn business. This out of the way, the new CO met members of the Sqn in their training environment. Firstly he met the operators in the garages learning new skills on BOWMAN and setting up VTC links. Cpl ‘Smiler’ Sutton and SIgs Paul ‘Booty’ Harrild and Danny Wilsher provided a full explanation of the art of the VTC to him. Second port of call was the ED’s, where the CO met Sgt Charlie Woo and LCpl ‘Swaffs’ Swaffield busily working on their generators. The LAD was eagerly waiting for him to appear and discussed REME issues, policies and Sig Dave Prior leading with the casualty procedures. Final call was the bar, where the CO met members of the Squadron socially and enjoyed a glass of coke and some cheese. He was then asked to issue LCpl Simon All that was left to do was to mount up and head back to our Ness with his well deserved first stripe rank slide. respective TACs. In spite of the weather, it was a pretty good weekend. The stands were varied and imaginative, skills were remembered and practiced, and the accommodation and food (even the range stew) were of good standard. Some were challenged more than others, and now know where they need to improve, while others had their skill confirmed by their performance.

How did we do? Well, for a scratch team, under-strength, thrown together at the last minute, and subsequently reduced by injury, not too badly finishing 3rd overall on Day 1 and 4th Overall by the end of Day 2. Roll on next year’s Challenge.

NEC, BIRMINGHAM HOUNDS FOR HEROES PHOTO SHOOT

Members of the Squadron were invited by Allen Parton, who L to R – CO Sig Paul ‘Booty’ Harrild and Cpl Jim ‘Smiler’ Sutton is the founder of the Regimental charity for 2012, Hounds for Heroes, to attend a Hounds for Heroes photo shoot at Crufts at the Birmingham NEC. The Regiment has raised £45,000 for BEXLEYHEATH UNIFORM DAY the charity, ranging from “tin rattling”, organised “sportsathons” to a Regimental boxing evening. The The Mayor of the London Borough of Bexley had decided that Squadron led by OC Maj Keith Wrate mounted the “combi” he wished to have a local uniform awareness day in the high van for an early start and headed northwards. When we street in Bexleyheath in March and raise money for “Help for finally arrived we were met by Allen and his helper dog EJ, Heroes”. All Reserve force units in the borough were invited and escorted to the press office where a very welcomed hot to attend, including the fire brigade, police and ambulance cup of coffee and a full days briefing by the Crufts staff were services. The plan was to raise more money for “Help for given to us. We also met members of the Fire service, Police Heroes” which at the time is the Mayors chosen charity for service and Ambulance service who were at the NEC on a the year. Additionally, a team of enthusiastic “tattooists” similar mission. The photo shoot took about an hour to from Welling had decided that they would like to partake and complete and afterwards the soldiers had a few hours to raise money by pulling a MAN SVR weighing in at a mere 35 discover the 5 NEC arenas. After watching the best in bread tonne and worth over £52,000. They managed to pull this with a small team of 12 “huge” guys over 4 miles from Welling to Bexleyheath. The high street in Bexleyheath was littered with military vehicles, cam nets and a make shift “FOB” from the Army Recruiting Team based in Woolwich. The Squadron was represented by LCpl ‘Crazy’ Crane and Sig Dave Prior manning a BOWMAN vehicle providing communications to the “FOB”. A visit from “Hero” the bear made their day.

On completion of the day, it was back to the TA Centre for an excellent curry and a beer provided by the Squadron chef Pte Sylvia Hirst. The Mayor and his delightful wife accompanied the “tattooists” from welling and their families and members of all the military and Blue Light services in the bar to finish off a most excellent and rewarding day.

Team 265 with members of the “Blue Light” Services at CRUFTS

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 83 NEWS FROM SQUADRONS

20 ARMOURED BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS AND SIGNAL SQUADRON (200) PADERBORN

OC Maj H J Stoy providing individuals with the ideal opportunity to learn the RSM WO1 (RSM) G Revell setup procedure and begin to understand the intricacies of working with armoured vehicles. This all took place under the With the pace of life still unrelenting, the Squadron continues direction of Cpl D McCallion, the build Complex Corporal, who to be detached to a number of units, Countries and indeed was charged with keeping everyone task focussed. This was Continents. It has been a truly challenging and varied period particularly challenging at times due to the harsh weather for the soldiers of 20 Armoured Brigade Headquarters and conditions and intermittent snow during the exercise which Signal Squadron (200) with personnel in BATUS on winter saw temperatures hovering around -5oC. repair, BATUK on Ex ASKARI THUNDER, CAST in the UK and on Exercise in Germany. For those left manning the fort on Following the successful build of the headquarters, low level camp their time has been occupied preparing the platforms training was able to take place with lessons delivered on for RSIT, finalising the transition to MJDI, continuing support Antennas and Propagation, ComBAT, Bowman Initialisation to the Brigade Headquarters and continuous vehicle servicing. and Voice Procedure which all provided excellent remind and revise opportunities. With the arrival of the Brigade Staff WO1 (RSM) G Revell has now taken over from WO1 (RSM) P came the usual requests for change in the setup and working McLeish at a time of a great number of unknowns awaiting area layout of the headquarters which the Squadron willingly the Squadron, each with their own challenges and rewards. adjusted. Only to change it back to the original plan half way One thing that is certain however is that the Senior Signal through the exercise. Squadron will retain its status, if not in name then most certainly in bearing.

EXERCISE IRON RHINO - by LCpl Kerr

Ex IRON RHINO provided 20 Armd Bde HQ & Sig Sqn with the perfect opportunity to practice delivering its key capability of providing and supporting the Brigade’s headquarters. Since the arrival of 10 Bulldog Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFV) in October, this was the first time the Squadron had been able to deploy an armoured headquarters in years. Adding to the training value of the exercise it was also the first time the Squadron had deployed DRASh with armoured vehicles, which proved considerably more difficult to adjust during the build phase than Landrovers. The exercise had been greatly anticipated, especially for the numerous personnel who underwent marshalling, commanding and driving armoured Brigade O Group in the Field courses prior to deployment.

The exercise lasted 3 weeks, with an initial 2 weeks training As CAST is a crucial assessment for the Brigade Staff, stress and PACEX prior to the arrival of 20 Brigade Staff. The initial 2 levels and tempers tend to rise as they are tested on their weeks allowed for a slow time build of the headquarters, tactical planning and ability to deliver orders. It is therefore the task of the Brigade Signal Squadron and its Signallers to provide the communications and rear life support to assist the

The final stage of the set-up, placing the 20 Bde sign outside the HQ 20 Armoured Brigade Headquarters ‘Dinner in the Field’

84 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 staff and make their job easier. After a successful exercise from both the Squadron and the Brigade Staff, Sgt W Hardy and his team put together a fantastic dinner in the field, to celebrate the final deployment of 20 Armoured Brigade’s Armoured HQ, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

JUNIOR OFFICER ATTACHMENT - by 2Lt J Perfect

Eventually the time came; after 44 very long, very challenging weeks, I marched up the prestigious steps which marked the start of my career in the Regular Army and the Royal Corps of Signals. No sooner had my CSgt shipped us off I knew soon that I would be on a flight out to 20 Armoured Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron (200) in Sennelager, Germany.

Upon meeting the 2IC, Capt C Goslin, he briefed Lt B Simpson and I on what the Squadron had been doing recently. The weekend allowed us to settle into the Mess, meet the two troop commanders, Lt B J Thorburn and Capt P Gormley, and get to know the local area. The first week was spent finding my feet; this included a small mishap of calling the RSM ‘Sir’, learning to respond to Ma’am and getting a grasp of the roles within the Troops, a real eye opener in some accounts.

A slightly tipsy Lt B Simpson and 2Lt J Perfect at Burns Night

the watchful eyes of SSgt R Meakin and Sgt J Shone, the task was completed quickly. The pace soon slowed down when it came to establishing communications which meant that there was a lot of learning to be done, and the likes of LCpl J Kerr and LCpl M Masson were very welcoming. Keen to get us involved, they had us in the back of detachments in the commander’s hatch of the bulldog. Capt P Gormley and Lt B J Thorburn

Lt Simpson, my fellow attached Troop Commander, was deployed onto the ranges putting his A Qual to good use with the pre PNCO course that SSgt R Scarcliff was running. I remained with the Squadron spending a couple of days with different departments, learning what went on behind the scenes keeping this incredibly busy Squadron moving. With the majority of Euphrates Troop deployed to Kenya, and manpower stretched elsewhere with the Command and Staff Trainer (CAST) and Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (CATT), it seemed that everyone was working hard in the build up for Ex IRON RHINO. My first Mess Dinner at the Squadron came in the form of a fantastic Burns Night; reeling with the Brigade Commander is not something I am going to forget too soon! We also attended the dining out of WO1 (RSM) McLeish, arranged by WO2 (RQMS) D Mears; after a set of QBO’s and lots of photos the guests were sat down and received some outstanding food and entertainment. The night was danced 20 Armd Bde HQ set up for Ex IRON RHINO away and it was an excellent first experience of how to throw a good formal mess function, everything from the napkins to the waiting staff were to a high standard, nothing less than Over the last 6 weeks 20 Armd Bde HQ & Sig Sqn more expected from a very professional Squadron. than lived up to the reputation that precedes it. It’s been an excellent opportunity to learn from such a rich array of As the attachment began to draw to a close the pace seemed characters, be they in the QM’s department or Ops. We have only to pick up and we went out onto the training area to set both gained a deeper understanding of the field Army where up the HQ for the Brigade CAST. With minus degrees and I now feel comfortable to step away from the safety net of numb hands, we set up the DRASh and the largest cam net RMAS. I wish the Sqn all the best on Op HERRICK 20 and look known to man. After much tugging and pinning down, under forward to seeing some of them again throughout my career.

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 85 COMPETENT CREW COURSE, KIEL - by Cpl Wallace the organised Adventure Training provided by the various Battlegroups. The multi activity programmes were supplied Day one of the Comp Crew course at the Kiel Training Centre by two separate companies located one hour north of Nairobi, in Germany in the middle of March was definitely an eye facilitating a range of activities from white water rafting and opener. With the crews assigned to their vessels, the first kayaking to bungee jumping and rock climbing. port of call was to Lidls to get food and supplies of morale for the week on the yacht (at this stage of course we had no idea Few of us had ever had the opportunity to go white water just how much we would need it). Once on board, we soon rafting; it seemed to entail riding the rapids in a big rubber discovered that the foul weather gear that we had been boat that plucked the hairs out of your legs as you hung on issued was to become invaluable. With temperatures below for dear life. Our first task was selecting crew members, freezing, it was clear that few had anticipated the horrific ensuring that the more capable individuals amongst us were weather that was to come. Most expected a mild south responsible for life saving duties in the event of someone westerly wind with the odd patches of rain here and there; falling out. The task for the day was quite simple; we would all you can imagine our surprise at the sight of ice and snow all make our way to our chosen destination, whether that be in over the boat. They don’t call it the Baltic Sea for nothing. the boat or in the water which reassured us all.

After day one of sailing around the port of Kiel it was evident As we set off downstream the water was calm, our newly that one or two individuals were suffering sea sickness and qualified instructor was taking us through some of the the tablets which had been issued to help combat the effects essential drills required to survive on the water. As we seemed to make matters worse. Day 2, the crews sail to started to gain confidence we began to hear the roar of Kappeln in Germany with winds helping us reach 6 knots on water crashing down the first set of rapids. With bundles choppy waters. The challenging weather certainly put us all of enthusiasm and either bravery or stupidity we hung on to the test from the off, forcing us to learn the ropes quickly tight and managed to make it through the first set relatively and work as a team. The sail to Eckeforde was much calmer unscathed. than previously experienced and was welcomed by all. It provided an opportunity for everyone to get practice steering, tying knots and revising safety lessons from the days previous. That night was also a chance for the crews to relax and share tales of heroism in the face of almost certain death over the last couple of days.

The latter part of the course was based around the port of Kiel owing to weather conditions generating safety concerns. With the sea becoming choppy and the cold eating at peoples’ faces, it was really putting our morale and enthusiasm to the test. One key lesson learnt was that there is little life can throw at you that a large tub of ‘moralibo’ and a warm brew can’t get you through.

By the end there was defiantly a number of mixed emotions Dodged a bullet there about the Comp Crew course; but one thing which we can all agree on is that Sig B Perry should apply for the next sailing expedition as soon as possible, for no other reason than that As we progressed down the river the rapids became more of ensuring the morale of all those sailing with him. difficult, with the odd waterfall thrown in for good measure. To highlight the sheer power of the water our instructor sent each of us for a swim. Further downstream we came across some rough water and a 3m drop off a water fall; the boat decided to fold in half with each end touching while everyone remained inside. The rest of the trip back to camp consisted of a lazy river glide for 20 minutes until in the distance we saw the 3 star kayak course franticly paddling back up stream with shouts of ‘hippo!’ This marked an interesting end to a

Sig Brown proving his steering prowess on the Yacht

EXERCISE ASKARI THUNDER ADVENTURE TRAINING - by SSgt Tiplady

12 Members of 20 Armd Bde HQ & Sig Sqn (200) deployed to Kenya on Ex ASKARI THUNDER 5 and 6 in Jan 2013. While deployed we were kindly invited to participate in some of ‘I think I’ll man the Camera for this one lads’ – LCpl Corbi

86 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 fantastic day and thankfully we took the right turn at the river deployment. It soon became apparent however, that that fold and dodged a 10m waterfall and the hippo. the previous Battlegroup had proved somewhat, over zealous in their striping of the kit from the vehicle. This left Sig Z Canyoning was another fantastic activity many of us were Hampton and Sig M Hall with the task of transforming, what able to do for the first time. The general principals are quite could only be described as GS Land rovers into Complex fit simple: throw yourself off the nearest high feature into a pool FFRs. Once complete the vehicles then had to make a 120 of water below. As easy as this sounds there were a few of us mile trip north to Likipia Air Base (LAB) which was to become who couldn’t pluck the courage to jump off all the obstacles, our new home for the next 12 weeks. LAB was a newly namely Cpl ‘Si marnarno sana’ Garrett, translated into constructed exercise camp for the visiting Battle Groups. It “very large” in Kenyan and Sig L Chilton. After successfully had all the posh ‘mod cons’, such as running water, electricity completing the first confidence jump they were happy to and beds! Some of the ‘singlies’ amongst us were positively spectate from then on. ecstatic with the extra facilities compared to what they were used to back in their blocks in Germany! The soldiers from the Squadron have worked incredibly hard on both ASKARI THUNDER 5 and 6. It was especially The drive up north was interesting to say the least. We had rewarding to see them all working for each other as a team been warned of the dangers of the road and the local drivers, during some of the more ‘hazardous’ activities, proving but until you experience it for yourself you will never believe how well they had gelled during their time here in BATUK. it. If someone flashes their headlights at you, it means they All involved have learnt a great deal about their trade, the are committed and you have to adjust your speed accordingly Battlegroups, the Kenyan people and indeed each other; the because they won’t. Pot craters are part of the road structure lessons brought back will only go on to serve the Squadron so get used to it, and the ‘if I want to go around you I will well as we prepare for Op HERRICK 20. regardless if I can’t see what’s past you or not’ attitude took some getting used to. EXERCISE ASKARI THUNDER 5 AND 6 – by Cpl Wood Once all the vehicles made it to LAB we then spent the next On a cold morning in mid January, 12 members of 20 Armd few weeks concentrating on the vehicle fits; conducting Bde HQ &Sig Sqn (200) deployed to Kenya on Ex ASKARI PACEXs and training around the local area allowed those THUNDER. Leaving behind a typical German winter deployed to exercise as individual detachments before the temperature of 10o, the scorching 36 came as somewhat of Headquarters build. Once deployed onto the training area it a shock to the more cold blooded amongst us. Our primary became apparent how harsh the environment was on both task was to provide the Brigade Commander and his staff individuals and the equipment. a working Headquarters in order to enable the effective command and control of the Battlegroup during the final The location of HICON for the final exercise has to be one of phase of their exercise. the best locations that I have built a HQ at. Fantastic views of Mount Kenya, the local watering hole, hot showers and Upon arrival we received the standard brief on the various decent food made for a truly unique experience. Of course hazards we were likely to encounter throughout our time in none of this would have been possible if it were not for the Kenya. This ranged from the wildlife one could find out on single strand of razor wire protecting us from the wildlife. the area, to the wildlife one could find in some of the more questionable establishments in town. During the build up to The overall Kenyan experience was good for all that deployed; the Battlegroups arriving and the initial part of their exercise, it presented an occasion to practice our detachment drills we took advantage of the time to conduct some training. This in the field, fitting out vehicles from shells to working included individual detachment drills, cross country driving platforms and also a chance to do some genuine fault finding and navigational skills. on the equipment. I can safely say that every soldier who departed to Kenya has returned a more effective operator Once we met up with the Battlegroup CIS Platoon, our boys and I look forward to seeing the impact this will have on the got straight to work helping them prepare the FFRs for performance of the troop on our return.

7 ARMOURED BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS AND SIGNAL SQUADRON (207) BERGEN - HOHNE

OC Maj CEJ Davies SUPPORT TROOP DAY OUT – by LCpl Willis RSM WO1 (RSM) S Wedge BRITISH ARMY GERMANY OUTDOOR HOCKEY TOURNAMENT As the Brigade continues with MST for our upcoming – by Sig Rabar HERRICK 19 tour we have the pleasure to welcome our new RSM, WO1 Sean Wedge, who took the reins at the end of Soldiers from across British Forces Germany gathered in March. Of course, this means we say goodbye to now Capt Paderborn-Sennelager Station for the British Army Germany Jenns ‘Sven’ Gronn who, having been successful on the last Outdoor Hockey tournament on 19 March 2013. For the LECB now moves to 3 DSR as their Unit Welfare Officer. We majority of the soldiers, this was a welcome break from their wish him all the best in his new role back in the UK. pre-deployment training for HERRICK 19. Our team travelled down the previous night and after a long evening discussing We will soon be saying goodbye to Mr Niall Thurlow. Our tactics and game plan we were fit, confident and ready to ever smiling Movements Clerk has done a great deal for the bring home the winner’s trophy. From the 14 teams that Squadron over the years (often with little recognition). He turned up they were divided into an initial 2 groups. We were and his wife are moving to pastures new as she takes on a drawn into group 2 and with over an hour till our first game, new role with the medical services at Brunei Garrison. On we decided on our starting 6 and started our mental behalf of the Squadron Good luck to both of you. preparation.

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 87 Before we knew it the first game was upon us. It was not long ‘PING’, the idea was born. Why not turn the Jaboas welfare until Sig Rabar was already creating chances up front with the centre into the ‘Ally Pally’ and hold a darts night with all support of Sig Veringa and LCpl Wiles. During the game LCpl profits going to Charity. Page came off the bench but was soon hobbling back off the pitch, and had played his last game due to injury. Despite Next was the planning phase and with the help of the welfare numerous chances and credit to both goalkeepers the match clerk, Mrs Paula Oulton, and the barman, Cpl Barron, we got ended in a 0:0 draw. WO2 (YofS) Engleby got a grip of the the ball rolling and started to organise and advertise the team and was saying a lot of hockey terms and tactics. Apart event. Finding the 32 people to enter didn’t take long and from Sig Veringa we all stood there and nodded our heads in with the €5 entry fee from each competitor, we knew it was agreement. 16 Signal Regiment were also at the tournament going to be a successful night from the off. The draw took but as they only had 6 players, Capt Tucker decided to play place to see who would be playing who and then the for both us and them. competition started. The first games kicked off at the start of February with the first round of the knockout competition With the temperature dropping we were into our second being played over 3 legs,(first to two). There were a few match where we soon took a 1 goal lead through a scramble disappointed people after the first round and a few shock in the D, Sig Veringa eventually putting it in the net. With a results, but this just made the competition more open. After 1:0 lead it was time to bring on the pace of Sig Davies, who all the first round games where out of the way, we then contributed with some heroic defending resulting in a jostling started to play the other rounds. Due to various injury to the face. The lesson to be learnt, don’t get on the commitments, some competitors had to play their games at wrong end of a Fijians stick. The game finished 1:0 and morale NAAFI breaks and lunch times, (to be honest, its worth a fiver was high in the 207 camp. to get out of the office for 20 minutes). We then eliminated it down to just 4 players who would play the two semi-finals By our third game the snow was having no sympathy for the and the final on the main event night; the 1st March 2013. The occasion. With the weather against us we still managed to four elite players who made it to the final night were; LCpl play the game and ended up taking another 0:0 draw. There Andy ‘The Treble King’ Kenyon, Lt ‘Grandad’ Miller, LCpl Chris was great heckling coming from the 207 subs towards Cpl ‘The Ginger Winger’ Hanley and Sgt Nige ‘The Ninja’ Foulkes. Spooner, who didn’t know where the ball was or what he was doing on the pitch. Cpl Young did well up front and managed With the brand new dart board up, the brand new oche made, to sell 5 hockey sticks, 4 hockey balls and a hockey goal to the and the tables laid out as per the ‘Ally Pally’, the scene was opposition’s goal keeper. Soon after, the decision was taken set for a great night of darts. The first of the semi-finals was by the organiser to abandon the competition due to the the match between LCpl Kenyon and Lt Miller. This was to be effects of the snow on the playing surface, however it wasn’t best of 9 (first to 5). The victor was LCpl Kenyon, with Lt quite all over. To decide the result of the un-played matches, Miller not performing to his best, losing 5-0. The Second we would play our opponents in a penalty shootout. semi-final between LCpl Hanley and Sgt Foulkes proved ever so slightly more interesting with a great start from LCpl Unfortunately, due to the bad weather, poor penalty flicking Hanley going 1-0 up. However, Sgt Foulkes soon found his from WO2 (YofS) Engleby, and a few controversial decisions throwing skills, and took the match 5-1. by the officials, we lost 3 out of 3 penalty shootouts. This left us 4th in the group and out of the qualification for the play So here it was, the time had come for the final of the 207 offs. Signal Squadron Knockout Charity Darts Competition. This time it was best of 13, (first to 7), with LCpl Kenyon throwing Despite not winning the competition, everyone in the team first. He soon took the first match to lead 1-0. Sgt Foulkes agreed that it was a fun day out, and we had built a good then got into the grove and wins 5 in a row to take it to 5-1. foundation for a future champion side, with a mix of both Unfortunately, the drinks were going down rather to well and youth and experience. before we knew it, the scores were tied 6-6. After a tense final game, LCpl Kenyon took the final leg to win the competition 7-6. It was a close game which was enjoyed by all, with plenty to cheer about with bull finishes and 180’s.

A total success from a small idea which hopefully will go towards making people’s lives better one way or another. A massive thanks to all that helped out on the night and special mentions to Paula Oulton, Sgt Foulkes and Cpl Barron for making it possible. So far the total raised on the night for Marie Curie Cancer care is a huge €1600 a massive thank you once again to all involved.

Hockey in the snow

207 SIGNAL SQUADRON CHARITY DARTS EVENT – by Cpl Hanley

The main event in March for 207 Signal Squadron had to be the Charity darts night in support of Marie Curie Cancer care. It all started over Christmas leave when a few of the Squadron sat watching the PDC darts on BFBS television and Cpl Hanley’s darts before zeroing!

88 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 16 AIR ASSAULT BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS AND SIGNAL SQUADRON (216) COLCHESTER

OC Maj M Fayers The exercise was extremely worthwhile for all those involved RSM WO1 (RSM) P Watson from the Squadron, with both field craft and trade skills being tested at a number of different levels throughout. We now The run up to Easter leave has seen the Squadron deploy on hope to use the skills we have learned and refined on our several exciting exercises. Ex EAGLE’S EYE was an ISTAR next big challenge - Ex JOINT WARRIOR. exercise in Northern Italy which saw members of the Squadron deploy in support of 3 Para’s Patrols and Sniper WORKING WITH THE ITALIAN AIRBORNE – by Sig Driver platoons. While myself and the Ops Officer had the unenviable task of crossing the pond to see what lessons March saw 216 (Para) Sig Sqn deploy a 12 man team on Ex could be learnt from the 82nd Airborne. Needless to say EAGLES EYE in Tuscany, Italy. The exercise was designed to these exercises provided opportunity for members of the enhance the partnership and interoperability with the Italian Squadron to earn those coveted foreign parachute wings, by ISTAR units and was a fantastic opportunity for those either jumping into Fort Brag with the 82nd or into Tuscany deploying to work with our Italian counterparts. with the Italians. The crowning moment for the Squadron was however in the slightly less exotic surroundings of North The initial phase consisted of a train the trainer and Yorkshire where we facilitated a successful 16 Air Assault interoperability package. This was followed by an exercise Brigade CAST. The Squadron has also continued to support where some of our 12 man team saw themselves embedded Corps recruitment by introducing some thrusting UOTC into 3 Para Patrols Platoon, D Sqn Tac Group and the Sniper Officer Cadets to 2 x Para trained PTIs and 1 x log. We also Platoon. Those embedded were responsible for the all continue to assist Phase 2 training with Cpl Clarke and his important TACSAT and HPW rear link to EXCON, where the team running a contact drill stand for Ex HARROGTE FOLLY. remainder of the 12 man team were deployed. Success continues on the sporting front with the Squadron winning the Midlands Cross Country League Minor Units Those employed within EXCON very much hit the ground Championships. At the time of writing the Squadron is going running as they went straight into a 24hr shift pattern for real through it’s final preparations to deploy to Scotland on Ex time point of contact. They also provided reach back safety JOINT WARRIOR, which will see the Squadron enter the comms from the live ranges and conducted radio lesson to exercise area by Parachute or helicopter. the Italian Airborne Signals Platoon on the Harris 117F and HPW software. It was not all work and no play however, as Go to it. LCpl Hack, LCpl Howe and Sig Noble were invited to take part in a 12000 ft tandem skydive with two members of the Italian CT02 AND CAST – by Sig Gladwyn Signals Platoon at their local sky diving club. All three thoroughly enjoyed it, whilst those who did not take part Early February saw the Squadron deploy to Catterick for a delighted in the look of fear on LCpl Hack’s face as he week long CT02 training package followed by the16 Air plummeted to the ground! Assault Brigade CAST. CT02 was a chance for the Squadron to operate in the field and develop their fieldcraft and military I found myself deployed into Carpania with the Sniper Platoon skills which everyone thoroughly enjoyed. The exercise as Platoon signaller within their Tac. The platoon took part in provided the Squadron a valuable opportunity to deploy all of a range package with Italian Airborne Snipers, including a cold its assets including the Parachute Tac HQ, Tac HQ, Main HQ war shoot, angle shooting and day/night time stalks. A small and Man Pack Rebroadcast (MPR). confirmation exercise organised by the Italian OC saw the British and Italian forces work together to neutralize an B Troop spent the first week setting up the Main HQ, which enemy road block. As Platoon Signaller I was very much was achieved in record time, and delivering lessons on TacSat integral to the operation and after handing over of control of 117F and dismounted HQ kit. Meanwhile SSgt Wear led MPR the net to the platoon IC the operation was a success. out on the ground in particularly adverse weather conditions in order to hone MPR’s ability to operate in the field. We also completed CBRN training, section attacks and tested the new Tactical Voice Bridges (TVB) over Bowman and TacSat 117F radios. A Troop deployed the Tac HQ into a FOB location, whilst Para Tac set up in a harbour and conducted contact drills across the area. A Merlin was brought in for part of the exercise to enable the guys to refine their air skills and qualify some more Landing Point Commanders.

The second week heralded the start of the Brigade CAST with the arrival of the Staff Officers, who were received by SSgt Wear and Lt Mapplebeck. Thankfully by and large CAST ran smoothly and without major incident enabling the guys to get into a good work routine. The Troop also managed the successful integration of the French 11 (Para) Brigade Staff Officers into Main HQ and a joint Anglo-French J6 cell which provided French CIS throughout the HQ. LCpl Hack and LCpl Hardy gave in-depth J2 briefs to the J6 cell in order to keep the situational awareness of the Troop up to date. A few guys Alright for some – SSgt (YoS) Risley, Sgt Martin, SSgt Wear, The also completed a small Dial-up JOCS exercise. Badge and Sig Meadon outside the Leaning Tower

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 89 As the confirmation exercise went on I began to thoroughly and rehearsals amongst the team, we travelled to enjoy my role and was disappointed to see the exercise finish, Basingstoke in preparation for the start of the exercise. until the QM department arrived with Peroni beer for the Italian and British Airborne forces to share. The perfect end Bright and early on a cold and wet Saturday morning the team to a fantastic exercise and I look forward to more started with the usual fry up and rehearsals. The recruits opportunities to work with Allied forces in the future. started coming through at 1000hrs and after a perfect demo from LCpl ‘Bisto’ Keighley and his team, the battle lessons EXERCISE WITH THE AMERICAN 82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION began. The lessons combined theoretical and practical – by Capt Johnson techniques, and very soon after a number of highly motivational speeches by Cpl ‘the whisperer’ Griffiths, the In an effort to reinvigorate a close relationship with US armed Phase 2 soldiers were enthusiastically performing 4 man forces, February saw myself and the OC, Maj Fayers travel to contact drills. the USA to spend some time with the 82nd Airborne Division. The purpose of the visit was to deploy on a Joint Operational Despite the usual laughs and mishaps along the way, Ex Access Exercise (JOAX) with not only American, but also HARROGATE FOLLY gave the team the perfect opportunity to Canadian Airborne Forces. pass our experience and knowledge on to the recruits. On the day a number of recruits showed some real promise, The exercise commenced with a Para insertion at night to highlighting the talent coming into the Corps from Blandford. facilitate an airfield seizure. This consisted of a heavy drop, followed closely by two waves of 800 personnel each. This EXERCISE LIGHTENING STRIKE - by Cpl Milson was an extremely impressive sight of which I, along with staff officers from the Bde HQ and representatives from some Bde As part of the 216 (Para) Sig Sqn recruiting team myself, LCpl units were fortunate enough not only to see but to be part of Fern, Sig Binks along with Capt Howley and Lt Cotterill – earning ourselves our American wings. Following the jump deployed to Blandford to take part in Ex LIGHTNING STRIKE. our role switched to observing our counterparts for the The exercise is designed to give Officer Cadets from remaining 48 hours, with a view to improving interoperability Universities all over the UK the opportunity to take a look at and enhancing our understanding of their capabilities. the various roles within the Corps. Our stand combined briefings, with a competitive element in an emulation of the dreaded yet talismanic ‘Log Race’.

The briefing, given by Lt Cotterill, highlighted the various responsibilities the unit holds within 16 Air Assault Brigade as well as an insight in the long and proud Sqn history. Following this there was a brief on All Arms Pre Parachute Selection before we gave the Officer Cadets a small sample of the delights the course offers – a log race.

Maj Fayers and Capt Johnson outside the 82nd Airborne HQ Officer Cadets living the Airborne dream!!

Deploying on the JOAX with the American and Canadian Airborne was a rare yet profitable opportunity. Much was learned from counterparts from across the Atlantic, and as such it is hoped that British participation in future American JOAX’s will increase. For the time being however, I am happy to be one of the few in the Bde currently donning the American wings on my smock!

216 DEVELOP PHASE TO RECRUITS – by Cpl Clarke

Saturday 23 February saw myself and Cpl ‘the whisperer’ Griffith travel to Blandford with a small fire team from the Sqn to assist with the training of Phase 2 troops. The training came under the umbrella of Ex HARROGATE FOLLY, a military training exercise where 216 (Para) Sig Sqn assisted with a battle lesson in 4 man contact drills. After a day of training Lt Cotterill on the Log with Brave Heart and Co

90 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 Having stressed the importance of this race to the ethos of Exercise in the form of Ex EAGLES EYE. Here they earned 216 (Para) Sig Sqn, the Officer Cadets were ushered out of the their Italian Parachuting Wings, whilst the majority of the comfort of the 12x12 tent and onto a log induction. Myself remaining members of the Troop were heavily involved CT 2 and LCpl Fern then completed a cheeky 10 minute warm up, Training and CAST. which concluded with a 300m dash to the start line. The Troop also saw Sigs Pike, Snell, Maynard and Billingham The race saw the teams run a hard route, much of which was do themselves and the Squadron proud by successfully uphill, however to the majority of the teams credit the pace completing All Arms Pre Parachute Selection. A noteable of the race was impressively maintained – of course with congratulations goes to Sig Billingham who showed his plenty of extra encouragement by the DS to bring out the calibre on the course by being awarded Top Student ahead of best in the Cadets. Overall, despite varied abilities throughout a highly competitive cohort. Well done! different teams, all gave 100% with a few individuals indicating they possess the attributes required to serve with Airborne The Troop says farewell to Cpls Griffiths and Mason who Forces and 216 (Para) Sig Sqn. A highly enjoyable and leave for ATRs Winchester and Pirbright, whilst Sigs Olukutuki worthwhile day for the Sqn, we hope to see some of the and Price head to 3 DSR and 21 (AS)SR. Following these Cadets striving to join 216 (Para) Sig Sqn in the future. departures comes new blood in the form of Cpls Bowden and Milson from 10 SR and 14 (EW) SR, whilst Sigs Moore, Cox UK MIDLANDS MINOR UNIT CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE and Bimpson have joined us from Blandford. March also saw – by Sig Pike a change in the Troop hierarchy with 2Lt Dodson returning to the Squadron as A Tp OC, following his attachment last year, The UK Midlands Minor League held its final race of the in preparation for the departure of Lt Cotterill in July. Those season on Wednesday 27 February. Hoping for a strong new to the Tp can look forward to hitting the ground running showing in the final race of the season, 216 (Para) Sig Sqn with the impending Ex JOINT WARRIOR! entered a team of 7 runners. It was a perfect day for running as there was no rain, no wind, and a clear blue sky – a BRAVO TROOP – by Sig Gladwyn pleasant surprise considering the time of year. OC Lt S Mapplebeck A good performance on the day was imperative with a SSgt SSgt J Wear number of teams, including the Squadron, were in the ‘running’ to win the league. As such the Sqn sent out what February and March saw Bravo Troop’s main effort being can only be described as the dream team, with all 7 members CT02 level training and facilitating the Brigade CAST. CT02 of the team Para-trained and raring to go. From the off the gave the Troop a welcome chance to operate in the field and Squadron showed it’s class, with myself and Sig Pollock develop their Fieldcraft and Mil-Skills, whilst also allowing the coming in 4th and 5th respectively. We were closely followed Troop to deploy its Tier 3 HQ – this time in record time. (although not quite close enough!) by Sig Meadon 7th, my Tp Overall this busy period of exercise ran smoothly and, with a OC Lt Cotterill 8th and Cpl Milson 9th. joint Anglo-French J6 cell, it was great for us to get to work with a French counterparts. The day concluded with 5 of 7 in the 216 (Para) Sig Sqn finishing within the top 10 and the Squadron winning the Movements in and out of Bravo Troop have been minimal, league!! It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and we look however those due to come into the Squadron in the near forward to next season, where we hope to achieve all we future should look forward to some gruelling Troop bike rides, have this season and more! as Sig Harman has just completed his Mountain Bike Leadership Qualification! Sig Byrom represented the Army 216 (PARA) SIG SQN VS 21 SIG REGT (AS) RUGBY UNION Ice Hockey team in Germany with what he has informed us - by Sig Binks was an impressive performance! Finally, SSgt Wear led a small team on Exercise in Italy where a number of Para On Wednesday 6 March, 216 (Parachute) Signal Squadron trained members within the Troop were given the opportunity faced 21 Signal Regiment in the ongoing Royal Corps of to obtain Italian wings. Signals Rugby Union competition. The match was the first for the Squadron in the Hall Cup giving us the opportunity to Bravo Troop’s emphasis now shifts to Ex JOINT WARRIOR, as develop some of the newer members of the squad. in line with the Sqn’s Main Effort. Last year’s Ex JOINT WARRIOR was highly beneficial to the Troop and we look After a competitive first half the score was close at 19-16 to forward to deploying on it once again! the Squadron. The second half however saw our squad settle into the game more and the team began to run riot against a MT/LAD TROOP – by SSgt Dunn weakened 21 SR squad. Tp OC Capt Jordan Impressive performances from LCpl Hardy, Sig Wookey ,Sig Tp SSgt SSgt Dunn Harper and top try scorer on the day Sig Watkins, brought a 73-16 victory to the Squadron come the final whistle. It was MT/LAD has once again been busy over the last couple of great for the squad to get off to a winning start with the months constantly bouncing from one exercise to the next, newer members impressing in their first real run out of the and working up to what will be a busy Inspection period. season. Looking forward, this year’s competition will be We did however manage to get the majority of the Troop out tough, and as last seasons champions the Sqn Rugby squad Mountain Biking at Danbury Woods one Wednesday look forward to the challenge of retaining the Hall Cup. afternoon. Once we arrived everyone came under the close scrutiny of Sgt Wood, who is a self proclaimed expert when it ALPHA TROOP – by Sig Moore comes to all things Mountain Biking and has all the gear required to compete at the highest level. Unfortunately he OC 2Lt J L Dodson struggled with the basics, lost his balance and bottle and SSgt SSgt Steel landed in a crumpled mess with a dislocated shoulder!

During the build up to Easter leave LCpl Keighly and Sig There have been a lot of changes in the Troop over the last Meadon saw themselves deploy on another multi-national few months so we’ll start with the goodbyes: Firstly farewell

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 91 and thanks for your hard work to Sgt Thompson who left in CAST and CT2, whilst also lending LCpl Fern to the recruiting January and who has since promoted to SSgt, congratulations effort on Ex LIGHTNING STRIKE. The Sgt grading boards were and best of luck for the future. Secondly, Cpl ‘The Whistler’ sat in this term and we would like to congratulate Sgt Keith Entwhistle, who will always be remembered for his social Deans on coming off the Sgt-SSgt Board, as well as SSgt antics. Finally Sig ‘Guide dog’ Mummery who had a good go Stuart Springett on passing his Foreman’s entrance exam. at crashing the majority of both the green and white fleet. We would like to welcome back LCpl Martin ‘Dodd-Fish’ Dodd A warm welcome into the Troop to Sgt ‘Simmo’ Sim, posted who returns to us from BATUS in Canada as well as in from 1 Div, Cpl ‘Wally’ Wallis, who isn’t allowed to tell us welcoming Sgt Sarah Smyth who has been posted in and where he came from, Cpl ‘Bobby’ Coatsworth posted in from joined the team over at the QM’s Dept. ATR Winchester, LCpl ‘Emmer’ Dale into the LAD from his Class 1 course, Cfn ‘Buck’ Rogers who joins us from the REME LCpl Daniel ‘The Kracken’ McCoy is leaving us to head to factory and finally Sig ‘made of’ Glass who has made the long Ashchurch to join the BCIP 5.5 team; the Kracken’s presence walk from the QM’S Department. Looking forward to seeing will be missed in the workshops I’m sure. In the coming you all on the next Pre Para! months we’ve also got LCpl Sean ‘Lamb-Head’ Lamb heading out to the Falklands for 6 months as well as Cpl Nick SUPPORT TROOP – by LCpl Fern Grayhurst leaving us to head off to 18 Sig Regt.

OC Capt Fensom Following the Exercise conditions experienced on CAST and SSgt SSgt Springett CT2, where feedback claims that to call the weather conditions ‘baltic’ would be an understatement’, Support As with the rest of 216 (Para) Sig Sqn, the period of February Troop are looking forward to deploying on Ex JOINT through March has been a busy one for Support Troop. WARRIOR which we will be preparing for in the coming Elements of the Troop were deployed on Exercise in Italy, weeks.

12 MECHANIZED BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS AND SIGNAL SQUADRON (228) BULFORD

OC Maj S Irwin The temperatures of -5ºC had seemed cold on arrival and RSM WO1 (RSM) D Windsor warranted some serious warm kit, but the considerable exertion generated by Nordic skiing led to some interesting EXERCISE TIGER VIKING - by Lt Rich Simpson fashion statements on the tracks. Sig Lee Newton in particular made the bizarre decision to shun skiing trousers in In 1942 a series of sabotage operations were conducted in favour of a deviant lycra ensemble, somewhere between Norway against German installations, with the aim of denying high-tech Skins and Norah Batty’s wrinkly stockings, and was components of their atomic weapons programme and were subsequently banished to the back of the group so no one popularised as “The Heroes of Telemark” in subsequent films. would have to look at it. Ex TIGER VIKING was a Nordic skiing exercise for 7 soldiers, led by Lt Rich Simpson and instructed by Maj David Larkam, with the aim of learning Nordic Skiing and re-creating part of the routes taken by the saboteurs.

After the traditional horrendously early morning start to the travel day we arrived in the town of Rjukan in Norway, which was the site of the sabotage operations and prepared for the training phase of our exped. Our training area had plenty of cleared ski tracks on which to learn the techniques of Nordic skiing which were new to all of us. Nordic skiing is conducted on very thin skis with loose bindings, so the frequent downhills combined with an inability to turn or slow down led to a spectacular “bailouts” competition: With first place going to Maj Larkam for wrapping himself completely round a large tree, for which the judges awarded him a career high of 9.2 for the launch, landing and subsequent rescue.

Nordic skiing can be an emotional rollercoaster at times. On arrival at one treacherously steep and icy slope it was LCpl Acklam prays on bended knee to the Viking gods for amusing to see the horror on everyone’s faces at the prospect navigational guidance of descending it replaced with relief when they realised we didn’t need to take that route. It was then replaced by amusement as Sig Tom Whitham conducted yet another After 4 days of training on skis, learning about the sabotage spectacular crash at the edge, and then back to horror again raids and conducting survival training on snowshoes and as one of his dislodged skis sailed down the slope and we digging snow holes, we were finally prepared to conduct the realised that now we did have a reason to ski down it. touring phase of our exped. We would be skiing around Thankfully at this point we were able to introduce the group 20Km per day between isolated mountain huts for 5 days, an to skins, special ski covers granting Spiderman-like powers to extremely challenging endeavour which would give us a ascend or descend steep slopes, although Cpl Shelley Pardoe flavour of the saboteur’s experiences, albeit without being elected instead for one of her usual kamikaze descents, pursued by elements of a 300,000 strong German army. resulting in another nomination for best crash.

92 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 The weather was far more serious here, fast changing and another goal to double their lead. At this point it was clear unpredictable with winds of up to 36Km/h and temperatures the team was missing their two vital injured players, Cpl Carl as low as -30 ºC. With the combination of multiple layering Chadwick and Sig Dave Mather. systems and the high exertion of Nordic skiing, it can be hard to tell how cold it really is. A good indication when you take After some words of wisdom from Sgt Al Jordan at half time off your goggles and find your eyelashes have frozen and with no changes to the team the second half got together, or when your top of the range thermos has underway. Sig John Oshea got injured early in the half and betrayed you and turned your morale-maintaining ration of was replaced by Cfn Tom Ellis. Within minutes of his arrival hot chocolate into a Cornetto. The training had provided us LCpl Ash Curtis missed an absolute sitter and we were made with excellent ski skills and plenty of practice on Nordic skis, to pay for it with 21 Sigs scoring only 4 minutes after. Things but the hostile environment meant every kilometre was a were looking bad for the Sqn until we were awarded a free challenge. kick just outside the box which was taken by Sig Ginge Taylor. A beautifully delivered ball into the box found the not so beautiful head of Sgt Al Jordan who somehow directed the ball nicely into the back of the net. GAME ON!!!

The game carried on and was flowing nicely with both teams playing well until 228 had another injury with Lt Gauntlett coming off injured. The pace of the visiting side again proved too much for the tiring defence and a third goal sealed the tie. Things went from bad to worse after a penalty was awarded and a player sent off. Down to 10 men with 15 minutes remaining the side kept on fighting and was rewarded with a second goal but it was not to be enough. It finished 5-2 to 21 Sig Regt who we wish all the best in the next round.

BRIGADE COMMANDERS VISIT TO MAIN TROOP HQ - by LCpl Rennick

Since returning from Christmas leave the main focus of Main Troop has been the training and practice necessary to efficiently and rapidly deploy a fully functional Bde HQ. We A candlelit dinner for seven have exercised in all weather (including a foot of snow) making sure every member of the Troop is happy with how The mountain huts in which we stayed are simple affairs with and why we deploy the HQ, in some cases this being the first a stocked larder, a stove and some bunkbeds. It is important time they would have seen a set-up like this. This has helped to get straight into hut routine on arrival after a long day’s the Troop move away from the Afghan-based footing that we skiing; chop some wood for a fire to warm the room, light were used to, towards a more conventional style deployment candles to allow us to see and start cooking some high calorie that could be deployed globally. After multiple set ups, tear food. Cpl Shelley Pardoe would then conduct our daily downs, tent repairs and cables dug in, the Troop is now stretch off/yoga session to ease off some tired and sore legs, efficiently drilled and was well set when Brigade Commander and then we’d have to find ways to amuse ourselves for the came down to inspect his HQ. evening. A highlight was a showdown of Sig Tom ‘Aces High’ Whitham against LCpl Josh ‘Deuces Wild’ Acklam in a high- Bright and early on a lovely warm March morning, we stakes, winner takes all tournament of the complicated card deployed 6 Bulldogs to Old Carter Barracks for a full ‘Gold game known as “Snap”. Gripping stuff as you can imagine. Standard’ setup. We have got this down to an 8 hour completion time, including full defence, antenna field, cables Five days of touring left us happy but both emotionally and dug in as well as an observant guard point manned by the physically drained, and after a final night in which sleep came vigilant Sig Tom Mortimer. Once the setup was completed an very easily, it was time to return home. The exped was a overnight guard of two lucky souls were left in place and the great success, training the soldiers in Nordic skiing, winter rest of the Troop moved back to camp in preparation for the survival and WWII history. It left us fitter, better trained, and visit the next day. with a healthy respect for the achievements and bravery of the Norwegians and British soldiers involved in those operations.

SIGNALLERS CUP QUARTER FINAL - by Cpl Chadwick

On a chilly Wednesday afternoon the Signals Cup quarter final took place between 21 Sig Regt and the might of 228 Sig Sqn. After a quick warm up kick off took place at 1400hrs, with both teams showing real enthusiasm for the coming encounter.

The first 15 minutes of the game were lively, with 228 creating a few chances to get in the lead. The most surprising coming from our goalkeeper Sig ‘YaYa’ Turay who kicked the ball from his own box, bounced it over the keeper and hit the cross bar! Unbelievable! But this comfortable spell didn’t last for long with 21 Sigs settling down and slowly starting to control the game. In the 17th minute they scored. However the boys heads didn’t drop and they cracked on, determined to get a goal back. Alas despite their efforts 21 Sigs got The Bde staff during their visit to the Bde HQ

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 93 During the visit, the Brigadier and his staff were briefed by the relevant Detachment commanders on their own roles within the HQ and the functionality that they could provide. The staff were, on the whole, very happy with the HQ itself (although there were a few inevitable grumbles about the lack of MS and the strange looking green laptop boxes they would be expected to work with) and the whole day was a great success.

LIFE IN THE GENERATOR BAY AND THE LAD - by Cpl Hance

After a busy deployment on Op HERRICK 16, 228 Sig Sqn is back on home soil in Ward Barracks, Bulford. Fully rested after a well deserved Christmas break we have thrown ourselves back into normal barrack routine. No mean feat as there has been plenty to do. We have hit the ground running and brought the vehicle fleet out of short term storage ready for the up and coming exercise season.

This year has started with a bang (not literally) for the Generator bay who deployed out on exercise to support Main Troop with all their power requirements for the build of the HQ Complex. This was an ideal opportunity to test the knowledge of the newer additions to the bay. The build wasn’t made any easier by the solid layer of snow and cold weather. The exercise finished off with an inspection by the Sqn OC and a quick test of reactions by turning off the power from the main generator. Never has anyone seen such a swift, professional reaction to such an event!

Cfn Newhook can only smile at the news the engine had to be removed…

The Generator Bay has been supporting both the 1X FTX as well as the 12X Bde Comd’s inspection of the Bde HQ setup, with the previous few weeks having been filled with various tasks supporting the H18 deployment. The future holds many opportunities, most notably some arduous AT.

As for the LAD we are back into normal jogging. Every day is busy, with a constant flow of vehicles to fix. Some of the work we have completed over the previous weeks includes a huge amount of variety, ranging from replacing a Bulldog engine, renewing a Land Rover clutch, numerous inspections and services and taking our Bulldog 434 out for a needed test drive after nearly a year of inactivity.

All in all we have been, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, a very busy Sqn. With all departments working hard to achieve the goals set, we will be ready for all and any future challenges.

BRIGADE FESTIVAL OF SPORTS - by Sig Ingold

The Brigade Festival of Sports took place on 11 - 12 March in a not so sunny Bulford and Tidworth. Sig Oshea, Sig Jackson, Sig Murfin, Sig Touray, LCpl Curtis and LCpl Mahady-Iddins and I were selected from the Squadron’s fine body of men to Sig Mather gets to grips with generator maintenance play in the 6 a-side football tournament.

94 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 RUGBY 10’s - by LCpl Farley

After months of planning 228 selected 10 lucky people to represent the Squadron in the Brigade Festival of Sports rugby 10’s team. The competition comprised of two pools each consisting of 5 teams. 228 were looking demoralised at the prospect of taking on some of the Army’s top teams in some of the worst weather for March imaginable, however with SSgt Gallagher at the helm of the team how could we lose?

Team 228 took to the sideways snow enveloped pitch for their first game against 1RTR. The team had moments of inspirational play by SSgt Gallagher who scored the first try for us, whilst I scored the second. The fact that 1RTR scored 4 tries didn’t dishearten the 228 side in the slightest, as there were moments of the team gelling and playing some good rugby. Unfortunately this wasn’t carried over into the second The team prepares itself for the half time pep talk game against an impressive 1 Royal Welsh team (ranked number 2 in the Army). We came out of this game a bit The day started with setting up for the event followed by our brusied! first match against 1 Royal Welsh, a game which we dominated but could only manage a draw. Next came 4 The third game against 4 Med Regt was by far the closest Medical Regiment, another game we dominated but again we game with a missed try opportunity costing us dearly. 228 could only manage a draw, with their dogged defence proving were in the lead with 30 seconds left on the clock with a a hard task to break down. scrum within their 22. 4 Med Regt managed to squeeze their way through our defence scoring the games winning try. We With the temperature at -2o most teams warmed up in the lost 14-10 and had it not been for my failed try attempt we mini bus before the games apart from one…King Royal would have won. Hussars, and they were next. Finally a team we dominated and managed to win. A fine 3-0 victory. We drew our The final game with 1 R Anglian was a tight competition with remaining 3 games meaning we were only one of four teams the weather steadily getting worse. Cpl Staples put in some to go unbeaten, an achievement we never expected at the impressive and inspiring runs but we just could not produce beginning of the day. A good display from everyone involved the tries and get over the illusive try line. with 19 Regiment Royal Artillery being crowned champions. Overall the team finished the competition with their heads Having had members of the Squadron attached to held high after competing against some of the Army’s finest. battlegroups for tour, it was a good event to catch up with We have started to build a strong foundation for our comrades and enjoy ourselves. Many thanks to Lt Gauntlett developing rugby team and are now relishing the up coming for organising the event, and a huge thank you to everyone sevens season. who participated and made the day a huge success.

HQ 101 LOGISTICS BRIGADE & SIGNAL TROOP (661) ALDERSHOT

With the Headquarters growing in size in preparation for and Taylor are here for our first taste of cycling at a deployment later this year, planning the training and life velodrome. Sessions for beginners are usually at the start or support requirement has been the main effort. As always in end of the day, and are limited to ten riders. the back of our minds is the Troop’s disbandment. As part of that, the OC, Capt Jim Alger has spent a few days in Glasgow The first thing that strikes me as I emerge from the tunnel trying to secure the assignments that we are all after. We are into the middle of the velodrome is the banked sections of all waiting in anticipation for that dream posting. Meanwhile, the curved track at either end of the arena. They tower over normal Troop life goes on. The QM’s Dept has migrated to me, pitched at a steep angle of forty-two degrees. It looks MJDI after 2 weeks notice, which has meant the usual like a fairground ride. I am one of eight track virgins. The scramble for courses around the country. The RQ particulary others in our group have done at least one session before. enjoyed his week in Grantham bonding with Sig Grindlay! We are introduced to out track bikes. They have no brakes Also, having excelled last year the shooting team has started and a fixed gear ratio which means the pedal will always be training under the guidance of SSgt Ritchie Turnbull. turning, whether our legs want them to be or not.

For 6 weeks the Tp has enjoyed a quiet working environment Our instructor warns us of the most common beginners’ as LCpl Stewart has been away on a conversion course prior mistakes made by roadies on the track: to his Class 1. LCpl Purja is still deployed and thankfully • Stopping pedalling: “you can get thrown keeping safe. Sig Dawes’ return from BATUS is imminent. off your bike if you forget to keep pedalling.” Finally, good luck to Sig Brad Taylor who leaves us on posting. • Flicking the elbow to wave the rider behind through: “that isn’t good enough on the track, we CYCLING VELODROME - by Sig Giles want you to have a good look behind you so you know where the other riders are.” It is nine o’clock Wednesday morning and myself, Sgt • Going too high and too slow around the Loughton, LCpl Shone and Sigs Barker-Magowan, Quintero steep sections: “You’ll slide down the banking.”

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 95 After clipping in both feet while holding on to the barrier, we riders below me seem a long way down. I get some idea of are told to push off and do a couple of circuits of the wide, just how steep and high the curve is when I plunge back down inner green zone to get used to the fixed gear. Once we have to the black line – I can feel the cold wind racing past my ears. convinced our instructor we can come to a complete halt without tipping over, he sends us out on to the track. The By the end of the hour-long session, I’m buzzing with others in our group are already flying around the track. He excitement, and I’m not the only one. Sig Steven Barker- tells us to do a lap on the inside “blue band” to work up our Magowan, who had also got up at six that morning to get the speed and then move on to the track properly. mini bus from Aldershot and had never ridden a bike with clip- on pedals before says; “that whooshing feeling made the Within a couple of laps I’m riding above the “blue band” whole journey worthwhile. If I can get on any more sessions, I’ll painted on the track. It actually feels colder up here. The definitely be back.”

BRUNEI SIGNAL TROOP

BRUNEI SIGNAL TROOP LADIES’ LABUAN VISIT declaration of Labuan as federal Territory and up to the - by Mrs Shrijana Thapa establishment of Labuan Corporation. While its cultural theme showcases various phases of socio-cultural and On Saturday 2 February 2013, twelve ladies from Brunei Signal economic evolution in Labuan. After a swift visit in the Troop made a trip to Labuan war memorial park and museum. museum we again took some group photographs and went to It was a one-day trip which started at 0600 from Tuker Lines. search a decent restaurant. After an hour and half of driving to the Maura port by bus and further an hour and half of sailing on boat, we reached Labuan just after 0900.

The BST ladies at the war memorial cemetery In front of the Labuan Museum

Soon after reaching at Labuan, we arranged three taxis and The final event of the day was shopping at the famous Labuan headed for the memorial park. According to historic business park, where we bought a variety of items ranging information the Labuan memorial park was primarily intended from souvenirs to cosmetics, clothing to chocolates. Overall, to commemorate the officers and men of the Australian Army it was a fantastic experience. All the participants thoroughly and Air Force who died while prisoners of war in Borneo and enjoyed the visit and learned something about the Labuan the Philippines from 1942 to 1945 and during the 1945 and the landmarks within. BST ladies would like to thank all operations for the recovery of Borneo, and have no known the BST members for making the visit possible, especially to grave. Subsequently, it was found that a number of men SSgt Indra for coordinating the event. belonging to the local forces of North Borneo, Sarawak and Brunei who were killed on war service also have no known grave, and they too are honoured here.

This memorial consists of a colonnade forming a forecourt immediately inside the wrought iron gates of the main entrance to the cemetery. On the inner faces of the pillars are bronze panels on which are engraved the names of those whom it honors and the dedicatory inscription is on the frieze facing the entrance. Some of those whose names appear on the memorial are undoubtedly buried in unidentified graves in this cemetery. The memorial park was surrounded by peaceful environment with plenty of beautiful plants; with the high standard of maintenance the park looked magnificent. For our memory, we took some photographs and headed for the museum.

The museum was a display of history and the culture of Labuan. Its history covers pre-historic era of Labuan, Brunei Sultanate, British colonial days, World War II, Independence The BST ladies at the War memorial

96 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 ROYAL SIGNALS ASSOCIATION

Patron: HRH The Princess Royal President: The Master of Signals Chairman: Brig NF Wood Welfare Secretary Association Office Tel (mil) (9)4371 2089 RHQ Royal Signals Tel (civ) 01258 48 2089 Blandford Camp Email: [email protected] Col (Retd) Terry Canham Mrs Linda Sizeland Blandford Forum Tel: 01258 482081 Tel: 01258 482089 Dorset Membership Secretary DT11 8RH Tel (mil) (9)4371 2090 www.royalsignlalsassociation.co.uk Tel (civ) 01258 482090 Email: [email protected] General Secretary and Treasurer: Col (Retd) T Canham Assistant General Secretary: Maj (Retd) M Tivey Welfare Secretary: Mrs L Sizeland Maj (Retd) Mark Tivey Membership Secretary: Mrs C Addison Mrs Caroline Addison Tel: 01258 482082 Tel: 01258 482090

Your Legacy can help us …….. Did you ever benefit from a welfare grant from Corps Funds or maybe one of your mates received help with a welfare problem where the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund stepped in to help him or her in their time of need? There has been a long-standing say- ing that the “Corps looks after its own” and Royal Signals has a proud history of care for its people, supported by the one day’s pay scheme and generous donations from serving and retired Signallers. …. help others in their time of need That work continues today and every year we help hundreds of those who have fallen on hard times whether it be a serving Signaller who has been injured on operations, the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, members of the Corps who need help with specialist medical care for their children or veterans who need help in maintaining their mobility and independence. We don’t distinguish between Regular and TA, 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. We will help whenever we can …. and you can help too, by The Royal Signals Association leaving a legacy in your will. Its simple to do and can make all the difference to someone and who has worn the same capbadge and who may not have been as lucky as you. If you The Royal Signals Benevolent Fund would like to make a difference, please contact the Association who will tell you how to leave a legacy so that others from the Corps might benefit from your generosity. Swift and Sure Help for Signallers in Need Royal Signals Association – ‘phone 01258 482090 or e-mail [email protected] The report from the AGM 2013 follows these notes from RHQ.

The Annual Reunion weekend is nearly upon us! If you need any information about the weekend all the details are still on the website. If you have yet to send your application form, you have until 7 June. We are looking forward to a really good series of displays and hope that we will be welcoming many of you back to Blandford. All we really need now is some good weather! The weekend following the Reunion is Armed Forces Day, this year on 29 June. The National Event is being held in Nottingham. There will be many more events up and down the country which will be held for this Day. All details can be found at: http://www. armedforcesday.org.uk/

Since the last issue of The Wire, we welcome Blackpool Branch as the newest Branch to the Association. The Secretary of the Branch is Fred Winton. If you would like to find out more details, please contact me, the Admin Officer, and I will pass your details on to the Branch. I would like to thank Graham Jones and the rest of the new committee in Blackpool for all their enthusiasm and hard work. This has helped to make this new Branch a reality. My thanks go to the following outgoing Secretaries: Dennis Egan, AFSA; Steve Nobbs, Norfolk; Ross Darbyshire, Tameside; and Liz Barton-Ancliffe, Cotswold. I also welcome the following incoming Secretaries: Sgt Marcus McPherson, AFSA; Steve Freeman-Pannett, Norfolk; Wilf Piddington, Tameside; and Liz Friend, Cotswold.

I hope that everyone who volunteers for the role of Secretary realizes how vital they are to the success of the Association. I am very grateful to all Secretaries for their support and help – my job would be so much more difficult without their input. The following Chairmen have also changed: Bernard Barton-Ancliffe, who has handed over to Mike Walker, (Cotswold) and Steve Nobbs who is now Treasurer of Norfolk. There will be a new Area Rep for Area 3 who will be appointed shortly. Thanks are also due to Bob Nicholls who has recently stepped down.

The memorial service for Maj Gen A J Deane-Drummond CB DSO MC* took place at RMA Sandhurst on 17 May …..

THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2013 97 Finally, recently we have heard that the Lost Contacts page has helped to reunite friends in UK, but via Thailand!! So if you have ever wondered what happened to those with whom you served, you could contact RHQ and see if the page can help you too.

New Life Members. A warm welcome to the following members, enrolled since the last issue of The Wire:

SSgt Daniel Adams 1992-date WO1 Tommy Guy 1975-07 Lt James Pearson 2008-date Cpl Christopher Belfield 1976-90 LCpl Adrian Hamilton 1995-00 LCpl Michelle Pheasant 2008-date SSgt Peter Brooker 1980-04 Cpl Amanda Hamilton 1992-04 Sgt Mark Rickwood 1974-90 SSgt Neil Burrell 1996-date Sig Russell Harvey 2004-12 SSgt Christopher Riley 1974-83 Cpl Barrington Castledine 1953-55 Sgt Ian Haynes 1980-98 Sig Gordon Robertson 1971-76 Sgt Richard Colville 1983-95 LCpl Frederick Heath 1947-49 Sig Derek Saul 1965-79 Capt Peter Connolly 1960-68 LCpl Russell Helsby 1994-99 LCpl Andrew Smith 1979-86 LCpl Paul Cross 1999-12 LCpl Victoria Johnson 1980-87 Capt Garry Stokoe 1992-date SSgt James Cunningham 1991-date WO2 Linda Kemp 1981-86 Cpl John Sutcliffe 1951-57 LCpl Julie Dally 1986-93 LCpl Lauro Lawrenson 1989-03 WO2 Paul Taylor 1994-date WO2 Guy Davies 1990-date Sig Thomas Liddle 1957-59 SSgt Rob Warren 1975-98 SSgt Karl Davies 2008-10 Capt Jonathan Loveys 1989-04 SSgt Alfred Waters 1951-73 WO1 Garrie Dixon 1987-11 LCpl Ronald Maley 1951-53 Cpl Thomas Webster 1959-65 Sig Michael Dyer 1992-99 Sig Janet Marshall 1958-60 Sig Clive Weeks 1964-73 Sgt Peter Fitzmaurice 1970-94 Sgt Mick Marshall 1984-95 Sig Terry Wilkinson 1982-91 LCpl David Foster 1953-54 LCpl A McArdle 1988-96 SSgt Gareth Williams 1996-12 SSgt Stuart Foster 1987-date Cpl M McArdle 1988-01 Capt Diane Winrow 1981-10 Sgt John Garhard 1980-95 WO1 John McKay 1965-89 WO2 David Wood 1963-80 WO2 Brian Gillbanks 1989-10 Sig John Moor 1977-79 Cpl Gerry Woodward 1983-94 Sig Colin Grant 1986-98 Cpl Malcolm Palmer 1964-69 Sig Dave Woolley 1980-88 SSgt Kevin Greenwood 1981-04 Sgt Leonard Parker 1974-96

REPORT ON 2013 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – by Caroline Addison, RSA Admin Officer

The AGM 2013 took place on 23 March 2013 in the Victory Services Club. There were 106 members present, representing 47 Branches and 9 Affiliated Associations. The Master of Signals, Lt Gen Robert Baxter, the Corps Colonel, Col Graham Norton, the CRSM, WO1 Mark McMullan and the RSM 11 (RSS) Signal Regiment, WO1 Matt Darby were also present.

This meeting was the last one at which Brig Nigel Wood, would be Chairman. He led the meeting through a series of reports which included: the necessary updating of the Rules of the Association to bring them in line with current legislation. The meeting unanimously passed the following change to Rule 70 “In the event of legal advice being that these rules require more urgent amendment, they shall be varied temporarily on the authority of the Central Committee pending endorsement at the next AGM.”

The Chairman assured everyone that following the Autumn CCM the Area Reps would be able to keep all Branch Secretaries updated on progress; an update on planning for the RSA Reunion in Blandford to be held over the weekend of 22/23 June (themed on the 50th Anniversary of the End of National Service) and the latest on the Corps finances. The AGM heard that the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund had helped 717 cases of Signallers in need totalling £386,582 over the previous 12 months.

Future events in the calendar for later in the year including the Memorial Service for Maj Gen Deane-Drummond taking place on 17th May 2013 at the Chapel at RMA Sandhurst, the Memorial Cycle Ride and Service at the NMA on 3rd July 2013, and the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols (Area 2 Carol Service) in Liverpool Cathedral on 29 November. Also this year, the Opening of the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on 7th November and the Cenotaph Parade on 10th November 2013. Anyone who would like to find out more about these events should contact the RSA Admin Officer on 01258 482090.

The AGM listened to presentations from The Master of Signals and the Corps Colonel and then, finally, said farewell to Brig Nigel Wood, who stepped down after six years as Chairman. The photograph shows the armillary presented by the Master of Signals to the Brigadier on behalf of all members of the Association in situ in the Brigadier’s garden. The AGM was then given an update on the Serving Corps by Col Graham Norton, the Corps Colonel and WO1 Mark McMullan, the Corps RSM.

Following this, the incoming Chairman, Brig David Hargreaves, took his place in front of the meeting and said that he was looking forward to his new role and that he hoped to visit as many Branches as possible during his time as Chairman. The AGM then concluded with a buffet lunch and the opportunity to socialise with one another, before delegates left for home for another year. The Amilary presented to the out-going Chairman in-situ

98 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2013 Wristbands sold Troop Comds Cse April and at London Corps Dinner £117.90 DONATIONS Collecting box RHQ Royal Signals £20.57 WO2 D Crowther, The Royal Signals (Northern) Band, 32 Sign Regyt (V), unused items sale £480.00 Mr R Waldron £20.00 In memory of the late Leslie Harper £204.00 Just Giving February 2013 £578.97 In memory of the late Herbert Mr F J Smith £200.00 (Bert) Lownborough £140.00 Col JWW Cock £100.00 21 Sig Regt £1,123.00 Mr M S Still £10.00 Maj Carl Budding, OC Sp 21 Sig Regt (AS), fees Mr A R Holmes £100.00 received for giving a presentation £30.00 Tp Comds Course 84, 5 Sqn 11 (RSS) Sig Regt £ 204.00 Guernsey Branch £150.00 Staff and Pupils of Churcher’s College £100.00 260 Sig Sqn Assn, in memory of their late Reading Branch RSA £200.00 members, Mr Bill (Geordie) Lawrence and G F Eyre Charitable Trust £1,500.00 Mr Terry Clarkson £50.00 Ooldea Music Club Ruislip and Collecting Box A T Branigan in memory of the late Maj J at RBL Ruislip £46.40 Fowler TD £20.00 Collecting box at AGM (car stickers/badges) £33.62 East London Branch £200.00 Chester Branch £100.00 Bedford Branch RSA £25.00 From Just Giving: Grand Master RW, Bro Peter Connolly £1,200.00 Torbay Branch (on closure) £1.81 Just Giving April 13 £723.95 Collecting box Communications Café £17.64 Marathon des Sables 2012 (April) £2,158.81 Just Giving March (including bequest from Mercury Siberia (March) £5,939.55 the late Maj EWG Hill £336.16 Mercury Siberia (February) £600.60 Mr Tom Harvey-May £100.00 Mercury Siberia (January) £240.06 Lt Col JMN Lyons £50.00 In memory of Wendy Wood £149.33 St Peter de Merton Lodge 7559 £300.00 Non specific (January) £48.72 Ian Stallard, runner-up prize from Corps Golf Championship 2013 £60.00

Our Speaker, Lorna Almonds-Windmill, had served in the WRAC with the Corps including 16 and 30 Signal Regiments. ALDERSHOT BRANCH As the daughter of a founder member of the SAS, she was well qualified to speak to us with a well-illustrated presentation on some of the wartime exploits of her father, ‘Gentleman Jim’ Almonds. These included service in the Chairman Noel Moss Western Desert, where among other things he built a Secretary Mary Pagan parachute-training rig out of scrap metal. Thence to Italy, where he was captured and escaped twice. After D Day he Morning talks given by experienced speakers followed by a spent the rest of the war in France. He is said to have pub lunch have proved a very successful arrangement for our escaped death on 9 occasions! Lorna also spoke of the members. The event on 17 March was no exception. Held at emotional reactions resulting from such intense activities, the Fleet Parish Community Centre, we were delighted with a giving rise to problems when renewing family relationships. record attendance exceeding 60, comprising members, their Thankfully, Jim recovered well and lived until 2005 aged 91. guests and representatives from 251 Signal Squadron and the Lorna’s brother, Brig John Almonds, also had a successful Royal British Legion. career in the Corps and the SAS.

The Crowd before the Talk Chris Endean receiving his Honour Award from Caroline Addison

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 99 After the talk, more than 30 of us retired to the De Havilland Arms, to socialise over a very pleasant lunch.

We once again enjoyed the delightful setting of the Camberley Heath Golf Club on 14 April for our Spring Lunch. We clocked up another record attendance for such occasions: a total of 59 members and guests, the room capacity being 60! An excellent carvery luncheon was followed by the AGM, elegantly conducted as usual by our Chairman, Noel Moss, who was inevitably re-elected!

Their dog, left in the custody of a dog minder, had escaped and went walkabouts in the Dover area, so they had to return home to organise the search. Any more incidents and the trip would be in danger of collapse. Nevertheless, things settled and reports on both parties came in regular bulletins and everyone was relieved when Brian began to show signs of recovery and Trevor’s dog Jack (the lad) was found.

En-route, the party was kept busy with a pictorial competition, devised by Pat Calladine, in which they had to put names to the faces of famous Davids, and was eventually won by Eileen Witt, closely followed by Carol Morrison, Miriam Dicker and David Maynard, all of whom received a small prize donated by Pat. After a lunch stop at Wilton, near Salisbury, a free draw was made for a bottle of whisky and the lucky recipient by seat number was Rosemary Smissen. Janet Endean after receiving her ‘award’ Having arrived at the Richmond Hotel in Torquay and settled in, dinner was taken and the group assembled in the games The award of Honour Member was then made to Chris room for a light hearted skittles and bowls session before Endean for his outstanding contribution to the Branch and retiring to recuperate for the following days’ excursion. The the wider Corps community. Within the Branch, Chris holds weather closed in unfortunately, which meant that the the post of Membership Secretary, arranges ‘away days’ of proposed visit to Dartmoor National Park would be both very considerable interest to our members and is always visibly a waste of time and dangerous for the coach, so ready to provide assistance to those who need it, whether it alternatives were found and visits to Newton Abbott and a be of a welfare or technical nature. The award was presented choice of free time in Torquay or back to the hotel to take by Caroline Addison, whom we were delighted to have as our advantage of the indoor heated pool, was the order of the Branch Guest, together with her husband, ‘Doc’. day. The evening entertainment on both nights consisted of Caroline then gave us a brief survey on the state of the RSA musician/singers which was much enjoyed, and several in the and the Corps in general which was much appreciated. party made good use of the dance floor...there was, however, Bouquets were presented to both Caroline and to Janet no prize for the Hon Sec’s Samba. Endean, the latter in recognition of her support to husband Chris and to the Branch. We had a full coach for this trip once again, which meant that we qualified for two free places, and so the saving was The afternoon concluded with a highly successful raffle, converted into four raffle prizes of £50 each. Mr. President’s conducted with usual aplomb by Branch Secretary Mary (Maj Gen John Badcock), son-in-law, Francis scooped the first Pagan, whose table flower arrangements were as perfect as £50, he and daughter Daphne had journeyed down from their ever. home not thirty minutes away to spend an evening with us, but felt so badly about winning, he donated it to charity. The other prizes were won by Pat Calladine, Pauline Bennett (daughter of Maj Tom Bewsey) and Jim Maxted (brother-in- EAST KENT BRANCH law to Lt Col Mike Barrett). Good news. On Sunday morning the weather broke and the cloud lifted enough for a visit to the Moors, but not before a Chairman Trevor Allison stop in Dartmouth, where most of the group boarded the Hon Sec John Ballantyne Dart Explorer for a river trip, taking in places of interest such as Agatha Christie’s house on the hill and the Royal Naval ANNUAL AWAY WEEKEND - APRIL 2013 TORQUAY College, before taking the short journey to the Moors. We first stopped at Hey Tor at some 2000 feet and a few The weekend trip this year didn’t get off to the best start, managed to make it to the top or very near. No doubt many when, on the eve of departure the Hon Sec received a phone of you will remember the annual competition Ten Tors. From call to say that Brian Hackett (Hon Treas) had been taken ill there we moved on to Widdicombe-on-the-Moor, made suddenly and would not be able to make the trip. With cars famous by the exploits of one Tom Pierce, (and Uncle Tom parked and bags loaded, the coach departed Canterbury right Cobbley and all) who was very much in evidence around the on time, making its way to the Medway services on the M2 to village, before returning to the hotel for a swim, dinner and collect members from that area, where on arrival Trevor and evening entertainment. Doreen Allison had to de bus and go back to Canterbury.

100 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 All too soon though it came to an end and on returning to lunches. No roll calls, no agenda, just eat chat and enjoy. Canterbury, a satisfied company departed for homes taking time to reflect on the marvellous week end, and looking On a more formal basis the Branch held it’s AGM on 9 March, forward to the next. where past events were reviewed and plans for the future made. Our customary busy programme is beginning to have its effect on our ageing Committee so all members agreed that a reduction in their workload would be helpful. To this EAST LONDON BRANCH end, our four Branch meetings and four newsletters a year would both be reduced to three, and one of our regular social events removed from our calendar. Every little helps and our Secretary Alan Turner committee, led by our redoubtable 95 year old (yes – figures 95!) Chairman, Pauline Tennant, seems content to soldier on We held our Annual Dinner and Dance on 6 April 2013 at Ilford for another year. At the end of the meeting Maj Justin Harris, Golf Club. This was a new venue for us. We have in the past OC 94 (Berkshire Yeomanry) Signal Squadron addressed us. held this at the Ilford TA Centre, however this involves a lot of Justin’s talk was both interesting and instructive, including work in setting up on the Friday morning, rearranging the aspects of the Squadron’s input to operations in Afghanistan tables and chairs after the meal to clear a space for dancing and a demonstration and explanation of the soldiers current and then coming back on the Sunday or Monday to clear combat uniform and personal equipment. Finally, an excellent everything up again. With an eye to reduce the work load, we lunch was enjoyed at the end of the meeting. had a scout around the area and identified the Golf Club as the best alternative for our needs. The Golf Club staff did Sadly the Squadron is no longer represented in Reading itself everything to help us before and during the event including but we still have a number of former members on our Branch finding us a DJ when our booked band, were unable to attend roll, including our President Brig Tony Verey QVRM TD DL. due to illness. Although we did not have much physical work Later in March we sent a small delegation to the Association to do, there were still a lot of things to organise, which the AGM, in London. No doubt a full report on the AGM will Social Committee headed by Anita Keen did superbly and the appear elsewhere in The Wire. Suffice to say it was an evening ran as smoothly as it always does with her excellent interesting and informative meeting. planning. In our last report in The Wire it was mentioned that our There were 65 people that sat down for the meal with Guest Annual Dinner would take place on 20 July. This would have of Honour Col Paul Acda TD DL who, apart from being the involved the double booking of our usual venue so we have Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Redbridge, agreed to change the date. Please note that it is now served in the Royal Signals. After our meal and loyal toasts arranged for Friday 19 July 2013. with Neill Keen as Mr Vice, our President, Lt Col Jackie Allan gave a short speech and noted that this was Maj Paul Burton’s last Annual Dinner as our Chairman as he was standing down at our branch AGM at the end of April. Paul 31 SIGNAL REGIMENT ASSOCIATION Acda then gave a report on the current position of the Corps before we all got down to the dancing. The evening sadly came to an end all too soon with Dave Coles parading the On Saturday 13 April, the Association held its Annual Lunch, Branch Standard in the closing ceremony, carefully taking into having moved from a dinner format some years ago. The account the low roof of the golf club. event was held at the Royal Marine Barracks Southfields, the final location of RHQ 31 Regiment before disbandment in We always welcome more members and encourage any early 2010. potential members living in East London, South and East Essex area to join us. We are aiming to be inclusive and would The lunch was organised by the Chairman Derek St Clair welcome, as Associate Members, serving or ex-service men Cattrall and 30 members and their partners attended. For an and women from other Arms, Regiments and Corps. Our Association numbering some 120+ the turnout might seem meetings are held in the TA Centre, Gordon Road, Ilford at low, but many members have moved away from central 7:30pm on the 4th Thursday of each month. London (we have members as far afield as Austria, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand) so this still was a good showing. The lunch marked two special events in the Association’s life. Firstly, to present Col John Eversfield his 50 year RSA medal and also to formally welcome our new President, Col Jim READING BRANCH Blake and his wife Grace. Col. John briefly recalled some of the more memorable events of his 50 years, starting with National Service in Catterick, his call up for Suez, and finally Chairman Mrs Pauline Tennant Secretary Lt Col (Retd) Hugh Nealon

Although we are reducing the number of events in our programme this year, Reading Branch still manages to keep busy. We rounded off 2012 with an informal pub lunch and, finally, an excellent Christmas Lunch, attended by thirty five members and guests, at our ‘local’ the Caversham Heath Golf Club. Thereafter we went straight into the New Year with an outing to our Social Secretary’s favourite curry house, the Daruchini, in Binfield (near Bracknell). The trip took us away from our usual haunts and our thanks go to Graham Riddy for organising the expedition. We shall do it again later in the year. Since then we have visited yet another eatery a bit nearer home, where we have enjoyed one of our informal New President, Jim Blake

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 101 his time in the Regiment and the Association of which he was nearby Box where Jim had served as a Radar Supervisor in the until recently the President. mid 1950’s. Sadly, but not surprisingly, the site was gone and replaced by a housing estate. The event also gave our Chairman a chance to update members on our programme for the coming year. This will The evening’s proceedings started with the AGM. Chairman comprise a visit to the British Legion Poppy Factory in David Vickers welcomed our President, Lt Col Andy Aitken, Richmond in June, the Annual Parade, service and curry lunch and thanked him for his hospitality in hosting our reunion. He as guests of the WLBRSA at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in also welcomed a number of members attending reunion for September, and finally our Cheese and Wine Evening in the first time. Dennis Egan, our tireless General Secretary and October (RMR calendar permitting). Treasurer announced his resignation as Secretary and was thanked for his work over many years. Later Sgt Mark McPherson of 244 Squadron volunteered his services as Secretary. To conclude the meeting Lt Col Aitken spoke briefly on the future of 21 Sig Regt and 244 Sqn. The meeting agreed unanimously that the AFSA will remain the Old Comrades Association for 21 Sig Regt in its new role and for 244 Sqn in its new location.

John Eversfield being presented his 50 Year Badge

AIR FORMATION SIGNALS ASSOCIATION

President Lt Col AR Aitken Chairman Dr David Vickers Secretary Mr Dennis Egan Thirteen year old Joshua Bonney playing Saxophone during REUNION 2013 dinner

Reunion 2013 was different! On Friday afternoon we started to foregather in the Sgts Mess anteroom at Colerne, home of As dinner neared its conclusion David Vickers thanked the 21 Signal Regiment (Air Support). Tea and Coffee awaited and Commanding Officer for his hospitality, the RSM for making Jim Bonney, SSM, 244 Signal Squadron, was there to greet us. the Sgts Mess available for our reunion and WO2 (SSM) Jim After the usual banter we collected the keys to our rooms Bonney, not only for masterminding the weekend but also for and, led through the one-way roads by a happy young soldier wholeheartedly carrying out his duties as our Regimental on a bicycle, made our ways to the transit accommodation Liaison Officer. David concluded by presenting the that had been prepared for us. Commanding Officer with an AFSA Plaque, WO1 (RSM) Steve Brown with a framed tale of the place of the RSM in the In the evening we gathered in the Colours Restaurant – hereafter and an AFSA Certificate of Appreciation to Jim otherwise known as the Corporals Club - where we were Bonney. Music during dinner was again provided by Joshua joined by some 50 officers and soldiers of 244 Sqn for a Bonney, this time of Saxophone! concert by our own little nightingale, Emma James. She worked her charms on young and old alike with young men - this time - leading ‘Y - M - C - A’ and then taking to the dance floor. During the interval we enjoyed a buffet meal and a musical interlude by our versatile host, Jim Bonney, and his 13 year old son, Joshua, playing guitars. For once Chris Hayles had no problem with stairs - four soldiers carried him and his wheelchair bodily up to the function room!

Next morning it was back to the Sgt’s Mess for a light breakfast. No names, no packdrill, but someone left her toast in the toaster! The ever alert Jim Bonney spotted it but didn’t manage to remove the cremated remains from the building before the fire alarm went off. Mess members were awoken from their slumbers and the fire piquet arrived promptly.

A PRI Minibus shuttled those who wished to visit the city to and from Bath. The weather was fine, the street buskers in good form and the streets crowded with shoppers and David Vickers presenting Certificate of Appreciation to WO2 tourists. Our Chaplain, Rev Jim McManus, and Mavis drove to (SSM) James Bonney

102 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 The evening finished with a raffle organised by Maureen Soward and Joyce Horne. A goodly table of prizes. Some of the prizewinners made the most unexpected choices, and attracted some ribbing, but who persuaded Mr Vice that he needed a handbag!

After breakfast on Sunday the Mess ante-room was transformed into a chapel and a simple service was led by Rev Judith Harries, the Regimental Chaplain. Rev Jim McManus gave a sermon in his usual, refreshing manner. Jim Bonney and his son again provided the music. Singing hymns to Guitar and Saxophone is different! Is there no end to their talents?

Reunion 2014. It is planned to return to the Leeds/Bradford Brittannia Hotel next year and the weekend is expected to include a memorial service for all those lost on the HMT John Sinclair and Tony Hull Lancastria, remembering especially those members of 2 AFS, when it was sunk in June 1940 off St Nazaire. The Beverley Ex-Boys Barbecue will be held in Bournemouth on Sunday 21 July 2013, and anyone living within travelling distance is very welcome. BEVERLEY EX-BOYS ASSOCIATION The BEBA Reunion will take place at the De Vere Staverton Park Hotel, Daventry, over the weekend of 20/21 September.

Chairman John Hill Branch Secretary Tony Hull BIRGELEN VETERANS ASSOCIATION One of our members, Tony Hemstock, was treated by his daughters to a stay in the Burley Manor Hotel in the New Forest, to celebrate his 80th Birthday on 30 March 2013. The Birgelen Veterans Association (BVA) has over 520 During the day he was taken to the Beaulieu Motor Museum, members who have settled into civilian life in a broad where he was treated as a VIP, being allowed to sit in some community around the world. Regular contact is maintained of the old cars and then being taken for a drive in one around through a central web site, group email and, annual re-unions. the grounds. In the evening a very nice dinner was held at the Hotel to which Tony and Beryl Hull were invited as The Association is dedicated to bringing together and surprise guests. They were smuggled in to a champagne sustaining contact with the professional men and women of reception in Tony and Pat’s room before dinner in order to all Corps and Agencies who served with: 1 Wireless Regiment, surprise him. Munster, 13 Signal Regiment, Birgelen, or any of their sub- units, and is working to uphold the family spirit of those units

Its other priority is to maintain and to sustain its nominated charity in the former Regimental areas. This is currently the ‘Hilfe fur Krebskranke Kinder’ (Help for Children Suffering from Cancer) in Ophoven. Germany. This particular charity was selected to enable the Association:

• To maintain an important link to the local community. • Foster the Anglo/German friendships formed over the 40 year life of the Regiment in Germany. • Support a very worthy cause.

We offer a warm welcome to Regimental veterans, including wives and children, who have had the privilege of working and living at these memorable locations.

Over recent months, the association has welcomed Ruth Tony Hemstock at Dinner Birch, Graham Oldfield (son of Bob Oldfield) and Mark Burton who served with the Royal Australian Navy and was On Monday 8 April John Sinclair left his home in Edinburgh at the last liaison officer prior to closure. We extend a warm 5 a.m. to drive to Bournemouth for a short break. John’s welcome to them all. wife, Margaret, has dementia and John has been looking after her for a number of years. She is in hospital after Life outside of work was always an important part of Mercury breaking her hip and John’s family had told him he needed to Kaserne and many of our veterans have fond memories of take a break. Tony and Beryl Hull met John and guided him visiting the local bars, cafes, and restaurants. One such place to his hotel. On Tuesday 9 April Tony took him to Blandford was Adi’s Bar in Birgelen where the owner and his family to see the Museum and introduced him to Caroline Addison extended a warm welcome to soldiers and their families. and Mark Tivey and they also met The Wire Editor, Keith Sadly, Adi recently passed away and our thoughts go out to Pritchard. On Thursday 11 April, Tony took John to have lunch his family. Being on the border with Holland meant that we with BEBA members, Alan Davies, Peter Gray and Stan Shine were often spoilt for choice. We could walk over the border and also Barrie Walker, Chairman of the Poole Branch. and visit Mata’s restaurant for a break from cookhouse food,

THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 103 or pass the evening hours in Zeno’s Bar (The Black Horse). A Maj JT Fowler 1949/87 03-May-13 little further, but still as welcoming, was J&A’s. The nearest WO1 K Froggatt ?? ??/05/2013 German town, Wassenburg, normally required a shared taxi WO2 B Greatorex 1955/81 20-Mar-13 ride for those without transport. It was also the location of Maj JD Griffiths 1951/84 10-Jul-12 the Kreissparkasse bank and our access to cash. A visit to the Sgt JA Hayden 1984/98 04-Apr-13 bank was invariably followed up with a trip to the local cafe Sig JJR Helleson 1939/46 01-Feb-13 (Sticky Bun) for coffee and some of those wonderful cakes Maj EWG Hill 1965/77 09-Sep-12 with cream. The local area was also famous for its asparagus. H Hollinshead 1952/55 ??/04/13 The local village of Effeld was a good place to eat this delicacy Cpl NW Hutchings 1939/46 ?? and the best of all on offer was to be sampled at the Hotel AS Jones 1939/46 12-Sep-12 Wilms. Sig MA Jones 1939/40 16-Apr-13 Sgt E Keating 1941/46 27-Feb-13 Cpl GL Key 1938/46 04-Mar-13 Sig KC Lane 1956/58 12-Mar-13 Sgt ACT Lewis 1952/?? 11-Mar-13 SSgt LM Lodge (Williamson) 1975/99 30-Apr-12 SSgt RT Mallabone OBE 1955/77 24-Apr-13 Sgt G Malone 1934/46 31-Oct-12 Lt Col VH Martin 1934/72 20-May-13 Col K Maxwell-Brown 1939/46 25-May-13 Sig R McKay 1991/97 24-Apr-13 Capt KM McKee 1940/46 ?/01/2013 Maj JL McKellar 1939/70 07-May-13 WO2 FP Moulton 1958/77 25-Mar-13 SSgt DAW Nichols 1946/68 14-Mar-13 CG Ogilvie 1962/71 09-Jan-13 Cpl TJ Oliver 1973/80 ??/09/2012 WO2 S Owen 1980/06 07-Apr-13 Cpl JA Peacey 1955/58 26-Feb-13 Cpl NE Pick 1939/46 19-Mar-13 M Pond 1959/?? 27-Feb-13 Sig LG Powell 1953/56 12-May-13 Mata’s restaurant at Rothenbach, Holland Sig K Rawlings 1948/49 02-Jan-12 Sig P Sanders 1958/60 08-Mar-13 Sgt DJ Smith 1950/61 20-Mar-13 Preparations for our annual get-together at the Cavendish LC Smith 1940’s ??/03/2013 Hotel in Torquay are well underway. Around 40 members WO1 JC Tepielow 1970/93 08-May-13 have signed up for the event, and we expect more to commit Sig WE Thomas 1950/52 18-Feb-13 as we get closer to the cut off date. Torquay always provides Sgt JW Uttley 1962/83 13-Dec-12 reasonable weather for us and there are plenty of local Capt P Walls 1943/71 14-Apr-13 attractions if you want to spend some time away from the Capt VT Zimmer 1958/86 22-May-13 hotel. The dates for this year are 4-7 October 2013. Full details of the weekend can be found on the association web site. The link is included below. Contact the Secretary: Cyril Harding: secretary@birgelenvets. OBITUARIES org or join via our website http://www.birgelenvets.org where you will be made most welcome. SMITH – Sgt Derek Smith died 20 March 2013

Derek was born on 4 October 1934. He joined No.1 Independent Signal Squadron, LAST POST Royal Corps of Signals, on 1 December 1949 at Gallowgate Camp. They SSgt MJ Abson 1962/76 27-Apr-13 marched to Beverley and the whole DAW Allcock 1947/53 18-Jan-12 Squadron was sent on holiday at Easter. Sig LN Allen 1943/47 29-Jun-12 In October 1950 it became 6 (Boys) Maj BC Ashmore 1939/?? 09-Oct-12 Training Regiment. His Regimental Lt Col FG Barnes 1939/68 ?? Number was 22296943. He joined Man WO2 V Barry 1933/63 25-Apr-13 Service at Catterick and after trade training SSgt DJ Belshaw 1971/93 26-Mar-13 he eventually went to Korea in 1952. A bin Ariffin 1957/67 ??/04/2013 Cpl GH Boardman 1953/56 17-May-13 He was awarded Campaign Medals for Korea, the Middle East Sig HS Bohea 1946/48 28-Mar-13 and Germany. He left the Army on 1 October 1961. Derek’s LCpl MJ Bradford 1953/57 05-Feb-13 brother, Ron, was also in the Royal Signals. Lt Col PR Brewis 1961/93 27-May-13 Col DH Briggs 1948/80 07-May-13 Sgt E Buchanan 1980/date 31-Mar-13 In September 2000 Derek joined the Beverley Ex-Boys Sig JS Crowther 1943/47 12-Mar-13 Association and he was also a member of the Colchester Capt JCA Dove 1942/60 09-Apr-13 Branch of the RSA. He became ill over the last couple of years Sig FS Dowler 1942/47 06-Apr-13 and eventually died on 20 March 2013. Tony Bermingham SN Fawthrop 1943/47 03-Oct-12 represented the Beverley Ex-Boys at the Funeral on 10 April. Sig J Foster 1943/46 30-Mar-13 This was very well attended including five members of the

104 THE WIRE, JUNE 2013 Royal Signals from Colchester and also members of the orderly and Regimental Policemen - and regularly in trouble Korean Veterans Association. We send our deepest sympathy for minor offences! A posting to RAF Wildenrath with 21 to his wife, Marian. Signal Regiment followed and then to Bampton from where he was medically discharged in 1962 following a motor-cycle accident in which he suffered a broken leg: a problem that continued to give him trouble for the rest of his life. VASS – Peter Vass died 16 February 2013 Back in civilian life he gained a wife, Joan, and a job as an Peter was born in Crondall in January 1937. electrician with BEA. He and Joan shared a love, and talent, At the age of four he was adopted and for painting and he was devastated when she died in 2000. brought up by his uncle and aunt. A However he joined the Beverley Ex-Boys, 19 Signal Regiment mischievous and rebellious young lad and the Air Formation Signals Associations and regularly he was constantly in trouble and, at attended reunions of the first two. He often said that the the age of 14, found himself in court discipline learnt with such difficulty during his Army service where he was given the choice of had ‘saved him from a life of crime’! Borstal or Beverley! After three years Boy’s service he was posted to 19 His health deteriorated and he required care to remain in his Signal Regiment, Singapore, as a home until he had to enter the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice. lineman. During these latter years he endeared himself to the ladies who looked after him. In spite of his suffering, always a smile, Keith Armitage remembers him there as billet a wink and a joke.

CORPS PROPERTY COMMENCEMENT OF ROLLING AUDIT

Since taking on the appointment as the Corps Property Officer, I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received from Units in my quest to find and to bring onto my account the huge amount of Corps property that is distributed throughout the Corps and at the same time attempting to bring the RHQ Corps Property database up to date. I am not there yet, but with the continued support of CO’s and Regt 2IC’s, I am making some serious headway in the right direction.

I understand that Unit training cycles are all different and that a set date for an annual return currently set at September does not suit Unit flexibility and is not the way forward. I intend to change the current position to a rolling audit commencing as at this coming year, which seems to be the preference. This method of accounting will allow units to plot a time in their busy calendars, between July and July of each year, to fit in their annual Corps Property Check, at a time that suits them.

The Corps Property Audit year window will therefore move from September to July, with the first new Audit year commencing as at 1 July 2013 - 1 July 2014. By adopting this method all Units will then be able to make contact with me at a time of their choosing throughout the coming year and I in turn will provide the updated details of their Corps Property holdings to them.

I look forward to both supporting and enjoying the continued support of units in Corps property management and to hearing from you all throughout the coming year.