THE wire February 2011
THE WIRE, JUNE 2010 HONOURS AND AWARDS We congratulate the following Royal Signals personnel who received Honours in the New Year’s Honours List 2011. Companion of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB) Maj Gen TG Inshaw (late Royal Signals)
Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) Lt Col AJ Large
Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) Lt Col PJ Abram Capt CM Todd
We congratulate the following Royal Signals personnel who received the Meritorious Service Medal 2010 A/WO2 SJ Barrie SSgt CD Brotherston SSgt P Ghale WO2 RA Rowley
ARMY V NAVY RUGBY MATCH 7 MAY 2011 – ROYAL SIGNALS MARQUEE, TWICKENHAM
The 2011 Army V Navy match and Royal Signals bar tickets are now on sale!!
This year the limit has been set at 2000 and we will sell them on a first come, first served basis – so get your order in asp. As in the past Corps bar tickets will only be sold to those buying match tickets from Royal Signals Rugby. Tickets will only be allocated upon receipt of an order form and payment cheque (bulk unit/sub unit orders should be paid using single payment cheque).
Tickets will be delivered by post 10 days before the fixture. Order forms are available at www.RoyalSignalsRugby.co.uk
Don’t be disappointed – don’t delay
SIGNAL OFFICER IN CHIEF (ARMY) DISPLAY TEAMS OPENING SHOW SATURDAY 16TH APRIL 2011
The Annual Opening Show will take place on Hawke Square, Blandford Camp, on Saturday 16 April 2011. This show is the SOinC(A)’s review of our bands and display teams before they embark on their 2011 programme. Participants in the show are The Band of the Royal Corps of Signals, The Northern (Territorial Army) Band of the Royal Corps of Signals, The White Helmets and The Pipes and Drums of the Royal Corps of Signals.
Corps members and their families are welcome to attend as spectators. There will be standing space for spectators in front of the Harrogate Building and very limited seating in tentage at the edge of the square. The show will commence at 1025 hrs, so all spectators are requested to be in place at least 10 minutes beforehand. The show is due to be complete by approximately 1300hrs. FEBRUARY 2011 Vol. 65 No: 1 The Magazine of the Royal Corps of Signals Established in 1920 The Wire
Published bi-monthly Annual subscription £12.00 plus postage
Editor: Mr Keith Pritchard Editor Deputy Editor: Miss J Shearing Mr Keith Pritchard Tel: 01258 482817 All correspondence and material for publication in The Wire should be addressed to:
The Wire, RHQ Royal Signals, Blandford Camp, Deputy Editor Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8RH Email: [email protected] Miss Jo'lene Shearing Contributors Tel: 01258 482818 Deadline for The Wire : 15th February for publication in the April. 15th April for publication in the June. 15th June for publication in the August. 15th August for publication in the October. 15th October for publication in the December. Accounts / Subscriptions 10th December for publication in the February.
Mrs Sharon Sterne 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
We start 2011 on a sad note with the loss of Cpl Steven Dunn in CONTENTS Afghanistan just before Christmas. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this distressing time. Page
We have been experiencing difficulties with e-mails so from now Movements 2 on we will always acknowledge receipt of your submissions. Therefore, if you do not receive a reply, then please get in contact with the office and we can resolve the issue. However, News from Blandford 2 despite the e-mail difficulties we still over-ran the magazine, so thank you all for your contributions. News from Regiments 6
There are a couple of articles of note in this edition. Firstly, the Royal Signals On-Line Memorial Book, being developed by the News from Squadrons 74 RSA General Secretary on page 88. Still in its infancy, this is an initiative that, I am sure, will take off as more people browse the Other Units 82 Friends and Relations website and start leaving tributes to serving and retired members of the Corps. The second article of note is the 240km walk undertaken by Mrs Sandy Hetherington Sport 86 in aid of Help for Heroes and the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund, printed on the Inside Back Cover. Mrs Hetherington is the The Royal Signals Association 88 mother of LCpl Jon Hetherington who was killed in Afghanistan in August 2006. Donations 89 Finally, on behalf of all The Wire office and the other members of the RHQ staff associated with the subscriptions, publication and Last Post 93 delivery of each edition, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and safe New Year. Obituaries 93
Miscellaneous Stories 96
FRONT COVER BACK COVER Sig Bray from 22 Sig Regt on Ex JEBEL SAHARA 10 in the Atlas Mountains
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. Printed by Holbrook Printers Ltd, Norway Road, Hilsea, Portsmouth © Crown Copyright MOVEMENTS
Name and Rank Unit to which posted Name and Rank Unit to which posted
JANUARY 2011 MARCH 2010 Capt DG Galey ………... HQ SOinC(A) CSD NETS Capt SE O’Connell ………… 2 Sig Regt
NEWS FROM BLANDFORD
COMMAND BATTLESPACE MANAGEMENT (LAND) (CBM(L)) TROOP
OC WO1 (YofS) Wyldes LCpl Claire Donaghue learnt how to reverse in a zigzag fashion SSgt SSgt G Mechen up a straight hill, quite an achievement. Overall the trial was a great success and CBM(L) were impressed with TiGR THE TRIALLING OF TIGR OVER HCDR - by LCpl A Fyfe TRIALS TROOP Since the last edition Sgt Danny Brook YORKS has arrived from Germany to replace Sgt Dave Percival YORKS and Sprs OC Capt M Speed Nedham and Haywood have replenished the Royal Engineer SSgt SSgt J Dolan gaps that the Tp has been standing for a short period. Sgt Andy Rose RE is about to disappear into civvy street after 22 years There have been a number of achievements, hellos and goodbyes service and Cpl Andy Worthington RLC is about to complete his in the past few months. Congratulations to Sig Taylor and Sig FTRS contract, and in the process transfer to 6 RIFLES! WO2 ‘Scoopz’ Haagensen who have been selected for promotion to (FofS) Warren Quinn has been detached from the Tp working LCpl and will soon be heading off to ETT and 215 Sig Sqn with the TiGR Fielding Team as their network lead and we respectively. Congratulations also to LCpl Lewis, Sgt Stainthorp congratulate WO1 (YofS) Mark Wyldes on his success on the and Cpl Hill on becoming parents to Tyler, Maximus and TBC (in recent Royal Signals LE Commissioning Board. the case of Cpl Hill) …there must be something in the water!!! Well done also to Sgt Stewart on the completion of his SNCO On 11 Oct 10, CBM(L) Tp began trialling Tactical Ground CLM and LCpl Tait on the completion of his Radio Fundamentals Reporting (TiGR). This wasn’t the first time we’d seen the Course, where he was ranked top student. application, however with a proportion of the Tp, ‘Team America’, trialling in the Goodbyes and thanks to Sgt Milne, Cpl Haggar and Sgt Wade USA, we brought for all your hard work. Also a tearful good bye (in the case of Sgt in members of McIntosh) to SSgt ‘Daz’ Offord who leaves the ‘warmth’ of 749 258 Sig Sqn who (SP) team for a spell in 252 Sig Sqn. Stepping into his shoes is early next year SSgt Morrow along with a number of new arrivals including Sgt are deploying to Prow, Sgt Stewart, Cpl Hill, Cpl Keech, Cpl Farrell-Wright, Cpl Afghanistan. This Ormsby and LCpl Hayward. The surge of manpower is well was a great needed at a time with the Tp booked up with trials well into mid opportunity for 2011. them to get eyes (and hands) on 346 (COMD SP & CIS) TEAM - A TROOP DAY OUT TiGR as a - by Sig B Taylor number are likely to work with it In conjunction with the Ops team, 346 has been full of activity when deployed. planning the System Field Trial (SFT) of FALCON next year. The trial will provide evidence for the final acceptance of the FALCON Each detachment Trunk Bearer System into service prior to its deployment deployed with a throughout Afghanistan in place of the Promina network. In member of addition to the obvious comms planning and booking of facilities CBM(L) Tp and was the task of calculating how much fuel the 6 week trial would 258 Sig Sqn, require – 236,765 litres for those with an eye for the numbers! each playing a different role in On 21 Sep, each trials team managed to ‘synchronise watches’ the trial; some and take a day away from trialling. Ex THORPE PARK FORAY were producing was a team building exercise organised by Cpl Lee Pell. During BCIP and TiGR the 2 hour mini-bus journey the Tp felt the wrath of LCpl Stu data while the Tait’s boredom as he forgot his headphones. At the start of the WO2 (FofS) Quinn goes back to his roots others day LCpl Chris O’Neil made the mistake of informing the Tp of networking TiGR in Helmand concentrated on his fear of any rides bigger than the tea cups. Armed with the tip TiGR. LCpl off, it became the our mission to assist him in ‘conquering his ‘Fyfealdo’ Fyfe and his crew-member Sig McCracken had to be fears’ (whether he liked it or not). The day ended with a curry and on top of their MATTs as they were constantly moving location, so beer in the Heals Bar on camp with conversation focused on map reading was used frequently, sometimes even successfully. some memorable moments from the day.
2 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 543 (ECM) TEAM - MASTIFF 3 EOD ECM TRIALS IN CHINA LAKE, USA - by Cpl P Heywood
In September the team departed for the USA to conduct an EOD ECM trial of the new Mastiff 3 platform destined for Afghanistan next year. Making an overnight stop in Minneapolis the team hit some local bars including the infamous ‘Hooters’. Like any good soldiers it didn’t take us long to settle in once we arrived!
The new Mastiff 3 stands proud in the Californian sunshine Los Angeles International Airport (aka LAX) for the long journey home, thankfully in the care of some Virgin Atlantic air- stewardesses rather than the RAF.
749 (SPECIAL PROJECTS) TEAM - SPECIAL PROJECTS TRIALS UPDATE - by LCpl McKenzie
With the tempo of trials ever increasing, 749 team have 543 (ECM) Team maintaining the special relationship been hard at work, trialling several projects in the past The following day, and after another long flight, we finally landed couple of months alone. in China Lake, home of the Naval Air Weapons Centre and Recently, locations have location of our trial. After a brief sleep and 2 days of briefings the included Regents Park trial was underway with everything running smoothly. To break up Barracks, where the team some of the monotony, we brought some PT into the day. These enjoyed the hospitality of included ten press-ups for getting caught with a pocket un-done, many of London’s tallest and something LCpl O’Neill fell foul of many times. Congratulations windy rooftops, and to Cpl Paul Heywood who put Sgt Wayne Stainthorp to shame everyone’s favourite training during the exercises. camp, Knook Camp on SPTA. Here the team were trialling On completion of the trial, and after some very long hot days, it equipment fitted to the Jackal was time for some final R&R before heading home. There was MkII, which provided plenty only one choice of destination this time, the original Sin City, Las of fun over Salisbury Plain. Vegas. Hitting the casinos we started with the MGM Grand, a real eye opener for many of the team that had never been before. The New Year is already In ‘New York New York’ Sgt ‘Chappy’ Chapman was soon shaping up quickly with a Sig Haagensen mid lunge in an tremoring at the sight of the roller coaster which scaled the number of key trials attempt to impress his Tp Comd surrounding walls of the hotel. After his several attempts to scheduled to Aug 11. Till then wriggle out of it he was soon on his way round screaming like a the team after looking forward to a well earned Christmas break. girl! After a few hours sleep the team was soon on their way to
UNIFIED SYSTEM SUPPORT ORGANISATION
SO1 Lt Col I A J Condie them shout “you can rely on RLI!” and “man managers jobs.” RSM WO1 (RSM) Hayward However, the BSST is first a foremost a team, and as such tackled our operational tasks together by deploying anywhere in BACK FROM OPS - by SSgt Logan RA theatre to assist units with BCIP issues; this could entail helping the TFH FRT with a specific problem or deploying to FOBs and Having just returned from Afghanistan I thought it only right, as a PBs to assist a unit with technical glitches and enable them to member of the Royal Artillery, to write a few words for The Wire. get the most out of the BOWMAN system.
The USSO deploys a number of Level 3 support teams to This was undoubtedly the most rewarding aspect of the Afghanistan, one of which is the Bowman System Support Team deployment and appeared to be sincerely appreciated by units on (BSST) or Tac Sys as its better known back in the UK. Over the the front line. Additionally, the team also assisted the VRS Park, last few months I had the great pleasure of being the BSST Team by ensuring that all new vehicles entering theatre were fully Leader, which included a variety of cap badges in its ranks: Royal serviceable for BOWMAN and tested for operational deployment, Artillery, Royal Signals, Royal Marines, Royal Scots, and last, but a less glamorous job, but nonetheless critical to the greater BSST by no means least, the RAF. mission.
Based out of BSN 1, next to the burn pit, (good for your lungs!) There are always issues, such as bandwidth, but the exemplary we shared an office with the rest of the USSO crew, which work carried out highlighted how the personalities in the team supported the J1J4/RLI, Cortez, Log SST and Bowman. We were made the difference. The teams’ performance was inspired not too sure what the RLI team did, but we were forever hearing where it mattered most, on operations.
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 3 was quickly snapped up for a round of golf which saw the Yeoman getting trounced by Sgt Mark Irwin.
DII-D SST - by SSgt Rothery-Corber
Over the last 3 months we have seen an injection of new blood into the department in the form of Cpl Chris Slade on posting from 1 (UK) ADSR and Cpl Kirsty Wint on completion of her CS Eng Class One course. We have also bid a fond farewell to Cpl Conrad Hadnett who has left the Armed Forces and the UK to the sunnier climes of Malta and a new career in Civ Div. He will soon be seen back in Kandahar, doing the same job for an obscene pay packet! Finally, we would like to congratulate WO2 (FofS(IS)) Stu Southan and his wife Viv on the arrival of their son Drew on 27 August. On the work front, the last 3 months has been an extremely busy period.
As well as our continued deployed and reach-back capability for G1/G4 trying to save money Op HERRICK, we have deployed a number of people in support of exercises both at home and abroad. In support of 21 Sig Regt FIRST FEW WEEKS ON OPS - by Sgt Pope Ex JEBEL SAHARA saw Cpl Chris Slade deploy to Morocco and Ex PASHTUN LINKS saw SSgt Ian Fincham deploy to Jordan. “Welcome to Bastion guys”, beamed Capt Evans as he grabbed The Op PEREGRINE MRX had Sgt Daz Morley and LCpl Jase the luggage from the weary hands of Sgt Oxley. Finally the Allard deploying to the slightly less exotic location of Stafford, replacements had arrived! It was 0100hrs and we, the new guys supporting 22 Sig Regt testing Falcon interoperability. were quickly ushered to our rooms to unpack and prepare for the first day at work. The first few days flew by and as the gleeful With the technical refresh of J1J4 IOS hardware in Q2 of 2011, faces of the old team vanished and the new team soon slipped preparatory testing and training is now on the horizon, beginning into the hard Bastion routine. The Bowman Team Lead by SSgt with the Battlefield Communications System (BCS) and SSgt Andy Quinn hit the ground running and almost immediately Martin Baldwin and SSgt Ian Fincham taking the lead roles as deployed forward in support of the Theatre wide installation of they will deploy to oversee the uplift. We have recently had a RiP DORs. Unfortunately for Sgt Micky Frain his carpentry skills of System Support Team (SST) personnel deployed in support of were of no use and he would be forced to rely on his technical Op HERRICK, replacing Sgt Jone Fatiaki and Cpl Conrad abilities alone. Not all teams adjusted to the task in hand as Hadnett at the beginning of November were Sgt Neil ‘Popey’ easily. Early on it was clear there would be a power struggle Pope and Cpl Jimmy Nye from Blandford, supplemented by Sgt within the Cortez Team, as there were several strong Si Aunger from Germany based USSO(G). We wish them a safe personalities, but Sgt Oxley soon showed the leadership skills and uneventful tour and all the best over the festive period – hope that have marked her as a potential FofS and quickly gained you like the pressies. control of her team of one. Once under control, the team began working closely with Cortez Tp, a relationship that not only keeps GCN TAC SYS - by WO1 (YofS) Martin-Woodgate Sgt Oxley busy but close to BSN2 Cookhouse. The Tactical System Support Team (formerly known as the The ‘Super’ RLI team took to the job like a duck to water and Bowman System Support Team), within the USSO provides soon began developing a strong relationship with HICSSS ICS worldwide Level 3 support to tactical systems deployed in Tp, imparting on the MANmans the greatest of all IT support of operations, exercises and contingency taskings. knowledge….. “have you turned it off and on”? Once this Originally providing support to the Bowman community, the knowledge had been shared, the team quickly began Op systems to which the deployable teams now provide system Massive, but no one informed Sgt ‘Pizza Hut’ Pope that the only support to are BCIP, Tac Sat, HeATS and GrATS, EZ-PRR and part of the body you aren’t suppose to grow is your stomach. PSC-506. This increase in capability not only provides a wider capability to Tactical Systems deployed on operations and routine Logistic SST’s WO2 Chris Broadrick has been the most wanted deployments, but also creates a more beneficial environment for man in Afghan, with his phone constantly ringing off the wall. He enhancing the career development of the Soldiers, Sailors, is really looking forward to F Day, when Cpl ‘Flash’ Gordon Airmen and the Royal Marine personnel assigned to the teams. finally arrives to tutor him in the correct methods of Customer Care. The SST is constructed from a Tri-Service community with a mixture of cap badges, which provides a wealth of experience Finally, a word must be said about our illustrious leader, WO1 and capability to our teams of engineers and specialists which ‘T-Dog’ Jones, whose skills in escape and evasion are utilised on operate in a variety of locations and environments working on 3 a daily basis to escape JFCIS. Despite his escape methods his monthly rotations. The deployable teams rotate through various visits greatly raise the morale of the lads and increase the overall tasking types, most notably by supporting current ops, assisting brew consumption of USSO. in the uplift of the Royal Navy to BCIP 5.4 and assistance to mission specific training in the UK, BATUK and BATUS. The team USSO HQ OPS - by Sgt Irwin is managed and tasked by a Royal Signals heavy team with Capt ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson taking the helm with WO1 (YofS) Dave I would like to say it’s a busy time for the Ops team, but when is Martin-Woodgate, WO2 (FofS) Barney Gray and Mr Stew Little it not. We have been kept on our toes with the ongoing providing the Ops Team function. Underneath this team lies the commitment to operations with our regular deployments to Reachback Service Desk and 5 deployable teams, each headed HERRICK. On top of this we have the BATUK and BATUS up by a Team Leader with a set of manpower designed to provide deployments in full flow as well as being immersed with our usual technical, operational and planning capabilities. The past few day to day requests for support. With the Ops Officer Capt Mark months has seen the arrival and departure of personnel. Tac Sys Holden now fully integrated in to the Ops Borg collective and would like to welcome Sgt Baz Cowan from 1 SCOTS, Cpl keeping the good ship USSO steered in the right direction, it was Ronnie De-Bique from the Sys Engr Class One course and Sgt a smooth and seamless take over from Capt Lee Davis earlier in Haines from RAF Digby to the fold. The team would also like to the year. With SSgt (YofS) Paul Thurston covering every job wish the best to SSgt Cliff Jones on retirement from the Army, under the sun from Ops to MATTS, training time has been very Sgt John Baker on re-assignment to RAF Henlow and Sgt Mark precious allowing the Ops team only one sports afternoon which Anderson on re-assignment to 90 SU.
4 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 NEWS FROM THE FORMATIONS
1st SIGNAL BRIGADE
Comd Brig D Robson also take part in an adventurous training package with the DComd Col J Hodges emphasis on water-borne sports. COS Maj E Dallyn DCOS Maj G Stoker The ARRC staff quickly got to work on the various tasks, missions and scenarios which formed the core of the ex. Live HQ 1 (UK) Sig Bde has quickly returned to ‘steady state’ after it’s feeds from Afghanistan further added to the sense of realism. As relocation to Innsworth and we’re now focussed largely on the the ex progressed, the staff were able to get to grips with the deployment to Afghanistan of the SSG, from 7 Sig Regt, and the systems and software applications with which they would need to support of a significant number of HQ ARRC staff who will become proficient for their deployment in the New Year. augment the IJC. The Bde DCOS, Maj Gary Stoker, has already deployed and is the HQ’s eyes on the ground prior to the main The overwhelming viewpoint of the staff by the end of the ex was body movements. that an immense amount of knowledge and benefit had been gained. Many of them expressed their thanks to the enabling We have said goodbye to Brig Ivan Hooper, who we wish the staff who had worked tirelessly to make it all reality. best for his new post in Corsham, and welcome Brig David Robson who arrived in mid November. Other new faces in the All the build-up effort and preparation by those who worked for HQ are those of Maj Al Garrett, Maj Jez Manning, Capt ‘Tomo’ months behind the scenes to plan and enable the ex was evident Thompson and 2 new civilians Mrs Gill Francis and Mrs Maylin from the outset. It ran extremely smoothly from a comms and Vuanicau. information systems perspective, thanks to the efforts of Royal Signals personnel from HQ 1 Sig Bde and from 7 and 22 Sig A WALK IN THE MALVERN HILLS - by Capt ‘Tomo’ Thompson Regts and also from a command support perspective, thanks to the Sp Bn with Bde HQ personnel. The RAF personnel from the To welcome the new Bde Comd, on 24 Nov the Staff upped station were also instrumental in enabling a number of key sticks and took him for a walk in the Malvern Hills. The walk aspects of the ex. entailed a 13km traverse of the undulating Malverns, South to North, from Hollybush to North Hill. The weather was very good HQ ARRC is now looking ahead to a successful 12 month tour in and the views were even better. A lunch stop on British Camp the IJC in Kabul, with a clearer understanding of the systems and allowed Major Garrett to display his picnic finery, and the lunch processes they will need to work with in support of the was rounded off with mulled wine to fend off the winter chill. multinational effort in Afghanistan.
After the descent from North Hill via St Anne’s Well in to Great EXERCISE COMBINED ENDEAVOUR 2010 Malvern, the group assembled in the Unicorn Inn for a well – by Capt Billy Fagan deserved beverage. Half of the group departed for home at this point, the remainder departed for an excellent supper at The It was a cold and wet morning early on 30 August that the UK Nags Head Inn, and then to Malvern Theatre to listen to a lecture delegation (composed mainly of representatives from 7 Sig Regt) by the mountaineer Andy Kirkpatrick. All in all a short sharp travelled down from their home base in JHQ to the US Army dose of fresh air and a stretch of the legs. Garrison in Grafenwoehr, Germany. Their mission, to participate in Ex COMBINED ENDEAVOUR 2010 (yes the spelling is right, it EXERCISE ARRCADE SPEAR 10 – by WO1 (FofS) C F Usher is after all an American lead exercise!). Over the next 16 days these individuals would build a large and complex ICT network, This Autumn saw the HQ ARRC staff deploy to a cold, bright RAF mentor other fortunate nations and work together with over 1200 St Mawgan on Ex ARRCADE SPEAR 2010 as part of their soldiers from around the world on a common goal. HERRICK pre-deployment training. This ex set out to closely replicate the comms systems and applications in use in the ISAF COMBINED ENDEAVOUR 2010 currently draws over 40 nations Joint Command HQ in Kabul in order to prepare the staff for their from throughout Europe and the Middle East with representatives forthcoming deployment on Op HERRICK. After an initial ex from the nations coming to the ex with comms and computer training period carried out in the ARRC’s new HQ in Imjin network systems in order to synchronise their technology with the Barracks, Innsworth, the ARRC staff boarded a series of coaches other nations. The goal is to build interoperability – or simply put, and set off for the long journey to Cornwall. create guidelines for ensuring the nation’s different systems and technologies can operate together. This interoperability allows They arrived to find the RAF station transformed into a working nations to work together in coordinating aid for crisis, disaster replica of the IJC HQ. Inside one of the largest marquees ever and operations. constructed for a UK based ex, a vast team of enabling personnel from across 1 Sig Bde had laboured for weeks to build a little The result is an interoperability guide that each nation uses for piece of the Kabul ISAF HQ in a quiet corner of Cornwall. The collaborating support. The guide has helped nations respond to build had involved troops from Stafford, Innsworth and Elmpt in multiple international crises including the 2004 tsunami relief Germany. effort. Swiss helicopter flight crews used the interoperability guide for communicating with ground controllers in multiple Some of the troops had been in St Mawgan for almost 2 months nations throughout the region to coordinate relief and deliver aid. by the time the ex proper got underway, though many of them In 2002, Ireland used COMBINED ENDEAVOUR lessons and the had been able to take advantage of the excellent location, guide for organising evacuations out of Liberia and during 2003/4, Newquay, one of the most popular tourist destinations on the the US Air Force in Talil, Iraq used past guides to build early South coast and only a short drive away. Many of the ex comms with Italian aviation systems in order to coordinate aid personnel were able to visit the town during their deployment and and support flights.
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 5 COMBINED ENDEAVOUR has evolved from being a multi-national Ex CE is about ‘building bridges’ between nations and as such technical ex to becoming a place where nations can meet and the technical/ interoperability piece is not the only facet of the Ex. work through technology and build diplomatic solutions to current The Ex directors place a large onus on the human interoperability issues. COMBINED ENDEAVOUR is now considered “Tech piece and as such there are several social and sporting events Diplomacy”. The program continues to focus on orchestrating organised by the Ex directors. Additionally, nations are comms and computer network systems, but it is also a place encouraged to organise cultural events which are open to all where people from different nations can try different comms and other participating countries. An agreement has been made network systems, and integrate US, European, and Soviet era during the planning conferences that the UK would partner the comms and network systems. Irish and Canadians in delivering a joint event during the exercise.
The UK volunteered to be the Lead Nation of a Regional Group Some of the major highlights of the ex (apart from the for Ex CE10. There have been 3 planning conferences in the tremendous training advantages and experience the UK soldiers build up to the ex and these have developed the network that will benefited from) were the relationships fostered with other nations, be deployed for the exercise, along with any joined up policy and many of which our delegation would never meet unless procedural issues. The UK has been allocated Regional Group A, participating in a joint mission on operations or during peace which is the largest of the collection of nations and consists of keeping duties around the world. the following other Nations and Agencies; Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Macedonia, MNC NE, Montenegro, NATO, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, US DOS and USMC.
Official HO/TO of the Delegation Chief position - Maj Al Garrett takes over from Capt Billy Fagan - very different characters….
All in all a very enjoyable and busy exercise - Not only did the UK, Ireland and Canada host what was generally agreed to be the most successful cultural evening but in keeping with traditions, Interoperability at work: Delegation chiefs from UK, USA and the UK delegation was also successful in winning the CE All Ireland Nations football competition - twice!
NEWS FROM THE REGIMENTS
1st (UNITED KINGDOM) ARMOURED DIVISION HEADQUARTERS AND SIGNAL REGIMENT HERFORD
CO Lt Col FE Hargreaves (OBE) 130 people attended RSM WO1 (RSM) K East the evening to pay their respects to a HEADQUARTERS SQUADRON great man. With 48 players competing for OC Maj JC Duncan the trophy, the evening SSM WO2 (SSM) CS Wilson started early to enable the conclusion on the STU ‘THE SLAYER’ WILLIAMSON MEMORIAL DARTS same night. It was TOURNAMENT – By Sgt Steve Pearce obvious in the prelim round that there were It was with great sadness the Corps lost one of our own on 3 Sep a few closet dart 10 when SSgt Stu Williamson passed away suddenly at his throwers in our mist, home near Hannover. Stu was due to be Dined Out from the WO2 ‘Lightning Bolt’ WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess on Fri 22 Oct 10 after completing his 22 Lindsay looking like a years Colour Service. good contender early Stu ‘The Slayer’ Williamson on in the competition. Stu was a huge fan of darts and for this reason it was decided After the initial that a Memorial Charity Darts tournament would be held in his preliminary rounds were played, a charity auction was conducted honour on the original date of his Dine Out. A true stalwart of the by the Presiding Member WO1 (RSM) Kev ‘Cod Eye’ East. In Corps and the WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess, it was no surprise that over total over 40 items were auctioned off and the 2 biggest money
6 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 spinners were Stu’s old Banjo and the honour of being RSM for the day, both raising €400 each. These were bought by WO1 Milton and Sgt ‘Super Dave’ Wright respectively. Due to the generous bidding and the auctioneer’s dubious unique selling methods, the auction alone raised €5920.
The darts continued after the auction and at this stage the Mess could have been mistaken for the ‘Ally Pally’, with everyone getting into the spirit of the event. The final was closely contested between Maj Neil ‘The Narcissist’ Coatsworth and WO1 Andy ‘The Hammer’ Maylett. The quality of darts did not quite match Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, however the Oche fitness of ‘The Hammer’ led him to victory.
Overall the evening raised approximately €9300 which was presented to Sue, SSgt Williamson’s widow for her chosen charities. Sig Harrison laying the 1 (UK) ADSR wreath at the British SSAFA BIG BREW – by WO1 Knight Memorial Stone at Sashsenhausen Concentration Camp
On Tue 05 Oct 10 the RAO Dept held a Big Brew Event in RHQ. The Defence Attaché from the British Embassy was most Our task simple; raise as much money as possible for SSAFA. impressed with the Regts effort as it was the first time a British RHQ personnel had donated cakes/biscuits and as the resident unit within British Forces Germany had carried out this tribute. Cake Diva I made one of my speciality cakes to be raffled off. He even requested that photographs of the service be sent to the The RSM brought along some rather delicious cookies which he Embassy, where they will be sent onto the immediate families of claimed he had made himself (it later transpired that his wife had those killed at Sashsenhausen. actually made them for him) and the RAO produced some fairy cakes. QM DEPT
The first victims (I mean customers) through the door were Capt QM (T) Capt (QM) D Taylor Nelson Reynolds, Capt Rik Hammond and WO2 (SSM) RQMS (T) WO2 (RQMS) Rowley Woodall. I can’t remember what it was they came in for, but whatever it was they weren’t getting it or leaving until they had Over the last few months there has been a large turnover of bought a coffee, cake and raffle ticket (which they promptly did). personalities within the dept. We bade farewell to the QM (T) Before long the office was full of people munching on cakes and Capt ‘Taff’ Burdge who has moved on to take over as OC HQ drinking brews. The raffle tickets were also (excuse the pun) Sqn, 7 Sig Regt, Sgt Nikki Horton who has departed for the selling like hot cakes. By the end of the morning we had sold out Falkland Islands, and more recently newly promoted Cpl Jodie and raised a fantastic €160 for charity. The cake raffle was won Williams who moves to Battleaxe Tp, 11 Sig Regt. by our very first customer, Capt Reynolds. On the arrivals side we welcome Capt Dave Taylor, Sig ‘Larry’ A big thank you is extended to all of those that donated cakes Lamb, Sig ‘Pie Head’ Ross, Cpl ‘H’ Harvey and into the USA and to those who promptly scoffed them. Sgt Murdoch RLC. Shortly after their arrival however, Capt Taylor left for 6 weeks to complete the much sought after HQ MT DEPT Quartermasters Course and Sig Lamb and Sig Ross to complete their DLS Pre Employment Training (Congratulations to Sig Lamb MTO Capt S Vernon who came top of his course). TCWO WO2 Etherington For those of you who have experienced life in the G4 chain, you The MT would like to extend a big welcome to Sig Tonkinson, will be pleased to note that the tempo remains high. The Regt has Sig Robinson, Sig Kelly, Sig Ofori-Keranteng and Sig Wilby, completed its Combined Inspection Week (CIW) and Board of all of whom join us straight from Phase 2 training, and Sig Smith Officers. The QM (A) Maj Paul Collister is heavily involved with from 22 Sig Regt. the German element of Project BORONA and despite the dept’s morale sponge (WO2 (RQMS) ‘Oz’ Rowley’s) efforts, some We bid a fond farewell to SSgt Barrie who moves to 16 Sig Regt members of the dept have managed to get away to do the “fun on promotion to WO2 (SSM). stuff”. Sig Lamb has recently completed his Basic Freefall Course and Sig Simms has spent the last 6 weeks training for SASHSENHAUSEN CONCENTRATION CAMP REMEMBRANCE the Regt boxing which took place at the end of Nov. SERVICE – by SSgt Barrie 201 SIGNAL SQUADRON After conducting a Berlin Battle Field study earlier in the year, it was decided that 18 members of the Regtl MT would embark OC Maj B Higgs upon a return trip to Berlin to lay a Wreath of Remembrance at SSM WO2 (SSM) C Vickers Sashsenhausen Concentration Camp. In learning about some of the atrocities and the suffering experienced during this period in INTER-SERVICES ORIENTEERING – by Lt K Davies-Walters history, it was fitting that so many of our young soldiers were keen to show their respect buy laying a Wreath of Remembrance On a freezing cold November morning, members of the British to the British and Commonwealth soldiers that were imprisoned Army Orienteering Team met in a car park in the New Forest to and tortured within Sashsenhausen during 1944 - 1945. prepare for battle. Their enemies, the Royal Air Force, Royal Navy and Territorial Army, their mission – to win!. 1 (UK) ADSR Upon our arrival we were met by the Director and 2 associates of had 2 individuals competing that day – Lt Kirsty Davies-Walters the Camp who also attended our service of remembrance. Sig and Cpl Steph Whyte. They both arrived hungry for victory. Harrison volunteered to lay the Wreath with Sig Ofori- Keranteng, Sig Henly and Sig Wilby acting as his escort. The The orienteering course comprised of 9.9km for Lt Kirsty Davies- weather was thankfully dry, but the wind felt like it was verging on Walters and 8.2km for Cpl Steph Whyte of difficult and harsh gale force but Sig Harrison ensured that the wreath stayed terrain to navigate around in as quick a time as possible. Both 1 secure once laid and honoured those killed with a fitting salute. (UK) ADSR runners had fast and clean runs and arrived at the
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 7 finish caked in mud but confident of victory. Over the next few given me just cause to question any more of her ‘brilliant’ ideas! hours the rest of the team members completed the course and The proposal was to raise money for the Woodlands Nursery so confidence was high amongst the Army Team that victory has that new equipment could be purchased for the children. I been achieved. approached the Nursery Manager and suggested that perhaps some sort of cardio vascular endurance event could be held to As the sun eventually emerged and the temperature rose above raise funds for the nursery… she was elated. freezing, the results were announced, the Army team had been successful and beaten the other Service teams by a considerable Now that I was committed, planning began in earnest and after margin, all in all a good day’s cunning running. some thought it was decided, with some trepidation I hasten to add, that a 24 hour cardio vascular event should be held in the A DAY OUT WITH THE BUNDESWEHR – by Sig Janes Regtl gymnasium. Two teams, one for the juniors and the other for the seniors and officers, would compete against each other A small group from the 201 Sig Sqn (1 UK ADSR) were invited by and the clock in an attempt to cover the equivalent distance from the Bundeswehr to have a day on the ranges and participate in a the Isle of Wight to John O’Groats! This totalled 1210 km with a friendly competition. Having been collected from Hammersmith 9000 ft ascent and descent of Ben Nevis en route. barracks on an overcast and chilly Saturday morning by a very friendly and welcoming Hauptgefreiter (Corporal equivalent) Finding team members was the next stage and this proved to be Gersmeyer, we were driven to the ranges. one of the more challenging aspects because team sheets changed more times than a bride on her wedding day. Perhaps Although some people took the competition seriously, this range the idea of rowing 10km, cycling 900km, ascending Ben Nevis day was completely different to anything I had ever experienced and rounding off with a 300km run wasn’t everyone’s idea of fun, in the British Army; it was more like a social event with most of even if was a team effort! I didn’t understand why there wasn’t the day spent standing around chatting, drinking coffee and more takers – where was their sense of adventure? occasionally getting to fire some weapons. I fired 3 weapons for the first time, including the G36 assault rifle, the MG3 machine Eventually the teams were chosen and the day was upon us. I gun (which is almost exactly the same model used by the remember it well, 0830 on 18 Oct 2010 in the gym and the Germans during WW2 but with the rate of fire reduced from 1200 ‘willing’ participants were given a short brief on their fate. Each rounds per minute to 800 rounds per minute), and finally the HK team’s first competitors braced themselves and were in position, P8 pistol. rowing the equivalent distance of the Isle of Wight to the mainland. The juniors were marginally ahead by the end of this I absolutely loved the G36 assault rifle and although our team stage but everyone was in high spirits; the race was on. didn’t score particularly well in this stage of the competition it was by far the easiest weapon to shoot on the day. Once again our team failed to score well on the pistol section of the competition but after a rather serious and sombre one way inspirational conversation with a SSgt we redeemed some pride by being awarded third place with the MG3 out of approximately 20 teams.
The day ended with a discussion about ISAF’s presence in Afghanistan over a warm lunch and a cup of tea before LCpl Mitchell presented their Sergeant Major with the 201 Sig Sqn plaque on behalf of our OC, Major Higgs. We thoroughly enjoyed our day out with the Bundeswehr and I think a good impression was made on both sides as we were invited back next year for a rematch.
211 SIGNAL SQUADRON
OC Maj WA Walker SSM WO2 (SSM) T Woodall Cpl Shone and Capt Hammond rowing to the UK With the Regt approaching the end of its HFT phase and entering MST the focus has been gradually switching to preparation for Stage 2 was the cycle, and as we were to discover what a Operations. 211 Sig Sqn are not deploying, but following the difference a stage makes - this was probably the most inevitable requirement for numerous ‘internal moves’ a number of challenging aspect for all. To cover the 9000 km as a team we 211’s soldiers find themselves in new Sqns and we wish them all each had to cycle 150km in an hour on, hour off basis, whilst well. attempting to maintain a 25 kph pace! SSgt ‘Smudge’ Smith was overjoyed with this prospect as he uttered on numerous The Sqn has also taken advantage of this Regtl re-orbating and occasions ‘I hate you Shone’. For the juniors it was LCpl ‘Mad changed from the 4 Tp structure it has enjoyed for the past few Dog’ Madden who made a sizable impression on the 900km years to a more traditional 3 Tp set-up. Consequently Alamein, cycle, but this would come back to haunt him later on in the Alma, Mons and Minden Tps are no more and in their places competition. The seniors on the other hand appeared to be stand Bowman, Cormorant and Support Tps. adopting the ‘slow and steady wins the race’ philosophy so by early evening the juniors had increased their lead quite Outside of this re-orbating the pace of life remains “at the significantly. double”. In the past 2 months we have been busy taking part in Ex PREMIER CHARGE, a Regtl Boxing Night, a gruelling charity With many hours cycling over, and much to everyone’s relief, the event, Ex WOODLAND ADVENTURE, and preparing for Ex step machines were next. This proved to be a short but testing PASHTUN HORIZON. stage with some controversy thrown in. In theory it was 10 minutes each hard work, but with the seniors at the bottom of WOODLAND ADVENTURE – by Cpl J A Shone Ben Nevis when the juniors were at the top of it, the differences in stepping machines saw the competitive edge come out. For a Whilst sitting back, relaxing and taking in the scenery at our period the gym was awash with cries of ‘My machine isn’t working daughter’s nursery barbeque this summer my wife made a the same as yours!’ from the seniors. This was soon resolved suggestion that in retrospect haunts me, and furthermore has when the juniors finished their climb and the seniors could use
8 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 our machines, but they decided to keep using their “broken” ones and Sig Duckron lost to 212’s Sig Parry. At the end, we came to help catch up! Climbing over, it was onto the final stage – the third out of all the Sqns, but we held our heads high knowing we 300k run. boxed as well as we could and we left for the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess happy 211 had given a good account of It was now 2200hrs and the run (or more aptly named crawl) was itself. to test everyone’s resolve especially that of LCpl Madden whose legs had practically given up after his heroic effort on the bike. To BOWMAN TROOP – by Sig Wheeler keep us company through the night was a tactically placed 65 inch TV and this proved to be the main distraction from the pain. OC Lt Painter Junk food had fuelled us thus far, our visitors had brought with SSgt SSgt Evans them small offerings of Haribo and WO2 (SSM) Woodall showed us his softer side by coming in with cake; but now we were all Bowman Tp is one of 3 newly formed Tps as part of 211 Sig knackered. When not running none of us has the energy to Sqns over haul, which has led to the amalgamation of Mons and watch such classics as ‘We Were Soldiers’ and respite from the Alamein Tps. The Tp conducts exactly what it says on the tin, monotony (and pain) was found in the unlikeliest of places…the Bowman comms to support the Div and takes the lead within the crash mat (complete with a sleeping bag). The steady plod Regt on all Bowman related matters. Aside its formation and all through the night truly tested everyone’s resolve and it was the the exercises we have taken part in, the Troop has seen the Tp ‘Oldies’ slow and steady approach that paved the way for victory, SSgt, SSgt Butler, move across to 201 Sig Sqn where he will be limping their way to the finish line just after 0730hrs on Tuesday taking up the demanding role of SQMS. His mentoring and morning; the not so oldies crawled across the finish line some expertise will be missed and we all wish him well in his new post. 45mins later. Also, prior to the formation of Bowman Tp, Sgt Davies left Mons Tp for pastures new. We would all like to thank him for his In total we raised in excess of €1500 and a big thank you goes support and send our best wishes to him and his wife, good luck out to all that not only participated but those that helped in the to you both in 16 Sig Regt. set up and support of the event. As for the rest of us, well the Tp is now embarking on phase one 211 SIGNAL SQUADRON BOXING TEAM – by Sig Bradley of Ex PASHTUN HORIZON, providing real life support to 3 Commando Brigade on Salisbury Plain Training Area. It was a long journey from the start of training to the ring. Some did not make it, with 20 starting the training and 12 finishing it, CORMORANT TROOP – by Sig Cobb but those who did all felt the hardships of training were worth it. OC 2Lt S McNeillie From the first day of training, our coaches, LCpl Hingly and Sig SSgt Sgt A Chalk Flynn, pushed us hard, pointing out that all our hard work would pay off later – “Train hard, fight easy” they repeated endlessly. Due to the Regts preparations for Op HERRICK 15, there has Our regime was simple: a run in the morning followed by either a been a massive shake-up of both the Regts personnel and of the strength circuit or boxing skill session over lunch, evenings were 211 Sig Sqn Orbat. We now follow a traditional 3 Tp model with taken up by sparring against our fellow boxers. In the official the troops being named after their role/equipment and what was fights the 3 rounds would each be 2 minutes, our sparring rounds now “The Mighty Alma Troop” is now “The Much Mightier were often 3 minutes long! The train hard fight easy mantra paid Cormorant Troop”. off though and after only a week or 2 of sparring everyone could see how much they were improving. The fights had turned from Following the Sqn moves, there have been a number of hellos tentative circling to aggressive, fast paced trading of blows. and goodbyes. We would like to say farewell and good luck to; SSgt ‘Smudge’ Smith, Cpl Burley, Cpl Sidorowicz, LCpl With the big day approaching fast strict weight limits were set at ‘Shaka’ Hislop, LCpl ‘Smiler’ Maosa, Sig Gemmel and Sig the start of training to ensure that the boxers fought in the lightest ‘Taff’ Rowe, who have all moved to other Sqns. Conversely we category, which meant everyone would have to loose between 7 welcome; Cpl Dave Timmis, LCpl Acquah, LCpl Bishoprick, to 9 kilos! The 6 weeks of training would take the majority of LCpl Stratton, Sig Boldero and Sig Taylor, who join us form these off and the tactic of last minute ‘’planned dieting’’ other Tps within the Regt. We would also like to welcome LCpl accounted for the rest. However for Sig ‘Dobbo’ Dobbins and Wilkes after his re-trade from Dvr Ln to CS Op, Sig Davis from Sig ‘Borris’’ Rudenko this was not quite enough and Sig Flynn 11 Light Bde and Sig Lundie from 14 Sig Regt (EW). adopted an unusual tactic for the night before the weigh in. On Over the past 2 months “The Much Mightier Cormorant Troop” the night of Monday 22 November training was halted for our two have been working hard providing comms assets for the battle “overweight” boxers and a trip to the sauna was in order. This camp, Ex PREMIER CHARGE, but also trying to partake in it too. worked a treat even if Dobbo had to reluctantly leave his We have sent manpower to provide real life support to Ex Speedos in his bag and bare all in his quest to loose that last kilo. PASHTUN HORIZON 1 and boxers for the Regtl Boxing night! It really has been quite busy. In the New Year the Troop will be After 6 weeks of dedicated training the day of the preliminary providing the majority of personnel for Ex PASHTUN HORIZON 2 fights arrived. For the boxers it was a mix of emotions; partly and concentrating on training all the new arrivals. nervous, partly eager to fight; partly relieved the wait was over. After the weigh in we all made our way to the ring, as yet unsure SUPPORT TROOP who we would be boxing. The fixtures were announced and the bouts began with a female bout between 211’s Sig Kim Taylor OC Lt K Hudson and 201’s Sig Watson. Unfortunately Kim did not win but it was SSgt SSgt S Middleton incredibly keenly fought and would set the tone for the rest of the day’s boxing. By the end of the prelims, 5 of 211 Sig Sqns After emerging from Ex PREMIER CHARGE victorious over the Boxers had emerged victors: Sig Davis, Sig Duckron, Sig enemy forces located on Haltern training area, the Sqn returned Eccles, Sig Gemmel and Borris; they now had to prepare for the to Herford and readied itself for the Regts restructure. With it, big night. 211 Sig Sqn undertook a large internal reshuffle with the Tp formerly known as Minden being reborn and christened Support Friday rolled around all too soon and the 5 winners prepared Troop. The Tp would like to say goodbye and good luck to all themselves to go into the ring once more, this time in front of the those that are moving across the Regt to prepare for the Op whole Regt. In what was a great evening’s boxing Sig Davis HERRICK 15 deployment; Sgt ‘Rocky’ Rokovada, Cpl Fong, beat HQ’s Sig Norman, Borris was beaten by a lucky left hook LCpl ‘Nav’ Naivalu, LCpl Abusah, LCpl Mee, LCpl Tann, LCpl form 201’s LCpl Day, Sig Eccles lost on a controversial judge’s Menyangbo, LCpl Gurung, LCpl Nicholson, Sig Burbridge and call to Sig Marshall, while Sig Gemmell beat 201’s Sig Fisher Sig Walker.
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 9 We would also like to welcome our 3 new arrivals; our new Tp known journey back to the UK. With team plans to be drawn up Comd, Lt Hudson, Tp Staffy, SSgt Middleton and MT Sgt, Sgt on the ferry crossing, the well motivated 7 man team got their Allen. The Tp is now looking forward to a month of Christmas heads down for as long as possible. festivities and of course no German winter would be complete without a little gluhwein. Upon arrival at the Ferry Terminal Lt Thorpe drew up the swimming order and FofS ‘Foreman of the Water’ Paterson 212 SIGNAL SQUADRON gave the team a ‘refresher’ on the rules of water polo. Only 5 of the 7 members had not played before. The following morning, a OC Maj Emmerson fresh faced team emerged from the changing rooms. After a SSM WO2 (SSM) Cattle quick warm up and some final team adjustments, jostling began for the best possible positions in the relay events. After a few HERFORD STATION BONFIRE NIGHT- by LCpl Willis exhaustive hours (that could be easily seen with FofS Patterson’s impression of a beached whale) and several poses This year’s Station bonfire night had high standards to live up to for the camera, 1 (UK) ADSR were awarded 6th place in the following the success in 2009. After several months of planning competition and lunch was called prior to the hard slog that is and preparation the week of November 5 was upon us and the water polo. admin team jumped into action. They began building a bonfire with wood that had been collected the preceding weeks from across Herford.
It was then time for every Signals soldier’s favourite task, the construction of tents of all shapes and sizes all over the sports field. With plenty of experience amongst the team this was well in hand and completed in relatively short time. Due to the fact the build took place a day early a guard force commanded by Cpl ‘Taff’ John provided security for the site and equipment over night, little did they know what was to come.
That night Herford was hit by a powerful storm with strong winds. The winds were so strong they had no problems tearing 12 inch tent pegs out of the ground as the 18x24 tents flew away into the top of the trees. Having been unsuccessful in re-securing any of the tents that night the morning left us with massacred tents and hour’s and hour’s worth of extra work instead of just the finishing touches, as had been the plan.
With this mammoth task ahead the team got stuck in with help from across the Regt and the reconstruction began. At some Sig Smith trying to stay afloat during the water polo competition points it seemed like we would never be ready in time with all of the previous day’s hard work wasted by the wind, not to mention Under the guidance of FofS Patterson and Sgt McArthur the the meters of plastic flooring to firm up the ground and protect team got in a bit of practice before the competition and footwear. However as Werrestrasse sports pitches began to fill, it discussed tactics and strategy. It was all a bit too much for Sig certainly took the form expected and was well worth the effort. Green who ‘shotgunned’ the position of goal keeper. It was a long but fun afternoon and the exhaustion after each match was With stalls provided by all Sqns it was clear that they all wanted visible across the team. to outdo each other. From 201’s tin can ally with burning Houses of Parliament as a backdrop to TM Tps Labyrinth of Terror. It’s However, each and every match was fought for and not a single amazing what you can do with a few rolls of hessian a couple of team member held back in their efforts to win. In the late tents and some technicians in monster costumes with terrifying afternoon, after a gruelling day in the pool, all of the teams surprises. There was, of course, the ever popular gluehwein stall returned to the gym for prize giving and the customary address provided by Sgt McArthur and the LAD. where the 1 (UK) ADSR team were delighted to have secured joint second place, a result that would buoy their spirits for the long The first event of the night was judged by the CO, Lt Col FE journey home. Hargreaves OBE for the best Guy Fawkes effigy which had been made by the local children’s clubs such as Beavers and Thanks go to FofS Patterson and Sgt McArthur for their taxi Brownies. After some minor communication problems between driving skills and expertise in the pool. Lt Woodman and LCpl Rimmer who was manning the PA system the winners were announced as 3 children from the REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE – by LCpl Andrews Beavers. The winning children had the honour of pushing the plunger and lighting the bonfire with a small explosion and a lot Lt Thorpe had been advised ‘just a couple of times’ on what flames. So with a bang the festivities began. Spectators were definitely needed to be accomplished this year. One was a bugler kept busy with traditional sparkler’s from LCpl Reid and food that could play the bugle, but also to ensure that everyone had prepared and cooked by chefs from JB’s. The night culminated the correct timings so the GOC didn’t arrive after the padre had in a music and fireworks extravaganza the likes of which has started. Sound advice. never been seen before in Herford. This year’s service took place at Harewood Barrack’s gymnasium. Apart from a little drizzle and a bit of mud the event was an even A crack team of techs were put through their paces under the bigger success than the previous year and this was due to the watchful eye of SSgt Mawson and Sgt Tuck so that the gym was hard work and professionalism contributed by everyone that tidied up. It was soon filled with blue plastic chairs, comfy helped from 212 Sig Sqn and across the rest of the Regt. officers’ mess chairs and carpet, all of which transformed the room into something suitable for a service. ROYAL SIGNALS SWIMMING AND WATER POLO COMPETITION – by LCpl Rimmer Two major tasks lay before the team – firstly to line the walls of the gym with acres of hessian, and secondly how to make the At daft o’clock on 22 November 2010, 1 (UK) ADSR swimming boxing ring look somewhat like an altar, or at least a stage. LCpl and water polo team embarked on the long and all too well Merlin ‘Magic’ Colverson and the team, consisting of 2
10 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 members from each Sqn, did a sterling job covering it in felt and produced a slide show display that played in the background that hiding the ring posts with size A0 Flanders’ Fields poems. You included members of the station lost in the last year. Sgt almost couldn’t tell it was ring… Egerton organised all wreaths, cards and with a helping hand from Mrs Gill from Lister school, the crèche.
SSgt Mawson added German and British flags to take the edge off the room and 2 large Union Flags behind the stage to surround the white projector wall. LCpl Andrews set up an eye catching drum head display with Union Flags and a representation of the cenotaph.
The morning ran well and without a hiccup, however Pte Saunders came close to performing a Klinsman goal celebration down the stairs of the stage. Padre Anderson and Reverend Eagles delivered a touching service that allowed Station members to partake in their act of remembrance. With an excellent turnout and generous donations from everyone, €1125.75 was raised for the Earl Haig Fund. Thanks go to everyone who attended and contributed to this donation. Thanks also extend to the Light Cavalry band and Bandmaster Capt Tony Adams who played the music during the service.
1 (UK) ADSR Remembrance Day Service After the service was concluded the CO and Station Commander Lt Col F Hargreaves OBE accompanied by several members of Padre Anderson kept close tabs on the developments adding the station paid their respects at the local German Reservisten. A ideas (extra work) to enhance the room, including an attractive curry lunch then followed at the Officers’ Mess, Warrant Officers display of flowers to line the front of the stage. Sgt Tuck and Sergeants Mess and RBL branch.
2nd SIGNAL REGIMENT YORK
CO Lt Col AR Knott MBE execution of every aspect of SFPTC activity. SSgt Hoggard has RSM WO1 (RSM) A Combe been on the main effort for the Ops Room in terms of maintaining situational awareness. He has been busy forging effective links SOUTER FORCE PROTECTION & TRANSPORT COMPANY with other Coalition Forces within Kabul and keeping a close eye (SFPTC) on the threat facing our troops every time they leave the wire. He has been making assessments on the insurgent activities which OC Maj M Fleming guide the decision making process for how and when we deploy SSM WO2 (SSM) D Roberts our Multiples and all other UK elements within Kabul garrison.
FOREWORD - by Capt T S Sekhon SSgt Stephenson’s focus has been on the local community around Camp SOUTER area. He has achieved excellent impact As we get over the half way point of what has so far been a very amongst the local population through Humanitarian Aid successful tour, it is worth reflecting on our collective experiences Distributions and setting up projects to improve local amenities and or accomplishments. Souter Force Protection & Transport for schools and mosques. This has improved the quality of life Company (SFPTC) formed up in January under command of Maj for so many people who otherwise would see no benefit of having Fleming and was tasked to prepare for deployment to Kabul in British soldiers within their areas. He has formed excellent links order to provide security to Camp SOUTER and protected with the local elders and together with SSgt Hoggard managed mobility for UK personnel. The company, made up of personnel to capitalize on these relationships and there is now very clear from Signalers’, Craftsmen and even a medic faced the challenge and positive dialogue between the locals and the Ops Room on of re-rolling into an Infantry Force Protection sub unit, capable of the security issues of the area. operating in a complex urban, Counter Insurgency (COIN) environment. Working as part of the Ops Room is the Signals Detachment, tasked within managing all radio comms within Kabul. Under the The pre deployment training therefore involved a significant watchful eye of Cpl Hoszowskyj the radio operators constantly amount of weapons, driver, medical and voice procedure training. monitor and track all coalition call signs operating on the ground Bringing all these skills together on tactical and testing exercises, within our AO. At times the ability to multi-task is essential as with assistance from subject matter experts ensured that SFPTC there can be anything up to 20 call signs on the HF net, whilst deployed best prepared to Afghanistan. The Company is others are communicating back to the Ops Room on various controlled through the Ops Room, which is manned by SSgts other means of communications, and the brew kit always requires Stansfield, Hoggard, Stephenson and me. We maintain replenishing!!! situational awareness of the area of operations and are responsible for coordinating all activity of the 3 multiples. The Multiples commanded by SSgt Morrison, Sgt Thompson and Sgt Dilchandra are supported by SSgt McBride and Sgt Whilst the OC is absorbed on long term visions, looking at the Porter in the MT department and a Military Working Dogs (MWD) bigger picture and coming up with ideas, it has been up to the detachment. The MT department is delivering a fine service for Ops team to make them into reality. We have been kept busy Kabul Joint Support Unit (KJSU). Managing the fleet of armored throughout the tour coordinating and implementing the activities military and civilian vehicles, they have enabled UK soldiers to be of the multiples and giving a focus to our efforts. I have been moved in the safest possible means around Kabul. Their very fortunate with the team in the Ops Room. Each individual expertise and professionalism has been commented upon by has made a noteworthy impact in their own respective areas of numerous high profile visitors and the internal auditors, who responsibility. SSgt Stansfield has been a key enabler acting as commented on the fact that the department can be considered to the Ops Warrant Officer, he has been critical in the planning and be the best MT in Theatre. The MWD detachment provides a
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 11 search dog and an attack dog for our patrols. The dogs are a daily basis. I believe they are amongst the best, most current consistently enthusiastic of their tasks and bring a great deal of and experienced on operations within the city. Conducting benefit to the security of our troops. The Multiples, call signs; defensive mounted and dismounted patrols, humanitarian tasks K10, K20 & K30, each consist of 13 personnel. These are the or even manning a sentry post in camp means our soldiers come soldiers on the ground who deliver the effects required. Whether into contact with the local population much more intimately over it is patrolling in the local area to deter insurgent activity, moving here compared to many other parts of Afghanistan. The effect soldiers and materiel safely from one location to another or that each soldier has over here is obvious and directly impacts manning the sentry and guard posts to secure the camp, the upon lives of Afghanis and soldiers and officers in Kabul. Every soldiers within the Multiples will be the ones charged with soldier has at one time or another felt a sense of achievement, executing these orders. A great deal has been expected of them frustration and even apprehension as result of operating so and to their credit each individual has risen to the challenge and closely ‘amongst the people’. I am sure many will leave Kabul delivered a very professional result. with once in a lifetime and profound personal experiences.
The Multiple commanders were tested throughout the pre A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A MULTIPLE - by Cpl Dave Driver deployment phase and have through the process, each managed to pass on a unique character to their own Multiples. SSgt A day spent carrying out the patrols tasks for SFPTC is always an Morrison’s Multiple consider themselves to be the ‘senior interesting and challenging one. Even whilst not on patrol there is multiple’, Sgt Thompson’s Multiple are the meticulous planners always plenty to be done, from cleaning weapon systems to of operations, whilst Sgt Dil’s Multiple tend to just get on with bolstering the security and search capability of the main gate. things. All 3 commanders have had to lead their subordinates However the main effort is the patrol task, which can vary from through a major transformation process, built strong teams and day to day. Anything from a mobile patrol in armoured vehicles have instilled an admirable level of mutual trust within their letting people know we are in the area, to foot patrols, interacting troops, which is paying dividends in the way each multiple is with the local population up close and personal. achieving its tasks. A foot patrol begins long before we leave Camp Souter. There Soldiers within the Multiples are the front line of defence of Camp are procedures and administration which must be carried out SOUTER. They engage with the local environment and people on prior to deployment. All this ensures the different assets which make up the patrol know what is expected of them. Typically there will be the Multiple members, the medic, the attack dog and his handler and also the interpreter. Once all these assets are gathered together a “flap” sheet is produced to ensure the Ops Room knows exactly who is going on the patrol. This is followed by a comprehensive brief, or set of orders, to ensure all involved know what the patrol will involve and the part they will play. Rehearsals will be carried out of the actions on various different possible incidents and all kit is given a final check before we leave the safety of Camp Souter.
Immediately upon leaving camp we come across our first obstacle, which can be heavy traffic, armed guards and the local population which in general can be made up of school children. As we patrol down the mud tracks and sandy roads with numerous housing compounds the locals carry on with their normal day to day lives. Their reactions to us vary from extremely positive to slightly negative depending on the area in which we are patrolling. Normal daily life is completely different to what we are accustomed to in the UK, for example, children as young as 2 or 3 dressed in the bare minimum playing on the busy main roads with nothing to amuse themselves with except the toys that have been provided by the coalition forces. The range of English spoken by the children here seems to be limited to “Mister Mister give me dollar, chocolate, water” which is very humorous for the K20 after a hard days patrol first 2 minutes, however, it becomes extremely monotonous after
Sig Thorpe and Sig Bikram Thapa relax Members of KSU/SFPTC at the top of Gharib Ghar Mountain after a hard days patrol
12 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 2 hours of them hanging off you as you patrol. The other flood wiring the building, to allow the staff to have the terminals in generations within the community will allow you to carry on with their new offices. Working from 2200-0800 the team resembled a your task but can be extremely demanding in certain situations. scene from “Day of the Dead”!! We were able to complete the installation within 7 days (nights), managing to finish the task Seeing how some people live is a real eye opener compared to ahead of schedule. how we live back home. Rubbish is disposed of anywhere except in a bin and sewage naturally drains from their It’s worth pointing out that due to the nature of the work done compounds straight onto the streets. As the patrol continues we here in Kabul that the guys were attending other faults during the are constantly looking for possible threats and everyone days when they should have been catching up on their beauty maintains a high level of awareness. The patrol can last sleep (which they really could do with!!). To their great credit they anywhere between 2 and 3 hours, covering anything up to 10km, set about all that was put in front of them without grumbling, not whilst carrying over 45kg per man in temperatures ranging from in front of the Tp SSgt anyway!! 20 to 35 degrees Celsius. REGIONAL COMMAND (SOUTH) SIGNAL SQUADRON Overall a foot patrol in this environment is a life skill that few people will experience or understand, however the satisfaction OC Maj J Jenkins and reward gained from doing them is something I will always SSM WO2 (SSM) S Maddox remember. OPERATION MOSHTARAK PHASE 3B - RC(S) TACTICAL MACE - PROJECT BLAND - by SSgt Stephenson HEADQUARTERS
Project Bland was set up 9 months ago by 16 Sig Regt in honour In most other contexts the task would have been simple enough of Sig Wayne Bland who tragically died whilst serving here in – deploy a tactical HQ in support of Phase 3A of Op Kabul. The project they started with was a small Primary School MOSHTARAK for 2-3 weeks alongside the District Support Team called Kujah Ruwash which is situated just under Sangar 4 at at Bazaar- e Panjwa’i. The catch – you’ve got a week, there’s no Camp Souter. The school was at home to around 400 children at equipment, and the known forward line of enemy troops is 300m the time and was in urgent need of repair. 16 Sig Regt received a from the likely site. This was the direction received by the Sqn on grant from the British Embassy. They then repaired all 8 29 August, and what followed is a testament to the best attributes classrooms and added a further two, this has enhanced the of the soldiers of the Royal Corps of Signals. Op MOSHTARAK school in order for 800 pupils to attend. Phase 3A was set to clear the insurgent strong holds of the Panjwa’i, Arghandab and Zharay valleys to the west and south- My part in this is to carry on the Project in honour of Wayne. west of city of Kandahar. Although Kandahar is synonymous as Since being here at Camp Souter we have managed to carry out the spiritual home of the Taliban and the insurgency that has many projects in the school including several stationary drops blighted Afghanistan, the movement itself started in a village (paper, books pens and pencils etc). Larger projects here have called Bazaar-e Panjwa’i some 30km to the west and the scene included a new well, giving the school and children access to of some of the fiercest fighting in the RC(S) Area of Operations clean water whilst they study. over recent years. Not in-coincidentally, this was chosen to be the location for Tactical Headquarters.
With limited direction on what was required and an empty stores cupboard, the Sqn set to task. Two days later, thanks to some liberal interpretations of the normal ideas of ownership, the stores depots located in KAF had kindly (and in many cases without realising their generosity) donated all that was required to build the Tac HQ, including 6 DRASH tents that Billy Smarts Circus would have been proud of; the loan of a US Joint Network Node and an ISAF Mini-PoP completing the package. All that remained was to work out how to put it together and get it there.
Sgt Dave Turnbull and his SSTs (LCpl Dion Domingo, LCpl Lauren McWhir and Sig Peck) first practice attempt at erecting the DRASH tents is best put down to experience. Even the able assistance (or should that be interference) of the Sqns 13 Offrs and WOs failed to produce anything that looked like the picture on the front of the 700 page handbook (and no, in true male fashion despite the protestations of the those more in touch with SSgt Stephenson with children at Kujah Ruwash their feminine side we had declined to read it). The advance party of the OC and the Admin SNCO, Maj Jack Jennings and However one of the greatest achievements is the new playground SSgt Stu Jones, deployed forward the following day to link up that I had built using charity money raised by all the soldiers in with Canadian battle-space owners, leaving the SST to master this area when they took part in the marathon in ISAF and Camp the newly named CRASH tents. Souter. The playground has been a complete success and the principal has stated that he now sees children at the school one On 5 September, in a text book demonstration of military planning hour early, instead of one hour late. This project cost $2300 and and co-ordination, (or it could just have been sheer luck) as the was built by a local construction company. wheels of the Chinooks carrying the main-body (Sgt Turnbull and his SST, WO2 (FofS) Jon Ford, Sgt Jay Bates, Cpl Ian Pirie, KBL ICS TP – NCC INSTALLATION - by LCpl Williams LCpl ‘Frankie’ Franklin and Sig Phil Barrett) touched down, the convoy carrying the equipment rolled through the gates. Much to After 9 of planning the green light was finally given to begin the the amazement of our American, Canadian and Dutch installation of the new National Component Command (NCC). counterparts, and not least ourselves, after 3 days of hard work The installation team consisted of LCpl Williams and Sig the Tac HQ was complete and ready to receive the Joint ISAF Nicholls. Due to the nature of the job all of the work had to be and ANSF staff team. undertaken during the silent hours. The first step was unfortunately a backwards one, with the team having to rip out After the early excitement of an Indirect Fire Attack on the HQ the years of “dirty lays”. Once this was completed we set about team quickly settled into their routine and grandstand seats for
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 13 the opening salvos of the operation. The OC, battle-scarred by and Australian volunteers from HQ RC(S) headed by WO2 (YofS) SSgt Jones use of a flash camera in the middle of a night-time Ross Thubron arrived at a freshly prepared pitch prepared (dust artillery bombardment, rotated with Lt Harriet Bell and LCpl with the stones removed) to uphold the Headquarters honour. Kirstie McDonald joining the SST. The Afghans taking things slightly more seriously arrived in full The success of the Tac HQ quickly attracted a host of visitors whites sporting the latest gear, and started as they meant to go including Gen Petraeus and Lt Gen Rodrigues with their Afghan on, winning the toss and putting their eclectically clad foes into counterparts. As Phase 3A came to a close ahead of schedule bat. What followed is unlikely to ever make it into the annuls of rather than a return to KAF for a hot shower and a porcelain international cricketing history, but it did bring a smile to the face moment, the Tac became the focus for the planning for Phase 3B of the large home crowd. With more ducks than a river bank in and the delivery of an Afghan led Orders Group. summer, the Corps cricketing legend Ross ‘First Ball’ Thubron was quickly followed to the club house by Philip ‘Hand-Eye’ The Squadron team was quickly reinforced with SSgt (FofS) Paul Maddox as the team collapsed to 76 all out (mainly from wides, Cadogan, Sgt Jay Bates and LCpl Mutambisi deploying and but who’s counting). the OC returning. A rapid transformation ensued of the SHURA Tent into a fully-fledged Briefing Room complete with scale terrain Gracious, given their almost inevitable victory, the Afghan team model and the military equivalent of live streaming outside toyed with the RC(S) hopefuls. Cautious not to make it look like a broadcast to allow the proceedings to be beamed into the Ops complete white wash they even lost 3 wickets in one over to Centre and across the AO. The expected hundred odd senior WO2 (FofS) Jon Ford – although bowling isn’t a word most coalition Officers, their Afghan counterparts and the local people would use for the technique employed. Even the Politicians rapidly turned into double that number, with the HLS questionable umpiring of Maj Ronnie Westerman couldn’t busier than the M25 on a Friday night. prevent the inevitable, and the claiming of a fourth Afghan victory over the British. With Phase 3B underway, the focus switched to the handover of the Tac HQ to the incoming 10th Mountain Division who, in line CNS KPRT - by Sgt P Colling with their national tradition have moved things forward in a bigger if not exactly better fashion. As this article goes to press the Tac During the past month the guys at KPRT have been kept relatively HQ is still going strong after 3 months, with the reputation of the busy. Manning the helpdesk, they provide a single point of Royal Signals, the Regt, and that of the British squaddies ability contact for the 100+ users in the HQ. We deal with a variety of to get things done regardless of the odds - as high as ever within problems from creating new accounts to fitting new machines the coalition. Invited to play a ‘friendly’ game of 20/20 cricket into offices. The helpdesk is run by LCpl Butler, Sig Seed and against the Afghan 205 Hero Corps, the intrepid band of British Sig Holdcroft. They are supported by our resident technical IS geek LCpl Hitch whose job it is to rectify any network problems and deal with any real geeky stuff. Finally the whole team is pinned together by Sgt Paul Colling who oversees the management of the network and looks after the welfare of the guys.
As we come nearer to handing over the workload has steadily increased, we are now spending a lot of time re-imaging machines from MS to Centrix which is the American version of our network. The lads on the helpdesk have also been busy batting off the staff when they demand their machines work straight away!!! To make things worse, 4 days before we were due to leave our location we were informed that the Americans would not be arriving to relieve us and we would have to hand our kit back to the Canadians. The job our guys have done here has been a quiet one, often without praise, however with no Americans arriving to provide support to the HQ Staff they will soon realise how much of an important and good job our guys have done. The handover is in full swing now and should be completed by the time you all read this. The guys are looking forward to getting back to KAF for some well earned PT before SSgt Jones assisting in planning with General Petraeus flying back to the UK to rejoin their families.
FOB WALTON/JRAC - by LCpl Hughes
Since the elections finished within Kandahar and the Comms were up and running in the JRAC, the tear-down of FOB Walton could begin! This is where LCpl Hughes 222 and LCpl Clayton have been working, alongside 2 members of 16 Sig Regt. The only thing to be left in place at our original location was the cross site fibre for the Canadians to use in the future. We tried to take out as much as possible and just leaving the mission critical Comms until the very last minute when the staff officers would make the move up to the JRAC. All the hard drives had to be removed from the MS terminals in order for them to be moved in the ISO container. Finally, a full serial number check was done prior to packing all the kit away to make sure nothing was left behind.
Upon arriving at the JRAC we had to turn an empty building into operational HQ, so we had tasks including making desks, chairs and even putting together beds for the staff officer’s accommodation! When we had finished putting the offices Lt Bell, Sgt Turnbull, and SSgt Jones of 2 Sig Regt with Gen together it was then time to install all the terminals at the relevant Petraeus Com ISAF
14 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 desk and make sure they would connect to the network. We Signals fashion and spirit. Similarly, our ICS Tp in Lashkar Gah were providing the same comms equipment from FOB Walton as managed to celebrate it under the direction of Capt Om Pun, the we were to in the JRAC, so as well as the computer side, we had Senior Gurkha Officer in station. to put up a TACSAT antenna on the roof and also work alongside the Afghans to help with their antennas and masts. Although we are all away from our family and friends, the celebration of Dashain allowed us to draw together in When we finally went live at the JRAC we provided similar comradeship and reinforce our relationships across the Brigade services to the staff officers that included mission secret phones of Gurkhas and amongst our ISAF partners. Dashain and terminals, the daily CUA VTC and fixing any faults that commemorates a great victory of the gods over the wicked occurred whilst powering up the equipment. To top it off we demons. We certainly claimed our victory over “Jonathan and installed a few TV’s for the Afghans which was no easy task as Edward”. the coax cable needed re-heading on several occasions as they had a tendency to cut the ends off!! LASHKAR GAR ICS TROOP
By the time you read this we will have moved out and handed The tour is already half way through but feels like it was just over the JRAC to 10 Mountain Division, U.S. Army. yesterday that the Tp had boarded a Chinook to Lashkar Gah from Bastion. Since the arrival of ICS Tp, the work and effort that HELMAND ICS SIGNAL SQUADRON - DASHAIN we have put in has been rewarded with much praise from the Bde staff officers. While the Transfer of Authority (TOA) has already OC Maj J Dagless been passed to 16 Air Assault Bde, the camp still sees many new SSM WO2 (SSM) Som faces arriving in the location every day.
CELEBRATION AT CAMP BASTION - 2010 The new Bde has arrived with bags of energy, enthusiasm and new ideas with its own way of running its business. This has Dashain is the biggest, longest and the most auspicious festival created additional workload to an already very busy Tp. The 24 in the Nepalese calendar. It is celebrated by the Nepalese people hour main gate duties that we conduct tripled during the Relief in of all castes and creeds throughout Nepal and certainly within the Place. With almost a third of Tp personalities on R&R, this Brigade of Gurkhas. This auspicious festival falls in the bright department is now running with the bare minimum number of lunar fortnight of September or October each year. A famous people required to cover essential duties only. story associated to this festival is the triumph of the Goddess Durga over the Demon Mahishasura who, in the form of a water The weather however seems to have cooled noticeably down with buffalo, terrorised mankind on earth. Hence the symbolic sacrifice the advent of winter. The Tp is still doing its utmost to maintain of animals takes place during Dashain. To mark this victory over its healthy regime by seizing every opportunity, albeit significantly evil there are family reunions, the exchange of gifts and blessings less than before, to visit the Gym. Everyone is looking forward to from the elders, profuse pujas, ritual bathing and animal their well deserved R&R breaks and counting their days to get sacrifices. back home. Our heartfelt thanks must go to our dearest families and generous supporters of ‘Help for Heroes’ back in the UK for In the Brigade of Gurkhas, Dashain is celebrated for 4 days, continuous supplies of morale parcels. though it is celebrated for 15 days in Nepal. The festival starts with a Phulpati on the first day, Kalaratri (Black Night) on the second day, Maar and an evening function on the third day, and SHAWQAT ICS DET finally Tika on the fourth day. Despite the busy schedules and huge commitments during our operational tour, we managed to This month has seen a hive of activity in FOB SQT. The main celebrate this auspicious festival in style. The main highlight of focus has undoubtedly been the TOA between 1 LANCS and 1 the Dashain festival was “Kalaratri”, the cookhouse in Camp Royal Irish BGs. This has subsequently resulted in the team Bastion was transformed into an amazing party hall, decorated working overtime creating new accounts and problem solving as under the direction of SSgt Bom. A big thank you goes to the the new incumbents outline their ICS requirements for the next 3 RCWO for his kind permission to use the facility. The main months. guests of the evening were Comd Bastion Garrison Gp Capt G G S Van Den Berg along with the JFCIS (A) Comd Team, US Army Showers and ablutions have greatly improved since we initially Staff Officers from Regional Comd (SW) and all “B” Echelon arrived. At the moment there are 6 builds providing a total of 18 personnel from 1 Royal Gurkha Rifles. showers, 9 Toilets and 9 urinals. There is also a new laundry facility. There is now a small Medical Centre with one Doctor and The atmosphere was lively and everyone was very relaxed, 3 Medics. As with most FOBs, one of the major problems is D&V. chatting and sharing their war stories. Around 2000 hrs, SSgt FOB SQT is no different and there always seems to be someone (SQMS) Kamal announced dinner was served and a delicious suffering from this constant ailment. There is a very respectable Gurkha curry followed. After dinner Capt Purna, the Senior cookhouse in the FOB that provides 2 hot meals a day, with lunch Gurkha Officer, was invited onto the stage to highlighted the being a ration pack meal. The chefs have recently started serving importance of the Dashain festival and the significant bread and soup as a healthier but less filling alternative. We achievements of QG Signals, particularly 246 Gurkha Sig Sqn supplement our lunchtime snack with noodles. throughout the year. Flights into the FOB are quite frequent now and mail arrives He also thanked the committee members for their efforts in regularly. Letters and parcels normally arrive in about 2 weeks. making the function so successful. Under the management of We would like to thank all those who have sent parcels for us Sgt Bhawani there followed a short cultural programme with over the last 2 months. The temperature is still around 40 performances by LCpl Sanjay, Sigs Bishal, Bipen, Dipen and degrees so you can imagine how we are dealing with this. The Santeshwor. In addition, solo pipe music was performed by main advantage of this is the ability to get as much tanning in as LCpl Nanda. Towards the end of the celebration there was a possible before winter sets in. Some members however avoid traditional “Khusiko Naach” which gave everyone a chance to this option so they are not accused by loved ones of simply being dance and eventually the dance floor became too crowded. here on holiday!
The final day of the festival “Tika” was celebrated 17 Oct 10. On JUNO ICS DET this day all Sqn personnel were assembled at the CP to receive “Tika” from our Senior Gurkha Officer, Capt Purna Gurung. ICS DET FOB JUNO consists of 4 personnel. Everyone in the Det Despite the hectic work schedule with the current operational is in good spirits and working exceptionally hard for each other to tempo we managed to celebrate Dashain in Bastion in a true QG give the best of support that we can provide for the Task Force
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 15 we support. FOB JUNO is located 18.2 Km north of Camp football. There are 2 internet terminals available in the welfare Bastion. Our accommodation is in porta cabins which also have tent with spare ports available for those who bring their own shower facilities and it is few minutes’ walk from our detachment. laptop. We have now started the cycle for R&R and this will help everyone to have some time away and recharge the batteries. FOB JUNO also has a top-notch gym with ample weights and running machines. Although we don’t have anyone set to Our rigorous cross training prior to deploying has been put to become Mr Olympia, we have been consistently going to the gym good use as individuals deploy on R&R and others are required to keeping ourselves physically fit and mentally alert. We would like step in and cover them. We have an awesome food facility and a to inform our family and friends back in Camp that we all are fine big 52” TV in the cook house which is popular for watching and looking forward to see you all at the end of the tour.
3rd (UNITED KINGDOM) DIVISION HEADQUARTERS AND SIGNAL REGIMENT BULFORD
CO Lt Col G W Wilson Christmas leave! The Sqn Christmas function has been and RSM WO1 (RSM) A Torrington gone, leaving everyone in the Christmas spirit and looking forward to the Cpls Mess function and Regtl Christmas Day. The Regt has been extremely busy over the last few months preparing for deployment on Op HERRICK in Jan 2011, providing Amongst all the MCCPs, packing and endless tour briefs we have continuing support to 3(UK) Div HQ and undertaking various other managed to get away on a week of adventure training to Capel activities from charity fundraising events to AT and the usual Curig in Wales. Despite the sub-zero temperatures everyone got Christmas season functions. All members are now looking stuck into all of the activities (including kayaking!). Unfortunately forward to a well-earned Christmas leave to re-charge ready for we managed to lose Sig Davison from the Sqn with a cracked the array of challenges next year will bring. vertebrae, he will be missed on tour. All that is left to do now is our final room inspections ready for the HO/TO on the last day 202 SIGNAL SQUADRON and any final personal admin points.
OC Maj W Cramer EXERCISE IRON ENDEAVOUR II – by LCpl Patmore SSM WO2 (SSM) Thisby On 21 November, 202 Sig Sqn again departed for Lydd range NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER IN 202 – by LCpl Dand camp, Kent, where for the next 5 days we would be taking part in Ex IRON ENDEAVOUR II; a live range package preparing us for PT in 202 has been getting increasingly difficult and more the upcoming tour frequent throughout the year in preparation for the upcoming tour. in Afghanistan. This worked to our advantage when taking part in this year’s Kiwi Even though the Trophy. The Sqn won fastest junior rank (LCpl Patmore) with an weather took a impressive time of 2hrs 31 mins, contributing to 202’s success in turn for the worse becoming overall champions. SSgt Gaz Lane put in a good effort and sub-zero and achieved a sub 3 hr time (not bad for an old timer) but alas temperatures he was still beaten by a girl, as LCpl Dand completed the race in kicked in, we were a time of 2hrs 54 mins as the fastest female competitor. ready and raring to get amongst Alongside normal work life we have packed the garages/Tp whatever the range offices, had our MTP kit issued, boxed up rooms and completed staff threw at us. a few fiercely competitive games of scrabble in the rest room. On Day One, just Although a tour of Afghan is looming, the Sqn are all excitedly to ease us in, we looking forward to what comes first; 3 weeks of much awaited check zeroed our weapons, then completed a confirmatory ACMT. In the afternoon we took part in the IBSR (Individual Battle Skills Range) with LCpl Shawn Merrigan working hard on the WO2 (SSM) March and Shoot Witham. This included firing from a variety of different positions, from ladders to holes in the wall! The range finished with a live patrol with targets popping up at various arcs and distances.
On Day Two, we had the automatic firing range from 25 metres which demonstrated very well why you should only fire short bursts or single shots. To complete the day we did the moving targets range which seemed to be an acquired skill, with accuracy improving over time.
Fancy dress for the Sqn Christmas Function. From Left to Right: Day Three was probably the most enjoyable, encompassing top- Sig Gurton, Sig Dawson, LCpl Kay and Sig Morton cover shoots, pairs fire and manoeuvre and a night FOB defence
16 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 shoot. On the final constant surprises. They took the groups over Mount Tryfan, day we conducted a Carndafyd, Carnlleywn, Llynogwen and an eventful finish through second FOB the ‘Cheese Press’ which Sig Brown and Sig McCurdy defence shoot and successfully managed to squeeze through. vehicle ambush drills. An Rock climbing was instructed by LCpl Smith, assisted by Sig improvement in Abel, and provided both challenging outdoor slippery rock and everyone’s indoor climbing. Again the weather was not in our favour and on individual skills and the odd occasion the outdoor climbing was not feasible. On the drills was noted whole, all the groups found this an enjoyable, challenging and a since Monday’s worthwhile expedition. IBSR.
The entire Sqn, 206 SIGNAL SQUADRON including myself, found the training OC Maj C Coleman we received that SSM WO2 (SSM) Witham week helped immensely, not only 206 Sig Sqn has had another busy few months, much of which with our confidence has been spent on various training areas. The successes on Ex in our weapon IRON RESOLVE and Ex IRON STORM have paved the way for systems but also our ability to perform as a Divisional Signal Squadron and have with our teamwork WO2 (SSM) Jim Thisby enjoying the last set us in good stead for the next 6 months while the bulk of the and trust in each sprint before the shoot Regt are deployed. other. EXERCISE IRON RESOLVE - by Sig Timms EXERCISE BUFFALO TIGER – by LCpl Sampson 206 Sig Sqn deployed on Ex IRON RESOLVE on 27 September to 3 (UK) DSR recently conducted an Adventure Training week in West Hill Farm, Salisbury Plain for 3 weeks. The first week was Bangor, North Wales. We deployed on Friday 12 Nov to partake the initial set up of the Div HQ. The first night was a late one with in a multi-activity week and most importantly, a recce of Bangor’s setting all the DRASh up all day; later on we were all tired and nightclubs. There were 4 activities set for the week; rock went to our 5 Star Hotel (the barn) where we watched LCpl Dan climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and hill walking. Mitchard trying to put his £14.99 camp cot together. He struggled for a while (without using the instructions) and then had The AT was organised by LCpl Smith who decided that as we to give up refer to the manual. After a very long first week the were tough enough, wetsuits were not required for kayaking majority of the Sqn enjoyed a nice weekend back in camp. despite the freezing conditions, therefore when it came to During the second week all the Staff Officers came out for a really kayaking, everyone tried to avoid taking part! As emotional as it good week in the field. We had very few faults throughout the ex. sounded, the majority of us ended up kayaking and actually During the third week we had the LCPD, which was really busy enjoyed it. However, one unfortunate group had the pleasure of with lots of briefs. The Sqn enjoyed the visit to each different performing the capsize drill instructed by Sig Merritt which was stand provided by different Regts and cap badges. After a very slightly less fun. If this was not enough to be put off, Sig busy period it was finally time to tear down and pack everything Thompson decided to show the rest of the ‘southern softies’ that away, but for the lucky few the end of Ex IRON RESOLVE marked the current cold snap was as good as the hottest day in Scotland. the start of Ex IRON STORM. Overall, Ex IRON RESOLVE was a He then proceeded to go swimming in little more than his huge success. underwear! EXERCISE IRON STORM – by Sig Timms Mountain biking was by far the most adrenaline pumping and nerve racking activity of the lot. The routes were highly exciting After 3 weeks on Salisbury Plain, a small group from the Sqn and difficult, with multiple terrain changes, drops, turns and deployed straight away on Ex IRON STORM up in Otterburn, bumps. where the weather was nice and cold. The DRASh was set up during the first day as we had no lights to work at night. Everything was then set up and the kit was laid out ready for the officers to start their ex. We then got the chance to go in a helicopter and have a fly around and see the sites of Otterburn. In our last week we had some very strong winds and heavy rain, with the DRASh ,which at this point was flying away, we had to hold it down while trying to re-peg it and getting very muddy. When it came to ‘tear down’, we had even more rain and it was even muddier than before. Some people started to get a little bit silly and had a little play in the mud. Once the ex came to the end we had a nice long trip back from Otterburn to Bulford, with a stop off at 22 Sig Regt on the way.
MONS TROOP – by LCpl Davies
Mons Tp, 206 Sig Sqn has been very busy since I first arrived here. The Tp has taken part in various activities from exercises to charity events. Firstly we deployed on Ex IRON RESOLVE on 24 September. Our aim as a Tp was to provide Cormorant trunk Mountain biking. From Left to Right: LCpl Sampson, Sig comms for the Div Staff to enable them to carry out their planning McCurdy, Sig Thompson, Sig Hunston, Sig Dawson ex. Despite the steep learning curve for some of the younger members of the Tp and many ‘technical difficulties’ with the The hill walking provided great views and was led by LCpl Cormorant equipment, the exercise was still a huge success. Patmore with his great navigation skills, assisted by LCpl Another challenging event that we hit hard was the Kiwi Trophy. Beckett. The weather for the groups varied daily, providing This is a strong tradition that 3 (UK) DSR have held for many
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 17 years. The Kiwi Trophy consists of a 14 mile march and shoot, a busy build phase, which involved setting up 2 locations for the (BEST EFFORT!), finishing with a trek up the infamous Kiwi Hill. ex. The OTES and JOCS systems were required and this was a So on 9 November, on a bitterly cold and wet morning we valuable training opportunity for the guys to work with systems paraded up on top of Kiwi Hill to take part in what would become being used on Op HERRICK. an emotional, but self-proving competition. Cpl Magar and LCpl Eland were head of the JOCS team while Sig Wacokecoke seemed to have forgotten both ear defence Sgt Powell and Cpl Paddon led the OTES side of things. Week and helmet, leaving her with a cheeky 5 hour time penalty before 2 saw around 80 Staff Officers descend upon the location for the she started, and a devastating session of brass picking the ex phase and an array of faults and issues were dealt with following day! The rain poured and the miles seemed to get professionally. The week involved many high profile visits longer, but we finished at the top of Kiwi Hill (which felt like the including the Bde Comd and CO, all of whom seemed impressed steepest hill known to man!). With all of 206’s great efforts; we with the professionalism of all involved. came a respectable second place overall in the event. In November, Main Tp returned to Warminster for Ex PASHTUN 258 SIGNAL SQUADRON SKUA; the second HQ JFSp(A) CAST ex of the year. We provided 104 Log Bde staff with a robust CIS network, with JOCS, OTES OC Maj J Knight MBE and VOIP, which also provided us with further training for our SSM WO2 (SSM) R Smith deployment.
It has been a busy few months for the Sqn, with STA and pre- deployment training as well as providing G6 support to CAST exercises in Warminster. In the midst of operational prep, time has still been put aside to continue with charity fundraising events and Tp development days. Many thanks to Sgt Bond and Sgt Shovelton, who organised an excellent Sqn function to celebrate the return of those deployed on Op HERRICK 12, and give those deploying in January a chance to let off steam after months of hard preparation. The Sqn are now ready to deploy after enjoying some well earned Christmas leave.
EXERCISE BEARS CASCADE
Over the period 01 - 05 November, 258 Sig Sqn took part in Ex BEARS CASCADE in Bramcote Station, organised by Sgt Smith. The purpose of the ex was a culmination of training to assist in the future deployment to Afghanistan. It was a week of military, tactical, individual and team building skills in order to build confidence in all aspects of skills which have been learned over the last few months.
It included a variety of subjects such as first aid training, mine awareness, helicopter drills, welfare briefings, rifle and pistol training.
Hard at work on the CAST exercises. As part of our training, individuals were volunteered to give presentations on selected areas of the ex, for example LCpl Beazley had to present on the structure of the CIS provision for the HQ and Cpl Matthews presented on the J1-J9 branches in detail. The aim of the presentations was to refresh people on the systems and build confidence in briefing Staff Officers. The week long build phase before the ex enabled us to get all comms in, working and tested, thus enabling it to run smoothly.
Sweeping for mines in the specially designed mine training pit in EXERCISE YORKIE BEAR Bramcote Station Over the period 29 Sep – 1 Oct, 20 members of Main Tp MAIN TROOP deployed to York as part of Ex YORKIE BEAR. The ex started with a tour of the famous York dungeons and was followed by a OC Lt C Jones haunted ghost walk through York city centre. Day 2 saw each SSgt SSgt P Chamberlain member of the Tp give an informative brief on a particular theme in York, ranging from Imphal Barracks to York Minster Cathedral. EXERCISE PASHTUN OSPREY and EXERCISE PASHTUN During the day, the entire route around the city wall was covered; SKUA – by LCpl Eland quite a feat considering Sig Ledger’s arrival to the Tp had been celebrated the night before with a few traditional York ales! Twenty-four soldiers from the Sqn deployed to Warminster in Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the ex and it made a welcome October to support 104 Bde’s CAST ex (Ex PASHTUN OSPREY) break from pre-deployment training. Well done to Cpl Kenyon on prior to their deployment to Afghanistan. Week one comprised of organising such a successful event.
18 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 was gathered which has been put together to enable the project to move forward. It was also a great opportunity for everyone involved to gain valuable map reading practice, voice procedure experience and interact with several other cap badges within the wider Army.
Overall the trial was a success and all the individuals came away with training and knowledge which will stand them in good stead for possible future roles out in theatre next year.
SUPPORT SQUADRON
OC Maj S Cross SSM WO2 (SSM) M Darby
SOUTER FORCE PROTECTION AND TRANSPORT COMPANY
OC Capt SR McGuckien MBE Members of Main Troop in York on Ex YORKIE BEAR CSM WO2 Manley KANDAHAR TO BASTION FUNDRAISING EVENT – by Cpl Lawless A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF SOUTER FORCE PROTECTION AND TRANSPORT COMPANY – by Sig Bates With Main Tps preparation and training for Op Herrick 14 complete, we made full use of our time by holding a fund raising Souter Force Protection and Transport Company (SFPTC) was event. This consisted of riding the distance from Kandahar to formed from across all aspects of 3 (UK) DSR in February 2010, Camp Bastion on one of the gymnasium’s exercise bicycles. The under the command of Sp Sqn. They are to take on the role of team took turns in relay fashion on the bike with high fives on the the provision of force protection to UK FE within the Afghan change over. Longest distance of the day was set by Cpl capital city, Kabul. The initial issue was that of real estate, with Lawless. The rest of the team helped out by packing bags on the the management element being based out of an office in the MT check outs and collecting donations. Dept, a 9’ x 9’ with a lone DII terminal. Not all the LSNs were filled from the onset, some were awaiting troops to be posted in, One casualty was sustained; Cpl Matthews, who endured but eventually over time the team formed from a wide selection of massive chafing to the groin region due to donning a Scooby Doo individuals and departments. costume. Cpl Graham provided costumes from his wardrobe/car boot. Over £3000 was raised and will be split between Help for First on the agenda was driving license acquisition, as all vehicle Heroes and The Royal Signals Benevolent Fund. In addition, platforms in Kabul are predominantly armoured, making Cat C many slabs of beer and doughnuts were donated to the Tp by licenses a minimum. All those without it were put through driver generous members of the public, much to the delight of those theory tests and hazard perception assessments; no mean feat. taking part! Besides driving there were many other aspects of training which needed to be addressed, from range packages to battle camps; we have covered it all. RADIO TROOP Due to ranges in the local area being closed for maintenance we OC Lt D Wall had to venture further, with Chickerall Ranges on the outskirts of SSgt SSgt R Gleave Weymouth proving a real hit with the lads. It is a holiday resort in summer; what more do you need? RADIO TROOPS DEPLOYMENT ON OP HERRICK – by Sig Bowie
As part of 258 Sig Sqns deployment to Afghanistan in January 2011, Radio Tp have been tasked with providing personnel to work on Project KESTREL. We will be widely spread across Helmand Province working on a project to migrate OVERTASK onto the KESTREL bearer system.
We deploy in January and feel ready to take on the challenges that await us after completing lots of training in both comms systems and soldier skills. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our family, friends and loved ones for all of their support.
BOWMAN TiGR TRIALS – by Sig McCracken
Several soldiers from Radio Tp, who are providing the KESTREL Surge Team, were sent down to Blandford to assist in testing TiGR over the Bowman HCDR network and its further integration with the OVERTASK system. Ridgeback Recovery
Although not the most interesting task for some individuals, it was A number of personnel were selected to represent the Regt at the a vital trial for further expansion of the passage of information 66th Anniversary of the D Day Landings in Normandy, where we within Theatre. Everyone involved had a chance to get their took part in a number of public parades to commemorate former hands on the TiGR equipment and a gain a good understanding soldiers of 3rd Infantry Division, who landed on those beaches of how it works and where it fits in to the ‘bigger picture’. In the back in 1944. 2 weeks that we were there we had an insight into the application and a basic understanding of how to operate it. Due to the It was particularly poignant as a number of veterans accompanied testing of the integration of the 2 networks, crucial information us on the trip. Some interesting stories were shared over a beer
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 19 or 2 and the reflection drinks we had at Pegasus Bridge will long live in my memory. In typical SFPTC style, only we could ensure there was some genuine entertainment on the parades. Sig Mitchelmore fainted on one parade and Sig Quinteros’ ring tone was a little too upbeat for what was supposed to be a sombre occasion. He soon realised the error of his ways when he was tasked with cleaning the toilet on the coach.
There was more success for the Tp back in camp were LCpl Rob Ford earned himself ‘Top Student’ on the PNCO course run by the 3 (UK) DSR Training Wing, with other members of the Tp also excelling. We were then tasked with providing RLS to 16X CAST/ CATT, not exactly what we will be tasked with once deployed I hope, but training value all the same with the daily run or tab from Warminster to Knook Camp. Everyone finished the week slightly fitter, especially as we managed to conduct our PFT along the Southern Transit Route, much to the annoyance of LANDMARC.
Other training events came and went over the following weeks, with driver training still happening in the background whilst the majority of SFPTC attended the Team Medics Course. It was during a HEMCON demonstration video where the sight of pigs’ blood proved too much for Sig Josh Cound, as he fainted in his chair! This provided a first ‘real life’ casualty experience for others to deal with! Summer slipped into autumn and the tempo of training was at its peak. A week living in FOB THORPE in Blandford, practicing mounted and dismounted patrolling techniques, proved to be a high-quality and informative week which ended in an all guns blazing final attack on the FOB. We then made our way to STANTA for our CFX under the watchful eye of the OPTAG team. Testing? Definitely.
UGL on the ranges year of training. The OC Capt ‘Mac’ McGuckien shared his final thoughts and thanked everyone for their efforts over the last 10 months. We’ve had plenty of laughs along the way, generally at the expense of Cpl John Mercer and Sgt McCrum.
Every member of the Tp should be rightly proud of their achievements and successes. For 54 individuals we sure made a good team. To summarise would be simple, 75 days spent in the field, 1,500 rations packs eaten, 35,000 rounds fired, many hours spent on stag, and all the time moaning about losing another weekend, as we board a coach to another training venue. What a QBOs at FOB Thorpe in Blandford journey...... It was highly resourced, planned and executed, with Maj Flemming (Current 2 SR OC SFPTC) advising OPTAG to ensure we received the correct training; Kabul focused, and delivered and pitched exactly at the right level. To have ‘Fast Air’ and PEDRO on call and never knowing when we’d have the next scenario involving Amputees in Action (AiA), certainly kept us tuned in.
Following the CFX was the M-CALFEX at Castlemartin in Pembrokeshire. The week covered a variety of shoots using a number of different weapon systems. The LMG gunners got plenty of practice, turning rounds to brass hour after hour. Yet again AiA made another appearance, the amount of medical training we’ve received thus far has been fantastic. Fingers crossed we’ll never have to put our new found skills into practice.
The excitement of using the LMG was too much for some which was evident as Sig Sam Surrell found himself in a pretty dire situation, having to change out of his combat trousers into Gortex bottoms and throw away his boxer shorts. (‘I’m sure you get the picture). The week drew to an end and in a way so did a hard Sangar Duties
20 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 7th SIGNAL REGIMENT ELMPT
CO Lt Col A Long happy hour at 5! Little did they know what lay ahead of us. At RSM WO1 (RSM) RD Heynes the crack of dawn we departed Pariser Platz and left the iconic Brandenburg Gate behind us following the double row of 229 (BERLIN) SIGNAL SQUADRON cobblestones that runs through the city centre to indicate where the boundary used to lie. It was only after about 500 metres that OC Maj M Muller RA SIGNALS we realised that simply following the cobbles would not be SSM WO2 (SSM) J Attwell enough as it tried to guide us into buildings and across the middle of main roads. It has been another busy period for 229 (Berlin) Sig Sqn. With us now responsible for the entire Regt’s Bowman fleet and its ICS Only a few miles into the ride we ran into a batch of efficient assets it has been a phase of consolidation and harmonisation German Police who had set up a checkpoint near the which now sees us preparing in full swing for our next main effort, Oberbaumbrücke which crosses the River Spree and who were Ex PASHTUN DAGGER. This ex is due to commence in early checking everyone had lights and correctly inflated tyres. At this 2011 and will see elements of the Sqn deploying to Salisbury point I was glad that I had rigorously enforced that all team Plain in support of 3 Cdo Bde MRX. Since our last update we members would have purchased lights and helmets, although Cpl have waved farewell to a number of key personalities including MacDonald-Gillies was picked up for having a ‘slightly’ too flat WO2 (SSM) John Love and SSgt (YofS) Wicks, we wish them all tyre! the best in their new postings. In their place we have welcomed WO2 (SSM) Jon Attwell and SSgt (YofS) Matt Krikorian. The Once we were outside the city centre the paths became much annual silly season is now approaching fast and will soon be clearer and we started to get some miles under our belts. By the upon us, we are now all looking forward to some well deserved time we reached Wannsee we were delighted to see Cpl Billy Christmas leave. Austin and LCpl Chris Urie, our admin team, who we waiting with our lunch, it was 1330 and we were about half way around. EXERCISE CHAINLINK BERLIN – by Lt Exell As the day progressed night drew in and the final stretch back It is hard to pinpoint exactly when the idea for Ex CHAINLINK down into the city centre seemed to last forever. We gathered BERLIN was spawned. It evolved as a result of some eager Cpls momentum as the Bundestag Building came into sight shortly wishing to raise some money for charity and a Troop Commander followed by the Brandenburg Gate. We were certainly an who was desperate to get some of the Sqn to Berlin for a visit. entertaining sight for the crowds of tourists who were still out and Ex CHAINLINK BERLIN emerged as we combined both these about as we dismounted our bikes bedraggled, limping and ideas, deciding it would be a great idea to cycle the 96 mile route swaggering like John Wayne. After 13 hours we had done it, where the wall used to circumnavigate West Berlin in aid of slightly longer than the initial estimation but completed SSAFA and then spend a day seeing the sights. In early Nov the nevertheless. team of willing volunteers began the journey up to Berlin. The next day we would be up early and heading down to the The following day saw us travelling across to Charlottenburg for a Brandenburg Gate to embark on the challenge. Some peoples visit with Mayor Thiemen the Mayor of the Charlottenburg- bikes looked decidedly more up to the challenge than others with Wilmersdorf district. The Sqn was granted the Freedom of Sig ‘Smudge’ Smith looking like he had dragged a bike out of a Wilmersdorf in 1994 so it seemed apt to pay a visit. We learnt skip and Cpl ‘MG’ MacDonald-Gillies looking like he was set for about the ties the Sqn had with the area and the parades that a gentle meander rather than a 96 mile epic. they had been involved in. From there we transited to the Olympic Stadium, close to where the Sqn used to be based. The eager amongst us were convinced it would be little more Capt Moore briefed us on the significance of the site and we than a stroll in the park with Capt ‘Racing Snake’ Moore and went inside for a look around in what turned out to be an awe Cpl Nick Piff anticipating we’d be back at the hostel in time for inspiring venue. The rest of the program involved a visit to the Commonwealth War Graves and then into town to see some of the pertinent sights. These included the Bundestag, Checkpoint Charlie and Potsdamer Platz with members of the Sqn giving briefs as we toured around.
The following day saw us returning to Elmpt, tired but content that we had achieved our aim of cycling the wall. All in all in was a great opportunity to get some of the younger members of the Sqn involved in learning about its history and the wider significance of the history of Berlin itself. Furthermore over €1000 has been raised in aid of SSAFA thanks to our efforts, a total which is continuing to rise as we speak.
MULTI-CULTURAL DAY – by Sig Clarke
On 10 December 7 Sig Regt paraded inside the station gymnasium, not for PT, but for something completely different. This was the date of the Regimental Multi-Cultural awareness day, a day designed to educate as well as to entertain and engage the soldiers and officers of the Regt as to the many cultures that make up the unit.
The day kicked off with a round robin of stands and areas, each specific to one of the 10 main cultures recognized as serving within the Regt; English, Irish (Northern and Republic), Scottish,
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 21 Welsh, Australian, South African, Nepalese, Fijian and Caribbean. Next up comes a much-curtailed silly season (shame!) before The audience were broken down into groups of 10 and worked some Christmas leave and a swift jump on the Kabul Express on their way around the stands spending roughly 25 minutes with the 7th of January. each cultural rep learning about the specifics of their culture; both the differences and more importantly the similarities! NCISS LATINA – by Cpl J Copland
The stands themselves were a reflection of the efforts put in by When we found out that we were off to Italy for a fortnights each culture, the highlight being a replica of a typical Fijian living course I was secretly quite excited. By this, I mean I whinged to room. This was followed by a cultural lunch in the all ranks mess Mrs Copland about being away and told her how rubbish it was which was by far the highlight of the day. Seafood from the going to be. Concurrently, I believed it was going to be a bit of a Caribbean, broth from South Africa, Welsh Rarebit and Haggis to “boys on tour” holiday for the lads. As it turned out, my initial lies name but a few of the dishes on offer. Needless to say there were came true. Gutted. a few over stacked trays in the dining room that afternoon. The fun began at Rome Airport after an awesome Ryanair flight of Post lunch the festivities continued with an afternoon of fancy. Looking forward to jumping on the reserved 15-seater, we entertainment. Not every culture could provide an ‘act’ as such were somewhat let down when our 15-seater appeared in the but those that did went all out in their efforts in doing so. Steel form of a Seat Ibiza and a Fiat Bravo. With two2 weeks’ kit for Drummers from nearby Dortmund came down to provide a the eleven11 of us (and two2 months’ kit for LCpl Reeves – Caribbean sound with some dancing and limbo to boot. On the you’d think a tech would understand a weight limit), this looked a subject of boots, Capt Elliot Moore, 2IC 229 Sig Sqn produced problem until SSgt ‘Mac’ McDonnell stepped up with his trusty an interactive dance lesson based on gum boot dancing, an age Visa. Latina here we come. En route we were quite surprised with old tradition from South African mine labourers. This was very the sheer amount of litter by the side of the road, very much on a well received and gave the Regiment the chance to stand up and par with Iraq. Having said that, we still figured Italy to be more get involved rather than sit back and absorb. The Ghurkhas and lethal due to the Italians’ unorthodox driving skills. Further Fijians both performed traditional war dances from their surprises came the following morning with those words no soldier respective cultures and on any other day it would have been wants to hear – “we don’t provide breakfast”. Things picked up called as a draw in terms of quality, but the Fijians just edged it later when the Royal Signals permanent staff included us in their by scaring the Year 4 children of Bruggen School half to death football sessions – we figured they were lonely and missed with their performance. interacting with the high calibre soldiers who permeate the Corps.
All in all the day was a resounding success despite the gloom The lessons were the standard death by PowerPoint peppered that the November weather threatened to bring to proceedings. with differing accents in each lesson in order to keep us on our A planned summer date for next year will provide a dynamic twist toes. We had even more fun guessing what was for dinner each to this event and should raise the bar even higher on what was a night – the safe bet was pasta, as it had been for lunch and quality day for the soldiers and Officers of 7 Sig Regt. would be again the next day. The weekend culminated in a sightseeing trip of Rome, which Cpl ‘Dip’ Malla circumnavigated 231 (BRUGGEN) SIG SQN three3 times over until he realised how to stop the Rome tour bus through use of the bell. On reflection, it really wasn’t too bad a OC Maj E R Warren R SIGNALS course – just a shame about the location –we wouldn’t SSM WO2 (SSM) D J Kidd recommend Latina for a holiday any time soon!
It’s onwards and upwards here at 231 (Bruggen) Sig Sqn. JOINT WARFARE CENTRE STAVANGER Deployment to Kabul beckons for the majority of us with a Troop(- – by Cpl L Miller ) deploying as an independent comms det to HQ ISAF and the main body to Kabul International Airport as the Communications In Oct we deployed on an MRX training exercise designed to give Support Team, all in support of the mighty IJC HQ. the staff of the HQ ARRC a chance to hone their skills prior to deployment. It was conducted at the Joint Warfare Centre in the Needless to say there’s been a big push on Pre-Deployment surreal surroundings of the Norwegian countryside. Luckily there Training courses for the lads and lasses, training on cutting-edge was a chance for a dedicated (read: available) few to deploy and comms kit in such exotic locations as Latina, Lydd, Stavanger assist in the build and training phase. In the role of CIS Helpdesk and… Elmpt. Of course, it’s not all satellites, IS and warm lecture we came across a broad spectrum of faults and taskings – and rooms – there’s been no escaping from the ever-present MATT the classic problem of the “Layer 8 error” – the chair/keyboard beast (below). interface.
22 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 Overall, Norway was full of surprises – notably the £8 charged for inconvenience resolved Sgt ‘Michelle’ Wells and her Telemech a sub-pint of beer. Needless to say we left behind a legacy to be gang were a whirlwind of activity and cables as they had to lay proud of – a US Navy SNCO who now knows how to make a fibre optic cables across the station site between MAIN and proper British brew! EXCON (a distance of some 3Km). The cross site lay was carried out under the experienced eye of Cpl ‘Thomo’ Thompson, who BASIC CLOSE COMBAT SKILLS took great joy in jumping in and out of all the ducts and wading in – by LCpl Smart and LCpl Mills some particularly foul water. However, he still finished the day with a smile on his face, especially upon completion of the third It was a cold November morning. The selected few who would cable being run through the ancient pit and duct system. parade at the armoury slowly appeared out of the mist. Eyes bloodshot, noses running, it was freezing and it was too early! At the same time as the cross site fibre being laid the IS and Tech Undeterred, we arrived at the Training Wing for the 3-Day Basic teams started engineering and building their servers; Promina and Close Combat Skills Course. Day one focussed on pistol Richelieu. This proved an extensive task to conduct particularly marksmanship, first in the DCCT, then to the 25m Range. It was when the software requirements for the exercise were constantly lucky we had the luxury of the DCCT or Sgt Lee Wilbor would changing/evolving. SSgt (FofS (IS)) Ambury led the IS side of have wasted everyone’s ammo by hitting everything but the life with her team putting in considerable hours throughout the target. exercise to ensure that the servers were built as required and that all user accounts were created and assigned. LCpl McKenna As usual LCpl Reeves was predicted to be a pistol ninja after his and LCpl Brissett demonstrated their eligibility for NASA telling everyone how great he was. In reality, the safest place programming whilst claiming at the same time to have bailed out was in front of him. LCpl Lodge started promisingly, but soon the exercise with their immense skills. Throughout all this the became as reliable as a fat kid in a cake shop. After a few hours SQMS SSgt ‘Gaz’ Proctor was busy building his G4 Empire and the groupings started to come together and we happily trotted off forging links with the ARRC Sp Bn and Station QM to ensure that to lunch safe in knowledge we would breeze the afternoons 25m we never wanted for anything. Range activity. After egg banjos and cream cakes we were back in “Tthe Wwing” preparing for some effective friendly fire. LCpl The second wave of the Sqn arrived 9 days later with the majority Reeves followed form by having to run back to his room for his of CS Ops who helped with the internal build of laying out the ear defendersce, only a week after leaving for OPTAG without a phones, laptops, printers and testing every terminal. The sleeping bag. This minor delay earned him the title of “daylight Installation Techs laid in the region of 15km of Cat 5e and Fibre thief” for the remainder. Once there and set up Sgt Wilbor Optic cable throughout MAIN to over 350 staff user terminals. surprised everyone by passing first time. “A grouping is 3 or The most entertaining part of the HQ build was when it was more bullet holes?” was his saving grace. discovered that there was too much ambient light in the CJOC, preventing the staff from clearly viewing the plasma screens and The second day started slowly with lots of revision on the Six projectors. More powerful projectors were brought in by Section Battle Drills, we think this was mainly due to four4 of the Hamiltons Contractors, but they were not sufficient. The gold Regiment’s Clerks (ahem, Combat HR Specialists) joining us. E, plated solution that was implemented was dragging tank sheets, eventually it was time to put the revision to use performing pairs held by ARRC Sp Bn QM, over the roof and draping down at the fire manoeuvre and then as a section, w. Which was a good job back to act as a light box. All this was achieved under the as it was bitterly cold again. Our visiting Potential Officer Selina leadership and direction of the OC, Maj Mayne, who got into a Buescher amused everyone and horrified the DS through the use climbing harness, took the cherry picker to the roof and enabled of some awesome French-style one-handed suppressing fire. the sheeting to go over the roof bracings. Get some!
The final day culminated with a confirmation patrol. Over the top of gunfire we could make out one of the enemy shouting “You stole my sandwich, I kill you!” which confused most members of the patrol including the DS staff and other enemy. Finally it was on to Vehicle Dismount Drills, with the DS staff picking the two2 smallest women, who just so happened to be the Clerks, as section commander and 2IC. The highlight of the day went to LCpl Lodge creaming in on the gravel, but good effort by him not to show how much pain he was in. We enjoyed the training and look forward to getting out on the ground trained-up and confident in our abilities. Cheers to the Training Wing!
232 (SINGAPORE) SIGNAL SQUADRON
OC Maj J Mayne RA SIGNALS SSM WO2 (SSM) D Mears
EXERCISE ARRCADE SPEAR 17 SEP – 24 OCT 10 – by Lt Craig Tee
With the build up to the ARRC deployment to Kabul in Jan 11 to assume the role of Intermediate Joint Command (IJC),Ex ARCADE SPEAR, the new and improved Ex ARRCADE FUSION, was planned to be carried out for HQ staff training prior to their MRX in Stavanger, Norway. The lead planning for the exercise was extensive due to the requirement for the Sqn to deploy from Javelin Barracks in Germany to RAF St Mawgan near Newquay. The lead elements deployed on 17 Sep 10 taking three3 days to drive in convoy across Northern Europe. Once on the ground the issues of working with civilian agencies came to light, as the MAIN HQ had to be rotated 180 degrees as they had not been given the correct orientation of the layout. With this slight The build phase Ex Arcade Fusion
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 23 The staff finally arrived and exercise commenced on 10 Oct 10. The final day was competition day; Delta Tp v Hotel Tp. This T, the usual complaints of layouts and adjustments were consisted of a timed tab back to Elmpt, CBRN dexterity and mitigated as all depts signed up to the layout prior to deploying. mental tests in the respirator test facility, grenade throwing The main issue was the staff/user lists did not correlate with who accuracy and a stretcher and burden run which finished at the actually arrived, or, where they would be working. 2Lt ‘Cramps’ top of hill 60, where we were all reunited with our kit and given a Adams had the joy of running the G4/6 service desk and was cold beer. All in all it was a challenging but interesting ex where inundated with request for changes for the first 24hrs. However, many of the Sqn were placed well outside of their comfort zones. with the initial issues of user logons resolved the exercise ran flawlessly with no outages, service failures or technical faults. SUPPORT SQUADRON
The CS Ops had undergone extensive application training to OC Maj A Burdge assist all staff with any issues there and then. When the exercise SSM WO2 (SSM) Reynolds finished it took just under 12hrs to tear down the infrastructure, account for all equipment and load the Pantecs and ISO CO’S RUGBY 10S INTER-SQUADRON TOURNAMENT containers; a sterling effort from all involved. The Sqn recovered – by LCpl Toduadua in good order with all personnel back in the gates on Elmpt Station by 24 Oct 10, having completed a very successful Friday 10 November marked the day of the CO’s Rugby 10s Inter- deployment back to the UK and enabled a good staff training Sqn Tournament. It was a day that filled our lives with memories, exercise for the ARRC staff prior to their IJC deployment. ones that most of us will always cherish (less those unfortunate enough to pick up injuries!). I, for one, was honoured to be part EXERCISE MAGIC SHEET – by 2Lt Sara Mitchell of the tournament and count myself fortunate to have been part of the successful event and the winning team. From 22-25 November 232 Sig Sqn deployed on to Elmpt training area in order to conduct its annual battlecamp. This was met As a participant I must express my gratitude to the organisers, it with anticipation and excitement as the details of the ex had been was a great opportunity for those rugby fans amongst us to kept under wraps by the directing staff. This lead to numerous represent our Sqns. All in all it was an excellent day with all the ‘horror’ rumours of what was in store for us in the week ahead. games being played in good spirit. It was also very inspiring to see some of the ‘old and bold’ members of the Regt donning The first day was an introduction into SERE where SSgt Smith their boots and showing that they were still eager to get involved lead the Sqn in teaching survival techniques ranging from how to and to play the sport. This included the likes of the Regt 2IC Maj build shelters from natural materials, create fire, kill and prepare Gray, Capt Dray (MTO), Capt Whitworth (UWO) and Capt Barr chickens for eating and purify water. The afternoon was spent (RAO), all of whom made a valuable contribution to the day carrying out familiarisation and weapon handling tests on the thanks to their experience and knowledge of the game. A special pistol led by SSgt Collins and mine awareness training with SSgt mention must go to Maj Burdge, OC Support Sqn, who didn’t Miners. That evening 6 volunteers from the Sqn slaughtered even have to put on his rugby boots for his presence to be felt on chickens which were made into tasty stews for dinner! the field, the sound of his voice was thundering from the sideline non-stop! Early doors Tuesday morning individual sections were driven to what we thought was crash gate 2, to begin an insertion tab in section strength to the nearby Arsbeck ranges. This was not the case; we were detained for a short period of time in a prisoner of war situation. After this specific items of kit were withheld from the troops and we then began our insertion to Arsbeck training area.
At the harbour area shelters were made and Cpl ‘Tis’ Tyrrell led a recce patrol which brought Delta Troop (led by 2Lt ‘First Week in the Regiment’ Mitchell) some vital supplies in the form of a ration pack which was divided between the Tp and devoured instantly. The following morning we moved to the other side of the training area and set up in a derelict house with a chicken pen containing 6 chickens. Whilst our new home was being Capt Moore leads the charge refurbished in the form of makeshift mattresses from hessian and foliage, Sig ‘Chicken Killer’ Tabaka wasted no time in preparing Sp Sqn won their first match against 232 Sqn with an impressive the chickens for dinner. score of 52-0. However the final, against 229 Sqn was not such an easy win and was much harder work. Sp Sqn were the eventual winners with a score of 19-5. Our team was fortunate enough to have some talented rugby stars in it, including Cpl Navokavokadrau, LCpl Naulago, Sig Bailey (our Skipper) and Cfn Tora, these guys really boosted our team and gave us a massive advantage. The day also gave the opportunity for some promising players to shine, namely Sig Mee and Sig Gladdy. Hopefully they will be encouraged to pick up a rugby ball and play in the future.
All in all it was not the winning that was the most important aspect of the day but the bond of friendship and the chance to work in a team with new and different people (as well as the time off work!) that mattered the most. It was a day for enjoying some good quality rugby and also created an awareness of the sport amongst people who may otherwise have never chosen to play it.
EXERCISE DIAMOND CANYON SEVEN – by LCpl Holland
Who wants to get gassed today. Sig Webster and friends thats Ex DIAMOND CANYON SEVEN began on 3 September with all who participating members meeting at the LAD at the unearthly hour
24 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 of 0430! Rather surprisingly no one was late so we headed off to Frankfurt Airport in order to catch our flight to Las Vegas via Philadelphia. After a long flight we finally arrived in Vegas at 1800 local time and, after spending the night there, we got up refreshed and headed to Zion National Park, Utah. The Zion National Park was where the ex would be taking place and we spent the first day acclimatizing to the heat and having lessons from SSgt Brown and Sgt Smith on the basics of hill walking and navigation. After lunch we headed down to the river for a dip and cool down, Sig Wilkinson also had the misfortune of watching as his flip flop float away down the river, much to the amusement of everyone else.
The next day we were up at 0600 for our first trek up to Angels Landing. This is described as one of the most thrilling and walks in the National Park, as well as one of the most popular. The trek follows a narrow fin which allows for magnificent views all the way to the top, as well as for sharp drops on either side. It was at the base of the ridge that the group split with SSgt Brown, Sgt Smith, LCpl Holland, Sig Armstrong, Sig Bailey, Sig Wilkinson and Cfn Gammack heading up to the summit. This was a grade one scramble and we all had a shock when we came across a sign saying ‘Caution Sudden Drop 1700m – Sudden Death.’ 7 Sig Regt LAD crossing the Zion Narrows Thankfully though we all live to tell the tale. The rest of the expedition included treks to The Narrows, The Subway (where After a short stay in Bryce Canyon we had a long drive to the Sig Taylor had a brief encounter with a rattle snake whilst in the Grand Canyon North Rim, our first trek was the Rim Trail which bushes) and finally along the East Rim Trail. It was here that our was relatively flat compared to the 2 previous parks. Sgt JSMEL, SSgt Brown, got ‘navigationally confused’ and took us a Stainforth managed to get hold of limited permits for the Rim to scenic route up some steep rock faces. Rim Trail which was a 22 mile over night trek from the North Rim to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Here we split down into Our next stop was a short drive to Bryce Canyon National Park 2 groups of willing volunteers and set off at sunrise for the 15 where the temperature dropped dramatically at night and we miles down to the base of the Canyon. We stopped at the Bright were all freezing. This encouraged us to get up promptly and Angel campground over night before setting off for the remaining head immediately out purchase some thermals. Whilst in Bryce tough 9 mile uphill trek out of other side of the Canyon. After 2½ Canyon we did the Sunrise to Sunset trail, The Fairyland Loop weeks arduous trekking we headed back to Las Vegas via the and Sheep’s Creek where Sig Taylor’s navigational skills took us Hoover Dam for a few days well deserved R&R before our long on a detour into Sheep’s Creek campsite. journey back to Germany.
10th SIGNAL REGIMENT CORSHAM
CO Major C P Crowther In parallel to the deployment of 2 x Operational Support Teams to RSM WO1 AN (RSM) Watkins Op HERRICK and an Electronic Counter Measures Advisor to Op TELIC the Sqn has completed Regtl Battle Camp, competed in 10 Sig Regt continues to fill the niche where others fear to tread the Lisburn Station Highland Games, sent a team of skiers to the and the following articles will give a flavour of the past few Corps Ski Camp in Austria and organised fund raising events for months. Each Sqn is unique in its role and challenges but all are charity and the Sqn Christmas social. bound together by the golden thread of specialist comms support to current operations. Whilst 241 Sig Sqn and 225 Sig Sqn have The Sqn would like to give a warm welcome to WO2 (SSM) John been concentrating on support to Op HERRICK members of all Love who arrives from 7 Sig Regt replacing WO2 (SSM) Si the Sqns deployed worldwide; the Falkland Islands and Brunei Kenny who has moved across the road in Thiepval Barracks to couldn’t be further apart (and not just in terms of climate). 209 Sig Sqn as their RQMS. Despite the focus of UK Defence on Afghanistan the other operations must not be forgotten; the contribution of 243 Sig Sqn Of all the activities the Sqn has been involved with over the past supporting the move of HQ Land has been like an operation itself few months a few highlights stand out. The performance the Sqn and the Sqn’s contribution allows the HQ to focus its energies on displayed at the Lisburn Station Highland Games was supporting those deployed. 251 Sig Sqn’s unrelenting march to exceptional. As a minor unit with little training and limited the beat of ceremonial duties and supporting UK Ops continues. manpower to select a team from the Sqn came a close 2nd overall. The Regt welcomes Maj Crowther as CO and would like to congratulate the outgoing Lt Col Copley on the birth of her The all-round effort put in by all is commendable, but of note was daughter Millie. Cpl Lee Hickman’s performance on the Tire Lift after LCpl Duncan “chickened out”, Sgt Joe Kerr, who continued in the Hammer Throw despite being seriously injured (man up Joe, it’s 225 SIGNAL SQUADRON [ELECTRONIC COUNTER only a nail pinch!) and the entire Tug of War team who were so MEASURES (FORCE PROTECTION)] good they won without even having to pull.
OC Maj RJ Craig Second only to this has to be the commitment shown by the SSM WO2 (SSM) J Love Christmas function committee who, under the stewardship of Cpl Lee Hickman and Cpl ‘Geordie’ Soppitt, entertained the nurses Yet again this period has been busy for the Sqn both in barracks from the Medical Centre with their Bikini Car Wash in the bitter and with our continued support to Op HERRICK and Op TELIC. cold – well done boys!
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 25 LISBURN STATION HIGHLAND GAMES – by Cpl Evans 241 SIGNAL SQUADRON
On 11 November the gym staff at Lisburn Station organised a OC Maj S Ing Highland Games competition. This was a station inter-unit SSM WO2 (SSM) P Belcher competition taking place throughout the afternoon. The events ranged from Wellington boot throwing to the caber toss. The first SQUADRON MOVE TO COLERNE. event of the day was the 110 yard dash with 225 Siq Sqn (ECM (FP)) being represented by Cpl Hickman and Cpl Pete Allen. 241 Sig Sqn has been a part of 10 Sig Regt since 01 Apr 2006, Both individuals did well setting us up for a good afternoon of but was previously known as ‘Lima Tp’ when the Regt reformed results. After this event proceedings were moved to the football in Corsham in Jul 2002. Later in 2006, Lima Tp increased in size pitch where the rest of the games would take place. and became 241 Sig Sqn, consisting of SHQ and 3 Tps: Lima, Kilo & Hotel, taking the previous troop strength of the Unit to the First up was the Welly Throw in which Sgt Kerr managed to current Sqn strength of 105 personnel. Each Tp takes on a nearly lose a nail in the process of throwing. This helped prove separate role on a 6 monthly rotational basis. what a dangerous sport this is and how courageous the Chief was to partake. The rest of the events, in true highland style, The roles consist of Ex Support Tp, which includes providing the then started to run concurrently with each other. Cpl Duncan was cabling infra for the deploying Bde’s MST series of exercises, all set for the tyre flipping contest until upon seeing the size of cabling for Div exercises, as well as providing troops at readiness the tyre he decided he would struggle and so wimped out of the to support the Nuclear Accident Response Organisation. Another contest paving the way for Cpl Hickman to fill his place and Tp will be providing IAs and IRs to various enduring posts on ops complete his second event of the day. Both he and Cpl Butcher and around the world. The final rotation is the Ops Tp, who put in strong performances with Cpl Hickman coming in second. provide Instl Tech surges to Op HERRICK. The Sqn also has a The Caber Toss can only be described as throwing a small huge commitment to support CPO with surge team deployments telegraph pole. Cpl Hatch and Cpl Harpham threw themselves to PJOBs, Overseas Garrisons and other areas within the CPO into this gaining another respectable result for the Sqn. The Shot AOR. Putt saw strong performances from Cpl Tunca and Sgt Carlisle, despite some poorly timed encouragement/banter form the In 2007 a planning agreement was confirmed for the crowd. re-development of Corsham sites with a multi-million pound re-build. During the later stages and somewhat later through the The last individual event was the Hammer Throw, which was not physical development, it was revealed that due to the expansion like the hammer throw we all know. The aim of this task was to of Lima Tp to 241 Sig Sqn, there would not be adequate throw a sledge hammer over a bar as many times as you could in accommodation or office real estate for us within the new build. a set time. Leading from the front on this task was Cpl Evans After many meetings and lengthy discussions it was finally and Sgt Kerr, both recording good scores that pushed us up the decided that the only option was to move the Sqn from Corsham results table. The last event of the games was Tug of War. Due to to co-locate with 21 Sig Regt in Colerne. an odd number of teams partaking we managed to get a bye, so even though the team was ready to go they never had to pull a Work is currently being undertaken at Colerne to re-furbish living rope in anger. The final trophy presentation took place in the accommodation for the junior ranks single living-in members and station Gym and 225 Sig Sqn (ECM (FP)) came second overall; also a new office space for SHQ and the Tps. The single living-in but more importantly we beat 209 Sig Sqn. So all in all it was a SNCO’s shall remain in Corsham and be accommodated in the highly enjoyable and successful afternoon for the Sqn. new Joint Services Combined Mess until further notice due to limited SNCO Mess accommodation at Colerne.
It has been and still is a testing time for the Sqn with the impending move having the dates being pushed back for various reasons. We still maintain full operational effectiveness of the unit with surge teams currently serving out in Afghanistan, and due to deploy again in the very near future. The Sqn is also in support of the H14 MST series of exercises, despite having packed the stores and running with the bare minimum resources. The unit is now prepared to move at any time in the near future before the Christmas stand down period. By the New Year 241 Sig Sqn should have moved and be back to normal in our new home at Colerne.
FREEFALL SCORPION - by Sig Joseph Jones
On 20 Sep 10 a select elite few from 241 Sig Sqn went to Weston-on-the-Green for a week of parachuting led by Sgt Mark Vinten. Everyone was geared up for the week’s jumps but the bus seemed to get quieter and quieter the closer it came to arriving at the camp. On arrival we were split into 3 syndicates mixed with RAF, Navy and some students from Loughborough University. Before we could get in the air we first had to carry out a day of ground work to get to grips with the skills and drills of malfunctions and what to do if you needed to pull your reserve parachute.
Tuesday morning, and everybody was up early ready to be pushed out of the plane for the first time. Sig John Knight was up all night flapping and required some reassurance from the rest of the boys. The first syndicate was sent up and they were back down on the ground within the space of about 5 minutes with beaming smiles on their faces. Each time a subsequent syndicate went up there was an element of ‘body-popping’ in the Sgt Kerr putting maximum effort into the Hammer Throwing event door, which was funny until it was you with nothing but an open
26 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 241 Sig Sqn on Ex FREEFALL SCORPION door between you and a 3500ft drop. The buzz of jumping out of previous experience. The HRF was due to be handed over first, the plane for the first time was immense and everything you so we made that our primary building for connecting to the NER. learnt just seemed to flood back to you, apart from flaring at the We worked in 2 teams, one starting on the ground floor and the right time: most flared at 6ft from the ground, which was funny to other on the first floor. We were about 3-4 weeks in to the build watch as the parachutes then dragged them along. As the week before we started pulling the backbone cables, all to the main progressed everyone started to get the ‘hang of it’, and a few NER and cross site links to the ESF hanger. The ‘snakeway’ people started dummy pulls before the week was out. worked well as we had to manoeuvre past other facilities such as electrical containment and air conditioning pipes. We used steel On Thursday night we went out on the town as there was no galvanised trunking in the higher reaches of the hangers to get jumping on Friday. Some of the older boys like Sgt Paul the internal cables to wall outlets. This was no easy task and Grabowski struggled with the drinking pace and left early. The took a day out of work to be trained on the Genie (scissor lifts) for SSM WO2 Paul Belcher kept up though and came back to Yates the galvanised trunking to be installed. for karaoke where he tried to stitch up the lads by putting our names forward to sing Robbie Williams’ “Something Stupid”. Once the containment was installed we started pulling in the internal copper and fibre cables. The route from the hanger floor This backfired when one of the lads realised and changed the to the server room was awkward as we had to go through the name to the SSM’s; he took it in good spirit and tore up the attic, through the dance-floor, setting off the other guys to sing some cheesy rock first floor to the songs. Friday morning came round and so did a few sore heads, ground floor and finishing off a cracking week; a week out of work and a fantastic through 3 rooms week’s training. before reaching the server room. ESS SURGE TO OP HERRICK by LCpl Dale Malarek As soon as all the cables were pulled On our recent surge to Op HERRICK, the 10 Sig Regt Installation into place we set Surge Team, made up of Sgt Richards (IC), Cpl Kemble- to terminating. Stephenson (2IC), LCpl Price, LCpl Malarek, Sig Maddams, The backbone Sig Toner and Sig Stubbs (30 Sig Regt) were to install a fit-to- cables were purpose build in the new Equipment Service Support Facility spliced, which was (ESS) hangers on Camp Bastion. These 2 hangers (Equipment troublesome as we Support Facility (ESF) and Heavy Repair Facility (HRF)) are 140m were in the long and 3 stories high, making it the Regts biggest project of the dustiest country in year. the world and all the internals were Once the team got their bearings and a quick walkthrough of the terminated using site and plans from the CPO Planner, the scale of the job began hotmelt ST to dawn on us, as we knew we’d be a man short for the connectors. After remainder of the tour (Sig Toner was detached to another everything was operation). The first week we collected stores together and terminated we decided the best method of getting the black, blue and red tested all cables into place. We were using a new form of containment installations before Sig Maddams hiding or working? called ‘snakeway’. LCpl Price took the lead with this as he had setting on to the
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 27 fire foaming. There wasn’t much experience between us all on and Co-ord nets for this critical event. Elements from the Sqn are fire foaming but we made the best out of a tough situation. Once deployed at various locations across Central London, including done and happy, we had about 5 weeks left and set about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Horseguards Parade and installing the ESF building. We thought we weren’t going to be the Westminster Clock Tower (Big Ben), in order to coordinate the completed on time because the handover date was brought critical timing elements. forward. The ESF would now be handed over before the HRF hanger. But as all ‘Mechs’ understand – we just worked harder! With the culmination of the winter season, 638 (London) Tp said a fond farewell to Lt Graham, who goes on an AAC attachment for Both hangers had their problems. Sig Stubbs tried to get home 2 years, and SSgt Owen who is posted on promotion; everyone early by cutting his hand, Sig Maddams was a one man wrecking at 251 Sig Sqn wishes them the very best for the future. machine with the unfortunate ability to fall through everything he stepped on, LCpl Price and Cpl Kemble-Stephenson had the Not to be outdone, 1 and 2 Sig Tps have busied themselves with inability to see walls whilst driving the scissor lifts and the less the Royal Signals Inspection Team paying its first visit to the Sqn. said about LCpl Malarek prepping fibre with a samurai sword the A great effort from everyone on the shop floor ensured the better! experience was as painless as possible and the equipment was presented in very good order. However, we learnt from our mistakes and the ESF hanger went a lot more smoothly and was finished with a few days to spare, Always keen to do our fair share of Charity work, the Sqn will be much to the quickly growing pleasure of Sgt Richards. embarking on a gruelling endurance based challenge in the New Year in an attempt to raise funds for a local centre which provide 251 SIGNAL SQUADRON essential support to adults with mental illness. This has meant a lot of canvassing across local business and Woking Town FC, all OC Maj JTD Wright of which have been happy to help. SSM WO2 (SSM) Gronn With the annual appearance of Pudsey, the Sqn raised £477 As always, the Sqn has had a busy period since the last Wire through a cake baking contest which saw the OC, Maj Wright, entry with activities varying from State Ceremonial events to and the Ops Offr, Capt White, take on the persona of MasterChef charity fund raising. November was a busy month for 638 judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode in the Baking contest. (London) Tp in particular with the State Visit by the Emir of Qatar The star prize was won by non-other than the Ops YofS, SSgt to Windsor Castle and the Tp providing the comms nets essential (YofS) Thomas, although questions were asked as to whether it for such a high profile event, the Lord Mayors Show where the Tp was him or his better half who actually made the cake… again provided the comms nets for all security and coordination issues. Finally, the Sqn held its annual Christmas function which was organised by Sgt Thomas. The event went superbly well with The Remembrance Sunday Parade at the Cenotaph is the final everyone having a fantastic time. This was hampered slightly major occasion in the winter ceremonial season and sees officers with some horrendous singing on the karaoke, but all in all the and soldiers from across the Sqn deployed to provide all Comd event was a success.
11th (ROYAL SCHOOL OF SIGNALS) SIGNAL REGIMENT BLANDFORD
CO Lt Col JAL Vosper the freezing cold!). It has also been observed that 11 (RSS) Sig RSM WO1 (RSM) M Yendell Regt must be doing something right somewhere, as it seems that everyone wants to visit us and see how (and what) we are doing! REGIMENTAL UPDATE – by Capt Jim Boyden In the past few months we have hosted visits by the Libyan, Life in the Regt continues at an absolutely frantic pace with the French and Omani Armies, No 1 Radio School, AFC Harrogate, CO’s theme for the forthcoming year being both civilian and Comd 1 Bde (des) and the DCOS branch of SOinC(A). Lest we military instructor development. This was kicked off with a series rest on our laurels, we have also sent a team to look at the of personal briefings from Lt Col Vosper who somehow managed training delivered by ATFC Winchester and they have returned to urge the Regt to work “harder, not smarter!” Of course he with some excellent ideas to further contextualise our training soon corrected himself. delivery. Socially, the HQ Offrs Mess has held both an excellent Trafalgar Dinner night attended by many of the Officers from the The Regtl 2IC, Maj McCorry has had a frantic few days with a Regt, as well as the bi-annual DCCIS Dinner Night. surprise OFSTED inspection in late November, the outcome of which cannot yet be released, but suffice to say that the positive The WOs and Sgts Mess took part in equally exciting Battle of outcome is testament to the hard work of all training and support Britain and Oktoberfest Mess Nights. The Gurkha community in staff throughout the Regt (and the 2IC wasn’t sacked!). On behalf the Regt has celebrated Dashain and Tihar in style and everyone of SOinC(A) we have run another PD19 Selection Board and yet is looking forward to the usual round of parties before we all more capable potential instructors have been identified to fill slots stand down for a thoroughly well deserved training break over at Phase 1, as well as here at Blandford and Corps Recruiting Christmas! jobs. Finally, our congratulations must go to WO1 (RSM) Yendell on On the sporting field the Regt continues to excel, with a wildly his successful selection for LE Commissioning and the Offrs successful Inter Sqn Boxing Tournament (just narrowly won by 3 Mess have accordingly stocked up on delicious red wine for him (Harrogate) Sqn), followed up by an equally successful Charity to celebrate with. Boxing Night. Members of the Regt are currently both organising and taking part in the Corps Ski Camp in Austria and we have With such a wide range of activities going on, not including all the also hosted the Corps Cross Country Championships, assisted Sqn activities detailed below, there is very little scope to ever be with the re-launch of the Blandford Tower 10 Cross Country run bored. If you’re a high quality soldier or officer and you’re looking and the last CO’s Run of the year was celebrated in typically for a new challenge, have you thought about applying for a flamboyant style with all ranks taking part in fancy dress (despite posting here?
28 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 1 (OUSTON) SQUADRON thoroughly enjoyable week and an absolute pleasure to work with our Canadian counterparts. Hopefully this will be one of many OC Maj M Moulton CD Canadian Army Signals visits starting with a return visit so we can sample life in the SSM WO2 (SSM) Foster Canada, join the queue Mechs!
EXERCISE MAPLE OUSTEN 29 NOV – 03 DEC 10 – by SSgt Sankey
A last minute call to arms from Maj Moulton OC 1 Sqn saw Ex MAPLE OUSTON 2010 successfully take off on what proved to be a very good week enjoyed by all. The first ex of its kind saw 18 members of 1 Line Sqn, Canadian Forces Joint Sig Regt (Line Dogs) deploy to Cable Systems Section (CSS) in Blandford on a joint personnel development ex in order to interact with “God’s Trade” - the Installation Technicians, outside of the theatre environment.
To reduce costs, as the Canadians are affected by T&S like the rest of us, they had a flight routed for Germany to drop them off at RAF Brize Norton; however all did not go to plan! The Great British weather played its part on making the trip a little more interesting when RAF Brize Norton was closed due to ‘a light dusting’ and they were diverted to Prestwick in Scotland! A 12 hour train ride to Salisbury and bus to Blandford pushed all training to the right by a day but did not deter the enthusiasm of 1 (Ouston) Squadron and their Canadian counterparts on a sunny all those involved. Blandford Day
The meet and greet and trade overview highlighted great 2 (CATTERICK) SQUADRON similarity between both parties and the tour around the training facilities proved a interesting piece with lots of questions and OC Maj J C Maynard MBE answers brought to the fore. The end of the first training day was SSM WO2 (SSM) A Fraser the Monthly CO’s run with a fancy dress theme. Santa Claus (Lt Col Vosper) gave the orders to go and the masses deployed BEAUFIGHTER TROOP across the camp in sub zero temperatures! WO Frederic Lavoie of 1 Line Sqn took 1st place overall with SSgt Chris Sankey in OC WO1 P Jenkinson 3rd representing CSS (where were all those young trainees??!!) Tp SSgt SSgt M Lee
As our guests had come all the way to England we decided a trip A PHASE 2 TRAINEES PERSPECTIVE OF LIFE IN 11 (RSS) SIG to the local curry house to try the nation’s favourite dish was the REGT – by Sig Watkins best bet and was thoroughly enjoyed by all, although Vindaloo is not advised on your first trip! The snow came down thick and My name is Sig Watkins and I have been asked to write a short fast and with all taxis unable to get up Black Lane the Tp also column on how I found my time so far in the Royal Signals here had the joy of walking in the snow from Blandford with only the at Blandford. I have been here at Blandford now for the last 3 beer inside them to keep them warm! months and when I first arrived here I found myself shocked on how easy I found it to settle in! The second day was used as a chance to get in the pit and duct and a bit of PLOH cross-training with the facilities in the CTA The structure of the camp is similar to Pirbright where I spent my being greatly appreciated with the conditions outside! That Phase 1 but with more freedom and the added bounce of being evening was the Charity Boxing match between 11 (RSS) Sig given more responsibility. The mentality you have in Phase 1 Regt and 11 Trg Bn REME, a hard fought contest and a carries over into Blandford, giving a good level footing to start thoroughly enjoyable night. Again the drinks were flowing and Phase 2 – you are always applying the “must have” skills you Maj Szumlanski and his team were overjoyed when they have recently learnt. identified the Canadian Signals flag and were presented with a plaque and medals to commemorate their visit in the main ring by The prime example I have to date is the Gordons Cup in which I the CO. took part in when I first arrived here. I thoroughly enjoyed being pushed through my paces to compete with my peers on not only Day 3 demonstrated increasing bonding within the groups a physical level but on a mental one as well. The second especially when after a demonstration on pole top rescues, 2 example was the Trilateral Games. Although I didn’t get to members of CSS attempted to climb the poles Canadian style compete, I was a part of the event supporting my fellow using spikes. This highly amusing spectacle saw Cpl Craig Signallers. Both the events give you the chance to represent your Larkins struggle his way up the pole, heckled all the way. Sgt Tp, Regt and Corps, whilst competing at an inter-Sqn level and at Gaz Jordan was then challenged to do so and found it was as Corps level. They bring great rewards such as confidence, not as easy as it looked! After a brief visit from Col Hearn (Comdt teamwork, courage and self-satisfaction, which I believe at this DCCIS) Maj Szumlanski gave a very interesting overview of how stage of training to be very important to instil in yourself and the Sqn worked at home, the fact that they were flat out others. completing projects all over Canada highlighted the opportunities we as a trade group are missing out on and it was more like a You quickly learn your way around Blandford and become recruiting video with all instructors and students suitably comfortable with your surroundings knowing that excellent impressed. instructors and hand-picked NCOs are always there to help with any problem that may arise. Being taught by both military and Fish and Chips for lunch and a project overview from Sgt Clint civilian instructors brings a wealth of subject knowledge, covering Sherratt followed by a tour around the Corps Museum saw the everything you need to know to complete your job to the highest ex come to an end. The week finished with a couple of beers as standard. a group and a welcomed parting shot from MWO Steven Base presenting his own 1 Line Sqn T-Shirt to SSgt Chris Sankey, this I felt straight away that I could relax in my environment and start will be mounted on the wall in CSS to commemorate the visit. A to focus on my trade and form life-long friendships in the safe
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 29 knowledge that everyone was in the same boat as me. This RHINO TROOP incorporates the age old saying that “a happy soldier is a good soldier”. OC WO1 G Padfield Tp SSgt SSgt S Riste Blandford also offers an extensive array of sports for soldiers to participate in on a daily basis which helps bring a healthy balance PHASE 2 VISIT TO LAND COMBAT POWER DEMONSTRATION of learning, having fun and keeping fit. The various sports give - by Sig Wright the opportunity to find something you’re good at and build confidence. These are the types of skills you are able to carry On 05 Oct 10, personnel from 2 (Catterick) Sqn had the privilege throughout your Army career. The staff are second to none and of attending the Land Combat Power Demonstration in are willing to bend over backwards to help you train, write Warminster. It was pretty awesome and we did have a lot of fun! programmes and set you up with various ways of keeping fit. We were given the task to produce the cheesiest photo by Cpl Bernie Wilson and Sgt Toni Ingoe with the promise to have a Although I have only spent 3 months in Blandford, I have found day off. The stalls ranged from the Apache helicopter all the way myself in a way I never thought I would have. I have found that down to a prayer room. I will give you a little insight as to what the Royal Signals was everything I hoped it would be and more. I our day was like. have the highest expectations of the Royal Signals. I look forward to my future learning, growing, developing at my trade We saw an L118 light gun. The 105 mm gun has a maximum and becoming a valuable member of the Corps. I truly look range of 17.2km and is capable of firing 6 - 8 rounds per minute. forward to everything the Royal Signals and the Army has in store The weight of the light gun is 1.85 tonne. I put this in as I didn’t for me in the near future. know anything about it and found it really interesting. After perusing the artillery we moved on into the deep dark boundaries IRON TROOP of the armoured vehicle.
OC Capt C van de Merwe My personal favourite was the Jackal. We liked this as it had Tp SSgt SSgt S Wellstead mine blast protection composite armour and an array of firepower available, such as the 7.62 GPMG, 12.7 HMG and the 40mm EXERCISE CATTERICK COMPASS GMG. This monster weighs 7 tonnes and surprisingly can hit 80 – by Capt Caren van de Merwe mph!
On 06 Nov 10, 48 Phase 2 soldiers from 2 (Catterick) Sqn After walking around the 50 or so stands it was time for deployed on Ex CATTERICK COMPASS a navigation and team something to eat. We entered the RLC tent where we were work development ex. The weekend started with Ex LOST expecting to see some chunky chefs and greasy food but to our LEADER which saw sections of 8 Phase 2 soldiers with a member surprise we were presented with Gourmet Burgers! Just before of Permanent Staff deploy out on Salisbury Plain Training Area to we had to leave I had the honour of sampling the port-a-loos. test their navigation skills. Each leg was led by a Phase 2 and These boxes really do make you appreciate the wonders of the ended with a command task. Cpl Towers of Rhino Tp took on 21st century toilet! the challenge with great enthusiasm, running the entire course. Overall the day was really good and we enjoyed walking around Saturday night brought the Individual Night Navigation Ex, which all the different stands. A lot of the lads who were there had was competed with varying degrees of success. An important recently returned from an operational tour, so having a little chat lesson in administration was learnt by a few individuals who with them was also very interesting. There were robots and forgot their head torches and had to complete the ex by the light computer simulators for the Javelin where we had the chance to of a cylume! On Sunday the Ex moved across to Bramley blow up tanks. It was good to see how it all works and gave us Training Area where the Phase 2s and Directing Staff all took part all a better understanding of different weaponry and equipment in a round robin of Clay Pigeon Shooting, a High Wire Confidence used today on current operations. Course and quick fire presentations. The Syndicates took great pleasure in literally knocking Capt van der Merwe and SSgt Si I believe that I, along with Sig Brimelow and Sig Ward deserve Wellstead of their 15m pedestal during the high wire course. Sig the day off with the amount of effort and enthusiasm we put into Fiddler put everyone else to shame with his clay pigeon shooting the task at hand! prowess and in spite of 2 replens at the local shop the Café at the Clay Pigeon Club could not satisfy the appetite for Hot Dogs! During the quick fire presentations Sig Marshall also educated us all on the uses of a pork pie holder in Super Hero costume design...
Capt van der Merwe is finally knocked off her perch. 2 (Catterick) Sqn trainees enjoying the day
30 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 BOWMAN OPERATOR TROOP was finally completing my tandem skydive. The feeling was just amazing! I had been one of around 50 to volunteer to raise £400 HSIO Bowman Mr G Reynolds and complete a sponsored tandem skydive for the Army HSIO Procedures Mr F McDonald Benevolent Fund ‘The Soldiers’ Charity’. As the day progressed, Tp SSgt SSgt S Hutson as we waited our turn, we watched the others all safely make it back down. With big smiles across their wind swept faces they The addition of the PIKE course has increased the workload would excitedly tell us how much of an adrenaline rush they somewhat in Procedures Section; however this does not mean experienced, and how we would love it. that any emphasis has been taken away from the A&P Christmas Function 2010! We’d like to welcome back Mr. Findlay Throughout the day though, we had several weather stops, where McDonald and Sgt Lalit Thapa; an induction course has been all jumpers were grounded because either cloud cover became booked for you both…Santa Claus has less time off than this pair! too thick or the wind picked up too much. However, the most we had to wait was half an hour before the jumps could continue. However, Bowman Equipments Section has been fairly busy, far to busy for Tp PT! Organising and completing MATT training has Then my turn came along with Sig Matt Lewis and Sig Prag proved a well timed distraction from the daily routine. Finally, Tmang. We were all harnessed up and introduced to our tandem congratulations must go to Sgt Dave Nix and Sgt Andy instructors before we made our way to the plane. One by one we Williamson on the receipt of their LSGC Medals. climbed in, sitting between each others legs so we could all fit. Suddenly, take off! 3 (HARROGATE) SQUADRON The adrenaline pumped and our faces dropped, there was no OC Maj M A Solomons MBE turning back now. Slowly the plane circled and climbed to SSM WO2 (SSM) R Luke 5,000ft. At this point our instructors began giving us our final pre-jump brief. Before we knew it we had reached 10,000ft, only EXERCISE HARROGATE SINK OR SWIM – by Cpl Hickey 3,500ft until we would depart the plane. I glanced over to Sig Prag Tmang, who I sensed was just as nervous as me. This was We met at the Corps museum at a dark, chilly and early 0630 hrs until the instructors started talking about the drop zone. They for transport to HMS EXCELLENT in Portsmouth. Once loaded couldn’t see it due to thick cloud cover, therefore making it onto a crowded 17 seater minibus and car, Sgt ‘Granny’ dangerous to complete the jump. The pilot was then requested Groundsell did a quick head count and we were merrily on our to land. The disappointment was unbelievable after getting so way. On route, I believe SSgt Kev Young did his best to keep close to completing a skydive. McDonalds in business by eating all the remaining breakfasts. Unfortunately, those of us in the cheap seats (the mini bus) did Another day was set for 8 Oct 10 and our excitement grew as this not get a chance to stop for breakfast as we were stuck at a was also the date that 7 of the waiting jumpers were due back constant 62 mph! On eventually arriving at HMS EXCELLENT, from exercise. Fortunately we were cleared for it and came back Sgt Groundsell did his best to get us lost on the camp, by taking a few hours earlier. With weapons to be cleaned, kit and every known back alley and dead end in the hope we would find equipment to be returned it didn’t give us time to get excited. the Damage Repair Instruction Unit (DRIU). Still in need of a shower we all felt rushed, even more so when we found out our transport was waiting for us. After 3 rushed We walked into the reception and were greeted by some of the hours and a few tantrums we were on our way to Netheravon to staff and instructed to go into a safety briefing. From there were see if the weather would go in our favour. Then our names issued our wet kit and shown around the DRIU and then given a appeared on the screen and it still it did not seem worth getting further safety briefing. You could feel the anticipation and nerves excited over. Briefly hanging from my instructor out of the plane I starting to build. Nervous chatter about possibly drowning and could see for miles it was brilliant. Then I was instructed to look injury seemed to be the main topic, especially around the shorter up to my right and at that point we departed the plane and whilst members of the team as we had been told the water could get up falling backwards I watched the plane glide away. It was epic! to 5 foot deep whilst the ship would be rolling. Interesting! After We then began falling to the ground. What an adrenaline rush as the tea break we mustered within the upper deck of the ship you see it getting closer! You can also see the tandems that went around the tool room. After a quick pre-recorded scenario was before you open their parachutes. All too soon, your parachute blasted over the ships loud speaker system, all hell broke loose. deploys. I was immediately greeted by a stream of freezing cold water blasting in my face at 120 psi through the door on trying to Including the other 54 jumpers the whole Ex SUDDEN DROP escape from the holding area. From there we headed to our raised over £12,000 for the Army Benevolent Fund ‘The Soldiers’ respective lower decks to plug the holes in the ship, but when we Charity’. Some of the volunteers who jumped on the 2 days had opened the hatch to investigate, there was roughly 5 ft of water never even been in a plane before. Every participant in the event to swim through and acclimatise to. It was cold! agreed that is was one of the best experiences they have had in their lives so far. My first task was to plug a hole in the floor. Sounds easy – “not a problem” I thought. However try doing this in a ship with roughly 110 tonnes of water smashing into you and with the ship actually rolling from side to side it is not an easy task. After being forced under the water several times by my task buddy, I eventually plugged the hole. Every man and woman in the team got wet, got cold and wet again, but we all walked out of there with a smile and a sense of satisfaction. The whole thing probably lasted 25-30 minutes, but seemed like 10 minutes. Apart from the extremely cold water, it was a very enjoyable experience and put into perspective what the Royal Navy possibly would have to do some day - not an enviable task in a real time situation. Many thanks to the staff of DRIU for an excellent experience from all of us at 3 (Harrogate) Sqn.
EXERCISE HARROGATE DROP 2 – by Sig Bush
I watched as the plane peacefully glided past, hurdling backwards WO1 Watson presents a cheque for £12,000 to Miss Kirsty Irvine at speeds of 120mph with a stranger strapped to my back. I of the Army Benevolent Fund Team
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 31 SWANAGE REMEMBRANCE PARADE SUNDAY 14 4 (MILITARY TRAINING) SQUADRON NOVEMBER 2010 - by Sig Buck OC Maj D Ashton Waking up the morning of Remembrance Sunday is normally a SSM WO2 (SSM) R Love moving experience as I would normally watch the parade on the television with my mother, but this year I was asked to attend the GORDONS CUP COMPETITION - by Sgt Sykes Swanage Parade with fellow soldiers from 11 (RSS) Sig Regt. Twice a year, 4 (Mil Trg) Sqn run a military skills competition, The In my No 2 dress, highly polished shoes and a poppy in my peak Gordons Cup, for the Phase 2 soldiers to compete in. On this cap we all entered the coaches for Swanage. On arrival we were occasion the Junior Command Training Team (JCTT) ran 2 stands, given a brief from the OC Sqn about the importance of the day, one consisted of a land rover push over 200 meters, where the and how proud we should be as Remembrance Day is not just for soldiers had to collect several heavy burdens to complete the the people that died in all of the previous wars, but for the task. This was run by Sgt soldiers we have in Afghanistan now. We were then separated ‘Ali’ Sabiston and Sgt into 3 Tps of 30 soldiers and asked to follow the veterans on Robin Rai. I ran a vehicle parade through Swanage High Street until we reached St Mary’s contact drills stand. As Parish Church where the service would be held. As we marched the Phase 2 soldiers people were on the pavements cheering and wishing us luck. complete a lot of extra This made me feel so proud, not just for us, but for the veterans military training and all of the soldiers before us that have died in combat trying to concurrently to their trade keep us safe. training, the standard of their drills was higher than We filed into St Mary’s Parish Church for the 1500hr service. The might be expected for youngest member of the Sqn was asked to lay the wreath for us; guys and girls of their she was followed by the Police Service, Air Ambulance, Brownies experience. It was also a and several others. As the service began I noticed a lot of people good opportunity to that seemed to make St Mary’s Church an annual event and had expose them to some of attended the service on Thursday 11 November. The Reverend the kit and equipment we spoke of the unknown solider, of the goings on in Afghanistan are lucky enough to hold now and of the courage everyone has shown. This was followed within 4 (Mil Trg) Sqn. In by hymns, prayers and the Last Post, during which the flags were this case I was able to raised and lowered, as we stood to attention throughout to show make use of the SNATCH our respect. land rovers we use on the CLM courses, allowing the After the parade, we formed back up into our Tps and marched Sgt Sykes look on during the vehicle guys to provide effective back through the high street behind the members of the British drills stand top cover from a real Legion and made our way to the memorial where the wreaths operational platform. would be laid. All in all about 25 wreaths were laid as the Last Altogether it was a very successful and testing day and all those Post was again played, the flags lowered and again raised and who completed the day should be proud of their efforts. we as a full Sqn of 90 stood to attention and remembered the reason we were all there. RSJCLM EXERCISE JUNIOR COMMANDER - by Sgt Shackleton The whole experience was emotional as most of the people attending the parade either know someone who has been lost to The JCTT run 10 Ex JUNIOR COMMANDER’S, the final ex on war, or is serving in Afghanistan now. This made the parade a lot RSJCLM, per year. It was interesting to use a new training area, more real (to me in any case). As we left the memorial we were as we have recently moved the final ex from Bramley to Lulworth invited to the British Legion to meet the veterans and have a Training Area, reducing travelling time from 3 hours to chance to hear tales of their days. approximately half an hour and gaining back valuable training time. One of the most attractive things about the move to We finished the parade by exercising our right as a Sqn to march Lulworth is the fact that the area is riddled with rivers and through the town in the Freedom March, which started at the streams, a point the students were not as excited about as the memorial and ended at the British Legion. This time we marched course DS. The old grenade range the course would be as a full Sqn and were again cheered and applauded by the operating out of is a bit of a step backwards from the purpose pedestrians. Overall the day had been an emotional one, and we built FOB at Blandford, which the guys operate out of during their were all proud to be part of the parade. Hopefully next year I will shake down ex. We made the most of the field defences we are be part of it again. able to install and increased the amount of sandbags we would normally deploy with, enabling the course to make the most of
3 (Harrogate) Sqn SHQ at Swanage on Remembrance Sunday One of the SNATCH leaving the base location
32 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 the austere environment they found themselves presented with. Corps Pipe Major, SSgt (PM) Jimmy Scott SQMS 4 (Mil Trg) Sqn, Again they weren’t as excited at this prospect as the DS. The 11 (RSS) Sig Regt and LCpl Tam Coleman of 21 Sig Regt (AS) move did prove to be successful as the area lent itself very well were hurried through the visa process to be ready in time to fly to the serials we use during the ex (and yes, we did make the over for the start of the games. Much to their dismay they were most of those streams and the ex was all the better for it). It is flown across on an Emirates flight via Dubai with a free bar on good to know that in these times, when it is so hard to gain the board which they took full advantage of! use of quality training areas, we are able to find one so readily available on our door step. Upon arrival in India things got off to the worst possible start with no transport there to collect them. After finding a taxi and NATIONAL 3 PEAKS CHALLENGE - by Cpl Sean Howard watching the driver balance their bagpipes and luggage on the roof they set off to the hotel in the centre of Delhi. As this years Regtl Charity was the ABF ‘The Soldiers’ Charity’ I decided to organise the 3 Peaks Challenge and volunteer the PNCO Training Team, SSgt Matt Lane, Sgt Ronnie Cuthbert, Sgt Damber and Cpl Prakash along with OC 4 (Mil Trg) Sqn, Maj Dan Ashton.
Leaving Blandford at 0745hrs on 30 Oct 10 we departed for Kinlochleven. After 11hrs we arrived at our destination, and first on the agenda was the pub, where we finalised our plans.
We couldn’t have asked for a better start at 1000hrs on 31 Oct 10 as the sun was shining, everyone was full of motivation and looking forward to the whole event. As we progressed up Ben Nevis and our legs started to feel a little strain the views alone made you drive onwards and upwards, and before we knew it there it was the summit and the reward was the weather the peak was covered in snow and the view was immense. Quickly we began our decent and off we went to Scafell Pike. Typical British traffic instantly began to cause worry as the journey took longer and longer and time ticked away. Arriving in the dark and a little tired, we promptly began our assent up Scafell Pike, trying to gain some of the time we had lost due to travel (probably the The Pipe Major taking in the sights worst journey of the three). The visibility and track were poor but with a mixture of navigational skills from Maj Dan Ashton and The hotel accommodation was second to none and both settled Sgt Ronnie Cuthbert we made good time. in quickly to their new surroundings with a complimentary massage in the hotel health suite. Work soon came their way The final peak, Snowdon, with morale high we began the assent however with the arrival of Scotland’s First Minister Mr Alex in darkness again constantly watching the clock. With tired legs Salmond. The pipers played each day in blistering heat for we were all focused on the end result and no more mountains. various high profile engagements with the First Minister and also As the sun began to rise we paused to take in the magnificent for the Scottish Athletes when they won medals. There were a scenery, then reality hit us, we still had a lot to do! So off we couple of mornings of down time where the pipers managed to went. Finally we reached the summit and again the views were get out and about on the traditional Indian rickshaw for a tour of beautiful and after a quick break we set off back down. the colourful sights of both new and old Delhi.
Reaching the bottom in a time of 23hrs 26mins was a massive The 10 day tour was an opportunity of a lifetime for Pipe Major achievement for all those involved. Looking back I think we all Scott and LCpl Coleman and despite a dose of ‘Delhi Belly’ for agree we would like to take this challenge again (at a better time the Pipe Major, both fully enjoyed the experience. They were of year) and improve on the total time. presented a set of cufflinks each by the First Minister in appreciation for all they had done over the 10 day period in support of the Scottish Government and Team Scotland. They also had the opportunity to meet some of the Scottish Athletes and were treated to a drink by the BBC Sports Correspondent Jill Douglas.
Members of the Corps Pipes and Drums are busy all year round playing at high profile events representing not only the Corps but the Army on a worldwide stage. They finished the year off when Pipe Major Scott and Sig Motherwell performed for HM The Queen and other members of the Royal Family at a State Banquet in Windsor Castle. The Pipes and Drums always welcome new members irrespective of experience. Interested volunteers should contact SSgt (PM) Scott on 94317 2986.
COMMAND TRAINING GROUP
OC Maj B White The Team COMMAND INSTRUCTION WING - TC78 WIRE NOTES
COMMONWEALTH GAMES, DELHI, INDIA The training cycle continues within Command Instruction Wing - by SSgt Jimmy Scott, Corps Pipe Major (CIW) as courses come and go leaving their mark (or not) on Blandford. We have recently said goodbye to Troop The 2010 Commonwealth Games was held in Delhi in October Commanders’ Course 77 (TC77) as they make their way off in to and 2 of the Corps Pipers were selected to go out as the official the ‘real world’ of Regts and Sqns, and we welcome TC78 who pipers for Team Scotland and the Scottish Government. are now a third of the way into their course.
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 33 THE TIME HAS COME - by 2Lt Drew Houlbrooke mark but despite a tremendous effort from the Lions, the French outfit – which contained several players with Super League It’s here! Amazingly, amidst a lot of time off for sport, some experience – proved to be too strong and finished winners with a shaky early mornings and many lectures from visiting stars, TC78 score of 24-6. I was subbed on to the field of play with 25 have found some time in the last 3 weeks to throw themselves minutes to go and made the most of getting stuck into the French into the Landrover Based Training Aids (LBTA) and learn about the side with some strong tackles and powerful runs. Bowman radios. I was honoured to have been picked to represent Great Britain The work will come to a head over the next 2 weeks in 2 distinct Community Lions and I have taken a lot of new things away from phases. Firstly, the course has this week started to write and this experience. I look forward to passing on some of this deliver comms orders, including a thorough estimate process, on experience when playing for the Royal Signals and Army rugby Ex RICH TAPESTRY. This involves using all that we have learned, league sides in the next season. coupled with the planning tools available, to come up with a comms plan that will work over a specific Area of Operations. The LBTAs are brought into the mix to see if the plans we have come up with will actually work.
Phase 2 will see the course deploy to various local areas on Ex FIRST GLANCE. This is not to cause havoc but to gain an insight into the running of a comms cell when not in the relative comfort of the classroom. With the weather closing in the course are expecting some significant challenges and so plenty of questions are being asked of the DS while we are all still warm and dry!
The course is going well, so far, and we are all looking forward to getting more ‘hands on’ with the kit over the coming weeks.
REPRESENTING THE GREAT BRITAIN COMMUNITY LIONS - by 2Lt Tom Howley
Between 21-26 Nov 10 I had the honour of travelling to France to represent the Great Britain Community Lions (GBCL) rugby league team, taking time out of the Troop Commanders’ Course in order to gain representative honours. I had been selected off From the left: 2Lt Tom Howley and Cpl Colin Maragon REME at the back of a successful Army and Combined Services rugby the end of a training session at the Stade Albert-Domec. league season. GBCL are a representative team of which players are chosen from amateur clubs. SUPERVISORY TRAINING GROUP
Initial preparation for the fixture started in Hopwood, Greater OC Maj B Williams Manchester, where 2 training sessions, both held over Sunday SSM SSgt S Jeynes afternoons, concentrated on skills, techniques and general game play. From these 2 training sessions the train-on squad was EXERCISE MERCURY FOFS 2010 – by FofS Course No 80 refined to an 18-strong touring squad of which the 3 Army representatives were a part. The squad comprised a variety of Over the period of 15 - 26 Nov 10 FofS Course 80 took part in Ex players, ranging from ex-professionals to regulars in the MERCURY FOFS, run by WO2 (YofS) ‘Hells Bells’ Nolan and Conference Premier Division including clubs such as Leigh WO2 (YofS) Young. After spending the previous week out in the Miners, Bradford Dudley Hill, Hunslet Warriors and Wigan St “field” surviving torrential rain, gale force winds and broken Patrick’s. masts, it was a relief that this ex was based on operations and so simulated the warmth by staying indoors. I have been involved with the Army Rugby League since my involvement in last year’s tour of South Africa where the Army The course was split into 3 cells - JFCIS, TFSW and ThICS, were victorious over the national side and gained my first cap utilising the recently re-vamped ComManD Suite. Ops Officer during this year’s Inter-Service Championships where I scored on and FofS appointments were the daily assessed roles, designed debut. to put us under pressure and forcing us to delve not only into the technical side of operations but the managerial aspects too. On the afternoon of 21 Nov 10 the touring party met at Wigan TA Centre where initial admin was completed and kit was issued, The serials that were run ranged from FOB moves, LIAG visits, after which a shakeout training session was held at local club lightning strikes on detachments and a crafty Denial of Service Wigan St Patrick’s. The squad then flew out from Liverpool John attack. The Denial of Service attack saw Sgt Ross ‘SPOC’ Lennon Airport directly to the South of France, to Carcassonne, Beattie take abuse from numerous irate “staff officers” played by where the team was to be accommodated and where the game Phase 2 soldiers, who seemed to enjoy their roles a little bit too was to be played on the Wednesday evening. The high intensity, much. The DS took delight in giving us Operations with quality and professionalism of every meeting and training session unpronounceable names, causing trouble for Sgt Bikal Gurung made it feel every bit the International Test Match it was and Sgt Raju Thapa. The course now returns to the normality of a classroom to continue the onslaught of assignments and exams On the Tuesday night before the game the starting 17 were but hey - only one more term to go!!! named in a shirt presentation within the team hotel. All 3 of the Army players included were named in the 17 with me named on VISIT TO CTCRM LYMPSTONE the bench as a Second Row. A final training session was held at - by Yeoman of Signals Course 65 the 15,000 capacity Stade Albert-Domec, Carcassonne, on the morning of the test match where final team plays were It was with a mix of trepidation and enthusiasm that the Royal completed. Signals’ members of YofS Cse 65 visited the home of the Royal Marines. There had been several weeks of build-up to the visit in At 1900 hrs local time, after the national anthems were bellowed which the 3 Royal Marines on the course had taken great delight out, the Test Match commenced in front of the 5,000 strong in trying to wind up the rest on exactly what would we would be crowd. The game was scoreless until just before the half hour doing on the visit; indeed Sgt Smith decided to throw his bike
34 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 down the road just to try and avoid it. In addition, we had duly went in, head first. Overall an enjoyable and informative day endured a couple of gruelling PT sessions in the weeks for the course and it seems that Sgt Jordon-White might be beforehand to prepare us in some way for what was to come but looking for a change of career… they were doing their best to keep us in the dark. So we rolled up our sleeves and duly packed our roll mats… EXERCISE SKI TANK KHUKURI - by Sig Ramlal Gurung
After an early morning coach trip from Blandford we arrived at When we checked the block notice board, a visit to the Tank Lympstone then booked into our cabins (rooms) at the Sgts Mess Museum followed by the guided indoor skiing lesson was planned before grabbing a quick wet (brew) in the galley (cookhouse) and for Saturday 20 November 2010 by Cpl Khemchandra Gurung, being shown where to find the heads (toilets). The cultural 2 Sqn, who is currently on his CS Eng Class One Course with 11 exchange was going well. We were then taken on a short guided (RSS) Sig Regt. Named Ex SKI TANK KHUKURI, the team tour and reported for our first brief of the day which covered how building event was designed for interested Gurkha permanent they run their signals training courses and how their Signals’ staffs and soldiers under training, to provide an opportunity for an branch is manned. Next we received a brief on amphibious hour long guided skiing lesson at the Dorset Snow Sport Centre, comms which showed us some of the difficulties that they face followed by a visit to the Tank Museum in Bovington Camp. communicating between maritime and land elements during an Skiing being an exotic sport to most of the Gurkhas due to our amphibious operation. Following this we were taken over to location and living standards back in Nepal, such an opportunity where the ‘Nods’ (Royal Marine Phase 1 recruits) are trained and was truly not to be missed, therefore it only took us a few after an unusual “room, room shun” from Sgt Jackson RM, we seconds to throw our names into the hat. were given a brief on what their basic commando training involves. On Saturday 20 November 2010, we started the day with the visit to the Tank Museum. As we entered the museum, we were The afternoon brought the 6 miles of the endurance course, 2 amazed by the lively trenches and amazing wax models of the miles cross-country over Woodbury Common followed by a 4 soldiers. This experience took us back into the First World War mile run back to CTCRM. It was raining as we started the run but during which the trenches were life savers for soldiers fighting on after fully submersing ourselves in the icy cold water of ‘Peter’s the frontline. After taking a few photographs, we proceeded into Pool’, it ceased to have any effect. Then it was on through the ‘Tank Land’, where we were greeted by the historic sight of streams, tunnels and over undulating terrain to the infamous the ‘Mark I’; the first tank ever to be deployed in offensive role. ‘Sheep Dip’ where each of us were pushed completely Mark I was developed by the British Army during the First World underwater and pulled through the culvert. The troop of new War to be used in action on 15 September 1916 to overcome the recruits that emerged from the mud to see a group of SNCOs trenches in the Western Front. The museum offered ample of going before them looked slightly bemused at the sight and got information about the background on how the tanks came into its to watch a very worried looking Sgt Pagan getting dragged existence. The formidable armour of the magnificent ‘Challenger through last. On next to the ‘Smartie Tubes’, a pair of tunnels II’ on display caught my imagination of having such massive and partially submerged, the lucky ones picked the larger left-hand formidable tanks to support us when we deploy on operations in tunnel while the others went through the right-hand tunnel which future. Thus, my confidence in armoured support grew stronger. was almost completely underwater in places. A bedraggled, wet Sadly, we also came to know that due to the recent SDSR and muddy group of individuals emerged to finish the cross- announcement, the number of tanks in the British Army will be country phase and started the 4 mile run back before reduced to less than those on show at the Tank Museum. hypothermia set in. We got back to CTCRM Lympstone and it was straight down to After a quick lunch at the Tank Café, we hopped on the minibus try rope regains over an icy, deep pool of water, perhaps not the driven by Cpl Yogendra Gurung, 3 Sqn, and headed towards the ideal place to make your first attempt at one; although Sgt Neary Dorset Snow Sport Centre for the eagerly awaited skiing lesson. had made herself strangely absent by this point. Most of the Upon arrival, we were issued the ski boots and equipment. Once course ended up straight in the drink or decided to go in of their fully kitted, the instructor directed us to the learner slopes where own accord after the regain. Sgt Nicholson managed to we were taught the basics of skiing. Honestly at first, we found it complete the regain and thought he could stay dry but we sent difficult to stand straight on our feet in the slopes but Sig Trishna him back up to attempt to hang off the rope by his toes and he Gurung stepped up to the challenge to perform the first
Cpl Khemchandra with the Phase 2 soldiers outside the main entrance to the Tank Museum
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 35 successful ‘Snowplough’. Inspired by his effort, we all stepped and I can certainly say that our (QG Signals Intake 2009) training up and gradually learned the basics of skiing. After the hour ended with a blast. lesson we were given thumbs up to be able to go on to the main slopes, and carefully utilizing the basics, we climbed to the top. After our successful descent we passed the final assessment and hence it concluded the event. To my utter surprise, I received the ‘Best Skier of the Day’ award. Inspired by this experience, I now look forward to volunteer for the Ex CATTERICK CHALLENGE, which is a skiing expedition in the Swiss Alps organised by the Regt next year.
To sum up, it was without doubt an excellent day out and most importantly, a wonderful experience for us. This was the third event, the first and second being Stonehenge and Imperial War museum visits respectively that the current SGO Blandford has managed to plan in the past 5 months as part of our personal and professional development. We would like to express our big thanks to him for devising such inspirational events. Also, a The future stars of the Army Skiing Team, perhaps not but you massive thank must go to Cpl Khemchandra Gurung for his never know! co-ordination. As our trade training is nearing the end, we firmly believe that such events must continue to take place for all QG Signals Phase 2 arriving for trade training in 11 (RSS) Sig Regt, Jai Blandford Camp Gurkha Community!
16th SIGNAL REGIMENT ELMPT
CO Lt Col AM Fallows colour-coordinated outfits clearly designed specifically for the RSM WO1 (RSM) G Sinclair day. Some people were clearly taking this more seriously than others. We looked about, wondering if any of these people had more idea of what was in store for us than we did. They were 16 SIG REGTS INVOLVEMENT IN EXERCISE RHINO SOLDIER probably thinking the same. The starter shouted, “Get on your – by 2Lt Perkins belt buckles!” Now, I wasn’t wearing a belt, but didn’t think that this was the time to be pedantic. We looked at the mud, looked A cluster of huddled figures stood in the pre-dawn gloom, lit at each other, shrugged and dropped into it. We knew there occasionally by the glow of a cigarette whose smoke mingled would be worse to come. On the word “go” around one hundred with the misting breath that hung like a cloud about the group. It 5 man teams and numerous individual competitors scrambled to was 0500 hours, and the people who stood waiting for transport, their feet and set off, splashing through the mud down an avenue wrapped against the chill and hands thrust deep into their of snow-covered trees to find out what had been prepared for us. pockets, were the plucky volunteers who at some point in the past had made the conscious decision to subject themselves to It wasn’t long before the course diverted onto a large, boggy field the mysterious event known as Ex RHINO SOLDIER. Parallels criss-crossed with tank tracks that were slowly filling up with had been drawn between this event and the notorious ‘Tough water. The sucking mud quickly sapped the competitors’ energy Guy’ events held near Wolverhampton in the UK, and such and soon we were running past people who had slowed to a comparisons served to make that decision seem a bad one. Still, walk. Each step was a conscious effort in this muck but we kept here we were, ready to board the minibus that would take us lifting the knees and plodding along, taking places off those inexorably and unerringly (well, perhaps slightly erringly) to Stapel people who had had enough so early on. Eventually the Training Area near Sennelager for what would undoubtedly be a lengthening stream of competitors poured onto a metalled road, serious test of physical and mental endurance. giving the burning thighs some welcome relief. We picked up the pace to try and gain a few more places, but not too much as The bus journey was long, and most of the occupants, excluding there was still a long way to go. The track wound up hill and the driver, managed to catch up on that precious missed sleep down (mostly up, naturally) and we tried to keep a measured despite the super cooled air pouring from the so-called heaters. pace, maintaining the team as a unit. From time to time we came On arrival at Normandy Barracks we met up with some of the across the team from FOB Tp 230 Sqn and for a large part of the seniors’ team who had driven themselves there. After some long race played cat and mouse with them, giving and taking places. and tedious faffing about, one or 2 navigational mishaps and a near-visit to a safari park, all 3 of the Regts teams and Sgt Just when we had got used to running on the track, it was back Robson, competing as an individual, arrived at the start point and into the mud for what seemed like ages. It became a slog, lifting registered just in time. WO2 Wedge, SSM of 230 Sqn, could be the knees and driving forward, encouraging each other and heard muttering grumpily about tac signs, or the lack thereof. staying together as a team. The constant snowfall just provided Having finally found the event, the German minibus driver told us another irritation, though none of us would complain of being that he had to go to Bielefeld and swap with another driver, cold at this point. After a while it became evident that whatever whom he assured us would be able to find us. No-one believed nefarious obstacles the organisers had planned for us, they would him. all be in the last third of the race, as we hadn’t encountered any in the first 10 kilometres. It is interesting to note at this point that there was no sign of snow at Normandy Barracks, yet on arrival at Stapel the When they came it was almost a relief. The wondering of what landscape was steeped in white and the flakes were drifting they had planned gave way to the consideration of tackling the slowly around us, mocking us, or was that my imagination? It’s reality. Several water/mud dips, short hills, a rope swing and a almost as if it had been arranged specifically for the event. crawl under a cam-net later; we finally made it into the finish Anyway, down to business. The start time arrived and the enclosure, wet, muddy, sweaty and tired. The disc we collected competitors gathered at the start, some in unit t-shirts, others in said that we had come in 53nd, somewhere in the middle of the
36 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 pack. That was a reasonable result in our eyes, happy that we had endured the weather and the mud and made it round together.
As we had predicted earlier, there was a transport malfunction, resulting in a long wait as snowflakes the size of Frisbees dropped around us, but having admin’d ourselves into some warm dry clothes this wasn’t really a problem. In fact, it led to some free food, so arguably it worked in our favour.
230 Sig Sqn had 2 teams, Laskar Gah Tp which consisted of 2Lt Perkins, Sig Backhouse, Sig Mason, Sig Mickelthwaite and Sig Orme, and FOB Tp which consisted of Cpl Robinson, LCpl Renouf, Sig Butler and Sig McCarthy.
The Regtl team included WO2 (SSM) Wedge 230 Sqn, WO2 Q & A: Cpl Blow answering some tricky questions from (SSM) Nowosielski enthusiastic students 255 Sqn, WO2 (QMSI) Blakemore, WO2 16 SIGNAL REGIMENT CROSS COUNTRY TEAM (FoS) Clark RHQ, – by Lt Osabwa SSgt (FoS) Brotherston 230 Sqn With the Army cross country championships only weeks ahead, and running on his 16 Sig Regt has had a very busy month. On the 17th November, own not sure who he the team kicked off the season with a 12 hour arduous drive to 16 Sig Regt tough guys and a tough was representing was Blandford to compete in the 10km Corps cross country woman Sgt Robson. championships. On our arrival, the typical British weather didn’t disappoint; rain and mud made a good combination with the hilly JNCO FROM 16 SIG REGT VISITS SCHOOL – by Cpl K Blow terrain of Blandford. The gruelling race saw the competitors take on a route littered with natural obstacles involving ice-cold water Whilst enjoying my post operational tour leave I received a phone and mud. The team managed to break dance and ski into the fifth call from my sister, who is a teacher at Montague Junior’s School place out of 10 teams. in my home town of Mexborough. After the usual compliments she asked me if I could do a presentation and Q&A with children The following week, the team joined teams from across BA (G) to from Year 6 at her school. battle it out for a place in the Army finals during a precursor event in Gutersloh. A total of 24 teams took part in the race, which was The students were doing a project on the lives of soldiers from described as a fast and flat course ideally suited for an event of WW2 up to the present day and having recently returned from this kind. 16 Sig Regt fought off stiff competition as the team Operations with my Regt, she thought I’d be the ideal candidate posted some quick times to take second position in the men’s for this task. major unit category, securing a place at the Army cross country championships finals. The finals will take place at the Royal I prepared my military kit, just as I would normally do when Military Academy Sandhurst in Camberley on the 9th February deploying on Ex, only this time the difference was that rather than 2011. briefing a senior Officer, I was going to face inquisitive Year 6 students. On my arrival, there was a buzz of excitement around On the 1st December, the 16 Sig Regt team took part in a race the school as curious eyes peered through classroom windows. I hosted by 7 Sig Regt with both men and women completing a laid my kit in the school’s main hall, checked and rechecked it 10km route. With freezing sleet and snow, sub zero temperatures just to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything. and punishing terrain, it was more like dancing on ice than racing. As the competitors set off they were faced with the ice obstacle I had a few minutes for a quick rehearsal, I must admit I started which saw them dance to feel a little bit nervous when the 48 students and their teachers (run) through filed into the hall and sat down in an orderly fashion. My sister kilometres of wet and later told me that the children had never been so well behaved. muddy paths on Javelin training area, I started off the presentation with a mini-biography of myself; using up valuable when I joined the Army, why I joined, my life in the forces and my energy and punishing experiences in Afghanistan. Then I pointed out the kit that I had the legs. 16 Sig Regt brought with me, the children really enjoyed trying some of the kit continued with their on, the items that captured their interest the most were the good progress by helmet and my mini binoculars. fighting off stiff competition as the Soon it was then time for the dreaded Q & A session. I was team posted quick amazed by their well thought out questions, what was my times throughout to favourite gun, do I miss my family when I am away and if I ever take first place, get scared fighting in a foreign country. The session was planned followed into second to last only 30 minutes but the children were so intrigued that it position by their sister lasted over an hour. Trying to keep my answers interesting and at regiment 7 Sig Regt. the right level for Year 6 children was challenging, but enjoyable. One individual I had a really good time at the school and my sister informs me performance worthy of that the children still talk about the visit and are enquiring if they note was from Sig can join the Army. I am glad to have done my bit in Army Barnes of 16 Sig Regt recruiting. For me personally this was a rewarding and enjoyable 2Lt Prady smiling at the camera to hide his pain as he approaches the finish line who was the overall experience and I was proud to represent the Army in this way. winner of the event.
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 37 16 SIGNAL REGIMENT MARKS REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY On the third day we had a visit from the CO, Lt Col Fallows, – by Lt Osabwa accompanied by Sp Sqn OC, Major Nuttall, and the RSM, (WO1) Sinclair. The CO and his entourage took the opportunity to do Members of 16 Sig Regt and their sister regiment 7 Sig Regt were some hill walking with the lads. The CO was particularly joined by their friends and families for Remembrance Sunday. impressed by the ASM’s navigation skills who, when The cold did not deter the families as they took their positions in navigationally challenged, always managed to relocate himself by the hangar for the ceremony. The smartly turned out soldiers climbing to the top of the nearest hill and looking for the river. proudly displaying their poppies on their berets were marched by After visiting the camp site in Cochem and enjoying a brew with their respective SSMs to the service to join their families and the canoeists, the CO and RSM returned to Elmpt, while the QM friends. Father Paschal Hanrahan led the Remembrance and OC stayed on for a night out in Cochem with the lads. Sunday service as commemorations were held across the UK in honour of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. A tent was offered but the QM had already booked a nice hotel by the river for the pair of them, aptly named the Hotel The service kicked off with hymns and a reading by Sig Romantika. This obviously attracted some humour from the lads McCarthy, of a poem written by a serving soldier from Camp but we were assured separate rooms were booked and as the Bastion. It was a poignant day of remembrance across the Regts beer flowed this grew to “in fact we are even on separate floors”. with the congregation falling silent in respect of servicemen and Needless to say the story grew arms and legs and had reached women who have died at war or in conflict. Elmpt before the CO had.
Father Paschal spoke of how important it was not to forget After 4 days of walking and canoeing the Chef was given a night soldiers who had paid the ultimate price in various conflicts off and the whole group went for a Chinese in Cochem to spend around the world. He added: “The moment of silence gives us as the remaining CILOR. We all had a fantastic night, the next individuals, and collectively, the opportunity to stand with our morning, after scraping ice off the tents, the camp was packed loved ones to remember our friends and colleagues who have up and the group headed off to a high rope adventure for the final fallen in this conflict. But also those who are still out on the mornings activities. This was probably the highlight of the week ground in this conflict facing danger today. It also links us to with lots of bravado soon being replaced by disco legs and members of our Armed forces who have fallen in previous nervous sweats as the obstacles got higher and more daring. conflicts.” After a brilliant week of AT, it was time to head back home. The As the 2 minutes silence faded, buglers sounded the haunting lads had enjoyed the opportunity of sampling various activities, melody of The Last Post - which traditionally signalled the end of occasionally being put out of their comfort zones; they also had a soldier’s day. Some of the families at the service noticeably the pleasure of visiting one of Germany’s most popular tourist spanned 3 generations from grandparents who remembered the areas and soaking up some of the Mosel culture. Second World War to children who have grown up with conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan. Sgt Whitehead, whose great grandfather fought in the First World War, said “It is so important that we stop to acknowledge, as we do every year, the great sacrifices made for us during times of war.”
For a Regt recently returned from Afghanistan, the service marked a poignant moment both for service personnel and their families, who were out in force. After the service, a procession of servicemen and their families went to their respective messes for the Remembrance Day lunch.
SUPPORT SQUADRON
OC Maj M Nuttall SSM WO2 (SSM) Barrie
EXERCISE MOSEL BACKSTOP – by SSgt Anderson
The concept for Sp Sqn AT originated from the veranda outside the QM’s Dept at Camp Souter. The OC Maj Matt Nuttall and Members of the Support Squadron enjoying the lovely views not the QM (A) Maj Gary Hailstone were sun bathing, smoking cigars sure about the pram far left and day dreaming about life back in Germany. One thing led to another and before we knew it, the dream had to be turned into 230 (MALAYA) SIGNAL SQUADRON reality; an order came from a veranda in camp Souter to the Sp Sqn rear party to organise a multi activity AT package. Location: OC Maj HJ Scott the Mosel Valley! Yes that’s right the Mosel Valley, that world SSM WO2 (SSM) Wedge famous wine growing area of Germany, slightly less well known for its Adventure Training activities. JOINING THE REGIMENT – by 2Lt N Perkins
On 18 October 28 members of Sp Sqn travelled to the southern As the Troop Commanders’ Course drew to a close in a flurry of end of the Mosel river and set up a tented camp in a site near the presentations about what to expect and how to behave in the town of Schweich. The daily activities commenced and a rotation Field Army, my thoughts focussed ever more on my first posting. between canoeing and walking began for the week. The idea A Campaign Signal Regiment – fantastic. Unfortunately I had to was to walk and canoe different stretches of the river each day, contain my excitement a little longer, as the Regt had just culminating in the main tourist town of Cochem. returned from Op HERRICK 12 as I finished in Blandford. Turning up at Javelin Barracks while the whole Regt was on post tour The length of the routes varied each day depending on the leave was a strange experience, made easier by the welcoming weather conditions and the toughness of the route. The routes presence of Maj Cowan, the Regtl Second-in-Command and the also allowed the groups to take in the main tourist towns of sole representative of the chain of command. Under his watchful Traben Trarbach, Bernakstel and Belstien with plenty of café time gaze I had the opportunity to get some essential admin done, along the way. The group always capped off their hard work with thereby easing the administrative burden once the troops the reward of a cold beer or a glass of wine. returned to work, and to get away on some Adventurous Training.
38 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 Eventually my wait was over. On 4 October the Regt returned can walk through the scene and absorb some of the atmosphere from leave and I moved into my office, keen to meet my SSgt and before rounding a corner to a landing zone with canisters of my Tp. The Regt was in a state of flux; reconstituting after tour equipment, vehicles and a ditched glider. and rearranging Sqns and Tps. As a result it was several days before I got to meet all of the soldiers in my Tp. However, once Accompanied by a tour guide we boarded the coach to explore the nominal roll was finalised, my command of Lashkar Gah Tp the various drop zones, terminating at the bridge itself. By the began in earnest. After 18 months of training at Sandhurst and time we reached the bridge, it was becoming dark and the fog Blandford, I felt adequately equipped to meet the new challenge, had rolled back in, bringing with it that damp chill that you just but with a healthy dose of nerves thrown in. Joining a CSR can’t seem to shake off. The Sqn trooped off the coach to look immediately after operations was ideal. Despite the inevitable at some field guns and other artefacts on a road island near the state of confusion and shift, it has been a relatively gentle bridge. We had a refresher on the principles of defence from Sgt introduction to Tp Command, and by the next deployment I Thomas, given in the context of Col Frost’s defence of the expect to be well established and comfortable with the Tp and northern end of the bridge. There were suggestions that we call my role. Having said that, the world of report writing is just it a day. However, WO2 (SSM) Wedge, was adamant that around the corner… Arnhem should not prove a bridge too far for 230 Sqn and in the best traditions of the British Army in Holland, ordered the Sqn off the bus and onto the bridge. Echoing the sentiments of Col Frost EXERCISE MALAYA MONTGOMERY - BATTLEFIELD TOUR: in 1944, the SSM remarked, ‘you can’t go to Arnhem and not see ARNHEM AND OVERLOON - by 2Lt N Perkins the ****ing bridge!’ So it was that, tired, cold, educated, humbled and inspired we returned in the foggy darkness to Javelin The weather as the coach departed from Elmpt was certainly not Barracks, hoping that we should never again have to make conducive to parachuting into occupied Holland. In fact, if this sacrifices on the scale of those made in 1944 in the name of had been 1944 and we had been planning an airborne operation, freedom. we would have been forced to postpone it. The fog hung thick around the coach, obscuring most of Javelin Barracks as we slipped, ghostlike, through the main gate. I’d be willing to bet the guard on the gate didn’t even see us, the fog was so thick. The previous day, the Sqn had been enlightened on the subject of Operation Market Garden by a presentation from Lt Flecchia and a viewing of ‘A Bridge Too Far,’ and had also been subjected to a presentation on what is variously known as the Battle of Overloon, the Forgotten Battle, or Maas-Bruckenkopf (Maas Bridgehead) by yours truly. The Nationaal Oorlogs- en Verzetsmuseum (National War and Resistance Museum) was built at Overloon in commemoration of this battle, and was our first destination. The museum at Overloon is divided into 2 parts – the Marshall Museum, named after US Army Chief of Staff George C Marshall, houses over 300 military vehicles and a plethora of other memorabilia and is a spotters heaven, and the Verzetsmusem is dedicated to the occupation of Holland, the brutal treatment meted out by the Nazis and the courageous resistance offered by ordinary Dutch people.
Three hundred vehicles sounds like a lot, but it is hard to imagine until you see it for yourself; the amount of kit in there is staggering. There is a small part of the museum dedicated to the battle that took place around the site of the museum itself, which houses the famous Panther 222 - immobilised by a brave infantryman from the East Yorks armed with a PIAT, and later recovered and restored by the museum’s founder. This huge and fearsome beast is certainly imposing and when placed next to a British Churchill tank is almost enough to give you an inferiority complex. Coming up against these machines in battle must have been daunting in the extreme. For the Verzets museum we had a SSgt Gibbs and some of 230 Sqn at the Arnhem Oosterbeek War guided tour, and it was fascinating to have a local Dutch person’s Cemetery perspective on the brutality of the occupiers and the liberation when it came. There is clearly still a significant amount of bitterness, and understandably so. It has been said that a nation has a long memory, and events such as those portrayed in the museum certainly should never be forgotten. Some of the exhibits were necessarily harrowing, and by the end of the tour each group was more subdued than at the beginning.
As we left Overloon to continue our journey to Arnhem and the airborne museum, the fog lifted and we were treated to a beautiful sunny autumn day. Maybe those airborne landings could take place after all. Housed in the Hartensteijn Villa, where the injured Major General Urquhart withdrew his troops when it became clear they would not capture Arnhem Bridge, the museum contains hundreds of artefacts and displays that really bring to life the famous story of the 1st Parachute Division’s ultimately unsuccessful attempt to secure the bridge. ‘The Airborne Experience’ is in the cellar of the house. A great deal of time and effort has gone into creating a huge diorama of a street scene in Arnhem, complete with collapsed buildings, British Lt Flecchia and 2Lt Lorains at the Arnhem Oosterbeek War equipment and Paratroopers and their German counterparts. You Cemetery
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 39 230 SQNS INVOLVEMENT REGIMENTAL DRIVING to deliver vignettes on various topics of the Battle. The first stand COMPETITION – by 2Lt N Perkins on the tour was the impressive Lochnagar Crater. Known locally as ‘La Grande Mine’, the crater was created following the Introducing an element of competition into training is always a detonation of 60,000lbs of explosives at 0728hrs on 1st July good way to increase the value that soldiers get out of it, so the 1916, and provided the perfect starting point. Perfect apart from MT department’s delivery of driver training via the medium of the the weather which saw a few officers break-dancing in the mud inaugural 16 Sig Regt Inter-Sqn Driving Competition seemed set and finally falling over. On leaving the minibuses it became clear on a winning course from the beginning. Four teams entered; a that we were in for a very wet and very windy couple of days. team of me plus 3 from 230 Sqn, competing against teams from Sgt ‘Div’ Davies was clearly regretting forgetting to bring a coat, 255 Sqn, Sp Sqn Force Protection and the LAD. to his credit he toughed the conditions without complaining albeit shaking like a wet dog. Maj Barker managed to make himself The format of the competition was that the teams would spend heard over the wind and we spent a short time at the rim of the the first 2 days rotating through 3 stands (cross-country, driving crater, now in private ownership as a garden of remembrance, skill and skid cradle) in order to practice before the competition before climbing back into the minibuses. phase on the third day. The star attraction, the skid cradle, was unfortunately pulled from the first day’s practice, and it looked On the outskirt of Poiziers lies an imposing cemetery and uncertain whether it would happen at all, but the instructor came memorial for British and Commonwealth servicemen from both through on the second day, so all the competitors were able to the Battle of the Somme and later fighting in 1918. The cemetery practice their skid control. holds the remains of some 2,700 servicemen, whilst the grand walls surrounding the cemetery form the memorial for 14,000 The cross-country stand, excellently run by Cpl Stu Porter and servicemen with no known grave. For many in the group this was Cpl Roy Challis, caused the most disruption to the timetable as the first visit to a Commonwealth War Grave site, and the scale of it was impossible to tell when some very realistic recovery training the loss of life started to become more apparent walking amongst would be in order. Sig Orme of 230 Sqn became the star of the the rows upon rows of immaculate headstones. The group show when he got his Land rover so firmly bogged in that it took quickly broke up and as individuals began to reflect upon the 2 others to pull it out. names, ages and dates recorded on the headstones. On reaching the colonnade one was met by walls of neatly carved The driving skills stand gave the competitors the chance to names, some highlighted with a poppy or a laminated practice reversing Land Rovers with trailers, a potentially mind photograph, a stark reminder that each and every name blowing task if you have never encountered it before. As Sgt represented a person who was denied the opportunity of a burial McCrone rightly pointed out, the more you try to explain it to and marked final resting place. someone, the more confused they will get. The only way to improve is to keep doing it, and eventually it will fall into place. A Welsh dragon, defiantly holding barbed wire in each front claw The practice phase allowed for this, and by the third day, forms the memorial at Mametz wood, to the 38th (Welsh) Division, everyone was more or less competently reversing trailers into who fought in the vicinity in July 1916, and looks ferociously in bays. the direction of the attack. Although it represents one particular event, it has become the focal point for Welsh acts of The skid cradle stand was the most eagerly anticipated, and was remembrance, with inscriptions in Welsh and stones left at the delivered by Sgt Eckett on a damp airfield. Without exception base of the plinth along with the ubiquitous poppy wreathes. We the competitors enjoyed the experience and gained valuable arrived in Albert for lunch with the rain still pouring, and sought training in what it feels like to lose traction and how to deal with shelter in various cafés and restaurants, enjoying the fine French it. This training is especially pertinent given the looming onset of cuisine. Whether kebabs fall under this banner has been winter. debated, but after a hot meal and some time out of the rain the party felt suitably refreshed and able to continue with the tour. In the end, the competition came down to the wire. 230 Sqn beat the LAD team by 3 points on the skid cradle, aided by a perfect The Albert Somme Trench museum is housed in a 250m long score from Sig Dowle, but were 4 seconds slower over 11 tunnel under the town’s basilica and consists of a large collection minutes on the driving skill stand. In the end the LAD’s superior of First World War relics, with varieties of ordnance, uniforms and performance on the cross-country, particularly (and perhaps personal belongings displayed in cases or in dioramas set into unsurprisingly) on the recovery phase, gave them the edge. The the alcoves within the tunnel. The remainder of the afternoon trophy was presented by the CO, who highlighted the importance was spent absorbing the fascinating collection with the unusual of continued training for drivers, after they gain their setting adding to the atmosphere. After emerging from the qualifications. museum, the group paused for a photograph in front of a large mural in the town depicting the destruction of Albert in 1916 and 255 (BAHRAIN) SIGNAL SQUADRON the famous ‘Leaning Virgin’, a golden statue of the Madonna which hung precariously from the top of the Basilica for the OC Maj KA Barker duration of the war and had various superstitions surrounding it. SSM WO2 (SSM) M Nowosielski With the day’s tour concluded the group retired to the 2 hotels at Amiens which had been pre-booked. The luxurious ‘Four EXERCISE BAHRAIN REMINDER – SOMME BATTLEFIELD Seasons’ hotel and the ‘Kyriad Amiens Nord’ on the outskirts of TOUR - by Sgt Lawes the town. This meant that to return to the centre of Amiens for an evening meal as a group, several runs in a local taxi were Following a successful tour in Afghanistan and an enjoyable required. We were lucky enough to have a taxi driver who spoke POTL, and with the arrival or change of several key members of very good English; however her unnerving ability to drive the taxi the Sqn, on 8/9 November 22 members of 255 (Bahrain) Sig Sqn whilst engaged in a conversation with the passengers in the back took part in a battlefield tour of the Somme region of France seat and rarely looking at the road left some in a slightly shaken organised by Sqn OC, Maj Barker. The aim of the tour was to state by the time we reached the town. increase the awareness of those attending to the events of the Battle of the Somme, especially poignant during the week of Although Amiens is a reasonably sized town, we discovered that Armistice Day, and to offer an opportunity for new and old faces it was closed on a Monday night. After some searching we found to become acquainted and build on new or existing relationships. a solitary pizza restaurant open and following a quick Chinese Parliament we all agreed to eat there. A quiet Monday night shift Leaving Elmpt Station early on Monday morning, 2 packed days quickly evaporated for the staff as 22 very hungry soldiers set were planned, taking in some of the major sites and memorials in about ordering all manner of pizzas and deserts. The group the area of Albert. Soldiers were allocated study groups and had moved on to a small Jazz themed bar before some members of
40 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 the group decided to return to the hotel. By a stroke of luck we Maj Barker gave his had the same taxi driver for our return journey and SSgt ‘Paddy’ closing remarks to the Briggs struck up a hilarious conversation and worked wonders group and WO2 (SSM) for Franco-Irish relations, although his French was sadly lacking Nowosielski thanked the in vocabulary consisting mostly of ‘Oui’, ‘Ça va’ and ‘Sacre Bleu.’ OC for organising the tour which had proved to Day 2 started at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the be both educational and Somme. Impressively dominating the skyline, it is a memorial to moving for those whom some 72,000 British and Commonwealth soldiers lost between attended. 1916 and 1918 for whom no remains have been found; It served as a stark reminder to the group of the purpose of the visit. The As we returned to Elmpt scale of the loss of life is nowhere more evident than here. SSgt it was clear that the Act (SQMS) Rickard read the Ode of Remembrance and Maj Barker of Remembrance this laid a wreath on behalf of the Sqn as a 2 minute silence was year would be much observed. more significant for those of us who had walked in Of all the sites visited the Beaumont-Hamel Newfoundland the footsteps of the fallen Memorial was by far the most popular amongst the group. An and had a greater area of 74 acres containing many trenches and covering both understanding of their front lines as they were at the end of the war, the park serves sacrifice. The tour was primarily as the memorial to the Newfoundland Regiment, formed not only an educational from volunteers of the Dominion of Newfoundland, who were all one, it also allowed both but wiped out during an unsuccessful attack on the morning of 1 new and old members of July 1916. An excellent tour guide walked us past the the Sqn to bond and communication trenches to the front line, pausing at the OC 255 Sqn Major Barker going back spend some time impressive statue of a Caribou atop a pile of imported in time with his cool WW1 helmet together in an educative Newfoundland rocks. From here we walked forward to the but relaxed atmosphere. ‘Danger tree’ which marked the forward most point reached during the attack. It was both humbling and moving to realize that in the time we had taken to cover this ground the actual attack had taken place resulting in the near total destruction of an entire Regiment, and literally walking in the footsteps of those who had fallen had a profound effect.
The Ulster tower, also known as the Connaught Tower, is a replica of Helen’s tower and is the memorial for the 36th (Ulster) Division. The striking building is now the main point of focus for Northern Irish acts of remembrance. It also gave us a brief respite from the poor weather and the small café offered a welcome opportunity for a hot drink. Lunch was taken at a guest house and tea room run by a British ex-pat in the village of Auchonvillers, known as ‘Ocean Villas’ by the soldiers who passed through. Following lunch the group explored the trenches that had been discovered in the grounds and restored by volunteers. Sgt McArthur and Sgt Davies getting a few lessons from the OC The largest single cemetery in the area is Serre Road Cemetary No 2 and contains the remains of over 7,100 British and Commonwealth soldiers and several German soldiers. Taken in EXERCISE DIAMOND BREATHER BAVARIA isolation this is a vast cemetery with rows upon rows of smart – by LCpl Thomson and Sig Deakin headstones interspersed with rectangular or circular areas marking mass graves, but looking at the surrounding countryside Twenty eight eager soldiers from 255 (Bahrain) Sig Sqn left several smaller cemeteries can be seen in every direction, some Javelin Barracks on 11 October for the much anticipated AT no more than a few hundred metres away. The group took time package in the Bavarian mountain ranges of southern Germany. to walk amongst the headstones and reflect, and although this was now a familiar scene, the experience was still a moving one. The group departed Elmpt Station early doors for the 8 hour drive before pitching camp for the night at the Drei Mullen lodge in We visited a German cemetery nearby and in comparison with the Wertach. On arrival, the tired soldiers were herded into the grand cemeteries we had become accustomed to, the simple lounge by WO2 (SSM) Mark ‘Ski’ Nowosielki for the Mandatory cemetery with rows of wooden crosses shaded by trees served arrival brief. It was agreed that under no circumstance was any as a marked contrast. Many of the crosses bore 4 names and member of the team to be addressed by rank; lest they forfeit a the area was again immaculately maintained but had a very round of drinks. The SSM was the first culprit and had to lead, in different atmosphere. All of the cemeteries hold a visitors book a very expensive way, by example. and it was noted that most of the entries in the book held here were from British visitors. This served as an example of the On day one the party was spilt into 4 groups for the steady walk respect shown to all of the memorials and cemeteries in the area, up the first mountain - Hochstarzel Ridge. The first day seemed no matter who they were for. to be a gentle introduction so that we could get used to walking in the mountains, after 6 months of walking on the flat Afghan The final location was the Sheffield Memorial Park, the only area desert. This, as Sig Atherton put it, “was a gentle way of of the battlefield that has been preserved by Britain. Although it breaking us in” prior to the challenges that lay ahead! is not as well preserved as the Newfoundland Memorial, it is still possible to make out trenches and shell holes within the wood. Day 2 was another chilled out day. We went white water rafting Erected at the site are memorials to some of the ‘Pals’ for team building and a little bit of fun before facing the Regiments. The memorials for the Acrington Pals, Chorley Pals mountains. It seemed the DS couldn’t have picked a colder day and Barnsley Pals were a final reminder of the huge cost that the to play in the water! We had been assured that the wet suits First World War had on communities not only across the length would keep us warm but someone forgot to inform us that the and breadth of Britain but all around the world. water would be very, very cold. Sgt Neil Davis rose to the
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 41 occasion and was the first person to get into the freezing water, various inspections. This was supervised by our Bowman guru albeit by accident. A few individuals followed suit, it appears we Cpl ‘Chewy’ Howle, who does not operate well in the freezing had a few amphibious creatures in the group. There was lots of environment. However, he managed to survive the negative boat swapping and kidnapping, which tested the issued helmets temperatures on rations of the Colonels finest chicken soup and and life jackets to the max. All in all an awesome adventure! several layers of warm kit.
On day 3, group 4 lead by SSgt Ian Wells were the first ones to We were informed that the Bde Comd would be visiting the Sqn, set off into the mountains. Apparently they were to be the this was good because at last we could have the opportunity of ‘mountain goats’ group. Of note was Sig ‘Edd’ Nash, a self showing off our shiny motors. On the morning of the visit, we styled ‘mountain goat champion’, we use this term loosely as I arrived in the hanger, 5 minutes before the 5 minutes before the don’t think Sig Nash had ever been up a step ladder let alone a arrival of the Sqn SSM WO2 Nowosielski, who paraded us 5 2200m mountain; not to mention his fear for heights! Elsewhere, minutes before the arrival of the Sqn OC Maj Barker. The Sqn after only having passed her MLT qualification, LCpl Toni Turner OC was on his usual form and proceeded to brief the Sqn for found herself in at the deep end. She had to lead group 3 for a several hours. ‘leisurely’ walking week. This was a good group, however, the barrage of Sig Andy Atherton’s outlandish questions (have you I was expecting the Bde Cmd’s arrival to be marked by ever been chased by a goat? Which part of the cow does bacon welcoming pipes and drums from Sgt ‘Scottie’ Scott, which was come from?) drove FofS John Barber to near insanity, he could not to be, he arrived at my Det with stealth. Nothing went to be heard lamenting how he would love to install a mute button on plan, Cpl Blackburn, who was meant to be briefing the Brig, was Sig Atherton. instead helping Sig Burman reassemble his Det which he had started to strip down in a moment of madness. Sig ‘confused. Group one lead/(dragged up the mountain) by SSM ‘Ski’ was com’ Stevens was loitering around and caught Brig Hill’s eye, always the talking point at every dinner table. Every day SSM “Sig Stevens, how long have you been working with Bowman?” ‘Ski’ introduced a new rule such as no swearing, first name rule “Emm, Sir I was just standing here I’m an ED, I’m not sure what or can’t use ‘and’ in a sentence, the usual forfeit applied. Quite Bowman is”. On this response, Cpl Burford popped his head frankly I thought the whole thing was ridiculous ‘and’ no SSM from the hidden clutches of the rear of his Det and piped up “I that’s not me ‘throwing out the teddy’. The final group was haven’t touched Bowman In 5 Years!” I think in an anticipated instructed by Sgt Neil Davis. This was seen as the rest group as attempt to deflect the Bde Cmd’s questions to me; cheers mate Sgt D picked up some nasty blisters on a previous week’s CFT, that is what we call teamwork! one word springs to mind WEAK! The Bde Cmd spent a lot of time talking to the soldiers, and However, the routes taken gave us an active rest day with some genuinely showed a keen interest in their thoughts with regards to good scenery, several hearty helpings of Goulash soup and a all trades in the Corps. After finishing the tour of the Sqn he roller coaster from summit to base each day. I enjoyed the roller thanked the soldiers for their hard work. coaster, but I still have nightmares when I think of the beautiful scenery because I lost my camera on it!
The final week was R&R phase. We headed to Munich and funnily enough some members of the group have hazy memories of this phase. We boarded our minibuses early Wednesday morning for an anti climactic journey back home, unfortunately Mercedes minibuses don’t come with snow chains. On our arrival, we exchanged the many scenic photos amongst the groups to top off a thoroughly enjoyable 9 days away from camp expanding our horizons and for some this was a step nearer to being qualified mountain leaders.
Brigadier Hill promoting Sig McWalters
SSgt Wells and his group having a breather before dissapearing into the fog BRIGADE COMMANDERS VISIT - by Sig Lefferty
After POTL, 255 Sig Sqn have been happily returning to a normal routine of work. The Sqn has been busy working on their reclaimed Bowman dets, with the Det Comds frantically carrying out the intricate task of testing, scrubbing down and shining the dets in preparation for exercises in the New Year.
Everyone in the Sqn worked long hours in the bitter cold German Brigadier Hill signing the visitors book at the WOs and Sgts Mess. winter to ensure that every vehicle was up to standard for the Looking on is WO1 (RSM) Sinclair
42 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 255 SQUADRON MATTS WEEK - by Sig Lefferty telling stories about his granddad in the World War I. If you haven’t seen the videos yet, you are in for a treat as they are very 255 Sig Sqn took part in the annual MATT’s week, to allow thorough! WO2 (SSM) Nowosielski delivered map reading soldiers to refresh their rusty military skills and to get everyone lessons; he took great delight in reminding everyone that he had back to soldiering after 6 weeks POTL. The first 2 days were an inbuilt GPS. We didn’t believe him as they weren’t invented in what could be referred to as death by PowerPoint at the training his day. The lesson was started by a test to see how much wing. BCDT lessons were delivered by LCpl Melvin and Bravo everyone could remember. The answers were unbelievable and Tps finest, LCpl Masterson, who really likes giving lessons and an embarrassment to all. The day ended with several people takes it very seriously; it is like watching a documentary with getting lost on an orienteering circuit that the SSM laid out. The David Attenburgh following rare squirrels in the south of England. most notable was LCpl O’Neill who really took her time. She took so long that she was confused as to why she could not find LCpl Melvin, however, took a more laid back approach to the one of the checkpoints - It had been collected in! lessons, which wasn’t as painful to listen to. The Ops team were let down by SSgt ‘Clown’ Briggs who showed ‘good technique’ The range day was the chance for everyone to get some rounds when giving BLS on the dummy, breaking the ribs, followed by down the range. LCpl Waite had to be given a welfare break puncturing the lungs. That’s how the veterans do it apparently! after almost 3 hours of trying to zero his weapon! By the end of the day he was getting emotional with his inability to hit the Sgt John ‘NBC Warrior’ Ryan took CBRN, which was a few target. By the end of the week all those who had taken part had hours of watching non edited video’s, trying to get IT to work and completed all the MATTs required.
21st SIGNAL REGIMENT (AIR SUPPORT) COLERNE
CO Lt Col G N Addley as it was also the HLS control room, general enquiries room, and RSM WO1 (RSM) M Morgan the room people went to if you had no where else to go, or so it seemed. As we lived where we worked, adjacent to the HLS, it The past few months have seen the Regit spread to the winds on always made for an interesting nights sleep. During the night a UK exercises in Sennybridge, Stafford, STANTA , Otterburn, call would come over the net and it would be a case of peeking Warminster and SPTA, and overseas in Kenya, Morocco and out over the covers to see who was going to make the first move Jordan. The hard-slog through STA training for the upcoming - a very efficient way of keeping on top of the situation! There deployment to Afghanistan continues but there is a buzz around was some mornings I felt lucky to still be in Lashkar Gah after a the Regt as we prepare to move in to MST 2 for deployment as a USMC Osprey (imagine a helicopter/plane fusion with 2 giant Campaign Signal Regiment later this year. The CO would like to tilting rotors on either end of the wing!) flight had visited. The extend a very warm welcome to all of those who have swelled power from one landing would shake the whole cabin, rattling our ranks in recent weeks – too many to mention by name! camp cots around the room - with us in them! Special congratulations to SSMs Ayling and Hook who were selected for promotion to WO1. We were delighted to be visited It did not take too long to get a grasp of the job: providing by Rear Admiral Johnston-Burt, Commander Joint Helicopter comms support, flight following; pax handling; rigging loads and Command who dropped in to see how his “favourite Regiment in generally providing support to the HLS. In addition it involved JHC” was getting on, and took the opportunity to present some looking at what UK flights we had for the next day and then medals while he was here. And we welcome Brig (Retd) decrypting the American flight ‘puzzle’ programme – a whole job Terrington as the first Honorary Squadron Colonel of our TA Sqn, in itself! Passengers would come to the flight line book in and 43 (Wx) Sqn (V). wait to be ushered on their way to whatever destination their next tasking beckoned them too. If only it was that simple. Everyday Still making time for competitive sport the Regt has performed there would be the unfortunate few who needed a flight but well in the Corps Swimming and Cross Country competitions; at unfortunately did not make the cut. These soldiers were often Army Hockey and Clay Pigeon Shooting, and in the rounds of seen sitting around the HLS all day in hope of a seat becoming Division and Army Football and Rugby Competitions. The CO’s available. One Cpl found himself just such a situation; after Cup competition has continued with the Cross Country waiting for approximately 7 hours he couldn’t suppress his competition and the Ultra-Fit competition – crowning Sgt hunger any longer making a dash to the cook house, returning in Dinsdale as the fittest man in the Regt, LCpl Jamieson the fittest record time only to find his flight had been and gone… female and the OC LAD, Capt Gould, the fittest over 40. Further afield, the Regt sent a team to compete in the US Marine Corps Unfortunately there was also an unpleasant, but necessary, side Marathon in Washington DC – many thanks to the Corps Games to the job. It was our responsibility to receive casualties and the Committee for their help in making this happen. unfortunately inevitable ‘angels’ (local national and ISAF KIAs) from the inbound Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT) LIFE ON THE HLS AT LASHKAR GAH and PEDRO (the USMC version). There were often several of - by LCpl Allan Sutherland these on a daily basis which kept the reality of what was happening out on the ground placed firmly in all our minds. It As part of 244 Sig Sqn’s commitment to support the JHF really drove home what was occurring within the AO and was a (Afghanistan) the deployed Tp provide 2 Signallers to support the constant reminder why we were in Afghanistan. Casualties are comms at the HLS at Lashkar Gah. On arriving in theatre Sig always difficult to see and deal with, but when the majority are Carl Pearcy and I were selected as Alpha Tp’s first incumbents local national children it makes the situation that bit worse. It did of this rotational role. We were told by our Tp OC, Lt Calum however serve to reinforce our determination and help justify to Davidson, to expect to be working there for 4 weeks before us why we were here fighting this war. being replaced by the next alternation. When the wheels of the Merlin first touch down at Lashkar Gah I made my way off the Overall the past 4 weeks has been a rewarding experience and HLS with a US Marine Corps General carrying one of my bags. has given an alternative to the JHF(A) Ops Room. It has been good to put into practice the more hands on elements of our role Two things occurred to me; firstly the Americans are not really as Air Support Communicators, such as my Landing Point that bad and secondly that I could not imagine a British 2 Star Commander’s qualification. I will be sad to leave Lashkar Gah carrying my bags! From arriving and walking the 50 metres to the behind and wish the best of luck to LCpl Tom Daniel as he pax handing area it did not take long to find my accommodation replaces me for the next rotation.
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 43 BRAVO TROOP PDT – THE NEXT JHF(A) TROOP Friday 7 Oct 10 and a foggy Pirbright was the venue for the Army Sporting Discipline where each team member would have 100 BravoTp have had a busy couple of months preparing for their clays thrown over 14 stands. This event is quite tiring and deployment on Op Herrick 13/14. Training started by completing intense as a lot of concentration is needed to have the best the compulsory MATTs, which included a PDT week. This is chance at being able to hit both clays, especially if released at where we learnt new drills and skills required for operations, e.g. the same time. Our team consisted of Capt Watts who, along Vallon and Sangar duties. On the last day the Tp practised target with LCpl Dean Hooper, arrived in the early hours from courses indication with Cpl Bevan and Sgt Margrie making comedy in Blandford, LCpl John Caldwell, who made the epic journey appearances as the enemy. Before we went on to live firing we from York the day before, WO2(SSM) Richie Ayling and myself. spent 3 days in the DCCT as many of us hadn’t used a SUSAT before, we did a practise ACMT. The horn blew at 1030 hrs and we were off. As we moved through the course we were amazed at the standard of the range The best part of our training was the Tp bonding trip to London. and how every stand provided something different to get our The variety of activities started with paintballing. To pass time teeth into. None of us had shot at this particular range before (an before the evening events we went to play football. Sig Mitchell excuse used many times that day!) and once the sun had burnt decided to tell us that he is a “holding right winger” but his skills through the fog, the good weather just added to the enjoyment. let him down. The Tp managed to get tickets to the England v There were some tricky stands and a lot to think about but this France football match through Tickets for Troops. The highlight was a great learning opportunity for us. Sixteen teams took part was the chance to speak to David Ginola which Sig Calvert with 6 of those being from across the Corps. As a team we particularly loved as once shaking his hand he said this will never managed a valiant 14 which, considering 2 of our team were be washed again! On the Thursday LCpl Hooper managed to complete beginners, was pretty good when going up against a get us a private capsule on the London Eye. It was at this point whole raft of Army shooters. No prizes this year but our heads we found out that Sig Wilson has an irrational fear of heights, held high. much to the amusement to the rest of the blokes. In the evening we attended a medieval banquet. Sig Calvert, Sig Young and Sgt Margrie dressed as wenches and SSgt Mills dressed up as a Jester. On the Friday we went on a legends tour around the Emirates Stadium, home to Arsenal FC, where we got to meet Kenny Samson, although it was a shame that there weren’t many trophies to show. It was also a shame to see that it’s not all about 22 players kicking a ball around as we got an insight into the tactics of trying to psyche the opposition out.
Recently the Tp have been doing their LPC and Rigger Marshaller courses . To many of us this was something that we haven’t done before so most of us were excited to get underneath a helicopter. We were lucky enough to get 3 Sea Kings to come to camp to practise carrying loads around Salisbury Plain. All in all it has been a hectic few months but we are all feeling as ready as can be for our deployment in March.
ARMY OLYMPIC DISCIPLINE AND ENGLISH SPORTING CLAY TARGET CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010 - by Cpl Jude Rawlyk
After a last minute entry, Monday 4 Oct 2010 saw Capt Steve Watts and I leave Colerne for a cold and wet National Shooting Centre in Bisley for the Army Olympic Discipline Clay Target Championship. Having never practiced these versions of the sport, let alone shot them competitively, the drive there was a quiet and pensive one! Capt Watts was first up for the Olympic Skeet. He bravely took up his position and soldiered on through what was a tough shoot for a first attempt and achieved a JHF KENYA 2010 – by LCpl Cooper creditable 14/25 and similar in his second round. I was next to have a go and actually started feeling sorry for the clays and so it In August I deployed with Delta Troop (244 Sqn) and spent 3 days was safe to say that they were not in any danger that day! Two travelling to what would be home for the next 4 months. It gave further disciplines followed with mixed results but a great me time to get to know my fellow workers, so time well spent. experience was gained from the day and we now know what to We arrived at Nanyuki in the middle of a down pour which meant expect for next year. Training has begun already. our bags and us getting covered in mud. The camp itself (NSG) is very basic but at least we had a roof over our heads and a bed to sleep in. The airbase (LAB) that we would be working at is a 20 minute ride away but we had our own transport, safaris, which we could ring to take us from NSG to LAB. It just meant that you had to factor the extra time in that it took for one to turn up in.
We covered 2 bases for work, one in the ops room at Lab and the other a 40min Puma ride away at MOB Simba. A crew of 2 rotate every Sunday at MOB Simba while the rest of the det cover the ops room. When we turned up the Lynx were just leaving but we still had 6 Pumas. They were changing over their detachment at the same time as us so we were all new together. We soon got to know people from all the other departments like the Engineers, pilots and support crews.
JHF(K) provides mainly CASEVAC cover to the exercising battle group who are here at the time. They also do troop movement as well as training. We hadn’t been here long before the first
44 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 casualty was using the facility. It’s a great place for those fresh The final mile seemed to go on and on (and some GPS watches out of training to hone their skills before going to tougher places agreed) and culminated in a cheeky incline in order to finish next in the world. I found Kenya a very diverse place where you could to the Marine Corps War Memorial. Despite my burning legs and be in a very green area or in the middle of mud! aching joints, the feeling of achievement was phenomenal. Having progressed through various queues to receive our post The weather was just the same you would get sunburn during the race goodies and well deserved medals, there was the day and freeze in the night while also in a monsoon. But opportunity for individual photos in front of the memorial; some of wherever you went the locals were always friendly and would us looking more elated than others! speak including the drivers that we used. I enjoyed Kenya very much because I made great friends and had brilliant people to All 10 members of our team finished the marathon, with Maj work and socialise with. I had chance to see lots of animals on Charlie Roberts boasting the fastest time of 3 hours 51 minutes. safari, visit an orphanage and go flying. Needless to say we celebrated in the evening with a well earned beer and American scale helping of food. 21 SIGNAL REGIMENT (AIR SUPPORT) 35TH MARINE CORPS MARATHON TEAM – by LCpl Fertnig The next couple of days were spent mostly resting, with some of the team more broken than others. The more determined Ten enthusiastic members of 21 Sig Regt (AS) set off early on members of the group ventured out into Washington to squeeze Thursday 28 October to compete in the 35th (US) Marine Corps in the last bits of sightseeing and grab some last minute bargains. Marathon, flying from Heathrow Airport to Washington Dulles Last thing before we left, we returned to the Marine Corps War International. On arrival in Washington the US Marine Corps were Memorial, dismayed to see how gentle the final slope was, and to generous enough to provide transport from the airport to our grab a group photo where we were all actually smiling! accommodation. Having heard that the accommodation was scheduled for demolition in the near future, we had anticipated 21 SIG REGT (AS) CO CUP CROSS COUNTRY - by SSgt Moore that it would be substandard or in a state of disrepair. The weather must have known that the CO’s Cup Cross Country Much to our surprise it was of a fantastic quality and in great was due to take place on Fri 22 Oct 2010 as it certainly delivered condition. The camp on which we were staying was ideally with a cold and dreary start. The Regt came together for a 5 mile situated, less than a mile from the Pentagon and a couple of route around the terrain of Azimghur Barracks in search of the miles from the start line for the race. winning Sqn as part of the CO’s Cup competition.
On the Friday we travelled into central Washington DC to collect A total of 97 competitors entered from all 4 Sqs as they stood on our race packs at the Marine Corps Marathon expo. Having the start line, raring to go - although mainly so that they could get weaved our way through enthusiastic salesmen and warmed up! However one competitor wasn’t; OC LAD Capt representatives we collected our race numbers, baggage labels Gould, who due to the COs direction to begin the race 15 and fetching faux Marine Corps Marathon turtle-necks. The rest minutes earlier, was at a bit of a disadvantage when he turned up of the day we spent viewing the sites of Washington DC, at the official start time only to find he was now behind everyone including the White House, Capitol Hill, the Washington else! He soon caught up though and finished in a commendable Monument and the various memorials. The Vietnam Veterans 96th position. Memorial and recently commissioned National World War 2 memorial were particularly touching. The day before the race The competition was well fought out with 214 Sig Sqn, formally activity was kept to a minimum, with the most adventurous team part of 2 Sig Regt and a new addition to our Regt, who had members venturing a couple of miles away to browse the local driven down from York earlier that morning entering a strong malls. team. It was also a great opportunity to scrutinize for a potential team to compete in the Corps Champs in Nov. Eager to impress, On the morning of the race the air was icy cold and crisp, the Ops Officer Maj M Grierson performed an outstanding dive providing a sharp awaking as the team moved down to the start on the downwards hill towards the finish line as he attempted a point. With over 30,000 competitors lining up and psyching commando roll. Unfortunately it didn’t make him up any places themselves up, the atmosphere was electric. Despite the 8am but he finished the race in a superb fashion. start, there were already plenty supporters alongside the route and can-do rock music playing over loudspeakers as the race set After a well fought out competition the winning Sqn was off. The crowds were thick and milling initially, however the announced, along with medals presented to the top individual runners quickly spread out, allowing us to run freely. finishers by the CO Lt Col G N Addley. Congratulations to the 1st male WO2 Richards, 244 Sqn and to the 1st female LCpl The level of consistent cheering and support from the sides of the Dickson, 214 Sqn. Consider yourselves in the team for the road, particularly for the military runners, was astounding. This Corps Champs! The top 15 in each Sqn had their positions count was particularly helpful as the racers spirit and pace waned towards their overall score which resulted in Sp Sqn lifting the towards the end of the race. Inter Sqn Cup. A great achievement by all competitors and an encouraging start to the cross country season.
Support Squadron and a rather tired OC LAD!
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 45 22nd SIGNAL REGIMENT STAFFORD
CO Lt Col S Nesmith the ball into the net every time she got hold of it. We then went RSM WO1 (RSM) R Midgley on to win our next game against Watersham Station by an astounding 11-0 with our excellent Goal Attack LCpl Chelsea REGIMENTAL FOOTBALL – by Cpl Pickup Burley showing off her skills and brilliant Goal Defence from Sig Kate Hankey. There was no getting past either of them. It The Regtl football team has had an excellent start to the league started to become apparent that even though we did not have a season winning all 3 of their opening games, made even the more long training period, the training we did have organised by WO2 pleasing with a lot of the first team players busy on pre Mitchell helped immensely and paid off and got us in to the final. deployment training and exercises. We played a nail biting game against 30 Sig Regt for 1st place. The most recent victory coming against RAF Shawbury with the The nerves soon kicked in again as both teams played great. In Regt winning the match 3-1 in a well fought affair. Shawbury the first half we were winning and by the second half 30 Sig Regt took an early lead against the Regt, however Cpl Shagar soon were in the lead. The game passed very quickly as we were so equalized with a neat finish as the keeper parried Cpl Pickup’s head set on winning the game. As the whistle blew we realised shot straight in to his path. In the second half the Regt came out time was up and 30 Sig Regt beat us 8-6. It was an excellent strong and took the lead when LCpl Whittaker ran from just and challenging final game that really pushed us. Although we inside the Shawbury half with the ball and looped an excellent did not come first we had a great day and we were happy that it strike over the opposition keepers head. The game was finished was another Signals Unit that won the trophy. Well done to 30 off nicely with another goal from Cpl Shagar. Man of the Match Sig Regt and hopefully we will get that trophy off them next went to the 22 Sig Regt keeper Sig Fagan who made a string of year!!! top class saves. Next up for the Regt is a fixture against 11 (RSS) Sig Regt in the Signals Cup. 217 SIGNAL SQUADRON
CO’S CHALLENGE 16 NOVEMBER 2010 – by Cpl Pickup OC Maj Richard Byfield SSM WO2 (SSM) Preece The recent CO’s Challenge took place in the form of a Safe and Skilled driving competition. All Sqns took part in the event, EXERCISE PASHTUNJ LINKS 17 NOV – by Sgt Rob Vickers consisting of 7 practical and one theory stand. These were: Vehicle Checks, Diminishing Alley, Garaging (HGV), Serpentine, Sig Dan Bray and I set off from a cold Colerne heading for the Offset Alley, Reversing into a loading bay (HGV), CES Stowage warmer climes of Jordan. Once we arrived and had settled into and Highway Code test. All stands definitely tested the driver’s our hotel we had the task of providing J1/J4 for the staff of JHF ability on manoeuvring but also were designed in a way to make (J) deployed on the ex. We managed to get all comms in and it a fun day for all involved. working within a few days and even had time for a few hours on the private beach back at the hotel. There were 2 teams made up of 2 personnel from each of the Sqns. The teams were being tested on their ability to reverse a JHF (J) has had a few problems with operating their Merlin land rover with trailer attached. Each team member took it in turn helicopters due to technical difficulties which had a knock on to both drive and guide the vehicles. The day turned out to be a effect on our working hours, meaning more time down at the great success allowing members of the Regt to brush up on their beach for the Signals detachment. skills even in the cold conditions, with the overall winners on the day being 222 Sig Sqn. Needless to say a few cones were taken During my time on the ex I have managed to follow in the casualty throughout the day by a number of the teams but this all footsteps of Carl Pilkington from the TV show ‘Idiot Abroad’, and added to the fun. travel to one of the 7 modern wonders of the world - Petra.
5 DIV NETBALL COMPETITION – by LCpl Leonard
Netball training started approx 2 weeks prior to the competition with some of the team members having never played before, but it wasn’t long before new and old players where getting into the swing of the rules and enjoying the games. There has been a lot of new females posted into the Regt in the past few weeks, so this training not only improved our skills but also gave us all a chance to get to know one another and remember each others names, as we found out when trying to shout for a pass, it doesn’t really work when you don’t know the persons name that has the ball!
The competition was hosted by 30 Sig Regt. On the way there spirits where high and there where no signs of any nerves as we were all just excited to be taking part in the competition as most of the girls hadn’t had a proper game in a long time or even a game at all.
The first game was between Watersham Station and 30 Sig Regt Sig Bray setting up a BANTUM and while we watched, the nerves started to kick in as we could see the level of the competition was high. However, as we played We hope to visit the Dead Sea before we leave Jordan on 22 Dec 39 Engineer Regt next, our confidence soon started to come which will get us home just in time for Christmas. The ex has back as we played extremely well and won 13-1 with Cpl Vikki been a good experience for Sig Bray and I. It has been Gurung playing Goal Shooter making it look easy by just popping interesting working closely with the RAF, and it has been great
46 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 getting paid to stay in a hotel and being able to visit Petra for a Norton, with a lucky few who got to experience the luxuries of fraction of the cost that most visitors to this country would pay. business class for the first time! With a successful exercise over for another year, the banter has already started in the Tp for who EXERCISE JEBEL SAHARA 10 - by Cpl Stu Taylor is chosen to go on the next one.
It has been a year since members of C Tp last deployed with 21 OP HERRICK APRIL TO NOVEMBER 2010 - by Cpl Saunders Sig Regt (AS) to sample the fine weather in Morocco, whilst at the same time providing a computer network using the J1/J4 system. The CORTEZ Tp, now known as “heavy based ISTAR” has had a And this year was no different. busy tour. Our 4 man Royal Signals team along with Yeomanry (TA) operators took over a fledgling network of about 7 sites, by It was Sig Jamie Bray, one of our newly trained members of the the time we left there were over 20, fully setup and networked. At Tp and I (having deployed on the same ex the year before) that the same time we dealt with the draw down of the CORTEZ were plucked out to go this time. As this was to be the first ex assets in the Sangin AO. At the height of summer the that Sig Bray would be involved in, the main emphasis was to temperature peaked at 62 C, causing some of the kit to struggle test his knowledge and give him as much experience as possible. and a few GEMS ideas to be submitted to mitigate the effects of This was going to be a busy 4 weeks for the both of us! overheating, but overall the kit was highly effective and proved a huge asset in the defence of each location it was deployed to. It As soon as the advance party landed we were straight into the also enabling the local commanders to build up a detailed pattern task of building the HQ whilst contending with the 30°C heat. It of life on the ground around them. wasn’t until the rest of the deployment arrived that the comms stage of the setup began. However, we soon got to work setting up the J1/J4 system and although this was a learning exercise for Sig Bray, we soon had the network setup in place and working.
The CORTEZ Team
Being a small team, we found ourselves on regular flights or road moves to support the many CORTEZ installations around Helmand Province. This saw several awkward moments during a highly eventful and eye opening tour. Finding yourselves often working 20 metres above the rest of the terrain and located next to a built up area is not without its dodgy moments too, as even in the darkness of night, the moonlight can leave you horribly silhouetted and hoping you finish your task before you receive any unwanted attention. Thankfully our entire team have completed their tour without any losses and wish the predominantly 2 Sig Regt replacements the best of luck on their tour and a safe return home.
EXERCISE PASHTUN OSPREY - by Sgt Gyanendra Rai
With the arrival of the JHC staff, the HQ soon got a lot busier. However, it wasn’t long until users were accustomed with the layout and they were online going about their daily work. This consisted of using emails to communicate. JHC also had the ability to access live STARS, a service that we were tasked to trial over the system during the ex. This functionality provided the facility for the RAF to plan and manifest flights as they would do back in their normal place of work.
So with everything up and working we managed to find some time to go up and view the Atlas mountains from the seats of The PASHTUN OSPREY Team either a Chinook or a Merlin that the RAF had brought out with them. This gave Sig Bray the perfect chance to showcase his Ex PASHTUN OSPREY, 104 Log Bde Mission Specific Training, Darth Vader impression! was conducted over the period 04 – 15 Oct 10 at CAST(S) in Warminster. The aims of the ex were to test the staff’s planning After 4 weeks of humid weather, and at times torrential rain, the ability and to provide situational awareness to HQ Joint Force ex was brought to a close, when the HQ was torn down in quick Support (JFSP) with the possible mirror imaged HQ structure and fashion. From there it was a short recovery back to RAF Brize information system of HQ JFSP (A) BSN.
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 47 THE CORPS WARRANT OFFICERS
Since its inception, the British Army has been built upon a successful tribal system. This dates back as far as 1707 when the Scottish and English Armies combined into a still fiercely tribal force which ultimately became more than the individual sum of its parts. This Regimental rivalry has been the bedrock of the British Army’s success ever since. We have fostered team spirit and coherence whilst still allowing freedom of manoeuvre and tribal individualism. This is exemplified perfectly within our own Royal Corps of Signals and, despite the many changes to roles and titles, we all still recognise our Lineys, Storemen, Techs, Powermen, Operators, Telemechs and Spec Ops. No tribe can function without a chief and this is where the Corps Warrant Officers fit in. Five WO1 posts exist within HQ SOinC(A), each heading up a distinct grouping and representing the trades and supervisory groups as shown below: a. Corps RSM. RD appointments, Driver Lineman Storeman, Electrician, Installation Technician. b. Corps FofS. Foreman of Signals, Communication Systems Engineer. c. Corps FofS(IS). Foreman of Signals (Information Systems), Communication Systems Engineer. d. Corps YofS. Yeoman of Signals, Communication Systems Operator. e. Corps YofS(EW). Yeoman of Signals (Electronic Warfare), Electronic Warfare Systems Operator.
The SOinC(A) has directed that each of these posts is to be filled by a WO1 of the highest quality with a proven track record, combining experience and credibility. All will be a minimum of second tour WO1s, selected according to strict criteria and all subject to the final approval of the SOinC(A). The SOinC(A) will use them as a sounding board for subject-matter expert advice and expect them to be at his side during key visits and meetings. The 5 Corps Warrant Officers represent the professional elite of the R SIGNALS soldier community. They provide expert advice not only to the SOinC(A), but also to the wider Corps as a whole. The appointments are now tied to posts within HQ SOinC(A) where their knowledge and experience will be used to shape the future of their trade groups both in terms of training and career development
The purpose of this article has been twofold; firstly, to ensure that all R SIGNALS soldiers are aware of their head of tribe. Brief biographies of the present incumbents are attached for those of you who have not yet met them. They will be present at most major Corps gatherings and will also accompany the SOinC(A) on unit visits whenever they can. You should take every opportunity to make as much use of their experience and advice as possible. Secondly, this article has aimed to inform all R SIGNALS soldiers of the ultimate goal to which they should aspire. The SOinC(A) directs that we enrich the lives of all of our soldiers and afford them every opportunity to use and develop their skills and talent. Statistically very few R SIGNALS soldiers will become a Corps Warrant Officer, but all should aspire to do so. Corps RSM WO1 (CRSM) McBean became the Corps RSM in Jul 2010. Prior to his appointment he was the RSM of 21st Sig Regt (AS). He has served widely across the Corps including 2 tours of Bosnia and Iraq. He is passionate about football and is part of the Corps Coaching staff as a level 2 Goalkeeping coach. He is also an avid Newcastle United supporter. His main effort during the coming year will be to gain the ground level feeling/opinion on what is good and bad from the Corps soldiers during unit visits, evaluate the current Combat trades, monitor the success and effectiveness of the RSIST including initial selection at Blandford. Email: SOINC-DCOS-Corps RSM Tel: 94371 5676
Corps FofS WO1 (FofS) Mitchell MBE became the Corps FofS in Jul 2010. Prior to his appointment he served in 16 Sig Regt, 255 Sig Sqn. He has served both in Afghanistan and Iraq. He has co-ordinated the ICS Professional Seminar 2010. His main effort is to develop Comm Sys Engr, R SIGNALS Elec, Inst Tech and Foreman of Signals training and career models. E-mail: SOINC-DCOS-TDT-FOFS(TAFMIS) Tel: 94371 5923
Corps FofS(IS) WO1 (FofS (IS)) Samuel became the Corps FofS(IS) in Jul 2009. Prior to his appointment he served in USSO and 18 (UKSF) Sig Regt. He has served widely across the Corps including Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. He is a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Technologists (WCIT) and holds Chartered status with the British Computer Society. An avid skier he has spent over 20 years teaching within the Corps and Army. His main effort during the coming year will be to develop the Comm Sys Eng career model and commonality of the technical supervisor. Email: SOINC-DCOS-TDT-FOFS(IS) Tel: 94371 5354
Corps YofS WO1 (YofS) Heaton became the Corps YofS in Jul 07 within DCCIS, delivering training to YofS courses before moving to TDT, SOinC(A) in Jul 10. Prior to his appointment he served at BOWTAG(G), 7 Armd Bde and 16 Sig Regt. He has deployed on numerous Operations during his service and enjoyed a number of years at 1 (RBY) Sig Sqn (SC), (now 299 Sig Sqn (SC)). His main effort for the coming year will be the Comm Sys Op Class 3 and 1 course content, ensuring alignment with the operational requirement. Email: SOINC-COS-TDT-YofS (TAFMIS) Tel: 94371 5771
Corps YofS (EW) WO1 (YofS (EW)) Chester became Corps YofS (EW)) in Aug 09. Prior to this appointment he was the Regtl EW Adviser at 18 Sig Regt. He has served across the Corps in EW and JSSO positions. He is a keen sportsman frequently participating in Fell Running races. His main effort for the forth coming year is to evaluate the training delivered to Class 3 EW Sys Ops and Driver Lineman Storemen. Email: SOINC-DCOS-TDT-YOFS(EW) Tel: 94371 5604
48 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 49 217 Sig Sqn’s responsibility was to provide a robust and reliable Drake has reigned supreme as ‘tache champion for the duration Satcom link to allow 258 Sig Sqn to provide the HQ with the ICS of the tour. facilities. In addition, we were also responsible for providing NATO SECRET data terminals for the staff users and secure voice telephones for the conference between the training location and a live theatre.
Having completed 2 days PACEX, the Det Comds and crews from Alpha Tp deployed to CAST(S) with a Reacher Det, a Richelieu PoP and all the necessary stores on 06 Oct 10. Despite a few unexpected problems we managed to get everything in and working within the set date of the build up phase. The main ex phase started from 11 Oct 10 where more than 200 NATO staff officers were involved with operationally focused scenarios. During this phase we all worked hard to ensure the services and facilities were to the satisfactory level and most importantly, were in and working.
Overall, the ex was a great success and a good experience for all of us as it involved the use of the systems which we have not come across during past exercises.
EXERCISE ASKARI THUNDER - by LCpl Drake The Exchange server
On 18 July LCpl Rai and I left the comfort of 22 Sig Regt and I feel I should also commend LCpl Davidson and Cpl Simpson took a trip down the M5 towards Bath to take up our place on their drinking prowess and almost intimate knowledge of the alongside 244 Sig Sqn, 21 Sig Regt (AS) for a deployment to local restaurants and drinking establishments. Between them Kenya in support of the Joint Helicopter Force (Kenya) and Ex they ensured that there was never a dull night. ASKARI THUNDER. After an entertaining stopover in Akrotiri to sample the joys of a night out in Cyprus and a further 9 hour flight There have been a number of opportunities for members of the we landed in Nairobi and made our way by road (although “road” detachment to go on adventure training. I have been mountain is a fairly abstract term in Kenya) to Nanyuki and our biking through the foothills of Mt Kenya and canyoning, which for accommodation in the camp at Nanyuki Show Ground. Once our those of you who are unsure is basically swimming down a river, “mozzy nets” had been set up in the cow shed that would be our climbing up cliffs home for the next 6 months, we travelled to our workplace in a only to jump off hanger on Laikipia Air Base. them again. There have also been Our main effort for the duration of the tour would be to operate opportunities to and maintain the J1/J4 IOS data network and the upkeep of the help out at local VSAT installation on the air base that provides the rear link. The orphanages and main effort for 244 Sqn, under the watchful eye of Sgt improve the live of Richardson as the IC and Cpl Cranswick as his 2IC, was ground those less fortunate to air comms with the various Lynx, Puma and Sea King Dets that than ourselves. ripped in and out as well as the maintenance of the CASEVAC net The JHF (K) for the training battle groups. Both demanding tasks as the J6 Detachment have department here was viewed as the font of all knowledge and recently been to a other departments would regularly use our expertise and poach local children’s our personnel to compliment their own departments. Such is the home and between burden that members of the finest Corps have to bare from time us managed to to time! scrape together enough brick layers, painters and carpenters to assist in the renovation of their accommodation The Sleeps areas. I shall conclude by saying this has been a memorable ex and one that I have thoroughly enjoyed. Kenya is a beautiful country with a superb climate and this Det has found the right balance of work and play that ensures that tasks are carried out quickly and effectively but morale stays high and the J6 department is held in high regard within JHF (K) for this simple reason.
222 SIGNAL SQUADRON
OC Maj I Rodger SSM WO2 (SSM) Fraser
Laying Coax 222 FALCON MRX – by Sig Owen
It certainly hasn’t been all work and no play in Kenya. Two weeks 1 – 24 Nov 10 saw 222 Sig Sqn deployed out to several locations into the tour and in the absence of anyone with a pace stick the for a month long Mission Rehearsal Exercise (MRX). With some obligatory “crap ‘tache” competition begun. Despite some stiff locations on camp and some spread out as far as Swynerton and competition from certain members of the Sqn, yours truly LCpl Nescliff you could tell this was going to be an important exercise.
50 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 Fortunately I was placed at site 5, which was made up to be Tuesday was on the ranges to complete our ACMT. Snow was Camp Bastion with LCpl Glasby and detachment commander falling and the wind was fresh, which made the fingers numb, Cpl ‘Taff’ Jenkins. Once everyone was in position, we began even through the gloves. The highlight of the day was when the setting up our detachment which was a FALCON CP2 (Command OC was marking for the SSM with the manual lifting targets. Post) which was working from 2 x Grey Fibre links, Grey Fibre 1 When the detail for ‘falling when hit’ was issued, the OC kept the was connected up to a CP2 palletised, run by Cpl Cragg and the target up, making the SSM believe that he hadn’t hit anything, second Grey Fibre making a link with a WASP (Wide Area therefore telling the range scorer ” zero hit”. The SSM couldn’t Support Post) commanded by Cpl McLeish. understand it and had to reshoot, I still don’t know if the OC has told him about it. After everything was set up we began our routine and I was straight away put on the nightshift which I did not really mind. Wednesday was a day of lessons in the Lecture Theatre and Before going to get my head down to be ready for the nightshift I Thursday was Map Reading and CBRN. On Thursday night we realised it was unlike any other exercise I had been on before. I had our night navex and were all split down into groups of 4 of was used to setting up a harbour area and living out in the field our own choice. The area was covered in snow and ice so as I was new from training. A cook’s tent run by the RLC was everyone had a slip or 2 during the ex. My group had SSgt Mick present, which meant no ration packs! The sleeps area looked Jennings, who could walk round the area blindfolded, so like a shanty town, one of the hangers had been packed full of needless to say, we finished fastest in 1hr 28mins and we were in tents. There must have been 40+. There was also washing the bar 5 minutes after that to wait for the rest of the lads to get facilities, along with hot water as long as the QRF remembered to back. heat up the Puffing Billy’s early in the morning! On Friday morning, due to the conditions being poor for the I woke up at 1800hrs that day, enough time for me to wash, ACFT at Nescliff, we all set off for Stafford as the roads on camp shave, have scoff before going on shift at 1900hrs. It was pretty were free of the ice for most of the way. We arrived at Stafford at weird seeing most people coming off shift as I was going on! 0930hrs and set off 10 minutes later, the pace was fine for most LCpl Glasby and Cpl Jenkins stayed on shift for a bit longer and we finished before the allocated time in good spirits. when I arrived to brief me up on what’s been going on and what’s going on for the duration of the ex. The day was pretty easy for MATTS Camp at Nescliff was a very relaxed week, with a few them as not everyone had fully setup and were just making the funny moments along the way. The weather was freezing and the final adjustments to there detachments. snow fell, but everyone kept upbeat and smiled along with the banter at the bar in the evening. A big thanks to the Training Being on the nightshift was easy! I had a few jobs to do but they Wing for providing us with a great package for the week, and were simple. test calls, e-mails and basic comms maintenance. hopefully it will be a lot warmer for our next one. A week went by and I completed the same tasks each night. When Friday arrived Cpl Jenkins treated me and LCpl Glasby to SUPPORT SQUADRON a chippy tea, don’t get me wrong but having a change from the cook’s tent was a morale boost for all of us. OC Maj S Keilty MBE SSM WO2 (SSM) Mason By Monday, the start of the second week, I was put on dayshift and LCpl Galsby was on nights. I struggled on that Monday as ROYAL SIGNALS CROSS COUNTRY CORPS CHAMPIONSHIPS my body clock was all over the place! Cpl Jenkins let me go get – by LCpl Leonard my head down early, which was definitely needed. Throughout the rest of that week I managed to get my body clock back to 22 Sig Regt submitted both male and female teams to the Corps normal. We progressed with some ‘Voice Baseline Testing’ and Cross Country Championships this year which took place at 11 other practices. On that Wednesday we had a problem with our (RSS) Sig Regt, Blandford. Both teams had an early start of MLIA (Multi Level Interface Assembly); this caused havoc and 0600hrs on a freezing, wet morning to begin our 4 and a half hour kept me and Cpl Jenkins out in the cold as we got kicked out of minibus trip down south with hopes that the weather would be a our detachment until Friday by the BAE engineers! bit better than it was in Stafford. Unfortunately, as it always goes on big competitions such as this, the weather was against us and As soon as they had gone, we all decided to have another chippy even worse in Blandford. The rain was thick and heavy, however tea since it was Friday. During that weekend we were kept busy this did not dampen our spirit, some of the Gurkhas even throughout with more ‘Voice Baseline Testing’. It was not only commented that they like running in these conditions as they tested on FALCON this time but also on the other comms found it ‘fun’, although I can honestly say I did not have the same equipment provided by 21 Sig Regt, such as Promina. On outlook at the time. Wednesday I was put back on nightshifts. I was coming off the ex that Saturday to be replaced by Sig Deutrom-Yue. I spoke The female team started 15 minutes before the male team, with him everyday to remind him that when I’m in bed on running a shorter course. Both teams started and finished at the Saturday, he will be on ex! As you can imagine he was not same point, the male team running 6 miles and the female team happy. Every night up until that Saturday was the same, nice, running 4 and a half. The route was filled with many hills and lots easy and relaxed. All in all I benefited from the ex and I think of puddles, so running down hill was rather amusing as it was everyone else did. We all learnt a lot about Falcon, what it can/ more like a water slide. However due to the weather and the can’t do, what is good/bad etc. It was a huge benefit to 222 Sqn. terrain that I was dreading before the race, after finishing I could see why the Gurkhas found it fun! 222 MATTS WEEK 29 NOV-03 DEC – by Sgt Cassee After the race everyone was a bit more relaxed and the nervous We left for Nescliff Training camp at 0800hrs on a cold Monday atmosphere had gone as we waited for the prize giving whilst morning in 3 minibuses. The journey took about an hour and we having some lasagne and chilli that was put on for us by the made our way straight to the Lecture Theatre to receive the first chefs. of our many lessons. After the first lesson we were allocated 10 man huts for our accommodation, which were very cosy to say Both teams did extremely well especially as the level of the least. The highlight of the day was our PFT, and due to the competition was so high with approx 200 runners competing. CD player not working properly for the bleep test, we had to do Our male team came 4th, with our SSI SSgt Pyburn coming in the mile and a half run around the parade square. The 32nd and our Regtl 2IC Maj Lucas coming in 30th out of the temperature was around -4 degrees C and everyone was freezing male competitors. Our female team came in 3rd place with the their parts off. Everyone’s lungs were burning due to the excess Adjt, Capt Devenish, coming in 13th place and Cpl Cattell from cold but most completed the test in their respective time 252 Sqn coming in 12th. As both ladies came in within the first allocations. 15 female runners they have both been asked to take part in the
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 51 Corps Cross Country training camp in Cyprus next year with the opportunity to run in the Corps team. We were all extremely proud of how well our teams had done and especially those that did exceptionally well, especially proud that one of our younger team members Pte Vanderbrink was given an award for young female runner up.
Hopefully next year we will see better weather for the event and maybe even win the trophy from 11 (RSS) Sig Regt (Male team) and 21 Sig Regt (Female team) who did extremely well this year. A big well done from 22 Sig Regt to both of these teams…..but watch out for us next year!
DIVISIONAL BADMINTON – by LCpl Moore
The Divl Badminton Championships were held at 16 Air Assault Bde, Colchester. The team arrived late on Sunday evening and once the block was found in the maze of a camp, to some Members of the LAD securing the location prior to moving in suprise we were greeted with double beds and en-suite bathrooms. Early the next morning the team headed to the gym As morning came we packed up and moved to the FOB. As we for the competition and split into their categories for the day. We arrived we were split into a rotation of FOB duties, ECCP and started with the men’s singles and after some fierce battles, one playing enemy on a 48 hour cycle. The 2 VRS sections were of our own from 22 Sig Reg was the overall winner. We then tasked with fixing engines and working on old civvy cars while went onto the men’s novices which had a suspiciously well the generator bay was initially tasked with installing all the power talented participant from 30 Sig Reg, which raised a few in the sleeps area and to the CP. questions, who was the overall winner. Lastly there was the men’s, women’s and mixed doubles which had a few mix and match teams that made for some interesting games. We finished the day off with the prize giving before setting off on the long journey back to Stafford.
ES TP NEIGHBOURS DAY – by LCpl Moore
LCpl Sands and I were tasked to give a brief on the Reconnaissance Command Liaison package to civilians who were coming onto camp for a separate brief. On the day there were a few stands set up outside Fraggers that included weapons, rations, vehicles and a temporary HQ. Once all the civilians came outside they dispersed amongst the stands which wasn’t good for our planned presentation. We had to improvise slightly, after being asked if we still used morse code on several occasions, and the end result worked out well. Overall everybody learnt something new, us included, so the afternoon was a success and enjoyed by all.
ES TP START THINKING SOLDIER – by LCpl Moore Cpl Shaw finally out of bed providing a service
At the start of November LCpl Wills and I were tasked with “Start During one of the days on the ex we had lessons on patrols, Thinking Soldier”, a week of constant trade briefs for students vehicle recovery and driver training. On the foot patrol lesson we coming onto camp to learn about all the different army jobs. The were expertly led by section commander Cpl Mandir whose fine trade stand for the Comm Sys Eng consisted of a brief about our infantry skills were good to see. Cpl Stu Baker gave a fine trade followed by a command task. We were told, before any lesson on the Foden and how to recover a DAF, he was students had even attempted the command task we had to accompanied by Cfn Sumner. The final lesson of the day came “make it a bit easier” for them. There were 5 large truck tyres on from Cpl Tattersall on off road driving, however, only a couple a pole which had to then be lifted off individually and re-arranged hours earlier, he was himself bogged in. in a certain order. In all fairness, it was quite hard, so the poles and one tyre had to go. All in all it was a good exercise with a mixture of trade skills in a military environment. It gave everyone a chance to get more All through the week we heard all sorts of questions such as, “Do hands on compared to, what we do on the shop floor. you get a gun?” and “have you ever been shot?” Also there were numerous enquiries into LCpl Wills’ “dodgy tash” which he 248 SIGNAL SQUADRON swiftly explained as being part of the charity “Movember”. Overall throughout the week there were a few stressful moments OC Maj D Farragher but also a lot of laughs and it was good to be part of the SSM WO2 (SSM) Dev recruitment for the Corps. NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM EXERCISE HOPTON ANVIL – by Sig Omprakash Gurung
The day started on a cold Wednesday morning and you could 25 November started with beautiful sunshine and a clear blue sky. sense the excitement around the LAD, with the guys formed up It was a day which Oscar Tp and a number of other members of waiting to travel to nearby Swynnerton. As the first 2 packets 248 (Gurkha) Sig Sqn were looking forward to as LCpl Jagat had arrived into the location it wasn’t long before the inevitable organised a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) in happened, the Regimental Generator Bay packet got lost under Lichfield. The NMA is part of the Royal British Legion and is the the guidance of LCpl Dil. They eventually turned up and set to UK’s year-round centre of remembrance: it is a lasting memorial work on making our beds for the night using a shovel and pick to commemorate and celebrate those who have given their lives axe! in the service of this country; those who have suffered in conflict;
52 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 and those who, for specific or appropriate reasons, are Capt Lalbahadur Gurung, 2IC 248 GSS, opened the celebration commemorated at the site. This includes not only members of by worshiping Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth by lighting an oil lit the Armed Forces but also the Civil Services (Police, Fire Brigade, lamp and incense sticks. The atmosphere was very exciting with Ambulance), charities, local and overseas organisations. This everyone talking among their colleagues conferring their betting was a very important visit because it was an honour for us and a limits as well as teaming up in their groups for the long Juwa great opportunity to pay tribute to those who have sacrificed for session, eagerly awaiting the start of the Juwa. the good of this country.
We arrived at the NMA around 0930hrs and straight away we could see a lot of memorials and trees at the site. Our visit started with the emblem of a large polar bear which we learnt represented the 49th West Riding Infantry Division. As we moved along, we visited number of memorials and we realised the importance of the trees that surrounded us. Each of the trees was a memorial serving to remember individuals; their memory was honoured by living trees growing and maturing in a world at peace. The Basra Wall memorial was also one of the main attractions as it is related to the recent Gulf War. After we visited the Shot at Dawn memorial we headed towards the Millennium Chapel. The Millennium Chapel is the only place in the UK where the act of remembrance is observed everyday of the year. We paid our respects to the fallen by observing a 2 minute silence.
We were expecting to see a memorial for the fallen Gurkhas but, Sgt Bishnu explaining Trepasa rules to the CO 22 Sig Regt, Lt Col much to our disappointment, we could not find any. However, Nesmith our guide informed us that next year they were planning to have one, which was very welcome news. Everyone was eager to Once the initial ceremony was complete, the CO, Lt Col Nesmith climb the small hill and have a look at the Armed Forces Memorial rolled the Tripasa, a Nepalese game of dice, to inaugurate the which is the centre of attraction of NMA. The Armed Forces Juwa. The Tripasa attracted more crowds than any other Juwa Memorial, dedicated in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen on stall and everybody participated in it as either thrower or bidder. 12 October 2007, is a nationally significant focus for Although the Tripasa rules were well explained by Sgt Bishnu Remembrance, providing recognition and thanks for those who Chochangi and clearly displayed on the floor, it took a while for have given their lives in the service of the country since the some players to get fully up to speed before losing too much Second World War. At the top of the hill, there are 2 curved walls money in a flurry of dice rolling! As the Juwa continued until late and 2 straight walls, consisting of the names of those fallen – a evening, the Gurkha ladies - the Didi-Bahini - provided delicious hugely impressive sight. home made food to make everyone feel at home despite being far away from their most loved ones.
At the same time, the Didi-Bahini began carolling (Bhailo) to attract donations from the crowd. The hall was filled with song with the Bhailo echoing in the every corner of the hall and everyone donated generously. As the night came to a close, many people were more than willing to continue betting long into the night but the strict rule of WO2 (SSM) Dev Meghi Ghotane would not allow them to continue beyond 2300.
The group at the Arboretum
Visiting the National Memorial Arboretum was a very informative experience and, moreover, an honour for all involved. It was truly a very great feeling and every soldier should visit the NMA at least once in their life time to pay their respects to those who have gone before.
MOD STAFFORD CELEBRATES TIHAR 2010 – by Cpl Saindra Chemjong 2IC 248 GSS, Capt Lal Gurung about to roll Tripasa Between 5 - 7 October, MOD Stafford’s Gurkha community celebrated Tihar with the usual high spirits and party atmosphere. On the second day, festivities and celebrations continued with Organised by Capt Teshar Gurung with the support of Lima Tp, messing organised by Oscar Tp. This was followed by a all the Stafford based Gurkhas and families assembled in presentation to the cultural group and the chefs in appreciation of Fraggers Club to mark this auspicious occasion. Tihar, the their hard work and tremendous effort during the Dashain festival of lights, is observed by decorating the house with oil lit celebration the previous week. Capt Lal Gurung and Capt Amrit lamps or candles and it is a significant annual event that Gurung made personal contributions to the cultural group in illustrates the great reverence between God, humans and recognition of their relentless work by providing gifts and free animals. Although the festival normally lasts 5 days, the last 3 drinks respectively. In the meantime, Capt Lal Gurung seized days were celebrated in traditional way by gambling (Juwa) to the opportunity to congratulate those individuals who were uphold the Gurkha culture. successfully promoted this year.
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 53 Although the Tihar is generally known as gambling festival, it is continued once the Staff Officers had gone home and the EXCON broadly observed in different ways by various ethnic groups. For site was soon taken apart and loaded ready for the move back to the Gurkha community of MOD Stafford, Tihar means happiness Stafford. and prosperity and Juwa is a means of celebrating with friends and families. For many in the Sqn Ex ARRCADE SPEAR 10 was the largest ex they had been part of and it was an ideal opportunity for all to EXERCISE ARRCADE SPEAR 10 – by LCpl Gopal Gurung practice existing trade skills and gain essential experience of the ARRC environment. It was hard work, but fun and rewarding and From 25 Sept - 16 Oct 10, 248 (Gurkha) Sig Sqn and other an ideal culmination of a year’s training. elements of 22 Sig Regt took part in Ex ARRCADE SPEAR 10, based within RAF St Mawgan in Cornwall. The aim of the ex was 252 (HONG KONG) SIGNAL SQUADRON to deploy, establish and sustain robust CIS, ICS and RLS in support of ARRC staff training objectives ahead of their future OC Maj S Steven deployment to Afghanistan in 2011. It was also an ideal SSM WO2 (SSM) A Watson opportunity for 248 GSS to train on comms equipment in an operational scenario, including Reaaacher, Richelieu, ARRC Infra RSA GET TOGETHER – by Cpl Cattel and LCpl Gunn and a host of other equipment. 252 Sig Sqn were kindly invited by the Cotswold Branch of the Whilst 7 Sig Regt constructed MAIN HQ for the exercising ARRC RSA to play skittles against them at the Victory Club in staff, 248 GSS were tasked with constructing the HQ for the Cheltenham. Volunteers from the Sqn to take on the challenge multinational ARRC staff directing the ex. This comprised over included: SSgt Tim Ralley, Sgt ‘Tommo’ Thomson and wife 250 staff users for whom the Sqn provided Mission and NATO Candace, Sgt ‘Mac’ McPherson, Sgt ‘Dunc’ Excel, Cpl ‘Lou’ Secret terminals, VTC facilities, conference rooms, a permanently Walker, Cpl Sarah Cattel, Cpl Sarah Challice, LCpl ‘Paddy’ manned service desk and floor walkers, I-HUB and server room Lynn, LCpl Vic Sambou, LCpl Sam Derby, LCpl ‘Gunny’ Gunn, as well as security and access control points – by no means a LCpl ‘Dobo’ Dobson, Sig ‘Naz’ Nazer-Abbasi. small undertaking! Saturday 13 November came round and we headed off to the Initially, the build phase was started on 19 September with the Victory Club where upon arrival at the sumptuous venue, SSgt main party arriving one week later. What started as a bare shell Ralley presented the RSA Chairman, Mr Ray Woolley with one of of a building was quickly transformed into a highly impressive HQ the new 252 Sqn plaques. Mr Woolley, who is 82, had served in offering a range of facilities to staff users. This was probably the Egypt and Catterick Garrison where he met his wife, Jean. toughest part of the ex and the Sqn worked extremely hard to Members of the RSA made us feel extremely welcome and we achieve the goal. It certainly paid off and the HQ build passed a socialised with our hosts in the bar for about half an hour, after variety of inspections with flying colours. which we then descended to the skittles hall and it was here that the challenge began in earnest. When the Staff Officers and other ARRC personnel arrived, they were greeted with a comprehensive welcome procedure to get them up to speed with what we could offer. As expected, a number of last minute changes were required and 248 GSS took the opportunity to demonstrate their ‘can do’ attitude, adapting the build accordingly with a minimum of fuss. There were some sleepless nights, late hours, tireless and industrious work but the provision of the CIS and ICS network all went perfectly, with floor walkers and server room personnel working hand in hand throughout the ex to meet Staff demands.
RSA Chairman, Mr Ray Woolley with members of the Sqn
Cpl Walker started with a respectable score of 5, followed by a strong start by Cpl Cattel. Two rounds of skittles were played before we paused for the buffet which the RSA team had kindly put on. During the buffet, Cpl Cattel, Cpl Walker and Cpl Challis took up the role of raffle ticket sellers with impressive results, selling nearly all the tickets and raising over £200 for the Branch. When the raffle was drawn with 90% of the winning 248 Sig Sqn at the Exercise tickets seemed to belong to 252 Sig Sqn personnel, but many returned prizes to be redrawn. It was not all work however, and the majority of the Sqn were able to rotate on a shift system to take advantage of the superb The last round of skittles was played with 252 dominating the facilities at RAF St Mawgan. In addition to this, a number of score board, and a dual for the second highest score between Gurkha bhats were held to reinforce existing friendships between LCpl Lynn and Cpl Challis was decided by a single ball playoff units and promote new ones. that Cpl Challis got the better of!
Eventually, ENDEX arrived and whilst the Sqn was pleased to After a heartfelt thank you speech from Mrs Jean Woolley we have achieved its mission, this was tempered by having to tear returned to camp, although some did remain with the hosts at the down what had taken so long to put together! The hard work Victory Club. A Good night was had by all. We would like to give
54 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 thanks to Sgt Thomson for organising the event and for the Cotswold Branch for hosting us. Thank you especially to Mr & Mrs Woolley.
EXERCISE CALPE DRAGON – by LCpl Spain and Sig Roger
Sunday 7 November. We met up with the rest of the party at Birmingham airport and flew to Alicante, Spain arriving at 1000 local time. The town of Calpe is situated 50 miles north of Alicante airport and 20 minutes north of Benidorm. After picking up our 2 A-team style Mercedes mini vans and collecting our apartment keys, we squared ourselves away with a trip to the local supermarket, only to find everywhere was shut as it was Siesta and Sunday. A local said “Mañana” - tomorrow.
Monday 8 November. We Travelled 10 minutes down the road to Costa Blanca, Sierra De Toix far East for our first climbs. We split the group down into skill sets. Lt Kate Apps, Sig Mike Roger Lt Kate Apps finishing the first pitch! and myself were instructed by Maj Fred Salt and Capt Barry us a good 20 minutes of scrambling to get up there. The first Lewis. We did 6 pitches, Mike even managed a 7th which is no was called Anto, and then we did another called Maria. We had mean feat for our first day! That evening we settled in for lectures lunch in a cave and went over some questions for the theory test on the aims of AT, log books and rope maintenance, then we and practised several belay techniques using Chocks in the cooked a fantastic Spag Bol for dinner. cracks of the rock to anchor a Y shape to belay from. T hen we came back to the apartment and did our written test for our Rock Tuesday 9 November we went back to Sierra De Toix and did Climbing Proficiency qualification. some of the more challenging multi-pitch climbs until the rain made the limestone rock face too slippery! Much to our relief the Saturday 13 November. A day off climbing today and we walked instructors decided it would be best to call it a day and visit the up the Penon d’Ifach which was very treacherous. Parts of the climbing shop in town and get some lectures out the way. Lt path were extremely narrow with a deadly drop to the sea below. Apps bought some new climbing shoes (“stickies” ) and we made We had lunch at the top feeding the cats and seagulls whilst it back to a small German restaurant bar for Bratverst, Curryverst taking in the view. Then we came back down, which took about and Giross before they closed. an hour, had some more lunch, Sig Roger dipped his toes in the sea, Lt Apps did a bit of sun bathing and we listened to some more of 67 year old Fred’s anecdotes.
Much to our relief, we all passed our written tests and gained our RCP qual, so went out for a final night in Calpe where we ended up in a strictly come dancing style discotech! In summary, we all had a brilliant time. The weather was amazing and we met a lot of different people from other parts of the army including TA units. We plan to do some more climbing locally to keep up the skills we’ve learnt, ready for the next opportunity. It was the best AT exped I have been lucky enough to attend, but I said the same thing about the last one.
LANYARD TROPHY 2011
Sig Mike Roger posing on the rock face!
Wednesday 10 November. After a long drive we were parked at Marin. There was a 10 minute walk to the pitches but it was well worth it as this is a great climbing spot. On arrival we saw some other British climbing groups so we quickly split into our climbing teams again. We did 2 multi pitch climbs, which are actually pretty high and we all got “disco legs” at some point! We had a couple of falls today but nothing too serious (big screams, not a lot of damage). It was good to test our confidence in the belayer’s abilities!
Thursday 11 November. Back at Sierra De Toix which was one of the favourite sites due to the variety of climbs for different levels of experience. Today I reached my limit. After trying a pitch called Espolon Gris (Spanish Grey) and continuously slipping off the tricky finger holes, disco leg syndrome got the better of me and I had to hand over to Mike for him to show me how it was done. But it was a tricky day for all as the other more advanced team managed to get a rope stuck at the top of a pitch after abseiling down the bottom, so someone had to climb back up The competition will be hosted by 22 Signal Regiment and take and free it. Whilst this was happening we decided to use a stone place on 22 September 2011 in Staffordshire. wall by the vans and practice using Chucks, Cams (friends), nuts and Hex’s. A full warning order will be sent to units by April 2011.
Friday 12 November. Today we went back to Sierra De Toix and HQ SOinC(A) Policy Directive 216 contains full competition did 2 climbs on what is called the “lower” part of the area. It took details.
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 55 30th SIGNAL REGIMENT BRAMCOTE
250 GURKHA SIGNAL SQUADRON
OC Maj P C Wettenhall SSM WO2 (SSM) Unbahadur Thapa
EXERCISE UKALO DRAGON 2010 - by Sig Subash Chandra Rai
Ex UKALO DRAGON was a Sqn rock climbing Adventure Training organised by LCpl Prakash Gurung which took place in peak district over the period 17-19 September 2010. Thirteen members of the Sqn including Maj Corkery (Ex Sqn OC) were the willing volunteers who took part. The aim of this ex was to provide experience to Rock Climbing Leadership Training (RLT) instructors and others to attend the RLT course in future as well as to develop the military adventure training spirit within the Sqn.
We set off from Gamecock Barracks on Friday 17 September at 0800 hrs towards the Peak District. On arrival at Birchen Edge Car Park, we prepared our climbing gear and walked for 15 minutes to get to our designated destination called Nelson Slab in Birchen Edge. After a quick break we received a full set of briefings by LCpl Ratna Tamang and LCpl Prakash Gurung who then gave a lesson on roping systems, such as how to anchor the rope using different types of knots and how to belay etc. Once the ropes were anchored, we were ready for climbing.
We arranged the ropes in such way that we were able do 4 climbs using 2 ropes. Climbing itself was adventurous, though it Sig Subash holding tight against the rock as he looks down was tough. Fortunately, we were blessed with a nice sunny day very thankful to allthe instructors for this opportunity and look which made the climbing fun. To add an excitement to the forward to the next one in the future. event we had a friendly competition amongst us which worked really well. It seemed nobody wanted to stop climbing until the 5 DIV BADMINTON CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010 sinking sun was seen on the horizon, so we stopped before the - by LCpl Krishna Khajum dusk and headed back to the camping site. In the evening we unanimously decided to go to a local Indian restaurant for meal. Sports are an extremely important part of Army life, it helps build We were all tired and hungry, so the dishes went down really well teamwork, leadership, fitness and endurance. Badminton is one with few drinks and chit chats. Climbing was the main topic. of the sports providing a complete all round workout for the body and mind. It involves physical fitness as well as intense mental Next day, having had breakfast we headed towards Frogatt Edge. concentration, akin to chess, continually anticipating and pre- New day with new ideas and experiments, under the empting the opponent’s movement. supervision of Maj Corkery and other two RLT Instructors, we had opportunity to learn about more new tricks and techniques of This year, 5 Div Badminton Championship was held on 25 climbing. This time the climbing wasn’t so easy, it was difficult October 2010 at Merville Barracks in Colchester. Despite a very and challenging. We did a lot of climbing and once again a busy schedule, Cpl Bhim Lawati from Trg Wing managed to put friendly competition added an extra flavour in the climbing. This together a team representing 30 Sig Regt. We had limited time to was a difficult day and we were all tired. When we returned back train as a team so we new we had to work very hard to get to camping site we had a knot making game organised by Maj anything out from this event. However, when the event eventually Corkery which was fun and interesting. It was worthwhile to play kicked off we were simply astounded by our team’s good level of as it had given us opportunity to consolidate skills learnt in roping performance and achievements. It was almost a sweeping system. When the game was over we prepared everything for victory for 30 Sig Regt Badminton Team except for Men’s and next day and drove down to the town for meal. Women’s Singles. It was quite overwhelming experience returning home with a handful of medals. We are really proud Sunday 19 September was the final day of the ex. We were in a and very happy for the Regt. rush to leave the camping site and go for final climbing on a new crag with more excitement and enthusiasm. When we arrived at The event was well organised and thoroughly enjoyable. It was the climbing crag called Stanage Edge the weather was windy good experience for some of our new players who will and rainy, not suitable for climbing. We therefore decided to go undoubtedly improve from this and perform even better next year. hill walking. After an hour of walking the weather got slightly Our main achievements on the competition were as follows: better so we went back to the crag for climbing. 1. Men’s Singles Runner up Cpl Bhim Lawati Due to the weather the climbing was more demanding and challenging then previous 2. As we struggled, the weather 2. Novice Singles Winner LCpl Krishna Khajum struggled too and got even worse so we packed up our kits and headed back to the camp site as Maj Corkery had to leave early 3. Unit Doubles Winner Sgt Rudra Ale and for a long drive back to Netheravon. When we packed up we Cpl Narantak Rai said goodbye and returned back to Gamecock Barracks the Runner up Cpl Bhim Lawati and same day. We all thought the ex was very successful and fruitful LCpl Krishna Khajum to all of us. We learnt a few new techniques and skills that we 4. Mixed Doubles Winner Cpl Bhim Lawati can benefit from in the future and also pass on to others. We are Runner up Cpl Gamkishor Ghale
56 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 which was the controlled tear down of the complete HQ and its assets. Three days after the endex, a full Ex turn around was completed and all personnel, including all assets, were safely back in the camp.
All in all, the ex was a great success. All objectives were achieved, all the Staff were very happy and satisfied with our service. It was all possible due to strong leadership, team work and professionalism from all involved. The ex itself proved that we are now ready to deploy with JTFHQ 1 anywhere in the world.
TIHAR CELEBRATION IN BRAMCOTE – by Sgt Sanjeev Rai
Tihar is celebrated as the festival of light which is also known as Deepawali; this literally means ‘the row of lamps’. Houses around the Station were decorated by colourful lights to honour Tihar. It was celebrated in style this year by Bramcote based QG Signals and attached members and their families over the period of 05 – 07 Nov 10. 30 Sig Regt Badminton Team with their trophies. EXERCISE SWAN FOCUS 10 - by LCpl Sitkumar Tihar lasts for 5 consecutive days, 5 November being the third day, one of the most important days of Tihar. Laxmi, the Two fold commitment and a hectic week for 250 Gurkha Sig Sqn, Goddess of wealth and good luck is worshiped in this evening. In Ex-SWAN FOCUS 10 and Dashain celebration took place over the morning however, we all gathered in the Himali Club to open the same week starting on 10 Oct 10. Ex SWAN FOCUS took Juwa (traditional gambling). After elaborating the significance of place at Windbreak, Bramcote and was the first Joint Task Force Tihar and tradition of Juwa by Pundit, Hindu padre, Comd QGS Headquarter (JTFHQ) 1 ex for 250 GSS since it was taken from Lt Col RJB Spencer Saheb opened Juwa by throwing Tripasa. 256 Sqn in Sep 10. This year Deusi (Singing) was played during the daytime to Ex SWAN FOCUS was a Mission Rehearsal Exercise for Ex JOINT include all families and children. It was played in the old, FOCUS due to take place in New Quay over the period 4 Nov to traditional style. A Group of Bramcote based QG Signals 6 Dec 10. The main objective of this ex was to build a Staff members and families set off to play Deusi at QGS Gurkha Maj Working Environment for JTFHQ 1 staffs providing CORMORANT Dhan B Gurung MVO Saheb’s house first. All Bramcote based Comms and Life Support. Initially, some 40 plus Sqn personnel QGS officers were gathered there to host us. After rather skilled deployed on the ex followed by 45 plus Staffs Officers the next Deusi singing by the group, GM Didi, Indi, offered us the Daan week. Further to this, personnel from Operational Intelligence (Gift). This is offered to make Deusi team happy so they pray for Support Group (OISG) and Defence Media Operation Centre the family wealth and prosperity. Deusi singing was so good, (DMOC) also deployed. even 2IC 250 GSS, Capt Ganesh Gurung added more money towards Daan. After praying all officers and their families with On first week we successfully built the JTFHQ 1 complex and good wishes in return of their great hospitality, food and Daan, tested all equipment capabilities. We managed to meet the given the group split into 2. One became the hosts, led by Full Operational Capability of 72 hours which was really WO2(RQMS) Nim Pun and the other, led by WO2 (SSM) Un encouraging and everybody was very happy for this achievement. Thapa, later hosted the Nim Saheb’s team. Everyone including children had real fun and were dancing and singing throughout. It was also first successful testing and commissioning of a Swedish Satellite bearer system called Sky Lark that Juwa was played until 2300hrs every day until the Sunday. subsequently replaced MITRAL as the main Satellite bearer for Saturday 6 November was the busiest. Even the floor of the JTFHQ 1. Compared to MITRAL it was very easy and quick to Himali Club was packed of groups of gamblers. Didibahinis set up. (Sisters) also kindly prepared outstanding Tihar meal for Dajubhais (Brothers) in the evening. This was warmly welcomed Before temporarily halting the ex for Dashain celebration and then and appreciated by all. This is a sign of our strong family bond, moving on to next phase, Sqn OC Maj PC Wettenhall, paid a which may remain for many years to come. This is something visit to the ex area on 14 Oct 10 and carried out a thorough that all the members of the Regt will be proud of. After the meal, inspection of the HQ, making sure every thing is ready for the fireworks were observed by everybody which was setup at the Staff the following week. By the end of the visit he was content parade square, which added another flavour to the theme of with everything and left us happy, with few tips and suggestions Tihar. for the betterment of the ex. Sunday 7 November was the most important day of Tihar. The The second week began early hours Mon 18 Oct 10 with some fifth day, also known as Bhai Tika, sisters recall the myth who left over Dashain hangovers. However, it was soon out of the tricked Yamaraj, God of death, into postponing her brother’s head as the Staff started to arrive one after another, and real work death indefinitely, by blessing their brothers and giving them Tika, began. CJFO Brig James Bashall was not able to deploy due to garlands and sweets. Brothers in return give their sisters gifts his pre arranged commitment, however DCOS, Gp Capt Andrew and money. Brothers travel miles, even days to their sisters in Curtis and Chief co-ordinator Lt Col Mark Maddick were this auspicious occasion. deployed on the ex. Tihar is the ace of all festivals in the Hindu calendar. It is purely From the beginning the ex went smoothly without any major because all members of the family from all ages enjoy this issues, a huge relief to all involved. The Staff were supported auspicious festival. This year particularly was extra special. We with everything they needed in order to help them achieve what managed to show to our youngsters and experienced ourselves a they needed to achieve. glance of our rich Nepalese tradition. Many thanks go to 2IC 250 GSS Saheb for coming up with such a fantastic idea. All the We were prepared for any thing that they might ask for, so most programmes from Deusi to Tihar food by Didibahinis, those meant of their requirements were already in hand. They were very happy something extra ordinary which will remain in our memory forever with our service and also impressed with our quick response. and ever. Finally, the endex for the Staff was called out at 1830hrs on 22 Oct 10, but the hard job for the exercising Tp was yet to finish, Jai 250 Gurkha Signal Squadron!
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 57 256 SIGNAL SQUADRON name but a few, so everyone was made aware of the need to maintain equipment as replacements would take a certain amount OC Maj S Short of driving. You can imagine the delight, then, when Sig Ben SSM WO2 (SSM) Stowell Verdin snapped a PU12 mast whilst located in Inverness! Sig Griffiths got the chance to take our visitors to such places as EXERCISE SWAN FOCUS 10 – by Sig Philcock London, Manchester, Inverness and Newcastle, purely to conduct recce’s you understand? The OLRT detachments that got out Members of 256 Sig Sqn were deployed to the wind breaks just and about conducting recce’s were tasked to identify sites outside Gamecock Bks on 11 October on Ex SWAN FOCUS 10. suitable for Early Entry HQs, JTFHQ and also RRB sites. Two detachments made up RADCON whilst another 2 where used as Satellite stations and an OLRT was used to conduct Some of these recce’s took in Holiday Inn motels, Police Stations, recces of the local area. military camps and the usual farmers fields. This was a great opportunity to further develop class 3 and class 2 operators as Each day the DET commanders and crew rotated through and no NCOs were deployed into the field. It was also an ideal completed various tasks such as deploying to various parts of the chance to test the Sqns medium range HF means and, to a lesser UK to achieve HF and tactical satellite comms. Tps were also degree, long range HF with one detachment tasked to act as tasked to conduct recces using LWRN on the OLRT det. Areas JOCCOMEX vehicle providing comms to 7 Sig Regt and HMS that the Tps recced consisted of Coventry airport where they Chatham. The Cpls rotated through RADCON with each doing a were escorted down the runway, the Holiday Inn Lodge and 24 hour shift, which included performing the role as RADCON Mallory Park Race Course. Ts were also tasked to conduct a commander, issuing orders to detachments and a few brain night patrol/recce using CWS and reported back to RADCON teasers thrown in by the Yeoman for good measure to fill any using the HF manpack radios and the PRC117f. Midway through gaps in the day. Fortunately we managed to get out and back in the ex comms were successfully established using long range HF before the snow arrived. sky wave to HMS Ocean.
To round off a successful ex the Sqn gathered at the 501 Club at Gamecock Bks where we were treated to a curry and a few beers. WO2 YofS Samuel generously donated a signed picture of himself to the top student, nice!
SLE was deployed on Ex Joint Focus to St. Mawgan in Cornwall with around half its recommended manpower, which was a welcome change to setting up on camp or within the local area. This proved a challenge from the outset with a limited number of people having the relevant driving qualifications to drive the Cormorant and support vehicles. With half of the usual crew away on other taskings, this was an ideal opportunity for other members of SLE to step up to the plate and deliver the same results before the possible future deployment to Cyprus, which is planned for the new year. Sig Griffiths was perhaps the busiest member of the Tp after leaving Ex Swan Eagle to join Ex Joint Focus, and will be happier with the Cyprus deployment after complaining of cold nights sleeping in a hanger and the fact it was too cold to snow in St. Mawgan. With the frantic search for a TV and a satellite receiver prior to deployment, it was fairly clear from the outset that this was not going to be the busiest of weeks for the guys. At least the opportunity would be there to get some Ashes cricket watched for those who could stay awake for long enough.
OLRT RECCE EXERCISE SWAN EAGLE
Bravo T finally got the chance to flex its Bowman muscles by deploying 4 detachments as part of Ex SWAN EAGLE. It was also a chance for YofS Samuel to put a few of the Sqns Cpls through their paces with some pot YofS taskings. Sig ‘Griff’ Griffiths was initially tasked with deploying RADCON all the way to the Sqn MT before being later tasked to drive the length and breadth of the country with a few of our US cousins to keep him company. The ex was to take place in such locations as Inverness, Catterick Garrison, Haverford West and Newqauy to
58 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 The Tp said farewell to Sig Larry Langton after he finally left us and hello to new arrivals which include Sig Dear, Sig Jones, Sig Harris and LCpl Bloor.
SUPPORT SQUADRON
OC Maj P Griffiths SSM SSgt Sheard
EXERCISE WINDERMERE CHALLENGE 06 - 08 OCT - by Sgt Scott Lewis
Sometime in early June I came up with the idea of swimming Lake Windermere, a total distance of 10.5 miles. After several training sessions myself and 2 other members of the team realised that in the time frame we had covering that kind of distance in a oner would be pretty much unachievable, which is Sgts Scott Lewis and Marty Cowan entering Lake Windermere. when we came up with the idea of doing a 1 mile relay. “It’s not cold honest” So the swim was well underway and each leg seemed to pass by Each leg would be covered by a 2 man team doing 1 mile in and with ease. The support from the boat crew consisted of WO2 2 miles out, a far more palatable distance of 4.5 miles. A quick (YofS) Stu Bailes, who with his captains hat on and shades trawl of the Regt and 5 willing volunteers and myself became the looked more like a member of the village people, Sgt Chris team. The team consisted of Sgt Scott Lewis i/c, Sgt Marty Loynes and Sgt Toby Griffiths RAMC, and their support to the Cowan 2i/c, Capt Kenny Smith, Capt Pete Hodgkinson, Sgt swimmers was invaluable. Particular thanks to Toby for bringing Chris Loynes and Sgt Stacy Fayers. me my tea and food across the decks of the support boat, he made a very good cabin boy. As we reached the 8 mile point After hiring some swimming suits and a few dips in Bosworth everyone was in good spirits, nothing more than a few minor Water park, we soon acclimatised ourselves to the cold and got cases of cramp to worry about. The pre-training and previous down to training up to 2 miles in 14 degree water. Unfortunately days carb loading had certainly paid off. at this stage Capt Pete Hodgkinson had to drop out, however he still carried on with fund raising, a big thanks goes to him for that. (There’s always next year)
As the swim got nearer that training session became easier and the distance more reasonable to cope with. Even Sgt Marty Cowan, who went from doing his best impression of a washing machine, began to look like a seasoned open water swimmer.
Under direct order from the QMSI and the Medic, the week before the swim Sgt Chris Loynes very reluctantly had to drop out due an operation on his hand. Fortunately Chris was moved onto the admin team and remained very much part of the whole experience. A big thanks to Chris for all the work he did with the fund raising and organising event t-shirts. With a few days to go, the realisation that the swim now consisted of an extra mile and less rest started to sink in. However, with the usual candour we pressed on with the training.
On the morning of the 6th the advance party deployed directly to Lake Windermere to secure the motor launch we had hired as the safety boat and the main body moved directly to Halton Camp to sign for the accommodation. Once these tasks were completed we all met up for a team building meal and some carb loading in Lancaster.
On the 7th all elements deployed in a timely fashion to their The rather impressive motor launch and crew respective start points. The boat crew deployed up to Bowness to collect the launch and then power thier way back to Fells Foot For the last half mile we had decided that all would finish the in time to meet up with the first swimmers. However the launch swim together, so as we all headed for the shore line the half mile fell short of what was expected. A small electric hire boat, just seemed quite a bit longer than that and soon became just shy of about big enough to fit us all in, travelling at a monstrous 7 mph a mile, never the less this didn’t stop Capt Ken Smith and Sgt took an hour and a half to get back down the lake to the start Stacy Fayers putting in a burst of butterfly to impress the point. gathering number of spectators.
However everything came together very nicely and with the timely The on-land support crew consisting of SSgt Phil Smith and Sgt arrival of the Sp Sqn OC, Maj Pete Griffiths, and the A/SSM, Bill Whyman REME had certainly done an excellent job not only SSgt Ritchie Sheard, Sgt Marty Cowan and I entered the rather with the admin but with fund raising as well. With the support of pleasant water of Lake Windermere. The first mile seemed to the OC Sp Sqn and A/SSM they collected £180 from tourists and pass quite quickly and easily. The smoothness of change over locals. was key as we arrived at the boat the next 2 swimmers, Capt Ken Smith and Sgt Stacy Fayers, were already in the water. All We left the water to a rapturous applause, all feeling rather proud that was left was for the other 2 swimmers to get out of the of our achievement. The total distance covered by all swimmers water. However, the comedy boarding ladder the hire place had was 23.6 miles in 6 hours 39 mins. Funds raised currently stand given us was far from efficient and resulted in some rather at £1200, with more still to come. The monies will be split equally unceremonious hauling and grunting of the 2 swimmers into the between 2 charities, Help for Heroes and Leukaemia Research boat. UK.
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 59 Left-right. Sgt Si Key, Sgt Bill Whyman, Sgt Toby Griffiths, Sgt Stacy Fayers, Capt Ken Smith, Maj Pete Griffiths, Sgt Scott Lewis, Sgt Marty Cowan, Sgt Chris Loynes, WO2 (YofS) Stu Bailes, WO2 (QMSI) Dusty Miller and SSgt Phil Smith A huge thanks must go out to all the administration staff, not way Si, the hat does not fit! Thank you to all who donated, we least of all WO 2 (QMSI) ‘Dusty’ Miller and Sgt Si Key for now look forward to swimming Loch Lomond next year, no relay enduring the whole distance as our Kayak safety boats. By the this time just 21 miles of swimming fun.
32nd (SCOTTISH) SIGNAL REGIMENT (VOLUNTEERS) GLASGOW
CO Lt Col PT Donegan services were overwhelmed forcing the Cabinet Office to issue an RSM WO1 (RSM) BB Newton appeal for help from the EU with other Countries coming to the aid of the UK in the form of urban search and rescue teams. The The Regt continues at ‘full steam ahead’ with a multitude of Sqn deployed a Command Support Team to provide comms for operations, training and exercises. All of the 40 Sig Sqn 42 North West Bde Liaison Officers who were tasked with running personnel have safely returned from Op TOSCA after a highly a Joint Military and Emergency services air cell. successful UN tour. They are now looking forward to the challenges ahead! Although at times it can be a little difficult to OPERATION ESCUDO get the Regt together due to geographic and recent climatic conditions, the RTW in November was an outstanding success. With the coalition government in the hot seat 33 Sig Sqn were There was an eclectic mix of regional accents on display in tasked with providing 2 CSTs on notice to move to support the Halton during the weekend, which was the traditional Christmas Liberal Democrat Conference. Luckily the conference went well training weekend, albeit rather early! The weekend involved CLM and the Sqn were stood down. training for the JNCOs, some SNCO and Offr development, including for some of the SNCOs potential supervisor training. OPERATION PROTECTOR This was complemented by an assault course (the old one from the Krypton Factor) and then the soldiers’ Christmas meal. It was pleasing to see how well the Regt has bonded over 2010 and we look forward to what 2011 will bring!
33 LANCASHIRE SIGNAL SQUADRON
A/OC Capt R Patterson SSM WO2 (SSM) M Hanna
September through to November was an extremely busy period for the Sqn with a number of exercises and live UK Operations.
EXERCISE ORION
This was a 3 day ex with a fictional scenario of a major earth The Labour party leader Ed Miliband drops into the Ops Room to quake hitting the Merseyside area. The ex had over 600 say thank you for the support. In the picture (L to R) the JRLO casualties for the emergency services to deal with. In this fictional from 42 NW Bde Lt Col Caroline, Sgt Sue Cornthwaite and LCpl scenario, the disaster was so severe that the British emergency Natasha Pinnock
60 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 Straight after Op ESCUDO the Sqn deployed a CST in support of and SSgt ‘Micky’ Jemmett and SSgt Mark Murphy put plans B, the security to the Labour Party Conference in Manchester. The C, and D into action! Sqn provided ICS to deployed military LOs from 42 NW Bde. Troops provided a deployable HQ with a 12 user capability at EXERCISE NORTHERN KNOWLEDGE EXCON, and a CST in reserve. Our troops were also utilised to provide oversight for an exceptionally busy Airwave net at Bde This ex was designed to convert legacy operator trades of 32 Sig Main HQ. SSgt Jemmett once again proved his value in Regt to the new Comms Sys Op (V) trade group. The attendees ensuring that all staff requirements were being met – including were all legacy Operator JNCO’s. The course was run over 9 cashing in some favours with 2 Sig Regt for a short notice VTC days and consisted of an extremely busy programme of Corps line. Sig Andy Stephens proved to be the staff SPOC on the operator skills and theory such as Antennas and Propagation, service desk, and he was soon recognised as the man to fix most Voice Procedure, Generator training and much more. A 2 day problems. Bowman package was included within the programme with instructors coming from 219 Sig Sqn, 2 Sig Regt in York (our Although a relatively simple deployment, Ex MERLIN AWARE 10 paired CSR). Sigs Hutton and Dougherty proved to be a was a significant milestone for the new 50 Sqn. As our first valuable asset and their instruction was well received from the deployment with staff users, it tested both our planning and students. The 9 days were broken in the middle with a day out technical abilities as well as our relationship with our new orienteering on Snowdon! The day proved to be very wet. stakeholders. Despite relative inexperience – our ability to deliver The week went well with the students proving their newly gained remains unfaltering – Comd 15 Bde and key staff were very knowledge with a day long ex run at Altcar training area. The complimentary about the ICS provision they had received. The students were given a number of antennas to test over great JRLO and BRT Forecast of Events have been overlaid to our distances utilising the Terrestrial Air Sea Communications System training programme to ensure that we work side by side to (TASCOMM). support the provision of ICS to our RF Bde.
REGIMENTAL TRAINING WEEKEND
50 Sqn continue to build on it’s reputation within the Regt, not as the ‘Shifty Fifty’ (thanks CO…) but as the ‘Fighting Fifty’; having won every single sports competition and challenge thrown at us since the re-subordination into 32 Sig Regt. The second Regimental Training Weekend was no exception… the CO’s Regtl Assault Course Challenge. As his last RTW, OC 50 Sqn Maj Andy Black stood down the hordes of the other officers keen to lead the team to victory, as he wanted his ‘last hurrah’. Needless to say: 50 Sqn won with a clear lead with a simple strategy: run fast – get to the obstacles – get over the obstacles.
52 (LOWLAND) SUPPORT SQUADRON
OC Maj T McVey ‘The students working hard to build to antennas SSM WO2 (SSM) K Swan
50 (NORTHERN) SIGNAL SQUADRON EXERCISE VENETO MARCH – by LCpl Williams
OC Maj A Black Members of 33, 51 and 52 Sqns left Alamein Barracks in Huyton SSM WO2 (SSM) Standing to travel to the Bosco Cheisenova region of Italy on 24 Sep 10 to take part in Ex VENETO MARCH (VM). This is a Military Skills NEW APPOINTMENTS based Patrol Competition located in the hills above and around the beautiful Verona region of Italy. The competition is organised We would like to offer our sincere congratulations to our OC, Maj by the Italian Reserve Forces and included over 40 teams from Andy Black on his new appointment as SO1 Plans 2 Sig Bde on NATO and non-NATO countries. The International elements promotion to Lt Col. Maj Black has been the driving force in all consisted of teams from France, USA, Latvia, Croatia, of the Sqns’ successes over the past 18 months; whilst faced Switzerland, Germany and 32 Sig Regt from the UK. with unprecedented changes and challenges. His command team will miss his clear direction and leadership, including his It started with an opening ceremony and a dinner. What we colour coded conferences and ‘unflappability’. All Sqn members weren’t aware of was the map reading challenge we had ahead of have appreciated his humility, professionalism and drive in his us. All patrol leaders myself, Capt Paul Williams, LCpl Henry shortened command appointment. His long-term planning will ‘Dodger’ Roger, LCpl Paul Smith and LCpl Simon Bond where benefit the Sqn for many years to come. issued with patrol packs which included a map and some checkpoint coordinates, along with more information on the Andy will be replaced in an acting capacity by our Traffic Officer, events for the following day. As we plotted out these coordinates Capt Brad Hogg. He was previously OC 90 Sqn prior to the complete with ‘no-go’ areas the scale of our patrol and the terrain re-subordination and in his last role has built up strong became apparent. We calculated a 20km route which was over relationships with key influencers in our RF Bde – our customers undulating terrain, VERY UNDULATING! This was going to be no in the UK Ops role. easy task.
EXERCISE MERLIN AWARE The following morning we set off in pairs, ready for the day and night patrol ahead of us. LCpl Smith with his team mate Sig Hot off the back of 50 Sqn’s first full deployment as a UK Ops Ross Aitken and LCpl Bond with his team mate LCpl Chris ICS Sqn on Ex HORSESHOE EAGLE (Annual Camp), the Sqn Clarke made quick work of the first leg up to checkpoint Alpha. deployed ICS capability to Ex MERLIN AWARE – 15 (NE) Bde’s This theme followed all the way throughout the day with the 2 UK Ops PDST and CAST. Capt Brad Hogg led the appreciation teams chasing each other across the finish line, in very and deployment; initially utilising a Reebok detachment and respectable times. Unfortunately LCpl Rodger and his team additional support. However, in the true spirit of ‘no plan survives mate Sig Dave Gallagher didn’t get far enough in the required contact with the enemy’, the Rebook capability was not available timeframe, so were removed from the competition along with a
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 61 couple of US teams who were ‘navigationally challenged’ along The night phase was initiated by a set of orders and sections the way! being detailed out. It was a lengthy process to get everyone out on the ground but once we were there the skills assessments The day phase consisted of a wide variety of military orientated began. There were section assaults, IED identification and basic stands, including placing explosive on a bridge by climbing up a patrolling which were all monitored and scored. All remaining rope ladder and manoeuvring across a concrete ledge, which was teams did well, although the language barrier did hinder some! much harder than it looked! Calling in a fire mission in Italian, At 0300 the competition finished back at the point where we had which wasn’t easy given we had the wrong coordinates at first. started so many hours ago. As luck would have it, it had opened This was soon rectified (blue on blue averted). One of the stands as a bar. Well it would be rude not to have one….a cappuccino required us to provide first aid assistance and cover for wounded that is! soldiers who had been caught in an IED blast. On Sunday morning we rose, tired, but proud as we had The sound of gunfire directed us to Checkpoint Delta and a nice performed well. We didn’t go home empty handed. At the prize hot bowl of soup. The 2 teams of Capt Williams with Maj Terry giving and closing ceremony in the centre of Bosco Cheisenova, McVey along with myself and LCpl Steph Morris arrived into the Capt Williams and Maj McVey brought home the silverware by location late, as we were amongst the last teams to be set off in coming third in the competition. the morning. What followed was a tricky set of shooting stands, which had a series of small metal targets. This included firing a Pistol, Rifle and Shotgun.
Maj McVey and Capt Williams proving that with age comes wisdom and it is not all about running straight up the hill! LCpl Morris and LCpl Williams Firing the Barretta CX4 Carbine A lunch was laid on to celebrate the competition closing. This Rifle turned into a swap shop for badges, berets and t shirts. Needless to say the British Army stamp was placed very firmly on This became trickier as darkness was falling rapidly but Capt this competition and its competitors. A tired group of soldiers Williams once again proved himself on the ranges and was from 32 Sig Regt travelled home from Italy knowing we had playing a bit of a tune on the metal targets when he shot the worked hard and reaped rewards in the shape of - contacts, new pistol phase. friends and a good competition to promote back home.
37th SIGNAL REGIMENT (VOLUNTEERS) REDDITCH
CO Lt Col AE Percival On the day itself the weather was close to ideal given the mixed RSM WO1(RSM) CM Ogg on and off road nature of the route, being dry and not too warm, enabling the team to establish an early lead against the RAF 36 (EASTERN) SIGNAL SQUADRON (VOLUNTEERS) contingent. Unfortunately, road markings left over from the previous year’s walk pointed the wrong direction and led the OC Maj Stuart Rowson group over a mile off course, to the advantage of those trailing SSM WO2 (SSM) Tara Pun behind once the stewards caught up and informed all of the mistake. Another busy period for the Sqn has seen a good mix of comms exercises, military skills activity and adventurous training. We The quick purchase of a map ensured that, unlike some other now look forward to a recharging of batteries over the Christmas groups, the team did not fall foul of the same mistake twice and period and a strong start to our training for 2011. quickly re-established their lead. As the day wore on and inevitable foot problems began to take their toll, the Tp paused to 854 SIG TP (CAMBRIDGE) – BURY ST EDMUNDS CHARITY allow their newest member, Sig David Somerville, a private WALK - by Sig O’Connell moment in the bushes with a tub of Vaseline.
Sunday 26 July saw members of Cambridge based 854 Sig Tp At this point they were again overhauled by a greatly reduced take part in the annual 26 mile Bury St.Edmunds Challenge Walk RAF team, who to achieve this had abandoned several of their to raise money for forces charities including the Royal Signals members at check points along the route. After completing the Association and the Royal British Legion. The route is a circuit circuit and returning to Bury St.Edmunds Rugby Club, the Tp was around the Suffolk countryside, which in true East Anglian style is more than keen to tuck into beer, chili con carne and chips in mercifully flat, although somewhat overgrown in places where it celebration of a successful fund raising event. Beyond the moral skirts the edges of farmers’ fields, something which those victory of completing the full route with all members of the team, attempting to run the route in shorts no doubt found troubling! over £1000 had been raised for service charities.
62 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 Arse”, the opening to Peak Cavern, a small cave system located very close to Castleton itself. Having descended only a few metres into the cave we immediately noticed a drop in temperature and then discovered how little waterproofing our coveralls actually offered. Various access ways required stooping and crawling through standing water, left behind from the previous weekend’s torrential rain. Sounds of disapproval were heard, indicative of many soldiers suddenly finding themselves with cold wet feet.
The cave mostly consisted of passageways large enough to stand in, although the guides were keen to describe the dedication many cavers have for finding small pockets and holes that might lead to new passages and cave systems. This is when we learnt of the fate of Neil Moss, a caver who lost his life in the cave in the 1950s, having descended down a narrow fissure so far that all attempts made to rescue him failed and he eventually suffocated. We learnt about various geological features of the caves and witnessed some cavers themselves passing us by armed with core drills and assorted bits of scaffolding, descending to a part of the cave system where they were currently digging. It was hard not to admire their dedication. We explored the cave about as much as we could in the time we had (and without diving 854 Sig Tp Charity Walk Team equipment), regularly referring to a laminated map for reference. WELCOMES AND FAREWELLS On occasion we found ourselves leopard crawling through narrow conduits and attempting to navigate ‘sumps’, briefly going We would like to welcome to the Sqn Capt Kirk Humphreys who underwater to get through low points in the cave’s lower has transferred in as the 2IC, Lt Sarah Taylor who has taken over passageways. After 5 hours of exploring we headed back up to as OC 854 Sig Tp in Cambridge and SSgt Kev Bickford, and his the warmth, casting a thought towards the many cavers who wife Tina, from 7 Sig Regt. SSgt Bickford is taking over as the apparently spent days below ground in a never-ending bid to find SPSI (Ops) in Colchester. We also welcome back from Ops Cpl new holes. In the evening we were able find ourselves a well- Jock MacRae and LCpl Keith Hercus, both of whom have deserved shower, before reflecting on the day’s activities with a returned from Op TOSCA. We have had to say a number of couple of drinks in Nottingham, mindful that the Sunday would farewells over the past couple of months, many of which have require another early start. been due to the disbandment of Southend TA Centre. They are: Disembarking from our Scout Hut on the Sunday morning we Capt Rob Price who has transferred to the London Regt, Capt headed out to the Peaks again, this time splitting into 2 groups to Gordon Bathurst to the unposted B List, SSgt Mark Thorndike tackle a single-pitch climbing challenge, successfully utilising to 217 Field Sqn RE, Sgt Hilary Higgins to 217 Field Sqn RE, whatever climbing skills we all held and learning simple belaying Cpl Richard Parrack to 217 Field Sqn RE, Cpls Ian Molineaux techniques. A viaduct in the local area straddling 100ft over a and Guy Hurst who have hung up their boots, Sig John Philpot small river was to be our site for abseiling. All members of our to 217 Field Sqn RE, Sig Gregg Bernasconi to 217 Field Sqn RE group tackled these challenges well and the slow pace and – Father, Sig Lloyd Bernasconi to 217 Field Sqn RE – Son, and sunshine we enjoyed over the morning provided a pleasant Sig Stuart Shead to 217 Field Sqn RE. contrast with the previous day’s caving. Whatever training is undertaken in the Peak District is always rewarding and fulfilling, A temporary farewell goes to LCpl Sam Thatcher who is but for a lot of us the experience of caving was new and currently working with the 16 CS Med Regt welfare team on an discovering that such a world existed together with a large FTRS contract in support of OP HERRICK. Congratulations must following of dedicated cavers and amateur geologists, was both go to LCpl Chris Freebody and his partner Gemma on the birth interesting and physically demanding. All those troops in of their daughter, Grace, and to Sig Beckie Barwell on passing attendance will have a better appreciation now of why to her C+E. remember to bring spare torch batteries and spare socks when on exercise - remember the “Devil’s Arse”! SQUADRON ADVENTURE TRG - by Sig Milne 53 (WALES & WESTERN) SIGNAL SQUADRON On 8 – 10 October 2010 members of 36 (Eastern) Sig Sqn embarked on a weekend of caving and adventure training OC Maj M Longcake activities that would test their wits and waterproof clothing in the ASSM SSgt P Keogh Peak District. Home for the weekend came in the form of a local suburban Nottingham Scout Hut, which despite being basic came WELCOMES AND FAREWELLS with all the necessities and warmth that helped make the ever- cooling Autumn climate a bit more comfy. Having rucked up on We welcome back Sig Mark Williams who has returned from 6 the Friday evening, we got our heads down for as much sleep as months mobilised on Op Tosca in Cyprus. A temporary farewell we could get, knowing that an early start was in store for us. goes to Sgt Nick Caswell who has mobilised to Afghanistan on Op Herrick. We also welcome back Maj Matthew Longcake who The weekend started with our party disembarking after a nice returned to the Sqn to take command. Maj Marcus Cosgrove breakfast in a nearby café, and making our way to Castleton, a left the post after 3 successful years; he will be greatly missed small picturesque village near the Hope Valley in the Derbyshire but is not going too far away as he takes up the position of Peak District. Having filled in the obligatory claims waivers, and Regimental 2IC. We also welcome several new recruits who have dressed in our best warm kit - or shorts and T-shirt in the case of passed their recruits course over the past few months; Sigs LCpl Parrack, we received a briefing from our 2 instructors for Michael Davies, Rhys Jones, Megan Henderson and John the day. With many years of caving experience between them, Stephens. they described to us the basic kit a caver would need. This consisted of a canvas coverall (not waterproof), a helmet with A number of Sqn members must be congratulated on promotion attached lighting equipment and a pair of Wellington boots. After over the past couple of months, LCpl Becky Swann, LCpl Luke fitting ourselves into the coveralls with varying degrees of Glover and LCpl Paul Lewis all celebrated earning their first difficulty we set off for what the locals fondly call “the Devil’s stripe, Cpl Tony Shakespeare his second and Sgt Carys Jones
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 63 promotion into the Mess. Outside Sqn activities, congratulations was our time to shine and walk down the steps to the stage, must go to a number of members who trained hard to take part in thankfully without anyone tick tocking. Once we’d got our tactics the Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday 17 October 2010. The Sqn sorted for how we were going to manage the decline we were set was well represented by SSgt Paddy Keogh, Sgt Carys Jones, for our big night in the spot lights. The evening came, and despite Cpl Nick Carter, LCpl Luke Glover, LCpl Becky Swann and Sig Wales losing the rugby on the afternoon, the hall was filled to ‘Spike’ Thomas, who all completed the race. Congratulations go capacity. The band played as we marched proudly to the stage particularly to those for whom it was their first attempt at this in our finest Number 2 dress and we took out place on the stage distance. The Sqn will also be celebrating in style the wedding of for the remembrance and the Welsh National Anthem. We were Sig ‘Spike’ Thomas and his fiancée Jade Morrison who are reportedly on BBC TV, or so the RSM threatened, however as yet getting hitched on Sunday 12 December 2010 and holding the no one has demanded a beer fine from us! reception at the TA Centre. 54 (WORCESTERSHIRE) SUPPORT SQUADRON EXERCISE GLOBAL WARRIOR 2 OC Capt G Bond Ex Global Warrior 2 took place at Swynnerton Training Area over SSM WO2 (SSM) T G Mansell the weekend 22 - 24 October 2010. The aim of the ex was to provide all attendees with realistic and relevant training into Afghan FOB drills, with a view to preparing members of the Regt for potential future deployments on Op Herrick. Saturday was spent with ‘round robin’ lessons on FOB drills, mine awareness, section attacks and orders. The Sqn was well represented in training staff with 53 Sqn providing the instructors for 3 out of the 4 stands. Thanks go to Capt Si Nash, Capt Lucy Sewell, SSgt ‘Sammy’ Lee, Sgt Dave McSween and Cpl Alex Goldie who all provided high quality lessons for those taking part. Over night from Saturday into Sunday a confirmatory exercise was carried out when the FOB was attacked on several occasions and the troops inside had to react as necessary. Clearance patrols and QRF skills were tested as was sleep deprivation….. A rude awakening awaited the exercising troops as they were roused at 0530hrs and started an AFT at 0630hrs on the Sunday morning. After this a section attack was carried out by those who were still able to walk…..
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
The Sqn was represented at both Cardiff and Stratford upon Avon Remembrance parades on Sunday 14 November 2010. In Cardiff the Sqn led the army contingent of the parade. The annual drill move of ‘form 6 ranks’ was interrupted by a camera man who looked very nervous as troops parted around him! During the service of remembrance Sgt Matt Davies pulled out his trusty 2008 order of service and followed it word for word, nothing like a bit of recycling! The march past took place in front of City Hall where the Sqn even made it onto the Welsh ITV news. After the parade a curry lunch took place at the TA Centre where former members and families of serving members attended and enjoyed our hospitality. In Stratford upon Avon, 867 Tp was led on the parade by Tp OC Capt Lucy Sewell who also laid the Tps wreath at the town’s Garden of Remembrance. Cpl Matt Weston was given the role of Sword Bearer and was flanked by Sig Debbie Cpl Jay Twist receives his Afghan medal from the Barrett as an escort. Mayor of Redditch It’s been a busy couple of months for dignitaries coming to visit WELSH FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE Redditch to present awards to some of our personnel. Congratulations are in order to SSgt Andy Bolton for getting his On 6 November a small band of smart young soldiers were LS & GC, and Cpl Jay Twist and LCpl ‘Tats’ Hemming for selected to represent 53 (Wales and Western) Sig Sqn at the getting their Afghan medals. Last but not least we have SSgt Welsh Festival of Remembrance. The day started with a practice, Tim Abbott who received his CinC Land Forces Certificate for a lot of hurry up and wait, and then wait a bit more. But finally it Meritorious Service.
38th SIGNAL REGIMENT (VOLUNTEERS) SHEFFIELD
CO Lt Col A J Parsons 1 SIGNAL SQUADRON (VOLUNTEERS) RSM WO1 (RSM) A P Ingham OC Maj MC Fisher FAREWELLS SSM WO2 (SSM) Gott
The time has now come to say goodbye to SSgt FofS JW Powell MK DONS – ARMED FORCES DAY - by SSgt Vernon who leaves the Regt on a 6 month tour in Afghanistan with ISS Forward. The CO and all ranks wish SSgt Powell and family all MK Dons FC once again hosted their own Armed Forces Day at the very best for the future. Stadium MK. This has now become an annual event, after being
64 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 such a success last year raising over £5000 for Help for Heroes. War Memorial. After a short service wreaths were laid by local Local military units were invited to take part in the event. Ten dignitaries including the Sqn OC, Maj Mo Fisher. personnel from 1 Sig Sqn (V) took up the kind invitation along with the other local TA Unit, E Company 7 Rifles, who had a This was followed be a 2 minute silence to show our respect to massive part in organising the event. The chosen charity was all the fallen soldiers. After the service many personnel made Care for Casualties, a charity for the Rifles. The Rifles also rather their way to the Royal British Legion in Bletchley to raise a glass kindly put a percentage of the takings to the Royal Signals to the fallen. Raising money for the Poppy Appeal continued on Benevolent Fund as a show of gratitude. We were all soon with a raffle and auction of many items. The drinks began to flow looking forward to having “A day at the Dons” as did many war stories!
On arrival we had a good look around the stadium in the form of 2 (CITY OF DUNDEE AND HIGHLAND) SIGNAL SQUADRON a practice march around with the Waterloo Band and the bugles (VOLUNTEERS) of the Rifles playing. We then took advantage of the lounge bar facilities on offer; effectively we were “Club Red” members for the OC Maj B Williams day. The hospitality shown to all military guests, whether serving, SSM WO2 (SSM) W D Smith Regular, TA, Cadet or Veteran was excellent and made for a fantastic atmosphere. ELIE CHAIN WALK (4 NOV 10) 2 SQUADRON PERMANENT STAFF TRAINING DAY A small number of no more than 6 from each unit were asked to take part in a half time parade; this was to be a very simple The OC, Maj Stillie, tasked the 2IC, Capt Crocket, to organise a march around the perimeter track then straight back into the days training for all permanent staff on a monthly basis. The Elie stand. This was to be accompanied by the band from The Rifles. Chain Walk was the first of these days and took us along the Fife As the FA have strict timing rules and half time being no more Coastal route. than 15 minutes we had a dry run before kick off, ensuring it could be done with plenty of time to spare. We had to remember The Warning Order went out followed by the Admin Instruction veterans were marching and sadly some of them are not as light and then the day arrived, as well as the first of the winter weather. on their feet as they used to be. So with Gary gore-tex on (in many colours) off we went. Looking back and reading the orders put out by the 2IC, the day was a The Dons were also accompanied by 2 mascots, 6 year old walk along the Fife coastal route, so we planned to be battered Cameron Nicholls and 7 year old Ethan Cornish. These 2 boys by the elements coming off the North Sea. both lost their fathers on the same day. LCpl Nicholls of the Household Cavalry Regiment was killed in Afghanistan on August We were going to walk along the coast at the cliff base, not 1, 2006 and Cpl Cornish was killed serving with First Battalion above them looking down but at the waterline looking up. We The Light Infantry – now known as the Fifth Rifles. The mascots arrived at Earlsferry and walked to the start point, which was carried out the match ball and tossed the coin on behalf of the clearly marked by a warning sign. Even though several of us referee. thought the walk started where we left the minibus, the day was about to get interesting………..or extremely wet? The Waterloo Band and the bugles of the Rifles then played as the players came onto the pitch followed by the Last Post where a respectful silence was held for the fallen. As for the match itself it was a drab first half but the Dons exploded out of the traps in the second and despite missing a golden opportunity just minutes before, Wilbraham broke the offside trap to score his first league goal of the season to secure all 3 points for the home side.
1 Sig Sqn (V) would like to thank MK Dons and for their incredible generosity in their efforts fund raising for Care for Casualties and for putting on the MK Dons Armed Forces Day. Also we would like to thank E Coy 7 Rifles for organising the event and donating a percentage of the taking to the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund.
REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE - by Pte Lorraine Garrett RAMC
On 14 November 2010, 1 Sig Sqn (V) participated in the Royal British Legion’s Remembrance Day Parades in Banbury, Bletchley and Rugby. The Bletchley parade was attended by the Mayor of Milton Keynes, Councillor Debbie Brock and the MP for Milton To allow walkers to get around the route several huge chains have Keynes South, Mr Iain Stewart. been secured into the rock. When you first see the chains bolted into the cliff face it doesn’t fill you with confidence. These allow The Remembrance Day Parade was made up of Regular soldiers access up, down and across the cliff base. from 299 Sig Sqn (SC), TA soldiers from 1 Sig Sqn, Sqn HQ, 899 (RBY) Sig Tp, Buckinghamshire Army Cadet Force, Brownies, Point to note, tide tables need to be brought into the planning Police and many more. We paraded at Bletchley TA Centre at process or just bring your wet suits. By the end of the walk we 0900Hrs where we practiced our drill under the unit drill guru, were all in a variety of wet suits, boots and socks. Some of us WO2 Gott. It was evident from the start that we were not quite at were wetter than others, depending on individual height or timing the standard of the Guards, however in a short period of time we as demonstrated and shown by SSgt Honeyman, who was were all in the same step at the same time. soaked from the waist down but others like SSgt Cowan were only wet below the knees. The parade began at 1030hrs was lead by the Royal Marine Cadet band followed by 299 Sig Sqn (SC) then the 1 Sig Sqn Timing became critical going from chain to chain as SSgt contingent. We left Bletchley Park and marched down onto Callender found out, as a wrongly timed dismount from the chain Wilton Avenue then turned right onto Church Green Road. The meant an early soaking. The day ended with a sociable drink in order eyes right was given here, thankfully we had our right hand the Smugglers Arms where we soon realised not everyone had marker SSgt Vernon who kept us all marching in a straight line. wrung out their socks as a puddle (sea water) was forming under The parade marshal halted the parade outside St Mary’s Church SSgt Hemming.
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 65 focused on field skills such as Section Battle Drills, FCOs and giving Orders, but also on the personal skills required of JNCOs. On the Saturday evening there were discussion groups on civilian topics, to assess our ability to express views and listen to others. The following day there was a series of command tasks which the teams completed (with varying degrees of success).
During the second weekend we were given training on prisoner handling and section attacks, after which everyone was given the chance to act as either Section Commander or 2I/C on patrols. It was a steep learning curve for those of us without much prior experience, but everyone showed improvement, and we learned from each others (inevitable) mistakes. I definitely improved my field skills, and my ability to think and lead rather than just follow. I enjoyed having the chance to give orders and do a bit of shouting, which has to be generally restrained in my civilian work(!), and we managed to find a bit of time to have a laugh (particularly on the way home).
SSgt Honeyman realising that the water is colder than he LORD MAYORS SHOW 2010 – by Sig Burt expected The Lord Mayor’s parade (the largest unrehearsed parade in the world), happened, luckily, on a dry day. 41 (Princess Louise’s Kensington) Sig Sqn (V) paraded with one of its new Wolf Landrover FFR Dets and a 4 tonne Lanward vehicle (which couldn’t be missed on the TV coverage!) Eleven of 41’s soldiers took part in the parade: Capt Harris, Lt Washbrook and Sgt Marshall-Smith, Cpl Neilson, LCpl Hope-Wynne, Sigs Burt, Manning, Watkinson and Shrinarine.
The parade formed up on London Wall and was led off by a float of scantily clad Brazilian dancers (much to the delight of the guys). The route was well lined by spectators who gave the soldiers a fantastic reception. There were a few challenges getting the Lanward round some of the smaller roads (although probably easier than the tank that went round a few years ago!). The route went past the Royal Courts of Justice and St Paul’s Cathedral and finished back at London Wall. Everyone enjoyed the day out and a chance to show themselves and the equipment off for the crowds.
CONGRATULATIONS Sgts Callander, Devonport and Hemming hanging on 41 (PRINCESS LOUISE’S KENSINGTON) SIGNAL SQUADRON Well done to LCpl Peare on his promotion to Cpl, well deserved (VOLUNTEERS) reward for his efforts as Sqn PTI.
OC Maj W Bennett Congratulations to Cpl Kelly and Cpl Machin on the birth of their A/SSM SSgt S May son Charlie born on 15 November. Cpl Machin has cunningly booked a 3 month career course! The Sqn also saw 2 marriages WELCOMES over the period, Cpl Peare and Cpl Blackburn both got married and we wish them all the best for the future. The Sqn welcomes Cpl Hopkins transferring in from 36 Sig Regt and also welcomes back Cpl Ellis, REME, who returns after a 64 (CITY OF SHEFFIELD) SIGNAL SQUADRON (VOLUNTEERS) period of absence due to work OC Maj K M Flanagan FAREWELLS SSM WO2 (SSM) T Grant
After a combined 30 plus years service 2 members of the Sqn 64 SIGNAL SQUADRON - by Cpl James have hung up their boots. Cpl Page and LCpl Hopkins are gone but not forgot and they are still integral parts of the Sqn in their Since the end of Annual Camp in September 2010 the Sqn has respective roles as caretaker and civilian storeman. entered a quiet period leading up to Christmas.
PNCO CADRE – by Sig Jones The weekend 08 – 10 Oct 10 was a MATTs weekend in Swynnerton where I spent most of my time instructing MATT 5 The JNCO Cadre was run over 2 weekends in Ripon, Yorkshire. navigation. The wind stopped our out door theory lesson when The aim of the course was to teach us leadership skills in the outside, but we were rescued by the SQMS coming up with a field. Previous experience amongst the soldiers on the course classroom. The troops did a full day of rescuing zombies under ranged from 6 years of Regular Army service to 2 years in the TA, fire on the BCD (first Aid) stand, CBRN was dry training followed so the course was pitched at a level to cater for all. The first by build up to an UK Ops related scenario whilst under attack. It weekend was held at Lava Banks and comprised of mainly was all a slight change of pace after the map reading. The classroom lessons and the second weekend was held out in the Sunday was an AFT and as always it’s a great test of a TA field at Ellington Banks. soldier’s fitness, with some of the younger soldiers wondering were us old men get our energy from! The DS instructors were of a high standard and motivating. Their approach was geared to enabling learning and we were spared a This was followed by Ex Steel Frolic, which was an introduction true beasting for this reason. The lessons in the first weekend to BOWMAN and Det Drills for those Class 3 trades not already
66 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 trained in its use. As always the programme was run by SSgt of being a casualty suffering from shock, causing more havoc Bull and Sgt Cook. than the accident itself. The first group through took it all in their stride and coped very well. So we decided to up the tempo a bit After all this activity in the field however, I did brush my boots and and add in land mines and an unconscious casualty thrown from assemble with the Sqn in our respective towns of Nottingham, the vehicle. This was probably a bit too much too soon, but the Sheffield and Leeds for the Remembrance Parade on 14 Nov. next group were under the instruction of SSgt Bedford, who was For us in Sheffield we met at the Manor Top TAC and paraded on a great help when things began to slow down. Division Street along with 46 Sp Sqn. We paid our respect to the fallen in Barkers Pol and returned to the TAC for a curry and a Tea time and back to Sgt Gibson’s fine culinary delights of few beers. chicken curry or roast pork followed by steamed pudding and custard which once again went down a treat, with the occasional On 16 October the Cpl’s Mess held its annual dinner and I think I soldier going back for not just seconds but thirds, so well done can safely say it was a great success with a representative from Sgt Gibson and team. every Sqn in the Regt present. A great night was had by all and what happens on the dinner night stays on Facebook!! Sunday, and the shooting team and soldiers still requiring MATTs 1 went off to Ripon, leaving the rear party to break camp before 64 SIGNAL SQUADRONN MOBILITY SUPPORT TO SOUTH following them to lunch for the usual range stew. Another YORKSHIRE POLICE. weekend ended, thanks go to all those involved in the organisation and the taking part. 46 Sp Sqn once again found it After a couple of days of very heavy snow in Sheffield, a few of enjoyable and a total success. the old hands started to say “I wonder when we’ll have to go out and help the police” and as if by magic 15 NE Bde rang to task The Sqn congratulates Pte Pryor on passing her Class 2 Chefs 38 Sig Regt to provide Mobility Support to the local police within course, so all the time she has spent cooking in the field over the the Sheffield area. The task was straight forward; provide 2 weekends and at this year’s annual camp has paid dividend. Well Landrovers and 4 drivers spilt between 2 local police stations. done Pte Pryor (now the real work begins). After a few minutes phoning round the troops 4 eager volunteers were found and they supported the police on Thursday 2 CORPS SWIMMING AND WATERPOLO CHAMPIONSHIPS December. – by Capt A Davis
The task lasted for 13 hours in which time the drivers were tasked For the first time in many years a TA team entered the Corps to drive police officers out to various incidents including routine Swimming and Waterpolo Championships, held at RNAS patrols, domestic abuse incidents, looking for missing people and Yeovilton on Tue 23 Nov 10. Cpl Hewitt and Cpl Rowell roped in even stopping suspect vehicles. It was safe to say that everyone Sig Griffiths, the driver and gratefully borrowed 2 ‘volunteers’ was tired after this but it was a great insight to how the Sqn can from 21 Sig Regt to form their team. Performing well in a strong help in a UK Ops scenario and how the other emergency services field they finished 7th overall, exhausted as they had no work. substitutes and had to swim every event!
46 (HALLAMSHIRE) SUPPORT SQUADRON (VOLUNTEERS) The female team consisting of Capt Davis, Capt Lawrie, LCpl Booth and LCpl Marshall finished 3rd overall, with the first 3 OC Maj J M Hattersley places all dependent upon the tightly fought final medley relay. SSM WO2 (SSM) J A Medley The Regt is now the Corps champions in 50% of the individual events; LCpl Booth won the backstroke and individual medley 46 Hallamshire Sp Sqn have been out once again. This time we and Capt Davis, the butterfly. Both were selected to represent went to Gandale Farm at Catterick for a training weekend. the Corps at the Inter-Corps championships 1 - 2 Dec 10. Everyone was a little apprehensive at doing MATTS in the field. It wasn’t the usual strong turnout, but we can blame that on the changeable weather, can’t be anything to do with sleeping in an old farm building at this time of the year - we’re a hardy Sqn, a bit worn round the edges but always willing. Anyway the Sqn set off for Gandale Farm on Friday evening 8 October. We arrived in the dark but as usual we were met by our friendly SQMS SSgt Martin and our PSI SSgt Ions.
They showed us to our accommodation along with a portaloo and washing bowl - not quite the en suite we are used to. It was then straight into the weekend with the usual training brief, fire brief and warming beverage before switching on torches to find the farmhouse. 0600hrs Saturday morning was reveille, then a hearty breakfast prepared by Sgt Gibson and her staff, Sgt Adams and Pte Pryor. They did us proud once again.
Training began a 0800hrs with the troops doing CBRN training with Sgt Sapsford. He took them through eating and drinking drills, immediate action drills and decontamination drills prior to testing. All went well until Cpl Blyth replaced his respirator Capt Davis, LCpl Marshall, LCpl Booth and Capt Lawrie. followed by his helmet then tried to get his hood over the top. No way was that going to work, but it brought a smile to the rest of the group. Everyone back into camp for lunch , with the The waterpolo competition took place in the afternoon. Cpls SQMS and WO2 SSM Medley left wondering ‘who ate all the Hewitt and Rowell took the opportunity to try the sport in an pies’. amalgamated team of 3 Regts, each of which didn’t have enough players by itself. The ladies formed the majority of a joint team It was then back out into the cold for a First Aid Scenario with with 252 Sig Sqn and went on to beat (2-0), the predominantly 21 Sgt Pinches and Sgt Birch. Much of the morning had been Sig Regt female team, which included 4 Corps level players. spent preparing for the scenario, it was decided to replicate an attack by insurgents. We had SSgt Shaw, Sgt Pinches and Cpl A great day was had by all, and we hope to improve on our Stevens as the casualties. SSgt Shaw played an excellent role performance next year and become the Corps Champions!
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 67 39th (SKINNERS) SIGNAL REGIMENT (VOLUNTEERS) BRISTOL
CO Lt Col DM Sharkey Maj Francis also organised some more varied training for the RSM WO1 (RSM) D Lythe Sqn. General Dynamics, the makers of the BOWMAN kit, gave an interactive presentation on the creation and continued The last few months have been more steady than the frantic pace development of this equipment as well as bringing along a full witnessed during the summer months. The Regtl Offrs came mobile unit complete with map marking overlays and GPS together for their Annual Dinner Night with the Worshipful capabilities for soldiers to try out. Lt Col Mike Williams from the Company of Skinners in London in Oct and welcomed a number RAMC gave a presentation on his field of expertise, maxillofacial of dignitaries to the occasion. The support to the Sig Sqn in surgery. This first presentation covered the history of plastic Eastbourne was clearly evident by the turnout at their recent surgery starting in WW1 and Lt Col Williams is due to return to Cocktail Ceremony and the Sqn were able to give back this the Sqn to a follow-up presentation this time on his own gratitude to the community when they were called out to assist maxillofacial work on soldiers injured in OP HERRICK. with general driving details during the recent spate of cold weather and snow. There have been numerous awards Finally the recruiting levels continue to grow and we are pleased presented to individuals including LS&GCs, VRSM’s and Lord to announce Sig Jake Cole and Sig Harriett Woodgate have Lieutenants. both passed their CMSR courses and have joined 859 Radio Tp along with Sig Marcus Bridger, Sig Matthew Green and Sig The Adjt, Capt Sarah Goldsmith, has hung her marching boots Chester Sage. up and is off to the Corporate World having attained a place on the MBA Graduate Scheme with BT. We wish her every success TA LATE ENTRY COMMISSIONING BOARD for the future and a place in the TA if she so wises! Capt H - by WO2 Steve Hall Kealy, Ops Offr, has stepped up to the breach until a replacement is posted in. I have been in the army for 24 years, the first 12 in the TA RMP then 12 years in the Royal Signals. I have loved my time as an 56 SIGNAL SQUDRON - EASTBOURNE NCO and as SSM for 56 Sig Sqn and now as Regtl Recruiting WO. However, time for a change and I decided to bite the bullet OC Maj KM Francis and try for the officer ranks. SSM WO2 (SSM) G Windham The LECB, Late Entry Commissioning Board, took place over a As we near the end of the year the Sqn has remained busy with weekend at Blandford in October for 6 budding WO’s from across driving, trade and MATTS qualifications. We have also had 3 Sqn 2 Sig Bde, to show the officers, namely the Bde Comd, Brig members chosen to deploy with 21 Sig Regt in Jun 11. Steve Vickery, what we have to offer. The weekend for all the Congratulations go to LCpl Boys, Sig Diton and Sig Heanes for candidates started in the SSgt and WO’s bar; a good place to their successful completion of the pre-deployment course. The start! It gave us a chance to swap stories and pretend that we training is far from over but their places are set for OP HERRICK were in no way apprehensive of what was going to happen over 14. The Sqn MATTS instructor levels continue to improve. LCpl the next couple of days. Linford Millen is now a Skill-At-Arms and BCDT instructor, Sgt Eric Gardyne, LCpl Stuart Brown and LCpl Ben Carter Saturday started with a 3 hour planning exercise based on the assistant CBRN instructors. scenario of procuring future mobile office space from a choice of tents to office container suppliers and then deciding what would The Sqn hosted a cocktail party for local dignitaries as well as be the most suitable for a future deployment to Afghanistan, not Bde and Regtl personnel in Oct. OC, Maj Keiron Francis, my favourite part of the assessment by a long shot. The presided over the evening which hosted dozens of guests and information you need to read and digest in a short period of time was an excellent way to keep the community aware of our is quite a feat. This was followed by a verbal briefing to the presence and our role within UK Ops. Many of these guests were assessment panel of our findings from the Plan Ex, and our welcomed back to the Sqn for our curry lunch following the eventual course of action with justification. I held my ground in Remembrance Service in Eastbourne, where we continue to build the subsequent grilling by the DS but was still glad when it was good relationships between all the services and the Sqn. over.
56 Sig Sqn Remembrance Parade
68 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 The afternoon consisted of leaderless command tasks, always 57 (CITY AND COUNTY OF BRISTOL) SIGNAL SQUADRON interesting with a group of NCOs (the phrase “too many chiefs” does spring to mind), but we all worked well as a team and got OC Capt S L Trevelion the tasks done to the best of our ability (watching a group of SSM WO2 (SSM) R Sharp grown men scrambling around on a classroom floor with over- sized lego pieces was fun). The rest of the afternoon was taken There have been a number of arrivals and promotions in the Sqn up with open discussions about current military and world affairs. since the last edition of The Wire. Firstly, we would like to extend Saturday evening dinner and drinks were spent in the Offrs Mess. a warm welcome to SSgt Del Richards and his family on his We were all very aware we were under the watchful eye of the posting into the Sqn as PSI(T) and offer our congratulations on DS, so no usual Mess antics that night. his promotion to SSgt. He has already made an impact and is currently hard at work preparing the Sqn’s equipment for the Sunday involved a written assessment followed by a series of forthcoming RSIT inspection. We also welcome 2Lt Holli Harvey lecturettes from each candidate. I decided to give mine on my from Exeter UOTC and Sigs Allan Bowe and Tom Stirling after favourite subject ‘The Sussex Bonfire Season’….its a Sussex successful completion of their recruit training. thing…Google it! The panel thought I had lost my marbles as I described my antics of A number of soldiers have recently attended the PJNCO course walking through and passed with flying colours, meaning that OC, Capt Sarah countless towns and Trevelion, was able to make some promotions on the Sqn villages dressed in full Christmas weekend on her last weekend as Acting OC. pirate/old military/ Congratulations go to LCpl Simon Hartfield, LCpl Brad Sluz and prisoner outfits (I have Sgt Lee Jones on their promotions. The OC made the many to choose from) to promotions at the start of the Sqn Christmas dinner, meaning that celebrate Bonfire night Sgt Jones had to get up and help serve the soldiers, instead of and Guy Fawkes whilst being waited on himself! carrying a flaming torch and scaring the crowd. They are great community events and we raise lots of money for charity. The penultimate event was the dreaded interviews in the Dragons Den or was it with the X Factor Panel? It seemed to go well enough, but you can never tell as they give nothing away. Unfortunately I didn’t WO2 Steve Hall in one of his alter come up to the grade egos! this time round, but happily I have been asked back next year....Hmm maybe I shouldn’t mention the bonfire thing next time!
56 SIGNAL SQUADRON COCKTAIL PARTY - by OCdt Alisdair Abercrombie-Barnett Newly promoted LCpl Simon Hartfield, LCpl Brad Sluz and It was with great pleasure that 56 Sqn hosted a cocktail party in Sgt Lee Jones Oct. It was held to thank all of those in the community for their support to the TA Sig Sqn. Both the Offr and Sgts Messes Congratulations also go to Cpl Stu Haynes, LCpl Jo Chapman, supported the evening with great fervour. Maj Keiron Francis LCpl Darren Shinett and LCpl Dave Willcox on the confirmation hosted the evening and gave an excellent speech reflecting the of their substantive rank. Lastly we would like to offer the CO gratitude felt within the Sqn towards all who attended, whilst and his wife, Lt Col Copley, our very best wishes on the birth of adding some comic moments to give a lighter note. The night their daughter Millie. was met with great fondness as all former Sqn OCs had been invited to attend. This included Lt Col Sarah Streete MBE TD Following participation in the Hybrid Foundation Training (HFT) Tp and Lt Col Anthony Lamb, both great friends and regular visitors training over the past 6 months and successful selection for to the Sqn. We once again took great pleasure hosting Brig mobilisation, 4 members of the Sqn are due to report to RTMC Steve Vickery, his deputy, Col P Gilbert TD and Lt Col M Chilwell in early Jan 11. Cpl Cassie Downs and Cpl ‘Herbie’ Williams RAMC. The party was also attended by CO 39 Sig Hyde are due to deploy with 10 Sig Regt in an ECM FP role Regt, Lt Col D Sharkey. The Regtl Command team and OC 57 following a period spent training in Northern Ireland and LCpl Sqn were also present for proceedings. Darren Shinett and LCpl Brad Sluz are due to deploy with 21 Sig Regt in Apr 11. We wish them the very best of luck for a safe In the modern days of a TA unit we understand the importance of and enjoyable tour and look forward to welcoming them back to having close links with the community. This is something we the Sqn at the end of 2011. The PSAO, Capt Eddie Kingston, is always enjoy and were most grateful for the presence of the High already getting some parcels together to keep the soldiers’ Sheriff of East Sussex, Mrs D Bedford JP, Lord Lieutenant of morale up when they deploy. We are also looking forward to East Sussex, Mr Peter Field, and the Mayor of Eastbourne, welcoming Maj Paul Rodenhurst to the Sqn as the new OC on Councillor Heaps. We also welcomed other local representatives the first Sqn training weekend in Jan 11. of the voluntary armed forces, cadets and the county council. The evening made for an excellent chance to catch up friends EXERCISE BRUNEL WARRIOR 1 - by Capt Sarah Trevelion past and present. Many thanks were passed on to WO2 Steve Howell for the excellent buffet, which could have fed the five Over the weekend 8-10 Oct 10, 57 Sqn deployed to Caerwent thousand, and to the bar staff, without whom we would not been Training Area to conduct a Sqn mil skills trg weekend. The trg quite so well hydrated. was organised by the SPSI, SSgt Chris Cant, and run along the
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 69 same lines as CLM trg. A night navex was due to be conducted WO2 (SSM) Chris on the Fri evening, however 1 RIFLES were conducting night Stockwell and Sgt driving on the area which made it all too risky to continue with. Neil Raaff were During Saturday the soldiers received lessons in tactics and were presented with their then set various tasks to complete in syndicates, such as model Volunteer Reserve making and Orders writing. This provided useful refresher training Service Medals for 10 for those about to undertake CLM courses. It was also a useful years efficient service opportunity for OCdt Nicola Rowland to practice giving and (or undetected crime!) receiving orders prior to her Mod 3 course and the by Comd 2 Sig Bde, Commissioning Course. After trg finished on the Sat evening, the Brig Steve Vickery. SQMS, SSgt Nick Marsh, drove from the TA Centre to Caerwent The occasion was with a Ghurkha curry that had been cooked by SQMS Sp Sqn, marked by a special SSgt Bagbir, which was greatly appreciated by all. A film was presentation parade then shown, although most people made the most of the at Horfield TAC on opportunity to get an early night, mainly to get some sleep before 2nd November, after Sig Allan Bowe started snoring! On the Sun morning the Sqn which all ranks conducted an ex in writing defensive orders and making yet more enjoyed a buffet models, before practising Pl attacks under the command of OCdt prepared by the Sqn Rowland. The culmination of the weekend was a Sqn Chefs. photograph, taken by our budding Sqn photographer, WO2 Congratulations to (SSM) Richard Sharp. Chris and Neil on this significant achievement – well done and keep up the good work! Sgt Neil Raaff being presented with his VRSM by Comd 2 Signal Bde, During Ex GRIFFIN Brig Steve Vickery FOCUS 10, which was this year’s 2 Sig Bde FTX and also 39 Sig Regts Annual Camp, the Sqn bade farewell to the REME SPSI, SSgt (Art Veh) Jay Guthrie and welcomed SSgt (Art Veh) John McCulloch, We wish SSgt Guthrie every success in his new job, and hope that SSgt McCulloch will enjoy his time with 39 Sig Regt’s LAD.
EXERCISE WESSEX MAINTAINER 08 – 10 OCT 10 - by Capt D Davies
Following the cancellation of Ex LYNX WARRIOR 2, the OC, Maj Phil Smith, decided that the weekend should be utilised to improve and upgrade the Sqn’s equipment care and maintenance 57 Sqn on Ex lead my Capt Sarah Trevelion awareness and account handling. All activities took place at Horfield TAC. The weekend began on the Fri night with a series REMEMBERANCE PARADE of equipment care and workshop hygiene video presentations organised by the REME SPSI, SSgt (Art Veh) McCulloch. There On Sun 14 Nov 10, the Bristol elements of 39 Sig Regt combined was also a presentation on driver’s hours and vehicle safety by to form a contingent for the Remembrance Parade held in Bristol the MTWO(V), SSgt Pete Rendall. The FoS(V), WO2 Chris City Centre, under the command of OC and SSM 57. 57 and Sp Klass, gave a presentation to the Sqn Offrs and SNCOs on Sqns take it in turns to train and command the contingent and Equipment Care Policy and the duties of the Inspecting Officer this year it was the turn of 57 to lead. With a total of 39 soldiers with regard to Equipment Care. This at first appeared to be very on parade we formed one of the largest contingent’s. Although it dry stuff, but we soon came to realise that it is extremely was a cold day, the rain held off for the majority of the service important and necessary to maintain the Sqn’s kit to the right which was a relief to everyone. For the first time in many years standard, and ensure that everything is ready for deployment at we were provided with musical accompaniment by the Band of any time. the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. They played spectacularly and helped to keep everyone in step. Usually the Whilst this was going on, the junior ranks, under the command of parade in Bristol has 2 or 3 bands in attendance from a variety of SSgt (Art (Veh)) McCulloch, stripped all furniture, tools and volunteer organisations, so it was good to have a military band equipment out of the REME vehicle workshop. This was in order playing and drums beating. to give the entire building a well overdue ‘spring clean’, including steam cleaning the floors and walls ready for repainting. The Following the parade the Sqn hosted friends and family for a building was then left to dry out overnight while everybody curry lunch back in the TA Centre. We were extremely honoured adjourned to the bar for a well earned drink. Saturday started to have our Hon Col, the Lord Lt of Bristol Mrs Mary Prior and bright and early, with breakfast provided by the Sqn’s ‘stand in’ her husband join us for lunch, especially as they turned down an chef, Cpl Andy Badman (a REME Recovery Mechanic, who is invitation to a Civic function with the Lord Mayor to attend. The also a fully trained chef). His dual trade is often invaluable on CO also took the opportunity to speak with some of the soldiers’ Sqn exercises. When he’s not helping to put vehicles back on families, particularly those who are shortly to mobilise for Op the road, he can be found preparing good quality food to keep HERRICK. All of our guests commented on the high standard of the people on the road! the parade (some people will say anything for a free lunch!!), so we look forward to increasing the standard even further next year, After breakfast the REME contingent continued with the with a few more medals being worn by the Sqn too. refurbishment of their workshop, whilst members of the Sqn Signals Detachment, Sgt Karen Hodges assisted by LCpls 93 (NORTH SOMERSET YEOMANRY) SP SQN BRISTOL Emma Robinson, Ben Carter and Tom Watson, carried out a complete strip, clean, reassembly and test of all detachment OC Maj. PJ Smith equipment, vehicles and trailers. Maintenance of the Sqn’s SSM WO2 (SSM) C Stockwell generators and power distribution cables were carried out by one
70 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 of the ‘ED’s’, LCpl ‘Mo’ Morris. Meanwhile, in the Med Centre The Skinners’ Hall, home of the Worshipful Company of Skinners, Cpl Iain Bailey completed the update of the Regt’s medical docs, is situated a short distance from St. Paul’s Cathedral. From its and carried out an audit and re-ordering programme on all gated entrance you pass through into a small courtyard and on medical stores and equipment. The Sqn store underwent a into the Outer Hall, where pre-dinner drinks were served. The thorough clear out and rationalisation. This was carried out by Regt was honoured to have among their guests the Master of WO2 (RQMS(V)) Jayne Tuck and SSgt (SQMS) ‘Baggy’ Pun, Skinners, Hugh Carson and the SOinC(A), Brig TJ P Watts OBE who also found time to check and re-stock all weapon cleaning ADC. kit wallets in the armoury. The grade I listed buildings rich history and beautiful recent refurbishment became all too apparent as we entered the Great Hall. The paintings and tapestries dating back to 1670, kept a silent watchful eye on proceedings.
PMC Maj Phil Smith decided a change of human scenery would add to the evening’s entertainment, and so after courses, moved the ladies on to find another seat. Many were pleased to meet old friends as well as make new ones. The food was excellent, so much so that even I (a well known chocaholic) failed to eat the chocolate, and for those that know me...a startling revelation.
The evening ended with drinks and a chance to socialize and chat amongst some incredible people. A tremendous thank you goes out to all those who were involved in the organisation of this evening.
WO2 (RQMS(V)) Jane Tuck and SSgt (SQMS) ‘Baggy’ Pun at work in the Armoury
The day’s work was finished with a presentation to all ranks on Personal Development Record folders by the RAO(V), Capt David Gwilliam. Later in the evening a ‘pub quiz’ on general and military knowledge was organized in the bar by the SSM.
SKINNERS DINNER 16 OCTOBER 2010 - by Capt Karen Hanlon
For the Annual Offrs Mess dinner the Regt returned again to the magnificent Skinners’ Hall. The Worshipful Company of Skinners has had a close association with the Regt since 1954. One of the by-products of this association is the presentation of awards every year to the best male and female soldiers, and an open invitation to use the Skinners’ Hall for Regtl Functions. Members of the Mess with SOinC(A) Brig Watts OBE ADC
71st (CITY OF LONDON) YEOMANRY SIGNAL REGIMENT BEXLEYHEATH
CO Lt Col Tim Allen month we facilitated training for JRLOs and Watch Keepers at 47 RSM WO1 (RSM) Paul Kinsey Sig Sqn, Uxbridge TAC which consisted of training on DII, Airwave, SharePoint, an overview on CSTs, and voice procedures. REGIMENTAL OPERATIONS – SSgt (FofS) R Malla The Regt is now focused on ensuring that Ex PHOENIX GALLOP 71 Y Sig Regt (V) have been involved in co-ordinating Sqn level 2 is a successful ex and will be the culmination of a busy few exercises, the Lord Mayor’s Show, Remembrance Parades and months and conclude our training for 2010. Equipment Care weekends in preparation for RSIT. All Sqn’s from the Regt took part in Ex TROTT in October. This was a Sqn led 47 (MIDDLESEX YEOMANRY) SIGNAL SQUADRON comms ex where Sub-units deployed to the field and (VOLUNTEERS) communicated successfully using Bowman, CSTs and Reebok. Sqn’s were then involved in Remembrance Parades at their OC Maj David Cornick respective town centres and the huge turnout from soldiers, SSM WO2 (SSM) Marc Gilfrin family and friends was great to see. It has been more of a ceremonial period for 47 Sig Sqn (V) with The Lord Mayor’s Show is one of the highlights in the Regt’s Remembrance Day Parades and Association Dinners front and calendar and takes place in November every year. A mounted centre of the Sqn’s calendar. We have also bid a fond farewell to detachment with 13 soldiers from 68 Sig Sqn represented the old comrades and welcomed new members into the Sqn. Regt; who also provided an honour guard for the Lord Mayor on the day. In preparation for the upcoming RSIT inspection in early THE LAFONE DINNER AND PARADE Dec, all Sqn’s focused their weekend training on Equipment Care and Det Maintenance to ensure the Regt is ready for the The Middlesex Yeomanry Association Dinner (The Lafone Dinner) inspection. As a Regt we are always keen to forge good was held on the 16 Oct this year with the guest speaker being relationships with our Regional Force Bde, London District. This Maj Gen WJP Robins CB OBE. He was also joined by another
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 71 senior Corps officer, Maj Gen PAC Baldwin CBE who was also riding detachment in the Lord Mayors show. Thirteen riders and invited to the Dinner. The evening was a great success with an numerous support staff helped to make the event a great impressive turnout and we managed to raise some much needed success. The detachment provided the Honour Guard for the funds for SSAFA. On the 17 October the Sqn conducted the Lord Mayor outside Mansion House in the City of London. This Lafone Day Parade in the crypt at St Paul’s Cathedral. This is an year we again had representation from the First Aid and Nursing annual parade to remember the sacrifice made by past members Yeomanry (FANY) in the detachment. The parade through the of the Sqn and in particular the VC won by Maj Alexander streets of London saw large crowds turn out to see the hundreds Malins Lafone VC. The day is an important date in the of parade participants. With BBC media coverage the TA and Middlesex Yeomanry’s diary and it went extremely well with a very Cadets got some excellent PR from the show. strong turnout.
REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE
The next Sqn ceremonial event was Remembrance Day 2010, with the Sqns main parade at the Uxbridge Cenotaph. With the closure of RAF Uxbridge, the Sqn is now the lead unit; however they were joined by numerous members of the public, Cadet Forces, Scouts and Guides. The parade was well conducted by SSgt Cheshire who took on the role of Parade Marshal. After the parade, members of the Sqn returned to the TAC in Uxbridge for a warming curry and pint which went down extremely well after a day out in the cold.
Lt Will Kallaway leading the Riding Detachment on the Lord Major’s Show
With the Lord Mayors show completed on the Saturday, the attention quickly turned to the Remembrance Parade on Sunday. Due to the geographic locations 907 (Essex Yeomanry) Tp paraded in Chelmsford to maintain their county town links. Prior to the Chelmsford Parade, Col Stephen Foakes presented Sgt Ian Brazier with his Afghanistan Operational Medal. Family, friends and members of the Essex Yeomanry Association were invited to the TA centre afterwards for drinks and a curry lunch.
Members of the Sqn on Parade
The Sqn’s Southfield Tp, 831, took the parade down Putney High Street, followed by a service at St Mary’s church next to Putney Bridge. This year will be the last time that 831 Tp leads the Parade as the City of London Royal Marine Reserve have now moved into the TAC at Southfields and will undoubtedly lead it in 2011. The Putney parade was very well attended and was made even better by the exquisite food cooked by Cpl Gary Esprit at the TAC afterwards, with all profits going to the Poppy Appeal.
FAREWELLS AND WELCOMES
The Sqn sadly bids farewell to WO2 Lambert and Staff Jackson at their dining out on 13 November. With a combined total of over 50 years of service, the Sqn will be losing some valuable Sgt Ian Brazier is awarded his Afghanistan Medal by the knowledge. We will miss not finding Sqn stickers in weird and Sqn Colonel wonderful places and the mysterious disappearance of chocolate within the TAC! The RMR have moved into the building in The remainder of the Sqn Paraded at Lincolns Inn Fields and earnest, having their first drill night on the 24 November. The marched to the tune of the Royal Yeomanry Band. Sgt Tear was Southfields TAC has also been redecorated and the building presented with his Afghanistan medal by the Sqn Hon Col Sir works are nearly complete. The members of 831 Tp look forward Robert Finch. With 3 soldiers back home safely we remember Lt to working alongside the RMR and welcome them to Southfields. Sean Olohan who is still currently deployed on Tour. The OC is Congratulations also go to Sig Gregory for passing her basic proud to report that Sig Ellery, Sig Fox, Sig Gorman, Sig training on 29 October. McGowan and Sig Whiffen have been selected for promotion to LCpl. LCpl Kane, LCpl Maalouf and LCpl Mallia have been 68 (INNS OF COURT & CITY AND ESSEX YEOMANRY) selected for promotion to Cpl and Cpl Barrett and Cpl Warren SIGNAL SQUADRON (VOLUNTEERS) selected for promotion to Sgt. Well done to all those who have promoted! OC Maj Alex Downing SSM WO2 (SSM) Paton 907 SIGNAL TROOP (VOLUNTEERS) – by Capt Jim Swain
As always November has remained one of the busiest months We firstly congratulate Cpl Theresa Mallia not only on her recent and again saw the Sqn enjoying the privilege of providing a promotion but also on successfully completing the All Arms Skill
72 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 at Arms course at Brecon. We also congratulate Sig Garry Mills Four hours later than expected, a tired Cpl Harries and LCpl on his marriage to Bella and wish them well in their future Sutton eventually crawled in through the TAC main gate. They together. are now fully trained on the use of a Penman Trailer yet never want to set eyes on it again! Finally, speculative media coverage and uncertainty around the Army structure has created is own set of challenges but this Following a period of revision training for MATT3 on the Saturday hasn’t detracted from a rewarding training year. The Sqn is now evening by WO2 (SSM) Adrian Keeble and Sgt Steve Wise, the looking forward to taking on the 2011/12 training year with gusto guys settled down for a well earned night off. The Sunday in order to maximise the training opportunities that will morning brought the testing phase for MATT3 and a chance for undoubtedly prevail from the strategic defence review. everyone to show that following a night off they could still be trusted to remember everything they had learnt the previous 907 Sig Tp (V) has had a successful first year with those evening. Seventeen hours later and the last re-tests completed, attending camp ensuring the Sqn was able to deliver during Ex everyone could finally return home. GRIFFIN FOCUS. During September we welcomed Sgt Ian Brazier and LCpl Russell Ward back from OP HERRICK 12. So MAyOR OF BEXLEY VISIT keen were they to reintegrate with the Tp that they joined us on annual camp during POTL! The Sqn was honoured with a visit by the Mayor of Bexley, Cllr Val Clark on 26 October. Following a briefing on the Sqn by the OC the Mayor had a tour of the site and met various members of the Sqn including the LAD. At 2130 hrs all members of the Sqn made their way to the bar where the Mayor proudly presented 7 members with their Volunteer Reserve Service Medal (VRSM). The lucky recipients included WO2 (YofS) Mark Gittins, WO2 (MTWO) Adam Twose, Sgt Jacky Morse, Sgt Mark Pearce, Cpl Dave Shilling and LCpl Paul Swaffield.
REMEMBRANCE PARADE AND DINNER
Sunday 14 November saw the Sqn lead the annual march to the war memorial in Bexleyheath High Street. This year saw the Mayor of Bexley, Cllr Clark, lead the parade on the start of the march to the war memorial before the OC, Maj Andy Church, took over. The service is always well attended by military personnel, cadets and civilians and is a fine opportunity to remember all those who have gone before us as well those still 907 Sig Tp (V) on Remembrance Sunday serving on operations. Following the service, the OC led the parade back to the TA Centre where Cpl Chrissie Arnold and 265 (KENT AND COUNTY OF LONDON YEOMANRY Cpl Mark Butler were presented with their VRSM by the Mayor (SHARPSHOOTERS)) SUPPORT SQUADRON (VOLUNTEERS) of Bexley. Finally to end the weekend on a high, a delicious curry was served up by our hard working (and long suffering) SQMS’s OC Maj Andy Church SSgt Paul Thwaite and Sgt Steve Wise. It brought a truly SSM WO2 (SSM) Adrian Keeble fantastic weekend to a close.
EXERCISE SHARP TROT 2
Following an intense and productive 2 week annual camp, 265 Sp Sqn (V) began its pre Christmas training programme. The first event was Ex SHARP TROT 2, held at Bexleyheath TAC over the period 8 – 10 Oct. An initial deployment of the Bowman detachments on Friday night allowed the crew time to apply some of the learning points discovered on the 2 week annual camp. Ably led by LCpl Jon Moore, the detachments set up and began the comms phase with 68 Sig Sqn (V) at Whipps Cross and Chelmsford. Under the watchful eye of SPSI, SSgt Adam Wilkie, comms were soon established. A short 24 hour phase allowed the detachments time to practice their det drills and skills in a relatively relaxed environment, probably a bit too relaxed for LCpl ‘Crazy’ Crane who could be heard snoring as The Mayor of Bexley and VRSM recipients far as Chelmsford. November saw the Sqn hold a Remembrance Dinner for the first With the comms phase of the ex established, Sgt Jason Bontoft, time in 10 years. A fantastic time was had by all and it gave led the EDs on their routine maintenance programme of the Sqn members of the Sqn both old and new a chance to catch up with generators and on the Saturday afternoon put his troops through familiar friends. Hopefully this will be the first of many dinners. their JAMES training. Cpl Jeff Porter and LCpl Ian Liscoe had a We were honoured to have our CO, Lt Col Tim Allen, and his particularly good time working their way through the many wife Andrea as our guests. multiple answer tests that JAMES throw at them. Sgt Bontoft commented that he had never seen his troops so happy, although The evening had been a long time in the planning and it was the OC thinks he may have misread their despairing cries at the lovely to see so many people enjoy and more importantly wanting end of the session for cries of joy. to do it all again next year. A special mention goes to the PSAO Capt Steve Slaney and SSgt Paul Thwaite who organised a lot Sgt Jacky Morse led Cpl Brett Harries and LCpl Jim Sutton of the work in the background. It was also a chance for the Sqn through their Penman Trailer training. Following a period of to award its annual Soldier of the Year and Sergeant Major’s theoretical training, they set off for Reinden Wood near Shield. The lucky and thoroughly deserving recipients this time Folkestone. A very productive afternoon was marred by the round were LCpl Jim Sutton and LCpl Ian Liscoe. Many vehicle breaking down as soon as it got off the training area. congratulations to both of these fine soldiers and...mine’s a pint!
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 73 NEWS FROM THE SQUADRONS
1 MECHANISED BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS AND SIGNAL SQUADRON (215) TIDWORTH
OC Maj M J Morton desert for 4 days stopping every night in a desert leager. The RSM WO1 (RSM) D Cartledge fourth night was spent in an American CP because the next day was to be a joint OP in the Ismat bazaar. The day started with INTRODUCTION the USMC being air-lifted out and away from the objective as a slight deception plan, whilst we rolled slowly towards the bazaar. 1 Mech Bde HQ and Sig Sqn (215) have had a hectic couple of Once we were in a hold-up location we waited until the order months and the pace has definitely not slowed as we race came to move forward. Once the order came we made a towards Christmas leave. In the garages the guys have been horseshoe shape with our vehicles around the bazaar, whilst the working hard in preparation for the close-down inspections and USMC were air assaulted in. The operation lasted a while since gearing up for all the Christmas festivities planned across the final the Americans had to search everyone in the bazaar of which week. Standby for a full report on these in the next issue. there must have been well over 2000. Once the locals had been searched the USMC wrote a 2/9 on the left hand. We had blokes Over the last 2 months the focus has been on exercising and the coming out with all kinds of strange funky markings on their commitment to supporting the Bde HQ and Sqn exercises has hands. It’s amazing how Afghans’ depict a 2/9. been high. There has been time for fun as well and the Sqn Football team has managed to attend several fixtures this season. Air Assault Op. D Coy loaded up into 2 CH-47’s, standing in full The manpower in the Sqn is still stretched with Bengal Tp kit, holding on to what looked and felt like a washing line for detached on Ops but numbers are increasing, unfortunately at the stability. This, however, did not stop the RAF from throwing us same rate as the workload. Bengal Tp have sent a brief report on around. The flight would have given the best roller coaster in what they have been up to on Ops written by Sig Lee below. England a run for its money. When both CH-47 landed D Coy The Sqn managed to complete a MATTs week before supporting rushed out as practised into all round defence. This took us 31 a Bde CAST Ex at CAST (S). The full Bde tented HQ was seconds, which isn’t bad considering the amount of fully kitted deployed in order to support a Planning Ex with the new Bde blokes getting off. After 5 minutes of observing for possible Comd, Brig T P Robinson OBE. The build was interrupted over enemy forces we set off. This patrol was certainly not easy as the weekend in order to organise the Tidworth 10Km and 3Km the fields had been irrigated and ditches seemed to be run for the Stars Appeal, held around the Tidworth area; Cpl Kerr everywhere. Every now and again you would just see the bloke in describes the day below. It was a fantastic event and well front of you collapse after falling into a ditch. Brilliant if it’s the attended, hopefully ensuring that it will continue on into it’s 7th bloke in front, but pretty pump if it’s you. What made things a lot year next year. Remembrance Day was also observed during the more difficult was the darkness at night, because you had ex and the staff and troops deployed held 2 minutes of quiet absolutely no idea where you were stepping. In the end we finally contemplation within the Bde HQ with the Padre. got to the FUP where we waited until dawn to break in a sodden cotton field. As soon as dawn broke the first platoon was off to The Sqn Cadre took place in the last week of November. The icy clear the first compound with another platoon in support. This conditions and low temperatures ensured a difficult and was the theme for the rest of the day with the 2 platoons leap- challenging ex which pushed the Sqn personnel to their limits. frogging each other whilst CO Tac tagged along with the lead The ex consisted of an RSOI package of military training and platoon. The end of the op saw us clearing the HLS and waiting fieldcraft lessons followed by a 36 hour Patrols competition. for the CH-47’s to come in. All in all it has been a very busy first There were some strong performances across the board and half of the tour. I can’t wait to get on R&R! skills were tested both in comms and military scenarios, as well as some LAD serials to include our REME soldiers. Cpl Grant, LCpl Escott and Sig Dawkins describe the week in more detail TIDWORTH 10K AND STARS APPEAL 2010 below. – by Cpl ‘Bootneck’ Kerr
LIFE ON OPS – by Sig Lee The Tidworth 10k & 3k Fun Run was originally organised by 215 Sig Sqn soldiers after some incredible support from the local I deployed on OP HERRICK 13 on 13 September 2010 to FOB hospital for service personnel and their families. The run has now Shawqat in the South of Helmand with 1 R IRISH BG. We arrived raised over £120,000 helping the Salisbury District Hospital Stars in the FOB where we started the hand over with 1 LANCS BG. Appeal to fund projects benefiting thousands of local people, My role was to deploy with Ops Coy where I would be the OCs’ including the provision of one of Europe’s most advanced keyhole Rad Op. We spent most of the time on patrol conducting various surgery suites, a range of state-of-the-art equipment for operations around Nad-e-Ali. Working as a radio operator in a premature and critically ill babies and additional facilities within very kinetic AO can be quite tasking at times, not only are we the new Childrens Unit which has recently opened. The Stars patrolling on foot and in vehicles, I also found myself being cover Appeal raises money to supplement Salisbury District Hospital man for Op BARMA, HMG top cover and rifleman. There were a and provide a higher level of care and support to over 300,000 large number of ops conducted in a small space of time, below patients, many of them military or their dependents. are two of the more memorable ones: This year the Sqn were preparing for the CAST Ex and were Ismat Bazaar. This was a 5 day OP in Jackal vehicles. We transported back to Tidworth for the weekend in order to set up started out clearing villages in the western desert. The FSG, the route for the event. WO1 (RSM) Cartledge was the lead for which I was a part of, was in a screen whilst the Tiger team the event and briefed the guys accordingly. The routes were split (Afgan Special Forces) and a platoon from the Duke of Lancasters between a 10km route and a 3km route allowing all ages and went and cleared compounds of interest. We rolled around the backgrounds to compete.
74 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 Saturday morning Sgt ‘Dee’ Oakes rallied the troops, EXERCISE VITAL LINK – SALISBURY PLAIN – NOV 2010 confirmation orders were issued and the Sqn set about its - by Cpl Grant, LCpl Escott and Sig Dawkins business laying out both routes. The start/finish line was marked with a large inflatable arch and it began to turn into something the Waking early off the back of a long weekend isn’t the easiest charity organizers would be proud of. With men lofted upon thing to do at the best of times, but this is what the personnel of shoulders the blokes wrestled with the red arched beast until it 215 Sig Sqn had to do on a cold Tuesday morning. Firstly a quick dawn breakfast followed by the collection of weapons from the armoury, then a thorough kit inspection carried out by WO1 (RSM) Cartledge. After safely arriving at the FOB at Tinhead farm on SPTA we swiftly carried out the usual NSP’s and pyrotechnics demo delivered expertly by SSgt ‘George’ Harrison. Following on from that was a patrolling lesson instructed by SSgt Richie Thompson, which was momentarily disrupted by a school boy error from Sig Dan Narine. After a quick lunch came battle prep, which for a lot of the guys consisted of adding even more weight to their kit as HF, VHF radios, TACSAT and other multiple kit was dished out.
After the first of many O groups of the week, all 3 Multiples carried out a recce patrol and then moved into evening routine. The recce patrol was a first for some and was hard going over the terrain with additional weight to carry than the usual Sqn PT session. We learned the principles of recce patrol and were able to see how the recce group, cover group and FRV group all fit together. The following morning consisted of a round robin The start of the 3Km race containing a med lecture by Sgt Dee Oakes, 117F and was tamed and secured to the ground. Luckily it wasn’t windy. improvised antenna with SSgt (YofS) Wotton and LCpl ‘Dicko’ The mnemonic CAKE was put to good use and concurrent Dixon, and the final lesson of the day was basic room clearing activity for the MT was laying out safety barriers, however the and detention with WO1 (RSM) Cartledge and SSgt Harrison. message was not passed to the clerks as they established data That evening was a confirmatory round robin from the lessons comms via their mobiles. By Saturday afternoon the scene was given that day, during which came the first no play casualty of the set ready for the hordes of runners to invade on Sunday morning. ex. Rumour has it that Cpl Dave Butler fell over a log to fracture his wrist, but we all know the truth, that he snapped it trying to Sunday morning started extremely early for the Sqn. We were crack a cylume. directed to our stands to point the runners in the right direction and “offer support”. The runners started to arrive and clearly When we awoke the next morning there was a slight chill in the most people were here for a tough competition. The polo field air, the temperature had dropped and I think most people came alive with the movement of people on a mission to smash deployed the rest of their warm kit before moving on to the days the 10km route. The 3km runners were mainly fun runners and round robin events. These events were OP BARMA drills with parents with children ready to do their best. Cpl Ben Day, Vehicle Anti-ambush with Sgt Gaz Lower and Mine Awareness with SSgt (YofS) Wotton. After a quick lunch we moved straight in to Op KALA (compound clearing) with SSgt Richie Thompson where we all took turns storming our own building in preparation for the night’s activities.
The lessons were comprehensive and we gained a good understanding of the type of challenges we would be facing during the Patrols competition. As the weather grew colder and we were getting more fatigued every day we knew it was going to be a tough challenge.
The Warm up with Sgt Jamie Masters and the Stars Appeal Bear
The start time was upon us and the racing snakes of the 10km routes readied themselves on the start line. The most impressive performance came from the only man running with a prosthesis, he finished a long way ahead of several people and was an incredible example of what people are willing to do for a deserving charity. As the last runner crossed the finish line the Sqn snapped into action bringing down the mine tape, safety Sig ‘Daz’ Reid on top-cover barriers and the Sqns’ nemesis ‘the red arch’ that marked the start/finish line. An hour after the The Multiples were given a full set of orders by SSgt Thompson The OC Sqn Maj M Morton at event finished the work was prior to an early night as we would be starting again early the the end of the tough 10km done, a fantastic day and a next morning, 2am to be exact. After what seemed like only 5 route difficult course. minutes we were woken up and told to get ourselves up and into
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 75 the briefing room where we were given a full set of orders by our After a short patrol in to the FRV Multiple 3 were tasked to clear a Multiple Commanders for the confirmatory ex. The orders were route up to the first compound using the Op BARMA techniques given and we all jumped into our respective Snatch vehicles learned earlier on. Once this was done they were given the go expertly driven by such people as Sig Carly Gisborne and Sig ahead to assault the compound and arrest whoever was in there Maguire. including one of the main targets. Just as the compound was deemed clear gun fire was heard from the next compound along The vehicles were not just a mode of transport but also the only with covering fire from Multiple 3, 1 and 2 Multiple moved up to source of heat that any of the guys and girls had felt since getting give fire support and to clear the next 2 compounds where they out of bed that Tuesday morning. So a great morale boost when found the next high value target. finding out it would take at least 30 minutes to get to the compound. Before we knew it the sun had come up and it was all over and we gave ourselves a pat on the back and remembered how cold it was when we stopped moving. Friday night, the whole of Saturday, and Sunday morning the Patrols competition took place which covered everything we had done during the week with a final section attack at the end, you could say it was similar to the Cambrian patrol competition.
Orders were given to the Multiple commanders, Cpl ‘Buzz’ Ward, Cpl Ben Day and Cpl Phil Smith by Capt Katie Lea and they then had time to build model pits and prepare their own orders for the Multiples. Each Multiple set off at staggered timings and as the first patrol left the gate of the FOB the first snowflake of many fell.
Multiple 2 had the difficult task of carrying out their recce patrol in a snow storm and Multiple 3 set off in the middle of the night. Stand to stood out for most of us as a high point, after carrying full kit for an entire recce patrol followed by another 4km tab in the snow, in the dark, we were exhausted but happy to see the Snatch vehicles.
It was a tough challenge and each stand was a mental test after the physical task of crossing the area. Other stands included a Comms stand naturally and Vehicle Anti-Ambush followed by a task to test all the skills together of an arrest Op and final attack. At the end of it all came those glorious words “ENDEX” and we all forgot about the cold and looked forward to the competition results.
Well done to Multiple 2 who won the competition by a considerable number of points and will claim their prizes prior to The winning multiple of the patrols competition a well-deserved Christmas leave.
The Sqn at ENDEX
76 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 16 AIR ASSAULT BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS AND SIGNAL SQUADRON (216) COLCHESTER
HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT VISIT - by WO2 (SSM) Robertson there is added pressure on individuals as they cover to allow Sqn members to get away for some well deserved rest. They’re The Sqn officers and SNCOs RV’d at 0700hrs 7 Dec 10 to deploy happy to do it though as they know it will be their turn to return into London to attend an education day to broaden their horizons. the favour soon enough. The train in to London from Colchester was far from simple with the amount of snow that had fallen in the space of 3 days; after a REAR LINK DETACHMENT (RLD) TROOP - by Sgt Mike Wilson 40 minute delay that seemed like 8hrs the team, consisting of Capt Paul Jordan, SSM Paul ‘Robbo’ Robertson, SSgt ‘Buz’ The RLD Tp at Joint Operating Base (JOB) BASTION is fully Bury, SSgt ‘Jezza’ Springett and Sgt ‘Griff’ Griffiths eventually involved in assisting the R&R phase of Op HERRICK 13 and has arrived at Liverpool Street Station. settled into a steady rhythm of moving both personnel and stores throughout the AO. A recent welcome addition to the team SSgt Springett was IC trains and devised the quickest route in comes in the form of LCpl ‘Big’ Stu Urquhart who has joined us relation to the amount of delays that were on the different lines. from the Rear Party to run the MT and take part in the BASTION Having done a good estimate we soon made up the 40 minute taxi duties. SSgt Dougie Porter has been easing his blood delay and made it to Westminster in good time. Our guide was pressure back down whilst he is away on his R&R. All the RLDs Claire Beedall who works for Bob Russell, our local MP in are now in place with their respective units and are busy forging Colchester. She took us around the House of Commons where strong working relationships with their respective signal platoons. we all had a go at being the Prime Minister. We then moved down the corridor to the House of Lords, the contrast between The technicians of the Field Repair Team under the leadership of the 2 houses proved quite striking, with the House of Commons Sgts Keith Deans and Mike Atherton have had their work cut being more simple in colour and design. out for them. There is a steady stream of broken kit coming in from the Battle Groups and equipment coming back from After we completed our tour of Parliament we were taken to Big following the move out of SANGIN. Cpl Nick Grayhurst is Ben for another tour. After climbing what felt like 10,000 stairs heading up a team consisting of Cpl Joe Lewis, Cpl “Red One” we eventually arrived up by the bells and got eyes and hands on Stewart and LCpl “Lego Head” Fern. Cpl Grayhurst and LCpl Big Ben himself. SSgt Springett, who is not to keen on heights, Fern have deployed to PB WAHID to install a Deployable insisted on holding on to his colleagues arms whilst we stood Operations Room (DOR). looking over London from the top (he has been fined a bottle of port for his actions). This tour lasted around 1hr 20mins and was All ran smoothly with the installation however LCpl Fern proved very interesting indeed. to be a bit of an admin case by deploying with only a summer The elderly woman that takes the tour informed us that she doss bag and froze during the night! Sgt Atherton and Cpl climbs these stairs 3 times a day and normally beats all the Lewis deployed to PB KAMAR to install another DOR, a job personnel who partake in the tour – not 216 (Para) Sig Sqn which they were booked in for 2 days to complete but due to bad though. weather ended up staying for a total of 5 before they could be extracted. Cpl Stewart deployed to Task Force Helmand Once we had all eaten in the Houses of Parliament canteen we Headquarters (TFH HQ) to provide tech cover and during his stay redeployed to 10 Downing Street where we would have a managed to impress WO2 (FofS) Andy Connor with his technical photograph or 2 taken in front of the famous door. We later prowess. entered the house and had a cup of tea with the Prime Minister. After a successful return journey we all arrived back in Colchester The electricians of the Power Repair and Response Team are lead in time to catch up with our emails. All in all this day was a great by Sgt Dale Thompson and 2IC Cpl Stevie Stopforth. The success, and it certainly broadened our knowledge of politics in team are working very hard with generators at every PB, Great Britain and of key venues within our Government. checkpoint (CP) and FOB. This involves every member of the team deploying individually. Cpl Stopforth and Sig Aaron Mills recently deployed to PB RAHIM for a week to re-wire and redistribute power throughout the PB. Sgt Thompson has also been deployed to a number of other locations throughout the AO. The 2 youngest members of the team, Sigs Mills and Adam Watson, continue to earn their spurs as electricians under the watchful eyes of the management and initial reports on their trade skills have been encouraging.
Meanwhile in the Task Force Distribution Agency (TFDA), SSgt (YofS) Steve Crutchley heads up a team consisting of Sgt Graham Nolan, Sgt Pete ‘Griffin’ Boothby and Cpl Scotty De Gernier. Apart from facilitating the secure comms in our area, the Yeoman’s transformation into Raffles the Gentleman Thug is almost complete now he has his smoking jacket and dastardly ‘tache. The team are constantly on call for any CRYPTO requirements, but have still found time to organise a BBQ and a curry evening with a pub quiz (minus the booze!).
But it is not all work, with Sky TV’s Soccer AM and a CSE show on the horizon; many are looking forward to the chance to taking 216 (PARA) SIGNAL SQUADRON ON OP HERRICK 13 their mind off work for a while. All members of the RLD have also managed to spend their spare time in the gym on either Op The Sqn has now reached the half way point of the tour with MASSIVE or Op MINIMIZE (the weight loss variety). Cpl personnel deployed throughout Helmand Province and getting Stopforth has even started a Chess Club with Cpl Stewart and stuck into the tasks at hand. Now in the R&R phase of the tour LCpl Fern; the winter nights just fly by!
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 77 getting a new member to the det. So far, on Op HERRICK 13 the working relationship between the British elements and the Estonians has been very good and looks set to continue.
Cpl Sale picking flowers
DANISH BATTLE GROUP (DANBAT) RLD - by Sgt Ben Wildman
With PDT complete 216 (Para) Sig Sqn departed for the illustrious JOB BASTION to start RSOI and begin Op HERRICK 13. This saw the Sqn revising the most up to date TTPs developed on the Sig McKernan showing a blatant disregard for shaving ground with various briefs from ROE all the way through to what to do in Theatre if your dog dies back at home. Some good 3 PARA RLD - by LCpl MacDonald practical training was delivered by the Engineers on the search and confirmation of IEDs as well as information on the most I am currently serving with an Estonian company that has been current scenarios we were likely to come across during our tour in deployed to PB WAHID in Nad-E-Ali (North) (NDA(N)). I arrived at Helmand. the PB on 18 Oct 10 and became part of a 4 man detachment consisting of myself, Cpl Edwards, LCpl Abrahams and Pte Once RSOI was complete for the DANBAT RLD we departed for Blaine from the 3 PARA Sig Pl. MOB PRICE to start work. With a solid handover from our predecessors we then split to the 4 winds across the area of Nar- Upon arrival we began a swift HOTO with the detachment from E-Sarah (North) (NES(N)). We would be working with various the 2 LANCS. During the handover it was clear that I would be Danish and British Companies in the FOBs and PBs. The lion’s running with the 117F due to the 3 PARA guys not being too share of manpower stayed at MOB PRICE which is a well familiar with the kit. However, since then I have been taking them equipped location, boasting all the facilities you would expect at through it and they are now pretty switched on. JOB BASTION. Accommodation consists of 6 man rooms and the feeding facilities are superb. The Gym is well kitted out and The detachment quickly got into a routine with the day being still in good condition, as the RLD from 204 Sig Sqn did not seem broken down into 6 hour shifts, leaving us with some time to to use it! concentrate on Op MASSIVE. We found getting to know and work with the Estonians very easy and quickly formed a good Our primary role within the DANBAT is the provision of secure working environment within the Ops Room. A couple of weeks tactical comms. This essentially means wherever the Danish go, after arriving at the PB we were informed that there was to be a we go. As they lack secure tactical voice capability we are joint patrol with the members of the Afghan National Army (ANA) required on a variety of patrols, ops and resupplies. I also act as to show our presence in the area north of the PB. LCpl CRYPTO Custodian for NES(N). In the PBs our operators are Abrahams was chosen to go on the patrol which worked well, embedded with the Infantry Sig Pls. The locations offer a wealth interacting with the local population who seemed happy to see of experiences so the lads are rotated through to gain as much the patrol being led by the ANA. experience as possible. Our tour to date has been fast and furious with the optimisation of VHF coverage within NES(N). After a month at PB WAHID we were informed that we would been losing Cpl Edwards to B Company which put extra The RLD’s achievements have not restricted to the AO with the pressure on LCpl Abrahams and myself to keep the detachment arrival of Sig Harwood’s first born son Jacob. This was fantastic working smoothly. At the same time the Estonian company was news, especially as he was told when he was out on patrol in the conducting a RiP making this period a busy one but rewarding Green Zone. Sig ‘Boy Bach’ Jones spread the news on the net one as we got on with our tasks. with the words “…can you inform the 216 operator at your location that his parcel has arrived”. I kicked off the TiC whilst The following few weeks went by without much activity apart out on patrol, however, this was shortly eclipsed by young Sig from route clearance patrols conducted by the Estonians. The ‘KBR’ Parker who was involved in 8 TiCs in 5 days, a sure Estonians were then informed that CP NOOR would be closing baptism of fire having only just arrived from Main Tp. down and that they would need to assist. Estonians FEs carried route clearance and secured the area around CP with Pte Blaine The Danish have provided the RLD with some dubious out on the ground for 3 days supporting them. CP NOOR was entertainment since being here in MOB PRICE. They managed to closed and elements of 3 PARA’s B and C Companies moved into arrange a concert for the troops with a band called Absolute PB WAHID. After a few days these element moved back to PB Females. Promising an all girl band it turned out to comprise of SHAZHAD. only one woman and the rest of the band being men who were fast-balled to help out. The guys were highly amused and still As a detachment we are continuing with our shift pattern and remind the Danish they have nothing on Girls Aloud by crowing daily routine. Pte Blaine is due to go on R&R soon so we will be
78 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 them at every opportunity. All in all the RLD is working hard and and it began to dawn on us that we were about to be live on ITV2 enjoying what they can of their time here in Helmand Province – so as many as 6 people could be watching us! Then to make and working with the Danish. The winter tour means you things worse we were originally told they were going to ask us appreciate the facilities available to you. Whilst remaining questions about our tour, but the only question we were asked focused, many of the RLD’s new signallers are beginning to look was; ‘So do you 3 have any questions for the judges?’ LCpl forward to the challenges the next year will bring, namely P Coy. Abbott seized the opportunity and asked for Danni Minogue’s phone number… We are still waiting for a reply from that one. MAIN TROOP - by Sig O’Connor Our next couple of shifts were spent reminding the rest of the The Main Body of the Sqn deployed to Afghanistan on 13 Sep JOC about who the famous faces were around MOB LASHKAR 10. After arriving at JOB BASTION we all took part in our relevant GAH, only to be quickly overshadowed by the arrival of the Prime RSOI packages consisting of all the final training and briefings Minister... only slightly though. that are needed for our job roles for the next 6 months. As I was set to work in TFH HQ, I was only required to do the 2 day The day shift got the opportunity to meet Mr Cameron getting off package. the HLS. Sig Entwistle was lucky enough to get his signature for a Christmas card he was sending back to his wife and new born Main Tp was sent to MOB LASHKAR GAH and the RLDs son. deployed to their own locations throughout Helmand. Op HERRICK 13 would be the first tour for many in the Sqn, with a Whilst we have been out here our training has not stopped. lot having come straight from Blandford. Every month we do refresher training. Not only on the equipment we are currently using, but any equipment that we might be We immediately started the handover takeover with 204 Sig Sqn. required to use in future situations or operations. We received Other than manning the various nets, our duties include filling the lessons on the new CELOX med kit being introduced into CRYPTO on the various radios in the HQ, maintaining the DOR as Afghanistan. well as the classic signals jobs of cleaning conference rooms and the JOC. On a positive note we have hot showers and a decent We are now over halfway through our tour and the pace of work cookhouse. Sig Noble in particular enjoys the cookhouse. has eased slightly as everyone is used to the various situations that occur on shift and everybody in Main Tp is now very I went home on the first R&R slot, which meant I was not going to confident in their job. Our work ensures the JOC maintains spend all my tour money on the break; however, I still managed situational awareness of all operations our AO. to spend everything I had. As much as we miss our families and going out on the weekends LCpl Paul Abbott, Sig Jordon Glover and I were approached we cannot complain about the day to day life in MOB LASHKAR (more like scouted) and asked to appear on the Xtra Factor. We GAH.; compared to the rest of the lads in the Sqn deployed on would be live via a Skype connection and would get to speak to the ground, life is comfortable. We look forward to seeing the judges. After we had made the practice call we suddenly everyone in Cyprus on our way back to Merville Barracks, realised this was in fact not an elaborate wind-up from the lads Colchester in March 11.
20 ARMOURED BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS AND SIGNAL SQUADRON (200) PADERBORN
OC Maj S W Whittley An early step off at 0830 hrs and there was only a sense of RSM WO1 (RSM) Chay Hook determination and the WO1 (RSM) Chay Hook between you and the Jack Wagon. The first 4 miles was on a tarmac range road EXERCISE ROMMELS GAUNTLET 2 – by Cpl Steve Lawrence and it was an un-noticeable steady incline until the tarmac stopped and the pain began. A small feature on the east of the Ex ROMMEL’S GAUNTLET 2 was 200 Sig Sqn’s attempt at Sennelager training area which we only know as ‘The Hill’ began Operational Fitness Test (OFT) 6. In addition to this, it was an to take prisoners, especially Cpl Mark ‘I haven’t completed a opportunity to do MATTs training and test our field skills prior to tab yet’ Hernon, leaving a trail of bodies stretched over the the Sqn Individual Battle Skills Camp horizon and through the trees. OFT 6 is a 2 day event which consists of carrying 30kg over 20km in 3 ½ hours on day 1 and 20kg over 20km in 3 hours on Meanwhile at a campsite near Rommel Barracks (our final day 2, all this finally ending with 2 RMTs. destination), the admin team led by Cpl ‘Beaks’ Phillips was being established so that everyone could get a warm drink and some shelter whilst doing MATT’s in the field. Apparently you can’t run a Burco Boiler off a Lt Wt Gene, but after an hour and the QM threatening a mass shooting of the admin team if the hot water ran out, the inevitable happened and the Burco stopped boiling.
On arrival at the campsite, the Sqn was greeted by Cpl Brogan who was marking the road junction dressed like a lollypop lady; always good for moral. But even this wasn’t enough for some, who although they could see the finish point still wanted to fall over and give up.
The Sqn set about nursing their blisters under ponchos until the RSM had a pink and fluffy moment and ordered that the ponchos be put away; “Your sleeping in the 18x24’s tonight!”. That was just as well because, hours later, OCdt Riley and Lt Thomas were still figuring out how to put up their ponchos. The route starts to take its toll.
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 79 Happy campers Sqn Members at Colditz Castle The rest of the afternoon was spent doing a round robin of MATTs The next day’s activities consisted of a guided tour of Colditz, and weapon handling, with most managing to get to grips with courtesy of the school of SNCOs. The tour included a history of handling GPMGs and pistols ready for battle camp. the castle and famous escape attempts. Before long we had to return to the SNCO school where it was time to prepare our Day 2 saw many a stiff body warming to the idea of having to go equipment and weapon stands for the following 2 days. The back the way we had come the previous day, only this time even equipment stand consisted of dress states of the British Army faster and with less weight. After a quick breakfast the Sqn set from operational clothing to No.1 dress all mounted on off back over ‘The Hill’ and far away. mannequins. There was also a full setup of a comms detachment and a setup of a basher area including all the equipment required for an exercising soldier in field conditions. The weapon stand consisted of the GPMG, SA80 A2 and the Browning 9mm with Cpl Jon Robertson delivering the weapon handling lessons.
As the TCV’s rolled into view at the finish line the Sqn steeled themselves for RMTs, the final test. Despite the aches and pains there was still an element of competition in everyone to see who could do the jerry can carry the quickest. Ops Officer Capt Getting to grips with the GPMG Monk still beat SSgt (YofS) Taylor, but only because he doesn’t like Spurs. The following day we were assigned to a class of German SNCOs before heading to the equipment stand where they were given a Finally back at camp there was a curry and beer waiting in the walk and talk through the different pieces of kit. There were a lot Gauntlet bar before a well deserved weekend. of uncomfortable and shocked faces as they tried on the webbing and day sack with the correct operational weight requirements. EXERCISE LIEPZIG LIAISON – by LCpl Kyle Parkhill After many questions the stand ended with a video clip of Sgt Chris ‘Chappy’ Chapman’s experiences in Afghanistan. Before From 23 - 26 Oct 10, 24 members of the Sqn were tasked to long it was time to move on to the weapon stand. After several conduct a liaison ex with soldiers from the German Military. This short lessons on our weapon systems, the German soldiers were was conducted at Feldwebel-Boldt-Kasserne in Delitch, near also kind enough to show us their rifle, the G36. Cpl Robertson Leipzig home to the German Military’s School for SNCOs. learned that the G36 was a lot faster to strip down and assemble On the Saturday morning of departure there were a few John as things got competitive and he lost embarrassingly at a Wayne impersonators due to the completion of OFT 6 the day stripping and assembling race. Before long it was time to move before. But despite the sore legs everyone was looking forward to the class room where we gave presentations on military topics to the experience. in order to allow the German SNCOs practice asking questions in English. A lot of the discussions turned in to a free for all and Upon arrival we were greeted by a few of the English language questions about our fitness tests and working hours seem to be instructors and it wasn’t long until we were dragged to the most popular. presentation room where we spent the next 2 hours delivering our previously prepared presentations based around the nearby After a lot of information was exchanged on each nation’s Armed Colditz castle. The presentations were brought to an end after Forces and a lot of war stories were told, it was time to end the listening to Cpl Hernon’s extremely long presentation on Sir day with an evening organised by each class. LCpl Jamie Kerr Douglas Bader which broke every person in the room. After and I were treated to a free meal and bowling. After a few drinks some successful presentations, we headed down to Leipzig we found that the students’ English became a lot clearer and where we sampled the local night life. understandable than it was during the day’s events.
80 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 All in all it was a brilliant experience and we all walked away with giving lessons and demonstrations; the likes of Cpl Mark Hernon new friends and a lot of information on each other’s military learning first hand what a pair of well trained Attack Dogs can do. working environments. After a long week, with a little less sleep and a lot more rain than most of us would have wanted, the ex phase culminated in a Coy 20 ABSS BATTLE CAMP 2010 EXERCISE GAUNTLET MELEE patrol through some woods and knee deep quick sand back to – by LCpl Jason Crabb the PB. We arrived back minus LCpl Marty ‘Left Eye’ Brand who had to leave early due to an unfortunate Tac-Sat whip in the In the early hours of Sunday 7 Nov 10, the Sqn boarded coaches face. As we were getting comfortable, dry and warm back in the and readied themselves for Ex GAUNTLET MELEE, the 20 Armd PB, the DS decided to assault with everything they had and Bde Hq & Sig Sqn (200) Annual Battle camp, a 2 week long continued to do so for a further 3 hours. In the ensuing firefight, personal battle drills and shooting camp, held in the ever sunny LCpl Smedley set about breaking every GPMG in sight in his Haltern training area. Suffice to say it was a shock to most of the efforts to thwart the enemy. Sqn to be greeted by rain when stepping off the bus. Little did they know that there would be little change in the weather for the The following day, ‘ENDEX’ was called for the first week and after next week! a long clean up of the ex area and a mountain of brass, we moved to Lavesum Ranges. After a day to turn around our kit we Week one was the Dry Exercise phase with the Sqn formed up to moved on to the Live Fire Phase of the Battle Camp and the rain a Coy minus level, consisting of 2 platoons and a Coy Ops room, finally stopped. Week 2 consisted of a number of different ranges working out of what was known as Patrol Base Fist. The starting with grouping and zeroing and Fire Team assessments. platoons went through an RSOI package and conducted Once everyone had passed this, some taking longer than others, framework patrols, which in turn allowed plenty of opportunity to the ‘fun’ shoots began. The first was a defensive shoot by day put in to practise all of the skills and drills that were being taught and night from trenches with the Rifle, GPMG and a lot of and refreshed throughout the week. At the end of the week each ammunition. Then a thoroughly enjoyable individual CQB shoot platoon then had what was dubbed a ‘confirmation patrol’. with rifle and pistol. The second week was also an opportunity to These patrols swiftly became known by the guys on the ground brush up on our navigational skills by night. Sqn members gamely as a ‘DEATH MARCH’. set off in pairs into the darkened wilderness and completing the 6.5 km course in under 2 hours; a relatively comfortable task for The patrol consisted of a number of scenarios ranging from an all, apart from two members of the Sqn; LCpl ‘Tom Tom’ Op BARMA stand lasting 4 hours to ambushes and casualties in Thompson and Cfn ‘The Garmin 1000’ Finch. After LCpl what can only be described as monsoon conditions. One of the Thompson had declared that he knew the area like the back of 200 Sig Sqn Amateur Dramatics Society bit the dust playing a his hand, he managed to get lost by over 5km, managing to casualty during one of these scenarios; Sig Smartt’s collect 2 checkpoints before limping back in. performance earned him and his clothes some special attention with the medical scissors, almost causing a real-time casualty. After a few more tantrums and one or 2 more stiff backs, our 2 weeks were completed. Every member of the Sqn will agree it The first week was also a chance for members of the Sqn to learn was a very interesting and worthwhile couple weeks with about other units and what services they provide with the Royal everyone coming back a bit wiser and more familiar with current Engineers, Royal Military Police and Military Working Dogs all TTPs.
81 SIGNAL SQUADRON (VOLUNTEERS) CORSHAM
OC Maj A Kennedy flask as a token of gratitude from the ‘old and bold’ ex Sqn SSM WO2 J Collins members on the occasion of his impending retirement from his post. Plates emptied and glasses drained the diners retired to the 81 Sig Sqn held their annual Warwick Dinner in the Officer’s mess bar to put the world to rights. A great night was had by one and at Corsham on Saturday 30 October. The dinner was superbly all and everyone present looked forward to the next dinner night organised as usual by the Sqn PSAO Lt Col (Retd) Tim Craven at the RAF Club in February 2011. and Capt (Rtd) Alan Spencer. The 24 diners were treated to a first class silver service meal served by Sgt Nick Parkyn and his REMEMBRANCE team. The night was unique due to the eclectic mix at the table which included no fewer than 8 Sqn OCs past and present. Ex The observance of Remembrance held particular significance this Sqn OC Maj (Retd) John Abram is to be congratulated for year when 81 Sig Sqn joined the Central Telegraph Office (CTO) silencing the PSAO by presenting him with an engraved silver hip Women Veterans Society in BT Centre on Saturday.
Irene Sargent and Ruby Edwards representing the Society as well as the Central Telegraph Office Veterans Association, spoke eloquently about the former colleagues at the CTO that stood on the site of BT Centre for 93 years until its demolition in 1967. The CTO’s role in the history of telecommunications is a significant one. The first London-Paris telephone service was controlled from here from 1891 and Marconi demonstrated his new 81 Sig Sqn OCs at Warwick Dinner 30 Oct 2010 system of wireless
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 81 telegraphy on the roof of the building in 1896. In its heyday the Tim enlisted at The Butts Reading on 8 Sep 65 and reported to CTO had direct communication with every large town in the UK The Junior Leaders Regt R Signals on the 15 Sep at Newton and was the largest telegraph office in the world. During wartime Abbott South Devon. He entered the Regt as a JSig and left as a such an important communications centre was an obvious target, JSig 2 years later, so not a very auspicious start to this young and the CTO suffered during both world wars. The damage in budding Radio Operator. 1917 during the First World War was relatively minor, but the Second World War saw much more substantial damage. During a He was posted to 1 Div Sig Regt in Sep 67 and managed a 6 raid on 29 December 1940 the CTO was set alight by burning years tour as a Radio Rebroadcast Operator on C42/C45s but his debris from adjacent buildings and the interior was totally love was for morse on the C11/R20 radio set. He was promoted destroyed. The building was reopened in June 1943. It was to LCpl then Cpl during his tour and was reduced in rank to LCpl gradually run down from 1959 as work was transferred to other then promoted again and left as a Cpl to go to 8 Bde Sig Sqn in locations and eventually closed in October 1962. NI. A few whiz bangs later he was posted to 227 Sig Sqn in AFCENT as a Sgt in 1975 followed by a tour in 264 Sig Sqn on 81 Sig Sqn was represented by Maj Andy Kennedy, who works promotion to SSgt in 1978. in BT Group Engineering services and his wife Janice, also a BT employee in Openreach. Due to advancing years this is the last He was then sent to Cyprus for 4 years roughing it and was time the CTO Society and Association will be laying wreaths in promoted to WO2 and then did a tour in 16 Sig Regt and then 4 memory of officers who fell in the 1st and 2nd World Wars. 81 Div Sig Regt as a WO1, being commissioned in 1989. Sig Sqn, with their close historic association with the GPO, Post Office Telephones and BT, will in future take responsibility to His officer tours took him back to Cyprus (not again!!) Adjt of a TA jointly mark remembrance in BT Centre on behalf of the CTO Regt and on promotion to Maj as Bde QM at 11 Sig Bde. He was Society and Association and BT members of the reserve forces. then post to Saudi Arabia followed by a tour as OC Hong Kong A detachment of the Sqn, all technicians from BT Operate and Gurkha Sig Sqn on close down of the Territory in 1997. A QM tour Openreach, are currently serving in Afghanistan. with 14 Sig Regt took him next to HQ Land Command and finally to HQ SHAPE on promotion to Lt Col. LONGEST SERVING LE R SIGNALS OFFICER ? 45 YEARS 3 MONTHS 2 WEEKS AND 1 DAY He took up the post as Capt PSAO in Aug 03 so has seen a fruitful 7 years of 81 Sig Sqn’s transformation! He has been a Lt Col Tim Craven (or Capt Tim Craven) is due to retire on the stalwart and a friend and will be missed ( who said that!!) 23 Dec. After 45 years or so as soldier and officer is he one of the longest serving in the Corps? Good luck Tim from the OC and All Ranks of the Sqn.
OTHER UNITS
JOINT COMMUNICATIONS UNIT (FALKLAND ISLANDS)
RAF FITNESS CHALLENGE first one. The first 8 tests went without hitch (what you would - by LCpl Max Tyson 216 Para Sig Sqn expect from a P-Company trained soldier). A stretch and bowl of pasta at the 30 minute interval was a nice relief and welcomed On a night out in Stanley I met a few lads from MT who told me break. Most people had thinned away at this point back into about the RAF Fitness challenge, organized by Cpl Stuart work and the big push by me and Stu was in full swing. After the Waddington (RAF PTI) for the Help for Heroes charity. The initial next 6 tests we were both in slight discomfort and could feel plan was to complete as many fitness tests as possible muscles tightening up and niggles appearing after repeatedly throughout the working day to a minimum pass requirement of turning over 600 times. Stu was also feeling it in his hip flexor’s level 10 on the MSFT (bleep test), 25 press ups and 35 sit ups. from the sit ups. I just took that as a sign of weakness. At this The MT lads challenged me to beat Stu for a generous donation stage I knew I’d be going home the winner. for my hard work. Naturally I accepted the challenge, just to establish the Army’s dominance in fitness over the RAF.
I met up with Stu a few days before to get some background knowledge of what to expect. The plan was to do 8 fitness test in the first 2 hours with roughly a 4 minute break in between. This would be followed by a 30 minute break for some food and a stretch. We would then continue to complete another 6 over an hour and a half with a 30 minute break after each set and this would continue throughout the day - all going well!
I prepared the night before buying the shop’s stock of Lucozade recovery drinks and as much Moralibo and Mars Bars as possible. I packed 3 T-shirts, 5 pairs of socks, and a spare set of footwear into a daysack to make the day as pleasant as possible. After every 10 tests I’d get a change of kit so I was feeling fresh and ready to smash out some more reps and beat the RAF PTI at his own event…easy!
The big day started nice and early at 0700. I’d had my porridge The decision was made to do 4 fitness tests followed by a 15 and fruit and felt ready for the test. People joined in to show their minute break as legs were starting to seize, this made things a support throughout the day with 10 people coming along for the great deal easier. More people were joining us on the tests which
82 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 provided a massive morale boost, with some different people to me. My body was in pain at lower speeds, really feeling every talk to take my mind off the test. Kaz, an SAC from the RAF, was step and stretching wasn’t enough. At higher levels I felt at ease a huge morale boost bringing us a tray of hot homemade although I seemed to have a pain in my foot, possibly from the flapjacks - what a Godsend that was!! impact of running up and down.
We were 17 tests in and Stu had problems…he got a horrific cramp in his thigh and had to stop to stretch. This would be the end of him competing to win the contest.
After a short break we cracked on, Stu’s face not looking too happy knowing that cramp often returns and that he could cramp up at any point. I currently felt tight in my calves but wanted to crack on and get the day over and done with asap! Our saviour Kaz joined us again at our 18th test, having already covered 22 miles up and down the gym and banging out 450 press ups and 630 sit ups. The press ups and sit ups were almost my resting point; imagining those bleeps and the feeling of my body turning on those shuttles wasn’t a great thought! We cracked on regardless as more and more people were entering the gym and giving us a boost.
We hit the big 20 and a nice change of t-shirt and socks was in order. I was thinking that getting around the 30 mark would be a great achievement. With time fighting against us with more people coming to talk and Stu’s persistent injury slowing him down, this figure looked too big a task in our time limit. The I completed 26 full fitness test; over 30 miles, 650 press ups and charity box was gradually filling up, which was good to see. I 910 sit ups for Help for Heroes. Stu claims 25 and a half! In total knew I’d beat the RAF PTI but I was going to continue until he we raised £574.10. The MT lads paid up and put extra in for not was broken and gave up!! This was to come an hour later with turning up and guess what, PT was the next morning ..... A roughly 15 people taking part in the event and Kaz nagging on at fitness test!
JOINT SERVICE SIGNAL UNIT (CYPRUS)
CO Lt Col Dooley The teams were unaware of RSM WO1 (RSM) Walledge how well the others were doing which meant that COOMBER CUP SUPER TEAMS EVENT – 29 OCT 10 they had to just give it their – by LPTI Feighery RN all on each station and concentrate on achieving On Fri 29 Oct all 3 Sqns from JSSU (Cyp) gathered again, with 1 maximum points each time. and 2 Sqns trying to stop HQ from running away with the All competitors were clearly competition following an impressive win in the Triathlon event feeling the heat as the previously. Each Sqn entered 2 teams which would have their bodies began to fatigue. scores added together to give an overall points total. Stands became harder as they tired and its was clear The Super Teams competition consisted of 8 separate stations from the looks on the teams which would test the teams both physically and mentally. Stands faces that they could give included things such as vehicle pulls, log presses, pull ups and no more than they were even tyre flips. Each station lasted for 4 minutes followed by a 2 doing. minute water break in between to rehydrate prior to them moving on to the next challenge. HQ had built an impressive SAC Davies, Sgt Brown and FS lead going into the final Morrow doing the log lift Evidently HQ were determined to take all the points once more event which was a 1 km with an impressive team of powerful and strong individuals relay event wearing weighted armour. They were clearly hard to competing for them. beat and were leading during the changeover. 1 and 2 Sqns were not going to give up without a fight though and 2 Sqn A team began to close the gap as the race drew to a close. On the final lap with only 300 metres remaining 2 Sqn took the lead and crossed the line to restore some pride amongst them. Extra points for style and grace were awarded for Capt Alex Hodges, Adjt, who crossed the finishing line and covered everyone in sick as he brought up the Weetabix he had eaten for breakfast.
They may have lost out in the long run but HQ were still the overall winners following an exceptional effort during the 8 initial events with an impressive score of 86 points. They were followed by 2 Sqn with 57.5 points and finally 1 Sqn with 45.5 points.
All competitors worked extremely hard which ensured that the Super Teams phase of the Coomber Cup was a huge success. The next events are the Military Skills and Sports quiz on Wed 1 Cpl Tiernan doing the hammer lift Dec 10.
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 83 CO’S PT POTTED SPORTS – 10 DEC 10 – by LPTI Feighery RN Teams were also wearing fancy dress, which was funny to start with however once they had warmed up became quite annoying Ay Nik PT Staff are used to organising events for the unit that are and extremely sweaty. The teams all enjoyed the event and as both physically and mentally demanding. However the CO, Lt always everyone was competitive until the end. The prizes were Col Dooley, requested that the gym organise a more festive presented by the CO who was hardly recognisable in his diving event for his last PT session in Dec which the majority of Unit costume which was not very festive but it was funny, especially personnel could take part in. when he tried to walk in his fins.
It was decided to run a Potted Sports event with 9 stands in the The overall winners once all teams from each Sqn had tallied their gymnasium, all of which had to be fun and challenging. Stands scores up were HQ Sqn who were also crowned as the overall included a Wacky races event. For this they had to drive their Unit champions for the Coomber Cup 2010. way around a course on a kiddies tractor whilst blindfolded. The person pushing would try and navigate for them by shouting demands and instructions. Another one was named Curling which was simply a case of them trying to slide weighted sacks in to the different scoring zones. All stands were different and basically meant that the competitors had to do silly things which were entertaining to watch.
Lt Col Dooley presenting HQ Sqn with the CO’s PT trophy
The event was a success with lots of fun had by all. It was evident that everyone had made an effort with their costumes which ensured that there was a fun atmosphere around the gymnasium.
JSSU CYPRUS WALKDOWN – by CPL McCallum
One of the biggest (and arguably one of the hardest) orienteering events in BFC took place on Saturday 6 November. Previously the event was organised by CCU, but this year saw JSSU (Cyp) take the lead. The first decision made by the new organisers was to revert the start point to its original position at the top of Mount Olympus, adding not only distance, but also significant altitude and kudos. Providing you don’t get lost, the Walkdown consists of a 25-mile walk/run through 4 mandatory checkpoints, witnessing some of the most spectacular views on island in the process (although not every one taking part was necessarily in a position to appreciate them due to the arduous nature of the terrain).
WO1 (RSM) Walledge enjoys some tractor time There were 52 teams each consisting of at least 3 people involved this year, coming from British forces, ex-pats and schools from the UK. They were split into 4 categories – Male The whole event was kicked of by an Aerobics warm up which Only, Female Only, Veteran and General. The teams were also was kindly taken by Mrs Nicki McCarthy. It was clear that the distinguished by ability – walkers, walk/run, and runners – to majority of personnel had never done this sort of thing before, determine their start time. Obviously the runners were the most which ensured that there was lots of laughter and humour had by competitive, and the pace set by the fastest teams was blistering. all.
Ops O Capt Simpson, CO Lt Col Dooley, U2IC Sqn Ldr McCarthy CO’s PT warm-up aerobics at the start
84 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 The walkers too were going at a blistering pace, but not in the ‘Two Mums and a Babe’ taking 4hrs 40mins 23secs to complete same sense of the word. Thankfully, each checkpoint had a the route. plentiful stock of plasters and tape to fix up weary feet and send them back on their way to the finish line. In the Veterans category, for which to qualify you had to have a combined team age of 120 years, the winners were ‘Episkopi On to the winners, and the fastest Male Only team were Runners (Vets)’ with an incredible time of 3hrs 59mins 13secs. ‘Stubborn and Stupid’, posting an impressive time of 4hrs 51mins Runners up were the ‘UNFICYP Veterans’ with a time of 4hrs and 31seconds, followed by ‘7 Regt RLC’ with a time of 5hrs 46mins 35 secs. 2mins 50secs. However, despite some magnificent times from all the above The fastest Female only team was ‘Drees Yinegges’ with and teams, the outright winners, with a truly staggering time of 3hrs excellent time of 4hrs 38mins and 17secs. In 2nd place were 39mins 13secs, were ‘Endurasaurus’. This may well be the time to beat for years to come.
As with all events of this type everyone who took part deserves respect for putting themselves through what can be a gruelling endurance challenge, and all in the name of charity. Since it’s inception over 20 years ago the Walkdown has always been well attended and in return, it has supported many charities.
This year the beneficiary was the BFBS Big Salute, and all 52 teams made the event the overwhelming success we all knew it would be. At the time of writing, €3800 has been raised through registration fees, sponsorship, the raffle and photograph sales. More money has also been raised through individual competitors’ ‘Just Giving’ page.
All in all I think it’s safe to say that everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed the day, whether they made it to the finish line SSM (WO2) Williams, Capt Glover, Capt Hodges at check point 3 or not. Hopefully, next year’s event can be even bigger and better, and maybe we will see you there!
CHICKSANDS
JIMMYS’ DAY AT CHICKSANDS – by SSgt Noble experienced fighters, from juniors to accomplished seniors. The host club, Stevenage ABC fought against opponents from all over Before we could all enjoy food from the BBQ and a well deserved the country, from Darlington ABC to Bristol ABC, this is testament pint from the Sports and Social club to celebrate the 90th to the match making abilities of Geoff Goldstein (Stevenage anniversary of the Royal Corp of Signals WO2 (RQMS) Bishop ABC). had organized the ultimate charity event for Help for Heroes and The Royal British Legion which consisted of 10 lucky volunteers It became apparent that the evening was going to be one to from the Corp based at Chicksands. The aim of the event was to remember from an early stage, with all the tickets selling almost cycle from John O’ Groats to Lands End and back again in immediately and could have easily been sold twice over. The 24hours, a the total distance of 1803miles. Every volunteer had guest of honour, Steve ‘The Celtic Warrior’ Collins was in to accomplish a bare minimum of 15 miles per hour on the constant touch with WO2 Bishop over the weeks leading up to exercise bikes working in pair’s, operating an hour on, hour off the night and kept alluding to how much he was looking forward cycle. The QM Maj Duckworth set the standard in the first hour to the event. Throw this in with a fabulous 3 course meal, free by smashing out 24.5 miles and kindly handing the bike over to wine, raffle, tote and a sports auction and the scene is set. his partner Maj McCredie who again maintained this level. This soon became a competition between them both. Unfortunately The civilian guests were overwhelmed by the layout of the arena my partner SSgt Chris Mooney and I were unable to maintain and how well organized and drilled all of the committee and staff such a distance, however we did maintain the required were, not to mention the mess bar prices. The guests readily standards!!! enjoyed the hospitality at the bar whilst waiting to be seated and it wasn’t long before the guest of honour and top table were The following day The Royal Signals Regimental football team enjoying the fruits of the VIP lounge. Steve Collins soon realized participated in a tournament against The Intelligence Corp and how much his appearance was appreciated and how many fans The PTI team provided for that day, which I am pleased to say he still had (top table included). He wasn’t getting off lightly The Corp won. The evening consisted of a charity auction where gifts were donated and auctioned of by WO2 Bishop who strongly encouraged the audience to bid higher. Overall the day was a huge success and an outstanding effort by all involved. Total money raised for the event was £4000.
CHICKSANDS BOXING 25 NOV 2010 – by SSgt King
When it comes to organized events, nothing quite compares to boxing gala’s and this was reaffirmed by the one held at Chicksands on 25 Nov this year. It had been a long ambition of WO2 ‘Bish’ Bishop to host a boxing event which on the night in question, he delivered in spades. The event had a lot of firsts in many ways as all of the boxers on the night were from civilian boxing clubs and of varied abilities, from debutants to vastly
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 85 though and was promptly directed to the table of boxing goodies prize from Steve Collins who had picked him from the 20 boxers that required his John Hancock which he was more than happy who competed throughout the evening. He was even more with. delighted when he realized the former world champion had hand signed the trophy prior to the presentation. The guests were directed to their seats and eagerly awaited the piping in of the top table which duly followed. It was only too clear at this point how hard WO2 Bishop, his committee and all the behind the scenes staff had worked. The food eaten, raffles and tote sold and tables cleared it was time for the main spectacle.
If you have ever attended a boxing evening that had thrills, spills, knockouts and unexpected decisions, then this was an evening to top the lot. The 10 bouts could not have been more closely fought and every boxer to a man can be proud of himself and how he represented his club. The juniors were fighting as if their next meal depended on it, with raw aggression and glimpses of future world champions coming to the fore. The seniors and It was now time for WO2 Bishop to do what he does best and more experienced fighters showed the same aggression although squeeze money out of the guests for the worthy cause by making more calculated attacks and tactical evasive defensive conducting the sports auction. He did this with consummate measures. This however wasn’t always the case with plenty of ease while SSgt Andy King and SSgt Andy Hill continued claret on show and heavy combinations leading to TKO’s. When scurrying around collecting money as they had done all evening. you thought the entertainment couldn’t get any better, the ring girl This was not in vain as at the evening finale it was announced and the very camp Sgt Birkett (PT Corp) in his tight pink shorts that the total raised was just short of £10,000, which was to be kept the theme of fun, at the forefront of the evening. split between Help for Heroes and Stevenage ABC. The amount raised goes to show how much WO2 Bishop, his committee and The victorious boxers, chests like peacocks looking for a mate, the support of Stevenage ABC put into the smooth running of this strutted to the stage where they proudly accepted their trophies event. There has not been a serving member, guest or civilian from the former world champion, Brig MJ Hallas OBE ADC and ticket holder that has not said what a fantastic evening this event Maj JB Duckworth (QM). The opponents of the victors should was and from most, the best boxing event they have attended. If have felt no less proud of their efforts as they came forward to ever there was a swan song, this was it. receive their awards, although the pain of defeat was clear to see. The fight of the night, producing the best fighter was a spectacle Well done to WO2 ‘Bish’ Bishop and good luck in your new role worth waiting for, Sam, (Bristol ABC) was delighted to receive his as SSM at 21 Sig Regt.
SPORT
INTER CORPS CARP CHAMPIONSHIPS
By Cpl Chris Burley (Team Captain) The Royals Signals entered a strong 6 man team iand were confident of a rewarding outcome. Each team is split into 3 pairs The Inter Corps Carp Championships (ICCC’s) is part of the Army and the lake is split into 3 sections. Every team must have a pair Carp Festival that took place in September at Horseshoe Lake in in each section of the lake and the combined weight of all 3 pairs Gloustershire. It is an annual 48 hr carp angling competition determines the winners of the event. The peg draw was pot luck where the best 6 carp anglers in each Corps battle it out against this year as it was pulled out of a hat which sadly took away other cap badges with the goal to be crowned the Corps much of the watercraft that is involved in carp angling. Before Champions. The ICCC’s is an extremely competitive event with the event commenced the team planned the best possible some very experienced anglers taking part. approach based on anglers suitability to each swim so that when
86 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 the peg was drawn we could quickly move into our slots and prepare for the event to start.
Peg 3 was drawn out of the hat and we were all relatively happy with that because it had shown good potential in all 3 sections of the lake. Section C had fish showing all over for the entire event and was quick to come into action with an absolutely stunning fully scaled mirror to fall under the net of Tony Ward and Ben Carter on the first afternoon. As nature called for Ben Carter so did the fish to one of his rods. Tony Ward was quickly on hand to attend to the rod but as he lifted the net, under thick weed, the fish had managed to pull free from the hook (Gutted!).
Carl Hindson and Paul Sim went for a particle approach and spodded in a big bed of Carls stinking particles and fished over the top of it, a tactic that had proved productive earlier in the week during the Army Championships. Chris Burley and Alex ‘Rocky’ Rockett could see activity in winter bay but unfortunately it was not within range of the swim boundaries. Black Label Baits were the proud sponsors of the Royal Signals team and provided enough boilies, pop ups and dips for the 48 hr Rocky piled in his stinking “Munga” spod mix in hope of drawing competition. The bait of choice was definitely “Scoberry” 16mm in the fish and Chris Burley went for the boilie and pellet boilies. Diem were the clothing sponsors for the team and approach at about 75 – 80yds range. With no signs of fish in the ensured we were angling in complete style during the event. swim and no line bites Chris Burley was surprised when his right hand rod went off on the final morning of the event. Another The Royal Signals finished in 7th place this year. The winners of incredible fully scaled, heavily plated, dark, mirror carp had fallen the event were the Infantry (again!!!) closely followed by the Royal to the Royal Signals team. Artillery.
ROYAL SIGNALS SWIMMING & WATER POLO
The Royal Signals Swimming and Water Polo Squad recently this year, we now need to take this performance and look to returned from a successful couple of days competing at the Army improve on it next year. Inter Corps Championships in Aldershot in early Dec 10. The success at the event was mainly down to the high turn out at The men’s Water Polo team re-took the title as the Army’s number the Royal Signals Inter Unit swimming gala held at RNAS one Corps for the tenth time in 11 years, completely outplaying a Yeovilton. Just over 100 regular and TA personnel took part in a strong REME side in the final, eventually winnig 9-1. very enjoyable and successful day of swimming and water polo. From this large turn out a Corps squad was selected and spent The Ladies Water Polo Team were narrowly beaten in the final 7-5 the remainder of the week at a training camp in preparation for by a strong Sapper Team. In the swimming both male and female the Inter Corps gala. teams made massive improvements after a couple of lean years. After the success of “pool” swimming, the focus will now switch The Male and Female Teams did incredibly well to almost double to improving Corps representation within the Army Swimming and the number of individual finalists to 35 during the gala and were Water Polo Teams and, post Easter, stepping outside into the both placed 3rd. Particular mention should be made of Sig open water environment. The Corps will hopefully be well James Thorbinson from 22 Sig Regt who won the 200m represented in the Army Swimming and Water Polo Tour to Freestyle and WO2 Lucy Mason who won both female veterans Gibraltar in May 11, followed by maximum participation in the events. annual Lake Bala Inter-Services Open Water Event. The Corps is also hoping to gain entry to the team event at Lake Zurich in early In the Corps Relay Competition both teams finished in an Aug 11. Any member of the Corps who is interested in taking encouraging 2nd place. There was a real buzz around the squad part should contact their unit swimming officer or a member of the Corps Swimming and Water Polo Committee for more details.
SSgt White “Chalk-ing ” up another score. The Squad
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 87 THE 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 Membership Secretary Tel: 01258 482089 Dorset Tel (mil) (9)4371 2090 DT11 8RH Tel (civ) 01258 482090 www.royalsignlalsassociation.co.uk Email: [email protected]
General Secretary and Treasurer: Col (Retd) T Canham Assistant General Secretary: Maj (Retd) IN Greig Welfare Secretary: Mrs L Sizeland Membership Secretary: Mr PJ Cuckow Maj (Retd) Ian Greig Mr Peter Cuckow Tel: 01258 482082 Tel: 01258 482090
ROYAL SIGNALS ON-LINE MEMORIAL BOOK RSA AGM. A final reminder that all Life Members of the RSA are – by Col (Retd) Terry Canham, General Secretary, RSA entitled and welcome to attend the AGM to be held at 1030 hrs Sat 26 March in the Victory Services Club, London. For some time, we have been examining the possibility of setting up an on-line memorial book. The company concerned, “Friends RSA Annual Reunion. Hopefully by the end of Feb full details of and Relations” specializes in providing on line personal this year’s RSA reunion at Blandford (18-19 Jun) will be shown on dedication areas to celebrate the lives of deceased friends and the RSA website. Those without web access should contact relations either on an individual basis or through the medium of Assn HQ for details (including order forms for car passes and on-line memorial books. They have already carried out similar meals). work on behalf of the Battle of Britain Association, Royal Engineers, SSAFA and St Dunstan’s to name a few and you can New Life Members. We give a warm welcome to the following visit their website at www.friendsandrelations.com to see a full recently enrolled members of the RSA:- gallery. I am very pleased to advise you that I have received Rank/Name Service Unt/Branch financial approval to set up a Royal Signals Memorial Book. We hope to go live in January or February 2011 and will run the book Sig Andy McIntosh 1988-91 for a 3 year trial. Sgt James Craig 1951-53 Derby Branch Sgt Bob Williamson 1959-70 The Memorial Book will be linked from the Royal Signals Sig Steve Bunce 1979-84 Association’s ‘Home Page’; www.royalsignalsassociation.co.uk Sig Linda Allen 1994-98 and also from its “Last Post” page. A link to a dedicated page Maj Derek Deegan 1976-11 Blandford Garrison Sp Unit for each individual can be created from the list of deceased WO2 Andrew Nichols 1988-11 members. On this dedicated page, friends and relations will be WO2 Glenn Campbell 1987-date N Ireland Branch welcome to add tributes (plus a photograph if they wish). WO2 Andrew Hayes 1989-date Although there is no charge for any entry, there will be the facility SSgt Lee Norman 1990-date 1 UK ADSR to make a donation to the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund in Cpl Jeff Payne 1985-91 memory of a loved one or former friend. All such donations will Sig Billy Gray 1975-78 be gratefully received and will be used specifically in providing SSgt Andrew Lockie 1987-09 3 Div Sigs Reunion Club welfare assistance to those less fortunate present and former WO2 Mark Thompson 1993-11 members of the Corps and their families. Initially there will be an Sig Nicholas Asbury 1990-92 entry only for those who passed away in 2010, however friends Sig John Buckley 1946-48 and relations may add a name whenever they wish. Regimental SSgt Steve Foord 1986-09 Headquarters will act as ‘Moderator’ to oversee accuracy and to Sgt Roy Rowlands 1976-81 eliminate any abuse or disrespect. Sig Leslie Collins 1972-81 Cpl Keith Johnson 1966-80 My aim is to provide the RSA AGM in March and the April issue LCpl Sean Thomson 2003-07 of the WIRE with an update and hopefully report a healthy interest Cpl Murray Coyle 1998-11 in this service. LCpl Mick Enright 1978-87 Cpl Frank McGuire 1972-83 RSA Newsletter. The RSA newsletter for 2011 should by now Cpl Brian Maynard 1955-57 have been sent to all Life Members in the “RHQ Branch”. Those Cpl Gordon Elvin 1952-55 with an e-mail addresses recorded at Assn HQ should have been Sig Mervyn Edwards 1957-59 Air Fmn Sigs Assn advised that the newsletter can be viewed on the RSA website. Sgt Mark Richardson 1991-02 Life Members within the RSA’s 67 branches should receive the WO1 Jon Harradine 1975-93 newsletter (or the salient points) from their respective branch. If Capt Paul Buckley 1983-date Darlington Branch you are a Life Member of the RSA and do not receive a copy Cpl Chris Cadman 1980-90 (directly or indirectly) then you should contact Assn HQ in order Sgt Ian Lyons 1998-11 that we can set our records straight. Cpl Paul Cowley 1960-71
88 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 LCpl Dave Scrivener 1951-53 This particular night is a very popular evening with around 100 SSgt Paul Brown 1988-10 members and guests attending. Then, once a year, our Annual Sgt Jamie Whitehead 1987-10 General Meting is held, (usually on a Sunday lunchtime during January or February). We have found another venue for this and are glad to visit the Ashley Wood Golf Club for a very enjoyable lunch. We finish this meeting with a raffle and horse race. DONATIONS During August, the Constitutional Club is again the venue for a summer Barbeque. This event is not a meeting as such and is always great fun. In recent years the weather has been just what Peter Mills £ 75.00 a summer barbeque requires! M J Woodham £ 50.00 Certa Cito Lodge £ 20.00 Photographs of this and other events during the year are available Milton Keynes Dons charity at our web page: www2.armynet.mod.uk/associations/rsa/dorset football match £ 184.39 S Clout £ 10.00 As I hope you can see, we are a friendly group who has a shared In memory of Maj John Daw BEM history and an interest in the ongoing progress of the Corps. We Maj R L (Dusty) Miller £ 25.00 are always looking for new members, in particular younger John Wakefield £ 20.00 members of the Corps. Cliff Wood £ 50.00 Donations totaling £ 35.00 If you know anyone From the estate of who is local to us Brig T G H Jackson £ 300.00 (Dorset), and who The Royal Signals (Northern) Band £ 250.00 would like to join us, Mrs Sandy Hetherington in memory please contact: of her son LCpl Jon Hetherington £2550.00 carolineaddison@aol. Main Tp, 258 Sig Sqn from their co.uk or the RSA charity cycle event in Tamworth £1500.00 Admin Officer, Peter Bank balance on the closure of Cuckow at Bournemouth Branch RSA £ 493.36 Blandford Camp. Mrs Joan Greenstreet £ 50.00 56 Div Sigs OCA £ 46.00 On Remembrance In memory of Victor B Parker Sunday Mr Ken cheques totaling £ 260.00 Whillock laid a In memory of Ernest Dominic Harris wreath on behalf of cheques totaling £ 320.00 the Dorset Branch at Glossop & District Royal Signals OCA £ 25.00 the Remembrance Henry Galloway £ 8.48 parade in Blandford. Wytham Village Hall in memory of Lt Col Mike Walker £ 50.00 42 Sig Regt Offrs Club £ 200.00 22 Sig Regt £ 100.00 EAST KENT BRANCH Swindon Branch RSA £ 50.00 Poole Branch RSA £ 200.00 Arthur Lennon £ 10.00 Chairman Trevor Allison Savile Lodge No 1231, Elland, Secretary John Ballantyne Halifax £ 374.00 It would appear that East Kent Branch have 6 months news to report - so here goes!
DORSET BRANCH On 21st March 42 members gathered at the Chapter Arms, Chartham Hatch, Canterbury, for an Easter egg hunt and Easter bonnet competition. Nine ladies displayed some beautifully Chairman Mr Geoff Grover decorated hats, judged by the Publican. The first prize, which of Secretary Mrs Caroline Addison course was an easter egg, was won by Mrs Anne Gascoigne, who told us that it took her 4 hours to make! Rosemarie The 83 members of the Dorset Branch of RSA meet 12 times a Smissen was runner up, who received a drink on the house! year. Eight of these are for a monthly meeting in the Blandford After all this excitement we enjoyed a lovely lunch making a profit Constitutional Club. These meetings start at 1930hrs for 2000hrs. of £117 on the Branch raffle. The meeting is hosted by our Chairman, Mr Geoff Grover, and can last anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on One of our members, Donald Crisp, recently received a most topics to be discussed. Afterwards we retire to the bar for a unusual award, namely the Bletchley Park Medal and Certificate. beverage. Four times a year, we hold our meeting in the Crown It has only recently been instituted and goes to all those who Hotel, Blandford. This meeting lasts 5 to 10 minutes and then worked in the Bletchley Park establishment during and with our wives, partners and friends in attendance we hope to immediately after WW2, so our congratulations go to Donald. enjoy each others company and the fine dinner provided. Sadly Sheila Geary died on 12 February and a Funeral Mass in After the meal, with our coffee and tea we hold a raffle (with the St. Augustine and Gregory Church in Ramsgate took place on 2 prizes donated by the members themselves) and the proceeds March. Branch members attended together with family and are donated to the Branch. The main function of the year is the friends. Annual Dinner Dance, which is usually held in the Sealy Suite of the Crown Hotel in Blandford. Branch members and guests are Bristol was our annual weekend away over 16 - 18 April. We set entertained by the Stour Valley Stompers. After dinner there is off on a luxury coach and enjoyed a car quiz organised by normally another Band for the rest of the evening for all us to Doreen, which kept the little grey cells alert. For fun, Brian dance the night away. As with the Supper night, a raffle is held, Hackett chalked numbers on the coach tyre for which £1 was with the proceeds being donated to the Branch. donated for a number and when we arrived in Bristol the number
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 89 nearest the pre defined mark on the mudguard won the pot - this the nearest in their true value for the items. Marion Ballantyne’s was Joan Hackett. The Hotel Ramada was comfortable and the raffle completed the afternoon with a profit for our Charitable food excellent. The restaurant was in a part of the hotel that was account of £135. previously the smelting room of an old glass factory in the shape of an oast house, with many of the old features, although now We are indebted to Ted Drake, for many years dedication and covered, still visible in the old brickwork at the centre of the enthusiasm as Hon Treasurer, who has decided to retire and building. relinquish the post to Brian Hackett, who joined the Committee this year. Saturday morning saw 20 mariners cruising the Kennet and Avon canal as far as Avoncliff for a refreshment stop before returning. Members George and Bernadette Cooper celebrated their 63rd Derek, our coach driver, took the rest of the party off on a wedding anniversary in January and Bernadette was 80 in March mystery tour through Wells, Cheddar Gorge and the Mendip Hills, and George 87 in July. Their daughter was 60 in January and the before returning to pick up the sailors for the trip back to the whole family celebrated these events with a holiday in Portugal. hotel. After a leisurely breakfast on Sunday we all boarded the coach home with a more difficult quiz for our brain cells organised We wish to welcome a number of new members during the past 6 by Trevor. The weekend was enjoyed by all, enhanced by such months, and hope they will enjoy future events with the Branch. beautiful sunshine.
The Branch encountered another outing for May’s meeting. Twenty four members converged on the Imperial War Museum at EAST LONDON BRANCH Duxford on Sunday 9 May. It was a first class day of fun and interest and for those in the upper age bracket, a good tweak to the memory. Chairman Paul Burton Secretary Alan Turner The 13th June saw yet another trip for 28 members interested in trains. The Hythe and Dymchurch railway is quite unique, ELIZABETH CROSS AND MEMORIAL SCROLL travelling as far as Dungeness where the Nuclear Power Station is PRESENTATION 6TH JANUARY 2011 sited, but sadly now closed to visitors. At New Romney Station there is a very good museum with a model railway and exhibits of On a cold wet January day, Chairman, Paul Burton and interest to all ages. Secretary, Alan Turner headed off to Ingatestone Hall for the first presentation awards in Essex of the Elizabeth Cross and The Blandford Reunion weekend on 18 - 20 June is always a Memorial Scroll. As the local Royal Signals Association favourite with members. This year it commemorated the 90th representatives we had the pleasure of greeting and year of the Corps and 60th anniversary of the Korean War. The accompanying one of the recipients and 3 of her close family Col in Chief seemed to enjoy her visit to the Corps on the friends of the award. Saturday morning, supported by old comrades. Brian Callandine was once again a runner up to the Standard Bearers Mrs Helen Lister is the mother of LCpl Robin Lister who had competition and has now received 3 silver salvers to date, so we died in a helicopter crash in Northern Ireland in February 1980 wish him well for next year. while he was serving in the Corps, attached to the Intelligence and Security Group Northern Ireland. The funeral of Roy Andrews, a member of the Branch for many years, who moved recently to Yorkshire with his wife, Pat, was held on the 11 June.
Leeds Castle was the glorious setting for our meeting on 11 July. Twenty one members enjoyed the sunshine strolling around the beautiful gardens with strutting peacocks and watching the wild life on the lake, especially the Black Swans being the symbol of the Baillie family who once inhabited this romantic castle. The castle rooms were full of history and in one of the rooms we had the pleasure of listening to a pianist playing the family piano as we walked into the next room. Those of us who ventured the maze ended up in the Shell Grotto, with the stone walls covered in all shapes and sizes of seashells. Others members enjoyed watching a display of Hawks and other wild birds demonstrating their skills of catching prey in flight. At the end of the day, some of us weary from walking, caught the “land train” back to the car park for our homeward journey, after an enjoyable and interesting day.
To finish the East Kent events calendar, 9 August was our annual LCpl Robin Lister BBQ held in Maj Gen John Badcock’s garden in Canterbury. Sixty members enjoyed the glorious sunshine, after the threat of Mrs Lister, who suffers badly from arthritis, was worried that rain, and a superb BBQ laid on by Richard Martin and his family there would be a lot of walking involved with the ceremony. She team, on china plates! The theme this year took the form of a did not need to worry as the organisers had put her in the front Branch Antique Garden Show, where 28 members had bought row and Lord Petre, the Lord Lieutenant of Essex and Brig various items ranging from esquetoires to a boxed and unusual Andrew Williams, Comd 49 (East) Bde, came to her to make the carbide bicycle lamp to be valued. Mr Tony Pratt, Managing presentation. Director of Canterbury Auction Galleries valued each of the items. Members were invited to value the items themselves and match The ceremony itself came after a short service before the their own skills against a qualified expert. citations of the soldiers were read out and awards were given to the recipients. Mr Pratt gave a short talk on 6 selected items and then placed a value on all 28 exhibits. There did not appear to be any budding Afterwards there were light refreshments for the families and valuers amongst members, but a prize of a chilled bottle of hosts while the dignitaries moved around and spoke with all the Champagne went to Pauline, Tom Bewsey’s daughter, for being award winners at length.
90 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 Hudson and Eddie Mulhall, and the chef, David Metcalfe. Members enjoyed an excellent meal and good company. During the evening our President, Maj. (Rtd) Derek Wood, surprised the Branch Chairman, Fred Patman, by presenting him with his Honour Membership. Fred has served the Branch over a great number of years and has been Chairman for the past 17 years. A well deserved honour which left Fred speechless. Sadly, it is our duty to report the passing of another long standing Branch Member. Ernest Harris who died in Brighton on 7 November. Ernest moved to Brighton 2 years ago and had recently re-married. After his move Ernest remained a member of the Lincoln Branch and made journeys back to visit his best friend, Bill Doyle whose passing was reported in our last notes. They will both be missed by all Branch Members.
Mrs Helen Lister with Elizabeth Cross and Scrolls talking with Lord Petre The relatives of another 10 servicemen killed in action since 1948 were honoured on the same day with it being split into a morning session and the afternoon session which we took part in. All in all a very moving day as we heard the different stories of how they had all made the ultimate sacrifice serving their country. We headed back home after the event feeling humbled to have taken a small part of this well deserved award to the relatives of those that had gone before us.
GLASGOW BRANCH Ernest Harris, left, with Fred Patman and Bill Doyle at the funeral of Ken Maxfield in 2008. Due to the well organised team elected to mastermind the forthcoming 20th Anniversary celebration of the Branch’s formation, things are moving ahead rapidly. The team have been LIVERPOOL BRANCH very successful in fund raising for this event and their dedication to their work has ensured that the event will proceed and looks as though it will be a very popular date in the our calendar. Chairman Mr Bob Taylor Members attended the annual Remembrance Day Parade in Secretary Mr Tony Mullin George Square, Glasgow. Bill Taylor, one of our eldest and also one of the founder Due to the recent disbandment of 33 Sig Regt (V) our host unit for members of the Branch, our monthly meeting at 59 Sig Sqn, Aintree Barracks was closed carried the Branch down. Sadly the TA centre is no longer being used by the Royal Standard. This was a Signals so we have had to find a new location for our monthly well attended event meeting. We have now managed to relocate to Alamein Barracks when the Branch in Huyton which is now the home of the newly designated 33 Sig members appear from al Sqn (V), part of 32 Sig Regt (V). parts of the City and surrounding areas. Our meetings are held on the first Tuesday in every month at 2000hrs. It is hoped that we will be able to increase our numbers Bill May from the from the many ex Signallers who wish to remain in contact with Glasgow Branch their friends who were left without a TA post following the attended the reorganisation. remembrance service held at St Margaret’s Seven members of our Branch attended the RSA Reunion on Church in Bodelwyddan, 19/20 June. Our Standard Bearer, Tony Mullin, complete with North Wales as Standard gammy leg, our Chairman Bob Taylor, our Treasurer Colin Bearer for the former Svenson with his buggy and 4 other staunch members, John members of the Junior Taggart, Terry Hodge, John Hough and John Waters. Tradesmen’s Regiment Rhyl. JTR Rhyl trained We were saddened to hear of the sudden death of our Chairman’s radio operators, medics, wife Wendy Wood on 19 June, during the weekend at Blandford. clerks an drivers for just about every Regt and Corps in the All of the branch members send their deepest condolences to British Army during the time it existed between 1962 and 1974. Brig Nigel Wood and his family.
During the social gathering and curry supper in the Sgt’s Mess on Saturday night ex sgt John Hough made a presentation to the LINCOLN BRANCH Mess of a large framed Coat of Arms (Duet Mon Droit). John had previously presented this to 59 Sig Sqn (V) when he was a serving member and on the Regts disbandment it was handed back to On 29 October 25 members and ladies of the Lincoln Branch the person who presented it. gathered in the Officers’ Mess, Sobraon Barracks, Lincoln, for the annual branch dinner. The evening was a resounding success John decided that this unique piece should be preserved as part due to the hard work of our Entertainments Members, John of the Corps History and spoke to the GSM and RSM 11 Sig Regt
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 91 and asked if they would like to have it. They said yes and invited the current state of the Corps and the present deployments of the Corps RSM to accept it on behalf of the Mess. John then various Royal Signals units. The night ended with quite energetic presented it to The Corps RSM WO1 (RSM) Dave Taylor. WO1 dancing. The club staff were thanked and applauded for their (RSM) Mickey Yendell, RSM 11 Sig Regt and WO1 (GSM) Reg wonderful efforts on our behalf and the evening was deemed a Gutteridge were present at the presentation. The Corps RSM great success. We now look forward to 2011. thanked John for his presentation, stating that it would be hung in the Corps Room in the Sgt’s Mess. READING BRANCH
Chairman Mrs Pauline Tennant Secretary Lt Col (Retd) Hugh Nealon
Reading Branch held it’s 40th Annual Reunion Dinner on 2 Oct at our usual venue, Sonning Golf Club. This year we were delighted to welcome as our guest the SOinC Brig Tim Watts and his wife Claire. There was time in the bar beforehand to renew old acquaintances and to make some new ones. The dining room at the Golf Club had been refurbished recently and the new décor and furnishings were enhanced by our display of RSA Branch Standards SOinC(A), Mrs Watts and Branch Overall a great weekend was had by all and it was a privilege to and the silverware President be present for the Princess Royal Day Parade on Saturday won over the years morning when our Colonel in Chief, HRH the Princess Royal was by our Standard Bearer, John Mumford. The food was excellent present. and the service prompt and efficient.
Following the dinner, and the loyal toasts, the SOinC gave an address in which he outlined some of the career paths open to MANCHESTER BRANCH new recruits to the Corps and named some current serving soldiers as specific examples of what could be achieved. This rounded the Dinner off nicely, before we set off for home in the President Chris Reynolds Jones monsoon rain. The dinner this year was organised by our Vice- Chairman Ron Taylor Chairman Col (Retd) George (Paddy) Verdon. It was such a Secretary Harry Ferguson success that he is likely to find himself with the job again next year. Another hat for him to wear, as amongst other things he is The Branch joined other ex-service and active personel at the also the Branch Membership Secretary. So if you are interested Cenotaph at St.Peter’s Square on Rememberance Sunday, or I in joining us, please contact him on 01491 835819. For your should say a fraction of the Branch despite Chairman Ron diary the provisional date for next years Dinner is 15 October Taylor’s appeal the previous week for a good show of members. 2011. In the meantime a Happy Christmas and Prosperous New We managed to muster just 12 and one of those was a member Year to all from Reading Branch. of the RA who asked to be included; It was the worst turnout I had seen in 21 years of membership. The Branch was led as always by President Chris Reynolds Jones who travelled about 200 miles to be with us, and the Standard was paraded by Peter SWINDON BRANCH Halford. During the service Vice Chairman Peter Griffin succumbed to the bitter cold and had to receive the attention of a paramedic team who worked on him so well he was able to join Our Oct meeting was a buffet evening to welcome our area rep us at the Town Hall reception afterwards, but it left us with just 9 Jim Ross. Our barman Fred did us proud with the spread he members to complete the march past. Our thanks to our 2 lady laid on and Jim enjoyed himself, even winning a raffle prize (they members who stood tall. You know who you are and chaps, a say money goes to money). It was a relaxed evening with Jim better turnout next year perhaps??? bringing us up to date with what is going on in the Association. Thank you Jim for coming to visit us, you are welcome anytime. The Branch Christmas Dinner was held at the Hough End Centre on 11 December, somewhat reduced in numbers partly due to the fact that one member who shall remain anonymous gave his extensive family the incorrect date, resulting in them having other commitments on the night. The night was further marred by the absence of Chairman Ron Taylor and wife Marrion. We were informed that Marrion’s mother had passed away the previous day; our condolences to both of them. Secretary Harry Ferguson acted as MC as usual and began by inviting Branch President Chris Reynolds Jones to say Grace which he did (in Latin) after which we were served with a beautiful meal. This was followed by the President proposing toasts to The Queen, The Princess Royal and Absent Friends. The formalities continued with Harry introducing our Guest of Honour, which this evening was Maj Gerry Wheelan ex PSAO of the now disbanded 42 Sig Sqn and his charming wife Leslie. Gerry based his address on
92 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 Cpl L Lant 1962/84 06/12/2010 SSgt A Lord 1939/46 10/11/2010 THE 60s 16ers REUNION CLUB Sig R McCarthy 1951/56 14/10/2010 ASSOCIATION Lt Col JA Montague MBE 1952/86 04/12/2010 SSgt DM Morrison 1980/02 14/11/2010 Sgt HD Pennah 1962/57 16/01/2011 15TH ANNUAL REUNION AT PARK INN, WEST BROMWICH Cpl RJR Platten 1958/77 17/11/2010 15 -18 OCT 10 Sgt FJ Rose 1945/49 16/11/2010 Sig L Ross 1947/49 23/11/2010 On Friday members arrived during the course of the afternoon Maj JW Sinclair 1938/77 01/12/2010 from all parts of the UK, with 2 flying all the way from British SSgt RP Stokes 1956/83 27/12/2010 Columbia. The evening was spent catching up with everyone and Sgt B Taylor 1955/70 10/01/2011 enjoying a drink. LCpl BW Tomkinson 1951/55 01/12/2010 Brig CE Tonry OBE 1938/72 25/12/2010 During the day on Saturday the members went out and about to Cpl TE Tranter 1970/92 09/12/2010 local attractions and one of the favourites for a visit was the Maj CS Tyson 1949/69 10/12/2010 National Memorial Arboretum at Arlewas. For anyone who hasn’t Sgt EW Whiffen 1951/76 26/12/2010 made a visit it yet it really is a must see. One can’t help but be Sgt EP Wilds 1938/66 04/01/2011 moved by all the memorials that are there. Back to the hotel and Sgt GS Wilkinson 1947/55 03/12/2010 it was time to get ready for the Gala Evening. It is the most LCpl AM Wilkinson 1977/92 21/12/2010 formal evening of the weekend with everyone having a chance to Sgt D Wilson 1941/46 03/01/2011 put on all their finery. After the group photo was taken we enjoyed a lovely dinner and danced and sang the night away with ‘Dr. Jive’ who was our entertainment for the evening. It was the early hours before many of us decided to retire for the night. OBITUARIES Sunday morning dawned and it was a beautiful day and after breakfast we had the AGM and a new Chairman, (chairperson, whatever is politically correct these days) was appointed, Noreen DUNN – Cpl Steven Thomas Dunn died 21 December 2010 Dixon. Many points were discussed including the venue for next year’s reunion. Five venues were put forward and on a vote Cpl Steven Thomas Dunn deployed to Afghanistan on 19 Oxford was declared the winner. That evening our theme was September 2010 as part of 2nd Battalion the Parachute ‘Jolly Hockey Sticks’ and members were invited to dress up in Regiment Battlegroup (2 PARA). He was sports gear, past and present. It was amazing how many sports based at Patrol Base 2, in the Nahr-e- were represented with special mention to Moira ‘The Stig’ Saraj district of Helmand Province. On Graham as a Scottish rugby player and Sue Harper who not only 21 December 2010 he was working dressed as a Hull City Tiger but painted her face as well, brilliant. with 2 PARA Patrols Platoon on a We had a disco and karaoke for entertainment and again it was deliberate operation to interdict the early hours before many went to bed. insurgents in the Bowri desert. He was travelling in a Jackal vehicle Monday morning was the time to say goodbye and safe journey which hit an improvised explosive home. Although this was our annual reunion many members device at 1722 hours local time. meet up in smaller groups throughout the year. This club has He did not suffer. reunited many friends and if anyone is interested in becoming a member please visit our website www.the-60s-16ers.com and Cpl Dunn was born on 4 October leave a message in our comcen/message board or contact our 1983 in Gateshead where he grew Secretary Sheila Bracey at [email protected]. up and attended Saint Joseph’s School, Hebburn. On joining the Army in September 2000, he successfully completed Basic and Trade Training before serving with 216 (Para) Sig Sqn as LAST POST a Communications System Operator. Following a brief spell at 2 Sig Regt, he returned to 216 and to the Name and Rank Served Years Died environment in which he felt most comfortable. With a tour in Iraq and 2 previous tours of Afghanistan already under his belt, Capt AJ Bailey 1943/73 01/10/2010 he relished the opportunity to deploy again on Op HERRICK 13. Lt Col DA Barry 1946/78 30/12/2010 He thrived in the challenging role of providing communication Sig J Cantrill 1944/48 23/12/2010 support at Battlegroup level and was in his element when Maj SI Cassanet 1967/86 27/12/2010 deployed forward on the ground with his infantry counterparts. Maj DJ Chetwynd 1943/55 28/12/2010 He led by example and was a rock to his Rear Link Detachment. Capt VLR Dugdale 1939/49 20/11/2010 Cpl ST Dunn 2003/10 21/12/2010 Cpl Dunn’s future was bright and he was already earmarked as a Cpl PA Evans 1957/68 ??/01/2011 man that would return to 216 (Para) Sig Sqn as he promoted Cpl GS Fackrell 1939/47 17/01/2011 through the ranks. His passion for Newcastle United FC knew no Sig G Favill 1997/02 29/12/2010 bounds and his thirst and excitement for life was apparent in Cpl JA Glendinning 1941/46 21/12/2010 everything he did. Thoroughly dedicated to his family, his job and Cpl RE Gunby 1956/59 05/01/2011 to those he served with, this potent blend won him the highest Maj B Harrison 1979/91 26/12/2010 accolades and the respect of all. Sig A Henshall 1939/46 23/12/2010 WO2 J Hodgson BEM JP 1968/91 01/12/2010 Maj Alistair Fawcett, OC 216 (Para) Sig Sqn said: Sig J Hoffman 1943/47 17/05/2010 Maj RD Hughes TD+ 1949/90 01/12/2010 Cpl Steven Dunn died doing a job he loved while supporting 2 WO2 SAG Hulse 1945/67 28/12/2010 PARA BG, a Unit he had already served alongside on a previous R Hunter 1943/55 23/12/2010 Op HERRICK tour. 216 (Para) Sig Sqn was a richer place for his Sig JH Jackson 1946/49 11/01/2011 presence and he is missed deeply already. At every turn he WO1 AR Jarratt 1943/70 06/01/2011
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 93 strove to improve the lot of his men. He was always in the thick Communications Strategy for the Army, and was instrumental in of it and his time in Afghanistan was no exception; with a spark in developing the Communications Concept for JRDF and the CIS his eye and his devilish Geordie sense of humour, he tackled his Support Concept for the SH Force. He was also a member of the work with a sense of purpose and in the pursuit of making a PJHQ Implementation Team. difference. His support of the ‘Magpies’ was equally potent – a good man to share a beer with and an excellent barometer of unit In 1996 he was selected to attend the NATO Defence College in life. Rome, after which he was appointed to HQ LANDCENT as DACOS and the Senior British Staff Officer. He was deployed to He will be sorely missed and he leaves a void that will be Sarajevo with HQ SFOR then project adviser to the OBN. Within extremely challenging to fill. His untimely passing marks a black HQ LANDCENT he was responsible for all CIS support to the HQ day in the Sqns proud history, but he was not the timid type or including the development of the Deployable Communications one to shy away from the challenges that our profession presents. Modules concept and for formulating and implementing the CIS We have lost a gifted soldier and a son of the Sqn and, although support for the JHQ(Centre). He was key to the restructuring of this loss cuts extremely deep, we remember him with the utmost the CJF element of the new HQ. He was also resposible for fondness, as the courageous and professional signaller he was. setting up the international television station for Bosnia. Our loss will be nothing compared to that of his family; at this extremely difficult time, the thoughts of the entire Sqn go to his His colleagues from this time remember him as a highly professional, new bride Cheryl, his 6 year old daughter Emily, and his family knowledgeable and effective staff officer, but at the same time a and close friends. Certa Cito. good companion, coping cheerfully with a heavy workload and enjoying a high reputation among the international community.
He married Avril in 1990, had 2 children from his previous INNOCENT – Col PT Innocent died 5 Nov 2010 marriage, Mélaine (deceased) and Luc, and 3 grand children. In retirement, hobbies were gardening, reading, painting water From memories supplied by Major General (Retired) KJ colour landscapes and keeping fit through golf, skiing, swimming, Drewienkiewicz CMG. cycling and the gymnasium. He died on 5 November after an illness bravely borne, a great loss to the Corps, and remembered Peter Thomas Innocent was born on with affection by all who worked with him. 26 December 1947 in Meriden, Warwickshire and joined the Army in 1964 as an apprentice tradesman, POINGDESTRE – Terry Poingdestre died 10 November 2010 training to be an ammunition technician. He was selected for Terry Poingdestre was born in Jersey in the Royal Military Academy the Channel Islands on 17 Dec 1938. Sandhurst in 1966 and He remained in the islands during the commissioned into the Corps in German occupation and was educated 1968. His early career was spent at the local Jersey States School. at regimental duty, including 2 After graduating he took up tours in Northern Ireland, and as a employment in horticulture but was troop commander with 24 Bde HQ not happy in this and in Jan 1953 and Sig Sqn and 22 Sig Regt. he joined 6 Boys Training Regiment, Royal Corps of Signals, as a junior After JCSC he joined 16/5 Queen’s soldier, then located in the town of Royal Lancers as an armoured recce Selby. He underwent boys training squadron second in command, and then at Selby, Beverley and Newton as Regimental Signals Officer during a further Abbot. He became an outstanding tour in Northern Ireland. Following an appointment sportsman and a first-class soldier, in as second in command of 7 Armd Bde and HQ and Sig Sqn, he particular, as a Regtl class football player was attended the Army Command and Staff course at RMCS and and in 1956 had a trial for Torquay Camberley. On promotion to Maj, his first staff appointment was Town Football team. as S02 (W) CD/BD/OR at the School of Signals, where he wrote the Ptarmigan Management Concept. From here was selected to On qualifying he was posted to 253 Sig Sqn, Hong Kong. It was command 249 (UK) Sig Sqn (AMF(L)), where he is remembered here he met and married his wife, Mel. He also saw service as for setting very high standards, and managing to become a very part of the Commonwealth Counter Insurgency Force where he good skier. His second staff appointment was as S02 MS5 in the was awarded the General Service Medal clasp Malaya and later MS Directorate, responsible for all Grade Two staff appointment the Pinjat Jasa Medal by a grateful Malayan Government. In selections, including “Black Bag” appointments. 1960 he was posted to 3 Div Sig Regt, then part of the Strategic Reserve, and saw service in Germany, where he managed the On promotion to Lt Col, he joined the DS at RMCS as SO 1 central serving bay and the field electrical power supplies for the Comms, with responsibility for future radio and communications 2nd Bn The Royal Green Jackets, and later he served with 3 techniques and technology. Appointment as CO of 22 Sig Regt Heavy Air Defence Regiment, RA. followed, during which period the Regt deployed during the Gulf War on Op Granby to provide trunk communications in support of In 1968 as a Sgt he returned to the UK and served at Blandford 1 (UK) Armd Div. Post command, he was appointed COS 15 (UK) Camp with 30 Sig Regt, responsible for the management of the Sig Bde/ SO 1 Comms Plans in HQ 1 (BR) Corps. During this unit’s MT pool and servicing facility. In 1973 after a short tour in appointment the reorganisation into HQ ARRC took place, and he Germany, he retired from the army and made his home in was instrumental in formulating the ARRC Comms Concept which Blandford. He became a Grade 2 storekeeper at the RSSs, later was later utilised by HQ IFOR. He went on to serve as the ARRC a Barrack Inventory Accountant responsible for supervising and LO to SHAPE/ AFSOUTII/ UNPROFOR. equipping some 150 Officers MQs. He finally retired in 2000 after over 40 years’ exemplary service as a soldier and civil servant. On selection for promotion to Col, he was posted to the MOD as Head of Signals 34, dealing with all comms policy and Terry died on 10 Nov and although he suffered considerably implementation matters for both tactical and fixed comms towards the end, he never lost his sense of humour and his systems. On reorganisation and the advent of DCIS(A), he determination to fight on. Indeed whatever Terry undertook, both became Col (W) Comms Policy with sole responsibility for all in and out of uniform, he did with enthusiasm and dedication and aspects of Army comms policy. He wrote the Future he never lost his love of his Corps and friends, and of course his
94 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 family. His funeral was held on 26 Nov and was very well were always an attraction to the ‘in Pensioners’, Ken was an attended including the following members from BEBA – Alan and accomplished silver smith, and he brought examples of his work Jean Davies, Peter Gray, Tony and Chris Brighton, Tony and to Branch meetings where they were much admired. Beryl Hull. We send our deepest sympathy to his wife, Mel, and children, Teresa, Eddie and Anita and all the grandchildren. You may remember the song from years ago; Old Soldiers Never Die They Only Fade Away” This used to puzzle me a lot, as I could not understand what writer meant, but I think I have an TAYLOR - Colonel K G Taylor answer. You can only be really dead when there is no-one left who remembers who you were. When old soldiers gather, all the Ken joined the Royal Corps of Signals (TA) in 1938 at the age of old memories come flooding back and the stories come out again 18. He trained as a despatch rider, as he already owned a and again. Ken was a gentle-man and a gentleman, he was motorcycle. At this time Royal Signals were being mechanised, quietly spoken and a friend to all. He did not talk about his or he would have had to take his trade test on a horse. Their pay service in Burma unless prompted. was 1/-per day plus 2/-per day for the use of their own bikes. After the outbreak of war they were being paid 5/-per day for the He will be greatly missed. It has been a privilege to know him use of their bikes until the Army provided the cheapest 2nd hand and to have him as my special friend. bikes they could find. In September 1940 he was commissioned after completing 9 months training at Aldershot in the officer EVANS - Cpl Maldwyn Evans died 17 January 2010 training unit under the infamous RSM Brittan. He was posted to India to join the Indian Army as a Signals Officer. When the Maldwyn was born in 1925 and served with the Royal Corps Japanese were pressing their advance he was based at the of Signals from 1943 to 1947. border town of Kohima.
He trained at No 6 PTC Prestatyn from May - July 1943, then At this time a General Orde Wingate was leading an operation to Catterick to the end of 1943 and finally in Putney to January establish strong points behind the Japanese lines to disrupt their 1944. He was posted to 15 Air Formation Sig Regt 80 Wing advance towards Imphal and Kohima, where they were intending Signal Section Hendon and then on to137 Wing RAF 2 (Bomber) to invade India. Wingate was an odd character who did not fit in Group at Hartford Bridge. Following D Day he moved to France with the army establishment, but he had the ear of Churchill who then to Germany with 18th AFS and 84 WSS. He returned to the supported the scheme. These strong points behind enemy lines UK at Lower Croft Camp, Bury in 1945. Following 28 days were supplied by air. Twelve thousand men in gliders towed by embarkation leave he embarked on 10 December 1945 at Dakotas over mountains reaching up to 7000ft were dispatched. Southampton for the MELF (Middle East Forces) Egypt in Cairo The area was not like the flat fields of Normandy or Belgium. The then on to Port Said before being demobbed in 1947. He was the landing sites had been identified as suitable for the construction founder member of the Air Formation Signals Association of airfields. These landings were extremely hazardous as they and leaves behind his wife Margaret. were in a mountainous area covered in jungle. The landing sites went under code names of ‘Broadway’ and ‘White City’. Thirty seven gliders landed at Broadway, 16 did not. The glider carrying WHIFFEN — Sgt Edward Walter Whiffen died 26th December a signals officer in charge of the cyphers crashed en route and 2010. was lost; this meant that they could not communicate. Edward Whiffen, known as Eddie, was So as Signal Officer in reserve, Ken had to fly in by glider to born on 13 July 1935. He joined 6 Broadway with new cypher books. The O/C of the location Brig (Boys) Trg Regt, Royal Signals at Mike Calvert decided that they had to get to the location Beverley in 1951, at the age of 16, codenamed White City to assist the troops who had cut the leaving behind his beloved Dorset. railway and were under attack from the Japanese. This was a He joined man service and was trek through dense jungle for 45 miles. In line ahead, one man in posted to Catterick then Germany front with a panga, one behind with a compass. Having arrived in 1953. He then volunteered for at the site and assisted in the battle, the original carrier of the service in Malaya in 1955, where codes turned up having marched through the jungle for many he met up with some of the boys days until he reached a British unit who brought him in. Ken from Beverley. He spent many was-released to go back to his own unit. From White City, Ken happy hours in the company of hoped to get a flight out, but the severely wounded had priority, Clive Pritchard and Bill Gray. so he was put in charge of a party of walking wounded, to escort From there he was posted to the TA them back 45 miles through the jungle knowing that that there at Taunton and Yeovil. were Japanese all around. It was with great relief that they returned to the base at Broadway, and his return to India. He met Margret between postings, and they were married in 1960. He went to Northern Ireland On a lighter note, on an internal flight in India Ken and some where he broke his service, returning to Dorset to work at the colleagues shared a Dakota with Gracy Fields’ wardrobe including Dorset Farm Institute. After 6 months he rejoined the Army and her grand piano. During the flight there was a lot of turbulence was posted to Berlin and then back to Warminster. He had three and the piano broke loose from its lashings and they had to hold more postings within Germany, the last serving with 45 Med Regt it down for the rest of the flight. This is but a brief summary of RA, which he enjoyed very much. He returned to Catterick to just one of the periods in Ken’s service with the Indian Signals in complete his service finishing with 11 Sig Regt in 1976. Burma. He left regular service in August 1946 and joined the Army Emergency Reserve in 1950, serving until 1968. During his He joined the MOD Police, where he remained for 19 years until service with the AER he achieved the rank of Colonel as CO of 82 he retired in 1996. On retirement he found great pleasure in his Sig Regt (AER). After his retirement he joined the Sheffield voluntary work at Thorpe Perrow Arboretum, becoming Sir John Branch of the. RSA, and was appointed Vice President. We had and Lady Ropner’s first volunteer. Eddie took great pleasure in many enjoyable social evenings together in the mess at Manor most things and never had a bad word for anyone. He will be Top and at annual dinners where the wine flowed freely. greatly missed by all who knew him, but most of all by his beloved wife, Margret, his 5 daughters and their families. His Ken, Con and Kay also attended the reunion at Blandford. This funeral took place on Thursday, 6th January at Hipswell Church, was and still is an annual event. We also had several weekends Catterick Garrison. Clive Pritchard attended and represented in London where we attended the annual Governors Parade at the Beverley Ex-Boys and Ian Forbes and Cohn Claypole from the Royal Hospital Chelsea, where we made many friends with Catterick Branch were also present. We extend our deepest the ‘in Pensioners’, the Men in Scarlet. The ladies of the party sympathy to Margret and all the family.
THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 95 The event gave us an opportunity to thank the many organisations who have supported SANGCOM over the last 12 months and with over 100 guests attending from all 3 services, MISCELLANEOUS international and local business, as well as members of the ex-pat community made for some interesting and enlightening ‘inter-service banter’ and discussions. Despite being held STORIES close to the Embassy pool, the whole event went without a hitch – more importantly without anybody ending up in the water! Our thanks must also go to the Sheraton Hotel, part of UK MOD SANGCOM PROJECT TEAM the Starwood Group, for the excellent service they provided throughout the evening. Programme Director Brig David Hargreaves Finally, the Programme Director, Brig David Hargreaves, INTRODUCTION closed the evening by thanking all our guests for their support and reading the reply to the team’s loyal message from the The last few months have been an extremely busy period for Princess Royal. Next year’s event is now in the capable hands the team, both professionally and socially. Almost now at full of Maj Owen Finnie, who I know is looking forward to the strength for our new establishment we welcome Maj Owen opportunity! and Cathy Finnie, Maj Carl Shead and Capt Colin and Tracey Raynor as well as a number of our colleagues in the UNICEF ROAD TO AWARENESS – by Capt Ian Flannery Civil Service to the team. As well as the new additions to the team, a number of retired Corps members have taken up posts Mr Stuart Birkwood, General Manager of the Sheraton Hotel in in Riyadh recently, including Maj (Retd) Hugh Bardell and Riyadh, thought it would be a good idea to raise some money for Chris Stanley who have joined GPT Special Project ‘UNICEF Road to Awareness’. Being a good friend of the Management Limited, Riyadh. SANGCOM team; Stuart invited some of us to participate in a 12 hours spin-cycle relay on 27 October. Mr Frank Chipperfield- In addition to an expansion to our team strength there has been McCubbin (retired YofS) and Capt Ian Flannery volunteered a growth in the number, size and scale of projects that the their services. National Guard have placed on SANGCOM – in total we are now responsible for a 10 year programme of work to develop the National Guard Signal Corps’ capabilities. The early work has started with the development of a fixed and deployed satellite communications system, provision of staff working environment for the National Guard deployed HQ, the development of a National Guard Technical Institute and the initial elements of a nationwide high-capacity fibre network as well as a wide variety of smaller projects; a number of other projects continue from the previous programme.
PRINCESS ROYAL DAY CELEBRATION – by Maj Jason Hazlewood
Since 1998 the SANGCOM Project Team has celebrated Princess Royal Day in Saudi Arabia. It was held on 1 November as it is a wee bit too hot to hold a Cocktail Party at the end of June in Riyadh! This year it was quite fitting that the event was Capt Ian ‘Sweaty’ Flannery, Stuart Birkwood, held within the grounds of the British Embassy in Riyadh for the Peter Bush and Frank Chipperfield-McCubbin Corps’ 90th birthday year. Unfortunately, due to the timing we were unable to render the services of a Corps Piper – we’re Our 2 athletes arrived at the Sheraton, direct from a hard day looking for volunteers for next year’s event if you’re interested. evaluating tender bids and at 1700hrs they were saddled up After much “on the bus – off the bus” we were confirmed that and ready to commence their 2 hour ride. They were supported the Her Majesty’s Ambassador and his wife, Sir Tom and Lady by Mr Peter Bush, SANGCOM Business Manager, who took Anne de Motte Phillips would be attending, unfortunately this many photos of them working hard and giving their all; only to good news was tempered by the unavoidable withdrawal of the later discover that the auto-focus was switched off and none of Master of Signals. Other distinguished guests included Air them were usable! Peter was more than just a spectator and Marshal Peter Ruddock (MODSAP), Brig Graeme Morrison pedaled for nearly an hour himself. He regretted it the following late RLC (Defence Attaché) and the Commander of our US day, as he discovered jeans aren’t designed for cycling. counterparts the Office of Programme Management (OPM SANG), Brig Del Turner US ARMY. The event was a big success, raising several thousand Riyals for UNICEF. It is hoped that this will become an annual event, and that SANGCOM will field a whole squad of riders next year.
A FEW DESERT TRIPS – by Maj Kenny Kendirck
Twenty three team members recently enjoyed a road trip with a difference to Jordan; the difference being that their vehicles were not allowed to cross the border and therefore use was made of ‘service vehicles’ driven by Jordanians and a small fleet of minibuses to get them around Jordan. Visits were made to Mount Nebo, Jerash, the Dead Sea, the Nabatean city of Petra and Amman. A good break was had by all but it did not end there. How about an overnight camping trip somewhere near Riyadh?
And so the desert extravaganza was born. A motley crew of 45 The Programme Director greeting Air Marshal and individuals and 16 vehicles set off in search of adventure! Off Mrs Ruddock
96 THE WIRE, FEBRUARY 2011 after he deployed. Our family was devastated but from the beginning we received amazing support from Jon’s friends and colleagues in the Regiment and the wider Corps of Signals, which still continues 4 years later.
14 Signal Regiment has now lost 8 men, 4 of whom were killed in action in Afghanistan. Jon was proud to serve in the Signals, just as his father did before him. I wanted to try to repay just a little of the kindness that I had been shown by everyone so my sister Sue and I decided to walk the ‘Camino Portuguese’ in Jon’s memory. This was a 240km pilgrimage route from the Cathedral in Porto, Portugal to the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostella, Spain and raise money for the Royal Signals Benevolent fund and Help for Heroes.
Having raised £14000 from a cabaret/auction fundraiser in February 2009 for Help for Heroes – attended by James Corden A rest for the SO1s and Maj Kendirck whilst the rest and Sheridan Smith (a bit of luck that he is my daughter’s friend’s of group set up camp!! cousin!) – I wanted to do more and several options were considered. I needed to undertake a personal challenge to reflect we went and eventually got to the campsite near a place called my gratitude and how much I appreciated the support given to Red Sands; eventually as the group was led by an intrepid Civil me since we lost Jon. Servant who was somewhat terrain-disorientated. The children spent some time climbing around the rocks and cliff faces My sister Sue lives in Australia and, during one of our weekly whilst the adults took on the task of erecting tents, building a “Skypes” in November 2009, we decided to take on the Camino camp fire/BBQ and sorting out the ‘desert cinema’. Once all pilgrimage in September 2010 and start training straight away. the jobs were done the evening started with a mass BBQ after As soon as the word “training” was mentioned, the stark reality of which the little one’s (and some of the older one’s!) enjoyed ‘Ice the task ahead kicked in. I thought I would never be able to do it, Age 3’ at the cinema followed by some of the older kids but the thought of the challenges faced by our troops every day enjoying ‘Karate Kid 3’ … the adults enjoyed some other helped spur me on. ‘entertainment’ whilst sat around the large camp fire. Time off work and flights booked, September arrived, and we set With bellies full and after a camp-fire jamboree everyone retired off carrying 12 kilo packs on projected daily average walks of 24 to their tents for a good, albeit uncomfortable for some, night’s kilometres. Despite our best research and preparation efforts we sleep. The following morning, reveille was sounded by the had not anticipated the demands of the challenges ahead. Our youngest member present and her dog Colin. After a hearty planned 10 day “walk” and distance averages went out the breakfast the morning included a good walk in the Wadi and window on day one. It took us 12 days to cover the route and some desert driving, followed by the inevitable return to there were some days when we only managed 8km. We didn’t civilization in Riyadh. anticipate the temperature to be 35 degrees, no water or food along the remote routes and a visit to hospital for our wrecked feet. So we struggled quite a bit having to almost double up LCPL JONATHAN HETHERINGTON MEMORIAL RUGBY distances on some days. I lost a stone in 12 days (plus 4 MATCH WEDNESDAY 10 NOVEMBER 2010 toenails!). LCpl Jonathan Hetherington was killed in We stayed in pilgrim hostels along the route, even spending one action at Musa Qaleh, Helmand Province night in a monastery; I never thought I would sleep in a bunk bed on 27 August 2006 whilst serving with in a communal dormitory at the age of 48! 14 Sig Regt (EW). In his memory a memorial rugby game is played The journey was the hardest physical thing I have ever done but annually between 14 Sig Regt also the most spiritually uplifting and we were very emotional (EW) and the South Wales Police with when we finally arrived in Santiago. We received our whom Jon’s family has strong ‘Compostella’ from the Pilgrim Office by the Cathedral; we had to connections. prove we had walked the entire journey by showing our ‘Credenciale’ which we could get stamped at the hostels and The game which is played for the churches (and café bars!) at every stage of the journey. The Hetherington Memorial Cup had been Compostella is a certificate issued in Latin and mine is dedicated won twice each by either team up until to Jonathan. this years game; in a keenly contested contest the Police ran out 31 – 23 winners. I know that our journey was nothing compared to the hardships suffered by our men and women in the Forces every day, but I Mrs Sandy Hetherington presented the know Jon would be amazed at his boring old Mum doing trophy on the evening after having recently returned from a anything like this and I like to think he would be a fraction as 240km Charity Walk across Spain and Portugal. Her moving proud of me as I am of him. We have raised over £5000 from our account of the walk is featured below. She raised over £5000 sponsors, many of them serving soldiers but also friends and from the challenge with £2550 each going to Help for Heroes and family at home and in Australia, and will split the money 50-50 the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund. In February 2009 she between the Royal Signals Benevolent Fund and Help for Heroes. organised an auction night for Help for Heroes in Swansea raising over £14, 000. These are examples of her amazing resilience and Thank you to everyone who has supported us throughout our compassion under the worst of circumstances. fundraising and a particularly heartfelt thank you for all the acts of kindness, messages of support and, most importantly, for 240KM CHARITY WALK IN AID OF HELP FOR HEROES AND continuing to remember Jon. THE ROYAL SIGNALS BENEVOLENT FUND - by Mrs Sandy Hetherington Every year the Regiment plays South Wales Police RFC for the Jonathan Hetherington Memorial Cup. He would be so delighted My son, LCpl Jon Hetherington, was killed in action defending but humbled to think that he was remembered him in this way. I his platoon house in Musa Qaleh, Afghanistan on 27 of August certainly am. 2006. He was repatriated to Brize Norton 4 weeks to the day