Summer 2013

London Bridge The Journal of the Greater London Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association

In this issue: www.glrfca.org • The Army’s Recruiting Partnering Project • Reserves in the Future Force • Armed Forces Day • 151 (London) Transport deploy to Afghanistan CONTENTS View from the bridge

2 View from the Bridge June saw a successful Armed Forces week with 62 events across London, including major events in and Southwark (pages 14-15) and several Community Covenant signings (page 17). EXERCISE BLACKCAT KHUKURI There was a warm, contented, supportive feeling with the Forces held in high esteem. 3 News from 600 Squadron Reserves Youth 4 SaBRE in London Employers visit HMS Edinburgh • Reserves make an essential contribution to • Volunteers from London’s Youth Organisations in national security. In future their contribution Uniform (‘YOU London’) were treated to a spectacular 5 Employer engagement to our Defence capability will increase as they reception in June hosted by The City of London focus groups become an integrated part of the Whole Corporation to recognise and celebrate their valued Employers observe Royal Force required for almost all operations at contribution in delivering the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Gun Salute home and abroad. The White Paper, ‘Reserves events and Olympic and . 800 6 Recruiting Partnering Project in the Future Force: Valuable and Valued’, volunteers from the ten YOU organisations and 200 Royal Yeomanry support Fun Day sets out the plans to sustain and grow our distinguished guests took part in a celebration in the 7 TA Live Reserve Forces. The policy changes further Guildhall’s magnificent Great Hall and Old Library (page align regular and reserve service. Maritime 12 of Cadet London Bridge). Raising money for and RAF Reservists’ requirements to train and Help for Heroes • As Chair of YOU, I was delighted to announce that the mobilise will not change greatly, but the Army YOU Matter programme had exceeded its recruitment 8 Royal Naval Reserves News Reserve (the new name for the Territorial target of 1,000 more adult volunteers and 8,000 more News from Royal Army) will be used differently. Over the next 9 young people; numbers as at June were 1,320 more Reserve 5 years the Reserve Forces will increase to adults and over 10,500 young people. The aspiration to around 34,900 across all three services. 10 Reserves in the Future Force engage 10% of the 1.1m young people in London is Additional commitments to train and deploy Military training closer, with over 16,000 volunteers and nearly 100,000 12 routinely will be recognised by better aligning for local hospital staff young people engaged. pay and benefits to their regular counterparts Medics honour Camberwell’s (pages 10-11). The future for Reserves and Cadets war heroes across London is bright. London’s military honoured • The Recruiting Partnering Project achieved its for Olympic contribution Initial Operating Capability towards the end Colonel Hugh Purcell of March and, as others, they are digesting the 13 HAC Open Evening Chief Executive details contained in the White Paper as they Re-burial of WW1 HAC soldiers plan the next Reserve recruiting campaign 71 Signals vie for CO’s Cup due to start in September (pages 6-7). 14 Armed Forces Day Uniform to Work Day 16 GLRFCA Annual Awards Ceremony EXERCISE BLACKCAT KHUKURI, NEPAL 17 Armed Forces Community The aim of the exercise was to introduce novice and intermediate level mountaineers from 101st Covenant (City of London) Engineer Regiment (EOD) to high altitude mountaineering techniques. A week’s training in Glencoe ensured the team got to know each other and honed their techniques in 18 562 Transport Squadron given Freedom of Ealing preparation for the ascent of a 6000m peak in the Mahalangur Range of the Nepalese Himalaya. 151 Transport Regiment The long days trekking through the foothills, deploy to Afghanistan climbing an average of Ben Nevis each day, 19 EXERCISE FLOATING OWL proved incredibly demanding for the team Londons Medal and the constant stress on joints from carrying Presentation up to 20kg of personal equipment forced 3 team 20 London District TA & Army members to halt through injury. The view from Boxing Club the summit proved breathtaking with a direct line of sight through to Mount Everest. That feeling of triumph mixed with exhaustion, and a tiny bit of fear for the difficulty of the route down, can only be experienced by mountaineers. Adventurous training of this kind facilitates the development of soldiers by pushing them outside of their comfort zone and operating in an alien environment. This training enables the individuals to better cope with the uncomfortable realities of operations.

Front Cover: Padre Matt Buchan from We always welcome feedback about London Bridge and Cadet London Bridge, so if you have any comments 600 (City of London) Squadron – the or suggestions please contact us. Equally if you would like to submit an article for forthcoming issues of first RAF Reservist chaplain to deploy to Afghanistan. either newsletter please email it to: Wendy Phillips: [email protected] tel: 020 7384 4665

2 London bridge SUMMer 2013 NEWS FROM 600 squadron

FAITH ON THE FRONT LINE More than 3,000 miles from his parish in Kent, Padre Matt Buchan from 600 (City of London) Squadron has become the first RAF Reservist chaplain to deploy to Afghanistan, looking after the welfare of some 1,200 troops in Camp Bastion. Padre Buchan has been a Church of England priest for 15 years and an RAF Reservist since 2011.

“My role out here is as the Joint Aviation Group Chaplain. My responsibilities include supporting the headquarters of British air assets, including the helicopter pilots and ground crew and force protection personnel of the RAF Regiment and RAF Police. Parish priests would be familiar with the daily rhythm of prayer and visiting. The difference for me here is that I visit places of work which involve life and death issues, amongst people who may not regard themselves as religious, but who respect the role of a spiritual figure such as a chaplain. People seem to be more open to issues of faith and the chaplain often has a vital role in finding words for very difficult circumstances. Sometimes prayer is the only way some feelings and emotions can be expressed. It is a privilege to be here and to do what little I can for the people who sacrifice so much for our Nation.”

SUPPORTING THE JOINT HELICOPTER FORCE Flight Lieutenant Dwayne Dawson of 600 (City of London) Squadron joined the exercise staff of the Air Manoeuvre Planning Team for the latest rotation of Army Air Corps Apache and Lynx helicopters. During a four week programme the crews were exposed to a wide range of scenarios based on the latest experiences from Afghanistan, culminating in a five day Field Training Exercise where each crew received an individual mission brief linked to the main scenario.

90 miles inland from the west coast and known as Flight Lieutenant Dawson gave daily Squadron briefings on the main scenario (pictured), backed up by mission specific briefings as each America’s ‘Green Zone’, El Centro is flanked by mountains crew flew the sorties required by the JHF local commander. The daily on one side and desert on the other. This makes it an battle rhythm was as realistic as possible and Dwayne called on his ideal training environment for Joint Helicopter Force experiences during the time he was deployed to with the JHF (JHF) crews ahead of deploying to Afghanistan. to bring operational content to bear on the various briefings.

A POIGNANT visit As German forces invaded Holland in May 1940, 600 Squadron received orders to fly and raid a key airfield at Waalhaven to deny it to the advancing enemy.

Six Blenheim aircraft were sent in the first wave of the mission and over Holland encountered heavy enemy resistance, resulting in five of the six aircraft being shot down with the loss of seven aircrew including the Commanding Officer. The Dutch people, at great risk to their own well-being, recovered the bodies and since then have tended their graves in gratitude of the sacrifices made by the airmen of 600 Squadron. A detachment of ten current Squadron members made the annual visit to the graves in May to lay wreaths as a memorial and acknowledgement of this significant event in the history of the Squadron. A warm welcome was extended to the visiting party by the large number of Dutch citizens who keep the resting places of the Airmen in pristine condition.

London bridge SUMMer 2013 3 SaBRE NEWS

SaBRE (Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers) Contact London SaBRE Campaign Director, Mark Richards, is a Ministry of Defence campaign, which provides through any of the channels listed below: support to members of the Reserve Forces and Fulham House, 87 Fulham High Street, LONDON SW6 3JS their employers: Tel: 020 7384 4676 • We show and tell employers about the transferable skills their Fax: 020 7384 4664 Email: [email protected] Reservists gain through their service in the Reserve Forces. • We help Reservists negotiate additional or flexible time off to If you would like to register your organisation’s support attend annual camp and courses. for the Reserve Forces and receive a SaBRE certificate in recognition of your support, please contact Mark Richards. • We assist both employers and Reservists in understanding the mobilisation process and making claims for financial assistance. You can also call the FREEPHONE national Helpline on 0800 389 5459 or visit the SaBRE website at www.sabre.mod.uk • We give recognition to employers who support their Reservists.

SUPPORTIVE EMPLOYERS EMPLOYERS VISIT A large part of the SaBRE campaign is about HMS EDINBURGH recognising employers who are supportive of We hosted representatives from 11 organisations at a Reservist employees. Since the last edition breakfast reception in May on HMS Edinburgh – of London Bridge, the following London a Type 42 destroyer on her last official visit to London organisations have registered their support: prior to being decommissioned last month.

Adam Smith International Commander Eugene Morgan, Commanding Officer of HMS President, said, “I am delighted to welcome you aboard and Barking, Havering & Redbridge thank you most sincerely for the support you give to the Reservists University Hospitals NHS Trust that you employ.” He continued, “Employer support is taken very C&J Design Partnership seriously. We currently have 2,700 Maritime Reservists many of whom are serving in Afghanistan, including several from the Royal Carclo Technical Plastics Naval Reserve in London; a commitment made with the full support of their employers.” Crystal Tech Services The organisations who attended were: A-Vision UK, Dai4Films, Epsom & Ewell High School Deloitte, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Michael Page, Mitsubishi UFJ Securities International Plc, Norton Rose Fladgate LLP LLP, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and St Albans City Kinleigh Folkhard & Hayward and District Council. Lewisham Jobcentre Plus MW Contractors Ltd NCR Ltd Network RaiL Newwave Group T&J Waste Ltd The National Archives Tribold Limited Ultra Electronics Limited Vitasheet Group Worley Parsons Europe Limited

4 London bridge SUMMer 2013 SaBRE NEWS

EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT

The main effort of the past six The employers raised a number of common issues: months was the Future Reserves > There needs to be an open two way dialogue between Defence and the employer. 2020 Green Paper consultation. Defence to signpost who is the local point of contact for any issues an employer may have. We ran six employer focus groups, representing large regional employers, > Timely notification of training and mobilisation. Notice will depend on seniority and employment bodies, local authorities skill set of Reservist but at least 6 weeks rising to 12 months. For training that requires and uniformed public services, making the Reservist to leave work early, or to have additional leave, appropriate paperwork use of a dedicated facility in Holborn should be provided by the unit. with experienced facilitators. Two of the > Better explanation of any accredited training that the Reservist undertakes and the groups were hosted by The Lord Mayor identification of skills which may be transferrable to the employer. of London in the Mansion House to > Little appetite for additional legislation to counter discrimination or disadvantage. capture the views of large City employers. > Compensation should be simple in structure and straightforward to claim. The aim Observers from each Service attended should be that any mobilisation is cost neutral to the employer. An employer should the focus groups. be able to claim for taking on a temp/interim early enough to allow a handover period with the mobilising Reservist.

RESERVISTS HONOUR THE QUEEN’S ACCESSION TO THE THRONE Reservists’ employers, who made an important contribution in focus groups considering the Future Reserves 2020 Green Paper, were given the exclusive opportunity to observe a Royal Gun Salute in honour of Her Majesty The Queen’s accession to the throne. Reservists from the Honourable Artillery (HAC) fired the 62 round Gun Salute at the Tower of London at 1pm on Wednesday 6 February.

Guests included key figures from Capita Symonds Hotel Solutions, Chartered Management Institute, City of London Police, Freshfields, Institute of Directors City of London branch, Kingston Chamber of Commerce, Lloyds of London, London Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Santander UK and TWM Solicitors.

London bridge SUMMer 2013 5 RecruitING Partnering Project

The Initial Operating Capability date for in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and whose the Army’s Recruiting Partnering Project last assignment was as Commander Regional was 26th March 2013. This project brings Recruiting in Scotland. Asked about the new partnering arrangement he said, “The new together the Army recruiting organisation operation marks a step change from the way and Capita plc under a partnering the Army has recruited traditionally. Candidates arrangement that will take forward the interested in a job in the Army will be directed Army’s Regular and Reserve recruiting on-line and much of the new process will be operation for the next ten years. conducted in the digital environment. But the opportunity to meet and talk to recruiters and Centred in Upavon, , the new trained soldiers will not be lost as a range of Recruiting Group, as it is called, is responsible the Armed Forces Careers Office at Handel activities will continue to be delivered by the for recruiting officers and soldiers for the Street, Bloomsbury and the Army Careers Outreach Team and interviews and nurturing whole Army. At the heart of the new Centre in Rochester Row, Victoria. events will continue to be conducted in careers organisation is the National Recruiting Centre offices or Reserve Centres.” which has responsibility for supporting the The offices are manned by a combination five recruiting Regions and for the of Army and Capita recruiting staff and are “The recruiting operation in London will bring management of all candidates through the supported by an all-military Outreach Team together Regular and Reserve recruiting assets recruiting process from application to entry based in Woolwich. in an integrated, single, approach. At a time into training. when, understandably, some confusion exists Charged with directing recruiting operations about the Army continuing to recruit against a Recruiting Region 4 covers all of the throughout Region 4 is the Regional backdrop of redundancy, it is important that we London District and 49 (East) Brigade areas. Operations Manager, Guy Moncur (pictured get the message out that there are hundreds of Within London, the operation is centred on above), who recently left the Army after 30 years Army job opportunities, both Regular and Reserve, available in London this year and that the Army is still recruiting, and recruiting hard!”

L to R, Mr Trevor McSween, Sergeant Chrissy Lewis, Colour Sergeant Steve Turner from Handel Street.

Royal Yeomanry Community Engagement

C Squadron Royal Yeomanry supported a Fun Day in June at St Giles Specialist School for Physical and Sensory in Croydon. The school caters for pupils with physical disabilities and complex medical needs whose ages range from 4-16. The soldiers from the Royal Yeomanry attended with an RWMIK (Revised Weapons Mounted Installation Kit) light reconnaissance vehicle and were a big hit with the children (and the adults!). The children were thrilled to talk with the soldiers in uniform and thoroughly enjoyed pretending to drive the RWMIK.

Everybody had a fantastic day. Even the rain didn’t dampen spirits and a huge turnout of parents and friends of the school came along to enjoy and support the day. The staff of St Giles managed to raise a staggering £1,966.90 which will go towards the school’s new outdoor learning spaces.

6 London bridge SUMMer 2013 Live from afghanistan

The ground-breaking TV recruiting campaign ‘TA LIVE’ was launched at Westfield Shopping Centre, Stratford in February.

TV advertisements were aired live from military operations in Afghanistan as part of a brand new campaign to encourage more people to join the TA. They featured TA soldiers carrying out their everyday duties alongside their Regular counterparts. Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans Mark The TA LIVE campaign illustrated the huge range of exciting Francois said: opportunities available to Reservists and was designed to encourage “As a former TA officer myself, I understand the dedication required more people to consider joining the TA, which is targeted to increase but I also know how incredibly rewarding and exciting it can be. It is to 30,000 by 2018. a career that could take you to new countries, equip you with new skills and give you an invaluable bond with new friends. We are building an integrated Future Force with a greater reliance on the Reserves and to do this we are investing an additional £1.8 billion over ten years to improve their training and equipment.” Anyone who missed the live TV advertisements can view them on YouTube by searching TA LIVE. The next recruiting campaign will begin in September. Three launch events will be held in London where potential recruits can talk to serving Reservists and find out more.

RAISING MONEY THE HARD WAY

Ilford Reservist Rory Illing (centre) helped to raise money for Help for Heroes by pulling a REME Recovery Truck weighing 32 tonnes.

Rory, who serves with 217 Field Squadron (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) (Volunteers) together with friends from a local company, pulled the vehicle along a two mile route from Woolwich to Bexleyheath. The feat took just over an hour in front of more than 200 spectators and was part of a uniformed services day, raising money for the Mayor of Bexley’s charity appeal. There were recruitment stands for the armed forces, police, fire brigade and ambulance services at the end of the route in Bexleyheath Town centre. £3,145 has so far been raised through sponsorship and donations.

London bridge SUMMer 2013 7 ROYAL NAVAL RESERVES CEREMONIAL DIVISIONS

HMS PRESIDENT held their annual Ceremonial Divisions in May with music provided by the Band whilst HMS WILDFIRE held theirs in June with music from the Northwood Headquarters Volunteer Band. The Inspecting Officer for both events was Commodore Maritime Reserves, Commodore Andrew Jameson RN.

Both occasions were well attended by family and friends who gathered to watch the inspection of the Ships’ Companies and the presentation of medals. Addressing the parade at HMS WILDFIRE, Commodore Jameson said, “It is a pleasure for me to be here today, and I would like to congratulate you on all the support you give to the Royal Naval Fleet, in particular on operations.”

WIDOW’s SON HMS President open day Every year sailors from HMS Sub Lieutenant Ritchie Wilkinson, PRESIDENT take part in the annual who works for ITV as a Studio Manager, ceremony of hanging a hot cross helped to run an Open Weekend at bun at the Widow’s Son pub in HMS President during which Bromley-by-Bow, East London. potential recruits and visitors visited HMS BLYTH, a Sandown-class In the mid 19th Century, a widowed mother saved a hot cross bun for her son coming minehunter which was moored home from sea. He never returned, but each alongside HMS PRESIDENT during year until she died, she left a bun in a the celebrations of the Battle of the hammock in the pub on Good Friday – a Atlantic in May. tradition which has continued to this day with HMS PRESIDENT’s sailors delivering the bun.

Copyright: S E Rowse

8 London bridgE SUMMer 2013 Marines guard the Boat Race Trophy Royal Marines Reservists from RMR London were part of the river security during the 159th Boat Race. Sergeant Sean Clark (pictured holding the Trophy in the inflatable) and his team were responsible for ensuring the Trophy arrived at its location safely in time for the presentation to Oxford – the winning Boat Crew.

MARINE RESERVIST AWARDED HIS SERGEANT STRIPES Mr Kevin Dewey, the Master of The Worshipful Company of Stationers and Newspaper Makers, awarded Sergeant stripes at a ceremony at Southfields in February to three Royal Marines Reservists including Peter Kearny (pictured).

The Master, along with other Upper and Under Wardens from the Livery Company, had been invited to RMR London to meet the Marines. Steve Lee said, “Being a Royal Marines Sergeant means you are a member of a very exclusive club, you are qualified professionals of the highest standard. Congratulations, all three of you have an incredible future.”

A ROYAL VISIT FOR MARINES RESERVES In March, the Commodore-in-Chief Maritime Reserves, Prince Michael of Kent, visited the Royal Marines Reserve (City of London) based in Southfields.

Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Steve Lee, his Officers and Marines briefed the Prince on the role of the unit, explaining that members are deployed with their Regular counterparts on operations all over the world. He then toured the Barracks, where he met Marines from Commando Company, Training Company and members from 2 Raiding Troop (the Amphibious Arm of RMR London). During the evening Prince Michael also officially opened a new detachment of Royal Marines Cadets and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the occasion.

London bridge SUMMer 2013 9 Reserves in the Future Force 2020: Valuable and Valued

On Wednesday 3 July 2013, the Secretary of State for Defence presented the Government’s proposals for the future Reserve Forces to Parliament. The White Paper ‘Reserves in the Future Force 2020’ marks a significant step towards a fully integrated Reserve Force that is well trained, well equipped and better funded. The measures revealed are designed to grow the Reserves to around 35,000 across all three Services and will give crucial support and incentives to Reservists, their families and employers.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: “We are revitalising our Reserve Forces, growing their trained strength and investing an additional £1.8 billion over 10 years to do this. This marks a significant step forward as we change our relationship with Reservists, their families and employers; dramatically improving what we offer them. These changes are going to help us build a new relationship with society and with this new relationship I am confident that we are going to be able to grow and sustain our Reserves so that we have the future Reserve Forces the nation requires. These changes amount to a paradigm shift in the role of Reservists in delivery of the nations’ security.”

Measures set out in the White Paper include: For Reservists, the measures include: • Maritime and RAF Reservists will continue to be mobilised on an • The introduction of paid annual leave when training as well as individual basis or as small teams for short or extended periods, when on operations; depending on the operational requirement; • For the first time, Armed Forces pension entitlements when • The Territorial Army will change its name to the Army Reserve to training as well as on operations under the Armed Forces Pension better reflect its enhanced role and full integration into the whole Scheme (to be introduced in April 2015); force; • Better training and access to the same equipment used by their • The Army’s ex-regular reserve, which is currently known in law as regular counterparts to enable the full range of military tasks the Army Reserve, will be renamed the ‘Regular Reserve’; including overseas capacity building and responding to crises at home; • Proposed legislation changes to extend the powers in the Reserve Forces Act 1996, so that in future Reservists may be called out for • The tax free annual bounty will continue to be paid (each of the any purpose for which the regular Armed Forces may be used; they three Services will revise their training criteria in time for the may be mobilised for up to one year in every five; 2014/15 training year); • £240 million will be invested across the three Services to improve • The Reservist Award will be restructured to place a cap on the level of training for Reservists and £110 million in the Reserve estate to financial assistance paid to mobilised Reservists in non-specialist roles; accommodate the larger numbers; • Access to key defence health services when training and on operations, • Army Reserve units will be paired with regular units in a similar and consistent access to Occupational Health support; role to provide high quality, challenging and interesting training; • Better access to welfare support; • For the Army, an Early Commitment Bonus (£5,000 over 4 years) • Improving the level of accreditation available to Reservists by mapping for direct entry officer entrants into the Army Reserve and a £5,000 military training to recognised qualifications and standards; and access taxable commitment bonus (over 4 years) for Service leavers and to the Standard Learning Credits scheme to enhance their educational ex-regulars transferring into the Army Reserve. or vocational achievements; • An Army Reserve training commitment of around 40 days per year, up from a current average of 35; and • Legislation to ensure access to Employment Tribunals in unfair dismissal cases against Reservists, without a qualifying employment period.

10 London bridge SUMMer 2013 Employers will also benefit from the announcement. There will be: Army Reserves Rebasing Plan • £500 per month, per Reservist, financial award to micro, small > Separately, the Army has published details of the future and medium sized enterprises on top of the allowances that are structures and basing for the Army Reserve. These already available when a Reservist employee is mobilised; changes will streamline the Army Reserve and its estate • The financial assistance regulations will be reviewed to ensure the and align it more closely with its Regular counterpart as levels of financial assistance are appropriate and to streamline part of an integrated whole force. the process for making a claim when an employee is mobilised; > In London the number of Reservists serving will remain • More open and predictable relationships with employers through: broadly the same. Although two Military Intelligence – ensuring that Reservists notify employers of their reserve status companies will move out of London and two Signal – notifying employers of the training programme annually squadrons will merge to form one, two new companies – providing greater notice of mobilisations and periods when and a detachment from 103 Royal Electrical a Reservist is at high readiness for mobilisation and Mechanical Engineers will move into London. – providing relevant feedback on what a Reservist has achieved > The announcement sees two Reserve and Cadet Centres during a period of Reserve Service; in London vacated (one in Romford, one in Clapham). • Guidance to help employers to better recognise the benefits of Cadet units currently based within these centres will Reservist military service; be re-provisioned for and accommodation found. • Greater recognition for supportive employers, underpinned by the > There are no changes to the structure or locations Corporate Covenant; and of the Maritime Reserves or RAF Reserves in London. • A new National Relationship Management scheme to strengthen the MOD’s relationships with larger employers.

© Crown Copyright 2013

London bridge SUMMer 2013 11 Military training for local hospital staff Thirty members of Critical Care staff from Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust got a taste of military life in April when put through their paces by a team of Reservist medics from 256 (City of London) Field Hospital.

Doctors, nurses, dieticians, physiotherapists and pharmacists undertook command tasks, outdoor challenges and problem solving on the training area at Pirbright. The teams of healthcare workers enthusiastically applied camouflage cream and tackled tasks such as navigation, vehicle recovery, how to erect and dismantle an army tent under timed conditions and successfully attempted the assault course. sometimes hidden strengths and skills, both within themselves and others! It gave our team spirit a real boost and helped to The day was supported by 256 Field Hospital at no cost to Hampshire build on the current integration and team working that has Hospitals and had been planned to ensure there was no impact on taken place over the last year. We are lucky to have a few patient care, whilst maximising the opportunity for staff to gain skills. Reservists within our team’s ranks who were able to make this Dr Arthur Goldsmith, Clinical Director for Anaesthetics and Critical Care, day happen.” said, “This was a great opportunity for the critical care team to discover

MEDICS HONOUR CAMBERWELL’S WAR HEROES

The lives of former staff members of the old Metropolitan The event, held in March at Southwark Council’s offices in Tooley Borough of Camberwell who died during the First and Street, marked the relocation and rededication of war memorials Second World Wars have been remembered in a special from the former Southwark Town Hall on Peckham Road. ceremony attended by members of 256 (City of London) Councillor Peter John said: “Today, we remember the 47 council Field Hospital who are based in Walworth. staff who served in the armed forces. We remember their sacrifices and the pride with which they served. It’s important that we bring these war memorials here to this building so that the current generation of staff at Southwark Council can pay tribute to those who were employed by this council or its predecessor and gave their lives during First and Second World Wars.” Wreaths were laid by The Representative Deputy Lieutenant for Southwark, Mrs Jenny Bianco; Mayor of Southwark, Councillor Althea Smith and Major Andrew Church, London District Army Headquarters who represented the Armed Forces.

LONDON’S MILITARY HONOURED FOR OLYMPIC CONTRIBUTION

At a reception in City Hall in February, more than two The men and women, both Regular and Reserve, from the Royal hundred military personnel from across London were Navy, Army and were formally thanked by Darren honoured for their contribution to the London 2012 Johnson, Deputy Chair of the London Assembly (pictured with members of 253 Provost Company RMP) and his colleagues for their Olympic and Paralympic games. personal contribution to the success of the Games last summer.

A major contributory factor to the huge success of London 2012 was the smooth and seamless organisation in which the Armed Forces played a significant part. More than 18,000 military personnel deployed, of which 5,000 were at very short notice, to ensure the safety and security of the Games. Of these, more than 10% were Reservists (including over 500 from London units). In addition, many Reserve and Cadet Centres in London provided accommodation for 2,500 servicemen and women, police and other security personnel who descended on the Capital for the duration of the Games.

12 London bridge SUMMer 2013 UNDAMPENED SPIRITS LIFT HAC OPEN EVENING The Honourable Artillery As usual it was a noisy affair Company (HAC) held its with the guns of The King’s sixth annual open evening Troop Royal Horse Artillery being closely followed by on Tuesday 14 May under a a demonstration of a Gun grey sky and rain that failed Salute of the type the HAC to dampen the enthusiasm perform at the Tower of London. of the 2,400 in attendance. A display of modern military Military units from all three services, power by the squadrons of both Regular and Reserve, as well as the HAC lit up the Artillery cadet units, were well represented alongside military charities and Garden as the light faded and culminated with the departure of a civilian organisations. The regiment’s formal guests included His Royal Chinook helicopter from 27 Squadron RAF, which delighted the crowd Highness Prince Michael of Kent, the HAC’s Royal Honorary as it hovered level with the roofs of surrounding City offices. While the Colonel; the Chief Commoner, City of London Corporation and open evening is a great opportunity for London units to recruit, it is also the Mayor and the Representative Deputy Lieutenant of the London a chance for the City and local communities to get to know the HAC and Borough of Islington. despite the weather, the evening was a great success.

First World War soldiers laid to rest The remains of two soldiers have finally been laid to rest nearly 100 years after they were killed in action.

Lieutenant John Harold Pritchard and Christopher Douglas Elphick, both of the Honourable Artillery Company were buried with full military honours at the HAC Cemetery in Ecoust-St Mein, near Arras in France, just two miles from where they fell in Bullecourt next to the Hindenburg Line.

Their remains were found where they died in battle, along with two other unidentified HAC soldiers, by a local farmer, Didier Guerle. It took three years however to trace the soldiers relatives, after they were identified by Lieutenant Pritchard’s silver identity bracelet and Private Elphick’s gold signet ring which bears his initials. The families of both soldiers, together with His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, the Royal Honorary Colonel of the HAC, were at the funeral. The remains were re-interred with full military honours, carried by two bearer parties with a military firing party and accompanied by the HAC Band. As is tradition, the respective families were presented with the flag covering the coffins and were also given Lieutenant Pritchard’s identity bracelet and Private Elphick’s signet ring.

LINCOLN’S INN RESERVISTS WIN CO’s TOP PRIZE Each year TA soldiers from 71 Signal Regiment battle it out for the Commanding Officer’s Annual Cup Competition. Held on the Army Training Area in Thetford, 68 Signal Squadron from Lincoln’s Inn won, fighting off stiff competition from two of the Regiment’s other units – 47 Signal Squadron from Uxbridge and 265 Support Squadron from Bexleyheath. The Competition consisted of six stands designed to test the Reservist’s military skills, fitness and mental agility: • Two Command Tasks, which involved the Regiment’s core skills – setting up secure communication equipment within a battle scenario and a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear incident • A battlefield casualty exercise, which involved recovering and giving first aid to a badly injured soldier • A mental agility exercise designed to test the reservists on their quick thinking and analytical skills • A relay race testing fitness, carrying full military kit and weapons • A March and Shoot – a four mile march and patrol exercise finishing with the teams firing their SA80 Rifles on the shooting range.

London bridge SUMMer 2013 13 Over 60 Armed Forces Day events were held in London during Armed Forces Week. These ranged from Armed Forces Day flag raising events to Community Covenant signings to dog shows, picnics, parades and competitions. More than 31,000 people attended the Greenwich Great Get Together and Armed Forces Day event in Woolwich, whilst hundreds of military personnel paraded through the streets of Southwark to the Imperial War Museum. The Honourable Artillery Company exercised its ARMED FORCES DAY Freedom of the Borough of Islington by marching along Upper Street with bayonets fixed and Colour flying, whilst Waltham Forest followed its Community Covenant signing with a Festival of Sport. From Barnet to Chingford, Armed Forces Day 2013 was celebrated in style!

Photo: Simon O’Connor

UNIForm to work day

Sergeant James Stock is a drayman at Sergeant Trevor Baker is a maintenance technician at the Corporal Chris Briggs, works for Fuller’s Griffin Brewery in Chiswick – a Institute of Cancer Research in London – a member of 231 the Department for Communities member of 208 (Royal Regiment of Fusiliers) Army Cadet Detachment in Paddington. and Local Government – a member Army Cadet Detachment in Willesden. of The London Regiment.

14 London bridge SUMMer 2013 © Crown Copyright 2013 Photo: Simon O’Connor

Royal Naval Reservist Sub Lieutenant Ritchie Wilkinson, Hillingdon Council: Jack Singh (Residents Services), 201 Para Battery; The Mayoress Mrs a studio manager for ITV’s This Morning, with Lynne Kauffman; Dan Preston (Security Contractor) 201 Para Battery; The Worshipful The co-presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby. Mayor of Hillingdon, Cllr Allan Kauffman; David Haygarth (Residents Services) 600 (City of London) Squadron; Natalie Morgan (Administration), HMS Wildfire; Chris Norman (Residents Services) 306 Hospital Support Medical Regiment.

London bridge SUMMer 2013 15 GL RFCA ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY – 14 march 2013

In front of colleagues, families and friends, more London’s Volunteer Reservist of the Year 2012 than thirty Reservists, Cadet Volunteer Instructors Captain Chris Elliott, The Royal Yeomanry and Cadets from across the whole of London were Senior Aircraftwoman Naomi Wathelet, presented with special awards to celebrate their 600 (City of London) Squadron RAuxAF achievements, dedication, commitment and devotion The Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious to duty to the three services of the Armed Forces and Service 2012 cadet organisations. Sergeant Alison Baskerville, Media Operations Group Sergeant Alfie Dunn, 265 Battery RA The Lord-Lieutenant for Greater London, Sir David Brewer, who Colour Serjeant Jay Gajjar, 7 RIFLES is also the President of the Association said, “Tonight is an evening of celebration to mark with great enthusiasm London’s Corporal Dean Gillson, 151 Transport Regiment RLC very special sons and daughters. It is my opportunity to present Colour Sergeant Iain Laker, RMR London certificates and awards to the Cadets, their Instructors and to Petty Officer John Morgan, HMS WILDFIRE Volunteer Reservists, to mark what they have done. They are Class 2 Keith Smith, 217 Field Squadron RE doing a marvellous job and are a great asset to our country.”

JOINT WINNERS OF ‘RESERVIST OF THE YEAR’ AWARD For outstanding achievements over 12 months not recognised by other awards. For Captain Chris Elliott of the Royal Yeomanry, 2012 was an extraordinary year, in which he made an outstanding contribution to his Regiment. Recognising the significance of the Army 2020 proposals and the key role that the Reserve Forces play, he concluded that the TA could make significant use of, and would benefit Senior Aircraftwoman Naomi Wathelet of 600 Squadron from, soldiers and officers leaving the Regular Army. (City of London) Royal Auxiliary Air Force joined three years ago and trained to be a Flight Operations Assistant. Examining the Royal Yeomanry’s recruiting footprint, he noted the She received a glowing Course Report from the Regular significant gap along the M4 corridor between A Squadron in Swindon and the Regiment’s Headquarters in Fulham not covered by Training Cadre, passing all exams with excellent scores; another reserve Royal Armoured Corps regiment. He concluded that a remarkable achievement for a Reservist with no prior a new unit could be established and sustained in Windsor drawing flight operations experience. from ex-regular Household Cavalry soldiers leaving the Regular Army. On completing her training Naomi, who has just finished a Psychosocial Chris worked tirelessly to generate interest among recent and future Degree at Cambridge, volunteered for mobilisation in support of the service leavers and to find the real estate and establish suitable Olympics serving at RAF Northolt for four months covering the build-up, facilities. In addition he engaged with the local Army Careers deployment and recovery of Typhoon jets to protect Olympic venues. Information Office to draw in new recruits. SAC Wathelet has succeeded at every possible opportunity available, Announcing the award Chief Executive Colonel Hugh Purcell said, epitomising all that is positive in Reserve service. She has made a “As a direct result of his foresight, Captain Elliott has not only genuine contribution to the Defence effort. increased the reserve footprint at a critical time, but also assisted the Royal Yeomanry in meeting its manning targets. He achieved SAC Wathelet said, “Being mobilised on Op Olympics last summer has this while continuing to surpass expectations in his role as a definitely been the highlight of my career – knowing that you have helped Squadron Admin Officer. towards the safety of the skies over the capital during its biggest and busiest ever summer is a feeling that can’t be easily be reproduced. His efforts have set the best possible example, showing what can be achieved to transform the reserve – providing an excellent I am extremely proud to have received this award, not just for myself but case-study in partnering between the Regular and Reserve for the RAF Reserves as a whole, proving that we are capable of great things components of the Army.” in direct support of National Security.”

16 London bridge SUMMer 2013 Cementing ties with the COMMUNITY The Armed Forces Community Covenant is a voluntary statement of mutual support between a civilian community (in most cases the local authority) and its local Armed Forces community. It is intended to complement the Armed Forces Covenant – which outlines the moral obligation between the Nation, the Government and the Armed Forces – at the local level. Groups and organisations within boroughs that have signed the Covenant will have access to government grants of between £100 and £250,000 to fund projects to help strengthen the ties between the Armed Forces and the local community.

Since the the last edition of London Bridge we are delighted to report that eleven more London Boroughs have signed an Armed Forces Community Covenant taking the total to 27 out of 32 with others in the pipeline.

Bexley Camden

Enfield Hackney

Islington Kingston

Redbridge Waltham Forest

London bridge SUMMer 2013 17 ARMY VOLUNTEERS GIVEN FREEDOM OF THE BOROUGH The Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Mohammed Aslam, presented 562 Transport Squadron, part of 151 (London) Transport Regiment (Volunteers), with a scroll granting them Freedom of Entry to the Borough at a special Council meeting in April.

Councillor Julian Bell, Leader of Ealing Council, said: “We are delighted to officially grant 562 Transport Squadron Freedom of Entry to Ealing. Freedom of entry is an ancient and important tradition. It symbolises the trust and bond between the people of Ealing and 562 Transport Squadron.” The Officer Commanding, Major Paul Gotobed, was delighted to accept such a prestigious award. He said: “It is both an honour and a privilege to accept the Freedom of the London Borough of Ealing on behalf of 562 Transport Squadron. We have always appreciated and valued the support that the borough gives to us. This honour cements our relationship and we look forward to exercising our freedom in the near future, with bayonets fixed and our regimental band leading the parade.”

DEPLOYing TO AFGHANISTAN Soldiers serving with 151 (London) Transport Regiment will shortly deploy to Afghanistan in the form of a troop headquarters and two transport sections, to support the Theatre Logistic Group (TLG) in Helmand Province. The TLG provides the British forces in Afghanistan with everything from bullets, body armour and medical supplies to fuel, rations, water and welfare facilities. The troop will be working alongside regular colleagues from 27 Regiment RLC.

Captain Derek Gregory, Regimental Operations Support Officer for 151 Regiment said, “The supply line from the UK to the front line in Afghanistan is extremely complex. It is the job of the TLG to understand what the Army needs and to ensure that what it needs is delivered to where it is needed and at the right time.” The volunteers have carried out intensive training in order to polish their military and trade skills and prepare for the tour. The transport troop will be expected to operate and drive a wide range of vehicles and equipment such as the Army’s new MAN Support Vehicle equipped with the Enhanced Palletised Loading System.

18 London bridge SUMMer 2013 EXERCISE FLOATING OWL Ten members of 135 Independent Geographic Squadron Royal Engineers, based in Ewell, took part in EXERCISE FLOATING OWL on board HMS ECHO, one of the ’s multi-role Hydrographic survey ships designed to conduct survey operations in support of submarines or amphibious operations at sea.

Joined by Reservists from the RAF, the event was organised by the Worshipful Company of Chartered Surveyors Affiliates, who also accompanied the Reservists during the weekend in May. 135 Geographic Squadron’s role is closely linked to the Chartered Surveying world with their principal tasks being the creation, production, reproduction and distribution of geographic mapping products ‘in the field’ using modern software and state-of-the art reprographic technology.

Warrant Officer Les Hunt said, “We joined HMS Echo for an open sea transit from the Royal Naval base in Devonport, to Falmouth and were given a tour of the ship, including the Bridge, the Operations, Survey and Engineering rooms and were shown the Ship’s weapon systems.” In addition, the crew gave a demonstration of the on-board fire fighting equipment and man overboard drills. Anna Walmsley, a member of 135 Squadron, served in Afghanistan in 2012 and was part of the group. She said, “It was an excellent experience and a good opportunity to meet our Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and civilian affiliates, which everyone enjoyed.”

LONDON REGIMENT RESERVISTS RECOGNISED FOR OPERATIONAL DUTY

Fourteen soldiers who deployed to Afghanistan were They were part of a 20 strong group from across The London Regiment presented with their operational service medals by which deployed in September 2012 with regular colleagues from 1st His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex, the Regiment’s Battalion Scots Guards, based in Catterick, and returned from frontline duties in March this year. Royal Honorary Colonel in a ceremony at Horseferry Road, Westminster. In keeping with their relationship with the regular Scots battalion, ceremonial Pipers from the London Scottish Regiment played a selection of Scottish Airs while the medals were being presented. Prince Edward was delighted to see all those who had deployed back in one piece after a highly successful tour of duty. He said, “Thank you for the extraordinary service you have given to the Army and to the Afghan people in helping them come to transition. For me as Royal Honorary Colonel, it is a very special day when I get to give out operational service medals.” Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Rupert Pim, said, “Officers and soldiers of The London Regiment have routinely worked alongside their regular colleagues in Iraq and Afghanistan over the course of the last decade, building a successful model of integration and forging lasting friendships along the way.”

London bridge SUMMer 2013 19 BOXING SHOW ATTRACTS VISITORS FROM ANOTHER GALAXY

On the evening of Friday 1 March the London District TA & Army Boxing Club hosted its fifth successive home show at the Grove Park Reserve and Cadet Centre, home of 106 Regiment Royal Artillery.

This year a new dimension was added to proceedings with the inclusion of some authentic Star Wars characters including a scary looking Darth Vader. This addition was very popular with both boxers and spectators alike. The event is one of the largest annual community engagement initiatives in the London area bringing together local boxing clubs, business people, community leaders and a wide section of the general public into the military environment in order to experience a top class evening of amateur boxing. The best boxer of the evening was awarded facilities and chat with the boxers and their The action in the ring proved to be as exciting to Edgar Simukonis, however a mention trainers. The visiting clubs were clearly as ever consisting of eight well-matched, close must also go to Andre Lindo from the impressed with how the military can add a fought bouts. In line with previous years, the Regiment, for his determination and gutsy unique slant on a boxing event and some of first two bouts were staged between juniors performance. their members even made enquiries about from local clubs with the remaining bouts how to join the TA. heavily contested between members of the At the conclusion of the boxing, Brigadier club and boxers from Danson Youth, Fitzroy Richard Smith, Deputy Commander London Lodge and Double Jab Boxing Clubs. District, took time to visit the Club gym

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