THE CRA TSMAN - REME Museum€¦ · THE CRA TSMAN. Contents Editor: ... Ar riv t mon two months ......

April 2015

Magazine of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

THE CRA TSMAN

ContentsEditor: Allison Woolley+ The Craftsman, Box No 075, Isaac Newton Road, Arborfield, Reading RG2 9NJ(Mil: 94251 2221 or Civ: 0118 9763221 [email protected]

Articles:Please email submissions in Microsoft Word format,together with related photographs to:[email protected]. Digital imagesshould be: in JPEG format; at least 1mb; kept separate(not embedded within the article) and supplied with acaption. Articles should arrive no later than 25th day of themonth which is two months preceding the month ofpublication (eg 25th June for August). Publication ofarticles is subject to space available and the Editorreserves the right to delay/delete articles forpublishing. Permission to reproduce must be obtainedto avoid infringement of copyright where necessary.

Births, Engagements, Marriages and Deaths:These will be inserted free to all past and presentmembers of the Corps.

Contents:The contents of The Craftsman are strictly copyright andall rights are expressly reserved. The views expressedherein do not necessarily reflect the policy and views,official or otherwise, of the Editor, the Corps or theMOD, therefore no responsibility for these will beaccepted. Whilst including an advertisement we are notnecessarily endorsing the product and as a result, thepublisher and its agents do not accept responsibility forany transaction between the reader and the advertiser.Whilst we take all precautions with regard toadvertising, readers are advised to take professionaladvice before entering into any commitments.Letters concerning reproduction, contributions or anyother matter should be addressed to the Editor.

© Published by REME Corps Secretariat.

Advertising All communications regarding commercialadvertising rates should be made direct to the Editor.

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© Crown CopyrightAnnual Subscription Rates:UK: £24.00 2nd class post paid.Overseas: £30.00 surface post paid.Airmail rates on applicationCheques should be made payable to REME Corps Account No 2. Credit/debit card payments also now accepted by telephone or email.

General Handling:This publication contains official information andshould be treated with discretion.

FEATURES

Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Honours Best REME SNCO . . . . . . .158Formation Parade - 105 Battalion REME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .159Saint Eligius Day Engineering Challenge 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .160CET: Army in Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .162REME Reserve Operational Shooting - Combat Marksmanship Development 164Capital City Cultural Visit - Royal Hospital Chelsea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .171Three Generations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188It’s a Clean Sweep . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .188Afghanistan Memorial Photographic Book 2002-2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192Celebration of Life and Memorial Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196

REGULARS

DTTCP; Corps Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .157In Former Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .189AOBA; REME Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .190Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .192REME Museum and REME Corps Shop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193Communication Corner: Top Post; Letter to the Editor; Submit Your Best Article . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .194Acronyms Explained; Keeping RHQ informed of REME Deaths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .195Death Notices; Obituaries; Officer Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .196Extracts from the London Gazette; REME Benevolent Fund; Concert for April 197Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .199

SPORT AND ADVENTUROUS TRAINING

Armed Forces Rally Team 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173REME Women’s FC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .174Corps Martial Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .178Corps Boxing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .181Focus on Judo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .185

OPERATIONS AND EXERCISES

Exercise Dragon’s Trench . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .166Exercise Tiger Trek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .168Exercise Jebel Dagger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175

APRIL 2015 Volume 71 No. 4

Front cover: Corps Boxing

Back Cover:Scrolling: Artificer

Vehicles D057/13/00

Corps Formation: 1 October 1942

Corps Motto: Arte et Marte

Corps Patron Saint: St Eligius

(Celebrated 1st Sunday in December)

www.greenhousegra

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uk

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ARBON CALCU

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204gms

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Producing

this item used

[email protected] 155

160 Engineering Challenge159 Formation Parade

164 REME Reserve Operational Shooting

162 CET

166 Ex Dragon’s Trench

171 Cultural Visit

178 Martial Arts

175 Ex Jebel Dagger

156 [email protected]

Corps Sgts’ Mess

Spring Dinner Night15 May 2015

The next Corps Mess function will be held on

Friday 15 May 2015 in the Bailleul Sgts’ Mess.

All eligible* serving or retired SNCO’s, regardless of trade group,

(members only) can attend what promises to be an excellent evening.

The evening will commence at 1830hrs until 0300hrs with entertainment.

Event costs £25 plus an accommodation charge of £4.88, if required.

The closing date for bookings is Friday 1 May 2015.NOTE: You will need to book early in order to guarantee

accommodation within the Garrison

The Holiday Inn (RG41 5TS) can provide a discounted rate for the function.

Transport will be available within the local area.

For further information, contact WO2(AQMS) Raymond Olive on:

( Arborfield Mil: 94251 2304 Civil: 0118 9763304

Email: Mil [email protected]

The day will commence with the 69th Corps Sgts’ Mess meeting in the Bailleul Sgts’ Mess at

1100hrs, all members are more than welcome to attend. If you would like to observe this meeting,

please inform the PMC so that appropriate refreshments can be arranged.

*CCTF Members in accordance with Corps Instruction C3 Para 7.


Defence TechnicalTraining Change

Programme

COUNTDOWNTO

LYNEHAMMONTHS7

A P R I L 2 0 1 5Lyneham Sporting Facilities

Sport is a very important part of Corps life. We have a proudsporting heritage and excel at all levels in a multitude of indi-vidual and team sports. It is well recognised as a catalyst in thedevelopment of leadership qualities, team spirit and selfreliance, as well as adding to morale and quality of life. It iswith the importance of sport foremost in my mind that I amwriting to allay some of the concerns that have been voicedover the sports facilities that will be available at Lyneham. Lyneham Tranche 1 (Relocation of REME Technical training)

will deliver sporting facilities for a student population of 1500soldiers. Externally it will provide three rugby pitches, a flood-lit grass athletics track surrounding a synthetic pitch markedfor football and hockey with floodlighting, three additionalfootball pitches, six tennis courts, three synthetic cricket tablesquares and four nets. A pavilion with covered area for specta-tors and cricket scoreboard will also be provided. Internallythere will be space for eight badminton courts (one basketball)over two gymnasiums, a weights’ room, a multi-fitness area andthree Squash courts. The Lyneham facilities have been built in accordance with

JSP 315 (Apr 12 version) and will not include the Army stan-dard pitches that are enjoyed at Arborfield and Bordon. Do notdespair; funding has been secured from the Army Sports Con-trol Board and the Corps fund to address this. The funding willbe used to build new pitches, or upgrade existing ones, to cre-ate one Army standard rugby pitch with flood lights and barri-ers, one Army standard football pitch with barriers and techni-cal areas, one water based County quality synthetic hockeypitch with barriers, one County quality grassed cricket pitch.We have taken on board comments that the area where therugby and football pitches are currently located is wet andprone to water logging. There is certainly a risk that the pitcheswill become unusable following a series of matches in wetweather. In response we are negotiating with the project teamand DIO to secure the allocation of an alternative area, thislooks promising and we expect a positive outcome in the nearfuture.Other issues that are being considered or addressed include

storage facilities for sporting clubs, improvements to the indoorclimbing wall and enlargement of the sports pavilion, which istoo small to cater for the volume of students.You should bear in mind that we have been in Arborfield and

Bordon for many years and the facilities have evolved overtime. As we arrive in Lyneham there will undoubtedly be someteething problems and it may be that some of the outdoor sportspitches will not be ready for use. However, on a positive note,Lyneham will provide a focus for Corps sports that will benefitevery REME soldier for years to come; we must take the timeand allow the pitches to establish correctly now. A substantial amount of money has been made available from

Corps funds, there is 54 acres of grass, a runway that is 2.3kmand we have a Corps full of innovative people. If there is a facil-ity that you feel is not provided for, or could be improved, youshould bid for funding through the RHQ using Corps Instruc-tion D12.

Lt Col RW Wells

C o r p s C a l e n d a r2015

April

17 REME Band at Wokingham Town Annual Concert

17-20 REME Association Weekend (Coventry)

23 Corps Trustees’ Meeting

23 Corps Council Meeting

23 Corps Spring Dinner

May

8 Broxhead Club Dinner (WCOM)

13 RHQ visit to RHC

14 Corps Officers’ Mess Dinner Night

15 Corps Sgts’ Mess Spring Dinner

June

2 Formal Re-opening of REME Memorial at NMA

4 Royal Hospital Chelsea Founder’s Day

12 Corps Officers’ Mess QMs’ Dinner

14 REME Freedom of Wokingham Parade

24 REME Institution Beating Retreat and Buffet Supper

July

4 REME Association Delegates’ Conference

18 Farewell to West Court ‘Proms in the Park’

19 Corps Regimental Sunday at Royal Hospital Chelsea

23 Retired Officers’ Dinner

September

3 Corps Officers’ Mess Dinner Night – Last function at WestCourt Officer’s Mess

11 Corps Sgts’ Mess Ladies Dinner Night

11 Corps Funds Investment Committee

17 Corps Museum Policy Committee

24 Corps Finance Committee

25 Training at Arborfield stops

27 Farewell and Thanksgiving Service in Arborfield GarrisonChurch

October

1 Corps Anniversary Commemoration

13 Corps Conference – Senior Officers

20 Corps Conference – SSgt IC LAD, Warrant Officers and above



November

5 Field of Remembrance, Westminster

8 Remembrance Sunday

December

6 St Eligius Sunday

2016

March

10 Colonels’ Commandant Dinner

17 Corps Finance Committee

April



21 Corps Spring Guest Night

October

7 Corps Officers’ Mess QMs’ Dinner


issues he encountered withsensible, easily understoodand workable solutions thatcan be taken forward innext years’ training cycle.His work involvingequipment support to theLight Cavalry concept willundoubtedly continue toshape the doctrine of thefuture and he deserves toreceive the Best REMESNCO award.’SSgt Booth has become a

self-taught subject matterexpert on the MOD’s JointAsset Management andEngineering Solutions(JAMES) software and theuse of the JAMES UnpluggedDevice (JUD). JAMES has a

huge capacity to influence the way in which equipment ismaintained and moved and tracked, in addition to allowing data tobe captured in many areas. SSgt Booth is also studying for a degreein Engineering Management, as well as working to become anIncorporated Engineer. SSgt Booth’s OC, Captain Clare Coward, who nominated him for

the award and attended the ceremony said, ‘I haven’t met a StaffSergeant who is as impressive in their range of skills as SSgt Booth.He is very thoughtful of his team and what he achieves in his owntime is above and beyond.’ SSgt Booth said, ‘I’m thankful and always mindful of the great

team and people I work with. You need to do everything hand inhand with the team. Also, if you don’t get a high level of engagementfrom people using the vehicles you can’t deliver the support theyneed.’ To find out more about achieving professional registration please

contact Major Will Naylor : [email protected] or : +44 (0)1264 381292.

A delegation from thecorps, led by the Col REME,Colonel Dan Scott ADC,attended the event at theoffices of the Institution ofMechanical Engineers inBirdcage Walk, London on 6February 2015 to honourSSgt Duncan Booth, whoreceived the Best REMESNCO Award. SSgt Booth was presented

with a trophy and a chequefor £250 by the Institution’sDirector of Engineering, DrColin Brown to recognisehis achievements andoutstanding service.Col REME said: ‘SSgt

Booth is an intelligent,dedicated and highlyprofessional engineer who has brought thought, exceptionaltechnical aptitude and masses of enthusiasm to his role as CSquadron’s Fitter Section Artificer. His thirst for engineeringdevelopment, his ability to motivate his Fitter Section in theharshest of environments coupled with an innate ability tocommunicate his ideas to all levels has seen SSgt Booth shine aboveall other engineers within the Light Aid Detachment (LAD). This isagainst a back drop of regimental change with the conversion froma tracked reconnaissance vehicle to a light, wheeled platform(RWMIK) and now to the protected mobility vehicle, Jackal. Hiswork on equipment support to Light Cavalry during a large scaleexercise in Canada is shaping doctrine to the light and ignitingdebate on how this new type of unit is maintained. SSgt Booth hasproved his worth as an engineer and technical leader many times. His outstanding attitude and quest to solve engineering problems

and make improvements to existing processes is unrelenting. SSgtBooth has fully embraced JAMES, realising its capability andpotential benefits to users. He briefed and directed staff on JAMES

Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE)Honours Best REME SNCO

Staff Sergeant Duncan Booth of the Light Dragoons LAD

Current E2 PostsAvailable as at

18 February 2015At the link below is a list of

current E2 posts that REME SldrWg are required to fill. All are

Priority 1. Before volunteering fora post please read the notes tab toensure what competencies are

required or other factors needingto be considered.

http://defenceintranet.diif.r.mil.uk/Organisations/Orgs/Army/Organisations/Orgs/msweb/Pages/REME

Assignments.aspxPOC for posts is either the

Manning Clerk, Linda Crossan on : 94561 5236

or SO2 Sect C, Dougie Devlinon : 94561 3450.

The Reserves Need You!Reserve Familiarisation Visit

From 28 February 2015, all Regular Service Leavers are to undertake a visit to anArmy Reserve unit to promote the opportunities of Reserve service. The Reserve Familiarisation Visit (RFV) is designed to promote the opportuni-

ties of Reserve service and to further aid transition. Between 4-12 months fromrelease date, Regular Service Leavers will select an Army Reserve unit at which toattend a RFV. They will then be loaded onto their selected RFV by the RCMO.RFVs will be delivered over a period of two days and consist of a centralised brief-ing, covering the breadth of opportunity available and provide a minimum offour hours ‘contact time’ at the Army Reserve unit of choice. Unless subject to aCO’s waiver, all eligible personnel will undertake an RFV in the geographical areain which they plan to re-settle.Furthermore, ex-Regular Junior Officers (Capt and below) and ex-Regular

other ranks, who join the Army Reserve, may be eligible for a commitment bonusof up to £10,000 over four annual payments.Additional information on the process and any incentives can be found in DIN

2014 DIN01-103 and on the RFV can be found in ABN 20150202-ABN. Alternativelycontact your RCMO.

101 Log Bde, Col Andrew Barnes (Late RLC), the previous CO of105 Bn, Col (Retd) J Harvey TD, Brig (Retd) Nigel Williams andfamilies of soldiers and officers on parade.The Band of the Royal Signals played throughout the morning

which kept spirits high in the freezing temperatures. Membersof the battalion hosted the guests during a curry lunch, whichwas prepared by chefs from 3 CS Bn REME. The battalion held a sports competition the following day;

consisting of three elements – fitness, football and dodge ball.The fitness competition was based on the Multi Stage FitnessTest. Although many in the battalion were daunted by havingto run shuttles to a bleep, all participants did well, especiallythe RSM designate, WO1 (RSM) Hughes currently of 4 Armd CSBn REME. WO2 (AQMS) McDonald also did very well, achieving

maximum points on both thepress-ups and sit-ups althoughhe was not able to keep up withSSgt Turner on the run. CfnDriver from 158 Fd Coy was ableto show off his physical prowess,although age is definitely on hisside. The football and dodge ball

competitions were so keenlyfought that the overall result atthe end of the competition was adraw. Only after the count backof the MSFT results were 131Rec Coy declared the winnersand allowed to brag, that despitenot having many soldiers theyare currently the best sportsmenand fittest sub-unit in thebattalion.

105 Battalion REME commemorated its formation with aparade at the Eastern Avenue Army Reserve Centre inGloucester on Saturday 31 January 2015. The LordLieutenant of Gloucestershire, Dame Janet Trotter DBE,GOC BFG and the Battalion’s Honorary Colonel, Maj GenJohn Henderson CB and DComd (ES) 101 Log Bde, ColSimon Waddington inspected the 70+ members of the battalionon parade (rebrigaded from Reserve LADs across SW Englandand S Wales). The battalion’s numbers were swelled by Southampton UOTC

OCdts who hope to join the Corps when they have completedtheir studies. The Lord Lieutenant presented medals and claspsto Sgt N Grubb (the Volunteer Reserve Service Medal (VRSM)),Cpl J Airey (Second clasp to the VRSM), Cpl R Brown (Secondclasp to the VRSM), Cpl G Harding (the VRSMl), Cpl D Sellors(Accumulated Service Medal) and Cpl Nicholas Smith (theVRSM). In attendance were Col Reme, Col Dan Scott ADC,DComd 1 Arty and SW Bde, Col Toby Bridge (Late KRH), DComd

WO1 (RSM) Hughes hands over the parade to the Battalion 2IC Maj C Bates REME

The MSFT also included sit ups and press ups

The first element of the multi-stage fitness test which all battalion personnel participated in as part of theFormation Weekend, was shuttle runs. The picture above show Reservists and Regulars from 158 Fd Coy

Cpl Airey receives a second clasp to the VRSM from the Lord Lieutenantof Gloucestershire Dame Janet Trotter DBE. Also in the picture are the

Adjutant Capt K Machin REME, Cpl Smith and Cpl Brown

FORMATIONPARADE105 Battalion REME

By Maj F K Sullivan


Ready, Steady, Go!

quality would be constructed,as unit pride was now atstake! Further rules camealong with the acceptance by1 Coldm Gds LAD whichteams were to adhere to. Each

team name had toreference REME and thego-kart was to include a parking brake, seat restraint, sparewheel and engine. The teams were to be given 24 hours to planand build before the race and grading of build quality tookplace.A relationship was forged with a local scrap dealer so a

working stock of components could be collected and storedwithin the LAD in preparation for the big build. Teams receiveda fund from which they could buy parts that they could notsource from scrap.The day of the build approached and the teams were given an

hour to plan and design their go-karts before any construction

Upon my arrival at HCR LAD I was given my first task, whichwas to organise an engineering challenge and Regimentaldinner night to celebrate St Eligius Day. Due to the majority ofthe LAD being deployed in BATUS and with a full calendar onreturn before Christmas leave, the plan was made to celebrate alittle earlier than normal in the last week of November.I set myself the challenge to organise an

event that would not only test members ofthe LAD mentally during the planningstages but also physically throughout theday of the event, without coming acrossas enforced fun. The format was setroughly around the television programme,‘Scrapheap Challenge,’ where the teamswere directed to construct a motorised go-kart which would complete a race circuitand prove not only speed but engineeringbuild quality.As time passed, the plan expanded so

an invite was sent to our neighbours 1Coldm Gds. They accepted the challenge,which would now certainly ensure thatsome go-karts not too short of Bloodhound

OC LAD: Capt Morse ASM: WO1 (ASM) Wright Scribe: WO2 (AQMS) Kenyon

Household Cavalry RegimentLight Aid Detachment

Saint Eligius Day Engineering Challenge 2014

Constantly pushing the Tiff

1 Coldm Gds LAD

Get that knee down!


was allowed to commence. Each team then presentedtheir ideas to the EME, ASM and myself; they were thenset free to pillage the scrapheap. Unbeknown to the teams,the presentation was introduced so they could be scoredand graded when compared with their original plans. Asthe build progressed, the EME introduced mini tests,which the teams would be graded on and were written ona big white board, not unlike the way Jeremy Clarksondoes to ensure his victory. These tests included a wheelchange during the race and a driver change - but not onthe same lap. It was almost as if a childlikecompetitiveness was coming out of the EME; he wasn’teven part of a team!As the day progressed, so steadily did the construction

and it wasn’t long before the LAD was sufferingthe deafening sounds of various engines revvingup like some sort of boy-racer stand-off. Buildingcontinued well into the night for some teams asfailures occurred and running repairs took place.The following morning saw the final testing andadjustment of the (not as impressive asoriginally planned) contraptions.Word of the challenge had spread and visitors

from the Guards LAD made their way over towitness the spectacle. Our very ownCommanding Officer called in to cast his eyesover the go-karts and grade them along with theteam names. A parking brake test was thenconducted to prove build quality and compliancewith the rules and then the race began! It wasfive laps of the tank park, using the LAD as thepit area and driver-change point. The go-kartsseemed to decrease in quality as the race wenton but maximum effort was put in to ensure allcrossed the finishing line.

The overall winners happened to be a HCR LAD team, but the1 Coldm Gds LAD team were streets ahead when it came to thegrading of the fancy dress; they came dressed as the REME capbadge complete with lightning bolt attached to their horsecostumes. A change parade took place before meeting up in the WOs’ &

SNCOs’ Mess to sit down to our dinner night. A brief history ofSt Eligius was delivered before the meal and wine and portflowed freely. We retired to the bar to socialise further, making agreat end to an enjoyable engineering challenge.Long may we continue to exercise our traditions in a

challenging yet agreeable manner!

The victors – wait, is that a John Deere?

It’s all good fun

Is that the Stig?

Is this tiny trophy all I get Boss?

Is that some engineering?


the many benefits of servicewithin the Corps. However,when the opportunities arehighlighted by LCpl DanMitchell and LCpl Tony How-ell, to the many audiences theteam have faced, it is encour-aging to see that there remainsa high level of enthusiasm topursue a career and trade inREME. From diverse careers,accreditation and qualifica-tions to AT, sporting opportu-nity and bespoke activities

One of the key tasks of the CorpsEngagement Team (CET) is toensure that we engage with ourmain target audience at the earli-est opportunity. Many of the edu-cation providers we visit have lit-tle idea of the spectrum of tradesavailable across the Army, withstudents believing the combatrole is all that the military com-munity does. A further challengefaced is that many young peopleare now turning away from sci-ence, technology, engineeringand maths (STEM) subjects,meaning it is essential that theCorps continue to attract its shareof future engineers, ensuring wecontinue to employ the best peo-ple.In order to achieve this, the

CET are tasked to represent theCorps through the Army inEducation (AiE) initiative byvisiting education providersto inform those in attendanceof the many roles availableand to highlight specificallywhat REME has to offer.Whilst many of the audienceare aged 16 to 21, there are agrowing number of civilianspursuing education later intheir lives and they are stillable to play their role in themilitary. In recent years withredundancy, pay freezes andpension changes, it is tooeasy for our soldiers to forget

ARMY IN EDUCATION

IC: WO2 (AQMS) B Walton


knowledge of the nine trades on offer within REME. Butwhen we are delivering the Corps message to around 180potential candidates a day, it is important that they leavewith a full understanding of a potential future career.However, one of our key principles is that we are not visit-ing schools in a recruiting capacity we are raising aware-ness of the Corps only; once the audiences are madeaware of that, there is often a sense of relief which allowsfor a relaxed and enjoyable day. Following an initial pres-entation of what the Corps can offer, LCpl Vicki Gale leadsthe MTA tasks, where the students have to work as a teamto complete a series of tasks in a military context; frombuilding a communications tower and navigating a maze,to lateral thinking problems and constructing a shelter outof the materials at hand. It always turns into a competitionand it isn’t long before the students come out of theirshells to outdo their mates. Even the quieter students con-tribute to the team with a diverse range of ideas. One of the best times to discuss career opportunities is

when the team produce engraved dog tags for those taking

such as Bloodhound, the Corps remains one of themost desirable cap badges to serve in the Army, withmany soldiers from other Arms and Services looking totransfer in.More recently the team have visited the Lincoln area

with positive results, however, we are capable of coveringthe whole of the UK with events in Belfast, Cardiff andEdinburgh featuring on the FOE and many more in hand.A greater achievement was felt when we attended Exeterand Taunton colleges and schools. Most people who wereconsidering joining the forces, were looking to serve withthe Royal Marines as their first choice, due to them beingthe only exposure many had to the military. Many peoplewe engage with see the uniform and think ‘Army;’ gettingthe Corps cap badge into their thoughts is a difficult task,as before we visit, almost every school has little if any

part, giving us a chance to quell any concerns that comewith a potential military career. This also gives us anopportunity to take ‘Soldiers Not Under Trade Training’(SNUTT) from A Coy 11 Trg Bn with us to discuss theirshort careers to date as they find they are not much fur-ther ahead in the recruiting process than those looking tojoin. After the final question and answer session, the vanis packed and we’re off to the next school to start the nextpresentation.The CET has a very tangible and measurable output. If a

unit fails an inspection, they still deploy or have time toregain, but if the CET fails to engage with the community,

Corps recruitment decreases, placinggreater burden on the Corps as a whole.It is rewarding to see potential recruitsnow looking at a REME career. At thestart and end of each presentation, wealways ask, ‘Who is considering a mili-tary career?’ and the positive change inopinion is always extremely satisfying.To ensure we get the Corps message

across, the CET continually needs vol-unteers across every trade group forwork within our team. Further to this, Iwould request that the CoC remainmindful of the CET and if you feel youhave the right candidate, please suggestthis opportunity to them. If anyonewishes to volunteer then please contacteither WO2 (AQMS) Bryan Walton orSSgt Gus Goodall on (: 94251 2853 todiscuss the possibility further.


aim, giving them confidence in their weapons accuracy. Con-tinuing on from this, the firers were introduced to other posi-tions and techniques – both positional and point of aim – tohit snap targets from 100m, 75m, 50m and 25m, using maga-zines of 10 rounds at each range. Toward the end of day, allfirers were feeling confident enough in their scores and abili-ties to put a pound into the pot for a ‘winner take all’ finalshoot. Needless to say it was the Warrant Officers who cameout of this triumphant with WO2 (AQMS) Peacock 169 FdCoy winning a grand total of £15.00. The following weekend was used to introduce to some

returning and some different firers, more shooting tech-niques, standing and leaning around a wall, kneeling behindand around cover, with the need to react faster and faster,increasing pressure on firers to shoot straight. This weekendall firers were given an introduction to the Glock, a WHT andspent Sunday 1 March learning how to hold and fire thisweapon system correctly.Again it has to be said that the standard of coaching from

our REME 100 firers was superb, resulting in everyone hittingthe targets repeatedly, with very little ammo being wasted.To summarise the weekends, it was clear to see that each

During the periods 21-22 February and 28 February-1 March2015, at Pirbright range complex, the newly formed REMEOperational Shooting Team (ROST) comprising REME Regu-lar and Reserve WO’s & SNCO’s supported by DSEME, heldits first Combat Marksmanship development weekend.The weekend was advertised in The Craftsman magazine as

a ‘turn up and shoot weekend.’ On Friday night, interestedfirers arriving at Pirbright, were met by the ROST Adjt - CSMRoberts DSEME and provided with a bed space. A briefing onthe aims of the weekend was then given by the REMEReservist Operational Shooting Officer, Captain Mark O’Ma-hony 104 Bn REME. Basically, the aim of the weekend was tointroduce firers to combat shooting and the techniquesrequired to hit a target from 25m to 400m.After all the fresh air and hundreds of rounds fired, a trip to

the local pub was the order. Here the events of the day werediscussed, with questions about shooting in general, futurecompetitions and REME shooting being ‘fired’ at the ROSTmembers, with the buy-in and understanding at the end ofthe night to the ROST’s intent and it’s means of delivery. The next morning followed the same routine. All firers were

keen to test, confirm the previous day’s zero and points of

Combat Marksmanship Development WeekendsBy Captain M O’Mahony

REME Reserve Operational Shooting


you missed an excellent opportunity to improve yourmarksmanship skills. The coaches’ enthusiasm was second tonone, along with their commitment and motivation. The‘students’ had the support of probably the best marksmen in theCorps - REME Bde Major

• There were soldiers from other units therefore the desire to learnand do well was even higher - Cfn Rec Coy

• It was good, not to be treated like recruits. It gave me confidencewhen the instructors put trust and faith in my training &ability. Also after the range it was nice to socialize with soldiersfrom other units – Cfn Rec Coy

• I got a great sense of belief in myself from the weekends.Saturday morning I was shooting absolutely horrendous but onSunday I was probably one of the consistent firer on the range.So it has given me the belief that with time and dedication it willonly get better and hopefully earn me the TA50 badge. The POAlesson was a bonus too. LCpl REME BnThe next ROST events are the REME shooting concentra-

tions for all REME Reserve during the periods 17–19 Apriland 1-3 May also 12-13 September and 19-20 September. Anadmin instruction will be delivered to those who declareintent to attend. Interested REME Reserve units and shootersshould clear attendance through their CofC and contact theROST for further details:Capt M O’Mahony, 118 Rec Coy 104 Bn REME :

[email protected] (: Mobile: 07739 821 218 or01604 635760 on a Wednesday evening or leave message with118 Rec Coy admin staff CSM C Roberts 10 Trg Bn REMEDSEME : [email protected] (: 01420 48 5487.

firer had enjoyed them, all had put the effort in and workedhard to apply what was directed by the coaches, it was goodthat all had met new people from different units, had learnt alot about marksmanship and had got a great deal of personalsatisfaction from it in their ability to hit targets out to 400m.

Feedback comments from some of the firers:• To the ROST coaches, cheers for the weekend, the lads were

chuffed with the event and me winning the money - WO2 FdCoy

• Having four Army100 coaches on the firing point was ofsignificant value, meaning that any position or range theprinciple faults were identified and corrected immediately. Thishad a huge impact on effectiveness and quality of shooting,leading to a relatively frustration-free atmosphere, allowing thefirers to concentrate on their safety, weapon handling, andmarksmanship principles - Cfn Fd Coy

• As an individual, it was a rare but pleasant opportunity tospend more time gaining confidence in the zeroing of weapons,and subsequently points of aim. Being able to practicemarksmanship principles whilst live firing and noticing thebenefit to slight changes in technique. The ROST team has someexcellent, broad experience as well as a varied range ofpersonalities - LCpl Fd Coy

• As a core and fundamental soldiering skill, I would recommendthe weekend to anyone. It is thoroughly enjoyable and was veryrewarding - LCpl Rec Coy

• For those of you who read the REME Operational Shooting2015 article in the February 2015 issue of The Craftsmanmagazine, especially the Reservist section and wondered aboutattending the two weekend training periods during February,

The attendance was very good with 16 firers arriving with justtheir sleeping bags, overnight and range kit. On Saturdaymorning, SUSAT fitted weapons were issued. The REME RifleAssociation Secretary, Major M Kircher MBE arrived and gavean introduction to the ROSC and the intent behind theweekend, leaving a clear picture of where REME shooting needsto be and how it’s going to get there.

Firers prepared weapons, loaded magazines and started thegrouping and zeroing practice. Coaching was delivered byROST members, all of which are qualified Army 100 firers, allwas completed before lunch. The rest of the day was then spentpracticing different positions such as standing, (everyone’sfavourite) kneeling, squatting (for those who could) prone andsitting. This was repeated at each point back to 400m with allfirers hitting the Fig 12s from all positions and ranges. For somethis was the first time they had hit a target at 300m let alone at400m. With these objectives met, the ‘look forward to’ waspracticing competition shoots the next day.


superbly providing a great base toreside at the end of the day withwarm showers and comfy sofas. The first evening was a relaxed

start to the tour as John gave us abroad but well detailed history of thearea and the lead up to the famousBattle of the Somme on 1 July 1916.This was a great way to start theweek as the collective understandingof the Somme proved to be limited.On Wednesday morning, we had thefirst of the individual briefings whichwe had all prepared, covering differ-ent areas and events of the Somme.The first stop was at Carnoy MilitaryCemetery of the CommonwealthWar Graves Commission (CWGC),

where we learnt about the leadership in the trenches and howthe life expectancy of an officer on the front line was a matter ofweeks, given that they were always the first ones over the top.Capt Ian Bradley’s brief at the Mansel Copse revealed the massivenumber of deaths in the initial surge over the top across theundulating ‘no man’s land,’ with Capt Jess Jessop next briefing usabout the struggles that the Welsh encountered on 1 July 1916. Inthe afternoon, we learnt from Capt Ed Knudsen about the Lock-nager Mine Crater which remains to this day a huge cavity in theearth illustrating the sheer volume of explosives used to createthis great hole and the depths the miners had to dig to make ithappen. Moving further north to the Newfoundland MemorialPark, Capt Gino Hinson described the impact of the HawthornRidge mine being blown too early before H-hour as it gave theGermans an advantage before the initial British assault. We endedthe visit here walking around the remains of the British and Ger-man trenches, recognising the fact that both front lines were

On Tuesday 14 October 2014, four-teen officers of 7 Air Assault BattalionREME departed Wattisham Airfield andheaded for one of the most famousand bloody battlefields of the FirstWorld War, The Somme. The groupconsisted of the CO, Lt Col DavidBatty; the Bn 2IC, Maj Phil Oliver; offi-cers of the battalion and our personaltour guide and plethora of knowledge,Mr John Pratt. The trip began with bacon butties

and mugs of tea at Captain Gino Hin-son’s house, conveniently situatedoverlooking the Folkestone coastline,before embarking on the Channel Tun-nel, bellies full and eager to learn. Thedrive from Calais to our accommoda-tion in Longueval dragged on but weeventually arrived, after a quick stop atthe local Intermarché supermarket fora stock up of croissants, French bread andsome local wine, making sure we took theopportunity to experience the French cul-ture appropriately. Our home for the nextfour days – a private house for group toursof the battlefields – accommodated us

By Lt Sam Leakey

Thiepval Memorial Park

Trench remains at Newfoundland Memorial Park

Capt Hinson giving his groundbrief at the Newfoundland

Memorial Park


roughly 15 feet apart at their closest point and the remainingcraters in ‘no man’s land’ still obvious, reminded us of the horrify-ing nature of World War 1.Our final stop that day wasat Sucrerie CemeteryCWGC, where Capt PhillWard revealed the mythsand truths about deserterson the front line and howsome individuals were actu-ally ‘shot at dawn’ as aresult!

Later that night we graceda nearby town with ourpresence for some food anddrinks and finished in a lightmood after an interestingbut sombre day. Thursdaymorning’s brief about theintroduction of the tank wascovered by Capt Rich Bash-forth, from whom we learntthe great boost in soldiers’ morale thatthe tank brought, but also the lack ofunderstanding in using it to its full effectresulting in many casualties. Capt PaulCornock rounded off the morning tellingus about relevance of the forward andreverse slopes in the defence and attackof the Schwaben Redoubt and theimportance of high ground in this con-flict. After our homemade ham andcheese baguettes, we took a tour aroundan original trench system before movingup to the Hawthorn Ridge, where 2LtMatt Brown showed us the HawthornRidge mine crater and illustrated theprogression of the British front line aswe stood on the high ground overlook-ing the undulating terrain. Walking northup the Sunken Lane towards our final

stand which I covered, we stopped at alocation called the Heidenkopf meaning‘quadrilateral.’ This was a small section ofthe German front line that, as a result ofa steadily withdrawing front line fromprevious battles, had formed a salient oftrenches jutting out from the generalfront line into ‘no man’s land’. This areawas fiercely fought over and was theonly place that the British made goodheadway for most of 1 July 1916, but dueto a lack of mutual flanking support,were forced back and resulted, again, inover 250 casualties from one surge.

An interesting point we noticed afterthese two days was the scattering ofcemeteries in random locations andfarmers’ fields. Our guide, John told us itis like this because these cemeteriesmark the actual locations that the deadwere collected and ‘temporarily’ buriedbut ended up as their permanent graves.

Finishing our tour of the Somme withvisits to some more military cemeteriesand poignant locations of the first day ofJuly in 1916, we then headed back to themini buses to commence the next and

final stage of our tour in France. To properly complete our tour,most of the group set off to continue learning about the cultural

aspect of France and thiswe did with a visit to Paris.A brief but useful visit, Pariswas a great way to finishthe trip despite the dreadfulweather and dodgy hostel!

Cultural tour of Paris

Capt Jessop delivering his brief at Mametz Wood

The Devonshire Cemeterynext to Mansell Copse, inthe Somme battlefields


metal ladders in some steeper places, alongside waterfalls, untilwe eventually reached our destination at a chalet serving up hotdrinks, where we had lunch. We then headed back down the val-ley via a more leisurely route until we arrived back at the startpoint. It was an interesting trek and definitely recommended. To unwind that night we decided to discover the highly popu-lar local sport of Ice Hockey, as recommended by our host Dan.It was a ‘chilling experience’ with the game taken rather seri-ously by both sportsmen and spectators alike and the local teamwinning under very tight circumstances. Post-match was timefor the ‘best pizza in town’ with Dan, followed by a few drinks inthe Jumbo pub.

Day 4: The next day the team undertook what was undoubtedlythe best day of trekking. After the drive to our destination whichwas located outside the small town of Lúčky, at an elevation of645m, we started the climb through forest tracks and woodlandpaths until we reached a storm stricken area of forestation,where many large trees lay strewn across the path. On emergingfrom the woodland, the path then opened up into meadowlandand the peak could be seen ahead. The route became a littlerockier and the use of chains bolted to the ground proved essen-tial in reaching the top where we found the wind-blown peak ofVelký Choč at 1611m. After a brief photo shoot and some lunchthe team headed back down the same way they came, whichproved to be much quicker and easier than the ascent. After anexhausting day of trekking the team then had the luxury of relax-ing at the village of Kalameny, where in a local woodland clear-ing was a man-made pool which collected naturally occurringhot spring water. This was perfect for us all to relax our tiredlegs in and soak up the local culture before heading back to thehostel. That night the team headed to another American stylebar and grill in the local town called the ‘Soda Club’.Day 5: Today was the team’s last day of trekking which startedat a rather impressive looking ski resort of Demanovská Dolina,at just over 1000m. The trek would take us up to a ridgeline andalong to the highest local peak in the Lower Tatras of Mt Dumb-

Day 1: After an early start, the expedition began with the teamof ten making our way to the airport for baggage drop. It wassafe to say that this was done just in time due to issues withparking a minibus at certain terminals! After some well neededbreakfast the flight was boarded and we were on our way toKrakow in Poland. The end of the flight proved eventful with vis-ibility so low due to a bed of fog that we had to circle the air-space for thirty minutes before attempting to land! Despite thedelay we had no problems getting to our hire cars and settingout on the three hour journey to the hostel in Liptovský Mikuláš,Slovakia. On arrival, our first impressions were that it was veryquiet looking and very typical of Eastern Europe, with colourfulbuildings and weird looking shops. The hostel turned out to bevery cosy and we were welcomed warmly byDan, the English hostel owner. Once we hadunpacked, we headed straight out to experiencethe delights of a Monday night down town at the‘Route 66’ bar and grill for some dinner and afew beers to get to know one another a bit betterbefore our first adventure the next day.Day 2: The morning routine for the week wassimply get up, have breakfast, then depart for theday’s activities via Tesco’s to grab some sand-wiches for lunch. The timings were normallysomewhat flexible, which was more than wel-comed for a week out of the office. We set off forour first trek which was only about thirty min-utes’ drive into the High Tatra mountain range.We parked at a place called Štrbské Pleso (pleso= lake) and from there headed up the long rockypath mainly through dense forest until wereached a café next to Popradské pleso. It was avery picturesque location with the mist comingdown from the mountain and falling onto thelake to give it quite an eerie feel. We all enjoyed a quick bit oflunch and a hot drink before tackling the main ascent. This partwas a lot steeper with a zigzagging path which took us uptowards the mountain peak. Unfortunately we were not to reachthe summit due to time constraints and with the mist closing init was decided to head back. The views back, overlooking thelake, made the effort worthwhile and despite not reaching thetop, it proved to be a very useful warm up day. Back at the hostelit was time to shower and hit the town again, this time going toHotel Steve for some local cuisine and a few well-earned beers.The BBQ pork ribs proved to be a real winner amongst the realmeat eaters of the team.Day 3: Today’s trip was to Slovenský raj’ (Slovak paradise). Ashort walk from the car park, the team were all pleasantly sur-prised when we arrived at an empty ‘adult-sized’ play park fullof see-saws and swings which were perfect for a team photo!Some took this even further, by demonstrating how ‘easy’ it wasto do a ‘muscle up’ on the pull up bars! The team reluctantlyreturned to the trail that lead us along a river on a muddy pathuntil we reached a rocky part with metal steps and chain railsbolted into the rock. Not for the faint-hearted, especially if youdon’t like the thought of falling off into the river, with a few partsproving to be a bit tricky but really good fun. We continued ourascent which included walking through some gorges and scaling

Expedition Leader: Maj L Hartman Scribe: 2Lt G Copeland

The team photo in the Slovak Paradise


Looking across the autumnal colours towards Lake Liptov, from Velký Choč

make a sombre yet fascinating visit to both camps at Auschwitz.The visit was free and most certainly worth the time taken tolook around and experience the sheer size and starkness of thecamps. The memories of this place will certainly last. By lateafternoon the team headed to the city centre of Krakow to parkup and walk to where we would be staying the night at ‘Greg andTom’s Beer House’ hostel. On first impressions it looked amaz-ing and was certainly a very sociable looking place – massivethumbs up from the team on the choice of accommodation! Forthe majority of us the night began with an all-you-can-eat-and-drink session in the hostel for two hours followed by an organ-ized pub crawl through the quirky streets of Krakow which costthe equivalent of £8!! This was an absolute winner as it includednumerous plates of cooked chicken, pizza, meats, sandwiches,washed down with local beer, flavoured vodka and some homegrown chillies, which proved too spicy for most team membersexcept from our exped leader, who went back for seconds!Day 7: After a great night in Krakow, it was time for the team topack up and head back home. After a long ‘recovery’ breakfastand a cultural walk around the city centre, we returned to thecars to drive back to the airport before heading back to Arbor-field. The team then went their separate ways marking the endof a great week of adventurous training.

ier, at 2046m. The route proved to be quite a challenge with themajority of the climb taking us up an exposed ridge line along arocky path that was covered in mist. The path offered us a greatnumber of opportunities for some awesome photos along theway. The strong gusting winds also made the going a little toughin the more exposed areas, but finally after some hard work bythe team we reached the summit, with time for a quick teamphoto, before turning around and heading back. All in all, it wasa long hard day of trekking covering over 11 miles and it wasgood to end on a high. To continue the high, as it was the team’slast night in both Liptovský Mikuláš and Slovakia, the nightbegan by a return to Hotel Steve which offered the most enjoy-able local food of steamed meat with vegetables and dumplings.As it was a Friday night the team decided to stay out a little laterthan normal and after a couple of bars, a few of the team decidedto take a trip back to Route 66 where the upstairs had opened upinto a local nightclub! For a one Euro entry fee to a busy club fora bit of dancing and loud music, it was safe to say that the expe-rience in Slovakia had ended on a high.Day 6: For a few of the team members who had sore heads,packing up to depart was a bit of an effort. We then said goodbyeto Dan and set off on the drive back to Poland. The road trip tooka while but was overall an easy drive whilst listening to some‘rock n roll’ classics. En route to Krakow we took a detour to


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13:57 Page 1

Gate, we were greeted by the site of an imposing gentlemanwearing a bright red coat, advancing towards us, stick in hand.This turned out to be SSgt Bill Bullick of the RHC, a retiredArtisan Aircraft Technician, who had worked with aircraftvarying from Skeeter to Lynx.

Although the RHC is a civilian organisation, the ChelseaPensioners still follow military tradition, rank and all. Given thatall the residents of RHC are ex-military, this is a system they all

know extremely well. Much like the Single LivingAccommodation experienced in parts of WFS, andelsewhere across the military, the RHC is currentlyundergoing extensive construction work in order to reapsuch luxuries; something the pensioners are extremelyeager to experience. Throughout the tour ‘SSgt Bill’briefed us on the history of the RHC and how thepensioners carry out their daily lives. It was good toknow that the pensioners ate every meal together in thecanteen, still take part in parades and host the annualRoyal Chelsea Flower Show with pride.

One of the more impressive buildings we were takeninto was the Royal Chapel, designed by Sir ChristopherWren; it was regularly visited by HM The QueenMother. After the tour we proceeded into the RHC barwhere we had the opportunity to engage in conversationwith the residents and enjoy a much needed lunch.

As the afternoon approached we left the RHC, dividedinto teams and headed for the nearest tube station readyto commence the urban navigational exercise. In no

On Thursday 5 February 2015, 25 members of 663 Close SupportPlatoon, part of 3 Regiment Army Air Corps Workshop,departed from Wattisham Flying Station (WFS) bound forLondon in what was its first cultural visit to the Royal HospitalChelsea (RHC). The Platoon also took part in an ‘urban’navigation exercise aimed at visiting a variety of keymonuments and buildings of (military) historical importancethroughout the capital city.

After a short but emotional coach journey through our wellknown and much loved British traffic, we arrived at the gates ofthe very impressive RHC. Morale was high, having escaped therigours of our normal routine and the relentless ‘tap ofproduction’ and everybody was excited to see how the daywould develop. Having reported to the guard at the Chelsea

OC Wksp: Maj A Seth ASM: WO1 L Murrell Scribe: LCpl J Rawson

Capital City Cultural VisitR o ya l H o s p i ta l C h e l s e a

With ‘SSgt Bill’



The Royal Chapel, designed by Sir Christopher Wren

particular order we were instructed to visit The BomberCommand Memorial, Wellington Arch, Animals in WarMemorial, Alfred the Great Statue, as well as many more, to payhomage to their historical importance. The final checkpoint forall was Nelsons Column, Trafalgar Square.

This gave us the opportunity to enjoy the social side of themilitary and cap off the day with a well-earned non-alcoholicbeverage!

It is fair to say that the Platoon had an extremely enjoyableday from start to finish, obtaining some interesting facts andknowledge on the RHC, as well as, visiting the variouslandmarks around London. We would highly recommend for allto visit the RHC, not only as a cultural visit, but also to see howyou could potentially live your retired life as a ChelseaPensioner in the heart of our nation’s capital.

upon REME when theparade will fix bayonetsand march back to camp.The MG REME will acceptthe Freedom on behalf ofREME.The jointmilitary/civilian ‘FarewellFete’ will then open onBudds Lane Sports Fields.The fete will include areaevents, military displays,side shows, entertainment,activities, historicalinformation, food, drinkand a fun-fair. The eventwill embrace communityand civilian life in the townand mark the end of an era by saying ‘Farewell to the Garrison.’ Itwill be brought to a close at approximately 1700hrs by a ‘BeatingRetreat’ ceremony performed by the Military Band.Although it is coordinated by Bordon Garrison and 10 TrainingBattalion REME will be representing REME, this is a Corps event,we are appealing to all REME units out there to let us know whatinteresting and exciting arena events or static displays that you canassist with. Please contact Maj (Retd) Alan Johnson on : 942915492 or : [email protected] with your thoughts andideas. You can also follow us at:http://www.farewelltobordongarrison.org.uk

After being based in the town for over 100 years, the Army will beleaving Whitehill and Bordon in 2015 to relocate to Lyneham inWiltshire. To mark this milestone in the history of the town and theCorps, the Council, in conjunction with the military, is planning a‘FAREWELL to the GARRISON FESTIVAL’ to take place on ArmedForces Day, 27 June 2015 to:• formally ‘Raise the Flag’ for Armed Forces Day • bestow the ‘Freedom of the Town’ on the Corps of the RoyalElectrical and Mechanical Engineers • hold a ‘Farewell Fete’ on Budds Lane Sports Fields.The event will be open to the civilian community as well as tomilitary personnel and their families and the attendance isexpected to be in the region of 4000. The ‘Freedom Parade’ willleave Prince PhillipBarracks atapproximately 1030hrs.Soldiers from 10 TrainingBattalion REME,representing the Corps ofREME, accompanied by amilitary band will marchalong Budds Lane, turnleft onto the A325 andform up at the WarMemorial for the NationalArmed Forces Day FlagRaising Ceremony. The‘Freedom of the Town’will then be bestowed

FAREWELL to the GARRISONFESTIVAL

Arena events being planned includedisplays by: • Red Arrows (tbc) • REME Freefall Parachute Team• REME Motorcycle Enduro Team• Chinook Display (tbc)• Military Events and Displays• Dog Agility and Obedience Display• Extreme BMX Displays & Coaching• Tug-o-War and Gun Run• Fun Dog Show• Exciting Activities andEntertainment for all ages• Fun Fair• Beating Retreat


modifications being the addition of a roll cage, rally seats anda five point rally specification harness. Through thegenerosity of one of the many team sponsors, they now also

have non-standard suspension. Between theevents, the vehicles need constantmaintenance to keep them in first class order.During a rally the initiative of the Service Crewcan be put to the test keeping the vehicles inthe event. Although friendly rivalry existsbetween the crews as they strive for points inthe championship, personal achievement isput aside for the benefit of the team and themain achievement of any event is to see all sixRovers across the finish ramp at the end.

Following their recent team selection day atthe Eelmoor training ground, the Armed ForcesRally Team will have three REME co-driversin the new team line up, one of them beingTeam Captain, all chosen after a series ofpractical assessments and in-depth interviews.A further five have taken on regular supportroles with responsibility for spares andequipment while others will be part of thededicated Service Team. Qualifying for one ofthe much coveted seats in a Rally Roverrequires the candidates to have first provedcommitment to the team in a background orservice role, before applying for a chance todemonstrate their skills in driving ornavigation.

Membership of the team, in whatever role,requires full commitment, not only to the rallyweekends, but also to the extra work sessionsthat are essential to ensure that all vehicles arekept in perfect running order. At the recentawards evening, three REME personnelreceived acknowledgement of theircontribution to the 2014 Team. Cpl Gari Hazelby was thirdoverall driver in the championship and is now moving over tothe co-driver’s side for 2015; a seat with which he is familiarand where he hasachieved success in thepast. Cpl Dean Shicklereceived theEngineering ExcellenceAward and Cfn RobBarr was awarded theChris Read MemorialTrophy, given to theyoungest member ofthe AFRT who put in asignificant amount oftime and effort. This isgiven in memory ofChris Read, a youngAFRT member withhuge enthusiasm, wholost his life while onactive service in Basrain 2007.

The six vehicles ofthe Armed ForcesTeam are basicallystandard Land RoverWolfs, the only

Cpl Steve Jones, Co-driver

Cfn Bob Barr receiving the Cpl Chris Read Trophyfrom Mrs Sue Hunt (Chris’ Mum). Chris RMP waskilled in Basra on 7 July 2007

SSgt Keith Sharlott, Co-driver

The calendar for 2015 is already underway so for theteam calendar and more information, please visit theAFRT web site: www.armedforcesrallyteam.co.ukREME personnel in the AFRT include:SSgt Keith Sharlott Co-driver and Team CaptainCpl Steve Jones Co-driverCpl Gari Hazelby Co-driverLt Mark Roberts Deputy Service ManagerSgt Ben de Ronde QM Sgt Scott Paterson Deputy QM Cpl Dean Shickle Assistant QM (Vehicle Spares)Cfn Rob Barr Deputy Assistant (Vehicle Spares)Plus additional unnamed volunteer Service Crew


Aldershot Military Stadium on Wednesday 29 April 2015, KO1030 hours (tbc), but all are welcome to support and cheer onthe team.Another date for your diary is the Thursday 14 May 2015, theEnd of Season Tournament (7 a-side), an all-day event, hostedby the R Signals at Blandford Camp; again, all are welcome.

For a second consecutive year, REMEWomen’s FC reached the final of the EdwardsChallenge Cup; REME won the inaugural finallast year by beating the AMS. This season,both semi-finals were played at the AldershotMilitary Stadium, one after the other (howelse!?). In the first semi-final the RA beat theAGC, 1-0 in a very close and committed game.The second semi-final was no different andextra time was needed to separate the teams.Cfn Emma Watson scored a terrific goal on 36minutes, a volley into the roof of the netdirect from a pin-pointed corner taken by theREME’s skipper, LCpl Yvette Kemp. Then withone minute to go, the R Signals were awardeda dubious penalty for an alleged handball.REME Keeper, Cpl ‘Shell’ Hodgson stood nochance as she was sent the wrong way and itwas 1-1 and a further 30 minutes.After a stiff talking to by REME HeadCoach, WO1 (ASM) Al Woolley, the team tookto the pitch ready to finish the job and fiveminutes into the second half, Cfn Jaz Bixleyunleashed an unstoppable shot and it was 2-1 and REME were in the final!Spectator, Lt Col (Retd) John Edwards OBE and former ViceChairman of REME Football, commented, ‘Not even Maik Taylorwould have saved that one, Neil Meynell perhaps, but not Maik.’Chairman of REME Football, Col Max Joy OBE, was on hand tosee the victory and was ‘well chuffed,’ particularly as we onlyhad 12 players.The Edwards Challenge Cup Final is to be played at the

REME Women’s FC are Edwards Challenge Cup Finalists, again!

LCpl Amber Marsh raises high, her hair even higher,into the air to head on the R Signals’ goal.

The Corps has this year been allocated a 4000 capacity venue. Entry to the REME bar will be for those who hold anappropriate wristband (costing £5) and these will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Included in the cost of the

wristband are administration charges and a prize draw based on the wristband serial number.Please note the WRISTBANDS for entry to the venue are only available for those who buy their tickets through the Corps.Please enclose a suitably sized and robust SAE with your order. No refunds or replacements will be given for the loss of

tickets or wristbands in the post due to the poor standard of envelope. It is strongly advised you use the civilian mail systemand not the military one to ensure timely delivery.

It is requested that telephone calls to check on the progress of yourticket allocation should only be in the two weeks prior to the event

Army v Navy Rugby - Twickenham 9 May 2015Tickets are available from:WO2 (AQMS) R MataitiniA (Fd) Coy 11 Trg Bn REMEHazebrouck Barracks,ArborfieldReading RG2 9NH(Mil: 94251 2713( Civ: 0118 9763713 [email protected]

Cheques should be madepayable to ‘ArborfieldGarrison Central Bank’

Tickets are available atthe following prices:Adult £20Wristband £5Twickenham Car Parking £20Minibus Parking £30Coach Parking £50

All children and OAPtickets can be purchasedthrough the ARU website

Camp AQ from a Merlin

After finishing the All Arms Commando Course, I wasrequired again to do something a little bit outside of thenorm for a young REME officer. Hoping to finally settleinto my post at the Commando Logistic Regiment (CLR)as an engineering officer, I was instead given the newsthat I would be deploying as a Force Protection (FP)Troop Commander on Exercise Jebel Dagger to supportthe Lead Commando Group. The exercise was part ofExercise Cougar taking place in the remote deserts ofJordan where 3 Commando Brigade (3 Cdo Bde) wasjointly exercising with the Jordanian Marines on a CT5level exercise.

The troops role was primarily to PROTECT andSECURE the Field Storage Area (FSA) and Camp Al-Quweira (AQ) that harboured the Logistic Task Group(LTG), Joint Helicopter Force (JHF), 30 Cdo RM, BrigadeHQ, Elements of 40 Cdo RM, 29 Cdo RA and 24 Cdo RE.We were also required to influence the local Bedouintravelling population to limit the most likely threat of

With Mne Dawkins on patrol in high spirits

By Lt Jones ES Squadron, Commando Logistic Regiment

A REME Officers AlternativeApproach to Exercise Jebel Dagger



theft. However, although very unlikely, we always hadthe most dangerous threat of insurgency on our minds,due to the rapidly changing political climate and pro ISdemonstrations, taking place in a town 50km away.

FP troop was made up of two thirds Royal Marinesand one third Army ranks all from within theCommando Logistic Regiment. The Marines weremostly drawn from Signals Troop and Viking Squadron,whereas the Army ranks were mostly drawn fromLogistic Support Squadron. Having been given ourmission, we quickly set up patrols and a guardingroutine whilst writing Standing Orders for the QuickReaction Force (QRF). Once the camp had started to befurther established and the FSA became increasinglypopulated, we decided that an overt Observation Postwould be required to best protect the area.

The next step was to recce suitable locations thatwould be accessible, have good arcs, good comms andbe weather resistant. We found a suitable location ontop of a hill which overlooked the entire area, including40 Cdo RM’s camp, Camp AQ, the 2km2 FSA and a vast

and mountainous landscape scarred withwadis that meandered around ourinfrastructure. Furthermore, the position metall of our selection criteria perfectly, exceptweather resistance as we (the lads…) wouldlater find out. Once the OP was establishedwe greatly improved our ISTAR capabilityfrom ‘SUSAT’ to a Thermal Imaging Vipersight (taken from a Jackal) enabling us tooverwatch the area during the night hours.Now, fully in routine, it was time to startdominating our mountainous area ofoperations via overt recce patrols to influencethe local population. This would also buildup a better intelligence picture and deter anypotential theft.

The routine of the troop rotated throughGuard, QRF, OP and patrolling the AO. Thepatrols were numerous and varied. Theyranged from recceing a pile of dead animals torecceing CASEVAC routes and comms deadspots for future longer range foot patrols.

The patrolling was generally the highlightMid patrol L-R Mne Munday, Mne Dawkins and WO2 Higgins

The Overt OP

Patrolling wadi system via Landrover


of the job for many in the troop as we weregiven freedom to explore a ruggedmountainous desert and be invited in for teaby the local Bedouin population, miles awayfrom the hustle and bustle of Camp AQ.

Apart from our primary role as ForceProtection, we were also required as trooplevel OPFOR on the FTX against 40 Cdo RM.Our role ranged from section level harassingand withdrawing attacks which, in oneinstance, held up a company for 26 hours tothree man teams in LandRovers sneakingaround the desert via the wadi systems todisrupt Friendly Forces Combat Logistic Patrolsand Leaguers.

Outside of our normal working routine, we werefortunate enough to be able to undertake additionaltraining including vertical assault, desert survival,team medic, advanced Glock range packages,Arabic and cultural also specialist guard trainingsuch as searching personal, detaining, searchingvehicles, Card A, and SA80 range packages.

We were also fortunate enough to visit Petra andrelax at a five star hotel on our two days of OSD.

Unfortunately the £1.20 LOA did not coverthe several Margaritas that 4 Section and Iconsumed.

However, the exercise for us was notalways so straightforward and weencountered many challenges along the waythat needed to be overcome. These rangedfrom the physical: arduous long range‘yomps’ with kit including full jerricans or

Mne Munday and WO2 Higgins half way up the biggest feature

The Monestry, Petra

carrying 500 sandbags 400m up the side of amountain to build an OP, right through tothe intellectual: communication issues withlocal contractors and having to writesecurity plans and produce including all theassociated documents from scratch withlimited office supplies.

However, whilst challenging, I thoroughlyenjoyed my time on this exercise andalthough my assignment was notengineering specific, I was able to learn anddevelop a lot from it. Therefore, if you havethe opportunity to serve with 3 Cdo Bde, Iwould highly recommend throwing your hatinto the ring.

3 Section Commander, Mne Munday admiring the view from the top of the highest point

Enjoying margaritas with 3 Section L-R Lt Jones,

Mne Munday, Mne Dawkins and Mne Longstaff


SSgt Lloyd Lovejoy, BJJ

LCpl Sarah Scott, BJJ

under their respective commanders. That trust is best gained by working withand for every member of the team. Trust is gained by team work. Team work,in peacetime, requires grounds for teams to play on. That is why we makegrounds. That is why big employers of labour make grounds – to keep peoplefit, happy and contented. Our definition of a sportsman is someone who: playsthe game for the game’s sake; plays for his side and not for himself; is a goodwinner and good loser; accepts all decisions in a proper spirit; is chivalroustowards a defeated opponent; is unselfish and always ready to help othersbecome more proficient; as a spectator, applauds play on both sides; neverinterferes with referees or judges, no matter what the decision. Service gamesare modelled on the above. If we keep these eight points always before us,we shall not go far wrong.’ – General Sir Charles Harington Harington,GCB, GBE, DSO.

Why martial arts? Certainly most martial arts disciplines offer anopportunity of applying physical and mental agility, of taking calculatedrisks, or being bold and constructive, and of giving (and receiving) hardknocks with impunity. Military practitioners would also point out theeffective route to developing fitness and toughness to withstand thechallenges and rigours of Service life.

The world of martial arts is hugely varied and each discipline requiresyears of dedication and practice to achieve competency. The challenging

No efficient Army underrates the value of physical fitness and sport inall its forms has of course always helped to encourage and enhance thisend. The British archer paved the way to many a triumph in war usingsporting competition in peace to hone their skill; fist fighting andunarmed combat helped toughen the rank and file in Victorian days; themass volunteers and then conscript citizen Army of the First WorldWar played sport as part of their rest and recuperation from the hor-rors of trenches; the list of both historical and current examples couldgo on. Most militaries that believe in the virtues of physical and mentalfitness, discipline, determination and leadership use sport as an integralpart of their training and ethos.

Martial arts practise develops an individual’s health, fitness and phys-ical development with an emphasis on self-discipline and respect foryour opponent. To train in martial arts requires determination andmotivation; to engage in competition challenges the additional charac-ter traits of courage, confidence, and maintaining composure underpressure, team spirit and personal grit. For military commanders, theopportunity to build team spirit and unit cohesion through sport offersreal value for money and requires comparatively little resource. Toquote from the preface to ‘Games and Sports in the Army’ (1931):

‘The secret of command rests on gaining the trust and affection of all those

CORPS MARTIAL ARTSBy Capt Paul G Reynolds


Sgt Scott Caswell, Taekwondo

Army level is catered for by a separate association.REME’s involvement in Army and Combined Services martial arts is

significant. The Army MAA’s executive committee has an evident REMEinfluence through its President, Colonel David Ansell (late REME);Chairman, Capt Paul Reynolds; and the following discipline team cap-tains: Karate, SSgt Brian Hall; ITF Taekwondo, WO2 (AQMS) ColinSayer; and Kendo, Capt Paul Reynolds. Until recently the association’sSecretary was WO2 (AQMS) Andy O’Neill. The current Army Karateand Kendo team captains also perform these duties at Combined Serv-ices level.Within the Army Judo Association (AJA) the Corps has a number of

key players, including Maj Martin Leach (AJA Secretary) and WO2(AQMS) Bomber Brown (AJA Team Manager). We have significant REMEnumbers throughout the grading levels and a great number of qualifiedcoaches. REME personnel did particularly well in the Army Judo Cham-pionship with silver and bronze medals in the senior teams’ category,and in the individuals’ category taking 3 gold, 3 silver and 5 bronzemedals. Over the last few years a large number of REME players havesuccessfully represented the Army at Combined Services level. ArmyJudo are pushing towards 2016 and 2020 Olympics and are activelylooking for potential players to compete; as a Corps we should seek toassist our soldiers to achieve their sporting potential.

Corps Martial ArtsAt Corps level, martial arts have associate status under the REMESports Association. The President of REME martial arts is Colonel David

Ansel l , ass isted by aChairman and Secretary,whose contact detailsare included at the endof this article. The cur-rent construct includesJudo alongside Karate,Taekwondo, Kendo andWeapons disciplines (allthe recognised disci-plines with the CSSB)but also may providedirection and advice forREME personnel pursu-ing other disciplines.Unit commanders andmartial arts club repre-sentatives that cater forMixed Mar t i a l Ar t s ,Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kick-

boxing, Muay Thai plus other less widely practiced disciplines or vari-ants may want a central focus for advice. Having set up and run Garri-son sports clubs in the past I recognise the value of having an identifi-able source of information and advice, or channel for dissemination of

nature of this journey, and of course the legitimacy ofthe fight, is all part of the allure of martial arts. Thecompetitive nature of the fight is the element of mar-tial arts practice that lends itself to sports categorisa-tion. Within the military we correctly continue toplace great emphasis on sport and fitness.

Single Service Martial ArtsThe Army Martial Arts Association (MAA) was offi-cially formed in 1995 to cater for practising martialartists and to provide a single body to regulate com-petition and insurance requirements across the recog-nised martial disciplines. The five main competitive dis-ciplines currently recognised by the Combined Serv-ices Sports Board (CSSB) are: Karate, Taekwondo(International Taekwondo Federation), Taekwondo(World Taekwondo Federation)/Olympic Taekwondo, Kendo andWeapons (kata only).The Army MAA also caters for various other martial arts, but either

through a lack of participative members, or in viable competitive activ-ity, or in maturity of Service integration, these do not yet enjoy officialsports status with the CSSB. Although well supported within the ArmyMAA, disciplines including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing are man-aged as developing disciplines and seek to be granted approved statusin the future; ultimately, recognised sports status. The relevance of thestatus of sports in the Services is that of duty status for participants andeligibility to public funding. Judo also has recognised sports status but at

Lee Brown, Judo

WO2 Andy O’Neill, Karate


information and advertisement. The REME Sports Association exists with the objectives of organ-

ising sporting and recreational activities on a Corps basis and of giv-ing financial and administrative help and advice on sports matterswherever needed. All regular and reserve officers and soldiers ofREME who contribute to the Service Days Pay Giving scheme areOrdinary Members of the REME Sports Association.The Army Judo, Karate and ITF Taekwondo squads in particular

enjoy a strong REME contingent and recruit well from both Bordonand Arborfield based Phase 2 soldiers. This is largely due to REME

Senior NCOs such as WO2 (AQMS) Colin Sayer, SSgt Andy McKenzieand SSgt Neil MacDonald who have freely given their time, including asignificant number of weekends, to the encouragement, training anddevelopment of our young sol-diers, having offered them anavenue into a part icular lyworthwhile sporting activitywhich provides robust physicaland mental benefits. REME soldiers are compet-

ing all over the country in civil-ian events either as individualentrants or as part of the Armyor Combined Services teams.At Army squad level, REME sol-diers’ training and instructionbenefit from the passion andexperience of individuals suchas Major Martin Leech andWO2 (AQMS) Lee Brown forJudo, WO2 (AQMS) AndyO’Neill and SSgt Brian Hall forKarate, WO2 (AQMS) ColinSayer for ITF Taekwondo andCapt Paul Reynolds for Kendo.One claim to fame is that the citation submitted for SSgt Hallas a contender for the 2013 REME Sportsperson of the Yearincluded so much evidence from over two decades of teach-ing and competition that it inspired the initiation of the Life-time Achievement Award. In recognition of their services toand individual achievements in martial arts, the followingindividuals to date have been awarded full REME Colours:Capt Paul Reynolds, WO2 (AQMS) Andy O’Neill, WO2(AQMS) Colin Sayer, SSgt Brian Hall (plus the REME LifetimeAchievement Award), Sgt Scott Caswell, Cpl Stuart Owenand Cpl Kevin Hall.

Future of REME Martial ArtsThe first Corps presentations for Karate, Taekwondo,

Kendo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu were awarded to disciplinewinners from REME participants at the Army Open Com-petition in October 2014. REME martial arts also presentedtrophies to category winners at the 2014 Inter-ServicesJudo Competition. This marked the first step in the initiative

towards a true inter-Corps martial arts competition. REME areleading the way, having established itself within the Corps’ sportsassociation in 2013 and applying for funding from 2015 onwards.This funding will provide the resource to continue presentations,initially for outstanding performance and achievement of REMEpersonnel at Army events, then subsequently as our contributionto an inter-Corps competition as other cap badges come into linewith the REME-led initiative. The aspiration is that the currentArmy MAA winter competition will by October 2016 havebecome an annual inter-Corps event.REME personnel currently represent and are involved in the

training of National martial arts teams. We continue to play a sig-nificant part in the leadership, management and training, as well as par-ticipation in the fighting for Army and for Combined Services martialarts teams. With the continuing support from the chain of command

despite what feels like an endless circle ofincreased unit tasking in a context of underresourcing, REME soldiers will continue tochallenge themselves and excel in theirachievements. The development opportu-nities afforded by sport must not be neg-lected. The participation in martial arts andother sporting, adventurous and arduoustraining serves to reinforce the moral to ageneration of REME soldiers that hardwork pays dividends and that our Corpsmotto of ‘By Skill and By Fighting’ remainsabsolutely relevant in all aspects of theircareer.For further details please contact: Capt

Paul Reynolds: (: Mil: 94251 2415 or :[email protected] or WO2(AQMS) Andy O’Neill: (: Mil: 9679 85285or : [email protected]

REME SportsAssociation,

Discipline Winner2014 presentation

REMEpresentationrecipients Cfn

Isaac Royals andSSgt Neil

MacDonald at the2014 Inter-Services JudoCompetition

Capt Paul Reynolds, Kendo


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Tollick and LCpl Vanessa Watson.The final result was 8-3 in favour of the RLC, however, the

result did not reflect the quality and closeness of the bouts;there were a few decisions that didn’t go our way which webelieve we should have won. Cfn Mikey Adams and LCpl AidenThompson fought outstanding bouts but where robbed oftheir victory by a disputable split decision. There were stand-out performances by Cfn Luke Akers and Cpl Daniel Thomp-son, who were respectively the youngest and oldest of theREME select to fight on the night. Both boxers displayed a veryhigh level of fitness and boxing ability which allowed themto have a comfortable win over their opponent.

REME Corps Championships 2014Later in the year, on 20 November 2014, the Individual CorpsChampionships took place, once again in Arborfield. Prior tothe event another two week training camp was held at 11 Trg Bnboxing gym. It invited unit coaches to come along with theirboxers to work with the Corps coaches to gain valuable coach-ing experience and prepare their boxers for the tournament.The training camp gave new Head Coach Cpl Allen the chanceto run his first REME boxing training camp alongside his Assis-tant Coach Sgt Richardson.The championships gave REME soldiers the chance to repre-

sent their unit in front of the Corps and to challenge to be theREME individual champion in their weight category; also indi-vidual boxers from each parent unit had their scores combinedto compete for the overall team trophy. Unfortunately, due to alack of entrants, there was no need to run preliminary stagesand the championship was contested on the finals evening.Despite the lack of numbers the turnout from REME units was

positive with boxers from 1 CS Bn, 3 Armd CS Bn, 6Armd CS Bn, 7 AA Bn, 10 Trg Bn and 11 Trg Bn, alongwith 36 Engr Regt Wksp, 27 Regt RLC Wksp and 3 AACWksp taking part.A number of new rules, set by AIBA (Amateur

International Boxing Association) were introduced atthe championships. The most obvious being that allElite (adult) male boxers are no longer permitted towear head guards. The main fear with the removal ofthe head guard is the boxer receiving a cut, fortu-nately only one bout ended prematurely for this rea-son. Another rule change, although not so obviousto the spectators, is the scoring system; amateur box-ing now uses a scoring system similar to that adoptedin professional boxing, the ‘10-point must system.’ Ina change to boxers receiving a point for each scoringpunch they land, the bout is now judged on thewhole round, although landing the most scoringshots is still the priority. Judges reward the winner ofeach round 10 points, with the loser of the roundreceiving 9, 8, 7 or 6 points. To start the night off our very own Boxing Officer,

Captain Matt Frost, fought in the first bout againstCfn Fowler (6 Armd CS Bn) for the heavyweight title.It was a good fight from both boxers, however asCaptain Frost was the VIP host for the night he wasconscious not to take too many blows to the head,

Last year proved to be a busy year for REME boxing. A completechange of committee positions, two Corps level events andsome of our Corps boxers being selected to join the Army teamensured that REME boxing’s profile continued to grow. The twomajor events hosted by 11 Trg Bn were the REME v RLC Cham-pionships and the REME Corps Championships. Both eveningsshowcased the excellent standard of boxers within the Corpsand helped build and develop new REME boxers.

REME v RLC ChampionshipOn 10 July 2014, 11 Trg Bn REME hosted the REME v RLC Cham-pionship. In order to select a team and prepare for the Cham-pionships, a two week training camp was run by Sgt Hellens(Head Coach) and SSgt Rose (Corps Secretary). The trainingcamp was held at 11 Trg Bn and soldiers of different trades,from all over the country and as far as Germany competed forthe chance to represent their Corps. During the camp, boxerstrained three times a day working on steady state runs, sprintwork, intense circuit training, boxing technique and skills ses-sions, culminating in several rounds of technical and opensparring.When pairing boxers to host an event, it is always difficult to

make matches due to the different weight categories, experi-ence and class available from both squads; as a result unfortu-nately not all the boxers who attended the training camp wereable to represent their Corps, even though they were up to thejob.On the night, the following soldiers represented the Corps:

LCpl Aniel Vilkhou, Cfn Arron Black, LCpl Michael Hymas, CfnMikey Adams, Cfn Luke Akers, LCpl Pete Lines, LCpl AidanThompson, LCpl Salieu Jobe, Cpl Daniel Thompson, Sgt Chris

2014 REVIEWBy Capt Matt Frost and SSgt Davie Rose

LCpl Hymas puts on a boxing masterclass against the RLC


therefore knew they were in a very evenly matched bout. LtCoward boxed at range; maybe in respect of his opponentspunch power, whilst Cfn Thomas moved in, closing his oppo-nent down. Both boxers showed good defences, but Lt Cowardhad the edge in speed and got the nod from the judges afterthree extremely close rounds.The contest for the light heavyweight title was between LCpl

Jobe (3 Armd CS Bn REME) and LCpl Domagalski (6 Armd CS BnREME). Again, both these boxers had sparred together andknew they had a tough bout ahead. LCpl Jobe had the reachadvantage and boxed well at range to trouble his opponentthroughout the whole fight. LCpl Domagalski had to rely on hisvery good ring fitness and speed which allowed him to get inand out of range to score enough points to secure the win. The last fight of the night was an Open Class light heavy-

weight bout between Cfn Jones (10 Trg Bn REME) v Cfn Gray (3AAC Wksp). The contest was fought over three x three minuterounds and was Cfn Jones’ first fight as a senior; also his firstfight within the military. Both boxers put on a very good showand displayed the skills expected at this standard. It was a clas-sic case of boxer versus brawler; Jones a southpaw, at six footfive inches tall was always going to be hard to pin down. Thisdid not deter the ever trying Cfn Gray who gave his all for thefull nine minutes. Cfn Jones’ superior skill and hand speedallowed him to control the contest throughout. Cfn Jones knewhe was in a fight but the verdict was never in doubt. Jones gotthe decision and has the potential to do very well in the sport.Cfn Gray also put on an admirable performance and will hope-fully come back stronger. After a hard fought evening that included a fantastic display

of boxing ability and a high level fitness from all entrants, 11 TrgBn REME, coached by Cpl James Allen, narrowly beat 6 ArmdCS Bn REME, coached by LCpl Liam Kirk, three wins to two, tobe crowned REME Team Champions 2014. The quality of boxersand high levels of moral and physical courage was on showthroughout the night, demonstrating the high calibre of REMEsoldiers.

Corps Boxing CommitteeLast year there was a complete change of Committee, with CaptFrost moving in to replace Capt Hosken as Corps Boxing Offi-cer, Sgt Richardson stepping in to replace SSgt Rose as Assis-tant Coach as he stepped up to replace SSgt Brown as CorpsSecretary. The major change for the season was Cpl James

which led to him having a comfortable win. The next bout wasa female bout between LCpl Watson (7 AA Bn) and LCpl Metters(6 Armd CS Bn), this was arguably the best bout of the nightand had the crowds on their feet. As ever, LCpl Watson put ona great show although it wasn’t quite enough and the victorywent to a very impressive LCpl Metters – this was her first bout!Another female bout followed, this time between LCpl Sin-

gleton (27 Regt RLC Wksp) and Cfn Garland-Ridding (6 ArmdCS Bn REME). It was a very close contest with LCpl Singletonboxing a very courageous fight on the front foot to secure awin. Cfn Black (11 Trg Bn REME) took on 2013 Army individualwinner LCpl Vilkhou (3 Armd CS Bn) for the lightweight title.Cfn Black raised his game and fought his best fight to date, butLCpl Vilkhou’s skill and experience proved too much in the endand he won the contest on points. Next was an experienced LCpl Hymas against a ‘first bouter’

Cfn Newbery (both 11 Trg Bn REME) for the light welterweighttitle, Newbery’s determination and fitness troubled Hymasthroughout the fight but it was not enough to win; LCpl Hymastook the title via a split decision.After the interval a highly anticipated bout for the welter-

weight title between LCpl Allen (36 Engr Regt Wksp) and LCplThompson (1 CS Bn) took place. There were some goodexchanges from both fighters in the first round, which washeading to be a good fight as expected. Unfortunately, it wasstopped in the second round as LCpl Allen sustained a cut onhis eye due to a head clash and enforcing the new rules, LCplThompson was awarded the victory. Watch this space for arematch!Next was Lt Coward (11 Trg Bn REME) v Cfn Thomas (36 Engr

Regt Wksp), both boxers had sparred together previously and

Cfn Black feeding LCpl Vilkhou some leather

LCpl Allen and LCpl Thompson trading blows in one of thestandout fights of the night



Allen replacing Sgt Hellens as Corps Head Coach. Sgt Hellensleft after five years involvement with the Corps team, three ofwhich were as Head Coach. During this time his dedication,knowledge and experience helped establish a strong REMEteam, which is highly respected throughout the Army. Cpl Allenis a perfect successor for the role as Head Coach as he joins theteam after completing nine seasons on the Army team, duringwhich he achieved great success, some of the highlights areincluded below. All this knowledge he brings to the REME teamwill continue to ensure that the REME is held within highregard within the Army boxing community. • 90 bouts with 65 wins• Inter Service champion from 2005-2014• National Elite ABA Champion 2009• GB Finalist 2009• National Elite ABA Finalist 2010• England International• Captained his country on a number of occasions• Top 10 ranking in the country for over 10 years• Still currently ranked number 7 in English rankings• Upcoming Events

REME v Liverpool SelectAs it’s important to keep the Army in the public eye, REME box-ing, driven by Sgt Richardson, has been involved over the lastcouple of years by competing in events throughout the Liver-pool area. It offers REME boxers the chance to put their boxingskills to the test against civilian opponents and gain valuableexperience. The next event will be contested on 24 April 2015as the REME team will travel to face a select group of boxersfrom around the Liverpool area. Prior to this, from the 13-24April, a two week training camp will be held in Liverpool, inorder to prepare and select boxers to represent their Corps.The camp will include the team visiting local clubs to trainalongside civilian boxers of all standards. This offers a greatopportunity not only for our boxers to gain valuablesparring experience, but puts Army personnelamongst the civilian community which in turn pro-motes REME. A call in notice and admin instructionwill be promulgated to all REME units, requestingsupport for the training camp and event. It is encour-aged that all Unit Boxing Officers and Coaches sup-port this event.

Clash of the TradesAs a final send off to the two REME training battal-ions, on 25 June 2015, 11 Trg Bn REME will host the‘Clash of the Trades.’ Due to the move to Lyneham,this will be a merger of the annual 10 v 11 Trg BnChampionship and the Individual Corps Champi-onships. It will be open to any serving member ofREME who has been through either of the two train-ing battalions. This will give boxers the chance torepresent their training battalion and trade and havethe final say over who is the superior trade! Prior tothis there will be a two week training camp, whichpotential boxers and unit coaches are encouraged toattend and utilise the experienced Corps coaches. Itis the intention of the committee to hold this eventon the Arborfield Parade Square in order to capturemaximum attendance to give both training battal-

ions a proper send off. A call in notice for this event will be dis-tributed in a timely manner.

REME TeamThe REME Boxing team is always looking to extend the currentsquad therefore if any REME soldier wishes to have the oppor-tunity to trial for the squad then they should express theirinterest to the committee, via their appropriate chain of com-mand. The two week training camps are ideal to get noticed bythe Corps coaches and get involved in REME boxing. The REMEv RLC championship two week training camp identified five tal-ented boxers who were sent on to successfully trial for theArmy boxing team. If any units are hosting a boxing event, it isencouraged to please extend an invitation to the REME CorpsBoxing Committee, so they can identify any new potentialREME and Army boxers.

REME Corps Boxing Committee

Current REME Boxing squadLCpl Aniel Vilkhou LightweightCfn Luke Ackers Light welterweightLCpl Stephanie Wroe LightweightCpl Peter Lines WelterweightLCpl Ben Harper WelterweightLCpl Michael Adams Welterweight LCpl Kye French MiddleweightLCpl Aidan Thompson MiddleweightCfn Liam Jones Light heavyweightLCpl Chris Rogers Light heavyweightLCpl Daniel Thompson Light heavyweightCpl Steven Saunders HeavyweightSgt Chris Tollick Super heavyweight

REME CommitteeChairman: Col MH Joy OBE CEng Officer: Capt ML Frost (: Mil: 94342 2343

Secretary: SSgt D Rose (: Mil: 9679 36261 Head Coach: Cpl J Allen (: Mil: 94342 2661Assistant Coach: Sgt Richardson (: Civ: 01420 485557

Dutch Judo Masters: 17 May 2014

Only weeks after competing in Belgium I was off again competing in the4th Dutch Judo Masters in Rotterdam. I travelled over on the Friday,catching the Channel Tunnel just after lunch and getting into my accom-modation in Rotterdam around 1800hrs.

Looking forward to the weigh in that evening and then being told itwas cancelled due to manpower problems was a slight set back. I wasn’ttoo concerned as I knew I was easily 2kgs under my fighting weight butI still had to be aware of what I ate as you never know what the scaleswill say in the morning.

The event started early as all competitors had to weigh in beforefighting which was an unwanted distraction as this time is normally usedto focus and get in the right frame of mind for the day’s events. Due tothe numbers in my category it was a straight knock out event, so failurewas not acceptable. I had the confidence from Belgium , knowing I

could achieve a podium place already put me in goodstead.

I won my first fight but I could only think that I had a par-ticularly hard, strong player, but unfortunately that was thefeel for the rest of the day. I went on to win my next twofights and got myself into the finals. I went into the finalswith maybe a little too much respect for my opponent asI had already watched him earlier on in the day dispatch allof his opponents with relative ease.

The finals came and I was mixing it up with an outstand-ing player who was strong and very technical but I washolding my own. Going into the final minute, a penaltydown, I needed to do something different and tried anattack that was slightly weak and my opponent capitalisedon it and threw in a counter, catching me off balance send-ing me to the ground.

Slightly gutted with the result I think myself lucky as allof the players I fought that day were good, strong andskilled fighters.

AMCAN Judo Tour: 20-30 May 2014

The AM-CAN International Judo Challenge is an annualJudo event held on Grand Island, New York State. Judoclubs from across America and Canada compete over theweekend, with competitions for juniors, seniors and mas-

Belgium Masters Championship: 27 April 2014

I travelled to Brussels, Belgium on 25 April to compete inthe Belgium Masters Judo Championships, which I havecompeted in for the previous two years, winning bronzethen silver.

The event was far larger this year due to a number ofother events around Europe being cancelled or post-poned. There were around 4-500 individuals from all cor-ners of the world competing at a very high level.

I was slightly nervous coming into this competition as ithad been five months since I last competed, this was myfirst event this season. I had been training very hard for thelast three months, controlling my weight (fighting weight)so I didn’t have to drop weight quickly prior to the event,which would allow me to be stronger and faster. I weighedin the day before, being under by 2Kg after breakfast,which was a surprise and has never happened before.

On the day I found out that I had eight players in my cat-egory and there would be two pools of four with the twotop players from each pool going through to fight for themedals, making it five fights for gold. Five minutes before Iwas due to fight I was informed that it had all changed andthat it was a knock out event which increased the pressureslightly, as I now could not lose a fight. The plus from this was that I nowonly needed to win three fights for gold.

My first fight was against a very tall, strong Belgian who gave me a runfor my money, constantly attacking and defending very well. In the dyingmoments of the contest I caught him with a minor leg sweep taking thefight to the ground where I proceeded to wrap him up like a Christmasbox and pinned him to win by ippon (10 point score). My second fightwent to the ground within the first 10 seconds where I was fortunatelygiven the opportunity for an arm lock which I took and the fight wasover in 22. My third fight was for the gold which was slightly longer butthe same result.

This was a fantastic start to my season as I seemed to have a problemwinning gold last year after taking four silvers and a bronze.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Commanding Offi-cer Shrivenham Station, Wing Commander S Twose as well as WelfareOfficer, Maj E Bell for all of their support.

FOCUS ON JUDOScribe by: WO2 (AQMS) LR Brown

Winning Gold at the Belgium Masters

Dutch Judo Masters



The morning began with the Masters competitionswhich saw WO2 Brown (REME), Cpl Dufley (RLC) andCpl Squires (RE) come away with gold and Cpl Woollen(Signals) winning silver in their groups. All the Masters thenfought in their respective weight groups in the Senior com-petitions with Cpl Squires pulling off the double, winningsilver in the U100kg group and WO2 Brown picking up 4thplace. In the Seniors LCpl Hawkes (RMP) won gold, SprHutchinson (RE) won silver and Lt Lawrence (REME) andGnr Lowe Fassam (RA) came away with bronze. Once allthe fights had finished, the total scores for all the teamswere calculated; the Army Judo Team was awarded theInternational Team trophy and was one point off winningthe Best Overall Team trophy (which went to Jason Mor-ris’s Team, the up and coming USA national squad) . Eachand every fighter showed outstanding commitment andfought with guts and shear dogged determination though-out the day which is a credit to them all. After the tournament there was time for the whole

team to recuperate and visit the sights in Canada. Theseincluded a Memorial Day shopping trip, a visit up the CNtower (for those brave enough), team bonding in CanadaWonderland and sightseeing around Toronto. We werealso very fortunate to return to Full Circle Dojo to have

some coaching from Ron Angus; the chance to train with a ten timesWorld Masters Champion was a great honour and everyone learnt agreat deal. Overall the tour was a great success with the Army Judo team taking

back a total of nine individual medals and one team trophy. The wholeteam performed exceptionally well against very difficult and skilledcompetition; earning praise from the organisers, coaches and competi-tors alike. Everyone gained a huge amount of experience and the resultsbode well for future tournaments. The AMCAN Judo Committee hasalready asked us back for the 43rd AMCAN Challenge, we obviouslymade a very positive impact on them.

British Masters Judo: 18 October 2014 Championships

After returning from a major hip injury I thought I was fit enough tocompete in the British Masters but it wasn’t my fitness that was theissue. After putting in some serious hours on the mat and training veryhard I started my first fight with a relatively calm feel which was unnat-ural for me. I found it very difficult to get my head into the right frameof mind and even though I won what was supposed to be my hardest

ters (over 30s). During its forty year history many international teamshave entered the AM-CAN tournament, with the British Army amongstthem. This year the Army Judo Association sent an eleven man eliteteam to the tournament; lead by WO2 (AQMS) Lee Brown andcoached by Spr Craig Hutchinson.As with all Army Sports, it is always difficult to conduct collective

training due to work commitments. In order to combat this, the tourwas divided into three phases: pre-tournament training, the AM-CANtournament and finally a phase of R&R to reward the competitors. The team landed in Toronto on 20 May and moved to their accom-

modation in Burlington; where we trained for two days at the Full CircleDojo run by Ron and Tracey Angus. Internationally renowned, Ron hasbeen a member of the Canadian Judo Team and Tracey has been a mem-ber of the New Zealand Judo Team. We were incredibly fortunate tohave access to their dojo and made full use of the facilities with SprHutchinson putting the team through their paces twice a day, ensuringwe were at the peak of our fitness prior to the tournament. The team then moved to Buffalo and conducted a final day of training

at the Kin Tora Judo club; a family owned club that has trained athletesof all levels including the American Olympic Team. Prior to the weigh in,the team had a day of final preparation; some managed to squeeze in atrip to Niagara Falls with others opting for a gym session to lose that lastbit of excess weight. The tournament took place on 25 May in theGrand Island Senior High School; for many of us it was out first interna-tional tournament and the nerves began to settle in. Other than individ-ual medals there were also trophies for Best International Team and theBest Overall Team and we were confident we could win both.

WO2 Lee Brown Winner (Gold)

WO2 Lee Brown WO2 Jarvis


Maj Martin Leach

Lt Jonno Lawrence

fight I lost my next two, one by an arm bar and the other by a pin, whichhas never happened. This knocked my confidence and I found that fora few days after the event I was still licking my wounds. I knew I had todo something soon as I had the Army Championship in a few weeks.

Army Judo Championships:30 October 2014

Being the Army Judo Team Manager I had the pleasure of organising andsetting up the venue prior to the event, fortunately I had some excellenthelpers. Once the venue and the final weigh in was complete the fight-ing started with the Team event at 1000hrs. Fortunately we had twoREME teams enter this event and both medalled after fighting somevery hard contests. They narrowly lost out to the Engineer’s Team butboth teams medalled Silver and Bronze which was a good start to theday.

Moving straight into the novice/intermediate and Dan grade compe-tition and once again there was some fantastic fighting going on, on bothmats. I was fortunate enough to have a long rest between the teamevent and my next fights. Stupidly I had entered another two categorieswhich had me fighting the youngsters as well as the old timers. Thefights were hard and in some cases very long but I persevered and cameout the other side with some fantastic mat burns and two very shinygold medals to show for my effort. There were some outstanding dis-plays of Judo throughout the day, which was very encouraging to seeand so many new faces to the sport. I was very surprised to see that asa Corps we have a large number of players who are competing. Hopefully I will be able to organise some training days to get us ready

for the Army Judo Championships in June.

REME Dependents’ Dinghy Sailing Week 2015

Learn to sail, remember long forgotten skills or improve from last season with RYA youth and adult dinghy courses.What: RYA approved dinghy sailing instruction for beginners to

improvers, adults and youths welcome. We suggest 8-10year olds are accompanied by an adult.

Who: Dependants of serving REME personnel (including servingpersonnel attending with dependents). – WHAT do theymean? Dependents can come alone and serving personnel

can also come with dependents?When: 27-31 July 2015Where: Theale Reservoir Dinghy Sailing, Berkshire Sail Training

Centre, RG7 4APCost: £80 per person and this includes RYA certificates and books

(civilian price £250 plus).

Interested? For more information please contact: Maj Bob Todd on : [email protected] or (: Civ: 030679 31632 (Mil: 9352 31632)


marking the successful completion of Phase 1 training. Amongstthe young men and women on parade was our son, Steven; whohad persevered sufficiently to enlist in the Corps despite intensefrustration during stages of thelengthy recruiting process. As we proudly watched himreceive the ‘Best at Drill’ trophywithin his platoon, I was remindedof my own passing off parade; notthe ‘Best at Drill’ award (as anybodywho knows me will testify) but theparade I took part in to mark thecompletion of Junior Company at theold Apprentice College at Arborfield.As I reminisced, my father, Mike (01)Jones, also recollected the time hecompleted his basic training atCaterham as an 18 year old, beforegoing on to complete 22 years’service in the Welsh Guards.While I have seen articles inprevious The Craftsman magazines,detailing two generations in themilitary, I suspect that threeconsecutive generations aresomewhat rarer.

On a cold but sunny day at the end of January, my wife Marion andI, accompanied by my parents and sister, travelled to ATR Pirbrightto watch over 100 young soldiers take part in a pass off parade,Three Generations

By Major Brian Jones

The black and white photos show my son in January this year, me in July 1979 (aged 16) andmy father in March 1959; while the photograph of us today demonstrates the ravages of time -

I require a slightly larger belt these days!

the battalion football team and they had their summer tour toBarcelona.Other events include a three day tour with the Royal Navy, aboardHMS Ocean, to witness the full ship at work. However, we might not beallowed back anytime soon as they had allowed us some time to actuallysail the ship! So in just a short time, there has been so much happeningwithin the LAD and the battalion FOE is already full of ranges andexercises, including a seven week battalion exercise in Belize!Those who have visited will know that the Coldstream Guards LAD issmall, with only three bays, though rather untidy and full of clutter.Therefore, under the direction of WO2 (AQMS) Midgley, ‘Ex SweepClean’ was born! The LAD was rebuilt, keeping only what we actuallyused and then we slapped signs on everything. As a result the LAD ismuch cleaner, LEANer and far more efficient. Everyone knows whereeverything is and there are clear processes for everything. The AQMSmay have OCD, but as he keeps saying, ‘Everything now has its place andevery place now has its thing.’

1st Bn Coldstream Guards returned from OP HERRICK 20 in September2014, after 18 months of Mission Specific Training (MST). During whichtime, the LAD was under a huge workload, with people constantly awayon courses for various vehicles and equipment types, coupled withbattalion training and associated equipment support. The ORBATchanged constantly, with the uplift for Op HERRICK and to come in linewith A2020 8005. The new 8005 has seen the arrival of an AQMS, muchto the pleasure of the armourer, SSgt Chris Hepworth.WO2 (AQMS) Midgley re-structured the LAD somewhat and there isnow a steady rate of promotional courses and instructor courses for theteam. Having a Training NCO in place will help to enable adventuroustraining and other exciting opportunities to take place. There hasalready been a charity event, cycling to Bennécourt in France, boastingan impressive 300 miles! The LAD is an integral part of the battalion andas such we take part in all that the Guards do, (less the drill!) this charityevent was no different. The event was a great week, with plenty oflaughs and plenty of free French wine. Members of the LAD are also in

1st Battalion Coldstream Guards LADIC LAD: WO2 (AQMS) Midgley Scribe: Cfn Kimberlin

Alex Ferguson team talk Clean Sweep

It’s a Clean Sweep!


I n F o r m e r T i m e s 1 8

In 1959, in the final stages of the Malayan Emergency I wasposted as Adjt CRÈME, 17 Gurka Division/OCLF, Seremban,Malaya. The Division included two Gurkha Infantry Brigadesand 28 (Commonwealth) Brigade (Brits, Aussies and Kiwis)and, with OCLF units, was located from Singapore to the Northof Malaya, a distance of several hundred miles. One Brigadehad a detachment in Brunei. OCLF (Overseas CommonwealthLand Forces) included units not part of a Divisional orbat, suchas a Command Workshop, a static Military Hospital, etc. Thesenior REME officer, a full Colonel CREME/ADEME, was sup-ported by 2IC CRÈME and Adjt CREME, both wearing the 17Div sign on their sleeves; a DADEME (Australian) and a StaffCaptain (British) sported OCLF flashes. The Colonel wore aDivisional flash on one sleeve and an OCLF flash on the other!From time to time, HQ REME went on exercise with one ormore of its workshops, leaving the HQ REME OCLF staff andstatic elements of workshops to ‘mind the shop.’ As Adjutant, Iwas responsible for the movement, setting up and running theExercise HQ whilst CRÈME and his 2IC directed operations.The centre of the Malay Peninsula is mostly mountainous jun-gle. The West is the most densely populated and there areextensive rubber and palm oil plantations and alluvial timemines; jungle too. Exercises took place on the more open coastof NE Malaya. In 1959 it was only recently that the East Coastroad had been completed. Previously, the only way to drivealong much of the NE Coast was to wait until the tide went outand drive along the firm sand, with dirt tracks round the occa-sional rocky promontory and ferried across river estuaries.The area was much as it had been for centuries. It may havebeen quite coincidental that HQ was set up on a deserted beachon a beautiful and unspoiled coast! During the 200 miles to theexercise area near Kuantan (Seat of the Sultan of Pahang) mysmall convoy, including detachments from the Gurkha SignalRegiment and 13 Inf Wksp. Passed through a ‘Black Area,’ anarea where there was still a risk of Communist Terrorist activ-ity. I ordered, ‘Load weapons.’ The Gurkhas’ looked eager, theBrits less so. Me? I tried to look calm and collected – and incon-spicuous! After an uneventful transit, we unloaded ourweapons and continued our journey. It was after dark when wereached Kuantan, so I bivouacked on the Padang, a largegrassed area in the middle of town. Not that we got much sleep;Friday morning, long before dawn, the Pandang was echoing toa well-amplified chant calling the faithful to prayer. We struckcamp and moved to the site of Exercise HQ near Cape Tembel-ing a few miles from the mouth of the River Pahang. Having setup by a delightful beach, the Chief Clerk approached me andpointed out that the water in the bowser had been splashingaround for at least two days in a tank of unknown condition. Itshould be dumped and a new supply obtained. The local (colo-nial) District Officer, then still a Brit, advised, ‘Take it from theriver, but sterilise it.’ On seeing the wide, silt laden river, theChief Clerk apologised profusely for throwing away beautifullyclear water as we pumped out a liquid which, after passingthrough the bower’s filter, was still greyish brown, pungentwith chlorine after using a very large amount of sterilisingpowder before it tested safe. On return to camp, CREME hadarrived and told me to strike camp as we were encamped onthe town’s bathing beach, and move a few miles North to CapePelindong where the beach was even better and far fromimportuning boys! Better still, the District Officer allowed me

to take clear, sparkling water, needing no sterilisation, from thetank of a nearby village, on condition it was used only by theHQ and not the main exercise troops, as the spring feeding ithad a limited flow. RHIP!CRÈME and the 2IC were out of the camp most of the timeexercising 10 and 13 Inf Wksps, so I was able to take full advan-tage of tropical sands and seas, cooling off in the shade of casu-rina trees. One afternoon, the Colonel arrived back early and Ihad to be extracted from the sea to assist in issuing revisedorders. I asked for a few moments to get back into uniform. TheColonel responded, ‘Later, later; I need you now in the Com-mand Vehicle. You can dress later, but I must have the neworders prepared for issue this evening.’ Time passed; the sunset. After dark, Standing Orders required long trousers andlong sleeves to be worn as a precaution against Malaria, butstill I was in swimming trunks. In the end, the Colonel con-ducted his Orders Group with his officers in full jungle green,combat kit, armed to the teeth; except for his Adjutant, cladonly in emerald green swimming trunks and flip flops; his onlyweapon a pointer to illustrate the Colonel’s orders on the wallmaps. Needless to say several attendees commented on mydereliction. I retorted, ‘But the trunks are green.’At first, I joined my superiors for the evening meal after theirreturn. I decided to eat earlier when I found that CRÈME’spractice was to buy fish on his way to the exercise location,returning in the evening for it to be cooked for supper. Excel-lent idea, superb fish straight off the boat! Except that, boughtin the morning, the fish lay in the Landrover all day. The tem-perature reached 30oC+ and the fish lost much of its charm.Before the days of ‘military salary’, local practice on Exercisewas for married pads to put their ration allowance in a kitty tobuy food from local sources. As a gesture of thanks to theGurkhas manning the Command Vehicle, fresh chickens werepurchased to supplement their field rations. I was invited tojoin them for an authentic chicken curry that evening. I waspleased, despite the somewhat scrawny nature of the birdsthat the Gurkha Sergeant and I had bought in the local market,squatting on our hunkers haggling. One bought fresher,cheaper that way, but not all my colleagues would do so in pref-erence to visiting Cold Storage, a small supermarket in town,paying a greater fixed price but maintaining their dignity. OneAdmin Officer noted my presence but avoiding eye contact,seemed uncertain whether he should approach the squattingAdjt for directions or continue his search for Cold Storage. Nottoo much English was spoken in Kuatan and locals were pester-ing him. Eventually, to his embarrassment and my amusement,he finally acknowledged my presence, declined my suggestionthat he should join us and asked for directions. On eating thecurry, I found that Gurkha soldiers’ way of preparing chickenfor the pot is to take a chopper to it, bones and all. The tastewas good, but splintered bones were troublesome.The exercise was not all ‘Sun, Sand and Satay.’ We had an outof season monsoon storm with brief flooding. One of my driv-ers managed to impale a sand dune; another blocked the onlyNorth-South road for 150 miles and that via a ferry. CRÈME’sdriver disturbed a scorpion, and I had to get him admitted tothe local civilian hospital where his ‘pillow’ Malay came in use-ful. I never did get back the few dollars I gave him.

A Tropical ExerciseBy KC

air of pride to everyone. New members to the parade wereKeith Allcock 57B and Nev Catchpole. It was great to see newfaces and hopefully we will see even more at the November2015 weekend. All are very welcome to join the merry band.

The array of cap badges and different types of military headdress is a sight to behold, with many from Regiments andCorps long relegated to the history books, but remembered byAOBA members on parade who served with them during theircareer. The display of World War One medals being worn byveterans on parade was very significant compared to previousyears and brought an added interest to this part of the day. Awonderful tribute and honour to relatives involved in that atro-cious war. Medals of fathers, grandfathers, uncles and others,all on display possibly for the first time in many years and thedeep interest shown in the history of them, must have broughta great sense of pride to the wearer. Pride, tinged with sadness,was exhibited when the discussion touched on the hell thoserelatives had gone through during those four long years of war.Our detachment members, John Dennett, Bobby Haslam, DerekScanlon and Jim Gardner were the proud wearers of their rela-tives’ medals from both world wars.

Our form up position on Whitehall for the march past was

The AOBA has been present on the Armistice Parade at White-hall since 2005. Back then, there were only seven on paradeand approximately twelve for the Saturday evening dinner.Fortunately those numbers have grown considerably. In 2014,we had 37 sat down for dinner and 17 on parade. The dinneris held at the Victoria Services Club (VSC) where the majorityof those attending have accommodation booked. Such num-bers ensures an excellent, convivial mood and the presence ofladies brings added atmosphere to the occasion.

Most make a weekend of it, arriving on Friday and departingon Sunday; a few even stay over until Monday morning, takingin one of the West End shows on the Sunday evening, whilstsome simply meet up at Horse Guards Parade on Sundaymorning.

We had a very full programme at the event in November2014. One of our guests, Roy Hatch, (a personal friend of mineand the Para Training Officer with 144 Parachute Field Ambu-lance (PFA) RAMC TA, when I was attached to the unit as theregular training officer), supplied tickets for Saturday after-noons performance of the Armistice service at the Royal AlbertHall. The majority of us took him up on his kind offer and thor-oughly enjoyed the event. Roy has already been in touch withmembers’ regarding tickets for the Saturday afternoon servicefor 2015. Roy, if you read this, a very big thank you is extendedfrom all the AOBA members for your very kind gesture.

This year was very special of course, it being the 100thanniversary of the start of World War One. Those not attendingthe Royal Albert Hall in the afternoon had quite a choice ofrelated events to visit. Gordon Bonner visited the Poppy FieldDisplay at the Tower of London and his comment was, ‘Breath-taking and humbling.’ It was an emotional experience and Gor-don stated that those present viewed the remarkable display insilence or spoke in whispers, with many a tear being shed. Itwas a tremendous tribute to the men and women who gave theultimate sacrifice in that terrible war.

The dinner on Saturday evening was again a great event.New faces around the dinner table included Lt Col (Retd)Bobby Haslam, who took the salute at the AOBA weekendparade in July, accompanied by his son, Maj David Haslam, aserving REME officer and Nev Catchpole. It was excellent toagain have the company of the lads (and their ladies) from 144PFA with four members of the Parachute Regiment Associa-tion.

The arrival on Horse Guards Parade of retired and servingpersonnel taking part in the parade always appears to bring an

Armistice ParadeA O B A C O N T I N G E N T W E E K E N D

Before parade at VSC

Horse Guards before march on


him at the annual AOBA reunion weekend.Unfortunately we may also be losing one of our ardent sup-

porters this year. Gordon Bonner may also be standing down asa long term attendee at the armistice weekend. If this is thecase Gordon, we all sincerely hope that we will continue to seeyou at the AOBA weekends in July.I would like to personally thank all AOBA members who

have supported the weekend over the years. It has been a greatsuccess as an established AOBA calendar event, only possiblewith the supports of those attending. Long may it continue! For any member who would like to join us for the armistice

weekend, please get in touch with me: (: 01324 623740 / 0776112 1673 or : [email protected]

well to the rear this year. In fact, we were very closeto Trafalgar Square, almost shaking hands with LordNelson! A long wait was anticipated before we wereto step off under the command of Col (Retd) BrianHutchins. As earlier stated, AOBA has had a pres-ence on armistice parade at the Cenotaph since 2005but we have never been mentioned. This year how-ever, we hit the jackpot as the AOBA was named anda brief history, together with the significant role ofthe Arborfield Apprentice in the army, was given byDavid Dimbleby as we marched past the Cenotaph!We were also seen on TV, full frontage as weapproached the Cenotaph for the eyes left and more.I think relatives and friends watching at home weremore elated than those taking part and provided agreat talking point after the parade.The armistice parade and day brings the best out

in the British public, showing the pride and respectthey have for the armed forces and veterans. Fromthe minute the march past commences, the publicdo not stop clapping and cheering until the lastdetachment has passed the Cenotaph and the secondsaluting dais, situated opposite the Guards memorial. What issignificant though, is the pride of those on parade. You can seeand personally feel the effort made as the detachments aregiven the ‘Eyes Left’ at the Cenotaph. Everyone seems to growa couple of inches and fill with pride at being part of thisparade, paying their respects to relatives and old servicefriends who lost their lives in combat. Overall, it was a greatday and a wonderful way of paying our respects to all.Col Brian Hutchins will be standing down as the Detachment

Commander when he retires from the post of AOBA Chairman.We all thank him for the tremendous support he has given tothe Armistice parade since 2005 and look forward to seeing

Eyes left at Cenotaph


The Arborfield Old Boys Association annual reunion is to be heldon the weekend of 17-19 July at the Hinckley Island Hotel, Leices-tershire, with a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum on theSaturday morning.If you are an ex-Apprentice and would like to come along then

please join us, you will be made very welcome. It doesn’t matter ifyour time at Arborfield was not completed, or when you attended,it doesn’t matter how your Army career progressed (or didn’t), aslong as you were an Arborfield Apprentice you are eligible to joinour Association.

We are a charitable organisation and can provide, either gener-ally or individually, to members of the College, the Association orformer Apprentices of the School or College and their dependantswho are in conditions of need, hardship or distress.The Association is free to join and the annual fee is only £15. We

have a magazine which is published three times a year and is a greatway to keep in touch. For full details, please contact any of our committee members

via our website: www.arborfieldoldboys.co.uk

The Arborfield Old Boys AssociationAnnual Reunion 2015

On Saturday 24 January 2015, the newStandard was dedicated by the ReverendCaptain George Perera. The ceremony wascarried out to replace the old Standard onwhich the colouring had faded.Approximately 26 people attended theservice including members of the REMEAssociation, partners, family and friends.The service was followed by a buffet at ourREME Association venue, the MoorfieldSports and Social Club in Widnes.The branch has a total of 30 members

who regularly attend meetings and events.New members are invited to join theWidnes REME Association branch; detailsare on our Facebook page – REMEAssociation Widnes.

Dedication of the new REME AssociationStandard at St Pauls Church in Widnes


B O O K R E V I E W

Leah’s FatherBy Former Sgt Lucien P McGrath

Set in the foreseeable future, British-born Douglas Anaconda,founder of the Anaconda Corporation, has lived far beyond thenormal human life-span. His physical appearance and energy of ayounger man are as much a mystery to him as they are to otherssimilarly gifted.

In his earlier life he experienced a series of dreams, none ofwhich he could explain or relate to. Additionally, he has a ‘WalterMitty’ edge to his character which deploys spontaneously fromtime-to-time in certain circumstances to comic and, sometimes,bloody effect.

Melissa Boyd, a London-based journalist and editor of a soon-to-be-launched magazine, journeys to the USA where she has beengranted a series of interviews with the normally reclusiveAnaconda at his home in Colorado. Over a short period of time,the two protagonists become more relaxed in their relationship asAnaconda reveals the complexities of his ‘gift’ – described by thosewho hold it as the ‘honeyed-life.’ He recalls and relates the eventsthat shaped his existence up to the present day: the people he hasknown; stories involving a range of hard-to-believe personalexperiences, from a young boy’s introduction to music, to a Britishsoldier serving as an observer in a US Army unit in Vietnam, to asuccessful musician; the loss of friends and, eventually, becoming awealthy and humane entrepreneur. These experiences also includeintense relationships with a number of women, some of whomhave given him guidance and encouragement during the course ofhis development, one being another holder of the honeyed-life:Karen Zhong, the on-off love of his life.

Melissa’s marriage has been failing for some time and,subsequently, she soon finds herself drawn into a close

relationship withAnaconda, resulting, onher return to the UK, in thebirth of a daughter whomshe names Leah.

Melissa keeps Leah asecret from Douglas, asshe realises thatknowledge of herexistence coupled withthe possibility of himoutliving her would beunbearable for him.Needless to say, Leahhas no idea Douglas isher father and, as sheapproaches her twenty-third year,her mother develops a mysterious and terminal conditionand shortly before her death makes Leah and Douglas – still aliveand firing on all cylinders – aware of each other.

Leah, a design engineer, joins her father and Karen Zhong inColorado, where she learns that she has inherited the honeyed-life.With her everyday existence now inextricably joined with herfather’s, she is determined to take up where her mother left off,with questions of her own. After spending some time with herfather, Leah returns to the UK with most of her questionsanswered, and, consequently, with a growing love andunderstanding of him and his seemingly charmed life. This novelis available from http://www.amazon.co.uk

following charities: The ABF -The Soldiers Charity; The RAFBenevolent Fund; The Royal Marines Charity (Go Commando);SSAFA Bereaved Military Families Support Group; SSAFAForces Help (NI) and Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel Trust.

To mark the withdrawal of all British combat forces fromAfghanistan, I have produced a Roll of Honour dedicated tothe 453 men and women in the Armed Forces who were killedon operations in Afghanistan. The Roll of Honour is a highquality, 200 page landscape volume journal A4 size with hardfront and rear covers in faux leather. The volume will be laidout with three individual full colour photographs per page ofeach serviceman and servicewoman, under the heading of theirregimental/unit cap badge, including a short biography ofeach.

There is also the option to have rank, forename and surnamein gold added to the cover which costs £4; the regiment name(ie Royal Engineers) costs £2 bringing the total cost of the bookto £41. For more details please visit: www.palacebar-racksmemorialgarden.co.uk or : [email protected]

All profits made from the first thousand books will go to the

Afghanistan Memorial Photographic Book 2002-2015Albert D Owens MBE, Memorial Custodian, Palace Barracks Memorial Garden, writes:


At 0900hrs on Monday 9 February 2015, at the REME Museum ofTechnology, its Director, Maj (Retd) Rick Henderson, faced theMeridian TV cameras and On-screen Journalist, Mel Bloor. Mel hadcome to interview Rick about the recent ‘On the Move’ display in theMuseum and to do a piece about the impending move to Lyneham.There is no truth in the rumour that Rick had to use a tub of face-powder to reduce the shine/reflection.

Meridian TV Visit the REME Museum

With Journalist, Mel Bloor As seen on TV!

REME Corps Shop Closure and Online REME ShopIn line with the impending move to Lyneham, the Corps Shop willclose on 25 April to commence the enormous task of packing up.In our endeavour to continue to provide an ongoing shop service

during this time, the shop and the Corps have introduced the new‘Online REME Shop’ which offers easy online payments, updatedinformation with product images, information of upcoming events andlinks to the Association and Museum sites. As part of this upgrade, a new email address has been introduced

replacing all of the previous ones, which will cease to work at the endof April. All email communications should now be directed [email protected] The interim shop service will be as follows:Saturday 25 April – The REME Shop closes at the end of the

Farewell Event.Sunday 26 April – only an online presence will be offered

www.remeshop.org.uk

A collection service is available by appointment only on all ordersfor those based locally to avoid delivery charges.The shop phone will have a limited daily cover with support from

an answer phone service however; we will attempt to return all callswithin 24 hours (weekdays). (: Civ: 01189 763223 Mil: 94251 2223.All future updates on the shop and the serviceavailable will be announced via:The shop website – www.remeshop.org.ukThe shop Facebook – www.facebook.com/REMECORPSSHOPThe Museum website – www.rememuseum.org.ukThe Association website – www.reme-assocation.org.ukAlso with articles in The Craftsman MagazineWe hope that you will continue to support us in the coming chapter

of our stores history and I would like to take this opportunity onbehalf of myself and all previous managers and staff to thank you all foryour support over the years!

Our reader will remember the article, ‘On the Move – The FinalTemporary Exhibition at the REME Museum of Technology,Arborfield’ in the March 2015 edition, page 140, well the movingcontinues and at a pace too. We asked for feedback on, ‘What is your favourite part of the

Museum?’ ‘What would you like to see more of?’ and ‘What is yourbest memory of REME?’ As you can see from all the ‘Post-ItNotes,’ the response was brilliant, thank you.We would now like feedback on: ‘What did you learn from your

visit to the Museum?’ and ‘What is your favourite object / display?’Please send your feedback to: [email protected]

On the Move…Continues

REME Museum of Technology – Last Day in Arborfield – 25 April 2015The REME Museum in Arborfield will close to the public at 1630hrson Saturday 25 April 2015 and to mark this auspicious occasionthere will be an ‘Open Day’ – It’s free entry and all are welcome. Formore details, please visit the website: www.rememuseum.org.uk.It’s the Museum Director’s intention for the Museum to reopen inLyneham in Summer 2016 but as our reader will know, ‘Once you’vecrossed the SL and despite the most detailed planning, anything canhappen!’


Top Post February 2015

COMMUNICATIONS

CORNER…

I received a wonderful letter from Col (Retd) John Davey, regard-ing the articles ‘In Former Times’ by Lt Col (Retd) K Chenneour(KC) which I will forward appropriately. He writes..

Dear Ken,I always find your articles interesting!Although I was too young for National Service, I replaced a National

Service officer on my first posting to 235 Sigs Sqn Wksp in Malta in1962. I had to explain that, although my predecessor had been commis-sioned in his mid-20’s after completing his Electrical Engineering train-ing, I was almost straight out of Sandhurst, aged just 20, with no tech-nical training at all!You mention the need for the two year course at Sandhurst. If my

memory is correct, mine (Jan 60 to Dec 61) only really had one year ofmilitary/officer training whilst the middle three terms were taken uplargely with academic study. Many of the cadets took ‘A’ levels in thattime, whilst I (having come from Welbeck with my ‘A’ levels), studied aninteresting range of subjects from French (very useful when I was postedto France in 1983 and again in 1988) through to more technical subjectswhich very much helped me in my first year of degree training atShrivenham some two years later. One advantage of the long Sandhurstcourse was the ability to attend two overseas training camps (mine werein Portugal, and the Libyan desert), as well as field training at home. I

LETTERto the Editor

Help Us, To Help You,Submit Your Best Article

By Allison Woolley, EditorThe following information is to enable the Editor to preparethe magazine for publication, using as many articles as possi-ble. In order to do so, it is essential that as little time-consum-ing, corrective work as possible is required on the initial sub-missions. T E X TText should be submitted in MS Word and named as per thearticle within. Do not use any formatting, such as columns orMS power point lettering, simple Times New Roman and Font12 is ideal. Unit articles must be cleared by CO or nominatedsubstitute and should be submitted as soon as possible afterthe event. The rank, name, initials and any decorations ofpeople mentioned in an article should be checked prior tosubmission.

P H O T O G R A P H SChasing ‘authors’ for good quality photographs, is anextremely time consuming task for the Editorial staff. Photo-graphs must be submitted separately, (ie not embeddedwithin the MS word document). They must also be in jpeg for-mat and be at least 500kb preferably, 1mb or more. Only pho-tos over 3mb minimum can be considered for the front andback covers.E M A I LThe only email address which should be used is: crafts-

[email protected]. The ‘Subject’ should includethe specific name of the article and the unit if appropriate, egDSEME: Force Troops Command Operational Shooting Com-petition 2014. Please do not use the email title CraftsmanArticle as this hampers all search facilities for related emails.T I M I N G SThe latest submission date is 25th of the month which is twomonths prior to publication, eg 25 September for the Novem-ber edition, which is despatched at the end of October. How-ever, be aware that this does not guarantee that the articlewill be published in that specific edition. It is the earliest dateby which it can be considered for inclusion, though most usu-ally are. There are numerous factors taken into considerationwhen deciding the final contents therefore the Editorreserves the right to delay/delete articles.

like REME www.facebook.com/REMECorpsfollow REME @Official_REME

REME CORPS INSTRUCTION NO B6 - REME CORPORATE IDENTITY AND IMAGEAre you thinking of decorating the HoC in Corps Colours when you move to Lyneham?If so, then you should refer to the Corps colour guidance on the RHQ REME MOSS sight to make sure you are using the correct colours http://cui1-uk.diif.r.mil.uk/r/476/default.aspx

went to the Station Workshop in Tripoli, Libya immediately after myshort tour in Malta.In addition, the feeling was that the two year period gave the oppor-

tunity for those who did not come from an officer background to be grad-ually educated into an appropriate way of life.Yes, life in Hong Kong was really different. Although much time was

spent in the Headquarters, there was the ability to sail both with theArmy at Stanley, and also with civilians at the Royal Hong Kong YachtClub (where I crewed in, and very occasionally skippered, a Dragon).Initially the only foreign holiday easily accessible was to Macau; how-ever, in my second year, a leave scheme paying for flights to Singaporewas introduced. I topped up our flight allowances and went with myfamily to Penang for two weeks.


AATAM All Arms Tactical Aide MemoireB-ISTAR Base Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition

and ReconnaissanceCHE Controlled Humidity EnvironmentCFX Confirmation ExerciseCLM Command Leadership and ManagementCSLR Close Support Logistics RegimentCSS Combat Service SupportEPLS Enhanced Palletised Load SystemESTTI Equipment Support Theatre Technical

InstructionsFDT Force Development and TrainingFEPS Field Electrical Power SystemsFHD FoxhoundFOC Full Operating CapabilityFOE Forecast of EventsFRP Forward Repair PoolFRT Forward Repair TeamFSIAB Fitter Sections in a Box FSR Field Service RepresentativeFTX Final Test ExerciseGLOC Ground Line of Communication GMLRS Guided Multiple Launch Rocket SystemHFT Hybrid Foundation TrainingIOC Interim Operating Capability IR Individual ReplacementsISBs Intermediate Staging BasesLABG Lead Armoured Battle GroupMATTS Military Annual Training TestsMCCP Movement Control Check PointMFD Medically Fully Deployable MLD Medically Limited DeployableMPGA Manpower Planning Guidance and AdviceMST Mission Specific TrainingPAAB Potential Artificer Assessment BoardPFA Personal Fitness AssessmentPPRF Power Pack Repair FacilityRSOI Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and

IntegrationRWMIK Revised Weapons Mount Installation KitSCLM Senior Command Leadership and ManagementSTA Sovereign Training AreaSTTE Specialist Tools and Test EquipmentTERS Theatre Equipment Redeployment SystemTFH Task Force Helmand TMF Tactical Manoeuvre SupportTPDB Trade Proficiency Development BookletTRF Tactical Recognition FlashTXS Theatre Exits Standards UOR Urgent Operational Requirement VAME Vehicles and Major EquipmentVIK Vehicle Installation KitWIS Wounded, Injured and Sick

ACRONYMS EXPLAINED Keeping RHQREME Informedof REME Deaths

By Lt Col (Retd) W J R Barclay, Corps Secretary

‘In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except deathand taxes.’

Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790

Readers will be aware that we regularly and sadly, publishinformation on the death of members of the Corps family.Generally, we will find out about the death very quicklyfrom family members or friends. However from time totime we don’t hear about it until some months after theevent, if at all. A short while ago, we had a letter from aREME Association member who was rightly concernedthat no mention had been made of the passing of anesteemed friend and colleague, some six months earlier. Iwas also recently surprised, gratified, and saddened, toreceive a bequest from a former member of the Corps whohad left money to the REME Benevolent Fund on hisdeath last August. The communication came from thesolicitor dealing with the estate; the surprise was not at thegenerosity of the gift but the fact that this was the first Ihad heard of his sad death.Unfortunately, we at RHQ are not omniscient: unless

someone tells us, we will not know. For various reasons,MOD agencies such as the SPVA will not communicatesuch information to RHQs on a routine basis, so even ifthe death has been reported for pension purposes to theMOD, it does not mean that we will hear about it. If wedon’t hear about it, we cannot inform others.My plea, therefore, is that if you do hear of the sad death

of a member of the Corps family, unless you know that wehave already been informed, please tell us at the detailsbelow or through our facebook page:Secretary REME AssociationMrs Hayley BodmanRHQ REMEBox H075Hazebrouck BarracksArborfieldREADING RG2 9NH(: 94251 2219 01189 763219: [email protected], I am often asked by close friends of deceased

members of the Corps for help regarding career details toassist with the composition of the eulogy for the funeral.Unless such information is filed with RHQ by formermembers of the Corps, we are unable to provide it. Again,MOD rules do not allow RHQ’s routinely to accessrecords of service. However, we are happy to hold yourinformation on file, if you provide it and you have statedthat you are happy for us to release it for this purpose onthe day – hopefully many years hence – when it is needed.The REME Association Office and Association Brancheshold a template that you can use for this purpose if youwish. If you would like to provide a draft obituary as wellwith photos, we will hold these for you also until needed.


EYRE – Former SSgt Vivian Alfred Eyre (Viv) died 16 February 2015,peacefully in his sleep after a short illness, aged 61. Dates of service:1972-1994.DAVIES – Peter Davies died on 24 February 2015, of pneumonia whilston holiday in the Dominican Republic, aged 68. Pete had worked in thePrint Room, Arborfield Garrison for 48 years, as a civil servant and forSERCO, VT and Babcock.FOOT – Former Sgt Geoff Foot, died 3 February, suddenly in TheRoyal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. Condolences to his wife Carole, chil-dren Jim and Sharon and their families.FRENCH – Lt Col (Retd) Robert Dennis MBE died 25 August 2014,aged 94 (less than a month before his 95th birthday). Dates of service:1944-1974.GREEN – Former WO2 (RQMS) David Green died on 9 March 2015,after a period of illness, aged 82. Dates of service: 1958 – 1980. Davidcontinued to serve the Corps for a further 35 years in West Court Offi-cers Mess.LOFTUS – Maj (Retd) Alan Thomas Loftus died 21 February 2015 oflung cancer, aged 77. Dates of service: 1965-1977.MEASEY – Lt Col (Retd) N R Measey (Norman) died 11 February2015, of dementia aged 82. Dates of commissioned service: 1953-1976. NATTRASS – Anthony (Nat) Nattrass, died 5 February 2015, suddenlybut peacefully aged 68. He was an ex Carlisle apprentice (62A).ROWLANDS – Capt (Retd) Norman Rowlands died 13 February 2015from complications after cardiac arrest, aged 74. Dates of commis-sioned service: 1969-1977 commissioned from SSgt (Art Radar).SMITH – Former WO2 (AQMS) Peter Howard Francis Smith died 17February 2015 of dementia, aged 78. Entered the AAS Arborfield in1951 (51B intake) and joined REME 1953.

DEATH NOTICE

Craftsman Anthony(Lombo) Lombardi

Mrs Helen Lombardi invites all friends and former colleagues ofher son, Craftsman Anthony (Lombo) Lombardi, to attend amemorial service on Tuesday 4 August 2015. Anthony was tragi-cally killed in Afghanistan on the 4 August 2009.Helen will be at Anthony’s graveside in Woodlands Crematorium

(Section C), Scunthorpe between 1200-1300 hrs, should anyonewish to pay their respects or visit Anthony’s grave for the first time. The Drum Head Memorial Service is to be held at Budd VC

Barracks, Cottage Beck Road, Scunthorpe, DN16 1TY, starting at

Celebration of Lifeand Memorial Service

FORMER CORPORALC DUIGNAN (CHRIS)

Former LCpl Mark McKay writes:It was with great sadness that I learnt recently of the death of oneof our own, Chris Duignan, who died on Valentine’s Day. It’salways a shock when you hear such news but especially so withChris. He was in all honesty, one of the loveliest blokes that youcould meet and he really was larger than life. I can’t pinpoint theexact moment that I met Chris but it seemed that he was justthere, sometime when we were at Middle Wallop. Our mutual loveof life and a good laugh was theperfect start to our friendship andsome of my happiest memoriesare with Chris when we were bothser ving in Nor thern Irelandtogether. I recall us heading toBelfast to a concert dressed in themost horrific second hand cloth-ing that you can imagine and twoheavily armed RUC Officersbehind us in the queue in KFC,chuckling at the state of us. Weweren’t bothered that there wasno ceasefire in place and we wenton to win £50 in a ‘Best Dressed’competition at the gig, despite thefact we weren’t even aware therewas a competition! Chris could never do enough for you andeveryone loved him; personally I can’t think of any better legacy toleave than that. I only wish that we might have been able to tellChris how much we loved him before he was taken from us. ChrisDuignan was truly one of life’s gentlemen and I am proud to havebeen his friend. Stand easy brother and I know that you’ll be mak-ing everyone smile, wherever you may be now my friend.

April 2015Lieutenant ColonelD E Hall SO1 ES HQ 101 Log Bde 13 Apr 15

MajorK M McKendrick ICSC Cse DEFAC 13 Apr 15I E Sands SO2 Offr Trg DSEME Lyneham 02 Feb 15S N Wadham OC 73 Coy 7 AA Bn REME 27 Apr 15E G Watters SO2 Ops Sp BPST Nairobi 15 Mar 15G A O White OC HQ Coy 7 AA Bn REME 07 Apr 15E J M Wigmore OC 3 CS Bn REME 13 Apr 15

CaptainA Corrigan PJHQ Army EME KSU 02 Mar 15P A Ludlow Pl Comd 3 CS Bn REME 01 Mar 15S D Nel OLAE 11 Trg Bn REME 02 Mar 15

LieutenantK R Axon 2IC 8 Fd Coy 7 AA Bn REME 14 Apr 15R Billingham Coy 2IC 1 CS Bn REME 14 Apr 15B J Goodacre Pl Comd 1 Coy 5 Bn REME 14 Apr 15C D Jones Pl Comd ATC (P) 2 Regt 14 Apr 15J G H Onstenk Coy 2IC 4 Armd CS Bn REME 14 Apr 15A T Starr OC MTW BFSAI JFLU 16 Mar 15

OFFICER ASSIGNMENTS

Battlefield Tours(Prices based on 40 travelling via Dover)

Ypres Passchendaele Somme Cambrai Dunkirk3 days from £159 4 days from £209 5 days from £255

Normandy Arnhem Rhine Crossing4 days from £235

Galina International Battlefield Tours16 Bridge Street RowChester CH1 1NQTel: 01244 340777www.wartours.com

Official Tour Operators to the Normandy Veterans’ Association

1400 hrs. After the service, the bar will be open and a light buffetwill be available. Entertainment will be self-generated and is likelyto be in the form of the ‘Lombo Dance Off’ to celebrate Anthony’slife and to remember happier times.For more information or to confirm attendance please contact

Capt Wayne Eynon, PSAO, 147 Fd Coy on (: 01724 869159 or: [email protected]


10 February 2015REGULAR ARMY

Regular Commissions (Late Entry)Lieutenant Colonel M.J. TIZARD 545401 retires 8 February2015

RESERVE ARMYGroup AMajor A.M MILTON 562569 retires 6 November 2014Captain R. ERSKINE 30028959 retires 11 August 2014


Regular Commissions Lieutenant Colonel C. W. METCALFE 507494 retires 20November 2014Major M. A. BRITTON 562736 from Intermediate Regular Com-mission 6 November 2014 to be Major with seniority 31 July2014Major D. S. BUCHANAN 563894 from Intermediate RegularCommission 6 November 2014 to be Major with seniority 31July 2014Major D. FINNER 563579 from Intermediate Regular Commis-sion 6 November 2014 to be Major with seniority 31 July 2014Major A. HUGGINS 560241 from Intermediate Regular Commis-sion 6 November 2014 to be Major with seniority 31 July 2012Major R. JENKINS 559609 from Intermediate Regular Commis-sion 6 November 2014 to be Major with seniority 31 July 2012Major S. N. LETTS 560265 from Intermediate Regular Commis-sion 6 November 2014 to be Major with seniority 31 July 2012Major A. LOWE 565317 from Intermediate Regular Commission6 November 2014 to be Major with seniority 31 July 2014Major J. N. ROBERTSON 560328 from Intermediate RegularCommission 6 November 2014 to be Major with seniority 31July 2012Major N. C. WHITEHEAD 560374 from Intermediate RegularCommission 6 November 2014 to be Major with seniority 31July 2012Captain J. G. TUCKER 565382 from Intermediate Regular Com-mission 6 November 2004 to be Captain with seniority 12August 2011Captain R. CALDER 565230 from Intermediate Regular Com-mission 6 November 2014 to be Captain with seniority 12 Feb-ruary 2009Captain S. T. DICKSON 25166758 from Intermediate RegularCommission 6 November 2014 to be Captain with seniority 15June 2010Captain J. P. SEWELL 25197747 from Intermediate RegularCommission 6 November 2014 to be Captain with seniority 9February 2011Intermediate Regular Commissions (Late Entry)Major J. P. SWAN 559470 retires 24 November 2014


Regular Commissions Major M. T. GREENSMITH 556362 from Intermediate RegularCommission 6 November 2014 to be Major with seniority 31July 2010

3 March 2015REGULAR ARMY

Intermediate Regular Commissions (Late Entry)Major G. M. SOWERBY 561264 retires 1 March 2015

Extracts from theLondon Gazette

REME BENEVOLENT FUNDThe Trustees of the REME Benevolent Fund acknowledge with sin-cere thanks the donations received during the month of February2014. They also wish to acknowledge the regular subscriptionsreceived from the Officers and Soldiers in the Corps and retiredmembers of the REME Institution:DonationsMr Hilary Wren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£10.00Mrs Maxine Warrington, in memory of Stephen Michael Warrington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£600.00St Eligius Church concert, January . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£150.00The estate of Lt Col Robert Dennis French . . . . . . . . . .£1,500.00The estate of Major General Hugh Macdonald-Smith . . .£1,000.00Virgin Money Giving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£8.00Grants MadeSince 1 January 2015, 53 applications for financial assistance havebeen received, which included nine received in 2014. The ExecutiveCommittee has authorised grants totalling £20,070.85 which is anaverage grant of £378.70.

If you would like to see how your money is spent we welcomeone or two observers at the Benevolent Fund meetings. Themeetings are held midweek, approximately every three weeks, ifyou would like to observe a meeting please contact the Ben FundSecretary ( Mil: 94251 2219 Civ: 0118 9763219 in the firstinstance.

Anyone wishing to leave a legacy to the REME Benevolent Fund, which is exempt from inheritance tax, can add a codicil

to their will. Our registered charity number is 246967

Corps and Garrison Church of St. Eligius

Concert for April16th April 2015, 1230hrs

Guy Murgatroyd, PianoAdmission free and includes interval refreshments

To secure your seat and refreshments, book early bycontacting Rita Le Var (: 01252 372320

: [email protected]

Orienteering ChampionshipsThe REME Orienteering Championships will take place on 11June 2015 at Everleigh (North of Tidworth). The Corps is thecurrent U25 Inter-Corps champion and it is sensible to encour-age young talent to retain this title and develop individuals tobe able to represent the Corps at the senior level.All units are requested to add this date to the diary and notethe following:1. You don’t have to wear ‘geeky clothing’ or be some kind offell runner to participate.2. You can compete but it is a recommended that you attend abasics course or at least are familiarised with orienteeringmap colours and symbols before attending.3. Orienteering supports MATT 5.Further details will be issued down the CoC shortly.


Licence Acquisition:For those that would like to learn to paraglide, thereare two centres which run regular summer coursesand are always in need of more volunteers to attend.Bids through Bavarian School (Germany):(: Mil 94879 2918.Crickhowell (Wales): Online booking through theAdventure Training Group website (Army Net accessrequired).

Activity DatesEx Granada Glide 22 March - 4 April 2015Peaks Wings 20 April - 1 May 2015Shropshire Wings 15 - 25th May 2015Inter Service Championships 12 - 19 June 2015Ozone Open Chabre 26 June - 3 July 2015Gin Wide Open 4 - 11 July 2015Hang gliding Open 3 x roundsPeidraheta September (TBC) 2015Paragliding Concentration November 2015Army Trg Camp Slovenia Check slots and research

Finally I must encourage all REME pilots who are thinking of, or who have recently passed, either an EP or CPcourse to join the Association. We are inundated with events in 2015, which include something for the newlyqualified pilot as well as the experienced cross country hound. If you are interested in anything from a tandemflight to getting your hands on a loan of the REME wing or even just information on the summer fixtures phone:

WO1 (ASM) Paul Bingham, 1UKXX ES OPs (: Mil: 94882 3616 or : [email protected]

The REME Hang Gliding and Paragliding Association 2015 season is now under-way with a plethora of events throughout the whole summer (see below).

REME Hang Glidingand ParaglidingAssociation

REME Golf High Handicap

ChampionshipsPaultons Golf Centre

Wednesday 22 April 2015The REME Golf High Handicap Championships is an

excellent opportunity for old or new golfers to play acompetitive round of golf in a friendly and comfortableatmosphere. The competition is open to all golfers inthe Corps with handicaps between 19-28 for men and

19-36 for women.

Format:Bacon roll and Coffee upon arrival 9 Hole Texas Scramble Competition

Lunch 18 Hole Stableford Competition (Individual)

2 course meal

The high handicappers of today are the future of CorpsGolf, so please come along and make yourself known.

For further information and entrydetails please contact the POCPOC: WO1 (ASM) Chris Flynn( Military: 94251 2414

: DSEME-11Bn [email protected]

33rd Annual ReunionOld and Bold 2015

REME Units Arborfield and REME Arborfield FCThe 33rd Annual Reunion of the REME ArborfieldFootball fraternity will be held in Arborfield onFriday 29 May and Saturday 30 May

(FA Cup Final weekend)

The contact for the occasion is Danny McIvor, who needs no introduction and is still working!

(: Mil 94251 Ext 3577 or Civ: 0118 9763577: [email protected]

or [email protected]

This is the last reunion in Arborfield before the move to Lynehamlater in 2015 and it is hoped that there will be a bumper turnout forwhat is likely to be a very emotional occasion. Those who have anyconnection with football in Arborfield over the years are urged toattend and meet up with those friends and colleagues who have

not been together for many years.The format will be a social evening in the football club on Friday

evening, a golf tournament on Saturday morning followed by thematch itself in the afternoon and a dinner in the evening. An Ad-

ministrative Order will be issued later with full detail and timings.

Places are limited so please book early!!Please contact Danny as soon aspossible to indicate you will be

attending and if you are likely to wantto play. Age is no barrier, particularly as

the Referee will be nearly 75 - so youshould be able to keep up.


THE VERY LAST SEAE RFC ANNUALDINNER AND PRESIDENT’S XV

THE 33RD ANNUAL REUNION OFTHE REME ARBORFIELDFOOTBALL FRATERNITY

NOTICES

This momentous occasion will be held on Friday 8 May2015 at Arborfield. All serving and former members ever in-volved in the club are cordially invited to attend what will be

a most enjoyable send off. Uptake is likely to be high!To express your interest and confirm you would like to at-

tend, contact either: SSgt ‘Dolph’ Kennedy(: (Mil) 94251 2422 (Civ) 01189 763422

: [email protected] or Lesley Lallament(: (Mil) 94251 2663 (Civ) 01189 763663If you wish to play for the President’s XV

please contact either of the above.

THE BROXHEAD CLUBREME Reserve Officers Dining Club

The 38th Annual Reunion Dinner of The Broxhead Club willbe held at West Court Officers’ Mess, Arborfield on Friday 8

May 2015. Accommodation will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Any REME Reserve officer, serving or retired, who is not yetin touch with the club is invited to contact the Hon Sec,

Capt (Retd) Guy Smales MBE TD on (: 023 8026 1208 or : [email protected] for details of membership.

BEACHLEY OLD BOYS’ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL REUNION 18-20 SEPTEMBER 2015To be held at Beachley Barracks/Chepstow Racecourse

All Ex Beachley Boys and Staff, together with partners arewelcome. For further information please visit our website:www.armyapprenticescollege.homestead.com or contact:

Reunion Secretary: Mr Peter Burridge (: 01305 835989 or07716405587 : [email protected]

The 33rd Annual Reunion of the REME Arborfield Footballfraternity will be held in Arborfield on Friday 29 May and

Saturday 30 May (FA Cup Final weekend).This is the last reunion in Arborfield before the move toLyneham later in 2015 and it is hoped that there will be abumper turnout for what is likely to be a very emotionaloccasion. Those who have any connection with football inArborfield over the years are urged to attend and meet upwith those friends and colleagues who have not been

together for many years.The format will be a social evening in the football club onFriday evening, a golf tournament on Saturday morning

followed by the match itself in the afternoon and a dinner inthe evening.

An Administrative Order will be issued later with full detail and timings.

The contact for the occasion is Danny McIvor, who needsno introduction and is still working!

(: Mil 94251 Ext 3577 or Civil 0118 9763577 : [email protected] [email protected]

Please contact Danny as soon as possible to indicate youwill be attending and if you are likely to want to play.

Age is no barrier, particularly as the referee will be nearly75 - so you should be able to keep up.

To be held in the Sgts’ Mess, DSEME, 10 Trg Bn REME, Bordon

Friday 5 and Saturday 6 June 2015All serving and former Recovery Mechanic WO’s & SNCO’s

are welcome to attendFor further details please contact Sgt Richie Street MC:

: DSEME-10Bn-QCoy-Rec-Instr-08or [email protected]

(: Mil 94291 5557 Civil 01420 485557

‘FINAL BORDON’ RECOVERYMECHANICS WO’S &SNCO’S REUNION

ARMY APPRENTICES’ NATIONALMEMORIAL TRUST

Annual General Meeting and Trustees’ DinnerThe Annual General Meeting of the Army Apprentices’

National Memorial Trust will be held at 1300hrs on Saturday 9May 2015 in the Poppy Room of the National MemorialArboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire. All ex-Apprentices are

invited to attend. An agenda for the meeting and the minutes ofthe 2014 AGM will be published shortly and copies will be

available at the meeting.A memorial drumhead service will be held at 1100hrs onSunday 10 May 2015, at the Army Apprentices’ NationalMemorial in the National Memorial Arboretum. Reverend

Garry Kelly (67C Carlisle) will officiate and the Standards ofArborfield, Carlisle, Chepstow and Harrogate will be onparade. Major General JD Stokoe CB CBE, Patron and ex-Harrogate Apprentice, will be on parade together with the

Burton Citadel Salvation Army Band, pipers and bugler. All ex-Apprentices are warmly invited to attend.

The Trustees will also be hosting a dinner at The MenziesCourt Hotel in Mickleover, Derby at 1930hrs on Saturday 9May 2015. All ex-Army Apprentices and their partners are

warmly invited to attend. In addition to the dinner, there will bea cabaret starring Johnny Victory who will feature songs andmusic from the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. There will be a voluntarycollection at the dinner to defray the £300 cost of the cabaret.The hotel is offering a special discounted rate of £95 per singleroom and £132 per double room inclusive of bed, breakfast andthe Trustees’ Dinner. To book a room please contact the hotel,quoting ‘Army Apprentices’ Reunion’ on (: 01332 521234.

Information on the hotel can be found atwww.menzieshotels.co.uk.

Further information can be obtained from David Cooper,Hon Sec AANM Trust: : [email protected]


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