the yorkshire regiment journal

Transcription

THE YORKSHIRE
REGIMENT JOURNAL
SPRING 2013 � EDITION 14
Registered Charity Number: 1141329
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The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Contents
Published in Spring and Autumn
Method Publishing
A division of Scottish Provincial Press
Foreword.............................................................................................................................2
Regimental Information....................................................................................................3
Editorial..............................................................................................................................6
Honours and Awards.........................................................................................................7
London Gazette Entries....................................................................................................7
New Officers.....................................................................................................................10
Regimental Headquarters................................................................................................11
Forecast of Events............................................................................................................12
1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment..........................................................................15
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment.........................................................................29
3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment.........................................................................47
4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment.........................................................................57
The Infantry Training Centre (Catterick).....................................................................76
Cadet Units of The Yorkshire Regiment.......................................................................79
Regimental Association/Area HQs.................................................................................88
Affiliated and Allied Units.............................................................................................92
Miscellaneous Articles.....................................................................................................96
Book Reviews...................................................................................................................99
Regimental Dress and Accoutrements.........................................................................100
Design and Typography:
© Method Publishing 2013
Editorial Matter and Photographs:
Crown Copyright 2013
Editorial Office:
The Editor: Major M L Sullivan
Regimental Headquarters,
The Yorkshire Regiment,
3 Tower Street,
YORK Y01 9SB
Tel: 01904 461018
Fax: 01904 461021
Email: [email protected]
Web-site: www.army.mod.uk/yorks
Advertisement Office (UK):
Method Publishing, Sutherland Press House,
Main Street, Golspie,
Sutherland KW10 6RA
Tel: 01408 633871 Fax: 01408 633876
Advertisement Office (Germany):
Method Publishing, Lumsden Kaserne (MB 55),
Oerbke-Lager,
29683 Fallingbostel, Germany
Tel: 05162 91005 Fax: 05162 91006
Views expressed in this Magazine, unless stated otherwise, are those of
the author alone and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of
the Regiment or the Ministry of Defence.
No responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised in
this Magazine can be accepted by the Publishers or Printers and
advertisements are accepted on the express condition that the
advertiser warrants that they in no way contravene the provisions of
The Trades Descriptions Act 1968 nor any other prevailing legislation in
the United Kingdom.
The Publishers reserve the right to refuse acceptance of any
advertisement without stating a reason.
FRONT COVER:
At last, a welcome return to some normality
with sport and adventurous training!
The 3rd Battalion during their post-Op HERRICK Homecoming Parade in York.
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The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
FOREWORD BY
THE DEPUTY COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT
MAJOR GENERAL RL KIRKLAND CBE
As Deputy Colonel, I welcome this opportunity to write the
foreword for the journal at a time of great change. This year, the
Regiment will undergo a merger of its regular battalions. We took
a collective decision as a Board to embrace the opportunity this
offers to strengthen our identity, to focus our efforts to attract and
nurture talent and improve the manner by which we operate as a
Regiment. We have drawn much praise from the Army command
for the way in which we have leant into this change, rather than
allowing our past to get in the way of our future. Whilst we
cherish our history and our antecedent past, we are determined to
use it in a way that advances the Regiment going forward.
The strategy paper which sets out how we will develop our future
has been circulated widely. It spells out the key features of our
identity and that which makes us different and unique within the
Army. I was particularly pleased to see sport being featured in
this paper. There is a strong reference to our continuing ability
to deliver excellence in sport as it helps to set us apart from other
Infantry regiments. There is no doubt that we punch above
our weight on the sports field. As a Divisional GOC in my last
appointment, I was disheartened to see how little sport was being
played elsewhere within the Infantry. The pressures of continuing
operational service had led many to curtail entering teams in
sports events and competitions.
This was a mistake on a number of levels. Taking part in
sport contributes to operational effectiveness. It promotes self
discipline, esprit-de-corps and raises standards of fitness and
endurance. It brings out the best in people and stimulates
the hunger to win on the field and on the battleground. It is
critical to welfare and morale and contributes to the physical and
psychological rehabilitation of soldiers who have been in combat.
Sport is part of our Regimental ethos. The strategy paper makes
clear that we will seek widespread participation and excellence in
certain designated sports. Our ambition is high: we want to be
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winners. In our antecedent past, we have been Army champions
in rugby (both league and union), athletics, skiing, football and
boxing. There is every good reason why this particular element of
our past should be delivered in our future.
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
THE BATTLE HONOURS
The World War 1 and World War 2 Honours, with those on the
Queen’s Colours shown in bold:
The Great War – Mons, Le Cateau, Retreat from Mons, Marne 1914,
18, Aisne 1914, 18, Armentieres 1914, La Bassee, Ypres 1914, 15,
17, 18, Langemarck 1914, 17, Gheluvelt, Nonne Boschen, Neuve
Chapelle, Hill 60, Gravenstafel, St Julian, Frezenberg, Bellewaarde,
Aubers, Festubert, Hooge 1915, Loos, Somme 1916, 18, Albert
1916, 18, Bazentine, Delville Wood, Pozieres, Flers-Courcelette,
Morval, Thiepval, Le Transloy, Ancre Heights, Ancre 1916, Arras
1916, 1917, 18, Scarpe 1917, 18, Arleux, Oppy, Bullecourt, Hill
70, Messines 1917, 18, Pilckem, Langemarck 1917, Menin Road,
Polygon Wood, Broodseinde, Poelcappelle, Passchendaele, Cambrai
1917, 18, St Quentin, Bapaume 1918, Rosieres, Ancre 1918, Villers
Bretonneux, Lys, Estaires, Hazebrouck, Bailleul, Kemmel, Bethune,
Scherpenberg, Marne 1918, Tardenois, Amiens, Drocourt-Queant,
Hindenburg Line, Havrincourt, Epehy, Canal du Nord, St Quentin
Canal, Beaurevoir, Selle, Valenciennes, Sambre, France and
Flanders, 1914-18, Piave, Vittorio Veneto, Italy 1917-18, Struma,
Doiran 1917, Macedonia 1915-18, Suvla, Landing at Suvla, Scimitar
Hill, Gallipoli 1915, Egypt 1915-16, Archangel 1918.
The Second World War – Otta, Norway 1940, Withdrawal to
Escaut, Defence of Escaut, Defence of Arras, French Frontier
1940, Ypres-Comines Canal, Dunkirk 1940, St Valery en Caux,
Normandy Landing, Tilly sur Seulles, Odon, Fontenay le Pesnil,
Caen, Bourguebus Ridge, Troarn, Mont Pincon, St Pierre la
Vielle, Gheel, Nederrijn, Aam, Venraij, Rhineland, Schaddenhof,
Brinkum, Bremen, North West Europe 1940, 44-45, Jebel Dafeis,
Keren, Ad Teclescan, Abyssinia 1940-41, Gazala, Cauldron, Mersa
Matruh, Defence of Alamein Line, El Alamein, Mareth, Wadi
Zigzaou, Akarit, North Africa 1940-42, 1942-43, 1943, Banana
Ridge, Medjez Plain, Guirat el Atach Ridge, Tunis, Djebel Bou
Aoukaz 1943, Primasole Bridge, Landing in Sicily, Lentini,
Sicily 1943, Minturno, Anzio, Campoleone, Rome, Monte Ceco,
Italy 1943-44, 43-45, Sittang 1942, 45, Pegu 1942, Paungde,
Yenangyaung 1942, North Arakan, Maungdaw, Defence of
Sinzweya, Imphal, Bishenpur, Kanglatonbi, Kohima, Meiktila,
Capture of Meiktila, Defence of Meiktila, Rangoon Road,
Pyawbwe, Arakan Beaches, Chindits 1944, Burma 1942-45.
The Honours held on Regimental Colours:
Namur 1695, Blenheim, Ramillies, Oudenarde, Malplaquet,
Dettingen, Louisburg, Quebec 1759, Belleisle, Martinique 1762,
Havannah, St Lucia 1778, Mysore, Martinique 1794, 1809,
Tournay, Seringapatam, Ally Ghur, Delhi 1803, Leswarree, Deig,
Corunna, Guadaloupe 1810, Java, Nive, Peninsula, Waterloo,
Bhurtpore, Alma, Inkerman, Sevastopol, New Zealand,
Abyssinia, Afghanistan 1879-80, Tirah, Relief of Kimberley,
Paardeburg, Relief of Ladysmith, South Africa 1899-1902,
Afghanistan 1919, The Hook 1953, Korea 1952-53, Iraq 2003.
Honorary Distinctions:
The Leeds Rifles – The Badge of the Royal Tank Regiment,
with dates 1942-45 and scrolls: North Africa and Italy. The Croix
de Guerre – awarded to the 8th Battalion The West Yorkshire
Regiment for the Capture of the Montaigne de Bligny in 1918.
The 76th Regiment of Foot – Honorary Colours presented by the
East India Company in 1808.
Colonel in Chief
His Royal Highness The Duke of York KG
Deputy Colonel in Chief
Brigadier His Grace The Duke of Wellington KG LVO OBE MC BA DL
The Colonel of The Regiment
Major General GJ Binns CBE DSO MC
The Deputy Colonels of The Regiment
Major General RL Kirkland CBE
Colonel J Fox TD DL
The Regimental Board
Consists of: The Colonel of the Regiment, the Deputy Colonels, Brigadier SJ Downey OBE, Brigadier AT Jackson,
the Commanding Officers of the Battalions, the King’s Division Lieutenant Colonel, CO ITC,
the YRA Chairman, and the Regimental Secretary
The Board of Trustees
Consists of: The Colonel of the Regiment, the Deputy Colonels,
Brigadier WR Mundell OBE, Mr RA Smith, Mr ATA Dallas, Mr AJ Stevenson, Mr CR Perkins,
Mr S Dickson and the Regimental Secretary
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The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Regimental Padre
Reverend Canon David Wilkes CB OBE
Regimental Headquarters Staff
Regimental Secretary: Lieutenant Colonel DRE O’Kelly
Assistant Regimental Secretaries:
Regimental Affairs: Major ML Sullivan
Recruiting: Major D Harrap
Finance: Mr T Edgar
Webmaster: Colour Sergeant S Coles
Administrative Staff: Mr MS Flaving, Mrs P Shepherd, Ms J Pearson
RHQ The Yorkshire Regiment, 3 Tower Street, York, YO1 9SB,
Tel: 01904 461014 Fax 01904 461021
The Yorkshire Regiment Area Headquarters – York:
Assistant Regimental Secretary: Major ML Sullivan
Museum Director: Major ML Sullivan
Museum Curator: Mr G Dyson
Museum Attendant: Mr D Jackson
Administrative Staff: Mrs P Shepherd
3 Tower Street, York, YO1 9SB.
Tel: 01904 461032
The Yorkshire Regiment Area Headquarters – Richmond:
Assistant Regimental Secretary: Major P Ralph
Office Manager: Captain D Appleyard
Museum Curator: Miss L Powell
Museum Assistant: Mrs S Langridge
Administrative Staff: Mrs K Fisher
Trinity Church Square, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 4QN
Tel: 01748 822133
The Yorkshire Regiment Area Headquarters – Halifax:
Assistant Regimental Secretary: Major R Heron
Administrative Staff: Ms J Gul
Museum Curator (Bankfield Museum): Mr JD Spencer
Wellesley Park, Highroad Well, Halifax,
West Yorkshire HX2 0BA; Tel: 01422 361671
1st Battalion (Prince of Wales’s Own)
Oxford Barracks, BFPO 17
Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Colonel DS Bradbury
2nd Battalion (Green Howards)
Salamanca Barracks, Episkopi Garrison, BFPO 53
Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Colonel AM Roe
3rd Battalion (Duke of Wellington’s)
Battlesbury Barracks, Warminster, BA12 9DT
Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Colonel ZR Stenning OBE
4th Battalion
Worsley Barracks, Fulford Road, York, YO10 4EB
Deputy Honorary Colonels: Colonel JF Fenwick,
Colonel R Butcher, Colonel CE Dorries
Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Colonel IG Crowley MC
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The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Regimental Recruiting Team
The Yorkshire Regiment Recruiting Team, OC WO1 S Burke
Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Strensall, York YO32 5SW
YRRT Field Team 1
Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Strensall, York YO32 5SW
YRRT Field Team 2
Piave Lines, Catterick Garrison, DL9 3LR
YRRT Field Team 3
TA Centre, St Paul’s Street, Huddersfield HD1 3DR
4 YORKS RRT OC: Captain D Shakesby
The Regimental Nurturing Team: (tasked with nurturing our recruits at ITC Catterick, AFC Harrogate and ATR Bassingborn)
The Freedom Cities and Towns of the Regiment:
Barnsley, Beverley, Bradford, Bridlington, Halifax, Harrogate, Kirklees, Kingston-Upon-Hull, Leeds, Middlesbrough, Redcar &
Cleveland, Richmond, Rotherham, Scarborough, Sheffield, Skipton, Stockton, Wakefield and York
Army Cadet Force
Yorkshire (North & West)
Detachments: Acomb, Castleford, Halifax, Harrogate, Huddersfield, Keighley, Knaresborough, Lumley, Malton, Mirfield,
Northallerton, Scarborough, Selby, Skipton, Spen Valley, Stokesley, Thongsbridge, Whitby, Woodlesford
Humberside & South Yorkshire
Detachments: Barnsley, Beverley Grammar School, Beverley Town, Bransholme, Bridlington, Cottingham, Darfield, Goole,
Londesborough, Pocklington Town, Sutton, Wath on Dearne, Wombwell
Cleveland
Detachments: Bydales School, Coulby Newham, Dormanstown, Guisborough School, Guisborough Town, Loftus, Lytton Street,
Macmillan Academy, Nunthorpe School, Redcar, Redcar College, Saltburn, Skelton, Stockton Road (2 dets), Thornaby, Yarm
The Combined Cadet Force
Contingents: Giggleswick School, Harrow School, The Grammar School at Leeds,
Pocklington School, Queen Ethelburga’s School, St Peter’s School, Scarborough College, Wellington College, Yarm School
Allied Regiments
Les Voltigeurs de Quebec, The Royal Montreal Regiment, The Royal New Brunswick Regiment, The Rocky Mountain Rangers, The
Queen’s York Rangers, 10th Battalion The Baloch Regiment, The Falkland Islands Defence Force
Bonds of Friendship with Ships of the Royal Navy
HMS IRON DUKE, HMS RICHMOND
Unofficial Affiliations
The Company of Merchant Adventurers of York
The Company of Fellmongers of Richmond, North Yorkshire
HM Kongens Garde
Regimental Association
The Yorkshire Regiment Association, 3 Tower St, York YO1 9SB
Regimental Badge
The white rose of York from The Prince of Wales’s Own Regiment of Yorkshire crest is superimposed on the lion rampant from the
Duke of Wellington’s family crest. The whole badge is set upon the Brunswick green backing of the Green Howards.
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The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Regimental Quick March
“Ca Ira”
Regimental Slow March
“The Duke of York”
Regimental Motto
“Fortune Favours the Brave”
Regimental Day
6th June
Regimental Collect
O Lord God: The shield and buckler of all that trust Thee: Grant to the Yorkshire Regiment in its battalions and ranks,
the strength that fears no evil tidings: No desperate endeavours: And no foe bodily or spiritual; but advances in Thy righteousness:
Through all rough places: Under the Captain of our Salvation: Jesus Christ our Lord
EDITORIAL
I am certain that the entire Regimental Family join RHQ in
wishing hearty congratulations to General Houghton on his
appointment as the next Chief of the Defence Staff. To go from
the bottom (yes, you young 2Lts, it really is the bottom) to the
very top, in any organisation is a great achievement but to do
so in the Armed Services, with its huge number of stumbling
blocks, is a tremendous one. The next Regimental weekend, in
May, will, as usual, be enhanced by General Nick’s presence.
It is a very difficult time for the Regiment and by the time the
next edition of the Journal appears in the autumn, there will
only be contributions from three battalions. Inevitably, for
various reasons, some who are serving now will find themselves
leaving the Regular Army. However, service in the Reserves
has never been more attractive, as the following ad explains:
Service Leavers now have a number of incentives which
make the continuation of their Service in the Reserve Army
attractive. These incentives will remain extant for up to three
years from an individual’s end of Regular service date and
include:
An annual trg requirement reducing from 27 days to 15 days.
A reduction in the number of MATTs to be completed annually.
A reduced call out liability (no call out liability aside for
national emergencies).
An annual tax free annual TA bounty entitlement of up to £167.4
Retention of their Regular substantive rank seniority provided that
they are appointed to a position in that rank in the TA.
Individuals will be paid for attending training evenings and every
day of service, as well as receiving travel costs.
6
General Sir Nicholas Houghton KCB CBE ADC Gen – Chief of the Defence
Staff (designate).
How to join:
Visit the www.armyjobs.mod.uk website where you can find out
more including, under Contact Us, a list of the nearest careers
offices and TA units to your home. Alternatively you can call the
Army Careers Information line on 0845 8080.
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
HONOURS and AWARDS
Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE)
Queen’s Commendation for Bravery (QCB)
Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Raymond STENNING MBE, The
Yorkshire Regiment
Private Lewis John MURPHY, The Yorkshire Regiment
Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE)
Lieutenant Jonathan Nicholas KUME-DAVY, The Yorkshire
Regiment
Major Edward Richard Hugh COLVER, The Yorkshire Regiment
Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC)
Lieutenant Luke Timothy John MASON, The Yorkshire
Regiment
Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service (QCVS)
Warrant Officer Class 2 Eric Joseph WHITEHOUSE, The
Yorkshire Regiment
THE LONDON GAZETTE
Entries from Supplements 1 Sep 2012 to 7 Mar 2013
Regular Army
RETIREMENTS
Colonel J C Price OBE late Yorkshire Regiment 537537 retires on
retired pay 22 January 2013 and is appointed Reserve of Officers
Intermediate Regular Commissions
Captain A G Bond Yorkshire Regiment 565219 retires 20 January
2013 and is appointed to Reserve of Officers
Regular Commissions (Late Entry)
Major P Ross Yorkshire Regiment 547701 retires on retired pay 10
August 2012
PROMOTIONS
Regular Commissions (Late Entry)
Major A W Pledger Yorkshire Regiment 556309 from Intermediate
Regular Commission (Late Entry) 8 November 2012 to be Major
with seniority 31 July 2008
Short Service Commissions (Belated Entry)
Lieutenant S A Bowman Yorkshire Regiment 25197514 to be
Captain 8 February 2012
Lieutenant B W Brading Yorkshire Regiment 30029762 to be
Lieutenant T H Flecchia Yorkshire Regiment 25212491 to be
Lieutenant O C J Sparks Yorkshire Regiment 25200556 to be
Lieutenant J M Tovey Yorkshire Regiment 25182018 to be Captain
8 February 2012
Short Service Commissions
Officer Cadet Oliver Jonathan Cooper Bambrick Yorkshire
Regiment 30071964 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
to be Second Lieutenant 11 August 2012
Major G Peck Yorkshire Regiment 554957 to be Lieutenant
Colonel 1 April 2012
Officer Cadet William Robert Berry Yorkshire Regiment 30140668
from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second
Lieutenant 11 August 2012
Intermediate Regular Commissions
Major A J Brown Yorkshire Regiment 555382 retires 6 September
2012 and is appointed to Reserve of Officers
Officer Cadet Andrew Paul David Clarke Yorkshire Regiment
30145993 from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be
Second Lieutenant 11 August 2012
Captain S K Dando Yorkshire Regiment 25186369 retires 13
September 2012 and is appointed to Reserve of Officers
Officer Cadet William Joseph Maxwell Yorkshire Regiment
30132987 from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be
Second Lieutenant 11 August 2012
Warrant Officer Class 1 Dean Mark Owens Yorkshire Regiment
24818212 notification in Gazette (Supplement) dated 26 June 2012
is hereby cancelled (Belated Entry)
Captain N A Ross Yorkshire Regiment 25207220 from Short
Service Commission 8 November 2012 to be Captain with
seniority 10 October 2011
Officer Cadet Edward Charles Watts Yorkshire Regiment 30143965
from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second
Lieutenant 11 August 2012
Lieutenant J R Carter Yorkshire Regiment 30093276 to be Captain
17 October 2012
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The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Lieutenant T N M Denleigh-Maxwell Yorkshire Regiment
Yorkshire Regiment 30087654 to be Captain 17 October 2012
Combined Cadet Force
Territorial Army
Group A
Officer Cadet Thomas John Binns Yorkshire Regiment
30040525 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be
Second Lieutenant 15 December 2012
Captain R G Cripps Yorkshire Regiment 557878 to be Major 26
September 2011 with seniority 3 October 2009 (substituted for the
notification in Gazette (Supplement) dated 10 July 2012
Officer Cadet David Colin Murray Fletcher Yorkshire
Regiment 25213941 from The Royal Military Academy
Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 15 December 2012
Major J R Horspool Yorkshire Regiment 557252 from Royal Logistic
Corps (Volunteers) 31 July 2012 to be Major with seniority 1 April 2010
Officer Cadet James Richard Jenkins Yorkshire Regiment
Lieutenant (Acting Captain) P N Dawson Yorkshire Regiment
24955183 is confirmed as Captain 2 December 2011
Lieutenant (Acting Captain) S A Johnson Yorkshire Regiment
24754271 is confirmed as Captain 2 December 2011
Officer Cadet Angus William McClement Yorkshire Regiment
Group B
Officer Cadet Alexander George Samuel St John Redshaw
Yorkshire Regiment 30051251 from The Royal Military
Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 15 December
2012
AWARDS
MBE
REGULAR ARMY RESERVE OF OFFICERS
Mention in Despatches
Major (NRPS) A R Cooper Yorkshire Regiment 556167 resigns
commission 4 September 2012
Captain Nicholas Simon Wilson The Yorkshire Regiment 24738932
Sergeant Scott Richard Dyson The Yorkshire Regiment 25135504
Short Service Commissions
Captain L T Purbrick Yorkshire Regiment 558357 from The
Active List 9 May 2012 to be Captain
Captain P E W Spiller Yorkshire Regiment 25218903 from
The Active List 19 September 2012 to be Captain
Private Liam Colin Howman The Yorkshire Regiment 30109190
Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service
Acting Brigadier Andrew Timothy Jackson late The Yorkshire
Regiment 520821
The Yorkshire Regiment Journal
Maj ML Sullivan
The Journal is sent free to all those serving personnel who are part of the Officers and Soldiers Days Pay Scheme.
Anyone not serving, who wishes to support the Regiment and to keep up to date with Regimental news, can subscribe
to the Journal by requesting a Standing Order and Gift Aid Form from The Regimental Affairs Officer at the contact
details given on the Contents page, or by downloading them from the website. The Journal will be published in
the spring and autumn each year at a cost of £10 per annum including postage.
If you would like to contribute an article or advert to a future issue please send it to RHQ, preferably
by email or on a CD-ROM.
NB – All Journal Subscribers and One Day’s Pay Scheme Subscribers –
Changes of Contact Details
To ensure delivery of your copy of the journal, please ensure that you notify
Regimental Headquarters of postings or changes of address:
Telephone: 01904 461019 or (Military 94777 8119)
Write: RHQ The Yorkshire Regiment, 3 Tower Street, York YO1 9SB
8
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The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
New Officers
The under-mentioned officers have recently been
commissioned into the Regiment:
During his time at Sandhurst he took part in boxing, cross country
orienteering and modern pentathlon as well as Nordic skiing.
2Lt TJ Binns (Tom)
He looks forward to joining the 3rd Battalion.
2Lt Binns grew up in
York and was educated at
St Peter’s School before
going to Northumbria
University to read PR and
Communications.
Whilst at school he was a
member of the CCF for 4
years where he began to
develop an interest in the
Army. In his final year of
school he was part of a month
long expedition to Venezuela
where he undertook community projects and spent time trekking.
His interest in the military continued at university where
he joined the UOTC. He made full use of the adventurous
training on offer, with skiing expeditions and 5 days
parachuting in Germany. In his final year he completed the
Cumbrian Patrol.
2Lt JR St L Jenkins (James)
2Lt Jenkins grew up in
London but moved out to
High Wycombe aged 9, it
was here that he attended
the Royal Grammar School
HW before going to
Loughborough University to
read Civil Engineering. He
represented his university
at both Rugby League
and Union and continued
his involvement in the
sport during his training
at Sandhurst, playing
for the academy during a tour of Holland. A keen traveller
he spent several summers travelling with friends to South
America culminating in a trip to Tanzania where he climbed Mt
Kilimanjaro and taught in a local school.
He is now looking forward to joining the 3rd Battalion.
Since finishing school, he has made the most of the time to
go travelling, spending three and a half months travelling in
Thailand, Australia and the USA. Just before Sandhurst he
returned from 5 weeks backpacking around India.
He used the break between university and RMAS to spend six
months working in Switzerland as a ski guide. He has played
low level rugby at university and has a keen interest in road
cycling, golf, skiing and sailing.
2Lt AW McClement
(Angus)
2Lt McClement’s father was in
the Armed Forces, therefore
he spent his formative years
moving around the UK
from Glasgow, where he
was born, to Portsmouth,
London and Plymouth.
He looks forward to joining the 1st Battalion.
2Lt CH Fletcher (Calum)
2Lt Fletcher grew up in
Chelmsford, Essex and
attended Moulsham High
School and Sixth Form
before moving to East
London to attend Queen
Mary’s University. He
then joined London
UOTC where he had the
opportunity to travel to
America as well as skiing
in Austria.
Before attending Sandhurst
he worked in education working with children with emotional
and behavioural issues.
10
He went to school at King’s
College, Taunton. On
completion of his A levels
he took a gap year where
he sailed twice with the
Tall Ship’s Youth Trust, once as crew and once as a watch keeper.
During this year he also spent 10 weeks scuba diving, doing marine
conservation and teaching, on Andros Island in the Bahamas.
Before joining Sandhurst he completed some commercial yachting
certificates and worked on board super-yachts as a deckhand and
crew trainer.
On the sporting front he is a keen rugby player representing
school and club level. He also enjoys swimming, scuba diving
and kayaking.
He is looking forward to joining the 3rd Battalion.
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS
RHQ
Lt Col DRE O’Kelly
Regimental Headquarters News
RHQ continues to attract significant donations towards both
the Charitable Trust and the Benevolent Trust. In the financial
year 12/13, the Regiment has attracted donations totalling about
£110,000 split almost equally between the two Trusts. There
are an extraordinary number of generous benefactors, fundraisers and supporters of the Regiment all willing to give up
their time, effort and money to see that our soldiers and their
families remain well supported. Whilst it is often invidious to
single out individuals, especially where charitable donations are
concerned, I hope you will agree that some of them deserve a
measure of acknowledgement.
This year the Mayor of Kirklees, Cllr David Ridgway, chose the
YRBT as his Mayoral Charity. Leading by personal example, he
and his team of supporters have organised all sorts of different
events on the Regiment’s behalf; at the time of going to press the
amount he will have raised is undisclosed but it is likely to be a
significant 5-figure sum.
The Mayor of Middlesbrough, Ray Mallon, is about to bring to a
close a highly successful two-year partnership which has not only
raised money for the Regiment but has also helped to raise the
profile of the Regiment in his part of the region.
Timothy Taylor’s contributed greatly with a donation of £6,000
having brewed a special run of Havercake Ale to mark the 3rd
Battalion’s return from Afghanistan. We are grateful to Charles
Dent, a former Deputy Honorary Colonel, for this initiative.
Sporting Connexions, led by Mark Pepper and Nick Elliott, have
for three years now invited the Regiment to take a table at their
prestigious Sportsman’s Lunch in York in November. They also
donate a generous cheque after the event and can be seen in the
photograph below after handing over this year’s donation of £3,000.
Away from the large corporate sponsorship, there are many good
folk doing good things on our behalf and again I dare to single out
Mick Dyson, Ian Kirton, John Gunning, Angie Stone and many
other families besides. The Regiment thanks them all.
If you are thinking of doing something for charity, please consider
doing it on behalf of the Regiment. We are spending about
£100,000 a year on benevolence and there are two factors you
will wish to be aware of; firstly, in reducing by a battalion our
Regimental income from the One Days Pay Scheme will reduce;
and there is nothing to suggest that the number or cost of calls on
our benevolence is reducing.
Away from the regimental charities, the Merger is proving to be
appropriately time-consuming. The Executive Committee has
driven the change and it is hoped that most, if not all, readers will
have been kept up to date with progress through the EC Paper,
Newsletter, Roadshows or Updates that have been circulated since
the New Year.
From the left; Regimental Secretary, Mark Pepper, Nick Elliott, CO 4 YORKS.
11
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
REGIMENTAL FORECAST OF EVENTS 2013
Event
VenueDate
Sovereign’s Parade
RMAS
12 Apr 13
Yorkshire Volunteers AGM and Dinner
Skegness
25-27 Apr 13
RN v Army Rugby
Twickenham
27 Apr 13
PWO London Lunch
London
16 May 13
GH Richmond Sunday
Richmond
19 May 13
Yorkshire Regiment Board Meeting RHQ
24 May 13 – a.m.
Yorkshire Regiment Trustees Meeting RHQ
24 May – p.m.
Yorkshire Regiment Officers’ Dinner
York
24 May 13
Yorkshire Regiment Church Service
York Minster
25 May 13
Yorkshire Regiment Maiden Stakes
York Racecourse
25 May 13
Yorkshire Regiment Day
06 Jun 13
Yorkshire Regiment Golf Day
Catterick GC
07 Jun 13
Waterloo Day
18 Jun 13
Inter Services T20 Cricket
Lord’s
18 Jun 13
DWR Officers’ Dinner
London
20 Jun 13
Imphal Day
22 Jun 13
Armed Forces Day
29 Jun 13
Yorkshire Regiment T20 Roses Match
Headingley
05 Jul 13
Great Yorkshire Show
Harrogate
09-11 Jul 13
Redcar Races – H4H Day
Redcar
21 Jul 13
Bligny Sunday
Leeds
28 Jul 13
Yorkshire Day
Skipton
01 Aug 13
RMAS
09 Aug 13
Quebec Day
13 Sep 13
Alma Day
20 Sep 13
GH Officers’ Dinner
London
20 Sep 13
PWO Reunion
York Racecourse
05 Oct 13
GH Reunion
Scarborough
18-20 Oct 13
Yorkshire Volunteers Minster Day
York
26 Oct 13 – p.m.
Field of Remembrance
Westminster
07 Nov 13
RMAS
13 Dec 13
AHQ (York)
Maj ML Sullivan
Immediately following a superb summer of Olympic sport, manfully supported by officers and soldiers from the 4th Battalion, it fell to
local authorities to welcome home the stars from their towns. Many did so with special events, including Hull City Council, which laid
on a splendid dinner to which an AHQ (York) representative was invited to represent The Yorkshire Regiment.
It has become traditional to invite the newly elected York Civic Party to RHQ, to meet the staff, be briefed on the Regiment, tour
the museum and eat a spot of lunch. This important part of community engagement was made somewhat easier in August last
year, when the visit took place of the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress, whose daughter is a captain currently living in 1 YORKS
Officers’ Mess, and the Sheriff, who is a retired Regular Army Lieutenant Colonel. Convincing them of the Regiment’s value to
the local community was not difficult.
AHQ (Richmond)
Maj P Ralph MM
Future Events:
Redcar Races Sunday 21 July (The Yorkshire Stud.)
The Yorkshire Regiment Band Concert in Middlesbrough Town Hall, 24 March 2013, this is a fund raiser for the Benevolence fund.
12
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
AHQ (Halifax)
Maj R Heron
On Saturday 6 October one hundred or so people gathered at the
Bankfield Museum, Halifax, to watch the Mayor and Mayoress of
Calderdale, Councillor John Hardy and Mrs Hardy, unveil the new
Afghanistan case. The Dukes’ section of the museum is arranged
chronologically in a series of display cases, with Northern Ireland,
Bosnia and now Afghanistan being the last three sequences.
Andy Reid, who was very badly wounded by an IED, injuries
which caused him to lose both legs and one arm. Andy Reid
stood strongly on his prosthetic legs and with great good
humour and told the audience about his attempts to gain
weight in order to be allowed to join the Army, and then of the
incident in which he was wounded.
Brig Mundell introduces the proceedings.
Prior to the unveiling, the
audience was fortunate to hear
short presentations by soldiers
of 3 YORKS with personal
experience of operations
in that Theatre. After an
introduction by Brigadier
Mundell, Major Humphris
spoke of his tour there in
2009, commanding Burma
Company in the battle casualty
replacement role.
Andy Reid.
His determination to lead a full and active life, and his general
positive outlook have been an inspiration to us all. Many will
remember the very moving moment at the Medals Parade in
Warminster on 9 July 2010 when Andy managed to march off
parade unaided.
Major Humphris.
Next Captain Sutton, then a
platoon commander, spoke of
his experiences commanding
“the luckiest platoon in
Afghanistan”. His men were
shot at and in one case the
bullet protruded through to the
inside of the flak jacket but did
not get far enough to wound the
wearer; others were blown up
yet emerged largely unscathed.
He was followed by former
Corporal and now retired
Capt Sutton.
Elizabeth Crosses were presented to families of Sgt Gareth
Thursby and Pte Tom Wroe in Battlesbury Barracks, Warminster
on the 30th of November, on the occasion of the 3 YORKS
Afghanistan Medal Presentation by the Deputy Colonel in Chief,
His Grace The Duke of Wellington.
Shortly after 3 YORKS returned to Warminster, Homecoming
parades and Memorial Services took place in Warminster (30 Nov),
Halifax (4 Dec) and York (5 Dec). It is a rare sight these days to
see a whole Battalion marching through the street of a town and
in each case, the town turned out in great numbers to show its
support. Following the parade the whole Battalion was invited to
a civic reception, hosted by Calderdale Council, in the Banqueting
Suites of the Shay Stadium, Halifax. Following the Memorial
Service in York Minster, which was attended by HRH The Duke
of York, a small reception was held in the Chapter House to allow
the Colonel in Chief to talk to each of the bereaved families of our
soldiers KIA in Afghanistan.
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The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment
Battalion Headquarters
CO:
2IC:
Lt Col DS Bradbury
Maj MPM Walker
As I look back over two years in command
I have two key emotions: the first is
“where has the time gone”; and the second
is the acceptance that it has gone quickly
because we have barely touched the
ground in our two years here. Following
on from our post tour activity last summer,
the loss of the Gurkha Company and TA
component, we found ourselves around
170 soldiers undermanned yet with less
than six months to prepare from scratch
for a CT3 exercise in Kenya and MST
beyond that. In parallel we would also
have to begin thinking about the unit
move – due to take place in summer 2013,
prepare for the closure of Münster Station
(and our camp) and take on the detail of
what merging three battalions into two
would mean for us.
It was clear early on that we would have to
prioritise getting the Battle Group skills up
to speed: this would mean running cadres
for each of the platoons and therefore each
would need to be fully manned in the
Autumn. The rifle companies accepted
their fate with good (ish!) grace, handing
over the bulk of their manpower to Support
Company to ensure the longer-term health
of our capabilities. In doing so this meant
that C Coy would be placed in suspended
animation, and that A and B Coys would be
undermanned substantially until the new
cohort of soldiers arrived in late November
early December. This did not mean that
we were any less busy: BG level TEWTs;
Command and Staff Training; ranges;
visits; and individual driver cadres often
reduced the effective strength on parade
to less than ten men per company, but all
knew that this situation was temporary.
In parallel, the Support Company Cadres
– healthily manned and with a good deal
of mission command! – rapidly brought
themselves back up to scratch, unlearning
the more HERRICK specific lessons and
revising some of the more traditional skills.
By early December we had a command
team down to Platoon level that knew
its business, but was itching to get some
Adjt:
Capt JC Alphonsus
Ops Offr: Capt PD Bridger
soldiers – and the tap turned on in late
November, just as we had been promised
it would, bringing A and B Companies up
to full strength within a six week period,
whilst from across the Pennines we learned
that BURMA Company of 1 LANCS
would provide our third manoeuvre unit
for Kenya. This brought challenges (of the
most welcome kind!) of a different nature.
Absorbing a large number of recruits in
one go is a huge positive but also brings
questions of integration (what have they
been taught and where are the skills gaps?)
but also in command and control terms,
as you miss the senior soldiers in each
section who are able to support the section
commanders in showing new arrivals the
ropes. I was hugely proud of how the
companies managed this issue – but also
impressed by the quality of some of our
new soldiers, who are clearly as up for a
challenge as those already here.
Kenya presented us with an opportunity
to show what we had achieved to date,
but also gave us the support network to
ensure we learned the right lessons – even
as we formed up for the first time on the
line of departure and began to learn in
contact! Those who had been through the
NITAT system of old would recognise the
mechanics of the rotation: a company level
training period (Ex ASKARI WARRIOR);
an enabled rotation of company groups
through ranges, offensive operations, and
defence; a Battalion revision period; and
finally a Battle Group level test exercise.
Against the straight learning serials were
also three tensions: the harsh environment
which tested man and machine every day;
the desire to inject some “Kenya reward”
into the exercise so that we could all say
that we had seen something of the country
and its wildlife; and finally real life – in
particular the redundancy announcement.
You will read elsewhere of the excitement
of the exercise, the physically and mentally
demanding nature (everyone needs sleep!)
and the fun of adventure training, but it was
one of the first times in my Army career
RSM:
WO1 (RSM) MD Clarke
where I have seen rifle company soldiers
looking at HQ Coy and muttering that
they didn’t fancy their jobs: the signallers
(who did a sterling job – particularly Cpls
Mills and Herd who achieved reliable data
comms), the medics, the MT team (and the
REME firmly embedded within this) and
most of all the chefs, working in upwards
of 50 degree kitchens for 18 hour days – all
made it possible, guided throughout by
the irrepressible Battle Group Logistics
Officer and Quartermastering combo, Maj
Dave Prew and Capt Al Somerville. At the
same time, the Adjutant and RAO spent
most of their time standing on one leg in
the one square metre they could establish
a reliable phone link back to the UK in
order to ensure that redundancy was dealt
with as sympathetically as possible, that
we had briefed the right people and that
no one had been left out. This process is
still in train and we will not find out who
will be leaving the Army until mid-June,
but most knew it was coming – it was who
it would affect, and then how those who
were not affected reacted and how we gave
the opportunity to call home, use pension
calculators and seek advice that was key
whilst we were away. After six weeks away
we have a great deal to be proud of: the
companies, platoons and sections have
bonded superbly; the Sp Coy platoons
proved yet again what highly professionally
run organisations they are and just how
capable; the young officers and signallers
in BG HQ earned their pay, particularly
Maj Whitting (who stood in as the 2IC
when Maj Walker went home for the birth
15
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
of his baby), Capt Bowman (standing in
for the Adjutant as the indomitable Battle
Captain); and we have had a thorough run
out prior to MST starting. The Welfare
team under Capt Tickle deserve a special
mention for their efforts to look after the
families while we were away, managing a
small rear party and ensuring that our most
vital link remained open – we couldn’t
have done it without them.
Unfortunately – life does not stop whilst
you are away. Within two weeks of
returning we were already sending people
away on critical MST courses: compound
clearance instructors; search teams;
vehicle courses and specialist weapons
cadres, and at the same time preparing
for the arrival of our third company from
Cyprus – the advance party for the merger
which will arrive immediately after Easter
leave. We know that MST will be busy for
the next six months, and that there is still
much to do to ensure we are ready to go
to Cyprus, but we now know – in detail –
what is coming towards us. We are in the
right place to begin training again, and
excited about what the future has to offer:
Fortune may favour the brave – but the
busy won’t do too badly either!
Finally, I would like to say thank you
to all in the YORKS family for your
support, humour, guidance, advice, hard
work and occasional correctional notes
over my two years in command. You
should be proud of what you see in
the 1st Battalion, and it has been our
collective endeavours through HERRICK
15 MST and the tour, recovery, and then
HFT that has made us what we are. I
wish the Battalion the very best for the
future – and I know you will approach
Cyprus Ops, the TRB and life in a
“sunshine posting” in the same way you
always do. “Eh Oop” and good luck!
CQMS: CSgt D Brownsword
1Pl Comd: 2Lt Hugill
1Pl Sgt: Sgt Hoe
2Pl Comd: 2Lt Barraclough
2Pl Sgt: Sgt Barrat
3Pl Sgt: Sgt Robinson
the basic infantry skills, Fire Team and Sect
SOPs and doing the basics well. This was
the first time the Company had managed to
conduct coherent and continuous training
and much was gained during this period.
One highlight was the setting fire to the
southern end of Mt Mukenya on day 1 of the
range package which resulted in a significant
portion of the Company conducting ad hoc
fire fighting. It was not to be their only
opportunity to put out fires in Kenya.
On completion of this phase the Company
again returned to Nanyuki for a rehab period
of 72hrs prior to stepping off on Ex AS. The
Company had performed well up to this
point and had shown a willingness to learn
at all levels which enabled us to get the most
from this training opportunity. This gap
in the programme allowed 1 Platoon to get
away to complete their Adventurous Training
(AT) package. The AT that had been
planned by Maj Prew and SSgt Williams was
well received by all personnel with one of the
highlights being the white water rafting.
A Company
OC:
2IC:
CSM:
Maj RM Carr
Capt JD Crowther
WO2 T Leonard
This period was predominately taken up
with preparing for and participation in Ex
ASKARI THUNDER 5 which took place
from January to February of this year. The
Company saw a massive influx of newly
trained soldiers (47) from the Infantry
Training Centre some of whom joined the
Battalion as late as 5th January (the first
time some had left UK) only to board a
plane to Kenya some 10 days later.
The exercise had 4 parts; Ex ASKARI
WARRIOR (Ex AW) which was company
run training in at the Impala Farm training
area; Ex ASKARI CENTURION (Ex AC),
BATUK delivered CT2 trg at Archer’s Post
and finally Ex ASKARI SPARTAN (Ex
AS) the CT3 trg BATUK delivered at the
Loldiga Ranges.
Ex AW enabled the Company to shake out
and hone its offensive operations skills.
The Company established a company
harbour area on the foothills of Mt
Mukenya and conducted 4 days of Live
Firing culminating in a Platoon attack
range followed by 3 days of dry training.
The focus was very much on developing
After a good 7 days in the field the
Company returned to Nanyuki and reset
for the CT2 phase of Ex AC at Archer’s
Post (or Archer’s Roast as it is commonly
known). Here the terrain was similar
however the temperature increased
significantly. The Company conducted
3 Battle Exercises (BE) over a period of
6 days consisting of a CALFEX, Route
Clearance Operations and a Defensive
Phase. All three BEs were challenging
in their own right but the CALFEX was
the highlight as this was the first time
they would have seen the integration of
live mortars, 105mm HE artillery rounds,
Snipers and HMG from the FSp Platoon.
The six weeks proved to be an excellent
opportunity to train the Company and more
importantly develop unit cohesiveness. A
Company came a long way in a short period
of time and the new members integrated
well into the Battalion and despite their
inexperience coped well with the arduous
physical demands of the exercise; a positive
reflection of the output from ITC. As the
Company prepares to go on Easter Leave
the training continues a pace with PDT
being the focus on our immediate return
followed closely by the closure of Münster
and a Unit Move to Cyprus.
B Company
OC:
2IC: CSM:
CQMS:
16
Maj TJ Miller
Capt B de Maine
WO2 (CSM) A Baird
CSgt D Hunter
4 Pl Comd:Lt A Pendlebury
4 Pl Sgt: Sgt R Kirkbright
5 Pl Comd:2Lt O Bambrick
5 Pl Sgt: Sgt K Doherty
6 Pl Comd:2Lt W Maxwell
6 Pl Sgt: Sgt P Horton
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Ex ASKARI THUNDER 5
2Lt W Maxwell
2013 kicked off with a bang. Immediately after the Festive
period, and with a few extra inches on the waistline of the
Company, we departed for sunnier climates. The challenges
were evident; a large number of new soldiers and limited
time to gel and train within the hybrid conventional
warfare setting, as well as the expeditionary nature of what
was to come gave all in B Company much to think about.
The weeks of planning had finally come to an end and B
Company looked forward to proving their abilities, and
bonding as a new team.
The next phase was classed as further ‘enabled’ training
but all were cognisant that this was the first time the
Company was on show, and therefore a test by stealth.
After the road move to Archer’s Post Ex ASKARI
CENTURION saw a three way rotation over 6 days
of a conventional defence, offensive operations and a
Combined Arms Live Firing phase. The work rate was
intense partnered with unforgiving climactic conditions
but each phase saw the troops tested in a different way,
with many lessons identified prior to the final exercise.
The journey saw the Company bounce through Nairobi and
head north to the new improved BATUK facilities in the
heart of Nanyuki, complete with cold showers (by design!)
and basic billet rooms, in the shadow of Mt Kenya. RSOI
and acclimatisation highlighted the do’s and don’ts within
the Country and the threats during the deployment. All left
with the view that if the potential for road traffic accidents
hadn’t finished you off, the mass array of wildlife or disease
would – which provided a rather sobering realisation about
the expeditionary nature of this exercise.
The final test exercise, Ex ASKARI SPARTAN, involved
the complete Battlegroup clearing through 20km of
mountainous terrain in the Lolldaiga Mountains with an
advance to contact, defence of our cleared area and then a
deliberate attack on the enemies HQ position. With the
Company in Reserve for the initial phase of clearance the
pace was not overly strenuous. This was soon to change
as a fire broke out and we converted into a fire fighting
detachment battling raging bush fires before continuing
the clearance of Lolldaiga Mountains.
Once acclimatised, B Company left the ‘comforts’ of Nanyuki
and headed into the bush. Ex ASKARI WARRIOR was
seven days of live firing and dry training under our own
arrangements. It gave the Company a chance to hone the basic
skills required by all before being tested in the more complex
aspects of warfare. Based at the ‘Pimple’ (the only prominent
point for five miles in any direction), once camp had been
built and occupied, the Company undertook a progressive
programme ranging from basic marksmanship principles
through trench and village clearance to full blown live firing
Platoon attacks through the scrub. This would have made us
busy enough, but added to training was the requirement to
stop occasionally to move groupings of giraffe and elephant off
the range! The vast shape of the terrain and the lack of people,
however, meant that we had a superb ability to train ourselves
with limited constraint from space or resource, something that
Germany or the UK does not afford us.
After the obligatory night time foot insertion the
Company was the break-in Company for a Battlegroup
assault onto a complex enemy trench system. With
casualties increasing throughout the day, the CSM soon
found himself surrounded by the majority of the Company
with a small group of determined men still fighting at the
front. The focus soon switched to defence, and the joy of
digging to Stage 3 soon became apparent, or not in most
cases! The Company, minus 6 Platoon, who reinforced
A Coy, held the Battlegroup’s right flank. After some
close quarter and hectic skirmishes with the free-play
enemy, the Company finally soaked up the enemy advance
and recaptured their trenches. Tied in to maintaining
a watchful eye for the enemy was frequent sightings of
lion and hyena in and around the defensive position – an
incentive to keep sentries on their guard if ever one was
needed.
Ex ASKARI SPARTAN
Out of our holes and back on the hoof, the Battlegroup led
into position by B Coy advanced further north to assault the
final enemy stronghold. Herds of elephants and cavernous
rifts across the routes failed to block the night move for the
deliberate attack. B Coy as the break-in force, again followed
hot on our heels by A Coy, saw a successful assault and
complete destruction of the enemy. The hard work for the
majority was now over.
Recuperation and Adventure Training saw the Company try
their skills at mountain biking, kayaking, rock climbing and
white water rafting at Rift Valley Adventure Centre. The
more adventurous completing a 60m bungy jump over a hippo
infested river. The time to relax allowed B Company time to
decompress after the exercise and a great opportunity to play
hard after a period of working hard.
In sum, the Company had arrived in Kenya a new team
unsighted to individual or team strengths. After a mere 6
weeks we left as a cohesive body of men bonded through
common experience and achievement. The development during
Kenya was staggering and has set B Company ready for mission
specific training. The experience is not one the soldiers will
forget any time soon.
17
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
A Section Commanders Perspective on Ex ASKARI THUNDER 5
Cpl W Moore, 1 Section, 5 Platoon, B Company
Before deploying to Kenya, the Company received a large number
of fresh faces from the Infantry Training Battalion in Catterick,
so within my section, only my 2IC and I had more than 6 weeks
experience. With little more than a week before deploying, the
first major task was issuing all the kit that would be needed for a
successful exercise. Some of the kit, (NVGs, Thermal Sights etc)
had never been seen by the young lads before so familiarisation
with the kit was the first major hurdle.
Once deployed in Kenya the first 10 days were vital in setting
the foundation at Section Level. My focus was on getting their
low level skills mastered within the section context, so that
we could operate effectively as part of the Platoon, and then
hopefully as a Company. We drilled basic fire and manoeuvre
over and over to ensure that when the complexity increased,
this was part of our DNA. As a Section Commander the
pressure was ever evident, without the depth of experience of
having a few senior soldiers in the section to fall back on and
assist. We were, in most cases, teaching on the start line and
learning in contact, with the added difficulties of heat and a
load carriage not experienced by the troops. Even down to
the very basics of water and food consumption, the lads had to
work quickly to learn, so that they did not struggle during the
long days and nights.
Although difficult, we achieved a lot by the end of the
exercise. We now have a section that has bonded and moulded
together, and that had progressed to a standard that would
have taken numerous exercises in Germany to achieve over a
12 month period.
Ex ASKARI THUNDER 5 – A Private Soldier’s Perspective
Pte Abboah-Offei; 4 Platoon, B Coy 1 YORKS
For some of us our expectations of Ex ASKARI THUNDER
began as far back as Depot. The 1 YORKS candidates were
informed that, subject to our successful completion of the
CIC, we would deploy to Kenya on an arduous exercise.
This announcement was greeted with a mixed reaction,
some envisaged sun and safaris others something less
enjoyable.
After a short introduction to life in Battalion and a few
short but sharp field exercises we found ourselves boarding
the long flight to Nairobi, the Kenyan Capital. It would be
an understatement to say that we were apprehensive. The
RSOI brief in Nairobi the following day left some almost
fearful of the threat posed by wild animals and from Al-shaba (a terrorist group). This certainly attributed to our good
behaviour outside base and our interactions with the locals.
The Coy then travelled to Laikipia Air Base (LAB),
Nanyuki where we conducted battle preparation and were
first introduced to DTES. This technology provided, in
my opinion, the “icing on the cake” and gave us excellent
feedback and realism throughout.
The first phase, Ex ASKARI WARRIOR was a 10 day
period which saw us training as a Company and practising
skills ranging from section attacks to trench clearance.
This was hard but rewarding work and it was easy to
see our progression from Day 1. Our morale steadily
increased as we bonded together through adversity. We
started the exercise as a Company formed mainly by new
arrivals but stepped off onto the next exercise, Ex ASKARI
CENTURION, as a strong, formed unit.
We looked towards Ex ASKARI CENTRUION, which
was held at Archer’s Post where temperatures can reach
18
up to 45 degrees, with some anticipation. The exercise
demonstrated the very essence of what it is to be a soldier.
It tested our robustness and determination in a realistic,
challenging environment. The CALFEX, in particular,
provided a level of battle simulation which most of us
had never experienced and was the first time many of us
had worked alongside attachments such as the FSG and
Artillery.
The final exercise (Ex ASKARI SPARTAN) tested the
Company in all military skills and proved that we had
achieved a great deal. I felt that we learnt well throughout
and were always “fine tuning” and identifying areas
for improvement under the direction of our Officer
Commanding – Major Miller and the DTES staff. In
contrast to our experiences in training, the final exercise
highlighted the benefit of knowing and understanding the
overall battle picture. From our sense of team spirit, to
our low level skills and drills, B Company was operating as
a unit to be reckoned with.
Following the FTX B Coy moved to camp ‘Savage
Wilderness’, where we all had the opportunity to complete
some form of Adventurous Training from kayaking, white
water rafting, mountain biking and bungee jumping. This
was my first introduction to AT in the Army and I felt
there couldn’t have been a better way to end our time in
Kenya.
In conclusion, Ex ASKARI THUNDER was a greatly
rewarding experience. To move into battalion from
a training environment would be a challenge enough
without an arduous exercise ahead. The exercise proved to
be a reward rather than a punishment and an experience
that I will never forget.
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
19
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Support Company
OC:
CSM:
CQMS:
OC Recce:
2IC Recce:
Maj CEG Whitting
WO2 PR Reid
CSgt PW Stow
Capt JG Stanton
CSgt SR Dyson
Sp Coy has come a long way over the past
six months. Having worked through an
almost complete change in the command
team, the Company has re-orbatted,
grown, trained and executed superbly,
supporting the 1 YORKS BG in the most
challenging and austere of environments.
Following summer leave, Company
cohesion was immediately forged through
a series of Support Weapon School
endorsed cadres conducted over the
Autumn months. The team built on
the success of training in the cold and
wet of Germany and Brecon by taking
newly learnt, and for some, revised skills
into the hot and arid training areas of
Lolldaiga and Archer’s Post in Kenya.
And so, Ex ASKARI THUNDER proved
itself to be a most challenging and
rewarding experience for Sp Company.
For some it was the first opportunity to
OC FSG1:
2IC FSG1:
OC FSG2:
2IC FSG2:
Capt P Roberts-Morgan
Sgt AP Grant
Capt ETM Waters
WO2 LR Forster
operate in support of the Rifle Companies,
for others it was an opportunity to
try new skills. From Recce Platoon’s
RWMIK wadi crossing at night (and the
subsequent vehicle recovery in daylight)
to the high angle Sniper Platoon shoots
and close encounters with hyenas and
wild monkeys (baboons, not the RMP),
training was unique, exciting and at
times unforgettable!
With all the hard work of cadres and
exercise, time for fun at the end of Ex
ASKARI THUNDER was extremely
important and well deserved. Sp Company
committed to a number of activities
spanning a wide range of Adventurous
Training pursuits. Perhaps most arduous
was the diving expedition involving OC
Recce and LCpl Parker, who worked hard
to complete up to two dives a day, one of
OC Mortars: Capt EP Mackeith-Prince
2IC Mortars:WO2 M Walton
OC Snipers: CSgt LA Sharp
2IC Snipers: Sgt TP Robinson
which was in the swimming pool, living
from a diet of fresh seafood, BBQ and
a well stocked bar. By comparison OC
Mortars opted for a far easier option of
hill walking (Mt Kenya) relying on Army
cuisine to provide for their nutritional
requirements – Menu B – corned beef hash
and sticky toffee pudding.
Having recovered to Münster there has
been little time to reflect on recent activity
as post-exercise admin has been combined
with the start of MST courses – the basis
for the next Sp Coy article I have no
doubt. The return to Germany and snow
(in March) from 30 degrees in Kenya
has also set minds looking forward to
the forthcoming Arms Plot and a return
to 30 degrees of Cypriot sunshine in
September – another exciting, fast-paced
and challenging 6 months lies ahead.
Mortar Platoon
The Platoon returned from summer leave ready to start training
to enable us to provide the Battalion’s only organic indirect fire
capability. Initially, the focus was on our basic soldiering skills
and getting up to scratch as ‘soldiers first’ during the Battalion-led
field firing camps where the proficiency of the Mortar Platoon was
remarked upon by many of the range staff. This was also a good
opportunity for the new members of the Platoon to get to know
the people they would now be working with and integrate fully
into their new sub-unit prior to beginning their specialist training
on the 81mm Mortar.
On the 22nd October the internally run mortar cadre formed
up in Oxford Barracks. The first week was dedicated to the
theory side of mortaring and was built around lectures, power
point presentations and learning the drills on a weapon system
completely new to many of the platoon – a steep learning curve
for some!
Following a week of well-earned half-term leave, a number
of newly-qualified personnel arrived back to the Platoon and
brought their up to date experience and knowledge from the
Support Weapons’ School to the cadre and a further week was
spent in camp building on the skills learned before deploying
to Sennelager ranges. On arrival at Sennelager we conducted a
dry exercise which was an opportunity for the lads to put into
20
practice all the skills they had learned over the past weeks in a
tactical environment.
On 19th November the live firing phase of the Mortar Cadre
commenced in earnest with the first opportunity for many to fire
the Mortar live. Despite some ‘learning experiences’ for some of
the new guys (and some of the more experienced ones) everyone
gained a lot of experience in this period as live firing is by far
the best form of training, particularly for mortaring – giving
the best opportunity to simulate a ‘real’ environment. By the
end of the 2 weeks the vast majority of the platoon had passed
their annual combat marksmanship test and some complex fire
missions and ‘fire for effects’ were fired by mortarmen who only
a month prior had had no experience of the 81mm mortar.
Shortly after the completion of the Cadre, and a particularly
busy period for the Battalion as a whole, some very well earned
Christmas leave was enjoyed by all and the Mortar Platoon
returned to work in January and deployed on Ex Askari
Thunder in Kenya shortly afterwards. This arduous
environment proved to be a valuable proving ground for
the newly-qualified members of the Platoon and gave them
an excellent opportunity to build on their specialist skills
learned on the recent cadre in Germany, albeit in a different,
inhospitable and arduous environment.
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
W02 Walton, Pte Tzul and Pte George – Conducting Live Firing at Archer ’s Post.
Pte Hoe, Pte Dawai and Pte Cross – Prepping Ammunition at Archer’s post.
The exercise was split into 4 main phases. For the first phase
– Ex Askari Warrior, Support Company deployed to
Archer’s Post Training area. Mortar platoon spent their time
based out of “FOB Twiga” and shared this with 159 Battery
of the Royal Artillery. This gave us a valuable opportunity to
conduct excellent field training and live firing integrating with
both the artillery and the FSG.
manoeuvre companies in conjunction with all of the other parts
of the battlegroup, culminating in the final attack onto a company
position. This was preceded by lead elements such as snipers and
the recce platoon along with mortars and artillery “preparing the
position” with fires and this resulted in the enemy being degraded
to such an extent that the COEFOR had to be regenerated so that
the rifle companies actually had someone to fight at the end – such
was the effectiveness of the fire support!
For the second phase of the exercise, Askari Centurion,
the rifle companies came to Archer’s Post and this was the first
time that the MFCs were able to work with them with the mortar
sections supporting company level operations which included
defence, route clearance and an excellent integrated live firing
range incorporating artillery, mortars, snipers and the FSG in
support of a company attack.
For the third phase, Ex Askari Marauder, the battalion
moved back to Laikipia airbase to conduct battle-prep and
rehearsals ready for the final exercise – Ex Askari Spartan.
This was the culmination of the military training in Kenya
and made use of the DTES system to simulate fighting against
a live enemy. For five days the mortar platoon supported the
Finally, after recovery back to Laikipia Airbase, some well-earned
adventurous training was had by those who had not yet had the
chance to participate in this. Members of the platoon took part
in various activities such as bungee-jumping, safaris, canyoning,
along with an ascent of Point Lenana (4985m) on Mount
Kenya. After this, came the inevitable process of moving back to
Germany and by the end of March the Mortar Platoon was back
in Oxford Barracks.
Following an upcoming busy period of MST in preparation for
future tasks and the Theatre Reserve role later in the year, the
Mortar Platoon now looks forward to a unit move to Cyprus and
the challenges and rewards which TRB will no doubt bring.
1YORKS Recce Platoon
Pl Comd: Capt J Stanton
2IC:
CSgt Dyson
Ex ASKARI THUNDER IV presented a significant challenge
for the Recce Platoon and despite a last minute churn in
manpower we rose to this challenge admirably. The Ex saw
us revert back to our core conventional close recce skills such
as Close Target Reconnaissance, manning OPs, and screening
forwards of the rest of the Battle Group. Working in small
isolated teams our soldiers drove hard to provide accurate and
timely information to the Commanding Officer. As such we
formed the back bone of the 1YORKS ISTAR Group alongside
Sniper Pl. New training opportunities arose such as working
alongside the Kenyan Special Forces and their SFSG mentors.
Recce Platoon practice Jackal manoeuvre at Archer’s Post.
21
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
The exercise proved to be a great success and was topped of with
some well deserved Adventurous Training.
MST and PDT are on the horizon; no doubt this will prove to
be a bit of a mystery as we wait to hear how we are likely to be
employed. Somewhere along the line we will also look to return
to Brecon to run our Recce Patrolman’s Cadre and qualify a new
batch of willing recruits into the Platoon. Whatever challenges
lay ahead the Recce Platoon will look to tackle them with typical
Yorkshire grit and determination.
Pte Overend conducting Live Fire at Archer’s Post.
Sniper Platoon
The platoon ran its internal cadre
between October and December, with
the majority of the course spent on
Sennybridge Training Area. To enable the
students to reach the required standard
to pass the sniper badge tests, the first
week was utilised as a foundation week,
reminding and revising all of the basic
conventional fieldcraft skills, such as
night navigation and judging distance.
The next two weeks were then the chance
for the lads to hone those basic skills,
alongside learning sniper specific skills,
such as stalking and observation.
The final week was dedicated to the test
phase of the cadre, where the five students
were assessed in all of the sniper skills.
Overall the cadre was very successful with
Pte Horton obtaining the qualification of
“Badged Sniper”. The platoon returned
to Germany on the 2nd December, and
began preparing to depart not only on
Christmas leave, but also to Kenya on Ex
Askari Thunder.
Post to enable the platoon to conduct
shoots beyond 1000 metres.
Live firing commenced on the 24th
January, with all snipers zeroing their
weapon systems; both sniper rifles and
SA80s. This was the foundation on which
the rest of the exercise was to be built on.
The platoon then conducted three days of
data collection on both level ground and
from an elevated position of 1000 metres
above sea level. All within the platoon
benefited, not only from firing in hot,
humid conditions, but also from elevated
positions – something which is hard to
achieve on any training area in Germany
or the UK.
The first elements of the platoon
deployed to Kenya on the 14th January to
plan and prepare for the initial live firing
stages of the exercise. This involved
identifying suitable areas within Archer’s
After a period of platoon dry training the
sections were then split down to provide
close support to the rifle companies
during the Company Battle Run phase.
This gave the junior commanders
the opportunity not only to work in
conjunction with the rifle companies,
but also for the rifle companies to see
what support we can provide. We were
also able to conduct a stalk under test
conditions, which resulted in Pte Merrit
being presented his sniper badge by the
Commanding Officer.
Pte Harris – Shows excellent concealment skills.
The Sniper Platoon in Archer’s Post – Prior to
beginning Live Fire.
22
After the Battle Run, the platoon then
had a period of kit maintenance and battle
preparation in anticipation of the FTX.
The platoon deployed on the 13th February,
working in conjunction with our Recce
cousins to form the Battle Group’s ISTAR
group. From the outset, the group exercised
the core function of Recce; finding the
enemy locations, and snipers fixing, either
with our own weapon systems, or by the use
of other support company weapons, such as
mortars. This was effective throughout the
exercise; it however came to the forefront
during the final stages when a mixture of
all the support company assets were able to
fix and strike the enemy forces in location
many hours before the rifle companies
were in position to assault. However, due
to exercise play, the enemy had a plentiful
supply of Battle Casualty Replacements,
which resulted in the companies assaulting
fully manned locations.
Overall the platoon used the time spent
in Kenya as a continuation of the cadre,
and proved what vital assets snipers are
to a Battle Group. Attention now turns
to MST training and the unit move to
Cyprus in July – a challenge which the
platoon will tackle with the usual “can
do” attitude.
Ptes Weatherstone and Merrit conducting live fire –
doing what Snipers do best.
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
FSG Update
The Fire Support Group has been
particularly busy over the past few months.
The FSG completed a six week “in house”
cadre in Germany. It was a rigorous and
challenging time and left the platoon in
great shape, to the point that the platoon
won all the physical events in the Geddes
Cup just before Christmas.
LCpls Lane and Livingston completed the
FSG Team Commanders course, with Cpls
Thorp and Tindall completing the Multiple
Commanders and Capt Roberts-Morgan
and DMaj Barker finishing the Platoon
Commanders course. There has also been
the addition of CSgt Threlfall to the fold
coming over from the FSG Division.
After a well earned Christmas leave
the Platoon returned to Münster well
refreshed, but time to relax was short as
the first elements of the Platoon deployed
to Kenya for Ex Askari Thunder
5 within the week. The Ex was a great
opportunity for the Platoon to put its
training into practice in a hot and arduous
environment. The first phase was live
firing which included a full Gun Line
practising Map Predicted Fire out to
2.5km. The second phase saw the FSG
form three Platoons, each attached to a
Coy Group. The live fire Coy attack was
particularly demanding for the FSG with
many a high feature being climbed with a
lot of ammo and heavy kit.
The Final Exercise required the FSG
to form back into 2 Platoons. Working
directly to the Battle Group and with
12 rather tired RWMKS between us, we
dominated high ground and provided
the intimate fire support from the heavy
weapons for the entire Battle Group. The
Exercise ended with a tough insertion
march carrying a light role Gun Line and
Javelin Det over 10km. The FSG then
enjoyed a few days Adventurous Training
before heading for home.
We are currently looking forward to
the Arms Plot move to Cyprus and the
addition of new faces following the Bn
merger.
Pte Buchanan and Pte Stevenson live fire HMG.
Pte Williamson and Pte Hodges ensure the RWMIK is well dug in.
DMaj Barker dishes out the ammo before an attack, with Pte Hodges, Pte
Stephenson, Pte Namakhuwa and Cpl Thorp.
Have RWMIK Will Travel. The FSG prove there’s nowhere we can’t go (much to the
disapproval of the MTO).
23
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
HQ Coy
OC: Maj DM Prew
CSM: WO2 C Jennings
HQ Coy have supported the Battalion in
every way possible throughout this busy
period and still managed to have a little
fun along the way. The enabling Coy for
the Battalion have provided manpower
and resources to Coy led Trg, IFFC, CAST,
Geddes Cup and the deployment to Kenya
on Ex ASKARI THUNDER 5. The Coy
managed to inject a little enforced fun
into the programme by sending personnel
away on Adventurous Training to
Pembrokeshire, West Wales and Dumersee,
Germany. It was great to see personnel get
away doing activities they have never done
before and being completely out of their
comfort zones.
The Exercise was split into phases which
allowed the G4 chain to play catch up and
recover all of the MTO’s vehicles. In the
absence of a QM, the QM(T) owned the
budget. His work load was so large he
needed his own helicopter for daily safaris
across the area. The FTX was of 6 days
duration and tested all areas of the Battle
Group, especially the BGLO and MTO,
to destruction. It made no difference
whether a soldier was a driver, signaller,
chef, mechanic, storeman, PTI or clerk,
everyone had a part to play and all did
their job very well. The end of the Ex saw
the handover to the next Battle Group and
the Battalion deploy on some well earned
adventurous training across Kenya.
Ex ASKARI THUNDER 5 in Kenya
began in Jan 13 with the activation party
deploying a few days post leave. Most of
the Battalion deployed leaving a small rear
party under Comd of Capt John Marlow.
Overall this has been an extremely busy
period for the Coy delivering what they do
best. The next 6 months will see the Coy
dealing with the Unit Move to Cyprus,
CQMS: CSgt P Carrick
BGLO Maj Prew, QM(T) Capt Somerville.
the closedown of Münster and back on the
MST treadmill in preparation for TRB.
Quartermaster’s Department
QM:
QM (T): Maj Hall
Capt Somerville
The Quartermasters’ Department has
had several key personalities change in
the last 10 months. Maj Hall arrived
from 4 YORKS to replace Maj Prew as
Quartermaster, Capt Somerville moved
from MTO and replaced Capt Main, WO2
Brookes and WO2 Reid have taken up the
appointments of RQMS (Maintenance) and
RQMS (Technical) respectively. Sgt Clark
has stepped up to G1098 SNCO replacing
the old stalwart CSgt Ewan who has
completed 22 years loyal service. Last but
not least, Sgt Shay has moved from Provost
Sergeant to Expense SNCO.
With the new team established, the
focus was preparation for Ex ASKARI
THUNDER 5, a Battle Group exercise
in Kenya. However just as the new team
was about to deploy there was another
change to take place. The Quartermaster
Technical, Capt Somerville was to assume
the appointment of Quartermaster whilst
Maj Hall refocused on his transition to
civilian life. Kenya was an excellent
24
RQMS (M): WO2 Brookes
RQMS (T): WO2 Reid
opportunity to plan and test the logistic
support the Quartermasters’ Department
could provide in a demanding environment
and they achieved their aim of sustaining
the battle group. The integration of locally
employed civilians into the Quartermasters’
Department and the use of a dedicated local
resource section certainly assisted with daily
tasks. There was some down time for the
Quartermasters’ staff. Sgt Shay managed
Back Row L-R: Cpl Brownlee, LCpl Martin, Cpl Burton, Locally employed civilians. Front Row L-R: Cpl Brown,
Sgt Shay, Sgt Clark, WO2 (RCWO) Cullinane, Capt (QM) Somerville, WO2 (RQMS T) Reid, WO2 (RQMS) Brookes,
Cpl Hayward, LCpl Naylor.
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Sgt Shay on Safari…
a safari, but it is unclear how much he
actually saw. The Late Entry Officers
along with Sgt Willan (MT Sgt) managed
to conduct a resupply by horse back. On
return from Kenya the focus switched to the
closure of Oxford Barracks, the backload of
the equipment table and the unit move to
Cyprus. The new Quartermaster (Maj Andy
Downey) is due to arrive on Saint Patrick’s
Day. We wish Maj Steve Hall every success
in his new life as a civilian.
Capt Mackenzie (MTO), Maj Prew (OC HQ), Sgt Willan (MT Sgt) Capt Somerville (QM).
MT Platoon
MTO:
Capt A Mackenzie
MT SNCO: Sgt C Willan
The Platoon has undergone a hectic
few months of both driver training and
exercising in Kenya, although the regular
and long coach journeys between Münster
and DST Leconfield have definitely not
been a highlight of the year! The relentless
number of UOR vehicle courses in
preparation for taking over the TRB role has
meant long and regular absences for several
individuals within the Platoon, with one
JNCO spending nearly six months away.
Ex ASKARI THUNDER tested all
members of the Platoon for several weeks.
The 280 vehicle platforms that the 18 man
platoon took over varied from a new MAN
SV fleet to a very tired and 100% unreliable
land rover fleet. The harsh conditions as
well the demanding terrain tested both
man and machine to destruction at some
stages, but the lessons we have relearned
will stand us in good stead for the next few
months of training, and have reminded us
that we can do our jobs superbly well even
from a portacabin in Africa!
Now back in Münster, the work continues
with numerous MST and career courses
keeping us fully booked up until the unit
Pte Spear with alternative transport that does work in Kenya.
move in July. The back loading of the
current fleet back has now started and is
proving to be challenging with the current
training requirements of the Battalion.
Changes continue with personnel within
the Platoon and we are about to say
goodbye to two long term members. Cpl
Farnsworth and Cpl Muscroft are both
about to leave the Army and will not be
moving to Cyprus with us so I would
like to take the opportunity to thank
them for their support and long service
with the Platoon.
25
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Warrant Officers and Sergeants' Mess
Since our last entry it has been a very busy period for Mess
members. Prior to Christmas stand down a lot of time and effort
were put into the preparation for our deployment to Kenya. In
addition to pushing all the Sub Units through low level training
and perfecting the basic skills once more, there was a clear G4
burden for Mess members within the QM’s department and
working as CQMSs. Not only did they ensure that everything was
in good order for our deployment to Kenya, but ensured that the
Battalion was able to stand down for Christmas in good order.
As always it would be wrong to go onto Christmas leave without a
Mess Ball. It was good to see that our last Christmas function in
Germany was fully supported by all mess members and definitely
one to remember. Ex ASKARI THUNDER 5 in Kenya proved to
be a challenge but it was a good opportunity to shed those extra
pounds from a good leave, with all those in the Mess being put
through their paces at some point by the BATUK Staff.
It was good to see that 1 YORKS had some well earned
promotions on the CSgt – WO2 board, both CSM Jennings and
the RSWO WO2 Batty received their substantive rank and CSgt
Hunter and CSgt Brownsword were both selected for promotion
to Warrant Officer. The Mess are now looking forward to Easter
leave after a hard few months, before we begin our training
once more in preparation for Cyprus and our role as the Theatre
Reserve Battalion.
Corporal’s Mess
PMC:
Cpl Briggs
As with all other messes the Corporals’ Mess has had a busy period
with the build up to Ex ASKARI THUNDER but that didn’t stop
us from having some well earned fun and letting our hair down for
one of the most anticipated social event of the winter.
swing. The RSM was kind enough to allow the men folk to
relinquish their Mess jackets which were soon on the shoulders
of the wives, but this didn’t discourage them from hitting the
dance floor and having a good time.
As with all other balls and mess functions it takes a great amount
of care and dedication, not to mention all the work that is done
behind the scenes by the rest of the mess committee, so a great
amount of praise should go to them.
Since Christmas we have done little beyond deploy to and
return from Kenya, but I’m sure that we would all agree that
every JNCO earned his pay on that exercise from the NCOs in
NSG doing valuable G4 tasks to the incredibly sleep deprived
and broken Section Commanders and 2ICs in the battle
trenches warding off lions and stopping the occasional Private
Soldier from being eaten by hyenas – but after a three week rest
and Easter leave we know that MST is the next mountain in
front of us.
The event had a festive theme. Christmas decorations and an
outstandingly decorated Christmas tree set a heart warming
and cosy environment; however for all the work that was done
by the Mess members in setting up the event, it was left to the
Civvies to deal with the heating plan. They did a very good job
of heating the marquee during the day and for about an hour
during the ball, but as the temperature dropped and ice started
to form on the inside of the marquee the event was still in full
The Cpl’s Mess would like to extend its gratitude and thanks
to Cpl Revill for his 22 years of service and to wish him and his
family all the best for their new life on Civvy Street. “Good luck!”
Adventurous Training Kenya
Maj D Prew, SSgt Williams, Cpl Fielder, Cpl Keating
Ex ASKARI THUNDER 5 in Kenya was an opportunity for
the Battalion to work hard and play hard. I received one of the
CO’s frequent “Challenge Anneka”, and the intent was clear:
get everyone capable of conducting Adventurous Training away
on some type of activity and gain as many qualifications as
possible. Activities included: climbing Mount Kenya; diving;
kite surfing and wind surfing at Malindi, Mombasa; white
water rafting; canyoning; climbing; kayaking; mounting biking
and mountain bike safaris with Savage Wilderness and Rift
Valley adventures.
We sent groups throughout the various phases of the exercise to
different locations to ensure we achieved maximum attendance.
In total we sent 935 personnel on Adventure training and
26
gained 64 level 2 mountain bike instructor qualifications and 13
level 1 qualifications. We achieved two 3 star white water kayak
qualifications and forty eight 2 stars with 28 personnel getting
their PADI open water qualification. A massive success for the
Battalion. All locations were picturesque with opportunities to
see all the local wildlife and even take in a bungee jump if that
was your thing!
This was an opportunity of a life time for many of the 1
YORKS young soldiers to conduct well organised, great fun
activities and they were not disappointed. Looking ahead Maj
Prew is looking at conducting a white water kayaking/rafting
expedition back in Kenya next year. If you are a competent
paddler and interested get in touch.
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Ex Askari Thunder 5 – Adventurous Training – Diving
Prior to deployment to Kenya the Bn was
offered a number of places on a PADI
diving course post exercise. All those who
attended would be given an opportunity
to learn to dive in Watumu in Kenya and
would then qualify for a PADI Open Water
licence. And all for free!
Steve’ none of us were in any doubt that
the course would be hard work and that
Steve would take no prisoners.
Watumu is a tropical paradise with white
sandy beaches and crystal clear blue water.
It was a breath of fresh air after spending
the previous month on a gruelling exercise.
However after our initial brief by ‘Scuba
The course focused around a theory side
in the form of DVDs, followed by practical
sessions in either the pool or in the open
water. The theory side was confusing to say
the least with many of us having nightmares
about dive tables and the like. However
the instructors were always on hand to help
out and their advice and guidance became
invaluable. The practical sessions were
Captain Stanton – prepping his kit on the boat just
before his first open water dive.
Captains Waters and Bridger having a little dip after
their first open water dive.
excellent and not only gave us a chance to
practice our new skills but also allowed us to
get a look at the huge amount of underwater
creatures in Watumu.
An excellent course in absolutely beautiful
surroundings, with much fun had by all.
Captains Stanton and Waters on the boat after their
final open water dive.
27
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SFL0737 No Can Do 148x210.indd 1
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01/02/2013 15:35
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment
CO:
2IC:
Lt Col AM Roe
Maj MMD Stear
Adjt:
Capt GA Fulton
Ops Offr: Capt A Breach
The 2nd Battalion is in extremely good heart. Our time as the
Theatre Reserve Battalion passed without major incident. In
October 2012 our role and focus switched from Afghanistan to
Cyprus and the Sovereign Base Areas. The Battalion is now
the so-called ‘Cyprus Operations Battalion.’ It is charged with
guarding the strategic sites and maintaining a series of graduated
high-readiness reserves. This is the Battalion’s Main Effort – the
impending merger comes a close second. Officers and soldiers
from the 2nd Battalion, spread across the Island, continue to
maintain the highest level of security assurance, undertaking their
duties with pride, self-discipline, untiring professionalism and
good grace. This is not the most glamorous of tasks; however,
it is absolutely essential for Defence. The Battalion is currently
stamping its authority on the commitment and growing the role.
There will be no corners cut in delivering Cyprus Operations.
The pathway towards the merger is clear. Less a handful of
individuals, all 2nd Battalion officers and soldiers know their
future location and a timeline for movement. The majority
were informed before Christmas. The Battalion is well set to
contribute to a successful merger – which affects the whole
Regiment. It has no concerns or issues. The Regimental Career
Management Officer, Captain Mike Scott, deserves particular
recognition. He has been at the forefront of major change on
a daily basis and has performed quite magnificently over a
genuinely difficult period. He has managed the individual needs
and aspirations of 600 members of the Battalion and their families
with extraordinary personal care and dedication.
The Battalion has continued to conduct its business unaffected, to
large degree, by the Army 2020 announcement. On the green side,
we have pursued professional excellence, utilising the back door
training area for all its ruggedness and complexity. Of note, we
have worked to develop a competence and understanding of Noncombatant Evacuation Operations (NEO). Over some months, the
Battalion conducted a number of conceptual training events to learn
the UK NEO doctrine, and gradually develop sub unit competencies
against potential task. We then put our work to a test in the late
autumn on an exercise aptly named AGAMEMNON WARRIOR.
The exercise was a success, providing some diversity to our training
and potentially some skills that could be called upon.
IO:
RSM:
Capt JM Tovey
WO1 (RSM) PL Thompson
The annual King Harald competition occurred as normal. Across a
range of competitions – that included both military and sporting events
– C Company secured first place overall and now wears proudly the red
and yellow King Harald flash. They were clear winners. The Battalion
won Commander British Forces Cyprus Sporting Cup well ahead of
the competition. This week-long sporting competition was no forgone
conclusion. The Battalion has never been renowned for its hockey,
squash or tennis prowess. Fortunately, our ability on the football and
rugby pitch combined with a strong performance on the cross-country
and in the swimming put us well ahead of the nearest competition.
More recently, we have undertaken the inter-company boxing
competition. The finals’ night was truly spectacular and the standard
particularly high. B Company were the undisputed victors. Moreover,
the Cross-country team is on track to win the overall on-Island
competition (they have won every league race so far), the football
team is performing incredibly well and we have multiple soldiers
representing the Infantry and Army at a cross section of sporting
events. At present, the skiing team is in Austria – early indications
suggest that they are more than holding their own. Twenty-seven
officers and soldiers recently received their sporting colours.
However, change is afoot. The 2nd Battalion has only just
re-structured into three fighting companies (A Company going
into suspended animation) and a strong Headquarter Company.
In April the 1st Battalion cohort (120 officers and soldiers) will
depart for Germany – many leaving their families behind. From
April to August 2013, the 2nd Battalion will consist of only two
over-manned rifle companies and a Headquarter Company. At the
same time, the Battalion will be managing the consequences of the
announcement of tranche 3 redundancy. By the summer, personnel
and chattels will be moving around the Regiment, King’s Division
and Infantry. Despite a significant amount of change, the Battalion
is well-balanced and ready for the challenge ahead. The endstate,
and pathway to get there, is clear.
This is likely to be the 2nd Battalion’s last major contribution to
the Regimental Journal. The Battalion has had an extremely good
run of late – we are merging on a high. All the signs are positive
for the future and morale is high. The officers and soldiers of the
Battalion have leant into the change admirably. They continue to
weather the storm magnificently.
A Company
OC:
2IC:
CSM:
Capt WL Allison
Capt TNM Delegh-Maxwell
WO2 M Syron
A Company returned from summer leave
refreshed and revitalised and were greeted
CQMS: CSgt S Baker
1 Pl:
2Lt Flanagan/Sgt Peterson
2 Pl:
3 Pl:
Lt Beaumont/Sgt Hardman
Lt Merchant/Sgt Cooper
by a lovely Cyprus summer. They were
also greeted by a new OC as Capt Warren
Allison stepped into the role to replace
Maj Ben Richards. With the ‘under new
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The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Members of 2 Pl on RSOI in Afghanistan.
Training on RSOI in Afghanistan.
which saw individuals and small groups
being sent away from the Company to
all sorts of places varying from Helmand
Province to gardening at the local primary
school. During this time, when so often
the chain of command and Company HQ
were depleted, many people were required
to step up into roles that weren’t their own
and an enormous amount of flexibility
was required from the whole Company.
A Company responded to these demands
with the same positive, forward-leaning
attitude that has set us up for success
throughout our time in Cyprus and the
result was an unwavering standard in
performance for TRB.
Lunch time on the Camp Bastion ranges.
management’ banner in place above the
Company lines we set to work. There was
no time for a settling in period to find our
feet as we faced another hectic period of
training and preparation as the Theatre
Reserve Battalion (TRB). The tail end
of our TRB commitment was a period of
great upheaval with very little continuity,
Coy TAC and the lead Pl boarding for insertion into the Battalion NEO exercise.
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In October we handed over the TRB
commitment to the Royal Regiment of
Fusiliers and embarked on a new chapter
of our time in Cyprus; namely Cyprus
operations. November saw the Company
take over the Ops 1 tasking, which meant
we were responsible for the security
of several sites around the Island and
The Yorkshire
Pte Saurara in the Coy 2ICs comms platform during the Battalion NEO exercise.
required us to re-arrange the Company
in order to allow us to provide the right
people in the right place at the right
time. Our flexibility as a sub unit was
sorely tested but thanks once again to the
attitude and professionalism of our soldiers
we were able to deliver what was required
of us in the best traditions of the Battalion.
Not only did we fulfil every requirement
of the role, we also left a permanent stamp
on each of the sites we took over, having
improved and contributed to each location
during our stay there. Particular mention
must be made here of the Company’s
junior NCOs, who were the main driving
force during Cyprus operations and
who are responsible for the excellent
performance of the Company.
Throughout this period we have also
been competing in what is likely to have
been the final King Harald competition.
A Company acquitted themselves very
well in each event; from the arduous and
severely testing endurance event, which
saw the whole Company push themselves
to the limit, all the way through to the
final showdown at inter-company Boxing
night, when a determined few entered
the ring to fight for the Company’s pride.
A Company’s performance throughout
the King Harald competition was
fantastic, with everyone getting involved
in something. Although in the end we
didn’t win the competition, the whole
Company can be extremely proud of what
they achieved.
As the Company now moves into a period
of suspended animation for the regiment’s
merger, we all go our separate ways and
Regiment JOURNAL
Members of 3 Pl on the Battalions NEO exercise.
A Company Boxers on the inter-company Boxing night.
The A Company ‘Gun Run’ team in full flow.
find new homes in other companies. This
is a period of great uncertainty for us
all, but we will continue to approach our
work with the positive attitude, flexibility
and professionalism that have been the
hallmarks of A Company. Every one of us
is confident of success as we move forward
into the future.
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The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
B Company
OC:
2IC:
CSM:
Maj RT Wade
Capt T Moor
WO2 C Bartlett
B Company can look back at the second
half of 2012 with a great deal of pride
and satisfaction of a job well done. After
completing the end of the Theatre Reserve
Battalion role without being called upon,
the Company turned its attention to Cyprus
Security Operations. Protecting some of
the security installations across the Island
isn’t the most glamorous of tasks but there
is a clear understanding of how important
the task is. B Company took over from 2nd
Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
and set about ‘Yorkshirefying’ the sites
with a bit of green black and red paint and
a lot of elbow grease!
The Platoon outpost in Troodos is clearly
the soldiers favourite as it not only provides
welcome relief from the harsh temperatures
but the 1 hour 15 minute journey time
from Episkopi means that the Platoon
Commander and his Platoon have a chance
to shine, away from the watchful eye of
Company Commanders and Sergeant Majors.
The deployments to Salt Lake City and
Akrotiri offer different challenges, including
mosquitoes the size of cats and a very humid
CQMS:
5 Pl:
CSgt S Cain
Lt T Ryan/Sgt Sword
environment. As expected of an RAF Camp,
the facilities are excellent and there are
plenty of recreational activities to keep the
men occupied during any downtime.
Interspersed with the commitments of
Cyprus Ops, B Company threw everything
into the final rounds of the King Harald
Competition in an attempt to catch C
Company who were the frontrunners.
An awesome performance by Lt Bosher
and Sgt Tunmore’s Gun Run team saw
the Company earn a deserved first place,
thirty seconds ahead of the next closest
team. The Battalion Football Competition
also went down to the wire, only for B
Company to lose in the final in a penalty
shoot-out to C Company. The team had
played brilliantly all day and were gutted
to have lost in the cruellest way possible.
6 Pl:
7 Pl:
Lt R Gayfer/Sgt Tunmore
Lt D Bosher/Sgt Uluilekeba
clearly spurred the boxers on to victory.
Congratulations to Pte Hughes 60, Lt Bosher
and Pte Learoyd who were all victorious
on the night and ensured victory for the
Company. Unfortunately, the Company were
still just a couple points short of overtaking
C Company in the overall points table to
claim the King Harald prize.
The next seven months are likely to test
the spirit of the Company as we tackle
a re-orbat of the Battalion and brace for
more potential redundancies. With the
impending merger with 1 and 3 YORKS
just around the corner, it is vital that we
continue to set the highest professional
standards, whilst keeping a smile on our
faces until the last day.
The Boxing competition saw a well trained
and well coached Company team reach
finals night knowing they had an excellent
chance of winning. The atmosphere was set
superbly by the B Company supporters who
sang until they were hoarse and the noise
Special thanks must go to WO2 Chris
Bartlett who hands over the Sergeant
Major reigns to WO2 Si Syron. WO2
Bartlett has completed his final job with 2
YORKS having joined in 1989. A hugely
professional and proud man, he will be
missed by all the Battalion, and we wish
him well.
CQMS: CSgt M Cockburn
9 Pl:
Lt B Hamilton/Sgt Jefferies
10 Pl:
11 Pl:
C Company
OC:
2IC:
CSM: Maj RW Grieve
Capt JA Boggs
WO2 F Kenyon
Lt J Green/Sgt Limbu
Lt D White/Sgt Gibson
The last six months has flown by with the Theatre Reserve
Battalion (TRB) now seeming a distant memory, even though
it dominated the first half of this last period. Over the last
six months there have been a few significant changes to the
command team with Lts Hamilton and Green moving on posting,
CSgt Wright handing over as CQMS and Sgt Jeffries moving back
to the UK for his final six months of service. With the new team
in place, C Company is well set for the impending movement
of personnel as the Battalion resets itself in the New Year in
preparation for the YORKS merger. So what have been the
highlights of the last six months?
The Company has rightly focused on delivering operational
capability, both during TRB and now on Cyprus Operational
Duties. As the lead Company group for the TRB during Sep and
Oct, the Company deployed to Theatre to make use to the training
assets in Camp BASTION whilst getting the necessary tick in the
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C Coy’s Afghanistan Theatre Recce to NDA.
The Yorkshire
box for Reception Staging and Onwards Integration so we could
deploy straight on the ground if required. This was a very useful
package with the highlight certainly being the Commanders’
Recce which saw all multiple commanders and above deploy
onto the ground to get a first hand view of developments. This
recce – the first of its kind – was certainly a major step forward
as it served to enhance the readiness of the Company by allowing
commanders to develop a clear conceptual understanding of how
the TRB could be used.
In between TRB and Cyprus Operational Duties the Company has
revelled in the King Harald Inter-Company Competition. Put
simply we made it our business to win and that is exactly what
we did. Whether it was success on the sports field in football and
cross-country or success in more military type events like the
RSM’s Patrol Competition and the Operational Half-Marathon,
the Company has clearly demonstrated the high standards define
Regiment JOURNAL
a C Company soldier. The Company is rightly proud of being
the Champion Company with all soldiers now wearing their King
Harald Flashes with pride.
The transition from TRB to Cyprus Operational Duties in the
later half of this last period has given commanders and their
soldiers a new focus. Whilst this new role does not have quiet
the same profile as TRB, it has brought some fresh challenges
which have helped to keep soldiers fresh. Training has initially
focused on mandated capabilities, such as public order. Looking
forward, there will now a greater opportunity to focus soldiers
on some of the basics which we all know will serve soldiers well
wherever their career takes them. Whatever the challenges
ahead, you can be sure that C Company soldier will have a good
attitude, be well disciplined, be fit and be able to shoot well.
These are the basics which continue to provide the bedrock of
soldiering in C Company.
C Coy prior to the Re-ORBAT.
Support Company
OC:
2IC:
CSM:
Capt CW Lunn MC
Capt JD Dennis
CSgt A Morrison
The end of the Battalion’s year as the
Theatre Reserve Battalion signalled the
centralisation of Sp Company’s Fire Support
Groups (FSGs) and their reunion with
Mortar Platoon (MOR Pl). The reformation
of Sp Company as an independent sub-unit
in early October brought with it a change in
emphasis. We moved away from our heavy
weapons and reconnaissance specialities
and focussed on basic infantry soldiering.
This allowed us to assume our place in the
Cyprus Operations rotation alongside our
rifle company brethren.
CQMS: CSgt D Winward
FSG 1: Sgt Wright/Sgt Kelly
FSG 2: Sgt Elstob/Sgt Manton
MOR:
Capt N Parkinson-Carr/
CSgt Johnston
We began with a period of Public Order
(PO) training. Sp Company soldiers had
already played the role of civilians during
the Battalion’s Non-combatant Evacuation
Operation (NEO) exercise. This had
served to wet their appetites and they took
great delight in demonstrating their PO
prowess once given the opportunity with
baton and shield. The culminating serial,
the dispersal of an angry C Company
posse, took place in Shalaki Village,
part of RAF Akrotiri’s training estate.
Dodging missiles and the charges of the
enthusiastic mob, FSGs 1 and 2 began
clearing the two main routes. As the
clash reached its climax, MOR Pl were
launched to deal with the rioters’ final
stand. They were met by a hail of petrol
bombs and a resurgence in rowdy activity.
All of Sp Company acquitted themselves
with aplomb and their experience shone
through in the face of adversity; victory
was never in doubt.
With our newly refreshed PO skills, Sp
Company assumed responsibility as the
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The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
57 Channels and nothing on: The Troodos Ops Room.
Ops 2 Company. However, PO is just
one of a myriad of tasks facing whichever
company is in this role. Sp Company
soldiers were scattered across the Island
to provide support to operations and
exercises as directed by Headquarters
British Forces Cyprus. In particular,
we provided troops for the Platoon
Commanders’ Battle Course final exercise
and handed over ownership of the Sign
Awareness Course to the 2nd Battalion,
The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. From
Ops 2 we rotated to Ops 1. Here, we were
required to man the strategic sites in
order to maintain the UK’s interests in
Cyprus. This vitally important function is
central to everything that we do on-Island
and will continue to be the focus of the
Battalion’s activities for the remainder of
our time here.
In and amongst our operational activity,
Sp Company has also been involved
with various sporting and King Harald
Competition events. Regrettably, our
strong showing in the Gun Run and Inter
Company Novice Boxing Competition was
not enough to impact on the healthy lead
C Company had already established. We
relinquished our position as the Battalion’s
champion Company with good grace,
humour and our heads held high.
Pte Scaife in a dominant performance. He was voted
the night’s ‘Most Promising Boxer’.
Sp Coy’s Boxing Team.
HQ Company
OC:
Maj Donohue
HQ Company has had another busy
period whose resolve has been truly
tested, made even more difficult with the
pending merger. However we have not
been found wanting. All departments
have worked hard to support the
Battalion and preserve the integrity of
their individual areas of responsibility.
These are testing times and it has
been imperative that personnel in the
Company are kept abreast of the eventual
changes, this has been done leaving
no stone unturned by the RCMO and
his staff, working long difficult hours
to ensure the balance is right. HQ
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CSM: WO2 White
CQMS:CSgt Higgins
Company is a unique beast and quite
dispersed in its make up, which as a
Company Commander can leave you
quite isolated, however the knowledge
of knowing that there are quality
individuals looking after their own
departments makes life more reassuring.
to defend its perimeters. The response
was against a possible Greek Cypriot
demonstration against the base. Chefs,
MT and QM’s departments stood side
by side waiting for the call to respond,
but thankfully it was handled and
contained by the Sovereign Base Area
(SBA) Police.
The Company once again demonstrated
its versatility and flexibility over the
Christmas period when called upon
during OP TURBULENCE. With
the cry, ‘Don Visors and riot shields’
elements of HQ Company deployed with
a composite company to Akrotiri airbase
The Company participated in the long
standing Log Run for the King Harald
Trophy, trained by Capt Andy (The
Dynamo) McKenny, did themselves
proud, finishing third in front of two
of the bayonet fixing rifle companies,
The Yorkshire
what was more satisfying was that 4 of
the team were over 40. The sound of
old men coughing and spluttering in the
distance could be heard, but it was a good
example to the young ones. The MTO
was approached by one of the younger
soldiers who said, ‘Sir you’re fit for your
age’, his response to the point was, ‘Son,
you know when you have trained hard,
because afterwards you can taste blood’;
soldier stood stunned to silence.
The chefs have again been outstanding,
displaying excellent culinary skills. They
entered the chef ’s combined services
competition and picked up 2 bronze
medals, and also came first in the all-Island
sports competition, with Cpl Lee wining
the on-Island chef of the year prize.
We have recently seen the departure of
Cpl Green (PRI NCO) and Cpl Welsh
(HQ Stores) who are spending their last
Regiment JOURNAL
six month in the UK, after completing 22
years loyal service; we wish them and their
families good luck and good fortune for the
future, and thank them for all their hard
work and support.
The Company has performed superbly, never
letting the ball drop and always making it
work in support of the Battalion. I personally
would like to thank them for all their efforts
and look forward to the months ahead.
Support (1 Yorks) Company – The Journey Ahead
Capt CW Lunn MC
In January 2013, only three months
after our reformation, Support Company
(Sp Coy) was once again prepared for
restructuring. This time it was as part of
the Battalion’s re-ORBAT parade. The
new look Sp (1 YORKS) Company takes
its place in the order of battle as an overstrength rifle company. We have the
bespoke task of preparing our soldiers to
begin 1 YORKS’ Mission Specific Training
(MST) progression. The start line is the
All Ranks Briefing, April 2013, Münster,
Germany; now we need to get there.
First, and crucially, we still have a
role to play in the delivery of Cyprus
Operations. As I write, Sp Company
personnel are deployed across the Island
manning the strategically vital Ops 1 sites.
Concurrently, in the outstations platoon,
staff are beginning the low level training
that will provide the foundations for what
is to come. Once we are relieved of our
Ops 1 commitments by C Company we will
have two weeks to build on this individual
training until sections and platoons
are well-drilled and used to training
collectively. A week of live firing will
follow and then an exacting test exercise
to ensure we have achieved the required
standard and we are capable of operating
as a company. In total, we have ten weeks
of Hybrid Foundation Training before
the Battalion’s Big Event, a short period
of leave and then our onward move and
integration with 1 YORKS.
the Theatre Reserve Battalion’s (TRB)
responsibilities. Support for the families
remaining in Cyprus is a clear priority and
will be provided by 2 YORKS. In return,
I am certain that the families’ support for
those soldiers who move to Germany will
be unwavering. The separation will not be
easy but all is being done to make life as
comfortable as possible.
Although Sp Company’s move to Germany
signals the end of its commitment to Cyprus
Operations, Mission Specific Training will
be equally busy and demanding. From
experience we know that the pace of life
will remain hectic through the unit move
back to Cyprus and the assumption of
The challenges that Sp Company will
face over the coming months will be very
different from those faced by others in the
Battalion. It will not be easy; there will
be a busy period of Cyprus Ops, an intense
collective training programme, a move
to Germany, more demanding training, a
move back to Cyprus and then the rigours
of TRB. But, we are ready. We will arrive
in Germany enthusiastic, fully trained
and mentally and physically prepared for
MST… and the journey beyond.
RQMS:
RQMS (T): WO2 Diver
Quartermasters' Department
QM:
QM (T):
Maj M Saunby Capt A McKenny As we enter 2013, we take time to
reflect on a busy 2012; Theatre Reserve
Battalion (TRB) brought its own
challenges that ranged from providing
a G4 forward representative in Camp
Bastion to establish numerous Battalion
RSOI packages and to provide support
to the Battalion Liaison Officers further
afield in Helmand. Back in Cyprus, life
was equally busy, ensuring that the lead
company (135 soldiers) were ready to
deploy and were resourced for all training
serials whether this was in Cyprus
WO2 Kenyon
(Operational Readiness Assessment) or in
Jordan (Ex PASTUN LINKS).
were put to good use, fixing, making, and
generally being professional “odd job men”.
Having handed on the TRB mantle, the
new focus was Cyprus Operations; this
involves the Battalion being deployed
to numerous locations such as RAF
Akrotiri and Troodos. This has brought
new challenges for the QM’s department,
ensuring that all of the remote sites were
fit for habitation, ensuring that they were
sustained correctly and were operationally
“fit for purpose”. The unit pioneers
The department has continued to allow the
soldiers to attend career courses and attend
local sport or adventure training which
has included rock climbing, sailing, diving
and parachuting. The department also
took part in the SSAFA Spin-athon charity
fund raising event; the QM department
team came a respectable overall 3rd. The
Commander British Forces Cyprus sports
week took place in December and the
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Regiment JOURNAL
QM Team in the SSAFA Spin-Athon.
department provided footballers, golfers,
runners and swimmers, all of whom
contributed to the Battalion becoming
overall winners of the competition. The
King Harald competition, which is
competed for on an annual basis, again
saw the department competing as part of
QM dept at work. NB note rain puddle; it’s not all blue skies and sandy beaches!
HQ Company which enabled the lads
to take part in military and sporting
events; this has to be the fittest QM’s
Dept for a long time.
As we go to print we say a fond
farewell to RQ (M) Kev Gordon
back to 2LANCS and deployment to
Afghanistan. His replacement WO2
RQMS (M) Francis Kenyon will have
a steep learning curve and will be kept
busy getting the Battalion in the right
shape for the fast approaching merger in
the summer.
MTO: Capt TJP Jones
MTWO: CSgt M Fuller
MT Sgt: Sgt CR Storr
By way of introduction I thought it would
be best to get the formalities out the way
by saying farewell to the members of the
Platoon who have moved on in the last
year: Cpl Childs and Cpl Dowson. Good
luck to you both in your new careers
wherever you move to. We also welcome
and look forward to working with the
new members of the Platoon: CSgt Fuller
(MTWO), Cpl Lenord, Cpl Proctor, LCpl
Lanaway, LCpl Tuilevuka, Pte DorsMidgley and Pte Hindmarsh.
green fleet and produce white fleet from
nothing at very short notice. We have
a new no-nonsense Fleet Manager Cpl
Lenord whose favourite hobby is JAMES
and will not have a bad word said about
it. Hidden away in the Driver Training
cell you have a fire team headed up by Cpl
North. Assisting him is Cpl Blakemore,
Cpl Proctor and LCpl Simpson. These
soldiers spend most of there time updating
paperwork or out on the vehicle park
running various cadres. In servicing you
have LCpl (Streaky) O’Neill, Pte Ravouvou
and Pte Robinson who spend most of their
time covered in oil under vehicles in the
pit. Finally we have the G4 Team Cpl
Dalzell and LCpl Wood running the store
spending most of there time buried deep
beneath AESPs.
Det Comd: Capt J Boardman
RAWO:
down from TRB. Pte Maloney and
Paterson have both been selected for
promotion to LCpl; a great achievement.
A number of the Detachment have left the
Battalion on posting with no nominated
replacement due to the merger.
2 YORKS has made great use of the
skills and talents of its SPS Det, Sgt
Boateng at football, Sgt Elliot in netball,
Pte Fitton and Pte Sherchan at Cross
Country and Pte Maloney in golf,
deserves special mention. SSgt Branfoot
Motor Transport Platoon
In details you have Cpl Marr and LCpl
Wood 58 who spend hours issuing out the
You could without doubt fill the journal
from the front cover to the back with the
day to day activities carried out by the
Platoon and that’s without adding the extra
activities recovering vehicles and visiting
the Cyprus Ops outstations to give vehicle
advice and guidance. To conclude the MT
Platoon are looking forward to the busy
time of ECI preparation, Cyprus Ops and
the 1 YORKS/2 YORKS merger.
Regimental Admin Office
RAO:
Capt T Taylor
This year once again the AGC (SPS)
Detachment has contributed to the
deployability and administration of the
Battalion. It has been a busy period
all round as the Battalion has begun its
planning to merge following standing
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WO2 L Barker
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
(FSA) is a key member of the X-Country
team and continues to compete in his
swimming winning the relay as part of
the first AGC (SPS) team to win the
accolade at Corp level.
Capt Taylor has arrived to take over
from Capt Marwick from 32 Regt RA
as RAO, just before the SPS inspection.
A credit to both RAOs the Battalion
were acknowledged to be of a high
standard, with very few observations.
Recently the sub-units have re-orbatted
to allow one of the companies to move
to support 1 YORKS on MST. The
administration requirements were
completed seamlessly as soldiers moved
into their new companies.
AGC Det on Alma Day.
Infantry Battalion (RIB) in Cyprus does
have its perks as the Battalion was drawn
up along the sea at King’s Division Cove.
An excellent event allowing attached
personnel to share in the history and
culture of the Battalion.
The Detachment now looks forward to the
merger and is ready for the challenges it
will bring. Another turn of the handle goes
by; 1 YORKS will soon arrive to take over
Cyprus Ops and the Detachment will be
split between posts.
RSO/RSWO: CSgt Dack CQMS:
CSgt Stiles PL Sgt/BSM: Sgt Percival
IS Man:
CIS Platoon continues to live up to the
high standards expected to assist the
Battalion on its operational tasks and key
exercises, such as battlegroup planning
exercises and the NEO exercise. All the
while we support the companies and run
internal Signal Cadres. We must also
attend our own specialist courses and Cpls
Nicholls and Smith have finally got on
the RSAS course. As such the Platoon is
spread quite thinly to ensure the Battalion
can communicate.
enhanced R Signals Det we gained for our
TRB role – all 5 Royal Signal soldiers have
moved on to pastures new. Their efforts
have never gone unnoticed and we wish
them the best of luck for the future. Also,
the Platoon welcomes back CSgt Stiles who
as been away at BOWTAG and 4 YORKS,
and takes over the CIS CQMS appointment.
Alma Day saw the bringing together
of the Battalion for a commemorative
service. This also allows the Detachment
to take stock and truly feel at home
within the Battalion. Being the Resident
CIS Platoon
The Platoon would like to say farewell to
Capt Allison who moved to A Company
as OC, during the period. And to the
Cpl Harriman
Welfare Office
UWO:
Capt A Barron
With the Cyprus Summer over, we have had to concentrate more
of our efforts on functions for the families and soldiers.
Early September saw an ‘end of summer’ party which started at the
beach at King’s Div Cove with all the usual water sports activities
and a BBQ in the afternoon. This was followed in the evening by
a hugely successful night in the White Horse Club with attendance
well over 100.
The Fijian soldiers and families who form an integral part of 2
YORKS celebrated Fiji day on the 13th October 2012. This is
a celebration of the anniversary of both Fiji’s accession to the
United Kingdom in 1874 and attainment of Independence in 1970.
The Fijians took enormous pride in presenting their traditional
Fiji day and some of the Fijian wives.
37
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Regiment JOURNAL
2 YORKS wives at the Christmas dinner.
Pte Bainbridge at the Inter-Company boxing final.
customs as well as showing their methods of making clothing
and displaying traditional weapons. The main function hall in
the SNUG was resplendent in Fijian decoration, and a traditional
ceremony was carried out to welcome the chief guest, Maj Wade.
The children were treated to a Christmas party, with a children’s
entertainer and Cpl Walsh taking on the role of Santa, to hand
out some early Christmas cheer.
Prior to the Christmas break up we had an excellent afternoon and
evening for the wives, which started in our White Horse Club and
culminated in cocktails in the SNUG followed by a traditional
Christmas dinner served by the Welfare Staff. A Disco for all
ranks then followed in the SNUG.
Pte Bainbridge also managed to visit the Battalion, on the
Wounded Warrior Trip and was hosted superbly throughout
the week by all the companies. He also managed to take centre
stage at the Battalion Boxing finals with the Commanding
Officer graciously asking Pte Bainbridge to present the prizes
on his behalf.
The Officers’ Mess
PMC:
Maj RT Wade
The Mess has spent the last six months
enjoying a healthy balance between fun and
physical activity. Spurred on by the youngat-heart LE community who appear to be
defying the years, many Mess Members
have taken part in different endurance
events all over the Island. These have
ranged from sprint triathlons, open-water
swims, and ironman challenges.
Capt Parkinson during the Cyprus Ironman.
38
Cricket became the more sedentary game
of choice for those less willing and able
to run up and down mountains. Fixtures
against a HQ British Forces Cyprus XI and
a Fusiliers Officer’s XI saw the Mess finish
with one win and one loss at the end of the
summer. The PMC had been particularly
alarmed when many of the Subalterns
admitted that they had never played cricket
before in their lives. What they lacked in
cricketing know-how, they certainly made
up for in enthusiasm in the field!
Formal and less formal social events have
continued, including a special dining-out
of the British Forces Cyprus Chief of Staff.
This presented a particular challenge to
move the Mess furniture, paintings and
The team relax after the Cyprus Ironman.
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Regiment JOURNAL
silver to an altitude of 1,900 metres to
the outpost in the Troodos Mountains.
The feat was achieved and the mountain
backdrop helped the evening be very
memorable indeed.
Thanks go to Corporal Appleton and his
team for keeping the very fragile Mess
building still functioning and looking
as good as it can do. Whilst there has
been the usual high turnover of Mess
members and families, there is clearly an
intent to carry on enjoying oneself until
the very end.
2 YORKS Officers enjoying the dinner at Troodos.
Warrant Officers and Sergeants' Mess
PMC:
WO2 M Syron
Our last few months as TRB have raced
by and the transition to Cyprus Ops is
now complete. Despite this, the Mess
maintains a heavy calendar due to the
sterling commitment of all its Mess
members and avid regulars of the ‘Engine
Room’. The Mess committee has seen
some key appointment changes and its
new members have been determined to
make their mark on the quality of life and
functions within.
Conscious of the fact that the Mess in
Cyprus will not be forever, members and
their wives continue with their support
in full knowledge that the Battalion in its
current format will cease in August of this
year. Functions held since last writing has
seen the Alma Ball, a Regimental Dinner
night which focused on looking back at
the Battalion’s history and achievements,
and the Christmas draw. Of note were the
prizes in the draw, all high value electric
goods including iPads, laptops, cameras,
etc. Big winners will not be named in case
prizes were given as Christmas presents…
August 2013 will see the end of our Cyprus
tour; up until then the Mess forecast of
events makes the very best of our time
left together. This should see a function
organised by our wives, Regimental
Dinner night, single living in functions
and a visit to the Cpls’ Mess in which
we have been challenged in a variety of
traditional Mess games. Finally, it seems
The Engine Room.
only fitting in times of uncertainty and
Mess members moving on in new posts to
wish them and their families the very best
for the future.
The Corporals' Mess
PMC:
Cpl Jowers
We started the calendar with an outstanding Alma dinner.
Organised by LCpl Rex, the format of the night being fine wine
and dining in the Episkopi Garrison WOs & Sgts’ Mess. As
the VIPs arrived, still fragile from the WOs and Sgts’ Mess
function the night before, the banging of the drums started to
echo throughout the Garrison as DMaj Oxley and his Drummers
displayed an excellent abundance of Regimental rhythm. This
geared the Mess up to the usual Green Howards chant, which
undoubtedly kept the Guard awake. As the dinner finished, Cpl
‘Ski’ Cumaskey and Capt Scott (RCMO) reacquainted themselves
to the extreme amusement of the Mess. We then retired back to
the Cpls’ Mess for a Toast with a glass of port.
As 2012 came to a close the Cpls’ Mess celebrated with a first class
Christmas party at the Episkopiana Hotel. The event organised
by Cpl ‘SAS’ Hendy and the Provo Section. On arrival wives
received a ‘Pandora’ charm to the dismay of their Husbands as the
bracelet wasn’t included, so was added to the Christmas shopping
list. The food was scrumptious and was only narrowly surpassed
by the ample free refreshments at the bar! Cpl Lee Jowers then
kindly supervised the proceedings of the Christmas Draw which
consisted of over €7000 of prizes to everybody’s delight. We were
then entertained by magicians and a band.
In the coming year Cpl ‘Hammy’ Hamilton, the current PEC is
organising a ‘Party in the Park’ to see us say farewell from the
Island and also to the Battalion in the summer. We are often
enticed into the mess on a regular basis to watch football with
offers of free food and beer – but let’s be honest, how else can he
get us to watch a Middlesbrough game.
39
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Regiment JOURNAL
Op Turbulence
Maj RW Grieve
Op TURBULENCE is the military
support to the Sovereign Base Area
Police’s (SBAP) response to a protest
outside Akrotiri Station. The trend of
recent years has been for a protest to take
place early in the New Year and this year
was no different. The demonstration
last year rapidly deteriorated into a riot,
so all involved approached this year
preparing for the worst. Planning prior
to Christmas indicated that the Ops
2 Company – provided by 2 YORKS
– would need to be positioned within
Akrotiri Station should intelligence
indicate that a demonstration was being
coordinated. The SBAP would lead and
expected to have sufficient police to cope;
the role of the Ops 2 Company was to act
as a reserve, able to protect the perimeter
security of Akrotiri Station if required.
Ops 2 Company manning over the
Christmas period had been drawn from
across the Battalion using personnel who
were remaining on-Island for leave. With
Op TURBULENCE a real possibility, the
public order training conducted by this
composite company prior to the minimum
manning period meant that all personnel
were well prepared. On New Year’s Eve
intelligence from the SBAP indicated that
a demonstration was being coordinated so
the Ops 2 Company was called in early on
2 Jan 13.
Final planning was conducted with
the SBAP whilst the remainder of the
Company drew kit and prepared vehicles.
The historical trend had been for
demonstrations to be over within a few
hours, although the Company needed to be
prepared for a protracted operation. With
the Company poised in Akrotiri Station,
commanders listened into the SBAP on
the radio to keep tracks of developments.
Over 100 demonstrators turned out to
protest – some armed with helmets and
batons – although the SBAP, with the
support of the Cypriot Police, ensured that
they never got close enough to threaten the
security of Akrotiri Station. The Op was
certainly seen as a success by all; whilst
the Ops 2 Company was not used, we had
certainly benefited from the opportunity to
improve links with the SBAP by exposing
commanders to SBAP planning, tactics
and capabilities. The Op will have given
Commander British Forces Cyprus and the
SBAP renewed confidence that the Ops 2
Company is capable and ready to deploy if
the call comes.
Ex Agamemnon Warrior
Lt R Merchant
Following the continuing unrest in the Middle East and North
Africa (MENA), and with the draw down of operations in
Afghanistan, the Theatre Reserve Battalion was tasked to familiarise
itself with Non-combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO). With the
Battalion being strategically based in Cyprus, it is perfectly poised
to mount a NEO expedition, to ensure the safe evacuation of British
citizens from volatile states in the MENA region.
To practice the competencies required for the Battalion to conduct
a NEO, Ex AGAMEMNON WARRIOR was designed and
conducted in the late summer. After a period of NEO mission
specific training the Battalion deployed via an amphibious
insertion. The maritime element of the exercise was a unique
opportunity for most of the Battalion, and a welcome relief from
deploying on yet another MAN SV; more importantly it served
to highlight the flexibility that combined operations can deliver
to the higher command element. Once landed, the Companies
conducted a 17km foot insertion and successfully established the
Evacuation Handling Centre. From here A Company dispersed
to into the Area of Operations (AO) where the individual platoons
then set up Reception Centres (RC), ready to receive any United
Kingdom Entitled Persons (UKEPs) at first light.
Just after first light each RC began reporting a steady stream of
UKEPs arriving. To ease the administrative burden at the EHC
and warrant a smooth evacuation, each platoon location began
processing British citizens. This involved thoroughly searching
each individual for possible hazardous items, before admitting
them into the centre where they then had their identity verified by
the FCO team. Once a big enough party had been assembled, the
UKEPs were escorted to an RV where they were then transferred
to the EHC and then evacuated to safety. Once all British citizens
had been evacuated the platoons were collapsed back to the EHC
in preparation for our own departure.
NEO is a rarely practised aspect of military capability; this
exercise served to emphasise its importance, and relevance, in
today’s current political climate throughout the MENA region.
cbf cup Victory
Capt JA Boggs
As part of British Forces Cyprus, 2 YORKS
took part in the Commander British Forces
(CBF) Cyprus Cup in November last year.
Over the course of a week of sporting
events 2 YORKS were pitted against RAF
Akrotiri, Episkopi, Dhekelia and Ayios
40
Nikolaos Stations, and 2 RRF. Sports
included rugby, cross country, football,
golf, tug of war and swimming, to name
but a few. Following on from the previous
year, 2 YORKS had a few trophies to
defend and a few more to win.
Far from a dream start, 2 YORKS found
themselves in last position after the first day
of sports. As the competition progressed this
placing steadily rose as we gained a number
of key victories, most notably cross-country
and swimming on day two. After an upset
The Yorkshire
at the football, it was down to the older
and manlier contact sports to take the tiller
and steer the ship to victory. The rugby
team stepped out for the 10s competition
on the day three and won all 4 games for a
resounding victory. By the end of the day, 2
YORKS had rocketed into the lead and with
only one day to go our hopes were high. On
the final day of the competition the tug of
war team made a valiant attempt but were
beaten by Episkopi Garrison, leaving the fate
of the cup to the hockey team. The team
had only recently come together but put in a
sterling performance scoring three wins and
one draw with a total of 8 goals. It all came
down to points difference, and having scored
two more than Dhekelia, 2 YORKS won the
hockey and so the cup.
Regiment JOURNAL
CBF Cup gave all the teams within
the Battalion a chance to compete,
pan-Island, and identified a number
of talented sportsmen. Credit goes to
all those who took part and to all those
that made it possible for us to compete.
The mantle will now pass to 1 YORKS,
who will compete in Nov 13 following
the merger.
The King Harald Competition – A Platoon Commander’s Perspective
Lt R Gayfer
The King Harald (KH) Competition
is the annual inter-company contest
held by 2 YORKS. It comprises a
large amount of varied events to test
the soldiers and officers. The winning
Company has the honour to be named
the King Harald Company and will wear
the distinctive KH flash until the next
KH Company is crowned.
This competition gives an excellent
opportunity for a Platoon Commander
to see the determination of his men, the
quality of his junior commanders and
to take part in some fantastic platoon
cohesion events. Many different skills and
qualities are tested, both on an individual
basis and as a platoon or company.
Soldiering skills are tested in The
Endurance Competition. A long range
patrolling event that saw platoons deploy
in full operational kit over a period of
24 hours, completing a variety of JNCO
led command tasks at check points and
covering an overall distance of over 30
miles. It is an excellent opportunity to see
how our soldiers worked under pressure.
Team work and physical fitness were tested
in many events. The Gun Run required
platoons to race around a 3 mile course
carrying heavy burdens; team strategy was
key in ensuring the burden was shared
and the discipline maintained; a good
Sandhurst style event to see what our
platoons were really made of.
Technical skill was tested in a variety of
driving competitions and sporting prowess
tested in the inter-company boxing and
football competitions. All together the
KH Competition is a great opportunity for
Platoons to bond and strive for the pride of
their Company; equally it gives a Platoon
Commander an insight into a wide variety
of his men’s qualities. Not to mention
being an enormous amount of fun!
Inter Company Boxing Competition
Lt DJ Bosher
Boxing is a sport which requires key
qualities prized in an Infantryman;
courage, skill, fitness, determination
and discipline. The 14th of December,
a night to remember. The last 2nd
Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green
Howards) inter company novice boxing
competition. 16 boxers, supported by
their companies in a manner which is
testament to the good hearted competitive
spirit and Regimental pride inherent to
the Battalion.
Some months before, Maj Tony Donohue
(OC HQ) began frantic preparations to
facilitate the week long competition.
In an extremely busy period for the
Battalion including; Cyprus Ops, the
final King Harald competition (of which
boxing was the final event), and of course
the Regimental merger each company
set about selecting a squad, completing
medicals and registration and getting
as much training done as possible. As
Sgt Cooper: Bn Heavyweight Champion.
41
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Regiment JOURNAL
boxing Officer for B Company I know I
was not alone in facing an ever growing
list of other commitments to fit boxing
around. As the competition approached
companies did what they could to free
up their boxers. B Company spent its
final weeks conducting 4 varied sessions
a day including; skills, strength circuits,
fat burning CV and of course sparring.
The latter to get competitors as used to
the rather unusual sensation of being
toe to toe with another man knowing he
is going to try and hit you as hard as he
can. Without the Company coaching
staff, the gym staff or Maj Donohue the
competition would not have happened.
Their hard work ensured a competition
where the standard of boxing from the
preliminaries to finals night, across the
weight categories was exceptional (far
better than Flintoff!!).
The outstanding performance of the final
night and deserved winner of the coveted
best boxer award was Pte Scaife (Sp Coy),
whilst the most courageous boxer of the
night was Capt Lunn (Sp Coy). In terms
of the overall competition B Company was
victorious, narrowly beating Sp Company.
Pte Bainbridge (injured in Afghanistan)
presented the awards; his inclusion whilst a
surprise to him was fitting and demonstrated
the inclusive family spirit of the Battalion.
The Results of the night:
Weight
Winner
Runner Up
Feather Weight
Light Weight
Light Welter Weight
Welter Weight
Middle Weight
Light Heavy Weight
Cruiser Weight
Heavy Weight
Pte Hird (A)
Pte Harrison (Sp)
Pte Scaife (Sp)
Pte Walker (Sp)
Pte Learoyd (B)
Lt Bosher (B)
Pte Hughes (B)
Sgt Cooper (A)
Pte Lewis (B)
Pte Bendall (A)
Pte Fletcher (A)
Pte Fields (C)
Pte Hookway (B)
Capt Lunn (Sp)
Pte Hancock (B)
LCpl Grainger (Sp)
Cross-Country
Maj RW Grieve
The Yorkshire Regiment has a fine
history in Cross-Country competitions
over the years and I am very pleased to
say that 2 YORKS has certainly added
to this during the course of the 2012/13
season. The British Forces Cyprus CrossCountry League consists of ten races
across the island over the winter months.
Competition between the two infantry
battalions on-Island is particularly fierce
with each wanting to beat the other and
secure first place. Key to the success of
the Battalion this year has been spotting
new talent and getting these soldiers
interested in the sport. Whilst we have
the benefit of an RSM who at 47 years
old regularly scores points for the team,
the real revelation has been some of the
young soldiers who have represented the
Battalion. These individuals, most of
whom are new to the sport, have gone
from strength to strength as they have
gained experience racing, particularly the
important lesson that they will always
feel it later in the race if they try to go off
too fast!
At the time of writing, we are
approaching the end of the season and we
have won the team event in every race so
X-Country team after winning CBF’s Cup. Is there a GIRL in the team!!!!!!!!
42
far. This also included an additional race
for Commander British Forces’ Cup, which
helped to contribute to the Battalion’s
overall victory in this competition.
Looking ahead, for the few remaining
races, we have a real opportunity to not
just win the Cross-Country League, but
secure first place for the team in every
race. This would be a mark of real
dominance on-Island. There will also be
opportunities to get individual soldiers
away off-Island to represent the Battalion
in higher level competitions where the
standard will be higher, but I am confident
that we have the talent to succeed.
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Rugby
Lt C Beaumont
This has been another strong season for
2 YORKS rugby, with a lot of games won
and a lot of players representing Army
and other teams. We have been playing
our regular league games as a garrison
team, the Episkopi Eagles; this gains us
a couple of welcome additions from the
wider garrison community but the team
remains heavily dominated by 2 YORKS
personnel. We opened the season in good
form and scored three straight wins to
set the tone for a good year. Since then
we have continued in winning ways
and, despite having forfeited a match
due to everyone being away on other
commitments, we are looking good to
retain our league title.
One of the most pleasing victories this
year came in CBF’s Sports Cup. This saw
the Battalion pitted against all the other
units and garrisons in Cyprus at a variety
of sports in order to determine who could
secure the coveted cup. Rugby was played
fairly late on in the competition and by
that stage, 2 YORKS had had a couple of
surprising defeats in our other disciplines,
which had resulted in a disappointing
position in the competition’s league table.
However that was all turned around by
several 2 YORKS teams on the penultimate
day, with the rugby team crushing all
challengers and fulfilling their part.
As the team continues to develop we have
had more and more players being called up
to represent other teams, most notably Army
Rugby Cyprus, the core of which was provided
by our Battalion. We have also sent players
away to the Infantry team as well as the Army
Development side and the Army U23 squad.
If we can continue to produce this level of
quality and keep progressing as players and
as a team then we should be confident of a
bright future and continued success.
Nordic Skiing
2Lt T Flanagan
The months of planning were over and
the 2 YORKS Nordic Ski Team was on its
way to Obertilliach, Austria. The team,
consisting of 2Lt Flanagan, Cpl Fox, LCpl
Pollard, Pte Golden, Pte Jennings and Pte
Peel, was to join many other Novice teams
on Ex KNEES STRETCH. The aim was
to teach all teams the ‘classic’ and ‘skate’
technique. The exercise was relaxed but
competitive creating an atmosphere in
which all thrived (after a few tumbles).
The culminating race proved interesting
with 2 YORKS excelling more on the rifle
ranges than on the piste.
On 1st January 2013, after Christmas
leave, the team met in Catterick and
headed out once again, this time to Ex
2Lt Flanagan takes aim.
WHITE FIST in Hochfilzen, Austria.
Ex WHITE FIST is the RAC, AAC,
RA championships and 2 YORKS was
fortunate enough to participate as a guest
team. Here the competitive edge was
upped significantly. With individual
and relay races from 5 km to 10 km
every second day the tempo was high but
the 2 YORKS team excelled under the
pressure. Unfortunately, Cpl Fox had
to leave the team at this stage due to a
recurring shoulder injury.
From Austria, it was then on to Serre
Chevalier, France for Ex SPARTAN
HIKE, the Army Divisional
Championships. After a few warm up
races, it then ramped up to the main
competition events of the Biathlon
individual and relay races and then, the
anchor race of the exercise, the military
patrol race. The team fared well, albeit
not sufficiently to progress to the Army
Championships and so returned to Cyprus
after 2 excellent months away. This has
undoubtedly been one of the highlights of
every team members’ career. Nordic skiing
draws on all the attributes the infantry
holds dear; courage, determination,
physical and mental robustness and
calmness under pressure. Each team
member has been pushed physically to
their boundaries (collapsing at the finish
line is not uncommon in Biathlons) and
yet they look forward to each race as if it
were their first.
The 2 YORKS Nordic Ski Team – 2012/13 Season.
43
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Regiment JOURNAL
Ex Sharpshooter 2012
Pte HJJ Fraser
Following the Battalion’s success in the
Cyprus Operational Shooting Competition
I was fortunate to be selected as one of
six individuals who would represent the
Battalion at Bisley. I have always had
a love of shooting from my childhood
days in South Africa and so I grasped the
opportunity to shoot at Army level. Going
into the competition I had absolutely
no idea what to expect; I just focused on
doing the best I could. After a week of
intense competition I managed to finish
37th out of some 300 which gained me
a place on the Army Shooting Team for
Ex SHARPSHOOTER in Canada in
September 2012.
My experience at Bisley had given me a
much better idea of what to expect from
competition shooting and after a week
of build up training with the team in
Canada the team completed two weeks of
shooting. Teams included the RAF, the
Canadian Regular Army, Reserves and
Rangers, the Dutch Army and the United
The Army Team.
44
States Navy. The shoots included both
static and dynamic ranges which had
the added complexity of points being
awarded for the use of cover and the
speed for completing the shoot, but also
points deducted for hitting a friendly
target. The type of shooting was also
a little different with scores based on
where the round landed on the target
rather than simply hitting the target at
different distances from different combat
positions. As the competition progressed
I became increasingly comfortable with
the type of shooting which allowed me to
do sufficiently well to be placed 7th out of
228 firers, but also 2nd best international
shot in the British team.
The experience I had in this competition
has proved to me that we sometimes
underestimate the quality of the SA80A2
rifle, as I was often engaging targets out
to 600m and scored 45 out of 50 on one
occasion. I was clearly doing a sport that
I love, but I think that with the quality of
Pte Fraser in his Army Colours.
shooting I have seen in 2 YORKS indicates
to me that there is an opportunity for
others from the Battalion to step up and
succeed at Army level in 2013.
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Triathlon
Capt WL Allison
This has been a superb season for the
2 YORKS triathlon team. The season
first began back in April but due to the
Battalion being in Afghanistan for RSOI, the
opening super-sprint race had no 2 YORKS
representation. They will not have known at
the time, yet the other competitors in Cyprus
should have been extremely grateful for 2
YORKS’ absence, especially as we went on to
dominate the remaining races of the season.
SSgt Branfoot was first to set the standard
with a third place finish in the sprint
distance in May, which was closely
followed in June by a top ten finish for
Capt Denlegh-Maxwell at the Olympic
Distance. However, it was the sprint
distance in August and Olympic Distance
in September when 2 YORKS really began
to dominate; especially with our adopted
Army Air Corps (AAC) attachment, 2Lt
Jones, who despite being a keen sportsman
had not undertaken a triathlon before. He
comfortably secured a top five place in
both these races, finishing as first placed
Army male in the Olympic distance with a
time of 2:20:33 – not a bad result for a first
time effort at all, especially when anything
under 2:30:00 is considered 'elite'. Along
with top five finishes for Capt Fulton and
Capt Denlegh-Maxwell the inter-services
trophy was secured for the Army but more
importantly, for 2 YORKS, as the qualifying
triathletes were all YORKS Officers!
2Lt Jones (AAC) with the inter-services trophy.
The final race of the season was the ominous
'K1MAN'; a half-ironman distance race
consisting of 1.5 km swim; 90 km cycle
Triathletes and some of their wives following the
Olympic distance event.
2 YORKS Triathletes in the new Battalion Tri-suits.
and a 21.1 km run. Six individuals from 2
YORKS entered this event overall but this
was Capt Parkinson's race. At the peak of
his training for UK Special Forces selection
he finished in a highly respectable 4th place
achieving an outstanding time of 5:14:21! It
should be noted that the three individuals
who finished ahead of him were professional
Cypriot triathletes who had competed in the
Olympics earlier in the year. It was a great
end to what had been a very successful season.
Golf
Capt J Boardman
Cyprus is an Island of opportunity for the Battalion’s golfers.
There is a robust support for competitions from the Headquarters
and year-round good weather. In 2 YORKS, golf is not an Officeronly sport, the player numbers are dominated by the junior ranks.
It is these committed young men who back up for each Army
competition, practice in their own time and keep the pressure on
the Golf Society’s OIC for more 2 YORKS’ meets.
Blessed with four military courses where the Army and InterService competitions are held, the players’ highlight is to take a
round in at one of the three local PGA quality courses. These
courses cater for the well to do tourist, but relationships have been
established where they offer discounts for the Society’s meets.
Capt Jon Boardman putting in at Nick Faldo’s Elea GC.
45
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
The views out from a lush tee, over a manicured fairway which
drops off to the Mediterranean cannot be understated. The Joint
Service Courses also offer a tough challenge worthy of mention for
the players, be it the heat in summer, links style play, the greens
and browns or unforgiving rough. The Yorkshire Building Society
deserves our thanks having been very generous posting out prizes
for the Society’s meets.
The opportunity to compete against others on Island that can
have a round more regularly is always taken and 2 YORKS
has had some excellent results. Sgt Stevie Rowe and Pte Sean
Maloney represented for the victorious Army team in last year’s
Inter-Services and LCpl Nathan Rose won the Army 2012/13
Autumn Meeting.
That golf has had ever increased interest throughout our time in
Episkopi, speaks volumes for the commitment of the Society’s
members. Even with change over in the Battalion members, the
Society is growing in numbers and new players being introduced
too, because of the enthusiasm of the Yorkshire golfer.
Christmas in Cyprus
Capt J Boardman
Christmas is a time of families gathering
to celebrate the birth of Christ and to
give thanks for the gifts of the year
gone; Cyprus is a long way from our
families in Yorkshire, England and the
Commonwealth. For those 2nd Battalion
families and soldiers serving in Cyprus
over the Christmas holidays, the spirit
and joy of Christmas was shown in our
community coming together to celebrate
our holy days and in the great effort
made on the events to celebrate our
Yorkshire community.
The Garrison Christmas Fair came first;
it brought the families from the Garrison,
Episkopi and ex-patriot community
together to watch the turning on of the
Christmas lights. Carols of silent nights
and snow in Bethlehem were sung by the
St John’s School choir to a crowd all in
short sleeves. Santa Claus made his first
appearance of the season, too early for
reindeer, instead hitching a ride from the
Royal Air Force Rescue Squadron to the
cheers of the children as he flew overhead.
When the soldiers’ Christmas lunch was
served in the cookhouse, mighty carols
were sung by the men relishing being
served by the Officers and Sergeants’
Messes. How modern technology has
changed, as the soldiers texted, tweeted and
Facebooked on phones between the tables.
Each of the churches had their services and
celebrations and the children made cards
and decorations at the crèche and Jelly-Tots
play group.
Santa suits are not made for warmer climes
and seeing the Santa Charity Run with
over a hundred Santas puffing around
Santa arrives in Episkopi Garrison, British Forces Cyprus style.
46
the beaches of Happy Valley was indeed
a spectacle. The weather kept up for
Christmas Day, and with a sunny day,
many were encouraged down to the beach,
which is quite the contrary to being in a
cosy house, round the family table and
reaching for grandma’s gift of a reindeer
sweater. The camaraderie this distant
posting encourages amongst the Battalion
and their families is extended at Christmas;
warmth and mirth was shared by the
families and a good many invited the single
soldiers share Christmas lunch. The role
of Cyprus Operations work did not cease
and good tidings overcame. Father Stephen
Sharkey had the busiest time of his year,
making great effort to give pastoral care,
and to organise major parts of so many of
the functions. He perhaps overstepped
the mark in accepting 6 Christmas lunch
invitations; but made all of them!
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment
CO:
2IC:
Adjt:
Lt Col Z Stenning OBE
Maj B Terry
Capt S Davies
Ops Offr: Capt H Stow
IO:
Capt AD Ross
I last contributed as we were nearing completion of our
Operational tour in Nahr-e Saraj (NES). The tour ended with
the successful TOA to 40 Commando RM and the merging
of 2 areas of operations into a single Battalion area. This is
all the direct result of incredible hard work by all members
of the Battalion. Critically the Afghan Security Forces are
stepping up and taking greater responsibility in Helmand Since
handover, the ‘team of teams’ has returned to the UK proud of
its achievements over the 10 months of deployment. We will
never forget our fallen and injured and their families, who have
sacrificed so much on behalf of our Regiment, The Army and
our country.
RSO:
RSM:
Capt CJ Ibbotson
WO1 (RSM) D Syzmanski
Thankfully the Battalion had planned some exciting sport
and adventure training whilst in Helmand. Under the title of
Op RESET the Batalion has launched a number of exciting
expeditions around the Globe. Of note the football team have
toured in America, there have been 2 skiing expeditions in the
Alps and the Officers have conducted a decompression event
in Lubekke, Germany. There is much more to come over the
next 12 months with over 25 individual expeditions and some
400 soldiers enjoying some form of challenging, team building
activity. I am grateful to all those who have organised these
expeditions and for those who have raised funds in support of
them. The men are relishing the opportunity and experiences.
The period before the New Year saw a number of homecoming
parades in Huddersfield, Warminster, Halifax and York. Each
parade saw huge numbers turning out despite the cold weather to
welcome the Battalion home. Of particular note was the Medals
parade in Battlesbury barracks, where we were fortunate to have
His Grace the Duke of Wellington present medals and Elizabeth
Crosses to the injured and families. The parades culminated in
a Service of Remembrance in York Minster led by Padre John
Duncan with the Colonel in Chief, the Archbishop of York and
the families of our fallen in attendance. The level of support for
all these parades was deeply humbling. I would like to record
our huge thanks for all those who worked behind the scenes from
RHQ, 4 YORKS and our Associations for making each event
special. We are deeply grateful. After the final parade in York, the
Battalion fell out for some well deserved Christmas leave.
The return from Christmas leave was very busy. The single
focus of Afghanistan was replaced with multiple focus which
included regrouping as a Battalion, retraining in the Warrior
AFV and other Armoured Vehicles, resubordination to the Land
Warfare Centre (in June) , merging with the Cyprus Battalion (by
late July) and the uncertainty of redundancy (to be announced
in June). Concurrently the Battalion has rightly also been
providing a large amount of training support to the next Brigade
to deploy to Afghanistan. I have been deeply impressed by the
commitment of all members of the Battalion to work together
through these very busy and challenging times. I recognise that
for many this is an unsettling period. We are committed as a
Battalion to equipping every man with the right information
to make the right decision for his personal future. We are also
immensely committed to building an even stronger Battalion
this year, that will forge a reputation based on excellence in
all it does (Operations, training and sport), that recognises its
historical past and is proud of its connections to Yorkshire. Most
importantly we will keep what is best and strong from being a
tight knit family Regiment.
Service of Remembrance at York Minster.
47
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Alma Company
OC:
2IC:
CSM:
WSM:
CQMS:
Maj F Bibby/Maj C Armitage
Capt T Flecchia
WO2 DC Wyeth
CSgt A Moore
CSgt S Harrison
1 Pl Comd: Lt T Appleyard
1 Pl Sgt:
Sgt S Lynch
1 Pl WR Sgt: Cpl A Williams
2 Pl Comd:TBC
2 Pl Sgt:
Sgt L Burrows
Following the handover of the Patrol Base 1 (PB1) Area
of Operations to Charlie Company 40 Commando, Alma
Company enjoyed decompression in the comparatively
cold and windy beaches of Cyprus before landing in RAF
Brize Norton and travelling back to Battlesbury Barracks in
Warminster. The Company marched onto the Parade Square
with gusto to a fantastic reception by emotional family and
friends before heading into the Wellesley for a beer and a
catch up.
Unfortunately, and very sadly, there was a farewell to make
to Sergeant Gareth Thursby at his funeral, which his wife
requested be delayed until Alma returned to the UK. It was
held in Skipton, his home town and was galvanising to see
the support of the local Dales community in a packed church
spilling out in the popular market town. It was a much
needed opportunity for the Company to say goodbye properly.
The Company was, however, tragically informed of the death
of Kingsman Ryan Ward soon after the funeral. A popular
attachment for the operational tour from 1 LANCS, he found it
difficult to live with the aftermath of events in Afghanistan. He
was an outstanding addition to the Company and will be sorely
missed. His funeral was held in Kendal, which saw the High
Street lined from end to end with those wishing to say farewell.
Alma Group.
48
Cpl C Jones
Lt C Cameron
Sgt R Bishop
Cpl B Johnson
us all to settle in and see our families and finally relax. It was
re-assuring to see how the men of the Company looked after each
other in these weeks, keeping in touch and keeping an eye on
one another.
The bliss of leave did not last too long and before we knew it
we were back in Battlesbury with a new task and a new mission.
Alma Company is to return to the Armoured Infantry role which
equates to a frenzy of activity, a multitude of courses to re-qualify
ourselves on the armoured vehicles. The majority of the men
relish the idea of returning to our ‘bread and butter’ but some
would inevitably prefer to keep themselves as pure-bred bayonet
fighters. The past few weeks have seen a hive of activity, dusting
off driving licences following the arrival of the Warrior Sergeants
and Warrior Sergeant Major, whilst the Company has split to the
four winds on driver, gunner and commanders cadres.
There have been several personnel changes to the Company
since our return from Afghanistan, with goodbyes to Captain
The week before Christmas leave saw the whole Battalion
move north to Yorkshire where in the lashing rain of Halifax
and the bitterly cold streets of York Homecoming parades
were held. Alma enjoyed being at the front of the Battalion as
it passed through the Regimental home towns where, despite
the typical wintery weather, people had come out in force to
welcome us home.
Fortunately the parade in York marked the start of five weeks
post tour and Christmas leave, it provided the opportunity for
2 Pl WR Sgt:
3 Pl Comd:
3 Pl Sgt:
3 Pl WR Sgt:
Alma Coy parade in York.
The Yorkshire
Sparks (an instructional role at Operational Training and Advisory
Group [OPTAG]); Lieutenant Dan Arnold (liaising with 2 YORKS
in Cyprus); Sergeant Phil Smith (returning to The Mercians) as
well as our Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment Battlefield Casualty
Reinforcements (BCRs) and the 4 YORKS TA cohort. The OC,
Major Finlay Bibby, moves on but remains in Warminster at the
Regiment JOURNAL
Collective Training Group (CTG) after two and half years in
command of the Company. He left his indelible mark on the
Company in the form of a fantastic Spartan Helmet as his gift
to the men of Alma. Major Chris Armitage leads the Company
through the Armoured Infantry re-conversion and into the
Land Warfare Centre Battlegroup (LWC BG) role.
Burma Company
OC:
2IC:
CSM:
CQMS:
Maj R Singleton
Capt A Lewis
WO2 G Anderson
CSgt M Lightowlers
On return from Op HERRICK 16 the
Company enjoyed a period of normalisation
training which included a half marathon,
paintballing and, of course, a beer or
two. After an initial period of leave our
attention turned to drill and the parades
in Warminster, Halifax and York before a
long period of Post Operational Tour Leave
(POTL) over Christmas.
4 Pl Comd:Lt A Ledger/Lt A McClement
4 Pl Sgt: Sgt S Hunter
5 Pl Comd:Lt T Glover
5 Pl Sgt: Sgt M O’Hara
6 Pl Comd:Lt K Quraishy
6 Pl Sgt: Sgt L Senior
for our new role as the light role Company
in the Land Warfare Centre (LWC)
Battlegroup beginning in June 13. We
have conducted lots of live firing and are
currently focussed on Section and Platoon
level training with two weeks of CT level 1
and 2 training scheduled for Salisbury Plain
Training Area (SPTA) and Brecon in April
13. As a taster we will challenge our mental
and physical grit with an inter-platoon
navigation exercise over Pen-y-Fan in Wales
in March 13.
2013 saw a significant change in personnel
across Burma Company. Old faces leaving
included Captain Carter (the self styled
‘Lion of the Bowri’) who moved to Mortars
Platoon; Captain Townsend began a tour
as a Platoon Commander at ITC Catterick;
Lieutenant Wood moved to AFC Harrogate
as a Platoon Commander; Sergeant Pears
moved to Leeds as a PSI with 4 YORKS;
Sergeant Shaw moved to Corunna
Company as a Platoon Sergeant; Sergeant
Marshall moved to ITC Catterick; Sergeant
McConnell began a tour in Javelin Platoon
and Corporal Bishop promoted and took over
a Platoon Sergeant slot in Alma Company.
We have also provided soldiers to both
Support Company and the CIS Platoon and
Major Singleton presenting Burma Company for inspection in Halifax.
they are all doing well in their new jobs and
are demonstrating their versatility. Arriving
in the Burma team are Colour Sergeant
Lightowlers from ITC Catterick and
Sergeants Senior, O’Hara and Hunter as well
as Corporals Lawton and Bingley from other
Companies in the Battalion.
Finally, and worthy of a special mention,
WO2 Seviour moved on from the post as CSM
Burma and is now busy in the Unit Welfare
Office as he transitions into civilian life – his
hard work and enthusiasm throughout two
challenging years is hugely appreciated.
The Company is now returning to
conventional basic skills and in preparation
CSM Seviour marches Burma Coy to their families.
49
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Corunna Company
OC:
2ic:
CSM:
WSM:
CQMS:
Maj E Colver
Capt N Ross
WO2 E Whitehouse
CSgt A Rudd
CSgt D Bagnall
Corunna Coy has been a hive of activity
since returning from HELMAND in
September. Drill practice under WO2
Whitehouse’s expert tutelage, Combined
Field Exercise (CFX) commitments in
support of 1 RRF who are about to deploy
to theatre in the AI role, and a host of
other activities and training has ensured
that the Officers and Soldiers of Corunna
have continued to be tested.
Contrary to the Company Sergeant Major’s
wishes it hasn’t all been square bashing
and exercises though; there have been
moments to savour as well. The Officers
and Senior NCOs dinner night which took
place in mid Sept 12 offered the perfect
opportunity to celebrate the Company’s
return to Warminster. WO2 Garbutt, having
served with the Coy in HELMAND before
returning to the Rear Operations Group,
attended the evening along with Captain
Pringle (Fire Support Team Comd) and
Captain Castello (Battle Captain).
7 Pl Comd: Capt D Brennan
7 Pl Sgt:
Sgt S Watts
7 Pl WR Sgt:Sgt I Lockwood
8 Pl Comd: 2Lt T Burnham
8 Pl Sgt:
Sgt P Shaw
In mid November Corunna deployed north
to celebrate our homecoming amongst the
people of Huddersfield and Kirklees. This
special part of our heartland has paid a
heavy price in Afghanistan and it was felt
appropriate that we should recognise their
support, love and sacrifice by marching
through the town and having a service in
the central church. It was both extremely
moving and very rewarding to see the
people of Huddersfield lining the streets
to welcome the soldiers of Corunna home.
My special thanks go out to Major (Retd)
Bob Heron for all his hard work to make
the day possible.
That was not the end of marching for
Corunna as we joined the rest of Battalion
to march through Halifax and York. This
was another special moment for the men
and women of Corunna as it brought
us back in line with our friends and
colleagues in the other companies and
ended our time as an independent unit.
8 Pl WR Sgt:Cpl M Maguire
9 Pl Comd: Capt C Becher
9 Pl Sgt:
Sgt T Brennan
9 Pl WR Sgt:Sgt I Bowan
Corunna Company marching.
Furthermore, it was a chance to take
stock and appreciate all that each Coy had
achieved and endured.
Our commitment to Zulu Company,
1 RRF has seen many of Corunna
hierarchy deploy on their MST as
observer mentors culminating with
a FTX on Salisbury Plain designed
specifically for the AI Coy which was
long overdue. Scenarios were written
from our own experiences in Helmand
and designed to test the Fusiliers in a
contemporary environment, or at least as
close to it as you can get in December on
Salisbury Plain.
The past few months have seen many
personnel leaving and joining Corunna.
Special mention and thanks must go to
Lieutenant Kume-Davy, Colour Sergeant
Kitridge, Sergeant Daniels, Sergeant Reid
and Corporal O’Grady who have all been
posted outside of Battalion. We wish them
all the very best in their new roles and
look forward to seeing them return soon.
We have also said goodbye to numerous
other key personalities who have taken
their expertise elsewhere in Battalion, once
again thank you for everything.
Major Colver leading Corunna on parade in Battlesbury barracks.
50
There are exciting times ahead for
Corunna with adventure training, sport
and new challenges around the corner.
Although change is difficult I am confident
that the men and women of Corunna will
approach it with the same inspiring drive
and attitude that has got us through the
past 18 months.
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Fire Support Company
FSG Comd:
Capt I Martin
FSG 2ic:
Sgt McConnell
Sniper Pl Comd: CSgt Edley
OC:
Maj D P Holloway
CSM:
WO2 (CSM) Egbury
CQMS: CSgt Lambert
WSM: Sgt Kipling
Recce Pl Comd: Capt R Taylor
Recce Pl 2ic: CSgt McKie
Mortar Pl Comd:Capt A Hammond
Mortar Pl 2ic: WO2 Hopkinson
Since my last submission to the Yorkshire
Regimental Journal the Company has
recovered from Op HERRICK 16 after
handing over the Company tasks to
40 Commando Royal Marine. The
Company recovered back to the UK via
decompression in Cyprus complete less
the Mortar Platoon, who recovered back
with their attached company. Although
many of the Company wanted to return
back to the UK without decompression,
they fully enjoyed their time on the beach
and drinking their four cans of ale. It had
to be said that four cans is quite enough
ale to help Lance Corporal Nunn, Privates
Woodward and Miller to join the band on
stage and sing. CSM Egbury also took a lot
of the brunt of the jokes from the comedian.
Captain Martin’s. With a plenty of drill
under our belt and lots of support from the
local people, Number 4 Guard marched
through Warminster to the Minster to
conduct a moving service and receive the
Freedom of Warminster. The afternoon
saw the Company receive our campaign
medals from Brigadier Jackson and march
past His Grace, The Duke of Wellington.
This was only a taster for the support we
received while marching through Halifax
and York, it was quite outstanding how
many people turned up on a wet day in
Halifax and a very cold day in York. They
are days that will live in our memories
for many a year. For those readers who
turned up to support, thank you. After a
special service in York Minster, the JNCOs
and Privates fell out for a hugely deserved
leave, while the Officers, Warrant Officers
and SNCOs celebrated Ruperts. As
expected the Companys’ SNCOs outshone
the competition, with a superb skit about
the Platoon Commanders, especial Captain
Taylor’s infamous recce patrol.
Somme Company on parade outside York Minster.
After Christmas leave the Company
returned straight back to a series of
cadres in preparation for the take over of
the Land Warfare Centre Battle Group.
On return to Battlesbury Barracks the
Company was met by our families from
throughout the country which was a huge
boost for morale. We spent a small amount
of time with our loved ones before the RSM
was drilling us around the Parade Square
in preparation for the Freedom Parades.
The CSM was very complementary about
the Company Officers’ drill, in particular
Somme Company in Afghanistan.
51
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
The Company has been concentrating on
converting back to Armoured Infantry
and learning our core Fire Support skills.
We received over 26 new members into
the Company in January in order that
we have the required manning for the
new role. The WSM has been incredibly
busy coordinating driving, gunnery and
commanders cadres for Warrior/Bulldog/
CVR(T), which have been non stop, but
have been enjoyable for the students
and for the young RIGs and DMIs.
Colour Sergeant McKie coordinated
the Surveillance and Target Acquisition
cadre which was the first step towards the
Platoon specific cadres and concentrated
on navigation and reconnaissance. The
Mortar Platoon’s time has been taken
up with conversation to Armour and
the 12 Mechanised Brigade Mortar
Concentration which has started this
week. Over the next month we will see
the Platoons deploy on light role exercises
learning their basic skills again prior to
collective armoured exercise in the build
up to CAST and CATT.
Congratulations to WO2 Burke who
was selected to become a RQMS at
Chicksands, also to Sergeants Barnes,
Senior and Brennan on their move to
become rifle Platoon Sergeants and the
training wing. We have been reinforced
with Sergeant Kipling who has filled
the WSM appointment and Sergeant
Mcconnell who has moved into Fire
Support Group. Finally as a Company
we also express our deepest sympathy
to WO2 Jason Hopkinson for the loss of
his wife Tracy after a long battle against
cancer. Our thoughts go out to him and
his family.
Mortar Cadre.
Headquarter Company
The Company returns from some
well-deserved Christmas Leave, and
life continues at high intensity once
again with the Battalion running at
full capacity getting ready for the
challenging year we face in 2013.
The Company will be training to get
the basics right and re-familiarising
ourselves with armour thus taking up the
first quarter of the year.
Everybody has worked hard and I am
extremely proud of what Headquarter
Company has already, and will continue
to achieve this year. The Company is
full of professional men and women often
working long hours behind the scenes
ensuring that the Battalion’s needs
are met in a timely and professional
manner.
The individual platoons and
departments describe their own
experiences as you continue to read on.
Catering Department
By the end of October all the chefs had
returned from Afghanistan. There were
many challenges throughout with severe
weather, chefs being Casevac’d and
equipment failures but the team did an
outstanding job and gained much praise for
their determination and professionalism.
Post Tour Leave followed as well as a
fantastic Homecoming Party. Outside
caterers were brought in to enable maximum
attendance from the chefs and a great night
was had by all, it was good to be home.
Back in the Home base Sergeant Marston
had run the Rear Operations Group
catering, doing a sterling job of supporting
the families of the deployed as well as
catering for the Funeral Parties. She
also trained with the Combined Services
Catering Team ahead of the Culinary
Olympics in October. The team went to
Germany representing Great Britain and
came a very close second to the Swiss Team.
Sergeant Marston gained 2 Golds in the
Cold Platter and Hot Kitchen categories.
A busy Christmas period followed with
Medals Parades and Freedom Marches
all attended and supported by the
chefs. OP RESET was the focus after
leave, Private Cozens deployed with
the Football team to California and a
number of chefs prepared for Cycling
the American West Coast, Surfing in
Newquay and Scuba Diving in Gibraltar.
We now look forward to the role change
to the Land Warfare Centre and much
time on Salisbury Plain!
CIS Platoon
RSO:
Capt CJ Ibbotson
RSWO: WO2 G Hind
The CIS Platoon returned back to Warminster after a very
successful and busy tour on H16, for some well earned Post
Op Tour Leave (POTL). Since returning from leave the CIS
Platoon have been busy preparing for the new role within the
52
Land Warfare Centre Battle Group (LWC), working hard to
ensure Battlegroup HQ can move out onto Salisbury Plain
Training Area (SPTA) and be able to communicate with the rest
of the Battle group.
The Yorkshire
The arrival of nine new members to the Platoon was
welcomed by all especially Private Simpson and Ward who
are grateful of the fact that somebody else can drive 0B
instead of them, (I think LAD will be happier as the new guys
might be able to drive them better). The coming months
will remain very busy for CIS Platoon with the introduction
of the new Infantry Platoon Radio Operators Cadre (IPRO)
being introduced, keeping all instructors on their toes and
training members of the Battalion to be platoon and Coy radio
Regiment JOURNAL
operators, along with CAST and CATT being chucked in there
to keep us busy as well.
The CIS Platoon are looking forward to the arrival of the
manpower from the second Battalion, all of whom will be
welcomed with open arms, to bolster the Platoon up to full
strength before taking on the LWC role in June. Finally the CIS
Platoon would like to congratulate Lance Corporal Stokes and his
girlfriend on the birth of their new born son Dillon Jacob.
Quartermasters’ Department
QM (M):
QM (T):
Maj S Caine
Capt N Wilson
With the tour ending like any other
the for QMs’ Department we were the
last group out of Afghanistan having
to closing down the final parts of the
Battalion’s HERRICK 16 tour. With no
rest, we picked up the G4 reins from the
Rear Operations Group who had done an
outstanding job holding the home base
while we were away.
We now set our sights on another
demanding training year whilst preparing
in earnest for the Combined Assurance
RQMS (M): WO2 M Connell
RQMS (T): WO2 P Simm
Week (the old LSI/ECI inspections) in
April. Straight after that, we get ready
to receive the uplift of Vehicles and
equipment ready for the new role of Land
Warfare Battle group again in June.
RQMSs who both promote to WO1 (RSM)
in 2013, WO2 Simms to RSM 3 YORKS
and WO2 Connell to RSM 4 YORKS.
Congratulations to Captain Nick Wilson,
Quartermaster Technical on promotion
to Major later this year and on getting an
MBE in the New Year’s Honours List; it is
well deserved after nearly 3 years serving
the Battalion as the Unit Welfare officer.
Congratulations also goes out to the two
As a closing note, I leave the post of QM
in April and move on to Belize. I would
like to take this opportunity to thank
all current and past members of the
Quartermaster Department that I have
served with, for their help, support and
guidance. I wish them and their families
all the best for the future in whatever
they do.
Medical Officer (Major Nick Walker) the
Adjutant (Captain Simon Davies) and OC
Mortars (Captain Hammond) outside the
REME Lodge in Gunsried-Sage.
LAD
EME:
Capt M Cary
Now that we have had a chance to
regroup from Op HERRICK 16, the
LAD is getting stuck into building
core competence and relearning the
‘New Basics’ that have been somewhat
forgotten during MST. This includes
working hard on the Battalion’s extensive
A Vehicle fleet that includes 19 x
WARRIOR, 14 x 430 Series Bulldog and
8 x CVRT; not to mention over 80 other
B Vehicles and pieces of equipment.
We have had a huge change around of
characters in the LAD – over 20 personnel
posted out and many new arrivals getting
stuck into their new appointments. This
includes a new WSM (Staff Sergeant
Irwin) and 3 new Artificer vehicles. We
have also taken the time to enjoy a week of
Adventurous Training; 25 members of the
LAD visited the REME Lodge in Bavaria
and conducted Ski Foundation training.
The attached photo is of the ski team plus
attachments including the Regimental
Ex BAVARIAN DUKE.
53
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Welfare
After an extremely busy year that included
countless family events, dinners, theme
park visits and days out the Unit Welfare
Office turned its attention to the closing
events of the tour.
First up were the Welcome Home
Parades; wives, children, girlfriends,
boyfriends, mothers and fathers flocked to
Battlesbury Barracks on mass to welcome
home there loved ones. Emotional scenes
erupted and tears flowed as the families
reunited once more.
Warminster too welcomed home the
soldiers, who marched through the town
centre to rapturous applause. The town
has been impressively supportive of 3
YORKS throughout the tour, standing by
us in the most difficult of times.
The soldiers received recognition for their
service at the Medals Parade; once again
Families await the return of the Battalion.
proud families were drawn to Warminster
from all over the country to support our
soldiers.
The children of the Battalion’s soldiers
have had a difficult year with a parent
away in Afghanistan, so in recognition
a bespoke medal was commissioned to
acknowledge their strength and support.
The presentation took place on a crisp
winter’s morning but the bouncy castles
helped to keep the kids warm while they
awaited the appearance of Peppa Pig,
Bath rugby team players and British
Olympic athletes who carried out the
presentation.
Christmas saw the annual Wives Party
which has been our biggest ever, with
first rate entertainment, prizes and
food; it offered a fantastic end to this
challenging year.
We are looking forward to welcoming some
new arrivals this year, as families from 2
YORKS join us here in Warminster, where
they are most welcome.
Bath Rugby and Olympic athletes present childrens’ medals to Chloe Dixon.
Childrens’ medals.
Warrant Officers and Sergeants’ Mess
WO2 Whitehouse PMC
Early 2012 seems a very long time ago.
Mess members were scarce and widely
spread with pre-deployment training and
Sub Unit preparation for HERRICK 16
well under way. This did not hide the
fact that the Mess needed gutting, and all
54
property removing for refurbishment
whilst deployed in Afghanistan. IC
Property Sergeant Pears and living in
Mess members took on the painful task
of ensuring this happened. Their pain
was eased by a pint or two of the finest
Timothy Taylors quality ale. On return
the transformation was outstanding,
in essence a brand new Mess. The
Commanding Officer officially opened it
and joined us for a happy hour(s). When
Mess members where back in Warminster,
The Yorkshire
the need to get together was high on the to
do list, and what better way to do it than
a traditional Regimental Dinner with our
Ladies. This was a perfect chance to
also take the opportunity to bid farewell
to WO1 Angelo (ASM), Staff Sergeant
Andrews (RLC) and Sergeant McGreggor
(3 YORKS) on completion of 22 years
colour service.
3 YORKS marched through the Towns
of Warminster, Halifax and the City
of York, culminating in a spectacular
Remembrance Service in York Minster.
The change from pounding the hot dry
dessert in Afghanistan to pounding the
drill square in sub-zero temperatures
was quite a culture shock. It was at this
time the CSMs clicked into drill mode,
the shouting and screaming by all lasted
about a day before voices gave way to
high pitched squeals no matter how
many lozenges were sucked upon. It
was now time for drill to be conducted
via proxy and Platoon Sergeants were
rotated through.
The long lasting tradition of Rupert’s was
ever amongst us and as always we had
prepared in great detail. The Officers
had left the brunt of the work to Captain
Stow, who might I add pulled it right out
of the bag. Colour Sergeant Edley’s skit
of Captain Sparks who was up to no good
in a Patrol Base somewhere in the Nareh-e
Saraj district in Helmand was hilarious;
I’m sure all who were there will agree.
It is with great regret one key member is
no longer with us, WO2 Terry Conley. His
larger than life personality, banter and
drive especially during Rupert’s will be
sadly missed.
The Battalion suffered some great losses
last summer, and so did our Mess. It is
with great sadness that Sergeant Nigel
Coupe (LANCS) and Sergeant Gareth
Regiment JOURNAL
Thursby (3 YORKS) are no longer here
to share our times to come. Men you are
gone but never forgotten.
On the 15 Feb 13, WO2 Jason Hopkinson
lost his beloved wife Tracy, mother to Amy,
Lucie and Poppy in a very brave battle
with cancer. She was a dear friend to all
and will be most definitely be missed by
everyone, our thoughts remain firmly with
them at this time.
As a result of recent Promotion Boards
congratulations are in order firstly to WO2
Wyeth on being appointed as the RQMS
(T), 3 YORKS. WO2 Connell RQMS
(M), on promotion to WO1 and will be
taking over as 4 YORKS RSM in the near
future. WO2 Simms RQMS (T) who will
take over as RSM 3 YORKS. Finally
WO1 Szymanski (RSM) on a well deserved
promotion to Captain who will soon move
over to the dark side and assume the
appointment as the MTO 3 YORKS.
Officers’ Mess
It has been a turbulent time for the Officers’ Mess since
returning from HERRICK as we have had to move into
temporary digs whilst the main Mess building is renovated.
This has seen a move to the upstairs of the Wellesley club and
commandeering half of the Corporals’ Mess for meal times and
functions. Although far from ideal it has not stopped us from
throwing our fair share of functions. Prior to evacuating the
Mess we dined out Majors Bibby, Wade-Smith and Driver and
Captains Ross and Bond and we wish them all the best in their
new jobs either in Service or on civvi street. Just 24 hours
and many white van loads later we had emptied the Mess and
threw our first function in the Wellesley to thank our Ladies
for all their support over the past 12 months. There was much
scepticism as to whether the new location would have the
atmosphere required but I think it fair to say the combination
of much hard work from the subalterns and Mess staff, a
vibrant disc jockey and our ever faithful band ‘Foreplay’ made a
good night for the both the Ladies and their men.
Silly season was a little different this year with Ruperts being
run up in Strensall Barracks, York due to the whole Battalion
being there on Homecoming Parades. Although the location
was different we once again managed to make the most of
things with the officers winning the skits hands down thanks to
an acting and ad-libbing master class by Captain Henry Stow.
Both messes then retired to York for a few quiet beers before
bed, enough said!
The New Year brings new challenges but the Mess remains
strong and we look forward to a busy and social 2013.
Rugby
Major E Colver
The 2012/13 rugby union season has been
somewhat limited for 3 YORKS this year
due to Op HERRICK but also the weather
which scuppered our efforts to play some
fixtures both pre and post Christmas.
We have only managed one fixture, 14
Regiment RA, at the time of writing and I
am pleased to announce we are currently
unbeaten! The rugby league team goes
from strength to strength though and I
would like to congratulate the Rear Ops
Group for the amazing feat of winning the
Army Cup once again.
The club is looking healthy, training is
well attended and we are looking forward
to two tours in 2013. The first, in March,
will be to Yorkshire where we will play
three games (two Union and one League)
and the second to Australia in June/
July. We are extremely fortunate to be
the only unit in the Forces to have been
granted authority to tour Australia this
year due to the British Lions touring
at the same time. We will not take
this fortune lightly and plan to use the
tour as an opportunity to educate and
share experiences of Afghanistan with
our Australian partners. I would like
to thank all those who have already
sponsored the club for the Australia tour
and I look forward to writing about it in
depth in the summer issue of the Journal.
55
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Ex TOUGH GUY
Corporal J Oldham
27 January 2013 is a day that will stay
with me for a long time to come. For
some of the participants it was a great
victory, but for others, they experienced
defeat at a new level. Preparing for
success on the Tough Guy challenge
takes twenty percent fitness and eighty
percent stupidity, probably something
I already have in abundance. At the
beginning of race day, we seemed to be
cracking the fitness before the race had
even started, having to push the nine
seat minibus out of a boggy field on
the way to the event. This was not the
start we had in mind. The atmospherics
were no surprise; people clinging to the
last bit of warmth out of the elements
and others embracing the event in their
crazy fancy dress outfits. Finally, we had
registered for the challenge and stood
at the start line. We knew who the real
tough guys were; short shorts and the
YORKS cross country vests were good
enough for these Yorkshire warriors.
From the word go it was on for the
straight ten miles of muddy hills,
chest deep waters with ice like slates of
granite, fire and even electrocution was
involved. So far the race was deserving
Captain Ross, Corporals Oldham and Skidmore, and Private Skidmore, all unaware of the pain to come.
of its title. Besides the devastating
nature of the course, it was hypothermia
that was the main challenge of the day.
There were marshals on quads with foil
blankets, and making good use of them
with the broken contenders.
Besides the carnage of the gruelling
conditions and savage obstacles we all
succeeded in completing the challenge.
The team had three out of the four of us
finish in the top one hundred; a great
achievement in a race that had three and
a half thousand entrants. Despite the
pain and discomfort only time will tell if
the YORKS Adventure Racing Team will
be tough enough for the 2014 race.
Corporal Skidmore fighting off the cold at the
finish line.
Surfing
2nd Lieutenant T Burnham
Mid November may seem like an unlikely
time of year to venture into the Atlantic
Ocean for fun, but that was exactly the
plan for 12 members of 3 YORKS who
journeyed to the south-west in late 2012.
Their trip, part of the Op RESET drive was
the first to have taken place, and there was
56
much excitement amongst those members
of Corunna Company who departed early
on 21 November. Having teamed up with
ex-military instructors from the charity
company ‘Surf Action’, who seek to use
surfing as medium for assisting service
personnel, the soldiers took to the waves.
It was a fantastic few days in excellent
conditions, which allowed individuals to
develop confidence and progress at their
own pace. Such was the enthusiasm shown
by those who took part that a second trip to
the same location is being planned for later
in the spring.
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment
CO:
Lt Col IG Crowley MC Trg Maj: Maj S Richardson
2IC:
Maj R Atkinson TD
Adjt:
QM:
Capt WL Allison
Maj L Knockles
RSM:
WO1 (RSM) C Goddard
Hon Col: Col J Fox TD DL
The safe return of the last of our mobilised soldiers from Op
HERRICK 16 in November has allowed 4 YORKS to breathe
a collective sigh and return to something approaching normal
jogging. Drill night and weekend training routine has been
re-established and the number of soldiers attending training has
increased as more recruits trickle in and those returning from
operations get back into the habit.
At this point, special mention should be made of Sgt Harper,
who was awarded a Joint Commander’s Commendation for his
work at the Olympics and to Pte Sunderland, receiving a Joint
Commander’s Commendation for his gallantry in Afghanistan
and having his year topped off by receiving the Sun’s ‘Millie’
Award for Best Reservist at the televised ceremony in London – I
am sure meeting Elle Macpherson was compensation for the long
journey south from Middlesbrough.
With the likelihood of future deployments to Afghanistan
reducing, our training has been re-focussed on preparing for
contingent operations, starting with a progressive focus on the
basic skills of firepower, manoeuvre and protection, underpinned
by effective command and control. Given the nature of individual
reinforcement, which has been our raison d’être in the TELIC
and HERRICK era, it is the area of command and control which
has needed the most revision. This began with a Command Post
Exercise (CPX) held at Worsley Barracks and will continue with
further conceptual training as well as field exercises.
The Sun “Millies” – Pte Simon Sunderland with Elle Macpherson.
We have also taken the opportunity to stage platoon and company
competitions, most recently D Company won the shooting
trophy and Cpl Hart lead the winning section in the inter-section
competition at Catterick.
The introduction of the Recruiting Partnering Programme on 31st
March 2013 has challenged our recruiting teams. It introduces
a completely new process for getting recruits into the Reserves
and we have had to adapt accordingly. It is very early days yet
and there are some significant challenges to overcome in the
transition period, particularly with respect to medicals, selection
Command Post Exercise at Worsley Barracks.
Recruiting in Keighley town centre during the recent TA Live campaign.
57
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
weekends and the desire by Capita, the selected civilian partner,
to utilise the internet for online applications and processing of the
recruit. We are learning fast and are determined to ensure that we
maintain our profile in the County to attract the best recruits to
the Battalion.
Finally, we have continued to attend the full spectrum of county
events, providing, in conjunction with RHQ, the essential ‘foot
on the ground’ for the Regiment in its home county. Our band
is particularly effective and in high demand, they have played at
a number of diverse locations from York Races to the Yorkshire
Awards in Leeds to a sell-out concert in Huddersfield Town Hall
with the New Mill Male Voice Choir.
We look forward to the challenges of the latter part of 2013, when
we will eventually be briefed on our roles and relationships with
our paired regular battalion in the FR20 structure. From the
information we have, we appear to be well placed to take advantage
of the opportunities closer integration with our sister battalions in
the regular Army will bring.
A (Fire Support) Company – Hull and Beverley
OC:
2IC:
Maj J Barker
Capt S Mallinson QVRM
Happy New Year to all our readers from
A Company.
Everyone who has deployed on operations
has come back to us safely, some
PSAO:
CSM: Capt P Rowlands
WO2 A Wallis have continued on their travels
including one Sgt Harper who is
circumnavigating the coast of Africa in
an anti-clockwise direction in his trusty
Landover. We’re hoping he returns to
SPSI:
DHC: WO2 BJ Wilkinson
Col R Butcher us safely, otherwise we’ll be advertising
for his replacement.
The training year continues and it has
offered up superb opportunities, with
Ex Frosted Blade – Cpl Simon Kenyon and Pte Chris Brant with a Super Giant
Slalom gold medal they won at the Infantry Alpine Skiing Championships.
Ex Northern Yorkshire Splash – Expedition leader and student explore
the Atlantic.
Ex Northern Yorkshire Splash – Recovery drills rehearsed and tested.
Cpl Joanne Appleyard receiving her Brigade Commander’s Commendation from
Brigadier Bibby.
58
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Ex Hit & Miss – Sgt Danny Allinson with WO2s Marc Hunter and Jay Grinnell
taking the warmer Mortar Fire Controller option.
Ex Lion’s Lair – OC A Company ‘taking a knee’.
our regular counterparts, for those who
have the time and inclination. This
has included supporting live firing in
the Falkland Islands and deploying to
Kenya on Ex Askari Thunder to
spending six weeks skiing in France on
Ex Frosted Blade.
Continuing on the theme of adventurous
training, CSgt Drowley organised a
successful diving expedition to the
Ascension Islands, not one to rest on his
laurels and based on his success he is
planning the same this year. Cue jokes
on being hot and wet and wearing black
rubber...
Cpl Appleyard recently returned from
Op HERRICK and the Falkland Islands
and received the Brigade Commander’s
Commendation for the sterling work she
did in theatre, and continues to do so with
the Recruit Reception and Training Team.
If this award was short notice for us, it
was even shorter for her; catching her
Ex Hit & Miss – Pte Jack Robson and LCpl Addinall on the Mortar Line.
completely unawares. Cpl Appleyard was
also the Company nomination to receive
the Merchant Adventurers’ tankard. Truly
one of our rising stars.
When they are not skiing, diving, or on
operations, the Coy gets down to the
very real business of training. For us,
in addition to basic infantry training, A
Coy provides a fire support capability to
the Battalion.
Late last year CSgt Law and the Mortar
Platoon conducted a well planned and
executed mortar shoot, managing to
expend all the 170 rounds given to them.
Old skills were brought up to date with a
‘remind and refresh’ period using the new
C2 sight. Now, rounds in the air, where do
you want them..? Guns will have their turn
later this year.
The first weekend back saw us continuing
with Ex Lion’s Hunter, an Operation
in Built Up Areas (OBUA) based package
set in Whinny Hill, Catterick with the
onus being on contemporary operations.
The rehearsal day was well spent with the
usual performances from people getting
stuck, falling out of windows, through
doors and generally acting like ‘The
Keystone Cops’. The Trg Maj had it right
again, ‘it didn’t rain on his exercises’ – we
had snow instead. Lessons learnt, orders
given, NATO-T formed – we crossed the
start line and 90 exhausting minutes later
the objective was secure. Good job we are
doing it again in March!
Finally, we say goodbye to several
stalwarts. Capt Pete Rowlands, the
PSAO, has moved on to pastures sandy
and we wish him well, not least of all the
OC who is now the shortest officer in the
Company. Capt Shaun Mallinson has
become the RCMO for the Battalion, the
CSM is moving back to BHQ when he
takes over as RQMS and Cpl Stewart has
had to hang up his boots. We wish them
all well for the future.
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The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
B Company – Middlesbrough and Scarborough
OC:
Maj RG Cripps
2IC:TBC
PSAO:
CSM:
The focus for the Company towards the
end of 2012 and at the start of 2013 was
to sustain itself through recruitment and
retention and to receive back the members
of the Battalion who have been deployed in
Afghanistan on operational tours.
and Sgt Sawdon (Platoon Sgt) who both
thoroughly enjoyed their tours.
The returning Company members
mobilised for Op HERRICK 16
completed their tour in support of 3
YORKS and returned in October 2012.
These Company members included Lt
Sinnott, LCpl Wyer and Pte Elsdon.
Following shortly behind were the final
deployed elements from B Company
who have now all returned safely and are
being integrated back into the Company.
These were CSgt Simpson (the CQMS)
Capt B Durlik
WO2 S Humpleby
On his return from operations on Op
HERRICK 15, Pte Sunderland received
a prestigious ‘Millie’ award at ‘A Night
of Heroes – the Sun Military Awards’
televised in London, for bravery
during his tour. Pte Sunderland was
acknowledged as the ‘Best Reservist’ for
his service, bravery and courage, an award
for which he truly deserved.
The partnership with Middlesbrough
Council that has been raising the profile
of the Yorkshire Regiment within
the North East has continued with a
number of events taking place during
At a services charity night at the Riverside courtesy of Middlesbrough
Football Club.
SPSI:
DHC:
WO2 J Grinnell
Col R Butcher
2012. These culminated with a concert
in Middlesbrough Town Hall where the
Yorkshire Regimental Band led a very
successful and well attended charity
concert, raising a significant amount of
money in aid of the Yorkshire Regiment
Benevolent Fund.
During the rest of 2013 the focus for B
Company will be on individual training
for the Company members and collective
training with the Battalion. Recruiting new
Company members to increase our number
will be the main effort for the Company
and retaining existing Company members
so that we can survive as a Company and
deliver whatever Future Reserves 20 (FR20)
asks of the reserve forces.
Middlesbrough Partnership – Band of The Yorkshire Regiment charity concert at
Middlesbrough Town Hall.
C Company – Huddersfield, Keighley and Leeds
OC: 2IC:
Maj P Hindmarch
Capt D Schofield
PSAO:
CSM:
Capt C Blakeway
WO2 MD Ibberson
The last few months have been a time to get everyone back
into the fold following on from Op Olympics and the return of
the last Op HERRICK soldiers. We have welcomed two new
PSIs into the Company – WO2 Hunter as SPSI at Huddersfield
and Sgt Pears as PSI at Leeds. On the flip side, we have said a
fond farewell to CSgt Simpson who has not only left 4 YORKS,
but has finished his time in the Army. I would like to take
this opportunity to say thank you to CSgt Simpson for his
enthusiasm, candour and input to both the Leeds detachment
and the Company over the last couple of years and wish him
every success in the future. Also we have recently said goodbye
to Capt Schofield who has moved from 2IC C Company to take
60
SPSI:
WO2 DA Nettleton
DHC:TBC
up the role of Ops Officer at Battalion Headquarters. Thank
you to Darren for his dedication to the Company, especially
keeping his OC up to speed with the latest SOPs in the
command post.
Training has seen some success for the Company with Cpl
Hart leading the winning team in the Battalion inter-section
competition. The Company has supported all the key training
events, but in addition to core training, C Company deployed
two soldiers on Ex Frosted Blade where Cpl Kenyon
in particular scared? himself into the medals as part of the
Yorkshire Regiment team.
The Yorkshire
Cpl Hart picks up the inter-section trophy during Ex LION’s STALK 1.
Regiment JOURNAL
Regimental Benevolent Fund raising game at Huddersfield Town Football Club.
During November, the Company engaged with the local
community in support of the Mayor of Kirklees whose chosen
charity this year is the Yorkshire Regiment Benevolent Fund.
Soldiers from C Company took part in two key events, firstly
supporting the Mayor on his charity walk along the Kirklees Way
in the pouring rain, then lining the pitch at Huddersfield Town FC
for a home match at the Galpharm Stadium raising circa £2,000.
C Company turned out 57 soldiers on Remembrance Sunday,
supporting parades in Leeds, Huddersfield, Keighley, Skipton and
Dewsbury. In addition to the high profile events in Huddersfield,
C Company also ran a recruiting open day in Keighley, raising our
profile and local awareness in a key recruiting area by running
stands in both the town centre and the TAC.
Congratulations to Pte Healey on the award of his Merchant
Adventurers’ Tankard. Pte Healey was awarded the tankard for
his professional conduct on Op HERRICK with 3 YORKS where
he showed leadership and maturity well beyond his age and
experience, demonstrating the values and standards to which we
all aspire.
Pte Jack Healey (left) receiving his tankard at Merchant Adventurers Hall.
Moving forwards, now we have recovered our soldiers from
various operations, C Company looks forward to completing
the training year in style, taking the lead on the upcoming field
training exercise.
D Company – Barnsley and Sheffield
OC:
2IC:
Maj R Brown
Capt PN Dawson
It has been another busy year for D
Company, full of events of which the
Company can be rightly proud. Eight
soldiers return from Op HERRICK 15 and
five soldiers deployed on Op HERRICK
16. I had the opportunity to speak to one
of the company commanders who had
been augmented by 4 YORKS personnel
and he spoke highly of all of them. D
Company personnel also provided the
backbone of the Battalion’s team entered
for Ex Bakker’s Bluff and several
deployed for three months in support of
Op OLYMPICS including the OC (who
spent most of his time ‘stagging’ on in
Tidworth in support of the sailing in
Weymouth) and Lt Wood and Pte Maguire
PSAO:
CSM:
Capt D Morris
WO2 G Burton
who were actually at an Olympic site in
London. They all agreed it was frustrating
at times but a fantastic opportunity to be a
part of something so momentous.
While the OC was away at the Olympics
and supporting Op HERRICK 17 and
18 training, Capt Dawson had to step up
to the plate, a not insignificant task for a
newly commissioned officer. The Company
was still here when the OC returned so
Capt Dawson clearly did alright! While
all this was going on WO2 (CSM) Burton
took on the responsibility of planning
the Company’s support to the Barnsley
Boundary Walk in order to raise funds
for the Pte Thornton Memorial Fund. I
SPSI:
DHC:
WO2 D Stroyan Col CP Dorries OBE
won’t say more on that for now as the
2IC has written about this in more detail
elsewhere in the journal. Some excellent
company training has been completed,
ably supported by the permanent staff,
which everyone has… enjoyed. Ex LIONS
HUNT was a back-to-basics weekend
which, even though the weather was
not entirely on-side, was a great success.
Hopefully we can capitalise on this, develop
as the year progresses and achieve some
good training on annual camp.
Remembrance Sunday was a particularly
poignant affair this year as it was the first
since the death of D Company’s own Pte
Thornton. As well as the official parade in
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Regiment JOURNAL
Biggest prize of the day, to Pte Abu Qaoud representing D Coy, Champion
Company.
LCpl Brunton, one of many to receive their VRSM.
With the announcements around FR20,
A2020 and the planned training for the
year, the Company are looking forward to
the challenges the future will bring. There
will undoubtedly be some changes, some
of which may prove significant. For those
leaving Regular service and settling in
D Company’s patch, there is still a home
for you in the Yorkshire Regiment family.
Your help will undoubtedly make some of
these challenges easier.
OC:
Maj K Albon
2IC:TBC
PSAO:
CSM:
SPSI:
DHC:
Over the last few months, all soldiers from
HQ Company have returned safely from
Afghanistan where they supported the
Regiment on operations and others have
also returned from assisting with security
at the Olympics. Currently, as I write, we
have no soldiers deployed on Operations.
This is a first for some considerable time.
Training has continued apace over the
last few months with a full and varied
programme which plays an important part
in retention. The announcement from
the government about an injection of
cash into the reserve forces has been well
received and we are all looking forward to a
recruiting campaign due to start at the time
of writing this article. To enable this to
be successful we will, of course, need to be
prepared for an influx of recruits. It should
be an interesting and hopefully fruitful, few
months ahead.
Pte Johnson and Cfn Bartley (with festive
decoration) receiving their first stripe.
Sgt Trousdale and Honorary Colonel Julian Fox.
Cpl Calvert receives her VRSM.
Barnsley, several smaller memorials took
place at Pte Thornton’s graveside over the
weekend. Needless to say he is still sorely
missed by everyone.
We also saw the departure of Cpl Parker,
our Company medic, after her return
from Op HERRICK 15. A fantastic
person as well as a competent and well
respected medic, we all wish Cpl Parker
the very best for her future and hope that
she will not forget us. Pte Maguire has
also departed to pastures new down south
and we hope her new unit appreciate what
they are getting.
HQ Company – York
62
Maj P Walker
WO2 S Lattimer
WO2 JJ Handley
Col J Fenwick
Although HQ Company is departmental and
our primary task is in a support role for the
The Yorkshire
Battalion, as ever the old adage ‘soldier first’
applies to all. We take every opportunity
to play an active part in field training
exercises. Notable training events over the
past few months have included an on-going
series of exercises. These are battalion led
which run several times throughout the
year, each time with a different theme and
are designed to instruct, refresh and assess
the soldiers and officers who attend. As
a result of this quality training, morale
remains high and numbers within HQ
Company remain strong.
As ever, Remembrance weekend was a very
well attended event. The majority of HQ
Company paraded at the war memorial
in York where the CO laid a wreath. We
also had soldiers parading at Scarborough
where wreaths were laid at Oliver’s Mount
and the Lifeboat House.
The Battalion Christmas weekend was
held at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in York
and training was based around military
training tests and an inter-company sports
competition. Sadly, HQ Company could
not compete with the winning CO’s team
in the falling plate competition!
On Saturday evening and in fine tradition,
dinner was served to the soldiers by the
officers and SNCOs of 4 YORKS, prior
to which a series of short ‘skits’ were
performed by each coy. Pte Subrizky
excelled on behalf of HQ Company;
Regiment JOURNAL
simulating his best Yorkshire accent with
his native New Zealand twang…
The CO had the pleasure of announcing
several promotions, including HQ Company
soldiers, Pte Johnson and Craftsman Bartley
who promote to Lance Corporal.
Col Fox, Honorary Col 4 YORKS,
presented the Volunteer Reserve Service
Medal (VRSM) to the proud recipients, Sgt
Trousdale and Cpl Calvert.
Sadly, we have lost Chef Sgt Mitchell.
He has transferred to 5 RRF where I
know his impressive culinary skills will
continue to flourish. We wish him every
success in the future.
Training Update
Maj S Richardson
There has been a conceptual step change to 4 YORKS’ training
battle rhythm, effectively de-linking the training cycle from
the financial/training year (Apr-Mar). The 4 YORKS training
cycle runs from Sep-Aug affording a progressive training year
that naturally culminates with an annual camp prior to summer
permanent staff stand down in August.
The training cycle will be delivered in four quarters. The first
quarter focused on basic core infantry skills at the section level,
recruiting and community engagement. The second quarter
focused on operations in specific environments, namely operations
in built-up areas. The third quarter will consolidate core infantry
skills at the Platoon level and focus on one of the transitional
phases during operations – ‘Advance to Contact’. All elements
of the training cycle will then be brought together in the fourth
quarter culminating in a demanding field training exercise on
annual camp.
Company sponsored weekend where the glorious late summer
weather afforded optimum training conditions.
Ex Lion’s Stalk 1 (late September) saw the resurrection
of a military skills competition based at the section level
(in preparation for the Brigade competition, Ex Merlin
Warrior later in the year). This was a HQ Company
sponsored weekend where the sections were tested across a wide
range of military skills, notably, ‘reaction to effective enemy
fire, casualty evacuation, reconnaissance patrol and military
knowledge. The competition was won by a composite section
led by Cpl Hart. Concurrently the Chefs had a ‘cook off ’
challenge which was well appreciated by all who tasted their
products. This weekend also coincided with the production of a
short film on the Reserves for the BBC’s ‘The One Show’ which
added an extra dynamic to the weekend.
The new training cycle kicked off with a ‘basher-up, back
to basics’ weekend at Catterick in September. This was a D
Live firing in October saw the resurrection of the inter-company
shooting competition, ‘march and shoot’. This was a B Company
sponsored weekend which saw the title retained by D Company.
Ex LION’S PROWL – back to basics field training weekend.
Pte Robbins aimed to take the “media whore” title with a spot on BBC1’s The
One Show.
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Company training in November was focused on transitional
phases during operations, which led us nicely into the
Christmas weekend.
The Christmas weekend continued the competitive feel to the
training cycle where the Battalion HQ ‘dream team’ (CO, RSM,
Adjt & Trg Maj) took the honours at the falling plate competition.
Sadly the dream team’s bubble soon burst as they crashed out of
the volleyball competition in the first round…
January 13 saw the companies snowed in at Whinny Hill
conducting operations in built-up areas at the section level
in preparation for Ex Lion’s Maul later in the year. The
reconnaissance for annual camp is due to take place in March 13 as
we prepare for the culminating event of the training cycle.
Battalion Headquarter’s very own Christmas weekend ‘dream team’.
Barnsley Boundary Walk
Capt PN Dawson
Readers of previous journals will recall
that D Company lost one of its soldiers,
Pte Thornton, to an IED in Afghanistan
in November 11. To mark his passing his
father approached D Company regarding
the organising of a fundraising event
contributing to the Help for Heroes
charity. It took little discussion to decide
that the event should be, as was Pte
Thornton, based in Barnsley and we began
planning our attempt at the ‘Barnsley
Boundary Walk’.
The entire route covers approximately
73 miles and comprises smaller walks
around the outskirts of Barnsley. It was
decided that the walk would be spread over
three and a half days, covering varying
distances. This allowed individuals to
vary their level of participation according
to time and fitness. Advance permission
had been sought to camp out on each of
the three nights of the walk at Elsecar
Heritage Centre, Waggon and Horses Pub
at Langsett and Canon Hall.
friends from 4 YORKS, some of whom
served with him in when he was in
Afghanistan. While funds raised so far
through sponsorship and donations are
still being collated, the current figure
stands well above £9000.
Leader of the pack, Matt’s dad, Mick Thornton.
Fellow employees, Simon Nuttall, Kevin Tierney and
Stephen Tanti representing Premdor.
The walk started early on 6th September
and concluded on the 9th September at
Darton Church. The nearby pub, the Rose
and Crown, provided entertainment and
a source of much needed refreshment to
those celebrating the walks conclusion.
The walkers were made up from various
groups who either knew Pte Thornton,
or wished to support the cause. They
included his family, colleagues and staff
from his civilian employer Premdor,
members of D Company and other
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The extended family at the end of the last of 4 legs, 73 miles later.
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Ex Easy Rider
WO2 Stares
Any reader who has ever been on an
adventurous training course opening
brief will be familiar with the aims of
adventurous training and how it links
to the military. The aim is to develop
leadership, teamwork and self-reliance
by undertaking adventurous activities in
arduous terrain in a safe but challenging
environment. I had been an ex-regular of
22 years and had rejoined the Army as part
of B Company, 4 YORKS and within the
space of a few months of re-enlisting I had
taken part in an annual camp in Italy (Ex
Roman Star) and now the opportunity
had come about to take part in a mountain
biking expedition to Chamonix for a
week. Would the week meet the aims
of adventurous training in the Army?
Well you can judge the answer to that
question yourself by reading on. I had
thought to myself on several occasions,
(one being hanging off the edge of a peak
at 3000 metres in Italy earlier in the year
conducting “Via-ferrata”) that the idea of
re-enlisting as a TA soldier was proving to
be a wise move.
The training activities planned were to
include predominantly mountain biking,
but would also include a trip up to the
Aguille de Midi with views to Mont
Blanc via a cable car ride as a bonus. The
team of seven assembled from all over
Yorkshire and met at Stockton Road TA
centre on the Friday night. Kit bags and
equipment were checked before loading
up the trailer that would also carry our
diverse range of mountain bikes that at
one end of the scale included a 1990’s
retro “Marin” hard-tail right up to the
very latest full suspension ‘Scott Genius’
designed specifically for the type of
riding that we would be doing. With
driving duties divided up we set off on
the Saturday morning for the mammoth
drive from Middlesbrough via a ferry
trip from Dover to Calais and on to
Chamonix. We arrived and breathed
in the fresh alpine air bleary eyed and
glad to be free of the smell that had had
matured over the twenty two hours from
a combination of baguettes, coffee and
seven sweaty soldiers to a stunning vista
of snow covered alpine peaks. Our home
for the week would be a bunk-house (the
Chamoniard Volant) five minutes walking
distance from the town centre. Free
Wi-Fi, stunning views and decent hot
showers would do nicely thank you.
On our final drive into Chamonix we had
noticed that our planned routes might
now be no-go due to a recent heavy dump
of snow. As ever in these situations, local
knowledge can prove invaluable and so
with kit bags being unpacked by the
team, two of us paid a visit to the local
bike shop to get the low-down on the best
routes to ride in the current conditions.
An English speaking shop owner and
guide book author sold us a mountain
bike guide book and gave us some top tips
on recommended riding in the area, we
were all set.
After copious helpings of sausage, beans,
baguettes and coffee we set off on the
first of our local’s recommended rides –
Plaine-Joux. The team certainly had their
fitness fix straight away with 727 metres of
climbing that had Pte Sunderland cursing
at over-packing his day-sack. With
sweat dripping onto our bikes’ top tubes
we stopped off at Lac Vert for another
coffee and some fuel. A short diversion
saw us circumnavigating a stunning lake
which was reminiscent of something
from a Tolkein’s book. Maj Cripps was
heard shouting “aaggghh” followed by a
splashing noise as he came off his bike and
made close acquaintance with the lake.
Seat posts were lowered and the more
experienced team members offered calls
Quality scenery makes the hard work seem worthwhile.
WO2 Smith having fun on his retro 1990s bike.
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Regiment JOURNAL
LCpl “Bradders” Bradwell demonstrates the attack position.
of “get your elbows out” and “get over
the back wheel” as we descended on some
dream-come true snow and leaf covered
single-track through the trees. The
final drop down to the town of Chedde
had some heart in the mouth brilliantly
involving switchbacks which left the team
with massive grins by the time we had
re-grouped at the bottom.
After yet another cafe stop (we were more
adventurous this time and had chips) we
collectively decided we had not gorged
ourselves enough on single-track and the
guidebook was back out to plan an early
evening ride. A short out and back ride
was known as the ‘Hydro’ was chosen
which conveniently was straight out of the
bunkhouse. This proved to be a good little
route which had some quite technical rock
sections at the top near the turnaround
point for the descent. With lights fitted,
we made our way back to the Chamoniard
Volant for a clean-up and rest. So far, if I
was to sum the first day up in one word, it
would have to be ‘awesome’.
The name of the first ride on day two
comes from the area it passes which
is called ‘Grosses Pierres’, although I
believe any lardy lad named Pete would
be sweating off the pounds on the steep
half hour road climb about a third into
the ride. We had hand railed the river on
a fast swoopy track west from Chamonix
and started the switch back ascent when
we noticed one of our party, WO2 Smith
was on a mission. He attacked the climb
like Bradley Wiggins and was soon out of
sight until he rejoined us at the beautiful
top out of Samoteux at 1460 metres.
Covered in sweat and gasping for air as he
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When I applied for this it was supposed to happen in August.
had taken a wrong turn further down the
climb. Snow and ice tested our nerves
and deep piles of leaves probably saved
broken collar bones as we slivered down
the steep hillside with “yahoos” and
hollering being heard throughout the
team. No one in the team had made it
to the bottom without at least one crash.
With ‘Fat Pete’ done and dusted it was
time for the final ride of the day the aptly
named ‘Three Gullies’. It wasn’t what
you might think as Chamonix riding
(rock gardens, death-defying exposure)
but what it lacked in these areas it more
than made up for in sheer unadulterated
fun. It had fast root filled sections, tight
switchbacks and log-stream crossings in
abundance. Trail side repairs were tested
as LCpl Bradwell’s chain snapped, twice.
The ride ended after passing a great
panoramic viewpoint followed by a fast
rocky track down to Chedde, again the views
from the rest stops were breath-taking.
Day three saw the team having a rest day
from the bikes and making the ascent of
the Aguille de Midi via cable car. The
trip was like visiting the set of a James
Bond film, with impressive viewpoints
hewn out of rock that are a credit to the
hard work of the French engineers who
have built them. Not satisfied with the
adrenaline of the first two days, LCpl
Bradwell decided to venture out of the
ice tunnel at the viewing station onto
a knife edged arrête. High winds and
a 3000 metre drop were probably what
made him decide to turn around and
leave the traverse of the valley to another
day. The mountain will always be there
after all.
The final day of biking involved a minibus
drive out to Le Tour about 20 kilometres
east of Chamonix. A quick visit to ‘Poco
Loco’ a great little hot baguette/burger
cafe in the centre of Chamonix had us
fuelled up ready for the ride. The ride
started with some quite sketchy ice and
snow sections as we traversed the valley
back west via Argentiere. Although this
ride was not too technical it had some,
“if you come off now it’s a trip to A&E”
fast, flowing, swooping sections that you
could ride as fast as your bottle would let
you. It was an apt final ride that for me
had a sombre feeling to it as it was to be
our swan song to Chamonix. With more
massive grins on the faces of the team our
final ride came to a mellow end. It was
time to rid the bunk house of empty ration
packs and clean the bikes before loading
them and all the kit onto the trailer and
the inevitable long slog back to blighty.
Had it met the aims of adventure
training? Well, Chamonix had been a
pretty physically challenging but beautiful
environment. I would say the guys had
pulled together on more than one occasion
to lend each other a hand or offer words
of encouragement. Self-reliance had been
tested with ample trail side repairs and
judgments made on choice of routes and
sound judgements required leadership and
planning. It had been a very rewarding
and fulfilling experience for me and the
team and we are already pouring over maps
looking to future possibilities in the nearby
area of Morzine in 2013. Will others who
had not been there this time be inspired? I
hope so. The future in the TA from the top
of the French Alps is looking pretty good to
me so far!
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
York Sportsman’s Lunch
WO1 (RSM) C Goddard
The York Sportsman’s Lunch is held every year in the Voltigeur
Suite at York racecourse, it has seen sporting legends from Jason
Leonard, Francois Pienaar, David Campese, Martin Johnson,
Sean Fitzpatrick and Neil Back in speaking at the sell-out lunch.
And this year was no exception with Lawrence Dallaglio being
the guest of honour, alongside the Yorkshire Regiment. Dallaglio
has close links to North Yorkshire, having attended school at
Ampleforth College, where he learned the skills that propelled him
to the summit of the union game. He said he was “thrilled to be
back in Yorkshire”.
RSM and Capt Whitaker with new best mate, Lawrence Dallalio.
Dallaglio addressed a packed audience of about 600 people and
told tales of his exploits as part of England’s 2003 World Cup
winning side and the famous Lions’ tour of South Africa in 1997.
Auction prizes raised huge sums, with Dallaglio himself shelling
out £1,600 for a private dining experience at the Durham Ox in
Crayke, while also donating ten tickets to England’s Six Nations
clash against France next year. The hugely popular event is staged
by York firm Sporting Connexions. Mark Pepper, who founded
the Company with fellow organiser, Nick Elliot, said: “On a
measurement of the thanks and congratulations we have received
from those who came, it probably has been the most successful
lunch we have staged.” A very big thank you to Sporting
Connexions for the VIP invites; watch this space for next year…
Dobson Memorial Run
Lt M Sinnott
The annual Mark ‘Dobbo’ Dobson Fell race was held as is usual, on the
Saturday before the Remembrance Sunday parade. Mark Dobson was a valued
member of B Company who, as you'd expect from a PTI, enjoyed a sporting
challenge. The Dobson Run has been a part of the B Company events list for
eight years. It is a challenging six mile fell run across the hills of Chop Gate
which holds a competitive spirit amongst the elite runners of B Company
whilst still providing an entertaining cross-country experience for the less
enthused. The event is open to other units and friends of B Company, giving
the race a community feel and raising money for The Yorkshire Benevolent
Fund. Mark's family attend the race each year and present the trophies to the
winners and this year the man who started it all, Maj Wilson, actually won a
prize! Many thanks go out to the Dobson family for their continued support of
the event and to Maj Wilson for starting a great event for a worthy cause.
1st Place – WO2 Stares
2nd Place – Pte Buck
3rd Place – Maj Wilson
Dobbo Memorial Run – OC B shows them the way out of the car park.
Visit to ‘The Stingrays’
Capt S Mallinson QVRM
Continuing with the A (Fire Support)
Company link or partnership with the
sporting teams of Hull, it was the ‘Hull
Stingrays’ the local ice hockey team who
hosted A Company on Saturday 10th
November, Remembrance weekend, for a
most memorable visit.
The link between the two organisations
comes by the way of one Pte Griffin
who plays for one of the Stingray teams
on a regular basis and after having a
conversation in September with the
owner Mr McEwen to arrange a night on
the ‘ice’.
After a day of training, the Company
headed off to the Ice Arena, the away
team for this fixture was Coventry, which
according to Pte Griffin was one of the
teams that the Stingrays had some history
with and the team that was always ‘very
aggressive’ when playing.
The format for the night was simple,
parade on the ice for the opening
ceremony, stand on the ice for the national
anthem, then sit back and enjoy the game,
at the end of the game exchange gifts to
each other.
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Regiment JOURNAL
We arrived in good time from Beverley
to savour the delights of the game’s big
build up prior to the teams coming out
onto the ice. This also allowed time for
preparations for the CSM to go through
the format of the evening with the
Stingray officials. We had some soldiers
placed at various spots promoting the
Regiment within the Ice Arena.
The time had come for the CSM to
march the Company onto the ice, and
his chosen men to line-out the tunnel.
To great cheers and with some careful
feet, they managed to get in-line ready
for the teams to come out. For those
unfamiliar with ice hockey the names of
individual players are called out and then
they skate onto the ice, so the Company
had to stand for quite some time whilst
the two teams came out. The teams were
then called to the centre of the ice and
then the national anthem was played
whilst the Company were still in place,
once this was completed, we then all
stood for a one minute silence, which was
an emotional moment under complete
silence in the ice arena. Once this had
finished the CSM turned the Company
inwards and marched off to loud cheers
and without anybody slipping, they took
up their seats for the game.
We were all given VIP seats along with
the games’ sponsors, had a great view of
the action and to be positioned directly
behind the ‘sin bins’ was to set the night
up for some good quality, ‘squaddie’
banter. All that was left after the game
Stingrays visit – gently does it onto the ice for the National Anthem.
Hull Stingrays and A (Fire Support) Company on Remembrance Weekend.
68
was the exchange of gifts. We presented
a Yorkshire cap badge in a frame which
was kindly donated by the Regimental
Association and received a signed hockey
stick which now proudly sits on the wall
in the mess bar. A big thank you must
go out to all those that had some input in
to this event to make it a most enjoyable
evening and something we intend to have
a repeat of sometime in the near future.
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Pte Sunderland at The Millies
The Prime Minister, David Cameron, welcomed Pte and Mrs Sunderland to 10
Downing Street.
Pte Sunderland during Op HERRICK 15 with 1 YORKS.
The bravery shown by Pte Sunderland was
recognised at this year’s military awards
ceremony sponsored by the Sun newspaper.
On what was recognised as a ‘night for
heroes’, personnel from across the armed
forces were honoured for their relentless
work both on UK and overseas operations.
Whilst serving with B Company, 1
YORKS, Pte Sunderland, a TA soldier
from Middlesbrough, was patrolling in the
Nahr-e-Saraj region of Helmand province
when insurgents attacked. Although fully
aware of the vulnerability of his position,
Pte Sunderland stood firm and returned fire
allowing his comrades to extract. Asked
about the event, Pte Sunderland said:
“We were out on patrol when a grenade
went over our heads. Suddenly four or
five gunmen appeared and everything
went mad. I could see that the guys to
my left were unable to return fire which
meant that I had to provide cover for
them to get into a better position. Even
though my actions were going to expose
my position to the insurgents, I knew that
it was the only option. I returned fire
whilst the rest of the patrol manoeuvred
the machine guns and then extracted
under their covering fire”.
Pte Sunderland went on to say that upon
his return to the check point the men lightheartedly joked about his very near miss.
Pte Sunderland said,
“The boss said that it was a very ‘close
shave’ and told me that I was mad!”
It was only when Pte Sunderland returned
to the UK he found out that 1 YORKS
had submitted a commendation request
and he had also been nominated for a
‘Millie’. The award took Pte Sunderland
to a reception at Downing Street with the
Prime Minister. He was photographed by a
specially commissioned royal photographer
and interviewed by the Sun about his
Jeremy Clarkson, star of Top Gear, praised him for his
straightforward bravery.
actions in Afghanistan. Pte Sunderland
was given the award for ‘Best Reservist’ as
a result of his actions on Op HERRICK 15,
proudly supported by his colleagues from
the Yorkshire Regiment.
Ex Frosted Blade
Cpl S Kenyon
For the first time, 4 YORKS sent a team to the infantry alpine
skiing championships in Val d’Isere in the French Alps. This was
due in no small part to our Battalion 2IC Maj Atkinson and the
unit administration team putting in a lot of leg work sorting out
grants and getting funding to pay for it all.
After 15 hours cooped up in a Ford S-Max we settled into our
accommodation. On the slopes all the lads were split up by
experience: myself on one course run by Maj Atkinson; Pte Brant
in one of the higher skilled groups; LCpl Bradwell and Pte Clegg
in novice groups. It became clear early that there was going to be
a lot of snow. Every day was a fresh powder day. This was great
for everyone’s off-piste skills, but not for our race training.
Joining us on camp was the 1 YORKS team. We worked well
together, so it was decided to make a Regimental team instead of
staying as battalions. This created three teams from the Yorkshire
Regiment. Between myself, Capt Crowther (1 YORKS) and Lt
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Regiment JOURNAL
Perfect conditions for one of the 4 YORKS team.
4 YORKS Team and Battalion 2IC.
White (2 YORKS) we decided to go for the win! The fourth
member of the ‘A-Team’ was our very own Pte Brant. LCpl
Bradwell and Pte Clegg made half of the ‘B-Team’.
Super-G. We achieved third place in the TA cup for 4 YORKS.
Our individual positions were also exceptionally strong, with three
quarters of our team in the top 30.
Unfortunately, after the slalom our chances of winning were
diminished as two of the A-Team racers were disqualified on their
second runs (falling and missing a gate). The A-Team still placed
very respectably in the remaining races, ranking fourth place in
the giant slalom, third in the downhill and with first place in the
This was an amazing six weeks. Training was great and everyone
qualified up to SF2 (ski foundation level 2). Not bad for a team
with two beginners! So, if anyone is interested for next year, get
your names down. We'll always be looking for new members of
the ski team.
Battalion Golf Day
Maj P Walker
The 4 YORKS golf society is an informal
group of individuals who loosely claim an
association with the Battalion and have
a lesser or greater interest in the sport of
golf. Frankly an ability to engage in good
hearted banter and ridicule fellow members
of the society are probably more important
than any level of ability to play the game.
it’s engraved with his details prior to its
presentation for 2013.
Today the society still runs it two annual
events held around Yorkshire but also
gets together for other sociable golfing
weekends throughout the year. In
October 2012, twelve members of the
society played at Worsley Park Golf and
Country Club near Manchester, a venue
often frequented by the professional
football set. The ‘Le Shark’ hat was, as
usual sported by the member with the
most questionable handicap.
The society developed from a round of
golf played during a period of R&R on
an annual camp held at Penhale Camp in
Cornwall in 1999. This developed into
a twice annual event held in spring and
autumn to compete for the ‘player of the
year’ trophy. Organising the events fell to
the now retired Capt Hey who agreed to
become secretary of the society and he and
a number of the original participants are
still involved with the society today. Capt
Hey handed over the reins to Maj Walker
(in the absence of anybody more qualified)
on his retirement from service in 2009.
Last year’s winner over the two events was
an individual called Mark Dennison. He
gets to keep the trophy for 12 months but
also has the dubious honour of ensuring
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‘Le Shark’ Steve Fisher, with potential future owner Dave Richards.
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Football versus 15 (North East) Brigade
WO2 A Theaker
On the 4th December 2012 the annual 4
YORKS versus 15 Brigade football match
took place. This match enjoys the same
rivalry as Leeds Utd versus Manchester
Utd although The Cleckheaton Gas
Blowers versus The Pontefract Pie
Munchers would be a better comparison
in relation to the actual football played.
For once, the conditions were perfect
and 4 YORKS had assembled a team full
of youthful enthusiasm balanced with a
splash of ageing experience.
Both teams possessed a high level of
footballing prowess and fitness that
provided the swelling crowd of four
supporters with much amusement. 4
YORKS made the most of a blistering
start, taking the lead with a well taken
goal by LCpl Tibble of D Company.
However, the more experienced Brigade
team started to take control and after a
flurry of substitutions by 4 YORKS, the
Brigade team scored a free kick through
the flapping hands of the 4 YORKS keeper
WO2 John ‘The Cat’ Handley. With both
teams level at half time and all to play for
in the second half the 4 YORKS manager,
WO2 Theaker, withdrew the senior players
to save them for the final push.
decisive action; three of the youngsters
were replaced by the senior elements of
the Battalion, notably the CO, Trg Maj
and Adjt. This proved to be a stroke of
absolute genius by the team manager. The
sight of two large imposing rugby players
and the CO tearing around the pitch like
new recruits on a night navigation exercise
unnerved the Brigade team enough to allow
LCpl Tibble to fire in two stunning goals
to tie the game at 3-3.
With the second half firmly underway
the Brigade team began to stamp their
authority and tapped two quick goals by
the prone 4 YORKS keeper, if a salmon
is renowned for its ability to jump, then
WO2 Handley was the equivalent of a tin
of John West! This called for quick and
Due to winning the previous tie 1-0, 4
YORKS retained the trophy for another
year. Team Captain, LCpl Attewell,
collected the trophy on behalf of 4 YORKS
and if the funds had permitted a man of
the match award, this would have been
presented to LCpl Tibble.
Maj Pledger attempts a tackle of CSgt Lightfoot, who lived up to his name.
LCpl Owen Attewell receives the trophy from a
disgruntled Brigade Commander.
Job done, equalizing goal secures another year with the trophy.
The winning side, plus someone else, who was never there, honestly.
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Christmas Weekend
WO2 JJ Handley
Traditionally, Christmas weekend within 4
YORKS is not only a chance for all ranks
to get together for the usual Christmas
festivities but also to recognise various
achievements over the last 12 months.
December 2012 was no different; however,
getting individuals to one central location
from nine TA Centres across Yorkshire
is no mean feat in itself. That said, by
2200hrs on Friday 7th December, we had
amassed a 200 strong cohort at Queen
Elizabeth Barracks, Strensall.
A bright crisp start to Saturday began
with a falling plate competition with an
abundance of four man teams from across
the companies. Tension mounted as
teams fell by the wayside throughout the
morning. With a combined age of circa 170
years, the BHQ team, led by the CO, were
victorious narrowly beating D Company.
As the day picked up momentum and to
the delight of all, we conducted a personal
fitness assessment and followed by a midafternoon volleyball competition with the
SPSI/PSI team being eventual victors.
With tables decorated and the chance
to have a beer, we moved swiftly onto
company skits followed by the soldiers’
Christmas lunch. The RCWO and his
team provided an excellent meal for the
boys with the 4 YORKS band performing a
number of Christmas renditions.
As the Christmas lunch drew to a close,
recognition was also given to individuals
and groups with various achievements
this year, notably: Cpl Hart winning the
section military skills competition; D
Company crowned champion Company;
and the presentation of the Voluntary
Reserve Service Medals (VRSM) to Capt
Baxter, WO2 Burton, Sgt Trousdale and
Cpl Calvert.
With the troops entertained, fed and
watered it was time for the adults to go
out to play and a combined Officers/WOs
& Sgts’ Mess function was the order of
the day. Mess dress donned and beer in
hand, we descended on the function like
eager children on a school trip. The night
was a resounding success again with the
RCWO pulling out all the stops, (although
dessert was a bit ropey) and entertainment
provide by the band including a black light
show. A big thank you to all those who
donated port that evening through various
entertaining moments.
Sunday morning, bleary eyed but in
good spirits we attended a church service
WO2 Nathan Stares winner of this year’s Dobbo
Memorial run.
Most welcome prize of the day went to CSgt
Lightfoot (for turning up?).
followed by the CO addressing the Battalion
before departing back whence we had first
come, with an abundance of memories and
achievements from the weekend.
Ex BAKKER’S BLUFF
Lt Wood
Ex BAKKER’S BLUFF was a day long competition run by the
Dutch Army in the Netherlands in October 2012. Teams from
all over Europe are invited to participate and it's regarded as
being one of the tougher competitions on the calendar.
D Company have taken part in this competition several times over
the last few years and this year we entered two, four man teams to
compete in this year’s event. The Barnsley team consisted of LCpl
Tibble, Pte Abu Qaoud and OCdt Cameron and was led by myself,
Lt Wood. The Sheffield team was led by Sgt Pigg who had Cpl
Wall, LCpl Cullen and Pte Clarke in his team.
Whereas in the past the event involved navigating round a 20 km
course and completing various stands throughout, this year was
organised differently; the entire competition actually took place
within the confines of an army barracks just outside of Arnhem.
Competitors started each stand from a central location to which they
returned after completion of each stand. The theme of each stand
72
Bakker’s Bluff – Pte Clark pushes ahead with another aerial rope challenge.
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Regiment JOURNAL
varied; there was an emphasis on rope work with a mix of rope
climbs and high obstacle courses for which one needed a fair degree
of upper-body strength and quite a bit of nerve. Other events were
based on endurance such as the stretcher race or a jerry can carry;
there was even a small navigation exercise in the camp.
The team was timed on the amount of time they spent away from
the start-point whilst conducting each stand. The total time
was added up at the end (minus any penalties incurred) in order
to establish the overall leaders. We set out to bring home some
silverware and that’s exactly what we managed; the Barnsley team
picked up best international team and the Sheffield team coming
third overall, which was a superb result.
Bakker’s Bluff was an excellent competition, it was well organised
by the Dutch Army and made for an enjoyable trip for those of us
lucky enough to take part.
Bakker’s Bluff – Winning guest team, mostly from Barnsley.
Middlesbrough FC – The Yorkshire Regiment Stand
WO2 N Stares
On the night of the 9th November 2012,
members of B Company were invited to
attend a football match at the Riverside
Stadium as part of the on-going community
engagement project in partnership with
Middlesbrough council. At 1900 hrs on
the dark, damp, November night members
of the Company assembled at Stockton
road TA centre with smiling faces at the
prospect of being invited along to the
local football stadium for an entertaining
night of championship football, courtesy
of the local council. Middlesbrough were
playing Sheffield Wednesday who at the
time were residing in the bottom half of
the Championship table and a win for the
mighty ‘Boro’ could mean a brief stint
at the top of the table. The Company all
squeezed into minibuses, dressed in MTP
and like all good soldiers we were equipped
with flasks and money for the inevitable
‘parmo’ at half time.
On arrival at the stadium we were
welcomed with a rapturous reception by
the home crowd as the stadium public
address system announced that the football
club had re-named the stand for the night
to ‘The Yorkshire Regiment Stand’ in
our honour. We were joined by members
of the 2nd Battalion, The Yorkshire
Regiment along with a large number of
the ACF. The atmosphere in the stadium
was electric and the home crowd and
soldiers were in fine voice in supporting
the reds to a well-earned victory with the
final score being 3-1 to the Boro! Members
of the community were very welcoming
throughout the night and there was no
mistaking the bond between the city and
the local county regiment.
Middlesbrough contingent have a rewarding night out.
OC in the renamed for the night Yorkshire Regiment Stand.
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A Night Before the Colours
Maj K Albon
A Night Before the Colours has been an
annual event for the past five years and
was the brainchild of two ex-army officers,
Maj Senior and Capt Viney. Originally
conceived as a charity fund raising event,
it was previously held at Scarborough Spa,
raising money and allowing the public an
insight into ‘life in the Mess’ in a military
environment. However, on Friday 14th
September 2012, a Night Before the
Keep took place, set within the historic
Scarborough Castle, in honour of Her
Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee year and for
one night only, a very special and rare event
which was a unique opportunity to experience
and enjoy a luxury five course meal set
within the very inner bailey of Scarborough
Castle itself. The first such event since King
Richard III dined guests in 1485.
The evening commenced at 1800 hrs with
a VIP champagne reception taken from
a six foot champagne fountain. This was
followed by an exclusive viewing of an
ancient ceremony, before a military bugler
called guests through for a spectacular five
star meal within a luxury marquee, dressed
with full mess silver, crystal chandeliers
and fine military standards. Dress code
was formal, mess kit/black tie/evening
dress with medals where appropriate.
During the evening we were entertained
by the famous Corps of Drums from
the Band of the Yorkshire Volunteers,
enthralled by an exclusive performance
from ‘Amore’, an opera quartet fresh
from their performance on the Queen’s
Diamond Jubilee barge and regaled
by tales of derring-do and awed by a
stunning fireworks display. The evening
not only celebrated 60 years of glorious
reign for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II
but it also served as a platform within the
military context to remember the sacrifice
so few continue to make for so many,
Maj Ken Albon with daughter Gemma and
wife Barbara prior to the formal dinner at
Scarborough Keep.
and give all an opportunity to reflect and
remember absent friends.
All proceeds from the evening’s luxury raffle
went to worthy military and local charities;
namely Help for Heroes, The Yorkshire
Regiment Benevolent Fund, the RNLI and
the Cambridge rehabilitation centre.
Scarborough Platoon soldiers performed a “ceremony of the keys” before heading off to Catterick for the weekend.
74
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Regiment JOURNAL
Havercake Ale Launch
Free beer! Sweet words which mean
the world to Tykes. When Timothy
Taylor’s, of Keighley, decided to revive
their special beer the Battalion’s
volunteer tasting team formed without
the aid of mobile or computer and in
near record time.
Managing Director and former Honorary
Colonel of Ypres Coy (DWR), EWRR,
Charles Dent, called in the 4th Battalion
to help launch the latest run of the
historic brew in honour of the return of
our 3rd Battalion from Op HERRICK 16.
The brewery sold all the draught
Havercake Ale to pubs so that meant
an instant £6,000 to our Regimental
Benevolent Trust. Deliveries of bottled
ale arrived at 3 YORKS in time for
their return and subsequent medals
parade. You can find it around the
Regiment and it can be ordered direct
from the brewery website.
Not sure about this pint, it needs a Havercake…
Brewery founder, the first Timothy Taylor,
joined the volunteer force (later to become
the Territorial Army) in 1859 and one
hundred and fifty-four years later we
maintain that special connection. That’s
the kind of service that both brewer and
soldier can understand and appreciate.
Cheers Timothy Taylor!
www.doyrms.com
Telephone: 01304 245023
A truly extraordinary school
The Duke of York’s
Royal Military School
An Academy with Military Traditions
Why choose us?
Established for 200 years, we understand military life,
and will ensure your child is well looked after.
Your child will enjoy:
• an independent school lifestyle with sports, music, drama, Combined Cadet Force and trips abroad;
• an ethos where traditional values such as self-discipline, self-reliance, spirituality, leadership and
respect for others is present; and
• a busy and fun community where they can live and study with their friends.
We welcome children aged 11 to 18.
Our fees are only £3,325 per term (£9,975 per year)*. If you qualify for CEA, you will pay less than £1,000 per year.
Come and visit us for a pupil-guided tour. We also offer ‘Taster Weekends’ so that your child can try boarding with us.
* Our fees are reviewed annually
75
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
The Infantry Training Centre (Catterick)
Lt Col I Astley
Comdt are 3 battalions. The 1st Infantry Training Battalion (1
ITB) trains all line infantry recruits. The 2nd Infantry Training
Battalion (2 ITB) trains PARA, Gds, Gurkha, JE, and TA recruits.
While the Support Battalion operates the training centre, provides
pan-ITC training and education resources, and runs the drill and
musical Phase 3 training courses.
Current Issues
The Infantry Training Centre Catterick Chain of Command.
Introduction
A training centre of excellence,
generating the Army’s largest operationally successful corps
The Infantry Training Centre (ITC), located in Catterick Garrison,
is the School of Infantry's (SCHINF) centre of excellence for
recruit training. Responsible for training all of the Infantry's
recruits – a quarter of the Army's total inflow – it is a big operation
that runs continuously for 50 weeks of the year, 7 days a week. On
any one day there will be some 2500 recruits and 1000 permanent
members of staff in Vimy and Helles barracks that comprise
the main ITC site. Every fortnight 150 recruits arrive to start
the Combat Infantryman's Course (CIC). Unique in the recruit
training world, the CIC combines Phase 1 and Phase 2 training
into a continuous course. After 28 weeks the line regiment recruits
pass out as trained soldiers, with a B vehicle driving license:
over 100 of them delivered to the Field Army every fortnight.
Guards (Gds) and Parachute Regiment (PARA) soldiers have two
additional weeks training, and every January a one-off intake of
Gurkhas forms up for a 37 week CIC that trains Gurkha recruits of
all cap-badges. Finally, all Junior Entry (JE) infantry soldiers from
the Army Foundation College (AFC) Harrogate, and TA infantry
recruits, undertake bespoke Phase 2 training courses at ITC.
Aside from recruit training, the ITC runs: the Parachute Regiment
Assessment Course (PRAC); All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection
(AAPPS or P Coy); drill instructor courses; drumming and bugling
courses; piping and highland drumming courses; and Gurkha
language training. To achieve all of this the ITC has 4 sites across
the country. The vast majority of the activity takes place in
Catterick and on the Defence Training Estate (North East). The
other, distributed, elements of the ITC are: the Parachute Training
Support Unit (PTSU) at RAF Brize Norton; the Army School
of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming (ASBM&HD) at
Inchdrewer House, Edinburgh; and the ITC Soldier Development
Wing at Halton Camp, Lancaster. We are commanded by Brig D
J H Maddan (late Gren Gds), who is both Comdt SCHINF and
Comdt ITC, from his HQ in Vimy Barracks. Subordinate to the
76
Training relevance – what we teach
The ITC embraced Op ENTIRETY and has been hugely successful
over the last 5 years or so at delivering trained soldiers to the Field
Army who have been primed to fit into operational ORBATs,
assimilate HFT and MST, and go on to play their part in successful
operational tours. This is not to say that we train soldiers for
operations – we do not. The recruits are trained to the Defence
Systems Approach to Training (DSAT) operational performance
statement (OPS); that is, a standard dictated to the Training Delivery
Authority (TDA) - ultimately the ITC, via the Army Recruiting
and Training Division (ARTD) – by the Training Requirements
Authority (TRA), HQ Infantry in our case. So, we turn out soldiers
trained to a mandated standard that is below the level required for
operations, with the accepted and authorised training gap being the
responsibility of regular infantry battalions to close. Nevertheless,
acknowledging that many recruits leave ITC and deploy on
operations without time in their battalions to complete a full cycle
of HFT and MST, the CIC was made more relevant to the current
operation by changing the context in which some of the lessons are
conducted and appropriately incorporating the wealth of operational
experience brought to the training centre by the many extremely
capable NCOs and officers who are assigned to us as instructors.
Now, with return to contingency already a reality for some of
our recruits – not least PARA soldiers joining 16 Air Asslt Bde
– our course designers are working with the TRA and other
stakeholders to evaluate what we need to do to keep training
relevant and amend our courses in line with Op AGILITY.
Training optimisation –
how we teach
It will be no surprise that the ITC has many change initiatives
underway aimed at ensuring that we teach in the most up to
date, appropriate and efficient manner. These initiatives are
drawn together in a multi-faceted Continuous Improvement
(CI) programme, itself managed through a Quality Improvement
Plan (QIP). A central pillar of the ITC’s developmental work
is a programme of standardisation, evaluating all that we do
and, where appropriate, developing and mandating a pan-ITC
standard. This might sound a little dictatorial, but it is done in
carefully selected areas to ensure that training teams, training
companies and the 3 battalions are being efficient, training
recruits to the same standards and treating recruits fairly. There
are still plenty of opportunities for instructor to use their
initiative, but standardisation has been proven to drive down
wastage and ensure that the ITC has a high standard of training
assurance. Furthermore, it ensures the ITC remains compliant
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Regiment JOURNAL
with externally mandated procedures and guidelines: matters that
are checked regularly by the Army Inspectorate and Ofsted.
can augment what we do now, and develop a model of blended
training that will elicit even better outcomes for the recruits.
One of the main developmental pieces of work this year has
been a detailed wastage study conducted by CO 1 ITB. The
findings have helped the ITC focus its efforts on the elements
of wastage that it can affect. In a number cases greater panITC standardisation and improved training assurance are
the answer. Furthermore, the study has identified causes of
wastage that are outside of ITC’s control. To address these
areas, strategies are being explored with other parts of the
recruiting and training pipeline.
Estate rationalisation
The instructors are central to the ITC’s business, and are the
Comdt’s vital ground. They are the people who maintain
standards at the coalface: the good ones inspire recruits, the
less able can contribute to poor outcomes for the recruits and
to higher wastage. With these points in mind, and the fact that
50% of the staff rotate every year, instructor development has
become another important strand in the CI programme. In fact,
the impending implementation of the Army Instructor Capability
(AIC) has given us an opportunity to improve our instructors’
training and continuous professional development. In particular,
a finely tuned and focused instructor induction process is being
instigated for the newly arrived instructors who will then be
mentored and assisted by ETS and infantry staff in the recently
inaugurated ITC Learning Development Wing (LDW). Any
instructors assigned to the ITC will leave with civilian accredited
qualifications and a wealth of instructional experience. It is
noteworthy that APC board members are directed to give extra
consideration to those who have performed well at ITC when
grading soldiers for promotion.
One of the initiatives that has proved beneficial to recruits
and instructors is our new standard course, CIC 12. Having
analysed data relating to recruits’ Discharge as of Right
(DAOR) applications, it was decided to trial a CIC that was
less intense during its initial stages than the incumbent CIC
11. Over the summer of 2012, four line intakes were closely
monitored as they partook in a redesigned course which
incorporated coping skills lessons, had more time between
periods, fewer working weekends, more programmed sport,
and more free time in the evenings for recruits to use the
on-site welfare and leisure facilities. Importantly, none of the
training objectives (TO) nor any of the assessment standards
were changed: the integrity of the OPS was paramount.
Nevertheless, the results of this trial were clear. DAOR was
down, recruits’ enjoyment of the course had improved, as
had the quality of life for the training teams’ instructors.
Consequently, the trial course was fully implemented as CIC 12
for line recruits in September whilst designing CIC 12 for Gds
and PARA got underway for implementation in October.
In terms of the future, the ITC is embracing Learning Technologies
(LTs). Exploratory work is in motion to assess which IT systems,
methods of simulation or smart-phone applications would enhance
the way we teach recruits. By no means is the intention to denude
the real-life elements of infantry training from which so much
practical learning is gained. Rather, we are investigating how LTs
A lot of the estate at ITC is in very good order. Those who
have not visited us for a while will be amazed at the building
programme that has transformed the Vimy and Helles site in the
last decade. The vast majority of the recruits, JNCOs, SNCOs
and Warrant Officers live in modern accommodation blocks
with en-suite facilities for the permanent staff. The officers
will benefit from the programme soon as the building of a new
Mess Annex is due to begin in October 2012. Nearly all of the
dining and leisure facilities are fairly recently built too, and
the installation of a free Wi-Fi service has begun in the public
leisure and welfare areas.
Although the 1970s teaching blocks are not part of the rebuild
programme, by the time you are reading this article they should
have been re-fitted with state-of-the-art, inter-active, information
technology systems: a real leap forward from the blackboards
that currently dominate their walls. We are hopeful too for the
refurbishment of other prominent parts of the estate, including
the much used steeplechase course.
The longer-term plan should see new medical and dental blocks
built. This would bring these facilities back within clinical
governance guidelines and give us infrastructure to match the
first-class care provided by our hard-working staff who currently
operate in rather tired amenities.
The immediate focus, however, is on flood prevention. We are
working hard with DIO to ensure the flooding that has deluged
Vimy Barracks twice this summer is prevented from occurring for a
third time.
Support optimisation
Supporting an organisation as large and busy as the ITC is
a big operation. As with how and what we teach, in terms of
support we continuously look at ways of working smarter and
more efficiently. Furthermore, the squeeze on civilian and
military manpower across the MOD has had its effects at ITC.
Consequently, where appropriate, we currently share MT and
medical resources across the Garrison and we are considering
how best to reorganise our HR admin staff so that adequate
support is provided to all parts of the ITC.
Most importantly, sound decision-making, based on clear
representation and accurate assessment of facts, is fundamental
to us making progress with all of these optimisation and
rationalization initiatives. To achieve this we are striving to
manage our information professionally and then exploit the
many data streams that are held at the ITC so that we have a
proper understanding of prevailing trends, their causes and
effects. This is not easy without trained and experienced staff.
However, a proliferation of electronic dashboards covering
subjects from First Time Pass Rates (FTPR) to complaints’
recording has been a strong step in the right direction, whilst
efforts to establish and recruit for Information Manager and
Data Analyst posts press ahead.
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Summary
By way of summing up, the ITC remains a busy centre of
training excellence, turning eager young civilians into trained
infantry soldiers within 6 months of them arriving. The
ethos and fundamentals of modern infantry training will be
recognisable to anyone who has passed through the ITC over
the last 17 years. At the same time, the design of the courses
that we run, the way our instructors engage with their recruits
and the estate in which it all takes place have been transformed
and are fit for the 21st century. Nevertheless, we do not rest on
our laurels and we have established CI as an integral part of our
daily business. We will not retain the right to call ourselves a
centre of excellence if we do otherwise, and with our current
approach I am confident that we can achieve a good grade next
time that Ofsted come calling.
Editor’s note: Ofsted inspected ITC 5-7 Feb 13 and graded
ITC overall GOOD. This is the first time that ITC
has been anything other than UNSATISFACTORY or
SATISFACTORY since the inspection first began in 2004,
and is a significant achievement and acknowledged as such
by DG ART.
King’s Coy, 1 ITB, ITC Catterick
OC:
Maj BGT Redshaw
Div Capt: Capt MA Stones
Coy 2IC: Capt MA Poots
CSM:
WO2 B Sykes
Nurturing WO: WO2 D Tomlinson
CQMS:
CSgt SR Wilkinson
It has been an exceptionally busy 6 months
for all members of the King’s Coy at the
ITC. Up to 8 Pls and 63 Permanent Staff
have successfully managed and co-ordinated
the basic Phase 1 and 2 training of up to
400 YORKS and LANCS recruits at any
one time. In the last 6 months 188 recruits
(128 YORKS) have completed the arduous
Combat Infantryman’s Course (CIC) which
has been testament to the highly trained and
professional staff of King’s Coy.
King’s Coy has also successfully managed
the transition of the Combat Infantryman’s
Course (CIC) 11 to CIC 12, a more
progressive course which is now 26 weeks
long. This has allowed the old fashioned
weeks 1-5 of basic training to be extended
by 2 weeks. Families day has also been
brought forward by 2 weeks in order to
allow earlier engagement with families. The
new CIC, coupled with a lot of hard work
and a fresh approach from the Permanent
Staff in the Coy has seen our wastage figure
of 40.85% for 2011/12 decrease to 23.28%
from the last 5 Pls that have passed out over
the last 6 months, which is an impressive
effort, as the quality of the recruit passing
out has not suffered.
Final in Aldershot on the 20 March. We
have also had representation in the ITC
Cricket, football, sailing, badminton, squash
and orienteering teams, reinforcing the
Kings Coy ethos of ‘work hard, play hard.’
Coupled with that, we have had numerous
NCOs complete the All Arms Drill Course,
CBRN Instructors and BCDT courses
of late, in order to improve instructional
capability within Kings Coy. Of significant
note we have several instructors who have
attended PSBC in the last 6 months, Cpl
Cunliffe (LANCS) was awarded the only
distinction on the tactics phase of the course
and Cpl Norris (YORKS) also achieved a
strong pass.
Outside of the CIC, our Permanent Staff
have been extremely busy. We have had
staff in the Coy complete Ex FROSTED
BLADE, the Infantry Ski Championships
in Val d'Isere and have 8 Permanent Staff
who will be representing the ITC Rugby
Team in the Army Rugby Championship
K2 Pl enjoying a day of Adventure Training at ‘Adrenalin’ in North Yorks.
78
The next 6 months will prove to be equally
busy as the Coy quickly moves up to the
running of eight platoons and full capacity
by May. We also have 5 pass out parades
over the same period. General Lord Dannatt
GCB CBE MC will be the inspecting officer
at the next King’s Coy sponsored pass out
parade on 12 April.
Cpl Radley teaching a fieldcraft lesson.
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
CADET UNITS
Yorkshire (North and West) Army Cadet Force
Comdt:
Dep Comdt:
Col MD Render MBE
Lt Col M Bell GCGI (North),
Lt Col J Greenlee (Training)
Lt Col M Wootton (West)
CTO:
Maj H Gell
CEO:
Maj S Hawley BEM
CQM:
Maj B Cawkwell
County RSM: RSMI M Dawkins
A Company, Thirsk Detachment
at RFCA HQ who made this possible. In
particular the Chief Executive Colonel C
E M Snagge, also the driving force behind
the move, the Deputy Chief Executive
Lieutenant Colonel J D Bleasdale.
go to the school and in particular the Head
Teacher for allowing the Unit to be based
on the school premises. Mr Stuart is fully
behind the Unit and sees it as a partnership
between the school and the ACF Unit.
A memorable evening was had by
all who attended. There were many
distinguished guests present. These
included the local MP Anne McIntosh
who unveiled a brass plaque to
commemorate the event. Mrs McIntosh
was also presented with a Shield by
members of the detachment.
Members of RFCA for Yorkshire and the
Humber were also out in force with The
Chairman Captain IM Robinson OBE RD
RNR, Chief Executive Colonel C E M Snagge
and Mrs Snagge and Deputy Chief Executive
Lieutenant Colonel J D Bleasdale present.
Also Lieutenant Colonel R H Hills JP MBA
(Youth & Cadets).
Yorkshire (N&W) ACF and in particular
A Company, give our sincere thanks to all
Also present was the Head Teacher of Thirsk
school Mr Stuart Mason and members of the
Board of Governors. Our thanks must also
From the ACF the Commandant of
Yorkshire (N&W) ACF Colonel M D
Render MBE and Mrs Render were
Anne McIntosh MP being introduced to Colonel
David Fuller and Lt Colonel Mick Bell.
Anne McIntosh MP meeting newly promoted
Captain Michelle Blackburn.
Anne McIntosh MP with the official plaque to mark
the opening of the new unit.
Anne McIntosh MP receiving a Yorkshire (N&W) ACF
shield from Thirsk Detachment, under the watchful
eyes of Left, SSI Kelly Gosling and Right, Captain
Michelle Blackburn.
Braced for action, L to R Lt Colonel Hills, Captain
Robinson RNR, Colonel Render, Lt Colonel Bell).
Ready and waiting, L to R Major Hawley CEO, Lt
Colonel Bell, Padre Callen-Travis, Lt Colonel Hills,
Captain Blackburn.
In another busy period for Yorkshire
(N&W) ACF a number of notable events
have taken place.
On 1 February 2013 Anne McIntosh MP,
officially opened the new Thirsk Army
Cadet Force Detachment building. The
unit is now based in Thirsk School and
Sixth Form College.
The new building is a refurbished portable
unit from elsewhere in the County. RFCA
have moved the unit and completely
refurbished the building externally and
internally, in essence, it is a new building.
79
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Regiment JOURNAL
present. Also Colonel DI Fuller OBE
Colonel Cadets 15 (NE) Bde and
Lieutenant Colonel M Bell GCGI Deputy
Commandant (North) Yorkshire (N&W)
ACF. Major S Hawley CEO Yorkshire
(N&W) ACF and Captain M Blackburn
acting OC A Company were also present.
After the official introductions by Captain
Robinson RNR, Anne McIntosh MP
unveiled the plaque and officially declared
the new unit open. She then went on to look
round the detachment, taking in the various
displays put on by the Thirsk cadets.
The new unit also has a new Detachment
Commander and 2ic. The DC is SSI Kelly
Gosling and the 2ic is SI Ashley Stevens.
In the same vein A Company now has a
new Captain. Congratulations to newly
promoted Captain Michelle Blackburn.
Captain Blackburn has jumped straight
into the hot seat and is now acting OC A
Company whilst Major Cooper is on his
3 month world cruise! (as you do). On
the night of the opening, Major Cooper’s
daughter (who did a marvellous job of the
catering for the night) informed us that she
had heard from her father that day. He was
half way up the Amazon at the time!
Yorkshire (N&W) County Cross Country Team
On the sporting front a number of
cadets from the County recently took
part in the North East Regional Cross
County Finals at Catterick. The team
had an outstanding day, as a team and as
individuals. Most of the team will now
go onto represent the North East Region
in the National finals at Warcop on the
16th of March.
The results were as follows.
Individual results, Junior Boys Gold
Cdt Dales Catterick, Silver Cdt Jackson
Stokesley. Intermediate Boys Bronze
Lcpl Dring Whitby. Senior Boys Gold
Sgt Griffin Whitby, Bronze Sgt Cavanagh
Thirsk. Junior Girls Gold Cdt Franklin
Stokesely, Silver Cdt Dent Northallerton.
Intermediate Girls Gold Cdt Heptinsall
Selby, Silver Cdt Winpenny Otely. Senior
Girls Gold Ssgt Sykes Yeadon.
Team results. Junior Boys Gold, Junior
Girls Gold, Intermediate Boys Bronze,
Members of the County Cross Country Team at the Regional finals, resplendent with their haul of medals.
Intermediate Girls Gold, Senior Boys Gold,
Senior Girls no team entered.
enough not to award the overall regional
Championship to the County?
Even though the County won 4 out of the
6 events and finished 3rd in one other;
the fact that no team was entered for the
Senior Girls event was deemed reason
But regardless of the overall official
position, we are proud to say Yorkshire
(N&W) ACF Cross Country team did the
County proud. Well done to all concerned.
‘Treesy Does it’ for Knaresborough & Harrogate Army Cadets
SI Francis Ayscough
Most teenagers in mid-December would
have spent their time dreaming of
what Santa would be bringing them on
Christmas morning whilst heading to the
nearest shopping centre in order to buy
presents for family and friends. Army
Cadets however are a different breed
altogether and they can always find much
more productive things to do with their
time and I am happy to say that this year
was no different!
Cadets from Knaresborough & Harrogate
Detachments (B Company) were only
too happy to assist when they were asked
80
by the ‘Woodland Trust’ to help them
celebrate the ‘Queens Diamond Jubilee’
with a tree planting event at Nidd Gorge in
Bilton on 15th December 2012, which was
to run from 10am till 2:30pm on that date.
quickly found that they were a ‘morale
magnet’ for the other volunteers who
all seemed to gravitate towards them in
order to soak up all of their natural ‘joi
de vivre!’
During the day the cadets had a variety
of different types of seedlings to plant
from oak trees to holly bushes and
despite the fact it was a very cold
morning morale was high and the
cadets were intent on both enjoying the
experience in addition to providing much
needed ‘hard graft’! In fact such was
their enthusiasm for the job in hand they
Those who did end up working with
the cadets also benefited from the fact
that as usual, they had devised a way
to plant the trees in an extremely easy
and efficient manner and so the already
existing smiles became even wider when
they realised that there were other less
obvious ways of benefitting in working
with the Army Cadets.
The Yorkshire
Half way through the event the local
Member of Parliament, Andrew Jones,
turned up and as he is no stranger to the
county, having visited their Annual Camp
at Wathgill in July, he was extremely
pleased to see the local Army Cadets there.
Andrew very kindly took the time to speak
to the cadets and he was genuinely thrilled
to hear the news that Knaresborough
Detachment had recently re-opened its
doors after a period of time when it had
unfortunately had to close due to a lack of
Adult Instructors in that area. As usual he
was ‘blown away’ by how polite the cadets
were to everyone they came in to contact
with and how well they integrated with the
members from the many other different
organisations that were there to assist with
the event.
Mr Keith Wilkinson, Honorary
Secretary of Bilton Conservation Group,
commented “The Army Cadets were
a credit to their units and everyone
who has worked with them today have
really enjoyed their Company and I
have lost count of how many of our
other volunteers on the day have told
me just how great it was to see such
polite, well-mannered and not to forget,
very hard working young people who
were obviously very proud to wear their
uniforms and also to help their local
community. I will be sending a letter
Regiment JOURNAL
of commendation to the Commandant
advising him of our gratitude to
Sergeant Langton and the young people
under his command!”
Colonel Render said “I am really proud
of all that the cadets from Harrogate
and Knaresborough achieved at the tree
planting event and I have been truly
astounded with the positive response I
have had from everyone else involved on
the day. I would like to thank Sergeant
Langton for his sterling work not just with
this event but also in general as he really
has worked extremely hard in ensuring
that the Knaresborough Detachment isn’t
just re-opened but is resurgent!”
Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force
Comdt:
Dep Comdt:
Col N Wilkinson
Lt Col M Cruddas/
Lt Col D Buckley
CEO:
Maj A Griffiths
County RSM: RSMI D Barr
Sutton and Bransholme Join Forces for Lord Prescott
Lt N Thompson
Sutton and Bransholme Detachments
joined together for an evening of
presentations and demonstrations;
amongst the guests were Lord Prescott,
local councillors, head teachers, parents
and guardians. As the cadets eagerly
awaited the arrival of the dignitaries a
light hearted conversation arose of which
car Lord Prescott would arrive in. To the
amusement of the cadets and adults alike,
Lord Prescott walked from home and was
greeted by the security volunteers from
East Hull Detachment.
The evening started well with a meet
and greet with the dignitaries and the
Commandant in which Lord Prescott
reminisced about his days as a cadet, albeit
a sea cadet (to which one cadet replied
“ lol”). I believed things to be going
well until a moment during the parade
inspection when one cadet was asked “do
you see yourself joining the armed forces?”
to which the cadet replied, “No sir, I want
to be a journalist.” Lord Prescott chuckled
with the cadet and moved on, at which
point I sighed with relief.
Following on from the parade the
Commandant and I gave a presentation
about the detachments and the ACF as a
whole. When I spoke of the cadet’s high
achievements and discipline I saw the
gasps of amazement and giggles of nonbelief from the parents and guardians of
the cadets. One parent asked later “are
you sure you were speaking about my
daughter?” to which I replied “of course”
to the astonished parent.
Representatives then escorted the parents
around the different stands from each
detachment. Lt Col Buckley began darting
around with the camera; looking for the
right picture during the evening, which
provided an amusing picture itself. The
stands spread across the syllabus and
provided an insight into the training and
opportunities cadets are offered within the
ACF. SI Kerry Holden provided a look at
emergency first aid and the skills cadets
learn. SI Tom Netherclift demonstrated
a Skill at Arms lesson highlighting the
safety precautions cadets learn prior to
firing. Sergeant Ryan Houghton, from
Bransholme, provided a good insight
into Drill for beginners, to which some
parents were eager to join in. The range
demonstration by CSM David Jackson
turned out to be the most eagerly
anticipated demonstration for the parents.
One parent spoke about their son who
“always talks about shooting but I never
really know what he’s shooting or why. But
now I do, thank you.”
Cadets from both units, who had
participated in this year’s county Silver
Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition,
spoke about their experiences in the Peak
District. They set up a little campsite on
the grass and talked about their trek across
the White Peak. The final parade saw
presentations from Lord Prescott to both
detachments, including Most Improved
Cadet to Cadet Jay Forrester, Personality
of the Year to Lance Corporal Nazmiye
Holden and Cadet of the Year to Lance
Corporal Connor Macphee. In addition
Corporal Sam Vine also received his BTec
in Public and Uniformed Services, Duke
of Edinburgh Award Bronze Certificate,
and Best NCO of the Year. Finally
Corporals Ryan Houghton and Josh
Dennie, of East Hull Detachment were
promoted to Sergeant.
Lord Prescott gave a closing speech
praising the enthusiasm and passion that
has come across from the cadets and adult
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Regiment JOURNAL
instructors. The Commandant thanked the
cadets, adult instructor, parents, guardians
and Lord Prescott for the evening and with
that our evening drew to a close.
Promotions
On the last weekend of October and
whilst attending the A Company weekend
Corporal Sam Vine was the happiest and
most delighted cadet to be seen around the
camp as, at lunchtime, he was promoted
by the Commandant. Sam, who has been
a cadet for four years and completed Four
Star at Annual Camp in the summer, was
promoted to Sergeant, a well-deserved
promotion and an appointment he
immediately relished, as could be seen by
his bearing around the camp during the
rest of the weekend.
The previous weekend saw promotion to
Company Sergeant Major for B Company
Cadet Staff Sergeant Stephen Benn, who
was promoted by the Commandant and
seen being congratulated by his Company
Commander, Major Jason Britchford.
In addition a BTEC certificate was
received by a happy Nathan Clarkson,
and Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medals
were presented to Colour Sergeant Philip
Stoneley, 2Lt Tim Troughton and Staff
Sergeant Sims.
Shooting in Canada
Sergeant A Aryaeipour
Going to Canada would be the first time I’d be away from home
for a long period of time, and at first I was sceptical about going,
for many reasons, but mainly because I would be there for just
under two months! However when it was time to come back from
Canada, I didn’t want to leave.
Going to Canada was like going to Mars for me, I had literally
no idea what to expect, or what I would be doing. Neither did
my fellow Brits who would be going with me, all we knew was
we were going to be spending the next seven weeks on a shooting
course with 36 Canadian cadets who we didn’t know, and if we
decided that we didn’t like it, then tough, there was nothing
we could do about it. So you can gather why we were a little
sceptical about going! However something that we did all agree
on was that we were all really, really excited about going as it was
something new that we had never experienced before and was a
once in a life time chance.
When we arrived at Connaught, the cadet camp that would be
our home for the next seven weeks, we were greeted by gaping
mouths, interested stares and excited kids telling each other “the
British are here!”, which was strange to us at first, but we found
out that most of the cadets had never met Brits before, and we
were literally like celebrities to them. Everyone wanted to start
a conversation with us, just for the sake of saying that they had
talked to the Brits on camp, even the staff cadets! This was a
very nice way to start our trip, as everyone on camp was kind and
made us feel very welcome.
In the first week of camp, the Canadians had lined up different
activities for us, such as team building exercises like PT, the
obstacle course and spending time with the other Canadian
cadets that we would be on course with. These different
activities were put on so we would get to know our fellow
Canadian course cadets, and by the end of the first week, after
sleeping, eating, learning and spending free time with them,
we were all literally like family. All our fears of not liking the
Canadians had melted away and we were all looking forward to
starting shooting.
Starting practice shoots with the C12A1 was a new experience,
as there wouldn’t be a coach next to me telling me what to do,
when to shoot, to adjust my sights or tell me how I’m doing.
82
I controlled every aspect of my own shooting, my sights, my
position, adjusting for wind and spotting my shots. This was
a completely brand new thing to me, as every time I had gone
down to shoot previous, all I had to do was pull the trigger,
anything technical was handled by my trusty coach by my
side! Even though I had been taught how to shoot on my own,
I was still very much a newbie to the whole thing and was not
confident at all! However, nothing in life is easy, and everything
has a learning curve, and in time I learnt how to effectively
adjust for wind, how to set up my rifle on my own and how to
fix any problems I had while shooting on my own. All because I
was left to learn on my own and given plenty of time to practice.
And after the first couple of weeks, my shooting had improved
by 110%!
Throughout our trip to Canada, we visited places like Ottawa,
were we went to the Houses of Parliament. We went to watch
military parades put on outside the parliament buildings and
to different swimming pools around the city. A highlight
was going to the biggest water park in Canada which was
conveniently only one hour outside our camp; this was a fun
trip. Going around the city of Ottawa sightseeing and visiting
museums was an eye opener. We also regularly went to different
shopping centres as treats on Saturdays. However the best
place we went by far was Niagara Falls, where we went on the
Maid of the Mist to go next to the falls themselves. The whole
experience was amazing, especially since we got to experience
them with our newly made Canadian friends, but also because it
was a once in a lifetime trip.
Towards the end of our trip we participated in three different
shooting competitions, two which were held at our camp, and
one which was held in Toronto. This meant we had to travel
eight hours by bus to get there, and when we did finally get
there, it wasn’t exactly what we expected. Because we were only
going to be there for four days, we were given accommodation
in a compound that was ten minutes by car away from the cadet
camp we were meant to be staying in. This compound was in
the forest, secluded from civilisation, and was meant for training
soldiers before they left for Afghanistan, so the people that had
stayed there before us thought to give it the appropriate name
“Little Afghan”. Funnily enough, the compound didn’t have
any running water, did not have showers, and had porta potties
The Yorkshire
as toilets. The whole place was like a prison camp, as you can
imagine, we had had better nights in our lives. By the end of it,
we couldn’t wait to leave, but we made the best out of it and it
was a funny experience in the end.
By the end of our trip, we had made friends for life, both
Canadian and British, we had seen some amazing and new
places, we had experienced new things and we had gained tons
Regiment JOURNAL
of valuable shooting skills. When the time came to go home
none of us wanted to go, we had enjoyed ourselves so much! My
advice to anyone who is reading this and thinking of going on
this course, I encourage you, 100%, to go as it is one of the best
experiences of my life.
I would particularly like to thank SMI Pettinger and Major
Johnson, for their help and support in getting me on the course.
Poppy Appeal
For the past few years the Osmotherley British Legion Branch
has been responsible for the distribution and sale of Poppies in
Stokesley. As for previous years members of the Town’s ‘Army
Cadet Force Detachment’ have given their wholehearted support
and, armed with collecting tins and poppies, the Cadets intended
to be highly visible selling poppies.
Osmotherley branch chairman, Colonel Black, cannot speak too
highly of the efforts of the Cadets. “Again the cadets of Stokesley
detachment played a key role in our local Poppy Appeal. We have
a formal affiliation between Osmotherley and District Branch of
the Royal British Legion and Stokesley Detachment, Army Cadet
Force. It is a wonderful example of two generations working
together for a very good cause"
The Detachment Commander, Sergeant Singleton commented “this
is probably the one event along with the Remembrance Day Parade
that the cadets look forward to every year and they wouldn’t miss it
for the world. They truly see it as their duty to support the Royal
British Legion in the fantastic work that they do and I can assure
you that seeing their enthusiasm for this charity work fills me with
pride as their Detachment Commander”.
Cleveland Army Cadet Force
Comdt:
Col AK Laker
Dep Comdt: Lt Col I Grime
CEO:
Lt Col M Moran QGM
County RSM:RSMI S Leavens
Cleveland ACF Review of 2012
2Lt G Bridges
Having been absent from the Yorkshire
Regiment Journal for a while, it seems
reasonable to review our achievements
in 2012 on this occasion. It was a busy
year, and next year promises just as
much. There was, of course, the normal
schedule of military training. From
weekend camps in Stainton during March
and October for each of the companies,
to Green Field Weekends in June at
Catterick, the training cycle culminated
in 10 days at Wathgill for Annual Camp.
Allied to these were the many teams
entered in regional and national events,
leading to Cleveland ACF becoming
national champions in Football, Athletics,
Hockey and Clay Pigeon Shooting.
Following B Company’s victory in the inter
company football held at the Herlingshaw
Centre in Eston on Saturday 15th January
2012, a winning team was selected to
Lt Col Brown presents the Football Shield to
Cleveland ACF.
The victorious Cleveland ACF Athletics Team.
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Regiment JOURNAL
Cleveland ACF’s Girl’s Hockey Team show off their medals.
represent the county at the regional
finals the next weekend. That team duly
went on to claim the North East Region
Football Trophy, both overall and in 3
of the 4 individual categories within the
competition itself.
A similar pattern emerged in May, with
B Company first of all triumphing in
the County Athletics on the 13th, with a
team then selected to go on to represent
the county. Both County and Regional
championships took place at Clairville
Stadium, hosted by Cleveland ACF and
ably directed by Capt (now Major) Steed.
As has now come to be expected, Cleveland
went on to lift the Regional Athletics
Trophy once again, and carried on to be
part of the team that did the same at the
National Championships in Grantham on
9th June.
Next came the Northeast Hockey
Competition at Catterick Garrison on
the 17th June. Cleveland ACF’s Girls
Field Hockey team took the title for the
third year running, without conceding a
single goal.
And to add to the victories in 2012, the
Clay Pigeon team brought home the
trophy from the 6th Cadet Clay Pigeon
Shooting Championships, besting teams
from the CCF, Sea Cadet Corps, Air
Training Corps and other Army Cadet
Forces from across the United Kingdom.
In January Cleveland Army Cadet Force
were among 11 finalists shortlisted
from 150 applicants by Barclaycard for
their Community Gift Programme, with
Col Laker present at the ceremony at
Middlesbrough Football Club, hosted
by TFM Radio, to accept £1000 that
was then used to purchase first aid
training equipment. Later in the month
A Company were pleased to support
military singing trio ‘The Soldiers’ to
Staff and Cadets of Cleveland ACF pose with singing trio ‘The Soldiers’.
84
National Clay Pigeon Shooting Champions for 2012.
collect for the Army Benevolent Fund at a
fundraising concert in Billingham.
Loftus Detachment were pleased to
entertain their local mayor at their
detachment in February, receiving
support from him for cadets to attend
annual camp, going on in May to use the
Town Hall for a Badging Ceremony and
Presentation Evening.
May also saw Cleveland ACF hosting its
Outreach programme at Stainton Camp
for local youth outside of the ACF, with a
comprehensive training package, including
tent erection, camp cookery, an expedition
around High Force, archery, climbing and
mountain biking provided by the County
and its staff.
As the Diamond Jubilee came to its climax
in June, the Commandant took great
pleasure in distributing medallions to
commemorate the event to the cadets, and
Outreach participants march off to their next activity.
The Yorkshire
Cleveland ACF Corps of Drums on parade as new Banners are presented to
the county.
to present the Queens’s Diamond Jubilee
medal to many of the adult volunteers who
had earnt it.
The weather, having earlier threatened
a drought of legendary proportion,
transformed the year into one that broke
records for flooding, just in time for
Greenfield Weekends in Catterick for all.
Lt Col Grime took the chance to introduce
himself and to observe fieldcraft training
at first hand.
Regiment JOURNAL
Yorkshire Regiment cadets with Cleveland ACF’s new banners at the annual carol
service, Guisborough.
On to Wathgill in August. Better, if not
brilliant, weather, excellent food, a day out
for the cadets, an overnight lakes-based
AT package and the presentation of new
banners for the county all contributed to a
successful and memorable annual camp.
Colts Canter in October was closely
followed in November by 15 Brigade
SAAM. Cleveland ACF’s teams came a
creditable 2nd in the LSW pairs and 2nd
in the Section Match.
The County’s carol service at
Guisborough closed out the year on a
festive note, with Cleveland’s Corps
of Drums and the Band of Durham
ACF playing to the assembled cadets
of Cleveland ACF and the local Air
Training Corps as well as their guests.
On Saturday the 2nd February 2013
a selection of cadets and staff of Yarm
Detachment, A Company Cleveland ACF,
travelled to Foxglove Covert Local Nature
Lord Crathorne, Col Laker and RSMI Leavens with Cleveland ACF cadets and their awards.
85
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Reserve in Caterrick camp to aid both the
full time and voluntary staff of the reserve in
completing vital preservation tasks, whilst
learning more about the purpose of the area.
quickly and efficiently completed we were
assigned for the rest of the workday to help
with the ongoing coppicing being done by
an important member of staff, Tony.
During the day we were tasked with first
organising previously chopped down trees
into stacks at the side of the trail so that
in the near future moss would begin to
grow on the surface of the logs supplying
a habitat for small animals and insects
alike that could be easily monitored for
biological purposes. After that task was
After a tree was chopped down we either
cut it to more manageable pieces or took
it and its branches to a pile nearby where
other cadets sorted the pieces into branches
for immediate burning and large logs
for when the fire had grown in size. All
participating members worked tirelessly
throughout the day ensuring the jobs
Yarm Detachment Cleanup Squad with wardens from Foxglove Covert.
were done to a high level by working well
together and with frequent volunteers.
After the work was finished the main
members of the reserve showed us what
they did in the area, showing how they
caught the birds for tagging and what
useful information they could achieve from
tracking their movements across the world,
which was taken onboard and questions on
the subject were enthusiastically asked.
All cadets showed a high level of maturity
and understanding during the day, they
spared no effort in being social to all
members and working hard during the day.
Major (Retd) Alan Crease, manager of the
reserve said the cadets “would be welcome
to return any time, but much more
importantly they conducted themselves
diligently and professionally and as a result
gained a lot from the experience. We, at
Foxglove, are very grateful to you all.”
The Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire,
Lord Crathorne, cadets and their parents
attended the annual Presentation
Ceremony of the North of England Reserve
Forces and Cadet Association, held at the
Hollis VC Armoury at Coulby Newham
on Tuesday, 5th February. Among the
audience were Col Laker, the Commandant
of Cleveland ACF, and his Regimental
Sergeant Major, RSM Leavens.
Wellington College CCF
CCF College Adjt: Maj G Long
Wellington College Combined Cadet
Force started the second half of the year in
full flow, with activities covering the full
spectrum of Cadet syllabus included the
whole Corps attending Field Day training,
an overnight Field Exercise at Sandhurst
for elements of the Advance Infantry and
Junior Leadership Cadre and the Corps of
Drums supporting the School Field Gun
Team at the British Military Tournament at
Earls Court. This term also saw our Cadet
RSM, William McCreadie installed as a Lord
Lt’s Cadet for Berkshire, which has led to
him being in attendance with the Lord Lt at
numerous events around the County.
Army Section
Junior Leaders Cadre (L6th). The JLC
in its quest to produce leaders and to
86
develop potential NCOs expanded its
curriculum with confidence building
on the new High Ropes Course (HRC).
The HRC puts an onus on interdependability, team work, leadership and
mutual trust with all tasks only being
able to be accomplished by the Cadets
working to together and supporting each
other throughout, a great asset for the
development of the Cadet and Leaders.
on the Ranges at the Royal Military
Academy Sandhurst.
Corunna (The Advanced Infantry) Coy:
The Field Day at Sandhurst in October
had Corunna Coy testing its Fieldcraft
skills against one another in the form of
a stalking exercise along with first aid,
casualty evacuation, and section attacks.
The term culminated in the Advanced
Infantry Badge Test and Live Firing
British Military Tournament (BMT)
Waterloo Company: The 4th Form
Coy continues to find innovative ways
to complete the CCF basic training
with Fieldcraft interspersed with an
introduction to military ethos which this
term has included a visit by all platoons to
the REME Garrison at Arborfield.
As always the College Field Gun Team
and the Corps of Drums took part in the
BMT at Earls Court. A combination
of heady atmosphere, and exciting
spectacle all make this probably the most
rewarding event for the Cadets involved,
may it long continue.
The Yorkshire
Around the Corps
The College CCF also increased its links to
the Academy in Tidworth, the support for
this new CCF is one of the key elements
in the growth of CCF in state schools,
and we will continue to strengthen these
links in the future. The Term also saw the
Remembrance services with all elements
of the Corps being in attendance with
Wellington record of selfless commitment
Regiment JOURNAL
in both World Wars and other conflicts this
is a pivotal time in the school calendar one
that the School and the Corps observe with
utmost respect and knowledge of those who
went before us.
Harrow School CCF
The Harrow Rifle Corps
Over the year, we ran our usual 24hrs exercises located at
Aldershot and Pirbright, and also at Bramley training area near
to Basingstoke, with the usual mixture of night patrolling and
fieldcraft. As ever, though, the main focus of the year was the two
camps, with us following our habit of one “green” camp in the
summer for purely military activities, and an adventure-training
camp at a more far-flung destination. Our “green” camp took
place at STANTA near Thetford, Norfolk, a new experience for
all Cadets and staff alike. We have gradually been lengthening
the time spent in the field, as we have found that one can achieve
much more, and challenge young cadets (and most attending were
young) with more nights spent in the open. The weather was not
all that kind, and we had to get used to wet boots, but the fournight, five-day exercise, running through a scenario involving
military and map-reading skills, as well as firing blank and laser
equipment, brought on Military skills at a rapid rate. We covered
an intensive regime, all-day training sessions being followed by
night operations such as recce, ambush and attack. For this work
we were excellently-supported by the RRF, who lent us a group of
young Fusiliers and NCO’s who are owed our thanks.
The Easter Camp was an exercise in Outdoor Leadership held
in the mountains of Austria at Saalbach. Twenty five cadets
attended this challenging camp, and there they were put
through their paces by two members of the Austrian Guides
Association. The cadets learned the skills needed for mountain
touring, and were instructed in all kinds of snow craft, from
the use of snow holes to learning about mountain safety and
avalanche rescue. Everyone emerged safely from a tough, but
very enjoyable week, with all completing the course successful.
2013 will see us in our Biennial inspection year. Our summer
camp will be held in Cyprus, hosted by the 2nd Battalion
Yorkshire Regiment, involving Green and adventurous training
for all Cadets and Staff. This is naturally something eagerly
anticipated, as we have happy memories of Cyprus from quite a
while ago.
In beautiful countryside one mile south of the small Cotswold town of
Corsham – midway between Bath and Chippenham lies
The Services
Cotswold Centre
Any Service family needing short term accommodation, between postings, on retirement, for a
break in the country or for Welfare reasons can stay at the Centre.
You stay in centrally heated, fully furnished and equipped, 3 to 4 bedroom self-catering chalets.
To find out more contact your Welfare Office or telephone the Centre 01225 810358.
Your
Home from Home
87
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
The Regimental Association
Major M L Sullivan (Association Secretary)
01904 461018, [email protected]
The Aim of the Association: To promote a spirit of comradeship and pride in the traditions of the Regiment and its antecedent
regiments, between all past and present members.
Membership: Membership is open to all past and serving members of the Regiment and its antecedent Regiments.
Lapel Pin-badge, Membership Card: Are available to all members via the Secretary. There is a small charge for badges.
Constitution and Rules: Are available via the Secretary.
Antecedent Regiment News (York, Richmond and Halifax)
Area HQ York (PWO)
Maj ML Sullivan
A very well attended PWO Association reunion was held in a suite
of York Racecourse. The AGM was lively, with a great deal of
discussion about the proposed merger, and then the party which
followed was even livelier. There was also a very good turnout
of PWO association members at both the opening of the Field
of Remembrance and three days later at Remembrance Sunday
Commemoration Services around the County.
A member of Area HQ (York) staff was also invited to unveil
a plaque and to lay a wreath at Wisbech Grammar School, in
memory of one of its old boys. Major Chris Dockerty was a
serving PWO officer, when he was killed in the Mull of Kintyre
Chinook crash.
As well as the Imphal Day commemoration, which this year will
take place on Sunday 23 June and the PWO Trustees Meeting
and London Lunch, AHQ York and many members of the
PWO Association will be participating in all of the Yorkshire
Regiment’s events during the first half of the year, particularly,
the Association AGM in late January and the YORKS Regimental
Weekend in late May. Details can be found on the website and in
the Forecast of Events in this Journal.
Area HQ Richmond (GH)
Maj P Ralph MM
We move into the New Year and look forward to the challenges
ahead, however its time to reflect on the past six months. It has
been a very busy time, least of all collecting and collating of the
suggestions from every member of the Green Howard’s Association,
about the merger of the three Regular battalions. It was amazing to
see the interest from our antecedent Regiment and to get positive
feed back from the branches, particularly the older members.
made extra special as the officers had their by annual regimental
dinner in York the night before.
Col Clive Mantell is now our new chairman of the GHA. He has
hit the ground running as you would expect, if you knew him. We
all at AHQ wish Col Smeeton all the very best for the future and a
speedy recovery.
Christmas saw plenty of activity from the GHA branch dinners,
long may it continue. The Friends of the Green Howards
Museum members are increasing in numbers every year with all
the hard work put in by the committee. The museum team will
discover if the Lottery bid has been successful by the middle of
March, such a lot of work has gone into the bid, I cannot see how
it would fail as you only get out, what you put in. Good Luck.
Editor’s Note: The Museum staff are to be congratulated, the
bid was successful.
The GHA reunion in Scarborough was a fantastic weekend and
a great success. Marching up the road in bright sunshine to
church was a sight to remember however, the Sunday sermon
from Cannon Richard Cooper took first place, with his talk on
camaraderie, team work, and never giving in. The weekend was
Over the last six months, we have hosted at the Museum groups
of soldiers from ITC Catterick. They are in Phase 1 training,
as well as other personnel wanting to join the Regiment. Peter
Hetherington is one of the excellent museums tour guides that
keeps them mesmerised over our amazing history and attainments.
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Regiment JOURNAL
Area HQ Halifax (DWR)
Maj R Heron
Many of the readers will be aware that the
Dukes Association Annual Dinner, which
had been scheduled to take place on 6th
October 2012, was postponed out of respect
for 3 YORKS, still in Afghanistan, and
taking casualties, and for their bereaved
families. It was rightly decided to postpone
the dinner until the whole of the Battalion
was complete back in Warminster.
The dinner was rescheduled and took
place on Saturday 16th February at the
Hilton Hotel, Bradford. A total of 271
people sat down to dinner, including a
good contingent from 3 YORKS, who also
kindly brought up their Colours.
Immediately following the meal Lt Col
Stenning, CO 3 YORKS, gave a very
interesting talk and showed a short video
of their recent Afghanistan tour, which I
know the audience found fascinating.
Colonel Nick Borwell, our President – Presiding.
The Dukes Officers’ Dinner is to be held at
the Naval and Military (In and Out) Club,
London, on Thurs 20 Jun 13. Details will
be published in due course.
From the Antecedent Archives: 30 Years Ago and 10 Years Ago
From the PWO Archives, 1983
Stallions meet the Alligators
(A Company's Visit to the 4/6th US
Infantry)
One of the advantages of a posting to
West Berlin is the opportunity to see the
armies of other nations at close quarters.
With the aim of increasing understanding
and co-operation between American and
Yorkshire soldiers, 'A' Coy spend a day
in October with Alpha Company of the
4th/6th US Infantry at McNair Barracks.
On arrival we were greeted with hot
coffee and cakes and a very interesting
circuit of demonstrations which showed
all the American weapons and personal
equipment. We found the lightness of
the basic webbing and M16 weapon to
be of particular interest. We were then
escorted to the mess hall for lunch. In the
afternoon we were taken to the Battalion's
own museum which had many exhibits
dating back over the years. Some of their
battle honours were recognised as being
gained fighting the British, but there were
no hard feelings. The museum has some
Stallions meet the Alligators
very interesting displays of life in Berlin in
the post war period and also of the Vietnam
war. We also saw the 4th/6th Regimental
badge of an alligator and a ladder, and
noted with interest that the regiment had
fought with honour with General Custer at
the battle of Little Big Horn.
The visit ended with an exchange of
gifts and promises made for future
events. By the time these notes are
published, Alpha Company will have
visited Brooke Barracks to see how we
live and to continue the friendship made
at McNair.
89
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
From the GH Archives, 2003
Diving in the Red Sea
Ex Serpent Finn was a sub-aqua diving expedition to
the Red Sea organised by 2IC A Company, Capt Brown. The
expedition was split into two one-week packages. Initially
twenty personnel deployed consisting of two instructors,
the expedition organiser and seventeen other soldiers. After
the first week the seventeen soldiers returned to the United
Kingdom and were replaced by seventeen other soldiers. The
expedition was based on a purpose-built and fully equipped
diving boat that remained at sea for the duration of each week
long package. This gave us easier access to the more remote
diving sites and, apart from the more popular sites, we were
invariably the only boat on the reef or wreck.
Both weeks of the expedition started with training dives to
qualify those unqualified soldiers as BSAC Ocean Divers.
Unsurprisingly, the conditions were far better than they had been
in Portstewart in December! Once the training was completed
the tempo picked up and the expedition started in earnest.
Reveille was normally 0630hrs, the first dive brief at 0700 and
the first divers in the water shortly afterwards. Two or three
more dives followed and with visibility reaching out to 40m,
even the onset of darkness did not prevent diving. Planning
for the following day or trying to calculate air requirements or
personal breathing rates were the last things completed in the
evening. Most people were then in bed by 2200 hrs having had a
very tiring and in some cases a stressful day.
especially at the shallower depths, were truly amazing. Moray
Eels were seen on several sites and these evil-looking but shy
creatures were treated with a healthy respect and generally given
a wide berth. More worrying though were the Stone Fish which,
as the name implies, look like stones and these potentially lethal
fish are very hard to spot. There were several other dangerous
fish that needed to be avoided and some were equally difficult
to spot. Concerns about mask clearing, sharing equipment in
emergencies, buoyancy and air consumption, coupled with the
potentially lethal fish made for some interesting dives!
The highlight of the first week was almost definitely when some
of us managed to free swim with dolphins, with some people
even getting close enough to touch them. The rest of the dives
each had their own unique appeal. The wrecks were covered
in some fantastic soft and hard corals and the Thistlegorm
was surrounded by shoals of Barracuda, Tuna and Batfish. In
additional, the Thistlegorm, a World War 2 cargo ship, still
has its last cargo visible consisting of jeeps, motorcycles, rifles,
ammunition and Bren Gun Carriers. The abundance of sea life
on some of the reefs was absolutely remarkable and the colours,
Overall, each group had a fantastic week, which wasn’t difficult,
as we had escaped the confines of Northern Ireland! No one
will forget this expedition in a hurry and especially those who
witnessed Sgt Hill’s piloting skills. More importantly, this
expedition has paved the way for a Battalion diving club. The
desire now is to further qualify some of the keener soldiers and
conduct a follow-on expedition later in the year. While not
everyone from the expedition will dive again some natural divers
have been identified and have already expressed strong interest
in continuing to develop their newly acquired skills.
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90
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The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
allied and affiliated units
HMS RICHMOND
You may recall that the last edition saw
HMS RICHMOND returned to the Fleet
after a major refit, with upgraded weapons
and machinery renewed for many more
miles at sea. The Ship’s Company had
been reformed and with much effort had
turned 5000 tonnes of steel into a living,
floating Ship, able to go anywhere.
That was the easy bit! The next
challenge, which was to take all autumn,
was to turn our Ship from one safe to
be at sea to one ready to take on the
Nation’s enemies and win. The crowning
element was seven weeks of Operational
Sea Training (OST), but there was plenty
to do before that.
First, in September, RICHMOND
conducted maintenance and training
alongside, both fixing engines and
spending hours in simulators, practising
at fighting enemy ships, submarines and
aircraft. October saw Squadron staff
embark, scrutinising everything from the
choreography of a major inspection to
engineering standards, cleanliness, routines
and everything in between. A last period
of self training and ever more weekends
lost to preparations finally saw the Ship
ready to present at OST.
OST is run by Flag Officer Sea Training,
Rear Admiral Clive Johnstone CBE,
who has commanded many Ships and
knows precisely how they work. All his
key commanders also have command
experience and they lead people straight
from the front line who are specially
selected for their knowledge, if not always
their patience! OST is renowned as the
finest maritime warfare training in the
world. As well as training the Royal Navy
it also welcomes ships from most NATO
nations and from as far away as South
Africa and Chile, often for substantial
sums. Standards are absolute and the
grading is harsh: it is quite possible to
be praised for effort and determination
but still be judged ‘Below Standard’. A
‘Satisfactory’ mark is hard won.
OST always starts with the Material
And Safety Check (MASC), which is a
combination of a VIP inspection with
another 75 personnel with clipboards and
check sheets going into every one of the
217 compartments onboard, checking
everything for mechanical soundness
and readiness for use. At the same time
the Ships’ communications and sensors
are exercised with target aircraft, every
weapon is fired, the sonar is tested, the
helicopter is launched and the engines
are put through their paces. As a form
of congratulation, by close of the same
day you get a 60 page report full of
pickups to be sorted instantly. However
RICHMOND’s hard work, despite
relatively little time to prepare, meant
that we achieved a hugely creditable
‘satisfactory’ and were declared safe to
Some of the Recce team raising the Communications Mast.
92
train. As I write another Ship has just
failed MASC, so it is by no means a
rubber stamp.
The high point of each week at OST
is the ‘Weekly War’ on Thursdays. A
group of Ships is given a task such as
escorting an amphibious landing ship to
a beachhead while under attack from all
directions. The Ships will go through
minefields, be attacked by submarines and
aircraft and take on enemy surface Ships.
All the time they have to coordinate to
survive, creating a common picture of
events around them, allocating tasks and
targets, reporting upwards and operating
within the Rules of Engagement and
International Law. Internal damage
mounts, knocking out weapons and
communications but the teams learn to
fight through, using reversionary modes
and plenty of determination.
While war at sea is the primary focus,
the Ship also practised Naval Fires
Support, readying us to support troops
ashore. It was this ability that recently
enabled HMS LIVERPOOL to stop
Ghadaffi from retaking Benghazi, saving
thousands of lives. In other serials media
skills are honed, seamanship is tested by
taking another Ship under tow and the
administrative inspections continued.
OST culminates in the Final Inspection,
which is a Thursday war with more
RICHMOND’s Lynx Helicopter ferrying stores to the landing site.
The Yorkshire
The Ship’s First Aid teams providing triage and treatment.
staff than usual and an embarked
senior assessor. With the enemy
defeated and the floods and fires put
out RICHMOND was awarded a strong
Satisfactory assessment and was declared
ready for operations anywhere in the
world. This was fortunate as soon
afterwards RICHMOND was detailed to
be the Fleet Ready Escort, at 24 hours
notice to protect the UK from threats
Regiment JOURNAL
The mobile food station .
such as waterborne terrorists or to
deploy globally.
That was 2012. This year RICHMOND
will deploy in August for seven months to
defend British interests around the world.
RICHMOND therefore is in good heart.
We are ready for service anywhere in
the world, are at the moment protecting
Britain and are readying later this year to
go out and support British trade, subjects
and broader interests while also deterring
aggression. It is an uncertain world.
While Britain remains an island, 70% of
the World is water, 80% of the World’s
population lives within reach of the sea
and 90% of our trade comes by sea, so will
RICHMOND and her successors have a
role to play.
HMS RICHMOND returning to Portsmouth.
93
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
The Rocky Mountain Rangers
Rangers Overview
The training year of 2012-2013 has been
a strong one for the Rocky Mountain
Rangers. The Rangers are the only light
infantry regiment in the interior of British
Columbia, Canada and have sent many
soldiers to Afghanistan in the last decade
as part of Op ATHENA. With the winding
down of the Afghan War the Rangers
are returning to their roots as mountain
terrain specialists. The training year has
been spent reviewing the skills that have
made them the BC regiment most able
to carry out winter warfare and rugged
terrain operations in the Coast and Rocky
Mountain chains, as well as in the plateau
regions of the interior. Alfa Company
in Kamloops and the newly resurrected
Bravo Company in Prince George often do
joint exercises at Canadian Forces Camp
Chilcotin. These exercises are designed so
that the two companies are either working
in conjunction as allies, or against one
another as enemy forces. The Rangers are
fortunate in that they are situated in two
urban areas that border vast tracts of crown
land, which allow for many choices in
training area variation.
Training (Courses and Taskings)
The Rocky Mountain Rangers, in addition
to their regular exercises, have hosted a full
year of ‘extra-curricular’ courses. Courses
have occasionally included candidates or
staff from other regiments. In the autumn,
the Rangers ran the annual 404s (military
Lt Kieran Van Wagoner of A-Coy negotiates the ropes
during a horizontal obstacle crossing.
Corporals Tom Miljutin (left) and Max Birkner after endex, Sunday morning, during CLANDESTINE RANGER.
driver’s license) on a number of vehicles
and Infantry Platoon Support Weapons
Qualification (focus of the course is the use
of the GPMG in the SF role). Basic Winter
Warfare ran during weeknights at the J.R.
Vicars armory from November to January
and included a one-day familiarization
exercise on the use of skis, snowshoes
and toboggans, as well as a weekend-long
confirmation exercise in which members
of A-Coy who were not affiliated with
the course participated. January also saw
the start of a part time Basic Military
Qualification course that will qualify
candidates for BMQ-Land courses in
Wainwright during the upcoming summer.
As this course includes St John’s Standard
First Aid, trained soldier’s whose first aid
qualifications have expired will be able to
renew their certificates during those days.
Survival Course Candidates offload the charter plane on Haida Gwaii.
94
Corporal Birkner during Basic Wilderness Survival
Training, Haida Gwaii.
The Yorkshire
From January 23 to the 31st Corporal
Birkner and Corporal Schmidt from
A-Coy were selected to participate in Basic
Wilderness Survival Training. This is a
survival-training event run in different
locations annually, by the Canadian Rangers,
a sub-component of the Primary Reserve.
This year was the first time that the weeklong exercise has been given official course
status by the CF. Candidates from 39
Brigade, along with a small number from
Regular Force Units were flown by charter
from Vancouver, BC, to Masset, a small
town on Graham Island in the Haida Gwaii
Archipelago, also in British Columbia, just
south of the Alaska Panhandle. For three
days candidates were taught survival skills
before being dropped off at stands along
the seashore to survive with a partner and
minimal food and equipment for 72 hours.
Of the 22 candidates only four fell out of the
exercise before it was finished.
Conclusion
The Rocky Mountain Rangers of British
Columbia have seen yet another exciting
training year. With the winding down
Regiment JOURNAL
Soldiers patch targets after LMG shoot at Canadian Forces Camp Chilcotin.
of the Afghan War the Rangers are
returning to their roots as mountain
terrain specialists and are reviewing in
training the skills that have made them
the BC regiment most able to carry
out extreme winter warfare and rugged
terrain operations in the Coast and Rocky
Mountain chains, as well as in the plateau
regions of the interior. The Rangers are
quickly renewing their focus and preparing
to enter a new phase in the history of the
Canadian Forces. Many soldiers at the
regiment are preparing to pursue courses
during the summer of 2013 that will better
their soldiering skills and be a long-term
benefit at the unit.
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95
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Launch of Yorkshire Cup for RFU Championship
teams at Clifford's Tower, York
If ever a man epitomised Yorkshire
rugby – on the day that a new county
cup is launched for the White Rose’s trio
of Championship clubs – it would be
Matt Challinor. At 28 he has sampled
everything the Broad Acres has to offer in
the sport, from graduating from the Leeds
Carnegie academy to taking his first steps
in senior rugby in the Yorkshire leagues
with Dinnington, and then progressing to
his current club Doncaster Knights via a
stint with Rotherham Titans.
“It’ll probably be Sheffield Tigers next, via
Morley and via Harrogate – I’ll play for
them all,” laughed the powerhouse secondrow forward.
Yorkshire born and bred, the new
Yorkshire Regiment Trophy is right up
Challinor’s street.
The concept is that results from the six
league games contested by the three
Yorkshire clubs this season will decide who
is deemed winners of the trophy at the end
of the season. Backed by the Yorkshire
Regiment, the scheme was launched at York’s
Clifford’s Tower, a picturesque setting so
windswept it felt like a blustery Saturday
afternoon at Clifton Lane.
Editor’s note:
Capt Alex Whitaker, until recently
Adjutant, 4th Battalion, The Yorkshire
Regiment
Educated at Ripon Grammar School where
he played for the school as well as junior
club rugby at Harrogate and represented
Yorkshire at junior level. He joined the
Army in 2004 and was commissioned
into the Green Howards in 2005. Shortly
after the formation of the Yorkshire
Regiment in 2006, he served with the 3rd
Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment (Duke
of Wellington's) before joining the 4th
Battalion as Adjutant in 2011.
He has throughout this time regularly played
for the Army, touring with them to South
Africa and playing in several of the annual
Army/Navy matches, as well international
fixtures against Georgia and Portugal. He
has also played for the Combined Services
including playing against the Barbarians and
recently represented the British Army in
their victorious performance at the inaugural
World Defence Cup in New Zealand. He
is currently playing club rugby with his
local side, Malton, before his deployment to
Afghanistan in the spring.
WO1 Graydon Williams
Army-Recruiter based in York. Originally
from Nottingham where he went to school
and played for Nottingham. He joined the
Duke of Wellington's Regiment in 1973
and played for the Regiment over many
years winning in the course of his rugby
career with the Regiment three Army
Cup winners medals. During this time he
also represented the Army and Combined
Services with whom he played against
national touring teams from New Zealand,
Australia and Japan.
Pictured from left, Jacob Rowan Leeds Carnegie, Graydon Williams Yorkshire Regiment, Toby Freeman Rotherham Titans, Alex Whitaker Yorkshire Regiment and Matt
Chalinor Doncaster Knights.
96
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Ex FROSTED BLADE XXVIII
Cpl King, King’s Div Coy, 1 ITB, ITC Catterick
Val D’Isere, French Alps,
1 Dec 12-12 Jan 13
While preparing for my next course to
form up at the Infantry Training Centre
(ITC) Catterick I heard there were 8 places
available to take part in Ex Frosted
Blade. This is the Infantry ski
championships, a skiing exercise lasting
6 weeks which encompasses different
skill levels, from complete novices to
experienced skiers. In total, 104 soldiers
(full time and reservists) took part. The
events covered the Slalom, Giant slalom,
Super giant slalom, and Downhill events,
all very technical and raced at high speeds.
This would be my third time competing.
I was fortunate enough to be able to jump
on to my third ‘opportunity of a lifetime’.
Previously I had travelled the much
shorter distance from Münster, Germany
with the 1st Battalion. The expedition was
heavily subsidised, making the cost within
reach to everyone. £400 for a full 6 weeks
with everything included in the price; an
extremely small price to pay for six weeks
on the slope! The only thing I had to pay
for was the couple of nights out that we
had during our time there investigating
the après ski (which was amazing!).
It all started with an extremely long
journey from Catterick to Val d’Isere,
France in a nine seater minibus. It
took almost twenty four hours but was
well worth the cramped conditions and
travel sickness when we finally got there.
Straight away we were issued with ski kit
from the local hire shop, Snowberry. They
have helped the Armed forces for well over
a decade. Whilst sorting out ski and boot
hire from them they also gave us a few
lectures in equipment care and what type
of equipment should be used at the correct
times, this contained learning how to wax
and sharpen the edges of skis to help you
gain more speed and technical ability
when racing.
Our team consisted of 8 personnel with
very different levels of skiing abilities;
Capt Maxwell had never skied, Capt
Ogilvy, Lt Fitzpatrick, Sjt Armon-Jones,
LSgt Parker and Cpl Samson had been on
one or two family holidays. Capt Foster
is an experienced skier with civilian
instructor qualifications and I hold the
JSSIA military instructor and level 1
BASI civilian qualification. During the
6 weeks there, all these members received
instruction and testing which would help
them to get closer to gaining their future
instructor qualification.
Weeks one to three
On the first day we started by breaking
down into groups which is done on the
small slopes, placing people into beginner,
intermediate and advanced groups once
done, then the training began. For the first
two weeks beginner skiers got the chance
to perfect their techniques and build
confidence to help them reaching further
and further up the mountain each time.
With heavy snow it gave the intermediate
and advanced group’s chance to play
around and perfect their techniques in the
deep but soft snow.
Weeks three to five
The beginners still had chance to get more
mileage under their feet to improve their
technique, but for the intermediate and
advanced skiers it meant it was time to
hit the gates and go straight into training
on the very technical and physically
demanding courses at speed. With
excellent tuition from a top ski school
called Evolution 2, we had trial runs where
we were timed to see how we progress
through training, I myself collected a
speed of over 70mph.
During the festive season the soldiers were
given the chance to either book their own
flights to go home or spend Christmas
together with events and parties organised
by the Chairman of the Exercise, Lt Col
Victor Matthews. It gave us all a chance
to get to know the kind of people that we
were to compete against as we all bumped
into each other either on the slopes or
during the interesting nights out that could
be spent in the local area!
Week six
Race week, “let the racing begin!” This gave
us all, as a team the opportunity to don our
skin tight race suits and try to look like the
professionals. Units competed for different
cups and individual medals. The ITC team
were quietly confident of competing well. As
expected we came away with a respectable 8
silver medals in the team categories, finishing
second in the regular units overall and a gold
and bronze in the novice categories. Overall
this was a fantastic team-effort!
The exercise overall was an incredible
opportunity and I would jump at the
chance to do it again if I could. It incites
teamwork amongst a close knit unit,
encourages a competitive spirit and the
desire to be the best one can be, as well as
the enormous amount of courage it takes
for someone to throw themselves down
the side of the mountain at high speeds
that feel unnatural. If anyone gets the
opportunity to compete in this event in the
future I would thoroughly recommend it as
it was a life changing opportunity for me.
97
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
A year at the Australian Command and Staff College
Lt Col PJ Bassingham-Searle
‘Hello Phil, it’s Colonel James I’m really pleased to tell you that
you have been selected for promotion and to go to Staff College in
Australia… you did ask for that...?’
We had asked for it and 9 months later we were packing our bags
to move the family to the other side of the world. In this short
article I intend to offer a few professional and personal reflections
on our year in Australia.
The Australian Command and Staff College is located in Canberra
and delivers a joint staff course to about 120 Australian Defence
Force officers and 50 overseas course members each year. It does
what it says on the tin and in a model that readers familiar with
Shrivenham would recognise. What is different is the regional
perspective, Australia's geo-strategic position being very different
to that of the UK. Issues such as the rise of China, the Asia-Pacific
Century and the US pivot towards the Pacific were all hot topics for
discussion and debate during the year, and it was fascinating to be
an external observer on the Australian military grappling with the
issues – clearly I chipped in my two peneth as well!
The military heritage of the Australian Defence Force is ostensibly
British and although they are becoming increasingly aligned with
the US it is easy to find common ground and understanding with
them. A new experience for me was the opportunity to interact
with the other overseas course members and we were certainly
a diverse bunch with officers from China, Malaysia, Indonesia,
Lt Col Bassingham-Searle with the other British ACSC students.
India, Pakistan, Thailand, Vietnam and the US, to name a few. All
brought a different experience and perspective, which made for
interesting and often lively discussion.
Australia is a truly beautiful and awe inspiring country, and
although we travelled as often as we could we hardly scratched the
surface in seeing what it has to offer. That said my children have
snorkelled on the Great Barrier Reef, taken the ferry across Sydney
Harbour and cuddled a koala. We made some great friends and
feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to do something a bit
different for a year.
‘Life for a Life’ Memorial Forests is a
Not for Profit, Non-Denominational
and Non-Political Registered Charity,
whose aim it is to support health related
organisations such as Hospitals, Hospices
and Military Charities.
With the Help of the Yorkshire Regiment
and the backing of the York Army
Museum, negotiations are on the way
to bring the ‘Life for a Life’ Memorial
Forests scheme to benefit the Regiments'
own charitable commitments.
2013 sees ‘Life for a Life’ celebrating its 14th
anniversary. The first tree planted in 1999
was for and on behalf of the late Her Majesty
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother. From
this humble beginning with one planting
site situated on the North East corner of
Oldham, Lancashire ‘Life for a Life’ has
steadily expanded and now has 45 planting
sites throughout the United Kingdom.
Trees are planted in these planting areas
In Memory of lost love ones or to celebrate
98
a special occasion such as an anniversary
or the birth of a new baby. The funds
generated from these sites are put back into
the local communities to the benefit of all,
by way of improvements to the environment
and direct monetary donations.
Amongst the beneficiaries are several
Military Charities; The Royal British
Legion, SSAFA Forces Help and Broughton
House Home for Ex-Service Personnel.
Each planting site has a special area put aside
called ‘Warriors Rest’, which is specifically
dedicated to celebrate the lives of members of
the Armed Forces and the Uniform Branches
of the Emergency Services.
‘Life for a Life’ over the years has
designed, built and funded several
permanent Military Memorials
throughout the country some of
which can be seen when visiting the
National Memorial Arboretum. These
memorials to name but a few are; The
Polish Armed Forces Memorial, The
Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Memorial
and the M62 Memorial dedicated to
the members of the Armed Forces
and their families who lost their
lives in a bombing incident in 1974.
Later in 2013 a new Memorial will be
constructed and dedicated to the four
regiments that make up The Royal
Army Medical Services.
Further information can be obtained
from the Regimental Museum or
by requesting a free comprehensive
information pack directly from ‘Life for
a Life’ Memorial Forests.
Telephone number 0161 624 2299 or by
email to [email protected]
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
Book Reviews
One Soldier and Hitler, 1918
THE STORY OF HENRY TANDEY VC DCM MM
by
David Johnson, with a foreword by General the Lord
Dannatt GCB CBE MC DL
Henry Tandey, 1891-1977, was the most highly decorated
Private soldier of the Great War.
David Johnson has skilfully woven the Record of Service of Pte
Henry Tandey VC, Green Howards and Duke of Wellington’s
Regiment, with that of Gefreiter Adolf Hitler Iron Cross, List
Regiment, into a very detailed and extremely readable account of
their activities on the Western Front between 1914 and 1918, where
the opposing Divisions they served in faced each other on more
than one occasion, leading to one of the most intriguing legends of
the First World War concerning Tandey sparing Hitler’s life.
Using first hand accounts from officers and soldiers in their
respective units, official documents from the Archives in
Britain and Germany and extensive research and interviews of
family and friends, the author has examined the evidence and
the myths of Tandey’s meeting with Hitler on the battlefield
and managed to unravel the chronology and the circumstances
to come to a satisfactory conclusion of the whole episode.
He also deals very sensitively with the no less fascinating
account of the fate of Tandey’s VC DCM MM medal group,
from them being donated by Henry to the Duke of
Wellington’s Regiment Museum in 1960, the Regiment in
which he served when he earned all his medals; the sale of
his medals at Sotheby’s in 1980; to them being presented to
the Green Howards Museum in 1997, the Regiment Henry
first joined as a young soldier in 1910. The medals are now
proudly on display within the Yorkshire Regiment.
This book is a long overdue account of the British Army’s
most decorated Private soldier of the First World War and
David Johnson has done a superb job to widen Henry’s fame
outside the Regiment. There are some excellent illustrations,
covering his early life, his war service and post-war exploits;
and a record of service and synopsis of significant events
in his life after the war completes this excellent biography
of one of the Regiment’s most fascinating soldiers. Highly
recommended.
Copies of the book are obtainable from the website:
http://www.thehistorypress.co.uk/products/One-Soldier-andHitler-1918.aspx
or from the distributor, Marston Book Services, on 01235 465500.
Quote code HPERGJOUR for a 20% reader discount (reduced
from £14.99 to £11.99) and free UK postage. Offer valid until 30
June 2013.
Standing Tall
by
Andy Reid, with forewords by The Hairy Bikers and
Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter KCVO OBE DL
presentation ceremony in July 2010, which by herculean
efforts at Headley Court he managed to do so well, and then
to grasp every opportunity to inspire and help others. It is
the story of triumph of the human spirit over adversity.
25068908 Cpl W A Reid, 3rd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment
was grievously injured by an IED at about 0600 hrs Tuesday
13th October, 2009, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
In the background is the story of a strong and supportive
relationship with his fiancée, Claire, whose own strength and
determination is clearly expressed, especially the chapter
which expresses Claire’s viewpoint and her own tribulations.
This book tells the story of how Cpl Reid came to be standing on a
Taliban explosive device on that fateful day. It is typical of soldiers’
tales of enlistment and peace time training, low intensity operations
and relaxing with mates, with humorous anecdotes from places as
far apart as Las Vegas, Stranraer, Barnsley and Canada, where he fell
in love with the Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle and transferred
to the ‘Dukes’ to be able to “sweep around the battlefield”
nonchalantly commanding his vehicle in the style of Rommel. He
describes in vivid detail his Company’s deployment to Afghanistan
and the physical and mental strain of working in such a hostile
environment, with the weather and the Taliban conspiring to make
life and commanding soldiers difficult.
This is an unusual book, a plain, straightforward account
of a soldier in action, in his own words. It has humour, the
anecdotes of everyday situations, and tragedy, as those around
him were killed and wounded, and then his own injuries by
taking the wrong step on the wrong route.
The photographs have been superbly selected to complement
the text, it is just a shame that the cover shot photographer
knew nothing about the buddy-buddy system or the correct
wearing of Number 2 Dress.
It is a very moving and uplifting book.
It is also the account of Mr Andy Reid’s courage, determination
and willpower to overcome his injuries, initially to join
his comrades on parade for the Operational Service Medals
Copies of the book are obtainable from: Amazon.co.uk; Asda
stores; signed copies through andyreid.org
99
The Yorkshire
Regiment JOURNAL
The Yorkshire Regiment Journal
Maj ML Sullivan
The Journal is sent free to all those serving personnel who are part of the Officers and Soldiers Days Pay Scheme. Anyone not serving,
who wishes to support the Regiment and to keep up to date with Regimental news, can subscribe to the Journal by requesting a Standing
Order and Gift Aid Form from The Regimental Affairs Officer at the contact details given on the Contents page, or by downloading
them from the website. The Journal will be published in the spring and autumn each year at a cost of £10 per annum including postage.
If you would like to contribute an article or advert to a future issue please send it to RHQ, preferably by email or on a CD-ROM.
NB – All Journal Subscribers and One Day’s Pay Scheme Subscribers – Changes of Contact Details
To ensure delivery of your copy of the journal, please ensure that you notify Regimental Headquarters of postings or changes of address:
Telephone: 01904 461019 or (Military 94777 8119)
Write: RHQ The Yorkshire Regiment, 3 Tower Street, York YO1 9SB.
Regimental Accoutrements for sale through RHQ
Tie
Bow £15
Silk£14
Sports Colours
£15
Polyester£5
Misc. Items
Pullover (Offr/WO1)
£60
Rank Slides (Pr)
All Ranks
Sgts Cane
£55
Buttons
40/30/22 ligne
Mess kit/hat
Blazer (10)
£5
Duvet Cover (single)
Umbrella£25
Plaque£25
Stable Belt
£1
£2.50
£30
£35
£20
Diary£5
TRF£0.25
QDJM for mess kit
£3
Badges
Bronze Beret
£5
Wristband£1
Gilt No1/2 dress
£6
Watchstrap£5.50
Beret (Offr/WO1)
£6.50
Blazer£12
Cuff links
£10
Mess Kit (Pr)
£12
Shoulder titles (Yorkshire)
£6
Collar No1/2 dress
£6
Lapel£2.50
Bronze Presentation
£90
A small charge is added to cover the cost of posting these items.
Please email orders to the following address: [email protected] Costs and postal charges will be confirmed prior to despatch.
Cheques should be made payable to:
The Yorkshire Regiment Charitable Trust and forwarded to RHQ YORKS, 3 Tower Street, YORK YO1 9SB.
100
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the yorkshire regiment journal

Transcription

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