January 2013 - British Army

Transcription

THE GUNNER • JANUARY • 2013
1
January 2013
2
Here is the Larkhill-based team that
brings you The Gunner every month,
The RA Journal twice a year and The
Blue List annually.
The Regimental Secretary Col
(Retd) NG Quarrelle oversees all
publications
Deputy Editor
Miss Kate Knowles
can be reached on:
(Civ) 01980 84 5241
(Mil) 94322 5241
Blue List
Miss Lucy Neate
can be reached on:
(Civ) 01980 63 4204
(Mil) 94322 2204
Gunner Publications
RHQ RA, Royal Artillery Barracks,
Larkhill, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 8QT
Fax: 01980 84 5210
Email: [email protected]
www.army.mod.uk/gunnermagazine
Please note: Emails
over 5MB will NOT
get through to
us. Please send
photos as original
jpegs, NOT in
Word documents.
Many thanks!
Cover
AS90 from 17 Bty in Grafenwöhr.
Full story on page 12.
The views expressed in this publication do
not necessarily reflect official opinion in any
way. All articles and photographs published
in The Gunner become copyright of Gunner
Publications and must not be reproduced
without permission from the editor.
OPSEC
ALL articles and photographs relating to
continuing operations MUST be cleared through
your chain of command, and be signed off by your
commanding officer, at a minimum. If you are in
any doubt please phone The Gunner: 94322 2204.
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Editorial
January 2013
Registered Charity Number 244656
I
Ex MAPLE STRIKE, full story on page 15.
(4)
Regimental news
In action
(6) Gunners on Op HERRICK celebrate St Barbara’s Day.
Up Front
(7) 19 Regt RA are the Scottish Gunners. (8) 79 (Kirkee) Bty, 29 Cdo
Regt RA on Ex ASKARI THUNDER 3. (12) 26 Regt RA on the loose in
Germany. (14) A new gunner in 3 RHA tests his mettle on BATUS. (15)
20 Amrd Bde strike hard on the Canadian prairie. (16) RACPD awards.
(17) RA cadets put through their paces.
(18) Ubique. (20) Postings and promotions.
(21) Regimental Family round up. (23) Letters.
(24) In memoriam.
Sport
(28) RA TDT bang on target. (28) The Army sky diving team are
euphoric. (30) 16 Regt RA keep a straight course and (mostly) keep
their lunch down.
(32)
Notices. (34) Competitions.
sincerely hope all of you had a safe, warm
and fun-filled Christmas and New Year;
most of all, those of you doing your duty far
away from home and far from your loved
ones.
Top of my early festive viewing (besides
Homeland) was the BBC Sports Personality
of the Year (unusual but it’s been an unusual
year) and I still can’t believe what an amazing
summer it was last year. I am fit to burst still,
just to think about it again. (If you’d asked me
beforehand however, I would have wept – at
the cost; which just goes to show – knowing
the price of everything and the true, intrinsic
value of nothing is not something to boast
about). But wow, how amazing and what
an inspiration it was: from the stupendous
volunteers; the wild and welcoming
spectators; all of you – the best in the British
Army; and of course the amazing athletes,
including our very own gold medallist, Capt
Heather Stanning. I don’t want to keep on
mentioning it (sometimes I am in danger of
boring even myself) but, wasn’t it just sooo
amazing, and I for one will remember it with
a great deal of pride – and try very hard to
live up to those ideals – be the best you can!
The Olympics embody all that is great
about the human spirit. And, well, we’ll
probably all need some of those qualities
in the next few months: faith, trust,
perseverance, endeavour, hard work and
team work. This year is going to be tough,
but together, it will be less tough. If you need
support, ask for it, please; it’s there!
Last year was a kaleidoscope year,
encompassing so many of the duties you
all perform so superbly. Last year, in your
magazine, I feel I’ve been missing something
– this year, I would really look forward to
seeing some fantastic photos of the Gunners
doing what you do best: I want to see the
guns; they’ve not been so visible recently
(for the reasons outlined above) – so please
do send me some action pictures of AS90,
Light Gun, MLRS, HVM, Rapier, UAVs and
more. Shock and awe!
And finally, one last little plea; top bloke
that Bradley Wiggins is – don’t get any
ideas... I so do not want to see any photos
of Wiggo-sidies, and please – no photos of
Andy Capp!
I hope this year is a good one, for all of
you. Happy New Year.
regimental news
The Welfare Secretary of the Royal Artillery
Charitable Fund is pleased to receive calls
for assistance from the serving and retired
regiment at any time. If you need assistance
or you know of someone who does, please
telephone him on (01980) 63 4309 or
(Mil) 94322 2309.
Disbursements
In November the RACF disbursed the sum of
£51,635 on 142 individual cases (1.5 per cent
more than the same period last year). From all
sources the sum of £153,435 was disbursed
on those cases, making an average grant of
£1,081 for the month.
From the wife of an
89-year-old World War II
Gunner
I am writing on behalf of my husband who
served in the last war, to thank you for your
donation towards a new walk-in bathroom.
He now has quite advanced Parkinson’s
disease; our new wet room will mean that his
careers and I can look after him more easily.
Thank you again.
From a 63-year-old retired
Gunner
I would like to thank you for your donation
towards a stairlift. This really has made a
difefrence to my wife as she had great trouble
getting up and down the stairs.
Thank you
From a 76-year-old widow
of a Gunner
My SSAFA Forces Help caseworker brought
me the good news that the RACF has made
a grant towards the repairs needed to my
house. I do most sincerely appreciate your
generosity which will enable me to live
without the constant ingress of damp in my
home.
My husband loved his time in the Royal
Artillery and I, as a loyal wife, accompanied
him in all his various postings; Hong Kong,
Germany and finally at RMAS.
He would be happy to know the regiment
has come to my aid.
RHQ RA, Artillery House,
Artillery Centre, Royal
Artillery Barracks, Larkhill,
Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 8QT
Spring Dinner
T
he Spring Dinner 2013 will be held in the RA Mess Larkhill on Friday, 19 April at
7 for 7.30pm. The dinner will take the form of a ladies guest night and is open to
officers of the Royal Regiment, serving and retired, and their guests. The Master Gunner
St James’s Park will preside and a number of guests distinguished in all walks of life will
be invited as regimental guests.
The cost will be £40 per head which includes pre-dinner drinks and all wines served
during the meal. Dress will be Mess Dress – ceremonial evening (soft shirt) for serving
officers and dinner jacket (black tie) – decorations for retired officers/civilians.
To apply for a place at the dinner please complete and return the application form
below together with a cheque made payable to the Royal Artillery Institution for £40 for
each person attending.
Further information may be obtained from the Regimental Secretary, Col NG
Quarrelleon 01980 845528 or email: [email protected] , or his PA,
Jane Campbell on 01980-845778 or email: [email protected]

RACF
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Spring Dinner 2013, Friday, 19 April
Rank and Name .................................................................................................................
Address..............................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................
Telephone No................................. Email..........................................................................
Wish to apply for............................ tickets for the Spring Dinner on Friday, 19 April
I enclose a remittance in favour of the Royal Artillery Institution to the value of £.........
I have the following dietary requirements.........................................................................
When completed, please return the form and remittance to:
Jane Campbell, PA to the Regimental Secretary, Regimental Headquarters Royal Artillery,
Artillery House, Royal Artillery Barracks, Larkhill, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 8QT
Royal Artillery Historical Society
The winter meeting of the RAHS will be a presentation on
Artillery in the English Civil War in Banburyshire
by Maj Nick Allen
1100hrs, Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Newcome Hall, Larkhill
The lecture is open to all ranks of the Royal Artillery at no charge.
RAHS Members should reserve places at the lecture and society lunch in the Officers’
Mess with the secretary by Wednesday, 2 January 2013, sending names of member and
guests, car details and £20 per head lunch cheques payable to the RA Historical Society.
([email protected])
Details of the RAHS Peninsular War Battlefield Tour to Spain and France from
3 to 11 October 2013 can be obtained from the Secretary.
regimental news
Calling all Gunners: Sandown 2013
Last year’s Royal Artillery Gold Cup race day at Sandown was a huge success and enjoyed by
all who attended. The race committee has been working hard on your behalf and has secured
a range of special deals for the next Gold Cup day on Friday, 15 February. These improved
arrangements, which apply for all serving or retired members of the regiment and their families
and friends, include
• A web page at www.sandown.co.uk/UBIQUE which includes full details of the day including
the purchase of reduced price entry tickets will be available in the new year
• Park View Suite. This is a special entertainment suite in the main hospitality area which has
been reserved for the regiment. It provides anyone not going to a regimental marquee with a
base for the day in the company of friends to enjoy the racing in comfort
• Privileged entry for all
• Bar/coffee/tea throughout the day
• Uninterrupted view of racing from covered balcony
This is your race day so put it in your diary. Come on your own or with family and friends. To
make a booking go to the web site above, or call Sandown on 01372 470047 and quote ‘Ubique’
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Regimental events
January
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D Bty, 3 RHA; Secundra Gunge Day
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14 Bty, 16 Regt RA; Cole’s Kop Day
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Dedication of Cap Badge Panels, BiCentennial Celebrations, RMAS
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3/29 Bty, 4 Regt RA and 17 Bty, 26 Regt
RA; Corunna Day
18 57 Bty, 32 Regt RA; Bhurtpore Day
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M Bty, 3 RHA; Formation Day
February
1
A Bty, 1 RHA; Foundation Day
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Anniversary of the Accession to the
Throne of HM the Queen; Royal Salutes
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88 Bty, 4 Regt RA; Arracan Day
15
Esher Parade and RA Gold Cup; Esher
and Sadnwon Park
16-17 TA Study Weekend, Larkhill
NAA Dinner, Larkhill
24 13 Bty, 19 Regt RA; Martinique Day
24
74 Bty , 39 Regt RA; Battle Axe Day
March
at RHQ RA Larkhill, Wiltshire
1
31 Bty, 47 Regt RA; Farquherson’s Day
3
148 Bty, 29 Cdo Regt RA; Meiktila Day
he post of C2 (MSF) Officer/Soldier Recruiting is now open to external applicants. The
post is responsible for manning the Royal Artillery with young officers and soldiers, is
line manager for one captain, one D grade and two E1 grades, and runs the operation on behalf
of the Regimental Colonel
The applicant must have an understanding of: national Secondary and Higher Education;
of Army and RA soldier and officer selection, training and careers and is computer literate. It
is desirable that the applicant has served in the RA up to at least battery commander and was
an instructor at RMAS. Essential core and functional competencies include working together;
leading and developing people; communicating and influencing; analysing and using evidence;
managing customers and suppliers and planning and managing resources to deliver results.
Not all office based, with a wide range of hands on courses and visits. Some out of hours
work is required. Close working relations are generated with ARTD and Recruiting Group,
AOSB Westbury, RMAS and RSA.
Anyone interested in the job can find out more by contacting Lt Col Michael Valenzia on
(Mil) 94322 5327 or (Civ) 01980 845327. E-mail: [email protected].
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24 Bty, 14 Regt RA; St Patrick’s Day
19
Master Gunner’s Committee, 124th
Meeting, London
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4/73 Bty, 5 Regt RA; Battery Birthday
21
RA Boxing, Larkhill
24
L/N Bty, 1 RHA; Hyderabad Day
31
Q Bty, 5 Regt RA; Sanna’s Post Day
T
Information supplied to The
Gunner is subject to change.
Please check with the individual
organisers concerned that the
information is still current.
Once a Gunner, always a Gunner
Once a Gunner always a Gunner; if you have recently left , or if your time serving in
the Gunners is drawing to a close, why don’t you consider taking out a subscription
to your regimental magazine? Keep up to date with what the regiment is doing and
stay in touch with your friends (and help us stay in touch with you).
For more information, including inclusion in the Blue List, please email
us on [email protected] or telephone 01980 634204.
SO2 (C2 MSF) Officer/Soldier Manning
16
6
in action
Gunners celebrate St Barbara’s
Day across Afghanistan
O
n 4 December members of the Royal Artillery in Afghanistan celebrated
their honoured patron, Saint Barbara. Whether it was a few minutes of quiet
reflection in an improvised church service or a catch up with fellow Gunners over a
slice of cake, this important day was not overlooked, even while on tour.
Together
It is a rare occasion, in a busy unit on an operational tour, when all the members
of the Gunners in one location can get together to socialise, remember our history
and those whom we have lost. Members of 97 Bty (Lawson’s Company), 4 Regt
RA; 34 (Seringapatam) Bty, 14 Regt RA; 129 (Dragon) Bty, 4 Regt RA; 93 (Le
Cateau) Bty, 5 Regt RA; and 18 (Quebec 1759) Bty, 32 Regt RA gathered together
with members of the Afghan National Security Forces in Forward Operating Base
Shawqat to celebrate St Barbara’s Day. The programme was disrupted briefly by an
operation to track an insurgent weapons team. Sadly on this occasion we couldn’t
bring lightning to strike down the insurgents, as St Barbara’s father had been struck
down. We did find time however, to take on the ANSF at frisbee afterwards.
This was followed by a short service of reflection and remembrance, led by the
Rev Richardson, padre for the 1 Mercian battle group. Gnr Pickles reminded us
of the mystery surrounding St Barbara and also the importance of tradition and
heritage. The padre also aptly related the way the RA draws on many different
assets in order to achieve its effect and how we choose to conduct our lives and
maintain faith. In particular we remembered Gnr Zac Cusack, 97 Bty (Lawson’s
Company) who was killed on Op HERRICK 12. After the service we retired to one of the
dining areas for tea, toast and chocolate cake and a good chat amongst ourselves, free from
the banter of the supported arm!
Cake!
The commanding officer of 4 Regt RA hosted a barbecue in one of the gardens of
Lashkar Gah Main Operating Base. The cooks created the most stunningly crafted cake
with the Gunner cap badge and motto which was enjoyed by all.
by Capt Ed Cobham
up front
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The Scottish Gunners
T
his is a time of great change in every area of the Army. The
recent restructuring of the Gunners has required 40 Regt RA (The
Lowland Gunners) to be placed into suspended animation. This left
19 Regt RA (The Highland Gunners) as the last remaining Regular
artillery unit to recruit from Scotland.
The Highland and Lowland Gunners had a long and well established
affiliation with each other. They shared many similarities, not least a
recruiting area and the wearing of their regimental tartan. The pipes
and drums bands of each regiment have been particularly close
recently, often training and parading together at many high profile
events. So it was very natural to consider how the sacrifice and service
of the Lowland Gunners might live on to a degree in 19 Regt RA.
Following National Service, 19 Regt RA was allocated a recruiting
area of the north and north-eastern aspects of Scotland, consequently
becoming known as the East Coast Gunners. This was later expanded
in the 1960s to include the Highlands and Islands, with the adoption
of the name ‘The Highland Gunners’ that we now know so well. It is
therefore entirely logical and timely to expand once again to reflect
19 Regt RA’s now unique association with Scotland. Given the close
bonds with the Lowland Gunners and their strong associations across
the Lowlands – not least with Edinburgh – it was agreed that 19
Regt RA would become custodians of the Lowlands by renaming to
become the Scottish Gunners. In so doing, the precious heritage of the
Lowlands would pass into the Scottish Gunners for safekeeping. This
took place during a fitting parade on a frosty morning in Tidworth on
12 December 2012.
Gnr Caffrey prepares to parade the new pipe
banner through the ranks
ranks of the regiment. Following prayers form the padre and ‘three
cheers’ for The Scottish Gunners, the regiment dispersed for a busy
day of sport and Christmas celebrations.
Following a glass of champagne to toast the fortunes of the newlynamed regiment, Brig Bramble returned to the parade square with
the officers and senior non-commissioned officers to unveil a special
memorial. Created from stone and brass salvaged from rounds fired
on their most recent tour of Afghanistan this summer, the memorial
reflects 10 years of operational service by 19 Regt RA in Afghanistan.
This commenced in 2002 when 28/143 Bty (Tombs’s Troop) RA
deployed on Operation FINGLE and completed with the regiment’s
recent return from Operation HERRICK 16. The shining brass plaque
captures all of the tours by the various batteries during the past 10
years. Of course, this includes the deployment in 2007 when Brig
Bramble was CO. Following a piper’s lament, the memorial was
dedicated by the padre and the brief parade concluded with the rousing
regimental quick march, The Barren Rocks of Aden. Before departing,
the Honorary Regimental Colonel was shown the key pieces of
Lowland property that are now properly displayed throughout The
Scottish Gunners.
by Lt Ramsay MacNeill
Unified
The parade was addressed by the Honorary Regimental Colonel of
19 Regt RA, Brig Will Bramble. He underlined the point that it now
fell to the assembled ranks to protect the heritage of the Lowlands and
to expand the unified Gunner influence across the whole of Scotland.
To mark the occasion, the Honorary Regimental Colonel presented
a new bagpipe banner which was commissioned for the parade in
both the Hunting Robertson tartan of the Highlands and the Home
tartan of the Lowlands. This was attached to the drone pipe of the
Commanding Officer’s Piper, Gnr Caffrey, and paraded through the
Brig Bramble and Lt Col A Dawes unveil the new memorial, watched by
WO1 (RSM) Lees and Padre Maj Huw Evans
Lt MacNeill attaches the new pipe banner to the drone pipe of Gnr Caffrey
8
in action
Kirkee
thunder
in Kenya
in action
9
10
up front
F
resh from a summer of Olympic duty, the Commando Gunners of 79
(Kirkee) Bty, 29 Cdo Regt RA mustered on a damp September morning in
Plymouth ready to deploy on Exercise ASKARI THUNDER 3, the 1 Rifles battle
group overseas exercise. Everyone was excited about getting back to good
old-fashioned field training. The battery knows 1 Rifles well; having deployed
with them on Op HERRICK 14, we are now both preparing for HERRICK 19.
This exercise would be the first chance for some time for the battery fire
support teams (FST) to work with the companies. As well as three Light
Guns we took under our wing a Desert Hawk detachment from 32 Regt RA.
On arrival the battery moved from Nairobi North to Laikipia Airbase.
The heat was noticeable but not oppressive and the view to Mount Kenya
stunning. The FST quickly integrated with their companies. More of a
challenge was the vehicle fleet which took the REME and MT a considerable
amount of work to prepare. We would tow the guns with a Bedford,
something we had trained our drivers for before
deploying, which meant the
This page: Direct fire. Previous page: A bush fire
detachments travelling unusually all in one MANN SV. We were also down
a JCB, a situation resolved by the ‘Hells Angels’ (the BK and BSM) taking
ownership of quad bikes.
Challenging shoots
The first phase was battery training up at Archer’s Post. This was a real
change in climate; much hotter and drier. The battery worked hard during
the live firing, the FST doing some really challenging shoots in the difficult
terrain. In a move away from the usual FOB approach, the gun group lived
out, sufficient for nine days. Despite the environment the fuel, water, goffers
and royks always made it through! The FST also got to grips with living,
fighting and surviving in a terrain dominated by ‘bastard bushes’ and rocks.
This was particularly challenging for the guns (a mixture of wadis and sinking
sand). Three punctures on the guns during one occupation challenged the
battery recce officer, while coming in to action with the majority of the gun
numbers in the back of an SV made for some chaotic moments, particularly
during live quick actions. The FST faced their own challenges conducting
artillery target indication on the move while climbing a cliff and using only
fall of shot to adjust without access to observation aids. The tactical group
had a number of opportunities to work with the battle group mortars
and Desert Hawk detachment, who soon took it on themselves to go
up front
followed by a defensive phase and then the obligatory ‘yomp’ to the final
attack. The presence of elephants and lions made sleeping rough a nervewracking affair. The gun group turned out to be an extremely effective
militia enemy, living out their insurgent fantasies. The battery was also
able to maintain its amphibious edge, undertaking an excellent adventure
training package of white water rafting. This was a great way to unwind and
‘spin dits’ about the exercise. It was also a chance to see more of Kenya, a
truly fascinating place.
Immense benefit
The exercise really set the foundations for the tac group to enter mission
specific training for HERRICK 19 and the gun group to return to contingency.
It became clear pretty quickly that we are going to face some challenges
delivering joint fires beyond Afghanistan, especially as we consider
uncertainties surrounding rules of engagement, proportionality and
collateral damage. There are some things we have come to take for granted
on current operations that may be less clear cut in the future. Flexibilty will
be required to exploit new freedoms or operate within enduring constraints.
One thing that is clear is the immense training benefit afforded by the
areas and facilities available in Kenya.
by Lt Matt Burton
anywhere the FST went. The sight of a large Peli-case being manhandled
up a rocky outcrop became common. By the end of the week the battery
had fired over 800 rounds. For the gun group the highlight was the Master
Gunner’s Day when they went through a series of testing scenarios including
modified indirect, manual production of data (MPOD), reversionary firing,
final protective fire (FPF) and a series of direct fire engagements. At one
point everyone from the BC to the REME detachment were manning guns!
The tac group then regrouped to their companies ready for the CALFEX
and company-level training. This was an excellent progression bringing
together the integration of fires with company-level manoeuvre, each FST
firing in excess of 100 rounds HE. The guns then recovered to re-role as
enemy and the tac group headed back to Laikipia Airbase to prepare for the
battle group final exercise (FTX).
The FTX turned out to be a testing time for the FST: having to regroup
constantly, integrate assets and deliver fires in support of a complex and
sometimes confusing, counter insurgency/conventional war fighting
scenario. An
advance to
contact
was
11
12
up front
EXERCISE MANS
H
aving returned from Afghanistan in April and spent the summer
supporting the London Olympic Games, it was time for 26 Regt RA to
re-group, re-set and re-deploy. The deployment was to Grafenwöhr Training
Area and the purpose was to return the regiment to its core role as an AS90
regiment capable of supporting an armoured battle group in conventional
and contemporary operating environments.
As ever, the hard work for the exercise began well before the deployment.
The regiment had a very short amount of time following the Olympics and
summer leave to prepare and everyone felt the pressure. Long days and
nights spent fixing, preparing and training meant that following no small
amount of effort, every soldier and piece of equipment was ready to cross
the start line on day one of the exercise.
The exercise was very much built around a ‘crawl – walk – run’ attitude,
with absolute emphasis based on getting the basics right. The early phase
of the exercise consisted of dry training for all elements of the regiment. For
the tac group, time spent in the Invertron conducting simulated missions, readdressing the old basics, and developing lessons learnt from Afghanistan
formed the basis of their dry training. For the
gun group; deploying
to various gun positions, reminding and
revising
the basics and conducting CPX’ing
was the order of the day. The HQ
elements, the G4 chain and
everything
else
required
to operate as a regiment ensured they were also all up to scratch in this
period. The regiment had proven it could crawl.
Operational experience
The next phase of the exercise was live firing. We worked at batterylevel conducting live missions at CT1 and CT2 level. The emphasis
remained firmly on ensuring that the basics were right, before the regiment
progressed. With the majority of the regiment having recent operational
experience, we soon found ourselves firmly on our feet and where new
crews existed, their SOPs were ironed out. For the gun groups, we used
this opportunity to ensure we were getting maximum training value, and
were able to revisit techniques such as deploying into hides and garages,
deploying from the line of march and firing from pegs.
Having achieved CT1 and CT2 levels of live firing, there was time left in
the programme for the regiment to come together and conduct CT3 training.
The American forces with whom we were sharing the training area had
expressed quite an interest in our guns, our tactics and our techniques. We
were lucky enough to co-ordinate a joint deployment with an American
M777 battery, and conduct BC’s fireplans
up front
13
SERGH SPEAR 12
order to pay tribute to the fallen on Remembrance Day. The padre delivered
a short but poignant field service and following a period of remembrance
and reflection, the day continued. Overall the manoeuvre exercise was
unique, challenging and thought provoking.
Of course, no exercise would be complete without an arduous challenge
organised by the RSM. Thankfully, the RSM didn’t disappoint, with a ‘Best
Detachment competition’ run at the end of the exercise. It took the format
of a number of military skills stands, scored on points, leading to an overall
winner. The stands involved shooting, night navigation, speed marches, first
aid, vehicle recovery, weapon handling and even cooking. After a physically
and mentally demanding day what better way to cross the finish line than a
gun run. The climax of the event was exciting and clearly the inter-battery
rivalry was as strong as ever. Well done 16 Bty (Sandham’s Company) RA
(said through gritted teeth) on winning.
Impressive
Finally, after a month in Grafenwöhr, the exercise came to its end. The
recovery to Gutersloh was smooth and allowed everyone time to reflect on
how far the regiment had come since deploying. We had learnt to crawl,
had proven we could walk and had begun to run. An impressive result in
a relatively short amount of time owed much to the hard work of everyone
involved. The regiment can now take some much deserved time off over
Christmas, before hitting the ground running on the various upcoming HFT
exercises that await us in the New Year.
By Lt Marcus Goldsmith
using both the Americans and us. This clearly required a degree of liaison
and tested everyone involved. The joint deployment was a success and an
experience that was useful in understanding American artillery nuances.
Further to the indirect fire the guns had been providing, the gun groups were
lucky enough to conduct both direct and modified indirect fire practices.
This was certainly a highlight for the new soldiers on the gun line, who had
the chance to see the target end effects.
A break from the live firing came in the fairly unique opportunity of some
manoeuvre, in which we exercised our right to deploy to a 443 manoeuvre
area. This is an area of civil land which, in agreement with the German
authorities, we can exercise on. The benefits of conducting the manoeuvre
exercise in this environment are substantial. It adds a host of challenges and
considerations that could well be pertinent to an operational deployment;
urban deployment, civil-military co-operation, and the effects on the local
population of your presence: How do you win the local population having
driven through their
crops, parked your guns in their farm,
and kept them
awake through some night firing (not
that we did
all of that in this instance)? It was
questions like these that were
pitched, discussed and practised.
The day came to a temporary halt
at 1030hrs as we gathered
in the courtyard of a
local farm in
14
up front
BATUS 2012 – a Gunne
B
ATUS, Canada was my first regimental
exercise outside Europe since joining
3 RHA. I was very excited (and nervous)
to work alongside the other regiments of
our brigade, with whom I could potentially
serve on operations in Afghanistan and
elsewhere. The initial weeks in BATUS were
intense; each individual regiment was under
pressure to get their vehicles, equipment
and themselves ready for deployment onto
the prairie and everyone was starting to feel
the strain. As the days and weeks unfolded,
the Contemporary Operating Environment
Force (COEFOR – we were the ‘enemy’ to
the exercising BLUEFOR battle groups)
vehicle park began to transform and we
started to look like a battle group. It was the
first time that I, and a large proportion of the
other new gunners, had seen a battle group
complete. Finally, we were ready to deploy
on the rolling plains of Canada for Exercise
PRAIRIE THUNDER 3.
Unpredictable
It was an early start and onto the dust
bowl to begin our 34-day exercise. My role
was to drive and provide support in the
Joint Fires Integration Cell (JFIC) under
control of Bdr Lloyd as part of battle group
main headquarters. The rest of my peers
were split throughout the BC’s tac group
and fire support teams (FSTs). The first few
days were a ‘shake out’, getting the battle
group orientated to the ground, terrain and
unpredictable weather BATUS is well known
for. We conducted a series of training serials,
from basic signals to first aid in order to keep
everyone competent in their roles and meet
the fundamental requirements of a ‘soldier
first’. When the TES phase (force on force
battle with laser/simulated equipment and
effects) began, everyone
was eager to get into
combat, break away
from the main
battle group
and engage the opposing battle group. As part
of main battle group, I was able to witness
the transformation and progress of the whole
battle.
Crucial
I saw for the first time exactly how all the
individual units play their roles in combat and
how effective and crucial each one of them is.
The main tent of COEFOR HQ was organised
chaos, each cell contributing fundamental
information which in turn created a precise
depiction of the battle. The TES equipment
fitted to our weapons and vehicles was at
times temperamental but, on the whole
worked very well. In my opinion it was a
great way to simulate battle, representing
a safe and realistic environment of modern
conflicts and scenarios which was invaluable
towards the training of the new soldiers. As
weeks passed, the heat and workload began
to lie heavy on everyone, but the promise of
R and R kept everyone motivated towards the
finish of Ex PRAIRIE THUNDER 3. As endex came closer and closer it was more and
more anticipated; this was the longest time I
and many other gunners had spent in the field
and we were all tired.
When the final attack began I adopted a
different role, as a FST signaller in an OP
(observation post) under LBdr Maguire.
The night prior to the attack myself, LBdr
Maguire, a mortar fire controller from the
battle group and another gunner established
the OP overlooking the Tarmac village which
the COEFOR battle group had been told to
defend to the last. Just before sunrise on the
morning of the attack, sightings of enemy
vehicles began to flood in. It was then I saw
the first glimpse of enemy armour ploughing
towards the village.
From there on the surrounding area turned
into a battlefield with smoke plumes and
blank fire filling the air, with fire mission after
fire mission being rushed down the ‘net’. The
opposing battle group dwarfed COEFOR
but the skills and drills demonstrated by the
motivated soldiers became apparent as the
battle took place, smashing enemy armour
and destroying opposing positions. Despite
such valiant defence, the BLUEFOR battle
group’s vast numbers and huge amount of
armour began to show and they wrestled
control of the battle and then a few short
hours later, their attack was complete.
My position in the OP was brilliant; I
could see the whole lay out and mechanics
of the battle in a different way from the JFIC;
from a theoretical understanding of combat
to a practical understanding, I had now seen
both sides. Soon after the final attack had
finished, the commanding officer of 4 Scots
battle group congratulated each cap badge for
their contribution on the exercise and alluded
to the excitement he felt towards PRAIRIE
THUNDER 4 and the fight against the 3
Mercians battle group.
After the post-exercise administration
of vehicles and kit was complete, the
commanding officer gave us all a 10-day
leave package which everyone (from the
highest rank to lowest) was more than ready
for. During this time the whole battle group
was on stand down and exploring Canada’s
vast attractions from Edmonton, Calgary,
Lethbridge and even getting into parts of
America, including Las Vegas…
I headed to Calgary and Lethbridge,
setting about enjoying all that Canada had to
offer.
After a well deserved and much anticipated
leave, elements of 7 Armd
Bde returned to the
up front
15
er’s view MAPLE STRIKE
Bring it on!
From the perspective of a new Gunner I
felt BATUS was a very beneficial experience;
it gave me the opportunity to learn and apply
my trade in various scenarios and conditions
in a safe but demanding environment. I
learned an enormous amount about my job;
understanding my role more completely and
set for the challenges of the future…bring on
2013!
by Gnr CW White
E
xercise MAPLE STRIKE is the Canadian Forces’ (CF) bi-annual Forward Air Controller
(FAC) currency exercise held in CF Base Wainwright. This year the OC FAC Stanival,
Capt Darcy Cyr RCA, invited one SupFAC and two FACs from 20 Armd Bde to attend the
exercise in order to work with the Canadian FACs and impart their recent Herrick experiences.
The FACs selected to attend were Bdr ‘Tank’ Morgan from 137 (Java) Bty RA and Bdr ‘Joe’
Harris from 19 (Gibraltar) Bty RA, both from 26 Regt RA and both of whom had served as
FACs on Op HERRICK 15. The SupFAC was Sgt Maj ‘Sub’ Thomas from 1 QDG who had
worked as the Bde SupFAC and target support group, also on Op HERRICK 15.
Departing from Mansergh Barracks early on 19 September, the trio started their two-day
journey from Germany to Canada. When they finally did arrive at CF Wainwright, they were
greeted by Capt Cyr and Master Warrant Officer (MWO) KT Johnston RCHA who made up
the Canadian FAC Stanival team. After a night’s sleep and a recce of the gym facilities by Bdr
Morgan, the UK contingent went to work for MWO Johnston, getting ready for the exercise,
collecting vehicles and setting up the briefing room ready for the Canadian FACs’ arrival the
next day. Meanwhile Capt Cyr and Sgt Maj Thomas, now joined by Capt Dune Howell RCAF,
conducted range recces and drew up the range traces.
The following day, the remainder of the exercising troops arrived and split down into
teams. Each of the UK FACs was partnered with a Canadian; Bdr Morgan with Sgt ‘Clay’
Comeau 2 RCHA and Bdr Harris with Master Corporal (MCpl) Greg RCR. Once in the teams,
they wrote Joint Tactical Air Requests and CONOPS to send to the aircraft squadrons ready
for the next day’s controlling.
Complex
There were three different stands on the exercise; two were dry supported by Alpha Jets
while the live stand was supported by CF-18 Hornets from Cold Lake, Griffon Helicopters
with door gunners and a single mortar barrel. First up to the range was Bdr Harris, controlling
all assets and marking targets with both HE and laser target designators. He had to integrate
both the Hornets and the Griffons in order to strike targets with HE bombs, strafe and
doorguns. Meanwhile, on the convoy scenario, Bdr Morgan was controlling contract air Alpha
Jets through a complex route with multiple contacts, all culminating in a simulated high value
individual (HVI) capture.
During the first week, Bdr Morgan and Sgt Comeau were given the opportunity to take
part in an air assault scenario. They reported to the Griffon Detachment within Wainwright
camp and attended the joint mission brief. They were then heli-inserted to the northern tip of
the range before moving tactically into an OP and setting up ready to receive the Hornets and
Griffons – using only the equipment that they had man packed in. Using Rover 5 Downlink
and Vector Laser Range Finders, both successfully talked the aircraft onto their targets. This
resulted in two armoured vehicles being destroyed and multiple dismounted enemies being
engaged with the Griffons.
Week one finished well and the Canadian FACs returned to their units, while all the UK
FACs turned their kit around ready for the next influx of FACs and jets the following week.
With the second week being a carbon copy of the first, both Bdrs Morgan and Harris benefited
greatly from the wealth of assets and scenarios available. Overall, all those fortunate enough
to take part in the exercise agreed that it was a massive success.
prairie for Ex PRAIRIE THUNDER 4. The
first few days were focused on administration
and preparation; the vehicles in particular,
which had worked up a large amount of
mileage, required significant maintenance
and repair. When we finally deployed for
the second time it was late October and
the temperature had turned from very hot
and humid to very cold and windy. For me
and many other new soldiers this was the
coldest weather we had been exposed to on
exercise, with wind chill it got as low as
-22C . In addition to providing the fighting
opposition to BLUEFOR, we also played
the civilian population in the constructed
villages of BATUS for certain serials. This
was interesting again; playing the role of
local people in a conflict-stricken area gave
us a unique view of how the actions of
peacekeeping soldiers could affect them in
both a positive and negative way. During this
period the temperature continued to drop and
the snow soon came, making the conditions
very difficult.
With conditions making movement very
difficult and a growing number of cold
injuries, the end of the exercise was brought
forward. The final assault was no longer the
planned defence of Tarmac but changed to
another village, Hettar. I again was placed
in an OP overlooking the village and the
surrounding areas. It wasn’t long before the
first sightings of enemy armour came down
the net and our fire missions got underway
with enemy armour, including a Canadian
army company in LAV AFVs, all descending
towards the village. Hettar was taken shortly
afterwards but not without a fight. We aimed
to make the fight as complex as possible using
small arms, joint fires and even creating mass
detainee serials for the opposing troops. Just
before the light faded end-ex was called and
with it all units stood down and began their
journey back to camp.
16
up front
Celebrating your Personal
Development success
E
ach year, the Gunners celebrate the Personal Development
successes of individuals and regiments. In December the
presentations of this year’s Personal Development Awards took place
during the RA Conference in Larkhill.
The value of attractive prizes ranged from £100 to £500 for
individuals, with £250 for their regiment; and £2000 each for each of
the winners of Unit of the Year.
Maj Gen Andrew Gregory, who presented the top awards, was
hugely impressed by the commitment and achievements of the
winners: “My congratulations to all those who have received awards,
and also to those who were nominated. I applaud anyone who takes
the time to commit themselves to any form of personal development,
and thank all regiments who make it possible.”
See www.racpd.org.uk for a full report and photographs of the
winners
Gnr Marika Balawakula, 19 Regt RA is crowned Learner of the Year,
congratulated by Maj Gen Gregory
Learner of the Year: Gnr Marika Balawakula, 19 Regt RA
Commended: SSgt Victoria Lawson, 16 Regt RA
Personal Development Unit of the Year
Joint winners: 4 Regt RA and 16 Regt RA
Highly Commended: 7 Para RHA
Commended: 47 Regt RA
Maj Mawdsley is presented with 4 Regt RA’s joint PD Unit of the Year prize
by Maj Gen Gregory
Apprentice of the Year
Bdr Aaron Rowledge, 4 Regt RA
Highly Commended: Gnr Sam Harrison, 7 Para RHA
Learning Centre Learner of the Year
Joint winners: Cpl Senitiki Biaukula, Roberts Bks Learning Centre
and Mrs Deborah Elliott, Hohne Learning Centre
Highly Commended, joint winners: Gnr Acara Leach, Roberts Bks
Learning Centre and Mrs Sharron Dudley, Plymouth Learning Centre.
Advanced Course Learner of the Year
Sgt Gary Van Beers, 47 Regt RA
Highly Commended: Sgt Ross Fowler, 4 Regt RA
Assessor or Verifier of the Year
WO2 Neill Scott, 29 Cdo Regt RA
Highly Commended: Sgt Leanne Egan, 5 Regt RA
Commended: Sgt Gianni Satta, 3 RHA
Lt Col Pullan is presented with 16 Regt RA’s joint PD Unit of the Year prize
by Maj Gen Gregory
Teacher of the Year
Capt Paul Hazell, 26 Regt RA
Highly Commended: Bdr Matthew Fitzpatrick, 3 RHA
in action
17
Are you up for the challenge?
or the first time The Royal Artillery Cadet Trophy was split into
two separate competitions: The Royal Artillery Cadet Trophy
North and the Royal Artillery Cadet Trophy South, and took place over
two weekends in October. The decision to run two competitions was
to ensure teams from right across the country could take part. Teams
of cadets from nine counties competed against each other in a diverse
range of tasks designed to test their fitness, skill and team work.
Pushed to the limit
Saturday for both competitions was full-on, as the teams moved
around both Larkhill (south) and Otterburn (north) to various different
‘stations’. They were pushed to their limits by demanding challenges
as diverse as dealing with casualties in a first aid situation and their
ability to shoot, which was tested on the 25m range after robust
physical activities. There were nine stations in total and by the end of
the day the cadets were exhausted but exhilarated.
Points had been awarded throughout the day based on the teams’
performance and the scores at the end of the day for both competitions
were very close so everything rode on the tenth and final task.
So it was on Sunday morning that the competition delivered its
final flourish. The cadets were told to eat a good breakfast and take
on plenty of fluids. The cadets were then marched out of camp; they
jogged around the respective countryside, leopard-crawling through
the finest muddy-puddles, and then yomped back towards camp, only
to find out – that was just the warm-up!
The real task at hand was a log-run. Each team would run out to a
set location, collect a pre-positioned log and then carry that log back
to camp. With the emphasis on working as a team, the cadets were
constantly reminded that they were only as fast as their slowest man.
Every team completed the gruelling course even though they were
wet and muddy. The atmosphere at the finish was one of elation as
the teams cheered each other across the line. Clearly the weekend
had become much more than just a competition; it had fostered new
friendships and a lasting respect between the cadets. And, ultimately,
that is what the RA Cadet Trophy is all about.
A huge success
Final parades were held at Tilshead and Otterburn Camps where the
guests of honour, Col Roddy Lee (Tilshead) and Col David Middleton
(Otterburn), presented the respective trophies to the winning teams:
Suffolk ACF and F Coy, 2nd (NI) Bn ACF. By all accounts, the
weekend was a huge success; enjoyed by cadets and support staff alike.
Both teams have already vowed to return next year and defend their
title. So only one question remains; who else is up for the challenge?
F
18
ubique
The annual St Barbara’s Day Service was held on 2 December at the Church of St Alban with St Barbara, Larkhill. The 40 Regt RA Standard was laid up in the ch
The end of an era…The Staff Quartermaster, Lt Col Alan Durrant, and Lt Col Mick McCarthy say
farewell outside RHQ RA
In September at St Paul’s Church, the Llandudno and Con
veterans, attended a service to lay up their 8th Army St
anniversary of the Battle of El Alamein. Two of the remainin
Mr Alf Davies and Mr George Gregory were present along
members. The decommissioning of the flag was organised b
late father Mr John Staples was a founding member of the a
Maj Gen
Richard
Nugee, Lt Gen
Sir Edmund
Burton, Lt Col
Richard Jordan
(CO 103 Regt
RA (V)) and
Col Roger
Squires at The
RA Officers’
Association and
The Lancashire
Artillery
Volunteers
(103 Regiment
RA (V)) annual
Saint Barbara’s
Dinner
The six surviving
officers of J Bty RHA
who fought in the
Border and Radfan
operations in Aden
from 1963-63, met
recently to finalise
a short history of J
Bty in Aden that will
be published this
year. From left to
right: Maj Gen David
Qualye, Brig Tim
Thompson, Lt Col
Peter Cronk, Brig
Richard Mountford,
Lt Col Bill Briggs
and Brig Mike
Bremridge
ubique
19
hurch by Maj Gen Richard Nugee
From left to right, Maj Neil Henderson (BC 12 (Minden) Bty RA), Lt Col Will Lynch (CO 7 Para RHA) and Maj Nick Morton (BC
I Para Bty (Bull’s Troop) RHA) meeting with their French counterparts from 35eme RAP (Parachute Artillery Regiment), based
in Tarbes France
106 Regt RA (V) scooped top prize at this year’s London District Operational Shooting competition
53 (Louisburg) Bty, 5 Regt RA, All Rnks Dinner Night before MST for Op HERRICK 19
nwy RAA, which includes 8th Army
tandard to coincide with the 70th
ng members 8th Army Association
g with relatives and friends of past
by Mrs Georgina Simmonds whose
association
20
update
Operational awards
Air Officer Commanding 1 Group commendations for outstanding contribution to the Olympics
Maj J Field, Jt GBAD HQ
Maj P Read, 12 Regt RA
Maj C Newton, 16 Regt RA
SSgt E Lewis, 106 Regt RA (V)
Sgt J Darage, 16 Regt RA
Gazette
Postings
WO2
Donaldson R
WO2
WO2
104 Regt RA
COMMANDS AND STAFF
SPSI
06-May-13
Hicks-Williams J 104 Regt RA
TRG SPSI
06-May-13
Coleman R
16 Regt RA
BSM
15-Apr-13
Brig M P Banham MBE late Royal Regiment of Artillery retires on retired pay 29 Nov
WO2
Butler R
16 Regt RA
BSM
14-Feb-13
12 and is appointed to Reserve of Officers
WO2
Wilks D
16 Regt RA
STANWO TRG
01-Sep-13
Brig P A Fox late Royal Regiment of Artillery assumes the appointment of Director
Customer Design Ministry of Defence 8 Oct 12 and is granted the substantive rank
Promotions
of Maj Gen with seniority of the same date
REGULAR ARMY
Promotions to Lance Bombardier
LBdr
Tucker
47 Regt RA
LBdr
Kydd
12 Regt RA
19-Nov-12
19-Nov-12
Regular Commissions
LBdr
Barnard
26 Regt RA
01-Dec-12
Lt Col W D S Forsyth retires on retired pay 1 Dec 12 and is appointed to Reserve
LBdr
Baro
26 Regt RA
01-Dec-12
of Officers
LBdr
Dyment
26 Regt RA
01-Dec-12
LBdr
Gock
26 Regt RA
01-Dec-12
LBdr
Moku
26 Regt RA
01-Dec-12
LBdr
Lenton
29 Cdo Regt RA
07-Jan-13
LBdr
Gooding
King’s Troop RHA
26-Nov-12
LBdr
Doheny
King’s Troop RHA
26-Nov-12
LBdr
Powell
King’s Troop RHA
26-Nov-12
Capt A C Jacobs retires 28 Nov 12 and is appointed to Reserve of Officers
LBdr
Hodge
King’s Troop RHA
26-Nov-12
Maj A J Gracey retires 4 Sep 12 and is appointed to Reserve of Officers
LBdr
Cooksley
King’s Troop RHA
26-Nov-12
Maj L S Whiting retires 8 Sep 12 and is appointed to Reserve of Officers
LBdr
Kent
King’s Troop RHA
26-Nov-12
LBdr
Brown
7 Para RHA
12-Oct-12
Intermediate Regular Commissions (Late Entry)
LBdr
Andrews
1 RHA
28-Nov-12
Maj A D Lightfoot MBE retires on retired pay 1 Dec 12 and is appointed to Reserve
LBdr
Hawkins
1 RHA
28-Nov-12
of Officers
Regular Commissions (Late Entry)
Maj D J Law MBE to be Lt Col 11 Dec 12
Intermediate Regular Commissions
Capt P A Hodgson retires on pension 10 Sep 12 and is appointed to Reserve of
To Bombardier
Bdr
Taylor
King’s Troop RHA
26-Nov-12
Bdr
Gostling
King’s Troop RHA
01-Dec-12
Officers
TERRITORIAL ARMY
To Sergeant
Sgt
Skeels
29 Cdo Regt RA
09-Jan-12
Group A
Sgt
Slater
29 Cdo Regt RA
02-Jul-10
C P Willcock to be Maj 19 Oct 12 with seniority 30 Sep 92 (formerly Regular Army)
These listings are derived from information provided by JPA, Glasgow and the London
Gazette. They have been checked for accuracy of reproduction. Accuracy of information
itself lies with the originators.
regimental family
21
Regimental
Family
round up
Plymouth Branch RAA
T
Vibrant
The branch is full of vibrant characters that are only too willing
to invite you to pull up a sandbag while they tell a tale – or five. In
attendance were Tony and Karen Triscott, who can best be described
as the ‘Brad and Angelina’ of the branch. Tony served with 2 Fd Regt
RA between 1970-1975 seeing service both in Germany and Northern
Ireland. Then there is Chris (Engelbert) and Mary Peters… Chris was
a Royal Artillery Junior Leader in 1968 before joining 26 Fd Regt RA
in Hohne, where he served until 1976. This was not the end of Chris’s
commitment to the services as he went on to serve with the Wessex
Transport (TA) until 2005 and was dined out after 37 years’ service.
Also in attendance was Jan Boak whose service as the daughter and
mother to Royal Artillery Gunners, personifies the foundation and
backbone of the RAA.
Then there is Pete (Tony Curtis) Saunders (aged 70), a retired
Plymouth bus driver who served with 256 Fd Regt RA (Royal Devon
Yeomanry) at Raglan Barracks, Plymouth for five years before
joining Plymouth Bus Service, where he met his bus driving mentor
and ‘star’ of evening Garth Wright (93). Gareth served with the 51
LAA Regt RA from 1938-46, seeing service throughout World War
II in Dunkirk, North Africa, and Monte Casino before re-entering
continental Europe as a part of the Normandy invasion. Garth’s life,
which he lives to the full, is littered with service, and he is still an
active member of a Plymouth (Crownhill) branch of the Royal British
Legion. When he joined the 51 LAA Regt (who were a Territorial
Regiment) he joined with three other friends from the village of Mary
Tavy (north of Plymouth), where his parents ran the New Inn Pub.
Garths three friends were Kenneth Stevens who died at Dunkirk,
Peter Dodd who died at Tebourba (North Africa) and Roger Palmer
who died at Kairouan, west of Tunis (North Africa); a large price to
pay for such a small community. Garth’s brothers were also Gunners
and his father worked as a boiler maker for the Navy. On completion
of military service, Garth went to work on Plymouth buses before
retiring in 1984. Garth is committed to helping support those who
have served and the memory of the fallen.
He travels to Dunkirk with the Dunkirk Association and to Monte
Casino when he can, with the Monte Casino Association -based in
Cornwall. Garth also dances, plays bugle and to help maintain his
energy levels he can frequently be found swimming in Plymouth
Sound and also undertakes a swim to the breakwater (one-and-a-half
miles each way) a few times each year . If anyone needs a tip in how
to approach their twilight years then they should ask Garth, who can
be found on the last Wednesday of each month at the meeting of the
Plymouth Branch of the Royal Artillery Association at the Royal
Citadel, Plymouth. For more information visit www.plymouthraa.
co.uk.
Open arms
The Plymouth Branch of the Royal Artillery Association opens it
arms to all new members, so if you have a tale (or five) to tell why not
pop along to one of the monthly get-togethers?
Left: Garth Wright; and right: members of the Plymouth RAA
he Plymouth Branch of the Royal Artillery Association held
their annual dinner at the equally historic The Artillery Tower
restaurant on Friday, 30 November with 19 members and guests in
attendance. The branch is one of a thousand branches formed at the
end of World War II with the aim of providing comradeship, welfare
and employment to the one million Royal Artillery Gunners that were
to be demobbed. The fact the Plymouth branch still survives 64 years
after its formation is testament to the history of the Plymouth, its
people, their loyalty and togetherness.
The branch chairman Kevin (Larry) Langshaw, who completed
22 years’ service in the Royal Artillery in 2002, volunteered as a
Reservist in 2011 for service in Afghanistan, returning in May this
year with a Joint Commanders Commendation for Service; not bad
for a volunteer soldier in his 50th year.
22
raa
letters
Grey Point Fort
51 Fd Regt RA
Three years ago we (a group of us, all ex-military
volunteers and amateur radio enthusiasts) obtained
permission from the Department of Environment in
Northern Ireland to restore the derelict Grey Point Fort
Coastal Battery. It was built in 1904 and used to defend
the entrance into Belfast Lough. As well as restoring
the fort, it is also our intention to restore and fire one
of the two Vickers Sons and Maxim six-inch breechloading guns dated 1899, to commemorate 100 years
since World War I and 70 years since World War II.
We’ve had a few problems as most of the parts of
the gun were seized but are well on our way now to
actually achieving our goal, with the help of Nicholas
Hall of Royal Armouries and the Police Service of
Northern Ireland Firearms Branch. We have all parts
of the breech and box slide in working order and test
fired the gun with a blank cartridge (which we had to
get specially made since they went out of service a long
time ago). We would be grateful for any information
from personnel who served at Grey Point Fort or
indeed any information on Grey Point Fort itself. We
all believe it is our duty to restore Grey Point Fort, to
remember all who lost their lives in both world wars
and other conflicts and to give the knowledge to future
generations. Please view www.greypointfort.magix.
net/public in the hope that it will give you some idea of
what we are trying to achieve.
I am gathering material to write an account for Cumbria’s Military Museum of the part played
by 51 Fd Regt RA, the county’s TA Gunners, in the Second World War. They served in Norway
(1940), in the Western Desert (where they were part of the force besieged in Tobruk), in Ceylon
and India, and finally in Burma as part of Wingate’s Chindits. I should very much like to talk to
any veterans and their families, and if they have any papers, diaries, letters, newspaper cuttings
or photographs I should be grateful for an opportunity to see them. I can be contacted on 01228
710688 or by post at Garth House, Evening Hill, Thursby, Carlisle CA5 6PU.
Stephen McFarland (ex-Irish Guards)
Col Dennis Walton
23
Lt Col Thomas Thompson
Army Reserves
In November I listened to the Secretary of Defence’s presentation on the Reserves Review,
with a tear in my eye; at long last some official recognition for the Volunteers [Army Reserves].
Of course, we have only been sending people to hot spots for years; helping the Regulars at
the Olympics, saving the country by drafting ourselves overnight in 1939, similarly in 1914
by allowing Haldene’s Expeditionary Force to move en bloc to France, and so on and so forth.
The Defence Secretary’s otherwise balanced review might have implied to the casual observer
that we were still programmed to fight the Great War, that our organisation was poor and that
we have an aging membership.
The way we are organised and programmed is not out of date, as we concentrate on
individual skills and trade testing. My old regiment, 103 Regt RA (V) has just returned from
the Falkland Islands, thereby releasing the Regular troops based there for other duties. He
mentioned that the age of the soldiers in the TA [Army Reserve] is rising; how can it be
otherwise when our numbers have been [previously] cut? We value our older members and
look forward to using them to continue training our new, younger recruits. He should also
relieve employers, if they have concerns over the [possible] more lengthy deployments –
which may well be mainly dealt with by Volunteers.
24
in memoriam
George Lundie Lt Col WA McCr
W
Adams
G
eorge Adams was born in Wolfhill, Perth, Scotland on 9
March 1927 and sadly passed away in September aged 85.
Most of his friends knew him as ‘Froggy’ Adams from
his time as a drill instructor in the 1950s. George served as
a National Serviceman from 1948 to 1950, when he served
in Palestine. He then re-enlisted almost immediately into the
Royal Artillery. He served in Hong Kong, Korea and Singapore
from 1953-1955. In 1961 he joined 22 AD Regt RA as BQMS
and served in BAOR, Singapore, Malaya, Borneo and Northern
Ireland as well as postings in the UK. George remained in the
Army and transferred onto the LS list from 1973 to 74 with HQ
Scottish Command Edinburgh. After serving for 26 years BSM
‘Froggy’ Adams was discharged.
He was awarded (and was very proud of ) the GSM Palestine,
the UN Medal Korea, GSM Borneo and Malaya Peninsular,
GSN Clasp Northern Ireland and Pingat Jasa Malaysia most
recently.
George will be sadly missed by all his friends and Army
comrades and leaves behind a very loving family; his wife
Ness, daughters Sheila and Susanne, son George and his
grandchildren.
illiam Andrew McCracken (known as Willy) was born on
21 June 1950 in Coleraine Northern Ireland, the second of
three brothers. At the age of nine, after the death of his mother, he
was brought up by his Aunt Lucy and Uncle Richard in Omagh
and educated in both Omagh Academy and Dungannon Grammar
School. After school Willy joined a show band ‘Derek and the
Sounds’ and with his brother Richard toured Ireland and later North
America. On returning to the UK he became an art student and
studied photography at Salisbury College.
Willy joined the Army on 11 September 1974 and completed his
basic training as a trooper in the Army Air Corps with the Royal
Armoured Corps. During his trade training with the Army Air Corps
in March 1995 he was awarded best student on a Ground Crewman
Course and promoted to lance corporal before being selected for
officer training.
OCdt McCracken joined the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst,
13 Platoon, Rhine Coy for the Standard Military Course No 10 on
3 September 1975 and was commissioned into the Royal Regiment
of Artillery on 5 March 1976. Following completion of the RMAS
Regular Careers Course, in Inkerman Coy, he spent some time
at the United States Military Academy West Point and a short
familiarisation period with 19 Fd Regt RA before attending the
Young Officers Course No 91 at the Royal School of Artillery,
Larkhill in January 1977.
2Lt Willy McCracken was posted to 47 Lt Regt RA based in
Colchester in June 1977 where he was appointed as the Gun
Position Officer of 4 Sphinx Bty RA. He completed a tour of duty
in Belize and exercises in Canada and Germany. On promotion to
lieutenant, Willy filled the appointment of Assistant Regimental
Intelligence Officer during an Op BANNER tour of duty in Belfast
(October 1977-February 1978) after which he was awarded the
General Service Medal with NI Clasp in January 1978. Willy also
played Army Rugby 1980-82 and captained the Royal Artillery
First XV in 1981.
Capt McCracken was posted to 29 Cdo Regt RA in April
1980, and on successful completion of the All Arms Commando
Course; he joined 148 Meiktila Cdo Forward Observation Bty,
based in Royal Marines Poole. Further training followed; parachute
selection, forward air controllers (FAC) and shallow water diving
courses before he was established as a fully fledged Naval Gunfire
Forward Observer. In early 1982 Willy and his team were sent
on a four-month deployment to New Zealand from where they
were urgently recalled to the UK and eventually launched into Op
CORPORATE and the Falkland Islands campaign.
Willy’s NGFO team was initially tasked to support Op
PARAQUAT, the operation to recapture South Georgia and flew
to Ascension Island on 9 April, where he joined HMS Antrim and
HMS Plymouth. As part of a composite company of 80 all ranks,
and following a convincing naval bombardment, Willy played a key
part in persuading the Argentine garrison of 250 in Gritviken to
surrender with no resistance. The next day, working with M Sqn
RM and HMS Plymouth, Willy moved to Stromness to receive the
surrender of a second Argentine garrison.
Once relocated with the main task force Willy operated by
helicopter from HMS Invincible and conducted a series of naval
gunfire support (NGS) engagements by day and night. At D-6
in memoriam
25
Willy was deployed from HMS Alacrity by dinghy with an SBS team
to establish an advanced OP on Sussex Mountain, East Falkland to
cover the options of Darwin, Goose Green or the main landings in San
Carlos. It was here that Willy spotted a significant recognition error,
discovering that a company of Argentine soldiers was nothing more
than a flock of penguins. Willy went on to support 2 Para as an FAC
during the attack on Goose Green.
On 12 June 1982, Willy’s team was grouped with B Coy 3 Para
for the attack on Mount Longdon where he engaged enemy positions
with naval and artillery fire in close proximity to his own troops.
Operating under heavy small arms, mortar and artillery fire and
continually involved in the firefight, Willy made a significant personal
contribution to the success of the mission and the minimizing of
casualties to the battalion. Willy’s team was regrouped again with
2 Para on the night of 14 June, for their attack on Wireless Ridge.
It was from an exposed OP position on Mount Longdon that Willy
continued to bring down accurate and effective naval fire successfully
neutralizing enemy positions and playing a major part in the success
of the attack and eventual surrender of the enemy. For his high
courage and professional skill Willy was awarded the Military Cross
on 11 October 1982.
On completion of his tour with 148 Bty in September 1983, Willy
spent a brief interlude with 5 Hvy Regt RA in the stay-behind OP
role based in Germany and on exercise in Denmark. On promotion to
major in May 1984 Willy joined the staff of HQ 5 Airborne Bde based
in Aldershot as SO3 G3 Training.
Willy rejoined 29 Cdo Regt RA in October 1986, this time as the
battery commander of 7 (Sphinx) Cdo Bty RA based in Arbroath
with 45 Cdo RM at RM Condor. During the next two years, Willy
participated in the regiment’s 25th anniversary in Plymouth in
1987; he exercised his battery in Kenya, Canada, Norway (twice),
the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar (twice), and in the Mediterranean
including Italy.
Willy moved to Exeter in March 1988 and assumed the appointment
of Chief of Staff HQ 43 Wessex Bde. This was a very successful
and productive staff tour for Willy, during which time he planned a
series of complex training exercise for the brigade’s Territorial Army
units involving fixed and rotary wing aircraft in both Germany and
Denmark. In recognition of his efforts he was awarded an MBE on 15
June 1991 and promoted to lieutenant colonel.
Willy became the commanding officer of 101 (Northumbrian) Regt
RA (V) in May 1991, where he served until July 1993. During this
time, he brought the regiment up to full manning of almost 500-strong
with three gun batteries, and oversaw a major equipment change from
Light Gun to the more powerful Field Howitzer (FH70). Only two
battery locations were capable of accommodating FH70, he therefore,
as a personal crusade, identified a redundant Scottish and Newcastle
brewery warehouse which was suitably converted into a battery
establishment; it took many a year to rid it of the smell of hops. This
location was also capable of accommodating the newly established
REME workshops and stores section – which is still in use today as
Kingston Park TA Centre. Lt Col McCracken retired from regular
service in November 1993 and joined the Operational Reserves.
Retaining his strong links with the North East, Willy became
the president of the Tynemouth Volunteer Artillery Association, a
veterans’ organization dedicated to the welfare of former Gunners
and their families who settled in the North East of England. Willy
brought formal structure and charitable status to the TVAA and
was their president from 1993 to 2009, their 150th anniversary
year.
In 1995 Willy enrolled at the Royal Agricultural College
Cirencester for a three-year BSc (Hons) in International
Agricultural and Equine Business Management. Willy stayed at
the college and took a further two-year BSc course in Rural Estate
Management. He is fondly remembered for his sense of humour
and experience of life and was described as a modest and a very
likeable man who was always very patient in dealings with staff
and students alike.
From 1994 until 2004, Willy retained his military connections
by joining Central Volunteer Headquarters Royal Artillery as
a member of the All Arms Watchkeeper and Liaison Officer
Pool. He took time out from the RAC Cirencester in 1995 when
he was mobilised for a nine-month operational tour in Bosnia
Herzegovina. Willy was appointed SO1 LO (V) and affiliated to
24 Air Mobile Bde 1998-99 and then to HQ 1 Mech Bde, 19992002, after which he was reassigned to AAWLOP 2002-04.
Willy was transferred to the Regular Army Reserve Officers
Retired List in May 2004.
On 18 June 2005 Willy married Jacquetta Holmes and
a blessing was conducted at Tynemouth Priory on 30 June,
supported by the Tynemouth Volunteer Artillery Association.
Willy and Jacquetta settled in Great Linford, Buckinghamshire
from where he maintained close contact with 101 Regt RA (V)
and the Tynemouth Volunteer Artillery Association.
Willy died peacefully at home in Great Linford on 19 October,
aged 62. He is survived by his wife Jacquetta, his daughter
Madeleine, and his brothers Richard and David.
Willy will be remembered by many as an inspired leader of
men and a courageous soldier who was also a lovable rogue, who
would always go the extra mile for his friends. CR
racken MBE MC
26
in memoriam
Last Post
FARNDALE – Lady Anne, widow of the late General Sir Martin Farndale KCB who
was Master Gunner St James’ Park 1988-1996, died peacefully in Edinburgh on 6
December. She leaves her son, Richard, and grandchildren, Jamie and Sarah.
LAPHAM – Mrs Elisabeth Lapham, wife of the late Wilf, died on Monday, 3 December.
She will be sadly missed by her daughter Margaret, son David and her grandchildren
and great grandchildren.
WESTON – WO2 Philip Patrick Anthony Weston died peacefully in his sleep, his
family at his side, on 8 November in the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, he was 83.
Born in Acton, London, he joined the Army aged 18 in 1947, and served in Germany,
Singapore and Malaya as well as Larkhill and other parts of the UK. He completed 26
years’ service in the RA , with a couple of years in the Army Air Corp in Malaya in the
late 1950s. He retired in 1973 and spent a further 15 years working as a manager in an
Italian Merchant Bank in the City of London. Phil was married for 63 years to Jean,
celebrating their diamond anniversary in 2009. They had two children Tony and Lisa.
In 1994 he moved with Jean to Christchurch in Dorset, where they spent 18 happy
years, their four grandchildren visiting whenever possible. Phil loved Army life and the
soldier in him remained until the end; he bravely lived for the past six years with motor
neurone disease. His insistence on punctuality and sense of justice prevailed. He will
be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Young Officers’
Branch Shop
The YOs’ Branch second hand shop
will re-open in the New Year.
The shop stocks the following:
Gunner Ties/Brooches
Ball Buttons (22L & 26L)
No1 and No2 Dress hats
Cross belts and Sam Browns
No1 Dress and Mess Kit
Shoes, Mess wellies
and George boots
Opening times:
Wednesdays: 1400-1600hrs
Thursdays: 0930-1230hrs
By appointment only outside
of these timings.
Please contact Mrs Bleakley
for more information on
01980 845636
New stock always accepted.
sport
27
The RAA
The perfect opportunity to
contact friends and keep in
touch. Call 01980 845362 or log
on to www.theraa.co.uk
GUNNER FOOTBALL CALENDAR 2012/13
Ser
Date
Fixture
Venue
Remarks
13
28 Jan
Woolwich Cup
Semi-Finals
Aldershot
14
01 Feb
RAPTC v RA
Hermitage
15
13 Feb
Inter Bty Shield
Final
Larkhill
16
06 Mar
Woolwich Cup Final Aldershot
Gunner Cup Final
Larkhill
17
12 Apr
RA v RAPTC
Larkhill
League
18
19 Apr
RLC V RA
Deepcut
League
19
29 Apr-03
May
REME v RA
Bordon
Quads
20
01 May
R SIGS V RA
Bordon
Quads
21
03 May
RE V RA
Bordon
Quads
League
28
sport
Sky’s
W
The winning team of the UK South Clay Target Shooting Championships, Minor Unit, The Kolar Cup:
WO1 (MG) D Moffitt, Mr S Ovenden (Babcock), WO2 (SMIG) Rob Chisnall
Hot shots
T
he UK South Clay Target Shooting Championships, formerly the 4 and 5 Div Clay Target
Shooting Championships, was held in September. The 4 Div Clay Target Shooting
Championships is an increasingly popular event open to all standards of shooters. The venue
was the well set out and varied stands of Larkhill Clay Club.
The competition was open to all major and minor units and there was an excellent turnout,
despite the impending forecast, no change there then. There was the opportunity for all abilities
to compete with prizes in the following categories:
AA: 80 per cent and over / Army Team shooters
A: 70-79 per cent / Corps team shooters
B: 60- 69 per cent / Regimental shooters / Army Development Squad
C: Less than 59 per cent
Novice: Never shot in competition before
Ladies: Winner and runner up ladies shooter
Guest: Non Military Personnel / Non 4 Div personnel
This coupled with winners and runners up in each event and the overall major and minor
unit trophies meant that it was all to shoot for.
Despite Land Forces Capability, Combat Support not being listed as a unit in the competition,
we entered a team in the minor unit category consisting of WO2 Rob Chisnall (RATDT), Mr
Ovenden (MOD Civilian) and myself, WO1 Dave Moffitt (MG TDT). All having shot before at
varying levels we went into the competition with open minds and to enjoy the experience. The
weather was kind to us during our round and during the morning we managed to secure the
following accolades to firmly stamp our mark on the shooting fraternity: Overall competition
runner up – WO2 (SMIG) Chisnall; runner up A class – WO1 (MG) Moffitt; runner up B class – Mr
Ovenden; overall winners of the minor unit competition, The Kolar Cup.
There was a varied turnout including local units from 32 Regt RA (major unit winners), 4
Rifles, The Royal Welsh, REME and the R Engineers amongst others. A good morning’s shooting
was had by all especially the Land Forces Capability, Combat Support Team who came away
with some impressive silverware, and the increased awareness that RA TDT is part of Land
Forces Capability, Combat Support.
Smashing
It is at Div Championships where young, old and new talent is found to progress into the
Corps and Army Teams. Experienced shooters are asked to encourage other non-shooting
members of their unit to attend and experience the excitement of ‘smashing their first clay’ at
future events and as an introduction to the sport.
by WO1 (MG) Dave Moffitt
ill the weather gods ever, ever smile on
us? Can it possibly rain every weekend?
These were the questions that we seemed to be
asking ourselves almost every weekend last year.
Normally rainy skies would not be a problem
however, when you need clear skies and light
winds for our sport, rain can be quite a problem.
The Army’s skydiving team, Army Euphoria,
was on a tight schedule; we had only months to
prepare for the Skydiving World Cup, which is the
sport’s version of the Olympic games. The team
had earned a place in the World Cup after gaining
a podium finish in the UK National Championships
the year before, and were representing the Army
and Great Britain in the Czech Republic.
Freaky
The team once again consisted of WO2 Andy
Myers (Targeting Section, RSA) and Sgt Dave
Pacey (29 Cdo Regt RA), and Mr Paul Capsey. We
started training early in February when we had
a freak heat wave however, the weather would
not be so kind for the rest of the year. We met up
almost every weekend at 0800 and until last light
at Netheravon Drop Zone; more often than not
we would end up looking up at cloudy rainy skies
and drinking vast amounts of tea while waiting
for the slightest glimmer of a break in the clouds.
Unfortunately Wikipidia does not have a section
on ritual sacrifices to the weather gods, because
if it did, we would have used it by April!
When the opportunity presented itself, we
jumped hard. This made for long and tiring
weekends, going back into work more tired on a
Monday morning than when you left on a Friday
afternoon. Our training started to pay off and the
team progressed quickly. We would be judged on
five sky dives where we would perform an artistic
routine – a bit like Strictly Come Dancing while
plummeting towards the ground at
180mph. And
sport
s not the limit
French team. Over the next few days, teams
would leapfrog each other on the leader board
but, by the last jump of the competition we were
vying for third place. If the wait for the final
scores in the UK National Championships was
nerve-wracking, this was something else. Again
it was not to be, we had been pipped into third
place by the Italian team. At the end of a hectic
season, we had managed to come fourth in the
world, and third in Europe.
loved ones in Afghanistan, or knew people who
had lost loved ones. We smashed the previous
record of 130, by setting a new (unofficial, as
were still awaiting the official word from the
Guinness Book of World Records) world record
of 201. We managed to raise over £70,000 for
Forces charities, and somewhere in there we
even managed to turn up for work! And what
now? Now we wait for the weather gods to smile
on us and we start it all again!
World record
by WO2 Andy Myers
We had also trained and coached the
first amputee skydiving team with BLESMA
Trans4mers and broken the world record for the
most tandem sky dives in 24 hours with
an event call Fall For The Fallen. We
aimed to conduct one tandem
sky dive for every fallen
soldier in Afghanistan.
Over the week we
managed to do 340
tandem
sky
dives; some
of
the
jumpers
h a d
lost
two rounds would be judged on how artistically
we perform a set four moves per sky dive.
For all these we only have a working time
of 45 seconds and all jumps are filmed by a
cameraman, integral to the team, and whose
footage and choreography is judged along with
the performers.
In August, when most people are heading out
for their holidays, we were heading to the UK
National Championships at Sky Dive Hibaldstow
in Lincolnshire. We arrived early to finalise our
training prior to the competition starting on the
Saturday morning. With the weather looking
‘iffy’ to say the least, we got a good night’s sleep
ready for the 0600hrs start the next morning. The
morning revealed thick fog but, with the chance
of it breaking by mid-morning. All we could do
was wait, something we had now become black
belt ninjas at. Out of nowhere came a ‘kit on’ call;
it was round one of the competition. The rest of
the day flew past in a blur of jumping, packing
parachutes and walking through the jumps that
we were planing to
do. By 2000hrs it
was all over. All
that was left
now was for the
judges
to finish scoring
the competition and
after what seemed like an
eternity the final scores were
posted. We had come fourth; not
as good as were expecting, but with
only 0.6 of a point separating second from
bottom it was a very tight competition. There
was no time to feel down about it, we still had the
World Cup in a week’s time to prepare for.
We arrived in the small town of Prestejov,
230km south of the Czech capital, Prague, where
the competition held. For once the weather gods
were smiling and we awoke on the morning of
the competition to wall-to-wall blue skies without
a cloud in sight. We would be up against the best
in the sport and the competition was going to
be close. The first jump of the competition is a
free routine, where we came out
strong and the
jump had a real
good vibe about
it. After what felt
like an eternity the
judges posted the
scores for round one:
We were in second
place, only just pipped
to first place by the
29
30
sport
Fastnet 2013
T
he Royal Artillery Yacht Club Offshore
Sailing Team is looking for volunteers
to participate in the 2013 Fastnet Race.
The Fastnet is one of the world’s classic
offshore races and attracts entries from
around globe. It is a demanding event
which will require mandated safety
training and participation in qualifying
events. The crew will be selected over
a number of preliminary races and
will consist of experienced and novice
sailors. If you are a serving Gunner
and wish to be considered, you should
register your interest with either Lt Col
Robin Bolton ([email protected].
uk) or Maj Tony Neylan ([email protected]). Details
of the qualifying races can be found on
the Royal Artillery Yacht Club website
www.rayc.org.uk
Royal Artillery Yacht Club
Sail Training Courses
T
he Royal Artillery Yacht Club will
run a number of RYA practical sail
training courses in spring 2013 based
on club boats in the Solent. The courses
are authorised as adventurous training
and will allow successful candidates to
qualify in the Royal Yachting Associations
training scheme. The dates for the
courses are:
RYA Day Skipper Practical: 11-15 March
RYA Day Skipper Practical: 18-22 March
RYA Yachtmaster Coastal: 8-12 April
Individuals with the requisite previous
experience and who would like to apply
for a place should contact Mrs Deborah
Turner at [email protected] or on
01980 845361.
E
xercise Atlantis Barbara is a 12 x twoweek leg adventure training exercise. It
starts in England, reaches the Canary Islands
and returns back to the UK.16 Regt RA took
part in leg three around the Canary Islands.
We arrived at Puerto Calero, Lanzarote
where our skipper, LBdr Thornton, met with
the previous leg’s skipper for a handover
while the remainder of the crew went to
familiarise themselves with the St Barbara V.
The first day was an introduction to the 42ft
yacht, which we would be living and sailing
on for the next two weeks. The function of
various ropes, sailing theory and safety were
explained as was the ‘man overboard’ drill
(we found the sea was particularly warm so
there was no shortage of volunteers to take
the plunge). Conditions were good and we
practised tacking and jibing, although some
struggled to locate their sea legs and were
sick (Gnr Swatland was sick before we left
the marina). Dinner was supplemented by
LBdr Thompson’s fishing skills.
We then sailed nine hours to La Graciosa,
a small island off the north tip of Lanzarote.
Everybody had stocked up on seasickness
tablets after watching the horrors of the
previous day. Luckily the sail was smooth
with a few of the largely novice crew trying
to come to grasps with the lean of the boat
cutting through the water being a ‘natural’
position for sailing.
The following morning we set sail back
for Puerto Calero and we entered our first
rough sea; this was exciting but only a
glimpse to what was to come
in the following
days.
We cleared and entered smoother seas
resulting in a successful circumnavigation
of Lanzarote; in a few short days we were
becoming a more competent crew and under
the gaze of the skippers we ‘raced’ the boat to
a full nine knots which left us all jubilant and
wanting more.
A challenge
Having completed the trip around
Lanzarote, we set our sights on Gran Canaria,
a 20-hour trip which would require some
night sailing. Our skippers, LBdr Thornton
and Mr Glen Bickell, had plenty of
experience for the overnight sail, so
any nerves were quickly settled and
we were enthusiastic for more
of a challenge. Smooth waters
and friendly winds allowed
us to cruise at a respectable
speed and along with the
constant vigilance on the
lookout for other larger
vessels the night passed
quickly. Shortly after
arriving into the
marina, fog closed
in and the locals
said, as a novice
crew, we were
lucky – we
reminded
t h e m
even
Exercise A
sport
In Tenerife we had a day to recover and
an essential night out on the insistence of Lt
Healy to celebrate what we had achieved in
the past 10 days. We set sail for Lanzarote,
with was no wind at all and without
assistance we were going less than one knot,
a complete contrast to our arrival. The sails
were ineffective and despite the best efforts
from all involved we had to cruise along on
engine power, which was a disappointment
as we believed we now had a good grasp
of sailing. This did prove advantageous, as
along the journey we were treated to some
amazing displays of wildlife: turtles, a pod
of pilot whales and even a flying fish. LBdr
Thornton spotted some dolphins and they
raced alongside us for 20 minutes – this was
a highlight of the long trip.
Without a doubt, the award for best tan
went to Gnr Bown and as adventure training
goes this was an excellent
opportunity for all.
We all had to master new skills, learn how to
work as a team and face challenging weather
and conquer our fears. This mostly novice
crew was completely out of their comfort
zone and came through, having an amazing
experience in a unique working environment.
This trip was a great adventure and the
generous help afforded by the RACPD and
the regiment made this a very cost-effective
venture for the junior soldiers who, buoyed
by their exploits, are looking forward to the
next challenge and are armed with new skills
for the future.
Gnr Hardiman and Capt Button
Atlantis Barbara
the weather works on Gunner time.
After spending the night in Gran Canaria
we set sail for Tenerife. This should have
been an eight-hour journey, but became 14.
Those 14 hours were the worst of the whole
two weeks! Swells were five metres above
the boat and seasickness gripped most of
the crew, including the skipper despite his
best efforts. With winds teetering on 2530kt our novice crew thought maybe this
was it, indeed at some points with the waves
crashing into the hull we were convinced
it was going to snap us in two. Thankfully
she remained true. Nonetheless, the weather
proved so vicious that the foresail had to be
lowered, secured and the mainsail was reefed
(made smaller) as the yacht was nearly on its
side when at its most fast. Capt Button and
SAC Cuffe remained strong and were tasked
with foresail duty. They moved quickly, to
limit their time on the very unsteady bow
and secured the sail while under being
dunked underwater. They returned
to the stern completely soaked but
victorious.
31
32
notices
celebrations
Platinum wedding
Ellicock – Turner on 2 January 1941 at Little
Heath, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. Jack Ellicock to
Dorothy Turner. Present address: Little Newton,
Longparish, Andover, Hampshire SP11 6PZ
for hire
47 regt RA marquee
47 Regt RA has a marquee available for private
hire. It is 21m x 12m and comes with flooring,
chandeliers and silk linings. Usual price for the
full marquee is £2,000. Rates for regiments and
organisations are negotiable. The marquee can
also be broken down into smaller sections for
smaller events at a cheaper rate. Prices include
erecting and dismantling. For more information
please ring Capt Burnett on Mil 94295 8240 or
Civ: 01243 3868240.
information
1 RHA Regimental History Archive
1 RHA has recently opened its new History
Room charting the history of the regiment
since 1938. The second phase is to establish
a research archive. Though the regiment has
retained a number of documents it is keen to fill
all the gaps. If you have any magazines, photos,
diaries, photographs, marked maps, operational
pamphlets or any other items that could add to
the picture of regimental history then we would
be keen to hear from you. We are also particularly
keen to locate regimental journals to ensure a
complete history. For more information please
contact Capt Richard Varley on 01980 651017 or
email: [email protected]
reunions
The RA Boys, Artificers and Junior
Leaders Association reunion
The 2013 reunion of The Royal Artillery Boys,
Artificers and Junior Leaders Association will
once again, by popular demand be held at the
Holiday Inn, Walsgrave Road, Coventry CV2 2HP
over the weekend of Fri, 19-Sun 21 April. Full
details, programme, costs etc will be published
in the January edition of The Trumpeter. For
further information please contact Ted McKenzie
on 07900 806 235 or email tiger-ted@exboysra.
co.uk
204th Battleaxe Day weekend
The BC, Maj TP Foss-Smith, would like to formally
invite past members of 74 Bty (The Battleaxe
Company) to the 204th Battleaxe Day weekend.
Both former members of the Battleaxe Company
and their families are welcome. The event will be
held at Albemarle Barracks 22-23 Feb. Please
contact Sgt Hammersley for further details on
0191 239 3436 or 07720533439 before 22
January.
13 Martinique 1809 Fd Bty RA Reunion
The next reunion will be on Sat 13 Apr at the
Copthorne Hotel, Birmingham. All ranks past and
present welcome. For further details telephone
07834287426 or email k.brooksusher@hotmail.
co.uk
SANDHURST 40th REUNION
SUMMER BALL SMC 4
We are organising a summer ball by the lake at
Sandhurst on Sat, 7 Sep (costs about £75 per
head). Please indicate your interest by emailing:
[email protected]. Steve Braden, 18 Pl,
Arnhem Coy.
The National Artillery Association
The National Artillery Association will celebrate
its 150th Anniversary. A Regimental Dinner Night
will be held on Sat, 16 February in the Royal
Artillery Mess, Larkhill at 7.30 for 8pm. Fuller
details and an Application Proforma can be
obtained from Dr John R Thomson, Bonnington,
12 School Brae, Cramond,Edinburgh, EH4 6JN
or email: [email protected]. Places are
limited and will be allocated on a first come
basis.
19 Regt RA (The Highland Gunners)
Reunion Dinner
The 19 Regt RA Officers’ reunion dinner will be
held on 1 Feb at 19 Regt RA Mess, Bhurtpore
Barracks, Tidworth. Would former officers of the
regiment who have not received notification of
the dinner, please contact the Dinner Secretary,
Lt Adam Calcutt, on: 01980 656516 or by email:
[email protected]
ROYAL ARTILLERY OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION
(NORTH WEST)
If you are a retired Royal Artillery officer and
wish to keep in touch with other Royal Artillery
officers why not join the Royal Artillery Officers’
Association (North West)? Our Annual General
Meetings are held in late April/early May. Our
annual subs are £2.50 to cover postage and
basic administration. For more information,
contact: Maj JE Thomas TD, Hon Sec, Royal
Artillery Officers’ Association, The Orchard, Park
Drive, Thornton, Liverpool, L23 4TL. Tel: 0151
924 2129. Email: [email protected]
Combat Support Wing (CSW) at the
Armour Centre Bovington
On 23 Feb the CSW is holding a reunion dinner
at Bovington, for past and present RA members
who have served there as D&M instructor. This
is a chance to meet old and new friends and for
the older members an opportunity to see how we
conduct training and how things have changed.
More information is available from Sgt Mat Tyson
on [email protected] or tel: 01929
403484.
4 REGT RA OFFICERS’ MESS
REUNION DINNER
The annual 4 Regt RA Officers’ Mess Reunion
Dinner will take place at the RA Mess, Larkhill
on Sat, 20 July. Any former officer of 4 RHA or
4 Regt RA who wishes to attend please contact
Capt David Wood on 01845 595235 or email:
[email protected]. Also, please visit the
Facebook page ‘4th Regiment RA Officers’
Reunion’ for all the up to date information.
26 RA OFFICERS’ REUNION DINNER
The 26 RA Officers’ Reunion Dinner will be held
at the RA Mess, Larkhill on Sat, 4 May. Would
former officers of the regiment who have not
received notification of the dinner by 1 Apr,
please contact the Dinner Secretary, Maj Chris
O’Halloran on 0049 5241842262 or by email to
[email protected]
forBIRDS
sale
GUNNERS, GAME
AND THE LONG
GONE BUSTARDS
An illustrated account of the Larkhill
shoot 1928-2012, by Pat Stacpoole
A partridge swings over the line of guns,“Your
bird, General!” Two shots. The bird flies on.
A beater picks up a pheasant in front of a gun.
“Good shot!” she says. “I’m so glad to hear
that you too are having a baby at the end of
the season.”
Much has changed in the 80 years of the
Gunner Shoot at Larkhill. One thing has not.
The aim of the shoot has always been to
give the maximum sport to the maximum
numbers. This account traces the story of a
possibly unique sporting fellowship which
has introduced generations of Gunners to the
excitement of game shooting. £5 plus p&p
from: Pat Stacpoole, Crossways House, Kings
Road, Market Lavington, Devizes , Wiltshire
SN10 4QB [email protected]
wanted
Larkhill point to point
The premier point to point course in the
country is looking for volunteers. Enjoy a
brisk day out and the best seat in the house
offering first class racing and unparalleled
views of Salisbury Plain. The racecourse team
is seeking volunteers for a number of roles on
race day. The main requirement is enthusiasm.
The dates for this season are: Sun 6 Jan,
Larkhill Racing Club; Sat 26 Jan, RA Hunt; Sat
9 Feb, Combined Services; Sat 16 Mar, New
Forest Hounds; Sat 30 Mar, Avon Vale Hunt; Sat
20 Apr, South and West Wilts Hunt; Sun 28 Apr,
Hursley Hambledon Hunt. If you can make a
firm commitment to one or indeed all of these
dates, please contact the Clerk of the Course,
Mrs Suzie Vickery on suziemvickery@gmail.
com.
to place your notice here contact 01980 634204
33
Livery Yard in Everleigh
(SN8 3EU)
• Full or Part Livery vacancies (includes all facilities)
• Secure American Barn Stables
• Outdoor School (flood lit) (also available for hire for non
liveries)
• XCountry Course (also available for hire for non liveries)
• Horses available for loan
• Regular XCountry, Jumping and Dressage Clinics –
ring for details
• Horse Transport available
• Easy access to both RA and Tedworth Hunting Country
Mobile: 07990 571463
Landline: 01264 852674
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.everleighequestrian.co.uk
was formed in 1990 with the aim of bringing together in true
comradeship and friendship those who have served as Royal
Artillery Boys, Artificers, and Junior Leaders. Membership is
open to all who enlisted before attaining the age of 17½ and
have served or are still serving as a member of the Royal
Artillery. This includes Trumpeters from Woolwich and India,
members of The Boys Battery RA, Artificers , Boys Regiment RA,
Junior Leaders Regiment RA, Junior Musicians, All Arms Junior
Leaders Regiment and the Junior Tradesmen Regiment. Also
those who served as Permanent Staff
Members are kept in touch with association matters by email,
or via our forum and website. The Trumpeter newsletter is
published every six months and a reunion is held annually
For details and joining application please contact the
Secretary, Ted McKenzie at [email protected] or
on 07900 806 235
The Royal Artillery Boys, Artificers and Junior
Leaders Association
34
competitions
The closing date for all competitions in this month’s edition is Friday, 22 February 2013.The winners will be drawn
at random and notified as soon as possible. Don’t forget to fill out the form at the bottom of the page.
Spot the difference
The Gunner wordsearch
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These countries can be found in the wordsearch: horizontally, vertically,
diagonally. Which one of the following does not appear in the wordsearch
grid?
To win a trio of Nikwax
high quality cleaning and
waterproofing products, kindly
donated by GarrisonPRI.co.uk,
all you have to is spot the five
differences in the photos above,
fill in the form below and send
your answers to The Gunner.
Please tick which competitions you are entering.
Then fill out all your details and send it to us Gunner
Publications, RHQ RA, RA Barracks, Larkhill,
Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 8QT.
Spot the difference
Wordsearch


Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tel:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Email:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..........................................
..........................................
Last month’s winners were:
Spot the Difference: Charlotte Baldwinson, Surrey
WORDSEARCH: Cecil Ward, Staffs
Afghanistan
America
Australia
Belize
W
Canada
Congo
Falklands
India
Kenya
Norway
Oman
Syria
in a copy of Pillars of Fire by Ian
Passingham and published by
History Press. ISBN: 978 0 7524 7664 3.
‘Gentleman, we may not make history
tomorrow, but we shall certainly change
the geography.’ So said General Plumer the
day before 600 tons of explosives were
detonated under the German position
on Messines Ridge. The explosion was
heard by Lloyd George in Downing Street,
and as far away as Dublin. Until 1918,
Messines was the only clear cut Allied
victory on the Western Front, coming
at a time when Britain and her allies
needed it most: boosting Allied morale
and shattering that of the Germans.
Precisely orchestrated, Messines
was the first true all-arms modern
battle which brought together
artillery, engineers, infantry, tanks,
aircraft and administrative units from a commonwealth
of nations to defeat the common enemy. So why is its name not as familiar
as the Somme, Passchendaele or Verdun? This book examines the battle
for the Messines-Wytschaete Ridge from the British, ANZAC and German
perspectives. Illustrated with archive photographs and maps, it is a major
contribution to our understanding of one of the seminal battles of the First
World War.
up front
35
36

January 2013 - British Army

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