The Craftsman August 2023

THE CRAFTSMAN

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In 2020, REME launched the Lifting the Decks initiative, with a focus on the mental wellbeing of serving REME personnel and veterans.

We are in the process of re昀ning Lifting the Decks, increasing accessibility with an added emphasis on reminding our REME Family to speak out about ‘what’s on their mind’ and that, whatever stage in their life, we will always be here to listen to and support them.

If there is something on your mind troubling you, big or small, whatever the cause, we are here to listen and to help. If you wish to get in touch regarding yourself or concern for someone else, please don’t hesitate to contact woym@remecharity.org

Corps Formation: 1 October 1942

Corps Motto: Arte et Marte

Corps Patron Saint: St Eligius

(Celebrated 1st Sunday in December)

Editor: Mrs Katie Tarbard + Corporate Communications Officer

RHQ REME, The Prince Philip Barracks, Lyneham, CHIPPENHAM, SN15 4XX

 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk (preferred method)

 subscriptions@reme-rhq.org.uk (for changes of address)

( Mil: 95481 4529 Civ: 01249 894529

SUBMITTING ARTICLES

TEXT: should be submitted in MS Word and name saved as per the article. No formatting, columns, power point etc. Articles to be cleared by CO/OC/EME or appropriate REME CoC, or nominated substitute and should be submitted as soon as possible.

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TIMINGS: The latest submission date is the first day of the month prior to publication. This does not guarantee the article will be published in that specific edition.

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

Contents:

The contents of The Craftsman are strictly copyright and all rights are expressly reserved. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the policy and views, official or otherwise, of the Editor, the Corps or the MOD, therefore no responsibility for these will be accepted. Whilst including an advertisement we are not necessarily endorsing the product and as a result, the publisher and its agents do not accept responsibility for any transaction between the reader and the advertiser. Whilst we take all precautions with regard to advertising, readers are advised to take professional advice before entering into any commitments. Letters concerning reproduction, contributions or any other matter should be addressed to the Editor.

© Published by RHQ REME. Funded by The REME Charity. www.remecharity.org.

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

Front Cover:

Photo courtesy of DSEME Media Department

Strategy Line of Operation 3

People at the Heart of the Corps:

Scribe: Colonel Paul Johnson, Commandant DSEME

When the Corps published our new Strategy last December it observed that people – like you and me – remain at the heart of the Corps and are critical to REME being able to keep the punch in the Army’s fist. This means that REME must be correctly staffed over the long term with the right numbers of motivated and professional technicians and engineers, each with the Knowledge, Skills, Experience (KSE) and behaviours to succeed on operations. Unsurprisingly, the Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering (DSEME) has a critical part to play in supporting that aim, which I will unpack in this article.

I will focus firstly on training delivery, which is undergoing significant changes. Over the past 5 years there has been understandable, but relentless pressure to get people through training and into the Field Force as quickly as possible. This resulted in our pipelines being reduced by 13% on average and had removed several aspects of contextual training. However, we believe that a key part of DSEME’s role is not simply to enable theoretical, classroom-based learning, but also to prepare our trainees to be able to apply that learning in the field, or to become the soldier tradespeople we are meant to be. As a

simplistic example, it is one thing to know how to diagnose and replace a faulty electronic control unit in a clean, brightly lit workshop. But it is another thing altogether to do that at night, using red light, lying in a muddy ditch, while wearing a CBRN suit and being shot at. The war in Ukraine has caused a rethink about the importance of this contextual training and we are now reintroducing Special-to-Arm training to all our Phase 2 courses. Already, the trainees who have conducted these modules are commenting that they feel more confident and comfortable at trade and better prepared for their initial posting.

Another area we are examining is the KSE that our trainees may already possess when they reach us. To date, our training approach has generally been ‘one size fits all’. So, to take the example of Vehicle Mechanics, whether you turned up to Lyneham not knowing one end of a ring spanner from another or came to us having completed an apprenticeship with Jaguar Land Rover, with an NVQ Level 4, or a degree in Mechanical Engineering, everyone would do the same course. Not only is this a clear waste of time and resource, preventing a skilled tradesperson from getting to the Field Force as quickly as possible, but it was also hugely frustrating and demotivating for those whose prior experience was

Welding & Hand Skills

Working at Lyneham

ignored. ‘Screen to Stream’ is a new approach, which aims to personalise the learning journey of the individual, at Phase 2 or Phase 3, arriving with previous trade-affiliated qualifications. We have already identified opportunities to fast-track individuals with the appropriately mapped KSE. The benefits are far reaching: individuals feel invested in and valued, recruiting is made easier, the Field Force receives trained soldiers sooner, and trainers can proportionally invest more time in those trainees who need greater support. Long-term the work will allow individuals to take responsibility for their own learning journey and improve retention.

Distributed training is frequently something that DSEME is asked to conduct, often to reduce the nights out of bed, or travel and subsistence burden on trainees. Inevitably, things are never as simple as they seem, and at present, there is no scope within the instructional contract in place at DSEME to enable this, except in very exceptional circumstances. However, when that contract comes to an end in 2024 there will be an opportunity to relook at this, and indeed we are already examining what could be done in this fashion

with some of the new platforms coming to the Army. This will place a greater responsibility on units however, to ensure that training facilities and fit platforms are made available when promised, and that trainees are present to train when required and not side-tracked to other short notice tasks. In the meantime, where our instructors

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TSS - Technical Support Specialist

SAAE cockpit

are predominantly military, such as the Engineering Management team in the REME Arms School, we are looking at what more could be distributed or delivered in a roadshow style.

The second thing to look at is the design of our future courses. Much work has been done on the REME Trade Training Review (TTR) between the Land Warfare Centre, RHQ REME and DSEME over the past several years. The next stage of that work is well underway, with DSEME creating formal statements for Phase 2 training and, crucially, mapping that to external accreditation standards. Without going into the full details, where possible this will see our trades mapped to a mix of Level 2 and 3 civilian-recognised standards, such as Engineering Technician Standard Mechatronics, Metal Fabricator, or Engineering Operative, and with organisations such as the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport. Where our trades do not map to an equivalent civilian standard, we are engaging with the likes of the Defence Awarding Organisation and the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education to develop Defence-focused ones instead.

The TTR also identified two new REME (Land) generic roles: Supervisor and Senior Supervisor. While there is still work required to iron out the wrinkles, to decide precisely what is in and out of scope, we are aiming to produce Supervisor and Senior Supervisor courses. The first will develop Corporals to allow them to operate in an ES environment at Fitter Section level and provide ES specific skills required to supplement the Army Leadership Development Programme. The second will similarly develop Sergeants, enabling them to be effective at Platoon or head of department level. Our hope is that this will be provided via a blended solution taking advantage of some centralised training at MOD Lyneham and distance online learning.

Our intent with all of this is to develop whole life learning and accreditation, throughout the REME career path; which may be bespoke or a matter of accruing qualification credits towards a final Level 6 degree. In support of this, DSEME’s parent organisation, the Defence College of Technical Training, has recently released a contract opportunity for Higher Education (HE) Institutions to bid to become external accreditation providers for DCTT, including REME HE training.

Lastly, I will make two pleas. Feedback is vital to what we do in DSEME, and, to us delivering motivated people with the right knowledge and skills back to the Field Force. Some of this comes to us informally via the likes of BEMEs, OCs or Trade Champions. Much of it comes via InVal or ExVal, so do please provide comment against that if you are asked. However, whatever the route, if you are not getting the people you need from us, or you know that a certain course is not fit for purpose, then please speak up, and we will act. Finally, I am hugely proud of the amazing things we do at DSEME, but that is entirely reliant on having an enthusiastic, dedicated, and professional permanent staff. I need the absolute best the Corps has to offer, to train our next generation and lay the foundations for the Corps’ enduring success. If you think you have what it takes then please volunteer to join our team, and make sure your chain of command recommends you for it in your SJAR or OJAR. I look forward to seeing you at MOD Lyneham soon.

Armourer during Trade Training

Recovery Mechanics

Careers and Employment Support Event

Wednesday 18 Oct 23

Open to all REME service leavers currently in the rese琀lement, REME reservists, and veterans are also invited to a琀end.

A fantas琀c opportunity to engage with companies that have an Engineering and Technical focus.

For service leavers, this is an excellent networking opportunity to assist with the transi琀on into civilian employment.

Sponsored By

The event will be held in the Ca琀erick Garrison Leisure Centre, DL9 3EL. The majority of exhibitors a琀ending are na琀onal companies and have vacancies available across the

If you are interested in a琀ending this event, please contact info@rajareme.org

Craftsman is YOUR magazine…

The

Air your views and submit your news. The Editor welcomes all stories –from REME Sport or raising money for the REME Charity to Exercises and Operations or personal stories from serving personnel and veterans. Please see the contents page for details on how to submit your story.

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover

Simon Brown

The Corps motto Arte et Marte, by skill and by fighting, refers to the demand for REME personnel to deliver engineering effect under fire and in the heat of battle. But it can also reflect a mindset and a mantra for REME personnel through life – in service and post service. Few reflect this more clearly than Simon Brown.

Simon Brown joined the Army in May 1997 at the age of 18, going through basic training at Pirbright Depot before moving to Bordon to train as an ‘A Mech’ Vehicle Mechanic. After completing his initial trade training Simon served the Corps in Munster, Fallingbostel, Catterick and operationally in Kosovo and 2 tours of Iraq.

In 2006 Simon was a Corporal serving with 2 Lancs LAD deployed on Op TELIC 9 in Iraq as a Vehicle Commander. He was based in Basra. On one fateful day, Simon was tasked to go from his Basra base to recover a stranded Bulldog with personnel on board in his Warrior 513. Under occasional hostile fire, Simon and his team connected his Warrior up to the Bulldog, and were about to set off back to base when dust was kicked up into the air as other vehicles in the patrol left the location. Simon’s Driver shouted that he couldn’t see through the dust. Simon had tried using the

sighting system and other methods to assist but they were no use, and so he raised his head out of the Cupola to try and provide guidance so his Warrior could avoid any hazards on route. It was then that Simon was hit by a sniper’s round through his left cheek.

Simon was evacuated back to Basra and subsequently to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham and spent the next 17 days in an induced coma. This incident took the sight in his left eye and constrained vision in his right eye to just 20%. Naturally yet sadly, this permanent injury led to his discharge from the Army in 2010. Returning home to Morley near Leeds, Simon had to try and rebuild his life and adapt to his new circumstances.

Simon bought his grandparents’ house to be near his family; it also helped that he was familiar with the town and area which meant he was better

Simon Brown

Simon’s x-ray

Scribe: Simon Brown

parade and other Civic events that offered Simon the opportunity to do even more for fellow Veterans. Through his membership of the Morley Town Council, Simon joined the community support committee, which considers applications from local community groups for financial assistance; really valuable and worthwhile work that improved the lives of many in the community.

May 2023 was an election year, where all councillors have to go before the public. Of the 7 candidates, Simon polled the second highest number showing his high public standing. As the Town Council starts its 4 year-term they elected a Civic Mayor & Deputy, and Simon was proud to have been nominated and elected as Deputy Town Mayor for this year. The role is an ambassadorial one, and Simon is already attending events in Morley and across the Yorkshire region to represent his home town.

Having initially enlisted as a full-time career soldier, Simon like many others who suffered permanent injury has had to adapt and come to terms with his life-changing circumstances. Incredibly, he has learnt to live with his disability and continued to thrive in life and in service to his community. “You have to get up not give up – by skill and by fighting” says the Corps motto and that is something that still motivates him. No matter what life throws at us we must learn the skills to deal with it and always fight to overcome adversity.

able to navigate around his surroundings. In civvies he initially found work with a youth offending team, an important and fulfilling role, but in 2012 an even better opportunity arose for him that reconnected him with his military family. He was appointed into a role with Blind Veterans UK, a charity which offers a bespoke service, providing rehabilitation, training, practical advice and emotional support for life. This new role gave Simon a new purpose in life and the satisfaction of helping other veterans in need.

In his local community, Simon also became active in the Royal British Legion, becoming RBL Branch Chairman, supporting British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association (BLESMA), becoming patron of the Defence Medical Welfare Service and committing significant time to the GP/Veteran healthcare programmes. He also helped set up the Leeds Rhinos physical disability Rugby league team. He now coaches this team and is a Rugby league community Coach.

You would think that would keep him busy enough, but in 2022 he was asked by members of Morley Town Council if he would be interested in filling a vacancy on the council. Town Councils fulfil a useful role in supporting their communities and Morley has a well-attended Remembrance

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Simon

playing for Leeds Rhinos physical disability Rugby league team

Simon as a young soldier

Corps News

Apprenticeship Updates

RHQ Plans Team

SO2 Plans – Maj Timothy Kent (from mid-August)

SO2 Engineering Assurance – Gapped

Plans WO – WO2 (AQMS) Jamie Haddon

Plans Artificer – SSgt Andy Chammings

The RHQ Plans Team oversees the delivery of Technical Training to our soldiers, which in turn, directly impacts on our involvement with Apprenticeships. Over recent years some of the apprenticeship pathways have changed for the better, which have enabled our soldiers to be more knowledgeable at trade and more importantly allowing them to achieve better qualifications. The following article is an update in the following areas.

VM Class 1 and Loading

Due to the policy change regarding Vehicle Inspections at Unit level, Level 3 learning is now required before learners can commence their Class 1 course. This is to align the trade with the Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency’s (DVSA) accepted Inspector qualifications. This means that the Engineering Technician apprenticeship or an equivalent qualification is required before commencing the Inspections phase of the Class 1 course (D827).

Once a learner has completed their apprenticeship and have received their Apprenticeship Certificate it is CRITICAL this information is uploaded on to JPA (as per ASCO 3232 Annex D).

More information can be found within JSP 822 Chap 8 para 3.6. This is the mechanism RHQ/REME Soldier Wing are using to screen applicants before they commence their Class 1 course.

Frameworks Apprenticeship News

For those learners who are on Frameworks Apprenticeship Programme, a deadline has been set by the Apprenticeship Certificates England (ACE) body, therefore all modules need to be complete by 31st December 2024, with all certificates claimed by 31st March 2025. Those that do not complete by this date will be removed from programme. For anyone who is unsure about their timelines or pathway please liaise with your Field Assessor or Unit Rep.

Standards Apprenticeship News

For those learners who commenced their apprenticeship after July 2020, the Standards Apprenticeship is the new programme which replaced the Frameworks Apprenticeship. The End Point Assessment (EPA) will be in place from March 2024, allowing the learner to complete their Apprenticeship; this affects all level 3 trade groups (VMs, Tech Elecs, AV Techs, AC Techs and Mtsms). When confirmed it will be updated in Corps Instruction E8 Annex D, and Field Assessors will be able to provide assistance; this will become apparent when the learner goes to Gateway.

When the ‘Standards’ Apprenticeship scheme became Level 3 learning, there was an upgraded requirement for Level 3 Maths as well, for those VMs and Metalsmiths who have missed out on the Level 3 Maths at DSEME. Babcock have planned a 3-week Maths course package which will be taught in the main Garrison locations; the first course will commence in Tidworth from 4th September ‘23, with further courses being planned in Catterick and Tidworth (dates awaiting confirmation). Once up and running, these courses will run every 4 weeks with a course loading of 12 students at a time. Unit reps will be informed of the course dates and can load accordingly, the Level 3 Maths course only applies to VMs and Metalsmiths

The three-week Maths course will allow learners to achieve their Knowledge Diploma, which will enable them to complete their apprenticeship. This will affect those learners which were on their basic trade course between July 2020 and 30th January 2023. All learners requiring Level 3 Maths are being tracked by the RHQ Plans and Babcock teams. If you have any questions, please email the RHQ Plans team.

RHQ SharePoint Webpage

In addition to this article, the ‘Whole Life Development’ tab on the RHQ REME SharePoint and Defence Connect (RHQ REME) have been updated with the information detailed below. Unit Reps will receive the link, which will be disseminated down.

• Course Timelines; this shows the various stages of each Pathway and the projected duration for each learner.

• ASCO 3232 (Annex D); shows the Apprentice journey under the new ‘Standards’ as a flowchart, which shows who is responsible at each stage.

• Mentor Guidance; a useful handout to highlight responsibilities for the Mentor and CoC.

• FAQs; highlighting the most common questions aimed at Learners, Mentors and CoC/Line Managers.

• ‘In-Learners’ spreadsheet for Unit Reps; this is based on a snapshot from the MAYTAS learning Hub, showing all the current Learners, their Units, together with, their Planned End Date (PED). Unit Reps will have access to this document; which they can use to update and track progress, provide comments/ask questions, and, provide feedback.

• Feedback form, if you have any concerns regarding your Field Assessor or Learner, this can be used and submitted to the RHQ Plans Team.

Apprenticeships by Numbers

• Circa. 2,300 Apprentices currently undergoing an apprenticeship scheme

• Circa. 600 Apprentices at DSEME

• Circa. 120 Apprentice locations

• 7 Trades/Pathways

• Circa. 550 x Learners on the Framework Apprenticeship Scheme

Apprentice Facts

• No 1 Apprenticeship provider (REME)

• Each learner will be allocated a dedicated Assessor to support them along with a military Mentor in each unit.

• All learners are monitored throughout the programme and could be nominated for the REME Apprentice of the Year and the Army Apprentice of the Year awards.

Mentoring in progress, as per ASCO 3232 mentors should support the soldier throughout their programme and be prepared to take part in reviews and Gateway assessments to confirm the soldier's readiness for EPA

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REME ‘Apprenticeships’ on Defence Connect

•Apprenticeship Timelines

•Army Apprenticeship Policy (ASCO 3232)

•Application forms for Professional Accreditation

•Feedback Forms

•Learner, Mentor and CoC Guidance

•FAQs

Apprenticeships

QR Code Follow ‘RHQ REME’ on Defence Connect

Links to the following sites

•Corps Instructions

•REME Connect

•The Craftsman Magazine

•REME Shop

•The REME Charity

•REME Museum

RHQ REME

QR Code

Recovery Mechanics Branch Bow Shackle Ball

Saturday 30th September 2023

Easterbrook Hall, The Crichton, Dumfries, DG1 4TA

Accommodation is at the Premier Inn, Annan Road, Collin, Dumfries, DG1 3JX to be arranged by the guests themselves Open to all serving and veteran REME Recovery Mechanics

The evening event will be £45 per person

40th Foundation Anniversary 26th

November 2023

Doors open 12:00 Hrs – Doors close 17:00 Hrs

Admission £10.00 per head

Bar, Food, our regular Singer ‘Rob’ and Ex BAOR entertainer Paul Elphick with his superb disco. Come along and help us celebrate!

Please purchase tickets in advance from: Nigel Marklew – nigelmarklew@mail.com

Ex DRAGON HAMMER

Scribe: LCpl Sewell

QDG LAD arrived on Adventurous Training in March 2023. The accommodation at Rothiemurchis Lodge is located between the cold mountains of Aviemore, Scotland. The week consisted of a joyful fun packed experience of Mountain Biking, hill walking and rock climbing, of which the QDG LAD were keen to begin.

The week got off to a shaky start, with Cpl Quant being unable to keep the contents of his stomach inside his body for more than 5 minutes at a time during the journey. Once at the lodge with some time to rest and a re-hydrated Cpl Quant, everyone was able to prepare themselves for the forthcoming activities, with none more excited

than the OC, Capt Selka. The weather suddenly changed the day after we arrived, with a thick layer of snow making the whole week picturesque but freezing!

LCpl Sewell

“I’m a big fan of AT, it allows people to get away from the unit for a little while. Even though most of the time, the activities are not of your choosing, you can still get out there, make it fun and enjoy yourself. I participated in all three activities, even though heights may not be my thing I still found climbing one of the most enjoyable out of the three. Mountain Biking was definitely the most thrilling and the belief everyone was enjoying themselves watching me fall off the bike as much as I was.”

LCpl Edwards

“This was my first-time doing AT, so I wasn’t too sure what it was going to be like, but I got stuck in with each of the activities and had great fun. Even carrying a mountain bike up a massive hill for over an hour was a great laugh. The weather was certainly a shock to the system, as the previous week I’d spent in Kuwait with temperatures around 20 – 25C, then coming to Scotland it was around -10C at its worst. Glad we stuck through it, as I had a great time.”

LCpl Gage

“I believe getting onto AT is good, as it enables people the opportunity to see each other outside of their normal comfort zones. For example, I’m a foundation level Mountain Biking Instructor, going for my next qualification, so this AT allowed me to get out there and better my ability, knowledge and experience in preparation. Mountain Biking through trails with a variety of different terrains, going over jumps and down drop offs that some normally wouldn’t attempt was definitely a highlight. Plus, I had a good time with my friends.”

Cfn Chukwumaeze

“The chance to get onto AT on my first day arriving at my new unit is an experience I will cherish. It afforded me the chance to get to know most of my fellow tradesman of whom I would be working with. The activities were great for mental resilience and very interesting. There was a lot to learn as well from the hierarchy who led by example. Looking forward to more great experiences at the LAD.”

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REME Special Devices: Flail Tanks – The Crab (part one)

Scribe: Zoe Tolman, Assistant Archivist

The Crab ended up as the ultimate version of the flail tank and, thanks to its service on D-Day and throughout the campaign in North-West Europe, probably the most well-known. The design was inspired by the Scorpion Tank but had the crucial difference of taking the power for the flail drum from the main tank engine, instead of an auxiliary one. It also kept the gun turret and as such could be used as a normal tank when not flailing.

Experimental prototypes were ready for trials by the end of September 1943. Not all recommendations from the Scorpion were implemented as these tests were mainly to see how the new power configuration would work, rather than as a final product. When flailing, the Crab could run at a speed of 1.66 mph (with this only dropping by 10% when on hills), a mine detonating efficiency of 91%, and flail damage similar to those results on the Scorpion. As such, it was deemed a success and work moved ahead on the production prototype, built on the Sherman V, ready by the end of October.

At the same time, a flail tank known initially as the Octopus and later the Marquis was in prototype. This was more closely

based on the Scorpion as it still had an auxiliary engine but did address the issue of raising and lowering the rotor arms by hydraulics instead of requiring the crew to get out of their armour to do it manually. The movement was intended to avoid obstacles and for better packing in landing craft, not to follow the contours of the ground when flailing as with the Baron. The Marquis project was abandoned in October after the success of the Crab but part of it lived on as the hydraulic arms fitted on the second Crab prototype were identical to those on the Marquis.

In addition to hydraulics, the production prototype saw the arms strengthened as they were deemed ‘somewhat flimsy’ on the experimental one. Trials were satisfactory –mines laid in mud and barbed wire were successfully detonated but those in hedges were occasionally missed, the flails having a tendency to push the hedge down over the mine and protect it – but the rotor and arm were badly damaged after 27 Tellermine detonations and so increased armour in these areas was recommended. Confidence was high in the Crab however and work on the production of 300 began almost immediately, with the aim to have them ready by the end of March 1944.

The Crab Mk I

The Marquis

The second round of trials faced a new mine laying technique wherein one mine would be buried deeply under another one. The top mine was connected to the bottom one by a fuse and the idea was that a flail tank safely detonating the first would then set off the second one, by then under the belly of the tank. However, trials found that the flails would actually cut the connecting fuse unless it had been laid more than 2” below ground level. Users also found a much greater loss of flail links than previously, with one incident seeing 100 chain links and the rotor lug lost in a single detonation. This posed a major problem. While at first it was thought chains were being dashed and broken against the drum (and a series of trials were set up to test alternatives), it was later proved to simply be a decline in chain quality.

Samples were therefore sent in from the 5 different manufacturers responsible for producing the Crab’s chains and these were tested to find which ones were not working to the required specification. Each set was subject to an hour’s flailing and the resultant damage varied from 16 to 470 links lost. The best chain tested was known as the Wiggins “K” type and production shifted to match this configuration and standard. However, even if manufacturers ignored all other chain requests (such as for the Navy’s anchors), it was soon realised that it would be impossible to produce the amount of chain required for all the Crabs to have a set of chains and two spares. Thankfully, during chain trials, an alternative was proposed which used straight/plate links instead. This was found to be able to withstand 2.5 hours of flailing without serious damage and so, in February 1944, efforts turned towards this type of flail instead and the chain manufacturers were able to continue their normal jobs. Nevertheless, some production of the “K” type did continue so that it would be available in special circumstances should the plate type fail.

Unfortunately, the plate type did have an issue with knotting, though it would also quite often unknot itself as well. It was at a standard where users were happy to go to war with it, but there was time for improvements to be made and so much experimentation followed to find an improved configuration of links even while production of the original continued. The final design was not fully approved until April and became available in June – it therefore missed the landings themselves but served well in the first weeks of the battle for France with over 1,400 mines destroyed. In fact, they were so satisfied with the result of the final iteration of the plate type, production of the “K” type chain was finally fully stopped in December 1944. There was much more development on the Crab than merely the flail however, with it steadily building on lessons learnt from the other flail tanks such as with visibility and wire cutting, and in May 1944, a Crab II was eventually approved. We’ll go into all that on our next article though!

Information and pictures in this article are taken from E:05.0177.01 and E:07.0038.15.

Stages in flail development for the Crab (far right was adopted for final production)

Crab Mk I prototype

Armoured Trials and Development Unit – An Overview

Scribe and OC: Major Ed Shrimpton

The Armoured Trials and Development Unit (ATDU) has undergone some recent changes and we now come under Experimentation and Trials Group (ETG) and subsequently Land Warfare Centre. ETG offer prioritisation and support while cohering particular Trials and Development Units including the Next Generation Battle Combat Team (NGCT). In general, ATDUs purpose is:

What: We are here to Improve, Optimise, Modernise and Transform Mounted Close Combat.

Why: To generate the Capability Edge for soldiers in current and future conflicts so they can win.

How: With Proactive Inquisitiveness, Divergent Thinking and Coherent Solutions.

I am lucky enough to have the perfect team who have prepared, integrated and transformed our areas to meet current requirements. Support Squadron coordinates and executes elements of trial management and support, A&I, fast prototyping, and design solutions to meet a modern warfare approach. Enabling and setting the foundation for others to operate, we have SMEs, bespoke equipment and a huge capability with an even larger potential. Optimistic in our aspiration to reduce capability issues via Critical Operational Spares List fabrication using the Technical Engineering Branch, we offer solutions which can add longevity through modernisation and optimisation. If you wish to have a direct effect on future equipment or the modification of inService equipment, then it could be the assignment for you. We also welcome any challenge or idea directly or through Defence Ideas.

ASM – Andy Godliman

The ATDU Support Squadron ASMs role is broad and complex. Primarily working in support of the Officer Commanding, Support, I also oversee the management of a diverse armoured reference fleet, cohere a hive of engineering output through the Technical Engineering Branch and provide technical and safety advice to trial activity.

I often assist the Unit Subject Matter Expert’s (SME) in providing a REME technical appreciation of new and emerging capabilities. In the last year, Current and Future Force streams have seen REME personnel viewing hybridisation prototypes at Millbrook proving ground. Pushing the boundaries of what is possible with the retro fitment of hybridisation technology, converted Foxhound and Jackal platforms will soon be hosted for trial at ATDU. The contract to fully electrify two Protected Land Rover RWIMKs has recently been awarded to the Babcock Defence Support Group (BDSG) under Project LURCHER and will be trialled by ATDU. This early work seeks to discover the benefits and constraints of fully electrifying military platforms. This has led to ATDU working alongside Royal Engineers Trials and Development Unit (RETDU) in scoping numerous power management and distribution technologies. This cross TDU collaboration saw my involvement with the All-Terrain electric Mission Module (ATeMM), a rigidly fixed trailer containing a large power bank – an extremely impressive concept.

I am only scratching the surface of recent work… Alongside business as usual I am the Project Manager for an ATDU designed and developed Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) Mission Module Lifting (M3L) solution. The project is the result of a feasibility study to supplement current module lifting

ASM Godliman – 2nd from left with the IAV presentation team

OC Sp Sqn (Maj Ed Shrimpton) – Just finished the Lifting The Decks Challenge

capability. Working closely with industry and the Acceptance Team, we hope to imminently start the in-house manufacture of a concept demonstrator.

The breadth and depth of opportunity for REME personnel at ATDU is huge; design, manufacture, trial and engineering management are our core business. I am supported by an excellent team of REME tradesmen and women in the most creative engineering environment I’ve had the privilege of working in.

SSgt Leo Somerville

As the only Artificer Vehicle Mechanic in ATDU I am the Heavy Armoured SME and automotive advisor and engage with industry on potential trials. One of my main responsibilities is to ensure that all of our armoured platforms are ready for all trials and experimentation that come through ATDU. The Unit has provided a fantastic opportunity to get involved in Trials Management. Two of the most personally meaningful trials that I have completed while in post were both improvements in health and safety. Firstly, Warrior Noise & Vibration trial, working alongside the Defence Science and Technology Laboratories (DSTL) to conduct comparative testing as part of the wider Army’s investigation in to hearing damage reduction. The other was an investigation into the requirement of a ladder on CR2, which resulted in a successful design, trial and report, awaiting fielding. Working at ATDU has allowed me to make a direct difference to the British Army’s future capabilities and it has been an amazing assignment of professional and personal development; incorporating project management, design and applying all of the good stuff from the Artificer Course.

International Armoured Vehicle Conference

One of many examples of ATDUs involvement with external agencies was the involvement at the International Armoured Vehicle (IAV) conference held in Twickenham Stadium in Jan 23. The largest dedicated conference of its type, the IAV conference annually brings together 750+ Defence and industry leaders, with a military cohort

comprising of force and operational Commanders, acquisition officials, requirement-setters, capability development experts, and technology leaders from within both the Army and the Defence Science and Technology Community. Annually attracting an international attendance of more than 40 nations, the forum helps catalyse developments and new military methods as the debate of the role of Armour in Multi-Domain Warfare, and by extension, the way we will fight tomorrow continues.

LCpl Ross Hepworth

As a Class 1 Vehicle Mechanic (VM), I was assigned to the AJAX Reliability Trials Team (ARTT) primarily as an APOLLO driver. However, as a Vehicle Mechanic, I am also in charge of servicing and maintaining ATDUs Reference Fleet. Working on platforms such as the CRARRV, Challenger 2, Jackal, Panther, and Foxhound has allowed me to broaden my trade knowledge and gain exposure to more complex vehicles. I have had some great opportunities to expand my knowledge and I have participated in everything from Heavy-Unmanned Ground Vehicle experimentation to Electric Vehicle (EV) conversion of the Landover with Project LURCHER. As AJAX progresses, I have recently contributed to the ATLAS and its winching capability. This provided an opportunity to evaluate the winch’s performance and identify any areas that could be improved for future platform drops. This kind of hands-on experience has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the engineering principles behind the trials and the knowledge needed to troubleshoot any issues that arise.

Cpl ‘Tails’ Taylor

I was assigned into ATDU as an ATLAS driver with the ARTT. However, I also help Support Squadron with day-to-day operations and trial activities. One of the more recent trials I assisted with was the traction chain trial on the MASTIFF, RIDGEBACK and WOLFHOUND platforms for usage in Estonia. This involved everything from fit, form and function to Army Engineering Support Publication (AESP) amendment and comment to ensuring the equipment was well suited for purpose. The trial was successful, and the report culminated with amendments to the AESP ready for the embodiment of equipment onto the fleet currently out in Estonia.

Sgt Jamie Reith

I act as ES Ops, PP&C and complete the daily maintenance as the ATDU VM under Support Squadron. To achieve the output necessary on the Reference Fleet and the continuous trial activity, I rely on ARTT personnel when they are between trials and tasks. Some tasks such as the Lifting the Decks Challenge, run by LCpl Jacob Taylor this

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A day without winching is like…

SSgt Leo Somerville proud of his CR2 ladder

year, helps unite us as a team. Whilst I am extremely thankful for their support, this also allows them to grow skills and return to the Field Force, current and competent.

Our fleet is broad, some key platforms being, an OES CR2, CRARRV, FHD, PCLV, Jackal, SVR and the usual generic fleet to top it off. I provide a wide range of guidance and insight to the trials that are held here. CR2 final drive seal testing and the removal of Jackal 2 differential assemblies for ProDrive upgrade are two recent instances; designed to improve maintenance and increase safety. We have strong relationships with industry and external agencies as a unit, and I continue to ensure these are maintained. A significant relationship has been grown with BDSG Bovington where their assistance has been exemplary and having the opportunity to observe the entire Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) process was incredible.

Sgt Jake Burns

Employed as ATDUs only Optronics Technician, I assist Sgt Reith with any complex optronics challenges on the Reference Fleet. I am critical to the integration of some potential industrial equipment and software into British Army vehicles. Some key responsibilities have been designing and manufacturing cable systems and power LRUs to ensure the proper operation of external equipment included into our ever-expanding fleet of vehicles. When time permits and I am not exploiting the local area Canoeing and Kayaking or playing Hockey, I offer a Trade Development Package (TDP) to REME Bn’s in which I focus on fault finding and armour experience across many systems. This is a fantastic opportunity for Technicians to broaden their trade knowledge and technical competence in order to help their unit and future postings. If you would like more information, please contact me and I will coordinate another, at a time convenient to your Forecast of Events.

SSgt Moffat

ATDU recently hosted the Heavy Uncrewed Ground Vehicle (HUGV) competition on the Bovington Training Area (BTA). The challenge was to provide an insight into the capabilities and limitations of three different platforms from across industry on the arduous terrain offered on the BTA. Three platforms, respectively from Milrem, Elbit Systems and Rheinmetall conducted a host of different serials including, factory acceptance testing, cross country capabilities, driver skill, sighting capabilities (day/night) and the platforms endurance. The challenge highlighted both weaknesses and strengths. Overall, the three concept teams involved in the challenge delivered good results and showed that the future of HUGVs is a bright one. This competition presented me with a host of technical challenges to overcome. As Trials Manager it proved demanding to formalise and bring to fruition but was a huge success to industry and has helped pave the way for advances in technology. The

Jackal Electrics – Sgt Jake Burns earning his money when not at Hockey or Canoeing

AT Jul Heavy UGVs contenders compared to a Challenger 2

Sgt Jamie Reith loving CR2 Final drives

Cpl Thapa

At ATDU, I am one of five Recovery Mechanics. All five of us are here in a primary role to help with AJAX trials. As the recovery SME, I participate in ATLAS trials, a new version of the Recovery Vehicle in the AJAX platform range, working alongside General Dynamics in testing and growth trials. We have a difficult balance in fulfilling both our primary role and assisting in the Recovery required to all ATDU trials and experimentation using Support Squadrons CRARRV and SV(R). This has been a particularly interesting assignment for me because of the nuances with AJAX recovery and utilising the larger platforms in general. Nonetheless, it has been a superb opportunity, and I am looking forward to the next future armoured platform that I will be able to support.

Sgt Michelle Foster

Support Squadron has one Class 1 Armourer and my role comprises of giving SME guidance on all active trials and Squadron operations. I am an armoured platform specialist who has spent most of my career on the Challenger 2. I assist with range operations, provide ES to the unit’s small weapons stocks, contributed trade expertise to current trials, and most important of all – became a Mother. I was on maternity leave from May 22 to Feb 23, raising my Daughter Quinn, which has been the most challenging yet wonderful experience of my life. Now that I’m back at work, I’ll be brushing up on my trade skills and hoping to participate in unit trials, once again driving change and efficiency.

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Sgt Foster with Daughter Quinn

Sgt Michelle Foster – Happy to be back at work

Cpl Thapa taking time out of recovery for the Lifting the Decks Challenge

AJAX recovery – Cpl Thapa

Heavy UGV Trials Team. L-R_LCpl Hepworth, LCpl Taylor, SSgt Moffat, LCpl Stallwood lessons learnt will be re-run on the e-Remote Pilot Vehicle challenge now in the planning stage.

SSgt Andy Jones

The TEB includes our Master Welder (Stan) a Fitter/Turner (Hanah) the TEB Manager (Digby). The team work closely together to support trials and to give fabrication solutions and designs to assist industry or to develop in-house solutions and prototypes. To do this, we are always improving our ability to produce current and effective solutions while employing both old and modern production processes. We are lucky enough to hold a Fibre Laser Cutter, a Laser Engraver, and numerous 3D printers (Stratasys and MarkForged) and soon to have the CNC Lathe and 5-Axis Mill installed. We offer CAD models and stress simulations in a variety of programmes and are always delighted to consult with a multi-dimensional approach to challenges to ensure successful results. If you need assistance in a prototype or a design solution, please contact me and we can look to offer some assistance.

SSgt Andy Jones creating the ATDU 3D print room

Cpl Taylor assisting on the Snow Chain Trial in a torrential downpour

The TEB Crew (L-R Digby, Hanah & Stan) with the CR2 ladder trial show piece

LCpl Crees running some EC training

Team 1 – Lifting the Decks (L-R Cpl Thapa, Sgt Sutton, Cpl Muir, LCpl Taylor, Cpl Taylor, Sgt Burns)

This year’s Dinner Night promises to be a fantastic get together as always.

You will be pleased to know that Maj General David Eastman MBE has agreed to be our guest of honour this year.

The event will be held at the RMB Chivenor Officers Mess on Fri 06 Oct 2023 between 18.00 - 23.59

Mess dress for those serving and black tie for all other guests.

In order to ensure this evening is a success please complete the survey linked to the QR Code below by NLT 01 Sep 23.

The individual cost of the evening, payment information and a detailed MEL will be distributed once attendance numbers are confirmed.

Founder’s Day 2023 at the Royal Hospital Chelsea

Scribe: The Editor

Iwas privileged to be invited to Founder’s Day at the Royal Hospital Chelsea on Thursday 8th June. A small group of REME personnel, Civil Servants and REME Charity employees left MoD Lyneham at 7am for the long journey to London.

The event has taken place almost every year since the Royal Hospital opened in 1692 and is also known as Oak Apple Day. The Oak reference honours the escape of the future King Charles II after the Battle of Worcester in

In-Pensioners on their mobility buggies

His Majesty’s speech

Formal invitation

courtesy

1651 when he hid in an oak tree to avoid capture by the Parliamentary forces and this is why the Chelsea Pensioners wear oak leaves on their renowned scarlet uniforms and why guests are also offered an oak leaf on Founder’s Day. Arriving in London in plenty of time, we took our seats. The King of the Belgians, accompanied by his Wife Queen Mathilde, was the royal Guest of Honour. His Majesty delivered a rousing speech touching on the shared history of Belgium and the United Kingdom and

included a tribute to Ukrainian soldiers. The King’s speech concluded on a more hopeful note, with the King quoting William Gladstone: “We look forward to the time when the Power of Love will replace the Love of Power. Then will our world know the blessings of peace.”

After the ceremony there was the opportunity to mingle with the Chelsea Pensioners and staff of the Hospital and the garden marquee was a pleasant venue to enjoy a picnic lunch and a glass of champagne on a lovely, warm June afternoon, before the long trek back to Lyneham. I would advise anybody to accept any such invitations they receive as this was such a memorable and prestigious event.

Thank you to Major (Retired) Geordie Wright-Rivers for organising the day for us.

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On parade

Standing to attention (photo courtesy of the Royal Hospital Chelsea)

Their Majesties (photo

of the Royal Hospital Chelsea)

24 COMMANDO SPEED MARCH

Intro

On the 9th March 2023, 24 Cdo Wksps set off on the annual pilgrimage to compete in the Commando Speed March. A charity event held in the Scottish Highlands, the race follows the footsteps of the first Commandos as they set about the preliminary test of reaching Achnacarry House from the train station in under an Hour. A total distance of 6.7 miles over arduous terrain whilst carrying 36 lbs, it is certainly no easy task with those who failed immediately returned to unit. Although now a much friendlier event, the challenge of meeting the hour mark very much remains.

Event Preparation & Cultural Visit

The original training grounds of the Commandos and an event steeped in history, we travelled up early to the event in order to make the most of it.

Conducting a recce of the route, we first visited the Commando memorial. Looking over Ben Nevis, it truly gave us an appreciation of the hardships they endured throughout their training. Dartmoor, although full of its own pleasantries, really does struggle to compare.

Further along the route, we encountered landing points where they practised amphibious assaults from the nearby Loch as well as Achnacarry House itself, the home of the Commandos.

Scribe: LCpl Jack Smith

24 Commando Workshops team

Achnacarry House

The Race

With over 200 individuals taking part from units across the UK and Europe, the race began to the sound of Bagpipes and with it the mad dash up the mile climb to the memorial. As the memorial appeared over the horizon with the “United We Conquer” clear to see, to say you feel a sense of pride is an understatement. With the overall team position dictated by individual positions, every place counts and being the only REME Cdo Unit, pride was certainly on the line. After 5 more miles of undulating terrain, we passed through the gates to the Achnacarry estate and we again welcomed by the sound of Bagpipes as we approached the finishing line. With all of the five scoring runners from the Wksp (CASM included) finishing in under the hour and Capt Pratt achieving 2nd place in a time of 48:13, we secured a top 10 finish against units much larger than ourselves.

For those who are up for the challenge, the Commando Speed March is a unique and rewarding experience. Equally for those who aspire to go one step further and undertake the All Arms Commando Course please contact SSgt McCluskey for information on the upcoming Commando screening weeks and 24 Cdo Engr Regt Beat-up courses. UNITED WE CONQUER.

Spean Bridge Memorial

SSgt McCluskey digging out to make it under the hour

The duty ‘arms crossed’ photo at the finish line

SSgt Cole getting passed by the CASM

Ex NORMANDY LANDING

Exercise NORMANDY LANDING 23 was a Low-level Parachute (LLP) insertion training exercise in Normandy to mark the 79th anniversary of D-Day; it also coincided with the D-Day memorial parade. This exercise was split into 3 phases; ground training at RAF Brize Norton, a live sim-stick descent onto Sannerville Drop Zone (DZ) from a C-130 aircraft, followed by a memorial service held at the Ranville War Cemetery. Already a special event, this day marked the last

parachute descent from a C-130 aircraft, an aircraft which retires from service on 30th June 2023. We were also accompanied by several senior officers, including Commander 16 Air Assault Brigade, Brig Cowley and COS-Fd-Army,

Scribe: Cpl Henry - 2 PARA LAD

C-130 on Ex NL 23

Cpl Henry Pre-parachute descent

Before the jump

WO1 Rose, Maj Mortimore, Cpl Booth and Cpl Henry

The C-130 Hercules

The C-130 Hercules is a versatile military transport aircraft that has gained legendary status for its exceptional performance and enduring service throughout the years.

Developed by Lockheed Martin, the C-130 has been a workhorse in the world of aviation since its first flight in 1966.

Initially designed as a tactical transport aircraft to fulfil the USAF’s requirements, the C-130 quickly caught the attention of air forces worldwide, including the UK. The RAF recognised its adaptability and reliability; leading to widespread deployment and utilisation within the British Army.

One of the C-130’s distinguishing features is its ability to operate from unprepared or rough airstrips; enabling access to remote and challenging locations that would otherwise be inaccessible. This capability has been vital in supporting the UK’s humanitarian missions, disaster relief efforts, and military operations in demanding environments; both at home and abroad. Some notable UK operations in which the C-130 Hercules has been involved include:

• Operation GRANBY (Gulf War, 1990-1991)

• Operation TELIC (Iraq War, 2003-2011)

• Operation HERRICK (Afghanistan War, 2001-2014)

• Operation SHADER (Military intervention against ISIS, 2014-present)

The C-130 Hercules stands as an iconic aircraft within the UK’s aviation landscape. Its robust construction, versatile capabilities, and enduring performance have made it an invaluable asset for the military. No matter what the scenario, the C-130’s contributions have solidified its position as one of the most respected and widely used military transport aircraft in British aviation history.

Sannerville DZ

Sannerville DZ, located in Normandy, played a crucial role during the D-Day landings of World War II. It served as a landing site for the British 6th Airborne Division, allowing them to secure key objectives and establish defensive positions behind enemy lines. The drop zone provided a strategic location, strategically positioned between the Orne and Dives rivers, allowing the British forces to disrupt German defences and pave the way for the subsequent ship arrivals along the Normandy coast.

The successful capture of Sannerville Drop Zone was vital in securing the eastern flank of the invasion zone; allowing the British to establish a defensive perimeter and secure critical bridges, most notably the Pegasus Bridge, as well as hindering German reinforcements. Today, it stands as a testament to the bravery of the Allied forces and the historic events of D-Day.

My Descent

We arrived the day before the jump for ground training; a muchneeded refresher for the descent as I hadn’t jumped in five months. After a Round Robin of landings, flight swings and aircraft drills, we finished for the day at around 1700 hrs. Our next timing was 0300 hrs, to be ready to board the aircraft. By this time, we all had Carrying Straps Personal Equipment Parachutist (CSPEP) on our kits, parachutes fitted, and reserves ready for the parachute jumps instructor (PJI) to complete our kit check, prior to boarding. Additionally, before we boarded the C-130, we were given our green light warning order by the Brigade Commander…

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Photo from Ranville War Cemetery

16X BASM WO1 Rose and 16X BEME, Maj Mortimore pre-parachute descent

Cpl Booth with some members of the welcome party

‘You are about to carry out a parachute descent. You are to jump when the green light is displayed. Failure to do so constitutes disobeying a direct order and disciplinary action will be taken against you. In the event of the green light failing to operate the number 1 will be dispatched on order of the PJI. You are to follow in your stick order and carry out a parachute descent. Failure to do so constitutes disobeying a direct order and disciplinary action will be taken against you.’ …Ally.

Wheels up by 0600 hrs in stick order, and we were in flight for around 20 minutes before receiving the timing P40, ‘Prepare for Action’. On this instruction, everyone’s kit was distributed, attached to their leg and clipped onto their equipment strap, awaiting the next timing, P6. I was stick 4 so was waiting a little while before getting this, once I got the timing, I clipped my kit and my reserve

chute to my harness and carried out my equipment checks… then told my back leg to stop doing the Elvis dance. Next timing was called, indicating 2 minutes till the jump. The doors opened, and we were given the weather, light and variable (Below 5 knots but unpredictable direction). Next, we received the 1 minute, prepare for action order. We braced forward and shuffled to the door. Our final timing, 30 seconds, stood in the door waiting for a green light. Driving out of the para step means hitting an unavoidable slip stream on the side exit of the C-130. After the compulsory count, I looked up to check my canopy. I completed my compulsory flight drills, dropped my container, and prepared for landing. Looking down I saw I was landing onto the part of the DZ where the farmers’ green bean crops were growing very well… not so ally. After packing away my chute, sorting my kit, fighting though 7ft green bean crops, 40 minutes later I was off the DZ and welcomed by Veterans, a band, some tea and biscuits from locals and French customs for a stamp in my passport, you couldn’t make it up. Finally, we hopped on to the coaches and headed to Ranville War Cemetery for a memorial service.

Ranville War Cemetery

The memorial was held at Ranville war cemetery. Ranville was the first village to be liberated on D-Day by the British 6th Airborne Division. It now contains 2,236 burials, 48 of which are unidentified. There was an hour-long service to pay our respects and remember all those that give their everything for our today.

Conclusion

Ex NORMANDY LANDING 23 was a great day for the soldiers from 16X that were lucky enough to partake in not only a fantastic memorial and opportunity to retain parachute currency, but also give a famous aircraft the send-off it deserves.

Cpl Booth Pegasus Bridge

16X BEME Maj Mortimore, BASM WO1 Rose with officers from 2 PARA and 13 AASR in the ground training hanger at RAF Brize Norton

Where are they now?

Alexander “Alec” Beveridge

Alec sadly passed away in January.

Mrs Janet Beveridge is looking for anybody who knows where and when it was taken, she thinks the Mess photo dates from 1970s or early 1980s. Alec is the second from the left at the back with a moustache. If anybody recognises themselves or a colleague please get in touch via the Editor. All replies will be forward on to Mrs Beveridge.

People’s Stories

Scribe: Major Michael Strong REME (retired)

It is probably only a coincidence that my Army career took a sharp downturn in 1984 for reasons much as George Orwell had predicted. I was serving in a unit where the job I was required to do bore no relation to the actual job description. It suffices to say that it required my fluency in the French and German languages, which was lacking in, but was needed by, my first reporting officer.

One day in 1984 I was in my room in the officer’s mess when came a knock on the door. I opened the door to see two men in smart civilian clothes. One said to me:

“ We are military policemen sir. I am SSgt Williams* and this is Sgt Wilson*. I am sorry, sir, but we have to search your room.”

This was something new to me. My immediate thought was that I had nothing to hide and that someone had made a mistake. I said, “Oh, - - OK, come in.” They did so and being a bit unsure what the form was on such occasions, I said “ Can I get you some coffee? “ (They were my guests, after all). Williams said “No thank you sir” and they began their search of my room. After a few moments, I said “If you tell me what you are looking for, maybe I can help you.” Williams said “We have been told to find out if you are a homosexual, sir. Are you a homosexual? I said (truthfully) “No, quite the opposite”. They continued their search anyway, looking under the bed, opening drawers, the wardrobe and the laundry basket but finding nothing of interest to them.

They then came to a small pile of junk mail including some that had not yet been opened. Williams found a sheet of paper with a drawing of a strange garment on it. I had not seen it before. To my horror the ghastly thing had handles on each end of a strap across the chest. It did not require much imagination in that situation to realise that I was in trouble. “ What’s this, sir?” asked Williams. I had no idea what it was, and I said so. Gravely, Williams said “Well, we are taking this away with us, sir, and we want you to write a statement giving the full story of your life and social contacts.

We will collect it for typing at 3 pm this afternoon.” They then departed.

In some desperation, I tried to think how I could prove that I was not a homosexual. How the hell do you do that? Clearly, I had to lay bare all my history with the fair sex, naming names including those who were now married. One of the MPs collected my statement that afternoon.

A few days later Williams and Wilson returned and Williams told me that the drawing was called “Tony Uragallo’s Jumpsuit” and it was a sort of shirt worn in freefall parachuting. Having already seen all the revelations in my statement, Sergeant Wilson said “Sir, I just want you to know that I still have full respect for you as an officer.” I said “Thank you, that means a lot to me.” Williams said “ Sir, I feel I should also tell you that you could now sue for what has happened here. If you do, I hope you will not have any complaint about me and Sgt Wilson?” It seemed to be a question, so I said “No, you were both very polite.”

I decided to do nothing about it at the time, but for the remainder of my Army career I decided that I should seek the company only of women on Army social occasions. Several months later I was posted to another unit but soon afterwards I had a phone call from my previous CO. He was worried that he had mis-reported me somehow. I was able to confirm and prove that was so and he rang off abruptly. I had spoken to him without rancour, because we had worked long together on his French/ German project as friends. He had simply made a mistake. A few days later I was upset to hear that he had committed suicide. I don’t know why. This, however, scuppered any thoughts about suing anyone. I decided to resign from the Army a few years prematurely at the age of 51 in June 1988. A sad end to it all, but there were far brighter things to come in my following years as a civilian.

* Names changed

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Potteries & District

June 2023 Newsletter

Scribe: Maurice Hope

June provided a mixed bag of events for the members of the Branch, from breakfasts to lunches, Armed Forces Day celebrations and sadly also a funeral for a long-standing branch member.

The month started off with the third monthly meetup of the North Staffs REME Breakfast Club at the Toby Carvery in Trentham. The Club had been started by new Branch member Adrian Walker three months ago and has slowly grown with a dozen ex members of the Corps coming together this month, with more adding their names weekly. A new venue at The Hungry Horse (Weathervane Pub) in Meir is being lined up to accommodate the increasing numbers.

The beauty of this Club is that it means we have a readymade source of new Branch members likely to join us. Having already recruited Adrian Walker, Lt Col Roly Love, Steve Maund and Alun Scott in recent months, we can hopefully increase that number.

On Wednesday 7th June several Branch members took advantage of a free trip organised by the Tri-Services and Veterans Centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme to visit the Royal Armouries Museum at Leeds. This has to be an absolute must for anyone visiting the area, and similar to the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) at Alrewas it needs at least two or three visits to really take in what is on offer. A huge modern five storey building that houses the nations collection of over 4,500 items of small arms and armour, worn both by man and animals in war, and the best part, unlike so many other museums and displays it is completely free.

Our monthly Branch lunch event for June 2023 attracted a dozen members to our first visit to a village country pub organised by Branch Vice President Lt Col John Edwards, to the Fitzherbert Arms in the village of Swynnerton, an area not unknown to generations of squaddies who have trained at weekends at the nearby Cold Meece Training camp, on the site of the old Royal Ordnance Factory. The big house in the village is the stately pile of Lord Stafford, whose family has owned most of the surrounding land since before the Civil War. The venue, although nice and oldy worldly inside, boasts three bars, two dining areas and accommodation. It was particularly nice to see Branch members Ian and Ann Richardson who dropped in on their way back home to Melton Mowbray, having journeyed North to see family in the Lake District.

Saturday the 17th saw several Branch members attend the annual Arborfield Old Boys Association get together parade and service held at the Army Apprentice Memorial at the NMA in Alrewas. Branch Standard

Sadly, in the last year, no fewer than 61 “Old Boys” have passed away, which possibly explains why the attendance numbers were well in excess of past years.

Bereaved family members boosted the numbers, which included the Daughter of Olympic Pentathlon Gold Medallist Jeremy (Jim) Fox, an ex-Army Apprentice from Hadrian’s Camp, Carlisle.

Wednesday 21st was the funeral of Branch member Michael John Fryer (Mike) whose obituary is printed in the Craftsman. He had been a Branch member for twenty years before the onset of dementia was first diagnosed in 2016, and in 2018 Mike and Wife Denise moved south to Warminster to be closer to their Daughters. Sadly, as the illness progressed he had to go into a care home where he passed

Bearer Mr Gil Mould paraded our Branch Standard at the head of the parade and at the drumhead service at the National Army Apprentice Memorial.

Branch President Maurice Hope with VIP Mrs Shellagh McKierman, the Deputy Major of Staffordshire East borough Council on Armed Forces Day

The late Mike Fryer whose funeral was attended in Warminster

away on 28th of May aged 82.

Although the funeral took place at the West Wiltshire Crematorium, Semington near Warminster some 156 miles from Stoke, the Branch representation at the funeral included our branch Standard Bearer, Mr Gil Mould, Branch President Maurice Hope and our Branch Secretary Mr Brian Billings and his Wife Veronica.

Saturday 24th was the day the nation celebrated Armed Forces Day, but not in Stoke-on-Trent, where it is always celebrated on Sunday. Saturday saw several Branch members holed up in Tesco in Longton doing a collection for The Tri-Services & Veterans Centre in the nearby borough of Newcastle under Lyme. A long day waving a bucket, but well worth it as shoppers were very generous with their donations. The future of the centre is now secure, with some very generous donations allowing the property to be purchased from the Council.

Sunday 25th saw the city of Stoke-on-Trent celebrate Armed Forces Day with a parade and entertainment in Longton Park.

The service was led by the Revd Chris Rushton JP, Wing Commander to RAF cadets & Chaplain to the Port of Gibraltar.

Music was supplied by the Penkhull Village Brass Band, and post parade vocals from “The Sweethearts” (Andrews Sisters type!), singing all the old traditional War songs ... (why do these re-enactment people invite the audience to sing along, when virtually no one is left who sang them?). The Branch was represented by Branch Chairman Ian Webb, and Branch secretary Brian Billings who braved the parade march, and Branch President Maurice Hope who sat out this time around (knees and hips playing up). The event attracted several thousand people of all ages to watch the parade and march past, the salute being taken by the Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire Mr Ian Dudson, who was an industrialist and whose family business

manufactured ceramic tableware for the worldwide hospitality industry, having been based in the city since 1800.

Our monthly branch meeting was held on Tuesday 27th, with another new Branch member joining us on the night, Lt Col Roly Love. The main point of conversation being, what status should we as a Branch give to widows of passed members, decision being that they should become life members of the Branch and be excused paying annual subs. How do other Branches recognise widows?

‘Control

Barry Butler, Roy Stewart, Pete Jasper, Frank Button, Bill Fox, Dave Askew, Dave Smith, Barry Fletcher, Harry Hunt, Spud Murphin and John Moriarty.

‘Fitter Gun’

Ron Bright.

‘Vehicle Mechanics’

Bob Mortimore, Jeremy Fox Mariner, Neil Harrison, Tony Bell, aka ‘Dinger’, Dave Gill, Dave Mathieson, Colin English, and Dave Staniland.

The Branch Standard and the Arborfield Old Boys Standard draped for the drumhead service at the NMA

Ex SNOW SUPPORT 23: 25 Feb

– 4 Mar 23

Scribe: WO1 (ASM) Ric Browning

With the Ski season well underway, it was time for Regional Command Support Branch to once again ensure Ski competency and currency remained adequate. The home of REME Skiing: Stubai Glacier, Austria was the chosen resort. The aim of AT is to place an individual outside their comfort zone in a safe training environment. I was lucky to attend Ex SNOW SUPPORT 22 and often found myself pushed beyond my Skiing ability. Ex SNOW SUPPORT 23 (Ex SS23) was no

Waiting for the ACOS to collect his skis and poles following his child forced crash

different, however this time I felt much more comfortable earlier in the week; this allowed me to refine and improve my Skiing technique. Lt Col Jerry Lockwood has been involved in REME Skiing for a very long time; he delivered the week’s training to the group I was in. The development of the group was the quickest I had seen, aided by the group’s previous experience. Sunday’s weather offered zero visibility and there was little to be gained by Skiing in such poor conditions. After one run it was deemed safer to stop for the day. The weather improved for the remainder of the week, allowing approximately 25 to 30km to be skied daily. Legs were tired at the end of each day’s training, refreshments at the umbrella bar with some Johnny Däpp German Techno was earned and well received.

Injuries are not unusual during Skiing AT, thankfully no serious injuries occurred. There was one instance when the ACOS Support was wiped out by a low flying child. The child skied over the front of the ACOS’ skis, forcing them to cross causing a high-speed fall with ‘full de-kit’. I viewed the crash from a few meters behind, it was like something from a Wylie Coyote Warner Bros sketch: a fast-moving large ball of snow. Luckily there was no serious damage, just a sore shoulder and an apologetic child. A reminder of how quickly and easily an incident can occur during this fantastic sport.

Wednesday afternoon, Skiing finished slightly early as

Lt Col Lockwood delivering instruction to the group

Receiving instruction from Lt Col Lockwood

A toboggan ridden by a survivor

Tobogganing had been arranged. For those that don’t know, a toboggan is a wooden sled which has no obvious method for slowing down or steering. The 6km downhill run consisted of straights, bumps and hairpin corners. Understanding racing lines and apexes was useless without the ability to steer or slow down the sled. I genuinely laughed for the whole 6km run down (both

times), it was a standout memorable moment of the week. To quote Corps Parachutist Cpl Mark Guyatt: “that’s the scariest thing I’ve ever done”.

It was a fantastic week which embodied all aspects of AT. I received a healthy reminder of the benefits of being in the Army. It also allowed personnel to step out of their roles for one week to mentally re-set (something the Corps has been excellent at in recent years with the REME Charity and the Lifting the Decks programme). A week’s worth of Skiing and tuition literally costs £1,000’s. Whilst AT such as this is viewed as part of ‘the offer’, I found myself very fortunate being able to attend at such a small cost. On behalf of all who attended I’d like to say thank you to the organisers, admin team and Instructors for making the Ex a success. The week is summarised well by a line from the Johnny Däpp brolly bar song: “Es ist perfekt so, das ist mein Leben. Es kann für mich nichts bessres geben”.

Ex SNOW SUPPORT: 4

– 11 Mar 23

Scribe: WO1 (ASM) Rory Shoemaker

Having spent numerous years trying to attend an Army AT skiing event, I was, finally, lucky this year to go on Ex SS23 run by the Regional Command Support Branch. We arrived at our accommodation on the Saturday night after our two-hour flight from Gatwick, had our welcome brief and were then put into groups for the weeks Skiing ahead. I was lucky enough to be put into a group with another two novice skiers (WO2 Arthur Clement and Pte Jack Eardley) under the instruction of Capt Mike Jones RLC. He put all three of us at ease straight away and took us through what we would be doing and how we would progress from having never skied before, to going down a blue slope later in the week.

The first morning we arrived at the bottom of Stubai Glacier and were allocated our lockers which meant we did not have to cart our boots, helmets etc.. back and forth every day on the bus. We then went up the glacier in the cable cars and took in the spectacular scenery to Gamsgarten, where we then had a quick chat from Chief Instructor Lt Col Jerry Lockwood. He outlined all the safety points and timings and then we were let loose with our Instructors. Whilst

Nursery slopes Stubai Glacier

View down the valley from Cable car

the other groups went further up the mountain my group went onto the nursey slopes with all the other non-skiers. The first day mainly consisted of learning to stop and then turn on a small slope and keeping our focus ahead instead of at our feet. By the end of day one we all thought we had mastered it and were ready for something more.

Day 2 saw us going further up the mountain to Rotadlkopf and coming down our first blue slope. Once we got to the top it suddenly dawned on me that maybe I had not mastered anything. We spent the next 90 minutes trying to get down the slope, falling numerous times and growing progressively frustrated. By the end of day 2 the turns were getting slightly better and the falling down decreased.

Day 3 saw us go back onto the nursery slope for an hour just to reaffirm some things. Then it was back up onto blue 7 from Rotadlkopf. This time we started off better, the turns were better, and our confidence was up. Then disaster struck. I lost control and ended up turning too quickly and fell over. I immediately felt a pop behind my knee and then shooting pain.

Capt Jones then somehow managed to get me off the mountain and to see a local Doctor where I had an ultrasound which showed I had a 3cm rupture in my right upper calf. That was the end of my Skiing; gutted.

Days 4-6 saw the other two members go on to improve their Skiing in some great conditions which culminated in them coming down a red slope on day 6. A fantastic achievement considering that 5 days previous they had never skied before. Overall, all members thoroughly enjoyed the trip and there was some great Skiing, après ski and team bonding from different areas of Regional Command and beyond.

If anyone has never been Skiing before and gets the opportunity, then it is definitely something I would recommend. Even though I did not get a full week Skiing in, the opportunity to go to Austria and see the spectacular scenery was something I will certainly do again.

A big thank you to Capt Liam Grace, Sgt Mark Webb and Sgt Euan Kennedy for organising a great Skiing event. Hopefully I can attend it again next year.

Lt Col Lockwood’s group

3 Amigos, Lt Col’s Lockwood (REME), Patey (REME) and Jones (RIFLES)

Novices - Clem in red, Jack with unicorn on, Capt Mike Jones yellow top, plus a couple of add ons!

Army Offshore Regatta (15-18 May 23)

Scrib: Lt Col Fergus Sullivan

The REME had three entries in three classes in this year’s Army Offshore Regatta which was held in the middle of May on the Solent. Capt Phil Jackson (8 Field Company, 13 Air Assault Support Regiment) skippered Lambis (a Vic 34 provided by Joint Services Adventure Sailing Training Centre (JSASTC)), Lt Col Mike Barham (AOSB) skippered Skua IV (a Naiad in the International Racing Certificate (IRC) class) and Lt Col Fergus Sullivan skippered Teal (a Hallberg Rassy 342 (HR342) from JSASTC). The crews were made up from across the Corps with a mix of ranks and both experienced salty sea dogs and a few novices.

At the start of the week, a large area of high pressure parked itself on top of the UK. This meant that the skies were clear, the sun had his hat on but there was not a lot of wind (and that which there was

often fluky and variable). When there is a lot of wind, the effect of tide is not so important; however, as there wasn’t any wind, racing tactics focussed on finding the favourable currents and being able to drift in the right direction.

Day one was spent getting the crews together, doing essential safety briefs, admin and some training. While still in harbour, Mike Barham delivered a master class on how to fly a spinnaker without actually launching the sail. Further training was delivered in the Eastern Solent as the yachts moved from Gosport to Cowes where they would moor for the first night.

The first race of the Regatta was on day 2 and went from the Central Solent to Weymouth. The course was very simple and the only challenges were to make it through the Needles with a fair tide and to sail outside of the Lulworth Ranges danger area. Luckily the Race Committee (including Mike Barham in an advisory role) had done the calculations and the entire fleet was pushed through the Western Solent and the Needles Channel into Christchurch Bay by the tide and a following wind. Phil Jackson (on Lambis) got a great start, overtook the leading boats in his class (Vic 34) and quickly established himself as the boat to beat. For the rest of the race, none of his rivals could get close, as he extended his lead as he sailed a dog leg that took him outside of the range danger area. At the finish line in Weymouth Bay, after 45 miles of racing, Lambis was 10 mins ahead of the next Vic 34. Teal had a slow start (neither Fergus the skipper nor Phil Cartlidge, the helmsman (and REME Offshore Boatswain), had a great deal of racing experience and wanted to start cautiously while they gauged the competition and avoided collisions) and was deliberately the last HR342 (of three) to cross the start line. However, they quickly overtook the next HR342 to take second place and then continued to chase down the lead yacht (sailed by the AAC). At the Needles Channel, there was only 100m between

Fergus Sullivan enjoying the sun

Mike Barham on Skua IV

the two boats, however once in Christchurch Bay, the AAC managed to creep away. At the finish line, the AAC HR342 was still in sight (but still in the lead). The final HR342 came in 30 mins after Teal had. That evening the entire fleet of 15 yachts, rafted up in Weymouth Harbour and flew as many Army and Corps flags as possible.

The racing on day 3 started early so that the fleet could use the tide to get back towards the Western Solent. Race two was from Weymouth to Peveril Ledge (just south of Swanage) and started not long after dawn. Lambis started in the middle of the Vic 34 fleet and Phil Cartlidge and Fergus (on Teal) crossed the start line at the front of their class (as Mike Barham’s class started after the author’s it is not known how he did at the start). Because the racing started early, the fleet was able to go through the Lulworth Ranges danger area with a favourable tide and without the risk of being hit by a stray 120mm round. The wind was on the beam and so the decision was whether to go for speed and fly the spinnaker (and not sail the most direct course) or to sail the most direct course under white sails and lose some speed. With the wind being so variable, spinnakers were hoisted for 5 mins before being dropped again; only to be rehoisted again 5 mins later. For the Vic 34s and HR 342s it was very frustrating; especially when the much lighter and faster IRC boats (who had started 5 mins after the HR342 class who had started 5 mins after the Vic 34 class) passed the fleet with ease. This included Mike Barham on Skua IV with his very distinct pink cruising chute. An hour before the Vic 34 and HR 342 fleets reached the finish line, the tide turned AND the wind dropped. What should have been a quick coup de grace became a game of patience as the boats struggled to make any headway with 5 knots of wind on the nose against a tide doing 3 knots. At the end of this race, after 20 miles, no REME boat manged to finish before they were timed out (although Phil Jackson and Lambis won their class on the count back as they passed the last course mark at the front of their class). The fleet then moored up in Studland Bay close to the iconic Old Harry Rocks while they waited for the tide to turn so that they could sail back into the Western Solent.

Race 3 was from Studland Bay to Lymington via the North Channel. Both Lambis and Teal had great starts; however, the AAC HR342 managed to creep ahead of Fergus and Phil Cartlidge (again!). The remainder of the Vic 34s and HR342s were left behind as Phil Jackson, Fergus and the AAC had their own race at the front (the IRC boats again shot off like scalded cats). All was quite close until on the final approach to Hurst Castle, Teal’s spinnaker was ripped (as it was happening Lambis phoned Teal to warn them that they had seen a small hole; by the time that the message had been passed the

hole had become a very big one). After quickly raising the No 1 Genoa to replace the ripped sail they had lost contact with the AAC and again came in second after 17 NM of racing! Phil Jackson and Lambis did much better and won her class again (this time by a mere 15 mins). Mike Barham did very well and also won the IRC class –although he did not cross the finish line first due to the handicap system times were adjusted which meant that once the calculation were done he won. That night the crews stayed in Lymington with a

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The Fleet in Weymouth with flags flying

Vics spinnaker racing in Christchurch Bay

few hard-earned beers in the Royal Lymington Yacht Club with the ASA Commodore (Brig Adrian Reilly) and the other skippers. During the night, Fergus blagged the spinnaker from the third HR342 (the skipper and crew didn’t like flying it) to replace the broken one. Meanwhile, Phil Cartlidge pumped the AAC skipper for hints and tips. While chatting with the AAC it transpired that they had captured a REME and were making him sail for them! Luckily, we are a forgiving bunch and completely understand that Isaac Reason did not have a choice.

At the start of Day 4, Teal was joined by the Corps ASM (WO1 Mark Lynch) for the trip from Lymington back to Gosport. As soon as the Corps ASM got onboard he was put to work by the younger members of the crew (especially Chris Parker and Sean Edwards) who quickly passed on everything that they had learned during their week on the water. Again, the high-pressure system sitting over the UK resulted in very little wind which stymied racing. Although the race four course was shortened, only Phil Jackson and the AAC yacht managed to finish the race from the Vic 34 and HR 342 classes respectively. This was massively frustrating for Teal as the crews were now experienced, wanted to compete and show the Corps ASM how it is done. The fleet regathered in Osbourne Bay for lunch and then the start of the final race. This was very short race to Stokes Bay. From the start of Race 5 it was more about who could drift in the right direction quickest as the wind had died off. All the crews watched the flat sea looking for the slightest ripple that would indicate that the wind was coming back and where from. Teal and Lambis eventually found some wind, raised their spinnakers and left the fleet behind; however, in all the excitement Phil Jackson sailed right behind Teal and stole the wind allowing the AAC HR342 to get ahead. Things were very tense at the finish line with the AAC gybing early and winning the race by less than a minute. Lambis and Phil Jackson crossed the line 30 seconds after Fergus, Phil Cartlidge and the Corps ASM.

In addition to the Corps ASM, eleven Regular and Reserve REME personnel sailed in the AOR (2 Lt Cols, 1 Maj, 1 Capt, 2 Lts, 1 Sgt, 1 Cpl, 4 LCpls) who hold a range of qualifications including two complete novices. The final results were:

Lambis (Phil Jackson) 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st, 1st = 1st in Vic 34 fleet. Phil Jackson and his crew will be invited to the ASA end of season to collect their trophies for coming first in the Vic 34 class.

Teal (Fergus Sullivan) 2nd, DNF, 2nd, DNF, 2nd = 2nd in HR fleet.

It was a fantastic week on the water and great to have so many REME sailors involved. All those involved learned a great deal during the week and finished up as better sailors. Future REME Offshore Sailing events will include the End of Season Cruise in Company (7/8 Oct 23) and participation in winter club racing on the Solent with the Royal Southampton Yacht Club. Crew of all abilities are needed for these events.

REME Sailing is open to all members of the REME family including Serving (both Regular and Reserve), Veterans and dependants. If you would like to know more about offshore sailing with the REME then please email Fergus (rearcommodore.offshore@remesailing club.com). If you would like to know about the other REME sailing disciplines (offshore, dinghy, windsurfing or kite surfing) then please email vice.commodore@remesailingclub.com

Ed Mullins at Old Harry

Phil Jackson & Dan Wright on Lambis

CASM at the entrance to Beulieu

REME MTB Enduro Team ICERS Round 1 Report

View of a first-time rider at a national race

My first experience of racing my bike was full of ups and downs, pardon the pun! The weekend started with last-minute bike maintenance, which will be done well in advance in the future. After some tinkering, the bike was ready to go! A scenic drive from Catterick to Peebles, Scotland saw us arrive at the renowned and busy Tweedlove Bike Festival. They had really pulled out all the stops on the stall front, with everything from Endura clothing to Forbidden bikes. The village was a hub for like-minded people of all ages, where I was made to feel welcome as a complete newbie to the Enduro world. Glentress is home to some of the best MTB trails in the world, and I felt privileged to have the chance to ride there, never mind compete. It did not disappoint!

Practice day

Saturday started with a hearty breakfast and electrolytes all round, as a team we left the events village and worked our way up to stage one, where the nerves started. Stage one was a good warm-up, for better and more challenging things to come. Stage two, Hammer Time! This was by far the most challenging of the stages, testing even the most competent of riders. Slope, roots, rocks, and drops had everyone eager to share their experiences at the bottom. I knew a clean run here was going to be hard to achieve but a must to get a decent time. Stage Three was fast, a good opportunity to pick up the pace. Unfortunately, a root took me by surprise and a fast crash had me shook. I took stage four steady to recover and take in as much of the trail as possible. On stage five, our team Captain was behind me, so I shrugged off my last crash and pushed hard to show some resilience. After a long transition to stage six,

Scribe: LCpl Tomlinson - 5th Royal Artillery Regiment

fatigue had really started to set in. Thankfully, the stage wasn’t too taxing, Bosh practice done! The legs felt heavy and needed some recovery, after a bit of egging on some of the team members agreed to a cold dip in the River Tweed to reduce the recovery time. After some minor adjustments to the bike, it was time to carb up and an early night.

Race day

After collecting our timing chips for the race, things started to feel real! We made our way onto the stage for our start time and we set off as a team.

At the top of the last stage everyone felt tired but knowing it was the only thing standing between us and the finish pushing through was not particularly hard! This was my first experience having spectators cheering me on! As soon as I saw and heard them all technique went out the window and I was flat out. Thankfully, I made it down the stage still on the bike and in one piece!

The race plan worked, and I was happy with my overall result. After congratulations and celebrations around the Tweedlove village, we made the most out of the free Muc-Off bike wash station and packed up the dirty kit and clean bikes, ready to head home!

In conclusion, the Tweedlove Bike Festival

and ICERS Round 1 was a challenging 34Km race with 1,200m of uphill, an unforgettable experience. From the last-minute bike maintenance to the stunning scenery, from the nerve-wracking stages to the camaraderie with like-minded individuals, every moment of the event was worth cherishing. The challenges on the trails pushed me to my limits, but the sense of achievement and satisfaction at the end made it all worthwhile. As the event came to a close, I felt a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such an incredible weekend. It was a weekend full of adventure, excitement, and new friendships that will be remembered for a long time to come.

If you are a serving member of the REME Regular or Reserve and have an interest in the MTB Enduro discipline please contact email WO1 Phabian White (CentreHQ-FBSp-ES-ASM) via email for more information.

Look out for us and come say hello at the following events;

• All Army Cycling Enduro Series

• Inter Corps Enduro Race Series

• BNES Round 2: Dyfi Forest 2-3 June

• BNES Round 3: Ae Forest 24-25 June

• BNES Round 4: Isle of Man 8-9 July

• BNES Round 5: Minehead 5-6 Aug

23240655 WO2 (AQMS) Michael John Fryer

Scribe: Maurice Hope - Potteries & District REME Association

It is with great sorrow that I have to report on the death of Mike Fryer, a staunch supporter and much respected member of the branch for over twenty years.

Mike was very much a local boy, born on 22nd May 1941 in Trent Vale, Stoke on Trent, to Mick and Gladys Fryer.

On leaving school Mike became an Engineering Apprentice at local firm Trentside Engineering, but after just six months he got itchy feet, and so in October 1956 at the age of fifteen and a half he became a Junior Leader at Blackdown Camp.

He completed 25 years with the Corps taking in a vast range of units and postings including twice to Cyprus, the first time during an emergency tour during the troubles there (Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston (EOKA)) in 1960, and secondly in 1974 with the UN after the Turkish invasion. A tour in Northern Ireland, Kenya, two tours of Aden, and three postings to the British Army of the Rhine (BAOR); completing his service at the Vehicle Workshop in Chobham, Chertsey in 1981.

His units included the 18th Amphibious DUKW unit in Fremington, Devon. The 1st QDG’s in Northern Ireland, Aden and Detmold: 20 Armd Wksp & 4 Armd in Detmold. In 1972 he attended and passed his Art Veh course in Bordon which was followed by a posting to Chattenden in Kent, rounding off his service in Cyprus (1974), and 12 Armd Wksp in Osnabruck before promotion to WO2 and a final posting to Chertsey.

Not ready to put his feet up, in 1981 Mike became the Vehicle Manager for the Saudi Arabian National Guard Hospital. Following a government coup, he then took a job in Nigeria as the Director of Maintenance Waste Disposal; which included collecting dead bodies off the streets along with household waste, before finally relocating back home to the Potteries in 1985.

There followed a short stint as a Driving Instructor, before he commenced his third career as a Civil Servant for the MOD at Bicester and on achieving a civil service promotion he found himself back at Chertsey, the place of his last posting. Here he stayed before finally retiring at the age of 60; moving back to Stoke-on-Trent to retire gracefully with Wife Denise.

The Corps

Here they continued their military connections by joining the local REME Association branch, where their children accused them of spending all their inheritance on social lunches and Christmas dinners!

Mike was diagnosed with Dementia in 2016, and following a family discussion, Mike and Denise relocated to Wiltshire to be closer to their Daughters Judith, Lesley and their families, moving into a little bungalow in Warminster.

In 2020 Mike moved into the Avonbourne Care Centre, and it was there, just under a week after his 82nd birthday, that on the 28th May this year he succumbed to his illness.

Mike’s funeral took place on Wednesday 21st June at the West Wiltshire Crematorium in Semington and was well attended by the family and many of Mike’s friends from his service days. A Bugler was in attendance, as was the Potteries & District REME Association Standard Bearer, Mr Gil Mould. Branch representation was in the form of Branch President Maurice Hope and Branch Secretary Brian Billings accompanied by his Wife Veronica.

The coffin was adorned with the Branch’s own coffin drape.

After the service, mourners and friends were invited back to The Cock Inn on West Street, Warminster for refreshments and to share memories of Mike.

He leaves behind his Wife Denise and children Judith, Lesley and Charles.

He had a fine and varied life, and was a very well respected, and a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle and friend.

RIP .... Arte-et-Marte

Death Notices

COLEMAN – Former Sgt James Anthony ‘Tony’ Coleman passed away on 19 June 2023 aged 62. Dates of service 1978-1996.

FRYER – Former WO2 Michael John Fryer passed away on 28 May 2023 aged 82. Dates of service 1957-1980.

JAMES – Former Cfn Vivian James passed away on 24th May aged 60, served with the Corps between 1980-1984

KERSHAW – Former Cpl Andrew Stuart Kershaw passed away on 28 June 2023 aged 57. Dates of service 1986-1995.

KNOWLES – Former Cpl Gerald Charles Knowles passed away on 15 June 2023 aged 75. Dates of service 1964-1977.

LAMB – Former SSgt David Robert Lamb passed away on 28 May 2023 aged 61. Dates of service 1978-2001.

MULHERN – Capt (Retd) John Mulhern passed away on 21 February 2023 following a long battle with prostate cancer. Dates of service 1974-1993.

SYKES – Former WO1 Colin Sykes passed away in Paphos, Cyprus on 21 June 2023 aged 65. Dates of service 1975-1998.

Death Notice Requirements

In order to publish a death notice we require the following information: Surname, first name, rank, full date of death, ages and dates of service. An obituary with additional career and life information is welcome. To inform us of the death, please contact Ms Bev Bate, Corps Welfare Manager on ( 07936 902415 or  welfare@remecharity.org

Team

Mike Fryer

Officer Assignments

AUGUST 2023

The REME Charity

The Trustees of The REME Charity acknowledge with sincere thanks the donations received during the month of MAY 2023. They also wish to acknowledge the regular subscriptions received from the Officers and Soldiers of the Corps and retired members of the REME Institution:

If you would like to see how your money is spent, we welcome one or two observers at The REME Charity meetings. The meetings are held midweek, approximately every three weeks. If you would like to observe a meeting, please contact The REME Charity Secretary on ( Mil: 95481 4527 or Civ: 07936902415 in the first instance.

The REME Charity is here for both veterans and serving personnel in times of hardship or need. Contact via SSAFA ( 0800 731 4880 www.ssafa.org.uk or The Royal British Legion ( 0808 802 8080  www.britishlegion.org.uk or your Unit Welfare if serving. All enquiries and information is dealt with in the strictest confidence.

If you wish to discuss any benevolence need you can contact us on ( 07936902415,  welfare@remecharity.org.

Anyone wishing to leave a legacy to The REME Charity, which is exempt from inheritance tax, can add a codicil to their will. Our registered charity number is 1165868

My name is Brian Sherlock and am now 84 years old and following my Basic training and Trade Training I served in LAD REME attached to 41 Field Reg RA in Lippstadt, Germany and REME Workshop in Maralinga, South Australia. Maralinga being the British Nuclear Weapons Testing site. I would be pleased to hear from anyone who served in either of those postings. I now live in Queensland Australia. Please contact the Editor and replies will be passed on to Brian

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover

London Gazette August 2023

17 June 2023

REGULAR ARMY

Regular Commissions

Lieutenant Colonel D. J. MCEVOY 536692 retires 12 February

2023

Intermediate Regular Commissions (Late Entry)

Major R. W. FRANCIS 24898724 retires 9 February 2023

Captain D. R. ERRINGTON 25045081 retires 1 March 2023

Short Service Commissions

Captain R. M. CUSHWORTH 30223713 retires 12 February

2023

20 June 2023

No Entries

KINGS BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST

OBE

Brigadier T LAMBERT 555493

MBE

Lieutenant Colonel DSA LESLIE 558180

Major IV McDAVID 24815221

MSM

Warrant Officer Class 2 RA DUNSIRE 25121621

Warrant Officer Class 2 RP GETHING 25145852

Staff Sergeant MP HUNT MBE 25127120

Warrant Officer Class 1 TA LANGLEY 25082967

Warrant Officer Class 2 (now Warrant Officer Class 1 ) RJ

LORD 25159600

Warrant Officer Class 1 RJ UNDERWOOD 24781395

Warrant Officer Class 1 S WALKER 25106314

Warrant Officer Class 1 (now Captain) SA WILLIAMS 25109047

CGS COMMENDATIONS

Corporal JE ALLELY 30265010

Staff Sergeant DNT HARRY 25200821

Major TA ISAAC 25009930

Major MJ SAUNDERS 24853515

CFA COMMENDATIONS

Staff Sergeant MGW BLOWER 25084857

Captain AM DALE MBE 24711476

Sergeant AJ GOODALL 30064732

Captain (acting Major) ML GREENING 30123240

Staff Sergeant CSC MORGAN 25159851

27 June 2023

No Entries 04 July 2023

The undermentioned Lieutenant Colonels to be Colonels 30 June 2023 with seniority 30 June 2023

D. J. BUNKER Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 558671

J. JOHNSON Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 543950

REGULAR ARMY

Intermediate Regular Commissions (Late Entry)

Warrant Officer Class 1 Marc Richard BURCHELL 25121575 to be Captain 1 May 2023

Warrant Officer Class 1 Anthony Russell COTTY 25063214 to be Captain 1 May 2023

Warrant Officer Class 1 Leslie Trevor DINSMORE 25112682 to be Captain 1 May 2023

Warrant Officer Class 1 Anthony Graham PARKINSON

25156291 to be Captain 1 May 2023

Warrant Officer Class 1 Robert Stephen PRYCE 25129816 to be Captain 1 May 2023

Warrant Officer Class 2 David MARTIN 25156728 to be Captain

1 May 2023

Warrant Officer Class 2 Paula Dee CHRISTIE W1033205 to be Captain 1 May 2023

Warrant Officer Class 2 David James THOMAS 25177353 to be Captain 1 May 2023

Mark Shelford is looking for John Davies who commissioned from the ranks (Ex Sgt) into the REME Aug 1983. He is holding a 40th celebration of the Pass-out at RMAS on 9 Aug, please could John get in touch via the Editor

Please email benjamin.crompton-allison100@mod.gov.uk or tiaan.deklerk101@mod.gov.uk to sign up and get involved!

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.

YOUR MAGAZINE NEEDS YOU Y O U

The Craftsman Magazine exists for The REME Family but it is only kept going because you provide the articles in it. From engineering to fencing, if it is about the Corps you can write an article about it.

See inside the front cover for guidelines.

The REME Christian Network connects serving Christians throughout their REME career.

Corps Calendar 2023/24

More information regarding Corps Mess Functions can found by scanning the QR Code, or by accessing the ‘REME Connect’ website or alternatively email; REMERHQ-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk for all general enquiries. Dates are accurate as at the date of print - refer to the monthly Craftsman for any changes.

REME 2024 CALENDAR

We need YOUR photographs!

The calendar requires input from your units to ensure we are able to produce a high-quality product.

£250 PRIZE FOR BEST SHOTS

We need photographs of your unit on operations, in barracks, on exercise, adventurous training or participating in sport – all within the last 12 months.

Send your high-resolution JPEG photographs (minimum 1MB) with accompanying captions to craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 01 OCTOBER 2023