Col REME End of Year Message

Scribe: Colonel Jason Phillips ADC REME

As 2021 draws to a close, I sense this year has proved to be another demanding and difficult one for many. COVID has impacted on our daily lives for far longer than we perhaps imagined and certainly hoped, and for some members of the Corps family it has been deeply affecting. We were all also greatly saddened by the passing of our Colonel in Chief, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. And most recently, watching the turbulent events unfold at pace in Afghanistan in July and August.

Yet throughout this difficult period, we can be immensely proud of the stoicism, commitment and performance of our people. REME people at the front of 101 and 102 Logistic Brigades delivering vaccines to the nation, the REME contingent led by our Master General alongside our Colonel in Chief at his funeral, REME soldiers using their engineering skills on Op PITTING to provide vehicles to support the repatriation of Afghans to the UK. And there is much more of course, including REME support to Whole Town Testing and other MACA tasks throughout the year and the Public Duties Reinforcement Company shining on parade at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace this autumn.

All of this goes to show the incredible agility and talent of all of our people; rising to the challenge as always. Thank you and congratulations.

Next year will contain challenges too of course, including the start of our Future Soldier work to transform the Army for the digital age and the pursuit of the REME Skills Review to ensure we keep pace with that change.

But that’s for next year… Until then may I take this opportunity to wish all members of the REME family – Veterans and serving; Regular, Reserve as well as those amazing Civil Servants that support us and your families – a very happy upcoming festive period and a prosperous New Year. Rest well and look after one another always.