The Craftsman - December 2022

THE CRAFTSMAN

Magazine of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

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

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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.

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DECEMBER 2022

FEATURES

The REME Offer 5

Commissioning the new ‘The Countess of Wessex Brooch’ 6

REME Remembers 8 Ernest Horsfall The Corps Oldest Founder Member 10 REME Webinar 12 Dennis Tocknell Kit Upgrade 13 The REME Commando Reunion 14

Op UNITY 17 Ex SCOUTING DRAGON 18 W02 (AQMS) Frank Fillary 22 The REME Strategy 23 Future Soldier, Future REME 24 9 Theatre Support Battalion REME recruiting now! 27

Old Meets New at MoD Lyneham 28 Aborfield and District Branch 30

It pays to be safe! 31 Ex ALTMARK 32 Ex DRAGON MONTAGUE 34 Op ACRES LIGHTFOOT 36 Obstacle Racing World Championships 38 Ex BUGLE SPANNER 40

Potteries & District R.E.M.E. Association. (October 2022 Newsletter.) 42

REGULARS

Guest Editorial - Festive Living 3

From the Museum 21 Corps Notices 44 Corps Calendar 47

Front Cover: Photo by Cpl Jamie Owen, BATSUB Recovery Mechanic in Belize.

Festive Living

After six months in post as your Corps ASM and with the festive period upon us, I am grateful for the opportunity to write the Guest Editorial this month. It’s the perfect time for me to take stock on what I have sampled since I came into post and to ponder on what was my main concern that affects the people of our Corps; particularly the junior cohort!

December is a time for celebration with long awaited time off for the majority and quality time to be shared with friends and family. It happens every year of course, but oddly this year seems to be a little ‘different’, impacted by the current financial climate. With this in mind, my main concern for our people is the cost of living. The economic landscape has shifted dramatically, and I am certainly worried about those with young families.

The financial challenges for our people would be easier to digest if the issues were concentrated in a certain area, but it’s absorbed into every aspect of living; affecting all in many different guises with the spending power of many being reduced

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Scribe: Corps ASM WO1 Mark Lynch

RHQ hosting the Chelsea Pensioners at the Autumn Ball

W01 Mark Lynch

as wage increases are consumed by inflation. Mortgage rates and general borrowing is more expensive compounded by soaring household bills. The consequences can lead to drastic changes in family dynamics, such as a rise in partners undertaking a second job or part-time work as we move into the festive period, possibly taking advantage of overtime, etc. Fuel prices restricting movement and in some extreme cases personnel unable to visit family or friends. Childcare costs spiralling causing an increased reliance on family to support. All aspects that impact on a healthy work/family balance – there is a probability that families may resort to reducing food consumption or be reluctant to heat their home due to their disposable income being squeezed; maybe the possibility of increasing borrowing in-order to have a comfortable Christmas.

A very sombre start to an End of Year message I will agree. However, in the face of cost-of-living issues, I do believe the Army and REME offer isolates us from many of these issues! There is a multitude of benefits from being employed within the Corps, I can reflect on my own experience as a re-joiner that sometimes the grass isn’t always greener. One of the key points from my perspective is our sense of belonging. The industry I was employed in had no sense of team cohesion – our camaraderie, purpose and common bond is something we too easily take for granted in the Armed Forces. Then there is the stability of service and length of engagements bolstered with a regular salary. In my opinion these are the very foundations for a structured and stable life. It’s surprising how fragile some organisations can be! I’m not suggesting all companies are the same, but some

organisations heavily prioritise profit over people. Other attractive elements from being in the forces are the financial benefits of free medical, dentalcare and welfare something that became very apparent when I worked abroad as the costs are staggering. although being valuable in the civilian engineering sector due to Military experience and the majority are accredited by an engineering institute whilst serving, there is a wide range of benefits within the Corps which are all articulated in the REME offer.

The main take-away from this article is the fact that you are connected to a wider family and there is a plethora of support available if required. Whilst in the Corps or a Veteran, there is no need to struggle in silence. Lifting the Decks (LtD) continues to grow with the successful completion of this year’s challenge attracting an astonishing 3600 participants. Lifting the Decks is also evolving in to the “What’s on your mind” space, focusing on a multitude of resources available for support across all our community. Confidential links can be found on REME Connect via LtD under useful links and additionally on the QR code self-help posters. The REME family will listen and support free from bias or stigma.

Last but no means least – I hope you have a well-deserved period of leave when it finally arrives and I will conclude by wishing all members of the REME family; Regular, Reserve, Veteran and Cadet as well as all the enabling staff, including members of the Civil Service and contractors, that continue to support our effort and their families, a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

THE REME OFFER

“It is more than just a job, it's belonging, in the way of comradeship, Esprit-de-Corps and variety, with purpose unlike any other.” WO1 (CASM) Lynch

Professional and Personal Development Opportunities in Engineering, Leadership and Management

A REME career has a structured progression, from NVQ level 2/3 to Degree level and special agreements in place with Professional Engineering Institutes, with subsidised membership, offering Professional and Personal career pathways within the Corps, in addition to other Army funding streams.

For more information visit the REME Whole Life Development SharePoint page

Allowances and Benefits

Health and Welfare

Free medical, dental and welfare provision. Free use of gym and sports facilities. Subsidised food and Messing. Travel Home to Duty, Duty Travel and Relocation allowance. Accommodation

Subsidised accommodation and support with housing, including financial support in purchasing your first home and refund of legal expenses in association with re-assignment.

Childcare and Schooling Support to your family with the introduction of the Wraparound Childcare Scheme from Autumn 22 and your child’s / children’s education in the form of Continuous Education Allowance (CEA).

Career Prospects and Stability

Opportunity for long term, stable career contracts with good promotion rates.

Insights / Observations from our re-joiners

“I have re-joined with the intent of becoming an Artificer. As a Tech Elec service leaver, I missed the stable progression and opportunities the Corps had to offer, but also the Corps invests in its people, aligning courses with civilian accreditation. In civilian industry I had to pay for all my courses in order to seek out the next step in my career.” Sgt Terry (Tech Elec Class 1)

‘’I chose to re-join because civilian life wasn’t what it was made out to be and neither were the jobs. The extra money I earned ended up going on the general cost of living, whereas in the military you are supported with a variety of allowances and benefits, helping to support your family. I am better off financially now than what I was as a civilian and I look at my career in a different light to what I did before I left.’’

LCpl Redshaw (VM Class 1)

In-Barracks v Civilian Sector

As part of the working week, time allocated to conduct physical training, sports and other training activities as well as the flexibility to attend health and welfare appointments. This is not reflected within the civilian sector.

Funded Sport and Adventurous Training

Unique opportunities to participate in sports, goverened by the REME Sports Association and supported by the REME Charity, Adventurous Training pursuits, Battlefield studies and other activities during work.

Pension

The Army pension remains one of the best non-contributory pension schemes in the country.

Support to the Cost of Living

As a one stop shop for all things ‘Cost of Living’, including the support from the Army / Defence and where to go for external support and advice visit the Army’s ‘Cost of Living’ Group on ‘Defence Connect’ via the ‘Defence Gateway’.

Travel, Deployments and Detachments

Opportunities for a variety of assignments in c.200 locations throughout the UK and overseas. As a result of deploying, you could also be eligible for additional pay, allowances and leave as compensation for working in difficult conditions and being separated from your family and friends.

Leave Entitlement

38 days (inclusive of bank holidays) annual leave compared to the statutory entitlement of 28 days (inclusive of bank holidays), as well as maternity / paternity / adoption / relocation related leave and allowances.

As part of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers the hard work you put in makes a huge difference to the Army and our nation every single day.

Go to the Army ‘Discover My Benefits’ website to find out more about the wide range of benefits, opportunities and support which are available to you as a serving member of the Army.

G. Collins & Sons Commissioning the new ‘The Countess of Wessex Brooch’

Following the announcement that Her Royal Highness, The Countess of Wessex GCVO was to become the new Colonel-inChief to the Corps of REME, it was agreed that The Countess should be presented with a brooch from the Corps; commissioned by The REME Institution.

To develop this bespoke piece, the Corps HQ was pointed in the direction of a trusted and reputable Crown Jewellers. In the remainder of this article, Miss Lucy Ritson, from G. Collins & Sons, Jewellers in Royal Tunbridge Wells, takes us through the journey of

the brooch being commissioned.

It all begins with a conversation. Using the brief from REME, Harry and Josh Collins and our Head Craftsman put their heads together and discussed ideas for the design of the brooch to commemorate the appointment of Her Royal Highness the Countess of Wessex as Colonel-in-Chief of the Corps of REME. The brooch needed to be instantly recognisable, to clearly represent REME, whilst also keeping it elegant and befitting The Countess. Using the regimental cap badge as our base, our Artist then took our Jewellers thoughts and put them to paper, drawing up two designs for the brooch which we then presented back to the Corps HQ. We then discussed their feedback and went back to the drawing board and did a third design. This final design earned the REME seal of approval and immediately thereafter the workshop got to work!

The basic design of the brooch was created using a dye, which sees the design stamped into a sheet of metal in order to create the outline of the brooch. The pieces were cut out by a rather sharp machine from the sheet and further filed and shaped by hand to create the definition of the design. The pieces were then assembled to make sure the design sat right before any of the setting and enamelling was done.

Next, the brooch went to our Head Setter to mark out and then set the yellow and white diamonds into the piece. The yellow diamonds have been pavé set into the flash of the brooch which is a style of setting that features lots of small round brilliant cut diamonds set

Scribe: Captain Rayner Shelmerdine-Hare and Miss Lucy Ritson.

Comparing the flash to the design drawing

Disassembled brooch, ready to fit the diamonds

Colonel-in-Chief

Fitting the diamonds to the flash and crown

Assembling the brooch

closely together with fine claws. The white diamonds are a mixture of claw and rubover settings in the crown of the brooch adding a touch more sparkle which never goes amiss! The final decorative detail was the coloured enamel to represent the gems in the band of the crown. In the colours of the REME tactical recognition flash, these were applied using the cold enamelling technique which uses a lower temperature to traditional enamelling to set and seal the colours. The brooch then went for hallmark at the London Assay Office, which indicates the precious metal content, year of manufacture and maker’s mark; as well as the special hallmark to

commemorate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

Finally, we were ready to finish the piece and bring it all together. Our Head Craftsman individually hand polished each part of the brooch until the metal was shining and the diamonds gleaming. The brooch was then assembled, the pin attached, making sure all was secure and sitting well before one final sparkle!

Crafting a bespoke piece is always exciting; especially something that is a once in a lifetime project. It has been fantastic working on the REME brooch for Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex and creating something so symbolic for the soldiers of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

Corps News

Transfer of Authority of the Australian Commander Headquarters Middle East (COMD HQME)

Photo taken just before the Transfer of Authority of the Australian Commander Headquarters Middle East (COMD HQME) on 20 Sep 22 from Col Colin Blyth to Capt Sean Andrews RAN. The picture was taken in Baird Lines, Minhad Airbase, UAE pictured are Col Blyth Late RAEME outgoing Commander Headquarters Middle East (and ex CO of the Australian Technical Trg College and ex Dept Head of the Corps of RAEME) and Lt Col Adrian Lovelock REME, Commanding Officer Joint Force Support Middle East.

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MG REME presenting HRH The Countess of Wessex with the new Brooch

From left to right: Lt Col (Retd) Dave White, Colonel Jason Phillips ADC, Mr Harry Collins, Miss Lucy Ritson & Mrs Babs Harris

Col Colin Blyth RAEME (right) and Lt Col Adrian Lovelock REME (left)

REME REMEmbers

Maj (Retd) Geordie Wright-Rivers

On Thursday 11th November, a small team from RHQ REME and HQ London District, led by Colonel REME and the Corps Secretary, began a very busy weekend of Corps Remembrance with a visit to this year’s Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey. The many hundreds of personalised commemorations, delivered to RHQ REME from individuals and units worldwide, were arranged in the Corps plot in a distinctive “80” design which drew a lot of positive attention and comment from the many visitors and passers-by.

Her Majesty The Queen Consort, Patron of the Poppy Factory, attended the ceremony and reviewed all plots alongside Lt Gen (Retd) James Bashall, President of the Royal British Legion.

Saturday 12th November then saw the hundreds of REME Veterans and families, travelling from across the United Kingdom and Europe, descend upon London to attend the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall and to prepare for the annual Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph the following day. We were very proud and fortunate to see our National Standard Bearer, Malcolm “Barney” Barnes, selected to take part in the proceedings at the Festival of Remembrance, where he proudly flew the Corps standard sporting a new “REME 80” scroll.

Remembrance Sunday started very early with many braving London traffic and a very “flexible” National Rail service to make the 0830hrs RV and form up at Horse Guards. In due course, and almost on time(!), the largest ever REME Association contingent, of almost 100

Scribe:

REME Plot

REME Plot alongside the other Corps

Col REME and team

HM The Queen Consort

Veterans, took their place near the front of the procession with the 30 strong contingents from the Arborfield Apprentices also taking a similar, prominent position nearby. At 1005hrs we stepped off smartly to take our place on Whitehall, halting directly outside Number 10.

His Majesty The King’s arrival prompted the two-minute silence which was perfectly observed by the many thousands of spectators and veterans completely filling Whitehall and every possible vantage point along the way.

The March Past followed with the cheers and applause from the crowds adding an extra dose of pride and spring to everyone’s step. His Majesty The King took the Royal Salute at the Cenotaph with His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex, taking the final salute as we arrived back on Horse Guards Parade.

Of particular note on the day was the attendance of the Allcock family, Father Keith and Sons Gary and Neil, marching together for the first time at the Cenotaph having completed 103 years of service to the Corps between them. A remarkable record that I think is unlikely to be surpassed in our lifetimes!

We all thank you for your service.

In all, a weekend of many emotions but one which saw the Corps Family come together to remember and celebrate the memory of those who went before us. Arte et Marte.

“When You Go Home, Tell Them Of Us And Say, For Your Tomorrow, We Gave Our Today.”

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REME Association members marching past

Group at the Cenotaph

REME National Standard Bearer Barney Barnes at the Royal Albert Hall

The Allcock family with 103 years combined service

The Corps Oldest Founder Member receives a Lifetime Award from the National Transport Trust (NTT)

The NTT is the only national body which promotes and encourages the preservation and restoration of Britain’s transport heritage in all its forms - road, rail, wings and water.

Ernest Horsfall, trained as a Mechanical Engineer, before joining the Army in 1940 where he served in the Royal Corps of Transport (RCT) then latterly the REME; serving during WW2. In this time Ernest reached the rank of SSgt in his six years of wartime service. This included serving in the Far East and it was during this time, on a trip in an RAF flying boat, that he was first inspired to fly.

However, it wasn’t until 1961, at the age of 43, that he took his first flying lesson, while working as a Test and Experimental Engineer for Vauxhall Motors. In the years since, Ernest has owned 58 aircrafts, filled five pilot’s logbooks and as an accredited Aircraft Inspector for the Light Aircraft Association, he has inspected thousands of aircraft across the country, checking for airworthiness in annual inspections, similar to a car’s MOT.

Ernest is an acknowledged expert on the Jodel Light Aircraft Type, and personally imported a significant proportion of these French aircraft that are currently on the UK register. He remained active as an Engineer and Inspector until March 2021, just ahead of his 103rd birthday. He is also acknowledged as a Wooden Aircraft repair expert by both the British and Icelandic Civil Aviation Authorities.

Ernest Horsfall was born on 21st April 1918 just a few weeks after the founding of the RAF, and was raised in Bradford, West Yorkshire. He trained as a Mechanical Engineer and when WW2 broke out he was called up to the Army and then moved across into the Corps on its formation.

After the War Ernest had a very successful career in the motor industry and he was equally successful in his pastime of Light Aviation. Since the 1960’s Ernest has become a respected figure in the world of Light Aircraft engineering and renovation, and he remains active to this day. In March 2021, just ahead of his 103rd birthday, he renewed his Light Aircraft Association Inspectors’ certificate for the 50th consecutive year.

Serving in North Africa and Europe from 1940 – 46 Ernest was very quickly promoted to Staff Sergeant and managed a large engineering workshop in Egypt and Italy. However, it wasn’t until 1962, at the age of 43, that he took his first flying lesson, while working as a Test and Experimental Engineer for Vauxhall Motors. After gaining his Private Pilot’s Licence Ernest continued to fly for 50 years and stopped only at age 92 when he could no longer get insurance cover for solo flying. By then he had amassed some 3,000 hrs flying time, equivalent to 100 years flying for the average General Aviation Pilot. However, it wasn’t just the flying that interested Ernest but also the engineering and Ernest quickly realised that he wanted to own and build aeroplanes, especially wood-and-fabric ones. So in 1966 he bought his 1st aircraft and since then he has personally imported a significant proportion of the French Jodel light aircraft that are currently flying on the UK aircraft register. Of the over 58 aircraft Ernest has owned he has re-built 25 of them. With his

Scribe: WO2 Kelvin Redshaw (Corps Welfare Warrant Officer)

Ernest with WO2 Redshaw

Ernest with WO2 Redshaw, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Lancashire, Lady Judy McAlpine and Charles Hadcock DL

enthusiasm and extensive practical knowledge Ernest quickly established himself as an expert on building and restoring classic wood-and-fabric aircraft, and especially Jodel models. Indeed, for many years Ernest has been the leading expert in the UK for advice on constructing and repairing wood-and-fabric aircraft. In 1971 Ernest gained accreditation as one of the first licensed aircraft Engineering Inspectors for the Popular Flying Association (PFA) which later became the Light Aircraft Association (LAA). Inspectors supervise and quality-check the construction, restoration and maintenance work carried out on light aircraft by their Pilots and owners. Achieving and maintaining accreditation requires initial and ongoing examination, but it is a voluntary role with remuneration limited to token sums/travel expenses.

As an Inspector, Ernest was recognised as an expert by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) for the fitness to fly of UK light and microlight aircraft, those flying and those being built. Moreover, his expertise was also recognised by the Icelandic CAA which accredited him as an ‘Icelandic CAA Inspector’ for wooden-constructed aircraft. Ernest also offers his engineering expertise to builders and Pilots for whom he is not the nominated Inspector, and he regularly provides help and advice in person or over the phone. In addition, he also contributed advice and expertise to over 1,000 Jodel aircraft owners around the World through an online discussion group. He oversaw the build of a new light aircraft in late 2019, and as late as April 2021

was appointed the Inspector for a microlight aircraft relocated to the North West, one of 8 aircraft for which he had ‘engineering responsibility’. In March 2021 Ernest completed 50 years as a licensed Inspector and was determined to continue.

Sadly, following a slight spell in hospital Ernest’s deteriorating physical health meant he could no longer continue as an Inspector and he resigned in summer of 2021. He is especially proud that none of the aircraft he has owned and none of those he has inspected have ever been involved in an engineering/maintenance accident; a distinguished safety record that is beyond comparison. In addition to members of the GA community, Ernest’s expertise and achievements have been recognised by: his Association, the LAA, as an ‘Honorary Life Member’, the Royal Aero Club (RAeC – then patron HM Queen Elizabeth II), the UK governing body for competitive and recreational Air Sport: the Bronze Award in 1998 ‘awarded annually for outstanding achievement in aviation’, for his notable contribution to the advancement of aerospace engineering, & the Cowburn & KayOld & Bold Trophy in 2012 ‘awarded annually to a person aged 65 or over who flies or who has only ceased flying in the previous year, and who has been conspicuously involved in aviation and sport aviation in particular, for their work, initiative, devotion or in other ways’. And the Silver award RAeC (second highest award) in 2020 for his ‘outstanding achievement in aviation’

Arte et Marte

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Edem Siawor EngTech MIMechE

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REME Dunkirk Veteran Dennis Tocknell – Kit Upgrade

Scribe: Maj (Retd) Geordie Wright-Rivers

Last month, Maj (Retd) Geordie Wright-Rivers had the honour and pleasure of visiting 98year-old Corps Veteran Dennis Tocknell in Dursley, Gloucestershire to present him with his newly refurbished medals, new beret and Corps tie.

Dennis enlisted into REME in April 1943 moving directly into civilian digs in Staines due to a lack of available military accommodation. He landed at Gold Beach before seeing action in Arras and beyond for the remainder of WWII. He demobbed in 1947 and enjoyed a very successful civilian career as an Engineer and Project Manager. The small ceremony was attended by many of

Dennis’ devoted family and a variety of enthusiastic Veterans from the local area. The Cam and Dursley Vale Armed Forces Community meets regularly; drawn together by wonderful volunteers including Anita (Frankie) McKenna and Sapper (ahem!) with Veteran Rocky Rock who very kindly brought Dennis to our attention. Medals and formalities over, everyone enjoyed a “proper” NAAFI Break with plentiful brews and sausage or bacon baps (Brown or Red sauce remains a conundrum that continues to be unresolved!).

The REME Family is very grateful to Dennis for his contribution to the Corps and we wish him well for the future. Arte et Marte.

Dennis and friends at the Dursley Veterans’ Group

Dennis proudly displaying his medals and kit upgrade

Dennis and Wife Renée on their wedding day

Dennis’ Map of Arras issued in June 1944

The REME Commando Reunion

Scribe: LCpl “Plumbers” Plumbly

Preface

Commando Dictionary: Hoofin amazing, awesome great Wets beers, (Hot Wets - tea etc)

Scran hog roast (in this case) sultanas, currants, raisins and nuts historically, or scran out (ask a Commando)

Heads toilets

Wet Lids those who have recently passed All Arms Commando Course (AACC)

Icers proper cold

OG1N water (drinking or sea)

Run Ashore Glad rags on nights out, may be guided by a route card

Dits stories told of Hoofin times, getting into the ogin when it was icers then, downing loads of wets, attempting to trap and then seeking scran. Wet lids look forward to building a lifetime of dits that they can regurgitate in Reunions future!

Reunion History

The REME Commando Reunion first took place in 2002 on the 20th Anniversary of the Falkland’s conflict where serving members of 29 Commando Wksp got together in the Spean Bridge Club at the Royal Citadel the home of 29 Commando RA.

The reunion was an instant hit, and it was decided that the next year it was to happen again, but this time including all of the REME Commando family past and present. APC Glasgow was contacted and the names of every REME Commando trained rank was released (in 2002 data protection was not a thing!), all received invites via letters and word of mouth to join together in an annual festival where dits, wets, ogin, and general hoofin antics would be plentiful.

Present Day

The Reunion has taken place every year since, currently planned and organised by Ex ASM Joe Jordan and Mrs Christine Drake the long

Former ASM (now Artillery-man!) Kev Carter dishing out the scran

Wets in hand, the guys watch Simon being presented with his watch

serving Wksp Clerk, now taking place over a full weekend at the start of July. There is an All Ranks Reunion on the Friday attended by past and present members of the Wksp, Commando trained (or not) with Saturday reserved for those who have proved their worthiness by completed the gruelling AACC.

Friday

This year the reunion was hosted within the Wksp lines, approximately 160 attended, with a vehicle and gun display including a BV202 from the Imperial War Museum, this brought up a lot of old memories and many “hoofin dits” from the Veterans which were shared with the younger “wet lid” lads.

The Armourer’s gun bay was stripped out and filled with thousands of photos showing REME Commandos in a range of settings and dresses over the years; stimulating nostalgia amongst both young and old.

A makeshift bar was assembled with plenty of “wets”, allowing those attending to raise a glass in memory of those members absent or who can no longer be with us. Post scran the “run ashore” started, fancy dress is customary with a great show this year from 16AA fan favourites.

The Saturday

A voluntary PT/Swim session is normally conducted in the morning where any Commando Trained Rank can take part; this year sticking with the Commando heritage the meeting point was in the ogin at Tinside Beach.

The rest of the day consisted of a BBQ down at the infamous Navy Inn, a strong supporter of 29 Commando over the years.

After food was served and many wets sunken a special edition Elliot Brown Holton watch was auctioned in support of Simon (Frankie) Vaughan.

The “Simon Vaughan Award for Excellence” is in honour of Cpl Vaughan which provides trade champions a coin that can be presented to tradespersons that are deemed to have provided exceptional contributions to their CEG; the key attributes are cheerfulness in the face of adversity, determination, excellence and courage.

About Simon

In 2008, Corporal Simon Vaughan was travelling through Helmand Province when the vehicle he was in was blown up by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). He hit the frame of the vehicle before being flung eight metres into the air, hitting his head on impact. His heart stopped beating at the scene of the attack, starving his brain of oxygen, whilst Medics fought to keep him alive.

This was just the start of the continued physical and emotional roller coaster that Simon and his family would now have to endure. By the time Simon arrived at Camp Bastion Hospital, ASM Joe Jordan was waiting for the medical evacuation helicopter to land.

From this moment forward Joe has been by

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The brave lads save a pint from drowning

The Reunion reception in full swing

Simon’s side. His enduring support has been relentless, selfless, and vital. The last 14 years have been incredibly tough and through every twist and turn, Joe has been there for Simon and his family.

To show our continued support for Simon and to say thank you to Joe for going above and beyond over all these years, the LimitedEdition Army Commando watch was commissioned. Not only did Elliot Brown create a fantastic timepiece, but they also very generously donated three free watches and £2,745 from the 61 watches that were sold. The watches, No1 to Simon and No2 to Joe, were presented to them at the annual Army Commando Reunion by Lieutenant Colonel Lance Foster REME on behalf of all their Commando Brothers. A 3rd watch was auctioned off as part of the Commando Reunion and then all the money raised donated to Simon.

Big thank you’s

A massive thank you to Elliot Brown (elliotbrownwatches.com) they have made a huge difference, for which Simon, Joe and all British Army Commandos are hugely grateful. Elliot Brown have recently been given a Gold award as part of the Employer Recognition Scheme in support of the Armed Forces Military Covenant – one of only 5 small businesses in the UK to achieve this level of award.

Thanks to SSgt James Oke and Ex SSgt Gaz Bailey who made a very generous (£2,100) winning bid for the No29 watch.

To Kraken Clothing (krakencc.com) for providing a second prize of a jet ski ride around Plymouth Hoe, raising a further £550 in the process.

Equally, a big thank you to REME Soldier Wing for donating a further £350 from the profits from the REME Soldier Wing Chocolate and Iron Brew draw!

In total £5,745 was raised for Simon, this impressive amount will be used to help pay for a new modified trike for Simon.

Why it’s great

Although the weekend events are focused around wets, scran and a tour of Plymouth’s many pubs there is a serious and very important part to the Reunion. It provides an opportunity for Veterans and serving members to come together and reaffirm their membership of the Commando family. This small and unique community have a common bond like no other. Many have shared some tough times, some have lost friends and some still carry the physical or mental impact, coming together allows likeminded Commandos to talk about their experiences “spinning dits” and provide mutual support. For the younger lads it’s a chance to glean experience from the Vets and to feel part of a wider group that extends outside of just their current workplace. Once a REME Commando always a REME Commando.

If you are reading this and are interested becoming a Commando, 29 Cdo Wksp run at least one familiarisation package annually. Email: 3CDOX-29CDO REME CDO FAM

Guess which ones are still in service

The big Reunion photo, that’s lot of crates guys!

Op UNITY: Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022

Scribe: LCpl Campbell, 4 Regt AAC Wksp

The 22nd Commonwealth Games were held from 27th July to the 8th August this year. Birmingham was given the honour of hosting the games after Durban, South Africa announced it could not host the games due to financial costs.

The 2022 Games were to build on the legacy of the London 2012 Olympics and the 2014 Commonwealth games that were hosted in Glasgow; with more medals awarded to women than men for the first time and with a large focus on disabled-athletes sports.

138 Military Personnel from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, The Army and The Royal Air Force were selected to take part in the ceremonial duties during the games; which would involve raising and lowering flags during the medal ceremonies of the 25 sports and their various disciplines during the Birmingham Games.

The 138 Military assembled at Nescliffe Training Camp near Shrewsbury on the 18th July to be put through their paces by a team from the Army School of Ceremonial Drill as well as teams from the Royal Navy and the RAF. The first few days were disrupted by the 30+ degree heat that affected many parts of the country, but this did not slow down the drill, flag folding, lowering and raising lessons as well as the uniform inspections to ensure that we all looked the part when in front of thousands of spectators, athletes and coaches whilst carrying out our duties.

My team was given the prestigious role of raising the Commonwealth Games flag during the opening ceremony and lowering it again during the closing ceremony in so it could be handed to the Australian Ambassador as the games are due to be held in Victoria in 2026. This was all in front of 30,000 people in the Alexander Stadium as well as a combined TV audience of 3 billion people from all 72 countries that make up the Commonwealth and were competing in the games.

Not to mention HRH The Prince of Wales, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall and HRH Prince Edward.

So, although we had a small part in the ceremonies the pressure was definitely on. But it was not all hard work, we had the opportunity to meet many of the athletes and performers taking part in the ceremonies including Ozzy Osbourne, UB40, Duran Duran, Ellie Symonds the Paralympic swimmer, Joe Lycett, Tom Daley and many others who were proud to show their support to the Military as well as the Games and the ethos.

Once we had successfully completed the flag raising at the opening ceremony and in-between our rehearsals for the closing ceremony we had the opportunity to watch several sports that aren’t often played in the UK such as 3v3 Basketball, Netball and Gymnastics of various disciplines and Cycling.

Op UNITY was one of the best things I’ve been involved with in my military career. It provided opportunities that could not be found anywhere else. I would urge any member of HM Armed Forces to take opportunities like these when they arise as it is an amazing experience and a great honour to represent the REME and The Army.

Scouts Ex SCOUTING DRAGON

On the 23 September 2022, a group of Cubs, Scouts and Explorers from Pelsall in the Black Country, came to MOD Lyneham for three days camp as part of Ex SCOUTING DRAGON 22.

The event was organised by Sgt Paul Adams from 15 Field Company, 5 Battalion REME, and his Wife Nicky Adams, who runs the 3rd Pelsall Cubs Group. On the Friday night they arrived at 1st Lyneham Scout hut, which is located next to 5 Battalion’s Countess of Wessex Lines, where they were met by Sgt Adams with REME Goodie bags supplied by the Corp Engagement Team.

The main events started on Saturday morning with a Tour of The Countess of Wessex Lines, where they were introduced to Additive Manufacturing by LCpl Gurung and LCpl Harrad

They then had chance to use the Battalion’s Augmented Reality Equipment with Cpl Barry, being from the digital age they picked it up very quickly compared to the more senior soldiers.

Then they moved on to earning their Mechanic Badge with LCpl Cannon and Cfn Mander, who taught them how to complete first parades and wheel changes. Their only mistake was to show the children where the horn was, so it was quickly disconnected and then reconnected by one of the more mechanical minded Scouts.

After lunch they headed to Heavy A line to see 8 Training Battalion’s vast selection of Armoured and tracked vehicles.

Next stop was the FOB, where they took part in metal detecting to find sweets wrapped in foil with Cfn Dodson and Cfn Mander, but to keep it a little harder they also buried cans in the ground too. Soon it was time to get hands on with an SVR with Cfn Johnson and LCpl Scott, who showed them how to use the crane by popping balloons and once again they found the horn.

Then it was the turn of Cfn Bates and Cfn McHere Banda to put them through their paces in the night vision maze; to find DJ Jeff and REME Bear (3rd Pelsall and REME Museum Mascots)

After a quick pause to take on hot chocolate, they tried on some kit and equipment. They then had chance to up their ‘hide and seek’ skills with Cpl Barry and Cfn Mackenzie, on their Camouflage and Concealment stand. During this stand the group became convinced that it was Cfn Mackenzie’s moustache that made him so good at Camouflage and Concealment as he blended in with the grass.

After a refuel at the cook house they were off back to 5 Bn for a survival lesson with Sgt Adams, before finishing the day at 1st

Additive Manufacturing

Mechanic Badge

Augmented Reality

Heavy Line Tour

On Sunday it was the REME Museum’s turn to shine with Andrew Skelton giving a tour of the Museum, followed by an engineering challenge. Unsurprisingly the team with Sgt Adams and his 20 years of Mechanical knowledge won the challenge. They then finished the day with a chance to use the Museum’s mini obstacle course and playground, before heading back home.

Lyneham Scout hut for some campfire cooking with the Group Leaders.

Camp fire cooking

Camouflage

The bears with some night vision kit

CBRN kit

Heavy Line Tour 2

SVR Crane Game

Camouflage 2

Due to the pandemic and cost of living crisis, most of the children have not been able to attend a scouting camp or any big trips before. All that visited MOD Lyneham agreed that it was a fantastic weekend and possibly the best Scouting trip they had ever been on. This was only made possible through the assistance of 5 Bn, 8 Trg Bn, RHQ, the Corp Engagement Team and the Regimental restaurant. Those that help with running the stands, set the gold standard for working within the public eye. Hopefully the memories and skills the Cubs, Scouts and Explorers gained will last a lifetime.

Engineering Challenge

Survival lesson

In the museum

REME Special Devices part three: Flail tanks – the Baron

Scribe: Zoe Tolman, Assistant Archivist

Initially General Staff were reluctant to attach anti-mine equipment to tanks in case it impaired their fighting ability, however the mine problem was severe enough by 1941 that designs such as the spiked rollers (which we looked at previously) and flail tanks were brought back into serious consideration. This article will focus on one of the first two iterations of the flail tank - the Baron - though it is worth noting that many of these experimental designs were worked on at the same time, the final approved design borrowing from multiple initial trials.

The flail tank was the brainchild of Major Du Toit who posited that ‘the flexibility of the chains, combined with a point of strike well ahead of the drum’ would make the device comparatively indestructible by mines, particularly in contrast to the roller devices which received the direct force of each explosion. Whilst the Scorpion was trialled in the Middle East in battle, Major Du Toit was flown back to the UK to create and trial a flail tank under the Fighting Vehicle Division of the Ministry of Supply. This tank was soon known as the Baron.

Both tanks were built upon the Matilda II with a flail rotor attached several feet in front of the vehicle and powered by a separate engine mounted to the side of the tank; with the person controlling the engine also in this separate cabin. The flail rotor was essentially a large metal drum with chains attached at regular intervals and bobweights attached at the end. As the drum rotates, the chains and weights fly outwards and strike the ground in front of the tank, destroying any mines in its path.

Trialling the Baron was complex as there were many factors which affected its efficacy - speed and direction of rotation, length of chain, design of chain, chain material, number of chains, configuration of chains, distance from tank and from ground, speed of tank and, of course, terrain - and factors such as reliability and visibility still had to be considered alongside these.

Pic 25c

Direction of rotation was first considered as mines were occasionally thrown back by the flails onto the tank track. However, when the rotor was run in reverse, a greater length of chain was destroyed with each detonation, due to the fact that a link higher up the chain would make first contact rather than the end, and the earth thrown up by the flails had a tendency to bury undetonated mines ahead, protecting them from subsequent flailing. Rotation was therefore set so that the flail struck the mines ahead of the roller. During trials on a later Scorpion variant, the throwback problem resurfaced as dummy mines were thrown onto the driver’s visor by the flails. As these would have resulted in fatalities had they been real, wire netting was fixed to the front to prevent further throwbacks.

Visibility was an immediately noticeable concern as dust thrown up from the flails blocked most, if not all, vision from the operator’s periscope. Multiple schemes were tried to keep the periscope clean,

including redirecting the exhausts to blast the dust clear, a small cover with a commercial windscreen wiper, a large scraper on a screen in front of the periscope, and even a piece of canvas placed over the flail similar to a bicycle mudguard. These helped alleviate the issue but none were deemed to have solved the problem satisfactorily. For example, the redirecting of the exhausts, after some tweaks, was fairly effective but had the downside of the exhaust getting drawn into the tank which made life very unpleasant for the crew, whereas the scraper method struggled with large quantities and could require manual use every 2 or 3 minutes in bad conditions.

The Baron went through multiple developments, the main ones revolving around the issues of power and cooling – at first a more powerful auxiliary engine was selected, which was then increased to two engines, and the cooling system for these was at one-point piggy-backed from the main tank but this was found to be insufficient. Ultimately however, it was too wide for landing craft and suffered from various mechanical defects so, whilst the Baron stayed in use as a training tool for future flail tank crew, developmental focus shifted to the Scorpion in 1943 (and our next article will do the same!)

Information and images in this article are taken from E:05.0771.01 and E:08.0121.11

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Baron MkIIIA (front elevation)

Baron MkIIIA (side elevation)

Mine detonating efficiency (albeit of the later Scorpion)

The REME Family Remembers

– WO2 (AQMS) Frank Fillary

Scribe:  Major (Retired) Geordie Wright-Rivers

Lest we Forget

Earlier this year, the REME Charity was contacted by Felicity Greenfields, the Niece of a former REME soldier sadly reported Missing in Action in Malaya in WWII.

WO2 (AQMS) Frank Fillary had been serving with 18th (5th Bn The Loyal Regt [North Lancashire]) Regt, Reconnaissance Corps in Malaya when he was reported Missing in Action prior to his death being announced in 1942 at the age of 25. His remains were never found and he is commemorated, along with 24,306 others, at the Singapore Memorial at Kranji Cemetery in Singapore.

Frank’s Sister, and Felicity’s Mother, Barbara Edith’s dying wish had been to visit the Singapore Memorial but she was never able to make the trip so Felicity made the call to see if there was anything the REME Charity could do on the family’s behalf to fulfil their Mother’s dying wish.

Following an approach from the REME Charity, Colonel (Retired) Simon (Fitz) Fitzgibbon OBE late REME, who was on assignment in Singapore, agreed to visit the memorial and commemorate Frank’s service on behalf of both the Fillary family and the Corps family.

He attended the memorial on 19 August 2022 accompanied by the Defence Advisor Cdr Ash Spencer RN. They laid a wreath and commemorative REME plaque bearing the following message on behalf of his late Sister:

“Frank, my constantly remembered, always loved big Brother from Barbara Edith”.

Our collective thanks go to Col Fitz and Cdr Ash for your kindness and consideration in fulfilling this important request – Arte et Marte.

Kranji War Memorial

Singapore Memorial

THE REME STRATEGY – FUTURE SOLDIER, FUTURE REME

From Lt Gen Paul Jaques CB CBE, Master General REME

Today, on St Eligius Day in our 80th year, the REME is launching a new Strategy – Future Soldier, Future REME. Its aim is to ensure the REME is ready and able to keep the punch in the British Army’s fist on the battlefield of tomorrow.

The world is seeing environmental, health, economic and political pressures increasing. Events in Ukraine has brought home just how quickly these pressures can spill over into a major conflict with ramifications across the world. Technology is also changing at pace; driving changes in how armies fight and increasing the complexity of what they fight with. REME needs to adapt to ensure that we have the engineering and military skills needed to operate successfully on the future battlefield. Central to the strategy is ensuring that REME soldiers have the right skills to support future equipment, the right tools and materiel to fix it and better information to manage equipment and know when to ‘fix before failure’.

The REME cannot deliver the strategy alone. We are reliant on others who acquire equipment, fund training, manage information systems and design training to enable its delivery. However, if officers and soldiers at all levels carry a clear understanding of where REME needs to go and work coherently to support the delivery of the strategy then we will continue to be successful. REME’s strength is that we are spread across the Army and develop an amazing diversity of experiences and ability; but we also struggle to speak with one-voice. The REME Strategy articulates a clear sense of where we want to go but it requires us all to work more effectively together to get there.

The centre page pull out in this month’s Craftsman describes the REME Strategy in a single picture. Please put it on notice boards, discuss it and come to understand it as a team. You will recognise that the work underpinning this strategy fall into four Lines of Operation:

• Being ready for the future in skills, equipment structures, resources and training.

Brig Phil Prosser CBE, ACOS Eqpt, HQ Field Army

“The Corps faces a number of challenges as our Master General has highlighted. The strategy will help us navigate our future. It will need to evolve as the context evolves; we must remain agile, we must continue to shift our approach as we benchmark against the most likely fight, and we must continue to learn how to work with an increasing number of partners. The aim is to safeguard our future, to ensure that every one of us will know our place on the future battlefield, and what’s more, we can keep the punch in the Army’s fist by being equipped with the right equipment, tools and mindset. This is not for our own benefit, this is for the safety of this great nation; no one can do what we do.”

• Exploiting data to maximise the fighting power we deliver.

• Keeping people at the heart of what we do; continuing to offer our people a wholesome, rewarding and fulfilling career

• Being professional in all we do.

Each of these Lines of Operation is led by a REME Brigadier reporting to the Corps Council.

To view the REME Strategy – Future Soldier, Future REME - in full, including our Lines of Operation and all of the Future Plans that follow from it, please visit the RHQ SharePoint Homepage, under ‘announcements’ or REME RHQ on the Defence Connect ‘announcements’.

WO1 (CASM)

Mark Lynch

“The Strategy gives us direction and a clear pathway to continually deliver battle winning equipment to the user in the future. The lines of operations are seamless and coherent; enabling the Corps to effectively repair forward the next generation of platforms through engineering innovation. I would encourage all to use the picture on the next page as a handrail and absorb the relevance behind the text. Each work-strand will ensure we are prepared, skilled and equipped for future operations.”

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9 Theatre Support Battalion REME recruiting now!

CO - Lt Col John Anthistle

n August 2022 the first individuals began to arrive in Aldershot to establish 9 Theatre Support Battalion REME (9 (TS) Bn REME). If you are considering your next posting and fancy a unique and exciting challenge, then please read on.

Who are we?

(9 (TS) Bn REME) exists to provide rapidly deployable, Theatre Entry, Equipment Support capability. It is unique in directly supporting the Theatre Enabling Group at very high readiness, wherever and whenever it is deployed.

What do we do?

We support the Theatre Enabling Group which is a scalable force held at very high readiness who enable ground forces to enter a theatre of operations, anywhere around the world. It contains capabilities unique to the army which encompass the entire end to end process of establishing and then sustaining land forces overseas.

Where are we?

New Normandy Bks, Evelyn Woods Road, Aldershot, HAMPSHIRE, GU11 2LZ. The barracks enjoy Z type accommodation, abundant dining options, state of the art gym facilities, local amenities

including a dry ski slope and a multitude of other sport and leisure opportunities for you and your family.

What does the unit look like?

9 (TS) Bn REME consists of a Battalion Headquarters, Headquarters Company, 6 (Theatre Enabling) Company (6 (TE) Coy) and a Hybrid Company (Regular Army & Reservist) of 158 (Theatre Support) Company from 101 Battalion REME. Within the Hybrid Company is a

9 TS Bn REME Org Chart (1)

Regular Army Vehicle and General platoon (V&G) which will work to 6 (TE) Coy during peacetime.

Why should you be interested?

We are in the unique position of setting up the newest unit in the Corps from the ground up and you can be a part of that. If that isn’t an exciting enough challenge in itself; we will be growing the unit to full strength as quickly as possible throughout 2023 to prepare for exercises in Europe, Oman and Cyprus as well direct support to operations. The trade challenges involve operating in austere environments, sometimes beyond the supply chain where all trades will be required to apply first principles to solve the problems they are faced with for UK and partner nation equipment. Repair by repair is our focus, seeking continuous improvement through innovation and experimentation. We will also be building upon 5 (FS) Bn’s advanced manufacturing journey as a key enabling capability for the tool bag of all trades in the deployed space.

How can I find out more?

More information and contact details can be found in the unit welcome pack:

Theatre Enabling Group Ex AUSTERE WOLF 2022

Old meets new at MOD Lyneham

Scribe: Major (Retired) Geordie Wright-Rivers

Earlier this month the Corps HQ hosted a small delegation of our ex-REME Chelsea Pensioners from the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The aim of the day was to introduce our inPensioners to some of the Army’s current fighting equipment and new technology and to familiarise them with some of the trade training facilities at the Corps’ new home in MoD Lyneham.

The visitors were greeted at Corps Headquarters with the time-honoured NAAFI break, taking in a bacon roll and a group photograph with staff from the Headquarters prior to embarking upon a packed tour of barracks. The route took in visits and briefs to the Recovery Training area, Vehicle and Weapons Hangars, Aircraft Wing before finishing at the Metalsmiths and Armourers’ Shop. En-route they met many inquisitive young trainees covering all trade groups including soldiers from other nations receiving maintainer instruction on various platforms.

A light lunch in the Sgts’ Mess preceded a visit to the Roger Jones MBE Vehicle Hangar to view the historic vehicle fleet before the team left, tired and content, for the trip home to Chelsea.

MAN Vehicle Trainer

HM’s Tree from RAF Lyneham Visit, 1973

Old meets new

The Black Arts!

Chelsea Skill-at-Arms Team

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Ex-REME Chelsea Pensioners and Corps HQ Staff

Recovery Mechanic Memorial Wall Top Gun 3

Arborfield and District Branch

(Secretary)

We now have a new President, with Lt Col (Retd) David Keymer, taking over from Lt Col (Retd) John Edwards, who left the area to return to his home in Stoke. John will be greatly missed in the role. His advice and guidance to the Committee have been invaluable over the years. With Rose he has always supported the many excursions and events in which the Branch have taken part. He now has more time to support his beloved Stoke City. David of course is well known in the Corps; after retirement he spent many years working in the Corps Museum both in Arborfield and Lyneham. His knowledge

and experience will be used to the full by the Branch. With Christine, he travels from Wiltshire to attend Branch meetings and functions, and we are very pleased that Christine has volunteered to take on the role of Welfare Officer; a post on the Committee which has been vacant for a while. Christine is also Quizmaster at our Branch Meetings.

With COVID over (?) in January we held a belated Annual Dinner at the Sandmartins Golf Club in Wokingham which was attended by over 60 people with Mike Crabbe, SE Area Rep and his Wife Wendy as our guests.

We held our AGM in February, with some changes in the Committee. Eileen Craig is now our Social Secretary and recently, Christine Keymer has taken on the vacant role of Welfare Officer.

We had a good turnout at REME Sunday on 10 July at the Royal Hospital in Chelsea. A coach was hired to take 16 members, to once again enjoy a very enjoyable day with the In-Pensioners.

Our BBQ on 26 July was a great success. We decided to use outside caterers to do the cooking etc and this was a ‘masterstroke’, with no washing-up to do and all the other tasks which take up a great deal of time, everyone was able to relax and really enjoy the occasion. The weather was on our side, so we were able to use the excellent facilities of the Arborfield Community Centre to the full.

Bren Stacey, our former Social Secretary was the ‘main man’ for this event, and decided that we have a competition for the most colourful shirt/blouse worn on the day. The winners were John Alp and Marilyn Smith. It was a difficult decision, as you will see

Scribe: John Worrall

The Gents

The Ladies

Enjoying the day

from the photos of some of the ‘competitors.’

Eileen Craig our new Social Secretary organised the Raffle, which is always a good ‘money-spinner’. Tea and coffee were served by volunteers, led by Wendy Edminson, so everyone was catered for and at the end of the day, I think everyone went away happy.

The 7 October was the Annual Dinner/Lunch, our next major event held at the Sandmartins Golf Club. We decided that we would hold it at lunchtime as was our last one; which has several advantages allowing more people to attend.

I occasionally have a look round the old Garrison, now Arborfield Green to see how things are progressing and there can’t be much more for the developers to do. I took a picture of the block of flats, on the area previously occupied by Baillieu Sgts’ Mess, overlooking the old cricket pitch. I say old, because there was a game of football taking place on that ‘hallowed ground’, so

well looked after in the past by Major Peter Beeken. Our membership has held steady, with new members coming on board, these being Neil Coupland and Ann and Steve Clubley; joining in the past two months. Recently I have met some former REME soldiers in the area and as you would suspect there are many more, who potentially could have joined us. Unfortunately for various reasons, they haven’t.

By the time this goes to print it will soon be Christmas! So best wishes to everyone.

It Pays to be Safe! Major Mark Jeffery Awarded Commander Field Army’s Commendation

On Monday 10 October 2022, Major Mark Jeffery was awarded a Commander Field Army’s Commendation by Major General Simon Hamilton at Army Headquarters for his efforts to imbue a quantifiable change in safety reporting and culture whilst OC REME Workshop at 17 Port and Maritime Regiment (17 P&M Regt). By acknowledging that reporting of safety incidents was low due to the perception of the burden of paperwork required, he introduced a simple yet effective method to initially record an incident, rectify any faults, and then follow up with the paperwork and formal notification 24hours later. This dramatically increased the reporting of safety related incidents, allowing for them to be resolved whilst still allowing his personnel to operate; maintaining the efficiency and long-term safety of the unit. By ensuring near misses were recorded and dealt with, this in turn reduced the number of safety related issues.

His citation reads:

Major Jeffrey is commended for his exceptional leadership and contribution as the OC REME Wksp for 17 P&M Regt and his influence over the way safety is considered more widely across 104 Log Bde. He was committed to changing individual and unit values, attitudes, perceptions, competencies, and patterns of behaviour that led to a dramatic decrease in safetyrelated incidents across the Brigade. He forged a culture founded on mutual trust, by shared perceptions of the importance of safety and by confidence in the

efficacy of preventive measures. Changing culture is challenging, but he did so with energy, skill and vigour for the betterment of all our people. He fully deserves this recognition of his efforts.

From all in the Programmes Directorate and wider Corps, Many congratulations!

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Arborfield Green new flats

Scribe: Major Iain Walker SCOTS, SO2 Mechanised Infantry

Major Jeffery (right) presented his CFA’s Commendation by General Hamilton

In Summer 2022, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (1FUS) LAD conducted an interoperability exercise with German forces. X Fitter Section led by SSgt Campbell arrived and explored the delights of Paderborn before activating equipment from Land Training Fleet Sennelager (LTFS) including fourteen Warriors (WR). Due to the excellent equipment standards at LTFS, little

Ex ALTMARK

preparatory work was required to enable the deployment; allowing them some time to relax following handover and stables parades.

Departing Sennelager, they drove four hours to Truppenübungsplatz Altmark; representing the typical doctrinal distance between A1 and A2 echelons. Upon arriving, the repair and recovery variants of the WR (512 & 513) were unloaded, enabling them to support the Company before they moved to the Altmark training area near Born. The dry, sandy conditions enhanced the likelihood vehicles would throw a track, which was mitigated by advising individuals to use neutral turns and how to approach steep inclines.

Working alongside 3 (ACS) Bn REME, they used the SVR to assist in replacing a WR 513 torsion bar and numerous other faults to other vehicles such as coolant issues. Cfn Rai and LCpl Lock also overcame numerous small arms faults on the L129 Sharpshooters and the new SA80A3 rifles. Class 3-2 training was also delivered to our junior tradespeople such as Cfn Hughes from 3 (ACS) Bn REME including repair tasks on Land Rover and the WR.

X Coy were incorporated into the Jagerbatallion 91 Battalion who operate the Boxer AFV as the German’s lead defensive force. This allowed the LAD to see the vehicle in action before the British Army take receipt of it in the future. The Jagerbatallion were a light-medium Battlegroup (BG) facing another German BG of Leopard 2A5s, Marder IFVs and Wiesel tankettes and they possess significant offensive capabilities which required novel tactics to succeed.

Unusually, some of our tradespeople were employed experimentally. A Vehicle Mechanic, LCpl Ankers, provided intimate support to WR dropping their

Scribe: – LCpl Lock IC – SSgt Campbell

SSgt Campbell, Cpl Parton and Cpl Wyatt preferred transport around Belgium

LCpl Lock sharing his knowledge on WW2

Boxer IFV and Warrior AFV

dismounts in a tree line and was tasked with confirming if REME WR variants need to be brought forward in case of any breakdowns; safeguarding our assets from unnecessary exposure.

Later, the Jagerbatallion 91 fought a delay action while the Fitter Section conducted Equipment Casualty Evacuation of vehicle casualties to a safer location. During this phase, the tradesmen had to work quickly with the enemy advancing, recovering a stranded WR whose rear idle wheel had completely broken off; requiring them to break the track and remove the idler. The German CSS Battalion were far more accustomed to backloading equipment because they don’t have any repair capabilities in their F Echelon, backloading all equipment casualties.

On reflection, effective planning, and a common understanding of processes by everyone enabled mission command, allowing the Fitter Section to operate effectively despite working under a German command structure with intermittent direction and communications.

Following the exercise phase, while waiting for the equipment transporters, a consolidated fault-finding session allowed the Fitter Section to prepare spares and prioritise tasks; enabling them to repair the equipment without delay.

All this hard work provided the time for Cpl Cock RLC to organise a

battlefield study to Bastogne in Belgium where the Battle of the Bulge occurred. The Fitter Section learnt how a small number of American forces withstood a mighty German offensive and drew parallels in the success of the German tactics during Ex ALTMARK; such as the effectiveness of the Germans hiding in smaller armoured vehicles, firing on more heavily-equipped armour then withdrawing.

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Fitter Sect visit to Bastogne. WW2 recovery in the background

Leopard and Marder on the move

Warrior 510 loaded onto a German Faun HET

Ex DRAGON MONTAGNE 2022

on the Monday, and after a 13 hour drive we arrived in the French Alps. Once we arrived, the Instructors conducted a route recce for the following days, after finding a route a quick pit stop to taste the local beers was in order en-route back to the Hostel we would call home for the week.

Waking up to the amazing views of Mont Blanc the team set about getting the 15 bikes ready for a day of riding. Utilising the techniques learnt during the “M” check lesson. Once the bikes were in good order, we conducted various lessons; starting with the basics on how to lift the front and rear wheels to clear obstacles and different riding positions. Below is an image of Sgt Nash’s first wheelie. Needless to say, he was “wheelie” proud of himself.

Due to the limited time available to us, we needed to make the most of each day. The team set off and started climbing the mountains around us, after what felt like hours we finally got to the turnaround point. As they say, what goes up must come down. It was time to put what we’d been taught into practice and send ourselves down the rocky paths in front of us hoping for the best. The bikes hadn’t been maintained very well by the previous owners leading to some very sketchy riding for a large part of the group, flying down hill with poor rear brakes is a sure-fire way to keep you on your toes!

Our second day was much more appealing, a 12km cycle to Les Houches greeted by Ski-Lifts, a sight for sore eyes. No more climbing for hours, time to enjoy the best part! At the top after a few more lessons, we split into ability groups and descended the mountain. A few good runs later everyone’s spirits were high. On the last run of the day things went a little pear shaped for 3 AAC AQMS WO2 Hilton who went for a little flight over his handlebars in the first corner. Coming out as a welfare visit and ending up as a welfare case. A visit to see what he believed to be Guildford nurses determined he had ripped the ligaments in his shoulder, his collar bone was a couple inches

From June 20th until June 24th, members of 3 AAC Veh Pl and 7 BN REME attended a Mountain Bike Foundation Course in Chamonix, France; learning the basics in an amazing part of the world. The week started leaving Wattisham Flying Station at 0300hrs

Scribe: Sgt Shaun Elding

Sgt Nash’s wheelie

MTB Skills

out of place. Not how we expected the day to end, that’s for sure.

It was clear the Instructors from the REME Enduro team had saved the best day for last; we drove an hour to Les Gets. The trails were maintained a lot better, steeper and faster than the previous days, from the get-go everyone could tell it was going to be a good day. Although we’d only been riding for two days it felt like everything had come together nicely, my confidence was high, I was ready to push and see what I was capable of. Flying down the thin dirt track at 30mph got the adrenaline pumping, it made the travelling well worth it. While washing the bikes down the heavens opened soaking everyone who didn’t bring waterproofs. After our soaking we proceeded to head back to the hostel where we conducting our final M checks before packing the bikes away to head home the following morning. After these checks, there was only one thing left to do and that was go to the pub for a few shandies and some of the best Canadian food the French had to offer; this sorted us ready for our long travels the next day. The morning started at 0700hrs by completing all morning administration and before we knew we were on our way back to Wattisham, it took 10 hours to reach Calais and another 5 hours to get back to England and into Wattisham leaving the majority of us absolutely shattered. A Glorious week and a beautiful location for an outstanding AT package delivered by Sgt Elding.

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“What goes up”

Group photo

Op ACES LIGHTFOOT – My First Deployment to SEF(G), Germany

Iwas deployed to Mönchengladbach, Germany on Op ACES LIGHTFOOT for one month as a part of a team restoring the CVR(T)s and WARRIORs held within the Stored Operational Fleet (G). The task was vital to complete in a timely fashion and to the highest of standards, because after restoration the CVR(T)s were sent eastwards Gifted in Kind (GiK) to Ukraine in a matter of weeks. We worked on a rota of 12-hour work shifts, 6 days a week, to ensure we accomplished our task.

We began by inspecting 16 CVR(T)s and 15 WARRIORs. This process involved identifying faults, diagnosing them, and later fitting the replacement parts. I was a part of the CVR(T) crew and the majority of our time was spent fitting fire extinguishers, thermostats and gearboxes. A memorable mechanical problem came from fitting gearboxes as the quill shafts would not align to the shims on the front of the gearbox. This difficulty resulted in the team having to restart the task a few times before finally succeeding. We ran into another issue when fitting a new starter motor to a CVR(T). After a few attempts to start the engine, it was identified that the starter motor was failing to function.

After a thorough inspection my team and I diagnosed the fault to originate from two of the teeth on the shaft snapping, preventing correct contact with the flywheel. Once we replaced the damaged

part, the vehicle started up without fault.

I have learnt a great deal from my first deployment to Germany. I was able to develop my trade with the bonus of experiencing a little of Mönchengladbach and surrounding area. The highlight being attending a Borussia Mönchengladbach football match at the stadium which was nearby.

Scribe: Cfn Rhodes, 10 Armd Coy, 4 Armd CS Bn REME

Cfn Tucker and Cfn Dennie lifting a CV8 Power Pack into the WARRIOR

SSgt Chiwaye and Cpl Lund repairing the RARDEN weapon system

Cfn Nagra inspecting the inside of a Bulldog

Cfn Dennie inside the WARRIOR Driver’s hatch

Obstacle Racing World Championships 2022

Now in its 8th year, the annual Obstacle Racing World Championships is the culmination of the racing calendar where up to 2,000 athletes compete over a weekend to determine who will become the next world champion. This year’s championships took place at Stratton Mountain ski resort in Vermont, USA.

The format of the event consists of four races in three days, which vary in distance and obstacles. The races are a 3km sprint which takes place on the Friday, a 15km standard which takes place on the Saturday, 8km team and a 6km charity run which both take place on the Sunday. This was my first world championships in three years since COVID-19 put a hold on overseas competitions. I was competing in my age category all weekend and was hoping to come away with at least one podium throughout the event.

The first race being the sprint is all about completing the

obstacle as quickly and efficiently as possible. Any mistakes you make can often make the difference between winning and losing. Since I am more suited to longer distance events, I took the sprint as an opportunity to get a feel for the course and getting used to the elevation. While the sprint race is only 3km long it still had over 280 metres of elevation gain. After completing all the obstacles first time and getting some good speed on the descent I knew I had placed well but didn’t know exactly where I had finished due to the start being staggered. I crossed the line in 3rd place in my age category which gave me a good confidence boost ahead of the main race.

The standard course was just over 15km and had 1,300m of

Scribe: Cpl Titcomb, Armourer, 28 Engr Regt (C-CBRN) LAD

Urban Sky Obstacle

Logo of the Obstacle Racing World Championships

DropZone Obstacle (Photo credit to OCR Nation)

elevation, making it one of the hilliest courses the world championships have ever put on. Again, I was racing in my age category which I knew would be tough as some of the other athletes didn’t run the previous day. This time it was a mass start, meaning if you crossed the line first, you would win and be crowned World Champion. I knew some of the fresher athletes would be hoping to get a good start, so I sat back for the first few obstacles until things started to spread out. After a very quick descent to a group of obstacles in a gravel car park, I found myself with a 30 second lead. From there I just settled into a rhythm and just watched my lead get bigger. The second half of the course had the steepest climb which was 1.2km long and almost 350m of elevation, from there it was a mental battle to just not make any mistakes and keep a good rhythm. After a few more obstacles at the top of the mountain it was a long steady run down towards the event village. Here I would be coming across 8 obstacles almost backto-back. Keeping it smooth and efficient, I completed the remainder of the obstacles and came across the line in first place just over 14 minutes ahead of second, making me the 2022 25-29 age group World Champion.

The final main race was the team event, in which I was running with two other UK athletes Jason and Louise. After such a tough couple of races, we as a team chose to run in the open combined event, this meant there wasn’t a huge amount of pressure on us to finish well and we could enjoy the race a bit more. The team event is split into 4 sections: speed, technical, strength and team. I took the speed section which was first and managed to give our team a 2-minute lead which eased pressure on my teammates so they wouldn’t have to worry too much about making any mistakes. After Louise completed the technical section, we were still in first, she then handed over to Jason for the strength section before we regrouped and ran as a team. Just before we completed the rest of the

course as a team we had unfortunately dropped to 2nd. Despite that we all ran really well and complete the remaining obstacles first time and crossed the line in 2nd place.

Overall, it was a hugely successful weekend competing against some of the best age group athletes in the world. Having achieved three podiums, became a World Champion, and gaining a different podium medal in each event just made the whole trip worth it. Building on the success of this year’s World Championships, next year I will be stepping up into the elite field against some of the best athletes in the world.

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Team Race Open Co-Ed Podium

15km Podium (Photo credit to OCR Nation)

3 RIFLES LAD –Ex BUGLE SPANNER

OC LAD: Captain Sean Hunter ASM: WO1 Michael Foster

On the 3rd September 2022, 3 Rifles LAD deployed on Ex BUGLE SPANNER, an 8-day overseas sports visit to Cyprus for an end of season football tour. Following on from a successful football season and busy Bn FoE, the OC and ASM were eager to get as much of the LAD away for some down time before ramping up again with deployments on Op CABRIT 12 (E) and a 3 Rifles Battle Group deployment to France on Ex ORION 23. As the Bn and LAD Football Coach, I seized the opportunity to organise Ex BUGLE SPANNER to enhance team cohesion, improve fitness and reward the LAD for their hard work throughout the year.

Arriving in Cyprus, the tour began with some compulsory acclimatisation activities due to the temperature still being in the high 30s. An enjoyable day on the beach relaxing and catching up on some sleep was welcomed following our compulsory 6hr check in prior to departure at RAF Brize Norton. The first fixture was against 1st Bn – The Duke of Lancaster Regiment. Partially acclimatised, the LAD initially found it difficult to build momentum. A well drilled 1 Lancs team, it took a staggering 20 minutes to wear down their solid defence before Cpl Joe Evans created a breakthrough; sending the ball to an unmarked Cfn Ste Roe who slotted it past the rooted goalkeeper. Both sides then had periods of good play and possession before the LAD put the game to bed late on. A talented SSgt Phil Lucas carved up the 1 Lancs midfielders before slotting the ball over the top for WO1 (ASM) Michael Foster to nod high into the top corner.

The second fixture seen the LAD meet the islands strongest side, the Joint Mechanical Engineering and Transportation Squadron (JMETS). Being day 5 of the tour, the LAD team were somewhat acclimatised to the heat and started with some lovely free flowing football. A strong start by the LAD saw us cruise to a 3-0 lead by half time with goals from SSgt Phil Lucas, ASM Foster and Cfn Jack Griffiths. The heat still getting the better of some, a host of half-time changes were made by both sides which saw the game take a 2nd half twist. A determined JMETS side gained momentum, clawing back the deficit to 3-3

Scribe: SSgt Phil Lucas

Cfn Roe with the Pre-match presentation

Cultural yacht tour of Paphos

Squad Picture

before taking the lead 4-3 with 15 minutes remaining. Entering the final 10 minutes, a reshuffle of the LAD side saw the game level with Cfn Matt Musham scoring from inside the box. With the game approaching full time, the LAD was pushing hard for a win in a match that was now providing end to end action. Unfortunately, the LAD could not find the net, hitting the post on two occasions and unable to find the crucial winner. Disappointingly and well into a very generous injury time, JMETS snatched a winner against the run of play.

Alongside the football fixtures, the overseas sports visit provided the LAD with an excellent opportunity for some vital pre-season training. Eager to make the most of our time in Cyprus, a wellproduced Main Events List also presented opportunities off the pitch for some quality down time to experience the local culture and attractions on offer. Continuing with our off-field cohesion, the team visited Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark, seeking to build individuals confidence on a variety of high-speed water slides followed swiftly by relaxing on an extensive lazy river. Other team bonding activities included a voyage around the beautiful coastline on a lively and entertaining ‘yacht’ trip, where the team learnt about Cypriot culture, sampled some magnificent views, and enjoyed a liquid lunch hydrating in the heat. Throughout the overseas sports visit, other activities included paragliding, jet ski hire, and the LAD’s favourite – a karaoke led by Sgt Chris Brown and SSgt Phil Lucas. The overseas sports visit was a fantastic end to a great football season and exceptionally busy period for our LAD. Reflecting on our LAD and football achievements, the overseas sports visit ended with a team meal on the beach and of course a variety of end of tour awards. The OC Capt Sean Hunter presented Cpl Joe Evans with the player of the tour followed by a collective karaoke to bring an end what was an unbelievable overseas sports visit to Cyprus.

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Pre-Match v JMETS

Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark

Team Bonding Night

Cpl Evans Presentation from Capt Hunter - Player of the Tour

Potteries & District Branch

We seem to be a Branch that is becoming one of professional mourners, having responded on Monday 26th of September to RHQ’s request to put in an appearance at the funeral of Col Dennis Wheatcroft at Haughton near Stafford, and responded again two weeks later to RHQ’s request to attend the funeral of ex REME Para Tom Thacker. In between those two we very sadly had to attend the funeral of Carole Wright, the Wife of branch member John Wright, which was made all the harder in that it was only sixteen months since the passing of their only child, Karen, aged only 51.

Craftsman Thomas ‘Tom” Richard Thacker who was brought up with his two Brothers and Sister in Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent, was resident in Leek in the Staffordshire Moorlands, and after serving in Afghanistan with 2 Para he struggled with PTSD, and tragically his “demons” overcame his wish to live on Thursday 15th of September, aged just 34. His funeral service took place in the Crematorium Chapel at Carmountside in Stoke-on-Trent at 0930hrs, on Monday 10th of October led by a civil celebrant. Our Branch President Maurice Hope and Branch Secretary Brian Billings represented the Branch and the Corps Welfare Officer WO2 Kelvin Redshaw came up from Lyneham to represent the Corps.

Tom must have been a very popular and likable young man if the high numbers of mourners were anything to go by, the congregation was swelled by the presence of about 20 REME Para Veterans with their maroon berets on parade, the Chapel could never have been as full with mourners. Three Standards were present, two from the local RASC/RCT branch and our own Standard carried by Mr John Wain.

On a lighter note, the Branch held its monthly lunch event at The Ship Inn near Tean, on Wednesday 12th, with seventeen people in attendance; the largest number we have had for many a while. Initially “chaos reigned supreme” as we had only expected a dozen to attend. Once again, our newest Branch member Lt Col John Edwards ended up winning in our mini raffle. Obviously, he has a sweet tooth,

last month he won a large box of Maltesers and this time he chose the “After Eight” mints. Our little “in house” raffle raised £56 which is a welcome addition to our branch Christmas Dinner fund.

The Branch had a fairly large number of members attending our fifth funeral in as many weeks, with the funeral of Major Bob Harris RCT (TA) taking place at Carmountside Cemetery on Tuesday 25th of October.

Bob did over thirty years in the Territorial Army, most of it served at the local Bucknall TA Centre of 237 Sqn RCT, being a Platoon Lt when our late Branch President Major Gordon Beddew (TA) was the OC REME Workshop. The congregation was swelled by the attendance of many ex 237 Sqn Veterans. Three Standards were paraded, two RASC/RCT and our own Branch Standard paraded by Branch Standard Bearer Gil Mould.

The evening of the 25th, following the above funeral, was our monthly Branch meeting, where after our normal business was completed, we enjoyed a very good presentation from ex RAF Flt Officer Mr Robbie Cormie (RAF Medical Services) who had served two tours of Iraq (2003 and 2008), being part of the Medical Emergency Rescue Team.

He first introduced himself and then warned if anyone was tickle stomached they should close their eyes or leave, as some of his OHP slides where a little on the gory side showing injuries received to, hands, arms and legs blown off and a bullet embedded in a poor patient’s skull. A really excellent presentation that highlighted how sparse the conditions were for treating the wounded in 2003, compared with absolutely everything a modern day hospital could possibly need in 2008 ... which confirmed that if you were lucky enough to reach the hospital for treatment, then 95% of patients survived some very complex surgery, before being on a “medevac” flight back to the UK waking up from sedation in a clean hospital bed in Birmingham.

The Corps Museum recently celebrated our 80th birthday with a publicity photo of two of our older Veterans. To put names to faces and places, the photo was taken at our 75th birthday event at Lyneham, when branch members from the Potteries accompanied George Pratt, one of our Corps founder members, who alongside the youngest member of the Corps both made the first cut in the Corps birthday cake.

Both branch members in the photo had been in Aden in 1967 at the same time, and had attended the Harry Secombe CSE show at Khormaksar airfield. On the left is branch Secretary Mr Brian Billings who was with the Army Air Corps in Aden and branch President Maurice Hope on the right who had served in 1 Infantry Workshop in Falaise Camp before moving down to 52 Station Workshop towards drawdown from Aden. We must go down as two of the oldest pin up boys in history!

Tom Thacker

The pin up boys!

Scribe: Maurice Hope

Major (Ret’d) David Colin Wotherspoon (Spoon) 1936 – 2022

Scribe: Nick Wotherspoon

Spoon left school at 15 to take up a motor engineering apprenticeship, followed by a position as a Technical Staff Trainee with the Central Electricity Generating Board and later he joined the Blue Star Shipping Company as a 4th Engineer; regularly sailing to South America, including Argentina and Brazil. In the evenings he studied hard, gaining qualifications in Motor, Aeronautical and Marine Engineering. When at the end of 1959, it was time for his National Service, he decided on another change of career and joined the Army, going into officer training at the Mons Officer Cadet Training Unit in Aldershot, where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in May 1960 and by August was posted to Singapore as a Platoon Commander for No. 10 Infantry Workshop REME at Johore Bahru. For the next three years he saw almost continuous active service in Singapore, Borneo and Brunei and was promoted to the temporary rank of Captain, commanding an Airlanding Light Aid Detachment, REME. He returned to the UK in June 1963 to attend the Regular Army Commission Board, relinquishing his temporary rank of Captain and gaining a regular commission as Lieutenant. Initially posted to the Parachute Brigade, he unfortunately failed a medical half way through training, where his eyesight was found to have deteriorated. This proved only a minor setback and in August 1963 he took command of another LAD, this time with the 3rd Carabiniers with British Army Of the Rhine (BAOR) in Detmold.

Here Spoon’s life took another major turn when he met a school Teacher from Lancashire, Brenda, who was working in Germany teaching British Army family’s children and they married in 1964. They remained in Germany, where their two children, Nicholas and Elisabeth were born and his career in the Army continued with REME, with a move in October 1965 to 4th (Armoured) Division HQ & Signal Regiment at Herford, as Adjutant CREME and now with the rank of Captain, until October 1967 when he moved to take up a position as Second-in-Command of No.11 Field Workshop, REME at Minden. In March 1968 he moved to the 4th Guards Brigade at Munster and was appointed as Brigade Electrical and Mechanical Engineer in the rank of Acting Major. By the end of 1969 he returned to the UK, now with the rank of Major to take up a post at the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (SEME) at Bordon. But in April 1970 he moved again to take command of a newly created REME unit - No. 9 Field Force Workshop REME at Bordon in Hampshire and somewhat

prophetically he bought a large semi-derelict redundant vicarage in the nearby village of Liss to renovate. By early 1972 he moved roles again this time to the REME Officers school at Arborfield and then in April 1974 to 3 Division HQ and Signal Regiment at Bulford to take up an appointment as Second-in-Command of CREME for UK Land Forces.

However, in 1976 Spoon’s life changed direction again, in a quite unexpected way, when his faith led him to take a complete change of direction in his career. Initially he took a posting to become Training Major for the Northumbrian University Officers’ Training Corps at Newcastle upon Tyne, before resigning and taking up full-time study of Theology at Durham University. He was ordained a Deacon at Blackburn Cathedral in 1978, opening a new chapter in his life, as he became curate at St Gabriel’s Church Blackburn and in 1980 he was appointed Vicar of St. Mark’s Church Witton, Blackburn. Spoon applied his usual drive and enthusiasm to this new career and was soon taking on additional responsibilities, including; Deanery youth Chaplain, Chairman of Blackburn Council of Churches, Chairman of school Governors, Churches representative on the Police liaison committee, Mayor’s Chaplain and many others. But still he felt he had more to give and sought further challenges and in 1990 he was appointed Chaplain of St Ursula’s Church in Bern, Switzerland and Chaplain to the British Embassy there. Here his congregation ranged from the wealthy and even famous, to those who had fallen on hard times and refugees and he characteristically welcomed and always tried to help them all. He also

Spoon (on the motorbike) Singapore, circa 1960

Just after arriving in Singapore, 1960

immersed himself in the ex-pat community and made full use of his privileged access to the local golf club! He was even asked to take part in a prestigious production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic opera, The Pirates of Penzance at the Swiss Stadttheater in Bernfortunately performed in English, as his German was never quite as good as he thought it was - where he played the character of the modern Major-General, naturally!

David officially retired in January 2001 - not that many people around him noticed, as he continued to regularly stand in to take services and officiate at christenings, marriages and funerals by request. He also continued to enjoy his association with The Rotary Club of Blackburn. But Golf was always his favourite pastime and he could be found on various courses at every opportunity. Travel was also very much on his wish list, but caring for Brenda, who passed away in 2019 and then the pandemic meant, his plans had to be put on hold for the past few years. So as soon as he was able, he made the most of the opportunity, with his last trip being to travel to Australia to see family members. Sadly, it was shortly after his arrival that his health took a turn for the worse and he was admitted to hospital, passing away a few weeks later. Finally, in his own words “Life’s experiences have been educational to say the least. Some very pleasant, a few really scary. Mostly good though. All in all, it’s been a wonderful journey with some wonderful people”.

Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Maurice Wynter (Larry) Le Var

Lieutenant Colonel Maurice Wynter (Larry) Le Var, who has died aged 90, served in the Regular Army for 40 years, having taken the King’s Shilling in Jersey, Channel Islands, in December 1946. He entered the Army Apprentices School, Arborfield in 1947, training as an Armourer. He ended his service as Senior Instructor and Coordinator of the Senior Management Course in the Management Wing of the REME Officers School in Arborfield. Following retirement from the Army in 1987, he was appointed Deputy Corps Secretary in the Corps Secretariat and also the first Director of the Corps Museum, Arborfield. From a small display of artefacts, he created the REME Museum of Technology which ultimately incorporated the Corps Archives, Technical Archives and Photographic Archives and the Prince Philip Hall of Technology. A REME soldier through and through, senior officers said jokingly of him, ‘If Larry were cut across the middle like Brighton Rock, you would see the REME colours of red, blue and yellow running all the way through’!

After the Apprentice School, Larry was posted to 13 Command Workshop, Aldershot (1950). A move to 39 Heavy Regiment RA, Hong Kong, followed (1950-51). Larry was on the first Air Trooping flight to the Far East in an Avro York aircraft flying from Blackbushe Airport to Singapore; a journey of seven days. Travel from Singapore to Hong Kong was completed by troop ship. Next came a posting to 24 Field Engineer Regiment RE and the Gurkha Engineers (1951-52).

In 1952 Larry was posted to 20 Field Regiment RA, Hong Kong (1952-55) to serve with them in the Korean War (1952-53). He took part in the second Battle of the Hook in 1953 as the Battery Tiffy for 248 Mortar Battery. When with 248 Mortar Battery, a Sergeant addressed him as ‘Larry’ and introduced him as such to others, having mistaken him for someone else. By the time it was corrected, it was too late - the name had stuck! 20 Field Regiment returned to the New Territories in Hong Kong and, later in 1953, to Woolwich. The following year the Regiment had an emergency tour to Cyprus during the EOKA emergency (Ethnikí Orgánosis Kipriakoú Agónos (Greek: “National Organization of Cypriot Struggle”)).

Back in the UK, Larry was posted to 4 Trg Bn REME, Bordon (1955-56) where he attended the very first Artificer Weapons Training course. Two overseas postings followed: first to REME Inspectorate British Army Of the Rhine (BAOR), Düsseldorf (195760) and second to 17 Infantry Workshop, Hong Kong (1961-64). During a border incident in the New Territories, Larry was asked to build a metal barricade to close a bridge crossing between the New Territories and China. Whilst putting the barricade in place, a photograph was taken of him by a member of the People’s Liberation Army. It appeared in the Hong Kong South China Morning Post with the caption ‘British Yellow Running Dog.’ As a result, all the personnel involved in the incident, including members

Spoon and Brenda at the official Inauguration of the new No. 9 Field Force Workshop REME at Bordon in Hampshire in November 1970

Spoon in his later years

of the Hong Kong police, formed The Yellow Running Dog Society. In 1965 Larry joined 26 Field Regiment, RA, BAOR until 1970.

Larry was commissioned in 1970 and posted to Headquarters 3rd Division as the EME to the RCT Regt (1970-72). Back to BAOR in 1973, he was posted to 7 Field Workshop, Fallingbostel. Later that year a posting to Depot REME, Arborfield, followed. In 1974 Larry obtained a qualification as a Teacher in Further and Higher Education. He was transferred to the Royal Army Education Corps as an Instructor Officer with the Junior Leaders Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps, Bovington (1974-76). In 1976 he transferred back to REME in the rank of Captain. He was posted to 18 Command Workshop REME, Bovington, on attachment as OC Blandford REME Workshop until 1979. A posting to the Directorate of Production Engineering EME 4, Andover (1979-82) was followed by a move back to BAOR, this time as OC 58 Station Workshop, Minden, (1982-84). Returning to the UK, his final posting was to the REME Officers’ School, Arborfield (1984-87).

Larry occupied the post of the Museum Director until 1999. On 31 July 1997 the late HRH Prince Philip, Colonel-in-Chief, visited the refurbished REME Museum of Technology, guided on a tour by Larry. On 22 October 1999 HRH Prince Philip opened the Prince Philip Vehicle Hall containing a collection of both wheeled and tracked repair and recovery vehicles as well as a SCOUT helicopter.

In 1988, the Garrison Commander, Brigadier John Till, asked Larry to be the Project Officer and fund-raiser to establish a purposebuilt multi-denominational church in the Garrison. St Eligius Church was dedicated in 1989. In 1992, the REME Memorial Chapel and four stained glass windows were added. The Memorial Chapel contained The Roll of Honour of the Corps.

At the dedication of the Church, Larry was appointed as a Church Warden, becoming the Corps Church Warden in 2003. In 2006, he was a founder member of the Church Council and remained a member until the closure of the Church as a military Church in 2015. In 2015, the Parish of Finchampstead and California assumed responsibility for conducting services at St Eligius Church. Larry continued as Church Warden until Sunday, 8 December 2019.

During most of his Army career, Larry was a keen sailor. In 1976, he became a life member of the REME Yacht Club. Possessing the RYA Yacht Master qualification, Larry was a Corps Adventurous Training Skipper from 1977 to 1996. He was also Day Skipper Sail Training Secretary for the Royal Armoured Corps Yacht Club (1978-

2007). In 1979, he was awarded the Preston Trophy for outstanding contribution to off-shore sailing. From 1988 to 1989 he was Rear Commodore of the REME Yacht Club and from 1989 until 1997, Vice Commodore. In 1990 Larry was awarded his Corps Colours for sailing.

Larry took numerous young soldiers from the RAC and REME on Sailing Adventurous Training. As a Yacht Master Examiner between 1984 and 1995, he enabled soldiers to gain their Competent Crew, Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper qualifications.

Encouraged by a fellow Army Officer, Larry joined the Freemasons in 1994 as a member of Loddon Bridge No. 8968 in the province of Berkshire. He was the Worshipful Master of the Lodge in 2003 and 2013. In 1997 he joined the Vale of Loddon Chapter No. 8421, becoming the First Principal of the Chapter in 2011 and again in 2012. In 1997 he joined St Eligius Chapter Rose Croix No. 992 and became the Most Wise Sovereign in 2007.

Larry married Rita (née Heimonen) in 1975. He is survived by his Wife, Daughter and two Grandsons, and from his first marriage, a Daughter and Son, a Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) in the Royal Logistic Corps, and a Granddaughter.

Corporal (Retd) Alan George Lewis

Cpl Lewis passed away on 23rd October 2022, aged 90 years. He completed his National Service with REME between 1950 and 1952. Sadly, following an operation and a year long stay in a Military Hospital, he was medically discharged. He was a very proud serviceman, following in the footsteps of his Grandfather who himself was injured in WW1 saving the life of his Commanding Officer.

Cpl Lewis will be sorely missed by his loving family and friends.

Death Notices

GILLESPIE – WO2 (RQMS) Alexander Joseph Gillespie passed away on 18 October 2022. Dates of service 1959-1981.

LE VAR – Lt Col (Retd) Maurice Wynter (Larry) Le Var passed away on 27 September 2022 aged 90. Dates of Service 1946-1987. LEWIS – Former Cpl Alan George Lewis passed away on 23 October 2022 aged 90. Dates of service 1950-1952.

MAGUIRE – Former Cfn Robert Kevin Alexander Maguire passed away on 27 October 2022 aged 62. Dates of service 1976-1982

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

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

A portrait of Larry

Alan George Lewis

11 October 2022

REGULAR ARMY

Regular Commissions (Late Entry)

Captain M. SEYMOUR 25047972 to be Major 22 July 2022

Short Service Commissions

Second Lieutenant M. G. PIERCE 30288808 to be Lieutenant 11 July 2022

18 October 2022 No Entries 25 October 2022

Entries 01 November 2022

REGULAR ARMY

Regular Commissions

Lieutenant Colonel D. L. KELLY-SMITH 540621 retires 1 August 2022

Major S. HOLLINGER 565748 retires 20 July 2022

Regular Commissions (Late Entry)

Major D. COUSINS 565041 retires 31 July 2022

The following have been awarded the 2nd Clasp to the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Military)

LT COL, S. A. MANSFIELD, REME, 24801518

The following have been awarded the 1st Clasp to the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Military)

SGT, D. T. ARBON, REME, 25025766

LT COL, A. I. EVANS, REME, 545948

WO2, M. E. HOLLINSHEAD, REME, 25057324

SSGT, B. JONES, REME, 25059199

MAJ, N. LAWRENCE, REME, 25026559

WO2, L. M. MURRAY, REME, 25062478

WO1, B. WASTENEY, REME, 25062634

The following have been awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (Military)

CPL, P. S. ARMIGER, REME, 30011433

SSGT, D. BELL, REME, 30012944

CPL, S. M. J. BURNELL, REME, 30011541

CPL, G. A. BUTLER, REME, 30017301

CPL, J. D. CAMPBELL, REME, 30010926

CFN, H. CHARTI MAGAR, REME, 21171102

SSGT, D. C. COLE, REME, 30018991

SSGT, S. CROZIER, REME, 30011451

CPL, C. T. DAVISON, REME, 25122418

SSGT, R. DENNIS, REME, 25199647

SGT, M. L. FOSTER, REME, C37484

SSGT, C. A. GYAMFI, REME, 25161181

SSGT, C. H. HEARSEY, REME, 30013029

MAJ, P. J. ISITT, REME, 25237949

SSGT, M. S. JHAJJ, REME, 30011570

SSGT, W. MITCHELL, REME, 30010934

SGT, C. MOON, REME, 25156273

CPL, E. MOORE, REME, 30010945

SGT, R. S. MOORE, REME, 30012231

SGT, L. D. MOORE, REME, 30012379

SGT, D. R. PALIN, REME, 25146357

CPL, T. R. PAYNE, REME, 30012581

SSGT, N. J. WEBBER, REME, 30012839

SGT, D. R. WOODCOCK, REME, 30013123

08 November 2022

REGULAR ARMY

Intermediate Regular Commissions (Late Entry)

Warrant Officer Class 1 Lee John BUSH 25122044 to be Captain 5 September 2022

Warrant Officer Class 1 Ian DIXON 25063806 to be Captain 5 September 2022

Warrant Officer Class 1 David John MAVIN 25119310 to be

Captain 5 September 2022

Warrant Officer Class 1 Barry Paul TURNER 25119028 to be

Captain 5 September 2022

Warrant Officer Class 1 Peter David WRIGHT 25042130 to be

Captain 5 September 2022

Short Service Commissions

Captain A. N. W. DE BOIS 30257937 is transferred from Royal Regiment of Artillery 6 September 2021 (Belated Entry)

Officer Assignments

DECEMBER 2022

Lieutenant Colonel Unit assigned to Date of Assignment

ANTHISTLE JM 9 TS BN REME – CO 01 Dec 2022

BEEVOR SCB 5 FS BN REME – CO 01 Dec 2022

WALLACE IS (OBE) D PERS – SO1 ALLOWANCES 01 Dec 2022

The REME Charity

The Trustees of The REME Charity acknowledge with sincere thanks the donations received during the month of OCTOBER 2022. They also wish to acknowledge the regular subscriptions received from the Officers and Soldiers of the Corps and retired members of the REME Institution:

Donations

From Amount

03/10/2022 Anonymous £200.00 11/10/2022 Felicity Greenfields £1,000.00 11/10/2022 RJ White £150.00 17/10/2022 In memory of John Poole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£300.00 18/10/2022 In memory of SSgt Robert (Bob) Douglas .£1,000.00 28/10/2022 Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£50.00 26/10/2022 Paul Graham £25.00 21/10/2022 In memory of Sam Williamson, Jo & Graham Du-Prat £25.00 29/10/2022 21 Engineers LAD(G) & 23 Amphibious Sqn £5,013.84 £7,763.84

Date sent to Craftsman 01/11/2022 Total Donations (Oct) £7,763.84 Total £’s paid in Grants (Oct) . . . . . . . . . . . .£20,874.23

No. Grants (Oct) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

Average Grant (Oct) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£564.17

If you would like to see how your money is spent, we welcome one or two observers at The REME Charity meetings. The meet ings 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 person nel 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 serv ing. 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