The Craftsman - December 2023/January 2024

THE CRAFTSMAN

Magazine of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

December 2023 & January 2024

for Scan ort Supp

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

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

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

woym@remecharity.org

Corps Formation: 1 October 1942 Corps Motto: Arte et Marte Corps Patron Saint: St Eligius (Celebrated 1st Sunday in December)

DECEMBER 2023 & JANUARY 2024

Contents Volume 79 No. 12

FEATURES Op CABRIT 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

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

Ex IRON TITAN 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Ex SUPPORT CASSINO 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 Celebrating Forces Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Ex SPITFIRE ADVENTURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 REME Riders At the Ride to the Wall 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 The REME Charity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 REME hosts inaugural Jamaica UK Rugby Academy training camp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Regular to Reserve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Recovery Mechanic Branch – A Tale of Two Weekends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Potteries and District REME Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Ex BULL RIDER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34 Ex IRON CYCLONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Ex SCORPION CYCLONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 WO1 ASM (Retd) Thomas Michael (Topper) Brown Obituary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

REGULARS Guest Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 From the Museum – REME Special Devices: Flail Tanks – The Crab (part two) . . . . . .20 Corps Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 Corps Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47

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

PHOTOGRAPHS: MUST be submitted separately, in jpeg format and be at least 500kb preferably 1mb or more. Only photos over 3mb can be considered for the front/back covers and please remember captions.

FILESHARE: websites, such as dropbox are ideal for submitting larger files.

EMAIL: The ONLY email address which should be used is: craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk. Not MODnet.

Please use the article title not ‘Craftsman Article’ as the email title.

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

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

Contents: The contents of The Craftsman are strictly copyright and all rights are expressly reserved. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the policy and views, official or otherwise, of the Editor, the Corps or the MOD, therefore no responsibility for these will be accepted. Whilst including an advertisement we are not necessarily endorsing the product and as a result, the publisher and its agents do not accept responsibility for any transaction between the reader and the advertiser.

Whilst we take all precautions with regard to advertising, readers are advised to take professional advice before entering into any commitments.

Letters concerning reproduction, contributions or any other matter should be addressed to the Editor. © Published by RHQ REME. Funded by The REME Charity. www.remecharity.org.

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Sustainably produced on paper sourced from responsible sources using vegetable based inks.

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Front Cover: Ex IRON TITAN

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

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Guest Editorial

Christmas Message Scribe: Colonel Jason Phillips ADC

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023 has been a demanding year for the Army and our Corps. Increasing global instability, many competing operational and exercise demands abroad and at home, a high cost of living and, closer to our hearts, the essential changes to Vehicle Inspection work has put all of us under pressure at times over the year. In the face of these many challenges, you have responded magnificently. The high number of Operational Awards announced in October for REME people show the crucial and very significant part the Corps has played in supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine in particular. Also this year, we have: continued to provide deterrence in Estonia, Poland and the Falklands; boosted troop levels peacekeeping in Kosovo; contributed to our persistent presence in Oman and Kenya; successfully recovered from Op NEWCOMBE; supported the speedy evacuation of UK civilians from the civil war in Sudan through Cyprus; and, of course, trained extensively across Europe and the UK. Thank you!

As I personally look back on the last year, there is much we should celebrate. We are the Army Nordic Champions, Men’s Tri-Service Indoor Hockey Champions, the Army’s Apprentice Employer of the Year, Cpl Bethany Carter is the Best Army Apprentice of the Year, we have formed a new Battalion, 9 (Theatre Support) Battalion REME, we have more promotions than any other cap badge and, despite the challenging recruiting environment, we have recruited better than any other cap badge.

Most important of all, of course, we have Kept the Punch in the Army’s Fist whenever and wherever we have been needed. More broadly I have seen just how together we are as a Corps Family. Supporting each other on deployments, encouraging each other on the sports pitches and sharing memories with each other at the many Esprit de Corps events such as the Association Weekend and Corps Memorial Day. That sense of shared values and commitment is what binds us and makes service life and Corps life so very special.

As many of you settle down for Christmas Dinner with your families and friends, I hope that three things spring to mind. Firstly, to remember that not everyone in the Corps is at home this December. There are around 250 members of the Corps on duty

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overseas – in Estonia, Poland, Germany, Kosovo, the Falklands and elsewhere – protecting our nation and protecting our values. We must also remember the four REME soldiers who died in service this year and their families: Cpl Watson, Cfn Baumber, Cpl Would and Cfn Millar. Please raise a glass to all of them. Secondly, to be proud of all that you and your colleagues have done this year and how much you have developed and grown as Engineers and leaders over this time.

You are more competent and more capable as a result of your experiences. And thirdly, to be grateful for the support your friends and family have given you, day in day out, to enable your unswerving and extraordinary contribution to our Corps, our Army and the defence of our country.

Thank you for your great work in 2023. Have a good Christmas wherever you are.

Arte et Marte.

Thank you for reading the Craftsman Magazine in 2023 This is your joint December ‘23 & January ‘24 issue.

The Editor wishes all readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Look out for your next Craftsman Magazine in February 2024

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Operations

The Queen’s Royal Hussars Light Aid Detachment – Operation CABRIT 12 Scribe: Captain E Baker – Battlegroup EME

The LAD

S

eptember saw the curtain close on Op CABRIT 12 for the Queen’s Royal Hussars BattlegFroup in Estonia. A journey that has included Fitter Sections from 6 units, over 100 tradesmen and 10 months toil, through a snow drenched Sennelager to the Estonian countryside. This deployment has been particularly successful with the LAD achieving record levels of equipment availability whilst supporting some vital WarDev; inspired by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. There has been significant involvement in local engagement, training with NATO allies and a healthy amount of down time. To follow are the stories from the epic teams that have made this Battlegroup LAD so successful and thoroughly enjoyable to be a part of for the past year.

On 9th March 2023, soldiers from the QRH, 3 RIFLES, 1 RHA, 25 Engr Regt, 26 RA and 12 RA began arriving in theatre to form the enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) Battlegroup (Estonia).

Their aim: deter foreign aggression and be prepared to defend Estonia and NATO’s borders.

The 6-month tour was an opportunity to train with our attached Sub-unit from the French Foreign Legion as well as our Estonian and American counterparts. During this deployment were two major exercises, the first aimed at our integration with the 1st Estonian Brigade followed by a 3-week, multinational deployment involving over 17,000 NATO troops which saw land, sea and air forces combine to mighty effect.

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Headquarters Squadron Fitter Section – QRH Scribe: Craftsman A Bowley Ex BOLD HUSSAR, the Battlegroup’s integration exercise, was held in early April. This 2-week exercise began as an element of HQ LAD deployed in support of Recce Troop and part of the Vanguard Combat Team held at 6 hours’ notice to move at all times on. One week later, the main body of the LAD deployed to establish an Equipment Collection Point (ECP). Once established, the ECP conducted battlefield repairs in order to maintain the fleet out on the ground. Although, much to the disappointed of the Fitter Section, the requirement for repair was limited to say the least! Once the exercise was completed the HQ Fitters swept the route to collect any vehicles that couldn’t make it back in, again, a pretty quiet task.

Soon after came Exercise SPRING STORM in May. After a month of arduous work on the fleet, HQ Fitters were ready to deploy again; this time on one of the largest NATO eFP exercises Estonia had ever held. The exercise began for the Battlegroup on the Central Training Area where all sub-units moved into hide locations ready for their first mission. After a busy few days, the Battlegroup completed one of the largest A Veh road moves through Tapa and up to the local town of Rakvere. Driving a CRARRV and Warrior 513 in convoy through a town was an experience few of us had experienced until this; and one that certainly came with some width challenges. ECPs were established over this 40km road move, which saw almost 300 British vehicles transiting through the area.

Fortunately, once again, and much to our surprise, all vehicles completed the journey without issue.

The exercise consisted of a number of defensive actions aimed to delay the enemy through the Estonian countryside before striking and destroying what remained of them. The exercise was highly successful and saw the Fitter Section tested with the pressure of a live enemy played by members of the Light Dragoons, Polish, Italian and Czech Armies. Some armoured vehicles covered 1,000km during this period

A lopsided TITAN, the first casualty of Ex BOLD HUSSAR and the first job for HQ Squadron Fitters!

with very few faults; this reminded the team of the good work they had conducted during the preparation of the fleet and how reliable our fleet could be with the right care and attention.

The LAD were also invited to attend ‘The Tallinn Truck Show’, this gave the team a chance to interact with the locals and introduce them to our vehicles. In July, we were invited to organise a stand showing the CRARRV and a Challenger 2 at the World Rally Championships in Tartu; the trip was 4 days long and we had plenty of opportunities to explore the local area. In August a 10-week Boxing camp was run where Cpl ‘COACH’ Dyson trained the Boxers and our own Cfn

McGimpsey reigned victorious in his bout with the current RLC Light-Middle Weight champion.

Opportunities for sports were also frequent. A REME beach Volleyball competition was organised with the LAD HQ team consisting of Capt Baker, WO1 Gulliver, SSgt Hemingway, Cpl Dyson, Cfn Budd and Cfn Rockwood-Turner winning in style.

As it’s final act the LAD ensured the QRH were able to leave their mark on Estonia as WO2 Smith, SSgt Stevens, Cpl Dyson, LCpl Johnstone and Cfn Wright acquired a sizeable rock which has been used to hold a commemorative 3D printed plaque for the QRH BG’s contributions to what will soon be seven rotations of Op CABRIT.

WRC cars before the Quarry section at the Estonian Rally

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The mighty Challenger 2 unleashes on Lasna ranges

B Squadron Fitter Section – QRH Scribe: Corporal C Regan Following a swift hand over from the KRH, Cpl Curran and Cpl Duchesne worked relentlessly to prepare the fleet of Challenger 2’s to conduct live firing and systems performance checks at Lasna Range. This work was vital to ensure the Squadron were combat ready if ever called upon. It was also necessary prior to 3 tanks and an FRT deploying to Latvia to participate in an annual live fire competition. The Fitter

Section ensured the platforms were in top condition; which allowed one QRH crew to win the competition, beating off stiff opposition from Leopards, Abrams and Arietes.

Mid-April saw B Squadron, QRH deploy on Ex BOLD HUSSAR where the Fitter Section split in half to cover two Combat Teams. These Combat Teams include Platoons of MASTIFF from A Coy, 3 RIFLES which provided a new and interesting challenge to the team. The experience gained was invaluable as we quickly adapted our drills and tactics to speed up recovery and repair whilst working in channelled tracks, densely wooded areas and alongside heavy wheeled platforms. Later in the tour, Exercise SPRING STORM presented an opportunity for the Squadron to test their mettle against a live enemy over 600km of road moves, the fleet held up and no cars were flattened, a great success all round.

Alongside this, the Fitter Section has quietly worked hard to support the ground-breaking WarDev work utilising bulldozer blades (BEMA) and mine ploughs, the latter being a first on Challenger 2. Outside of work we have still made time to travel the Baltics on cultural visits and AT. With some of us completing an arduous 30km Scouts march with the Estonian Army and half marathons in the cities of Narva and Tallinn. Special mention must go to the SSgt Stinton and Cfn Fletcher for taking on the Light Dragoon’s Recce Troop and a CV90 with their Bulldog mounted GPMG; Cpl Millins for expertly ‘reverse towing’ a Challenger 2 with his CRARRV and Cpl McNaught for always being the life and soul of the party.

Overall, the Fitter Section has worked tirelessly in a busy two-year period which has ended with their time on Op CABRIT. They have delivered results beyond what was expected, a mighty effort by one and all they should be proud of.

B Squadron Fitters with some great product placement post Ex SPRING STORM

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52 Squadron Fitter Section – 26 Engr Regt Scribe: Craftsman Weaver Late in August, the Fitter Section deployed to the Tapa central training area to support the Battlegroup live firing complex obstacle demonstration. This demo included two Trojan heavy armoured engineering vehicles as well as two Challenger 2s fitted with a bulldozer and mine plough tasked with tackling a Russian style minefield and anti-tank ditch.

As with any Battlegroup task, everything was running flawlessly, until it wasn’t. One Trojan broke down on the final road move, a faulty FIP was to blame but a catastrophic drive shaft failure had also caused large damage to the engine block and surround components.

A new power pack was required and swiftly arrived, the fun didn’t stop there however. The vehicle was carrying a fascine which had to be removed with the excavator arm to allow access to the power pack. No main engine? No problem, the reversionary pump will be used.

As quick the rev pump was to start, so was it to fail. The job was growing arms and legs by the minute. With a brief ‘condor’ moment and a brew, a plan was in place. A rev pump would be borrowed from the second unwilling Trojan allowing the excavator arm to be moved and the power pack removed.

With the last glimpse of the sun slipping away the pack was finally swapped and the end in sight; a midnight finish was looking promising. With a final few connections left before testing, one of the VMs who shall remain nameless (LCpl Bladen; ex-sniper, aka Wesley Snipes) decided to throw his torch into the hull. Of course, we had no choice but to re-lift the pack ensuring Wesley was reunited with his beloved torch.

The pack was removed, torch reunited with its owner and pack fitted once again, the job was done.

Ironically, after re-lifting the pack for the torch, we no longer required it due to the sun beginning to show its face in the early hours of the morning, Job complete, all that was left to do was stand back and enjoy an Estonian sunrise knowing that finale of the Battlegroup WarDev would now go ahead as planned.

The light fades during a hasty TROJAN pack change

The light reappears after a slight mishap with 52 AES Fitters

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The cause of Estonian’s first recorded traffic jam

A Company Fitter Section – 3 RIFLES Scribe: Corporal Gregor After an extremely hectic PDT in the UK and Germany, 3 RIFLES, A Coy Fitter Section deployed facing a large fleet and maintenance burden on arrival to Estonia. With a fleet of 67 vehicles including 28 MRW the team moved quickly to prepare the Company to be the Vanguard Combat Team, a commitment held at 6 hours readiness to face any threat or intrusion on NATO borders.

The first Battlegroup deployment, Ex BOLD HUSSAR, provided a few issues for the team with availability remaining high. Integrating with a Challenger 2 Troop did however provide some interesting challenges. Ex SPRING STORM, saw the Company and Fitter Section operating across the breadth of Estonia, on public land and roads against a formidable and highly mobile OpFOR. This exercise did see a MASTIFF run out

of road which not only required some careful REME assistance but is thought to have caused the first ever traffic jam in Estonian history. The Fitter Section continued to deploy in small FRTs to support A Company’s heavy involvement in Defence Engagement which included school visits, the annual Tallinn Truck Show and various other public engagement events.

Taking advantage of all the opportunities Op CABRIT has to offer, members of the Section have travelled around the country, taken part in marathons and visited neighbouring countries including Finland and Latvia. We have conducted full engine changes on a MASTIFF and RIDGEBACK as well as completing Class 2-1 workbooks, Defence Train the Trainer and Team Medic courses.

The Fitter Section have provided top-tier ES to an inexperienced mounted Company held at very high readiness. Additionally, we have seen two worthy tradesmen select for promotion to Sgt and Cpl. An enjoyable and highly successful tour for A Coy Fitters all round.

Wolfhounds at dawn with A Coy Fitters on Ex BOLD HUSSAR

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132 Battery Fitter Section – 26 Regt RA Scribe: Craftsman Moys After arriving in theatre, the team immediately hit the ground running. The Section set out to improving the quality of the 40 strong fleet of vehicles; enhance EC culture and generate an MLRS FRP in theatre.

Upon arriving in theatre, it became apparent that there was a serious issue with the Fitter Section’s most important asset, the MLRS repair and recovery vehicle. It had sustained a catastrophic transmission leak, with spares at a premium for this unique vehicle the Section’s ability to support the Battery was severely limited.

Once the pack was removed it revealed damage to the threading on the transmission casing, a previous repair had failed over time and a more permanent repair was required. Cfn Moys assessed the situation and came up with an ingenious solution to the problem, he had decided to refabricate the existing connector in a manner that allowed it to reach the deeper threads inside the transmission casing.

The repair was conducted by hand, using only basic tools. The oil pipe was reconnected, and the power pack was run up with no leaks.

Since this repair, the platform performed flawlessly on all deployments and supported the Battery through a thoroughly success tour.

The Fitter Section enjoyed a busy deployment, with many hours spent improving the fleet. Two of the team earned Class 2 status and the whole Section significantly increased their competence and confidence on the equipment.

Out with work, the team enjoyed an ‘engineering trip’ to the World Rally Championships in Tartu, cultural visits to Riga and Narva and competed in the Tapa 5.8km charity run.

LCpl Trow giving an EC lesson on the MLRS

132 Battery on the move!

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Exercise

Ex IRON TITAN 23 Scribe: 2Lt Callum Mckenzie

On 15th September 2023, 148 (Div Sp) Coy, 103 FS Bn REME deployed on Ex IRON TITAN 23

T

he Exercise was an opportunity for the Reserve Company to experience the challenge of operating in support of 101 Operational Sustainment Brigade (OSB) in a warfighting stance, integrating with their Regular counterparts in 5 FS Bn to deliver an ES effect for 101 OSB units, and the Exercise’s “Host Nation” unit (in this case the Commando Logistic Regiment (CLR) LAD).

Personnel from 148 were asked to reflect on their experience of the Exercise: LCpl Longdon working on an SV

LCpl Culley – Vehicle Mechanic Class 3 Ex IRON TITAN not only rehearsed the mass mobilisation of Army Reserves in order to see what that process would be like but also allowed a lot of trade, driver and soldier training.

Since I passed my HGV course around a year ago I personally have not had a lot of experience with driving the SV 6 tonne, so I was given an SV Fitter truck and a Commander to look after for the duration. We began with the drive to Maindy Barracks to mobilise onto the exercise phase and then onto Royal Marines Barracks (RMB) Chivenor to begin our trade development at the CLR LAD. We spent a week working helping them prepare their fleet of SV and Land Rover ready to deploy out to Norway.

Over this week the VMs amongst us worked very hard over long hours but managed to fit new engines and gearboxes alongside a whole lot of other jobs, which gave the class 4 and 3 VMs a lot of experience and Training Objectives signed off in their Trade Development Books.

The second week of exercise myself and my Commander, Sgt Smith, were an attached Fitter section providing first line support to a Sqn from 151 Regt RLC whilst they were out on the exercise in Caerwent. As we were lucky enough to not have too many issues with their fleet, we delivered EC lessons to them, giving them the tools they need to do their own vehicle tasks as drivers, such as changing batteries and tyres which would not only help them in situations but develop themselves with their own trade books.

One afternoon whilst cooking our (what seemed like 70th) pasta bolognaise, we heard a vehicle with an obvious puncture drive past.

Going out to investigate we found the RAF with a flat SV tyre and let them know they couldn’t have picked a better place to break down, right next to a REME Fitter Section who could help them fit their spare.

All in all, a fantastic exercise to develop my personal driving and trade experience and get an idea of what being an attached Fitter Section would be like on bigger exercises.

LCpl Thomas – Recovery Mechanic Class 2

LCpl Thomas preparing a Land Rover for towing 12 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Ex IRON TITAN was my first chance to work as a Class 2 Recovery Mechanic (in my 9th training year with the Army Reserve); having finished my upgrader course from Class 3-2.

Knowing I would be on exercise as an asset, not just completing training serials, was exciting. Exercising as part of 101 Operational Sustainment Brigade, as we would when mobilised, was also hugely

beneficial - to see how Recovery Mechanics work in the wider Army and my role in the Brigade.

On our route down our first job was a stranded Land Rover with reports of a possible fuel leak or faulty gauge, I loaded the Rover onto the DBT 30 recovery trailer and cleared the casualty from the Main Supply Route (MSR) to the Divisional Support Area (DSA) 1. The next morning the VMs of 148 Coy filled said Rover with some fuel, no leak, working gauge...

(The true cause of the breakdown may never be known...)

The next live job was again a Land Rover, that was failing to fire. It also happened to be CO 5 Bn’s Land Rover who politely refused a lift in the Wrecker!

Throughout the exercise we were constantly being used to load vehicles from the Non-Taskworthy park of Commando Logistic Regiment into the LAD workshop where we were trying to produce as much output as possible.

One Recovery Mechanic recovered an ELPS truck and its new gearbox from 27 RLC; and it went back out on exercise 6 hours later!

We were also stationed on recovery posts to support 10 QOGLR and 27 Regt RLC on their moves from Chivenor to Carewent under the direction of the 5 Bn Warrant Officer Recovery Mechanic (WORM) throughout the two weeks. Our last live job was a Battle-Field Ambulance to be taken forward when 148 closed down ECCP 1 and BLP 1 to move everything to DSA2.

2Lt Mckenzie – Pl Comd This Exercise represented a serious test of our Company’s ability to deploy into a warfighting scenario and support the Bde. At all stages, from the planning, through to deployment and Exercise proper it was humbling to be a part of this sub-unit that came together and delivered outstanding results.

As Platoon Commander, the highlight of the exercise for me was seeing the strength of character in our team. We all knew that living in close quarters, working long hours on difficult tasks, away from families would be challenging. What I saw throughout the Exercise was soldiers at all ranks consistently putting the needs of others first.

In this environment, any small action can have an outsized impact.

Whether it’s an individual taking the initiative to refill the Burco, volunteer for another difficult stag, clear someone else’s plate, or give the ablutions (which we were lucky enough to have for a few days!) a quick mop – it all builds confidence and trust in the team and inspires others to do the same.

Cfn Pickles and Sgt Derrick removing a winch In my view, this is what turns a group of individuals into an effective team and enabled us to deliver a massive ES effect for 101 Operational Sustainment Brigade during the exercise. I am privileged to work with every single one of the soldiers that gave up their time to participate in this Exercise and continue to commit their energy to the REME Reserve.

148 Div Sp Coy making the most of the weather at RMB Chivenor

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Exercise

Ex SUPPORT CASSINO 23 Scribe: LCpl Sanders

The hill giving Germans overview over Monte Cassino and Polish troops raising their flag after conquering Monte Cassino

M

onte Cassino was the site of the bloodiest battle in Italy during WW2. The fighting forces involved were the British, Americans, Polish (including a bear called Wojtek that they paid in beer and cigarettes to carry supply’s), Canadians, New Zealand, French, Indian, German and Italians. This campaign stretched from 17th January 1944 to 18th May. The capture of Monte Cassino was critical to the battle because it was located right behind the Gustav line, which was the most heavily defended line in the

German defence lines placed along Italy

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Italian campaign; meaning it would be the hardest and most treacherous line to break through. However, once broken through the terrain was made up of long flat valley floors stretching miles.

The monastery was built on top of a prominent feature overlooking the valley, which posed a significant disadvantage to the Allies. They would have to traverse this terrain and scale the perilous hills in order to capture and lose positions (in some cases up to six times).

The battle for Monte Cassino was regarded as a crucial factor in the battle for Rome. Once conquered, the Allies might go further North and storm the city.

The Ex SUPPORT CASSINO 23 admin team consisted of Sgt Pearson, Cpl Flewitt and Cfn Singh Loha, together they pulled off an amazing experience for all those involved despite technical and administrative setbacks along the way. A reconnaissance of Cassino took pace before the main body deployed enabling the team to get a feel for the ground and atmosphere, as well as answer some logistical questions for themselves regarding accommodation, feeding, transport and places to wind down in the evenings.

Each morning we would be met at the coach, where we would meet our tour guide Mr Frank De Planta. Frank had already carried out over 150 Battlefield studies to Monte Cassino for many different Regiments so was extremely knowledgeable on the subject.

The study would comprise of multiple stops throughout the day on sites of vital importance during the battle, this gave us a clear picture of the battles, and how they unfolded over the next few months. The most vital grounds were held by the Germans and heavily defended, well-fortified and had views across the entire valley giving them the ability to call in accurate and effective artillery bombardment on any Allied movement. One hill of particular note was a supply route during the battle, which was named Cavendish Road. We walked this arduous terrain (now overgrown with trees and foliage leaving a thin walking path left behind), clocking over 20 thousand steps before 12 O’clock in heats of over 30 degrees.

Once we had visited the last site of the day, we would stop off for a coffee or a well needed gelato, and then head back to the accommodation. We would have time to admin ourselves or visit a water park located just 50 metres down the road from where we were staying which was a great way to cool off in the high heats. Before dinner we would be split into our 4 syndicates and take part in a quiz. We would be asked questions on that day’s sites and activities; these quizzes would run over 3 days and a winning team would be announced after the last quiz. On completion of this, we would be led into the restaurant where we would get our evening scoff comprises of a 3-course meal and complimentary wine. From point on we would be left to our own devices, where we could take a walk into the local town or relax in the evening breeze in the open space of the seating area situated at the front of the hotel.

The battle resulted in over 55,000 casualties for the allied forces and over 20,000 German casualties. With this in mind, we went to visit different cemeteries. The first one we visited was the Polish WW2 cemetery which was not just a cemetery but a piece of art with a high level of upkeep and care taken of the grounds. The second visit was the Commonwealth War Cemetery, which again, looked stunning, and was clearly well looked after, it was here that we paid our respects. 4,271 servicemembers are buried or commemorated here, and of all the exercising soldiers we were asked to choose a singular grave each, and place a cross.

Once everyone had done so, we gathered around the main memorial structure to pay further respects. Sgt Pearson read the act of Remembrance, and one by one we read out the serviceman’s details, number, rank, name, cap badge and age at the date of their

Part of the Cavendish Road supply route during WW2 death. Mine was 260085, Driver Stanley Graham Smith, REME, 22 years old. This was more than likely the first and only time these men had had their details read aloud and had been paid tribute to. Once this was complete Cfn Singh Loha laid a wreath at the base of the Cenotaph and we held a 2-minute silence.

The whole trip was extremely insightful, gave us a real perspective of how the battle was fought and the sacrifices these men made to overcome overwhelming odds. It also had a great effect on team bonding and overall cohesion, mixing different groups and Squadrons that wouldn’t normally have time working together. I would highly recommend jumping on any opportunity that you may come across and get on something like this.

Cfn Singh Loha The final day in Monte Casino was a very moving day, we arrived at the British Commonwealth War Cemetery, I had no idea that there had been so many Commonwealth soldiers fighting in the battle. By

Members of 22 Sigs Regt LAD and 16 Sig Regt LAD at the Polish 4th Armd memorial site Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 15

Part of the Commonwealth memorial site where we paid respects 1945, it is said that two and a half million Indians had stepped forward and volunteered to take up arms in support of the Allies.

Personally, as a serving Sikh and having my heritage from India/Pakistan, witnessing the headstones of these brave people with the name Singh (meaning lion) struck home. Knowing what they must have gone through, traveling thousands of miles - into the unknown, potentially never to return home and see their beloved ones again.

If dealing with this emotion wasn’t enough, Sgt Pearson thought it was only fair that I had the honour to lay the wreath on behalf of our group. In my head I thought “Me? But I’m just a Crafty”. I was given

the direction of how the Remembrance was going to happen. All I could think about at first was “So many stairs, don’t fall, don’t trip” but after my nerves had settled, I remembered where I was, why I was here, and what I represented. I felt empowered, that I could take this moment and personally thank every person who lost their life so we could live ours.

That day will always be in my memories, seeing everyone’s faces when they got back on the bus, for the first time that week there was pure silence. Being able to take it in turns and read out a fallen soldier’s name who may have never had been read out before moved us all.

Members of 22 Sigs Regt LAD and 16 Sig Regt LAD during Ex SUPPORT CASSINO

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Forces Families

Celebrating Forces Families Awards Scribe: Chris Keen

D

o you know of a UK military family member who has done something extraordinary to support the Armed Forces Community?

The Celebrating Forces Families Awards are back for their third year in April 2024 and they are going to be bigger and better than ever; with a brand-new venue and two new awards!

For the last two years, the Awards have highlighted the invaluable contributions and unwavering support that military families give to the whole armed forces community. The awards night has the full support of the Ministry of Defence, and each year they send senior military representatives from each of the Services.

The Awards Ceremony has previously been held at the Victory Services Club, but with growing popularity we have had to move to a larger venue. The 2024 Awards Ceremony will be held at the Leonardo Royal Hotel, in the City of London on 26th April 2024.

A launch event was recently held at Barclays world headquarters in London and was hosted by Military Husband and RAF Reservist Chris Keen and Forces News Journalist Sian Grzeszczyk.

The nominations gateway was officially opened by Air Commodore Wendy Rothery and will remain open until 15th December.

Air Commodore Wendy Rothery said: “I am delighted to join the Celebrating Forces Families Team to formally open the nominations for the 2024 Awards. Our families are true unsung heroes who routinely go above and beyond to support the entire Armed Forces Community; they fully deserve the formal recognition that these awards bring. On behalf of Defence, thank you!”

Individuals and organisations can put forward their nominations for these prestigious awards by heading to the Celebrating Forces Families website. You can vote in categories such as Inspirational Family Member of the Year, the Young People’s Award, Overcoming Adversity and Military Family Charity.

Members of the Ministry of Defence Partner Employment Working Group (the organisers of the Celebrating Forces Families Awards) saw a need for a dedicated platform to exclusively celebrate the achievements of serving military families. The awards then became a reality in 2022.

There are many events and awards evenings that happen across the UK to celebrate the achievements and sacrifices made by our serving personnel, but until now there was nothing that focused purely on the family members.

Vice Admiral Phil Hally, Chief of Defence People, said: “Events like these are what the ‘living in our shoes’ report terms small acts of kindness and they are important as while they increase resilience and bolster self-sufficiency the most important thing is that they help to celebrate just how important our families are.”

Barclays is the headline sponsor for the 2024 Celebrating Forces Families Awards and have joined forces with several other companies to support the 2024 ceremony.

These include Mott MacDonald, Defence Discount Services, Centrica, BFBS and Forces Employment Charity.

Kevin Gartside, Head of Military & Veterans Outreach at Barclay said: “Barclays is delighted to continue its support of the Celebrating Forces Families Awards. These awards highlight the amazing achievements of the broader military community, giving this vital support network its own time to shine. These awards put spouses, partners and military children in the spotlight and give them the recognition they deserve. The awards very much align with the importance that the bank puts on supporting our communities”.

There are still a few sponsorship packages remaining for organisations who want to become a part of the 2024 event.

Those interested are encouraged to speak to a member of the event team or visit the website or further information – www.celebratingforcesfamilies.co.uk

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Exercise

Ex Spitfire Adventure 23 Scribe: Cfn Thompson - 43 Wks Gp LAD

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n 9 Sep 23 I deployed with 20 Works Group, Royal Engineers to Moab, Utah, for 15 days on the Adventure Training (AT) canoeing expedition, Ex SPITFIRE ADVENTURE 23. To do so, we travelled more than 5,000 miles from the UK to the Canyonlands in the State of Utah USA. Starting in Las Vegas Nevada, we drove 700 miles to Utah where the exercise would commence. After a day of administration, the company Tex’s Riverways issued us with the canoes and paddles needed and transported us to the Green River with all of the necessary kit.

Arriving at Crystal Geyser we paddled over 15 miles per day; learning key skills to enhance our knowledge and understanding of canoeing to achieve the Open Canoe Foundation O2F qualification. Each evening we would locate a suitable place to camp beside the river to rest and recuperate, take in the sights and go for walks to fully experience the true nature of the canyons. We would set up campfires and cook our meals in the late evening; once the temperatures have cooled before continuing the following day. Finally, we exited the Green River at Mineral Bottom after canoeing almost 70 miles. In my experience this was the greatest AT I have been a part of, being able to see parts of the world I had never dreamed of and earning qualifications from it. This is definitely a true representation of the phrase ‘Civvies pay 1000s’.

Map of the route

Group 1 at Crystal Geyzer

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Day 2, mile 33 into the Green River

Night 3

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REME Museum

REME Special Devices: Flail Tanks – The Crab (part two) Scribe: Zoe Tolman, Assistant Archivist

W

hile the flailing capabilities were obviously an essential part to get right on the Crab, other testing was in force at the same time to try and address other issues brought up by its predecessors.

After comments on the Scorpion’s lack of wire-cutting, efforts were renewed with the Crab. The first production Crab prototype carried on from work done on the Baron and took the form of side cutters at each end of the rotor. These were similar to circular saws whose teeth passed through an open-ended slot in a bar mounted on the side arm. The slot had notches on it to catch the wire and allow the teeth to shear it as they passed through.

This system could successfully cut through 30 yards of barbed wire entanglement and two rows of trip Dannert wire (a form of concertina wire developed in Germany in the 30s which didn’t require the usual vertical posts for attachment as it was largely self-

supporting) and although wire would inevitably wind on the rotors, it was not enough at this level to impede their performance. It was therefore mainly satisfactory but the ends of flails did occasionally also get sliced off by the wire cutters, reducing the efficiency of the flailing.

Unfortunately, with the progression of chain designs, this flaw became worse. Instead of being sliced off, the ends of flail chains actually became stuck in the wire cutters which in turn stalled the entire rotor (and with it often the tank). The rotor also couldn’t be restarted without members of the crew getting out of the tank to free the jammed flail; which is obviously a very dangerous prospect.

As a first attempt to fix this, the end four chains on both sides of the rotor were reverted to the previous type which didn’t jam, but this meant the flails dealing with mines directly in front of the tracks, and therefore incredibly important ones, were of lower quality/efficiency than the rest, which was undesirable at best.

In April 1944, they decided to address the wire-cutter design instead, creating a version which would still gather up wire to be cut but would reject flails before they could become jammed. The first adjustment was to increase the pitch of the notches to make it harder for flails to access. This led successfully to no flails being jammed but there was no real wire being cut either – the rotating parts were now simply pushing the wire over the notches in the fixed section instead of catching and shearing it. The fixed aspects were therefore then fitted with a tongue, extending vertically downwards, in order to better guide the wire into the notches and this led to a vastly increased performance, as can be seen in the two images. The fixed wire cutters were put into production in October 1944.

The main improvement in the Crab however came with the arms. These had been through a great deal of development from completely fixed, to adjustable but manually, to adjustable by hydraulics (as on the Crab I) but with all of these, the rotor still functioned in fixed positions. This meant that it had a tendency to either miss mines or simply stall when it was travelling through undulating ground. It was therefore proposed to allow the arm to pivot freely and counterbalance the rotor so that it instead followed the contours of the ground.

The cutter block (pulled back to clear a jammed or damaged cutter)

The Crab rotor after cutting through a triple dannert and double apron fence with original cutters on the left and the modified version on the right 20 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

When the rotor was too close to the ground, the force from the chains striking it would be large and so the rotor pushed back up; when the rotor was too far away from the ground, this force would lessen and so the rotor would fall back down.

The Baron had actually tried a contouring system when it was being tested in 1942, but in a much more manual sense and the hydraulics they used were not powerful enough to raise the rotor quickly enough to properly maintain a constant height above the ground. In December 1943, the principle was renewed on the Marquis and, again, the response of the system was deemed ‘so slow as to be quite useless.’ However, upon disconnecting the hydraulic rams on either side, the arms became much freer, and the response was then considered ‘perfectly instantaneous.’

Trials started on an experimental Crab prototype in January 1944 and concern shifted to potential damage to the arms caused by the explosive movements. Thankfully, tests done on a Mk IV mine showed that, although the rotor rose to the full height of 7’ 9”, no damage was done. The placement of the counterweights was also very carefully tested to ensure that the cross tubes connecting the side arms would not twist; initially this was spread out unevenly to reflect the differences of the arms (only one side was driven and so needed less weight to balance the forces from the explosions) but subsequent testing soon found that all of the counterweight could be placed on one side with no noticeable distortion taking place.

They also found that they could safely remove one hydraulic ram entirely but then reattach the other ram to still be functional but not dampen the required reaction as had first been found.

Trials with the contouring Crab showed a mine detonating efficiency over undulating ground of 90%, as compared to 65% over the same ground with a fixed rotor. It did still retain a fixed stop to prevent the arm falling below 4’ 3” (primarily intended for wire cutting mode) and a further stop to prevent it dropping below 2’ 7”,

Front view of the Crab II turret

The Crab II but both of these could be controlled from within the tank. Such success meant that the experimental prototype was upgraded to a production one and the Crab II was born. It was approved for production at the end of May 1944, at a time when the original order for 300 Crabs had been increased to a total of 689 for the year.

However, it was then found that the rotor on the Crab II would ride low when going uphill and high when going downhill, due to the placement of the pivot in relation to the centre of gravity of the rotor and assembly. This effectively meant that the counterweight was further away from the pivot when going uphill and so more force was required to lift the rotor against it, and vice versa on the downwards slopes. This also impacted the rotor speed and torque.

Initial plans were to use a second Sherman as a boost uphill and so reduce the strain on the Crab II’s engines, which were trying to make up for the drop in speed, but this was both difficult to do and not very effective.

They moved on instead to fitting an auxiliary gearbox between the engine and the flail. This allowed an increase in torque which saw improvements in flailing in general, but also meant they could adjust for the difficulties with the inclines without impacting the overall speed. An additional advantage of this system was also noted from reports of the Crabs at Le Havre in the Normandy Campaign – in a mine sweeping operation over a clay soil after very heavy rain, the engine rpm of the Crab I dropped substantially and 40 of them were blown up on mines, whereas, had they been fitted with these auxiliary gearboxes, they could have maintained their rotor speed and with it the mine detonating efficiency. As such, the gearbox was considered for both Crab I and Crab IIs and put into place by February 1945.

During operations in France and the Low Countries, Crabs were extensively used. The average distance they were required to flail at any one time was 600-700 yards although they were usually ordered to flail between certain fixed lines rather than through definitively known minefields. Nevertheless, in the first four months of their operations, each Squadron of Crabs blew on average 440 mines, while only 15 vehicles were damaged beyond repair by mines. All the work from the very first flail tank contributed in some way to their success and they are an excellent demonstration of the importance of continued experimentation and improvement.

Information and images in this article are taken from E:03.0422.05 and E:05.0177.01.

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REME Veterans

REME Riders at the Ride to the Wall 2023 Scribe: Peter Shearer

Who are the REME Riders?

R

EME Riders was formed several years ago by a small group of REME Veteran motorcycle riders with the intention of organising a weekend trip to Llandrindod Wells in Wales for a weekend of motorcycle riding through the area; with an organised meal on the Saturday evening. This has become an annual event that continues to this day; although the same location has been used every year it has been decided to investigate another location for 2024 as the roads of Wales have been well ridden by the riders.

Using Facebook social media as the main communication tool, this relatively small group has now grown to over 1,600 members throughout the world. Members include both serving and Veteran REME motorcyclists; although a limited number of non REME are guest members.

This year in addition to the annual rally several members met up for a ride in the Derbyshire Peak District. This took the form of meeting for a hearty breakfast followed by a ride through the Peaks completing with an ice cream or for the posh members, tea and cake. Needless to say, ‘sandbags’ were regularly pulled up with stories of past endeavours and jollity, perfect for the mental well-being of all. Something which we hope to extend to in the future is organising the same in different locations throughout the country to include as many as possible.

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On a more serious note, requests have been received in for funeral attendance/escorts where members have attended on motorcycle showing the REME brotherhood we all have.

New members are always welcome, just search for REME Riders on Facebook and answer a few simple questions to apply for membership.

The Ride to the Wall In 2007, a group of Veteran motorcyclists organised an event in support of the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. For those unaware of what the ‘Wall’ as its affectionately known is, it resides on a 150-acre site whose purpose is to ensure that those who have sacrificed their lives for their country are never forgotten. Memorials to past and current Regiments and Corps are situated throughout the site with the ‘Wall’ engraved with the names of the fallen since 1945 as its centrepiece.

The 2007 pilgrimage was a fairly small event to the Wall all making a small personal contribution to the charity. Over the years, this number has grown to that of the present day, this year more than 8,000 motorcycles and 12,000 people attended the ‘Ride to the Wall’ to attend a brief service of Remembrance. The event is also a great opportunity for past comrades to catch up.

REME Riders are proud to continue to attend this unique event.

REME Charity

Introduction by Chair of Trustees The REME Charity is a vital thread in the fabric of REME. Often invisible, or in the background, the charity nevertheless touches every aspect of the life of our REME family. As 2023 ends and we look forward to 2024, please take a moment to read about how the REME Charity helps, supports and encourages the REME family; what you can do to help us; and how to seek help should you need it.

Major General (Retired) Stephen Andrews CBE

What do we do The REME Charity has four distinctive roles. The board of trustees – see next page – works closely with the Chief Executive and the management team to ensure that the charity fulfils these roles, with priority always given to benevolence. Together, we: Deliver benevolence, in the form of help to those

1 facing hardship, distress or bereavement;

Present our heritage to the public and the REME family

3 through the REME Museum, and;

Promote the sense of identity, and enhance the esprit

2 de corps, of the serving Corps of REME, both Regular and Reserve, our Veterans and families;

Support the creation of, and sustain, communities of

4 like-minded people through the REME Association.

The charity has a professional executive team which is co-located with RHQ REME in Lyneham. Working closely with the Corps Welfare Team, the charity quickly responds to requests for help, especially in times of distress or emergency. Welfare casework is usually undertaken in close partnership with the Army’s national charity, The Army Benevolent Fund, SSAFA or The Royal British Legion.

How we Work In support of the esprit de corps, health and wellbeing of the Corps, and working closely with RHQ REME, the charity makes grants to: a Support the REME Sports Association and REME Adventurous Training expeditions; b. Support the REME Association;

The Legal Stuff: The REME Charity is a registered charity in England and Wales (No 1165868) and is registered as a company limited by guarantee in England and Wales (No 10036700). Its Registered Office is at RHQ REME, The Prince Philip Barracks. MOD Lyneham, Lyneham, Wiltshire, SN15 4XX. Should you wish to explore the official records of the charity, you will find them by visiting the website of the Charity Commission for England and Wales at https://register-ofcharities.charitycommission.gov.uk/charity-search and entering its charity number.

c. Fund the production and publication of The Craftsman and the REME calendar; d. Support the operation of the REME Museum, and; e. Enhance the Home of the Corps in Lyneham including the Princess Marina Headquarters Officers’ Mess and the Corps Wally Harris MM Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess.

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How we help The REME Charity helps the REME Family in a myriad of ways, which include making direct grants to individuals and enhancing the professional and social fabric of the Corps. We do this with dignity, without fuss and usually behind the scenes. We aim to be kind, determined and a gently inquisitive force for good, which seeks always to make life better, or more bearable, at work, at play or at home. Examples of how we have helped members of the REME Family:

• The Daughter of a double amputee Veteran with severe PTSD symptoms became withdrawn

£

Benevolence spending in 2023 is 40% higher than in 2022. We have spent £275,442 assisting the REME Family.

and school phobic. With almost daily anxiety attacks, life with her Father became stressful and a lot to cope with for such a young person. In discussion with the family and the school we initiated and funded counselling sessions. We are delighted that after a relatively short period of time, the young girl showed signs of improvement and is on the road to recovering her spirit.

• A junior NCO contacted the REME Charity, they had been struggling with the cost of living crisis and a deployment had increased their child care fees. We were able to pay a general needs grant to assist with priority bills and childcare costs, greatly relieving the financial pressures on his family.

• A Veteran contacted the Charity, he was suffering with extreme loneliness and isolation since the death of his Wife the previous year. Unfortunately, he had relocated with his Wife to be near her family and after she died he did not know anyone in the new location. It was clear he needed company and we were able to contact a REME Responder in the local area who contacted him within 24 hours. One week later they were meeting for a beer in the local Royal British Legion and he filled his diary with social occasions. However, he was still away from his family, his new confidence and drive gave him the impetus to apply to be moved to a council house close to his Daughter. We assisted his move by paying his deposit and helped with his moving costs.

How to seek help or support Charities that help SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is a trusted source of support for serving personnel, Veterans and their families in their time of need. https://www.ssafa.org.uk/ RBL: We are the country’s largest Armed Forces charity, with 180,000 members, 110,000 volunteers and a network of partners and charities; helping us give support wherever and whenever it’s needed. https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/ Samaritans: Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you.

We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. https://www.samaritans.org/ Shout: Shout is the UK’s first and only free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope . https://giveusashout.org/

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Every member of the REME Family has the support of the REME Charity in their time of need. Our philosophy is to be ready to offer help and provide practical assistance when it is needed most. We do this without fuss and bother, confidentially and with respect for the dignity of everyone involved. If you need help, or wish to point someone towards seeking help, you should contact us on welfare@remecharity.org in the first instance. Organisations who can help in an emergency can be found to the left.

Alternatively, please visit REME Connect for more resources.

What you can do to help You can help the REME Charity in many ways, whether you are feeling energetic, sympathetic, generous or all three! For example, you might: Fundraising statistic: Members • Organise or participate in fundraising activities which help us to help even more people of the REME Family have and to encourage and support more sport, adventure and excellence in the REME family. fundraised £56,000 in 18 Take part in sponsored walks/runs/cycles, bake sales and other events to raise money. months, partaking in Please use our fundraising platform to raise money directly for us: various activities. https://remeconnect.enthuse.com/profile; • If you are serving, (Regular or Reserve), check with your Regimental Administrative Office, or on JPA to ensure that you are a member of the Day’s Pay Scheme which makes an annual tax-free donation to the REME Charity. In doing so, you will join the majority of your generous comrades; • If you are a Veteran and are able, you can set up an annual donation via Direct Debit, Payroll Giving, REME Connect or via our fundraising platform Enthuse. Please contact: operationsmanager@remecharity.org for more details; • Become a REME Responder. If you feel you have the time to volunteer to support our outreach work, please contact: engagement@remecharity.org; Talk about the REME Charity and raise awareness of its work, especially if you have benefited from its help or support; and If you come across someone who needs help, speak up and point them towards the REME Charity without delay.

Who are we: The Trustees The Board of Trustees ensures that the charity is governed in accordance with the law and that its operations are exclusively focused on the achievement of its charitable objectives for public benefit. The individual Trustees bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. They include serving members of the Corps of REME, REME Veterans and those with professional qualifications in finance and investment. The board recently diversified its membership to broaden and deepen its direct experience of life in the REME family.

The trustees are:

• Major General (Retired) Stephen Andrews CBE, Chair of Trustees, who enjoyed a full career as a REME officer, retiring in 2012, and is a current, and founding, member of the Corps Council.

• Brigadier Clare Phillips CBE, Vice-Chair of Trustees and Chair (Designate), is Deputy Military Secretary and a former Colonel REME who will take the chair in Spring 2024. Clare has played a leading role in raising awareness of the work of the charity.

• Colonel (Retired) Dan Scott, Vice-Chair of Trustees, recently retired from the Army to take up a new career and is a longstanding Trustee with a particular interest in finance and risk.

• Commander Megan Ashton RN is a serving Naval officer and a member of the Directing Staff of the Defence Academy. Megan has recently joined the board and is married to a serving REME officer.

• Colonel Mike Bullard MBE who leads the Trustees’ impact project and has enjoyed a long career in REME. He will be standing down in 2024.

• Captain Harriet Burns REME currently serving in a command role in a Company in a REME Battalion, brings direct experience of life in the field Arm to the trustees’ table. Harriet joined the board in August 2023.

• Colonel (Retired) Bob Fram MC who is the lead Trustee for heritage and the REME Museum, enjoyed a distinguished career in REME, including command of 6 (CS) Battalion REME. • Major Paul Hembery REME is a serving officer who held the prestigious appointment of Corps ASM. Paul holds the grants portfolio, which is informed by his deep knowledge and experience of the serving members of the REME family.

• Mr Trevor Hirst who recently joined the board, is a REME Veteran who served a full career, culminating in his appointment as WO1 (ASM). Trevor had •

a very successful second career in commerce and industry. A Chartered Engineer, he is an active member of the IET; a Magistrate; and experienced Trustee of other charities.

Mrs Rosie Norris is a very experienced Trustee who holds the investment portfolio on the Finance and Investment Committee. Rosie’s career spanned thirty five years in the field of institutional and private client fund management and investment advice for family offices and foundations.

• Major Alexander Shand REME is a serving officer, currently commanding 12 (CS) Company Throughout 2023 we have paid for 32 flights to return soldiers’ home after family bereavement or emergency.

• •

of 1 Battalion REME, whose career includes service as a soldier Technician before he was commissioned. He recently joined the board and, in due course, will bring his extensive knowledge and experience to bear on the impact portfolio.

Colonel Mark Simpson QVRM is a longstanding Trustee with a distinguished career as a Reservist who will shortly stand down. He has brought a wealth of experience both from his career in commerce and industry and his Reserve service, which has included operational tours.

Mr Paul Tumim who recently joined the board to take over the chair of Finance and Investment Committee, is a very experienced charity Trustee with a long career in financial services and banking, culminating in roles at the Bank of England.

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 25

Who are: The Executive • Chief Executive, Mrs Babs Harris. Babs joined the team from the helm of Alzheimer’s • • •

Support Wiltshire in 2021. She has been connected to the Armed Forces for over 35 years Over £55,000 spent on and her Son serves in the Royal Navy. She can be contacted on: Lifting the Decks activities chiefexecutive@remecharity.org Operations Manager, Ms Rachael Murphy. Rachael joined the REME Charity team in 2016. since the programme Her Father served for over 30 years in the REME. She can be contacted on: launched operationsmanager@remecharity.org Welfare Manager, Mrs Bev Hardwidge. Bev joined as Welfare Manager in 2017, she previously worked in the Department for Work and Pensions. She can be contacted on: welfare@remecharity.org Association Officer, Major (Retired) Geordie Wright-Rivers. Geordie joined the team in late 2021 he has served with the REME in many varied roles for over 40 years, both in and out of uniform. He can be contacted on association@remecharity.org

Our vision is to be the source of support, belonging and connection to the REME Family, now and always

Our Ambition: During 2023 we have paid for 45 disability related grants.

Thank you so much from all of us for the amazing respite break. It has been a tough year for us as a family. We were blown away by the generosity of the REME Charity to offer us a break when we were in need.

The Trustees and the Charity’s executive team are implementing a five-year strategy to achieve our ambition to be a charity that: • Is known, relevant and trusted by the whole REME Family and other organisations.

• Balances its outputs today with financial resilience tomorrow.

• Exists to enhance the wellbeing of the many and of the one. Promotes and enhances the reputation and legacy of the Corps.

• Presents and promotes Corps heritage to engender a sense of belonging and identity.

I am writing to say thank you so much for the help you are giving me. It has made such a difference not having to worry every month.

I am very grateful and can’t thank you enough.

I wanted to send a message of thanks for making my Dad’s funeral really special. Dad would have been stunned and delighted. Even though he left REME in the late 1940s we feel part of the family. We are all overwhelmed with your support and care.

The REME Lifting the Decks initiative was introduced specifically to prioritize the mental well-being of REME personnel and Veterans. We are continuously enhancing Lifting the Decks, striving to make it more accessible. Our primary focus is to encourage members of the REME Family to share their thoughts and concerns. No matter what stage of life you’re in, serving, Veteran or dependent, we are here to listen and provide support. If something is troubling you, regardless of its magnitude or origin, we are committed to lending an ear and offering assistance.

Whether it’s about yourself or someone else, please reach out to us for a confidential discussion at: WOYM@REMECharity.org

The REME Charity works in partnership with the ABF, the Army’s national charity, which provides vital support to our efforts. We recognise this by making a significant annual grant to ABF each year. https://armybenevolentfund.org/

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Sport

Jamaica UK Rugby Academy – Inaugural training camp Scribe: Col (Retd) Andy Allen Credit to Forces Net - Pictures: Tim Mendez

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ver the August bank holiday weekend, REME hosted the Jamaica UK Rugby Union Academy’s inaugural training camp at MOD Lyneham as they look to qualify for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Thirty UK-based players and seven staff took part in the training camp as the team embarks on the start of a four-year journey to qualify a rugby 15s team for the next Rugby Union World Cup. The team were chaperoned throughout the weekend by current Army Rugby League Head Coach, Sergeant Karl O’Doherty REME. This was a Corps first (and probably military) and such engagement speak volumes in understanding the challenges such growing voluntary organisations face. Instrumental in making this happen at MoD Lyneham was Col Paul Johnson (Commandant Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical Engineering), Lt Col Mick Patey, Lt Col Will Naylor and Capt Max Beeley, who with their teams made the camp run so smoothly.

Knowing the strength of REME Rugby and the Corps willingness to do good, it was Col (Retd) Andy Allen – ex-Corps member and exArmy Rugby Union Senior Rugby Director, who approached the REME family with the request for assistance. Andy is a volunteer administrator for Jamaica UK Rugby Academy.

Jamaica UK Team Manager Jason Donaldson said: “It was fantastic, it was our first ever proper training camp. From Friday we had a good turnout, on Saturday more lads turned up and on Sunday we have even more turn up, the coaching was fantastic, Sgt O’Doherty helped out as well and have some advice in regards to turning up and attention to detail.

“We took on the Army’s motto of ‘Train hard, fight easy’ and we want that to be our motto, so overall it was a fantastic weekend, it means the absolute world that the British Army are supporting us on this journey.”

He said: “For the vast majority, this was the first time they had stepped on a military camp and were mightily impressed by the facilities and hospitality. Training was intense and whilst all were exhausted by the end of the camp, the value was second to none and this was the first time such an event had taken place. Jamaica UK

Army Rugby League Head Coach Sergeant Karl O’Doherty is presented with a Jamaican Rugby jersey Rugby Union Academy is a voluntary organisation and this assistance by REME was invaluable.”

Jamaica already has an established Rugby 7s setup, and with Jamaica UK Rugby Academy’s ambitions of growing the 15s game and finding more UK-based players.

Jason Donaldson says he hopes to take on some military players from the Navy, Army and RAF who have Jamaican heritage.

“At the moment, we have got about 120 players and we would probably like to get that up to 200, so if you have a family member of Jamaican heritage, then please get in contact.”

So if there are there any Corps players (male or female) of Jamaican heritage that aspire to play for Jamaica or anyone that wants to help or sponsor them in their journey, get in touch at www.jaukrugby.com.

Plans are already in the making for another training camp and hopefully an Army unit/Corps fixture.

The Jamaica UK Rugby Academy participate in a training camp hosted by REME at MOD Lyneham Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 27

REME Reserves

REGULAR TO RESERVE PERSPECTIVE – OC of a Reserve REME Company Scribe: Major Charlotte Joyce REME, Officer Commanding 127 Divisional Support Company, 101 Battalion REME

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s I sit here writing this article my ‘to do’ list and calendar will be similar to many other people. SJARs to write, Company exercises to plan and PT to do. But that is for 1.5 days a week and the rest of the time I can take my 3-yearold to play group, go to daytime group exercise classes, help run our sheep farm and actually use my Standard Learning Credits (SLC) to go to French lessons!

Having left Regular service in 2012 to pursue a new direction in technical education and for geographical stability

I returned to the fold in 2016 as a Reservist. I missed the people and the range of activities available in the Army. The additional income was also welcome as I had taken a cut after leaving Regular service. Initially I combined a busy full-time civilian role with being an Army Reservist but when my Daughter was born in 2019, I chose not to return to my civilian job and balanced my Reserve commitments with parenting! And what a great decision that has been. I now have a fulfilling part time ‘job’ that utilises my skills and fits in around our family life.

So, what is the Army Reserve (AR) like? To ensure our people take part in the full range of unit activities and remain current and competent in both trade and field skills, most AR units operate an Approved Training Event list.

At 101 Bn REME we must complete 4 out of the 6 categories each year which contribute to our 27 annual Reserve Service Days to be eligible for our annual Bounty payment. The forecast of events is published for the year at least 6 months in advance and we each indicate which events we are planning to attend. Since joining the unit, I have been on a battlefield study to Normandy, a field weekend, a trade weekend, a career course, and St Eligius team building weekend. Most of our people attend 4-10 weekends a year and most Wednesday evenings. Being able to plan 6-12 months out is important and we can put childcare in place for my 2-week annual deployment months in advance. 101 Bn REME offer a choice of two annual camps (July and September), a career course or upgrader course or an alternative camp such as support to a Regular unit.

Prior to being an OC in a REME Bn I served with a University Officer Training Corps. This fitted in well with my civilian role as annual camps were in the OC and 2IC of 127 Div Sp Coy (Maj Charlotte Joyce and Capt Si Nicholson)

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university summer leave period and I had a light reporting commitment with only 4 x O/SJARs to write. I had a fantastic time with the unit, seeing many OCdts grow in confidence and march up the steps at Sandhurst. When I was busy in my civilian job, I only needed to commit to 1 x training evening a week and 4 weekends over the year in addition to a 2-week camp (Germany, Sennybridge and Gibraltar) and when I had more time, I was able to take on extra tasks.

As we expect our people to be fit and achieve the required physical standards, we are paid for 2 hours a week to carryout PT. We are all issued with a MyZone heart rate monitor and follow both lone soldier PT sessions and Unit PTI led sessions.

This has made a real difference to Unit fitness levels and engagement whilst giving our people the freedom to fit PT into their busy lives. As Reserves we also benefit from paid leave (1 day for every 10 RSDs), an annual tax-free Bounty payment (up to £1,970 per year), SLCs, maternity pay and pension contributions.

To do my role as an OC I need to commit at least 4 hours every week in addition to the training nights and weekends, but I often do more around my family commitments. I dial in to promotion boards, health committee meetings and conferences with the permanent staff team. I have a Reserve 2IC who commits 2-3 days a week which fits in around the business he is currently setting up and many other people who come for just 2 hours on a Wednesday evening. There are roles to suit your commitment and being a Reservist, you choose your preferred location and job.

So please take a minute to think about someone in your life who might be considering returning to work after a career break or wants time to focus on other aspects of their life and encourage them to look online for their local REME unit: https://jobs.army.mod.uk/army-reserve/find-a-reservecentre/ Don’t let time away from the Corps get in the way.

The family sheep farm

101 Bn REME Battlefield study to Normandy Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 29

REME Association

Recovery Mechanic Branch – A Tale of Two Weekends Scribe: John Sibley

Weekend One

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n the 15th of September the Recovery Mechanic Branch set off for Belgium for a World War I Battlefield tour. The tour was the brainchild of Mark O’Mahony who organised the whole trip from start to finish and all who attended take our hats off to him for a job expertly done. As individuals we moved from across the country and RV’d in Ashford on the evening of the 14th where overnight accommodation had been booked. The following morning, we boarded the coach and set off for Ypres.

Over the 3 days of the tour, we visited Essex Farm Cemetery, Hooge Crater, Langemark German Cemetery, Tyne Cott Cemetery, Ploegsteert and Vimy Ridge. Throughout the tours our guide Mr Barry Kitchener gave us an enormous amount of information about every site, his in-depth knowledge was remarkable. Most of us thought we knew quite a bit about the

Great War, it turns out we knew nothing, the man is a walking encyclopaedia and was only too pleased to share his knowledge.

The highlight for us all was parading our Branch Standard at the Menin Gate, taking part in the Last Post ceremony on the Saturday evening. We laid three wreaths, one for the Corps, one for the REME Association and one for the Branch. To say that this was an honour is understating it somewhat, without doubt the most moving act of remembrance I have taken part in and all those attending did the Branch and Corps proud.

Weekend Two On the 30th of September the Branch held its annual Bow Shackle Ball, this year in Dumfries. The ball was organised by Chris Zeil ably assisted by other members of the committee.

We all gathered on the Friday night and as always, much banter ensued. On Saturday afternoon we held our AGM

Menin Gate – The whole group after the last post parade at the Menin Gate

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Vimy Ridge – Our guide showing us through the trench system, with us all hanging on every word

memories with old friends. For our members who didn’t, you before putting the final touches to the venue, I have to say missed out this year. We intend to do it all again next year and Easterbrook Hall was stunning and the staff looked after us include a visit to the Somme, so don’t miss out again. extremely well.

So, to the night, the food was some of the best I have eaten And Finally at a function in a long time, the staff were exceptional, their Our 2024 Branch Calendar is on sale at a cost of £9.50, there service and attention to detail really made the function. We are very limited numbers left so if you want to grab a years’ had our traditional raffle and followed that by an auction; worth of memories, please get in touch with me via email on both helping to raise funds for the REME Charity and the john.sibley61@gmail.com Dumfries Veterans Garden.

The night drew to a close with some pretty awful renditions of what I used to think were classic songs, until in the hands of Recy Mechs with a Karaoke machine.

However, our Chairman, who is a Scottish gentleman, had organised a special surprise for us all, a Piper who walked through the dining hall playing Lilliburlero, stirring stuff I can tell you and that from an Englishman. We finished the weekend by having a Corps and Branch birthday breakfast at the Dumfries Veterans hub, who were amazing people and do an extraordinary job for Veterans in the community; a massive thank you to them all and to Bryan Cronie for sorting it out.

What a couple of weekends we have had. For all those who attended either (or both) I thank you and I’m sure you had a Bow Shackle Ball – Our Chairman, Bryan Cronie welcoming everyone to the Bow Shackle Ball tremendous time, making new Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 31

REME Association

Potteries & District REME Association October 2023 Newsletter Scribe: Maurice Hope (Photos courtesy of John Hubbert)

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Stafford Lunch Members

Gil Mould and Branch Patron

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he Branch monthly lunch event was a return to the ‘’Stafford Arms” on Tuesday 10th in the picturesque village of Bagnall Green. Sadly, the numbers attending were lower than normal, with only seven turning up; meaning that our normal in-house raffle did not happen ... the caravan owners were all away enjoying the last of the summer weather.

Although short on numbers for our second visit this year to that venue, we were still impressed by the standard of the meal that it will definitely be earmarked for a visit again early in the New Year.

The following day Wednesday 11th saw both the Branch President and Vice President being invited to join the City of Stoke-on-Trent Armed Forces Covenant Steering Committee at the Civic Centre. It

Gil and President

does give the Branch a direct input into any plans being put forward by the Council regarding the Veteran community in the City and it is also a good source of contacts for the Branch.

It came to the notice of the Branch recently that the JCB Academy (Sponsored by the digger giants), in Rocester near Uttoxeter, which specialises in Engineering and Technology, has an Army Cadet Force which is badged REME. Not missing the chance to further the outreach of the Branch and Corps, contact has been made with the Academy with a view to a visit and deliver a presentation from the Branch ... we are currently awaiting a reply.

Our monthly Branch meeting this month on Tuesday 24th was noticeable for several reasons. It was Stafford Arms Members the first visit to the branch by our Patron Major General John Henderson CB, giving him a chance to get to know members before our Christmas Dinner on November 25th, which he is looking forward to attending.

Having hatched an idea during the first few weeks of the year, it finally gave us the opportunity for, “a first”, in the Branch to present our long-standing Standard Bearer and Branch ambassador Mr Gil Mould with the presentation of the President’s Certificate of Appreciation from the group, which came as a great surprise to him.

To make the night even more special for Gil, we took the chance to rope in our Patron to present the Corps Master Generals Certificate of Appreciation, which all Branch Standard Bearers have been presented with at the Association annual weekend and the Corps day at the National Memorial Arboretum…both of which Gil attended but for whatever reason never managed to have it presented before ... not bad getting two Certificates in one night.

Having successfully raised sufficient funds to secure Gil with two certificates their centre in Newcastle-under-Lyme, the Tri-Services & Veterans Charity have now expanded their services to Veterans by opening a second centre in the Old Post Office in Hanley, the commercial centre of the City.

The Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire Mr Ian Dudson cut the ribbon at the official opening on Saturday 28th, with an attendance of 99 people booking in for the event, including past and present City MP’s as well as most of the Mayors of the Six Towns that make up the City.

Final arrangements are now taking place prior to the Branch’s Christmas Dinner, which is due to take place on Saturday 25th of November, an event that we are all eagerly looking forward to.

John Hubbert on the wrong side of the lens at The Stafford Arms Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 33

REME Sport

Ex BULL RIDER II Scribe: Sgt N Stephens

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rom 30 Aug – 9 Sep, 3 Battalion (3 Bn) football team deployed on Ex BULL RIDER II; a football tour to Florida USA. The team was made up of multiple cap badges, of various ranks from Cfn to Capt; all brought together through the 3 Bn football team. Matches were played across the state, with games in Orlando and Miami. The aim of the tour was to provide an opportunity to play competitive matches against opposition from the USA and to be exposed to different cultures whilst in unfamiliar and potentially challenging conditions.

On our first full day after landing, we had the opportunity to train on Orlando FC’s first team training pitch. The session was run by Cfn Harold – a representative of the REME Corps Women’s team. She ran a gruelling two-hour session, putting the boys through their paces. Many of the team had never played together before so it was a great chance to get some experience playing together.

Our first game was against St Andrews FC, a local team from Orlando. The match was well fought through the first half; however, we pulled away as the game entered the latter stages. The result was a 10–3 win, with notable shout outs to Cfn Harold for an outstanding solo goal, plus Sgt Bufton and Capt Thorne for bagging well fought braces. Donkey of the match went to Pte Gurung who could do with some extra lessons on understanding the offside rule… After the game, we were hosted by ex-Royal Anglian, Keith, and his Wife Jackie, who hosted the team back at their house for well-deserved celebrations.

Our next match was against a team from Miami University. We found ourselves up against a much stronger opponent, and unfortunately came away with a 3-0 defeat. The team showed signs of

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hope, with some excellent plays and some solid resilience at the back, with LCpl Kella covering a half out of position in goal due to injury of our star Goalkeeper Cpl Stephens. A special mention must go to WO2 Best whose short cameo at left back ensured he was the only player on the tour who’d kept a clean sheet across both games!

Throughout the tour, we were lucky enough to experience many different excursions. These included a trip to the NASA Kennedy Space Centre, a boat tour of the famous Everglades national park to see the American Alligators and a chance to watch the mighty Miami Marlins come out victorious against the LA Dodgers at Baseball. All of which were a fantastic experience for the team and a great chance for the team to bond.

In between matches and training sessions, the teams had plenty of chances to relax or to check out the local area. The team were able to kick back and chill out on Miami beach and play some beach Volleyball, as well as taking trips to a local waterpark and check out the exuberant Cuban district.

As we left Miami on Friday, morale was high, despite swapping the tropical heat of Florida for the indecisive Wiltshire rain. One win, one loss and a fantastic experience had by all. Many thanks to the Corps and the Army Sports Lottery for helping fund this incredible trip, and to Cpl Stephens, Sgt Kelly and Capt Parr for working so hard to ensure everything went to plan.

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 35

Cpl Nathan Grey finally earning his wage at Castlemartin Ranges

Exercise

Exercise IRON CYCLONE 1/23 Unit: The King’s Royal Hussars LAD Scribes: SSgts Harvey (A Sqn Ftrs), Richardson (C Sqn Ftrs) & West (D Coy Ftrs)

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x IRON CYCLONE is a new exercise package and approach to training, that sees one of the Army’s Combined Arms Battlegroups complete a 3-week live range package at Castlemartin Ranges, before deploying for 4 weeks and complete training level A-E. It marks the return to resourced large scale and Combined Arms Manoeuvre warfighting training. Elements of the live range package and the first two weeks of the exercise phase also integrate the Combined Arms Manoeuvre School Crew Commander’s course, without additional Equipment Support Workforce. Recently returned from Operation CABRIT 11, The King’s Royal Hussars were the first Battlegroup to complete IRON CYCLONE with a Combat force of 28 Challenger 2 tanks and 26 WARRIOR IFV… these are their stories.

Castlemartin Ranges – ‘A’ Squadron Fitters The regiment had 2 weeks to get the vehicles prepared after enjoying some well-earned Post Operational Tour Leave (POTL), no mean feat with everyone working all hours to ensure a successful range package. A Squadron Fitters deployed to Castlemartin for the duration of June 2023, a crack team of 11 tradespeople to ensure a successful Range package allowing the Squadron crews to go from zero to hero – with all crews passing their Annual Crew Tests (ACT).

A nice change of pace for the VMs as they sat and watched the Techs and Armourers work tirelessly to ensure the turret systems remained serviceable. Sgt ‘Bobby’ Jasinski with his 4 Techs replaced pretty much every Line Replaceable Unit, ranging from Turret Gyros to many many Commanders Primary Sight Uppers weighing 110kg ea. – a task Cpl Rhodri Morgan relished as our gym enthusiast. Cpl Megan Braithwaite and LCpl Carys Dyson’s Challenger 2 experience was pivotal to the success; seeing them ensure all pre-firing checks were completed, as well as 2 x Challenger 2 Barrel changes throughout the night ensuring availability was always at its highest.

The engineering highlight of the range package was the turret lift conducted to replace a VICS 3 Cable. A task that saw all trades within the King’s Royal Hussar’s LAD partake, with the Technicians and Armourers ensuring the turret was safe and ready to lift, the Recovery Mechanics using 2 x SVRs to lift the 20.5 tonne turret – Cfn Makenzie-Wilde's crane operating skills were put to the test as he led a successful turret lift using two SVR cranes.

Once everything was safe SSgt ‘ES Matt’ Harvey (yes still an A Mech at heart) and Sgt Scotty Elliott worked through the night to ensure the cable was replaced ready for the turret to be refitted the next day.

Salisbury Plain – C Squadron Fitters

‘A’ Squadron Fitter Section

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On the 3rd of July the Battlegroup deployed onto Salisbury Plain training area for a month. This included REME personnel from ‘A’ Company Mercian and 26 Engrs, with 4 REME providing Level 3 support.

Having just completed an eventful 3-week live firing package at Castlemartin Ranges, C Fitters had a week to rehabilitate the fleet before rolling back out again.

The first week for C Squadron consisted of troop level BCS training where on the first day the Tiffy bus’ fuel pump had sadly had enough. Cfn Woodhead, the Section’s Class 3 was on hand to complete his first fuel pump change and quickly got it back on the road.

For the second week, the exercise supported the Junior Crew Commanders Challenger 2 combined arms manoeuvre element, where potential Commanders from the Land Warfare centre crewed the Squadron’s tanks. In some of the worst rain Salisbury Plain has ever seen, one of the Challenger 2’s steering cables snapped, only repairable by conducting a turret lift.

Cpl Shane Walker was tasked with the lift, a mammoth job at hand. Luckily with the Battlegroup properly resourced and no ES Materiel issues the tank was turned around and back on the area in 48 hours!

The final two weeks on the area saw the Battlegroup conducting manoeuvres back and forth across the whole of the plain by day and night. With the mileage and weather starting to take its toll on the fleet, the number of jobs began to steadily increase.

Until that point the Section’s Technicians had remained fairly quiet, but a number of turret faults saw the Techs working late into the night leading to some sleepy heads the next day.

Something doesn’t look quite right!

Challenger 2 turret lift No1 Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 37

A SNCO’s perspective – Sgt Tommy Taylor It was not all work during the exercise, LCpl Connor Needham had his birthday and we managed to get a cake out for him to try and eat by himself which he successfully achieved; which in turn lifted the morale of the Fitter Section during a very wet phase of the exercise.

After a spate of late-night activities one of the vehicles within the Fitter Section thought they would get a bit of extra sleep in the tactical RV before moving to the Battlegroup leaguer. Once the Charlie packet moved off they were left behind, leaving the Tiff to go back and lead them to the leaguer. It was safe to say there were a few red faces.

It’s not all about tanks – D Squadron Fitters

As a new member of C Squadron Fitters, EX IRON CYCLONE was the first time that I had deployed on an Armoured platform. Living on a CrARRV for 4 weeks was an eye-opening experience for someone who up to this point had only deployed on exercise in a MAN SV. After a while I settled in and used my time to learn all I could from the Recy Mechs on recovery techniques, carrying out several jobs over the course of the exercise. This included jobs during darkness as the Battlegroup would conduct night-time road moves and obstacle crossings.

Navigation during these hours was much more difficult as the CRARRV became “navigationally challenged” during a tasking to recover a tank that had become bogged-in in the darkness. Many miles were covered over the course of the exercise as several tanks had to be taken to the ECP for major works. Overall, for my first Armoured exercise it was a good experience and lessons were learnt which I shall take forward to the next C Squadron deployment.

The first phase kicked off with us deploying to Castlemartin to conduct regimental live fire ranges.

This involved firing WARRIOR 30mm Rarden, PANTHER RWS and pintle mounted GPMG. Luckily the weather was particularly sunny and warm which is a rarity in West Wales but made downtime great, with many taking the opportunity to hit the local beaches for paddleboarding and barbeques. Cfn Maddie Hempell could often be seen trying to pull down trees in her spare time as she prepared to represent England at Tug of War. Armourer Cpl Matt ‘Crimson Chin’ Green “took up the slack” and dealt with all manner of 30mm and CG issues rapidly ensuring maximum availability. This allowed Recce Troop to qualify all gunners in short order. With his 30mm ranges complete he put his Challenger 2 SQEP to good use to assist other Sabre Squadrons with multiple barrel changes. As is often the case on ranges the Vehicle Mechanics had a much quieter time as the aging fleet of WARRIORs behaved themselves for the most part albeit a particularly persistent fuel leak on a WARRIOR kept Cpl ’The’ Fong and Cfn ‘Baby Dylan’ Richardson on their toes.

On return from Wales the Fitter Section had a very short turnaround time to deploy 30 platforms onto SPTA, for this reason Sgt Dom Martin had returned early with a composite team to begin the preparation of BULLDOG and PANTHER. To their credit all

LCpl Needham’s ORP Birthday vanilla sponge cake

LCpl Kearn Kumar takes an afternoon nap after a large lunch

The CRARRV at the end of the rainbow

A JNCO’s Perspective – Cpl Connor Ticehurst

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vehicles deployed as planned. Before deploying, the OC LAD and ASM were keen to instil a strong ‘one team’ ethos beyond the Battlegroup; hosting a tea and toast event for 12ABCT, 4REME and Battlegroup REME people. This ethos became a huge force multiplier throughout the following weeks.

Ex IRON CYCLONE lasted for 4 of the wettest weeks of summer ever experienced on the plain, yet not a single D Squadron vehicle required a Recovery Mechanic’s assistance for getting bogged in. As ever BULLDOG fuel pumps and WARRIOR hydraulic fan issues became a recurring theme but with determination and fighting spirit availability was kept above 90% throughout. The work ethic of the Fitter Section would be for nothing if it wasn’t for the supply of ES Materiel to their forward locations. D Squadron were unfortunately gapped an SQMS(T) for the exercise but with the ‘one team’ ethos all other Squadron Fitters, SQMS(T)s and even the ASM ensured spares were in the hands of tradespeople as far forward as possible in the shortest amount of time. 1 Mercian LAD also subscribed to the one team ethos in a big way, with valuable SQEP and ES Materiel being shared to enable maximum effect across the Battlegroup, be it King’s Royal Hussars Fitters helping the Armoured Infantry Company or the 1 Mercian Fitters helping our Recce Troop WARRIORs. As a trusted and reliable member of D Squadron Fitters, Cfn Qumivutia was selected from a cast of thousands to chauffeur the Battlegroup EME around; whilst ensuring his rations were always piping hot. Always on hand to conduct rapid diagnosis of Command Troop BULLDOGs it ended up being the LFGs that became his bugbear, without these Battlegroup HQ afternoon teas it would be a dark and dingy affair. With a rapid reaction Tiffy bus on hand with essential spares the LFGs were never down for any extended period, saving countless AAA headtorch batteries.

All in all, Ex IRON CYCLONE, although very busy and not without its frustrations, was a success for the King’s Royal Hussars LAD. Lots of experience was gained by tradespeople at all levels and the Regiment got to conduct meaningful training with high vehicle

Challenger 2 Turret lift No2 availability. The vehicles were worked hard for a sustained period causing the ES Materiel chain to be tested thoroughly. The high availability overall proved that if we can keep ES Materiel rapidly moving forward then REME tradespeople will keep battle winning kit “guns front” in the hands of the user.

D Squadron Fitters and Recce Troop Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 39

Exercise

Exercise SCORPION CYCLONE and IRON TITAN – 1st Deep Recce Strike BCT’s first major exercises in the field Scribe: Capt V M Naker

Commanding Officer insight Lt Col Paul Round-Turner, CO DRS CSS Battlegroup

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hese exercises had been a long time coming. After forming on 1 Jul 22, the Deep Recce Strike (DRS) Brigade Combat Team (BCT) had only ever deployed on simulation-focused exercises. These had been a success but had not offered the opportunity to test Equipment Support, or Combat Service Support (CSS) in general. As the only CSS unit in the Brigade, it was on us to lead the CSS Battlegroup (BG), and work out how to deliver Med, Log and ES without the full orchestra of those capabilities. In many ways, ES was

the easy bit, as we had an armoured Company at our disposal and the majority of us were REME. When it came to Log and Med we had to try different ways of doing business, such as 3rd to 1st line resupply, and we also used our own Battalion assets where we could. As ever, the ingenuity of REME soldiers came to the fore, and our team was a big part of the success of the Brigade and wider Divisional effort. Below are some insights from that team. As I said this time last year, after our very first (simulated) exercise, if you like the sound of what you hear, and have an interest in working with platforms like Ajax and modern artillery and STA systems, seek a posting to 6 REME or one of the DRS LADs/Workshops!

Battlegroup HQ insight Capt Viv Naker, IO and RSO, CSS BG 6 Battalion deployed its Battalion HQ element to form the Combat Service Support (CSS) Battlegroup (BG) HQ. The Brigade Support Group (BSG) brought all 1st Deep Recce Strike (1 DRS) BCT A2 echelons together, under the command of CO 6 REME. The team deployed to Old Carter Barracks and established the HQ prior to Ex SCORPION CYCLONE beginning.

However, the work started long before this as the HQ element had been testing Command Post (CP) configurations and running a Proving and Checking Exercise (PACEX) to test communications up and down the network. Once established, focus quickly switched to conducting planning cycles and revitalising Standard Operating Instructions (SOIs), some of which were somewhat outdated. This vital work has laid the foundation for future deployments of the HQ element. Squeezed between these training serials, the team prepared for high profile visits from GOC 3 (UK) Div, Comd 1 DRS BCT, Comd ES 3 (UK) Div and our Corps Colonel.

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For outstanding commitment, a number of notable commendations were awarded to soldiers from 6 REME; Sgt Sutherland (LSS), Sgt Stewart (Comms Spec), Cpl Charles (VM) and LCpl Hara (VM) all receiving 3 (UK) Div GOC’s coins. Additionally, Cpl Heafey (LSS) and Cpl Alexis (TSS) received a Commander ES coin.

Moving into Ex IRON TITAN from the BattleCraft Syllabus package, there was a clear step-change in intensity. The CSS BG were tested relentlessly and the strain on ES, Log and Med was heavy. Receiving support from 157 Regt RLC and 101 Log OSB, the CSS BG pulled in Log and Med experts from across the Fd Army, both Regular and Reserve, to form a dynamic team.

Putting our SOIs to the test and executing plans tactically, the staff were up to the test and proved that CSS to DRS was achievable. Where the concept did stumble, lessons were identified, recorded appropriately, and will be worked on to improve the delivery of CSS.

Armoured Company insight LCpl Prims Gurung, Electronics Technician, Forward 1 Platoon, 14 Armoured Company Whilst on exercise, as part of the changing battle picture, we had undergone a period of theory and practical based learning to better apply our roles to the future battlespace. As a Platoon, we took part in numerous lessons including Voice Procedure on the net, establishing initial communications as well as long messages. A lesson on night driving and how to use visionenhancing aids and, if not available, other alternatives, built upon our understanding of safe driving practice. Lessons on relevant day-today paperwork and how to fill them out correctly reinforced our knowledge of the processes behind routine administration. A SADCHAP lesson taught the siting and set up of a hide or workshop, used for maintenance of the vehicles.

Lastly, we conducted many tasks delivering ES across 1 DRS BCT. The units on the receiving end were the likes of the Royal Lancers, 1 RHA, 19 RA, 26 RA, to name a few. We found ourselves deploying throughout Ex SCORPION CYCLONE and IRON TITAN to conduct tasks such as pack lifts on Bulldog and Warrior, repair of faulty cranes and a number of recovery tasks.

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Recovery Mechanic insight Cfn Christopher Jones, Recovery Mechanic, Forward 3 Platoon, 14 Armoured Company The Company deployed onto the training area for Ex SCORPION CYCLONE/IRON TITAN and was given a scenario which developed throughout the duration of the exercise. It was important for us to buy into the scenario as it added a sense of realism and purpose. Each of the Platoons moved into various hide locations to provide ES through the deployment of Forward Repair Teams (FRTs).

During this time, the FRTs, which comprised all trade groups, were deployed out on taskings such as power pack changes, transmission changes and many other smaller jobs. Most of the tasks were carried out at night where night navigation proved to be harder than usual, because only one person in the vehicle had Night Vision Goggles.

When on task, the limited visibility caused by bad weather and lack of light made each of the jobs that much more complicated for our teams.

The main bulk of the VM workforce was made of Class 3 trades people, some of which had only been in the Field Army for a few weeks! This provided them with a very steep learning curve which each of them adapted to well.

The training value for both junior tradespeople, and those who are more senior, was fantastic.

During the main phase of the exercise, Fwd 3 set up their own Equipment Casualty Collection Points (ECCP) and awaited vehicles to be recovered there for essential repairs to be carried out, so the vehicles could be returned to their forward positions.

At the end of the exercise, we entered a Rehab phase, where the VMs carried out inspections on all the vehicles. This allowed for them to reach a known state, with spares on demand, ready for production to begin immediately after returning to Tidworth.

The exercise wasn’t just about tradespeople honing their trade skills.

During the quieter parts of the exercise, lessons were delivered to ensure soldiering skills were up to scratch. For some it was a refresher, for others it was an entirely new thing.

These lessons included CBRN, Fieldcraft, sighting locations and navigation in vehicles.

From our perspective, the exercise turned out to be a huge success. Not only did it prove that the DRS concept worked, but also provided vital experience for all trades groups regardless of class.

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Quartermasters Department insight Sgt Hamish Sutherland RLC The CSS BG’s role was to support the Brigade’s Echelons with Log, ES and Med support. The RLC Stores Troop deployed with their custodial account, enabling ES Materiel support across the Brigade by providing mission critical spares. They also set up and maintained the Logistic Node CP in order to control the flow of materiel that passes through the Brigade Support Area (BSA). RLC soldiers from the 6 REME QM and MT Departments worked together to provide sustainment to the CSS BG. Additionally, Communications Specialists from the Battalion worked hard to establish and maintain comms throughout the exercise, across a large battlespace.

As 1 DRS is still a new BCT, this was the first time that the concept had been tested physically, in its entirety. Lessons learnt on Ex WARFIGHTER in Texas, the hard work of our logisticians and determination to succeed meant the exercises were successful.

Keeping morale high by producing outstanding fresh rations, Chefs from across DRS came together to feed the BSG; over 100 personnel per day.

Ex SCORPION CYCLONE also allowed for low-level training and the refinement of SOIs to take place before moving onto the FTX phase of Ex IRON TITAN. The A2 and BHQ elements, who were collocated due to availability of training estate, rehearsed CBRN drills, equipment care, rolling replens, combat logistic patrols, navigation and driver training together.

On 25 Sept 23, we hit the ground running with Ex IRON TITAN. The Royal Lancers Battlegroup crossed phase line Bolivia to take the fight to the enemy with various Royal Artillery units in support. Following closely was 14 Armd Coy, 6 REME. Their role was to provide second line ES in the field working on Warrior, Bulldog and ‘B Fleet’ vehicles. This would not be possible without support from the CSS BG’s own A2 echelon. The troops worked tirelessly, using initiative and experience to source battle winning spares, ensuring the Battlegroup had all the items required to repair the vehicles on the ground. CSS teams, made up of LSS, Drivers and TSS (REME) deployed from the BSA on to the battlefield to bolster 14 Armd Coy and provided the rapid resupply of ammunition, rations and fuel to the Royal Lancers Battlegroup.

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Obituary 22231422 WO1 (ASM) Thomas Michael ‘Topper’ Brown Scribe: Tracy Dodds Thomas Michael Brown was born on 17 April 1930 at Debdale Farm in Bradmore, Nottinghamshire. After finishing school, he worked on the family farm at Wysall, until he was old enough to join the Army which he duly did on 1 July 1948. He signed on with REME and went to Blandford, Dorset initially then Arborfield, Blackdown and Bordon completing Technical Training as a Vehicle Mechanic AFV. In May 1949 he was sent to the Suez Canal Zone and over the next couple of years moved around from Tel el Kebir to Shandur. Whilst at Shandur he was promoted from Craftsman to Lance Corporal then Corporal, then it was back to Tel el Kebir and eventually Fayid with 58 (GHQ) Car Company RASC (LAD) REME when he was demoted to Lance Corporal. Home from Egypt he was reverted to Craftsman as he had not held a substantive rank, then went to Aldershot 9 Company RASC LAD REME where he was i/c Servicing Bay. In 1953 September he was posted to REME Training Centre (FARELF) on the permanent staff and he gained Sergeant rank again and passed the Artificer Selection Board. 1955 and he was back in the UK, at 10 Vehicle Depot Workshop REME, Sudbury Derbyshire.

Then it was back to Bordon in April 1956 to attend the Artificer Vehicle Course.

In 1957 he married Patricia Smith at Gedling, Nottinghamshire and following his promotion to Artificer Staff Sergeant, they went to Singapore. They lived in married quarters in Majeedi Barracks, Johore Bahru and during the next few years Daughter Tracy and then Son

Thomas were born. 1961 and they were on the move again to Duisberg, Germany and the Technical Training School REME, Glamorgan Barracks. Following the rundown of TIS Duisberg, the family moved to 5 Infantry Workshop Dortmund where Topper was promoted to WO2 (AQMS).

1964 to 1967 he was based at Dhekelia, Cyprus, posted to 48 Command Workshop REME as WO i/c inspections. Then in November 1967 it was back to Germany posted to 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards at Wuppertal. After only 2 months he was promoted to WO1 (ASM) and posted to 5th Royal Tank Regiment (5RTR) LAD REME at Wolfenbuttel. This unit was close to the Iron Curtain border with East Germany, and at one stage they were called out on a war footing ready for action with Russia. Sadly, the 5RTR were disbanded in December 1969 and the next posting was to 57 Station Workshop REME, Barker Barracks Paderborn.

August 1972 was the penultimate posting to 60 Sqn (RCT) Workshop REME at Ripon looking after their fleet of domestic vehicles. The final posting September 173 was back to Bordon with SEME working in the examination centre. On 30 June 1975 he was discharged to Gedling, Nottinghamshire after 27 years’ service.

In civilian life he became an HGV driver from 1976 to 1996 when he finally retired from working life. However, he was never one for doing nothing and joined several associations such as the Canal Zoners, Suez Veterans, Malay-Borneo Veterans, the 5RTR Association and of course his local REME Association.

Together with his Wife Pat, they travelled to various reunion events and weekends up and down the country and were notorious for winning large quantities of raffle prizes. He enjoyed his food and it was a standing joke that he would always finish the trifle at the buffets. He also offered his help to organisations such as the REME Association auditing accounts etc. Pat and Topper were married for over 65 years and had two Grandsons. He maintained his links to the REME via the Association to the end, although not always able to attend events as he no longer drove.

He died suddenly but peacefully at home on 10th February 2023.

The Notts & Derbys Association kindly sent the REME coffin drape for his funeral, the Corps standard was paraded and several Association members attended. The REME march was played at his funeral and the flowers were in the REME colours. REME had been a huge part of his life.

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London Gazette 19th OCTOBER REGULAR ARMY Intermediate Regular Commissions (Late Entry) Warrant Officer Class 1 Rory Stuart HUTCHISON 25137924 to be Captain 5 April 2023 (substituted for the notification in Gazette (Supplement) dated 23 May 2023

27 OCTOBER The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the following promotions in, and appointments to, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field during the period 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023: M.B.E. To be Ordinary Members of the Military Division of the said Most Excellent Order: Major Sam Anthony John TOOTH, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, 30089140.

The KING has been graciously pleased to give orders for the publication of the names of the following as having been Commended for Valuable Service in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in the field during the period 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023 KING’S COMMENDATION FOR VALUABLE SERVICE Major Paul William YOUNG, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, 25197733.

31 OCTOBER

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

Amount Total Donations (Oct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £919.44 Total £’s paid in Grants (Oct) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £25,189.60 No. Grants (Oct) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Average Grant (Oct). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . £662.88

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

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

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

Anyone wishing to leave a legacy to The REME Charity, which is exempt from inheritance tax, can add a codicil to their will. Our registered charity number is 1165868 46 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

REGULAR ARMY Regular Commissions Major E. P. KNUDSEN 30043501 retires 8 July 2023 Major V. GADSBY 25158003 retires 31 July 2023 Regular Commissions (Late Entry) Captain M. J. DAVIDSON 25055463 to be Major 31 July 2023 Captain A. W. PARRY 25041875 to be Major 31 July 2023 Captain W. SHAW 25039207 to be Major 31 July 2023 Captain R. N. SMITH 25035122 to be Major 31 July 2023 Captain (Acting Major) K. R. TOWNSEND 25039093 to be Major 31 July 2023 Intermediate Regular Commissions (Late Entry) Captain R. A. FOX 25062039 to be Major 31 July 2023 Captain I. J. HART 25052107 to be Major 31 July 2023 Captain (Acting Major) S. M. MURFIN 25039827 to be Major 31 July 2023 Captain R. A. WALKER 25044209 to be Major 31 July 2023

7 NOVEMBER REGULAR ARMY Intermediate Regular Commissions (Late Entry) Warrant Officer Class 1 Carl BALE 25151280 to be Captain 4 September 2023 Warrant Officer Class 1 Mark FELTON 25131416 to be Captain 4 September 2023 Warrant Officer Class 1 Peter ROBINSON 25106197 to be Captain 4 September 2023 Warrant Officer Class 1 Paul David TOWNSEND 25104624 to be Captain 4 September 2023 Warrant Officer Class 2 Greg Peter KENDALL 25169817 to be Captain 4 September 2023

Officer Assignments December 2023 Name Unit Assigned to Date of Assignment Lieutenant Colonel McMEECHAN J APC CM CSS – SO1 REME SLDRS 01-Dec-23 TAYLOR PR NATO Joint Logistic Support Group – CELL HEAD OPERATIONS DEPUTY DIRECTOR JLOC 01-Dec-23 Major WILSON DJ BMATT JORDAN ARMY & JT ACAD – TRG OFFR ARMY and JT ACAD 07-Dec-23 Captain No entries Lieutenant KAYANI H HQ RC ASYET Edinburgh Det – Presentation Team Offr 04-Dec-23 Second Lieutenant RODGERS S Army Internship Programme 2023 - Gap Year Commission 02-Dec-23

Death Notices December 2023 LAST – Former Cpl John William Last, passed away on 27th September 2023 aged 80 years. He served with the Corps between 1958-1998.

O’HANLON – Former SSgt Patrick Joseph O’Hanlon passed away on 3rd October 2023, aged 69. Served with the Corps between 19711994.

PERRY – SSgt (Retd) Colin Lester Perry passed away on 30th September 2023. Served with the Corps from 1968- 1995.

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

Corps Calendar 2023/24 More information regarding Corps Mess Functions can found by scanning the QR Code, or by accessing the ‘REME Connect’ website or alternatively email; REMERHQ-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk for all general enquiries. All dates correct at time of printing, please check your monthly Craftsman magazine for amendments.

DECEMBER 2023

TBC

01

JUNE 2024

St. Eligius Day

JANUARY 2024 18

REME Colonels’ Command Group

18

HQ Officers’ Mess – Corps Dinner Night

6

Founders Day at Royal Hospital Chelsea

7

Airborne Officers’ Dinner Night

13

REME Junior Officer Conference and Dinner Night

FEBRUARY 2024 23

Regimental Guest Night

MARCH 2024

STEM UTCs REME Engineering Cup

14-16 AOBA Reunion Weekend 20

Beating Retreat and Cocktail Party

21

AEO Past & Present Dinner Night

24

80th Anniversary of the Lenham Incident

23

Broxhead (Reserve Officers and WOs) Dinner Night

27

Sports Awards Dinner

23

REME Reserve Management Board

TBC

REME RSM Forum

26-27 REME Festival of Sport

J U LY 2 0 2 4 21

Regimental Sunday at Royal Hospital Chelsea

27

Corps Ball

19-22 REME Reunion Weekend

TBC

SSE Candidate Briefing Day

M AY 2 0 2 4

SEPTEMBER 2024

01

Engineering Awards Lunch

12

HQ Officers’ Mess Dinner Night

16

HQ Officers’ Mess Corps Dinner Night

12

REME Colonels Command Group

24

REME Institution Dinner Night

16

REME Colonels Command Group 26

REME Memorial Day at National Memorial Arboretum

27

Commando Officers’ Dinner Night

APRIL 2024 18

TBC

HQ Officers’ Mess – Corps Spring Guest Dinner

Southern RAJA Careers and Employment Support Event – REME Museum

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