Magazine of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
In 2020, REME launched the Lifting the Decks initiative, with a focus on the mental wellbeing of serving REME personnel and veterans.
We are in the process of re昀ning Lifting the Decks, increasing accessibility with an added emphasis on reminding our REME Family to speak out about ‘what’s on their mind’ and that, whatever stage in their life, we will always be here to listen to and support them.
If there is something on your mind troubling you, big or small, whatever the cause, we are here to listen and to help. If you wish to get in touch regarding yourself or concern for someone else, please don’t hesitate to contact woym@remecharity.org
Corps Formation: 1 October 1942
Corps Motto:
Editor: Mrs Sarah Eden + Corporate Communications Officer
RHQ REME, The Prince Philip Barracks, Lyneham, CHIPPENHAM, SN15 4XX
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Contents:
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Message from Col REME
2024 has been exceptionally busy for the Army and our Corps. The first half of the year saw an unusually high concentration of operational and exercise commitments. Operation LINOTYPER was the codename for the UK’s contribution to Exercise STEADFAST DEFENDER, NATO’s largest land deployment in a generation. Our contribution of approximately 1,500 REME soldiers prepared, sustained and restored a vast array of equipment, making it ready for the next venture; whether it be planned activity or unexpected crisis. More recently, REME personnel have made a significant contribution to Exercise CERBERUS, demonstrating that the UK remains a leading European contributor to NATO’s land capability, our ability to conduct expeditionary warfare, and the value of UK equipment forward mounted in mainland Europe.
Meanwhile we continue to play our part on Operation INTERFLEX which has now trained more than 40,000 Ukrainian soldiers for the war in their homeland, and in the preparation of equipment which the UK has gifted to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Operation CABRIT endures, a persistent presence now for over seven years, with REME troops providing equipment support to an armoured Infantry Battlegroup in Estonia and a cavalry Squadron in Poland. As important as any of this activity, our Engineers and Technicians work tirelessly in the home base to fine-tune the Army’s ageing but trusty equipment fleet, ensuring it meets our NATO readiness obligations for every type of operation, up to and including warfighting.
Collectively we have achieved so much, yet it would be remiss of me not to celebrate some of our individual successes. The Corps was delighted to see two of our own promote to the rank of 3* General; Lieutenant General Simon Hamilton CBE and Lieutenant General David Eastman MBE, our Master General. Generals Simon and David are only the 4th and 5th REME officers to achieve this rank in our Corps’ 82year history. More broadly, our individual members’ dedication has been recognised through numerous honours, awards, commendations and promotions; a testament to the calibre and integrity of our people across the Corps.
Beyond our individual and collective achievements, our REME family has been steadfast. From commemorating the legacy of our fallen comrades to celebrating our history at events such as the Corps Memorial Day, we have continued to foster the camaraderie and respect that define our values. It was particularly poignant that we were able to commemorate the Lenham Tragedy, previously a little known but hugely significant event in our Corps history, where 52 REME soldiers tragically lost their life on 24th June 1944.
The REME Charity continue to do an amazing job, ensuring that timely and targeted help is always available and
accessible to the members of our REME family who need it most. I am also delighted to see the network of REME Responders growing nationally. I know our people who are facing hardship or distress, value knowing that there is a kind word, an understanding conversation, and a welcoming voice ready and willing to help.
As you gather with family and friends during the upcoming festive period and New Year, please keep in mind those members of the Corps who are deployed across the globe, and remember the contributions that each of you have made throughout the course of the year. Let us also remember the fallen and their families, raising a glass in their honour.
Thank you for your extraordinary service, resilience, and unity in 2024. I hope you enjoy the festive period and I wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year, wherever you are.
Arte et Marte.
2024 Bismarck Challenge Event, 43 HQ & SP Sqn
Four personnel from 43 HQ & Sp Sqn, Chetwynd Bks, represented the wider RE Wks Gps in the annual Bismarck Challenge, held in Catterick. The team consisted of Capt Sapsford RE (2IC, 43 Sqn), LCpl Ellis (43 Sqn MT) Cfn Sibly (VM LAD) and myself.
Hosted by 1st (UK) Division, the competition originates back to when the formation was stationed in Germany following the end of WWII. A course of four miles is traversed as a team of four carrying a combined burden of 40kg. The route varied between tight footpaths, long uphill tracks and perimeter
Competition weight – 10kg each plus water roads, and all of the team must cross the finish line together.
Buildup training consisted of sessions organised by prospective PTI Cfn Sibly, whom under the guidance of a unit RAPTC SSI, planned suitable training for the competition. This comprised of many hill repetitions around the steep banks of Chetwynd Barracks carrying competition weight, which gave a decent appreciation for what we were about to undertake.
On the day, we arrived to find a chilly morning in Catterick, the event had 113 teams participating so had a busy atmosphere. Naturally, when our wave was called forward, the sun came out and perspiration commenced before the starting klaxon had even sounded! The wave of about 10 teams all scrambled flat out into the first couple of corners trying to get to the front prior to a change underfoot consisting of a small track. Following this we faced a long winding road up a hill on the training area known as Snake Hill. Deceptive due to its false summits, it slowly sapped the wind out of us, but through encouragement of each other and aiming for visible landmarks ahead we reached the top and were relieved that the next mile was predominantly downhill. The remainder consisted of ups and downs until finally, we crossed the finish line together in extended line in a respectable time of 45:02.
Medals and ice cream followed, we all came away with an appreciation of our personal capabilities and levels of determination. Many thanks to the supporting staff who organised the event, and we look forward to the next challenge!
43 HQ & Sp Sqn Men’s Team A (L-R: Sgt Mitchell, Cfn Sibly, Capt Sapsford RE, LCpl Ellis)
Bismarck Challenge 2024 complete – back for T(shirts) and medals!
My Return to the REME Family
Scribe: Mr Steven Barnes
This has been 47 years in the making. My name is Steven Barnes and I recently attended REME RHQ for a presentation and a welcome back into the REME Family having been discharged in 1977 for being gay. Since the laws have changed, and the services have caught up with individual rights, they are now putting right some of these injustices.
When I got to Lyneham, I was met by the Corps Secretary, Major (Retd) Geordie Rivers-Wright, and accompanied to REME RHQ to meet the Colonel REME, Col Jason Phillips ADC, and the rest of the REME team for coffee and refreshments.
I was then presented with a new beret and REME Cap Badge and a signed copy of the Prime Minister’s speech to the House of Commons
Col REME presents my new beret
Recovery Wing
Vehicle Wing
issuing an apology to all that had been affected. I had already received a letter from Col Phillips, as head of REME, and another letter from the Head of the Army. Following the presentation Col Phillips gave a speech stating how the Armed Forces have changed, before officially welcoming me back into the REME family.
I would strongly recommend any other Veterans who were discharged due to their sexuality to contact REME or whichever Corp or Regiment they served with.
For me it has taken 47 years to achieve this goal, and it was a lovely day touring the training facilities and workshops, with lunch in the Officers’ Mess it was very special and the REME Museum tour is something I will certainly do again. So once again, a big thank you to all who took part in making this piece of history.
I am the first to have had this presentation in REME and only, I think, the third in the Army, but hopefully not the last.
Officers’ Mess Lunch
Aircraft Wing
The REME Museum
Professional Registration
Scribe: Lt Col Alex McGready REME CEng FIMechE ACGI
Recently the REME renewed our agreement with the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) for the Special Application Process (SAP). This process recognises the training that we undergo as part of our career development as REME personnel and allows us to use a simpler application process to reflect the known level of experience we have achieved. This made me think that it would be a good time to put an article together to explain the process of gaining professional registration for REME personnel. It cannot have escaped the attention of anyone in the REME that, as an organisation, we are constantly increasing the requirement to be professionally accredited. The REME not only has an agreement with the IMechE, but also the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) to streamline the process of professional registration for REME Engineers. In addition we also maintain regular contact with the Society of Operational Engineers (SOE) and the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS). The reason for this is that all four of these Professional Engineering Institutions (PEIs) are recognised by the Engineering Council as awarding bodies for various levels of professional engineering registration. The three levels you should be familiar with are Engineering Technician (Eng Tech), Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Chartered Engineer (CEng) and all three are closely tied into Land System Maintenance Engineering Authorities (LSMEAs). I am writing this article as I currently endorse many of the applications for IEng and CEng and there are several common issues with a lot of the applications I see. There have also been
updates to the REME SAP with the IMechE as a result of changes to courses delivered as part of career development that have changed the requirement at several of the career breakpoints. From my opening paragraph I hope you can see that the entire process is overseen by the Engineering Council of the UK. Any training must ultimately meet their requirements, and, at some stage, will be audited by them. If you are ever unsure if a course you are undertaking is accredited by the UK Engineering Council you should go to their website and check.
There is a handy search tool for courses which I use often to check if courses are accredited. The Engineering Council are looking for the amount of engineering content in a course, but just because a course isn’t accredited does not mean it does not have sufficient engineering content. Often the learning provider has not applied to have the course accredited. This is important as, to achieve registration, you must show whole life development of engineering knowledge, not just recognised formal education, and the PEIs will assess an individual level of engineering competence based on their application and interview, not just their formal qualifications.
If you do not have the formal qualifications required for a certain level of professional registration then you can demonstrate the required level of experience to allow you to apply by experiential learning, i.e. learning that has occurred while you carry out your daily job. You will need to show sufficient technical deepening to meet the requirement of the
President of the IMechE, Mr Clive Hickman OBE presents the new REME SAP agreement to Lt Col Alex McGready, Chief of Staff RHQ REME
level of registration you are applying for. To illustrate this I will use the example of an Artificer who has an HND but requires a BEng to apply for IEng. The Artificer can top up their HND to a BEng, but they can also demonstrate, if they have been in a technical role, that they have sufficient technical deepening from their daily work, typically after a couple of years in role. They can then apply to a PEI who will assess their experience to judge whether they have completed sufficient professional development, and achieved the required level of technical deepening, to meet the standard for IEng.
If you are using one of the REME agreed pathways with a PEI you will need to get your application endorsed by a recognised person within the Corps. Details can be found on the relevant PEI website. When you submit your application to the endorser please ensure you provide proof of your qualifications. In particular, for military qualifications, if you are using a JPA printout as proof, ensure that your personal details are visible. Once your application has been endorsed it will be sent to the PEI, who will assess the application and then invite you for interview. The level of evidence required between the form and at the interview is consistent across the PEIs, but the weighting is different, for example the IMechE gain more of their evidence from the interview, while the IET take more from the application.
Whichever PEI you apply for it is important to prepare. The Engineering Council set out the requirements in a document called the UK SPEC (Standards for Professional Engineering Competence) and each of the PEIs have further refined this and published their own competencies based on the UK SPEC, but with more detail on how to meet the requirement in their particular area of interest. Before you apply ensure that you read the competencies and reflect on whether you have the knowledge and experience to meet them at the level you are aiming for. I would recommend talking to your
sponsor, who should be a fellow member of the REME, and check that the evidence you are proposing to use is suitable and meets the criteria. You will also need to consider your chosen PEIs code of conduct. Much like Values and Standards in the Army the engineering profession now requires Engineers to follow a code of conduct. It is a requirement that you understand it, and, at some point during the application process, you will be asked about it.
Once you are successfully accredited you will be able to claim an Engineering Professional Accreditation Award (EPRA) if you meet certain criteria. It is worth looking at these criteria as they are in place to encourage early accreditation and you may not be eligible if you delay your accreditation. The policy is also updated reasonably often, so checking for updates is useful. For example there has been a recent addition of a £1,000 EPRA for those achieving IEng, on top of £3,000 for Eng Tech and £2,000 for CEng. If you want to know more there is a copy of the latest version of the Administrative Instruction of the REME RHQ SharePoint page, but please ensure you are reading the latest version, which is Amendment 8 as at Sep 24.
As Engineers we should all take professional accreditation seriously. It demonstrates our competence, not only to other Engineers, but in a legal sense it is recognised as proof of our competence and allows us to make decisions that support operational output. The Army will support you by paying for your initial application, as well as your annual fees and there are the EPRAs in place to reward you for your professional development. Hopefully this article has provided you with the information you need or pointed you in the direction of where you can obtain further information. If you still have any questions please contact either myself or WO2 Jamie Haddon and we will be able to point you in the right direction. Arte et Marte.
Gurkha ARRC Sp Bn LAD
Scribe: WO1 (ASM) Gaz Williams
Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion (GARRC Sp Bn LAD) is different, because it only has five REME tradesmen out of a total workforce of 0+18. The rest are made up of a team of RGR Vehicle Mechanics and Armourers. Anyone who has worked with the Gurkhas will understand their
professionalism is world class, and this is how the unit supports 180 Ground Effect Vehicle (GEV) items and 800 weapons with such a small team. The unit (as the name suggest) Supports the NATO 3* ARRC HQ and is based in Imjin Barracks, Gloucester. Over my two years in post as the WOIC LAD we have covered two major overseas exercises and over five smaller exercise ES commitments.
Sustainability and Charity work
Cpl Louise Mitchell (TSS1) Since being assigned here as the GARRC Sp Bn LAD TSS NCO in September 2023, I have come to realise the Bn is very keen on sustainability and charity; which are important subjects for all. The GARRC Sp Bn are contributing to several aspects, from having a monthly ‘tin phys’ contribution where members of the Bn and the wider station donate a long-life food item to a local charity, to submitting Defence Ideas to reduce emissions in vehicles such as the MAN SV.
Furthermore, I am leading in the process of collecting all abandoned bicycles within the camp, which will then be donated to a local charity, adding to the Bn sustainability plan. The charity will then give the bikes a new lease of life by passing them on to someone in need or
Gurkha ARRC SP Bn LAD
Gloucester Quayside litter collection
selling them and donating the proceeds.
The LAD has took part in the Global Charge 2024 and got together to do a litter pick around Gloucester Quays, adding support to the local community while helping to conserve the environment. The Bn have set up ‘Project Green Khukuri’ which aims to change the culture within the Bn, while also supporting the Army’s goal of Net-Zero carbon emissions by 2050. This is something that not only Military personal are playing a part in, but DIO, civil servants and industry partners. Everyone is playing their part in the Bn, let’s keep up the great work!
Defence Ideas - The defence idea came about when I arrived at the LAD and the store needed some TLC. One of the things I needed to get in order was the COSHH lockers. They were almost bare and needed restocking. I was previously a VM and remembered getting a great presentation at the end of my class 1 course from a company called Innotec. So, I decided to stock the COSHH lockers with their products. I thought it would be a good opportunity to get the rep from the company to give the workforce in the LAD a demonstration on their products, what they are for, and how to use them. One product is called DPF Doctor, which is very effective in cleaning not only DPF but also EGR valves. Cpl Keshab thought this would be a great opportunity to put their products to the test and hopefully save the workforce time, the Army some money, while increasing fleet availability. A few weeks later we were trying the product out to see if it was as good as it sounds, it is.
There seems to be a big problem with the EGRs in our MAN SV vehicles at the moment, they clog up often and need replacing or cleaning. The bolts tend to sheer, which causes hours upon hours of work, and that ignores the cost of them and the fact that they are like gold dust to get hold of. The idea Cpl Keshab and I came up with is simply cleaning the EGRs regularly with DPF Doctor to negate them failing and having to be replaced. This seems to us like a no brainer. We have carried out several tests and are in close cohorts with the project team who are very much on board with this, so hopefully we are well on our way to getting this put into the maintenance schedule in the near future.
Exercise Steadfast Jupiter
LCpl Fraser (MTSM 1) Last summer GARRC Sp Bn and 22 Signal Regiment LADs deployed on Exercise STEADFAST JUPITER, Bucharest, Romania. The composite LAD provided Real Life Support (RLS) to the ARRC HQ staff during the
Combat Readiness Evaluation (CREVAL) before the 3* headquarters takes over the NATO Reaction Forces (NRF) role. The start of the exercise involved a three-day road move from Greece, into Bulgaria before finally arriving at the CP locations in Romania.
During the exercise the LAD conducted its normal RLS activities along with some additional support to the host nation in the form Metalsmith repairs to the site infrastructure. The LAD also got to complete some innovation and experimentation work with the Deployable Machine Shop (DMS) and 3D printer; which was used to fabricate some vehicle spares at the point of failure. The ES CREVAL team lead by Col Excellente (Italian Army) arrived during the main exercise phase and assessed the facilities and overall ES capability of the composite LAD. Safe to say, the LAD passed CREVAL convincingly and have been given go ahead to support HQ ARRC throughout its NRF commitments.
The LAD then conducted its pre-recovery checks across both CP locations to enable and support the two-day, three country road move back to Greece. Despite the limited recovery assets and small ES workforce to cover a sevenpacket road move everything went to plan. Most breakdowns
Defence idea, SV EGR cleaning in progress
Combined LAD setup in CP2
were fixed at the side of the road with the exception of a multi-vehicle collision just outside the port loading area. That said, the Recovery Mechanics were happy for the work. The next day the ES team supported the port loading, which
involved some innovative thinking with regards to loading some significantly damaged white fleet vehicles. The LAD proved more than capable of solving the multiple issues before enjoying a wellearned flight back to the UK and the equipment turnaround. Special thanks to the team at 22 Signal Regiment LAD, it was an absolute gift to be working alongside you.
Summary
WO1 (ASM) Gaz Williams
GARRC Sp Bn is not just a fantastic unit, but the LAD infrastructure, unit location, overseas travel opportunities, ES working challenges including the honour to experience the Gurkha culture makes this a excellent opportunity for anyone who is assigned here; I also highly recommend the messing and MOMOs. We have a great team in the LAD who enact Gurkha culture but also the Esprit de Corps. I will also deliberately reference the Bn ethos of “all of one company” and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve the Bn and LAD as its WOIC.
It is nice to end 22 years of service on a high. I would also recommend any tradesmen with a good or great idea to tenaciously pursue using the Defence Ideas (GEMS) platform. The LAD here submitted multiple ideas before one took off; so don’t give up, pursue those ideas to make that change.
Host nations location in Bucharest
SVR – last vehicle on the RORO
REME Riders Annual Rally
Scribe - Peter Shearer and Forwarded Captain Shane West
Over the weekend of 28th –30th June 2024, members of the REME Riders attended their annual rally. Previous rallies have been held in mid-Wales, however it was felt that a change of location was due and Scarborough on the East Coast was chosen for this year’s rally.
Unfortunately, some riders (and pillions) had a wet ride up to Scarborough, quickly forgotten at the informal met up on the Friday evening in the centre of town catching up with old friends and comrades alike.
Saturday morning brought a wet start with light rain which shortly abated, giving a dry day for the group ride out.
Meeting at the Oliver’s on the Mount, a café located on the Oliver’s Mount racetrack in Scarborough for a coffee and breakfast, followed by a lap of the track and a stop on the grid for the obligatory photo call.
A rare occasion when the grid has included adventure bikes, cruisers, touring bikes, a side car combination, alongside sports bikes!
The group headed North out of town towards the River Café Gardens on the banks of the river Esk South of Whitby. Unfortunately, ‘convoy drills’ were lacking with two riders being separated; missing out the forest section. Following a review of ‘convoy drills’ the group headed through the fantastic Yorkshire moors taking in Grosmont, made famous by TVs Heartbeat, to near the site of a Roman Fort where the Wheeldare Road intersects with the Wheeldale Gill river, which gave us the chance of fording the Gill river using the shallow ford, much to the amusement of all.
The ride continued taking in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside through Pickering to the NY500 café for lunch, a must stop for all ‘petrol heads’; a popular stop for bikers and car drivers alike. Final stop prior to heading back to
Scarborough was Seaways biker café at Fridaythorpe.
A fantastic opportunity to take in the wide and varying beautify roads on offer in North Yorkshire with a total distance of approx 120 miles. Saturday evening was an informal dinner in Scarborough giving all the chance to mixing with likeminded motorcycle riders and catching up with football latest scores.
Many thanks to all who attended contributing to making this year’s rally the great success it was. However, a special thanks must go to Kevin Cooper (Coops) and Ernie Wise for their planning and preparation in making the REME Rider Rally 2024 a great success.
REME Riders are a group of Veterans and serving REME members, all with the common interest of motorcycles. REME Riders are looking for new members that could bring ideas and rides to the group, we’re on the lookout for any motorcyclist from the wider Corps, if you’re serving as Regular, a Reservist or Civilian staff, or perhaps a Veteran and interested in getting involved in future events, it would be great to hear from you. You can find us on Facebook as REME RIDERS or reach out to myself at shane.west250@mod.go.uk
Any motorcyclist with a connection to REME can find us on Facebook to join.
Exercise BOSTON REBELLION was a Battlefield Study conducted in August of 2024, which saw personnel from BATUS and DIO travel to Boston, Massachusetts to gain an understanding of the early phases surrounding the American Revolutionary War. The study was meticulously planned by WO1 (ASM) Steven Greenwood; beginning with a preliminary phase presentation that set the historical context. This foundational knowledge prepared all participants for an immersive Battlefield Study that included visits to pivotal historical sites in Boston such as the Concorde North Bridge, Miriam’s Corner, and Bunker Hill.
Planning for the exercise started in late May 2024, with the BATUS Commander aiming for a mid-summer study to optimise resources. The study encompassed a range of activities, including museum tours, visits to historic sites to explore the tensions that led to the Revolutionary War, and practical fieldwork at key battle locations.
During the study, the group received guided tours led by knowledgeable Park Rangers who provided in-depth briefings on the events that transpired at each location. A core component of the study was syndicate work, where the groups B AT U S p e r s
WO1 (ASM) Greenwood briefs the syndicates on their upcoming group task
Boston massacre site.
Scribe: SSgt M Lange
analysed tactical actions and proposed alternative strategies using modern military doctrine. This hands-on approach fostered critical thinking and allowed all participants to apply modern tactics to historical scenarios. Additional visits to sites of the graves of British soldiers, the Boston Massacre and Boston Tea Party locations enriched the participants’ understanding of the war’s broader context and its implications for both sides.
During the exercise, participants took part in discussions led by WO1 Greenwood and SSgt Rossiter, which linked historical events to current military challenges. They examined the political and financial constraints faced by both the historical and modern British military. The study highlighted the importance of perspective, adaptability, proper application of military doctrine, and the value of collaboration and communication within the group.
Accommodation for the study was at the Hi Boston Hostel in a central city location and Boston’s comprehensive public transportation used for ease of access to all locations.
Exercise BOSTON REBELLION was a resounding success, providing all who attended with insights into early American military history. A combination of expert-led tours, syndicate work, and open discussions created an invaluable educational experience that linked historical events with modern military practices; ultimately enhancing the operational effectiveness of unit personnel.
1 Group photo at the North Bridge in Concord, Massachusetts.
Battle of Bunker Hill monument
23 Para Engr Regt Battlefield study – Exercise EAGLE CASSINO
Scribe: Cfn Dudding and Sgt Budha
23
Para Engr Wksp organised a Regimental Battlefield Study for 35 Service Personnel to Italy over the period 23 – 28 September 2024. Led by Capt. Ciriello (OIC) and Sgt Budha (POC), this immersive study focused on the Four Battles of Monte Cassino (January to June 1944). Those present were able to deepen their understanding of inter-operability and the components of fighting power, which were, and still remain, crucial to operational success.
The Exercise was a great opportunity to see the ground and understand the difficulties faced at the Combat Support (CS) and Combat Service Support (CSS) level during a six-month battle to cross a stronghold – the Gustav Line - of the Italy campaign.
Preparation. The exercise began with a study day on 18 Sep 24 at Rock Barracks, the home of 23 Para Engineer Regiment. PowerPoint presentations were delivered to give
general understanding of the battle of Cassino and ensure that all participants had a solid historical foundation before departing for Italy.
These briefings were vital for understanding not only the tactical elements of the battles but also the broader strategic considerations, particularly the challenges faced by supporting arms during the Italian Campaign to support the 15th Army Group which eventually increased to 1,200,000 men. We all found it hard to grasp the scale given the British Army of today.
Battle 1. In the early hours of 23 Sep 24 we assembled at Gatwick airport from our home locations at Woodbridge and Maidstone to fly to Rome. On arrival, we collected hire cars and immediately drove to Anzio the site of Battle 1. The next day we visited Anzio Beachhead Museum to understand the early stages of the Italy campaign using videos and artifacts to set the scene of the struggles faced when the allies
Road to Rome
stormed the beaches on mainland Italy. After lunch, we went to the Peter beach where Lt Thandi led the Battle 1 study. We conducted group discussions, of the successes and failures the allied forces experienced and if things would be conducted differently in the modern Army. We then set off to Commonwealth and American war memorials to honour and respect the lives that were lost at the battles, with members of the Workshop paying respects to the fallen REME soldiers.
Limited time was made available in the evening to enjoy Anzio local restaurants and the beach to cool off from the sun… the pictures don’t do the 29 degree weather justice!!
Battle 2. In the morning of 25 September 2024, the group set off on the 2-hour drive to Cassino. After checking into our accommodation, we visited the Cassino Monastery, the centre of controversy during the Second Battle of Monte Cassino.
The decision to bomb the monastery, despite uncertainty about Axis occupation, led to the destruction of a historical and religious site that had stood for nearly 1,500 years. Here, Sgt Kenny delivered a compelling
Group discussion at Peter beach where Allied forces landed
Lt Thandi briefing troops at Anzio Commonwealth Cemetery
Group picture at Cassino Monastery
account of the second Battle of Monte Cassino, which highlighted the importance of intelligence and decision-making in war, particularly when innocent lives are at stake. The contribution of the 70 Gurkha Field Squadron was also explored, with Sapper Limbu and Cpl Omraj explaining how the Gurkhas came to be a key part of the British Army and also their vital role in the Italian campaign. Notably, they were the only troops to secure and hold a position on Hangman’s Hill, demonstrating the critical need for effective CSS.
However, even this success was short-lived due to a lack of sustained support, a lesson in the importance of logistics and resupply during extended operations.
Battle 3 and 4. The next day we hiked the Cavendish Road – the road armoured vehicles took to summit. This road was widened by
Sgt Culham delivering Battle 4 at Point 445, Polish War Memorial
On the way back from Polish War Cemetery
Polish Tank Memorial, Albaneta Farm
Engineer’s under relentless fire. The path that led to an American Sherman tank hulk from WW2, where Sgt Mercer led the battle 3 study. We discussed using Armour in mountainous terrain and learned about how they became exposed; getting obliterated by Axis forces. This allowed us to look at combined arms manoeuvre and the importance of repair and recovery on the battlefield. After that, we continued the hike up hill towards ‘Doctor’s house’, where we stopped for lunch before reaching Point 445 and the top of the hill. Once at the top, Sgt Culham led the battle 4 discussions. We learnt how the Allies broke the Gustav Line through a significant increase in scale and manoeuvre. From the peak, we were able to truly visualise the commanding ground the Allies had to take before they were able to move onward to Rome and end the Nazi regime within the country only onemonth later.
The battle was nicely enhanced with a visit to the Rapido River, where the Royal Engineers built the ‘Amazon bridge.’ This involved building a Bailey bridge whilst under relentless fire, crucial to the Allies advance providing a prime example of how engineering solutions can turn the tide in battle. Finally, we visited the Cassino Commonwealth War Cemetery to pay respect to those who lost their lives during the battle.
Cultural visit. On 27 Sep 24 we drove to Rome where we were able to explore the sights the city had to offer. It was great to see all the history and culture all in one place. Ticking off sights like the Colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps as well as the Vatican. It was a fitting and thoroughly enjoyable end to an exercise that blended military history with personal reflection and professional development.
Conclusion
Scribe: Capt Ciriello Ex EAGLE CASSINO was a comprehensive reflection on the importance of Combat Support and Combat Service Support
in complex, multi-domain operations. The legacy of Monte Cassino underscores the critical role of the REME and Royal Engineers in shaping the battlefield and ensuring operational success. The lessons learned from this exercise will undoubtedly inform how this Regt approaches future challenges, keeping in mind the ingenuity and sacrifice of those who came before us. In sum, Ex EAGLE CASSINO was a resounding success, offering profound insights into the past while equipping us with valuable lessons for the future ‘By Skill and by fighting’.
Wksp personnel at Vatican City
Sgt Culham and Cpl Parker – Became Brothers during Battlefield study inseparable throughout Colosseum, Rome
Ex TALON HIGHLANDER
3Scribe: LCpl Hennessy (Avionics Technician)
3 Regiment AAC Workshop
Regiment Army Air Corps Battlegroup (3 AAC BG) have deployed on Ex TALON HIGHLANDER, a live-firing aviation exercise, at Kinloss Barracks in the highlands of Scotland. The exercise was completed with three aims. The first was to ensure the BG could deploy at very high readiness and fulfill wider Brigade Combat Team commitments. The second was to ensure the aircrew live fire training and flying currency was completed and the third was to test the logistics chain over a distance of 570 miles from Wattisham to Kinloss in order to streamline the spares delivery process. 3 AAC BG deployed with Apache E-Models from 3 AAC, Wildcats from 1 AAC and NH-90s from BHELMA 3, a Spanish aviation unit attached to the BG for the exercise.
The first portion of the exercise was the completion of live firing in Cape Wrath, an area at the very North of Scotland, where the Pilots operated the 30mm Area Weapon System (AWS). Due to this live firing package, pre-firing checks were conducted by the Armourers and Technicians prior to the exercise. This involves a team of five that ensure the aircraft sighting systems, the Pilot’s helmets and the AWS are all aligned, allowing for precise and accurate firing in flight.
As Kinloss is located next to the coast, it is deemed a salt laden environment and from this, additional maintenance is required. Daily compressor washes are conducted by the Technicians to ensure the engine compressor blades are free from salt build up that can make them brittle and prone to failure. Aircraft skin washes see Technicians use two high pressure washing rigs powered by a Multi-Function Airfield Ground Equipment (MFAGE).
BHELMA 3 50 Year Anniversary
Apache Conducting Missions
Overall, this reduces the likelihood of corrosion and improves the serviceability of the aircraft.
In order for 3 AAC BG to be successful, the Squadron ES Platoons are integrated into the Flying Squadrons and conduct several maintenance tasks with the AAC aircrews and ground crews. These tasks include ground runs and air tests of the aircraft, where the aircraft is tested for functionality before being used for a flight.
Also, Signalers have been used alongside Technicians to ensure the aircraft communication systems work, even in Scotland’s hilly environments. Cohesion is important when deployed and fundamentally, 3 AAC BG operate well whilst deployed.
This exercise has seen 3 AAC BG deploy into an austere environment with NATO allies to conduct vital training for REME soldiers, AAC aircrew and AAC ground crew. A high aircraft availability has ensured that all missions were completed and the ability to deploy at readiness has been proven.
LCpl Dobson Maintenance Checks
Preventative Maintenance Service
NH-90 Walkaround
663 Squadron Equipment Support Platoon
Scribe: Cpl Cottrell (Avionics Supervisor) Ex TALON HIGHLANDER has been a great test for me. Our Squadron has successfully deployed four Apache E-Models to the exercise, alongside 662 Squadron who have deployed three as well.
My main goal is to ensure that the aircraft remain serviceable to ensure the Army Air Corps (AAC) can complete
their missions. The Pl has been split into day and night shifts so that we can provide maintenance over a 20-hour period every day.
This has allowed us to facilitate day and night missions for the Pilots. I have worked the day crews, focusing on maintenance tasks such as weapon system repairs, engine maintenance and Fire Control Radar (FCR) implementation and testing. Regularly my Platoon was able to provide a full set of serviceable aircraft, meaning all live firing ranges and missions were completed.
Sharing a hangar with the Spanish Engineers, we helped to integrate them into the Battlegroup to ensure they could complete missions alongside the Apache and Wildcat on the Exercise. In our free time, we managed to play Football against the Spanish, managing to get revenge for the EUROs final. We also got to look around the NH-90 which allowed for a wider knowledge of other aviation platforms.
On the last week of the Exercise, several soldiers within the Regiment got to attend AT. Mountain Biking, hill walking and StandUp Paddleboarding (SUP) were all delivered in the wonderful Scottish countryside.
Overall, Ex TALON HIGHLANDER has been a great experience. We have seen the northern lights whilst maintaining aircraft at night and have also carried out maintenance on the airfield in the rare Scottish sunshine. We have been able to learn a lot of valuable lessons as a Regiment, of which will only improve our efficiency and operability.
NH-90 at Dusk
Northern Light Maintenance
ES SUP AT
Northern Ireland Garrison Archery Open Day
Scribe: Major Ed Swingler
On Saturday, 28th September, I had the privilege of organising and hosting a Community Archery Open Day, affectionately known as a ‘Have a Go Day’, at Thiepval Barracks, Lisburn. The event was designed to bring together the Northern Ireland Military Community and their families for a fun and engaging day of Archery, and I’m pleased to say that it was a tremendous success.
Leading up to the event, we were keeping a close eye on the weather, as the days beforehand had been marked by torrential rain. There were moments when we weren’t sure if the event could go ahead as planned, with concerns that the field might be too wet or that more rain would spoil the day. Fortunately, though the skies remained overcast and threatened more rain, it held off, and we were able to proceed as planned. The air was crisp, but it remained relatively dry –perfect conditions for our outdoor activity.
The event was open to all members of the Northern Ireland Military Community, along with their families. My goal in organising the day was to provide a fun and inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of experience, could try their hand at Archery. Whether participants had never picked up a bow before or were seasoned Archers, everyone was welcome. To ensure the event ran smoothly, I enlisted the help of two fantastic volunteers from the Lisburn City Archery Club, whose knowledge and enthusiasm were invaluable throughout the day.
As families began to arrive, I was pleased to see a strong turnout. Despite the earlier concerns about the weather, we had a good number of participants. Children, parents, and service members alike were eager to grab a bow and test their skills. The Archery range was set up with safety in mind, but we also made sure it was fun and welcoming for all.
Throughout the day, the volunteers and I guided participants through the basics –teaching them the proper stance, how to grip the bow, and the technique for aiming and releasing the arrow.
For many, this was their first experience with Archery, and it was rewarding to see the smiles and excitement on their faces as they loosed their first arrows. There was plenty of laughter, some friendly competition, and an atmosphere of community spirit.
One of the most satisfying aspects of the day was seeing families bond over a new activity. Whether it was children encouraging their parents or spouses challenging one another to hit the bullseye, the sense of camaraderie and fun was evident everywhere. It wasn’t just about learning a new skill; it was about spending
quality time together, away from the stresses of daily life, in a supportive and friendly environment.
By the end of the day, I couldn’t have been more pleased with how it turned out. The ‘Have a Go Day’ was a success, with many families attending and leaving with big smiles. I’m grateful to the Lisburn City Archery Club volunteers for their help in making the day run so smoothly.
I also hope the event has inspired some people to take up Archery as a regular hobby. It’s a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and I look forward to seeing more members of our community picking up a bow and arrow in the future.
The Army Archery Associated is open to all past and present serving members. Search ‘Army Archery Association’ for more information on how to get started and join.
Range Set up and ready to go
Awaiting first arrivals
Beachley Old Boys Association Centenary Reunion
TFriday 13th
September
his weekend saw the start of the Beachley Old Boys Association (BOBA)Centenary Reunion. An informal get together of old boys and their wives congregated in the event suite of the Beaufort Hotel to renew acquaintances and revive old memories. Not only of their time at the school/college, but also of their Military service together. The evening was a wonderful start to the weekend, enjoyed by all and concluded with the customary mess Curry and Lasagne.
Saturday 14th
September
The day started well with the Heritage Centre open for visitors at 10 am. We were inundated with visitors until we closed at 12.30pm. Peter Dolphin (REME) and I managed to call Australia to wish one of our members, (Dave Garner 59A (REME)) birthday greetings. I won’t disclose how much it cost, but it was well received. We then returned to the Beaufort Hotel for our AGM and Committee annual reports. Our reunion dinner took place at the event suite of
Scribe: Alan Chatt (REME) 59A A Coy - Heritage Team Photography Courtesy of Tyler Jay O’Brien
Chepstow Racecourse. We were piped into our drinks reception and official photographs were taken. Dinner commenced with Grace being given by the Rev Paul Green CF, Padre to the Association. I will not describe the high end menu as it would only make your mouths water and you would be jealous. Let’s say it was not a normal Conference dinner (No Chicken!!)
After dinner we continued with a Toast to His Majesty the King by Maj (Retd) Brian Henderson 65A. The Toast to the Ladies and Guests given by Lt Col (Retd) Nick Winder MBE. We continued with an address by our Chairman Mr Chris Ricketts RE 65A. He also officially informed us of the passing of our President Lt Col Syd Thomas (REME). Syd was a popular President and will be sadly missed by all old boys. RIP Syd (Arte et Marte). The President’s address was therefore given by Col (Retd) Alan G R Holman OBE (Late RE) Hon Vice President and a former Commandant of the College. This was concluded by an address, The End of an Era, given by Col (Retd) Christopher Haskell (Late RE) Hon Vice President who was the last Commandant of the College. He had the unenviable task of closing the college. The parting shot from Christopher was that closing all the colleges was a mistake. We then partied into the night and enjoyed by all.
Sunday 15th September
Church Parade at Beachley Barracks. Yes, we were all up early for our March Past on our old Parade ground, courtesy of the 1st Rifles. This year being special, we were accompanied by a Pipe Band. We marched onwards to the Church, our Church, still being used by the resident Battalion. During the service, names in Remembrance were read out by John Phillips GK (RE), a Falklands Veteran. John was severely wounded and lost an arm attempting to defuse an unexploded bomb on one of our Navy Ships. The collection as always was donated to the Army Benevolent Fund.
So we come to the end of our Centenary celebrations. Well, not quite! We now look forward to visiting London for the Remembrance Day in November. As it is our centenary Year we will have 100 old boys on Parade.
Since this report was written we have received a letter from His Majesty King Charles the Third thanking us for our warm greetings and sends his congratulations and warmest good wishes for a successful and enjoyable event. It arrived at Beachley Barracks just too late to be read out at the dinner. It has therefore been added to our website and on display at the Heritage Centre.
Year in the life of 28 Engr (C-CBRN) Regt, Aug 23 – Aug 24
Introduction
Scribe: Capt DGB Tuckett (OC LAD)
As Officer Commanding 28 Engineer Regiment (C-CBRN) Light Aid Detachment, I serve a dedicated team who deliver Equipment Support to a unit spread across three locations: RAF Honington, MOD Woodbridge, and Harman Lines, Warminster. This geographical dispersion presents unique challenges, making effective communication and cohesion vital to our success. While digital tools facilitate our operations, the true strength of our unit lies in face-to-face interactions. We actively foster team spirit through joint events like Saint Eligius’ Day and Adventurous Training, ensuring our personnel remain connected and motivated despite the distances. Balancing operational demands with personal development, we encourage participation in activities that challenge and grow our team, from intense physical events like international marathons to overseas deployments on Operation LINOTYPER, Ex DRAGONS BREATH, and support to British Army Training Support Unit Belize. Our focus on building a tightknit, adaptable, and skilled team enables us to maintain high standards, whether we’re navigating complex exercises in Europe or managing the intricacies of supporting C-CBRN operations. The LAD’s success is a testament to the enthusiasm and resilience of every member, and it’s an honour to lead such a committed team.
64 HQ and Sp Sqn Fitter Section – RAF Honington
Scribe: Sgt Alan Jones, Recovery SNCO Being a SNCO in 28 Engr Regt (C-CBRN) LAD presents unique challenges, primarily due to the unit’s geographical dispersion. As the Recovery Mechanic SNCO, I have responsibilities in all three locations. The LAD relies heavily on digital communications, which, although effective in the modern age, cannot fully replace the value of face-to-face interactions. To mitigate the impact of these geographic challenges, we focus on fostering team cohesion through various joint events, such as Saint Eligius’
64 Sqn during JNCO development event
64 Sqn visiting the National Arboretum
Scribe: Capt DGB Tuckett (OC LAD)
Day and CO sports competitions, allowing us to meet up as an LAD and Regiment.
Within the LAD and REME, we are privileged to have numerous opportunities for engagement in sports. In November 2023, I participated in the Leptos Cyprus Marathon International 4-Day Challenge. This multi-day event included a 6km time trial, an 11km hill race, a challenging half marathon, and a 10km race through Paphos. Notably, the event is sponsored by KEO, so free beers at the end was a personal highlight. The combination of four days of running, ten days in Cyprus, and free drink makes this event worth a go. My primary sport is running, and, throughout the year, I have had the opportunity to compete in cross country and athletics events. Additionally, within the LAD, personnel have participated in a variety of sports, including Skiing, Snowboarding, Motocross, Shooting, and Fishing, among others.
This year I was also trawled out of the unit to deploy on Op LINOTYPER as a CRARRV Commander for 26 Engr Regt. This deployment was a significant highlight of my year as many Recovery Mechanics, including myself, love operating the CRARRV. Despite the demanding maintenance requirements, and the fact you look at it and you’re already dirty. it’s still the best recovery vehicle around. The deployment commenced with an extensive bus journey from Tidworth to Sennelager, Germany, for RSOI followed by onward travel to Poland. Having deployed numerous times throughout my career, the sheer scale of Op LINOTYPER was immediately apparent upon arrival in Poland; seeing the vast quantity of kit and equipment in country was a logistical miracle. It was genuinely amazing to see firsthand just how the Theatre Enabling Group (TEG) process functioned. Having arrived approximately ten days prior to the start of the exercise phase, the influx of Brigade personnel was continuous. Sadly,
this meant the scoff queue got bigger and bigger. Fortunately, my CRARRV happened to be parked 50m from a burger van. Albeit convenient, this was the first exercise I have put weight on. Participating in a multinational exercise provided the unique opportunity to collaborate with US Engineers. Their range safety brief was interesting to say the least, a highlight was the screams of VIOLENCE at the end to hype themselves up.
Scribe: Cfn Alfy Nelson, VM Cl2
As a VM Class 2, life at 64 HQ & Sp Sqn is full of opportunities. With 28 Engr Regt (C-CBRN) LAD comprising multiple Squadrons, we often get to integrate with the other Fitter Sections when on exercises. Most recently, I was deployed to Op LINOTYPER with Falcon Multi-Component Sub-Unit (MCSU) for my KSE of Pinzgauers. Initially I found this to be extremely challenging as I had only ever worked on
Falcon MCSU on Op LINOTYPER
Members of 64 Sqn Fitters on AT in Dundonnell, Scotland
Pinzgauers in barracks under normal conditions. Adding to the challenge was this deployment being my first ever mounted exercise, let alone to Eastern Europe. The biggest test I found was keeping the vehicles roadworthy in the field. For those that know Pinz, this was no easy feat. Whilst deployed, Falcon MCSU demonstrated the Regiment’s CCBRN capability to different Battle Groups (Royal Welsh and Mercian). This was hugely successful and eye openering for them as few truly knew who or what our role was and how we operate. Most of those that saw our demonstration expected to be put into a Respirator Testing Facility! In fact, they saw how the mounted (Falcon Sqn), dismounted (77 / 42 Sqn), decontamination team, and the LAD conduct their tasks and how difficult our role can be in such challenging environments.
Being part of the LAD in 64 HQ and Sp Sqn is an unforgettable experience. We are the backbone of the operation, keeping vehicles and equipment in top shape so that the Squadron could function without any bumps. Another memorable moment for me was when I got to be 2IC for a day out at the National Memorial Arboretum. I was there to help make sure the day ran smoothly, handling any logistics and making quick decisions when necessary. That experience taught me a lot about leadership and problemsolving on the fly.
Of course, the LAD isn’t just about keeping things running mechanically, it is also about maintaining a strong social bond. We often gather for leaving functions and other social events, which help break up the routine and keep morale high. These outings help us form deeper connections and
remind us that we are more than just colleagues; we are a team that have each other’s backs both on and off the job. The friendship within the LAD feels unmatched. We are a small unit, but our bond is strong. Everyone relies on each other, whether in the field or back at base, and that trust makes us more efficient as a team. The experience of working side by side, repairing vehicles in the toughest conditions, and knowing that we are keeping the unit moving is incredibly rewarding. Looking back, my time so far in the LAD hasn’t just been about keeping things running, it’s been about growing personally, building lifelong friendships, and creating a legacy of hard work and dedication.
77 & 42 Sqn Fitter Section – MOD Woodbridge
Scribe: Cfn Newman, VM Cl1
Life in 77 and 42 Sqn is a unique challenge given the fact that the Fitter Section is only a team of two SNCOs and three junior VMs to maintain and repair vehicles. What makes it even more challenging is the limited number of qualified Drivers within the Sqns due to deployments, trawls, and workforce churn. I took this head on making it my mission to overcome by incorporating a healthy competition with 64 Sqn VMs who have boosted the workforce. To which now we have a good team to work with in Woodbridge.
In the last year I was fortunate enough to be trawled out to Belize with two Amey Briggs contractors to maintain the plant vehicles. The biggest challenge we faced was the
Falcon MCSU receiving Orders
conditions out there. Due to the short deployment window, we were taken back by the heat and humidity, adjusting the working hours whilst ensuring we completed the tasks. Additionally, we were limited to the useable technical infrastructure to work due to not having a hangar which was unsafe to use after a previous hurricane had hit the country. This made working a lot harder given the risk of going down with a heat illness. Even with these obstacles we were able to inspect every platform, though most failed. Taking every advantage of being in such a location, I was able to use any time off to travel to some of the many islands and go diving before the end of the deployment and heading back to life in Woodbridge.
Being at 28 Engr Regt (C-CBRN) has also given me the opportunity to go away and conduct AT. This year I was able to get away for 2 week’s Snowboarding in Stubai on Ex SUPREME GLACIER (SG). Not only a great opportunity to have a break from workshop life but also to challenge myself in another way. Building on previous acquired skills as well as adding new ones that would overlap into other areas. Overall, I had a great time whilst on Ex SG, getting back on the board again, and as everyone who has been knows, it’s about getting onto the board in fresh powder! Thanks, to the REME Alpine committee for organising such a great event.
Falcon Sqn Fitter Section
– Harman Lines, Warminster
Scribe: LCpl Jay Pinnell, VM Cl2
Since May 2023, Falcon Sqn have been extremely busy deploying on 3 major exercises almost back-to-back. Firstly, Ex DRAGON’S BREATH, a TL-B OTX in Cyprus which rolled quickly into Ex IRON DIABOLO: A 5-week exercise in Caerwent and SPTA, as part of the Divisional Engineer Group (DEG), allowing the Sqn to be validated and be held at R3. Finally, on Ex IMMEDIATE RESPONSE, which came under Op LINOTYPER, a 6-week deployment which saw Falcon Sqn and components of 77 Sqn, road move from Warminster to Drawsko Pomorskie Training Area (DPTA) in Poland.
Being out on Ex IMMEDIATE RESPONSE was an amazing experience to get to work closely with other units and see how REME Bns and LADs operate together within a Brigade Battlegroup. This deployment was extremely testing not only with repairing vehicles with limited spares but also being away from family.
A personal highlight was the inventive ways everyone found to keep the morale high. Whether it was a Chess tournament, making a makeshift gym, playing a Volleyball tournament, or getting the leaguer involved in a game of Rounders (which included the Brigade Commander), we always found something to entertain ourselves.
I have found being part of a small Fitter Section has helped me gain valuable experiences very few within the REME get the chance to, allowing me to further progress with my career. The main advantage of being at a C-CBRN unit is the qualifications you get and the courses you go on are really eye opening and very interesting, such as, CBRN(I), Spec Foundation and Live Agent Training to name a few.
It also gives you chance to get to know the people you work with not only within the LAD but also with those who we are attached to. We always work hand in hand with the RTR Troopers on the shopfloor, whether advising with L1 jobs or them assisting us with our jobs.
Falcon is the only subunit that operates the FUCHS, a 6x6 wheeled armoured vehicle designed to function in the CBRN environment. I find working on the FUCHS can be frustrating but rewarding. With it being such a niche platform, not many REME personnel get the chance to work on it. The main issues I tend to find are caused by the age of the platform. With it being built in 1979, and the vehicles being deployed more frequently, major components are starting to fail which haven’t before and trying to get replacement for them isn’t easy; in some cases, they are being reverse engineered. An example is the steering box seals are now starting to degrade and fail. I find it a great platform to work on, pack lifts are straight forward and can be completed in a very quick time. This makes it easier as it brings out the engine, gearbox, cooling system, and the hydraulic system all together. This makes it a lot easier to fault find and work on.
Being assigned to Falcon Sqn can be seen as off putting because you always think you’ll be in respirators or full CBRN kit. This isn’t the case. 90% of any ES work conducted is the same as any other unit and when we do have to work in CBRN suits, I have found it a great test of my abilities.
On Ex Iron Diabolo, Falcon Fitters conducting decontamination checks
A Royal Visit for the Corps’ Birthday
LScribe: Lucy Brown
ast month we welcomed a very important visitor to the museum as part of celebrations for REME’s 82nd birthday.
In 2022, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh was appointed the Corps’ Colonel-in-Chief. This is one of several military appointments held by the Duchess of Edinburgh. An annual competition is held by Her Royal Highness in which her affiliated Regiments and Corps from the UK and Canada compete against one another in a series of challenges, to foster cooperation. This year, it was held at MOD Lyneham in honour of the Corps’ birthday on 1 October 2024.
The Duchess of Edinburgh Challenge saw teams of personnel from each of the various Regiments and Corps, including REME, competing in tasks including recovery, shooting, obstacle course and, of course, a quiz around
Throughout the day, the Duchess of Edinburgh visited and watched each of the tasks as the teams competed. We were honoured to host Her Royal Highness at the museum, where she was given a guided tour by our Museum Director, Major (Retired) Rick Henderson. During the tour, she was able to see the Princess Marina brooch, which was placed on display in our REME Life gallery on her last visit to the museum, as well as try out some of our interactives like the SVR recovery task! We were particularly happy to be able to present our newest display, the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross awarded to Corporal Adam Miller in 2007, which was made possible earlier this year with the National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery Players, and with generous support from the V&A/Arts Council England Purchase Grant Fund. Finally, Her Royal Highness was able to try out some of the quiz questions and witness teams taking on the quiz in real-time.
Overall, the day was positive for all involved. Very fittingly, the REME team won this year’s competition on home turfthough they had to take second place on the museum task, the Queen’s Own Yeomanry team taking that particular win! We were delighted to be part of the competition and have since received wonderful comments from the team members of other Regiments, who are eager to re-join us for a proper look at the museum.
“D-Day Heroes” The Story of the two REME Soldiers Awarded Military Medals for their Actions on D-Day
Scribe: Richard Davies, Curator
The D-Day landings were the largest amphibious assault in human history. Over 150,000 Allied troops were involved in a successful effort to push the Nazi defenders back from the Normandy beaches, as they sought to decisively turn the tide of the Second World War.
The day was marked by many acts of heroism and gallantry, some of which ultimately led to medals being awarded later in the campaign; some, by contrast, were awarded as a result of specific acts that occurred on 6th June itself. It is in this latter, very distinguished, list that we find two REME soldiers in receipt of Military Medals. This is their story.
Corporal Reginald Raymond Gale (6349840)
Corporal Gale served with 25 Beach Recovery Section (BRS), which was part of 30 Corps. This particular BRS was the unit led by Captain Len Buckby, who was the subject of an article that appeared in The Craftsman in August 2024. Research indicates that 25 BRS were probably camped in Stanswood Bay near Southampton prior to embarking for France, and may have left these shores from a specially constructed harbour in what is now Lepe Country Park. The unit was transported in a series of Landing Craft Tanks
Although this shows American troops and equipment embarking onto LCTs prior to D-Day, this is exactly the same process that Corporal Gale and his colleagues would have experienced. This photograph was taken by an official war photographer on 1st June 1944 in Brixham, near Torquay in Devon. Image courtesy of the US National Archives and Records Administration
(LCTs), a flat-hulled ship that was specifically designed to land tanks and other heavy vehicles on beaches. The loading probably took place on 2nd June, as they were anchored in the Solent by the 3rd awaiting the final order to head to the French coast.
It is well known that the weather on the 4th and 5th was particularly poor, leading General Eisenhower to postpone until the 6th. He was in regular contact with a number of meteorologists drawn from the Allied Armed Forces as well as the civilian Met Office. This group were in frequent disagreement about what the weather would be like during the early days of the month, but Eisenhower eventually took the decision to launch the assault at 4.15am on 5th June.
Once in the Channel, 25 BRS formed part of Task Force G, one of five that comprised the landing element of Operation NEPTUNE, the plan for the crossing to Normandy and the bombardment of the coastal defences as a prelude to Operation OVERLORD. Task Force G was commanded by Commodore 1st Class Cyril Douglas-Pennant from the ship HMS Bulolo.
Corporal Gale’s unit was assigned to Gold Beach, a section of the Normandy coast stretching from the towns of Port en Bessin in the West to La Rivière in the East, a distance of roughly ten miles or sixteen kilometres. As part of the plans for OVERLORD, Gold was subdivided into four sectors titled (from West to East) How, Item, Jig and King (these names had been chosen from the phonetic alphabet in use during the 1940s). The assault took place in Item, Jig and King, as How was not used for combat operations. Item (the largest of the three remaining sectors), encompassed Arromanches, an area the Allies decided to try and keep intact as it was thought a temporary Mulberry harbour could be installed there after the initial invasion (this, in fact, is exactly what happened).
Jig and King had been divided into Red and Green areas, and each of these had, in turn, been further divided into East and West sections, meaning a landing location could be precisely planned and described. The Jig section of Gold Beach extended 1,600 metres.
The first troops to come ashore at 7.25am were men from 1st Battalion Royal Hampshires and the 1st Dorsets who were both part of 231st Brigade.
The German defences in this area were formidable. About 2,500 anti-tank obstacles (known as Czech hedgehogs), had been placed on the beach and numerous mines had been submerged in the approaches to the shore. There were also many minefields behind the beaches and the whole area had been encircled by barbed wire and anti-tank ditches. Additionally, the Germans had also constructed the Atlantic Wall, a series of heavily
fortified coastal defences and gun emplacements built with the aim of preventing a successful invasion of continental Europe by the Allies.
Such was the strength of these defences that a number of air raids in the run-up to D-Day and the naval bombardment that was part of Operation NEPTUNE had mixed results. Some emplacements were destroyed while others were left operational.
The main defences in Jig were focussed on Asnelles and Le Hamel (Le Hamel was a northern suburb of Asnelles), and comprised three heavily fortified gun emplacements. These were known as WNs, an abbreviation of the German word Wiederstandnest, which means “nest of resistance”, and were numbered 36, 37 and 38.
The Allies’ assault was hampered by the tidal currents experienced by the landing craft as they approached Gold. These pushed many of them eastward, meaning considerable amounts of equipment and some of the armoured vehicles that would have made a difference to the effectiveness of the initial landings ended up in the wrong place. As a result, the Hampshires and Dorsets needed support from an Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers (a Churchill tank equipped with a mortar as opposed to a traditional gun), in order to clear WN 37. This took place late in the afternoon, sometime between 4 and 5pm.
Corporal Gale came ashore in his Armoured Recovery Vehicle (ARV) on Jig Green at about nine o’clock in the morning, ninety minutes after the landings on Gold began. He was one of thirty-two REME men in that group, and they had two D8 tractors and four ARVs at their disposal. Reinforcements followed on the next tide.
The orders of 25 BRS were to establish two beach recovery posts, one each on Jig Green East and Jig Green
Although the specific beach where this was taken is not known, it clearly shows some of the typical defences that faced the Allies as they landed in Normandy. The large sloping metal frames were designed to create problems for the landing craft (which they duly did), in addition to which they were mined. These extra hazards holed many of the landing craft, meaning they added to the congested beaches as they could not head back out to sea. Image courtesy of the National Army Museum, London
West. Each post was denoted by a REME tricolour flag and was supported by two Sherman BARVs and one wading D8. They were specifically tasked with giving assistance to naval craft and the recovery of drowned vehicles. The latter task was of great importance. Many of the landing craft had been damaged by the submerged minefields as they approached the beach, something that led to many of the armoured vehicles they were transporting attempting to reach the shore through water that exceeded safe operational limits for their waterproofing. These drowned, immobile vehicles represented a significant danger to the invasion: too many of them would clog up the beaches and make it impossible for additional vehicles, and particularly those coming in on the second tide, to manoeuvre effectively, support the Infantry or ultimately make it to an exit.
REME used the ARVs and D8s to keep the beaches clear, but they were ordered to undertake no repairs at this stage; instead all drowned vehicles were to be moved to drowned vehicle parks, where they would be repaired later, after the Allied beachhead had been established.
REME’s effectiveness from D-Day to D-Day+7 is best demonstrated by the estimated number of vehicles they cleared from Gold during this time: 25 BRS alone was thought to have undertaken somewhere between 800 and 900 recoveries. Understandably, they were a little too busy to keep accurate records.
The orders issued to 25 BRS included one further task: they were charged with clearing the exits from Gold beach and keeping them clear (there were about seven exits, each about seven metres wide, at least three of which were specifically for wheeled vehicles). This was a vital job, as
vehicles and men needed to leave the beaches as quickly as possible in order to push inland and secure further strategic objectives. It was in connection with these orders that Corporal Gale was awarded his Military Medal. At one point, an ammunition truck overturned while trying to leave the beach (some sources report it was even on fire), and Gale, heedless of being under fire, attached a tow rope from his ARV, righted the vehicle and got it out of the way. The citation rightly commended Corporal Gale: “His complete disregard of danger was an example to all, and his action an example to his men”. The Museum is proud to have his medal group as part of our permanent collection.
Sergeant David Simpson McKenzie (7629025)
Like the first troops that came ashore on Gold, Sergeant McKenzie was also part of 231st Brigade. He was an Armourer and was one of the REME ‘originals’, having been transferred in from the Royal Army Ordnance Corps on 1st October 1942.
He was attached to 231’s Brigade Headquarters by 1944, which, during Operation NEPTUNE, was based on the ship HMS Nith. Brigade HQ left the Nith in an LCM (this stands for Landing Craft Mechanised; a document in the Museum’s Archives suggests it was number 2087), at about 8am, but was holed by an underwater mine as it made its way to shore. All of the equipment carried by the LCM had to be taken off by hand, but the craft itself, as well as a jeep it was carrying, sank.
Three hours after this, at about 11am, 231’s designated reserves, 56th Division, were ordered to make for the beach. The plan was for them to land on Jig Green, but
Corporal Gale’s medals. From left to right, they are the Military Medal, the 1939 – 1945 Star, the France and Germany Star, the Defence Medal and the 1939 – 1945 British War Medal
they were ultimately diverted to Jig Red. An October 1944 document reviewing the operation on Gold Beach that is in the collection of the Green Howards Museum explains why this decision was taken, “The western end of JIG GREEN beach was untenable for a considerable time. Subsequent waves of craft beached to time but a large proportion were damaged on the underwater obstacles or broached to in the heavy surf. As the tide rose, and the beach narrowed right up to the dunes fringing the lateral road, a considerable degree of congestion arose. More and more personnel and vehicles piled up and the whole forward movement was delayed by the resistance in LE HAMEL… As a result of the enemy fire on JIG GREEN it was decided to put in the reserve Brigade on JIG RED. 56 Inf. Bde. was therefore, sent in to beach at approximately 1100 hrs.” The congestion vividly described here developed in spite of the efforts of REME’s Beach Recovery Sections.
Sergeant McKenzie’s act of gallantry probably took place in the early afternoon. His citation reads, “At LE HAMEL on 6 Jun 44 Sjt McKENZIE (sic), with part of Bde HQ, came under heavy fire from a pillbox as they landed, and had to take cover behind a tank. Seeing that some men had been wounded and were lying on the open beach with the tide coming in, he immediately left the cover of the tank and entirely unprotected by any supportive fire, came down into the open, and carried and assisted the wounded to crawl up the beach above the high-water mark. Although still under heavy fire he refused to leave the wounded, and stayed on the open beach for three hours until the pillbox
was silenced. During the whole of this time he never ceased to care for and encourage the wounded. His devotion to duty and his courage certainly saved many lives.“ The pillbox mentioned in the citation was probably WN 37.
We know that one of the men saved by Sgt. McKenzie was Lieutenant Roy Deary who was serving with the 2nd Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment (known as the 2nd Glosters), a unit that was part of 56th Division.
Lieutenant Deary subsequently wrote to Sgt. McKenzie at least twice, on both occasions from the hospital near Sheffield where he was recuperating. The first letter, dated 15th June 1944, read, “This is only just a short and rather badly written note. I’m afraid I cannot settle to writing a long or interesting letter yet. In any case there’s not an awful lot to write about. I felt I must just send you a short note to say and show how very grateful I am to you for all your kindness and your outstanding bravery in staying on the open beach with me when I was hurt on D Day. I’m afraid my own personal courage and grit was at a very low ebb and it was a great inspiration to see you ignoring the bullets & staying with me on that open beach. I do honestly think that if it hadn’t been for you, I should probably not be here now. I have told the Commander of what you did and when I feel better, shall make a recommendation in the proper quarter for proper recognition of what you did. I cannot express fully what my feelings are – sufficient be it for you to know that you will always have my most sincere and heartfelt gratitude.”
A letter signed from General Rowcroft, REME’s first Director, congratulating Sgt. McKenzie on the award of the Military Medal
The next was written on 20th June: “I today received the CSM’s (sic) letter, telling me of your Military Medal. I should like to send you my very sincere and hearty congratulations on the award. My very great regret is that I was not able to be present when you received it. I should have liked to have been at the investiture. What pleases me so much is the very speedy award of these decorations. Usually you wait months and months and when the thing comes out you wonder what you’ve got it for!! Please thank the C.S.M. very much for his letter and tell him that I’ll be replying in a few days time. I am specially glad to have these addresses – I’ll be able to write to the chaps now. For myself I’m feeling much better now. I’ve still got a long plaster on and shall have for a few more weeks. However I’m managing to move about, very unsteadily, on a pair of crutches, so it is not too bad – makes a change from bed. Give my best wishes & remembrances to everyone specially the C.S.M. and the C.Q.M.S. Another couple of months and I’ll be on my way back again to be with you for the victory march thro (sic) – well wherever it is by then.”
Although it is not known what became of Lt. Deary, it is clear from this heartfelt correspondence that he was very grateful to Sgt. McKenzie and enthusiastically supported his deserved receipt of the Military Medal.
My thanks for their support during the preparation of this article are due to a number of people. Mr. Neil Davis, himself formerly of REME and the owner of Sgt. McKenzie’s medals and accompanying documentation, generously agreed to let the Museum display this material as part of our commemorations for the 80th Anniversary of the landings. Neil was also kind enough to allow me to reproduce images of some of this material in the article. I am grateful to Rebecca Penfold, Museum Assistant, for her help with the exhibition devoted to Sgt. McKenzie’s story. The Museum’s Archivist, Celia Cassingham, provided access to a number of documents relating to REME’s activities on D-Day, and Zoë Tolman, Assistant Archivist, patiently answered a number of inevitable copyright enquiries. Fiona Seeman, one of the Museum’s excellent Front of House team, expertly proofread a draft of the text. Finally, I shall be pleased to hear from anyone who knows more about Corporal Gale. His tracer card, the document that was used by REME to record his history within the Corps, has not survived, so anything further would be welcome.
A cutting from an unidentified Edinburgh newspaper that reports Sgt. McKenzie’s receipt of the medal, and how he gave his family the news
Sgt. McKenzie’s medals, which are identical to those of Corporal Gale. The Military Medal was introduced in 1916 and continued to be awarded until 1993. Over 15,000 soldiers received an MM during the Second World War
Potteries and District Association
October 2024 Branch Newsletter
On the first Saturday of the month (5th) the North Staffordshire REME Breakfast Club met at the usual venue of The Hungry Horse in Meir, sadly for whatever reason the numbers attending were down to only six; let’s hope that the November attendance returns to normal, by then the year’s holidays and the Budget should be a thing of the past.
Wednesday October 9th saw eleven of our monthly branch lunch members descend on a totally new venue for us in the form of The Red Bull in Kidsgrove, a very pleasant canal side pub location with several brightly painted canal barges moored alongside. A varied menu with something for all, though at £14.00 for Haddock and chips was a tad on the expensive side
Kidsgrove is a town on the Cheshire border and is part of the Potteries Urban Area. In the 18th Century the town was built around Coal Mining but all the Pits are now long gone. Perhaps its most famous son would be Reginald Mitchell, the designer of the Spitfire, which sadly he never saw fly.
At our monthly branch meeting on Tuesday 22nd we were pleased to have a visit from Capt David Leo and a group of his REME soldiers from 16 Signals Regt LAD based in Beacon Barracks, Stafford, many of whom live relatively locally in the North Staffs area, and who as a result may think of joining their local Association branch.
An excellent night was had by all, with a very interesting presentation showing the
16 Sigs LAD Group
Chairman Ian and Yvonne Webb
Secretary, President and Chairman with Capt David Leo
Adrian Walker takes the biscuits
Scribe; Maurice Hope / Photos John Hubbert & David Leo
highlights of the unit’s deployments throughout the year. The visit can only strengthen the bond between the regular members of the Corps and the Veteran sections. No doubt the night was made more of a success by the
John Wright is a bottle winner
good Landlady offering to stay open later than normal, no doubt to take the opportunity of filling her till on what would normally be a quiet night at the pub.
The branch are now very much looking forward to sharing a very varied and long St Eligius Day celebration on the Thursday 28th of November, with a service at the NMA Memorial followed by an Engineering challenge back at Beacon Barracks and being topped off by a top table dinner of all the 1st Signals Brigade REME elements. Definitely an overnighter, you wouldn’t want to be driving back to Stoke at the end of the night’s festivities.
Joan Hubbert wins The Echo Falls
REME Hockey Overseas Tour
Scribes: Cfn B Mall and Cfn J Gale
On the 9th of September, both the Men’s and Women’s REME Corps teams set off for a five-day journey to Valkenburg, Netherlands. Clad in our bright new club kit, we gathered at Heathrow, where new and returning team members got acquainted, full of excitement for the week ahead. After a smooth flight and a scenic drive, we arrived at our hotel, ready for a packed schedule of bonding, training, and matches.
Our first team-bonding event was a Viking-themed
dinner, a fun and relaxed way to break the ice and get to know one another before the Hockey games began. Both the ladies and gentlemen embraced the theme, much to the amusement of the local community.
The next morning, the teams dove into an intense training session, helping everyone settle in and familiarise themselves with the tactics for the evening games. The first match for the women’s team was against a formidable Dutch side, and it proved to be a great test of their skills.
Arrival Photo in our new kit
First night group photo, Vikings are ready to go!
The ladies pushed hard, delivering a phenomenal performance despite the challenge of having no rolling substitutions. Their persistence paid off when they scored a stunning team goal – so fast that the coach almost missed it!
For the men’s team, their first game was against Nuth Men’s Hockey Club, a tough opponent with a strong Hockey tradition. Nuth started strong, scoring two early goals, but our team fought back with relentless attacking pressure from the midfield and forwards, coupled with solid defence. Going into the final quarter, the score was 43 to Nuth, but our teamwork and fitness shone through, leading to a last-minute goal, ending the match in a wellearned 4-4 draw, with all four goals scored by Cpl Scott Rawlings.
In between games and training, the teams had the chance to unwind with activities like laser quest in underground tunnels and Tobogganing, which brought out everyone’s competitive edge – sometimes even more
Ladies 1st game
Cpl Randall sampling the local cuisine
LCpl Malltezi and Cfn Stocker
WO1 Thomas, WO2 Jhajj and Cpl Cope enjoying the atmosphere after the game
so than on the pitch! Valkenburg, though small and quaint, offered plenty of entertainment, making it the perfect setting for balancing sport and recreation.
The second games for both teams were just as exciting. The women’s team delivered another exceptional performance, with their communication, morale, skills, and teamwork reaching new heights. They had a fantastic time, strengthening bonds with their Dutch opponents and further building an amazing Hockey community.
The men’s second game, against Nova Men’s Hockey Club, saw the team better prepared after learning from their first match. Despite conceding an early goal, they quickly regained momentum. After several attacking opportunities, they equalized, and from there, the goals began to flow. The defence remained impenetrable, leading to a convincing 6-2 victory with goals from Cpl Scott Rawlings, Capt Kyle Beckett, Maj Simon Ratcliffe, and WO1 Dave Thomas.
Overall, the tour was the perfect way to kick off the new season, providing invaluable opportunities to build cohesion both on and off the pitch. The team is undoubtedly stronger for it, and a huge thanks goes to those who organized the week and to everyone who participated, further developing the REME Hockey Club into a thriving community.
Men’s Game against HC Nova
Maj Ratcliffe presents WO1 King with his flag and local shirt upon leaving the Army. This was his final send off. Thank you for all you have done for REME Hockey
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The Editor welcomes all stories – from REME Sport or raising money for the REME Charity to Exercises and Operations or personal stories from serving personnel and veterans.
Please see the contents page for details on how to submit your story.
Obituaries
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Ian Parsons
Scribe: Brigadier (Retired) Martin Boswell
It is with great sadness that I report the passing of Ian Parsons, devoted Husband of Susan. Ian was a great and thorough Engineer with an encyclopaedic knowledge of engineering in defence. He was passionate about life and was a keen Sailor although, it is claimed, that he could never tie a sheet bend!
Ian first served in Germany with 5 Armoured Workshop REME and went on to command 4/7th Dragoon Guards Light Aid Detachment in Munster, Company Command at 3 Battalion REME, Second in Command 6 Battalion REME and was Commanding Officer DTUS University of Newcastle. Many officers will remember him for his sterling work as RLO at the REME Officer’s School and as attentive and considerate R1. Ian also served in DLO Andover, Headquarters Land, with ACDS Log Ops, Defence Equipment & Support and in the Army Headquarters. On leaving the Army he continued to support Defence as an Engage Technical Solutions contractor working on a diverse range of projects and continued to support the professional development of his work colleagues.
Ian was always calm, focused and ready to lend a hand. Even when his health started to fail him and, as was typical despite the increasing physical challenge, he continued to work on engineering projects up until March this year. Some will have seen him bustling into Abbey Wood with his oxygen concentrator, insisting that he remained involved.
Ian sailed with various members of the Corps from time-totime, and sailed regularly, for many years, with Stephen Tetlow, Nigel Williams and Tony Anthistle on the South Coast, off the West Coast of Scotland, the Hebrides and the Mediterranean. He was a down-to-earth practical crew Sailor, never afraid to get stuck in and, as always, his engineering skills came to the fore as a thoroughly useful fixer of anything amiss on board. As a crew member he will always be remembered for his endearing good humour and never-ending repertoire of jokes which he would repeat every year - so much so that his crewmates used to give them numbers! On one particularly memorable sail off Skye in strong tidal streams entering the mouth to the Sound of Sleat, as dense fog and darkness were rapidly descending, Stephen asked Ian to go below to switch on the navigation lights, he managed instead to crash the entire navigation systems, autopilot and radar, a
source of some anxiety at the time and merciless ribbing thereafter. But, as always, he gave a good as he got.
He was also a vibrant supporter of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, chairing the Bath and Bristol Area of the IMechE committee, supporting fellow and prospective members, and organising local events for the Institute. His engineering legacy is likewise seen in the brilliant design and build of his forever home in Bath. He took a dilapidated set of buildings and within a few years of incredible effort he designed and had built a beautiful balance of old material and modern finish that sadly he has only most recently finished.
Those that knew Ian will miss him dearly. Luckily some of us have some great photographs that capture his sense of fun, his caring nature and the love that he had for life.
No 377 In Pensioner Chris O’Connor
Scribe: Matt Clarkson
Adrian Chris O’Connor, Chris, as he was known, was born in Bexhill-on-Sea, Sussex on 7 March 1942. He enlisted at Chatham aged 16 on 27 August 1958 and badged to the General Service Corps and based at the Army Apprentice School at Arborfield. Having reached adult service he was transferred to the REME on 28 July 1961 and trained as Vehicle Mechanic and Electrician.
His service was split between Light Aid Detachments within the UK and to Germany together with a twelve month tour of Aden between September 1964 and September 1965 working
with 19 Field Regiment RA LAD. He was discharged on 6 March 1969 having served for ten years and promoted to the rank of Corporal. Chris maintained a lifelong passion and unwavering sense of pride in all things REME.
Following his Army service, he found employment for 20 years as a passenger and goods lift Engineer, followed by 6 years for the company 600 Group as a machine tools Sales Engineer between 1992 and 1998 and thereafter as a Customer Service Advisor with Lloyds Banking Group until 2002. Finally, he worked for Russagh Mill Hostel in Ireland between September 2018 and November 2019 employed on general concierge duties.
Chris joined the Royal Hospital on 9 December 2019 and was posted to Long Ward 4 as part of Number 1 Company. Chris was keen to get involved and he very much enjoyed attending numerous events including Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower Of London, trips to the Port City Exhibition, London Museum and Joint Helicopter Command Flying Station Northern Ireland for the El Alamein Dinner hosted by 5 Regiment Army Air Corps Workshops. Chris was a frequent visitor to Lyneham.
Chris was best known for his selfless commitment and dedication to help others less fortunate than himself, numerous trips driving to Poland and Ukraine with cash, clothing and gift aid support to the Lviv Children’s Hospital. Chris participated in the Veterans’ Banger Rally to Gibraltar in 2022 and 2023 in his trusty Toyota Corolla (which he called Betsy) to raise funds for the Royal Hospital Chelsea, the REME Charity, Blind Veterans and Back on Track. Chris was a staunch supporter of a number of charities including the REME Charity where he was recently presented with a lifetime of service award by Colonel REME. There was one common theme that ran throughout his life, Chris has led a life of commitment and service towards the things he is passionate about.
Following his move into the Margaret Thatcher Infirmary in the June 2024 Chris maintained his ethos of “Keep Going, get out there and enjoy life” right until his Final Posting here at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Chris passed away in Jones Ward on 22 September 2024 aged 82. His Funeral service took place in the Wren Chapel on Monday 28 October at 14.00hrs
Arte Et Marte –The Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Death Notices
EMERY – Former SSgt Victor Gordon Emery passed away on 4th August 2024, aged 86. He served with the Corps between February 1956-May 1978
HODGESON – Cfn (Retd) Gordon Hodgeson died on 22nd October 2024 aged 68. Service dates are unknown
HORNALL – Ex-VM, Alexander (Alex) Hornall (aka Alistair) passed away on Mon 7 Oct 24, age 73. Dates of service are 1971-1977.
PARSONS – 514780 Lt Col (Retd) Ian Michael Parsons died on 10th October 2024 aged 63. Service dates are 10/01/196110/10/2024
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 Pamela Bailey-Yates, Corps Welfare Assistant, Email: welfare@remecharity.org
Monthly Assignment December 2024
Lieutenant
Captain No entries
Lieutenant
Second Lieutenant
London Gazette
01 October
ARMY CADET FORCE
The following have been awarded the 5th Clasp to the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal
MAJ, D. M. HARDY, REME, 24739036
WO2, D. M. HAYNES, REME, 24739587
WO1, K. T. WATTS, REME, 24739296
The following have been awarded the 3rd Clasp to the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal
LT COL, H. M. CURRIE, REME, 551465
CPL, R. T. GRIFFITHS, REME, 24916615
SGT, H. LEE, REME, W1036776
SSGT, E. G. LEWIS, REME, 24916879
SSGT, A. RODERICK, REME, 25074778
The following have been awarded the 2nd Clasp to the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal
CPL, P. BELLFIELD, REME, 24824005
CPL, A. J. TIBBATTS, REME, 25187711
The following have been awarded the 1st Clasp to the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal
CPL, P. BELLFIELD, REME, 24824005
CPL, C. K. CLEMENTS, REME, 24890504
The following have been awarded the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal
LCPL, S. A. ARMSTRONG, REME, 30208904
The following have been awarded the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal
LCPL, S. A. ARMSTRONG, REME, 30208904
SGT, K. BUDHA, REME, 21169581
CAPT, J. A. FLEMING, MBE, REME, 24824376
WO2, I. V. HANNIGAN, REME, 24678633
LCPL, M. W. HARNETT, REME, 30213167
MAJ, E. M. MURPHY, REME, 563055
SGT, M. S. ROGERS, REME, 24873004
LCPL, C. SIMPSON, REME, 30217371
09 October
Regular Commissions
Lieutenant Colonel J. G. WILLIAMS 557590 retires 6 May 2024
Regular Commissions (Late Entry)
Major S. I. KITCHEN 25018060 retires 4 May 2024
Major S. L. OLDRID 25035639 retires 4 May 2024
Major H. C. LEES 24781484 retires 5 May 2024
Major W. K. BURNARD MBE 25016905 retires 31 May 2024
Intermediate Regular Commissions (Late Entry)
Captain A. R. COTTY 25063214 retires 11 May 2024
Captain L. J. BUSH 25122044 retires 30 May 2024
16 October
No entries
23 October
Regular Commissions
Major G. N. BARNETT 562079 to be Lieutenant Colonel 31 December 2023 (Belated Entry)
Major J. S. RIX 558792 to be Lieutenant Colonel 31 December 2023 (Belated Entry)
Major K. A. TAIT 563672 to be Lieutenant Colonel 31 December 2023 (Belated Entry)
Major D. A. J. WATERSTON 562303 to be Lieutenant Colonel 31 December 2023 (Belated Entry)
Intermediate Regular Commissions
Captain W. ALDRIDGE 30271617 retires 1 July 2024 Short Service Commissions
Captain T. J. SWEENEY 30293885 retires 19 June 2024
Captain K. L. GARRAWAY 30266870 retires 29 June 2024
PROMOTIONS COMMANDS AND STAFF
The undermentioned Majors to be Lieutenant Colonel 30 June 2024 with seniority 30 June 2024
M. V. ALGATE 556316
M. A. BRITTON 562736
D. COULDRIDGE 565246
S. T. DICKSON 25166758
T. D. GREEN 563943
M. T. GREENSMITH 556362
J. J. HACKNEY 555151
M. D. LAVELLE 25185339
P. J. LINES 565316
J. P. SEWELL 25197747
A. L. K. WEBB 554519
IScribe: J D Luxon (22821310)
n May 1964, I was one of ten who made up the course Art CE 32. I am aware that Robert Harris is still alive as we chat frequently using Skype.
He and I are aware that T Lord, K Lathan, S Dowell and A Thomas are no longer with us but we would both be interested to know if B Butler, M Delf, G Hanson and K Williams, (commissioned in RAEC) are still living.
If anyone could help with the above, please contact the Craftsman Editor who will pass on information.
The Trustees of The REME Charity acknowledge with sincere thanks the donations received during the month of OCTOBER. They also wish to acknowledge the regular subscriptions received from the Officers and Soldiers of the Corps and retired members of the REME Institution:
& Mrs Cooper
Ian Davies In Memory of Sydney Thomas
(Ret’d) Tom Gillanders
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.
leave a legacy to The REME Charity, which is
Group booking discount available across categories for booking of 11+
Pay for your tickets now, or reserve now and pay later if you are going on deployment
Join us at the home of England Rugby to watch the senior teams of the Royal Navy play the British Army as they battle it out on the pitch for the Babcock Trophy!
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.
