The Craftsman - July 2023

THE CRAFTSMAN

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

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

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

Corps Formation: 1 October 1942

Corps Motto: Arte et Marte

Corps Patron Saint: St Eligius (Celebrated 1st Sunday in December)

Editor: Mrs Katie Tarbard + Corporate Communications Officer

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

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Front Cover: Ex IRON Fire, p.22

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Correction. The June magazine contained a slight error in the obituary for Capt Jim Fox OBE OLY. It stated incorrectly that Jim joined AAS Carlisle in 1957 when of course it was Arborfield. He moved to Carlisle later in his training.

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Exploiting Data, Winning Wars, and your part in the plan – Part 2

Introduction: Brigadier Stefan Crossfield, Head of Army

As we enter this second editorial looking at the potency of Data, I can’t help but recall the excellent quote by the Statistician Edwards Deming, “Without data you’re just another person with an opinion”. This is clearly one of the very few witty things ever said by a Statistician and it’s also highly relevant to the role of REME on the modern battlefield. We’ll always have to balance risk between supply and demand in the heat of the fight, but we will have to increasingly reduce the risk in this gamble by collecting and exploiting the rich streams of data available from modern platforms and supply networks. This will require everyone to cherish data, to capture as much of it as possible and to become comfortable using it to increase our fighting power. But battlefields are non-permissive and the EMS is likely to be a competitive environment, so we need to start working on emergent technologies to build-out data voids to provide a degree of confidence that allows some planning to happen. We are also looking at the policy on collection – should we not collect it all and then decide what’s useful – can we afford to do this, can our networks deal with the demand, have we got the tools to interpret large data sets and what about storage? There’s much to do, and our adversary has started on the same path, so let’s get moving!

Phase 1

Scribe: Colonel Tim Allison, Assistant Head Operations Support, DE&S

As you will no doubt have noticed from Colonel Andy Elliott’s article last month, data in the Army is truly a team sport and it has increasingly become a pan-Defence endeavour. From my position in Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), looking at pan-platform, inservice support, we routinely engage with Army HQ, Field Army, Industry partners, Industry data experts, and our own everincreasing pool of experts to use the data we have, better. It is fair to say, everywhere we look, we either see people using their data better, or people who should use their data better!

Hopefully you remember this formula from last month:

Readiness = Capability + Availability + Sustainability

What we have invested our energy in most recently, in support of increasing Readiness for MOBILISE, is growing our understanding to identify how we can increase defence outputs now, while simultaneously identifying where the data appears to be letting us down, all with the data we have today. As you might imagine this is a massive task. For many years there was no tangible benefit to the user of completing all the fields on the Joint Asset Management and Engineering Solutions (JAMES) system, and so collectively we normalised adding the minimum amount of data to complete the task. Once we can use every bit of data, the impact will be decisive and immediate. Being able to demand spares more accurately is an obvious one, but only the tip of the iceberg. With complete and accurate data, we can understand failure modes, usage trends, environmental impact, people allocation and generate much more

accurate planning yardsticks (mean variance between failure) to help everything from structural changes like ‘Future Soldier’ all the way to operational and tactical planning in Brigade Combat Teams and Battlegroups. To further aid understanding on this, it may be worth explaining that where the data becomes vital is prioritisation when stocks are low, and to assist in better forecasting demands. If you can keep this data accurate, Industry and DE&S can improve the service they provide you.

There has been some amazing work done on this at all levels. As mentioned last month, the Field Army Readiness Dashboard is an incredible tool which uses JAMES data to inform all commanders up to and including Commander of the Field Army, how Ready the vehicles are, how long it would take to get them ready (i.e. are they going to meet the readiness time set within the Army Operating Order) and what is stopping it. In this last category, the issue sits either in ‘bad data’ which means the system just doesn’t know if the vehicle can be ready in time – you can help with that – or it is unachievable, which is most likely to be a supply chain issue. In DE&S we have been working very hard on this final part using a tool called ‘Support Metrics’ which uses the data we have, to communicate the health of each platform and where any risk may be. The aim is to more quickly get to the most important issue by platform, automating data interrogation at every level, and allowing procurement Subject Matter Experts to give more accurate and focussed support. This will unlock ES Mat problems, and allow correct prioritisation for platforms which the Readiness Dashboard assesses as ‘unachievable’ in time.

Where are we now? Incomplete, incorrect, and incoherent data

Information Exploitation and Chief Data Officer Army

Brigadier Stefan Crossfield

misleads our systems and us. This denudes our ability to meet our required Readiness levels effectively & efficiently, prevents the supply chain from getting the most critical ES Mat to where it is needed most, and undermines how we conduct planning. Where do we want to be? We must use the data we have to

become more effective Engineers, leaders, and war-fighters. Increasing the potency of our Army is the Main Effort. As a Corps, we will develop the use of data to allow decisions to become disaggregated to the lowest level, empowering our people. It is our collective and individual responsibility to identify opportunities to improve processes, systems, data accuracy and applications.

What do we have to do? Today, to understand the value of our data, and what can improve our combat effectiveness for warfighting, we need to cleanse our data, starting at the platform owner-level and do it on all systems to allow us to create a stable foundation. Once our data foundations are strong, we can automate data collection and communication wherever possible, even to the point of discomfort, reducing the burden on operators and maintainers. What else can you do to help? Field Army are in the process of initiating a data scrub by platform owners, to reset the situation for outstanding demands and JAMES tasks which are no longer required. We must all ensure old demands which you have sourced from ‘elsewhere’ have been closed-down on JAMES / MJDI (Management of the Joint Deployed Inventory), so the ones that still exist are the ones in the process of being satisfied.

Phases 2 & 3

As you may recall from last month, this is still predominantly Phase 1 activity and any good plan has a lot of concurrent activity underway, which means not only are we making progress on Phase 1 (above) but the team from Army Headquarters will now explain how well we are doing in Phase 2, and what Phase 3 is shaping up to contain.

Equipment Digitalisation

Scribe: Major Craig Watson, SO2 Equipment Information Exploitation.

The Equipment Digitalisation team are part of Military Capability Delivery, a branch within the Programmes Directorate in Army Headquarters. The focus of the team is to exploit ‘support data’ to

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improve equipment availability; which includes fitting new sensors or exploiting latent sensors within our vehicles. The purpose of this is to deliver a connected data value chain from factory to frontline. Why is this important for you? If we succeed in delivering this connectivity we can begin to unlock the power of automation. For example, feeding usage, failure, fuel consumption data directly into our logistic, engineering and asset management systems to free your time to be invested in more meaningful activities, repair of equipment, military training, as well as adventure training,

professional development and sport. This is likely to happen when Defence Equipment Engineering and Asset Management System (DEEAMS) delivers, but there is much we can do to improve data quality and remove the burden from you before then.

The outcome is to find/create the data to understand our equipment and its route to failure. Whilst we will not be able to prevent all failures, we must focus on driving unexpected failure to as close to zero as practical. This is not a silver bullet; as our equipment ages new failures will emerge. We aim to build the structures and processes to identify these, but ultimately it will be you at the frontline, delivering battle winning availability that will spot emerging issues and we will rely on your engagement to continue to iteratively improve the way we deliver equipment support.

Military Capability Plans (MCP) – ES Capability in the Future

Scribe: Major Mark Foster

In addition to the improved use, and gathering of data by Equipment Digitalisation above, there is also excellent work also being done within Army HQ on developing equipment capability. ES MCP branch reside within the Army HQ Futures Directorate and are responsible for ES Concept and Capability Development. The team are engaged in several contributory activities with the most notable highlighted below:

Equipment Support Skills Transformation (ESST) – The ESST programme will modernise and upskill the Army to deliver effective ES for

Land operations. It will identify ES skills shortfalls at ES levels 1-3 and provide the foundation for an enduring, adaptable, future training and skills acquisition model. ESST will: deliver engineering specific training to maximise the use of data, digital processes and decision support systems; identify and train the correct balance of advanced and traditional repair techniques, and, optimise future career structures and accreditation pathways. Advanced Manufacturing (AdM) and Augmented Reality (AR) Triage – ES MCP coordinate the Army AdM and AR communities and are now leading a series of trials with support from the Field Army and international partners. Trials and experimentation will continue with opportunities to deploy technology to large scale exercises in 2024 such as Ex LINOTYPER.

Project CONVERGENCE CAPSTONE 4 (PC-C4) –

The British Army will deploy to the US in early 2024 to conduct a series of experiments with our Australian, UK and US (AUKUS) allies. As part of a wider CSS series of experimentation, ES Cap Dev aim to develop a Common Maintenance Picture that utilises data from multiple sources and leverages automation to plan and execute ES activity, including AdM and AR.

Summary

Thank you all for your incredible professionalism, not least for reading this far into an article on data. As you can see, we have excellent people moving mountains to improve how we can support Field Army’s Readiness. Lt Col Kitty Small, currently on the Army Advanced Development Programme (AADP), but a vital member of the Data team, described the problem superbly:

“the MOBILISE ‘fight tonight’ problem is not about waiting for an amazing ‘solve everything’ solution; it is a whole force, ongoing, dataimprovement task which we all own. Collaboration and transparency, so we can secure and scale our innovation, are really important, hence this editorial! Some of what we do is highly technical ‘1s and 0s’; most of our work today though is about fostering an attitude of being ready to apply core engineering skills to understand data exploitation for real battlefield and ‘under the hood’ benefit.”

We can only do this with your support, and we know there is excellent data improvement going on at unit-level all the time. This article has shown you what we are doing, where, and why. This is to

allow you to know who to reach out to if you want to do even more. If you are already doing great work and want to link it to the REME Corps Strategy, this article should point you in the right direction of the team closest to your work. If you want to get involved from a standing start, any of the people mentioned in this article would be very glad to hear from you. If none of these apply, rest assured that you will be making a huge difference by doing your part just on your own platform; because every bit of cleaner data will add up to a more effective, more ready, and more capable Army, which is something we can all be proud of.

ES Data Summary – your part in the plan: If you are limited for time, here is a summary of what you should be doing to enable Exploiting Data, Winning Wars:

1. Configuration of equipment (Modifications) – a pre-requisite to DEEAMS transition is the accurate modification state of platforms and all associated EBS items. If you see it don’t tolerate it, treat it.

2. Faults and demands. The Main Effort is always to keep kit at the

required readiness, but we must ensure JAMES & MJDI correctly state if work is done, or a spare has arrived. If you are a platform owner and haven’t done this, do it today and correct the errors.

3. Accurate Equipment Breakdown Structures – if you see incorrect / incoherent Serial Numbers within EBS do something about it (if you can) or raise it up your ES chain if you don’t know how.

4. Engage with, use and champion the ES dashboards that have been created, such as Field Army Readiness, JAMES IX, and VERITAS.

5. Reach out to with the relevant team if there are things we can do to enable you to deliver your roles more efficiently, or if there is something you have done, or can do, to support any of this work. This is something which will help the whole of the Field Army – play your part.

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Augmented Reality

Lessons from recent and current conflicts show that dispersal is critical to survival on the modern battlefield. This will likely see the deployment of smaller teams, isolated from central logistic support and operating at reach. Effective Equipment Support (ES) including rapid repair of equipment as far forward on the battlefield as possible, will be crucial in ensuring that these force elements retain the equipment availability to achieve their tasks under these conditions. This will be even more important in a peer-peer warfighting scenario where returning equipment to the fight will allow the UK to numerically match or outmatch our opponents. Traditional methods of ensuring that Subject Matter Expert (SME) knowledge can be used to provide the engineering solutions required for this, meant that a physical presence in a single location was need. This model is an inefficient way of employing experienced personnel as they are deployed in such a way that they can only support a single team and are often un/misused until a technical problem occurs. A new way to link SMEs to less experienced maintainers is needed to give the UK the edge on the battlefield of the future.

Augmented Reality (AR) is an emerging technology that can make that link and closely replicate an SME being co-located with a team forward. The ability to view the fault through the maintainer’s eyes, whilst projecting images, documents, and 3D models onto their reality, may even provide better support than the face-to-face option; while increasing the number of people the SME can support in a 24-hour period. The implementation of AR will reduce the cognitive burden on maintainers, accelerate the cascade of Knowledge, Skills and Experience (KSE), and drive SMEs up the value chain. AR can be a game changer in how we as a Corps operate.

If you have any experience in AR or are interested in supporting it, then I encourage you to reach out to one of the points of contact below and join the community of interest.

As the Augmented Reality lead for 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade, 5 REME have had a very busy start to 2023. Operating with a very small team comprising of a very competent Cpl Barry and I we have hosted Comd 104X, Brigadier King, attended the 2023 Theatre Enabling Group Capability Demonstration in South Cerney, and conducted various unit visits to demonstrate our AR capability. Through the application of business cases, we have acquired a wide variety of equipment including HoloLens 2, and Oculus

Scribes: 5 Battalion REME, Army HQ & Commando Helicopter Force

Cpl Hayward RM VT1 (CHF – Aviation Combat Service Support Sqn)

Cpl Hayward RM VT1 (CHF – Aviation Combat Service Support Sqn)

Scribe: – Major A. Shand Army Futures-MilCap-CSS-ES-SO2a

Scribe: 2Lt G. Shipton – Augmented Reality Lead / 1 Pl 15 Fd Coy PC

Quest headsets. Of particular note is the Insta360 Pro 2, a 360degree 8K camera which we have put to great use and had fun experimenting with. We have submitted business cases for more software and hardware so that we can look to expand our team and its capabilities.

What the future looks like for us; Incorporation of the filming capabilities of the Insta360 with an AR headset – By using this technology combined we hope that any event of merit could be filmed using the camera. This footage would include recordings of the individual stands and then be played back utilising the VR

headset so that any user could replay the event virtually and at their leisure.

Alternatively, in a training sense we could conduct courses if they don’t need to be in person or that would benefit from a virtual aspect. This is pertinent in any case that a lack of equipment or resources minimises the attendance or training output. Specifically, for 15 Fd Coy in 5 Bn REME and our work with power packs, it would be of great benefit to train newer members of the Company in a risk-free environment with the time to make mistakes.

Augmented Reality (AR) has been trialled at Commando Helicopter Force (CHF) with an initial view to expediating the qualification and competence of Air Engineering Technicians (AET). AR was brought to the attention of CHF by Cdr Weil as the Chief Air Engineer (CAE) for CHF along with some highly positive prospects that could be generated from integrating this emerging technology into very high readiness units. The gauntlet was subsequently laid down by Cdr Weil through the “X-Flight Challenge” in the hope that more efficient ways of conducting business may possibly be uncovered.

With the challenge in mind CHF have now been conducting trials on the use AR for more than 12 months. This has seen trials conducted on operations and exercises to identify the most efficient and effective utilities of AR. The trials conducted have seen positive responses from service personnel at all levels with supplementary ideas recommended for its further integration into defence, all of which will require slight refining before it can be considered worthy of front-line operations. However, its application for rear echelon support within the engineering and medical environment could have a significant impact on operational output now.

Future development of AR within defence is being shaped by trials that have been conducted at CHF and implemented by SERCO. Future AR trials at CHF are underway that will aim to evaluate the latest updates to the operating software (Kognative Spark) along with the HoloLens first adaptation in its use with the Virtus service helmet providing greater utility and assistance to forces deployed at the tip of the spear.

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LMA Meaney (CHF – Aviation Combat Service Support Sqn)

Mne Liddell RM VT 2 (CHF- Aviation Combat Service Support Sqn)

Scribe: – CSgt M. Carter (Art Veh) RM ES

Advise, Assist, Enable – REME Support to Combined Joint Task Force – Operation INHERENT RESOLVE Operation SHADER 16

Combined Joint Task Force – Operation INHERENT RESOLVE (CJTF-OIR) is the ongoing operation to Advise, Assist and Enable (A2E) partnered forces until they can independently defeat Da’esh in designated areas of Iraq and Syria, to set the conditions for long-term security cooperation frameworks. Operation SHADER is the UK contribution to this ongoing military intervention against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant.

Since the transition to the current partnered mission phase in 2021, the tempo of kinetic operations in Iraq has decreased considerably; with coalition forces no longer providing a direct combat role in Iraq. With this transition, the quantities and demands of equipment have also dropped, but the Corps are still very much providing Equipment Support (ES) to the Theatre, be that at reach supporting deployment, in Cyprus, or in the Middle East on other missions, as well as providing technical and non-technical staff support to this mission.

UK Mobility Company LAD – Erbil Air Base

• WO2 Paul Mitchell – 1st Bn Grenadier Guards LAD

• Cpl Harrison Barton – 1st Bn Grenadier Guards LAD

• Cpl David Franks – 21 Engr Regt LAD

• LCpl Ross Binnie – 1st Bn Grenadier Guards LAD

• LCpl Akil Gurung – 1st Bn Grenadier Guards LAD

• Cfn Daniel Hume – 1st Bn Grenadier Guards LAD

WO2 (AQMS) Paul Mitchell – LAD IC

1st Bn Grenadier Guards are currently the resident UK Mobility Company (UKMC) LAD on Op SHADER 16, as well as having contributed force elements to Op SHADER 15, all at Joint Operating Base (JOB), ZORBASH located in Erbil Air Base. The Mission Specific Training was intense and required the LAD to undertake multiple range packages and exercises; gaining the same deployment standard as our Infantry counterparts. This was of course in addition to our own special to role training. This has served us well though, and on multiple occasions we have been called upon to serve as Commanders on the ground, as well as conducting guardian angel duties for engagements alongside our partner forces. The LAD currently maintains 16 Civilian Armoured Vehicles (CAVs), and a Company+ of weapon systems; none of which are without their challenges. With delayed supply lines and standard CAV problems working in a tough, hot

Cfn Hume, LCpls Binnie and Gurung, staying low and moving fast

Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve Logo

environment, the LAD have had to find unique engineering solutions to overcome challenges; both when in camp and deployed forward. The team have embraced life in Erbil, and whenever there is a challenge, the LAD are there. This was certainly the case when LCpls Binnie and Gurung were up before the sun to take part in the gruelling 18-mile Norwegian speed march. Despite sore feet, morale was still high after crossing the finish line. I think they were also glad to be out from underneath a CAV for a few hours, which as the pictures show, is definitely their natural habitat!

Cfn Daniel Hume

I have really enjoyed deploying to Iraq on my first Operational tour. It has given me the opportunity to increase my engineering knowledge as well as having the opportunity to deploy forward as Vehicle Mechanic; supporting patrols up to 300km away from our base location. Having the responsibility of making engineering decisions away from my chain of command is a great experience. I most enjoy working with the team within the LAD, as we all work superbly together to achieve common goals. At the end of the day though, it’s definitely a work hard play hard ethos here in Erbil.

LCpl Akil Gurung

This is my first Operational tour, and I am fully enjoying the experience working on unfamiliar equipment. The CAV fleet has been a real challenge to keep out on the ground. The main challenge I face is sourcing ES MAT, and I have really enjoyed engaging and building relationships with contractors to ensure that the LAD are able to maintain equipment when the pressure is on. A great part of my time in Iraq has been deploying forward to give the UKMC close ES; testing my engineering skills when faults arise and formulating plans to accomplish the missions. However, I have most enjoyed assuming the role of CAV Commander, which has tested me, but I also know the experience will benefit me greatly and will be something I can rely on going forward in my career.

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LCpls Binnie and Gurung before the Norwegian 18-mile speed march

Cfn Hume ready to deploy on patrol with the UKMC

LCpls Binnie and Gurung after the Norwegian 18-mile speed march

Capt Nathan Weaver IEng REME – SO3 J4, UK NSE Arifjan (1 CS Bn REME)

With Op SHADER being one of the few operational campaigns currently available to an officer, this was an opportunity to be seized. Working within HQ BRITFOR, a fully staffed headquarters forward mounted under PJHQ, my principal role across the Combined Joint Operations Area (CJOA) is advising COMBRITFOR on all J4 functions (Equipment Support, Logistics, Contracts & Infrastructure) as well as policy advise across the UK Land Component. The role is varied and has the freedom to travel by US air assets, so I can prioritise time both in Kuwait and Iraq across multiple sites where UK Forces Elements are based.

An interesting study of first-line ES in action, has been the support to the PICEA variant of CAV. These critical force protection assets were delivered in February 2022 new from storage and have been challenging for the UKMC. It has been hugely satisfying seeing how well the LAD have responded and dealt with numerous teething problems with regards to both the environment and climate we are operating in, going from 40+ degrees in June and July, to sub-zero throughout December and January.

Another capability for the MOD seen in the CJOA has been the new Rapid Sentry (RS), Counter (One-Way) Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS), which has involved working closely with Thales and the RAF Regt to trial and deliver these assets. The RS system works using Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) and a laser-guided beam rider system to track a target more than 6 km away and the opportunity to be involved with this has proved an excellent chance to stretch my engineering credentials. The tour hasn’t all been work however, there has been opportunity to travel to Kuwait City, as well as visit some Iraqi sights such as the Victory Arch and Unknown Soldier Monument.

Lt Col Stu Jones CEng REME

– Chief Strategic Communications, HQ CJTF-OIR (Outreach Group, 77th Brigade)

As I reflect on the words written in this article by those more worthy, I am reminded firstly that at the time of writing I am the only member of the Corps currently out here supporting CJTFOIR not at trade so to speak, and secondly that this is probably a good thing.

Whether it’s Cpl Franks inspecting and maintaining weapons across an entire country on his own, Q Mitchell and the team in Erbil up to their elbows in POL underneath a seemingly endless stream of CAVs, or Capt Nathan Weaver turning his gaze and attention to detail on anything even remotely J4 related to great effect, I have been gladdened to see that operational ES matters are still being tackled in keeping with the finest of our traditions. The LAD team in Erbil in particular, has drawn much praise and has a solid reputation within the CJTF for keeping operationally fit kit exactly where it needs to be (insert comment about punches and fists here…).

As to me not being at trade, my days of crawling around under a breech trying to find a 10mm socket that I already know is lost forever under the turret floor, are long gone. This doesn’t matter though, as it’s obvious from the spirit and performance of those on their first operational tours out here, that the future of the Corps remains in safe hands. AeM.

Lt Col Jones with the A2E Wall, FOB UNION III, Baghdad

The UKMC LAD Team with Capt Weaver, Erbil Air Base

the EDITOR

Repairing Military Equipment

Dear Editor,

The article in the April 2023 on “Repairing Military Equipment” and its findings that “in Ukraine, units are trading equipment with neighbouring elements” shows that we continue to reinvent wheels. In April 1982, 29 Commando Regiment LAD REME set off for the Falklands. We theoretically carried out First Line repairs but as our war role was in Northern Norway we had learnt that any Second Line assistance was extremely unlikely. Some very resourceful Artificers and others had made it their business to cadge circuit diagrams for FACE, Cymbeline and tels kit and worked out how to repair them, in some cases using parts from civilian suppliers. So, in the 48 hours we had to prepare before embarkation we not only acquired more spares from units such as 4 Field Regiment RA who also had the 105mm Light Gun and associated equipment, but also extra “bits” needed to repair rather than replace boards.

Before we put ashore in San Carlos we took note of something we had learnt from an old hand that had been in the Suez landings that one of their problems was that some vehicles had new-fangled things called keys to isolate the ignition and they had got lost. We made sure that our vehicles could start and run without the need for keys. As for repair, we had never experienced a broken balancing spring on a 105mm Light Gun so did not carry a spare (we went ashore carrying tools and spares on our backs). On the first day a spring broke. The training at Bordon in metalwork paid off as one of the Artificer Weapons managed, using the facilities on board one of the ships in San Carlos, to manufacture a frame to hold the spring roughly in shape and continue firing. Without that we would have lost 5.5% of the artillery fire power available at the start of the war. I would dispute the statement in the article that “Western militaries do not show an agility in capturing, repairing and redeploying” enemy equipment. As the war went on, we acquired Argentinian weapons so by the end the LAD and Regiment had a fair

stack of machine guns for local air defence that we did not have at the start. Unfortunately, we had to throw the whole lot over the side on the way home but we also acquired one of the enemy 155mm guns, that did make it home, and a large number of their 105mm Pack Howitzers. As a matter of fact, we had too many of the latter. As they could be broken down into parts that could be transported on a mule they could also be hidden away from people in authority who wanted them thrown over the side with the rest of our arms cache. They continued to appear on the square in the Royal Citadel in Plymouth in the months after our return.

At the end we found ourselves in Stanley with no wheeled vehicles but many Argentinian Mercedes Gelanderwagens. The enemy had thrown the keys away but that was not a problem to resourceful VMs. The biggest problem we had was keeping our hands on the redeployed vehicles because as soon as an officer over the rank of Major saw us in one we lost it and then had to go and find another! The last one was requisitioned by a Lieutenant Colonel who was not only very close to retirement but had been on at least two ships that had been sunk underneath him whilst he was coordinating ship to shore gunfire support. He got his vehicle but only on condition that we would act as his driver and escort.

Finally, I would totally agree with the statements that: “Empowerment, alongside technical ability, is critical to keep equipment in the fight. Units are circumventing slow, centralised, repair chains as they fear losing access to weapons for moths at a time”. A message for LAD Commanders and others is that empowerment, which may mean ignoring or bending the rules and regulations to keep your equipment fighting fit, might not be good for your career but it does work and doesn’t half improve the morale of the tradesmen, Technicians and Artificers who are the life blood of the Corps.

Yours, Paul

Musgrove

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VM Replacement Toolbox

Replacement Vehicle Mechanic (VM) toolboxes and tools has been high on the agenda for every unit in the Field Army for as long as many of us care to remember. While on the face of it, the procurement of such simple items feels intuitively straight forward, it has been anything but. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as a trip to Halfords with a trade card. The complexity surrounding the through-life support plan for new tools and those already in service, the financial categorisation frictions that have plagued the project, and the human resources required to deliver it, has meant that for years there has been no path forward. The team in ES Cap Dev (Army HQ), alongside the VM Trade Champion, ASM Millson, and the Operational Infrastructure team in DE&S can now announce that these issues have been worked out and new VM toolkits will begin to arrive in the Field Army from 2024. The plan will see the arrival of the first 500 toolkits begin to land around June 2024, being delivered at a rate of 100 per month. The prioritisation of units to receive these is yet to be decided, but HQ Field Army will work closely with the Formations to ensure that the right people get them at the right time. The plan to deliver the remaining 2,000 toolkits is in progress, there will be more information to follow in summer this year. These tools have a 10-year support mechanism and will be JAMES managed to formalise this support. Importantly, a plan to replace them at the end of that decade will be in place so that we avoid repeating the same problems. This process has set a precedent for how we can deliver such projects, and Army HQ can now look to the future and plan the update of tools for other REME trade groups.

Scribe: Major Alex Shand

Prototype VM toolbox currently being assessed and developed

Top case with inserts

Scribe: WO1 (ASM) Stu Millson – Vehicle Trade Champion

As Maj Shand mentioned previously, a replacement toolkit for Vehicle Mechanics has been long overdue. In fact, it is over 20 years since the VM Toolkit received any type of investment or review. As we all know the current issued VM Basic kit and Supplementary kit is outdated and no longer suitable for the ES tasks that we find ourselves conducting; adding increased strain to this is the delivery of the modern fleets we continue to support.

You will be alive to the supportability issues that we have felt over the years also, where contracts have lapsed resulting in the ‘system’ not being able to supply us with replacement issued tools. This has led to units making use of innovation spending to try and bridge the gap and unacceptably, our tradespeople having to spend your own money to purchase tooling fit for purpose.

In 2014 the Combat Service Support Trials Development Unit (CSS TDU) conducted some trials which highlighted the issues below, which I don’t think will be of any surprise:

a. Tools – Many of the tools supplied are no longer required, as they were originally provided to support vehicles no longer in service. There are also several tools not currently provided, that are needed to support the current (and future) vehicle fleets, particularly Support Vehicles, Protected Mobility, AJAX and Mechanised Infantry Vehicles.

b. Toolboxes – The issued VM Basic and VM Supplementary toolboxes are cumbersome, can be difficult to move/stack/carry, are easily damaged, which can affect their integrity and make them difficult to secure, and do not provide easy access to all tools, due to stacked tray inserts.

c. Mobile Tool Chest – The FACOM mobile tool chest used for firm base support is obsolete and has a serious safety issue. A common fault with the locking mechanism designed to prevent more than one of the upper sliding drawers being opened at a time, allows two or more drawers to be opened together, which, when coupled with the weight of the system when full of tools, can lead to it becoming unstable and falling forward. This presents a potential to cause serious injury to personnel.

With this in mind, in 2020 work began to resolve this long-aged issue. Initially CSS TDU worked alongside the Operational Infrastructure Service Delivery Team (OI SDT) to review some solutions looking to overcome the problem. At this this point a number of user working groups were set up in order to analyse the tools required by the user. Thirty-six user groups in total were utilised across all the main garrisons, this data collected presented differing results; there was not one fits all solution with comparable results being seen from similar unit types.

Based upon this information, I as the Trade Champion alongside the OI SDT began to scrutinise the results further, and at this point we requested support from two senior Artisans; with heavy experience on wheeled platforms and tracked platforms. Together we refined the tools to go into the new kits and decided upon the stowage solution that should accommodate them.

These now have been developed into prototypes and will be seen at some units in the coming months as we confirm the suitability of the new VM toolkits. The new kit provides the VM on the shop floor with a rugged two-tier stacking type unit that can be transported not only around the shop floor but over rugged ground. Within the kit, we have provided a much wider array of tooling options. This kit will support the modern-day equipment that VM’s continue to maintain and repair and should lessen the need to seek tools from the G1098 store, or dare

I say Halfords…

No longer will individuals be limited to 3/8 and 1/4 inch drive socket sets, we have now included 1/2 inch drive sets also with variation in sizes up to 26 mm before moving into the impact sockets

sets. Included is both 13 sided and 6 sided sockets, ratchet spanners, picks, pry bar, magnetic stripping tray, improved torch solutions, and Torx internal and external sets.

We believe this is a huge improvement to what is currently issued and the items I mention above are only some of the new additions. In conjunction with the roll out of the new tool kit is an abundance of improved tooling solitons available from OI SDT, items such as battery impact power tools, mobile LED lighting sets etc. I encourage you to all review your G1098 holdings against the Tooling Army Engineering Support Publication (AESP) and challenge your Chain of Command to source you these modern-day items.

Clearly this is not the final product, it will require continual improvement as lessons are learned from use, and as equipment develops. So, rest assured that there is a review set every 5 years on these toolkits; ensuring the future proofing of the kits. This however relies upon the user to ensure that you provide feedback; making use of applications such as Defence Ideas and invest in this new product.

Any comments, or suggestions you may have on the proposed toolkits are greatly received so please do get in touch with myself or one of the team.

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Top case “box within a box”

Ex UNIFIED RESOLVE

February 2023 saw members of 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards (QDG) BGHQ, supported by members of 3 RHA, 5 RA and The Royal Yeomanry deploy to Canadian Forces Base Kingston, Ontario on Ex UNIFIED RESOLVE 23 (Ex UR23), the Canadian Army’s largest computerassisted exercise. The aim of Ex UR23 was to conduct the certification and validation of the HQ of 5e GroupeBrigade Mécanisé du Canada and its constituent units. The QDG BGHQ deployed as a Deep Recce Strike (DRS) Battle-Group (BG), to provide FLANKCON acting as the 1st Canadian Division’s Deep Reconnaissance Force. With the formation of DRS in

Scribes: Capt Archie Selka and Lt Ollie McGuigian

October 2022, Ex UR23 provided an opportunity for the QDG to test and develop its ability to deploy as a DRS BG, prove the DRS concept as well as a preparation exercise for Ex WARFIGHTER 23-4.

Electrical and Mechanical Engineer Lieutenant Attachment (EMELt)

Scribe: Lt Ollie McGuigian

On completion of MSEC(L) in December 2022 I posted to 6 Armoured (Close Support) Battalion REME (6 REME), the Bn aligned to the new Deep Recce Strike BCT.

As a member of 14 Armoured Company, who provide QDG with their 2nd line support, I was given the opportunity to be attached to the QDG as an EMELt for Ex UNIFIED RESOLVE 23. This was an opportunity to see Recce, ISTAR and Strike units working together to prove the DRS concept from a simulation perspective which proved to be a huge success; although with lots of lessons learned and identified of course.

Throughout the exercise I was ‘BG Liaison Officer (BGLO) 2IC’ covering the G4 desk during the night shift, liaising with the

Armourers Indoor Range

Ex Unified Resolve team

Armourers Laser

3D Printer

Metalsmith Bay

Canadian Divisional G4 team and managing all Log, ES and Med for the Battlegroup under the BGLO, Capt Selka. This was especially interesting following the DRS Sustainment Study Day, 2 days before we deployed to Canada.

The Study Day, hosted by 6 REME, was an opportunity for units from across the DRS BCT to come together to discuss and showcase how their unit operates and the challenges of sustainment. QDG in particular stood out for two reasons; due to being the only unit on Light Vehicles, their duration without resupply is much longer than an Armoured unit, and the fragility (or complete lack of) a Log and Med chain rearwards in their Deep Reece role. This set us up for success on the exercise as we understood our limitations, and looked to our higher formations for both Medical and Logistic support when required.

An insight into the Canadian REME, past and present

Scribe: Capt Selka

Whilst in Canada it would have been a travesty to not find the closest Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) workshop and see what it’s like ‘across the pond’. We found one a short drive from the simulation centre so during a lull in battle we went across to have a look around.

The current RCEME

The RCEME workshop was amazing. Hosted by their Chief Technical Officer, a WO1 equivalent, we were shown some incredible capabilities far beyond what we have in the REME. They had a drivethrough automated wash down, an indoor vehicle park for hire vehicles including snow mobiles, a Logistics Section, a large

workshop with multiple lifts and two gantry cranes working on civilian and military vehicles side by side, individual issue full Snapon tool chests and workstations, a Metalsmith bay, a Tech bay, an Armourers workshop which included 3D printers, an industrial laser cutter and a ‘bullet catcher’ to allow the weapons to be fired in the armoury for testing once repaired. There was a full paint shop which you could fit a bus in, including a computerised colour scanner and paint mixer, and a textiles section with an embroidery machine. The scale and quality of their equipment was incredible; although it sounds like their workforce issues are worse than ours as the Canadian Armed Forces lower their entry standards on beards,

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Lt McGuigian inspecting a Canadian Army G Wagon

A collection of REME cap-badges owned by Willy’s grandfather

Capt Selka, Willy, and Lt McGuigan

Frozen Lake Curling

DCCT equivalent

REME Cap badges over the years

piercings, tattoos and smoking cannabis (allowed on camp up to 8 hours before you are on duty)!

Although it was just a short walk around it was a fantastic visit and was fascinating to see the different way the Canadians deliver Equipment Support with military and civilian contractors working full time alongside each other in an Army workshop (similar to our Babcock ASTs and FMSTs but on a much larger scale). The capabilities they had were particularly interesting as their repair responsibilities were much wider, i.e. include painting and textiles, and made us ask ourselves whether we could, or should, be aiming to do the same.

The past RCEME

Once the exercise had finished those deployed were hosted by the Governor General Horse Guards (GGHG), the QDG’s Sister recce Regiment. This involved a visit to their base in Toronto and included an introduction to their recce vehicles, and for the officers, a night in a ‘cottage’ in the middle of nowhere next to a frozen lake the night before.

Whilst at the cottage we met a neighbour, Willy, who had spent his whole career in the RCEME and had some great stories. His Grandfather was a founding member of the REME and he showed us the original King’s crown cap badge, it’s replacement (as the original was too shiny!) and the Queen’s crown cap badge we all know so well, all from his and his Grandfather’s collection. It was really interesting to hear about the history of the Corps from a different perspective and if Willy ever comes across to the UK we’ll be sure to show him the REME Museum. All in all, the deployment to Canada both for the exercise and the RCEME insight was a fantastic experience and if you ever find yourself working with the Canadians, get to the closest workshop for a warm welcome!

EME with Armourers Indoor Range

The inaugural UK v Canada Lake Curling competition

RCEME Workshop

The original design for the REME cap badge in 1942

From 1947 to 1963 the REME cap badge showed the King’s crown

The crown on the REME cap badge was changed in 1963 when Elizabeth II became Queen

Canadian Recce Vehicle

North Yorkshire Rotary Club’s Technology Tournament

Scribe: WO1 (ASM) Chris Waddington

For more than 15 years, North Yorkshire Rotary Clubs of Richmond, Northallerton, Mowbray, Thirsk and Wensleydale have organised an annual technology tournament for young Engineers from schools within the region. The event returned to 1 (Close Support) Battalion REME for the seventh consecutive year with Northallerton’s Rotary Club turn to lead the way for the 2023 event.

The tournament involved planning, manufacturing, and delivering a challenging technical project, utilising the minimal resources provided. This year’s challenge saw teams building a small, electric motor-powered vehicle, able to traverse a single rope bridge. An additional requirement of fabricating a load-carrying device was also set for students from the older age groups. The board of judges then marked the vehicle against a series of exacting criteria. The teams also had to produce a journal of their plans and work for the day. This also contributed to the overall scoring.

This year the tournament attracted entrants from ten schools – Barnard Castle, Cundall Manor, Bedale High, Hurworth, Richmond, Northallerton, Risedale, St Francis Xavier, Thirsk, and Wensleydale, with the teams of four ageing from 12 to 18 years old. In addition, one REME team participated as a guest entrant.

Throughout the event it was great to see the students getting stuck into the challenge. Their energy, commitment and technical skills were tremendous, and consistent ingenuity led to some rather novel solutions to the problem. During the lunch break, the competitors and Rotary Club members had an opportunity to look around REME equipment within the Battalion. Unsurprisingly this was very well received by young and old alike.

On completion of the event and following the scoring from the panel of Judges, the prizes were presented by Mr Richard Greenwood, the District Governor of the Rotary Club and Mrs Susan Rogers. There were three levels of prizes according to age and the winners in each level received a trophy shield along with a book token. The prize winners were as follows:

Foundation Winners - Hurworth School

Intermediate Winners - Wensleydale School

Advanced Winners - Barnard Castle School

Team 1

The event once again cemented the Battalion’s status as the centre of excellence within the Garrison for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) outreach. The event would not have been a success if it was not for the contribution of members from all the Rotary Clubs in the area, with Mr Allen Percy co-ordinating the event alongside members of 1 (CS) Bn REME.

LCpl’s Riley, Brooks Mzamu and Cfn Braniff in the advanced competition

Teams busy testing their designs

Team members exploring an SV(R) recovery vehicle

Exercise IRON FIRE 23

On 26 January 2023, the Royal Tank Regiment Battle-Group (BG) deployed to Sennelager, Germany, for two months to conduct Exercise IRON FIRE 23 as part of the Combat Ready Training (CRT) pathway. This included REME personnel from RTR, C Coy R WELSH, 33AES 26 Engrs and 4 REME, including junior soldiers to whom an armoured BG was a brand-new experience. The team quickly settled into the job, preparing a fleet pulled from across 3 Div to get the BG out the door.

The first event of the deployment was the Command, Staff and Tactical Training Exercise (CSTTX). During this, alongside getting the vehicle fleet ready for the upcoming field exercises, the troops had the opportunity to experience the simulation halls of Sennelager CATT.

Here, they carried out work practicing complex techniques and

pushing the BG to its limits, showing off just what RTR is capable of. This then led into the Field Training Exercise (FTX): 10 long days spent on the training area, working in tough conditions to keep a busy BG functioning. Despite the unsavoury conditions, battling the elements in a German winter, the REME maintained their great reputation, ensuring the pace never had to slow down; our soldiers worked hard, not just at trade but practicing their fieldcraft and tactical skills too.

Alongside the hard work, the soldiers found the time to enjoy themselves too. The local town of Paderborn was enjoyed on many a night out, with Paderborn FC gaining a full squad of supporters for the two months. Some went further afield and took up Nordic Skiing while deployed; getting the opportunity to go to the Harz mountains and try their hand at a new sport.

A freshly repaired Challenger 2 MBT tracks its way back to the frontline

Scribe: Lt R J Pearmund

B Coy (1 Mercian) standing by to act as OPFOR for the RTR BG

Egypt

(Scribe: LCpl Somerville)

During our time away, the plans for the exercise were fluid, but this didn’t dissuade us. Despite the turbulence we did what Egypt Fitters do best: work hard, play hard. On our Go Karting trip we found out that Sgt Mansell wouldn’t slow down for anything.

Other highlights include the mirror finished NAAFI wagon turning up to the ‘Fully Tactical’ ECCP much to the delight of the officers. The end is just about in sight; however, it is difficult to see past some of the atrocious moustaches.

Our illustrious leader SSgt Mack got some Cfn off on Nordic Skiing, much to their delight until they realised that “Nordic” actually means “uphill”. Overall, an entertaining few months in Germany that generated an impressive number of memes.

Dreadnaught

(Scribe: Cfn Langham)

Upon arriving in Germany, Dreadnaught Fitter Section found a massive job at hand with some of the vehicles; but, as always, we got the work done. One of the highlights of this was three pack lifts in one day to change the fire wires; on this day, Germany decided to show us every type of weather it had to offer from glorious sun to snow, all a couple of days before exercise IRON FIRE.

Once this was done, we could finally look towards the exercise which didn’t go without its own mishaps. The EMELt was the third man for Staff Sergeant Pike’s Bulldog and being made to make coffee, which he was clearly not a fan of – the cafetiere ended up getting “accidentally” booted out of the Bulldog and smashed everywhere. However, it wasn’t all work: a few people from across the Regiment and LAD went to Paderborn FC for a couple of games and then on to explore the local area. The time spent in Germany was a success for the exercise but also for getting some of us out and seeing a new place in Europe.

Cyclops Fitter Section

(Scribes: LCpl Stainsby and LCpl Fleming)

In the first week the Fitters became well acquainted when all 14 of them were squeezed into a 4-person room, but this didn’t dampen spirits after a recce of the local area. Our Recovery Mechanics represented the section in CATT, single

handily saving the Battle-Group on one occasion. Meanwhile, the hand over from QRH went smoothly; the hard work paying off when Cyclops deployed on the FTX with all 14 tanks good to go. The weather was hard to gauge, as at the beginning of the exercise it was relatively warm with clear skies, but this was abruptly ruined by four days of rain and then snow.

LCpl Stainsby was awarded a CO’s coin, representing the Cyclops Fitter Section as their newly appointed Class 3 Tech, making his mentor Cpl Phelps proud.

The Fitter Section proved themselves under strict deadlines and limited resources to get the vehicles out the door. Their quick adaptability, resilience and hard-working mindset gave the Squadron the availability needed to do their job smoothly.

C Coy

(Scribe: LCpl Parker)

Our time deployed in Germany with The Royal Welsh, C Coy Fitter Section, has been a positive experience. From receiving the fleet and getting it up to a readiness standard, to maintaining a good level of

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The (very full) ECCP was constantly working, with all manner of REME tasks underway

One of Dreadnaught Sqn’s CRARRVs sits ready to push forward if needed

The crew and REME clamber over a Challenger 2 MBT to diagnose the problem operability whilst out in the field, we embraced the new lessons learnt from active jobs; learning different ways of how to tackle similar problems in the future.

Many enjoyable memories have also been made such as the friendly brew making competitions between the 3rd men of the Warrior 512 and 513, or who out of the Fitter Section managed to remain deployed the longest without breaking down. Having to

cope with the varying weather conditions that would change daily was a constant challenge particularly in the field.

All of this has been an immense learning experience for us within the Section, using our trades and skills to diagnose and fix any faults that were found, and in contributing to a successful exercise and deployment in Germany.

Photography courtesy of Clearshot Photography

Sgt Edem Siawor EngTech MIMechE

Recovery Mechanics Branch Bow Shackle Ball

Saturday 30th September 2023

Easterbrook Hall, The Crichton, Dumfries, DG1 4TA

Accommodation is at the Premier Inn, Annan Road, Collin, Dumfries, DG1 3JX

to be arranged by the guests themselves Open to all serving and veteran REME Recovery Mechanics

The evening event will be £45 per person

40th Foundation Anniversary 26th

November 2023

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

Admission £10.00 per head

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

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

Ex DRAGON SNOW

In March 2023, members of 5 (FS) Bn REME attended Ex DRAGON SNOW (Ex DS). This Adventurous Training (AT) package was located in Tignes, France, and the aims of Ex SD were threefold: to challenge soldiers mentally and physically by pushing them out of their comfort zone; to become better leaders by pushing yourself as an individual and leading your team through challenging conditions and exhaustion; and, to develop teamwork as a main factor which allows you to overcome obstacles together and you will get to know your strengths and weaknesses.

The end state is seen as acquiring Ski Foundation (SF) qualifications such as the SF1 or SF2 qualification, and if you choose to go through further training to progress to a Ski Instructor you would attend SF3/SL1 courses and undertake continuation training. The AT package consisted of two different weeks of skiing for two groups of around 30 Service Personnel and was organised by 1 Field Company OC, Major David Melia. Our week started by leaving Lyneham Barracks in Wiltshire for a late-night movement via coach and ferry; and after a 25-hour journey we arrived in Tignes, France. On arrival, we had an admin day

to sort out our accommodation, Ski equipment and Ski passes. This was my second time skiing with the Army and I can honestly say I grafted hard and really had to push myself to obtain the SF2 qualification. It’s a big leap from SF1, the course consisted of avalanche drills, mainly off-piste skiing and touring for many hours at a time which was the most exhausting subject on the course. There were six of us in total on SF2, some people had completed it before but were advised to carry out more SF2 training.

The first day consisted of how to put on your skis, take them off and how to adjust them properly, how to come down the slopes correctly and control your skis. Bearing in mind we have skied before, we needed to refresh our minds and get the currency of our skills back. On the second day, we mainly focused on avalanche drills which consisted of using a transceiver to find the location of a bag that was buried underneath the snow to

Scribe: LCpl Lowe

then finally probe around the area to recover the bag (which represented a body); which was then extracted and pulled to safety. Day three was mainly focused on off-piste skiing which led us over a frozen river covered in snow located in a valley; you had to stay vigilant at all times and carry out the correct drills to stay safe and enjoy your time on the slopes. Day four was a real eye opener consisting of touring. We were introduced on how to correctly set up skis to walk up the slopes, which included putting on Ski skins, clamps, changing the touring setting for the various angles you encounter on the slopes. This was the most exhausting day due to the fact that after many hours we toured up a slope to then get caught in a snow storm with adverse weather conditions; this impaired vision to roughly five metres. The final day was a summarisation of everything we learned throughout the week where we were watched closely by our Instructor to see how we were skiing en-piste and off-piste correctly while carrying out our drills and proving we have obtained the aims and objectives of EX SD. I obtained my SF2 qualification and I can honestly say it pushed me out of my comfort zone both physically and mentally.

Exploring Europe’s Military History

In February 2023, members of 8 Parachute Field Company embarked on a Battlefield Study to explore Europe’s military history focusing on the events of World War II. Over the course of the trip the group visited several locations. From the solemn grounds of Auschwitz to the iconic landmarks of Berlin, this tour offered a unique perspective on a defining moment in history.

Bastogne

As we arrived in the small Belgian town of Bastogne; it was impossible not to feel the weight of history in the air. This unassuming town was the site of one of the most intense and gruelling battles of World War II - the Battle of the Bulge. In December of 1944, German forces launched a surprise attack on the Ardennes Forest, hoping to divide Allied forces and cut off their supply lines. The town of Bastogne, held by American troops, stood in their way.

The Bastogne War Museum offered an incredibly engaging and informative experience, which we embarked on through a guided audio tour. The tour follows the war from the viewpoint of four different individuals, each offering

their own unique perspective on the events that unfolded. We heard about the experiences of soldiers on both sides of the conflict, as well as civilians caught in the crossfire.

I was personally struck by the vividness of the exhibits. From equipment such as tanks, trucks and an array of weapons used by soldiers to the personal effects of the period and several expertly reconstructed scenes. Everything was designed to immerse visitors in the experience.

Berlin

Our next stop was the vibrant city of Berlin where we were surrounded by the history and culture of the region. The Brandenburg Gate, an iconic symbol of the city, was a remarkable sight. Its grandeur and beauty are a testament to the enduring spirit of the city and its people.

Scribe: WO1 (ASM) Robert Williams

Foxhole

The gear

The trees

At Checkpoint Charlie, we were transported back in time to the tense days of the Cold War. The checkpoint, once a heavily fortified crossing between East and West Berlin, now serves as a poignant reminder of the divisions that once existed in the city. The Berlin Wall, the most iconic symbol of the Cold War, was a stark reminder of the tumultuous past of the city.

Some members of our group were set the task with delivering a short brief about each of the locations which afforded an excellent learning opportunity. Some of the teams were noticeably better than others with Jake and Kieran as the clear winners of the day. Their detailed and informative brief on the history of Checkpoint Charlie added a further level of interest and caught everyone by surprise when they started quizzing us and even throwing in some James Bond trivia.

Auschwitz

Visiting Auschwitz is a profound and emotional experience that leaves a lasting impact. The enormity of the atrocities committed at this site are difficult to comprehend. Death caused by starvation and torture was common but the sheer scale of the murder that occurred here is overwhelming, with an estimated 1.1 million people (mostly Jews) losing their lives in the gas chambers and through other forms of execution.

Our tour guide Lucas has been leading tours at Auschwitz for 16 years. His Grandfather was a survivor of the camp; which gave him a deeply personal connection to the site and its history. His personal connection and emotional investment in the site added an extra layer of gravity to the tour, making it even more

Bars of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall

The Gang at CP Charlie

Cfn Ablitt giving his brief

No escape

impactful. His insights about the experiences of those who had been imprisoned in the camp gave us a deeper understanding of the human toll of the Holocaust.

The most staggering thing about the visit is the realisation that Auschwitz was one thing, a factory of death, a place where the Nazis carried out their genocidal plans with chilling efficiency. The horror of this reality is almost impossible to imagine and highlighted the continuing need to remember and learn from the past.

The Soviet Memorial

The Barracks

Railhead Birkenau

Incinerator

Colditz Castle

Colditz Castle, located in eastern Germany, is a Renaissance-era castle with a fascinating history. During World War II, the castle was used as a prisoner-of-war camp for Allied prisoners, many of whom were officers who had attempted to escape from other camps. Despite being heavily guarded, several prisoners managed to escape from Colditz, a testament to their resourcefulness and ingenuity.

Mike, our guide, shared with us the details of the escape attempts and painted a vivid picture of life as a POW. One of the more famous attempts was a tunnel escape where the prisoners dug under the Chapel, they had to move an enormous amount of rock which they hid in the roof. Eventually the roof collapsed under the weight which led to the discovery of the tunnel before it could be finished.

Mike’s wealth of knowledge and his ability to tell the story of Colditz Castle and its prisoners made for a memorable and thought-provoking visit. The castle now serves as a museum and tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into the fascinating history of this remarkable building.

Omaha Beach and the Airborne Museum

Omaha Beach is in Normandy, France and was the site of one of the most famous battles of World War II: The D-Day invasion. On June 6th, 1944, Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy in what was the largest amphibious invasion in history. The

‘Work will set you free’

The Castle

The Glider that never flew

Tank in the sun

objective of the invasion was to establish a foothold in Europe and ultimately defeat Nazi Germany. The Airborne Museum features a wide range of exhibits and artefacts, including a comprehensive collection of weapons, uniforms, and equipment used by Allied and German airborne forces.

Pegasus Bridge

As we departed for Calais, we had time for one final visit where we received a detailed briefing from WO2 ReyesContreras on the historical significance of the initial operation, Pegasus Bridge. On the night of June 5th, 1944, a group of British soldiers carried out a daring mission to capture the bridge before the German forces could destroy it. The operation was a success, and the bridge was held by Allied forces for the remainder of the war. It is the site of the first casualty of the invasion as well as the first liberated building.

Summary

The trip was an incredible experience offering a unique perspective from the viewpoint of other countries involved in World War II. From Bastogne, where American troops defended the town during the Battle of the Bulge; Auschwitz, a powerful reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust, Omaha Beach, and Pegasus Bridge, which were key objectives of the D-Day landings. Each stop provided a deeper understanding of the war. Overall, the trip was a poignant reflection on life wartime Europe and the sacrifices made by those who fought and died in the conflict.

Flags

The Bridge

Omaha Beach Memorial

Potteries and District REME Association – Spring Newsletter

New Branch Member Adrian Walker, ex LCpl Radar Tech, has taken it upon himself to start a REME North Staffordshire Breakfast Club, held once a month on the first Saturday at 10am in the local Toby Carvery. The 3rd of June event will be the third such gathering of ex Corps people, with the numbers seemingly getting more each month, ten in attendance last month with hopefully more joining in the future. With Branch Members starting to take notice it is hoped that the event will start getting more members to join the Branch who otherwise would not know we existed as their only Branch on their doorstep in North Staffordshire and the Moorlands.

It is to be hoped that with Branch Members getting involved with the Breakfast Club, some attendees who are not currently Association Members will join the Branch and will start to attend our monthly lunch events, where we all descend on a local pub or restaurant to enjoy a meal together. Currently, attendance at these lunch events is a bit hit and miss, mirroring Branch Meeting attendance, one month we can get eighteen attend the lunch and this month we could only muster ten, at the Royal Oak in the Moorlands village of Dilhorne. Sadly, only two were REME badged with the remainder made up of our friends in the local RCT Association.

It is good news on the retention of the Tri Services and Veterans Centre in the nearby borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme. The Staffordshire County Council wished to offload the property from its estate, and offered it up for sale at £120k. Common sense has finally prevailed and the Centre can now be purchased for £85k. Following a huge local fundraising effort, the sum of £45k has been reached, and due to the backing of local millionaire Mr John Caldwell, who is matching the efforts, they will have cracked the £90k barrier. This Centre is a vital facility in the county and beyond offering many services to local Veterans in the community, from a SSAFA representative based within the building to a food bank where needy Veterans can have bags of free food delivered to their doorstep.

Finally, a bit of a coup as far as Branch recruitment goes with the addition to our ranks of retired Major

General John Henderson CB, the outgoing Chief Executive of Staffordshire County Council. When approached by Branch Vice President Lt Col John Edwards about him taking up the appointment of Patron of our Branch, his response was that he would be delighted and honoured to accept the appointment in his local Branch.

He has already paid his annual Branch Membership fee and has confirmed his attendance at this year’s Christmas Dinner on Saturday November 25th.

(The following details and photo are in the public domain and can be checked on Wikipedia)

Major General John McNiven Ross Henderson was commissioned into the Corps of REME in 1982. He became the CO of 2 Battalion in 2002, and Commander of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan in June 2004, before becoming the Deputy Chief of Staff for the 1st Armoured Division in January 2005. He became the commander of 102 Logistics Brigade in December of 2006.

He was the Director of Logistics for the Army in 2008, and General Officer Commanding British Forces Germany in August 2012.

He was appointed as a companion of the Bath (CB) in the 2014 New Year’s Honours List. In 2015 he became the Chief Executive ·Officer of Staffordshire County Council.

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Ian and Ann Richardson ready for lunch

Branch Standard Bearer Mr Gil Mould at the Association Reunion

Rosemary Edwards wins chocolates again Major General Henderson

Scribe: Maurice Hope

The Salerno Wheel

Scribe:

Those of us familiar with REME’s history will know that the Corps has always worked with every part of the UK’s Armed Forces. Although this was particularly the case during World War Two, some may be surprised to learn REME supported not just Britain’s military but that of the entire Allied war effort as well.

From the Museum’s perspective, this can be a challenging story to tell: how do you encapsulate the full breadth of REME’s vital role fighting the Axis forces using objects as illustrations? Fortunately, there is one item in the Museum’s permanent collection that allows us to do this in a very eloquent and fitting manner, and that is the Salerno Wheel.

The Wheel was one of the earliest objects acquired for the collection, as it was donated in 1958, the same year in which the Museum was founded. It has a fascinating and well documented history, and perfectly exemplifies the full extent of the Corps’ work.

Surprisingly, the Wheel’s origins can be traced back, albeit somewhat tangentially, to the Casablanca Conference held in January 1943. Here, representatives of the Allied forces, including Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt, met to discuss the next phase of the War, and in particular, how the inevitable assault on the European mainland, much of it still held by Nazi Germany, should be prosecuted.

Richard Davies, Curator, The REME Museum

An image of the Wheel as it used to be displayed in the Museum’s former home in Arborfield (The REME Museum)

Although Josef Stalin could not attend, he had made it clear that his preference was for the Allies to launch a second front in Western Europe to alleviate the pressure the Nazis were putting on the Russians in the East. The Americans seriously considered this, but Churchill thought the Allies were unprepared for such an undertaking at this stage of the War, and proposed an invasion of Italy instead. This compromise was eventually accepted, particularly as Churchill

argued an attack on the Italian mainland may lead to a popular uprising against Mussolini’s government and take them out of the War entirely.

This decision eventually led to Operation HUSKY, the amphibious attack on the island of Sicily, which was a prelude to the invasion of Italy itself. HUSKY began on 9th July 1943 (the anniversary of which marks the publication of this article), and ultimately resulted in an Allied victory by 17th August. The subsequent invasion of the mainland was made up of three distinct operations, AVALANCHE, BAYTOWN and SLAPSTICK; it is to the first of these, AVALANCHE, that the Salerno Wheel is connected.

AVALANCHE was launched on 9th September 1943, and included troops from the UK, the United States and Canada. It targeted Salerno, an ancient town in South West Italy, which the Allies wanted to use as a staging point from which to attack Naples, which lies further North. Naples’ port was to be used as a base to resupply the Allies, but also as a means of trapping German and Italian forces located near Italy’s Southern coast.

REME’s Beach Detachment was given the task of keeping the landing area clear of broken down and stricken equipment. The unit was part of 21st Beach Group, itself an element of the British 10th Corps, commanded by

A map of the Salerno landings. The incident that led to the capture of the Wheel took place in the Northern Attack Force Area (HMSO)

Lt Gen Richard McCreery; in turn, 10th Corps was part of the US 5th Army, led by Lt Gen Mark Wayne Clark.

Unusually, the Allied landing at Salerno was deliberately not preceded by any sustained naval or aerial bombardment as they wanted to achieve a surprise. The Germans were well prepared despite this attempted deception, and progress was slow as a result. During the landings, a German landing craft carrying fuel oil was attacked by a Allied naval vessel; the crew took fright and beached the craft (it is difficult to say which type of ship this was, but it may have been a Marine Artillerie Leichter (MAL), or Marine Artillery Lighter).

The wreck formed an obstacle to the landing, and so REME’s Corporal Rigby pulled it out of the way using two of the Beach Detachment’s D8 tractors. Rigby removed the landing craft’s Wheel as a trophy and mounted it on the front of one of the vehicles. Thus the Salerno Wheel was born.

Churchill’s view expressed at the Casablanca Conference proved to be a prescient one. The Italian people were thoroughly disheartened by the adverse impact the War was having on their country, and sensing the mood, the Government announced it had voted to remove itself from the Axis on 8th September 1943, just hours before the Salerno landings (negotiations between the Allies and the Italians had been happening in secret for some weeks before the formal proclamation). Mussolini was removed from power at the same time, although he was later reinstated following Hitler’s intervention. Thus we can be certain the Allies faced only German opposition during AVALANCHE, as the Italians were no longer combatants at this point.

In November 1943, 21st Beach Group re-joined its parent unit, 78th Infantry Troops Workshop, and the Wheel was used as the Workshop’s sign. It remained in this role throughout the Italian campaign, and even later into Austria. The twenty badges and signs it carries (there were originally twenty-one), allows us to trace the Workshop’s connections with the various detachments with which it was associated, as well as the dates and areas when and where it

served. Here is the complete list, starting from the “twenty five to the hour” position and proceeding clockwise around the rim.

1. 10th Indian Infantry Division (Italy, 1944).

2. Jewish Brigade (this badge may have been incorrectly rotated through ninety degrees).

3. 9th Armoured Brigade (British).

4. 4th Infantry Division (British).

5. Combined Operations (Salerno; British).

6. 8th Indian Infantry Division (Italy).

7. 1st Infantry Division (British).

8. 5th Army (American).

9. 5 Corps (Italy; British).

10. 5th Infantry Division (British).

11. 1st Army (North Africa; British).

12. 56th London Infantry Division (Salerno; British).

13. 78th Infantry Division (British).

14. 8th Army (Italy; British).

15. 30 Corps (Sicily; British).

16. 10 Corps (Salerno; British).

17. 13 Corps (Italy; British).

18. 2nd New Zealand Division (Cassino, March 1944).

19. 25th Armoured Engineer Brigade (British; 1945).

20. 6th AGRA (Army Group Royal Artillery; British).

The unit, which had received the new designation of 692 Infantry Troops Workshop in March 1944, was finally disbanded toward the end of 1945. Some of its members took the Wheel to Naples where it was reconditioned, and it was from there that it was returned to REME HQ in Arborfield, and ultimately donated to the Museum.

The author is grateful to his excellent Museum colleagues (Celia Cassingham (Archivist) and Zoë Tolman (Assistant Archivist), for their help with the images and copyright matters, and also to Fiona Redmond (Museum Front of House Assistant) for proofreading the first draft. I am particularly grateful to Lucy Brown, the Museum’s Social Media and Digital Marketing Officer, for the original suggestion of the article’s subject.

A colourised image of American troops landing in the vicinity of Salerno on 19th September 1943 (National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC)

Lt Gen Mark Wayne Clark on board the USS Ancon, 12th September 1943 (National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC)

This evocative image is one of the first taken of American soldiers landing in the vicinity of Salerno (National Archives and Records Administration, Washington DC)

Corps Coarse Angling Championships 2023

Scribe: WO2 (AQMS) Dave Goodall

TheREME Angling (Coarse) Championships was held 16-19 May 2023 at Baden Hall & Heronbrook Fisheries in Staffordshire.

18 Anglers arrived on the first day at Baden Hall Fishery, with the draw for pegs taking place each morning, as well as a detailed match brief on the fishery rules and timings for the week. All participants were split into two sections across the lakes for day one, with all matches being 6 hours long, fishing from 1100-1700hrs.

Day one was a Silver Fish only event (no Carp allowed) won by myself with a weight of 109 lbs, with Mr Dougie McCormack (a former AQMS VM) second with 102 lbs 11oz.

The next two days were pairs matches held on Heronbrook Fishery with 17 people in attendance, with one lucky person having two partners due to the odd number. Day one of the pairs was won by myself with 148 lbs 9oz and Mr Dougie McCormack second on the day with 105 lbs 5oz. Myself and Cpl Justin Day were top of the table after day one and were probably uncatchable. This proved to be the case after day two of the pairs, with us being crowned Champions with a total weight of 408 lbs 15oz. Second in the pairs was Mr Jason Nicholls (a former ASM Vehs) and Mr Robert Marsh (a former SSgt VM) with a combined weight of 356 lbs 10oz. Individual winner on the day was Sgt Steve Chadwick with 154 lbs 14oz and myself 2nd with 144 lbs 5oz.

The next two days were the main event to see who would be crowned 2023 Corps Champion. With 18 people fishing at Heronbrook Fishery, day one was won by Lt Col Toby Burrell with 145 lbs 8oz, closely followed by Sgt Steve Tilson with 125 lbs 12oz. Day two would see several people still in with a chance of winning the event and first on the final day was Cpl Ben Hickinbottom with 109 lbs 9oz and Mr Graham Payne (a former VM) second with 102 lbs 6oz.

Coming third overall for the 2023 Championships was Cfn Charlie Nicolson with 5 points and a weight of 197 lbs 6oz, second was Cpl Hickinbottom with 3 points and a weight of 232 lbs 5oz, and the

WO2 Goodall – Silver’s Winner day 1

Mr McCormack - Runner Up day 2

Sgt Tilson - Runner Up day 4

2023 Corps Champion was Lt Col Burrell with 2 points and a weight of 256 lbs.

Throughout the event a knockout tournament was taking place, with everyone in the hat at the start of the week, a random draw was completed and the winner from the draw each day would see you progress to the next round, the final pair were myself against Mr Dougie McCormack, the eventual winner was Dougie.

During the week Lt Col Burrell had the privilege to present Corps Colours to Sgt Steve Chadwick and Sgt Trev Tanner for their contributions towards Corps Angling over the past six years. We also held a charity raffle during the week where all money raised would be for the Phoenix Heroes Charity. A fantastic £371 for this chosen cause was collected.

As always, the biggest thanks must go to The REME Sports Association and The REME Charity for its support in funding our sport. This significantly offset the cost of the event to each serving participant, encouraging greater numbers to attend. The Corps Championships proved to be a great success and introduced new members to the sport. If you are interested in joining the REME Coarse Angling, please contact WO2 (AQMS) Dave Goodall on David.Goodall722@Mod.gov.uk

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Mr Payne - Runner Up day 5

Lt Col Burrell - Corps Champion 2023

WO2 Goodall handing over the £371 raised to the Phoenix Heroes’ Charity

Sgt Chadwick & Sgt Tanner presented with their Corps Colours by Lt Col Burrell

Ex RACING ICE 2/3

Lillehammer Norway 2023

Firstly, before I start for those who don’t know what Luge is, Luge is a high-speed winter sport that involves an individual rider face up on a sled and racing down a track made of ice. Luge is a very fast and exciting sport that originated in the 19th century. It’s an Olympic sport and is very popular in many countries around the world. The word Luge comes from the French word for Athletes who use their body weight and subtle shifts in body positions to steer the sled as it reaches speeds of 90mph. It is one of the most thrilling and challenging winter sports, which requires strength, concentration and bravery.

On the 15 February 2023 I set off for a long travel to Lillehammer, in Norway, and after a long day travelling and a nice 2-mile cold walk in the snow I got to my destination.

I was first to arrive, so luckily, I had the choice of rooms and ended

up with a nice room to myself. Soon after, the rest of the Army team arrived, which consisted of Sgt Squire REME, Capt Jacksons RE, LCpl Scott RE, SSgt Smith RLC, Maj Wyatt RE, Cpl Scott RTR and myself, REME, along with the Ex-organiser/Coach WO2 Holmes, and the amazingly knowledgeable Coach Mike Howard.

We assembled in the hotel that evening for a brief on the coming weeks training. After some nice food we then were dispatched for the evening to relax and get mentally ready for what was to come.

On a cold 16th of February morning, we woke up early and took a walk up the mountain to view the track for the first time. I am not going to lie seeing the track and having a walk-through talk through of all the corners, I was a bit apprehensive to say the least, but I was excited to get going. We were then given the rest of the morning to prepare our sleds for the up-and-coming practice runs the next day. Not much prep was need as WO2 Holmes and Coach Mike had already done most of it on the sleds, so all that was needed was to get one that fitted correctly and to get fitted into our amazing Army racing suits, and boots. They are slightly tight everywhere, but you need to be streamline for more speed and less resistance. We all got our kit and then went off to mentally prepare for the next day sliding.

On the 17th of February we got up early on a nice cold Norwegian morning and walked up the track to start our first runs; we started from turn 10, which is lower down the track. This enabled us to get to grips with the lower down corners at a slower speed. Once these corners are mastered at slower speed, we can then progress higher up the track.

After a few runs it was my turn to go. I got my sled into the track with the curtesy “it’s a bit Icy here” to WO2 Holmes and he would reply “yes that’s because its ice”. I entered the track anxiously in anticipation for what was to come, I put my visor and helmet on and laid on the sled. I gave WO2

Scribe: LCpl Moss

CGS Army Inter-services team

Experiencing G Force at the Inter Services Championships'

The Luge Team

Holmes the nervous nod, I was ready to go, he just let the sled go after about 5 seconds. I realised I was going a lot faster than I had been at our previous track in Austria.

The corners came quick and fast as did the walls. After a nice introduction to every wall at speed I made it to the finish line intact, with a massive smile on my face. I got out of the track and the transport gave us a lift back to the turn 10 to get ready and prepped to go again. I managed to complete my next two runs intact and still smiling. I started to learn each corner and wall very well. I was glad I had completed my first three runs and didn’t come off my sled and enjoyed every second of it. We finished for the day.

We headed down to the finish house for a warm coffee and a debrief with the team and the Medics who were always at hand to give us any first aid should we have needed it. That was us for the day and over the weekend we had a lot to take in and think about ready for the next weeks training.

20th February we headed back up the mountain to start the weeks training after a nice weekends rest. I was slightly nervous and excited to go again, it came around to my first run and off I went it felt slightly slower from Friday’s runs and I felt a lot more comfortable with the track and corners.

I completed my next two runs. They felt very much the same, I felt good and comfortable with it, and I wanted to move higher up the track the next day. With some good coaching from Mike, he convinced me to stay down for another day just to make sure I was comfortable with the corners and steering points lower down the track.

21st February, back up mountain we went, we conducted our track walk as the team did every morning. I was feeling confident about my three runs that day, how wrong I was. Even though it all felt slower I still managed to hit every wall in a long straight. Even after hitting all the walls I was still keen to move up the track. I still managed to complete two good runs, with some good tips from Mike; he advised me to move up for my last run to enable me to have a taste of higher up the track for the next day’s runs.

Off I went up to turn 7, I stepped into the track, lay on the sled, gave WO2 Holmes the nervous nod, and away I went. I thought I was going fast before, but the speed picked up an extra 20kph; the difference was huge but still I finished the run with a huge smile on my face. I could not wait for the next day.

22nd February. Back up we went for a track walk, but this one was different as I was concentrating a lot more on what was been said the day before. There was a huge speed difference, which meant I

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Sgt Squires at the Ice Caves

Sgt Squires

REME Sgt Squire & Cpl Moss

really needed to switch on and listen to everything that was said. I took notes and started to visualise the track as we walked it, this helped me to prep before each run mentally.

It made me feel like I had done a run before it even happened. Off I went on my first run. It went amazingly. A clean run for the first time, which made me feel confident for the next two. I was wrong, off I went on my next two runs, there wasn’t one wall I didn’t manage to hit on my way down… but each time I still got off with a smile on my face and couldn’t wait to go again.

We all had a nice weekend break and managed to do a bit of sightseeing around the local area. We took a short drive up to see some ice caves in the mountains; which was a sight to behold. It looked amazing, well worth the trip along the snowy icy roads. After the weekend we carried on the same as the previous week, walked

the track every day and done our runs to mentally and physically prepare for the following weeks Novice championship race, the Army male open championships and the Inter-services Championships.

The day had arrived. The day that all the training was building up to, the Novice Championship race. For me, it was an opportunity to take home some silverware. The tone of the day had changed. There was a sense of anxiety and anticipation for the race that was to come.

The race itself consisted of two-timed run and the overall winner was the one with the fastest combined time. Lucky for me, my number was picked first. Off I went. I made my way to the start line, got on my sled, gave WO2 Holmes the nervous nod and the “it’s a bit icy on here” to which he would again reply “that’s because its ice”. The light turned green and off I went. I felt throughout the entire run that

Team REME - Cpl Moss & Sgt Squire Army Novice Champion Cpl Moss REME

Inter Services Results, 1st RAF, 2nd Army and 3rd Royal Navy

I was going the fastest I had been all week and I was definitely feeling the G Force which was between 2 and 4 Gs’ in some of the corners.

Off went the other sliders on their first run. After the first run I was in the lead. I went and completed my second run with a similar time to my first. I made my way back to the top to nervously watch the other racers.

After everyone had completed their second run, I had done it and won the Army Novice Championship. I also took home runner-up in the Army Male Open Championship. That was an excellent achievement for my first year. There was no time to celebrate, as off we went to prep for the next day’s race the Inter-services Championship.

Waking up as the Army Novice Champion for the Inter-services Championship I felt at ease with the day and was determined to do the best I can. You could feel the tension again around the changing room. 5 sliders from each; the Navy, Army and RAF, all about compete for the Inter-services Championship.

The camaraderie amongst us all in the previous weeks was out of the window. Everyone was in their own headspace with headphones on, eyes closed and imagining the track. Just two runs to be the best that we could be. The conditions were perfect as the track had just been cut and the stage was set. Just to add to the other pressures we had the Chief of General Staff there to give us some encouragement just as we set off. Three weeks of build-up training, memorising every corner, applying the right pressure with your legs, rolling back out of every corner perfectly to keep your sled straight, keeping your form relaxed all while going at 110Kph and pulling in nearly 4G’s round certain bends. Nothing will ever compare.

In the end the Inter-services Championship title was taken by the RAF with the Army as runners up and the Navy last. The sport has pushed me and my fellow competitors to such extremes that you cannot replicate them with anything. Ice Sports is the epitome of adrenaline, courage, teamwork, determination and just sending it. The Corps offers great support and many opportunities to represent it; not just at Luge but at Skeleton and Bobsleigh. I would highly encourage to take up one of these sports and potentially one day be in the Olympics representing GB.

Army Male runner up Cpl Moss REME

Army Novice Champion and Runner UpCpl Moss REME & LCpl Scott RE

Army Open Championship - 1st & 2nd: Cpl Scott RTR (right) & Cpl Moss REME (left)

REME Hockey Tour 2023 Gibralter

Scribe: LCpl Jasmine Cope

REME Hockey continues to go from strength to strength and towards the end of the 2022/23 season, had the privilege to visit Gibraltar. Fierce competition is what awaited them with a riveting five days of hard games, training and actionpacked schedule! Both the teams professional attitude and willingness to succeed allowed the Corps Hockey teams to represent sporting talent at the highest level. It was not just about Hockey, the team cohesion days aided in building connections amongst team members, to form a stronger side in preparation for the games. The confidence and technical abilities developed from this tour will translate across the InterCorps championship in the coming months; with the strongest side seen in years for both male and female teams.

The ladies made an incredible feat playing Europa Hockey - a Premier League team for the first game. They utilised new skills taught from the coaching of WO1 King (who has represented in UKAF and Army Hockey) and Cpl Burrows (who represents the Ladies Army team, and this year was selected to represent UKAF). The ladies worked diligently in training, to reach new technical and physical standards. These were evident throughout the game, with clean tackles in defence by Cfn Pring and Cfn Shah causing chaos for the opposing teams attacking side. A collection of beautiful saves during the game from SSgt Powell, denied several aggressive shots from the opposing team. The forward player LCpl Finch had an incredible game pressing along with LCpl Norman to keep pressure on the opposing team. Captain and Goalkeeper SSgt Powell was awarded Lady of the Match for her consistent effort for the team.

The ladies maintained mental resilience going into another tough game against Hawks Hockey Masters National team. Another challenging opposition, but the ladies took this in their stride. LCpl Norman playing upfront earned the team a short corner in the first 10 minutes to put the ladies into a strong position. After LCpl Cope pinged a cross from the left corner to Cpl Burrows that almost

resulted in a goal, the atmosphere became electric. Capt Evans, SSgt Gandy, and Cpl Burrows created chaos in the Middlefield for the attacking team, ensuring that they closed the opposition down and tackled with conviction to be rewarded the ball on a multitude of occasions. Cfn Gale was awarded the Lady of the Match, putting in an astounding effort against a formidable opposition. She suffered an injury but played on regardless, showing her courage and dedication to the Corps Ladies Hockey Team. Unfortunately, the ladies lost the match but put in a commendable effort.

The men’s seniors team played their first game against Old Collegians. A tough game against a very experienced side saw the REME team begin to understand what European Hockey was all about. The REME team put on the pressure in the early stages, but

they struggled to capitalise, being unable to break down the Old Collegian defence. A number of short corners were won, but the opposition Keeper made some fine saves with efforts from Lt Matt Hutson, WO1 Dave Thomas and Cfn Jack Watson. SSgt Adie Worth and Maj Harry Morse controlled the midfield for the majority of the game by putting in solid tackles against the Collegian playmakers. However, in the final stages a late break away from the Old Collegian attackers led to an unfortunate deflected own goal from Sgt Martin Beaumont. The game finished a disappointing 1-0 loss. Even though the REME team felt they were in control of the game, they had some work to do in the next training session with finishing in the final third.

The next day’s game saw a refreshed REME team play the Gibraltar Titans. Another experienced side faced the REME, and they were determined to learn from the mistakes of the previous evening. Early on, the REME side won two short corners. Having worked on them in the previous training session, the first was dispatched with an excellent 1-2 between Cpl Chris Randall and Capt Kyle Beckett, with Cpl Chris Randall flicking the returning ball into the left-hand side of the net. The second corner saw the first shot by Cpl Chris Randall being saved well by the Keeper, with Lt Matt Hutson poaching to slot into the bottom right of the goal. After the initial success, the REME allowed the Titans out of their half to stretch the pitch. Strong tackles and interceptions were put in by WO1 Si King, Lt Tom Wilson and Cpl Jack Hillier in defence to keep out the opposition. In the second half, the REME added to their lead when WO1 Dave Thomas received a through ball and audaciously chipped

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the keeper in a 1 on 1. The REME won 3-0 in an impressive performance.

The final game of the tour saw a mixture of both Old Collegians and Titans play the REME team. However, there were younger faces in the opposition side this time which changed the game dynamic, presenting a different challenge to the visiting side. The game was very tight, with both sides having equal chances and making a number of sloppy mistakes. The REME Goalkeeper, Capt Sam Mead made some fine saves to keep the score at 0-0 going into half time. A push in the second half saw Capt Dom Sloan and Sgt Jason Terry causing chaos for the Gibraltar defence, but they could not find an opening. SSgt Adie Worth narrowly missed a cut back with the Goalkeeper beaten. The deadlock was finally broken when Lt Matt Hutson received the ball in the opposition half. Taking the ball to the right of two defenders, a fine strike at the top of the D beat the keeper for pace. The REME soon added to this when Cfn Jack Watson won the ball high through sheer determination, passing across to Adie Worth who could not miss the open goal. The game ended a successful 2-0 victory to finish off the tour.

The REME team also enjoyed a couple of cultural activities whilst on their Gibraltar tour. They participated in a wartime tunnels tour, in which they learnt about the many sieges of the rock and how it was successfully defended many times linking in with modern defensive principles. They also spent an afternoon travelling to the top of the rock, to take in the excellent views of the island and to meet some very inquisitive monkeys, who took a liking to Cpl Hillier and SSgt Powell’s rucksacks.

Overall, the Gibraltar tour was a huge success. Capt Sam Mead did an excellent job in organising the event. The REME Men’s Seniors won 2 out of 3 games, scoring 5 goals with Lt Matt Hutson the top goal scorer for the tour. Even though the ladies suffered two losses, they showed clear improvement as a team with training and match experience. The practice, training, and team building throughout the tour will be essential to success for both teams in the upcoming Inter-Corps Championships.

Upcoming Events 2023

The REME Charity

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

12 August Summer Fete

25 July – 31 August Summer Holiday Fun

9 September Sci-Fi Day

7 October Model Show

19 – 27 October Half Term Activities

18 November Christmas Fair

We may hold further events throughout the year at later notice. Please subscribe to our newsletter via www.rememuseum.org.uk for the latest updates.

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

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

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

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

their REME career.

The REME Christian Network connects serving Christians throughout

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

1 John

1:7

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

YOUR MAGAZINE NEEDS YOU Y O U

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

See inside the front cover for guidelines.

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

Maj (Retd) Keith Pinder 1960-62 & 1968-93

Scribe: Maj (Retd) Keith Allcock

I regret to inform the Corps of the death of Keith Pinder on 25 February 2023 after an illness bravely fought.

Born in Nelson, Lancashire on 26 April 1936, he joined the Corps in 1960 having been called up for National Service, he said he was a lucky soldier as during his basic training one of his Instructors obviously noticing he was big and fit informed him that REME Airborne Forces were always looking for volunteers. Keith disregarded that idea as a “why would I want to do that” until he was informed it bought him an extra 7s 6d a week Para pay, now a very willing volunteer, he completed P Coy and the Abingdon jumps course and joined 16 Para Wksp in Galway Road.

He settled into Airborne life easily; enjoying the physical activities particularly Free Fall Parachuting and Water polo, (he wasn’t so keen on Military Parachuting when you had a heavy load strapped to your leg) he was a big man with shoulders that were too big to get through most doors without turning and hands like dinner plates with feet to match, for clothing he was a Quarter Masters nightmare. He particularly enjoyed the travel with the Wksp and was deployed on Exercises to Malta, Libya, Cyprus and Kenya he said he was very tempted to continue in the Army at the end of his National Service but left and returned to Civilian life in 1962.

He worked and studied and gained an HND along with a pal who immediately applied for and was successful in gaining a Commission in the RAF. Keith returned home to his Wife Linda and told her saying “I can do that” blunt as ever Linda replied “Go on then” so he did and was Commissioned back into the Corps through Mons Officers Cadet School in Aldershot in 1968; there is no doubt REME was in his blood.

His first posting was to Div Support and 3 Fd Wksp in Tidworth until 1970 when he then attended the Post Graduates Officers Long Electronic Course at Arborfield. Then as he said he was released into the wide world as the Wksp Officer to an Air Defence unit in Soest, Germany which he thoroughly enjoyed, but in 1973 his first love the Airborne came calling and he returned to the UK as the SO3 G2(Air) HQ 16 Para Bde responsible for Army Aerial Delivery Systems including the Malfunction investigator. He left to fill another Airborne post with JATE in Brize Norton once again involving Heavy Drop Aerial Delivery Parachute Systems. He left JATE in 1976 completed a Long Avionics Course and served in the Aircraft Branch in Middle Wallop.

Tours in HQ Wales and Western District followed by HQ South West District were followed by, in his words, an escape from the dreaded Headquarters Triangle and he left for BAOR as OIC Defence Eqpt Depot Wksp in Bielefeld; responsible for all British Military Hospitals taking the opportunity to visit BMH Berlin as often possible.

A tour as Company Commander to 4 Armd Wksp in Detmold was a joy he was back with soldiers which he loved and as his Daughter Alison said it was the first time she and her Brother David were old enough to enjoy Mess social lives as a family. Those of us serving there at the time enjoyed watching the CO, determined to catch him out, and Keith determined he wouldn’t. I don’t recall either winning, although Keith was sweating when we mislaid a Chieftain Power Pack for 3 months. The CO, Lt Col Phil Kay, informed us that the REME Officers School were coming over

in Feb/Mar with young officers under training and spending a week in the field with Keith’s MRG and we would try and get the same factory we had used down near Kassel on the previous Autumn Ex. When the Recce party went down to meet Gunther Felder the factory Caretaker, he asked them during the walk around would they be taking the box away with them that they left three months ago. Gunther then took them around the corner and there against a wall under a tarpaulin was a Chieftain power pack intact. The relief on Keith’s face was a joy to see.

He followed this with a tour as OIC Control Eqpt Department at SEE and his final tour as SO2 Maint NW District in Preston from where he settled locally. Having gained teaching qualifications while serving he became a Teacher at a local Technical College but was quickly headhunted and took up the appointment as the NVQ Engineering Assessor for the North East.

Keith was heavily involved in Army and Combined Services swimming and Waterpolo throughout his service and became Team Manager on several occasions; indeed he was Life Vice President of The Army Swimming Union until his death and was well known for if you happened to be in his way on the way to the net in a game of Waterpolo he would just swim over the top of you.

He had a droll but wonderful sense of humour and the resolve to continue telling his story even after we had all fallen asleep; and like many wasn’t afraid to tell the same story repeatedly. He was a staunch supporter of The REME Airborne Officers Dining Club nights where those who knew him well would get there early and fill the chairs; so he had to sit with the Subalterns and entertain them.

A great character and great friend as was shown by the number of Airborne Veterans that turned up in Odiham and lined the path up to the church at his funeral; he will be sorely missed.

We offer our sincere condolences to Linda, Alison and the family.

Major John Horwood (Retired)

Scribe: David Horwood (Son of John)

John (DoB 07/07/1928) recently passed away on Sunday 7th May 2023.

He was a subscriber to the Craftsman Magazine for many years and very proud of his Army service. As an Apprentice at Arborfield from age 15 to his retirement in 1978, he travelled the world and enjoyed the REME and associated Corps company.

He would have been 95 this July and for over 90 years was a strong man, sadly dementia has taken his later years. Although his cohort are aging I’m sure as he did, they would raise a glass to remember him.

John at his 90th birthday party with his REME tie

Keith Pinder

Death Notices

BROCKLEHURST – Former Cpl David Brocklehurst passed away on 14 May 2023 aged 70. Dates of service 1971-1983.

COWARD – Maj (Retd) Stan Clifton Coward BEM, passed away on 04 May 2023 aged 75. Dates of service 1962-2002.

COX – Lt Col (Retd) Peter John Cox passed away on 04 June 2023 aged 90. Dates of service 1956-1986.

DUTTON – Former WO1 (ASM) John Dutton passed away on 25 May 2023 aged 95. Dates of service 1943-1972. Later to take the position of Pictorial Archivist in REME Museum Arborfield, retiring in 1997.

FRYER- Former WO2 (AQMS) Michael John Fryer passed away on Sunday 28th May, aged 82. Dates of service 1957 to 1981.

HEMMINGS – Former Cfn Royston Hemmings passed away on 23 April 2023 aged 89. Dates of service 1952-1956.

HORWOOD – Maj (Retd) John Horwood passed away on 07 May 2023 aged 94. Dates of service 1943-1978.

JACKSON – Lt Col (Retd) Edward (Ted) Jackson-Smith passed away on 29 April 2023 aged 78. Dates of service 1965-1988.

JAMES – Former Cfn Vivian James passed away on 24 May 2023, aged 90. Dates of service 1980-1984.

MATHEWS – Former Cpl Keith Mathews passed away on 02 May 2023 aged 64. Dates of service unknown but Keith joined as a boy.

Death Notice Requirements

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

Officer Assignments

COLES DAG HQ 51 INF BDE AND HQ SCOTLAND – SO2 ES

CONSTANTINOU R 17 PORT AND MARITIME – OC WKSP

COPELAND GW APC CM CSS – SO2B REME OFFRS

CORNOCK PA HQ 1 UK DIV – SO2 ES PLANS

DOCHERTY JR LIVE DES COMJE HELS – DES DGLAND OF3

WILDCAT SPT EA

FORTUNE AG REME WG RSA – OC

FURMIDGEOWEN A ATFC (W) – COMMD TRG COYS

HEPWORTH RS TOP OFFICE GROUP – BD SEC – CORP EFFECT BOARDS SEC 3

HODGKISS ID 2 CS BN REME – OC 7 CS COY

LAWRENCE JG DES COMLAND LE OSP OSVP ABW-DES DGLAND OF3 LE VST OPS SP COS24 Jul 23

LEE L 9 TS BN REME – 2IC

MAIN GW DCTT – SO2 TRG OPS PLANS

MASON MG 3 ARMD CS BN REME – BN 2IC

ONSTENK JGH 6 ARMD CS BN REME – OC 3 ARMD COY

SHAND AJ 1 CS BN REME – OC 12 CS COY

WELLS JP BATUK – OC WKSP

WILSON LG HQ AD – ICSC L – SO2 DS 25

Captain

CUPPLES RJ 2 CS BN REME – OPS OFFR

GALLAGHER NA 30 SIG REGT LAD REME – OC

MERCER M HQ 101 LOG BDE – SO3 ES

MORGAN-

SCOTT SA AWC BZN – JADTEU – JADTEU AD SOD

PURSER R ASWC SHR DEV DIV ASC INST – AEROSYSTEMS CSE

RITCHIE G DES – DES DGSE OF3 CBRN FUCHS TTLS

WARD RG 10 QOGLR LAD REME – OC

BIRKETT P 29 CDO REGT RA WKSP – REME OC

BLOXHAM L LIVE DES COMJE HELS – HELS3/APACHE/YVL DES

DGLAND OF2 APACHE ENG PERF MGR

HODGKINSON J HQ BRITISH FORCES BRUNEI – SO3 ES H AND S ADVISER ES

KING D 17 PORT AND MARITIME REGT RLC WKSP REME –WKSP 2IC

PARSONS D DSEME LYNEHAM 8 BN REME BASRA COY – 2IC COY

PELLOW W 26 REGT RA WKSP REME – SYS ENGR

THOMSON M 2 CS BN REME 11 – COY 2IC

23

23 Lieutenant BARRETTCHAPMAN A ATC P 2 ATR – PL COMD NORMANDY

UNDERWOOD J 5 FS BN REME 1 COY – COY 2IC

BENNETT A 7 AVN SP BN REME 71 COY – PL COMD

BILLINGTON G 7 AVN SP BN REME 72 COY – COMD 3 PL

CHAMPAGNE A RHQ REME – SO3 PERS OPS OFFICER 17

23

23

CHANDLER B DSEME LYNEHAM 8 BN REME BASRA COY –RANGER TEAM COMD 01 Jul 23

CLARKE O DSEME LYNEHAM 8 BN REME PL COMD 01 Jul 23

DUFFIN J 1 REGT AAC WKSP REME OC 661 SQN LAD 01 Jul 23

GRIMES O ATFC (W) – PL TP COMD TRG COYS 01 Jul 23

HARRIS J 2 CS BN REME 22 COY – 2IC HQ COY 01 Jul 23

HOWE C DSEME LYNEHAM 8 BN REME ALAMEIN COY –PL COMD 01 Jul 23

HUTSON M 7 AVN SP BN REME HQ COY – 2IC 01 Jul 23

LEE N DSEME LYNEHAM 8 BN REME ALAMEIN COY –PL COMD 01 Jul 23

MERWAHA K ATFC (W) – PL COMD ADSC 01 Jul 23

PEARSALL H DSEME LYNEHAM 8 BN REME HELMAND COY –PL COMD 01 Jul 23

SKILLING H 6 ARMD CS BN REME 14 COY – 2IC COMPANY 01 Jul 23

TAYLOR E BATUK – 2IC WKSP 01 Jul 23

WALBROOK B 1 CS BN REME 12 COY – 2IC COMPANY 01 Jul 23

WILSON W DSEME LYNEHAM 8 BN REME HELMAND COY –PL COMD 01 Jul 23

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

London Gazette July 2023

02 May 2023

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

MAJ, S. G. J. KELLY, REME, 24797971

MAJ, N. D. McINTYRE, REME, 24678108

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

CAPT, M. J. BENTLEY, REME, 25065625

WO1, D. E. DAVIES, REME, 24715887

CAPT, R. H. J. PURSER, REME, 25063451

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

WO1, R. I. CUTTING, REME, 548343

SSGT, J. D. DIEDERICKS, REME, 30034636

LCPL, S. LANCASTER, REME, 30026723

WO2, D. M. O’BRIEN, REME, 25142083

CPL, S. J. PORTLOCK, REME, 30031614

CAPT, L. R. TAYLOR, REME, 30023581

WO1, R. L. UPTON, REME, 25093845

09 May 2023

REGULAR ARMY

Regular Commissions (Late Entry)

Major (Acting Lieutenant Colonel) C. K. ORD 24725989 to be Lieutenant Colonel 12 December 2022

Major (Acting Lieutenant Colonel) M. D. R. KEANE 24781180 to be Lieutenant Colonel 14 December 2022

Intermediate Regular Commissions

Major M. H. C. BERTRAM W1064013 retires 24 November

2022

Lieutenant J. P. HARRIS 30073874 to be Captain 14 December

2022

Lieutenant E. A. M. LINDSAY 30301670 to be Captain 14 December 2022

Intermediate Regular Commissions (Late Entry)

Warrant Officer Class 1 Kerry Lorraine EVANS W1034438 to be Captain 3 April 2023

Warrant Officer Class 1 Martin Ian SMITH 25059096 to be Captain 3 April 2023

Short Service Commissions

Lieutenant C. M. BEARD-BUCKTROUT 30158532 to be Captain 14 December 2022

Lieutenant (Acting Captain) T. A. JAMES 30244637 to be Captain 14 December 2022

Lieutenant V. NAKER 30241803 to be Captain 14 December

2022

Lieutenant (Acting Captain) J. OLIVER 30201673 to be Captain

14 December 2022

Lieutenant (Acting Captain) P. N. PATEL 30201269 to be Captain 14 December 2022

Lieutenant M. E. RUDGE 30227110 to be Captain 14 December

2022

Lieutenant J. E. TRAPNELL 30301676 to be Captain

14 December 2022

Lieutenant M. R. WALTER 30308272 to be Captain 14

December 2022

Lieutenant C. W. WATERS 30303594 to be Captain

14 December 2022

Second Lieutenant J. P. BROWN 30266858 to be Lieutenant

11 December 2022

Second Lieutenant S. G. CLARKE 30347360 to be Lieutenant

11 December 2022

Second Lieutenant R. P. GIBBS 30346537 to be Lieutenant

11 December 2022

Second Lieutenant P. M. JACKSON 30266892 to be Lieutenant

11 December 2022

Second Lieutenant H. R. KAYANI 30349153 to be Lieutenant

11 December 2022

Second Lieutenant C. A. M. LAKIN 30282853 to be Lieutenant

11 December 2022

Second Lieutenant R. LOVELOCK 30343304 to be Lieutenant

11 December 2022

Second Lieutenant R. J. PEARMUND 30350795 to be Lieutenant 11 December 2022

Second Lieutenant M. RAND 30330388 to be Lieutenant

11 December 2022

Second Lieutenant A. C. SULLIVAN 30244709 to be Lieutenant

11 December 2022

Second Lieutenant T. A. WILSON 30336066 to be Lieutenant

11 December 2022

16 May 2023

No Entries

23 May 2023

REGULAR ARMY

Regular Commissions

Lieutenant Colonel S. R. BRIDGES 527779 retires 3 January 2023

Lieutenant Colonel D. J. SMITH 555583 retires 23 January 2023

Major M. P. DICKSON 30126259 retires 23 January 2023

Regular Commissions (Late Entry)

Lieutenant Colonel A. P. BRANKIN 24757104 retires 20 January 2023

Intermediate Regular Commissions

Major S. ROBERTSON 560963 retires 9 January 2023

Intermediate Regular Commissions (Late Entry)

Warrant Officer Class 1 Scott Anthony WILLIAMS 25109047 to be Captain 3 April 2023

Warrant Officer Class 2 Rory Stuart HUTCHISON 25137924 to be Captain 5 April 2023

Warrant Officer Class 2 Jae Christian MURDOCH 25176120 to be Captain 5 April 2023

30 May 2023

REGULAR ARMY

Special Regular Commissions

Officer Cadet Janay Ann GIBBONS 30223588 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 15 April 2023

Short Service Commissions

Officer Cadet Luke Timothy Noel BELL 30358855 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 15 April 2023

Officer Cadet Harvey George BREWER-ALLAN 30338449 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 15 April 2023

Officer Cadet Oliver Timothy CAGE-WHITE 30374183 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 15 April 2023

Officer Cadet Angus Albert CHAPLIN-ROGERS 30344394 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 15 April 2023

Officer Cadet Henry George Arthur EYRE 30335919 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 15 April 2023

Officer Cadet Samuel George IRONSIDE 30305262 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 15 April 2023

Officer Cadet Dominic Ryan MCMAHON 30378181 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 15 April 2023

Officer Cadet Jolyon Peter ROUSE 30306718 from The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to be Second Lieutenant 15 April 2023

06 June 2023

No Entries

Corps Calendar 2023/24

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

for any

REME 2024 CALENDAR

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SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 01 OCTOBER 2023