Craftsman Magazine - May 2022

THE CRAFTSMAN

Magazine of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

May 2022

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

Editor: SSgt Andy Chammings + Corporate Communications Officer RHQ REME, The Prince Philip Barracks, Lyneham, CHIPPENHAM, SN15 4XX  craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk (preferred method)  subscriptions@reme-rhq.org.uk (for changes of address) ( Mil: 95481 4529 Civ: 01249 894529

Contents MAY 2022

Volume 78 No. 5

FEATURES A Service of Thanksgiving for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

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

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

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

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

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

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

Op NEWCOMBE ROTO 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

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

Corps Angling Championship 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

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

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

Letters concerning reproduction, contributions or any other matter should be addressed to the Editor.

REME Netball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

© Published by RHQ REME. Funded by The REME Charity. www.remecharity.org.

Training Deficiency Report (TDR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 ATSS Seminar & Reunion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Lifting the Decks: The REME Mental Health QR Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 REME Calendar 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 Falklands RBL Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Cenotaph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 The REME Charity Welfare Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Charity Loaded March: Alder Hey Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Welsh Air Ambulance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 REME Sporting Fixtures 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 REME Sports Association 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Army Motorcycle Road Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28

REME Aquatics 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Dinghy Sailing Course . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 REME Half Marathon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 Museum: Falklands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 The ‘Ford Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38 Peoples Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 REGULARS Guest Editorial: Colonel Paul Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .06 From the Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Corps Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Corps Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46

Advertising All communications regarding commercial advertising rates should be made direct to the Editor.

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

Jamprint Design & Printing Ltd www.jamprint.co.uk info@jamprint.co.uk 01249 823 950 © Crown Copyright General Handling: This publication contains official information and should be treated with discretion.

2 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Front Cover: New Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO. Full article on pages 4 & 5.

Corps News

A Service of Thanksgiving for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh – 29 March 2022

T

he Corps were honoured and humbled to be invited to attend the Service of Thanksgiving for HRH The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, our former Colonel-in-Chief on Tuesday the 29th of March 2022 at Westminster Abbey. Representing the Corps at this moving and wonderful service were Corporal Louis Murray and Corporal Craig French of 8 Trg Bn REME who respectively drove and commanded the Land Rover at HRH The Prince Philip’s funeral and Corporal Chris Hewitt and Corporal Josh Ward of 8 Trg Bn REME and 5 FS Bn REME who were the standby crew for the same task. Also attending and representing all past and present members of the Corps were our Master General (Lieutenant General Paul Jaques CB CBE not pictured), Colonel REME (Colonel Jason Phillips ADC), 2Lt Deborah Williams (103 Bn REME), WO2 (AQMS) Paula Christie (2 CS Bn REME), LCpl Rhys Bolton (4 ACS Bn REME) and Cfn Luke Johnson (8 Trg Bn REME).

We were all seated relatively close to Her Majesty and members of the Royal Family at the service and were delighted to be able to exchange a few memories of HRH The Prince Philip with other members of the congregation. Cfn Luke Johnson also had the privilege of being within inches of Her Majesty as she entered and left the service – the combination of terror and amazement on his face was quite something to see!

Colonel Jason Phillips ADC joined by selected members of the Corps, to honour Prince Philip

HRH Service of Thanksgiving, photo from www.bbc.co.uk Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 3

Corps News

Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex GCVO Colonel-in-Chief of The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Scribe: Rayner Shelmerdine-Hare (Corps Adjutant)

From left to right, Colonel Jason Philips ADC, HRH The Countess of Wessex GCVO, Lieutenant General Paul Jaques CB CBE and Captain Rayner Shelmerdine-Hare

O

n the 30 March 2022 it was announced that Her Royal Highness The Countess of Wessex GCVO is to be the new Colonel-in-Chief of The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

Offering her warmest wishes to the service personnel in the Corps and the wider REME Family, The Countess expressed how honoured she was to accept the invitation to serve as our Colonel-in-Chief.

On the day that this appointment was announced, the Master General REME Lieutenant General Paul Jaques CB CBE, Colonel REME Colonel Jason Phillips ADC and the Corps Adjutant Captain Rayner Shelmerdine-Hare had an audience with HRH The Countess of Wessex. During this meeting, they discussed the life, ethos and work of the Corps as well as opportunities for The Countess to meet our people; including the potential to host her first formal visit to the Corps at MoD Lyneham later this year.

“Meeting The Countess of Wessex alongside the Master 4 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

General REME and Colonel REME was a great privilege, particularly so as it was to mark her appointment as our new Colonel-in-Chief. The Countess was very welcoming and showed a great interest in the Corps. She discussed her wish to see the Corps continue to honour and build on HRH The Prince Philip’s legacy and her keenness to promote the work of the Corps and Engineering in the Armed Forces and more widely. She is eager to visit the REME Family as soon as possible and especially keen to meet our soldiers.” - Captain Rayner Shelmerdine-Hare A few days prior to the announcement and during a wider visit to 5 RIFLES, The Countess made time to meet with our soldiers in 5 RIFLES LAD. During this visit she presented WO2 (AQMS) Paul West and Sgt Steven Warder with their Long Service and Good Conduct (LS&GC) medals and talked to the Officer Commanding LAD, Captain Andy Hardman, and all ranks about their roles.

“It was an honour to be presented my LS&GC from HRH The Countess of Wessex our new Colonel-in-Chief, then to speak to

HRH The Countess of Wessex with members from 5 RIFLES LAD, WO2 (AQMS) Paul West, Sgt Steve Warder and OC LAD Captain Andy Hardman (back row, centre)

HRH afterwards joking about what was mentioned in my citation and to discuss my time within the REME, it was a great experience.” – Sgt Steven Warder HRH The Countess of Wessex is Royal Colonel to 5 RIFLES; Colonel-inChief of the Corps of Army Music and of Queen Alexandra’s Royal Nursing Corps. She has also been appointed Sponsor of HMS Daring and Honorary Air Commodore of Royal Air Force Wittering. The Countess holds two military positions in Canada: Colonel-in-Chief of the South Alberta Light Horse and Colonel-in-Chief of the Lincoln and Well and Regiment. Annually The Countess brings her military family together to take part in the Countess of Wessex Cup. We are looking forward to taking part in this year’s competition in September hosted by the Royal Corps of Army Music and have offered to host the competition ourselves in 2023.

The Corps and the REME Family are extremely honoured to have HRH The Countess of Wessex as our new Colonel-in-Chief and look forward to offering her the warmest and most heartfelt welcome in, what we hope will be, many visits across the Corps.

ARTE ET MARTE

Sgt Steven Warder receiving his LS&GC from HRH The Countess of Wessex

HRH The Countess of Wessex during the LS&GC presentation at 5 RIFLES LAD

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 5

Guest Editorial

Light Forces Transformation

Colonel Paul Johnson, Commander ES, 1st (UK) Division

Scribe: Colonel Paul Johnson, Commander ES, 1st (UK) Division

I

last provided a Guest Editorial a year ago, at which time we were starting to understand the Army’s transformation plan, known as Future Soldier, which had just been published. Then, in November, CGS updated the Field Army on the supporting detail behind that plan, which confirmed the overall numbers for REME, where our Battalions would sit in the structure, and what their roles would be. Now we are at the point of starting to receive Implementation Orders, directing how units will change, where they will move to, and what size and shape the REME supporting them will take. For the Light Forces in 1st (UK) Division, our ES roles and structures are both familiar, and novel at the same time.

1 PWRR: Not every day you get to stand on the Equator, in Kenya

1 Welsh Guards: LCpl Rai conducting a CAV repair on Op SHADER 6 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

2 SCOTS: Members of 2 SCOTS LAD deployed in support of Task Force Hannibal on Ex WESSEX STORM

There is not enough space in this article to cover all aspects of this, so I will focus on a few key areas. The most significant changes – from a REME perspective at least – are perhaps in our two Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs). 7th Light Mechanised BCT is arguably the most conventional in shape. The BCT will have a role in support of Warfighting, much as the Light Brigade does today, but it will now have organic RE, Artillery and CSS under command, increasing the range of equipment to be supported. Its Regular units all retain their LADs, albeit some will have fewer people than now. The big ES change comes with the arrival of 1 Close Support Battalion REME. This means that the BCT now has its own 2nd line ES and will have a

vested interest in ensuring the Battalion has the workforce, training and equipment to do its job. Furthermore, the BCT will train and operate with the same 2nd line REME personnel throughout, rather than chopping and changing every 12 months, as is the practice now.

4th Light BCT has a loosely similar structure, but its Light Role LADs, like today, are smaller than their Light Mechanised

6 RLC: FMST and military partnered repair activity testing the Central Tyre Inflation System seals)

2 MERC: LCpl Nixon replacing a clutch on Ex ASKARI STORM

29 EOD&S Gp: Cfn McEnroe carrying out piston replacement on an EOD Wedgewood vehicle

3 SCOTS: Cfn Buadromo maintaining Foxhound

28 Engr: LCpl Callard (Falcon Sqn) taking part in the Army’s ‘A Soldier is a Soldier’ campaign

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 7

counterparts, and the BCT will rely extensively on Army Reserve enablers, including 102 Close Support Battalion REME. This means that REME Reserve soldiers will be far more routinely involved in Light Forces training and operating activity than today, and will have a greater range of equipment to get to grips with. Maintaining competence, and ensuring that the right people, in the right quantities, and with the right skills are available when required will be a significant, but exciting challenge. The REME Battalion will need

32 Engr: Cfn Duncan at Grassroots horse trial

to pair with its Regular counterpart in 7th Light Mechanised BCT, to ensure that operating concepts and good practice are shared, and this is already happening now. And of course, because of the geographical spread of the Battalion, links will also need to be fostered with other units, located nearby, to take advantage of the most convenient and sensible ES training opportunities.

Light Forces development stretches further than just the BCTs though. 11th Security Force Assistance Brigade (SFAB) will deploy

5 Engr Regt AT in Bavaria (75 Engr Regt LAD: just about to summit Läuferspitze on Ex DIAMOND YPRES BAVARIA 21)

36 Engr: Soldier First

8 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

around the world, building the capacity of allied and partner nations in permissive environments. The SFAB’s units will be much smaller than conventional Infantry Battalions today, but how they will operate, with what equipment, and hence what skills they will need from their REME personnel, is still developing. REME soldiers in the SFAB will not only have to be good at their core trade, and confident to work in small groups, but prepared to tackle new kit they have never seen before, and with the intelligence, professionalism and soft skills to work effectively with other nation’s soldiers, many of whom will not speak English.

Light Forces development will evidently also have ES implications for 19 Brigade, the new home for Army Reserve Combat Light Forces, as well as for 102 Operational Sustainment Brigade, and 8 Engineer Brigade…but perhaps this needs to be the subject of a future Guest Editorial.

Finally, as I reach the end of my tenure as Commander ES in the First Division, I would reiterate my pride in what our people continue to achieve in the name of engineering excellence. The challenges over the past 3 years have been immense, and implementation of Future Soldier will doubtless throw up new ones for our Light Forces, but I know that the Division’s REME personnel will step up with confidence and good humour. Good luck to you all.

QDG LAD preparing for Op NEWCOMBE

SCOTS DG, B Sqn Fitter Section on EX KHANJAR OMAN

29 EOD&S Gp: LCpl Stevenson attending a real-time recovery job on the public highway

39 Engr Regt: The Wksp team in 1 Div’s annual Bismarck Challenge event

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 9

Operations

T

Op NEWCOMBE ROTO 3 – The story so far, Dec 21 – Feb 22

here are some things that no matter how much you hear them described can only be understood by experiencing them.

The Mali Desert is one of those things. The dry baking heat, the coating of dust on the back of your throat, the buzz of endless Malaria ridden mosquitos as the sky turns bright red as the sun dips below the horizon. It’s an experience like no other… and it’s absolutely brilliant.

This is the most challenging environment in the world to deliver Equipment Support; grease runs like water, coolant tanks burst, anything electronic goes haywire in the heat and dust, and yet the LAD has kept the Task Group rolling. A VM drove an SV(R) 150km through the desert with a FOXHOUND on the hook, repairs have been conducted under small arms fire, and Fitter Sections have assisted in detaining terrorists – the LAD have been living and breathing ‘Arte et Marte’.

The LAD works extremely hard to achieve the results they do, doing themselves, their home units, and wider Corps proud. If you ever bump into a friend who’s been part of the Long Range Reconnaissance Group (LRRG) LAD, make sure you buy them a drink – they bloody deserve it.

Long Range Reconnaissance Group LAD Foreword: Capt A Selka OC LRRG LAD

The EME passing the real engineers some bolts

Cfn Atkinson working on the OC’s wagon at night 10 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Working on a dodgy differential as the sun sets

SSgt Shinn’s glorious steed in the TG

A Sqn Ftr Sect – LCpl Nimmo Being deployed in Mali as Vehicle Mechanic is certainly a challenge, from the scorching sun to the long drives and extensive hours turning spanners. I have been lucky to be embedded within 2nd Troop as the sole VM; but also as a Driver/Gunner. This gave me the opportunity to drive over challenging terrain; then repair the faults caused by driving over said terrain and burning my pale skin whilst sat in the gun ring. Op MEERKAT 2 was to test the Ftr Sect as the Squadron covered around 1,200km, engaging with locals in numerous towns and villages as well as Cpl Downey conducting ES under small arms fire. Through the hard work of the Section, despite the faults starting to immerge, all of the High Mobility Terrain Vehicles successfully drove back to Camp Bagnold where the real work begins.

When Christmas comes early

Cfn Smith enjoys a few minutes rest

Cpl Brown conducting some Recy Mech surgery to salvage a push rod

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 11

Chinook flares during a medical drill

A Coy Ftr Section – Cfn Selby

Cpl Cooper and Sgt Gregson work on the Fitter Section COYOTE

Cpl Brown prepares to move his favourite FEPS

12 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

A small team of 6 had landed on Mali soil from 1 Royal Irish LAD, all trained on the Foxhound platform we were keen to get amongst the kit and expand our knowledge further. Op ELWAN 7 was to be our first outing, Op NEWCOMBE basic training. A place to learn, particularly that tyres are as reliable as balloons and avoiding any kind of bush becomes second nature with thorns that put Freddy Krueger to shame. Op MEERKAT 2 was our first proper Op West of the river Niger. Same tyre problems; same bush avoidance drills only this time the FOXHOUNDS were developing larger and more complicated faults. Thanks to the Primary Equipment Pack (PEP) and Cpl Cooper’s e-metal skills - skills which he has acquired over a long career- we managed to get all the FOXHOUNDS back to Gao with only one SVR hook required.

Cpl Brown recovers a Ridgeback after it was driven off a small cliff at night…

Cpl Quant glad to see the LAD again Foxhounds don’t like the desert

It’s all go in the TG Leaguer

A1 Ftr Sect – Cfn Smith As a mixture of trades from both QDG and 1 Royal Irish, A1 Ftr Sect quickly set to work on arrival in Mali to rehab the SV fleet. The main effort was the SV(R)s, which were showing the strains of a year on Op NEWCOMBE; particularly with the loud bang of a hook block falling out of the sky the first time one was used. Op MEERKAT 2 was by design ambitious and started with a ‘Dukes of Hazzard’ entrance to a wadi snapping an SV axle in half. Soft sand, large boulders and a recreation of the game lemmings meant that the Recovery Mechanics remained busy, or at least one was whilst the other went pot-holing in the dark and earnt an early trip home. The Section continued to be busy for the rest of the Op, a central hub for all things ES within the task group but also for morale with drinking bottles of water just before bed proving a popular forfeit when there was time for a game of cards.

LCpl Hardy with the troops he was embedded within

LCpl Askey steps into the SVR for the 150km off-road journey back to camp

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 13

Repairing a leaking FOXHOUND

National Support Element (NSE) – Sgt McIntyre Supporting the Task Group, The NSE have been heavily involved with supporting the task group both in and out of camp. Despite losing a Class 1 VM to command an SV(R), we have gained a Vehicle Mechanic from the RAF who is an excellent addition in terms of ES but also an SME on the F/MT 3 paperwork (Accident Reporting Form). The biggest jobs the NSE have had is the replacement of a Mastiff 3 gearbox and the replacement of what seems like Michelin’s entire tyre stockholdings. Equally important, our Metalsmith has been making everything from

The night falls, the work continues

braces for bar armour and component mounting brackets, to creating trophies for the numerous social and sporting events.

He also improved the tallest flagpole in Camp Bagnold (and possible the wider UN Super Camp) by adding a pulley system and increasing its height by attaching a REME inspired topper.

Lastly, the NSE are the bridge between the LRRG and our UN partners; particularly the German and Swedish Army Mechanics.

In line with the finest British Army traditions, our relationship is that we borrow everything from them and they borrow nothing from us.

The post mission inspection lanes in full swing

LCpl Hardy at the wheel of his wagon

14 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

All hands-on deck on the LMI Manoeuvre Support Group COYOTE

The importance of Professional Registration in the Armed Forces By incoming IET President, Air Marshal Sir Julian Young KBE CB FREng CEng FIET Professional Registration is increasingly important in the Armed Forces and plays a significant part in creating a competent and skilled work force across the UK. Qualifications and associated Continued Professional Development should help bridge the gap between military and civilian trades. Although simply being registered doesn’t guarantee ex-military engineers a job, it could level the playing field and get someone an interview.

After a 40-year career in the Royal Air Force (RAF), I’ve always supported people developing themselves further through additional qualifications. The route often is through distance learning, which is hard work in a busy job. However, when you’re dipping into academia and then back into the workplace, the first time you answer a question or write an essay, you are better in your role because you are instantly applying that new knowledge and thinking.

I led the team with the MOD and HM Treasury that helped the roll out of the Defence Engineer Registration Scheme (DERS) across different branches within the Armed Forces; the scheme demonstrates clear value in people. The streamlined application process is excellent, and the Professional Engineering Institutions (PEIs) that step forward and take on the work to translate military skills and experience into qualifications will benefit greatly from doing so. I’m proud to be a member of the IET, because when I started campaigning on professionalisation within the RAF some 15 years ago, it was the first PEI to offer a streamlined route to Chartered Engineer (CEng). The IET for me was the RAF’s PEI of choice. Anything that can help streamline both the route of people into a PEI and the payment of fees is a positive.

As well as the DERS agreements, the IET is working hard to implement Central Payment Schemes in the Armed Forces. Having been successful with the RAF, with over 1,000 members Professionally Registered, we should be looking to roll Central Payment Schemes out for the other Services as widely as we can, including more companies in industry that already have had a lot of success with it. The IET welcomes engineers and technicians from all backgrounds; if you care about engineering in any or multiple sectors, the IET can be your professional home and has a unique position to fill. We need to be engaging with seniors and Fellows in all engineering organisations to promote the value in their people being Professionally Registered.

I’m looking forward to my term as IET President (2021-2022) and follow in the successful steps of all past Presidents. My specific area of focus will be to champion technicians and seek to facilitate the continued growth in their membership. I believe the majority of the ‘missing 3 million’ mentioned in Professor Uff ’s 2017 review of our engineering profession are technicians. We need to understand better what technicians are, what it means to be a technician and then offer them more through membership of the IET.

Find out more about becoming professionally registered by attending our latest webinar: What you will learn: – Benefits of membership and professional registration – Professional registration categories and application process – Our guidance and support

Register here:

theiet.org/craftsman-magazine The Institution of Engineering and Technology is registered as a Charity in England and Wales (No. 211014) and Scotland (No. SC038698).

The Institution of Engineering and Technology, Michael Faraday House, Six Hills Way, Stevenage, Hertfordshire SG1 2AY, United Kingdom.

Eat, sleep, engineer, repeat Julian’s President’s Address will be broadcast live on 14 October 2021 at 1pm BST

Sign up to watch at:

theiet.org/presidents-address

TSS Seminar & Reunion 2022 22nd – 23rd July Scan QR code to complete survey/return

Seminar with guest speakers and presenters, Pub night in the Harris MM WOs’ & Sgts’ Mess, Golf or Clay Target Shooting, Dinner Night (Mess members only).

The Prince Philip Barracks MOD Lyneham Chippenham SN15 4XX

Open to all serving TSS and retired SNCO TSS Tickets accessed through the REME Connect website at £35pp For any further info please contact WO1 (SSM) Bell on 01249 894544 or 95481 4544 or email: colin.bell279@mod.gov.uk

BE RECOGNISED BE REWARDED

Sgt Edem Siawor EngTech MIMechE

Gain professional al registration r sttration as regis an EngTech, IEng ng orr C CE CEng Eng throu through ugh a route specifically a y desi ally d des designed siigned for REME personnel. nnell.

Enhance your military tary career careerr Benchmark your skills and training trraining Develop your professional al net network twork and connections Apply now at imeche.org/armedforces armedforces )RU PRUH VXSSRUW FRQWDFW RXU 'HIHQFH /LDLVRQ 2ƱFHU RXU ' 'HIHQFH /LDLVRQ 2ƱF FHU HU 07590 735816 dlo@imeche.org imec che.org

Craftsman_ad_ver_II_01_01.indd 1

24/11/2021 16:14:48

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 17

USEFUL FREE APPS ON ANDROID & IPHONE (SEARCH USING THE TERMS BELOW ON THE APP STORES) • AIMS FOR ANGER MANAGEMENT • CBT I-COACH (SLEEP) • CURABLE (PAIN RELIEF)

• PTSD COACH • CBT THOUGHT RECORD DIARY

REME 2023 CALENDAR We need YOUR photographs! £250 PRIZE FOR BEST SHOTS

The calendar requires input from your units to ensure we are able to produce a high-quality product.

We need photographs of your unit on operations, in barracks, on exercise, adventurous training or participating in sport – all within the last 12 months.

Send your high-resolution JPEG photographs (minimum 1MB) with accompanying captions to craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 01 OCTOBER 2022

People’s Stories

Call Out For Stories Of The Falklands Conflict Falklands 40

T

he Royal British Legion is looking for individuals who would be willing to share their stories and experiences of serving in the Falklands during the conflict.

These could be used in the media as well as on the RBL’s digital channels, such as our website and social media accounts.

As part of our commemorative activity we plan to share content on our channels from April onwards, culminating in coverage of the 40th Anniversary event at the National Memorial Arboretum in June. In addition to this, we are anticipating significant interest from national and regional media and are looking for people willing to share their stories in a range of broadcast, print and online media outlets.

The RBL’s Press Office would be grateful if you could take a moment to respond with answers to the following:  The names and contact details of individuals willing to be contacted about sharing their stories.  A brief summary of their service during the Falklands and any notable memories they are particularly keen to share (a sentence or two will suffice).  Whether they have a link to the Royal British Legion – have

20 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

they ever been supported by the RBL, are they a RBL member etc.  Any other interesting points – do they have a generational link to the military, do they have any interesting memorabilia from the time, are they looking to be reunited with anyone from the conflict as part of the commemorations?

We would be grateful to receive all information as soon as possible as the earlier we receive stories the more likely they are to feature. Interested individuals should forward the requested information to: Major (Retired) Geordie Wright-Rivers at association@reme charity.org who will forward relevant detail to the RBL Press Office.

Once we have received the information those concerned may be contacted by a member of the Legion’s PR or wider marketing team.

Please don’t be humble, we know many of you and your members will have many poignant and extraordinary stories in which there could be wide public interest, and we are keen to share as many of these as possible.

We are very grateful for your help with this matter and look forward to hearing from you.

Corps News

Cenotaph 2022 T

his year the annual Service of Remembrance will be held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall on Sunday 13 November 2022. In accordance with Her Majesty’s Government’s plans for this year’s ceremony, the number of spaces on the Veterans’ Parade will remain limited at 10,000 places. We cannot guarantee your association will receive the number of tickets that you initially apply for. Our intent remains to seek as broad a representation of the Veteran community as is possible.

included within the 10k cap; where appropriate, the option of one Veteran assisting another for the duration of the Dispersal should be considered.

Although the Legion provides guidelines as to those eligible to take part in the Dispersal, Associations rightly remain responsible for the selection of those within their respective contingents.

Individual security checks will take place before entry to Horse Guards Parade. Ticket holders are to bring photographic ID and proof of address with them to gain access.

COVID 19 We will continue to monitor government advice for mass gatherings to ensure the health and safety of our participants, which remains our priority, and update accordingly.

ELIGIBILITY Associations are asked to prioritise individuals who adequately reflect the depth and breadth of the Veteran community with priority given to: • Ex-service Military and Civilian men and women from the UK and the Commonwealth that served the Crown.

• Wives, husbands or civil partners of those who died as a result of their service in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces.

Regrettably, the carer accompanying the Veteran must be

APPLICATIONS FOR REME TICKET ALLOCATION *Please note that only members of REME Connect may apply* Following the restrictions and limitations on attendance in recent times, and given that the Corps is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year, it is anticipated that there will be keen interest from across the wider REME Veteran community.

In order to apply for a place to march with the REME Association contingent this year, please email Major (Retired) Geordie WrightRivers at association@remecharity.org for an application form by NO LATER THAN FRIDAY 21 MAY 22. Successful applicants will be notified in Jul 22 once the Royal British Legion has confirmed the Corps’ ticket allocation.

REME Charity

Thank you for saying yes!

Scribe: Babs Harris (CEO The REME Charity)

T

he REME Charity Welfare Team at RHQ in Lyneham were in for a big surprise when 6 Armoured Close Support Battalion REME Welfare manager Carolyn Battey and WO1 (RSM) Tony Jarvis visited them on the 8th March.

They presented the REME Charity CEO, Babs Harris, and Welfare manager Bev Bate with an amazing presentation piece. The inscription expresses the Battalion’s gratitude for the support given to soldiers of all ranks.

6 ACS Bn REME Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel John Williams added: ‘We wanted to do something to recognise the exceptional support you have provided to 6 ACS Bn REME during the two years of my command tenure. The soldiers under my command have benefited significant from your willingness to support them. As an easy example the reason I was not in Lyneham yesterday was because I was deployed in Germany, where the evidence of the REME Charity’s support was everywhere; welfare WiFi, sports equipment, games in the welfare suite, the list goes on and on.

Thank you for saying yes! ‘ Naturally, the welfare team was thrilled and the piece has taken pride of place at RHQ. Babs Harris said: ‘Our exceptional team is always there to support the REME Family. They are a hardworking, empathetic team who will always find a solution.

Saying yes is our starting point. Receiving such a thank you, however, came so unexpected and took us by surprise. It has enhanced morale throughout the wider charity, too.’

From left to right, Welfare Manager Bev Bate, Corps Welfare Warrant Officer WO2 Kelvin Redshaw and Welfare Assistant Pam Bailey-Yates proudly receiving 6 Bn’s appreciation

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 21

Charity

45 Mile Loaded march in aid of Alder Hey Children’s Hospital Scribe: LCpl Kenyon

T

he 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment REME LAD conducted a 45-mile loaded march on 14th December 2021, in aid of raising funds for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

This money will help to fund life-saving equipment, vital research and healthcare innovation for children with critical and terminal illnesses.

Without donations, many of these outstanding facilities to help patients and families simply could not be provided.

In support of the children’s charity we conducted a 45-mile loaded march carrying 20kg, starting at Dale Barracks in Chester making our way to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool via Runcorn. We then made our way to the Mersey tunnel traveling through Birkenhead and Wirral; marching through to the final leg of the journey back to Dale Barracks in Chester.

Left to right: LCpl Kenyon, Sgt Thompson, Sgt Smithers, LCpl Booth, Cpl Garbett, WO2 (AQMS) Cooke

Planned 45-mile route, from Chester to Runcorn (A), Liverpool (C) and back to Chester (F) 22 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Alder Hey Children’s Hospital is a cause that I know is greatly respected throughout the community in the North-West for its commitment to our children’s wellbeing given over the years and it continues to do so. We all knew that this would be a difficult challenge, but the cause seems so worthy.

This 15-hour event was completed by a 6-person team with a mobile administration / safety team on call. Through controlled social media outputs and personal advertising, the team set to raise as much money as possible to fund life-saving equipment; a total sum of £2,189 was raised.

Feet taped up

We started the march enthusiastically but ran into problems with our feet by the 18mile point, where many of us had begun to encounter blisters. We stopped for five minutes to tape and powder our feet before continuing for another 11.4 miles to Alder Hey hospital where we were met by members of charity team who wanted to meet up with us.

Whilst at the hospital we were met by members of the admin party where we took 30 minutes to take on food and replenish any water used in the first leg of the journey and to re-tape our feet ready for the last leg of 25.5 miles.

From the Hospital we made our way to the Mersey tunnel and into Birkenhead on to what seemed the longest road I have ever encountered; it was literally one road back to camp traveling through the Wirral.

By the 15 miles to go point it is safe to say that we had all started to hit both mental and physical walls. I see myself as quite a fit person but at this point, I was questioning myself, I was running on mental resilience. My hamstrings had seized to the point where my legs had stopped bending at the knee, I was literally throwing one leg in front of the other, often falling to the ground in pain. We all experienced our own individual physical or mental blocks, but we pulled each other through it.

On completion of the march we came to the agreement that it was possibly the most physically challenging thing that any of us have ever done.

Chief Executive Fiona Ashcroft said: “On behalf of all our young patients, their families and staff here at Alder Hey, I would like to thank you for your very generous donation of £2,189, Please convey our sincere thanks to everyone who sponsored your gruelling challenge from Dale Barracks to Alder Hey and back fully loaded and helped to raise this fantastic amount of money – well done! We really appreciate your help and support. I can only imagine you all slept well that night!

Your gift is helping us to provide the most child-friendly surroundings, state of the art equipment, and to use the most innovative technology available.

Research carried out at Alder Hey is helping to ensure brighter futures for young patients here and around the world. You are also bringing the extra ‘magic’ above and beyond what is available through our wonderful NHS, from music and arts to high tech distraction.

One of our parents, John, told us “Without the support of all the staff at Alder Hey we don’t think we would have had such a positive outlook for our son Lewis’s journey. Everyone from the play staff and Cleaners to Surgeons, Nurses and theatre teams make us feel special, cared for and supported.

Lewis has changed our lives but Alder Hey has changed Lewis’s life. We have a saying that ‘we wouldn’t change Lewis for the world but would change the world for Lewis’ which is true, however we wouldn’t change anything about Alder Hey!”

Reaching Alder Hey Children’s Hospital

LCpl Kenyon stretching off

Meeting with the staff at Alder Hey

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 23

Charity

21st YEAR– WALES AIR AMBULANCE (A Charity!)

Lt Col (Retd) Kev Howard-Perry

Part of the Welsh Safety Matrix that draws on military experience from Operations Contributed by Lt Col (Retd) Kev Howard-Perry REME & Lt Col (Dr) Ami Jones MBE

S

erving Wales, Saving Lives. Wales Air Ambulance covers the whole of Wales every single day.

Each year the helicopters attend around 2,500 missions, covering the rural countryside and the bustling towns and cities. This includes the length of the Welsh coastline and across the vast mountain ranges. The four airbase operations in Caernarfon, Llanelli, Welshpool and Cardiff are ready to save lives wherever needed.

The MOD, RN, Army, RAF and Cadets have a rich past, present and future relationship with Wales.

There are numerous locations from Joint Service Mountain centres, 160th Welsh Bde, RN and Army Reserve units, RAF stations and a whole network of Cadet locations. Did you know the Wales Air Ambulance (WAA) attends an average of two military incidents a year?

You are covered by them 24/7 from the moment you cross the border on leave, exercise, AT, visiting or living and working in Wales.

How and why do they draw on Military Expertise – Where does Dr Ami and other Service Personnel fit in?

Lt Col (Dr) Ami Jones MBE

24 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Operations. Dr Ami Jones commissioned with the Army Reserve whilst an Anaesthetic Registrar in 2009, joining 203 Field hospital and immediately volunteering for a deployment to Afghanistan.

Following an intense year of training she deployed to Afghanistan as the Medical Officer on the Medical Emergency Response Team, better known as MERT. MERT was the British Doctor-led rotary medevac asset in Afghanistan and pushed interventions usually only possible to receive in the emergency dept of a hospital, such as emergency anaesthesia, blood transfusion and chest surgery, out to the point of wounding, resulting in many seriously injured casualties reaching hospital alive,

and indeed a good number of “unexpected survivors.” Ami deployed twice in this role over the coming 18 months treating many casualties and gaining extensive experience treating massively injured casualties in this environment.

Transition of MERT skills. Although various areas of the UK had air ambulances who could offer some of these interventions and carried Doctors as part of their team, Wales did not, with their air ambulance being predominantly paramedic-led.

Ami began working in the nearby Great Western Air Ambulance service in Bristol as they did offer some of these interventions, but the desire to bring the sort of service she had worked in Afghanistan to the people of Wales was still strong.

In 2015, along with other colleagues including several current and recently retired military colleagues, Ami was a key part of the inaugural Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) which launched Doctors, critical care practitioners and a vast array of interventions out to the people of Wales in conjunction with the Wales Air Ambulance charity. Described as a “flying hospital” due to the highly complex medical equipment and highly trained medical personnel it can deliver to the patient, wherever they need it.

Military Partnership. Lt Col Ami Jones is still an active part of the service, undertaking regular shifts with them as well as being their lead consultant for the 2 South Wales bases. The service expanded to 24/7 service in 2020 and maintains strong military links with no less than 8 Army Reservists amongst the medical staff and a number of regular military personnel from all three services, who undertake regular shifts to keep them trained and in readiness for any military deployments they may be required for.

We can appreciate the scale of large military operations with the cost in time, personnel, training and finance that it requires!

We are also used to the MERT Golden Hour…what do WAA do and how much does it cost?

The Platinum 20 minutes Wales Air Ambulance can be there for anyone in Wales within 20 minutes. But they do not just fly patients to hospital – they bring A&E directly to you. Their critical care consultants and practitioners have some of the most pioneering equipment and skills in the world, including blood products and techniques developed in the Armed Forces. This means that the patients receive advanced care before they even reach the hospital.

every year to operate the service! We can help them help us and others…..let’s save lives together.

How can you help to keep them airborne 24/7 and save lives now and into the future?

Lt Col (Retd) Kev Howard-Perry REME is fundraising for this 21st year by https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/col-kev-anddel-dragon running 2100 miles in one year with a target of £21000.00. The total running distance will include 4 Major events; the Branas Ultra Mountain Marathon 2022 (BUMM 22) on 12 and 13 May 22 which is a 100 mile mountain ultra-run in under 48hrs including the 15 Welsh 3000ft mountains, then the Seven Summits of Snowdon in July which is seven ascents of Snowdon via the main routes covering 65 miles in 24hrs, followed by the Dragon’s Back race route South to North (Cardiff to Conwy including many mountains in Wales) over 6 days and 230 miles in September (solo and unsupported).

Finally, a winter Paddy Buckley round including 47 mountains in Snowdonia over 61 miles in 24hrs finishing on 1 Mar 2023. Total ascent including training throughput the year will be approximately 11884m (38989ft) per month with similar descent.

Please visit the fundraising page and sponsor him from £2 upwards – every penny will help keep this charity at the top of its output and save lives.

How much does it cost to run the service?

Wales Air Ambulance is funded by the people; we rely entirely on the public’s support to help keep the helicopters flying. The charity does not receive direct funding from the government, and they do not qualify for National Lottery funding. The helicopters are kept in the air through charitable donations, fundraising events and membership of the in-house Lifesaving Lottery.

They need to raise £8 million

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

REME Sporting Fixtures 2021/22

FOOTBALL: Men’s 13 May RE vs REME, at Chatham, KO 1030hrs RUGBY UNION: Men’s 18 May Corps Union Finals, REME vs Royal Engineers at the Army Stadium, Aldershot KO 1400hrs 18 May REME Masters vs TBC at the Army Stadium, Aldershot (KO TBC) CRICKET: Jacob.English789@mod.gov.uk 04 May REME CC Trials, Sharp Ground (Larkhill) 1100hrs 09 May Inter Corps T20 Training (Loc TBC) 10-12 May Inter Corps T20 Competition (Aldershot) 1000hrs 17 May Infantry CC, Sharp Ground (Larkhill) 1100hrs 31 May RA CC, Sharp Ground (Larkhill) 1100hrs CROSS COUNTRY: Michael.Lovell534@mod.gov.uk 29 Jun REME Road Relay Championships (MOD Lyneham) 04-10 Sep Ex Cfn Runner, inc REME Short Course XC Champs (Keswick/Scafell Pike) 2 Nov REME Corps Cross Country Championships (Tidworth) CLAY TARGET SHOOTING: Peter.Meager849@mod.gov.uk 04 May Taster Session, Catterick 22 Jun Women in Sport, Barbury Shooting School, Swindon.

06 Jul Corps Championship, Bramley 21 Sep Competition Training, Barbury Shooting School, Swindon 09-10 Nov AGM Bramley & Bisley BOXING: Liam.Jones176@mod.gov.uk 17-19 May Corps Boxing Championships ATHLETICS: Peter.Dyer102@mod.gov.uk 03 May Corps Athletics Championships, all Major & Minor Units, Tidworth Oval, from 0815hrs LIFTING THE DECKS: Gary.Hooson683@mod.gov.uk 09-15 May Virtual 10km, register through the REME Connect website, entry £15

Advertise your sporting fixtures and results here, contact:

craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk 26 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

REME Sports Association Fes val of Sport ‐ 29 & 30 June 2022 Sports Awards Dinner ‐ 30 June 2022

Festival of Sport 2022 (FoS 22) will be held at MOD Lyneham and will be open to all REME personnel serving Corps wide (attached arms on unit strength may be counted in team sports)

Sports Award Dinner by invitation only via Corps Sports Secretaries

Save the dates Full details to follow

REME Sport

Sgt Wilton, LCpl Heaver, LCpl Fleckney & Sgt Spencer-Fleet

Army Motorcycle Road Race Team Scribe: Sgt Spencer-Fleet (3 CS Bn REME)

T

he Army Motorcycle Road Race Team (AMRRT) managed to have a very successful 2021 season considering the uncertainty in today’s climate. With the start of the season off the cards, we were finally given the green light in June which saw the AMRRT- E (Endurance) visit the beautifully sunny Croft Circuit, Darlington and the AMRRT- S (Sprint) visiting the short but snappy Mallory Park, Kirkby Mallory.

and LCpl Celvin Heaver in the Endurance Team.

All riders competed at some iconic tracks throughout the UK with podium finishes at almost every meet! Here’s how each REME rider got on within their respective classes and disciplines.

The AMRRT encompasses all cap badges and REME riders and pit crews are spread throughout the team. Sgt Richard SpencerFleet competing in Ducati Tri-Options at British Superbikes and in the Sprint team in Inter-Services. Sgt Leon Wilton and LCpl Palmer competing in the Inter-Services, Sgt Andy McSweeney

Joined the Endurance team back in 2014, winning not only the Rookie 600 but Clubman 600 endurance championships that year with numerous other podiums in other classes. Since then he has moved up the ranks into National level racing, competing at British Superbikes in Ducati Tri-Options championship since 2018.

The 2021 season saw ‘Spence’ have a great year racing on the British and the World championship calendar. He also came back to his roots and race with the sprint team in the Inter-service Championship. He was crowned individual Inter-service Champion winning all bar one race entered.

‘Its been a fantastic season, getting the opportunity to race in the British superbike paddock gaining top 10’s, getting to race at World Superbikes, then to win the Inter-Services Individual Championship, it’s been Epic! Really looking forward to seeing what 2022 has in store’.

Sgt Richard Spencer-Fleet (Vehicle Mechanic Class 1)

Sgt Andy McSweeney (Electronics Technician Class 1)

Sgt Spencer-Fleet’s trophy haul, including 2021 Army and Inter-Service Championship Winner’s trophy 28 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Sweeney joined the team in 2015 alongside his team-mate Celv. The pair worked together as pit crew for 4 years before taking the leap to team riders for the 2019 season. The pair won the All-

other teams were too far out of reach to compete with for the season. He and Celv finished the season in a respectable 5th place of the Clubman 600 Endurance Championship.

Sgt Leon Wilton (Metalsmith Class 1) Leon began his racing career with the AMRRT(E) back in 2015 where he began learning his race craft on the Yamaha R6. After a successful 3 years within the Endurance paddock, Leon decided to make the move over to the AMRRT(S) team in 2018.

From here Leon became a faster and stronger rider, which naturally led him changing to the bigger Yamaha R1 machine to race with. In 2021, Leon was unfortunately plagued with technical issue which resulted in some DNF’s however this

Sgt Spencer-Fleet

Rookie Endurance Championship in their first year and he set about making some big changes as the pair moved up to the clubman class.

Sweeney went into the 2021 season eager and excited, but after missing the first few rounds due to work commitments, he arrived at Cadwell Park determined to make up for his late start to the season. On board his new Yamaha R6, that he’d spent all lockdown fettling with and upgrading, he was beating his PB’s lap after lap! This however came to an abrupt ending, just 3 minutes before the chequered flag of a 3hour race, making a late manoeuvre on a worn tyre saw him crash out of the race. Sweeney spent the following few rounds trying to regain the confidence lost from the crash.

By the time he was back on pace the

Sgt McSweeney

never dampened his spirit and he pushed on with the season. This was rewarded with a 3rd overall for the season in the British Military InterServices Championship! Along with this, Leon impressed himself by beating all his previous personal bests at ALL of the tracks he visited in the season; most notably at Trac Môn Anglesey Circuit, Wales where he knocked a full 2 seconds off his previous best! Leon is eager to get back on track in the 2022 season where he hopes to collect more trophies, break more PB’s and most importantly have fun!

LCpl Liam Palmer (Vehicle Mechanic Class 1) Sgt Wilton

Liam joined the Army Motorcycle Road Race Team in 2015 as pit crew.

He remained pit crew for 3 years

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 29

building up experience to prepare himself for racing. In 2018 Liam started racing on an R6 doing a few wild cards in the preinjection championship with the sprint team and then moving in the following years to the Stocktwin Class on a Suzuki SV650.

2021 saw Liam come 4th in the championship, gaining many podium places including his first ever win. Within the InterService championship Liam managed to be the highest scoring in his class.

“2021 was a brilliant year for me although I narrowly missed out on the top 3 steps in championship, I managed to gain a lot of experience racing against much more accomplished riders.

This has set me up well for the 2022 championship and I’m really looking forward to seeing what it has in store for myself and the team.”

LCpl Celvin Heaver (Vehicle Mechanic Class 1) Celv joined the team back in 2015 as a Craftsman along with Sweeney whilst posted to his first unit in Colchester. They worked as Mechanics within the pit crew until 2019 where they made the choice to step up and become riders. Racing on the Yamaha R6, Celv received some great results which he shared with Sweeney and eventually these results accumulated to them being crowned 2019 Rookie Champions.

Fast forward 2 years thanks to the Coronavirus outbreak, he found himself back in the seat for the 2021 season! On the Yamaha R6 once more, Celv began breaking personal best lap times at some of the greatest tracks in the UK and enjoyed every second of it. With a bike change at the end of the season due to plans for 2022, Celv raced a wildcard event with the AMRRT(S) at Cadwell Park on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX10-R where he picked up his first trophy of the year. A 3rd in the Thundersport GP1

LCpl Heaver

Sportsman race followed by a 1st in the British Military Inter-Services race. As to be expected he is very excited to get back on the bike in 2022 and take the amazing opportunity of racing for both the Endurance and Sprint teams!

With the 2022 season almost upon us, the team are always looking for up and coming talent within the Corps. If you feel like you could be pit crew or dream to become the next Inter-Service champion, like and follow the team page on Facebook and Instagram (Army Motorcycle Road Race Team).

All enquiries will be responded to and hopefully open the doorway to a new a new and exciting sport for you within the Army!

Alternatively, please email the following POC. REME Road Race Secretary: Richard.Spencer-Fleet781@mod.gov.uk

Arte et Marte.

LCpl Palmer

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Are you ex-serving REME? Did you have a partner or family who were in REME? Where Are They Now? is a new feature, giving you the chance to share your stories with the wider REME Family.

If you have a story to share, email it to craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk # T h e R E M E Fa m i l y

30 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

REME Sport

Corps Coarse Angling Championships 2021 Scribe: WO2 (AQMS) Dave Goodall

W

ith Covid-19 adversely affecting all sports over the last year, the REME Angling Championships was held in July 2021; returning back to a full five-day event.

Held at Larford Lakes in Worcestershire,11 Anglers arrived on the first morning and a detailed match brief was delivered to all attendees. The draw was completed the night before via social media to limit contact between competitors and this continued throughout the event. All participants were split into two sections across the lake for day one, with all matches being 5hrs long; fishing from 11001600hrs.

Day one was a silver fish (no Carp allowed). This was Dave Goodall’s collection of Silvers, Winner Day One Mr Andy Clark 2021 Corps Champion the only event won by myself with a weight of 47lb 14oz, with Cpl Chris Procter second with Unfortunately, we were unable to keep hold of our narrow lead 38lb. The next two days were a pairs match and with 13 people in and Mr Robert Marsh and Cpl Ben Hickinbottom were crowned pairs attendance, Mr Andy Clark (a former REME VM) was the lucky person Champions after the two days with a combined weight of 256lb 3oz who had two partners because of the odd number. with Mr Clark and myself second with a combined weight of 224lb Day one of the pairs was won by Mr Robert Marsh (another former 14oz. The individual winner on the day was Sgt Joe Beevers with REME VM) with 58lb 8oz and myself second on the day with 49lb 103lb 12oz and Mr Marsh second with 89lb 6oz.

15oz. Mr Andy Clark and myself were top of the table after day one The next two days were the main event to see who would be and with it all to play for the next day, as the winning pairs would be crowned 2021 Corps Champion. With 15 people now at the event, by weight over the two days. day one was won by Sgt Robert Adkins with 128lb 6oz, closely followed by Cpl Ben Hickinbottom with 121lb 1oz. Day two would see several people still in with a chance of winning the event. Coming third overall for the 2021 Championships was Mr Dave Parkinson (a former REME Recy Mech) with 183lb 3oz, then in second place was Cpl Ben Hickinbottom with 229lb 11oz and the 2021 Champion was Mr Andy Clark with 244lb.

The biggest thanks must go to The REME Sports Association and The REME Charity for its support in funding our sport. T his significantly offsets 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.

Mr Robert Marsh and Cpl Ben Hickinbottom uk Sgt Rob Atkins playing a fish Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 31

REME Sport

REME Aquatics Inter-Corps Swimming, Water Polo and Diving 2022 Scribe: WO2 (AQMS) Dean Inocco

Open Water Swimming Series

I

n 2021, for the first time the Army Swimming Union (ASU) held an open water swimming series across four events. The REME Swimming Team was well with an average of 10 swimmers at each event. This was a great opportunity for triathletes and swimmers to represent the Corps and earn points towards the overall Inter-Corps Aquatic Cup Competition. Events included 750m, 1500m, 3Km and 5Km. Congratulations go to SSgt B Shields, who due to her strong performances, was selected to represent the Army at the Inter-Services open water competition.

68th REME Swimming and Water Polo Championships 2022 Every year REME soldiers from across the Corps come together to train and compete at the REME Swimming and Water Polo Championships. After more than 2 years away from competitive swimming in the pool it was good to have the opportunity to race again. As always, the REME Swimming and Water Polo Championships were held the week prior to the Inter-Corps Championships. It was great to see many new as

Corps Open Water Team at Cromhall Quarry well as familiar faces in the pool. Four teams entered the Water Polo allowing for a good competition with everyone getting to play 3 games. For the new faces this was a good introduction to the sport and gave WO1 (ASM) Luke Illingworth a chance to find new talent for the Corps Men’s and Ladies team, as well as identifying players to represent the Army. Lt Ed Mercer was awarded the James Candler trophy for being the ‘Player of the Tournament’ chosen by the officials. 2 Bn REME managed to take the win after a hard fought competition. It was great to see everybody involved, including the Chair Colonel Gibb enjoying his time in goal.

More individuals arrived for the swimming gala; which took place in the afternoon with a total of six teams competing. 8 Bn REME came out as overall winners, winning both the individual swimming competition and the relays. Leading by example, Colonel REME delivered an impressive performance in the 200m Individual Medley.

The standard in the pool was extremely high and a couple of new Corps records were set. Lt Matt Rudge won the Victor Ludorum “best male”, and Cpl Elly Kent won the Victrix Ludorum “best female”.

During both events, all those taking part showed great sportsmanship making it an incredible day for all.

Following the REME championships, the evening prize giving was held in the Tidworth Royal British Legion and was well attended by all teams. Full colours were awarded by Col Gibb to Capt Katie Hawkins and Cpl Elly Kent for their commitment and contribution to REME swimming and Water-polo.

32nd Inter Corps Diving, Swimming and Water Polo 2022 Diving REME Divers showcasing the flag from the top platform

32 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

The following week saw the team move to Aldershot for the annual Inter-Corps competition which, for the first time, included diving, where we had four divers compete. It was great to see new faces

representing the Corps in diving as we move forward as the REME Aquatics team.

Water Polo We fielded the strongest men’s and ladies Waterpolo team in recent years which included a very competitive bench. A strong starting seven was picked for the men which included the two new faces of Lt Ed Mercer and Cfn Morgan Wells. The men’s team got off to a great start beating the RLC and RAC comfortably in their first two games. A tough and well fought game saw the team narrowly miss out to the Infantry in the closest game of day losing 3-2. Game 4 against the Engineers (the eventual winners) was sadly another loss; however, the Corps showed its’ ability in the last game of the day with a comfortable victory against the Royal Signals. The REME men’s team finished 3rd in the Water-polo. Cfn Wells was by far the most impressive player of the day, scoring many goals and turning over the ball on numerous occasions.

The ladies team had a good starting 7 with a full bench to rotate once fatigue set in. The team, led

by Capt Katie Hawkins, narrowly missed out against the RLC which was made up of nearly all Army level players and drew against a very strong RE team. The team showed great resilience and improvement throughout the competition and will be a force to be reckoned with at next year’s competition.

WO1 (ASM) Illingworth delivered an outstanding competition, as well as playing for the men’s team.

3rd place Female Water Polo Team

Swimming Coach Nigel Sherwood took time out of his day job to return to the Inter-Corps competition where REME swimmers challenged for medals in every event. A strong team, we had at least two swimmers competing in each event this year which is a first for many years. SSgt Zoran Maric proved his sprinting skills once more, winning the 50m and 100m masters freestyle race. Throughout the day we had many 2nd place finishes across the male and female races. The male and female relay teams finished in third place.

3rd place Male Water Polo Team

REME Swimmers at the end of two weeks of training and competing

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 33

Summary Overall a brilliant performance for the Corps again this year in the pool; it was great to see so many new faces as well as the experienced members of the team.

Presented smartly in our Corps t-shirts, costumes, and trunks, we looked like a competitive team and as always, we had great team spirit throughout. As well as the successful Corps and fruitful Inter-Corps Championships, two further awards are worthy of a mention. Cpl Sophie Stocker was awarded the James Shield for her dedication during the training camp and competitions; the The overall results for the Inter Corps best newcomer to Team REME. competition are: Additionally, WO2 (AQMS) Dean Men’s Water Polo – 3rd place Inocco was awarded the McLeod Trophy for his dedication to Ladies Water Polo – 3rd place Corps Swimming and WaterMen’s swimming – 3rd place polo over the years.

Ladies swimming – 3rd place Special mention goes to WO1 (ASM) Emma Argue who leaves Relay team – 3rd place the Corps after 26 years’ service and her smooth running of the annual Inter-Corps competition has now been handed to the ASU. ASM Argue has been involved in the Corps team as a competitor and more recently the organiser of the Inter-Corps for the past 7 years.

Cpl Sophie Stocker awarded the James Shield by the Chairman Colonel Gibb

Look forward The team going forward will now be known as the REME Aquatic Team; which will incorporate, Diving, Open water swimming, Water-polo and Pool swimming.

There will be another open water series this year so please keep an eye out for dates and detail. The Inter-Corps competition has now been handed to the ASU, who aim to split up each discipline of the Aquatics Cup. The swimming will potentially be held in Dec 22 with the diving and Water-polo planned to be held in Mar 23; both dates are yet to be confirmed The future for REME Aquatics is looking extremely positive, if you wish to be part of this team please do get in touch with the Team Secretary Capt Katie Hawkins or Team Manager WO2 (AQMS) Dean Inocco.

POC: Team Manager: WO2 (AQMS) Dean Inocco, Dean.Inocco996@mod.gov.uk Team Secretary: Capt Katie Hawkins, kathryn-scarlett.hawkins103@mod.gov.uk

WO2 (AQMS) Dean Inocco awarded the McLeod Trophy by the Chairman Colonel Gibb

REME Netball

Inter-Services Netball competition Scribe: Lt Col Laura Ellis

T

he annual Inter-Services netball competition took place 2-4 Mar 22 at HMS Nelson. The REME had three personnel involved in Army Netball this year, which is the most amount that have ever represented the Army at this competition. Lt Col Laura Ellis is the Army Netball coach and has been coaching the three (Ladies Open, Ladies Development and Men) squads all season. This has involved monthly training events, against international teams as well as super league and regional pathway teams. Both Cfn Wright and Cfn Soso were new to Corps and Army netball this year, having been successful at trials in Oct 21. With 45 players selected from trials, they both were part of the development team throughout the season. During the competition the development side were victorious in both of their matches, defeating the Navy 28-11 and the RAF 41-26. Cfn Wright is a goal attacker, which is one of two players who can shoot on court, her shooting % were strong and she showed flair in attack to create space for her Goal Shooter.

Cfn Soso is a defender and she played most of the competition as Wing Defence, she came out with a number of interceptions at crucial times in a game which gave her side the momentum to push on and close out the game. With the UK Armed Forces (UKAF) selectors being present at the competition, I am thrilled to announce that Cfn Soso was selected to be part of the UKAF team who will play their fixtures over the summer.

The rest of the competition was equally as successful, with a clean sweep for the Army across all three teams. With the 34 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

added excitement of having a mixed inter-corps event next season, we are looking for any new players who wish to become part of the REME netball team to get in contact with the Secretary Capt Jenny Thomas Jennifer.Thomas201@mod.gov.uk

Left to right, Cfn Wright, Lt Col Ellis and Cfn Soso

REME Sport

Army and REME Half Marathon Championships 20 MAR 22 – Race Results Scribe: WO1 (RSM) Jarvis (6 ACS Bn REME)

I

am delighted to announce the Corps results below, noting 5 FS Bn REME placed 3rd overall in the Army Championship and SAAE 5th, huge congratulations to both teams and all Corps members that competed.

Male Team Category 1st 5 FS Bn REME 2nd SAAE 3rd 6 Armd CS Bn REME Individual Male Category 1st Capt Birkett (5 FS Bn REME) 2nd WO2 Reed (RTR LAD) 3rd Sgt Tamang (5 FS Bn REME) Individual Female Category 1st Lt James (SAAE) 2nd Cfn Scott (36 Engr Regt Wksp) 3rd LCpl Reynolds (1 AAC Wksp) Looking forward to the next Corps event: Road Relay Championships at Corps Festival of Sport (29- 30 Jun 22), details to follow.

The winning REME team: 5 FS Bn REME

Dinghy Sailing Course For REME dependants 25 – 29 July 2022 The REME Sailing Club are providing an opportunity for REME dependants to learn or develop their skills at dinghy sailing. No prior experience required but there is a minimum age of 8 years old.

The course will be held at South Cerney Sailing Club (SCSC) near Swindon, the home of REME water sports with an excellent sized lake and clubhouse with galley and showers. Camping on site is permitted for those who wish to.

Costs: £100 per person plus membership of the REME Sailing Club (from £15).

For more information and to book a place, please contact: Paul Isitt Paul.Isitt696@mod.gov.uk 0300 159 8007 36 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

The REME Museum commemorates the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War

REME Museum

F

orty years on from Argentina’s invasion of the Falkland Islands in 1982, the REME Museum is hosting two digital exhibitions offering unique perspectives of the conflict.

“Remembering the Falklands: 40 Years On” is the Museum’s exhibition, exploring the ingenuity of REME personnel in adverse conditions, the impact of the conflict on all those involved, and the legacy that reaches into the present day. It offers an opportunity to interact with historic documents, photographs and first-hand accounts from those who were there.

The Museum is also delighted to be hosting the exhibition of Graham Bound, who was born on the Falkland Islands and a journalist when the Argentinian forces invaded. “Everything Changed” is a Falkland Islander’s photographic record of the invasion, occupation, war and aftermath.

Rick Henderson, the REME Museum’s Director, commented, “These high quality exhibitions really complement one another, and will give our visitors a view of the conflict from both the military and civilian view point.”

The digital format is a first for the Museum, and will be displayed on an interactive multimedia table in the Museum’s Remembrance Gallery. The exhibitions will open from 21 April 2022.

Entry is included with admission to the Museum. Visit www.rememuseum.org.uk for information and to book tickets.

The Museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 to 16:30, last entry 14:30. Remember to make time for a break at Crown’s Café. Visit our website at www.rememuseum.org.uk to plan your trip.

For press enquiries Please contact Lucy Brown at museumassistant@rememuseum.org.uk or 01249 894875.

About the REME Museum The REME Museum exists to tell the story of the Corps of The Royal Electrical and Mehanical Engineers (REME). REME have been ‘keeping the punch in the Army’s fist’ since 1942. Whether it’s keeping an Apache attack helicopter battle ready or recovering a Challenger tank under fire, REME personnel make sure that cutting edge kit is ready for action.

Discover the people, equipment and stories behind the uniform at the REME Museum. Located just outside MOD Lyneham in Wiltshire, the Museum features modern, interactive displays from rare World War Two vehicles to a tiny toothbrush made by a REME prisoner of war.

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 37

The ‘Ford Files’

When is the next boat back?

Scribe: Robin Ford (Former ASM)

O

ne of the frequent duties of the Landing Craft Tank (LCT) Mk 8 was to visit and supply various establishments in and on the Hebridean Islands (Operation HARDROCK) including St Kilda Island. Stationed on St Kilda was a radar tracking station policing the North Atlantic.

Providing power for the establishment were diesel generators and it was the task of REME to supply a Mechanic to provide maintenance and daily running of the generators.

Earlier in the year another LCT had dropped off a REME ‘VM’ Corporal as a routine swap over. We beached at St Kilda in September and as I was the only REME guy on board I sought him out and said ‘ready for the off tomorrow then’, he replied in a very happy go lucky way ‘No, it’s great here, wish it was permanent I will be going back on the next scheduled boat that comes’, suit yourself ‘I said’.

I did not have the heart, nor was it my business to tell him that there was no next boat as the Squadron does not risk the serious North Atlantic weather after September. The following Spring on a fine sunny day with a gentle breeze blowing on shore we beached in Kilda bay.

Six months later, waiting there, pacing up and down, with kit assembled was a very agitated and stir-crazy Corporal p_ _ _ _ d off to the eyeballs and desperate to get his boots on a metal deck.

Lesson No 1, be careful what you wish for, you may be unlucky to get it. After forty-eight hours on St. Kilda you know you are not in Blackpool – it’s called ISOLATION. The MOD Radar Station sits at approx. 400m above sea level and is still there to this present day. It can be viewed on Google maps, North of Hirta, surrounded by buildings.

The ‘steaming metropolis’ of St. Kilda

Unorthodox uniform of a REME Sgt at the church location

Landing Craft Tank was used to transport supplies and spares, where needed

38 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Peoples Stories

A story of two phone calls Scribe: Geoffrey Simpson

B

ack in 1988 I was the Commander Maint (West), my last appointment before retirement and while at my desk in Bulford one day the phone rang and the caller was none other than Major General Malcolm Hutchinson, the Vice Major General Officer (VMGO).

We were old friends so I did not stand to attention, but I did listen carefully to what had caused him to call me, a mere Colonel.

It transpired that the Army was about to place an order for 1,500 new Bedford trucks and Malcolm was interested to know how difficult it was to unbolt the rear body from an old Bedford and possibly put it on to a new “rear bodyless” Bedford chassis. I should explain that Malcolm was an Ace Electronics trained Officer and I was a mere Mechanically trained Officer so he was calling for my view on a proposition which he had dreamed up.

He wondered if his idea had “legs” and if it did the MOD could save the cost of 1,500 new rear bodies worth thousands if not millions of pounds.

There was an AA advert running at the time which went “I do not know myself, but I know a man who does.” That man was one of my staff, Major (later Lt Col) Peter Lockyer who replied in a millisecond “About half a dozen nuts and bolts

and a couple of plugs and sockets” So, I called Malcolm back and told him the good news.

His response was enthusiastic to say the least.

“We have a workshop in Kent which currently has little work and we could use it to have the old Bedfords lined up alongside the new chassis and then we could transfer the rear bodies across” “Good idea” I replied, “But how many wheels will the new chassis have?”

After a pause, Malcolm asked “Four perhaps?”

My response was “How about five if they come with a spare” “My God, what another good idea” was Malcolm’s reaction “Thanks for that Geoffrey” After a couple of seconds basking in the praise from a Major General I spoke again “How about the 1,500 CES kits”.

I should explain that a Complete Equipment Schedule is a tool kit that enables drivers to, for instance, change a wheel without calling the AA/RAC or REME. “Good grief” said Malcolm, “Between us we have saved a fortune in 10 minutes of chattering” Lovely knowing Malcolm and Rene for decades. Please Rest in Peace.

Photo from www.truck1.eu Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 39

Museum

REME Aviation Pioneers – John Probert Scribe: Steve Colling (Corps Historian)

T

he Museum has just completed work with the Army Flying Museum to document REME Support to Army Aviation.

Two online videos can be seen on the Museum website at: https://www.rememuseum.org.uk/ (follow the website to the events page).

REME took-on responsibility for the maintenance of Army aircraft from the RAF in 1958 following a decision that the Army would assume responsibility for manning and operating aircraft in Air Observation Post (AOP) and light liaison roles taken a year earlier. The story of how the role developed is documented in Craftsman of the Army (Vol 1).

Just a paragraph is devoted to the six men that made it happen; one of whom was Major John Probert (a war time Army seconded Spitfire Pilot).

Unfortunately, we do not (yet) have a copy of his record of service but with online resources and a bit of background knowledge his story can be pieced together; albeit with a few question marks!

John was born in 1921 in Widnes, trained as Chemical Engineer and worked for ICI in 1937-38. He joined the Territorial Army and was a member of the South Lancashire Regiment (Prince of Wales’ Volunteers) which re-rolled as 61st (South Lancashire) Searchlight Regiment RA in 1939. It served in North West England and the Orkneys.

By 1942 he was a Sergeant leading a team responsible for the operation and maintenance of radar equipment. After officer training at Kasr el Nil he was commissioned into the Gunners in 1942 and joined 111 Field Regiment RA in the Western Desert.

Sometime in 1943 he was selected for flight reconnaissance duties with the RAF. Flight Lieutenant Probert gained his Pilot’s brevet and served as a reconnaissance Pilot with 659 Squadron which flew Austers. The Squadron supported Army operations in NW Europe after D-Day +5 but John’s medals do not include the France and Germany Star; implying he did not serve in theatre before the end of the war. Neither did he go to India with 659 Sqn in October 1945. Did he fly Spitfires or did he fly a Spitfire?

After the war, John was demobbed. He went to Southern Rhodesia, became an Assistant Surveyor of a gold mine and studied

at the University of Witwatersrand in Rhodesia. Two years later, John returned to the Gunners in the rank of Captain and served with 15 Medium Regiment RA at the School of Artillery BAOR. In 1948 he was awarded a Regular Commission in REME. Employed as a Workshop Officer at 22 Base Workshop, Hamburg he organised training for Vehicle Mechanics and Fitters. From there he went to the Royal Military College of Science, Shrivenham as an engineering student.

In 1951 he was posted to 40 Base Workshop, Singapore returning three later to become Deputy Assistant Director Mechanical Engineering, HQ Scotland in the rank of Major. The same year, he qualified as a parachutist with the Airborne Forces.

From there he went to Nairobi to command a Station Workshop during the Mau Mau Emergency.

In 1957 Major Probert was posted to the Technical Wing of the

Awarded his Pilot’s brevet in 1943

Qualified parachutist in 1951

40 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

John Probert’s ID Card

Army Air Corps Centre Middle Wallop as Officer Commanding.

He was responsible for forming the Aircraft Technical School and Technical Services Section.

Initially, his staff consisted of one RAF Officer and thirteen RAF senior rank instructors.

There followed a staff job in the Ministry of Supply with responsibility for helicopters including Skeeter and Scout.

In 1959 he returned to HQ BAOR as the Senior Technical Officer (aircraft) responsible for 50 aircraft. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1960, he was appointed OC Technical Training Branch, Middle Wallop and later OC Aircraft Servicing Branch AACC, Middle Wallop. In the later he had technical responsibility for aircraft servicing and maintenance worldwide.

His next two appointments took him to Hong Kong as Commander REME and then New Zealand as Director of the Royal Brigadier Probert retires from DADEME BAOR in 1974, pictured fourth from New Zealand Electrical & the left, in the front row, with his Air Force wings on display Mechanical Engineers. Colonel Proctor returned to REME Aviation in 1968 and an appointment as Assistant Director Electrical & Mechanical Engineers in EME 9(A) at the Ministry of Defence.

His last appointment in the Army was as Deputy Director Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, 1st British Corps in Germany, as a Brigadier. He’s last recorded in the REME Officers List for 1973 as a serving officer. By the time the 1974 list was printed he was a retired and living in Auckland, New Zealand. The list says Years of Commissioned Service 1942-1974. Obviously not all REME and not continuous, although quite a career.

As a civilian, John Probert briefly joined air New Zealand in Auckland before being appointed Chief Executive and Principle Officer, City of Salisbury, Rhodesia from 1974 to 1977. He remained in Harare John Probert's impressive haul of medals until the early 80’s, became MP for Borrowdale, completed an honours degree in History and served in HQ 3 Brigade as a Major RA. An Army and Corps Rugby player, he certainly filled his days. He died in New Zealand in 1994.

The Museum Archive holds a collection of historical material and a growing collection of individual records of service based on research by the Corps Historian. You might think that the part played by John Probert would be well documented in the Archive but, although there are some photos and an obituary in the Craftsman, there’s relatively little else. All the interesting stuff, the flying logs, associated papers and medals were put up for sale in New Zealand some years ago.

Present whereabouts unknown. Might the Museum be a more fitting custodian?

So, if you’re of a certain age and downsizing or just clearing out your loft or garage, please give thought to offering items of REME historical interest to the Corps Museum. And, if you haven’t seen the two films documenting REME Aviation, log on, make a donation to your museum and catch-up!

John Probert's auction lot, possibly in New Zealand Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 41

Obituary Major General (Retd) Pat Lee CB MBE Scribe: Colonel Peter Gibson (Retd)

Major Lee commanding 16 Parachute Workshop as part of UN contingent in Cyprus

Brigadier Lee at his desk in Headquarters REME Training Centre, Arborfield Major General Pat Lee died peacefully in a Taunton care home on 13th March 2022, two days before his birthday. Pat was born in 1929 in Torquay. At the start of WWII, the 10 year old Pat was filling sandbags on the beach at Paignton, which were used to protect key buildings in the town. At age 14 he won a scholarship to board at Kings School, Canterbury which, very soon afterwards, was evacuated to Cornwall. Here he joined the school’s Officer Training Corps. The school eventually returned to Kent. The key event for Pat was to be the right-hand marker of the Schools Guard of Honour for King George VI, when he, Queen Elizabeth and the two Princesses came to present The Royal Charter in July 1946.

In 1947, the Army insisted that officer candidates should serve in the ranks before attending Sandhurst. So, having passed No.2 War Office Selection Board in Horsham; been checked medically and physically at the British Military Hospital in Greenwich; and satisfied some officers of his suitability for a place at the newly opened Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst; Pat was “called up”.

Having completed basic training, Pat was sent to the Depot REME in Arborfield where he was taught platoon tactics and visited various REME units.

Pat finally joined Intake 2 at Sandhurst. One of the more memorable events of the 18 months at Sandhurst was going to London, spending the night in a disused tube station and the next day lining Whitehall for the wedding of Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip in November 1947.

Pat was commissioned on 22 December 1948 and posted as a Platoon Commander to 2 Training Battalion REME in Honiton.

Eight months later, he moved to Shrivenham to join No 4 Young Officers Degree Course. While at Shrivenham he not only learned to parachute but also married 2/Lt Peggy Chapman, a WRAC who was serving in the Shrivenham WRAC Company. 1953 and 1954 were taken up by Practical Engineering Training in London. Pat and Peggy rented a flat in Hampstead but, being under the approved

42 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

marrying age of 25, Pat received no marriage allowance with the result that Peggy had to work to feed them.

Postings to 2 Station Workshop in Malaya and to 7 (Queen’s Own) Hussars in Hong Kong and UK, followed. In 1959 came a posting to 16 Para Workshop as Second in Command. After a quick refresher parachute course at Abingdon, Pat flew out to Cyprus to join the unit on Nicosia airfield. Shortly after arriving, the Workshop Commander returned to England on compassionate grounds and Pat found himself in command. The complete Brigade then moved by air to Jordan, although the workshop Stores Section was sent by Tank Landing Craft through the Suez Canal. Finally, the Brigade returned to UK via Beirut, and after arriving back in Aldershot, Pat handed over to the new Commander.

Throughout 1960, Pat attended Staff College, while he and Peggy lived in a married quarter in Kings Ride, Camberley. After Staff College, came a posting to the Directorate of Staff Duties in the MOD. The Directorate was located in the old War Office building opposite Horse Guards. Pat’s branch, SD4, was responsible for manpower planning for an army of 182,000. However, as an initial task he was given the job of totting up the number of B vehicles the Army needed. He said later that he had no idea if anyone ever bothered to look at it, let alone use it for any purpose. The real purposeful job was to update the manpower figures, study every option of Army size, and organization changes, and so on. The Army Air Corps was in the process of being formed which was a challenge and needed straight forward skulduggery to get other Corps and Regiments to agree to transfer men to the new light blue beret Corps. Pat remembered that after the first six months, he could write out the Army’s Order of Battle from memory with the manpower figures to go with each unit. He was awarded an MBE for all his achievements and Peggy and the children went up to Buckingham Palace to see the Queen award it.

From sitting at a desk in Whitehall, Pat returned to the Airborne world as Officer Commanding 16 Parachute Workshop – after another parachute refresher course, of course. 16 Parachute Brigade had, once again, been ordered back to Cyprus to keep the peace after Turkey’s invasion of the northern part of the island and Pat had to fly straight out to Cyprus to catch-up with the Workshop advance party. When the United Nations Security Council decided to take over responsibility for keeping the Greeks and Turks apart, the Workshop became the first REME unit to wear the blue berets.

After commanding 16 Parachute Workshop, Pat attended the Joint Services Staff College at Latimer. From Latimer he was posted as the Military Assistant to the Master General of the Ordnance (MGO), General Sir Charles Jones. Most of Pat’s time with him was spent arranging and accompanying him on a large round of farewell visits to the vast “empire” he controlled.

After 15 months with the MGO, Pat was posted to the Army Staff College as a member of the Directing Staff. After Camberley, a posting to Germany had become inevitable and Pat was sent to be the Commander REME of 2nd Division in Nor th Rhine

the project by having a plaque dedicated to her; recording the whole initiative.

Arborfield was followed by a return to Germany, for a little under a year, to command 23 Base Workshop in Wetter. Pat claims that he left his deputy to run the workshop while he did fun things like climbing the workshop chimney, learning to ride and improving his German.

In June 1980 Pat returned to UK to be promoted to Major General and become Director General Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.

He retired in 1983, and immediately joined Wincanton Transport as a Director, where he remained until 1998. Always busy, Pat’s retirement activities would have exhausted most of us. He was a Colonel Commandant REME for 6 years; Chairman of the Road Haulage Association from 1994 to 1996; Chairman of the CBI South West Regional Council; A member of the Wessex Water Authority; A Governor of Wellington School and a Parish Councillor – amongst other things!

Pat’s health had been deteriorating for some years. He remained at home until his wife Peggy died in the autumn of 2021 after which he spent some time in hospital before entering a Care Home in October 2021. Pat died 3 days before his 93rd birthday. He leaves a Son and Daughter, together with 5 Grandchildren (three of whom are serving or have served in the Army) and 8 Great Grandchildren.

Brigadier Lee taking command of 23 Base Workshop with vice Brigadier Bill Bailey Westphalia. The HQ was in a farming town named Lubbecke. That town’s only claim to fame for most of our troops stationed there was that, once a year, the local brewery would connect its output of beer directly to the Town Square’s fountain.

Promotion to Colonel followed with a move to HQ 1st British Corps in Bielefeld as Colonel AQ. He soon found out that his job was to provide everything that the Corps and its married families needed in peacetime. In other words, he said, “I became the ‘Town Clerk’ responsible for discipline, schools, quarters, fire services, churches and so on for some 60,000 men, women and children”. He and Peggy remained in Bielefeld for 3.5 years - the longest posting of their time in the Army, so far.

Leaving Bielefeld, the Lee’s returned to UK for 2 years at Bordon where Pat was to be Deputy Commandant of SEME. He was then promoted to Brigadier and sent to Arborfield as Commandant REME Training Centre. During this period, he noticed that despite the number of students passing through the garrison, many on long courses and often married, there was virtually no support or social life at all. At Peggy’s instigation Pat obtained permission to return several huts in what had been the Depot REME in Poperinghe Barracks and used them to provide a Community Centre that would be open Monday to Friday, a crèche and a library. These were adjacent to an existing paper shop and Post Office and the Garrison administrative office. Peggy was later rewarded for all her work on

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

Donations 01/03/2022 15/03/2022 16/03/2022 15/03/2022 17/03/2022 17/03/2022 28/03/2022

In Memory of Douglas Cannon . . . . . . . . . . . .£50.00 In Memory of Maurice Hutchins . . . . . . . . . .£165.00 Simon and Barbara Walden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£500.00 Much Loved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£675.91 LCpl Shrestha 24hr Continuous Walk . . . . . . .£67.28 LCpl Shrestha 24hr Continuous Walk . . . . . .£702.65 In Memory of Mr William Helm . . . . . . . . . . . .£89.25

Date sent to Craftsman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31/03/2022 Total Donations (Feb) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£2,250.09 Total £’s paid in Grants (Feb) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£20,760.06 No. Grants (in Feb) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Average Grant (Feb) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£593.14

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@reme.charity.org.

Major General Lee and Mrs Lee

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

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 43

Death Notices GODLIMAN – Maj (Retd) Roy Patrick Godliman passed away on 11 March 2022 aged 85. Dates of service 1952-1976.

HOOPER – Maj (Retd) Ivor R Hooper passed away on 27 March 2022 aged 87. Dates of service 1957-1992.

SLATER – Former SSgt John Slater passed away on 26 February aged 71. Dates of service 1972-1993.

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@reme.charity.org.

Extracts from the London Gazette MAY EDITION 2nd March 2022 No entries 9th March 2022 No entries 16th March 2022 No entries

23rd March 2022 REGULAR ARMY Regular Commissions Lieutenant Colonel J. M. MAITLAND 550354 retires 25 December 2021

29th March 2022 REGULAR ARMY Regular Commissions Major Y. ANGBO 30077366 from Intermediate Regular Commission 4 November 2021 to be Major with seniority 31 July 2021 Major R. G. CIESIELCZUK 30088938 from Intermediate Regular Commission 4 November 2021 to be Major with seniority 31 July 2021 Major S. J. CLENCH 25230352 from Intermediate Regular Commission 4 November 2021 to be Major with seniority 31 July 2021 Major R. CONSTANTINOU W1059430 from Intermediate Regular Commission 4 November 2021 to be Major with seniority 31 July 2020 Major B. J. WOODWARD 30028251 from Intermediate Regular Commission 4 November 2021 to be Major with seniority 31 July 2020 Major P. R. WOOSTER 30086472 from Intermediate Regular Commission 4 November 2021 to be Major with seniority 31 July 2021 Regular Commissions (Late Entry) Captain J. M. JOHNSTONE 25041575 from Intermediate Regular Commission (Late Entry) 4 November 2021 to be Captain with seniority 3 May 2016 Intermediate Regular Commissions Captain M. ASHCROFT 30277717 from Short Service Commission 4 November 2021 to be Captain with seniority 11 August 2021 Captain P. J. BIRKETT 30158515 from Short Service Commission 4 November 2021 to be Captain with seniority 14 April 2021 Captain R. F. BLACKSTOCK 30266573 from Short Service Commission 4 November 2021 to be Captain with seniority 15 December 2020 Captain J. CAPEL-SHYU 30189551 from Short Service Commission 4 November 2021 to be Captain with seniority 12 August 2020 Captain B. J. CARTER 30204713 from Short Service Commission 4 November 2021 to be Captain with seniority 16 December 2020 44 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Captain M. J. EDWARDS 30137368 from Short Service Commission 4 November 2021 to be Captain with seniority 12 August 2020 Captain E. D. GRANT 30180041 from Short Service Commission 4 November 2021 to be Captain with seniority 17 December 2019 Captain K. M. HAWKINS 30222201 from Short Service Commission 4 November 2021 to be Captain with seniority 11 August 2021 Captain D. W. HORSBURGH 30201448 from Short Service Commission 4 November 2021 to be Captain with seniority 12 August 2020 Captain C. B. LEE 30252854 from Short Service Commission 4 November 2021 to be Captain with seniority 14 April 2020 Captain H. MACFADDEN-MARSH 30222477 from Short Service Commission 4 November 2021 to be Captain with seniority 11 August 2021 Captain L. D. MARSHALL 30222214 from Short Service Commission 4 November 2021 to be Captain with seniority 11 August 2021 Captain S. D. MEAD 30188815 from Short Service Commission 4 November 2021 to be Captain with seniority 16 December 2020 Captain J. A. ROBERTS 30222225 from Short Service Commission 4 November 2021 to be Captain with seniority 11 August 2021 Captain L. SANDOE 30256263 from Short Service Commission 4 November 2021 to be Captain with seniority 16 December 2020 Captain L. S. WILSON 30201489 from Short Service Commission 4 November 2021 to be Captain with seniority 11 August 2021 Captain S. M. WOODWARD 30201490 from Short Service Commission 4 November 2021 to be Captain with seniority 11 August 2021 Lieutenant M. G. A. CHAPMAN 30292678 from Short Service Commission 4 November 2021 to be Lieutenant with seniority 15 December 2019 Lieutenant P. A. WELSH 30269349 from Short Service Commission 4 November 2021 to be Lieutenant with seniority 15 December 2019 Short Service Commissions Second Lieutenant J. C. GOLDING 30201449 to be Lieutenant 11 August 2019 (Belated Entry) Second Lieutenant B. A. E. TAYLOR 25228081 to be Lieutenant 15 December 2019 (Belated Entry)

5th April 2022 No entries

Officer Assignments NAME Major DOUTHWAITE PG FOSTER MP GADSBY V GREENSMITH MT HEPWORTH RS HUMPHREY TH JOHNSON AC MCHUGH JA SCHENK JR SHRIMPTON EJ Captain APPLEBY CJ BARNES GR CHAPMAN MD DAVIDSON RP FARRELL JL HEPBURN CM JUTSUM KJ MEAD SD MORLEY CF Lieutenant LANGLEY LIR WRAY SJC

ASSIGNED TO

DATE

7 AVN SP BN REME – OC 70 FD COY DIRECTOR CAPABILITY – SO2 ES TRG DSEME – DEPUTY CHIEF INSTRUCTOR HQ 3 UK DIV – SO2 F PLANS INFO OPS DG SEC POL – DE STRST DALS CP DS PERS 16 REGT RA WKSP REME – OC 12 REGT RA WKSP REME – OC DSEME LYNEHAM – SO2 OFFR TRG SENIOR HQ 1 Avn Bde – SO2 SPT RM ATDU – OC

03 May 22 06 May 22 23 May 22 16 May 22 17 May 22 03 May 22 09 May 22 03 May 22 08 May 22 03 May 22

1CS BN REME – OPS ENG AWC WAD–56(R)SQN–C2ISTAR TES–UAS TES LAND ENG 5 RIFLES LAD REME – OC HQ 102 LOG BDE OUTSTATION YORK – SO3 ES SUSTAIN SRR CAP DEV – CTO ES 4 SCOTS LAD REME – OC 1 REGT RLC LAD REME - OC 4 REGT RA WKSP REME – OC 4 ARMD CS BN REME – UWO

02 May 22

3 ARMD CS BN REME – 2IC 20 COY 5 FS BN REME – RSO

30 May 22 30 May 22

02 May 22 02 May 22 30 May 22 30 May 22 02 May 22 30 May 22 30 May 22 09 May 22

Corps Calendar 2022 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.

M AY 2 0 2 2 05

HQ Officers’ Mess Corps Spring Guest Dinner Night

12

REME Junior Officers Seminar and Dinner Night

A U G U S T 2 0 2 2 No Organised Events SEPTEMBER 2022 03

Broxhead Dinner Night

15

Corps Colonels Command Group

18

STEM UTCs Craftsman Cup Final (MOD Lyneham)

15

HQ Officers’ Mess Corps Dinner Night

19

Corps Colonels Command Group

23

REME Institution Dinner (Formerly Retired Officers’ Dinner)

19

HQ Officers’ Mess Corps Dinner Night 27

REME Institution and Corps HQ Officers Mess Executive Meeting

29

National Memorial Arboretum

JUNE 2022 02-05

Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee (Bank Holiday weekend)

02

The Queen’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour) and Platinum Jubilee Beacons

OCTOBER 2022 01

Corps 80th Birthday

07

REME QM Dinner Night (New Event)

TBC

Airborne Officers’ Dinner Night

TBC

Commando Officers’ Dinner Night

TBC

REME QM Dinner Night

20

MG REME Conference

20

HQ Officers’ Mess Corps Autumn Guest Night

03

Service of Thanksgiving

04

BBC Platinum Party at the Palace

05

The Big Jubilee Lunch, The Platinum Jubilee Pageant, The Royal Collection and The Queen’s Private Estates

09

Founders Day at Royal Hospital Chelsea

14

Royal British Legion Falklands 40 Commemoration at the National Memorial Arboretum

15

Engineering Awards Lunch (Provisional)

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 2

23

Beating the Retreat and Cocktail Party

TBC

Corps WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess Dinner Night

28

Institution AGM and Corps Officers’ Mess AGM

TBC

Corps Council Meeting

29-30

REME Festival of Sport (FoS)

05

Ex SUPREME GLACIER (to 10 Dec 22)

30

REME Sports Association Awards Dinner Night

11

Field of Remembrance

TBC

Corps Council Meeting

25-27

REME Reserve Conference (Shrivenham TBC) New Date

J U LY 2 0 2 2

TBC

Corps ASM Forum

09

HQ Officers’ Mess Corps Ball

DECEMBER 2022

09

REME Reserve Management Board

10

Regimental Sunday at Royal Hospital Chelsea

46 craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

01

St Eligius Day

10

Ex SUPREME GLACIER Finishes

REME Institution

Beating Retreat 2022 Thursday 23 June 2022

Beating Retreat and Buffet Supper

Where: The Princess Marina Officers’ Mess, Lyneham When: Thursday 23 June 2022 1830 to 2200hrs What: After the Beating Retreat has concluded, supper will be served in the mess.

Attendance is open to Regular, Reserve and Retired Officers who are members of the REME Institution and their guests.

Dress: Lounge suits or equivalent Application and Payment Tickets are only available from the REME Connect webpage: https://remeconnect.org/product/beatingretreat/ under the REME Institution link. Please scan the QR code below using your mobile phone to register for a REME Connect login and subsequently gain access to tickets.

As a member of the REME Institution, it is free to attend, each member may apply for one guest ticket at a cost of £25. For any additional information please email Geoff Beaumont on geoffrey.beaumont982@mod.gov.uk

REME Rugby Union

Inter-Corps Championship Final – Wednesday 18th May 2022

Army Rugby Stadium, Aldershot

REME vs RE, League 1 Final, KO 1400hrs & REME Masters (KO TBC)

Follow: REME Rugby on Social Media