RIGA Battlefield Studies

Scribe: Capt Ben Thorne

As part of the UK’s commitment to NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence in Estonia, 3 Bn REME deployed earlier this year to support the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR) and the 1 Royal Welsh Regiment Battle Group on OP CABRIT 10. The team included REME personnel from 20 Armd Coy, a stores section from 18 Fd Coy and 1 soldier from 5Bn REME.

The Platoon was deployed to provide engineering support to maintain and repair a wide range of British Army equipment and fleet in theatre, including the AS90, Challenger 2, and Warrior. The RLC Stores Section were tasked with providing specialist logistical support as well as mission-critical spares support to the Battle Groups. Overall, both teams had to work hand in hand to accomplish their task. During the deployment, REME personnel also deployed on Exercise HEDGEHOG; a largescale NATO training exercise that involved 1,500 British troops, and over 15,000 soldiers in total.

Riga City Riga Museum

Riga group photo

Outside of work, there have been several events that have helped the Platoon to build cohesion, as well as learning about the culture and history of the Baltic states; the latest of these visits was to Riga, the capital of Latvia.

Our journey began early on the 19th of August when we left the Tapa camp in Estonia for Latvia. We begin our day’s studies shortly after finding our hostel in the centre of the city. The Riga Ghetto and Latvian Holocaust Museum were the first places the Platoon visited. During our visit, we learnt about the history of the Holocaust in Latvia and the horrific experiences of Latvian Jews. We learnt that about 40,000 Jews lived in, and were well integrated into life, in Riga. However, following the German invasion and occupation in 1938, the status quo shifted, resulting in most Jews being confined in the Holocaust ghetto. Learning about the Holocaust educated us on the effects of war, racism, and discrimination, as well as the importance of instilling values such as respect for others, social justice, and love for humanity.

The Latvian War Museum in central Riga was our next stop. The museum displays a wide range of exhibits about Latvia’s wars. We learnt about the participation of Latvians in both World War 1 and 2 as well as seeing and learning about various military uniforms, medals, and weapons, together with, their historical significance. Tactical discussions at the war museum stimulated our thinking, and the sacrifices we make every day as professional soldiers in the British Army, as well as the responsibility we bear when it comes to war, dawned on us. After visiting the museums, the Platoon had some time to explore the city. Riga is sometimes described as the Paris of the North and the fact that almost a third of the country’s population live there, indicates how desirable the city is. The historic centre of Riga was declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO and for a very good reason! At the end of our weekend, it became clear that there was a strong bond between the soldiers from all cap badges in the Platoon. Aside from the great camaraderie built on the trip, all involved learnt valuable and important lessons about the history and culture of the Baltic States.

REME Rugby League

REME Rugby League Head Coach Position

The REME Rugby League Head Coach will be employed by REME Rugby to plan and implement a strategy for the Lawson Cup Season 2022/23 and the development of players to feed the Army Rugby League Team.

You will work to design and deliver a season plan for REME Rugby for the 2022/23 season specifically directed towards the Lawson Cup 2023 campaign. Working with the DoR and the management team to grow participation in Rugby League at all levels, introduce new initiatives including mental health interventions, skill development and create opportunities for players and management to gain new skills and be part of the REME Rugby family.

About the role:

Initially a two-year fixed term, this role is to ensure that REME Rugby develops and competes at the highest level whilst growing grass roots talent by harnessing the heightened interest of Rugby League in the Army, especially through DSEME Lyneham.

About you:

Be a serving Regular or Reserve REME Soldier or Officer.

You should already have experience within sport and ideally an interest in Rugby League.

You will require previous experience in coaching or working with young soldiers and have experience of building successful teams and developing partnerships with a range of stakeholders.

You will be required to plan, manage, and deliver a detailed season plan and demonstrate excellent communication skills.

How to apply:

Applicants should send their CV to explain their suitability and experience, making specific reference to the specifications detailed above. Please send CV’s along with your proposals to Maj Lloyd Morgan, DoR REME Rugby league Lloyd.morgan879@mod.gov.uk

Applicants wishing to have an informal discussion about the role may contact Maj Lloyd Morgan, DoR REME Rugby league Lloyd.morgan879@mod.gov.uk or WO2 Andy Fyles, Secretary REME Rugby League Andrew.Fyles531@mod.gov.uk

E X RACING ICE I

Igls, Innsbruck, Austria

Try bobsleigh, luge or skeleton with the Army. It will be an experience you won’t forget in a hurry!

This is an annual event run in order to introduce novices to the ice sports of bobsleigh, luge and skeleton. It provides an excellent opportunity to afford soldiers the chance to experience one of these three exhilarating disciplines.

These activities demand concentration, courage, physical 昀tness and decision making under pressure.

Week 1

07 - 14 Jan 23 Week 2

15 - 22 Jan 23

Flights from Birmingham Flights from Stansted 2-Man Bobsleigh 16 places 2-Man Bobsleigh 16 places

Skeleton 15 places Skeleton

15 places Luge 12 places Luge 12 places £550 for UK personnel | £400 for Germany based personnel

Apply as an individual or team by scanning the QR code above.

Successful candidates will be informed of their selection by 5 Dec 22 via email. PO POC - WO2 G Holmes on luge@awsa.org.uk www.awsa.org.uk