The Craftsman - September 2022

THE CRAFTSMAN

Magazine of the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

Mrs Katie Tarbard

Communications Officer

REME, The Prince Philip Barracks, Lyneham, CHIPPENHAM, SN15

craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

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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.

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REGULARS

3rd (United Kingdom) Division –The Iron Division

Scribe: Col Richard Williams

I reflect on my first 10 months as Comd ES 3 (UK) Div, two thoughts immediately struck me: the first is how busy we continue to be as a Corps; and the second is how lucky I am to be right in the thick of the action, seeing first-hand our daily outputs. I arrived in post as we normalised post-COVID 19 … then Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine - arguably this generation’s strategically defining moment. Nobody reading this article will have missed the significance of 24 Feb 22 and the impact it has had on everyone across Defence. Most will also be aware of the Chief of the General Staff’s drive to ensure greater readiness through Op MOBILISE and Commander Field Army’s ‘More ready, more of the time’ initiative. So, with that in mind, and noting the centrality of the Corps to all of this, I thought it might be useful to give an overview of the Iron Division’s activity as we align with the intent and situation.

As

Warfighting is our Raison d ’etre

The Iron Division exists to fight wars and win. Therefore, at an individual level we must have a ruthless will to win, take extreme ownership of the challenges we face, and continue to be totally professional in all we do. At a collective level, this means we must be appropriately postured and ready to deploy at the speed of relevancy. Indeed, the current geopolitical situation proves once again the relevance of warfighting capability and the need for expert combined arms manoeuvre.

The Shift to Europe

In 2021, the Division pivoted activity and resource to the NATO Forward Holding Base Sennelager (NFS) in Germany in response to the emerging Russian threat; Op IRON KRANE rebalanced the

armoured fleet from BATUS and the UK to Germany to increase readiness and ensure a greater forward presence from two key locations. The Lead Armoured Task Force (LATF- BG1) is centred around the Stored Equipment Fleet in Monchengladbach (SEF(G)) and is held at high readiness. The Land Training Fleet Sennelager (LTF(S)) was also established to support Land Warfare Centre deliver Mission Ready Training (MRT) for the BG deploying on Op CABRIT, as well as enabling wider training in Europe and forming the core of the second-high readiness fleet (BG2). This laydown, in conjunction with the remaining fleet in the UK (BG3), allows the rapid generation and deployment of the Armoured Brigade Combat Team (formerly the Armoured Infantry Brigade). More recently and following Op IRON SURGE to reinforce the fleet in Estonia (BG4), and as part of a wider fleet rationalisation, Op IRON LIGHTFOOT is maintaining the longerterm laydown - this currently involves over 200 REME soldiers and equipment users having an almost permanent presence in Germany and has also seen multiple Reserve deployments to help maintain force levels.

Colonel Williams, Comd ES

Establishing BG1 in SEF(G)

Training for Warfighting

On top of enabling the new fleet readiness model, the pivot to Germany also allows a more focussed approach to training. The MRT pathway for Op CABRIT was established using the Sennelager Training Area to prepare the next CABRIT BG, which in turn feeds specific ‘Combat Ready Training’ (CRT) for the units to be held at high readiness. CRT is currently delivered at Castlemartin ranges and on Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA) but will move next year to Sennelager, Hohne, and Altmark, which will deliver a more comprehensive package. Longer term, training pathways are being refined to create smoother transitions and allow more efficient fleet management. NFS also supports several other higher-level exercises in which the Division participates, including Ex DEFENDER (A US led NATO rapid deployment Ex) and Ex CERBERUS (the ABCT validation exercise). This exercise is a key steppingstone for the Div HQ to prepare for Ex WARFIGHTER, the US Army delivered Multi-National CPX which validates HQ 3 (UK) Div HQ at Training Level (TL) H.

The Battle Craft Syllabus (BCS) underpins these pathways and reinforces one of the fundamental components of successful warfighting - Combined Arms Manoeuvre (CAM). Considering the current situation and impact COVID has had on training, the LWC and the Division will establish a CAM centre of excellence on SPTA to regain armoured competence and assure TL ECHO.

Fleet Management

As the situation in Europe develops, and additional activity is required, the availability and location of the fleet is especially important. You will already be aware of the challenges of keeping the

BG exercises

BG exercising on CRT

BG exercising on CRT at night

A CV8 PP Lift on CRT

current armoured fleet in the hands of the user, but maybe less so of the whole force efforts to make it happen. Under Op MOBILISE and the ‘More ready, more of the time’ initiative, the Division, HQ Fd Army, DE&S, Babcock and wider industry are working collectively to improve the functions required to generate higher equipment availability. Project IRON TRAIL is the Divisional plan to ensure that the equipment is held in the right locations to meet the multiple requirements of our fleet – this includes balancing the requirements against operations, readiness and training as well as ensuring platforms are available for Level 4 overhauls and mid-life upgrades. Project IRON TRAIL is also examining the unit Basic Unit Fleet (BUF) requirement to put more platforms back into the hands of the user and enable greater low-level competence. Whilst this may not produce instant results, and there will be a gap until the new digitised platforms (Ajax, Boxer etc) arrive, I remain enthused and impressed by the professionalism of our teams who continue to ‘magic up’ availability to meet the start line.

Future Soldier developments

Delivery of Future Soldier is well underway, with a significant number of changes in units and LADs across the Division already conducted. Notably, the Deep Recce Strike (DRS) Brigade Combat Team stood up on 1 Jul 22 bringing together Recce and Strike force elements formerly of 1 Armd Inf Bde and 1 Arty Bde; which when employed alongside 1 Avn Brigade Combat Teams (BCT), will streamline and enhance FIND and STRIKE effect. Whilst the alignment of 6 REME with the DRS has been delayed until later this year, both 3 and 4 REME have re-subordinated to their affiliated Armoured Brigade Combat Teams (ABCT) – 20 ABCT and 12 ABCT respectively. This move has already facilitated a closer relationship between dependant ABCT and units which has generated military and technical training opportunities. 5 REME are due to resubordinate from 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade to 101 Operational Support Brigade in Sep 23. Whilst the changes within the Army Reserve are still being refined, 103 REME is already preparing for its new role and 102 REME move to 4 Light Brigade Combat Team in Nov 22.

Equipment being moved on Op IRON SURGE

Commitments

The Division currently has 3163 personnel deployed on operations or exercises and 4360 held at readiness. Of those deployed, over 750 are REME. The Division’s operational focus remains however, the European theatre where we currently have nearly 2000 personnel committed across 20 different locations. The main deployment remains centred on Op CABRIT in Estonia and Poland where we currently have an Armd BG and a Mech BG in Tapa and a PM subunit in Poland but are increasingly supporting partner nations and augmenting their laydowns. Work is underway with HQ Fd Army to rationalise the operational laydowns in Europe and to stabilise the Op CABRIT demand signal.

In direct response to the Russian invasion, the Iron Division planned and executed Op IRON SURGE. This saw the deployment of a second AI BG to Estonia at short notice and demonstrated a show of unity and intent with NATO – it was widely covered in the press. This involved the accelerated deployment of the R WELSH BG (straight from MRT in Germany!) which included 150 A Vehs and 114 B Vehs taken from a combination of BG1, BG2 and the UK BUFs. It also required an extension of the RTR BG in Estonia from 6 to 9 months. The operation involved capabilities from across the Field Army and the parallel deployment of equipment and personnel from Germany and the UK. Of course, none of this could have happened without the work of our own soldiers who worked tirelessly to ensure that it was a success.

In addition to the force elements held at High Readiness and on operations, the Division has personnel engaged all around the world in support of training, defence activity other than operations Defence Activity Other Than Operations (DAOTO), as well as forces committed to training the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Support to Ukrainian Armed Forces

Beyond training the Ukrainian Armed Forces, the Division remains heavily involved in the Granting in Kind (GiK) of equipment and supporting materiel. From preparing elements of our own fleet to repairing equipment granted from other allies in several overseas locations, REME have been fundamental to the effort. Overall, the Division has granted a range of tracked and wheeled platforms, as well as artillery systems and we continue to anticipate further opportunities to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Conducting repairs in Poland

Summary

As you can see, the Division is being used, but is postured and ready to be useful and useable. This will continue as the demand in Europe evolves and we continue the journey from Ex CERBERUS to Ex WARFIGHTER 23.4 and then onto Ex DEFENDER in 2024. Whilst flexibility is required to meet the developing situation, one thing for certain is that team REME will be required to continue to deliver equipment availability despite the increasing challenges and change. Moreover, as we continue our journey to ‘more ready, more of the time’, we will be key in delivering success. Only by exercising a ruthless will to win, using mission command to solve problems at the lowest level, and by demonstrating our usual high standards of professionalism will we continue to keep the punch in the Army’s fist. It is a privilege to sit where I do and see how you all rise to the challenge demonstrating the very best our Corps has to offer and why you are all held in such high regard. I have no doubt we will continue to rise to every challenge! Arte et Marte.

Vehicle Mechanics conducting trade training

Ex LADBROKE LION – 1 CS Bn REME Battlefield Study to Sicily, Italy

Scribe: Captain Macfadden-Marsh (1 CS Bn REME)

Bn REME undertook Ex LADBROKE LION, a Battlefield Study following Operation LADBROKE and HUSKY - the British Airborne glider landing and subsequent allied invasion of Sicily in 1943. The outcome of the Battlefield Study was the enhanced knowledge of doctrine, leadership, training, and sustainment applicable to current and future operations through exploiting historical analysis and insights drawn from the tactical, operational, and strategic actions.

1CS

Study Day One: The first day of studying and presentations covered the advanced force operations of 1 Air Landing Bde at Ponte Grande, the Special Raiding Squadron and Lamba Dora Artillery Battery and subsequent amphibious landing of the 8th Army at ‘ACID NORTH’ Beaches. Presentations were followed by group discussions after each stand, covering the lessons learnt from this operation and putting it into context of modern conflict.

Study Day Two: Presentation and discussions on this day focussed on Key Terrain and Vital Ground, Airborne Operations, Defensive Operations and the considerations of Logistic and ES to these operations. The first two stands looked at the securing of two bridges – Ponte Primsole and Malati Bridges by Airborne and Commando led operations. The last stand of the day focussed on

defensive operations; remembering and revising on the ES Battlefield Maintenance Functions, principles of defence the and 4 D’s of logistic planning (Destination, Demand, Distance and Duration).

Study Day Three: Each day we followed the operation further into the island. On the third day the terrain had dramatically changed - we were now firmly in the mountains. Here the study focussed on combined arms operations and offensive action; appreciating the difficulty of the terrain that had to be fought for and discussing individual unit efforts such as the Hastings and Prince Edwards Regiment at Assoro.

Study Day Four: On the final day we conducted an act of remembrance at Catania War Cemetery and spoke about individuals that had given the ultimate sacrifice. To conclude the battlefield study, we attended the local 1943 War Museum to confirm all our learning.

1 CS Bn on the final day at Catania War Cemetery

Briefing in the mountains of Sicily

Syndicate 1 briefing at ‘ACID NORTH’ Beach

Fallen REME Soldiers during Operation HUSKY and walking the cemetery

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Army Reserves

Reservist Testimonial

Scribe LCpl Chris Stead (103 FS Bn REME)

Lance Corporal Chris Stead and an Armourer at 128 Divisional Support Company, 103 Battalion REME. I recently bought a house in Waterlooville where I live with my fiancé and work with the South East Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (SERFCA) as a Civilian Administrative Assistant.

Iam

I spent 5 years in the Regular Army as an Armourer with the 5th Battalion, the Rifles LAD based in Paderborn, Germany and deployed on exercises in Germany, Canada and operations in Afghanistan. I left the Regular Army in 2015, and after a considerable career gap, joined the Army Reserve in October 2021. I re-joined as I missed the camaraderie, the laughter, the feeling of belonging that comes with serving and felt that I would regret not still being part of it.

Since re-joining, I have met some exceptionally professional tradesmen and women who bring their own employment and wealth of experience

into uniformed service. In the short time since re-joining I have deployed on exercises in the UK and to Germany in support of Ex DEFENDER EUROPE 22 and completed the sharpshooter course at MOD Lyneham. I recently had the honour of being selected to talk about the Army Reserve at the Defence Engagement Conference in London with 15 senior officers from international nations in attendance, and I have also been reinstated as an Army Reserve Physical Training Instructor (ARPTI).

I am currently looking at deploying back to Germany in September 2022 and attending my Class 1 Armourers’ course in January 2023. Also, as part of my duties, I am passionate about ensuring the rounded development of both my subordinates and myself to ensure the future tradesman and women are reliable and credible in their trade but also deployable. All of which comes with being a JNCO and AAPTI in the REME Army Reserve.

LCpl Stead at trade in support of Ex DEFENDER EUROPE 22

Presenting at the Defence Engagement Conference, pictured with Maj Gen Simon Graham (Director Reserves)

REME Founding Fathers – Two for the price of one!

Scribe: Maj (Retd) Geordie Wright-Rivers (REME Association)

Winston Sagman

late June this year, Col (Retd) Hamish Robson discovered that REME founder member, Winston Sagman, lived in the local area of his home town of Poole and that the gentleman was fast approaching his 100th birthday on 02 Jul 22. After alerting Corps HQ, Col REME was delighted to pen a special birthday card offering congratulations from all ranks of the Corps on achieving this remarkable milestone. It was swiftly dispatched to Col Hamish who very kindly volunteered to hand deliver the card, message and a few REME gifts on the Corps’ behalf.

In

Winston explained that he transferred into REME in 1942 having first enlisted with the Royal Artillery. His service saw him follow the D-Day landings to work in a Base Workshop in France, then a move to Belgium before finishing the war in Germany. He served until 1947 when he left to return home and work in the family business.

328422 Arthur Lawson MBE

Having met Winston at home, Col Hamish was then invited to attend the family gathering to celebrate Winston’s birthday. On his arrival, he was introduced to Winston’s childhood friend and brother-in-law Arthur Lawson who it turns out, was also in REME from its birth in

and had already celebrated his own 100th birthday – two for the price of one! Arthur Lawson spent his entire wartime years in Burma with 42 Bde LAD.

Both Winston and Arthur expressed great pride in their time with REME and had very fond memories of their service days. The Corps is equally proud and privileged to have them as members of the REME Family.

How many other REME Founding Fathers do we have out there? If you are a REME Founding Father, or you know of one, then please get in touch

we would love to

Left

Winston Sagman, Col (Retd) Hamish Robson, Arthur Lawson MBE

Col (Retd) Hamish Robson presents 100th Birthday Card to Winston Sagman

Lifetime of Service rewarded with all four Queen’s Jubilee Medals: Captain Yarker

Scribe: Army Comms www.army.mod.uk/news-and-events/

soldier Captain Kevin Yarker is one of only two British soldiers to receive all four of the Queen’s Jubilee Medals, having served for almost 50 years. Kevin, of 102 Force Support Battalion (102 FS Bn REME), based in Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham, was presented with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal (QPJM) by his Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Martin Leach on Tuesday 21 June 2022.

Life-long

Kevin joined the Regular Army in November 1973 aged 17 and has served as both a Regular soldier and Reservist, and as a soldier and an officer, commissioning in 2006. After completing basic training, he was assigned to an AntiTank Platoon in The Light Infantry. In 2013, he was appointed as the Permanent Staff Administration Officer (PSAO) of 124 Recovery Company 102 Bn REME on a Full Time Reserve Service (FTRS) commitment.

Having hung up his uniform in April 2022, at the end of an astonishing 48-year career, Kevin, aged 66, said: “I am so proud and so privileged to be one of a few to receive all four of the Queen’s Jubilee Medals. I have never thought about retirement and therefore I have no plans, my only thoughts were concentrated on serving my country.”

Kevin said: “When I completed the Army Entrance Test, I passed to be a Vehicle Mechanic. The Recruiter, a Sergeant in the Light Infantry, asked me what I wanted to join a Regiment or a Corps. I didn’t have a clue about either, therefore my question was ‘what is the difference?’ The answer was, in a Regiment we all go around together and you

keep your friends, in a Corps you are posted individually and lose touch with the friends you have made. Friendship and camaraderie go hand in hand therefore my choice was perfect soldiering.”

Kevin, who was born in Stockton On Tees, continued: “I originally wanted to join the British Army when I was 15, however, because I received a fine for going to the careers office on a scooter that I borrowed, and which I was not insured for and not old enough to ride, I eventually joined at the age of 17, which made me a young soldier. Earning just £5 a week and giving my Mum £3 meant that it took me nearly two years to pay off my fine, and you could not join the Army with a fine hanging over your head.

“I was born to be a soldier,” He said. “The Light Infantry turned me into a soldier and the REME gave me the opportunity to further my career. From the age of being able to read I used to fill out the coupon in either the Radio Times or the TV Times and send it off to Lansdowne Rd in London. I joined the Light Infantry and after 22 weeks arduous training I became an Infantry Soldier Class 1.”

Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal - 1977

In recognition of attaining best student in an NCO Cadre in 1977 Kevin was presented with the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal (QSJM) – one of only nine in the Battalion to receive the medal as, unlike future Jubilee Medals, it was not issued to all those serving at the time. He was subsequently awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1991.

Kevin said: “I have done four Operational tours of Northern Ireland, serving in Londonderry, Belfast, South Armagh and Belfast once more. I was called

Kev’s newly received QPJM alongside the rest of his medals

Captain Yarker (right) receives the QPJM from his CO Lieutenant Colonel Martin Leach

up for Iraq. However, due to being on a six-month course of chemotherapy due to having cancer, I fought to go but the Medical Officer would not allow me to go.”

Receiving the QSJM for coming joint top of an NCO (NonCommissioned Officer) cadre was his proudest achievement - with only 9000 awarded it is an achievement in itself as the Armed Forces were a bigger force back then.

Op OLYMPIC – 2012

On the disestablishment of his Battalion, under Options for Change in July 1992, Kevin, having reached the rank of Sergeant, left the Regular Army and took up civilian employment with the Military Guard Service. He joined 102 Bn REME, a Territorial Army Unit, as a REME Regimental Specialist where he rose through the ranks to become the Regimental Sergeant Major. In 2006, after an exemplary

tour as Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Kevin was successful in his application for commission.

Kevin held the appointments of Platoon Commander, Company 2IC and Quartermaster Technical within 102 Bn REME as well as mobilising on OP OLYMPIC in 2012 supporting the counter terrorist operations during the London Games.

Whilst serving in the Army Reserve Kevin has been awarded both the Queen’s Golden (2002) and Diamond (2012) Jubilee Medals and the Volunteer Reserve Service Medal with third clasp.

“I started my Army Career in the Light Infantry and later joined the REME and I would not change that for the world. The Army has changed and today I would not have the same enthusiasm as I did all those years ago. I joined the Army to serve my country and time was not of the essence. As mentioned earlier, I was born to be a soldier and time runs out with age.”

Kevin’s adult-life-long service came to an unblemished end in March, meaning he qualified for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal, making him one of only two who will receive all four Jubilee Medals. The QPJM now takes pride of place with his Silver, Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals.

About the QPJM*

To mark The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a special commemorative medal is being awarded to serving frontline members of the police, fire, emergency services, prison services and the Armed Forces.

Acting as a token of the nation’s thanks, the Platinum Jubilee Medal follows a long history of awarding medals to mark Royal Jubilees, with the first one awarded to mark the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign in 1887.

It is the fourth jubilee medal created for The Queen and the seventh official Jubilee medal to be awarded by a Monarch. Previous medals were officially awarded to celebrate The Queen’s Silver Jubilee in 1977, Golden Jubilee in 2002 and Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

*source royal.uk

102 Bn REME HQ Staff say farewell to Kev

Kev presents his leaving gift to the CO of 102 FS Bn

A Year in Armoured Aviation –32RA LAD

Scribe: Capt Jim Docherty OC LAD, 32nd Regiment Royal Artillery

InMay of 2021, I had the privilege to assume Command of 32 Regt RA LAD, based in Robert’s Barracks, Larkhill. 32 Regt is the Army’s only Mini Unmanned Air System (MUAS) capability, providing all formations with Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, using a combination of Puma, Wasp & Desert Hawk 3 (DH3). The subunits of the Regiment are mounted in BULLDOG, COYOTE and LAND ROVER or in the Para light role, so the LAD has a very broad range of equipment to support; both land and aviation and we can boast that we are the only unit to employ every single REME Current Employment Group (CEG). We are also proudly, Armoured Aviation –definitely one of a kind.

OC LAD

22 Bty BULLDOG engine change

This year the LAD has continued in its quest to remain innovative. It is leading REME Aviation in developing electronic signature and full work recording by utilising JAMES. This is common practice in the land domain but is breaking new ground for aviation. The LAD is further exploiting JAMES access, supported by a new WiFi network, with coverage even including the outside vehicle park areas. The intent is to have both VMs and Avn Tech’s accessing JAMES and technical documents on tablet devices, conducting full electronic work recording on both the land and aviation equipment. The LAD is exploring the employment of ‘Amazon’ style lockers for the issue and backloading of spares using QR codes. A particularly exciting area is the use of augmented reality technology to offer remote assistance for fault

Cfn Price repairing an 18 Bty COYOTE

Regimental Logo

Cpl Brown replacing a servo on a WASP'

diagnosis, technical advice with the possibility to conduct remote inspections. Other areas in design include automating maintenance scheduling and asset location tracking; all intended to improve efficiency and the lived experience for our soldiers - 21st century ways of working.

The Tech’s under the leadership of Sgt Chettleburg, have been busy working alongside 1710 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) to design bespoke airframe repairs, serving to increase equipment availability, reduce cost, and ultimately increase their job satisfaction. In other areas we are experimenting with 3D printingpushing boundaries for aircraft component manufacture and designing BDR adhesive patches. The Tech’s are now undergoing pilot training, this will enable them to become qualified as maintenance test pilots, able to conduct flights following repairs. In support of 21 (Air Assault) Battery, Cpl Brown has taken advantage of his Fitter Section alignment and has successfully completed both P Coy and his jumps - a unique opportunity, certainly for an AC Tech that is also complimented by LAD Para PiDs to facilitate the allimportant pay.

The VM’s have continued to work hard, providing excellent COYOTE availability for Op NEWCOMBE Pre-Deployment Training and remain in the close fight with BULLDOG and LAND ROVER on a daily basis. As I write this LCpl Knight, (VM2) is going out of the door on Op CABRIT and Sgt Greenwood on Op NEWCOMBE – we wish both a safe and enjoyable tour. Cpl ‘Parkour’ Parker has been key in scoping the future of the Regiment’s vehicle fleet and has been conducting research on BOXER in preparation for its arrival in 2027.

Sgt (Robbo) Robinson has organised an excellent adventure training package which was thoroughly enjoyed by all – even LCpl Winskill, eventually. Cpl ‘Flash’ Gordon has been fabricating all manner of cages, shelters, mock-up weapons, generally keeping busy and the Recovery Section have kept the equipment managers on the straight and narrow, acing every inspection.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the loss of one of our own. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of LCpl

Cpl Hopkins testing a PUMA

LCpl Cimino inspecting a DH3

Cfn Clarke replacing a steering box

Cfn Price taking a short break

Ex WESSEX SEAHAWK – OPFOR

Cpl Brown on P Coy

Jack Jarvis who sadly passed away this year. I can honestly say that I have never been prouder than when watching the soldiers of this LAD giving Jack the send-off that he deserved. AeM.

The hard work and sheer determination of the LAD has been thoroughly recognised this year. WO1 (ASM) Chris Smillie (outgoing ASM) has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, WO2 (AQMS) Ben Hartlebury awarded a GOC 6XX commendation and a Deputy Commander 1ISR Bde safety award, and SSgt Oli Jones was awarded a Joint Helicopter Command Commanders Air Safety commendation for his work in accomplishing the creation of DH3 on JAMES. In sport, the LAD is through to the final in the ‘Crafty Cup’ football tournament under the watchful eye of Sgt ‘Danny’ Johnstone – our fingers are crossed. Cpl Adams has been integral to the REME Rugby team in their successes, WO2 (AQMS) Stan Pugh and Sgt ‘Keith’ Smallwood enjoyed a short holiday (disguised as a Cricket tour) to St Lucia. Sgt (Robbo) Robinson has led an inexperienced team to 3rd place in the Army water canoe polo championships and the sporting season finished on an even bigger high when 32 RA LAD won the REME Festival of Sport – Minor Unit Cup. The icing on the cake came when the LAD was selected as the winner of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) award for ‘Best REME First Line Unit’ – fitting recognition for a team of such trade diversity and a passion for remaining at the cutting edge of technology.

In all it has been an exciting and rewarding 12 months and we continue to look to the future. Our critical next phase will see the LAD grow a brand-new Fitter Section (combined land and aviation) in support of a new sub-unit. So, if you relish a challenge and want to contribute to the ongoing successes of the Regiment and the LAD then please look for us on your next jobs list! 32RA LAD.

LCpl Sugden using Augmented Reality (AR) goggles

Winners of the ‘Best First Line Unit REME’ from the IET Engineering AwardsCpl Waters at the REME Festival of Sport

32 LAD canoe water polo team

Crafty Cup football tournament team

Potteries & District REME Association

Unfortunately,

the month started on a sad note with the passing of our branch Vice President (23503879 Cpl) Malcolm Caddick. His Obituary is in this edition of the Craftsman. He passed away on Wednesday July 6th in the Haywood Hospital in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, aged 86.

His health had slowly declined following a stroke several years ago, and recently with widespread cancer.

Malcolm served in the Corps from September 1957 until January 1960, in the trade of Recovery Mechanic, and served his entire National Service with the 4th Guards Brigade at Wuppertal in British Army On the Rhine (BAOR). He had been a very valued and strong member of the branch since 2002 making him the longest serving branch member, who in his time had held most of the Branch Committee posts.

His funeral took place at the Carmountside Crematorium on Wednesday 27th of July, with a much larger than expected turnout from the branch members and their other halves. Members lined the Chapel entrance and paid their final respects to one of our own.

By far the busiest member of the branch in the past few weeks has been our Standard Bearer Gil Mould who has paraded our Standard far and wide. On Tuesday 14th of June he attended the Cenotaph service in Stoke to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War, at which a wreath from the Branch was also laid.

On Saturday 25th of June he was at the nearby Borough of Newcastle under Lyme to celebrate Armed Forces Day. The following day Sunday 26th he was at the City of Stoke Armed Forces Day with the remainder of the Branch. On Saturday the 9th of July he represented the Corps at the annual Parade and Drumhead service at the National Memorial Arboretum for the Arborfield Old Boys Association (Army Apprentices).

Tuesday 14th of June saw the

Branch monthly lunch goers enjoy their pre-booked lunch at The Ship in Teanford near Cheadle in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

Our lunch venue for July was held on Tuesday 12th at a new venue for the Branch, “Charlie Bassetts” pub and restaurant in the country village of Dilhorne, again a Moorlands venue which can be thoroughly recommended to anyone visiting the nearby Alton Towers theme park.

With a full four months to go, the Branch is looking forward to our annual Christmas Dinner, which we will again be holding in the Bentley Room of the Double Tree by Hilton, Festival Park, Etruria, the building which was originally the home of the Master Potter Josiah Wedgwood, and what is now the premium hotel in the City.

guidelines

Scribe Maurice Hope, Photo’s John Hubbert

Branch wreath in Corps Colours

Saluting - Last respects to one of our own

Branch members at the Stoke Armed Forces Day

RIP Corps Founders

Having

recently trawled through the entire current website of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, it was discovered that into their care are no fewer than 2,106 graves and memorials to fallen members of the Corps; a surprisingly large number.

Of the above number there are only recorded 712 in the whole of the United Kingdom.

In the County of Staffordshire there are only three recorded, all in different locations: one in a Churchyard, one in a Cemetery, and one in the grounds of a City Crematorium.

So, it was, on the day that Storm Franklin decided to hit the Country, 21st February, two members of the Potteries and District branch of the REME Association braved the elements to search out and pay their respects to what must have been three of our Corps founding Fathers.

Branch President Maurice Hope and Son Matthew, also a branch member; first went to the south of the County to the Church of St Michael’s Church on Greenhill, in Lichfield, which is an ancient burial site.

Here they found the grave of 14700155 Cfn Alfred Ronald Wolfe, who was accidentally killed while serving with the 3rd Battalion REME on 26th December 1945 aged just 20 years old. Inscribed on his gravestone are the words “Not Our Will, But Thine Will Be Done” and a family tribute..” Beloved by all, but loved by Jesus best`. He was married to his young Wife Doris Muriel of Lichfield.

The grave is located by the Screen Wall, Old part, Section B, Row J, grave 10.

Around the outer grave base side stones is inscribed the following “Also to his Brother LCpl George Wolfe, of the 6th

Scribe: Maurice Hope (Potteries and District branch)

Stafford Cemetery

Craftsman Alfred Wolfe at Lichfield

Battalion, North Staffs Regiment, who made the supreme sacrifice at Caen on 15th August 1944. Interred in Aunay British Cemetery in France aged 25”.

• 5050403 LCpl George William Wolfe killed 15th August 1944, aged 25. Recorded on the Bayeux War Cemetery, France, married to Wife Hilda. Both were the Sons of Henry and Harriet Wolfe of Lichfield.

• St Michaels Church on Greenhill is very old and is allegedly one of five ancient burial sites consecrated by St Augustine in the seventh century (the others being Glastonbury, Canterbury, Lindisfarne and York) and was a place of solitude for St Chad when he was Bishop of Lichfield. As well as being a haven for wildlife, there are over five hundred trees on site including a Japanese Cork Tree and an Oregan Maple. It has Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) monument listing over thirty names of the local fallen from both world wars.

For the military historians the grave of Trumpeter John Browne will be of interest. He was a member of the 17th Lancers during the Crimean War and was a trumpeter who sounded the charge on the day of the ill-fated “Charge of The Light Brigade”, in1854. He was born in Nottingham and married a girl from Dublin. He lived in Lichfield and died in 1898, and was buried on site with full military honours. He was highly decorated receiving The Russian Medal with four bars, as well as the Legion of Honour and The Turkish and Indian medals.

Next up for the intrepid pair was to the County town of Stafford, and the part of the town cemetery devoted to WW2 dead.

There are 125 graves, 91 British and 34 Germans; only 119 of the totals are identified, all tended and maintained immaculately by the CWGC.  The cemetery is located in the Northern end of the town, about 2km from the town centre on the Eccleshall Road.

Buried here is 4920091 Cfn Frederick Henry Leighton Palmer, who died on the 6th September 1943 aged just 26. He is laid to rest in Plot G, New Portion. Grave 48. He was the Son of Frederick and Beatrice Palmer, and Husband of Violet Ethel May Palmer of Stafford.

Inscribed on his gravestone is the following: “At his post, His duty done. He died but not in vain, He made a Soldiers sacrifice, that peace may live again”.

Last on the journey was to the City Crematorium at Carmountside, sited on the A5007 in Milton, Stoke-on-Trent to pay their respects at the memorial to the fallen of WW2 that had been cremated on site.

It takes the form of a Stone of Remembrance, with a carved inscription:

1939/1945. These members of His Majesty’s forces died in the service of their country, and were cremated here. In total there are thirty names on the memorial. A memorial that neither realised existed although it was on their doorstep.

On panel 2 near the bottom, is commemorated 185727 Major Frederick Mallalieu, AMIMechE, who had been mentioned in Dispatches, and died on 27th March 1946, aged 40 years. He left his Wife Florence Marjorie Mallalieu, and parents Norman and Gertrude Mallalieu of Willaston, Crewe.

Why not take up the challenge and cover your County!

If you have any information, please pass on the Editor: craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

Carmountside Memorial

Major Frederick Mallalieu at Carmountside MemorialCraftsman F.H.L Palmer at Stafford

Happy 1st Birthday Gurkha Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Support Battalion (Gurkha ARRC Sp Bn) LAD REME

GORKHEY – GURKHAS ARE COMING!

Who are we?

Unique by design, the Gurkha Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Support Battalion (Gurkha ARRC Sp Bn) is the organisation that supports the UK’s contribution to NATO’s ‘Corps Warfighting’ Command capability, by PROJECTING, PROTECTING and SUSTAINING a 3* multinational Headquarters, from firm base to anywhere in the world. This would routinely look like, 4 Command Posts (MAIN, FWD, REAR, TAC - in a warfighting context), separated by up to 100km. With a Battalion configured like no other, we achieve this by using a combination of, Combat (RGR Troop), Combat Support (2 x RE Troops) and Combat Service Support (RLC, REME, Med) soldiers and Officers; all of which are integral to the Battalion Orbat.

The LAD

It’s been a busy first year in the history of the Gurkha ARRC Sp Bn and its supporting LAD. The Battalion redesignated in July 2021 to become part of the Brigade of Gurkhas and hence is now titled ‘Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion’. With a gradual shift towards a much higher Gurkha footprint, this will also see change in the LAD. The LAD strength currently stands at 0+19 which includes 13 Royal Gurkha Rifles (RGR) VMs and Armourers, and one Gurkha Comms Specialist. Similar to the Royal Marine construct, trade groups for Gurkhas are limited. The remaining positions in the LAD, which includes all those not filled by Gurkhas, are filled by traditional REME tradesmen. This results in a LAD that looks like the following chart, with green representing RGR personnel and blue REME personnel: The LAD has the following REME tradesmen: An Artisan SSgt VM as 2IC and PP&C, a Sgt Class 1 Recovery Mechanic, a Cpl Class 1 TSS and finally a LCpl Class 1 Metalsmith.

WO1 (ASM) Calf extending the traditional Gurkha welcome to SSgt Bhara (REME) and Cpl Keshab (2 RGR)

(ASM) Calf, WOIC LAD

The First Three Months (Jul to Sep 21)

My first three months saw the LAD preparing the Battalion ready to deploy on Ex STEADFAST LEDA, in support of a NATO 3*, Corps warfighting HQ validation exercise. This was my first real test and experience of seeing the LAD in action. I am glad to report that despite a large turnover of key personalities including the ASM (me), 2IC, Recy Mech and several Gurkha VM’s, I was impressed with what I saw. With a ‘look forward’ approach and known lack of facilities at the final destinations (Germany and Poland), the LAD worked hard to bring major servicing and maintenance events forward to avoid having to perform any of these activities while deployed. My Gurkha team are great, they completely embody our own Corps ethos of ‘Soldier first, tradesman always’ within the LAD. A mindset I truly admire and witness in their daily working routine. With this being the first time I have worked alongside Gurkha soldiers, I have found them to be incredibly capable, and consistent in their delivery; always meeting the required output. As a result, the unit was set for a successful deployment on the afore mentioned Exercise. It has been a pleasure commanding this LAD.

Ex STEADFAST LEDA 21 (Oct – Dec 21)

Scribe: SSgt Mike Bhara

Our deployment via sea came around quickly and shortly after summer leave, we found ourselves unloading trucks at Emden port, Germany from a RORO (Roll on Roll off) ship. From here, we deployed the fleet of 80+ ground effect equipment south to Normandy Barracks, Sennelager, where half of the equipment would remain, and the Battalion would begin to build HQ ARRC’s ‘MAIN and REAR

CP’. The Battalion then split, and half would conduct a two-day onward convoy to an airfield in a town called Bydgoszcz, South Poland, where we would construct a ‘FORWARD and TAC CP.’ These CPs would not only consist of Ops rooms and workstations for the staff but also included a full RLS suite including feeding, accommodation, welfare and ablution facilities, all of which are required to ensure HQ ARRC can provide a 24/7 warfighting command capability over a duration of two months in Poland and Germany. This saw the Bn and its fleet split, not only over a large line of communication but also country boarders. This generated some new challenges in a COVID era. Moving spares, fuel deliveries and other G4 support were no longer as straight forward as it used to be. Life in ‘tent city’ was also a different experience, not having to dig in like most exercises I have been on, but rather building up more permanent site designed with a longer sustainment goal in mind. Upon completion of the HQ ARRC’s exercise, the Battalion are left to collapse, reconstitute and then redeploy, once certain readiness conditions were met. It was great to see so many senior officers from HQ ARRC assist in the collapsing and packing of ‘Tent City’. The physical redeployment back to the UK was fast and furious as more and more borders were closing due to the OMICRON variant sweeping through Europe. Nonetheless, all the kit and equipment were successfully turned around and ready for re-tasking as and when required, held @R4. The team then managed to depart on some well-earned Christmas leave. For the LAD, the deployment and subsequent redeployment presented the challenge of testing our ability to work at reach with minimal firm base support. However, the team worked excellently together and developed a strong bond which endures to date.

Bn winning LFTT team from the LAD

Battalion Battle Rhythm (Jan – Jun 22)

Scribe: Sgt Naresh 2RGR Class 1 VM

The LAD returned after a well-deserved winter stand-down period to complete the next iteration of JAMES maintenance required by the advance of Ex DEFENDER 22 M3 CPX. For some members of the LAD, this took place after extended leave back home in Nepal; where many had not been for some time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. With the support of BDSG FMST’s the LAD was able to return the Ground-Effect Vehicles (GEV) back to the mandated levels of above 85% by the end of Apr 22; an outstanding achievement given availability had dropped significantly over this period. With 2022’s major exercise cancelled and a smaller Ex DYNAMIC FRONT to take place, the LAD had some time to focus on the ‘play hard’ aspect of life here in the Bn. Organised events took place such as paintballing, Gurkha messing (“traditional food, which is sublime” – ASM) and a few games nights, dominated by the Seniors. Looking to the future, we have the Battalion’s first birthday event which will be celebrated in conjunction with the Queens Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

A Gurkha’s Perspective

Scribe: Cpl Tapan, 1RGR Class 1 VM

Working in the Gurkha ARRC Sp Bn LAD as a Class 1 VM has given me a great opportunity to work on different vehicle platforms. I have gained a lot of experience working on and inspecting the MAN SV and Mastiff platforms, which has broadened my SQEP as a tradesman and developed me for future postings. As an RGR tradesman, the opportunities to enhance our trade skills are limited due to having less exposure to platform varieties within the Regiment. At Gurkha ARRC Sp Bn LAD we have to be much more flexible with multiple platforms to look after. Working in this LAD has provided me with the tools to develop, learn and enhance my personal and professional skills. Gurkha ARRC Sp Bn LAD is one of the best places I’ve had the opportunity to work. It is truly unlike any other unit due to its multiple cap-badges and cultures working under the same umbrella.

Forward LAD – Bydgoszcz, Poland. (Note the Gurkhas in flip flops and Brits in full rig for a snowball fight)

LAD farewell to Sgt Dal (RGR) on completion of his Colour Service

John McOwan – 101-Year-Old Founder Member

Scribe: Tom Hardie, Secretary - REME Association Scotland

On

Saturday 30th July 2022 I visited a White’s Bookshop in Peebles, the Scottish Borders. This was to meet Founder Member of our Corps, 101-year-old John McOwan, who had written a book about his memories of World War 2. John took part in the 75th Anniversary Parades for D-Day in France in 2019 and during this period it helped him remember many stories and events during his time in the Army. John lost his eyesight due to Macular Degeneration and he has a pseudophakia (false lens) in both eyes. He has no vision in his left eye and only some vision in his right eye. In 2020 we went into lockdown due to Covid and John decided to share his memories and with the help of family members and Blind

Veterans UK; a charity that helps blinded servicemen and women, he penned his story.

When the Second World War started in 1939, John was 18 years old and he was immediately called up for service. He first served on the Artillery Batteries defending the Forth Rail Bridge, before being transferred to Egypt in the spring of 1940 to use his repair skills as an Instruments Mechanic working on the tanks, trucks and other equipment belonging to the 7th Armoured Division, part of the 8th Army. It was during this time on 1st October 1942 John joined the newly formed Corps of The Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers.

He served with this Division all through the war, being part of events such as El Alamein and the Western Desert Campaign before being part of the Allied landings in Sicily then at Anzio in Italy. His Division was then transferred back to Britain, and took part in the D-Day landings, and all the major conflicts until the end of the war.

John says he hopes his story will make others appreciate the horrors and grief war leaves behind. “I’m delighted it’s now published,” he said. “There has been a lot of interest in the book, especially from ex-servicemen.”

It was a pleasure meeting John. He is an absolute gentleman with an infectious smile. His memory and stories were as clear as if he was standing there on the battlefield all those years ago. His book called “A Centenarian’s Memories of WW2“, ISBN: 978-17395844-0-5 can be bought from White’s Book Store, Peebles at www.whities.co.uk Telephone 01721 588170

A

John McOwan with Scotland Branch Secretary Tom Hardie

REME Regimental Sunday at the Royal Hospital Chelsea

shelfie!

More than 100 serving and retired Corps members and their families from across the United Kingdom gathered to celebrate the occasion with our REME In-Pensioners at the Hospital. Every rank from Craftsman to Colonel was represented on the parade alongside a superb attendance of 19 REME In-Pensioners, resplendent in their scarlet tunics, steadfastly braving the heat of the day to march on alongside their serving Brothers and Sisters. 18 year old Cfn Jones of 8 Trg Bn REME was the youngest soldier on parade while the eldest was Corps founder member Alf Prince; still showing us how

done

years young!

Sprightly and as smart as ever, WO2 In-Pensioner Peter Turner led the REME In-Pensioners onto the parade taking his position as RightHand Marker, with Maj Matt Clarkson, Bn 2IC 8 Trg Bn REME, leading the serving contingent of around 60 officers and soldiers from across the Corps. Eight of the REME Association Standard Bearers made the trip to lead the REME Association members on parade; completing

Parade Right Marker Peter Turner

REME In-Pensioners March Off Parade

Duty Governor’s Inspection

Corps Standards March Off Parade

Col REME and CASM accompany the Duty Governor

what proved to be something of a spectacle, with an overall attendance rarely seen at any Regimental Sunday.

Colonel REME, together with, the Corps ASM accompanied the Duty Officer of the day, Lt Col (Retd) Jonny Lowe MBE, with the Duty Governor, Lt Col (Retd) Nicky Mott MBE, as they inspected the parade and took the salute. In glorious sunshine, the final action saw the parade marching very proudly off the colonnade to a wonderful rendition of “Lillibulero” delivered perfectly by the Royal Hospital Band.

A church service followed within the spectacular Wren Chapel before everyone retired to the Members’ Club for a well-deserved curry buffet and some cold refreshments.

A fabulous occasion that will be remembered by all in attendance, in what was truly a REME Family occasion. See you next year – Sun 25 Jun 2023.

CASM and Col REME accompany the oldest and youngest on parade

Corps Standard Ready for Church Parade

That’s me crated!

The Band of the Royal Hospital Chelsea

Duty Governor takes the Salute

REME Charity

2 CS Battalion Challenge

Scribe: Callum McGoldrick

On Monday the 9th of May, participants from 2 CS Bn began their challenge; 24 workouts, over 24 hours, all for the REME charity.

Itwas 1700hrs in the gymnasium when they began their first challenge, Cindy, which consisted of 5 pull ups, 10 press ups and 15 squats for 20 minutes. This would later be agreed on as one of the easiest workouts by the team. With the remaining 40 minutes they tried to keep warm; this was a simple workout which acted as a warm up.

The following hours continued on, each workout rewarding the joints and muscles of each person with fatigue and stiffness. At hours 4 and 5 the team met their first hurdle. 2 separate workouts which held a total of 360 Wall Balls exercises per individual. This led to an evident toll on each person’s body. As the team struggled with their task it was clear some were flagging more than others but with a combined effort of motivation and hard work the goal was reached.

By midnight, morale had dropped significantly with each workout being harder to start and even harder to finish. The hours of 0200 to 0400hrs held another set of difficulties. The Filthy Fifty and The Seven workout regimes added a further 550 reps to their tally; taxing their bodies even further.

With the rising of the sun and the first hopes of breakfast coming to mind; morale returned. The exercises from 0700 to 1400hrs flew by. Each workout brought a new niggle or pain. Saved by the Barbell and Hope for Kenya amongst the more arduous exercises. With each workout morale rose; the finish line coming into view.

By the final workout their bodies were near breaking point. However, their final task still awaited them. At 1600hrs, they began the Murph; 100 burpees, 200 press ups, 300 squats with two 1 mile runs either side. Although they were already stiff and exhausted they pushed through it, with two thirds of the team coming in the top 10 positions.

Having finally completed their arduous challenge and receiving their congratulations the team returned to their various abodes. The promise of rest and recovery was short lived thanks to the information received that they needed to be in work the next morning.

Overall the team completed 24 workouts in the allocated time. They raised a strong total of £150 with more still to come. Throughout the event the overall champion was SSgt Husband, who thrived in the overall strength categories as well as the Wall Balls.

Recent Museum Acquisition: REME and Waterproofing

Scribe: Laura Stewart (Assistant Curator)

TheREME Museum has recently accepted the donation of an official report written by DDME (Deputy Director Mechanical Engineering) 34 Indian Corps regarding, among other specifics, the waterproofing of vehicles for Operation ZIPPER.

Waterproofing is the temporary transformation of a vehicle into amphibious equipment capable of wading through water from landing craft to dry land. This ingenuity was key to the success of a number of operations throughout World War II.

Operation ZIPPER was undertaken in Malaya (now Malaysia), September 1945. The surrender of Japanese forces shortly before the planned operation meant that it was reduced in scale with fewer units involved and met with no resistance. The original objective of this operation was for British forces to capture an airfield and port in the west of Malaya.

The report concludes that of 7299 vehicles used in the final operation, only 28 were lost and unable to be recovered. This level of success is echoed in earlier examples of REME’s involvement in waterproofing since its formation in 1942.

Early Work

Shortly after the Corps’ creation, it was agreed that REME would be responsible for the waterproofing of all vehicles. Waterproofing was a recent introduction to military operations at the time, with some of the earliest examples from the Second World War coinciding with the creation of REME in the latter half of 1942. Waterproofing vehicles had the advantage of facilitating surprise beach landings.

One of the first operations that saw REME’s fundamental involvement in the waterproofing of vehicles was the Sicilian landings of July 1943. Using locally available materials, c 15,600 ‘A’ and ‘B’ vehicles were waterproofed by units in the Middle East, North Africa and Malta. In the desert this involved the re-modification of vehicles already used in the North Africa campaign, often using reclaimed materials from weapons and aircraft.

The front cover of the report on Operation ZIPPER recently accepted by the Museum (Image taken by donor and used with their permission)

In the same year, the creation of wading establishments located in the United Kingdom allowed for the testing of waterproofed vehicles prior to their use in action. Instow, Devon was one such establishment that is now represented in the collection of the REME Museum in a group of 1975 paintings by A J Burgess as well as photographs.

D Day, 1944

The modification of vehicles for the D-Day landings is, perhaps, the most significant example of REME’s involvement in waterproofing during the Second

World War.

Displayed in the Museum’s galleries is an example of a Sherman BARV (Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle) used in the D-Day landings. This vehicle was specific to REME. The converted Sherman Tank was capable of operating in water up to 3 metres deep due to the removal of the turret and introduction of a large structure to the hull. It was responsible for recovering others from the water and clearing the path for further landing craft.

The Sherman BARV was eventually replaced by the Centurion BARV in the 1960s, examples of which were used in the Falklands War, 1982.

Operation ZIPPER

Almost immediately after DDay in July 1944, plans emerged to waterproof vehicles for tropical conditions. Vehicles capable of wading in water 5 feet deep with a further allowance of 1.5 feet for waves in high temperatures was investigated. Although these plans were in their advanced stages in August 1945, just days before Operation ZIPPER was due to take place, the surrender of Japan meant that the waterproofing of vehicles for tropical operations was no longer essential. Regardless of this, Operation ZIPPER went ahead, although not as originally planned.

An iteration of the original plan was undertaken as it was

uncertain whether Japanese forces would fully surrender upon arrival in Malaya and preparations such as loading equipment to vessels in India was nearing an end. Operation ZIPPER had anticipated the involvement of a combined force consisting of four Indian Divisions, a Tank Brigade and numerous Corps and Army Troops. In reality, a smaller operation of two divisions undertook the landings alongside the Tank Brigade and some Corps Troops.

The report recently acquired by the Museum reveals that amphibious vehicles were critical to the final efforts of Operation ZIPPER from the 9th30th September 1945, although not without some challenges. Despite rigorous planning, there were layers of mud beneath the surface of the water which left some of the first unloaded vehicles unable to move. Although only losing 28 vehicles, 824 had to be recovered from the sea typically due to difficulties experienced by those driving and not the waterproofing itself. Of those 824, 301 were repaired following sea immersion.

Ultimately, the report concludes that despite early challenges and with improvisation, ‘recovery and offloading of vehicles proceeded very satisfactorily’.

Sherman BARV on display at the REME Museum. From the collection, 1963.578

Model of a Centurion BARV. From the collection, E:06.0315

Ex BALEARIC WATCH

Afteran early alarm at 0445 on the 20th of April 2022, it was time for seven personnel from 13 Fd Coy, 6 ACS REME, to meet at the parade square for our transport to Bristol Airport to begin Ex BALEARIC WATCH. After a smooth transition through checkin and security, it soon became apparent that we hadn’t even left the country and some of the individuals were already introduced to new experiences as they were about to embark an aeroplane for the first time in their lives.

Once arriving in Palma De Mallorca, we took a taxi to S’Arenal where we were met by the Skipper and our beautiful new home for two weeks – Spirit of St George II. After an introduction to the yacht accompanied with a safety brief from the Skipper, we headed out to purchase food for the week and began discussing the various options for our time on the yacht. Whether to head West around Port Adriano and along the coast to Se Dragonera or to head East towards

Rapita and Portopetro. It was a unanimous decision to head East as it best avoided a storm and then opened an opportunity to spend a night in the beautiful nature reserve Cabrera Island.

Setting off after breakfast on Thursday 21st April, we began our first leg of the two weeks heading to Rapita and it only took ten minutes for the first individuals to discover their bodies didn’t enjoy being at sea. Five hours later, we arrived in Rapita where we were met with strong undercurrents making the berthing process challenging; but a good interest piece to demonstrate the various ways of securing a yacht in such waters. The next few days saw us sailing to Portpetro where we had to spend a few evenings to wait out a storm. During this, we explored the local town and a small cove in which we could swim and snorkel. Once the storm had blown over, we began a long sail upwind through bigger seas to get to Cabrera, a small Island South of Mallorca which is protected and only

Castell De Cabrera Sunset

Scribe: 2Lt Ben Chandler

Anchoring in a hidden cove

Preparing for night sail as the winch broke

accessible by boat. The sail there was tricky, exciting and a good demonstration of what the sea can quickly turn into and how best to manage it in a yacht. Once we arrived in Cabrera, the water was much calmer, and we were able to tie onto a mooring buoy for the night. We inflated the tender and made our way ashore to head up to the castle to watch the sun set over the island and into the sea. The next day was the final leg of the first week, back to S’Arenal, with blue skies and small winds, it was an idyllic sail back.

After close down of the yacht ready for hand-over/take-over with the next crew from 13 Fd Coy, we headed into town for all 14 personnel to meet and have a team meal out. The crews changed over, and we conducted the first day administration similar to the first week – safety briefs, CILOR shops, and a route plan for the week. This time, there were no indications of storms but instead blue skies and gentle winds with 25-30C of sun. We decided we wanted to conduct some night sailing and headed South on a 13-hour sail towards San Antonio in Ibiza. With some exciting moments throughout the night from bio-luminescent jellyfish and dolphins to course-correction and 200m cargo-ships. After a safe arrival in San Antonio, we headed to the beach and spent the evening on a beach

in the local town. The following day, we sailed Southwest and circumnavigated the island of Ibiza taking us into Botafoc Marina, on the South-Eastern side of the island. On this day, we had a good chance to swim in the middle of the sea, rigging a rope swing and ascend the mast at the sea. After an evening on the boat watching yet another beautiful sunset, we set off to spend the day in a hidden cove as we fished, swum, and prepared for another night sail back to Mallorca. Much like the first night sail, the return leg was ideal weather where we sailed alongside dolphins and through bright pink jellyfish that lit up the dark sea. Projected storms meant we spent two nights in Palma De Mallorca for the end of our trip, so we could spend a day in the local area on land instead of struggling to sail through potentially dangerous seas and close down the boat to prepare for 13 Fd Coys return to Tidworth on Wednesday 4th May.

Overall, this trip is best summarised by several senior soldiers who regularly said this Expedition was one of the best things the Army has offered them and that it demonstrated to the junior soldiers, what the Army can offer you. It is particularly important to thank and to note that none of this would have been possible without the support from the REME Charity and the Sandhurst Trust.

The two crews before the meal out

Sailing to Cabrera

Week 2 in San Antonio

Setting off for second night sail

Ex NORTHERN ASCENT, 3 Scots LAD

Scribe: Sgt Richard Taylor, 3 Scots LAD.

Therock-climbing expedition started with a long drive from Inverness down to Clifton, Manchester where we stayed the night before flying to Croatia, Split, thanks to 127 REME reserve battalion. After a 0430 start to Manchester airport, a nice San Carlo’s breakfast and a 3-hour flight, we arrived in very sunny Split to be greeted by Frank the Tank, Disco Derrek, and Julian the Jag, and those were just this week’s transport. We had struck jackpot with the vehicles for the week after being given a Landover Discovery, a Discovery sport, and a Jaguar F-Pace. With a luxurious 45-minute drive to the Villa and a stop at Lidl on the way, we arrived at our 7bedroom Villa, Villa Marija** in Trilj with a private pool, huge outdoor BBQ and kitchen space, a gym with 10 working mountain bikes and

as many free-range eggs as our chickens could lay for us. As if the start of the week could get any better, we finished the day in our pool with a game of water polo and a BBQ in the sunset with some lessons on Safety, PPE, and rope work.

An early start for our first day out climbing, we travelled to the small town of Omis. This was a beautiful drive in through the mountains to get to our venue riverside. This morning’s climbing was heavily focused on safety, working with PPE and climbing communication. All climbers, even the completely novice, picked it up well. With Crag side parking, leaving our lunches in the cars which turned out to be a big mistake, the early morning shaded climbing turned into blazing sun by 10am. The buddy-buddy system had to be in place to ensure everybody had plenty of sun cream on.

With some warm sandwiches and melted chocolate bars, once the climbing had finished for the afternoon, we decided to explore Omis for an ice cream and some freshly baked baguettes for an afternoon snack. On route back to the villa we stopped at the layby on route to the top of the mountain to take a group photo taken by a kind passer-by. It began an early theme of the week by spending the evening in the pool playing water volleyball before an evening meal in the Sun.

We continued with the early starts as the weather by 10am hit the late 20’s, so we set off to Marjan in Split and again were greeted with the picturesque climbing views overlooking the sea. Trying to stretch everybody’s climbing skills, we went for longer/ taller climbs. This pushed people mentally and physically as we had several people scared of heights. The communications had clearly advanced quickly from day one and everyone had picked everything up quickly. With a 1330 climbing finish, we took ourselves down to the shingle beach for an hour dip in the Adriatic Sea before roaming the tiny streets of Split.

Days 3 and 4 Climbing in the mountainous areas of Croatia, we travelled over to Brela towards the Markaska region. We climbed here for two days due to the different areas available to us.

Group shot taken overlooking the valley in Omis

Everyone enjoying the sun playing volleyball in our private pool

Cpl Matthew Thomas making sure Cpl James Primrose was fully protected

The first day here we climbed longer and more difficult climbs to push everybody on the exercise after some easier routes completed the previous days. We made sure there were plenty of water breaks and as much shade cover possible for guys to get around although there was not too much shade after 9am due to the height of the sun. Being so close to the beaches again after a day’s climbing, it would have been rude not to, so off we went for an hour into the sea before retiring to the villa pool.

Our return trip back here two days later saw a great photo opportunity and an abseil. A painted Croatian coloured flag on the rocks 30m up overlooking some beautiful beaches and the sea, with an instructor at the top and bottom, we sent everybody up one by one. Everyone managed a 30m climb before our fantastic group photo and then an abseil back down to the bottom. Shortly after lunch we drove across to Markaska Bay to get prices on ferry or boat trips to the Island of Brac for a day’s climbing on the island for our final days climbing as the guidebook had some amazing places to visit.

To break up days 3 and 4 climbing in Brela, we had booked in a ‘similar Activity’ Canyoning with the company Iris Adventures. I would highly recommend. Our guides Nico and Dan were brilliant and the company where great before and during the tour. Canyoning down the Centina River was certainly a memory the guys on the trip will not forget.

With cliff jumps ranging from 2m to 9m and abseils from 20m to 55m, it certainly put all the deployed SP through their paces. The cliff jumps mixed with 18-degree water temp, slides down the rocks and lazy river style floating the Canyon, it was the best 2.5 km and 3 hours work I had ever done.

Our final day climbing meant some shorter but more challenging routes to finish the week. We headed down to the port of Markaska bright and early before boarding a boat to the island of Brac. A few hours of tough climbing and hot weather, we then took advantage of being on the island and visited a local small restaurant, for some, freshly caught lobster and octopus, for others delicious oven cooked pizzas and home-made bread. 10/10 on the recommendation from our boat skipper Dan. We spent the remainder of the afternoon visiting coves and secret caves before heading back to the port before a report of the weather turning. An evening spent packing and cleaning the villa before a nice meal in what felt like the final supper before another full days travelling back to Fort George. However, a fantastic trip would not be complete without a delayed flight, 2 hours waiting for baggage and the UK car hire company delivering the wrong vehicle.

This was a trip to remember. 3 Scots LAD would like to thank all for the contributions towards the trip which helped get us out of the door.

For anyone thinking about setting up a RockClimbing Expedition, Croatia is certainly a place to visit.

Sgt Richard Taylor ready for his 55m Abseil into the Centina River

Croatian valley shot

End of the Canyoning trip with Exercise T-shirts

Group photo at the top of the climbs before abseiling back down

Army Offshore Regatta

before. Their learning curve was steep and after a morning of safety briefs and familiarisation alongside we set out for the first race of the regatta – a Solent Race from Gosport to Cowes. The weather was very changeable and the crews were subjected to squalls and light winds from the start. A highly competitive first race saw the two REME teams going well with a second and fifth place at the end of day 1.

Day 2 was the offshore race from Cowes to Poole via Bembridge which gave the Skippers a headache of going around the Isle of Wight or back through the Solent. The race East saw both REME boats in first and second through the Forts and deciding to go around the island. A wind hole near Ventnor caused us to park up while the boat in 7th went back through the Solent. As we passed the Needles they were spat out of the fairway in first place proving that we had all (bar two boats) made the wrong tactical call. After much hard work and building breeze we finished mid fleet in the offshore passage race.

Day 3 was an inshore race in very light breeze from Poole to Yarmouth. PLACUNA was first to the windward mark and ended up too far inshore to receive the best tide whilst VOLUTA, skippered by Maj Adrian Allen, had a storming race and finished first by a huge margin. That was the end of racing for Wednesday as the wind was not coming back until the thunderstorms in the evening. Day 4 was promising better breeze and the last days racing. We had three inshore races including the compass race which consisted of sailing a course in any order similar to orienteering. PLACUNA, skipped by Lt Col Will Naylor, won the compass race in a steady breeze and a sound knowledge of tricky Solent tides. The final race was a race back to Gosport via Southampton water. VOLUTA were miles ahead and trying everything to keep the fleet at bay while PLACUNA climbed through the fleet with the spinnaker up and the novices learning fast that sails need constant trimming and marginal gains win races to finish second.

Perspective from a Reservist - Sgt Nicholson, 103Bn REME: Our crew, one of two all REME crews, had an exciting week - winning the race back from Poole to Yarmouth by a literal country mile. We

had some fantastic race starts as well, taking the lead in two other races on the upwind legs, and while in these leading positions, it truly was glory. Alas some fairly beat us on the downwind legs. We had a few close calls with various hazards as you invariably do at sea...

I would like to highlight two instances that were of training value for the crew of VOLUTA. The first was when heading upwind and against the flow in a ferocious tideway, when our engine overheated. While not being used for propulsion during the race, at the time we were heading back to port, and there was little to no wind. Without an engine for backup, the situation could have resulted in us being run aground. The correct course of action was ultimately taken to cool the engine in a timely manner and a contingency plan formulated in the event of complete engine failure. Another hairy moment came when we were under spinnaker, rounding St Catherine’s point on the southern tip of the Isle of Wight. Several gusts massively overpowered VOLUTA’s sails, causing a lee roll that broached us side on to the wind. With VOLUTA careering straight at the rocks, no more than a cable or two off, we managed to safely derig the offending sail. Under such pressure, this is not a simple thing to do correctly and safely, but happily we achieved it.

VOLUTA - Cfn Shram testing the trim of the mainsail

VOLUTA - Crew running through spinnaker drills

Being in these situations can be frightening and serves as an example of how adventure training in general, and sailing in particular, has some advantages over simulated military exercises, where you are generally not actually in real danger. Such experiences lived in real time forces your mind to make quick decisions under pressure that must be the correct ones, and to actually take real physical action and perform as a team when it really does matter if you do not. I can see how regular experience of these sorts of situations can in a real way, prepare us for an operational situation. By training people to steel their minds and quickly force any fear aside to act in the right way to achieve the desired outcome and help to alleviate or overcome any ‘rabbit in the headlights’ type reactions they may or may not be prone to.

For me, these training opportunities benefit the Reserves in ways that I have experienced on a personal level. They are levers not only to retain our Reserve family but also to recruit. These activities are open to Reservists and offer opportunities in training to experience activities that we would be unlikely to ever have a go at in civilian life. In part because of the cost but more so I think because of the justification. We, as an inclusive part of the Army, have a reason to pursue these things as they are part of our duty.

For those of you interested in sailing; I would recommend to anyone serving to give it a go. You will learn lots of new skills, you get sport, physical exertion, as well as moments of relaxation and a

guaranteed suntan. The travel element is huge –ranging from the joys of a different port every night, to seeing the far side of the world. If you get a bit seasick, you’ll either get over it with help and advice from the Skipper, or if it’s really bad, you’ll be sent to sit under an oak tree – the only certain cure. Then I’d encourage you to try the next AT activity that you find. Embrace these opportunities for adventure when they present themselves. That’s why you joined up!

Thank you to Lt Col Dave Reith who did all the hard work behind the scenes to ensure we were able to enter two crews and compete so well. A huge thank you to all within our CoC for releasing us to compete in Corps sport. The future of REME sailing looks bright.

Overall results:

REME 1, PLACUNA: 3rd missing 2nd by 1 point. REME 2, VOLUTA 6th.

REME Team-

PLACUNA: Lt Col Will Naylor, REME AS, Skipper Maj Moray Watson, 160X, Mate Sgt Rai, REME AS Cfn Goodall, 8 Trg Bn REME Cfn Morrison, 8 Trg Bn REME Cfn Wright, 8 Trg Bn REME

VOLUTA: Maj Adrian Allen, 6XX, Skipper Sgt Tom Nicholson, 103 REME, Mate Maj Alex Thompson, CTG Cpl Phil Cartlidge, new REME Bosun Cfn Chris Shram, 8 Trg Bn REME

VOLUTA - The fleet in our wake

The race is on

bobsleigh,

be an experience

won’t forget

an annual event

in

to introduce novices to the ice sports of bobsleigh, luge and skeleton.

provides an excellent opportunity to afford soldiers the chance to experience one of these three exhilarating disciplines.

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

get the win and claiming the title on a unanimous points decision. In the evening session we had LCpl Glover going for the Light Heavy Weight title. It was a close affair and after 2 rounds there was nothing to split them meaning the last round would be the decider. After a great last round of boxing, LCpl Glover came out victorious on a split points decision.

Overall, this was a great result for REME Boxing, leaving the competition with three champions and three runners up. I would like to congratulate all the Boxers who competed within the championships. Everyone delivered great performances and have shown we have a lot of talent within Corps Boxing. I would like to thank the coaching staff who helped throughout the competition providing a wealth of knowledge to the Boxers. Congratulations to LCpl Glover and LCpl Wilson who have been selected to attend trials for the Army Development Squad later this year.

As this goes to press, LCpl Terri Stewart, 1 AAC, represented the UKAF Boxing team at Alexandra Palace winning gold in her first Haringey Box Cup at 63kg. As the UKAF Team Captain this was a remarkable achievement. Cfn Eddie Drayton also had a fantastic competition only missing out on gold through a points decision.

Looking Forward:

As the season ends and we reflect, it is clear REME Boxing have achieved a great deal. However, we must maintain the momentum and continue to exploit the strong talent that exists. We are in the early planning stages of our next Corps Training Camp 12-23 Sep at 2 Bn REME (Calling Notice to follow) and a Boxing event, REME Select

vs RLC in early October. As a reminder, our strategy is on track, again we must continue to drive this forward.

• Reinvigorate participation (train Coaches).

• Grow Female opportunities.

• Maintain presence in Army Boxing Team structure.

• Maximise value of big show events.

REME Boxers and Coaches are to ensure that they register with Army Boxing for the 22/23 season at their earliest convenience.

Boxers are requested to register with England Boxing in addition to Service Boxing so that we can have Corps representation at civilian events.

LCpl Stewart winning gold at the Haringey Box Cup

LCpl Hutchins delivering a quality right hand

REME Boxing Team

Corps Coarse Angling Championships 2022

Scribe: WO2 (AQMS) Dave Goodall

Angling (Coarse)

was held

18anglers arrived on the first day, with the draw for pegs taking place each morning, as well as a detailed match brief on the fishery rules and timings for the week. All participants were split into two sections across the lake for day one, with all matches being 5hrs long, fishing from 1100-1600hrs.

Day one was a silver fish only event (no carp allowed) won by Mr Robert Marsh (a former VM) with a weight of 83lb 07oz, with Maj Toby Burrell second with 76lb 13oz. A special mention must go to a former VM, Mr Kevin Lees who managed to come third overall with a weight of 48lb 05oz, who has been battling his fight against cancer over recent months. The next two days were a pairs match with 17 people in attendance, with one lucky person having two partners due to the odd number. Day one of the pairs was won by Mr

Dave Parkinson (a former Recy Mech) with 167lb 04oz and Maj Toby Burrell second on the day with 71lb 01oz.

Mr Robert Marsh and Mr David Parkinson were top of the table after day one and were probably uncatchable. This proved to be the case after day two of the pairs, with them being crowned Champions with a total weight of 291lb 15oz, second in the pairs was Sgt Steve Tilson and Sgt Steven Chadwick with a combined weight of 241lb 12oz. Individual winner on the day was Sgt Trev Tanner with 106lb 08oz and Maj Toby Burrell 2nd for the third consecutive day with 88lb 03oz.

Bob Hill - Big fish winner 21lb 07oz

Group photo

Sgt Daz Jones a new member to Corps angling

WO2 (AQMS) Goodall presenting Sgt Chadwick with the Corps Champion shield

Mr Robert Marsh - Silvers winner Day one

The next two days were the main event to see who would be crowned 2022 Corps Champion. With 17 people fishing, day one was won by Mr Robert Marsh with 88lb 06oz, closely followed by Sgt Chadwick with 86lb 06oz. Day two would see several people still in with a chance of winning the event and first on the final day was Sgt Steve Tilson with 86lb 14oz and WO2 Dave Goodall second with 86lb 110z.

Coming fifth overall for the 2022 Championships was Mr Dave Parkinson with 4 points and a weight of 133lb 13oz, fourth was Sgt Steve Tilson with 3 points and a weight of 106lb 10oz, third overall was Mr Robert Marsh with a perfect two points and a weight of 128lb 08oz, second with 2 points was WO2 Dave Goodall with 131lb 07oz. The 2022 Corps Champion was Sgt Steven Chadwick with 2 points and a weight of 171lb 04oz.

Throughout the event a new format was created and this was the Larford knockout, with everyone in the hat at the start of the week, a random draw was completed and the winner from the draw each day would see you progress to the next round, the final pair was Maj Toby Burrell against Mr Bob Hill (a former Recy Mech), Maj Toby Burrell was the eventual winner, beating Bob by 8lb.

Onto some sad news brought to us during the event, Les Parsons (a former VM Sgt) who has been fishing for many years at Corps events sadly lost his battle with cancer on the 18 May 2022, the Corps angling community send their deepest condolences to his family.

The biggest thanks must go to The REME Sports Association and The REME Charity for its support in funding our sport. This significantly offset the cost of the event to each serving participant, encouraging greater numbers to attend. The Corps Championships proved to be a great success and introduced new members to the sport.

If you are interested in joining the REME Coarse Angling, please contact WO2 (AQMS) Dave Goodall on David.Goodall722@Mod.gov.uk.

Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel

Scribe: Capt (Retd) Ian Hillier, OC 37 Eng Regt Wksp REME Port Stanley 1982

The40th anniversary service at the Falkland Islands Memorial Chapel took place on Sunday 12th June. The service was very well attended by several hundred veterans and family members from all over the UK.

The Chapel is located in the grounds of Pangbourne College in Berkshire and is open to the public. It stands as a permanent and ‘living’ memorial to commemorate the lives and sacrifice of all those who died in the South Atlantic in 1982 and the courage of the thousands of Service personnel who served with them to protect the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands.

The Guest of Honour, His Royal Highness Prince Edward Duke of Kent, was present at the service and afterwards visited the Chapel’s memorial garden which now has a wall of remembrance with plaques dedicated to the those that took part in the campaign.

REME are represented by a plaque, funded by the REME Charity, which also bears the names of the four members of the Corps lost in the conflict.

Maj Toby Burrell presenting WO2 (AQMS) Goodall with his Corps Colours

Singapore, as was – Part 1

These are recollections of a young Craftsman, Bob Ford, at the commencement of his career in the mid 1950’s, recalling the good fortune of a posting to Singapore.

Itwas February 1954 and I had completed a three-year apprenticeship at the Army School (Chepstow 51A) and like all of us, I was allocated a posting and this was to 2 Ack Ack Command Workshop, Dorchester. It held no mystery for me, as a boy growing up in the war I had three relatives in the Royal Artillery based at gun batteries in Ack Ack Command.

Knowing where you are going and actually arriving are two different things – a culture shock in so many ways. First shock was an ex guards RSM called Atkins (nick name Split Pin due to long legs), whose objective seem to be keeping everybody moving by continuous ‘barking’ (I met him twenty years later when he was a civilian clerk in Arborfield Garrison, absolute gentleman, kind and friendly, helpful – called me Sir— Wow!). Second shock was, “This is the Army Mr Jones” – only thing was – National Serviceman Army. Different culture, different attitude, almost to a man – I don’t want to be here especially after the manic regime of Barton Stacey. Thankfully, I was to be detached to a radar training unit LAD in a mystical place called Storrington – never heard of it! But my goodness what a blessing, unique like no other unit in the Army. Berns Farm Camp provided radar training for the whole of Ack Ack Command across Europe. The gift was it consisted of a nucleus of permanent staff of which some eleven were military REME and the remaining were civilians, ranging from labourers to radar boffins. A brilliant team of friendly, supportive and helpful guys many of whom were ex-military. Added to this was the uniqueness of a unit that was without strict discipline or regimental rigidity, where there were no extra general duties, parades or an RSM chasing everybody (he was a gentle war time served friendly ‘Daddy’). In my time there I never saw a boot tread on the parade

square – eerie. After fifteen months of sheer bliss, never to be repeated, I was posted. One morning the OC Captain Victor Charlton Snow said quietly in passing, “LCpl Ford, you lucky lad, you are posted to Singapore.” (Coincidentally, so was he). From then all I heard from one and all was “you lucky so and so”.

I now spent a few tedious and frustrating weeks at the REME depot, Arborfield, where I met up with many of my peers from Chepstow 51A. After numerous painful injections for every disease plus issue of large bundles of tropical kit, plus, multiple unnecessary kit lay outs we finally departed for Southampton for embarkation.

This narrative is about Singapore, however it’s almost impossible to continue without relating life on a troop ship in the 1950’s as it’s the experience which no young soldier (Craftsman) will have to endure today. With the advent of Troop movement entirely by our today’s soldiers should, without knowing it, consider themselves fortunate to have escaped the rigours of a troop ship which, without exaggeration, is not far removed from ‘slave ship’ accommodation. Due to the unpleasant experience the memory of this seems to be well buried in the shadows of my mind, only the most unpleasant ones come to the fore. We left Southampton sailing past Netley foreshore where I spent so much of my childhood and was able to wave cheerio to my Sister who stood on the beach. Little did we know we were to be stuck on the troopship ‘Fowey’ for the next five weeks until reaching Colombo – Ceylon (Sri Lanka).

So, into ship board routine where at least a thousand rank and file men were being transported. Long boring days and restless stifling nights. Sleeping was done in three tier bunks in blocks of eighteen. Looking down the deck as far as the eye could see. A thousand bodies in extremely poor ventilation, showers when you were allowed one was salt water with salt water soap being issued.

Catering of course was on a strict rotary basis with sometimes long intervals between one meal and the next. I can clearly remember being constantly hungry throughout the journey especially when you did get a meal it was, to say the least, little better than unrecognisable swill. The catering and conditions were so bad that it caused a Member of Parliament to visit the ship, on its return to Southampton, which resulted in him raising the matter in the House of Commons. (Look up ‘Empire Fowey on Google). We were at sea, across the Bay of Biscay and the Mediterranean before we had our first stop at Port Said. I was expecting my first glimpse of the exotic place, (geography was my forte), but to my amazement the first thing one saw was a massive neon sign dominating the dock – “Coca-

Singapore “go downs” (warehouses)

'The Author, Robin ‘Bob’ Ford

Cola” – exotic image destroyed. We were under the illusion that we would all get a run ashore – No! All we had at Port Said was local “bum boats” as old soldiers called them, when I witnessed my first example of extremely bad behaviour by British Soldiers. These boats contained local merchants selling Egyptian souvenirs – the ‘sweats’ told us the fun was to find something heavy, drop it over the side, a drop of forty feet, and make a hole in the boat that would sink it – mindless vandalism, shameful but considered funny by a few brainless idiots or simple frustration.

There is little worth recording of the long tedious experience except, perhaps, coming up on deck early next morning to find we were half way down the Suez Canal. This was one of the most memorable sights of my life, brilliant blue sky, burning sunlight and brilliant yellow dunes at eye level as far as you could see. The moment was imprinted on my mind forever. We never got off the ship until we reached Colombo – Ceylon, (Sri Lanka). However, it is worth recording two incidences in the Indian Ocean where the weather caused so much discomfort. At one stage we had a boat drill, (one amongst so many), in the middle of a force nine gale. My drill station was in the charge of an overzealous signals Corporal who seemed to think we were on the parade ground. He demanded we all stood rigid, kept quiet and hold your dressing. The inevitable happened in the ten-foot swell, one grey and sickly soldier could not hold his stomach and projectile vomited into the ripping wind. I luckily ducked but the majority including the Corporal caught a bucket of vomit fair and square as it whistled freely through the air – I corpsed with laughter.

The second incident was not so funny. There was an announcement over the tannoy that the ships Chief Engineer was asking for a qualified Electrician to assist in the ship maintenance. I eagerly volunteered to break the tedious monotony and more so to give me freedom of movement through the ship. My application was accepted and I was taken several decks down to the bowels of the ship to a workshop. This was the size of a small galley and felt like I was working in a biscuit tin. My first job was to skim and undercut the commutator of a DC motor armature, put the forty-pound armature on the bench and turned to the tool rack on the opposite wall. There was a sickening thud, I had forgotten that at sea a ship rolls and so does everything else. The item had rolled off the bench, had I been there it would have crushed at least one of my feet. I got a gentle ticking off for not using a cradle. The next morning continuing

the job I did repeat the same again – unbelievable, causing several hundred pounds of damage. The Senior Electrician suggested he could manage without my help. I was not asked back, just as well as potentially I was close to serious injury.

Colombo was the one and only place we stopped where we were allowed ashore. I have little memory or no memory of this except the chaotic street culture which, fortunately, cost nothing. Just as well as we had little money those days which made a joke of local merchants accosting us to buy precious stones which were probably worthless anyway. The final memory I have was returning to the ship and getting a strip down examination for venereal disease contagion. Unfortunately, I had a bite where one didn’t want it causing me to desperately convince a young RAMC Lieutenant Doctor that I had never visited an ‘establishment of ill repute’, just having the money to do so would have be a bonus, never mind the desire.

So, the end of a journey no soldier today would relish, boring, hungry and even some deprivation. One could write a book if you had not confined the memories to the deep foggy past. Apart from nautical mile competitions about daily distance travelled we were also very ill informed so it was with stunning amazement that I came up on deck once more into a still almost silent morning. The air was crystal clear having no industrial pollution but in addition was washed almost daily by a tropical downpour. We were in, what I know now as Singapore sea roads, stemming the tide until we were given permission to enter the harbour to an allocated berth.

I was mesmerised by the deep green where, in places, the jungle came down to the shore line, frequently dotted with colonial architecture. I believe now that area was, Blakang Mati, now a major tourist playground, and the island of Pulau Brani, later to become a naval base of the Republic of Singapore Navy. We were immediately brought back to reality by bellowed orders to pack our, “to hand kit”, ready for disembarkation. Tying up alongside the Singapore berthing revealed a work scene out of a film set. The whole deck was entirely labour intensive, chaos even. However, the microcosm of the usual military control ‘under the heel’, of the Movement Forwarding Officer, (MFO), was easily identifiable and we disembarked with calm organisation. We were ushered into areas, (known as go-dons), and assigned to transportation, we had arrived.

To be continued…

Singapore skyline 1955 – only one tall building!

Blakang Mati and Pulau Brani as was

Obituaries

23503879 Corporal Malcolm Caddick

Scribe: - Maurice Hope, Photo by John Hubbert

Malcolm was born on the 3rd of January 1936, at 2, George Lane, in the mining village of Rossington, near Bawtry, in the borough of Doncaster, part of the West Riding of Yorkshire.

His Father was Samuel George Caddick who was a Haulage Labourer in the local pit, and his Mother Florence. Malcolm started working in an engineering role which allowed him to defer his National Service until he was 21 years of age.

Like many other National Servicemen who joined the Corps of REME in the mid to late 1950’s, in September 1957 23503879

Private Malcolm Caddick found himself at No 1 Training Battalion at Blandford Camp in Dorset, where he did his basic recruit training prior to moving on to, No 7 Battalion, at Barton Stacey, in Hampshire, where he would undergo his Army driver training, before advancing on to No 6 Training Battalion in Bordon to complete his chosen Corps trade as a Recovery Mechanic.

Following completion of his trade training Craftsman Caddick was posted to British Army On the Rhine (BAOR) to the Headquarters of the 4th Guards Brigade LAD based in Wuppertal in North Rhine Westphalia, where he would carry out vehicle recovery duties in the many military training areas and road networks in the region, that were so familiar to BAOR soldiers.

In January 1960 Corporal Caddick as he was then, with his National Service completed was transferred to the Army “Z” Reserve, until finally being discharged from any form of military service in February of 1964.

He became a long distance, continental lorry driver, at times delivering JCB diggers made locally at Rochester all over Europe, and where possible taking one or other of his three children along for the ride, which they thought were wonderful experiences.

Thirty-eight years after the end of his service, Malcolm joined the Potteries and District branch of the REME Association on 27th June 2002.

During the following twenty years he remained a very staunch Branch member, holding many of the posts on the Branch Committee, being one of its longest serving members, most recently as the branch Vice President, having been in the last decade both the Membership Secretary and the Branch Secretary.

He was a dedicated and most loyal member of the branch and will be sorely missed by all. Sadly, his health had been in decline for several years following a stroke, and more recently being diagnosed with rapid spread cancer. He spent the last six weeks in the care of the NHS, where he sadly passed away in the Haywood Hospital in Burslem, Stoke -on -Trent on Wednesday 6th July.

He married his second Wife Julia in 1992 after settling in the Staffordshire Moorlands town of Cheadle. The funeral at Carmountside Cemetery & Crematorium saw no less than 15 branch members suitably dressed in blazers, berets & medals, with three Standard Bearers in attendance. Other branch family members, joined many of his friends and family, with the service being conducted by a Civil Celebrant.

The coffin was adorned with the branch coffin drape, with his photo, beret, and two wreaths on top, one from the family and one from the branch, decorated in Corps coloured flowers.

The cortege was led to the Chapel by the three Standard Bearers, our branch Standard and two RASC/RCT, passing through branch members who formed a Guard of Honour at both sides of the Chapel entrance.

Entrance music to the Chapel was The Corps March, and

attendees vacated to Country Roads by John Denver.

He is survived by his Wife Julia, children from his first marriage, Tracy, Chery and Andrew, and numerous Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

R.I.P Malcolm, Arte et Marte.

22550130 Former WO1 (ASM) Robin 'Bob' Ford

Scribe: Brenda Ford (Wife) and Children

Robin’s Service Dates:

Army Apprentice College (Chepstow), from aged 15-18 yrs old, then went into his Regular Army Service for 22 years.

Singapore:1955-58

UK: 1958-1968

Germany: 1963-1966 (Hohne)

Cyprus: 1966 – 1969

Germany: 1969 – 1971

Army Apprentice College, Arborfield 1971- 1975

Robin completed a full and satisfactory military career which carried on in civilian life working at MOTEC, High Ercall in Shropshire and then Sandwell College (Midlands).

He was a well-liked and respected man by all.

He will be sadly missed by his Wife, his 3 children and their spouses, his 5 Grandchildren and his 5 Great Grandchildren all who played a big part in his life.

Thanks to you Dad, I learnt from a very young age, how to pack all my worldly goods into one wooden crate, and move from house to house.

So, it’s also thanks to you, since leaving home I have had itchy feet every few years and moved my family nine times!

Now you have come to the end of your globe-trotting, may you find peace in your final resting place.

Sleep tight now Dad.

Love Alison, Graham, your Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, xx

Death Notices

BROAD – Maj (Ret’d) Peter Edward Broad passed away on 22 July 2022, aged 76. Dates of service 1967-1989

COLES

Former WO1 (ASM) Lee Coles passed away on 31 July 2022 aged 50. Dates of service 1995-2019.

ECCLES – Maj (Ret’d) Peter Robert Eccles passed away on 19 July 2022 aged 85. Dates of service 1957-1985.

HANNAFORD – Capt ( Ret’d) Colin Hannaford passed away on 22 July 2022 aged 79. Dates of service 1963-1975.

HOLT – Former SSgt Paul Arthur Holt passed away on 19 July 2022 aged 81. Dates of service 1957-1982.

KEITH – Former Sgt Matt (Mad Dog) Keith passed away on 30 July aged 68. Dates of service 1971-1992.

SMITH – Former WO1 Jack Smith passed away 07 July 2022 aged 83. Dates of service 1955-1978.

STAPLETON – Former SSgt Simon Stapleton passed away on 08 July 2022 aged 68. Dates of service 1971-1993.

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 902414 or  welfare@remecharity.org

Extracts from the London Gazette

05 July 2022

The undermentioned Majors to be Lieutenant Colonels

June 2022 with seniority 30 June 2022

J. M. ANTHISTLE 563531

M. P. CARY 565686

R. A. EVANS 558574

D. FINNER 563579

M. P. D. MASSEY 562217

T. R. ODLING 559650

T. S. SEKHON 558803

F. K. SULLIVAN MBE 551379

REGULAR ARMY

Regular Commissions

Lieutenant Colonel A. M. SMITH 537493 retires 19 March 2022 Regular Commissions (Late Entry)

Lieutenant Colonel J. W. HENRY 563045 retires 1 April 2022

12 JULY 2022

The undermentioned Lieutenant Colonels to be Colonels 30 June 2022 with seniority 30 June 2022

R. ELLIOTT Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers 553261

REGULAR ARMY

Regular Commissions

Lieutenant Colonel I. C. BREWER 537391 retires 4 April 2022

Lieutenant Colonel L. D. L. MCCARTHY 531989 retires 30 April 2022

Intermediate Regular Commissions

Captain L. A. HALL 30089157 retires 30 April 2022

The following have been awarded the 3rd Clasp to the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal

MAJ, N. C. GREEN, REME, 24581042

The following have been awarded the 2nd Clasp to the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal

SSGT, S. McCORMACK, REME, W1044115

SSGT, P. J. WRIGHT, REME, 24970842

The following have been awarded the 1st Clasp to the Volunteer Reserves Service Medal

CPL, G. J. GRIMBLEY, REME, 25138007

CPL, S. J. HAYES, REME, 24738611

SSGT, I. SWAIN, REME, 30019205

19 JULY 2022

REGULAR ARMY

Intermediate Regular Commissions (Late Entry)

Warrant Officer Class 1 Paul Raymond CLARK 25046157 to be Captain 2 September 2018 (Belated Entry)

Warrant Officer Class 1 Carl John APPLEBY 25052888 to be Captain 9 May 2022

Warrant Officer Class 1 Christopher Franklyn MORLEY 25074031 to be Captain 9 May 2022

26 July 2022

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

MAJ, M. G. D. S. ALEXANDER, REME, 565035

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

SGT, M. W. ARMSTRONG, REME, 25061522

CAPT, D. R. ERRINGTON, REME, 25045081

SGT, G. A. GILLESPIE, REME, 25037115

CAPT, L. J. GRACE, REME, 25044770

WO1, R. P. JONES, REME, 25059103

WO1, D. J. MAYCOCK, REME, 24725987

WO1, I. S. MORRIS, REME, 24942863

CAPT, S. G. POVEY, REME, 25036425

WO1, M. READ, REME, 25059099

WO1, D. P. RICHARDS, REME, 25061306

WO2, R. E. SHOEMAKER, REME, 24936359

CAPT, C. P. TIBBETTS, REME, 25059024

CAPT, L. S. WHITE, REME, 25060792

WO1, P. D. WRIGHT, REME, 25042130

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

SSGT, D. J. BATES, REME, 25177715

SSGT, A. S. DUFFY, REME, 30012793

WO2, L. T. EVANGELISTA, REME, 25142957

CPL, M. JACKSON, REME, 25182313

CPL, R. G. NEWTON, REME, 25240282

SGT, J. R. SIMPKINS, REME, 25153929

Officer Assignments

NAME ASSIGNED TO DATE

Lieutenant Colonel

ASHTON RM DEF AC – ACSC 26 05 Sept 22

BRAYSHAY DD HQ 1 AVN BDE – CAE WC 01 Sep 22

DAVIS MJ APC – SO1 CHANGE INTEGRATION A 01 Sep 22

HILL SMD LIVE DES COMJE HELS – DES DGLAND OF4 APACHE LETH

SURV CAP DEL LD 19 Sep 22

JOHNSON J DEFENCE DIGITAL–CDIO– DEL INTEL EXPED BATCIS- BATCIS MORPHEUS SO1 05 Sep 22

KEANE MDR DCOS Field Army – SO1 ES PLANS 19 Sept 22

LETTS SN DSA MAA- FUTURES STRATDEV LAND 01 Sept 22

LOVELOCK AA JFSP(MM)- OP KIPION – COMD JFSP (M) 06 Sept 22

LOWE A 2CS BN REME – CO 01 Sept 22

MCCANN EG DEF AC – ACSC 26 05 Sept 22

ORD CK D PERS – SO1 REME Workforce Plans 30 Sept 22

SAMPSON JJ FLEET SPT LOGS INFRA DIV – SO1 Equipment Support (Land) 01 Sept 22

SANDS IE DEFENCE DIGITAL – CD10 – MIL DIG JUC4l NWD – JUC4l

CRYPTO SO1 01 Sept 22

STEPTOE DB LIVE DES COMJE HELS – DES DGLAND OF4 APACHE OPERATIONS MGR 09 Sept 22

Major

ALLCHIN AR DEF AC – ICSC 19A 05 Sept 22

ALLEN PJ DEF AC – ICSC 19A 05 Sept 22

CODD BJ DSEME LYNEHAM TRG PLANS – SO2 FUTURE PLANS 15 Sept 22

COPELAND GW DEF AC – ICSC 19A 05 Sept 22

DALRYMPLE O 2 CS BN REME – BN 2IC 15 Sept 22

ENGLISH JK DEF AC – ICSC 19A 05 Sept 22

JORDAN PS ORBITAL HQ BPC CORE HQ – DCQS 21 Sept 22

KEENAN J DEF AC – IOSC 19A 05 Sept 22 McMILLEN R DEF AC – ICSC 19A 05 Sept 22 MORRIS AH 101 BN REME – TRG OFFR 28 Sept 22

ORD CK D Pers Pers Strat Manning Bricks – SO1REME Workforce Plans 30 Sept 22 SCHENK JR HQ1 Avn Bde – SO2 SPT RM 01 Sept 22

TOOTH SAJ DEF AC – ICSC 19A 05 Sept 22

YOUNG PW DES COMLAND LE VST ABW-DES DGLAND OF3 LE VST OPS MGR SO2 C 01 Sept 22

Captain

BUSH LJ 5 BN REME QM DEPT – QM T 05 Sept 22

CAPEL-SHYU J HQ 3 UK DIV – SO3 ES TRG 05 Sept 22

DIXON I 1 CS BN REME QM DEPT – QM T 05 Sept 22

FORSTER MJ HQ 3 UK DIV – SO3 COPS ES 26 Sept 22

HAIL ST 1 CS BN REME – RCMO 05 Sept 22

HART IJ AWC BZN – JADTEU AD SO3 AERIAL DELIVERY TRIALS A 01 Sept 22

LAUCHLAN PW 15 SIG REGT LAD REME – OC 05 Sept 22

MAVIN DJ 3 ARMD CS BN REME – UWO 05 Sept 22

MURRELL AM 9 TS BN REME – RCMO 05 Sept 22

O’BRIEN D CLR ES SQN – 2IC 26 Sept 22

OLIVER RJ 4 ARMD CS BN REME – OPS OFFR 01 Sept 22

SIMPSON JP HQ 12 ARMD INF BDE – OC RLS 02 Sept 22

TURNER

WALKER

WREATHALL

WRIGHT

Lieutenant

ABBAS

HUTSON

JACKSON

LEWIS

MERCER

OLIVER

Sept 22

Sept 22

Sept 22

Sept 22

Sept 22

Sept 22

The Trustees of The REME Charity acknowledge with sincere thanks the donations received during the month of JUNLY2022. 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

20/07/2022

20/07/2022

From Amount

In Memory of Maurice Hutchins . . . . . . . . . . .£50.00

In Memory of Gavan Mitchell £60.00

20/07/2022 Recovery Mechanics Reunion 2022 £405.00

26/07/2022

S Scott - The Yorkshire Challenge £625.89

18/07/2022 Tom Green £5.00

05/07/2022

02/06/2022

On behalf of Damien Hardy & Briggs Equipment . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . .

. . . . . .£100.00

. .

John Williams-In Memory of Victor Owen Salmon . . . . . . . . . .

.

. . . . . . .£70.00

20/05/2022 Danny Sims £80.00

05/05/2022 Chris Hegarty £100.00

21/04/2022 Phil Godin £25.00

08/04/2022

Col (Ret’d) Max Joy £200.00

07/04/2022 Kevin Cline £10.00

29/03/2022

Cameron Croft-Hill, In Memory of Richard Croft-Hill .

25/03/2022 Pam Holmes . . . . . . . . . . . .

. .£200.00

. . . . . . . . . . . .£25.00

23/03/2022 Joginder Sahunta £10.00

20/03/2022 Iain Phillips £50.00

19/03/2022 Glenn Magee £25.00

19/03/2022 Anonymous £50.00

15/03/2022 In Loving Memory of Christopher James Bates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£33.00

12/03/2022 Susann Marshall, In memory of John Haggerty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .£100.00

07/03/2022 Ian Crabb, in memory of Chris Bates £40.00

05/03/2022 Anonymous £50.00

04/03/2022 Thomas Phillips £20.00

25/02/2022 Liam Bloxham £50.00

14/02/2022 14 Sigs Reg (EW) LAD £576.07

09/02/2020 J Benson £150.00

08/02/2022 Colin Mackenzie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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