Page 32 - Journal Compilation

26 The Regimental Journal of The King’s Royal Hussars
B Squadron
2015 started as a continuation of the latter half of 2014, with B (XIV) Squadron effectively in hibernation until early May. As a result the year has been short, yet a remarkable amount has been packed into the latter half. Bereft of any Troop Leaders (though some may consider that a blessing!) or indeed any SNCOs, the newly reformed Squadron had to hit the ground running to pre- pare for the plethora of activities the summer had in store.
Following a number of months as a ‘ghost ship’, B Squadron whirred back into life with the appointment of Major Tom Gibbs to take the helm in early May, having been away from RD for the rst time after his time as Adjutant from 2012-14. In addition, Lieutenant Dan Gregory was drafted in as 2IC; fresh from several months in Cyprus on Op TOSCA. This started a period of regen- eration, nding individuals from across the Regiment to bolster our number, as well as welcoming fresh faces from Phase Two. The ‘grand reformation’ was largely prompted by the upcoming Tercentenary gaieties, requiring a ‘Guard’ from each Squadron in order to represent each of the antecedent Regiments.
Before the Tercentenary could occupy our minds and time too much, the crocodile closest to the canoe had to be addressed. With the Squadron effectively having been in hibernation, the Equipment Care documentation and corporate knowledge had to be brought back on track, requiring a great deal of effort from all ranks. Thankfully, the Squadron was in the safe and extremely experienced hands of SSgt Chris Pople, with a wealth of knowl- edge behind him as SQMS of C Squadron in BATUS during 2013. Cpls Bateson, Cooke and Consalvey had their work cut out for them in terms of Equipment Care training for the Squadron, whilst the 2IC spent most of his time updating folders, prepar- ing documentation and signing paperwork. Thankfully, once up-to-scratch, EC could once again return to being a background annoyance rather than a full time job!
This freed up time for the start of Tercentenary drill sessions under Cpl Bateson’s watchful eye. B Squadron dusted off the crim- son trousers and george boots in order to hit the Aliwal Barracks parade square for some serious drill practice. In the absence of any SNCOs, Cpl Bateson was drafted in, as the Squadron’s only drill instructor, to put us through our paces. Most had not ‘marched up and down the square’ since the homecoming parades of Op HERRICK 16 in late 2012, whilst for many of the newer guys, this was their rst taste of drill since their Phase One pass off parades. In order to rapidly improve the standard, RHQ instigated weekly drill competitions, playing on the natural competitiveness of the Army. B Squadron were surprisingly successful in these, giving a good account of themselves. The Regiment were even conducting drill during exercise! As time progressed, the Squadron brought themselves up to the requisite strength and standard, whilst even- tually even the Of cers could consistently nd their correct end positions on the ‘Left Form’!