Page 43 - MERCIAN Eagle 2022

B (Earl of Chester’s) Company
OC
CSM
2IC
CQMS
Pl Cmd 4 Pl Pl Sgt 4 Pl Pl Cmd 5 Pl Pl Sgt 5 Pl
Maj Wiejak
WO2 Doherty
Capt Davenport CSgt Katia/Sgt Covu Lt Johnstone
A/Sgt Baikirewa
Lt Williams
Sgt Ball
Unfortunately the time has come for someone to write the final chapter in B (Malta) Company’s history. While the desire was always to ‘go out with a bang, not
a whimper’, the last seven months have delivered and then some.
Winning the title of final
‘Champion Company’ in December 2021 started our run in for deployments in the first half of 2022. This was an accolade only possible through the hard work of some exceptional section commanders driving their troops to success in the Section Competition and Battalion Battle PT. There were some spectacular performances
in the Inter Company Boxing, and an equally spectacular, but less glamorous performance by the 2IC in ensuring our training statistics were up to date!
In February 2022, the Company deployed as the lead to Ex ASKARI STORM as Task Force Hannibal, the enemy for 1 Princess
of Wales’ Royal Regiment Battlegroup.
On completion of a loaded march near Lancaster
This was yet again another success for
the Company, in no small part due to the quality and competence of our Junior NCOs, including LCpl Donnelly, LCpl Oakden, Pte Boggiano and Roberts who all acted above their rank for the deployment as section commanders.
On return from exercise the hard work for the amalgamation began in earnest, though Sgt Covu and his ROG team had prepared the ground well. Packing and transporting equipment took up much of the summer, but there was time for many of the company to get out and about. Lt Williams led a Battlefield Study to France, Lt Johnstone headed up the support team for the King’s Division Junior NCO cadre, and much of
the company had opportunity to take part
in adventure training including Mountain
The B Coy led Battlefield Study
Biking in the Alps (Sgt Ball) and Scotland (Pte Foreman), Kayaking in Germany (Cpl Baikirewa) and Summer Mountaineering in the Lake District (OC).
Agreeing or disagreeing with the rationale behind the amalgamation is out of our hands. It is happening, and should be an opportunity for everyone from B Company. A Company of first-rate Private soldiers,
led by exceptional NCOs, are spreading themselves across the rest of the Army, taking with them professionalism, experience and drive. That can only be
a recipe for success. Everyone leaving
B (Champion) Company is, indeed, a Champion. Take that name and reputation with you, and live up to it in your new home.
Pte Boggiano coaching navigation in the Forest of Bowland
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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