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29 Commando Workshop
The REME Commandos
Capt G Copeland REME
It’s been another busy and turbulent period for the Workshop, balancing the need to provide equipment support to the Commando Force while delivering dispersed working routine in the face of COVID-19. Inevitably, we adapted to achieve our mission, with our teams deploying on multiple exercises in the UK and overseas, as well as playing our part for Op RESCRIPT with 8 Bty. With one of the largest vehicle fleets across all of the commando units with over 240 vehicles, we continue to punch well above our weight consid- ering we are only a troop strength outfit. For this I am proud to say that the Workshop REME and RLC soldiers are held in the highest regards within the Commando Gunners.
The 7 Bty Fitter Section have been fortunate enough to deploy to the arctic high north of Norway in both 2020 and 2021; operating tactically in the cold weather environment delivering equipment support. In both years, the team start off the deployment by going back to the soldiering basics on the cold weather survival course, which gives you the combat essentials on how to survive, move and fight in the environment. This includes ice breaker drills, digging in shelters, learning to ski and conducting small team tactics. However, none of the above training teaches you how to be a REME Commando, such as how to replace a light gun barrel up the side of a mountain in 6 feet of snow. In all fairness, there is no real TTP for this action, it just requires elbow crease and an agile mind. Inevitably, barrel changes happen at the most inconvenient of times, therefore we moved by BV206 up to the gun position with the recovery mechanics and SVR in tow. We had to use the SVR crane to remove the barrel and place it onto some makeshift stands. By that point, the recovery mechanics had to return to base due to driver’s hours, so the Fitter Section were left hanging frozen with a gun without its new barrel on. Thankfully, we adapted and twelve hours later we had reattached the new barrel using a forklift of all things.
On a final note, it is pleasing to see that on each AACC for the last 18 months, the Workshop have introduced another two REME Commandos to the club. I for one, have been immensely proud and privi- leged to lead such a determined, hardworking and talented band of soldiers. I would like to personally thank the ASM (WO1) Craig Beaman, who without his devotion to soldiers, dedication to output and expert guidance over the last two years, my role would have been so much more difficult otherwise.
Arte et Marte and United We Conquer!
Officer Commanding
Capt G Copeland REME
Artificer Sergeant Major
WO1 (ASM) C Beaman
THE 7 BTY FITTER SECTION HAVE BEEN FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO DEPLOY TO THE ARCTIC HIGH NORTH OF NORWAY IN BOTH 2020 AND 2021
32 29 COMMANDO REGIMENT ROYAL ARTILLERY