Page 75 - Light Dragoons 2023 CREST

Ateam of 12 Light Dragoons and attached REME armourers deployed south to the Big Smoke on an educa- tional visit to the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers. The aim was to learn how firearms are made, tested and proofed for use in the UK, as well as offer soldiers the opportunity to visit and experience London, the National Army Museum and The Royal Hospital Chelsea.
The Worshipful Company of Gunmakers is unique because the livery company still performs the same function and purpose it was set up to provide the Crown in 1637. We are the company’s affiliated British Army Regiment and are fortunate to have been able to visit. Jason Dalley, former serv- ing officer in the 13th /18th and current Liveryman at the Gunmakers kindly hosted us. The team consisted of Capt Digby (RHQ), 2Lt Arulampalam (OIC), Cpl Leonard, LCpl Butler, Tpr Wilcox-Smith (All C Sqn), Tpr’s Davey, Dixon, Chettle (All A Sqn), SSgt Titler, SSgt Butler, LCpl Smith, and Cfn Davison (All LAD).
An early start on Thu 1 Sep saw the team head south and meet Jason at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. We moved next door
to the National Army Museum and had a wander round the various displays. Following the museum we popped back over to visit the Royal Hospital which was a great opportunity for the pension- ers to ‘spin their dits’ as well as chat to the Gunmakers who would be hosting the following day’s activity. The evening saw the team head to Chinatown to experience London’s finest cuisine, SOHO bars and some fantastic live piano before all retiring in good time to Wellington Barracks to rest for the following day.
A quick tube to Aldgate East and were welcomed into the Livery of Gunmakers. Due to the sheer quantity of weapon sys- tems in the building the company operated a smart air locking double door entry sys- tem, confusing the team at first... However we made entry and had a quick brief from Major Graham Hill, the Master of the Gunmakers who explained the importance of the companies location and history. Col Simon West RA then spoke to us about what the company did in depth and how firearms are proofed in the UK. Following this, a tour of the armoury and workshops ended with a BBQ lunch in the Gunmaker’s courtyard allowing the soldiers time to
Col West explains how hard it was to carry an SLR
chat and talk to the Gunmakers hosting us, all of which had fascinating backgrounds and a rather cool current job playing with all sorts of weapon systems.
The trip was a fascinating experience for all involved allowing Soldiers to experi- ence something new and also improve their professional and personal development through interesting educational activi- ties. The relationship between The Light Dragoons and The Livery of Gunmakers is certainly something that should be main- tained and upheld in the future.
BRAA
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
A visit to The Worshipful Company of Gunmakers
The Team at The Royal Hospital Chelsea
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