Page 84 - Light Dragoons 2023 CREST

The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
The Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry (SNIY)
Life north of the wall for the SNIY over the last twelve months has been every bit as busy as the previous year! In the first
few months, it was pleasing to see the LD strength bolstered following the loss of WO2 Pennicott back to RD, the arrival of WO1 Fyfe assuming the post of RSM was most welcome, the fact he plays golf and is a Triathlete was a bonus.
The first half of the year contained the mundane routine business of a QM Dept split up by trips to the sub-units in Belfast, Ayr and Cupar to conduct quarterly audits and a number of external inspec- tions; LSA&I and LEA to name a couple. Fortunately, these were interspersed with a few recces out to Cyprus as the unit pre- pared for its annual camp which was due to be centred around Episkopi in September.
In April, the SNIY received the honour of the Freedom of Edinburgh, this involved a parade at St Giles Cathedral followed by a march down the Royal mile with bayonets fixed and bands playing all the way to the palace at Holyrood. A spectacular event which had a civic reception in the after- noon and a number of evening functions for all ranks to enjoy.
Redford Bks was a hive of activity dur- ing July and August with the return of the Tattoo and the Edinburgh Fringe festival. Those working within the barracks were fortunate enough to observe each part of the Tattoo go through their rehearsals on the parade square and around camp lead- ing up to the opening night for which I was lucky enough to get tickets. This is a must for anyone who has not experienced the Tattoo, I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Maj Stott, Challenge Peguera 2022
Edinburgh Tattoo 2022
Late July saw the RSM and I hot-foot it back out to Cyprus for an emergency recce following a short notice change to the location of the ADE, all thanks to the Royal Marines having priority over the Army Reserves for training areas and leaving their planning to the last minute. The actual deployment to Cyprus was soon upon us and in total 108 person- nel managed to deploy on EX KRONOS HUNTER 7. The base location was now Troodos Station high up in the mountains where the temp in mid September was around 15 degrees, however all the train- ing to be conducted was around Episkopi or Dhekelia which had an average day time temp of 30 degrees. With no time to conduct a proper acclimatisation period, training was somewhat hampered as we attempted to reduce the risk of heat injury.
The unit came together to hold a field ser- vice in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth
II, with all training paused as the unit was able to watch the funeral.
The training phases included an exer- cise and ranges period split with a stand down weekend where everyone enjoyed some water sports and a BBQ on Tunnel Beach. The RSM and I used any opportu- nity available to train for up-and-coming triathlon events, with the RSM doing Ironman Barcelona and I completed a 70.3 race, Challenge Peguera in Majorca. The RSM performed exceedingly well coming in well below the 11-hour mark, an excel- lent achievement.
The year closes with the prospect of another major parade in 2023 as the SNIY celebrates 225 years and the chance to con- duct an ADE in Australia with the QOY.
SCS
WO1 (RSM) Fyfe reading as sermon during a Field Service in memory of the late Queen
WO1 Fyfe and Maj Stott triathlon training in down time during Ex KRONOS HUNTER, Cyrpus
Maj Stott cutting up the fairway of Turnberry Golf Course
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