Page 19 - RSDG Year of 2021 CREST

C SQUADRON
Major AJ Champion RL
As has come to be expected in recent times, C Squadron has had an incredibly varied, interesting, and chal- lenging year. After a traditionally freezing cold range package in Barry Buddon at the start of January, the Squadron was quickly mobilised into VCSTs (Vaccine centre setup teams) to assist NHS Scotland in getting the vaccines distributed to all those in the vulnerable categories. Two teams, under Mr Brindley-Slater and Mr Horridge, set off to the delights of Cambuslang CCF Camp. From there they spent several weeks set- ting up various centres all over the greater Glasgow area. While moving tables around and arranging one- way systems is not the motivation and passion that drives many to join a light cavalry regiment, it pro- vides an incredibly tangible output in a relatively short period to time. Teams learned very quickly on the job and rapidly became an incredible help to all the local authorities they encountered. It is also important to remember the context in which this took place and the high-profile, national importance these VCSTs had. As such, both teams received two VIP visits to their sites, one by Minister for the Armed Forces The Hon. James Heappey and the other by no less that the Prime Minister The Rt Hon. Boris Johnston. Both visits were
An extreme way to avoid the Severn Crossing toll
quick to highlight the success of these teams and grati- tude of the local civilian authorities. The image of Tpr Bell “bumping elbows” with the Prime Minister was
printed in nearly every publication up and down the land! More sites were set up from the scenic Oban
to the close-to-home Caird Hall in Dundee.
The VCSTs quickly gave way to regimental ranges; dismounted ranges in sodden Warcop which were a brilliant oppor- tunity for many of the squadron to dust off and reconnect with
Cpl Ratuqalovi and LCpl Duncan ensuring that everyone knows who the OPFOR are
EAGLE AND CARBINE 17