Page 35 - Mercian Eagle Year of 2023

Catering Department
Cpl Montanari
Life as a Chef within a busy Armoured Infantry Battalion is like doing chest to knees on hot lava.
Being attached as a fully deployable production supervisor within 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment, also known as
policies and guidelines.
Shortly after returning from Germany
the Battalion received a Warning Order
to provide catering support to the Lord Mayor of London’s Big Curry Lunch held at Mansion House. This is a charity event held in London for the Army Benevolent Fund. It was a great experience which offered even greater opportunities as I was then invited to work alongside a large team of chefs in Wellington Barracks on Op GOLDEN ORB. It was here that I became part of a smaller team of chefs feeding 2000+ troops who had formed the marching contingent and street liners for HM the King’s coronation.
Once back in camp I undertook the demanding role as head chef within the Officers Mess, working alongside our civilian partners. I quickly learnt I needed
to become flexible as while working within a busy Mess I still had to complete my JAMES training so I could become the main operator and controller of all the Battalions Operational Field Catering System holdings. As I have a keen interest in rugby I started teaching and assisting training sessions for my son’s local rugby team, this turned into gaining an interest into the management and day to day running of a team. This is
when I took advantage of working with
a member of the RLC team and started working as part of the RLC Women’s Rugby Management team. Some of the jobs include the maintenance and storage of
kit and equipment and assisting with the training sessions. With the assistance and guidance of senior members of the team
I have now undertaken an RFU Rugby Coaching qualification which I can use to become a Battalion and Corps asset.
I received great praise from the Det Commander after helping with a last- minute BBQ for the AGC sports day within the Bridge, for which I was recognised for having a selfless and willing attitude and presented the Commanding Officer’s coin in recognition for this.
I must admit the 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment has pushed and moulded me into becoming a better soldier with regards to providing support and sustainment for the Battalion.
And if asked by fellow trade personnels: “What is it like with the Mercians?”; I would always say “Stand Firm, Strike Hard” - a fierce motto which should never be taken lightly when posted in as an attached arm, you must always Be Prepared To!
the heart of England’s Infantry, can be quite challenging. This past year alone has brought many opportunities and lessons for me to learn, adapt, overcome, and diversify my skills. I have also found myself growing and developing within my rank, gaining greater exposure to the wider Army at every turn.
As part of a small catering team, I deployed to Monchengladbach West Germany on Ex ACES LIGHTFOOT. During this deployment I was tasked by the BCWO to overlook the contract monitoring for the feeding of troops within the location where we were carrying out essential repairs and handover/takeover of fleets. A task I have carried out many times previously as I
have worked alongside civilian contractors, this was a little more challenging as it was Locally Employed Civilians, when you must ensure they are following the correct UK
34 THE MERCIAN EAGLE