Page 18 - MERCIAN Eagle 2011

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(C) were finding themselves passing out
of training and being out on HERRICK a few weeks later. This certainly kept the ROG, and all parties busy. Captain Chris Massingham, the ROG 2ic who came from 4 MERCIAN for the tour, was instrumental in making sure all the BCRs were effectively trained and made it out to their respective Companies in good order.
Of course, with the casualties also came the fatalities. WO2 (CSM) Buckley (ROG CSM) was on top of this from the onset. He trained, practiced and rehearsed for every eventuality; thus ensuring that the families of the fallen never wanted for anything. His continued work and dedication secured
him a General Officer’s Commanding Commendation for his tireless effort on the ROG.
After six weeks of the Battalion being deployed, Major Barnbrook handed over to Major Ronnie Goodwin – who had set up the G4 chain out in theatre and then returned home to allow Major Barnbrook to deploy to the Battalion Headquarters.
Rugby Tom Sephton Memorial Match
Major Goodwin further continued the smooth running of the ROG, and continued the work that Major Barnbrook had started.
The ROG was also key in engaging with the county of Cheshire, through coffee mornings and various updates – this aided the tremendous support that the county showed towards the Battalion whilst deployed and after - emphatically shown in the Freedom Parades in November 2010.
All in all, the ROG for 1 MERCIAN very much learnt on the job, but would not have
been successful had it not been for all the tremendous support provided from the County and from Regimental Headquarters. I am pleased to say that the ROG provided a first rate service to the soldiers deployed and the families back home, and through the hard work of Major Barnbrook, Major Goodwin, Captain Massingham, Captain Elms, and WO2 (CSM) Buckley, the 1 MERCIAN ROG gained recognition within Land Forces as the ‘Gold Solution’ for how it should be done.
Casualty Fishing
Frank Bruno
THE MERCIAN EAGLE