Page 67 - MERCIAN Eagle 2011

Fishing Competition (which he won). Also the Padre, Captain David Middlemiss, took some soldiers sailing from Kiel as a part of a Brigade Exercise and which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Recognition and Visits Whilst a lot of effort was put into maintaining morale
for those on the ROG, there was still an immense amount of work required to run the Battalion and prepare for the annual Equipment Care Inspection. All the soldiers on the ROG worked extremely hard for
the inspection and many seniors had a steep learning curve as they got to grips, and soon became Subject Matter Experts in fields that they were previously totally unfamiliar with, such as Staff Hopkins (LAD) who was parachuted in as the MTWO. However, the months of hard work were rewarded with the pass we required and the likes of Pte Bennie and Pte Henaghan being justly recognised for their efforts by the GOC 1 Division with one of his presentation coins when he visited
forgotten for they worked tirelessly in their teams with Cpl Dyche having a massive impact on the fund raising when he joined the team in June in competition with Cpl Bold. The UK ROG raised in excess of £90,000 due to the efforts of all involved- a sum that no one thought we would ever reach. Unfortunately, the UK ROG had to perform a third task that we hoped they would not have to do and that was as coffin bearers. The bearer party for Pte Gareth Bellingham, headed by WO2 Illsley and consisting of LCpl Guest, LCpl Ganderton, Pte Mills, Pte McVeigh, Pte Phipps and
Pte Humphrey were all highly professional, well drilled and conducted their role with compassion and dignity.
Welfare and Families The Welfare Office, under Captain Dennis Spoors, also had
a busy time organising activities for the families based in Germany as well as dealing with their daily business in looking after more than 250 families. Probably
Funeral Pte Gareth Bellingham
to make the most of the uplifted resources so many of the outings, shopping trips and other events were shared with other units, again enhancing the Station ‘Community Feeling’. However, the 3 Mercian Welfare Office, with Sgt Cross taking the lead, organised a number of events for our families that were very well received. The largest was the ROG and Families Fun
Day with numerous activities for adults and children alike, a BBQ and great summer weather, something that has been in short supply this year; needless to say the day was a roaring success. It was great that a number of soldiers back on R&R could also attend with their families.
in May. Others who
were also rewarded for
their work by the GOC
included: CSM Henney;
Cpl Sinclair from Welfare
for his great work
supporting our Foreign
and Commonwealth Families and Sue Williamson (our discipline clerk). It was great for all ROG personnel to see their efforts recognised by the GOC. The ROG was
also visited by Commander 7 Armoured Brigade, Brig Paul Nanson MBE on a number of occasions and by the Deputy Colonel of the Regiment, Brig Andrew Williams OBE, and the soldiers appreciated the recognition bestowed upon them during these visits. Sgt Williams, Sgt Mitchell and Pte Kelsall, who had all returned injured from operations, also visited our Colonel in Chief, HRH Prince Charles, at Highgrove along with other injured soldiers. This was
a great honour for them and a day they will never forget.
UK ROG As mentioned above the UK ROG was established by Capt Steve Ostle who played a vital role in supporting the families and soldiers returning from Afghanistan
to the UK. They provided an essential link to the German based ROG and provided a first class service for all those requiring assistance in the UK. As well as providing practical assistance they also set about fund raising for the Battalion, especially for the long term aftercare and support
of injured soldiers. The generosity and support from the wider Regimental Family and members of the public was amazing and heart warming. The soldiers who day in day out went out collecting should not be
due to the difference of being a German based unit, the families were far closer than on previous tours with the modern phenomenon of Facebook playing a large part in their lives.
The Mercian Messenger was a Facebook site to keep families and the Wider Regimental Community abreast of what was happening in Afghanistan and the quantity of responses was testimony to how well it was received and appreciated. The Brigade, as with training, coordinated Welfare Offices
The UK ROG raised in excess of £90,000
SPS Detachment Notes
The main event of the year for the
SPS Detachment was, unsurprisingly, the deployment to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 14. Although just about every member of the Detachment wanted
to deploy, there were limited spaces and the important task of supporting the Battalion from the Rear Ops Group (ROG) in Bad Fallingbostel still had
to be undertaken and all members of the ROG are to be congratulated and thanked for the unenviable job that they successfully carried out.
From Pre-deployment training through administrative preparation, the deployment itself and the recovery back to Germany ensured a busy
year was had by all. The deployment also affected other activities that the Det would normally have taken part in; the AGC Ski Championships, the AGC Triple Crown competition and Corps Day in Germany. It is intended
to make up for this next year – the 20th Anniversary year of the AGC.
Another impact of the deployment is the loss on assignment of Det members on return. In the first few months of returning from Afghanistan the Det has lost/or is losing:
• WO2 Dave Bone to 24 Regt RLC
• Sgt Laura Carter to 2 CS Bn REME
• Cpl Anton Wilson to 21 Engr Regt
• LCpl Olivia Batey
• LCpl Leanne Brown to King’s Tp RHA • LCpl Jenny Gilchrist to 3 RIFLES
• LCpl Gail Robertson to HQ 1(UK)
Armd Div
• Pte Lynk Thould on voluntary
termination of service
Thankfully, most of the replacements were nominated prior to the end of the tour so, in most instances, the posts have not been gapped; allowing a continued level of administrative service to the Bn’s most important assets – its people.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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