Page 12 - The Light Dragoon 2024

A Squadron – The Empire
What a busy and hectic year for The Empire
2023 started off with a bang on Regimental ranges with a thoroughly enjoyable couple of weeks in Wales practising mounted live fire. This pleasant return to Castlemartin saw SSgt Cheshire (SQMS) step up into the SSM role after WO2 Costello was trawled to assist BATUK. During the two weeks Mr Cheshire worked the Empire into a fighting fit unit, helping to burn off the Christmas puddings. The Empire not only tested themselves on the ranges but also during beach PT with epic wrestles between the OC, Maj Bullock, and various Troopers. After these ranges, Lt Griffiths took a fireteam of skiers into the Alps for an international skiing competition (The Catrum de Chasseurs). This annual competition is both demanding and arduous, but the previous weeks of PT paid off and the team triumphed; returning with some silverware.
After a busy start to the year, the Sqn broke into the steady build-up to deploy
on Ex SPRING STORM in May out in Estonia. Being tested in a mounted role on an international overseas training exercise demanded focus and diligence in the build up. Driving, gunnery and communication experience had to be taught, tested and checked before operating with the US Army, the French Foreign Legion and of course the Estonia military.
In May, the whole Regiment deployed to Estonia. The vehicles were collected from Paldiski port and arrived at Tapa Camp after a series of long road moves. The exercise itself saw the Sqn operate over vast swathes of Estonia in the largest TOPL (training on private land) exercise the Regiment has ever done. It gave the unique experience of having a contact outside a village shop and setting up vehicle hides in the local population’s back gardens. Lt Emmanuel organised an exceptional AT package as part of this deployment. While kayaking, the Empire was able to expose themselves (excuse the pun) to the fantastic Estonian culture of saunas, beers, and organic slow cooked lamb. The Officers and Seniors
of A Sqn had never been so embarrassed when wearing clothes in a sauna! Equally, never had Tpr Walton ‘about turned’ so fast when he walked in on the naked sauna.
During this time Third Troop, under the leadership of Sgt Rowson and Lt Hare, had two weeks of drill practice representing the Regiment in His Majesty’s Coronation parade. This proved to be a true spectacle and a celebration of the diversity of the United Kingdom’s culture and made for a very special weekend. The nascent SSM (WO2 Purvis) was also there guarding the Guidon outside Buckingham Palace.
During a brief return to the UK in June, Maj Mackey had the honour of taking command from Maj Andy Bullock who had steered and led the Squadron for the past two years. His excellent work for the Light Dragoons will be continued up in RHQ as the Regimental Second in Command. We also bade a fond farewell to WO2 Costello who left not only The Empire, but also the Army after a long and distinguished career. He has been replaced by WO2 Purvis,
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
OC – Maj Sean Mackey
2IC – Capt Douglas Jefferis
SSM – WO2 Mathew Purvis
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