Page 15 - The Light Dragoon 2024

While Third Troop were operating in the rains of Africa, the remainder of the Sqn were out in the rains of Brunei, Cumbria and Yorkshire. The Army’s Green Initiative saw a forty person team climb one of the Lakeland fells and create a new wet land. This will capture carbon and also ease the burden on the Cumbria Flood defences when the hillsides experience excessive rain. Sgt Swinburn (the attached Royal Engineer) did a great job with both the planning and the build of the water barrier. It was tired legs that climbed the hillside as the Light Dragoons fielded several teams in the 1st UK Divisions weighted tabbing race The BISMARK CHALLENGE. Not only did the A Sqn team win, they beat the likes of the Parachute Regiment and the Ghurkas in the process.
The Empire took a section on the SUNDA PATROL competition in Brunei led by Capt Elkington. This is the first time the Regiment had operated in the jungle for a number of years and the environment was just as unforgiving. Tragedy struck the team leader Lt Elkington and he was forced to withdraw and the eminently able Cpl Hampson stepped up to command the group. The team thrived and excelled in the trees - achieving a bronze medal position over several infantry sections. No sooner had they returned from the jungle than an expedition went out to Jordan to complete the Dead to Red Sea trek.
Led by Capt Montgomery-Stuart this trip had been delayed for several years due to operational tempo and various COVID restrictions. Starting in the Northern town of Dana, Team LD walked south for fourteen days amongst the barren and beautiful mountain ranges to reach the Red Sea. The absolute highlight was travelling through the ancient and stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra. This ruined city is the jewel in the crown of Jordanian archaeology and dates back over 2800 years. Having a private guide and sharing the experience with the elite Jordanian Special Mission Force (SMF)
made the day even more special. The juxtaposition of Petra is the modern and hustling tourist hot-spot of Aqaba where the trip ended. The hospitality and warmth shown to us by the people of Jordan and their military was overwhelming with nothing being too much trouble. The Empire sincerely thanks our Colonel-in- Chief HM King Abdullah II of Jordan for his help, generosity and thoughtfulness in supporting the trip.
Finally, Lt Griffiths, Cpl Neighbour and Tpr Davison deployed on the skiing exercise WHITE KNIGHT, the last being held in Verbier - A new venue is being sourced for next year’s competition. They put in a credible performance and made their way to the divisional championships. Lt Lennon also led the Nordic Ski Team in Norway to the divisional championships. The end of the year also saw the Squadron Second in Command Capt Doug Jefferis leave The Empire and the Army onto pastures new- his role will be filled by Capt Griffiths. A thorough-bred Empire lad who will be missed by all ranks.
Looking into 2024, The Empire is due to deploy to Kenya as a fully formed Squadron continuing to test the Light Cavalry exercising capability in Africa early next year. This 2-month exercise will push the Empire and the Vehicles to the limits. This is likely to be followed by another month away on a Troop exercise in California with the QDG as part of a US division being pitted against a live US Bde playing enemy in BMPs and BTRs- Such an amazing opportunity. Late summer will focus on the individual training and devel- opment with AT to Germany for a multi- activity week and Maj Mackey leading an exped to Greenland mountaineering. Finally, we will be finishing off the year with six months of teaching the Ukrainian Military on Op INTERFLEX.
The pace of life and tempo is unrelenting, but the humour, banter and profession- alism of A Sqn keeps morale high.
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