Page 24 - The Light Dragoon 2024

The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
OC – Maj Nicholas Lees
SSM – WO2 Adam Hirst
HQ Squadron
Throughout 2023 HQ Squadron have continued to support Regimental activity including, overseas exercises, training in the UK and Operations. At the forefront of enabling these activities the Squadron have continued to deliver.
A busy year started with the Squadron deploying to Castlemartin on Regimental ranges. Whilst most looked forward to getting away from their offices for a couple of weeks away, some were more reluctant than others. Especially when you explained to them that they were going down range to conduct a Fire Team attack. But in true fashion Maj Thirlaway (Vape tucked into his chest rig) was the first to go down range, so he could claim the bragging rights “I’m 48 years old and I can still do it, so can you”. This also included a bespoke Mini Cast week for RHQ & Command Troop in which we did three planning cycles over 4 days. Helpfully the RSO forgot the mapping and then ordered the wrong type, thinking there was only one type of map for the Training Area we were planning on. The main highlight was the Regimental PT, which saw the HQ Squadron heavy- weights wrestling each other on the golden Pembrokeshire sands, unfortunately WO2 Hirst had to withdraw and watch from the side-lines due to a life-threatening hand
injury (think Keith Lemon and his plastic wrist guard and you cannot go far wrong).
Post Regimental ranges, WO2 Pennicott handed over the reins of SSM to WO2 Hirst. WO2 Hirst had previously supported the role of SSM during Op INTERFLEX, leading to seamless handover which took the whole of 27 minutes, a new record. WO2 Pennicott then moved into the role of Training Officer, to support the Training Wing in delivering and assurance of distributed training. Keeping with the training theme, members of HQ Squadron deployed to Tunisia and Sierra Leone to conduct Short Term Training Teams (STTT). Sgt Richardson was seconded to deliver a train the trainer course for the Tunisian police force, including military skills, patrolling and contact drills. Whilst WO2 Garsrud and Sgt Beardshaw deployed to Sierra Leone for 2 weeks as part of a STTT drill package to the RSLAF Defence Force, during which they got the opportunity to meet the CDS of RSLAF Defence force.
After Easter leave the focus shifted towards Ex SPRING STORM. A multi–National exercise conducted in Estonia. HQ Squadron sprang into action to ensure all personnel & equipment deploying were
good to go and the regiment was set for success. Concurrently elements of the Squadron were part of the Light Dragoons contingent on Op GOLDERN ORB, the operational name for the Coronation of His Majesty the King. Although HQ Squadron may be seen as a supporting Squadron within the regiment, we supplied nine of the twenty-seven regimental marching contingent that would parade on the day.
A busy daily schedule of drill, ceremonial dress fitting and regular visits to the tailor all paid off. The individuals involved demon- strated the upmost professionalism to deliver a terrific performance, representing the regiment in front of millions of viewers from around the world. All those involved should be proud to have been given the opportunity to conduct a once in a lifetime parade. Tpr Crosier commented that the three cheers in the gardens of Buckingham Place shown on the TV, did not give them justice and it is a memory that will stay with him forever. Just over 24 hours later the marching contingent prepared their exercise kit and were ready to deploy to Estonia on Ex SPRING STORM.
As normal when the regiment deploys someone must stay behind to ensure normal regimental activities continue. On
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