Page 25 - The Light Dragoon 2024

this occasion the SSM oversaw this whilst the remainder deployed on EX SPRING STORM. Not the most glamourous of jobs but a vital one, keeping the home fires burning. Whist on SPRING STORM, HQ Squadron sustained, administrated, and executed a five-week deployment, condensed into eight days on exercise. A Battlefield Study and Adventurous Training package was enjoyed by all members, including Sgt Paul ‘Campcot’ Clemerson who found enough motivation to get off his bed and go sea kayaking, thus telling us all through the means of Strava on a PED Amber Exercise.... Oops! The MTWO devised a ‘load plan’ that saw version 162 before it was implemented but all vehicles made it safely to and from the port. Cpl ‘Iron Mike’ Rutherford bit off more than he could chew whilst queuing for the Washdown in Tapa with a French UST Operator, safe to say his biff chit increased by another 3 months because of his ‘fall’....! Maj Thirlaway was kept topped up with brews, vapes and Sausage & Beans (Maybe not...) by his Driver; LCpl Gotts... The more time they spend together the more..., can anyone see the resemblances yet? However, the everlasting memory will be seeing SSgt Dinsley single-handedly loading a full BG’s worth of vehicles onto the RORO (Roll On Roll Off), with the promise of making his return flight home a few hours later. More graft was done by him in those five hours than in the past five years.
The highlight.... (for some) culminated in the Rakvere Half Marathon after the completion of SPRING STORM. This was an organised nighttime competitive run in the city of Rakvere. The Regiment kindly contributed for those who wanted to participate on the understanding they were only allowed to compete in the 10km or Half Marathon race. Maj Dodington was the fastest Light Dragoon in the 10k race and WO2 Garsrud was the second fastest Light Dragoon in the Half Marathon race (narrowly pipped by Lt Erskine). All the other members of HQ Squadron finished the Half Marathon in a very respectable time within 2 hours, mainly down to a diet of pork, plain rice and bread in the Tapa cookhouse.
In July of 23, HQ Squadron said goodbye to Maj Thirlaway who left the Squadron after 2 years in command. He leaves the Regiment after 31 years’ service, to move on to pastures new in a facilities manager’s role with VIVO. The Squadron held a BBQ to say thank you and goodbye. A fantastic spread was put on by the Catering department and a wonderful time was had by all. Maj Thirlaway even managed to crack open his wallet and splash out on leaving gifts for SSM Hirst, WO2 Pennicott and WO1 Martin. They all received a bottle of whiskey for all their hand work helping him during his tenure (mainly doing all his printing for him).
With the departure of the old, in came the new (not so old) Maj Lees, on his first day a 15-hour bus journey gave him the chance to get to know some of the Squadron, as we deployed to Sennelager for 2 weeks CATT training. HQ Squadron provided the RLS and oversaw the Subunits CATT programme, as well as giving the more junior commanders in the Squadron the chance to exercise virtually and gain some vital experience as Junior vehicle commanders. On return from Sennelager the Squadron attended the ARB for Op PSYMA before settling into some well-deserved summer leave, ensuring everyone was fresh and ready to start Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) on their return.
In September, the Squadron deployed to MRTC on mass to provide RLS and take part in the OP PSYMA PDT. This gave the Squadron the opportunity to put into practice what they had learned on the ARB and prepare them for the up-and-coming deployment. The Training Wing, under the watchful eye of WO2 Pennicott and SSgt Robinson organised a very compre- hensive pre deployment range package in Otterburn. During the first two weeks the sun shone down on the Light Dragoons as B & C Squadron rotated through pistol ranges and LFTT. During the third week of firing, when HQ were on the firing point the heavens opened and the rain came down. This did not stop the OC and the QM from demonstrating that experience
(old age) cannot be challenged, when it comes to pistol shoots, although the OC did unexpectantly assume a fire position in very wet gully, during a standing pistol shoot.
After some pre deployment leave, a large percentage of the Squadron deployed on Op PSYMA for 6 months, from Nov 23 to May 24. The SSM remained back in the UK with the remainder of the Squadron, steadying the ship and ensuring that HQ Squadron personnel can continue their individual career courses and maintain their ITRs so that the Squadron can remain ready to support regimental and wider Field Army activity.
2023, has been a busy year, as a collective and as individuals HQ Squadron have supported training, courses, ranges, exercises, and operations. Each task has been approached with enthusiasm and professionalism, demonstrating the high standards the Squadron has set itself. As we move into a new year and new challenges are presented, HQ Squadron will continue to support regimental activity and deliver across all its outputs. However, this is not possible without the hard work and dedication of the soldiers and officers within HQ Squadron, thank you to all for your support over the last 12 months.
AH
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
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