Page 26 - The Light Dragoon 2024

“Spanners to right of them, spanners to left of them, spanners in front of them, turned and turned; stormed at with deployments and trawls, boldly they fixed and well, into the jaws of Estonia, into the
mouth of hell, plodded the LAD.”
Whether in the UK, on exercise or deployed on operations; this year the LAD has continually astounded those who lack technical training and education. The Bulldog himself, Andy Bullock was even heard saying “I wish I could be as efficient as those damn impressive reems” quite the compliment from a tanky. Keeping the old and grey feeling young, the EME and ASM have enjoyed the camaraderie with Captains Dez O’Connor and “Too Easy” Godfrey over in the QM dungeon. I know for a fact that Dez wishes he could have another three LEAs just so he has an excuse to talk to the LAD top brass.
The year started with a bang and the fun that comes with a January regimental firing camp in Castlemartin, Ex STEEL DRAGOON. It saw the ally-est of REME soldiers show off their soldiering skills (and airsoft equipment) to the regiment alongside repairing their vehicles. Cpl Shaun “the BB sniper” Edwards and Sgt Jay “backdoor jumps” Morley are of course who I am referring to.
One of the better of many trawls this year had SSgt (Acting-Maj Gen) Charlie Warren, Cpl Pete Holmes and LCpl Charlie Nicholson deploy to Mali in support of the Op Sorehawk theatre drawdown. Extending himself out in theatre again and again, desperate for that commendation, Warren delivered some very good work supporting the Joint operation. Despite being the busiest man in NATO, he did manage to get in plenty of phys sessions. Holmes and Nicholson returned with some strong tans too.
Next up, nine members of the LAD were trawled off to Kenya to support the Coldstream Guards along with C Sqn, the Light Dragoons on exercise. This included the EME, who upped sticks and left the ASM in the UK to plan for the next regimental deployment (we’ll call it delegation). Kenya went well and the LAD walked away with some interesting experi- ences of working with the Household Division. C Sqn set the example of how to actually soldier, supported of course by their trusty fitter section led by Sgt Fairs.
The biggest moment of professional pride for the EME and ASM this year was Ex SPRING STORM. An expeditionary exercise that required moving over one hundred ground effect vehicles to Estonia and back again. Taking over equipment from twenty units required a complex scheduling of maintenance and inspection. Additionally, working within the restric- tions placed on the operation of HMTV saw the LAD lead the way in ensuring the safe maintenance of the HMTV fleet across the division.
The LAD, reinforced with a foxhound fitter section from 4 SCOTS, delivered an availability of more than 95% throughout the exercise and allowed the commanders at all levels to get the very most from this immensely rewarding training opportunity. Some experimental recovery from Sgt Joe “the beard” Beevers and the RSM is worth a mention. A Coyote at high revs is clearly the best way to get Dinsley off a tree stump.
The exercise itself was enjoyable for all except maybe for one, Maj Alex Thirlaway. The EME’s notebook has a tally of the complaints that he was living in Alex’s head rent free. This was just a reflection of how Alex was kept on his toes by his favourite work-son. Where Alex may have many years of operational experience, electronics are not his forte as you can see in the associated picture, he is known to fight with comms rather than for them. We also shouldn’t forget to mention Lt Randy Mike, the EMELt, another man known to test the LEs. Best not talk about bullets and bushes though.
In July, member of the LAD had the oppor- tunity to take part in the Combined Arms
Tactical Trainer in Germany in alongside Paderborn’s Libori Fest. Some good training was conducted in addition to LCpl Rab Smith and his band of merry drinkers ensuring they made the most of the German lagers and currywurst. A positive experience for all, even Maj Rich Glover, who was forced to strap-in and step-up at the Brauhaus with the Bulldog, EME and Maj Lick Knees (a stone-sober man).
The second half of 2023 required the LAD to support the conduct of operations in Eastern Europe in addition to exercises in Kenya. This has led to the team completing a wide range of individual technical courses and pre-deployment training alongside assurance to all locations visited. This has come with an uplift of vehicle types, an enhanced level of tactical training and a wide verity of exercises to refine equipment support concepts to deliver the best possible support.
Despite the fast pace of regimental and brigade activities, the LAD have still managed their fair share of Sport and AT. Some of the highlights are individuals representing the Army and Corps at Rugby League, Army for Fishing as well as Regimental Boxing and Football. Proving that it isn’t all work and no play in the LAD.
Looking ahead there are numerous oppor- tunities ahead on the horizon for the LAD. C Sqn fitters under the command of SSgt Paul Titler will continue to support ongoing operations in Eastern Europe. The Recy Sect will continue to conduct 4-day LRE checks under Beeves. A Sqn fitters will deploy to Kenya on Ex HARAKA SPEAR, Tiff MBE had better pack plenty of sunscreen. The reputation of the LAD has never been higher and as the LAD command group changes hands this summer; the foundations have been laid for a successful and challenging year ahead.
The final note will congratulate the ASM, WO1 Sean Tran on his commission into the Light Dragoons. He will be moving into the MTO position this summer, whilst the EME moves on to pastures-new with his gammy ankle.
Arte et Party
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Light Aid Detachment
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