Page 28 - The Light Dragoon 2024

Quartermaster’s Department
In line with pretty much every other article, “it’s been another busy year”.
From the QM’s department perspective, we have been kept on our toes and kept extremely busy, like every other year it started and ended in a blink of an eye. Post recovering from Op INTERFLEX the unit bounced straight into Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) for deployment to Op PSYMA later in the year. In June, Capt “Dez” O’Connor moved over from QM Tech, to take up the reigns from Lee Simpson, who happily goes away to the SNIY as the XO. Many congratulations Lee.
The year started out with the usual return to work, after a successful handover of INTERFLEX, the focus now turned to Operations. Preparations for Ex SPRINGSTORM, a multinational exercise in Estonia as a pre-curser. The exercise saw the bulk of the QMs deploy in advance to conduct the takeover of Camp Dragon, receive all equipment and plod along to the steady beat of MJDI and ammunition demands. We then set about receipting the regiment onto the exercise and taking up the role of B Echelon, which was rather more comfortable than expected. The team, as usual were faultless throughout, ensuring the Battlegroup were never left wanting. RQMS Thompson and LCpl Wood quickly earnt mates’ rates in the ammunition areas with the QRH BG, Sgt Bish Kerung doing what he does best, normally whizzing around on the FLRT.
QM’s Snack trolley
On returning to camp the focus switched to deploying the regiment in good order to Germany for the Main Effort for the Ministry of Defence, The Light Dragoons conducting CATT and deliv- ering a 4 Bde study period, the dept were at the forefront of this operation. We headed up delivery and received multiple staff, ensuring that their comfort throughout was second to none. The catering department, under the watchful eyes of Mark Errington delivered
an impressive spread of fine dining sending everyone away with full bellies prior to a little jog up to Hermannsdenkmal Landmark the next morning, much to the despair of OC HQ.
“Off to QDG I Go....i’m sure I will fit in”.
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Next up, after a bit of well-
earned summer leave - MRX for PSYMA, delivered by MRTC Bassingbourn saw the dept again operating on the “first in, last out” motto. Sgt Bish and the QM deployed to receive the training Sub-Units in good order while also taking part in much of the training to allow ourselves to deploy in the knowledge we were ready. The exercise had the requirement to hold the fort on two fronts, extra staff were surged to operate independently out of Beckingham training
camp, set up to provide
more realistic training scenarios, which was also where the QM was put under immense stress, trying to decide between fillet or rump for evening meal. The exercise also provided a great opportunity to catch up with a well-known LD LE, that is well known to have delivered the best A2 ever....I will leave you guessing.
Back to Gaza, and preparation for deployment fully underway. It is now we will mention the movers and shakers, that made this year happen: Cpl Limbu RLC, smashing it out of the park in keeping the regiment on the straight and narrow for the LSA&I while covering the SSgt role. Sgt Bish Kerung, a true stablemate getting the job done in three different countries, ensuring accommodation was fit to go. He sadly moved onto the RY as a PSI, and I wish him well. Cpl Bearsy Whiting, handing over the clothing account before his transfer to QDG (I’m biased) which is a great move for his circumstance. The RQMS, new in role but holding the fort while I deployed and did it well.
In summary, the department has changed significantly over the past 12 Months, as has the work and results we are expected to achieve on a daily basis. The team works tirelessly and often well after everyone else has knocked off for the day to accomplish this. It is testament to what they produce and the environment we have created that we should have JNCO’s and soldiers from the Sabre Sqns knocking on the door to see if there are any positions available, for them to gain this valuable experience....I wait and see!! KOC
Heaven for the RQMS
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