Page 30 - The Light Dragoon 2024

This year has been a very busy and hectic period for the MT Department. Members of the department have deployed on Ex SPRING STORM (SS) in Estonia, as part of a multi-national exercise, as well as the deployment of Op PYSMA.
The later months of 2023 saw Sgt “Peech” Mallen take over the role of the MT SNCO from Sgt “Cribbs” Cribbin. The HOTO took no time at all as there was minimal kit and equipment to take over as it was all missing. Cribbs moves into the position of RGSS, let’s just hope it is run a smoothly as his dog bowl admin.
Cpl “Iron Mike” Rutherford has tried to successfully pass his Lvl 2 Numeracy and Literacy after his 3rd attempt “still awaiting on results”, (this is obviously the Regiment’s fault). Whilst also keeping the Regiment in date with all driving qualifica- tions and courses, he has been the go-to person to make sure these courses are run in a timely manner. Mike has also once again been part of the Regimental Boxing Team, coaching staff which has seen the Boxing Team retain the trophy down on Hodgson’s Horse. Mike now also holds the regimental record for being in MT longer than Phil Holmes.
Cpl Macaskill has been running the department over the months of the Op PYSMA deployment back on home soil and has been doing a fantastic job in the organisation of all the logistical transport back and forth to the airports, making sure personnel return in a timely manner.
LCpl Coxon, LCpl Bailey and Tpr Olsen have mostly been at the forefront of all the driving details in making sure this happens, so a big well done to them all for the numerous amounts of drives up and down the A1.
The deployment of Op PYSMA has been something completely different and new for the MT Department. With Sgt “Peech” Mallen being the Task Force (TF) SNCO, this has been a huge challenge in a new
environment which saw him holding over one hundred vehicles on account to provide all teams in a number of locations with fully fit and working white fleet vehicles in order for the teams to conduct their daily tasks.
The MT Team which deployed have been continuously grafting every day to provide transport for key personnel over the AO and they have not failed in doing this. With this deployment being so MT focused, the team deserve huge appreciation for their efforts that they have continued to put into the deployment.
Cpl Rai, has been the 2iC whilst deployed and has again not failed to deliver. He very rarely eats in the scoff house as he loves a good daily pizza or awaits his fortnightly parcel from home to keep him going. He has also managed to keep the ASM alive with his driving, “Just”.
LCpl “Tim” Flowers has stepped up on a number of occasions “when in work” as he thinks he deserves more days off for driver’s hours than anyone, only to sit and fester in his bed space playing his X-Box. With the announcement of beards allowed to be grown in the Army, he looks even more like Sam Dingle from Emmerdale.
LCpl “Demba” Barr has been the go-to person to maintain comms with the Host Nation contractors to get all vehicle faults and damages squared away. He very rarely complains, however this is probably because of his famous quote of the deployment, “The Regiment have already gotten enough out of me”.
LCpl Taylor, has been a character on the tour with a love of cats, “we will just leave you thinking on that one”. A broad accent which makes understanding the Polish easier than his. Taylor has been good for morale around the team whilst deployed.
Tpr’s Hodgson and Chettle, what can be said about this pair of blokes. Hodgson has the worst attempted moustache in the
TF and has been trying to grow it since deploying, constantly saying his parents will be proud that he is now a man.
Tpr “Always Happy” Chettle who owns the oldest “Kickers” T-Shirt in the world which should actually belong in Beamish Museum. They have both been outstanding and a joy to have in the troop coming in from other squadrons to make up the numbers.
WO1 Tran, deployed later into the PYSMA deployment and since his arrival has been the busiest person in the TF. Deploying out to conduct the pre- LEA inspection, he put everybody in the best place possible to pass. Without having a DTO or MD in theatre, having completed the course before deploying, he found himself in a position where he had a “no return” flight date. He has been the go-to person throughout the TF, this is including the NSE and has put the TF in the best possible position to hand over to the RL and saved Peech the last remaining strands of hair from falling out. WO1 Tran commissions into the LDs in the next couple of months from the REME and will be a huge asset to the Regiment, taking over the role of MTO from WO2 Pennicott, who has already made sure his signature block is the main priority, stating “Capt” Pennicott.
WO2 “KAAA KAAA” Lillico, has been the MTWO for the past two years and this was his final tenure at regimental duty, having completed his full service to Queen, King and country. Lil has had a successful career within the Light Dragoons, and he will be missed within the workplace. From everyone that has worked with you throughout your career, we wish you all the very best for your next chapter in life. We have no doubt you will succeed mate. Now, enjoy every moment being home with Hannah and the kids and never having to look forward to the dreaded dawn dash back up North. SM
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Motor Transport Department
Tpr Chettle prepping his own scoff for his 4hr round trip
LCpl Flowers trying to sign back on after finding out he cannot hack the RAF 5-Mile of death
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