Page 4 - The Light Dragoon 2024

Another year, another Regimental Journal and another editorial. While it may look similar to previous years, I assure you that this year has yet again, been one of the busiest years since records began. Indeed, with the great reputation of being such a fine Regiment, comes the abundant responsibilities, be it overseas exercises, operational tours, adventure training or sport. So much so, that it is difficult squeezing such an enormous amount of high-quality material into the following pages.
The Regiment’s collective and individual successes this year are illustrated with panache through the multitude of articles and photos that have been lovingly collated by members of the Regiment, and those who have worked closely with us as part of our wider regimental family. We have deployed to Kenya, Estonia, Germany and
Editorial................................................................................................ 2 Contents .............................................................................................. 2 A Message from the Colonel in Chief ..................... 3 Foreword by Colonel Commandant Royal Armoured Corps.......................................................................... 4 Foreword by the Colonel of the Regiment......... 5 Commanding Officer’s Introduction........................ 6 Regimental Notes... by the Adjutant...................... 7 Honours and Awards............................................................... 9 A Squadron – The Empire...............................................10 B Squadron – The Guards................................................ 14 C Squadron – The Legion................................................ 18 HQ Squadron..............................................................................22 Light Aid Detachment ....................................................... 24 Regimental Admin Office................................................25 Quartermaster’s Department ......................................26 Quartermaster Technical Department ................ 27 Motor Transport Department ..................................... 28 Regimental Welfare Office .............................................. 29 Training Wing..............................................................................30 Regimental Duty Staff.........................................................30 Regimental Aid Post ............................................................. 31 The Gymnasium........................................................................ 32 Catering Department...........................................................33 Regimental Careers Management Office .......... 34
Exercises and Operations........................................ 36
Notes from the Ops Officer .......................................... 36 Welcoming Forces families since 1803................ 41 Operation GOLDEN ORB............................................42 Combined Arms Tactical Trainer.............................44 PNCO Cadre ............................................................................... 46 Sunda Patrol..................................................................................48 Ex Spring Storm ........................................................................ 49 1 RGR JLC ..................................................................................... 54 Ex Haraka Storm....................................................................... 55
Regimental Sport ........................................................... 56
Alpine Skiing................................................................................56 Nordic Skiing...............................................................................60 Football.............................................................................................. 62 Golf ...................................................................................................... 62
Editorial
Poland to name but a few locations. The bulk of three squadrons have completed an operational tour to Eastern Europe. This is all while continuing to win the usual awards and accolades that we have become rather accustomed to. Such an eventful and fulfilling year has ensured that regimental pride remains wholly intact and it is an immense privilege to serve as editor during another high performing year in the Light Dragoons’ history.
I would like to thank everyone involved in editing this journal, which is by no means an easy feat. Special thanks must go to the editing team at Crest. Further to this, I must thank all of the contributors. While Light Dragoons enjoy telling the tales of their travels or for want of a better word, ‘dits’ to anyone who will listen, or showcasing their exploits abroad to unenthused partners via photo or video, collating the necessary
Contents
Rugby .................................................................................................. 63 Cricket................................................................................................64 Field Sports.................................................................................... 66 Boxing.................................................................................................68 Army Angling Federation Course Fishing (AAF) ................................................................................................. 70 Triathlon........................................................................................... 71 BAWF..................................................................................................71 Cross Country & Orienteering...................................71
Extra Curricular.............................................................. 72
Ex Jordan Dragoon ................................................................ 72 Viking Dragoon.......................................................................... 74 Prince Hussein Wedding................................................... 75 Ex Hinds Demise...................................................................... 76 Ex Ausbau Dragoon...............................................................78 HMS Northumberland visit..........................................80 Global Charge Dinner / Dam Build....................... 82 Spanish Exchange .................................................................... 84
The Messes........................................................................... 86
Officers’ Mess .............................................................................. 86 Warrant Officers’ amd Sergeants’ Mess............... 90
Extra Regimental Employment .......................... 91
My Personnel MA Life........................................................ 91 Land Command and Staff Course (LCSC)....91 French ACSC - Ecole de Guerre (Sleeping with the (old) Enemy!)...................................................................93 Quartermaster Technical – Mission Ready Training Centre (MRTC)................................................94 NATO Holland .......................................................................... 94 The Royal Yeomanry............................................................. 95 Royal College of Defence Studies 2022-23..... 96 The Combat Manoeuvre Centre .............................. 98
Affiliated Regiments .................................................... 99
The Queen’s Own Yeomanry ....................................... 99
Valete .................................................................................... 101
Edward Elston..........................................................................101 Hector Norton.........................................................................102
images and articles in order to entertain even the less enthusiastic of readers certainly proves a challenge. However, all being said and done, it is an honour to present you with the stories within this journal’s pages which no doubt reflect the talents of our people, the hard work within our teams and the large efforts we make each year towards pushing boundaries in defence.
CGMG
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
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WO2 M Costello...................................................................102 Major Jamie Harle................................................................103 Capt James Montgomery-Stuart ............................104 Doug Jefferis ..............................................................................104 Capt Paddy Bernard ...........................................................105
Association....................................................................... 106
Home Headquarters and Regimental Association News..................................................................106 The Light Dragoons’ Charitable Trust..............107 Cavalry Memorial Parade 2023...............................108 Field of Remembrance.....................................................108 Officers Dinner........................................................................109 Museum .........................................................................................110 Barnsley Branch......................................................................111 Southern Commitee...........................................................111 North East Branch ...............................................................112 Leafyard – supporting your mental health & wellbeing .......................................................................................113 Pacific Adventure..................................................................114 Virtual Light Dragoon – our virtual community continues to grow! ...............................................................116 The North East Association Golf .........................117 From Petticoats to the Front Line: The History of women in the British Army .119 Lines from the Royal Hospital .................................121 13/18H OBITUARIES ..................................................123 15/19H OBITUARIES ..................................................129 LD OBITUARIES ...............................................................132
Regimental Gazette ................................................... 134
Regimental Headquarters ............................................134 Headquarters Squadron ................................................134 A Squadron (The Empire) ..........................................135 B Squadron (The Guards) .........................................135 C Squadron (The Legion) .........................................136
Marriages........................................................................... 136 Births 2023 ...................................................................... 136