Page 39 - 103RA 2018-20

C Troop 210 (Staffordshire) Battery Royal Artillery - 3 Years On
By WO2 J King
In 2018 a decision was made to reform a Troop of Gunners to operate the versatile 105mm L118 Light Gun at Bulwell, Nottingham coming under the strength of 210 (Staffordshire) Battery Royal Artillery based in Wolverhampton.
The first training event took place in early Jan 18 and WO2 King was tasked as TSM to build a functioning Gun Troop; to be completed in a 2-year trial period. Having been provided a section of real estate from C Coy 4 MERC, the TSM took on the task of recruiting and immediately contacted former South Notts Hussars Gunners inviting them to transfer from within the Reserves or to re-join. Social media groups were swiftly established in order to promote the Troops existence in Nottingham and this generated a huge amount of interest. This recruiting surge gained momentum resulting in the C Troop gaining several trained Light Gun operators then in Oct 18 the Notts Gunners received their 105mm L118 Light Gun and GTV (Pinzgauer). With a Gun and limited manpower, the Troop was then able to assist the Games of Remembrance in 2018, held at both Notts County FC and Nottingham Forrest FC grounds. Proudly, the Light Gun was centre stage at both venues and cemented the Troops place back in the community.
With increasing numbers of newly training gunners across the Battery, this paved the way for running a Level 2 and 3 Guns course. Work was undertaken by TC C Troop (Lt Smethurst) and the TSM to organise and deliver the Regimental Level 2 and 3 Guns Couse which saw the successful qualification of 16 Level Two and 6 Level Three Gunners across the Regiment.
March 20 saw the start of lockdown restrictions, but this did not stop the Troop from training, this was delivered
To kick start 2019 and build on any progress made in the previous year, the Troop took part in a ten-pin bowling competition, developing and cementing comradery and the importance of unity. Shortly after, the Troop hosted C Battery (SNH) Cadets in Bulwell, whilst running an OP, CP and Guns exercise. This was well received by all the Cadets and on the same evening they were able to witness Gnr Clay being attested and LBdr Murphy re-joining the Army Reserves. The relationship between the Troop and the Cadets has remained strong ever since and the Troop is committed to supporting the next generation in their military careers.
never resting on our laurels 2021 looks to be even busier with C Troop ready to hit the ground running
virtually over Zoom (a method that was quickly adopted by the regiment). During this period seven officers and soldiers from C Troop volunteered for Op RESCRIPT (military operation to assist the UK’s efforts to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom). Following reduction in national lockdown restrictions on 25 Jul 20, the Troop hosted an orienteering competition for the whole Battery whilst observing social distances at Bestwood Country Park in Nottingham. This was a successful event which enabled officers and soldiers to meet formally following COVID-19 restrictions. Throughout August and September training in
Regimental Journal 2018-20
During the weekend 22 - 24 Mar 19 the Troop carried out a live firing exercise in Otterburn. This exercise proved to be milestone in our relative short history as C Troop deployed with an FST Commander, CPO, GLSO and Gun Detachment commanded by Sgts Martin and Hatfield. Skills and teamwork were further developed over the AT weekend in Aug 19 at Capel Curig where the Troop conducted a trek across the iconic Snowdonia region to enhance navigation skills. ADE 19 was held in Otterburn, during this exercise members of the Troop practiced on their infantry skills for a week which then culminated with a military round robin competition. The second week saw members of the Troop walk parts of Hadrian’s Wall, undertaking military courses and attending cultural visits to Newcastle and Edinburgh.
Nottingham continued with the Troops attendance on ADE 20 at Stanford Training Area, Norfolk. This exercise was conducted in glorious weather with the first weeks aim of conducting gunnery training concentrating on Recce and Manoeuvre. This was then showcased with a two-day live firing phase.
On 7 Oct 20, the Troop reached another milestone with 21 officers and soldiers attending a drill night training event. C (Notts) Troop continues to grow with several recruits in the pipeline whilst Troop SNCOs being recognised for their excellent performance now taking on new Battery appointments in BHQ Troop.
The current number of Officers and Soldiers in C Troop now stands at 24, never resting on our laurels 2021 looks to be even busier with C Troop ready to hit the ground running...
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