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Regimental Catering Department
By WO2 (RCWO) S Woods
The RLC Chefs role is very versatile but has an important focus on teamwork and leadership development. Chefs within 103 Regt RA, will learn to work within the catering function in an operational and non-operational kitchen environment, liaising with different levels of personnel and use of equipment in their area of responsibility. We are taught to assess the catering commitment requirements and support the planning and allocation of resources. Whether the feeding plan is in camp, in the field or a specific event, the chef’s priority is to identify, select and demand rations and contribute to the quality of food produced. Second to that, is the ability to support the Regiment in a field operation by contributing to the setting up the Operational Field Catering System (OFCS) to aid in the production of meals and feed the Regiment
Additional knowledge and experience will involve accounting for rations and maintain daily catering records, compiling and costing menus and being aware of a soldier’s nutritional goals. We are expected to develop and demonstrate a high level of culinary skills, required for the production of food, using the relevant prin- ciples and methods of cookery. As an RLC Chef there is access to education and training, from Maths and English functional skills to trade qualifications such as Level Two Food Hygiene and NVQ Level 2 Food Production / Professional Cookery. They can also acquire advanced driving skills.
103 Regt RA currently employs eight Chefs, under the direction
WO2 Wood, Sgt Whitehouse (D), Sgt Whitehouse (S), Cpl Hawkins, Cpl Gallagher, L/Cpl Jarvis, L/Cpl Peloe, L/Cpl Connor and Pte Gahle
on the RCWO. The ranks range from Pte to Sgt, covering all five units. Recent deployment to Denmark, Cyprus and local UK training areas has afforded experience across all levels of food production. We have also been able to support other regiments on operations aboard, local functions and recruiting events. Pte Gahle is currently on tour with 7 Rifles on Op TOSCA.
Regimental Journal 2018-20
Quartermaster’s Department
Foreword
By Maj Ian Battersby RA
The Quarter Masters Department of 103 Regiment RA is a small but vital element of the Regiment. The department is responsible for all matters Logistics (G4), supporting all outstations in 4 locations and regimental exercises. This support includes the maintenance and delivery of all vehicles (green and white fleet), 105 Light Gun for all field firing, feeding and accommodation, demanding and providing all aspects of ammunition for live firing exercises. The old and corny saying “No G4 No War” is very true and without the unwa- vering support of every individual in the department this support would not be delivered, for that I would like to thank every member of my team.
The department is a happy and mixed blend of Regular, Full Time Regular Service (FTRS), Non Regular Permanent Staff (NRPS), Voluntary Training Other Duties (VTOD), Addi- tional Days Contract (ADC), and civil servants.
I have been the QM (T) for the last 18 months and can truly say I have enjoyed my time as the QM (T) of this regiment and cherished the challenges of working with the reserves above the regular army
The department is split into sections: 1. Stores – Consists of the QM (T) Maj Ian Battersby (Batty), RQMS (T) WO2 Carl Smith, Sgt Jimmy Langton, Bdr Ryan Rainey and finally our versatile
civilian storeman Mr Dave McGivern. 2.MT – Consists of the MTWO WO2 Darren Dean, RFM SSgt Gary McMahon, white fleet manager Mr Colin Robinson, Admin assistants Mrs Rebecca McConnell and Miss
Nicola Weedall.
3. REME – Consists of the AQMS WO2
Steve Clare, Armourers or Gun fitters (depends who you speak to??) Cpl Chris Erskine, Cpl Charles Witterick and Cpl Tony Ellison and the vehicle mechanics Mr Paul Green and Mr Paul Woods.
4. Chefs – The chefs are split across the outstations and are headed up by the QM (R) Maj Tony Gledhill and the RCWO WO2 Suzi Wood.
5. Last but by no means least are two individuals who are just part of the team and we could not do without, our Caretaker Mr Roy Tarling and cleaner Miss Ashley Burns.
I would like to reiterate that It has been a privilege and honour to be the QM (T) for the past 18 months and I genuinely look forward to the next 18 months working with the team. We have had to overcome a few difficult periods but as a team we have never failed to deliver. I would like to thank all the SNCO’s, soldiers and civilian staff in the depart- ment for their unwavering support.
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