Page 37 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

QM’s Dept
Post a quiet Christmas and the recovery from Op SHADER, we saw the Battalion complete in Beachley barracks once again. Not for long: we were almost instantly, due to the staggered deployment, exceptionally busy once again. Tasks included Op TEMPERER, ELGIN and UKSB commitments, with concurrently supporting the Homecoming Parade, exercises STEPPE EAGLE 17, KABUL DAWN 16 & DUSK 17, MAYAN WARRIOR in Belize and Ex JOINT VENTURE to name but a few. Individual tasks saw Cpl Button returning from a 6 month tour in BATUK, Kenya, and several near misses on the trawl front nearly capturing key personalities. In addition to daily business, the department invested heavily in personal development; Sgt Dolan, Cpl Felix, Cpl Bediako and Pte Cass all completed career courses. The QM, Capt Rainey, SSgt Clark, Cpl Phelps and Cpl Hall all managed to get away to conduct role speci c training, often at considerable pain to those left behind.
Whilst most cracked on, it was not all work for some individuals who managed to get away for some well-earned adventure training. LCpl Cormack, Pte Brown and LCpl Knight all completed a week’s AT in Germany and Cpl Phelps went mountain biking in Cyprus; stabilisers removed, we love progress.
Having stood down for Easter, we were right back in the thick of things on return to work. The old assurance regime hit heavy with a mixed bag of inspections for the HQ supporting component and the Battalion. Additionally the support tasks continued, with preparation starting for Ex ASKARI STORM.
The New Year brought signi cant changes in personalities. Maj Matt Darby handed over QM to Maj Steve Burgess, heading off to sunnier climes in Brunei. WO1 Neil Young handed over RQ(T) to WO2 Joey McCutcheon, like two ships in the mist seeing the role gapped for 4 months between January and April. More recently, in June, we saw Capt John
Lindley hand over the reins as QM(T) to Capt Pat Hyde MC. Capt Hyde was instantly banned from Ri es dress regulations and Ri es traditions chat, and Capt Lindley left with a tear in his eye as he was informed he might have to on the odd occasion buy milk for the brews in 5 RIFLES.
A very busy, challenging but rewarding time for all Ri emen saw well-earned promotions for Sgt Dolan, Cpl Tuinalele, LCpl Cormack and Pte Knight of the Catering Department.
Maj Steve Burgess, QM
CAPT LINDLEY LEFT WITH A TEAR IN HIS EYE AS HE WAS INFORMED HE MIGHT HAVE TO ON THE ODD OCCASION BUY MILK FOR THE BREWS IN 5 RIFLES
QM Coasteering (“Last time I did this I was in a knitted swim suit”)
Cpl Phelps Mountain Biking
Pte Wilson ready to eat on Ex KABUL DAWN
THE RIFLES
FIRST BATTALION 35