Page 6 - Mind, Body and Spirit Online Edition

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk

EDITORIAL

Lt Col (Retd) G B Jones

I
retired from the Corps in 2010 having served just decided to delay the distribution of this edition of the
less than 30 years and during those years the Corps MBS to include the article and photos from the RAPTC
Journal (Mind, Body and Spirit (MBS)) was a part of
major event for 2013 which was the RAPTC Memorial

life’s annual cycle and served as a reminder of how Unveiling Ceremony at the National Memorial Arboretum
quickly time passes between editions. I vividly remember
on Saturday 14 September 2013.
the day I passed into the Corps and the day I left but it
is impossible to remember all the events and the people
During these times of great change across the Army, the

I have met during my long career, however I do at times
MBS is an important publication and also a source of pride
pick up and read through past editions of the MBS which for the Corps as a corporate body as it demonstrates in
reminds me of those people and events and also triggers
words and photos the diverse roles and professionalism
other related memories that may have otherwise been
of the RAPTC across all elements of service life which

lost in the mists of time; for me the MBS in a sense, is a could go unseen, unrecorded and forgotten as time
tangible hard copy of memories that allows me, at any
passes, as such the Journal has been and will always
time I feel the need, to browse back through my Corps career.
be a key piece of the Corps fabric. But like any publication it is
only as good as the articles and photos contained within and I
With this in mind I am pleased to inform you that following the am pleased to say that the standard of the MBS continues to

feedback received from Association members as a result of maintain the bar at the highest level and for that I thank all the
the questionnaires issued with the last edition of the Corps contributors to this year’s edition which again demonstrates the
MBS and discussions regarding an online MBS at the RAPTC versatility, dedication and professionalism of the Corps in an ever
Executive Board; the Trustees have decided to continue with the changing environment.

current MBS format for the foreseeable future. It was, however,

FOREWORD BY

BRIGADIER J P S DONNELLY CBE, LATE CHESHIRE

COMMANDANT RAPTC

I
t is a privilege to write this year’s foreword and I must of the Corps. We also conducted a battleield study
begin by thanking Brig Ben Bathurst – my predecessor to the Crimea to see ‘where it all started’ and have
– for all his hard work. He held the reins during an
received another bumper crop of promotions, including

exceptionally busy time which included the Army 2020 Majs Keith MacDonald and Steve Davies selected for
design when the RAPTC’s future structures were being promotion to Lt Col. The Corps’ sporting achievements
developed, and his work with the RAPTC Association are impressive, showing a level of commitment and
Executive Committee. He has left me a big pair of talent bordering on the ‘super-human’. I know how

trainers to ill and I would like to thank him for all that he hard it is to earn sporting colours in any unit, so gaining
has achieved on your behalf during his tenure. I know RAPTC Colours when surrounded by ‘uber’ sportsmen
that as the Director of Army Training he retains a close and women is a superb feat. It was a great pleasure to
interest in all that we do.
attend the RAPTC Sports Dinner in April, a itting way

to celebrate our sporting prowess and launch Maj Sheff
I have had a close association with members of the
Appleby’s career as a ‘stand-up raconteur’. I already
Corps from the start at Sandhurst and they have been an important have next year’s date in my diary.
inluence on me throughout my career. As an infantry soldier and

self-medicating ‘itness nut’ from a regiment that ‘gets’ the need I have no doubt the HERRICK legacy will cast a long shadow on our
for physical robustness and is sports mad, I know the vital role Army’s force development for the next decade. It has reinforced
that you all play in delivering operational capability. We may be our role in preparing and sustaining soldiers on operations and
a small corps, but it’s contribution to delivering ighting power is assisting in their recovery; not to mention those of you who have
huge. It is through high quality physical development, adventurous smelt the whiff of cordite and heard a bit of ‘crack and thump’ as

training and sport that our Army produces men and women with part of a CO’s tac group. However, operations are not over yet
the mental and physical resilience to overcome adversity and the and seven members of the Corps, led by Capt Eddie Williams and
competitive edge to outwit an opponent; while taking set-backs SSgt Spence, have just deployed to provide physical development
with magnanimity and good grace. However, our involvement at Afghan National Army Oficer Academy, where Lt Col Brian

does not end there, as the Corps has a crucial role in the Dupree has been mentoring the Academy’s Chief of Staff for the
rehabilitation and recovery of the wounded and injured: whether last nine months. This is an important contribution to a high proile
on or off operations. I am delighted to see the increasing part that project that will leave an enduring legacy for the Afghan National
the RAPTC plays in health education and promotion; recognising Army.

the need for a holistic approach. PAYD, the use of supplements
and increasing obesity in society means that the need for credible The future is bright, but it is not ‘Orange’ but Black with Red
and approachable role models has never been greater.
Stripes. As the Army steps off the ‘Afghan-escalator’ and returns
to contingency it will seek other ways of getting its adrenaline ix

2013 has been a great year, capped off with the unveiling of the and maintain its competitive edge. This will demand an increasing
RAPTC memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum. The day role for sport and adventure training – I expect us to lead the
was meticulously planned and organised by Maj Steve Collinson, charge.
who managed to it in an eight week tour to Afghanistan during
the process, and was in keeping with the ethos and traditions