Page 30 - QDG Volume 9 No. 2 2021

28 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
Quartermaster’s Department
Supporting independently deployed sub-units, a dispersed workforce, a busy and fluid Forecast of Events and a high turnover in appointments – the depart- ment has been operating at high tempo for all of this year, with little chance of a change of pace due to operational commitments in late 2021 and into 2022.
That said, although at times it has been quite frustrating, this emotion have been dominated by the feeling of reward from what has been achieved and the results of the team’s work has been tangible and appreciated across the regiment. The experience the team has gained over the last year has been invaluable, and has ulti- mately shaped the department nicely for the future as the whiteboard
team. Mr Davies had put in a sterling effort at regimental duty supporting his QM(T) and handed over seamlessly to WO2 Ruddy, who quickly grasped the reins and started to conduct his business with purpose.
April also saw the deployment of A Sqn on Ex RATTLESNAKE in Louisiana, which was supported by Cpl Richie Powell as the deployed Ammunition Storeman. Cpl Powell was tasked to work inde- pendently while deconflicting with the US G4 counterparts at reach – an impressive performance and as always, conducted without complaint. At the same time, C Sqn were deep into Mission Specific Training for Op NEWCOMBE 2 and
prepared his handover notes ready for his departure to ICSC(L) and looked forward to handing over the office keys to Capt Dan Brown, the incoming Quar- termaster, ready for MST and leading into Op NEWCOMBE 3. We wish (the now) Maj Homewood and his sidekick Staffy ‘Bo’ all the very best for the future.
Throughout the year, the Logistical Support Detachment (LSD) has been critical in supporting Regimental activity and without them much of what we do would grind to a halt. At the helm is SSgt Alan Pope who is often found furi- ously tapping away on his MJDI terminal, placing and tracking demands through to completion. Never far behind is the quiet yet personable Cpl Thurston, who monitors the Unit Spares Account to ensure that our fleet is provided with a steady supply of parts for repair. LCpl Awudey (AKA Sky) and Pte Limbu are also an important part of the LSD and are always there to meet customers with a ready and willing smile and are quickly learning how to say “Sorry, can you come back tomorrow?” – a fundamental skill in a G4 streamed career!
Just as the department managed to reset, July delivered several MST serials that once again required the support of the G4 team. The All-Ranks Brief prior to Op NEWCOMBE 3 meant that there was an accommodation and feeding bill that fixed certain individuals to task which continued through to the Tactical Commanders’ Cadre a week later in Lydd, Kent. Late night and early morning weekend travel was a common theme for some, but all involved tackled it without complaint in order to deliver what was required to meet the arrival of the Task Group on a Sunday evening. The summer leave period broke up the year and the team dispersed for a much- needed break with their families. LCpl Bobo and Cpl Delana led the close down of the stores while Sgt Buddhi Gurung finalised any MJDI account work ready for the last quarter. September would see the dawn of the Op NEWCOMBE 3 FTX and MRX on Thetford Training Area which would once again require a great deal of support from the team so forward planning and setting the conditions early was critical.
In the blink of an eye the summer stand down was behind us. Tpr Williams had clearly had a good leave period and was once again ready to deliver some additional challenges for the chain of command. Cpl Limbu and LCpl Sweeney were clearly eager to get back into the swing of things whilst the QM(T) could already be heard cursing down his tele- phone to ridiculous external last minute taskings and demands.
is never cleared and the relentless onslaught of trawls and taskings will inevitably continue.
learning how to say “Sorry, can you
come back tomorrow?” – a fundamental skill
although they were deploying with 2 Royal Anglian, they leant heavily on both QDG G4 departments for ES and Clothing Packs. WO2 Thomas firmly directed the action required for clothing demands while the technical side monitored the use and scheduled maintenance of the HMTV fleet.
Slipping into June, the Regiment’s focus switched to ranges and driver training, with Ex EAGLE’S FIRE and EAGLE’S WHEELS in both Lulworth and Braunton Burrows consec-
Early in the year, the
handover of the QM(T) appointment took place
between Captain Jason
Davies (Bongo type) and
Captain Jason Davies (Butch
type). Fortunate enough to
secure the rank of Major,
we said farewell to Bongo
Davies on his way to the
Royal Yeomanry in Leicester.
We wished him the very best
on his next appointment –
although we see him in the QM’s building more now than when he actually worked there.
utively – both of which meant splitting the G4 team in order to deliver support throughout. LCpl Cosby, the Ammo JNCO, was put under pressure along with the RQ to deliver the ammunition requirement, whilst Sgt Trudgill was stretched to deliver the accommodation plan in both locations. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Captain Chris Homewood
In April we also said goodbye to the outgoing RQMS(T) WO2 John Davies. Successful off the WO1 promotion board, Mr Davies was hurried to Bovington as the RQMS(T), working under Lt Col Jerome Tyson whilst managing a civilian Babcock
The RQ testing Trimble accuracy