Page 55 - Mercian Eagle 2016

The MTO with some of his MT Dept in Dale Bks, Chester
move to Szczecin Port followed by a road move to Zagan Training Area (Poland). Due to the length of the deployment all vehicles would be free from servicing for three months so another surge of activity began.
The movement of the vehicle fleet was extremely successful and all credit was down to both the MT Platoon and our LAD. With the intense planning for all of these road moves and operating from a deployed
LAD
The LAD has had an extremely busy year with the uplift of VJTF equipment, over 260 vehicles and 6000 weapons and sighting systems to be inspected and maintained
to an availability of 90% at all times with minimal manpower due to the Army 2020 restructuring. The LAD deployed during these busy working periods to Poland in which they worked alongside many nations. They also had opportunities to work on Leopard tanks carrying out pack lifts under the influence of Sgt O’Brien.
On return from Poland some LAD personnel undertook boxing training in the hope of making the Inter-Company Boxing finals which were held at the Dale Barracks Chester on the evening of 22 September 2016. LCpl Winstanley triumphed during his bout with a points decision. Cfn Whyte had
a much tougher fight at Super Heavyweight giving away a huge height and reach advantage along with being 18Kg lighter than his opponent. With all this in mind he stepped into the ring unfazed by his opponent, nicknamed ‘the beast’, and although lost
in the second round via a TKO he showed tremendous courage, discipline and belief.
Other activities have seen the likes
A1 Echelon, Poland provided the MT Pl with a very unique experience and one that will not be repeated for quite some time. Some of the MT Pl also took advantage of the occasional day off during this very busy VJTF exercise. Days off were spent either visiting Auschwitz or the tunnels from the Great Escape at Stalag Luft III.
On completion of the exercise and on arrival back at Dale Barracks, the Green
of LCpl Winstanley competing in the Support Command South UK Climbing Championships in which he finished a very impressive third.
Cfn Whyte has represented both Corp and Army at rugby which saw him jetting off to Australia. LAD members have also had time to squeeze in some AT with LCpl Winstanley heading off to do some Deep Sea diving, whilst Cfn Grinstead and Whyte have enjoyed a spot of Kayaking.
We have also had to say farewell to AQMS Fretwell who moves onto pastures new with his new assignment order, we wish him all the best for the future.
Fleet NCOs and the LAD were straight back in at the deep end trying to keep the fleet status above 85 percent. Plans have already commenced to hand back the fleet to 1GG.
Although we are very thankful for the experience VJTF has provided, I do now think that my teamwill be relieved to see the last vehicle handed over. I have had a remarkable two years serving 2
Mercian as the Mechanical Transport Officer (MTO) and have recently handed over the reins to Capt Peach. I wish Capt Peach all the best for the future as he now focuses on preparing the Battalion for its next round of driver training in preparation for our forthcoming deployments/operations that the unit will face in 2017.
Lastly I must point out that 2 MERCIAN MT have said farewell to a number of
key personnel, one in particular was Cpl Wayne Marshall after completing 22 years exemplary service. I wish him all the best for the future and thank him for his outstanding contribution which has been second to none.
LAD-Visit Poznan Museum
LAD Workshop in Poland Ex ANACONDA
Leopard Tank – Poland
Camping REME style
Cfn Whyte returns from his rugby tour in Australia
LCpl Winstanley 3rd Place Climbing
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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