Page 5 - MERCIAN Eagle 2017

Foreword
Brigadier (Retd) Andrew Williams OBE Colonel of The Regiment
Upon writing this, my last foreword as Colonel of the Regiment before shortly handing over to Major General Ian Cave, I find time to reflect on what we have collectively achieved over the last 5 years.
The cessation of combat operations in Afghanistan in 2014 promised the potential for fewer operational deployments and more time for training and retention- positive sport and adventure training. Events on the world stage, however soon conspired against such a dream, and the pace experienced
by the battalions, both Regular and Reserve, has become as frenetic as ever. Nevertheless, despite this, and perhaps even in some ways because of this, we have matured and
finally ‘come of age’ as a Mercian Regiment; truly fitting in our 10th year – MERCIAN 10.
Clearly much of this is down to
the professionalism, vision and
exemplary leadership of those
reading this journal. If, however,
there were one single factor behind our development and self -confidence, ironically it would be the loss of our 3rd Battalion – 3 MERCIAN in 2014. Whilst deeply saddening that there was to be no place for 3 MERCIAN within the Army 2020 structure, the Battalion’s loss was the catalyst for a regimental reorganisation that has certainly made us ‘stronger together’ as a Mercian Regiment. It forced us to move from three almost separate Regular battalions each very much reflecting their individual antecedent regiment, to two Regular and one Reserve battalions with a more common identity and ethos;
a better-defined sense of belonging to the Mercian Regiment. Without this single identity we would still be finding our way, and I pay tribute to those officers and non-commissioned
officers who made this happen – frequently overcoming institutional resistance in securing their goals.
Continuing to thrive during change, we have become a very strong element in our new Division of Infantry. In the last edition I wrote that we must “...cement our place within the King’s Division, and ... foster positive relationships with
the Duke of Lancaster’s and the Yorkshire Regiments.” I’m delighted that you have risen to this challenge and congratulate Mercian officers
– Lieutenant Colonels Dan Moore and Tom Kelly - who move shortly to command both 1 and 2 LANCS respectively; a truly great result reflecting the quality of our people.
We have set the pace for other line regiments to follow, through innovations such as the sustainable institutionalisation of a Regimental Adjutant, the creation of a Regimental Communications Officer in RHQ and the general way we conduct our business regimentally.
Our Cadets regularly support Sovereign’s Parades at the Royal Military Academy, and our Associations are now fully behind the Mercian ethos. Most importantly on operations, all three battalions continue to quietly impress, whether it is in South Sudan, Estonia, Uganda, and most recently in Iraq where we have contributed to the near-defeat of Daesh.
Finally, I would like to offer my personal gratitude for all the support The Mercian Regiment has given to my family and myself over the best part of the last 5 years since taking post. That I shall soon have the privilege of handing the
3rd Battalion’ Colours to the Dean at Lichfield Cathedral for safekeeping, will be a truly fitting finale. I am a Mercian and will always remain so.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE 3