Page 49 - MERCIAN Eagle 2015

A (Grenadier) Company
A (Grenadier) Coy Foreword
OC Maj S R Hayes
2IC Capt S Randall
CSM WO2 S Catherwood CQMS CSgt M MacPherson
A (Grenadier) Coy has had a very varied
and fast moving 12 months. In autumn
of last year, the compant deployed to Lithuania as part of a NATO exercise, and then conducted parades across MERCIA before and after Christmas. Following these commitments and having been selected to deploy with the 2 LANCS battle group to Kenya the Coy had to transition quickly from pristine No 2 dress to very sharply focussed battle preparations to deploy to Africa in good order. The preparations for Kenya centred on shooting, navigation, fitness and field craft – these targets being achieved
via cold and wet training areas in Brecon, Leek, Snowdonia, WARCOP and Chester respectively. The Platoon Commanders have also managed to build Adventurous Training into the programme, which has always served as a welcome break from ‘green’ training. Lt Chris Lloyd, 2 Pl Comd conducted hill walking and mountain biking in the Lake District and Lt Jamie Russell,
1 Pl Comd led a surfing and coasteering expedition to Cornwall
Throughout the year the coy has undergone the inevitable changes in key staff, most notably CSM Hopkins handing over his august office to WO2 Catherwood in late spring. CSM Hopkins navigated
the coy through challenging times and he will forever hold the thanks of Grenadier Coy for providing an excellent example
to the coy as the senior soldier. We have been very fortunate to welcome back CSM Catherwood from the Infantry Battle School
to Grenadier Coy and he has quickly made his presence felt as we prepare to deploy back to Kenya and for the challenges we will face as a Coy in 2016. CSgt Williams has moved onto pastures new and his support to the coy training during 2014/15 made many challenges, not least a 14 vehicle move across Eastern Europe, very painless. The new look Coy HQ has been completed by Lt Randall who has joined us as Coy Second in Command from the first battalion and he is looking forward to dusting off his tabbing kit after spending so much time in a vehicle.
CSM Hopkins navigated the coy through challenging times
In March it was with great sadness that the Coy learned of the death of Pte Dean Cauldley who lost his long battle with illness. A bearer party from the company gave
Pte Cauldley, a proud Grenadier, a fitting farewell. Pte Cauldley encapsulated all of the qualities we try so hard to instil in young Pte soldiers and as such, in his memory the winner of best ‘Private Soldier Competition’ run annually will be awarded the Pte Cauldley trophy.
It was my great privilege to take command of A (Grenadier) Coy in late
2014 and my initial impressions of a hard- working, high quality, cheerful group of soldiers has been strengthened throughout the year. It has been my intent to forge a coy ethos predicated on three tenets; fun, style and excellence. Surprisingly fun has proved a difficult facet to capture at all times which is where the benefits of Adventurous Training and the soldier’s persistent sense
of humour have been so gratefully received. The approach of the Grenadier soldiers, Junior Commanders, SNCO and Officers to whatever task at whatever notice has been put in front of them has been a humbling experience. Whatever challenges have been put in front of the men of Grenadier Coy have been eaten alive. The Grenadiers are in rude health and relishing the prospect of an arduous Kenya exercise alongside the remainder of the battalion.
1 Platoon - Keeping Army in the Public Eye (KAPE) Tours Private Hibbert
Throughout Autumn and Winter 2014/2015 A (Grenadier) Company conducted 13 marches across the recruiting
area. With the rest of the rifle companies in Cyprus, it fell to Grenadier Company to carry out the Battalion’s KAPE tours.
This included marching through Lichfield, Derby, Leek, Chester, Mansfield, Widnes, Runcorn and Worcester. The marches gave us a good chance to interact with the public and show ourselves in a different light. Derby was one of the highlights, as after the march we got the chance to try some of the local ales and luckily a decent amount of food was provided. Private Derby was also present throughout and led us through the towns and cities we visited.
For a family regiment like The Mercian Regiment, it also gave us a chance to visit our home towns and the soldiers’ families to see them in uniform. Overall the KAPE tours provide a good way for us to keep up good relations with the public and show ourselves off. It was very humbling to see the numbers of people who turned out in fairly inclement weather to show their support; having
hundreds of people clapping and cheering as you walk through the streets is a great reminder of the support that is back home when we are working all over the world.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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