Page 70 - MERCIAN Eagle 2015

QM (M) Maj K Lincoln QM (T) Capt J Clayton RQMS (T) WO2 Kennedy RQMS (M) WO2 Vezza
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Quartermasters Department Major K A Lincoln
Time, where does it go? During a relatively stable period following OP TOSCA, the QM’s Department have reorganized and have had some time in barracks for the
first time in a long while. This allowed the dept to focus on the ECI and LSI, ensuring that the battalion achieved a ‘green’ on both inspections; no mean feat to achieve and a credit to the dept and the hard work invested into ensuring that the battalion is in good order.
The dept has been split for most of
the year, with the deployment to OP TOSCA; Maj Lincoln deployed as OC Support Coy and WO2 Cox deployed as RQMS, the team also consisted of Cpl Williams and Pte Jones attached from CIS Platoon. Those members of the dept who deployed, conducted Adventure Training in a challenging environment and enjoyed
the delights of Cyprus on a winter tour; the coldest in 30 years.
The dept has also managed in this busy period to have a sports afternoon and have a track day taking part in Go Kart racing. CSgt Roddis and SSgt Jamieson proved that the oldies still had the skills to beat the young boy racers around the circuit.
Despite the busy programme ensuring the companies are provided with whatever they require to conduct training, the
QMs’ Dept has had major changes in its manning, and have had to make a number of changes with promotions and posting
of people within the battalion. These include; WO2 Cox promoted to WO1 RSM 4 MERCIAN, WO2 Cooke promoted to WO1 RSM Birmingham UOTC, and posted into the dept are Capt Clayton as QM(T),
WO2 (RQMS) Kennedy as RQMS (T) and WO2 (RQMS) Vezza as RQMS (M).
A number of significant events have also taken place within the department; congratulations go to Cpl Williams on
the birth of his baby daughter Kyrie, born on 28th December 14, and also for his promotion to Sergeant, and LCpl Gurung on his promotion to Cpl.
Finally; it is with sadness that I report
the death of Pte Alex Jones RLC part of
the 2 MERCIAN First Line Optimisation Team, who died on the 28 July 15 in tragic circumstances. He will be sorely missed and our condolences go out to his family.
Despite a busy year, the LAD has been able to enjoy social activities – Esprit de Corps. The LAD has also represented the battalion at some sports, including Downhill Biking and Football. Cfn Whyte has excelled by representing the REME and Army at Rugby League.
The team continue to supply an outstanding service for the battalion’s high demand for well-maintained equipment. Next year the LAD will pick up where it left off continuing to work at the fast pace that only REME know best.
Light Aid Detachment 2014/15 Lance Corporal Jones
There has been plenty of changes in the past 12 months since 2 MERCIAN arrived at the Dale. The drawdown of manpower and an increase of exercise and deployments have seen the department stretched to
its limits. The LAD have seen a constant change to the vehicle fleet with the CAST of 4t DAF and gaining Quad Bikes and MAN SV. Early next year the battalion will inherit
a large number of vehicles to support future exercises and deployments.
In January 2015, LCpl Jones, Cfn Leary and Cfn Whyte headed up by Cpl Dufley deployed on Ex ASKARI STORM as COEFOR, attached to Dragon Company. There were various roles for the LAD team
some of them even deployed outside of their trade taking them well out of their comfort zones, especially when they had to conduct Infantry foot soldier chores. This deployment has given the junior tradesmen an insight into what to expect in October 15 when the Battlegroup deploy on ASKARI STORM.
In March the battalion conducted a pre- cadre for the Privates and Lance Corporals at Otterburn (OTC). 3 Tradesmen deployed to ensure Equipment Care was being carried out to a high standard. Whilst at OTC they also assisted in daily tasks with the Divisional Training Team.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE