Page 53 - Mercian Eagle 2013

as coaching the NI Squad. His regular involvement in his sport
is to be commended, particularly working in such a busy Infantry Battalion. He currently holds the position of Assistant Coach within the Northern Ireland National Squad, Assistant Army ITF Tae Kwon Do Team Coach, and Treasurer of the Army Martial Arts Association (AMAA) for which he should also be commended.
Cpl Masters, A Coy HRS is another greatly talented individual. Representing the Corps, Army, Combined services and Northern Ireland in Netball, Cpl Masters is quite the athlete. Her involvement in her sport saw her achieve second place in the AGC Sports Personality of the Year award, which is a true accolade considering the sporting talent across the Corps. She is also hoping to represent Northern Ireland in the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.
REME LAD
The past year has seen members of the Light Aid Detachment (LAD) deploy to far off exotic places, all right, then the Falklands and Afghanistan. With the majority of
the LAD in these locations, it was left to a hardy bunch to remain in Palace Barracks and carry on with supporting the Battalion. Below is an account by LAD members on their little holiday away.
OP HERRICK RSOI
On hearing that we were to deploy on
Op Herrick RSOI as the fitter section, the following months were spent completing as many equipment competencies as possible. In true REME fashion we took it in our stride and were well prepared for what was to follow.
Once in theatre, we completed our five day RSOI package and were given the
keys to the compound that we would
be working from. With the original fleet
size being manageable we settled in to a routine of inspecting and getting the fleet
up to standard. With our Armourers also inspecting the heavy weapons plus covering all ranges in Bastion, LCpl Bloomer and Cfn Seldon were kept extremely busy. Once
2013 saw the 2 MERCIAN Detachment submit teams into both the Military Skills and March and Shoot events. Sadly, due to last minute injuries (the Det Comd playing with motorbikes) we were
only able to compete in the Military Skills event. The RAO, Cpl Parkinson, LCpl Brown and LCpl Gibson did the Det and Battalion proud, finishing 14th out of 32 teams, coming second in the Brigade, and more importantly beating 2 RIFLES. The following day, and a few sore heads following the post Triple Crown BBQ, the Detachment headed into London to visit the Royal Hospital Chelsea as well as the National Army Museum (see photograph opposite). The day was far from over after the museum visit, as the RAO had organised tickets to see a circus act on the South Bank, which was a great finish to an excellent few days away from camp.
Working round the clock we somehow managed to maintain an average availability throughout the tour of 91%.
the initial inspection was completed, the MT fleet increased to 85 pieces of equipment. The fleet for which we were responsible
was heavily used throughout for the training of Brigade personnel. Working round the clock we somehow managed to maintain an average availability throughout the tour of 91%. This didn’t come easy with the loss of Cfn Hillen who was CASEVACed, leaving just the three Vehicle Mechanics (VM) for the ever-growing vehicle fleet.
We held it together and finally the time came to hand the vehicles back. Fate being the cruel mistress that she is, we were told that the vast majority of our fleet would be going for redeployment to the UK. These vehicles had to be to the highest possible standard JAMES fully fit, with all work completed.
LAD TEAMBUILDING
Whilst the Battalion were being presented with the new Regimental Colours, the LAD took the chance to get away from the shopfloor and have some fun. This was
a two day package organised by SSgt Applegarth and Sgt Glass.
The first day saw the LAD travel all of 15 miles to Newtownards Sailing Club. First, we all tried paddle boarding. Initially this proceeded with much hilarity with most of us falling into the sea, the exception being SSgt Applegarth, much to the frustration
of the others! However, with much determination and after several lung-fulls
of sea water, we found our sea legs. Once SSgt Applegarth had fallen in, (okay got knocked off), it was time for a tour of the lough shore by powerboat. On return to the sailing club, the BBQ was lit and the more culinary minded of us remained behind to cook lunch. The rest of us headed back out in the power boat, we were each allowed to have a “Crockett and Tubbs” moment!
The second day tested all members
of the LAD’s nerve. We travelled across Northern Ireland to the “Jungle” near Moneymore. We spent the day “tree- treking”: to the less adventurous, this involves swinging through the trees jumping from one platform to another; 25ft up of course! To finish and return to terra firm, all that was required was a simple fan jump, from 30 ft of course! All completed this jump with encouragement or a push!
The LAD is now looking forward to deploying on Exercise Askari Storm. The new year will see the LAD come under the command of 1 Scots as 2 MERCIAN move to Chester. It will be sad to say farewell
to all the friends we have made within
the Mercian family, and we wish all every success in the future.
Cpl Evans, Fitches, LCpl Smith and Hill looking on in disbelief.
Just a small fall!
Cfn Seldon showing how to do it.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
51