Page 145 - RSDG Year of 2023

OP SCEPTRE
Lt F Jeffries
As some readers may have witnessed on TV or in person, on the 5 July 2023 His Majesty The King received the Scottish Crown Jewels, also known as the Honours of Scotland, at St Gile’s Cathedral in Edinburgh. Sharp eyed viewers might have seen several members of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, both mounted and dismounted, taking part in the parade known as Operation SCEPTRE.
Preparations kicked off with months before, with Capt Humphries, Capt Cooper, WO2 Kyle and Cpl McClean completing an assessment with the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in Knightsbridge. Lt Baker Creswell and I had the dismounted duties of Marshalls to the People’s Procession, and after working out how to juggle a sword, radio, and baton we were set. Additional soldiers from B Squadron were to line the route as marshals and stretcher bearers.
Rehearsals began two weeks prior to the event, based at Redford Barracks, and concluded with a surreal overnight dress rehearsal along the streets of Edinburgh stepping off from Edinburgh Castle at midnight and proceeding down the Royal Mile.
As our resident horse whisperer, Lt Baker Creswell also found himself a new role assisting with the parading of the greys. On the big day we were all set with bearskins adorned, and the parade went seamlessly. It was quite the sight to behold. Four fine greys, Monarch, Prince, Duke and Regent were generously provided by Tower Farm Stables, who have been supporting the regiment since returning from Germany in 2016. Without the hard work and continued support of Debbie Henderson and her team, such events would not be possible.
EAGLE AND CARBINE 143
OP INTERFLEX
Lt P Myburgh
This year saw Soldiers and Officers from SCOTS DG deploy to Cumbria and North Yorkshire to support 1PWRR on Op INTERFLEX, delivering training to recruits from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. With Cpl’s Simpson and A’Hara deploying to Warcop attached to A Coy 1PWRR, and Sgt’s Hutchinson, Tipling and Cpl Owen to Wathgill attached to B Coy 1PWRR, SCOTS DG were able to provide a wealth of military experience where the Army requires it most.
The team proved themselves indispensable as reconnaissance SME’s, helping deliver a five-week course to Ukrainians who arrive as civilians and then go on to either specialise or fight on the front line.
Despite the challenges and differences that often arise in joint operations, they effortlessly became an indispensable part of their respective teams. Their willingness to learn from and teach others, coupled with their distinctive cavalry demeanour greatly enhanced the overall effectiveness of the training delivery unit.
The deployment provided positive exposure for not only those involved but for SCOTS DG to the wider army, the team instantly incorporated themselves with at first apprehensive 1PWRR, adding value at every corner. The impact this instruction had on those who require it more than any other cannot be understated and the team should be proud of the hard work they put in.
Mounted Contingent
Capt A Humphries (Mtd Tp Ldr) Capt J Cooper WO2 F Kyle
Cpl McLean
Marching Contingent
Lt T Baker-Cresswell Lt F Jeffries