Page 15 - RSDG Year of 2023

Finally, the key event of the year for both the Sqn and wider Regiment, was Ex WESSEX STORM 2/23. Deploying a full sabre squadron (including 21 Jackal/Coyote variants and supporting vehicles), we set off in late October. Through several named storms, hideously challenging terrain, long weeks in the field, and even longer nights in wet OPs, A Sqn performed superbly. Covert recce skills (sharpened through RSM evasion on pizza smuggling operations), ingenuity, and mounted manoeuvre were consistently praised by the observer mentor team. Specific mention was made of ‘exceptional’ attitude, extremely impressive understanding of intent at crew commander level, and a widespread culture of experimentation – all hallmarks of a strong RAC recce squadron and reflection of the hard graft put in by every member of A Sqn through a demanding year.
Sadly, we lose two stalwarts of the Squadron permanently at the end of the year; both leave regular service for pastures new. Our long-serving/suffering stores corporal
Cpl ‘Kula’ Buakula departs for the MPGS, and Capt Luke Lambert is London-bound to seek his fortune (and a steady girlfriend). The whole squadron is immensely grateful for their time with us, and we wish them both all the best for the future.
To end on a positive note, in addition to the achievements set out above, members of the Squadron have received two GOC’s commendations, several brigade commander’s commendations, and swept to a dominant victory in the Moncreiff Shield under Sqn Sports Captain Cpl ‘Jamesy’ Bell. We are now the first squadron onto VJTF(L) high readiness (48hrs notice to move), with a multinational NATO deployment to Poland as the vanguard of the ‘Desert Rats’ in the offing. By any measure, this has been an exceptional year of hard work and remarkable achievement, both at home and abroad. A Sqn remains ‘second to none’.
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