Page 53 - RSDG Year of 2023

EAGLE AND CARBINE 51
CATERING DEPARTMENT
SSgt R Lumsden
2023 has been a crowning year for SCOTS DG Catering Department in support of 7X Trawls, Regimental commitments, and unit activity. Establishing the depart- ment’s professional effectiveness across Brigade and at Unit level.
Cpl Suguta (Knoxy) was the first out the door returning from a 6-month tour in the Falklands. Deployed on a Sgt’s PID Knoxy delivered beyond the level expected of him & in his own way. (Very slowly with little momentum) Concurrently Sgt “Red”, LCpl’s Si & Pablo with the recently transferred failed infanteer Pte “Piles” Childs provided feeding at Kirkcudbright Training area in support of squadron ranges.
Cpl “Scotty” Gray deployed as the head chef to support the Op NEWCOMBE ROTO 5 Third Location Decompression (TLD) in Feb - Mar 23. Cooking food to an incredibly high standard. Feedback received from returning SP was most complimentary with many stating it was the best catering they had received whilst in the Army! Which came as no surprise to hear... a true ambassador to the trade and the last of the old school full screw.
Led by the very popular irreplaceable Sgt Rosie, LCpl Si & Pte Theu deployed to Germany providing feeding to ASQN over a live firing EX. Proactive with an infectious work ethic, Rosie demonstrated to her subordinates the commitment required in delivering the highest standards. Her enthusiasm and planning foresight were very evident in providing quality food that made the soldiers genuinely happy to be deployed.
Haven comfortably completed his Apprenticeship and upgraded to a Production Chef Level 2. Pte Theu went out on his first independent tasking. Deployed to Cyprus with 5SCOTS on Ex KRONOS HUNTER he was commended
for providing high quality food throughout, “a great part of the team who delivered to a high standard. I would happily have him again”.
Rosie an active member of the Fijian Support Network (FSN) helped organise a diversity and inclusion event (Bula Festival 2023) a Youth Day and a multi faith day at Aldershot Garrison in Aug 23. The aim of the day is to celebrate diversity by bringing together Service communities, veterans, their families, and local communities through cultural exposition whilst celebrating the Fijian contribution to Defence and the UK. The success of the food safety element of the festival can be attributed to Rosie’s dedication and diligence. Her work reflects the values of our army, particularly our commitment to excellence and dedication to serving our community in various capacities. Her commitment to wider interests of 7X, Corps and service are commendable.
LCpl Si “The department muscle” represented SCOTS DG as part of the British Army Warrior Fitness team on three separate occasions this year achieving a first-place finish in the Scottish division. Si with the QMSI also competed in the northeast fitness games finishing second overall. Aside his physical prowess Si showcases the key attributes of a successful RLC chef. A leader, inspired, diligent and has a good sense of humour who lets his food do the talking. Continually praised for his exemplary conduct and passionate dedication he was nominated as Army Chef of the year.
To honour the Duke of Kent’s visit to SCOTS DG, SSgt Lumsden didn’t need much convincing to deliver within his pretentious cooking comfort zone. The self-confessed “best chef Tri-service” also mustered the energy to compete in the Edinburgh half marathon in the coming days and raised £600 Alzheimer’s society.
The year culminated with Exercise WESSEX STORM 2/23. This became the flagship event of the year never without its planning oversight, but we get there somehow in the end. Establishing a field kitchen out of Avon compound the team were responsible for providing catering support to 400 SP over a 2-month period. Away from the constraints of contract catering this set the scene for Old School “proper” Army cooking. In austere conditions the team produced food that would rival any top restaurant and cemented their reputation as the best the trade has to offer.