Page 87 - Light Dragoons 2022 CREST

Capt Turner takes the mess fish for a night in Durham
Norway...; Capt Elliot Black, who greatly enjoyed being C Sqn’s Observor Mentor on Ex Wessex Storm, perhaps not reciprocal...
Following the end of summer leave and post tour leave, the Mess came back together under our new CO, Lt Col Jon Harris, and three new Sqn Ldrs; Majs Thirlaway, Bullock, and Freeman, who also took on the role of PMC. The Regiment’s focus became fully aimed towards readying itself for the LD Battle Group readiness validation on Salisbury Plain - Ex Wessex Storm - in February 2022. This did not stop us from celebrating two of our most prestigious battle honours. Firstly, the bat- tle of Assaye, where we hosted 4 SCOTS to celebrate this battle honour we both share. Not long after followed the Balaclava cel- ebrations, which were relatively harmoni- ous, surprisingly, although Lt Riall was discovered, after posted AWOL, kindly being hosted by the JNCOs’ mess for an extended period. The festivities were aided by a cellar freshly stocked with Pol Roger, which had been distinctly lacking as a result of COVID. Perhaps the most distressing effect of Brexit has been the
Capt Norton steps in for the Adj
regulatory change which has had danger- ous ramifications on our ability to import Pol Roger cheaply from Epernay.
In the lead up to Christmas, we were hosted by the Sgts’ Mess, and held our own Christmas Ball. Organised by Capt Norton, this was without doubt the best Christmas Ball in recent times. The Mess was trans- formed into a Winter Wonderland and has set a very high bar for whoever takes it on next year. In the New Year Maj Charlie Dunn QOY and his family invited the mess to their home in Northumberland for a day’s shooting. This was a fabulous day out and very generous of Maj Dunn, host- ing the Mess in its entirety and providing us with delicious food and drink through- out. This was a first for several Mess mem- bers, as well as the RSM, and it was great to see them all being successful in connecting with their first bird before learning how to pluck and prepare them for cooking.
Throughout the year, Mess members have continued to engage in their own pursuits and sporting activities contributing to the buzz and busy feel within the Mess. A par-
2Lt Erksine turning spanners
Lt Riall finds his true self
ticular mention should go to Lt Innes and Lt Elkington for representing the RAC at cross-country and rugby respectively. Also, to Lt Riall who represented the Regiment at the RAC’s boxing championships and fought valiantly only to succumb to a nar- row (and arguably disputed) points deci- sion after three rounds (editor’s note – the author of this article, happens to be the vanquished boxer who clearly suffered from concussion induced memory loss as a result of the one-sided victory!).
As always, the Mess owes a huge debt of gratitude to the enormous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes by the Mess staff. The Mess would not be able to function if not for Fran, Abby, Becks, Christine and the rest of the team. We are hugely fortunate to have them in the Mess. We also say thanks to the outgoing Mess Sergeant Major, SSgt Robertson, who has arguably one of the most difficult jobs in the Regiment; keeping the subalterns in line, in between his work as Ops Warrant Officer. We wish his successor, SSgt Brewer, the very best of luck!
HF
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Lt Elkington takes a break from church rubbing to visit a local farm shop
Lt McDonald begins campaigning early, one beach at a time
Capt Rudd looks to the future
Lt’s Ellis and Griffiths take a mid PO visit nap
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