Page 38 - KRH Regimental Journal 2022

36 The Regimental Journal of The King’s Royal Hussars
Quartermaster (Technical)
Following on from the successes within the training pipe- line, and cumulating in IRON STORM, the department set its sights on 2022 and all it would bring. With the Battlegroup
proven and now tagged as the Lead Armoured Battlegroup (LABG) a shift in focus to Germany was necessary. The fleet located in Monchengladbach would be our readiness fleet and would require a crimson touch to ensure it met the standard in the event it should ever be deployed.
What followed was a deployment on mass, led by the QM(T) and his team, to conduct platform assurance and hand over/take over. For many of those KRH soldiers this was the first opportunity they had had to enjoy the many delights that Germany has to offer. During the four weeks over 200 platforms were checked and stored under the watchful eye of SSgt ‘Gav’ Harrison the current Regimental Fleet Manager. His diligence during this period was commendable, ably supported by LCpl ‘Matty’ Way, who demon- strated capacity well beyond his rank. This writer remains grate- ful for their efforts and notes that without the selfless commit- ment demonstrated by these individuals the task simply wouldn’t have been achievable in the given timeline.
Meanwhile the home bank was headed up by the RQMS(T) WO2 ‘Chris’ Brown, who was tasked to keep the department ticking over and start developing the equipment requirements for EX DEFENDER. This was an exciting deployment that would see the Battle Group in Poland as part of a multi-national effort requiring equipment to be drawn from multiple locations and delivered to the training area of DRAWSKO PORMORSKI.
The logistical requirements were daunting, on the home bank it would be necessary to draw platforms from all over the UK, culminate at Marchwood prior to shipping to Poland and then conduct a road move to the training area. In Germany, platforms would be broken out from Monchengladbach and Sennelager and moved via civilian HET direct to the Polish training area. All this conducted simultaneously in the calm manner associated with the hawks.
On arrival in Poland the department quickly configured as A2 Echelon and began the business of supporting the deployed BG in a tactical manner. As a department we don’t get to do this enough and yet it never fails to surprise me at how well our sol- diers work tirelessly to ensure the BG gets everything it requires. ASM WO1 ‘Adam’ Henson once again demonstrated a remark- able ability to prioritise guns front. His ability to resource the unavailable, recover the unrecoverable and repair in a timely manner is a pleasure to observe. It was also during this exercise that WO2 ‘Chris’ Brown realised the opportunities related to G4
(Left) The Fleet Manager checks his... keys. (Right) RQ Tech demonstrates a safe pair of hands.
(Left) Does the RQ issue sun cream? (Right) Tpr Worth (aka the OpsO) gets a gonk on
in the deployed role, his expertise regarding the inner workings of the Box body is testament to this.
Clearly the department still had the responsibility of getting the BG back home which led to a virtually carbon copy of the deployment albeit in the opposite direction. WO2 ‘Chris’ Brown and WO2 ‘Joel’ Thorpe volunteering to close the door in Poland ensuring that our soldiers and equipment leave in good order. Additional praise should be given to Cpl Johnson who demon- strated a recce like ability to move himself and his kit to the UK well ahead of everyone else without anyone finding out, a remark- able feat.
With all kit and equipment handed back it was back to the UK for some well-earned leave prior to the culmination of all this training.
OP CABRIT is a six-month deployment into eastern Estonia as the enhanced Force Presence Battlegroup (eFP BG). A tank heavy deployment with thirty Challenger 2 from the British and fourteen Leopards from the Danish. Complimented by the usual Recce and Comd Troops in addition to MRW capability carrying an array of Javelin posts from the Scots Guards and a French Infantry Company. Behind that a significant Artillery and Engineer capability commanded at a much lower level than doctrine traditionally dictates. All in, a significant capability in support of NATO.
Further complicated by ECW (extreme cold weather) condi- tions which required a complete issue of clothing suitable for the deployed environment. This included coveted Carinthia HIG 4.0 jackets and trousers which the BG soldiers were fortunate enough to be loaned prior to the culminating exercise. In addition, three different types of Outdoor research gloves, Keela Sentinel jackets, skull caps, head overs and balaclavas, Yeti gaiters and Carinthia tent boots. All used to supplement the better than adequate exist- ing cold weather issue, it was a pleasure to see our soldiers so well prepared for the harsh conditions.
At the time of writing this article the Dept are four months into the tour and I couldn’t be any prouder of how well the team have supported the eFP BG. An ‘open door’ policy for everyone and a seven day a week mentality has meant that, no matter what the ask, the team have provided. One particular person worthy of mention is Pte Tripe, selected to promote during the tour and a volunteer to remain at the KRH. This soldier has worked his socks off and his work ethic is admirable. One to watch in the future and the RLC are very lucky to have him.
We look forward to preparing the BG for hand over to the QRH
followed by a well-deserved post operational tour leave.
SH