Page 87 - KRH Regimental Journal 2022

A Hawk in Edinburgh
”The proper drinking of Scotch whisky is more than indulgence; it is a toast to a civilisation, a tribute to the continuity of culture, a manifesto of man’s determination to use the resources of nature to refresh mind and body and enjoy to the full the senses with which he has been endowed.” David Daiches
Departing from Regimental Duty and moving to pastures new, I was unsure exactly what to expect as I assumed the post of Adjutant of the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry (SNIY) in September 2021. Since then, the time has passed in a whirlwind of activity in the field, in the office, on the parade square and in the Palace!
Having moved north to join the Regimental Headquarters team based in Redford Barracks, Edinburgh, week one in the job turned out to be a baptism of fire as the Regiment assembled for its Annual Deployment Exercise (ADE) in Magilligan Camp, Northern Ireland. With four squadrons spread across Northern Ireland and Scotland, it is rare for the Regiment to assemble and train in one location. It was the perfect opportunity for me to meet the Army Reservists, learn their language and understand the difference between a regular armoured battlegroup and a reserve, light cavalry regiment.
The Army Reservists that I have got to know and cherish over my time with the SNIY are hugely committed, proud of their role and generous with their time. I have learnt that our volunteers are an entirely different breed to their regular counterpart; a lighter touch is recommended, gentle persuasion is always preferable to compulsion and the pull factors of service must always be made to outweigh the push. After all, everything is optional, including CBRN training!
Setting the table was emotional!
There are certain peculiarities about being a regular officer in the SNIY. Firstly and most importantly, as the most junior regular officer in the Regiment my days of Orderly Officer and Christmas cards are not behind me! There are only three regular officers and a further three warrant officers in the Regiment and so the trawls from brigade and divisional headquarters can come thick and fast. As an Adjutant, it is a peculiar challenge to work for a Commanding Officer who is not only a senior teacher within a large secondary school during the day, but also lives 200 miles away from Regimental Headquarters. It is a testament to his dedication, and that of all the Reservists in the Regiment, that so much has been achieved and there is a hunger to take the Regiment further.
The Regimental Journal of The King’s Royal Hussars 85
When the Adjutant is let out of the office...