Page 58 - MERCIAN Eagle 2019

MT Platoon
Capt Tony Mason
This year saw the MT Platoon support Op TIMBERN, deliver PDT, deploy on several CT2 exercises as well as support 2 large OTXs.
In early January, the battalion became responsible for delivering Op TIMBERN, an operation heavily dependent on vehicles. With an ever-depleting vehicle fleet Cpl Matt Farr, as the green fleet manager, continuously worked his magic by rotating vehicles through the various sites so that the companies were suitably supported to deliver their missions. This was no mean feat with a very old and tired Land Rover fleet. In addition, this came with a large training demand delivered by Cpl Pete Parker and Cpl Darren Kilby, assisted by
the remainder of the platoon.
As several iterations of Ex AETOS FURY
rolled out the door, the MT deployed supporting the companies and the transport plan. This allowed the platoon to remain CT2 competent throughout
the year. In March, LCpl Luke Mills deployed with Kohima Coy to Canada and LCpl Paul Wragg deployed to Kuwait in November with Malta Coy.
The driver training wing have
been relentless in delivering license opportunities, with a full-time program, Cat B, Cat C, C+E are delivered on a monthly basis and to a 100% pass rate. LCpl Freddie Smith continues in the background with green fleet conversions
Cpl Darren Kilby, teaching
assisted recovery on
Op TIMBERN PDT, Episkopi, Mar 19
and GS Cadres.
Finally, in August, the platoon bid
farewell to the ‘Daddy’ of the MT, CSgt Stevie Banks. Stevie, now serving with 4 MERCIAN, finished coloured service as the MTWO, in a platoon he dearly loved, and we wish him all the very best. CSgt ‘Shirty’ Shirton soon filled the boots of MTWO as the platoon move forward to supporting the RST task in January 20.
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OC: Maj Baz Mitchell
CSM: WO2 Lee Hollingworth CQMS Team: CSgt Gareth Rigley,
Cpl Tunisau and
LCpl Brood Company HR: LCpl McGeown and
LCpl Goffin
HQ (Eagle) Company
Maj Baz Mitchell
I was posted back to 2 MERCIAN on
April 1st after 10 years away from the Battalion and I have been amazed by just how busy the Battalion is and continues to be. This year has been mainly focused by either mandated external inspections, training and deployment on Op TIMBERN. It has been an exceptionally busy period for the company, delivering the support and sustainment that the battalion has become accustomed to and this is purely down to the hard work and dedication of all members of HQ Company who have shown a great sense of commitment and dedication to the 2 MERCIAN cause.
Support to training continues, we had soldiers supporting Ex AETOS FURY here in Cyprus on numerous occasions which is a CT 2 exercise, OTXs’ in Canada (Ex MAPLE RESOLVE) with C Company and we currently have soldiers deployed in Kuwait (Ex DESERT WARRIOR) with B Company. We will also have members of the Company deployed with A Company in Jordan in the new year on Ex OLIVE GROVE.
One of the major opportunities that Cyprus has offered is the many chances to participate in both sports and adventurous training activities ranging from football, rugby, boxing and Athletics, Road Biking/Triathlon and of course the varied opportunities for water sports including
the growing sport of kite surfing, of which we will be sending an expedition to Egypt in 2020. HQ Company have made the most of what the island has to offer and
will continue to plan further sporting and adventure training activity throughout 2020.
As this year draws to a close, we can reflect on a year of frenetic activity where the Company has received multiple missions and tasks with often conflicting priorities, however all have been completed
to the highest standards and this is a testimony to the professionalism of all those serving in HQ Company.
The future continues to be hectic, supporting the remainder of the Battalion on the taskings and deployments, with the FOE quickly filling up for our pending move to Weeton Barracks.
Capt Phil Anderson (Adjt) WO2 (AQMS) Watkinson, Sgt Jones (SPS) & Pte Thapa Magar (RLC Chef). Log race in Salamanca barracks as part of the Super 6’s Champion Company event, Oct 2019.
As we look forward into 2020, we continue our preparation for the upcoming task of being the Regional Stand-by Battalion (RSB) and in the background we will be continuing to plan and execute our Arms Plot move to Weeton Barracks next summer.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE