Page 31 - QDG 2023

soldiers at QDG.
It’s worth reflecting on how busy QDG
are. The Regiment is as busy as it has been over the 24 years the QM(A) has known it. From when he was a Tpr turning up at the gates in Catterick in Jan 2000 when most of the Regiment were in Kosovo, followed by busy years with deploy- ments all over the world – Bosnia, Turkey, Norway, Ireland, Canada, Germany, Iraq, Afghanistan, Kenya, Kuwait, Mali, Sierra Lion, Singapore, Poland, America to name those he can remember. How busy we are isn’t new but how small we are compared to the early 2000s is. QDG has never been an ‘in camp Regiment.’ It’s a unit that thrives on deployments. The QMs’ departments and the wider HQ Sqn are here to support these tasks and the soldiers deploying on them.
The departments support all these tasks whilst maintaining the camp and working with DIO, ESS and VIVO team
to try and make living in Robertson Barracks comfortable. 2023 has seen: upgrades to accommodation blocks with water pressure and cookers in some kitchens; a new layout to the front of camp which has separated the SFA from working camp and SLA; upgrades to the old central heating main (even though it still isn’t on in the JRM...); and upgrades to the power cabling around camp from the 1930s system; site wide free internet (thanks to the RSO and BSM). There is more in the pipeline for 2024 (hopefully heating in the JRM).
2024’s look forward is more of the same. Just hopefully without any tornados and
with the gaps for key roles filled.
MH
Light Support Detachment
A short note from the stand in RLD Comd Cpl Steve Thurston - 2023 has been a busy year for the LSD Department. With the departure of the previous LSD Commander SSgt Gurung on posting Cpl Thurston has seen this as an opportunity to fill the spot of the LSD Commander while managing the units spares account. Pte Limbu successfully deployed to Germany to support A Sqn on Exercise SABER JUNCTION. Throughout the year the LSD team have successfully supported all the unit deploy- ments mainly from RBSM. The year ended with a big congratula- tions to LCpl Gurung on the birth of his baby daughter, who was born the beginning of December.
ST
1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards 29
MT
As QDG MT emerges from a hectic 2022 it leaps directly into a frantic and relentless 2023!
January 2023 saw MT deploy once again, this time to the milder climes of Texas to support 3 Div on Exercise WARFIGHTER. This Divisional planning exercise saw Troops from C Sqn and HQ Sqn deploy as RLS partnered with 1 DSR.
MT managed the vast fleet of hire vehicles to enable multiple meetings, visits and PX runs for the divisional staff. All told the division utilised 60 civilian hire vehicles ranging from Chevrolet pickups to supercharged Dodge Rams! Expertly executed by Sgt Maj ‘Sky’ Korovulavula and Cpl Mather. In addition, the UST Operators kept 147 individual vehicles and generators topped up and in the fight.
Over the course of the 5-month deployment QDG MT procured, managed, and deliv- ered 300,000 litres of fuel: all the while dealing with the Divisional Staff’s mental vehicle requests. Despite the traditional demands of a deployed MT the biggest challenge posed was moving and installing a PT trailer, designed to make it as difficult as possible to move and lift; it still gives the MTO nightmares to this day.
Texas offered those deployed a chance to escape the confines of the camp and explore and enjoy the very best America has to offer...Texas BBQ. Several cows and chickens were eaten to keep MT going!
The return on the MT depart- ment was no less frenetic; a relentless round of inspections and audits faced the team. Thankfully, Sgt Powell had kept the home fires burning within the department and the inspections were passed and put to bed...for another 6 months at least!
As ever the department’s assistance was required to help the Sabre Squadrons’ deploy- ments throughout the globe: SCORPION CYCLONE in Salis- bury, SABER JUNCTION in Germany, and DIAMONDBACK in the USA. From moving the Soldiers to freighting their equip- ment, QDG MT has played their part in projecting QDG around the world.
MT faces have changed throughout the year due to postings and leaving the services. MT has gained Mr Ewbank who has come in as MTWO to the utter delight of the MTO who can now finally enjoy a weekend of peace and quiet. SSgt Korovulavula promoted and is now the MT Sgt Major, keeping the new lads fully in check. LCpl Ian Owen remains an MT stalwart, deploying with A Sqn on Op CABRIT 14 as their UST operator. Cpl Mather has now taken up the helm as white fleet NCO. He has discovered the optimum red bull intake and continues to smoke like a 1940s Trooper.
Cpl Thomas has joined us from the Training Wing and continues to claim he is the hardest working man in NATO, despite sleeping 23 hours a day... An honourable mention to LCpl Murphy as he leaves the Army; his dedication to juggling the white fleet desk and not committing murder for late 1000s has been admirable. LCpl Scott has re-joined QDG after a stint on Civvy Street and a few dark years in the MPGS, he has seen the light and finally realised guard duty is grim. Tpr Hudson continues to terrify the Swanton Morley locals with his driving; he is now a pro a 125 point turns in the middle of the sleepy village.
2024 will no doubt provide sufficient headaches for MT and those who work behind the scenes to keep QDG moving and fighting.
RH