Page 96 - QDG 2023

94 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
The Royal Yeomanry
The Royal Yeomanry’s year has been characterised by the ever-increasing set of demands, opportunities and pace of work that has been the feature of recent years in the Army Reserve light cavalry. Our resubordination to 3 (UK) Div and 1DRS alongside the QDG has produced more clarity in our operating concept and role, which over the course of this year has played through into our training focus. Our six squadrons and band are spread across the midlands and south of England but we train together as a unit regularly, and where possible alongside the QDG as our sister regiment. This year has seen joint training across trade courses as well as on exercise, as well as our ongoing contributions to QDG oper- ations and taskings.
The first half of the year was mandated for Squadron-led distributed training. The difficulties with access to and training on Jackal dictate that our mounted close combat training is mostly conducted on Jackal 2 (Res) or as it is also known, the GS Land Rover. Despite the difficulties of training on Jackal, troops were able to practice their tactical movement in the
various snakes, command and control at reach in broken country, and reaction to enemy contact perfectly well throughout this period. Ultimately, the
the only HMTV-mounted force element on the entirety of Salisbury Plain, as well as providing dismounts to the RL Warri-
pressure on platforms means that the RY are experts in ‘bicycle training,’ applying our MCC skills on any platform. When we support operations we must be platform-ag- nostic, and our training must, and does, reflect this.
The ceremonial is an element of military life not often encountered in the Reserve. But contributing a marching contingent and guidon party to Op GOLDEN ORB was a timely reminder of how the Army can be perceived in the wider public realm, as well as a chance for the RSM and Senior Yeoman to really earn their keep.
April 2024 will find us on solid footing to meet the challenges that will no doubt be leveled at us throughout the year.
or-mounted callsigns and IAs to the QDG Red Forces BGHQ. This was a critical chance, especially for those in BGHQ and 1DRS FWD, to see the 1DRS concept in action and truly understand how we are expected to slot into the wider framework.
The post-September period was dominated by rollback and trade courses, but also some challenging training such as Ex URBAN SHARP- SHOOTER, which saw C Squadron leverage some professional contacts with the Kent Police firearms unit to use their purpose-built OBUA training estate and MRTS.
The second half of the
year entailed Regimental-led training, culminating in Ex SCORPION CYCLONE. For novelty value, the RY contingent was
April 2024 will find us on solid footing to meet the chal- lenges that will no doubt be leveled at us
throughout the year.
HMJ
1st Reconnaissance Regiment Sri Lanka Armoured Corps
In the year 2023, the strategic strong- hold of Rock House Camp has been diligently maintained by the Regimental Headquarters, Headquarters Squadron, A Squadron, and B Squadron concur- rently and the 3 troops of B Squadron deployed covering the key points around the city of Colombo while the vigilant C Squadron has been assigned the crucial task of safeguarding the Ceylon Petroleum Storage Terminals Limited at Kerawalapitiya, Sri Lanka. A robust force, led by 12 x BTR APCs from A Squadron and supported by the indispensable BREM-K Armoured Recovery Vehicle, currently forms the formidable Combat Transport Group engaged in the United Nations Multi- dimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).
Within the esteemed Sri Lanka Armoured Corps, our unit assumes pivotal responsibilities for urban security, primarily focusing on safe- guarding the capital city of Colombo, Sri Lanka and its surroundings. In times of crisis, we stand ready to secure vital locations, including the President’s Office, Temple Trees, Parliament Complex, Bandaranaike International Airport, and other key
sites, prepared to counter civil unrest and public disturbances.
Despite facing formidable chal- lenges, our Officers and Other Rankers display unwavering dedication to their duty by actively participating in rigorous training, army
nial proceedings.
With a storied history spanning
68 years, our unit stands firm in its commitment to assigned duties. Officers and Other Ranks, embod- ying professionalism, dedication,
courses, overseas deploy- ments, and human rights courses. Particularly note- worthy is the commendable triumph of C Squadron, securing the Queen’s Dragoon Guards Trophy, a testament to their excep- tional performance and unwavering commitment in the realms of administra- tion and sports excellence in the year 2023.
our Officers and Other Rankers display unwavering dedication
and courage, meticu- lously uphold our fleet of armoured vehicles to the highest standards. Even in the aftermath of a 30-year war, the armoured forces cama- raderie ardently remains devoted to the rejuvena- tion of our motherland, their commitment solidi- fied through sacrifice and valour, positioning us to confront any challenges that may manifest.
The grand celebration of
the 75th Independence Day
on 4 February 2023, proudly show- cased the prowess of our unit, featuring a display of the President’s Stand- ards and the Regiment’s Standards. The parade, adorned with numbered Armoured Tanks, 3 x WMZ 551A APCs, 4 x BTR 80A APCs, 1 x Ferret Scout Car, and 1 x Saladin Armoured Car, added a dynamic flair to the ceremo-
As we forge ahead, may the tapestry of our shared history and unwavering commitment to excel- lence guide us towards a future marked by continued service and success. Heartfelt wishes are extended to all members of the Queen’s Dragoon Guards for enduring strength, resil- ience, and pride in our collective
achievements.