Page 71 - MERCIAN Eagle 2021

QM’s Department
QM QM(T) RQMS(M)
RQMS(T) Tech SNCO 1LO
Pl Sgt
MSA Ammo
USA Clothing CRB
Maj J Peach
Capt T Mason
WO2 M Giles CGC / WO2 G Miller
WO2 R Keeton CSgt S Gardner SSgt Gurung
Sgt D North
Cpl Larubi
Cpl Juma
Cpl Davis
LCpl Simpson
Pte Gurung
Maj Peach
My tenure as QM started back in Apr 2020, and as I write this, it will be the last entry for the 2 MERCIAN QM’s Department. As I scribe, I reflect on the reality of battalion life and the fact I will be the last of a long list of legends as Quartermaster 2 MERCIAN.
As a department we have been extremely busy with the Unit Move from Cyprus, re-establishment into Weeton Barracks, a deployment to Kenya during the peak of the COVID pandemic, and now the draw down towards the amalgamation with
1 MERCIAN.
2021 started at a relentless pace seeing
the battalion get the news that Ex ASKARI STORM in Kenya was going ahead. This meant deploying early with an advance party that had only just returned from Christmas leave. Knowing that the BATUK (along with the rest of the world) had closed down due to the COVID pandemic, it was surely going to be testing and likely to stretch the QM’s department to the extreme. Little did we know what was to come! From mass isolation of around 800 soldiers, to complex feeding of dispersed
locations, and supporting the 2 MERCIAN battlegroup on a demanding exercise,
we faced it all. I was even challenged by the CO to provide the Engr squadron donkeys, to assist the
The Old and bold during Ex ASKARI storm
deployment to Afghanistan in Oct 21. Until OP PITTING brought a sudden end to our best laid plans.
Since our last entry in The Eagle the department has also
bridge building team. So, Mr DON KEY
one and two became the newest members of the 2 MERCIAN battlegroup, operating in stealth mode in the dead of night thanks to the application of Vaseline to their rears to stop a flatulence problem.
2021 started at a relentless pace seeing the battalion get the news that Ex ASKARI STORM in Kenya was going ahead
experienced some appointment changes of note. Namely, Unit QM Maj Triandafilou handed over to myself while I handed the baton of QM(T) to Capt Tony Mason. These appointments changes were swift and seamless, with
all inaccuracies and
Returning from Kenya we switched focus to the OP TORAL treadmill and the preparations for the up-and-coming
deficiencies kept to a minimum. So much so, that even the most diligent inspection team is unlikely to find any trace of error.
The QM’s department said farewell
to WO2 (RQMS(M)) Marc Giles CGC on his appointment to RSM 1 MERCIAN.
His large character will be sadly missed. WO2 Miller stepped in as the replacement RQMS(M), returning from RMA Sandhurst to pick up the reins as the QM’s right hand man. Congratulations are also in order for his effects towards improving the ‘Lived Experience’ and his well-deserved GOC commendation.
Finally, no QM’s department is complete without mention of its backbone, the JNCO’s. Cpls Juma, Larubi and newbie LCpl Busby have all contributed uniquely to the output of the QM’s. As well as remaining the most unkempt and challenging bunch, they have provided cohesion across the department. Their planning of social events such as crazy golf and Go-Karting brought the whole team together at a time when everyone was spinning too many plates, breaking some, and having to re-demand the replacements. Thank you for always stepping up as the true G4 legends.
QM’s Social – Go-Karting or bank robbers?
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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