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Light Aid Detachment
WO2 Chambers
It has been a hectic last 12 months for the LAD supporting the Bn. Op TORAL was on the horizon and the LAD was fully manned to reflect this, including with the arrival of
a new AQMS who was assigned while the Bn was in Kenya. The LAD was tested to its limits on Ex ASKARI STORM, none more so than Cpl Dave Jones (Vehicle Mechanic), who was standing in as IC Fitter Section and as the Production Sgt. He performed above his rank at every stage and delivered outstanding service to the battlegroup by leading the Fitter Section from the front.
For his efforts he received a REME Master General (3-star) commendation.
Shortly after returning from Kenya, receipt of a fleet of Foxhound vehicles added to the
Nightshift in Kenya
1Lancs vs 2Mercs Eng Challenge
challenge. Driver training and PDT serials were non-stop, meaning the LAD had to carefully divide the workforce to ensure
the Bn had the best possible equipment availability so it could go into operations fully prepared. As the year progressed, we could see the situation change and uncertainty
of the Op TORAL deployment developing as we rattled through the PDT serials.
LCpl Nixon engine lift
Ultimately, we had to continue to march
on orders and prepare for deployment.
It wasn’t until Op TORAL got called off within hours of the MRX that the LAD could pause briefly for breath, then just as quickly switch-fire to return the Foxhound training fleet to LTF.
In the back of our minds is the fact that
2 MERCIAN is to amalgamate. This brings sadness to the LAD as we strive to become a part of our parent units, however short our time is with them. The LAD will disperse along with the Bn and we wish all members of the 2nd Bn The Mercian Regiment the very best of luck for the future. Stand firm, Strike hard.
Regimental Duty Staff
Sgt Morgan
It’s been an eventful year for the RDS at 2 MERCIAN. The first task of the year to come our way was assisting the Battalion move over from Cyprus. No small task, but one that was expertly managed by Cpl Broad, Cpl McDermott, LCpl Booth and LCpl Perks.
LCpl Perks was first over in the
UK to assist the Welfare Team with accommodating the arrival of the troops and their families. He was met by the newly appointed RDS Sgt, Sgt Morgan, freshly posted in from 1 LANCS.
It was a busy period for the RDS who were tasked with getting the camp into
a safe order prior to deploying to Kenya as enemy. This consisted of checking all the firefighting equipment for serviceability and ensuring that the CO’s Fire Policy was displayed all over Weeton Barracks.
While the rest of the RDS set off for Kenya, Cpl Broad was left behind to keep the rear party in good order along with the new member of the RDS Cpl McKenna, who had recently joined the RDS team from Dragon Coy. The RSM, CO and LCpl Perks were the first leave for Kenya, with
Sgt Morgan and Cpl McDermott following close after.
On arrival in Kenya, the struggles presented by COVID-19 proved to be a great test for all involved. However, once all the CO’s TAC were clear of isolation and finally together, we had a great time providing the CO and RSM the protection they needed to be successful. As with any Ex, there were highs and lows for all within TAC, because as you can imagine, it’s very demanding and challenging to say the least.
The highs included sitting around during the rare moments of down time, talking about each other’s life experiences in and out of the army, and seeing any wildlife that came up close. The lows mainly involved lack of sleep and a scarcity of decent food, as the rations were taken advantage of by some of the TAC (mentioning no names). However, the maintenance day’s food was on another level, thanks to the chefs who worked hard to provide the best they could under field conditions.
As the end approached, all TAC were looking forward to seeing their loved ones
after a testing time. One by one TAC
left for the long journey home and to go on some well-earned leave during April. Once we returned to work there was a new change in positions. Cpl McDermott showed his interest in joining the Spec Inf in Aldershot, so departed us to pursue new challenges. Meanwhile the new RSM, WO1 Clements, received his HO/ TO from WO1 Catherwood.
The big challenge ahead was to get
all the RDS trained to conduct the work which was needed to get the firefighting equipment that was due for servicing
up and running. LCpl Booth, LCpl Perks and I attended the Fire Extinguisher Maintainers Course in the Cotswolds. Then the word came that 2 MERCIAN was to amalgamate with 1 MERCIAN later on in the year, so it was time for the RDS to look ahead to see what would be in our paths come September.
From myself, it has been a pleasure
to be accepted into the battalion, and
I’m proud of being the last RDS Sgt of
2 MERCIAN. From all the RDS, it’s been a pleasure. See you all on the other side.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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