Page 86 - MERCIAN Eagle 2021

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THE MERCIAN EAGLE
CO Foreword
Lt Col Rob Spalton
It is traditional to start these articles with the observation that it has been a busy year. In this case I think “strange” makes a better epithet.
I write this having just completed my first year
in command, but still not having been dined-in, despite three attempts by the Mess and three subsequent cancellations courtesy of COVID restrictions. I consider that I am doing my bit for the budgeteers as at this rate I will be able to do dine-in and dine-out simultaneously...
Like the rest of the country, our fortunes have waxed and waned over the year in terms of ability to conduct activity. Compared to some units
we have been fortunate and have continued to conduct “real” training almost without exception with only our January exercise switching to “virtual” activity as a result of a rigid national lockdown. Our position as a combat unit in 20th Armoured Brigade (now renamed 20 Armoured Brigade Combat Team) has required us to keep training to maintain our readiness – something that has been very well received by our soldiers when so many other aspects of their lives have been put on hold. We have matched this with robust Force Health Protection measures that have protected our people during these challenging times. That
is not to say that it has been easy – our planned field firing period, Ex WARHAMMER, fell victim
to the impacts of COVID, as did our place on the overseas exercise, SAVA STAR, in Croatia, but in each case, we were able to flex our resources and switch to other valuable training opportunities.
A snowy Otterburn in March provided this opportunity for flex, and we switched fire to
Ex SAXON SHIELD, a 10-day exercise focused on individual skills and the Battlecraft Syllabus (BCS) to achieve individual currencies that are the critical measure of readiness for a Reserve Battalion.
Similarly, Warcop provided a slightly less
exotic alternative to Croatia but was equally demanding for the company group that attended Ex SAXON LANCE in October. Here, the Battalion delivered a Specialist Weapons Cadre, training and refreshing our soldiers on the key weapon
systems of a Fire Support Company. The Mortars, Javelin (Anti-Tank) and Machine Guns Platoons, (under the watchful gaze of CSgt Mark Harris, CSgt Paul Hall and Sgt Daz Lightfoot), were all able qualify their personnel in respective weapon systems. Our new PSIs, Sgts Ash McGraw and Matt Brand, were able to deliver introductory packages for Sharpshooters and Assault Pioneers respectively, all the more impressive as neither
of these capabilities are traditionally the preserve of a Reserve Battalion. The exercise also proved the utility of our strong relationships within the Regiment as the Second Battalion provided the Mortar Fire Controllers that enabled our Mortar Platoon to complete their valuable qualifying live firing practices. Completion of these cadres sets us apart from many other units that have been unable to maintain these specialist capabilities, leaving us well-placed to support the Regular component when we are needed.
This year, we have said farewell to the XO, Maj Tony Calunniato (LANCS) who departs to assume the role of DA Belarus on promotion, Major Gaz Dixon on completion of his tour as OC C Coy and WO1 (RSM) Paul Kitching (YORKS) who has finally hung up his webbing after 22 years of service, albeit with a promise of returning to the Battalion
as a “proper” Reservist before too long. Special mention must be made of the departure of Maj Robbie Davies MBE (LANCS) and WO2 Kev Pratt who eventually concluded that 45 years and 37 years of service respectively was just about enough for anyone. All have served the Battalion with great loyalty and commitment over their time and will be missed. In their stead we have a variety of “bad pennies” that we seem unable to shake off: Maj Max Sones has stepped up to the role of XO, Maj Deepe Rawji has assumed command of C Coy
and Maj ‘Trapper’ Travis has returned to the fold as the PSAO of B Coy. Finally, we welcome WO1 Lee Shields (YORKS) as the Regimental Sergeant Major.
Given the last year, there will be challenges and adventures to be had in 2022; we stand firm to strike hard: we are ready.
Lt Col Rob Spalton, Commanding Officer of the 4th Battalion, the Mercian Regiment
4MERCIAN