Page 87 - MERCIAN Eagle 2021

B (Malta) Company
Maj Martin (BW) Bowden-Williams
From the increasingly difficult and disjointed 2020, 2021 saw a slow return to normality for B (Malta) Coy. The battle rhythm of Tuesday night and weekend training returned with a Bn Annual Training Exercise in Otterburn for Ex SAXON SHIELD, where coy personnel completed a host of low- level training serials and MATTs training to bring collective training and cohesion back to the soldiers after a period of lockdown and frustrations post Op RESCRIPT. One notable casualty was the Coy PSI, CSgt Jordan Hoe, who managed to fall into a trench and seriously injure his shoulder. He continues to make a slow recovery and
we wish him all the best. Post Ex SAXON SHIELD, normality returned with training weekends in Brecon, Leek, Swynnerton and Catterick, familiar training areas that our soldiers enjoyed a welcome return to.
A significant personality change over the summer saw our PSAO Maj Robbie Davies MBE retire from service after 45 years to the day, 9 of which was served in the PSAO role at B Coy. As we waved him off into
the sunset, we welcomed the familiar face of Maj Dave “Trapper” Travis as the new PSAO. Retiring from regular service as OC HQ Coy in 1 LANCS
Pandya who moved back home to London and transferred to the LONDONS and
2Lt Alex Wilson who is currently enjoying the Regular Commissioning Course at RMAS.
As the summer days gave way to autumnal showers,
4 Mercian Mortar Platoon
the Cambrian Patrol earning a Silver Medal, ably administrated by Sgt Wood in a supporting role. The Mortar Pl completed another excellent Mortar Cadre and again prepared a full section capable of deploying in support of our regular colleagues when needed. The Mortar Pl continues to set high standards and received high praise from the 2 MERCIAN SNCOs supporting the cadre for their commitment and ability.
A highlight for all in the coy was a return of Remembrance Sunday parades after the COVID restrictions last year. Parades in Ellesmere Port, Widnes, Runcorn and Stockport were all well attended.
After a year full of frustration and challenges, B Coy approached all with their
and we hope he will be with B Coy for many years to come. We have also bid farewell to CSgt Gregson on retirement from military service, a much respected and valued member of the coy and in particular
B Coy approached all with their typical Cheshire charm and has continued to deliver in all that has been asked of us
the coy deployed soldiers onto annual training with 7 RIFLES, demonstrating the developing relationship between units within 20th Armoured Brigade Combat Team. The exercise saw LFTT ranges at Lydd and Hythe followed by our
of 5 Pl at Widnes. The
CSM, WO2 John Ward
left after 5 years as CSM and moved to 4 LANCS for what we expect to be a short period of time. We wish him all the best and expect him to return in the near future having commissioned all being well! We have also had to say farewell to 2Lt Aril
own Bn deploy on the Annual Training Exercise SAXON LANCE in Warcop. For B Coy, the focus was an 81mm Mortar Cadre and participation in the Bn’s the Cambrian Patrol Team. We were proud to see Pte Watts and Pte Harrison complete
4 Mercian Mortar Cadre 2021
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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