Page 8 - Mercian Eagle 2014

6 THE MERCIAN EAGLE
Foreword
Lieutenant Colonel MCP Ellwood MBE, Commanding Officer, 1 MERCIAN
I can hardly believe it has been a year since I wrote last year’s forward. As predicted, the year has been one of frenetic activity and mixed emotions. It commenced with the laying up of the old 22nd (Cheshire) Colours at Chester Cathedral and ended with
the Trooping of the 1 MERCIAN Colours through the formed ranks of the re-born “Mercian 2020” Battalion, at our new home in Picton Barracks on Alma Day. This has been a significant period in our evolving history and it has involved a considerable amount of change and uncertainty
for all. I am humbled by the unstinting professionalism and selfless commitment
of each and every officer and soldier, I
have had the privilege to command. I am also immensely grateful for the seemingly endless patience, understanding and loyalty of our families.
By September 2013, Op HERRICK 17 was already a dim and distant memory as the Battalion shifted focus toward a more adaptive foundation for future contingency. As the manoeuvre companies prepared
for a plethora of operational and training support tasks as well as their dedicated overseas deployments, the unsung heroes of Headquarters Company set to work re-establishing robust assurance processes and preparing for one of the Army’s most complex rebasing moves, while somehow also managing to support ongoing activity. Across the depth and breadth of the Battalion, it became immediately apparent that the time for reflection of past glories was well and truly over. The activities undertaken were as plentiful as they
were diverse. Whether conducting urban operations training in France, dismounted night fighting training in Cyprus, framework operations in the Falkland Islands, live firing in Kenya, training for Op VOCATE, training for Op ESCALIN or real life support for 500 (+) staff officers from HQ 3rd (UK) Division, the Battalion was widely recognised for excellence and professionalism. These plaudits stand testament to the dedication of all but in particular to the strength of our junior leadership – the future of the Battalion and Regiment is in very safe hands.
Despite this rigorous programme, the Battalion has also re-established a strong sporting foundation. The five principal sports of football, rugby, tug of war, shooting/
patrols and boxing are gaining considerable momentum and are already achieving commendable success. Of particular note was the Sephton Trophy Rugby League event in Warrington which continues
to grow and is now one of the largest established charitable events in the North West. The Battalion also regularly competes at a number of other sports including, clay shooting, swimming, volleyball, basketball, squash, BMX, fishing, cross country running and for the first time in over a decade, Nordic and Alpine Skiing. In addition, the battalion has raised significant funds for
the Regimental Benevolence Charity and engaged in all manner of adventurous training activities. Of particular note were the Cyprus Cycle Challenge, the Swiss
Ultra Marathon, Exercise Desert Scramble and the AGC Detachment’s outstanding performance at the Triple Crown March and Shoot competition.
The pace and diversity of life this year
has been extra-ordinary, but I can say
with confidence that 1 MERCIAN is now stronger than it has ever been. Our future
is as exciting as it is challenging and I have no doubt that the 1st Battalion will once again STAND FIRM, STRIKE HARD as we take our place in the Vanguard of the Army’s Reactive Force.
1MERCIAN