Page 35 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN) 33
Navigation training
than planned as heavy fog and driving rain limited visibility and was a rude welcome back to the Yorkshire climate. At least it re- minded everyone of the importance of wearing suitable clothing and the fact that jeans are neither warm nor waterproof.
The Squadron packed in a lot of activity into a very short period in 2018 and, before we really knew it, Christmas week was upon us and we dispersed on leave for a break in the expectation that the pace would continue into the New Year. How right we were. January 2019 saw the departure of Lieutenant Guy Parker and Captain Harry Marriot was able to put into practice something he had been applying some thought to by taking command of a Fire Support Group made up of the existing Anti-Tank Troop and Support Troop. Time and experimentation will see if this is worth further exploitation. Whilst the SHQ headed to Warminster for Exercise SPECULAR 19, the body of the Squadron made some inroads on the BCS and continuation training. Whilst the vagar- ies of whole fleet management removed the vehicles at a critical
Advance to contact
Break contact drills
juncture, we were able to achieve most of what we had planned and are well set to move from Troop training toward Squadron level activity later in the year. Though there is some uncertainty at the time of writing as to what exactly the future training pro- gression will look like, somethings are known: our reconnais- sance skills and drills will be tested fully but I am confident the Squadron will rise to whatever challenges come our way.
However, the year has not all been positive as we tragically suf- fered the loss of Trooper Noah Marchant in February 2019. Hav- ing joined the Squadron as part of the Mobile Force Reserve in Cyprus for Operation TOSCA 28, Trooper Marchant made an immediate impact. A lively character, ready to engage in banter with seniors and peers alike, he clearly relished the opportunity to deploy and quickly found his feet. Though his youthful exu- berance would occasionally get the better of him, he was part of the Squadron family and had the potential for a successful career in the Regiment. We will remember him.
GJND
On patrol
Hide and seek