Page 44 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

42 REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN) D Squadron
So another year has passed, and if you have only just received last year’s Chapka and read up on D Squadron’s last year (not unlikely), then it will be easy to pick up where we left off!
2018 was dominated by the Squadron’s successful deployment on Operation TOSCA 28 tour as the Operations Company. From the sun-drenched poolside, the return to Catterick could not have been more of a shock and, while there was a lack of snow on the ground, it was still freezing! But all managed to take some well-earned leave and returned with their tans faded, wallets empty and bodies in a most beach un-ready condition. We have now got the Squadron into training for its future role as a sabre, rather than command and support squadron. This requires gen- erating two Sabre Troops, one Support Troop, one Javelin Troop and a Squadron Headquarters for the first time.
The return to Catterick also meant saying goodbye to the Squad- ron Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class II Petherbridge who was leaving after 17 years in D Squadron (Royal Lancers and Queen’s Royal Lancers). We wish him luck on his next posting in Kenya! As one door closes, another opens and we welcomed three new Troopers to D Squadron; Troopers Bilsland, Hudd and Wright. In November the Squadron ran continuation training for driving and maintenance, gunnery and communications – ensuring that the entire Squadron were once again up to the level expected on their core role and vehicle platform, after nearly a year away from it. A Lance Guard from D Squadron also attended memorial services to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. Sergeant El- lerby did an excellent job turning some “day one, week one” drill- challenged individuals into a blue-red-blue worthy contingent! D Squadron finished the month with a large showing in the Regi- mental teams on Exercise Hodson’s Horse. Notable performances included Sergeant France winning the Indoor Triathlon, Lieuten- ant Titcomb and Corporal Bott dominating the Military Event and Captain Anani-Issac coming fifth in the Cross-Country.
Grenade!
Ding dong merrily on high