Page 47 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN) 45
ing and repetition, we could evacuate the whole building and account for everyone in under five minutes.
There were many opportunities to get away on welfare trips. Ser- geant-Major Palmer was the Welfare Senior Non-Commission Officer for the tour, he organised weekly trips in the local area and once week he would organise a trip away. Sergeant-Major Palmer become a tour guide for the trips and has learnt a lot of history about Cyprus, which he was keen to pass on. He is now officially fed up with army pack lunches!
The Regimental Administration Office team was headed up by Lieutenant Andy Woodward and Warrant Officer Class II Thornton – you would often see ‘Q’ Thornton briefing Lieuten- ant Woodward on how things should work! I think Lieutenant Woodward is a better officer for this experience. (They also must be commended for getting through six months of myself being the tightest man in NATO in claiming for every penny to which I’m entitled).
All the departments were pulled together by the Quartermaster /Officer Commanding Captain Matt Jones, along with Warrant Officer Class II (Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (RQMS)) Hollis, they were often seen running around with their hair on fire trying to understand a new policy from the United Nations Headquarters. They had a small team of Royal Engineers work- ing for them who maintained the Buffer Zone. Both the Officer Commanding and the RQMS liked to join in with the Royal En- gineers when it was time to use the chain saw. Corporal Garner
was the ammunition storeman. The ammunition store was five kilometres away in the United Nation Protected Area (UNPA), so he always found time for a coffee on his many trips to there.
Headquarter Squadron, Squadron Sergeant Major (SSM) War- rant Officer Class II Hill and the Squadron Second in Command Captain Joe Cassidy kept the home fires burning whilst most of the squadron were deployed. They had to deal with the less glamorous but essential part of a regimental deployment. With a small team they managed the upkeep of Cambrai lines and the soldiers within it. Along with the Welfare Officer, Captain Craig Borthwick, they arranged many family events to ensure every- one was aware of what the Regiment was doing and, of course, to have fun. Captain Borthwick has now got a wardrobe of dressing up outfits (all in children’s sizes). Captains John Ryan and Ollie Cartwright were charged with looking after the fleet, a demand- ing job which they managed with outstanding results, proved on an external inspection on the Regiment’s return for Post Opera- tional Tour Leave.
The Squadron has now regrouped and is looking forward to a de- manding training programme for next year; we aim to continue the excellent support to the sabre squadrons. On a personal note I would like to thank every member of the squadron on their professionalism and dedication this year, you have tackled eve- rything with bravado and humour.
MD