Page 49 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN) 47
Members of The Royal Lancers LAD participating in the Royal British Legion Thank You 100 Campaign
hands of the user. Testament to their hard work, officer com- manding C Squadron was provided with maximum availability at mission start. This initial joy was closely followed by dismay as the fleet soon dwindled, equipment support was stretched, equipment care points (ECP) were full, and the enemy were on the advance; but morale remained high. The exercise pushed all tradesmen out of their comfort zones, tested their resilience and proved their can-do attitude down to a man. All in all, a chal- lenging exercise which will serve as invaluable preparation for future deployments.
During the final quarter of the year, B Squadron Fitter Sections’ deployment on Exercise WHITE SWORD LANCER brought about fresh challenges. Faced with the daunting task of getting 23 Land Rovers to Denmark, completing the exercise and re- turning to Catterick, overall covering over 2000 miles, Staff Ser- geant Emery had his work cut out. Operating at reach from the Regiment and across several countries meant the supply chain was difficult and at times unworkable. To succeed the vehicle mechanics had to use initiative to devise imaginative but road legal repairs on vehicles to keep the fleet moving. The section worked tirelessly on these road moves, repairing vehicles on mo- torways, service stations and probably a few disgruntled French- men’s front lawns. Craftsman Walton excelled on this phase, at- tending every job and impressing with his trade skill and work ethic. Whilst on the training area the recovery mechanics were well employed due to either the terrain, or driver competence – the jury is still out on that one. The section’s hard work through- out paid dividends and all vehicles returned to Catterick under their own steam.
2018 ended on a high with 15 members of the LAD deploying on the annual REME Winter Sports Camp, Exercise SUPREME GLACIER. The week started well aboard ‘The Pride of Bruges’ entertained by a rather dubious ‘Prince Tribute Act’ and im- pressed by the all you can eat dinner; the trip was set for success. The following morning gave start to the epic 600-mile road trip,
Craftsman Collins Recovery Camp
from Belgium to Stubai Glacier, Austria. The week in Stubai is aimed at developing soldiers skiing and snowboarding skills and it was a great success. All members of the LAD saw a good rate of progression, gained some ‘questionable airtime’ and made good use of the europop anthems in the Umbrella Bar. The final day on the slopes was race day, Lance Corporal Lea emerged victori- ous amongst those in the LAD and will be a sure favourite come the Winter Sports Championship in 2019.
With a new EME and ASM at the helm the LAD is reset post Operation TOSCA 28 and focused on the challenges to come in 2019. A second year at readiness will prove testing, but the equipment support provided by the LAD will, as always, remain at the highest of levels. Thanks must go to one and all in the LAD for their determination, enthusiasm and hard work over the past year.
OJC
LAD JCB factory Visit
Trying to look busy