Page 50 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

48 REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN) The Royal Lancers AGC (SPS) Detachment
The AGC (SPS) returned from the 2017/18 Christmas leave refreshed and ready to start the next 12 months. It was needed. Not only did we have to prepare and deploy soldiers to Cyprus for Operation TOSCA 28, but we also needed to ensure the smooth deployment of C Squadron to Canada for BATUS with Corporal Dixon; this was carefully balanced with our UK commitments of both TEMEPERER and the Rear Operations Group (ROG).
Operation TOSCA
To support the mission the SPS detachment deployed an eight- man team. Seven were focused on the core SPS role, and sepa- rately Lance Corporal Emblin got the opportunity to distinguish herself working with the civilian liaison team. Those focused on SPS specific roles quickly found that more was required of them than normal, more than the already busy task of conducting reg- ular administration in areas such as pay, more than the important task of managing the travel in and out of theatre. Instead, they found that they were regularly stepping into additional roles to support the regiment, varying from forming part of the shadow guard to adding their support to key events. In addition, the de- tachment embodied the slogan “we shall remember them”, re- furbishing a monument to fallen Canadian soldiers. A short and
SPS Detachment Personnel during charity walk in December
dignified memorial service was organised where Lance Corporal Horton from the SPS placed a wreath to pay his respects; the service was attended by the United Nations Head of Mission, along with both the Canadian and British High Commissioners.
However, the tour was not all work and no play. Each soldier got a chance to pursue a week of adventurous training (and sometimes two) in the sunshine. On top of this we were also able to indulge in trips to top tourist destinations around the island for free. In summary, Operation TOSCA presented an opportunity for many new soldiers of the SPS to obtain a medal as well as seeing first hand that kinetic warfare is not the only way to achieve mission success; the winning of hearts and minds is equally important.
Rear Operations Group (ROG)
After helping the majority of the regiment to gear up for the deployments to Operation TOSCA and BATUS, the “lucky few” left behind on ROG said goodbye to the soldiers going out the door with late-night Deployment Administration Checks. With nearly everyone gone the camp seemed a lot quieter, and the remaining members of the Detachment moved into the main admin office in RHQ under the direction of Staff Sergeant Warenycia. Being centralised enabled the small group left be-
SPS Detachment Personnel at 12X sports day at the start of 2018
Lance Corporal Horton after laying the wreath at the service for the Canadian memorial