Page 37 - The Bugle Issue 12 Autumn 2016

HQ Company
This year started with a change of Command for Headquarter Company, with Major Iwan Williams completing his tour and heading off to Shrivenham. This was soon followed by the departure of WO2 (CSM) Paul Jones after 3 1⁄2 years in the job. This would inevitably leave a continuity issue as reportedly what Sjt Maj Jones didn’t know about the nuances of HQ Company was hardly worth knowing. Keen to maintain a healthy balance of work, family, sport and PD we set about delivering support to an increas- ingly busy and geographically dispersed Battalion.
Support to Op SHADER became the primary focus and absorbed much of the Company’s capacity, with each department focusing on their own very speci c areas of expertise. I was, and still am keen to retain the battle rhythm by ensuring that our physical training regime remained in place; healthy mind, healthy body and a sustainable delivery of MATT2 training was delivered. HQ Company still holds the highest proportion of 300 club members from across the Battalion, with 7 of the 10 black T Shirts issued to HQ Company Ri emen.
It has not been all about work and opportunities for extracurricular activity have been exploited as they appear. Members of the Company taken part in a plethora of diverse activity, including entering a winning team in the Chepstow STAMPEDE (a tough mudder equivalent), a small team to run in the Copenhagen Marathon and 7 riders from the Company taking part in a Road Cycling Team Training Camp in Holland. On an individual basis, we have established good links with Chepstow Harriers running club with CSjt Bell and the new CSM, WO2 Paul Sharp regular attenders. The local fell and trail running league has also seen several Ri emen racing; Majs Nat Taylor and Matt Forde, Capt Gareth Crossley, CSjt Bell have all been testing the strength of their ankle ligaments on these off-road forays. The Battalion ran its yearly Cross-Country event over the jumps and obstacles on Chepstow Race Course on Christmas week, resulting in a resounding win for HQ Company with 7 in the rst 10 across the line.
In recent months the Company has seen the
Commanding Of cer, RSM, Adjutant and BG HQ Ops team deploy to head up Op SHADER from Iraq; this has meant that an even more dynamic and cooperative approach has been required to ensure that all bases are covered without dropping the ball. Career progression has remained a high priority, with our most recent success coming in the guise of three HQ Company Ri emen passing the 3 RIFLES Fire Team Commanders Cadre - a 100% success with LCpls Cropp, Lewry and Hobbs all now starting their careers as JNCOs.
The Company now nds itself amidst the summer move cycle and bids farewell to some key Ri emen that have delivered in abundance for the battalion. WO2 (SQMS) French, on promotion, WO2 (QMSI Harney (AGC SPS) SSgt Gloyne (RLC), after the birth of her baby son, SSgt Billingham (RAPTC) Sgt Mccubbin (RLC) and Capt Sammy Adcock all leave us to continue their careers; we wish them well, and welcome their replacements.
This Bugle entry is written as we recover the Battalion from the atlands and midges of Thetford after concluding our extensive Defence Engagement commitment to Ex STEPPE EAGLE. True to tradition, we will jam pack this nal week with the Beachley Blitz; a 10 event multi discipline tness competition and enjoy a families summer fete and BBQ, whilst closing the camp down in good order. I am glad to be writing this as OC and not QM!
Closing on a very sad note, the Company lost LCpl Woodford in October. He is already sorely missed by his close friends and colleagues within the Company. He will be remembered fondly as a lively, friendly, gregarious and sel ess Ri eman.
Maj Rich Hunt, Of cer Commanding HQ Company
I AM GLAD TO BE WRITING THIS AS OC AND NOT QM!
LCpl Woodford, always cheerful, with Cpl McArthur
Catering Department
The Catering Department provided support for the Sounding Retreat at Horse Guards, London. After four days of hard work and preparation the team served up an excellent selection of homemade food for the guests to enjoy. Over the two nights, a total of approximately 5000 individual canapés were prepared for the VIP Cocktail Parties by the team of 8 Chefs. This was a great opportunity for the Army Chefs to showcase their talents for ne dining in an uncharacteristic environment. The standard of the food that was served was of the highest level and the feedback received from those attending was excellent and much appreciated.
WO2 (SQMS) French
THE RIFLES
FIRST BATTALION 35