Page 51 - RADC 2023

place in the barracks was to get changed ready for the 123 kilometre trek to Catterick.
Keeping with the theme of leaving a legacy, we were determined to use the occasion to support some good causes. We chose three charities, the CASK Foundation as my personal choice, the British Heart Foundation as the unit had recently lost a solder to sudden heart failure, and finally the British Army’s charity, the Army Benevolent Fund. Each of these were able to provide
an ambassador to start the event with me, so with them and the first two runners from the Regiment, who would swap at regular intervals to support me across the distance, we left Fulwood Barracks immediately after lunch. What followed was an enormous team effort as we pushed through the distance, facing rain, sleet and mud up to our knees. The course took us from picturesque trails following the River Ribble, through the towns of Clitheroe and Settle, over the Pennines following much of the ‘Pennine Journey’
and finally past the cascading waterfalls at Aysgarth. Handrailing round the southern border of Catterick Training Area, we headed into Gaza Barracks just after nine o’clock in the morning. Together with my RSM and Adjutant, who had joined me for the final leg, we stood in front of 5 Medical Regiment’s
Regimental Headquarter building for the ceremonial transfer of the flag, obligatory handshakes and
pictures for social media. Finally able to sit down in the mess for a well-earned coffee and a pastries courtesy of the mess.
Command was a huge honour and a privilege. Whilst disbanding a regiment wasn’t what I set out to do, command is
CO and 2IC share encouragement mid parade in front of 29 Med Sqn
typically having to adapt and deliver against the challenges presented to you at the
time, whilst being constantly amazed at the determination and professionalism of the soldiers and officers around you. Fortunately, 3 Medical Regiment will continue to exist in the line of units of the British Army, but it is important never to forget the history of the Regiment that was.
Handing over the flag in Catterick
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