Page 23 - AGC-Journal-2016

AGC JOURNAL 2016

Major General TR Urch CBE presents the Provost Marshal
(Army) Sword of Office to Brigadier David Neal

Regimental Matters

Concerning Regimental matters. You may
have read the announcement from the
Minister for Defence Veterans, Reserves
and Personnel, Mark Lancaster TD MP,
about the closure of Southwick Park
(the current home of the Royal Military
Police and Defence School of Policing and
Guarding). I had an office call with the
Minister the day after the announcement
and we discussed the impact, along the
lines that I was principally concerned
with the ‘Home of Royal Military Police’
(Chapel, Museum and Mess) matters. I
informed him that where we ended up was
School of Policing and Guarding at the end Kingdom, to treks in America. This has
of summer (well done to the women from all been exceptionally well supported less important to me, but I suspect that
158 Provost Company and to the men by both the Royal Military Police we will not be moving any time soon, and
from the Specialist Operations Regiment). Regimental Secretary and the Regimental even the Minister could not indicate where
I was delighted to be asked to present the Headquarters of the AGC. The sum total a costed solution might lie.
prizes at the Royal Military Police Squash of this sporting activity and Adventurous
Championships in Aldershot and really Training provides the backdrop to the Endnote
pleased to see the annual 1st Military Soldier First ethos I believe in, and could
Police Swimming Gala in Catterick be such not be better demonstrated than by the I want to end on a positive note and a
a continuing success. Outstanding sporting newly appointed Provost Sergeant Major, final privilege of being Provost Marshal
achievements include Sergeant Bianca Warrant Officer Class One Marc Thomson, (Army), which is being able to deliver
Dawson in Women’s Rugby, not least with who works alongside me. A Soldier with good news. I was recently able to inform
the United Kingdom Armed Forces and significant operational experience, he Warrant Officer Class Two ‘Paddy’
England team, Corporal Christian Wooler has recently completed a non-stop 100 O’Rourke (who I was on the same Close
representing the Army at Rugby League mile run in support of the Royal Military Protection course with) of the award of his
and a host of other high achievers. Police Benevolent Fund, and is an absolute Queen’s Gallantry Medal for his incredible
shining example to my Officers and bravery in the immediate aftermath of a
Adventurous Training Soldiers alike. His role differs slightly from helicopter crash in Afghanistan in October
his predecessor and he is used very much 2015. His immediate response? “It was the
Equally, I have been hugely impressed by as my ambassador, as well as providing a others that deserve it, not me”. Exemplo
the Adventurous Training activity that vital link between the Officers and Soldiers Ducemus.
has taken place across the Brigade – from in the Regiments and the Staff in my
local hill walking activity in the United Headquarters. Brigadier David Neal congratulating Warrant Officer Class
One (Provost Sergeant Major) Marc Thomson after the 158
Challenge

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