Page 104 - Bugle Autumn 2014

WO1(RSM) Stevens presenting a Silver Bugle to the Commanding Officer Lt Col Nev Homes MBE on behalf of all Riflemen of the 6th Battalion following the final exercise of his Command.
I have been constantly amazed at the variety and diversity of engagements throughout the region and with the energy and style with which they have been conducted. Whether they be formal events such as providing support to the annual Ten Tors challenge, freedom parades or remembrance events or
Country, please let us know!
Like many other Reserve units, the
Battalion has gone through significant structural change over the last year and we said farewell to B Company in Taunton who became 675 (Rifles) Squadron Army Air Corps. While we were sad to say farewell,
become Headquarters 1 Artillery Brigade and Headquarters South West.
There can be little doubt the Army Reserve are riding the crest of a wave
at present and I am sure that is set to continue. As I flick through these articles I am again reminded that the 6th Battalion
is made up almost entirely of part time soldiers, so the levels of achievement are, to my mind at least, even more inspiring. Of course none of this would be possible without the selfless and dedicated support provided by the enablers, both military and civilian and we remain indebted to them for their considerable efforts. We are also very grateful for the support we receive from friends and family, employers and the wider community and absolutely recognise that without that support, we simply could not exist. Space precludes including articles on everything the unit has been up to but I hope it gives you a flavour for the year we
more localised activities
such as supporting
country shows, armed
forces day celebrations
or laying on kit displays
an demonstrations,
Riflemen have carried
themselves with
professionalism, integrity and style and have undoubtedly enhanced the Regiment’s fine reputation. A particular highlight has been the blossoming relationship we have had with the Army Cadet Force and other youth organisations throughout the South West through activities such as the senior cadet patrols weekend and youth bands competition. As ever, the Salamanca Band and Bugles have played a pivotal role in raising the profile of the Regiment both
in this country and abroad and have had another punishing but rewarding year. Life is seldom dull in the band and following their success in the Falkland Islands in 2012 and Cyprus in 2013, this year they deployed to Dubai and received superb plaudits from far and wide. Like many vibrant organisations, the band is always on the look out for new talent so if you know of anybody who is interested in music, and settled in the West
our relationship with the Squadron endures as
it does with the county of Somerset where
we remain proud to be the county Infantry Regiment. We have also been delighted to welcome Riflemen
from Shropshire into the Battalion as E Company transferred from 4 MERCIAN and were joined by a Squadron of Yeomanry from Hereford. This was particularly significant as Herefordshire has not had serving Riflemen in the county for over 6 years and turned out in
Like many vibrant organisations, the band is always on the look out for new talent
force for the handover parade where the Rifles cadets symbolically handed Rifles berets
If these articles whet your appetite, please do join our other 6000 ‘friends’ on Facebook
have had and sets the tone for the future. If these articles whet your appetite, please do join our other 6000 ‘friends’ on Facebook where you can keep track of the many and varied activities and events
to our Riflemen
again reinforcing the
connection between
these two pillars of the
Regiment. There is still more change to come; indeed we will shortly re-subordinate to 160 Brigade in line with 1 RIFLES, ending a long and prosperous relationship with
43 (Wessex) Brigade who themselves are transforming over the coming months to
taking place throughout the region and beyond. Sadly for me, I will have to watch on from the touch line but I am quite sure the years to come will be equally exciting, successful and enjoyable.
Swift and Bold!
102 SIXTH BATTALION
THE RIFLES