Page 4 - 4RA Regimental Journal 2019-2020

As I presented a Long Service and Good Conduct Medal to Sergeant Jones in the Warrant Officers & Ser- geants Mess in Nicosia 21 Months ago, none of us had any inkling of what was about to change all our lives in such a dra- matic way.
That visit to the Regiment on Op TOSCA was yet another opportunity for me to see an organization right at the top of its game, professionally adept and blessed with an abundance of high morale.
Returning to role as a Light Gun Regi- ment was challenge enough without the major distraction of the COVID 19 Pan- demic. That the Regiment took that in its stride with such success and then moved effortlessly onto Op RESCRIPT duties in a period of great uncertainty, as the Coun- try and the World struggled to understand this virus, comes as no surprise to me.
So much has to be done as the Army and Defence as a whole moves to adopt a new
Foreword Colonel David Lyon
shape with new and exciting capabilities. None more so than the Joint Expedition- ary Force (Light) Brigade concept where the Regiment is playing a major role in that work.
Regimental Journals are important and this record of the past 2 years will shine strongly in the Regimental History. As a former Commanding Officer, I have often wondered in recent months how I and the team in Osnabruck would have coped with the challenges and constraints of COVID 19. I have no doubt that the “Fight- ing Fourth” spirit would have carried us through. What these thoughts do high- light to me is my admiration for the way that the Regiment continues to deliver to such a high standard across a wide range of activities - without any fuss! Long may that continue to be our USP. It is often said that adversity brings out the best in peo- ple. That is Fourth’s enduring strength.
Being classed as COVID “vulnerable” has been a bit of a shock to me personally over
the past 14 months, but now that I am fully vaxed up I look forward to future reunions with confidence!
I have been extremely honoured to be Honorary Colonel for the past 7 years and am delighted to be handing over that baton to a very good friend, John Catto. Fourth has an incredibly strong family ethos; John knows that better than most and will be delighted to reconnect with the Regiment, both serving and retired.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the Regiment again on all its achieve- ments and send my very best wishes to you all and to your families for sustained good health and happiness in the coming years.
4th Regiment Royal Artillery
Honorary Colonel’s
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