Page 47 - 4RA Regimental Journal 2019-2020

4th Regiment Royal Artillery Exercises/Ops
Whilst the majority of the Regiment was deployed to Cyprus on Op TOSCA a Rear Operations Group (ROG) was left behind to keep a check on things in the UK. This included members of 88 Bty, most of the Air Troop, in order to help maintain currency, and of course the Regiment Duty team led by Sgt Findlay.
There was a stark contrast to be had between the heat of the Cypriot beaches and the coldness of the Yorkshire moors. The ROG took on numerous tasks during their isolation from the Regiment and a large part of this was managing events for the families that had been left behind in the UK. Liaising with the Welfare Department day excursions were put on and the fami- lies surrounding the patch were reminded that whilst their husbands, wives, mums and dads might be off in another country their regimental family was still keen on looking after them.
Otherwise the camp still needed looking after to ensure the Regiment had some- where fitting to return to. Obviously the gate needed a guard and most of the usual checks that occur on camp still needed to happen. This time did give many of the soldiers more free time to pursue career courses and gain some novel AT or MATT instructor qualifications which were strongly encouraged.
The culmination of all this came in the Medals’ celebration that happened on the Regiment’s return from their long tour. This was a very important day, for many it would be the first operational medal they would receive and for the older and bolder it would be the first in a long time.
An occasion this special required much planning in advance and this was left mostly to the Regimental Duty Sergeant to achieve. However, the long arm of the Regiment was never too far away and the Regimental Sergeant Major, WO1 Hilton, made sure that the wishes of the RHQ were heard.
Sgt Findlay did an excellent job in making sure the camp was ready, the families were informed and that all the logistics for a good celebration were in place. In the days preceding the parade the Regiment was put onto full drill rehearsal, with marching practice, kit inspections and all the rest coming into action. A full band came down to support the parade and rehearsing with them really brought everything together.
However, like all good plans that happen anywhere in the Army nature had other ideas about how the day would go. In stark contrast to the conditions of the Mediterra- nean the day of the parade was marked by freezing rain and high winds. The soldier of 4th Regiment were undeterred by this
minor set back and they still marched out in good order and which chests puffed out nicely. As the parade wore on the weather did begin to dampen a few spirits but over 200 members of the 4th Regiment Family still came out to see their soldiers return from tour.
The inspecting officer was the Deputy Commander of 1 Artillery Brigade, Colonel Christopher MBE, was not put off by the worsening conditions. For many soldiers this would be the first medal they had received, and certainly the first in a long time for the rest. It would be a waste to let the occasion be rushed or ruined by bad weather.
For everyone involved it was a truly spe- cial day and one of the first chances for the families of the Regiment to meet on mass. Given how separated everyone had been over the last few months it it meant a lot to be reunited for one large grand occasion.
45