Page 46 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2019

44
REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN)
Sheehan was soon roped in to plan and deliver what was a mem- orable squadron BBQ on a Pembrokeshire beach and ensured the officers and seniors won the cricket against the troopers and NCOs. An immaculate telegram followed to his parent unit in Australia commending his early contribution...!
In the final quarter, we focused on individual courses and de- ployed a 12-man team under Lt Batterbury and Cpl Edge with the Scots Guards on Exercise RATTLESNAKE in Louisiana, USA. ‘Team C’ was employed alongside a US recce company. By their recce skill, patience, and ruthless will to win they held off an OPFOR Coy Group for 48 hours. This allowed the Scots Guards to roll up the enemy and claim mission success, all before soaking up the delights of New Orleans. Back in the UK, Tpr Mason and LCpl Allinson qualified as snipers while the focus was preparation for the boxing competition under the SSM, WO2 Nyambira, supported by LCpl Bracken. The Squad- ron found second place with two of our officers, Capt Gardner and Lt Batterbury providing something of an exhibition match, whilst LCpl Biles and Tprs Raynor-Smith, Wyatt, and Russon all put up superb fights; the embodiment of courage.
With much to be proud of this year, it has been important to recognise the talents and efforts at every level. We introduced The C Squadron Recce Trophies awarded to individuals of any rank in each of the troops who demonstrate ‘recce excellence’, epito-
mising the four Cs of C Squadron: Commitment to Team and Cohesion, Cunning and Recce Skill, Courage, and Leaders for the 21st Century. This year’s Sabre trophy went to Cpl Yorke; Anti-Tank to LCpl Vatuwaqa aand Support’s to Cpl Edge. It was also with real delight that soldiers and officers in the Squadron were recognised for their exemplary contribution up to Divi- sional level with Lt Kalish (attached from AAC) being awarded a GOC’s commendation for his support to development of the Brigade Recce Group, and Cpls Pipe, Hawkins and Bracken be- ing awarded the Brigade Commander’s Commendation. The year also culminated with an unusual number of promotions: eleven to Lance Corporal; eight to Corporal; three to Sergeant.
As the Officer Commanding, it has been a genuine privilege for me to work with such talented people over the past two years and to develop and operate with the team as the Brigade Recce Group, training at high readiness for operations in the UK and globally. As the command team shortly hands the baton over, C Squadron reforms in 2020 to deliver Physical Development, Empowerment, and conceptual training for the BG whilst its experience is shared by its ranks across the Regiment. I wish the new C Squadron, and the wider Regiment, the very best in their next chapter, and I look forward to reading about it in the Chapka next year...!
DSRB