Page 49 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2019

REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN)
positivity, consistent effort, and mentorship of our people. This approach has required a leap of faith; all of our people have been pushed to consider failure as an opportunity, to embrace the Army Empowerment agenda and to focus on where we can im- prove. The critical eye of a Tpr and the consistent questioning of our approach is the new normal for any sub-unit. D Squadron have embraced this and are now reaping the rewards.
The First Quarter
D Squadron had a particularly busy start to 2019. Lt Macka- ness ran Exercise MAROON LANCER 2, a troop level training package where our soldiers refreshed their mounted skills both in camp and on the Catterick Training Area. For many this was the first time they had exercised on the vehicles in well over a year and it served as a timely opportunity to refocus on our core role at the start of the training year following the successes of Op TOSCA in 2018.
D Squadron spent much of February in Otterburn, running the first PNCO Cadre of the year under Lt Titcomb and Sgt France, followed by the Support Troop concentration under SSgt Short, Sgt Veale and Sgt Whitehead-Junior. The PNCO cadre saw 38 students undertake two weeks of leadership development train- ing; the first in camp and the second, a summative exercise in the field. These events were well supported by the wider Squad- ron under the watchful eyes of Capt Anani-Isaac, WO2 Dyer and SSgt Smith; both proved to be significant successes. The PNCO Cadre is covered more widely in another article in this year’s Chapka.
In March, 21 members of the Squadron deployed to Val Thorens for the first Squadron ski trip in memory. Assisted by Lancer in- structors Capt Purbrick and Sgt Whitehead-Junior (our fine RE attachment who kept Purbrick in check!), the exercise saw three ability groups grace the slopes (not in all cases) amidst perfect spring conditions. Organised by Sgt Ellerby, the trip provided a well-deserved and hugely enjoyable experience for all our sol- diers, many of whom had never skied before, and rounded off a busy but successful first quarter for the Squadron.
The Second Half
A fantastic Regimental Weekend in June was enjoyed by all in the Squadron. This despite the athletics which was a less than mighty performance from D Squadron; summed up by Crafts- man Pratt who won the 400m but was disqualified for being too fast. Sgt Ellerby took his opportunity to stand in as the Com- manding Officer for the parade rehearsals (in which he relished) and Lt Titcomb did a fair job as Master of Ceremonies (calling on his skills from years of bedroom DJing).
At this juncture an enormous BZ to Capt Anani-Isaac. For the lion’s share of the first half of 2019 Jules led the Squadron, dou- ble-hatting as 2IC and co-ordinating a high tempo of activity and an OTX. He did a splendid job and the Squadron is ever
D Sqn ski trip to Val Thorens, March 2019
thankful. The relief in A-I’s eyes was palpable as Maj Horsfall arrived from PJHQ in early-July.
The Squadron was hit by a massive blow in July with the sad death of Tpr Jordan Holmes. ‘Holmesy’ was a member of our SQMS department, the happiest of souls, always full of energy and bringing smiles and laughter with him wherever he went. The Squadron led the bearer party at the funeral giving Jordan the send-off he deserved and presenting themselves with the up- most dignity and professionalism. Jody and Jordan’s family were incredibly proud of what Jordan had achieved and consoled by the incredible turnout of the serving Regiment at the funeral. It came as very happy news to hear of the birth of Jordan’s son, Logan Jordan Holmes in December. Our thoughts are with, and will remain always with Jody and Logan.
The final throes of the summer brought an adventurous train- ing package in the Lake District where Sgt Whitehead-Junior led mountain biking in Grizedale and Whinlatter, and hiking across some of the highest peaks in England. The Squadron departed for Summer Leave in August ready for a well-deserved break.
With the Autumn came Ex WATERLOO LANCER, a regimen- tal range package in Castlemartin. The Squadron deployed with refreshed energy following leave and set about a fantastic three weeks, achieving a 92% first-time pass rate on Annual Crew
Sqn 2ic, Capt Julien Anani-Isaac keeping a low profile
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