Page 42 - MBS 2022/23

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After an extremely busy 21/22, I thought 22/23 would see the tempo easing off slightly for the Household Cavalry Regiment (HCR). However, it was quite the opposite. The year kicked off with C Sqn conducting pre-deployment training through summer 22 ready to deploy to Kosovo on Op ELGIN in Sep for 6 months. In addition to this, HCR deployed on Ex WESTPHALIA GUARDIAN in Germany and A Sqn were preparing for Ex MAYAN WARRIOR, a SQN OTX in Belize. This would see A Sqn transform into infantry platoons and deploy to the jungle for 3 months to conduct 7 weeks of exercise, followed by some community engagement which put the Squadron in an excellent place for future operations. D Sqn remained on camp and took up UKSB responsibilities being held at 12-hrs notice to move. As the only Sabre Sqn on camp, they picked up the job of conducting a Potential NCO Course and sent a team on Cambrian Patrol earning a silver. HCR also played a huge role in the Queen’s funeral which saw hundreds of their officers and soldiers play their part in laying HM Queen Elizabeth II to rest.
The good summer weather also provided some motivation and SSgt Hansmeyer managed to put together a team of willing volunteers to tackle an ultra-marathon, this came in the form of Race to the Stones, a 100km run along “The Ridgeway”, Britain’s oldest trail finishing at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Avebury Stone Circle, no members of the 8 person team had any previous ultra-marathon experience and although they had completed some good preparation under guidance of the SSI, nothing could fully prepare them for the mental and physical challenges that they would face. Nevertheless, all but one managed to complete the challenge, the SSI lead from the front finishing in a time of 13hrs and 14mins with the final team member defying all expectations and
SSgt (SSI) T Hansmeyer RAPTC
HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY REGIMENT
crossing the finish line at 0200hrs in a time of 19hrs and 4mins. Everyone’s bodies were in rag order for at least two weeks, but the memories and money raised for the Household Cavalry Foundation made it all worth the effort.
After a brief rest period over Christmas, the tempo continued in Jan 23 with RHQ, A and D Squadrons starting their own pre-deployment training for Op TOSCA 38. This was a testing period with the Sqns trying to balance the training with getting personnel away on relevant courses such as public order instructor, lifeguard and driving, whilst also completing Individual Training Requirements (ITRs) and all the
relevant qualifications needed for the deployment. This was a tall order and very busy first 3 months of the year. However, the sub-units managed to complete all the relevant training and even allowed for a week of pre-tour leave. With the Op TOSCA troops wheels up and headed to sunny Cyprus, the Rear Operations Group (ROG) was left with a couple of weeks breathing space over Easter before preparing for the much-anticipated King’s Coronation.
HCR remains “Strong in will / To Strive, to seek, to find and not to yield”.
A Sqn participate in Ex MAYAN WARRIOR in Belize
HCR Gym Staff at the Inter-Sqn athletics Op TOSCA Pre-Deployment Training (PDT)