Page 28 - QDG 2022

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1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
C Squadron
To break the habit of a lifetime, this year’s journal article isn’t going to claim that this year has been busy and hectic, but instead that it has been varied, with it involving a wide range of diverse activity. This range has encompassed everything from adventure training in Croatia, skiing in France, vehicle trials in Devon, all the way through to exercises in the depths of Corsham mines, support to a state funeral and exercises in Oman. C Squadron has been fortunate to experience these activ- ities and it has proved a rewarding year.
The Year Begins
The year started after some well-earned Christmas leave when the Squadron could recharge batteries following the arduous deployment on Operation NEWCOMBE 2. These first few weeks were not only spent acclimatising to January weather in the UK, having come from 50 degrees Celsius in Mali, but also conducting administration to ensure everyone was safely and successfully back in the UK and in work. Towards the end of January, we donned our blue United Nations Berets again and headed over to Kendrew Barracks for the medals parade hosted by The 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment (The Poachers). The Squadron, alongside the rest of the Task Force, received their medals from Commander Field Army, Lieutenant General Ralph Wooddisse KCB, CBE, MC. Despite some fairly rusty drill, it was a beautiful day, with bright sunny skies and the Squadron were fortu- nate to receive the UN medal in front of our friends and families. To celebrate, the officers’ celebrated with a Partners Dinner night at the weekend, which was a nice end to the Mali chapter and saw everyone adorning their new mounted medals for the first time.
Beach Runs
The first few months of 2022 also saw the introduction of an activity which would become a monthly C Squadron staple – beach runs. There was no better way to help people adjust to the UK climate than a run along Holkham Beach in the brisk wind and usually wet weather associ- ated with the North Norfolk Coast. These PT sessions saw the Physical Training Instructors, under the watchful eye of Segreant Nick Taylor, put the Squadron through its paces with a number of gruel- ling tasks. This included everything from log runs and stretcher carries to wres- tling in the surf. The majority of which
was of great amusement to the onlooking British public. Whilst most certainly ‘second degree fun, these beach runs were mostly enjoyable, especially with the bacon and sausage baps and a cup of coffee from the nearby café becoming a welcome treat after each session.
Project THUNDERCAT
Another enduring theme which tran- scended the battle rhythm was continued work towards Project THUN- DERCAT, the Light Cavalry’s working group to update the vehicle we routinely use – the High Mobility Terrain Vehicle (HMTV). Throughout the year and across the country, members of the Squadron would attend working groups, forums and steering groups, all with
forum ‘Concept Mobility’ showed off concept vehicles, unmanned drones and a plethora of interesting, and sometimes quirky gadgets.
Lessons Learnt
Another way the Squadron imparted their experiences from their recent operational tour to Mali was through a series of lectures and conferences hosted throughout the UK. The high- light of these was when a group of ten personnel from C Squadron, ranging from Trooper to Major, visited the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. This trip was hosted by Lieutenant Colonel Simon Farebrother MC the Commanding Officer of the college and former B
Squadron Leader. The brief was an excellent opportu- nity for all ranks to impart their operational knowl- edge and experience to a younger generation with the presentation encompassing basic vehicle operation, all the way through to the reasons behind the involve- ment in the United Nations mission in Mali. Special mention must go to Lance Corporals Lily, Wright and Spencer, who only recently promoted, presented for ten minutes to an audience of almost 200 junior soldiers and support staff.
To assist with the pre deployment training of the Royal Scot Dragoon Guards, similar briefs were given throughout their build
up training, as well as by C Squadron members supporting their mission rehearsal exercises and ranges. Over the course of the year, C Squadron
the aim of feeding back our
experience from operating
on the platform in Mali. One
of the highlights, was a trip
to Devon to visit Supacat, the manufacturers of the HMTV.
After a morning of feedback
and meetings, Major Bryn
Williams, Lieutenant Ed
Dillon, Sergeant Johnny
Canning and Corporal Ross
Casey were privileged to
try one of Supacat’s new
concept off road vehicles.
The vehicle was basically a
lightweight dune buggy with
a tremendous engine. Once
shown the ropes, we were
allowed a quick spin around
the Devonshire countryside
which was great fun and
resulted in some wide muddy
grins. A similarly interesting
day was also spent on the South Coast, when members of C Squadron attended a forum run by scientists to understand the future of armoured vehicles. The
There was no better way to help people adjust to the UK climate than a run along Holkham Beach in the brisk wind and usually wet weather