February sapper mag:Layout 1 21/1/09 16:11 Page 7
Searchlights and manoeuvre exercise by the Gurkhas. Our first real test
Spr Timmins, 102 Fd Sqn (V)
was a display for the Brigadier in Stirling; needless to say
he was delighted and we got the go ahead for Pipers Trail.
And God said “Let there be light”; more to the point in We began Ex Pipers Trail in Inverness and after some
this case the Brigadier said “let there be light”. If only it was initial teething problems with positioning due to the ambient
that easy! 102 Fd Sqn RE(V) has been the proud possessor of light over Inverness the Saltire shone out proud. Our biggest
two Francis searchlights for several years; sadly they have problem that night were the pesky midges; imagine how many
been called for only rarely and the number of trained were attracted to our billion-candle searchlight – painful!!!
operators had dwindled. No problems! A group of new, eager Our next three weekends consisted of shows at Dundee,
searchlight operators started training in Feb 08. An intensive Stirling and Edinburgh. Each weekend we got better at
classroom based weekend began with map reading being the positioning the Saltire and the whole operation became more
main aim of the weekend, a vital part of the job spec when it efficient. In Stirling we took part in the Stirling Military
comes to directing 1 billion candle power lights in the correct Show, providing a static display of the equipment to many
direction. It was then onto the lights and generators them- curious members of the public. We also had visits from several
selves; we had to become proficient in operating the equip- veterans pleased to see the lights again and keen to share their
ment in all types of weather and conditions. This included the experiences from WWII. In the evening we formed a stunning
delicate task of changing the very expensive (£600) and deli- Saltire over Stirling with the castle as our backdrop. Our finale
cate bulbs - not your average household number. was in Edinburgh town centre putting a Saltire over the castle;
On a freezing February night in Garelochead the new but the visitors were slightly different in the form of a bride
operators put the lights through their paces while trying to wanting a photo with us all and more than one hen night
avoid dazzling passing motorists or any low flying aircraft. which proved very popular with the guys of the team.
Despite our best efforts we still got a few visitors thinking Pipers Trail now finished we look forward to some time
aliens were about to land - including the local MOD police. off and continuing to use the lights, with local infantry
We continued our training by taking the lights out on Regt units to practice battlefield illuminations and mountain
training weekends or during stand-down weekends. Our rescue teams. Ex Pipers Trail was an excellent training
training was completed at Otterburn with a display for our opportunity and was also extremely enjoyable for all of us.
new CO, which included a chance lighting up of a live fire
71 Engr Regt (V)
February 2009 Articles 7
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