are four training sub units - Churchill Sqn (formerly Templer Coy), Kitchener Coy, 28 Trg Sqn RE (formerly Marlborough Coy), Rowcroft Coy (formerly Slim Coy) and a Headquarter Company. The SuTs undergo a fourteen week training course to prepare them for their Phase Two training and the field army.
ATR (B) recently said farewell to CSgt “Gaz” Singleton who has moved on promotion to WO2 to London as a PSI with the TA. We wish him all the best for the future. We welcome in his place CSgt “Nick” Catton, his wife, Zowie, and their family. The stories so far: WO2 Pedley arrived at Bassingbourn for a two year posting as CSM Templer Coy (now Churchill Sqn) in February 2004. After completing two and a half years in post, he was allowed to complete the last of his 22 years’ service at ATR (B). On 28 August 2007, he completed his 22 years with The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment, started Service on the Long Service List fitting the cap badge of the Mercian Regiment on 1 September 2007. He now holds the post of “Training Coord Warrant Officer” preparing the training programmes for up to 26 Platoons/Troops which train at ATR (B) and ensuring that all outside venues for range work and exercise are booked in good time to allow the SuTs to pass off the square after their initial training.
The Mercian Regiment is well represented at ATR (B) across the rank structure. All Mercians should be aware that the “Infantry glue” is a very important part of Phase 1 training and the “Infantry magic” continues to be passed on to the Corps instructors. Posts from Section Commander to OC are available and should be chased via your own chain of command where possible. CSgt Catton joined from the 2nd Battalion to continue the fine work as Tech CQMS. Nick has taken up the challenge to ensure that ATR (B) has the technical support it needs to complete its task. CSgt Mulingani arrived in August 2008 and assumed the role of CQMS Rowcroft Coy, one of the four Training Companies/Squadrons. Having been a CQMS with 3 MERCIAN, he slotted in quickly. He has begun a two year post having been granted two years continuance to his Colour Service. On arrival, he was given a tour of the camp by his predecessor and one of the first people he was introduced to was CSgt Gaz Singleton who was in post as the G1198 SNCO. CSgt Singleton was originally from 2 MERCIAN and the brotherhood of MERCIANS here at ATR Bassingbourn was formed. CSgt Singleton has been replaced by CSgt Nick Catton (also posted in from 2 MERCIAN) and the three SNCOs from the Regiment have formed a close bond and an extremely healthy working relationship. This merger lark actually worked! Although originally from different Battalions, the five members of the Regiment keep an eye out for each other and, as the Regimental Motto states, we all ““Stand Firm, Strike Hard”. The Mercian Regiment is building a good reputation.
Cpl Field arrived on 5 January 2009 for a two year posting as a Section Commander in 28 Trg Sqn: just over one year into post now and he is still enjoying it. The Section Commander post at ATR (B) is a very satisfying job and is recommend to every JNCO in the Regiment. As much as it is satisfying, there are occasions which call for some out of hours training spent teaching basic subjects which are not part of the CMS. Cpl Field is due to complete his tour at ATR (B) on 4 January 2011 and return to 3 MERCIAN who will be preparing for deployment soon afterwards. During his time at ATR (B), Cpl Field has gained many new qualifications which can only be of help to him and the Battalion on its preparation for the future. LCpl Lloyd arrived on 1 May 2009 in an E2 driver post for a short tour of two years, unsure of what he had let himself in for. Seven military (various cap badges) and eleven civilian coach drivers work in the department, headed by a LSL Warrant Officer. The work is enjoyable and extremely busy. He works a normal week with a duty driver thrown in once every two weeks. There are no exercises or Op Tours so he is able to plan for some months in advance. In his first six months, he was employed as the MT Details Clerk in what can only be described as a hectic job. He was responsible for meeting the day-to-day transport requirements of the training staff in direct support of the SuT training programme. This task involved juggling 52 white fleet vehicles on various tasks to numerous locations. Throw into the pot weekly hirings, late bookings, last minute cancellations and you have all the ingredients for a nervous breakdown. He has now moved from desk duties and can find himself out on the road most days, driving anything from a car to a coach. He works unsociable hours on occasions but the extra time off comes in handy on long weekends. Life is totally different to that in the Battalion. He has some time to catch up with family and friends so, if you feel you need a break from the rigours of Battalion life, if you have a Cat C licence and, if you are interested in a coach licence course, ATR (B) is for you.
128 October 2010 The Mercian Eagle
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