Quartermasters Department by Maj R A Goodwin QM (M):
QM (T):
RQMS (M): RQMS (T):
Maj R A Goodwin Capt K J Fletcher WO2 J D Waring
WO2 T M Blackshaw
As I start to write these notes, I am trying not to go on about how busy we have been but, yet again, this year has been no different to the others gone by. The year has been dominated by the department supporting Pre-Deployment training (PDT). This included an excellent six week exercise in Kenya on Ex Grand Prix 2. This experience proved to be a good shake out for the G4 team ensuring that the Battlegroup was supported at all times in their forward operating bases. We were all tested with extended lines of communications and logistics ensuring that the BG could operate effectively in austere conditions. As the Quartermaster, I had a few sleepless nights worrying that we would run out of water but managed to keep everybody alive. My small team in Nanyuki Showground as part of B Echelon provided everything including chickens, goats and pigs to G Company. The other Companies also participated in a bit of outdoor slaughtering and cooking; retching noises could be heard from afar across the African plains. The BG’s needs whilst in the FOBs were watched over by Capt Kevin
28 October 2010
Fletcher and the two RQMSs, WO2s Blacky Blackshaw and Ed Waring, as part of A1/A2 Echelon with a constant wish list of stores coming back to B Echelon. The reply often going back to them was that it will arrive in the Paul Daniels Magic Truck (PDMT).
CSgts Steve Pinches and Si Jackson back in B Echelon ensured that I was kept on the straight and narrow with our small band of determined, locally-employed civilians who continually impressed us with their tent packing skills ensuring that everything was handed over in good order to the incoming BG. At the end of the exercise, the department booked themselves into Sweetwater’s tented camp for some well deserved R and R. The QM (T) and I were late arriving but we were met by a chorus of song and flowing beer from Cpls Terry Finlay and Scooby Doolan along with the rest of the team: a good two days was had by all which was a nice finishing touch to a hard exercise. Also, at the end of our little excursion, we went on an extended Game drive and we were all out for longer than expected due to Capt Kevin Fletcher having his map upside
down. Sgt Chris Thorpe acted throughout the exercise as LO to the BG in Nairobi. He ended up working harder than expected but did a sterling job ensuring that his sun tan was constantly topped up. Sgt Bob Jackson was taken away to look after our local CIVPOP to ensure that the exercising troops received realistic and valuable training.
On our return to Marne Barracks, the department continued to support on CALFEX, LFTT and MRX - a testing time for all concerned. Our clothing store has been extremely busy ordering Future Army Dress (FAD), desert clothing and the new Multi-Terrain Pattern (MTP) combats. Sgt Jason Wild and LCpl Godkin will spend the next twelve months bringing all those items to account on to the individuals’ personal holdings: they will be well up to the required standard on UNICOM once this is complete! Our Barrack Manager, Cpl Shane Dunn, continues to improve the infrastructure
The Mercian Eagle
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