slowly but surely within the old and tired technical accommodation in Marne Barracks. Cpl John Baker has done an excellent job ensuring the huge amount of expense stores demanded to support all the activities mentioned above were accounted for and issued to sub-units, whilst trying to juggle a plethora of courses. Cpl Scooby Doolan, our ammunition storeman, has been outstanding juggling about £3m worth of ammunition this year alone. Despite supporting all the
Bn activities, the department managed to achieve a bold green on the Logistic and Equipment Care Inspections, a fantastic achievement considering the amount of time actually spent in barracks.
There have been a few changes in the department: LCpl Donohue has moved to the Sergeants’ Mess as a steward; Cpl Woolley has returned from his two 6 month postings in Kenya: he was recalled as it was
MT Platoon by Capt Matt Bard MTO: Capt Matt Bard
With the Falklands commitment firmly behind us and the introduction of the new MAN SV fleet, the Platoon started the “beat-up” for the rapid onset of Ex Grand Prix 2. This promised to be an ideal training opportunity for all, to focus on the forthcoming tour of Afghanistan in March 2010 (Op Herrick 12).
With all the preparation complete and a bit of leave thrown in for good measure, the Platoon deployed to Kenya as part of the activation party. The following six weeks promised to be a challenge for all, with 70% of heavy lift capability (DROPS) not making it 5 kilometres from the main camp in Nanyuki, only two days after inheriting these aged and poorly maintained vehicles. Over the coming weeks, Cpl “Police Horse” Gavin (Green Fleet Manager) could be seen cowering in the corner at the mention of a broken vehicle. “Leading by example” is a well-known mantra in the Army and the only RTI in the Battlegroup for the whole of Kenya was as a result of the MTO losing his rear off-side wheel in transit: this produced hours of fun for all across the Battlegroup!
AGC (SPS) Detachment RAO:
Det Comd: RAWO:
Capt Stuart Duncan Lt Saf Greenwood
WO2 (SQMS) Hargreaves
Over the past 10 months, there have been many changes within the detachment. We have welcomed a new RAO, Capt Stuart Duncan, Det Comd, Lt Saf Greenwood, RAWO, WO2 (SQMS) Hargreaves, FSA, SSgt McLaren and SSA, Sgt Langley; joining the team, also, was Cpl Watson Snr HRA A Company, Cpl Hales Snr HRA C Company, Cpl Thompson Snr HRA Sp Company, Pte Robinson, Jnr HRA Sp Company, Pte Hill Jnr HRA HQ Company and not forgetting Pte Shannon as Comd Admin – a major change in the detachment. To those who have left
The Mercian Eagle
The Platoon continued to provide a first class service for all, despite Cpl Westmoreland’s attempt to sabotage the Quartermaster’s vehicle, much to the amusement of the B Echelon in Nanyuki Showground. During the final part of the exercise, the Platoon deployed as A1 Echelon for field logistics support to the Battlegroup. Sgt “Diesel Den” Hughes came into his own at this stage, demonstrating his field soldiering skills much to Pte Brereton’s dismay. Once the exercise was complete, the Platoon handed over the fleet to 2 R ANGLIAN and no bills were raised. Before departing for sunny Catterick, the Platoon enjoyed a couple of nights in a Safari Lodge - a well- earned rest.
On return to Catterick, the Platoon took part in another Combined Inspection Week (CIW) to cover the Battalion for the Op Herrick 12 deployment. This went very well, in most part due to the efforts of the rear party headed up by Cpl “Yard Dog” Elliot and his team. The work had begun in earnest for the deployment to Afghanistan with some 70 additional Cat C drivers trained, 4 General Service Cadres run and the troops converted
the detachment, we wish them well with their new posts.
The detachment has also stepped up their game on the G1 side and has deployed to Kenya on Ex Grand Prix: this allowed the Jnr HR Clerks to put there fieldcraft and knowledge into practice, learning the fundamentals of what the Infantry do when on operations. Even the RAO managed to get away from his desk to deploy with the detachment. For those who went to Kenya for the first time, it was certainly an eye opener for them especially working in the heat but very good training for the forthcoming tour to Herrick. Whilst on Ex Grand Prix, our Rear Party was formed up by SSgt “Macca” McLaren, new in post as the FSA; not only was he learning his job but he had to ensure that the unit was ready for the forthcoming inspection, a challenging job,
to theatre-specific vehicles. During this busy period, the Platoon deployed on all the PDT exercises from STANTA to OTA. With all the training now complete, the Platoon is looking forward to a busy and rewarding tour of Afghanistan.
Since the last edition of The Mercian Eagle, we have had to say farewell to a few members of the Platoon. Sgt “Gone Fishing” Horrocks has moved to the Training Wing, Cpl Woolley, on his return from an extended holiday in Kenya (BATUK), has moved to the QM’s. LCpl Godkin has also moved to the QM’s to take up a post in the Clothing Store and, finally, LCpl Clampitt - having successfully completed SCBC - has been posted to C Company. A few have been posted into the Platoon: Sgt Hughes has taken over the mantle of MT Pl Sgt with ease providing a robust and respected 2ic for the Platoon. Last but not least, Pte Brereton has come into his own acting as the new Platoon mascot, a constant morale raiser. The Platoon has had a very busy year but it still remains committed to providing a first class service.
but this was successful and completed with ease.
The Detachment has had many challenges throughout this year, whether it be on CFX, MRX or even deploying down to STANTA/ LYDD for the forthcoming tour, however, we have managed to fit in some good team building whether it be ten pin bowling, a night out in Darlington or even arranging a Bde SPS Run for all detachments within the Bde. What lies ahead in the future? Well, we will be saying farewell to Cpl Shuttleworth, a loyal member for 22 Years, and LCpl Bogusz who departs for pastures new in civilian street; we wish them the very best in their future careers. The detachment will be splitting again for Op Herrick and we wish for those who are deploying a safe tour and a safe return home.
October 2010 29
rumoured that he was about to turn native. Congratulations go to both of them also on their recent marriages. At the time of writing, we are one week away from deploying on Op Herrick 12 and we look forward to an interesting tour and gathering together for a few beers at the end of it. On a personal note, I would like to thank everybody in the Quartermaster’s Department and I am under no illusion that you are only as good as your team.
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