Welcome to the Autumn 2014 Lowland Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association Newsletter.
Covering key information, activities and events of units of the Reserve Forces and the Cadet Organisations, across the Lowlands of Scotland, our e-Newsletter will be published three times a year.
We would welcome feedback and contributions
Please provide any content for the next edition by 12th January to Naheem Waheed at lo-commsasst@rfca.mod.uk
The Defence Reform Act and changes to the Reserve Forces An Overview
Since 2003 over 26,000 Reservists have been mobilised including for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. However, Reservists haven’t been able to deploy on the full range of operations and tasks that Regular Forces can. Reflecting the growing role of the Reserves and the importance of establishing a more integrated whole force from 1 October 2014 the law governing call-out powers (the Reserve Forces Act) has changed to allow a Reservist to be called out (mobilised) for any purpose a Regular can be used.
Serving Reservists will be fully briefed on the change in detail in the coming months and after 1 October they are able to elect to move over to the new terms. Serving Reservists who choose not move over will continue to serve under their current call-out powers until they re-engage, extend their service or commission, when they will be required to accept the new powers. For those joining the Reserves, the new terms will automatically apply to those who attest after 1 October 2014.
The consultation that informed the Future Reserves White Paper revealed Reservists wanted to be able to play a wider role in Defence. These changes will realise that desire and give Reservists the opportunity to deploy on the full range of tasks and operations both at home and abroad, although Reservists won’t be mobilised solely for training or industrial disputes.
Defence’s most senior Reservist, Major General John Crackett commented:
“These wider mobilisation powers are something that Reservists have asked for. Whilst some tasks have historically been the preserve of Regulars this is changing under the Whole Force concept, bringing new opportunities for the Reserves. I would strongly encourage all serving Reservists to move across to the new call-out powers so they are able to take advantage of these opportunities”.
As well as the changes to call-out powers, Defence is making other changes to the Reserve Forces as part of the package set out in the White Paper. A summary of all the changes is included below:
• The TA will be renamed the Army Reserve.
• Defence is able to make additional payments to employers when their Reservist is mobilised, with the intent to focus these payments towards small and medium enterprises and charities.
• Removal of the statutory two year qualifying period to raise a claim of unfair dismissal where the reason, or principal reason, is due to their Reservist status.
• The Reserve Forces and Cadets Associations will produce an annual report on the health of the volunteer Reserve Forces.
SaBRE joined the Edinburgh Joined up for Jobs partnership on the final presentation day of the 4 Weeks 2 Work project on the 5th of September.
‘4 Weeks 2 Work’ is a unique new employment initiative being delivered by the Army Reserve in Scotland and key stakeholders within the Edinburgh Joined up for Jobs partnership.
A wide range of employers within Scotland joined forces to support and deliver ‘4 Weeks 2 Work’ to help young adults (26 males and four females) within the Edinburgh area to gain the skills and experience they need to get into work.
Jim McGonigie, District Manager, East and South East Scotland, Department of Work and Pensions said: “DWP is delighted to be working with the Army Reserve who will provide a course that will enhance the employment prospects of our 18 to 24-year-old claimants giving them the confidence, qualifications, and work experience they require to successfully move into employment.”
Using the training, team building skills, and resources of the Army Reserve alongside personal development skills training from Edinburgh College and Skills Development Scotland, a guaranteed job placement will be provided to all Job seekers on the course tailored to their skills and aspirational profiling. ‘4 Weeks 2 Work’ qualifies as a Sector Based Work Academy by Jobcentre Plus.
The young adults on the course had the opportunity to find out more about the Army Reserve part time job opportunities, experience military training activities, take part in a week’s job placement, and receive feedback about their CV and interview techniques to help them develop their employability skills.
The Army Training Unit (Scotland) Reserve instructors, based at Redford Barracks, taught them a number of accredited workplace qualifications. These included Health and Safety in the workplace, Emergency First Aid at Work, Fire Wardens and Automated External Defibrillation. This has a potential saving to future employers of approximately £1500.
The final 17 participants did a series of group exercises that enabled the people attending to see what they had learned and how it had changed them; it was impressive to see the level of confidence and teamwork they exhibited. The final results was a group of young people better prepared and qualified to find employment, with a number of them already starting work the following week, and some exploring further options in the Regular and Reserve Army.
Chris Sherrington and Susan Flintoff onboard HMS Duncan
HMS DUNCAN RECEPTIONS
Susan Flintoff (Regional SaBRE Campaign Director West) was delighted to attend a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) business dinner onboard HMS DUNCAN during the ships visit to Glasgow. The dinner was jointly hosted by Captain Chris Smith Royal Navy, Naval Regional Commander Scotland and Northern Ireland and Mr Donald Gordon, the Chair of CIPD Scotland.
Commander James Stride Royal Navy, the ship’s Commanding Officer, was present at the dinner and only too pleased to offer the Wardroom of the ship for the occasion. The focus of the dinner was leadership and development and it was attended by a cross-section of the local business community who were treated to a presentation by the Royal Navy Presentation Team and also from Ten, a leadership development company.
The ship’s company did an excellent job of looking after the guests on what was a very enjoyable and useful evening. Colonel Gibson, Susan Flintoff and members of Lowland RFCA Regional Employer Engagement Group (REEG) were also welcomed onboard HMS DUNCAN for a Ministerial Reception hosted by Lord Astor of Hever, Under Secretary of State for Defence.
The reception was well attended by a variety of local dignitaries and business people including Ruth Davidson MSP and Johanne Lamont MSP. Again the attendees were given a presentation by the Royal Navy Presentation Team and also a short speech by Lord Astor and were also treated to a tour of the ship. Once again the ship’s company were excellent hosts and ambassadors for Defence.
Also in attendance at the dinner was Chris Sherrington of the Royal Marines, who won Gold for Scotland in Judo at the Commonwealth Games and Susan Flintoff was lucky enough to have a chat with him, as pictured above.
Prime Minister David Cameron opening the Royal Marines Reserve facilities
Prime Minister David Cameron unveiled a plaque at the official opening of the newly-refurbished Royal Marines Reserve training facility Edinburgh on 4 July, and saw first-hand the vital role that reservists play in the armed forces.
It is hoped that the new centre will increase the Royal Marines’ footprint in Edinburgh, strengthen interest and recruitment from the local community, and expand the size of the detachment.
Speaking at the opening, the Prime Minister said: “We are looking to expand the contribution made by reserves. We have a lot of work to do in this area and the Royal Marines Reserve is a crucial part of that expansion. It is a real pleasure to be here and open this splendid new building.”
Commodore Andrew Jameson, one of the Prime Minister’s hosts during his visit, said: “As part of this programme, we are committed to providing infrastructure that encourages recruits to join, and allows for the best possible training. This new facility for the Royal Marines Reserve in Edinburgh is a fantastic example of this betterment programme having real effect.”
The RMR Scotland Edinburgh detachment was, until recently, located in a portable cabin. The new facility, costing £290,000, has now expanded, with the addition of commando-specific training frames.
Commonwealth Games 2014
With up to 400 Reservists on hand to support the security efforts for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, the operation was deemed a success by all parties.
More than 2,000 personnel from all 3 services provided general support to venue security as well as specialist skills such as explosive ordnance disposal support and air security measures similar to those seen during the London 2012 Olympics.
The Defence Secretary Michael Fallon visited men and women of the military venue security force who were working from HMS Dalriada, a Royal Naval reserve unit which opened in Glasgow last spring after a £1 million investment.
The Defence Secretary said: “I am proud to have met regular and reserve personnel who are making a vital contribution in support of the Commonwealth Games.
“ The armed forces work every day to keep us safe both at home and overseas, and this has been an opportunity for our servicemen and women to take part in a once-in-a-generation task that demonstrates their positive spirit and adaptability.”
Around 900 personnel were provided for the task by the British Army, while the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force provided around 300 personnel each.
Meagan Anderson, Summer Challenge participant in the news
Maegan Anderson, and NHS Domestic Assistant was in the local newspaper, the Midlothian Advertiser, after successfully completing the full-time four week summer challenge at Redford Barracks. After the course, she decided to join the 154 (Scottish) Transport Regiment RLC, saying "I joined the Army Reserves for the challenge and to become fitter as well as gain more qualifications - they will teach me how to drive HGV Vehicles." She admitted "The course has been tough but I have really enjoyed it. I proved that I can push myself to the limits and much further than I thought. It has been very rewarding."
Winning team at the Army Reserve Football Association Challenge Cup
71 Engineer Regiment is the Royal Engineer Reserve Regiment in Scotland. Since it re-rolled from Air Support to Force Support earlier in the year, the training and successes achieved have been outstanding. In June 80 Reservists and 10 Regular Sappers from 39 Engineer Regiment deployed on Ex Golden Coyote in South Dakota joining the US National Guard to hone their combat engineering and technical construction skills. In order to build the capabilities within the Regiment, spaces have been made available on the long Artisan courses at 1 Royal School of Military Engineering in Chatham – the first Reservist has already started his Carpentry & Joinery class 3. The Regiment also entered two teams into the RFA International Section Competitions held at Dreghorn Barracks winning 5 trophies for individual events and narrowly missing out on the overall title.
There have also been a few sporting successes. The highlight was the winning the Army Reserve Football Association Challenge Cup, closely followed by being crowned Reserve Champions at the Royal Engineer Games in Tidworth. Following the victory in the football, 5 players were selected to complete pre-season training with the Corps team. A similar success story can from the Sapper games, with players selected to train with the Corps Squash and Athletics teams.
Civil Engagement : moving nearly 50 tonnes of rocks from St Andrews Harbour
The Regiment is also committed to supporting the local communities and has undertaken numerous civil engagement tasks, including moving nearly 50 tonnes of rocks from the historic St Andrews Harbour. We have also deployed 7 personnel on Operation HERRICK 20 in support of the Joint Force Engineering Squadron Group, 3 personnel on Operation PITCHPOLE (support to the Environmental Health Agency’s flood defence survey) and 9 personnel on Operation COMET (the Commonwealth Games).
To commemorate the Centenary of WW1, the Regiment organised a 4 day battlefield study to where the 4 Scottish Royal Engineers were awarded Victoria Crosses, this included a commemoration ceremony and wreath laying at the grave of Lance Corporal Charles Jarvis VC who is buried in Cupar Ceremony.
Despite all of this, there is still a lot more to fit in before the end of the year. The Regiment will deploy for 2 weeks into the Highlands to conduct civil engagement tasks at Kingussie Wildlife Park, Rothimurchus Lodge and in support of the 2015 World Orienteering Championships. The Regimental football team are scheduled to take on 22 Signal Regiment, the Army football champions.
Commemoration and wreath laying at grave of Lance Corporal Charles Jarvis VC, Cupar Ceremony.
Lance Corporal McIntosh
Lance Corporal McIntosh is the first Reservist to be loaded onto a regular Royal Engineer Class 3 artisan course at the Royal School of Military Engineering in Chatham. These residential courses are between 6 and 9 months long, and designed to train regular Sappers in their chosen trade – in Lance Corporal McIntosh’s case, this is Carpentry and Joining (C&J). During the course he will learn and be tested in technical aspects of the trade (he is currently building a sash window and frame) which result in a nationally recognised qualification. Lance Corporal Mackintosh originally joined the Reserves as a stepping stone to a regular Army career but has found that the combination of reserve service and civilian employment gives him the best of both worlds. In his 5 years with the Regiment he has deployed on numerous exercises including a 2 week construction exercise in Cyprus where they built Forward operating bases and laid concrete pads under realistic operational conditions. More importantly, he has developed in confidence and self belief – challenges that once would have been unachievable are now hurdles that can be overcome.
On completion of the course Lance Corporal McIntosh has several ambitions. Within the Reserves he is planning to put his skills to use in developing other tradesmen within 124 Field Support Squadron, in addition to sharing his experiences to build ethos in the following areas: pride in history and camaraderie of the Royal Engineers; reinforce that the gap between Regular and Reserve service is blurring and help others build the confidence in their abilities and to achieve their goals. He also has his sights set on promotion to Corporal in the near future with subsequent promotions in a long Reserve career which he hopes will include deploying on overseas Operations. His other pressing ambition is to resume his Accountancy training having taken a year long break to complete the C&J course.
Training Developments Scotland is a learning provider of technical, accredited Gas Engineer training, they are also a generous supporter of the Army Reserve – at a recent Employer Engagement event they offered the Regiment a free place on their 28 week Gas Foundation Training Course. Sapper Graham Legg, 124 Field Support Squadron, started the course in late July, he has completed the 5 week classroom based module and is now in the work placement phase assisting a fully qualified Gas Engineer with the service, repair and maintenance of natural gas appliances, boilers and pipe work. These placements will be interspersed with further practical tuition and testing. The course, once complete, will give Sapper Legg a civilian trade that is transferable to 71 Engineer Regiment; this will enable him to enhance both his civilian and Army Reserve careers.
Sapper Legg joined the Reserves to challenge himself with new and difference experiences and having always respected the Armed Forces is incredibly proud of the choice that he made. Whilst serving with 71 Engineer Regiment he has deployed to South Dakota on a 2 week exercise with engineers from the US National Guard where his combat engineering skills were tested in the building of a shelter for the homeless and repairing a Chapel. He was also mobilised to support the Commonwealth Games where he was part of the Venue Security Team for the Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre.
Given his positive attitude and the pride that he has in his military service, unsurprisingly Spr Legg is keen to continue in his Reserve career and is hoping to be able to play a role in all aspects of Army life including deploying on Operations. He is also hoping to be able to pass on his knowledge and skills to the rest of 71 Engineer Regiment.
105th Regiment Royal Artillery (105 RA) is traditionally very busy over the summer period with five Royal Salutes in the fired from the grounds of Edinburgh Castle alone. Two of these Royal Salutes, however, were of particular note. On Tuesday the 10th June 2014 combined gun detachments from 105 RA and Glasgow & Strathclyde University Officer Training Corps (G & S UOTC) fired the Royal Salute marking HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh‘s Birthday. The parade was of particular note with “brothers-in-arms” as the officers on parade. Captain Douglas Bertram (105 RA on the right) commanded the Royal Salute aided by his brother Captain Ian Bertram (G & S UOTC on the left) in what was a somewhat wet affair. Saturday the 14th June 2014 thrust 105RA into the media spot light, with The Queen’s Commonwealth Games’ Baton being incorporated into the Royal Salute marking HM The Queen’s Official Birthday. Having just arrived in Scotland that day, the Baton was handed to the District Gunner, Sgt Beveridge, who marched at the head of the Saluting Troop. After the Royal Salute the District Gunner led the SCOTS (L) band through Edinburgh Castle and on to the esplanade, where the Baton was handed over to Lorraine Kelly.
Away from the Royal Salutes, 105 RA held a prominent feature at the Armed Forces Day 2014 held at Stirling. The guns fired marking the start of the occasion, with the 105 RA marching contingent being led by Captain Chris Scott Royal Artiillery from 207 (City of Glasgow) Battery.
August brought a renewal of the now annual re-acquaintance with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo with the initial planning meetings starting in April. The Company hierarchy commanded the Service Police support to Police Scotland and were ably assisted by Royal Navy Police, members of 160 Provost Company, Royal Air Force Police and many other members of the Company representing a truly joint working environment.
Having qualified on the Service Police Search Course allows the Company to assist the Ministry of Defence Police search team with the daily search and seal of the Tattoo arena and Castle area. Completing this task ensures that the Company Search Teams remain valid and in date.
As well as providing a policing presence in and around the Castle the soldiers on duty also conducted joint patrols with Police Scotland within the vicinity of Edinburgh Castle down to the Grassmarket and Castle Terrace. This task is fantastic for practicing and enhancing soldiers’ communication (airwave) skills, people skills whilst dealing with the public, traffic control and operating in a multi agency operation.
This year having watched all 25 performances over 21 evenings and watching 250,000 people coming in and leaving the arena with no major incidents (but plenty of injuries through trips, slips and falls and at least 6 blue light ambulances called) the Service Police stood down…..till next year!
The origins of 125 (Glasgow) Rations Squadron date back to the early 1920s when the first Royal Army Ordnance Corps (RAOC) unit of the Territorial Army was raised in Berkeley Street in Glasgow. After the Second World War all units of the Territorial Army were demobilised and new units reformed on the reconstitution of the Territorial Army on 1st May 1947.
Previously, during the Second World War, an Anti-Aircraft Division of the Territorial Army was raised in Glasgow and Edinburgh as part of an Anti-Aircraft Command and an AA Battery was deployed on the site, together with an operations centre. Between 1947 and 1957 the site was occupied by 13 AA (Mixed) Signal Regiment TA and for a short time a unit of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. In 1953 the wooden huts that were sited in Kings Park, and used as soldiers’ accommodation during WW2, and subsequently as the “Drill Hall” for the TA Units, were demolished and a new TA Centre was built.
A further change took place in 1957 when the Territorial Army underwent a major re-organisation. The Scottish RAOC (TA) units were disbanded and a new unit was formed entitled 51 Ordnance Field Park (Volunteers) with its headquarters and training centre on the present site. The role of the unit was in support of the 1st British Corps Troops RAOC of the British Army of the Rhine.
Further re-organisations took place within the RAOC and in 1982 the unit was retitled 65 (Scottish) Ordnance Company (Volunteers). A year later it was placed under command of 9 Ordnance Battalion RAOC and renamed 94 (Scottish) Ordnance Company RAOC. The role of the unit was in support of the United Kingdom Mobile Force (Land) for which it was responsible for the supply of rations and bulk stores. In the 1980s it became apparent that the existing building was too small for the revitalised TA so it was agreed that a new centre would be built on a vacant part of the site and the old one was demolished on its completion in 1987.
On the formation of the Royal Logistic Corps in 1993 the unit was retitled 125 (Glasgow) Rations Squadron and was placed under control of 12 Supply Regiment RLC (based in Wulfen in Germany) who also commanded 123 (Ammunition) Squadron and 124 (Petroleum) Squadron.
In 1999 under the Strategic Defence Review the Squadron lost it’s ‘Independent’ status and was re-aligned to the Scottish Transport Regiment, where it remained until April 1997, when under Future Army Structures it became a sub-unit of the newly formed 159 Supply Regiment.
Under the Defence Review FR2020 the Squadron is re-locating to Coventry under the name of 125 (Coventry) Supply Squadron, therefore many of the members have had to transfer to other Army Reserve Units within the Glasgow area, which means re-trading for many of them.
During its existence Volunteer personnel from the unit have served in:
Afghanistan - Iraq - Norway – Denmark – Germany – France – Poland – Canada – USA .
70% of the unit were compulsory mobilised in 2003 in support of OP TELIC in Iraq, and the Squadron has regularly supplied troops to support OP HERRICK in Afghanistan since 2008.
On 30th Jul 2014 the Squadron will be re-titled: 125 (Coventry) Supply Squadron and will re-locate to Coventry as part of 159 Regt RLC.
In the early part of this year the Chief of the Air Staff reversed a decision which would have seen the Squadron re-role to RAF Police only. This would have had the effect of halving the RAF Regiment Reserves in Scotland at a time when considerable time, money and effort is being channelled into increasing the size of the RAF Reserves. As this article is being typed the plans are near completion for 603 Squadron to retain an RAF Regiment Flight (A Flight) whilst expanding to encompass an RAF Police element (B C and D Flights). We are now being talked of as a ‘multi-role Squadron’; in truth 603 has always been multi-role. From Bombers to Fighters, to Air Defence, to Maritime, from multi-trade to single trade, from one trade to another. Since reforming as 603 Squadron in 1999 the present Officer Commanding is now the fourth consecutive Officer Commanding to re-role the Squadron, so the loyalty of the local Reserves in adapting and trying to stay with the changes is extraordinary.
As well as the generation of mobilised troops for operations and assisting the wider RAF in other areas the Squadron has yet again maintained the RAF presence in the dwindling light-blue population of this part of Scotland.
February
This month saw the Phase 1 Recruits continue with modular training with 9 individuals completing the Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton. Phase 2 RAF Police and Phase 2 RAF Regiment also continued modular training with 5 Phase 2 Gunners attending Exercise Omega, the 2-week RAF Regiment Gunner Aux Course.
‘A’ Flight carried out Advanced Combat Marksmanship Testing (ACMT) on the ranges at Barry Buddon – particularly important for those being mobilised for Operation HERRICK in March.
For A Flight, the Training Saturday focussed on the new RAF Regiment fitness policy and saw those personnel attending successfully complete the Swim Test and the Combat Fitness Test (CFT). The Phase 1 Recruits and Phase 2 RAF Police continued their modular training to get themselves ready for either their BRTC or Exercise Griffon Endeavour which will see them successfully complete their current training phase.
Also during February we also had a Valentine’s Dance and although the numbers who attended were small, it was enjoyed by all those present.
March
The month started with the mobilisation of Lance Corporal McGuire, Leading aircraftmen Carrigan, McGovern, McKay, Smith 353 & Yoxall who headed down to the RAF Regiment Depot at RAF Honington to commence their Pre-Deployment Training (PDT). This meant that the Squadron had 16 personnel either on Deployment or PDT, the largest number since Operation TELIC in 2003.
The March Training Weekend was based out of the Town Headquarters (THQ) and apart from modular training for the Phase 1 Recruits and Phase 2 RAF Police, A Flight carried out a mixture of training but concentrating on Orders and Map Reading on the Castlelaw Training Area.
The Training Saturday was a final catch up day for the Phase 1 Recruits going to Halton for their BRTC at the beginning of April. It was also the last chance for the Phase 2 RAF Police to get themselves ready for their confirmation exercise, Ex Griffon Endeavour. Successful completion of this will see them qualified and awarded their RAF Police Warrant Card. A Flight conducted ‘orders’ training and, for those that required it, an RAF Fitness Test (RAFFT) was carried out.
Adjutant, Flt Lt Adams, and ACs Beggs & Gorst presenting cheque at Erskine Home in Edinburgh
April
The training year started with the deployment of one member of the Squadron, Leading Aircraftman Freshour, as part of the force relieving 58 Squadron, RAF Regiment at Camp Bastion. It also saw the completion of the RAF Police qualification exercise, Exercise Griffin Endeavour, and congratulations go to Sergeants Kinkade, McFeeley & Soutar, Corporal Duffy, Senior Aircraftman Dougan & Murphy and ACs Angus, Christie, Reid & Williamson on successfully completing the Exercise.
During the April Training Weekend ‘A’ Flight completed their Annual Combat Marksmanship Test Shoots at Castlelaw and continued with their preparation for the Scottish Military Skills Competition which sees them running a Helicopter Landing Site (HLS) stand for the competition as well as entering a team. Whilst this was going on the Adjutant, Flight Lieutenant Adams, and Aircraftmen Beggs & Gorst visited the Erskine Home in Edinburgh and presented a cheque for £697 raised by the Squadron during 2013. Well done to everyone who contributed their time, effort and money during 2013 to raise that amount.
On Wed 23 April, the Squadron was represented by Squadron Leader Riley and Warrant Officer Davenport at the opening of the Prestonpans Family Dental Centre which has been named after Flight Lieutenant Pat Gifford, a 603 Squadron Pilot who shot down the first enemy aircraft of the Second World War over the Firth of Forth not far from Prestonpans. It is an impressive building which has 10 dental surgeries and provides specialist dental services to the residents of East Lothian and beyond. Indeed the dental laboratory on site has also been named the “603 Suite” as the father of the Senior Dental Technician working there, flew in Lancaster Bombers during the war. As a consequence Squadron Leader Riley took the opportunity to present a Squadron plaque to the Dental Centre which is now included as part of the Pat Gifford display.
On the Friday night before our April training, the Squadron hosted a talk by Lord Selkirk, our Honorary Air Commodore’s (HAC’s) Representative on the first flight over Everest in 1933 using two experimental aircraft. This was particularly appropriate as Lord Selkirk’s father was one of the pilots involved so he was able to give the presentation from a very personal perspective. It was a well attended event and provided the Squadron with an opportunity to say thank you to numerous people who have assisted the Squadron over the last year. The event was ably supported by cadets from 142 (Trinity) Squadron, Air Training Corps who acted as stewards for the night and we appreciate their help.
The Training Saturday saw the newly qualified RAF Police men & women formally take the Service Police Oath and receive their Warrant Cards from Group Captain Bailey, the Provost Marshal and Commander RAF Police. Lord Selkirk presented the award for top graduate to Acting Corporal Angus, so congratulations to him and he also presented Corporal Finlayson with his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Whilst this was going on, A Flight completed their preparation and training for the Scottish Military Skills Competition being held on the next training weekend.
The final parade on the Saturday was the opportunity for Sergeant Mark Henderson to present his farewell gift to the Squadron. This is a unique painting done by Sergeant Henderson depicting the past and present roles of the Squadron. A suitable display site has still to be found within Town HQ but a copy is on display in the Squadron Bar. In return the Squadron presented Sergeant Henderson with an engraved wine decanter and four glasses as a thank you for all his years of hard work for the Squadron. Fortunately we will not see the last of Sgt Henderson as he is now working from the Regional Recruiting Team Office on the first floor of Town HQ so we will see him from time to time.
We have also had Sergeant Soutar called up for deployment to Afghanistan which gives her the distinction of being the first RAF Police Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) to be mobilised from the Squadron. This will be the first of many.
The month was brought to a happy close with the safe return of Lance Corporals Danks, Hobbins & Martin, Senior Aircraftmen Burnett, Kane, Littlejohn & MacDonald and Leading Aircraftmen White with the rest of 58 Squadron RAF Regiment. They subsequently participated in the 58 Squadron, RAF Regiment Homecoming Parade through St Andrews and the parade marking the disbandment of 58 Squadron RAF Regiment, where they received their Operational Service Medals before departing on some well earned and deserved leave prior to being stood down.
May
The May Training Weekend saw A Flight run a Helicopter Landing Site (HLS) stand for the competition as well as putting in a team which won the Pistol Shoot. Congratulations to Lance Corporals Lloyd, Robertson, Watson and Senior aircraftman Dalziel for winning the Pistol Shoot. Unfortunately whilst the overall winners (7 Scots) were announced the final placings were not published.
Meanwhile B Flight conducted continuation training including a refresher on Rifle Handling Skills and the next tranche of Phase 1 Recruits started their modular training on General Service Knowledge.
June
The Training Weekend in June saw the majority of B Flight (Royal Air Force Police) carried out General Police Duties at the RAF Leuchars “Party in the Park”, whilst A Flight (RAF Regiment) conducted Chemical, Biological, Radiation & Nuclear Training. Acting Corporal Dougan deployed to Kenya for 7 days on an Air Transport Security (ATSy) task, with Sergeant Kinkade spending 7 days in Calgary, Canada, also on an ATSy tasking. In addition Corporal Duffy was engaged on Security duties for 4 days covering Armed Forces Day in Stirling. Finally Sergeant Robson conducted security training for Commonwealth Games security staff. The Squadron also provided an Information Stand and marching contingent for the Edinburgh Armed Forces day which was held the week before the national event at Stirling.
At the start of July we welcomed back our Chief Instructor, Flight Sergeant Hamilton, who returned from training Reservists called up for deployment to Afghanistan. The five Squadron Members who were part of that group also deployed and Lance Corporal McGuire, Senior Aircraftman McGovern & Senior Craftmen McKay headed off to Bastion, whilst Leading Aircraftman Carrigan off to Kandahar Airfield and Leading Aircraftman Yoxall is off to Operation KIPPION. In addition Sgt Robson conducted Rapiscan and other training to Commonwealth Games security staff, deploying to Glasgow to continue his role, whilst Sergeant Kinkade was mobilised in support of the Games, based out of the Police Scotland College at Tulliallan administering the service personnel based there.
The Training Weekend saw the next tranche of Phase 2 Police Training conducting theory and practical lessons at Craigiehall whilst A Flight (RAF Regiment) conducted General Purpose Machine Gun Training on the Friday night before travelling to Barry Buddon on the Saturday for Section Attacks. The Sunday was spent in the Drill Hall on Advanced Urban Tactics. Meanwhile B Flight (Royal Air Force Police) continued to get familiar with the Glock Pistol.
The Training Saturday saw a mix of activities starting with the RAF Fitness Testing, then a trip to Leuchars for those who needed to attend the Tailors Parade whilst the rest set up the Squadron for the annual Family Fun Day. This ran from 13.00 to 16.00 with a bouncy castle and stands showing kit and equipment used by the Squadron as well as the security marking of small items and the chance to get fingerprinted. The bar, in the drill hall, opened at 13.00 and the barbeque started at 14.00 and when the festivities ended a few hardy souls adjourned to the Squadron bar for a very pleasant evening. In excess of 50 people attended and judging by the feedback and photo’s, a good time was had by all. That was also true for the 7 people who attended the East Fortune Air Show to man a Squadron Information Stand.
August
The Training Weekend in August had the Squadron operating in a variety of locations with the Phase 1 Recruits doing their General Service Knowledge and B Flight (RAF Police) Rifle and Pistol Weapon Training out of Town HQ, with the Phase 2 RAF Police doing their modular training at Craigiehall and A Flight (RAF Regiment) shooting up at Barry Buddon to complete all the shooting practices in preparation for Annual Continuous Training (ACT). With the doubling of the Sqn Establishment and the recruiting of both RAF Police and RAF Regt this spread of Sqn Training Locations will become the norm as things ramp up.
On the Training Saturday the Squadron held an ATC Engagement Day where we welcomed 33 Air Training Corps cadets and their Adult Instructors to the Dreghorn Training Area to participate in a round robin of five stands covering a Grenade Stalk, Signals, Weapons, Kit and an Observation Stand. Feedback has confirmed that this was thoroughly enjoyed by those taking part and builds on the success of last year’s engagement day and bodes well for this becoming an annual event.
We also had 5 Members of the Squadron participate in the “Beat the Borders” organised by CHAS, the Squadron Charity, which saw them cycle 40 miles from Melrose to Selkirk and then walk 18 miles cross country from Selkirk to Melrose. Well done to Corporal McGinnies, Lance Corporal Blake, Lance Corporal Lloyd, Senior Craftman Hawthorne and Senior Craftman Sandilands who will hopefully raise in the region of £1,000 for CHAS.
Sharon Watkins, Glasgow & Lanarkshire Battalion's Admin Officer, who has served with Lowland RFCA for 34 years, was nominated to carry the Queens Baton for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games on Tuesday 22nd July 2014 the 39th day of the relay along Mosspark Boulevard, Bellahouston, Glasgow.
South East Scotland Wing cadets and staff have returned from a successful expedition in the German / Austrian Alps. The expedition was based in Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria, Southern Germany over nine days.
The ultimate goal of the expedition was to fulfil the requirements of their qualifying Gold Duke of Edinburgh (DOE) Award Expedition which culmination of months of training which included practice expeditions in the highlands of Scotland.
On arrival in Germany the team had a day of acclimatisation before departing on the four day expedition, which included temperatures above 30+ degrees though with scenic views and visits through the Bavarian Towns, Villages and meadows of heights above 1000m.
On their successful completion of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition the team got involved in some local volunteering and helping the Alpine Mountaineering Club restore and maintain paths at 2385m.
Visits were also made to Zugsptize at 2962m the highest mountain in Germany and also a high ropes course and the local towns in the area including Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Mittenwald.
On their last day before departure to the UK they presented a presentation on how they met the purpose of the Gold DOE Expedition to attending the staff and representatives from the Haus der Athleten Youth Hostel.
The expedition was supported by ColoneI Paton, 870 Squadron and the Flight Lieutenant Paton, Deputy Duke of Edinburgh Officer, South East Scotland Wing. Safety cover was provided Squadron Leader Mcadam, Regional Adventure Training Technical Officer, Scotland & Northern Ireland Region.
Lieutenant Iain Giffin Commanding Officer of EURNU and HMS Archer
Lieutenant Iain Giffin Royal Navy is the latest Officer to take Command of HMS ARCHER and Aberdeen & Edinburgh URNU, taking over from Lieutenant James Martin who had been with EURNU for two years.
Lieutenant James’ time at the helm witnessed one of the most significant changes to the URNU organisation since its conception over 40 years ago. The decision to relocate Aberdeen URNU was not one that James had any control over however, as Commanding Officer, he did deal with many of the highs and lows that ensued. His drive and professionalism prevailed along with his small and dedicated team.
