The Craftsman February 2023

THE CRAFTSMAN

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In 2020, REME launched the Lifting the Decks initiative, with a focus on the mental wellbeing of serving REME personnel and veterans.

We are in the process of re昀ning Lifting the Decks, increasing accessibility with an added emphasis on reminding our REME Family to speak out about ‘what’s on their mind’ and that, whatever stage in their life, we will always be here to listen to and support them.

If there is something on your mind troubling you, big or small, whatever the cause, we are here to listen and to help. If you wish to get in touch regarding yourself or concern for someone else, please don’t hesitate to contact woym@remecharity.org

Corps Formation: 1 October 1942

Corps Motto: Arte et Marte

Corps Patron Saint: St Eligius

(Celebrated 1st Sunday in December)

Editor: Mrs Katie Tarbard + Corporate Communications Officer

RHQ REME, The Prince Philip Barracks, Lyneham, CHIPPENHAM, SN15 4XX

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The contents of The Craftsman are strictly copyright and all rights are expressly reserved. The views expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the policy and views, official or otherwise, of the Editor, the Corps or the MOD, therefore no responsibility for these will be accepted. Whilst including an advertisement we are not necessarily endorsing the product and as a result, the publisher and its agents do not accept responsibility for any transaction between the reader and the advertiser. Whilst we take all precautions with regard to advertising, readers are advised to take professional advice before entering into any commitments.

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Army Remotely Piloted Air Systems

Drones, Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) or Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS); whatever you call them, you cannot fail to see the proliferation both in terms of size, how they can be employed to gain military advantage or even for New Year’s Eve celebrations in lieu of fireworks. With plenty of current ‘learning from experience’ from conflicts, most recently from within the Ukraine where both Ukraine and Russia are employing RPAS in various roles, it is worth knowing what is happening with the RPAS that serve the Army.

In Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), the principal Army programmes delivered from within the RPAS Portfolio Team are Watchkeeper (WK) and Desert Hawk 3 (DH3). The Team is also responsible for providing the airworthiness and safety to the AV Puma family of RPAS operated by 32 Regt RA alongside DH3.

WK is a classified as a Certified RPAS, meaning that its airworthiness and safety is managed in the same way as a Wildcat or Apache Helicopter. In terms of its capability, with an operating range of up to 150km and endurance of over 15hrs, it has persistence and range to support deep fires. It is fair to say that WK has experienced several teething problems, including a number of incidents reported in the national media. As a consequence, the WK Delivery Team is undertaking significant design change to address the findings of Service Inquiry Reports published by the Defence Safety Authority (DSA). That said, the capability has seen success in the last 2 years. Operated by 47 Regt RA, during 2020 in support of the UK Border Force, WK provided surveillance capability over the English Channel. More recently, as part of its deployment on Project CONVERGENCE 22 (in USA), it demonstrated effective integration into the ZODIAC framework, providing real time radar and electro optic imagery in the decision-making cycle. It is the ability of WK to distribute its imagery (radar or visual imagery) directly via the Land Tactical CIS

that makes it stand apart from other RPAS. WK Force has set up its Assured Flying Location in Texas, where it will rotate personnel through the pilot training pipeline at a pace that cannot be delivered in the UK. For those Aviation Technicians who seek a new challenge, assignment to 47 Regt RA Wksp REME will provide this, coupled with plenty of opportunity to travel.

DH3 will reach its Out of Service Date imminently and will be disposed of. Project TIQUILA will provide the replacement for DH3. The birth of Project TIQUILA came from the Army’s AQUILA programme and UK StratCom’s TINEMAN programme; both had near identical requirements for a Mini RPAS capability. Rather than funding two separate delivery programmes, the customers merged their requirements, under Project TIQUILA. TIQUILA is a novel way of procuring equipment, with the 10year contract being placed with an equipment integrator rather than purchasing a specific piece of equipment. The integrator’s role will be to scan the technological horizon

for RPAS innovation, be it improved sensors or even improved endurance from a new platform and conduct upfront development and integration before presenting for consideration by the customer. This will ensure that the project maintains pace with technological developments and changing requirements in response to how our adversaries change.

Lockheed Martin won the commercial competition for TIQUILA; this was announced in Defence media in December 2022. For initial fielding, they will provide two different pieces of equipment to meet the customer requirements for a Packable system and a Portable system. The Packable system, designed to be carried by a soldier, can be brought to effect in a matter of minutes. The INDAGO quadcopter weighs under 3kg and operates out to a range of 10km with an endurance of about an hour. The INDAGO can carry stabilised electro optic and thermal imaging cameras.

The Portable system is designed to be carried by vehicle. The STALKER VXE is a fixed wing aircraft with a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capability. This is a new requirement and has presented one of the more significant technical challenges. VTOL, as a capability for Mini RPAS, will change where the equipment can be launched from or recovered to (e.g. top of a building or from within a wooded clearing). It can operate using an electric motor or with a

fuelled engine, weighing around 20kg and providing an endurance of 4hrs or 8hrs respectively. The range is 50km, but with a long-range antenna capability included, this can be extended up to 100km. Its imagery payload is far more capable but remains Electro Optic and Infra-Red imagery.

The ranges for this new capability will bring about a fundamental change in how ISR is conducted at formation level using Mini RPAS. RPAS that operate Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) are invariably limited by terrain, operating altitude and datalink strength. DH3 has a range of 15km; the STALKER VXE that will replace it will routinely operate three times this range. When considering the interim capability that 32 Regt RA continue to operate with as DH3 is retired, the Puma RPAS normal operating range is 20km, which can be extended with additional Extended Range Antenna (ERA) or Long-

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Range Tracking Antenna (LRTA), depending on whether the Long Endurance (LE) variant of the Puma is being used.

More recently, a full stocktake of all RPAS being operated by the Army was completed. Excluding WK and DH3 (as RPAS Portfolio Team projects), the stocktake showed that the Army is using 20 (twenty) different types of Small RPAS in various Units from anything between singleton pieces of equipment to double figures of equipment. A number of the RPAS identified in the stocktake were common with the equipment detailed in the Endorsed Manufacturers List (EML), produced by the RPAS Portfolio Team. The list also, concerningly from a security perspective rather than an airworthiness aspect, showed that some Units were operating with DJI ‘drones’ manufactured in China. The stocktake was directed from the highest level; the Army will perhaps seek to rationalise these numbers and gain some financial benefits in purchasing at greater scale. The stocktake also indicates that more and more Units are finding uses for RPAS and wish to include Commercial Of The Shelf (COTS) equipment within their ORBATs for various tasks. The safe use of such equipment is the responsibility of Unit Commanders. They are likely to turn to their technical REME personnel and Unit Professional Engineers to ensure that the regulation for operating this equipment is followed just as they do when ensuring their vehicles are operating within the appropriate regulatory framework. For those without knowledge of aviation regulation, do you know where should you look?

The Chief Aircraft Engineer (Army) recently released Army Command Standing Order (ACSO) 1202 (Air Safety Management Training). Much of the content of the ACSO is based around established aviation Units and DE&S Delivery Team contracted support frameworks. Annex A of ACSO 1202 provides the basic framework for Units looking to operate Small RPAS. These classes of RPAS are Open Category (A1, A2 and A3) and Specific S1 category. These systems do not require a Type Airworthiness Authority, so RPAS Portfolio Team would not be involved in procurement or through life support. A general rule of thumb is that the aircraft should not exceed 25kg and not beyond 2km line of sight. It is the responsibility of the operating Unit to manage this. The Military Aviation Authority (MAA) Regulatory Publication RA1600 gives the framework in more detail; this must be your first point of reference

when preparing the request for the Letter of Endorsed Categorisation (LEC). Without an approved LEC from the MAA, the Unit is operating outside of the Defence Aviation Environment Regulations. The Defence RPAS Network is also a useful forum, providing a link to the up-to-date EML should it be needed.

In terms of other RPAS innovation and development that is taking place, the Infantry Trials and Development Unit (ITDU) has successfully demonstrated swarming technology. This was featured on DefNet news and was included in one of the Army News Summaries. Approved under an MAA framework, ITDU used two different RPAS to demonstrate swarming capability. Using a single Ground Control Station, ITDU operated four ATLAS Pro RPAS concurrently and six Elbit Legion-X RPAS concurrently in separate experimentation flights. There is further development of uncrewed ground-based vehicles as well and there may be some technological commonalities when it comes to cyber security and operating in a congested electronic battlespace; there is a real risk of datalink fratricide. Outside of the Army, The Royal Navy’s Future Maritime Aviation Force (FMAF) and the Future Commando Force (FCF) have been experimenting with similar RPAS swarming capability but using it with larger aircraft. The Royal Navy is also looking at logistic lift as well as part of its Heavy Lift Challenge, with payloads (freight) exceeding 200kg. The MALLOY family of VTOL logistic lift RPAS has been trialled, along with the fixed wing Windracer RPAS as part of Heavy Lift Challenge. Windracer is also working with the Royal Mail to provide postal services in areas such as The Orkneys, The Hebrides, Shetlands and the Isles of Scilly; it is not just the military exploiting this technology although it will be a number of years before door-todoor drone deliveries take place.

RPAS and automation is a true growth area in Defence. RPAS Portfolio Team has a small element that liaises with the Front Line Command Capability Development Offices and with the DE&S Future Capabilities Group to ensure that when experimentation is ready to progress towards the introduction of capability, the experimentation activity has been informed and the necessary safety and airworthiness evidence is ready for the MAA and the Duty Holding Chain.

4 Armoured (Close Support) Battalion REME Falkland Islands Deployment

Members from 4 Armd (CS) Bn REME recently returned from a six-month deployment to British Forces South Atlantic Islands (BFSAI), The Falkland Islands. During their time there, the unrelenting environment made for a challenging deployment; especially as a lot of the soldiers have not had much experience on the vehicle platforms; largely consisting of a mixture of Land Rovers, Fords, MAN trucks and BVs.

4 Bn REME tackled the various training challenges head-on and gained valuable knowledge and experiences working on a wide variety of vehicle platforms. The deployment offered challenging opportunities to develop soldiers of all ranks and allowed some of the more junior soldiers to achieve their Class 2 trade proficiency.

It was not all work as there were some fantastic opportunities to travel. One outing that we went on was into Stanley, the capital of The Falkland Islands, where we were fortunate in being able to experience the 40th Liberation Day Parade, whilst also being able to see how appreciative the locals were of the military

Penguins!

force and tell them of our experiences whilst being deployed out there. There were also opportunities to head down to the beaches to see the local wildlife such as the Penguins, Whales, and Seals. It’s an exciting experience seeing how they live in their natural habitats with the only downside being the strict, but understandable rules governed by the locals to limit the interaction with them. I attended a Battlefield Study on the Falklands War where I was educated on the battle routes and strategic movements. Many of the main defensive locations still have items from the war that are on display to view and get pictures with.

For me the Falkland Islands was something entirely new. I went with no expectations as I wanted to form my own opinion on how it was; through the experiences and knowledge I acquired whilst there. There were times where you felt you were broken and times you just wanted to quit but the feeling you get from repairing a vehicle and being able to send them out of the workshop makes you feel proud of what you have accomplished. The best moment for me was being able to head down to the beach and experience the Penguins. Another highlight was when the Dog Handlers brought in their Dogs as a gesture of appreciation for repairing their vehicles as quickly as we did. The Falkland Islands is an opportunity that should be taken when offered as it helps you gain knowledge in both a working environment and also in a social environment. It offers a new experience for everyone involved working alongside other military services.

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6 Battalion REME Lifting the Decks Challenge

Scribe: 2Lt Charles Hirst

October was a busy month for 6 Battalion REME and, with it also being Mental Health Awareness Month, it was quite fitting to take part in the month-long challenge to raise awareness. Even with a full calendar we saw 115 members of the Battalion determined to take part in completing the Lifting the Decks Challenge. The challenge was all in aid of supporting the Corps Mental Health Plan; to raise the profile of mental health within REME. By taking part in these challenges the Battalion wanted to promote participation in regular physical and mental activities, with the aims of increasing self-esteem, reducing stress and lowering anxiety. Alongside the challenge, 6 Battalion also set up a group page on Enthuse to help raise money for the REME Charity.

On the Birthday of the Corps, the challenge started with twelve different challenges to choose from. These included; running, swimming, reading a book and sleeping at least 8 hours, which for most was the hardest to complete. The challenges could be done as individuals or in groups, but the Battalion was keen to try and get

Testimonial 1

This month I took part in the Lifting the Decks challenge which was my first-time participating in raising awareness for mental health. Due to injury, I was only able to do limited activities, however I was still able to complete the challenge. For me it was an enjoyable month pushing to complete the challenges and having a goal to stick to. The challenge I enjoyed the most was completing the 80,000 steps. I found it increased my time out of the block and house while also allowing me to go on long dog walks. I also found it led me to speaking to people in the park, which in turn led to having great conversations and coffee with new people. After doing this challenge I was starting to realise that even though I felt fine every day, it was nice to engage with others as the conversations I was having were brightening up their day and mine. If you are thinking of participating next time, do it, as it raises awareness for mental health and surprisingly could help your own.

everyone to do as many of them together as possible. In order to complete these challenges, each individual had to complete at least four of the twelve that were available. The Battalion tracked the progression of all involved through the use of Strava and Platoon representatives. The challenge was a great success and saw every person who signed up completing the four challenges they selected at the outset.

Testimonial 2

This year I decided to take part in the Lifting the Decks Challenge, as I believe it is a great way of dealing with mental health and raising awareness of it. This challenge is very personal to me as I have experienced mental health issues myself at the beginning of the year and I know how hard it can hit some people. I found doing the

challenges great fun to carry out, but along the way there were a few struggles due to the Company deploying on exercise. Luckily, before deploying, I still managed to tick off a few of the challenges, such as hitting 8 hours sleep and also getting in my steps to help me hit the targets that were set. It was also nice that I could involve the family sometimes as we went out on dog walks. Also, in the evenings by reading my boy a book before he went to bed. While being on exercise I managed to hit a daily target I set myself for the steps challenge; enabling me to make the 80,000 total steps. The one challenge I did find a struggle to do at times was the running. As already said, I was deployed and we had exercise preparation before deploying, but after coming off exercise and sorting everything out I just managed to get the running completed with a couple days to spare.

For myself, completing all the challenges that I set out to do felt like a great achievement and I am looking forward to doing it again next year. Hopefully with no barriers in the way so I don’t leave myself short of time.

Testimonial 3

Cfn Hine, 3 Armd Coy

While doing the Lifting the Decks Challenge I completed the 80km row, 80,000 steps and the 80,000kg lift during the month of October. During the month, I got my Platoon together engaging in physical training sessions, slowly chipping away at the end goals of the kilometres rowed and kilograms lifted. I enjoyed this challenge as it encouraged me to push myself and build closer relationships with the people I work with. During this time, I also held meetings where we would speak freely about mental health and how it affects us all. As a collective we all thought that the Lifting the Decks 2022 Challenge helped our mental health greatly, as we were more active and socialised more as a workforce; helping us keep up mentally with day-to-day life.

Testimonial 4

Cfn Kelley, 13 HQ Coy

During October we took part in the Lifting the Decks Challenge. The aim of the challenge in my opinion was to encourage people to start talking about their own mental health, to raise awareness and get physically active. This was also an opportunity to build team cohesion and make new relationships with different departments, whom you wouldn’t usually work with daily.

As someone who has experienced mental ill health, I felt it was a perfect opportunity to encourage and motivate others who may be struggling; whilst also improving my own mental wellbeing. The way I completed the challenge was to set myself daily targets. This was usually how I also dealt with my own mental health by setting myself daily goals and just concentrating on today, rather than stressing about the days ahead.

During the four weeks of arduous challenges, without a doubt I had thoughts about no longer continuing with the challenges, however I persevered which gave me confidence in myself. I also

13 HQ Coy CSM completing his swimming knew this challenge had to be completed and to do this I had to be assertive with myself, which in turn improved my mental resilience. Overall, I enjoyed Lifting the Decks 2022 as I felt myself grow and develop both physically and mental.

Testimonial 5

October is Lifting the Decks Month, something I look forward to completing every year. This year was my second attempt at the challenge and I thought it would a good idea to get 14 Armd involved. As 14 Armoured we agreed to do 2 challenges individually, the 80,000 steps and the 8 Mile tab as a unit.

Doing the tab as a collective, we would encourage each other along the route and chat about hobbies, interests and general life. We believed this strengthened us as a Company because we got to understand each other deeper and on a more personal basis. Hitting our targets was a little tricky as we had a Company exercise in the middle of October. Despite being on exercise, it was great to see everyone try to get their steps in on roaming stags.

Lifting the Decks has been a fantastic experience, and to complete the challenges as a Company has helped to cement the importance of mental health. I cannot wait to tackle the challenge again next year.

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1 (Close Support) Battalion REME St Eligius Day Celebrations

On 1 Dec, 1 (CS) Bn REME hosted the surrounding Northern REME units, Col REME, Col Jason Phillips ADC and CASM, WO1 Mark Lynch for a day celebrating the Corps’ patron saint, St Eligius. The day began with a service from Padre Benson; highlighting the value that everyone, no matter their rank, trade or unit, brings to the Corps. Some unfamiliar hymns were well received by everybody in attendance, raising the energy, before we dispersed to begin the first competitions of the day.

The morning was dedicated to inter-unit sporting events including Football, Basketball, indoor Rowing and Volleyball. Despite the cold weather, a significant crowd gathered to spectate the Football. This knockout competition was won by the 6 Regt RLC LAD. In the warmth of the gyms, 12 Coy, 1 (CS) Bn REME triumphed in both the Basketball competition and Rowing time trial. The final event before lunch was Volleyball, won again by 1 (CS) Bn REME but 24 Coy this time. However, the overall sporting prize was snatched by 5 Regt RA Wksp whose consistency throughout all the events earned them the overall victory.

After lunch was the Engineering Challenge where units had been tasked with designing and building an electric go kart to compete in the ‘EV Grand Prix’. Teams were judged on their aesthetics, build quality and use of sustainable materials before the race commenced. To ensure no allegations of favouritism the judging panel was made up of Col REME, the CASM and a contingent of Veterans from the Teesside Branch of the REME Association. Sadly, 24 Coy’s success did not continue here as, despite their ingenious attempt to camouflage their forklift, they were forbidden from racing due to safety concerns! The race was perhaps a longer affair than the organisers had anticipated but still provided considerable entertainment in the chicane section. 4 Coy, 1 (CS) Bn REME took a commanding lead in the race but the final judge’s decision was between 5 RA Wksp and 6 RLC LAD. Where 6

RLC LADs cart’s aesthetics and build quality won out over 5 Regt RA Wksps excellent sustainability.

The day of competitions concluded with an awards ceremony, presented by the Corps Colonel. Whilst 1 (CS) Bn REME began getting ready for their awards evening, the visiting teams returned to their units to spread word of their success.

That evening, all members of 1 (CS) Bn REME were hosted by the Sgts’ and WOs’ Mess for an awards evening. The awards celebrated both group and individual achievements over the past year. With winners coming from all ranks and cap badges across the Bn, particular highlights included Cfn Neville’s unexpected acceptance speech and Cfn Cummings accepting the award for best (worst) “Movember” moustache. Overall, the day was a fantastic way for the Bn and the Corps to come together and bond; highlighting what everyone, in their own unique ways, brings to the team. To be repeated next year!

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133 (Divisional Recovery) Company team visit to Manston Spitfire Museum October 2022

133 (Div Rec) Coy, 103 Bn REME, based in Ashford, Kent had an OP TEAMWORK Day out at the Spitfire Museums at Manston, Kent. The event was organised by Sgt Eric Noy, the Company Armourer who lives just 250m from the venue, with permanent staff being transported in from Ashford by minibus. Sgt Bob Shilling, the Company MT rep volunteered to do the driving and dressed appropriately with white shirt, collar and tie!

The permanent staff with a cohort of Reserves soldiers arrived at Manston and were welcomed by the I/C event. Poor weather prevented the obligatory team photo outside as originally planned so everyone was given a quick safety brief and went into the museum.

This section of the museum is dedicated to WW2 with the main display of genuine Spitfire and Hurricane fighter aircraft, both restored to perfect non-flying condition, surrounded by artefacts, personal letters, articles, clothing, reports of the day, along with machine guns and captured pistols taken from captured enemy pilots. A lot of

recovered artefacts from crashed planes were also on display.

One of the main highlights of the museum is the “Spitfire” flight simulator which was hired at a superb military discount rate for the day; courtesy of the museum curator Simon Collins. The Coy Permanent Staff Admin Officer (PSAO) went first, and commented afterwards “this is not for me, but my Son would really love it!”

Everyone had a go at flying a loop the loop and barrel role which caused the Instructor to get a little nervous and press the mission abort button on occasions! All personnel got to do a runway take off and fly the machine at over 260 mph. It has genuine controls and feels just like the real deal; albeit a little quieter and no signs of enemy fighter aircraft in the skies to deal with!

Everyone agreed the simulator was a great bit of kit and made the whole visit that much better.

The group were split at this point due to queuing to allow everyone to sample the simulator and other parts of the museums in our allotted time frame. Across the car park is the Duxford element dedicated to the first World War through to the Cold war. This museum had diorama scenes to give the real-life impression of military life during those time periods. CVRT’s, 432’s and other familiar equipment along with Airforce vehicles and planes were on display, so us REME guys felt totally at home in their presence!

After visiting both museums, the team regrouped for a late lunch at the NAAFI canteen for a special

discounted rate “all day breakfast” with pots of tea & coffee with NAAFI style mugs laid out for the occasion. The NAAFI staff fully supported the visit and arranged a “reserved” set of tables for all our staff to congregate together to enjoy that team feeling; laughing and joking about the things they had seen during the visit.

Finally, everyone made their way to the main museum for OP TEAMWORK group photos now that the rain had finally stopped, after which the Capt Gharti (PSAO) thanked everyone for attending and then deployed back to Ashford Army Reserve Centre (ARC) for

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REME Special Devices part four: Flail tanks – the Scorpion

When Major du Toit first posited the idea of a flail tank, Lieutenant Colonel Norman Berry (REME) was brought in to evaluate its feasibility and deemed the project possible. Once du Toit was sent to the UK therefore to begin work on the Baron, Berry took up the mantle in the Middle East, with a Major Girling (REME) later tasked with producing and developing the concept further. Although the initial concept came from du Toit, both designs moved forward independently up until the

decision to focus on the Scorpion and begin work on the UK version.

One of the major advantages was that the Scorpion was a simpler tank than the Baron, as its rotator was set at a fixed height rather than able to be adjusted to match the terrain. This of course had its own problems which would be addressed in later flail tanks, but it did mean that the lack of visibility was not as large a problem – the crew only had to worry about not being able to see where they were going, rather than having to set the rotator to the correct height to detonate the mines.

Captain Young, OC of the LAD operating the Scorpion in the Middle East, noted the complete blindness of the tank Commander in his report. Since they couldn’t see, and the mileometer wasn’t sufficiently sensitive for purpose, the crew had to estimate how large the minefield was and how long it would take to cross, adding a margin for safety. Whilst sweeping, the tank Driver could not turn or he would ‘almost certainly blow his own track off’, and should instead release both tillers and leave them ‘severely alone’ until they were safely through - although of course, they had no way of definitely knowing whether they had got their estimations and/or counting right.

They also would not know how successfully they had detonated mines on their sweep as the explosions could not be felt or heard from inside the tank whilst it was flailing. This admittedly was preferable to the tank being affected by the explosions, and indeed one Scorpion is reported to have detonated 40 mines without any visible sign of damage to the tank, other than the flail links being used up as expected. It does however reinforce quite how cut off the crew were from the world they were trying to navigate.

The main problem with the Scorpion was still overheating. When they were first earmarked for use at El Alamein, they managed to trial them for only 10 to 15 minutes at a time before the engine overheated and seized. Lt Col Kerswell, of 2 Armoured Brigade Workshop, was brought in to troubleshoot and soon identified the issue as a lack of air supply to the cabin in which the engine was mounted. He therefore arranged for holes to be strategically cut into the armour plate. The Sapper inside controlling the

engine must have appreciated the extra air as well! Although one Scorpion suffered mechanical failure before the battle and another was unfortunately largely destroyed by 88mm guns before it could begin flailing, one did manage to clear roughly 450yds, the first field, before its flails were used up. The Scorpion, and Kerswell’s modification, were deemed a success.

The UK Scorpion built heavily on the experience gained by the Middle East (ME) Scorpion and the Baron and so prototypes were ready by the end of April 1943; based this time upon a Valentine tank. The ME Scorpions tended to form furrows and so miss mines but this was much reduced with the UK type which had a different arrangement and type of chains used. As with the Baron, cooling was still an issue in the first prototype, but largely resolved by the second, and visibility was improved simply by having a taller periscope which was therefore out of range of the worst of the debris. The rotator arm was adjustable like the Baron, something requested by Captain Young in his assessment of the ME Scorpion, but had fixed positions rather than being controlled on the move by hydraulics; ultimately, this was judged insufficient in user trials since it necessitated getting out of the tank - not always an appealing prospect in a minefield. User trials highlighted other concerns with the UK Scorpion, a lack of wire cutting equipment for example, but, like the Baron, development was shifting towards a different design and so modifications to overcome these issues were never put in place and instead noted for the next design instead.

The Scorpion was not fully efficient when first produced. It was intended initially for road clearance but was found to be far more useful as an ‘assault weapon’ which could pierce into enemy minefields where the covering fire would otherwise make things very difficult for Sappers. Through much experimentation and development however, it was used successfully at El Alamein and Mersa Brega, and was claimed to have achieved 100% efficiency; destroying all mines that it passed over. Also, importantly, it led the way for the Sherman flail tank, also known as the Crab, which was used on D-Day and which will be the subject of the next article.

Information and pictures in this article are taken from E.05.0177.01, E:08.0121.11, E:03.0412.09, E:07.0038.14, A:1969.0974 and A:1969.0974.01

A year in an Armoured Infantry LAD

During late 2022, 1st Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (1 RRF) LAD deployed on operations in Kosovo as well as completing commitments in Germany, Kenya, Castlemartin Ranges and Salisbury Plain. Even life with the Rear Operations Group is demanding and always changing as we maintain a fleet of 25 Warriors which are being used to deliver Driving Conversion on behalf of 3 UK Division.

The LAD has also found time to conduct paintballing, pub quizzes and mini sports days in the past few months; all whilst still fulfilling our commitments.

Fusiliers in Kosovo

Scribe: Cpl Hoban

1RRF deployed to Kosovo to support NATO in maintaining a safe and secure environment. The Battalion delivered this mission by guarding critical national infrastructure and conducting patrols to deter violence.

For the LAD, this meant maintaining a sizeable fleet of wheeled vehicles. Equipment was taken over and rehabilitated before completing a long journey from a port in Albania toward Kosovo. Due to few recent deployments by British Forces in the region, the operation was relatively expeditionary, requiring problem solving by our soldiers to resolve vehicle faults and source spares.

Once in theatre, we settled into a US-led camp known as Bondsteel where many of us would operate from over the next few months. Meanwhile, the unit began exploring the area of operations to understand atmospherics and identify useful sites to establish equipment casualty points.

The lower standards of driving meant tradesmen needed to practice their actions upon encountering an accident. The LAD’s Recovery Mechanics hold battery-powered cutting equipment on their vehicles, for which they had not received training on in some time. This tour provided a great opportunity to confirm the capabilities of this equipment.

After observing training by the local Fire Department, tradesmen were given the opportunity to extract casualties from a vehicle by gaining entry with the cutting equipment. Medics then took over and treated the casualties. This training provided a valuable and realistic training opportunity for participants and fortunately we didn’t need to use the skills practiced in a real scenario.

The pressures of the terrain on the equipment kept the LAD’s Technicians busy throughout the tour repairing faults and advising the vehicle users how to best-care for their equipment. Despite these pressures, equipment availability was maintained at over 90%

throughout. Furthermore, we enjoyed the variety a tour conducting stability operations provided, as well as the opportunity to focus on wheeled vehicles rather than the Warriors.

Scouts Mechanic Badge

Scribe: Sgt Leaker

First Tidworth Scouts visited the LAD to obtain their Scouting Mechanic Badge. On arrival, Sgt Kitt explained how the LAD support First Fusiliers. After receiving a tour around the workshop, they were shown the Bulldog and Warrior in more detail. WO2 (AQMS) Mackenzie explained the GPMG and SA80 before the Scouts completed nine tasks on a Land Rover. Cfn Burnett taught attendees how to check coolant levels, windscreen wash, change a tyre and explained the functionality of a clutch and a gearbox. Upon completion, all Scouts gained their Badge and AQMS Mackenzie was very excited to salute the scouts. This is the start of a 1RRF LAD Community Engagement programme and more opportunities will hopefully attract the next generation of soldiers to join the Corps.

REME Festival of Sport

Scribe: LCpl Bamber

Like many units, we submitted numerous applications to compete in the REME Festival of Sport in sports ranging from Rugby to Gokarting. Despite having few experienced Cricket-players the Team won their first two games leading them to the final and our Rugby team started by winning all four games on the first day.

On Day 2, the 1RRF LAD Cricket Team came up against a strong 3 CS Bn REME outfit, before narrowly securing victory to secure us a place in the final. Unfortunately, we were defeated by a strong 8 Bn REME side but we were extremely proud of our team as the majority of our players were new to the sport; hopefully setting the conditions for an overall victory next year.

Day 2 for our Rugby Team contained the final games of the tournament and yet again we were pitched against 8 Bn REME in a final. This time, despite being tired from the previous

night of catching up with colleagues from across the Corps, 1RRF LAD came out on top. A huge success for our LAD!

Overall, the REME Festival of Sport was a success for the LAD. Primarily due to soldiers trying new sports such as Go-karting, Archery, and E-Sports. The festival was very positive, giving everyone the chance to try something new and hopefully find a new hobby. Thanks to the organisers.

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1 Aviation Brigade Combat Team REME (Attack) Field

Gun 2022

REME Aviation has competed in the Royal Navy Field Gun Competition since 2002 as evolutions of 7 (Aviation Support) Battalion (7 Avn Sp) Bn) and latterly as 1 Aviation Brigade Combat Team REME (Attack) (1 Avn BCT REME (Attack)); reflecting the diversity of volunteers from across Wattisham Station. The competition is held at the heart of the senior service, steeped in Naval tradition traced directly to the Battle of Ladysmith during the second Boar War. It was here the Royal Navy came to the aid of besieged soldiers from the Ladysmith Garrison, hauling six naval guns on improvised carriages by hand, to break the siege.

To 2022. “This will be one of the best times you will ever have in your career” The opening line from WO2 Chris Murphy, the crew No 1 Trainer, a revered position in the Royal Navy, rang loud and clear in

the ears of the newly assembled squad of 25. Having won the competition when it was last run in 2019, then suspended due to COVID, the crew were eager to get started. The two years of no competition had led to a high turnover of crew members meaning an almost completely new crew would have to be formed.

The history of 7 (Avn Sp) Bn and the Field Gun competition lies in a long running number of exchange posts between the Fleet Air Arm and REME Avn. The crew is drawn from across all cap badges in the Bn with the final running 18 picked each year from the best volunteers, irrespective of rank and Corps. The crew earn a running place and work hard to retain it, competition is fierce.

Training began in the cold and gloomy February with tailored and progressive build up PT delivered by the crew PTI’s daily for six

weeks; in line with the rigorous and sportingly adhered to rules of the competition. With the new AH64E Attack Helicopter coming into service and in great demand across the Army, exercise deployments forced several painful breaks in the training – fit motivated soldiers of the crew are in demand!!

After a further four weeks of intense training on the gun at Wattisham the intense competition training week at HMS Collingwood began. This year the competition was held in July, a month later than previous years and the heat on the track reflected this. Never shying away from any challenges of injury and fatigue, the crew began the gel together with run times slowly decreasing throughout the week. With 14 of the 18 being novice runners in the crew this week gave them a chance to feel the atmosphere of being on the track with 5 other crews at the same time; learning to “keep your eyes in the boat at all times”. The biggest battle of the week became tempering the excitement to ensure the drill was precise and calm, with the goal of receiving no penalties on the competition runs.

The competition is run across two days; the Friday sees four heats and Saturday with another three and a final place calculated by the aggregate times from the heats. The crew performed well across the

heats picking up only 1 penalty point throughout the 7 runs and posting some very competitive times. These runs combined saw the crew progress third into the main final to compete for the coveted Brickwood’s Trophy.

The final had built into a keenly contested event with multiple teams having run extremely well in the heats. With Col REME, hosted by HMS Collingwood, watching from the stands, the nervous anticipation could be felt on the line only muffled by the buzz of the thousands of spectators surrounding the track. The crew were soothed by Crew Captain Sgt Jake Goldsworthy to “stay calm” as the tracks were reported ready. The thunder flash sounded, and the crowd erupted in support for the 6 crews as they made their way down the track. Miniscule errors in drill costing 10th’s of a second in the first half of the run saw the crew drop back in the standings, eventually crossing the line 4th. However, after incurring “penalties” the final placing for the crew was 5th overall. The crew were understandably disappointed with the result but on balance, with an inexperienced crew, every member of the team did themselves and each other proud. There is no doubt that we will be back next year stronger and hungrier than ever to win back the Brickwood’s Trophy and add to the ever-growing number of stars on our chests.

ready to welcome you

There are 25 REME Reserve locations across the UK, with many vacancies for junior tradespeople and subaltern Officers now. The offer:

• Make use of your skills and excel as a competent ex-regular.

• Meet and work with like-minded people.

• Serve your country but on your own terms.

• Enjoy pay and benefits, plus an annual tax-free bounty.

• Take advantage of a reduced initial commitment for the first three years: 19 days, reduced MATTs, no deployment liability.

• Seize opportunities for more work or increased commitment if you want it, including personal development and AT/sports.

Service Leavers: ask your RCMO about your entitlement to visit home/local Reserve units during the resettlement period.

Transfer process: read Annex G to Soldier Terms of Service (SToS).

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Regular To Reserves

A JNCO’s View

In September 2016, I transferred directly from the Regular Army into the Army Reserves. Having spent 15 years in the Irish Guards as an Infantry Section Commander, I was well used to the routine of Army life. But my family was my priority and the decision to leave was to provide them with more stability; the Reserves offered me the perfect balance.

In my new career as a Primary School Teacher, I can enjoy the benefits of Army life but in a way that now compliments my work and family commitments.

My decision to join the REME instead of returning to the Infantry made sense. I wanted to learn new skills that further developed my interest in mechanical engineering. The REME offered me the chance to retrain as an Armourer; something new and technically challenging which I love.

I am now part of 127 (Theatre Support) Company, part of 101 Battalion REME that is based in North Manchester. The location is ideal; close to where I live and even has the look and feel of any regular REME unit.

Since becoming an Army Reservist, I have completed a lot of Adventurous Training (AT) courses such as my Mountain Leader Training (MLT) course. This coming training year, I will continue to develop my Armourer trade skills and attend some AT Instructor courses (something I didn’t have time for in the Regulars). There are so many annual events like skiing in Austria or sailing in the Mediterranean - all the best bits of being in the Army!

Taking the leap from Regular service into the Reserves was an easy decision for me. I have learned a new trade and gained new qualifications. For me, joining the REME Reserves was the right decision for me and my family.

REME IN OMAN WITH 22 SAS – 1961, Part One

Scribe: 2Lt WGV Kenney REME

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in July 1961 and recently edited and re-submitted by Bill, now a retired Lieutenant Colonel. This is part one of a two-part article.

Background

The original Craftsman article in 1961

Oman realised in the 19th century that they needed to make an alliance with a major European power to avoid becoming a colony. England was chosen due to its presence in India, and the strength of its fleet. In 1852 a treaty was signed which recognised the independence of the Sultan.

The Saudis had for decades been trying to undermine the tribe’s loyalty to the Sultan as they suspected, quite rightly, that there was considerable oil to be found in Oman. A new Iman, Gahlib bin Ali received much support from Saudi Arabia, his supporters, the rebels seized Nizwa in 1958 but were driven out and retreated to the mountains. The Sultan invoking the treaty asked for British assistance. In January 1959 British and Omani forces including the SAS and Trucial Oman Scouts (TOS) recaptured the Jebal. The leaders escaped to Saudi Arabia and the insurgents scattered and continued with guerrilla warfare. Supplies including American anti-tank mines containing 20Ibs of explosives came from Saudi Arabia by camel across the desert, or more often by Dhow to the Batina Coast. In

Oman mines were transported by camels, so normally there were two mines to balance the load. When one mine went up there was usually another in the area! The mines had a ratchet mechanism so the mine could blow up any vehicle in a convoy.

In early 1960 a Squadron of 22 SAS was deployed to lbri to patrol much of northern Oman to show the flag, and demonstrate that the Sultan had powerful support. In 1961 D Squadron 22 SAS was to repeat this as Operation STATURE.

Preparations

Aden Wksp provided the REME for support Operation Stature. The party consisted of 2Lt Kenney, SSgt McPhail, two “old” Cpls, a breed that no longer exists, and six Craftsmen. Before I left Aden somebody older and wiser advised me to go to the orderly room and read the conduct sheets of my party. Cpl Fox’s, my Recovery Mechanic had the wonderful entry; conduct prejudice to good order and military discipline; calling a member of the RMP “A windy bastard” on Piccadilly Manchester in Spring 1943. He had been up and down

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from Craftsman to Corporal many times. The other Corporal had seen active service in Greece in 1946 during the civil war there.

In the first three days of 1961 we made hurried preparations, drawing spares, other stores and new selfloading rifles, SLR’s. The SAS advance party loaded the vehicles on Landing Ship Tank (LST) Empire Petrel at Little Aden. These comprised 4 Land Rovers, 2 - 1-ton water bowsers, 18 - K9 Austin’s, and 7- 3-ton Bedford’s, 31 vehicles all mine plated.

Journey to Oman

The LST sailed on the evening of 4 January and everyone enjoyed a pleasant cruise along the Arabian Coast to Maseira Island, the home of an RAF base, and a distance of some 1200 miles. An RAF Z craft was taken in tow so that disembarkation would be possible at Muscat. At dawn on 11 Jan we dropped anchor off a beach about seven miles east of Muscat. By the evening of 12 Jan all men and vehicles were camped a few miles inland. The convoy set off for Nizwa, 100 miles away, the pass through the mountains was a good track and we arrived at the Northern Frontier Regiment (NFR) camp at 9pm. The convoy left next morning for lbri, 86 miles, our future base, passing on the way several villages destroyed during the 1959 operation. The only vehicles permitted by the Sultan to travel beyond Nizwa were military vehicles and the Land Rover of the Wali or Provincial Governor. The former Wali of lbri was in prison for supporting the rebels.

Setting up camp in lbri

For the next week the advance party were busy putting up the tented camp for the main body. After a couple of days, I was called by the OC and told; pick a Land Rover for yourself and four Bedford’s with crews, check them over, refuel and draw rations. Leave at dawn and be back in four

SAS Arrival and Phase one Operation STATURE

The main body arrived on 28 January commanded by Major Thompson MC, it included two Doctors for a camp of 180 fit men! Each troop drew four Austin K9’s and their stores. The Troop Leader’s vehicle had a 0.3 Browning machine gun mounted on the cupola. The troops then took off for three weeks patrolling Northern Oman and showing the flag. During this time a Bedford hit a mine close to our camp; the injured were quickly evacuated by the RAF to Sharjah. When the patrol vehicles had problems, a VM was driven out or flown out by Twin Pioneer, but twice reserve vehicles were driven out and the casualty towed back by our 3-ton winch vehicle. When work permitted we joined patrols of the NFR to show our party more of the country. The SAS returned to lbri each Troop having been resupplied once by Twin Pioneer.

To be contined…

days! We had to collect additional stores and ammunition from Muscat. All very simple, no paper! All the glass was removed from the vehicles due to the mine threat, and the first vehicle in any convoy carried only the Driver to reduce possible casualties. We had no radios. We stopped overnight in Nizwa, and collected the stores in Muscat. On the way back in the mountains driving though an area with large rocks some the size of a house. I drove around a corner and there was an excavation in the track, prepared by minelayers. An ideal place for an ambush. Clearly the terrorists knew we must return to lbri and were just about to lay mines. I considered leaving half the men to guard the vehicles and take the others to try and engage the minelayers. I decided to press on to Nizwa, as the terrorists clearly would know the area well. We occupied the tented camp with our detachment having two Blacksmiths shelters for work and storage.

UK REME LOCATIONS

Regimental Headquarters REME

LYNEHAM - The Prince Philip Barracks

Regular REME LADs and Wksps

1) LISBURN

2 RIFLES LAD - Thiepval Barracks

2) ALDERGROVE

5 Regt AAC Wksp - RAF Aldergrove

3) BELFAST

1 RANGER LAD - Palace Barracks

4) INVERNESS

3 SCOTS LAD - Fort George

5) KINLOSS

39 Engr Regt Wksp - Kinloss Barracks

6) LEUCHARS

SCOTS DG LAD - Leuchars

7) EDINBURGH

2 SCOTS LAD - Glencorse Barracks

3 RIFLES LAD - Dreghorn Barracks

5 MI Bn LAD - Redford Barracks

8) NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE

3 RHA Wksp - Albemarle Barracks

9) CATTERICK

LD LAD (Light Dragoons) - Gaza Barracks

5 Armd Med Regt LAD - Gaza Barracks

RL LAD (Royal Lancers) - Cambrai Barracks

1 YORKS LAD - Alma Lines

5 Regt RA Wksp - Marne Barracks

32 Engr Regt LAD - Marne Barracks

4 SCOTS LAD - Bourlon Barracks

1 MI Bn LAD - Bourlon Barracks

1 RMP LAD - Bourlon Barracks

10) RIPON/THIRSK

21 Engr Regt LAD - Claro Barracks

4 Regt RA Wksp - Alanbrooke Barracks

6 Regt RLC LAD - Dishford Airfield

11) STRENSALL 34 Field Hospital LAD - Queen Elizabeth Barracks

12) YORK

2 Sig Regt LAD - Imphal Barracks

13) PRESTON 4 LANCS LAD - Weeton Barracks

3 Med Regt LAD - Fulwood Barracks

14) HULL

DST Wksp - Normandy Barracks

15) CHESTER

1 LANCS LAD - Dale Barracks

16) TERN HILL

1 R Irish LAD - Clive Barracks

17) STAFFORD

1 Sig Regt LAD - Beacon Barracks

22 Sig Regt LAD - Beacon Barracks

16 Sig Regt - Beacon Barracks

18) OAKHAM

2 R Anglian LAD - Kendrew Barracks

7 Regt RLC LAD - Kendrew Barracks

19) NUNEATON

30 Sig Regt LAD - Gamecock Barracks

20) SAFFRON WALDEN

29 Engr Regt (EOD) Wksp - Carver Barracks

21) DEREHAM

QDG LAD - Robertson Barracks

22) IPSWICH

3 Regt AAC (AH) Wksp

- Wattisham Flying Station

4 Regt AAC Wksp - Wattisham Flying Station

23) WOODBRIDGE

23 PARA Engr Regt Wksp - Rock Barracks

24) COLCHESTER

2 PARA LAD - Merville Barracks

3 PARA LAD - Merville Barracks

7 PARA RHA Wksp - Merville Barracks

13 AA Sp Regt RLC - Merville Barracks

16 Med Regt LAD - Merville Barracks

25) BICESTER

1 Regt RLC LAD - St David’s Barracks

26) ABINGDON

3 Regt RLC LAD - Dalton Barracks

4 Regt RLC LAD - Dalton Barracks

27) WINDSOR

The Welsh Guards LAD - Combermere Barracks

1 Coldstream Gds LAD - Victoria Barracks

28) WOOLWICH

1 R Anglian LAD - Royal Artillery Barracks

29) HOUNSLOW

1 Irish Gds LAD - Cavalry Barracks

30) ALDERSHOT

10 QOGLR LAD - Gale Barracks

1 Grenadier Gds - Lile Barracks

4 RANGER LADNew Normandy Barracks

27 Regt RLC LAD - Travers Barracks

22 Field Hospital LAD - Keogh Barracks

2 RANGER LAD - Keogh Barracks

1 Scots Gds LAD - Mons Barracks

4 RMP - Travers Barracks

31) PIRBRIGHT

3 RANGER LAD - Elizabeth Barracks

32) MAIDSTONE

36 Engr Regt Wksp - Invicta Park

33) FOLKESTONE

1 RGR LAD - Sir John Moore Barracks

34) SOUTHAMPTON

17 P&M Regt RLC Wksp

- McMullen Barracks

35) PORTSMOUTH

12 Regt RA WKSP - Thorney Island

16 Regt RA WKSP - Thorney Island

36) TIDWORTH / PERHAM DOWN

1 R Welsh LAD - Lucknow Barracks

QRH LAD - Assaye Barracks

1 RRF LAD - Mooltan Barracks

1 Armd Med Regt LAD

- Bhurtpore Barracks

4 Armd Med Regt LAD - Bhurtpore Barracks

RTR LAD - Aliwal Barracks

KRH LAD - Aliwal Barracks

22 Engr Regt LAD - Swinton Barracks

26 Engr Regt LAD - Swinton Barracks

15 Sig Regt LAD - Swinton Barracks

37) BULFORD

3 RMP LAD - Ward Barracks

HCR LAD - Ward Barracks

5 RIFLES LAD - Ward Barracks

4 MI Bn LAD - Ward Barracks

3 Sig Regt LAD - Picton Barracks

1 MERCIAN LAD - Picton Barracks

38) LARKHILL

32 Regt RA LAD - Roberts Barracks

47 Regt RA Wksp - Roberts Barracks

19 Regt RA LAD - Purvis Lines

1 Regt RHA Wksp - Purvis Lines

26 Regt RA Wksp - Purvis Lines

39) UPAVON

2 MI Bn LAD - Trenchard Lines

40) GLOUCESTER

ARRC Sp Bn LAD - Imjin Barracks

41) SOUTH CERNEY

29 Regt RLC

- Duke of Gloucester Barracks

42) CORSHAM

10 Sig Regt LAD - Basil Hill Barracks

43) HULLAVINGTON

9 Regt RLC LAD - Buckley Barracks

44) COLERNE

21 Sig Regt LAD - Azimghur Barracks

45) WARMINSTER

RDG LAD - Battlesbury Barracks

46) BOVINGTON

ATDU - Allenby Barracks

47) YEOVIL

1 Regt AAC Wksp - RNAS Yeovil

48) PLYMOUTH

29 Cdo RA Wksp - The Royal Citadel

49) BARNSTAPLE

Cdo Log Regt RM - RMB Chivenor

24 Cdo RE Wksp - RMB Chivenor

50) HAVERFORDWEST

14 Sig Regt (EW) LAD - Cawdor Barracks

51) CHEPSTOW

1 RIFLES LAD - Beachley Barracks

52) BURY ST EDMUNDS

28 ENGR REGT (C-CBRN) LAD - RAF Honington

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover 25

UK REME LOCATIONS

Regular REME Battalions

1) CATTERICK

2) LEUCHARS

3) TIDWORTH

3 Armd CS Bn REME - Assaye Barracks

4 Armd CS Bn REME

- Jellalabad Barracks

6 Armd CS Bn REME - Delhi Barracks

4) IPSWICH

7 Avn Sp Bn REME - Wattisham Flying Station

5) LYNEHAM

5 FS Bn REME - The Prince Philip Barracks

8 Trg Bn REME - The Prince Philip Barracks

6) ALDERSHOT

9 TS Bn REME - New Normandy Barracks

Reserve REME Battalions

101 Bn - BHQ BRISTOL

1) 127 Coy - Manchester

2) 127 Coy - Liverpool

3) 159 Coy - Walsall

4) 159 Coy - Telford

5) 160 Coy - Bridgend

6) 160 Coy - Gloucester

7) 158 Coy - Bristol

8) 158 Coy - Swindon

9) 130 Det Pl - Yeovil

13) 124 Coy - Newton Aycliffe/Walker

14) 146 Coy - Scunthorpe

15) 146 Coy - Rotherham

16) 186 Det Pl - Newcastle

17) 147 Det Pl - Hull

103 Bn - BHQ NORTHAMPTON

18) 148 Coy - Derby

19) 148 Coy - Nottingham

20) 118 Coy - Northampton

21) 118 Coy - Coventry

22) 133 Coy - Ashford

23) 133 Coy - Croyden

REME Association Branches

1) NORTHERN IRELAND - Lisburn

2) SCOTLAND - Grangemouth

3) TYNESIDE - Newcastle upon Tyne

4) SOUTH WEST DURHAM - Newton Aycliffe

5) TEESIDE - Billingham

6) CUMBRIA

7) LANCASHIRE - Blackpool

8) SCARBOROUGH

9) WEST YORKSHIRE - Bradford

10) HUMBERSIDE - HULL

11) MANCHESTER

12) WIDNES

13) DONCASTER & DISTRICT - Balby

14) POTTERIES & DISTRICT - Stoke-on-Trent

15) DERBY & NOTTINGHAM - Chilwell

16) LINCOLNSHIRE - Boston

17) CROMER

18) SHROPSHIRE - Telford

19) BIRMINGHAM - Northfield

20) COVENTRY

21) KETTERING, CORBY & DISTRICT - Kettering

22) THETFORD & DISTRICT

23) MID ANGLIA - Colchester

24) NORTH & EAST LONDON - Romford

25) SOUTH LONDON - Catford

26) ST ELIGIUS - Lyneham

27) ARBORFIELD & DISTRICT

28) ANDOVER

29) SURREY - Redhill

30) ASHFORD (KENT)

31) BORDON & DISTRICT

32) BRIGHTON, HOVE & DISTRICT - Lancing

33) EASTBOURNE & DISTRICT - Stine Cross

34) BOURNEMOUTH - Ferndowns

35) NORTH DEVON - Bideford

36) BRISTOL

37) WALES - Swansea

38) ISLE OF WIGHT

39) ISLE OF MAN

40) WEST LONDON (CHELSEA)

Not located on the map

- RECOVERY MECHANICS

- TECH ELEC

- CARAVAN & CAMPING CLUB

- REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

- SOUTH AUSTRALIA

- NEW ZEALAND

- FLORIDA (USA)

The Online Home of The REME Family

craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

UK Armed Forces Inter-Commands Indoor Hockey Winners 2022

Wednesday the 15th of November saw the REME Hockey team enter the last indoor Corps tournament of the year; to try and defend their 2021 tournament title. The event was to be held at the home of Army Hockey, Aldershot Sports Stadium. Sponsored by The British Forces Broadcasting Service, the UK Armed Forces (UKAF) intercommands tournament event sees the best two teams from each of the Royal Navy, Army and the RAF come together, to battle it out to see who truly is the best!

The REME team led by their Captain LCpl Jordan Morris, flew through the group stages finishing top, beating the Royal Navy’s FAA 8 -1 and Station RAF 9-1. Scott Rawlings and Eli Hazelman, the team’s forwards, seamed unstoppable. The squad ranging from new players to experienced master players were though to the semi-final. It seemed the calibre of match did not phase the team as once again they breezed through the game; with a masterclass of indoor Hockey defending by team player and Manager Harry Morse.

With an 8-3 win under their belts, the men’s squad were to

meet their Corps rivals, the Royal Engineers. Having played each other twice already in the last 40 days, both teams were rallied up more than ever to take the title. For both teams in the final to be from the Army is a great showcase of the talent produced by our Services Hockey.

Into the final, and the starting six players took off to a flying lead scoring two goals in the first couple of minutes. The Royal Engineers fought back strong but with a calm and precise team talk from Coach Si King; the REME team hit full speed in the second half of the game with a sensational show of true indoor Hockey strength. The game finished 7-3 to the REME making them the champions for the second year running.

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REME Indoor Hockey

Scribe: Cpl Kate Burrows

Hockey is one of the REME’s four principal representative sports with a long heritage, winning pedigree and an inclusive culture. The Main Effort for season 2022/23 is to put REME Ladies Hockey back on the map. It’s been a struggle in recent years fielding a squad of 16 to play our Corps matches on a Wednesday, but with a strong team in October at the Inter-Corps Indoors we sense times are changing. If you fancy picking up a stick, even for the first time, and joining the Ladies’ team then please do not hesitate in contacting Capt Lauren-Rose Taylor. You will make great friends, develop rapidly in a fast pace technical sport and find it truly rewarding.

Inter-Corps Competition

REME Ladies Senior Squad:

For the first time this season, the REME Ladies Hockey team came together at the Army Inter-Corps Indoor Hockey Championships in a round robin event. With a new team made up of Regular and Reserve ladies, including new-comer LCpl Sophie Finch, the ladies fought hard to the end.

Ladies Coach; Capt Sharon Stones, gave continuous support and coaching from the side-line and between matches. She also helped develop the team to become more structured and competitively strong; something we hadn’t seen for a while.

The ladies built an impressive defence, made up of SSgt Sarah Gandy and Lt Col Helen Currie, with SSgt Roxanne Powell in goal. Although the ladies missed out on the silverware, for the first time in a while the ladies showed great resilience and fought to the end. We even saw an impressive save against a penalty flick. The team effectively defended many short corners, and won a number ourselves. On our most victorious short, Lt Col Currie managed to score a beautifully executed deflection off a fast-paced ball from Cpl Kate Burrows. Our press on the ball was strong, nothing was getting through the middle between Cpl Kate Burrows and SSgt Samantha Langdon defending and holding the middle to the end. A great start to a promising year!

REME Men’s

Seniors Squad:

On the 10th October 2022 the Men’s Senior Hockey team headed to Aldershot to try and defend the title of Inter-Corps Indoors Champions. A very strong team ranging from brand new players, to experienced players saw them win their group matches against the Royal Signals (3-1), and the AGC (5-2). Through to the semi-finals, a tough game against the Infantry took place. After 30 minutes it was (4-4) so penalty flicks ensued; 3 strong flicks from LCpl Scott Rawlings, Cpl Elijah Hazelman and team Captain LCpl Jordan Morris accompanied by a great save in goal by Capt Sam Mead took the team into the final.

The final saw two true rivals; REME Vs Royal Engineers. Once again, the match concluded with a draw after a very competitive game of Hockey; showcasing the best players the Corps had to offer. Unfortunately, this time, all penalty flicks were saved by the opponent’s goal keeper. The teams’ efforts have put them through to the 2022 Inter-Commands Hockey Tournament to be held on Nov 16th to defend their 2021 title against the teams from the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.

REME Masters Squad:

On the evening of Tuesday 11th October 2022, the Masters team met in Aldershot Sports Centre to try and defend the title of Inter-Corps indoors champions. The team is half Veterans, half still serving and all aged over 35 to qualify. The round robin format allowed for 4 x 20mins matches. We narrowly snuck past the Royal Engineers catching them cold in the first match of the tournament and then breezed comfortably past the Royal Signals, Infantry and AGC to retain the title.

Inter-Command Competition

This tournament sees the top two teams from all three Services competing to crown the best indoor team in the Armed Forces. With players coming out of our ears for the first time, the REME bench was stacked with some serious talent, with 9 of the 14 still representing the Army in either the seniors or U25s.

We played the first game of the day against the Fleet Air Arm; brushing them to one side in a convincing 8-1 win, with goals coming from Lt Matt Hutson and 2Lt Adam Woodyear to name but a few.

After a well earnt few hours off spent refuelling and stretching, the REME cruised over the RAF 1s 9-1, with a very lucky RAF goal preventing keeper Capt Sam Mead from getting a clean sheet; despite being outstanding all day long. The team had now settled into each other’s playing style, no small feat given the lack of training the team had done together, and it was showing, with the play becoming more and more dominant and fluent; something opposition teams struggled to reciprocate.

Going from strength-to-strength and having won the group, the REME were through to the semi-finals against the 2nd place team in the other group, the Navy West. They showed more resistance but the REME’s fast and secure ball handling skills, especially around the back two Defenders had us running circles around the Navy. A hat-trick from LCpl Scott Rawlings helped secure an 8-4 win and a spot in the finals.

As expected, the REME faced the Royal Engineers in the finals yet again, so an Army victory was secured however we did not want to give up our indoor crown from last year or allow the Engineers to get two over us in one year. In a hard fought and highly intense game, 4 goals from Cpl Eli Hazelman, 2 from LCpl Scott Rawlings and a finisher from Lt Matt Hutson secured a 7-3 win and the coveted winners title for a second year in a row.

Having played a gruelling 160 minutes of indoor Hockey in one day, the team had a lot to

be proud of, not only from the dominant set of performances on the day but also for the future going forward. We now shift our focus to the Inter-Corps outdoor tournament in March 2023, where we aim to better our 2nd place finish last year.

Conclusion:

It is also to be noted, from the hard work and talent of the individuals, the following REME personnel have been selected to represent the Army in the UK Armed Services Inter-Service Indoor Hockey Competition: Capt Sharon Stones (Women’s Masters), Cpl Kate Burrows (Women’s Senior), Maj Harry Morse (Men’s Masters), WO2 Dave Thomas (Men’s Masters), SSgt Adie Worth (Men’s Masters,

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Men’s Senior’s Manager), Capt Sam Mead (Men’s Senior), Cpl Elijah Hazelman (Men’s Senior), LCpl Scott Rawlings (Men’s Senior), LCpl Chris Randall (Men’s U25), Cfn Paul Newton (Men’s U25), LCpl Duncan Marshall (Men’s U25), Lt Kyle Beckett (Men’s U25 Manager). We pride ourselves with the strong REME presence in the Army teams, and we only hope that it will continue to grow in years to come.

If anyone should be interested to get involved with Men’s Corps Hockey please contact: Team manager Maj Harry Morse or Team Captain LCpl Jordan Morris. We would also like to give a massive thank you to Army Sports Control Board and Army Hockey for providing us with these excellent images.

REME Sport

REME Tennis

A Season Of Success

For REME Tennis, 2022 was a year of great accomplishments from both a team and individual perspective. The team has embraced new talent and combined with the existing squad, saw vast improvement in all members of the team. REME Tennis has been improving every year which has been highlighted by some of the accomplishments of 2022.

Winter League One Day Tournament

I will bring you back to the start of the year in March, the Army Tennis Association (ATA) hold a winter one-day tournament every year. The REME team have always been at the forefront of this event, having won it in the past and always putting their stamp on the tournament. 2022 was no different with WO1 (ASM) Bickerton, Sgt Perry, Cpl Simanjuntak and LCpl Jones defeating all opposition to win the tournament.

After organising and delivering ATA one-day tournaments for the past seven years, WO1 (ASM) Bickerton stepped down from the ATA Executive Committee to concentrate on other goals.

Throughout this period, he has done an outstanding job and was recognised for his hard work and commitment when presented with an award for “Services to Army Tennis”.

Army Championships

The Army Championships and Army Indoor Championships, held every year in June and February respectively, are open to all standards and accommodate all players. This year’s Army Championships were lucrative for our current REME Champion Sgt Perry, winning the Army Indoor Masters Championship, Army Outdoor Masters Championship, Masters Doubles and Men’s Open Doubles. Sgt Perry has an enthusiastic approach to Tennis and is very passionate about the game. Considering the impressive standard across Army Tennis, his achievement is even more noteworthy and proves that training and dedication pay off.

REME Tennis Championships

The REME Tennis Championship was held in September where there was a great standard from all players. Competing for the prestigious Open Singles title, Sgt Perry, 1 Battalion Irish Guards LAD, and LCpl Jones, 3 Battalion REME, 18 Field Company, put on a great display of Tennis. The Masters final, men’s doubles and the under 25s singles were

also a display of impressive tennis. Sgt Perry went on to a clean sweep of trophies winning the Men’s Open Singles, Men’s Open Doubles and Men’s Masters Doubles, whilst Cpl Hammond, 12 Regt RA Wksp, won the Under 25s Singles, an outstanding achievement considering this is his first venture into REME Tennis. The day, organised by WO1 (ASM) Bickerton, went perfectly and showcased everyone’s talent.

Future Of REME Tennis

The REME has always had young talented new players coming through to try their hand at Tennis, as shown by Cpl Hammond winning the under 25 Singles at the REME Championships. The REME team embraces new members at any standard and as a Corps enter the Army winter and summer league played all year round at Aldershot Tennis Centre. The team would welcome all new players. There is free coaching conducted by a civilian Tennis Coach at 1300hrs every Wednesday afternoon where any budding Tennis players are encouraged to come to meet the current Corps players and improve your standard. The Tennis community is very welcoming and friendly. If you enjoy Tennis or just want to see if it is for you then come along on Wednesdays at 1300hrs to Aldershot Garrison Tennis Centre.

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AVIATION ENGINEERING OFFICER PAST AND PRESENT DINNER NIGHT

2023

When: Thurs 30th March 2023,1800 hrs

Where: Princess Marina’s Officers’ Mess, MoD Lyneham

Tickets: On sale through REME Connect—Please see events page POC: Capt H Tharme howi.tharme100@mod.gov.uk Lt H B Hall hannah beth.hall105@mod.gov.uk

Accommodation: donna.savage104@mod.gov.uk

Closing date: REME Connect link closes 16th March 2023, after this please email POC for space.

The CorpsCommunications Team

Are you emailing the right person?

The Craftsman Magazine Editor CraftsmanEditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

The Digital Media Manager Dawn.Cainey100@learn.mod.uk

Change of postal address Subscriptions@reme-rhq.org.uk

Submissions (Digital and Print) remerhq-comms-groupmailbox@mod.gov.uk

Other Communications and Media requests remerhq-comms-groupmailbox@mod.gov.uk

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Are you ex-serving REME? Did you have a partner or family who were in REME? Where are they Now? is a new feature giving you the chance to share your stories with the wider REME family. If you have a story to share, email it to craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk

#TheREMEFamily

The Spartans Trifecta Championships

Spartans! What is your profession?

Anyone fancy running 50km around the Peloponnese mountains? How about with 70 obstacles on the way? Yeah, neither did I this time last year. Then I found Spartan racing. Spartan racing is a series of Obstacle Course Races (OCR) which take place every year all over the world, the races themselves vary from 5km with 15 obstacles (Spartan Sprint), 10km with 25 obstacles (Spartan Super) and 21km with 30 obstacles (Spartan Beast). There are other races within the series, but they are the main three. These three races usually come together in weekend events known as Trifecta Weekends with a beast usually on the Saturday and the other two on the Sunday; doing these Trifecta events enables you to qualify for the European and World championships.

I completed my first Trifecta (all three races) back in July 2022. I then got completely hooked and entered the Trifecta European championships placing 200th out of 1,100 in my category. Once I finished the Euros my focus turned to the World Championships held in Greece. Before flying out I became a member of the British Obstacle Sports organisation and of Team GBR OCR.

I then flew out to Greece which is known to host some of the hardest obstacle races on the globe. After meeting the other 125 Team GBR members and taking part in the opening ceremony and festival of nations I took part in the first race (the Sprint) placing 183rd out of 800. I then took part in the Super the following day placing 133rd out of 940 and lastly on the final main event I took part in the Beast representing 28 Engineer Regt placing 147th out of 550.

As it was the Trifecta World Championships, all three races were pulled together into a total time, and you were then placed on a leader board. Overall, I placed 17th out of 50 in my age category in the world and 109th out of 565 overall, I also placed top in my age group from team GBR. I am taking part in the World Championships again next year back in Greece, with several more races in other locations in-between. With the aim of stepping up from my current category into more competitive waters. If anyone is thinking about having a go, I strongly recommend it.

REME Cross Country Championships

15

On a windy Wednesday 2nd November, 5 (FS) Battalion REME along with many other major and minor units, competed in the annual REME Cross Country Championships held in Tidworth. 6 miles for the men and 4 miles for women, on an undulating off road route with several steep inclines to burn the legs and some tricky downhills to navigate. The Dragons took a team for several categories such as: male and female Major Unit Senior teams, U23 male team and a male master’s team. Many of the athletes representing the Battalion took part in the previous year’s event, which the females saw themselves named champions and hoped to bring the trophy home for a second year running. The male team fell just short last year, being runners up in a fiercely competitive event, coming second to 8 Para Fd Coy. This year, the teams looked stronger than ever, and the teams were even more hungry to bring trophies back to Lyneham.

After a few days and nights of intermittent rain, we knew the conditions were going to be only one thing… wet. The rain mostly held off on the day, however there were reports of wind speeds hitting 30-35mph along the top of the route. Of course, this didn’t deter the Dragons as we’re used to PT sessions on a large, open airfield. Perhaps it could give us an advantage?

We arrived, signed in and got our numbers pinned onto our Tshirts. It was clear by this point that there were some very strong teams from other units who had travelled to compete. After a short brief, in which we found out some information about the course, we began our warmup. We were minutes away from the start!

The women were called up to the start line first as they began 10 minutes before the men. A final shake of the legs and they were offfast off the mark, the men could watch as they started the first of four miles, around the starting field and into the first hill - the race was on! The men were soon called up too, piling into the start pen, the top athletes rushing to the front to get the best chance of taking the lead. A few final words of encouragement and a race plan in mind, the trigger was pulled, and the men went off. I watched on from the middle as our very own Capt Birkett and Sgt Allan went off towards the front, fighting for a top 10 spot amongst a group of talented runners. The first incline was short and sweet, but enough to get the legs burning and the mind switched on to what was to come. The next mile or so was bumpy and fast, as the excitement from many sent them off at a slightly quicker than normal pace. It was at this point that we realised the pre-warning of fast wind speeds were well and truly not a bluff! Mile 3 took us to the hill that many fear, the largest and longest incline on the route, made worse by the constant bombardment of wind hitting us. However, what goes up, must come down! The final 3 miles brought us back along the top and down towards where we started. Taking advantage of

the declines, the Dragons came past many of their competitors and quickly came into view of the final field that we were to loop around. A fantastic route and challenging weather conditions had been tackled by the Battalion’s top athletes!

Upon finishing, we wrapped ourselves up to ensure we stayed warm, and we were given complimentary food and drink. After chatting to all the Dragons, we realised that our combined finishing positions had put us in a very competitive place for the top spot in some of the categories. The crowds gathered around the tent which was filled with trophies and medals which each team was hoping to claim. First, we were told of 4 individuals who were to be presented their Corps colours, including 5 Battalion’s Capt Birkett and Sgt Allan, awarded for representing the Corps in numerous sporting events. A huge achievement for them both. The individual winner prizes were then handed out to the top 3 male and 3 female runners on the day, which we narrowly missed out on! It was then onto the team awards. Although a mistake was made on the day, with the award handed to the wrong team - we were later told that we had in fact won the Male Masters category, won by Sgt Tamang, WO1 White, SSgt Limbu and SSgt McCartney. A fantastic award for the Battalion! Next the Major Unit awards were to be presented, and for the second year in a row the women of 5 Battalion were champions! A huge effort from Cpl Williams, LCpl Verebasaga, LCpl Namiburu, Cpl Mountford, Cpl Peter, and LCpl Scott. Another year smashed by the ladies, and now on for the treble! Next the men, in 3rd place was 8 Para Fd Coy, the previous year’s winners and likely favourites. The win was up for grabs! We were then told of the top two teams… it was a tie! Both teams top 6 finishing positions had added up to the exact same amount, but there could only be one winner. The judges decided to take in the positions of the next 2 runners of each team, and with that, 5 Battalion were awarded the victory with 8 Training Battalion coming in a close second. Awards were handed to Capt Birkett, Sgt Allan, Cpl Hadley, 2Lt Tyrie, Cfn Tate, Lt Markham, 2Lt Lovelock and LCpl Thapa. On top of this, Sgt Tamang was awarded second place in V40-44 category, a great individual achievement!

A proud day for the Dragons, with many awards brought back. Congratulations go to all who took part, and we look forward to competing again next year!

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Army Inter Corps Basketball Championships, 3rd-14th October 2022

Firstly, it’s an honour and a privilege to have been asked to write for ‘The Craftsman’ magazine, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank this year’s Coach Ally Way and my teammates, for their dedication and commitment over the 2 weeks.

Joining the Army, I had always heard of opportunities to play a variety of sports at all different levels, including representing your Corps. This was something I was really looking forward to, and a few months after completing my Phase 2 training, I was given the chance to do this in the annual Army Inter Corps Basketball Championship.

Training Camp

This year’s preparation began with a week-long training camp at the Tidworth Leisure Centre. A few weeks prior to this training, Coach Ally Way made sure our Basketball minds were fully prepared, sending out a full playbook for the team to learn – time to get to work! As this was the first time I had competed at this level, some of the instructions were like reading a foreign language, and the interactive app left my brain bouncing before I had even stepped on court. After the first day of training, it was apparent that it wasn’t just me that wasn’t fully comfortable with running the plays, and we all had to focus on the detail.

After two days we were starting to get to grips with the different offences, but for us to learn each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and fully bond before the tournament week, we were divided into the two different teams’ men’s Division 1 or Division 2 teams. Personally, this was extremely crucial for me, it afforded me the opportunity to build team chemistry with the players I would be on the floor with, and allowed us to begin cultivating our camaraderie.

After a demanding training week from the Coach – and with no serious injuries, training camp was rounded off with a friendly game against WO2 (CSM) Matt Copper’s civilian team - Salisbury Suns. As he was unavailable for this year’s tournament he became the foe of REME Basketball as he suited up for the opposition. This only added fuel to fire, and provided the much-needed test for our men’s Division 1 team, who after a tightly contested game and some

questionable officiating from Mr Cooper, the team ended up losing 55 – 51; a rematch is required!

Day One

Day one of the tournament saw both our teams in action; with our Division 1 team playing and ultimately beating the AGC, and our Division 2 team playing two games. The first of which was a game against the old adversary in the form of a talented and well coached RLC Division 2 team. Although it was a highly competitive and close fought game, the RLC team’s guards caught fire with their 3-point shooting, resulting in us coming away with a loss. Despite the fact we lost, I felt we became stronger as a team. This was proven in our second game against the Royal Signals Division 2 team, and with some harsh words of encourage from our Coach we delivered a hard fought first win.

Day Two

On day two, it was the Division 2 team’s turn to play their AGC counterparts. This turned out to be another tough test because of their desire to sit in the key area and their counter attack. At first, they struggled to break down our difficult and well drilled defence, but as they started to move the ball, they found the required gaps and attacked them mercilessly. As hard as we worked on offense, we worked twice as hard on defence, which led to a lot of turnovers and easy fast break buckets, resulting in a second win for the Division 2 team. The Division 1 team were also in action again comfortably beating the Royal Artillery 81-51.

Day Three

Day three was the final round of group games for both teams, with games against the Royal Signals. The Division 2 team continued their high intensity and hard work, running out comfortable winners. The Division 1 team utilised some stubborn defence, and excellent fast break scores to gain revenge on the team that knocked them out in last year’s final – a huge scalp! This was also a sweet moment for our Coach Ally Way (ex Royal Signals) to get one over on some former colleagues.

Semi Finals Day

By the time we had reached the semi finials day, both team’s bodies were completely exhausted, and were suffering battle scars from the previous three day’s games; however, our goal to win both tournaments was now in sight. After finishing second in their group the Division 2 team had another tough game against the Royal Signals, where they knew if they continued with the determination and game mindset from the first game, they would be able to progress to the final. The teams two expectational guards, Cfn Sumit Gurung and Cfn Ranjit Malla lifted the team onto their shoulders with their persistent energy; which the rest of the team fed off. Combined with exceptional displays from Forward and Centre Cpl Regis and LCpl Fowler, they crushed out a win and a well-earned

place in the finals. The Division 1 team roared out to an early start against the Royal Engineers, and displayed some excellent play; showcasing how the game can be played. The Royal Engineers team then began to come back, and throughout the second and third quarter the lead swung back and forward with no team establishing dominance. The fourth quarter saw serious fatigue set in, and was the deciding factor in the team narrowly losing to a strong, fast team whose backup players had the best 4th quarter of their lives! The Division 1 team were out of the tournament – well done team.

Finals

Heading into finals day, the Division 2 team were understandably dealing with some nerves as they were up against the formidable RLC, the only team they had lost to so far. The team warmed up with determination and focus, knowing they were only one game away from bringing home the W and trophy to boot. After a few tweaks to the defensive tactics from the first game, Coach Ally played man-toman throughout the whole game. This decision worked remarkably well, and managed to stop their three-point sharpshooters, who’s hot hands were the deciding factor in the first game. It was a close game till the end; however, a well defended play forced a turnover, and a clutch free throw followed by another three-point by Cfn Malla sealed the game with a win. 50-54! Champions!

Personally, I couldn’t have asked for any better start to my introduction to REME Basketball and couldn’t have asked for a better Coach and supportive and selfless teammates. I hope we all come back together and stronger next year to defend and our title.

The REME Basketball team will be holding open trials to select the team for next year’s tournament. If you would like to attend, please get in touch with:

REME Basketball Assistant Secretary: SSgt Martin Clarke

Email: martin.clarke231@mod.gov.uk

Where are they now?

Dear Editor,

With reference to the above subject I thought memories of my service may be of interest.

I was called up for my National Service in November 1954. I was 21, having served my five years Indentured Apprenticeship.

After Basic Training and a Trade Test at Blandford and Ellesmere, I was posted to the War Office Car Company in Regents Park Barracks, Albany St, London.

The CO was Major Fred Hubbard and the AQMS was Jack Scurr. We were responsible for servicing and maintaining War Office staff cars and also The Queens Baggage Waggons. Below I have listed some of the personnel who were stationed there.

Angus Logan

Les Mannock

Mick Stafford

Roy Stone (deceased)

Abe Redshaw

Alan Gosling

George Reid

Roy Hassall

Graham Golby

A further item of interest was a time where we were responsible for Fire Picket Duty. One night when I was on duty, Kenneth More with a film crew turned up in order to film for the Reach For The Sky film, based on the life story of Douglas Bader. It was to film the night scene where he escaped from the window of a German Hospital descending down the wall using knotted sheets. The night was wet, so we had the job of keeping the ground wet. They filmed all night but within the film itself, the Hospital escape scene lasted about 30 seconds!

Hope the above is of interest.

Kind regards, L/Cpl Harry Devey (Retd) 23087245

REME Corps Conferences 2023

Where are they now?

Tracing Major (Rtd) Michael C Walsh

Mark Ralph is searching for his uncle, Major (Rtd) Michael C Walsh with whom he lost contact with in 1969, the year he resigned from REME and returned to Jamaica, the location of his last overseas posting.

Michael was born in 1928 and trained at Sandhurst circa 1946. Overseas postings included Hong Kong, Germany, Kenya, Jamaica. After leaving the Army in 1969, he and his wife then relocated to: 8½ Sullivan Avenue, Kingston, Jamaica.

Mark would love to get in contact with his uncle, he would also like to hear from anybody who knows if his uncle has sadly passed away.

If you have any information, please email the Editor craftsmaneditor@reme-rhq.org.uk All replies will be passed on to Mark.

The REME Corps conferences North and South are annual events aimed at updating the Warrant Officer to Major cohorts on key developments across Home Command (RHQ REME), Army HQ and Field Army HQ. The conferences will take place over the following dates and locations.

02 Mar 23 - Tidworth Garrison Lecture Theatre, 0900-1700hrs.

07 Mar 23 - Catterick Garrison, CAST North Auditorium, 0900-1700hrs.

Although aimed at Warrant Officer to Major ranks, SSgts in independent commands are also invited to attend as are Commanding Officers and Comds ES. To attend please scan the QR Code below complete the form attached by NLT 10 Feb 23. The Administration Instruction confirming attendees and the agenda is planned for release on 13 Feb 23.

Live virtual attendance will not be facilitated at the conferences however a recording (voice over slides) will be available after the conference on the RHQ REME MODNET site.

REME 80: In The North-East REME Association Teesside, Tyneside and South West Durham Branches

Far off in the frozen North, there are a ‘Band of Brothers’ who go under the guise of the REME Association. There are three branches who meet regularly on Tyneside, Teesside and in South West Durham. Numbering 120+ Veterans from the Regulars, TA and Reserve units and more recently we have welcomed serving personnel to the ranks.

With a multitude of trades and skills there is the occasional banter that I am sure still exists between the remaining eight trades of the Corps.

The Teesside Branch has recently formed close ties with 1 (CS) Battalion at Catterick having two serving soldiers, ASM Richie Howells and Sgt. Phillip ‘Wolfie’ Russell as Branch members. Both have briefed the meetings with updates on both the Corps and 1(CS) Bn, in particular, how they are engaged throughout their theatres of operations. Oh, how the world and the Corps has changed. Further links have been formed with 1 Scots Guards LAD also in

Catterick and members from both Teesside and S.W. Durham were invited to a REME 80 Dinner, held in the LAD workshop, involving serving REME Officers and Soldiers from the Catterick Garrison.

It was interesting to see that when the members of the Corps come together to celebrate an occasion that little has changed. Our hosts were first class as was the food and the free bar an excellent incentive to attend. A very good night was had by all. I am sure that the LAD will undoubtedly share their thoughts in the Craftsman sometime soon.

The three branches whilst meeting on a monthly basis in their respective areas, also have a joint meeting once every two or three months in the City of Durham. The date is dependent on when Newcastle United, Sunderland and Middlesbrough are home or away. We have recently been hosted by the Durham City Working Men’s Club and Institute Cross Gate, Durham and this will be our home for the foreseeable future.

To celebrate the Corps 80th birthday, members from the Branches met in the Durham City Club on Saturday 8th October where friendships were renewed, some, many years after they had parted company or last seen each other. The Club staff were on form with a buffet and serving copious amounts of drink. A big thanks to them with Zen Mansfield from Teesside presenting the Club with a branch plaque.

Arrangements are now in hand for another celebration for Christmas involving all three branches to be held in the Dom Bar, this is a shrine to all things military in Stockton upon Tees. It comprises of a bar with food and its own museum;

Catching up

There are tours of the museum guided by an ex Corps man.

These are just a taster of the interactions branch members enjoy. We have Standard Bearers and representatives at all the Corps activities and reunions including The Corps Memorial at The National Memorial Arboretum, REME Sunday at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, The Remembrance Day Parade at the Cenotaph London, The REME Reunion Eastwood Hall and visits to MOD Lyneham and other activities both military and civil in the region.

Enjoying the food and drink

Should any Corps member, serving or retired, have an interest in joining one of the branches, all the details are on the internet and REME Connect. You would be made most welcome. ARTE et Marte.

Potteries and District December 2022 Newsletter

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The Branch celebrated St Eligius Day on 1st December with seven members of the Branch making the short journey over to Stafford Garrison at the invitation of the OC’s of 16 and 22 Regiment Royal Signals LAD’s, Captains Josh Brickell and Captain Will Spencer-Jones, for their joint unit celebrations.

The day was a typical December morning with misty fog and a cold nip in the air, but after introductions and a hot cup of tea/coffee we were down to the shop floor where several groups of industrious Craftsmen were attempting to build a flying machine out of a mountain of cardboard, sticky tape and other odd pieces of left-over bits of wood etc.

A short service was led by the Garrison Padre, before “A Mechanics Prayer”, was read out by the aspiring poet who had penned these inspiring words.

A Mechanics Prayer

Our skills, who art in fixing. Hallowed be thy hands, Thy Land Rovers will come, Thy repairs will be done, Changing oil as it is replacing brakes, Give us this day with our new tools, and forgive us the loss of them,

As we forgive those who lack mechanical knowledge Lead us from many scars, But deliver us from stripped bolts. Amen.

Before the “Fly Off” we had a chance to familiarize ourselves with the “Glock” pistol, most of us having fond memories of the “Browning”, and the “SABO”, with Branch Chairman Ian Webb having to try out how they handled ... still preferring the “SMG”.

Following a look around the new “Reccy Wagon” it was off to the flying range, which had been optimistically marked out like a runway.

We had something resembling a “Frisbee”, and one that actually looked like an aeroplane complete with a cardboard propeller, which never turned and something resembling a Star Wars futuristic design. Low and behold the least likely to win on the “Fly Off” was the “Frisbee”: travelling when launched by hand, actually flying about 20 metres!

I think we can confidently leave aircraft design to those with their heads in the clouds, not those with their feet on the ground.

We ended our visit with branch member LUCol (retd) Gay Feek

guiding us to what resembled a shopping mall; which ended up being what we Veterans would call the “Cookhouse”, which had more hotplates and culinary choices than you could shake a stick at.

I think we all plumped for chicken and “Pomme Frittes” or “French Fries” or whatever they call these thin fried strips of potato nowadays .... not a decent Chip to be seen.

(I think it is called healthy eating.)

December 2nd saw our branch Standard Bearer Gil Mould make the 73-mile trip to Flintshire in North Wales and back, a 146-mile round trip, answering a request from RHQ for Standards to attend the funeral of Mr Peter Budd. This selfless act made Gil by far the busiest member of the Branch during the year, having paraded the Branch Standard at no fewer than nine funerals and seven other events.

Our final branch get together, to see an end to the year, was our informal annual “Christmas Jumper Evening”, held on Tuesday 13th, attended by 25 people, where we all brought along something to eat, of a Christmas nature, and held our final in house raffle of suitable seasonal things, raising over one hundred pounds. This was followed by a friendly drink with a look back on the past twelve months, and reflecting on a year spent with friends and colleagues.

RAJA Careers and Employment Support Event

Open to all REME service leavers currently in the resettlement, REME reservists, and veterans are also invited to attend.

A fantastic opportunity to engage with companies that have an Engineering and Technical focus.

For service leavers, this is an excellent networking opportunity to assist with the transition into civilian employment.

The event will be heldin the REME Museum, MOD Lyneham, SN15 4XX.The majority of exhibitors attending are national companies and have vacancies available across the UK.

If you are interested in attending this event, please contact info@rajareme.org

Obituaries

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Keith Johnson

Scribe: Brigadier (Retired) Chris Nitsch

After a lengthy period of ill health, Keith passed away in Frimley Park Hospital on 26th October 2022 at the age of 84. I and my Wife Tricia first met him, his wife Soo and the family when we served together in the REME team at HQ Northern Ireland in the late 1970s; we have been close family friends ever since. He was the knowledgeable and much respected EME (Elec) in the HQ, responsible for ensuring that the vast array of electronic equipment in the Province was kept serviceable. The task was made all the more demanding by many of the surveillance and other devices being in development and on the Secret List. He was rightly awarded a Mention in Dispatches for his work.

Looking back, Keith`s Army career began in 1956 when he was 18. After initial training he was posted to the Far East and served during the Malayan emergency. It was there that he met and married Soo, his beloved Wife for over 62 years, and began a life long association with 656 Squadron Army Air Corps; which included him proudly marching with their Veterans in the Remembrance parade at the Cenotaph in 2017.

He would say little about his early years progressing through the ranks in Malaysia and later in Cyprus but there are anecdotal tales of jungle patrols and involvement in covert military operations!

He was commissioned from the rank of Staff Sergeant in 1972 and became a regular EMAE in 1980. Besides Northern Ireland, notable appointments as an officer included 2 workshop commands.

As OC 61 Station Workshop in 1984, he received great credit for coordinating REME support for the Queen`s visit to the Royal Artillery regiments stationed in and around Dortmund. There were 520 guns and associated vehicles and equipment involved. In addition, the workshop had the task of converting the transporter used by Her Majesty to review the parade. Keith coped in his usual calm, considerate and thoroughly professional way.

Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 1990 he was chosen to command 43 District Workshop, his last appointment in uniform. Here he was heavily committed in support of Op Granby, the British involvement in the first Gulf War following the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait.

Based in Aldershot the workshop had a huge dependency in the South including support for such high-profile events such as the Queen`s visit to the Garrison in 1990 and the then annual Royal Tournament at Earl`s Court. He did much to improve industrial relations in the workshop and became an acknowledged expert in Quality Assurance (QA) and Budgetary Management. Often called upon to lecture at the REME Officers` School and elsewhere he was even voted ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ by one course!

On retiring from active service in 1993 he continued his involvement with the Corps on a consultancy basis travelling widely to run courses and assist units in installing and running QA systems. Finally, he had a key role in drawing up and monitoring REME

Training Group`s involvement with civilian contractors such as SERCO.

Keith was a man of many talents, besides his excellence as a soldier, officer and Engineer, he was a fine sportsman, in earlier days excelling as a Ski Instructor and playing rugby for the Corps and the Army. He loved involving himself in daunting DIY projects in the home, garden and on his allotments and could turn his hand to anything. A skilled craftsman himself, he was much admired for the wooden toys he renovated or made such as rocking horses, trains and the wheelbarrows so loved by my own Grandchildren.

As the many tributes received since his passing from former colleagues, neighbours and friends demonstrate, Keith was a much liked, friendly, unassuming gentleman who stood tall, was always ready to help and was devoted to his family. He contributed a lot to life, to the Corps and the Army and will be greatly missed.

Our sympathies are with Soo, his Daughter Diane and Son Paul and the whole family including, not least, the 3 great Grandchildren of whom he was so proud.

22202853 WO2

Edward “Ted”

Mullins

Scribe: Ryan Scarff

Ted was born on 2nd December 1929 and passed away on the 14th December 2022 in Preston, Lancashire. Ted enlisted into the Army and REME on the 20th March 1948 and served in Germany, UK, Aden and Hong Kong during his 22 years’ service as an Artificer Weapons (Armourer). We are exceptionally proud of his service within REME and all the theatres he served in. Ted was a gentleman and a lovely person.

Ted also represented the Corps at Hockey and gained his Corps Colours.

Ted shortly after he joined the Corps

Death Notices

BEVAN – Maj (Retd) Harry Bevan passed away on 11 December 2022 aged 87. Dates of service 1976-1990.

BUSH – Captain (Retd) Colin Albert MBE passed away on the 9th October 2022 aged 78 following an illness with cancer. Date of birth 21st February 1944. Joined the Army in April 1959 aged 15 and retired at the age of 40 in 1984. Had a wonderful career with REME working his way up through the ranks and commissioned. Received an MBE at the age of 34. Dates of service 1959-1984.

CUTLER – Former Cfn Arnold Cutler passed away on 18 November 2022 aged 93. Dates of service 194-1951.

GOWER – Maj (Retd) Alan George Gower MBE passed away on 16 November 2022 aged 79. Dates of service 1961-1997.

GREENWOOD – Former SSgt Glen Leslie Greenwood passed away on 11 November 2022 aged 75. Dates of service 1964-1985.

HARTFIELD – LCpl David Hartfield passed away on 3 December 2022 aged 44. Dates of service unconfirmed.

HUMPHRIES – Former Cpl Harold Humphries passed away on 11 October 2022 aged 84. Dates of service unconfirmed.

KNUDSON – Brig (Retd) Nicholas (Nick) Knudson passed away on 14 November 2022 aged 70. Dates of service 1973-2008.

PAYNE – Former SSgt Colin Anthony Payne passed away 26 October 2022 aged 58. Dates of service 1982-2004.

PRIOR – Former SSgt Frank Prior passed away on 22 November 2022 aged 85. Dates of service 1953-1968.

TARR – Former Sgt David Tarr passed away on 21 September 2022 aged 89. Dates of service 1948 – 1974.

TOWN – Former WO1 Cliff Town passed away on 09 November 2022 aged 87. Dates of service 1956-1980.

Death Notice Requirements

In order to publish a death notice we require the following information: Surname, first name, rank, full date of death, ages and dates of service. An obituary with additional career and life information is welcome. To inform us of the death, please contact Ms Bev Bate, Corps Welfare Manager on ( 07936 902415 or  welfare@remecharity.org

Officer Assignments

Lieutenant Unit assigned to Date of Assignment

Colonel

REES PG AVIATION WARFARE BRANCH – SO1 DOCTRINE 01 Feb 23

REITH EXCHANGE APPOINTMENTS USA AND CANADA – CH CONC INTEG 01 Feb 23

Honours and Awards

Investiture

M.B.E

London Gazette February 2023

NEW YEARS’ HONOURS LIST

Lieutenant Colonel Dominic Paul LETHBRIDGE, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, 556742.

MSM

WO2 Abby ABDULRAHMAN, Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. 25119246

WO2 Keith Andrew HOLLAND, Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. 25035696

WO1 Martin David LINDSAY, Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. 25113298

WO1 (now Captain) Mark LYNCH. Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. 25041716

WO2 Paul William MOREY, Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. 25016908

WO1 (now Captain) Alan Michael MURRELL, Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. 25097658

WO2 Craig Simon THOMSON-HAY. Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers

The REME Charity

The Trustees of The REME Charity acknowledge with sincere thanks the donations received during the month of DECEMBER 2022. They also wish to acknowledge the regular subscriptions received from the Officers and Soldiers of the Corps and retired members of the REME Institution:

Former WO1(ASM) Keith Hanson RVM and his Son Brigadier Craig Hanson CBE (late RLC) at their Investiture held on the 3rd November 2022. The Princess Royal hosted the Investiture Ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

The Craftsman is YOUR magazine, air YOUR views, share YOUR news

If you would like to see how your money is spent, we welcome one or two observers at The REME Charity meetings. The meetings are held midweek, approximately every three weeks. If you would like to observe a meeting, please contact The REME Charity Secretary on ( Mil: 95481 4527 or Civ: 07936902415 in the first instance.

The REME Charity is here for both veterans and serving personnel in times of hardship or need. Contact via SSAFA ( 0800 731 4880 www.ssafa.org.uk or The Royal British Legion ( 0808 802 8080  www.britishlegion.org.uk or your Unit Welfare if serving. All enquiries and information is dealt with in the strictest confidence.

If you wish to discuss any benevolence need you can contact us on ( 07936902415,  welfare@remecharity.org.

Anyone wishing to leave a legacy to The REME Charity, which is exempt from inheritance tax, can add a codicil to their will. Our registered charity number is 1165868

Before submitting an article you are requested to read the guidelines on the inside front cover

Corps Calendar 2023

More information regarding Corps Mess Functions can found by scanning the QR Code, or by accessing the ‘REME Connect’ website or alternatively email; REMERHQ-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk for all general enquiries. Dates are accurate as at the date of print - refer to the monthly Craftsman for any changes.

Corps Warrant Officers’ & Sergeants’ Mess Spring Guest Dinner Night

Thursday 23rd March 2023

The Harris MM Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess MOD Lyneham

Open to all serving WOs and SNCOs Ticket Price: £25 per person

Book on the REME Connect website, available now, deadline 10th March https://remeconnect.org/

Any enquiries please email: WO2 (AQMS) Gaz Hooson (Corps PMC) Gary.Hooson683@mod.gov.uk

REME Reunion Weekend 2023

Friday 14th – Monday 17th April 2023

staying at the Delta by Marriott Hotel Warwick

YOUR WEEKEND PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Half Board en-suite Accommodation

Drinks Receptions ⚫ Gala Dinner ⚫ 1940s Theme ⚫ Live Entertainment ⚫ Casino Standards Parade & Band ⚫ Church Service

Association Conference with Tea & Coffee

10% Off Bar Prices All Weekend ⚫ On Site Car Parking (complimentary)

Saturday Coach Trip – Stratford-upon-Avon

Sunday Coach Trip – National Memorial Arboretum

2 Night Package £179pp □

1 Night Package £115pp □

Extra Night Sunday £59pp □

Double Room (Sole Use) Supplement £20pn □

Saturday Trip – Stratford INCLUDED on 2 night bookings □

Depart Hotel 1000 / 1100 / 1200 Return 1430 / 1530 / 1630 (please delete)

Sunday Trip – National Memorial Arboretum £7.50pp □

Your Details: REME Branch: …………….……………….

Name ………………………………………………………………………....................... ...............

Address ...………………………………………..…………………………....................... ............... ………………………………………………………………………....................... ...............

Post Code …………………….......... Phone Number…………………………………………………….

Email ...………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Names of other persons on this booking form: Number of Persons………

Rooms Required: Double….……... Twin…………. Single…..……. (£20pn limited)

Whilst every effort will be made to accommodate all special requests this will be done on a first come first served basis and are not guaranteed. There are limited walk-in showers at this venue and are not guaranteed.

Special Requests i.e. diet requirements, walking difficulties etc.

GDPR Consent: Contact By Phone □ Contact By Email □ Contact By Post □

All prices are inclusive of VAT. Book Now to avoid disappointment, places are limited.

Cheques to be made payable to Mount Pleasant (IOW) Ltd - IOW TOURS.

By Making a Booking with IOW Tours you agree to our Trading Charter (our T&Cs) - details can be found on our website iowtours.com and will be sent with your confirmation. iowtours.com •

DEPOSIT

A non-refundable BOOKING FEE of £20.00pp is required with this booking form by 17th January

PAYMENT

Full payment is due by 17 February 2023

Payment Plans/Staged Payments accepted contact us for more details

Call IOW Tours on 01983 405116 (MON – FRI 9am to 5pm) to make your booking and pay by Card

Pay Direct into our Bank Lloyds Bank

Sort Code: 30-90-09

Account No: 58799768

Please use your POSTCODE as reference

CANCELLATION

Cancellation charges apply as follows:

14 day or less 100%

15 – 27 days 50%

28 – 42 days 30%

More than 42 days –Booking Fee Only

We

01983 405116