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High-Light
JUNE 2017 • ISSUE 16
THE TRI-SERVICE MAGAZINE OF HIGHLAND RESERVE FORCES’ AND CADETS’ ASSOCIATION
Ex Northern Lights Web: HRFCA.CO.UK
Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/HRFCA
Pages 12 & 13 Twitter: @HRFCA
2 | Editorial High-Light • Issue 16
Working hard through turbulent times
W elcome to Issue 16 of High-Light, which has
been slightly delayed by General Election
Purdah.
a role to play in its continuing
success.
While we keep our sights
Regardless of the outcome the fact remains that we trained firmly ahead of us,
continue to work in a complex and challenging operating you will find the Association’s
environment, subject to commercial uncertainty as Annual Report for 2016-2017
experienced by the employers of our reservists, and enclosed with this edition
characterised by constant downward pressure on our own of High-Light. The Report
finances. provides what is I trust a
succinct and informative
HRFCA’s access to employers’ views and concerns is review of the past year
primarily via our Regional Employer Engagement Groups – and, by saving on separate
the REEGs – who continue to provide us with wise counsel, postage, offers further proof
particularly welcome during turbulent times, when the skills of our efforts to make every
brought by reservists to their daily work are particularly penny count!
important but conversely when employers have their eyes
fixed on more pressing considerations. Finally, as you may be
aware, two distinguished
Closer to home, we are still awaiting confirmation of this airmen have passed away recently. Air Vice Marshal George
year’s Grant in Aid allocation and the savings it may be Chesworth – a much-respected HRFCA President between
necessary for us to make; with the public finances under December 1997 and June 2005, Honorary Air Commodore
ever-greater pressure we may well find ourselves with difficult of 2622 Sqn RAuxAF and Lord-Lieutenant of Moray – died
decisions to make in the days and weeks ahead. last month aged 86. He flew many sorties during the Korean
Whatever the challenges, you can be sure that we will War for which he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
continue to squeeze maximum value from the resources we (DFC). He also planned the Vulcan raids on Port Stanley.
have, as I hope is demonstrated in the following pages. From April saw the passing of Perth resident Wing Commander
the new Gairloch Air Training Corps building, project-managed Gerald Lane DFC after 101 years. An achievement in itself, but
by our Estates team, to the Royal Gun Salute at Stirling Castle particularly pertinent to the Association as Wing Commander
and the ongoing engagement with employers willing to Lane had not only been a decorated Second World War
commit to the Armed Forces Covenant, your Association is bomber pilot but also from 1951 the Assistant Secretary to
doing its very best to cover the ground. the TAFA for Aberdeen, Banff and Kincardine, one of the
A particular recent highlight has been the Annual antecedent Associations from which HRFCA evolved, and was
Association Meeting and keynote address provided for us the first airman to fill the post. Lane was subsequently closely
by Mark Lancaster MP. The Minister was particularly struck involved in the restructuring of the Territorial Army for which
by the achievements of the Cadet Expansion Programme he was appointed OBE.
in Scotland, and the obvious benefits both to the cadets
themselves and to their communities; this is all most
encouraging and a real pat on the back for everybody who has Mark Dodson
Association members enjoyed a first-class performance by
cadets of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and Black
Watch ACF Battalions at HRFCA’s AAM.
High-Light • Issue 16 |3
Contents
4 Covenant successes
5 Gairloch Centre opens
6 Veterans’ charity visits city
7 51 years of Cadet service
8, 9 HRFCA Annual Meeting 4
10 Stirling Gun Salute
11 Trio of new COs
12, 13 Ex Northern Lights 5 7
14 ACF on a high for
Commonwealth Day
15 Cadet news round-up
16 612 Sqn in Iceland 10 14
8, 9
High-Light is designed and produced for hi-offcomms@rfca.mod.uk
you by Highland RFCA, Seathwood, tel: 01382 631027 twitter: @hrfca,
365 Perth Road, Dundee, DD2 1LX facebook: facebook.com/HRFCA
4 | Armed Forces Covenant High-Light • Issue 16
Firms continue Covenant pledges
D river Hire Dundee &
Perth has signed the
Armed Forces Covenant.
organisations that pledge,
demonstrate or advocate
support to defence and the
Armed Forces community,
In doing so the firm made a and align their values with the
commitment to support the Armed Forces Covenant.
country’s servicemen and
The event was organised
women wherever and however
by Highland Reserve Forces’
it can and to ensure no
and Cadets’ Association
member of the Armed Forces
and attended by Head of
should suffer any disadvantage
Engagement Dai John and
as a result of their service.
Regional Employer Engagement
The signing – by owner Director Ron Macgregor.
Roy McLellan – took place at For more information on
Highland Reserve Forces’ and the Armed Forces Covenant
Cadets’ Association’s Dundee and the Defence Employer
HQ on 17 February with the Recognition Scheme contact
document co-signed on behalf Ron Macgregor on 01382
of the Ministry of Defence 631026 or email hi-reed@rfca.
(MoD) by Lieutenant Colonel mod.uk
Al Jarvis RE, the commanding
officer of Tayforth Universities n One day earlier, on 16 Roy McLellan (right) of Driver Hire Dundee & Perth signs the Armed
February, Fife-based adventure Forces Covenant with Lt Col Al Jarvis signing on behalf of the Ministry
Officer Training Corps (TUOTC). of Defence.
Mr McLellan was also holiday company Access
presented with an Employer to Adventure signed the to paper on their pledge on 8 Caddick RAuxAF, who is also
Recognition Scheme (ERS) Covenant. March. a lecturer at the university’s
Bronze certificate for the The signing – by managing Inverness College campus,
Signing on behalf of Finesse
Dundee-based firm which director and owner Steve co-signing for Defence.
was managing director Fraser
is part of the UK’s largest Callaghan – took place at
the company’s HQ at Rosyth Dunphy with Major Lee Professor Mulholland said:
specialist transport and
logistics recruitment company. Business Centre with the Patchell, Battery Commander “As someone who has served
Driver Hire offers temporary document co-signed on behalf at 212 Highland Bty Royal with the armed forces, I know
and permanent driving jobs, of the MoD by Commander Artillery, co-signing on behalf how important it is to support
non-driving work and Driver Richard Moss, Chief of Staff to of the MoD. During the the people who serve our
CPC training and has over 100 Naval Regional Commander for ceremony Mr Dunphy was also country. Many of our staff
offices throughout the UK. Scotland and Northern Ireland. presented with the ERS Bronze and students are part of the
Award for the firm. armed forces community and I
Also present at the signing Mr Callaghan was also
was Driver Hire Dundee & presented with an Employer n The most recent signing am delighted to formalise our
Perth’s Business Development Recognition Scheme (ERS) took place at The University of commitment to support them
Manager James MacKenzie. Bronze certificate for the firm the Highlands and Islands in and to inspire others to do the
ERS encourages employers which delivers a range of Inverness on 20 April. same.”
to support defence and inspire exciting and accessible outdoor Principal and Vice-Chancellor Professor Mulholland was
others to do the same. The experiences across Scotland. Professor Clive Mulholland also presented with a Defence
prestigious Bronze, Silver and n Arbroath-based Finesse signed for the University with Employer Recognition Scheme
Gold awards are for employer Control Systems Ltd put pen Wing Commander Dr David Bronze certificate.
Professor Clive
Mulholland of the
University of the
Highlands and
Islands receives the
Bronze Award from
Wing Commander
Dr David Caddick
following the
covenant signing.
Steve
Callaghan
of Access to
Adventure
signs the
covenant with
Commander
Richard Moss
RN signing
Fraser Dunphy of Finesse Control Systems signs the Armed Forces on behalf of
Covenant with Major Lee Patchell signing on behalf of the MoD. defence.
High-Light • Issue 16 Gairloch Cadet Centre | 5
Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Janet Bowen opens the new centre.
New Gairloch Cadet Centre opened
T he new Gairloch Cadet
Centre was officially
opened on 27 April by the
Lord Lieutenant of Ross
and Cromarty, Skye and
Lochalsh, Mrs Janet Bowen.
Dignitaries from RAF Air Cadets,
Highland Council, and Highland
RFCA, who project managed the
building of the facility, were in
attendance, as was the Scotland
and Northern Ireland Regional
Commandant Group Captain Jim
Leggat.
The new building will be used
by 832 (Wester Ross) Squadron of
the Air Cadets and replaces their
old facility which is adjacent to the
new building.
The guests and cadets Mrs Janet Bowen chats to an Air Cadet.
assembled inside the new building
where Mrs Bowen inspected the
cadet parade following which she
gave a short presentation before
unveiling a commemorative
plaque celebrating the official
opening of the building.
The event also saw Highland
Wing Chaplain the Reverend
Russel Smith performing a
Dedication to the Unit, following
which the Squadron Chaplain the
Reverend Ron Whyte carried out
an Induction Ceremony with new
cadet squadron members.
Invited guests, including HRFCA
Chief Executive Mark Dodson,
were then able to speak to cadets
and watch them taking part in
a variety of activities, including
them demonstrating their flying Cadets prepare for inspection.
prowess in a flight simulator.
6 | News High-Light • Issue 16
Multi-faith event at Scottish Parliament
H RFCA was at
the Scottish
Parliament on
March 15 for
a multi-faith
event – entitled
Exodus – which
showcased diversity
and community
cohesion in
Scotland.
Hosted by The Scottish
Government Chief
Whip Bill Kidd MSP, the
wide range of speakers
included Mr Shabir Beg,
Chairman of the Scottish
Ahlul Bayt Society,
the society’s Director
General Imam Razawi,
and Rose Fitzpatrick,
Police Scotland’s Deputy The Armed Forces were well represented at the Parliament.
Chief Constable for
Local Policing. The
Armed Forces were
much in evidence too,
with representatives
from Naval Regional
Command Scotland and
Northern Ireland, Army
Headquarters Scotland
and a number of its
Reserve units, and the
RAF. Thanks go to Shabir
and his team for an
excellent evening.
Veterans’ charity visits City of Discovery
H RFCA stopped by to say hello
to our friends from Erskine who
spent 17 March raising awareness
of the charity and its activities at
Tesco on Dundee’s Riverside Drive.
They also took the opportunity to collect
a bit of money while they were at it.
Michael Parkes, Community Fundraiser
for the North of Scotland and his boss,
Community Fundraising Manager Karen
McBeath (pictured), were both keen to let
people know about the charity and what
it does – supporting UK veterans and their
spouses since 1916 through world-class
nursing, residential, respite and dementia
care in its four homes across Scotland.
Karen said the good people of Dundee
were very generous and welcoming –
particularly appreciated on a cold and
windy day!
To find out more about the organisation
contact Michael.parkes@erskine.org.uk.
High-Light • Issue 16 News | 7
GCHQ expert at cyber security lecture
Abertay University hosted a cyber security included cyber security, encryption, Training Corps commanded by Lt Col Al
expert from GCHQ at its fourth annual intelligence and legal parameters. Leaders Jarvis, East of Scotland Universities Air
Walter McNicoll Defence Lecture. from both military and civilian roles Squadron (ESUAS) commanded by Sqn Ldr
The lecture is staged by each of the provided an insight into their experiences Jonny Finbow and Paul Cunningham.
universities within Tayforth Military in defence and an expert from GCHQ From left: Jonny Finbow (ESUAS), Paul
Education Committee – Abertay, Dundee, talked about cyber security. Cunningham (ESUAS), Eddie Simpson
Stirling and St Andrews. Attendees also included academics (Tayforth MEC Convener), Al Jarvis
This year it was titled Cyber – A and students from the four universities, (Commanding Officer, Tayforth UOTC),
Complex World, and topics covered members of Tayforth Universities Officers and Nigel Seaton (Abertay Principal).
Employees honoured at Civic Reception
T wo employees of West
Dunbartonshire Council were
honoured with a Civic Reception
Also honoured was WO1 (RSM) Jim
Easson. Jim is the only Reservist RSM
in Scotland and this achievement was
recognised during a presentation and
hosted by Provost Douglas speech by Major Derek Sorley (second in
McAllister in Clydebank Town Hall Command of the Army Training Unit in
on 21 February. Edinburgh – and Jim’s boss).
Danny Rainey was recognised for serving Jim said: “I thoroughly enjoy my work
with the Army Cadet Force for over 50 with the Reserves and I would like to thank
years. The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders my colleagues at the Council for their
Bn ACF Staff Sergeant Instructor has been a continued support, which allows me to
cadet adult instructor for 46 years following maintain my position within the forces.
four years as a cadet. He was presented
with gifts by HRFCA Deputy Chief Executive “I am very proud to serve my country and
Above: Danny Rainey with Provost
Andrew Macnaughton. I am delighted that I am being publically McAllister (left) and HRFCA’s Andrew
recognised for doing a job I thoroughly Macnaughton. Below: Jim Easson with the
Danny said: “I feel very honoured to be enjoy.” Provost and Major Derek Sorley (right).
given this recognition by the Council as to
me I’m just doing something I really enjoy Provost McAllister added: “This is a
and I cherish every minute of the time I remarkable achievement by both our
spend with the Cadets. employees and a great example of how
the actions of two men can benefit not
“The Army Cadet Force will continue to go
from strength to strength, not just because only West Dunbartonshire but the whole
there are more people like me who have country.”
many years service, but more importantly West Dunbartonshire Council was
it’s the young people who keep joining. thanked for being a supportive employer to
By far the most important person in the Danny and Jim. Among those present at the
Force is not me with all my years of service event was Rear Admiral Mike Gregory who,
but the last recruit who joined, as without as well as being the HRFCA President, is also
them, we cannot continue.” the Lord-Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire.
8 | Annual Association Meeting High-Light • Issue 16
Ministerial stamp of approval for AAM
Mark Lancaster MP with the Cadet Pipes
and Drums at Queen’s Barracks.
T his year’s HRFCA Annual
Association Meeting (AAM)
took place on Saturday 25 March at
transforming the lives of young people and
helping them to realise their full potential.
He also outlined the UK Government’s
provided individual updates. Cdr Richard
Moss, Chief of Staff at Naval Regional
Command Scotland and Northern Ireland,
defence estate strategy, through which briefed on 2017 as ‘The Year of the Navy’ and
Queen’s Barracks in Perth. rationalisation will allow investment in on the New Maritime Strategy; Col Charlie
Some ninety members resisted the better infrastructure for regulars, reservists Wallace provided the Army’s perspective
alternative attractions of a perfect spring and cadets alike, with reserve and cadet from his position as Deputy Commander
day and, following the formality of a brief units on those sites earmarked for closure
51 Infantry Bde, stressing the need for local
business meeting and Chief Executive’s to be provided for elsewhere. The Minister
annual report, were treated to a range of concluded by thanking Association members communities to support the Army via the
speakers. for their support to the reserves and the ‘firm base’ approach; and Gp Capt Derek
Maj Gen Jamie Gordon, Chief Executive of cadet organisations; in common with the Johnston, representing Air Officer Scotland,
the Council of RFCAs, kicked off proceedings. reservists and cadet adult volunteers, he felt who provided a comprehensive briefing on
Gen Gordon underlined the unique that the RFCAs and their members embody current air operations and new and improved
contribution made by RFCAs across the the volunteer spirit – and asking them for capabilities currently being acquired by the
country through their continuity and local their continuing commitment. RAF, including the P-8 Poseidon squadron to
knowledge, and stressed that despite some After a first-class performance by cadets be based at RAF Lossiemouth.
media reports to the contrary, recruitment of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders The AAM ended with a lively open forum
into the reserve forces remains on track, with and Black Watch ACF Battalions, delivered and concluding remarks from Rear
a number of specialisations already at or in warm sunshine and followed by an Admiral Mike Gregory, HRFCA President
above their 2020 targets. opportunity for the Minister to chat and Lord-Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire.
Gen Gordon was followed by the day’s informally to cadets and adult volunteers, The general consensus was that it had
Keynote speaker, Mr Mark Lancaster MP, he took advantage of a chance to meet
been a highly informative and thought-
Minister for Defence Veterans, Reserves members of 154 Transport Regt RLC in
and Personnel – and a serving officer Dunfermline before returning to Edinburgh provoking day, and one that underlined the
in the Army Reserve – who shared his Airport. importance of all those involved in defence in
thoughts and priorities on ‘the best job Other speakers on the day included Lt Scotland, whether regulars, reservists, cadet
in Government’. Touching on the Cadet Col Alan Middleton, the Schools Cadet leaders, advocates or supporters such as the
Expansion Programme (CEP), Mr Lancaster Expansion Officer, who updated members RFCAs, working collaboratively, cohesively
congratulated those who were helping to on progress with the CEP, and senior officers and with discipline, in order to secure the
make it such a notable success in Scotland, representing each of the services who best outcomes for all.
Lt Col Piers Strudwick
(CO 7SCOTS) shares a laugh with 205 Field Hospital CO Colonel Helen Singh (right) and 225
HRFCA President Mike Gregory. (Scottish) Regiment CO Lt Col Sarah Lambirth.
High-Light • Issue 16 Annual Association Meeting | 9
Group Captain Derek Johnston
(left) and Lt Col Alan Middleton
(second left) were among the
other speakers.
Cdr Richard Moss RN
updates members.
HRFCA Chairman Nick Dorman (left) and (right)
Chief Executive Mark Dodson.
Mark Lancaster MP
addresses members.
Maj Gen Jamie Gordon (left) Colonel Charlie Wallace.
and HRFCA Chairman Nick
Dorman.
10 | Events High-Light • Issue 16
21-Gun Royal Salute for The Queen
Officer Cadets
conduct the fire
mission.
O fficer Cadets of
Tayforth
Universities Officer
Royal Artillery, it involves:
teamwork, concentration,
nerve, skill and precise
Artillery. The Reviewing Officer
at Stirling Castle was Pauline
Howie, Chief Executive of the
Troop Commander for the day,
Captain Jock Mackay, recently
commissioned and whose
attention to detail – all the Scottish Ambulance Service, career as a gunner has seen
Training Corps (UOTC) qualities which will serve them with music provided by the him fulfilling every role in a
fired a 21-Gun Royal well in whatever careers they pipes and drums of Scottish gun salute.
Salute at Stirling Castle ultimately decide to pursue, UOTCs. As a highly experienced
on 21 April to mark the whether within the armed Highland and Lowland RFCAs gunner the Salute was
forces or not. Being part of jointly hosted employers at the directed by Capt Mackay with
91st Birthday of Her this prestigious event gives us event. They were welcomed polish and accuracy (‘you can’t
Majesty The Queen. a chance to celebrate our links into the Regimental Museum go wrong with Gunner Time’
Commanding Officer of with the City of Stirling and of The Argyll and Sutherland observed one member of 212
Tayforth UOTC, Lieutenant its university. Such a unique Highlanders by Brigadier Mark Bty).
Colonel Al Jarvis RE, said: activity is typical of the variety Dodson, CE HRFCA. Following the successful
“Participating in the Royal of experiences our Officer A briefing on the naval firing – which was also
Salute at Stirling Castle is a Cadets enjoy during their time origins of gun salutes by watched by proud friends
great honour for the Officer in the OTC.” Major Lee Patchell, the and families of the Officer
Cadets at Tayforth UOTC. The Officer Cadets were Battery Commander of 212 Cadets – and inspection of the
“They have been conducting directed by 212 (Highland) (Highland) Battery, followed. crews, guests returned to the
training with 105 Regiment Battery of 105 Regiment Royal Maj Patchell mentioned the museum for a light lunch.
Three cheers for Her Majesty!
Guests included
Michelle McKearnon
(left) and daughter
Ellie.
Preparing for the Salute. Major Lee Patchell Guests, including Pauline Howie (left), in the Regimental
addresses the guests. Museum of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.High-Light • Issue 16 Events & News | 11
Gun Salute hosts and guests.
Pauline Howie of the
Scottish Ambulance
Service was the
Reviewing Officer. Tayforth UOTC Officer Cadets.
New faces at 154, Tayforth and 225
T here have been several
changes of command to units
in the HRFCA area.
Lt Col Al Jarvis recently took over from
Lt Col Gregor Lindsay as Commanding
Officer of Tayforth Universities Officer
Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Lambirth has
taken over command of Dundee-based
225 (Scottish) Medical Regiment from
Training Corps (TUOTC). Lt Col Helen Smyth.
Lt Col Gill Wilkinson He oversees three Lt Col Lambirth enlisted
handed over command of detachments based in St in 1990 into Edinburgh
Dunfermline-based 154 Andrews, Dundee and & Heriot-Watt University
(Scottish) Regiment RLC to Stirling. TUOTC recruits Officers’ Training Corps
her husband Lt Col Alan students from Abertay (UOTC) as an Officer Cadet.
Wilkinson. University and the
Prior to taking over at
The exchange made the universities of Dundee, St
225, Sarah was OC Support
pair the highest-ranking couple to follow Andrews and Stirling.
Squadron at 205 Field Hospital.
each other in a command role. He gained a first class BSc (Hons)
degree and a Cert Ed teaching This role involved balancing the needs
Gill, originally from Northern Ireland, qualification at Brunel University where for ongoing Real Life Support at unit
was in the Army from the mid-90s but he studied Industrial Design & Education. training events, whilst providing ongoing
left when her two children were born. He met his wife Alyssa (Aly) at Brunel training for the Support Squadron staff.
She re-enlisted in the Army Reserve in and they have two boys Ben (13) and During this time, she was selected for
2003 and took command of the regiment Guy (10). and completed the Advanced Command
and Staff Course (Reserve).
in 2014. On promotion to Lt Col he completed a
staff role in Army HQ. Sarah was promoted to Lieutenant
Alan, who was also in the Regular Colonel and took command of 225
Army before joining the Reserves, He has completed several tours to
Northern Ireland, one to Bosnia, one to (Scottish) Medical Regiment in October
took on the role of main carer for their 2016.
children when Gill became commanding Iraq during the initial 2003 invasion and
two in Afghanistan. On exercise he has Lt Col Lambirth works as a personal
officer. Alan, originally from the Borders,
deployed to: Poland, Oman, South Africa, tax advisor for Williamson and Dunn, a
met Gill at Dundee University before
Cyprus, the USA, Canada and Kenya. He longstanding independent accountancy
joining the Army. practice in Aberdeen. She lives in the
is an experienced endurance athlete
He joined the reserves in 2009. They and has enjoyed several long-distance Moray Firth area, where she has a
have been married since 1998 and have challenges as well as 199 freefall number of local interests. She is also a
two teenage children. parachute jumps. keen runner and novice triathlete.12 | Exercise Northern Lights High-Light • Issue 16
Ex NORTHERN IRELAND SCOTLAND
SPORTS AND MILITARY SKILLS COMPETITION
Officer Cadets warming up for a day of activities.
T ayforth University Officer
Training Corps hosted Exercise
Northern Lights at Leuchars on
various events including: Rugby, Football,
Hockey, Duathlon, Orienteering, Tug of
War, Traditional Dancing, Drill and the
healthy rivalry that exists between units. To
add to the festival atmosphere there were
static displays from regular and reserve
March & Shoot. Glasgow UOTC won both cap badges in Scotland, including 212
Saturday 25 Mar. the Pipes & Drums event and were the (Highland) Battery Royal Artillery and 32
The event is a highlight of the UOTC overall winners. Signal Regiment.
calendar, providing a rare opportunity for Physical activity is a fundamental part of The activities were played out in glorious
all the Celtic UOTCs (Aberdeen, Edinburgh, being in the military. Sport builds teamwork sunshine, which meant the free ice creams
Glasgow, Tayforth and Queen’s in Northern and competitive spirit, promotes health courtesy of BFBS were a real highlight
Ireland) to come together in one place. and fitness and requires dedication and particularly for the cadets from the Angus
This year the East of Scotland Universities practice. and Dundee Battalion of the ACF.
Air Squadron (ESUAS) were also welcomed. The weekend also provided an All images reproduced with the kind
Over 500 Officer Cadets took part in opportunity to have fun and indulge in the permission of Army Media.
Army Officer Cadets enjoyed the March and Shoot.
Twenty-year-old Officer Cadet Amy
MacDonald strikes a pose.
Dancing with brooms!High-Light • Issue 16 Exercise Northern Lights | 13
Overall Team Results:
1st: Glasgow and Strathclyde UOTC
2nd: City of Edinburgh UOTC
3rd: Queens UOTC
4th: Tayforth UOTC
5th: Aberdeen UOTC
6th: East of Scotland Universities Air
Squadron
Taking a break from the March and Shoot. Marching drill was one of the disciplines on show.
The Tug of War was a fiercely fought competition. The rugby sevens were a highlight.14 | Cadets High-Light • Issue 16
ACF on a high for Commonwealth Day
F or the first time ever, members
of the Army Cadet Force were
asked to take the Commonwealth
The Right Honourable Patricia
Scotland QC, and a specially
written Commonwealth
Affirmation, was read out at each
flag to the top of some of the ceremony before the raising of
highest peaks in England, Scotland, the Commonwealth flag at 10am.
Wales and Northern Ireland on In a common act of witness
Commonwealth Day. around the globe members
of this great family of nations
Members of 1st Battalion The Highlanders
reaffirmed the commitment of all
ACF and Orkney Independent Cadet Battery
took the flag to the top of Ben Nevis, the Commonwealth member states
highest peak in the UK. to democracy, development, and
respect for diversity.
They were among communities
and groups from around the UK and Bruno Peek LVO OBE OPR –
Originator and Commonwealth The team from 1st Battalion the Highlanders ACF
Commonwealth who raised more than 950 on top of a snowy Ben Nevis.
Commonwealth flags at 10am on 13 March. Pageantmaster, of ‘Fly a Flag
for the Commonwealth’, said: able to step up to any challenge. Many of
The Fly a Flag for the Commonwealth “I am amazed how quickly this event has
initiative, now in its fourth year, again our cadets go on to pursue civilian careers
caught the public imagination in the UK and but they do so having taken on board the
captured the imagination of thousands of around the Commonwealth. We are only
participants from all walks of life. Army’s values of selfless commitment,
in our fourth year, and the involvement
As a collective public expression of courage, discipline, integrity, loyalty and
of the Army Cadet Force, along with the
commitment to the Commonwealth, respect for others – great values for any
participation of so many people of all
the event enables participants to ages and from all walks of life, shows the citizen. Our cadets also develop a strong
show appreciation for the values the enormous potential of this project and of understanding of the importance of
Commonwealth upholds, and the the Commonwealth. It is a positive and international peace and security which
opportunities offered for friendship and uplifting way for people to link with and makes us especially proud to be playing
co-operation with fellow citizens. assist fellow citizens of the Commonwealth such a key role in the Fly a Flag for the
The 1 Highlander team, consisting of in a family that spans across oceans and Commonwealth celebration.”
Commandant Colonel Iain Cassidy, Ross continents. There is a real sense of promise, The Ben Nevis flag was one of two
Company Commander Major George and hope for the future in this current raised by 1 Highlander and Orkney on
MacDonald and Captain Tim Martin and troubled world of ours.” Commonwealth Day. Staff Sergeant
Lieutenant Jamie Millar, who are both from The ACF’s Deputy Commander Cadets, Instructor Leonard Cowieson from the
the Battalion’s Western Isles Company and Brigadier Matthew Lowe, said: “The Army Highlander’s Moray Company and Staff
Major Andrew Barton, Commandant of Cadets is one of the UK’s leading voluntary Sergeant Instructor Catherine Browne
Orkney who led the team to the top, started youth organisations with a mission to from Orkney flew a flag at Ward Hill in Hoy
their Ben Nevis ascent at 0500hrs. inspire young people – from all sorts of on Orkney. The Orkney team had more
A personal message from the Secretary- backgrounds – to challenge their limits, sunshine than the Ben Nevis team, but had
General of the Commonwealth of Nations, become more independent, confident and to deal with 60mph winds!
SSI Browne (left) and SSI Cowieson with the Orkney and Commonwealth flags at Ward Hill in Hoy, Orkney.
In the next edition of High-Light:
Exercise Executive Stretch, Armed
Forces Day events, Stirling Military
Show and much, much more . . .High-Light • Issue 16 Cadets | 15
A great loss to the cadets
I t is with deepest sadness that
we report the passing of one
of the Cadet Force’s long-serving
The funeral was
attended by CFAVs
from across the
battalion past and
instructors. Captain Lloyd Burt, present, as well as
of 1st Battalion the Highlanders, a number of former
passed away earlier this year at cadets that Lloyd
his home in Kyle of Lochalsh. had taught over the
years.
Lloyd (pictured, right) had been an
instructor with the Battalion since 1989 A number of
with Ross Company where he was the cadets from his
Commander of Kyle Detachment. Detachment in Kyle
formed an honour guard outside the
Capt Burt joined the Army Cadet church for mourners as they left at the
Force after a very long career in the end of the service.
forces with the Battalion’s parent
Rock climbing at Yesnaby, West Mainland. antecedent regiment the Queen’s Own Lloyd was a much-loved instructor
Highlanders – now The Highlanders within the Battalion and will be dearly
During the Easter holidays ACF cadets from missed by all cadets and adults and the
Orkney, Shetland and Buckinghamshire met (4SCOTS) – having joined them in 1965.
wider Army Cadet family.
on Orkney for Exercise Orcadian Sunrise
2017, their annual week-long exchange
programme. Scotland &
Each year cadets from Orkney Northern
Independent Battery and Bucks ACF meet, Ireland Regional
alternating counties visited each year. Commandant,
For only the second-time Orkney and Group Captain Jim
Bucks were joined this year by Shetland Leggat, received his
Independent Battery. OBE from HRH The
Orcadian Sunrise saw the cadets Prince of Wales at
undertaking challenging activities and Buckingham Palace
cultural visits. In total 38 cadets and 13 on March 16.
adults took part. Group Captain
Activities included rock climbing at Leggat was
Yesnaby; two-day expedition and overnight appointed as an
camping along the western coast; archery Officer of the Most
and laser clay pigeon visits to archaeological Excellent Order of
sites (Skara Brae and the Ring of Brodgar, the British Empire
and the Kitchener Monument); visits in the 2017 New
to WWII historical sites (Lyness Naval Year Honours List.
Museum, Commonwealth Cemetery He was
Hoy, the Italian Chapel, Ness Battery, the accompanied to
Churchill Barriers); wreath laying at the the palace by his
Royal Oak Memorial and the Artic Convoys family (pictured).
Memorial.
Events were rounded off with a disco and
barbecue.
Altcar Training Camp was the England, with
The exercise was visited by Col O’Meara venue for this year’s ACFA National Scotland the
and Lt Col Smith from 51 Brigade. Cross Country Championship and runners-up.
the National Six-A-Side Football Others
Competition. taking part
Cadets from all over the UK took to from Scotland
the start line for the cross-country. included LCpl
Those representing Scotland put in Giacomo Innes
a strong showing with the Junior and Cdt Hugh
Boys third in the team event; the MacKay, both from 1 Highlander.
Senior Boys runners-up in their team The Six-A-Side National Football
event; the Junior Girls were third Competition also featured competitors
in the team event; Cadet Galesha from all over the UK.
Paterson (1HLDR) won the Individual
title for Junior Girls; the Senior Girls Once again Scotland performed
team were class champions; SSGT really well with the Seniors narrowly
Williamson and SSGT Gray were missing out on a place in the final
second and third respectively in the after a narrow 2-1 loss to South East,
Senior Girls Individual; Overall ACFA who went on to scoop the Senior title.
National Champions were Eastern The Junior title went to North East.
A trip to Lyness Naval Museum, Hoy.612 Sqn honours crash tragedy air crew
Highlight • Issue X Reserves | 9
R AF Reservists from Leuchars-based No
612 (County of Aberdeen) Squadron
travelled to Iceland to honour an air crew
who lost their lives at RAF Reykjavik in
1942.
The Squadron was originally formed at Dyce on
1 June 1937. At the outbreak of the Second World
War it was mobilised in an operational role in Coastal
Command, subsequently deploying to Iceland in
1942. The period of operational deployment in the
Nordic country, then under Allied Occupation, was
among the most challenging and difficult of the war.
During this time there were a number of tragic
losses of aircraft and crew. Notable among those was
the loss of an Armstrong Whitworth Whitley Mk VII,
S/N Z6807 which crashed on take-off at RAF Reykjavik
with the loss of the crew of seven on 15 March 1942.
They were buried in the North Atlantic island
nation’s Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in
Fossvogur.
On the 75th anniversary of the crash, a small
team from 612 travelled from Fife to Reykjavik to
remember and commemorate their colleagues with a Above: Members
of 612 Sqn make
visit to the cemetery. their mark.
Leading the visit, Wing Commander Alan Cowan
said: “Many of my team have deployed to Iraq
Right: Wreaths
or Afghanistan, but it is important for the current were laid at the
generation to remember the sacrifice made by those graves of the
who have gone before them. In this case and on the air crew at the
75th anniversary we simply wanted to make sure that Commonwealth
our colleagues were not forgotten.” War Grave
Now an RAF Medical Reserve Squadron, 612 Cemetery in
Fossvogur.
recruits and trains medical professionals to serve with
the RAF Reserves.
Forthcoming Events
17 June Stirling Military Show
21 June Reserves Day
24 June Armed Forces Day
15 July Inverness Highland Games and Gala
29 July Gordon Highlanders VC event (Buckie)
10 August HRFCA XB Meeting (Murrayshall)
8-10 September Highland Military Tattoo, Fort George
What do YOU want to see in your High-Light?
Contributions are always welcome from readers
Contact: hi-offcomms@rfca.mod.uk
or 01382 631027
Highland RFCA, Seathwood, 365 Perth Road, Dundee DD2 1LX
hi-offcomms@rfca.mod.uk, 01382 631027You can also read
