THE WIRE - Summer 2019 The Magazine of The Royal Corps of Signals
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THE WIRE
Summer 2019
The Magazine of The Royal Corps of Signals
92 Exercise DRAGON
Contents
BACKCOUNTRY SVANE
Corps Formation: 28th June 1920
Corps Motto: Certa Cito
Summer 2019 Volume 73 No: 2
FEATURES SPORT/ADVENTURE TRAINING
D-Day 75 2 Sailing 57
Exercise LIGHTNING STRIKE 6 Exercise DRAGON KANCHENJUNGA 72
Lanyard Trophy
Queen's Birthday Honours
8
14
Judo
Exercise TIGER SNOWFALL
84
86
6 Exercise LIGHTNING STRIKE
Social Media and the Royal Signals 17 Exercise ARCTIC MOUNTAINEER 88
Royal Signals Benevolent Fund Update 2019 51 Exercise TRICKSTER DRIFT 3 90 75 years ago, 156,000 Allied soldiers landed on the shores of occupied
Normandy in Northern France, securing a bridgehead that enables
the liberation of Europe from Nazi domination. Called Operation
OVERLORD, today it is more usually known as ‘D-Day’. Troops from
History of Signalling in 100 Objects 105 Exercise DRAGON BACKCOUNTRY SVANE 92
Britain, the US, Europe and the Commonwealth made opposed landings
on five beaches, with parachute and Special Forces dropped in before the
main assault. Royal Signals personnel were key, not just providing
communications but also listening in to German messages (PHANTOM and
J). They had also helped deceive the Germans as to the true location of
Exercise DRAGON SORBET 94
the landing by creating fake wireless activity (Op FORTITUDE) to suggest
an army was massing opposite the Pas de Calais, something that gave the
Allies a critical advantage in the first hours of the assault. By the end of
the first day, 10,000 Allied casualties had been taken. The relative stability
that we have experienced since is a direct result of their sacrifice and all
Exercise TIGER RATTENBURG ENGINEER 97
the others who died to fight the forces of fascism. At the going down of
the sun and in the morning we will remember them.
REGULARS Exercise DRAGON SURETY SNOW 97
Thank you to everyone who took part in Remembrance events, you did
us and those before us proud.
News from Formations 11 Front Cover: Sig Harry Swann with
News from Training 14 THE WIRE 'Bernard' the racing pigeon on Sword
News from Squadrons 22 Beach in Normandy. For full article see
News from Regiments 26 pages 2-3. Photo by WO2 Mark Nesbit
Other Units 81 RLC. D-Day Remembered
Royal Signals Association
Last Post
99
100
Back Cover: Corps
Weekend 2019.
64 32 Sig Regt - Luke
Heppenstall being presented with his
4 D-Day Remembered
Obituaries 103 Summer 2019
The Magazine of The Royal Corps of Signals
Photo by LCpl Pete Oath of Allegiance by his brother
Dobson.
67 SFC
Editor: Amy Petersen Subscriptions:
wire@royalsignals.org (preferred for submissions) All enquiries regarding subscriptions and changes of
UNIT E D K INGDO M SP E CIAL FO RCE S
Special Forces Communicator Branch
Mil: 94371 2817 Civ: 01258 482817 address should be made to Jess Lawson on Mil: 94371
BY S
T E
RE
IL
GT
GU
N
H
AN D
2428 Civ: 01258 482428 or subscriptions@royalsignals.org
SO3 Digital Communication
and Publications: Stephanie Hamlett Last Post:
depcomm@royalsignals.org These will be inserted free to all past and present
Mil: 94371 2818 Civ: 01258 482818 members of the Corps.
16 ATC Pirbright
RHQ R SIGNALS, Griffin House, Blandford Contents: A warm welcome An expedition team consisting of 14 members
The team continued the journey along the river Ghunsa,
stopping at Kambahcen and Lhonak overnight, before
they now cross-breed Yaks with local cows, yielding a
better return.
from 37 Sig Regt successfully conducted an
Camp, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8RH Authors alone are responsible for the content of
attempting the Base Camp summit. On the day, 10 of the 14
arduous and difficult trek to the Base Camp members made it to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp at 5143m, The team donated a sum of NRs 52000 to Sekathum primary
(5143m) of Mt Kanchenjunga, which is the third with four members stopping short of base camp due to the school and NRs 10000 to Sekathum Mother’s group for the
highest mountain in the world. The trekking was effects of the altitude. good and benefit of their organisation. This fund was raised
conducted over the period 9 – 30 Jan 19 at the
their articles. The opinions expressed in the The Special Forces Communicator
is selected for their technical acumen,
peak of the winter season in Nepal. The aim of
the exercise was to provide a lifetime opportunity
to the soldiers in order to develop command,
The landscape was stunning
throughout the trip and at
through a charity lunch held at ARC Redditch prior to the trip.
In summary, it was an extremely challenging expedition due
to the difficult terrain and peak winter season. The Regular
points, the rivers, lakes and and Reserve soldiers from 37 Sig Regt had a momentous and
Articles: articles of this publication are those of the indiv- tactical abilities and physical robustness
to deliver and enable Special Forces information
leadership and management skills in a demanding
environment.
waterfalls had completely
frozen as the
temperature
unforgettable experience in Nepal during the 21 days stay. It
was a home-coming event for the expedition 2IC WO2(FofS)
Pun and the expedition leader WO1 Gurung who said “the
wherever needed
Please email submissions in Microsoft Word format, idual authors and do not necessarily reflect the
plummeted to -23°C at expedition has been arduous for us all, along with being
Before embarking on the journey to KBC (Kanchenjunga Base night. A local stray dog culturally enriching, exhilarating and challenging. We all have
Camp), the team explored world heritage sites in Kathmandu: called Kale, who joined many memories of a fabulous expedition that will remain with
us from Amjaliso, also
April 19 marked the establishment of Entry into the SFC Branch is on completionThe Temple Patan Durbar Square, Syambhu also known as monkey temple us forever."
together with related photographs to the e-mail policy and views, official or otherwise, of the and Boudha stupa. These sites have been partially restored as made it to the base
Special Forces Communicator (SFC) of SFC Selection, an arduous 6 month course. camp. He stayed with Donation Programme
they were destroyed by the earthquake in 2015.
as a trade within the R SIGNALS and us all the way before held at Sekathum
Upon completion of Selection and stopping at Amjaliso on
the formation of the Army SFC Branch The team then flew to Biratnagar and travelled onwards by
address above. Digital images should be in JPEG Royal Corps of Signals or the Ministry of Defence. alongside the RM SFC Specialisation.
assignment to 18 (UKSF) Sig Regt SFCs
are paid NEM Supplement 3 as well as
SFC Recruitment and Retention Pay.
road to Tamplejung. The real trekking started from Chiruwa, a
beautiful village which lies on the bank of Tamor river in the
eastern region of Nepal. It’s worth noting here that
the return journey.
Throughout the
Qualification as an SFC now offers WO2 Smith with Kale journey, the team
format, kept separate (and not embedded within the All articles and submissions are published at the
Kanchenjuga region is still very much unexplored and non-
career progression from LCpl - WO1 SFC is a ‘trade of trades’ optimised commercialised which means the accommodation and routes interacted with the
may not be perfect. The local people hadn’t seen tourists for local people, exchanging the language and culture. The
and beyond to Lt Col within UKSF. to meet the information needs of Kanchenjunga region has a historic relation with Tibet
months and they were surprised to see DK19 expedition
UKSF now and in the future.
article) and supplied with captions. discretion of the Editor. This publication may members advancing through the gruelling cold season. The through cross border marriage and trade, hence the Tibetan
team followed a path which runs alongside the river Ghunsa, language is the main language spoken amongst the Sherpa
stopping overnight at Sekathum, Amjaliso and Gyabla, before community. There are lots of ancient monasteries and most
For more information on how to apply search defnet for ‘UKSF Selection Application Instructions’ and find the latest DIN
A frozen waterfall reaching the village of Ghunsa. The team took a day off at people follow Buddhism. The educated young Sherpas have
contain official information and should be treated
en route also started coming back to the villages to pursue the
Ghunsa for acclimatisation where a local mother’s group Base Camp with
UKSF Recruitment and Induction Wing presented a cultural show with a Sherpa dance. tradition of shepherd life, looking after Yaks and Sheep. They
Mt Kanchenjunga in view
have used new innovations in their farming techniques to
Call 94475 2537 / 2484 remain competitive and sustainable in
Contribution Deadlines: with discretion. Email: SFTC-UKSF-RECRUITING@mod.gov.uk
Fax: 94475 2903
the modern world. Interestingly,
10 December for publication in the Spring edition. Creative Media Design ADR008378
2 April for publication in the Summer edition. Advertising:
2 July for publication in the Autumn edition. All communications regarding commercial
2 September for publication in the Winter edition. advertising should be made direct to
depcomm@royalsignals.org.
72 Exercise DRAGON
KANCHENJUNGA
The sun setting on an epic journey
yal Signa
Ro ls
© Published by The RSBF Charity RS Be
ne
vo
EXERCISE DRAGON
royalsignals.org/rsbf/ BF le nt F u n d Printed by Holbrooks Printers Ltd, Norway Road, Hilsea, Sampling the
local cuisine
Portsmouth © Crown Copyright KANCHENJUNGA
72 www.royalsignals.org • Facebook: Royal Corps of Signals • Twitter: R_Signals • Instagram: @royalcorpssignals Summer 2019 • THE WIRE 73
Early Bird – Royal Signaller recreates first
He explained: “I really do feel for them, how horrible
the crossing was. Even though I was in a smaller
message back from D-Day beaches boat than came across 75 years ago, I was
absolutely seasick!
A Royal Signaller serving with NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) has re-enacted sending
“But it’s awesome to be here, to say the least. I’m
the first message back from the D-Day beaches – by releasing a pigeon from France on the 75th
proud to be able to complete this small act, to honour those
anniversary of the Normandy landings.
soldiers who originally landed here.”
Signaller Harry Swann from 252 Signal Squadron – dressed in full WW2 uniform – released
Carrier pigeons played a vital part in both world wars acting as
‘Bernard’ from Sword Beach in Normandy to re-enact the first message sent by homing pigeon
military messengers with their homing ability and speed. Over 100,000
on D-Day.
pigeons were used by British troops with a success rate of 95% in
delivering their messages.
In June 1944, the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps – as the British ‘I Corps’ – led thousands of
multi-national troops landing on Sword and Juno beaches in Normandy. To mark ‘D-Day 75’ this
‘Gustav’ was the first pigeon to arrive back on 6 June 1944, in five and a half
year, troops from the modern-day Corps headquarters returned to France with members of the
hours. He carried a message from a Reuters correspondent dispatched from the
Royal Pigeon Racing Association (RPRA).
beach as the first landing took place. For his act, Gustav was awarded the Dickin
Medal for bravery, considered to be the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross.
75 years on, at the precise time and place, Signaller Swann released the pigeon from the seaside resort of
Hermanville-sur-Mer back to the UK to represent the moment when the first troops had come ashore.
Richard Cambers of the RPRA said: “The number one reason they used pigeons on
D-Day was because of their homing instinct.
24-year-old Signaller Swann works within the NATO base in South West England as an Installation Technician. Dressed in
authentic WW2 uniform, on loan from the Royal Signals Museum in Blandford, the Royal Signaller completed his own personal
“A pigeon has got a tremendous ability to find its way back to a central location
D-Day journey by sailing across from Gosport to Normandy.
where it lives. Not much fazes them, they want to get back home, they have a really
big incentive to get back home – be that for food, be that for their partners, etc.
And in the Second World War it was to serve their country.
To watch the video of the pigeon
“With all the shells going off, with all the chaos of gunfire and being so exposed in
release from Sword Beach visit the open air, these birds would just go through it. So, it’s really important that
www.arrc.nato.int they did that and they did their duty.
“It has been incredible to recreate the iconic scene on Sword
Beach 75 years on.
“Working with NATO’s Allied Rapid
Reaction Corps we have been
able to further commemorate
and highlight the crucial
role racing pigeons
played in wartime.”
Feathered friends - Signaller Harry Swann
from 252 Sig Sqn, with Richard Chambers
Words by Maj Laurence Roche, Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and 'Bernard' of the Royal Pigeon Racing
Pictures by WO2 Mark Nesbit, RLC Association.
2 www.royalsignals.org • Facebook: Royal Corps of Signals • Twitter: R_Signals • Instagram: @royalcorpssignals Summer 2019 • THE WIRE 3
75 years ago, 156,000 Allied soldiers landed on the shores of occupied
Normandy in Northern France, securing a bridgehead that enabled
the liberation of Europe from Nazi domination. Called Operation
OVERLORD, today it is more usually known as ‘D-Day’. Troops from
Britain, the US, Europe and the Commonwealth made opposed landings
on five beaches, with parachute and Special Forces dropped in before the
main assault. Royal Signals personnel were key, not just providing
communications but also listening in to German messages (PHANTOM
and J). They had also helped deceive the Germans as to the true location
of the landing by creating fake wireless activity (Op FORTITUDE) to
suggest an army was massing opposite the Pas de Calais, something that
gave the Allies a critical advantage in the first hours of the assault. By the
end of the first day there were 10,000 Allied casualties. The relative
stability that we have experienced since is a direct result of their sacrifice
and all the others who died to fight the forces of fascism. At the going
down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.
Thank you to everyone who took part in Remembrance events, you did
us and those before us proud.
D-Day Remembered
Summer 2019 • THE WIRE 5
O
n the weekend of 16 -17 February Blandford Camp
hosted Exercise LIGHTNING STRIKE, the annual Corps
undergraduate competition with 140 students from 13
different University Officer Training Corps (UOTCs) and
Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS) units from
across the country. Fourteen Royal Signals Regular and
Reserve units supported the event, which included a log run
by 216 (Para) Sig Sqn, an Intro to Cyber stand (10 Sig Regt) ,
an armour challenge (3DSR) and the final race organised by
the new Troop Commanders’ Course.
This year’s event did not disappoint with fierce competition
between the cadets. The overall winners were Taurus DTUS.
A special mention must go to Typhoon Sqn, DTUS
Loughborough University, for winning the final race and
Wales UOTC for outstanding effort. The weekend was
topped off with a dinner night in the Officers’ Mess. Thanks
go to all the units that supported the event and to all the
staff for showing such determination, competitive spirit and
professionalism.
LANYARD TROPHY 2019 Results:
Overall Winners - 14 Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare)
Full Name: Tom Davies
Rank: Signaller
12-14 April Overall Runners Up – 63 Signal Squadron
Role in the Signals: Re-trade Electronic
Warfare Operator
Reserve Winners – 63 Signal Squadron
A participant's point of view Reserve Runners Up – 63 (B Team) Signal Squadron
How did you train for the event? I
Veteran Team Winners – 30 Signal Regiment
started training for Lanyard Trophy in
11SR Males B team crossing Veteran Runners Up – 22 Signal Regiment
The winning Mixed Team - 11 (RSS) Sig Regt January three times a week with 11
a stream to checkpoint 8 Female Winners – 30 Signal Regiment
were interviewed about this year's Lanyard (RSS) Sig Regt. With two early
Female Runners Up – 3 (UK) Division Signal Regiment
Trophy, they told us about their preparation and morning circuit sessions and a TAB
Mixed Team Winners – 11 (RSS) Signal Regiment
what it was like to be on the winning team! Unit mid week, these progressively got
Mixed Team Runners Up – 14 Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare)
reports from the Lanyard Trophy will follow in harder and more intense the closer to
Saxon Trophy Winners – 63 Signal Squadron
the next edition of The Wire. the event we got.
Full Name: Katie Constable How did you maintain morale? When we were put into
Full Name: Hayley 'Willo' Wilson Rank: 2Lt our teams, it didn’t take long for everyone to bond and
Rank: LCpl Role in the Signals: Troop Commander/ One Pip Wonder imagine us crossing the finish line together, this made it
Role in the Signals: Installation technician re-trader/ on “Troopies Course” easier for morale to stay high.
re-joiner
How did you train for the event? We had a good mix of What were the biggest challenges and how did you
How did you train for the event? We did regimental morning sessions, including circuits, track sessions and overcome them? Getting up some early mornings were
Lanyard training three times a week and a training flexibility, which definitely prevented my body the biggest challenge. For me personally, getting in the
weekend in Dartmoor. falling apart in the later weeks! We team was a huge achievement after suffering
conducted all our tabbing on Wednesday This year marked from a bad illness prior to the training and it
How did you maintain morale? Morale was kept high by sports afternoons, initially as a large Lanyard Trophy's 40th was just what I needed to get myself fit.
mine and Chris’s amazing list of jokes. Also imagining group and then we broke down into anniversary. Forty teams
winning the event and going on leave afterwards getting our teams once they had been made up of Regular and Unfortunately on the day I suffered an
a warm shower and having a drink! selected. Reserves took part in the injury early on in the event and had to
navigation and endurance retire from the race, but I managed to see
What were the biggest challenges and how did you How did you maintain morale? race in Dartmoor the team cross the finish line, it was
overcome them? Challenges included committing to 11SR Males Veterans Dartmoor is a horrible beast of an area, covering 40 miles and fantastic to see the team I was part of win
training whilst being on a course, balancing both Lanyard team conducting personal it all looks the same, it's boggy and carrying 30Ibs and they deserved every bit of it.
and trade training and only getting a weekend to know admin at checkpoint 6 terrible underfoot, and is a master at
the ground and the area. Other challenges included sapping morale! This tested every single group
things such as ‘Mr Blobby hands’ and wardrobe member and during checkpoint 6-7, I believe, we all
malfunction. We lost a member of the team early on due Full Name: Anil Gurung entered the hurt locker at the same time which is not
to injury which would be unsustainable for the whole Rank: Signaller ideal! Our awful dad jokes from team members helped, as
event and ground. This was upsetting to the whole team Role in the Signals: Phase 2 well as good admin support from the checkpoints, but a
as we wanted to finish as a full team as we had gelled so lot of mental strength was also needed throughout.
well together. It was also a very long and arduous event How did you train for the event? We almost did two
with every member going in and out the hurt locker with months training for this event. In the beginning we What were the biggest challenges and how did you
morale dropping. This made it hard to maintain pace and trained as a whole Regiment, but as the competition overcome them? Due to the fact that 11 (RSS) Sig Regt is
drive with 14 Sig Regt (EW) just behind us. drew closer we were split into our teams and trained a training establishment, trade comes first. This did mean
together until the event. There was a mix of tabbing that our training times were restricted and we could only
How does the army help when undertaking events ie. and circuits to build up our physical strength and for sneak away to Dartmoor for a quick recce for 48hrs. This
team spirit/leadership? This was where the younger navigation we got lesson from 4 Squadron staff. did prove detrimental on the day as several teams
ding Officer
Phase Two junior soldiers really shone and showed great overtook us due to better route selection. The biggest 11SR Comman
with personal
leadership skills and drive encouraging the rest of the How did you maintain morale? In our team we all had challenge was losing a team member, and at such an early assisting teams
ec kpoint 6
team. I felt we had a brilliant team and we all worked individual responsibilities, mine was as the PTI, I was stage of the competition, always a hard call to make. admin at ch
well together and got along really well. On the day this responsible for the warm ups and cool downs of all our
showed as we managed to win the event in our teams sessions. The main motivator for myself was How did you exploit talent among young soldiers?
category. Easter leave straight after the event. Lanyard is an excellent competition that brings out
everyone’s team spirit and leadership. Due to the course
11SR Mixed 1 team What were the biggest challenges and how did you being extremely demanding, everyone will dip into the
leaving checkpoint 2 overcome them? During the event one of our members hurt locker at some stage allowing others to naturally
dropped out at checkpoint 3. We faced many challenges step up. Sig Gurung really demonstrated this during
during the 40 miles but were able to overcome them checkpoint 9 to the finish line, he could see that some
because of our team work. We always looked out for members were struggling and continued to encourage
each other, showing 100% effort and determination. them to the finish.
How does the army help when undertaking events ie The whole team played an equal part in winning the
team spirit/leadership? Such events really help in event, with everyone digging out blind throughout. It
developing my leadership, team spirit and physical really showed mental strength, physical robustness and
strength. As a Signaller I learnt a lot about navigation, determination from all. A great Easter present and a well-
leadership, and many more from my Team Captain and deserved beer for all the hard work everyone put in over 11SR Mixed 1 team
Senior. the last couple of months. approaching the finish line
8 www.royalsignals.org • Facebook: Royal Corps of Signals • Twitter: R_Signals • Instagram: @royalcorpssignals Summer 2019 • THE WIRE 9
News from Formations
Left: 11SR Male C team at the
finish line, the team finished third
overall
Full Name: Sandeep Thapa Magar
Rank: Signaller
Role in the Signals: Class 3
HQ 1 (UK) SIGNAL BRIGADE
Communication System Engineer Phase 2
Bde Comd Brig J Collyer
How did you train for the event? I was Brigade Headquarters D Comd Col H Jenkins
inspired to do the Lanyard Trophy by my
This quarter has seen D Comd (Reserves) Col S Smith
section commander Cpl Rajen Bura
during my Phase One Infantry training in a near-full hand-over COS Maj V Freestone
Catterick. As soon as I was in Blandford of positions within
DCOS Maj J Ramsumair
and we were informed by our troops the Brigade
about Lanyard training, I got involved in Headquarters
Meanwhile in the SF2 group, after another slow and
it. hierarchy, with
controlled start, progress was also being made. WO1 ‘Dutch’
Brig J Collyer
Hall and Capt Swatridge were quickly showing that they were
The training was going well and then taking over
the speed demons of the group whilst Maj Gill preferred to
unfortunately I had to go to Nepal due to the reins of
‘enjoy the view’ as he made his way down the mountain!
my compassionate case. All my hopes of the Brigade
competing for the Lanyard Trophy this from Brig P
As most skiers will tell you, the day flies by (literally) and
year were diminishing, but the Troop Corporal and Griffiths in
before I knew it we were heading back to the lodge for a well-
Full Name: Chris Crolla Sergeant Major kept motivating me, giving me the February this
earned hot chocolate. After an evening meal, we reviewed
Rank: Cpl morale to continue. Luckily my fitness level could year. In addition,
footage of our skiing, a session that proved most useful (and
Role in the Signals: Troop Corporal match the ongoing training and cover the training that I Maj V
embarrassing) as the week progressed.
had missed. The team always made sure I was ok after Freestone
Brig Collyer (left) taking over
How did you train for the event? The training was pretty each Lanyard training session and I felt that I was well and Maj J
the Command of 1 (UK) Sig Bde The weather over the next few days was fantastic which
tough with a lot of it being in our own time, early looked after. The training progressed and we trained as Ramsumair
made up for missing the bus and having to walk to the slopes!
mornings and TABs for sports afternoons. Tuesday a Regiment for up to 14 miles TAB. have taken
Progress in both groups was very fast and before I knew it, all
mornings were normally a circuit or track session over the illustrious roles of Chief of Staff and Deputy
members of my group were maintaining a steady pace and
whereas Fridays were runs or track sessions. We did The next part of the training was team training where Chief of Staff respectively.
refining our newly learnt skills. There was obviously the odd
TABs on Wednesdays, starting off on shorter TABs and the teams would be separated in groups and had ‘mishap’ – Sig ‘speedy’ Cooper seemed intent at breaking the
over a few months, building up the weight, distance and individual team SOPs. land speed record (at all costs) and Capt ‘my leg hurts’
endurance to 20 miles. Most of our training was done as Exercise TIGER SNOWSPEAR 19 Viveash was best avoided when getting on and off the ski
a Regiment but towards the end we were split down and How did you maintain morale? All the things we did By LCpl Josh Leonard lifts!
trained in teams. Unfortunately being a training during our training added up and we were fully
Regiment we were unable to get much time down at confident. We were always motivated and inspired Ex Tiger Snowspear was a Ski Foundation Level 1 and 2 The SF2 group focussed a lot of their efforts on ‘off piste’
Dartmoor like the other units which put us at a during every team training session and we had a Adventure Training expedition that saw personnel from skiing and even completed a day's touring and learning the
disadvantage but we did get one weekend. We went to winning mentality. There were times when we felt that across 1 (UK) Sig Bde grab their gear and run for the hills – or fundamentals of mountain survival. This included the
Dartmoor on Mothers Day weekend to do a route recce we had lost it but our team leaders kept motivating us to be more accurate, the mountains. The mountains in construction of ‘snow holes’, and conducting search drills –
covering approx 24 miles. The last couple of weeks of and we kept pushing each other. We looked after each question were the French Alps and we were lucky enough to much to the amusement of the passing locals!
training were focused on flexibility, so we did yoga, other well, helped each other and moreover had our
stretching and steady state runs. visit the resort of Les Contamines, a quiet town west of Mont
admin sorted out well and gave our best efforts till the Blanc. Before I knew it, the final day had arrived which provided the
finishing line. opportunity to ski together with the SF2 cohort in one big
How did you maintain morale? The event itself was one
Despite the planning for the trip being handed over from Capt group. We tackled our first black slope with all members of
of the most physically and mentally challenging things I The next part of the training was team training where Smith to WO1 Double, the administration and travel was a the group surviving (yes, even Capt Viveash) and it was great
have done in my service. There were multiple times I the teams were separated into groups and had painless experience. However, I will confirm right now that to compare our progress alongside the senior group. The
wanted to quit but the team got me through. We talked individual team objectives. The team that I was part of the same could not be said for the rest of the week! week was tough but highly enjoyable and really pushed all
and laughed with each other to keep morale going. was a very good team, we focused equally on fitness participants out of their comfort zone. A special thanks must
and navigation. We knew that the longer TABs might The groups were split into beginners/novices (SF level 1) and go to the instructors for doing an amazing job and I’m
What were the biggest challenges and how did they really cause mental exhaustion, so each and every the more experienced members of the Brigade (SF level 2). confident that this exercise will be highly anticipated next
overcome them? Losing one of our team members due individual team member was assigned a role/job. We The SF1 group was led by our very own Deputy Comd, Col year.
to injury was devastating after all that training and hard had our own team Physical Training Instructor, a
work by the whole team. Hopefully next year they will Jenkins and the SF2 skiers were instructed by Sgt Marcus
Morale officer, a Morale 2IC, a Recce party (during the Harriott of the HAC. As a newcomer to skiing I was obviously
re-enter Lanyard Trophy and smash it. training ) and someone in charge of food! So, all of us with the beginners and after settling into the UCPA lodge on SF2 group preparing for ski touring
were involved and had respective inputs towards the the first night it was straight into the basics the next morning.
14 Sig Regt (EW) were on our tail between checkpoint 5 team. Our training in the later stage was based on
and 6 and managed to overtake us but we managed to recovery and flexibility. So we did yoga sessions,
get in front again after checkpoint 8 thanks to the great Col Jenkins took us straight up the mountain and much to my
swimming and even a few cheeky sauna baths during dismay, past the nursery slopes! We completed all the
command and leadership from the team Captain and the later stage.
SNCO as well as the grit from every team member. We necessary safety briefs and got straight into the basics in a
ran all the way in from checkpoint 10 which was tough as very slow and controlled manner. Once I’d got used to
How does the army help when undertaking events ie. standing up and beginning to move it was surprisingly easy to
the ground was rocky and hard. I have learnt a lot about Team spirit/leadership? It was a very fruitful
myself and I am very proud of our whole team for the pick up. Before I knew it, I, along with most of the group, was
experience which gave me loads of military knowledge beginning to snowplough down the hill and was even picking
drive and determination that was shown. and helped a lot with my personal development. up the basics of turning.
10 www.royalsignals.org • Facebook: Royal Corps of Signals • Twitter: R_Signals • Instagram: @royalcorpssignals Summer 2019 • THE WIRE 11
The full party under sunny skies in Risoul
Lt Col Guy Chambers leads the Saga group uphill
First tentative steps
‘off piste’ for SF2
The author, benefitting from the experience of instructors
QMSI Foley and Maj McGachy Risoul in a journey at times too closely resembling the escape
The students move
scene from ‘The Italian Job’. An evening regaling the days ski
out of their
dramas followed before a much-needed early night.
comfort zone and
‘off piste’
We awoke on day 3 to what can only be described as ski
heaven, near perfect snow and outstanding weather. SF3,
now referred to as Saga Ski Group with their surrogate
SF3 earning their next muffin stop
grandson in tow Capt Luke Cawston headed up the hill and
began ski touring in earnest, digging snow holes, practising
avalanche drills and defying gravity by skiing uphill. The other
two groups made the most of the outstanding conditions and
Avalanche drills covered as many miles as the legs could handle. Maj’s Masi
and Steve Evans from SF1 really showed huge progression in
ability and both looked very worn out by the end of the day.
Meanwhile in SF2 group, time had to be spent yet again
explaining to QMSI Dean Foley why he couldn’t use the gym’s
HQ 11 SIGNAL AND WEST ash poles for ski poles, an argument abated… for now.
MIDLANDS BRIGADE By the close of the day's skiing, over 16 miles of piste had
been covered by SF2, with similar figures being recorded by to great efforts ensuring any calorie deficit gained so far in
Bde Comd Brig R Carter other groups too. The evening saw 17 tired bodies finally the week was put well into a credit. Great food and great
sitting down on the back of a very physical and outstanding company.
D Comd Col R Green day of skiing. This maybe shows the value of Adventure
COS Lt Col F Reid Training with all of us having been pushed beyond our various Still feeling full from the previous evening, the groups
levels of comfort zones in a controlled environment, ventured up the hill again. Conditions were yet again perfect
DCOS Maj F Pearce
physically exerted and showing team work through support and this time it was SF2’s turn to explore ski touring,
Bde SM WO1 N McDiarmid This year the exercise included three levels of ski groups, Ski and encouragement to other team members. Great attributes beginning with ascent to a suitable ridge where we were
Foundations Stages 1, 2 and 3, making for a broad range of to be carried into our day to day jobs and improving the greeted by an Oscar winning performance from QMSI Dean
skills and abilities from complete novice to competent skiers. cohesion of the HQ. Foley, who was professing to have had a friend caught in an
Winter Sports Exercise After a good night’s sleep, it was time to hit the slopes and avalanche. Cue spontaneous avalanche drills and the finding
By WO2 Raymond Miller see what the resort offered, and we certainly weren’t to be Day 4 saw SF1 and 2 combining into one group, while SF3 yet of the said friend (or rucksack). SF3 continued their off piste
disappointed - ski lifts 100 metres from the front door of the again headed up the hill to practice off piste and some more and uphill skiing and encouraging Capt ‘the boy’ Cawston to
In the early evening of 6 March, 17 weary members of hotel and the area basked in glorious alpine sunshine offering touring. Through great instruction from Maj McGachy and dig faster so that pensioners Lt Col Guy Chambers and Maj
HQ 11 Sig Bde and HQ WM were unceremoniously dropped in breathtaking views of the French Alps. Cpl Ed Mackenzie it was obvious to see how far SF1 and 2’s Malcolm Hill could have a lie down.
the middle of the ski resort of Risoul and left to their own skiing had come on. Blue and red slopes offered little
devices to locate the hotel. Thankfully Maj Tuni Masi was on Day 2 saw a change in weather due to an unexpected front. hinderance to anyone and even more miles of snow passed One last trip up the mountain in controlled groups to ski at
hand and promptly headed off in the direction of Italy with Very cloudy conditions and limited visibility cleared slightly as under the skis. Maj Shelly Hill demonstrated a perfect 20 our own pace meant that we had made the most of the ideal
phone GPS in hand in search for the accommodation. Five the morning progressed. SF1 and SF3 stayed locally within the metre snow plough halt from speed to the hold group, conditions and could leave what many of us considered the
minutes later, a member of the hotel staff popped a head out Risoul valley whilst Maj Gerry McGachy saw an opportunity to stopping centimetres from the instructor’s skis and best skiing exercise we had participated in on a high. A
of the hotel’s door, 25 metres away, and guided us to safety. venture SF2 a little further towards the area of Vars. maintaining the perfect snow plough posture throughout. A special thanks has to go out to the three instructors, Maj
Quickly retrieving Maj Masi, we began the pre-ski admin. Unfortunately by lunch, the weather promptly closed in again ripple of applause and a few exhaled breaths, not least from Gerry McGachy, SSgt Tim Abbot and Cpl Ed Mackenzie;
as the group reached the bottom of the main slope leaving the instructor were heard. without people willing to go forward for instructor courses,
This part of the training always holds an element of them stranded, some more than others after Maj Jeremy none of this would be possible. Their patience,
excitement, getting to meet the others in your groups who Scott managed to get on a chair lift ahead of the rest of the By now, what can only be described as a Michelin-esque encouragement and sense of humour ensured we all had an
you will be spending the week with. Bonding with unit group, only for the lift to get immediately stopped and closed restaurant guide had been gathered by word of mouth within amazing experience.
colleagues, who you may only ever meet occasionally in a leaving him suspended 5 metres in the air and 20 metres from groups covering the best coffee and food on the mountain.
corridor or have contact with via email, in this relaxed training the start of the lift for the next hour. The remainder of his Routes were tactically planned to take in a coffee (maybe a Lastly, Capt Luke Cawston deserves a special mention for
environment creates a greater understanding of each other group did the honourable thing and went for lunch. muffin too) with a view or a delicious onion soup or making this, the second ski exercise he has organised for the
and allows for a more personable level of communication carbonara. That evening the hotel chef took an evening off Brigade, an outstanding success. A huge thank you is
which can only help ‘grease the wheels’ of day to day routine Thankfully the missing Major returned and the whole group and the course headed out for raclette’s, cheese, hot rocks, thoroughly deserved, from all of us who took part and we
and work. along with other skiers were then shuttled by busses back to cheese, ribs and more cheese; it seemed the restaurant went wish you well in your new role and pastures new.
12 www.royalsignals.org • Facebook: Royal Corps of Signals • Twitter: R_Signals • Instagram: @royalcorpssignals Summer 2019 • THE WIRE 13
News from Training 1 (FOWLER) SQUADRON, 2 ARMY TRAINING REGIMENT
ARMY TRAINING CENTRE (ATC) PIRBRIGHT
ARMY FOUNDATION COLLEGE OC Maj EL Cameron SSM WO2 Tuck
HARROGATE
The year so far has brought with it many things for
College 2IC Maj A Burdus Head of Arm Capt C Henderson B Coy CSM WO2 J Miller ATC Pirbright; notwithstanding the recent vast
improvement in the weather (much to the delight of
Army Foundation College (Harrogate) Graduation Parade the recruits on exercise!) but also numerous events,
Adventurous Training (AT) opportunities and new
Permanent Staff.
On 21 February 2019 36 Junior Soldiers graduated
from the Army Foundation College (Harrogate) and The new year has also seen
joined the Royal Corps of Signals. The occasion was a sharper increase in recruit
marked by the presence of the Corps Colonel, numbers arriving at
Adjutant and Command Sergeant Major Pirbright with 1 (Fowler)
WO1 Corcoran. As you would expect the day was full Sqn passing off the square
of emotion and an extremely proud day for the a much larger number than
family and friends of the Junior Soldiers. last year due to both the
increased effectiveness of
the new Army recruiting Above: Mather Troop Pass Off Parade - inspecting
The day was also campaign but also to the officer Colonel Griffiths OBE - COS ITG.
symbolic for the increased Foreign and Left: Gordon Mather Presenting the ‘Mather Trophy’
Corps as a member Commonwealth to Rct Gurung - awarded for the best soldier at
of Permanant Staff recruitment. The high fieldcraft in the Troop.
and a Junior Soldier Above: JS Brogan was the recipient of the intake numbers have
were formally Jimmy Award certainly kept the Squadron
recognised for their in the Scottish hills to qualify for the Nijmegen
Left: Cpl Baines received the Most Inspirational busy! The Squadron was marches. The weather was perfect for it and the team
outstanding work JNCO trophy lucky enough to be able to
during the past finished the quickest out of the qualifiers and despite
host Maj (Retd) Gordon some sore feet and a few blisters, the weekend was
twelve months. The JNCO is awarded to the individual who has Mather; a R SIGNALS
recipient of the thoroughly enjoyable!
displayed outstanding leadership and veteran soldier who was
Most Inspirational instructional qualities during the intake and has commended for his recce
JNCO trophy was influenced and inspired the Junior Soldiers actions during the Falklands Skydiving
awarded to throughout. An outstanding achievement from War and whom Mather Troop was named after, to speak to
Cpl Baines which is a one of our own! the recruits on the day of their Pass Off Parade.
remarkable
achievement, JS Brogan was the recipient of the Jimmy Award Nonetheless, the increased pace of life which comes with a
especially as the cohort is extremely competitive and from which is for the best Royal Signals Junior Soldier from the larger number of recruits does not mean that the Squadron
every cap badge across the Army. The most inspirational intake. Again, a fantastic achievement! has not been able to get its soldiers away on other activities!
The Queen's Birthday Honours List 2019 Members of the Squadron will be taking part in the Nijmegen
Marches in July and have completed their qualifying marches
in Garelochead this year. The team took part in the Scottish
Many congratulations go to the following personnel who received formal recognition in the Queen's Birthday Honours List:
Two-Day Marches which totalled 50 miles over the two days
APPOINTMENT TO THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH
As Knight Commander (KCB) The team taking part in the Scottish Two-Day Marches
Lieutenant General Nicholas Arthur William POPE, CBE, Royal Corps of Signals
APPOINTMENTS TO AND PROMOTIONS IN THE MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER
OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE
As Officers (OBE) Capt Carter, Capt Coles, Lt Christy and Cpl Hanson ready to jump!
Lieutenant Colonel (now Colonel) Thomas William DAY, Royal Corps of Signals The Squadron was also able to send its members away for a
Lieutenant Colonel (now Acting Colonel) Simon Nicholas MEADOWCROFT, BEM, Royal Corps of Signals week of skydiving in Netheravon where they completed their
Parachute Foundation Training (PFT). This was a static line
As Members (MBE) jump course culminating in a free fall if the participants
Corporal Alexander Edward BINKS, Royal Corps of Signals demonstrated sound abilities in the air during the week.
Warrant Officer Class 2 Daniel Charles BIRD, Royal Corps of Signals Again, the weather was perfect! Clear blue skies and calm
Captain (now Acting Major) Gregory Philip BLEZARD, Royal Corps of Signals wind all week meant the course was able to jump seven times
Lieutenant Colonel Richard Neil BYFIELD, Royal Corps of Signals between Tuesday and Friday. This also meant plenty of
Warrant Officer Class 2 Stephen Christian DIXON, Royal Corps of Signals practice to enable some jumpers to conduct their first free fall
Warrant Officer Class 2 (now Warrant Officer Class 1) Philip John SMITH, Royal Corps of Signals
14 www.royalsignals.org • Facebook: Royal Corps of Signals • Twitter: R_Signals • Instagram: @royalcorpssignals Summer 2019 • THE WIRE 15
The Official British Army
royalcorpssignals Instagram Page for
Social Media and the
T h eRoyal
R o y a lSignals
within a week of jumping. The course was enjoyed by all and also welcomes three
some members of the Squadron have been bitten by the bug
and will be getting on the Parachute Intermediate Training as
new Section
Commanders, Cpl Co r p s
soon as they can to further their qualification.
Operational Shooting Competition
Johnston RIFLES, Cpl
Watkins R SIGNALS
and Cpl Jasper RE.
o f S ig n a ls
By the Corps Social Media Team
Whether you like, loathe or love social media (SM) it forms a
During the Pirbright calendar, the camp also hosts the yearly massive part of our everyday lives. 90% of UK adults own a
WO2 (SSM) Ware
Operational Shooting Competition (OSC). This is a perfect smart phone and over 70% of them use social media every
hands over to
opportunity for the Training Teams to take advantage of! As day. Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and
WO2 (SSM) Tuck
part of the package, the OSC delivers a Foreign Weapon Stand the rest offer different ways for people to interact with each
managed by the REME where soldiers and civilians can shoot other and for big organisations and companies to
different weapons systems from around the world. The Team Bonding communicate with individuals.
Permanent Staff were able to organise a time for the recruits
to have the range to themselves and get hands on with many As well as the AT and The Army is one such organisation that communicates
different weapon systems they would ordinarily not use. This military events, the through social media and has a huge following. Those who
was a fantastic experience for the Recruits who at this point Squadron managed to are not regular social media users may wonder why we, as a
had only had hands on the SA80. They were able to fire MP5 fit in some social Corps, therefore need to dedicate the time and resources to
submachine guns, SLRs, Sharpshooter, G3 and the Diemaco bonding and time to let running our own pages. There are two main reasons. Firstly,
C8 much to their enjoyment. their hair down! Axe social media gives us an ability to communicate with a huge
throwing was the amount of people: serving, retired, civilian, young and old. It
proposed activity and gives us the ability to celebrate the wider Royal Signals family,
it proved to be a pass information quickly and has a hugely supportive effect Password
Email or phone
fantastic event! Thoroughly enjoyed by all; a sport which on our recruiting and retention initiatives. Packed with the latest ne
many more will want to try again and some were worryingly ws, sport and
good at it... Secondly, as digital communications experts, the Royal adventure training from
across the Corps
Signals has a leadership role to play. In an ever increasingly
online world, our voice needs to be heard and we need to
lead in linking up with appropriate civilian organisations. For
Instagram - royalcorps
example, we’ve recently had great success with various large
civilian Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM) organisations. We have also recently run workshops
To feature on our page,
send us a message with
signals
your unit stories & news
for social media teams from the other Arms and Services, Contact info : 01258 482
learning from one another and sharing best practice. www.army.mod.uk/who 818 or visit
-we-are/corps-regiment
s-and-units/royal-signals
The other question that is regularly asked is whether every MEDIA 18-044
unit and senior post should have a social media account. In
short, the answer is, it depends. Official social media accounts
take a significant amount of effort to run, expose the users to
Staff changes security, reputational and copyright issues unless tight
editorial control is maintained, and can actually have a communicate with and why. There’s a danger, especially for
The Squadron has had several Permanent Staff changes in the detrimental effect on our wider communications plan. The individual accounts on more conversational social media (such
run up to summer. The Squadron bids a fond farewell and Sgt Scott discovers the sharp bit of the axe! way the digital algorithms work is that original content that as Twitter) that such accounts can exist in an echo chamber,
thank you to WO2 (SSM) Ware. After almost three years in hasn’t been posted elsewhere is prioritised and the number of all just talking to each other with no discernible benefit. All
post, he is off to become SSM of 256 Sig Sqn at 30 Sig Regt. Busy times are ahead for 1 Sqn, however the pace of life does people it is exposed to (the ‘reach’) is maximised. Great, accounts must be officially registered with Army Digital and
We welcome in WO2 (SSM) Tuck from 22 Sig Regt and wish not let the Squadron neglect the team bonding and multiple original content published on a relatively small channel can need a clear statement of intent.
him all the best as he takes up the position. The Squadron opportunities for its soldiers and officers. One of the more therefore be wasted unless it is offered up to bigger channels
rewarding postings in the Corps, the Squadron is always first. The official Royal Signals social media pages are thriving. In
looking for motivated and ambitious JNCOS and SNCOs to addition to Facebook we have 12,000 followers on Instagram
come and instruct the future generation of soldiers. Imagine each social media account is like a shopfront. People and 4,000 on Twitter. These are YOUR social media accounts,
see the post (the goods in the window) and either click on it whether serving, retired, family or supporters. We love it
(enter the shop) or ignore and go elsewhere. Most small when you comment, share and contribute and we’re proud to
accounts with a few hundred followers have a tiny footfall; share your stories and successes. We’re very lucky as a Corps,
think of them as being a newsagent in a small village. The as we have thousands of tech-savvy, proactive and creative
official Royal Signals accounts (15,000 followers on Facebook) people and we’d love to encourage all talented
are like a John Lewis on a bustling high street. The Army photographers and videographers to contact us. As well as
account (1.6m Facebook followers) is Harrods. our accounts, we have access to the Army Snapchat and
YouTube channels, so your content could be seen by literally
We want our message to be seen by as many people as millions of people worldwide. Thank you so much for
possible. If individuals or units have great content, especially supporting us and if you haven’t already seen our pages
photographic or video, please offer it up to the Corps SM (listed below), please visit them. Furthermore, if any unit
team first. If it is the right quality, we can either offer it to the needs specific advice over their pages please contact:
Army SM channels or publish it ourselves first, ensuring socialmedia@royalsignals.org.
maximum reach. The creator will always be credited and can
link/ publish it later. Facebook: www.facebook.com/RoyalCorpsofSignals
Twitter: R_Signals
Cpl Johnston and Cpl Watkins (centre pair) join their new Unit/ individual accounts do have a role to play but owners Instagram: @royalcorpssignals
Capt Carter initiates an ambush
Training Team need to clearly understand who they are trying to Website: www.royalsignals.org
16 www.royalsignals.org • Facebook: Royal Corps of Signals • Twitter: R_Signals • Instagram: @royalcorpssignals
Summer 2019 • THE WIRE 17The expedition was a resounding success and, as Distributed
Training was authorised, our SML, SSgt Cooke awarded three
Blandford
members of the team with an SMF qualification. All
attendees will take away memories, experiences and new
friends that will last a lifetime.
EXERCISE TIGER ATLAS – by WO1 Jennings (EL) CO Lt Col CL Jardine RSM WO1 J Watson
2 (CATTERICK) SQUADRON
On 4 Mar 19, nine members of 11 (RSS) Sig Regt and a OC Maj P Carpenter SSM WO2 J Wignall
Summer Mountain Leader (SML) from MOD A Block
3 (HARROGATE) SQUADRON
departed London Gatwick to undertake Ex TIGER ATLAS,
a Level 3 high risk, high altitude mountaineering OC Maj D Rees-Galey SSM WO2 S Rattenbury
expedition in the Moroccan High Atlas Mountains. The 4 (MILITARY TRAINING) SQUADRON
trip was planned by Capt Kane, 3 (Harrogate) Sqn 2IC
OC Maj GLM Dunn SSM WO2 Loynes
and the Expedition Leader (EL) was WO1 Jennings,
11 (RSS) Sig Regt Ops WO. After a night in Marrakech, 5 (MARESFIELD) SQUADRON
Post Minotaur trail at Coed-y-brennin MTB park
the team transitted south to Imlil, a small village coined OC Maj J Budding SSM WO2 Smith
the ‘gateway to the High Atlas’. Here we met with
On Wednesday,
our two qualified mountain guides, Ibrahim and Omar.
the inclement
The guides had organised for three mules and
weather forced
muleteers to porter our provisions and equipment for
the Squadron
the subsequent eight day trek, including a summit of
members into an
Mt Toubkal, the highest point in North Africa at
indoor climbing
4167m.
centre. After
practising our
Defence engagement was one of the primary aims of the rope and
expedition, as such the Moroccan Defence Attaché had Toubkal Summit, 4167m belaying skills,
pre-arranged an RV with the Moroccan Armed Forces and with the
(MAF) and Gendarmerie (Moroccan Special Police) Exercise TIGER MARESFIELD 2 weather
personnel who were to accompany the team on the trek. improving, we
After the sharing of pleasantries and Moroccan mint tea, headed off to
the route was agreed and the team prepared kit for On Sunday 14 Oct 18, 10 members of 5 (Maresfield) Sqn, Holyhead to
departure. Omar, our guide, departed for Capel Curig for a Multi-activity AT package. conduct some
proved extremely useful when Once the members of the Squadron had settled into the outdoor
acting as interpreter for the Above: Frozen waterfalls at Tizi Amsalouet climbing. Sgt
accommodation we departed for the bright lights of
Left: Imlil village; gateway to the ‘Mike’ Smissen
duration of the trip. Betws-y-Coed to check out the local ambience. Monday Sgt Mike Smissen getting to
High Atlas displayed some
was an early start as the summit of Snowdon beckoned. grips with the wall
During the trekking phase the WO2 (SSM) ‘Smoothy’ Smith was our instructor with fantastic Spiderman
trusted process of ‘trek high and camp low’. This
team visited many small, support from Cpl ‘Thomo’ Thompson. The route to the skills along with Sgt ‘Gaz’ Pritchard.
resulted in a tough climb to a summit or pass each
picturesque villages and mountain morning followed by a steep descent to local village summit of Snowdon on a fantastically
passes, all of which made for clear day, allowed for some breath- The final day saw us
or refuge. This concept proved to be well received
excellent photo opportunities. taking views. As always Maj Thewlis led head to the
by both UK and MAF team members as every day
During the eight days the team from the front and we summited at National
we had a new goal and were rewarded with
covered over 70 miles and 1130hrs just as the train pulled into the Whitewater centre
spectacular views across the High Atlas vista.
ascended more than 7100m in a station. After the obligatory summit to take part in
total of 36 hrs trekking time. This photograph we made our way back to some gorge
It wasn’t all about the trek. The team spent the
included the highlight of the trip, Pen-y-Pass car park and onwards to walking. As before,
week sharing stories about our respective Service
the summiting of Mt Toubkal. The Capel Curig. the OC led from
lives with the MAF and Gendarmerie; the collective
expedition followed the tried and the front like an
experiences will be remembered by all and we
excited schoolboy,
forged strong bonds of friendship with our
On Tuesday morning the closely followed
Moroccan counterparts. On Day five of the trek, the
members of the Squadron set by the SSM. The day involved
MAF Lieutenant, Nadir organised the slaughter and
off to Coed-y-Brennin for a day dropping ourselves into some
BBQ of two goats to celebrate our meeting and subsequent
of mountain biking. After a extremely cold plunge pools,
expedition. The evening culminated in our guides, chef and
much-needed coffee, we set some scrambling over boulders
muleteers providing traditional Berber music and singing,
off for the skills park before and a rope line down a
Team 11 obviously joined in. Upon completion of the trek we
heading to the trails around waterfall. The final push was a
shared gifts and departed as friends.
the forest. A fantastic facility slack zip line into the pool
with some good routes below. By far the most
We left the High Atlas region for 36 hours of R&R in
allowed the members of the enjoyable day of the week.
Marrakech. Here, the team were afforded the opportunity to
explore the world famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Median and the Squadron to push their limits
on two wheels; Sgt Jay After some final admin we
maze of souks. All of us were geographically challenged (lost)
Pateman was able to see the headed back to sunny
at least once, however it afforded us the opportunity to
route from a different Blandford, refreshed and ready
sample more Moroccan cuisine of which the team had now
perspective, as he went over to deliver training to the Troop
become accustomed. Couscous, tagine and fresh bread are The members of the Squadron at Pen-y-Pass
the handlebars. Commander’s course.
now firm favourites. start point
Hard climbing
18 www.royalsignals.org • Facebook: Royal Corps of Signals • Twitter: R_Signals • Instagram: @royalcorpssignals Summer 2019 • THE WIRE 19Battlefield Study to Naseby is a In summary, the Regiment’s visit to Naseby was an educative Exercise TIGER MARESFIELD ICEBATS 19 soon as they were dropped off. CSgt Lewis delivered a
affair, helping the Senior NCOs and the Officers of the thorough explanation of the route and safety procedures to
booming success Regiment better understand the challenges posed by
By Sgt Padam Gurung, YSMR 73 Course, 5 (Maresfield) Sqn
adhere to in case of trips, falls or unexpected separation in
incomplete intelligence, rash decision making and a lack of broad daylight. The team then set off along the Pyg track. An
Over 13 and 14 Mar 19, 11 (RSS) Sig Regt was lucky enough effective communications. The opportunity to get away and Exercise TIGER MARESFIELD ICEBATS 19 was a Type 2 abundance of team banter along the way was fed by the
to be able to hold a Battlefield Study to Naseby. This see how those doctrinal elements of warfighting, which we multi-activity Adventurous Training (AT) package held at wonderful weather. Morale and conditions allowed the team
professional development event was put together by the now consider obvious, are born out of real mistakes – which JSMTC INDEFATIGABLE over the period 26 – 29 Mar 19. to make the summit fairly easily at about lunchtime. The
Adjutant, Capt Owens and was a great success in every may still be repeated should we not really learn from our It was organised and led by CSgt Darren Lewis (RM) and breathtaking panorama was simply amazing at the top.
way. own history. The author would like to thank the Adjutant for consisted of hill walking, mountain biking Unfortunately, that
his organisation of the trip and the Commanding Officer for and rock climbing. didn’t last long as the
The first part was our “study” portion which was held on the allowing us the opportunity. clouds closed in, but
afternoon of 13 Mar 19. On this occasion the Senior NCOs and the team at least had
The aim of the exercise was to provide
Junior Officers of the Regiment swapped God Save the Queen. a taste of Snowdonia
students of Yeoman of Signals Course 73 the
their physical for mental training. The and Snowdon itself
opportunity to foster team bonding and
Adjutant gave a comprehensive overview with its many ridges
develop leadership through the medium of AT.
of the historical lead in as well as the battle and glacial cwms.
After seven months of hectic academic study,
itself, ably assisted by an excellent model the course co-ordinator WO1 (YofS) Martin
prepared by Sgt Zanelli. The rest of the The short but sweet
McPhie finally decided to allow us some time
room then contributed; five syndicates moment of
out of the classroom. A much needed few
delivered well researched presentations accomplishment was
days away from camp in the form of an AT
on different aspects of the battle relevant over as CSgt Lewis
package was authorised, which saw Sgt
to the contemporary practitioner. These delivered the
Christie Anderson volunteer as 2IC.
were elucidating and comprehensive and itinerary for the
the hard work of all participants was clear return leg. This route
The AT began with all course personnel
to see. took in the miners
traveling to ‘Indy’ on 26 Mar 19. The overall
track past the
journey took approximately seven hours including a few
A blustery day followed at Naseby, for beautiful Llyn Llydaw.
coffee breaks in the services. The journey could perhaps
the “Battlefield” portion of the exercise. Surprisingly, descending
have been slightly shorter; adherence to convoy drills
The visit to the celebrated ground was presented more
between two vehicles driven by Sgt Dennis Rennick and
well worth the three hours or so of travel. difficulties, possibly as the
WO1 Bertille Muller was a factor.
Confidently guided from stand to stand by route took in the steep
cliffs along Y Llywedd
Mike Ingram and Philip Steele, trustees of Day One – Mountain biking and rock climbing
the Naseby Battlefield Project. There is nothing like seeing the before descending to the
ground to fill in the gaps that the mind’s eye had developed Day one began on the morning of 27 Mar 19 with plenty of valley proper, but these
from simply looking at maps. This explicative process was sunny spells and clear skies in the beautiful surroundings were overcome without
enhanced by the presence of Jon Courtney-Thompson and of JSMTC INDEFATIGABLE. The course was divided into a incident. Finally, a few
his contingent of volunteers from “The Sealed Knot”, a civil mountain biking team and a rock climbing team. Sgt Gary miles of strolling along the
war re-enactment association. Their kit and demonstrations Plowman (senior MTB instructor) and Cpl Patrick Ewbank track brought everyone
(MTB instructor, 2 (Catterick) Sqn) were excellent - the Top: The team ready for a gruelling back to the car park safely
helped add meat to the bones of what is an otherwise difficult
team were given the opportunity to go through a skills MTB session at MinorTaur where Sgt Rennick
to visualise period of history and form of warfighting. They Above: The team going through a
were also kind enough to give us a chance to test ourselves session before actually attacking the ‘Blue’ route. Although (minibus commander) and
it was dreaded by the team at the start, everyone managed quick refresher before attacking the
with musket and pike drill – the latter somewhat rougher than WO1 Muller (minibus 2IC)
wall
ot ready to fight to complete the gruelling but beautiful route within three took over.
you might expect! Top: The Sealed Kn h
t wa lks the group throug hours.
Above: The Adjutan
the battle Overall, it was a beautifully crafted and successfully delivered
The second team started their climbing activity at the Indoor package that has certainly provided us with a fantastic few
Yanto draws an appreciative crowd Rock Climbing Centre at JSMTC. A short practice session days away from study. We’ve bonded further as a course and
provided by the civilian staff allowed them to polish rusty are re-energised for the second half of our time at 11 (RSS) Sig
skills – a Yeoman of Signals doesn’t need to tie figure of eight Regt.
knots that often in a classroom! Although not as technical as
outdoor rock, the fantastic indoor climbing wall was
Well-deserved smiles on the summit, hard
sufficiently difficult to challenge everyone, demanding
work always pays off in the end
endurance, muscle strength and skill. Everyone made it to the
top at least twice in the two hour session successfully, before
swopping between activities at lunch.
Day Two – Hill walking
Day two started pretty well as the team left the drop off point
at Pen-y-pass car park to attempt Snowdon, which is the
highest mountain in Wales. Although many claimed to have
climbed the mountain in the past, there was some
nervousness on the 45 minute minibus journey, with some
citing technical considerations and others being concerned
about altitude sickness…
Fears were allayed as the troops were greeted by plenty of
sunny spells across majestic views of captivating scenery as
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