THEwire - The Magazine of The Royal Corps of Signals August 2017
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THE
August 2017
The Magazine of The Royal Corps of Signals
Corps Formation: 28th June 1920
Corps Motto: Certa Cito Contents
August 2017 Volume 71 No: 4
FEATURES
Lanyard Trophy 2
The Regimental Sergeant Majors 44
Corps Weekend 48
Honours 81
History of Signalling in 100 Objects 97
2 Lanyard Trophy REGULARS
RSBF 6
News from Training 8
News from Blandford 11
News from Formations 12
News from Regiments 20
News from Squadrons 53
Other Units 57
Royal Signals Association 93
© Photography by Mike Williams Last Post 96
48 Corps Weekend
Reunions 96
SPORT/ADVENTURE TRAINING
Hockey 66
Army Parachute Jump Instructors Course 68
Golf 69
Parachute team - Spring Update 70
Swimming 71
Squash 72
Exercise MERCURY SNOWRIDER 74
Exercise TIGER TOUBKAL 79
79
Exercise TIGER TYROL 80
Exercise DRAGON RECRUITING DIP 82
Exercise TIGER TOUBKAL Exercise HAUTE SKIER 84
Exercise TIGER AZTEC 86
Exercise ARCTIC CIRCLE 88
Exercise DRAGONS TROLL 90
Front Cover: The Massed Bands of the Royal Corps
of Signals during Corps Weekend. Front centre, the
Drum Major of the Corps Band.
© Photography by Mike Williams
Back Cover: Corps Weekend 2017.
90
© Photography by Mike Williams
Exercise DRAGON'S TROLL
Note from the Editor
W elcome to
the summer
edition of The
© Photography by Mike Williams
Find out what
happened at the
Lanyard Trophy
Wire, we hope competition on
that you have pages 2-5. This
been enjoying a R SIGNALS 40 mile
relaxing summer endurance march
break. It has been whilst carrying
a busy few 40Ib requires
months with the physical fitness,
Corps Weekend positive mental
taking place in attitude and the
June, luckily we determination to
were blessed with finish, well done to
beautiful weather all involved!
for this gathering
of the Corps On pages 44-47 is
family. See pages 48-49 for the article and some an interesting read on the RSM career path, we
photos from the weekend. More pics can be seen at spoke to four RSM’s who told us why they chose this
https://royalsignals.org/rsa/, photographer career path and they give advice for those thinking
Mike Williams has now extended his offer until the of following this route.
end of September, whereby for every photo
purchased £5 will be donated to the RSBF, a great And finally many congratulations go to those
cause I'm sure you will agree (read more about the receiving awards in the Queen’s Birthday Honours,
RSBF's work on pages 6-7). see page 81 for the list of recipients.
Editor: Amy Petersen Subscriptions:
wire@royalsignals.org (preferred for submissions) All enquiries regarding subscriptions and changes of
Mil: 94371 2817 Civ: 01258 482817 address should be made to Jess Lawson on Mil: 94371
2087 Civ: 01258 482087 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.
RHQ R SIGNALS, Griffin House, Blandford Contents:
Camp, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 8RH Authors alone are responsible for the content of
their articles. The opinions expressed in the
Articles: articles of this publication are those of the indiv-
Please email submissions in Microsoft Word format, idual authors and do not necessarily reflect the
together with related photographs to the e-mail policy and views, official or otherwise, of the
addresses above. Digital images should be in JPEG Royal Corps of Signals or the Ministry of Defence.
format, kept separate (and not embedded within the All articles and submissions are published at the
article) and supplied with captions. discretion of the Editor. This publication may
contain official information and should be treated
Contribution Deadlines: with discretion.
15th February for publication in the April edition.
15th April for publication in the June. Advertising:
15th June for publication in the August. All communications regarding commercial
15th August for publication in the October. advertising should be made direct to
15th October for publication in the December. depcomm@royalsignals.org.
10th December for publication in the February.
Printed by Holbrook Printers Ltd, Norway Road, Hilsea,
Portsmouth © Crown Copyright
LANYARD TROPHY 2017
30th Signal Regiment
Having been so close to victory in the infamously damp 2016 Lanyard
Trophy competition, Lt Hattie Griffith and WO2 ‘George’ Cloney were
adamant that 2017 was 30 Signal Regiment’s year. They began training
and selecting their teams early in the year, and months of hard work
– the finale being the three teams spending up to two weeks at Penally
Camp in the glorious sunshine – culminated in a fantastic and
rewarding race day for all three 30 Signal Regiment teams.
The Girls – by Lt Hattie Griffith
Having finally honed a crack team of female tabbers – including Sig ‘I’m
only doing this for the training’ Ella Murr – our eyes were firmly on the
prize from the outset. When the starter horn blew we set off quickly,
and by the second checkpoint we had picked off 11 Signal Regiment’s
female team and were on our way. We maintained a fast but
comfortable pace and ate more Soreen and Cheesestrings than a group
of tabbers have ever consumed over forty miles. Sgt Shelley Briggs – a
four time Lanyard vet – and Cpl Amanda Turnbull demonstrated their
impressive levels of fitness storming up the steeper elements of the
route; Cfn Amy Dixon – despite a realisation 31 miles in that she was
REME and therefore really did not fancy being a crucial element of a
R SIGNALS competition – persevered with outstanding determination
through to the end. Sig Murr kept morale up, adamant that the more
weight she carried the faster she became. The most vital component of
our team was the fabulous Admin Team – LCpl Jade Brisband and 2015
Lanyard Winner LCpl Hannah Wilkinson – who ensured that our every
need was catered for, from Kipling’s French Fancies to Lucozade.
Leaving the final Admin Check Point, we saw 16 Signal Regiment were
hot on our heels and really had to smash ourselves along the final 4.5
miles of coastline to ensure we maintained a good lead. Running down
into Solva was such a reward and relief – we knew that the hard work
had been worth it. Morale was unbelievably high and we all genuinely
enjoyed the day – and slept very well that evening.
30 Sig Regt female team: Lt Hattie Griffith (Capt) – 250, Sgt Shelley
Briggs – Sp Sqn, Cpl Amanda Turnbull - 244, LCpl Hannah Anderson -
258, Cfn Amy Dixon – LAD and Sig Ella Murr - 258. Admin – LCpl Jade
Brisband – Sp Sqn (RLC) and LCpl Hannah Wilkinson – 256.
The Boys – by Capt James Mason 30 Signal Regiment managed to do the ‘double’ at the Lanyard Trophy 2017, walking away with both the overall male and Saxony trophies in a hard fought victory. The male team comprised of a range of ranks from across the Regiment, with WO2 Cloney – SSM 244, being absolutely pivotal to the team’s success, bringing his experience to bear during training and ultimately taking away his 7th win in the competition. To have secured both trophies was a huge achievement and just reward for some hard earned miles in Pembrokeshire, Bradgate Park, Cannock Chase, and perhaps worst of all the dreaded and utterly featureless “Windbreaks” on Gamecock Barracks. Capt James Mason led the team on the day, setting the pace early on and establishing us with the front runners from the off on the way down towards the coastal path, settling into a steady rhythm before arriving at the lighthouse to the west of Fishguard at Carreg Onnen Bay in second place. By this point 14 Signal Regiment (EW) A team had the lead, but we were right on their heels and, following a surge to the front by SSM Cloney, we took the lead on a steep uphill section a couple of miles to the south. From there the team rarely looked back, consolidating our position and building the pace to the halfway point, at which point the gap had stretched to a little over 10 minutes. The second half of the course saw each member of the team individually fight through difficult periods, but careful pacing and some sheer grit and dogged determination saw 30 Signal Regiment cross the finish line at Solva in a time of 9 hours and 17 minutes, reputedly the second fastest finish of all time. 30 Sig Regt male A team: Maj Ollie Ford – 244, Capt James Mason (Capt) – 256, WO2 ‘George’ Cloney – 244, SSgt John Axtell – Sp Sqn, Sgt Rabin Gurung – Sp Sqn, LCpl Rajen Bura – 250, LCpl Suman Gurung – 250 and LCpl Utshab Rana - 250. Admin: SSgt Paul Chamberlain and Sgt Steve Griffiths – both 244. 30 Sig Regt male B team: Lt Lewis Shortland (Capt) – 258, SSgt Dave Driver – Sp Sqn, SSgt Padam Korangi - 250, Sgt Martin Nunns – 244, LCpl ‘Legs’ Walker - 256, LCpl Ben Willett - 256. Admin: SSgt Steve McKay – Sp Sqn and LCpl Clayton - 244.
11th (RSS) Signal Regiment
excellent programme and for all support staff for keeping the
teams going. Despite the looks on the majority of faces, it was
a fantastic experience for some of the Corps’ youngest
by 2Lt Hamilton (TCC97) members. However the oldest member WO2 (YofS (EW)) Stu
‘Mad Jock’ Gray would say otherwise with his feet and
Week one, day one of the Troop Commanders Course peculiar walking style resembling Gaylon form Planet of the
(TCC 97) and 2Lt’s Hamilton, Lim and Clarke are shocked to Apes.
be asked “How would you like to walk 40 miles for the
14th (EW) Signal Regiment
Regiment…?” Well, how bad could it be? What we hadn’t
accounted for was the notoriously unsteady ‘steady-state-
runs’ and rapid TABs of LCpl Lockey’s "have you seen my
tattoo of an old Chinese man’’ preparatory fitness regime. by Cpl Purdy
Needless to say, that after three months of this type of
training, the teams departed for 14 Signal Regiment (EW), It’s hard to make your name, but even harder to keep it.
Brawdy; confident in their abilities and three brand new troop Winners in 2015. First and second place prior to its
commanders relieved to soon be gaining back their early cancellation in 2016. High placings in the veteran’s event.
mornings. We set up our homes in tent city with it's all-you- Over the last few years, 14 Signal Regiment (EW) has a
can-eat field kitchen. 14 Signal Regiment had even set up a tradition of success in the Lanyard Competition. Officers and
Wifi service for the weekend to rival Wifinity. Hot tubs and soldiers from across all Squadrons volunteer for this event,
massage services next year would be good, over to you 30 but 226 Squadron has provided the backbone for the men
Signal Regiment? selected for the competitive teams. The Squadron’s role of
manpack LEWT lends us well to a loadbearing task, but
The road move to the start conjured up some anxiety, present also is a mindset channelled towards selection for
thinking of the long day ahead. Nerves abated, however, Airborne Forces. There are always some who deride the
when we successfully crossed the start line with a full team, Airborne mentality, but a glance at the statistics shows it’s
each with a bergan; more successfully than the host’s team worth. Five in the winning 2015 team, 12 across the two
(whoops)! After the excitement of the mass start, all teams teams in 2016, this Squadron has form here. The 2017 Lanyard
progressed well to the first checkpoint at 16 miles with no squad had this legacy as its backdrop in the attempt to
major dramas – only Sig Chapman faced a near death extend it.
experience when he was nearly trampled by a herd of
marauding local ponies – then he realised how ridiculous the
epitaph would read and cracked on. Within an hour of this Arriving at Admin Stop 1
first stop, all 11 (RSS) Signal Regiment teams were hampered
by the rising temperature reading on the WBGT that forced all
phase 2 trainees to rest for a period of 15 minutes each hour
"Thank you very much now we’re all stiff’’. The stopping and
starting did the muscles no good and momentum disappeared
while other teams walked cheerfully by "watching the lazy
phase 2 soldiers resting’’. Nonetheless we pushed on.
The non-competitive C team was made up of the Team
Captain, 2iC and 10 QGS phase 2’s. It seems ‘non-competitive’
doesn’t translate well into Nepalese as the eager Gurkhas had
a point to prove. Whereas most see downhills as an
opportunity to double, Gurkhas would see an uphill and think
the same. The team set off at a tremendous pace, which
eventually saw the Team Captain and 2iC becoming land
anchors to these mountain goats eager to engage with the
enemy. Struggling with the pace, Sgt Parkhill ‘I’m too old for
this’, with the beautiful coastline scenery and fresh sea
breeze in his face, claimed this to be ‘’the worst day of his Photo by LCpl Pete Dobson
life’’, and would kill himself if this was Groundhog Day. The B
team, meanwhile, was spurred on by its pride and the C team
remaining in touching distance for the majority of the route.
Our training was excellent, both thorough and progressive. In
The final few miles were tough in ‘proper’ Welsh weather, and the 20 man squad, 11 came from 226 Signal Squadron. The
Solva was a welcome sight: the female team put in an training team were also 226 men. Geography gives 14 Signal
excellent effort to finish the first of the four 11 (RSS) Signal Regiment (EW) the strategic advantage; the close proximity
Regiment teams "Girl power’’; the A team couldn’t wait to get to the Brecon Beacons gives us arduous terrain to develop
over the line for some long-promised fish and chips; the B and select the teams. Senior instructor WO2 (SSM) O’Reilly
team doubled in for a strong finish having almost lost a put his significant experience into the selection of the training
second member and with that its competitive status; while routes. Some were obvious (the Fan Dance), others sickening
the C team completed in high spirits crossing the line singing a (ascending the Grinch from the South). Inevitably our training
Nepalese song. incorporated the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path, upon which
the race was run. The change in the going underfoot and the
Overall, a fantastic effort from all involved; 11 (RSS) Signal undulating terrain helped us prepare, whilst the stunning
Regiment entered 34 competitors of which 32 finished. Pembrokeshire scenery and onshore wind alleviated some of
Thanks must go to SSgt Beverley for putting together an the mental strain as well.
4 wire@royalsignals.org
Everyone at some point questions their motives and desire to 9hrs 17mins is an extremely impressive result. It will make next
continue. However the squad had got to know each other year’s competition all the more interesting.
well and persevered, for a hard process inevitably brings
those involved closer together. It also provides ample I re-iterate… It’s hard to make your name, but even harder to
opportunity to learn about yourself. LCpl MacCallum learned keep it.
that if his non-issue cotton
ny hills along the
underwear causes him ‘inner thigh’
ending one of the ma
dramas on a 20 mile training The team after asc
al Path
march, his team will happily sort Pembrokeshire Coast
him out by ripping his non-issue
cotton underwear off.
The teams visiting Cawdor Barracks
from across the R SIGNALS were
welcomed to our mini city of 12x12s,
complete with torrential downpour,
courtesy of Brawdy’s unique
weather system. Despite our
efforts, we were in them too. After
a fast start at 0530hrs, the teams
competing for the trophy were soon
out in front. 14 Signal Regiment (EW)
A team were so confident in their
victory that LCpl Desborough’s
bergen was given the day off.
But it was not to be. At this point, we
congratulate 30 Signal Regiment. It
was evident from the beginning that
these men had something to offer,
three of whom having run literally
through a hedge, past your
Dobson
correspondent, to get out in front. Photo by LCpl Pete
Completing with a full team at
RSM Stedman, LCpl McCallum, Sgt Morris, YofS(EW)
Jones, Lt Everton, Cpl Holmes-Siedle, LCpl Tucker, Cpl Photo by LCpl Pete Dobson
O'Mahony, Cpl Purdy and the CO 14 SR (EW)
First Class Honours For RSBF Fundraisers Ro
RS
yal Signa
BF
ls
Be
ne
vo le nt F u n d
Swift and Sure Support For The Corps - Together We Can Do More
‘It’s better to give than receive’ is thankfully a sentiment many identify with, as you show your support to the Corps’ own charity,
the RSBF. We’re exceptionally grateful for all that you do. In recognition of this, every year we award a Fundraising Pennant to an
RSA Branch (Cornwall RSA are the winners this year) and to a unit.
RSBF Champion Award
We’re delighted to announce that in addition, we have recently introduced an award to recognise outstanding individual
achievement the ‘RSBF Champion Award’ for outstanding support to the RSBF. The very first recipient is Dean Cartledge a former
Corps WO1 and RSM, now a Director at 4Com PLC. Not only has Dean raised more than £7,000 for the RSBF, equivalent to a whole
week's worth of benevolence, but he is working hard to help raise awareness of our work and need for support. His latest foray,
to further our fundraising goals, saw an intrepid camera crew from 4Com PLC spend an entire day filming RSBF fundraisers and
supporters. We’re very much looking forward to seeing and sharing the finished product with you in due course.
A ‘proud and delighted’ Dean receiving the very first RSBF Champion Award for
outstanding support to the RSBF
Having received a cheque for £7,084.28 from Dean on behalf of the RSBF, The Corps Colonel, Col Simon Hutchinson MBE ADC
presented the award to Dean saying, “Dean you epitomise the ‘Together we can do more’… Your work is helping to ensure we
continue to offer ‘Swift and Sure Support’ to serving and retired Royal Signals soldiers and their dependants who are in situations
of hardship, need or distress. On behalf of the whole
Corps Family: serving, retired and their dependants, a
wholehearted thank-you and congratulations.”
RSBF Pennant of Merit For Fundraising
This year’s winners are 3 (UK) Division Signal Regiment
who literally pedalled their way to the podium. Their
fundraising efforts included two cycling challenges -
Exercise KIWI CONNECT organised by Cpl Lee Evans and
a 24 hour, 1000 mile Watt Bike challenge organised by
Sgt James Stevens. The latter event saw serving soldiers
and dependants team up with Salisbury RSA to ensure a
healthy collection from shoppers and sightseers. 3 (UK)
DSR are already planning their next fundraising events and,
because fundraising in the community has it’s own rules
and challenges, they’ve developed a PXR to help others.
6 wire@royalsignals.org
This year we also awarded a Highly Commended to 11 (RSS)
Signal Regiment in recognition of the very many challenges and
events they have held in support of the RSBF. Most notably
Exercise MERCURY GUINNESS a gruelling, 72-hour 5-A-Side
footballing marathon organised by Cpl Chris Dixon.
The awards were presented at the Corps Conference where
special mentions were made of RSBF fundraising endeavours
by a number of units. These included 16 Signal Regiment
whose raffle raised more than £4,000, 225 Signal Squadron
Northern Ireland who included every Squadron member in their
fundraising and 37 Signal Regiment whose Exercise WINGED
LION, led by then CO Lt Col Teri Downes, raised over £3,000 for
the RSBF.
Together We Can Do More
With an ageing population and smaller core Corps, fundraising
for the RSBF has never been so important. We need all the
help we can. Ways to show your support include: buying
and wearing a wristband, making a donation, leaving a gift
in your will, fundraising for us. To find out more please visit
https://RoyalSignals.org/RSBF or email Sandra Hutchinson
via marketing@RoyalSignals.org. For those interested in
fundraising, fundraising materials can be found at
https://royalsignals.org/rsbf/fundraiser-pack/
O
n Saturday 20 May 3 (UK) Division Signal Regiment
undertook an epic cycle ride fundraiser for the
Royal Signals Benevolent Fund. The inspiration for
this event is baby Thomas Gibson who was born to a Corps
family and who has a rare medical condition, Microcephaly
Lymphedema Chorioretinal Dysplasia. This condition
requires specialist care and medication: see the link at
https://royalsignals.org/rsbf/baby-thomas/ to read
Thomas’s story. The RSBF is the Royal Signals’ own grant
giving charity, providing for Signallers and their
dependants who are in situations of need, hardship or
distress and require financial support.
The plan was to cover 1000 miles in 24 hours on two
exercise machines (Watt Bikes) in Salisbury’s main market
square. Working two hours on, two
hours off shifts, the support team
used the opportunity to go around the
Market Square and collect money on
behalf of the RSBF, enjoying rich
pickings from the Gin Festival next
door. They were assisted by our very
own RSA Salisbury (No.1) Branch.
The photograph shows RSA Branch
members John Bryant and Martin
Hudson in action with Phil Osment
hiding behind the camera. The weary
cyclists finished their long ride the
next morning on time and raised just
over £866 in collection buckets with a
grand total in excess of £2100 once
other donations and pledges had been
taken into account.
AUGUST 2017 7
11th (RSS) SIGNAL REGIMENT
BLANDFORD
2 (CATTERICK) SQUADRON
CO
RSM
Lt Col S Short
WO1 R Savage
Cpl Jack Nixon, who had stolen my sweets (he is the
peoples PTI for a reason!). This stand showcased the
OC Maj L Kelly Corps ability to work on the other side of the spectrum
SSM WO2 J Wignall with its intercept and DF capability.
Saturday 10 June had arrived and myself, Sgt
Community Engagement - by Sgt Parkhill
Worthington and Cpl Nixon set off bright and early
to set up our stand. On arrival it was straight over to
Opening emails on a Monday morning is
the sandpit to steal sand for the sandbags required to
never a good way to start the week,
build the OP. All was set, 12x12 up displaying posters
however one glorious Monday morning
of antennas and propagation, battle camps and the
(every day is a good day in the Corps) in
history of 11 (RSS) Sig Regt. The blindfolded maze was
February I was presented with an email
made up with mine tape, blacked out goggles with
chain that on initial inspection tasted of
the person guiding operating from a very well built
the less then pleasant job flavour. It was
hide within a tree line (Sgt Parkhill built it). Finally,
an email which initially had originated
Cpl Nixon concealed himself in an ant’s nest, which
from a local Blandford
he complained about for the 3 hours he was sat there,
school, Archbishop
transmitting on request enabling the future of the
Wake Primary School,
Corps to find his frequency using the spectrum analyzer.
the context was a
They could then locate him with the DF antenna allowing
question asking if the
them to input the frequency into the ICOM and reveal his
Garrison could provide a
secret message on where he had hidden the sweets.
stand at their summer
fete to be held on
All in there was a lot of interest from both children and adults
10 June, yes that is a
alike and we drove away knowing that we had shown the
weekend. The email
Garrison and Regiment in a good light. The many questions
chain was long and
asked throughout the day is testament to this.
diverse hitting every
unit and Squadron
within the Garrison and 3 (HARROGATE) SQUADRON
ending up in my lap
with the task of OC Maj D Galey
providing such a stand. SSM WO2 C Deal
Three months had
passed and the
ITBR 16/001 Contextualised Training - by Cpl Ryan Hardy
impending thought
of providing this stand loomed over my head, the task
This year’s senior Installation Technician Basic course is
had remained at the bottom of my priority list as
coming towards the end of their
more tasks assaulted my workload, it was time
Phase 2 trade training. Over the last
to get serious and think of something to engage
few months they have covered a
both parents and children alike, showing what the
number of subjects at Cable Systems
Corps does and inspire the young generation to
Section ranging from Underground
set themselves a goal to join a technically minded
and Overhead Cabling where they
organization.
learnt to install, terminate and test
copper cabling within both confined
The inspiration for my ideas came from previous
spaces and also whilst working at
experience with R SIGNALS involvement at summer
height, this was taught by Mr Andrew
fetes, things like assault courses, weapon stands
McEvoy and Mr Kevin Scott. The
and other such things which had no mention of our
course then moved on to Electronic
technical ability as a Corps, I wanted to change this.
Switching Systems taught by Sgt
After visiting and pillaging 2 (Catterick) Squadron
‘Pops’ Larkins, Structured Cabling
trade training departments and its SQMS, I had a
taught by Mr Mick Kiff, and finally
Spectrum analyzer, ICOM radio, DF antenna, VHF
progressing onto Fibre Optic Cabling
man pack and 2x PRR. The plan from this point was
taught by Cpl ‘Trooper’ Bates.
set in stone, I was to run a blindfolded maze where
A long journey, which started in
participants used PRR to guide each other around,
November 16, culminated in a final
showcasing the need and difficulty of command and
contextualized exercise. The students
control. We also had a direction finding stand where
Sig Wright inspecting his fibre put into practice and demonstrated
the children had to find and question a very bad man,
optic installation all that they had learnt over the
8 wire@royalsignals.orgprevious months. This teams had made it through to the semi-finals stage of the
exercise simulates the competition. The male team earning the chance to defend
full tour/surge their title and the female team having the opportunity to take
experience from initial the win.
planning and store
requisition to After a good night’s rest and recovery from day 1, it was day 2
installation and and first up was the male team; up against 2 Signal Regiment
commissioning, all in in the first of the semi-finals. Once again, after a hard fought
accordance with British match, the men from 11 (RSS) Signal Regiment were
Standards. There were victorious and won a place in the final. Next, the female final;
plenty of early 11 (RSS) Signal Regiment team played against 16 Signal
mornings and late Regiment, a very strong and competitive team. This match
nights with each was hugely exciting to watch with 11 (RSS) Signal Regiment
student given the narrowly winning with a 9-4 victory, subsequently becoming
responsibility of team the Champions of 2017. The most valuable player (MVP)
IC, in order for them to award was received by our very own Sig Emma Simpson.
demonstrate their
trade and leadership With the female team from 11 (RSS)
skills amongst their Sig Glanville Signal Regiment winning their trophy, it
peers. On completion measuring and was the men’s turn to get serious and
of the final exercise, preparing fibre fight it out with 22 Signal Regiment. It
the students are due to optic cabling was a very strong start by 11 (RSS) Signal
carry out driver training ready to Regiment and we had a 10-4 lead at the
and military refresher terminate in the end of the first quarter. The second
training prior to cabinet quarter saw a strong 22 Signal Regiment
attending their working fight back with a lead of 6 points at half
units. time. Unfortunately, 11 (RSS) Signal
Regiment couldn’t claw back the points
ITBR 16/001 Graduation - by Sgt Craig Larkins and even with a superb 3 pointer by SSgt
Sig Eldred receiving the Top Student Ajay, with seconds to spare, this year was
After 48 intense weeks ITBR 16/001 award from Commandant DSCIS Col A not meant for 11 (RSS) Signal Regiment to
graduated and became Class 3 Installation Percival lift the trophy for the third
Technicians. The technical and challenging consecutive year! The final score was
course covers various aspects of communication networks 29-26.
learning how to install, maintain and repair
telecommunications and fibre optic infrastructure. Developed The whole competition was greatly enjoyed by all and we left
and practised in various environments from working at height on a high with the female team victorious. Further training for
to confined spaces the course produces a highly trained both teams will now be underway in the hope that the female
technical soldier ready to deploy worldwide. team can retain their title, and the male team can come back
stronger and take back the winners’ trophy at the very next
The Siemen’s sponsored Top Student award was presented by opportunity.
Commandant DSCIS Col A Percival to Sig Eldred who scored
consistently high both in practical and theory based exams as
well as having an excellent bearing and attitude throughout.
4 (MILITARY TRAINING) SQUADRON
OC Maj GLM Dunn
SSM WO2 (SSM) Easterby-Jackson
11 Sig Regt female team with Coach LCpl Hobbins
Royal Signals Basketball Championships - by LCpl Hobbins
7 June, cold, wet and windy. The weather was unpredictable
and so was the outcome of the Inter-Units Basketball
Competition. Both the male and female teams of 11 (RSS)
Signal Regiment made their way to ATR Grantham.
Confidence was high as the male team were looking to retain
the trophy, and the newly formed female team were excited
to take to the court, their first time playing together!
The male team were in Pool A, seeded number 1; up against 1,
14 and 16 Signal Regiments. This was a tough group, but saw
11 (RSS) Signal Regiment win all 3 matches which resulted in
them topping the group. The female team matched this
achievement in their respective group, winning all 3 matches
against 3, 14 and 16 Signal Regiments. This meant that both 11 Sig Regt male and female teams
AUGUST 2017 93 (Harrogate) Squadron, 11 (RSS) Sig Regt
News from Blandford
BLANDFORD GARRISON SUPPORT UNIT
Tp OC WO1 (FofS) Sovit Subba Tp SSgt SSgt (FofS) Stephen Walsh
Exercise TRAILWAY 3 - by Cpl Thapa
Exercise TRAILWAY 3 was a team cohesion and socialising backmarkers including our Troop OC, WO1 (FofS) Subba and
event for Engineering Support Troop (EST), which is part of SSgt (FofS) Walsh arrived with Paul enjoying his sweeper role.
Blandford Garrison Support Unit (BGSU). It was organised for We all then continued along the trailway for about half an
10 May and was a 20 mile bike ride from Blandford Camp to hour, which brought us to The Fiddleford Inn; a definite
Fiddleford. needed reward after all our hard work. All the Troop
members including those travelling in the minibus arrived at
The event started with a bright sunny day, which was an the location by 1300hrs. The group had a very enjoyable pub
excellent start considering the weather had been lunch and even though not planned, a few decided to have
temperamental for the few days prior. All the members of ES desserts as the lunch alone was not enough to restore our
Troop, both military and civilian paraded outside the Troop at energy levels for the ride back.
1100hrs. Some were riding on
their bikes, while others took the Troop OC, WO1 (FofS) Subba
easier route by using the decided to jump into the
minibus. After a group photo minibus, probably because he
we all headed off towards didn’t regain enough energy to
Blandford town. The faster ride back up to Blandford Camp
riders led from the front, which via Black Lane. Sgt Dubickas and
included Sgt Dubickas, Cpl Hall, Cpl Hall decided to drop back
Cpl Antoine and Cpl Miles. too due to important
Mr Paul Wise was at the rear commitments. That left the rest
ensuring no one got lost of the riders to head back to
throughout the cycle. As we Blandford Camp. After the mixture of fun and struggles along
dashed down Black Lane out of the camp at high speed, the trailway, which were not too bad, we were then faced
thoughts were prevailing at the back of my mind, about the with our final hill as we approached the bottom end of Black
struggle we were going to face on the return leg of the trip as Lane. The group then caused frustrations for all drivers
the hill was massive, although Cpl Antoine was struggling following and overtaking the six slow creeping riders uphill,
even going down Black Lane, where all the backmarkers flew however, the view of the front gate on the horizon after our
past him. best efforts to get up the hill was the best thing we could see
at that time. Thankfully, all roads inside the camp are fairly
After a short break at Blandford Station Court, the start of the level in comparison to cycling up Black Lane.
trailway, to allow the stragglers to catch up, we started to
cycle along the trailway. The group got to enjoy the beautiful After being beaten back by a slightly ageing civilian,
natural views around, although not so much on the uphill Cpl Bachan was the last rider to arrive back at the Troop at
stages, as it was hard work. Cpl Bachan the troop PTI should around 1600hrs. Overall, it was a very good and enjoyable
also have known better than to select the wrong gear when day out for the troop. Our sincere gratitude go to Mr Phil
going uphill, causing him to fall to the back. After about an Blackhall, for the overall organisation that went into the
hour’s ride we reached Shillingstone railway station, where event. We are definitely looking forward to our next bike
we had a couple of minutes to catch our breath until the ride.
CORPS BIRTHDAY
T
he Royal Corps of Signals recently celebrated its 97th birthday
having been formed on 28 June 1920.
The Royal Corps of Signals, serving and retired, remembered, with pride,
those comrades who had given their lives in the service of their Corps
and Country.
Thank you to 11 (RSS) Signal Regiment and Lisa from Colours, Blandford
Camp for organising and baking this Corps Birthday Cake for the
HQ R SIGNALS.
Certa Cito.
AUGUST 2017 11News from Formations
HQ 1 (UK) SIGNAL BRIGADE
Exercise JAVELIN ACCOLADE 17 - 6-10 May - by Capt Nick A campaign whose overarching strategy on both sides is hard
Perkins to fathom, the Dodecanese campaign offers lessons on
political friction, strategic decision making, working in a
Ex JAVELIN ACCOLADE 17 was HQ 1 (UK) Signal Brigade’s coalition, operational planning, joint cooperation and the
Battlefield Study for 2017, which took place on the Greek employment of special forces (the Long Range Desert Group
island of Leros, one of the Dodecanese Islands located in the (LRDG), SBS and RAF Regiment all featured significantly in the
Aegean Sea a few short miles from the Turkish coast. The campaign), among others.
Study focussed on the little-known 1943 campaign to occupy
the Dodecanese islands by both British (under the banner of
Operation ACCOLADE) and German forces following the
capitulation of the Italians on 8 September. The resulting
clash boiled down to two battles fought on Kos; an action
that lasted a mere 24 hours, and Leros. Both were German
victories and the
upshot was the
loss of any
foothold in the
Aegean for the
Allies.
The battle of
Leros was fought
by an under- SSgt (FofS(IS)) Steve Hiorns presents on the employment of
resourced British Special Forces atop Mt Clidi
and Empire force
commanded by War correspondent Leonard Marsland-Gander’s account of
Brig Robert the campaign is entitled ‘Long Road to Leros’. His designation
Tilney (late RA) felt entirely appropriate as 27 personnel from across the
who had taken Brigade, ranging from Sgt Bentley (Ch Clk, HQ 1 (UK) Signal
over command of Brigade) right up to the Bde Comd, Brig Griffiths, stepped off
the defence of the Dodecanese Seaways ferry onto Leros at lunchtime on
the island a mere Sun 7 May more than 24 hours after departing unit locations.
two weeks prior Unlike Marsland-Gander, our long road had been punctuated
Reproduction of the map used by to the German not by wailing Stuka dive-bombers, but by the equally well-
Brig Tilney during the battle invasion aimed opening brief delivered by the battlefield tour guide,
(Operation Mr Toby McLeod. Split between the Lydia Hotel on Rhodes
LEPPARD/TAIFUN). He commanded 234 Infantry Brigade, a and the Elefteria Hotel on Leros, this ensured a common
formation lacking significant combat experience and baseline of understanding throughout the group.
consisting mainly of territorial battalions. He also had at his
disposal a limited number of guns, a smattering of anti-
aircraft weapons, a handful of engineers and some special
forces (LRDG). His force on the island numbered
approximately 2,500 British and Empire troops and 5,000
Italians of dubious morale and loyalty, some of whom
manned the coastal guns. He was supported by the handful
of fighters that had the range to operate over the island from
Cyprus or Alexandria, and what shipping could evade the
ever-present threat presented by the Luftwaffe.
He faced total German air superiority following the loss of the
region’s last British held airstrip on Kos a few weeks prior,
and Nazi Germany’s finest assault troops in the form of
Brandenburg commando Kustenjägers (amphibious assault The Battlefield students on Appetici, above the rocks where the
troops) and fallschirmjägers (paratroopers). Perhaps doomed German assault gained its first foothold
from the outset by the decisions of his political masters,
Tilney’s troops gave an outstanding account of themselves Those braving the wind out on deck were privileged to see
and capitulated after five days of fighting described by one the same aspects of Mt Appetici and Pandeli Castle that the
Brandenburger (a veteran of much of the hardest fighting in eastern assault group would have seen in 1943. It was these
all theatres of the war) as the toughest fight he had men who secured the first foothold on the island by
experienced. scrambling up the rocky slopes of Appetici. Unprepared for a
12 wire@royalsignals.orgscramble landing and assault, we were grateful that the ferry The study of the battle,
Captain elected to disgorge his human cargo on the jetty in a through the medium of
(very slightly) more civilised manner. vignettes delivered by
the guide and syndicate
presentations, was
interspersed with
cultural and interest
visits to Pandeli Castle,
the private war
memorabilia collection
of local enthusiast
Giannis Paraponiaris and
the various war
memorials in and around
Lakki on the waterfront.
The exercise also paid its
respect to the fallen in a
short ceremony and
Maj Craig Smith opens a presentation on the three levels of wreath-laying at the
warfare at Blefuti Bay CWGC Leros War
Cemetery, located in a
Over the next three days the exercise saw a total of six well pleasant spot on the
researched water’s edge in Alinda The cross of sacrifice at Leros War
syndicate stands Bay. It was here that Cemetery; the wreath was laid by
delivered on Trina Wheable and Comd 1 (UK) Sig Bde
Appetici, Pandeli Jennie Spencer
Castle and delivered a reading
Meraviglia about
(Tilney’s fortress LCpl Ted Baker
HQ) in the central R SIGNALS, late of the
sector, and Blefuti 234 Inf Bde Sig Sect,
bay and Mt Clidi in who was killed in the
the North of the battle of Leros on 15
island. The high Nov 1943. The extract
ground offered from his last letter to
spectacular views his daughter put a lump
of the terrain, in more than one
surrounded by the throat.
deep blue of the
Aegean. It was Hosted and fed very
easy to see from well by Antonis Kanaris
atop the of the Elefteria Hotel, all
mountains why participants appeared
the Germans A US-made radio receiver salvaged from to enjoy all aspects of
chose to drop the battlefield by Mr Giannis Paraponiaris the exercise. Indeed, The resting place of
their paratroopers such was the level of LCpl ‘Ted’ Baker R SIGNALS, father
on the isthmus engagement from the of Rock and Roll legend Ginger
between Alinda and Gurna bays in an attempt to link up both students that frequently, Baker
sides with the kustenjagers; such an action, if successful, dinner table
would cut the island in two and in doing so severely damage conversation was overheard returning to the debates that
the cohesion of the defending force. had been born of the day’s presentations.
The study was wrapped up with a final discussion at the
picturesque chapel of Agia Panaghies on Alinda Bay, after
which the Brigade Comd gave his final thoughts on how such
a study is of benefit to all in our profession. A quick ice-cream
stop then set the group on the equally long road home from
Leros.
The study of such a little-known campaign, constrained in
space and time and which has generated a limited amount of
written history and analysis when compared to more often-
studied battles, has certain advantages. For the level of
experience of attendees (largely first time Battlefield
Students), the scope of the campaign and limited amount of
reading material made the study accessible, whilst the size of
Comd 1 (UK) Sig Bde, Brig Paul Griffiths, presents a plaque to Mr the island eliminated the long drives between stands that are
Giannis Paraponiaris a feature of some other campaigns.
AUGUST 2017 13A dual purpose coastal and anti-aircraft gun emplacement at
Blefuti Bay
As a final thought, and perhaps of use to anyone aiming to
replicate the exercise in the future, most complaints could be
prevented in advance by the planning of sufficient coffee Comd 1 (UK) Sig Bde, Brig Paul Griffiths presents a plaque to
stops. Hellenic Army liaison SM Anna Alexopoulou
Bde Comd Brig R Anderton-Brown The headquarters also hosted a visit by Commander Field
D Comd Col R Maybery QGM Army, Lieutenant General P Sanders, with a focus on bringing
COS Lt Col A Lucas ‘Rigour to Readiness’. The general also had an opportunity to
DCOS Maj J Mayne view some of the capability provided by 2 Signal Group in
SM WO1 S Tomblin their support to UK Operations. Maj Roy Davies led the
briefings on TACIT, which provides remote access into the
Brigade Headquarters secure national police network, and Command Support Team
– Enhanced, with personnel from 32 Signal Regiment. The
A busier than usual period for the Headquarters, with an General then received a briefing on UK Operations before
unexpected but successful period of support to UK addressing the whole of the headquarters staff, and fielding
Operations following the Manchester attack, with Op some challenging questions.
TEMPERER seeing the Brigade coordinating the activity of
soldiers supporting the police in several locations across the Some key personalities have also departed with farewells to
West Midlands, and JFCIS (UK) being stood up by 2 Signal Commander 7 Signal Group, Col D Craft, who is replaced by
Group. Col B Fitch, and farewell to the Brigade Sergeant Major, WO1
S Tomblin who moves to 71 (City of London) Yeomanry Signal
Regiment as QM(T).
Exercise HORSESHOE WARRIOR 2017 – 2 Signal Group
Conceptual Study of Monte Cassino, Italy, 25-28 May
- by 2Lt Wei and WO1 (SVWO) Keeble QVRM
Involving 35 Officers and Warrant Officers from across 2
Signal Group, Ex HORSESHOE WARRIOR was a 4-day
Battlefield Study of Monte Cassino in Italy. The study aimed
to examine the Command, Control and Communications (C3)
challenges faced by the Allied Forces in the significant, Battle
of Monte Cassino. In addition, the exercise allowed Regular
and Reserve personnel the opportunity to develop their
understanding of junior leadership and achieve broader
professional development through examining the principles
of war, and focussing on Army Leadership Doctrine.
The pre-deployment Study Day was hosted by 71 (City of
London) Yeomanry Signal Regiment at the Officers’ Mess in
Lincoln’s Inn, London. The day provided an opportunity for
the Battlefield Study academic, Dr John Greenacre, to share
his wealth of knowledge, briefing on the four battles of
CFA being briefed by Maj Roy Davies and members of 32 Sig Regt Monte Cassino and the preceding Allied campaign.
14 wire@royalsignals.orgThe first day saw the party assemble early at Heathrow Once the discussions had come to an end, we progressed
Terminal 5, eager to check-in and board the sunrise flight to onto the Monastery at the top of the hill. It has been
Rome. Welcomed by the fresh sunshine and forecast of 30oC completely restored to its original Benedictine elegance and
all week, a two hour coach ride took the group to Monte the serenity was overwhelming at this beautiful historic
Cassino, stopping short at the idyllic rural village in Monte location. The group then moved onto the key summit of
Trocchio for an authentic Italian meal consisting of toasted Point 593 across the valley, which saw the climax of the
bread, with a side of bread, followed by pasta, accompanied fighting between the Polish and Germans. With fantastic
by generous offerings of refills etc. – very much a recurring views of the Liri Valley, the group delved into the Principles of
theme for the duration of the stay in Italy. Offence, Selection and Maintenance of the Aim and Economy
of Effort in a C3 environment.
Moving swiftly into the first stand, Dr Greenacre set the scene
from a distance overlooking the Cassino Plain and Massif, and
Syndicate 1 sparked the discussions with their analysis of key
traits and styles of Generals during the battles. The SVWO of
71 Yeomanry Sig Regt, WO1 Keeble QVRM, gave an engaging
lesson on “What makes a good General?” which certainly
sparked lively discussion amongst the audience. Now firmly
into the study rhythm, a smooth transition between the
stands and syndicates took the group onto the German
Military Cemetery at Caira. Syndicate 2 took the lead on the
defensive principals and considered the leadership required to
motivate the troops to fight in such terrible conditions.
The second day of the tour began with a short drive to Colle
Belvedere, where the 2nd and 3rd Battles of Monte Cassino
involving the French Expeditionary Corps were fought. The
stands continued to hit a high benchmark, and led to Lt Eveleigh briefing on Point 593
discussions around modern doctrine and the role of the
Reserves. Some very contrasting views were expressed After a (significantly easier), downhill walk, we arrived at
which further emphasised the aims of this exercise to Albaneta Farm to discuss the Decision Action Cycle (OODA
facilitate debate and interaction amongst 2 Signal Group. All loop) and how commanders achieved the element of surprise.
were in very high spirit, not least thanks to the magnificent This linked in to the next stand nearby at Cavendish Road,
views of the Liri Valley under clear blue skies. where the Indian Division highlighted the importance of
logistics in a conflict environment and the use of traditional
Another long drive took the group to the River Garigliano, methods, such as mules, which at times are most effective, to
where the sheer courage of the US 36th Division was resupply the troops. WO2 (SSM) Cullumbine was the most
appreciated when the ground situation was described of their qualified candidate to lead a fantastic interactive presentation
attempt to cross the river. The German bombardment as part on the leadership challenges faced with a difficult CASEVAC
of a calculated defence left few survivors. Lunch was taken in chain, which left a very definite impression on the assembled
Cassino town centre before moving on to Castle Hill, a castle junior officers.
halfway up Monte Cassino captured by the 2nd New Zealand
Division, with an overwhelming view of the town below. After an evening winning hearts and minds in Cassino town,
the group checked out of the hotel ready to return home
This is where the British adapted to fighting in built up areas, straight from the final stand. An intermediate stop at
and the group gained an understanding of the difference Amazon Bridge en route the final Act of Remembrance at the
between OBUA and FIBUA. From Castle Hill, the group CWGC Cemetery at Monte Cassino provided the opportunity
followed the steps of the Gurkha Rifles up to Hangman’s Hill, to study the Manoeuvrist Approach. WO2 Scobie impressed
on the other side of the mountain only 250m away from the with his infantry knowledge to discuss whether this was
Monastery at the top. This fierce battle proved hugely actually a war of attrition, with a most refreshing delivery
demoralising when the troops became isolated on the rough style.
terrain in the harshest winter weather. 2Lt Wei and Lt
MacInnes, took the lead to discuss the leadership required to At the CWGC Cemetery, the final presentations examined the
maintain morale and how the Army Leadership Doctrine was questions posed at the Study Day by Comd 2 Signal Group,
so prevalent. Col J Cooper. With each of the selected junior officers
considering a different Army Leadership Code principle, this
The penultimate day started with a winding drive up to proved to be a perfect summary and overarching reflection
Abbazia di Monte Cassino where the group stopped at the for the Battlefield Study. The exercise then concluded with
immaculately maintained Polish Cemetery. This location was the Padre conducting a poignant remembrance service, in
most apt for a question considering the legal and ethical which the songs of prayer proudly sung by the whole group
aspects of the battle. The group was extremely fortunate to echoed. However, the element of surprise most certainly
be blessed with the company of the 71 Yeomanry Signal halted the momentum of the trip, for the global meltdown at
Regiment Padre Capt (Rev'd) Trundle, who initiated a deep British Airways completely turned the itinerary upside down,
and emotional debate into the morality of the bombing of the and the group were, like thousands across the world,
Monastery. Hindsight proved its powers once again with the stranded in a foreign land. Fortunately, the exercise leads, Lt
group having to examine if the bombing was right or wrong. Col Rowson, Capt Haughton and Dr Greenacre demonstrated
Much debate saw the group split in its opinion of whether it their leadership and the ever-British “adapt and overcome”
was the right decision, and the implications for commanders attitude to begin formulating a workable plan to get everyone
in today’s modern operating environment. home. ENDEX was postponed.
AUGUST
JUNE2017
2017 159After wriggling into our wetsuits, clambering around for
correct sized helmets and buoyancy aids, we were ready for
our activity; which looked like a mini version of Total Wipeout!
Most of us were excited to get going. Naturally being the
most junior in rank, I was ‘volun-told’ to be the first one to
take the leap of faith onto the floating inflatables. Capt Dai
Jones was swift to follow, purely just to throw me off into the
water; multiple times! Maj Shaun Wilson was next to fumble
his way across to try offer a bit of support but again made
many a slip into the water, much entertainment for the rest
of us. A swift log run and slide down into the water, we then
moved on to the part of the course that resembled a climbing
frame. Everyone got across the climbing wall without a hitch
2Lt Wei answering ‘The Commanders Question’, CWGC Cemetery before moving onto a kind of rope swing. I and many found
an alternative way across, swimming! Next was a rope walk
which Sgt Steve Cairney managed to cross despite everyone’s
efforts to shake him off. Maj Pete Stowell showed great skill
on the monkey bars over the water, reaching the other side.
The instructor decided it was time to move on to ‘The Blob’
which is a big inflatable mattress, used to catapult people into
the water by jumping from height onto it. Before we headed
up the stairs to a platform to jump from, we were weighed
and put in order from lightest to heaviest. Maj Shaun Wilson
got the award for best launch, catapulting Capt Dai Jones
almost over the building. Needless to say, there were a few
aches and pains in 7 Signal Group the following day!
Exercise participants at the Monte Cassino CWGC Cemetery
Capt Haughton gave the good (or terrible!) news that the
earliest rescheduled return would be 24 hours later, so a full
day in sunny Rome was confirmed. With a hotel situated
within walking distance of iconic hotspots, including Vatican
City, who better to share their expertise than the Padre, Capt
(Revd) Trundle. Organising a spontaneous walking tour of
the historic city, the Padre shared his love of the city, with
impromptu stands from several of the officers who between
them held degrees in military and ancient history. The SVWO,
WO1 Keeble, summarised the unanimous gratitude of the
group, “I doubt any organised tour would have covered so
much ground or given us so much knowledge. Well done to
everyone who stepped up”. Dr Greenacre was able to extend
the conceptual study by providing an impromptu stop at the
sight of an IED strike on the German Army by local Italians in
1944. A local Italian even overheard this brief overview and
kindly offered to show photos of the remnants of the fateful
attack and provided further insight into the atrocity of what
followed. After a good eight hours and 15km of walking, the
group reached the climatic San Pietro, in Vatican City. The
truly illustrious sight unfolded whilst the Padre gave the final
inspiring talk under the setting sun. A final evening
thoroughly enjoying the authentic Italian summer could not The team building day
have been a better (and final) end to the exercise, before the was finished with a BBQ
group safely returned to the UK. – Capt Jones did a stirling
job at making sure none
7 Signal Group Teambuilding Day - by Sig Scarborough of us got food poisoning
by being the master
Escaping the office for once, 7 Signal Group, headed to North of the BBQ, looking
Wales for a team building day at Surf Snowdonia. As we very dapper in his boat
were partaking in Crash & Splash, the scorching weather was shoes, tongs and apron
definitely in our favour! After a picturesque drive through (although it did take
the green Welsh valleys, our car driven (slowly) by Sgt Damo 50 minutes to cook the
Creed arrived at the outdoor surf centre. sausages!)
16 wire@royalsignals.orgAUGUST 2017 17
Pipe President Col J Cooper late R SIGNALS
Corps Pipe Major WO2 (PM) S Bell
An RSA Weekend Debut by LCpl Adam Meek, 22 Sig Regt heat to tune up and get ready for the actual parade. By this
point I was feeling ill either from the heat or nerves, but I was
As a newly qualified piper, I was nervous about taking part in excited at the same time as this was my first parade since my
my first RSA parade. Fortunately we had the whole week class 3 Course Passout.
beforehand to allow for some much needed
practice. Very soon it was time for the performance.
We gathered next to the parade square for a
On the Monday we arrived early in Stafford few pictures and last minute tuning before
to get some practice in with the newly the big performance. At this point everyone
qualified Pipe Major Cpl Mark Black before else seemed relaxed, however I was
the Corps Pipe Major WO2 (PM) ‘Dinger’ Bell extremely nervous and the band formed up
arrived to put us through our paces. The as Cpl Black went to go on the tower for the
morning started with a quick finger warm up solo piper piece. I couldn’t help but worry
on the practice chanters whilst the drummers about messing up but I stood on parade
did whatever the drummers do with their ready to give it my best.
pads in the corner. We started to go over
tunes that would be needed for the weekend After marching behind the Corps Band the
and also the rest of the year, and LCpl Chris pipers then stood at the front to perform
Dorman taught me the tune “The Bloody Highland Cathedral, which is a well-known
Fields of Flanders”. After lunch the pipes and popular tune. I felt every single part of
came out, and it was time to blow away me shake from nerves but knew I could get
some cobwebs. through it after the work I had put in. Pipe
Major WO2 (PM) ‘Dinger’ Bell took the lead
This continued most of the week except on and played first before the remainder of the
the Tuesday night when the entire band from pipers joined in, and to start with I felt like
Stafford went round to LCpl Dorman’s house my fingers couldn’t move but in the end I
for pizza and refreshments. Who says it’s all managed and I was so pleased that I had
LCpl Adam Meek looking
work and no fun? played. It was a very proud moment for me
forward to his first performance
and all the hard work paid off as the crowd
Thursday morning came round quickly and all seemed to really appreciate the music.
the pipers got up early to travel to Blandford, with a variety of
pipe music blasting on the stereo. We arrived in Blandford Overall, even though the heat was unbearable and nerves
just after lunchtime and after quickly taking over our nearly took over it was a successful performance and a proud
accommodation it was straight down to business. Within no day, and I am really looking forward to performing with the
time the pipers went up to the car park for some more Pipes and Drums again.
practice on pipes which allowed us to have a few more hours
off that night for kit preparation and relaxation. Friday
The Pipes and Drums are always recruiting experienced
consisted of more practicing and kit prep for the big day on
and learner pipers, drummers and highland dancers, both
Saturday, finishing at around midnight. I was extremely
Regular and Reserve. Further details are available by
nervous at this point but not as nervous as I would be on the
contacting:
actual day.
Email RSIGNALSHQ-PipesandDrums@mod.uk
On the day itself we were not due to play until later so it was Phone 07788 396381
a pretty easy morning. After a spot of lunch the pipers Webpage http://www.army.mod.uk/signals/24990.aspx
gathered under the watchful eye of Pipe Major Facebook via the official Royal Corps of Signals page
WO2 (PM) ‘Dinger’ Bell outside the block in the blistering
The Pipes and Drums getting a quick photo together before they go on parade
18 wire@royalsignals.orgYou can also read
