FUSILIER NEWS
Regimental Headquarters The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers HM Tower of London London EC3N 4AB
Tel: 020-3166-6909 Fax: 020-3166-6920 E-mail:
RHQ/RRF/1363 19th May 2011
RHQ
Change of Appointments. You will note in detail further into the News that the Commanding Officers of 1 and 2 RRF changed in Apr 11. Lt Col Jim Landon has moved on to a staff appointment in Afghanistan and Lt Col Charlie Calder will be a DS at JSCSC (The Joint Staff College). Lt Col Jon Swift now commands 1 RRF and Lt Col Mike Butterwick 2 RRF. Colonel Brain Gorski has handed over his duties as Area Col Lancashire to Brig Paul Nanson. Col Gorski has assumed a new Regimental position as Col Heritage and Museums.
Assistant Regtl Sec. After several attempts Capt John Davis has finally retired as Assistant Regimental Secretary and has been replaced by Capt Andy Harris. The Colonel of the Regiment sends the thanks and best wishes of all Fusiliers to John for the huge contribution he has made to the Regiment and wishes Andy good luck in his new appointment.
Commissioning of HMS DIAMOND. A new RN ship, HMS DIAMOND, affiliated to the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was commissioned at a ceremony at Portsmouth this month. The Regimental Secretary and Maj Craig Taylor (Bn 2ic, 1 RRF) represented the Regt. A piece of Warwick Regtl silver was presented to the Captain as a mark of the affiliation; HMS DIAMOND is also affiliated to the City of Coventry.
Disbandment of 13 Sqn RAF. The Regimental Secretary represented the Colonel of the Regiment at a ceremony at RAF Marham to mark the disbandment of 13 Sqn, RAF as a part of SDSR. The Regiment has enjoyed a long and successful affiliation with 13 Sqn and it was indeed a sad day. The Sqn, however, produced an outstanding parade and the officers an equally splendid last dinner night. Should 13 Sqn be resurrected the Regt stands by to renew the affiliation.
Regimental Cocktail Party. Another reminder that the Regimental Cocktail Party this year will be held on 30 Jun in the Tower. Tickets are available through RHQ for what is a very well attended and increasingly popular event.
1 RRF
At the end of Apr 11, Lt Col Landon handed over command of the Battalion to Lt Col Swift. On his last day in command, Lt Col Landon was pulled in his Warrior to the camp gates by the Officers, Warrant Officers and SNCOs. During his time in command, Lt Col Landon moved the Battalion from Fallingbostel to Tidworth, spent nearly 2 years as the Land Warfare Centre Battlegroup, provided a Battle Casualty Reinforcement (BCR) Cohort to Afghanistan and, as the Regiments Recruiting Colonel, achieved full manning within the Battalions.
Lt Col Landon being ‘pulled out’
On Wednesday 27 April the Officers’ Mess formally welcomed the new CO, Lt Col Jon Swift at a Regimental Dining In. Lt Col Swift began the evening by addressing the mess for the first time to lay out his vision for the future of the mess and the Battalion. Another excellent dinner was provided by the mess chefs, followed by drinks in the newly refurbished bar.
The remaining BCR Cohort still based in the UK said farewell to the final men deploying to Op HERRICK at the beginning of April. Shortly after LCpl Adrean Salem and his fire team deployed, the Battalion began to welcome home Fusiliers who had been on Operations for between 2 – 5 months. They returned with stories of what they had accomplished, and were rightly proud of their achievements. The Fusiliers’ tasks in theatre ranged from working in the Brigade Reconnaissance Force (BRF) out of Camp BASTION to conducting foot patrols from some of the remotest Checkpoints (CPs) far from any established Forward Operating Base. The experience gained will no doubt be put to good use as the Battalion begins to prepare for its own tour on HERRICK 18 in 2013. While the amount of administration required to get the men away on Post Tour Leave initially seemed a mammoth task, paperwork was trawled through and the BCR Fusiliers are now enjoying a well earned break in various locations across the world ranging from Newcastle and Manchester to Germany and Australia. After leaving theatre, the Fusiliers travelled through Cyprus to attend post Operational briefings, and enjoyed a couple of days relaxing before flying back to the UK. Since the teams were deployed to different units in theatre, they received different welcomes home. Some enjoyed a full parade with Union Flags flying and others simply transited through quietly to be welcomed by the Fusiliers back in the Battalion. X Company are planning a welcome home event for the men collectively when all return from their leave in June in time for the Harts Medals.
Lt Rick Smith with his Pl in Afghanistan Lt Matt Selby is welcomed home by his wife
Instead of watching HRH Prince William tie the knot, members of 1 RRF football team travelled to Celle Germany to take on their sister battalion in a match organised by the two RSMs to celebrate St George’s Day and Gallipoli Day. In what proved to be a hard fought game 1 RRF emerged with a well deserved victory The First Battalion returned to Tidworth with the trophy, which was last competed for in 1994 when the Second Battalion won 4-1. After the match all members of the football squad were invited to an all ranks function. This was further supported with hosting of all members in their respective messes on the Sunday afternoon. After a fantastic match, warm welcome and impeccable hosting the First Battalion returned to Mooltan Barracks victorious and look forward to a return match and defence of the trophy on home soil.
Over Easter leave the 1 RRF Welfare Office arranged for members of the Newcastle Community Football Coaching organisation run a coaching course for the youth of Tidworth. The course was open to anyone aged 5 – 16 years and attracted 37 potential Alan Shearers!
The Bn Newcastle Coaching Course
2 RRF
April has been a month of many changes for the Second Battalion. Lt Col Charlie Calder OBE was pulled out of Trenchard Barracks on 7 April and was succeeded by Lt Col Mike Butterwick. Other changes within the Battalion included Captain Paul Mullis moving on from BCMO being replaced by Capt Dave Granfield and Capt Paul Bland moving on from the role of Welfare Officer to pursue a civilian life after a very long and successful career. This year also offered the Battalion its first opportunity in a long time to really celebrate St George's Day and Gallipoli Day.
Change of Command. Lt Col Charlie Calder OBE was pulled out of camp after an enormously successful time in command of 2 RRF. He had commanded the Battalion through the full spectrum of military tasks, from the forecourt of Buckingham Palace to the green zone of Afghanistan. During his time he hosted President Karzai at Wellington Barracks, the Duke of Kent twice and the Secretary of State for Defence. He participated in the State Opening of Parliament as well as routine public duties across London. He prepared and commanded the Battalion on operations in Afghanistan and prepared the battalion for its current role as SSC BG..
Lt Col Calder being pulled out
On the morning of his departure Lt Col Calder’s vehicle was prepared outside the Officers’ Mess and screened behind a MAN Support Vehicle. Initially the Commanding Officer looked disappointed that he would be pulled out of camp in an SV, but the real vehicle was revealed and provided a better view with more comfortable seating. After having his own driver and car as CO, the Battalion was concerned he would have difficulty getting around under his own steam, luckily this was solved by providing two mountain bikes (one for Lt Col Calder and one for Claire) as the gates were closed behind him. Lt Col Calder was an exceptional Commanding Officer and all ranks of the Second Battalion wish him and his family the best of luck in his new role as a DS at the Joint Services Command and Staff College, Shrivenham.
Lt Col Mike Butterwick
Lt Col Mike Butterwick assumed command and the Battalion continues to meet the challenges facing it; including maintaining a continued high readiness capability as the SSCBG, Exercise ASKARI THUNDER in Kenya at the end of the year; the move to Cyprus and ultimately the Battalion’s assumption of the Theatre Reserve Battalion for Afghanistan next year.
St George's Day and Gallipoli Celebration. For various reasons, over the last few years the Second Battalion has not been able to celebrate St George’s Day nor Gallipoli Day in the traditional manner. This year, however, the opportunity to change this was taken fully. With planning commencing several months out, the intent was to have a day whereby the whole Battalion and its extended family could truly celebrate our Regiment’s anniversary (albeit not on the 23 April as the date fell during well-earned leave). The traditions of the day were merged with a family friendly fun-day and an all ranks evening function. St George's Day 2011 was planned to foster a feeling of family, not just for the serving soldiers but for all dependents, particularly the children, as well. Under the direction of Maj Ged Murphy, Officer in Charge St George’s Day, 2 RRF held the largest party the Battalion has delivered in recent history.
The drums leading the Battalion onto parade
Capt Daniel Wright leading No1 Guard on the march past (Ed; cocked wrist I see)
The day started traditionally with "gun fire" and a breakfast bap. The Battalion then formed up for a formal parade including members of the Fusilier Associations and the Wilhelmstahl Colour, carried as tradition requires, by the youngest drummer on parade. Maj Pete Harty led the parade as Lt Col Mike Butterwick took the salute on the dais with the Burgermeister (Mayor of Celle). Immediately following the parade, there was a children's fancy dress competition. The winner had the honour of opening the Second Fusilier's Festival of Fun by cutting the ribbon on the very impressive castle entrance to the sports pitches constructed by Cpl Marsh.
Erin Farrell cutting the ribbon The Grand Entrance to the Festival of Fun
Entertainment for the day included numerous bouncy castles and inflatable games, pony rides, a carousel, several food stalls, a children's area and of course the Company tents. The First Battalion's football team were flown in to make sure it was not solely a Second Fusiliers event. As described earlier the match was well contested, though the result did not adhere to the Battalion’s (or QMs) plan; 3-0 to 1RRF. There was also an intercompany chariot race comprising two laps of a course which included a water obstacle. While the horses changed over between laps, St George had to complete an obstacle course. Each company had designated ambush points where dragon slayers were poised with water, flour and shaving foam bombs to try to improve the chances of their own team.
The Second Fusiliers on the attack The chariot race
Each company tent was competing for the best at show, the winner was a little controversial as I'm not sure St George ever visited an Ibiza style beach bar, but B Company secured the win here (and I'm sure it had nothing to do with the Adjutant being ambushed and thrown into their pool!).
HQ Company tent CSgt Daren Hanrahan receiving the prize for best company tent from the CO
The 'Festival of Fun' closed down in the early evening and after a short turn around all had returned in their dancing shoes for the all ranks function, replete with bumper cars, hog roast and the world’s largest glitter ball (not substantiated by the Guinness book of records).
Fus Ashley Moore, C Coy enjoying the evening function
The highlight of the evening was the raffle; there were two main prizes, one for a single living in soldier and a second raffle for the whole Battalion. The main prize for the livers in raffle was a large TV, a week’s leave and 500 Euros; Pte Limbu from the RLC was the lucky winner of this prize. The grand prize of a 40" 3D television with stand, X-Box 360, Blue-Ray player and surround system was won by Cpl Phil Carr, CIS Pl. The Day was a great success, all ranks reported having had an amazing time; Regimental family ties were reinforced and the event was one which set the standard within the Battalion and will not be forgotten for some time.
5 RRF
At the end of Mar 11 the Battalion held a Battle Camp at Otterburn Training Area the aim of which was train 5 RRF and other TA Infantry Units soldiers warned off for an Op HERRICK deployment in the Autumn. The Battalion was honoured to be visited by The Colonel Chief, along with the Colonel of the Regiment, Regimental Secretary, and the Honorary Colonel Lord James Percy. The Colonel in Chief met all soldiers in training and was given the opportunity to fire the UGL which was a first for him. The Honorary Colonel enjoyed his GMPG live firing session so much on his previous visit he was employed as the No 1 on the flanking fire gun. The visit concluded with a light lunch with the Officers and Warrant Officers.
Sjt Rider & the Colonel in Chief withUGL The Colonel in Chief meets WO2 Waddell – background L to R: RSM, Trg Maj, CO