Tidworth based 6 Armoured Close Support Battalion REME have craftsmen deployed in BATUS, where soldiers and officers from the Regular and Reserves are working together to prepare the vehicle fleet for this year’s activities. Working conditions have been harsh, with temperatures dropping to -28C; colder than the North Pole.

Back in Tidworth the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess hosted the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Cummings, for his dining-out on leaving the battalion

He was presented with a leaving gift, hand-crafted from a section of railway track from SEME Bordon by Sgt Stu Lewis.

On the sporting front, Craftsman Lucy Heddington and her horse Janton Wild Whisper have been selected by the Army Equitation Association to be members of the 2020 Dressage, Eventing and Show jumping team. Lucy has also been made deputy team manager.

FIRST FUSILIERS

Have been busy preparing for their deployment to Estonia later this year. Topics have included studying and preparing for operations in heavily wooded Estonia by hearing about others’ lessons and wargaming how they might fight and win.

Their Information Activity and Outreach Teams have been honing their skills ahead of deployment by working with Oxford UOTC.

Whilst many of the battalion were practising close quarter battle skills including some very energetic bayonet training, the Mortar Platoon has conquered the classic and unrivalled Infantry physical event: summitting Pen Y Fan with full 81mm mortar kit. Pen Y Fan is the highest peak in south Wales, situated in the Brecon Beacons at 886 metres (2,907 ft) above sea-level.

SPORTING SUCCESS

22 Regiment Royal Engineers have been crowned Corps Snowboarding Champions, 1st and 3rd Unit and 1st and 2nd Individuals. They are also Corps Alpine Skiing Champions for the 3rd year running, having the best individual and supplying three skiers to the Army.

HELP NEEDED

The Royal Artillery Museum in Larkhill is looking for enthusiastic and flexible volunteers to assist in a number of projects - from conservation of equipment to office operations, tour guides, education, gardeners, tailors and much more .

If you would like to be part of the team , simply contact them via Facebook Royal Artillery