OCA news
I wish you all a very happy, prosperous, and safe 2007. The New Year starts with the task of living up to the training challenges presented to our Squadron during 2006. That was the year that saw our soldiers training in Germany and Gibraltar, attending testing exercises on several training areas in the United Kingdom and 6 members preparing for operational service in Iraq.
Westminster Dragoons in Iraq - Operation TELIC 9
As the year drew to a close 6 members of the Squadron received their mobilisation instructions for service with "H" Squadron 1st Royal Tank Regiment who were to augment the strength of 40th Regiment Royal Artillery in Iraq. 2Lt P Sparrow, Cpl A Wilson, LCpl G Wilson, and Troopers W Condon, M Nim, and "Zippy" Rahman have now completed their mobilisation training and deployed to Shaibah Base. We have been able to maintain good communications with them via E-Mail, Forces Mail (known as "Blueys" after the letter format) and BFPO electronic mail. We have also received the occasional telephone call. We have a duty rota for sending "Comfort Parcels" as things are rather basic in theatre. Their reports indicate that our boys and girls have settled in well and fully integrated with their Regular Army counterparts. Our thoughts with them and we look forward to their safe return.
Annual Camp 2006
Annual Camp took place on the Sennelager training areas near Paderborn in Germany. Many former WD's will have fond memories of exercises in that area and we can report that it is not much changed. There are fewer British troops in the town but the training facilities are second to none.
Transport to and from Germany was by coach, although some moved in a more traditional manner, slogging along the Autobahn in 4 ton trucks and Land Rovers. Our soldiers were able to train to a high standard of Skill At Arms which culminated in live firing section attacks, and to learn of demolition tasks with the Sappers. All squadrons returned to their roots during a tracked armoured vehicle training phase with the 9th/12th Royal Lancers on Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) SPARTAN. (CVR (T) to those who have served with it before!) With ample time for R&R and perhaps the best Regimental Smoker anyone can remember - The "Y" Factor was arranged by W Squadron's own Cpl A Wilson: it all proved to be a most entertaining training package. It was an unexpected pleasure to welcome four members of our Regimental Association who visited us during the exercise and joined in the social activities with great enthusiasm.
Westminster Dragoons benevolent Fund
The Westminster Dragoons benevolent Fund is available to assist all former and serving members of the Regiment and is able to offer advice and make grants in a number of circumstances. If we can help you, or you know of someone who might gain by our assistance please contact the Regimental Secretary.
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Our TA Centre
There is little sign of progress with regard to the relocation of the Squadron into a suitable TA Centre. However, the Squadron continues to make good use of the facilities available at Fulham House and the location is well served by public transport making it a very good recruiting location. It is anticipated that we shall be here for some time to come so please do make the effort and come to visit us.
Cavalry Memorial Parade 2007
The Parade and Service in 2006 was very well attended by the serving squadrons and regimental associations of the Royal Yeomanry. However, I think it is fair to say that the attendance of Westminster Dragoons on parade was not as strong as it has been in recent years. The WD's were
the founding RY squadron within the Association when the Royal Yeomanryformed having been a regimental member in its own right. The 2007 parade is to take place on Sunday 13th May - be on parade for 10.30 a.m. The Parade is to be sponsored by the Blues & Royals. Please log thisdate in your diary and lets have a very good Westminster Dragoon turnout this year.
Royal Yeomanry cap badge
An historic moment occurred at Annual Camp when Major General the Duke of Westminster and Major General SJR Roberts (GOC London District) joined the Regiment on parade and the Regiment put on the new Royal Yeomanry Regimental cap badge. Although sad to loose their squadron cap badges the Regimental sub units have not lost their identity as all other forms of dress including stable belts, and emblems on service dress, No 1 Dress, and Mess Dress remain unchanged. The Westminster Dragoons also retain their black berets.
The Royal Honorary Colonel is HRH the Princess Alexandra and the Regimental cap badge, in silver, describes interlaced "A"s surmounted by a coronet, with a scroll below containing the words "THE ROYAL YEOMANRY" The whole item mounted upon a green backing.
Following the initial issue it is expected that officers and warrant officers will wear silver thread badges with all other ranks wearing thesilver metal item.
At a time when the Royal Yeomanry is so often committed to operational theatres it is most sensible that we should move to a common identity. The badge has been well received by all ranks in the serving squadron.
The year ahead
2007 has a lot to live up to and has started well, at the time of going to press the squadron has already deployed on an exercise at Long Valley - Aldershot, provided a Guard of Honour for HRH the Countess of Wessexat the Mansion House, and is to send a small group to train and test the Royal Gibraltar Regiment on "The Rock". It is expected that Annual camp will be held at Castlemartin in Wales during September.
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