101 Engineer Regiment (EOD&S): Year in Review
The Worshipful Company of Constructors are proud supporters of the 101 Engineer Regiment (EOD&S), below are their highlights and activities for the past year:
Operation TOSCA
Early this year, the final members of the Regiment returned from Op TOSCA; the UN’s peacekeeping mission in Cyprus. The 29 personnel from across the three Squadrons in 101 Engineer Regiment joined Reserve Engineers from 71 Engineer Regiment for the duration of the six month tour. During this time they were responsible for patrolling and maintaining the peace along the British sector of the 180km buffer zone.
Exercise BLACKCAT BARAF – 09-16 Mar 24
The Unit organised a Regimental Adventurous Training expedition to Chamonix, France for a week of skiing. In the stunning scenery of the Alps, all members of the unit were successful in gaining their Ski Foundation 1 and 2 qualifications. The purpose of Adventurous Training is to challenge Service Personnel outside their comfort zones in a non-military setting and provide the opportunity to develop teamwork and leadership.
Ex RAVEN NESTEGG – 16-19 May 24
217 Field Squadron (EOD&S) organised a battlefield study to Jersey to gain an understanding of the island’s military occupation during WW2 and the fortifications built during that time.
Sapper Games – 30 Jun-05 Jul 24
The Sapper Games is an annual sports competition within the Royal Engineers community. This year, 101 Engineer Regiment (EOD&S) submitted a team to take part in the golf competition which came in third place.
579 Sqn 25 Year Anniversary – 06 Jul 24
579 Field Squadron (EOD&S) held a families day at their Squadron Headquarters in Tunbridge Wells to celebrate the 25 anniversary of the Squadron being stood up in its current configuration.
Ex BLACKCAT JARVIS – 02-04 Aug 24
The Commanding Officer’s weekend is a key event in the training year where the Regiment is exercised on a large scale to test and develop their EOD and Search and Counter-Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear skills. This year, the exercise spanned three locations across London in response to a simulated widespread attack. Controlled from an operations centre in Wellington Barracks, the troops responded to threats in Aldwych Tube Station and Acton Train Depot. With the increased complexity of “real world” locations, the unit also had to navigate the liaison with external agencies, including the Metropolitan Police Service, London Ambulance Service, the Hazardous Area Response Team and the London Fire Brigade.
Regimental Guest Night Dinner – 28 Sep 24
The Regiment were delighted to hold their Regimental Guest Dinner Night at the Honourable Artillery Company in London. The night was a roaring success and a great opportunity for members of the Regiment to catch up with our many supporters as well as give an update on the latest news, provided by Lt Col David White
Ex BLACKCAT CHARGE – 10-27 Oct 24
This year’s annual deployment exercise saw 49 members of the Regiment deploy to Gibraltar for two weeks to hone their military skillsets. With the complex terrain of Gibraltar, the unit was able to conduct training on a range of unfamiliar territory, including the tunnels under the Rock of Gibraltar, an urban training village, a beach for practicing landing craft drills and a disused radar station. The variety provided by this training deployment has given the troops a valuable opportunity to develop their core infantry skills as well as their specialist EOD and Search skills. Additionally, they had the opportunity to conduct a battlefield study on the peninsula’s WW2 history as well as enjoying some well-earned adventurous training.
Lord Mayor’s Show – 09 Nov 24
221 Field Squadron (EOD&S) were chosen to represent the Regt with a float as part of the Lord Mayor’s show. Featuring members of the Sqn in WW2 attire as well as a mixture of EOD kit and some slightly more elaborate decorations, this was a great opportunity to show off the Regt to the public and further boost the recruitment drive.
Remembrance Sunday – 10 Nov 24
This year, members of 101 Engineer Regiment (EOD&S) have been representing the Regiment across London and the South-East, with services held in Lewisham, Redbridge, Southend-on-Sea, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Reigate and Chelsea.
