101 Engineer Regiment Newsletter
With COVID-19 now firmly behind us, the Regt has taken up a robust training program. A new war in Europe has added an urgency to our efforts, and our Army Reservists are increasingly being asked to support the regular force. We have organised and delivered a number of training weekends, culminating in our 2-week ADE.
Ex BLACKCAT CHARGE, 10-25 Sept 22
The Annual Deployment Exercise (ADE) conducted in several training areas in Cornwall. Troops completed a package of standardised mandatory training, before moving onto a series of challenging Search tasks. Searchers were challenged by novel environments including an airframe and a local mine, forcing them to adopt new techniques and hone their skills. After proving their Search abilities, the teams deployed to Tregantle Training Area, going through a program of urban combat training that culminated in an exciting dawn assault on Scraesdon Fort. Following this exhausting period of training, the troops wound down with some social activities and adventurous training including coasteering and surfing.
Guildhall Parade, 12 Jul 22
As an affiliated Regiment to the City of London, 101 Engineer Regiment was invited to parade withing the Guildhall Yard to commemorate our return following de-hybridisation. Postponed from 2020 due to COVID-19, conditions finally allowed it to be conducted. A video of the parade is below.
In addition to the above regimental training, Sub-Units have been conducting their own training and this has included some of the following events:
Ex PHOENIX CANNING, 18-20 Feb 22
579 Field Squadron conducted a Search training exercise of the Excel Conference Centre in London, simulating the process for ensuring the safety of political party conferences.
Ex HUDSON SURVIVE, 9 Jul 22
221 Field Squadron conducted a multi-day ‘Survive, Evade, Resist, Escape (SERE)’ training event.
Ex RAVEN PRISON SEARCH, 30 Jul 22
217 Field Squadron arranged and conducted a training search task at HMP Isis, Thamesmead.
Finally, 101 Engineer Regiment has mobilised personnel to provide EOD and Search support to the Commonwealth Games and the Qatar World Cup, as well as mobilising in support of a NATO Military Training Team in Tunisia.
In addition to all the above activity, we are proud to inform you that individuals from within the Regiment have also received a number of honours and awards in 2022 including:
General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1st (UK) Division Commendation:
Sgt Robertson
Long Service Certificates – Awarded for over 20 years’ service in the Civil Service
Lucy Thomas
Edward Fowowe
Commanding Officer’s Prize – For Excellence in Military Engineering by a Junior Officer
2Lt Douglas Sleeman
Notable new appointments into the Regiment include a new Executive Officer – Maj Andrew Marshall, a new RSM – WO1 Callam Stewart, a new Adjutant – Capt Laurence Sutton,and a new Officer Commanding 579 Fd Sqn (EOD&S) – Maj Duncan Wood.
The Regiment will also be saying goodbye to our Commanding Officer, Lt Col Mark Bennett, and welcoming Lt Col David White as his replacement on 9 December 2022.
