HONOURS AND AWARDS

Col Barry Green receiving his Bronze Star Medal from Gen David Petraeus, US Army, the Commanding General of the Iraq MNF (Multi-National Force). Col Green was awarded the Bronze Star for his work as Chief C3 (Plans) Iraq Security Forces at HQ MNF.

We congratulate Col Barry Green on the award of the Bronze Star Medal (see above) for services in Iraq, as Chief C3 Iraq Security Forces.

BIRTHS

We congratulate Maj & Mrs Graeme Mackay on the birth of their son Montgomery Anthony Hector on 02 Sep 08.

ARMY V NAVY RUGBY MATCH - TWICKENHAM 2ND MAY 2009

The Royal Tank Regiment will have a car loaded with food and drink, located in the West Car Park. Look out for the RTR flag that will hopefully be flying high in the area of the car.

RTR CHURCH SUNDAY

The RTR Church Sunday will be held at St Georges Church the Armour Centre on Sunday 15 March 2009 commencing at 11.00 hrs. It will be followed by a Curry Lunch at the Officers Mess. The cost of the Curry Lunch is 8.00 per person.

Anyone wishing to attend please contact the Regimental Secretary on 01929 403 331 or email: regsec@rtr.org.uk

RTR COFFIN DRAPE

RHQ RTR has in its store, two coffin drapes which can be loaned. Both items are free of charges, but a donation towards the cost of postage would be appreciated. If you would like any further information please contact the Regimental Secretary at RHQ RTR.

RTR STANDARDS PARADE - PHOTOGRAPHY

Below: On 2nd October 2008, Gen Sir Antony Walker and the Regimental Colonel presented Mr John Kay, Chief Reporter and Mr Arthur Edwards, Chief Photographer for the Sun with a Regimental Tie, Commemorative Coin and a copy of Tank Magazine, in appreciation of their kindness in taking a series of outstanding photographs at our Standards Parade on 25th June 2008.

BATUS - VINTNERS VISIT

The Second kindly hosted a visit from the Vintners during their Med Man Exercise in BATUS. The Regimental Colonel, Mr Sam Dow and Mr Michael Cox visited BATUS for three days in early October 2008. The aim of the visit was to give the Vintners an insight to training in BATUS and significantly introduce them to as many members of 2 RTR as possible. Following an early morning flight, piloted by Captain Charlie Grant (Ex 2 RTR) we were kitted out for the Prairie and spent the next two days observing all aspects of the 2 RTR Battlegroup training. This included rides on Challenger 2 and many other vehicles in the Battlegroup, watching live firing and a comprehensive brief on the range control and safety aspects of the training. There can be no doubt that the Vintners were impressed with the quality of the 2 RTR training and that they achieved a unique insight into the way a Batttlegroup operates in the field. Following the three days official visit, the group visited Banff in the Rockies before returning home to the UK. The visit, funded in its entirety by the Vintners, was a definite success and our thanks go to all members of 2 RTR who contributed to make it so.

CHELSEA PENSIONERS VISIT TO VITNERS HALL

The photograph shows a visit made by three Chelsea Pensioners, including Capt Peter Russel who served with 1 RTR, during their visit to the Vintners Hall. They were photographed with the Master Vintner, Mr Michael Davies.

DIAMOND WEDDING

On 31st August 2008, Maj and Mrs Dick Murrell celebrated their Diamond Weddng, with a splendid party at Charlton Kings Hotel, Cheltenham, attended by some 80 plus friends and relations, including many of his fellow officers from the Fourth.

SEASONAL CARTOON

Caption: Your Challengers have arrived Colonel. Theres just one slight problem

From The Regimental Colonel

In Common with most units in the British Army, the Royal Tank Regiment is exceptionally busy both on the Operational, Training and Home Front.
The highlight of the year and the focal point for RHQ RTR was the Standards Parade at Buckingham Palace on 25th June 2008 when our Colonel in Chief presented us with new Standards. A total of 2650 people including the Master, Clerk and their wives attended the event.
Operationally, elements of 1 RTR including the Regimental Headquarters are preparing to deploy to Iraq for a six month tour. Indeed change of Command of the Regiment will take place in Iraq when Lt Col Ian Gibb hands over to Lt Col Gavin Thompson in early 2009. Elements of I RTR will remain in Honington in order to maintain expertise in Nuclear, Biological and Chemical detection. However, somewhat unusually A Squadron I RTR based in Warminster deployed to the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) in order to be put through their paces on the Prairie. They were in Canada at the same time as 2 RTR.
All elements of 2 RTR were on Operational tours in 2007, they deployed to BATUS in mid July 2008 returning in late November. Whilst in Canada they produced the Enemy Contingent for Battlegroups on the Prairie and were tested in October by having the tables turned and being put under pressure themselves. Mr Sam Dow, Upper Warden and Michael Cox assistant, visited the Regiment in Canada in early October.
On their return to the UK in November there is a strong possibility that 2 RTR will commence retraining for another Operational tour to either Iraq or Afghanistan in 2009.
The Royal Tank Regiment is in great form and continues to enjoy a strong bond with the Vintners.
J L Longman
Regimental Colonel

FROM THE EDITOR

TANK - The Standards Souvenir Edition