OCs Farewell

To all Squadron, Ex-Squadron and the wider Commando Sapper audience, it is with mixed feelings that I address you in this, my final newsletter. It is with sadness that I depart the Army after some 33 years service which has enriched my life and given me so much joy, as I close in command of the only remaining independent Army Commando unit. Over the past 22 months as OC the unit has moved forward further with the implementation and delivery of new systems and equipment, keeping in line and on some occasions ahead of our regular counterparts. The unit has continued to produce high quality individuals and first rate results on courses attended, that has been down to the people we have and the dedication that you have all shown. As you know we do not know the outcomes of the study of the reserves under Future Reserves 2020 (FR20); that said, the unit has displayed character in difficult times and we have continued to deliver. For me, as many of you know, this is my second time in the Squadron; the first was as PSI in 301 Tp in 1991 and some of you still remain from those days. This Troop was again a truly great time in my military life. I want to pay a special thanks to all the staff who have supported me; the Civilian Staff, the Regular Staff and the TA Officers, SNCOs and Junior Ranks, Thank you. Finally I want to remind you that we still have guys deployed on operations and this is our main focus at this time; it is what we are here for now and in the future. Our guys are equipping themselves well against their counterparts as they should in such a difficult and demanding environment. To them the very best and a safe return; I will see you on the medals parade. To the remainder of the Squadron and our wider community I want to conclude in thanking you all for your support and I wish every one of you and your families a safe and prosperous future. I will follow The Squadron and its activities with keen interest in the future so dont disappoint. You have a truly remarkable spirit, remain focused on the unit no one is bigger than the total sum. Thank you Major Andy Tustin MBE

131 News

131 INDEP CDO SQUADRON RE(V)

Exercise BLUE DAGGER 2011

In early May the Squadron Dive Team deployed to Gibraltar for a diving concentration to include its annual Diving Standards Check (DSC). On arrival we took over the diving equipment from The Rocks resident Royal Navy Clearance Diving Team. The team started the first day with a recce of our main dive task, on the submarine berths along the South Mole. The task involved clearing underwater obstructions using surface supplied diving equipment and Broco ultra-thermic cutting
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Inside
Ex Summer Warrior - 2 Op HERRICK PDT - 3 Charity activities & competition - 4 Herrick 14 Update - 5 Exercise BLUE DAGGER 2011 - 6 Farewell to the OC - 7

SHQ & Sp Tp 020 8238 0813 300 Tp 01752 251 429 301 Tp 0121 743 2416 302 Tp 01225 427 747

June 2011

Exercise SUMMER WARRIOR

This weekend had the usual high tempo with the majority completing MATT 5 (Navigation), a raft building and racing competition won by SSgt Savage's team: Sprs McArthur and Hobbis. A well deserved and highly desirable Squadron mug is speeding its way to each of them as a prize. Others escaped for some AT along the coastal path on mountain bikes.

Join the Commando Engineers Branch Royal Engineers Association

Contact the Honorary Secretary Major Geoff Howard Telephone: 01252 355903 Email: Geoff.Howard606@mod.uk

Forecast of Events
1-3 Jul: Commando Training 15-17 Jul: Ex North Star (Mountain Trg) 22 Jul - 5 Aug: RFCC 5-7 Aug: Infantry Trg & Cdo Trg 16-18 Sep 11: Ex Cautious Pilgrim & Diver Trg

Get your names on the list!

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Stu and Mac's Magical Mystery Tour - Part 1

Having heard a few weary dits from the Famous Five [Squadron members on Tranche 1 of HERRICK 14], Spr McArthur and I were sceptical as to what our mobilisation package for the last three months of HERRICK 14 would entail. Our first two weeks were spent at Chilwelll covering Military Annual Training Tests (MATTs), documentation and kit issue. Welcome to the Army and its stores departments! It must be a prerequisite to work in stores (remember stores are for storing!!) to be devoid of patience, be obnoxious, rude and think you're a comedic genius amongst your peers! The MATTs were very straight forward, though the first hill on the CFT squared away the phys-dodgers from the mix of cap badges, ages and sexes. After Chilwell we attended the Squadron weekend in Weymouth, where we covered the BFE modules that I still needed, took part in some adventure training and, most importantly, said a farewell to the OC. (By the way, did anyone else have a sore backside from the mountain biking around Portland?). Mac and I would like to say a big thank you to the OC as he went to extra lengths to keep our mobilisation training relevant and interesting. One such serial he jacked up for us was the two week demolition course, where we were blistered on to the regulars 10 week Combat Engineering course at Gibraltar Barracks. I have done many courses wearing green kit and often found them wearying and tiresome, but not so dems. Its an absolute must for anyone considering a future with 131, and the course was interesting, relevant and, more importantly enjoyable - well who wouldn't enjoy blowing things up? One demonstration was seeing the devastation a simple detonator can do to a frozen chicken; I am still picking bits of it from my hair a week later!

Stu and Mac's Magical Mystery Tour - Part 2

Hello dort [there], from sunny Germany. Part of our build up has seen Spr Stu Hobbis and I working with 29 Armoured Engineer Squadron from 35 Engineer Regiment in Paderborn. Following familiarisation with the armoured plant, including the MWT(P) Cat 938, LWT(P) Cat 434E and ULWT(P) Cat 257B (Skidsteer), we have been integrated into the main plant tasks with a great bunch of lads. The main concentration has focussed on the new Geoweb/Neoweb road laying process, culvert construction

Sprs McArthur & Hobbis with the MWT(P) Cat 938 (obviously the MTP clothing does not come with a belt!)
and floating roads. The lads have also helped us learn the 4 P's - Proper Planties Eat Pies and Pasta. The Hobbmeister and I are both getting to grips with the lack of vision, extra weight and broken air-con associated with the armoured kit. We cannot wait to get out there and do what we have been training for: The Real Thing! Spr McArthur (Support Troop) Here is a message from the 35 Engr Regt Military Plant Foreman (MPF) to the OC: Sir, I just had to put fingers to keyboard and pen a couple of lines to tell you how impressed with the attitude of your soldiers whilst over here on PDT. They were a pleasure to train; I have never worked with a more professional pair of men. They are a credit to your unit. Once again many thanks and please pass on my thanks and tell the boys to have a safe tour and God speed.

Spr Hobbis inspecting a mouse-hole charge prior to retiring the safe distance
We now go forward to our next phase which will include OPTAG and some armoured plant familiarisation in Germany. Out for now. Spr Stu Hobbis (Sp Tp)
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Everest Eye-Opener
In October this year my brother (Mike) and I will be climbing to Mount Everest Base Camp, raising money for CBM UK the overseas disability charity. The climb will involve a 14 day trek, reaching an altitude of 5,550m (18,200ft). To make it more of a challenge Ill be carrying a 45lb bergen. The money raised through the trip will be helping fund two eye hospitals in Nepal, which specialise in cataract operations. These hospitals are able to give sight to a blind adult for just 20. If you would like to sponsor me, you can do so at www.justgiving.com/chrisharvey, or speak to me directly. You can find out more about the charity at their website www.cbmuk.org.uk Thank you 2Lt Chris Harvey

Chris & Mike in training

COMPETITION - 50 Amazon Voucher

131 is doing its bit to help increase the interest in the 24 Cdo Engr Regt wristband appeal by starting a competition to see which member of the Squadron can get the best photo of a celebrity wearing the SUPPORTING COMANDO SAPPERS IN AFGHANISTAN wristband. The competition will run until all of the members of 24 Cdo Engr Regt Gp have returned from theatre (Sep 11). Photo entries are to be sent to the Squadron 2IC at: clark415@armymail.mod.uk with a short description of the circumstances that allowed you to get the photo. The OC will judge entries and decide the winner. Wristbands are available from each Troop location.

and the leader so far is: Spr Amanda Barnes

Admittedly with Spr Barnes working in TV she is in a target rich environment but you still have to ask! Sadly there is only one prize but there is still 3 months to go so keep a look out. You never know wholl youll bump into on the Hoe, in the Bull Ring Centre, on the Tube or around the sights and shops of Bath...

Alexandra Burke

Elle Macpherson

Kirsty Gallacher

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OPERATION HERRICK 14 Update

Ex Phantom Sapper - Employers Visit

At the end of May several senior colleagues from my employers organisation attended Exercise Phantom Sapper in Longmoor Training Camp. The opportunity allowed them to gain an insight into what takes place on Squadron weekends and appreciate the kind of training that we undergo. Both joined us early on the Saturday and were greeted by Captain Dudley where they were introduced to the joys of the 24hr ration pack and given a turn firing blanks on the Light Support Weapon. This was followed by a quick blast on the Dismounted Close Combat Trainer and then into observing the training being undertaken which included establishing a Harbour Area and Section Attacks.

The weekend was quite clearly a success in allowing employers an insight into what takes place. I returned to work WO2 Al Stewart and Cpl Zoom Cloonan in Bastion on Monday morning and both of my colleagues were spreading the good word amongst other members of my team at work in terms of how professional and well organised the weekend was. This will lead to a better understanding on what takes place on a weekend instead of the Dads Army impression of old, and hopefully lead to additional time off for courses in the future. Thanks must go to Lt Smith and Capt Dudley for organising the weekend and creating a positive and professional impression of the Squadron. LCpl Matt de Pear Brown (HQ & Sp Troop)

Cpl Cloonan on his farewell tour - he is now safely home

As you may well understand blueys are a good source of morale whilst on tour. If you can spare a moment please write to our members on tour: WO2 Al Stewart at : 54 Cdo HQ & Sp Squadron 24 Cdo Engr Regt Op HERRICK BFPO 792 and Cpl Wiffer Smith Spr Hobbis Spr McArthur at: 59 Cdo Squadron 24 Cdo Engr Regt Op HERRICK BFPO 792 Blueys are available from the Post Office and e-blueys can be sent through the BFPO website
You can follow all members of the Task Force Helmand Engineer Group on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TFHEngrGp The lastest TFH Engr Gp Newsletter can be viewed at: www.scribd.com/fullscreen/57005017access_key=key2nquxmj3jc uy8z5v5m19
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Exercise BLUE DAGGER 2011

(Continued from page 1)

equipment. Once the obstructions were cut into manageable lengths they were recovered to the surface using ropes. The team used the first week to good effect as a work up prior to our DSC and to carry out mandatory drills both on the surface and underwater. Most of that weeks diving was carried out at depth up to 15 metres diving in pairs; to allow greater time in the water the team carried out decompression stops after each dive. The Squadron supervisors, Maj Garcia, Capt Hamilton and SSgt Vessey, planned each days diving to allow maximum time in the water without compromising safety. LCpl Little, as the only basic diver, had the good fortune to use the Navys fullyenclosed mine lifting bag during the week. Sgt Gannon used his underwater photography skill to great effect and recorded our underwater work. The following week the Diving Standards Team (DST) which included the OC-designate, Maj Tony Gauci, and the guest divers arrived and we were issued the DSC theory paper. All of the Squadron divers passed the paper with scores in excess of 90% with Capt Hamilton and Sgt Gannon scoring 100%. With no problems so far, the next part of our assessment was to prove our practical diving and supervision skills. Having worked up the previous week, our procedures were very slick and the DST were suitably impressed. The team continued diving on the South Mole for the first part of week two and, as the weather cleared up, we were able to move on to boat diving on the Outer Mole and achieve depths up to 25 metres diving the teams primary equipment, SABA

Hard at work with Broco ultra-thermic cutting equipment

Mod 1, a full face-mask self-contained equipment. The Squadron team was awarded an overall Satisfactory with a pass mark of 98% which reflected the hard work put in over the last 12 months, including the dive store check of our safety to life diving equipment, a theory test and practical assessment. This result shows the dedication of all in the team, including its management and the storeman, Cpl Si Weekes. We are recruiting more divers now. If any Squadron members want to find out more about joining the Squadrons Dive Team, make this known to your troop management as soon as possible. Capt Hamilton (Unit Diving Officer)

Atts & Dets

Spr Dan Hine has passed the Army Officers Selection Board (AOSB) and is now undertaking officer training. Welcome to Major Debbie Borton the new PSAO. Spr McArthur and Spr Hobbis now mobilised for H14. Cpl Cloonan, LCpl Cook and Spr Vandyk have safely returned from H14. SSgt Parks (new PSI 301 Tp) is due in post on 27 Jun 11.

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Major Andy Tustin MBE

Royal Engineers 1978 - 2011 On the 20th May 2011 after 33 years of service Major Andy Tustin MBE retired from the Army. Major Tustin enlisted into Royal Engineers as a Junior Soldier in May 1978 and after completing Basic and Combat Engineer training he was posted to 59 Independent Commando Squadron where, much to everyones surprise, he passed the All Arms Commando Course. After a few particularly cold Norway deployments he was promoted to LCpl in 1981 he then deployed to the Falkland Islands in 1982 as part of Op CORPORATE to recover the sovereign soil lost by the Royal Marines! On return from the Falklands Conflict he was posted to Germany (29 Field Squadron, 35 Engr Regt) and promoted to Cpl. After surviving Germany he was posted to the Engineer Training Regiment near Camberley. Following promotion to Sergeant he moved back to 59 Commando Squadron RE and undertook tours of Norway, N Iraq and S Turkey. On promotion to Staff Sergeant he was posted to 131 Independent Commando Squadron RE(V) as Permanent Staff Instructor with 301 Tp. During this tour he stepped up to fill the vacant QMSI slot and organised a very successful and memorable annual camp to The Netherlands. On promotion he returned to the Training Regiment as a Warrant Officer and was also awarded the MBE. Selected for Squadron Sergeant Major he returned to 59 Commando Squadron RE and went to N Ireland, Norway and Oman. In 1999 he was promoted to WO1 (RSM) and posted to 36 Engineer Regiment where he greatly enjoyed the company of the Ghurkhas.

In 2000 he was commissioned to the rank of Captain and joined 3 Royal School of Military Engineering as a Troop Commander. He then returned to 36 Engineer Regiment and took up post with 69 Gurkha Field Squadron as Quartermaster for Op TELIC. Following this tour he was selected to take up the post of Personnel Selection Officer for the Corps giving him excellent knowledge of the Corps trades and all the Sappers he placed in posts. In 2007 he was promoted to Major and posted to Chivenor as the first Quartermaster of 24 Commando Engineer Regiment. He helped form the Regiment and commanded the Echelon on OP HERRICK 9. In July 2009 he took up his final role back at 131 as Officer Commanding after 17 years away from the Squadron. Major Tustins retirement is a sad loss for the Squadron, Regiment and Corps but at least hell now have far more time for his hobbies of orienteering, mountain biking, golf, following Formula 1 and supporting Birmingham City. Thanks from the Squadron for all your efforts whilst posted to 131 and for flying the 131 flag whilst posted elsewhere. Capt Andy Clarke , 2IC for All Squadron Members Note: The new OC, Major Tony Gauci starts in post on 25 Jul 11.

GS Vehicle Instructor Course

After a good weekend at CTCRM training our Commando trainees, I set off for the General Service Vehicle Instructor Course not realizing quite how far Leconfield is from Lympstone! Some eight hours later I arrived at the Defence School of Transport, never having been there before. My first impression was just how busy the place was and I was soon to find out that I was one of 30 students on my course alone. After a brief by the RSM, where we were told all the usual start of course rules and regulations, I met the rest of the people on my course, finding myself to be the only reservist. Being the only Army Commando on the whole camp too, and the first one that a lot of the squaddies had ever come across, made me feel rather proud. The first few days were mainly familiarization on the different variants of vehicles we would be teaching on and some good off-road training techniques. The rest of the course involved a lot of theory, lesson preparation and then delivering the lessons, or teach-backs as the RLC called them. I had three lessons to conduct to a very strict format; one was to be a classroom lesson and the other two were practicals. Their duration ranged from an hour to 90 minutes, with an assessor in the lessons who gave you a pass or fail at the end of each. I am happy to say, I passed all three first time and thoroughly enjoyed both giving the lessons and the course as a whole. I thought Leconfield was a very good camp, with some amazing training facilities and awesome kit, ranging from fully armoured Mastiff vehicles to BVs. I am now looking forward to getting on some more courses up there. LCpl Cowan (Sp Tp)
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Capt Andy Clarke presenting the OC with his leaving gift

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The next newsletter will be out towards the end of August. If you have something interesting to tell then please email the editor on: 415clark@armymail.mod.uk
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