News

October 25th 2013

The Postal Courier trade is represented by the arrow whose historical motto is ‘swift and secure’. The Movement Control trade is represented by the bowman and links back to the heritage of the trade and Nil Sine Labore (Nothing without Labour).

The newly created Regiment will be a regionally structured regiment with its Headquarters and a Squadron based in Wigman Road Army Reserve Centre, Bilborough, Nottingham. It will also have squadrons based in Hartlepool, Coulby Newham Swindon and Marlow.

162 Regt RLC will continue to carry out the roles formerly undertaken by the two national specialist Regiments: movement control and postal and courier operations.

Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Siebenaller said: “We are all looking forward to moving to Nottingham. It will be home to our Regimental Headquarters and one of our five squadrons.

We wanted a design for our insignia that would be easily identifiable, reflect the trades of the Regiment and link in the city. I think the kneeling bowman has achieved that. It incorporates our ethos of speed and accuracy which is needed by movers and postal couriers.

Private Johnanna Musson, aged 24 years, went along to a TA night in June this year. By day she works as an Optical Consultant at Boots Opticians but when in uniform she is a Movement Controller: “I wanted to do something completely different and challenging. I love keeping fit so joining the TA ensures I keep up my fitness. I would say to anyone thinking about joining to find out a bit more and give it a go.”

For more information about job opportunities within 162 Regt RLC visit www.army.mod.uk or phone 01159573040.

Members of 162 Regiment RLC will meet one night per week at their Bilborough HQ on Wigman Road, currently home to 73 Engineer Regiment. There will also be weekend training and an annual two-week summer camp either in the UK or abroad. The minimum commitment is 27 days training per annum. From 2015 onwards the commitment will rise to 40-days per annum.

73 Engineer Regiment will disband in late summer 2014. The Regiment’s 350 Squadron based at Foresters House, Chilwell will re-role as a Search Squadron and continue to serve as part of 33 (EOD) Regiment. An engineering presence will also remain in Chesterfield where 2 Troops will be based as part of 350 Squadron.

The Commanding Officer of 73 Engineer Regiment, Lt Col Phil Houlston MBE, said: “The disbandment of any Regimental Headquarters is always a sad occasion. All the soldiers who have served under 73 Engineer Regiment have done so with loyalty, dedication and professionalism. And although it is an end of an era for the Regiment, our footprint at Chilwell and Chesterfield will endure and become part of 33 (EOD) Engineer Regiment. All our soldiers will have the opportunity to continue as Reservists within 350 Squadron or take up a post in 162 Regiment RLC. It has been a pleasure to call Nottingham our home since 1969, its people have always supported us and we hope they continue to show that same support to the new Regiment when it locates to the city next year.” 350 Squadron continue to recruit from the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire areas. For more information, contact WO2 Gary Wraith on 01159 008669 or 73ENGR-ROSWO@mod.uk.

Fifty five soldiers from 162 MC Regiment and 88 PC Regt are currently serving in Afghanistan. The reserve Movement Controllers are working alongside their regular colleagues directing and controlling the passage of personnel, vehicles and equipment back to the UK. Over 1200 vehicles have already been returned to the UK including Mastiff and Jackal vehicles.

The Postal & Courier Operators are operating the Forces Postal services to ensure the timely receipt, processing and delivery of mail and packages.

A Commemorative First Day cover has been made by the British Forces Philatelic Service to mark the Regiment’s Formation Parade that took place at the weekend in Grantham. They are available to purchase on-line at www.bfps.org.uk