Battery Commander's Overview. 

How do you capture the past three years in the life of an equipment Battery such as 42 (Alem Hamza) Battery? A difficult task, especially for a Battery that has changed Regiments, operated three different equipment types and trained and deployed on two operational tours in two different theatres. 

At the time of writing we find ourselves in Afghanistan as part of the United Kingdom Task Force attached to 3 Commando Brigade. As only the second Desert Hawk (DH) UAV Battery to have deployed on OP HERRICK we are constantly facing new challenges both in operating a relatively immature capability as well as educating the Battle Group to deploy DH to best effect. Flight detachments face their own challenges; operating in support of isolated company locations, without resupply for up to five weeks, with infrequent communications with Battery headquarters and in a harsh environment where mistakes are rarely forgiven. This requires highly competent and robust soldiers. For many of the members of the Battery this is a far cry from the duties they were carrying out as an Air Defence Battery three years previous. 

On patrol in Afghanistan

The last three years has been a period of vast change for all Battery personnel. Re-equipping in eleven months from Rapier Field Standard C in 22 Regiment RA to Pheonix (Px) in 32 Regiment RA was particularly impressive. It required the whole Battery to adopt a new career structure, train and then be deemed competent and current to fly Px on operations in Iraq. Converting then from Px (TUAV) to DH (mini UAV) posed yet more challenges and required a different skill set from operating Px from secure base locations to flying DH from the same trench as troops in contact. All achieved with the minimum of fuss and dedicated professionalism.

Not surprisingly, throughout the last three years the Battery has experienced a large change over of personnel and this has never been more evident than within the last six months with the change over of the BC, BK, OPSO, BSM and OPSWO. To the Battery’s credit, throughout this demanding period, the spirit of 42 (Alem Hamza) Battery has remained true, retaining its strong Welsh connections and always being a professional, welcoming and an enjoyable place to work. 

It has not been all work and no play. The Battery has undertaken adventure training in Lake Gardia and excelled on the sporting field, notable achievements have included; winning the 32^nd Regiment Victor Ludorem competition, Army representation in Judo, Rowing, Orienteering, and Gunner Representation in Golf, Football, Cricket, Cross-Country, Rugby Union, Rugby League and Orienteering.

In conclusion, a hugely demanding three years for 42 Battey which at its conclusion finds the Battery in strong heart and enjoying the demands of a operational deployment to Afghanistan with new equipment. The Battery is looking forward to its return to Larkhill in April 2007 and a period of stability in order to catch up on leave, career courses and adventure training prior to looking forward to a potential future operational deployment in 2008.