Chris Garner

Hi I was 2IC 25 Fd Sqn from their return from Ireland to the end of the Belize deployment - which the Chief Clarke and I planned as we waited their return from NI. Around 140 of us and 11 Tonnes of kit deployed for the 6 month emergency tour. I was based at Airport Camp with the OC and I ran the Boat Patrols with the Rigid Raiders. Our main role was to complete the Ammo Compound as well as some MACC projects. This posting followed a year as OC HQ Sqn at 26, then Ops Officer 30 Sqn and a fleeting session at 5 Sqn before Junior Division of the Staff College (JDSC). I was delighted to return to 26 after that course - and being at 25 meant I had the full set of Squadrons. Harkins was OC I think for most of the time and he was a x-country Army Vet runner. His first act was to take the whole squadron on an 11mile run - including twice up Spew Hill. We had bodies in the woods for days lol. All ended up a bit bitter when 26 Engr Regt wasn’t selected for Iraq and 21 Engr Regt went instead. Turned out CRE was better chums with CO 21. That CRE (Col Mike Evans) was the former CO of 32 Armd Engr Regt and known as the ‘second hand car salesman’ for his sheepskin coat and attempts to sell his crappy car to new Troop Commanders. Lt COL Tim Hoddinott was CO of 26 and a much loved and respected CO. He died a few years back after a short illness. Donald LD Biggar was the larger-than-life Adjutant and he retired to conduct battlefield tours around France and Belgium. Maj Albert Whitlock commanded 5 Sqn. Struggling to recall OC 30 Sqn (Maj James Hignet??) but 2IC was Captain John Newsome. Incredibly enjoyable few years at a great Regt and feel immensely honoured to have played a small part in the history and commanded such fine soldiers.