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Our Military Affiliations
office accommodation with 2 Mechanical Transport Squadron. The new location provides both
increased workshop space and office accommodation. Preparations are also underway for a formal
event to mark the Squadrons 75th anniversary, with 5001 Sqn having been formed in 1941 as an
Airfield Construction Squadron during WW2.”
NEWS FROM 101 REGIMENT RE
Lt Col R B Hawkins MBE, the CO, has written to say that “101 (City of London) Engineer Regiment
(Explosive Ordnance Disposal) remains as busy as ever. In addition to the large number of
operational commitments abroad, this past year has provided time to reflect upon our obligation to
defence of mainland UK and our ever closer links with the City of London.
Short term training teams remain the flavour of the moment within Defence
and for good reason. Small, well qualified teams are able to deliver Explosive
Ordnance Disposal and High Risk Search training to local security forces,
providing them with the tools to maintain their own security. The regiment
currently has personnel deployed around the world fulfilling this role, notably
in Iraq directly contributing to the fight against ISIS, and in Nigeria countering
Boko Haram. In addition, training teams from the regiment have supported
security forces in Nepal, Pakistan and most recently Ukraine. Our masters in
Whitehall particularly like our work as we are far cheaper than an aircraft
The Regiment at work
© Crown Copyright/MOD carrier to deploy and sustain, although admittedly far less impressive!!
In the UK, an upturn in the construction industry revealed six WWII Luftwaffe bombs, for which the
regiment provides Military Aid to Civil Police. Bombs were rendered safe in London, Tunbridge Wells,
Coventry and Bath all within the past 12 months and our engineering support teams provided safe
access for the Bomb Disposal Operator to render safe the bombs and provide mitigation against any
possible chance of the bomb exploding prematurely. In every instance the soldiers performed
exceptionally and I am very proud of their work.
The professionalisation of the Army Reserve continues apace, with the Regiment’s reserve
squadrons growing in capability and confidence month by month. Both have recently deployed on a
large flagship overseas training exercise to Denmark which further enhanced our strong ties with the
Danish Army Engineers that many of our personnel have fought side by side with in Afghanistan.
Closer to home the Regiment has been able to reflect upon a proud history. Firstly, we marked the
75 anniversary of Royal Engineer Bomb Disposal, which culminated in a National Service of
th
Commemoration at St Paul’s Cathedral with His Royal Highness Prince Harry being our guest of
honour. Whilst correctly marking this important anniversary, the commemoration also generated
£90,000 for three charities; Blesma (Limbless Veteran’s Charity), Walking with the Wounded and the
Royal Engineers Benevolent Fund. Secondly, the regiment was honoured to march at the front of
the Lord Mayor Show for the first time with bayonets fixed as a newly declared “Privileged Regiment
of the City of London”. I would particularly like to thank the affiliated Livery Companies for their
support throughout this process. Lastly, our year of reflection draws to a close as we, with the wider
Corps, commemorate the 300th Anniversary “Sapper 300” of the establishment of the Royal
Engineers.
Finally, it would be remiss if I did not say thank you for your continued engagement and the support
you show to our regiment and families.”
Autumn 2016 | The Journal of the Worshipful Company of Constructors | 33