ICSC(L)21a
@DefAcUk
@icsc_l
. Late Entry officer, 28yrs served. Vet of Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, Iraq & Afghan. Advocate for cadets & youth engagement🫡 🇬🇧
Currently reading a 🌟SUPERB🌟 book titled ‘The Unknown Warrior’ by
@JohnNicholRAF
It brings to life the dramatic story of the WW1 Soldier, buried in 1920
@wabbey
to represent the nations missing.
Highly recommend reading as we start to approach
#ArmistaceDay
and the
“I cannot lead you into battle. I do not give you laws or administer justice but I can do something else - I can give my heart & my devotion to these old islands & to all the peoples of our brotherhood of nations.”
You absolutely did all of that, Ma’am.
Thankyou, for
One of my favourite images of the Queen, laughing as she passes her husband,
#PrincePhilip
, Duke of Edinburgh, in ceremonial uniform. This picture makes me smile every time I see it 🇬🇧
Sappers. Very proud to be part of the Family! My grandad wore the one on the left, l’ve worn the middle from Spr - WO1 & now looking forward to wearing the one on the right at the
#Coronation
🇬🇧
I did it. I asked for help. Hardest thing l’ve ever done, but it’s the 1st step.
I wondered about sharing as its deeply personnel, decided to ‘go for it’ because if it inspires more to do just this, it’s worth it.
Don’t suffer alone.
@WrvsServWelfare
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
Very proud to be part of the
#Coronation
Rehearsals, it was a long night but the professionalism & pride on show by everyone was quite something to behold.
Can’t wait for the actual event, what a moment / memory / opportunity for the young people l’m with. I couldn’t have been
We’ve been rehearsing overnight for the
#Coronation
.
Under cover of darkness, 7,000 soldiers, sailors, and air force personnel and 300 horses took to the streets of London.
Read more:
24 years ago today, l joined the
@BritishArmy
@Proud_Sappers
. From a broken home in a small Lancashire town with no job prospects, little education (the Army discovered l was dyslexic & then helped me achieve) I’ve had a full career from Private Soldier to Officer. It’s awesome🇬🇧
If ONLY l hadn’t been ‘explicitly targeted’ 22yrs ago, l wouldn’t have left my small Lancashire town, trained as an Engineer, travelled the world, secured my pension, own my own home etc etc. Nor would l be tweeting this whilst on leave with this view..oh well. Defy the critics!
Player 2 enters the room…
#Coronation
Kit checks, adjustments, balancing family life with rehearsals.
Proud of my Corps, proud of my military brothers & sisters in arms, proud for my family.
Massively proud of my team.
For God, King & Country 🇬🇧
Let’s go! 🎉
Recruiting from poor backgrounds & failed education? The
#BritishArmy
saved me from a broken home, a small town with no prospects & idiot ‘mates’ with no morals: The Army gave me a chance to regain my destiny through a full, rewarding career, whilst proudly serving our country 🇬🇧
The United Kingdom will soon have its first coronation in 70 years.
King Charles III & Camilla, the queen consort, will be crowned in a ceremony this weekend.
The event, planned under the name of Operation Golden Orb, "will reflect the monarch's role today & look toward the
Absolutely delighted to find out I’ve been selected for promotion to Major on today’s ‘Beige List’.
To also be selected for
@icsc_l
is amazing, super excited & grateful to
@Proud_Sappers
for the opportunity.
I’ve had the best day, watching Officer Cadets
@RMASandhurst
This winter, always thoroughly check your vehicle before a long journey. Tyres, fluids, lights. Look for anything unusual, something that might cause an issue - like, a mortar.
@thinkdefence
Uniform prepared, packed & now going through any last minute requests for assistance / advice for our Cadet contingent, who are participating in the
#Coronation
Parade tomorrow. I’m excited for them!
I love these moments before any major event, military or otherwise -
A glorious afternoon
@RMASandhurst
as His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex unveiled a statue of Her Majesty The Queen; modelled on HM at Trooping the Colour in 1984, the last time HM rode Burmese & was dressed in the
@GrenadierGds
uniform🇬🇧
#queensplatinumjubilee
@RoyalFamily
26 years ago today, l joined the
@BritishArmy
@Proud_Sappers
. From a broken home in a small Lancashire town with no job prospects, little education (the Army discovered l was dyslexic & then helped me achieve) I’ve had a full career from Private Soldier to Officer. It’s awesome🇬🇧
A glorious 200th Sovereign’s Parade
@RMASandhurst
, along with the Presentation of New Colours & Sovereign’s Banner by His Majesty The King. Today will also witness the 40,000th Officer Cadet commission, since the formation of RMAS. A very proud day for all Officer Cadets, family
Morning Everyone! It’s
#Coronation
week, here
@CTCFrimleyPark
we’re all busy finalising the details for our parts to play.
But first, coffee. It’s going to be a long day (& night!) 🇬🇧
Excited to see a number of new followers!
First off, thanks for joining me here on
@X
- I’m Will, & I’m a Late Entry (LE) Captain (which means I have promoted through the ranks) in the Royal Engineers (
@Proud_Sappers
), a Corps in the British Army.
I currently serve at the
I’m sharing this for three reasons:
1.
@SgtMajFrench
is a top man who I have the utmost respect for, and what he and his family have achieved.
2. CSgt Carr
#PWRR
is a fantastic photographer, l enjoy looking at his work & he’s also a good family friend.
3. The opportunity to
So this happened the other week!
@SgtMajFrench
before finishing his time at RMAS asked myself to capture some images of him on the Academy Adjutant’s Charger.
Obviously I obliged as he’s a good bloke.
This is my favourite image from the set. 😊
One of my favourite images of the Queen, laughing as she passes her husband,
#PrincePhilip
, Duke of Edinburgh, in ceremonial uniform. This picture makes me smile every time I see it 🇬🇧
I’ve seen a few posts over the last few days that were worrying / concerning.
It took me back to when l desperately needed help, but felt trapped and unable to speak out.
I then took control, the post below wasn’t just a message, it was holding myself to account, to force
I did it. I asked for help. Hardest thing l’ve ever done, but it’s the 1st step.
I wondered about sharing as its deeply personnel, decided to ‘go for it’ because if it inspires more to do just this, it’s worth it.
Don’t suffer alone.
@WrvsServWelfare
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
Baby George 👶 managed to get a close up look at the Kings Colour & Regimental Colour this morning, whilst daddy was collecting a sword from the RMAS Armoury (for
@NationalACSMI
) all in prep for
#KingsCoronation
rehearsals & the
#Coronation
It’s little opportunities like this
Some kind of glorious coincidence?
A sight not seen for a generation, & replicates Helen Mckie's famous 'War & Peace' painting of London Waterloo in 1948.
#Coronation
#Coronation2023
🇬🇧
This is
#Belonging
in the
#BritishArmy
. Authentic, rewarding individual & collective experiences, clearly displaying the unique bonds developed in Army life that help us take on tough challenges, grow & find our place.
The
#Coronation
images flooding in are simply wonderful 🇬🇧
I volunteered for Sierra Leone as a young LCpl in
@Proud_Sappers
, got selected, then decided I better find on the map where it was 🤦♂️
West Africa. Watched the news. A coup. This is going to be crunchy! And so it proved.💥
During Op Palliser & Op Basilica, our small detachment
So 23 years ago I discovered where Sierra Leone 🇸🇱 was on a map.
23 Air Assault Med Sqn, part of
@AirborneMedics
, supported 1 PARA (& subsequently 42 Cdo) and we lived initially in the hangar on the left in Pic 2, before relocating to the JTFHQ Compound in Pic 3.
Todays the day. We’re nervous. Excited. The end result of today will change everything, & we’re more than ready for the years ahead.
To our baby boy, we can’t wait to meet you ❤️
Be strong, be brave, mummy & son.
I’m here for both of you.
#LetsDoThis
Found myself thinking about crazy times at the back end of TELIC 9 & into TELIC 10, Basra (Iraq). It was like the Wild West out there - possibly one of the most hostile places on earth.
You could never relax or switch off for one minute, even back on the base with more incoming
I don’t think I’ve ever felt so in love with someone l’ve just met before.
George William Matthews arrived finally (!) at 0637, 7lbs and healthy. Mummy is super tired but did an incredible job. Proud daddy 🇬🇧
#NewDad
#ArmyFamily
#Son
🎉
@TeamMaternityF1
were incredible👶
Todays the day. We’re nervous. Excited. The end result of today will change everything, & we’re more than ready for the years ahead.
To our baby boy, we can’t wait to meet you ❤️
Be strong, be brave, mummy & son.
I’m here for both of you.
#LetsDoThis
Another memory that always raises a smile: The sweet moment during the Queen's 90th birthday celebrations, saw her Majesty unable to hide her excitement after she saw a herd of cows being paraded in front of her as part of the event 🥰🫡🇬🇧
Just added my
@PoppyLegion
2021 pin to my collection. Proud to have worn all the top two rows 2005-2021 on my
#BritishArmy
uniform, each one has a story. The bottom two rows are ones l’ve additionally collected for what they represent.
#LestWeForget
#everypoppycounts
🇬🇧
Never underestimate the ‘soft power’ of discussion over a brew. Really good to catch up with
@NormanF99621763
in his new assignment
@RMASandhurst
as a Welfare Warrant Officer. I can’t think of a better suited person to help & support, from Officer Cadet to all Permanent staff 🇬🇧
A rousing start at Army Training Centre Pirbright - Recruits on their final day (before ‘Pass Off Parade’) proudly sing the national anthem, whist our candidates (in bibs) aspire to be them in a few months time. There’s a real busy buzz around ‘Basic’ right now, & it’s awesome 🇬🇧
I’m leaving
@hq_recruiting
group imminently, after 3 yrs at Assessment Centre (Pirbright) as the 2ic. A fantastic team at AC(P) & a great partnership with
#BritishArmy
&
#Capita
. I’ll be tweeting my favourite moments in a thread below! Hopefully I’ve helped many in the process🇬🇧
Who remembers this?! OP FRESCO, 2002 - some 21 years ago…. Let’s see your photo memories if you have them!
I had returned from Ops in Kosovo with 22 Engr Regt, completed a ‘Green Goddess’ instructor Cse in the Birmingham area (can’t remember exactly where) and then deployed to
A
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
thread, as l wanted to reach out to others who may be feeling emotionally & mentally challenged right now.
I hope to reassure you that you’re stronger than you know and that
#ItsOkayToNotBeOkay
- here’s what I’ve learnt so far:
We are all very much looking forward to working with you next year. A big welcome to the Army's Cadets and the very best of luck with your appointment at
@CTCFrimleyPark
. It is great having one of our former ACF Cadets back where it all started now working with the Cadets.
We’re all proud
@CTCFrimleyPark
of our Cadet Contingent, who are taking part in the
#Coronation
Parade on Saturday.
With respective Cadet Force Banner Bearers & the superb
@DOYRMS
Band, they’ve rehearsed & participated in the Overnight Rehearsal, now fine tuning kit & eqpt for
For interest (as lots commented on my post of the 3x
@Proud_Sappers
cap badges post),
@BritishArmy
have a great article on all the brand new cap badges produced for soldiers participating in the
#Coronation
“The makers of the cap badges are just as proud of the badge as the
The first of the Army’s newest cap badges were worn at the
#Coronation
this weekend.
They feature the Tudor crown that His Majesty The King has adopted in his cypher.
Read more about the manufacture process:
An exciting week ahead for me, as l start to take over my future role from July onwards. Very proud to get the opportunity to serve here as a Late Entry Officer. But where is it? 👀 🇬🇧
Thinking of all those deployed this
#Christmas
. It’s hard for them and their families, I hope you make the most of what you can.
I think back to Christmas Day 2011, in Patrol Base Clifton, Afghanistan on OP HERRICK 15. An out of date mince pie, coffee & toast for breakfast,
This brightened my afternoon. I do remember this Soldier, and lm delighted about this Pte completing basic training.
Congratulations, lm proud of you and wish you well for phase 2 of your training!
👍🎉🇬🇧
It’s my birthday today. Reflecting on some of the places I’ve been on my birthday over the last decade, a varied mix! Iraq, Afghanistan, racing my XC MTB in Lanzarote, & my new favourite - my first as a father with my family ❤️🎉🇬🇧
Honestly, lm humbled by all the messages (personal & on thread) that lm finally able to start responding. I’ve never felt so isolated & alone, but thanks to asking for help & all you wonderful people, l know lm not.
Legends. All of you❤️
#mentalhealth
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
I did it. I asked for help. Hardest thing l’ve ever done, but it’s the 1st step.
I wondered about sharing as its deeply personnel, decided to ‘go for it’ because if it inspires more to do just this, it’s worth it.
Don’t suffer alone.
@WrvsServWelfare
#MentalHealthAwarenessWeek
Morning everyone! This is your Monday morning reminder that you can handle
whatever this week throws at you 🥊 (But first, coffee - let’s not get carried away 🤣)
#MondayMotivation
🇬🇧
Literally me - I’ll be going to the Med Centre tomorrow because l can’t risk it any longer. I found a lump that lm not happy with, and was balancing up the risk (CV19 / overworked Med) Vs ‘I really need this checking’. Concern all round but l know it’s the right thing to do.
We've all lost someone to cancer.
I find it heartbreaking to remember how many patients lost their battle because the cancer wasn't caught quickly enough.
We need to get this message out there:
If you have any signs or symptoms - ring your GP & get checked.
Absolutely buzzing atmosphere this morning
@CTCFrimleyPark
, even though it was Silly O’Clock, all our teams are bright eyed and bushy tailed! Let’s go! 🎉🇬🇧
Soldiers from
@KingsTroopRHA
will carry out an unprecedented six-gun salvo for King Charles III's
#coronation
All 6 guns will fire simultaneously, to mark the point at which the King is crowned 🇬🇧
So proud & honoured to escort the Cadet Contingent Royal Banners, led out by the AMAZING
@DOYRMS
band.
@NationalACSMI
accompanying me.
Clip below is early on as our cohort leave
@FCDOGovUK
, on our way to Westminster to join the parade 🎶💂♀️🇬🇧
#Coronation
#Coronation2023
Boxing Day, 2011. Deployed on OP HERRICK 15 (Afghanistan) & flying up to PB CLIFTON. Thinking about the most amazing people l’ve had the honour to serve alongside, & hoping all those deployed & / or on duty this year find peace & happiness as best they can 🎉🇬🇧
#FridayFeeIing
- going home as night approaches.
@ArmyAirCorps
Apache helicopters returning to Middle Wallop, in stunning evening photography by Dean Mansell.
#AvGeek
And… we’ve done it! What an ⭐️EPIC⭐️ event, 100miles over 4 days - well done to the amazing
@ArmyCadetsHQ
@22Med_Regt
team (& all the amazing
@ArmyCadetsUK
teams - you’ve been brilliant & enjoy your sense of achievement - mental resilience, physical development & confidence -
The statue is absolutely amazing. Every Officer Cadet will now proudly march by, on their way to the Parade Square for the Sovereign’s Parade, and completing their respective RMAS Commissioning Course 🎉🇬🇧
Rounds complete as Adjutant
@CTCFrimleyPark
, I have handed over the role to Capt Matt Hankin RE, another
@Proud_Sappers
who will undoubtedly do a cracking job 🫡
Many thanks to all l engaged with the last 2.5yrs, it’s been an amazing opportunity!
And of course, I’ll continue
It’s my 2 year anniversary today 🎉 My first assignment as an
@Proud_Sappers
Late Entry Officer, & working within a mega team. The mixed staff of Capita & Army are incredibly effective & passionate about what we do, & are rightly proud of our achievements together 🇬🇧
This beautiful statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II, which proudly stands on the approach to the Parade Square
@RMASandhurst
always makes me stop & think. OCdts salute as they march by, in respect & recognition to HM for her long reign & dedication to our armed forces 🫡🇬🇧
The
A glorious afternoon
@RMASandhurst
as His Royal Highness, The Earl of Wessex unveiled a statue of Her Majesty The Queen; modelled on HM at Trooping the Colour in 1984, the last time HM rode Burmese & was dressed in the
@GrenadierGds
uniform🇬🇧
#queensplatinumjubilee
@RoyalFamily
There are some organisations & people out there that dont take the time to recognise their people's accomplishment’s, selfless commitment and dedication to their role.
I’m all in for recognition & reward - You earned it, through long arduous deployments, in controlled
The Wider Service Medal is a significant step in recognising our service personnel, and is something we hope will bring great pride to them and their families. The UK Armed Forces are world class, and this medal as a symbol of our gratitude and respect.'
#WSM
#MOD
#UKArmedForces
3 years ago already -
#OTD
2017 & getting informed l’d been successful with a Late Entry Officer Commission, to became an Officer in the Corps of Royal Engineers. A brilliant first assignment
@hq_recruiting
, & some exciting news about my next job from Jan 2021 very soon 👍🎉🇬🇧
#AvGeek
-
#OTD
5 March 1936 (82 years ago) Aero Engineer RJ Mitchell CBE Supermarine
#Spitfire
flew for the first time. Upon landing, testpilot Capt Joseph ‘Mutt’ Summers CBE told the design team ‘don’t change a single thing’. A beautiful airframe with a fantastic engine note.
The standout
#NewYearHonours
award for me - many congratulations to
#WW2Veteran
Harry Billinge who has been awarded an MBE for services to charity, after raising more than £10,000 towards a national memorial for his fallen comrades.
Hoofin achievement, Sir 🇬🇧