It’s not just the air space that will be busy at this year’s Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day — Eastern Gardens will have its fair share of static attractions too.
First up, flying the flag for the British Army, is the Isle of Wight Troop from 266 Port Squadron, 165 Port and Maritime Regiment.
The regiment is one of the largest regiments in the Army Reserve with squadrons located across the South West of England, including a troop based in Newport.
Members will be there on the day to talk about their role moving all variants of military vehicles by road, rail, sea and air, managing, maintaining, and piloting the British Army’s vessels and supporting medical regiments on exercise and deployments.
Ian Dore, Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day organiser, said,
“I served aboard HMAV Arakan at sea for a year with 17 Port and Maritime, so have first-hand experience of their operational capacity.
“Although running the comms as I was Royal Signals, the Royal Logistic Corps are simply the best at what they do.
“Whenever on Ops, the loggies have often done the leg work to ensure the necessary foundations are laid but importantly, to keep the supply chain moving. They are possibly the most essential cog in a well-oiled machine.
“Chris Jenkins, my 2 ‘ice cream’ and site manager of the event, is part of the Isle of Wight troop.
“He has travelled well with them, gleaned new skills, and enjoys his commitment and the comradery. The Reservists play such an essential part in the make-up of the UK’s Armed Forces, and you get an interesting and varied bunch of individuals that are involved.
“Come down, ask for ‘Arakan Nick’ or ‘Diver Mike’ and have a chat! You never know, it may appeal to you too.”
Isle of Wight Armed Forces Day takes place in Ryde on Sunday, 30 June and more information is available online.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
