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151 Regimnet RLC - Royal Corps of Transport - page 8

Image details

Corps Reserve
Material type Articles
Book page R04490007
Chapter head Royal Corps of Transport
Chapter key R0449005
Chapter number 5
Full title 151 Regimnet RLC
Page number 7
Publication date 2019
Real page 7
Colour Yes
Grey No
Early date 1794
Late date 2019
Transcription Above: 215 Essex Bridging Squadron RCT
Above: 151 (Greater London) Transport Regiment RCT (V
In October 1976 under Command of B.J. Bisset, a new central Volunteer Headquarters for the Royal Corps of
Transport was established on the site of the former RAF Spitalgate Airbase in Grantham Lincolnshire. The barracks
was formally named after Prince William of Gloucester at a ceremony led by Princes Alice the Duchess of Gloucester.
The barracks became the RCT TA Depot and Training Centre. It provided centralised training facilities for the RCT
Volunteer Reserves. All new soldiers enlisted into the Regiment now attended recruit basic training and trade
training at the Depot. In 1978 with the disbandment of 44 Parachute Brigade, 562 Transport Squadron is
absorbed into the Regiment with locations at Southall, Dulwich and West Ham.
Above: 562 Parachute Squadron
Above: Recruit Course at Grantham 1978
In 1980, the Regiment deployed on Exercise CRUSADER Germany, the largest exercise since the reorganisation of the
TA. Approximately 20,000 TA troops deployed to BAOR Germany. In September 1984 the Regiment deployed on
Exercise LIONHEART. It was the largest movement of military manpower and equipment across the channel since
the end of the second world war. The exercise involved 290 flights from the UK transporting 32,000 personnel. This
initial air movement was followed with 150 sailings across the North Sea and English Channel using civilian ferries.
The sea routes carried 23,600 personnel with 14,000 vehicles and trailers. Many Deployments to Germany carried
on throughout the 1980s.
Above: Regimental Vehicles Ex LIONHEART
Above: 215 Essex Sqn RCT Germany 1987
Book number R0449