03 August 2007
Seven soldiers associated with the Jersey Field Squadron have received their mobilisation papers for duty in Iraq and will shortly be leaving the Island to begin intensive training. Upon successful completion, they are likely to be deployed to Iraq in late November this year.
For the majority of the group, this will be their first military operation overseas although the Jersey Field Squadron currently has two Officers, a Junior NCO and a Sapper currently serving as part of 26 Engineer Regiment in Afghanistan.
Speaking about the mobilisation call, Captain Danny Wright from the Jersey Field Squadron says, “The callout of another seven of our soldiers proves that yet again, the Jersey Field Squadron is contributing its fair share to military operations overseas”.
The soldiers and their families are attending a welfare briefing on the evening of Wednesday 8 August at the TA Headquarters, Mount Bingham. This is being conducted by local Military Liaison Officer Owen Wiscombe and Welfare Officer, David Maxwell from the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers. The Jersey personnel will form part of the 40-plus Territorial Army Soldiers and Officers from the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) to whom the Jersey contingent are associated and will serve as an integrated part of 21 Engineer Regiment.
The soldiers are:
Lance Corporal Grant Du Heaume (39). A parking control officer from St Helier, who enlisted into the Squadron in February 1994. Operationally, he was deployed to the former Yugoslavia on three occasions and is the oldest of the group.
Sapper Grant Feltham (36). A building company director from St Martin, he joined the Jersey Field Squadron in November 2004. This is his first military operation although he has worked for aid agencies operating in Sri Lanka, assisting in the tsunami relief efforts.
Sapper John Stodard (23). The former Jersey resident is presently living in Skipton, Yorkshire and in his first operation tour will deploy as an unspecified artisan. Whilst in Jersey he worked in boat maintenance and was a retained fireman. He joined the Unit in February 2005.
Sapper Daniel Tucker (20). A graduate of the Victoria College Combined Cadet Force (Army) he has recently completed a JNCO Cadre course, which will help him in his selection for promotion. He joined the Squadron in March 2004 and this will be his first operational tour.
Sapper Kevin Quenault (19). The former Le Rocquier School pupil lives in St Saviour and is a keen rugby player. He has recently finished his further education at Highlands College and joined the Squadron in May 2005.
Sapper Ashley McDonald (19). Became a Squadron member in August 2005. He went to Grainville School and is deploying as a painter. This is his first operational tour although he has previously visited the Accession Islands helping with construction work on behalf of the Squadron.
Sapper Daniel Clark (18). Enlisted in January 2006. He lives in St Helier and went to d’Hautree School. This is his first operational tour.
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