HMS Westminster Officers visit The Queens Own Yeomanry

Officers from HMS Westminster were delighted to be given the opportunity to get hands on with some more ‘land’ based weaponry and learn more about one of their affiliates, The Queens Own Yeomanry (QOY), part of 7th Infantry Brigade and Headquarters East and one of the Army Reserves light armoured reconnaissance regiments.

The Officers had a packed day with their affiliates at their annual training event, Exercise ICENI FOX at West Tofts camp in Theford.

Being given a brief on the history and current status of The QOY, with the Regiment having served recently in both in Iraq and Afghanistan and an introduction to the codes and signals used as part of Reserves training.

They watched a machinegun course on the firing range, even getting the chance to explore the heavily armed Land Rovers and engaging with cadets and staff throughout to foster a greater understanding of both The QOY and the life in the Army Reserves.

One of the visiting Officers, SLt Simon Priestley reflected, “It has been thoroughly enjoyable day, getting an appreciation for both the work done by The QOY, but also gaining a better understanding for training conducted by the Army Reserves.

“How personnel manage their time between their civilian life, their job and their military commitment and seeing the QOY in action and getting hands on was a particular highlight.”

The Queens Own Yeomanry was initially formed in 1971 and is paired with the Light Dragoons, also using the Land Rover, a lightly-armoured, highly-mobile fire support and force protection vehicle manned by a crew of three which carries a range of weapons.