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The Royal Gibraltar Regiment rolled out the red carpet to host His Excellency for the first occasion as Governor and Commander in Chief.

The visit by Vice Admiral Sir David Steel allowed him to meet members of the RG in a socially-distanced parade which showcased the Regiment’s various capabilities.

On parade were the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, Recruiting Team, Motor Transport, soldiers and associated weaponry, the ceremonial Light Guns, and a selection of supporting staff.

His Excellency later addressed the troops to express his delight in meeting them and becoming Commander in Chief and looking forward to seeing more of them in the future.

Following this part of his visit he signed the visitor’s book, before discussions with the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Dyson who updated him on the Regiment’s current activities and plans. Others present for the visit were Major Tim Cumming (Second in Command), Major Dominic Collado (Aide De Camp) and Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Patrick Canepa.


Wreath laying service

British Forces Gibraltar personnel recently provided support to the Royal Engineers Association (REA) to mark the 100th anniversary of Sapper Walter Watts.

Father Danny Hernandez, the Command Chaplain led a short wreath laying service at North Front Cemetery to support the Gibraltar Branch of the REA. Major Simon Andrews and Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) Chris Hatchard, members of the REA, laid a wreath at the grave of Sapper Watts, on behalf of his great niece Amanda Strutton. Walter was tragically killed on 29 November 1943 following an explosion in Gibraltar.

Amanda had planned to travel to Gibraltar to visit Walter’s final resting place for the first time on what would have been his 100th birthday to lay the wreath in person. COVID restrictions, however, meant that this was no longer possible. Instead, video calling was used so that Amanda was able to be present virtually.


Commander retires

British Forces Gibraltar personnel said farewell to a stalwart of the Royal Navy. Commander Mike Maher has left the service after an innings lasting 40 years.

During this time, he served on numerous warships, most notably HMS Cardiff during the 1982 Falkland Islands conflict. He joined the Navy as a boy sailor in 1980 and rose through the ranks to Chief Petty Officer. In 1992 he commissioned as an officer, and various sea and shore assignments at home and abroad followed.

Commodore Tim Henry, Commander British Forces Gibraltar, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Lindsay, Chief of Staff and members of the Command gathered in the Tower to say farewell to Mike and his wife Julie, during a short (socially distanced) ceremony. Personnel then lined the main road from the Tower to the Naval Base gates to bid their own personal farewells to an extremely influential and charismatic member of the Gibraltar team.

Whilst he may have retired from military service, he will be taking up a Civil Servant role at HMNB Portsmouth. We wish you well!


RG remote peacekeeping

The Royal Gibraltar Regiment have been supporting peace operations training with Centro Conjunto para Operaciones de Paz de Chile (CECOPAC) since October 2018. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic where travel has been restricted, the Regiment has continued to provide the assistance requested by CECOPAC via remote means.


New arrivals on the Rock

Two Royal Navy P2000 vessels have been deployed in Gibraltar, awaiting active service. The vessels will form the transitional protection and deterrent from unauthorised craft entering British Gibraltar Territorial Waters.

HMS Pursuer and HMS Dasher will be taking over duties from HMS Scimitar and HMS Sabre.

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