Expectation was near fever pitch, signal groups were loaded with messages, and regimental ties tied.  This was all, of course, in anticipation of the inaugural Egypt Company gathering at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on 15 Jul 22.  The evening was attended by over 40 of the Regiment’s officers serving ‘externally’ at ‘E’ and it was a resounding success.

The Company convened in the New College Conference Room and initially heard some apposite Regimental updates: the Colonel of the Regiment updated attendees on the future of the Regiment and its place withing the Union Division; Brigadier Humphris outlined elements of the Regiment’s refreshed strategy, specifically recognising the centrality of our people; and CO 1 YORKS and CO 2 YORKS Des provided informative battalion updates.

What was striking was the discussions and offers of help that radiated after those updates.  It was clear that collectively the Regiment’s officers are not just endemic across the Army and Defence, but also hold the keys to unlock problems – it was powerful to appreciate.  The updates and discussions were followed by a curry supper before retreating to the New College bar, where the real networking began over a beer with friends.

Egypt Company’s aim is to house and federate Yorkshire Regiment officers at ‘E’ into an administrative company which will come together annually for a social event.  The Company, and the associated annual gathering, have been designed to ensure that those at ‘E’ can remain connected, both with the Regiment and with one another; have fun; and indirectly serve our Yorkshire soldiers by dint of their collective and extensive work at ‘E’.

The evening could not have been a success without the excellent work of Capt Jeff Tibbett who orchestrated the key enablers at RMAS.  And for those in the ether who missed out on this year’s event and wish to be involved in the future, the appointment of Egypt Company 2iC will transfer from Major Tom Flanagan to Major Ted Watts this summer.  Ted will, for one year, hold the prestigious appointment of Egypt Coy 2iC and be responsible for herding our regimental cats – some of the most difficult of all the cats to herd, but the best ones to share a beer with!  #FFTB