01/08/2018

Visit to Military Vehicle Repair Facility at Stirling

On 11 October 2017, a party of Scottish Region members visited Babcock Defence Support Group (BDSG)/REME military repair facility at Stirling. We booked in at the MoD guardroom where individual photographs were taken, passes issued and then were directed to Headquarters 51 Brigade and HQ Scotland. We were greeted by our host, REME Engineering Officer, Major Douglas Wilson. We also met Depute Commander Colonel C.P.Wallace. At the conference room, we were joined by BDSG operations manager Mr Stuart Brunton and WO1 Hugh Wotherspoon, REME.

Major Wilson spoke of his role at Stirling and how every army unit has REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) attached to it. As the name implies, a number of trades are involved and personnel are well-trained, often through long apprenticeships, many gaining civilian qualifications. The modern Hi-tech army requires highly skilled men and women to keep equipment operational with maintenance, repair and manufacture in the field and workshop conditions. There is also the necessity of meeting the role of soldier/engineer with the dual requirement of military proficiency and engineering skills anywhere in the UK and abroad wherever needs arise.

Next, Stuart Brunton, delivered a powerpoint presentation regarding Babcock International Group and its worldwide operations. He is involved with BDSG which was awarded a Ministry of Defence contract for army vehicles including servicing and repair, general support services and fleet management. The Defence Support Group at Stirling tackles any wheeled machines from quadbikes to massive specialised vehicles. The agreed specialised services are constantly monitored with expected deadlines to be met.

Equipped with high visibility jackets, we left the conference room and out to a large yard where all types of military vehicles are stored, some with completed work awaiting delivery, some awaiting parts then repair, a few awaiting further instructions. The range included powerful advance support vehicles, armoured combat and medium tactical vehicles, recovery and heavy equipment conveyance amongst others. Several versions of Land Rover were present.

We were guided round the huge workshops where all nature of work and servicing were being undertaken to various types of transport. We were shown the fast Foxhound specialised patrol vehicle fitted with V shaped armoured hull plating, designed to give the crew blast protection from improvised explosive devices. In addition to the mechanical department, there is a body and paint shop where routine repairs and re-finishing are carried out. Stuart explained that each morning he meets with workshop team leaders to discuss plans, procedures, targets, any problems and how to overcome them.

A section of the workshop is devoted to the repair and re-conditioning of weaponry. We were privileged to see an overhauled, refurbished and beautifully presented single axle ceremonial gun. Final work was in hand including the painting of the road wheel securing nuts!

We were given ample opportunity to be involved in Question and Answer session. Refreshments were kindly provided. Major Wilson, Mr Brunton, WO1 Wotherspoon and the team leaders were welcoming and very helpful. They ensured that this technical visit was a memorable one and the members responded accordingly. The Region appreciates the valued assistance and permission from Colonel Wallace which enabled this site visit to take place

Peter Ramsay