Back at it: Royal Yorkshire Regiment prepares for next ops after Kosovo
Personnel from 1st Battalion The Royal Yorkshire Regiment have paraded together as a whole unit for the final time this year.
The soldiers of Britain's last remaining county regiment are deploying to multiple theatres, with some companies heading to Poland on Operation Cabrit, while others take part in the UK-led mission to train Ukrainian soldiers under Operation Interflex.
In the past two years alone, the battalion has deployed personnel to Estonia, Oman, Nigeria, Kenya and the Falklands.
BFBS Forces News also joined the battalion on operational tours of Iraq, where the unit was based in Erbil, and during its deployment as part of KFOR in Kosovo.
With such a high operational tempo, the chain of command remains mindful of harmony guidelines, which regulate the amount of time a soldier can be deployed away from their base unit.
"We continue to monitor harmony guidelines and look after our people," said Lieutenant Colonel Ed Lyons, the battalion's Commanding Officer.
"When we are not deployed, we ensure our soldiers get time at home with their families.
"We are within limits at the moment and correctly managing our people."
Focus on the war in Ukraine
The battalion's two primary tasks are both closely linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The first, Operation Interflex, involves Royal Yorkshire Regiment personnel training Ukrainian soldiers, sharing experience and expertise as they continue fighting on the frontlines.
The second deployment sees a company-strength force heading to Poland, on Nato's eastern flank, under Operation Cabrit.
The geopolitical significance of these missions is not lost on the regiment's men and women.
"I think it’s really good that we’re getting involved and helping them - they really need the support," said 21-year-old Cameron Collinson ahead of his upcoming deployment on Op Interflex.
The newly promoted Lance Corporal added that his family is now well accustomed to him deploying, having previously served in Iraq and Kosovo.
The new "lance jack" will be under the command of recently commissioned Platoon Commander Ben Kebbell, who graduated from Sandhurst last summer.
Second Lieutenant Kebbell said his troops were eager to get back into action.
"We're going to have a very hands-on effect for those that are going out and making an impact on the frontline," he said.
A final parade before deployment
The regiment held the "farewell parade" at Richmond Castle in the Yorkshire Dales, which included a blessing from the regimental chaplain, Padre Rob Desics.
During the ceremony, Colonel Lyons awarded commendations and promoted two soldiers from Private to Lance Corporal.
The parade was bookended by a six-mile march - known as a Tab - to and from the unit's base at Catterick Garrison.
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