RLC flag being raised on the top of Scafell Pike — Members of 156 Royal Logistic Corps reserve regiment raised the flag above Scafell Pike (Picture: 156 Royal Logistics Corps).

Army

RLC members raise flag on England's highest mountain to mark 30th anniversary

Members of 156 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) took part in a co-ordinated exercise to commemorate the anniversary of their corps by climbing the highest mountain in England.

The reservist RLC Regiment climbed 3,210ft high Scafell Pike in the early hours of 5 April to mark the 30th anniversary – RLC30 – since the regiment was created in 1993.

Major John Cartwright-Terry, Officer Commanding of 381 Squadron Lancaster, 156 RLC, who led the team to the Lake District mountain's summit, said: "Happy 30th birthday to the Royal Logistic Corps.

"We had been tasked to raise the Royal Logistic Corps flag at sunrise to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the formation of the RLC on 5 April 1993.

"We were part of a co-ordinated flag raising on the highest peaks in each of the UK nations and so, despite some atrocious weather, the drive to fulfil our part of this national event was palpable.

"I'm pleased to report that my entire team of reservists delivered the right kit, at the right time and to the correct grid square. We Sustain," he added.

Members of 156 RLC climbing Scafell Pike in the early hours of 5 April to raise the flag on the top (Picture: 156 Royal Logistic Corps). — Members of 156 RLC climbing Scafell Pike in the early hours of 5 April to raise the flag at the top (Picture: 156 Royal Logistic Corps).

The 156 RLC team left the barracks of Lancaster 381 Squadron shortly after midnight and began their ascent up Scafell Pike at 03:30 GMT, reaching the top around three hours later.

Despite heavy rain, heavy cloud cover and strong winds, the group raised the regimental flag above the highest point in England.

On the same day in Scotland, 154 RLC climbed Ben Nevis (4,411ft), in Northern Ireland members of 152 RLC reached the top of Slieve Donard in the Mountains of Mourne (2,789ft), and in Wales, 157 RLC climbed to the top of Snowdon (3,560ft).

Members of 156 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps (Picture: 156 Royal Logistics Corps).

Captain Nick Abbot of Lancaster 381 Squadron, 156 RLC said: "Despite horrendous weather conditions, the team made it to the summit of Scafell Pike.

"It certainly wasn't an easy ascent with strong winds and driving rain that soaked and chilled to the bone, but it was inspiring to see the determination and cheerfulness with which they faced this task.

"It demonstrated just how important it was to our soldiers to achieve this for the corps as part of RLC30."