Army Reservists from 124 Transport Squadron, part of 151 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, have been helping keep vital NHS supplies moving.
Usually based at the Army Reserve Centre in Warley, Essex, 12 soldiers from the unit have been working at the NHS distribution centre in Maidstone, Kent.
The reservists have been helping pack vital personal protective equipment (PPE) before delivering it across the south-east. The regiment have also put their London facilities to use, with Army Reserve Centres in Southall and Barnet being used to receive and distribute NHS supplies around the capital. Army Reservists normally undertake training in their spare time, alongside a civilian job, but many have now stepped up to serve full time while the country tackles coronavirus.
Lieutenant Colonel Deborah Taylor, the commanding officer of 151 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps, said:
“We all know how important it is that the NHS have the equipment they need to carry on saving lives. I am proud that our troops have been able to help keep that vital supply chain moving.
“The NHS are doing a great job in meeting a huge logistical challenge and it is really good to see Army Reservists bringing their skills to support that effort. The protective equipment that our soldiers are helping deliver to hospitals will go straight to the NHS workers on the front line of our battle against this virus.”
Private Bernie King, a driver with 124 Transport Squadron, was part of the team that helped support the NHS. She said:
“We are all really proud to do our bit in support of the NHS. We’ve been working alongside civilian staff, making sure the PPE is packaged correctly and loaded onto the right vehicles to be delivered across the country. I normally work as a court clerk, but the Army Reserve has given me this opportunity to develop new skills and to serve my country at this critical time.”
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