7 AA Bn Background Information

7 Air Assault Battalion is the largest REME Battalion, commanded by Lt Col Platt. It is co-located with 3 and 4 Regiments Army Air Corps, within Wattisham Airfield in Suffolk. It is made up of six sub units: three are set up to provide aircraft maintenance manpower, two are set up to support the battalions role in aircraft maintenance, and one is set up to provide maintenance manpower for land vehicles and equipment. At any given time, technicians from one of the three aviation companies are deployed on operations supporting the Army Air Corps, the Royal Artillery or the Royal Engineers.

Since 2002, 7 AA Bn REME has been allowed to enter the Brickwood’s Royal Navy Field Gun Competition. It is the only British Army unit to take part in the event, which has become a much anticipated event on the Battalion’s calendar. The tradition and background of the competition are certainly not lost on the soldiers who take part; many of whom return to take part year on year. It is hoped that this year’s crew can build upon and replicate the winning ways of 2005.

The ethos that surrounds the Field Gun competition supports the attributes that are promoted within an air assault unit; strength, aggression and teamwork. These qualities are needed in order to overcome, fight and win. The selfless dedication that is required to do well in this competition underpins a soldier’s attitude, and is reflected through out 7 AA Bn Field Gun Crew.