It was with fond farewells that 28 Engineer Regiment waved goodbye to Lt Col Phil Sherwood as he handed over command of the Regiment to his replacement, Lt Col Matt Bazeley on the 27 November 08.  In fitting style, as the CO stepped out of RHQ for the last time, he was greeted by the sight of an M3 Rig parked up on the parade square and WO1 (RSM) Howells with a welcoming Quaich of whisky.  The CO was then presented with a fine home made bicycle and invited to review the waiting regiment one last time.  Having launched himself off the ramp of the rig, Lt Col Sherwood made a lap of the camp, his route lined by the troops of the Regiment.

On arrival at the Officers mess, Colonel Phil was greeted by the Officers of the Regiment and the new Commanding Officer.  After a shake of hands Lt Col Bazeley had the pleasure of reversing the route and a wee dram of whisky before being escorted into RHQ by the Adjutant and RSM for a spot of work!  Meanwhile, Col Phil had retired to the bar. 

On joining the Regiment in October 2005, Lt Colonel Sherwood deployed straight to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 5.  After a difficult but rewarding tour, he had the chance to enjoy some of the rewards a Germany posting has to offer and will be fondly remembered for his love of dragon boat racing and a fine array of fancy dress.  Along with his wife Caroline, he will now move to London to take up post in the MOD.

The new Commanding Officer now takes up the reins as the Regiment again prepares to deploy to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 11 with the newly formed 11 Light Brigade.

by Lt NRA Beighton Tp Comd 23 Amph Engr Sqn