Nearly 80 personnel from C Squadron, The Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeth’s Own) were honoured at a medal ceremony after completing six-month tours in two of Europe’s long-standing conflict zones.
A total of 52 soldiers deployed on Operation Elgin, the UK contribution to NATO’s international peacekeeping force in Kosovo (KFOR).
The medal recognises the professionalism and dedication shown by our soldiers in supporting the Balkans. They can all be proud of the significant contribution they have made to NATO’s peacekeeping mission.
MAJOR CHARLIE MACKANESS, THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETH’S OWN)
KFOR is made up of around 4,600 soldiers from 29 NATO countries and its partners. It aims to assist local security authorities in maintaining a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo.
Kosovo is a small, landlocked country in the Balkans in southern-eastern Europe. It borders Albania, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia.
Since 1999, NATO has led a UN-mandated operation in Kosovo to ensure a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement, and to deter any renewed hostilities.
Working as part of KFOR, The Royal Lancers’ role was to act as the “eyes and ears” for NATO, conducting intelligence gathering and community engagement across the country, from the capital Pristina to the Administrative Boundary Line with Serbia. Their work complemented other KFOR soldiers by gathering information from the local population, understanding residents’ concerns, and working to find solutions to community problems.
It means a lot to receive recognition for the commitment we gave, especially when we were away from our families over Christmas.
LANCE CORPORAL CHRISTIAN MORAN, THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETH’S OWN)
Major Charlie Mackaness, Officer Commanding C Squadron, said: “The medal recognises the professionalism and dedication shown by our soldiers in supporting the Balkans. They can all be proud of the significant contribution they have made to NATO’s peacekeeping mission.”
Medal recipient Lance Corporal Christian Moran said: “It means a lot to receive recognition for the commitment we gave, especially when we were away from our families over Christmas.
“I enjoyed the tour; it was a great experience. It gave you a sense of purpose. Before we deployed, we completed an extensive training package to learn about what had happened there. Hearing about it and then going out to see the actual area and work there was really interesting.”
It was a great opportunity. Kosovo is not even the size of Yorkshire, so we got to travel around the whole area.
LANCE CORPORAL ABBIE BRADBURY, THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETH’S OWN)
Fellow Lance Corporal, Abbie Bradbury, said: “It was a great opportunity. Kosovo is not even the size of Yorkshire, so we got to travel around the whole area.
“We worked in Pristina and other areas. It’s a beautiful place. I drove the team out to our locations, and we then walked around talking to people to see how we could help.
“It’s been a really interesting job and has enhanced our people skills. I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m only 21. Not many people my age have done something like this.”
Abbie would encourage more women to consider a role with the military: “It’s great, especially within the Royal Armoured Corps and the Infantry.
“Most of my friends continued in education after school. I knew that wasn’t the path for me. I went to the Army Foundation Collegein Harrogate at 16 as a junior soldier and here I am a few years later enjoying life and my job.”
As well as the team who deployed to Kosovo, twenty-seven soldiers from C Squadron were presented with their United Nations (UN) medals following their six-month deployment on Operation TOSCA in Cyprus.
The peacekeeping mission is among the UN’s longest-running operations, having maintained a ceasefire between Turkish and Greek Cypriot communities since 1964.
Our soldiers deployed in Cyprus showed the professionalism and responsible engagement we expect of a Royal Lancer.
MAJOR CHARLIE MACKANESS, THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETH’S OWN)
The Buffer Zone, also known as the ‘Green Line’ spans approximately 180 kilometres. It is divided into three sectors and divides the Turkish north and the Greek south.
The Royal Lancers and 5 Regiment Royal Artillery with whom they deployed, were responsible for Sector 2 of the Buffer Zone that covers the city of Nicosia.
They maintained a constant watch over the zone on foot and using vehicles and mountain bikes. They worked to preserve peace and stability while performing an essential liaison role with residents and authorities.
Major Charlie Mackaness said: “Our soldiers deployed in Cyprus showed the professionalism and responsible engagement we expect of a Royal Lancer.”
Now back in the UK, the Squadron will spend the rest of the year training on AJAX armoured fighting vehicles which will enhance their ability to detect and analyse threats from a distance.
