Peterborough soldiers play crucial role in fight against coronavirus

Reservist Captain Benjamin Parker, 200 Squadron 158 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps giving direction to vehicle driver on what would happen during the Covid-19 Testing procedure at the Parklands Leisure Centre Carpark. On Thursday 23rd July 2020, British Army Soldiers were deployed to Covid-19 Virus Mobile Testing Units within the Leicester area. The Mobile testing units were also staffed by various National Health Service Track and Trace Personnel. The two locations within the area of Leicester which were involved were: Prajapati Hall Community Centre and Parklands Leisure Centre. Content Creator: D. Garry Fox/ MOD Crown. EMN-200730-143504001

Just days after being mobilised at the end of May soldiers from 158 Regiment RLC had completed their training package at Prince William of Gloucester Barracks in Grantham and were ready to deploy with Rutland based 7 Regiment RLC to man the mobile Coronavirus testing sites.

Whilst some soldiers hit the road to deliver Covid-19 testing across the East Midlands and East Anglia, fellow reservists were also mobilised to undertake a number of differing roles including working as military liaison officers to Local Resilience Forums and the Department of Health and Social Housing.

50 soldiers were mobilised from across the Regiment, including soldiers from their Peterborough HQ and its Squadrons in Lincoln, Ipswich and Bedford.

Lance Corporal (LCpl) Kevin Smith, 36 is part of 158 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps (RLC) 160 squadron. Currently working from Harpur Hill, Derbyshire Mobile Testing unit. Working with Civilian contractors handing over the MTU. Cottesmore based soldiers have helped to deliver COVID-19 testing as part of the Government's national testing programme. Soldiers from 7 Regiment RLC based at Kendrew Barracks in Rutland, deployed at the drive-through mobile Coronavirus testing sites across the East Midlands and East Anglia. The Regiment forms part of part of 102 Logistic Brigade and is made up of RLC supply specialists, drivers, chefs as well as REME vehicle mechanics, artificers and clerks. The soldiers had been trained to safely collect swabs at the mobile sites. The mobile facilities can be set up in less than 20 minutes and allow for hundreds of people to be tested each day. Photographer: Cpl Andy Reid / © MoD Crown Copyright 2020 EMN-200730-143517001

Throughout the month of June Captain Ben Parker who is a solicitor at Metcalfe Copeman and Pettefar Solicitors, has been leading a 12-man team at Covid-19 testing sites in Essex, Nottingham and Leicester.

He said: “It feels good to be a part of something that is assisting the wider community. Like many people I have family members who are shielding so I’m pleased and proud to play my part.

“I feel that the more we do to support the efforts of the NHS to test and trace, the better the chance we have to eradicate the virus and the sooner family and friends can feel safe again.

“I was in the regular Army so working with 7 Regt RLC brought back memories and confirmed to me that the regular and reserves connection does work. We all happily stepped out the door to serve and I think that sums up the commitment of the Army Reserve.”

Also deployed to work on the mobile testing sites was Lance Corporal Kevin Smith who has been a reservist for over 15 years. When he’s not in uniform he runs his own business; Focus Rides, a mountain biking school based in Louth, Lincolnshire.

He said: “It’s an important role and we all have one aim in mind; to help keep the community safe.”

Both Captain Parker and LCpl Smith left their families at home and moved into accommodation at Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell, Nottingham, whilst deployed.

Lance Corporal Smith who also deployed to Afghanistan said: “I’m married with three children: Harry (7), Arthur (3) and eight weeks old George. Two days after George was born, I deployed.

“It’s been hard obviously. Speaking on Face Time is not the same so I’m looking forward to getting home and spending time with them. Arthur, I know, is really missing me at the minute.”

The Commanding Officer of 158 Regiment RLC, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Futter, said: “The response from both the regular and reserve soldiers of 158 Regt has been fantastic. 50 of our soldiers mobilized at short notice and leaned into the national effort to halt the spread of this grim disease. I sincerely hope that they are as proud of themselves and their families as I am.”

Two mobile coronavirus testing centres and one permanent testing centre remain open in Peterborough to allow residents to get tested..

People with symptoms can just turn up and have a test. To avoid having to wait, people are able to book a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-COVID-19-19 Those unable to access the internet can call 119 to book a test.

Key workers can log on to the self-referral portal www.gov.uk/apply-coronavirus-test-essential-workers. They will be offered a drop-down list of local options for testing including nearby mobile units.