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12th Regiment Royal Artillery

@12regtra

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The British Army's Close Support Air Defence Regiment, providing protection to critical assets from a range of airborne threats.

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He’s one of our own!

Coming in at 2:00 on the dot, 10 miles deep, wearing 20kg on his back. It’s the very capable Bdr Welch.

Jake, thank you so much for reaching out and raising awareness for our great cause! You’re a top guy 🇬🇧

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The First of Two Patriots Running Today!

Bdr Hamer of the mighty 137 Bty has completed the great south run in the name of our great cause. Thank you again Tommy, now rest up with a beer, you’ve earned it! 🇬🇧

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Royal Artillery Saint Barbara Design

Quo Fas Et Gloria Ducunt — Latin for "Whither Right and Glory Lead

Saint Barbara became the patron saint of artillerymen. She is also traditionally the patron of armourers, military engineers, gunsmiths and miners.

Ubique "Everywhere".

The Gunners

Weekly art 🎨

Flag

#weeklyart #royalartillery #saintbarbara #design #saintart

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He’s one of our own!

Bdr Tommy Hamer! One of 137-Bty finest will be running the great south run in aid our fine cause. This PTI will be aiming for a solid time on the 10 mile route and we will be routing for him every step of the way.

Best of luck Tommy! 🇬🇧

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He’s one of our own!
Meet Bdr Jake “Welchy” Welch, who is taking on the Great South Run in support of our great cause.
Every step he runs helps us make a difference. Let’s show Welchy all the support he deserves as he pounds the pavement! All the love ❤️🇬🇧

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Stormers in full flow… One of three first half Trys for 12 Regt RA vs 8Bn REME in this afternoon’s contest in Aldershot. 🏉

#armyrugby #rugby #rugbyunion #rugbytry #sportsvideography

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After 22 years of dedicated service, we say “moce, moce ” to W02 Ravai.
A true pillar of the 12 Regt ranks and a figurehead for the Fijian community. Your commitment, leadership and service have left a lasting mark, and you will be greatly missed.

We wish you every success and happiness as you begin the next chapter of your journey in Australia.

Thank you for your service Ravs, and all the very best for the future! Moce, ka kalougata

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He’s one of our own! 🇬🇧 20 years on, remembering our fallen brother, Gnr Lee “Thorney” Thornton aged just 22, Serving with 58 (Eyre’s) Bty, 12 Regt RA, Lee succumbed to injuries on 7 September 2006 after being targeted on patrol in Al Qurna, Iraq. Stand easy, Never forgotten. ❤️🇬🇧

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#Todayin 2006 Gunner Lee Thornton, 22, from 58 (Eyre’s) Battery, 12th Regiment Royal Artillery died on 7 September 2006 as a result of injuries sustained two days earlier from a single gunshot wound whilst on patrol in the town of Al Qurna, north of Basra, Iraq.

His injuries were so serious that, despite the best treatment available, the medical team involved were unable to save him.

Gunner Lee ‘Thorny’ Thornton was born in Blackpool on 25 November 1983. From an early age he had wanted to be a soldier and he enlisted in his home town on 30 August 2000 at the age of sixteen.

After completion of his training, Thorny was posted to 12th Regiment Royal Artillery on 20 November 2001, joining 58 (Eyre’s) Battery. He had a busy and varied career and in addition to exercises in Germany, Great Britain, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Poland and Canada, he deployed to Iraq in 2003 on Operation TELIC 1.

He was the epitome of the professional soldier; diligent, motivated, enthusiastic and tremendously fit. Thorny proved his credentials on numerous occasions during his career, most notably when competing in the arduous Cambrian Patrol competition in 2004 and 2005.

Gunner Thornton’s parents, said the family were struggling to come to terms with the devastating loss of their much-loved eldest son, Lee, and released the following statement:

We were immensely proud of Lee’s achievements. He lived life to the full and packed a lot in during his short time. Through the Army he managed to fulfil many of his goals in life.

He was a great sportsman and an avid supporter of Blackpool Football Club.

Lee leaves behind his loving fiancee, Helen, his loving parents and three younger brothers Ryan, Sean and Jake.

Thoughts go out to his fiancee and all his close family and friends on this day of days, may he rest in peace and may he never be forgotten 🇬🇧.

'Quo Fas Et Gloria Ducunt'

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#Todayin 2006 Gunners Vanua, 27, and Wright, 20, from 58 (Eyre’s) Battery, 12 Regiment Royal Artillery, died as a result of injuries sustained from a roadside bomb at approximately 1300hrs local time near the town of Ad Dayr, north of Basra City. They were on a routine patrol in support of a Danish reconstruction team when the incident occurred.

The explosion hit their vehicle patrol as it was returning to base following a routine task training the Iraqi Police. Very sadly the incident killed these two soldiers from the Battery.

Gunner Samuela Vanua, known as ‘Sammy’, was born on 26 May 1979 in Fiji. He joined the Army on 16 April 2002 and was posted to 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, based in Osnabruck, Germany, on 18 November 2002 following his basic training.

He was the archetypal Gunner: tough, hard-working and resourceful. He was hugely popular in 3/29 Battery, throughout 4th Regiment and with his many friends across the Army.

Gunner Vanua was a soldiers’ soldier who enjoyed the diverse challenges of military life. He had proved himself to be a skilful, reliable field gunner on the AS90 artillery gun during a number of demanding exercises in Germany and Canada. He was always willing to pass on his hard-earned experience to the newer soldiers, demonstrating the clearest potential for early promotion.

This same commitment and professionalism was even more apparent on operations, where he spent the majority of his relatively short career. He deployed in the dismounted infantry role with 4th Regiment in Northern Ireland in 2003 and Iraq in 2004-05, where as a rifleman in Basra he was courageous, utterly dependable and ready to tackle any challenge.

It is testament to Gunner Vanua’s robust character and selfless dedication that he volunteered to deploy to Iraq with elements of 12th Regiment Royal Artillery in April 2006, so soon after returning to his own unit.

Gunner Samuela Vanua was a superb soldier who was immensely proud to be part of the British Army and the Royal Artillery.

Thoughts go out to all his close family and friends on this day of days, may he rest in peace and may he never be forgotten 🇬🇧 🇫🇯.

'Quo Fas Et Gloria Ducunt'

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#Todayin 2006 Gunners Wright, 20, and Vanua, 27, from 58 (Eyre’s) Battery, 12 Regiment Royal Artillery, died as a result of injuries sustained from a roadside bomb at approximately 1300hrs local time near the town of Ad Dayr, north of Basra City. They were on a routine patrol in support of a Danish reconstruction team when the incident occurred.

The explosion hit their vehicle patrol as it was returning to base following a routine task training the Iraqi Police. Very sadly the incident killed these two soldiers from the Battery.

Gunner Stephen ‘Trigger’ Wright was born on 18 May 1986 in Preston, and grew up on Belcarres Road, Leyland, Lancashire. He decided at an early age that he wanted to pursue a career in the British Army and enlisted on 11 December 2002 as a 16-year-old.

After completing his training ‘Trigger’ was posted to 12 Regiment Royal Artillery, joining 58 (Eyre’s) Battery Royal Artillery on 2 April 2004. The deployment to Iraq was ‘Trigger’s’ first operational tour and he had been very keen prior to deployment to ‘do his bit’, an attitude which he maintained in theatre.

The following statement was issued by the family of Gunner Stephen Wright:

Stephen’s death has come as a massive shock to his family who are still grieving the death of his mother, Elaine, who died suddenly 10 months ago. Stephen has since made his home, when on leave, with his grandparents Robert and Shirley Wright, of Leyland.

Stephen attended Wellfield High School. On leaving school, he had a short time in the cadets before joining the Army. He spent an enjoyable 12 months at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate before being posted to Germany and then to Iraq.

Stephen was a quiet, happy, young man who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his friends and family. A few weeks ago, he spent time at home with his grandparents on R&R before returning to Iraq. He was looking forward to going back to finish his duties. Stephen loved the Army life. It was all he wanted to do. The whole family is very proud of him.

Thoughts go out to all his close family and friends on this day of days, may he rest in peace and may he never be forgotten 🇬🇧.

'Quo Fas Et Gloria Ducunt'

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An incredible week with the @gunnerbjj team. Great to see so much talent coming through 🫡⚔️

A huge thank you to @madjackbjj and everyone at @madhattersasylum for letting the Royal Artillery team use your gym and for supporting the Army in promoting sport. Your hospitality and support are massively appreciated. 🤝🥋

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