A reorganisation of Woodbridge-based 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault) as part of the Army 2020 reforms has seen 12 (Nova Scotia) Headquarters and Support (Air Assault) Squadron mothballed. The disbandment was marked with a parade at Rock Barracks on 9 Oct 2013, which also saw 10 members of the squadron who deployed to Afghanistan presented with Operational Service Medals.

The troops deployed from March to September 2013 to run a resources cell in Camp Bastion. Their role was to ensure that engineers working with troops on the ground had the equipment and material they needed, as well as preparing 170 shipping containers of kit for return to the UK in support of the drawdown of British forces.

Major General Richard Davis CBE, Director General Army Recruiting and Training, presented the campaign medals before 12 Sqn marched off the parade square and into history.

12 Sqn’s specialist capabilities - reconnaissance, resourcing and bridging – will be retained and shared between 9 and 51 Parachute Squadrons, providing two larger and self-sufficient squadrons to deploy on contingency operations. Most of its troops will move to other roles within 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault) and some will be posted to other units, while the regiment is gradually reducing in size by approximately 130 personnel.

Information courtesy of MoD.