REFORMATION OF 19TH LIGHT BRIGADE RESERVE

REFORMATION OF 19TH LIGHT BRIGADE RESERVE COMMANDED BY NORTHERN IRELAND’S BRIGADIER OWEN LYTTLE, MBE,TD,VR

This weekend marked a very special ceremony at Imphal Barracks in York, which saw the reformation of 19th Light Brigade, now an entirely reserve formation commanded by Brigadier Owen Lyttle MBE TD, himself a reservist. During the significant occasion, a parade of 200 service personnel was formed in front the inspecting officer, Lieutenant General Skeates CB, CBE, the last commander 19th Brigade before its previous disbandment.  

Brigadier Lyttle said: “This is an exciting development for the Army Reserve. It provides a Reserve-focused platform to improve capacity, capability, the ability to deploy, and utility. This new Brigade provides an opportunity to make a major contribution to the evolution of the Army Reserve. The 19th Brigade has a proud heritage stretching back to the Boer War, but this latest incarnation will deliver Army Reserve combat units to the front line, either at home or overseas”.
While the primary task of the Army Reserve is its dedicated warfighting role, units from the  Brigade will also be expected to deliver on operations in the UK, such as support to the NHS, local authorities, and emergency services when required. As an example, personnel from the Brigade will provide support to the organisers of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. As well as being deployed at home, troops from the Brigade will also make a significant contribution to the British Army’s deployments overseas.

Photograph L-R
Colonel Hubert McAlister, OBE, TD,DL,VR, previous Chairman RFCA NI and previous Honorary Colonel 2 R Irish
Colonel George Chesney, Chairman, RFCA NI
Colonel Jason Wright, CE Yorkshire and Humberside RFCA
Colonel Johnny Rollins, OBE, DL 
Mr Phil Walton, Head of Engagement, Yorkshire and Humberside RFCA Your opposite number in Y&H

Photograph L-R 
Colonel George Chesney, Chairman, RFCA NI
Brigadier Owen Lyttle MBE, TD  
Colonel Johnny Rollins OBE, DL, Chief Executive RFCA NI