The Royal Logistic
Corps Conductors’ Parchment Ceremony 14th July 2023.
A very successful day in the Corps
calendar. The Parchment Ceremony began
with a musical extravaganza performed by RLC Corps of Drums. 
Capt James Kelly, Corps Adjt read out
the history of the Conductors appointment and bios for each of the four newly
select Conductors.
Brig Patrick Reehal OBE, 101 Log Bde Comd) presented parchments and flowers to partners:
Nicolette Ockwell,
Jaime Squire-Dean
Nikki James
Juliet Korankye
Brig Patrick gave an
in passionate speech about the importance of the role of Conductors has play
throughout the centres, today and in the years to come.
Interestingly, his GGGGG Grandfather was George GIBSON (1773-1847). George was Conductor
of Ordnance Trichinopolly in 1813 and later in 1847
he became Captain Dep Comm of Ordnance, Vellore, Madras.
His son John
Thomas GIBSON (1819-1871) was appointed Sub Conductor of Ordnance at
Fort St George, Madras in 1835. Later in 1871 he was commissioned to Lieutenant
in HM Indian Army, and became the Assistant Commissary
of Ordnance in the Madras Presidency. Another son Joseph GIBSON
(1816-1869) was in 1840 the QM Sgt of the 39th Regiment, Bellary, Madras.
In 1869 he was made Permanent Conductor Ordnance Department, Trichinopolly.
WO1 (Conductor) Richard Ockwell RLC
FdArmy-Log-Sp-Comd-Master-Dvr)
Head of Trade – Driver
110
WO1 (Conductor) R Ockwell enlisted into the Royal Logistic Corps as a Driver
on the 02 May 2002. Upon completing basic and phase two training, he was posted
to 3 Close Support Regt, 10 Brigade Support Squadron in December 2003. There he completed a variety of specialist
vehicle courses and finished 2 tours of Iraq, as a Force Protection Commander.
Towards the end of his posting with 10 Sqn, he was part of a successful team
earning a bronze medal in the Cambrian Patrol (and the mental scars still
haunts him to date).
On promotion to Lance Corporal, WO1 Ockwell
moved to Joint CIMIC Group as a Team Driver and MT JNCO, completing the Jt CIMIC course. This led to successfully gaining promotion
to Cpl and his first choice posting to Army Training Centre, Pirbright, where
he served as a Section Commander and as part of a trial, was chosen as an
instructor for the Infantry TA Basic Training.
May 2011 saw WO1 Ockwell posted
to 8 Transport Regiment RLC, 13 Transport Squadron and on arrival was promoted
to Sergeant. There, he assumed a short
role as a Tp Sgt on PNCO carders within MTW(G). Following a short stay in
Germany he returned to the UK to 33 Field Hospital as the MT SNCO. Whilst in post he supported the Regiment in
deployment on OP HERRICK. Selected for SSgt on his first attempt and assigned
to 2 Military Intelligence Bn in June 14.
There he developed a small MT, supporting 5 independent locations across
the UK, Northern Ireland and on operations. Towards the end of his posting WO1 Ockwell attended the Master Drivers course and successful
completed.
Jun 17 joined 16 Air Assault Brigade as the Master Driver
where he hit the ground running with Exercise SWIFT RESPONSE within his first
few weeks into the job. Since his
baptism into the Brigade and several overseas exercises he was successful in
being promoted to WO1 and rewarded with an assignment to HQ BFC, as the
CMD. Never standing still, WO1 Ockwell was picked for the additional role of CBF Warrant Officer.
This saw frequent engagement with Senior officers, Minsters,
Tri-Service CoC and Service families delivering sound advice, guide and assist
on challenges that face SBA community.
Towards the end of his assignment in BFC he was appointed
Head of Trade for Driver 110 and Army CMD. This post has seen a focus
delivering digitisation, driver training and developing the next generation of
drivers and their careers, the most rewarding part of the role.
WO1 Ockwell married to Nicolette, his partner for 15 years, she
has given her unquestionable support and advice throughout. A father to son Jacob (12) and daughter Lucy
(11), he is truly thankful for their support.
WO1 (Conductor) Paul Squire-Dean RLC
FdArmy-Log-Sp-PCS-ComdPCSWO
Head of Trade - Postal
and Courier Services
WO1 (Cdr) Paul
Squire-Dean enlisted in May 2000 and on completion of training at ATR
Pirbright, was assigned to 24 Regt RLC, Bielefeld, Germany. During his time in
Germany, he was promoted to LCpl and deployed to Kosovo and subsequently Iraq
on Op TELIC 3. On return from Iraq, in
2004 he was assigned to 29 Regt RLC, South Cerney where he swiftly re-deployed
to Kosovo and Bosnia, followed by another tour, this time on Op VERITAS
Afghanistan. On return to 29 Regt, he was aligned to the Spearhead team for the
next six months during this time, WO1 (Cdr) Squire-Dean was selected for
promotion to Cpl.
On promotion, he was
assigned to Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE), where he was
fortunate enough to spend time attached to a multitude of UK NSE organisations
at Valencia, Karup, Norfolk Virginia & Washington DC. Selection to Sgt followed
in 2007 and he was subsequently assigned to HQ Brunei Garrison, where he was
able to focus on direct support to the service community. After 2 years in the far east WO1 (Cdr)
Squire-Dean was assigned back to 24 Regt RLC, where he volunteered to be
attached to the International Military Training Team (IMATT) Sierra Leone. On
promotion to SSgt in 2011 and being assigned to 88 PC Regt RLC (Army Reserves)
as the Permanent Staff Instructor.
After promotion to WO2 in 2014, WO1 (Cdr)
Squire-Dean was again assigned to 29 Regt RLC as the 59 PC & MC Sqn Ops WO
and PCS SME. The role was extremely demanding given the number of soldiers
deploying from both the PCS and Mov Cons specialisations, and the high tempo.
WO1 (Cdr) Squire-Dean also deployed to the Falklands for 6 months, where he
managed and led the British Forces Post Office for British Forces South
Atlantic Islands.
In 2018 he was
assigned to HQ Regional Command and headed the Postal Inspection and Advisory
Team. This role saw WO1 (Cdr) Squire-Dean leading and conducting Logistic
Support audits on UK based.
Formations and Limited-Service Forces Post Offices, across
the globe. In 2020 he was selected for promotion to WO1 and in May 2021
assigned to HQ BFPO, Policy and Plans.
During his time at HQ
BFPO, WO1 (Cdr) Squire-Dean was successful in one of his career goals, of being
appointed as the Postal and Courier Services, Head of Trade (HoT). He assumed the role in June 2022, currently based at
HQ Fd Army, Logistic Support. Jun 23 saw WO1 (Cdr)
Squire-Dean appointed as an RLC Conductor, where he looks forward to the
challenges of such a prestigious appointment.
Having a strong family
support network has been key for WO1 (Cdr) Squire-Dean, this has enabled him to
focus on the tasks at hand, his wife Jaime has played a major part in this, and
she has been the backbone throughout his Military Career. Still a keen sportsman
albeit now much as a supporter, unless it’s bivvying on a lake hoping to catch
a monster carp.
WO1 (Conductor) Richard James RLC
FdArmy-Log-Sp-COWO (designate)
Head of Trade –
Logistic Supply Specialist
WO1 (Cdr) James enlisted into the
Army in February 2003 completing Phase 1 training at ATR Bassingbourn aged 16.
He joined the Army as a Supply Controller within the Royal Logistic Corps and
completed his Class 3 Supply Controller course at 25 Training Support Regiment.
Upon completion of basic and trade training courses he was posted to 4
Battalion REME where he deployed on his first Operational tour to Iraq on Op
TELIC 6.
His previous units include, 9
Regiment RLC and Commando Logistic Regiment as a JNCO these postings seen him
deploy to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK’s 7 and 14 respectively. Upon promotion to
Sergeant, he was assigned to the Quartermaster’s Department within 22 SAS this
assignment seen him deploy as part of Task Force 196 in an assurance and
inspection role. On selection to Staff Sergeant, he deployed on a 6-month
assignment to the Falkland Islands and a subsequent posting to Defence
Equipment and Support in Abbeywood employed within an
inventory managers role within the Protected Mobility Vehicle Programme.
Gaining promotion to Warrant Officers Class 2 saw him assigned to 2 Close
Support Battalion REME as the Technical Warrant Officer during this assignment
he again deployed on Op KIPION in a contract management capacity covering the
Broader Middle East. Promotion to Warrant Officer Class 1 followed and the
appointment of Formation Ordnance Warrant Officer within the Directorate
Special Forces. The appointment of Head of Trade and subsequently Conductor
came in 2022/23 respectively.
His hobbies include Rugby whereby he has been
fortunate to represent the RLC at Rugby Union with a notable highlight of
several overseas tours to Australia and the RLC 25th anniversary
tour to Canada and America. He has a partner, Nikki and together they have a
son, Freddie (2) and a cocker spaniel, Hamish
WO1 (Conductor) Samuel
Korankye RLC
FdArmy-Log-Sp-Fuels-ComdPetWO
Head of Trade –
Petroleum Operator
WO1 Korankye journey began with basic training at Pirbright, an
experience that shaped his character and prepared him for the challenges ahead.
It was during this training that a significant moment occurred, forever etched
in his memory - the tragic events of September 11, 2001. As fate would have it,
he was preparing for his final day at basic, the day before his passing out
parade, marking the start of his Army career amidst a changing world.
From 2002 to 2007, WO1
Korankye underwent phase 2 training at West Moors,
honing his skills and discipline. Once his training was complete, he was posted
to 6 Regiment RLC, 64 Sqn in Germany as a pet op. It was here that he embarked
on his first deployment to Iraq, serving two tours in the country. The
experiences he gained during these tours were invaluable, and he was recognized
for his dedication, receiving his first promotions to Lance Corporal and second
promotion to Corporal at 64 Squadron.
In 2008, WO1 Korankye embraced a new role as the Duty of Care NCO at the
Defence School of Petroleum in West Moors. This position became the most
rewarding job of his career thus far, as he assumed the responsibility of
looking after the welfare and physical well-being of phase 2 trainees. During
this time, he earned the rank of Sergeant and was subsequently posted to 101
Log Brigade.
From 2010 to 2012, WO1
Korankye served as a Petroleum Inspector in 101 Log
Brigade, entrusted with ensuring the quality assurance as a 2PA fuel on behalf
of the Army. Seeking new challenges, he transitioned to a role as an
Administrative Sergeant with 10QOGLR in 2012, expanding his skill set and
contributing to the efficient running of the unit.
Subsequently, he was
posted to AACEN 2 TRG Regt - BFI SNCO in 2012, where he assumed the important
responsibility of overseeing aviation fuel. His dedication and expertise led to
his promotion to Staff Sergeant, and he was later transferred to 152 RLC, a
reserve unit in Northern Ireland.
At 152 RLC from 2014
to 2017, WO1 Korankye undertook the ambitious task of
converting a transport regiment into Fuel regiment, the first and only reserve
fuel regiment in the British Army. Through meticulous planning and relentless
determination, he achieved this transformation within a remarkable 24-month
period.
In 2017, he was
entrusted with the role of PSD SNCO, overseeing the management of 53 million
litres of aviation fuel and marine diesel in the Falkland Islands. This
experience further refined his leadership abilities, and he was promoted to
Warrant Officer Class 2 in 2018. He subsequently served as a fuel Subject
Matter Expert (SME) with 6th (UK) Division in 2018-2019 and later with 1st (UK)
Division from 2019 to 2021, where he was promoted to Warrant Officer Class 1.
Currently, WO1 Korankye
serves at HQ Fd Army Log Sp
as the Command Petroleum Warrant Officer and Head of Petroleum Trade. This role
allows him to utilize his extensive knowledge and experience to ensure the
efficient management of petroleum resources and petroleum operators within the
Army.
Outside of his
military career, WO1 Korankye is a devoted
family-oriented person. He has been happily married to his wife Juliet O Korankye for 17 years, and they are blessed with two
wonderful children, Jess, aged 17, and Nyhira, aged
15. In his free time, he prioritize his physical
fitness, engaging in activities such as running, cycling, and reading. He
passionately believe that maintaining an elevated
level of fitness is fundamental to being a successful soldier