The Isle of Wight Rifles are to support the Scots Guards with the British Army’s response to the coronavirus crisis on the Island.
Reservists are to be used to support the regular troops who have been on the Island since Sunday, as exclusively revealed by Island Echo.
Bob Seely MP said:
“It’s welcome news that the IW Rifles are going to be used to support the coronavirus effort on the Island. It’s a sensible move to use our local reserve unit to support both the regular troops from the Scots Guards and the Island community more widely.
“The IW Rifles are part of the Royal Logistics Corps and 11 Brigade, and I would like to thank the Commanding Officers of both for their support as well as Lt. Col Mike Dyos who has played an important role in helping with preparations on the Island.
“There is much that needs to be done, both in the hospital and in our wider community to prepare for the weeks ahead. We have a significant volunteer effort already, but the additional support is extremely welcome.
“It is reassuring to know that we have a unit here who can be utilised to support the NHS, volunteers and, above all, Islanders when we really need them.”
Well said and well done to the IW Rifles thank you for doing what you do.
The reservists bring local knowledge to the support by the Scots Guards ,common sense,,well done all and thank you
I think I speak for the wider community when I say thank you to the british army as a whole for the support
Is that a stock photo…..do we need fixed bayonets then? We certainly need P.P.E for medical staff as there is now evidence to suggest it is us that are contributing to the spread of the virus (it’s not rocket science really)
Still, if fixed bayonets give you are warm fuzzy feeling fill your boots.
Yes, that is a stock photo from the Freedom of the Isle of Wight parade back in 2015. The reservists are helping NHS staff create space for 200 extra beds.
Matt, that’s partly my point. This is a good example of sensationalistic journalism. I think it is irresponsible in the present climate to use stock pics like these, I have as yet NOT observed soldiers with fixed bayonets marching around the hospital grounds no on the wards I’m currently assigned to.
Perhaps this media outlet should calm it down (I know click bait is there way of proving numbers For advertisers)