Defence news today includes reporting that Royal Navy frigate HMS Sutherland will deploy to the Asia Pacific region, and coverage of events to mark 100 years since the Battle of Cambrai.
HMS Sutherland
There is reporting in the Daily Express, The Sun and Plymouth Herald that Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has announced Royal Navy frigate HMS Sutherland will deploy to represent UK interests across the Indian Ocean and into the Pacific, working closely with our regional partners. Coverage reflects that two Type 23 frigates will go to the region – HMS Sutherland in the New Year and HMS Argyll next December.
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:
Our already strong defence ties with allies in the Asia Pacific area will be deepened further by this deployment.
At a time when North Korea’s illegal weapons programme is causing global concern, the deployment of these two Royal Navy ships is a clear demonstration of the UK’s commitment to the peace and prosperity of the region.
Read more on this here.
Cambrai100
There is coverage today of commemorations to mark 100 years since the Battle of Cambrai, including on BBC Breakfast, BBC Radio 4, BBC News Channel and in The Telegraph. Coverage of the Cambrai100 commemorations taking place in France looks at 100 years since tanks were first deployed in the battle, and also the 100th birthday of the Royal Tank Regiment.
Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Nicholas Carter, said:
The Battle of Cambrai marked a significant moment in the evolution of armoured warfare and The Royal Tank Regiment are rightly proud of what they achieved in the battle 100 years ago. The tactics and technology employed at Cambrai were in many ways the proving ground for the hugely successful integration of infantry, armour, artillery and air power that led to the decisive combined arms manoeuvre in the last 100 days of the war in 1918. Just as they did 100 years ago, the tanks of the British Army remain a vital capability on today’s battlefields.
Commanding Officer of the Royal Tank Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Ridgway, said:
The Battle of Cambrai is of tremendous importance to the Regiment and every year we take the opportunity to commemorate the courage and sacrifice of the world’s first tank crews. The qualities shown by these men – their daring, innovation and willingness to attempt what had never been tried before – remain at the core of the Royal Tank Regiment and its soldiers. The Regiment is fiercely proud of its status as the oldest tank unit in the world and continues to adapt to meet the challenges we face today.
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