THE Army brought out its heavy guns yesterday to bid farewell to one of its senior officers.
After two years at the headquarters of the Army Training Estate, Catterick Garrison, commandant Lieutenant Colonel Niall MacGregor-Smith is moving to his next posting.
After being piped from his office to the gates, he said his goodbyes to friends and colleagues and was driven away on board a 63-tonne Challenger II main battle tank.
During his time at Catterick, he oversaw the Landmark Support Services project, which essentially saw the privatisation of staff at the headquarters, and more recently lay the foundations for the amalgamation of the North-West and North-East branches of the Army Training Estate.
In addition, a 600-metre firing range was introduced as well as a dismounted close combat trainer.
Also, at the Army's only nature reserve, Foxglove Covert, a £300,000 visitor centre was opened.
Lt Col MacGregor-Smith has been posted to Edinburgh Castle and will be replaced by Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Drake.
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