Aug 13 - Gib Regiment Soldier Awarded Best Recruit
Royal Gibraltar Regiment soldier, Private Thomas Darby, 17, has been awarded the ‘Best Recruit’ following a successful completion of the Combat Infantryman’s Course at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, North Yorkshire.
His platoon commander, Captain Rob Goatly noted that Private Darby consistently performed to a high standard throughout the six months’ course. He added, ‘for someone so young, he shows a level of maturity and leadership well beyond his years. I have no doubt he will do very well in the future.’
Private Darby will receive his award at the pass out parade ceremony at the Infantry Training Centre on Friday 15 August. Private Darby insisted that he always wanted to be a soldier.
‘I did three weeks’ preparation in Gibraltar before coming to Catterick, which really helped. I would advise anyone else to get the most out of that preparation, particularly the physical training, fieldcraft and skill-at-arms which were all useful. I suppose it’s why I found the course not as tough as I thought it was going to be, every bit of preparation helps. The training team, who choose the winner of this award, are all experienced operational soldiers so I’m really proud of the fact that they chose me. My parents are over the moon about it.’
