England

Colchester Garrison has new Commander

The new Commander of Colchester Garrison has been appointed.

Colonel Mike Newman MBE will be returning to where he started his Army career, more than 30 years ago.

He arrived at Colchester’s Hyderabad Barracks in 1979 as a young officer fresh from Sandhurst. He was based in the town with 2nd Battalion The Queen's Regiment for three years before the unit moved to Londonderry.

Col Newman MBE, who will be 53 next month, said: “I am thrilled that my Army career will finish where it started, at the UK’s oldest garrison town and where the Army is so well supported by the local community.”

He took over from Colonel Tom Fleetwood at the beginning of January, with the latter retiring from the Army.

Col Newman MBE is from an Army family and was born in East Africa, where his father was serving at the time. He joined the Army straight from school in 1978, and has served in Cyprus, Germany, South Georgia, Canada, Kuwait, USA, Norway and Afghanistan.

His postings in the UK include command of 3rd Battalion Infantry Training Centre at Catterick, with responsibility for the training of Guards, Gurkha and Parachute Regiment recruits. He was awarded an MBE in 1994 for services to the military while working as Chief of Staff of 3rd Infantry Brigade. His most recent job was Chief of Staff of the Army Medical Service, overseeing its reintegration into the Army HQ at Andover from the previous base at Camberley.

Col Newman MBE explained what his new role as Commander of Colchester Garrison entails: “The raison d’etre for Colchester Garrison is to support 16 Air Assault Brigade and enable them to focus on their operational role as the Army’s rapid reaction force. We take responsibility for all elements of housing, schooling, welfare, medical, accommodation and other support services.

“From my time training Para recruits, I feel a great affinity with the Brigade and a great pride in what they represent. It is a privilege to be in a job where I can give something back by providing them with the best support possible.”

As Garrison Commander, Col Newman MBE will also play a key role in engaging with civic and public organisations in Colchester.

He said: “I recognise the importance of maintaining and building on the excellent partnership between the military and local community that already exists. Both Colchester Garrison and 16 Air Assault Brigade are determined to ensure that this relationship is one in which the military gives as well as takes. We are looking for further opportunities to contribute to the rich and varied life of Colchester, whilst continuing to benefit from the generous support that the local community has traditionally provided to the Garrison.”

Col Newman MBE is married to Henrietta, a nurse, and they have two sons and a daughter.