Shropshire Star

Jackal armoured vehicle arrives in Shropshire

It is equipped with twin machine guns and can withstand roadside explosions and mine attacks.

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The Jackal reconnaissance vehicle arrives in Dawley

And while that might not be a necessity on Shropshire’s roads, it is still fantastic news for soldiers from The Royal Yeomanry D (Shropshire Yeomanry) Squadron, who have just received their first Jackal reconnaissance vehicle.

The three-person vehicle is taller and longer than the Land Rover-style vehicles it will replace, and will allow the Telford-based reservist unit to train on and crew the same vehicles that Army regulars use for reconnaissance.

WATCH: The Jackal arrives in Shropshire:

Major Jules Ward, of the unit, said: “We’re the first squadron across all the Yeomanry regiments to receive this vehicle.

“The Jackal is the eyes and ears of the Army. It is a lot heavier than the old Land Rover-based vehicles.

"You need a category C licence to drive it, which is a great recruiting tool for us, because the soldiers we recruit we will pay for not only their category B licence but their category C licence as well.

The Jackal reconnaissance vehicle arrives in Dawley
The Jackal reconnaissance vehicle arrives in Dawley

"Mostly the vehicle is there to see and not be seen.

"Soldiers from the squadron will train on this vehicle. That will be very exciting, and I think they're very much looking forward to seeing the vehicle here with us in Shropshire."

The Jackal arrived at the squadron’s Dawley Bank base at about 3.30pm yesterday.

The Jackal reconnaissance vehicle arrives in Dawley

Driving it off the truck was Lance Corporal Sean Holtham, from Telford.

“This has been quite anticipated across the year,” he said.

“It feels nice to drive. It’s very heavy. It’s got a good decent engine. Compared to other Army vehicles, it’s definitely a nicer drive.”

The Jackal reconnaissance vehicle arrives in Dawley

Sean grew up in the Army. His father was a soldier and he joined up himself.

Now he’s in the reserves, and said it is a great way to learn to drive amazing vehicles.

“A young lad who comes off the street, we’ll put him through the training and when he passes out we’ll get him the licence he needs,” he said.

“There’s a lot you can get out of it if you’re willing to put the effort in.”