From Bodmin to the Baltics: Toby’s First Overseas Army Mission

Published On: 30 October 2025Last Updated: 30 October 2025By CornishStuff

A 19-year-old soldier from Bodmin has deployed on his first overseas military exercise to Latvia.

Testing Rapid Deployment in Europe

Sapper Toby Lovegrove, who serves with 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment (23RE) based at Rock Barracks in Sutton Heath, Suffolk, is taking part in Exercise Austere Shield.

The large-scale exercise, held across three locations in northeast Europe, began in early September and runs until the end of October. It is testing the rapid deployment of troops and equipment under 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade, the Army’s theatre enabling formation held at high readiness to deliver forces anywhere in the world.

Working alongside 8 (UK) Engineer Brigade (8X), Toby and his fellow Royal Engineers are helping secure and maintain a disused airbase, improve a runway, and land an aircraft as part of 8X’s role as a Theatre Enablement Brigade.

A Design Draughtsman Turned Combat Engineer

Toby, a Design Draughtsman by trade, said:

“This is my first overseas exercise, and it’s been a good experience so far. I don’t get to use my Army trade this time, as my work is similar to an architect. When deploying to places like Kenya we could for example be asked to design a school for other engineers to construct.”

As part of the troop providing an airstrip to enable the ‘rapid landing’ of an aircraft carrying troops, supplies, and equipment, Toby has also helped patch the taxiway of a civilian airport.

He added:

“Royal Engineers are all infantry soldiers and combat engineers which means I still get hands on experience and have got stuck into the job working alongside plant operators, bricklayers and joiners.”

Following in His Father’s Footsteps

A former student at Robert Mays Secondary School in Hook, Hampshire, Toby enlisted straight after leaving school in 2022.

“Growing up, I always wanted to be in the Army. My Dad was an engineer, and the stories he told me really inspired me, so I wanted to follow in his footsteps.

“Through my trade training I can gain a foundation degree, a nationally recognised qualification which is transferable to civilian life.”

The Corps of Royal Engineers provides a unique combination of soldiering and trade skills. Toby’s training was part of the Army Apprenticeship Scheme, which allows recruits to ‘earn as you learn’ and gain qualifications while serving.

Building a Future in the Forces

Outside of his military duties, Toby enjoys golf and triathlons, which he says help maintain his fitness and give him more opportunities to travel.

Reflecting on his time in the Army so far, he said:

“I have made friends for life, developed my independence and my general life skills have improved which helps with day-to-day life as an adult.

“My biggest challenge was my trade training, but I was pleased I stuck with it and completed it.”

One of Toby’s proudest moments came when he completed his phase 2 training at Gibraltar Barracks, Minley.

“Passing out of my phase 2 training and have my Dad hand me my Royal Engineers stable belt has been the highlight of my career. I was proud to have earnt it and to carry on the family tradition.”

Looking ahead, Toby hopes to share his knowledge with the next generation of recruits.

“In the future, I would like to go to a training regiment and teach new recruits all those skills and engineering knowledge I have learnt to complete tasks needed as a Sapper in peacetime and on operations.”