BLACK CAT WATCH
Welcome to the July 2026 edition of the Black Cat Watch. We report on the latest Regimental and Regimental Association updates. We focus on the latest complexities in clearing UXO from Urban areas, the latest in the Ukraine and Iran wars, plus a small sample of recent UK EOD incidents.
The Regiment
Regimental Update
On the 31st July, we said goodbye to RSM Mick Gawne RE, following a great career in the RE including in the commando and diving branches Mick is leaving the Army to join civvy street with an eye on becoming an LE Reserve Officer.
At the same instance we welcome the new RSM, RSM Karl Newman RE, Karl officially takes post on the 1st September following summer block leave. Karl, like Mick is an RE commando and joins the Regiment via 24 Engineer Commando Regiment at RMB Chivenor.
The Regimental Association News
Nigel Goddard, our secretary has imposed the routine of a committee meeting on the 1st Tuesday of each month when all elected committee members make an effort to attend and contribute to the matters arising.
The focus of the July meeting reflected on the successful Clay Pigeon shooting event in June, the cancellation of the Bike ride event in early September and the selection and promotion of the annual dinner event on the 26th September.
Members wishing to attend the dinner can book via our website at https://www.101erra.com as of the date publishing this newsletter we have 20 confirmed and paid attendees, so please do come and join us.
Available members of the committee and Sarah Clubley attended the Union Jack Club on the 23rd July for a dinner to wish farewell to Mick Gawne RE and welcome Karl Newman RE as the new RSM, complete with Red Wine and Port toasts as one would expect.
EOD Capability Update
The complexity of urban UXO/EOC clearance
The EOD directorate focus during July 2026 has been to move forward in the conquering of the urban UXO threat, in a safe and methodical manner. The threat extends to apartment blocks in the Ukraine littered with bomblets, booby trapped conventional weapons and IEDDs in Gaza, UXO in Israel from Iran, and other theatres of conflict with urban areas.
Often hidden in demolotions rubble and mixed with ferrous metal (such as rebar), new techniques are being employed to make safe battle damaged urban areas. Utilising all of the tools and techniques available, such as Ground Penetrating Radar, LIDAR, Magnetrometory, Drone recconissance, real canine explosive sniffing dogs, and the traditional human search and probe techniques, EOD units are evaluating the best methods and procedures to render an Urban area safe.
public World News
Conflict Zone: Ukraine
The Russies/Ukraine war continues, During July Ukraine has been successful in deploying it's middle and deep strike weapons to bring the war home to Russia. Specifically, Ukraine continues to hit behind front line Russian logistics (fuel storage, command posts, ammunition dumps etc), further afield Ukrainian deep strike weapons have hit oil refineries, Wildberry (Amazon style) fulfilment warehouses, and strategic air bases. Additionally, Ukraine is focussed on isolating Crimea and the logistics used to sustain the penisular, including hitting scores of supply ships, air defenses and road transport networks.
On the 1000km long frontline neither the Ukrainian forces, nor the Russian forces have made notable progress in July. Russia has focussed on hitting Ukraine with punishing aerial attacks on civilian areas of its major cities (including Kiev), whilst the Ukrainians continue to hone their anti drone defences they lack the capability and resources to repel the Russian ballistic missles.
Conflict Zone: The Middle East
July has been a 'yoyo' month within the Iran/US war. Specifically, weekly periods of mutual attack, followed by short cease fires have endured on regular basis sending the price of Oil up 10% one moment to decline 5% the next announcement of renewed talks.
Specifically, Iran has attacked ships attemping to transit the striaghts of Hormuz without Irainian approval, the US has retaliated hitting targets in southern Iran used to monitor and attack shipping in the straights. In retaliation for the US strikes on Iran, Iran has struck US bases in Bahrain. Kuwait, Jordan and Iraq.
The US has lost a handful of service personnel during the exchanges and a couple of seafarers have also been killed in Iranian attacks during the month.
During the last couple of weeks in July the war has esclulated with the Americans carrying out 12 days of aerial strikes in a row. The Irainians have brought Houthi rebels into the war to close off the straights at the bottom of the red sea. Additionally, Iranian sympathetic milita from Iraq have been in combat using drones to strike local US targets.
It remains that the US want a quick end to the war, whilst the Iranains are settled on a long term engagement.
radar Recent UK EOD Incidents
July 2026
| Date | Location | UXO Discovered | Disposal Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12th July | Prestwood, Buckinghamshire | WW1 Bomb | Located in a garden shed, the device was destroyed in situ via a controlled explosion.. |
| 14th July | Coventry | Unexploded WW2 Bomb | EOD excavations and protective works conducted onsite before the device being defused. |
| 21st July | Cradley Heath, West Midlands | Grenades, Firearms and Ammunition, found in a domestic property | EOD team called, and police arrested and charged a 59 year old man on firarms offences. |
| 27th July | Oldbury,West Midlands | WW2 Mortar Bomb | EOD removed from the residential property and performed a controlled explosion nearby in Warley Woods. |