Page 12 - Bugle Autumn 2023

1 RIFLES
Subterranean Orders
Ex URBAN MINER, B Coy’s Subterranean Training
B Company started their Battlecraft Syllabus (BCS) Window in Corsham Mines, where they learnt the basic skills required to fight in underground tunnels. The layout and design of the Corsham Mines provided
an exceptional, brand-new training environment that many of the Riflemen had never experienced.
From 1850 to 1910, Corsham Mines was
an underground quarry that flourished with the arrival of the Great Western Railway. In 1935 The War Office decided that measures needed to be taken to protect ammunition stocks from attack by hostile aircraft and a Central Ammunition Depot was constructed within the tunnels. In 1950, as World War
II ended and the Cold War began, the Tunnels became an underground facility
for the potential relocation of Government
in a time of crisis, this was called “Project Burlington”. As the Cold War ended, the site was declassified and today parts are used for commercial purposes, while others are open for public tours and exploration.
The week started off with a brief on current and past conflicts where soldiers have fought underground environments, which coupled with the historical significance of Corsham Mines added an air of authenticity and intrigue to the week. Riflemen then went on
12 RIFLES The Bugle
to learn about some of the difficulties they may face when in the tunnels. These included the inability to communicate via radio to those above ground, navigating without your compass as the magnetic field might not be accurate and moving in complete darkness in unknown areas.
This was also the first time many of the Riflemen got to use Simulated Ammunition – a round with a blue, paintball like tip that allows us the opportunity to simulate real-world military operations in a controlled, safe environment. As the week went on, Riflemen went through increasingly complex scenarios under the watchful eyes of their Section Commanders. The week culminated with Riflemen going through a scenario as sections in the dark - clearing complex, unconventional rooms where they encountered multiple enemies as well as a Captured Person.
The whole week was put together and
run by B Company’s Junior and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, who expertly utilised the facility to create realistic training scenarios and challenge their Riflemen. From speaking to many of the Riflemen throughout, they enjoyed learning new skills, and tactics in the unique and challenging environment that Corsham Mines provided.
Lt J Ribeiro, OC 5 Pl
Riflemen
went through increasingly complex scenarios under the watchful eyes of their Section Commanders
Covering their arcs, and focussing on the challenges of underground warfare