Page 17 - Bugle Autumn 2023

BERLIN BUGLE
BRATWURST AND BLISS
2 RIFLES
Following 2 RIFLES deployment to Estonia on Op CABRIT 10.5, the battalion sent 35 Riflemen to Berlin for a week’s Battlefield Study (BS) organised by Major Steve Dickson (OC HQ Company). Berlin had lots to offer, and it was a wonderful opportunity for the Riflemen to learn about the historical significance of the Battle for Berlin. We had the privilege of being hosted by Lt Col (Ret) Dudley Giles who was an excellent guide and a subject matter expert on all aspects of Berlin (and served at Allied HQ).
Our trip primarily consisted of Second World War history situated within Berlin
and the surrounding battles that would go
on to bring the war to a close. We visited some excellent sights including the famous Olympiastadion that hosted the 1936 Olympics. Afterwards we were presented with the historical significance of Allied HQ (located at the Olympiastadion) from Dudley’s personal experience.
The battlefields of Halbe and the Seelow Heights made for excellent TEWT locations. Riflemen were able to study the almost unchanged ground and look at the battlefield from the perspectives that the commanders had on the day, visiting places such as Marshall Zhukov’s bunker. Marshall Zhukov commanded the Soviet Army Group that captured Berlin and was one of the most successful Generals of the war. His bunker at the Seelow Heights, despite being open to the public has remained the same and the still chest deep trenches serve as a reminder of the stark reality of the style of fighting
that took place. War on the industrial scale, with massed artillery inflicting the most casualties and trenches being essential for any temporary stop of advancing units. As Infanteers, this was a fantastic opportunity to consider how we would have defended and attacked the ground as we looked at the battle from both the German and Soviet perspectives.
The Reichstag
Throughout the trip, all the Riflemen delivered presentations on a range of
topics as we visited each historic site.
They gave historical accounts of what happened and why that location was famous. Outlining the significance of each location and engagement they helped everyone understand why commanders made tactical decisions on the ground and explored the lessons that we can be learnt and how they apply to us as a light infantry unit in the modern day. Cpl Stock, Rfn Smith, O’Neill, Alzubdi, Jardine and Perry from I Coy won the award for best presentation on German Flak Towers and their use during the Second World War. Delivered atop a gigantic Humboldthain Flak Tower that still stands today. Offering a beautiful backdrop of the city of Berlin, it made for a great final day. Their presentation was well articulated and got everyone involved, whilst also covering absolutely everything about Flak Towers, our guide had nothing to add, he was that impressed!
Overall, the battlefield study provided a brilliant opportunity for Riflemen to visit a new city and immerse themselves in the vast history of Berlin after a busy deployment to Estonia.
2Lt Oliver Flack, OC 7 Platoon, B Coy
Ex Berlin Bugle was a terrific opportunity and my first trip overseas, having only recently arrived at the battalion straight from ITC Catterick. The WW2 history of Berlin was epic and offered lots. My favourite part was the tour of the Olympiastadion that is still used as a football ground today, and my favourite food had to be the Currywurst which is something that I would recommend to all my friends back home!
I gave my presentation about the Topography of Terror during the Second World War and the Cold War, discussing totalitarianism and dictatorships. Also, I particularly enjoyed the visit to the Reichstag, having seen the photos of the Soviet soldiers waving a USSR flag atop it during the final days of the war in Europe. To then see it in person was a really cool opportunity.
Rfn Jamie Sutton, 6 Platoon, B Coy
The famous Olympiastadium
Sampiling the ‘German culture’ for awards evening
RIFLES The Bugle 17