Page 42 - Bugle Autumn 2023

6 RIFLES
Ex SPANISH BUGLE
In June, the Salamanca Band and Bugles of The Rifles took part in a series of events in Spain as part of Exercise Spanish Bugle, providing musical support to the British Ambassador for a variety of different engagements in and around Madrid. After a long day’s travel from our base in Exeter, we spent a morning seeing the city - and getting lost on the metro system! That evening we had the opportunity to perform at the Ambassador’s Residence, providing entertainment for a cultural reception with British and Spanish diplomatic staff.
Early next morning, we moved to Aranjuez to set up for the evening’s entertainment, a joint performance with the Spanish Banda La Dicau. This unique opportunity showcased the different repertoire of the two groups, with a joint performance of the renowned Spanish military march, ‘Las Corsarias.’ The Directors of Music of the two bands, Captain Clayson and Capitán Pérez, demonstrated the co-operation and interoperability whilst conducting both bands simultaneously for the British and Spanish national anthems.
The following day we set off for the site of the Battle of Salamanca, a significant conflict during the Napoleonic Wars, where the British troops, defeated Marshal Marmont’s forces at Arapiles. This victory marked a turning point in the conflict and provided us with the name for our band! The brass quintet and bugles played for a memorial service to commemorate those who fell, with the British Ambassador and representatives of the Spanish armed forces
I deployed on Op TANGHAM to Somalia to take up a role in the Mission Support Centre (MSC). Predominately located in Mogadishu I visited all the major sector hubs across the country, during the 6-month tour.
taking part in a wreath-laying ceremony. We then proceeded into the city of
Salamanca and accompanied by the mayor, we performed in a series of stunning locations, culminating in Plaza Mayor in the centre of town. The band’s versatility was demonstrated in our performance of a range of military and popular music, followed by a set with our smaller 12-piece ‘Soul Band.’ This went down
a treat with the audience and had many of them singing and dancing as the evening progressed.
This went down a treat with the audience and had many of them singing and dancing as the evening progressed
The African Union Transition Mission
in Somalia (ATMIS) is in the process of drawdown, which meant a busy time for the MSC, who were responsible for the planning and safeguarding of the UNs enabling assets whilst African Union troops were engaged in offensive operations.
This allowed me and my other British Military colleagues an opportunity to work across a multitude of departments, both in the UN and ATMIS. Tasks varied hugely throughout the 6-months from detailed planning on FOB HOTO, to staff work in assisting with the rewrite of high-level SOPs. One of the huge benefits of working in the diverse environment of the UN was the exposure to other cultures and ways or working.
Somalia is a country facing huge problems from drought and famine, to clearing the
Somalia is a country facing huge problems
country of Al-Shabab (aS), it needs plenty of help. So those that are deployed there are
a valuable resource and have enabled the Somali Security Forces to make tremendous progress ridding the country of aS.
Working with the UN was an extremely rewarding experience, as UN staff often turn to military personnel for their advice and guidance.
Capt Dan Braycotton
Capt Braycotton on visits to Baidoa and Beletweyne
42 RIFLES The Bugle
Capt Dan Braycotton working with members of the SNA
OP TANGHAM