Page 38 - RAPTC 23/24

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3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (3 RHA) have encountered a very busy twelve-month period,
resubordinating from a Light Gun to a Multi Launcher Rocket System (MLRS) Regiment. In the mist of that happening, the PD department has been focused on physically preparing C Bty for deployment on Op CABRIT in Sep 23, then focusing on D Bty, to ensure they are physically prepared to replace them in Mar 24. Whilst acknowledging the importance of the forthcoming operational commitments, the PD department sought to be creative in the Regiment’s preparations, one of the highlights being the deployment of the Regiment to Blyth Beach to conduct beach PT.
3 RHA have endured a magnificent 12 months, not only competing in sport, but also hosting sporting events. In Feb 24, 3 RHA hosted the 1st Deep Recce Strike Warrior games at Albemarle Barracks, welcoming units from up and down the country to compete in a competitive British Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF) event. There was an outstanding display of talent and exceptional skill from all the teams involved, resulting in a closely fought competition where 3 RHA were placed second in the Male, Female, and Masters categories.
3 RHA also welcomed athletes back to Albemarle Barracks for Army Sport North Cross Country League Race 4. The route which was just shy of 5 miles took in the glorious sights of the Northumberland countryside and Hadrian’s wall. The competition attracted 105 competitors from 15 participating Units, seeing all those involved race fantastically under testing windy conditions.
On the competition side of sport, 3RHA reported notable successes in Regional and Corps level cross country, rugby, football, golf, and volleyball, demonstrating their physical and tactical prowess.
In Jun 23, the SSI led a team to undertake the Three Peaks Challenge, aiming to conquer Snowdon, Scafell Pike, and Ben Nevis within 24 hours. Starting at Ben
SSgt (SSI) Jowers leading a 2 miler on CO’s PT
SSgt (SSI) C Jowers RAPTC
3RD REGIMENT ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY
SSgt (SSI) Jowers and the team tackling Scafell Pike in darkness
Nevis, the team faced the challenge of Scotland’s highest peak as the sun began to rise. Full of energy, the team raced to the summit with only the thought of completing the challenge in under 24 hours in mind. After descending from Ben Nevis, the team transited south to Scafell Pike in England. As the sun set, the team navigated through the rugged terrain in darkness, testing their physical
SSgt (SSI) Jowers briefing the athletes at Army Sport North Cross Country League Race 4
and mental robustness. Following their descent and the journey south, the group began to tackle their last summit - Snowdon in Wales. In testing conditions of wind and rain, the team pushed through their ascent, navigating the rocky paths, whilst encouraging each other throughout the gruelling conditions. The team’s camaraderie and support remained unwavering as they conquered Snowdon. The challenge not only tested their endurance but also strengthened their bonds, leaving them with cherished memories and a sense of accomplishment, completing the challenge in 23 hours and 39 minutes.
3 RHA now look forward to welcoming C and D Bty back from their deployments after a well-deserved period of Post Operational Tour Leave (POTL) and bringing the Regiment together again as a whole, to focus on team cohesion.