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Despite having only spent seven cold, wet, sleety, snowy and on the odd occasion sunny months in Brecon,
home of HQ 160th (Welsh) Brigade (160X), it has quickly become apparent that this multi-disciplinary organisation works collaboratively across Government and Defence organisations to enhance the lived experience of our Service Personnel (SP) and their families serving and living in Wales.
I took over the role as SO3 PD from Capt (MAA) R Mckenzie who is now serving at the Army AT Wing Brecon. Rachel has been instrumental in the support of 160X and continues to aid on AT-related matters across the Bde. Alongside WO2 QMSI G Fernandez (Geordie), our PD Branch provides advice and assurance for 12 units (Regular and Reserve) which includes seven highly motivated RAPTCIs (Reg and Res). Highlights include the delivery of Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL, which has been running for over 60 years combined with our Tri-Service and International partners. This 48-hour event, over 10 days captures the essence of Infantry Battlecraft Syllabus and Individual Training Requirements (ITRs), in addition to robustness and leadership. From a sport perspective, Geordie has found the time to represent the RAPTC and Army across numerous golf events, and I continued to drive the RAPTC RFC as their Head Coach, which
Capt (MAA) Daryl Slade-Jones exploiting space at the Principality Stadium.
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HEADQUARTERS 160TH (WELSH) BRIGADE
Capt (MAA) D Slade-Jones RAPTC
climaxed with the Apostles becoming the Merit-3 champions beating the Army Medical Services 30 -22. We both participated in this year’s Welsh Rugby Union touch/T1 rugby competition at the Principality Stadium (Cardiff), alongside my younger brother, former SSgt (SSI) Rhydian Slade-Jones.
Exercise BARDIC DARDENELLE
WO2 (QMSI) G Fernandez RAPTC
Ex BARDIC DARDANELLE was a Battlefield Study (BFS) organised by 160th (Welsh) Brigade to Gallipoli that took place 15 – 19 May 2023. It comprised members of the Bde staff (both Military and Civil Service), as well as personnel from 1st Battalion and 3rd Battalion Royal Welsh. The Gallipoli Campaign saw many Welsh soldiers and Welsh units deploy throughout the campaign. 160th (Welsh) Bde and its antecedent formation (53rd [Welsh] Division) deployed on the campaign. A key aim of the BFS was to
Former SSgt (SSI) Rhydian Slade- Jones getting the backline moving
learn about the courage and sacrifice of those Welsh soldiers that took part in the campaign. The location for the BFS was centred on the Gallipoli Campaign of the First World War comprising the three main locations of Helles, ANZAC Cove, and Suvla Bay.
This training event helped increase understanding of expeditionary campaigning and the huge complexity of amphibious operations. It enhanced the headquarters’ understanding of the history of the formation and units that the participants served in, building esprit- de-corps. The opportunity to travel to a battlefield, still so intact, truly brought home the realities of war and underlined the requirement to learn as much as possible. Finally, it was a retention positive activity which all attendees spoke highly of, exposing them to an opportunity to travel and work in a unique location.
The appointed Ex leads were, Lt Col Lock (Exercise Director) Maj Rory McCarthy (Exercise Co-ordinator) and WO2 Fernandez (Assistant Exercise Co-ordinator), and Academic Support was provided by Prof Nick Lloyd from King’s College London and a local Turkish Guide.
Bde Staff headstone cleaning – an honour and a privilege appreciated by all