Page 13 - Journal Compilation

REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS 31 for all involved coupled with excellent training value for a num-
ber C Squadron Troopers.
With the horrors of the Omdurman Shield now over for another year the Squadron looked at facilitating some of its more unu- sual and interesting tasks. All ranks aided in the initial stages of the Ajax conceptual trials, which were held at Cambrai lines towards the end of the summer. This saw Of cers and Seniors pitted against the Niteworks staff during a series of Map-Ex’s. The aim was to assess to the potential of the new vehicle against how we already operate. More often than not Sgt Edwards came head on with a number of the Niteworks staff and proved his ability of altering what they thought time and time again. Whilst C Squadron’s mental powerhouses did battle with the civilian agency, the rest of the Squadron familiarised themselves with driving and operating the new vehicle. This was all in prepara- tion for the Squadron to spend three weeks down at Warminster in Ajax simulators in October.
Concurrently to SCOUT trails, 2nd Tp had made their way across the Atlantic to support D Sqn HCR on Ex PRAIRIE STORM 4. The troop were thrashed around the tank park by Sgt Blakeley to achieve 100% vehicle availability. To everyone’s credit 2nd was the only troop in the Squadron to arrive on the dust-bowl fully t. It was a shame they didn’t all make it up the Rattlesnake. Not disheartened by the well seasoned wagons, the troop worked hard on a steep learning curve. Cross decking and graft became the two most common words in 2nd troop’s vo- cabulary. Everyone was fortunate to make it off the Prairie hav- ing experienced a brief taste of the bitter cold winter before the arduous task of handing vehicles back to BATUS. Three days later and totally exhausted, the troop we’re free to enjoy a few well deserved ‘Scunas’ in the beautiful Medicine Hat. To the dis-
2nd Tp prior to Pairie Storm 4
may of Tpr Marvin and L/Cpl Turner, spam wraps were not on any restaurants menu.
C Squadron’s biggest challenge to date was upon them – CT1 and 2. The Squadron were to spend 2 weeks on Salisbury Plain in November. CT 1 saw excellent performances across the board with Tp Ldrs and Tp Sgts taking the lead with the training. CT 1 culminated with a withdrawal in contact and a success-