Page 10 - Wish Stream Year of 2019
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France and headed straight to the point where 9 PARA had their drop zone before their assault on Merville Gun Battery. The Platoon tried to under- stand the emotional and challenging decisions that NCOs and Officers came across during their initial assault. The mission was to assault the large Merville Gun Battery which was com- posed of heavy calibre guns that could cause big problems for the landings on Sword Beach. There was no turning back and with only 150 men, instead of the 600 expected, they pressed forward to attack and capture the battery. The Platoon was given time to assess the situation and, using the 7 Questions, came up with an approach route and a plan to secure, destroy and prevent the enemy from using the guns. The first scenario was well received by all OCdts, giv- ing us the chance to put into practice what we had learnt so far in the Commissioning Course. Furthermore, hearing the accounts of people who served, with the feelings and
realities of war. There was one moment that is sure to resonate with 24 Platoon for years to come; the voice of experience. This was an account from our Colour Sergeant from when he was in command in Afghanistan and came under contact; he went into detail about the dilemmas and the problems he faced and what he did to overcome them. The most striking part of the event was how humble and light-hearted he made the experience sound, and after analysing what he said, it became clear he showed great courage and leadership throughout. This really put into context the scale of the challenge facing the soldiers on the ground 75 years ago. When reflecting on Sandhurst, there are moments that will always be remembered; on SLIM’S STAND it was the final night, with the temperature having fallen to only a couple of degrees and frost on the ground. The Platoon had a demanding week with little sleep and were lying on the ground
emotions they had to overcome, created a sobering and enlight- ening experience that 24 Platoon will remember in their journey to become young officers.
Most soldiers were now freezing cold and wet from the grass they lay in.
awaiting the final attack. Most sol- diers were now freezing cold and wet from the grass they lay in. Our CSgt took his time, discreetly going down the line, individually making sure eve- ryone is ok and cracking jokes to put a smile on the OCdts’ faces. These small but significant acts – know- ing that someone cares – helps to
The afternoon consisted of visit-
ing Gold Beach – specifically the
King Red Beach sector – and then learn about the assault on an 88mm Bunker Section. To try and paint a picture, 24 Platoon have now spent most the day fighting the elements with the rain refusing to let up, yet morale is still high. Look- ing around you could see 31 OCdts wearing various wellies and Barbour jackets armed with umbrellas, ready to conduct the last TEWT of the day. After a long day, the night was upon us and it was time to reflect on the day’s events. The OCdts congregated around the bowling alley and it was the perfect time to relax in the even- ing and ask questions to the infantry SMEs who have attended the exercise.
Day 2
After a rather conservative night, we were back onto the white angels and heading to Saint- Pierre to conduct a defensive TEWT. The Platoon had just finished Ex SLIM’S STAND, which gave them the ability to understand what is required for a good defensive position. The morning was filled with exciting accounts which capture the
give people strength and shows a quality that builds trust and inevitably creates a leader that you want to follow into battle. The stories of past and present and the experiences we share give all the OCdts something to aspire to and has helped realise the importance of the RMAS motto: serve to lead.
The final location in our touching exercise was a visit to Saint-Manvieu war cemetery and receiv- ing a field service conducted by Padre Frail. The service gave 24 Platoon the final chance to reflect on Ex NORMANDY SCHOLAR and appreciate what a great opportunity it has been to learn about some of the heroic and quite frankly unimaginable courage that was shown on countless occasions throughout the cam- paign. The courage and leadership shown dur- ing the war was almost surreal, and as the sun set over the graves, we felt that the exercise had set a benchmark for selfless commitment that the Platoon can draw on in future challenges.
8 SANDHURST