Page 23 - MERCIAN Eagle 2022

Ex IRON WOLF (Lithuania)
7 Platoon deployed as part of 4 MERCIAN to Lithuania 6 – 21 May 22 on Ex IRON WOLF. This was the first-time soldiers from the company deployed on an overseas exercise since reforming in November 2021.
7 Platoon was still very much in its infancy. Many soldiers had just arrived and were untested. With this in mind, we took every opportunity to train. Sgt Rowley-Johnson
(8 Platoon) designed and led Ex URBAN KUKRI, a weeklong force-on-force FIBUA training package in Imber Village. Our skills improved to a high standard. So high that the CSM (WO2 Townsend) was left defenceless when Pte Hunt stormed his position. Some say he bears the scars
to this day. Also, Cpl Bradley (7 Platoon) developed our FIWAF skills. All the training was essential to forming an effective and cohesive fighting unit.
Once deployed, we found ourselves in a small village in eastern Lithuania. The initial
phase of the exercise was designed to test our ability to conduct a delay, sacrificing space for time in a pitched battle. We secured the final fall-back positions in the centre of the village. We worked hard to allow the reserve platoons to withdraw through us and establish the Main Defensive Area. The delay was highly successful, allowing the company to secure its position which stopped the enemy battlegroup’s advance.
For the second phase of the exercise
we went on the offensive, starting with a FIWAF attack to clear an abandoned quarry. 7 Platoon led the advance. Cpl Bradley’s training was invaluable. We fought through multiple enemy positions and led the company into the quarry. Having proven
our ability, we became the vanguard of
the company for the rest of the
exercise. 7 Platoon earned
a fearsome reputation
amongst the enemy, our effectiveness against light role infantry and armour was unmatched. Following the exercise we took a well-earned cultural visit to Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius. The soldiers embraced the culture of the city. Sampling the many bars, restaurants, and other tourist activities.
Overall, Ex IRON WOLF was a fantastic opportunity for all soldiers within 7 Platoon. They operated to the highest standard.
Pte Elliker-Cole was awarded a Brigade Commander’s Coin for his efforts.
It was a fantastic exercise, enjoyed by all.
Battle Group photo – Ex Iron Wolf Lithuania 18 May 2022
Pre-deployment Kit checks
– Ex Iron Wolf Lithuania 10 May 2022
Cpl Bradley, LCpl Stone and Lt Remer conducting QBOs – Ex Iron Wolf Lithuania 12 May 2022
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
21