Page 7 - Mercian Eagle 2012

A company
I write this article just two short weeks before the ‘Goats’, that is A Company deploys
to Afghanistan. The story of the last twelve months tells how we have prepared for the upcoming tour. Incredibly busy and at times challenging, it has nonetheless been hugely enjoyable. I therefore find it a useful exercise to recount what the Company has done and achieved over the year. It has seen many Company stalwarts depart, either on posting or civvy street, including Cpl ‘Big Dave’ McMahon, LCpl Rotherham and ‘SAS’ Williams, but it has also seen a new generation arrive, eager to deploy and earn their first medal.
OC
2IC
CSM CQMS
1 Pl Comd 1 Pl Sgt
2 Pl Comd 2 Pl Sgt
3 Pl Comd 3 Pl Sgt
Maj Darren Hughes R WELSH
Lt Alex Kersey WO2 Peckitt CSgt Dickinson Lt Jack Brierley Sgt Simpson
Lt James Trehane Sgt Fowles
Lt Jonny Davis Sgt Barry
As I took over command in July 2011,
I inherited a thoroughly well led and
tested Company. Op Herrick 12 certainly cast a shadow, but one of high standards and achievement, and a significant
amount of bravery. But most importantly
it left a spine of operational experience
on which to build. At the beginning of
our HFT cycle, the CO was clear that success on operations would come from the sound application of infantry basic
skills. It was with that direction in mind
that the Company undertook a series of field firing exercises, including the joys of Ex Brecon Goat, a week-long company exercise on Sennybridge training area. With the Company Sergeant Major not long departed from the Infantry Battle School, both the sections and platoons were run through a series of battle runs that any veteran of SCBC or PSBC would find comfortingly familiar. It was also the first time for the platoon commanders to run
out their full teams without the distraction of everyday in-barracks activity. The weather was as to be expected of Sennybridge in November, miserable. It was however our
Pte Hill enjoys a coke after the CALFEX
first real opportunity to experiment with the new company scaling of night fighting equipment. I must admit to a moment of weakness when, instead of the platoon fighting patrol I promised 2 Platoon and
Lt Trehane, we replaced it with some well- earned beers.
The remainder of the year saw
the Company travel to Otterburn and Fort George in order to meet the live firing
start standards for Kenya. It was also an opportunity to refine our night-time skills in a live environment, and contribute to the CO’s intention of making the battlegroup the leading exponents of night time operations in the Brigade. This we achieved, and by way of a useful by-product, it also educated young Mr Brierley that range wardens can have a rather dramatic effect on whatever live firing you care to run.
In parallel to all of this, the Company steadily chipped away at its Afghanistan training bill. Mainly focussed on the inordinate driver training bill, it meant that it was a rare thing to have any more than two thirds of the Company available at any one time.
The deployment to Kenya, however, ensured we had the majority of
the Company together. After a flight so long even the RAF would have been proud, we arrived in Nanyuki in early January. Although a hybrid foundation training event, it was hard not to see the exercise as
the beginning of our Afghanistan training
progression. Operating in a hot, austere environment, it was perfect for testing
the administration of our new soldiers. It also proved a testing ground for whoever was 1 Platoon sergeant. Whether it was bad luck or Mr Brierley’s leadership, he had already dispensed with Sgt Coulter some months before the start of the exercise. Next would be Sgt McQueen, who managed approximately three weeks with OC 1 platoon, before sustaining what looked suspiciously like a ‘blighty wound’, breaking his toe kicking a tent peg. The final incumbent was made of sterner stuff, and also saw the bringing together of the Chambers brothers, as the elder sibling took over the 1 Pl sergeant duties.
Sadly, due to a shoulder operation,
Lt James Trehane was unable to deploy and was replaced by Sgt Fowles as Platoon Commander, 1 Platoon. Initially hesitant about the increased socialising this would require with the subalterns, he very quickly settled into his new role, but crucially managed to avoid acquiring the administration skills of a young officer.
The Combined Arms Live Firing Exercise (CALFEX) was certainly a highlight, and physically demanding for all members of the Company. I must say it was some relief to be told I had to sit in the shade
for 20 minutes whilst a bush fire was dealt with before having to complete the final clearance of the enemy positions.
Lt Davis makes friends
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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