Page 42 - Bugle No. 17 Spring 2021

7 RIFLES
Commanding Officer,
Lt Col James Gayner MBE,
presenting MFR (Rfn Wilkinson)
and the MFR their UNFICYP Medals
Some join the Army Reserve for adventure, some for the thrill of doing something different. But all join knowing that they will train to fight.
For 7 RIFLES, however, keeping the peace in Cyprus became as important as training for war over the past year. Op TOSCA 32 saw the largest deployment of the Army Reserve as
a single formed unit under its own chain of command; and our Riflemen and comrades from 5 FUSILIERS certainly made an impact.
From preventing military violations, to restoring neglected UN infrastructure, to escorting international diplomatic missions into what remains a highly militarised Buffer Zone, our six months on the island offered both challenges and variety and was significantly
rewarding. At the time of writing, the Op TOSCA AR soldiers have completed their hard-earned POL and re-joined their companies. The Commanding Officer prepares to hand over to Lt Col James Baker and a busy training year ensues with opportunity in abundance to enthuse all.
Some join the Army Reserve for adventure, some for the thrill of doing something different.
But all join knowing that they
will train to fight
An Operations Company Patrol Observing into the BZ - Sector 2,
United Nations Peace Keeping Force in Cyprus.
Significant Events
• Apr – Oct 20 – OP TOSCA 32
• June – Aug 20 – OP RESCRIPT
Alma Coy
• Sept 20 – EX PENINSULA FURY – SPTA & SENTA
• Feb 21 – Ex FENTIMAN SHIELD – 7 Rifles Patrols Competition
• May 21 – Ex BOLD BANG 7 Rifles MORTAR CADRE
• Aug 21 – Ex BALTIC BUGLE – 7 Rifles Annual Deployment Training in Estonia
Having recovered from Operation TOSCA, ALMA Company completed its commitment to Op RESCRIPT and the Battalion is now well set and eager for the next chapter. 2021 is already shaping up to be
a fulfilling and busy year, with
a Coy+ exercise deployment to Estonia with 1 Mercian in the offing and a rich and varied training progression planned to get us there in good order. The oppor- tunity to operate with 5 RIFLES during their Mission Ready training in the Autumn is another exciting opportunity that is being explored. The remainder of this article is dedicated to looking back on a few of the many achievements of the Battalion and its Riflemen over the last six months.
The Battalion is now well set and eager for the next chapter
42 RIFLES The Bugle
A very proud moment as Pte Cheetham
receives her UNFICYP Medal
LAST 6 MONTHS
IN THE SERVICE OF PEACE: LOOKING BACK AT OP TOSCA 32
NEXT 6 MONTHS