Page 17 - Bugle Spring 2024

2 RIFLES
UNFORGETTABLE FALKLAND ISLANDS!
Learning from Veterans of ‘82
A Coy, 2 RIFLES completed a three-month tour of the Falkland Island Roulement Infantry Company (FIRIC) between August and November 2023. Over 120 personnel deployed to fulfil the UK’s long-standing commitment to maintain the sovereignty
of the Islands, including Riflemen from the Mortar and Machine Gun Platoons as well as Mechanics, Medics, and Chefs.
The Company was split in to three Platoons and rotated between providing a QRF based in Mount Pleasant, completing patrols across East and West Falklands, and conducting Live Fire training on Onion Ranges.
There were plenty of highlights throughout an action-packed tour. The Mortar Platoon immediately got down to business, successfully qualifying all their Riflemen as experts in their trade after running an intense, four-week Mortar Cadre.
The Machine Gunners quickly followed in their tracks, although this time the weather had something to say about the matter! Sadly, it wouldn’t be the last time that training would have to be called off because of the weather. However, spirits were lifted when a section of Riflemen were able to take part in two days live firing of the Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) - an impressive weapon system that is rarely seen outside of the Machine Guns Platoon back in the UK.
With the Company settled into life as the FIRIC, section strength patrols were now heading out across the Islands. Over 14 patrols were launched in total, the most of any FIRIC in
recent memory. These were undoubtedly the highlight of the tour for many of the Riflemen, as they got to experience the warm hospitality of the islanders and stand toe to toe with unique wildlife.
As the tour progressed, the Riflemen were able to take advantage of many opportunities that occurred by being part of the tri-service environment in the Falkland Islands. HMS Medway played host to a Platoon of Riflemen as they embarked on to the vessel for a patrol across the East Falklands. Although the weather left quite a few of the Riflemen a little worse for wear, it couldn’t dampen their spirits. One plucky Rifleman even challenged the ship’s XO to a game of FIFA and emerged victorious, apparently with an apology letter in hand! Either way, it was obvious that the Riflemen and the crew of HMS Medway
had thoroughly enjoyed each other’s company.
The last month saw the Rifle Platoons take part in EX CAPE SWORD, a live Platoon attack designed to test
their endurance and resilience.
Once again, the weather created a testing set of conditions with one Rifleman remarking, “I couldn’t wait to get back in the river.
It was warmer in there than it was stood outside
of it”.
Over 14 patrols were launched in total
A challenging 24-hour Section Patrols competition the following week provided the troops with another unforgettable highlight from the tour as they conducted dawn patrols through the sunlit streets of Port Stanley.
The final few days in theatre provided an opportunity for the everyone to reflect on
the importance of their time in the Falkland Islands, firstly with a visit to the Governesses’ house and then by taking part in a Battlefield tour to Mount Longdon. On the tour, one Rifleman was able to lay a wreath on behalf of his father, who had fought in the battle during 1982. It was a profoundly moving moment and one which re-enforced the immense bravery
and sacrifice of all those involved in the Islands’ liberation.
Certainly, both visits left the whole Company with a greater appreciation for
the historical significance, and continued importance, of our commitment to deter
military aggression and maintain UK sovereignty of the Falkland
Islands.
Lt Daniel Bennett, 2IC, A Coy
Safety comes first when firing on some of the most complex ranges in the world!
The Bugle 17