Page 17 - QDG Year of 2020

1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards
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C Squadron
As for everyone, from editor, contributor and reader to the publishers and members of funny club, 2020 has certainly been an odd year for C Squadron, 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards. It began with real promise when the Squadron took part in the Regimental validation exercise of Exercise Wessex Storm. There was the prospect of a deployment to Nigeria, numerous adventure training opportuni- ties, and the whisper of being the first Squadron to deploy on an operational tour to Mali. However, as with everything in 2020, these plans were turned upside down by the pandemic. From 4* General to Trooper, the Army battled with an unknown and unprecedented enemy on UK soil, and one which transformed the way we interact and operate. As I write this towards the end of the year, it is, however, important to reflect on this most unpredictable of years; not only because of the excellent training which did go ahead, but also to celebrate the work which C Squadron, as with the rest of the Regiment, provided for Op RESCRIPT, the military response to COVID 19. I will therefore touch on these highlights as well as giving a nod to 2021, a year in which C Squadron will be the first sub-unit from the QDG to deploy to Mali on Op NEWCOMBE 2. This will be a momentous occasion and one which the soldiers and officers are thoroughly looking forward to.
New Year, New Me
There was no better way to start the year than with six weeks on Salisbury Plain. Not only did the Squadron have to contend with this touch of reality so soon after the Christmas break but it also
coincided with the three largest storms the UK has faced in recent years. New crews were tested in these arduous conditions, but it provided the Regiment and the Squadron with the opportunity to cement new tactics and techniques and together everyone progressed through the exercise well. As part of the wider Light Cavalry Capability Development programme, termed Project Thundercat, Major Charlie Ruggles-Brise managed to supply each Squadron with a vast array of cutting-edge technology, from new sights, to warm/wet kit and drones. All the kit was tested exten-
into C Squadron stores, although the thought of a crew heating system in the heat of the Malian desert does raise a few eyebrows.
Exercise Wessex Storm followed a similar format to the majority of British Army exercises, with a live fire package starting proceedings. This was expertly and diligently run by Lieutenant Maltman, a new officer amongst the C Squadron ranks. Once the exercise phase started, the three Troops of C Squadron were tested on a series of battle exercises which were designed to test them on a
sively in the field. Predictably, a considerable amount of this kit was either broken or damaged; there is no better way to test it than in field conditions! Thankfully, the success of these trials means that as we begin our preparation for our deploy- ment to Mali, a lot of this equipment is finding its way
There was no better way
to start the year than with six weeks on Salisbury Plain
variety of reconnaissance skills, to emulate being at the front of a Brigade or Division. For many in C Squadron, this exercise phase was the first time they had operated in a large, combined arms envi- ronment which provided the inevitable frictions including off road driving, night driving and trying to hit an H-Hour. The exercise finished with a Squadron raid, which took place at the epicentre of one of the largest aforemen- tioned storms. However, despite the frictions, C
Squadron conducted a successful raid and once all was stowed away, made the welcome return trip back to Norfolk.
Lt Lewis’s team hurrying to beat sweetshop closing time
Crazy new BBQ design