Page 45 - Light Dragoons 2023 CREST

The Light Dragoons do not have a particularly proud history when it comes to the Cambrian Patrol. Many have attempted it, few have succeeded. The last team to complete it was led by Simon Nicholson, who achieved a bronze medal (crowbag). Teams have subsequently attempted it but without proper train- ing they fell short and did not complete the competition. As such, a bronze medal would be the benchmark. Anything less would be deemed a failure. However, even if we did not like to admit it at such an early-stage, gold was the real ambition.
To match the Regiment’s ambition, the right squad needed to be selected. As most other officers in the regiment were away, Lt Riall was chosen alongside jun- gle specialist Sgt Rae (then Cpl) to lead the patrol. They were then to be supported by Cpl Leonard as a 3IC, straight off the back of Crew Commanders with the Binos still in hand. The remainder of the squad was made up of the following Tprs, hand picked out of A and C Sqn; Tpr Butler, Tpr Connolly, Tpr Cornish, Tpr Dean, Tpr Dixon, Tpr Ling, Tpr Taylor and Tpr Wheeler. Finally, we were supported by a former gold medal winning SNCO in SSgt Robinson as our team manager. With our team selected, the next step was produc- ing a training plan that would best prepare us for both the physical and mental chal- lenges of the mighty Cambrian Patrol.
Our preparation was going to be based around an intense two-week training camp on Otterburn Training Area. As a squad, we would be doing PT twice a day, as part of a strict program devised by Sgt Rae. Primarily this evolved around strength and conditioning circuits and tabbing up and down the Cheviot hills, increasing the weight and distance each time. Alongside this, we were getting our heads into the books and revising and prepping for the stands and checkpoints that we knew were coming on Cambrian Patrol. These are based around the MATTs/ITR syllabus so it was back to basics. Each day we focused on a new topic, whether that be Counter IED, CBRN, AFV Rec, media handling, casualty drills, fire missions, patrol reports etc. Without a doubt, we came away from these two weeks as fitter and more knowl- edgeable soldiers. Within these two weeks alone, we validated the support of the Regiment and Sqns regardless of what medal we would go onto achieve. From Otterburn, we then teamed up with the remainder of the Regiment in Galloway Forest for the second half of Ex Galloping Dragoon.
Following a demanding three weeks away, we returned to camp for the final two weeks before the event itself. This was a vital two weeks in which we were able to test and
Atop the final peak – Yorks challenge
adjust our kit and revise and rehearse all we had learnt up in Otterburn. We also had to select the 5 troopers to form the remain- der of the Section. This would be done after the final training event, the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge. This confirmed the training we had done, proving to our- selves and the Regiment we were ready for Cambrian Patrol. We tabbed 38.6km around the Yorkshire Three Peaks carrying 25kg. This route climbs over Pen-Y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, all of these being significant climbs and provided the ideal preparation for what was to come. To further build a level of natural fatigue, we started the route at midnight and walked through night finishing just before mid- day, completing the route in 11hrs 20mins. The team cruised round with very few dra- mas and confirmed that everyone in the squad would have been able to complete
A rare occasion Lt Riall can be seen leading from the front!
Another brutal circuit session put on my Sgt Rae
Cambrian Patrol. Nonetheless, a section had to be chosen; Lt Riall (IC), Sgt Rae (2IC), Cpl Leonard, Tpr Butler, Tpr Dean, Tpr Wheeler, Tpr Connolly and Tpr Ling were those names on the final team sheet.
D-Day. The morning of the competition arrived and with a start time of 0600, it was
The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Cambrian Patrol
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