Page 71 - Light Dragoons 2023 CREST

The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
Extra Curricular
Exercise Normandy Dragoon, Battlefield Study
On Sunday 24th July 2022, the morn- ing after the LD 30 celebrations, a Light Dragoon contingent from across the Regiment departed Gaza Barracks for the battlefields of Normandy. Exercise Normandy Dragoon was a battlefield study, led by Major Freeman and WO2 Price, that provided a fantastic opportu- nity to learn and literally walk the foot- steps, or tank tracks I should say, of The 13/18th Royal Hussars, who landed on the beaches of Normandy in the initial phase of Operation Overlord. The study fol- lowed the battle chronologically in the first months of the campaign from the D-Day landings through to Op Bluecoat, the trip culminating at Mont Pincon.
Hosted at Chateau du Baffy, a conveniently located, British run hostel, with plenty of space, a well stocked bar and enthusiastic staff, the week also offered a chance for all to get away from Gaza Barracks, spend some time with others from outside their Sqn, and focus on the moral and concep- tual components.
The first phase of the study focused on the importance of securing the beach- head and enabling troops and armour to exploit a breakout from Sword Beach. Taking in the beach landings and the actions of the incredible DD Shermans, as
well as Pegasus Bridge museum, we then looked at the battle for Objective Hillman. Situated with perfect observation onto the beaches and dug in with limited avenues of approach, German forward observation officers used Hillman to call fires onto the exposed beachhead. Clearly key terrain for the Germans, this was a predesignated objective for C Sqn, 13/18H alongside The Suffolks. By the end of the first day every- thing from troop level tactics, the integra- tion of infantry and armour and the opera- tional level importance of the objective had been discussed. A beer/wine/calvados in celebration of this successful mission had been earnt
The following two days focused on Operation Goodwood. In syndicates, Troopers focused on what the lived experi- ence of their forefathers would have been during the battle, and commanders dis- cussed topics from the use of air power, to combined arms manoeuvre and the transition from the rural to urban opera- tions. On return to the chateau, we visited the Commonwealth War Graves. Here, led by the Padre, the group reflected on what service and sacrifice really means, placing much into perspective.
As the end of the trip drew near, the team was fortunate enough to visit and be hosted
by David Lecouer, the Regiment’s friend in Normandy, and the Mayor of Le Plessis Grimoult. A town liberated by the 13/18th, it stands in the shadow of Mont Pincon, the highest feature in the Calvados area of Normandy, and vital ground in the battle for the region. Utilising mission command in its purist sense, A Sqn, 13/18H, launched their tanks in an armoured assault onto Mont Pincon. The Team spent the after- noon, locating the exact route taken as well as taking a moment to remember those who lost their lives at the memorial to the battle placed atop the site. The Regiment laid a wreath and paid its respects to those extraordinarily brave men.
A great week was had by all from Trooper to Major. Fun was had, and lessons learnt, but most of all the stories of those brave soldiers that have gone before us have been further etched into the memories of the latest Light Dragoons.
BRAA
Hermanville War Cemetery – The Padre leads reflection time on death in the battlefield
Madame le Maire de le Plessis Grimoult, flanked by Monsieur David Lecouer, and Maj Henry Freeman
The 13/18th Royal Hussars Memorial atop Mont Pincon
WO2 Costello gives his take on the seizing of Mont Pincon
69