Page 38 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

1 RIFLES LAD has embodied the title “Adaptable Force” not only conducting its primary role but also supporting the requirement for Op ELGIN, taking on the maintenance of 20 SNATCH Landrovers. The LAD has also stepped up to restore the Battalion’s WW2 6lb Quick Firing Anti-Tank Artillery piece, as part of the Battle of Alamein 75th year anniversary (also the REME’s 75th Birthday).
The Gun was part of the equipment used, by the 2nd Ri e Brigade, at Outpost Snipe on 26–27 October 1942. It was used to defeat numerous Axis armoured counter-attacks and withstood
constant artillery bombardments and machine-gun re, whilst helping to knock out 52–57 German armoured vehicles. The ghting at Outpost Snipe led Rommel to write “that an armoured attack was unlikely to succeed”.
Trained and adaptable, the 1 RIFLES LAD have faced some impressive challenges in the last year and helped our fellow Ri emen achieve all their commitments and aspirations unhindered.
WO2 (AQMS) Stogdon WO IC 1 RIFLES LAD
B COY EMERGED VICTORIOUS, WHICH IS STARTING TO BECOME A COMMON THEME AFTER WINNING THE INTER COY BOXING EVENT
Gymnasium
2016/17 has been a very busy period for the gymnasium Staff. On top of the regular duties of ensuring the Bn Physical Development is up to date and ensuring the Bn is t for role, we were tasked with creating inventive PT for every Friday and using local areas to get the Rfn out of Beachley Bks to more scenic and varied locations.
In the short time since I have been in Bn, I have spent half the Bn’s transport budget taking us away to do competitions like the Tintern Trott; an arduous 10km route around the iconic Tintern Abbey and surrounding areas. Tintern Trott became the benchmark for many other Bn PT sessions. During the Christmas week, we managed to get in a tough mudder style event using the Chepstow Race course with huge obstacles and the potential of dropping off a very, very steep descent into the river Wye. There were no injuries to worry about and all that participated enjoyed a great day out.
In a very busy July, we managed to squeeze in an Inter Coy Athletics day. With locally purchased meat for the BBQ and plenty of help from all the Coy CQMS, we managed to take the Rfn to the Chepstow Leisure Centre to take full advantage of their athletics facilities. Although not the greatest track in the world (a grass eld with 400m lanes lined out), we made best use and ran a successful competition in which B Coy emerged victorious, which is starting to become a common theme after winning the Inter Coy Boxing event in Apr.
The gymnasium is now putting the nishing touches to the Beachley Blitz; this is a fun British Army Warrior Fitness competition which will cap off the summer term ready for a busy winter term programme full of events.
SSgt GA Bruce, RAPTC
36 FIRST BATTALION
THE RIFLES
Chepstow Stampede - LCpl Cropp testing the Obstacles
Brie ng before the Tintern Trott
LAD