Page 26 - 2010 AMA Autumn

BATTLE BACK –
SPANISH
Carl Roberts
Expedition TIGER SPANISH SUMMIT was a duel service, multi-unit climbing expedition to the Calpe Region of Spain. The expedition involved a team of mixed ability climbers from across defence, including a number of rehabilitees who were at various stages of recovery.
The expedition was organised from within Through Life Support (TLS), part of DE&S. To fulfil a key aim of the expedition, early engagement with Battle Back was established to offer 4 of 12 places to service personnel recovering from injuries. It was planned to maintain a high instructor ratio, of 4 instructors to 8 climbers and the final composition achieved 4 instructors, 2 JSRCIs, 1 JSRCL and 1 JSRLT, and included regular and TA per- sonnel. Rehabilitees came from the Kings Tp RHA, 20 Fd Sqn RE, 209 Sigs Sqn and QRH.
The aims of the Expedition were met and exceeded. A team ethos rapidly developed within the group, resulting in an excellent atmo- sphere and swift skill gain. The attitude to training was high throughout the expedition, with the pace of development, espe- cially noticeable in the novices, surprising all. The physical demands of climbing, combined with extended days in the heat provided a significant challenge and encouraged a standard of leadership and maturity beyond that expected from experience and rank.
Day 1 Monday 08 Mar 10
Since there where several people who came from the other side of the country it was decided that those who wanted accommoda- tion would be looked after by someone else on the exped who already lived in Bristol. Michael Stoker was to be the exception, as he was going to fly straight from Germany to Alicante. We all arrived at the airport at 0700hrs so that bags could be weighed in order that we did not exceed the excess baggage allowance and once the bags were handed in we boarded the plane and took off on time.
Once in Alicante Airport we picked the 2 Mini buses we had hired through www.Doyouspain.com which turned out to be cheaper than we thought during the planning phase. We arrived slightly later than expected at the accommodation due to a navigation error but once the rooms had been allocated (1 x snorer per room) the instructors went on a recce while the others where left to organise the rations and equipment. Following their return and a hearty meal, everyone got together to discuss the expedition aims, personal objectives and individual’s relevant experience. After the details were agreed for the expedition ahead, the remainder of the evening was spent relaxing and getting to know each other over a local beer.
Day 2 Tuesday 09 Mar 10
The first morning we woke to find that the blue sky that we were hoping for had not arrived and one of the coldest winters that the area had seen was still here! Nevertheless, initial activity centred on the climbing basics, from fitting a harness to tying into the system. Although a refresher for a number of the team, those with experi- ence were able to assist the novices making an effective start to the expedition.
The instruction was jointly led by JSRCIs Chris Campbell and Malcolm Sperrin, with Ian Blanks and I helping out with anything and everything we could. The weather took its toll on people’s hands and the sun peaked through the clouds occasionally.
By the early afternoon everyone had picked up the basic skills and knowledge required and were climbing on a number of grade 3 and 4 routes. Trust and confidence were developing as you had to lean back, let go of the rock and the rope and trust your belayer to lower you safely. A little later the sun came out and Dan Richards had got to grips with the problem of climbing with only one hand!
Day 3 Wednesday 10 Mar 10
After the first days climbing everyone had found new aches and pains that they never thought they would have. Paul Findley had found the walk to the crag tiring due to the fact that he was on crutches; he was also going through the rubbers on the end of his sticks rapidly. Since he has no feeling in his right foot due to nerve damage after being injured in Afghanistan he only knows when his foot is a firm surface by looking at it.
Looking outside the window the weather looked a lot more promising but first there was time to go through some training videos and therefore follow the syllabus for RCP. Once this was
Paul Findley lower making sure his right foot has good purchase on the rockDan Richards getting to grips with climbing with one arm
24 ARMY MOUNTAINEER
SUMMIT