Page 28 - MERCIAN Eagle 2015

OC Major Will Blackhurst 2IC Captain Tom Lambert CSM WO2 Mcnulty
WSM WO2 Cook
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C (Kohima) Company
OC Foreword Major Will Blackhurst
I write this foreword, hours after recovering from BATUS, the culmination of our
training over the past year and the event that heralds our impending readiness commitment. It is worth reminding ourselves of how the company has evolved in the past year, from a collection of talented officers, NCOs and soldiers from across the Regiment, into a cohesive armoured infantry rifle company.
It has taken significant effort
and commitment from all, and not inconsiderable support from all battalion departments. The evolution of the company began with the conveyer belt of acquiring individual crew qualifications to enable us to track out. This was followed by platoon level training, both mounted
and dismounted. Once platoon tactics, techniques and procedures had been mastered, the focus turned to the company level in the CATT, on Salisbury Plain and during the Annual Crew Tests.
Having witnessed the company come together and perform so well on our exercise on Salisbury Plain in July, and very recently in BATUS, the future looks bright. The professionalism and spirit of our armed infantry forbears in the Gulf, Bosnia, Iraq
and Afghanistan lives on, and those former members of 7, 8 and 9 Platoon would have no problem recognising the challenges, and also the competence of the latest addition to C Company’s Armoured Infantry blood line.
I will leave it down to the platoons to recount the events and memorable moments that have made the last 12
It remains a privilege to command C Company...
The OC of C Company
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
The OC’s Vehicle under the northern lights
months stand out. However, I will take the opportunity to congratulate; Private Kent
on being crowned the soldier with the best endeavour, Private Nicklin for demonstrating the best field craft, Private Bellemy for being the fittest soldier in the company, and Lance Corporal Ellis for being the best shot.
A final special mention for the company’s six Lance Corporals, who in the last 12 months passed their SCBC. It remains a privilege to command C Company, fully manned and at full strength, ready to go the moment the call comes.