Page 29 - MERCIAN Eagle 2015

7 Platoon
7 Platoon have had an extremely busy year. From October, through Christmas and into the start of the New Year, many members of 7 Platoon began the process of training to gain Armoured Infantry qualifications. Private’s Andrews, Bradbury, Lesubulamai, Smith and Theron were amongst just a
few of a large cohort who undertook the Warrior gunner course, whilst the likes of Private’s Barnard, Gunn, Smith and James conducted Warrior driving courses.
The training progression was not limited to Private soldiers alone, and this period saw Lance Corporal’s Hare, Canavan
and Barnett pass SCBC, whilst Lance Corporal Jones came at the top of his PTI course in Aldershot. The Platoon deployed to Castlemartin in May to qualify all our Warrior crews. There were several stand out performances from the lads, including the Warrior Sergeants gunner, Private Gulliver. The top crew in the platoon was fiercely contested, with the platoon commands vehicle edging it, due to the skills of Private Masters as gunner and Private Smith as driver securing them an ACT score of 96%.
On arrival in BATUS, the platoon immediately got to grips with the tired but functioning vehicles, before tracking out for what was to be a great month. Whether it was dismounted or mounted, live firing or combined arms TES missions, the platoon performed particularly well, doing justice to the proud traditions of our ancestors. Of special note was the platoon’s navigation, be it night or day, 7 Platoon was frequently in the lead, proving the route to that elusive Royal Engineer bridge crossing, as our forebears have done countless times before us.
Over the course of the training year, the platoon has had several notable sporting achievements. Private Theron was selected for the Army under-23’s Hockey team, whilst Private Gillver, Lesubulamai and Lance Corporal Akhee, all represented the Battalion’s successful Rugby Union team. Lieutenant Stewart was also selected to represent the Army Rugby League team and gained his first cap.
C Company in a defensive formation
Platoon Commander Platoon Sergeant WR Sergeant
Lieutenant D J H Stewart Sergeant Massey Sergeant Sinclair
C Company on exercise
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
27