Page 59 - MERCIAN Eagle 2015

Machine Gun Platoon
Lt Jazz Burridge
The inaugural year of Kohima Machine Guns Platoon has been both busy and disjointed. The Guns Platoon has touched all four corners of the UK and some!
Kohima Guns has developed under
the guidance of three strong NCOs. The Platoon Commander was on course and the Platoon Sergeant had stepped up to Acting Company Sergeant Major, so the platoon first formed up ceremoniously at the back of a Field Firing Area in Thetford; before bouncing immediately to a dry training exercise in Longmoor. Dynamic bonding at it’s best!
This was a testing exercise as all members of the platoon got used to their new role as a Fire Support asset; but one that the platoon rose to with skill and style. The few members that had previous FSG experience leaned in, and quickly worked well as a unit, clearly taking to the new method of attack - summed up happily by Pte Boulton as “we get to a high feature, make a s***load of noise, then p*** off sharpish”.
Instead of detailing the planning considerations, we agreed that seeing the most miserly soldier in battalion proud of his work, was a sign of a good exercise and returned to camp to undertake some Adventurous Training.
AT took the form of two week long competent crew courses, run in the stunning coastal waters of Largs. A fantastic opportunity,
MG Pl Cadre, Salisbury Plain, 2014
Day Skipper’s course, while one Section Commander managed to maintain a strong shade of lime throughout the exped.
As the rest of the battalion deployed to Cyprus, the Guns
Platoons from Kohima and Malta companies were attached to Dragon Coy. This meant we could undertake a Guns Cadre - a six-week course qualifying all the troops as Machine Gunners. Driven by the
enthusiasm of the NCOs, all returned fitter, stronger and very capable.
The next notable event was the drums course, as men with little to no musical experience were pounded into drummers, flutists and buglers. Some didn’t make the cut, so special congratulations are owed to LCpls Baker, Pogmore and Stevens, and Pte’s Humphrey and McQuade.
Shortly before the time of writing, the company ran a military skills competition, consisting of a loaded march, several stands and of course the obstacle
course. Guns Platoon prepared for this opportunity; by lighting a Drum BBQ and letting chef Costa hand out a few cold beers. Unfortunately, I was not present at the competition, but when requesting a sitrep from the Section Commanders, was pleased to receive a response that entirely sums up the attitude and ability of the platoon - “Smashed it Boss, what next?”
I have had the honour of spending a
year with the platoon, and must offer my immense gratitude and farewells as the men get stuck into Ex ASKARI STORM without me.
The platoon and Army has bid farewell to Cpl Jess and Pte Boulton (Baby Ape), who have both made the transition to civvy life. Cpl Jess proved invaluable in developing and training the platoon, and Pte Boulton maintained morale with a constant frown and dry wit. Both will be missed and we wish them well as they head in a new direction.
directed by the
company to push all
members of the platoon
through an entirely
new experience. While
there was considerable
learning to be done,
we also found time to
chase dolphins and
the odd run ashore.
Good fun was had by most, and two of the platoon demonstrated a commitment and aptitude that saw them invited to attend a
A fantastic opportunity, directed by the company to push all members of the platoon...
(From L-R) LCpl Baker, Pte Harmes, Lt Burridge, Cpl Costa, (Front) Sgt Larkey, Largs, Ayrshire, 2014
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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