Page 32 - Mercian Eagle 2013

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B (Malta) Company 1 MERCIAN – Ex MALTESE CROSS Lt C W Middleton
As part of 1 MERCIAN’s post-deployment adventurous training commitment, elements of the 1 MERCIAN BG deployed to Gozo, Malta for 10 days on a multi-activity expedition. This all began months before HERRICK 17 with a Dragons’ Den style presentation by all subalterns of the Mess to the CO about what their plan would
be should they get the funding. With the successful completion of HERRICK 17 and with all personnel recovered back to the UK in the early hours of 30 June, 85 soldiers departed Marne Barracks for Gozo, one of the islands of the Malta archipelago. Flying early on Monday morning, the company arrived in the village of Marsalforn in order to take over accommodation and get
ready for the next six days of activities.
The expedition training was split into two groups; 20 personnel would gain their PADI Open Water qualification and 35 on multi- activity sports. The multi-activity group was sub-divided into a further three groups, with each group spending two days on rock climbing, sea kayaking and mountain biking.
On the first day of rock climbing the instructors started by teaching us some climbing theory and anchoring techniques, which we then practised ourselves and utilised (much to the apprehension of some participants) to abseil down various rock faces. This was followed by some small practice climbs. The second day involved climbing up the cliff-edge over the sea. Initially this appeared daunting with the waves lapping just a few metres below us, we were also suspicious as there were no
ropes laid out prior to our arrival. Fortunately, the instructors did a walk-through talk- through of how the ropes would be fitted as you climbed. We then used the ropes they had put in position to complete a number of
challenging climbs and subsequent abseils back-down.
Part of the multi activity package was
a two day kayaking course, which gave everyone their 2 star kayak award on completion. The first day comprised skills and drills, learning to right the boat after capsizing (not as easy as it looks) and various core paddling skills. The initial capsize drill involved getting out of the boat and then righting it, whilst the second consisted of holding your breath, upside down whilst waiting for someone to come
The days mountain biking offered an arduous experience of cross country and road riding over the undulating terrain on the island of Gozo. Prior to arriving on the island, fictitious rumours indicated that
was of near flat terrain,
therefore the hills
which the groups were
confronted with were
met with apprehension
and continued to
conjure up images
of sweat and graft.
Fortunately, the uphill
grinds were repaid
with a downhill glide allowing the cyclists
to regain their breath and composure. For dinner on the second day we were led down a lengthy stretch of road to a blue lagoon where we could enjoy a cooling swim and re-energise with some food and refreshments. This was most needed as the lengthy stretch of road going down
to the lagoon was going to be the route
we followed back up. Most of the cyclists chose to push their bikes or cheekily grab a hitch from passing trucks.
Fortunately, the uphill grinds were repaid with a downhill glide...
to your rescue. Some people took to it like
a proverbial duck to water (Pte Simpson), while some were less enthusiastic about repeatedly holding your breath whilst waiting for someone to jack on you. After a break for lunch there was a quick trip down the coast to investigate a few caves and try the various different paddling techniques out. The main concern for a lot of the paddlers at this point was the story of the largest great white shark in the world that had been caught off Gozo 26 years ago, and whether there was one around today.
Thankfully everyone survived to start the second day, which consisted of paddling and balance techniques in a two man open kayak and a flat paddle board (like a large
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