Page 47 - Mercian Eagle 2013

Mortars
Op HERRICK 15 was a challenging
and demanding time for the men of
2 MERCIAN Mortar Platoon. Due to the restrictions placed on OS, many of the soldiers manning the various Mortar Lines found themselves only coming into action for illum missions. This, a stark contrast
to the 10000 HE rounds fired during
Op HERRICK 6. This created its own issues; however the level of professionalism expressed by all platoon members, ensured operational effectiveness was always maintained. Unfortunately Sgt Sheridan
and Cpl Ridgeway, both MFCs with the
rifle companies, were wounded in action and are now thankfully both on the road to recovery.
On return to Belfast, after a well
deserved period of POTL, the platoon
was reconstituted and brought to strength with several new arrivals from the rifle companies. A period of training ensued, several of the JNCO’s were trained and prepared to begin their promotional courses at Warminster and the remainder of the
platoon began the foundation training required to embark on the Mortar Cadres.
The platoon then deployed to Warcop, where they underwent a rigorous and comprehensive Mortar Numbers Cadre. Within six weeks they transitioned from basic mortaring skills to
For many it was long days on the ranges and hours spent instructing on the various fighting vehicles. But once again the platoon demonstrated its versatility and level of professionalism.
In May, with the platoon together for the first time in six months, deployed on EX Tartan
engaging several targets with devastatingly accurate fire.
With the New Year came the Battalions commitment to deploying troops to the Falklands and Afghanistan.
Dagger, alongside 19 Regiment RA. Here we helped facilitate the training of their Fire Support Teams, in preparation for their imminent deployment on Operations. Once again the platoon
With the New Year
came the Battalions
commitment to
deploying troops to
the Falklands and
Afghanistan. All the
privates and a selection
of JNCOs spent an invaluable two months attached to B Company in the Falklands. Reverting to basic soldiering with numerous patrols and weeks spent on the ranges; the mortar platoon proved they were just as competent, if not more so than the soldiers of B Company. Those who deployed to Afghanistan as part of C Company, helped deliver the RSOI package in Camp Bastion.
stepped up to the mark, demonstrating skill and experience that impressed both 19 RA’s CO and 12 Bde Commander.
With Kenya on the horizon, the platoon prepares itself for the demanding nature of what awaits them. Undergoing rigorous TLFTT, LFTT and mortar training, they will be well prepared to provide effective and timely organic indirect fire for the battalion.
Recce
2013 has so far been a very tumultuous time for the Recce and Sniper Platoons. The New Year saw the Recce Platoon split into
2 contingents, supporting the RSOI Group deployed to Camp Bastion and also the Falkland Islands Reinforcement Company (FIRIC). At this time the Sniper Platoon deployed complete to the Falkland Islands in order to conduct their Part 2 Sniper Cadre and make use of the impressive training areas. The RSOI tasking also presented many opportunities for the lads to train
on the latest kit and equipment and make good use of the ranges when they had
the chance. When the Recce lads weren’t on the ranges or being put through their paces on Recce PT by CSgt Catherwood they were tanning or down the gym. Most
of the RSOI contingent returned to Palace Barracks looking like they had stepped out of ‘Geordie Shore’. The Platoon said farewell to Sgt Ricky Zecca at this point as he promoted to CSgt and moved to be CQMS for A (Grenadier) Coy. CSgt Zecca feels that his winter Recce Course has prepared him well for his new role.
In April both Platoons were combined into a Patrols Platoon. This new orbat
has offered several advantages to the Platoon in terms of training quality and operational effectiveness. In addition it has made administration for the snipers much simpler. The snipers are administrated as a section within the Patrols Platoon but when deployed the pairs break down as part of the Reconaissance screen and come under command of the Patrols Pl HQ. This system
CSgt Catherwood instructing the Patrols Platoon in Resupply procedures
Pl Comd Pl 2 IC Recce Sgt Recce Sgt
Capt Vause
CSgt Catherwood Sgt Webb
Sgt Coates
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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