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3 Platoon - A (GRENADIER) COY EX IRON SWORD AND EX CORNISH GRENADIER Lt J Russell
In November, the Grenadiers took part in EXERCISE IRON SWORD; soldiers were deployed to Lithuania to train alongside other NATO armies. As a Light Role
Infantry Company pitched into an armoured battle, the Grenadiers had to learn quickly in order to overcome the challenge of battling against vehicles, both tracked and wheeled.
LCpl Craig of Grenadier Machine Gun Platoon recalls: “The most challenging part was making our way through the most dif cult routes in order to avoid detection. We were well aware that the enemy had better optics which could identify us from kilometeres away. Adding to this dif culty was carrying the NLAW, a heavy piece of anti-tank equipment. We soon used it to great effect as we destroyed a Hungarian mechanised company.”
Throughout the exercise, soldiers used
a U.S built infra-red system that was attached to the body, vehicles and weapons to recognise weapon effects on targets. This enabled the soldiers from across
the NATO brigade to receive an excellent training package which reinforced personal infantry skills. As well as improving their
own skills, this was also an opportunity to speak to soldiers from other nations and see how they operated in a close woodland environment. It quickly became apparent that the dense woodland of Lithuania lent itself to area anti-armour ambushes and close combat; a distinct advantage afforded to light role infantry.
The Grenadiers worked tirelessly to occupy the most challenging positions that were inaccessible to armour. This ultimately led to MERCIAN soldiers having an effect on the enemy that was vastly disproportionate to their numbers. Despite the freezing weather of Eastern Europe, unfamiliar vehicles and unknown terrain the MERCIAN Grenadiers were highly praised by the Lithuanian Chain of Command. Likewise, the soldiers learned a great deal about operating completely dismounted against a fast and powerful foe.
I would recommend coasteering to anyone as it pushes you out of your comfort zone
After a gruelling time in Lithuania
training against armoured units, Grenadier soldiers have been offered oppurtunities
to relax, and enjoy some adventurous training. Soldiers deployed onto EXERCISE CORNISH GRENADIER; the men were treated to a week of sur ng, coasteering and mountain biking.
Pte Martin had a particularly dif cult time when facing the 40 foot jumps during coasteering and said: “I found coasteering
really exciting and daring at the same time. Some of the lads would jump off any cliff, but my phobia of heights made this very challenging. I was glad that I had the support of all the other lads to encourage me to make the jump. It has massively helped me overcome my fear and I would recommend coasteering to anyone as it pushes you out of your comfort zone.”
The company took part in a day of sur ng; an activity that many of the soldiers had never attempted before. Despite
the lack of experience, the men threw themselves into the task with the expected enthusiasm. It was not long before a signi cant proportion had managed to stand upright on their boards. Concurrently, Cpl Williamson of 2 Platoon had an extremely challenging mountain bike route planned along the coast of Cornwall. Soldiers were able to push themselves and ride extremely technical terrain, whilst enjoying the view out into the Irish Sea.
The opportunity was taken to enjoy the busy life of Newquay during the summer period. After a hard day’s activities in the sea or on the coastal paths, the soldiers enjoyed a company barbeque and could head out into town for a few well deserved beers.
Lt Lloyd said. “It was a fantastic opportunity to reward the soldiers for their hard work over the last few months. It also added to the great sense of company cohesion that we have as Grenadiers.”
THE MERCIAN EAGLE