Page 21 - Bugle Issue 20 Autumn 2022

3 RIFLES
Ex MORTAR BLITZ Mortar Live Firing in Cape Wrath
For two weeks the Mortar Platoon deployed to Cape Wrath, the most north-easterly point of mainland UK. The Scottish weather did not disappoint, with an incoming storm meaning the pontoon deployment across the estuary hung by a thread. A twelve-hour break in the wind and rain allowed the crossing and the platoon was able to set up for a weeks’ worth of live fire.
This was to be an experimental exercise, pushing the platoon to practice skills most had never done before. The idea was to solidify TTPs that will help “future-proof” the platoon. There were three main objectives: to fire using dispersed barrel procedure, to conduct call for fire using drones, and to conduct an “Into Impact” shoot.
Dispersed barrel procedure is where each of the three barrels in a mortar line are sited in separate locations, as opposed to a traditional 80-meter mortar line. The idea is that rather than concentrating in one location, providing an excellent target to the enemy, the mortar line is now in separate locations - proving far more problematic to destroy. However, it requires extra diligence in the Command Post, as each barrel must fire on separate data to ensure coverage on the target. It also requires independence and leadership from the Riflemen on the kit - sited far from the NCOs of the mortar line. The concept was proved to the platoon and will become SOP.
We have been issued with the ‘Parrot Antifi’ drone. Ex MORTAR BLITZ was to test if this could be used for call for fire. This way the platoon can fire on enemy positions with no personnel even in sight. Whist the high wind speeds proved a challenge for the
drone, Sjt Gurung and Cpl Rice (the drone pilot) were able to effectively engage the target using the drone for corrections.
The “Into Impact” shoot requires the
MFC to advance onto the positions being bombarded, creating a timed fire plan. Its accuracy is vital; too late and friendly troops could advance too far into the fire, too
early and the advancing platoon could find themselves in the open with no covering fire. This was a rare opportunity for an Alpha MFC and many go their whole career never being able to conduct this shoot.
With the torrential rain and high winds, plus humping and dumping 6 tonnes of stores by hand across the estuary, the platoon was certainly challenged by the exercise. But the Riflemen rose to it and matched what Cape Wrath had to offer. Capt Burns
Live firing by Kearvaig Bothy
This was to be
an experimental exercise, pushing the platoon to practice skills most had never done before
LCpl Gurung advancing during the ‘Into Impact’ shoot
Crossing the Kyle of Durness by pontoon
RIFLES The Bugle 21