Page 22 - AMA Winter 2023/24

EXPEDITIONNEWS
EXERCISE BEAR’S HARDANGER
William Froud et al.
Exercise BEAR’S HARDANGER was a level 3 adventurous training expedition over the period 6 – 14
August 2023 for Sappers serving with 21 Engineer Regiment. The expedition took place across the Hardangervidda, a mountainous plateau in southern Norway constituting Europe’s largest remaining wild area. The aim of the exercise was to develop physical and mental robustness and introduce and train soldiers in mountaineering. Sappers who had not previously achieved the summer moun- taineering foundation qualification became qualified, and everyone gained quality mountain days for their logbooks.
The unique environment offered by the Hardangervidda allowed the team to practise true self-sufficiency, reinforced the value of efficient personal admin and offered exposure to terrain that simply cannot be found within the UK. To move across the terrain for very long periods at a time without seeing another person was something we wanted to achieve with the expedition, and it was crucial in reinforcing to the Sappers that their ability to rely on their skills and drills would make or break their expedition.
We were incredibly fortunate to be accompanied and instructed by Cpl Bhesh Gurung of 36 Engineer Regiment, and Lt Col Ben White of the Royal Signals. Their knowledge and spirit were greatly appreciated by the Sappers and without them the expedition would not have been such a success.
ONE SAPPER’S PERSPECTIVE
Spr Gibson writes...
The magnificent, breath-taking & unforgiving landscape of the Norwegian Hardangervidda region brought many challenges to overcome both physically and mentally. The turbulent weather and treacherous terrain demanded a great deal from our group. Morale often found itself laid bare to the wilderness, yet none faltered. One thing was as clear as the crystal spring water surrounding us. An assiduous attitude combined with indefati- gable teamwork pushed ourselves beyond
mediocrity and through the adverse but ever-enchanting environment to reach our final destination. Every challenge that was thrown at us; be it persistent heavy rain, arduous river crossings, defective equipment, heavy kit or traversing the toilsome terrain, was overcome. But conquering these challenges would need more than a positive mindset and a steadfast team.
Learning to adapt to the changing conditions was crucial throughout the entire trip. Without attaining this ability, the outcome could have become dire, and fast. A key mantra from Lt Col Ben White, “be bothered”, set the tone from the beginning. No matter what, even if pressed for time, if you feel something is wrong, remedy it; if you have hot spots on your feet, apply zinc-oxide tape. If your backpack straps are misplaced, adjust them. If you’re too hot, stop and remove a layer. If you’re too cold, add a layer. Keep topped up on filtered water & regularly eat snacks for energy. Any opportunity to dry wet kit etc. These minor inconveniences to timings would be critical for getting everyone through to the end in one piece.
From the beginning to the end, the process taught efficiency. It was not long before you would realise exactly what you used, what you really needed and what you didn’t, and you wished you had left behind because, as some found out, every bit of weight counts and mounts with every step. Even one kilogram extra could cause considerably more discomfort over the 100km trek. The simple acts of changing layers, eating food, administering anything medical, pitching and packing away tents and other items, over time and with consistent practice, became quicker and streamlined. And of
course, helping one another was something equally important; be that a friendly chat, or lifting a backpack onto someone’s back, or sharing kit, food or drink, would play a significant role in maintaining morale throughout. High morale would be what made the experience more positive and enjoyable despite the odds. And having ‘ally’ kit was important and helped tremen- dously.
This trip was testament to what spectacular feats humans are capable of; socially, culturally, mentally & physically and I am grateful to have been part of that experience. Take the rough with the smooth and you will be rewarded.
THE TERRAIN
Sgt T Waith writes...
The route was strenuous with continuous steep climbs over Norwegian granite slate, rock cliffs and gravel trails before the terrain levelled out into marshy grassland, with periodic boulder fields.
Although this was summer mountain- eering, it seemed more like a winter expedition for the first two days, while we were trekking through the snow-covered mountains and steadily shuffling across icy terrain, doing our best not to fall and encourage the inevitable laughter from our team mates.
Throughout the hike we had many breath-taking views of clear crystal lake waters and fast flowing waterfalls from the melted ice glaciers, which can only be described as something from an Evian water advert. There were numerous fast-flowing streams and creeks to cross, some having rickety improvised bridges constructed simply with steel wire rope
22 / ARMY MOUNTAINEER