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fortunate to conduct an Air OP from an Estonian Robinson R44 helicopter—their request for individual Air Observation badges, however, was ultimately denied!
In December, the Battery deployed on Ex KARUJUDT HACKLE, a new exercise in the CABRIT calendar focused on practising winterisation drills essential for upcoming exercises and later live firing. Winter tips and general wisdom were readily drawn from operational winter tours and past CABRITs to keep the guns fir- ing, vehicles moving, and the troops combat effective. Cue enter- taining wrestling with cold weather tents, careful navigation of the now invisible (yet perpetual) Estonian boulder fields, and the coaxing of the guns to keep firing at -25 oC and below.
During what was undoubtedly the coldest part of the tour—Dec- Jan—the Battery completed its Cold Weather Operators Courses, designed to train and test our ability to survive in extreme weather
conditions. The troops conducted infantry training serials to fully prepare them for operating in a winter environment. Members of the Battery learned to navigate by the sun and stars, prepare water in sub-zero temperatures, build shelters, and conduct fighting patrols—all under the watchful gaze of the indefatigable Royal Marine Mountain Leaders. Thus, for the Battery, it was a few bedraggled and half-frozen chickens that formed their sup- per in place of more festive options available at this time of year.
Christmas and New Year were, of course, difficult times for many, as families (particularly children) were missed by all. But we made the most of our situation and did our utmost to have some fun. The chefs put on an excellent Christmas lunch, and the Battle Group Sub Units competed in sledge races. The festivities soon descended into the carnage of a Battle Group snowball fight, with the CO and RSM barely escaping unscathed. Entertainment was later provided by a Fijian Choir, the pipes of the QRH, and the
1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
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