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It is my distinct pleasure to provide an update to the 1RHA com- munity regarding the activities of E Battery over the past 12 months. E Battery’s 229th year has been marked by a concerted
effort across all fronts, transitioning from AS90 to L118 Light Gun soon and conducting numerous live fire exercises. The Battery was called upon to support the rehousing of Afghan nationals as part of Op LAZURITE. Amidst this demanding year, the dedicated personnel of E Battery excelled not only in our military duties but also in various extracurricular pursuits, earning commendations for our outstanding achievements.
Light Gun Conversion
At the outset of this year, E Battery embarked on a significant endeavour: a complete transition from AS90 to the L118 Light Gun. The ensuing challenges were manifold, compounded by the impending Ex CYPHER WARRIOR deadline, which intensi- fied the pressure felt throughout the battery. Bdrs Daffurn and Drotini initially collaborated on running the L2 course together, but circumstances necessitated our adaptation. Consequently, they each led separate courses—one for L2 and another for the L4s. Both Bdrs approached these tasks with diligence, ensuring that every individual in the battery achieved the requisite L2 and L4 currency and competency before the deadline. Additionally, they organized a week at Salisbury Plain Training Area to gain hands-on experience with the equipment, practicing gun deploy- ment and manoeuvring. Our commitment and adaptability were prominently showcased, exemplifying how troops can excel beyond our comfort zones. This culminated in a successful inau- gural Light Gun exercise for E Battery.
Op LAZURITE
In February, E Battery were called upon to provide support for Op LAZURITE. This is the ongoing MOD commitment to house Entitled Afghan people here in the UK. Many of the Afghans that arrive had a direct impact on NATO operations in Afghanistan and are fleeing persecution at home. E Battery committed several personnel of varying rank to this unique challenge of establishing a reception and staging site at MoD St Athan in South Wales. Personnel were responsible for the re-establishment of the soon to be demolished base, with a tight deadline of a month before the first flight of entitled persons was received from Pakistan. E Battery formed the core of a platoon committed from the Regi- ment, and all had to be adaptable throughout, both physically and culturally. E Battery personnel regularly found themselves performing the role of plumbers, locksmiths, delivery drivers, and builders; all while receiving cultural, safeguarding, and language training alongside. The tasking was a new challenge for all the soldiers and officers involved. Liaison and negotiation were a key skill that all needed to learn quickly due to the large number of civilian and military agencies with stakes in the operation.
Once the incoming Afghan people arrived it was a long 48hr shift of organising and guiding airport shuttles, preparing rooms and initial supply packs, and then delivering briefs. This was a logisti- cal task that required a great deal of planning and adaptability at all levels of the platoon and was rewarding when the two days ended in the successful reception of the initial 50 Afghans.
1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
E Battery
2nd Lieutenant T Ruskin RHA
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