Page 9 - 1RHA 2024

as developing their tactical acumen. It culminated in two platoon level dawn attacks, on simulations positions, with lessons learned being captured and new SOPs produced.
The End of July saw the FLF(E) Arty Group deploy on Ex CHEST- NUT BOMBARD. A six-day exercise with an initial three-day BCS phase, then a three-day live fire phase. The BCS phase offered a great opportunity for the Battery to shake out and work on the basics. The Tac Group honed their vehicle navigation skills and recce skills. The gun group focused on defensive positions, occupying gun pits and spending two days digging in and setting obstacles. The BCS phase culminated in a force-on-force defen- sive serial with the Tac Group probing and attacking the gun posi-
tion. Once the BCS phase concluded the Battery commenced live firing, which was focused on special burst safety distance inoculation shoots for the FLF BG. This was the first time that The Chestnut Troop had fired as a complete Battery since September 23, and as such was a welcome experience by all ranks.
September saw the Tac Group recovering to the UK, being relieved in place by L ‘Nery’ Battery. The Gun Group will remain in theatre until March 25. In all, this has been an eventful and rewarding year for the Troop. Whilst it has been exceptionally busy, it has paid dividends. We are a more cohesive and effective Battery as a result of the high pace of training and hard work of every individual.
1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
7