Page 18 - The Wish Stream Year of 2021 (Crest)

Ex SECOND ATTACK
On the 12-13th November 2021, OCdts from 18 Platoon, Ypres Company, deployed to the desolate ‘warzone’
of Hankley Common to practice offensive actions at platoon level. With the Platoon Commander’s lesson on platoon attacks ringing in our ears, we deployed overnight. Unfortunately, the chinooks were busy so the tried and tested white fleet were employed as the rapid response replacement service. Once deployed, we bombed up our maga- zines, put on our Bergens and stepped off into the unknown.
Come morning we were informed by our recce team, that looked surprisingly like the platoon staff, that some Donovian forces had dug in with likely depth posi-
Serjeant demonstrated that anticipation at all levels is paramount to keeping the platoon functioning.
After a quick reorganisation, the staff handed over their command positions to the OCdts to let them experience what commanding at a platoon level is like for a further two full platoon level attacks; also dealing with tak- ing casualties concurrently. This was an excellent opportunity for the OCdts to really put into practice what we have been taught throughout Junior Term so far. This involved conducting battlefield casualty drills and then rapidly evacuating the casualty to send- ing MISTATs, contact reports and situation reports (SITREPS). Radios, though heavy,
proved to be an invaluable asset and also demonstrated how a platoon fits into the battlespace on a company level and we were ‘reminded’ of the importance of sending regular SITREPS and contact reports when we were engaged by indirect fire, taking 3 casualties. However, with no E-PURGEs, a few minor mistakes and a few ‘quiet’ grippings, the Donovian forces were destroyed and 1 Sandhurst Rifles emerged with only a few minor casualties.
In conclusion, Ex SECOND ATTACK was a great experience for the OCdts. The exercise provided a clear exam- ple of how to correctly conduct a platoon attack by combing skills learnt on Ex FIRST ATTACK with lessons learnt throughout the week. It gave those OCdts lucky enough to be in a command position a useful insight into how section commanders and above are utilised on the battlefield and for us how useful radios can be but that the Mk1 voice box is always very reliable and sometimes needed for a switch fire. Finally, on return to RMAS for tea and medals, the consensus was that we all completely understood how to correctly conduct platoon attacks and
therefore our mission was a success.
tions due west of our harbour
area. We patrolled to the line
of departure where 1 sec-
tion lead from the front in an
extended line and came under
contact. They then dem-
onstrated their (somewhat)
immaculate drills and returned
fire suppressing the enemy.
The Platoon Commander then demonstrated how to conduct
a professional platoon attack
with the Colour Serjeant illus-
trating how to keep control
of the wider battle picture.
2 section then launched on a right flanking manoeuvre, subsequently destroying the enemy. Meanwhile 3 section were in reserve providing the Colour Serjeant with all round protection. Surprisingly, almost by design, 2 section were engaged by an in-depth position and 3 section were pulled forward to assist and as such it was quickly dealt with. Then a noise that was rather new to our fresh OCdt ears, a GPMG was on the ridgeline. A rather cheeky flank through the wood line and a few tactical bounds mixed in with a grenade and the position was cleared. The Platoon Commander emphasised that momentum does not necessarily equal speed and that the condor moment is essential in making the right decisions. Furthermore, the Colour
The Platoon Commander emphasised that momentum does not necessarily equal speed and that the condor moment is essential in making the right decisions
16 SANDHURST