Page 41 - Light Dragoons 2022 CREST

The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
the AO, and the LRRG deployed a Coy Gp patrol to a small village on the West bank of the R Niger 150km S of Gao, which was reported to be an Islamic State Group Sahel staging area. The LRRG submit- ted a request to the Force Commander of MINUSMA to conduct a deliberate search of several buildings – the first ever for MINUSMA and subsequently found a terrorist weapons cache, evidence collated from them and the shoreline included AK variants, magazines, radios, chest-rigs, phones, day sacks and ID cards. It was at this time that the weather was beginning to change towards the dreaded rainy season, and it was the first time errant haboobs (a sandstorm that looks like something out apocalypse) restricted the TG ability to move, occasionally days at a time.
May saw the end of LD led Op Newcombe 1 and the handover to 2 Royal Anglian. Despite some delays with the return flights courtesy of the RAF, the TG was complete, back in the UK by the middle of June 22 ready for some well-earned post tour leave. Concurrently our Rear Operations Group (ROG) back in Catterick undertook some excellent work supporting those on Op Newcombe, maintaining the combat effec- tiveness of those in camp and a variety of trawls with a limited workforce. Key highlights saw the ROG support the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards on Ex Wessex Storm on Salisbury Plain in June, with fight-
ing troops as well as observer-mentors. A comprehensive training programme was implemented to ensure currency was maintained, especially for those joining the regiment during the pandemic and back filling any replacements required for Op Newcombe. Elements of B and C Sqn deployed on Op Rescript (Defence contri- bution to the COVID 19 pandemic) with vaccinators and administrative support. B and C Sqn also sent a Force Protection pla- toon to British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) from Aug – Oct 21.
In September, after summer leave the whole regiment was in Gaza Barracks for the first time since March 2020. After a complete change in personalities in the RHQ, the focus switched to Ex Wessex Storm in February 22, a validatory exer- cise for The Light Dragoons. After this we will take over high readiness as a part of the Joint Expeditionary Force Light Brigade which will endure until Jun 2023. Coupled with a Military Assistance to Civil Authorities task, processing evacuees from Afghanistan and support to the country’s fuel shortages, the autumn was a busy time for The Light Dragoons.
November saw the regiment back together for our annual ranges in Castlemartin; a three week package consisting of both mounted and dismounted ranges. Despite some bleak Welsh weather, it proved a
highly productive couple of weeks setting the conditions for success on Ex Wessex Storm in Feb 22. Highlights included Princess of Wales Cup Sports Competition, a Remembrance Parade through Pembroke Dock and watching some of the Autumn Rugby Internationals at the Castle Inn (Some of the regiment got to go to watch Wales vs Fiji at the principality stadium!). The regiment also received news that C Sqn would be deploying to Poland in May/June 22 to support Ex Defender 22, a multinational exercise and a great oppor- tunity to test our deployability and skills learnt within our readiness year.
To conclude, The Light Dragoons has had a packed but rewarding year. The success of Op Newcombe is credit to the hard work of all those involved both in Mali and back in the UK. A high benchmark has been set for future rotations and hope- fully The Light Dragoons will be a part of Op Newcombe again in April 23 and Nov 23. In a short space of time, the Regiment has had to quickly reset, reORBAT and train for the upcoming Ex Wessex Storm and our readiness year, which will include a subsequent deployment by C Sqn to Poland. This has inevitably presented challenges but challenges that we as a regi- ment are accustomed to and will overcome to continue success in 2022.
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