Page 32 - KRH Regimental Journal 2022

30 The Regimental Journal of The King’s Royal Hussars
Reconnaisance Troop
– From the Scorpian’s Lair
2022 has seen a feverishly busy year for the Troop with a full vehi- cle re-role having been conducted alongside two Battlegroup deployments to Poland and Estonia. Despite the tempo of the bat- tle rhythm there has been no change to the humorous and humble manner in which business has been conducted. With our beloved CVR(T) sent East, the Troop saw its January filled with Warrior courses in order to shake out for a four-week live fire concentra- tion in Castlemartin. With the vehicle courses taken care of, the Troop complete piled into Castlemartin Ranges’ answer to a coun- try club, the Meadows. As the weeks rolled on so too did the sheep shit covering the floor and possessions of those in Recce Troop’s lodgings. We were reminded to always be grateful however, as we watched the next-door building have its roof torn off as Storm Dennis whipped through from the Atlantic. Shenanigans aside, high quality live firing was achieved with special praise going to the crew of Cpl Cahill, LCpl Hill and Tpr Jordan for achieving the coveted status of ‘Top Gun’.
On return to camp the troop enjoyed Easter leave and the Regimental ski trip before deployment to Poland on Exercise DEFENDER 22. The activation of the fleet provided an oppor- tunity to see some cultural development take place in the land of steins and Hareems (a place many will have experienced over the years...). The chance to develop personally and professionally was not missed, with ‘SpringFest’ fortuitously coinciding with LCpl Dean’s 21st birthday. A crash course was undertaken in trench warfare, with the Troop working tirelessly under the Teutonic sun to perfect their digging technique. Condolences to the steadfast Cpl Ward and Tpr Walker, never shy of a drink, who were stag- ging on in Poland and could do nothing but look on ruefully as events from Sennelager unfolded before their eyes on the Troop chat.
Once all in Poland the Troop leaguered up on ‘the dustbowl’ and waited for the start of the tactical action with bated breath. There was much promise; this would be the Troop’s first run out with quad bikes, we would witness the brand-new Leopard 2A7 in
Ex DEFENDER 22
action, and we weren’t exercising on Salisbury Plain! Reality did not quite match expectation as the two-month deployment culmi- nated in under 72 hours of tactical activity that saw the set menu of banal tactical actions played out on a training area where more care was given to not venturing off the tracks more for fear of the range wardens than to tactical activity. The ensuing wait-out on ‘the dustbowl’ that was to follow will live long in the memory. That strategic deterrence isn’t as sexy as it sounds would become a lesson we would be well reminded of this year.
The Summer saw a return to the Army’s favourite pastimes as members of the Troop engaged in Adventurous Training ranging from kayaking to sky diving. The physical fitness of the Troop came to bear as it represented heavily in the KRH team on Ex CENTAURE CHALLENGE, a patrols competition in the French Alps, and D’Arcy Hall was brought home by HQ Squadron with significant contributions coming from Recce. In preparation for Op CABRIT several members of the Troop were sent to diver- sify our skillset attending courses ranging from counter-ISR to photography and the ever-popular chainsaw operator’s course. Further resilience was added to our Warrior re-role with instruc- tors generated through individuals’ dedication in sacrificing leave and a carefree summer
After a healthy dose of leave (for some...), September saw the deployment of the Battlegroup to Estonia on Op CABRIT 11. The Troop threw itself into the thick of it turning out an impres- sive fleet of 20 odd vehicles and deploying on everything from Armoured Battlegroup exercises to dismounted urban concen- trations and testing our ability to project to the Russian border. Throughout good humour remained, even in the testing condi- tions provided by our tin-pot Dutch barn of a hanger that was certainly no match for an Estonian Winter. Frequent retreats to Tallinn, Helsinki, and further afield helped to restore sanity, and feeling to the fingers. A raucous festive period also helped to blow off steam with a Secret Santa done CABRIT style – at 8am on the tank park on Christmas day with a can of Eastern European lager in hand.
A moment please for fallen friends. ‘Scorpi Steve’, the Troop’s mascot, graced us with his presence between April and August of this year. An Asian Forest Scorpion, Steve was shy and well-man- nered but a ruthless killer. He was a friend to many and taught us much. Taken too soon, he will be sorely missed.
Recce Troop ends 2022 in a good place; well drilled in Armoured warfare and with an exceptional cohort of JNCOs and Troopers in its ranks the future is bright. The Troop is lucky to welcome Lt Watts as its new Troop Leader in 2023 who will lead with distinction.
SSgt Simler shows off his hidden talent
WADB