Page 38 - Bugle Issue 19 Spring 2022

6 RIFLES
The Thinking Rifleman – Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL
The survivors – the 6 RIFLES team at the finish line of Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL
In October, and after nearly nine months of arduous training and preparation, a patrol from 6 RIFLES crossed the Line of Departure on Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL. After a positive start in the preliminary stages around
the model pit and throughout the orders delivery, disaster struck. Rfn Taafe was forced to take command of the Patrol and recounted the events that unfolded:
“Less than 12 km into the event the Patrol Comd received an injury, followed in quick succession by the Patrol 2IC, resulting in them both retiring. It is testament to the comprehensive training we had undertaken that enabled us to continue and shoulder the additional responsibility. We stood up a patrol
Honouring Fallen Comrades
On a sunny September morning, a small burial party from 1 RIFLES supported by the
6 RIFLES Padre departed Beachley Barracks to the Somme area of France. The small group set out to conduct funeral services
for thirteen unknown soldiers and were
also able to bless seven sets of remains in cemeteries across the area and towards the Belgian border. The unknown soldiers had been discovered largely due to developing construction projects and their burials were delayed by the coronavirus travel restrictions.
The first service was for an unknown member of the Devonshire Regiment. This was particularly poignant for both 2Lt Roche and Padre Talbot – whom are both local Devon men. Over the course of three days, eleven services were held; attended by
our small party from The Rifles and joined by representatives of the British Embassy, local Mayors, representatives from the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), the Royal British Legion and a small number of the public.
38 RIFLES The Bugle
commander, shared the additional kit and remained motivated to get the job done. Determined to complete the event no
matter what, we found the patrol itself relatively simple and the navigation fairly straightforward; the difficulty came on the stands with only six people”.
Rfn Taaffe, Acting Patrol Commander
The 6 RIFLES team stop for a photo opportunity during Ex CAMBRIAN PATROL
Determined to complete the event no matter what, we found the patrol itself relatively simple
It is apparent that a busy year of preparation and a strong performance on the Annual Deployment Exercise set the team up for success on the event. A late dropout opened the door for an OCdt from Exeter UOTC and an opportunity to join the team. OCdt Bienfait proved herself more than capable and didn’t hesitate to step up when the Comd and 2IC were forced to withdraw. She was a constant source of morale and certainly helped keep the team driving forwards until the end.
For their outstanding efforts, not only did the Patrol receive certificates of merit, but the five Riflemen and OCdt Beinfait were awarded Comd 160X coins. I could not be prouder of what they managed to achieve and as a testament to them, everyone on the team volunteered for next year’s Patrol on the bus ride home! Lt Brudenell, HQ Company
2Lt Roche lays a wreath at one of the burial services
One of the JCCC representatives lamented that, “the Armed Forces Covenant has no time limit”. This was evidenced by the care and consideration in the retrieval of the remains by the CWGC and further investigation work by the JCCC to try to identify the soldiers.
As we honoured our fallen comrades, we remembered their sacrifice to help protect the people of France and their service to our nation. Those who have been to the Somme region will know that today it is largely farmland. As we travelled around the area seeing the fields stretching out in
May our fallen comrades rest in peace and rise in glory
all directions in the bright sunshine it was a picture of peace and tranquility, the exact image soldiers were fighting to restore.
We will never know or begin to comprehend the exact circumstances of these soldiers’ deaths, but we give thanks for their selfless commitment. As we lay these soldiers to rest, we also remember the comfort these services would have brought to their families and friends and the importance that our nation keeps remembering them. May our fallen comrades rest in peace and rise in glory.
Rev (Capt) Simon Talbot CF, 6 RIFLES