Page 73 - MERCIAN Eagle 2019

part of the exercise and conducted two days of battle procedure and preparation in camp. We were now under command of the Iron Wolf Battlegroup which consisted of us in our Light Role along with a Lithuania and an Estonian Mechanised Infantry Company in M113 AFV variants. We received, extracted and delivered orders, conducted Battlegroup rock drills and final rehearsals.
The enemy consisted of the German led eFP Battlegroup which included a Norwegian Battlegroup in Leopard 2 and Marder AFV.
Our first action was to conduct a Battlegroup Advance to Contact over two days, clearing the area to the North. We initially met with small groups of enemies in a recce screen, lightly armed and in lightly armoured wheeled vehicles; the enemy were quickly dealt with. We were then met with
a more stubborn opposition up to platoon sized in Boxer Armoured Vehicles. The enemy also had the advantage of ISTAR assets, which seemed to be constantly overhead, much to our annoyance.
During this phase we broke from action to observe the Armistice and conduct a Field Service of Remembrance in quite a different and unique setting and attended by our Lithuanian hosts.
After going firm in a company harbour, we
dug in and dominated the ground, holding it and repelling the enemy recce. We received orders and moved, conducting a relief in place with the Lithuanian Company. Once in place, we received further orders that
we were to act as a block with the intent of pushing the enemy armour into the open ground to our west where the Battlegroup would be able to take the fight to the enemy with our anti-tank
the enemy launched a dismounted attack through the forested area to our right flank. They were spotted and we were able to redistribute our forces to slow their advance and conduct a fighting withdrawal back to our main defensive position. After a lull in the battle the enemy pushed home their attack with dismounted troops and brought
stores on DROPS and
two engineer tractors,
then spent next 36
hours conducting
recces, standing patrols
and preparing our
defences. Once we
received our final orders and conducted rehearsals, we occupied our defensive positions. There was a fear that the enemy might bypass us, and our hard work would be in vain. However, we weren’t to be disappointed and in fact they even graced us with their presence earlier than the given H Hour. The furthest forward platoon put up a valiant fight but were unable to withdraw back to the main defensive position due to the speed of the attack. At the same time
that out defensive position was occupied by two companies, a real complement to the deception and offensive spirit tactics we displayed!
The exercise provided an excellent opportunity and a challenge for all participants, from the junior soldier to commanders at all levels.
forward their AFVs.
We managed to put
up stubborn resistance with two platoons but after four hours, we were defeated by an enemy with a strength of two 2 companies. During After Action Review, the German eFP Commander stated that he was convinced
capability.
We received defence
we broke from action to observe the Armistice and conduct a Field Service of Remembrance
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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