Page 33 - AMA Summer 2024

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EX WYVERN ROCK SPEAR
LThomas Boulton
ast month, a group of daring individuals from the Corps of Royal Signals traded their digital tools for climbing gear, embarking on an exhilarating mountaineering and rock-climbing expedition along
the sun-kissed coasts of Majorca.
Spearheaded by Staff Sergeant Thomas Boulton from the 13 Signal Regiment, in collaboration with the Royal Signals mountaineering network, this ambitious mission marked the beginning of a series of expeditions, including alpine mountaineering and ice climbing, scheduled later this year.
The expedition served a multifaceted purpose: providing crucial training for potential instructors and elevating those who already held Rock Single Pitch Foundation (RSF) or Rock-Climbing Supervisor (RCS) Joint Service Adventurous Training (JSAT) awards. Partici- pants sharpened their skills, becoming proficient in seconding on mountainous multi-pitch routes and leading climbs on single-pitch sports routes. The ultimate objective was clear: laying the groundwork for independent training and preparing for subsequent JSAT leader and instructor assessments.
A diverse team comprising personnel from across the Royal Signals,
including members from 13 Signal Regiment (Lt Alex Howe, SSgt
Thomas Boulton, Cpl Toby Taylor, Cpl Narendra Gurung), 10 Signal
Regiment (Lt Joseph Lynch), 21 Signal Regiment (LCpl Jonny Holmes),
30 Signal Regiment (Cpl Abbie Chetwynd), HQ 1 (UK) Division (Maj
Marcus Levens), and UK Strategic Command (Maj Lloyd Dobson), took
part in this endeavour. Their ranks were further bolstered by an ex-Royal
Signals soldier-turned-instructor from the Joint Service Adventurous
Training Centre in Cyprus (SSgt Nathan Jones). now
Made it! Reaching the route and no wet feet.
laughter and camaraderie, Lt Alex Howe’s unforgettable mountain attire combined with his idiosyncratic application of voice procedure through the hand-held walkie talkie he sported added a touch of levity to their triumphant summiting.
The achievements of the team throughout the expedition were nothing short of inspiring. All participants showcased impressive progress, refreshing their fundamental training before venturing into bottom roping. Subsequently, they advanced to tackle multipitch competency and confidently led climbs, all under the careful guidance of experienced Rock-Climbing Instructors. Proudly, every student achieved multipitch competency and successfully led climbs up to grade 5a. These accom- plishments have paved the way for their ongoing development. Students now eagerly anticipate expanding their logbooks and working towards their next JSAT awards, potentially qualifying them as supervisors or multi-pitch leaders.
The unwavering support of the chain of command played an indispensa- ble role in the planning and execution of the expedition. Special thanks are extended to Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Price, Commanding Officer of 13 Signal Regiment, and Colonel Jamie Balfour, Commander of the Army CEMA Group, for their invaluable backing, transforming this ambitious venture into a resounding success. Generous financial con- tributions from the Royal Signals Charity and the Army Mountaineering Association proved pivotal in ensuring the expedition’s triumph.
Beyond the acquisition of skills and qualifications, participants cherished the camaraderie and shared passion for outdoor adventure. Universally, they expressed their profound enjoyment of the expedition and their eagerness to apply their newfound expertise. Their ultimate objective? To attain a level where they can deliver distributed training at the unit level, thereby ensuring the enduring spirit of mountaineering thrives within the Royal Signals.
This extraordinary expedition serves as a testament to the Royal Signals’ commitment to nurturing versatile skills, cultivating leadership, and fostering a vibrant spirit of adventure. It encapsulates the essence of their ethos — whether amidst the digital ether or scaling the rocky cliffs of Majorca, they perpetually rise to meet the challenge.
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The choice of Majorca as the expedition’s location was deliberate, given its renowned quality for single-pitch sports climbing and favourable weather conditions. Embarking on their journey in May, the team found themselves in an ideal setting, a harmonious balance between winter and summer climates — not too wet and not too warm. Sa Gubia became the focal point for an adventurous progression day, as the team split into pods, with climbers heading off to conquer the multi-pitch big mountain route. Maj Marcus Levens led Pod 1 (accompanied by Maj Lloyd Dobson and SSgt Thomas Boulton), while Pod 2 (led by Lt Alex Howe and partnered with Lt Joe Lynch) tackled this formidable climb. The ascent proved both challenging and enchanting, rewarding the climbers with breath-taking vistas and invaluable learning experiences. Amidst
Students
eagerly anticipate expanding their logbooks
Belay lesson with a crazy coloured rope
The ‘A-Team’ at the summit of Albahida, Sa Gubia
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