Page 42 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

7 RIFLES
Ex BOLD BANG
(21 May – 04 Jun 21)
The past year has been a challenging one for the mortar platoon, with 90% of us deployed on either Op TOSCA or Op RESCRIPT in 2020. So, what better way
to reintegrate and get back into green soldiering than deploying to the less than salubrious West Toffs Camp and dropping some bombs on the Norfolk countryside?
Whilst the reputation of mortar platoons will always precede the truth, the opportunity to practice core infantry skills is no less with the 7 RIFLES ‘Mile End’ mortar pl than any other part of the battalion. While the lure of the mortar platoon, and the idea of a 45kg heavy carry may not appeal to many, a few new faces accepted the challenge; as did our old hands,
including our new specialist permanent staff instructor (SPSI) CSjt Tom Freeman, who has joined us from 1 RIFLES.
The first week of Exercise Bold Bang was spent teaching the new mortarmen – with the well-received assistance of instructors from 3 RIFLES and 4 RIFLES alongside our own. For the already qualified, it was a week of remind and revise and a chance to forget bad habits. It was also refreshing to see how quickly the new members of platoon bonded and assimi- lated with our more experienced members.
Nothing forges bonds better than a shared hardship. In this case a 48hr exercise, deploying mortar lines into overnight firing positions, which, thanks to the Norfolk weather, left us all
CP in action (l-r) Sjt Roberts,
Night shoots
soaked over-night and then baked the next day. With the inevitable “bug out” withdrawal under fire, carrying full kit, the cobwebs were certainly blown away. It was here that bonds and friendships were formed, including the unlikely pairing of Rfn MacGillivray and Cpl Ceesay (who joins us from the CIS Platoon after having a midlife change of career). The pair became inseparable and affectionately became known to all as “Mac and Cheese”.
The exercise wasn’t your usual thrashing, but instead a real opportunity for learning and development, complete with opportunities to conduct live debriefs and put new skills into practice. It also allowed the existing Command Post team to train and prepare four new JNCOs in preparation for their Standards Courses later this year.
The second week of the cadre is notoriously where the hard work pays off and the fun can start. This cadre was no different, however it
Cpl Kane (4R), LCpl Norton, Cpl Filgate
42 RIFLES The Bugle
Nothing forges bonds better than a shared hardship. In this case a 48hr exercise, deploying mortar lines into overnight firing positions
Det 1 (l-r) Rfn Wilkinson, LCpl Rigby
and Rfn Savill send a round down range