Page 43 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

7 RIFLES
The heavy carry
was not all Hawaiian shirts, ice cream and flip flops at an “Augie Party”. With MFCs from 4 and 5 RIFLES assisting us, each Riflemen was able to shoot their ACMT and take part in some challenging night shoots. This has enabled 7 RIFLES to boast seventeen current, competent and qualified mortarmen in addition to the pre-existing cohort.
In between promotions to Lance Corporal for Rfn Brennan and Rfn Morris, and a Commanding Officer’s coin for Rfn Leopold, the crowning moment of the cadre was Rfn Wilkinson winning the title of “Best Mortarman”, therefore getting his name on our chromed bomb. Not bad for a first outing with the platoon!
Whilst the sun is rising on some mortarmen’s careers, the sun was setting
on another’s. We say a fond farewell to our most senior member: WO2 Kirk O’Loughlin, who retires after 39 years in uniform, the vast majority in the 4 RGJ and 7 RIFLES’ mortar platoons. He leaves the platoon in a very strong place moving forward and we are grateful for his efforts, experience, guidance and comradeship. Whilst the mortar platoon isn’t for everyone, he has played his part in ensuring the Mile End mortar platoon is the place where 7 RIFLES’ most experienced, and dare I say best, Riflemen can continue to challenge themselves.
Serjeant Scott Roberts,
Mortar Platoon, G Coy, 7 RIFLES
We say a fond farewell to our most
senior member: WO2 Kirk O’Loughlin, who retires after 39 years in uniform
Det 1 (l-r) Rfn Wilkinson,
LCpl Rigby and Rfn Savill
RIFLES The Bugle 43