Page 34 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, studying, sacrifice and most of all, a passion for what you are doing or learning to do!
Departing from north of the wall Catterick, to the tropical temperatures of Wiltshire I assumed the role of 26 Regiment Royal Artillery (RA) SSI in Larkhill. I quickly established myself and began the transformation in accordance with the Commanding Officer’s intent; ‘Be ready for anything physically and mentally - BATTLEWORTHY.’ Challenge accepted! Commanding Officer’s PT provided the optimum setting to achieve the aim and test personnel in a challenging but fun environment. A Regimental workout was designed for a tactical session to represent all the sub-units and enhance the physical development ethos within the unit.
LBdr Willis from 159 (Colenso) Battery completed the Maverick Adidas Terrex X-Ultra marathon in the Peak District covering 42km with an overall elevation of approximately 3200ft. He finished a respectable 11th place in a time of 3hr 59 minutes. Fantastic achievement!
Ex URBAN STRIKE
Ex URBAN STRIKE aimed to deliver both individual military skills, and training level ALPHA & BRAVO MLRS & EXACTOR training, whilst also providing an opportunity for the regiment to conduct conceptual development training within the urban environment split in 2 phases:
Phase 1 Brecon Beacons - A range package, casualty extraction and navigation/endurance march up and over Pen y Fan. The troops fully embraced the serials and developed their team cohesion capabilities.
Phase 2 SPTA Copehilll Down - An urban operation phase was implemented and welcomed by the exercising troops. This included breaching buildings, building entry (including abseiling), house clearance skills, causality scenario and underground tunnel system. Everyone involved gained valuable skills and knowledge moving into the training year.
English Channel Swim Team Relay Event
For those who are lucky enough to know the legend that is Major Larson (OC LAD Wksp), will know he is always up for a challenge! On his arrival he wasted no time in recruiting 12 enthusiastic (a little crazy) individuals to participate in the English Channel Swim Team Relay event. I was one of the “12 Apostles” to volunteer for this epic adventure, and what an adventure this turned out to be! Two teams were formed; Team (Gunners) RA and Team LAD. Wednesday sports afternoon quickly evolved into open water swimming in Poole between November 20 – June 2021, finishing with an individual mandated 2-hour qualifying swim. As they say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!
Members of 176 Bty at the summit of Pen y Fan
26 Regt RA English Channel Swim Relay Team
At 0130hrs on 16 June 2021 the 2 teams entered the water at Samphire Hoe Beach. Each team member completed a 1-hour swim before handing the baton to the next swimmer. This was repeated until the gruelling journey was complete at Cap Blanc- Nez, France. Some friendly banter was exchanged prior to starting, but ultimately the training paid off as both teams successfully completed the swim:
• Team (Gunners) RA swam a total distance of 37.06 miles in 16hrs 29mins.
• Team LAD swam a total distance of 40.86 miles in 17hrs 55mins.
The experience was unbelievable with exceptional people. A huge thank you to Maj Larson, Marc Newman (swimming coach and legendary Solo English Channel Swimmer) and all the sponsors for their financial support to ensure the event went ahead. The crowning stroke was a garden party hosted by the Commanding Officer, Lt Col Chris Wild RA to invite the sponsors and VIPs to express his gratitude for supporting the event. The occasion allowed us to present the £705.00 raised for the ABF, The Soldiers Charity. We also received our certificates and celebrated our achievements.
Team (Gunners) RA won the 2021 season six-person Fastest Men’s Relay category. The Channel Swim Association Awards are to be hosted at Dover, 9 April 2022 after the MBS article submission.
The Apostle brothers reunited to play for the Spartans Rugby League in the Army 13’s Yeoman Cup 2021 competition.
This year has proven difficult in many respects. However, ‘we’ as a Corps have shown diligence to be reactive and adaptive to all aspects of health and fitness. Esprit de Corps!
I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank the gym staff and everyone at 26 RA for an astounding tour. Good luck to my successor SSgt (SSI) Luke Lovell RAPTC in your assignment.
26TH REGIMENT ROYAL ARTILLERY
SSgt (SSI) S Burnell RAPTC
ABF Presentation