Page 42 - Mind, Body and Spirit No. 105 2021/22

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www.raptcassociation.org.uk
2ND BATTALION THE YORKSHIRE REGIMENT
SSgt (SSI) M Kirkbright RAPTC
Since my arrival at 2YORKS in Aug 21, it would be fair to say it was a Baptism of Fire. The day I landed on the Island, I was hit with a phone call making me aware that OP PITTING was
called, and I was needed in the CO’s O Group ASAP. 2YORKS had been called up for 12hrs notice to move (NTM) to deploy to Kabul to assist 16 Air Assault Brigade. On seeing the ORBAT I noticed that 180 pax+ needed both the SCR and RFT(S) to be Op effective. This forced an all-hands-on-deck from the Gym Staff to make sure this was achieved, needless to say it was. With the complexity of the heat, this was a 0300hrs start for the RFT(S). I’ll be honest, I learnt a lot that week!
The Duke of Wellington competition is an annual Inter Company Competition taking place in November with the aim of promoting “Esprit de Corps”. This year’s competition took place at Happy Valley with the competition consisting of two phases. Phase One was the sport competition which included football, rugby 7’s and a 10km cross-country run. Phase 2 was athletics based which included a Land Rover pull for 100m in the quickest time possible, a 4x400m relay and a 4x100m fun relay which involved each competitor wearing a different piece of clothing at each 100m point with the last runner crossing the line looking less than professional. At the end of the competition the Commanding Officer presented the winning Company (Corunna Coy) with the overall prize.
On the 10th December 2YORKS conducted Christmas PT down at Happy Valley before falling out for Christmas leave. The Gym Staff decided to wrap up jerry cans, stretchers, logs and drag bags and place them in different locations around Happy Valley where Santa
Cpl Smith representing Helmand Company in the 4 x 400m
had crashed his sleigh. On parade, the Company Commanders were called forward and given a brief on the location of the items that had been dropped by Santa. The aim to retrieve the items as fast as possible and finish on the sand at Lemmings Beach Café. In traditional style leading from the front, the 2YORKS Gym Staff went for a “Dip in the Ogin” to see the year out.
On Tuesday 4th November the Battalion took part in a 24-hour Swimathon. Two of my full-time gym staff, LCpl Lee Knight YORKS and LCpl Christopher Wood YORKS willingly volunteered to represent the Battalion and in doing so proved to be valued members of the team. The event was flawlessly organised with support from the pool manager and his team. The team accumulated a total of 77435m total distance swam, finishing in 2nd place. All funds raised went to support The Royal British Legion.
C Coy on their way to victory
SSgt Kirkbright with 2 YORKS PT Staff
Lt Col Ashworth briefing the Bn in Kabul