Page 10 - Bugle Spring 2023

1 RIFLES
Alongside preparation and deployment to Kenya, 1 RIFLES also conducted a significant amount of Adventurous Training. All those deployed were able to take part in either multiday activities or instructor qualifying courses. The multiday activities saw Riflemen white-water rafting, canyoning through Kenyan valleys, abseiling and mountain biking. As well as enjoying the local delicacies which Kenya has to offer whilst watching the sun set over Mt Kenya, the old cliché “civvies pay thousands for this” was bounded around more than once.
Looking to colder climates, the 1 RIFLES Nordic Ski team has been
put through its paces. Every Wednesday, wearing comically large roller blades, Riflemen could be seen building up the base fitness required to take part in an arduous series of camps and competitions in Sweden and Germany. 1 RIFLES also took part in Exercise Arctic Express, sailing from the volcanic fjords of Iceland to the icesheets of Greenland. By coincidence Ex Rifleman and a former RGBW RSM, Chris Sumner was the expedition skipper, highlighting the reach of the regiment. Despite being iced-in for several days the expedition made it to Greenland and, against the odds, even made it back again. Overall, it has been an excellent season for 1 RIFLES AT with nearly everyone having the opportunity to take part in adventurous training.
The Battalion’s future deployment to Cyprus has necessitated a surge in AT qualifications to ensure that the Battalion can capitalise on the opportunities offered by the eastern Mediterranean. The island possesses sun and sea, snow in winter, and altitude in abundance. The chance to embrace something more than military training is waiting to be grasped! The battalion’s new camp in Dhekelia encompasses a private beach
and a water sports centre. Early 2023 will see a surge in Instructor Qualifications to ensure that the Battalion becomes the Regimental focal point for challenging but rewarding AT in its future home.
Maj C James, OC C Coy
MOMBASA: Rugby, volleyball and rubbish collection to be remembered
ADVENTUROUS
EXPLOITS
The crew of Arctic Express including ex Rifleman and Skipper, Chris Sumner and Capt Heath
Following the end of Ex ASKARI DELTA Support Coy took the opportunity to
get down to Mombasa and play touch rugby against the Mombasa South Costal Pirates Rugby team. Unfortunately, whilst clearly distracted by the white sandy beaches and translucent Indian Ocean,
S Company were dealt an old-fashioned sport thrashing. The final score sat at twenty-two tries to the Mombasa Pirates and a conciliatory two to S Company, with Rifleman Baba from Anti-tanks scoring both face saving tries. The match was a win for sport, with all those from S Company having relished in the experience. RIFLES charm was dialled up
to max for an immaculate after-party held at the Diani Backpacker’s Hostel, with
S Company hosting the rugby team. By the end the Company had cemented an enduring relationship with the Mombasa Pirates which should last future iterations of 1RIFLES BGs in Kenya, with head coach Kevin Amiani thanking the Company for their hospitality.
The following day the Coy switched focus to volleyball. Gameplay was of an above average standard, with some heavily contested matches that made even the Top Gun volleyball match look like it was played by comparative amateurs. The final day of the trip concluded with a clean-up on Diani
The final day of the trip concluded with a clean-up on Diani Beach
Beach, in support of the Conservation Education Society, who look to improve the ecosystems for turtles in Diani. It was eye-opening that the Company was able to collect 137kg of rubbish from what on the surface looked like an idyllic beach. There is no doubt in the collective Coy’s mind, this was the highlight of the Kenyan experience.
Capt James Prince ATK Pl Comd
S Coy beach clean-up operation
10 RIFLES The Bugle