Page 22 - MERCIAN Eagle 2021

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type of position the MDF will encounter in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
It was not all business in Malawi, however. We exploited every gap in training possible to explore the country and build non-military relations. This included a ‘Ranger Run’, where the team joined the Thuma Forest Reserve Rangers on their annual charity half- marathon. We were also frequent visitors to the local ‘swap shop’; a plastic-for-tokens incentive where local children would bring in their recycling in return for tokens to spend on essentials such as soap and stationery in the nearby shop.
On Remembrance Sunday the team were invited by 1 Malawi Rifles to attend
a memorial service. 1 Malawi Rifles, like
the wider MDF, are fiercely proud of their British roots, tracing their history back to the Kings African Rifles (KAR) who fought alongside British troops in World War 1. Rather poignantly, the ceremony took place next to a KAR monument, paying tribute to the officers and soldiers who lost their lives during The Great War.
The training package concluded on the 17th of November and, following the closing address, we enjoyed some well-earned
Sgt McCuaig on patrol with MDF
Malawian Ranger Run – Capt Rhodes, WO2 Massey, Maj Fulford
rest and relaxation at a local safari camp, exploring Liwonde National Park by foot, vehicle and boat before returning to the capital for the flight home.
It was a professionally and personally rewarding trip for all the team. The relationships built with the MDF, PSO
and British Peace Support Team (Africa) will endure and hopefully allow future opportunities for the Battalion to be employed on such tasks and directly contribute to a positive British reputation in eastern and southern Africa.
Maj Fulford training Malawian BGHQ staff officers
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
Kings African Rifles Memorial – Maj Fulford laying a wreath
Cpl Goodwin with Malawian NCOs