Page 26 - MERCIAN Eagle 2021

OC Capt Sam Richards 2IC WO2 Scott Franks
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Mortar Platoon
Once again, the men of the Mortar Platoon found themselves unable to resist the urge to sit on a coach for 12 hours to lay waste to Sennelager Training Area. This year saw the first mortar firing from a BULLDOG that the Platoon had done in many years. The Platoon rose to the challenge and relished the chance to drop bombs supporting the Battlegroup attack, and despite snowy conditions, down to -17C, the Platoon made the most of the opportunity. Inter- BULLDOG snowball fights provided some un-expected ‘blank’ firing practice and proved to be a highlight of our time on
Ex TALLIN DAWN. After a return to the UK for a quick chance to warm up and recover, the Platoon was ready to move onwards to Op CABRIT.
The Mortar Platoon arrived in Estonia ready and motivated to make the most of all the training opportunities Op CABRIT had to offer. One of the real successes
of Op CABRIT is the other opportunities available and, driven by the Platoon Second in Command, the Platoon were able to go adventurous training, have days out walking and explore the capital city. From the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Riga to the winding narrow streets of Tallinn, the Platoon fully experienced and developed an appreciation of Estonia and its people.
Another success was our integration
and comradeship within the Estonian Army. During Ex SPRING STORM live firing, MFCs worked with Estonian, French and Latvian observers, which was a first for many in
the Platoon. We shared practices and knowledge and proved that, wherever you go in the world, soldiers are the same and always enjoy a brew and a moan about whatever they are doing. The Platoon
impressed our Estonian counterparts, showing pride and discipline and showcasing the months of training we had undergone. Another interesting episode was playing enemy for the Estonian Defence League, which involved the Platoon integrating with an Estonian BTR-80 troop. Noting Sgt Strong’s enthusiasm, by the end of the exercise we felt more Estonian than British!
One of the benefits of Op CABRIT is
the readily available training estate and resources available. The Platoon exploited this at every opportunity, holding a lengthy and arduous cadre covering every aspect of our role from carrying mortars through the swamps and woods, to charging around learning the art of rapidly deploying and firing from the BULLDOG armoured vehicles. A huge success from this year
is the development of drone usage within
The Platoon exploring Estonia’s northern coast
the Platoon. Despite initial reservations (Sgt Rai...), we all embraced the use of drones for reconnaissance and queuing fire missions, even if this often devolved into drone racing in the clear skies of the country.
The Platoon has now returned to the
UK to enjoy a rest, time with family and Christmas. Many congratulations to those who promoted this year; Sgt Prasad, Cpl Binks and LCpls Minns, Stratford and Hunt, who will all be ready to challenge themselves and move onwards in the New Year. We also bid a fond farewell to Sgt Price and Cpl Malla, and LCpls Hargreaves and Lovatt who move to other positions
in the Battalion but will always be received with a warm Mortar’s welcome in the years to come.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
The Platoon helps the 82nd Airborne handle ammunition
Night firing on the central training area
Pte Davis emerges from his cave