Page 62 - MERCIAN Eagle 2021

OC Maj Small
2IC Capt Breen/Capt Bough CSM WO2 Webb
CQMS CSgt Ryan
60
C (Kohima) Company
Major Chris Small
It never escapes me just how busy Regimental Duty can be, and this year has been no different - packed with activity. Having returned from Cyprus at the end of 2020 the Battalion has been continuously engaged in collective or individual training, when not committed to other tasks. For that reason, the transition back to the UK has been challenging and it took us at least six months to really feel at home. The focus for all this year has been preparation for operations in Afghanistan but due to the withdrawal and subsequent Government handover this did not materialise.
Despite the building uncertainty over
the preceding four months to July 2021, Kohima Company’s professional approach has remained consistently high to meet the next task.
The biggest test of the year was
Ex ASKARI STORM on the Lolldaiga Training Area in Kenya, during the
hottest part of the season. Known as the training area for Light Role excellence,
it is characterised by its austere nature.
In addition to the normal challenges of a Kenya deployment, the Battalion also had to contend with an ongoing health pandemic which meant soldiers were required to
test, isolate and be confined to camp. For those who have experienced East Africa before this meant that travel outside of camp to buy gifts, visit shops or conduct adventurous training were not permitted. A shame for many, who for them were visiting Kenya for the first time.
During an uncertain first and second quarter of 2021, the Company remained agile and poised for the next commitment. This didn’t take long to appear and soon an 8 Platoon multiple were deployed
on Operation CATTALO to manage
the drawdown of key equipment from Afghanistan. A relatively undemanding task but critical to Defence’s ability to recover and re-deploy vehicles and major equipment – made possible only by the utterly professional nature of the personnel sent to manage the security and control the site access. This task ran concurrently to the generation of 7 Platoon as one of the Force Protection elements supporting Operation TORAL, which continued at pace until Jul 21. Ultimately the unit didn’t deploy to Afghanistan but the manner in which 7 Pl remained committed to the task and diligently prepare its force was commendable.
The latter half of the year was predominantly focussed on readiness for Joint and UK Operations and support to the Civil Authorities. During a period of growing demand for fuel, balanced against various factors affecting haulage drivers, the Company were again called upon to help support the rapid outload of critical National supplies to the general population. Whilst this short notice requirement put
pay to any sub-unit training plans, the opportunity to fulfil a task in support
of a major Government objective was rewarding for all involved. The Company will continue to be committed against the UK’s readiness unit until the end of the year and future tasks are already being scoped. Protected throughout however, has been the Company Boxing team and we look forward to seeing them walk with pride to the ring and cheering them to victory at the end of the year.
Since the last publication of the Mercian Eagle there have been a number of changes in key personnel. Lt Davenport is now employed as the B (Malta) Company Second-in-Command, an appointment he will relish. In a straight swap, Lt Baggley leaves to become a Pl Comd at ITC Catterick and Capt Bough returns to
the Company as the Second-in-Command. Two major departures, that will be keenly felt across the entire Company are those of Captain Breen and Sgt Ross, two enduring stalwarts of the Company. Sgt Ross leaves
on appointment to ITC Catterick, via the Kings Division Training Team. Sgt Ross
has been a dedicated servant over the last two and a half years and his experience, keenness and youthful grin will be sorely missed. Captain Breen has gone above
and beyond to deliver for the Company,
first as a Pl Comd and latterly as the 2IC, and I have no doubt he is Kohima to his core. Captain Breen moves onto to his next challenge, closer to home, as the Battalion’s Regimental Signals Officer and I can
think of no man worthy of this prestigious appointment.
Kohima Strong!
THE MERCIAN EAGLE