Page 91 - MERCIAN Eagle 2021

HQ (Eagle) Company
Maj Brian Johnston MBE
2021 has been a great year for
HQ Company. The Coy has a Rifle Pl
and support elements based in Wolseley House, Wolverhampton and an Anti-Tank (JAVELIN) Platoon based at The Shrubbery, Kidderminster. As a lodger unit, we also have a platoon location at Dancox House, Worcester.
The first two months of the year saw lockdown restrictions affecting training
and all Tuesday evenings were moved to remote online sessions. These lessons, however, remained engaging throughout with high quality instruction being delivered across the Zoom. To maintain our fitness levels, SSgt Mark Henshaw encouraged all coy and Bn members to complete a Mercian Challenge which involved running the distance between all ARCs in the Bn,
a total of 325miles. This was a fantastic
way to keep all troops motivated and saw each company track their efforts through a shared App. March saw training returning
to a physical environment and the Bn could start running training weekends again albeit with strict Force Health Protection measures in place.
Weekend training focused on BCS and the fundamental skills and drills but allowed the Anti-Tank Platoon to practice their specialist weapons
role as well. With the
experience of PSI, CSgt
Paul Hall, the platoon
was able to develop
and improve their OP
building skills, fieldcraft
and handling of the
Javelin weapon system
in tactical settings. The
Rifle Platoon, led by
2Lt Murdoch, were able
to focus on building their
section and platoon
drills throughout the
exercises, in Urban and
FIWAF environments.
For the Anti-Tank Platoon, the focus of the year was to increase the number of qualified JAVELIN Gunners. This was
achieved in October during the Specialist Weapons Cadre exercise (Ex SAXON LANCE). Pte Nick Connolly, from Bewdley, deservedly earned
a CO’s Coin for his effort and dedication during the cadre.
The newly promoted CSgt Andy Bolus from Wolverhampton and Cpl Aaron Fradgley from Worcester delivery outstanding instruction
and allowed the PSI to stand back in overwatch. EX SAXON LANCE was also an opportunity to qualify members of the coy
Instructors and Javelin Gunner on Ex SAXON LANCE at Warcop, Oct 2021. Photo by 2Lt Murdoch
as Team Medics, Sharpshooters, Mortars and GPMG (SF) Gunners.
As well as cadres and weekends, a number of career courses were also completed by members of HQ Coy. LCpl James Burbeck attended and passed the Section Commander’s Battle Course in September, whilst Cpl Richard Greenhill completed the Platoon Sergeant’s Battle Course in October.
2021 saw the return of Remembrance Day Parades across the various towns and cities in the area, leading to a good turnout at both Wolverhampton and Kidderminster. Cpl Jack Harley, from Kidderminster, also represented the coy by laying a wreath during the Kidderminster Harriers football game with Sgt Woolaston heading up a small team at Walsall.
Pte Nick Connolly from Bewdley and Pte Zachary Whitehouse from Dudley performing prone position Javelin drills during Ex SAXON LANCE.
March saw training returning to a physical environment and the Bn could start running training weekends again albeit with strict Force Health Protection measures in place
HQ Company Remembrance at Walsall
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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