Page 10 - MERCIAN Eagle 2020

Company Overview:
OC: Maj Malcolm Wheeler 2IC: Capt Danny Arnold/
Lt Adam Phenix-Norman CSM: WO2 James Massey
WSM: WO2 Robert Brookes
8
A (Grenadier) Company
2020: the year that never was! Having returned from eight months on operations in Estonia in 2019, the Grenadiers hit 2020 after a prolonged period of leave ready
to tackle a new training year with a view
to Op TORAL in 2021. The long January nights were broken up with an AT trip to Inverness, that was reported to be “better than expected” and also with Ex BASIC GRENADIER to shake the Company out and remind and revise the Grenadiers in basic fieldcraft and burn off any Christmas over-indulgence. It was good to see the soldiers maintain their high standards in the field, whilst also listening to some of their tales from leave (though not sure the CO was prepared for Pte O’Loughlin’s festive stories!).
Alongside armoured-infantry excellence, Grenadier Company have a focus on urban operations, something we managed to train a great deal of amongst the woods and forests of Estonia! Ex WATCHMAN GRENADIER
in March allowed the Company to refine urban tactics, with increasing complexity. This exercise was highlighted by a visit from a former Regimental Mascot of the Staffordshire Regiment, Watchman – especially appreciated by those with links to Staffordshire. COVID-19 and lockdown did not alter our focus and we embraced
dispersed training over the spring and early summer. Strava and Zoom became critical tools to deliver training and monitor how
we were getting on. Notable achievements were the two half-marathons conducted (with a couple of sub 1hr 30 times) and the Grenadier 10,000 challenge – seeing every member of the Company running or tabbing 100km in one week.
A special mention must go to LCpl Atkins who completed it in one go, tabbing with 15kg for around 13 hours and becoming very familiar with SPTA! Summer saw
some return to normality as the Company moved to Castlemartin Ranges to conduct Annual Tests in the Warrior to qualify
the Company to be held at readiness as
The Grenadier Company in Caerwent, September 20 Photo: @ajameshope on Instagram
part of the Lead Armoured Battlegroup. The variable Pembrokeshire weather was kind to us, easing the challenge of conducting the ranges. In September the Company returned to Bulford, eager to catch up
for any lost time and re-focus our training efforts. Whilst the rest of 1 MERCIAN prepared to commence the training pathway for Op CABRIT 8, the Grenadiers have spent most weeks in the field.
Ex ALGEA GRENADIER in Caerwent was
a fantastic week rotating through stands focussed upon operating in urban (using simunition in the Skills House) and rural (FIWAF etc.) settings. The highlight was the respirator-clad raid where a very imaginative Sgt Barton ensured the enemy location was full of surprises for the assaulting Grenadiers (read: strobe lighting and Ramstein on the speakers).
Most recently, the Company have returned from live-firing in Brecon, busting the Sennybridge myths for those that have never been there. The highlight of the package was Ex CHAOS GRENADIER. This event is the Fan Dance using the PSBC route, with a bayonet lane at the end. The idea behind CHAOS GRENADIER is to set a common standard for the Grenadiers to earn the coveted Grenadier Flash. With an idea shamelessly stolen from the England Cricket Team, each flash is embossed with a unique number; the ‘Grenadier Number’ that will identify the flash holder forever.
The event will be run bi-annually to allow new Grenadiers to achieve their flash and take their place in A (Grenadier) Company history. Finally, a shout to CSgt Hutton (CQMS-M) and his Grenadier Leadership Programme. A programme designed and delivered by the soldiers of the Company
to their peers, running with consistently great results. This year we have had
ten Grenadiers pass JNCO cadres, six complete Brecon courses, three complete armoured-infantry instructional courses and two accepted into Sandhurst for officer training. The leadership potential runs strong in Grenadier Company and we will continue to grow and prosper in 2021 as we look to the future with anticipation.
A Grenadier delivers “the good news” during bayonet training in Wales, November 20
THE MERCIAN EAGLE