Page 20 - MERCIAN Eagle 2020

Company Overview:
Pl Comd: Capt S Richards 2IC: WO2 D Johnson
18
Mortar Platoon
The platoon conducts a heavy carry across Sennelager training area
Whilst the rest of the country may not
have been very productive over the last 12 months, the ‘Men of Iron’ have been having their most productive year for a long time. At the start of the year the Pl was busy planning and preparing for a four-week mortar cadre at Warcop Ranges, but with the first national lockdown it was stopped short. The Platoon managed to complete valuable dry training, setting ourselves up for success for the rest of the year.
With the obvious challenges of training
a specialist weapons platoon over Zoom, the NCOs of Mortars rose to the challenge. With the Platoon all over the country they concentrated on physical fitness and conceptual training. Thanks to the hard work of Sgt Rai, the Platoon left dispersed working fitter and more prepared for 2021 than they entered it. Privates developed leadership and presentation skills by delivering Zoom lessons, resulting in a new
and sometimes interesting perspective on aspects of our Regimental history.
Once the restrictions of lockdown were understood, the Platoon was off again to complete their mortar cadre. A complex and demanding 3 weeks in
Sgt Strong completes a nav check whilst on exercise
Sennybridge blew away any cobwebs that may have accumulated during dispersed working. With Mortars having an influx
of new members (including the platoon commander), a chance to concentrate on basic skills and the ability to operate as a
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
Pl photo post-Mortar Cadre