Page 40 - MERCIAN Eagle 2020

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B (Malta) Company
Maj B P Smyth
Upon writing this, I reflect upon what
the Company has achieved in the most extraordinary of years. What for many in the Field Army was a year getting to grips with COVID-19 restrictions and working from home, B (Malta) Company has continued to deliver its Cyprus operational commitments whilst looking forward and preparing for Kenya and Op TORAL in 2021.
Again, I am humbled by the efforts
of the officers, non-commissioned officers, soldiers and families who have
all played their part in helping to deliver excellent results in all that the Company has done. This year, the pace of life has been relentless, but the soldiers have demonstrated great professionalism, optimism, and humour in the face of some challenging circumstances.
The Cyprus operational cycle has been one of white-hot, frantic activity in an uncertain year. The Company began the year nearly deploying to support forces in Iraq following the US strikes against General Soleimani, we were bags packed ready-to- go. Soon after, the Company deployed a small team to support the Lebanon Armed Forces with disaster relief efforts following the Beirut explosion. The Company also deployed to guard the Op SHADER flight line in RAF Akrotiri. There were plenty of opportunities to exploit and the Company did just that, using the period to conduct some much needed and enjoyed live-firing up to section attack. The Cyprus summer sun and arid landscape offering the perfect preparation for Kenya next year. With an
eye to Kenya and the arduous exercise undoubtably going to test each soldier to their physical limits, the Company embarked on Ex AETOS MARCH. Collectively tabbing 3,500 km, the equivalent distance from Cyprus to Weeton Barracks, over 8 days to raise just under £4000 for the some hugely worthy charities; NHS Charities Together, ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, and the Mercian Regiment Benevolent
In addition, the Company embarked on
a series of exercises which began with conceptual development in the form of simulation training for commanders and a series of lectures on doctrine and tactics. The soldiers of Malta company then deployed into the field to conduct basic fieldcraft lessons all the way up to Company attacks before being validated and declared ready for operations in public order and warfighting. Of course, the company excelled, all down to the hard work and excellent preparation.
Running to the re-org after a section attack lane
work and success, many have picked up honours or awards – a huge achievement and well done to all. Most notable, was Pte Boggiano being nominated as Pte Keenan and being entrusted to carry the Regimental Colour on the Alma Day Parade.
As the year draws to a close and the troops look forward to the unit move
back to Weeton Barracks and some incredibly well-earned Christmas Leave, I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved as a Company. It is the togetherness of
the soldiers and their ability to persevere through adversity that gives me huge confidence that we will take all that 2021 has to offer; be it exercising in Kenya, conducting operations in Afghanistan, or who knows – 2020 has taught us to be ready for anything.
Sgt McGraw providing encouragement on the bayonet lane
Fund.
Between operational
The Cyprus operational cycle has been one of white-hot, frantic activity in an uncertain year
Away from operational commitments and Kenya preparation,
the Company have looked to enjoy their remaining time on
island and recognise our achievements. For enjoyment, the soldiers have escaped on AT courses; enjoying their
commitments,
the Company’s focus
has been very much
about preparation for
Kenya and enjoying
what the island has
to offer. Our Kenya
preparation started
with a personal development week where each soldier or officer underwent a tailored development package culminating in a gruelling section competition finishing with a punishing bayonet assault lane. Each soldier who completed the event had rightly earned their place in Malta Company and were presented with their Malta flash.
down-time and offering them a chance
to unwind following a tough period away from the UK. The highlight of the year being the Company Team-Building Day
to Latchi, where we all enjoyed a bit of motorboating, Cypriot cuisine, and then the late-night delights of the Paphos watering- holes. In recognition of the Company’s hard
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