Page 15 - 1RHA 2022

In September E Battery deployed on Ex ARIES STORM on Salis- bury Plain Training Area. The goal of the exercise was to fight the Royal Artillery as an Offensive Support Group, maximising
how the Gunners can achieve their mission with the kit and per- sonnel available. It aimed to test sensor-to-shooter capability in the field to FIND, FIX and DESTROY the enemy. For E Battery this meant testing and adjusting new methods for deploying the guns, CPs, and the echelon all the while avoiding drones and rapid counter battery fires.
Earlier in the year, in August 2021 the world witnessed the col- lapse of the Afghan government after the withdrawal of coalition forces and the saw the Taliban retake control of the country. It soon became clear that the larger numbers of Afghans families who were forced to flee their homes and were now in the UK, (and elsewhere) in need of help. In October 1 RHA deployed to work on behalf of the Home Office in London as part of Op CUS- TOM HOUSE. The Battery was charged with locating, welcoming and housing these Afghan families. For the Troops this meant a lot of phone calls to establish the family links and tragic experi- ences of many that have supported Allied forces over the past 20 years. The Battery performed their duty admirably throughout. Working in London also brought its own challenges, for WO2 Adam Graham, SSgt Ben Fulton, and Sgt Brayan Daniel this was in the form of a Boris Bike commute, navigating the dangers of rush hour traffic in Piccadilly Circus. This author is happy to report they all returned safely!
November brought with it some colder weather and for the mem- bers of E Battery; Ex CYPHER SHARPEN, a dismounted exer-
2Lt Al Wicking receiving a Commanding Officer’s Coin for organising part of the Op Teamwork activity
cise designed to hone low-level infantry skills on the ground. This included cam and concealment, navigation, Section attacks, Pla- toon harbours and CASEVAC drills. The hard training was a good refresher for the Battery as they had not been out on the ground like this since late 2020. For many of our newer soldiers this was the first significant period spent living in the field, so the oppor- tunity was taken to remind and revise skills at all levels. Luckily Bombardiers Matthew Kelshaw and Robert Taylor had plenty of experience to hand down.
With Christmas fast approaching it was time for the Battery Best Detachment competition. Events and stands were run to decide the best team, these included Observation, Battlefield Casualty Drills, Military knowledge, and numerous events from the RFT. The winners were Waterloo troop lead by LBdr Thomas. This was followed on by a well-deserved Christmas leave after a busy year. December also saw a return to winter sports especially Alpine Skiing. Big thanks go to LBdr George Yates, SSgt Ciarin Curran and Gnr Rebecca Coull for supporting the Regimental squad, unfortunately due to the brief surge in COVID cases in Europe and French border restrictions no Royal Artillery championships were run. A special well done to SSgt Ciarin Curran for compet- ing and captaining the RA team in the Army championships.
Jan 22 – Easter 22
January 2022 brought a fresh start and a new opportunity for the Battery in the form of the Regimental Leadership week. The week ranged from TED talks conducted by the troops, delivery of Centre for Army Leadership packs, a debate night and leadership briefs from external speakers including Lt Col Langley Sharp,
Best Det competition winners – Waterloo Troop
1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
E Battery RHA Capt M C Major RHA
Christmas party 2021
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