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1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
Ex BAVARIAN CYPHER Capt M Gaughan RHA
Ex BAVARIAN CYPHER was a successful multi-activity AT exercise to the beautiful Allgäu Region, Bavaria. The exer- cise saw thirty-two 1 RHA service personnel, assisted by 4
instructors, take part in kayaking, rock climbing, klettersteig, and mountaineering. Many of those that deployed were junior Gun- ners and Privates who have never been on AT because of COVID- 19, and some had never even left the UK before. This made the Ex all the more exciting and rewarding.
The first day of activities commenced with six setting off for Lake Weissensee, Fussen, to learn the basics of kayaking and six off for a spot of mountaineering. The remainder went to Weihar where they began rock climbing. The views at all the locations were incredible and made great Instagram photos, I’m sure. One of the most memorable moments for one group after a 700m hike up Gehrenkopfle was being sat on the side of the mountain look- ing over miles and miles of stunning green valleys into Austria whilst eating their lunch. When only the week before they were either in the field on exercise or working in the Gun Garage back in Larkhill.
But it wasn’t so ‘fun’ for some. A few were terrified at the prospect of climbing a rock face and entrusting the person below them with their life. This truly tested their grit, determination and devel-
oped their leadership skills, physical courage, and teamwork. Moments they will remember for a long time.
Midway through the exercise there was an opportunity for eve- ryone to take a cultural day and go explore the local area. Some ventured to the Dachau Concentration Camp in Munich, others went to the famous Neuschwanstein Castle featured in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, whilst some remained local to relax by the outdoor pool.
The weather was fantastic for most of the exercise, with only one day of rain that meant the rock climbers had to go to an indoor facility. But the facilities at the Climbing Centre Swoboda Alpinzentrum, Kempten, were excellent (far better than what most of the UK has to offer) and gave the instructors an opportu- nity to introduce bouldering to the climbers.
Ex BAVARIAN CYPHER was an absolute success and was thor- oughly enjoyed by all. All SP took part in multiple AT activities which pushed them out of their comfort zone and tested their mettle. They developed teamwork and experienced sports they may never have done otherwise; sparking a desire to pursue adventurous training qualifications in the future.
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