Page 7 - 1RHA 2022

1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
effort resulted in the Chestnut Troop winning the Moore Trophy for the first time since 2005. Before we could enjoy the seasonal festivities there was one last exercise; expertly organised by WO2 Jenkins, Ex CYPHER DAGGER saw the Battery deploy onto Salis- bury Plain to conduct low-level soldier first training. The exercise phase was followed by some teambuilding including a very com- petitive paintballing competition and a more relaxing cultural trip to London. The term finished with an all-ranks Christmas party, organised by SSgt Thomas, Bdr Eaton and Bdr Smith. A great way to round off a busy but fulfilling term.
After the much-needed Christmas break the focus shifted towards sports and professional development. Mem- bers of the Battery joined the Regimental Boxing team (9 competitors and 2 coaches) which involved
6 weeks of intense training between January and March. Lt Weil, Bdr Smith, LBdr McCarthy and LBdr Wood were selected to compete in the Regimen- tal competition where they did the Battery proud. Lt Weil and LBdr McCarthy both won their fights and went on to compete in the RA competition. All participants showed dedication and commit-
ment throughout the training and competi- tion.
The 1 RHA Leadership Week also took place in January which pro- vided the chance to learn about
the new Army Leadership Doc- trine, deliver TED style talks,
listen to fascinating external speakers, get involved in debating and conduct Drag-
on’s Den style pitches. Some members were out of their comfort zone at times, but it was
an excellent development occasion,
and some great ideas were generated and taken away by RHQ for implementation.
WO2 Jenkins, SSgt Chadd, Sgt Golden, Bdr Raffermati, LBdr Wright and Gnr Cole supported the Joint Services Job Evaluation Team analysis of the STRIKE Career Employment Group. Their hard work will benefit future generations of soldiers coming into the STRIKE trade. Finally, it would be remiss not to give a big shout out to Sgt Spall who completed the Platoon Sergeants’
Battle Course, finishing in the top third of the course. A great performance against career infanteers.
Despite appearances January wasn’t all work, there was some fun too. The highlight was the 5km tougher mudder style event as part of the Nuts Challenge. Who doesn’t enjoy running through freezing cold, muddy streams in the middle of January? I’m not sure
everyone would categorise this as fun!
On 4th February 2022 the Battery celebrated its 229th Foundation Day and marked the occa- sion in style after a year break due to the COVID pandemic. The festivities kicked off with a Battery photo in front of the Royal Artillery Officers’ Mess in Larkhill, where Major Treasure (Battery Com- mander) and WO2 Rushmore (Bat- tery Sergeant Major) were just about able to remain stationary, and calm, on the back of a horse in No1 dress for 5 minutes. The Battery then travelled to Woolwich Garrison, London, the former home of the Royal Regiment of Artillery. After a moving service in the Royal Artil- lery Memorial Chapel in Woolwich (the chapel was destroyed by a fly-
Foundation Day
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