Page 107 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN) 105 D Battery, 3 Royal Horse Artillery
It has been a typically busy year for D Battery, 3 Royal Horse Artillery. With ongoing commitments and exercises across Europe, Africa and the United States, the Battery has managed to support various units within the British Army, as well as working alongside foreign armies.
The Battery started 2018 by deploying on Exercise DYNAMIC FRONT 18 in February, as part of 1st Artillery Brigade’s collec- tive training in Grafenwöhr, Germany. Working alongside the French and American Armies, the exercise gave the Battery a great opportunity to work with our NATO allies and learn how they operate.
The Gun Group then deployed on Exercise WESSEX STORM 4/18 supporting the Royal Irish on a combined arms live fire ex- ercise in the first half of the year. Exercises in 2018 were round- ed off by deploying as a Battery complete on Exercise ASKARI STORM 4/18 in Kenya supporting the Irish Guards Battlegroup. This was another fantastic exercise, which allowed our Fire Sup- port Teams to work in their operational role, working within the Guard’s companies calling in fires from the Gun Line. Exercise ASKARI STORM 4/18 also allowed the Battery to take part in lots of Adventurous Training such as rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking and rock jumping.
Once back in the UK the Battery entered the Christmas period by winning the inter-battery football competition beating C Bat- tery 3–2 in a tightly contested affair. However, there were other commitments to attend to. With members of D Battery taking the Royal Gun Salute in Sterling Castle for HRH Prince Charles to mark the occasion of his 70th birthday. This was a brilliant way for the Battery to close out the year.
At the start of January the Battery celebrated the 161st Anniver- sary of Secundra Gunge; our Battery Birthday. The Gun Group then deployed on their first exercise on 2019 in late January; Exercise SWALE RAPTOR in Salisbury Plain firing for 5th Regiment Royal Artillery. Members of the Battery are currently deployed on Exercise DIAMOND BACK in California working alongside the American army. Further members of the Battery will deploy on Exercise WARFIGHTER in Texas supporting Headquarters Battery.
In conclusion it has been another busy and rewarding year for all members of D Battery Royal Horse Activity and the Battery looks forward to the other challenges that 2019 will bring.
Live fire practice for 3 RHA Some well deserved adventurous training! Providing the Royal Gun Salute at Sterling Castle
The Battery on Askari Storm