Page 88 - The Royal Lancers Chapka 2018

86 REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL LANCERS (QUEEN ELIZABETHS’ OWN)
Waterskiing
digging out of avalanche victims. We trained far harder than we needed to when Captain Cowie turned off one of the ‘victims’ transceivers and Captain Purbrick buried it under five feet of snow and then followed up with some in depth counter-tracking ground disturbance. It’s an understatement to say that none were impressed and the side of the mountain resembled a stage three trenching site.
The expedition achieved all its aims, with 23 Ski Foundation Level 1 awards and 12 Ski Foundation Level 2 awarded. High- lights included an incredible ski tour to Le Glacier de Gebroulez
There’s always time to say hello to the locals
and a four hour descent of the same. From first light to last light we did not let our skins get cold as we sought out every un- touched powder field we could find. Outstanding fun was had by all, and, even better, only two injuries sustained: Warrant Officer II Mounfeild who thought ‘popping one off the rails’ was easier than it looked and only resulted in his patella popping; and Cap- tain Purbrick who’s last words before pasting himself onto the mountain and dispersing his kit in a wide ‘yard sale’ were the eponymous, “Watch this”.
AJP