Page 70 - Bugle Autumn 2014

Op HERRICK 18 Medals Parade
On 9 Dec 2013 4 RIFLES were invited to exercise the Freedom of Salisbury as part of their Homecoming Parade from Op HERRICK 18. We were supported by the Band and Bugles of the Rifles. Time was tight, as the contractors who were re-building the Market Place in Salisbury only finished the night before the parade. As the parade started the streets were lined with family, friends and plenty of local support. The crowds were six deep in places. We had the pleasure of the Salisbury Plain Military Wives Choir to
with HRH The Duchess of Cornwall in the MT sheds. HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, Royal Colonel of the Fourth Battalion, was the inspecting officer for the parade. General Evans, Master Carpenter Mr Michael Felton and Brigadier RTH Jones CBE assisted the
Royal Colonel in the task of issuing 197 campaign medals while the families were entertained by the Band and Bugles. Medals issued, it was time to carry out the march past and what felt like the longest
entertain the crowds while the Battalion was marching around the city centre. Lt General Tim Evans CBE DSO and the Lord Lieutenant for Wiltshire Mrs Sarah Troughton took the salute and then delivered some kind words to the Battalion.
The crowds were six deep in places
double ever done by a Rifles Battalion.
It was now time for the Riflemen and families to enjoy themselves with live music, dodgems,
big wheel, many bouncy castles and stalls provided by the CQMSs. Three whole pig roasts and many dishes made by the Battalion’s chefs were eaten. The evening came to a close with
Once the parade was concluded in Salisbury it was a dash back to Bulford to prepare for the remainder of the Riflemen to receive their medals. As the Regimental Sergeant Major was preparing the Battalion to march on the parade square, families had lunch
a wonderful fireworks display. With many having been away on 5th November, these fireworks were celebrated enthusiastically with everyone back at home.
Capt Taff Evans, HQ Company
Rfn Talbot approaches the finish of the Biathlon Relay.
Ex SPARTAN HIKE
In January, 4 RIFLES sent a team of six Riflemen led by Captain Sharpe to the Divisional Nordic Skiing Championships in Serre Chevalier, France.
The exercise comprised of a week of training followed by two weeks of competition. Having recently returned from Afghanistan, the snowy landscape was a shock to the system. In addition, many had never even worn skis before stepping on snow. The learning curve was steep, but the Riflemen applied themselves fully to the task and took to Nordic skiing quickly.
After only seven days on Nordic skis the Riflemen then threw themselves into Divisional level competition. Competing against many more experienced skiers, the Riflemen competed in and finished all events. Comprising both Classical ‘Cross country’ and Biathlon races, the exercise culminated with the Military Patrol Race, where teams navigate over 15 km of arduous terrain with two falling plate shoots. With the opportunity to prove their ability in core infantry skills, the 4 RIFLES team pulled out all the stops. The end
The 4 RIFLES team prior to the individual 15 km Classic race.
result was the team was placed 15th out of 35, a huge achievement considering the competition. They finished the exercise on a high and took the opportunity to enjoy some much needed après ski!
The Bn looks forward to Exercise NORDIC FROSTED BLADE 2014, where Infantry teams will conduct four weeks training prior to Divisional championships in 2015.
Capt Steve Sharpe, S Company
68 FOURTH BATTALION
THE RIFLES