Page 85 - Bugle Autumn 2014

5 Rifles Manoeuvre Battle Group assume authority, 30 May 2014 Buglers sound in the Battalion
odd tour, with the bulk of the Battalion
back in Paderborn, ably commanded by Major Andy Wood as OC ROG. The 5 RIFLES Manoeuvre Battlegroup consists
of the Warthog Group with crews from the Queen’s Royal Hussars and dismounts from D Coy, and the Brigade Reconnaissance Force from the Queen’s Dragoon Guards.
B Coy is working to Task Force Belleau Wood and 7 Force Protection Wing of the Royal Air Force Regiment where they are proving they can
results principally because the key players have been committed elsewhere but it has ensured participation from everyone. The fact we presented our cricket team
to St Cross with seven of the eleven not having played before is exactly what
sport is about...until next year when we propose to win. The cross country running team have seen significant achievements in the Commanding Officer’s sport: We are now BFG League Champions and
reversed with the majority of the Battalion back in Paderborn. To make matters more difficult for the ROG was that the bulk of 20th Armoured Brigade did not deploy either, including the HQ, so the trawls for manpower and tasks hitting the ROG have been significant. They have dealt with this admirably, fielding a wide array of different, essential defence tasks with a real ‘can- do’ attitude. We have also been hugely reassured forward by their support to families and casualties. It is an unenviable task, but critical, and it is being done well.
The families and friends of the Battalion continue to be our rock-solid support base. The Unit Welfare Officer, Nick Hedges, has really got amongst the Families Welfare Grant and enabled some cracking activity. The wives are getting involved as well which makes it so much more rewarding and it
is hoped this involvement continues after the tour. It is also to the friends which the Battalion owes a debt, be it the generous Wax Chandlers or individuals dutifully selling wrist bands for Care for Casualties. Thank you.
stand toe-to-toe with
‘The Regiment’ on the
Bastion perimeter. The
remainder of D Coy,
under James Cantrell,
has been providing the
force protection for
Patrol Base DIMOND in Lashkar Gah.
Other activity has been shoe-horned in around MST and operations. Salamanca Day was delayed last year because
of overseas exercises and it was well attended and enjoyed by all. It has just been celebrated in theatre and provided a great opportunity to host the Commanding General and to show off our buglers and Lance Corporal Dubose’s ‘Rifles Salute’ both performed live. Brigadier General Yoo presented them with his coin to thank them for their efforts. Adventurous training has not been as successful as last year, principally because of MST and not having the opportunity presented by the overseas exercises. We have got some Riflemen away and the period of recuperation after the tour will provide more opportunity. Sport has been taken with not amazing
BA(G) Champions. Notable achievements have come from
CSjt Edwards who came second in the individuals, Captain (Harry) Harrison who came 2nd in the vets
with the Commanding Officer a close 3rd. Thanks must go to 1 PWRR who gave us a good run for our money and we look forward to their supporting act next year.
The Rear Operations Group (ROG) traditionally is a small grouping providing support to the bulk of the Battalion forward. For Operation HERRICK 20 this was
Rfn Linck’s Javelin in flight.
The wives are getting involved as well which makes it so much more rewarding
THE RIFLES
FIFTH BATTALION 83