Page 98 - Bugle Autumn 2014

Salamanca Day
5 RIFLES marked Salamanca Day on Saturday 21 Sep 2013 at Alanbrooke Barracks, Paderborn. The gates opened to receive the families of Riflemen of all ranks, who were treated to sports, food, drink, face painting and later a live band.
The Welfare team raised some €900 in their raffle, and an additional €800 from the auction of a regimental teddy bear and matching dressing gown! This money will be ploughed back into events for the families of the Riflemen.
The highlight of the day came following tug of war, ‘super-circuits’ and ‘power bag challenge’ when six teams mounted rowing machines in the gymnasium packed with spectators for the ‘Chain of Command’ race. This took the form of a relay, with junior ranks setting the pace for ever
more senior ranks until finally heads of department and Company Commanders mounted the rowing machines to battle it out in an impossibly tight sprint-finish. A Coy emerged victorious by a few seconds, as many a competitor had to be helped, being near collapse from their momentous efforts.
Honoured guests of the Wax Chandlers Livery Company from the City of London assisted in judging the ‘BV cook-off’, bravely tasting the fare of 5 RIFLES finest Riflemen-cum-chefs on their field cook sets. Numerous tasty biryanis, chocolate salty balls, and even a baked pie actually managed to impress the visitors who were quite surprised by the range of food available within a ten-man ration pack.
These celebrations which normally coincide with the anniversary of the Battle of Salamanca on 22 July were delayed for the duration of Exercises PRARIE THUNDER and BAVARIAN CHARGER, and summer stand down, while the bulk of the Battalion worked hard to complete the year’s collective training.
Inter company rowing competition
Wax Chandlers judging cooking during Salamanca day
Maj Wells enjoying the company cook off competition culinary delights
96 FIFTH BATTALION
THE RIFLES