Page 26 - Bugle Issue 16 Autumn 2020

Ironically, COVID-19 has actually brought about a much- needed reset
Officers’ Mess Matters
As normal, the fast pace of mess life and continued deployment of mess members has not abated. We have also said goodbye to some central figures and welcomed
a whole new cohort. Most significantly, Maj Dave Sharpe has been swapped for the Officers of A Company 3 RGR, as he moves to Folkestone for his final tour after a strong innings, while Maj Sam Meadows and his team embark on their transition to Spec Inf – Ayo Gorkhali!
Events in the last year have included a fantastic ball, notable for Jamie Robertson’s ‘Dora the Explorer’ dress that left far too little to the imagination. Well attended whisky
and gin nights exposed the mess to new tastes, while exposing the LE fraterni-
ty’s resolute commitment to European lager. The revival of guest speakers has continued as a focal point for the mess, with more scheduled following a dip during lockdown. A short notice request to host the Rt Hon James Heappey MP, himself a former member of the Battalion, alongside Secretary of the US Army, Ryan D. McCarthy and CGS, provided for a great evening and an opportunity to demonstrate the best in Rifles Officer charm.
Maj Mike Elliott PMC
The B Company officers maintain their resolve after the Adjutant’s
third mess heritage rehearsal prior to the visit of MinAF and CGS
COMMANDING OFFICER’S FOREWORD
Now into our third year as a Specialised Infantry Battalion, our focus is still very much on experimenting and refining our role. Despite the global pandemic and everything seemingly closing for business around us, we have continued to ensure that we are prepared for our role in delivering successful Partner operations, at reach, overseas.
In particular, we continue to contribute
to operations in Northern Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as critical training of allies and partners in the wider Middle East region.
Our experimentation at all levels within the Battalion has also been particularly important, forging new links with the US Green Berets that have allowed us to genuinely trial new and exciting ways of delivering effect. It continues to be busy, rewarding and extremely interesting!
During this last year, B Company finished off their eight-month operational tour (Iraq and Afghanistan) before beginning their ‘other tasks’ and training rotation. They are now preparing to go on exercise with the Green Berets in the US.
A Coy took over operations from B Coy, conducting a full eight months in Afghanistan, but sadly cut short in Iraq due to COVID-19. Shorter, but no less effective! They have since recovered back to the UK and are re-setting before their training cycle next year.
R Company have gone through a full training cycle – including an assessment cadre, specialist courses, and a two-month exercise with US Special Forces in Kentucky and Texas – and latterly have also deployed to Afghanistan in June 20.
HQ Coy – the only constant within the Battalion’s firm base back in Aldershot – has consistently supported all deployments, both in the UK and overseas.
We have also welcomed A (Coriano) Company 3 RGR into the fold and look forward
to having them with us until the rest of their Battalion steps up in 2021.
We have endeavoured to maintain a balance between all that we must do with all those other fun and rewarding activities of which we really should do more. Our Riflemen have been away skiing to Serbia and France, conducted ultra-marathons in the Himalayas, as well as a not-so glamourous trek along Hadrian’s Wall. Ironically, COVID-19 has actually brought about a much-needed reset to many of our Riflemen and their families. That said,
at the four-month point at home, there were some excited faces when training resumed back in July!
As we move into the Autumn in earnest,
on behalf of the Fourth Battalion, I would
like to thank all of those who have brilliantly supported us throughout: our families; our communities; and, the broader RIFLES support network. We are already strapped-in for an even busier 2021!
Lt Col Jim Allen
Commanding Officer
26 RIFLES The Bugle