Page 32 - Example Journals

The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons 2015
such as main urban areas, weapon storage sites, domestic medi- cal facilities, on which we relied, and locations of the BiH armed forces. These AOs then became the preserve of the troops who were tasked to go forth, explore and report. The Squadron was labelled the Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance Task Force and so with plenty to do – we got stuck in.
With the TF HQ located in Sarajevo at Camp BUTMIR the troops spent 5-6 days living in various locations within their AOs. Each day was spent collecting data and information for intelli- gence needs and also generating a number of other tasks that we were able to assist EUFOR with. For example, we became closely associated with the BiH Army and Police Forces and so thus pro- vided low-level training and integration with a number of units. Initially, the arrival of JACKALs and a return of British troops caused quite a stir with the national media and political elite, but the boys in typical Light Dragoon fashion calmed things down with their natural ability to smile and wave and posture them- selves accordingly.
Within Camp BUTMIR, we lived in relative comfort and even had access to a bar, the Bulldog, on Saturday evenings which
was certainly a novelty considering Iraq and Afghanistan. We had opportunity to visit Sarajevo and learn about the war in the early 90s. Many of our interpreters fought in the war and spent many a quiet moment regaling the boys with their stories which certainly added context to the environment we found ourselves in. Of course, the task given to us was immense, but the troops kept at it and did everything asked of them whilst always main- taining momentum during those inevitable dull moments and constantly seeking opportunities to add value. Each troop cer- tainly had its adventures: 4 Tp, led by Lt Geaves and Sgt Fyfe, initiated a nationwide crackdown on suspected Wahhabi extrem- ists through an opportunistic visit to an airsoft club; 3 Tp, led by Lt Rutherford-Jones and Sgt Mallinson, formed a close bond with the BiH Special Police Force which closely resembled a SWAT team, and peculiarly enjoyed being tasered; 2 Tp, led by Lt Holford-Walker and Sgt Cawthorne, spent most of the six months exploring their AO larger than the size of Wales and play- ing rugby league in Banja Luka and 1 Tp, led by Lt Nicholson and Sgt Martin, enjoyed the sunny delights of Mostar and the Mediterranean south whilst also paying particular attention to the wine producing Catholic monasteries. SHQ, Admin and Fitter Troops all played their part and supported the deployed troops exceedingly well, often without much support from EUFOR, but using tact, guile and a sprinkling of cavalry charm. Throughout the tour, the standards the men applied when living within a com- plicated multinational environment was exemplary and often I would be stopped by foreign of cers and SNCOs to be compli- mented on the admirable conduct of the men.
We departed Bosnia in early December having initiated signi - cant change within EUFOR. Not only had the ISR TF forced EUFOR to become more operational but had also demonstrated that true SA comes from operating amongst the population and having an effective presence on the ground. As we left, the Austrian contingent, who became great friends of A Sqn, started to routinely deploy throughout the country to gain SA. The ISR TF was presented the Commander EUFOR’s Commendation for Excellence, an award the boys thoroughly deserved.
A Sqn arrived back at RBSM just in time for the fun and games prior to Christmas leave. A medal parade was extremely well received and the boys should be very proud of their achievements. We also had a number of deserved promotions which was great to see. What a year we’ve had. Not only has it been a year of rsts for the Lt Cav community but also for the LD. These experiences have been invaluable and certainly A Sqn has been very lucky. We conducted ourselves well throughout and I am extremely proud of the boys – they performed terri cally.
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