Page 84 - Cavalry Regiment

The Regimental Journal of The Light Dragoons
ity especially), but comfort in climatic extremes is NOT in its bailiwick. Despite this, some excellent training was had. Being on small disparate packets of privately-owned training estate meant we became very good on HF and TacSat and the whole squadron are now experts at green snake movement in closed terrain, which will serve us well in 2020.
Between major events there were some notable smaller highlights from individuals. The regiment sent our first potential snipers for a long while on the 12 Bde snipers selection course. Tpr Wilkinson and LCpl Hall both excelled and are now back and badged. Lt Stinton completed the Light Role Recce Commanders Course and LCpl Patterson achieved his anti-tanks det commander’s qualifi- cation. These courses are helping us revitalise the support troop concept and give added credence to our already potent skillset. The Legion also had the pleasure of welcoming back some old faces over the HERRICK remembrance weekend celebrations. Some serving members have fathers that are ex Light Dragoons and Legionnaires and it’s great to hear and see what they’re up to.
As Autumn turned into winter C Sqn took responsibility for the UK Standby Battalion lead sub-unit in the North. This isn’t nor- mally a task that we brag about. However, this year The Light Dragoons had responsibility for assisting the Environment Agency and other emergency services with the response to the flooding of the River Don in South Yorkshire. Obviously, an event such as this is devastating wherever it occurs, but that it happened in one of our regimental heartlands recruiting areas made it espe- cially poignant for us. C Sqn plus elements from the rest of the
regiment were busy supporting agencies clearing the wreckage for three days. This included properties, business and local infra- structure. The people of Doncaster, Fishlake and Stainforth (plus others) were amazing. The support we provided was always gladly received with a cheery front on what must have been incredibly challenging circumstances.
During the Autumn C Sqn also got notice that we will be deploy- ing in 2020 to Poland as part of the NATO enhanced forward pres- ence battlegroup. We will leave in April 2020 for 6 months and work alongside US, Polish, Romanian and Croatian troops. We follow A and B Squadrons, who have both filled this role before in 2016/17. Some of our number have already been before, so know the task at hand. It promises to be an exciting challenge for C Squadron. The opportunities for high quality training that exist there with our partner nations is second to none. Of course, this deployment will be challenging for the families of our troops. The support we receive from them and the wider regimental family is always amazing, and we thank you for that. I will make sure that we do you all proud in Poland. The Legion will fly the flag with vigour and provide plenty of material for these pages for you all next year.
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