Page 39 - Bugle Autumn 2024

6 RIFLES
THE SALAMANCA BAND AND BUGLES
The start of 2024 has seen the usual busy schedule supporting RIFLES events within the South West, including Bugle Breakfasts, the Turning of the Pages in Sherborne Abbey, Ten Tors and Pass Off Parades as
far away as 2 RIFLES in N Ireland. Additionally, we performed at the dine-out of our CO, Lt Col D’Apice and both the funeral and memorial service for the late Major General Kitson.
We have just completed their Annual Deployment Exercise (ADE or ‘Camp’). This is our chance to have most of the band and bugles together for 15 days and to push our musicians hard; to validate training, contribute to wider-defence activities and to build resilience, team spirit and life-long memories.
Day 1 was spent in rehearsals and integrating buglers from 1 RIFLES who then went on to deploy with us to Normandy on Day 2. We were there to support 80th anniversary events at Pegasus Bridge over the period 4 – 6 Jun; a huge responsibility. Under the watchful eye of Col Stanford-Tuck from RHQ, we performed at the 6th Airborne Memorial Service, performed a Sounding Retreat at the museum, Doubled Riflemen from 1 and 5 RIFLES across Pegasus Bridge close to the minute, 80 years on from when the Ox & Bucks LI did the same in taking it, and finally welcomed walkers from the Always a Rifleman Programme who had walked from Winchester to Benouville to cross the bridge as their finish line!
For the second part of camp, the band split into two groups, with a group of five brass players and three buglers supporting ambassadorial activities in Copenhagen, Prague and Bratislava whilst the main body flew to Gibraltar to support the Gibraltar Regimental Band for the King’s Birthday celebrations, a cocktail party and Regimental Dinners. This group also had time for paddle boarding, powerboating and viewing the tunnels. It’s the first time we have attempted to visit five different countries in just two weeks.
Congratulations go to all, but in particular to the PSI, CSjt Harvey German who bore the brunt of the admin burden. Accolades have been received from far and wide, the hard work has helped foster a strong team bond and shown how successful Army Reserve Bands can deliver army music capability at home and abroad.
Captain Lee Clayson - Director of Music
The band at the Rock of Gibraltar
RIFLES The Bugle 39
PATROLS COMPETITION PREP WEEKEND
D-Coy’s April training weekend was conducted on Dartmoor in preparation for a Battalion Level Patrols Comp in June.
The weekend started with a night Navigation exercise and despite poor visibility and difficult terrain, both patrols successfully navigated from the drop- off-point to Bearwalls Farm. Rfn who had Completed Tac Nav course were commended for demonstrating strong micro navigation abilities.
Saturday featured six NCO lead familiarization and assessment stands including:
• Counter-Explosive Ordnance Techniques,
including CPERS procedures.
• Communications, with a refresher of
BRU standard comms including use of
the 5.4m mast.
• Battlefield Casualty Drills.
• Helicopter Landing Site Marking.
• Weapons recognition.
• Patrol reports / panoramic sketching.
• Weapons Handling on SA80 / GPMG /
Glock / Sharpshooter.
On completion of the taught elements of the weekend, orders were given to conduct a Close Target Reconnaissance of an enemy position. The patrol reports were used to plan a deliberate attack at dawn.
The troops successfully fought through the initial position, followed by a further two in-depth positions.
This was a well-planned, well delivered and well received training weekend. As one Rfn put it ‘That weekend was the perfect balance between enjoyment, suffering and learning.’
Maj Lacey, D Coy
That weekend was the perfect balance between enjoyment, suffering and learning
D Coy Rfn Patrol on Dartmoor