Page 6 - Bugle Autumn 2024

1 RIFLES
1 RIFLES RETURN TO THEIR ROOTS WORKING WITH 40 CDO
In January C Coy, 1 RIFLES, was invited to exercise with Alpha Company, 40 Commando, as part of the Littoral Response Group (South) at readiness to respond to potential Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) in the Middle East.
We jumped at the chance to do something quite different from the norm. Known as a WADER Ex or WADEX, we would be conducting capsize drills and ship to shore landings by raiding craft and HELO by day and night - something that has not been done by a RIFLES sub-unit since 1R was part of 3 Commando Brigade in 2012 (and to our knowledge, making us the only infantry subunit in the British Army currently qualified in amphibious assault). On completion, we would then conduct an MREX with a full run out of an Evacuation Handling Centre (EHC) from RFA LYME BAY.
Though we are all quite well accustomed to life in the Med, having been based in Cyprus for six months at that time - we were certainly not accustomed to life ON the med. Despite the 30 man “grots” and rigours of ship routine, in true Rifleman style within a few short days and numerous “hot wets” C Coy had friends across the ship, from the Galley to the Ward Room.
After a few weeks of buzzing around the Limassol Bay in raiding craft by night, and developing the EHC delivery plan by day, we were set to test our work. Our manpower and Public Order validation placed us in charge of the inner cordon protecting the complex work that the FCDO would be undertaking.
MRX complete, and after nearly a month onboard RFA LYME BAY, we were glad to be sleeping on dry land again. Though it took a few days for the ground to stop swaying! Capt Ben Stanford
A Few years since our last beach landing
we were glad to be sleeping on dry land again. Though it took a few days for the ground to stop swaying!
WADEX photo finish
6 RIFLES The Bugle