Page 9 - Bugle Autumn 2024

The event also
serves as a platform to recognize and appreciate the important role Buglers play in military history
Rfn Crouch playing Last Post on the Bugling phase
1 RIFLES
Op HUSKY Battlefield Study
Ex SCILIAN SWORD
February saw a team of 12 individuals from 1 RIFLES and our attachments embark on a battlefield study to Sicily. The study focused on the Allied invasion of Sicily (Operation HUSKY) during WW2, a significant battle which both directly led to the fall of the Italian dictator Mussolini and taught the Allies critical lessons
used in the eventual planning for Op OVERLORD. Akin to General Montgomery’s Eighth Army in 1943, the trip began
south of Syracuse, learning about the amphibious landings and events of the battle for Primosole Bridge. Travelling North, embracing the enriching culture and cuisine, with an enduring ‘thinking fighting Rifleman’ ethos that created many a lasting memory for all who attended.
We took time to reflect, at sadly forgotten, off the beaten track monuments to the actions of the Durham Light Infantry and Scottish Highlanders before experiencing the town of Centuripe and tried to fathom the efforts of the men traversing ‘impossible’ ridges on route
to battle there. Throughout the study,
the stands were delivered by Rifleman, rather than local guides, and their
effort and attention to detail must be commended here for it was the backbone of the success of the exercise. Their comprehensive analysis, be that of the terrain, movements or tactics of both friendly and enemy forces opened new, fascinating discussions revolving around
the battalion’s upcoming LMI transition and the different considerations we may encounter in the near future.
Similar to Op HUSKY itself, the trip concluded in the historic city of Messina. This final stop was particularly significant as it allowed us to delve deeply into the critical leadership traits of General Patton and Montgomery. Through examining
their strategic decisions, their raw competitiveness, and the overall impact
of their actions on the success of the operation, we set the stage for potential follow up studies that could explore the subsequent campaigns in mainland Italy. Unlike the mixed results seen by our 1943 counterparts, our journey was an all-round success!
Lt Matt Reel
Unlike the mixed results seen by our 1943 counterparts, our journey was an all-round success!
RIFLES The Bugle 9