Page 138 - The Rifles Bugle Autumn 2019

D Coy
Having completed a smooth transition to our new home in the 8th Battalion, D Company was given three main tasks: the creation of a new platoon in Sunderland, requalifying and growing our mortar platoon and to deliver on the offer to our Riflemen.
Sunderland has historically been a great recruitment ground for the Royal Green Jackets and Light Infantry, and subsequently The Rifles. To turbo charge the establishment of a new platoon we were fortunate enough to be allowed to open a pop-up shop in The Bridges Shopping Centre. This has been the base of our engagement with the community, our veterans and those wishing to join both the Regulars and Reserves. So far we have had over 100 expression of interest in joining the Army, with 40 candidates having applied already. This will grow as the word spreads and we welcome anyone old or new to come in and find out first hand what the Battalion and Regiment are up to.
On arrival in the 8th Battalion, the D Company Mortar Platoon hadn’t conducted live firing for three years. Owing to the drive of the new Battalion and our pairing relationship this has now changed, with all members of the platoon been given the opportunity to qualify and live fire in Otterburn in October 2018. This training begun with a mortar cadre and completed with a weeks- worth of weapon handling and live firing alongside the 2nd Battalion. This not only provides new opportunities for the Riflemen, but also delivers direct support to the 2nd Battalion, where we would integrate a full mortar line into their platoon.
D Company is extremely fortunate to enjoy amazing support from the people of County Durham for our serving soldiers, cadets and veterans. The living memory of the Durham Light Infantry and Light Infantry is extremely strong, which was displayed during the Durham Remem- brance Parade. It became clear that we needed to cement this relationship, which was delivered through The Rifles in Durham event in June 2019. This bought together all generations of The Rifles, with strong attendance from our associa- tions; a detailed display of historical items by the Durham Light Infantry Archive, re-enactors from both the 95th Rifles and 60th Foot; weapons and equipment stands delivered by regulars, reserves and cadets, all of which was topped off by a fantastic Sounding Retreat by The Band and Bugles of the Durham Army Cadet Force. A particular highlight was the seamless mixture of buglers from our cadets, serving Riflemen and veterans, with the youngest bugler on parade being 12 and the oldest being 82!
The creation of 8th Battalion has been extremely positive for D Company and we are proud to be part of a new legacy in the North East. Our next year will see the Company grow even more, with the deployment of Riflemen to Afghanistan, alongside the 2nd Battalion and undoubtedly many more opportunities. Watch this space! Major Robert Towers
OC D Company
WE WELCOME ANYONE OLD OR NEW TO COME IN AND FIND OUT FIRST HAND WHAT THE BATTALION AND REGIMENT ARE UP TO
136 SEVENTH BATTALION
THE RIFLES