Page 67 - Mercian Eagle 2017

Snipers and Recce Platoon
In August 17, Dragon Coy bolstered by a platoon from 1 Royal Anglian deployed to the Falkland Islands for three months as the Roulement Infantry Company (RIC). This meant a reshuffle into a Rifle Coy structure with three platoons and an attached mortar section. The deployment was split into a three way rotation, with one platoon acting as the islands quick reaction force (QRF), one on patrols of the local settlements and one on training.
The highlight for most was the patrols phase, during which sections deployed, usually by helicopter, to the remote settlements around the islands. For some
of the Falkland Islanders, this would be the only contact they had from outside of their settlement for months and so for the most part they were excited to host the troops and more importantly eager to get their help with some of the jobs which needed to be done around the settlement. This varied from shearing sheep to digging but usually was rewarded with a home-cooked meal from the landowners, although the cuisine was not to the taste of many.
The Company’s training culminated
on exercise Cape Bayonet, a two week package planned and run by Coy HQ. Broken down into dry and live firing, the
dry firing saw an ambitious attempt by the company to exercise on Weddell Island, the
most westerly island and over 100km from Mount Pleasant where normally based. This was the first time in recent times the RIC have exercised away from the training area an hour’s drive from camp, however after
a mammoth effort from the CQMS’s party and Coy HQ, Dragon Coy complete was self-sufficient on Weddell Island. Severe weather conditions tested troops to their limit; however it is a testament to the quality of JNCOs within Dragon Coy that no soldier suffered any cold related injuries. The live fire phase of Cape Bayonet took place on Onion Range, and saw Dragon Coy launch onto positions with covering fire from the mortar and machine gun sections.
Towards the end of the deployment
there became an opportunity to take part in some of the more leisurely activities that the Falklands have to offer. Sgt Gooch jumped at the chance to organise a five day fishing expedition to the remote West Falklands which received rave reviews from those who went and saw some impressive hauls of trout. Sgt Barker meanwhile organised an adventure triathlon, involving mounting biking, cross country running and kayaking across Port Stanley harbour.
Standout performers in the Falklands included LCpl Fenwick, who stepped up to the role of Section Commander for the majority of the three months and
demonstrated great junior leadership, and LCpl Reeves who led reconnaissance patrols when most others were resting setting Dragon Coy up for success on the final exercise. Cpl Jones, attached from
HQ Coy, also deserves a special mention for the excellent food he produced with limited resources to maintain morale.
Argentine Plane – Pte McNamara, Reconnaissance Platoon, standing next to part of the fuselage of a shot down Argentinian Plane from the 1982 Falklands War.
CTR – A patrol from the Reconnaissance Platoon prior to conducting a CTR (Close Target Reconnaissance) on the Falkland Islands.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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