Page 130 - The Bugle 2018

D Coy
Our final Annual Training Package with 5RRF took place in Thetford from 15-30 Sep 17. Riflemen took part in Basic Radio User, Mortar, General Purpose Machine Gun, General Service Landrover, and Team Medic cadres before deploying on a Field Training Exercise and an Adventure Training package. During the Field Training Exercise, D Coy integrated with the exercising company and echelon elements, whilst Mortar Pl provided indirect fire support. After the exercise, we were treated to a morning at the Tower of London courtesy of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, which we thoroughly enjoyed, before taking lunch in town.
Ex PROUD BUGLE, 26-28 Jan 18, took a slightly different form this year as teams from the newly-
HQ COY’S BUGLERS, SJT COXON, LCPL FOSTER, AND RFN ELLIOT HAVE SHOWN AN OUTSTANDING LEVEL OF PROFESSIONALISM AND COMMITMENT
formed HQ and Y Coys were also competing. The competition was a fireteam patrol compe- tition with stands testing skills including Chemical, Biological, Radiological & Nuclear drills, a fire-team attack, Counter-Explosive Ordnance and Battle- field Casualty Drills, foreign weapons and night navigation. It concluded with a two-mile march and shoot. A team from Y Coy won the competition and Rfn Whicker from HQ Coy was deservedly named best Rifleman.
The company has also been very active on the civil engagement front, hosting the High Sheriffs of County Durham, Mrs Caroline Peacock, and Tyne & Wear, Lt Gen (Retd.) Robin Brims, on 12 Sep 17. They spoke to the Riflemen as they prepared themselves and their equipment for Annual Camp, and observed MATT3 training and testing. We also hosted in Gilesgate Armoury the Durham Armed Forces Forum in September.
Our support to Barnard Castle CCF has continued throughout the year. We set up several instructional stands during their Biennial Inspection on 12 Oct 17 where Deputy Commander 4 Brigade acted as the Inspecting Officer. Support was also delivered during their two Field Training Exercises in Catterick where we provided instructional and safety staff.
The company has continued to support VC Commemorations in the North East as part of Op REFLECT. Of note were the Young and Collins events sponsored by South Tyneside Council in Mar and Apr 18. During these events, HQ Coy’s Buglers, Sjt Coxon, LCpl Foster, and Rfn Elliot have shown an outstanding level of professionalism and commitment, and their skills have been much-ad- mired by the Local Authorities and other agencies.
D Coy supported Uniformed Services Family Day in Durham on 6 May 18 at the request of Durham County Council. During the event, we partnered with County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust who we helped raise money for a new MRI scanner in Bishop Auckland and a new Chemo- therapy facility in Durham.
From late Jun 18 to early Jul 18, Armed Forces Day events were supported in South Shields, Gateshead, Sunderland, and Hartlepool to raise the profile of the new battalion. This representational push was reinforced by support to the Tall Ships Race and the Sunderland Air Show where the Rifles capbadge was highly visible throughout.
The company will deploy to Otterburn on 8 RIFLES’ first Annual Camp on 7 Sep 18, where Mortar Pl will deliver a Mortar Numbers Cadre in conjunction with 2 RIFLES.
Maj Daryl Dowdall, OC D Coy
Life’s a beach in sunny Sunderland!
Putting the riflemen firmly into “stretch” on the Catterick Trinasium
136 EIGHTH BATTALION
THE RIFLES