Page 35 - The Bugle 2018

environment that the Riflemen thrived. The Danish challenging environment. Overall B Company had a
Rifleman on top cover of a Foxhound vehicle as part of a standing patrol
and the Americans all got the experience of firing and using the full array of British weapon systems and in return many of the Riflemen got to fire weapons they had never seen before, a highlight being the Norwegian .50 calibre sniper rifle.
Christmas traditions stayed strong with the Commanding Officer and the Regimental Serjeant Major delivering gunfire on Christmas quad bikes. The Battalion formed for a carol service and all the Riflemen received their gifts. Christmas day included a DIY fancy dress go-karting competition; Lieutenant Kelk led B Company’s team dressed as Skeletor! Despite being away from family over the festive period morale remained high and saw us through our final couple of weeks of the deployment.
As we prepared to leave, the contrast in the operating picture was clear. In our 6 months Da’esh had been pushed out of Iraq and fragmented groups were left behind. It was clear for the Riflemen that they had taken part in, although not directly, the clearance of the Euphrates River Valley and the destruction of Da’esh in Iraq. B Company worked hard to maintain the effectiveness of SECFOR in the
good tour working in the coalition and all members returned to their family and friends in January 2018 for some well-earned post tour leave.
Lieutenant Mark Bennett
B Company
An American UH60 Blackhawk conducts training with B Coy to practice their CASEVAC procedures
B Company and the United States Marine Corps personnel conduct a joint standing patrol