Page 53 - The Bugle 2018

UK OPERATIONS
Throughout the year the battalion has continued to maintain a commitment to a number of tasks under the banner of Operation TEMPERER. The majority of these were relatively small commitments but between November 17 and February 18 3 RIFLES took on the role of TEMPERER Support Battalion North (TSBN). This brought with it a small training bill that ranged from discussions with the Police to learning how to build flood defences. From early November we were then held at readiness in the event of a terrorist attack or natural disaster. 3 RIFLES had been deployed in support of the Police on two separate occasions the previous year so all understood that this was not just a theoretical exercise.
For much of the Battalion this period at readiness passed with little impact although during Christmas leave some had to stay in Edinburgh rather than being able to return home. This burden was primarily carried by those who lived in Scotland and the North East so the majority were able to get home for Christmas.
In late February 18, the Battalion had been relieved of the TSB(N) commitment but was called upon at short notice to assist the civilian authorities. A cold snap including heavy snow and storms, dubbed ‘The Beast from the East’, blanketed the UK causing significant disruption. C Company were on exercise in Northumberland as the snows came and spent a week hunkered down in a farm practising their extreme cold weather procedures as they waited for the roads to clear. Eventually, the cavalry (MT Platoon) rode to the rescue and managed to dramat- ically break C Coy out in a convoy of coaches just in time for the weekend. Meanwhile, the Adjutant, Padre, RSO and Assistant Intelligence Officer made up a particularly unlikely fire team spending 4 days stranded in a Southampton Travel Lodge.
While some enjoyed the delights of Southampton and Otterburn those left in Edinburgh were called upon to help the local authorities. Hospitals were in danger of closing as the snow was so deep that many doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers could not get into work. Enter stage left 3 RIFLES and once again the MT Platoon played a starring role in what was officially called Op BOOMSTER. Following a request from the government, an Ops Room was established and a highly professional 3 RIFLES taxi service began ferrying people to and from work. While this was not necessarily a particularly glamorous task the Riflemen remained courteous, professional and cheerful. They earned significant plaudits from across the City and all found the task fulfilling.
UK Ops continue to be a feature of life at 3 RIFLES with only a few Infantry battalions in Scotland and Northern England. While Op SHADER and other tasks will provide some respite, our turn will undoubtedly come again in 2019 and as ever we will stand ready to support the communities we are based in.
Capt Paddy Keating Adjutant
Riflemen exercising on Otterburn Training Area with the Police as part of Op TEMPERER training
Exercise PANZER BUGLE
In October 2017, 37 Riflemen from the 3rd Battalion deployed to Dinant, Belgium intent on understanding Rommel’s advance through the Low Countries in 1940 and the lessons they could identify for our future as a Strike battalion. The aim was to follow Rommel’s route through the Ardennes, bypass the Maginot line and then cross the Meuse into France, all the while chasing an imaginary British Expeditionary Force back to Calais and Dunkirk.
The Battlefield Study lasted 5 days and finished in Arras having bounded along the 7th Panzer Division’s axis. Topics for discussion ranged from Rommel’s leadership style to the best way to clear Maginot line fortifica- tions with the Section Commanders. The group were also lucky enough to stop at stop some of the First World War battlefield sites in Thiepval and Vimy. A service of remembrance was held in the former by the Padre, Maj Stewart Young, with the Last Post sounded by Rfn Wanless. The study was brought to life by Mr Christopher Copson’s expert recounting of the campaign’s course and skirmishes and his impressive anecdotal knowledge of the ground. The trip’s alumni considered the implications for a STRIKE force tackling similar challenges over the same terrain in a contemporary context and delivered some reassuringly impressive conclusions.
Ultimately, after a week of academic indulgence, questionable cuisine and a healthy exposure to Belgium’s breweries, the study finished after a tour around the Vimy Memorial whereupon the enlightened Chosen Men set sail for Hull, lubricated by P&O’s finest prosecco and entertained by Rfn Wanless’ enchanting dancing - which was only marginally less masterful than his bugling! Such was their impact that the RIFLES Facebook page received a message complementing the team on their politeness, charm and dance moves. Truly swift and bold.
Maj Peter Daniel
OC B Company
Riflemen on Ex PANZER BUGLE consider the action at Vimy Ridge
THE RIFLES
THIRD BATTALION 59