‘A’ Company
by Maj Mark Ellwood MBE Capt James Baker
OC: Maj Mark Ellwood MBE 2ic:
CSM: WO2 M Henry OC 1 Pl: 2Lt John Sanderson OC 3 Pl: Lt James Sugden OC 4 Pl: Lt Neil Cooke
As A Company approaches what will arguably be its hardest tour to date, based in PB Wishtan (Sangin) attached to 40 Commando BG, we reflect on what has been a challenging year but one filled with many highlights. The year saw training take us across the globe providing new environments in which to practise our trade, giving our soldiers the experiences travel can offer.
FIRIC
Early last year, A Company returned from its commitment as the Falkland Islands Roulement Infantry Company (FIRIC) which was 8 weeks of practising low level drills up to Company level attacks. It was split into rotations of QRF, patrols and live firing for the first three weeks, with each platoon doing a week on each. Several exercises around both Islands followed including Ex Cape Bayonet in which we were consistently subjected to four seasons every day. As OC enemy, Lt Berridge sited all enemy positions on every high feature in sight, which, according to Pte ‘T’ Matiatonga, was “shattering”! 4 Platoon inserted onto the west Island 18 hours earlier than the main body in order to identify the enemy. With the attached Javelin and fire support teams, 4 Platoon were ready for whatever came their way. When dawn came the following day, 4 Platoon suppressed the enemy on the beach front allowing 3 Platoon to conduct a beach assault and secure an area suitable for a Company harbour. During the following days, Ops Officer and sloth, Capt Smyth, ensured that each Platoon was tested to its physical limit by providing numerous patrols at substantial distances from the FOB. Following the final attack up “Hawk’s Rock” (which was as high as it sounds) the journey back to MPA via RFA Largs Bay gave the troops much needed time to rest and recharge for the next stage.
Following this, 4 Platoon tested its mentoring ability on Ex Cape Petrel, in which the RAF practise defending the airport. It was a challenging task but, with extensive improvement notes made by Sgt “Kenno” Kennedy, Cpl “Bison Head” Buckley and Cpl “Welly” Wells, we provided constructive feedback for the ground troops, (even though
The Mercian Eagle
1 Platoon was engaged by sangar positions when acting as the QRF)! The deployment finished with battlefield tours to Goose Green and Tumbledown which “The General”, Cpl McMullin, found “inspiring as it gives the realism to the battles which you can’t imagine from reading books”.
Upon returning to Marne Barracks, A Company had a few months of in-house training mixed with sports competitions, putting in good performances throughout but coming third behind G and Sp Companies in the Inter-Company Competition. Lt Cooke led a merry band of men from A Company to take part in the ‘Race the Sun’ competition in York, a 15 leg multi-stage race conducted throughout the whole day. The events ranged from 10km runs to 31km cycle races to the man who braved a 900m swim in just his speedos! Following this, we took part in Freedom parades throughout Cheshire, leading the Battalion through Congleton, Macclesfield, Runcorn, Ellesmere Port, Northwich, Birkenhead and finally Chester. The Chester parade was a highlight as two Page 3 models came down to show their support and raise money for Help for Heroes and gave good photo opportunities for our men (and their parents!).
Maj Rob Prentice handed over as OC in the summer, WO2 (CSM) Rob Bartley, CQMS CSgt Joey Herbert, Lt Mal “Wheelie Bin” Wheeler, Lt Phil “The Power” Dyson and Sgts “Kenno” Kennedy, Muir and Beasley all moved on to bigger and better things. The new regime in the HQ structure consisted of the new OC, Maj Mark “Frosty” Ellwood, WO2 (CSM) “Matty” Henry, CQMS CSgt “Dava” Davison, Lt “Percy” Sugden, Lt John Sanderson and Sgt “Dava the lung” Davies, Sgt Scott Jessop and Sgt “Dicko” Dickinson. The new team had inherited the Company in good shape but was eager to make a good impression on Ex Grand Prix.
Ex Grand Prix (Kenya)
A Company arrived in Kenya in late August, and moved straight into MST training conducted over a week, focusing on Op Barma, 4 C’s operations, VCPs, Desert Box helicopter drills and low level training. The days started early with the OC eager to acclimatise the Company with 0500 hrs runs through the bush before focusing on the skills needed for the subsequent exercises. A particular highlight was a 10 mile safari walk to the next exercise location, which provided each Platoon ample opportunities for photos of giraffes, zebra and elephants. We arrived at FOB
Edinburgh ready for the mission rehearsal exercise, conducted at Company level and run by Battalion HQ. The 3-day exercise was quite a test for each Platoon with the focus on MST drills as well as command and control in the hot climate. Throughout the exercise, a Kenyan Platoon was attached to us to provide the local face for a local population mentality when entering villages. The execution process with the Kenyans was challenging at times but provided essential experience in working with foreign nations.
The heat and environment were testing and it was a testament to the Platoon Sergeants that no-one suffered from heat-related problems. With a few lessons learned, the Company was looking forward eagerly to some live firing up at Archers “Roast” (Post). The live firing package began with low level drills moving quickly into Section compound attacks, with realistic scales and compounds created by the PRT. These provided excellent training value for the younger soldiers, as it was a great chance to practise judgemental training in a 3D environment, something LCpl Rotherham described as truly phenomenal. Following this, each Platoon conducted a technically difficult Platoon attack with fire support provided by LCpls Langton and Catterall using their experience with their weapons to give ISTAR feed as well as suppressive fire. The live fire package concluded with a CALFEX Company attack onto a huge compound consisting of three Platoon objectives connected by trench systems. With mortar and 105mm shells suppressing the position, 4 Platoon broke in with explosives provided by engineer assets allowing LCpl Bagshaw to break in to the first trench. With controlled and disciplined drills, momentum was never lost resulting in the first compound being secured thus allowing 3 Platoon and subsequently 1 Platoon to take over the battle. This attack was the highlight of the trip for many, giving a realistic approach whilst practising drills in a combined arms environment. Pte Adam Pywell personally threw three grenades in the first trench system - a great achievement!
Next, we conducted the CO’s exercise with the focus on Battlegroup operations from deliberate attacks to raids fronted by the Kenyan Company. Finally, after two hot weeks, we left the ‘roast’ to travel to Nanuki to re-org ready for the final six-day exercise. This Brigade Exercise was a clearance operation, testing all the skills we had learned over the previous month. It culminated in a Battlegroup assault with 3 Platoon leading
October 2010 13
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