Regimental Histories - Year 1960-1985 - Brockbank - Page 0088
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U Isler to do with the British was their main aim and for this cause they were not short of recruits. The regimental Ferrets and Saracens were, of course, not soft targets but they could be attacked through the lurking culvert bomb or roadside day more mine detonated from afar. Luckily it was an unusually good summer in 1976 and the boat patrols un Lough Erne, mounted by Squadrons, were a welcome break from the routine vehicle checkpoints, road patrols and searches. An enormous amount depended on good intelligence from the Police if sear- ches were to be productive In County Tyrone, which included Omagh, C Squadron Headquarters (Major Readhead) and 2 Troop remained in Lisanelly Camp responsible for areas around the town and in readiness to go to the assistance ofthe guard ofthe Maze Prison near Belfast. 3 Troop went to Rockwood in Castlederg, a fourth to the Deanery, Clogher and the fifth, as noted above, detached to B Squadron. No immediate incidents occurred for C Squad- ron and the seemingly boring routine tasks aimed at deterring or capturing the terrorists went ahead as planned. Such duties make it difficult for the soldier to maintain the alertness and curiosity so essential for the job but his well-known sense of humour, of which the pages of the Regimental monthly newspaper« “The Delhi Express", brilliantly edited by Major Enderby and Captains Burgess and Dickens — are full, show one reason why morale and discipline always remained high. Certainly another reason was the tradition and style ofa close— knit cavalry regiment where the friendly rivalry between squad- rons kept people going. Nor should the family connections be forgotten. The Delhi Express was received by all members of the Association amongst whom were the fathers or grandfathers often officers, one warrant officer, one sergeant, and ten junior ranks, The interest of all members of the Association in every~ thing that went on was undoubtedly a major influence on the morale of the Regiment. The Colonel of the Regiment, who paid a short visit in August, commented “It is a thankless task but one which the Regiment is carrying out cheerfully and well. Highly trained and disciplined, the troops are mainly on their own for six weeks at a time at isolated villages and checkpoints, 85 |
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