9th-12th-Lancers - Year 2002 - Page 0014
Image details
| Regiment | 9th/12th Lancers |
|---|---|
| Year | 2002 |
| Transcription |
12 REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE 9TH/12TH ROYAL LANCERS (PRINCE OF WALES’S) B Squadron nce again B Squadron has soared through an extremely busy and diverse year. The Squadron has jumped from strength to strength and fielded all tasks that it was given with flexibility, good humour and most importantly professionalism. Throughout 2002 the High Readiness (HR) and Lead Armoured Task Force (LATF) commitments have been fully embraced and considerable planning, preparation, vehicle avail- ability and a rigorous recall/phone in system ensured that the Squadron, if required, would have deployed in good order with- in the specified time frame. Though not tasked, the process enabled the Squadron to remain poised and focussed. Admittedly the restrictions imposed curtailed some of the more exotic travel plans for individuals whilst in Canada. 2001 ended on a worthy high note with the Squadron, once again, championing the Regiment in the inter-Squadron cross- country. The return from Christmas leave started the year with a vengeance, and the refreshed Squadron hit the ground run- ning. The Technical Firing Period in February proved to be a resounding success, with first time passes at both Annual Crew Tests (ACT) and all level 6 passes at Annual Section Tests (AST), in addition to 100% crew turbulence and 100% hit rate on the night shoot, across the board. The focus then shifted onto BATUS and the preparations for the forthcoming OPFOR role. Numerous bouts of ‘Lantern Swinging’ from the survivors of 1999 set the scene for the in barracks phase. The Squadron was divided in two with the old and bold (Guided Weapons, Support Troop and parts of both Squadron Headquarters and lst Troop) going to the Recce Company under command of the then Second in Command, Captain James Matheson. The other half of the Squadron (2nd Troop, 3rd Troop and the rest of both Squadron Headquarters and lst Troop) configured to form the illustrious Tank Company 1 under command of the Squadron Leader. After OPFOR doctrine lectures and rehearsals (walk through 7 talk through) the Squadron came together to compete in the Inter Troop tests under the guise of the arduous Ex PLUNGERS CLAW. Triumphant again with the valiant Support Troop cruising past C Squadron to take first place with the remaining troops performing admirably. Arrival in BATUS was again an intense and busy period. The excellent preparation of the ageing vehicle fleet by the Winter Maintenance Team, the Activation Party and the REME paved the way for a relatively easy takeover of the vehicles. The Base Admin Group was extremely effective and settling into the accommodation was more of a pleasure than a task. However, Tng, honest, there’s a tank ben/nd you/ the build up training for MED MAN 1 came thick and fast, as did the snow. The OPFOR were blessed with a unique ability to change the weather for the worse as soon as it deployed. The two companies got to grips with the practical application of the theory and by the end of the training were both confident in their roles. Additionally the Recce Company integrated well with the Infantry component provided by The Duke of Wellingtons Regiment and brought a substantial and effective offensive capability with the Milan and snipers. Tank Company 1 honed the ‘Split and Set’ drills of the deliberate attack and the ‘King of the Ring’ competition proving to be a particular favourite with the Squadron Leader, who was adamant of repeat- ed victories despite much protest from the other tank crews. Prepared and eager the OPFOR quickly ‘locked horns’ with the Scots Dragoon Guards Battle group (Scots DG). The proof was certainly in the pudding as the Recce Company distinguished themselves at every opportunity and Tank Company 1 was unstoppable and devastating. The highest scalp came to Sgt Clarke (Platoon 2, Tank Company 1) when he discovered the Commanding Officer of the Scots DG in a ‘coolie’ and effected his ‘demise’. Between the exercises there was ample opportuni- ty to partake in excellent Adventure Training, and the Squadron provided 42 volunteers to undertake a spectrum of events rang- ing from Parachuting to Skiing. MED MAN 2 brought the Black Watch Battle group (BW) on to the field, and the Recce Company continued in the same vein as earlier proving to be accurate, devious and lethal, though this time the Infantry com- ponent was provided by the Irish Guards. B San gomg round /n ova/es on the meme |
| Title |