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Battalion Sitrep as at 01 Oct 07
(Archive)
The Battalion has been in something of a period of limbo whilst
the final preparations for deployment have been made. For some
who have deployed early it has, of course, been a hectic time as
they grapple with the complexities and challenges that
operations in Helmand Province bring. There have been a host of
individual deployments whether it be members of the G4 team
supporting the Brigade in Lashkar Gar and Camp Bastion or the
OMLT setting off to join 2 YORKS in the task of mentoring the
Afghan National Army. The Security Sector Reform mentoring teams
who will be manning the Joint District Coordination Centres in
Kajaki, Sangin, Geresk and Garmsir have also deployed.
Right Flank of the Scots Guards deployed to theatre on 16 August
and they have been kept very much on the go since their arrival.
Their initial task was to get the Company’s Warriors from
Kandahar into Camp Bastion in Helmand Province. It was,
apparently an interesting journey which involved a very real
baptism of fire from which all emerged mercifully unscathed.
Communication with Right Flank has been patchy recently as they
have moved forward to undertake a significant role in the recent
offensive operations in the Sangin Valley as well as in the
defence of FOB Arhnem which is in the Green Zone to the North
East of Geresk.
Those deploying with the composite Lashkar Gar platoon under Mr
Hayhurst arrived in theatre on 25the September and immediately
undertook their RSOI training package to bring them up to date
with the latest theatre practices prior to beginning operations.
The majority of the Recce platoon deployed at short notice on
29th September to a new task – that of providing force
protection for the Afghan National Police mentoring teams in
Lashkar Gar and Geresk.
Numbers 1 and 3 Companies have been continuing in their
preparations for deployment. September saw Number 1 Company
training in the skills that they will require in order to
operate successfully in Kabul with particular emphasis on urban
patrolling, both vehicle and foot, and Public Order drills. The
training culminated with an arduous 36 hour exercise putting the
platoon Commanders and their teams through their paces with
their new found skills. Number 3 Company have been exercising in
Sennybridge with significantly more emphasis on the combat
skills they are likely to need in Helmand. Both companies are
now in the final throes of their preparations with a packing and
a final focus on fitness dominating the last few days before
they deploy.
The Mortar Platoon remain subject to the vagaries of the
changing demands of the operational situation with all comers
making strong bids for support from the Coldstream mortars. The
current plan sees them deploying over the next week in support
of both 40 Commando in the North and supporting the Danish in
Battle Group Centre.
Meanwhile on the home front the Families Office has been
organising the first of the activities for the tour which
details for which will be available during Wives coffee on
Thursday 4th October. Their initial activities include trips to
Birdworld, Coral Reef, Snakes & Ladders and a Sunday Lunch on
the 21st October. All these events take place during the Half
Term holiday. The Internet Café situated in the Families Office
is complete and we are just waiting for BT to connect the lines.
The ‘Fax Bluey’ machine will also be available to one and all.
I send my best wishes to one and all as the Battalion begins its
tour. Further sitreps to follow.
George Waters
Lt Col
Comd Offr.
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