Windsor. Scores were excellent and will provide a firm foundation for next year’s ranges. Dartmoor was witness to 1 Tp also deploying with D Squadron for an extensive navigation exercise and despite the inclement weather, which made for superb training, all those attending successfully completed both individual and team treks across the moors. Throughout the year, the Squadron has guaranteed that despite the high tempo, adventure training opportunities were exploited. Members of the Squadron have been sky diving, sailing, skiing, canoeing, rock climbing, orienteering and mountaineering.
A view of success in BATUS
B Squadron
T
There has also been a plan put in place to exploit further adventurous training opportunities, with a grand trip to Everest Base Camp in 2014. Over the year, there was a significant conceptual challenge that A Squadron was tasked to lead on in terms of preparing the HCR to realign itself within the new design of Army 2020. In the future, we can no longer assume that the Household Cavalry will be permanently engaged on an enduring stabilisation operation such as Iraq and Afghanistan and we are moving, both as a Squadron and a Regiment, to a structure and capability more suited to an adaptable posture enabling us to meet likely future threats. Consequently, A Squadron is well placed to start the beginning of 2014 on the front foot, with a clear understanding of their role and capabilities within the structure of Army 2020. Of most significance, in terms of personal, we say goodbye to WO2
hroughout 2013 B Squadron has been committed to training for and then deploying on Operation HERRICK 18 as the Brigade Reconnaissance Force (BRF) for 1 Mechanized Brigade. Whilst the BRF remained a HCR sub-unit, its capabilities were enhanced by augmentation from the 4 RIFLES Recce Platoon and Royal Engineers, Signals, Artillery, Military Police, Medical Corps and Intelligence Corp personnel. This mixture of cap-badges meant that right down to section level troops have been bolstered by a range of unique skill sets. The BRF was even lucky enough to recruit Lt CFAM Leigh from the Irish Guards to act as our Intelligence Officer.
in what was the Afghan National Security Forces’ (ANSF) first ‘fighting season’ in the lead. BRF operations were often multi-faceted, in part providing support to the ANSF by disrupting insurgent activity in areas they could not routinely reach and also protecting ISAF troops by interdicting insurgent weapons systems and bomb-making material. This activity was described by some as ‘keeping a foot on the throat of the enemy’ in order to prevent his freedom to operate. In the latter stages of the tour this role continued, but with a greater emphasis on support to the realignment and closure of British bases in Helmand.
The early part of 2013 flew by with the BRF completing its final pre-deployment training serials and then, with barely time to catch our breath, the force deployed to Helmand Province. Following an excellent handover from the Queen’s Royal Lancers, the Squadron established itself in the BRF Compound in Camp Bastion ready to act as Commander Task Force Helmand’s principal reconnaissance, strike and quick-reaction force.
With the redeployment of the BRF’s vehicle fleet, the force relied predominantly on UK and US aviation for insertion onto target areas, but also worked with the Armoured Infantry and Warthog Group using them as a flanking force or for ground insertion or extrac-
Working to the Commanding Officer HCR in his role as Chief ISTAR, the BRF was kept busy throughout the summer
WO2 (SCM) Moses on resettlement!
(SCM) Moses after 22 years of service - a mainstay of the Squadron who will be missed by all. He is replaced by WO2 (SCM) Daley at the start of 2014 when the Squadron will return from the Christmas break to awaken from its short period of suspended animation, and find itself fully restored in terms of manpower, and firmly back on the regimental main effort.
tion. Throughout the tour the vagaries of helicopter support provided one of the greatest challenges, but helicopter insertion was always preferable to travelling in the back of a Warthog due to excessive summer heat, the risk of IED strikes and the loss of the element of surprise. Almost all operations were partnered with specialist elements of the ANSF and the BRF’s team of dedicated patrol interpreters. The professionalism of both these groups was hugely impressive and made the BRF’s missions considerably easier and safer. The
Returning fire
Household Cavalry Regiment ■ 7