Back from their summer break, soldiers from Bulford based 1 MERCIAN have been thrown into a busy training schedule.

Leadership forums, mental resilience training, debates and competitive sports for every soldier to develop personally and professionally within the Battalion. The battalion also hosted a Families Day with families and friends of troops from 1 MERCIAN visited Bulford to get together with other families, friends and serving soldiers.

The Recce Platoon have been each carrying over 50kg on a 24-hour tactical advance to battle (TAB) across Dartmoor in preparation for the forthcoming Ex CAMBRIAN Patrol hoping to repeat their earlier gold medal success.

The tug-of-war team who placed joint third at the Braemar Highland Games, competing in front of Her Majesty The Queen.

A battalion Sports Day was held last week to grow sports at grass roots and search out new talent, and three soldiers, Corporal Saunders and Lance Corporals McKeown and Wood have been selected for the Infantry football team squad.

SAPPERS AFLOAT

Sappers from 52, Armoured Engineer Squadron visited the Tank Museum at Bovington prior to Exercise DIABLO ODYSSEY, 25 Engineer Group’s annual battlefield study. This year will focus on the 1945 Allied Rhine crossing and urban operations in the vicinity.

At the Museum, they were briefed by Major General Mungo Melvin, a former Corps Colonel and noted military historian. They then went on to have a practical session on the Buffalo, Stalwart, ‘DUKW and Landing Craft Air Cushion, all brilliant examples of adaptation and innovation.

LUDGERSHALL FREEDOM

Soldiers from the Perham Down-based 26 Engineer Regiment marched through Ludgershall to exercise their Freedom of the Town granted in 2015.

The troops marched from Corunna Barracks along Andover Road to Central Street, while the pavements were lined with residents clapping and waving flags to honour the soldiers. The march with colours flying and bayonets fixed was led by the band of the Royal Engineers. Four squadrons and about 200 sappers took part in the parade.

CHRISTMAS CHEER

Don’t forget, the ABF The Soldiers' Charity Early, Early Christmas Fair takes place at Tedworth Park on Tuesday, September 24, 2-6pm and Wednesday 25, 9.30am-4pm