Ten Gibraltar Regiment recruits passed out at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick last week.

Private’s Bamber-Gates (17, Budgen (24), Danino (17), Darby (17), Doody (19), Kennedy (21), Lamb (17), Leither (20), Senior (21), Walker (25) have all successfully completed their 26 week Combat Infantryman Course.

All infantry soldiers in the British Army must complete the course which teaches the soldier a number of skills from war-fighting tactics through to ceremonial drill. It is designed to ensure that the newly qualified solider is fully prepared to join their chosen unit and is ready for operational deployment.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Ivor Lopez and Regimental Sergeant Major WO1 Julian Valverde attended the passing out parade. Lieutenant Colonel Lopez noted, ‘ I am immensely proud of all our soldiers who passed out from Catterick having successfully completed their demanding Combat Infantryman’s Course. There is no question that, since arriving here six months ago, they have developed into self-confident and disciplined individuals who are physically fit, well-motivated and equipped with the necessary skills and fighting qualities to take part in military operations.’

Two recruits from this intake have done especially well with Private Darby being awarded Best Recruit and Private Lamb receiving awards for Best Endeavour and Best PT, Lt Col Lopez said, ‘a special mention must go to Private Darby and Private Lamb, there is an extraordinary amount of hard work, dedication and commitment required to do well on this course and for their efforts to be recognised through an award, when they are both only 17 years of age, is truly remarkable.’

The recruits will now return to Gibraltar where they will undergo driver training and take some well-earned leave.