Soldiers from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment have returned to Gibraltar following a successful, month-long deployment to Canada. 2 Platoon from I Company recently took part in Exercise Maple Resolve in Wainwright, Alberta Province, Canada.

For the exercise, the Platoon was attached to B Coy, 2 Princess of Wales Royal Regiment (2PWRR) who are normally based in Cyprus. Linking up in the UK they then flew en masse to Calgary before finally arriving at their destination at the Wainwright training area.

The Company was part of a large multi-national exercise designed to test Canadian Forces’ suitability to deploy on operations. Seven nations and 7,000 troops took part in the exercise, which had already been underway for two months by the time the RG joined. Some of the RG soldiers had previously deployed to Canada, however for many it was their first time. It was also the first time many had deployed on an exercise of this scale.

The exercise was conducted utilising the Canadian ‘Weapon Effects Simulation’ (WES): think large scale laser quest incorporating all weapons systems from individual rifles through to Main Battle Tanks, fast jets and even drones. This gives unparalleled battle simulation and training that is extremely valuable to all involved.

The soldiers had a few days of acclimatisation and orientation in the Main Operation Base (MOB) before deploying onto the exercise proper. This saw running water and fresh food left behind for field conditions. They say in Wainwright that ‘if you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes’ – this was borne out with temperatures ranging from -5^oC to +27^oC and clear blues skies through to torrential rain and thunderstorms. The soldiers from the RG were in for a treat!

Firstly deploying on a defensive phase, the Company dug in around a small village and waited for their enemy. Lance Corporal Thorpe, RG said: “We don’t often carry out defensive exercises, so this was a good chance to remind ourselves of how it’s done. It was good to re-affirm skills that may otherwise have been forgotten.”

Eventually the enemy came, in the form of a Canadian Battle Group. In the middle of the night the Canadians, using Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters, arrived and formed up ready to attack. The helicopters traded surprise for speed and the Company stood waiting for the enemy’s advance. The attack got under way and in the words of the Canadian Battle Group Commander ‘we hit the British brick wall’. It was a very successful operation.

The Company then had the chance to hit back and, under cover of darkness, advanced 10 km into enemy territory, attacking a defensive position and withdrawing again with minor casualties. At the end of the attack the Company were even treated to a display of the northern lights.

After this week the enemy changed to a different Canadian/US force. Having proven themselves the joint RG/PWRR Company settled in for another week of simulated warfare. This time they were supported by US Chinooks and Blackhawks as well as tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. Amongst other things a different aspect of warfare was now tested on reconnaissance patrols - the aim was to see and not be seen, a task that has a host of challenges on the modern battlefield. Equipped with night vision and thermal imaging sights, the RG Platoon deployed at last light, conducting reconnaissance patrols on foot into enemy territory, a territory where over each hill there could be a prowling tank and the skies were swarming with drones. These types of patrols would test each man and every commander in their field craft, camouflage, concealment and ability to move undetected. The patrols provided vital information on the enemy from which attacks could be planned.

Sgt Joshua Whitaker, RG said: “The highlight from the second phase was conducting an air mobile assault at night. With last minute re-tasking after landing, we advanced on foot to a very large urban complex and conducted a night strike. With minimal chance to plan and rehearse we had to seize the initiative and grasp the opportunity that presented itself to us. The exercise was a great opportunity for all those that took part and something I would love to do again. There was a lot of training value. It not only gave us chance to work on basic soldiering but also work in a more complex environment.”

Lt Thomas Brunt, Royal Marines, who commanded the RG Platoon during the deployment said: “The Platoon performed well throughout the exercise. We formed part of a Company that we had not worked with previously and the guys didn’t let it faze them. It was a fantastic opportunity to experience working with foreign militaries.”

He added: “I’m proud to say that every man worked hard throughout their time on exercise and this enabled us to showcase the Royal Gibraltar Regiment at its best to other British Forces as well as our major allies.”

Following the exercise the Platoon managed to get a few days off before returning to Gibraltar. Some travelled to the Rocky Mountains but many stayed to enjoy the more cosmopolitan side of Canada in Calgary.