Visit to 1st Battalion Rifles
15th March, 2011
Compiled from reports received from Eric Davis and Chris Edge
The WCWT was invited to visit the 1st Rifles, in Chepstow, by the commanding officer, Lt. Col. James de Labilliére, following his attendance at our Installation Banquet in the Draper's Hall. Eight representatives from the Company, including the Master and Sally, were delighted to accept his invitation.
After an early start from Paddington, we were met at Newport Station by Captain Rob Reynolds and a driver who delivered us to Beachley Barracks, which is located on a peninsular between the Rivers Wye and Severn just where the Severn Bridge ends. It is the base for around 600 officers and men who are in the process of undergoing intensive training prior to their imminent deployment to Afghanistan. The Rifles is the largest infantry regiment in the British army consisting of five regular and two territorial battalions
The commanding officer Lt. Col. James de Labilliére received us in his office where, over coffee, he gave us a briefing on the 1st Rifles and its upcoming role in Afghanistan. This was in depth with a slide show, maps and enough detail to get a clear picture of their assignment, the practicalities of the operation, life in the 'Theatre' and the political aim. James stressed that their role is one primarily of protecting the locals and winning hearts and minds - which they will be doing in close cooperation with the Afghanis.
We then embarked on a fascinating tour under the personal guidance of both James and Rob.
First we were taken to the Skills House, which is a mock up of an Afghan compound and house, where we saw a team under taking a training exercise in house clearance. This operation is no longer a question of kicking down doors and rushing in but a matter of carefully planned caution. Instead the soldiers demonstrated how they slowly approach a house using metal detectors to check for IEDs using metal detectors and then placing markers to show the safe areas for their colleagues to tread. It turned out that the markers can be opened at night so they become fluorescent. The whole process is one of safety and covering their colleagues. It took some time to enter and clear each room before finding a suspect inside. We also were shown the manner in which a suspect is searched and the care and sensitivity with which such a process is handled.
We then learned from a specialist sniper and sighting expert. They explained a little about their roles and the weapons and high tech. equipment used. Much to our surprise we were told that he would normally expect to hit a target at well-over a kilometre - even in the dark with the use of very sophisticated night sights. The men's enthusiasm and confidence in their equipment came across strongly.
We looked around examples of the vehicles they will be using in Afghanistan - not the sort of think you could drive around narrow English roads. I was pleased to learn that these vehicles all had the 'V'-shaped bottom to deflect explosions and keep our 'boys' safe.
To keep a battalion fighting fit there is a large gym with a range of up to date equipment and a staff of instructors who are also involved in bringing injured soldiers back to full fitness - as a result several soldiers have returned to active service. At the time of our visit, the gym was being used to house many of the stores needed for their new posting.
Tucked away under the motorway is the pistol range where to our delight we were instructed in the use of the 9mm pistol which is the standard issue auxiliary weapon and then allowed to try our skills at hitting a target from 10 m. with live ammunition. Needless to say some did much better than others but were pleased to note that the WCWT delegation would probably be able to defend themselves if attacked!
Over a pleasant lunch in the Officers' Mess we had the chance to chat with several junior officers for whom the posting to Afghanistan would be their first operational tour. Before leaving the Officers' Mess, the Master presented a letter to the CO inviting him to become a Freeman of the City of London, under the Company's sponsorship. James, whose 40th birthday happened to be on the day of our visit, seemed surprised, appreciative and very pleased.
The welfare of the battalion and its families ranks among the most important items on a CO agenda. We saw the welfare facilities and met with the team responsible for this critical function. There were excellent facilities for children of all ages.
Before our departure we had tea and biscuits in the Coffee Pot - with a number of the wives (some children ...and a dog) who provided an interesting commentary on being an army wife. The Coffee Pot is a popular meeting point and will be the communication centre whilst the men are away - opening email channels to Afghanistan whenever possible.
We all left Beachley with an overwhelming sense of the professionalism and dedication demonstrated by the CO and his team. It had been both an enjoyable and educational day for all.
To follow the 1st Rifles on their tour visit www.swiftandbold.org
