Enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group Latvia - April 2020 – The Heroes of the Puska
Captain ‘Turret’ Tom Clackson
Members of the Enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group had a hell of a third month. As I write this article, history is being made across the globe in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here on Camp Adazi, soldiers from the eFP Battle Group remain vigilant, healthy, and poised to conduct operations at a moment’s notice. Given the threat of the global pandemic, the eFP BG has put significant force protection measures into place to ensure the health and safety of our personnel. Above all else – the mission comes first – and our greatest resource comes from the soldiers deployed here in theatre. I am happy to report that Canadians within the BG continue to conquer challenges placed before them in stride.
The beginning of March saw the eFP BG deployed on Exercise CRYSTAL ARROW 2001, a large-scale multinational Combat Readiness Evaluation designed by our very own Canadian Combat Manoeuvre Training Centre in Wainwright, AB. Flying all the way from the snowy prairies, CMTC provided a robust team of Observer Controller Trainers in conjunction with additions from 2 RCR’s incoming eFP BG Roto 2002. Additionally, the local Latvian Mechanized Infantry Brigade (MI Bde) provided a determined and clever live enemy force. With the stage set, the War Pigs got to work building a comprehensive defensive plan, anticipating the enemy advance. With a mixture of well-prepared positions and overhead drone coverage, BUTCHER Company and GRIZZLY Company inflicted a significant amount of casualties on the enemy force in short order. Unfortunately, we took a few losses of our own as well. Chief among them were WO Ed ‘I am being completely overrun’ Pickell and MCpl Dave ‘they’re everywhere!’ Symington, with honourable mention to a certain LAV 6.0 owned by Capt Nozomi ‘we’re completely stuck’ Kawamura being tragically abandoned. Withdrawing our forces back to the main defensive area, the enemy was handily dispatched by a myriad of reinforced friendly forces from ESCORPION (Spain), GRIZZLY (Canada), and DOUBLECROSS (Slovakia). To completely overwhelm the enemy, the BG CO LCol Eric ‘let the dogs off the chain’ Angell had the Polish Tank Company TIGER obliterate any resistance. In the north, LUPI Company (Italy) provided a cut off force to facilitate a covert dismounted recce patrol to sneak behind enemy lines in the middle of the night. Led by Sgt Andrew ‘I guess we are going for a swim’ Greeley, the salty dismounted Patricia’s identified and destroyed an entire enemy company with artillery fire, at the cost of a few pairs of wet boots. With the war over and our soldiers consolidated back at Camp Adazi, CMTC declared the eFP BG combat ready. Mission accomplished.
War stories aside, March also provided the BG an opportunity to sharpen our core soldiering skills, and perfect our craft. Of course, what better way to do this than hold a tank competition? Tasked to get as much ‘bang’ for our buck as possible, Capt Harry ‘A Beautiful Mind’ Delaney devised an elaborate and challenging range for both tanks and IFV’s. Dubbed Exercise IRON SPEAR, the result was a three day dynamic range that pitted all nations in the BG in fierce competition to determine the best tank and IFV crew. IRON SPEAR brought out the best the BG and the Latvian MI Bde had to offer, and the author admittedly lost 20 Euros in a high stakes 50/50 draw when team ESCORPION 1 decimated the competition during the IFV competition. Naturally, the infamous Leopard 2 (also from ESCORPION) handily won the tank competition, which brought a small satisfied tear to the eye of the Strathconas spectating the event.
We were also fortunate enough to be able to celebrate our Battle of Moreuil Wood. All members of LdSH(RC) and guests gathered for a ceremony of remembrance, culminating with a bugle performance from the Regimental Padre. In these challenging times, Strathconas were reminded that perseverance motivated those before us, and to continue to carry the torch. Additionally, the BG CO and BG SM took the opportunity to dish out some love with the following promotions and awards:
Promotions
1. MWO Mills
2. Sgt Sherlock-Hubbard
3. MCpl Marcotte
1. MWO Mills
2. Sgt Sherlock-Hubbard
3. MCpl Marcotte
Honours & Awards
1. Fox Bugle – Cpl Christopher Snelgrove
2. Silver Stick – MCpl Andrew Sherlock-Hubbard
3. Neatby Pace Stick – WO Conway Eady
4. Macauley Sword – Capt Ryan O’Sullivan
5. Hessian Sword – Capt Josh Horlings
1. Fox Bugle – Cpl Christopher Snelgrove
2. Silver Stick – MCpl Andrew Sherlock-Hubbard
3. Neatby Pace Stick – WO Conway Eady
4. Macauley Sword – Capt Ryan O’Sullivan
5. Hessian Sword – Capt Josh Horlings
However, no Moreuil Wood can be complete without a party, and this year was no exception. Navigating the complexities of new lexicon terms like ‘social distancing,’ Capt ‘Tent’ Tom Hume and MWO Ben ‘this cake is delicious!’ Holmes devised a fabulous shindig with the support of WO Terry ‘more burgers!’ Schuba. With the support of several Strathcona NCO’s and Officer’s, all Canadians in the BG enjoyed a burger, a beverage, and a rather delicious piece of the most elaborate cake many of us will ever lays eyes on. Bellies full, the Strathcona’s on camp shared some easy laughs and much needed relaxation.
As always, Strathconas in the eFP BG remain ready and able to deter, and if necessary defend from any threat.