When the sky darkens in Brunei and the
rain comes down, it really rains!
With such force that it gave cover for the first proper platoon
attack, masking all noise and movement. A normal local
downpour, but it highlighted how flash floods can be so dangerous
for the un-prepared.
A couple of quieter days followed our initial jungle experience,
during which we stripped the Ghurkha base PRI shop of all t-shirts
and memorabilia. Next was a range day, including a competition
shoot, followed by time in the dismounted close combat trainer
(DCCT), and a chance to fire a variety of support weapons such as
the heavy machine gun in a safe environment.
Then it was time to prepare for the final exercise, in a much wilder
and denser area of jungle. A long, tactical trek was made to the
base camp, carrying bergens, webbing and weapons. Patrols
were sent out to look for the enemy camp and gain intelligence
about their numbers, disposition, moral e and equipment. At 18.30
(last light) all settled down on the jungle floor in bivvis. Come
morning the cadet Platoon Commander gave orders for a platoon
attack on the enemy camp and the section commanders in turn
extracted and gave their orders to their sections. The attack went
in and although some enemy escaped, the mission was achieved.
Withdrawing from the jungle enemy forces were encountered on
several occasions , adding to the realism. Eventually all retired
back to Sittang camp for much needed showers before
entertaining 1 Royal Ghurkha Rifles with a BBQ and presentation
evening.
The final jungle experience was a trip to Ulu Temburong National Park for some amazing adventurous
training experiences in river and long boats up river. There was swimming in the river, then after dinner
night walking through the jungle spotting spiders, frogs and other wildlife by the light of head torches.
At 04.30 the next morning the group walked high above the jungle canopy on a special structure known as
the “cloud walk,” An unforgettable experience, se eing hornbills and proboscis monkeys in their natural
habitat. After breakfast it was down river on inflatable inner tubes to a waterfall and pool,
All too soon the adventure was over and it was back to Sittang camp to pack bags and say farewell.
Thank you to all in 1st Battalion Royal Ghurkha Rifles who made it such a memorable stay and to all those
who organised and fundraised to make this amazing trip possible.
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