offers a very valid case study for Corpslevel operations , providing some subject areas of particular interest to the ARRC : urban operations , risk versus reward in offensive operations and intelligenceled planning . It also sharpened understanding of what it means to fight to restore territorial integrity of an Allied nation – in this case , France . In this regard it was hugely beneficial to the group to receive the insights of
Exercise ARRCADE BUGLE 1 : Operation DRAGOON
Lieutenant Colonel Gareth Allen
Around 30 members of HQ ARRC were fortunate to take part in a superb Battlefield Study in the South of France in September , on Exercise ARRCADE BUGLE 1 – a study of the Allied invasion of Provence , in August 1944 , known as Operation DRAGOON .
Many of the ARRC participants arriving in France had little prior knowledge of Operation DRAGOON . But all came with open minds ; keen to learn and ready to review ( and challenge ) received wisdom on events in 1944 . We learned quickly that perspective on this could be influenced by national interest , as Winston Churchill labelled the venture a mistake from start to finish , Eisenhower judged it as decisive to Allied interests , and for the French , the operation had strategic significance as it provided the first opportunity for a free French army to liberate parts of France . Frictions between Allies , and the impact from strategic planning to tactical execution , remains entirely relevant to multinational operations today .
Over the course of the week , it became apparent that Operation DRAGOON
Brigadier General Antoine de Loustal , French Senior National Representative and Chief G3 at ARRC . Along with the battlefield historian , he brought to life the political and national implications of Allied decision-making , such as the liberation of Toulon and Marseille , as well as the delicate military relationship with French resistance groupings in the Provence region .
The study finished with a poignant visit and remembrance service at the American military cemetery in Draguignan , a reminder of the timeless and universal characteristics of bravery , honour and sacrifice common to all nations .
Exercise ARRCADE BUGLE 3 – Sicily SSgt Tony Canavan
Exercise ARRCADE BUGLE 3 / 21 , a study of the 1943 Sicilian campaign , was the first ever HQ ARRC NCO Staff Ride - planned and delivered ‘ for the NCOs by the NCOs ’. It provided an excellent opportunity to examine some key aspects of leadership , over unforgiving terrain , pitched at the tactical level but understanding the operational risks ; it also afforded the opportunity to study the interaction between components set within multinational battlegroups .
The weeklong study , across several locations , was brought to life by our external academic from the Imperial War Museum , Mr Peter Hart . He was exceptional in his enthusiasm , deep knowledge of the campaign and his down to earth engagement with all participants . He took us through analysis of the beach landings for the allied forces , momentum swinging battles , and the key terrain ; from the north , to the strait of Messina , ending with the withdrawal by Axis forces to mainland Italy . Each stand provided an opportunity to highlight and discuss the key aspects of leadership and the challenges faced by commanders but specifically aimed at the NCO level . We were also privileged to be joined by 1st Canadian Division Command Warrant Officer , Mr Jeffrey Aman who provided support and guidance throughout and delivered an informative brief at the Regalbuto stand , bringing to life the advance of Canadian Forces through some of the most difficult terrain in Sicily .
During the final day we were very gracefully granted access to the Italian Sacrario “ Cristo Re ” Memorial in Messina , to conduct an Act of Remembrance in their
special crypt ; a very sobering moment for all that will remain long in the memory .
All involved have taken much away from ARRCADE BUGLE 3 : an opportunity to experience a new culture , forge new relationships across the HQ and collectively develop professionally by learning from history . A special thank you to the administrative team who worked behind the scenes to make it all happen .
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