EXERCISE ARRCADE BUGLE 3 2022 – OPERATION AVALANCHE AND THE BATTLE OF MONTE CASSINO
Staff Sergeant Fred Charwa
Exercise Arrcade Bugle 3 was a study of Operation Avalanche , ( 9-18 September 1943 ) and the Battle of Monte Cassino ( 17 Jan 1944 – 19 May 1944 ).
Operation Avalanche was the main part of the Allied invasion of the Italian mainland and saw a joint Anglo-American force land in the Gulf of Salerno , Italy . This force fought off a severe German counterattack before the position was fully secured . The battle of Monte Cassino on the other hand resulted in the destruction of the town and its historic Benedictine monastery .
Firsthand account from a witness of the battle of Monte Cassino
39 Non-Commissioned Officers from across HQ ARRC ’ s multinational ranks , along with an academic and Command Sergeant Majors from HQ 1st Canadian Division and 104 Theatre Sustainment Brigade deployed to Salerno and Cassino in early September 22 . The group covered the historical and operational context behind the two battles , where the Allied forces fought in 1943- 1945 . The audience ’ s focus was on low level mission command , decision making and leadership and empowerment during a corps warfighting operation .
The staff ride provided a perfect opportunity to examine modern multinational corpslevel challenges , key aspects of leadership pitched at the tactical level and to enhance team cohesion . After arriving in Naples , the team went to Maiori where the exercise was launched , and the initial historical and operational perspective was set . Later that evening , the exercise moved into full throttle and took the participants to several locations over a four-day period .
At each location , a stand was designed to take in picturesque and commanding views over the ground where key battles were fought during this part of the Italian campaign in WWII . The group analysed the US beach landings at Le Nereidi including the German resistance and counter attacks , the Italian allegiance , and the key terrain . Each stand provided an opportunity to highlight and discuss the key aspects of leadership and challenges faced by commanders but targeted at NCO level .
After a lengthy discussion with questions and answers , the group moved to Altavilla Silentia for a coffee break and to set the scene for the battle that took place near Paestum , where the US Corps HQ was situated . The key question asked was , “ would today ’ s NATO Army situate an HQ in a UNESCO heritage site ?”
On the third day , the group deployed to Mignano Monte Lungo to visit the Italian cemetery and conduct a wreath laying ceremony after setting the scene . There was a lengthy discussion on the fighting conditions during the war and the circumstances that resulted in high Italian casualties . Later , the group proceeded to the next stand : San Pietro Infine village and Museum where US 36th Army Texas Division liberated the occupants of the village on 16 Dec 1943 . The village was destroyed completely but never rebuilt .
The group ended the day at the Rapido River Bell of Peace and had the privilege of the Canadian Command Sergeant Major , Mr Jeffery Aman , give an informative brief ,
Wreath lying ceremony at Venafro French War Graves
The group after conquering CAVENDISH Road
bringing to life the involvement of Canadian forces in the battle of Monte Cassino through some of the unforgiving terrain and weather conditions .
On the morning of the fourth day , before departing for the day ’ s itinerary and to the delight of the team , there was an encounter with an Italian national who currently resides in the UK but visits Cassino every year to commemorate the event . He voluntarily gave an emotive eyewitness account and responded to questions . This rare opportunity brought clarity and perspective to history which placed the group in good stead for the rest of the day .
First on the itinerary was Cavendish Road . After discussion , the team walked the old logging road in the mountains near Caira , which was made suitable for the passage of tanks during the war . The track remained in use for the rest of the battle and the Polish used it for their own tank advance in May 1944 , in support of the final assault on the rubble of Monte Cassino . This took the group to the Monte Cassino Abbey for discussion and a guided tour of the museum .
The group were also able to pay our respects to the fallen through memorial services and the laying of wreaths at the Venafro French War cemetery and the Commonwealth war graves . On the final evening we preceded to our gala dinner with a review of the exercise and compliments .
This staff ride , planned and delivered ‘ for the NCOs by the NCOs ’, provided an excellent opportunity for professional development and context using historical events to probe current thinking and ascertain how much things have changed as NCOs since WWII . The knowledge and information gained from this exercise is incredibly valuable .
24 HOUR CHARITY TABLETOP GAMING EVENT Staff Sergeant Kieran Scaddan
In May 22 , Staff Sergeant Kieran Scaddan organised and held a 24-Hour Charity Tabletop Gaming Event in support of some very worthwhile charities .
The event , which raised money for Homes for Veterans , Scotty ’ s Little Soldiers and most recently British-Ukrainian Aid was held in the Imjin Station Community Centre on 28 / 29
May 22 . The event began at 1000 on the 28th and ran continuously through until 1000 the following day .
The event had two main objectives which was to promote the Imjin Barracks Tabletop Gaming Club and engaging with the local community all whilst raising money for good causes .
The event began with a successful fourgame , eight-way Elo tournament which involved seven players from the local community . For those not in the know ; Elo is a method of calculating the skill level of players in a series of zero-sum games ( where there is a definite winner and loser ) which may change depending on the outcome of the games as they are played .
After this the evening continued with a few demos to members of the military community who had no past experience of tabletop gaming .
The final element , during the ‘ grave yard shift ’ consisted of three further games back at home between Staff Sergeant Scaddon and his wife Kirsty .
The event managed to raise £ 862 for three very worthwhile causes .
Anyone interested in joining the Imjin Station Tabletop Wargaming club you can find out more at : www . facebook . com / groups / 2626289317649201
the imjin WINTER 2022-23
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