Soldiers Complete Training Exercise In UK
More than 100 members of the Royal Bermuda Regiment enhanced their skills and operational readiness during the overseas Exercise Active Shield 26 training camp in the United Kingdom.
A spokesperson said, “A packed overseas training camp for more than 100 members of the Royal Bermuda Regiment [RBR] upskilled soldiers, deepened bonds and enhanced battalion capabilities.
“Exercise Active Shield 26 ended last week at Catterick Garrison in Yorkshire, UK, after a programme of activities that included firing on a 300-metre range, urban operations exercises and target practice with baton guns.
“Collaborating with the British Army’s The Royal Lancers meant that RBR troops benefited from lessons delivered by experienced instructors at purpose-built facilities.”
Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Simons, the RBR’s Commanding Officer, said: “The Regiment’s annual camp is the focal point of the training year and the primary opportunity for collective training for its reserve soldiers.
“During my tenure as Commanding Officer, I have sought to strengthen ties with countries with which the Regiment has longstanding historic connections. Last year, we trained in Jamaica for the first time in nine years and this year we returned to the United Kingdom for the first time since 2019.”
The spokesperson said, “He noted that the battalion secured access to Lydd Camp, known as one of the UK’s premier urban training sites, where phase one of the exercise focused on public order capabilities.”
Lt Col Simons said: “This demanding training was delivered by RBR training teams – who for the past decade have provided public order training across the Caribbean region.
“Officers from the Bermuda Police Service joined us to observe the training.
“On the final day in Lydd, we were privileged to be visited by our Colonel-in-Chief, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester, who first visited the Regiment at Lydd in 2007.
“The second objective of the overseas exercise was to re-establish and strengthen ties with the UK Ministry of Defence [MOD]. We were well supported in this regard by The Royal Lancers, who assisted in resourcing the camp, and by British Defence Staff United States, who have helped facilitate discussions aimed at strengthening the relationship between the Regiment and the UK MOD. This effort culminated in a meeting between His Excellency the Governor, Andrew Murdoch, and the UK Minister for the Armed Forces, Al Carns.”
The Commanding Officer highlighted: “Exercise Active Shield represents a significant collective effort by personnel at all levels of the Regiment. It serves as a reminder that we improve through experience – by making new mistakes, relearning hard-won lessons and refining our skills. Training shoulder to shoulder with our partners and with each other ensures that, should we ever be called to mobilise, we are prepared and ready.”
The spokesperson said, “Members of The Royal Lancers went from playing unruly mobs in civil disturbance scenarios to instructors and coaches in weapons lessons and on ranges.
“Captain Nick Bennett, Second-in-Command of A Squadron, The Royal Lancers, noted how planning with the RBR for Exercise Active Shield 26 began months ago.”
He added: “It’s been so much fun to work with the Royal Bermuda Regiment. From the start, all of the Regiment’s training team and support team were great at co-operating with us to get the training off the ground and since they came over to the UK it’s been great getting to know them all.
“The soldiers all entered quite difficult training with such cheerful spirits. Despite the intensity of the exercise, there was always a good sense of camaraderie and humour.”
Capt Bennett said: “Down in Lydd during the public order phase, it was clear to see the progression from day one to day four of the riot training. Towards the end, their drills were so slick and we had no chance as a rioting civilian population to exploit the opportunities which we could on day one and early on day two.”
The spokesperson said, “He added that instructors from The Royal Lancers were also impressed with the levels of advancement seen among troops on range, urban operations – when soldiers had the chance to practise building-clearance techniques in a mocked-up town – and assault course serials in Catterick.
“It is hoped that the two battalions can continue to foster a mutually beneficial working relationship.
“Private Shi-Shun Burgess, a 25-year-old from Sandys who has been in the RBR for five years, enjoyed the camaraderie of the overseas exercise.”
“I feel like we grew a lot closer because we went through so many hard times,” he said. “It created opportunities to bond. We had fun learning about each other.”
The hospitality front desk agent added: “The opportunities for travel provided by the Regiment are amazing. Taking part in this training meant that we flew to England, it’s nice to be able to see different parts of the world.”
The spokesperson said, “Second Lieutenant Kaje Matthie, a platoon commander in A Company, which made up the majority of exercising soldiers, highlighted the importance of teamwork.”
He said: “The troops worked hard, they stayed focused, they stayed disciplined which meant a lot for me. It allowed me to execute what I needed to as a commander, which was great.”
