TA take to tunnel training on the Rock
15 Jul 09
Gibraltar's specialist training course for fighting in tunnels has been put to use by Territorial Army soldiers from 39 (Skinners) Signal Regiment while on their two-week annual camp.
Troops from 39 (Skinners) Signal Regiment practise fighting in tunnels and caves through the extensive labyrinth carved out of the Rock of Gibraltar
[Picture: Corporal Ralph Merry ABIPP RAF, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
Unique to Gibraltar, the specialist course makes full use of the many man-made tunnels which run throughout the Rock and was a popular part of the fortnight with the troops.
The tunnel fighting training was part of Exercise Marble Tor, designed to improve the soldiers' low level military skills of fieldcraft, shooting and fitness and to improve the command skills of junior commanders.
While the fighting in tunnels training was the most popular with the troops they also carried out a variety of other forms of military training under the instruction of non-commissioned officers from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment.
Other activities included Fighting in Built-Up Areas (FIBUA) in a specially constructed mock village, and a marksmanship course on the rifle ranges at Buffadero Training Centre.
Troops from 39 (Skinners) Signal Regiment take some time out from training on Ex Marble Tor 4 with a day at sea onboard 'Pickle', Gibraltar's adventurous training centre's 37-foot Elan.
[Picture: Corporal Ralph Merry ABIPP RAF, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
In Gibraltar's glorious climate, it is not perhaps surprising that other popular activities have been the adventurous training sessions of canoeing, water-skiing, windsurfing and sailing.
Signaller Andrea Corrigan, on her first TA annual camp, said:
”It's been really good and very varied. I've tried my hand at kayaking, canoeing and dinghy sailing – all in the most beautiful weather. But the best bit was the fighting in tunnels and caves. It's a form of training that is unique and something that I'm not likely ever to do again. I would like to go back inside the Rock on my day off to look at the tunnels when I'm not being shot at!"
A soldier of 39 (Skinners) Signal Regiment scrapes away the old paintwork from Lord Airey's Battery situated on top of The Rock of Gibraltar
[Picture: Corporal Ralph Merry ABIPP RAF, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]
Her views were echoed by Lance Corporal Stuart Jones of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), attached to 39 Signal Regiment. He said:
"We just don't get the chance to do anything like that in the UK and to do our training in these surroundings has been spectacular."
Away from the training, every member of the unit spent at least one day on a community project to refurbish Lord Airey's battery – a huge, 9.2 inch gun which sits on top of the Rock, looking out over the Straits of Gibraltar.
While they were working on the gun, they had a visit from Commodore Adrian Bell, the Commander British Forces, Gibraltar.