71st (City of London) Yeomanry Signal Regimen
As part of its 2024 Annual Continuous Training (ACT), 71st (City of London) Yeomanry Signal Regiment deployed to Nymindegab Camp in Denmark, to conduct a 2-week live firing and fieldcraft training exercise package. Ex DANISH PHOENIX marked the first time that the Regiment has trained in Denmark, and they put their military skills to the test, including Live Fire and battle lessons, culminating in a Company Attack. They also conducted a sports competition and spent time exploring the local cities and museums to decompress.
The first part of the exercise was the Live Fire phase: Sections competed in various unsupported positions from 300m down to 100m, with Sig Dodson winning best shot. Taking advantage of the beach range, they also ran a Section in Defence range, where firers defended a sand dune position from an intermittent and unpredictable target system.
Following the battle lessons, they deployed on the field exercise. Operating from a Company harbour and patrolling the Area of Operations in their Sections and Platoons, they collected vital intelligence and engaged with the local civilian community. Throughout, they supported and empowered the local police; scuppered enemy ambushes; conducted night reconnoitres of urban areas; and reassured the local population. Finally, they prepared for and executed a Company deliberate attack, pitting Platoon and Section Commanders, and their teams, against reinforced enemy positions in an urban area. The tenacity and initiative that all soldiers displayed enabled a successful clearance of the village of all the enemy. Afterwards, eligible members of the Regiment were presented the King’s Coronation Medal by our Honorary Colonel and the Deputy Commander of 7th Signal Group.
A critical element that the Regiment seeks to reinforce on exercise is Technical First, Soldier Always. The ranges and field exercise were hugely successful for this, with everyone honing their core soldiering skills, and completing Individual Training Requirements. The output of Exercise DANISH PHOENIX was a Regiment capable of accurate live firing, able to work effectively as a Company, and with an appreciation of factors across the battlefield which can constrain their ability to operate.
The freedom to train for this extended period, with the mixing of Squadrons, makes the Regiment stronger, promotes cohesion, exploits our diverse backgrounds, and makes us better able to understand each other’s strengths. The excellent training, as well as great facilities, food and ranges, led many to consider Ex DANISH PHOENIX the highlight of their time in the Army Reserve.