During the 2024 KRRC Training event at Fort Worden Historical Park, the Riflemen of the KRRC were pleased to welcome Soldiers of the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders from British Columbia and the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) to join us for a weekend of training and esprit de corps.
The event kicked off with an air of excitement as participants arrived on Friday, eager to immerse themselves in a weekend of training and camaraderie. Buttons were cleaned & polished, belts polished or blancoed, and the anticipation of the activities that lay ahead as lads socialized over dinner.
On Saturday morning, the day began with a hearty breakfast of potatoes, beans, toast, and bacon that energized the lads for the training sessions ahead. The training commenced with a focus on unarmed drill. Starting with precision movements without arms, ensuring that each participant understood the prerequisite actions and learned the discipline and coordination required. This was followed by a session on drill with arms, where the Riflemen honed their skills in handling their weapons with efficiency and precision. Each unit broke up to practice their specific drill techniques, as rifle regiments differ slightly from most Infantry Regiments.
After a well-deserved lunch break, the afternoon session brought a new level of expertise to the training event. An experienced bomber from the 72nd took the lead in instructing the men on the proper use of the Mills Bomb, providing valuable insights and practical knowledge that would enhance their proficiency in its deployment during our tactical events. The Mills being critical for use in clearing trenches. This segment of the training not only showcased the expertise of the instructors but also highlighted the collaborative spirit between the KRRC and the 72nd. Next, the Corporals of the KRRC taught a class on hand & arm and whistle signals. It was a poignant reminder of the era's grim realities, where effective communication in loud, vast, and obstructed environment was critical to success. The WAAC also played their part, demonstrating the use of the small box respirator and PH Hood, the use of which protected Soldiers from the various poison gas using during the conflict.
The afternoon saw the men retreat to the welcoming embrace of the Guardhouse pub, where the men shared a pint over a rousing, patriotic speech given by one of our Lance Corporals. After marching back to the barracks for cocktail hour, the evening brought the unit mess. A grand affair which buzzed with the electricity of shared experiences, good-natured rivalry, and lasted over 6 hours well into the night! Stories from the far reaches of the British Empire were recounted with gusto, each tale more incredible than the last.
The President of the mess nearly broke his gavel as the mess began to spiral out of control. Consisting of numerous "points of order" for Mr. Vice and arguments made for and against numerous infractions. Following desert, the grog was prepared and various fines were levied by the President of the mess. The fines saw a mix of grog sampling and impromptu performances, each man called upon to contribute to the collective merriment. Whether it was a rousing chorus of a well-known tune or a dramatic recount of a daring escapade, every member played their part in keeping the spirit of the unit mess alive. After toasts, the President honored the British Army with a toast for its valor and dedication before convening the unit mess.
The next morning the lads had breakfast before packing up and saying goodbye, with all eager to return for next years training event.
Overall, the 2024 KRRC Training event proved to be a valuable and enriching experience for all participants, fostering a sense of camaraderie, skill development, and historical appreciation. The blend of training, tradition of the mess, comraderie, and meeting with new friends from Canada made this our best Training event yet.
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