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SERVICE NEWS
1 RGR NEWSLETTER
Op Herrick 17
. From September 2012 to April 2013 1 RGR deployed
nearly 500 personnel as part of the 4 Brigade deployment to Afghani-
stan on Op HERRICK 17. The four Rifle Companies and other group-
ings found themselves working under seven different chains of com-
mand deployed across the whole expanse of the Brigade battle space
and numerous task-lines. This was another very successful tour for the
Battalion: the third in five years, with
recognition coming in from every
CO on the noticeable utility of the Gurkhas under their command.
Overall what was most notable from the tour was the Gurkhas quick
integration with their OPCOM units, mastery of low-level skills and
understanding of how the campaign was quickly progressing from a
COIN operation to taking up over-watch of the fast developing Af-
ghanistan National Security Forces(ANSF). It also emphasised once
again the suitability of Gurkha soldiers in a mentoring and capacity
building role with the ANSF.
The tour was not without its setbacks however, and the loss of Lieu-
tenant Edward Drummond-Baxter and Lance Corporal Siddhanta
Kunwar on 30 October 2012 was a serious blow to the Battalion and the
families back home. The professionalism of A Company in particular
in dealing with the fall out from the incident was exemplary.
Arms Plot Move to Brunei
. The Battalion will move to Brunei during
July and August 2013 with an strength of 642 against 567 planned for
UK based Battalion under Army 2020.
The difference between UK and
Brunei will be managed between the two Battalions to achieve a sus-
tainable manning balance from mid 2014 onwards.
Chain of Command
. 1 RGR will move from under command 4 Bri-
gade to 2 Brigade as at 9 August 2013 following the Unit Move to
Brunei where they will re-role as the Army’s Jungle Warfare
Battalion.
In summer 2014 it is expected that 1 RGR will join 2 RGR coming un-
der command of the reformed 11 Infantry Brigade as an Adaptive
Force Light Role battalion.
