The Mortar platoon has seen one of its most demanding years in recent memory. Platoon members have seen operational service in Sierra Leone and assisting the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Farming (MAFF) in its efforts to control the foot and mouth outbreak. Additionally Mortar Platoon has taken part in exercises in Garelochead and The Sultanate of Oman.

After an enjoyable week providing enemy to the Battalion during its exercise in Garelochead the platoon focused its training efforts towards Op BASILICA, the Battalion's deployment to Sierra Leone. We deemed it crucial to replicate the hot, steamy climate of Sierra Leone for our training so it was decided to conduct training in the sub-tropical conditions of Otterburn training area (at least the abundant insect life provided a realistic taste of things to come.) The platoon deployed one week earlier than the rest of the Battalion in order to get the platoon up to scratch in its mortaring skills and to pick the section which would deploy to Sierra Leone. The second week allowed the platoon to practise at company level and carry out some live firing ending in a confirmatory exercise with C coy who were to provide the Security Company in Sierra Leone.

Upon arrival in Sierra Leone Sgt Cocker, who was to command the section for the duration of Op BASILICA, met the section. Our initial arrival proved to be something of a shock to the system. Not only was it extremely hot and humid but the place looked like something out of a report from Kate Adie. Upon arrival at Benguema Training Camp we were put straight to work on night security patrols, which proved to be only one of the many jobs we were tasked with.

During what had seemed a fairly normal day as routine dictated in Sierra Leone the evening patrol had completed its tasks and the section was sleeping. We were all awakened by Sgt Cocker at about 2359hrs who informed us that due to an assessed threat we would be needed to fire. The section deployed to the mortar pits and the MFCs, Cpls Jennings and Spence reported to the OC for orders. We were tasked to illuminate an area every half hour until first light as an overt deterrent to any would-be attackers. All did not appreciate this, as the mortars fired right next to the tents were some people were trying to sleep. The fire was effective; little did we know that this was the first time the platoon had fired operationally since 1964. The time spent in Sierra Leone will certainly be remembered by all who went, however above all will be remembered the friendliness and gratitude of the local people and the beach where rest and relaxation was conducted, which could easily have passed for something from a bounty advert.

After a well-earned Christmas leave the Mortar Platoon once again deployed a section with C Coy on exercise to the Sultanate of Oman. While on exercise the section enjoyed a number of quality experiences including good training and live firing. Additionally for many meeting with Omanis was a first experience of a totally different culture and bartering with shop owners in Muscat souk came as second nature to many a thrifty Yorkshireman. Oman also provided the opportunity for some adventure training of the highest quality and many learned to scuba dive in the tropical seas around the coast. Deserving of a special mention is Capt Burton (the silver fox or the brown fox depending on what stage his tan had reached by that stage) who commanded the platoon throughout the exercise.

The platoon is currently reformatting in preparation for the Battalion's forthcoming deployment to Omagh, where the platoon will provide two multiples under the command of Lt Dyson and Sgt Jennings. Despite the split the platoon will still maintain its identity and will keep up to scratch on its mortar skills whenever an opportunity arises.