ATEx 2012 – Short Report

62 Reserve Artiller Regiment mobilised Saturday to Glen Imaal. 2 * 4 Tube RUAG 120mm batteries deployed – co-located at Keogh’s forward. FDC deployed on Cemetry Hill. 2 * Fire Suooprt Teams deployed near Ogham Stone Junction. Series of IN shoots, recorded targets and fire plan including a 4 round fire for effect on last target. The Batteries were then handed over to the Artillery School to fire in support of PDF Standards course. Unfortunately no recruit training occurred as with previous years. Special thanks to the other Brigade units who supported the exercise with security, ransport and medical resources. Photo’s to follow!!

ATEx 2009 – Short Report

All Bty’s were on 36 hr ex. One of the batteries came in off the ground at 2400 hrs due to ‘inclement’ weather, and are now known as the ‘wet battery’. Not saying which battery it was, but they were using mortar boards to plug holes in their tents.  Other highlights were visits by COS and GOC, and return visit by GOC to view the shoot. All OP’s deployed across the front of Cemetry Hill with FDC to the rear. Last 25 Pdr round was fired by 2 Bty. This, technically is the last 25 Pdr round fired by a Reserve Regiment. Fentons was visited.

The business end: 

• HQ bty conducted regimental survey, deployed a fully operational FDC, and co-ordinated a multi battery Fire Plan (no 2 and no 3 Bty’s).
• 1 Bty – formal 25 Pdr deployment followed by quick actions in the area of the Island.
• 2 Bty – Formal 25 Pdr deployment in Stranaheely field, 2 IN shoots, 1 Laser Point mission, 1 * 3 target quick fire plan with an impromptu, 1 IN in support of Cav Fire Power demo (new 30mm MOWAG cannon), participation in FDC controlled 2 Tgt Fire Plan, Impromptu target engaged by Bty FOO.
• 3 Bty, 120mm RUAG Mortar formal deployment behind Camara, with series of IN shoots, point det and airburst, participation in FDC controlled fire plan.

 

Last 25 Pdr Shoot

2 Regiment provided the setting for the last 25pdr shoot. Having fired the weapons in the morning as part of their live firing exercise, they vacated the gun position to allow new crews man the guns. Gun position was forward of Keoghs house. A 6 gun battery was formed with a crew from each of the 3 Permanent and 3 Reserve regiments. 62 RAR gun crew was commanded by BS Paddy O’Shea. The target for an 8 round expend ammo final fire for effect was the Octagonal field on a bearing of approx 1600, elevation of approx. 260 with a 200m sheaf pattern. Last round was ceremoniously fired by a gun crew comprising D Arty, OC Arty School, and RSM Arty School. Food for the troops on the ground was as per tradition – Chicken Curry!

Thanks to John and Ger Gibson for the photos.

Also check out  http://www.riv.co.nz/rnza/tales/last25.htm for an interesting ‘Last 25 Pounder Round’ story from the Kiwi Gunners.

Other links of interest:

http://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/news/mullingar/articles/2009/08/04/390013-final-shots-fired-in-the-glen-/

http://www.herald.ie/national-news/going-out-with-a-bang-1848124.html

http://www.wicklowpeople.ie/news/final-shoot-out-1853212.html

http://dynamic.rte.ie/av/230-2587961-320-180.smil

http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/kevin-myers/creatures-of-the-night-that–explode-in-murderous-rage-1849916.html

 

25 pdr last round – Effect

25pdr last round – shot

62 RAR Gun Crew – Last 25 Pdr shoot

62 RAR Gun Crew – Last 25 Pdr shoot – Shot

Big Ol

Cancel at my Command

Chief Of Staff – Tree Planting

Director of Artillery – Comdt Gibson (62 RAR) – Comdt Campion (2 FAR)

Director of Artillery speech

Digger and Stewy

Expend Ammo

Heli 105 approach

heli over camara

heli over stranaheley

John D and the Guinger

Peter O Brien (Kevin Myers in the photo?)

Comdt Sean Reilly (62 RAR)

The guys from Mullingar

you’ll never be a captain sir

Comdt. Ger Coll

Sadly, Comdt. Ger Coll Rtd., Battery Commander of 5 Battery 6 Regiment, has passed away. Funeral arrangements will be passed to serving personnell when available. May he rest in peace. Our sympathies to his family.

FIBUA Exercise

Photo Album of our recent ‘Fighting In Built Up Areas’ exercise available at http://62regiment.net/Dunree%2009.html

Suspension of recruitment

Due to the overall moratorium on recruitment and promotion in the civil service, recruitment into the Army Reserve has been suspended. Like other units around the country we have our fair share of people caught in the recruitment process that now will not be able to join in the forseeable future. All of these people attended induction training and many had completed medicals or were at an advanced stage of the recruitment process. We can only thank them for their interest, and hope that we can resume with their applications in the near future.

MCVI Show Curragh 2009

Jim Smith from the Military Vehicle Club of Ireland has invited us again this year to take part in their annual show at the Curragh Racecourse. Last years show resulted in 35 recruitment leads (15 passed to other Brigade units) and an interview on Kildare FM so its a no brainer to attend this year once we get clearance. As always its free entry to OAP’s and ex and serving members of DF. If last years format is followed, along with the Club’s many and varied vehicles, expect Aer Corps, Mowag, EOD etc. as well. Dates are 9th and 10th May. Photographs of last years show available here:  http://www.62regiment.net/photo_player_flash.html