Iron Storm 1/2023

In August 2023, Tank-Masters.de visited the 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh Battle Group during their Combat Training Exercise Iron Storm 1/2023 at the German Army Combat Training Center in Letzlingen.

The core of the British Battle Group was formed by the 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh; Headquarters Company, A Company, B Company and Fire Support Company. The battalion belongs to the 12th Armoured Brigade Combat Team, that forms part of the 3rd UK Division „The Warfighting Division“. The armoured element of the formation was provided by Ajax Squadron of the Royal Tank Regiment. Engineer support for the Battle Group was provided by 8 Squadron, 26 Engineer Regiment, Royal Engineers.  Indirect fire support for the Battle Group was provided by 28/143 (Tombs Troop) Battery, 19 Regiment, Royal Artillery. Close Support Air Defence for the Battle Group was conducted by elements of 12 Regiment, Royal Artillery while close support logistic support for the formation was provided by 4 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps and elements of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

In total the Battle Group numbered some 1,000 troops and fielded some 600 wheeled and tracked vehicles. B Company, 1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment served as Opposing Force (OPFOR) together with the Ausbildungsverband of the German Army Combat Training Center.