PART TIME AIRMEN based at Lossiemouth have emerged on top after taking on an 45 teams from reserve forces around the world.
The Gunners of 2622(Highland) Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment won the Brig Matthew Trophy as overall winners in Exercise ‘Altcar Challenge’, an annual event organised by the UK Reserve Forces Association that tests international military skills.
Held at the Altcar Ranges near Liverpool, the RAF Lossiemouth team took on reserve forces from the Royal Marine Commandos, various Army and RAF regiments and Estonian, Polish, Czech, French and Dutch competitors.
The contest, set on a wild stretch of beaches, dunes, and woodlands, tested the Reservists on the skills they will need on military operations around the world, and involved 16 different military skills and physical related stands over a 2-day period.
These included firefighting, battlefield first aid and weapons training – with a simulated battle and assault course having to be dealt with over the two days.
2622 (Highland) Squadron’s CO, Squadron Leader Andy Liggat from Grantown-on-Spey, was delighted when his team emerged on top, saying: “To win this competition against top Reservist teams from all three services and overseas teams is an incredible achievement.
“The effort that the guys put in throughout the weekend was outstanding, and to win the trophy against some very highly competitive opponents such as the Royal Marine Commandos just goes to prove the calibre, dedication and commitment displayed by our Gunners.”
Winning team captain SAC Ralph from Inverness led the team through the weekend, saying: “This was an outstanding result for the Highland Squadron. I am extremely proud of everyone’s efforts and it is great to be able to take this trophy back to the Highlands once again.”
In addition to the Squadron winning the overall trophy, Corporal Steve Campbell of 2622 (Highland) Squadron was presented with the Bunkell Trophy for running the weapon stand which was voted the best of the event by the competitors.