1st Battalion
The Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders
South Georgia 1986-87
Ex ‘Ice Pick’
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1st Battalion The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
South Georgia 1986-87 Ex ‘Ice Pick’ |
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All photographs are the property of RHQ Argylls and may not be reproduced or copied without permission from RHQ Argylls.
Ex ‘Ice Pick’ was an exercise designed to test the reinforcement of South Georgia. It took place between 29th December, 1986, and 7th January, 1987, with A Coy Group taking part. Planning and preparation for the exercise started in early December when the Battalion Second in Command and the Quartermaster went down to South Georgia on a recce. The exercise in earnest started when the RFA Sir Lancelot, with A Coy Group embarked, cast off at 1600 hrs on 29th December, 1986. Between those two events full preparation and planning had taken place: kit issues, reinforcements from HO, B and D Coys and some basic training in going over the side of a Landing Ship Logistic (LSL) into a Landing Craft Vehicle and Personnel (LCVP).
Click on picture to enlarge
1. a b c d e f g h i
The orbat of the Coy was 3 rifle platoons of 27, 2 mortar sections, and 4 GPMG SF guns, manned by the ATK Section. To ensure full manning, and to allow the maximum number to visit South Georgia, reinforcements came from across the Battalion. The Paymaster, Capt Stevenson, became the Coy 2IC (although because of illness he unfortunately couldn't, in the event, partake in the exercise). Sgt Delaney became a Platoon Sergeant and the following were also employed around the Rifle Platoons: Cpl O'Donnell, LCpls Keen, Rushforth, Hollywood and Robertson, Ptes McGowan, McRae, Harvey, Walters, Galloway, Reynolds, Merrilees, Herbison and McEwan. They all did a first class job, and worked well during their brief stay in A Coy. There were many others as safety staff, and DS making a total of some 170 all ranks.
The journey down was awful. Or at least it was for some! Most people, the OC not included, managed to get up onto their feet to celebrate The New Year on a pitching ship. New Year's Day saw the company arrive to a scene of incredible beauty. South Georgia presents Alpine views but growing straight from the sea. The sea was a brilliant turquoise colour from the ice melt; the sun was shining and there was very little wind. Penguins and elephant seals could be seen swimming around the ship, and drifts of ice where glaciers ended and sea began were clearly visible. It was truly a tour guides paradise.
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At this stage Maj Graham and Sgt Cunnington the ML 1 came aboard and gave the company a brief, and the disembark started. Now occurred the only hitch in the entire proceedings. The first chalk containing Pl HQ and 2 sections of 1 Platoon plus the OC's slice of Coy HQ got ashore, but the LCVP was knee deep in water by the time we reached dry land. This was compounded by drifting ice which forced the LSL to lie further and further offshore. The end result was that Chalk 1 was the only chalk to land that afternoon on the correct beach. The LSL moved off to Grytviken and disembarked the remainder of the Coy there.
This caused an exercise unreality, in that the Coy was now landing at the spot supposedly held by the enemy. Everyone shut their eyes and pretended that they didn't notice! Both groups then started to march with all kit to the LUP. Every man was carrying at least one of the following items: radio, batteries, mortar ammunition or link ammo. The lightest bergen weighed 70 lb. The march was hard work. Chalk 1 had to contend with shale, rocks and snowdrifts both climbing to and descending from 1500 ft. The rest had to deal with tussock grass, elephant seals and knife edge ridges. After walking through the night the two parties, guided by members of the Recce Platoon, met up. The next day was spent on rest, orders and preparation for the assault. The position became less than covert when high winds started blowing kit, especially sleeping mats, over the hills and down into Grytviken. The weather was even more extreme than the Falklands. The company experienced very high winds, snow, rain and bright sunshine. Those that weren't in their bivvy bags (like the OC preparing his orders . . . aaahh!) were very burnt!
3. a b c d e f g h i
If anyone can put names to faces with rank, company, date and location. Please e-mail with page name, row number and picture letter to
At 0200 the following morning, the Mortars and GPMG SF having already bedded in/recorded targets from their base plates, gave the company supporting fire as the Coy moved into Grytviken guided by Capt Stewart, OC Recce PI. The Recce Platoon had meanwhile secured Grytviken and taken two prisoners. The move to Grytviken, although only a 2 or 3 km march and downhill took over an hour. The Coy file opened and closed like an accordion, and it was at this stage it suffered the only marching casualty — a slightly sprained ankle. It was a tribute to the Jocks' fitness that the difficult terrain and heavy loads hadn't caused any more serious casualties. Having assembled in formation in Grytviken the Coy waited for the silent crossing of the Start Line at 0400. Unfortunately the whole attack went noisy at 0355 when the Recce Platoon abseiling down onto the first enemy positions were spotted in the abseil. A fast and furious battle ensued against the enemy, enraged elephant seals, and fire in the tussock grass. The Coy was successful in all those fights! Live mortar fire, and flanking GPMG fire greatly enhanced the realism of the attack. The reorganisation phase was allowed to run on to permit full casualty evacuation to the Aid Post, manned by Capt Whitehouse, the MO, and 3 medics. Also fully exercised was POW handling and processing. Endex was finally declared at about 0730. Following this the South Georgia Garrison gave us all breakfast prior to going back out to the LSL to clean up. That night the SNCOs had a games night ashore and all officers dined on the LSL.
Some views of Grytviken
The following day everybody went ashore into Grytviken to do some sightseeing, have a barbecue, and celebrated New Year in its correct manner. The fact that it was the 4th January did not worry anyone. A good time was had by all, a few beers were drunk, and the company were admirably hosted by the South Georgia Garrison. There was a football match and a volleyball match — both ending in tactful draws! Gathering everyone up to embark again on the LSL was not as difficult as it might have been. The Lancelot sailed early the following morning for the return to Stanley. The elements were much kinder on the way back, and even Cpl 'Hilda' Baker managed to stay on his feet! The company sailed into Stanley at about 1800 hrs on 7th January and were given a resounding welcome by the Pipes and Drums and Military Band.
Ex ICE PICK was a thoroughly enjoyable exercise for all ranks. Everyone agreed that it was an experience of a lifetime. The early fears of the powers that be over the lack of helicopters were, fortunately, unfounded. A Coy Group achieved a Coy attack with live firing from its support weapons, in hostile terrain, having carried every single item it needed on its back. Not many Coys can claim that.
Looking for a copy of the video that Charlie McLaughlin made while A Company was on South Georgia.
If anyone one can help please e-mail ayoung287@msn.com
Updated: 11 October 2014