Yorkshire pride and northern grit were put to the test during the annual 1 YORKS inter platoon competition; the Geddes Cup.

Soldiers were put through their paces during a 6 hour challenge that in turn put the reputation of their platoon on the line. The competition took part on Sennelager training area and started off with a kit inspection to make sure each soldier had packed his Combat Equipment Fighting Order (CEFO) in line with the battalion packing list which comes to approximately 70 pounds. This includes helmet, body armour, rifle, webbing and patrol sack, but does not include ammunition. With points deducted for failing to show when requested any item on this list the next opportunity to shine came in the form of answering questions fired off by the RSM on basic military knowledge. Failure to be able to demonstrate all manner of hand signals to questions like “what is the signal for enemy seen” or “name three ways of locating the enemy” resulted in points being deducted for the entire platoon.

The next task came in the form of a eight mile best effort race in full CEFO which produced a mass of steam over the collective body of the platoon as the men had to mentally and physically dig deep to maintain pace despite the  steep hills and unsteady ground. The pain and discomfort soon became apparent on the faces of each man taking part, this was particularly apparent on the two men whose turn it was to carry the General Purpose Machine Gun that was also required to complete the race. At times it would become all too much and someone who was particularly suffering under the horrendous weight of their kit would be unloaded, a fellow soldier would take this kit, along with his own and carry it whilst the rest of the platoon would pull together and with moving team spirit urge each other onwards.

At the next test stand and what would be an opportunity to take on water, tend to blistered feet [above] and a chance to eat something six men would be picked at random to be examined on their weapons handling skills on both the GPMG and the LMG. Another two mile best effort race would lead the now weary men to a first aid stand where another six men picked at random would be judged on their reaction to an improvised explosive device going off, resulting in several casualties that required immediate attention.

Just when the end of the course was almost in reach the platoon, still in full kit were given a weighted stretcher to carry on another two and half mile best effort race. With faces now crumpled in agony for some, the platoon that I followed proved how well developed their team spirit was by quickening the pace and urging each other supportively to not only carry on forward but to hurry up in a bid to make sure they beat their rivals. Battling with the mental anguish to overcome their physical anguish it was at the very end that their pain seemed greatest.

"still in full kit were given a weighted stretcher to carry on another two and half mile best effort race."

Once past that last finish line the relief from the soldiers was palpable as nearly everyone ‘buddied’ up with someone to help alleviate cramp that was taking hold of their legs. Moments later the soldiers were bundled into four tonners and taken to the ranges for their final test, the timed falling plate shoot and the LMG target shoot.

Finally grimacing turned to grins as the last tortuous six hours was put behind them and cold beer and weapon cleaning commenced.

When I asked LCprl Lowthorpe what he found to be the most valuable part of the competition he replied “the first aid stand. It’s the most important part of our training, being able to save your mates life,” proving that a competition such as this not only sparked rivalry between platoons and therefore honed infantry skills but it also produced greater cohesion amongst men who will ultimately one day come to rely upon each other under life threatening circumstances.

The Geddes Cup was won by Recce Platoon, Support Company, second place went to 8 platoon of C Company  and third place went to Machine Gun Platoon, also from Support Company.