C SQN UP NORTH

January 2002    

            As the soldiers of C Sqn eagerly came back off Christmas leave, they immediately commenced preparations to go North to RESOLUTE BAY.  Coupled with the Canadian soldiers, were 20 German soldiers who would also venture the cold as part of a Sovereignty Exercise.  Resolute Bay rests nearly on the 75th parallel with winter temperatures often in the –50 C range.  Despite the cold, spirits ran high at this once in a lifetime opportunity.

            As the Sqn started to arrive on 21 Jan it was quickly realized that cold would not be our only enemy as the light conditions saw near total darkness.  We conducted the link-up with the Canadian Rangers and set in motion our training plan.  The Rangers proved invaluable in dealing with the severe Northern conditions and were experts on the snowmobiles.

            The first few days were spent acclimatizing.  This was also the time when the soldiers were taught igloo-building, komituk building (traditional sled), and had the rare opportunity to go for a dog sled ride.  Morale was high as these days came to a close and the Sqn prepared to move out onto the land.  A variety of round-robin activities would be conducted ranging from ice fishing to seal hunting.

            As the Troops began the journey out, it quickly became apparent that the cold would no doubt take its toll – this was true of not only the soldiers but the snowmobiles as well.  Living in austere conditions proved challenging but certainly possible.  The highlight had to be the seal hunt and the success that most enjoyed.  This did not come without problems as one of our German soldiers fell through the ice and had to be sent back to camp.  Ice fishing was difficult as the lakes had a meager six feet of ice to chop through!!  Soldiers took solace in the fact that it kept them warm throughout most of the day.           

At long last, the Sqn returned and were welcomed with a steaming bowl of fresh soup and hot bannock.  Stories were recanted of the long nights as most nursed some degree of frostbite.  The final part of the excursion saw the Sqn host a Community Night.  All were invited, as it was the Sqn’s chance to put on a Demonstration and Display.  Amid the hotdogs and pop, the community offered a demonstration of traditional games.  We won over the local population as our resident expert, 2Lt Gardner, amazed the crowd with his success at both the one and two foot kicks.    

            Upon redeployment, a lucky 20  C Sqn soldiers hurriedly repacked their kit for an action-packed two weeks in Germany.  More to follow on that activity in the days to come…..