This year’s Exercise Cambrian Patrol had its usual mix of heavy rain, gales, sub-zero dawn temperatures, rainbows and mist.
The 7 SCOTS Exercise Cambrian Patrol Bronze Medal winners
But there were also things that took place which have never happened in the 65 years of the event.
For the first time a father and son completed the challenge together and medalled with 7th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (7 SCOTS).
Major David Hood, 55, and son Corporal Declan Hood, 26, did not even plan to take part, but a few withdrawals from 7 Scots meant them both throwing themselves into a test referred to as the toughest of all patrols challenges.
The first day was quite demanding and with a lot of distance to cover.
David, a former Regular soldier of 34 years from Dunfermline in Fife, describes his day job as a “pensioner” and he is believed to be the oldest ever to have completed the event.
“I was the Cambrian Patrol team manager and we already had some withdrawals due to illness and injury, so I called Declan to see if he could join us,” he said.
“But then as we got closer to the event we had another member drop out and I didn’t want the team to miss out, so I also stepped up.”
Declan, a phase-one training instructor in Catterick, said the event lived up to its reputation.
“The first day was quite demanding and with a lot of distance to cover,” he said.
“I think I probably underestimated it and we only got about 40 minutes sleep across the 48 hours..
“The weather was heavy going, especially after the wet-gap crossing, but on the second day the tasks were closer together. I’ve been a Regular soldier for 10 years and the robustness and soldiering ability of 7 Scots really impressed me.
David previously completed Cambrian Patrol as a Corporal with the Black Watch in 1992.
He said: “Back then was horrendous and we couldn’t do the river crossing because it was flowing too high.
This time around I thought the tasks were tough and realistic. The adrenaline keeps you going.
“This time around I thought the tasks were tough and realistic. The adrenaline keeps you going.
“In my head I’m still 19, but my body ensures I’m very aware I’m 55 and Cambrian Patrol is something I’m never doing again. I class my day job now as ‘being a pensioner’.
“To get a bronze medal with my son also in the team is a very proud moment for us both.”
There are many others who only take on Cambrian Patrol once, then decide that was enough for them.
Then there’s Second Lieutenant Nikolais Georgouletis and Sergeant George Tsaousidis, both representing the Greece Hellenic Armed Forces Reserves Association.
Nikolais and George first took on the event in 2011 and their award of a bronze medal this year marks their sixth attempt at the ultimate patrols exercise.
Team spirit is also essential and the patrol commander has a critical role because he is the motivator of the team.
“I remember from 13 years ago that it was very, very tough, said Nikolais, clutching his well-earned medal outside the awards ceremony in Sennybridge.
“That year we marched for 50km before we even reached Cilieni Village and our bergens were so heavy: then it was another 15km in fighting order without bergens.
“The main thing you have to have, to finish the Cambrian Patrol, is a big heart.
"It was the same back in 2011 and that fact remains today. Even if you are very fit, if you don’t have heart you can’t do it.
“Team spirit is also essential and the patrol commander has a critical role because he is the motivator of the team.
"The tactical preparation is key. The whole team does not carry the mother tongue of the English language, but we understand our SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
“Of course, all of the international teams come very well prepared and fitness is mandatory to take part in a test of this kind.”
Asked what he enjoyed most about Cambrian, George gave an answer that would be surprising for many.
“I very much like the water crossing,” he said:
“It is like a rebirth and gives the body new energy after you’ve marched such long distances.
"For me, it’s so refreshing. I also thought the inclusion of the drones provided a newer element. It makes is modern”
Doing well on this is always about the preparation and we put the effort in and set really high standards.
Nikolais said: “What I really love is being among fellow soldiers, from all across the world, who also fight and train in every corner of the world.
"We learn so much from being here and the Cambrian Patrol is a very special event. This is why we want to keep coming back."
Their well-deserved haul of medals now weighs in at a very impressive three silvers and three bronzes.
Lieutenant George Myers, the patrol commander with gold-medal winning 13 Air Assault Support Regiment RLC, said completing Cambrian was always an ambition of his.
“Doing well on this is always about the preparation and we put the effort it and set really high standards,” said George.
“The terrain was incredibly difficult, but we knew what the Brecon Beacons is all about.
Given the operational tempo of both the British Army and our international allies and partners, it was good to see so many units still able to send patrols.
“Fatigue and sleep deprivation will always add that element of difficulty in terms of testing your morale, but if you’re determined these are easily overcome.
“The training we had put on for us in advance was exceptional and definitely made the difference between silver and gold. It means a huge amount to us because this challenge is the stand-out event.”
Lieutenant Colonel Will Peltor, Officer Commanding Exercise Cambrian Patrol at 160th (Welsh) Brigade, said this year had been a real success and was befitting its 65th anniversary.
“Given the operational tempo of both the British Army and our international allies and partners, it was good to see so many units still able to send patrols.
“It is clear from both the results and performances on the ground that many were well-prepared – the lesson being, allow time for those participating to both physically prepare and develop their skills across the Soldier First Syllabus.
“The feedback we’ve had from both UK and international patrols shows they appreciated the challenges and training opportunities afforded by the testing terrain of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons).
“Both day and night settings, amid the excellent training environments and scenarios, were delivered by the extremely talented instructors we had from the British Army’s specialist units and training schools.
“Patrols particularly relished the ability to integrate with new technologies, such as UAS (unmanned aircraft system), to assist them in the conduct of their tasks as well as working to effectively react against UAS used by enemy forces.
“Going forward, we take the recommendations from the patrols and the instructors who delivered the tasks this year to make the next year better.
All those who put their hands up, crossed the start line and completed the patrol this year should rightly be proud of their significant achievements and something they will undoubtedly remember for the rest of their lives as a career highlight.
“That also includes investigating opportunities provided by our UK Defence industry partners and we are already looking forward to planning and delivering an ambitious and challenging Exercise Cambrian Patrol in 2025.
‘All those who put their hands up, crossed the start line and completed the patrol this year should rightly be proud of their significant achievements and something they will undoubtedly remember for the rest of their lives as a career highlight.”
This year gold medals were awarded to: 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles; 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles; Queen Alexandra’s Mounted Rifles from New Zealand; Gurkha Wing (Mandalay) Infantry Battle School; Gurkha Company (Tavoleto) Waterloo Lines; Nepali Army; 13 Air Assault Support Regiment RLC; 67 Punjab Regiment Pakistan; Georgia Ranger Battalion; and Mexico.
There were 39 silver medals awarded, 34 bronze awards, 12 Completion Coins and 12 withdrawals.
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