More than 140 troops from the Royal Bermuda Regiment recently deployed to the UK for a two-week training exercise.
Designed to sharpen skills, build resilience, and strengthen ties with British Army units, Exercise Active Shield 26 took place across two locations, with public order training at Lydd Camp in Kent, followed by a second phase in Catterick focused on weapons ranges, adventure training, and defence engagement with the Royal Lancers.
The exercise marked a significant opportunity to develop operational capability and demonstrate the UK’s commitment to supporting its overseas territory forces.
Captain Sam Kingsleyfried, Royal Lancers troop leader said: “The task for the Lancers was to support The Royal Bermuda Regiment’s oversees phase one and two training in Lydd and Catterick.
“We took them through public order training, live firing and urban training.”
From Bermuda to the UK
The deployment began with soldiers travelling from Bermuda to the UK, marking the start of an intensive programme designed to test both physical and mental resilience.
At Lydd Camp, troops focussed on public order training to deal with crowds and civil disorders.
This phase also included drills, formations, and confirmatory exercises, ensuring soldiers are fully prepared to operate effectively in complex scenarios.
“The training we’ve received from The Royal Lancers has been a great learning experience.”
Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester and His Excellency the Governor of Bermuda visited the troops at Lydd camp for part one of the training and the exercise followed on from His Royal Highness King Charles III’s official visit to Bermuda, demonstrating the close relationship between the UK and the North Atlantic island.
Training alongside the Royal Lancers
The second phase of the exercise saw the regiment move north to Catterick, where they trained alongside the Royal Lancers.
At Catterick, soldiers took part in live firing, urban operations, and equipment training, gaining access to capabilities not available in Bermuda.
The programme also included adventure training activities such as climbing and hill walking, designed to strengthen leadership and resilience in challenging environments.
Private Stevontae Somersall-Ahknaton, from The Royal Bermuda Regiment said: “The training we’ve received from The Royal Lancers has been a great learning experience.”
The training provided valuable experience that supports both operational readiness and personal development for participating soldiers.
Private Stevontae Somersall-Ahknaton said: “The physical exercise we’ve completed whilst in the UK has been a tough experience for us all, it’s definitely built our endurance levels and that’s something I would like to continue working on back in Bermuda.”
A lasting impact
The Bermuda soldiers returned home with enhanced skills, stronger partnerships, and valuable experience gained from operating overseas.
Captain Sam Kingsleyfried said: “Training has gone very well for the Bermudans; we have enjoyed spending time with them and teaching them different tactics and training that they don’t have in Bermuda.
“They are a reserve regiment, so each person has a different story and a different background. It’s been a great personal and professional exchange.”
The British Army is recruiting right now to fill 10,000 jobs across the UK with more than 200 roles to choose from, covering everything from frontline combat and cyber security to helicopter pilots, chefs and support roles. If you’re aged 16 to 50 and if you want to find out more about a career in the Army, click Army Jobs website.