Two brothers honed their battle-readiness against French troops with their battalion on standby to defend NATO’s eastern flank.
Corporal Taylor Hanvey, 27, and Kingsman Callum Hanvey, 18, were among around 120 personnel from 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment (1 LANCS) who deployed to Europe’s most advanced military urban training facility, CENZUB, in northern France in last month.
A light role infantry battalion, 1 LANCS is one of NATO’s pivotal Army units in the role of Forward Land Forces (FLF) Strategic Reserve, on high alert to deploy rapidly to strengthen frontline forces in Estonia should conflict break out.
They joined the French 152nd Infantry Regiment on Exercise Gaulish to share tactics, knowledge, and improve the joint operational effectiveness needed to respond as one force if called upon.
Intense battle training
Speaking after an intense defensive warfighting action at the 46-square-mile facility, designed to provide state-of-the-art simulation of warfare in real town environments, Taylor said he learned a lot from pitting his wits against his French counterparts.
“I’m freshly promoted and straight away I’ve been put in a position where I’m an acting Platoon Sergeant. It’s been good to get that experience, being at the back dealing with ammunition and casualties and ensuring the battle can go forward.
It’s great to work with our NATO allies.
“It’s great to work with our NATO allies, see how they do things and put add our input, so we can work together more effectively on operations in the future.”
Callum added: “I was in the fire team, moving round, getting in buildings, and securing positions. It was enjoyable and good to see how the French do things.”
The pair, from Salford, Greater Manchester, aren’t the only members representing the Hanvey clan in the Army.
Proud family regimental ties
Their 20-year-old brother Joshua, a Kingsman with 1 LANCS, was concurrently deployed to Estonia, on NATO Cold Weather Operators courses, focusing on survival, endurance, and tactical operations in extreme cold, and as part of our persistent engagement in the Baltic nation.
Their father, Mark, has served for more than 25 years, starting in the Territorial Army before joining the regular Army and serving with the Kings Regiment, then 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. He continues to serve with the regiment’s 4th Battalion to this day, in a Full-Time Reservist recruiting role.
Since joining I have learned how to be an effective, motivating leader.
Taylor has developed hugely during his time in the Army. He said: “Since joining I have learned how to be an effective, motivating leader, how to drive a car and HGV. I’ve also dabbled in boxing.”
He has travelled overseas a dozen times with his battalion, visiting countries as diverse as the Falkland Islands, Kenya, USA, Estonia, Bahrain, and France.
Rewarding challenges
Highlights have included training Ukrainian troops to deploy to war as part of Operation Interflex and Exercise Rattlesnake in Louisianna alongside US troops in challenging, often swampy environments.
On his current role, he explains: “Day to day, my role involves conducting physical training in the morning, then preparing and delivering lessons throughout the day, or preparing my section for deployment and ensuring they are all kept at operational effectiveness.”
Next up for Taylor is a move to the Infantry Training Centre (ITC), Catterick, where he will begin a two-year posting in April, teaching recruits.
Serving has disciplined me and honed and empowered me to have a high level of confidence in myself.
“Serving has disciplined me and honed and empowered me to have a high level of confidence in myself. I want to pass that on to the next generation of soldiers.
“I plan to have a full career and beat my dad, who rose to Colour Sergeant, by hopefully reaching a higher rank than he did.”
Callum, who joined after attending Moorside High School, always felt the Army would be the path to follow.
Growing up in military camps it grew on me.
He said: “My dad and brothers were a big influence. Growing up in military camps it grew on me.
“I was surprised that Army life is not as hard as I thought. Phase 1 training was funny. I want to do boxing, rank up, and have a fun career.
“My biggest challenge so far was a coast-to-coast team challenge while at ITC Catterick, trekking 84-miles along Hadrian's Wall from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway.”
Constantly developing skills
This summer will see Callum deploy for several months on another overseas exercise, at the British Army Training Unit Kenya, which will further develop his skills in radically different conditions.
The £70-million headquarters and training facility delivers combined arms, light role infantry battle group exercises to a world-class standard.
“I’m excited to experience another country and the challenges of operating in that environment,” he said.