Dozens of defence attaches from around the world visited Catterick Garrison this week to enhance their understanding of the work and role of 1 (UK) Division.
The 33 attaches spent the morning at Imphal Barracks in York where they were greeted by the General Officer Commanding the Division Major General Ralph Woodisse CBE MC and given an overview of the Division’s role by Colonel Oli Brown.
Brigadier Oli Stokes, Commander 4th Infantry Brigade, also gave the attaches an insight into the role of an Adaptable Force Brigade and was followed by Brigadier James Roddis, Commander Specialised Infantry Group, who gave a presentation on their role.
In the afternoon the attaches were taken out on to the Catterick Training area where displays were provided by the Light Dragoons and the 4th Battalion The Rifles. Included was a ground attack by Jackals which was repelled by the specialised infantry on the ground.
Brigadier Simon Levy who headed the delegation from London said such visits were very important as they gave the foreign attaches an insight into the work the British Army did.
“We also pride ourselves on being open and transparent which is why there are 230 defence attaches in the capital and this visit help to build up their understanding and creates a better relationship.”
Egyptian Major General Mahmoud Hassanim, the most senior foreign official on the visit said it was the first time he had seen soldiers from 4th Infantry Brigade at work.
“The day has been very interesting and informative but I have been particularly interested in how the brigade, which is in its training year, manages that process with various stages of readiness and taskings. It has been most rewarding.”
Colonel Rui Duarte, from Indonesia, said as an infantryman he had really enjoyed talking to the soldiers from the 4th Battalion The Rifles and how the specialised infantry group carried out its role.
And after visiting the Light Dragoons he said: “The Jackal is like a Land Rover on steroids. I just wish we had more time so we could drive round the ranges and experience it first-hand.”
