Soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, Royal Anglian Regiment, are battling freezing temperatures and challenging terrain in Estonia as part of Exercise Winter Camp, a key component of NATO’s Operation Cabrit. The training, taking place just miles from the Russian border, is designed to test the warfighting and survival skills of troops in some of the harshest winter conditions Estonia has experienced in 25 years.
The British Army contingent, whose recruiting grounds include Norfolk and Suffolk, is training daily in deep snow, with temperatures plummeting to near -30C. They are working alongside Estonian, French, and US forces, participating in a variety of battle drills and scenarios. Operation Cabrit, as detailed by Forces News, is the UK’s contribution to NATO’s Forward Land Forces in the Baltic region, aimed at providing reassurance, security, and deterrence along the alliance’s eastern flank.
Gunner Jack Hassall, a 20-year-old from Swanton Morley, serves with the Royal Artillery and brings a unique background to the exercise. Descended from a family of gamekeepers, Hassall applies skills of concealment and detection to his role operating the TAIPAN radar system, used to identify and track enemy artillery. “It’s about being as close to the enemy as you can without them knowing you’re there,” he said, drawing a parallel to the techniques used in gamekeeping.
Hassall explained that the extreme weather provides a valuable test of the radar’s capabilities. “You can then pass this information on to the next rotation [of soldiers on exercise],” he added. His mother currently works as a packaging technologist for a crisp manufacturer, following a period at Bernard Matthews Foods, whereas his father and grandfather both served the same family as gamekeepers for decades.
Sergeant Rob Barnes, a 32-year-old anti-tank section commander from Norwich, transitioned from a career as a car mechanic to the Army in 2016. He initially considered joining the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers but ultimately opted for the infantry. Barnes, who served in Mali in 2021, emphasized the importance of adaptability. “This [Op Cabrit] is the coldest I have had at about minus 22 degrees but it’s vital to adapt to the situation and learn from it,” he stated. He also highlighted the benefits of working with multinational colleagues, noting that “everyone has their own specialisms so it’s fine to learn off other nations.”
Lance Corporal Oliver Warton, a 21-year-old from Bury St Edmunds, continues a family tradition of service in the Royal Anglian Regiment. His uncle fought in Afghanistan with the 1st Battalion, Royal Anglians. Warton, who previously worked as a driver’s mate, stressed the importance of layering clothing and maintaining equipment in the extreme cold. “It’s all about the layering system and knowing what activity you’re going to do,” he explained. He also noted the quality of the extreme cold weather rations, describing them as “bangin’,” and highlighted the need to ensure vehicle batteries do not freeze.
The NATO training exercises, occurring against a backdrop of heightened tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, serve as a visible deterrent and aim to enhance troop readiness. As reported by The British Army, troops have also demonstrated their ability to rapidly deploy during NATO exercises. The focus for the soldiers remains on maintaining readiness and performing their duties to the best of their ability, with Sergeant Barnes stating, “Our focus is on being the best we can be as a platoon and section and whatever happens behind it is beyond my control; stay within your sphere.”