"Reconnaissance Group action. 3rd Fusiliers Battlegroup"

Ref: DR063

by David Rowlands

Image Size 58 x 38 cm

26 February 1991: At the forefront of the Fusiliers Battle Group throughout the land war was the Recce Platoon. Once in the desert, it became part of the Reconnaissance Group which was formed to provide a force with an integral anti-tank capability. Such a unit was able to act independently and defend itself, should the need arise. The Recce Group was commanded by Major Corin Pearce.

4th Armoured Brigade attacked the enemy formations sequentially, and as the Battle Group paused on Objective COPPER SOUTH, the Reconnaissance Group moved forward to screen the formation and establish the Forming Up Position (FUP) for the forthcoming attack on Objective BRASS. Corporal Derek McManus of The Queen’s Own Highlanders in his CVR(T) Scimitar (callsign Two Three Alpha) encountered an Iraqi command bunker, and ordered an Iraqi to tell those inside to surrender. The occupants refused, so McManus threw an L2A2 grenade into the doorway of the bunker. With Corporal Dave Weaver, from his MCT(S) Spartan (callsign Four One Bravo), he moved forward on foot but came under fire from the Iraqi in a trench. The Scimitar’s 30mm Rarden cannon fired a sabot round and Corporal McManus fired his CLAW rifle grenade, but the fire from the trench continued so both he and Weaver rushed back to their vehicles.

With considerable presence of mind, Fusilier Anthony Cassar, the driver of callsign Four One Bravo, stood up in his hatch and fired his rifle, shooting the Iraqi soldier dead.

Captain Guy Briselden, the Milan Platoon Commander, led his men (almost all of whom were Queen’s Own Highlanders) on foot to clear the enemy trench system, advancing by fire and movement. He cleared several bunkers as he and the Highlanders moved through the extensive trench system, which the enemy had had many months to prepare, under the supporting fire of two Warriors. Many Iraqis subsequently surrendered. For his inspirational leadership in this exploit of arms Captain Briselden was awarded the Military Cross.

Corporals McManus and Weaver and Fusilier Cassar re-enacted this scene for me with their vehicles in the desert, so that I was able to sketch it in detail under their supervision.