1,200 Miles, 30-Knot Winds, and Unstoppable Spirit ⚓️
The crew of 1 RHA set sail on Exercise Med Ubique aboard the Artillery’s flagship, St Barbara V. With a complete mix of experience across the crew, we began a 1,000-mile journey with our sights set on the horizon.
After an initial training leg from Gosport to Falmouth and some quick TLC for the boat, the team faced the ultimate test: the Bay of Biscay. Heading toward Santander, the crew battled 30-knot winds and waves as tall as the yacht. For those who had never sailed before, it was a massive eye-opener. Despite being cold, wet, and sleep-deprived, the 1 RHA crew showed nothing but professionalism and courage, arriving safely in Spain after three days of hard grafting.
After much-needed R&R in Santander and a sun-soaked leg to A Coruña—fuelled by some incredible cooking from the galley—morale was at an all-time high. However, the Atlantic wasn’t done with us yet.
Heading south toward Vigo, we again encountered high winds and massive swells that pushed the team to their limits. Even when taking damage at sea, the crew’s cohesion and loyalty carried us through as we made necessary repairs while underway.
While the journey eventually came to a close in Vigo, the spirit of 1 RHA remained unbroken.
Over 1,200 miles sailed through every condition imaginable—an incredible achievement that every member of the crew can be proud of.
Ubique.
🔵🟡🔵
🎖️A Day of Celebration and Service for 1 RHA 🎖️
What a momentous day for the Regiment!
We were honoured to host Lieutenant General Michael Elviss CB MBE, the Master Gunner St James’s Park, for a Wider Service Medal parade. It was a proud moment as our personnel were recognised for their vital contributions to operations.
The celebrations didn’t stop there! Later in the day, we held a second ceremony where our Regimental Colonel, Colonel Paddy Farrell OBE ADC, presented Long Service and Good Conduct (LSGC) medals. These awards represent at least 15 years of exemplary service and dedication to the Crown—a truly remarkable achievement for all recipients.
Congratulations to all those who received medals. Your hard work and commitment continue to uphold the finest traditions of the Royal Horse Artillery.
🔵🟡🔵
Ubique.
#1rha #RoyalHorseArtillery #MasterGunner #Gunners #BritishArmy
On Sunday 26th April, Bdr Briggs (Currently assigned as a section commander at the Army Training Centre Pirbright) lined up on the start line of the 2026 London Marathon, not just to run 26.2 miles, but to do it in a respirator.
Bdr Briggs raised over £4000 for @ssafaofficial The Armed forces charity who support soldiers, veterans and military families who need it most. For Bdr Briggs the reason was deeply personal, the charity supported a close friend when it mattered most.
Completing in a chip time of 5 hours 35 minutes, Bdr Briggs pushed through every mile demonstrating resilience and unwavering selfless commitment.
A huge well done to him for his outstanding achievement 👏🏻
#LondonMarathon2026 #SSAFA #RoyalArtillery
Built for the role. Trained for the fight.
Our PT programme is designed and built to meet the specific demands of the job. Progressive and periodised.
Right now we are entering the Resilience Phase.
The resilience phase incorporates key performance targets such as:
➕ Increasing strength & power.
➕ Incorporating speed & agility.
➕ Developing load carriage capacity at varying speeds.
Targeted training that meets role requirements and allows every soldier to progress at their own pace.
Ownership. Standards. Results.
Training with intention. 🔵🟡
The RSM’s Challenge: Point Blank and Personal ⚔️
1 RHA recently faced the ultimate test of grit: The RSM’s Challenge. Every soldier must be prepared for the moment the fight becomes point-blank.
Taking to the Bayonet Lane, personnel went through a simulated high-stress, high-heart-rate environment of close-quarters combat. Under the watchful eye of the RSM, it wasn’t just about physical speed—it was about controlled aggression and mental focus.
As a Light Gun Regiment, we pride ourselves on being agile and versatile. This training ensures that whether we are providing devastating fire support from a distance or defending a gun position at close range, 1 RHA remains robust, ready, and lethal.
A massive effort from everyone involved. The standards have been set.
Find and Strike.
#1RHA #RSMChallenge #LightGun #BritishArmy #Gunners
Snow, Steel, and Air Power. ❄️🦅
Fox (Air) Troop just wrapped Exercise FLASH EAGLE in the mountains of Utah. We teamed up with JTACs from the Franco-German Brigade to push the limits of Close Air Support (CAS).
From AH-64E Apaches to F-35s, we tackled high-pressure day and night missions against a simulated advanced air defence network. This ensures NATO partners can strike with precision in any environment. 🎯
The Mission: Strengthen interoperability. Modernise the fight. Stay ready.
#FlashEagle #NATO #Apache #F35
On Monday 16th March, 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery conducted Exercise Cypher Resilience; a structured training exercise designed to develop physical robustness, mental fortitude, and resilience across the Regiment.
The exercise was delivered in two distinct phases:
Phase 1 — Tactical Physical Training, delivered by SSgt (SSI) Exton RAPTC. Soldiers and Officers were subjected to sustained physical demand in a tactical environment, with the deliberate intent of building a capacity to endure hardship and maintain performance under pressure.
Phase 2 — Bayonet Range, delivered by SSgt Heard. An arduous close-combat course requiring soldiers to maintain aggression, physical output, and combat effectiveness whilst negotiating a simulated enemy stronghold at close range.
Throughout the exercise, personnel were required to operate without defined end states or time parameters — a deliberate design to cultivate self-discipline, mental resilience, and an unconditional will to continue.
Exercise Cypher Resilience reflects the Regiment’s commitment to developing soldiers who are not only physically capable, but mentally prepared for the demands of the battlefield.
Resilience is not built in comfort. It is forged under sustained hardship.
Teamwork makes the dream work! ⚔️
B Battery recently came together to celebrate Sahagun Day, taking a moment to sharpen our cohesion and reflect on our proud history and recent wins.
A massive thank you to the Royal Artillery Association for their generous support—this celebration wouldn’t have been possible without you! 🎖️
#1rha #teamwork
#ThrowbackThursday! ⛷️
As the weather warms up, we’re looking back at a serious cold-weather win!
1 RHA headed to France earlier this year to take on the rest of the Gunners on the slopes. A massive shoutout to Bdr Birkett, who took home 1st place overall—an incredible achievement and a masterclass in leadership for the team.
His success didn’t stop there; he went on to lead the Gunner team as Captain into the next phase of the competition. 🏆
Alpine skiing is about more than just speed; it’s about building the discipline, mental resilience, and peak fitness our soldiers need to excel.
Huge well done to the entire team! ❄️💪
#1rha #skiing #fitness #challenge
🥊Courage. Discipline. Respect. 🥊
1 RHA soldiers completed an intense 8 week boot camp in order to prepare for an Inter-Battery Boxing Competition.
The evening featured incredible displays of determination and skill, showcasing our soldiers’ mental and physical resilience. It was a very proud moment.
Huge congratulations to E Battery for taking home the Inter-Battery Shield this year! 🏆
