One 1’s main tasks are operational support of the German 1st Armoured Division as well as protection of the divisional HQ once it goes operational on exercise or in combat. For this, One 1 needs well-trained infantrymen and women and this is where the parallels to 3 Royal Anglian start. One 1 has since its foundation trained many of its own infantrymen in a modular course designed for reservists. This is the very short story of the now very active reserve battalion. Behind it all lurks a lot of effort, sweat and tears (in a purposeful nod to Churchill).

“We are very proud to have established this partnership with 3 Royal Anglian”, says Lt Col Wolfermann, “and it is no coincidence that we are partnering with the British as there are a lot of parallels as well as mutual respect between our armies”. Ensign Dr. Hammer, the partnership’s instigator and now its German LO adds “we have a common basis of commitment and professionalism. But there are also a lot of differences, which we view as opportunities to learn from each other and improve. For example, 3 Royal Anglian has much more recent and ancient history, is busier and better established and has a much larger core of regular soldiers to support its operation. We are not there yet, but having an older brother like this certainly helps us on our way”.

By the time of writing, reciprocal CO + staff visits had happened in 2022, three British soldiers attended a training weekend in Germany in March 2023, and the 2IC and a small contingent of German soldiers took part in Gib Study and the Regimental Dinner in July 2023. “That was a unique experience for our soldiers,” says LtCol Wolferman, “and we look forward to returning the favour and developing more joint training and exercise activities together”.