 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Ministry of Defence Visits
 |
 |
 |
© Peninsular War 200
This website is sponsored by
This website is sponsored by
INSTRUCTIONS TO MoD UNITS/PERSONNEL UNDERTAKING BATTLEFIELD TOURS/STAFF RIDES (BT/SR) TO THE IBERIAN PENINSULA UNTIL 2014
INTRODUCTION
1. The period 2008 to 2014 covers the bicentenary of the Peninsular War, during which an increased level of BT/SR is anticipated by MoD units.
2. MoD units includes individuals, groups, sub units, units, formations, headquarters or MoD organisations who are undertaking the BT/SR in any official capacity, in MoD time and using MoD funding. However, even individuals and groups who are planning tours on a completely private basis should also use this instruction as a guide and inform the Chairman of Peninsular War 200 (PW200) of their outline plan/intentions.
3. This instruction is designed to assist the planning and execution of BT/SR. During your tour you may be asked to undertake a commemorative task if the tour coincides with a scheduled event or you may be asked to move your dates to achieve concurrency to facilitate UK representation.
AIM
4. The aim of this instruction is to provide a planning guide and tool for the execution of MoD unit BT/SR to the Iberian peninsula over the period 2008-2014 in order to maximise the value of the event to both the unit and the MoD.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES (TOs)
5. When planning your BT/SR you should consider the following:
- Select achievable objectives. It is better to try and follow one of the campaigns completely or one theme (such as siege warfare or the impact of guerrilla warfare) rather than just planning a general tour.
- Avoid an itinerary, which involves too much travelling.
- Stick to the Peninsular War only; do not overlap with other wars.
- Select one or two areas to concentrate your studies, such as civilian-military relations in a siege environment or logistic support to expeditionary, high intensity operations.
SUPPORT
6. Academic.You should try and use a recognised expert to ensure you get the best out of your BT/SR, someone that knows the ground as well as the theory. This is not easy, but there are a number of individuals who run battlefield tour companies in the UK, Spain, Portugal and southern France, alternatively you could contact the Cranfield University or the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. You should also be aware that it is against the law in Portugal for a non-affiliated guide to conduct tours; if in doubt seek advice from the Chairman PW200.
7. Military.Military support to BT/SR is not possible: British embassies/consuls and the British base in Gibraltar should only be used in emergencies. Some limited host nation military support may be provided to units who assist in commemorative events - see below.
COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS
8. Over the next few years there will be a number of commemorative events to mark the bicentenary of the war and the particular battles and sieges. Those units who have a connection with a particular battle or siege are strongly encouraged to organise their BT/SR over the period of the commemoration - for example 3/29 Corunna Battery Royal Artillery who participated in the 200th commemorations at La Coruña in January 2009. The unit will be able to participate in the commemorations and represent the United Kingdom/MoD. Some host nation support might be possible under such circumstances. Conversely, units with no affiliation to particular battles and sieges may be wise to avoid visiting these locations over the period of the bicentenary commemorations, as accommodation will be difficult and more expensive. All units should present outline plans in good time to the Chairman of PW200 who will be able to advise them of the best option(s).
ADMINISTRATION
9. Clearance. You need to inform the British Embassy in Madrid (Annex A) or Lisbon (Annex B) of your intentions. Submit either Annex after consultation with the Chairman of PW200.
10. Dress and Equipment. Only civilian clothing is to be worn. Uniform will be required if the unit or individuals from within the unit are participating in the commemorative events; this will be made clear during the planning phase. Weapons are not required/permitted. A suggested kit list is at Annex C.
11. Insurance and Health. All MOD personnel are covered by MOD insurance. A civilian attached to the BT/SR will require private medical cover. All personnel should carry a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), the replacement for the E111 from 1st January 2006. Prescription drugs should be brought from base location.
12. Travel. There are a number of airline companies that fly to Iberia. Be aware of the dangers and restrictions of using the cheaper ‘bucket-seat’ carriers. With these carriers, if you are unable to confirm names when you book (which might be 2 -3 months in advance), the airline reserves the right to re-calculate the cost of the flights at the time that you submit the names. Similarly, if you make any name changes, the airline will charge the costs of the flight at the time you make the change. This could result in a large increase for the cost of tickets as prices increase exponentially the closer the date of travel. Furthermore, weight restrictions must also be considered if you have laptops/projectors etc. All travel in country will most likely be by coach; there are a number of good companies. It is advisable to pay a little more for one of the more established companies with more comfortable coaches as distances are long and the time spent travelling extensive. Avoid lots of cars for senior officers; this creates an impossible task at each stand location.
13. Accommodation. There are plenty of good three star hotels/accommodation at all of the main battlefield/siege locations. Sharing in double rooms will save enormously on the overall bill. Hotels should be visited during the recce.
14. BT/SR Guide. You will need a comprehensive study guide covering the campaign in outline and each battle/siege in great detail. Good maps are essential. You should contact the Chairman of PW200 to discuss the best way of producing the booklet/guide. The guide should be issued at least 7 days prior to the tour. In addition you will need additional briefings, possibly every morning or evening to check back and look forward.
15. Communications. Consider the purchase of a ‘Telefonica’ or ‘Vodaphone’ pay as you go mobile phone card to cover your communication requirements in country. You can use this in your UK phone - providing it is unlocked or is sourced by the same provider.
16. Reconnaissance.The recce is absolutely vital to the success of the tour. The following needs to be confirmed during the process:
- Routes from POD to hotels and from hotels to tour sites. The latter must be included in your reconnaissance as finding suitable routes and parking for a 50-seater coach is not easy.
- Stand locations. Again do not leave this to chance; go to each point personally and check its suitability for parking, walking and accessibility on the one hand and suitability on the other. If you are hiring a local/in-country guide or bringing one with you from base location ensure he/she really does know all of the above. Do not leave this to chance, it ruins the tour. Note that buses will not generally drive on non-asphalted roads.
- Meet all your in country guides on the ground or if they are coming from the UK or elsewhere, ensure they accompany you on the ground either at this stage or prior to starting the tour. If they live in Iberia they will speak the language so use them to confirm transport arrangements with coach companies or hire car agencies.
- Visit all hotels/motels that you intend to use as well as all restaurants for lunches etc.
- Try and visit the offices of the coach rental company or the hire car company as applicable. Ask them for an English-speaking driver - it is unlikely you will have any success but it is worth asking.
17. Security. Units should employ the shark watch principle at all times and certainly during free evenings. The highest standards of behaviour are paramount.
Colonel Nick Lipscombe,
Valencia, 20 January 2009
INTRODUCTION
1. The period 2008 to 2014 covers the bicentenary of the Peninsular War, during which an increased level of BT/SR is anticipated by MoD units.
2. MoD units includes individuals, groups, sub units, units, formations, headquarters or MoD organisations who are undertaking the BT/SR in any official capacity, in MoD time and using MoD funding. However, even individuals and groups who are planning tours on a completely private basis should also use this instruction as a guide and inform the Chairman of Peninsular War 200 (PW200) of their outline plan/intentions.
3. This instruction is designed to assist the planning and execution of BT/SR. During your tour you may be asked to undertake a commemorative task if the tour coincides with a scheduled event or you may be asked to move your dates to achieve concurrency to facilitate UK representation.
AIM
4. The aim of this instruction is to provide a planning guide and tool for the execution of MoD unit BT/SR to the Iberian peninsula over the period 2008-2014 in order to maximise the value of the event to both the unit and the MoD.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES (TOs)
5. When planning your BT/SR you should consider the following:
- Select achievable objectives. It is better to try and follow one of the campaigns completely or one theme (such as siege warfare or the impact of guerrilla warfare) rather than just planning a general tour.
- Avoid an itinerary, which involves too much travelling.
- Stick to the Peninsular War only; do not overlap with other wars.
- Select one or two areas to concentrate your studies, such as civilian-military relations in a siege environment or logistic support to expeditionary, high intensity operations.
SUPPORT
6. Academic.You should try and use a recognised expert to ensure you get the best out of your BT/SR, someone that knows the ground as well as the theory. This is not easy, but there are a number of individuals who run battlefield tour companies in the UK, Spain, Portugal and southern France, alternatively you could contact the Cranfield University or the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. You should also be aware that it is against the law in Portugal for a non-affiliated guide to conduct tours; if in doubt seek advice from the Chairman PW200.
7. Military.Military support to BT/SR is not possible: British embassies/consuls and the British base in Gibraltar should only be used in emergencies. Some limited host nation military support may be provided to units who assist in commemorative events - see below.
COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS
8. Over the next few years there will be a number of commemorative events to mark the bicentenary of the war and the particular battles and sieges. Those units who have a connection with a particular battle or siege are strongly encouraged to organise their BT/SR over the period of the commemoration - for example 3/29 Corunna Battery Royal Artillery who participated in the 200th commemorations at La Coruña in January 2009. The unit will be able to participate in the commemorations and represent the United Kingdom/MoD. Some host nation support might be possible under such circumstances. Conversely, units with no affiliation to particular battles and sieges may be wise to avoid visiting these locations over the period of the bicentenary commemorations, as accommodation will be difficult and more expensive. All units should present outline plans in good time to the Chairman of PW200 who will be able to advise them of the best option(s).
ADMINISTRATION
9. Clearance. You need to inform the British Embassy in Madrid (Annex A) or Lisbon (Annex B) of your intentions. Submit either Annex after consultation with the Chairman of PW200.
10. Dress and Equipment. Only civilian clothing is to be worn. Uniform will be required if the unit or individuals from within the unit are participating in the commemorative events; this will be made clear during the planning phase. Weapons are not required/permitted. A suggested kit list is at Annex C.
11. Insurance and Health. All MOD personnel are covered by MOD insurance. A civilian attached to the BT/SR will require private medical cover. All personnel should carry a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), the replacement for the E111 from 1st January 2006. Prescription drugs should be brought from base location.
12. Travel. There are a number of airline companies that fly to Iberia. Be aware of the dangers and restrictions of using the cheaper ‘bucket-seat’ carriers. With these carriers, if you are unable to confirm names when you book (which might be 2 -3 months in advance), the airline reserves the right to re-calculate the cost of the flights at the time that you submit the names. Similarly, if you make any name changes, the airline will charge the costs of the flight at the time you make the change. This could result in a large increase for the cost of tickets as prices increase exponentially the closer the date of travel. Furthermore, weight restrictions must also be considered if you have laptops/projectors etc. All travel in country will most likely be by coach; there are a number of good companies. It is advisable to pay a little more for one of the more established companies with more comfortable coaches as distances are long and the time spent travelling extensive. Avoid lots of cars for senior officers; this creates an impossible task at each stand location.
13. Accommodation. There are plenty of good three star hotels/accommodation at all of the main battlefield/siege locations. Sharing in double rooms will save enormously on the overall bill. Hotels should be visited during the recce.
14. BT/SR Guide. You will need a comprehensive study guide covering the campaign in outline and each battle/siege in great detail. Good maps are essential. You should contact the Chairman of PW200 to discuss the best way of producing the booklet/guide. The guide should be issued at least 7 days prior to the tour. In addition you will need additional briefings, possibly every morning or evening to check back and look forward.
15. Communications. Consider the purchase of a ‘Telefonica’ or ‘Vodaphone’ pay as you go mobile phone card to cover your communication requirements in country. You can use this in your UK phone - providing it is unlocked or is sourced by the same provider.
16. Reconnaissance.The recce is absolutely vital to the success of the tour. The following needs to be confirmed during the process:
- Routes from POD to hotels and from hotels to tour sites. The latter must be included in your reconnaissance as finding suitable routes and parking for a 50-seater coach is not easy.
- Stand locations. Again do not leave this to chance; go to each point personally and check its suitability for parking, walking and accessibility on the one hand and suitability on the other. If you are hiring a local/in-country guide or bringing one with you from base location ensure he/she really does know all of the above. Do not leave this to chance, it ruins the tour. Note that buses will not generally drive on non-asphalted roads.
- Meet all your in country guides on the ground or if they are coming from the UK or elsewhere, ensure they accompany you on the ground either at this stage or prior to starting the tour. If they live in Iberia they will speak the language so use them to confirm transport arrangements with coach companies or hire car agencies.
- Visit all hotels/motels that you intend to use as well as all restaurants for lunches etc.
- Try and visit the offices of the coach rental company or the hire car company as applicable. Ask them for an English-speaking driver - it is unlikely you will have any success but it is worth asking.
17. Security. Units should employ the shark watch principle at all times and certainly during free evenings. The highest standards of behaviour are paramount.
Colonel Nick Lipscombe,
Valencia, 20 January 2009
