Exercise Bakkers Bluff run by the Dutch Army is regarded as being one of the tougher events on the International Military Competition calendar. The competition is based around an Army camp near Arnhem, meaning the trip to Holland can be combined with a battlefield tour or museum visit. Teams of four with a nominated leader are invited to participate in this one day event. Entrants come from all over Europe and all military backgrounds, both Regular and Reserve.
D Company, 4 YORKS have taken part in Bakkers Bluff several times and in 2009 entered teams from both their Sheffield and Barnsley TA Centres. Within the teams there was some experience of this type of competition but for the most part, Bakkers Bluff represented a chance for some of the less experienced members of the Company to take part in something totally new.
The competition consisted of two routes totalling 18km, with 9 stands on each. The teams started early in the morning at staggered intervals, and began to make their way round the course. The stands are similar to command tasks and call for some good ideas and strong leadership if you have any hopes of being successful. Tasks included clearing ‘IEDs’ from the bottom of a truck without touching the ground, crossing Piranha infested rivers, navigation, grenade throwing and a stretcher race. As the day progressed we worked out how best to approach each stand.
2Lt Alec Wood said “The Barnsley team picked up best international team, a coveted prize from a prestigious competition, and came fourth overall, much to the surprise of the event organisers - no international team has ever bettered 6th place in the history of the competition and we were only 33 seconds behind the team in 3rd place. A bit of practice before future attempts may get our team in the top three. It was an excellent competition, very well organised by the Dutch Army and a highly enjoyable trip for those that took part.”
To obtain a full list of the events supported by the UKRFA, contact the Secretariat on 020 7426 8361 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
