Members of the army and the FCA training at the Curragh camp learn to construct river crossings.
The Corps of Engineers spend a fortnight in the field in Athgarvan in the Curragh demonstrating how to build bridges and how to cross a river in a number of different ways.
Soldiers from other commands have been learning skills from the Corps of Engineers and the FCA (Fórsa Cosanta Áitiúil).
One of the tasks completed is the construction of a Bailey bridge across the river Liffey. The object of the exercise is to get two 30 tonne comet tanks from one side of the river to the other. The Bailey bridge is just wide enough to take the tanks and so they have to move cautiously. The army have also constructed a pontoon bridge capable of taking about four tonnes.
The man in charge of the entire operation is Colonel Kennedy who says,
The lads have been enjoying themselves very much indeed.
Colonel Kennedy says that the exercises are for the benefit of the entire army with men from all across the command taking part. A total of about 500 men are involved in the operation, of which about 300 are members of the FCA.
Apart from bridges, the men have also constructed a barrel raft capable of transporting a jeep across the river.
It is not all hard work for the participants who will enjoy a special dinner and a dance to end the training.
Commandant Liam White has also played a key role in the training exercises. He says that it took about 40 minutes to build the raft from car tyres and timber decking. A pontoon bridge can be built in less than an hour.
Apart from bridges and rafts, the army also uses aerial ropeways to lift equipment across the river.
Lieutenant Higgins from the FCA says that training provides a lot of experience to FCA members in military engineering.
One of the most spectacular constructions is an assault bridge made out of ten gallon oil drums and wooden decking, across which the 11th Field Company charge.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 28 July 1962. The reporter is Kevin O'Kelly.
