Unprecedented number of gold medals presented to soldiers on final phases of Cambrian Patrol

This year's Exercise Cambrian Patrol saw an unprecedented number of troops receive gold medals during the final phases.

A record 32 nations took part in the world-renowned patrolling exercise with 111 teams entering, but just 99 patrols finishing the arduous 60km test.

An incredible nine gold medals were presented during Phase 6 – despite it having the hardest weather of all the phases.

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However, Major Will Peltor, Officer Commanding Exercise Cambrian Patrol, said the ethos of the event was not all about achieving the top award.

"The important thing to say in relation to any medals being achieved is that, yes, those completing Cambrian have put their heads above the parapet and fronted up to something others won't, and they should rightly be very proud of completing it," he said.

"But it's all about the mission presented at the beginning of the patrol and about applying the basics of soldiering from beginning to end.

"I equate this exercise to military operations and when you're serving your country and you're one of a platoon, or a company or just eight people in a multinational operation, you want your flag to fly as high as it can."

This year's Exercise Cambrian Patrol took place over eight phases, from 6 to 15 October.

The event was organised and run by the 160th (Welsh) Brigade, based in Brecon, the British Army's headquarters in Wales.

Ex Cambrian Patrol has been held annually since 1959 and is respected by military partners around the world, referred to as Nato's toughest patrolling test.

Next year will see Cambrian reach its 65th milestone and is set to attract a healthy selection of international entrants again.