Helping Father Christmas and his reindeers to cross an icy stream with just a rope was one of the tasks set for troops on Exercise Mercury Culmination, held at Pippingford Park in East Sussex. The training tested the signallers’ wider military skills and gave junior soldiers a chance to show their teamwork and leadership qualities.

Troops were also tested on their patrolling skills, including evacuating casualties under fire and crossing water obstacles, as well as a gun run to test their strength and stamina.