Mountaineering, 'Uber Eddy', Germany - Bavaria, Aug 2011, ID 1176

Universities Of Glasgow And Strathclyde Air Squadron

On the 28th of August, 11 members of the Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde Air Squadron participated in an adventure training and force development week in Germany. It proved to be a superb forum for enhancing leadership, teamwork, and personal development.

The expedition flew from Edinburgh to Munich, before utilising a combination of trains to get to the municipality of Blaichach, Bavaria. Unfortunately no one in the expedition could speak German, inducing a slight delay before reaching the final destination of the Alpen-Rose lodge. The accommodation was of a high standard, and combined with the warmth and hospitality of the staff it would be highly recommended to any future expeditions who are thinking of visiting the area.

The location of the Alpen-Rose also gave the expedition access to a superb area of the Alps. Greeted by excellent weather on the first morning, the expedition embarked on a challenging hill walk.

Expedition members split into two groups, with the groups starting from opposing ends of Stuiben ridge - a challenging climb of 4 peaks. Both groups had to navigate the route with minimal assistance of the instructors, and this encouraged teamwork and enhanced communication.

One member of the expedition suffered from blistering early on, the consequence of not breaking in boots thoroughly enough before departure. Whilst often mentioned in briefings before departure, this is something that will have more emphasis placed upon it for future expeditions. Because of this, it meant the route was completed less expeditiously by one of the groups. However, the key learning outcome was that when presented with this challenge, the group still worked together and made sure that all members completed the route safely.

Next came the challenge of klettersteig. Translated as “iron road”, klettersteig was a method of transportation devised by Axis troops during World War II. By using a system of steel rods and cables, troops were able to move equipment through the mountains more surreptitiously, without exposing themselves on the ridgelines.

In modern day, these routes have been maintained and updated and now used as a recreational form of mountain climbing, opening routes that would otherwise be inaccessible to rookie climbers. Therefore some of the most enduring challenges faced by the expedition were encountered during the klettersteig, as members had to overcome their fear of heights, whilst traversing cliff faces and climbing overhangs.

The second klettersteig route further stretched the expedition with a considerably more challenging route which tested confidence and physical endurance, as well as flexibility! One group took the decision to descend from the mountain prematurely as a member of their group was struggling with a fear of heights and the blisters caused by hill walking. Because of this, the importance of group communication and its potential impact on safety was highlighted. Personnel also found out first-hand the importance of finding a balance between task, team and individual necessities.

A third klettersteig route was denied to the group by poor weather in the valley; instead the group was able to successfully complete a canoeing trip. Prior to departure, the expedition members trained at a water-ski park learning basic skills and drills prior to canoeing down the River Iller. Many members had never canoed before, and again the importance of teamwork and communication was highlighted, in this case for safely navigating the river. More importantly than this, rain and cold weather had the potential to lower morale and spoil the day. However the instructors remarked that due to the strong team cohesiveness that had developed, the training benefit of this day was maximised.

In addition to the adventure training, the expedition were also provided with a tour round a World War II bunker by Wing Commander Gerhard Roletschek of the Luftwaffe, followed by a tour of a Kaufering concentration camp, a sub camp of Dachau. The lessons from history were obvious. Yet it was shown that similar events have occurred since then, and are still experienced in the present day. The connotations were clear to the group and that if they were to embark on future military careers they need to speak up when they observe something morally unsound.

The expedition members also gratefully acknowledge the financial contribution of the Ulysses Trust. Without this, many members would not have been able to attend, and missed this challenging and valuable experience.

Rosie Lucey, Officer Cadet, Universities of Glasgow and Strathclyde Air Squadron

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