YOUNG MEN hurled grenades at Raglan Barracks yesterday – but the flashes and bangs were nothing to worry about, as they were fakes designed to give people a feel of a solder’s job.

Hundreds of people visited the military barracks in Newport to get a taste of Army life as part of the Regimental Open Day, organised by 104 Regiment Royal Artillery, a Reserve Army unit based at the site.

104Rgt RA is the Reserves only Unmanned Air Systems (UAS) Regiment in the British Army. The soldiers regularly deploy and operate Miniature Unmanned Air Systems (MUAS) Desert Hawk III in support of ground operations and soldiers have also deployed as radio operators, clerks, drivers and logisticians. The Regiment also fires Royal Salutes in Cardiff to celebrate Royal birthdays and anniversaries.

The open day attracted coach loads of visitors from across South Wales.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Steve Murphy, is one of the Troop Sergeant Majors for 211 Battery.

He said: "The people we've invited in today are from all walks of life - those who we've met out in the street when we've been in the communities, young people from the colleges and a wide spread of other visitors from across South Wales.

"It's about giving people an insight into the Reserves and possibly if they want to take it further into the Regular Army.

"This is one of the biggest events we've put on and the expected number of those attending is close to 400. We've set up nine stands in total including a communications stand, battlefield first aid, a weapons stand and the Desert Hawk III stand for those who want to find out more about using the main piece of kit we specialise in."

The troops are all members of the Army Reserve and take "great pride" in wearing the number one ceremonial dress uniform when firing the Royal Salutes, of which there are five every year.