My Son Returns Home.
It's been a long haul for the Grenadier Guards and the lads of Somme Company in Afghanistan and a long wait for the families to see their loved ones return home safely, but we all have finally got there. The Somme Company (and my son) arrived in the UK on Friday 12th October and had their medal and final parade in London on Sunday 14th October. The parade was well attended by the soldier's families but less attended by the general public. (see previous article.)
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| Author's Son receiving medal from the Lord Mayor of London |
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| ISAF campaign medal |
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| Blog Author and Son |
During the time Somme Coy have been in Helmand 30 soldiers have been killed in action. One of them, 'Daryl Hickey' was with Somme Coy and a friend of my son. It is hard to rejoice in a victory parade when so many good men have been lost and the ground that was taken during the fighting with the Taliban will be re-taken by the Taliban! Was it worth it? – I can not answer that! what I can say, the troops committed to this conflict have not been properly resourced, the number of troops were far too low to wage an effective campaign and dislodge the Taliban for good and the ANA are still far to weak to hold the ground taken. I can only conclude that this is 'political' 'to be seen to be doing something' but the reality is NATO countries are not willing to committee to an effective strategy with troop numbers and money to get the job done.
Never the less, we can not take away from our soldiers the courage, fortitude and bravery they demonstrate whist rising to the challenges asked of them by the Politicians. So let's not forget these lads and let's offer up, from our hearts, prayers for the families who have lost loved ones in the campaign. 'We pray that God will ease the pain of their loss and bring to their minds fond memories, will give then hope of the life to come and the knowledge that, for those who believe, will see their loved ones again, once this earthly journey is at its end. For certainty we all pass to life eternal.'
Thank you to all those who sent emails of support and encouragement to the Author of this Blog. This chapter in my (and my Son's) live is now over. Lets all look forward to the day when the Afghanistan conflict is over for everyone not least the Afghan people!!
Links to Parade news reports:
