Afghan Diary

Google Alert - Grenadier Guards Afghanistan

2010-02-22T10:53:00.000Z

Google Alert - Grenadier Guards Afghanistan

Lieutenant Paddy Rice 'luckiest soldier in Afghanistan' after Taliban sniper shooting - Telegraph

2009-11-22T12:36:00.000Z

Lieutenant Paddy Rice 'luckiest soldier in Afghanistan' after Taliban sniper shooting - Telegraph

Last message of TA soldier shot in Afghanistan: 'Still waiting for new body armour' | UK news | The Guardian

2009-11-17T23:35:00.000Z

Last message of TA soldier shot in Afghanistan: 'Still waiting for new body armour' | UK news | The Guardian

BBC NEWS | UK | UK soldier killed in Afghanistan

2009-11-15T17:26:00.000Z

BBC NEWS | UK | UK soldier killed in Afghanistan

Afghanistan: bomb disposal hero Olaf Schmid is 'racing certainty' for top gallantry award - Telegraph

2009-11-15T13:16:00.000Z

Afghanistan: bomb disposal hero Olaf Schmid is 'racing certainty' for top gallantry award - Telegraph

Afghanistan: British troops in Helmand kill 80 Taliban in 10 days of fighting - Telegraph

2009-11-15T13:11:00.000Z

Afghanistan: British troops in Helmand kill 80 Taliban in 10 days of fighting - Telegraph

Soldier tells of life on frontline in Afghanistan

2009-11-10T16:14:00.001Z

Monday, November 09, 2009, 20:30

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A NOTTINGHAM soldier, fighting on the front line in Afghanistan, has said he heard bullets fly over his head as he tried to go to the toilet.

Lance Corporal Joseph McCormack, 20, from Wollaton, was stationed for almost three weeks in one of the few places in Helmand province where an actual front line exists.

In the past seven days Checkpoint North near Basharan outside Lashkar Gah came under attack five times.

On four of the days, the base was targeted with bursts of inaccurate gunfire, but on the fifth day insurgents launched a sustained attack from various positions, one as close as 150 metres away.

L/Cpl McCormack said: "I was sat on the toilet once when I heard a couple of rounds snapping over my head.

"I just finished up, got my body armour, my helmet and my weapon, went to the defences and started returning fire at them."

Soldiers living in the three outlying checkpoints around Basharan make the most of austere conditions.

The toilet facilities are basic, with a pipe which exits through the outer wall acting as a urinal and a bag for number twos.

Asked about the constant danger, L/Cpl McCormack said: "It sounds a lot worse than it is.

"When you tell someone back home that you're on the front line getting shot at it sounds pretty bad.

"But you get used to it and it's almost blase when you hear the rounds snapping over."

The 6ft 4in soldier said his height did not make him an easy target, with the base fortified using giant containers filled with gravel and sandbags.

He has not seen the Taliban fighters with his own eyes, as they keep down and shoot through "murder holes" – small openings in the compound walls to point a rifle through.

But he said it was possible to return fire in the direction of the muzzle flash.

The sustained 45 minute attack, which took place three days ago, gave the men a boost after the British killed two Taliban using a javelin missile launched from the base.

L/Cpl McCormack, the youngest of five brothers, Leon, Nathan, Seth and Darren, said his parents, Maureen and Mike, were proud of what he was doing in Afghanistan.

Speaking before he returned to base in Lashkar Gah he said: "I think they are quite proud of me. If they worry they don't tell me."

Thousands protest over war in Afghanistan - Times Online

2009-10-25T12:36:00.000Z

Thousands protest over war in Afghanistan - Times Online

Lance Corporal James Hill of 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards killed in Afghanistan

2009-10-13T22:39:00.001Z

10 Oct 09

It is with extreme sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Lance Corporal James Hill of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards in Afghanistan on 8 October 2009.

Lance Corporal James Hill of the Coldstream Guards
[Picture: via MOD]

Lance Corporal Hill was killed as a result of an explosion that happened near to Camp Bastion in Helmand province.

Lance Corporal James Hill

Lance Corporal Hill, aged 23 from Redhill in Surrey, was an outstanding Junior Non-Commissioned Officer with excellent prospects. He started training in Autumn 2005 and passed out into the battalion in Spring 2006.

He conducted state ceremonial duties in London District throughout the summer of 2006 from Windsor before moving to the Mortar Platoon in time for Exercise African Thorn in South Africa during early 2007.

Lance Corporal Hill then immersed himself in pre-deployment training for Operation HERRICK 7. He was quickly identified as an excellent mortarman and he soon became a No 1 in a section, the senior post for a mortar number. It was in this post that he deployed on Op HERRICK 7 and he spent the tour in Forward Operating Base (FOB) Keenan with No 3 Company Group.

This was a busy tour and his mortar section was fully involved in numerous engagements in support of the company as they fought the enemy in that part of the Upper Gereshk Valley. After this highly successful tour he was sent on a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer's cadre and passed with a very high standard.

In January 2009 he was sent on his Mortar Standards Course for which he received a 'highly competent' pass, proving his considerable abilities. During the summer he qualified as a Joint Fires Coordinator, proving his understanding of the wider Joint Fires battle that is often fought in Helmand province.

He was again very involved with pre-deployment training prior to deploying as Mortar Fire Controller 'B' for No 1 Company Group.

Lance Corporal Hill was a personable, motivated and intelligent warrior. He nurtured those under his command whilst constantly striving to be better by learning from his superiors. He was enthusiastic and energetic about his job and was excited by the prospect of serving in Afghanistan as a Mortar Fire Controller. He was every ounce a model Coldstreamer.

Lance Corporal Hill was engaged to Anastasia Newman. He was an only child and very close to his family.

His loving parents, Brian and Claire, said:

"James was the finest son we could have possibly asked for, we are immensely proud of who he is and all that he has done. James was immensely caring and always there for us and everyone who needed him, spending time with family and friends was what meant the most to him."

His fiancée Anastasia said:

"James was the most wonderful, caring and loving man you could ever meet and touched the lives of every person he met. James is and always will be the love of my life and I feel so grateful to have had the time I had with him. He will live on forever in my heart and memories until we are together again."

"He was a ray of light for the future of the Mortar Platoon with his skills, current experience and thirst for knowledge and it is a tragedy that he has been taken from us so early in his life."

Lt Col Toby Gray, CO 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards

Lieutenant Colonel Toby Gray, Commanding Officer, 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, said of him:

"Lance Corporal Hill was, from the very start of his career, a soldier with the most outstanding qualities. His drive to be the best was constant and he was a man with commendable ambitions within the Army. His qualities really came to the fore prior to Op HERRICK 7 when he was selected, as a relatively junior Guardsman, to be a No 1 in a mortar section. He thrived on the challenge of the job as well as the added responsibility that it demanded of him. He rose to the task with typical gusto and determination.

"During Op HERRICK 7 he was based in FOB Keenan at a time when the conditions were austere, the offensive action frequent, and the call for mortars continuous. His actions throughout the tour were in line with what we all began to expect from him; second-to-none.

"As his Commanding Officer I was very proud to promote him in late 2008 to the rank of Lance Corporal after he produced a commendable result on his Junior Non-Commissioned Officer cadre. The added burden of command clearly inspired him and he went straight on to his Mortar Standards Course on which he once again did extremely well. Lance Corporal Hill was relishing this tour with his new found skill of being a Mortar Fire Controller.

"He was a ray of light for the future of the Mortar Platoon with his skills, current experience and thirst for knowledge and it is a tragedy that he has been taken from us so early in his life.

"Lance Corporal Hill was, quite simply, superb at everything he did. He was personable, intelligent, fit and ambitious. His humour, coupled with his energy, singled him out as a popular and respected Junior Non-Commissioned Officer.

"Our loss is huge but that of his family, fiancée and friends is even greater. My deepest condolences go out to them at this very sad time."

Major Toby Till, Number 1 Company Commander, 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, said:

"I had only known Lance Corporal Hill the short time that he was attached to No 1 Company but it was clear from first meeting him that he was every ounce a professional and relishing the opportunity to prove himself in his new appointment as a Mortar Fire Controller. He had bags of enthusiasm and an infectious energy and clearly loved his job but more importantly was enormously popular in the Mortar Platoon and the Company Group.

"He was simply one of those 'good blokes' in life and he will be sorely missed by everyone in the company. Our thoughts are with his family and fiancée Anastasia."

Captain Nicholas Powell, Mortar Platoon Commander, 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, said:

"Lance Corporal Hill was a man of outstanding ability and character. Intelligent and physically robust, Lance Corporal Hill was an exemplary operator in the field whose technical skill as a Mortar Fire Controller was unrivalled by a man of his age and experience. He inspired the Guardsmen under his command and earned the greatest respect from his commanders.

"Lance Corporal Hill's loyalty to both the platoon and to the mission was exhaustive; his mindset was selfless. He was an asset that cannot be replaced. My deepest condolences go to Lance Corporal Hill's family, friends and fiancée. The platoon will miss him dearly."

Sergeant Tony Bolton, Mortar Platoon Sergeant, 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, said:

"Jimmy Hill was a true soldier, a warrior, a brother, and a friend to us all. His loss will leave a hole in our platoon and hearts that will never be filled, I will miss him. Jimmy's passion for the platoon was second-to-none. He strove to be the best he could be always, his character and nature was an example and inspiration to all.

"Jimmy will be in our thoughts and actions every single day while we are here, and mine forever."

"The world won't be the same without you Jimmy and never will be. So to that end our thoughts go to your family and friends back home. You will always be remembered by us all and you will never be forgotten."

Guardsman Luke Fitzpatrick

Lance Sergeant Simon Walker, Mortar Platoon Alpha Mortar Fire Controller, 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, said:

"Jimmy was an exceptional soldier and an even better friend, not only to me but to the whole of the Mortar Platoon. The fact that Jimmy is no longer with us has left behind a space that can never be filled again. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten. My heart goes out to his friends and family at home, in particular his parents and fiancée Anastasia."

Lance Corporal Matthew Cutting, best friend, said:

"Jimmy was one of the battalion's best soldiers and one of my closest friends. He was a very professional soldier. Despite being highly committed to the job he could always find time for his friends. I will never forget all the great times I had with him, from the insane times skydiving in France to having a beer with him and all the mortar boys.

"He was a big inspiration to us all and will be missed badly and will never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Rest in Peace Jimmy."

Guardsman Luke Fitzpatrick, close friend, said:

"Jimmy was a great and close friend not only to me but to everyone he knew as well as being a phenomenal leader and inspirational to us all. Jimmy was an excellent morale raiser, and could always find a way of making me and the rest of the boys smile no matter how bad times got.

"The other great quality Jimmy had was how he could get us out in the evening socialising with each other down the pub even if it was on a school night or if we had an arduous task the following day. It's for this reason we all owe him thanks, because it's the reason why all the mortar boys are all so close to each other.

"The world won't be the same without you Jimmy and never will be. So to that end our thoughts go to your family and friends back home. You will always be remembered by us all and you will never be forgotten."

Guardsman Myles Coleman said:

"Jimmy was one of the finest soldiers the British Army will see. He was morale to the lads and a very good friend to everyone. I only knew Jimmy for a year but as soon as I met him we became great friends instantly and after work if there was nothing to do he would always find a way for the platoon to get together even if it was for a couple down at the pub or having a laugh in the foyer.

"He was a great mortarman, a great leader, but mostly he was an extremely good friend. He will never be forgotten and forever missed. MORTARS OR YOU'RE NOT!!!"

Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth, said:

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Lance Corporal James Hill. He was clearly a talented mortarman who had quickly earned the respect of his colleagues and shown excellent prospects.

"My thoughts and condolences are with his family, his fiancée, colleagues and friends at this sad time."

Guardsman Jamie Janes killed in Afghanistan

2009-10-08T18:06:00.001Z

A Military Operations news article

7 Oct 09

It is with great regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Guardsman Jamie Janes, of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, in Afghanistan on Monday 5 October 2009.

Guardsman Jamie Janes, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards
[Picture: via MOD]

Guardsman Janes was killed as a result of an explosion that happened whilst on a foot patrol near to Nad e-Ali district centre in central Helmand province. He was mortally wounded by an improvised explosive device, which also wounded three of his colleagues. The explosion was followed up by an insurgent ambush which the patrol then had to fight off before evacuating the wounded soldiers. Unfortunately Guardsman Janes died en route to hospital.

Guardsman Jamie Janes, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards

Guardsman Janes was a Guardsman in 6 Platoon, 2 Company, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. Born on 16 May 1989 in Stafford, his family moved to Brighton when he was two. He attended Hove Park Comprehensive School and began his Army career at Harrogate Foundation College when he was 16, before moving to the Infantry Training Centre Catterick.

Guardsman Janes joined Nijmegen Company, Grenadier Guards, in Woolwich, aged 17, where he carried out numerous state ceremonial and public duties. In 2007, on turning 18, he deployed to the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards who were in Afghanistan. He spent four months on operations before returning to England. Between tours he deployed to the Falkland Islands and also conducted training exercises in Kenya with the Battalion.

Guardsman Janes leaves behind his beloved girlfriend, Kate, three brothers (one of whom is serving in the British Army), two sisters, and his mother.

Guardsman Janes' experience and professionalism from his previous tour of Afghanistan ensured he was a reliable and dependable individual whatever the circumstances. He was a natural soldier, comfortable on operations in testing circumstances, and he had a very promising career ahead of him.

Lieutenant Colonel Roly Walker, Commanding Officer of the Grenadier Guards Battle Group, said:

"Guardsman Janes was an integral member of 2 Company, both on a professional level and as a constant source of morale. His experience and cool head reassured the younger, less experienced Guardsmen and set their minds at ease as they began to come to terms with the task at hand."

Major Richard Green

"So early in our tour, the tragic death of one of our brave young men comes as a shock. Jamie was a soldier to his heart, and a friend to all. He knew the dangers he would face in Afghanistan but he had the courage to keep soldiering. He stood tall amongst his fellow men as an experienced hand who willingly stepped forward to take on the difficult task of clearing routes, and he gave the less experienced soldiers in his section huge confidence. He leaves behind a strong impression and his memory will inspire us. I am hugely proud of him, and humbled by his sacrifice."

Major Richard Green, Guardsman Janes' Company Commander, said:

"Guardsman Janes was an integral member of 2 Company, both on a professional level and as a constant source of morale. His experience and cool head reassured the younger, less experienced Guardsmen and set their minds at ease as they began to come to terms with the task at hand. He died in the way he lived; protecting his friends from danger; a true Grenadier. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his girlfriend Kate, whom I know he cared deeply about, and all his friends both here and at home."

Lieutenant Alexander Rawlins, his Platoon Commander, said:

"I worked with Jamie since joining the Battalion in late 2007. He was an enthusiastic, passionate man who took both his job and his friends very seriously. Never afraid to speak his mind, he was painfully honest and always had something to say. Professionally and socially, he was an integral part of 6 Platoon, good at his job and was always up for a laugh. He would speak often of his girlfriend, Kate, whom he loved very much and with whom he was hoping to start a family. He died as a result of wounds he received whilst on patrol, clearing safe passage for his comrades. He will be sorely missed by the platoon and all who knew him."

Company Sergeant Major Matthew Boak, his Company Sergeant Major, said:

"I've known Guardsman Janes since I took over as Company Sergeant Major 2 Company in October 2008 and it became very apparent that Jamie was one of the likely lads, the one that would chance his arm in camp, trying to get away with whatever he could."

Company Sergeant Major Matthew Boak

"I've known Guardsman Janes since I took over as Company Sergeant Major 2 Company in October 2008 and it became very apparent that Jamie was one of the likely lads, the one that would chance his arm in camp, trying to get away with whatever he could. In the field he more than made up for the extra work he created when in camp. He was an asset to his Section, his Platoon and to the Company. Guardsman Janes will be sadly missed and my thoughts go to Kate, his family and friends."

Lance Sergeant Arron Harris, his Section Commander, said:

"I met Jamie in Wellington Barracks shortly before we deployed. I was aware of his previous operational experience and he very quickly proved his worth during the final stages of our training. Jamie was a person I relied on heavily. His position in my section meant he created a safe passage for me and the rest of the lads whenever we went out on patrol. He was totally professional in everything he did and was a role model to the other lads who didn't share the same operational experience. As a Section Commander I know I will struggle to find somebody as capable and reliable as Jamie. As a friend and comrade, although I didn't know him for long, I know the atmosphere won't be the same without him. He will truly be missed."

Guardsman Bradley-Dean Jones, a close friend in his section, said:

"I've known Jamie Janes since we began training in 2005. He was a friend who was always there for me, as I was to him. We joked saying how when one of us was sent somewhere within the Army, the other was sure to follow through no fault of our own. We were well known as being like a married couple with all the arguments and disagreements we had over the littlest subjects, but we always ended up laughing about it, normally with a massive hug of some sorts. I wish Kate, his girlfriend, all my support in the coming times, as we have lost someone very close to us both."

Guardsman Stephen Loader, a close friend, said:

"He was totally professional in everything he did and was a role model to the other lads who didn't share the same operational experience. As a Section Commander I know I will struggle to find somebody as capable and reliable as Jamie."

Lance Sergeant Arron Harris

"I met Jamie when I had just got to the Battalion just after Op HERRICK 6 and, being the new boy in town, it was hard to try and fit in, being one of the only people who had not gone on the tour at the time. Jamie made me feel appreciated and was always there for me when things weren't looking good; he was a unique person who really knew how to treat his friends with respect and joy. He was a good friend and will always be with all of us; I wish the best for his family and girlfriend, Kate. It is a terrible tragedy."

Guardsman Jason Goucher, a close friend, said:

"I first met Jamie at Harrogate in 2005. He came across straight away as a very confident person. When we moved into the same section during our training in Catterick, he instantly tried to gel the blokes together and always wanted to have a laugh and live his life to the fullest. Even when times were hard he never stopped smiling. It was a total blessing to have known him and I will never forget him. And my heart goes out to his family and loved ones."

Secretary of State for Defence, Bob Ainsworth, said:

"I was very sorry to learn of the death of Guardsman Jamie Janes, a soldier who I’m told had given exemplary service since joining the Army at 16 and had a promising career ahead of him. He had already shown his bravery, professionalism and dependability on a previous tour of Afghanistan and was an integral part of his company. He also clearly cared deeply about his family and my thoughts are with them at this very sad time."

Soldier killed as new Brigade takes over in Helmand - Times Online

2009-10-06T14:59:00.001Z

Soldier killed as new Brigade takes over in Helmand - Times Online

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UK ministers in Afghanistan to boost troop morale

2009-10-04T08:40:00.002Z

UK ministers in Afghanistan to boost troop morale

Reuters India - ‎16 hours ago‎

LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan (Reuters) - Britain's defence and interior ministers visited Afghanistan on Saturday to boost the morale of British ...

UK serviceman dies in Afghanistan BBC News

Browse all of today's headlines on Google News

Coalition deaths in Afghanistan

2009-10-03T08:43:00.001Z

Los Angeles Times

Coalition deaths in Afghanistan

BBC News - ‎16 hours ago‎

Four coalition soldiers have been killed in three separate attacks in Afghanistan, Nato officials say. It said that two American troops were killed in a ...

US, British troops killed in Afghanistan attacks The Associated Press

Afghanistan: 4 Coalition Troops Die New York Times

Obama dithers over Afghanistan

2009-10-03T08:23:00.001Z

Washington Post

guardian.co.uk - ‎20 hours ago‎

While things were getting serious in Afghanistan, violence on the upswing and the Taliban insurgency deepening, it would take "patience, discipline,

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UK serviceman dies in Afghanistan

2009-10-03T08:21:00.001Z

guardian.co.uk

UK serviceman dies in Afghanistan

BBC News - ‎20 hours ago‎

An RAF serviceman has been killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan, the Ministry of Defence has said. The gunner, from 34 Squadron RAF Regiment, ...

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33 Field Hospital ready for Afghanistan

2009-09-28T21:28:00.001Z

Medics from 33 Field Hospital, based in Gosport, are making their final preparations to deploy to Afghanistan as part of the Joint Force Medical Group (JFMG).

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Private James Prosser killed in Afghanistan

2009-09-28T21:20:00.001Z

A Military Operations news article

28 Sep 09

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that Private James Prosser from 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh was killed in Afghanistan, on Sunday 27 September 2009.

Private James Prosser
[Picture: via MOD]

Private Prosser died as a result of an explosion that happened during a vehicle patrol in Musa Qaleh district, northern Helmand province.

Private James Prosser

Private James Prosser was born in Cwmbran, on 14 April, 1988 and educated at Llantarnam Comprehensive School before he joined the Army in July 2008. After completing his infantry training at ITC Catterick, Private Prosser joined 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh in February 2009.

He was posted to A Company and immediately found a home in 2 Platoon. He was a natural Infanteer and relished his job.

Private Prosser was initially employed as a member of a dismounted section before being selected for training as a Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle Driver – a role that he both enjoyed and excelled at – prior to his deployment to Afghanistan in July 2009.

Prosser's confidence and affable manner marked him out as one of the more popular of his peers.

Private Prosser was a keen sportsman, and had been a member of Cwmbran Celtics Football Club and Fairwater Falcons Hockey Club. He also enjoyed the cinema and socialising with friends, of which he was never short.

A Company's build-up training for its deployment to Afghanistan was both rigorous and demanding; especially for such a junior soldier, but Pte Prosser took each fresh test in his stride, always acquitting himself well.

He had a real enthusiasm for soldiering, and had a bright future ahead of him. Private Prosser was killed on 27 September 2009 as a result of an explosion whilst driving his Warrior vehicle in the Musa Qal'eh District of Helmand Province.

"He had a boundless sense of humour and was a true character in every sense despite his relative young age."

Lieutenant Colonel Didi Wheeler

His family said:

"James is a wonderful son and brother, I am so proud of the man he grew to be. He is dearly loved and cherished by his family and his many friends."

Statement from James's friends:

"We don't know where to start expressing how much you meant, and how much we will miss you. You always were one of the boys and you always will be.

"The amount of respect we have for you is indescribable, a true friend and a real hero forever. We all shared so many good memories with you and we can't believe you are not going to be with us anymore. Take care and sleep tight mate. Love as always from the boys."

Lieutenant Colonel Didi Wheeler, Commanding Officer 2nd Battalion The Royal Welsh said:

"The loss of Private James Prosser to an IED comes as another devastating blow to the Battalion, but more particularly to 2 Platoon, A Company. Although James only joined the Battalion in February this year, he had come to the fore within the company.

"He had a boundless sense of humour and was a true character in every sense despite his relative young age. This brave Welsh Warrior will be sorely missed by so many of us.

"He enjoyed soldiering and had found his home in A Company amongst so many mates upon whom he had made such an impact in so short a period. At this tragic time our thoughts and prayers turn to his immediate family and close friends."

Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Calder, Commanding Officer Battlegroup Northwest said:

"The Battlegroup are devastated to have lost Private James Prosser. Not only was he a gifted soldier and capable Warrior driver, he was also a popular and outgoing member of his company.

"He is a huge loss to his fellow Welshmen in Musa Qaleh. Our thoughts are very much with his family at this most tragic time."

"He was an astute and selfless soldier who always put his fellows ahead of himself."

Major Huw Jones

Major Huw Jones, Company Commander said:

"Private Prosser was fun. His effervescent personality meant that one of his quips was never far from the surface. When they came it was as a bubbling stream of one-liners carrying everyone along with them – I was the victim of his wit more than once.

"He was an astute and selfless soldier who always put his fellows ahead of himself. A brave professional, his passing has left a huge hole. I, like the rest of the company will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

Lieutenant Tom Richards, 2 Platoon Commander, said:

" ‘Pross' was one of the jokers in a Platoon in which all members got along extremely well – the long and creative list of nicknames he quickly accumulated bears testament.

"He and his mates had bonded well before the Company's deployment to Afghanistan, but the cohesion that developed once on tour was second to none – Pross was among the Platoon's most prominent characters, and one of those blokes who could always ‘get a laugh', no matter what the situation. His popularity and likeable demeanour make his loss particularly severe.

"It is rare that a big character's charisma is matched by professionalism, but Pross was one of those fortunate people who could naturally balance the two; he was quite rightly regarded by all as a model, though very junior infantry soldier.

"Pross died when he was twenty-one; far too young to have either enjoyed properly what life had to offer him, or fulfil the potential he clearly possessed. The grief felt by his mates in 2 Platoon is great, and the void left in our lives can never be filled, but it is his parents and siblings that we now hold in our thoughts and prayers. Our pain cannot contend with what they must be experiencing at this awful time."

"Prosser I can't believe you're gone mate, you brought a smile to everyone's face the moment you opened your mouth."

Corporal Lee Rees

Sergeant Scott Townley, Platoon Sergeant, said:

"The Army is made up of characters and Private Prosser was one of those individuals that made the Platoon tick over with his funny, cocky nature. Private Prosser joined the Platoon with great enthusiasm and a desire to be Warrior driver, a role he fulfilled with hard work and in a professional manner.

"He was flexible and could, at any time, take up a job at short notice making him a great asset to me and the Platoon Commander. Prosser always brought a smile to my face and to the rest of the Platoon. He will be sorely missed by everyone, especially me. Rest in peace my Brother, God bless."

Corporal Neil Collins, Vehicle Commander, said:

"Prosser was an excellent soldier. He was the best Warrior driver in the platoon and always gave up his spare time to help the other drivers with their maintenance, no matter what he was doing.

"The main thing I will remember about Prosser is his smart comments, which would always bring a smile to your face no matter what the situation. He will be sorely missed by the Platoon and it is a lesser place without him."

Corporal Lee Rees, Section Commander, said:

"Prosser I can't believe you're gone mate, you brought a smile to everyone's face the moment you opened your mouth. You were a grafter to the end. Gone, but your stories and memories will live on, rest in peace mate, Lee."

Lance Corporal James Scowcroft, Section 2I/C, said:

"Prosser was an awesome soldier he was always dependable, doing whatever he was told to do. Whilst under contact he showed his strength in getting ammo to allow the GPMG to continue suppressing the enemy.

"He was always cracking jokes with us and was good at taking the mickey out of people to keep morale up. He is going to be missed greatly by us all. We all know you are up there resting in peace mate."

"Private Prosser was one of the most intelligent and funny men I've met and would always be up for a laugh. He was also one of the best friends I've ever worked with."

Private Matthew Hudson

Private Morgan Evans, close friend, said:

"Prosser, a good soldier and an even better friend. We went through training together and arrived in battalion at the same time. He was always laughing and joking with the boys.

"He always talked about going out on the weekend and getting drunk in Escapade; he loved going out with his mates. He will be missed by me and all the other lads in the Platoon. My heart goes out to his family and friends; he was well and truly loved by everyone. Nos da, mate good night and God bless you're going to be missed very much."

Private Wayne Ellis, close friend, said:

"Pross wasn't just a mate from the Army, he was one of my very true friends and probably the most intelligent. He would always be correcting me on my grammar and my speech, almost to the point of breaking me.

"I've known Prosser for over a year now and I can honestly say my life will not be the same without him. R.I.P. mate see you again, but not yet buddy."

Private Matthew Hudson, close friend, said:

"Private Prosser was one of the most intelligent and funny men I've met and would always be up for a laugh. He was also one of the best friends I've ever worked with. He would joke when times were hard, keep the morale of all the boys up, all while also being a very ‘switched on' soldier.

"He will be sorely missed and was loved by all those in the platoon and the rest of the company. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this time. R.I.P mate."

Private Tallen Williams, close friend, said:

"Words can't express how much I'm going to miss you. You were always there to lift the boys' spirits no mater what the situation. Back home in Cwmbran its not going to be the same without you mate. You will always be like a brother to me. Love you loads. Rest in peace mate."

Private Benjamin Jaye, close friend, said:

"Prosser was a brilliant friend always there to help anyone out who needed it. Whether it be duct-taping someone's door shut or putting polish on the door handles, he was always up for a laugh. He would always be smiling and doing his best to lift morale whenever possible. He will be sorely missed, not only as a mate, but also as a fellow soldier."

Afghanistan general quits over disillusionment with government strategy

2009-09-26T21:12:00.001Z

MajorGeneral Andrew Mackay "disillusioned" with strategy.

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MPs' expenses: defence spending 'at lowest level for 60 years'

2009-09-26T21:03:00.001Z

Gordon Brown has been accused of trying to cover up a fall in defence spending under Labour despite the increasing demands placed on the Armed Forces.

View Original Article

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British army commander quits over Afghan policy

2009-09-25T22:04:00.001Z

LONDON, Sept. 25 -- A senior British army commander has resigned after bitter clashes with the British government over the war in Afghanistan, local media reported on Friday.

The Ministry of Defense said Major-General Mackay resigned for "personal" reasons.

"We can confirm that Major General Andrew Mackay has decided to leave the army. This is a personal matter for him," a ministry spokesperson said.

However, the leading British newspaper Independent reported Friday that Mackay, recently appointed general officer commanding Scotland, Northern Ireland and Northern England, resigned due to the "inadequate support" given troops and a "lack of clear policy" in the conflict in Afghanistan.

Mackay said that tanks which were supposed to be operational could not get into reverse gear without the engine being restarted. A quarter of the Mastiff armored vehicles were out of action for weeks and the new Vector vehicles were not being used because "the wheels kept falling off."

The House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee also quoted the major general's views in its report on the Afghan conflict as noting that "we conclude that the British deployment to Helmand was undermined by unrealistic planning at senior levels, poor coordination between Whitehall departments, and crucially, a failure to provide the military with clear direction."

Mackay is the fifth senior officer to leave the forces prematurely in two years amid criticism of Britain's strategy in Afghanistan.

Major Nick Haston, who was Mackay's deputy chief of staff, resigned earlier this year in protest of unclear policy and equipment shortages. Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Tootal and Major Sebastian Morley also left, citing equipment shortages. Brigadier Ed Butler also quit, voicing similar concerns.

General Richard Dannatt stepped down as head of the army in late August after repeatedly speaking out against what he saw as equipment shortages and poor pay and conditions.

The death toll of British troops in Afghanistan since the start of the war in 2001 is 217, with more people in Britain calling for an immediate withdrawal.

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More veterans in UK justice system than in combat

2009-09-25T21:59:00.001Z

By JENNIFER QUINN (AP)

LONDON — Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse are behind an alarming rise in the number of former British soldiers ending up in prison, a report says — and more veterans have had tangles with the law than there are British troops in Afghanistan.

The National Association of Probation Officers report, issued Friday, added that most veterans don't receive adequate counseling or support when they leave the armed forces.

The report comes at a difficult time for Britain, which has sent thousands of troops to Afghanistan and whose National Health Service — a service that provides free health care to everyone — is already overstretched.

Many fear that as the situation worsens in Afghanistan more troops will return with a need for counseling.

"The (National Health Service) says they're able to cope with the referrals they get," said Harry Fletcher, assistant general secretary for Napo, which is a union. "But whether they can cope with a massive increase is another matter."

By surveying probation officers across England and Wales, the union found that about 20,000 veterans have become entangled in the criminal justice system — compared to around 9,000 troops in Afghanistan.

The union estimated there are about 12,000 on parole or probation in England and Wales and another 8,500 veterans in custody in all of Britain, making up about 8.5 percent of the prison population, Fletcher said, compared to an estimated five percent of the prison population in 2001.

The Ministry of Justice said work was under way to match data on prisoners with the Ministry of Defense's information on veterans to "identify both the scale and scope of the problem of veterans in custody."

The defense ministry said in a statement that the majority of people who leave the military successfully return to civilian life, and that a report last year found that 94 percent of veterans got jobs within 6 months of leaving.

"A small minority can face serious difficulties and we provide a wide range of support, before, during and after leaving the services," the ministry said. Programs have been set up for veterans in prison, including visits by psychiatrists, a spokesman said on condition of anonymity in line with department policy.

According to the data provided by probation officers, the majority of cases — most of which were for violent offenses like domestic abuse — had alcohol or drug misuse as a factor. Nearly half of offenders were suffering from diagnosed or undiagnosed PTSD or depression.

"I've been to prison, and I bumped into a lot of people in the short time I was in prison, ex-servicemen," said Mark Smith, who left the British Army in 1997. "And a lot of them were in there for violence-related issues."

A lance-corporal with the Coldstream Guards, Smith served in Northern Ireland, the first Gulf War and Bosnia. After he returned, he fell into trouble with the police, had flashbacks and nightmares, and tried to kill himself twice. He was eventually diagnosed with PTSD.

Smith said that once they leave the service, many veterans are essentially left to find their own way.

"I wish there was a lot more support so they could have their lives back after what they've been doing for their country."

Smith found help at Combat Stress, a mental health charity for veterans, and is now waiting for an appointment with an NHS doctor to be treated for PTSD. But with a long backlog of cases, he estimated that could take as long as eight months.

There are places in the health service where veterans can find help. Along with the Department of Health, the Ministry of Defense recently set up a pilot program of six clinics across the country aimed specifically at providing treatment to veterans with mental health problems. The program is under evaluation, with a final report due in 2011.

Graham Fawcett, a clinical psychologist in the program's London location, spends two days a week treating veterans, though he said he could stay busy full-time.

His 70 or so patients have problems ranging from PTSD to obsessive compulsive disorder and depression.

Fawcett — who is not a veteran but did spend time in hostile places as an aid worker — says the treatment for ex-soldiers and civilians is the same.

"We treat veterans no differently to any of our other clients, and the recovery rates are the same," Fawcett told a recent meeting of politicians, charitable organizations and mental health professionals gathered to discuss veterans' mental health care.

"This is in the community, with no other support. We find that once we entice veterans through the front door, it's business as usual. The difficulty is getting them through the front door."

The Department of Health said in a statement that mental health care for veterans is a priority, and that "the great majority of veterans with mental health problems are treated effectively within the NHS under mainstream mental health services."

They also said that by next year, an additional 173 million pounds ($276 million) will have been invested in psychological therapies.

Those that don't find help in the health service may, like Smith, find assistance with charities like Combat Stress, which assists veterans with mental health problems.

David Hill, the charity's chief executive, said that the health service is capable of looking after veterans with mental health issues, but that in some areas, people are looked after better than in others.

"I think the fact is in some areas the NHS can do it, in some areas they're doing it extremely well," he said. "But it's not consistent, it certainly doesn't cover the entire United Kingdom, and in some places I suspect the NHS simply wouldn't have the capacity to do that yet, and we are some time away from being in that position."

Combat Stress usually sees veterans about 14 years after they've left the service — due in part to the reluctance of many veterans to seek help — but Hill said that veterans of conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are coming to them earlier.

"We're usually not the first stop," Hill said. "I think it's fair to say that by the time the veteran comes to us they've all but given up, really, hope of getting help."

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The Soldiers

2009-09-24T21:55:00.001Z

New helmets being shipped out to Helmand

2009-09-23T07:52:00.001Z

Defence

News Article

New helmets being shipped out to Helmand

An Equipment and Logistics news article

22 Sep 09

5,000
new helmets and sets of body armour which will improve comfort for
British personnel on operations are about to be shipped out to
Afghanistan for use by front line troops this winter.

A soldier models a Mark 7 combat helmet and Osprey Assault body armour at the Defence Vehicle Dynamics 2009 event
[Picture: Andrew Linnett, Crown Copyright/MOD 2009]

The brand
new Mark 7 helmet along with new Osprey body armour will be available
for use by troops of 11 Light Brigade who will take over as the lead
formation of UK Forces in Helmand in October.

The helmets and armour were unveiled at the MOD's Defence Vehicle Dynamics event in June. See Related News >>>

The new Osprey Assault body armour and Mark 7 helmet offer an
improvement in the way that these items fit and feel. The new helmet
has the same protection as the current Mark 6A but will improve the
effectiveness of the soldier with a new harness that keeps the helmet
more stable on the head when night-vision equipment is fitted to it. It
is also better integrated with new weapon sights, making it easier to
use weapons in a variety of fighting positions.

The new Osprey Assault body armour has all the stopping power of the
current Osprey armour but is closer fitting, less bulky and easier to
move in.

Over 10,000 sets of the enhanced Mark 7 helmet and the Osprey Assault body armour have been ordered.

The first 5,000 sets will go to infantry soldiers, engineers,
drivers, medics, dog handlers, and those who regularly go outside the
wire.

Another 5,000 sets of helmets and armour are due to be sent to Afghanistan in Spring 2010.

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Brown targets Afghan troops cutback

2009-09-22T11:58:00.001Z

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has said he is focused on cutting back the number of the UK's troops in Afghanistan, despite a report from the top US commander calling for an increase in the number of soldiers.

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U.K. may send 1,000 to Afghanistan

2009-09-22T09:32:00.001Z

LONDON, Sept. 21 (UPI) --

Britain may provide up to 1,000 more troops in response to a call from the U.S. and NATO commander for more troops in Afghanistan, senior officials said.

The British Army is drawing up plans for the troops, which would raise the number of British troops deployed in Afghanistan to about 10,000, the Times of London reported. After the United States, Britain has the second largest force among NATO allies in Afghanistan. U.S. strength is expected to reach 68,000 by this year.

In a confidential assessment report to U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates last month and currently under review by President Barack Obama, obtained by The Washington Post, U.S. and NATO commander Gen. Stanley McChrystal has sought more troops within a year to defeat the Taliban insurgency.

"Failure to gain the initiative and reverse insurgent momentum in the near-term (next 12 months) -- while Afghan security capacity matures -- risks an outcome where defeating the insurgency is no longer possible," McChrystal's assessment said.

The Times of London report recalled a similar surge in troop strength in Iraq, which helped gain the upper hand over the insurgents there. The Times report said under the McChrystal plan, NATO would be asked to send up to 30,000 additional troops.

The British plan would be presented to Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Defense Secretary Bob Ainsworth once the McChrystal plan is disclosed, the newspaper said.

Soldier from 2 MERCIAN killed in Afghanistan

2009-09-22T08:51:00.001Z

21 Sep 09

It is with sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm that a soldier from 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (2 MERCIAN) has been killed in Afghanistan on the morning of 21 September 2009.

Ministry of Defence

The soldier was killed as a result of an explosion that happened whilst on a dismounted patrol in the Gereshk district, central Helmand province.

Spokesman for Task Force Helmand, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Richardson, said:

"The death of this courageous soldier from 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment is a heartfelt blow to all of us serving in Task Force Helmand. Our sorrow is nothing compared to the heartache felt by his family to whom we extend our deepest sympathies."

Next of kin have been informed and have asked for a period of grace before further details are released.

LAST POST

2007-12-04T15:35:00.001Z

LAST POST

The 3 main fighting regiments are now home from Afghanistan and held their home coming parades:

Grenadier Guards
Anglian Regiment
Mercian Regiment

The Mercians' parade took place today, I was able to get there and cheer the Lads on!!

This is the last post :) from me and this Blog will not be receive any more news items. I have followed the British Army (in Afghanistan) news items for 6 months and as such will continue to post news items but not to this Blog, which was specifically for my Son. For those who will click here for the new Blog.

So its goodbye from me and goodbye from him!!

THE END

Thousands welcome Mercian troops

2007-12-04T15:00:00.001Z

Thousands welcome Mercian troops

Thousands lined the streets to greet the soldiers

Thousands of people have lined the streets of Nottingham to welcome home troops from the Mercian Regiment who have returned from duty in Afghanistan.

About 350 soldiers from the regiment's 2nd Battalion marched through the city after returning from a six-month tour.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Simon Banton said: "The boys take a huge amount from it. All they crave is recognition for their efforts."

The 2nd Battalion lost nine men during their tour of Afghanistan.

Private Jamie Grocock, 25, from Nottingham, said: "It was a great turn-out. It touches you when you hear people clapping. It makes you feel proud.

"Out there in Afghanistan you don't think you get a lot of respect but coming here shows people appreciate what we are doing."

'Welcome parade'

Private Iain Melrose, 28, said: "What has happened is that with the loss of people, it brings it home to people back here what we go through."

Major Paul Gilby had earlier called for soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq to be given a "hero's welcome" by the people of Nottinghamshire.

A service was held at St Mary's Church in Nottingham

"This is not an act of remembrance, we're having that next week in Westminster Abbey," said Major Gilby.

"This is a welcome home parade but they [the nine men] are always with us.

"Every time there's a Last Post or a minute's silence, they are forever at the forefront of your mind, particularly the guys, the friends you've lost."

The troops - who have freedom of the city - marched with bayonets fixed and their colours flying.

After the parade and a church service, the regiment took part in a civic reception at the Council House in Nottingham which saw 12 Nottinghamshire soldiers presented with their Operation Herrick campaign medals.

Three historic regiments merged as part of the British Army's infantry restructuring plans to make the new Mercian regiment in August.

The 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment, the Staffordshire Regiment and the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters combined to become the Mercian Regiment.

ROSS V TALIBAN

2007-11-21T08:00:00.001Z

ROSS V TALIBAN

EXCLUSIVE EastEnders tough-guy joins British troops in war-torn Afghanistan Kemp admits: 'I fear for my life' as TV chiefs insure him for £1million

TV HARDMAN Ross Kemp has joined British troops fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The former EastEnders star is spending four weeks on operations with the infantry in the lawless Helmand Province to film a documentary aimed at boosting recruitment figures.

Kemp, whose dad was in the Army, has already undergone a gruelling training programme and has learned how to fire a weapon.

He headed off with the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment and a small film crew early last week after picking up a BAFTA award for his latest TV series, Ross Kemp On Gangs.

The 42-year-old actor, who played tough guy Grant Mitchell in the BBC1 soap, has been overheard telling friends he was scared of being shot and has been insured by programme-makers Tiger Aspect for £1million.

One pal said: "He told us it had been really difficult to get insurance because they're going to the frontline and the bosses at Tiger were very worried about something happening out there.

"For the four weeks they're going to be at great risk and Ross said he and the crew were very nervous. He made a point of saying goodbye to everyone he could. He also joked there was one bit of him they weren't able to insure - his private parts. But he wouldn't say why."

Kemp and his team of two cameramen, a sound man and producer have been training with the regiment - nicknamed the Vikings - since the start of the year. They took part in military exercises on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire wearing heavy backpacks, firing live ammunition and learning to fend for themselves.

The crew is being given unprecedented access by the Royal Anglian Regiment in the hope the programme can help the Army boost recruitment, with 2,500 posts unfilled and numbers at their lowest since the Napoleonic Wars.

After playing an SAS sergeant in TV drama Ultimate Force - and with his father formerly in The Royal Norfolk Regiment - Kemp was keen to investigate life in the Army today.

The documentary aims to show how 21st Century soldiers fight the Taliban, survive in extreme conditions and try to win the hearts and minds of locals.

An insider said: "The MoD are bending over backwards to help. They really hope the programme will present the Army in a good light and attract more recruits.

"A lot of filming's been done already and the MoD gets a big say on what stays in the final cut.

"The trouble is, one scene he's insisting has to stay shows some of the lads having to use their own money to buy kit on eBay. It's not great PR but the top brass hope it will be overshadowed by some Boys' Own stuff from the front."

Last year 14,000 recruits left the Army and only 12,000 joined, despite the recruitment age limit being raised from 26 to 33.

The Army has also had to recruit from abroad, with one in 10 British soldiers now a foreign national.

The four-part series, called Ross Kemp On Afghanistan, will be shown in the autumn. (Author's note) watch out for this at the end of Nov possibly on Sky (if you know the time and channel pls post a comment.)

Grenadier Guard Thanks Observer Readers

2007-11-21T07:22:00.001Z

Grenadier Guard Thanks Observer Readers

Lee Hastings now back from Afghanistan

Thanks for the letters, parcels and support.

That's the message from 24 year old Lee Hastings of the Grenadier Guards on returning home after months fighting in Afghanistan.

While he was out there, attached to The Anglians Regiment based in Helmand Province, he appealed through the Observer for readers to write to him and his comrades.

His mother Angela, of Salisbury Road, this week called to say: "He wants to say thank you to everybody that supported him by sending out parcels and letters which he and all his friends appreciated."
Lee is now back in Aldershott after spending seven months in Afghanistan.

"He is obviously glad to be home, glad to be back, but he misses his friends in The Anglians, and is just happy to have done some good out there."

Angela added: "It is a relief...you almost feel guilty that you want them back, but you are no longer listening to the radio or watching the television all the time and getting so anxious. But obviously bad things are happening - I don't think people realise because you only hear about the people that die, you don't hear about the people who are injured over there."

She is hoping to see Lee in a Sky One film about Ross Kemp in Afghanistan with The Anglians, expected to be broadcast at the end of November.

> Blog Author's Son Returns Home.

2007-10-15T16:18:00.001Z

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 12^th October and had their medal and final parade in London on Sunday 14^th October. The parade was well attended by the soldier's families but less attended by the general public. (see previous article.)

Author's Son receiving medal from the Lord Mayor of London

ISAF campaign medal

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:

MoD

> London parade for returning UK troops

2007-10-15T08:26:00.001Z

London parade for returning UK troops

By Lewis Hannam

Last Updated: 1:38am BST 15/10/2007

Families rejoiced on Sunday as more than 140 homecoming British troops were given a heroes' welcome.

After six months of combat in Afghanistan, Somme Company, of the London Regiment, paraded through the City of London.

Public homecomings have become a rare sight in recent years, a fact bemoaned recently by the head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt.

Last month he complained that too many local councils were snubbing returning troops, a criticism backed by a Daily Telegraph campaign calling for more returning parades.

Major Giles Morgan, an officer with the London Regiment, said: "The parade was absolutely brilliant. It was the first time families had seen their loved ones for a long time so it was a very proud moment."

The parade was hosted by the City of London Corporation, the local authority for London's financial district, the Square Mile. It included full time troops, Territorial Army soldiers, regular reservists and 26 Grenadier Guards.

Last month a Daily Telegraph survey revealed almost none of the thousands of British soldiers returning from war-torn Iraq and Afghanistan this autumn will be welcomed with a homecoming parade.

Out of the 16 councils contacted - all in areas with strong military links - only two were aware of plans for a parade.

Close to 13,000 troops are set to return from arduous and bloody six-month tours by November.

> Heroes' welcome as soldiers return

2007-10-15T08:17:00.001Z

Heroes' welcome as soldiers return

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Reunited: L/Cpl Alan Cain and his children Jonathan and Selene at the ceremony in Central London

Troops serving in Afghanistan were given a heroes' welcome when they returned home yesterday.

More than 700 people crowded into the Guildhall in Central London to see 140 members of Somme Company take part in a medal parade.

Local authorities across the country have been criticised for not organising official welcome parades for the units returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

But the City of London was delighted with the response to yesterday's event, as members of the public joined friends and family of the London Regiment in welcoming home relatives they had not seen for three months.

Gen Sir Richard Dannatt, head of the Army, said last month that soldiers' morale was suffering because they were returning from active service to an 'indifferent' public who did not seem to appreciate their efforts.

His call for 'welcome home' parades for 13,000 servicemen and women returning this month and next from Afghanistan and Iraq was later backed by all the major political parties.

The Lord Mayor of the City of London, John Stuttard, said troops deserved 'wide recognition' for their 'sacrifice and dedication'.

Maj Giles Morgan, from the London Regiment, said: 'The event was simply brilliant – we really couldn't have asked for better.'

And L/Cpl Tony Field had special cause to celebrate – he used the occasion to propose to girlfriend Amelia Arditti, who readily accepted.

> SOLDIERS PARADE

2007-10-15T08:13:00.001Z

SOLDIERS PARADE

SALUTE OUR TROOPS

14/10/2007

The first TA soldiers to fight on the Afghan frontline are to march through Central London today.

The men, from the Somme Company, the London Regiment, will be honoured at a parade through the City and a reception at the Guildhall.

There they will meet friends and family - and will remember Guardsman Daryl Hickey, 27, who was killed in battle alongside them in July.

The 100 TA soldiers have just returned from a six-month tour of duty in Helmand Province, where they were involved in intense close-quarter fighting with the Taliban.

Forces on parade will also include regular troops and Army and RAF reservists.

They are due to form up on Noble Street and march down Gresham Street at 11.45am before parading at the City o f London Guildhall at noon for 40 minutes.

> Muslim soldier's death 'unlawful'

2007-10-12T16:26:00.001Z

Muslim soldier's death 'unlawful'

A verdict of unlawful killing has been recorded on the first British Muslim soldier to be killed during the conflict in Afghanistan.

L/Cpl Jabron Hashmi, 24, of Bordesley Green, Birmingham, died during a rocket attack on a building on 1 July 2006, an inquest at Oxford Coroners Court heard.

The same verdict was also recorded on his colleague,

Cpl Peter Thorpe, 27, from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria.

Coroner Andrew Walker said the attack was "nothing short of murder".

Less severe

A Chinese-made rocket blasted through a wall on an observation post in Sangin, Helmand Province, as a compound came under fire from Taleban fighters.

It exploded inside, showering soldiers with shrapnel.

The hearing was told the pair, who were both serving with the Intelligence Corps, had direct orders to be wearing body armour, but neither had it on when the rocket hit.

Mr Walker, assistant deputy coroner for Oxfordshire, said it highlighted "failings in the chain of command".

He said if Cpl Thorpe had been wearing protective clothing his injury might have been less severe.

But the inquest heard that such clothing would not have saved L/Cpl Hashmi.

Maj William Pike admitted the fact they were not wearing body armour was a failure, but said there was also "individual responsibility" on the soldiers to ensure they wore it.

Maj Pike said when darkness fell Cpl Thorpe and L/Cpl Hashmi were in an outbuilding which also had soldiers on the roof.

An interpreter was also killed almost instantly in the incident.

The inquest heard that both soldiers were part of a 150 strong force which had been involved in fierce fighting with the Taleban in the days leading up to the fatal attack.

Forensic pathologist Dr Nicholas Hunt said L/Cpl Hashmi died from a shrapnel wound to the neck. Cpl Thorpe died from a projectile wound to the chest.

Pakistani born L/Cpl Hashmi had been in the army since 2004 and was posted to the Royal Signals in January 2006.

Military parachutist

His brother Zeeshan and three sisters said in a statement at the time of his death: "Our brother was proud of his role as a serving soldier and looked forward to his deployment to Afghanistan.

"He felt privileged to represent the Army as a Muslim British Pakistani who wanted to use his background and position to contribute at a time where there exists a lack of understanding of cultures, ideologies and religious identities."

L/Cpl Hashmi's sisters accompanied their mother at the inquest on Thursday.

Cpl Thorpe joined the army in August 1995 and had already served on tours in Afghanistan and Northern Ireland. He was also a qualified military parachutist.

> Paras to lead spring offensive in Afg...

2007-10-07T16:20:00.001Z

Paras to lead spring offensive in Afghanistan

Richard Norton-Taylor
Saturday October 6, 2007
The Guardian

The whole of one of the army's most elite regiments, supported by the RAF's latest fighter bombers, is to be sent to Afghanistan in a military operation unprecedented since the second world war.

For the first time since 1945, all three regular battalions of the Parachute Regiment - about 2,000 troops - will be deployed for combat. The Eurofighter/Typhoon, equipped with new missiles for a ground attack role, will be deployed for the first time in a hostile mission.

New Merlin helicopters from an RAF squadron formed this week will also be sent to the region.

The plan, being drawn up by the chiefs of staff, reflects the government's concern over the failure to win a decisive victory against the Taliban. Tomorrow marks the sixth anniversary of the first American and British missile strikes on Afghanistan in retaliation for the 9/11 attacks on the US, yet Nato-led forces are no closer to beating the Taliban, Nato commanders believe.

The Ministry of Defence said yesterday that a British officer from the Gurkha Rifles was killed, and two soldiers from the regiment injured, in an explosion in southern Afghanistan on Thursday. It is the first death of a member of the Gurkhas there. The soldiers were hit 19 miles from the Nato airbase at Kandahar and airlifted to the main British base at Camp Bastion.

The soldier's death takes the number of British troops killed in Afghanistan since the start of operations in 2001 to 82.

The decision by the heads of all three branches of the armed forces to deploy so much manpower and weaponry to southern Afghanistan also reflects their conviction, shared by ministers, that unlike Iraq, Afghanistan is on the frontline of the fight against international terrorism and that the conflict there is a "noble cause".

Under the plan, the Parachute Regiment will be sent to Helmand as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade next spring. Its deployment is expected to coincide with a further cut, perhaps of 1,500, in British troops in Basra which Gordon Brown is likely to refer to in his Commons statement on Iraq on Monday.

The prime minister is expected to set out the future role of British troops after they hand over to local forces responsibility for overall security of Basra province before the end of the year. During his flying visit to Baghdad this week, he announced that troops there would be cut to 4,500 by Christmas. There are about 5,250 there now and 7,700 in Afghanistan.

Reductions in the number of troops in Iraq will free up soldiers for deployment in Afghanistan at a time when the army is increasingly stretched, with commanders worried about the effect on service families and the resignation of experienced non-commissioned officers.

While Britain prepares to increase its military commitment to Afghanistan, senior Nato commanders are making it clear they are increasingly concerned about the restrictions -"caveats" - on the operations and movements that some countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, impose on their forces in Afghanistan. "Restrictions on operations are having profound consequences," said one Nato commander. He added: "It is very insidious and significant at every level." Nato is faced with the prospect of the first ground combat operation in its 58-year history collapsing in failure. Senior alliance officials describe Afghanistan as "Nato's number one priority".

"No one in Afghanistan is safe," according to a senior military figure. US-led coalition forces and Afghan troops clashed with insurgents during a raid in eastern Afghanistan yesterday, leaving several militants and civilians, including a woman and a child, dead.

Matt Waldman, Oxfam's head of policy in Kabul, told the Guardian: "The truth is that the international community was distracted by Iraq, with terrible consequences for Afghanistan. The urgent priority is to remove the conditions of desperate poverty in which extremism can thrive."

Des Browne, the defence secretary, told a fringe meeting at the Labour party conference last week that the Taliban would have to be involved in a peace process "because they are not going away any more than I suspect Hamas are going away from Palestine". Hamid Karzai, the Afghan president, this week repeated his offer of talks with the Taliban only to be met with the response that US and foreign troops would first have to agree to leave.

> Soldiers return from Afghanistan

2007-10-07T16:19:00.001Z

Soldiers return from Afghanistan

The new regiment is based in Staffordshire

Ninety-six soldiers from the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) are expected to arrive home.

The troops are flying back to the Midlands in a move which marks the beginning of the new regiment's withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The troops will be without nine of their colleagues who died in action.

Major Bob Prophet, the Regimental Secretary, said it will be a time for reflection for the soldiers.

The soldiers were deployed to Afghanistan in May.

Major Prophet said each of the nine deaths had "hit the whole battalion extremely hard".

"But without wishing to be callous, they have to get on with the job," he said.

Regiments merged

He added: "They will undoubtedly grieve much more when they are back and they have time to think about it, but while they are in Afghanistan - no they get on with the job."

Three historic regiments merged as part of the British Army's infantry restructuring plans to make the new Mercian regiment in August.

The 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment, the Staffordshire Regiment and the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters combined as the Mercian Regiment.

The new regiment's headquarters are at Whittington Barracks, Staffordshire.

A total of 82 British troops have been killed in Afghanistan since the start of operations in 2001.

> Dead UK Afghanistan soldier named

2007-10-06T10:37:00.001Z

Dead UK Afghanistan soldier named

Major Alexis Roberts was killed in Afghanistan

A British soldier killed in an explosion in southern Afghanistan has been named as Maj Alexis Roberts.

The soldier, serving with the 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, was returning to Kandahar Airfield on Thursday when the blast happened.

Maj Roberts, 32, lived in Kent with his wife and two daughters.

Prince William said he was "deeply saddened" at the death of Maj Roberts, his platoon commander at Sandhurst, whom he described as "a good friend".

"At this time, his thoughts and prayers are with Lex's wife, Susie, their two young daughters, Alice and Freya, and with all his family and friends," a statement issued by Clarence House added.

The death has taken the number of British troops killed in Afghanistan since the start of operations in 2001 to 82.

It is the first death in the conflict of a soldier serving with the Gurkhas.

Defence Secretary Des Browne said: "I was greatly saddened by the news of Major Roberts' tragic death.

"He was an extremely experienced officer and who was, quite obviously, held in high regard by his superiors, peers and those who worked for him.

"My heart goes out to his family and friends as they come to terms with their loss."

The British Army has lost one of its finest prospects and the nation has lost a dedicated servant

Lt Col Jonny Bourne MBE

Maj Roberts was usually an Officer of 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, although he had been serving in Afghanistan with The 1st Battalion when he was killed.

Maj Roberts, and two soldiers who were injured, were taking part in an operation in nearby Helmand Province when they were hit.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Bourne MBE, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, paid tribute to the soldier.

He said: "In Major Lex Roberts, both battalions of the Royal Gurkha Rifles have lost a dear friend and a treasured officer.

"The British Army has lost one of its finest prospects and the nation has lost a dedicated servant, a demonstrably warm-hearted man of profound integrity and courage - quite simply, a very special human being."

> Gurkha Battalion joins ANA and ISAF

2007-10-06T07:18:00.001Z

Gurkha Battalion joins ANA and ISAF effort in Upper Gereshk Valley

27 Sep 07

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles are currently taking part in a Task Force offensive involving 2,500 troops in decisive operations in Helmand Province, their first major operation since their arrival in Afghanistan earlier this month.

Gurkha soldiers pictured in the 'Green Zone' during Operation Palk Wahel
[Picture: MOD]

In this offensive, codenamed 'Palk Wahel' or 'Sledgehammer Hit', the Gurkhas, alongside other British Forces from the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and the Afghan National Security Forces, are driving the Taliban from key areas in the Upper Gereshk Valley.

Normally based in Serai, Brunei, the Gurkhas form part of ISAF's Regional Command (South) Battlegroup and are serving in Afghanistan on a six month operational tour. This is the first time the Gurkhas have deployed from Brunei as a formed Battalion, although the unit has been involved in operations elsewhere to varying levels, including Iraq, Sierra Leone and the Balkans.

The Gurkhas, who have a reputation as fearsome warriors, are ideally suited to the operating environment in Afghanistan which in some ways is similar to the mountains and plains of Nepal. In addition, their experience of operating in the Bruneian jungle meant that the soldiers arriving in Afghanistan were able to acclimatise quickly and prepare themselves for the tasks ahead.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Bourne, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, said:

"We are really pleased to be conducting our first operation so soon after our arrival in theatre. Operation Palk Wahel is protecting areas within Helmand Province where gains have previously been made against the Taliban and pushing them further out. We have been given the task of clearing down into the Upper Gereshk Valley from the north east.

"Initially we met stiff resistance but this was soon overcome. We are now conducting patrols throughout the area and the local people are beginning to return.

"Initially we met stiff resistance but this was soon overcome. We are now conducting patrols throughout the area and the local people are beginning to return."

Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Bourne

"We have an important job to do in providing the enduring security conditions required to enable the Afghan Government to remove Taliban influence from communities in the Upper Gereshk Valley and to allow reconstruction and development projects to flourish.

"The Gurkhas have a natural advantage here. They have an affinity with the people here. It's in that interaction with the people where we want to make a real difference."

As well as Task Force Helmand, the Gurkhas will be working with three other Task Forces across the Regional Command (South) area.

ISAF's key objective is to create the enduring security conditions to extend Taliban free areas, enabling the influence and control of Afghanistan's democratically elected Government to spread up the Upper Gereshk Valley, allowing vital reconstruction and development projects to take place. Previous phases of the Operation saw activity conducted across the Upper Gereshk and Sangin Valleys as well as in Garmsir and Now Zad.

One of the many weapons the Gurkhas have at their disposal is the Kukri, a weapon they have used for centuries which is considered more deadly than a gun when used in close proximity fighting. The Kukri is made of metal, the heavier the better, and is adorned with a handle made from wood or animal horn.

A Gurkha soldier ready for action
[Picture: MOD]

> Biggest blitz by paras since WW2 to crush Taliban

2007-09-30T08:18:00.001Z

From The Sunday Times

September 30, 2007

Biggest blitz by paras since WW2 to crush Taliban

Michael Smith and Louise Armitstead

BRITAIN is to deploy its biggest contingent of paratroopers and special forces since the second world war in a bid to crush the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Ministers are to send 3,000 paratroopers, including the entire Parachute Regiment, to southern Afghanistan in the spring, as well as trebling the number of special forces in the country.

It will be the first time in the regiment's history that all four para battalions, including its reservists, have fought together on the same battlefield. The number of UK special forces personnel will rise to more than 800 and will include the bulk of the Special Forces Support Group, which is largely comprised of paratroopers.

The deployment comes amid fears that the Taliban are likely to regroup over the winter and retake terrain from weaker Afghan forces unable to hold their positions.

It has also emerged that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) is considering ways in which private security companies could bolster frontline troops in war zones such as Afghanistan. Options include "defensive" tasks such as guarding military bases, helping to escort convoys, supplying frontline soldiers and transporting troops.

Gordon Brown is expected to signal a renewed emphasis on Afghanistan next week when he announces that local forces have officially taken control of southern Iraq. The number of UK troops in the country is expected to be cut from the current 5,000, freeing resources for deployment in Afghanistan.

Brown is expected to commit British troops to Helmand province until at least 2010, although senior officers privately expect to be there much longer. "The aim is for special forces to target the Taliban before they cause problems, while the paras provide security for reconstruction to get going in earnest," one officer said.

The plan will see the current force of 7,000 British troops return from Afghanistan and a total of 8,000 sent out, bringing together the army's most battle-hardened elite. Officers admit that, with 81 killed and more than 250 wounded, the Taliban have provided some of the fiercest resistance seen since the Korean war.

UK special forces will also concentrate for the first time solely on southern Helmand and will be expected not only to target the Taliban but also the drug barons funding them. The RAF will increase the number of aircraft in the country, adding Tornado and Typhoon ground attack planes to its existing Harrier squadrons.

A group of high-level civil servants has been set up to investigate the possibility of hiring private contractors to perform defensive duties in warzones. The group, which is being lead by Peter January of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and includes high-ranking officials from the MoD and the Department for International Development, has been consulting experts from the private sector for some months.

Andy Bearpark, director-general of the British Association of Private Security Companies, said he was in "constant contact" with both the MoD and the Foreign Office over what postconflict resolution work its members could carry out.

"The British military is getting more stretched, and so it makes sense to explore ways of utilising the skills of private security companies," he said.

Read Mick Smith's defence blog

> HOMECOMING SOLDIERS ARE REUNITED WITH...

2007-09-30T08:09:00.001Z

HOMECOMING SOLDIERS ARE REUNITED WITH LOVED ONES

BY MARTIN NAYLOR
MNAYLOR@DERBYTELEGRAPH.CO.UK

09:30 - 26 September 2007

Scenes of celebration and relief greeted the first Derbyshire soldiers to arrive home last night from a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

They were among 111 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards returning to their base in Aldershot.

Families and friends greeted them with banners and balloons.

Husbands were reunited with wives, mothers with sons and children with fathers at the Hampshire barracks.

One soldier from the 351-year-old regiment was 28-year-old Lance Corporal Tim Leatherland, from Alfreton.

Afghanistan was his fifth overseas tour of duty. He has also served in Bosnia, Kosovo, Northern Ireland and Iraq.

He said: "Even though I am relatively experienced I can honestly say that I have never done a tour like that.

"The fighting was incredibly intense and we were dealing with a determined enemy."

The battalion was based at Camp Shorabak, in Helmand province, during the six-month tour which included 'Operational Mentoring and Liaison Training'.

This involved working with the Afghan national army and training them in the same way British soldiers would be trained.

They were given advice and access to the same armaments and equipment used by the British Army.

Another member of the battalion back on British soil last night was Lance Corporal Martin Jordan, 24, of Alvaston.

He said: "This was easily the toughest tour of duty I have undertaken in eight years in the Army.

"The hardest part for me was losing two close friends, Guardsman Downes and Guardsman Probyn. Morale does take a bit of a dip when things like that happen.

"When we lost them both I didn't have a girlfriend, which they both did, and I found myself thinking why couldn't it have been me?"

As well as Neil Downes, 20, from Manchester and Daniel Probyn, 22, from Tipton, the Grenadier Guards also lost Guardsman Simon Davison, 22, from Cannock, and David Atherton, 25, also from Manchester.

Another Grenadier, 27-year-old guardsman Daryl Hickey, from Birmingham, was killed while on manoeuvres with the 2nd Mercian (Worcesters and Foresters) regiment in Afghanistan on July 12.

Regiment Adjutant Major Grant Baker heaped praise on the guards as they came off coaches from RAF Brize Norton, in Oxfordshire.

He said: "This tour is the first time the regiment has seen fighting and warfare this intense since the Second World War. Our committed men showed bravery beyond their years in the face of an enemy stiff with resolve."

The 2nd Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), in which most of Derbyshire's soldiers are represented, is due home next month, at about the same time as the rest of the Grenadier Guards.

> UK's Afghan gains 'may be lost'

2007-09-28T07:07:00.001Z

UK's Afghan gains 'may be lost'

Gen McNeill said he expected the Taleban to regroup over winter

British troops in Afghanistan may have to take ground they have gained this summer again next year, the Nato commander has warned.

Gen Dan McNeill said the alliance had made some important military gains over the past six months in Helmand.

But he expressed concern that Afghan security forces would not be able to retain security in the territory as the Taleban regroup over winter.

About 25 British troops have been killed there in the past six months.

Tactics in Helmand province, in the south of Afghanistan, over the past six months have been to push the Taleban out of the lush river valleys where the insurgents have had a stronghold.

The tactics have meant close-quarters fighting for British troops.

Exit strategy

Gen McNeill, in an interview with BBC correspondent Alastair Leithhead, said this had been a successful military strategy but that he was concerned the job of holding the ground would not be done effectively by Afghan national security forces.

He said some of the ground taken may have to be taken all over again next year if the Taleban regroup over the winter as he fears they will.

"I think there is some chance of that because the Afghan national security forces have not been as successful in holding as we would like them to be," he said.

"We are likely to have to do some of this work again.

"It would nice if the Afghan national security force could hold it, then there's less of a chance we'll have to do it again."

Our correspondent explained that after British troops have pushed forward, leaving Afghan National Security Forces behind to hold the ground, it can be difficult to maintain security.

Taleban fighters launch insurgent-style attacks such as roadside bombings, which eat away at the confidence the presence of international forces is trying to achieve. Operations would have to be launched again to increase the level of security, he explained.

Training the Afghan army and police to a level where they can maintain Afghanistan security is the exit strategy for foreign forces.

Gen McNeill said the mission was on track and he was pleased with the military progress and ongoing reconstruction projects.

However, he said the third key pillar - improving governance - was not going well and more work would have to be done.

> Grenadier Guards return home after si...

2007-09-27T22:20:00.001Z

Grenadier Guards return home after six-month tour of Afghanistan

By DANIEL BATES - More by this author >> Last updated at 09:24am on 26th September 2007

Comments

There were tears and celebrations as 111 members of the Grenadier Guards returned to their barracks in Aldershot after a six-month tour of Afghanistan.

But the joy was tempered by the loss of five of their comrades and concerns among the soldiers over how quickly they had been sent away.

The 111 service personnel flew into RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire at 8pm this evening before being bussed down to their Hampshire barracks.

Scroll down for more...

Reunited: Lance Sgt Chris Beardshaw of the Grenadier Guards cuddles his children after he arrived back to Aldershot from Afghanistan

There they were met by their wives and young children holding up banners which read "Welcome home Daddy", "Welcome back home" and "Welcome home Rob and all the Grenadier Guards".

As the men got off the coaches their families rushed towards them and greeted them with tearful hugs.

The mood was summed up by commanding officer Lt Col Carew Hatherley.

He had an emotional reunion with his wife Canada, 35, and daughter Isabelle, six even though she didn't initially recognise who he was.

He said: "It's been a long old six months and has been pretty ferocious at times.

"We've been very busy these last couple of years and it's fantastic to be home and see my family.

"Isabelle didn't actually recognise me when she first saw me and asked: 'Is that you Daddy?'

"Whilst it is great to be home our thoughts are with those who didn't make it back."

Sgt Lee Northam, 34, from Windsor, was looking forward to seeing one-year-old son Henry take his first steps.

He said: "Its lovely to be home and I've seen a DVD of Henry walking but to actually see it for myself will be incredible."

His wife Anne, 39, a PA added: "Today is like all of my birthdays have come at the same time. The last few days have been a real rollercoaster and I've been living on adrenaline.

"Its going to be lovely to have him home for more than a couple of weeks."

Lance Sgt Chris Beardshaw, 29, was met by his family holding a "Welcome Home Daddy" banner.

He picked up son Rhys, five, who asked him: "Daddy, are you staying for more than a few weeks?" To which he replied: "Yes I am son, I love you."

He was then hugged by other son Devon, two, daughter Dannielle, 12, and wife Lara, 35.

She said: "I've been in touch with him once a week or so on the phone but to see him in the flesh, I can't describe it. I hardly recognised him as he's been away for so long."

Some of the soldiers raised concerns that they had been sent out to Afghanistan too soon after coming back from a tour of Iraq.

Guardsman Matthew Lyne-Pirkis, 27, said: "The time between us coming home and us being sent out is ridiculous.

"I went straight onto a medic course after I got back from Iraq and didn't really get a break at all. This will be a much needed rest."

The turnaround between this deployment and the previous one in Afghanistan is believed to be the fastest for any infantry unit in modern history.

Lance Sergeant Paul Fear, 36, added: "It's a massive relief to have this break because we've done three tours in the last three years.

"Officially we're supposed to get a two-year break between the tours but between Iraq and Afghanistan it was only a matter of months."

The Grenadier Guards were sent on a tour of Bosnia in 2004/2005, then they were sent to Iraq in 2006 and that was followed by Afghanistan in 2007.

The Grenadier Guards' role in their latest mission in Afghanistan was to train up and supervise the Afghan Army.

Around 100 have already returned home after a six month tour and 200 more will return in mid-October.

> On the ground with the Grenadiers

2007-09-27T22:18:00.001Z

On the ground with the Grenadiers

By Vaughan Smith
Freelance video journalist

Twenty years ago I left the Grenadier Guards to become a freelance cameraman.

The Grenadiers have been training the Afghan National Army

Three months later I was in Southern Afghanistan filming Afghans shelling Russians at Kandahar's Airport.

I could not have then imagined that Afghanistan's wars would drag on this long and that the Grenadier Guards would one day end up fighting in Afghanistan.

The Grenadier Guards, part of 12 Brigade commanded by Brigadier John Lorimer, have been in Southern Afghanistan all summer, often fighting in temperatures in the high 40s.

Training on the job

At the end of August I went to stay with them in Helmand for three weeks.

The troops spent much of the operation wading through water

Of the films that I took, the operation conducted on 30 and 31 August 2007 in the Sangin Valley best illustrated what British soldiers have been doing this summer in Southern Afghanistan.

The Grenadiers have been training the Helmand Brigade of the Afghan National Army.

But this is no normal training programme. The bullets are real and so are the Taliban. This really is training on job.

Controlling the troops

This operation was the first time that the ANA were employed by the British within a formal British military operation of this size.

Controlling this number of troops, trying to keep them safe while making quick progress and managing the communications and fire support is complex.

Training the ANA is the sort of work that would normally be done by Special Forces.

The four Grenadiers in the film have to have their wits about them. They have to be extra vigilant: they cannot expect ANA soldiers to behave the way British soldiers would.

The Grenadiers, while taking the lead in attacks, have to carry extra equipment.

The ANA are brave fighters, and are excellent at spotting the Taliban, but they are not used to British levels of military discipline and organisation.

The Grenadiers rely on translators for communication and this is very difficult when the bullets are flying.

In conversation, British officers loosely estimated that, during this operation in the Sangin Valley, they killed about 30 Taliban.

These are not official figures. It is not the British Army's policy to claim body-counts.

Tactics

British soldiers seem respectful of the fighting ability of the Taliban. The Taliban are very mobile, know the ground better and try to surprise and disrupt the British and Afghan National Army advance whenever they can.

Running between compounds - but the Taliban have usually fled by the time they arrive

The Taliban are almost always the first to open fire, seeing the British before being seen. They fire with automatic weapons and rocket propelled grenades.

The British, when they have worked out where the Taliban are firing from, return fire aggressively to encourage the Taliban to "keep their heads down" and therefore stop firing.

British tactics are methodical but more cumbersome. The British are not prepared to take unnecessary casualties and try to use helicopters or artillery in an attempt to kill the Taliban before sending soldiers in.

Most of the time, when the soldiers arrive they find that the Taliban have evacuated their positions, taking any wounded or dead with them.

The British, part of a larger NATO force, aim to clear areas of Taliban and encourage the farmers and townsfolk to return and carry on with life as normal.

It is too early to say whether they are going to be successful in the long run.

When NATO leave Afghanistan the Afghan National Army (ANA) will have to take over the fight against the Taliban, securing whatever gains NATO has achieved.

Modern warfare

The fighting in Afghanistan is tough and would be recognised by veterans of the Second World War. But the Taliban are not the German Wehrmacht and modern wars that are 60 years apart defy simplistic comparison.

Taking aim - but the Taliban are nearly always the first to open fire

One important difference is that modern medicine greatly increases the chances of surviving a battle wound.

In the Second World War, more Commonwealth soldiers were listed as missing or killed than were evacuated as wounded.

In Southern Afghanistan today, a soldier that has the misfortune of being hit has roughly a 90 per cent chance of living.

But there is, consequently, a very much larger chance the injured soldier will end up facing life without a limb or two, lose their eyesight, or spend the rest their life bearing severe disfigurement.

The British public does not properly understand this loss because casualty statistics issued have yet to detail these severe injuries.

Carrying the 'kit'

There are stories about the British equipment not being good enough.

During my stay in Helmand almost everybody complained about the lack of transport helicopters. But then there is not much else to do, except complain, when you are waiting for a helicopter.

The soldiers don't grumble about their personal "kit". The boots are good, ammunition plentiful and the fire support too.

Some say that the larger radios that they carry are too heavy. This is important because the British carry everything with them all the time.

They fight with their packs on.

This report can be seen on Newsnight on Wednesday, 26 September at 10.30pm on BBC TWO.

You can watch and read more about Vaughan Smith's work at fromthefrontline.co.uk.

> MOD to give troops £140 council tax r...

2007-09-25T19:22:00.001Z

MOD to give troops £140 council tax rebate

By BENEDICT BROGAN Last updated at 00:18am on 25th September 2007

Soldiers say are unfairly targeted by the tax system

Troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan are to receive a £140 council tax rebate.

The Ministry of Defence has agreed to the cut following a sustained grass roots campaign by servicemen and their families.

Soldiers have complained that they are unfairly targeted by the tax system because they are expected to keep paying council tax even while they are abroad on active service.

But it is understood the discount will apply only to those deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan - those serving in Bosnia, the Falklands and other overseas posts will not qualify.

With the average council tax bill at £952 - or about £18.31 a week - the cut planned by Defence Secretary Des Browne is worth about 15 per cent.

Gordon Brown has been stung by recent criticisms that the Government is neglecting the welfare of the Armed Forces at a time when servicemen are giving their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan.

While based in combat positions, British soldiers get free food and accommodation, although they have to pay council tax on their usually meagre barrack rooms in Britain.

In his speech to the Labour conference yesterday, the Prime Minister said: "Our Armed Services with bravery and heroism every single day make us proud. We mourn those who have been lost and we honour all those who in distant places of danger give so much to our country."

But Conservative defence spokesman Liam Fox said last night: "This has all the hallmarks of the MoD being bounced into giving a good headline to Number 10."

"The nature of this measure will be divisive amongst the Armed Forces because it discriminates between personnel on different operations."

"It will put further pressure on the frontline budget because no new money is being made available to the MoD. Yet again it's Gordon's spin first, our forces' welfare second."

The council tax rebate is the latest boost to overseas troops amid concern that their morale is being stretched to breaking point.

Until last month families of British servicemen and women had to pay hundreds of pounds a year to send their relatives parcels from home.

But the Royal Mail waived the charges after public outcry and pressure from the head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt.

But many complain their wages do not reflect their dangerous work and long hours.

A soldier on £14,300 is being paid at the rate of £2.45 an hour for being on duty for at least 16 hours a day in a combat zone.

The statutory minimum wage is £5.05 an hour, which will soon rise to £5.35.

A Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army with more than four years' experience would earn a comparative wage, while an American private starting their army career would earn just £7,800 a year.

But on top of that both can get dozens of other allowances, including a tax-free housing benefit. They also get a basic allowance of subsistence for meals which is around £95 for officers and £140 for enlisted members.

Another benefit they can claim is the hazardous duty pay incentive to reflect the dangers they are in. For most this is £75 a month but can but as much as £112 a month.

U.S. troops also receive significantly better hospital care if they are injured.

The MoD says British troops get subsidised accommodation and food, sports and entertainment facilities, free medical and dental care, discounted rail travel and subsidised crËche and nursery facilities on most bases.

> Army chief warns of social 'gulf'

2007-09-22T07:59:00.001Z

Army chief warns of social 'gulf'

The head of the British Army says he is becoming increasingly concerned about "the growing gulf between the Army and the nation".

Gen Sir Richard Dannatt said soldiers were sometimes greeted with indifference on returning from service.

He contrasted the attitude in Britain with support for soldiers among people in the United States.

A "willingness to serve in such an atmosphere again" could be sapped, he said in a speech in London.

Gen Dannatt told the International Institute for Strategic Studies: "Soldiers want to be understood and they want to be respected for their commitment.

"When a young soldier has been fighting in Basra or Helmand, he wants to know that the people in their local pub know and understand what he has been doing and why."

"Soldiers are genuinely concerned when they come back from Iraq to hear the population that sent them being occasionally dismissive or indifferent about their achievements," he added.

Gen Dannatt compared the situations in the UK and the US, where firms offer discounts to serving soldiers and people shake the hand of those in uniform.

He said that, in the UK, "we still have a nation that, at times, seems immune to homeless and psychologically-damaged soldiers".

"As operational commitments have become more intense, so has the need for support from the nation," he said.

"We must move from being a society that uses the military as a political and media football and more towards seeing the military for what it is."

That was "the instrument of foreign policy conducted by a democratically-elected government acting in the name of the people".

Campaign support

Gen Dannatt also called for a radical rethink on the equipment used in the British Army.

He said that "too often we have been seduced by high technology".

He called for more money to be spent on "getting the very lowest level right".

This involved "equipping the man first and building the system around him", Gen Dannatt added.

Major General Patrick Cordingley, who commanded the Desert Rats during the 1991 Gulf War, agreed there was a lack of understanding about the role of armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"I think the real problem is that the armed forces are at war and the country isn't, therefore there is an inevitable misunderstanding of what our armed forces are doing," he told BBC News 24.

There was a great difference between the public's attitude to the first Gulf War and the second, he said.

"The first Gulf War was seen to be just, was seen to be the correct thing to do and the country was right behind everybody who went down and what went on.

"The second Gulf War was a very different situation indeed - probably not just, perhaps not even legal and a 50-50 split in the country - not a popular war."

He added that he believed the media and the Ministry of Defence were partly to blame for not explaining what members of the armed forces were doing in Iraq and Afghanistan.

> Colour Sergeant Phillip Newman & Priv...

2007-09-22T06:26:00.001Z

Colour Sergeant Phillip Newman & Private Brian Tunnicliffe killed in Afghanistan

21 Sep 07

It is with much sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the deaths of Colour Sergeant Phillip Newman of 4th Battalion The Mercian Regiment and Private Brian Tunnicliffe of 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) in a tragic accident in southern Afghanistan on Thursday 20 September 2007.

Colour Sergeant Phillip Newman
[Picture: MOD]

Both soldiers were deployed on Operation Palk Wahel with A (Grenadier) Company 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) and were conducting an essential re-supply during a pause in the fighting.

They were travelling in a Pinzgauer 4X4, 5km south west of their patrol base in an area north of Gereshk, on their way to a rendezvous point as part of a two vehicle replenishment patrol. The vehicle over-turned and tragically landed on its roof in an irrigation channel. One other passenger was able to escape without injury. Despite all of the efforts of the patrol, a medical officer, engineers and a quick reaction force who were on the scene within minutes, sadly Colour Sergeant Newman and Private Tunnicliffe were unable to be saved.

Colour Sergeant Phillip Newman
Colour Sergeant Phillip Newman, aged 36, enlisted into the Territorial Army in Coventry in August 1994 as a member of the 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, later to become the West Midlands Regiment, and as of 1st September 2007, 4th Battalion The Mercian Regiment. Throughout his Territorial Army career, Colour Sergeant Newman showed true commitment to operations having deployed to Afghanistan previously and Iraq on a further occasion in support of the regular Army. Due to his natural talent and hard work, he rose quickly through the ranks and became a formidable Colour Sergeant who was an outstanding model for the current day Territorial Army soldier.

Colour Sergeant Newman volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan and had previously served with 1st Battalion, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (now 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment) on Operation HERRICK 1 in 2004/5 as an operations senior non commissioned officer and watch keeper. He had recently requested to stay with the Battalion for the next two years on a full time reserve service contract. He was going to be employed as Officer Commanding Machine Gun Platoon, an area where he had a specific expertise.

Whilst on Op HERRICK 6, he was employed once again as an operations senior non commissioned officer and assisted with the Company Quarter Master Sergeant party. He had recently returned from a demanding deployment with A (Grenadier) Company to Garmsir in southern Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

Colour Sergeant Newman will be sorely missed by both his regular and Territorial Army colleagues and will be remembered as a professional, dedicated soldier and loving family man. His loss will be immeasurable for the Army but his love of the job and the love and pride he showed for his family should never be forgotten. Our thoughts are with his wife Stephanie and his children Mackenzie, Josh and Tia at this very difficult time.

Commanding Officer - 4th Battalion The Mercian Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Ivan Yardley said:

"Colour Sergeant Phillip Newman joined 5th Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in August 1994 at his local Territorial Army centre and was extremely proud of his Fusilier heritage. He was a mainstay of the West Midlands Regiment, later 4th Battalion The Mercian Regiment. Phillip was a highly experienced and professional member of the Territorial Army having served in Afghanistan on two previous occasions in support of the regular Army and also in Iraq with a Territorial Army company comprised of soldiers from the West Midlands area. Using his knowledge and leadership he provided a strong role model for many young Territorial soldiers who were experiencing operations for the first time. Phillip volunteered again to deploy to Afghanistan and it was during this deployment that he was tragically killed.

"As a member of the Territorial Army he was well known throughout all ranks of the Battalion as a larger than life character and his thirst for adventure was infectious for so many of those who were close to him. Phillip touched many people's lives, here and abroad; he personified all that was good in a soldier, he led from the front and protected those who could not protect themselves. A tragic loss, but far from a wasted life, I, like so many people who served with Phillip feel extremely privileged to have known him. This hugely experienced and popular soldier will be missed by all ranks of this Battalion and also the wider Mercian Regiment which he served so well. He will be remembered as a professional, dedicated soldier and loving family man. His loss will be immeasurable for the Army but his love of the job and the love and pride he showed for his family should never be forgotten.

"Phillip was a dedicated family man; he took great pride in his children's achievements and was devoted to Stephanie, his wife. It is Stephanie and his three children Mackenzie, Josh and Tia that our thoughts and prayers are with at this difficult time."

Permanent Staff Administration Officer A (Fusilier) Company - 4th Battalion The Mercian Regiment, Captain Steve Hopkinson said:

"Colour Sergeant Phil Newman was a first class, staunch Fusilier who wore the hackle with pride and was admired by all in A (Fusilier) Company. A veteran of four operational tours he provided knowledge, experience and realism into all aspects of Territorial Army life. A colleague, a confidant and great friend, I will miss his sense of humour and his outlook on life. A man who placed family first, he will be sadly missed. A true Fusilier!"

Colleague and friend, Sergeant Billy Henry 4th Battalion The Mercian Regiment said:

"Colour Sergeant Phil Newman, a professional, dedicated soldier respected by all who knew him, Phil served for 13 years in the Territorial Army as a part of 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and West Midlands Regiment. He also undertook full time reserve service operational tours in both Afghanistan and Iraq in his time. A harder working or dedicated senior non commissioned officer you could not find. I served with Phil during training, Recce platoon and Sustained Fire platoon 5th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and as a part of A (Fusilier) Company, West Midlands Regiment. He was a close genuine friend, with a great sense of humour and a loving family man he will be sorely missed by all who knew him."

Colour Sergeant Newman's wife, Stephanie said:

"Phil was a loving husband and a brilliant father of three to Josh, 12, Mackenzie, 11, and Tia, 8. He took great pride in all of his achievements. His great sense of humour made the most of any situation. We are very proud of him. He died doing what he loved and we will all miss him very much."

Private Brian Tunnicliffe
[Picture: MOD]

Private Brian Tunnicliffe
Private Brian Tunnicliffe, aged 33, from Ilkeston, was enlisted into the Army in Derby and commenced his training at the Army Training Regiment Lichfield followed by the Infantry Training Centre Catterick in January 1997. He arrived at the Battalion in the summer of 1997, whilst it was based in Tidworth. He deployed soon after to Bosnia in 1998. He later deployed to Omagh, Northern Ireland in 2000 for a two year residential tour of duty and again to South Armagh in 2003. Additionally he had deployed to Belize and Kenya and exercised on HMS Nottingham.

As a senior Private soldier, Private Tunnicliffe had been employed in various roles over the last 10 years. He spent most of his career as a store man in A (Grenadier) Company, assisting many an Officer Commanding and Company Quarter Master Sergeant. His varied other tasks included a spell as Ram Orderly to Private Derby, the Regiment's Swalesdale Derbyshire Ram mascot. Private Derby too was thankful for the companionship, never had he been exercised so much or cared for so diligently. More recently Private Tunnicliffe was employed in the motor transport platoon.

Commanding Officer 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) Lieutenant Colonel Simon Banton said:

"'Private 'Tunny' Tunnicliffe was a true Regimental character known to every officer and soldier alike who has served with the Battalion over the past decade. He would always go the extra mile, ensuring those around him were looked after, whether it be his Company Commander or the soldiers in the Company. All he ever wanted was to make others happy; a thank you and pat on the back was always sufficient reward.

"As soldiers past and present will testify, there isn't a single man who has served in 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters/ 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) who won't have a collection of 'Tunnicliffe stories'. Private Tunnicliffe reflected the archetypal county infantryman, fiercely loyal to his regiment and his friends. A truly big hearted Ilkeston man through and through, our lives are darker now that his bright light has gone out."

Captain Adrian Garrett - Adjutant 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) said:

"Private Tunnicliffe was one of the first soldiers that I met when I joined the Battalion. As the Company store man he always gave 100 % effort to the guys deploying onto the ground. His natural strength was renowned, although in true contrast you would never meet a warmer spirited individual with always a kind word. All Worcesters and Foresters, past and present have lost a close friend."

Captain Richard (Fred) Slaney - Quarter Master (Technical) 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) said:

"Never afraid of hard work, Private Tunnicliffe would always get stuck in and offer a lending hand no matter what the task. He had two sides; on one side he was as strong as an ox, he could dig a trench and have brews on in no time. On the other side he loved baking cakes which he would proudly share with the lads, quite clearly he was very popular within the motor transport platoon. A real lively character who was full of chat, he will be truly missed."

Sergeant Brian Burgess - Motor Transport Platoon Sergeant 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) said:

"Private Tunnicliffe was as strong as an ox, with a large heart to match. He went out of his way to help you, all he wanted was praise. Everyone knew 'Tunni', his character and that familiar voice."

Private Tunnicliffe's wife, Lindsey said:

"Beloved Husband and Best Friend. Loved the Army, always reliable and the worst cook in the world. We'll miss you "Tunni""

Defence Secretary Des Browne said:

"I am deeply saddened by the deaths of Colour Sergeant Newman and Private Tunnicliffe. Both were dedicated, professional soldiers. Their loss strengthens our resolve to continue with our mission in Afghanistan and I commend their comrades for continuing the fight at what must be a difficult time for them. My thoughts and prayers are with their family, friends and comrades."

> Lance Corporal Ivano Violino killed i...

2007-09-19T18:44:00.001Z

Lance Corporal Ivano Violino killed in Afghanistan

19 Sep 07

It is with immense sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Lance Corporal Ivano Violino from 20 Field Squadron, 36 Engineer Regiment in southern Afghanistan on Monday 17 September 2007.

Lance Corporal Ivano Violino
[Picture: MOD]

Lance Corporal Violino was commanding an FL12 Self-Loading Dump Truck on a routine logistics convoy, moving vital engineering equipment to a Forward Operating Base 19 kilometre north east of the town of Gereshk in Helmand province, when his vehicle was caught in an explosion. Despite the best efforts of the Air Medical Emergency Response Team who arrived on the scene shortly after the explosion, Lance Corporal Violino was sadly pronounced dead on arrival at the field hospital at Camp Bastion.

Lance Corporal Ivano Violino

Lance Corporal Ivano Violino, known as "Sean", aged 29, was born in Salford. He joined the Army on 18 January 2002. Having completed combat engineer training at 3 Royal School Military Engineering Regiment and driver training at the Defence School of Transport, Leaconfield, Lance Corporal Violino joined 36 Engineer Regiment as a member of the Combat Support Troop, 50 Headquarters & Support Squadron on 11 February 2003. He was an Army canoeist and regularly represented the regiment at rugby.

In March 2003 Lance Corporal Violino deployed with the Regiment to Kuwait and took part in Operation TELIC. He was deservedly promoted to Lance Corporal in October 2004 and in April 2006 he was cross-posted within 36 Engineer Regiment to Support Troop, 20 Field Squadron.

As part of 20 Field Squadron he deployed to Canada in February 2007 to take part in a demanding construction exercise to upgrade and construct facilities at the British Army Training Unit, Suffield. Thereafter Lance Corporal Violino participated fully in the pre-deployment training for Afghanistan deploying with his Squadron on the 52 Infantry Brigade exercise on Salisbury Plain and taking part in a live firing exercise on Thetford Training Area. Prior to his deployment, Lance Corporal Violino's high professional standards were recognised when he was selected for promotion to Corporal.

"The very epitome of a modern professional soldier, [Lance Corporal Violino] lived life to the full and gave his all to the Army, his comrades and to his family."

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Wardlaw, Commanding Officer 36 Engineer Regiment

Lance Corporal Violino arrived in Afghanistan on 2 September 2007 and is sadly the first fatality from 36 Engineer Regiment. He leaves behind his wife, Katey Anne (known as Katey), and seven-year-old twins from a previous relationship, Ellie and Lewis.

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Wardlaw, Commanding Officer 36 Engineer Regiment, said:

"Lance Corporal Violino was an experienced and dedicated junior non commissioned officer, the very epitome of a modern professional soldier, who lived life to the full and gave his all to the Army, his comrades and to his family. Extremely fit, enthusiastic and exceptionally hard working, he drew respect and praise in equal measure: his recent and early selection for promotion to Corporal is testament to the excellent career which lay ahead. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten by all those who had the honour to serve alongside him."

Major Gareth Baker, Officer Commanding 20 Field Squadron, said:

"Lance Corporal Violino was a dedicated professional with a strong sense of duty and endless enthusiasm for his chosen career. He was a privilege to command; was always positive, proactive, and utterly reliable in everything he did. He took immense pride in his performance both at work and in his sporting pursuits. An excellent sportsman; he was awarded Army colours for canoeing and was an integral member of the winning Royal Engineers team in the extremely physically demanding Devizes to Westminster canoe race.

"Lance Corporal Violino's outstanding performance was recognised by all who worked with him. He made his mark in the Squadron with his endless professional knowledge, high standards and genteel manner."

Major Gareth Baker, Officer Commanding 20 Field Squadron

"Lance Corporal Violino's outstanding performance was recognised by all who worked with him. He made his mark in the Squadron with his endless professional knowledge, high standards and genteel manner. Nothing was too much trouble and he had time for anyone who would benefit from his experience. He regularly took on responsibilities beyond his rank and was always prepared to help others. This fact had been recognised by his early promotion to Lance Corporal and his recent selection for promotion to Corporal ahead of his peers.

"I cannot express how deeply shocked all of the Squadron have been by this tragic loss so early in our deployment. Lance Corporal Violino was killed by an indiscriminate explosive device while commanding a key piece of engineer equipment. His mission was to move the equipment as part of a large logistics convoy to ensure it was in the right place at the right time. Our only consolation is that it was typical of his character to volunteer for this mission, fully aware of the risks associated, and he was supporting the Squadron effort in the best way he could. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends who have lost a husband, father and exceptional man."

Warrant Officer Class 2 Pat Rendell, Squadron Sergeant Major 20 Field Squadron, said:

"Lance Corporal Ivano Violino was a first class junior non commissioned officer, a larger than life character and an extremely well respected member of the Squadron and Regiment. The word professional sums this man up perfectly, as proved by his recent selection for promotion to Corporal. The enthusiasm with which he conducted himself was infectious and others who worked alongside him have no doubt benefited from his breadth and depth of knowledge. The news of his death came as a great shock to all who knew him. My thoughts go out to all his family and friends. He will be sorely missed by all members of 20 Field Squadron. Missed but not forgotten."

"Sean was very proud to be a member of the Armed Forces, in particular the Royal Engineers, and having been selected for promotion to Corporal had a bright future ahead of him. The world is a poorer place without Sean."

Lance Corporal Violino's wife, Katey

A close friend of Lance Corporal Violino, Lance Corporal Adam Cornelius, 50 Headquarters and Support Squadron, said:

"Lance Corporal Violino, or Sean to his friends, was an all round good guy. I had the privilege to know him, his wife Katey and his two young twins Ellie and Lewis. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time of great sadness.

"I will remember Sean best for his 'Cheeky Chappy' attitude to life both in and out of work. His death is a massive loss as he was an individual who had so much to give to others."

Lance Corporal Graham Bradley, 20 Field Squadron, a close friend, added:

"Sean was an excellent non commissioned officer who was well respected by his blokes. But most of all he was a genuinely good man and friend; he talked constantly about his wife, children and his ambitions for himself and his family."

Sean's wife, Katey, said:

"Sean will be sadly missed for his infectious enthusiasm for life and his desire to be everyone's friend. He was popular with everyone he met and was loved by friends and family alike. Sean was very proud to be a member of the Armed Forces, in particular the Royal Engineers, and having been selected for promotion to Corporal had a bright future ahead of him. The world is a poorer place without Sean."

Defence Secretary Des Browne said:

"The death of Lance Corporal Violino is profoundly tragic. The Army has lost a highly professional soldier and his death is an immense blow to all who knew him. I hope that his family, friends and comrades will draw comfort from the fact that he died doing a job he clearly excelled at. My thoughts are with all of them at this very sad time."

> Heavy fighting in S Afghanistan

2007-09-19T01:31:00.001Z

Heavy fighting in S Afghanistan

By Chris Morris
BBC News, Kabul

There have been more military clashes in southern Afghanistan between Afghan and international security forces and Taleban insurgents.

It has been announced that a British soldier was killed in Helmand province on Monday.

The Afghan defence ministry says 14 Taleban were killed in two separate clashes elsewhere in the province.

Police also say that a Taleban leader who kidnapped 23 South Koreans in July has been killed in a US air strike.

There is no independent confirmation of the claim.

A British soldier serving with the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) was killed after an explosion hit his army truck in the Gereshk district of Helmand province.

The Ministry of Defence in London says he was taking part in a routine logistics convoy.

Elsewhere in Helmand, Afghan officials say nine Taleban insurgents planning an ambush were killed in an American air strike, while five others died when they attacked Afghan and US-led forces.

The latest fighting comes as the United Nations in Afghanistan is mounting a big public campaign to promote International Peace Day later this week.

The head of the UN mission here has called for a complete cessation of violence on 21 September, while the World Health Organisation and the UN Children's Fund have appealed for three days of calm.

They want to vaccinate children across the south of the country against polio.

Posters promoting International Peace Day have appeared around the capital Kabul.

But military clashes have become routine here and several thousand people have been killed during the course of this year.

> Don' t leave Iraq: quit Afghanistan instead

2007-09-19T00:51:00.001Z

From The Times

September 19, 2007

Don' t leave Iraq: quit Afghanistan instead

Iain Duncan Smith

Britain has sleepwalked into a fierce military engagement in Helmand province in Afghanistan, blind to the strategic consequences of doing so. When we first deployed troops in the province, the Defence Secretary at the time said he "hoped" they would be out without firing a shot. Since then, our troops have had to be reinforced and now find themselves holding the line between the Kabul Government and the Taleban.

The British Army is fighting a war on two fronts with resources depleted by defence cuts. Not surprisingly, the military chiefs decided something had to give - and the powers that be chose Iraq. The Iraq war is unpopular at home and the pressure for more troops and equipment in Afghanistan grows daily. Afghanistan v Iraq: it's a "no brainer". Or is it?

Of course, supporting the fledgeling democratic Government in Kabul is important; but Iraq is much more strategically vital. It is galling that after all the hard work our forces have put in to stabilising Iraq, their withdrawal should be seen by the world as a retreat. But by failing to get the balance of priorities right between Iraq and Afghanistan we have only ourselves to blame.

The UK is America's most capable ally in Iraq. Other Western nations such as Germany and France steadfastly refuse to be involved militarily, citing their opposition to the war - although the recent foiled bomb plots in Germany show that that cuts no ice with al-Qaeda. However, France and Germany supported the Afghan war and, given our commitment in Iraq, their forces should now be deployed in Helmand province, not ours. Yet they won't do their bit. The British Government should have been raising merry hell with them every time our ministers meet, telling them their failure to face up to their responsibilities is shameful. Yet little seems to happen.

It is strange that, at the moment General Petraeus is demonstrating that the surge in US forces is yielding results in Baghdad and beyond, the British seem to quit the field. It sends all the wrong signals to the insurgents and Iran, which stands to gain enormously from the British departure. This is a strategic mistake at a time when we are trying to apply international pressure on Iran to stop developing nuclear weapons.

The problems in Iraq are great but the rewards for success are also huge. Al-Qaeda has thrown everything into Iraq and to show it can be beaten would send shockwaves around the world. A democratic Iraq is a challenge to the violent ideology of militant Islam, and would stabilise the whole region in a way Afghanistan cannot. After all the superhuman effort over the past few years, a precipitate British withdrawal, which has its roots in our appallingly underfunded and undermanned army, makes no sense.

Have your say

> Medical Facilities in Afghanistan

2007-09-19T00:43:00.001Z

Medical Facilities in Afghanistan

16 Sep 07

The Sunday Telegraph has published an article today, Sunday 16 September 2007, claiming that there are critical shortages of doctors for British troops in Afghanistan and that the 40-bed field hospital at Camp Bastion, the main British base in Helmand, closed its doors twice in the past six months because it ran out of beds.

British medics from 208 Field Hospital treat casualties from the suicide bomb attack in Gereshk earlier this month
[Picture: MOD]

Camp Bastion field hospital was never closed. Bed occupancy at the various field hospitals is controlled by Regional Command (South) across its Area of Operations and hospitals have overlapping arcs. British casualties are sent to the field hospital at Camp Bastion wherever possible but it is not unusual for UK troops to be treated in other facilities in the RC(S) area. We often treat other International Security Assistance Force, Afghan National Army troops, Afghan National Police or civilians in our facilities as well.

Threat levels around the AO fluctuate and as a result we constantly rebalance where our medical staff are based and move doctors around depending on the balance of risk or whether we are conducting an operation etc.

The Sunday Telegraph article reports that the shortage of doctors was revealed following the death last month of Captain David Hicks, second-in-command of C (Essex) Company 1 Royal Anglians, who they say had repeatedly requested that a doctor capable of conducting emergency minor surgery be sent to Patrol Base Inkerman in the Sangin valley.

For Inkerman, where the threat level went up over a short period of time, we assessed the risk and we immediately rebalanced our doctors, taking advantage of a doctor returning from R&R to base him there. He was swapped to Inkerman and arrived the day after Capt Hicks was killed. We have combat medical technicians at forward operating bases (FOB). They are trained to deliver specialist trauma care. A combat medical technician is based at Inkerman.

Doctors are the only people able to write prescriptions and administer primary care, which is important in locations where the threat of indirect fire (such as PB Inkerman) means that movement of helicopters is minimised and as such primary care and long term health planning is more safely delivered at the FOB or PB rather than back at the facility at Camp Bastion. They do not deliver trauma care that is any different to that administered by a Combat Medical Technician.

> England's Northern Cavalry' on the charge in Helmand

2007-09-19T00:32:00.001Z

DefenceNews Article

Military Operations

'England's Northern Cavalry' on the charge in Helmand

13 Sep 07

Nicknamed England's Northern Cavalry, it is not horses that The Light Dragoons have gone into battle with in southern Afghanistan but robust and effective tracked vehicles. Report by Major John Godfrey and Corporal Jon Bevan.

Major John Godfrey watches the battle commence in the Green Zone from his armoured Spartan vehicle
[Picture: Corporal Jon Bevan RLC]

During the last few months, the armoured vehicles of The Light Dragoons' B Squadron, better known as CVR(T) or Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked), have covered a combined total of over 40,000 miles, often operating right at the limit of support helicopter range. Indeed B Squadron are the only sub-unit to have operated to the north of Musa-Qaleh, in support of operations around Gereshk and the Lower Sangin Valley, and on the banks of the 'fish hook' of the River Helmand in the far south of the Province.

Renowned for being a close-knit unit it is this bond that has been the key to the unit's success during their current operational tour, a tour which has seen them regularly conduct dangerous patrols and brought them face to face with the Taliban.

CVR(T) may be no spring chicken, but it continues to demonstrate its effectiveness on the ground in Afghanistan. During a recent operation, B Squadron conducted a 220 kilometre insertion to establish a screen to the north of the River Helmand.

It was a classic Formation Reconnaissance task, B Squadron outflanking known and suspected Taliban defensive positions to the north of Sangin by crossing the dominating Musa-Qaleh wadi at the very base of the Province's northern mountain range.

In Helmand it's impossible to avoid the attention of the Taliban's own reconnaissance network; motorcycles trailed the multinational patrol from a distance, reporting their approach throughout. The deliberate crossing of the kilometre wide and 100 metre deep natural obstacle of the wadi and the final 45 kilometre approach of the patrol was therefore completed at high speed in just five hours, with the patrol changing direction every kilometre to keep Taliban ambush teams en route guessing as to its ultimate destination. Once in position, the Squadron was surrounded in all directions by a combination of natural obstacles and known enemy strongholds.

Corporal John Ford a vehicle mechanic works solidly trying to fix the vehicle even through the night without rest
[Picture: Corporal Jon Bevan RLC]

CVR(T) was designed for use in the rubber plantations of Malaya. It entered service in the early 1970s and, with considerable improvements, is destined to remain in service with the British Army for many more years. It is armed with a number of weapons systems which have proven highly effective in the 40 plus contacts the Squadron has fought over the sweltering summer months.

In August, air conditioning units arrived in theatre to help the crews in the battle against daily driver's cab temperatures of over 65 degrees centigrade. The units are a necessary and welcome addition to the vehicle. However, perhaps the most significant improvement to the vehicle has been the increased armour protection.

During one patrol, the Squadron suffered its first mine strike. Second Lieutenant Merlin Hanbury Tenison, aged 22, from Bodmin, is on his first deployment. Although his Scimitar vehicle was written off, the crew of three walked away completely unscathed:

"We were blown about three feet in the air and the vehicle came to a standstill 50 metres away," he said. "It took a few seconds to realise what had happened, and it was the single most terrifying moment of my life. I was convinced that I was going to die and even worse I thought my crew were all dead."

2nd Lt Hanbury Tenison, like many of his colleagues, believes the training he and his men received - up to ten months before the actual deployment - has prepared them well:

"The training has been superb and it made me ready for combat. The first time that you are shot at, your training kicks in just as the people who taught you said it would. Nothing can prepare you for driving over mines but my friends and colleagues have been very supportive and I can only equate this to falling off a bicycle and getting back on again. Banter between the men makes life bearable over here and even cheating death can be joked about."

The armoured column during the long drive to the first halt across the desert
[Picture: Corporal Jon Bevan RLC]

The Scimitar driver, Trooper Lee Dobbs, aged 20, whose father Mark recently left the Squadron after his six month tour of duty, added:

"One minute we were talking on the intercom about how great this patrol was, driving over mountain dunes, the next minute there was a big explosion and silence. When the vehicle stopped a few seconds later I turned around screaming for my Troop Leader and my friend. I was so relieved when both their heads popped up out of the gun turret."

The Estonian Explosive Ordance Disposal (EOD) team attached to the patrol swept a safe route to the vehicle and after all BOWMAN radio equipment, weapons and personal equipment had been recovered, the vehicle was denied. The incident provided a sobering reminder of the everyday dangers that the vehicle crews face, but also amply illustrated the excellent protection afforded to them.

The Squadron's unsung heroes are their 12 man Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) Fitter Section. On this patrol, Corporal John Ford a Vehicle Mechanic worked tirelessly with a Spartan vehicle crew for 12 hours throughout the night using a tiny light source to fix a broken down vehicle. While the vehicle crews get into their routine and snatch a few hours of rest each night, the REME soldiers simply do whatever it takes in order to get broken vehicles back on the road.

Lance Corporal Louis Iddon watches from the commanders hatch of his Spartan armoured vehicle
[Picture: Corporal Jon Bevan RLC]

Urgent spare parts are delivered directly to the field and new engines and assemblies, carefully wrapped in foam padding by the Squadron's support staff in Camp Bastion are routinely dropped by airplane or helicopter to the remote desert locations in a matter of hours. The Squadron's availability has remained impressively high throughout the tour.

B Squadron's Commanding Officer, Major John Godfrey, summed up his feelings towards all of his soldiers:

"Afghanistan is a theatre of operations in which British soldiers put the theoretical tactics and ideas taught at its training schools like Brecon and Warminster into actual practice on a daily basis. The enthusiasm shown by the soldiers and their determination to take the fight to the enemy is unstinting. The sense of achievement that we all share at the end of a patrol is something that I have never previously experienced on an operational tour."

> British troops are left without medics

2007-09-16T08:07:00.001Z

British troops are left without medics

By Sean Rayment, Defence Correspondent

Last Updated: 1:29am BST 16/09/2007

The war in Afghanistan is being severely hampered by critical shortages of doctors, helicopters and troops, The Sunday Telegraph has found.

Frontline: Our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan

Despite Tony Blair's promise last year that the Army would be given whatever resources commanders need, shortfalls of vital equipment in Helmand, where 7,000 troops are based, remain.


	Senior officers are under strict orders not to make public demands for more helicopters because the RAF has no more to send

The Ministry of Defence has constantly denied claims that there are too few helicopters in Afghanistan or that commanders are being hampered by shortages of kit and equipment.

After spending three weeks on the front line in Helmand with the Royal Anglian Regiment, however, it can be revealed:

* one military base under daily Taliban attack spent three weeks without a doctor
* the main military hospital in Helmand has run out of beds twice in six month
* no formal system exists in the Army to replace soldiers killed and injured in battle
* helicopter shortages have meant that one isolated base was down to its last 50 rounds of mortar ammunition
* the commanding officer of one unit was stranded at a base for five days by the lack of helicopters
* heavy machine guns in use by the Army are 55 years old

The shortage of doctors in Helmand was revealed following the death last month of Captain David Hicks, second-in-command of C (Essex) Com-p-any 1 Royal Anglians. He had repeatedly requested that a doctor capable of conducting emergency minor surgery be sent to Patrol Base Inkerman in the Sangin valley.

It has also emerged that the 40-bed field hospital at Camp Bastion, the main British base in Helmand, was forced to close its doors twice in the past six months because it ran out of beds. The last occasion was on September 5 following a Taliban attack on an Army patrol that left two soldiers dead and two seriously injured. Soldiers subsequently injured were flown to military hospitals belonging to other coalition members.

One officer who asked not to be named said: "We paid lip service to medical cover in peace time and now we are paying the price. We have only two-thirds of the staff we need. It all comes down to risk management: you should have a doctor in every location where you have more than 100 troops but that is not the case in Helmand. We are making do and we are risking lives."

It can also be revealed that there is no formal system for replacing soldiers killed and injured in battle. Individual regimental organisations must provide their own replacement or "borrow" troops from other units. Remarkably, some of the heavy machine guns being used on operations were made in 1952; many of the armoured vehicles are more than 30 years old.

A total of 78 troops have been killed and hundreds more injured in battle since troops arrived in Afghanistan in 2001. The vast majority of those deaths or injuries have been incurred within the past 18 months since British troops arrived in Helmand.

Patrick Mercer, the Tory MP who is a former infantry commander, called on the Government to give more support to troops in Afghanistan.

"In the past two weeks four soldiers from my own regiment have died in combat," he said. "The Ministry of Defence must make sure that these men have the equipment and doctors they need."

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Eaton, the Army spokesman in Helmand, said: "Brigadier John Lorimer has gone on the record as saying that he has all the resources he needs to complete his military objectives. But like all commanders he could achieve more if he had more resources."

Support helicopters: British commanders in Afghanistan have access to 10 support helicopters, eight Chinooks and two smaller Lynx. However, the Lynx cannot fly during daylight hours because of the effect of the intense heat on their engines.

Support helicopters are vital to operations because of the dangers of moving troops, fuel, ammunition, rations and water by road.

During very busy periods, commanders can call on the resources of American helicopters based at Kandahar.

The lack of support helicopters has hampered the Ministry of Defence since the start of the Afghan campaign. Senior officers are under strict orders not to make public demands for more helicopters because the RAF has no more to send.

Medics: Wounded troops receive excellent care at the field hospital in Camp Bastion but there are growing concerns that, as the fighting intensifies, hard-pressed doctors and nurses will be unable to cope.

There is a shortage of doctors and surgeons from every discipline in the defence medical services with more than a third of posts vacant. Twice in six months, the 40-bed Camp Bastion hospital has run out of beds to treat casualties.

Battle casualty replacements: The Army has no formal system of sending troops to Afghanistan to replace those killed or injured in battle. Instead, regiments are told to "make their own arrangements".

Most troops being sent to Helmand as reinforcements are young and inexperienced, often straight out of training.

Although finding additional troops has not been a problem for the Royal Anglians, who are the best recruited regiment in the Army, it will be a concern for commanders of units that are 10 or 20 per cent below strength, the case with the majority of infantry units.

> Sergeant Craig Brelsford and Private ...

2007-09-09T19:48:00.001Z

Sergeant Craig Brelsford and Private Johan Botha killed in Afghanistan

9 Sep 07

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the deaths of Sergeant Craig Brelsford and Private Johan Botha, both from The 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), in Afghanistan on Saturday 8 September 2007.

Sergeant Craig Brelsford
[Picture: MOD]

A number of other soldiers were also injured in the incident, two are in a serious condition. Sergeant Brelsford and Private Botha were taking part in a pre-planned operation to disrupt Taliban activity, south of Garmsir, southern Helmand, Province, when their patrol was attacked by enemy fighters shortly after 0045 hours local time. Sadly Sergeant Brelsford and Private Botha were both killed during the subsequent heavy firefight to repel the enemy. A number of Taliban were also killed.

Sergeant Craig Brelsford

Sergeant Craig Brelsford of A (Grenadier) Company, 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) was born on 16 September 1981, he was days away from his 26th birthday. From Nottingham, he was enlisted into the Army on 6 April 1999 and joined 1st Battalion, Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters (29th/45th of Foot) just as the Battalion deployed to Omagh, Northern Ireland in December of the same year.

Sergeant Brelsford served in Northern Ireland on three operational tours and had previously served in Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 1 in 2004. Additionally he had deployed with his Battalion to Belize (on two occasions) and Kenya on arduous exercises.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Banton, Commanding Officer 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) said:

"Sergeant Craig Brelsford was a hugely popular man and a superb senior non-commissioned officer; fit, strong and robust, he led from the front. It is unsurprising that he fell while attempting to rescue wounded soldiers under enemy fire. Junior soldiers were inspired by him and aspired to follow the example he set. He was assured a bright future and had an enormous amount of potential. His death is keenly felt across the Battalion. He will be sorely missed."

Major Jamie Nowell, Officer Commanding A (Grenadier) Company said:

"Sergeant Craig Brelsford served as a Platoon Sergeant in No 3 Platoon and was a rising star in the Regiment. Despite his relative youth he was incredibly talented and possessed potential and maturity beyond his years. Sergeant Brelsford was one of the most dedicated, professional and highly focused Infantry commanders I have been privileged to work with. He died maintaining the incredibly high standards he lived for and protecting his soldiers' lives - his troops always came first.

"Charismatic, intelligent, tough and robust; Sergeant Brelsford was the perfect Infantry commander. I am convinced that if he had been given the opportunity to choreograph his own death it would not have been dissimilar to the heroic circumstances in which he died. Sergeant Brelsford was killed in action attacking a well defended Taliban position in an attempt to protect and evacuate his wounded comrades. He repeatedly fought through tenacious enemy fire to extract casualties and was hit on his final attack to find Private Botha, also killed in action, who had fallen behind enemy lines - this exceptionally courageous act of bravery and selfless commitment personified the character of Sergeant Brelsford.

"Sergeant Brelsford was not only the consummate professional; he was extremely popular with a friendly, outgoing and mischievous sense of humour which endeared him to everyone. He was idolised by his troops and held in high esteem by his peers. The loss of Sergeant Brelsford is a deep wound to his Company and the wider Battalion. He will be missed by all of us and forgotten by none - it will take some considerable time for the wounds and sense of loss to heal. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends who have lost an exceptional young man."

Company Sergeant Major Pete Lewis, A (Grenadier) Company said:

"'Brels' arrived in the Company a year ago and took over 3 Platoon where he immediately stamped his authority and leadership style on the Platoon, turning it into an excellent team. From the first time I met Sergeant Brelsford he was a pillar to me and somebody I could trust and rely on. In the field he was second to none; one of the best soldiers I have had the honour of working with. There will be a void in the Company where he stood, alongside his soldiers to the end. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten."

Lieutenant Simon Cupples and Second Lieutenant Andy Bell, his Platoon Commanders said:

"Sergeant Brelsford was an extremely professional soldier. He was respected and liked a great deal by the Platoon - something which is not an easy task for a Platoon Sergeant considering the nature of the job. His impressive rise through the ranks and the wealth of knowledge he possessed were reflected in his actions on the ground throughout the tour. His sense of humour led to a natural rapport with everyone he met. Throughout the whole tour Sergeant Brelsford, time and time again, demonstrated calm and considered leadership under pressure and incredible bravery in the face of the enemy. The night he died was no exception to this.

"His death has left a huge gap in both his Platoon and Company and he will be remembered not only for how he served his Platoon, but also as a friend and talented military commander."

Corporal Rocco Zecca, Section Commander and close friend said:

"I first met Sgt Brelsford when I arrived at the Battalion and he was placed in my Platoon. He had arrived five days before me which basically made us the 'new blokes'.

"As a soldier Sergeant Brelsford was very well respected because, despite having only served eight years in the Army, he was recognised as a flyer. He had managed to promote quickly and the amount of courses he had completed in his eight years far exceeded what most would accomplish in their full twenty two. Sergeant Brelsford will always be remembered by 3 Platoon for being a great leader of men as well as a true friend."

Private Paul Bood & Private Samuel Murray - soldiers in Sergeant Brelsford's Platoon said:

"Sergeant Brelsford will be missed by us all, as he was an excellent Platoon Sergeant and a great friend to everyone. He was a funny man and we will all miss his stories, especially the one about the 'armpit'. His death has hit us all in many different ways. He will be missed not just by the Platoon but by everyone who knew him. He will always be in our hearts and minds."

Private Johan Botha
[Picture: MOD]

Private Johan Botha

Private Johan Botha of A (Grenadier) Company, 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) was born in South Africa and enlisted in his home country on 8 June 2005. From Pretoria, he joined 1st Battalion, Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (29th/45th of Foot) in January 2006. This was his first operational deployment and his first deployment overseas with the Army.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Banton, Commanding Officer 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment said:

"Private Botha was a mountain of a man; fit, strong and robust. He was a model soldier and a proud citizen of South Africa. A keen and talented rugby player, he was eagerly looking forward to this rugby world cup. Devoted to his wife and young daughter; our thoughts are with them at this terrible time."

Major Jamie Nowell, Officer Commanding A (Grenadier) Company said:

"Private Botha was the archetypal South African - incredibly proud, strong, tough, robust and an excellent soldier. His natural talent for soldiering was obvious and I would have difficulty picturing him working in any other environment. On the flip side he was a devoted family man; the strong bond and sense of responsibility he held for his wife and daughter were humbling. Private Botha was fortunate enough to have two important families; the one he left at home and missed each and every day - and the one he lived and fought with in Afghanistan. He made incredible sacrifices for each of these family units and fought for them both with passion, pride and devotion.

"Private Botha was killed in action at the very front of an intense battle on the Taliban front line in southern Afghanistan. He had been amidst tenacious fighting on many occasions and was a courageous and brave soldier. He provided support and example to the younger soldiers around him; especially under fire where his calm, professional leadership and aggressive, robust response to enemy action were a testament to his character.

"Private Botha died as a soldier fighting with his friends. The loss of such a fine soldier, friend and colleague will live with the Company forever - he will not be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, daughter and family at this time of intense loss."

Lieutenant Simon Cupples, his Platoon Commander said:

"Private Botha was a larger than life character. With a physically dominating frame and a loud personality he always had a presence wherever he was. He was a confident soldier who helped and guided the younger soldiers. Private Botha was South African and had moved to the UK with his wife four years ago. He joined the Battalion in September 2005 and soon became one of the main characters in the Platoon. He had a real passion for soldiering and nothing would faze him. He was looking forward to the Battalion moving to Northern Ireland as that would allow him more time for training, sport and family after two years of public duties. I had also just recommended him for a junior commander's cadre as it was clear that he was ready for promotion after his exceptional performance on operations.

"Private Botha's performance had been excellent throughout this tour. He always worked hard and was never afraid to get into a fight with the enemy. He was also a devoted family man and constantly thought and spoke of his wife and daughter back home. It was clear that even though he loved his job, they were the main priority in his life. He died a true soldier and our hearts are with his wife and baby girl."

Pte Kevin Latham, friend and colleague said:

"Private Botha was a well loved and energetic man who loved his family, his mates, his job and his South African heritage. Private Botha died the way a true soldier should. Our section was engaged heavily by an enemy position with intense and accurate fire used to pin us down. In the thick of this was Private Botha. Private Botha was injured and he went to ground. He continued to fight, although he was very seriously injured and despite his severe injuries he was still able to engage the enemy until the very end, ensuring the safety of all his mates. That's what Private Botha was like, always up for the scrap. Private Botha leaves behind a wife, a daughter and his mates. He will always be with us and his family in spirit and will never be forgotten."

Private Kyle Smith, friend and colleague said:

"Private Botha was a hard working, professional bloke who always set a great example to his younger peers. He was a character that everyone respected and also loved. He would put his friends first in any situation. There will be so much that will be missed about Private Botha but he will never be forgotten."

Des Browne, Secretary of State for Defence, said:

"Sergeant Brelsford and Private Botha's deaths are very sad. These brave men have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and I am sure that they will be sorely missed by all who knew them. I would like to offer my sincere condolences to their families and friends, who are in my thoughts at this difficult time."

> Local lads prepare for dangerous role...

2007-09-09T19:43:00.001Z

Local lads prepare for dangerous role in war-ravaged Afghanistan

Comment

As the British Army prepares to bolster the peace-keeping force in southern Afghanistan, reporter Mike Chipchase meets some of the 500 young men from the region who are heading to one of the most dangerous places in the world.

On Wednesday, two British soldiers were killed in an explosion in Helmand Province, in southern Afghan-istan.

The deaths of Private Damian Wright, 23, from Mansfield, and Private Ben Ford, 18, from Chesterfield, brought the total number of British troops to have lost their lives in the war-ravaged country to 76 in the past six years.

It is a stark reminder of the perils facing the 540 soldiers of 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment, who are heading to Helmand for a six-month tour of duty.

From next week, the regiment will form part of 52 Infantry Brigade, which is to relieve the Grenadier Guards, in Operation Herrick.

The battalion, formerly known as The Green Howards, has traditionally recruited young men from the North-East and North Yorkshire. And 80 per cent of those leaving for Afghanistan over the next few weeks are from this region.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Downey, commanding officer of the battalion known as 2 Yorks, said: "It is a challenging area.

"The test is to train and mentor the Afghan national army in Helmand Province. We will be living alongside our counterparts and deploying with them to allow the democratic government of Afghanistan to do its job.

"While I would not want to be complacent or underestimate the challenge that lies ahead, we are well trained and ready to take forward what is a key part of the international community's remit.

"Like any battalion, we have got people who have served for a number of tours and we have others for whom this will be their first deployment."

The battalion returned from a tour of duty in Bosnia towards the end of last year, but this is undoubtedly its most dangerous mission in recent years.

The six-month deployment will mean the vast majority of 2 Yorks will be away from their loved ones and friends over Christmas.

Lt Col Downey said: "Tours always bring particular challenges, and Christmas is one.

"We will enjoy Christmas in southern Afghanistan and we will ensure that he families who are left at home will be given the support to enjoy their Christmas at home."

Home for the battalion is now Weeton Barracks, near Kirkham, Lancashire. They moved into their new base in July from their previous barracks in Chepstow.

Kate Steventon, 42, is one of the many wives who will be waiting anxiously for their men to return safe and sound.

Mrs Steventon, whose husband Major Marc Steventon is a quartermaster, said: "We will be worrying. There is apprehension, like with any other tour - the concern is where it is and the current situation over there. It doesn't lend itself to a safe environment for the soldiers."

She added: "There is a bond between the families that are left behind - it brings the community together.

"But Christmas is a tough time for the kids, and it's important that they keep communication lines open with their parents overseas.

PRIVATE ALAN ATKINSON

PRIVATE Alan Atkinson, 26, from Scarborough, joined the army as a boy soldier straight from school.

His past tours have involved working in Northern Ireland, Kosovo and Bosnia.

He said: "Northern Ireland was quite an eye opener for me. I went there a boy and came back somewhat more of a man."

As an experienced soldier, he is fully aware of what lies ahead.

He said: "This trip is going to be hard graft.

"You think when you join the army 'am I going to see a war?' - and this will be the first time that I have been in a war situation.

"I'm not saying I'm going to be scared; you've got to think positive and look to your training and skills. You can't switch off for one minute."

Pte Atkinson said it will be difficult adapting to the conditions in Afghanistan.

"I will miss normal life," he said, "because it won't be like normal life out there. We will be living in sand and dirt, but you've just got to crack on with it.

"It's a job and we've got to get it done - nobody else is going to do it."

One of the things he said he was looking forward to was getting back into shape.

He said: "We've had quite a bit of a lull since Bosnia, so the lads are looking forward to getting back into the gym, getting fit and getting into the swing of things again."

PRIVATE TIM GARGAN

HAVING served in Iraq with the 4th Battalion, Private Tim Gargan is no stranger to the harsh world of deployment to a war-torn area.

The 23-year-old, from Scarborough, has been with 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment for a year, and says he is looking forward to his first tour of duty in Afghanistan.

He said: "It's what I joined the Army for. I always wanted to be a soldier from being a young lad.

"I want to see all these different places and work with different nationalities, and I think what we are going to do is a worthwhile job."

Although Pte Gargan has no qualms about heading into an extremely dangerous area, his mother, father and sister have other thoughts.

He said: "My mum and dad are obviously worried, but they are happy when I'm happy, and I am very happy in my job."

The driver and medic says he is hoping for the same reaction from the Afghan people as he received in Iraq.

He said: "The majority of people we came across in Iraq were pleased to see us. Some of them used to come up and say 'thank you' to us for being there, although some were not so happy. That's just the way it goes.

"I hope they will be able to see the good that we are doing."

He said he would miss playing rugby for Scarborough Thirds and walking his two Border collies while away on deployment.

PRIVATE JOHN WALKER

AT 32, and with ten years' service under his belt, Private John Walker is one of 2 Yorks' more experienced soldiers.

The veteran of tours in Kosovo, Northern Ireland and Bosnia is cautious about what he and his comrades are likely to come face-to-face with in the infamous Taliban stronghold of Helmand Province.

The former sports retail worker, from Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, said: "I was a relatively late starter in the Army, but I have been on three tours now.

"I'm happy I am going to Afghanistan, but it is worrying what could happen out there. It's going to be a dangerous tour."

Despite the obvious dangers, Pte Walker is confident in his own and his colleagues' ability to handle the situation.

He said: "You rely on your training kicking in and the lads around you.

"The lads that I am going to be with are from a different battalion, so I will have to get to know them quickly."

Apart from not seeing his two young children for the best part of six months, Pte Walker said he will miss his beloved Middlesbrough football team.

He said: "I'm a season ticket holder at the Riverside and travel back for home games when I'm not on duty.

"I was one of the few that were there last week," he laughed.

He also admitted it will be hard to be away from home at Christmas.

"It's going to be tough over there at Christmas, missing the kids and the rest of the family. But no matter where we are, we always do a good job."

PRIVATE TOM FOSTER

ONE of the battalion's newest and youngest members is Private Thomas Foster.

The 19-year-old, from Whitby, North Yorkshire, has been in the Army for just under a year, and admits he feels a certain amount of trepidation ahead of his first tour of duty.

Pte Foster said: "I thought initially when I came to the battalion that I would see a bit of the world, but two weeks in, I found out I would be going to Afghanistan.

"To be honest, I'm a bit scared, but we've been well trained and I can't wait to get amongst it.

"I'm looking forward to being with the Afghan soldiers. It will be good to see how they live in the heat and the different conditions and to see how their army compares to ours.

"My job is with a team which will provide cover and fire support for the other teams. We will be covering their backs in case anything goes wrong and keeping them up to date with what is happening around them."

The former pupil at St Joseph's School, in Loftus, and Sacred Heart School, in Redcar, is a keen footballer and cricketer, who plays regularly as an all-rounder for Staithes Cricket Club.

He added: "I sat down with my family the other day and they said they are always here for me, no matter what. But they are going to be scared and worried.

"The main thing I will miss about home is lager - and my family and friends, of course."

RIFLEMAN GARY McCABE

RIFLEMAN Gary McCabe, 20, from Billingham, Teesside, admitted to having mixed feelings about being sent to keep the peace in southern Afghanistan.

The former Billingham Campus School pupil is another who joined the ranks straight after leaving school four years ago.

He said: "I made up my mind that I wanted to join up while in school. I'm looking forward to this tour and I'm not. I'm looking forward to going to a different place, but I'm not looking forward to what could happen.

"The hardest thing is how high it could kick off and that somebody close to me could actually get killed."

Pte McCabe said those fears were shared by his family back in Billingham.

He said: "I think that, deep down, they don't want me to go, but they are behind me all the way."

> Private Damian Wright and Private Ben...

2007-09-07T20:46:00.001Z

Private Damian Wright and Private Ben Ford killed in Afghanistan

6 Sep 07

It is with great sorrow that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the deaths of Private Damian Wright and Private Ben Ford who were killed in Helmand province, southern Afghanistan, on Wednesday 5 September 2007.

Private Damian Wright
[Picture: MOD]

The soldiers, both from the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), were taking part in a routine reassurance patrol 17km north of Lashkar Gah when, shortly after 0915 hours local time, the Land Rover vehicle they were travelling in was caught in an explosion. Sadly they were both pronounced dead at the scene.
Another soldier and an interpreter who were injured in the explosion were flown by helicopter to the ISAF medical facility at Camp Bastion for treatment. The interpreter later died of his injuries.

Private Ben Ford and Private Damian Wright are the first fatalities from the newly formed 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters), formerly known as the 1st Battalion the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (29th/45th of Foot).

Private Damian Wright

Private Damian Wright, aged 23 from Mansfield, joined the Army on 13 November 2002, and completed his training at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick before joining C Company, 1st Battalion the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters on 2 June 2003, whilst it was stationed in Chester. During his time with the Battalion he served in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 1 and Bosnia. He also took part in exercises in Kenya, Belize and Cyprus.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Banton Commanding Officer 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Worcesters & Foresters) said:

"Private Wright was one of the key characters in our Battalion. Full of life, a natural comedian and a man guaranteed to lift the spirits of the most down hearted. He was devoted to his son, Joshua, and our thoughts are with him at this desperate time. Private Wright will not be forgotten by anyone who had the pleasure and privilege of meeting him."

Major Paul "Shove" Gilby Officer Commanding C Company said:

"Private Damian "Wrighty" Wright was a proud Mansfield lad who joined his local Infantry Battalion, The 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment. He joined for adventure, travel and excitement and served in Cyprus, Belize and Kenya. He saw active service in Northern Ireland, Bosnia and was on his second tour in Afghanistan.

"Small in stature but mighty in character, spirit and life, he was never far from the action, jokes or dramas. He embraced all customs of the Assault Pioneer Platoon with delight and was at his best on a Thursday night out! His main love of his life was his 4 year old son Joshua, who our heart goes out to at this hour. His other key passions, which he will always be remembered for are his addiction to his X BOX, PSP, a good smoke and his cars.

"Quick witted, able and professional he had already been selected to attend promotional courses where he would have excelled as usual. He was a true soldier, fit, determined, able and keen. Always ready to stand 'FIRM' and be counted, he was a young man who could be relied on in the tightest of situations and will never be forgotten by those who loved him, worked with him and fought with him. God bless."

Second Lieutenant Jack Bellfield, his Platoon Commander said:

"As the senior soldier in my platoon, Wrighty could be trusted to get the job done. His experience occasionally gave him a sarcastic edge which I will miss greatly. As a role model to younger soldiers, a huge gap will be left which will be difficult to replace."

Private Jack Hawksley, his friend said:

"Wright was a loyal friend whose lively nature shone through everything he did. His son Josh was the light of his life and his fatherly role within the platoon will be missed. He was a constant source of advice for all newcomers and his lack of expressed opinion will leave a void for us all."

Private Ben Ford
[Picture: MOD]

Private Ben Ford

Private Ben Ford, aged 18 from Chesterfield, joined the Army on 29 July 2005, and completed his training at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick before arriving at the 1st Battalion the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment on 20 February 2006, in Hounslow, West London. During his time with the Battalion he conducted public duties and pre-deployment training for the current operational tour. This was his first overseas deployment with the Army.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Banton, Commanding Officer 2nd Battalion the Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) said:

"Private Ford was a tremendous young soldier. Fit and enthusiastic, hardworking and committed to his comrades and a career in the Army. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten by all those who had the honour to serve alongside him."

Major Paul "Shove" Gilby, Officer Commanding C Company said:

"Private Ben "Fordy" Ford joined his local regiment the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters in July 2005 in his home town, Chesterfield. A proud "Chessie Boy" he served alongside his school friends, Newbold mates and Midland lads. This was his first operational tour of duty in Afghanistan and one that he relished. He was proud to be member of a close knit team, company and family regiment.

"Young on paper, at the age of only 18; however in life he was mature beyond his years in attitude, bearing and ability. On initial impressions he could come across as a quiet individual but to those who knew him, he had a keen sense of humour and was always willing to get stuck into the action. He proved this by volunteering to compete in the Battalion boxing competition where he fought with skill, style and dogged determination.

"With his pale skin and fair hair he always battled to avoid sunburn in the scorching heat of Afghanistan but would generally end up looking like a lolly pop. Forever on his mobile phone in Cavalry Barracks, Hounslow, he was a friend to all with a constant smile and always up for the crack and practical jokes. Fordy's main passions were driving, games, big beers and boxing.

"The lines and company are quiet with thoughts and prayers for Fordy who will be missed for his professional attitude and practical jokes. A close friend to some, a great lad to many, he will not be forgotten. God Bless."

Second Lieutenant Jack Bellfield, his Platoon Commander said:

"Ben was a very capable member of my platoon who had the ability to go a long way in the Army. Due to his age he had bounds of enthusiasm for anything the platoon embarked on and this quality will be missed by everybody who served with him."

Private Scott Barber, a close friend said:

"I first met Private Ben "Fordy" Ford when we returned from Cyprus in March 2006. We all went out for a drink and we've been mates ever since. At weekends we would go out around the town in Chesterfield and almost instantly all my mates were Fordy's mates, he was such a likeable bloke. He was always up for a laugh, the life and soul of any party.

"My thoughts are with his family and girlfriend Tasha at this sad time. Fordy was a close friend and a career soldier in a job he loved, he will be missed by me and all that knew him."

Private Michael Verney, also a good friend, said:

"Fordy was a constant source of morale and the instigator of all platoon pranks. As one of the younger blokes in the platoon his fun loving personality along with his ambition and determination made him a friend who will be greatly missed."

Private Ford's family said:

"We are immensely proud of our son and know that he lost his life doing something he was proud to be a part of and that he loved. We now ask that our privacy is fully respected at this very difficult time."

Des Browne, Secretary of State for Defence, said:

"Private Wright and Private Ford were two talented and committed soldiers whose loss will be felt keenly by all who knew them. Their families and colleagues are in my thoughts at this painful time, as are all of our forces facing danger on operations."

>> 100F

2007-09-02T09:44:00.001Z

British troops hunt the Taliban in Afghanistan

Last Updated: 12:58am BST 02/09/2007

Page 1 of 3

Defence Correspondent Sean Rayment and photographer Justin Sutcliffe join the men of The Royal Anglian Regiment as they scour the Upper Sangin Valley in Afghanistan.

From the moment we left the compound, the Taliban knew the British were coming.

A member of The Royal Anglican advances in the Sangin Valley, knowing that death could lurk around any corner

In the dead of night, spies watched from darkened alleys as the infantry column abandoned the relative safety of Patrol Base Inkerman, one of the most isolated in northern Helmand.

"We know the infidels have left, we are ready for them," one Taliban commander was boasting, Army Intelligence reported.

It was confirmation, if any was needed, that the enemy would stand and fight. In the Sangin Valley they always do.

The troops from the 1st battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, accompanied by The Sunday Telegraph, were heading into the notorious "Green Zone", a fertile 20-mile strip beside the Helmand River where the opium poppy is grown in abundance, and 350 hardened Taliban fighters regard it as their turf.

The mission, Operation Palk Ghar, was both simple and lethal. The Taliban would be squeezed from all sides into a tight box: those who chose not to fight would be taken prisoner - the rest would die.

Although battle in the Green Zone is at close quarters and often deadly, the troops believe they are winning.

But the "butcher's bill" has been high. Three weeks ago, Private Tony Rawson was shot and killed during a routine patrol.

The 27-year-old had planned to marry next March. His fellow soldiers were angry at the loss of a "special friend", and the talk was of scores being settled.

As dawn breaks, illuminating the biblical landscape that is Northern Helmand, the operation sparks into life.

About 250 troops from the C (Essex) and A (Norfolk) companies push forward into enemy territory.

In a different world the Sangin Valley would be an oasis visited by tourists keen to experience a life unchanged by modern times.

But for the men of the Royal Anglians it is bandit country, where death lurks around every corner, in every field and empty compound.

It does not take long for the fighting to start. As the temperature soars past 100F [mid-40s C], a group of heavily armed Taliban, hiding in a mud-brown compound, ambush a section from A Company 500 yards to our left.

A volley of rocket-propelled grenades explodes close to the advancing troops as they sprint for cover.

Deafening bursts of machine-gun fire add to the chaos. Stray bullets crack above our heads as we take cover in an abandoned high-walled compound. "Now that's close," says Terry Taylor, the C Company Sergeant Major. "The question is, do they know we are here?"

He tells me of a "bad period" three weeks ago when two soldiers died in two days.

"The day after Private Rawson was killed, we lost Captain Hicks, the company second-in-command. It was a really tough week, it affected us all, but we pulled through. I had to make sure the lads' morale was up, that's my job."

Private Luke Harris, 20, exhausted by the battle in 100F temperatures

Pulling himself to his feet, he adds with a smile: "No one said it was going to be easy." Capt Hicks, 26, had been in the Army since 2002.

After a few minutes of enemy fire A Company's soldiers rally and spray the Taliban position with machine guns. Thud after thud surround us as Taliban rocket-propelled grenades strike home. For several minutes the battle swings one way then the next.

Gradually the enemy fire creeps closer to our position. The banter stops and the soldiers steel themselves for a potential attack. The tension is broken when Steve Armon, the Sergeant of 10 platoon, turns to his men and, referring to the explosions, says: "Don't worry lads, they are not aimed at you, so if they hit you, it won't hurt." For a few seconds we laugh, until silenced by more bangs.

As the battle rages on our left flank, the order is given to advance to a more secure position. We dash across open ground to covered positions out of sight of the Taliban snipers.

To sighs of relief, Lieutenant Matt Fyjis-Walker, the company's Forward Air Controller, the person responsible for calling in air strikes, informs Major Phil Messenger, the C Company commander, that Apache helicopters are preparing to attack.

As the soldiers move forward, the Taliban - known almost affectionately as Terry - are spotted fleeing their positions. The troops have them in their sights but are unable to open fire for fear of hitting A Company.

Two Apaches arrive "on station" and begin circling the Taliban compound.

Lt Fyjis-Walker ensures they are aware of our position, while his opposite number with A Company gives them a description of the target. A warning comes through that the Apaches are about to fire.

Seconds later and high above, 30mm canon growl into action as the Taliban attempt to escape. White smoke can be seen pouring from the gun barrel before the haunting "brrr, brrr, brrr" of its gun is heard.

"What a nice sound to hear on a warm summer's day," says Corporal Sean Doyle, 27, from Scotland, as we share a shaded corner of an abandoned compound. "There's no escape from the Apache - you can run but you can't hide."

Burst after burst of canon fire slices through the Taliban position before the coup de grace is delivered by a volley of rockets.

Intelligence reveals that a Taliban Commander - later believed to be Mullah Berader, a "big shot" in the Taliban's inner circle - has been killed. "Excellent news," says Major Messenger. "That's what we're here for."

But the battle takes its toll on the soldiers. Combat in these conditions is exhausting. Such is the weight of their packs - most soldiers are carrying in excess of 80lb - that many need help in standing.

The heat leaves us drained and dehydrated as we bake under body armour and helmets.

Water bottles are replenished from local wells and sterilised with chlorine tablets, which leave a foul taste, but few complain.

Private Luke Harris, 20, is struggling. He had badly sprained his ankle on an operation in Kajaki and such had been the intensity of operations since then that it had barely had time to heal.

The weight of his load, the heat and the distance we had walked overnight have all taken its toll.

"I was struggling, it was my ankle," he said. "It's happened before. I need to get some physio on it but there just hasn't been any time."

One "contact" rolls into another as A and C Company push northwards. Compound after compound is cleared as the soldiers push deeper into the Green Zone.

The heat is so fierce that even one of the Afghan National Army soldiers, who are also involved in the operation, eventually succumbs before being extracted by helicopter.

As the soldiers welcome the arrival of the cool evening air, it is clear that the Taliban's appetite for battle has gone. Many who fled have fallen victim to the Apaches' guns.

The Royal Anglian Regiment, who make up only a small fraction of the 7,000 troops based in Afghanistan, have been involved in five months of continuous fighting.

Nine of their number have been killed, while another 46 have been wounded in battle, and more than 100 men have been sent back to Britain for treatment.

Some units, C Company included, have been deployed in the field for months on end, with soldiers as young as 18 having survived more than 60 full-scale contacts with the enemy - all for just £1,300 a month after tax.

The total number of troops killed on operations in Afghanistan since 2001 is now 74. The "war" in Afghanistan is creating a new breed of soldier, where young men and women with just a couple of years of military service have more battle experience than the entire high command of the British Army.

But for all their efforts and sacrifices, they are convinced that the only members of the public who care are their families.

"The public doesn't care, they are not interested," said one frustrated soldier. "They think Afghanistan is like Iraq but it's not, it's different - this is a real war."

From Thursday morning, when the operation began, to Friday evening, the enemy is routed.

Dozens of Taliban fighters had been killed and several captured. It is likely that quite a few simply went to ground, hiding in abandoned homes until the British leave.

But the Taliban will be back in a week, or a month. The Taliban always return to the Sangin Valley.

Brigadier John Lorimer, the commander of the British task force, describes these operations as "mowing the lawn", because they are constantly repeated. The British Army can take ground from the Taliban, but a shortage of troops in Afghanistan means it cannot be held.

But this particular operation has been a success. The Sangin Valley is more secure, allowing much-needed reconstruction to take place.

But most importantly, there were no British casualties.

"We don't believe in statistics," said one 18-year-old veteran. "You're either lucky or you're not - it's that simple."

> Fighting for life on the frontline

2007-09-01T10:13:00.001Z

Fighting for life on the frontline

By MARCO DI LAURO - More by this author >> Last updated at 17:48pm on 31st August 2007

Comments

In a field hospital in Afghanistan, British Army medics tend to the wounded and dying victims of the war in Helmand Province. The ethical dilemma? Among their patients are Taliban rebels who have been shot by our own troops

A Chinook skims over the desert, blowing up a sandstorm as it lands beside what looks like a huge marquee in the most unlikely of settings.

With the blades still turning, the back drops open and a soldier is stretchered out to a waiting Land Rover, then driven the few hundred yards to the entrance of the marquee. When the soldier is not sobbing he is screaming.

The trauma team hurry him into the tent. They tell him time and again he will be fine; but I can see in their eyes the words of comfort are simply to keep him calm.

They don't know if he will still be alive by the end of the day.

Outside in the desert the temperature is 45_C; a wall of heat that saps you relentlessly.

It invades the tent, too - even though vast air conditioning units pump away, it is still hot and humid inside.

Consequently the odours are more piquant; as soon as the stretcher is enveloped by the marquee flap dropping, you can smell the blood mixed with the body sweat of the soldier who hasn't been able to wash for days.

The colours seem more vivid here, too: the red of the blood staining his khaki uniform, the green of the hospital staff vests, the blue of the surgeons' gowns all shine out against the tent's white fabric walls.

Now the soldier looks pained but resigned.

I can see his face and torso are covered in blood and he has numbers written in marker pen on his forehead - his blood pressure and pulse readings, written there by the British Army Medical Emergency Response team that had flown out to pick him up from the front line.

After the trauma team have stabilised him he is wheeled through to the operating theatre.

It is alive with the tools of salvation; highly sterilised steel instruments, scrubbed surgeons with microsurgery sight aids, attending retinues of secondary doctors, nurses, orderlies and anaesthetists, tubes, screens, power units and yards of hanging canvas.

All the workers have a rank.

Many sport a Union flag on their uniforms. Now they descend on their patient and begin the surgery to extract the shrapnel from his body.

This is not a single tent; the extraordinary tableau of war is played out in a temporary hospital in the middle of a desert, right on the edge of Camp Bastion, a 2,500-man Nato outpost in Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan.

This is a hospital like no other. There's only ever one sort of car in the car park - Land Rover.

And the first thing you do when coming into the hospital as a patient, visitor or member of staff is unload and hand in your weapon at the reception counter.

No visitor can be unimpressed by the commitment of the British military medical personnel who man this base.

It is not just the work they do in such conditions, although these are gruelling enough - the volume of patients admitted and life-saving surgical procedures is relentless; shifts are often 24 hours; sometimes they work ceaselessly for 48 hours without giving in.

More than this, it is the effortless disregard for the ethics of the situation that is moving.

Inside, the staff treat Brits, Danes, Estonians, Czechs and the occasional American and Dutch troops that make up the predominantly British Task Force Helmand, as well as Afghan Government troops, national police, and civilians.

But here the British medical teams are also saving the lives of their enemy - Taliban fighters.

They treat them all the same, even if the patients bear the wounds of the surgeons' own fighting colleagues, and then, having recovered, go back into battle and claim the lives of some of their own.

Indeed, in a way, they treat the Afghans better because while most serious British casualties are flown back to the UK within 24 hours, Afghans stay for up to a month.

The British are extremely respectful towards civilian casualties.

Of course there are many different levels of Taliban, from hardcore Islamic fundamentalists to the so-called "$10 Taliban" - not real fighters, but maybe farmers or growers of opium, who have perhaps shot off a couple of rounds with a Kalashnikov.

The British don't actually hold anybody captive - the hardcore Taliban fighters they treat and hand over to the Afghan authorities, while the lesser ones they tend to release.

The field hospital is a sprawling complex of tents with a concrete floor running the length of its 150m spine.

It has its own power, laundry, sewerage, plumbing and infection-control systems, and contains equipment that would leave most NHS hospital administrators green with envy.

Its five-bed accident and emergency department has two portable digital X-ray machines, a CT scanner and an operating theatre, where two patients can undergo surgery simultaneously.

There's ward space for 25 casualties, including up to eight patients in intensive therapy beds, although the number has surged to 50 patients at one time.

In addition to accident and emergency, surgical and ward care, the hospital also has physiotherapy, pathology, dental and welfare departments.

The medical staff include RAF and Royal Naval medical personnel but the main body consists of regular soldiers from 4 GS (General Support) Medical Regiment based in Aldershot and Territorial Army soldiers from 212 Field Hospital on a three-month tour, recruited primarily from Yorkshire and the Midlands.

The work is unremitting. Back home, Lieutenant- Colonel Andy Bruce of the Territorial Army, wearing a Union flag bandana, is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Doncaster Royal Infirmary.

He has been at Camp Bastion for seven weeks and has performed about 130 surgeries. "We are on call 24 hours a day. If being on call is working, consultants are working 100-day shifts."

The hospital has three surgeons - an orthopaedic, a general and a neurosurgeon, but Andy Bruce is inevitably the busiest since most of the casualties have injuries to their limbs.

Soldiers wear bulletproof jackets that protect their upper bodies but leave limbs vulnerable.

Many of the injuries suffered by both civilians and military are caused by shrapnel from roadside bombs, land mines and rocket-propelled-grenade attacks.

Patients are picked up from the battlefield by a helicopter team made up of air paramedics, a trauma nurse, a doctor and a consultant, as well as a squad of infantrymen to provide protection on the ground.

"We're all experienced in trauma," says Surgeon-Commander Adrian Mellor, a Royal Naval consultant anaesthetist.

"But we are witnessing things not seen since Korea. Not only do you have to cope with the stress of dealing with a new scenario every time you go out, but there is the added stress of going into a battle environment to do it."

Being in a combat zone, the hospital is mainly designed for treating trauma cases.

"I've seen more trauma cases here in five weeks than in four years back home," says Lieutenant Phil Bond, whose civilian job is an A&E nurse in Nottingham.

Once stabilised by the trauma team and after undergoing surgery in the operating theatre, British forces are then flown back to a hospital in the UK.

Those receiving longer-term treatment are therefore Afghans.

Malalia, a five-year-old Afghan girl, was run over by an Afghan National Army vehicle.

Her right arm was crushed against a wall. Initially, doctors at the field hospital thought amputation was the only possible solution.

But in rural Afghan society this would have led to her being ostracised, so Andy Bruce promised her father that he would do everything possible to save her arm.

The dead and damaged muscle was cut out and the bone repaired with makeshift external scaffolds of wire, plastic tubing, aluminium bars and plastic ties because of the lack of specialist paediatric equipment.

She needed further surgery every two days for 16 days, and then skin grafting. Five weeks later, against all odds, the arm had healed and Malalia was able to move all her fingers.

Then there's the story of Hassan, the hospital's miracle boy.

He was brought in after being caught by a mine with a shrapnel wound that had pierced his heart.

He technically died on the operating table and would not have pulled through were it not for the efforts of Colonels Bruce and Andrew Hall.

The shrapnel had penetrated deep into his chest, causing massive injuries.

The wound in the heart bled, eventually forcing the heart to give up.

The surgeons opened up his chest, drained it, stitched the wounded heart, sealed the child back up and left his fate to the gods.

Had he been an adult he would have had a two to 16 per cent chance of recovery.

There is no documented occurrence of the operation being carried out on a child. Within five days Hassan was up and walking. Two weeks later he was playing football.

It's not just military personnel that work in the hospital.

Michelle McLaughlin is a UK civilian working for the Defence Medical Welfare Service.

The DMWS provides emotional and practical welfare care for military patients, working in MoD hospitals in the UK and UK medical facilities in Germany and Cyprus, as well as the operational theatres of Iraq and Afghanistan.

She relishes the chance of being out there not just to help hospital cases but also any soldiers who need to talk to someone.

"There's not much to laugh about here," she says.

"But if I can help make just one person smile I feel I've done some good during the day."

Next door to the massive tent a large new concrete hospital is being built, set to open in October.

When I first saw it, I was gladdened.

I saw it instinctively as part of a legacy that the British will bequeath to the Afghan people. I was wrong. It means no such thing. I came to understand it for what it really is: a sign that this war is going to go on for a long, long time.

> Senior Aircraftman Christopher Bridge. KIA

2007-08-31T16:11:00.001Z

Senior Aircraftman Christopher Bridge, 51 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, killed in Afghanistan

31 Aug 07

It is with deep regret that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Senior Aircraftman Christopher Bridge from C flight, 51 Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment in Kandahar Province, southern Afghanistan on the morning of 30 August 2007.

Senior Aircraftman Christopher Bridge
[Picture: RAF]

A civilian interpreter was also sadly killed in the incident and two other servicemen received minor injuries. Shortly after midnight local time, C Flight was conducting a routine security patrol around Kandahar Airfield when the vehicle SAC Bridge was travelling in was caught in an explosion.

All the casualties were evacuated to the ISAF medical facility at Kandahar Airfield by emergency response helicopter. Sadly SAC Bridge was pronounced dead on arrival and the interpreter later died of his wounds.

Senior Aircraftman Christopher Bridge

SAC Christopher Bridge, aged 20, from Sheffield joined the Royal Air Force on 12 June 2005. After successful completion of his Trainee Gunner Course, undertaken at RAF Honington, he was posted to 51 Squadron RAF Regiment at RAF Lossiemouth on 18 November 2005. During his time on the Squadron he served in Southern Iraq between January and June 2006 providing Force Protection for Basra International Airport.

More recently, SAC Bridge had been deployed on Operation HERRICK providing Force Protection for Kandahar Airfield since April 2007. His role took him into the local community to deliver enhanced security, not only for the Airfield but also for the Afghan population. At the time of his death he was providing security for his colleagues as a top cover sentry for a mobile patrol.

SAC Bridge was an extremely popular and professional Gunner. He was relatively junior in rank; however, he was immensely dependable and hard working. His infectious sense of humour made him stand out amongst other Squadron personnel and he could be relied upon to raise a smile in adversity.

Squadron Leader Tony Brown, Officer Commanding 51 Squadron RAF Regiment, said:

"Senior Aircraftman Chris Bridge was a very competent Gunner, unassumingly professional and with a promising career ahead. Following operational service in Iraq, Chris had consolidated his position on the Squadron as a capable and enthusiastic Gunner whose likeable personality and witty sense of humour made him engaging to serve with. Passionate about travel, he had clearly made his mark on the Squadron and will be sorely missed."

Flying Officer Matt Jupp, Officer Commanding C Flight, 51 Squadron RAF Regiment, said:

"Chris Bridge was a very well liked, motivated and hard working member of the Flight. A once quiet young man he grew into an adventurous, charismatic and intelligent Gunner. He was a high calibre member of the Royal Air Force Regiment and a generally good bloke. I will miss him."

Sergeant 'Oz' Bailey Senior Non Commissioned Officer, C Flight, 51 Squadron RAF Regiment, said:

"Chris Bridge was a member of C Flight for the best part of 18 months. He was a quiet and confident young man and well liked by all on the Flight. His one outstanding trait was his dry sense of humour, which always had us in fits. Never one to complain he worked hard for everyone. He will be missed by me personally and the rest of the gunners on C Flight."

Senior Aircraftman 'Parky' Parkhouse, C Flight, 51 Squadron RAF Regiment said:

"He was a good mate and when we worked together, Chris was nothing less than totally proficient and hard working. He was liked amongst the whole Flight and Squadron. He will be missed so much by everyone and forever in our thoughts."

Senior Aircraftman 'Burky' Burke, C Flight, 51 Squadron RAF Regiment said:

"Chris was a top lad and liked by everybody. He was always happy in a quiet way. Very well known throughout the Squadron for his dry sense of humour. Chris was on C Flight as a specialist machine gunner and will be missed and remembered forever. He will always be with us in our hearts."

Ms Nicolette Williams, mother of Christopher Bridge, said:

"Christopher was my pride and joy; everybody is heartbroken who knew him. He touched so many lives. He died courageously serving his country and Queen and we are all very proud of him."

Defence Secretary Des Browne said:

"Senior Aircraftman Christopher Bridge was held in very high regard by his comrades and officers. His death is a tragic loss which is being felt by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and comrades at this most difficult of times."

Senior Aircraftman Bridge's family have requested that the media respect their need for privacy at this difficult time.

> Blood, sweat and fears in Afghanistan

2007-08-31T10:28:00.001Z

Blood, sweat and fears in Afghanistan

Sgt Chris Homewood

Three Nato troops have been the latest casualties of the conflict in Afghanistan, where 73 British servicemen have already died.

I COULDN'T help thinking they were all mad. There we were, stuck in the desert, 7,000 miles from home, with the temperature hittingnearly 50C (125F).

These men are fighting in a war that many people back home do not even understand. Some of them earn less than the national minimum wage. Day after day, they put their lives on the line in a conflict in which 73 British soldiers have been killed.

And yet, the 100 members of the Light Dragoons still managed to laugh and joke as they sweated in the afternoon sun, repairing their Scimitar tanks, ready for their next battle.

As I chatted with these men - some just teenagers - I could not help but admire them - mad or otherwise.

There is a common misconception that squaddies are not that bright. My experience has taught me that nothing could be further from the truth. They all knew the reasons why British troops were fighting in Afghanistan, and they all knew the history of this far-flung land.

Some thought they should be in Afghanistan. Some did not. But they all agreed on one point: they had a job to do and they would do it.

They also all had dramatic stories from the 40 "contacts" the unit has been involved in with the Taliban in five months. Like most of his pals, Trooper Chris Hatton knows he has killed Taliban fighters.

Chris, 22, from Guisborough, said: "It's either them or us at the end of the day. Morale is always very high in our troop. But the view among the young lads is that we shouldn't be here.

"I think we should pull out. I think people are dying unnecessarily for a cause that nobody understands. I think our country needs sorting out before this one. There's been too much sacrifice."

Another soldier who has been in the thick of the action is Corporal Chris Williams, who is the commander of a Scimitar tank. The 27-year-old, from Hull, said: "We have contacts day and night.

"You can go through a village one day and it's full of women and children. You can go back a few days later and it's changed. You can feel the difference. The women and kids have moved out and you know something is going to happen.

"You have rounds whizzing past, and mortars landing nearby, but you don't think about it, you just react.

"A few weeks ago, we were hit from three sides and all I saw was dust flying and muzzle flash. I didn't see any of the people who were firing at me. But I would guess there must have been 20 to 30 of them.

"They know the ground like the back of their hand. They are in caves and ditches. They have tunnels underground. In all the contacts we've had, I've seen just two Taliban.

"Truthfully, I don't think we should be here. As fast as you kill them, they get replaced."

Chris's brother, Lee, is also serving with the Light Dragoons in Afghanistan. He is a sergeant based 20 miles away in Lashkar Gah.

"I've seen him just twice since we've been out here," says Chris. "He works in intelligence, so he knows when my troop has been hit. My mum and dad are nervous about us being out here, but they are used to it because my brother's done seven tours and I've done five.

"I tell my parents I'm in a tank with 10 tonnes of armour. I don't tell them about the mines that can rip through the vehicle."

Chris recalls one particularly close call, when their vehicle's engine stalled during fighting - and left them an easy target for the Taliban.

Trooper Ben Holmes, 20, from Leeds, was the driver, and he was under pressure to get the engine re-started.

Chris said: "I told him to reverse. He put his foot on the accelerator and it just stalled. I was panicking and screaming
and kicking the back of Ben's chair. Ben didn't panic. He's unflappable.

"It took a few minutes but eventually he managed to get it started again. We were just sat there as a big target for everyone. It was a miracle that we didn't get hit."

Ben laughs as he boasts: "I wasn't frightened. Chris is right. I am pretty unflappable."

Sergeant David Gray is the commander of a Scimitar tank which alone has fired 81,500 rounds.

The 36-year-old, from Doncaster, said: "Some of the big ones have lasted four to five hours. In one of the contacts, the gunner fired 2,000 rounds. This has definitely been the hardest and busiest tour I've been on in my life.

"You have to give the Taliban some respect. They know the ground extremely well. It's their country. They know every inch of the ground. They've got an underground system of tunnels, rat-runs and bunkers.

"We've been lucky we've had no serious injuries yet. It's the infantry who've been hit hard. I wouldn't like to do their job."

David and his colleagues all have tales of close encounters with death.

"We were parked up on a bank," says David. "I heard a great big explosion to my right-hand side, and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) had landed about one foot from the vehicle.

"I heard the Apache helicopter above us radio back to say we had actually been hit. It was that close. I wouldn't say I was frightened. It was more shock. The other vehicle took the guy out. He was hard to see in the long grass but we got no more firing from him."

Sergeant Chris Homewood, 28, from Kendray, Barnsley, has also had a close shave.

He said: "We were on patrol and stopped in a position looking into a village that we knew the Taliban had been operating from. The place looked deserted. There didn't seem to be any civilians in the area. Then, suddenly, they attacked us.

"They fired mortars and RPGs at the same time. Four mortar shells landed around 20 metres away from me. I had my head out of the turret, and I was looking through my binoculars.

"They fired an RPG and it hit the back corner of the vehicle. The whole vehicle shook. I went deaf and my binoculars shattered. The vehicle filled with smoke. There was a heat-wave which burned the hairs off my gunner's arms and neck.

"I told the driver to fire some smoke. I ducked down into the vehicle to check everyone was all right but I had to go back up because I needed to see what was happening. I decided the best thing was to pull out.

"As we drove down the hill, I spotted the dust trail from the back-blast of the rocket. I told my driver to turn right and to come around the side of the hill to outflank them.

"We opened fire and we killed the three teams of men who'd fired the RPGs - I reckon eight to nine guys.

"My feelings went from shock to anger. I thought they've tried to kill me and my crew. To be honest, I wasn't thinking about myself. I'm in command, and it's my job to keep them safe. My driver had just got married before we came on tour. I wasn't pleased that they had to die, but I had to do it."

Chris, who has been in the Army for 12 years, is full of admiration for teenagers in his unit who, in many cases, have seen as much action as him.

"I've got lads who were

literally boys just 12 months ago but are men now. They can stand up on their own two feet. They've got the lives of other crew members in their hands.

"They make the right decisions, and it shows the character of the lads coming through."

David said: "We never fire if there are women and kids in the area - even if there are Taliban around. Nobody wants to kill kids."

David, who has been in the regiment 18 years is twice-divorced - a fact he partly blames on Army life. "I can understand why the young lads don't like being away, but I joined the Army to get away and do some travelling."

Chris Homewood added: "At such a young age, it's always hard. I have young lads under my command who constantly look to me for help.

"It's a different culture from when I joined but I personally think that the ones that are joining now are better than ever. They know they're going to see action."

> Anger as injured troops' pay is docked

2007-08-28T11:28:00.001Z

Anger as injured troops' pay is docked

MARK NICHOLLS

27 August 2007 15:21

Angry relatives and MPs have criticised the government for hitting wounded soldiers from the Royal Anglian Regiment and other units in their pay packets by snatching back battlefield benefits.

The outcry comes as the Royal Anglians suffer mounting numbers of dead and wounded in Afghanistan with the latest being the three soldiers killed and two severely wounded in a "friendly fire tragedy" after a US warplane accidentally bombed their units.

Troops serving in danger zones such as Afghanistan or Iraq qualify for an Operational Allowance of £12.75 a day but this stops as soon as they leave the war zone, either at the end of the tour...or if they are medically-evacuated home after being shot or blown up by enemy fire.

In some cases, it is costing injured troops hundreds of pounds as they lay recovering from bullet, shrapnel or blast wounds.

But campaigners say this is unfair and immoral to dock the allowance of injured and hospitalised troops while their comrades and their battalion are still on the front line.

The criticism also coincides with growing anger aimed at the government over the way it funds the military and rewards service personnel, and as more than 30,000 military families have signed a petition calling for a dedicated military hospital to treat wounded troops.

The issue of the docked benefits came to light with a growing number of troops from the 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment suffering serious injury- believed to now be more than 50 of the 600 who were deployed in April. The battalion has also suffered nine fatalities during its deployment in the Helmand province of Afghanistan.

Last night Liberal Democrat Shadow Defence Secretary, Nick Harvey said: "Soldiers who have been injured serving their country should be given awards, not penalised by penny-pinching bureaucrats.

"It is entirely outrageous that this money is being snatched back from them almost as soon as they are stretchered off the battlefield.

"At the very least, those lying injured through no fault of their own should retain all of their allowances until their battalion returns home."

The issue is also affecting scores of injured troops from other regiments serving in Afghanistan such as the Grenadier Guards, the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment and the Swanton Morley-based Light Dragoons.

It also comes as forces charities such as the Royal British Legion feel that the government is failing to honour its commitments to troops through the Military Covenant, which guarantees soldiers fair treatment in return for forgoing other rights.

The 1st Battalion Royal Anglians - nicknamed The Vikings - recruits from Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire and has been involved in intense and close-quarters fighting with Taliban forces on a daily basis over the last few months and has been harder hit than any other battalion with a high number of casualties.

The father of one soldier who was wounded while serving with the Royal Anglians in Afghanistan spoke of his disgust at his son's pay being docked of the Operational Allowance.

"What more can you give for your country than your life," he said. "Nine of them have done that and about 10pc of those that are out there have very nearly done that and this is the way the government treats them.

"I would like to see the government that sends them out there in the first place do something to show that they support them. I think the Operational Allowance should be paid for the period that the regiment is on duty. The fact that somebody has been wounded and returns home should not see them penalised while the rest of the regiment that have not suffered an injury are still being paid it.

"It just shows this government's attitude towards out troops."

The Operational Allowance, paid to anyone serving in what is called a hazardous operational area, was introduced last October for UK forces in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Balkans, though has since been stopped for Balkan service.

The decision followed a campaign to stop soldiers paying tax on their earnings while on deployment and bring them into line with US troops. The Operational Allowance now amounts to £2,320 for a typical deployment.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed that the allowance is only payable to troops in Afghanistan for the time they spend in theatre and halts the moment they leave the danger zone.

"Soldiers are eligible for the Operational Allowance from the time they go into theatre and for the time that they remain there. If people feel that they are not getting the money that they are entitled to they need to take it up with their regimental pay department.

"The idea of the scheme is to compensate military personnel for the dangers that they are going through and the living conditions they are enduring while on operations."

The MoD points out that there is financial assistance available for injured troops who are hospital in-patients. They receive £5 a day and continue to receive the longer-service separation allowance, travel support for families and access to TV, library and comfort kits.

Mid-Norfolk Conservative MP and military expert Keith Simpson has called for a thorough review of the way the army compensates servicemen and women.

He said: "In the past two years the MoD has ended up having to retreat on various things due to public and media pressure.

"But what is happening is that the MoD is looking at this piecemeal but it now needs to look at the whole business of this covenant between the people and the army and look at this in the light of circumstances that have changed considerably. Part and parcel of that may be a recognition that the servicemen and women should be treated fairly. Britain has often been behind other countries in many of the things it has done for its servicemen and women.

"I think the government never expected the intensity of operations that the army was going to face in Iraq and Afghanistan, it underestimated how high the level of casualties would be and I do not think the system of allowances has caught up with that."

> Friendly fire' deaths have dented tr...

2007-08-26T06:24:00.001Z

'Friendly fire' deaths have dented troops' moral

By Sean Rayment in Afghanistan, Sunday Telegraph

Last Updated: 1:42am BST 26/08/2007

Afghanistan

The commander of British troops in Helmand has spoken of his "absolute devastation" over the deaths of three of his soldiers, killed by American forces in a "friendly fire" incident.

Brigadier John Lorimer described the botched bombing by an American F-15 fighter jet as a tragedy that left him "mortified". He admitted that it had dented morale among troops in southern Afghanistan.

Speaking from his headquarters in Lashkar Gar, in an interview with The Sunday Telegraph, Brig Lorimer said: "It was a ghastly incident and the pain was felt right across the whole of the force. It was a terrible, terrible tragedy."The Ministry of Defence in London has released details of the three soldiers killed. Private Aaron James McClure, 19, from Ipswich, Suffolk, and Pte Robert Graham Foster, also 19, from Harlow, Essex, joined the Army last year and this was their first operational tour. While Pte McClure was called "a rising star" by his Platoon Commander, Pte Foster was described as an "accomplished rifleman". Pte John Thrumble, 21, from Chelmsford, Essex, a machine gunner who was the third soldier killed, had been in the Army for three years. The deaths are a bitter blow for the men of the Royal Anglians, who have now lost nine soldiers in fighting since May, the highest number suffered by a single battalion since Operation Herrick, the codename for the war in Afghanistan, began in 2001.

The last member of the regiment to die had been on August 11, when Captain David Hicks was killed during an attack on his patrol base, north-east of Sangin, in Helmand province.

Thursday's "friendly fire" incident occurred when a patrol of 60 soldiers from the Royal Anglians set off from their base in Kajaki, northern Helmand, to hunt Taliban fighters known to be operating in the area.

As the patrol moved through farmland it was ambushed by Taliban. The soldiers from B Company - who after months of frontline action are now hardened fighters - returned fire immediately and called for close air support. Two F-15 combat jets, which were already airborne and conducting a routine combat air patrol, flew to Kajaki to assist the British troops.

Forward air controllers sent the enemy co-ordinates to one of the pilots and a 500lb bomb was dropped. Instead of hitting the enemy, it landed among the British troops, killing three men instantly and leaving two others wounded, one of whom is described as being very seriously injured.

The deaths brought to 73 the number of British fatalities in Afghanistan since 2001.

Last night, however, Brig Lorimer was adamant that the incident would not affect relations with the United States military. He said he "trusted implicitly" the American pilots who fly on "close air support" missions and who have saved hundreds of British lives.

"This incident was all the more devastating because we have been using US aircraft for the last five months on a regular basis and their support has been fantastic and on many occasions my soldiers' lives have been saved by US aircraft dropping bombs," he said. "We are here to fight cunning and cruel enemy and that is what we are doing."

Brig Lorimer disclosed that he had already visited the colleagues of those killed and that all had accepted it was a tragic accident.

"I was up at Kajaki this morning and it was really quite humbling," he said. "Yes, they had been affected by this incident, their morale had been dented, albeit temporarily so, but they were thoroughly determined to carry on with job. I went out on patrol with them and they were as professional as ever and for me, as a commander, I could not ask for more."

Brig Lorimer denied the suggestion that his men were not properly equipped to fight the Taliban or that a sophisticated combat identification system would have made a difference.

He said: "I am happy with the equipment and procedures we have in place. It will be up to the investigation to find out whether all of the equipment and procedures that were in place and were being used at the time were correct. As far as I am concerned, we will continue using close air support in the same way. We used it again last night and US aircraft were involved."

British deaths by US friendly fire

February 1991: Nine soldiers from Royal Regiment of Fusiliers killed when US A10 "tank-buster" attacks stationary tank

April 1994: Two Army officers among 26 Nato delegates killed in Iraq when American F-15s shoot down US Blackhawk helicopter

March 2003: Lance-Corporal Matty Hull dies in Iraq after American A10 attacks his armoured vehicle

March 2003: RAF Tornado crew Flight Lieutenant David Williams and Flight Lieutenant Kevin Main killed by US Patriot missile battery near Iraq-Kuwait border after being mistaken for Iraqi missile

December 2006: MoD investigation launched amid reports that Royal Marine Jonathan Wigley was hit by Allied fire in Helmand

August 2007: Three soldiers from 1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment killed in Helmand by bomb dropped by American F15s

> Gordon Brown attacked over Forces fun...

2007-08-26T06:14:00.001Z

Gordon Brown attacked over Forces funding

By Gethin Chamberlain, Sunday Telegraph

Last Updated: 1:42am BST 26/08/2007

Gordon Brown has come under fire on both sides of the Atlantic for starving the Armed Forces of funding, leaving them struggling to fight on two fronts, in Iraq and Afghanistan.


	Robert Foster, Aaron McClure and John Thrumble

The Prime Minister was attacked by Liam Fox, the shadow defence secretary, and a White House adviser over ten years of "underspending".

He was accused of refusing to give British troops the money to defend themselves as they combat insurgents in southern Iraq and the Taliban in Afghanistan.

The claims came as the three soldiers killed by a US jet in a "friendly fire" incident in Afghanistan were named as Privates Aaron McClure, Robert Foster and John Thrumble.

Critics said that the men, who were hit by a 500lb bomb in Helmand, should have been protected by high-tech systems to identify them to friendly forces.

Dr Fox said that cuts in defence spending demanded by the Treasury had left the Army unable to invest in equipment that could have saved the soldiers' lives.

"Gordon Brown showed no interest in the Armed Forces in his time as chancellor," said Dr Fox. "We know what he thinks about casinos and cannabis but we have heard scarcely a word from him on Afghanistan. When it comes to people putting their lives on the line there is a deafening silence.

"As chancellor, Gordon Brown never gave defence much priority and now the skies are black with chickens coming home to roost."

Since Mr Brown became Prime Minister on June 27, 13 soldiers have been killed in Afghanistan and 15 in Iraq.

Frederick Kagan, an adviser to President George W Bush and the architect of the US surge strategy in Iraq, said the special relationship between Britain and America was under threat because defence cuts had left the Army unable to sustain simultaneous operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Britain has a lot of problems, principally that their ground forces are too small and are now paying the price," Mr Kagan said.

He disclosed that 3,500 US troops would have to be taken out of the surge to step into the breach when the British leave southern Iraq. "I do worry about the short-term effects on the relationship between the two countries. It will create bad feeling with American soldiers if they can't go home because the British have left."

The commander of British forces in Helmand last night paid tribute to the three soldiers from 1 Bn, the Royal Anglian Regiment, who died in Thursday's blue on blue attack. Speaking in Lashkar Gar, Brig John Lorimer said that their deaths were a tragedy that had dented morale.

The incident is under investigation and serving officers were at pains not to lay the blame on either the American pilots or on shortages of combat identification systems designed to reduced the chances of such tragedies.


	Liam Fox: 'Gordon Brown never gave defence much priority'

But a powerful Commons committee and the National Audit Office have publicly condemned the Government for its failure to invest in equipment to prevent blue on blue, or friendly fire, incidents. In 2003 the public accounts committee criticised the MoD for diverting billions of pounds that should have been spent on battlefield recognition technology into other projects.

In May this year, the committee's Conservative chairman, Edward Leigh, said: "At the moment, pretty well the only solution to avoid being shot at by an American aeroplane if you're in a war... is to have a great big Union Jack flying on top of your tank."

An MoD spokesman said: "We take the risk of fratricide very seriously and continue to invest in combat ID technologies to help prevent it."

The Government claims that defence spending has risen, but its critics say it has fallen compared with other areas.

The Conservatives say that the proportion of GDP spent on defence is at its lowest since 1930. Spending on health and education has more than doubled since 1999 while defence has risen from £22 billion to £32 billion.

Col Clive Fairweather, a former deputy commander of the SAS, said that it was cuts imposed by Mr Brown that had reduced the Armed Forces to having to call in the Americans when they needed close air support in Afghanistan.

"It is the fault of Gordon Brown's Treasury that the Army is under-resourced," he said. "We don't have enough aircraft, troops or equipment".

> killed in Afghanistan on Thursday 23 August 2007

2007-08-25T15:49:00.001Z

Private McClure, Private Foster and Private Thrumble killed in Afghanistan

25 Aug 07

It is with profound sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the deaths of Privates Aaron James McClure, Robert Graham Foster and John Thrumble from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment who were killed in Afghanistan on Thursday 23 August 2007.

Private Aaron James McClure
[Picture: MOD]

The three soldiers, all serving in 7 Platoon B 'SUFFOLK' Company, were killed when the platoon came under accurate fire from a determined Taliban force during a fighting patrol to disrupt enemy activity and reassure the local population north west of Kajaki, in northern Helmand Province, southern Afghanistan.

During the ensuing fire fight air support was requested from two US F15 aircraft to engage the enemy positions and it was then that a bomb tragically struck the compound where the three soldiers and their section were located. An emergency helicopter was tasked to assist, however, sadly Privates McClure, Foster and Thrumble were pronounced dead at the scene.

Two other soldiers were also injured in the incident which occurred at approximately 6.30pm local time. The injured soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to the medical facility at Camp Bastion for treatment.

The events surrounding the incident are subject to an investigation.

Private Aaron James McClure

Private McClure, nicknamed 'Troy', enlisted into the British Army in March 2006 and having completed training as a rifleman at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick, he joined the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment in October the same year. He had recently participated in exercises in the UK and Kenya.

As a rifleman in 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company Private McClure had been serving in Helmand Province in Afghanistan since March 2007 on his first operational tour. During this time he had been involved in numerous fierce engagements with the Taliban frequently at close range, often in dangerous situations and in the most demanding of environments. 'Troy' quickly established himself as a highly capable, motivated and brave soldier.

His quiet, unassuming nature was founded on an inner confidence that saw him excel at a very early stage in his career; he was a rising star within the Company who had a bright future. Widely regarded as a first-rate soldier, notable for his complete reliability and commitment, it was in contact with the enemy where he displayed his true ability working selflessly to support the remainder of his platoon without complaint; characteristics he will be remembered for. Private McClure's friendly, modest exterior belied a soldier who was focused, physically and mentally tough, and intent on doing the utmost for his team-mates. His presence will be missed immensely by all within the Company.

Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Carver Commanding Officer 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment said:

"At 19 years-old, Private Aaron McClure was already a veteran of over forty engagements with the enemy. It is tragic that where the Taliban had failed, it was an accident that has taken him from us. Loyal, hard working and highly professional, he constantly surpassed the standards expected, and his loss is a bitter blow to the whole Battalion. We will never forget him, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this most difficult of times."

Major Tony Borgnis, Officer Commanding B (Suffolk) Company said:

"Private McClure, although relatively new to the Company, was an exceptionally professional and highly motivated soldier. He rapidly established himself as one of the hardest working and most dependable soldiers I have. He consistently carried out even the most demanding tasks to the highest of standards. His actions epitomised the very best qualities of the British Infantry, in general, and the Royal Anglian Regiment in particular. He was a true and loyal friend to all those he served with, always placing the needs of others above his own. His loss is tragic and deeply felt by all members of the Company. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones."

Lieutenant George Seal-Coon, Platoon Commander 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company said:

"Private Aaron McClure was a rising star of the platoon. As a soldier, he displayed the greatest levels of professionalism and dedication in the most arduous and dangerous of environments. As a friend he was utterly selfless and reliable. His strength of character was ever an inspiration to those who worked and lived alongside him. We are all devastated by his loss."

Sergeant 'Woody' Woodrow, Platoon Sergeant, 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company said:

"Private 'Troy' McClure was an amazingly robust soldier with potential beyond his young years. He was always helpful and dependable in the thick of things. We will miss him deeply and he will never be forgotten."

Lance Corporal Stevie Veal, Section Commander, 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company said:

"Troy as most people knew him was a smart and intelligent soldier whose aspirations inspired his peers and even his commander. He was more than capable of becoming a fine junior non commissioned officer, which is what he wanted above all. He was a model for the British Army. We will always remember him, and it was more than a privilege to serve with him."

Private Aaron 'Ronnie' Barker, 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company said:

"McClure known to most of his mates as 'Troy' was a hard working and very determined member of 7 Platoon who would 'work his socks off' to achieve the best results he could. 'Troy' had a lot of ambition and would have gone far in the Army. He will be missed very much by all of us in 7 Platoon and the Company. Rest in peace mate and my thoughts are with your family."

Aaron's family said:

"Aaron was a wonderful son to Lorraine and Karl and grandson to Vi, Allan, Linda and Lenny. He was loved by his aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends alike. He was also looked up to by his brothers, Lewis, Daniel and Ryan.

"Aaron loved the army life to which he was dedicated and had aspirations for promotion. He was never happier than when with family who knew Aaron as a bright, happy, handsome lad who would do anything for anyone.

"Aaron was a light in our lives now extinguished, always loved, never forgotten.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with other families affected by this tragic incident."

Private Robert Graham Foster
[Picture: MOD]

Private Robert Graham Foster

Private Foster enlisted into the British Army in April 2006 and after completing training as a rifleman at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick, he joined the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment in October the same year. He had recently participated in exercises in the UK and Kenya.

Private Foster had been serving in Helmand Province in Afghanistan since March 2007 as a rifleman in 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company. It was his first operational tour and like Private McClure, he saw significant action during his short time with the Battalion, being involved in numerous, often close quarter, engagements with the Taliban in the most demanding circumstances. In these situations he fought with a strength and courage that belied his relative inexperience, testament to his unswerving commitment to his fellow soldiers.

Private Foster was one of the Company's real characters. An extrovert by nature, his gregarious approach was a refreshing relief from the stresses of combat; unsurprisingly he was hugely popular within his platoon and the wider Company. He had the rare quality to always see the bright side of any situation, irrespective of the severity of events. His confidence and excellent sense of humour shone through at every stage, lifting the morale of all those around him.

An accomplished rifleman who worked hard for his mates, Private Foster clearly enjoyed Army life and being amongst his fellow soldiers. He had a bright future in a career that he loved. His absence will be felt deeply within the Company.

Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Carver Commanding Officer 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment said:

"As a junior soldier, Private Robert Foster settled in remarkably quickly and was a highly respected Viking. Fiercely loyal to his friends, he had seemingly limitless reserves of courage and strength of character way beyond his years. He had a rare quality of always seeing the bright side of any situation and a mischievous sense of humour which made him hugely popular. Never to be forgotten, our sympathy and prayers are with his family and friends at this very difficult time."

Major Tony Borgnis, Officer Commanding B (Suffolk) Company said:

"Private Foster joined the Company only six months before deployment to Afghanistan and yet he immediately became an integral part of the team. His consistently high morale was infectious across all ranks with which he served. His apparently unlimited capacity for carrying out courageous acts was an inspiration to the rest of the Company. As a soldier he was utterly dependable and professional even through the darkest of times. As a friend he was compassionate, kind and lifted the spirits of those around him. He will always be remembered by those who were close to him and our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and friends. We will never forget him."

Lieutenant George Seal-Coon, Platoon Commander 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company said:

"Private 'Fozzy' Foster was a beacon for the platoon: his courage, character and sense of humour made him a close friend to those around him. At all times, he carried out his tasks, with the highest professionalism and great personal strength, making him ever steadfast amongst his team. His highest quality was his loyalty, to his platoon, section but above all his friends. He will be sorely missed."

Sergeant 'Woody' Woodrow, Platoon Sergeant, 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company said:

"Private 'Foster Child' was a fun loving, hilariously funny and enthusiastic young soldier. He was one of the true characters within the Platoon and a very competent and dependable operator. He was a true team player that was loved and will be truly missed by all".

Lance Corporal Stevie Veal, Section Commander, 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company said:

"Fozzy as he was known by all will be remembered for never turning a dare down. He was up for anything and kept the comedy value of the section up when it was most needed. He was a model for the British Army. It was a privilege to serve with him and we will never forget him."

Private Aaron 'Ronnie' Barker, 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company said:

"Foster was a very funny member of 7 Platoon and will be missed a lot. I remember the first time I met him. It was at the ranges, after a long day shouting, we went to sleep, only to be woken by more shouting. It was Foster sleep-talking. He will be missed a lot by me because he was hard working, down to earth and just a likeable guy who got on with everyone. You will be missed a lot by the whole of 7 Platoon and the Company. Rest in peace mate, my thoughts are with your family."

Robert's family said:

"To us Robert was the most wonderful son; he was the life and sole of the party and had a very loving and caring nature. His family and friends now feel a very big gap in their lives. The only consolation is that he died doing the job he loved. We have been overwhelmed by the love and the support we have been shown by everyone since we received this heartbreaking news.His sister Lauren says he was a great brother: He always looked out for me, even though he was younger. I'm so very proud of him and always will be.

"Our thoughts are also with the other families affected by this tragedy and we pray for a full recovery for the two injured soldiers."

Private John Thrumble
[Picture: MOD]

Private John Thrumble

Private Thrumble enlisted into the British Army in April 2004 and joined the 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment in July 2005 after completing his training as a rifleman at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick. In the same year he completed a tour with the Battalion in Iraq, on Operation Telic 6, where he served with distinction. He had recently participated in exercises in the UK, Canada and Kenya.

As a machine gunner in 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company Private Thrumble had been serving in Helmand Province in Afghanistan since March 2007. During this time he had been involved in numerous, close quarter engagements with the enemy where he had proven himself to be a brave, tenacious and steadfast soldier who would not yield irrespective of the circumstances - in a fight he was always there for his mates.

Private Thrumble was a unique character, known by all within B (Suffolk) Company for his quirky sense of humour and unshakably high morale. He had the rare ability to 'light up' any situation with a well timed, good humoured remark or gesture that would always raise the morale of his fellow soldiers. A kind-hearted and sincere soldier, he had developed into a highly competent and professional infantryman who loved his job and Army life; he revelled in the operational challenges of service in Afghanistan. He talked enthusiastically of the upcoming promotion course where he aspired to succeed and gain promotion to Lance Corporal. Sadly his significant potential will go unrealised.

Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Carver Commanding Officer 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment said:

"Private John Thrumble was one of the mainstays and leading characters within the Battalion. An inspirational model to others and a caring and compassionate friend to many, he will be sorely missed. Proven in combat on countless occasions - his raw courage and ability to raise a smile were invaluable in these testing times. He joins the ranks of his fellow fallen Vikings but his reputation will live on and he will never be forgotten. The most sincere condolences of the entire Battalion are with his family and friends at this tragic time."

Major Tony Borgnis, Officer Commanding B (Suffolk) Company said:

"Private Thrumble was one of the B Company characters. He was utterly dedicated to his job and in particular, fiercely loyal to his platoon and protective of his friends. This attitude was shown countless times during operations, where he was frequently under heavy enemy fire. His courage and professionalism were always evident during the most demanding periods, where he was often a 'rock' for the younger members of the platoon. His loss is felt deeply throughout the Company, he will be sorely missed. All our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time"

Lieutenant George Seal-Coon, Officer Commanding 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company said:

"Private John Thrumble was a stalwart member of 7 Platoon. He was always professional, taking great care in all aspects of his work. He was courageous and determined, proving himself on numerous occasions. He was an inspiration and a friend to all, putting the welfare of others before his own and showing compassion at all times. His sense of humour, high morale and character set him apart as a great soldier and a great friend. He will not be forgotten."

Sergeant 'Woody' Woodrow, Platoon Sergeant, 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company said:

"Private hMumbles' was a true character within the platoon, with a great outlook on life. He was a real team player with a heart of gold. We will miss him deeply and he will never be forgotten."

Lance Corporal Stevie Veal, Section Commander, 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company said:

"Thrumble was a very strong member of the section. Being the most senior private, he will be remembered for his random sense of humour which most of the time only he could understand. But still he always managed to raise a smile on anyone's face in the worst of times."

Private Aaron 'Ronnie' Barker, 7 Platoon B (Suffolk) Company said:

"John was the joker of the platoon and even the Company, and always managed to make you laugh whatever the circumstances. Although he was hard as nails, he had a soft side to him which most people did not know. He had some ambition and wanted to stay in the Army and work his way up through the ranks. My thoughts are now with his family, his brothers and his girlfriend who he loved very much. Rest in peace. I am going to miss you very much, mate."

Mr Stephen Thrumble, Private John Thrumble's father said:

"John was well known and well loved by all that new him, he leaves behind parents Stephen & Pearl and a younger brother Luke and foster Brother Semicjan Dalti. Although John loved his family dearly he had become attached to his second family, B Company, 'the Vikings', and was proud to serve alongside the friends he had made on the way. All the family are very proud of John and what he had achieved on the way whilst with the Vikings."

Poem from Mum Pearl Thrumble:

"Our son the soldier, how great a man he must be.
To be joined in the fight to set another world free.
Our son the soldier, so very proud of you we are.
To all of us who love you, you will always be a shining star
Our son the Soldier so far away from home in a foreign place
Just close your eyes to see a familiar smiling face
Our son the soldier so very far away
We will be waiting with open arms on your coming home day."

Author unknown

Defence Secretary Des Browne said:

"It is with profound sadness that I learnt of the death of Privates John Thrumble, Aaron McClure and Robert Foster of 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment in Afghanistan. Although it appears that their deaths are the result of a tragic incident involving allied forces, it is important to remember that they died participating in an operation vital to the security of the British and Afghan people. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the families, friends and colleagues of those killed or injured at this most difficult of times.

"The investigation which has now begun will be thorough and undertaken with the utmost urgency."

Brigadier John Lorimer, Commander Task Force Helmand, said:

"I am extremely saddened by the death of three soldiers from Task Force Helmand in what we believe to be a tragic accident.

"The death or injury of every solider affects us all deeply. But as professionals we must carry on with the job in hand - fighting a determined, cunning and cruel enemy with the clear goal of bringing peace, security and stability to Afghanistan on behalf of its Government.

"We continue to work very closely with US Forces in Helmand and their contribution is instrumental to the success of our joint mission. Our track record speaks for itself - our partnership is highly effective and we have the insurgency on the back foot. This incident is all the more devastating because on numerous occasions, bombs dropped by US aircraft have saved the lives of British troops on the ground.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the soldiers killed or injured at this deeply distressing time."

> Three British soldiers killed in Afgh...

2007-08-24T11:13:00.001Z

Three British soldiers killed in Afghanistan

24 Aug 07

It is with profound sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the deaths of three soldiers from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment who were tragically killed in what is believed to be a friendly fire incident in Afghanistan yesterday, Thursday 23 August 2007.

MOD Announcement

Two other soldiers were also injured in the incident. All of the soldiers were taking part in a fighting patrol to disrupt Taliban activity and reassure the local population north west of Kajaki, Helmand Province, when the incident occurred at approximately 6.30pm local time.

Their patrol was attacked by Taliban insurgents and during the intense engagement that ensued, close air support was called in from two US F15 aircraft to repel the enemy. One bomb was dropped and it is believed the explosion killed the three soldiers.

The three soldiers were declared dead at the scene. The injured soldiers were evacuated by helicopter to the medical facility at Camp Bastion for treatment.

The events surrounding the incident are subject to an investigation.

The soldiers' next of kin have been informed and have requested a twenty four hour period of grace before further details are released.

> Britain's neglected wars

2007-08-17T11:24:00.001Z

Britain's neglected wars

Aug 16th 2007
From The Economist print edition

The strange quiescence of Britain's anti-war movement

ON THE Ministry of Defence's website is a growing list of the young men and women who have died fighting for Britain in Iraq and Afghanistan. Their photographs, which show tanned soldiers smiling into the camera against clear skies and dust, give little indication that Britain is fighting some of its fiercest battles since the Korean War. But the frequency of their posting points to the rising price that is being paid for an honourable exit from Iraq, and to defeat the Taliban in Afghanistan.

British casualties in both conflicts have jumped from a monthly average of five between 2004 and 2006 to eight so far this year. More servicemen and women have already died in 2007 than in all of 2003, when Iraq was invaded (see chart).

But rising casualties have not been translated into the public displays of discontent that might have been expected. The most vocal campaigns have been mounted by soldiers' organisations, which, though they do not oppose the wars, argue that Britain is letting its soldiers down. On August 15th the Royal British Legion, a venerable veterans' charity, spoke of a "growing sense of disillusionment among service personnel and veterans about their treatment by the state".

Strangely, Britain's once-vociferous anti-war movement has become more muted as ever more flag-draped coffins return home. While the troops were preparing to invade Iraq, between 750,000 and 2m protesters gathered in London for Britain's biggest demonstration against anything ever. But by 2005 organisers were struggling to mass more than 10,000, according to police estimates (organisers claim more), and their most recent big event, in February 2007, drew no more.

So why has anti-war sentiment been relatively muffled in Britain when in America it is defining the presidential elections, and in Canada, Italy and Germany it has prompted heart-searching national debates about whether to bring the troops home? The wars are no more popular in Britain than they are among its allies: far fewer Britons than Americans have ever thought the war in Iraq a good idea. Support in Britain peaked at 60% right after the fall of Baghdad in 2003, and at 73% in America. It has since dwindled to 30%, against around 40% in America.

One difference between the two countries is the scale of the involvement. As America has built up its forces in Baghdad to about 160,000 soldiers, Britain has cut its troops back to around 5,500 (from a peak of 46,000 in 2003). Fewer soldiers in harm's way has meant fewer anxious families back home and kept British casualties much lower than America's.

The war feels distant for most Britons for another reason too. Pollsters at the Pew Research Centre discovered that 27% of Americans have a close family member or friend who has served in Iraq or Afghanistan, whereas a recent YouGov poll found that only 18% of Britons have friends or relatives doing anything at all in the military. That may reflect not just Britain's smaller army but also its recruiting. Almost a tenth of the British Army is composed of soldiers from 57 different countries, with some 3,500 Nepalese Ghurkas, 2,000 Fijians and 975 Jamaicans filling the ranks.

Britain's steady withdrawal from Iraq has also played a role in dampening active dissent. Why march to bring the boys home when Gordon Brown, the prime minister, is already expected to cut the forces in the field?

Fewer Britons oppose the involvement in Afghanistan, where British forces have more than doubled in the past 18 months, to 7,700, and casualties are also rising. This may be because a plurality (at least of those who talk to pollsters) think Afghanistan can still be won, compared with an outright majority who think the effort is failing in Iraq. Public support, it seems, hinges less on whether soldiers are dying than on whether they are winning.

> Afghanistan medal petition set up

2007-08-17T11:22:00.001Z

Afghanistan medal petition set up

Mr Myers says soldiers deserve more recognition

A Shropshire man has set up an online petition calling for a special medal to be awarded to British forces fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Andy Myers, of Shrewsbury, has started a petition on the Number 10 website.

Campaigners complain the Ministry of Defence still offers soldiers the same medal as it did to those involved in peacekeeping duties in 2002.

Mr Myers said the new award would recognise the extra intensity of the armed conflict in Helmand province.

Mr Myers said the current medal was designed to recognize "peacekeeping role and is the same medal as was awarded to troops immediately after the Taliban were deposed".

'Deserves recognition'

He added: "The current campaign can be considered to be anything but a peacekeeping role with our troops currently facing a 1 in 36 chance of dying during a 6 month deployment in Helmand province.

"Their bravery and loyalty deserves recognition above and beyond that awarded in general and individual acts of bravery."

Seventy UK troops have been killed while on operations in Afghanistan since 2001.

But the Ministry of Defence has rejected calls for a new medal to be awarded, saying the current award is not for peacekeeping but general operational service.

Defence Secretary Des Browne said earlier this week there "should be no doubt that our people are getting the recognition they deserve", adding that it was the Army commanders that decided "whether a medal is deserved".

Mr Myers' petition has been signed by 46 people since it was set up on Tuesday.

> Demand for military hospital grows as...

2007-08-17T11:20:00.001Z

Demand for military hospital grows as UK's only war ward struggles with casualties

By MATTHEW HICKLEY - More by this author >> Last updated at 00:00am on 17th August 2007

Comments (7)

Demand for a dedicated military hospital grew yesterday amid an overcrowding crisis at the country's only ward set aside for soldiers.

MPs and veterans spoke out as rising casualty rates put intolerable pressure on the single NHS ward at Selly Oak Hospital, Birmingham.

It has just 14 beds - yet, in the last month alone, 145 personnel have been flown back from Afghanistan and Iraq for treatment.

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Taliban shrapnel is still in my heart

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Selly Oak hospital in Birmingham has just 14 beds on the ward for soldiers

The dedicated "military-managed" ward, with uniformed military nurses working alongside NHS staff, was set up before Christmas following complaints from soldiers who found themselves on ordinary wards, isolated from their comrades and surrounded by civilians with no understanding of the terrors of war.

But now officials admit the unit is too small for the numbers of battlefield casualties, and the overflow has had to be treated on ordinary mixed NHS wards.

The revelations come amid claims from the Royal British Legion that Britain's "military covenant" - which supposedly guarantees fair treatment for fighting troops - is being broken.

Campaigners last night said that wounded heroes - many of whom have lost limbs or eyes - are being left with "the crumbs from the NHS".

Selly Oak has been the main receiving centre for casualties since 2001 as the closure of the old dedicated military hospitals gathered pace.

The last, at Haslar near Portsmouth, shut earlier this year.

Ministers claimed the move would improve care by giving troops access to more highly-skilled NHS staff.

But at Selly Oak, one soldier described waking up to find himself surrounded by "old women and drug addicts", while there were reports of a Para being confronted by a Muslim man who accused him of "killing my Muslim brothers".

The head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, declared mixed military-civilian wards to be unacceptable.

Falklands veteran Simon Weston said yesterday: "We should build a bigger unit for these people, and ideally it should be a separate military wing or building.

"If in years to come we no longer need it, then fine - give it back to the NHS. But our boys shouldn't be living off the crumbs from the NHS like this."

Major General Patrick Cordingley, who led the Desert Rats in the 1991 Gulf War, said: "When I visited Selly Oak recently, I found there was no space for wounded men to sit together and 'decompress', as the military call it - to let off steam as soldiers do without worrying about offending anyone, to share their experiences and draw strength from each other.

"Selly Oak is a model that could be made to work much better, but it needs proper money spending on it."

Shadow Defence Secretary Liam Fox said: "The men and women of our Armed Forces deserve the best medical care. Anything less will be seen as yet another breach of the military covenant."

A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed that some troops are housed outside the Selly Oak ward, but said each one still has a dedicated military nurse.

The "overflow" space is close to the military unit, he added.

Plans are being considered to increase the number of dedicated beds from 14 to 34, he said.

* Suicides in the U.S. army soared to 17.3 per 100,000 soldiers last year, up from 12.8 in 2005, the Pentagon said. That is more than 50 per cent higher than the rate among civilians.

Nearly 30 of last year's 101 suicides were in Iraq or Afghanistan. There were two suicides in the 100,000-strong British Army in 2006.

> Concern mounts over rising casualty rate

2007-08-17T11:16:00.001Z

Concern mounts over rising casualty rate

By Thomas Harding, Defence Correspondent

Last Updated: 2:07am BST 15/08/2007

The casualty rate among front line units fighting in Afghanistan has now surpassed the average suffered by troops in the Second World War, it can be revealed today.


	Soldiers of the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters regiment carry an injured colleague

Privately Whitehall sources are admitting that the high casualty rate is becoming a source for concern.

The three infantry battalions which have been involved in substantial battles with the Taliban have seen their casualties mount since deploying to Helmand province four months ago.

In particular the 1st Bn Royal Anglians has lost a fifth of its troops to battlefield wounds, disease and injuries with 131 soldiers, most of them front line veterans, becoming casualties. Six of the 650-strong battalion have been killed, 54 wounded and 71 have suffered broken bones, malaria or severe heat stroke. A total of 64 have been evacuated back to England.

These figures compare with a casualty rate of almost 11 per cent in the Second World War. More than 11 million troops served in the British Commonwealth then, with 580,000 killed or missing and 475,000 wounded.

The loss of troops in Helmand since April has been the equivalent of an entire fighting company. "It has been a tough few days but we will get through it," said regiment sources. "However the progress that has been made in Helmand over the past four months is significant." Morale was still "remarkably high" and there was an "underlying determination that these sacrifices won't have been in vain".

However, there is deep frustration among British Forces that the public at home has little understanding or interest in Afghanistan.

The other infantry battalions in Helmand have had a tough mission. The Grenadier Guards have had five soldiers killed and the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters have suffered three fatalities. Both have had scores wounded.

Last November, only three British soldiers were wounded in Afghanistan by the Taliban, compared with 38 in May.

The Anglians, nicknamed the Vikings, have also sustained a number of minor casualties treated on the front line, which are not included in official statistics.

The high casualty rate comes after it emerged that deaths in Iraq could exceed the 53 servicemen killed in the year of the 2003 invasion.

> Officer killed as pressure for new aw...

2007-08-15T10:43:00.001Z

Officer killed as pressure for new award grows

By Thomas Harding, Brendan Carlin, Stephen Adams and Martin Beckford

Last Updated: 2:43am BST 15/08/2007

Frontline troops who put their lives at risk in Iraq and Afghanistan are being failed by the government, according to forces charities and campaigners.

Have your say: Should British troops be honoured for fighting in Afghanistan?

Full coverage: Our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan

In pictures: British troops in action

There is growing anger amongst the service community that the historic Military Covenant, which states soldiers and their families should be properly looked after in return for the sacrifices they make in the line of duty, is not being upheld.


	Capt Dave Hicks had been on tours of Bosnia, Iraq and Afghanistan

Some of the most influential organisations in the armed forces have condemned the current treatment of soldiers and are calling for the government to provide the armed forces and their familes with proper care.

According to the newly-founded British Armed Forces Federation, Baff, the covenant is "now a dead letter".

At the same time, the Royal British Legion, which holds an annual poppy appeal to raise money for former servicemen, is to launch a campaign to demand that the government witholds the covernment and ensures soldiers and their families are properly looked after.

The criticisms come at the same time as the most senior British officer to be killed on the front line was named by the Minsitry of Defence as Capt David Hicks.
He died on Saturday defending an outpost in Helmand province against a substantial Taliban attack, despite being mortally wounded. He was hit by rocket-propelled grenades and gunfire as he lead a counter-attack against the terrorists.

According to officers he refused morphine because he wanted to get back up on to his watch tower to carry on fighting.

As his regiment mourned yet another death, MPs from all three main parties joined forces to push for a special award for those fighting the insurgency.

The MPs' calls followed yesterday's front page story in The Daily Telegraph calling for a separate medal to be awarded to soldiers fighting in Helmand Province, the most dangerous region in Afghanistan.

Labour defence committee members Kevan Jones and David Burrow called for the troops' sacrifices to be recognised.

Two Labour members of the Commons' defence committee called on the MoD to recognise the intensity of the current conflict with a special honour.

At the moment soldiers fighting against the Taliban - the most intense battles the British Army has engaged in since World War Two - are honoured with the same medal given to forces who took part in what were essentially peace-keeping operations in the country five years ago.

Now Douglas Young, the chairman of Baff, has rounded on the government saying that soldiers were not being properly recognised for the sacrifices they were making on the front line.

He said: "If the military covenant is anything other than spin and hot air, then it has to be at the forefront of policymakers' minds whenever defence policy is being formulated and not just trotted out when there's a good news story.

"The sacrifices made by members of all three armed services in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere in the past few years have been immense and in return they need to be recognised with the special consideration that the covenant appears to promise."

This Autumn, the British Legion will launch a campaign to highlight medical care, military inquests and iniquities in the compensation system for injured troops.

The campaign aims to "address the growing sense of disillusionment among service personnel and veterans about their treatment by the state".

A spokesman for the Legion spokesman said: "This is not an Iraq/Afghanistan campaign.

"It is for the whole of the service community. However, it's true that the service charities have seen an increase in their workload as a result of certain operations."

Ernie Stables, of the British Limbless Ex-Service Men's Association, said: "We have got about 43 people who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, who have either lost their limbs or the use of limbs, or an eye. Probably about 26 of those have come to us in the last year."

> Then and now

2007-08-15T09:37:00.001Z

then and now

By Thomas Harding, Defence Correspondent
Last Updated: 2:39am BST 14/08/2007
The contrast between the current conflict in Afghanistan and the original deployment five years ago could hardly be sharper. The first British soldier to die in the Afghanistan campaign was L/Cpl Darren George of 1st Bn Royal Anglians. At the time troops had been welcomed into Kabul and, with the Taliban routed the previous year, they were patrolling in berets and little body armour on a peacekeeping mission. L/Cpl George, 22, was the unfortunate victim of an accidental discharge from a weapon in April 2002. In the last four months six Royal Anglians have been killed by enemy fire in an operation that is all-out war.
British forces in Helmand have now surpassed at least two million rounds fired in anger - a long way from the former defence secretary John Reid's assertion that they might not fire one. Fighting is at times so intense it has been said to be the fiercest fight in which the British Army has been engaged since the Second World War. It is the huge amount of hard fighting that the British troops are now doing that is causing some resentment in the ranks. A number of soldiers want the hardships that they have faced to be recognised by a medal separate from the one awarded during the quieter days of service in Kabul in 2002. Fighting a long way from home with little news of the heroism and difficulties of the front line being reported in the press, some would feel a new medal would be a more fitting tribute to the dead and those wounded and mentally scarred by the Helmand fighting over the past year. While their wishes are unlikely to be granted by the Ministry of Defence, there is a strong argument for a bar with "Helmand" written on it being added to the Afghanistan campaign medal. It is a place after all, that has seen British troops experience the hardest and most sustained fighting and casualties for more than 60 years.

> Captain David Hicks of 1st Battalion ...

2007-08-15T08:56:00.001Z

Captain David Hicks of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment killed in Afghanistan

14 Aug 07

It is with profound sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Captain David Hicks from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment on Saturday 11 August 2007.

Captain David Hicks
[Picture: MOD]

Captain Hicks, aged 26, was killed during a violent attack on his patrol base north east of Sangin, in Helmand Province. At 1320 hours local time the patrol base came under attack from small arms fire, rocket propelled grenades, and indirect fire. It was during this engagement that Captain Hicks was injured. An emergency response helicopter took him to the medical facility at Camp Bastion for treatment, but sadly he did not survive.

Captain David Hicks, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment

Captain David Hicks was commissioned from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in December 2002 into the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment. After two years commanding a rifle platoon he went to Bosnia for two months as a Company Second in Command with The Grenadier Guards. He then went to the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick, for just over a year where he trained recruits, before going to Iraq as a Company Second in Command for the 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment - 'The Poachers'. He then returned to the 1st Battalion towards the end of 2006 where he took over again as Company Second in Command for C (Essex) Company.

Captain Hicks had been deployed on Operation HERRICK 6 in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, since March 2007. He had been involved in numerous engagements with enemy forces. At the time of his death, he was acting as Company Commander, and had commanded a number of fighting patrols deep into Taliban territory, always leading from the front and setting the example for the remainder of the Company. He died commanding C Company from the front as he coordinated the response to the attack on their patrol base.

Captain Hicks was an extremely dedicated, conscientious and professional officer. He planned everything with incredible attention to detail, always ensuring he achieved the best possible result. He had a real passion for soldiering and thrived in the operational environment, where he had the opportunities to practise the profession he so loved. He was a true advocate of the 'work hard - play hard' ethos of the infantry and was a real character in the mess.

"Captain Dave Hicks was an outstanding officer who will be sorely missed by all members of the Battalion."

Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Carver

He was supremely fit, and enjoyed all physical aspects of the Army. His hobbies included skiing, and he was already planning the Battalion skiing trip for early 2008. He had been with his girlfriend Nicola since late 2006 and was planning to buy a house with her in Surrey following his operational tour in Afghanistan.

Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart Carver, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

"Captain Dave Hicks was an outstanding officer who will be sorely missed by all members of the Battalion. It is typical of him that he had led from the forward position during the attack on his Company, in order to best direct the battle and provide an inspiring example to his men. Even after being mortally wounded his only concern was to get back into position to control the fight. Highly professional with a genuine concern for his soldiers, he typified the highest standards of leadership and commanded genuine respect from all who served with him. Our sincere condolences are with his family and friends at this most difficult of times."

Major Phil Messenger, Officer Commanding C (Essex) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

"Dave Hicks was the most professional and dedicated fellow infantry officer I have ever had the privilege of working with. He had a true affinity with the soldiers he so enjoyed working alongside and he commanded their respect due to his firm but fair leadership style. He was an infantry officer of the highest order, totally dedicated to his work and determined to give 100 per cent in everything he did. He will be sorely missed by all officers and soldiers of C (Essex) Company and will always be remembered as a first class officer and dear friend."

Capt Alex Maclay, Regimental Signals Officer, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

"Words cannot describe what the loss of Dave means. Whether it was his shoulder to cry on, as a partner in crime, or just comradeship, we shared many good times, the memories of which I will always cherish."

"Captain Dave Hicks was a good friend and a good leader of men. To me he was a calming influence who would be able to see through tough situations and find a positive side. His humour was unique and he always knew what to say to cheer people up."

Sergeant Matthew Waters

Lieutenant Marni Olivier, Officer Commanding 11 Platoon, C (Essex) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

"I have had the honour to serve with Dave since the start of this operational tour. His calming influence and willingness to make time to listen to our concerns always impressed me. I trusted his judgement and thoughts. He led us extremely well in some very dangerous situations. I will miss my friend."

Sergeant Matthew Waters, 11 Platoon, C (Essex) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

"Captain Dave Hicks was a good friend and a good leader of men. To me he was a calming influence who would be able to see through tough situations and find a positive side. His humour was unique and he always knew what to say to cheer people up. Dave stepped up to Company Commander and used his intelligence and experience to do what was right for him and the men. He was a good friend but hopefully he has gone to a better place. Dave will be sorely missed by all in C (Essex) Company and across the Battalion. He was a true star."

Private Benjamin Emmett, C (Essex) Company, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, said:

"Captain Hicks was a very hard working and understanding Second in Command. He was a funny, caring man and would always put a smile on your face. He was always willing to give advice and would never put you down. He always had time for everyone from private soldiers to the Company Commander. He will be missed greatly by all that knew him."

Des Browne, Secretary of State for Defence, said:

"Captain Hicks' death is tragic. The loss of such a dedicated and talented officer is truly sad and I would like to express my sincere condolences to his family. My thoughts are also with the men of the Royal Anglians who Captain Hicks led so courageously in battle."

> BBC Video - 2 recent Anglian's killed in Action

2007-08-13T13:44:00.000Z

Click here to view

> Britain's frontline soldiers have 1 i...

2007-08-13T13:37:00.001Z

Britain's frontline soldiers have 1 in 36 chance of dying on Afghan battlefield

Fran Yeoman

Britain's frontline troops in Afghanistan are being killed at such a rate that, were it to continue, one in 36 would not survive a six-month tour of the country.

In Iraq, as many as one in 100 of all service personnel could die during a six-month stint if the death rate there continues as it has in the past month.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that a serviceman from the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment was killed on Saturday during an attack on a patrol base in Helmand province. His death brings to seven the number of British troops in Afghanistan killed in action or from wounds sustained in battle since July 12. This is compared with a monthly average of 0.7 since the conflict began in November 2001. All seven fatalities were members of a 1,500-strong frontline force primarily charged with fighting the Taleban.

If the death toll continued at this rate, 42 battle-group personnel would be killed in the next six months and a frontline soldier embarking on a typical tour of duty in the country would stand a one in 36 chance of being killed.

In Iraq, five personnel on frontline duties have died in the last month. If such a rate were to continue, 30 personnel from the roughly 1,500-strong "battle group" in Iraq would be expected to die in the next six months, giving a fatality rate of one in 50.

But as British troops in the southern Basra region begin to scale down their patrols in preparation for the planned handover of control to Iraqi forces this year, it is not only the "battle group" troops who are finding themselves in the firing line.

Last month three RAF men were killed in a rocket attack on their base at Basra airport, where British troops will soon be concentrated. A fourth man, Lance Corporal Timothy Flowers, died when the Basra Palace base was fired upon two days later.

New figures released this weekend reveal that the two bases have been hit by more than 300 rocket and mortar attacks in the past two months, more than the previous four years put together.

With all types of service personnel vulnerable to this kind of attack, the overall death toll of nine for last month, out of 5,500 troops based in Iraq, would mean that approximately one in 102 of all personnel would be expected to be killed during a six-month tour of duty.

The average number of troops killed every month in action or from wounds sustained in battle in Iraq since the invasion in March 2003 is 2.5.

Sir Menzies Campbell, the Liberal Democrat leader, said that it was imperative that the Government should urgently review its policies in both Iraq and Afghanistan "before the death toll rises further".

He said: "These statistics are deeply saddening. Above all because they represent personal tragedies for hundreds of British families. But they are also an indictment of a government which has no clear idea how to get British Forces home without further heavy loss of life."

Patrick Mercer, a Conservative MP and a former commanding officer of The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters, who have lost three men in Afghanistan, said that the Army faced a severe challenge. "Battalions are now taking very serious casualties - where every man will know every single person that is killed. This is an experience that the Army as a whole hasn't had since World War Two," he said. "The penalty you have to pay is that men will be extremely tired emotionally and physically, which is in no way a reflection on them. Six months is a long time to spend on an operation when you are suffering these kinds of losses.

"Meanwhile, three battalions have recently been disbanded and cuts mean that you have a smaller pool of men to send to do these very difficult tours. That means they will come round more and more frequently."

A spokesman for the MoD said that it was "oversimplistic" to draw conclusions from a monthly death toll.

"Fatalities over a short period of time do not provide an accurate reflection of the overall death rates of British troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. These numbers represent people's lives and should not be taken out of context," he said.

"UK personnel have performed magnificently during a prolonged period of extensive operations. They have put their lives on the line and we cannot pay high enough tribute to the job they are doing."

The MoD said that the soldier who died on Saturday was killed when his patrol base, northeast of Sangin in Helmand, had come under attack from small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades.

The injured soldier, who has not been named, was taken by helicopter to Camp Bastion but did not survive. Five other soldiers received minor injuries in the attack.

On Friday, Private Tony Rawson, 27, was killed when his patrol was attacked by Taleban fighters on its way to check a local irrigation project.

Four servicemen were killed last week in Iraq, bringing the death toll so far this year to 41. This is compared with the 53 who died during the whole of 2003, the year of the invasion and fall of Baghdad.

A YouGov poll published this weekend found that 53 per cent of British voters believe that UK troops are failing in Iraq. Three quarters want them brought home immediately or within the next year. Only 6 per cent felt that Britain is winning in Afghanistan.

> Killed soldier's funeral sadness

2007-08-12T17:26:00.001Z

Killed soldier's funeral sadness

Exclusive Paul Britton
9/ 8/2007

A MANCHESTER soldier killed in a fierce gunfight with Taliban forces attended the funeral of a fallen comrade just 24 hours before he left for war.

David Atherton, 25, a father-of-one from Withington, paid his respects to Tony Downes, 20, from Droyslden, then flew to Afghanistan the following day.

Tony was killed in June when a landmine exploded under his vehicle in the volatile Helmand Province.

A month after Tony's funeral, David was shot dead when his company came under attack.

Today David's grieving parents Gill and Mike, and his fiancée Emma Ball, mother of his three-year-old daughter Millie, spoke of their grief as hundreds of mourners were attending his military funeral service.

Balloons with messages attached were being released into the air.

Both Tony and David were Guardsmen with the First Battalion The Grenadier Guards.

Gill, 43, a supermarket department manager, said: "He went to Tony's funeral the day before he went to Afghanistan. They were in the same battalion but did not know each other. It was something he wanted to do.

"He loved his job. I was very proud of him, but I have always been proud of him. Everyone remembers his smile. He was happy-go-lucky and will never be forgotten. I will miss everything about him."

Emma, 31, an office manager who lived with David in Kearsley, Bolton, said: "We have been together for five years. We hadn't set a date for the wedding but it was in the pipeline. He was very excited about it and we were looking forward to the future.

"He was fantastic with Millie. She doted on him and he doted on her.

"We made the best of every moment together."

Taliban gun

David - who was known as 'Jaffa' and described by officers as 'highly respected' - had just taken out a Taliban gun nest with an anti-tank missile when he was shot north east of Gereshk.

Commanders said the firefight helped his company advance to a dam.

David, a former Burnage High pupil and Manchester United fan, joined the Army in 2002 and has served in Bosnia and Iraq, as well as at Windsor.

He was a European bantamweight kickboxing champion at the age of 14.

Grenadiers

Gill said: "He loved the pomp of the Grenadiers but said training for the Queen's Parade was very hard work.

"He enjoyed Bosnia and Iraq but I was worried when he went to Afghanistan.

"He had just shelled a gun nest. They had been sent in as a second party to rescue another unit that had been forced to flee from the Taliban.

"The job gave so much back to him. He was very shy and it helped to open him up. He had just signed up for another two years."

David's family spoke with him regularly over the Internet. Gill last spoke with him three weeks before he died.

She added: "He said that he was fine and was asking how we were. Then he said he wanted us to send him some shower gel and noodles.

"He really loved Emma and was really looking forward to getting married. He also doted on Millie and was a great dad.

"Nothing kept him down for long and he was full of energy."

Despite his death his family said that British troops should remain in Afghanistan.

Gill said: "The soldiers are there to do a job and just because they are a man down it does not stop play. He was considerate, thoughtful and the light of our life. The world will be a duller place without him."

David's commanding officer, Lt Col Carew Hatherley, paid tribute to a `real character' and a `good friend'.

He added: "Whether he was conducting ceremonial duties in London or fighting in combat, he was immensely proud to be a Grenadier."

David, the 66th forces personnel to be killed since operations began in Afghanistan in 2001, leaves a brother Joe, 17, and sister Kelly, 22.

His funeral was being held today at St Paul's Church, Withington.

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New helmets being shipped out to Helmand

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LAST POST

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ROSS V TALIBAN

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Grenadier Guard Thanks Observer Readers

Grenadier Guard Thanks Observer Readers

> Blog Author's Son Returns Home.

> London parade for returning UK troops

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> Heroes' welcome as soldiers return

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> SOLDIERS PARADE

SOLDIERS PARADE

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