 Soldiers serving overseas value the mail they receive from home |
The Royal Mail pillar box has been set up at a base near the town of Gereshk, 75 miles northwest of Kandahar, in the southern Helmand province.
The initiative was organised by Staff Sgt David Capper following requests from soldiers serving in Afghanistan.
The Army says the arrival of the post box has been welcomed by the troops and provided a boost to morale.
'All the difference'
Staff Sgt Capper, who is a former Royal Mail worker, helps run postal services in Afghanistan.
He said: "Mail is the one thing soldiers crave. When a soldier gets a letter or parcel it makes all the difference.
"Weapons of war have changed but nothing can replace the look on the face of a soldier who receives a letter from a loved one back home."
The Army Post Office Corps has been running postal services for the military since it was formed in 1882.
Maj John Lydon, commanding officer of 871 Postal and Courier Sqn, Royal Logistics Corp, said: "Spirits are good in camp but anything that can lift morale a bit and let the troops know that their efforts are valued is welcome."
More than 200 Royal Mail workers are currently serving with the Territorial Army.
Royal Mail chairman Allan Leighton said: "Royal Mail's people have a great reputation for going the extra mile but our team of brave postmen have gone nearly half way round the world to play a vital role keeping British servicemen and women in Afghanistan in touch with loved ones at home."
British troops have been involved in operations in Afghanistan since 2001.
