Soldier tells of life on frontline in Afghanistan
Monday, November 09, 2009, 20:30
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."
Lance Corporal James Hill of 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards killed in Afghanistan
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
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."
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Private James Prosser killed in Afghanistan
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
MajorGeneral Andrew Mackay "disillusioned" with strategy.
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British army commander quits over Afghan policy
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
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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New helmets being shipped out to Helmand
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
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
LONDON, Sept. 21 (UPI) --
Copyright 2009 by United Press International
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.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International
Soldier from 2 MERCIAN killed in Afghanistan
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.
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