Royal Blue

Hidden Enemy

A hidden enemy frustrates efforts to rebuilt Afghanistan

"Effing brilliant," said a Royal Marine as J Company, 42 Commando, returned to base from their heaviest clash with the Taliban since they arrived in Afghanistan a month ago. Their elation and relief was understandable, but the engagement also showed the movement remained a threat, even in the relatively secure centre of Helmand province.

Up to a dozen Taliban fighters were believed killed. No marines were hurt, but the company found an Afghan civilian with a leg wound lying in the road after the encounter. He was brought to the Gereshk base and evacuated by helicopter to the hospital at Camp Bastion, the main British base in Helmand.

The encounter began yesterday afternoon as the company was completing a patrol on the eastern bank of the Helmand river about six miles outside Gereshk, an area known to be heavily infiltrated by the Taliban. "Just as we were returning to our vehicles, we came under mortar fire from two positions, one on each side of the river," said the company commander, Major Ewen Murchison.

"At first the fire was inaccurate, but then it started coming closer to us, and one shell fell 25 metres from some of the men. We saw a group of five to seven armed individuals down on the river bed, who were signaling with mirrors to the mortar crews, apparently to direct their fire. We neutralised them with machine-gun fire. One of the mortars was in range, and we neutralised that too." Although two RAF Harriers were scrambled from Kandahar air base, the pilots could not identify the second mortar, which was mounted on a truck. Major Murchison said he decided against a follow-up operation, which could have run into a prepared ambush, and casualties could not be verified.

"Every time we've gone out in force before, they've always moved out," said one of J Company's officers, Captain Tom Vincent. "This was the first time they've been prepared to stand up and have a go. That's why the lads are so happy." His commander added that for some of the younger men, "it was the first time they've heard the thump of a mortar and the whizz of the shell going past. It's an interesting sound if you've never heard it before"

Rarely, though, are encounters between British forces and armed Afghans so straightforward. Major Murchison described an incident earlier in the patrol, when they detained an Afghan with a shotgun who appeared to be passing on their movements by mobile phone. Although they found two AK-47 ammunition clips beneath his bed when they searched his home, they could not find any clear evidence that the man was connected to the Taliban or the opium trade, and he was released. It lent force to the major's comment that "it is difficult to distinguish between the Taliban and ordinary hoods".

Gereshk, the commercial capital of Helmand, is an important target for the Taliban, because it straddles a strategic intersection. "But they do not need to take the town," said the marines' commander. "They can sit outside and have an influence, both economically and through intimidation. It is our job to restrict their freedom of action and allow the Afghan security forces to build up competence and confidence."

The death of a marine in a suicide bombing in the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah, this month signalled that British forces faced a new threat, although Major Murchison said he was more concerned about roadside bombs, three of which had exploded in Gereshk in the past three weeks.

As for the main mission of British troops in Helmand, to support development, the major made it clear that only a handful of smaller projects were possible at the moment.

Marine called me this morning and very excitedly told me to go out and buy the independent to send out to him! He told me that the other day they took some reporters on patrol with them and it just so happened that the same day was the first time anything really kicked off and so there was going to be an article about it. He also went to great lengths to tell me that 'reporters over-exaggerate' and what happened was 'no big deal at all' so 'don't read to much into it' I think just in case I got worried. To be honest I know that he is technically in a warzone so to speak so I know that he will always be in danger it's just something that you have to put out of your mind because even if something was to happen, worrying about it wouldn't prevent it anyway - you would just be making yourself suffer for no reason but it is still very nice of him to try and protect me anyway!

I am also so excited about Halloween I love it! Going out dressed as a nurse and have everything including the little dress, apron and hat and a giant syringe to cart around with me! Going to send Marine a few pictures of me in it to hopefully cheer him up! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Best Of The Best!

The Best Of The Best

Elite commandos from Plymouth are playing a 'crucial' role in stopping the Taliban using Afghanistan as an international training ground for terrorists.That was the message from Des Browne, the Secretary of State for Defence, who this week visited city marines at their Camp Bastion base in the Helmand Province.

Speaking to the Herald from Afghanistan, Mr Browne reiterated the importance of a military presence in the war-torn country.

His comments came amid growing concern that the Government underestimated the problems British forces would face in Afghanistan when the decision was made to deploy. Last week a marine from Arbroath-based 45 Commando was killed by a suicide bomber in the province barely days after 3 Commando Brigade took over control of security patrols in Helmand.

Around 1,000 elite commandos and Royal Marines from Plymouth are currently serving in Southern Afghanistan as part of a six-month deployment providing training to the Afghan National Army and helping to bring peace and stability to the country.

"It is crucial that these marines are here," said Mr Browne who took part in a four-day visit meeting military personnel in Afghanistan's capital Kabul, Kandahar, Camp Bastion and Lashkar Gah, the capital of Helmand Province.

"The international community allowed the Taliban to take control about 15 years ago. The Taliban then turned the country into an international training ground for terrorists which ultimately led to 9/11. It is incredibly important to the security of the world and the security of the Afghan people that we take control."

Speaking earlier in his visit Mr Browne said anyone who thought the Government had not appreciated the "nature of the job" the British Armed Forces army was doing there was "frankly wrong".

Last night he told the Herald that no security force in the world was better suited and prepared for the task than the Royal Marines.

"Everybody knows that the selection process to join the Royal Marines is tough and the training is incredibly hard," he added.

"That is why they have the international reputation of being the envy of the world. They are the best of the best. They can also easily adapt to a situation whether it is providing security or working in a community."

Mr Browne also had a message for city families of servicemen and women: "I understand how difficult it is for family members, particularly when their loved ones are sent into an environment like this. I have never underestimated the ability of these marines - many of whom are young men - and I would say to any family member that they can be very proud of them and what they are doing. It is very clear to me being here they have a very clear and focused plan. Morale is also absolutely sky-high."

For 42 Commando M Company Lance Corporal Jamie Turner, from Tamerton Foliot, it is the second deployment to the Helmand Province in just six months.

The 20-year-old former Eggbuckland Community College pupil was part of the force which provided security while Camp Bastion was built in the spring.

"It's a lot more dangerous this time around," he said. "It is the threat of not knowing what is going to happen that is the worry. There are 101 situations that can happen but we are prepared for anything."

Marine John Lutley from Keyham added: "We were all looking forward to coming out here. We all want to travel the world and help make a difference to people's lives."

3 Weeks and Counting

Marine has been gone for 3 weeks now and although the days seem to be dragging by the weeks are going quite quickly which is definately a good thing! The strange thing that I keep thinking about was the last time that he was in Afghan was for 2 months and it seemed to last forever but if it was the same this time around we would almost be half way through! I've been getting in to a little routine and have come to the conclusion that as much as I would give anything to have Marine with me right now there are good things about him going away as well as the bad :

• I've had the chance to get a promotion at work which means more responsibility and more hours but also more money!
• I've been able to concentrate a lot more on my University work getting it all out of the way earlier in the year rather than procrastinating and leaving it to the last minute!
• I've had absolutely loads of 'me time' which sounds sad but it's actually really great to have time just completely to yourself to relax and unwind
• The fact that I've been missing him so much has really made me appreciate how much I love him even more
• We get to plan loads of amazing cool things for when he comes back which is so much fun!

Of course I'm counting down the days until he can be here with me again but at the same time I love the fact that we can be just as great a couple even when hes thousands of miles away! We've been able to talk almost every day and we've been writing to each other all the time and whereas usually we would be cutting down on some of the things that we do in order to see each other around the hours we both work and my classes at University, I've been able to do a lot more of the things I don't usually get to do as often! I also think it has made us both realise we are even more crazy in love with each other than I thought because we're already missing each other so much and anything that can make us love each other even more has to be a good thing!

Oh and I've had my first comment! I didn't think anybody would bother to read my random rantings but Kath from In Training has left me my first comment ! Her site is absolutely amazing and her boyfriend is a Royal Marine too! :-)

Royal Marines begin patrols in Helmand Province

Royal Marines begin patrols in Helmand Province

Within days of arriving in Afghanistan, J Company 42 Commando Royal Marines have deployed into Forward Operating Base (FOB) Price to carry out patrols.

J company were deployed by a CH47 Chinook helicopter from the UK's main base at Camp Bastion into Gereshk, a small town in central Helmand.  On arrival the Royal Marines were quickly orientated around the camp, where they will be based for at least the next two months.

Company Sergeant Major Scott Burnie explained how he feels J Company have prepared for the difficult task at hand:

"The lads have worked hard throughout the build up to this deployment which has reflected in their performance since being in theatre.  Having worked with many groups of Royal Marine Commandos the professionalism of the lads is second to none."

No sooner had the Royal Marine Commandos of J Company arrived at FOB Price, been shown where they were to sleep, eat and wash, they were on the range zeroing the various weapons that they'll be using while patrolling not only the town of Gereshk, but throughout Helmand province.

Once satisfied that all his men were fully prepared for the task in hand Major Ewen Murcherson, the Officer Commanding J Company, got his men straight out on the ground for a combined mobile and foot patrol to familiarise his men with Gereshk and its people.

Corporal 'Nobby' Clark, who has recently married with his first child on the way, commented on how he felt about being in Afghanistan:

"Although I miss my wife very much it is good to be deployed in an area where we can make such a difference to the standard of life that Afghanistan has endured under the Taliban regime.  We have trained hard and feel that we are more than capable of coping with any demands placed upon us."

This is where marine is based and I am so so proud of him for being so brave out there! I was absolutely thrilled when he called me last night and I knew that he was ok after hearing about all of the bombings and accidents that have happened the past few days! I miss him like crazy and I end up worrying a lot when I hear such things on the news but I am very proud of him too!

Royal Marine Killed In Afghanistan

Marine killed in Suicide Bombing On Patrol

A Royal Marine died yesterday after a suicide bomber attacked his Land Rover in the first fatal incident involving the commando brigade, which has just taken over from paratroopers in southern Afghanistan. A second marine was seriously injured in the attack on two vehicles leaving a police station near the centre of Lashkar Gah, capital of Helmand province.

The marine, who was not named at his family's request, died after suffering severe injuries in the explosion which destroyed his Snatch Land Rover.

Two children were also killed in the attack by the suicide bomber, who attacked the two-vehicle convoy on foot, defence officials said. Seven civilians were reported to have been wounded. Lashkar Gah has been relatively safe, compared with outlying areas to the north of Helmand province where most of the 18 British troops who have died as a result of enemy action since June have been killed.

In a statement, Brigadier Jerry Thomas, commander of 3 Commando Brigade, said the attack took place just before 11am local time. The marine died of his wounds after being airlifted to hospital and receiving the "best possible medical attention". The injured marine was being treated at the British field hospital at Camp Bastion.

Brig Thomas expressed his sympathy for the families and friends of those killed and injured in the attack. He added: "My troops are performing their jobs here with admirable courage and professionalism and will continue to do so."

British soldiers in southern Afghanistan will be provided next year with new armoured vehicles which provide greater protection than Snatch Land Rovers, which are only protected by composite fibreglass designed to stop rifle fire.

However, in response yesterday to the Commons defence committee which has expressed concern about the vulnerability of the Land Rovers, the Ministry of Defence said the new vehicles would "complement", not replace them. It added: "Maintaining a low patrol profile in Iraq and Afghanistan can be helpful, so where appropriate, a more mobile and less aggressive patrol vehicle such as Snatch, which enables us to engage with local people, could be the best vehicle to use."

Next month, marines in Afghanistan will be provided with German-built long-range automatic grenade launchers, the MoD said. They will cost £4.3m, be capable of firing 340 high-explosive rounds a minute at a range of 2,000 metres and will be mounted on adapted Land Rovers.

Nato's secretary general, Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, said yesterday there was "no military solution for Afghanistan ... security alone is not enough. [Afghans] also want a job. They want to see reconstruction and development across the country. They want to see their children have a better future." He said the UN and other international agencies "must now step up their game in order to exploit the window of opportunity our military action is creating. In terms of cooperation, we simply must do better than we have done to date."

He acknowledged that Nato forces faced "stiff resistance" in the south.

Mr de Hoop Scheffer was asked about comments earlier this month by General David Richards, Nato's commander in Afghanistan, who repeated his request for more troops and warned that the country was at a "tipping point". He replied : "We should be careful not to impose deadlines on ourselves. But I agree with Gen Richards that it is of great importance to win the battle for hearts and minds. He is right when he says that a number of people in Afghanistan are sitting on the fence and looking [at] how things will develop."

Delay issue over Afghan mission

Delay issue over Afghan mission

A British commander in Afghanistan has said UK military operations in the south of the country have been affected by the war in Iraq.

Brigadier Ed Butler said that the mission underway in Helmand now could have started in 2002.

And he also admitted that 3 Para Battle Group had nearly run out of rations during recent fighting.

But he said the delay in starting work in Helmand would not stop victory and the end of the Taleban threat.

Brig Butler, commander of 16 Air Assault (including 3 Para), was briefing journalists in London following the end of his six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

His comments came as British troops pulled out of Musa Qala in Helmand, which has been a centre of Taleban insurgency in recent months.

Troops have withdrawn to an area outside the town to allow what locals have called a "ceasefire". However, the military has not used this term.

He said the Taleban had been "tactically defeated" in northern Helmand and he was "staggered and humbled" by his soldiers' courage.

However, he said on occasions his men, while never actually starving, had found themselves down to "belt rations".

Brig Jerry Thomas took over command from Brig Butler on Sunday as the 3 Para Battle Group was replaced by the Royal Marines of 3 Commando Brigade.

Brig Butler acknowledged there had been an effect on operations because of not deploying earlier.

Taleban fear

"We could have carried on in 2002 in the same way we have gone about business now," he said.

"Have the interim four years made a difference? I think realistically they have.

"It doesn't mean that we will not achieve what we set out to do. We have not slipped back.

"I think we may have marked time and I think we are starting to make up for that time."

And he warned there was always a chance that the Taleban could regroup in the spring and that it was vital that Nato pressed on with reconstruction projects to win local support

A considerable number of casualties had been suffered by the battle group, Brig Butler said, but they had been fewer than expected.

The commander said the pull-out from Musa Qala was a positive sign of Afghans delivering their own security.

Para hero nominated for Victoria Cross

The daddy of all heroes

THE widow of hero Para Bryan Budd yesterday spoke of her pride that he has been nominated for a Victoria Cross.

And grieving Lorena Budd, 23, said the medal would be the perfect memorial for the couple’s two tiny daughters to honour him by as they grow up.

Youngest Imogen was born a month AFTER Bryan died fighting the Taliban. She is sister to Isabelle, two.

Lorena, herself in the Army, said: “I am very proud Bryan has been nominated for the VC. It would be a great honour for him and would also be great for his daughters to remember him by.

“That would especially be so for Imogen who never got to meet her dad.”

Lorena — a clerk in 5 Regiment, Royal Artillery at Catterick, North Yorks — added: “He was a brilliant father and a brilliant husband. So regardless of what he is or isn’t awarded he will always be a hero to us.”

The Sun yesterday revealed Cpl Budd, 29, who lived with Lorena in Ripon, has been put forward for the honour by Parachute Regiment chiefs.

He was due to come home just five days after he died on August 20 saving seven comrades from the Taliban in Helmand Province.

Meanwhile, the brother of Johnson Beharry, the last winner of the VC, has followed his footsteps to join the Army. Jeffrey Beharry, 22, is in infantry training at Bassingbourn, Cambs.

Extended Phone Calls For British Troops!

Sun wins our boys 10 mins call

BRITISH troops serving in danger abroad will get ten more minutes a week of free phone calls home — thanks to The Sun.

Defence supremo Des Browne stepped in to hike Our Boys’ call times after our campaign for a better deal for them.

All servicemen in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans will now get 30 minutes a week to talk to families and loved ones.

The move comes after the Defence Secretary prised an extra £2.6million out of the Treasury.

The bonus is the second Forces victory for The Sun this week.

On Tuesday, it was revealed all troops on operations overseas from April 1 will receive up to £2,240 in cash bonuses.

Another £1million is to be spent on better internet access for frontline units.

The perks are part of a massively improved £41million welfare package for soldiers, sailors and airmen in war zones.

Commons leader Jack Straw revealed yesterday that council tax bills for troops at war may also be scrapped.

MILITARY chiefs yesterday admitted they are “struggling” to recruit key medical staff for combat zones. Only half the anaesthetists they need are available and there is also a shortage of emergency nurses.

Afghanistan paras' warm welcome

Afghanistan paras' warm welcome

About 150 soldiers from the Third Battalion of the Parachute Regiment have been greeted by their families as they returned to the UK following a tough six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

The paratroops, who were part of 16 Air Assault Brigade, received a hero's welcome when they were reunited with their loved ones at their Hyderabad barracks in Colchester.

"At times, it was like the opening scenes of 'Saving Private Ryan' - it was like nothing else," said warrant officer Tom O'Malley.

Lieutenant Matthew Birks, from 51 Squadron, Royal Engineers, who returned to Britain last week, oversaw British troops deployed over a vast area of the Helmand province.

They were responsible for using high explosives to demolish enemy firing positions.

Lieutenant Birks described one "particularly frightening experience" in Sangin, where he was sent in on a reconnaissance mission but had to withdraw "almost immediately" as his troops came under fire.

Undeterred, the operation went ahead regardless that evening.

He said, "It felt very risky - going back to the place where we'd been so heavily ambushed, so soon after".

Lance Corporal Matt Carse, a Royal Military Policeman, said "in Sangin and certain other areas, there would be contact every day."

On one occasion, he was part of a team out looking for a man declared "missing in action".

He was searching through cornfields "dodging incoming fire and rockets".

'Not easy'

For the families of the personnel, waiting for news of their loved ones was "highly emotional".

"It's like an emotional roller coaster, you're always afraid of getting 'that call' or seeing 'that car' pull up outside the house," explained Kate Hardie, who had been patiently waiting with her sons Sam and Ben for her husband's arrival.

She added: "It's been a long time coming. It goes with the territory though - if you marry a paratrooper, you have to deal with it.

"It's not easy though, when they're away, you have to be everything to the kids - mum, dad, gardener, cook, cleaner - everything.

"You wake up with the fear, you go to bed with the fear.

"The boys find it hard to understand, I try and simplify the situation for them. I tell them there are 'goodies' and there are 'baddies' out there and their Dad is one of the 'good guys'.

"I don't really know how to describe the last six months but I know I've been highly emotional. I find the simplest of tasks become mountains, I'm just consumed with fear - the whole time."

'Sternest of tests'

Jane Wright, wife of Sergeant Chris Wright, had also been waiting with her two sons for her husband to return.

Mrs Wright said: "I thought this day would never come.

"It's been so hard, there's so much on the news, your heart goes every five seconds.

"You're always waiting for 'that call' but thankfully, it didn't come."

Bradley Wright, eight, Sgt Wright's eldest son, said he was happy his dad was home and he was "looking forward to going bowling with him".

Senior military representatives later described the tour as a "particularly difficult operation".

Lieutenant Stuart Tootal, the commanding officer of the 3 Para Battle Group, said: "The past six months have provided the sternest of tests.

"All elements of the battle group have consistently operated above and beyond the call of duty.

"They should be proud of what they have achieved."

He said his men had not gone out to Afghanistan "looking for a fight", but when faced with some of the most demanding conditions the British military has experienced in years, they responded "robustly".

Captain Chris Prior, Adjutant of Third Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, said most soldiers "found themselves in different scenarios from what they were used to", but added that their morale had "remained high" during the "intense" fighting.

New dads return home!

Paras fly home to meet seven new tots

HEROIC paratroopers return from the badlands of Afghanistan today — to find SEVEN new babies waiting for them.

The soldiers from 3 Para became fathers while they were engaged in six months of bitter war with the Taliban.

None has met their new offspring yet.

Defence Secretary Des Browne will welcome the men from 16 Air Assault Brigade back to their Colchester barracks.

Their families have been invited to bring the tots to the parade ground.

The paratroops were engaged in some of the most intense fighting British soldiers have seen since the Korean War.

They lost 17 comrades and more than 50 were wounded since the tour of duty began in April.

More than 1,200 Taliban fighters were killed in 300 separate battles.

Commanders have broken up the unit’s return to Britain in a bid to reduce the effects of post traumatic stress.

They have been given a 24-hour “decompression” stop in Cyprus — with beer, barbecues and beach trips laid on — before flying on to Stansted Airport, Essex.

They will then be driven to Colchester.

Paras spokesman Captain Drew Gibson told The Sun: “The lads and their families are very excited about meeting up, especially the soldiers with newborn children.

“They look forward to getting to know them.”

Royal Marine commandos took over in Helmand province last weekend.