One of the first gigs

Marching from the darkness on to a floodlit parade square

Paul Johnson is a musician in the Band of the Irish Guards based at Wellington Barracks in central London. The Irish Guards band is one of the five foot Guards’ bands that form the Household Division.

New opportunity

Firstly, I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! A year that is going to be very busy and eventful for those within the Household Division Bands, with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, Trooping the Colour, Household Division Beating Retreat and the Olympics to name but a few!

A New Year opens a new opportunity for the Household Division Bands and in particular the Irish Guards Band who are now on the Army Blog (this being my first one of hopefully many), and the band going live on Twitter: @IrishGuardsBand.

One of the first gigs of 2012 was to take part in the ‘dine out’ of our now old (he has retired from the Army) Director of the Corps of Army Music (CAMUS). The Band of the Irish Guards was asked to provide a marching display, a ten-piece brass ensemble and a fanfare team for this memorable occasion.

On a particularly cold evening on the 13th January at 7.20pm, feeling colder than a shaved husky and wondering whether our instruments might fix themselves permanently to our chops, the band marched from complete darkness on to a flood lit parade square at Kneller Hall, Twickenham, the Home of Army Music for over 150 years, playing a rousing march. The band played pieces including 76 trombones (minus 71 we only have 5 trombones in our band), whilst performing some rather complex marching routines.

The Irish Guards' Band ten-piece brass ensemble play for the dinner guests

During the Dinner the Irish Guards Band ten-piece brass ensemble were asked to provide background music (easier said than done with ten very eager brass players). Pieces included a transcribed version of Florentiner March with a difference, Maleguena and the trombone feature So Nice to Come Home To.

Euphonium solo

The normal custom at the end of the meal is for the band to provide after dinner entertainment. As this was a special event, the band decided to do it a little different by having guest soloists come in. Musician Brendan Wheeler (HC&C Band) performed a euphonium solo called ‘Neath Dublin skies, Lance Corporal Rachel Smith (Coldstream Gds) performed a flute solo Fantasia by Faure and a lone piper from 19 Regt RA performed Highland Cathedral. 

As this was a very special occasion a fanfare, which included snippets of the Commandant’s career to date, was written and dedicated by the School Bandmaster WO1 Frost. This included a special solo item by the Commandant himself of playing the triangle at important moments in the piece (something the commandant undertook with his uttermost musical professionalism of an officer from the Military Police).

5am start for a Passing Out Parade at Pirbright

Army musician Lance Corporal Daniel King

Lance Corporal Daniel King is principal clarinettist in the Band of the Royal Corps of Signals (RSIGS BAND). Here he writes about being an Army musician, a role which allows him to perform at many high-profile events across the UK and abroad.

Going back to work after a period of time on leave is always hard! I remember waking up in the morning thinking, “Do I really have to get up today?”  After hitting the snooze button on my alarm clock for the second time the wife eventually kicked me, forcing me to get up.

Arriving into work you are greeted by the familiar “smiling faces” of other band members. Although having an extended 3 weeks leave was lovely, it is always harder returning than it would be after 2 weeks leave.

Sgt Rich Evans and Musician Dan Shave annoying me with their piccolo trumpets

I walked straight into the office to check the calendar for any new additions to the yearly programme. It appears that over leave a small trip to Cyprus has been added for September. This is why I love this job!

Over the next couple of weeks our Director of Music (DOM) is leaving so he will be doing his handover to the new incoming Captain Tony Adams. For the band this means we have to prepare all instruments and property for a 100% check. All the instruments are laid out to be inspected by the new DOM.

The dreaded trip to the Bandmaster’s office is greeted by a smile and a handful of paperwork. Those 3 weeks off are feeling more like a Hiatus than a holiday. I’m only joking – two handfuls! He is a brass player after all.

WO1 (BM) Troy Tayor-Smith in his office

As I write this blog, band members are pottering around getting out their instruments and checking that they still work after three weeks of them being in their cases. I have my own instrument so I was able to practice over leave… Believe that and you will believe anything. No, I did play it a couple of times over leave at my local church so my lip is still good! Not everyone in the band has their own instrument so they only use Army provided ones. 

As I type, I have the piercing sound of a piccolo trumpet trying to annoy me by playing as high and loud as he possibly can!

Due to the general quiet nature of the week we like to do a bit of physical training! So on the Monday afternoon, the band go down to the all-weather court for a bit of team sports! This week we played basketball. I don’t know how we manage it but we always seem to get at least one injury during the sessions! A few stubbed fingers and a lot of aches!!

The first job of this year is not until the following Friday and that is a 5am start for a Passing Out Parade at Pirbright. So it’s best to enjoy the down-time while we can!

Run faster!

Musician Emma Peacock.

My name is Emma Peacock, I’m an Army musician and I play flute and piccolo in The Band and Bugles of The Rifles. I have been here a year and a half now, after completing Phase 1 training at ATR Pirbright and Phase 2 at The Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall.

Values and standards

Wow, where to start, we’ve been so busy!  Before Christmas we had MATTs (Military Annual Training Test) week, which started with a PFA (Personal Fitness Assessment).  It was a cold morning for our biannual test and we smashed out our press-ups and sit-ups in the gym before running the mile and a half route.  Those who came in first shouted encouragement to the others still running (normally “RUN FASTER!”)!  That afternoon we completed another part of our training with a talk from the Padre about Values and Standards.  It turned into quite a discussion and was a good and informative afternoon.

Tuesday’s proceedings were going well and the band was on fire during full band!  However, this was rudely interrupted by the CDT (Compulsory Drugs Test) team who test all units within the Army at random intervals.  That afternoon was exciting for a few of us in the Band and Bugles as we were moving into new accommodation!  It’s called SLAM (Single Living Accommodation Modernisation) and means we now have our own rooms with en-suite bathrooms and a communal social room and kitchen.  We now live next door to work so there’s going to be no excuse if we’re ever late!

The next few days we continued with our normal musical training as well as a few more tests.  This included our WHT (Weapons Handling Test) which thankfully we all passed.

Accoustics were wonderful

Friday was the dreaded day of the week!  We had our AFT (Army Fitness Test), an 8-mile run with Bergen and weapons. Our band PTI, Corporal Jessop, took 2 groups out that morning, so did 16 miles overall!  I have no idea how he managed it!  We all passed, though it was emotional. After getting showered and changed we met up in the Band and Bugle Bar for leaving drinks for a few of the Buglers who are returning to Battalion and Sergeant Mepstead, who’s off to the Royal Military School of Music as a Foundation Course Supervisor.  At this time secret Santa presents were also handed out.  There were a few funny ones but it’s all in good humour!

While the majority of the Band and Bugles were resting on Saturday, the woodwind quintet travelled to theRoyal Naval College, Greenwich.  We were there for a job in the Painted Hall to say farewell to the British Services Antarctic Expedition.  It was set in a beautiful hall and the acoustics were wonderful to play in.

That week the band, minus buglers, went to Winchester Cathedral to play for the annual Garrison Carol Concert.  My favourite bit of the evening had to be at the end of the service when the prayers finished and our Bandmaster, WO1 Brydon, yelled in his best Noddy Holder voice, “It’s Christmas” and we started to play Slade’s “Merry Christmas Everyone”, completely stunning the congregation!

A festive scene.

Three-point turn

After a long drive the Band and Bugles arrived in Germany for a week of Christmas jobs.  The first couple of days only a couple of quintets were needed so it was quiet for the rest of us.  During the rest of the week we did many Christmas-related jobs.  There were Christingle services and carol services galore!  The bus journeys were interesting too, with our driver getting lost countless times, and having to take off the trailer to do a three-point turn.  This only seemed like a good idea until he tried to turn the fully loaded trailer round by hand! Luckily a few of our lads were kind enough to help him out with the heavy lifting!  The jobs were all worthwhile and we sent many soldiers away ready for the festive season.

Well that was all before Christmas so I hope you all had a very merry time, full of friends, family and laughs! We’re back at work now, ready and eager for the New Year to start!

Strengthening relationships in the Green Zone

Private Graham Thurston

Private Graham ‘T’ Thurston is a soldier in 5 Platoon, B Company, the 1st Battalion the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (1 PWRR) known as the ‘Tigers’.  Private Thurston is based in the Nahr-e-Seraj District of Helmand Province as part of the 5 RIFLES Battle Group.

JEKER is a relatively new check-point and packed with the latest technology to help the patrols get on the ground with as much intelligence and knowledge as possible.  We also have BFBS [British Forces Broadcasting Service] TV and two internet computers and this gives us a good change to relax in the welfare tent that doubles up as a cookhouse.  The other two B Company check-points aren’t as lucky but they get up about once a week and check their mail and chill out.  With solar showers and toilets with a door (poo in a bag variety) this check-point is classed as a luxury here in the Green Zone. 

We are surrounded here by farms with deep irrigation ditches. These range from ones you can step over to ones that come up over chest height and you have to wade through.  The banks are often very steep and it’s impossible to get out without being dragged out by your mates on your stomach because it’s so slippery and muddy.

The locals are very happy that we are in the area and help us out by walking over the bridges to prove they are have not got IEDs or putting down logs for us to make a crossing.   This may be just to stop us walking in their crops but it strengthens our relationship with the locals and helps us with our patrols and shows who we can trust in the population. 

As a mixed platoon (half from 2 RIFLES and half from 1 PWRR) the way we do things is the same as if we were all from the same unit. We split patrolling and guards and duties so that when you come in off patrol you can do admin and make sure your kit is 100% in working order.  This is important for your body as well or it will start to go down and fatigue will set in and that leads to a harder time for all. 

It has been quite quiet here and the locals are still busy with the harvest.  But we must never let complacency set in.  That said, on a recent foot patrol to a local village and after a shura (meeting with village elders) we headed north, and in a village in the south 5 Platoon were moving away when they were fired upon.  The contact was short but there was a lot of fire power used.  We moved to support but 5 Platoon withdrew back to their check-point.

 Back in CP Jeker we checked ourselves over and no one was hurt in the fire-fight but the insurgents had slipped away. 

Dropped in by helicopter

With the winter closing in fast, it appears that the main fighting season is coming to an end.  Patrolling is becoming easier however selecting totally new routes to patrol is becoming more difficult as time goes on. 

A recent operation into a small village south of the River Helmand saw us patrolling into an area not previously visited by ISAF.  We had heard that the village was being used by insurgents as a bed-down location and as an area to store weapons and IEDs.  We were dropped into the village by helicopter which allowed us to move in quickly.  We entered the village with three ISAF multiples and three ANA multiples along with the OC’s group, with me being in Sgt Janes’ multiple.  There were a lot of soldiers on the ground which allowed us to quickly secure the outer compounds.  With the ANA searching, we moved through the main group of compounds very quickly. 

Once the ANA had completed their task, Sgt Janes moved us to a bridge crossing; however as soon as we moved we thought we saw an insurgent scout running away.  The ANA went in pursuit and soon caught the runner who was found to have IED components in his possession.  After talking to a local Elder about the detainee, it was decided to send the man to Camp Bastion for further questioning.  With all the moving parts working well, a lot of intelligence gained and one less insurgent to worry about, this operation was seen as a success.

As the tour has gone on, Cpl Watson, an attachment from 5 Rifles, has become very good at using the HiiDE (Biometric Enrolment) camera.  As such we are using this kit to good effect on most patrols.  In general the locals are happy to give up a few minutes of their time to be enrolled on to the system in order to help keep their community safe.

New Year begins with charity moustache wax-off

Cpl Paul Birkett

Corporal Paul Birkett is a Communications Systems Operator (CS Op) currently stationed with 1st United Kingdom Armoured Division Headquarters and Signal Regiment (1 (UK) ADSR) based in Herford, Germany. He recently deployed on Op HERRICK 15 where he is employed as Communications Centre (COMMCEN) Operator/Commcen IC.

He is responsible for transmitting, receiving and distributing messages within Main Operating Base (MOB) Lashkar Gah. Secondary duties include providing support via telephone to outstations around the area and monitoring the communications systems.

 

American friends

Christmas is now over and the Troop enjoyed the festive period the best that we could. On Christmas Day we had a late start with everyone getting together in the morning to open our presents from friends, family and some kindly donated welfare boxes. It was a very relaxed day with everyone sharing their gifts.

That said, there was still work to be done and this was shared amongst everyone, to ensure that we could all take part in the day’s activities. All traditions were met on the day especially Christmas lunch. The chefs put in a lot of hard work and it was a fantastic meal. Once everyone was full from the turkey dinner we departed the table and we went to see Santa. We received a gift donated by ‘UK4U’, which was packed full of little gadgets, followed by a photograph with Santa. 

LCpl Chris Simpson organised a day of activities for everyone. In true military fashion he turned the occasion into a competition involving our American friends, who work downstairs. The day consisted of a variety of sports and a quiz in the evening. The only thing that was missing on the day was the good old celebratory drink; however this didn’t stop us from enjoying the day.

Waxed off for charity

New Year has got off to a good start and it was all quiet with no surprises. LCpl Beck had grown his moustache in ‘Movember’ and waxed it off for charity. The event itself was successful with him raising about £500 for Help for Heroes and The Army Benevolent Fund. As people gathered round to see the event it appeared that he was starting to get second thoughts. However with the pressure on and in true military fashion, he cracked on and commenced the removal process. With the pain and blood evident he kept a brave face – with momentary lapses. After around five attempts the moustache had been removed.

LCpl James Beck has his top lip waxed.

Recently, the boss has decided to stop the PT in the mornings, as it is too dark for him to get out of bed. People are happy with this concept as they’re not getting up before the birds start singing. However, he has decided to take individuals out to do PT throughout the working day. So the idea of ‘no organised PT, supposedly implying no physical activity’ doesn’t pass muster with the boss.  The OC has also started a charity darts competition for the Troop and the wider Main Operating Base.

I am now just about halfway towards my R&R and I am looking forward to getting back to see my family and friends and more importantly my girlfriend.

I hope that everyone back at home managed to have a great Christmas and we wish them all a Happy New Year.

Afghan and British flying machines

Sergeant Steve Blake RLC

Sergeant Steve Blake is a professional Army Photographer with the Royal Logistic Corps. A trained soldier, Steve is currently serving a six-month tour of Afghanistan as part of the three-man Combat Camera Team (comprising a trained journalist, photographer and video cameraman).

Steve and the team are based at Camp Bastion in Helmand province but will spend most of their time out on the ground, capturing life on the front line.

AAF on parade

As Christmas was over, the CCT were off, straight after Boxing Day to Kandahar, in the East of Afghanistan. One of our main focuses was on the Afghan Air Force (AAF), and an open day they were planning. This was their 3rd annual open day, that hoped to draw the attention of around 700 local children and elders. 

Their aim was to highlight the cooperation between NATO and Afghanistan National Security Forces (ANSF) and also to illustrate the capabilities of the AAF. This was done in hope that the youngsters would one day join the AAF or another part of the ANSF and work together for a peaceful Afghanistan.

On Parade

The whole of the AAF were on parade, awaiting the arrival of their Commander. Once that was over, and he had briefed his men, it was inside to await the arrival of the locals.

A small group of Afghans arrive at the Kandahar Air Wing (KAW)

AAF Commander

At first, we thought no one was coming, until we remembered that we were on Afghan time. Before long the locals arrived, first in small groups, then in bus loads.

The opening ceremony was led by AAF Commander Major General Wardak. He welcomed all visitors to the Kandahar Air Wing (KAW) and from there, the visitors explored the Afghan and Coalition static aircraft that were parked on the flight line.

Fun-packed day

The visitors that day, consisted mainly of children, ranging from about 10 to 16 years of age. As with all Afghans, guessing their age can be difficult. We also had a school teacher accompany his pupils, which came in handy for those not very good at English, which surprisingly, was very few.

 

An Afghan elder enjoys some shade

Within the area that the AAF operate in Kandahar, the hundreds of children enjoyed a fun packed day. They were able to climb over the Afghan Aircraft, as well as see several American and British fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.

Freedom!

After their time on the flight line was over, they all went back to the AAF hangar for lunch and a few lectures before leaving. By the looks on the kids faces, they all had a good time.

Wing Commander Jim Frampton (OC 12 (Tornado) Squadron) talks to the Afghans

Shortly after this job, we departed Kandahar for Bastion. We had a couple of days editing and admin before our next jobs rolled in.

Focus on Merlin and Lynx

As the first part of this blog is about aircraft, I thought I’d follow on the theme throughout. This job was about Joint Helicopter Force (Afghanistan) (JHF(A)) who are based out of Camp Bastion.

Merlin leaving Bastion

The pilots, ground crew and engineers do a round-the-clock job, in order to keep our aircraft moving, which in turn, keeps our troops operating, our mail getting through and our vital supplies getting to the front line. This role often goes unrecognised, so it was our job to update their image library, and provide suitable material for an up and coming story in the national press.

The main focus was to be on the Merlin and Lynx helicopter.

The vast desert that is Helmand

We went for our morning brief, collected our flying helmets and were set for the off. We had six drop-offs to do across Helmand, some stores, but mostly troops returning to their Patrol Bases (PBs). We started in the Lynx for the first three, before changing to the Merlin.

The Lynx was very cold and windy, so sticking your lens out of the door trying to photograph the accompanying Merlin proved interesting. We provided overwatch for them while they landed at the locations, giving us scope to get some images of them static on the ground too.

Once the first three drops had been done, we had a quick trip back to Bastion to change aircraft. With the rotors still running, and fuel going in, we loaded into the merlin, put our harnesses on and got ready to go again, much to the confusion of the boarding soldiers.

On the Merlin we had more room to move, allowing me to get onto the tailgate for some close-ups of the gunner while he does his thing. Another three drops-offs done, it was time for the final part of the day… dust landings. 

Afghan desert......somewhere!

We headed to a well-known area to the flight crew to perform the landings, which is a bit of an art in itself. Once you start to lower the aircraft and the dust starts churning up, you lose visibility in the cockpit, making things tricky. You have to rely on your two loadmasters to guide you down, and give you some indication as to how close to the ground you are getting, otherwise landings can be very hard, and potentially damage the undercarriage mechanics.

The Lynx leaves us

So we land, with other passengers onboard who probably wondered what the hell was going on, and run off the tailgate into nowhere. The Lynx departs just before the Merlin leaving two of us, alone, in the middle of the desert! Weird feeling I can tell you, quite surreal and peaceful.

Dust storm brewing

By the time the aircraft return, they must have done a mile or more round trip, to get the right heading for the landing. The Lynx landed first, in a big dust cloud about 40 metres away. Not too bad. But then Merlin headed towards us and started to lower about 20 or 30 metres away. All seemed fine, but then, the dust starts rolling, and before you know it, we are covered from head to toe. The downdraft is bigger than the Lynx, and boy could we tell!

Ready to go?

Once the Merlin loadmaster gave us the ‘thumbs up’ we ran back on and headed back, doing some awesome tactical flying the whole way in. At this point, the lads in the back were still as confused as when we first ran out the tailgate some 30 minutes ago. Hilarious! I bet they thought something was wrong. If only the aircraft wasn’t so noisy, or we could have told them. 

Spectacular scenery

On the way back, the crew on both aircraft popped some flares for us. We were lucky they could. The ones currently onboard were about to expire their serviceability date, so that meant everything had to get used, or sent to the ‘controlled explosion people’ in Bastion to be destroyed, which is no fun!

So, that was it, job done! A cracking day out, and some great images in the bag. Sadly there isn’t room for them all here, but I hope you like the ones I’ve selected for you.

Well, this will be the last post from me for a couple of weeks, as I head home for my Rest and Recuperation (RnR) leave soon.

With several good jobs already planned for our return, I look forward to updating you with all our news!

Steve

Nothing has changed apart from me

Signaller Mike Leonidas

Signaller Mike Leonidas is a Communications Systems Operator (CS Op) currently stationed with 20 Armoured Brigade HQ and Signal Squadron (200), based in Sennelager, Germany.

He is deployed on Op HERRICK 15 where he is employed as Rear Link Detachment (RLD) Signaller, responsible for providing communications from a small Patrol Base in Northern Nad-E Ali District.  Sig Leonidas is working with A Company Estonian Ops Team.

I’ve just arrived back in theatre after 14 days of Rest and Recuperation (R&R) leave back in the UK.  I had an amazing two weeks off with some great weather, and it was great to see some smiling faces back in the UK.  Really nothing has changed apart from me I think. During my time off I caught up with family and friends and found the time to do some travelling around Europe.  Overall though it was just great to wake up in the morning and have nothing to do. 

It has been along time since my last Blog and a lot has happened.  After R&R I came back to find the PB in a mad rush.  Despite my time in the PB, after a short break I felt like the new kid again.  I had quite a hard week with a lot happening, including an injury to one of my colleagues in the PB.  A great deal of thanks to my old Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) for putting me on my Team Medic’s course a while back.  I was amazed how much my medical training helped me and how instinctive it was.  I’ll be pushing to learn more when I get back to Germany and to keep my skills up. It was a great reminder that you will never know when you will have to put your skills into practise. 

Sig Leonidas and Sgt Toode of the Estonian Army.

Missed the freedom

Geographically, Afghanistan and the UK aren’t really that far apart.  But how different is this place? Standing in the Sangers on guard duty sometimes I really do wonder how they get on with everyday life in a warzone.  I spend a lot of time speaking to an Afghan interpreter, he is my age but conflict is all he has known.  He wishes peace for his country, but agrees that force is sometimes needed.

I’ve been enjoying spending some more time with my new Estonian camp mates and it’s a nice feeling to know I’m leaving before them! However, before I go though, I need to teach them how to tell the time properly, how is 1330 ‘half two’?! I hope they don’t forget me and welcome me back to Estonia when they are back from their tour. 

Childlike fascination

Camp-life is basic as always but there are a few improvements.  We now have warm showers at certain points during the day – which is nice.  I think the biggest shock to the system has been the lack of freedom here.  In a PB like this one, you are confined to a patch of land just a few hundred metres squared and even essentials have to be sent to you.  I’ve really missed the freedom of getting everyday items when I want them, rather than waiting for a parcel to arrive every few weeks. 

A friend of mine at the PB recently gave one of the Afghans an old laptop.  He opened up the laptop, something we would take for granted, with an almost childlike fascination.  It was quite a special moment to see someone quite unused to gifts being given something that he really valued. 

Settling back into PB life wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be.  Despite this, the countdown to the end of tour is starting and I can’t wait until the end of March and our journey back to Germany.

Chai with the Royals before Secret Santa arrives

Sergeant Steve Blake RLC

Sergeant Steve Blake is a professional Army Photographer with the Royal Logistic Corps. A trained soldier, Steve is currently serving a six-month tour of Afghanistan as part of the three-man Combat Camera Team (comprising a trained journalist, photographer and video cameraman).

Steve and the team are based at Camp Bastion in Helmand province but will spend most of their time out on the ground, capturing life on the front line.

 

Regimental Colonels

Well, today is Boxing Day. For most of you, the festive season is still in full swing, but for us, the Christmas rush and its festivities are over.

The last week has been a manic one. With several key visits all before Christmas, there has been no rest for the CCT.

The first visit, which was not done for media publicity, was the Earl and Countess of Wessex. They both flew out to Afghanistan for a two-day programme. The first day was in Helmand, before heading to Kandahar for the second day.

CO 5 Rifles gives an operational brief

So on the first morning, after an initial ‘meet and greet,’ we flew out to Patrol Base (PB) 2 in Nahr-e Saraj South.

As the Regimental Colonels for both 5 and 2 Rifles, it was key for them to see as many men from their battalions as possible. So after a quick morning brief on the current situation within the area, they got a guided tour of camp.

The Regimental Aid Post (RAP)

The Earl and Countess had several key bits to see within the PB, including the Operations Room (Ops Rm), the Welfare facilities, and the Regimental Aid Post, or Medical Centre. After this, the Royalty split down into two, slightly different visits, where the Earl of Wessex got to meet soldiers from A Company, 2 Rifles, who had just arrived at PB2 from a nearby Check Point (CP).

With A Company fresh in off the ground, they were able to demonstrate their capabilities within their patrol. The Earl was briefed by the team medic, the lead man of the patrol, the patrol commander and the Signaller. This all highlighted key points about how they operate as a patrol, what kit they carry, how they carry it and so on.

Another part of the visit, was showing the Earl the latest Counter IED measures, showing him the kit used to detect IEDs, and also an example of an IED. Very eye opening stuff for him to see.

After the visit was over, and lunch was eaten, we flew back to Bastion. I think the RAF Chinook crew enjoyed their flight back, giving the Royals a real taste for ‘tactical’ flying! It was a real cheeky ride back, but quite a good one. Not sure the Countess of Wessex enjoyed it as much as the crew did though.

The Earl of Wessex meets Brigadier General Sheren Shah

That night, we were off to meet 2 Rifles, the Brigade Advisory Group (BAG) in Camp Tombstone. Their first point of call was to meet the Afghan Commander of the 3rd Brigade, Afghan National Army, Brigadier General Sheren Shah.

The General spoke about upcoming Operations with the BAG, and the recent training they have undertaken. The General enjoyed a cup of ‘chai’ with the Royals, before presenting them with traditional Afghan gifts.

A royal group photo

Then it was time for a spot of curry at the BAG before having a group photo at the end of the night.

Festive mood

Christmas Carols

A day or so later, Christmas preparations seemed to be going well. 

The Royal Regiment of Scotland Band had recently arrived in theatre with a master plan of visiting as many PBs as possible. The weather mucked up their plans a bit, but nevertheless, they put on a good show at the carol service.

Troops enjoy a bit of singing

The Chief of The General Staff (CGS) General Sir Peter Wall was in theatre at the time, so he was also in attendance. The hangar where the service took place was packed. Lots of people were getting in the festive mood, with Christmas hats, santa outfits etc, and believe it or not, they all seemed to sing, something squaddies are renowned for hating.

With several multi national forces in attendance too, the night went well. We had a choir from the United States forces sing to us, as well as the Tongan Marines serenade us with a Christmas Carol, but sung in their native tongue.

The CGS addresses the troops

The CGS then addressed the troops, thanking them for their hard work and wishing them the best for the festive season.

Secret Santa

Christmas day was just another working day for the CCT. We had planned to get out to the PBs but our plans fell through. We decided to cover the day with the BAG in Camp Tombstone, who were going to be hosting the Commander of the 3rd Brigade, Afghan National Army, Brigadier General Sheren Shah.

The day was relaxed, with the guys making the most of a day off since completing an Afghan Operation just prior to Christmas.

Lieutenant Roz Ashworth surrounded by presents

Ho Ho Ho

The day there was good, despite not having a drop of alcohol in sight.

The BAG all had their presents from the charity UK4U to open among many others, with WO2 Kev Diggle dressed as Santa, on a quad bike sleigh, dishing them out.

After the presents were over the carol service began, with the padre leading the proceedings.

The Officers and Senior Non Commissioned Officers then opened their ‘Secret Santa’ gifts from one another before heading over to lunch. 

Lunch, as you would expect, was the full trimmings you probably had at home. Homemade tomato soup, beef, turkey, ham, pigs in blankets, sprouts, carrots, gravy and some of the most amazing puddings and cakes imaginable.

Everybody got served and sat to eat. Probably the quietest 20 minutes of the day, as everybody tucked into a cracking meal.

As mentioned, the Afghan General was also in attendance, which is something I am not sure has happened before. The day went well, and everybody enjoyed themselves.

For us, it was then back to the office to edit, making sure I got the pictures out for today’s press. 

With the Christmas rush now over, work resumes as normal with my bags getting packed for an imminent trip out.

Merry Christmas from Afghanistan

Sergeant Steve Blake RLC

Sergeant Steve Blake is a professional Army Photographer with the Royal Logistic Corps. A trained soldier, Steve is currently serving a six-month tour of Afghanistan as part of the three-man Combat Camera Team (comprising a trained journalist, photographer and video cameraman).

Steve and the team are based at Camp Bastion in Helmand province but will spend most of their time out on the ground, capturing life on the front line.

 

Thank you

 

Well, it’s that time of the year again. The festive silly season is no doubt in full swing back in the UK, but here in Afghanistan, it’s a totally different story.

 

As the UK prepare to get obscenely drunk and eat masses of food and chocolates, the troops here in Afghanistan prepare for just another day!  

 

Some will spend the day relaxing and playing games. 

Some will spend the day patrolling through the bazaar. 

 

Some will have the luxury of a cooked turkey dinner. 

Some will be eating yet another ration pack. 

Some will spend time on Skype to there families. 

Some won’t even get the chance to ring home.

Some will go to bed full of Christmas cheer and food.

Some won’t sleep because they will be on duty.

 

Whatever happens here tomorrow, wherever they are, everyone will be thankful of one thing. The fact they are a day closer to getting home to their loved ones.

 

Whatever you do this Christmas, please, spare a thought for our Troops on Operations who won’t get to see their loved ones this Christmas. Be grateful for whatever ‘Santa’ brings you, but most of all, please be grateful, and raise a glass, to the people sacrificing there lives for your peaceful and terrorist-free Christmas. A lot of people won’t have the opportunity to see their loved ones ever again, and many more now have to face life-changing injuries.

 

I would like to thank everyone who has supported me and my blog over the past few months, the feedback on my imagery has been amazing. But most of all, I want to thank my beautiful wife Michelle, who has been my absolute rock since I departed the UK in September. Big hugs to my kids too, who I am missing terribly. Also not forgetting my gorgeous spaniels, Willow, Monty and Tia.

 

I wish my family, and everyone, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

 

All the best

 

Steve

Police mentoring in Nahr e-Saraj

Lt Matt Galante

Lt Matt Galante is an officer in The 1st Battalion The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment.  He commands a Police Advisory Team (PAT) in Southern Nahr-e-Saraj district, Helmand province. This is Matt’s second tour of Afghanistan.

 

The first three months of Operation Herrick 15 have flown by, and life remains both hectic and enjoyable for us. There is so much to write about and so little space; worse still, the blokes have caught wind that I am writing a blog and are now all bullying me to get their names in cyberspace. Cheers lads. So without further ado I bring you part four of “Police mentoring in Nahr e-Saraj”…

Mountain of rugs

Where to start? It has, in the space of 48 hours, gone from an Indian summer to utterly freezing in Helmand: the rains have kept their distance, but the temperatures have dipped below zero at an alarming rate. Patrolling the soggy fields and dusty tracks of our new home town in 100lbs of equipment keeps us fairly toasty, but the same cannot be said for our Afghan partners who are enduring the cold nights with only a blanket, Chai and the kind of robust nature that typifies the Helmandi people. We are providing them with heaters to complement their new Afghan-issue police overcoats, but I can’t help feeling sorry for the patrolmen we meet on our morning checkpoint visits as they huddle around their communal Chai flask under a mountain of rugs.

Police checkpoint in Paind Kalay

Pot Noodles

As for our own checkpoint, we are living by the mantra that “any idiot can be uncomfortable” by carving out our own little palace in the middle of Helmand. The darts league between Colour Sergeant Richie Swain and Sergeant Dave Whitfield is becoming ruthlessly competitive, with more than just a round of brews at stake for the loser but the shame of coming second in the Paind Kalay championships. Captain Giles Walsh has somehow ‘acquired’ the classiest Christmas tree outside of Harrods to decorate our ops room, and Colour Sergeant Richard ‘Eddie’ Edwards has a steady stream of ridiculously expensive food parcels from young officers he used to instruct at Sandhurst (yes young Lieutenants, if you haven’t sent him anything yet then get cracking). Meanwhile, Lance Corporal ‘Paddy’ Korovou (one quarter of our resident ‘TeamFiji’) is pushing for either an MBE or a place on Masterchef by continually creating works of genius out of a clay oven and some tinned meat. Lance Corporal Matt Little is busy beasting Craftsman Rob Lambdon in our fully-stocked gym in his quest to finally get Rob some shoulders, while Lance Corporal James Alldread is slowly eating his way through the hundred or so Pot Noodles his Grandfather keeps sending him.

Lt Matt Galante having chai with the AUP

As for our police counterparts, I am pleased to say that they are stepping up to the mark in all respects. Lieutenant Mohammad Wali has been equally industrious in his quest to spruce up his side of our shared checkpoint, by creating an enormous furnace in his ‘shura room’ to keep his many local visitors warm. Built from spare vehicle parts and running from old engine oil, it sounds like a jet engine and looks moments from exploding every time it gets fired up but has become a focal point for the AUP and locals alike. When the room is in full swing, the only noise that drowns out the ridiculous din of the furnace is Wali’s Frank Bruno-style laugh.

More police patrols

The police are achieving more than just good central heating though. In terms of successes on the ground, a particular highlight recently has been a patrol we undertook into the former insurgent stronghold of Kakaran. A platoon from B Company 1 PWRR, led by Captain Chris Gardiner, had recently been engaged in weeks of fierce fighting in Kakaran, a small village near the Helmand river. Every time they entered the village, locals would hurriedly drop their farming tools and flee – leaving Chris and his team alone in the eerily empty fields, waiting for the first crack of machine gun fire to zip overhead. After many excursions into Kakaran, B Company finally had the insurgents on the run. However, the village was still a mystery to the outside world: who lived there? Were they friendly villagers caught in the crossfire, or hard-line Taliban supporters? Enter the police – local faces with the best interests of the people at heart. Within two hours, the Kakaran village elders were pleading for more police patrols to keep insurgents at bay and restore peace, and the AUP returned to their checkpoint rightly proud of having made a difference to an entire community in a single day.

Lt Matt Galante discusses local issues with the AUP

Heartfelt condolences

There is a great deal of success that has come from our first three months out here, and I am looking forward to more of the same in 2012. However, as Christmas approaches we all remember the families who are missing loved ones this festive season and offer our heartfelt condolences. On a personal front, I would like to mention two men in particular whose loss has been felt deeply by myself and my team: Private Tom Lake of B Company 1 PWRR – the Battalion’s first loss on this tour; and Lieutenant David Boyce of the Queen’s Dragoon Guards – a colleague and friend from eight months in Bovington and Brecon. My thoughts are with the loved ones of both these great men at this time.

Moving forward, the team and I have a busy week lined up so I look forward to updating you on life inHelmand in the New Year. Merry Christmas