PM pledges further Afghan support

PM pledges further Afghan support

It is Mr Brown's first visit to Afghanistan as prime minister

Gordon Brown has pledged continued UK support for Afghanistan in fighting the Taleban "for the next few years".

The prime minister visited British troops at Camp Bastion, the UK's largest military base in the country, as part of an unannounced visit.

His visit comes two days after a soldier with the 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment was killed in an assault on a Taleban stronghold.

Afghan and Nato forces were fighting to take Musa Qala during the PM's visit.

It is Mr Brown's first visit to Afghanistan as prime minister, but he visited the country when he was chancellor.

It also comes ahead of a statement he will make about Afghanistan to Parliament on Wednesday.

Front line

On this occasion, he travelled from Iraq where he has also been speaking to British troops during a surprise visit.

Speaking at Camp Bastion, Mr Brown told 150 of the UK's 7,000 troops in Afghanistan: "I want to thank all those who have been injured for their service and I want to remember all those who have given their lives in the service of their country."

When I speak of courage, I speak of men and women here who have shown huge bravery in really difficult circumstances PM Gordon Brown

Mr Brown told members of 40 Commando Royal Marines: "I want to thank every one of you for what you have done in what is the front line against the Taleban.

"This is one of the most challenging of environments, it's one of the most difficult of tasks, it's the most testing of times and it's the most important of missions because to win here and to defeat the Taleban and to make sure that we can give strength to the new democracy of Afghanistan is important for defeating terrorism all round the world."

Mr Brown continued: "When I speak of courage, I speak of men and women here who have shown huge bravery in really difficult circumstances.

"I know this weekend in Musa Qala some of you here have been doing a very important job in clearing the Taleban from that area."

In a speech made while international forces continued to battle the Taleban for Musa Qala, Mr Brown said: "I know that the work you are doing today and in the next few days is important for the whole future in Afghanistan.

"If we can succeed there it will mean we can move forward events in Afghanistan in favour of a more peaceful future for this country.

"People in Britain are incredibly proud of what you are doing."

Musa Qala leadership

Mr Brown then travelled to Kabul for talks with Afghan President Hamid Karzai.

Gordon Brown pledged support for Hamid Karzai's Afghanistan

He praised the leadership role of Afghan forces in fighting the Taleban, stressing that the Musa Qala battle was "led on the ground by the Afghan forces themselves".

"There is no doubt that succeeding in Musa Qala will make a huge difference both to how people see the weakness of the Taleban in the future and the ability of the government to build, not just militarily and politically, but with social and economic progress for the people of the area."

Musa Qala was taken over by the Taleban in February after a controversial peace deal brokered four months earlier between elders and the British, who withdrew after defending the area for months.

Future stake

Speaking at a joint press conference with Mr Karzai, Mr Brown said military support would continue, as would support for social and economic development, including building schools, developing healthcare, and creating small businesses.

"I want to give President Karzai my assurance that our support will continue over these next few years to make it possible not only for the security of the Afghan people but also the economic and social development of your country so that people can have a stake in the future."

The Afghanistan visit comes after Defence Secretary Des Browne called for members of the international community to provide more troops to fight the Taleban.

He said the demands set by commanders from Nato's International Security Assistance Force were not being met and that the UK continued to ask countries for "additional support".

Sergeant Lee Johnson of 2nd Battalion...

Sergeant Lee Johnson of 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment killed in Afghanistan

9 Dec 07

It is with great sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Sergeant Lee Johnson of 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment (Green Howards) yesterday, Saturday 8 December 2007, in southern Afghanistan.

Sergeant Lee Johnson, 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment
[Picture: MOD]

Shortly before 1010 hours local time Sergeant Johnson was taking part in operations to recapture the town of Musa Qaleh in Helmand Province when an explosive device detonated - suspected to be a mine - resulting in the death of Sergeant Johnson and inflicting serious injuries to another soldier in the same vehicle.

Sergeant Lee Johnson

Lee Johnson was born on 7 June 1974 in Stockton-on-Tees and started his basic training on 30 July 1990.  Upon completion of this he joined the 1st Battalion The Green Howards.  He served in Canada, Germany, Belize and the United Kingdom, and deployed to the following theatres: Northern Ireland 5 times, the former Yugoslavia once and twice to Afghanistan.

Sergeant Johnson joined B Company as a new recruit and served virtually his whole career in that company.  It was fitting that when recently promoted to the rank of sergeant and appointed Platoon Sergeant, it was in B Company.  An accomplished sportsman, he represented the Battalion at boxing and the Army at Judo.

Sergeant Johnson was serving with 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment as a member of the Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team, tasked with training the Afghan National Army, when he died.

Lt Col Simon Downey MBE, Commanding Officer 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment said:

"Sergeant "Judo Jonno" Johnson was one of life's great gems. A huge personality and a supreme soldier, he had a zest for life that took all before him. Energetic, deeply professional, warm and encouraging, he could get the best from anyone by inspiration, by his unfailing humour, by his example and his sheer determination.
"It was typical that he died taking charge of a difficult situation and driving it on. Wherever he went, whatever he did, he made a difference, and always with that great style of his. His loss robs the Battalion he loved of one of its great lights, a comrade regarded with tremendous affection and respect; but he, of all of us, would not have had us falter.

"Our thoughts and our prayers are with his brother, LCpl Johnson currently serving with the Battalion in Afghanistan and his family and loved ones at this terrible time."

Maj James Bryden, Officer Commanding A Company 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment said:

"On the recent Kajaki Relief in Place flight I flew back with Sergeant Johnson as he was due Rest and Recuperation Leave. He described his time in Kajaki as a Platoon Sergeant as the best 2 months in his army career.

"He had clearly developed an outstanding rapport with the Afghan National Army Soldiers that, with his Platoon Commander, he led through many fights. In addition and of note he had an excellent professional reputation with C Company 40 Commando.

"The measure of the man is that on arrival back at Camp Shorabak he cancelled his planned leave to go to Musa Qaleh with his Company."

"His loss robs the Battalion he loved of one of its great lights, a comrade regarded with tremendous affection and respect; but he, of all of us, would not have had us falter."

Lt Col Simon Downey MBE, CO of 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment

Maj Duncan Manning, Officer Commanding C Company 40 Commando said"

"Sergeant Johnson served with C Company 40 Commando in Kajaki for the vast majority of his Op HERRICK Tour and was very much an active and popular member of the Company Group. An accomplished professional he was able to adapt quickly to the demands of the Kajaki area and demonstrated considerable tact diplomacy and humour when dealing with adversity.

"Always calm under pressure his most endearing characteristic was his enthusiasm and dedication to all tasks. He mixed well with all Royal Marine ranks throughout his time in Kajaki and will be missed by everyone."

Warrant Officer 1 RSM Hind, Regimental Sergeant Major of 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment said:

"It is with great sadness that I have to write about Sergeant Johnson. I first met the then Corporal Johnson when I arrived at the 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment. It struck me straight away that this enthusiastic, professional and without a shadow of doubt the keenest Junior Non Commissioned Officer in the Battalion was a soldier to watch.

"I had a smile on my face like a Cheshire cat the day he was promoted and was then welcomed into the Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess.

"Any soldier or officer who is reading this and has had the privilege of working with Sergeant Johnson will know that it is by no way an exaggeration that I can safely say that Sergeant Johnson was a fine soldier. He was liked and respected by everyone and seemed to have boundless amounts of energy and tenacity. He was an absolute professional.

"As Regimental Sergeant Major you are meant to be impartial. I will have to confess, that Sergeant Johnson was a favourite of mine, because he was one of the finest soldiers that I have met and was the iconic Infantry Platoon Sergeant."

CSgt Elsdon YORKS, CQMS Sp Company 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment said:

"I have known Lee 'Mad Dog' Johnson for 15 years, he was an excellent soldier and friend. The keenest soldier I have ever met, he was utterly dedicated to the Army, the Green Howards, but most of all to his family and fiancée Lisa, young daughter Lilly and son Ashley.

"Never daunted by a challenge he was always the first to offer a hand to a friend or colleague in need. He was great company and as a close friend we spent a great deal of time together both at work and during leave. Socially he was the life and sole of any party and his larger than life character always made him an amusing centre of attention.

"As a soldier he was the best and you would always want him at your side, due to his absolute professionalism and outright ability. With him around you always felt safe and that nothing could go wrong. As a sportsman he excelled in Judo hence one of his nicknames was 'Judo Jonno'. And in boxing what he lacked in talent he made up for with courage and determination.

"I will always admire Jonno and he will be sorely missed by all those who knew him. I am glad to have known him and I know he would have been a friend for life. I feel honoured to have served alongside him and privileged to have been his friend."

"Lee lived life to the full he loved a drink, he loved a laugh, he thought the world of his fiancé Lisa and son Ashley and most of all his daughter Lilly Rose, who still thinks that her daddy is coming home for her 3rd birthday in February."

Cassandra, sister of Sgt Johnson

Defence Secretary Des Browne, currently in Afghanistan said:

"Sergeant Johnson demonstrated the qualities of a fine soldier, a respected, dedicated professional who brought enthusiasm and humour to his work. He will be much missed by those with whom he served. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this most difficult time."

Sgt Johnson's sister Cassandra said:

"I can't believe that I have lost my brother. A boy who was 16 and a half years old crying the night before he went into the Green Howards scared to leave home. But after 18 years of serving his country has now lost his life fighting for what he thought was right. I am so proud of him. In mine and my family's eyes he is a hero. He went into the army a little boy and came out as a man, a man and father, brother to be proud of.

"His life was not wasted.  Lee lived life to the full he loved a drink, he loved a laugh, he thought the world of his fiancé Lisa and son Ashley and most of all his daughter Lilly Rose, who still thinks that her daddy is coming home for her 3rd birthday in February.

"This is such a loss to our family we cannot believe that our brother, my mam and dad's son is gone. Lee took so many chances in life we never ever thought that his luck would run out.

"I hope we give Lee the best funeral a person could ever have and remember him as the joker he was. Lee was a true soldier, it was his life. He always put 100 per cent into his job motivating others. He also put just as much effort in having a pint as well.

"I will always remember the last party, we were all at my wedding the last family reception and Lee as usual was the life and soul of the party and what made it so special was that we both said we loved each other, I will never forget that moment.

"And that is how I will remember my brother a happy lad full of fun, a loving brother who would be there for all his family. A proud father and a loving son who worshipped his mum and dad. We are just glad that his brother Don is with him and can bring him home to us."

Sgt Johnson's fiancée Lisa said:

"My Lee lived for the army and his family. He was a soldier first and a father and fiancé second. He loved his job, it's all he talked about. I didn't mind though, it's part of the reason I loved him. Our wedding was planned for 1 August and we were so excited and happy. He had everything to look forward to.

"He said being with his family was what was going to get him through his 6 month tour. He told me his leave was cancelled earlier this month but I knew he had offered to stay and take part in this operation against the Taliban. That's what made him the soldier he was, dedicated, professional and always in the thick of it. He leaves behind his son Ashley and 2 and a half year old daughter Lilly. They had made so many plans to go camping and fishing together when he returned.

"I promise I will do these things with them in his memory. I love you so much Lee, only you and I know the real story. I don't know how I will get through life without you. You are my whole world, you and the kids are my life. I will love you always."

From The Sunday Times

From The Sunday Times

December 9, 2007

Soldiers are cheated in pay blunder

Michael Smith and Marie Woolf

THOUSANDS of servicemen and women, including many fighting on the front line, are being underpaid because of failures in a new computerised pay system.

Some soldiers have gone without full pay for up to five months and, with Christmas only weeks away, are being forced to turn to regiment hardship funds to cover household bills.

Special forces operating in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as ordinary soldiers have been hit by the fiasco. For some officers, it is costing £580 a month.

This weekend the Ministry of Defence admitted that more than 16,000 members of the forces were underpaid in August, the latest month for which official data is available.

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Two-thirds of an entire intake of officers who graduated from Sandhurst three years ago are still being paid their junior rank despite being promoted - an underpayment of £19 a day or £580 a month.

Problems are so widespread that members of the Special Boat Service recently complained about the pay delays to Lord Boyce, the former chief of defence staff, when he visited them on the front line in Afghanistan.

One officer recently back from Iraq said that while he and his friends from the Army Staff College had all been promoted to captain, many were still being paid as lieutenants months later.

"I haven't been paid properly for months and two-thirds of the officers I graduated with from Sandhurst are in the same boat," the officer said. "I can't tell you the full scale of it but from my experience it is chaos. There are lots of soldiers not being paid properly and units are having to dig into hardship funds to help their wives pay the gas bill."

It is not only full-time soldiers but also reservists who have been affected. The chaos is such that thousands of soldiers have also been overpaid, with the money having to be clawed back. Many have spent the money unaware that they would have to repay it, leaving them short of money. According to the MoD, a total of 38,529 were wrongly paid between April and August, the only months for which the ministry has full figures.

The computer system, known as Joint Personnel Administration (JPA), was introduced in March last year in the Royal Navy and saw a flood of complaints from sailors not being paid their full pay. The RAF was taken on to the system in October last year, followed by the Army in April this year. The £250m system was implemented by EDS, which was widely criticised for its computerisation of the Child Support Agency.

One of the key problems with the system is that it requires senior officers to log in to authorise payments, which means that if they are away on operations, the whole procedure grinds to a halt. "The system is based on the design for a civilian pay system and takes no account of the complexities of the armed forces pay system," one officer said.

The MoD, however, denied that the need for officers to authorise payments was a factor but admitted there had been errors. "As with anything new, a degree of unfamiliarity with both the system and the proc-esses which support JPA has led to input errors, which in turn has affected pay accuracy," a spokesman said.

Meanwhile, Gordon Brown was embroiled in a fresh spin row over his claim in October that 1,000 British troops would be home by Christmas, as it emerged that since the beginning of September the number of troops in Iraq has been reduced by only 120.

• Have your say

• Have your say

The way that this Government treats or troops ,who are sent to fight very dangerous "wars" in far off Countries is nothing short of scandalous. I would NEVER join the army until we get a decent Government who actually care about their troops and provide them with much more equipment and and actually pay them on time. For gods sake, this Government is obscenely incompetent and should be dealing with this PRONTO.

Simon, London, UK

It's a downright disgrace that any serviceman or woman should be treated in this way.It is time they went back to using their brains instead of computers.

I.D.Hamilton, Accrington.Lancs, England

This is a disgrace. I hope it is the final nail in the coffin for our part-time Defence Secretary. EDS have a track record of incompetence and the military pay system was working perfectly well until they got their sticky fingers into it.

One of the central tenets of la vie militaire is that a soldier's pay and his leave are two areas that are sacrosanct. This rotton-to-the-core government does not contain a single person with enough honour to have served in our armed forces - and it shows.

Roddy Campbell, Christchurch, New Zealand

This has been going on since April and, unfortunately, the ones who ae directly suffering do not have the power to do anything about it; an antiquated establishment trying to play with modern toys whilst service personnel are living in very difficult conditions (including those who are not on operations at present) without even the knowledge that when they get home they can at least pay their bills and makeup for lost time with their friends and families. Who else would get up and go to work knowing that you were not going to get the financial recompense deserved and without the support of the Government who put you there in the first place?

Louise, Scotland,

So, the government introduced this system to save money. Knowing it was badly flawed and would cost the poor suffering servicemen and women (not to mention their families) both financially and in increased stress levels. It seems that this government cares very little about our forces. All they are interested in is looking good on the international stage by putting our people in harms way. They then mutter inane platitudes in the House of Commons about our dead servicemen and women. HAVE THEY NO SHAME?

Chris Collier, Fareham, UK

Well spotted detail on Brown's troops return numbers spin -it was always the same technique with his budgets -grab a headline and then backtrack on the detail when the story has
moved on .
As for soldiers pay -interesting to note that yet another
Government computer system fails by underpaying the troops
but manages to overpay where payments are due on welfare
or tax credits - underpayments for hard pressed farmers too of course. A Nulabour 'message; here?

David, Uzes, France

Is it true that the MoD plan to publish the bank details of all personnel - or is that an HMRC responsibility these days - I do get so confused... or perhaps it was just the locations of all our forces?

matt, london, uk

I myself have been under paid by around £20 a day since April 2006 until Sept 2007, i had a phone call back from Glasgow last week saying they have now sorted it out, but the truth is, it is only half of what they owe me, so it is going to be another nightmare trying to sort out the rest on top of the pension i am entitled too of which they are not paying yet.

Nigel C Jones, Newtown, Powys

Government computer schemes appear chaotic. It does not bode well for the massive NHS and Identity card schemes now likely to cost many billions of pounds. Unreliable IT schemes are a total loss in many cases.

paul, Charlottesville,Virginia,

Only way to solve this is for either the servicemen threaten to resign on masse or all cabinet minsters pay is suspended until the problem is sorted out, either would cause the problem to be sorted out rather rapidly.

Stephen, St. Ives, England

In the end, any CO or OC should have the power to protect their soldiers and their families from shortfalls of payments, or extra needs, whatever the cause of the failure. If they can't do that, what are they for?

If the government loses a bit of money by the wayside, thats their own fault.

Michael Moore, Stockport,

They have nominated themselves for an award in 2008. Check out the "spin" and claims on:

http://www.civilservicenetwork.com:80/index.php?id=228

Dave, Taun, England, UK

What a disgrace: but are you surprised ? This country has historically under recognised it's heros ! I suggest a straight 10% cut for Ministers salaries for 3 months.

Mike, Wells Somerset

Mike, Wells, Somersey

Has anyone noticed that when there are 'computer problems' causing people to be paid wrongly, they are always UNDERPAID?
Is there a software package that ensures the computer always saves the Government money?

GJB, Slough, BERKSHIRE

This problem has been ongoing for a long time. My son has done tours of Iraq and Afghanistan, all the time being under-paid (sorted now, I believe).
Lack of equipment, faulty equipment, too few service people, and many paid wrongly. The abuse of the loyalty of our young serving folk by politicians â€" of all colours â€" is appalling.
Too many bloody lawyers in parliament. Time to trim the house of commons' herd I think, and introduce quotas of different professions maybe?

Joe, Glasgow, Scotland

With a part time Secretary of State for Defence during a time when our forces are 'at war' in Afghanistan and Iraq, is it any surprise that the ones at the front are treated in such a diabolical matter. Give them a decent pay rise and pay them on time.

paul , exeter, england

You can be sure that this will not affect the huge salaries of labour appointed armchair generals sitting in their £1,000 chairs at MOD keeping well away from the front line.. Don't worry about these guys- they'll manage nicely.

Doug, Glasgow,

To say that input errors have led to problems and imply it's user error is an outright lie. Everyone knows the error is with the transfer of records from the old system and an appalling level of customer service from the civilianised Joint Personnel Administration Centre who tell you it will take up to ten days to call you back, then never do. The support for the system is terrible and I can't count the pay problems its caused in my unit already. No-one is happy. It used to all be sorted out by the clerks in our unit but 'savings' allegedly have been made by minimising clerical staff. Yeah savings have been made, made by not paying soliders!!!

Dave, London,

What you read is not even close to the complete chaos that is causing hardship to Reg & Res forces alike, Over pay, under pay, no pay, paying allowances wrongly and not receiving allowances due, it's an absolute disgrace!

Huge amount of time by admin staff is being used to sort problems with the effect that routine work suffers thus causing pressure & stress.

What a way to treat those who will lay down their lives for this country!

James, Derby,

And did you know that someone has nominated this terrible software for 2 awards? Or that hundreds of admin staff have been made redundant as this software was supposed to do their jobs? Or that it unavailable to staff on operations? Or when you call the helpline you are told that they are unable to help as it is a unit level admin problem, but the unit admin people don't have the correct permissions to fix the problem.

The correct timeline by the way, was introduction to the RAF in March 06, the RN and RM in Oct 06 and the Army this year.

fred, bolton,

Compulsory National Service before becoming a member of the Government is the only way to stop the Parasites in Power stealing from our Soldiers, sailors and Airmen.
With no Ex Servicemen or women in the Cabinet i, ts made up of Solicitors and Accountants, known in the services as xxxx slime'

bob, chester,

• Read all 21 comments

• Have your say

British soldier dies in Afghanistan

British soldier dies in Afghanistan

Press Association
Saturday December 8, 2007 10:23 PM

A British soldier taking part in a major operation to drive the Taliban out of its only major urban Afghan stronghold has been killed, said the Ministry of Defence.

The soldier died in the early hours in southern Afghanistan as troops continued their push to take the town of Musa Qala in Helmand Province. Next of kin have been informed.

The dead soldier was serving with the 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment.

The latest death comes days after Trooper Jack Sadler, of the Honourable Artillery Company, was killed by an explosion while on patrol north of Sangin in Helmand Province.

The number of British military fatalities in Afghanistan since the start of operations in November 2001 now stands at 86.

It is understood another British soldier may have been seriously injured in the same incident that claimed the life of the soldier earlier on Saturday.

Defence Minister Des Browne, who is in Kabul, said Musa Qala had taken on iconic importance, according to BBC Online.

British troops from Royal Marines 40 Commando, the 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment and 1st Battalion the Scots Guards, supported by light tanks from the Household Cavalry, are currently fighting what the Army calls the "break-in battle" to help take the town, reported the Sunday Telegraph.

Road links, bridges and river crossings have been blocked and all access points into and out of the town are now reported to be in the hands of coalition forces.

The newspaper stated that in the next phase, expected to begin within two days, hundreds of soldiers from the Afghan National Army will be sent to clear the town.

Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2007, All Rights Reserved.

ANA and ISAF press on with Musa Qaleh...

ANA and ISAF press on with Musa Qaleh operation

8 Dec 07

Afghan security forces, supported by the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force, are continuing their operation to remove the Taliban from the town of Musa Qaleh in Helmand, southern Afghanistan.

A Lynx helicopter leaves Sangin last month
[Picture: Jim Gibson]

This is an Afghan-led operation, and Afghan authorities are taking the lead in explaining the rationale for the operation, and events as they unfold, to the local population.

The operation began on 7 December 2007 and is expected to continue for a few days.  We cannot give futher details for reasons of operational security.

Troops from the Afghan National Army, supported by ISAF Forces including British Forces, have been conducting operations in the north of Helmand since the beginning of November and have made great advances in Gereshk and Sangin.

It has always been the intention of the democratic Afghan government to extend its authority further into Helmand province.

Afghan National Army and ISAF launch ...

Afghan National Army and ISAF launch operation near Musa Qaleh

7 Dec 07

NATO has confirmed that an operation to retake the town of Musa Qaleh in Helmand province has begun today, 7 December 2007.

A Lynx helicopter leaves Sangin last month
[Picture: Jim Gibson]

Troops from the Afghan National Army, supported by ISAF Forces have been conducting operations in the north of Helmand since the beginning of November.

In order to assist the Afghan National Army, ISAF Forces have now launched an insertion of troops by helicopter on the edge of the town.

This operation is expected to continue for the next few days.

Last day for Christmas post - and a h...

Last day for Christmas post - and a huge thank you to the British public

7 Dec 07

Armed Forces Minister Bob Ainsworth has today, 7 December 2007, praised the outstanding generosity of the British public, which has responded to a national call to support troops overseas at Christmas by sending huge quantities of parcels, cards and letters.

Post arrives at Lashkar Gah by Chinook
[Picture: SAC Kimberley Waterson RAF]

Today is the last day that post sent to British bases in Iraq or Afghanistan can be expected to arrive in time for Christmas, and Mr Ainsworth wanted to take the opportunity to thank the thousands of people who have taken advantage of a new free postal scheme to send parcels to our personnel overseas.

The British Forces Post Office, based at RAF Northolt in Ruislip, has been inundated with mail, handling 42,000 bags in November alone, nearly 30 per cent more than in August.

The deluge has exceeded even the most optimistic expectations, and has required 186 mail sorting staff in the UK to work extra shifts around the clock to receive, sort and send on the sacks of mail.

Overseas, every effort has been made, using all resources available outside of operational requirements, to distribute mail to deserving troops and staff.

Mr Ainsworth said Forces personnel had been overwhelmed by the show of support:

"We are all overwhelmed by the nation's generosity and I want to thank everyone who has made the effort to send news from home and a little Christmas cheer to those serving overseas.

Sergeant Iain Gilchrist,(right) from 88 Postal Courier Squadron, part of 29 Postal Courier Movement Regiment, runs the nine man postal courier unit in Camp Bastion sorting the christmas post
[Picture: SAC Kimberley Waterson RAF]

"Staff and forces personnel here in the UK and overseas are making a huge effort to sort and distribute post, often in difficult conditions and with other operational requirements placed on them and resources. They know how much of a boost to morale it gives, and how important this is at this time of year, when we are all thinking of home and our loved ones."

Brigadier Andrew Mackay, Commander of British Forces in Helmand, said:

"There has been a fantastic show of support from the British public, who can now rest assured that no one here will be going without at least one parcel from them this Christmas. Life on operations can be very hard and we have been touched by the generosity and support shown since 52 Brigade arrived in October.

"Our posties and air crews are working especially hard to ensure that the post will be delivered in time for Christmas and we would like to say a big thank you to all who have sent something."

Huge welcome home for 2nd Battalion T...

Huge welcome home for 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment

7 Dec 07

People turned out in their thousands when 300 soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters) paraded through their home cities of Nottingham, Derby and Worcester to mark their return from Afghanistan.

2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment parading through Worcester city centre
[Picture: Stuart Bingham]

An estimated 10,000 people lined the streets of Nottingham as the soldiers marched from St Mary's Church to the Market Square with bayonets fixed and colours flying. Office workers hung out of windows to watch the parade as it marched by and in some places the crowds were four people deep.

After the parade, the family of Sergeant Craig Brelsford, who was killed in Afghanistan, handed over cheques for £881 to the Regimental Headquarters Memorial Fund and the Crich Memorial Fund.

In Derby, the soldiers were greeted by cheers and shouts of 'well done lads' as loud applause filled the lunchtime air. Following the parade the Deputy Colonel of the Mercian Regiment, Colonel Peter Dennis, laid a wreath at the city's war memorial in memory of the nine soldiers from the Battalion killed in Afghanistan.

The Mayor of Derby, Councillor Pauline Latham, addressed the soldiers and the assembled crowd. She said:

"We are here today to welcome home our local regiment, to thank them for their courage and dedication they have shown during their recent tour of Afghanistan and to demonstrate that the people of this country and particularly this city and county value the work that you do and the sacrifices you have made in the performance of your duty."

The Mayor of Derby, Councillor Pauline Latham, presenting medals to soldiers from 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment
[Picture: Stuart Bingham]

"We have read recently about soldiers who return home to perceived indifference from the public, but I know you will be re-assured, from what you have seen and heard this morning that the people of Derby and Derbyshire are not indifferent. We care, we support you, we are thankful that the majority of you are safely returned and we grieve with you for the nine you have lost."

"You are always welcome here, you belong here and we are immensely proud of your loyalty, service and achievements."

In Worcester the young and the old turned out to welcome the soldiers home, with some waving homemade banners and flags.

The Battalion took part in heavy fighting during their six-month tour based in Helmand Province and were instrumental in establishing local governance in Gereshk and providing an environment where the local population were able to return to their homes and establish a bustling market town. They were also involved in intense combat in the formidable 'Green Zone', establishing a dominant position which reduced the enemy to mounting indirect attacks.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Simon Banton concluded:

"We have been astounded by the magnificent reception we have received over the past three days. We value the support shown; it has given us a huge boost to receive such a rapturous welcome."

Trooper Jack Sadler killed in Afghani...

Trooper Jack Sadler killed in Afghanistan

5 Dec 07

It is with much sadness that the Ministry of Defence must confirm the death of Trooper Jack Sadler of the Honourable Artillery Company in southern Afghanistan on Tuesday 4th December 2007. He was serving with 4/73 Special Observation Battery, Brigade Reconnaissance Force.

Trooper Jack Sadler, Honourable Artillery Company
[Picture: MOD]

Just after 1300 hrs local time the soldiers were on a tactical patrol to the north of Sangin, Helmand Province, when the vehicle they were travelling in was caught in an explosion. Two other soldiers were also injured as a result of the blast.

Immediate medical treatment was given prior to all three soldiers being evacuated to the field hospital at Camp Bastion. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, sadly Trooper Sadler died as a result of his wounds. The other soldiers' injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Trooper Jack Sadler, Honourable Artillery Company

Jack Sadler was born on 19 February 1986. He was from Devon, but more recently lived in London. From an early age it was clear that Jack Sadler was destined for a military career.

Service in the Combined Cadet Force, University Officer Training Corps and a keen interest in outdoor activities led him to join the Honourable Artillery Company as a recruit in October 2005. He subsequently completed Recruit Training and went on to pass the arduous Surveillance and Target Acquisition Patrols Course, becoming a Patrol soldier on 11 October 2006.

Having completed his extensive basic training and obtained a degree in War Studies at the University of London, Trooper Sadler was keen to put his new found skills into practice and so he volunteered for mobilisation and deployment to Afghanistan.

On 7 May 2007 Trooper Sadler was posted to 4/73 Special Observation Battery and immediately threw himself into the comprehensive pre-deployment training package required of the Brigade Reconnaissance Force. Although a reservist, he had no difficulty fitting in and soon became an integral member of a highly effective and close knit patrol. He was ready and looking forward to the testing operations that lay ahead.

Trooper Sadler put everything he had into his training and into the operations that followed. He was a dedicated and professional soldier who had proved himself to be a reliable individual during demanding tactical patrols and in the face of the enemy. Trooper Sadler truly enjoyed his experiences as a soldier. An intelligent man, he was possessed of a keen wit and a dry sense of humour which he used to great effect whenever the going became tough. He was a key member of the Brigade Reconnaissance Force.

Trooper Sadler remained determined to join the regular army following his operational tour in Afghanistan. He leaves behind his loving parents.

Lieutenant Colonel Alastair Caie, Commanding Officer, Honourable Artillery Company, said:

"Whilst Trooper Jack Sadler has served with the Honourable Artillery Company for a relatively short period his decision to volunteer for mobilised service at such an early stage in his career was typical of his commitment to the Regiment and the Reserve Forces.

"Jack will be sorely missed by those who served with him and all serving and veteran members of the Regiment."

"Jack will be sorely missed by those who served with him and all serving and veteran members of the Regiment."

Lt Col Alastair Caie, CO of the Honourable Artillery Company

Captain Jim McCaffery Royal Artillery, Troop Commander of 4/73 Special Observation Battery, said:

"Trooper Sadler was an extremely capable patrol soldier who was going from strength to strength in this demanding environment. He was a very intelligent individual who would always offer suggestions after working through a problem or difficult situation. He rapidly became an integral part of the troop despite only being with us for a few short months prior to deployment. He was always keen to be in the thick of the action and would not countenance being left behind.

"His dry wit and his resilient character will be sadly missed and our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."

His close friends Warrant Officer 2nd Class Dave Lakin HAC and Trooper Lorna Kelly HAC said:

"Jack loved the Army, and whilst the rest of us were still struggling with how to fit all of our new kit into our bergens, Jack somehow managed to combine sitting his University Finals in War Studies with 4/73's pre-deployment training. As I recall, there was a fine balancing act between attending his graduation ceremony and the never-ending calls of OPTAG exercises and epic journeys to training areas up and down the length of the A1. Jack often spoke of pursuing a full-time career in the military as an officer, and relished the life experience to be gained on this tour.

"Jack was known by all for his love of personalised military kit, and the generosity with which he would help to procure such kit for his mates. As a friend, Jack was loyal, kind and considerate, always judging people on merit alone and standing true to his convictions. His wry laughter and his sardonic grin will be missed by many."

Des Browne, Secretary of State for Defence, said:

"I was deeply saddened to learn of Trooper Sadler's death and my thoughts and sympathy are with his family at this difficult time. His dedication and bravery in volunteering for service in Afghanistan is in the highest traditions of the Army. He was clearly a very talented and promising young man and I am sure that his loss will be felt by all who knew him."

Larger NATO Force Needed in Afghanistan

Larger NATO Force Needed in Afghanistan

Agence France-Presse  |  November 30, 2007

NATO-led forces in Afghanistan do not have the means to secure the country in the face of a barrage of insurgent attacks, a senior French general with the force has warned.

"The 41,OOO soldiers in ISAF are largely insufficient to ensure security," said Brigadier General Vincent Lafontaine, the chief of planning for the International Security Assistance Force deployed here under a UN mandate.

"That does not mean we are going to lose this operation, but it is going to take a lot longer for us to finish the job," Lafontaine told visiting journalists this week at ISAF headquarters in the Afghan capital.

The officer -- one of the most senior in France's 1,070-strong contingent here -- also expressed concern about the chronic shortage of transport helicopters used to move soldiers and supplies around the war-ravaged country.

The United States provides most of the helicopters, but is due to start pulling them out in early 2008.

Lafontaine said as a result, top-level NATO officials were now mulling the possibility of outsourcing logistics tasks to private helicopter companies.

NATO has long called for the 38 nations involved in ISAF to contribute more to beat the intensifying conflict.

But the high cost of the operation here -- both financial and personal, with more than 210 international soldiers killed this year alone -- has made it unpopular in several countries.

Lafontaine insisted the NATO-led force had "scored some points and put pressure" on the Taliban-led insurgents, crippling their ability to stage mass attacks involving hundreds of fighters like they did a year ago.

The extremists now were forced to resort to suicide attacks, kidnappings and roadside bombs to target convoys of Afghan and international security forces.

The number of such attacks had multiplied in recent months in and around Kabul, which had largely been spared the near-daily violence seen in southern and eastern Afghanistan.

The militants have vowed to spread their campaign of violence to the north. Indeed, the country's worst-ever suicide attack took place in northern Baghlan province on November 6, killing nearly 80 people.

An ISAF spokesman, Portuguese Brigadier General Carlos Branco, said the increased number of suicide bombings were a sign of the Taliban's "weakness".

The Taliban "do not have any real success on the ground," Branco said of the group which ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, and is now blamed for most of the 130 suicide attacks here this year.

The spokesman said the militants were "unable to take their insurgency to the next level" and so had resorted to "terrorism", the use of propaganda and outright lying about the results of their actions out of desperation.