Afghanistan - CO's Update 4

[ap1]

Below is the CO's e-brief to the 1st Battalion and all its families, following recent operations in Afghanistan. Published with his permission:. (Outstanding Boys, days to do.....)

"B Company Group have just returned from a 3 week deployment to Helmand Province where they took a leading part in the largest and most intense operation launched by British Forces at any time since the British deployment into Helmand Province last year. Their role was described as “the tip of the head of the spear” and they were at the forefront of all of the action, giving an excellent account of themselves in defeating large concentrations of the Taliban and driving the remainder out of the area.

The Company repelled numerous Taliban attacks and also fought to defeat the Taliban who were based in compounds with thick mud walls. The intensity of the fight was so great that WO2 Mathias and his mortar team fired 1648 mortar rounds through two mortar barrels over a 10 day period in support of the operation. This is a phenomenal amount of ordnance over such a short space of time. I will not steal the Company’s thunder by describing events in detail, but I would like to formally recognise numerous acts of considerable bravery, along with many examples of the utmost professionalism, initiative, determination and fighting spirit which was on display over this period.

The Company Group’s high level of training and instinctive reactions and drills proved invaluable and the Company Group has raised its already high reputation amongst those serving in Afghanistan.

Unfortunately, in the last few hours of the operation, Sgt ‘Smudge’ Smith (90), 6 Platoon Sergeant, was hit in the shoulder by shrapnel from an explosion, although his injury is fortunately not too serious and he should recover fully after a period of recuperation. This is in stark contrast to the 3 British fatalities that unfortunately occurred during the operation. Our thoughts go to their families and friends at this time. B Company Group has now returned to KAF and the whole company is having a period of well earned rest whilst planning is ongoing for the next deployment".

[Rob 33]

Well done lads and stay safe

From sunny Fallujah

[jameshr4]

Well done.

[eds 20]

Well done!

Glad to hear the sp coy lads doing well!

Speedy recovery Smudge.

[BennytheBall]

Outstanding
Return home safely lads (days to do now) and a speedy recovery Smudge.
BenntheBall
All at the Shotton and Deeside Branch RWFCA

[Don Matthews]

Well done lads and stay safe

From sunny Fallujah

Well done lads you're still "The Royal Welch" and us "Old Ones" are really proud of the work your are doing and you are still "That Astonishing Infantry" GOOD LUCK TO ALL RANKS.