Corporal Jon Bevan has been a fully trained soldier for 17 years.  The former military policeman applied late in his career, only two years ago, to become an Army photographer after taking a reduction in rank because he wanted the job so much.

In March 2007, he deployed on Operation Herrick 6 as a member of 12 Mechanized Brigade Media Operations.

During those six months in Helmand Province, 12 Mechanized Brigade were involved in five large offensive operations.

Corporal Bevan took more than 18,000 photographs covering infantry units, field hospital staff, medical emergency response teams, combat supply convoys, troops from the Royal Artillery, to mention a few.

The pictures and stories generated by him from the frontline have appeared in newspapers and magazines around the world.

Six months after returning from Afghanistan, Corporal Bevan reflects on his tour and experiences:

"Some photographers had even been injured because they were so close to the action.  I knew I would be taking just the same if not more of a risk to try and better their pictures.

"Appointed as the Brigade photographer, I had already worked closely with some of the units during pre-deployment, whereby gaining their trust prior to operations.

"I knew I had to photograph as many different trades as possible because this tour was going to be a collective team effort.  It was important to me to give value to not only the combat soldiers but the logisticians too.  Everybody in Task Force Helmand had a job to do and I have never experienced such teamwork, pride and professionalism in my entire military career.

"I was very privileged to serve with all personnel and I made sure I took as many pictures of them as physically possible. I did not just concentrate on the Army either and photographed servicemen and women from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, because Afghanistan required all three services to be there.

"As a photographer I threw myself into every position without fuss I hope, capturing real images as the drama unfolded in front of my camera.  I was there to shoot pictures not people and much of my work was not posed.  I wanted a rawness to the images that I produced making them appear as natural as possible to the reader.

 

Bevan: Close to the action

"Physically, I could not have been any closer to the action and to say I was not terrified would be a lie.  But looking through my lens cut me off from the situation and I believe this allowed me to continue shooting, be it during combat or the treatment of a wounded soldier.

"It is only now looking back through my images and seeing the situations I faced that it sends a shiver down my spine.

"I served in Bosnia during the UN's first occupancy, deployed to Iraq on Op Telic 1 and have seen service in Northern Ireland, however, all the emotions experienced in those times could happen during a morning's patrol in Afghanistan.  The young soldiers are truly remarkable and there is no doubt that Afghanistan matures you.

"The sacrifice that was borne by all ranks within 12 Mechanized Brigade and all other Herrick tours is considerable and my thoughts will always be with those who have not returned and their families and comrades.  I hope that my pictures can highlight the bravery of those who both physically and mentally bear the scars of that sacrifice."