This snapshot, taken on 05/12/2011, shows web content selected for preservation by The National Archives. External links, forms and search boxes may not work in archived websites.

News and features

Riflemen deploy on Exercise FIRST THRUST

The Spearhead Lead Element (SLE), led by 4 Rifles, held a training exercise to simulate fast deployments.

READ MORE

Army nurses train medics in Africa

British Army nurse Major Lynda Rickets, of QARANC, as a member of IMATT, has been helping soldiers in Sierra Leone prepare for operations in Somalia next year.

Ten years in Afghanistan

This MOD video shows footage compiled over the last ten years, and tells the history of operations in Afghanistan, explaining why we are there, what progress has been made, and how we are preparing to hand over control to the Afghans in 2015.

Brits and Afghans remember together

During the one day interlude between Armistice and Remembrance Sunday, Afghan and British soldiers set aside differences in nationality, creed, and language in a moment of common respect for those who have laid down their lives in search of peace.

Remembering sacrifice in Nad e-Ali

As soldiers attend the Armistice Day Service at FOB Shawqat, Nad e-Ali, 2Lt Ian Thornton, of 1PWRR, remembers his brother Lt John Thornton of 40 Commando, who died in 2008 in Kajaki. ISAF is currently preparing to hand over security to the Afghans.

Soldier hails progress on patrol

Security in Nad e-Ali has markedly improved. Pte Chris Allport, of 1 YORKS, feels he could don his sports kit and run through the villages around his patrol base without fear of attack. His unit has had virtually no contact since arriving in September.

Sierra Leone troops remember fallen

At a ceremony in Sierra Leone the International Military Assistance Team (IMATT) remembered the fallen. On Armistice Day, the gathering paid tribute to British troops who gave their lives helping Sierra Leone recover from one of Africa’s bloodiest wars.

Lynx Mk9 Alpha makes its mark

661 Squadron of 1 Army Air Corps are currently in Helmand on a four-month tour. So far, they have spent their time with the newest Lynx helicopter, the Mark 9 Alpha. They have been escorting Chinooks and Merlins and assisting the troops on the ground.

Afghanistan campaign is on track

Britain's campaign in Afghanistan is on track to achieve its aims by 2014. Brig Ed Davis, commander 3 Commando Brigade, which has just returned from a six-month tour, said central Helmand had seen a 45% drop in insurgent attacks. BFBS News reports

Herrick 15 begins in Afghanistan

Operation Herrick 15 officially begins with 20th Armoured Brigade taking command of Task Force Helmand. In a ceremony at Lashkar Gah the Commanding Officer of 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines hands control to 20th Armoured Brigade's Commanding Offiicer.

Military Cross hero recalls events

Scotsman Sergeant Glen Gardiner, of 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, talks about events in Afghanistan, when he tried to save a critically injured Afghan soldier's life, that earned him a Military Cross. Army News Team reports...

Sergeant talks of Helmand heroics

Sergeant Peter Keogh, of A Company 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, is to receive the Military Cross after he led a patrol which completely overran seven enemy positions in a single afternoon. Army News Team reports...

Sappers receive Herrick 14 medals

Troops of Bergen-Hohne Garrison were the first in British Forces Germany to receive their Herrick 14 medals on Tuesday. 7th Armoured Brigade troops are in the process of returning home after six months on the front line. British Forces News reports...

Canine twist to Crossbar Challenge

Troops in Camp Bastion have come up with a twist on the Crossbar Challenge. Members of the Counter IED Taskforce have added an angry dog to the mix. Participants must hit the ball off the crossbar before the dog pounces. British Forces News reports...

Deployment life for families

For those left behind whilst their partner goes away to Afghanistan it can be a tough few months. In the first of a special series, British Forces News has caught up with four wives based in Germany whose husbands are deploying as part of Op Herrick 15.

Unmanned aircraft for UK skies?

Unmanned aircraft are already in use to help firefighters and monitor natural disasters, and could be used to help police fight crime. It would give expensive military equipment a second life, once its operational duties end. British Forces News reports.

New badge for IED search teams

The dangerous work of IED search teams is being recognised with the creation of a Search Badge. The badge, emblazoned with the word ‘search’, has a design of an eye and flame, to represent the nature of the work. British Forces News reports...

ANA troops learn from sappers- BFBS

24 Commando Engineer Regiment has been busy sharing its skills with members of the Afghan National Army Engineering Squadron. A ceremony has taken place for 11 senior squadron troops who will now lead on future Operations. British Forces News reports...

Soldier Magazine online

Award-winning magazine of the British Army - for features, sport, reviews, news, letters, competitions and subscriptions. DECEMBER 2011 digital issue - read online.

Enter site
Soldier magazine December 2011

News in brief 

Welsh Guards train on home soil 

MORE than 200 soldiers from 1st Battalion Welsh Guards have embarked on a five day live-firing exercise on the Castlemartin ranges in Pembrokeshire.

The exercise, which tests the combined arms firepower and puts soldiers through their paces in the most demanding and realistic scenarios available, is being conducted in preparation for a likely six-month tour to Afghanistan in 2012 as part of ISAF.

Some of those involved will have previous Afghan experience – from their 2009 deployment – although for some troops this will be the first time they have trained for an operational tour.

 

 

Professor Green performs for the Desert RatsProfessor Green headlines in Fallingbostel

UK rap and hip-hop star Professor Green headlined a star-studded show on Tuesday night (22) to welcome home military personnel of 7th Armoured Brigade from their tour in Afghanistan.

7th Armoured Brigade - the Desert Rats - supported 3 Commando Brigade during their tour in Afghanistan between March and October as part of the NATO-led mission.

Almost 1,500 soldiers, who served on Op HERRICK 14, packed into the Heide-Mark Halle auditorium in the north German town of Fallingbostel to watch the event organised by the British Forces Foundation.

The show included comedy from stand up stars Simon Evans and Canadian Craig Campbell and a performance by German opera singer Friederike Krum, who is due to visit Afghanistan at Christmas to sing for German troops.

Following a show-stopping finale, Professor Green, who performed tracks from his new album, At Your Inconvenience, met with the soldiers and signed autographs.

 

 

Media and Press Centre

The British public receive the majority of their information about the Army from the media. Learn more about Media Operations in the Army and find press office contact details

Learn more
Army Photographer Sgt Tom Robinson RLC (right) and Capt Johanna Timmerann (center) interviewing Capt Ciaron Dyer (left) during a IED clearence patrol.

Share this page

Bookmark and Share