|
Regiments return from Iraq
 The Staffordshire Regiment arrives home
The Staffordshire Regiment
All tours of duty in Iraq are testing but for the 1st Battalion, The Staffordshire Regiment their time during Op Telic 6 has proved especially challenging.
Leading his men as they returned to the UK, Colonel Andrew Williams reflects on the difficult job he faced while in command of Task Force Maysan. Five soldiers from his battle group including three from the Staffordshire regiment were killed by terrorist attacks. “The price we’ve paid for the undoubted success we’ve achieved has been a heavy price indeed.” He added “ Our lives have been enriched by those who died and I pay tribute to all those who served alongside us and who sadly can’t be here today"
Guardsman Anthony Wakesfield, from the 1st Battalion The Coldstream Guards and Lance Corporal Alan Brackenbury of The Kings Hussars were the first to be killed by roadside bombs. In July, Lt Richard Shearer, Pte Leon Spicer and Pte Phillip Hewett died when another roadside bomb exploded in central Al Amarah.
The regiment and task force mounted various counter insurgency operations during their tour, which resulted in the successful arrest of suspected terrorists. Much work was also done to help train the Iraqi security forces, which it's hoped will eventually take over control of the province.
At Tidworth in Wiltshire, where the regiment is currently based, families patiently waited for their loved ones to return. Michelle Mathews had brought their five-month-old daughter, Paige to meet her Dad. She said:
“It’s just brilliant to have him home…there’ll be a couple of beers for him tonight, he’s earned it.”
 A warm welcome home for a Coldstream Guardsman The Coldstream Guards
Coldstream Guards who have spent the last six months in Iraq will return to their home in Lille Barracks, Aldershot Garrison, over the next several days.
Tragically, one of their number was killed by a roadside bomb on Tuesday 18th October, only days before he was due to return. Sergeant Christian Hickey (30) was married and was from Bradford.
The battalion has a mechanised infantry role, and was deployed to the Shatt Al Arab hotel, an old hotel in the north of Basra City. A company was based with the 1st Battalion The Staffordshire Regiment in Al Amarah and was involved in the riot during the spectacular rescue of two soldiers last month.
The battalion has spent much of its time working with the Iraqi Police Service and the Iraqi Army, mentoring and instructing them so that the local security forces will be able to police their own country and restore a stable environment.
Other aspects of the battalion’s role have included the restoration of local amenities such as rebuilding hospitals and schools, with soldiers most recently beening involved in a project to build a new playground for one particular school.
During the whole tour the guardsmen have been raising money for one of their number, Guardsman Dave Gratton, who was involved in a serious road traffic accident while training to deploy to Iraq.
 The Honorary Colonel of The East of England Regiment (Volunteers), Brigadier Tony Calder OBE, welcomes the troops home
East of England Regiment (Volunteers)
The wet and windy weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of TA soldiers from the East of England Regiment (Volunteers) (EER(V)) on their return from a six month operational tour of Iraq.
The 80-strong No 3 Company from the East of England Regiment (Volunteers) arrived at the Reserves Training and Mobilisation Centre, (RTMC) Chilwell to beaming smiles, hugs and kisses as they were reunited with their families.
To mark their return the soldiers took part in a Welcome Home parade, marching to music provided by the Queens Division Minden Band. The Honorary Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier Tony Calder OBE, congratulated the men and women on the work they had done and officially welcomed them home.
No 3 Company is a composite Company, consisting of soldiers from across East Anglia and the East Midlands. It is the third composite company to have deployed to Iraq from the EER(V). During their tour of Iraq, the TA soldiers worked with the 2nd Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment. Tasks included convoy protection, patrolling a 100 square km area of responsibility and maintaining the camp security at Shaibah Log Base, a large international military camp.
Making considerable use of armoured vehicles and helicopters, the soldiers performed outstandingly and made good use of the skills gained during training. Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Goodin said:
"They have all done an excellent job; they have been away for a long time, living in difficult conditions, but they can all be proud of the work they have done."
|
