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Commanding Officer’s Foreword (Lieutenant Colonel Jason R Kerr) (RE) It is very important that the Regiment as a whole, both the parts in Afghanistan and in UK, can communicate with loved ones across the board as one. We have to be careful what we say when speaking between UK and Afghanistan for security reasons of course, but the facilities available are pretty good. I hope you are making the most of them. Letters are great - I love the occasional hand-written one in particular, albeit it takes an age to get to me out here. I am a little old fashioned that way. I do like e-blueys too as they are quick and can contain pictures. Facebook©, to me, is amazing as I can communicate to Anne and the kids when I can get to an internet facility and Anne can put pictures on her Facebook© site that I can see instantly. I even use emails and that invention they call the telephone occasionally! In addition to the various forms of communication available I was very keen that the Regiment had its monthly round-up report for all and that is why we have produced the 'Swinton Times'. I gave everybody free rein, which was clearly a mistake as you will see when you read on! I hope you and, importantly, our regimental kids get a good feel for what we are doing out here and the many, many characters that feature along the way. Some of the stuff in here is quite funny - at least I think so! - but I will let you decide. We hope you like it and offer any suggestions to improve it. This edition is the first of 5 or 6. Alongside the strong sense of cohesion, high-spirits and professionalism, your soldiers in Afghanistan and UK are working immensely hard and hit each challenge head on with their inimitable style and strength. They are simply superb and I am very proud of them. Everyone is. SWINTON TIMES Edition 1 1

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Swinton Times Edition 1

Transcript of Swinton Times Edition 1

Page 1: Swinton Times Edition 1

Commanding Officer’s Foreword(Lieutenant Colonel Jason R Kerr) (RE)

It is very important that the Regiment as a whole, both the parts in Afghanistan and in UK, can communicate with loved ones across

the board as one. We have to be careful what we say when speaking between UK and Afghanistan for security reasons of

course, but the facilities available are pretty good. I hope you are making the most of them.

Letters are great - I love the occasional hand-written one in particular, albeit it takes an age to get to me out here. I am a little

old fashioned that way. I do like e-blueys too as they are quick and can contain pictures. Facebook©, to me, is amazing as I can

communicate to Anne and the kids when I can get to an internet facility and Anne can put pictures on her Facebook© site that I can

see instantly. I even use emails and that invention they call the telephone occasionally!

In addition to the various forms of communication available I was very keen that the Regiment had its monthly round-up report for all

and that is why we have produced the 'Swinton Times'. I gave everybody free rein, which was clearly a mistake as you will see when you read on! I hope you and, importantly, our regimental

kids get a good feel for what we are doing out here and the many, many characters that feature along the way. Some of the stuff in here is quite funny - at least I think so! - but I will let you decide. We hope you like it and offer any suggestions to improve it. This

edition is the first of 5 or 6. Alongside the strong sense of cohesion, high-spirits and professionalism, your soldiers in

Afghanistan and UK are working immensely hard and hit each challenge head on with their inimitable style and strength. They

are simply superb and I am very proud of them. Everyone is.

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Make sure you

‘like’ our Facebook

page.

www.facebook.com

/22engineerregim

ent

Facebook

Welcome

Inside this issue:

1. CO Introduction

2. Welcome

3. Lt Rose/ Terms

4. Terms

5. RSM Pearson

6. RSM Pearson

7-11. 6 Sqn

12. REME

13. SPS

14-19. 3 Sqn

20-26. 5 Sqn

27-30. 52 Sqn

Welcome to the Swinton Times the monthly newsletter from 22 Engineer Regiment . While the Regiment is deployed this newsletter will give you the news from all over Helmand Province to tell you what your husband, wife, brother, sister, son or daughter is up to. It will be broken down by Squadron so you will get an idea of what type of tasks each of the sub-units are up to. The Swinton Times will be used in conjunction with other media sources such as Facebook© and hopefully regional newspapers. Below is our Facebook© page, make sure you ‘like’ it to see what we are up to!

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Welcome My name is Lt Chris Rose, I am the Unit Press Officer and Detachment Commander of 22 Engineer Regiment. One of my roles in theatre is to collate media from all the Squadrons for use in a number of publications, and I am the Editor of the Swinton Times. It will be published at the beginning of each month, but if it’s late, bare with us as IT out here is unreliable.

If there is anything in particular you think should be included in the newsletter, let the Welfare Office know and we will see what we can do. There will also be a section in future editions called ‘Ask the Sapper’. If there are questions that you have about the tour, pass them to the Welfare Office and if we can answer them you will see the answers in the next edition.

Our Facebook site will be updated as and when pictures and stories come in. Please be patient as the guys are very busy and sometimes out in remote locations so getting information back can take some time. Please make sure you like and comment on the pictures you see!

As you are all aware the guys will use language and terms only other soldiers can understand. I have tried to cut this out of the newsletter but if a few slipped through, at the bottom of this page and the next are a few words and anagrams with their meanings.

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31. Padre’s page

32. Dive team

33. Afghanistan facts

34-36. Photos

37-38. Children's pages

RanksCfn—CraftsmanSpr - SapperLCpl - Lance CorporalCpl - CorporalSgt - SergeantSSgt - Staff SergeantWO2 - Warrant Officer Second ClassWO1 - Warrant Officer First ClassLt - Lieutenant Capt - CaptainMaj - MajorLt Col - Lieutenant Colonel

FormationsAES - Armoured Engineer SquadronFd Engr Sqn - Field Engineer SquadronHQ & Sp Sqn - Head Quarters and Support SquadronLAD—Light Aid DetachmentREME—Royal Electrical & Mechanical EngineersSect - SectionSqn—SquadronTp - Troop

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Terms Afghanistan specific termsANA - Afghan National ArmyALP - Afghan Local PoliceANP - Afghan National PoliceANSF - Afghanistan National Security ForceAUP - Afghan Uniformed PoliceCP - Check PointFOB - Forward Operating BaseHESCO - Large flat packed containers made of thick strong wire containing a large sandbag. The sandbag is filled with sand to produce a large protective brick. The individual HESCO blocks are then used like giant bricks to produce a protective wall for our bases.HLS - Helicopter Landing SiteIED - Improvised Explosive DeviceISAF - International Security Assistance ForceJOB - Joint Operating BaseOp - Operation, mission, task (not surgery)NES - Nahr-e Saraj

NDA - Nad-e AliPB - Patrol BaseSAF - Small Arms FireSANGAR - A watch tower which is manned 24 hours a day to provide protection to a baseSOP - Standard Operating procedureStag - standing in the sangar keeping watch and providing protectionTFH - Task Force Helmand

EquipmentApache - Attack helicopterChinook - Troop carrying helicopterHUSKY - Large armoured vehicleMASTIFF - Large armoured vehicle with a heavy machine gun for protectionMerlin - Medium Royal Air Force and Navy helicopter used to move Troops around from base to baseMWT - Medium wheeled tractorSLDT(P) - Self Loading Dump Truck (Protected) Sea-king - Royal Navy helicopter used as search and rescue in the UKTALISMAN - A series of vehicles used to clear a route of improvised explosive devices

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22 ENGINEER REGIMENT GROUP TASK FORCE HELMAND ENGINEER GROUP

REGIMENTAL SERGEANT MAJOR (RSM)

I would like to start by saying “Thank you” for all the support that the boys and girls of the Regiment have already received either on Facebook©, through welfare parcels or more recently by buying a wristband or 2. I have seen some excellent articles on the Facebook© site with plenty of pictures so I hope you managed to get sight of your loved one. The welfare parcels that have been received by the regiment have all been donated from individuals and organisations that have been supporting the Corps over a number of years, this proves to be a huge morale booster for the troops. I regularly write to the donators to express my thanks and appreciation as do the boys and girls that receive them.The Regiment has definitely hit the ground running, given that we conducted our Relief-in-Place a month before the remainder of the 1 Mechanized Brigade who have only just officially started Op HERRICK 18, we initally came under the direct control of 4 Mechanized Brigade who were coming to the end of their tour of duty. We were a welcomed force as we were fresh, ready and keen to simply ‘get on’ with the tasks that lay ahead.

The Regiment is split all over the Area of Operations (AO) within Helmand Province with the facilities being varied. Some of the Forward Operating Bases (FOBs) and Patrol Bases (PBs) are well established whilst others are extremely austere. That said, having now been to all the locations that we occupy and spoken to the troops, they have all settled in and have made life as comfortable as they possibly can. So don’t seem surprised when they return home and go into the garden with a bucket to do their washing, careful re-education will be required on how to use a washing machine! Or they take what looks like a foil carrier bag to the toilet with them; this has become a way of life, albeit primitive. Porcelain is something of a novelty.

For the families that are located near Tidworth and have been able to attend the excellent events that have been organised by our very well motivated Rear Operations Group, this is the team that are often the unsung heroes during any deployment. They have worked tirelessly to make life back in the UK as bearable as possible to keep you all occupied and having fun. I hope you have had an excellent time with the variety of activities and that the children are enjoying the entertainment by guest appearances of the Swinton Bear. We are due to receive a travelling mini version of him soon and I will ensure that we post photos of him out and about in Helmand.

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By way of introduction, I am WO1 (RSM) Dave Pearson; some of you may already know me or met me at the various pre-deployment briefings that were conducted. As the Regimental Sergeant Major I would like to take the opportunity to provide you all with an update on the deployment of the Regiment to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 18 so far.

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22 ENGINEER REGIMENT GROUP TASK FORCE HELMAND ENGINEER GROUP

REGIMENTAL SERGEANT MAJOR (RSM)

I would like to make a plea to you all for the protection and security of your loved ones with regards to posting information on social media sites such as Facebook©. Please be sensitive to any information that you may become privy to as this information may not be correct or accurate and therefore cause unnecessary upset and disruption to other families and friends. This has been briefed to everyone already currently deployed and we have a media team that will monitor this. We will, in most cases provide you with as much information of what we are up to within the boundaries of our security throughout the tour. So please do not think you will be kept totally in the dark.

I think it is only right that I also mention that the Regiment has sadly lost one of its soldiers following a long hard battle against cancer. LCpl Gary ‘Speedy’ Coleman passed away peacefully on 10 Apr 13 only a week after the birth of his baby daughter Amba. Our thoughts go out to his loving wife Jo and all the family at this very sad time. The loss was felt across the whole of the Regiment, the comments on Facebook say it all, RIP Speedy.

Finally, thank you all again for your continued support. You all play a very important part to ensuring the success of the Regiment and each and every one of its soldiers. If you haven’t already received wristbands from your loved ones please give them a gentle reminder, I still have plenty left over here. Additionally the Welfare Team in the UK should have them by the time this news letter is received by you. The bands are sold at £1 per adult wristband and 50p for a child size, so please buy one (or 2) and show your support by wearing it with pride.

Best wishes

Dave

WO1 (RSM) D Pearson RE

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The RSM spends time with Support Troop to

gather feedback on morale.

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6 Force Support Squadron

Support Troop have hit the ground running after receiving a very good handover from 7 Sqn, 21 Engineer Regiment. I’ve been tremendously impressed with how well the team have pulled together after being spread to the four winds during Mission Specific Training.prior to deployment The Troop have continued to work hard over the past few weeks here in theatre and they’ve all done themselves proud during a 10 day operation in support of 3 Sqn. We are now adept at living and working out of our armoured vehicles and will be busy in assisting the Regiment move around Helmand province. Morale is high and a healthy level of banter is developing which I’m sure will help us get through the tour quickly and safely.

Lt Rob MortonSupport Troop Commander(Troopy)

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SUPPORT TROOP LOOKING COOL

From left to right

Spr Watkins, Cpl craig, Spr Dreganivula, Spr Bolakoro, LCpl George, Spr Fether, Spr Lee, Spr Hunt, Cpl Marks, Spr Bullock, Spr Fox, Spr Rumble, Spr Worster, Sgt Parker, Sgt Eckford

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Support Troop

Hello everyone Uncle Fluff here, well where do I start? Everyone is in good health and the food tastes great. The guys & girls are grateful for all the parcels so please keep them coming in; it is a real morale boost to receive one. Even the comedy ones, like Mrs Watkins with her man parts biscuits. We are impatiently awaiting news of upcoming births Spr Lee and not forgetting Spr (Dixie) Dixon on rear party. Everyone back there should have now received our request for thongs this is due to us toying with the idea of doing a tour video but are in total disagreement on the sound track. Ideas from you all back home please, just place your suggestion on the Facebook page and we will put it in the ideas hat. The pranks have now well and truly started, Spr Lee decided to hide my towel while I was showering….revenge will be mine! Spr Worster’s Op Massive (Weight lifting) has started in earnest and he now has most of the troop in the gym flexing and posing for each other, Troopy’s Op Medium (No Weight Lifting) is going well too.

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Sgt Johno Parker

Plant Sergeant

Cpl (Fluff) CraigMT Cpl

There’s been a mixture of weather for the first month, mostly dry with some rainy spells. Highs around the mid twenties with lows being in single figures. Some have found time to sunbathe whilst others have been hard at work since our arrival. The troops are in tremendous spirits even with the fast pace of life that some have not experienced before. I have nothing but praise for the hard work and dedication that the troop have given so far. It’s hard to say what we will be doing next, but what I do know is the troop are prepared and ready for any task.

Hi everyone, I’d like to give you a quick overview from a sapper’s perspective on my first tour. As I arrived in Afghanistan the first thing to hit me as the aircraft door lowered was the smell however I’m pleased to say I’ve become accustomed to it. My first 5 days were spent training which gave me a chance to touch up on my skills. Once training ceased normal works commenced, this is when I noticed a mood change all troop personnel switched on instantly. We were rushed off our feet trying to get our vehicles ready for our 1st move in to Helmand province. Once on the road we were tasked to assist 3 Sqn with a bridge strip, this then kept us out for 10 days. Morale has always been very high, with some of the troop jokers being at there very best, I’ve never stopped laughing. Take care Spr Lee (Ginge)

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Bastion Chocolate Brownieswith a Caribbean Twist

Let me tell you about myself, my name is LCpl Andy George and at present serve with the Support Troop, 6 Force Support Squadron as a WOLFHOUND (vehicle) Top Gunner. I’m from the magical Caribbean island of Grenada, so as you’re reading this I challenge YOU to impersonate my West Indian accent. I serve in the Royal Engineers but when I first joined the military I was actually a chef in the Royal Logistic Corps, so I’m somewhat of an HEXPERT (remember the accent) when it comes to all TINGS cooking, YA get me!

Life in Camp Bastion can be quite lush and this is enhanced when the legendary Bastion Brownies (DA guys goes go crazy for DEM brownies) appear at dinner time. So I was over the moon when my Sergeant Major, WO2 Steve Halpin tasked me to write this article and make my own brownies but with a smooth Caribbean twist. So sit back you beautiful people’s and allow me to take you through the art of making my very own Bastion Chocolate Brownie.

Firstly YA’LL need to get your coats on and go out and get me some ingredients, ERE is what you’ll need for standard Bastion Chocolate Brownies:

Ingredients½ Teaspoon Salt

½ Teaspoon Baking Powder

1 Cup of self rising Flour

1/3 Cup of Cocoa

2/3 Cup of Demerara Sugar

2/3 Cup of White Sugar

1 Cup of Chocolate chips

1 Teaspoon of Vanilla essence

2/3 Cup of Vegetable Oil

3 Eggs (Free Range for freshness and better for chickens)

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BOB MARLEY’S GREATEST HITS ALBUMHowever that’s not good enough for you fine-looking people’s back home, Chef George’s Caribbean Twist shopping trolley would have the following HEXTRA ingredients:1 lime, lemon or orange½ teaspoon grated ginger1 tea spoon zest (grated skin of lime, lemon or orange mix in with some of it juices).Then watch the (PICNIC’s) children’s faces beam with glee

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Bastion Chocolate Brownies with a Caribbean Twist

Shout Out from the TroopMatty - Happy Birthday Kyron Dee - Happy Birthday LaveniaTony - Happy Anniversary Becka Alex - Happy Birthday ElissaKim - Happy Birthaday Naomi Troopy - Happy Birthday LottiBam Bam - Happy Birthday Grandad

I hope this has been a useful insight into what Support Troop have been up to since we arrived in theatre. We’ll write more as the tour progresses to keep you posted on some of the jobs that we’ve been doing. Please don’t hesitate to send us messages on facebook or by post, as it’s always great to find out what’s going on back in the UK.

All the best,

Lt Rob Morton

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Method: Mix in one bowl the salt, baking powder, self- rising flour, cocoa , demerara sugar, white sugar, and the chocolate chips until it eventually mixed. I’m usually singing and dancing at this stage cause it chocolate brownie time. In a separate bowl mix together DA eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla essence, and not forgetting theCaribbean twist of the zest and the ginger (whisk for 1-2 min).Then add both mixtures together with a folding motion, note, I didn’t say whisk cause we want the air to stay in DA’T mixture, DAT’S how Chef George take care of business. Place your chocolate chip brownies mix in a grease proof tin (2” deep x 10” x 10”) leave room in the tin for the mixture to rise slightly, pre heat the oven and then bake at 170 degrees for 25-30 min. There you have it, you brownies are made, be careful they will be hot. Keep smiling Andy! Cpl ‘T’ Marks, Chef George and Cpl ‘Fluff’ Craig

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Construction Supervision CellThe Construction Supervision Cell (CSC) has been busy since arriving in Afghanistan. All members of the department have been deployed outside of Camp Bastion alreadywith WO2 Al Hamilton having completed a reconnaissance of a temporary Headquarters for the Afghan National Army Officer Academy in Kabul. SSgt (MPF) Shane Barrow has completed a recce on a drainage system for a runway somewhere, but he does not like to talk about it much! SSgt Aaron Durham and Spr Craig Johnston have also deployed outside of the wire on a top priority tasking, to the delight of the Brigade Commander.

Designs are also being completed daily for projects across the whole of Helmand Province; however, it is not all work and no play. Members of the CSC have won the weekly quiz, and also played the role of quizmaster. The Squadron Headquarters/CSC five a side football team (Swinton City) are also unbeaten having routed the REME’s Light Aid detachment’s (LAD) team and several Afghan sides; one of whom, rumour has it, were in their national team. Life is comfortable in the Design Office as the air-conditioning is still intact and the supply of coffee is frequent. All are looking forward to the remainder of the tour and all are enjoying their work.

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The Unbeatable Swinton CityWO1 (RSM) Dave Pearson, Lt Chris Rose, SSgt Shane Barrow, WO2 Al Hamilton

Spr Craig Johnston, LCpl Sam Swift

WO2 Al Hamilton in Kabul

Lt Ed Dickens and SSgt Shane Barrow somewhere in Afghanistan

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Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Light Aid Detachment

My name is Captain Alex Parsons and I command the Light Aid Detachment or LAD for short. Our job is to carry out repairs on the vehicles that the Regiment uses to keep them safe to drive and fit for purpose. Think of the AA or RAC and you won’t go far wrong. Ours is no small task; with a team of mechanics, technicians, recovery mechanics, plant fitters and armours we maintain 213 specialist vehicles and plant which allows the Royal Engineers to get safely from A to B and use the plant equipment for construction tasks once they get on site. A mechanic or plant fitter will then stay on site to make sure that the equipment remains in a fit state to conduct its task. Here in Camp BASTION we have a purpose built workshop with most of the facilities you would expect to find in a garage in the UK so we can complete anything from basic vehicle servicing right up to axle and engine changes. Via this news letter I hope to give you an insight in to the life of the tradesmen at work and pursuing play and I hope that you find it both informative and amusing.

There are not many female mechanics in the Army so I thought I would explain how I find myself turning spanners in Afghanistan. It all started believe it or not with our family holidays. When I was a child my father and I worked together on whatever cheap car we had at the time. My mum would always pick some random European country to visit and in the days before Google maps dad would always fear the worst and worried about foreign roads and cobbled streets; he would spend days servicing and getting the car ready for one of mums epic journeys. I always enjoyed helping my dad who was more than happy for me to lend a hand, but looking back I know now that I was just a willing slave “Can you fetch me a jug of water Lyndsay?” or “ Can you run to the shed and fetch me a screwdriver please.” In Afghan back fond memories and I know my early years set me up for a career which I love. I have plied my trade in Belize, Canada, Kenya and now in Afghanistan where I am working on some of the most technically demanding vehicles the Army has and enjoying every minute of it!

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Cfn Lyndsay Foulds

Volleyball Time!

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Staff and Personnel Support Branch I departed 22 Engr Regt for RAF BrizeNorton on 2nd Feb 13 where I checkedin for my flight to Camp Bastion to take over the position of the Regimental Admin Warrant Officer (RAWO) of the J1 Cell at Camp Bastion who are responsible for the pay, administration and welfare of over 4000 Service Personnel and Civil Servants. Being

February it was Very Cold and Wet which didn't go down too well especially on the ranges, but using previous experience, I had my pink water bottle to hand so didn't suffer too badly.My team here are responsible for booking people into theatre arrival and departure of every person in and out of theatre, making sure that all telephone cards work correctly, chequecashing for all personnel and we also deal with any other administrative and pay issues that come in on a daily basisso as a result we deploy 2 months prior to all of the other units deploying on Op HERRICK 18 so that we know ourjobs before the main Relief in Place (RiP) of up to 14,000 personnel in and out of Afghanistan.

Everyday is different here, I have flown by Chinook to MOB Price to transport specific items and returned by Merlin, I have carried out Sanger duties which means guarding the external perimeter of the Camp and have even been tasked with working along side the US Marine Corps Building razor wire fences around Camp Bastion! The Engineers thought this was highly amusing. On the social side, we have been lucky to have been involved in a few social events out here including the CSE Show, where unfortunately I was the brunt of the comedians jokes! We also attended a Caribbean BBQ at the QM’s department where I was attacked with water bombs, and attempted to play twister…… Not quite as easy as I remembered it! There was also karaoke where I was surprised to find out that it can be very different when you’ve not had a drink!I have been lucky enough to see the majority of the 22 Engineer Regiment guys and girls, mostly when they are cashing cheques– so don't worry, the first thing I ask them is if their wives or husbands know they are spending the money! My husband Steve is manning the fort back at home in Tidworth and I am under no illusions that it will be ‘Men Behaving Badly’ with him and my 12 year old son Sean ruling the roost in my absence. I am extremely happy as I can speak to them regularly, it is still hard and I cannot wait to see them both on R&R– So I am giving them prior warning of my dates so they can start to clean the house Ha Ha!

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By Maj PM Hammett Officer Commanding 3 Armd Engr Sqn

I am finding it hard to believe that the Sqn has already been in Afghanistan for over a month - time has literally flown by since we left Tidworth, on the 5 March. There is no doubt that the reason for this phenomena is because we have, to the man, been exceptionally busy since we arrived in theatre. The initial training package that was conducted in Camp Bastion was fast and furious, but was an essential means of revising and reminding us of all the specialist skills we need to have to safely operate in this environment - my primary goal. Once the troops moved forward their feet had hardly touched the ground before they were working outside of the wire on complex multinational missions. Lt David Locke and SSgt Phil Green, along with the lads of 2 Tp, expertly removed a bridge from the Shinghazi Wadi (more about that task later). Lt James Forrest-Lines and SSgt Wes Pay moved to the Forward Operating Base in Ouellete, with 3 Tp, and wasted no time at all in making life for all personnel based in the camp significantly better. Lt Scott Anderson, SSgt Tom Fay and the men of 1 Tp have conducted a number of tasks with the Afghan Police and have significantly upgraded the security for ISAF personnel working at a vitally important junction on the Nahr-e-Burgh (NEB) canal, an irrigation channel that provides life-giving water to the region. In order to control all of this activity the personnel working within the Squadron HQ and Echelon Commander's department have all been working tirelessly. Of particular note, Spr 'Woz' Warren has maintained sanity and morale in the HQ whilst Spr 'George' Gyabaah and newly promoted into acting rank, LCpl 'Del' Madjitey have done their upmost to ensure that the guys based forward have everything they need to complete their tasks

In the near future we will be sending a small detachment to aid the Afghan National Army (ANA) in their tasks, which will become the UK's main effort after troops have withdrawn from Helmand in Dec 14. We will also be providing personnel to bolster Engineer works being conducted by 52 AES, in their area of operations. I therefore expect that the next month will pass by equally as quickly as this one has.

Please rest assured that despite being busy the living conditions, at all the locations, are excellent. The food out here is amazing as are the provision of welfare facilities to keep your loved ones occupied when they are not on task. Please keep all your mail and parcels coming - the guys love nothing more than receiving news from home, so thank you for all of your support. Hopefully you are all getting plenty of information from us on the front line, but if you need more please let us know and we will see what we can do. I hope you enjoy reading the articles written by the lads of 3 Sqn, they will hopefully bring the tasks that they have completed to life. More to follow…..

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3 Armoured Engineer Squadron

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March in Afghanistan with 1 Troop3 Squadron deployed on the 5th of March, ready and eager to hit the ground running and get stuck into Op HERRICK 18. 1 Troop approached Reception Staging & Onward Integration (RSOI) enthusiastically and made the most of the current training available to them in theatre.

Once all the men of 1 Troop had completed RSOI they were ready to deploy forward to Patrol Base 2, where they will be based for the duration of the tour. As soon as the flight programme had been published there was a palpable air of excitement, even for the Op HERRICK veterans amongst the troop. One can only describe the feeling of boarding a Chinook helicopter, in full kit, ready to deploy as ‘cool’. The pilot banks and swoops, carrying out evasive manoeuvres before landing on the Helicopter Landing Site (HLS), whereby everybody disembarks, under the direction of the RAF, beneath the roar of the rotary blades only meters above.

1 Troop arriving at PB2 via a CH-47

1 Troop were to replace 4 Troop, 73 Squadron and after a comprehensive handover the troop set about making their new accommodation their own by adding a little character.

There have been a number of tasks including upgrading the perimeter defences around the PB, which has been a great opportunity to put all the training into practice.

Cpl Bilbao practicing his Counter Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) drills.

Spr Edward King & Spr Sam Sculthorpe laying out razor wire

However, amidst the rigours of planning and executing tasks, there has been a concerted effort to find time to enjoy the sunshine.

1 Troop playing volleyball in PB2

Lt Graham (Left) handing over to Lt Scott Anderson

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Having spent the last 12 months on pre-deployment training, we are at last on the ground in Afghan. I am a reserve solider who has been attached to 22 Engineer Regiment, 3 Armoured Engineer Squadron (3 AES) to serve a 6 month tour in Helmand Province. I have been fortunate enough and honoured to be able to serve with 1 Troop which seems to be the elite troop in the squadron. We landed at Camp Bastion on the 5th March and spent a further 5 days on Reception Staging & Onwards Integration (RSOI), an intensive theatre training package which included; searching and patrolling high threat IED lanes, close quarter range shooting, first aid, further lessons on Afghan culture and life in and around patrol bases in the Province.On completion of our theatre training package our troop were ready to fly by Chinook helicopter to Patrol Base 2 (PB2) in the NES region, which is where we a currently based. Reality of the area soon started to become evident with constant small arms fire and odd explosions close to our PB but this only adds to the excitement of actually being on the ground with the British Army and hopefully doing some of the stuff we have been trained to do.

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Sapper Bracey reporting on the first month with 1

Troop

Back in my civilian life I am employed as a contract manager for a re-newables firm, we install central heating, plumbing and solar panels etc. My back ground was working for British Gas as a central heating installer so general plumbing is not really a problem to me and as a result of this I have been tasked to look after the water supply for this PB. We have all had duties though, one of which is guard duty on the raised sangars, manning the machine guns, we are in the green zone here and close to the villages so there is always something to see from this position.At the time of writing this we are preparing to move out on a task in Husky vehicles to carry out force protection at a check point (CP) North East of our location so the whole troop are busy preparing for this and eager to get on with it.

On the whole my experience of the tour so far has been good, everything is professionally conducted and I am proud to be part of what looks like a winning team, the lads from 1 troop are all good characters and we do have some good banter between all the hard graft. I do miss my wife and 3 lads but I am able to contact them most days so this is good and the gym here is ideal to keep fitness up and the food is better than I would have expect for a PB. I am looking forward to next 5 months of HERRICK 18.

Spr Micheal Bracey, 1 Troop

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Lt Locke, 2 Tp Commander ‘Newsletter’ for thefirst month on HERRICK 18

The first month in theatre has seen 2 Troop hit the ground running, completing a number of tasks in the Nahr-e-Saraj (NES) area of Helmand Province. After completing the mandatory training packages back in Camp BASTION (BSN), the troop gathered together their kit and headed for the flight line to move, by Chinook, to Main Operating Base (MOB) PRICE; home for the next 6 months. For some members of the Troop, this would be their first adventure out of the UK; their first time in an aeroplane and their first time in a helicopter. Excitement levels were understandably high.

Upon arrival in MOB PRICE, kit was quickly put into bed spaces. Straight away we had orders and conducted rehearsals for an upcoming task with Alpha Company, 40 Commando. With less than 2 days to prepare, both the vehicles and members of 2 Troop were ready to head out on the ground for the first time on HERRICK 18. This task would be conducted overnight and would involved constructing obstacles using razor wire and pickets. These were built on a key bridge in the Gereshk District Centre to deter the enemy from placing any Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in and around the bridge abutments. The task ran smoothly with all of 2 Troop back in PRICE by 0800hrs the next day.

We had a quick turn around in PRICE before heading to Lashkar-Gah-Durai; a small base to the south east. Here, we began preparing kit for the 8 day task in a place called Shinghazi, our feet had barely touched the ground. The task was to strip a logistic support bridge (LSB) to allow local contractors to build a permanent bridge across the wadi. This was a major task for 2 Troop and 22 Engineer Regiment. I couldn’t have asked for any more effort, determination and motivation from the members of 2 Troop. Still acclimatising to the harsh environment, with temperatures reaching 38ºC, the Troop relished every challenge thrown their way. The task was a huge success and after 8 days on the ground living with a Troop of Royal Marines drinking ‘wets’; 2 Troop had a final picture on the site and headed back to camp; hoping they could finally get into routine after 2 weeks of tasks.

We are very lucky at MOB PRICE with our Troop area and accommodation. We have our own gym, welfare area packed with DVD’s, PS3 and a plasma TV. I think our darts area and volleyball court deserve a mention to. The Troop has now settled in, sorted out all our kit and equipment and have conducted small tasks to upgrade the camp. Food is fantastic, morale is high and Op Massive has begun for some. (lifting lots of heavy weights in the gym). The first month has flown by with plenty of tasks to look forward to in the near future. The Mighty 2 Troop have had a great start to the tour and as Troop Commander I am very please with the standard of work being produced.

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Two weeks ago, Sgt Perry phoned The Royal British Legion Club in Bournemouth to see if they would be kind enough to send out parcels. They went above and beyond all expectations and today we received 10 bags of mail; full of boxes. These were from Ferndown 1st School, West Moor’s Pre- School, West Moor’s Mid School, Busy Bee’s Pre- School and St Marys C.E 1st School.

Very happy; Lt Dave Locke, SSgt Philip Green Sgt John Perry, Cp Michael Brady Spr Daniel Bradnam, Spr Chas Barry, LCpl William Draper & Spr James Wright

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2 Troop

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3 Tp Ouellette Sapper Magazine Article

Almost a month and a half down, 3 Troop are now well and truly settled in their new homes. Half the lads are in Ouellette with myself and the other half under Cpl “Daddy” Reid’s wing attached to 2 Troop based in FOB.It has been a busy month for both task lines. Cpl Reid and his merry men were invaluable assisting 2 Troop with their bridge strip out with Lt Locke commenting how they couldn’t have done it without them. Obviously knowing Cpl Reid and the other NCO’s within task line 2 I was unsurprised, that is how 3 Troop roll.

The lads in Ouellette have played it clever; making friends with the Chefs thus ensuring that Sunday ration day are not quite as sparse as they could be. This week the chefs are coming over to the Engineer compound to put on a BBQ, steaks and burgers well worth a few hours sorting out their TV!

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LCpl David Parker “I Lurve Hesco”

The weather has been changeable to say the least, 34 degrees being the highest with the next day being 15 degrees and blowing a gale. There have been a few impressive thunder showers one of which blew the roof off a sangar (a watch tower) and resulted in the lads having to work in the pitch black in driving rain. Luckily they saw the funny side even if the poor lad who was on watch when it happened wasn’t so amused.

In other news, Connect4 has made a strong showing in Ouellette with Spr Wilkins the current champion smashing the Troopy 3-1 in a single sitting. Other popular card games whose name I cannot mention result in the looser having to provide a crate of pop. Sapper Harman’s tour bonus may not be as healthy as he thought after a particular bad run of luck recently.Cpl Mark Greenhalgh “No up a bit, no

left a bit, no right a bit!”

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5 Armoured Engineer Squadron Our First Month in Afghanistan

Cpl Crouch 6 Troop

On arrival in Camp Bastion and after the mandatory welcome briefs we spent a night in transit accommodation and then moved swiftly on in the morning into our homes to be for the next 6 months.The next day we commenced our 5 day package of RSOI training as a whole Squadron. This was an accumulation of lessons both theory and practical to bring all our previous training up to the current level as practiced in theatre. Early mornings and late finishes gave us all the information required to allow us to move into our own specialist training.

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We then embarked on another 5 day package run by 1 AES who we were here to relieve from their 6 month tour. This training encompassed everything we would be involved in as a troop in the Talisman role. The next week was spent operating and familiarising ourselves with the vehicles and equipment that we would take over. The additional training included search and driver training but most of all picking the brains of 1 AES as much as possible with questions of their experiences over the previous 6 months.

With all our mandatory training finished it was time to officially take over from 1 AES and let them leave for a well deserved rest!

The 3 troops were then put straight in to a rotation of 6 hours notice to move (NTM), 12 hours NTM and reserve troop, which they will rotate through on a 2 weekly basis. 6 Troop were given the responsibilities to take up the commitment of the reserve troop. This consists of supplying the manpower to provide security to Camp Bastion and also duty personnel for the Sqn. The remainder of the Troop has been invested in maintaining our vehicles, building search lanes to train on and completing continuation training which has included demolitions and ranges. Our commitment on reserve troop came to a close after 2 weeks and we have since moved on to operations and in typical fashion we were tasked immediately with plenty of plans for further tasks....................

Sgt Zorn briefing a media visit

LCpl Blackham instructing on the RWS

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The Story So FarLCpl Manning 5 Troop

After all the initial mandatory training and handover of vehicles and equipment, 5 Troop moved straight into 6 hours notice to move, this meant that we had to get a move on and get every vehicle prepared and ready to roll out of the gate at a short notice. This involved a lot of packing of specific equipment and ensuring that the vehicles were in proper working order. The REME mechanics made the fixing of the air con their top priority, much to everyone’s relief.

After what seemed like an eternity, we were finally tasked with a route recce but we also took along a couple of guys from 52 Sqn so that they could conduct a bridge assessment along our route.

This was followed a few days later with our next Operation (Op) which involved proving and clearing a route for a combat logistic patrol (CLP) in order to resupply the infantry at a PB overlooking the River Helmand. The job sounded simple but we were soon to learn this would be a very long and complicated patrol.

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Spr Gresty “Happy as Larry”

A happy LCpl Petter

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On the way there SSgt Young’s vehicle broke down with complete power loss so the whole of his crew had to change vehicle whilst his own was recovered. Then on our way back we ran into trouble again as SSgt Young’s new mastiff vehicle broke down, this time it was a sheared engine fan, something very uncommon.

By this point SSgt “Trash-it” Young and his crew were on it like a F1 style pit stop team, they had vehicles swapped over and for the third time that day were in a new vehicle.With all the vehicles now driving, or being towed, we made our way back to MOB Price and finally got our heads down for a little bit of sleep. The following morning REME then fixed one of the Mastiff’s while we prepared the other one for towing, allowing us to make our way back down the road to Camp Bastion.

Hesitant to send us out again for fear of losing more vehicles, the Sqn have now moved us onto reserve troop, allowing us to take time to fix our vehicles and help in the security of the camp while still being ready for operations when required.

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The Story So FarLCpl Manning 5 Troop

LCpl “Big Guns” Moore

Cpl Ledingham and Spr Harris

Separated at birth?!

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From the BeginningSpr Adams 4 Troop

It all began for 4 Troop as it always does with a long and drawn out overnight journey from Tidworth but this time our final destination was Afghanistan. On arrival we were given a day that allowed us some time to move into our new accommodation and get a rough idea of where we were within the vast camp that is Camp Bastion. The following day we began Reception Staging and Onward Integration (RSOI) training. For us this consisted of a gruelling week of lectures, shooting ranges, basic patrolling, counter improvised explosive device (C-IED) training and medical training while struggling to acclimatise to the desert heat. Most relevant and beneficial to us was the day we spent on the search lanes, putting into practice all of the C-IED and search training we had developed over our pre-deployment training. I think I speak for most when I say that we were pleased to finish RSOI and receive some more specific training and advice from our predecessors “Dog” Sqn of 21 Engr Regt. With all the required ticks in all the relevant boxes we were now ready to deploy on Operations for the first time as a Talisman Troop.

Everyone was eager to get out of Camp Bastion however we didn’t expect to do so quite as soon as we did. 12 hours notice before our first job on our first day was more than a shock to us, but not beyond the capabilities of the lads.

We had been tasked to lead and prove a clear route for a supply convoy out to Patrol Base (PB) Folad. The route turned out to be a bit of a challenge for the drivers, a treacherous mud track of deep puddles, ditches, irrigation channels and the ever present NEB Canal alongside us. From our first outing we emerged unscathed but perhaps a little shook up.

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Spr Wornham living the dream

Padre giving a service

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Upon our return to Camp Bastion we were soon re-tasked and sent on our way to complete the Operation that was originally a 10 day job but at the time of writing and 2 weeks later, we are still here. The job was to clear a 10 kilometre stretch of dirt of Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) to safely allow local contractors to work in the area.

Predictably our first day was a little slow seeing as it was the first time our search teams had deployed on the ground in Afghanistan but we were soon in a rhythm and after a few days were covering the distances we had planned. It was tough going, the heat, the long days and the bomb proof pants were a challenge that took time to grow accustomed to, but all in all we were enjoying finally getting the job done that we had trained so long and hard for. On our fourth day we found our first device, it was a nerve racking experience but also a good adrenaline rush but most of all it gave us confidence in our equipment and the training that we had received.

We have been working out of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Ouellette where we are able to sleep and when time permits a bit of sunbathing (Op Bronze) or in the gym (Op Massive) or even a bit of much needed washing of kit. We have been confined to the FOB for the last 3 days due to the warning of imminent sand storms. We reinforced our ponchos, which previously were merely sun protectors, in a naïve attempt to make them as storm proof as possible then spent the next few days avoiding the intermittent bouts of sandstorm, heavy rain, thunder and lightning

This is where we are at now, preparing to get back onto the road again tomorrow and looking forward to getting back into a routine and getting the job done.

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From the BeginningSpr Adams 4 Troop

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ONE FOR THE LADIES

Introducing a new feature to this months newsletter is the 5 AES “HERRICK HOTTIES”. This months pin-up boys come courtesy of the fittest and finest that 4 Troop have to offer. News hot of the press is that these bad boys are about to explode onto the screen this Autumn as they take their newly formed boy band “Buffalo Boys” onto the stage of X-Factor!Lock up your daughters because these kids are bad, they’re boys and they’re BUFF!

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The Condor’s ColumnThe Condor’s ColumnThe Condor’s ColumnThe Condor’s Column

52 Armoured Engineer SquadronA word from the OC Major Katie Hislop

THE CONDOR IS FLYING

Friday 22nd March 2013 saw the raising of the 52 Armoured Engineer Squadron flag over our Operations Room – a fittingly windy day! It has been a tough six months building up to our deployment to Afghanistan; both for our soldiers undergoing training and also their families and loved ones who will have seen little of us. The Squadron are now nearly all in Afghanistan, with a few more who are completing courses in the UK still to arrive, and are nearing the end of an intensive in Theatre training package; this has ranged from up to date information about the situation here and how well the Afghan National Security Forces are performing providing security for the people, to the basics of coping with the extreme heat that will follow in the summer months.The Squadron that we have taken over from have also providing us with plenty of top tips and a very comprehensive engineer focussed training package. 9 Troop have already started work on their first task improving the force protection available to our own troops on one of the bases and the other two troops are busy planning the work that they have been tasked with; much of this looks like it will involve deconstructing bases and bringing stores back into Bastion.

At the time of writing another thunderstorm is brewing and the rain is steadily falling! Hotter weather is on the way though and we are prepared – I expect that much of work may be done at night so that we can rest during the hottest parts of the day; much of the work we will be doing will be very physical but will draw upon the training we have undergone in the UK so we are more than ready for the challenge.

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Although busy, there is some downtime and the facilities here are pretty good –although some may be removed during our tour to help to decrease the amount of kit that will need to be brought back to the UK over the next year or so. The food is very good – I have been to all the locations where our troops are now based around the Nad Ali and Lashkar Gar areas of Helmand; you can rest assured that your loved ones here are well catered for and most should be able to access the internet and phones at some stage to get in touch with families and friends.

K B HISLOP REMaj OC 52

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The Condor’s ColumnThe Condor’s ColumnThe Condor’s ColumnThe Condor’s Column

This week I have been out and about with the Officer Commanding to see 7 Troop at their location, they were busy improving the physical protection of a Patrol Base. We arrived to find the troop hard at work and absolutely covered from head to toe in dust that had been produced whilst the mechanical plant machinery had been dropping dry sand and soil into the Hesco baskets. The Section Commanders, Corporal ‘Matty’ Glover and Corporal ‘Murf’ Murphy were earning their money ensuring the guys had plenty of breaks for water. Their location is still relatively new and not quite as well equipped as some other locations – I had a ‘forced’ opportunity to try out one of the new ‘John bags’, I’ll leave the details to your imagination…..

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Hot and dusty work....... Washing clothes is not the easiest of tasks, but as always the guys have managed to improvise and have commissioned a cement mixer to do the dirty work. All told it does a good job at washing the clothes but the missing option of high speed spin lets it down! I should really say “the cement mixer did a good job” because someone, still unknown to me, decided to put petrol in the diesel engine. If I find out who did that I’ll be sure to let you know! Sealed rations were on the menu as the ‘field kitchen’ had been closed due to an outbreak of sickness; there were four members of the troop I didn’t go to see! I think the OC and I were left with the scraps, all the best ‘boil in the bags’ had been claimed and I had to settle for a chocolate brownie for dinner (tea if you are northern like me) and rice pudding for breakfast. After a short time in quarantine myself and the boss were back in Camp Bastion. All in all a good visit and pleasing to see the guys getting stuck in to their task with bags of enthusiasm and humour!

Condor Crossword !!!Condor Crossword !!!Condor Crossword !!!Condor Crossword !!!

DownDownDownDown1. Type of liquid fuel, commercially more expensive than others and commonly used in small plant machinery.2. Something bought for others when a mistake has been made by a single individual.AcrossAcrossAcrossAcross1. A type of fuel not to be used in small plant machinery if the filler cap says ‘DIESEL’

A Visit to 7 Troop by the Sgt Maj Andy Crossen

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The Condor’s ColumnThe Condor’s ColumnThe Condor’s ColumnThe Condor’s Column

8 Troop on TourWith redeployment from Afghanistan gathering momentum, even those members of 8 Troop with previous operational experience arrived in theatre not knowing exactly what to expect. Nearly a month later the marathon of training has finally finished, and with the first tasks under our belt it has become apparent that despite the reduction in combat operations the Royal Engineers are as busy as ever.The role of 8 Troop is to act as the Operations Troop, based out of Camp Bastion to carry out deliberate operations such as building bridges. This has also added a large amount of variety to our work, due to us being the first port of call for any engineering tasks outside the normal area of operations in Helmand province.

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LCpl Simpson getting the next roll of wire ready

Our first task for a section under the command of LCpl Jenkins was building 350m of fencing at one of the Patrol Bases. This was successfully completed at very short notice, leaving some happy customers feeling better protected. Cpl Hesk’s section has also recently deployed to Kandahar Airfield to upgrade some of the RAF’s defences and attempt to teach them some basic engineering skills. When not on a task, daily routine is taken up with maintaining our large vehicle fleet, and training on anything from chainsaws to unarmed combat.

A break in the shade

The weather here has been a welcome change to the UK. However a massive storm last night provided a stark reminder that it is not all sunshine. Currently the Troop is carrying out two very high priority tasks to rebuild the gym and welfare areas that have not fared too well in the high winds. These form the heart of off-duty life, with Spr Stafford’s recent quiz night proving particularly popular. The Troop is now settled in for the long term, with our artisan skills being put to good use making our accommodation as comfortable as possible.

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The Condor’s ColumnThe Condor’s ColumnThe Condor’s ColumnThe Condor’s Column

9 TroopShortly after 52 Armoured Engineer Squadron had arrived in Afghanistan and completed all elements of the in-Theatre training the first real test of our tenacity came. After a full day's work for 9 Troop building new sangars at a base in the Nad'Ali area of Helmand province and when they were looking forward to nothing more than some time to relax, perhaps to write a letter home and get some sleep, they were given the task of rebuilding a wall.

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Spr Mell “ are my wings looking good?”

Commanded by Lieutenant Tom Howe and Staff Sergeant 'Webby' Webster, the troop quickly prepared their vehicles and equipment to head to a patrol base (PB) in order to rebuild a significant section of protective wall and help the troops to repair a few of the other parts of the base that had been damaged. Despite not having had any sleep, the troop battled on through the night as fast as they possibly could to get the necessary repairs done; of particular note was the exceptional effort put in by the plant operators who started by ripping out sections of wall and then filling the new HESCO baskets. Lance Corporal Hodges was a real star of the show, driving on despite being ill - without his efforts it would have been nigh on impossible to complete a lot of the work; his endeavour was also recognised by the Brigade Commander who presented him with his 'coin', an immediate award for an act of merit.

9 Troop’s un-official flag, an animated condor holding a spanner and hammer!

As the following dawn was breaking, the troop were able to have a short rest before continuing work, by now having worked solidly for more than 24hours. Corporal Temba Tamang was one of the section commanders responsible for repairing the structures; the fact that he was fluent in Pashtu was incredibly useful for liaising with the Afghan National Army (ANA) soldiers in the location and helped to build up a good rapport with them. It also allowed the rest of his section to understand what the local children who were approaching the base were shouting. The work that 9 Troop have completed has gone some way towards allowing the Infantry Company based at the PB to return to their tasks; throughout the engineer works over the past few weeks, the Infantry Company has provided excellent force protection for the troop and built up a really strong working relationship which should now endure.

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Rear Operations Group (ROG)

Whilst the Regiment has been deployed numerous activities have been organised for the families by the Welfare Team. The first event was the Sunday Lunch/Briefing on 24 Mar. 139 people attended that event. Everyone agreed the food was delicious, and plenty of it! The entertainer and bouncy castles kept the children amused for the afternoon whilst the families could socialise, and chat over a drink. Swinton Bear made his first appearance at the lunch and was well received by all. There was the opportunity to do personal video messages to loved ones and they are winging their way to the RSM for distribution in theatre.

An Easter Party and Egg Hunt was held a few days later which again was a huge success. Swinton Bear read a story and danced with the children. The weather was a little chilly but the children all wrapped up warm for the Easter Egg hunt in the Officers Mess garden and then came back to once again an amazing spread of food provided by Cpl Mogg. Wiltshire Wildlife supported the event by doing some interesting activities with the children, so a big thank you to them. Mrs Leah Buckett came with her wonderful handmade bears and donated one for the main raffle prize on the day. A very successful day ending with an Easter egg to go home with for all the children.

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Longleat on the 13 Apr 13 was unfortunately a very wet and windy day but this meant Mr Lazy Lion was not sheltering under his tree and all the animals seem to be wandering very close to the coaches. Lots of baby lion cubs to be seen. Even a rhino gave one of the coaches a poke! Although wet and cold all the families had an enjoyable day.

Next round of activities to look forward to is Sunday Lunch this weekend followed by London aquarium and London Eye trip and static line parachuting at Netheravon organised by Maj Fitzsimons. Rest assured we will do our best to keep our families occupied and make that time away from their loved ones pass a little bit quicker.

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Padre’s Page

Having been out here in Afghanistan now for nearly five weeks, this seems like a good time for me to put something down for the newsletter. Having completed the five day RSOI package of which I am sure you will have read and seen plenty about before you get here, so I will say no more on the subject other than to say that it was worthwhile doing, but I was glad to” get it over and done with” so I could get on with the tour. Thankfully so far on the whole it has been a relatively quiet and uneventful beginning to the tour and if this continues (and I am hoping and praying that this will be the case) I will be a very happy Padre! But that is not to say I have not been doing a lot, from leading short memorial services celebrating Easter Sunday (with a fair number of “sappers” present in the congregation), a BFBS Thought for the day recording of which I know at least two people from the regiment heard me (even if there is a “captive” audience out here). I have also been out on my travels visiting, my first visit was to 9 Troop, 52 Squadron at PB Folad the other week where they have been busy reinforcing the PB and building an EPAT and EPAD (Expeditionary Protective Accommodation Technical or Domestic) I even helped with the EPAD, although I am sure I got in the way at times. I have also just returned from FOB Ouellette where I was visiting 3 Troop, 3 Squadron who were carrying out Force Protection tasks, making sure that the base’s defences are made even more secure. Also out at FOB Ouellette were 4 Troop, 5 Squadron who had been out of Bastion for two weeks at this point on an operation and it was for me really good to catch up with them as I had blessed them as they set off. Those whom I have seen outside of Bastion appear in fine form, where they are working hard and doing the job they came out to do and their morale seems high. 6 Squadron have also been hard at work all over the place, but I have as yet not had chance to visit any of them outside of Bastion, but I have seen plenty of them within Bastion and on the odd Saturday night where they seem to have a thriving social scene with Quiz nights and the like, the RSM and I formed a “dream team” winning the inaugural Quiz the other week and I look forward to seeing what they have in store later on in the tour for our Saturday night entertainment.

Assuring you all at home of my prayers for you and your loved ones,

Padre Gavin Smith.

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22 Engineer Regiment Dive Team

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Above is Sgt James Hodson talking step by step the process of entering the tank to first time divers LCpl David Jenkins, Spr William Clayborn, Cfn Josh Henstridge and Spr Robert Marsden,

A sunny day in Camp Bastion has brought together I myself Sgt James Hodson, SSgt Aaron Durham, SSgt Marcus Corderoy and LCpl Gary Rawcliffe around an operational training facility known as the dive tank. We are soldiers from different Squa...drons and are from 22 Engineer Regiment Diving Team. SSgt Aaron Durham explained, “We are trained in search and recovery. We have the capability to inspect underwater construction, install underwater components, recover vital equipment and in a worst case scenario body recovery. We are a Brigade asset for Task Force Helmand and are the only Diving Team in theatre currently.” Sgt James Hodson, 22 Engineer Regiment Regimental Army Diving Supervisor introduced first time divers LCpl David Jenkins, Spr William Clayborn, Cfn Josh Henstridge and Spr Robert Marsden to the basic principles of diving using self-contained swimmers air breathing apparatus, utilising the buoyancy control system and the Divator mk 2 full face diving mask. The training received was very thorough and enjoyable for the new divers and they picked up the basics quickly. Following this post there will be updates of how the Diving Team are getting on in theatre.

Left is Cfn Josh Henstridge trying out the kit for the first time and giving a thumbs up!

Right preparing to enter the tank

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Afghanistan Location: Afghanistan is a land-locked country bordering on Iran to the west, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan to the north, a tiny border with China at the northeast, and Pakistan to the east and south.

Population: The population is estimated at 32.7 million.

Capital: Kabul, population 1,780,000

Languages: Afghanistan is home to a number of ethnic groups, the largest is Pashtun, 42% of the population. Tajiks make up 27%, Hazaras and Uzbeks 9% each, Aimaks 4%, Turkmen 3% and Baluchi 2%. The remaining 13% are tiny populations of Nuristanis, Kizibashis, and other groups.

Religion: The overwhelming majority of Afghanistan's people are Muslim, around 99%. About 80% are Sunni, and 19% Shia.The final 1% includes about 20,000 Baha'is, 3,000-5,000 Christians, and one remaining Bukharan Jewish man, Zablon Simintov. All of the other members of the Jewish community fled when the Soviets invaded Afghanistan in 1979.

Flag: Black represents the occupation of foreigners, red represents the blood of people who have died, and green denotes Islam. In the middle of the flag is a mehrab, an arch in a mosque where the congregation stands, and a mender, a pulpit in a mosque. The mehrab and mender are both in white, and are enclosed by wheat.

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SSgt Williams winning hearts and minds

Afghan recipe: The 22 Engineer Regiment have 2 interpreters attached to the personnel deploying on the ground to aid in communicating with the locals and ANA. One of the interpreters kindly sat down and gave me a recipe for a dish that he enjoyed growing up, he called it “Afghan Curry” and said it is like a korma.

Ingredients: 3 Chicken breasts, olive oil, tomatoes, onions (2), green peppers, salt (1/2 tbs), garlic (1 clove), 2 potatoes and a glass of water.

Cooking: 1. Cook the onions and peppers until

soft.2. Add the chicken, garlic, water,

tomatoes and salt. 3. Place a lid on and keep on a low heat

to simmer for 1 ½ - 2 hours.4. Serve with rice and naam bread.

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Work Hard Play Hard

• New Folder (4)\DSCF2257.JPG

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The Condor’s Eye View

The Condor’s flying high

Up in the Dusty sky

He sees a sapper in a tractor

Filling walls with the back actor

He sees another with a picket

Making a fence, that’s just the ticket

The third is in a dumper truck

The fourth’s up to his knees in muck

The fifth is filling up sandbags

Whilst checking he has all his mags

Another sapper’s sleeping tight

Getting ready for work tonight

Between them all they will create

A citadel that’s worth its weight…..

By Major Katie Hislop- 52 Sqn

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Little Sapper Searcher

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Little Sapper Searchers try to find these words:

SOLDIER SWINTONTRACTOR BOOT CAPTAIN TANK ENGINEER SAPPER

SEARCHER

Little Sapper

SearchersSee if you can

find all 12Swinton Bear

in this

newsletter!

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Jokes from Swinton Bear

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What did Tarzan say when he saw the elephants coming……… “Here come the Elephants!” What did Tarzan say when he saw the elephants coming wearing dark glasses……

Nothing, he didn’t recognise them!!

What’s red and sits in the corner?

“A naughty strawberry!”

What did one toilet say to the

other toilet?

“You look a bit flushed!”

What did the fish say when he was swimming down

the river and hit a wall?

“DAM!”

Whats the fastest fish in the world?

“A Motorpike!”