TFH Engineer Group Newsletter Edition 8 010711

Task Force Helmand Engineer Group News Letter
Edition 8 01 July 2011
Commanding Officers Foreword

Salaamu alaikum July already, over 4 months since most of the Engineer Group deployed, deep into the R&R period and time continues to race by; I hope all is well back there and time is going quickly for you as well.
Inside this issue:
Regimental Headquarters 54 Commando HQ & Support Squadron 24 Commando Recce Troop REME LAD 3 Armoured Engineer Squadron 26 Armoured Engineer Squadron 31 Armoured Engineer Squadron (Talisman) 39 Armoured Engineer Squadron
1 3
A great deal has happened since the last Newsletter. Too much to mention all of it but suffice to say that the Engineer Group continues to deliver all that is asked of us and the men never fail to impress me. Clearing routes through compounds and IEDs; building roads and bridges; constructing check points and patrol bases, and mentoring the Afghan Engineers in the stifling heat of Central Helmand with the constant insurgent threat is a herculean task and, to a man, they are up to the challenge. The fact that everyone who meets them and sees their efforts for themselves cannot praise them enough is testimony to their ongoing achievements; you should be extremely proud of them all! Last week I was fortunate to get up to Khar Nikah with the RSM. OC and SSM 26 Armd Engr Sqn travelled with us. Patrol Base Khar Nikah in the Nahr-e Saraj District is located at the northern end of Task Force Helmand; beyond it is nothing but insurgents until you get to the US Marines based in Sangin 20 kilometres away. It is remote, austere and hostile, even by the standards of Afghanistan; just the kind of place where the men of the Engineer Group thrive! Sgt Sunderland, Cpl Mackay and the rest of the team from 26 are no exception. They were all in good spirits and providing engineer support to C Company, 3 Mercian Regiment of the very highest order. They are providing close support on patrols, accommodation improvements and vital force protection upgrades that are quite literally saving lives. The Company Commander could note have been more grateful and complimentary about them. While we were there we also met up with Sgt Blades, our Medical Sergeant from Chivenor. He will be the C Company Medic for the rest of his tour and is also doing a superb job in very demanding conditions. It was great to spend a couple of days with them all and to see some of their completed tasks during a patrol to the even more remote check points at Bahar and Bahadur.
7 8 11 15
22
59 Commando Squad- 29 ron Support Commando Sappers in AfghanistanWrist Bands 37
Leaving PB Khar Nikah
Edition 8
Page 2
Commanding Officers Foreword(continued)
OC 26, SSM 26 and Cpl MacKay
once again I can conclude by telling you that all is well out here in Central Helmand. As always I remain extremely grateful for all your support; it makes all the difference out here and is a key factor in our ongoing success. Take care, keep smiling and dont hesitate to contact the Rear Ops Groups if you need anything at all; they are there to help. United We Conquer. De khuday pa amaan CO
SSgt Blades at CP Bahadur
Page 3
Task Force Helmand Engineer Group
54 Commando Headquarters and Support Squadron
5 4
Squadron 2ICs Foreword: Captain Hardwick

We are now well over half way through the tour and the Squadron is well into the second half of the R&R program, so we are steadily getting there.
The Squadron continues to shows it flexibility and adaptability, providing support across the Engineer Group; the ABLE section have deployed and built their bridge, quite possibly the longest unreinforced long-span General Support Bridge ever used on operations. Support Troop has been escorting, delivering and protecting a whole range of engineer assets across Central Helmand. The divers have got their feet wet with their first operational dive conducting a search operation in the Nasir e B canal. Resources Troop continue to work tirelessly; the ordering, receipting, collecting, accounting and packaging of the wide range of engineer kit required to build, refurbish and upgrade the roads and tactical bases is unrelenting. Reconnaissance Troop continue to have a major influence across the area of operations conducting a number of successful operations. The Squadron Headquarters continues to keep the whole team pointing in the right direction, especially as the Sergeant Major is on R&R and the OC working in RHQ for 2 weeks. Concurrently Squadron Headquarters continues to work hard ensuring that everyone in the Engineer Group gets away on R&R and producing the Newsletter! To those who have seen their loved ones for R&R already, please keep up the support now they are back. It has been great to hear all their stories and dits on return. To those who are still waiting for their loved ones to take the break and return for R&R, it is not long now; please keep supporting them as they dig deep into their reserves of motivation and professionalism. Your active, on going support really does make all the difference in the middle part of the tour.
Support Troop A Quiet Week.
This week in Support Troop it has been fairly quiet. Spr good looking Lockey has returned from R&R with the blues and has been instantly ripped by myself and LCpl Bradshaw who are displaying the ever famous sympathy we in the Army dish out! Lt double duff Lowes has acquired a knack for saying contact over the radio, a massive no-no, which has proven costly with each offence adding to the Troop's supply of crates of pop. Spr Matt C3PO Pilborough constantly amazes the whole troop with his ability to destroy any dit (story), resulting in comas and mass exodus from any room (!). On the other hand our resident stunt man Spr Thomas Leslie Mitchell brother look-a-like Barrett has had the whole Troop in stitches due to his aggressive way of attacking speed bumps or, as we now call them, speed ramps Not forgetting of course his vehicles attraction to anything concrete! Cpl John older than time Dennehy also came back from R&R where he went on the holiday of his life to tranquil Benidorm, where he even took his own tea bags and washing powder. We are all now waiting on him coming into work with a blue rinse. Anyone that knows me will know that I would
Not the time for German 'volumizing trg' - Sgt Wells
Edition 8
Page 4
love a blue rinse, but since I stopped growing hair at the age of 6, according to the lads, I live ever hopeful of making enough money to afford an Elton John style rebirth! In quick summary we are all in good spirits, the tour is flying by and before you know it well all be back driving you mad again! Hope to see you all soon. LCpl Titch Hornsey.
The work goes on..and on..and on..you get the message!

Another busy fortnight in the Engineer Logistics Park which has seen our 64 Fijian Spr Hightower Nayacatabu fly off to enjoy a few weeks on R&R and our Q man Arthur Lloyd, Resources Sergeant Sparky and Eddie return only to be bitterly disappointed when realising that they had missed the 24 Commando 10k run! The run saw 5 of our guys participating including Troopy McCloud, Resources SSgt Wilky, Sam, Nick and Mickey. Resources Troops dreams were pinned on Spr Micky Parsons coming in the top 5 but unfortunately nature called half way through and his objective changed from finding the finishing line to finding a porta-loo! Unfortunately this saw his hopes and dreams dashed never mind Micky, better luck next time. Although Wilky, our Resources Staffy, smashed it, finishing first for the Resources Troop! Then to his delight watching some of the younger members of the team coming in close behind! Young Nicholas Rhodes turned 26 last week which was celebrated by our 12 oclock knock off being cancelled, but the day finished on a high with Birthday Cake and pin the tail on the donkey, which Wilky also won (well after 40 odd games youre bound to be pretty good arent you!) Last week saw us hit the 3 month half way point in the tour; Troopy arranged a magic mystery tour to the Danish camps caf area where we enjoyed a few beers (non-alcoholic I am afraid) and a game of volley ball. The 2 mixed teams saw Troopy McClouds team coming in a close second might not make the 2012 Olympic call out after all Boss! We also gained 2 new members of the Resources team Spr Evah Makolo as part of Op BAM and a new Resourcs JNCO, Cpl Rai, who replaced the gone but not forgotten Skivs, who accidentally managed to drop a bridging part on his foot earlier in the tour poor lad we hope that FULL Op bonus is treating you well! Since the return of our Q man Arthur from R&R, he is continuing his stringent training routine but with a new diet. KFC chicken seems to be the answer apparently Protein he says its all about the protein! so thats what British sports men and women have been doing wrong all these years YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST! By Spr Dave Oxford.
Evah in action on the yard!
Nick Rhodes setting off speed cameras at around the 4/5k point during the 10k
Page 5
Recce TroopOperation TUUFAN QIMAT 6

Operation TUUFAN QIMAT 6 (meaning storm treasure) was a Bde Recce Force operation, intended to disrupt insurgent activity in the village of Zumberlay in the outer green zone. Additionally we were tasked to detain a known insurgent commander.
Capt McGuirk confirming cordon locations
1 Troop, mounted in the Jackal all terrain reconnaissance vehicle would provide over watch and fire support to 2 and 3 Troop who were tasked to deploy by support helicopter. With 3 Troop providing a cordon to stop locals leaving or entering the village, the main effort fell to 2 Troop commanded by Capt Ryan McGuirk. The troop is a cross cap badged and multi functional troop of Army ranks and Royal Marines. The engineer element is strong within the troop, with a predominantly RE HQ and one 6 man team of Sappers under the command of Sgt Bry Tulett. We landed onto the target at about 1100 in the morning, just in time for the hottest part of the day! Excellent. The plan was to be on the ground for a maximum of 36 hours so everyone was heavily laden; none more so than the Sappers who were carrying the ubiquitous half-a-bar mine charges along with PE4 slab and all the demolition accessories you could possibly need. In addition, and as a bonus, the scaling ladders were kindly added. But luckily, the mighty miniatures of Sgt Tuletts team were up to the task, shouldering the weight without so much as whimpersall apart from the dripping tap that is Spr Sue Evans. Almost immediately on landing, the attached Afghan Task Force Tiger Team, along with their giant, ex-professional rugby playing, South African mentor moved in to the compound where our objective was believed to be, only to be greeted in the doorway by a partially buried device. Undeterred, they bravely continued their search on another aspect of the compound discovering what looked to be a large weapons cache. During the initial search, a Royal Marines team found another possible device. With more ordnance in view, the immediate area was evacuated to a safe distance and specialist support requested, including the ever capable if slightly warm in a fur coat sniffer dog team. Together this specialist team provide an expert package balanced to deal with any high threat situation. Whilst the Marines over-watched the compound from the comfort of an irrigation ditch, the remainder of the troop moved to occupy a temporary patrol base and wait. The selected compound on the map, unsurprisingly, turned out to be completely unsuitable. Now whilst the OC claimed that there were many tactical reasons for this, some would say it was more to do with the fact that it was stinking and full of animals. 2 Tp were tasked to find themselves another compound and quickly discovered a compound straight out of the top drawer. The compound had a stream running through it, clean and tidy (relatively speaking) and even a substantial grapevine offering fruit and shade. Lovely. Strange that the OCs HQ party occupied that one whilst 2 Tp were ejected back to the scummy farmyard compound to spend the night. So reaching deep and remembering the Commando Ethos of cheerfulness in the face of adversity we cracked on and let the OCs TAC have the compound for themselves. By LCpl Duriez. Being the resident experts in force protection, all of the Sappers grabbed a shovel and a pile of sandbags, quickly scanned our B3 best books and threw ourselves into the task. We cut apertures into the walls to increase our arcs of fire and observation; in a blur of shovels we filled the 50 or so sandbags that were needed to build a machine gun position on a very rickety roof. We even had some assistance from the Marines, in particular resident lazy man (and medic) Marine Joe Mason. Is there a special engineer way to tie these up? was a personal favourite. Defences complete, we settled in and got acquainted with
Page 6

the cows and chickens, the banter was however, disappointing to say the least. Once the target compound was cleared it turned out to be an IED makers Aladdins cave. The final count stood at 25-30 pressure plates, 105mm shells, home made explosives, AK-47s, PKMs and all the other paraphernalia that is associated with insurgent IED production. Useful evidence was collected and everything else was piled into a corner and blown up. Unfortunately no one thought to warn us that they were firing, and as we were only 100m away, we almost got knocked off our feet by the blast.
Sgt Tullet prepares to deny TB motorbike and bomb making facility
The following day it was decided that in addition to the items that had already been destroyed, we were to deny 3 motorbikes to stop the insurgents from using them again. This task fell to resident Demolitions Safety Officer Sgt Tulett who was assisted by Spr Jamie Johnston, with myself and Capt McGuirk tagging along for moral support and photos. The bikes were rigged with half a bar mine and half a slab of PE4, with det cord in to the fuel tanks. With the safety fuse attached and a confident yea thats about a minute from Sgt Tulett, we were running for cover. About a minute later there was a Hollywood-esque fireball that threw most of the compound into the air. Thus followed the age old debate Is it P for plenty or not? answers on a postcard please. The rest of the operation was spent patrolling in the Green Zone, during which one of our accompanying allies managed to step on a device; miraculously he only suffered a broken ankle! He was swiftly evacuated in spectacular fashion by the ever so ally US medevac team.
Spr Johnston after the TB weapons cached denial
Following an epic night move across irrigation ditches and muddy fields, we were extracted back to Bastion just in time for icers Mountain Dew and medals. All in all the operation was a success. We denied a large supply of weapons and IEDs to the enemy (apparently the largest find of Herrick 14 so far! Gen.) stopping them using them against ISAF forces in the future, a very satisfactory feeling indeed.
Page 7
REMEAnother week down.
Well folks here we are again, another 2 weeks since the last letter and R&R is in full swing now for everybody with Dave Chisel Morris and Cpl Chicken Legs Chalmers returning just this week and suffering the R&R Blues, with everybody looking forward to going on R&R soon, well everyone except Daz Williams whos R&R is after the End of Tour it is that far away. Up Lima Pad new nicknames have been getting thrown about the main one is Daz Williams calling himself sledge hammer though we all know he is more of a craft hammer as his guns are non-existent. Over with the Armourers Cpl Bison Gilligan has created an ARF or Armourers Regeneration Facility to you and I. He is immensely proud of this though all it is, is an ISO with some MDF flooring and a work bench. He claims loads of weapons have been Regenerated in it, but looking at his daily work book its empty as he is never there and found to be in Heroes between the hours of 0830 to 1630. Its that bad the NAFFI staff even know his first name and what his usual drink is. LCpl Shep Shepperd gave all the lads a fright on PT, he decided to take his top off and do some jumps onto a box though the poor fellas stomach was hitting his moobs and it kept shuffling up until the dead lifts. It was that bad Dave Morris had to turn away as it was putting him off, though its not a bad body for a REME Commando A Mech! Until next time. Enjoy the great German and British Summer! By Cpl Chalmers.
Shep in a typical look at me pose. Calm down ladies, he is spoken for
Page 8
3 Armoured Engineer Squadron
OCs Foreword
Were half way through our time in Afghanistan now, and approaching the handover of our first main task. It has become very clear throughout our builds so far that these tasks are hugely complex. Handing them over is something that requires considerable engagement with a large number of different departments and agencies its not as simple as handing over the keys to a new house! The Units based in NAHIDULLAH are looking forward to the glorious day that they can have a hot shower and use a proper toilet, and it will give our guys a huge sense of satisfaction to have improved the lives of 4 SCOTS so much, which is what were here to do. The work on Check Point (CP) ATTAL is now fully underway, and 2 Troop have made a huge difference to the base, almost doubling it in size in ten days. It wont be long before Im talking to you about the handover of that site. Then the only thing left will be to get on the plane and go home!
1 TpNAHIDULLAH
As the task at Patrol base Nahidullah starts to wind down the lads have been excited about returning to Bastion where they will get to go on the internet, get their laundry done and do a bit of shopping (the American PX is a soldiers Toys R Us when it comes to goodies and protein powders). This has led to some unprecedented surges in moral, even with the infantry increasing their patrols out of the PB and the stag duties for us increasing by the minute. But even the wily old sapper cannot be dispirited by extra duties for to him standing in a shaded sangar on his own in the heat of the day is more like a break when he knows he could be shovelling sand and earth into a HESCO basket under the watchful eye of his section commander! For some people it will soon be their eighth week in PD Nahidullah. That is eight weeks confined within the same four walls with limited communications to our loved ones with oats/gruel every morning for breakfast and cold showers every evening surrounded by men. Needless to say, some of us are starting to feel more like criminals doing time. Plus there is always the threat of solitary confinement (the dreaded D&V tent). Despite the similarities to prison, there is no fear of freedom amongst the troop and everyone is looking forward to moving on to Shawqat for the next task. 1 Troop saw one of its members return to the UK recently. Cpl Si Avis was ill and the doctor here was unable to issue anymore Man Up pills, so he was sent back to the UK for further treatment. We Ultimate Brickie Cpl Hogben struts his stuff hope he will find comfort in the fact that in his absence the O-groups are now half an hour shorter and people are able to get some decent sleep without being woken up by his snoring/bad dreams. The troop wishes him a speedy recovery and he is deeply missed. Despite starting work at 7 in the morning and finishing at 6 in the evening, then going on stag for 2 hours during the night, a
Page 9
See no, hear no, speak no. Tp SSgt, Tp Comd, Tp Recce
hard core group of gym goers has formed. One can almost cut the vanity with a knife at around 22:30 each night when the gym fanatics have their pose offs. Thankfully there is a shortage of mirrors in PB Nahidullah otherwise the task would have been delayed quite dramatically. With their muscles pumped and their moustaches at a respectable length, they can all take pride in the fact that they look like members of the Village People! It is a great thing to see the PB start to resemble the finished product. The lads have taken great pride in the product that they have delivered and their enthusiasm has been unshakable even when the civilian grader crashed into the welfare EPAT (enhance protective accommodation technical) meaning the HESCO bay would have to be replaced and the lads would have to start shovelling again! They should be proud of the work that they have done. One PB complete. One more to go. Half the tour over. Good times all round. By Lt Farminer
2 Tp - PB ATTAL
The main element of 2 Troop arrived in early June to start what was considered to be one of the most important upgrades to the TFH infrastructure during HERRICK 14. Unfortunately rats must have been chewing on the phone cables during the conversations and thus confusion was arising about who had the authority for the project to commence. Needless to say, the Troop cracked on with settling in and making friends with the ground holding battle group.
Here we go again
After an extraordinary amount of on the bus and off the bus, someone must have tripped over an ON switch and a murky green lantern signalled the project was a go! Having had their fill of sitting around in 40 oC, the lads sprung to and in true 3 Sqn Style started with a vicious intent to get some good work done. Our LECs had been working concurrently on getting the ground ready and had put us in a good position to get going when the go-ahead was finally given. After a quick brief, the lads
Page 10
6 Section PB CATINA BUILD

set to work in a two shift system. Working from 4am till midday and 4pm to midnight, we were able to work in the coolest parts of the day and save ourselves from a sweaty demise under the midday sun. After a lightning start, things started to get entertaining when both the military and civilian plant began falling apart left, right and centre. To the Afghans it wasnt a problem, theyd normally just bodge something onto whatever had broken and work until the new part arrived. Unless it was a major fault, say for instance it was on fire, then its inshallah till a replacement arrived. The military plant was a bit more precious and wed normally need a few days to get parts in. But undeterred we found ways to improvise or do other small concurrent jobs. After a week and a half, wed installed nearly 500m of MIL 7 wall, 3 Sangars and prepared 60 000m2 of ground. A lot of the hard work was being done by the lads at night. The majority of the Sangars were erected under the cover of darkness, no small feat when youre limited to the amount of white light you can use and its still 30 Degrees C. Our LECs also did their bit to add to the confusion by setting fire to their tent, the resulting display delighted the occupying battle group and attachments. Life in the camp has now settled into a steady rhythm around the working shifts. The Troop has
Sanger building at Night
Cpl Milan gives martial arts lessons
one day in 7 to maintain the tools and equipment and alot of the lads can be found in the gym on Op MASSIVE. The lads have also been crowned PB ATTAL 6 a-side champions after beating RECCE platoon 4 Scots 21 in the final of the camp tournament. PB ATTAL: Bodge it, build it or fix it the Afghan way. Finally given.
Edition 8 Page 11
26 Armoured Engineer Squadron OCs Foreword

It has been another successful two weeks of work in Afghanistan, with the Sappers continuing to make the lives of our Infantry colleagues safer and more comfortable; Corporal Jordans Section being quoted this week as being worth their weight in gold by the Infantry Company up in Rahim. We have just finished hosting the reconnaissance visit by our successors from Paderborn based 35 Engineer Regiment, who are conducting their final training before taking over from us in September. This week the newsletter features articles from the Echelon team in Camp Bastion who keep us supplied with everything from bullets to cement and, despite not living in as austere conditions, work all hours loading ISO containers and getting stuff to where its needed on time. In terms of future diary dates, 32 Engineer Regiment is currently planning to hold our returning medals parade in Hohne on the 27th September, with a few drinks afterwards.
OC at CP RARGAY
RSOI Training for Armoured Engineers
Arming the Sqn

Pre deployment training for Op HERRICK 14 saw us in many locations for courses and exercises, and spending more time on coaches than those losers on that pointless game show Coach Trip on channel 4! By the time we had deployed to Afghanistan we were already at a good level of fatigue, the handover/takeover from the previous Sqn was fast paced but quite slick. The arrival of the main body of 26 AES saw the working hours clocking up with getting the accommodation sorted and all other admin points being addressed. RSOI was next, all mandatory training was completed, the Armoury was then open for business properly! Night vision devices and laser markers, rifles and bayonets, GPMG and pistols, all needed to be issued to the people moving forward from Bastion. What to do with the kit left behind? Tricky question, ooh ooh, I know said Capt Lippy Lo-
LCpl Nicholls inspecting a MINIMI
mas (QM) (human farting machine by the way) how about checking the contents of the 2 x armoury iso containers daily for quantity and weekly for serialised items (not really the QMs
LCpl Nicholls with the Under Slung Grenade Launcher
Page 12
idea but I feel I need to blame someone), brilliant! So the weeks roll by and the checks are carried out. Kit comes in, kit goes out, there is a constantly changing amount of various bits of kit. All kit held in the armoury requires inspecting for serviceability, so, keeping track of where kit is, who has it and when it needs inspecting next is a high priority, as, if the equipment goes overdue the guys forward cant use it if needed. Have I mentioned Armoury checks yet? Did I mention they are daily and potentially the most boring thing I have ever had the privilege of. How many times during this tour have i/will I say 1 of each? Who knows or indeed cares? We carry on doing these boring and mundane tasks because they are crucial to supporting the Sqn who are in forward locations. We are constantly multitasking, trying to get our hands on whatever the troops are asking for and getting it sent out as fast as possible, sometimes this cant be achieved and the frustration starts to show. The armoury is a lot of work, especially when covering the SQ whilst he is on RnR, mental flashes of him living it up back at Hohne, string vests stained with curry wurst and a mound of empty cans of war starter, haunts me at night, however no kit has been lost, so, no unplanned holiday in Colchester yet! By LCpl Ian Nicholls
LCpl Nicholls demonstrating the alternate use of the weapon roll
Life as a Resources Geek

After Arriving in Afghanistan during the early hours of the morning, we were shuffled through arrivals like sheep and taken to bastion 3 for a well needed bit of shut eye. After moving to our permanent accommodation, we began to prepare for the 5 days RSOI that followed. RSOI completed, it was time to start the take over of the SQN MT, this was done at a rather fast but thorough pace. After waving goodbye to 5 AES it was time to put our own spin on things, starting with an overhaul of the office, SSgt Gallagher was on hand to offer some advice, even if he did get a little excited over the bits of wood that had been covered in black tape saying Do you know who the only person to cover wood in black tape and use them as notice boards is Mick? I guess he was feeling proud that they were
Spr Leach moving stores in the FL12
Edition 8
Page 13
still there after he made them on Herrick 9, although I am still struggling to believe he is the only person to ever come up with this idea, I have to believe him though as he is MY DAD. After a good re-shuffle, a complete re-write and update of every set of docs was next on the cards, this meant working well into the early hours on several occasions, this did however put us in good shape for the up and coming inspections. After passing the Logistic Support Inspection, next came the Equipment Care Inspection (ECI) more long hours and after receiving a last minute change from LAD reference Op Fits being inserted into the docs in a certain way (the night before the ECI). A full FMT 1002 and docs re-write was required and with that came a 26 hour shift, I was completely hanging out by the time the inspecting officer arrived to carry out the inspection. After LCpl Judd inspecting the HUSKY about an hour and a half I was pleased to find out that the hard work had paid off and we had passed the ECI. This being complete was a large weight removed from my shoulders, little did I know that almost every vehicle in the fleet was about to go non-task worthy and I would begin the nightmare that is the power distribution unit (PDU). So began more hard work collecting vehicle spares and getting them out to the lads on the ground, so the kit could be repaired, this task was carried out with speed and as the EcheRSOI Training fortogether on more than one occasions to pull it off at the eleventh hour making sure vehicles were fully fit, fitted lon joined Armoured Engineers with batteries and PDUs, on some occasions only a few hours before they were due to leave the gate after working well into the night (G4 wins the war). So the power distribution unit (PDU), the Bain of my life and I can only guess they will continue to be so, they seem to break all the time, this is not good when they are so hard/almost impossible to get hold of. So after going out my way to beg, steal and borrow as many as were required they kept on breaking resulting in a continuous never ending cycle. Its not all been doom and gloom in the office, on lighter note Spr `Carl` Barton running out of fuel in the FL12 (cost him a few cans of pop) brought a bit of humour to our day, even if he was in the middle of taking rubbish from returned ISO containers to the burns pit for the resources SNCO at the time. I also managed to tip half a pallet of water all over the top of the JCB forklift after all you can`t put a price on comedy. Well, as the end of the tour looms forever closer we move into preparing for the board of officers (BOO) and finally on to the hand over to the next Sqn all this will be carried out with pure professionalism, after all I was once told Your a professional driver.....key word PROFESSIONAL. by LCpl Milky Judd
The Driving Storeman

On arrival at Camp Bastion in the wee hours of the morning it was time to rummage through the pile of bags that contained many peoples lives for the next six months. Finally collecting all my belongings it was time to find out where I would be living for the next 6 months. Arriving at camp 191, home for 26 AES for the next 6 months everyone was bundled off the buses and herded into there accommodation like well trained sheep all under the control of the Shepherd that is SSgt Dewsnap. Finally finding a comfy camp cot if their is such a thing it was time to settle down and find out what the plans were for the next 6 months. I had the great news of finding out that after 10 weeks of driver training I was to become the Squadron storeman. So as soon as RSOI was finished I was straight into doing a 100% store check with the previous storeman which went down a treat in the blistering sun. Then it was time for me to start issuing all the kit for the lads who were going out on the ground which I dont mind because if it is not in my store then I dont have to worry about it. Once everyone is sorted with kit and out of Bastion its then time for all the demands to come in from the ground to keep us nice and busy re-supplying the guys with all the kit and equipment they need because they have lost or broken it. We always manage to get them what they need. Once everything had settled down and the Sqn was all settled in it was time for me to leave the stores for a couple of days and get out on the ground myself. A break that I was very glad of, even if it did mean I had to do some real graft and not just count stores all day in red hot ISO containers. So after being released from the grip of the QM and very unwillingly I might add, it was time to put some of my training to good use. I was deployed out on the ground to build a 44 Meter General Support Bridge (GSB). On a good day myself and the team that I was working with could build this bridge in around 40 mins but when you are out on the ground and wearing all of your protective equipment and the heat is soaring above 45 degrees this becomes a whole different story and ended up taking nearly 6 hours. I must admit at times I did wish that I was back in my air conditioned office filling in 1033's and then
Page 14
LCpl Burke in a rare outbreak of morale in the QMs dept
I quickly snapped out of it and remembered that I am a driver first and a storeman on the side. That all being said I was happy to make my way back to Bastion to find that the store was still in one piece and the QM was still firmly in his seat where I had left him. Once back in my seat and back to the reality of my war, the paperwork war that is G4. All I can do is keep my head down and hope for no more serious incoming from the man in the hot seat! By LCpl Martin Burke
Page 15
31 Armoured Engineer Squadron (Talisman) OCs Foreword.

The cycle of operations is unrelenting and I can hardly believe that it has been three weeks since the last newsletter. During this period, the soldiers of 31 Armoured Engineer Squadron have been supporting the Combat Logistic Patrols who roll deep into the Central Helmand River Valley to provide vital stores and supplies to sustain the forces. Leading these patrols, we have reduced the threat from Improvised Explosive Devices and maintained ISAF freedom of movement. For good reason, the nuts and bolts of Route Proving and Clearance with TALISMAN is of a restricted nature, hence we are unable to divulge detailed information in the newsletter and ask that you do not discuss our role or share personal pictures outside the military family community. To celebrate Armed Forces Day on 25 Jun 11, the Squadron HQ and Troop Commanders organised a surprise section competition to break the monotony of daily routine for the soldiers. It was well received by all despite their initial apprehension at not knowing what to expect. All stands had military application, an element of fun and physical exertion to foster team spirit and healthy competition. It culminated with a Troop activity to pull a 30 tonne MASTIFF over a 100m course proving that we can self-recover our vehicles using men alone! It was a great achievement and 3 Troop were the overall winners. It was great to receive the message wall from Hohne this week and trying to decipher the scribbles of tiny hands. From the pictures on Facebook, the wives night out to Desperados in Bergen looked well attended and Im glad to see the Yogi team spirit and support network so strong at home. Enjoy the articles.
Diary of Spr Senior and Spr Beattie on MUBAREZ 12B
Spr Flash Gordon playing in the sand!!!!
Day 1-1 troop was tasked to prove and hold a route for the Commando Logistics Squadron (CLP), so on the 8 June we went rolling out the gate. We departed the gates of Camp Bastion and everyone was ready to put the pedal to the metal and reach the dizzy speeds of about 30mph. That was short lived because as soon as we got to the main highway we got caught in the middle of an Afghan National Army convoy (who would have thought you could get caught up in a traffic jam in the middle of the desert).
Page 16
Traffic jams aside, spirits were still high and the journey was soon over. We then had the rest of the day to ourselves to chill out and catch a few rays in the FOB, not to mention any names (Cpl (Geordie) Walker and Lt Phipps). The lads from 1 Troop, plus the few lads we had borrowed from 2 & 3 Troop, worked hard to admin and prepare for the next phase of the operation starting the following morning at 4am. Yes 4 am, not even the locals are up that early!!!! Day 2 - So there we were on day 2 of the Op. We set out from the MOB with the rising sun and headed along the bumpy, dusty Afgan roads heading to the area we were to be working in. As the sun started to rise further atmospherics were good and the drive was nearly scenic but not quite so. To mix things up we made our own roads using the HMEE (armoured digger), operated by Spr Flash Gordon, so that the combat logistics patrol could make its way through with ease. Doing what TALISMAN do best we continued to keep off the normal routes and our Talisman Search Advisor (TSA) Sgt Mark Josee decided to wade through water up to 1 meter deep in places with some of the lads feelSmudge being camera shy ing a little sea sick as a result (Spr Gaz Addy). To reach our destination we pushed up the Northern side of the route to prove and clear any devices that may have been planted. To all the lads relief no devices were found and atmospherics where still good in the surrounding areas. Once the CLP were happy the route was clear, we got instructions to push onto the southern side of the route to use our assets to hold the ground. We all took up our strategic positions along the southern side of the route, covering the maximum amount of ground as well as keeping a close eye on each other. As we knew we were going to be static for a while we decided to send up the T-Hawk (our integral air asset) i.e. the flying dustbin which is controlled by our 1 Troop artillery attachments LBdr Butler and Bdr Darker. The T Hawk is an amazing asset which lets us know what is happening around us and it also makes a loud buzzing noise like the king of the mosquitos on steroids which keeps the locals away!!!!! Unfortunately this did not end up well as the T hawk was not quite landed with the love and care it normally receives (understatement of the year). After the discussion on which artillery lad was to get the crate in (Coke unfortunately) on our return to Bastion, we re-joined the rest of the CLP. We headed back to the MOB carefully planning to avoid any pattern setting. We finally arrived with a feeling of a job well done, we all rested up ready to move out the next morning. By now everyone had drunk a legendary slushy from the NAAFI and our moral was high as we entered our final stage of the Op. Today our task was to prove and clear a route through areas not yet visited by the CLP, while they made a few stop off at some check points along the way. There were no dramas apart from a few close encounters with kids and stones.
Page 17
The team safely back at the MOB
The locals did what they usually do and stopped what they were doing to stare at our heavily armoured vehicles and seemed happy with our presence. It was a hot day and seeing the locals chilling out in the surrounding streams made us a touch jealous, but our main objective was to get us and the CLP back to Camp BASTION. Seeing Bastion in the distance put a smile on everyones face, but driving on for another 30 minutes you begin to wonder if it was all an illusion; it always looks closer than it really is! As we came to within about 10km of Bastion we all felt that bit safer with all the helicopters flying in and out above us. Knowing not to let our guard down we trundled along until we got to the gates where we headed straight to the CMA to fuel up. We all finished with a sense of achievement and knew what lay ahead over the next few days - the dreaded 21 day checks! Thanks for reading. Written by Spr Senior & Spr Beattie xx
Talisman Sqn Armed Forces Day

TALISMAN Sqn wanted to do something special for Armd Forces Day and as it also fell on one of the rare times that all the Sqn were all in Camp Bastion, we decided to organise a variety of inter Troop competitions. The day was originally planned for the 24 June however 2 Troop had decided to be attention seekers and dragged out one of their Ops so we had to re schedule it for the 25 June. We started off at 0830, with the temperature at 36 degrees already and rocketing, with a brief by the OC and SSM in the smoking tent. No expense had been spared with bunting and armd forces day flags every where. LCpl Ben Mahoney and LCpl Betsie Betts were on hand to sell cold refreshments and stickies with a smile. The first event was a short assault course run by Lt Phipps and SSgt lee Wild using the TALON. The idea was to get an apple around a short assault course without damaging it and then place it in a container to get extra points. This sounds very simple (and actually was as the SSM and QM had managed to do it the day before in practise) but some of the younger soldiers were having some serious co-ordination problems much to the entertainment of the rest of the Sqn. After explaining which way was left and which way was right most the teams managed to get around the course and left the general area looking like an apple massacre.
Page 18
Playstation generation? Probably not!!!!
This was followed by a Command task that was ran by the OC that involved crossing a sand gap with nothing but a tyre, some rope and a few planks of wood and a lot of imagination. This was scored on a time and penalty system that was more complicated than demolition calculations. Cpl Mark Fairless led the way with the first Section and began to create a crossing device using a system of pulleys and levers which would have baffled Einstein. After 10 minutes of construction one of his youngest Sappers realised you could just throw the tyre in the middle of the gap and just use it to Jump over. They finished about a minute after the change of plan. The rest of the Sections then followed with their own versions of complicated ways to get over but not quite to the same degree. This was then followed by a human bridge building competition ran by the QM, Capt Geordie Callender. It involved getting a water bottle out as far as possible from the start line using nothing but the section members as bridge pieces with only the gloved hands allowed to touch the floor. After 3 attempts every team had managed to score zero points between them so the QM decided to let them have one final try so everything was on this one last attempt. Lots of shouting and support came from the crowd. Notably a constructive comment came from Cpl pegs Peglar in the form will you lot man the %!% up.
Page 19
Next was a ration eating competition which was run by the SQMS. The rations had been left in the mid morning sun to keep warm and then each section were to devour the whole pack (less wrapping) with points deducted for anything left over. The main meals went quickly but the coffee, tea and milk powder took a little bit more effort. Cpl Spruce stood out from the crowd as nothing seemed to turn his stomach. It goes to show that mother was not right when she said that you would grow up to be a big strong man if you finished your meals!!!. With the heat reaching well in excess of 40 degrees it was time for the final event. A vehicle pull. The vehicle in question was a TALISMAN converted MASTIFF 2 which weighted about 29 Tonnes. There was a race between the three Troops to pull it over 50 meters. There was the longest pause when everybody thought that the vehicles would not move as they were too heavy, then the drivers took the handbrakes off, and the race began. It was close but 3 Troop managed to win it and the whole day as it was a double points event. This was a great day and I am glad that we took the time celebrate our day as it was enjoyed by all who attended. Now we are preparing for our next set of operations after a well needed blow out. Hopefully this day of fun was repeated around the world.
The British Armys first ever stealth bike
Cpl Mark Fairless recreating the wheel
FAME I want to live forever!!!
Page 20

Cpl Peglar offering constructive comments
ITS A BABY BOY MRS TALISMAN
Cpl Spruce drinking the growth potion from Alice in wonderland
The SQMS in a familiar stance
Page 21
Team Yogi 31 Armoured Engineer Squadron
Page 22
39 Armoured Engineer Squadron OCs Final Foreword

It is with great sadness that I depart theatre for my next posting in the third week of June. As many of you know, I have handed-over the Squadron to the 2IC who will now step-up as OC for the foreseeable future. My successor, Major Jamie Thompson, will deploy to theatre at the end of July. In my final few days I managed to catch-up with most of you but would like to take this opportunity to repeat what I said: my thanks go to each and every one of you for the time, effort, dedication and humility that you have put in to everything you have done not only during Op HERRICK 14 but also for my 2 years with the Squadron. You can be justifiably proud of what you have collectively achieved particularly in the last 3 months. Maintain this enthusiasm and your professionalism throughout the remainder of the tour. I can safely say that nothing during my career has been as rewarding as commanding 39 AES; I feel proud and honoured to have been your OC. All I now ask is that you show the new OC the same courtesy, respect and utter commitment that you have shown me. He is aware that he takes over one of the best Squadrons in the Corps and it is only that way because of who you are, what you do and the way you do it. I wish you all the very best for the future and hope that you have a safe and rewarding final 3 months. There is a lot more to do and I very much look forward to hearing of your continuing successes, as well as being a part of the welcome home celebrations upon your safe return to Hohne. With very best wishes and my thanks again. Si Bradley - AUDENTIS FORTUNA IUVAT - Fortune Favours the Bold
OC 39 AESMaj Si Bradley.
THE FIGHTING 39TH!

The last 2 weeks have brought a number of emotions for the men of 39 AES. The main engineer effort of Op OMID HAFT continued with all Troops either conducting upgrade tasks or reconstituting ready for what will come next. Our new Troop commander, 2Lt Tom Foote, was blooded with 8 Troop as they completed the build of their bridge over the Nahr-e-Burgh canal. It was a testing but exceptional effort from all involved, including the excellent ground preparation conducted by 9 Troop. Cpl Nige Gray and his Section have deployed into the green zone to complete a ground line of communication (otherwise known as a road!) which will also see the upgrade of another route nearby. And 7 Troop have returned from their infantry support tasks and are now regrouping ready for a busy time ahead of them in the Lashkar Gar Area of Operations. The Squadron bade farewell to Maj Si Bradley this week after his 2 years as OC. Maj Bradley had led the Squadron through the complete pre-deployment training cycle and deployment to Afghanistan. We held a number of functions to say goodbye: 9 Troops SSgt Mick Eastwood, Cpl Nige Gray and Spr Hugh Brelsford made one of the best curries that the OC and SSM had ever tasted; this was followed a few days later by a formal dinner night in the welfare tent with 30 lads from the Squadron who had a chance to say farewell and present the OC with the Squadron flag as a token of their appreciation. Our best
Page 23
39 Armoured Engineer Squadron - continued.

wishes go to Maj Bradley, Mel and the boys on their next phase of his plan to become Chief of the Defence Staff. Good Luck! Without the lads this Squadron is nothing so this weeks newsletter includes a number of short articles from those on the front line. I thought it important that you share their experiences as they happen rather than in retrospect so you have an awareness of what life is like out here
Op OMID HAFT 9 Tp Leading the Way
The General Support Bridge over the Nahr-E-Burgh Canal
After receiving our orders from the OC which would see my section following the TALISMAN Troop (route clearing and proving assets) from 31 AES, we prepared to set off down the route next to the Nahre-Burgh canal, repairing it as required to allow ISAF and local traffic. A swift handover of kit was conducted with 8 Troop and
the lads tried to sleep during a very hot and uncomfortable night. We said our goodbyes and my reorganised section headed-off to FOB PRICE (known locally as FOB NICE due to the standard of living there). Once at FOB PRICE we could see why 26 AES like it so much. With better food, air
7 Tp taking a pause during their work supporting infantry call signs on OMID HAFT.
Page 24
conditioning and lots of lovely Scandinavian women it was obvious that all those stories of them working so hard were unlikely to be true. We soon met-up with the TALISMAN Troop from 31 AES and an early morning start saw us rolling out of the gate at first light. It was interesting to see all the toys the TALISMAN teams have to play with including remote controlled 4x4 vehicles and helicopters but the boys still had to get out at certain points and prove the route by using the old fashioned methods. At last we heard over the radio net that our big moment had arrived and there was some work to be done on the route. With baited breath we waited as the steady stream of vehicles slowly edged their way over the first obstacle so we could get our first glimpse of the task in hand. Much to our relief, the only work that was required was a quick collapse, backfill and compaction of a couple of culverts where the locals had dug irrigation ditches across the route into the Nahr-eBurgh canal. With a quick bit of guidance Spr Scott and Spr Im not sure where I am Woodend fixed the problem and quickly joined back with the TALISMAN Troop and got on our way to join up with the OCs Tac at the newly established Check Point (CP). Once in the new CP the next few days were a blur with a multitude of tasks at hand to establish and to make life more comfortable and secure for all within. A big shout out to the Hesco filling duo of Spr I cant find my boots Laqekoro and Spr Go slow Gurung for completing two elevated sangars. The efforts of the rest of the Section should also not go unnoticed after 50 tipper trucks appeared out of the blue with the stone for the camp. With the arrival of SSgt Grey Wolf Eastwood, the location of the replacement Logistic Support Bridge (LSB) was finally agreed and earth works and survey started much to the delight of Spr I hate my trade but like high and tight haircuts Jackson. Again, very hard graft from the Section yielded good results but then a scene resembling something out of the film Convoy appeared: no less than 138 tipper trucks trundled their way to site and dumped tons and tons of aggregate in our back yard! Some 13 hours later, and after feeling that I had aged 20 years (I would still look younger than LCpl Bruv Dale), the tipper trucks had completed their drop. This enabled us to conduct some hasty bulk earth movements to make the ramp for the bridge booming vehicle and then job done and back to MOB Bastion for some tea and medals or at least tea and biscuits!! All in all a job well done! Cpl Mark Kay, Section Commander, 9 Troop
OP OMID HAFT - The Truth!

26th May 2011, D-day Op OMID HAFT. For the boys from the Kota, this operation started way back on the 21st May. At 8 Troops location we managed to meet the Afghan National Armys (ANA) Warrior Pioneers, basically the ANAs version of Infantry Assault Pioneers. They seemed like a good bunch of lads and I was informed by LCpl Andy Martin that they were hard grafters. Things were beginning to look bright as we headed back to MOB Bastion for our pre-operation battle prep. We were informed that we would be dropped by helicopters under cover of darkness and would be dressed in light role (which basically means you can take whatever you can carry on your back). For the 1 Section lads this meant a quick turnaround of kit and a bit of a re-shuffle and also the stowing of a lot of heavy kit in our patrol sacks. Its approaching D day and the flight is 0200hrs in the morning so nobody gets any sleep the night before and we know we have a very long 48 hours ahead of us. We land in the middle of nowhere. Its dark and its 0300hrs in the morning. The Section was tired and anxious but excited all at the same time. We are with Ops Company 1 RIFLES and are to lead the way at the front of the patrol. We were neck deep in water in a wadi but still we move on without hesitation and reached our destination just north of the compound we were to take over. Not having much to work with just a few sandbags and the tools on our backs we quickly got to work using fill from a garden we found at the back of the compound. Within no time we had 3 sangers established and, despite limited stores, over the next few days we built sangers, sandbag walls, toilets, showers and a burns pit all with pickets and sandbags which I think is pretty impressive. After 2 weeks, it was decided that the extra stores would be coming in and we had a very busy couple of days ahead of us - all good news for 1 Section. SSgt G Gallagher, the master craftsman, and his apprentice, Lt The Vet Toogood, set about making the best set of toilets Afghanistan has ever seen. The lads got amongst the tasks making timber sangers, urinals, wash tables and the best heaves and dips bar ever! In just over 24 hours and we had turned this austere compound into a fully fortified CP, fit to live and fight from and all done whilst still stagging on. Very impressive - I have to say ! LCpl MJ Brightstar Brightey, 1 Section, 7 Troop
Page 25
It Doesn't Happen to an Armoured Engineer
At an unnaturally early time in the morning we awoke in an existing CP, close to the final objective. The patrol consisted of my Section, a medic and an RMP whom I was to command as a flanking element, independent to the main infantry callsign. This was in order to give depth and security to the whole patrol. Needless to say, Spr Born to graft Cooper was to lead with a keen eye on the ground; it was a shame his wadi crossing skills werent up to scratch as he fell into all the ditches and scrambled out soaking wet. Eight hours into the operation and we were tired of wadi crossings! En-route, all credit must go to the Section especially Spr Sorry Stocks who managed to clear a route to and evacuate a serious RIFLES casualty, saving his life after he was badly injured. Fourteen hours later we arrived at the objective hungry, thirsty and relived. Time for graft! Well, not quite, we still LCpl Brightey and section on patrol had no tools, supplies and a certain travelling salesman! The night was spent fortifying the walls around the compound and putting in sandbag sangars using shovels and pick axes. The tools arrived on day four allowing the speed of our build to increase and the ablutions to take shape. By the end of day five we had completed two sangar positions on the roof, two stand-to positions around the walls, ablutions, a burns pit, and the elevated sanger. There was an enormous sense of pride as we left the CP and the transport took us away. They say these things dont happen to an armoured engineer but Im glad they did. Cpl Sammy Stones, 3 Section, 7 Troop.
Page 26
Ready and ABLE
OC 39 AES proves the ABLE bridge crossing of the Nahr e Bughra
Op OMID HAFT also saw the building of 2 bridges by the Squadron. After some magnificent reconnaissance work by the ever impressive and ultimately knowledgeable SSM, Sgt Marc Two bridges Coultas commanded an ABLE build and 8 Troop constructed a 15-bay Logistic Support Bridge (LSB) as a more permanent structure to replace it. Life was becoming a little tedious and repetitive for members of the Regiments ABLE (Automated Bridging Launching Equipment) section. Our days consisted of servicing the 5 bridges when required and keeping the Brigade asset fighting fit. The only miles the vehicles covered were clocked up between our yard and REME (Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers) every 21 days for safety checks, so our vehicles were probably the most maintained and immaculate vehicles in theatre. This was all to change towards the end of May when we were warned off to prepare the vehicles and bridge for a possible build on Operation OMID HAFT. On the 27th May the team dusted off SSgt I havent touched ABLE in 10 years Sprake (with a leave pass from the QM) and headed off to MOB Price to wait to be called forward. It wasnt long before we were on our way and, upon arrival at the CP, we set about building a 44 metre GSB over the Nahr-e-Burgh canal. All was going well; we were one ramp section away from lowering the bridge and then... BANG!!! A mechanical failure caused the main supporting structure of the bridge to collapse. Everybody jumped clear of the bouncing, suspended bridge and after a quick condor moment Sgt Coultas went to let the OC know the good news. This left LCpl Ronnie I love ABLE Royle to command the strip of the failed bridge in the pitch black which was a pretty demoralising few hours for the majority of the crew. Meanwhile, the OC sent Cpl 40 minutes sleep Nott and Sgt Coultas back to Bastion to work through the night to get a replacement vehicle. At 0900hrs the following morning the triumphant pair returned with the news that we were good to go once again and the second attempt commenced. The build was going smoothly until one of the operators had a bit of a personal mechanical failure of his own. Twice! Cpl The M stands for Man Down Lofthouse trapped his finger and proceeded to go into shock. While Lofty was receiving IV fluids from a medic, we cracked on as best we could and 6 long, hot hours later the longest ever operational, un-reinforced GSB was down on the ground, decked, kerbed and anchored. Lofty reappeared just in time to be interviewed by BFBS (well he was the freshest looking bloke on site!) and after a clean-up of the area we were ready to return to Bastion via MOB Price for a nice shower and a night of insect free sleep. LCpl Ronnie Royle, 39 AES, ABLE Operator
Page 27
Bridging In Afghanistan Its So Simple or maybe NOT!
Lt Tom Foote is our new addition to the ranks of officers within 39 AES. After a day of handing over duties with the outgoing Capt Johnny Linares, the OC tasked him with building the longest ever Logistic Support Bridge (LSB) to be built in Helmand no pressure Troopy! The LSB was constructed to replace the GSB. Sgt Chuggy McGee gives an insight into the building of what became the Kala Bridge. The first morning on site involved the slow task of setting out the building area and rollers, which the bridge would be built upon and guided into place. This was time consuming due to the nature of the site which had been very well prepared by 9 Troop under the watchful eye of SSgt Mick Grey Bear Eastwood. Soon the build was underway. 8 Troop worked extremely well on that first day and by last light we had built 8 bays of the launching nose much to SHQs delight who jokingly told us to slow down and stop trying to beat the LSB build speed record. The following 2 days were frustrating and problematic with every nut and bolt taking time and effort to put in. The heat was relentless and simple tasks such as fitting bracing or moving packing became a major effort. The frustrations were short lived however and the following days were very productive. By the end of day 4 the bridge was built and launched ready to be jacked down the following morning. On day 5, the thought that it would only take a morning to get the bridge down onto its bearings crept into my head. Wrong again! Despite the person who conducted the reconnaissance of the crossing (who shall remain unnamed) using a 100m tape measure, green string, rope, laser binoculars, Leika level and trigonometry, we found ourselves one metre out of line. We had anticipated this may happen and Cpl Kyle I really am the biggest man in Afghanistan Hagleburg had already set up the jacks to relocate the seats the bridge sits on. By close of play on day 5 we had managed to strip the nose and jack down on the far side. The morning of day 6 the Troop jacked down the home side of the bridge. This was completed without any hitches and left us with the task of ramping and decking in order to finish off the build by last light that day. And so, by 1000 hrs the following morning, the Kala Bridge was complete. 45.72m long 15 bays of LSB buckets of sweat! To make it all the more worthwhile, the bridge was opened during a visit by General Sir Peter Wall, The Chief of the General Staff, and ex Commanding Officer 32 Engineer Regiment. He also promoted Spr Bruv Dale to Lance Corporal well deserved and about time Bruv!! Sgt Chuggy McGee, CF NES(S) Engr Recce Sgt, 1 RIFLES
Page 28
Were Not Scared of Grant Mitchell!
Time continues to roll by in 39 AES Echelon based in Camp Bastion. The QM, Capt Nipper Brazier, grows ever more grumpy closely followed by SQMS SSgt Andy Sprake who can mainly be found stuffing ISO containers in extreme temperatures. We continue to prepare and out load a plethora of kit including a large amount of road construction and patrol base stores. LCpl H Harris and Spr Big Guns turn into big guts Walker continue to guard their ever valuable stores as the QM reminds them their kit insurance is probably not enough. Last week the Echelon invited Ross Ultimate Farce Kemp in for a brew and a chat, and he entertained us for 40 minutes or so. LCpl Bish Bishop continues to work until his eyes bleed on the stores accounting system and we all look forward to the return of LCpl Westy Westlake from R&R. To date the majority of the Echelon has managed to escape Camp Bastion and sample life forward in the various Patrol Bases and Check Points. A recent new arrival to the team is LCpl Tav Tavender who is currently wading through his admin and the BOWMAN Radio store and having frequent coffee breaks with the SSM! Spr Ten Cokes Per Hour Ward is currently away changing nappies; I bet he is looking forward to getting back for some sleep. I will finish by not forgetting to mention Sgt Mark Two Bridges Coultas who is still going on about his 44 metre exploits over the Nahr e Bughra canal on Op OMID HAFT. The Quarter Master
As you can see from the accounts included in this weeks newsletter the lads are working extremely hard and achieving some magnificent results. Once again, I finish this newsletter being the proudest Squadron Sergeant Major in the Regiment. The lads have proved that they can do pretty much anything under consistent pressure and I know that the OC leaves us on an all time high. Our thoughts are with you all back at home. Mark, M Brookfield, Squadron Sergeant Major, 39 Armoured Engineer Squadron - AUDENTIS FORTUNA IUVAT
Page 29
59 Commando Squadron RE New SSM Welcome Letter

Greetings, I am Chris McLennan, the proud new Sergeant Major of 59 Cdo Sqn RE. I have been in and out of 59 the majority of my career having first served in Chivenor in 1998 as a young LCpl, leaving in 2001 to take post as an instructor at Gibraltar Barracks. I returned to Chivenor in 2003 as a Cpl and remained there until posting to 35 Engr Regt as a WO2 in 2009. I have been married for 8 years to Donna, a gorgeous and very understanding wife and have two children, Noah aged 9 and Ettie aged 2. I arrived in Afghanistan two weeks ago, and having completed an outstanding handover from the out going Sergeant Major Mick Jarwood, I finally took charge of 59 Commando Squadron on Thu 16 Jun 11. I have known Mick for many years and a man I respect immensely and am lucky to class as one of my best friends. I would like to extend a sad farewell to a true Sqn Legend and look forward to a few cold beers on our return. Mick leaves the Sqn to take post as the WO1 (SMI) of the Defence Diving School in Portsmouth, a job he has always wanted to do (second to SSM 59). So what have I noticed since I have been in theatre, well its extremely hot and (apart from there being no beach) I could easily mistake Camp Bastion to muscle beach in California!! The men are certainly lapping up the hot conditions and opportunity to smash some weights. I had the pleasure of visiting Three Tribe in PB SHAZAD this week and you may be thinking the men would be asking me to bring out luxuries and home comforts. How wrong, I had the pleasure (and burden SSgt Brown will testify to this) of stuffing as much protein, creatine and any other type of muscle building powder into my Bergen and daysack. What I can say is the stuff is definitely working, the lads are looking good and I have just ordered my first tub of muscle powder (and before anyone else says it, I need it after two years in Germany living the good life!). The men are producing outstanding work wherever it may be. The conditions in what they are working (50+degree heat) does not phase them. I can honestly place my hand on heart and say for all my years serving in the Sqn these guys are working harder than I ever did. They finish a hard days graft be it either patrolling with the Marines or undertaking a construction task and head straight to the gym. So much for the Playstation generation it is inspiring and makes me proud to be 59. I will be hopefully visiting the remainder of the Sqn in the next week or so, and I am sure I will be greeted with the same effort and commitment I have already seen. I know I am preaching to the converted, but please keep the support coming from home. A letter or a parcel from home can make a big difference. I shall close now before I get in trouble with the wife seeing that I have written more here than any ebluey I have sent home. WO2 (SSM) C McLennan RE, SSM, 59 Cdo Sqn RE
Four Down, Three to go

Four months in and time only seems to be going faster out here (it is for me anyway!). Morale continues to stay high back in SHQ as blokes are filtering in and out to go on R&R on a regular basis! You can imagine what morale will be like for them when they return back to Bastion having spent 2 weeks on the smash, spending pretty much what they have earned out here! Its great to hear what blokes have to say to about their time off ! One dit that springs to mind was that of LCpl Butterbean Stainthorpe who came back and told me how he had stopped off in a Hugo Boss shop and kitted himself out with 500 worth of clothes (only because he had nothing but military kit) as well as drinking non stop since his arrival back in the UK! It became quite apparent to me how well his R&R had gone when he was in gym struggling to lift weights that normally he would comfortably lift. It turns out where he was leaning his back against the weights bench his swollen bruised kidneys where getting in the way! To me that sounds like Butterbean went back on R&R in true SQUADRON style! All ranks back here continue to hit the gym hard. The new SSM WO2 Mclennan has arrived in Afghan raring to smash the gym! This means all of us that work with him will have to put up with his constant protein farts! And trust me it isnt pleasant! Cheers Sir. Its good to see Cpl Taff Harrisons hard work in the gym is paying off. He put in a good effort on the 10k run the Regiment did around Bastion, but if he still thinks he going to be the fittest bloke in the Sigs wing, he has got another thing coming!.
Page 30
Sgt Matty Needham is hitting the sunbathing hard at the moment because he is due to go on R&R soon. He tells me how his wife is sending him out tanning oil so when he comes home he will be looking a lovely, golden, bronze god! Let me tell you Leah a bit of St Tropez for yourself before he comes home and you will look browner than him! Also Im trying to avoid him at the moment because my bad memory is getting me in trouble. He will know exactly what Im talking about! Us sportsman back here have been twiddling our thumbs a bit because of the lack of sport on TV so its good to see the great Wimbledon tennis championship has started! Although the OC told me off the other day for watching what he calls a rubbish sport, I quite often see him taking a little sneak peak during the womens singles games when no ones in the room, Im starting to think he has a secret passion for the sport, which he is afraid to admit, or maybe it just the sight of Maria Sharapova in her skirt!!!!. Written by Spr Leak.
1 Tp Engineer Support to the Operation HAFT
The Op started for us back in PB Folad, where we received a set of orders from the Commanding Officer of Lima Company, 42 Commando RM. The brand new, wet behind the ears Troop Commander Lt Tom Exelby and Sgt Sanjay Thapa found out they would be leaving the next day, as they were being imbedded within the Company to provide Engr Recce assistance. The remainder of the troop spent the next few days transporting all our ISO containers full of stores and equipment between CP Folad and CP Wahid.
CP BREKNA completed
The first few days we supported the company by helping Lima company TQMS resupply the company while the troop commander and Sgt Thapa were conducting Recces on the compounds that the company had taken over. The first time we met up with the Troop Commander he was all smiles and was bursting to tell us that he had been getting rounds down on the Light machine gun, needless to say the gunners within the troop, Sprs Appleton Madge and Leslie, were not happy as they had not fired a round. Ah well unlucky lads! The first job finally came in which was to upgrade the company HQ location. This meant constructing the basics that the troops needed to survive in the short term such as toilets and showers, but more importantly fortifying the compound itself, which meant constructing two sangers to provide protection and constructing wire obstacles outside to provide stand off to the compound. This process took us 3 days to complete and was much appreciated by Lima Company. Two days later we received a phone call telling us to look on the Sun website as 5 members of the troop were in a photo, SSgt Bell, Spr Keil Appleton, Spr Van Dyke, LCpl Jamie Courtney and Cpl Wayne (Apache) Thompson. You will have to ask him where his new nickname comes from - well in there Stan, Spr Stanley. It was just our luck that by the time we had finished that task, another compound that had been taken over which needed a makeover to bring it up to the standard required to provide protection. This task proved to be a much bigger task as the sangers we had to build were higher and we had no means of filling the HESCO by machine so it was a case of hand filling hundreds of sandbags and handballing them to the top of the newly positioned sanger. A process we had to repeat a number of times. Spr Casey Travanti loved this as he couldnt get enough and was going on about how he would miss it so much on R and R. The job also required us to cut down a couple of trees, so sorry tree huggers. Our resident logger Spr Keil Appleton was in his element climbing up and down trees. Once again the job took us a couple of days to which we had great response from the Lima guys occupying the compound. We then had a well needed day of rest before getting told of the next task, which was to construct a CP within the Bazaar of Loy Mandah Kalay. This meant the first afternoon was spent demolishing buildings so that we could build the CP itself - the
Page 31
plant operators loved this a little to much as Spr Mutts Mutter got himself well and truly bogged in amongst the rubble, to make things worse he was being filmed by a film crew as he was doing it! The next day was taken up by completing the rest of the ground works, in order for us to start constructing the HESCO walls and sangers. The build was made up of long hard days as at this point the R and R was in full process and meant we were a section down on manpower. The guys worked extremely hard as normal but this time spurred on due to the fact that Royal Marines were living in an abandoned shop until we had completed the build. Morale was lifted as lunch times provided a nice cool off in the river. The troop Chippies Sprs Leslie, Hoggins overseen by LCpl Blockhead Devenish were kept busy on this task making Vehicle access gates, shaded areas and toilets. The showers were constructed by LCpl Sponge Head Courtney and Spr Bish Madge as they are the only lads who seem to get it right. The task was hard work as you the lads you could see had aged about 5 years but by the end of it the CP looked great inside and out.
Spr Stanley adopts the tired pose
The Men of the Fighting First
The troop spent the next two days sorting out kit and equipment before being re tasked to our first location. It was now time to upgrade the compound to the next level. Which consisted of elevated cuplock sangers, a vehicle park, ablution upgrades and a shura area. This first day was particularly hard as we worked a solid 19 hours trying to secure the compound.
Page 32
The next day on site the banter wasnt flowing as we walked around like zombies although everyone brightened up when we found the Troop Commander hanging from the camouflaged net by his buttons; needless to say he had some sewing to do that night. Back at PB Wahid LCpl Tony Wilshire had returned from R and R, not the same cheery lad that had left a month earlier but now in his place was a right miserable git. We are now in the last phase of the operation and that is upgrading CP Limbang. Yet again the first day was spent doing ground works in preparation for the elevated sanger and Hesco builds. We have been on this task for the last 5 days and should be complete within the next 3 days I hope! This job should have been finished however Spr Noodles Jarman decided to break the brand new Medium wheeled tractor. So we are heavily reliant on the local tractor and driver which is enough to test the patience of a saint! However being the Fighting First we will carry on and get the job done by any means necessary. It has been a really busy Operation for the Fighting First, the end of this operation is in sight. Morale is high and everyone is cracking on with life out here and counting down the days until each and everyone is back with their family. Cpl Robbo Robinson. Just a word from Dad, the lads have worked extremely hard on this Operation which has had its hard and difficult times, however the men have maintained a very high standard from start to 3 days off the finish. As always the support you give them lifts their spirits and it makes my job a hell of a lot easier, so a big thank you to all the friends and families, we only have three months of the tour left (only) but the tunnel is starting to show light. I know you will continue to show your support and love for the lads. The lads still to have R and R look forward to seeing you soon and the lads returned from R and R are looking forward to that light getting brighter. Big kisses and cuddles from the MEN of THE FIGHTING FIRST - SSgt Bell
Page 33
Condor Troop
Cpl Ganesh at Crossing Point
Since the last article Condor Troop has continued to help improve the HESCO share price (basically big baskets that you fill with gravel to build walls) smashing in sangars, improving check points and even building a bridge Condor Crossing was put in by Cpl Isambard Kingdom Brunel Ganesh and his section in a lung busting 22 mins by hand in full body armour and 40 degree heat, thats Commando spirit for you! Life in Nad-e-Ali South remains extremely busy and the Engineers continue to be a much appreciated team, improving the conditions for the boys out on the ground whether it is through building new showers and toilets or spreading our unique brand of Condor Troop Mo-
Condor Troop at UD8
Edition 8
Page 34
rale amongst the Check Points of Nad Ali South. Recently we have also been involved in the development of the Afghan Local Police (ALP), an initiative to get the locals to look after their own neighbourhood and providing a critical link to the communities as part of the transition to Afghanistan taking ownership of its own security. The BGE and Troop Commander successfully tried their hand at local politics with Capt Bill Clinton Pearce and Lt Madeline Albright Robinson brokering a historic deal with the local militia to assist in the construction of their new police check point. This agreement resulted in Sgt Bob Hosken, Spr the goat and the trip flare Beedie and Spr 50 rounds of GPMG link Bates being dispatched down to the deepest, darkest regions of Southern Helmand armed with the Bob Cat (mini-digger), a plant operator and some enthusiastic ALP labourers. All the blokes grafted like ten men to give the ALP a decent location to fight from (despite the enemy showing some active interest in their work!) strong effort Condor!
3 Tp Check Point Chiron, the build concludes
In other newsDave gets out and about! This week Dave Maitland happily relinquished his usual position as the BGEs signaller stuck back at FOB SHAWQAT, for a chance to get out on the ground with the lads and get stuck in to some proper COMBAT engineering. He was delighted to be given the opportunity to test out his newly acquired driving skills on a road that held many exciting surprises for 1 Route Recce Section of Condor Troop. Dave is usually accustomed to executing his duty as the BGEs signaller in a decidedly more civil environment and here he regales you with a few dits from FOB SHAWQAT
Spr Beedie partnering the ANA
The main thing that keeps us going down here in the Deep South is the parcels we receive, with Sprs Ward and Finbow being the ultimate welfare cases, receiving up to 6 at any one time. I think thats the main reason why a few lads arent receiving any parcels, because they are clogging up the system! Mrs BGE Pierces cake however, makes up for the lack of parcels, although we know the only reason we are allowed any cake is so the boss can come in and raid any extra scran weve accrued to supplement the copious number of sweets he consumes in his office. A true Condor Legend is Sue Lemon, a kind lady from the UK who took it upon herself to send countless parcels to the lads after a thank you letter was sent back to her. Life in SHAWQAT however isnt too bad at all, its the best place to be in Afghan by far - much better than Camp Disneyland Bastion where the amount of Officers that justify their jobs by picking up us Sappers for breaching dress regulations and haircuts is unreal. That is just a short insight to life in general in FOB Shawqat. Not as interesting as life out on the ground but highly necessary to make it all possible. From the BGEs signaller, Dave Maitland, proud to be attached to the mighty Condor Troop... that is all, out. Finally Spr Luke Yogi Loton gives you his highlights from the last two weeks: The last 2 weeks have been a continuation of HESCOtastic building and as always looking after the vehicles. Harry Houdini Ellaway has been loving his time on tour as he gets to grease tons of nipples..on the vehicles! 1 Section had a catwalk showdown involving Rhys Sunburn Dare and Ricky Bobby Christie dressed in underwear sent out by their relevant lady friends; all those watching now need TRIMing (a psychological evaluation following a traumatic event). Other than that everyone has been cracking on and no matter how much we may moan and question ones career choice, someone always says something stupid or makes a joke and everyones smiling again.
Page 35
3 Troop The Latest Update
Elements of Three tribe In a Temporary check point on Op ZAMROD OLAI 1 Top row right to left Lt O Beauchamp Clark. Spr Creepy Crawley, LCpl Stealth Sowerby, Cpl Reynolds, Spr Bee, Spr Jonny Cock Nose Evans, Spr Kchop Hopkins. Bottom Row Right to left. Cfn Arghyuo, Spr Gaz Perrin, Spr Leak, Spr The Mad Professor Ramsden.
If you venture across the vast open Afghani desert; meander through a few trees and cross a canal or two you will eventually come across a group of hard men, tops off sweating in the 40+ degree sun; working hard, stopping only to refuel by adding more water into their overheating engines! These men are the strong hard working warriors of the mighty Three tribe. I, Spr Bond is here to spin more tales of the Tribe!! So far the men have been working their skin to the bone; getting out on the ground and into the sweltering heat of Afghanistan. Which leaves me thinking how on earth the locals cope, I dont know about the rest of the lads; but all Im thinking about is an ice bath and a cool beer!! Our latest task has been the denial of Tunnel 4, a hasty and essential tasking given to us by Capt Seaman-nook the BGE (Battle Group Engineer) our slave driver and beast master. Despite there being another Troop only 15 minutes away from the task itself; the denial of tunnel 4 fell to the mighty Three Tribe. Breaking away from a sangar and lean too construction at CP NAROON we returned to Forward Operating Base SHAHZAD - at a rapid 10 miles an hour! Just to return were we came from to undertake this tunnel denial, which should have taken a cool 2hrs. Not too bad you may think.. Youd be wrong, the lot of you! When youre still trying to work at 0200hrs in the morning attempting to recover a Medium Wheel Tractor (large digger to you) along with the recovery vehicle that was sent to rescue our vehicle in the first place, you know the task is turning sour. The last thing on our mind was seeing the BGE and thanking him for allowing us to show the other Troops how hard the Tribe work!! Now all the excitement is over; running around like headless chickens from CP to CP, whilst we were smashing out Sangers. R&R is in full swing, morale is high with many of lads going home to enjoy their well-earned 2 weeks leave. Upon the return of the Sheriff (Staff Brown) moods were lifted to the usual high level; again knowing that the order which was lost commencing
Page 36
his departure would once again be restored. But thats not all; we also have the pleasure of some brilliant evening entertainment, in the form of acoustic guitar by hmm how to put it.. the wanna be rock stars. They have been trying to live up to the impressive guitar skills of Spr The Nutty Professor Ramsden, but failing miserably and only resulting in slowly ruining a brilliant song (Wonderwall). Im not going to name any names but Spr Papa Bee and Spr KChop Hopkins (who was chastised by his Ex-Military Father for taking too many Ally photos); though they are improving every time they try. (The local feral cats sound better) Keep up the good effort lads!! Currently we are working in FOB SHAZAD busily downsizing from the FOB status to a PB (Patrol Base) and the Tribe have been given the task, which is brilliant for us as it means that the tanning and Op Massive can continue without too much disturbance!! This job was handed over to us from the Surge troop from the Op BAM Sqn. There is a lot left to do to complete the job, but nothing will get in the Tribes way when it comes to working hard and getting the job done; with fierce faces and pumped biceps from the previous nights work out and banter in the back ground they push on. Also weve had the joy of opening many parcels of morale which youve all sent us and for that heres a picture showing our gratitude.Many thanks Mrs Brown and her assistants! Thanks every one for the morale!! A final shout out goes to Spr Jonny Cock Nose Evans who has had to go home early we hope your kids body gets better soon and look forward to seeing you for a few wets when we return. Anyway; If I wrote anymore Id take up another page and that would waste paper and green peace would have a field day about saving the trees, so till the next newsletter.. Ciao!
The troop receiving welfare parcels.
SUPPORTING COMMANDO SAPPERS IN AFGHANISTAN WRISTBANDS
WHERE IS YOUR MONEY GOING? The income generated from the COMMANDO SAPPER wristbands will be split between 3 distinct areas. They are as follows: Regimental Welfare. This will allow us to support needy causes within the Regiment that cover a myriad of outlets; from injured soldiers, family activities and any venture which improves the welfare of our soldiers. 50% of all charitable income generated will go to regimental welfare. Army Benevolent Fund (ABF):The Soldiers Charity. ABF, The Soldiers Charity is designed to support soldiers, former soldiers and their families in times of need. Over the past 2 years ABF has seen a 30% rise in people seeking there help and expect this to increase with the continuing operations in Afghanistan. 25% of all charitable income generated will go to the ABF. Childrens Hospice South West. The Childrens Hospice South West is located in Fremington, literally on the Regiments doorstep. The Hospice provides care for the children with an illness, which means they will not meet adulthood. The Hospice provides expert care, not only for the children but also for their parents and siblings, allowing them to cope with these extremely difficult circumstances. 25% of all charitable income generated will go to the Childrens Hospice South West. To order Supporting Commando Sapper wrist bands. Please contact WO2 Ray Glass either by phone on 01271 85 7824 or by post with a SAE to WO2 Glass, ROpsP RSM, RMB Chivenor, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 4AZ, or just send a donation by cheque or postal order payable to Central Bank 24 Commando Engineer Regiment.
Something from the Editor. Back copies of the TFH Engr Gp Newsletters are available at
TASK FORCE HELMAND ENGINEER GROUP
Editor: 546151 Capt Brad Hardwick 54 Cdo HQ & Sp Sqn TFH Engr Gp BFPO 792 E-maill bch5951@gmail.com
http://www.scribd.com/collections/2973981/Task-Force-HelmandEngineer-Group-Newsletter Charity wrist bands. We have received repeated requests for our popular Commando Sapper wrist bands. Please refer to page 37 for details on how to get hold of this seasons must have item! Your support for the Regiment is greatly appreciated, so please give generously. Facebook Page. We now have an open Facebook presence at http:// www.facebook.com/TFHEngrGp
See more photos and comments on TFH Engr Gp at
Lonely Planet Dictionary of Jack Speak for Afghanistan Part 3
http:// www.facebo ok.com/ TFHEngrGp
Local terminology Part 2 Websters Rubbish, not in the meaning of refuse or trash, but that something is not very good e.g the issue sun glasses are Websters or this is a Websters job can be shortened to webbo. Hoofing The opposite of Websters. This is definitely Royal speak and almost anything can be hoofing from hoofing scran to a hoofing night out to hoofing this and hoofing that. Ally - Parachute Regiment terminology for personal equipment, really this is a fashion statement, forget Milan or Paris, this is all about the scrim (camouflage netting) on your helmet, or how you carry your equipment. It must not only be practical but more importantly look like you have been fighting the Taliban for the last 6months. Most Ally aficionados have never left the NAAFI queue, however you must look ally at all costs. Allyness can be enhanced by not shaving, growing your hair long and hunching your shoulders as you walk around staring at everyone. Jingly - Meaning Local, this could be a truck, individual, shop or even a helicopter, as in some cases the bases are resupplied by jingly air. In essence they are the same as our trucks, individuals, shops or helicopters with more tassels, shiny things and lights. Phys Physical activity, taken to the extreme it evolves into Op MASSIVE. Pog Small annoying plastic currency token which can only be used in theatre and covers from 5 50 Cents in 5 cent increments, you are guaranteed to find dollars worth of these on return from theatre. Smash(ing) Usually used in the context to smash something meaning to complete it with a certain amount of vigor. Troops regularly smash thing up, like HESCO, Taliban positions, phys, scran, you name it and it can be smashed. This is the last installment of the Lonely Planet Dictionary of Jack Speak. Like any good travel dictionary, please submit any question or further updates to the Editor.

TFH Engineer Group Newsletter Edition 8 010711

Cargado por

Información del documento

Descripción original:

Derechos de autor

Formatos disponibles

Compartir este documento

Compartir o incrustar documentos

Opciones para compartir

¿Le pareció útil este documento?

¿Este contenido es inapropiado?

Copyright:

Formatos disponibles

TFH Engineer Group Newsletter Edition 8 010711

Cargado por

Copyright:

Formatos disponibles

Task Force Helmand Engineer Group News Letter

Edition 8 01 July 2011

Commanding Officers Foreword

Inside this issue:

59 Commando Squad- 29 ron Support Commando Sappers in AfghanistanWrist Bands 37

Leaving PB Khar Nikah

Commanding Officers Foreword(continued)

OC 26, SSM 26 and Cpl MacKay

SSgt Blades at CP Bahadur

Task Force Helmand Engineer Group

54 Commando Headquarters and Support Squadron

Squadron 2ICs Foreword: Captain Hardwick

Support Troop A Quiet Week.

Not the time for German 'volumizing trg' - Sgt Wells

The work goes on..and on..and on..you get the message!

Evah in action on the yard!

Task Force Helmand Engineer Group

Recce TroopOperation TUUFAN QIMAT 6

Capt McGuirk confirming cordon locations

Task Force Helmand Engineer Group

Sgt Tullet prepares to deny TB motorbike and bomb making facility

Task Force Helmand Engineer Group

REMEAnother week down.

Shep in a typical look at me pose. Calm down ladies, he is spoken for

Task Force Helmand Engineer Group

3 Armoured Engineer Squadron

Task Force Helmand Engineer Group

See no, hear no, speak no. Tp SSgt, Tp Comd, Tp Recce

Task Force Helmand Engineer Group

6 Section PB CATINA BUILD

Cpl Milan gives martial arts lessons

26 Armoured Engineer Squadron OCs Foreword

RSOI Training for Armoured Engineers

Arming the Sqn

LCpl Nicholls inspecting a MINIMI

LCpl Nicholls with the Under Slung Grenade Launcher

Task Force Helmand Engineer Group

LCpl Nicholls demonstrating the alternate use of the weapon roll

Life as a Resources Geek

Spr Leach moving stores in the FL12

The Driving Storeman

Task Force Helmand Engineer Group

LCpl Burke in a rare outbreak of morale in the QMs dept

Task Force Helmand Engineer Group

31 Armoured Engineer Squadron (Talisman) OCs Foreword.

Diary of Spr Senior and Spr Beattie on MUBAREZ 12B

Spr Flash Gordon playing in the sand!!!!

Task Force Helmand Engineer Group

Task Force Helmand Engineer Group

The team safely back at the MOB

Talisman Sqn Armed Forces Day

Task Force Helmand Engineer Group

Playstation generation? Probably not!!!!

Task Force Helmand Engineer Group

The British Armys first ever stealth bike

Cpl Mark Fairless recreating the wheel

FAME I want to live forever!!!

Task Force Helmand Engineer Group

ITS A BABY BOY MRS TALISMAN

Cpl Spruce drinking the growth potion from Alice in wonderland

The SQMS in a familiar stance

Team Yogi 31 Armoured Engineer Squadron

Task Force Helmand Engineer Group