2007 News Archive

Army Piping Championships

Exercise GRAND PRIX 2007

1 R IRISH Battlegroup are now deployed in Kenya on Exercise GRAND PRIX for 6 weeks, in preparation for the forthcoming deployment to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 8.

During the Exercise there will be plenty of opportunity for some excellent soldiering with the Battlegroup (all arms) that will be working with us when we are in Afghanistan.

There is an excellent package in Archers Post during which we will be conducting live firing training to further enhance our ability to operate in an all-arms environment. We have support from Engineers from 9 (PARA) Squadron, Royal Engineers who will be training us in the use of explosive-entry charges (mouse-holes). We have support from the Royal Artillery who will be providing fire-support for us during the live firing element of the Exercise.

Of course, once we have worked hard it is time to play hard - and there is a comprehensive adventurous training package that we are all looking forward to at the end of the time in Kenya just before we come home.

Read about our time in Kenya

Captain Beattie Awarded Military Cross

Captain Doug Beattie, 41, originally from Portadown, was a key figure in driving the Taleban out of a small town in southern Afghanistan last September.

Military officials said 'time and time again' he led his troops in battle in Garmisir, holding the town for 14 days. Capt Beattie, who completed his Afghan tour in January, said he received the award in memory of his fallen comrades.

He said it was 'amazing' to receive any form of recognition.

'It is a very great moment but also a very poignant one.

'To a degree I am also receiving the award for all the people that are still out there in Afghanistan and all the people who did not return - some of my very good friends, who will never see their home again.'

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