2008 News Archive

Northern Ireland Parades

What a weekend! Who would have thought there would have been such an amazing turn-out from the public for our homecoming parades. We would like to thank everyone who came to welcome us home - we particularly liked the cheer that went up as we passed in front of City Hall in Belfast!

We would also like to thank everyone for letting the parades pass peacefully.

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Shrewsbury Homecoming

Today the county said thank you and welcome home to the Royal Irish Regiment and God speed to all those serving in war zones around the world - especially Afghanistan.

After leading the troops through a seven month tour of duty in the notorious Helmand Province, our CO, Lt Col Ed Freely movingly talked of the 'dangers, successes and tragedies' our regiment had shared with the Afghan National Army.

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A Heroes Welcome

Today we have been given the freedom to march through Market Drayton, to give the community a show of thanks for the loyal support that they have given us over the entire length of the deployment to Helmand Province.

As we marched through the town, over 1000 people turned out to show their support for 1 R IRISH.

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Home!

The last 100 soldiers from the Royal Irish Battle Group, who have been serving on operations in southern Afghanistan for six months, returned home to a heroes' welcome on Wednesday, 8 October 2008. As the men of Ranger Company stepped off the buses back in Tern Hill, they were engulfed by their families who were there waiting to welcome them. The men of Ranger Company were the last of 500 soldiers to return from Helmand Province, where 1st Battalion and 2nd Battalion have spent the last six-months.

As Major Graham Shannon from Londonderry stepped off the bus his two-year-old son, David, and four-year-old daughter, Isabelle, threw their arms around him. Maj Shannon, of The 1st Battalion, said:

'It's been a really tough tour and it feels fantastic to be back. Seeing the kids again is just wonderful.'

The CO, Lieutenant Colonel Ed Freely was also there to proudly them back to the barracks. He said:

'It's great to have the last of the guys back home. It's been an arduous tour and I've been incredibly impressed by the way that the men have conducted themselves.

'At every turn they have acted with professionalism and courage. I couldn't be more proud of what they have achieved over the last six months. It is a great privilege to have led such an outstanding group of soldiers.

'I hope the public will appreciate the sacrifices that these men have made as much as I do, and turn out in force to recognise that during our homecoming parades.'

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Kajaki Turbine Delivered

The R IRISH have been involved in one of the biggest operations to take place in Helmand Province

A deception plan was hatched to draw in Taliban forces whilst the Kajaki turbine convoy travelled cross-desert towards the remote 'Ghorak pass', British, Danish and Afghan troops secured parts of Route 611, seemingly to prepare for receiving the convoy. The Taliban fell for the deception and by the time the turbine convoy emerged from the Ghorak pass, only a few kilometres from its destination, the Taliban had been unable to organise any real resistance.

When the convoy reached the end of route Harriet it rejoined Route 611. The final hurdle was the transit through Kajaki Sofla, a village near the dam, which had been infiltrated by the Taliban and where they were expected to mount their strongest attack. It was the responsibility of British and Afghan troops to secure Kajaki Sofla. The Afghan National Army's 3/205 'Hero' Brigade, based in Helmand, and supported by 1 R IRISH BG mentoring teams fought to secure the village and then engage with the locals in 'Shuras' to reassure them and gain support for the convoy's passage.

With the delivery of the turbine complete, work can now begin on its installation and the much larger programme of the rejuvenation of the electrical distribution network needed to pass the extra power to the areas of Sangin, Musa Qaleh, Kandahar and the provincial capital of Helmand, Lashkar Gah. The new turbine is capable of producing 18.5MW of economically viable, renewable energy, which will be in addition to the dam's current 16.5MW output.

The additional electricity it will eventually provide will light up classrooms, allowing Afghans across southern Afghanistan to learn to read and write in evening classes; farmers to store their produce in chilled storage, allowing greater export opportunities for the booming wheat markets; and clinics to offer improved health services.

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2 R IRISH In the Green Zone

Working out of the Forward Operating Base Keenan in the Upper Gereshk Valley of Helmand province, Imjin Company is currently the only unit in Helmand made up entirely of TA soldiers. Their role is the similar to that carried out by their regular counterparts from 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment.

2 R IRISH patrol the heart of the notorious Green Zone with the Afghan troops, training and instructing as they go.

They also provided a vital role at Camp Bastion, where many of the UK troops are based. As well as providing the force protection for the whole camp, including the security of the main gate, 2 R IRISH act as the Quick Reaction Force, deploying six soldiers at a time to provide security on the ground for the Medical Emergency Response Teams - the doctors and paramedics who transport casualties from the frontline to the field hospital in Camp Bastion.

Watch the Video

Lithuanian troops take tips from 2 R IRISH

A small English village has been playing host to troops from two different countries who have joined forces to train together to continue a tradition which has spanned the past decade.

For the last two weeks Otterburn ranges have provided training resources for not only 97 reservists of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment (2 R IRISH [TA]) but 40 soldiers from the Lithuanian Reserve Forces (KASP).

The training and cooperation between the KASP and the Army has been ongoing for the last decade and has been further cemented by forth coming deployment of Lithuanian troops on operations in Afghanistan.

According to Second Lieutenant Vaidas Bimbris, one of two regular KASP soldiers commanding the reservists during their training, they had responded well even with the language barrier:

'My soldiers have learned so much from the experience' he said. 'They know that the British Army is very professional and experienced and the knowledge that they have acquired will benefit them when they go on deployments.'
Second Lieutenant Vaidas (left)

The officer in charge of organising the camp and the KASP training, Major Tim Rogan was delighted with the KASP reservists progress:

'This is the annual camp for 2 Royal Irish and we thought that it would a good opportunity for the KASP reservists to gain some invaluable experience.

'During their two week intensive training the KASP reservists, who like our own TA come from all walks-of-life, are taught the basics of soldiering including field craft, first aid and war fighting skills.

'Such has been the quality of both the training and the KASP reservists they quickly learned skills and tactics that their regular colleagues would not get routinely drilled on.'

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FOB 'Attal' opens for business

The first Afghan National Army (ANA) designed, built, manned and patrolled Forward Operating Base (FOB) has received a seal of approval from the British Forces team that mentored them and from the local people it has been built to help protect.

FOB 'Attal', which means 'hero' in Pashto, is the first of its kind in Helmand and demonstrates the Afghan National Army's will, and capability, to take on responsibility for their own security in the province. It is named after the Afghan National Army's Helmand-based 3/205 Hero Brigade and joins Patrol Bases 'Viking' near Sangin, 'West' near Musa Qaleh and 'Barakzai' near Gereshk as being Afghan National Army-operated.

The town of Gereshk is at the mouth of the Upper Gereshk valley, and 38km from Sangin at the top. FOB Attal is one of the lasting achievements of Op Oqab Sterga, or Op Eagle's Eye, which aimed to enable freedom of movement further up the Gereshk valley towards Sangin. The Afghan National Army at FOB Attal were mentored by an Operational Mentoring Liaison Team (OMLT or 'Omelette') from 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment with elements of 23 Engineer Regiment (Recce Troop).

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Sunbathing!? Wise Up!!

This article has appeared in Soldier Magazine in June 2008

Troops from Northern Ireland have taken over the key role of ensuring the security of Camp Bastion in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province.

One hundred and forty soldiers from Imjin Company, 2nd Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment, will be working in and around the large base for the next six months as part of Bastion's force protection company.

As well as patrolling the camp and its immediate surroundings, the reservists will also provide protection for Helmand's combat air ambulance and contribute to a reserve force capable of deploying to incidents on the ground at short notice.

Lance Corporal Steve Limmer, who works as a software tester in civvy street, said:

'I was amazed how the team just gelled really well right from the off. My work colleagues just think I am out here sunbathing in the sand.'

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Stationary Collection and Kindness of St. Peters Church

The Stationery Collection for the schools in Afghanistan is well under way. An appeal has gone out to all the schools and churches in the area to help us to collect stationery and so far the response has been extremely positive.

We made our first collection on Monday 19 May 08 from St Peter's Church, Stoke-on-Tern. The parishioners have collected a large box of stationery on our behalf and this is now on its way to the Reverend Albert Jackson, our Padre, for onward distribution. Our thanks go to all the parishioners at St Peter's Church for their generous and speedy donations to our appeal.

We are also grateful for the candle which burns constantly in the church throughout the deployment in Afghanistan and for all the kind thoughts and prayers for our soldiers and their families during the deployment.

2 R IRISH take over Camp BASTION security

Protecting the base, located in the middle of the Afghan desert, is now the job of 140 Rangers from Imjin Company, Second Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment. As the Force Protection Company they have the vitally important task of ensuring the safety of thousands of personnel working at Bastion.

The Rangers carry out a variety of tasks which include patrolling the immediate area of the base, engaging with the local population, providing protection for the Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT), Helmand's combat air ambulance, and also as a reserve force ready to respond at a moment's notice to incidents anywhere within their area of operations.

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Plenty of fun at the Legion

On Sunday 11th May we arrived at the British Legion Club at 12.30. Andy (Vice Chairman) was waiting at the entrance when we got there. The Committee were extremely welcoming and friendly.

First things first, we got the kids settled and then headed straight to the bar. The DJ had the disco going and the staff invited the kids to have their faces painted. Of course, by the end of the day they were also having their arms painted! After a drink or two, the buffet was laid out. We thanked the kind ladies for this beautiful spread and the work that went in to it; it was very thoughtful of them.

The kids then went on to play some games, musical chairs, statues etc. Two young boys (you know who you are!) were showing off their dancing skills to YMCA (great entertainment boys). The kids enjoyed the karaoke, as well as us Mums and some of the British Legion members.

Andy and Jim have expressed that we are all welcome anytime. Kids are welcome during the day. The staff said that they will arrange another day for us in June sometime and they will invite other members and their children too. All in all a great day out and we will definitely be going back. We would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in arranging the day.

'Look at Life' Weekend

1 R IRISH were delighted to welcome potential recruits to join us for a 'Look at Life' weekend organised by Captain Herbert, the OC of our Battalion Recruiting Team. 28 young men came to see what life in our Battalion was like, and spent two days being instructed in our various specialisms and getting a feel for what 1 R IRISH are about.

The highlight of the weekend was honing their newly-found weapon handling skills on a live 25m range. Or was the highlight the ATMP rides? Or the outstanding curry night?

Whatever they enjoyed most - it was us who enjoyed hosting them. We look forward to seeing everyone again after training as our newest Rangers.

OMLT 2 on NewsNight

OMLT will be basking in their glory!

BBC2's Newsnight got an exclusive - the inside story of the British mission in Musa Qala. The battle for control of this Afghan town has come to epitomise the trial between the British Army and its Taliban enemy in Helmand province.

Their diplomatic editor Mark Urban spent nine days with B Company and OMLT 2 trying to win over suspicious locals in a town where there is still a lot of support for the Taliban.

Luck of the Irish?

An article was printed in the Saturday Times describing the moment a C Company patrol foiled a potential suicide attack and ambush in Sangin.

A foot patrol of British soldiers recounted the moment that they survived an attack by a suicide bomber only to run into an ambush by the Taleban as they picked themselves up after the blast.

'It's the luck of the Irish,' said Sergeant Paul Harrison, 27, from Liverpool, who survived the attack along with the rest of his patrol from the 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment. Click below to read more.

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New R IRISH Welfare Service Opens in Palace Barracks

British Army chief Sir Richard Dannett is in Northern Ireland to launch a £2m-a-year service for former UDR and Royal Irish Regiment soldiers.

Click below to see the video of the Welfare Service on the BBC website.

Yet again we are the first regiment to offer such a service.

See the Video

Fantastic support from the Royal British Legion

On Sat 19 April 08 members of the Royal British Legion in Market Drayton assisted by members of Rear Party set up a stand at the 'Buttercross' in the town centre to increase awareness of the Battalion's deployment in Afghanistan. Rgrs McKenzie, Miller and Green along with Brian Boru and the Pipe Major were very well received by all who passed by.

The support gained from the local population was fantastic and between 0900hrs and 1300hrs the sum of £ 915 was raised from donations for the Royal Irish wristband fund.

Our thanks go the the Vice Chairman of the Club, Mr Andy Boughey and his colleagues for the fantastic support they have offered the Battalion since the deployment. The Club has also offered to host our families once a month for Sunday Lunch during the deployment with the first event planned for Sun 11 May between 1200hrs and 1700hrs. A buffet lunch, bar facilities and a disco for the children will be provided free of charge to all families. The Welfare Office will provide the transport to and from the Club.

Thank You to Everyone!

Everyone from 1 R IRISH Battlegroup has been delighted with the vast amount of parcels and letters arriving daily addressed for 'A Soldier' or 'A Ranger'.

We can only apologise that not everyone has received a thank-you letter. Some parcels have been so big that more than one person has benefited from them!

The support we our getting out here is just fantastic and everyone, especially those in the out-stations where there are fewer facilities, are just overwhelmed by the sheer volume of parcels we are getting!

There are little home comforts out here and the parcels are very much appreciated. If you would like to send a parcel you can address it simply to:

Padre Albert Jackson
1 R IRISH BG
OP HERRICK 8
BFPO 792

Our warmest thanks to you all.

News from Afghanistan

During the afternoon of Sun 6 Apr, a patrol involving members of 1 R IRISH Battlegroup were contacted by an explosion. As a result of this explosion Major Shirley received shrapnel injuries which although serious are not life threatening.

Major Shirley will return to UK for medical treatment but is expected to make a full recovery.

There were no other casualties sustained during this incident and our thoughts are with Major Shirley and his wife at this time.

Paddys Day in Camp SHORABAK

In Afghanistan, members of 1 R IRISH Battle Group (1 R IRISH BG), who recently deployed as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade to Helmand Province in Afghanistan, today celebrated St Patrick's Day. Starting with a short run around Camp Sharabak they went on to have a traditional Irish breakfast which was then followed by a short church service where a Shamrock-emblazoned bookmark was presented to the men.

1 R IRISH BG, co-located in Camp Tombstone and Camp Bastion, are currently carrying out their in-theatre training package to prepare them for the duties that they will take over in a few days time, duties which will include a mixture of force protection at Camp Bastion and mentoring the Afghan National Army in Forward Operating Bases all over Helmand Province.

Major Mark Hudson, Officer Commanding Imjin Company, 2 Royal Irish, said:

'We have prepared for months for Operation Herrick 8 and watching my soldiers train they are highly professional and well prepared for what lies ahead. The professionalism and reputation of the Royal Irish in my opinion is second-to-none and I am proud to be in command of such a strong force. This is our first deployment since we were formed in October 2007, made up mainly of part-time soldiers from both the north and the south of Ireland.'

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St. Patricks Celebration in Clive Barracks

The Royal Irish Regiment Battle Group all received box-fresh shamrocks for their St Patrick's Day Parade, thanks to airline Flybe. The precious cargo was loaded onto a plane at Belfast City Airport and collected at Birmingham International Airport by a team from the Regiment, based at Clive Barracks, Tern Hill, near Market Drayton in Shropshire.

Platoon Commander, Lieutenant Peter Gavin, was given the honour of picking up the the shamrocks along with Regimental Mascot, Irish wolfhound 'Brian Boru', and piper Lance Corporal Paul Shaw from the Battalion's Bugles, Pipes and Drums.

Battalion spokesman Captain Brian Johnson MBE said:

'We are delighted Flybe have kindly flown in the shamrocks for our St Patrick's Day Parade again this year. The airline has done this for us a couple of times for our celebrations over the last few years and I know how much everyone in the Battalion appreciates the gesture, especially now as we contemplate our deployment to Afghanistan.'

A spokesman for Flybe added:

'As Europe's largest regional airline, Flybe is always pleased to support the local communities which it serves wherever possible and we were delighted to be able to help transport the shamrocks that are so key to St Patrick's Day celebrations.'

The soldiers from The R IRISH Battle Group spent St Patrick's Day with their families in Shropshire before embarking on a six month tour of Afghanistan. The Regiment is the last remaining Irish Infantry regiment of the line and is made up of soldiers from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. With the Battle Group there are regular soldiers from the 1st Battalion, who are based at Clive Barracks, and reserves from the 2nd Battalion, who are based in Northern Ireland.

The day began gunfire followed by the traditional Chariot Race. There was a short rest as guests arrived, including General Sir Roger Wheeler GCB CB (a former CO of 2nd Battalion, The Royal Irish Rangers in 1979 and Chief of the General Staff in 2000) and General Philip Trousdell KBE, CBE (a former CO of 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Rangers in 1991 and a former Chief of Staff of Land Command in 2000).

General Trousdell took the salute as the Battalions paraded, and gave a rousing speech prior to the deployment of the main body of the Battle Group to Afghanistan during the coming weeks.

Over the following days the Battalions will travel to Helmand Province. 1 R IRISH will be working to develop conditions and improve security to defeat the Taliban insurgency. 2 R IRISH will be working towards the same goal alongside their regular counterparts, providing force protection for Camp Bastion and other locations across the province.

We have spent the last six months preparing for the deployment, including a period of two months training in Kenya throughout September and October 2007.

BBC were there to capture the day on video - stay tuned!

D Company go climbing in Spain

Support Us On Facebook!

There is a dedicated (but unofficial) 'Support the Royal Irish in Afghanistan' group that has been set up on the Facebook website!

Click here to view

Pre-Deployment Leave

On returning from the mission rehearsal exercise it was 'all hands to the pumps' getting everything prepared for the move out to Afghanistan. Once everything was checked, cleaned and packed so that we could get away for our two weeks pre-deployment leave.

At the moment we are on our last week of leave before the final preparations for the deployment to Afghanistan. Everyone is pulling together with the 'Faugh-a-Ballagh' spirit to make sure we are as ready as we can ever be for the job ahead.

We are still selling wristbands! They are flying off the shelves, and will be the new thing to be seen with!

Mission Rehearsal Exercise