Week 23 - Commanding Officer's Notes

Cpl Dempsey, an OMLT BG member, was killed in action on Monday 18 August by a Taliban Pressure Pad IED on the shoulder of the Gereshk Valley just north of Patrol Base ATTAL. In addition, 3 other members of Cpl Dempsey's team received wounds and are being treated in hospital. Cpl Dempsey came across to the OMLT BG from 2 SCOTS shortly after our arrival in theatre to reinforce our medical section. He played a full role as a mentor, a soldier and a medic. He was a very good man. He will be sorely missed. We pray for his soul and his wife and young family.

Kdk4 and OMLT 4 are now complete in Garmsir and have taken over 3 patrol bases and a headquarters location. Their move was successful, and familiarisation patrols are underway. Kdk 2 and OMLT 2 returned from their emergency deployment to Nad eAli. Initially, their time was spent in relatively benign circumstances reassuring the locals and restoring police to their abandoned check points. However, just before their planned departure they had some excitement when the enemy probed in strength. OMLT 2 supported by Attack Helicopter managed to inspire the ANA to fight off the attack. The enemy suffered numerous casualties. The ANA lost 1 man killed.

This week amongst the usual stream of visitors and military tourists was the Prime Minister. Mr Brown spoke to a grouping of soldiers gathered at Camp Bastion. Later, I introduced him to Brigadier General Muhaiyodin, commander 3/205 Brigade ANA.

Yesterday, I entered marathon negotiations to prevent the deployment of Kdk 2 back into Nad E Ali. Gen Muhaiyodin had been receiving dramatic reports of sizeable enemy formations laying siege to his men in the area. We lacked any British presence in the area and thus could not easily establish ground truth. I had other and conflicting plans for Kdk 2 and did not wish to see them head off again on an unplanned mission chasing a mobile elusive and possibly ghost enemy. This incident is an example of the potential tension between Afghan interpretation and the sovereign priorities versus the coalition plan and a different view. Technology helped me win the day. I convinced Gen Muhaiyodin to join me as I drove him across to Camp Bastion to an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) ground control station. As we manipulated the UAVs, real time imagery showed the current situation and recorded footage the period of the alleged massive enemy assault. Furthermore, over time the live link allowed me to demonstrate the Coalition Forces reinforcement convoy coming to support his 'beleaguered' men. This did the trick. Faith in the British restored and Kandak 2 and OMLT 2 are back on track for the planned mission.        

E B M FREELY
Lieutenant Colonel
Commanding Officer
1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment