20120306 Newsletter Issue Issue 16

8/2/2019 20120306 Newsletter Issue Issue 16

1/28

Inside this issue:

29 AES - More fromSSgt Warren-Nicholsand the MalvernBridge

2

37 AES - Late arrivals

in Afghanistan

7

44 HQ & SP SQN - AHello from SSM Misun

14

77 Talisman SqnOp

Massive before

and after

17

11 Field Sqn - Great

work on Route Minley

22

Padre-under-progress 28

Baby Hector 29

Messages from the

editor

34

Issue 16

08 March 2012

Page 1

Commanding Officers Foreword

There has been a real sense of change across the Regimental Group thisweekas you would expect, we are now inMarch and our sights are firmly set on com-ing home. However, there is also a pervad-ing ground rush, the feeling that, with onlyweeks to do, there is still so much more toachieve. The combined Forces and Afghan

National Army with whom we support arealready planning more operations that willtake many of the Squadrons on demandingmissions right up until they board a plane tocome home. It will be a sprint finish.

Elsewhere, our successors are already arriving in spades. The specialists andforward elements of each Squadron are settling into life in Helmand, with mostconducting the 6-day Afghan training package. The main bodies of the newSquadrons arrive next week and the handover to 26 Engineer Regiment willbegin in earnest. Most of our own soldiers are now trying to balance a relent-less operational tempo whilst trying to prepare their equipment and resources

for the handover. 11 Field Squadron are being stretched to cover the gap sothat the main part of the Regiment is able to leave in good orderthey wont beleaving until the end of the month and will work for a few weeks under the com-mand of another Regiment.

Weve done a number of successful operations recently. The most high profilehas been the laying of a large mechanical bridge over the Nahr-e Saraj canalby the lads of the Force Protection Multiple. The site, overwatched by a CheckPoint called OQOB, its in a high threat area which consistently sees actionfrom insurgents. Thankfully, everything worked well, with 37 Armoured Engi-neer Squadron concurrently removing a Medium Girder Bridge nearby. Formany of those involved, it will have been their last operation of this deployment.

Much of our planning has also turned to the arrangements for our homecoming.We have been justifiably ambitious in our plans, both the soldiers and theirfamilies deserve a memorable and fun week to celebrate their reuniting and endof what has been for many a long and challenging six months. We are alsolucky to have many senior officers from throughout the Corps visiting the Regi-ment over those few celebratory days, with the main event been the MedalsParade on the 29 March. Many of our soldiers have invited families acrossfrom the UK to enjoy the Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers at the Beatingof the Retreat, the Thanksgiving Service in the Paderborn Cathedral (the Dom)and Medal Parade afterwards. I promise it will be a great series of events,which have all been made possible by the tenacity, patience and imagination ofthe Rear Operations Group, and WO2s Tippett and McGauley in particular. It

will be the highlight of the tour which I hope will set the Regiment up well for thesix weeks leave afterwards.

With just over two weeks to go, the end is firmly in sight


2/28

29 Armoured Engineer Squadron

Officer Commandings Foreword

I have been anticipating this penultimate Trojan Times introduction for a number of weeks now! After oversix months in Afghanistan it is a fabulous feeling to be approaching the end of our deployment and prepar-ing for handover to 8 Armoured Engineer Squadron. With some of the Squadron already back in Germanyand UK the reality is finally hitting home we are returning back to normality to see friends and family.

Despite that welcome distraction no one has takentheir focus away from the tasks left to complete or setup for our successors. There is plenty to do, particu-larly for the tireless team in the Squadron Echelonwho have to work to the last moment before we fly,but being busy helps the time pass quickly.

Two articles in this edition for you to read and enjoy;firstly the final article from the Malvern Crossing bySSgt Warren-Nicholls and secondly the constructionof vehicle check points by LCpl Marks (as promised in

the last edition!).The Squadron has now handed responsibility forKopak to 11 Field Squadron but a small band of deter-mined men from 5 Troop continue to fly around in heli-copters to upgrade the very basic bases to ensure theinfantry can live from them for the upcoming summer.The remainder of 5 Troop are just beginning the con-struction of a new check point in an area known asMalgir their building work is never finished. 4 Troop are expecting the imminent return of Cpl Debenhamand his Section after they completed the Route Langholm task and 6 Troop are in Camp Bastion prepar-ing to move back out to their previous home in Patrol Base Nahidullah. With the Malvern Crossing com-plete there is a great deal of regrouping going on to ensure we are ready to handover.

Well this is nearly it then! With 8 Armoured Engineer Squadron now here and through their mandatorytraining the Squadron is just about ready to return to Paderborn. With a busy week of celebrations aheadof us and the promise of a few well deserved beers all is looking up. The Medals Parade is looking likebeing a fantastic occasion everyone will receive their operational medal and I hope many of our familiesand friends will be there to share in the pride of such an event. LCpl Ogunnusi assures me all the medalsare engraved and ready for the big day too. It will be a superb moment and we are being honoured by theattendance of some very distinguished guests. I hope to meet many of the readers of Trojan Times in theDom or at the Medals Parade.

Best wishes,

Si Carvel

Page 2


3/28

Bridge over the Nahr e Bughra CanalSSgt Warren Nicholls

The task that has defined the success of the Sqn on Op Herrick 15 has been the Malvern crossing whichhas been a mix of tasks including road building, concreting and the bridge build. By the time you read thisthe project will be finished, the opening ceremony conducted, the rebasing of the Sqn and resources com-pleted and maybe, just maybe some of the ridiculous facial hair removed from the faces of the Sqn. Thefirst task completed was to construct the North bank concrete abutment.

This involved the Troop with a little help from the Infantry lifting the extremely heavy steel reinforcing cageinto place followed by the bigger challenge of mixing, pouring and compacting 17m 3 of concrete in twohours. This was all done under the watchful eye of WO2 Smith and the help of a bizarre looking yellowconcrete mixer acquired from Camp Bastion. The task diary reports that WO2 Smith was so happy withthe new concrete abutment that he was seen stroking it on a daily basis.

The plant team led by Sgt Bellis then took mud stacking to a new level, cubic metre after cubic metre ofearth was dropped, graded and rolled in order for the bridge to sit on. Cpl Ive never been bogged inMonks was so proud of his reputation that it took him an hour before asking for LCpl Isaac to recover himin the SLDT. The event is best described as an insect stuck to fly paper desperately trying to free itselfbut getting more and more stuck with every movement. This incident was nothing compared to LCplWalkers attempt to get out of doing some work, he was so stuck that it took an extra recovery vehicle fromMOB Price to assist to get him out. With the bridging area finished, the aforementioned planties were dulyproud of their work or at least they were until the bridge parts were unloaded, their pad being carved upand turned into a bridging site finally drove them over the edge with the SSgt Ellis, MPF (Plant Ninja) lastseen going on R&R to calm down.

Page 3

The bridge viewed from the small foot bridge


4/28

With the ground works completed, the main event could begin - theconstruction of the 67m 22 bay Logistic Support Bridge. The rehears-als that had taken place in Camp Bastion had paid off and the bridgesoon began to take shape. Cpls Tucker and Wall had it under controlwith the strict supervision of the bridge commander, SSgt WarrenNicholls. Panel after panel was attached to the bridge with vigour andenthusiasm. Even the most laborious of tasks, the bracing, was fin-ished with style and purpose and after 10 days of construction thebridge was finished ready for the world to see our efforts. The TFHDeputy Commander visited the site and was so impressed with ourwork that he gave a commanders coin to Spr Chadwick to thank himfor his efforts. My proudest moment was to stand in front of the 113 m

bridge weighing 170 tons something that has never been done in thelast half century and never in training.

The media day was a chance to show off the bridge to the public

and show our efforts to the military community through a BFBS filmcrew. The day was well planned, interviews were carried out, pic-tures taken and moustaches groomed and waxed. The highlight ofthe event was the final launch of the bridge onto the rollers, carriedout in complete silence despite an audience of over 20. I would sug-gest that the video is best viewed speeded up!

The task moved swiftly into thelast phase stripping the nose,

jacking down and completing theconnecting roads, ready for thehandover ceremony in earlyMarch. The project was con-ducted by a Troop whilst the re-mainder of the Sqn has beenworking hard in the Lashkar Gahand Nahr-e-Sarj. The legacy thatthe Sqn leaves is not only in thelarge projects that are easily seenand obviously beneficial to thewider community, but also the

small tasks that will help the even-tual transition to peace and pros-perity to the people of Afghanistanin their journey to a better future.

Page 4

Every detail being

covered Sprs

tighten the bolts

Under pressure with

the BFBS reporters

Malvern Bridging Troop complete with the OC


5/28

Vehicles get X Rayed in Helmand

By LCpl Marks

On the morning of 05 Feb, Sgt Richie Cunningham arrived at the flight line of Patrol Base (PB) Attal wait-ing for his flight with intrepid anticipation for the first of histhree Recces to be conducted. His task was to find suit-able locations along specified roads within the province toaccommodate two vehicles towing x-ray machines. Sev-eral locations were looked at and the winning one was lo-cated in front of PB Attal. It would require a little upgradingincluding the addition of a culvert for irrigation.

The first day on task was to place the culvert and getready for the civilian plant to arrive. With the use of ourown plant, a Light Wheeled Tractor (LWT) and its operatorSpr Thompson, we set to work excavating the depth re-quired for the culvert pipe. Speaking to the local farmer,he said the water was turned on for two hours every twoweeks to water his crops.

With this information and assessment, thesize of the first pipe wasnt capable of cop-ing with the amount of water that would be

released but with a larger pipe in place thefarmer was happy. To this day we have notseen a drop of water pass through it!

After waiting what seemed to be a life timethe civilian plant finally arrived. Differentvariants arrived ranging from a mediumwheeled tractor (MWT) to a water bowserfitted to a lorry. All looked good at firstupon their arrival until till they started to

unload. The vehicles were leaking oil and the fuel tanks were low. The majority of the issues were recti-

fied quickly and we got straight into work. Firstly, we levelled the ground to provide a flat surface so wecould start bouncing out, yes youguessed it, the large HESCO bas-kets along the road. This was toobscure the view of the public andprotect the operators. We only hadto fill 36 baskets but because of thesize (Mil 7) it took several hoursand also required a crane with hop-per to help.

Page 5

Important drill discussions

Out with the Culver

Members of the Backscatter

team


6/28

The following morning work began early, Afghani-stan time, at 9am as we relied on the civilian plant.The MWT was sent to a borrow pit to fill the dump-ers which were moving soil to the LWT which wasthen filling the hopper for the crane to lift and thenfill the top layer of HESCO. As it sounds, this was avery slow process due to refuelling, vehicles leak-ing oil and having a chat with their friends. Wemanaged to get 60% of the top row filled by thetime the contractors called it a day. Whilst this wasgoing on, the opposite side of Hesco wall was be-ing bounced out.

It was during this task Spr Robson fell into ahalf filled basket landing on his back. Wecouldnt determine the extent of his injuriesso he was carefully loaded into the bucket ofa LWT by Spr Shaw and Spr Darby, this wasthe only way to extract him quickly andsafely, and the doctor was called for immedi-ately. The medical team arrived swiftly with aspinal board and neck brace allowing him tobe strapped to LCpl Isherwoods Quad bike

and moved back to the PB for CASEVAC toBsn. That was us now down to 6 men andwhen Spr Griffiths became ill with stomachpains, we were down to only 5 with half of thetask still to complete. Enough for one day!

Following another Afghan early morning wecracked on with the task. Our MWT was nowworking correctly allowing us to fill the Hesco more quickly and also start the road which would lead vehi-cles into the check point for scanning. Once this was complete all that was left to construct the sangarwhich would protect those working in the check point.

The final day was fitting the roof to the new sangar and locating the

openings of the pipe running under the roadway which would be usedto places cables in. The plan to use metal to locate the ends hadworked, the pipe was intact and the string was still in place. The taskwas nearly finished; all that was left to do was the fencing. We haddone it in five days with 5 men for majority of it. Our two sick lads fromthe med centre hadbeen declared fit andjoined us to completethe fence. We movedback into the PB andspent the rest of the daypreparing and packing

our equipment in Lash-Kar Gah Durai for thenext task.

Page 6

Filling of HESCO

baskets

Taking a moment to

reflect

Trying to escape

the dustAll over the HESCO


7/28

37 Armoured EngineerSquadron


Welcome to the penultimate Trojan Times as we rapidly approach the end of our time here in Afghanistan.The last couple of weeks have seen a lot of comings and goings - we have said farewell to a few peoplereturning to Paderborn early for a number of reasons and also welcomed a few of our 'half time substi-tutes' - you will see an article from Spr Walkden be-

low. The first elements (as I write this seven people)of 33 Armoured Engineer Squadron who will take overfrom us shortly have also arrived - it's good to seethem.

But the tempo of tasks has not let up - we have a ma-jor operation still ongoing in one of our areas and youwill see from the articles below that everyone is stilldigging out right to the finish. Almost all of our worknow is in support of transferring responsibility for Af-ghanistan across to the Afghan Army and Police - ithas its own challenges but one thing is certain, thetransfer is working well.

Although there is still much going on it is impossiblenot to start thinking of the homecoming period and onfrom there to some well earned leave. I hope you arenow all in the picture as to the various events that areplanned - if you aren't then please do quiz your part-ner when they next ring, or of course get in touch withthe Sergeant Sean Killen or the welfare office who will

be able to help.

I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible at the Medals Parade on our return and standingproud next your soldier when we receive the Afghanistan Medal.

Guy Boxall

Page 7


8/28

Page 8

Late arrivals to Afghanistan

By Spr Johnnie Walkden 7 TroopDeploying to theatre a lot later than expected (6 Feb 2012), the journey begins. Arriving at Hannover Air-port at 11am, myself, Spr Seviour and Spr Roberts are waiting to join the rest of the Squadron in Afghani-stan.

After some delays (thanks RAF) we boarded the C17 aircraft to find that it would not be a normal flight.Amongst us were sat 23 search dogs also on their way to Afghanistan so any hope of getting some sleepon the plane went out of the window.

After a short stop in Turkey so that the dogs could stretch their legs(and possibly refuel the plane) we arrived in Camp Bastion in the earlyhours. Three hours later we were beginning our Reception Staging,

Onward Movement and Integration (RSOI) training. This mostly con-sisted of briefings and small exercises to ensure that we were current inthe most up to date training.

During the evenings, Spr Roberts and I started Op Massive. After ashort bus trip around Camp Bastion to the American PX shop we werestocked up on a selection of protein supplements and the notoriousblack powder (rumoured to be the OCs secret ingredient). While wewere working for the Rear Ops Group in Barker Barracks we had heardlots of stories about black powder and were keen to try it for ourselves.

The time soon arrived for us to leave Camp Bastion and we learnedthat we would be joining 7 Troop in MOB Price before moving on to

FOB Khar Nikah. On landing at Price I was met by a smiling Spr Peacewho helped me carry my kit, I had not seen him in a long time!

The next friendly face was LCpl Rigby who challenged me to a game oftable tennis before showing me around camp. Knowing that Riggers is a good competitor at most things(but a bad loser) I beat him 3-1, it must have been luck.

The week in Price saw us mostly sorting through our equipment and going to the Gym, though I did getmy first Afghan hair cut in the barber shop.

It was now time to join the rest of the Troop in Khar Nikah for what sounded like some good engineeringtasks. I am looking for-ward to seeing the rest

of the guys and gettingsome tasks done.

Despite the time spent inthe gym and the con-sumption of black pow-der I (disappointingly)still look the same sizeafter 3 weeks.

At CP BAHAR

Looking like its home time...


9/28

Page 9

PB RAHIM Memorial

By Spr Wayne Pascoe 8 Troop

We wanted to build a new memorial at PB Rahim to replace the existing one which was basically a ply-wood sheet with some sandbags at the base. I was keen to do a good job to the best of my ability as itwas for such a good cause especially as a close friends name would be on the final product. Having

never done a memorial before I used my imagination and cameup with an idea which was to try and emulate the one on campBastion. With limited stores and some decent materials, myselfand my trusty mate Spr Carter-Smith, were tasked to polish at**d as they say in Eight Troop.

Firstly, after doing the initial groundwork on the site it was timeto start cracking on with the build.... we stripped out an existingstructure to make a make-shift work area and this enabled us tobegin our task. It was chucked together with some exceptional joinery skills and it soon had the nick name of Obelisk (notsure what that is exactly but it sounded good). All material wasfrom an existing task and locally purchased so the quality of thecement was poor, but being a resourceful Sapper I powered onand led a small team with the concreting task. In terms of diffi-culties,we hadno ob-stacles

or setbacks...a cement mixer on site helped us mixthe concrete and this was poured in two stages toallow the form work to first set and finally cure.

Spr Carter-Smith and I allowed the concrete to setfor about 3 days until we were happy with the project. Once the memorial was complete and I washappy with my work we moved onto the final stage

of levelling off the existing ground and polishing thesurroundings with a simple earth anchor set andsome cordage. This was a nice touch as wesprayed them white and whipped the edges to en-hance my combat engineering skills.

On the whole, not a bad little task which went along way to pleasing the infantry at PB Rahim asthey were amazed what we can achieve with lim-ited stores for such a good cause.

There is nearly a

smile there!

Peek-a-boo


10/28

Page 10

Reflections on 6 Months with 8 Troop

By Sapper Paul Mackrill TA Extraordinaire

So after 6 months on Operation HERRICK 15 with 8 Troop there is much to reflect on and its hard to evenbegin to know where to start. With so many tasks to choose from and such a high tempo of work for 5months solid, it all feels like one long task. I guess one thing that stands out to me, is that during my timewith the Troop camaraderie between us all has been fantastic, even in the face of adversity there was al-ways a joke or a ribbing to be dished out to lift everyones spirits. But what really stands out to me is theTroop's willingness to accept 3 TA soldiers and not only make them feel like one of the Troop but also thewillingness to teach us all not only the skills we need but also new skills and bring on our existing skill set.After all we are only part timers and for the Troop to have afforded me the opportunity to deploy out of PBRahim continuously for the duration has been an honour. It is never easy for anyone to work with an un-

known quantity even on civilian street and for Lieutenant Abbott and Staff Sergeant Norman to have de-cided to take me out as part ofthe Troop is the first sign that Imight just have made the rightimpression prior to deploying toAfghanistan. For the membersof the troop itself to have ac-cepted me and Sappers Gill andTarpey speaks volumes aboutthe calibre and professionalismof all of 8 Troops members.

So what now I ask myself? WellI leave 8 Troop a much im-proved soldier and Sapper witha wealth of experience andknowledge which simply canonly be gained by mobilising asan individual TA soldier at-tached to a regular EngineerRegiment and actually gettingout on the ground and learningat the sharp end of a shovel.Lets be honest you cannot

teach this stuff in a classroom or on a training area over a weekend and even if you could it's no substitutefor doing it for real. So that leaves me with 2 questions, was it worth it? Yes without a shadow of a doubtit was worth it and not just for the experience. Would I do it again? Yes I would do it again without a sec-ond thought.

I leave Afghanistan with a lot of memories and the majority of them are good memories. Especially theone of Lance Corporal Atkinson disco dancing by the mortar pits at PB Bridzar, such a shame no one hada camera that day. So heres to 9 months with 8 Troop I could not have asked for a better group of peopleto have spent the time with.

I should add that I did not pay Sapper Mackrill to write this or threaten him with stag for the next few

weeks if I disapproved. Sapper Mackrill, Gill and Tarpey it has been an absolute pleasure come againany time you want. We wish you all the best for the future and hope to meet up soon.

Lt Abbott

Love over a sausage..


11/28

Page 11

OP Tufaan Babar 4 (Storm Lion)

By Cpl AJ Roberts 9 TP

The aim of Op TUFAAN BABAR 4 was to clear two areas of compounds near FOB Khar-Nikah and was tobe led by the Afghan Local Police under the supervision of Delhi Company the Yorkshire Regiment Royal Ghurka Rifles. The fact that this was a Police led operation was a big step forward as the localISAF checkpoints would be closing therefore leaving the local area under Afghan control and the securityof the population completely in their hands. Explosives were required at certain stages of the operation,therefore the Infantry required two expert Royal Engineers to accompany them - myself and SapperTommo Thompson flew from FOB Ouellette to FOB Khar-Nikah to join the Ghurkas.

On day one, we travelled to CP Pasab which was the staging point for everyone. Here a PWRR section

would join us and the Ghurkas and the plan was to insert into the area over a wet gap using an InfantryAssault Bridge under the cover of darkness. Luckily for the Infantry they had two expert Armoured Engi-neers with them that knew how to build the bridge, and as the old saying goes if at first you dont suc-ceed..get an Armoured Engineer to do it!' So I spent the afternoon teaching the Infantry how to build itand running rehearsals prior to the Op beginning later that evening.

Once H hour arrived, myself and 24 other members carried the bridge in sections 800 metres to the cross-ing site using our night vision equipment. Once we arrived at the site and got the go ahead, the Infantrybuilt the bridge under my command.

Once the search on the other side began, Spr Thompson and I returned to CP Pasab and waited to becalled forward if they needed explosives. By mid morning, we still hadnt been called forward due to theweather deteriorating. The ALP were however very happy. They gained some vital experience and have

come on in leaps and bounds in terms of their skills and drills, leaving Delhi Company extremely satisfiedand happy that the security of the population in this small area will be in good hands.

From my point of view it was a great experience to command the tactical insertion of an Infantry Platoonover a wet gap at night on operations. Which confirms that Armoured Engineers really are the Jack of alltrades.

27 Section

..posing again!


12/28

Page 12

FROM THE START TO THE END IN CF BURMA

By Spr Denzil Washington 9 Troop

9 Troop arrived in FOB Ouellette in early September. It was the first time out on the ground for many ofthe Troop and we were all eager to prove our skills in what felt like the busiest area for Engineer work inHelmand.

Immediately after arriving in Ouellette, itdawned on the whole troop that we had ourwork cut out to transform the place from beingan American base to a British run FOB. Thetasks included the strip-out and reconfiguration

of all the accommodation for the ISAF troops,the ANA compound and the ANCOP compoundwhich included the great wall of ANCOP.

Once everyone was in and settled, many moretasks were completed over the duration of thetour: ramps for the artillerys light guns, mortarpits, two areas for showers, a bulk fuel depot, afully functional medical centre, a re-surfacedhelicopter landing site and an ammunition stor-age building to name but a few! The areanow also has multiple outstations ranging in

size from small observation posts to platoonbases. These we have had to either construct from scratch or put important upgrades in place before thewinter rain started.

On top of this, the troop also had the vital task of keepingthe main road open, connecting two major towns in theprovince. On one occasion, this meant us getting crashedout at the night to urgently repair the road before morning.All tasks throughout the tour were completed swiftly andefficiently due the sheer number of tasks that we had toget through.

Now moving on to spend the last few weeks of the tour

elsewhere, we are happy knowing that we have done avast amount of work and made such a visible improvementto life for ISAF in the area.

Fob Ouellette Sangar build


13/28

Page 13

G4 It just happens

By Capt Joe Monaghan Ech ComdAs we welcome the initial crews from 33 Armd Engr Sqn with open arms, its clear that were suddenlynearing the end of tour. Although there is still a fair way to go and some important tasks to start and fin-ish, we can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The last couple of weeks have seen the G4 team flying in and out of the FOBs and PBs carrying out as-surance checks for the troops. We know they liken us to the Viz Bottom Inspectors, but we arrive withbags of questions and facts that make them feel like theyre under interrogation, put right the wrongs, givethem a hug then fly out again leaving them with a big warm fluffy blanket and Teflon umbrella.

Deliberately planned in a quiet period (not that there is such a thing here), it was still quite a challenge tosqueeze the G4 visits in. However, we managed to descend on each location with gusto and do what had

to be done. The hardest thing was adapting to FOB routine, or lack of it! With only two guys that had notbeen out of Bastion during the tour, it was more of a shock to them to see what really goes on.

During this issue we say farewell to our Spr Andy Hough, The Hough/Hoff or Hoff-Meister. He has beena real asset to the team, being top gunner for the OCs TAC, standing in for the Ops Rm and generallybeing a very flexible and all-round decent bloke within the dept. He has been a costly asset though. Ar-riving with a broad Scottish accent he required a costly translator, as 90% of people understood more Ara-bic or Pashtu than the unexplainable lingo he spouts. He has been known widely for his bor-athons whichat the start of the tour caused several incidents where people fell asleep whilst he was talking, creatingsome quite nasty cuts and bruising. He has been a real team player and although a bit of a ball-mong,has taken part in, and been a big part of everything the Ech and Sqn have done in Afghanistan. ThanksAndy, take care and we wish you the very best for the future and of course your next weekend camp.

The final weeks will see frenetic activity as we put everything in place to ensure a seamless transition be-tween us and the guys coming in. As much as we look forward to writing this is the last Ech Trojan Timessubmission', its still a way off yet. So until next time, take care.


14/28

44 HQ & SP SQN NEWS


By WO2 (SSM) S M Misun

With the absence of the OC Maj Chris Darke and Capt Andy Kerr coaching the TFH Cricket Team it has

been left to me to write the foreword for this month.

The end is nigh and the first

couple of soldiers from 38 HQ

& Sp Sqn have now arrived to

conduct their training prior to

the arrival of their Sqns main

body. Planning for the hand-

ing over of jobs and accom-

modation is at an advanced

stage and all of the guys now

know the rough date thatthey will be leaving theatre.

The date we hand over is

now Tue 20 March leaving us

with 3-4 days in a supervisory

role before heading to Cyprus

for decompression which just

about everyone is looking for-

ward to; it is one step closer

to home.

The weather has now turned for the better and the sun is shinning brightly; Op Bronze is now well under

way. The Sqn continue to work hard and morale looks like it is going to remain high right until the end.

The role that you as friends & families of the Sqn have played to each and everyone of us cannot be un-

der estimated. Thank you for all you have done and we look forward to seeing you all in a few weeks.

SSM 44

Page 14


15/28

You Call, we haul

By Spr Underhill

One month from the end and it is true to say that the intensity of work has not changed, and if anythingsped up at times. I have spent my tour attached to 65 Fd Sp Sqn who have had the responsibility of con-trolling the engineer resources yard. Well over a thousand ISOs bursting with various engineer stores Ihave had the task of maintaining and for the most part fixing all the mechanical equipment the Corps use.Part of a small fitter section we have turned the serviceability from 10% to 90% only held back from com-plete serviceability by the wait of crucial components sent from the UK.

Throughout the months there have been significant changes to the troop personnel but every member ofthe troop has stepped up, out of there comfort zones, and carried on with the job in hand.

Although my job as a Fitter has been to look after the mechanical aspects I have frequently had to lend ahand to the Resources personnel throughout the months. My perception of Res Specs was one of geekswho sat at there desks punching NSNs into the computer all day; however this is not true and I would betthat anyone who came to work on the yard for a week would appreciate how physically demanding the jobcan be at times.

The importance of sourcing equipment and providing it to the field squadrons quickly can not be forgotten.With the constant flow of SORs (Statement of Requirement) being dropped on Cpl Rais desk the priorityof the kit required has to be determined and prepared for the Fd Sqns to pick up. There is an aspect of thejob that involves working in an office but the majority of the work is done on the yard and with the Afghanwinter covering the majority of the tour the bitter cold and dreary days does take its toll on the men andmechanical handling equipment (MHE).

Page 15

Hard and work with

concentration on

the job


16/28

We as a troop have made significant changes to the Engineer Resources Yard, which no one could argueotherwise, have been for the better. With improvements to the account and general re-organisation of the

yard and working areas the efficiency of the job is greater than it has ever been.

As Fitters we have made major improvements to the working area. Winterising the area, building a work-ing platform and a sheltered work station, we have provided a brilliant platform for future Herricks fittersections to carry out the job. Creating appropriate storage for equipment has improved equipment careand husbandry. General improvement of facilities has enhanced the effectiveness of the section.

The lifejacket store has been reconditioned and the IER Inspector made a comment that the store out-shines the store in the UK, which is great satisfaction to LCpl Ruffley who has put a great effort in gettingthe store into this condition.

The new bridging yard has made managing the bridging capability of the Corp far more organised andprofessional. The inspection of the bridge components is more efficient due to the proper organisation.

Problems such as cross contamination and damage to bridge parts have been minimised. With one of thebiggest tasks of the Regiment being Malvern Bridge, having an organised Bridging Yard has made rectify-ing some of the problems encountered easier to tackle and in the big scheme of things get the bridge onthe ground on time and in excellent condition.

I thought the best way to get a proper perspective of how the tour has gone was to ask a few of the troopmembers to sum up there time here with a few words. They had similar opinions describing the tour aschallenging, physically and mentally arduous. Frustrating at times as solving one problem unearths sev-eral others. However we have continually laughed and joked and doing the squaddie thing of turning a badsituation around and making the most of what is available. Everyone is now ready to go home with the sat-isfaction that the tour has been a success.

Page 16

Enjoying a couple of

hours out of the office

visiting the flight line


17/28

77 TALISMAN SQUADRON NEWSOfficer Commandings Foreword

Dear Friends and Family of the TALISMAN Squadron wherever you are,

I am writing this on Thursday 1st March

and by the end of this month our work

in Afghanistan will be done - at least for

the time being; we will have handedover the reigns to the next TALISMAN

Sqn whos arrival is imminent; we will

mostly have been reunited with our

loved ones and we will have com-

menced some exceptionally well

earned holiday.

Morale remains high and for all but the

crazy few, we are looking forward to

the end. However our job is not yet

done and our focus remains firmly onthe operations similar to those I have

alluded to throughout the tour. I am

pleased to let you know that the efforts of the TALISMAN Sqn have been recognised by the Commander

of the Task Force awarding a number of Coins (a form of commendation) to individuals.

In the side lines of these operations new activity is starting to take place. The troop articles which follow

give a flavour for these. They include a last ditch attempt to succeed on Op MASSIVE (described by Spr

Franks); Op SASAMAKI which is the Fijian for CLEAN UP (LCpl Kositino) and the whole thing wrapped up

from the female perspective (LCpl Marsh).

I also wanted to let you know that we have a team of three imparting their 6 months of experience to the

Australian Army during their introduction of a similar capability to TALISMAN in another part of the coun-try. Capt Barrett, Sgt Edwards and Cpl Yaravoli have reported all is well, they are being looked after like

royalty (although no sign of a bbq yet) and are able to make a significant difference.

That is all from here for now. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Sam Hughes

Page 17


18/28

Op Massive

Spr Franks 10 Tp

There are many different types of people who go to the gym and here are just a few:

The Part Times People who talk a good gym session but lack the motivation to get out of bed. How-

ever have the audacity to call you lazy on your 1 rest day a week! Normally has a huge stash of

protein and other supplements half used.

The Know it all Who knows nothing at all except what everyone knows but feels the need to tell you

that a bicep curl works your bicep. Thanks for that!

The Screamer Easily recognisable due to a gritted teeth and bulging forehead followed by a huge

clash of weights as they are dropped to the ground. Natural enemys with the Social.The Social Hard to spot at first until they come your way. More interested in exercising their mouths

then their muscles, usually seen sat on a bench watching TV with mates.

The Mirror Man Thank god no one put mirrors in the bastion 3 gym or there would be a surge of

tensing and lunges I dont think I could stomach. However poke your head round the sinks in the

bathroom and you are likely to see it!

The Hoarder One man with 6+ weights.

The Dj Due to the lack of decent music on BFBS it is a must that someone brings an iPod and a

docking station to the gym. However please be aware whos IPod you have. Last thing you need

when working out is Happy Hardcore blasting in your face.

The RegularsAKA the Regs, the gym faithful who are their one or twice every day, all the gym

regs recognise each other and there is an aurora of self-respect between one another.

The Fashion Parade All the Gear no idea, normally associated with the social, stands out a mile in

their brand new gloves and trainers which are still bright white.

The Panic PT As tour is coming to an end there has been a massive surge in panic gymers, people

who think they can get ripped in 4 weeks.

Before AfterWARNING Beware of Op Bronze coming soon!

Page 18

Got YourTickets!


19/28

WORKING IN TALISMAN, A FEMALE PERSPECTIVELCpl Marsh 11 Tp

Working in Talisman with the Engineers has been a very interesting experience. Having previously comefrom a Medical regiment which was predominantly female, suddenlybeing one of only 4 girls in the squadron was a bit of a shock.

I met my troop just before we deployed to Jordan for exercise, andfrom the very first parade I got ripped! The fact that I'm Welsh andhave a very strong accent probably didn't help my case. Everything Isaid for about the first two months was immediately repeated by a

bunch of wannabe Nessa`s adding an 'A' to the end of every word. Itmade teaching medical lessons a bit difficult but I soon got my ownback when it came to practising with tourniquets, more than one ofthe troop left those lessons with bruisesround their legs!

Being on tour with them is no different. Itsgreat being a girl in a male environmentand getting to be one of the lads. It is notso great being stuck in a Mastiff with just

lads however! Aside from their farting, needing to go to the toilet but being un-able to because youre stuck with a bunch of blokes for 17 hours is not an en-

joyable experience!As far as the work goes, the attitude is very simple. If the guys can do it thenwe can do it too. These guys took their equality and diversity lessons to heart!

Being a female or a medic makes nodifference, Whether its ranges, P.T orvehicle maintenance , we are expected to get involved, which isgreat, aside from the vehicle maintenance part! There's no divi-sion, no one gets left out and everyone gets stuck in together

After work things don't change. I spend my time with the ladswatching films or chatting, or debating why Wales is obviously thebest country in the UK. Sometimes we bring out the feminine side

in them too. There have been more than the odd occasion whensome of the guys (from 12 Tp) have joined in having face masksand watching chick flicks like My Sisters Keeper, one of themeven cried.

I have really en-joyed my time onthis tour with Tal-

isman. Its like having a Troop full of brothers, Some arelike big brothers looking out for you and there for you whenyoure feeling down, and most of the others are likeyounger brothers driving you crazy and annoying you! And

of course there's always troop dad! It is like having a familyaround. Although I'm looking forward to some leave nowand lots of girl time!!!

Page 19

A little girly time with

Closer

Enjoying a laugh with the other

girls

Having a laugh with the lads

You have to keep a smile

on your face


20/28

OPERATION SASAMAKI

By LCpl Ray The Steelman` Kositino & LBdr Davies

SASAMAKI in the Fijian language means Clean Up. The operation was conducted by a few enthusias-

tic men of 12Tp in preparation for leaving Afghanistan on our final, hopefully never come back, journey

home to Germany and the UK. This operation began on the morning of

the 29th Feb even though we have 25 days left on our tour, the Quarter-

master EOD (keener bloke) decided that all ditches and trenches that we

dug out while our rooms were flooded on Jan 21st has to be backfilled.

What happens if it rains again? To our amazement SSgt John Devito

Braithwaite reckons that there will be no more rain. Just because he

wants to sunbathe everyday and have a tan like the Steelman, he is ada-

mant that it will be, and I quote Dude its going to be liquid Sunshine forthe month of March. Do you know what I mean, skelly bob? (Is he the

Weatherman? Not!!)

The OPERATION SASAMAKI B Team consists of HMEE Operator Spr

Sean I'm dating a trainee Dentist Bourner, Spr Tom The Shovelman

Egan and Spr Jay The Conductor Jamison who orchestrates the back-

filling of the ditches that the 10Tp Operator attempted to dig. The A Team

consists of The Steelman and The Sniper who did not have the luxury of

the HMEE and because we are harder than the Russian Shotput Team,

we filled it by hand with only 1

shovel and we manage to finish our task ahead of the machine.LCpl Lee Huntley Gorbutt and LCpl Matthew The Biggest Head in

Nato Carter decided to join the A Team when the task was near

completion, however Huntley was mistaken for an extra shovel and

was jammed head first into the ditch and then was quoted to say

This wont have happened in my day. LCpl The Head Carter was

being used as a Sunshade, but the problem was, his head was

causing a shadow over the whole of Bastion 3 and this raised a few

complaints from the whole camp while everyone was trying to sun-

bathe.

The weaker members of theTroop were also given the task of hanging the doors on Those bloody

cupboards large cupboards we made for vehicle spares. The team

consists of Spr Christopher The Marine Johnson, Spr Bill I dont

deserve the Search Coin Matley, Spr Christie Half-a-tour Pritchard

and Spr Mark Moonbather Henderson. Under the watchful eye of Cpl

Ali G Taylor they carried on with their task and it took them all morn-

ing to hang 4 doors. Well done the Z- Team.

We are now counting down the days to the end of tour but between

now and then, we are pretty sure that there will be more tasks coming

our way. We are looking forward to seeing the sad faces of our re-placements in the next couple of days, and we are not sure that they can carry on the LEGACY that The

Steelman and The Sniper have left behind.

Till next time.

Page 20

TALISMAN making their own

waffle fields

The A team

The Steelman doing it by

hand!


21/28

Talisman Fitters

By Cfn Barnsey Barnes

Well once again it has been a busy period in Talisman Fitter Section, this has come as a result of some

very mysterious vehicle faults and just sheer unluckiness in some genius vehicle recovery serials.

This period saw some members of the fitter section turn to the almighty one (and no, before anyone gets

any ideas, I am not talking about Chuck Norris). LCpl Craig Wesley Walker successfully added Reverend

to his vast collection of titles courtesy of Google search. After

fully devoting himself to the cause for the past 4 months he has

emerged the other end of the tunnel fully enlightened to his true

calling in life, mainly being miserable and trying to cancel Christ-

mas.

The fitter section as usual has been very busy supporting the

troops on the various ops they have been conducting. One par-

ticular op saw Cfn Hoover Simpson and LCpl Prop shaft Sloan

successfully recover a HMEE bucket after the vehicle snapped a

main hydraulic ram whilst trying

to self recover out of boggy

ground. This was after a previous

incident in which the Buffalo crew reported a loud banging noise when

driving, after a visual inspection by LCpl Sloan he reported to Cfn Simpson

that the front prop shaft was hanging off. This is obviously a serious fault

that would impact on the success of the whole operation. After a closer

inspection by Cfn Simpson it became apparent that the front prop shaft

was actually very secure and it was in fact the bonnet being loose that was

creating the noise. The bonnet being the big thing on top of the engine and

a prop shaft being under the vehicle!

Whilst this month the fitter section has had a few hiccups, our good friends

the engineers have also had their fair share. One example being our most

reliable HMEE operator LCpl Mike Master Switch Malloy reporting that he

had no power being supplied to his vehicle, thus being unable to start up.

After a quick two minute diagnosis it became apparent that he had turned

his batteries off and they simply needed to be turned back on.

Finally the shop floor is looking empty and there is

a big space where the duty Landover used to live

in a permanent state of disarray. The vehicle has

now been fixed and left the premises but not be-

fore LCpl Craig Walker got a chance to make

some alterations to his footwear.

All in all it has been a very busy period but finally

with the Chuff charts are now beginning and hand

over/ take over in sight, end of tour finally looms

with much needed leave closely followed.

Page 21

The Craig and Barnsey

recovery

No wonder

the duty

Land Rover

was off the

road for so

long!

Practicing the art of the crane


22/28

Page 28

PADRES PROGRESSPadres Progressthere is an assumption in the title I originally called this regular contribution to the Tro-

jan Times. An assumption that I would progress. Have I? Well, if you take one meaning of the word whichis used to describe a persons progression around the countryside (as in the Tudor times when kings andqueens went out and about to be seen by the people), then that has been achieved. My statistics show(you see, we might be pink and fluffy as chaplains but we can produce the occasional spreadsheet too!)that I have been on over 40 helicopter trips and made over 30 visits of varying lengths to over 15 differentlocations. So that is one sort of progress achieved.But what about a personal progression? A personal journey of growthor achievement or effortphysically, emotionally, mentally, and spiri-tually?Often these areas overlap each other or a part of one another; theyare not often very clear cut. I suppose one example would be to dowith those helicopters.I am not sure how honest I was back in Sep-

tember after my first Chinook flight. It was horrendous and I justwanted to go home there and then as I staggered off it feeling ill andterrified. I never wanted to get on one again and I had to do somesharp talking to myself on that occasion since I was travelling out tothe first IED incident of my tour. I needed to sort my priorities out on awhingeing basis!! The EOD OC I travelled with related, with somedelight, the shade of white that drained down my face as the flight progressed.My first reaction on returning to Bastion was to go to the hospital to get some strong travel pills. On con-fessing this to a certain RSM, he told me that he was not impressed and that I was not to take the pillsIignored him and took them on the next trip! However I then did decide to stop taking them (did not want toconfess again to said RSM!) and I have kept to that ever since.So where was I back in September? Physically: stomach all over the place. Emotionally: tearful but notshowing it. Mentally: needing a good Alice in Wonderland talking to myself moment. Spiritually: feelingvery lonely and not liking Gods sense of humour at all.Never going to win any best-dressed padre competition like this!Five months later I am travelling again with same OC It begins with theusual 90 minute wait at a freezing cold HLS late at nightit continues withthe usual staggering out over the stones and boulders bigger than ChesilBeach as they land the first helicopter.. As I crouched down to withstand thedown draught, my knee and the front of my thigh cramped and I was unableto straighten up. I had to be hauled up to a standing position very undigni-fied! Thenthe second one arrives just as we stand (note to self and OC :should have stayed crouching). I had no chanceI was off balance from be-

ing hauled upright, tired, cold, and the next thing I knew I was flat on my sideand front some distance away! I had not fallen overI had left the groundand been blown over!!. It then took two to haul me up this time (honestly I amnot that heavy but this was of course plus body armour and day sack!) be-fore they ran and I staggered onto the helicopter. But.no damage doneexcept a rather bruised knee and even more bruised pride.I am still chuckling to myself at intervals over the whole incident; especiallywhen the OC said later that he was just suddenly aware of me whooshingpast him at great speed. I wish I could have captured the moment in a photoor video or a cartoon!Progress made? Lessons learnt? Yes. Physically: keep warm. Mentally: dont stand up before the secondhelicopter has landed. Emotionally: be able to laugh at yourself. And spiritually: in the midst of difficult

situations know that there is always someone there to pick you up as you whoosh past, whether it be anOC or God!God keep youPadre-under-progress Clare Callanan

Shivering in the

helicopter

Visiting the Malvern Bridge


23/28

Baby Hectors page!

Can you read out the

names of the coloursand not the colour of

the words?!SPRINGTIME WORD SEARCH!

Page 29


24/28

A long six months are now coming to an end. There have been highs and lows , some

may have enjoyed it, some may not have enjoyed it so much but what I do have is hardcore evidence that there have been many smiles during the tour. Here are just afew..

Page 30


25/28

Page 31


26/28

Page 32


27/28

Page 33

Afghanistan specific terms

Op - Operation, mission, task (not surgery)

PB - Patrol Base

CP - Check Point

SANGAR - A watch tower which is manned 24 hours a day to provide protection to a base

Stag - standing in the sangar keeping watch and providing protection

JOB - Joint Operating Base

FOB - Forward Operating Base

NES (S) - Nahr-e Saraj South

NES (N) - Nahr-e Saraj North

NDA - Nad-e Ali

TFH - Task Force Helmand

ISAF - International Security Assistance Force

ANSF - Afghanistan National Security Force

ANA - Afghan National Army

ANP - Afghan National Police

IED - Improvised Explosive Device

SAF - Small Arms Fire

SOP - Standard Operating procedure

Formations

Sect - Section

Tp - Troop

Armd Engr Sqn - Armoured Engineer Squadron

Fd Engr Sqn - Field Engineer Squadron

Hq & Sp Sqn - Headquarters and Support

Squadron

Ranks

Spr - Sapper

LCpl - Lance Corporal

Cpl - Corporal

Sgt - Sergeant

SSgt - Staff Sergeant

WO2 - Warrant Officer Second Class

WO1 - Warrant Officer First Class

Lt - Lieutenant

Capt - Captain

Maj - Major

Lt Col - Lieutenant Colonel

Glossary


28/28

HESCO - Large flat packed containers made of thick strong wire containing a large sandbag.

The sandbag is filled with sand to produce a large protective brick. The individual HESCO blocks

are then used like giant bricks to produce a protective wall for our bases.

HLS - Helicopter Landing Site

Barma - Our drill used to find Improvised Explosive Devices with a hand held metal detector.

Equipment

MASTIFF - Large armoured truck with a with a heavy machine gun for protection.

TALISMAN - A series of vehicles used to clear a route of improvised explosive devices.

HUSKY - Another type of large armoured vehicle.

MWT - Medium wheeled tractor (dump truck).

SLDT(P) - Self Loading Dump Truck (Protected) - A small dump truck.

Apache - Ugly looking attack helicopter.

Chinook - Large helicopter featured in the film Big Friendly Giant.

Sea-king - Royal Navy helicopter used as search and rescue in the UK.

Merlin - Medium to large Royal Air Force and Navy helicopter used to move Troops around from

base to base.

Messages from the Editor

With the end of tour finally in sight it is important that friends and family are aware of the

welcome home events that are going to be taking place. Details have been passed to all

members of the Regiment so if you have any questions please ask your loved ones or al-

ternatively speak with the families office in Barker Barracks.

Thank you all for your support through out the duration of HERRICK 15. I hope this news-

letter has helps to give you an insight into the kind of things your loves ones will havebeen involved in during their time in Afghanistan. With one last edition of the Trojan

Times left to be published around the 25 March I would like to say thank you to you all and

I hope you all enjoy some much needed time with your loved ones in the very near future.

Documents

20120306 Newsletter Issue Issue 16