Thousands of local people lined the streets of Newark, Nottinghamshire to cheer the proud members of 2nd Battalion, the Mercian Regiment when they marched through the town yesterday.

Yesterday's Freedom Parade followed on from equally popular marches on Friday in Glossop and Monday in Ripley.

Their CO Lieutenant Colonel Colin Marks, said: "Our links with Nottinghamshire go back for over 200 years and they are more important to us now than they have ever been. We continue to enjoy tremendous support from the local communities. These marches are an opportunity for us to say thank you to our families, friends and everyone back at home."

Today 2 Mercian are marching through Mansfield. The boys will be getting tired 'cos after that they still have four more parades to go:
March 18th - Ashbourne Parade
March 19th - Freedom of Matlock Parade
March 19th - Freedom of Chesterfield Parade
March 20th - Homecoming Parade through Redditch

Well done, 2 Mercian!    Well done Newark!

The Sun: Thousands salute their heroes
BBC: Troops march through Ripley town centre in Derbyshire
Flickr: 12th March 2010 Parade through Glossop, Derbyshire, England

Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid of 11 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Regiment, the Royal Logistic Corps was killed in Afghanistan on 31st October 2009 when the IED he was disarming exploded; it was the 65th IED he had had to deal with during his five months on the frontline. He died on his last mission just before he was due to return home.

S Sgt Schmid's exceptional courage and professionalism had saved the lives of many of his friends and comrades in 2 Rifles Battle Group.

Described by his CO simply as "the bravest and courageous man I have ever met" and by his friends as "a legend who stared death in the face", S Sgt Schmid is to be awarded the George Cross for his bravery.

The GC ranks alongside the VC as it is the highest military award for outstanding heroism not in the presence of the enemy.

Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid GC, hero

The Times: Bomb disposal hero to get George Cross
MoD: Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid killed in Afghanistan

also
The Independent: Gallantry awards to mark brutality of Afghan combat

The Basra Memorial Wall was rededicated yesterday in a service alongside the National Armed Forces Memorial at Arlewas.

The Memorial Wall, on which inscribed the names of the 178 British servicemen and women and one MoD civilian who died in Iraq during operation TELIC, had originally been set up outside the UK HQ in Basra by British soldiers in remembrance of their fallen comrades.

With the withdrawal of British forces from Iraq, the families and friends of those named on the Memorial Wall began what was to be come a three-year campaign to get the government to agree to bring the monument to their loved ones back to the UK.

It was a hard-fought campaign since labour ministers were reluctant to agree to the repatriation. However after much public and service pressure, an agreement was eventually dragged out of them and the Basra Memorial Wall now stands in its place of honour in the grounds of the National Arboretum at Arlewas.

What is particularly significant about this Memorial is that it was conceived, set up and maintained by British soldiers themselves who added a new plaque, bearing name and regiment, each time one their comrades was killed. At the service Stephen Robbins, Chaplain General to the Armed Forces recalled how members of 37 Armoured Engineer Squadron had built the Wall on their own initiative and in their own time, often in darkness after a day’s work.

It was fitting therefore that the dismantling, transportation and re-erecting of the Wall were all carried out by current members of 37 Armoured Engineer Squadron.

Almost 500 family and friends attended the re-dedication service along with leading members of the Armed Forces; political leaders were also present.

Carol Jones, whose son Sergeant John Jones from 1st Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, was killed in 2005 when a roadside bomb blow apart his Snatch Land Rover, said at the ceremony: “It’s the closing of a book for me. I’ve cried more today than I have in all the last four and a half years..... [John] was a good lad, a very good lad. .... They hadn’t even a medications box with them, they could do nothing.” Carol, who had been refused permission to visit the Wall when it was in Basra, played a leading role in the campaign to bring the Wall home.

Another leader of the campaign was Brian Tanswell who laid a wreath on behalf of all the familes. Brian, whose son Lieutenant Tom Tanswell was killed in Iraq in 2006, said: "I feel honoured to lay the wreath on their behalf and take comfort from knowing this memorial is here for us, in its rightful place in the UK, an everlasting tribute to our loved ones, where families, friends and comrades can come and remember them."

“There is the national memorial but this is the military one. This was the one made by the boys for the boys,” explained Roger Bacon, whose son Major Matthew Bacon, 34, of the Intelligence Corps was killed by a roadside bomb in 2005.

As Carol Jones pointed out, this is not the government’s wall. “It was put up by our sons’ friends, in honour of our sons. It belongs to us.”

MoD: Basra memorial wall rededicated in UK
The National Arboretum: Basra Memorial Wall rededication

Aquilavictrix: Basra Wall begins its journey home
Aquilavictrix: Basra Wall is coming home

Until the recent arrival of additional US troops in Helmand, UK forces had been responsible for the security of 70% of the total Afghan population with only 30% of the coalition troops.

This statistic in itself underlines how heroic have been the achievements made by British forces so far in Helmand - not only in providing dramatically improved security to such a large proportion of the Afghan people but also in delivering the enhanced stability that enables reconstruction to take place.

The arrival of an additional 12,000 US marines has meant that UK forces can be released from protecting such places as Musa Qaleh and redeploy into deeper and more effective formations in central Helmand. This rebalancing will allow British troops to deliver yet more security as well as freeing up the time and resources necessary to extend their training and mentoring role with Afghan National Army (ANA) and Afghan National Police (ANP).

UK forces first deployed to Musa Qaleh in summer 2006 since when dramatic progress has been made. Insurgent activity in the district centre has been contained and greater security has been brought to the area - a direct result of the developing partnership between UK and the ANA and the ANP. However, as Defence Secretary Ainsworth said when paying tribute to British troops: "We must never forget the 23 brave service personnel who gave their lives to make Musa Qaleh an area in which Afghans can go about their daily lives in security and under strong, stable governance".

Although responsibility for security in Musa Qaleh will pass to the Americans, reconstruction will remain a British responsibilty. Already healthcare, education (2,300 kids in school when two years ago there were none) and employment have all improved and there has been a tangible increase in commercial activity in the bazaar and markets. Work will soon be starting on a new local government centre and other civic infrastructure projects.

Speaking ahead of the handover to the US Marine Corps, Lt Col Harry Fullerton, CO the Household Cavalry Regiment said: "The important thing to stress is that what they are taking over is a British success story, British battle group's have been here over the past years and they have progressively expanded the area of governance, it hasn't been without its cost but it has been a cost worth making in order to deliver success for the British Army, the British Government and most importantly the people of Afghanistan."

Job well done!

MoD: Household Cavalry commander reports on challenging three months in Helmand

Question: "What does it feel like to pick up a live grenade?"

Answer: "When I saw the grenade there and thought, aw, I just hope it doesn't hurt too much. I knew that I had to get it away from us and, as I picked it up I thought that, if this doesn't come off or I hadn't done this, the result's going to be exactly the same. My main thoughts were for the other guys, Captain Kerr and Rifleman Holcombe because we had lost Corporal Green the day before and I wasn't prepared to see another guy from my platoon get hurt, even if that meant that I got hurt myself."

These are the words of Rifleman James McKie of Reconnaissance Platoon, 3 Rifles when recounting how, in the middle of a fire-fight, he picked up a Taliban grenade which had landed amongst his patrol and hurled it off the roof where the guys had taken up position. The grenade exploded on its way down into the alley just a couple of feet away. This act most probably saved the lives of all three of them.

When asked whether he would be going back to Sangin straight away, Rfn Mckie replied: "I can't wait to get back there. I really miss the other guys and it would absolutely break me if another one of them got hurt while I was out here waiting to repatriate Greeny. I'm sure they understand but it doesn't make it any easier for me. If anything, if we can get a few more of them, it's worth it."

Talking to the media back home in New Zealand, James said: "I love soldiering. I love being here in Afghanistan. Obviously bad things happen and I can't go back and change it, but what I can do is try and stop things happening around me. As far as the military experience goes, this is the ultimate for a career soldier."

Rifleman McKie said of the incident, in Sangin on March 3rd: "People keep telling me how brave I am. I'd like to think that anyone in that situation would have done the same or something similar because you can't just sit there and let yourself or other people get hurt."

Whatever you may think, James, everyone else thinks that was a bloody brave thing to do! What a hero!

. . . . . .

Sadly Rifleman Jonathon Allott, another guy from Rfn McKie's battalion was killed a short time after this interview.

BBC: British soldier throws back a grenade to save lives
TVNZ: NZ hero back from Afghanistan in May

250 soldiers of 1st Battalion The Welsh Guards marched through the streets of Cardiff yesterday to a hero's welcome from hundreds of well-wishers lining the streets of the city.

The Battalion returned from a tough six month tour in Afghanistan in October. Seven of their number lost their lives in the fighting including their CO, Lt Col Rupert Thorneloe; the others to lose their lives were Major Sean Birchall, Pte John Brackpool, LCpl Dane Elson, Lt Mark Evison, LSgt Tobie Fasfous, Gdsm Christopher King.

During their tour the Welsh Guards were a key component of the major summer offensive known as Operation PANCHAI PALANG (PANTHER's CLAW) and captured the towns of Chah-e Anjir and Basaran, both of which were under Taliban control.

Now, back home in Wales, the guys are receiving due recognition for their valiant work fighting the Taliban. Guardsman Christopher Davis said: "To see all the support that we get is great and it's nice for our families to see us marching. It does bring back memories though, especially of the guys who didn't make it back. It would have been nice if they could have been marching with us."

The Freedom of the City of Cardiff Parade will be followed by other homecoming parades across Wales. Marches will be taking place:
March  8th - Swansea
March 11th - Merthyr Tydfil
March 12th - Newport
March 16th - Bridgend
March 24th - Caernarfon
March 26th - Rhyl

The Cardiff parade also marked the launch of Armed Forces Day 2010. Cardiff has be chosen to be the focus of the national celebration which this year will be taking place on June 26th. Brigadier Russ Wardle, Commander of the Army in Wales, said: “Armed Forces Day is designed to be an opportunity for the nation to express its gratitude to the men and women who have served in the armed forces for them and it is a chance for the armed forces to show themselves off a bit. I have no doubt Cardiff will put on a great show.”

Well done, the Welsh Guards! Well done, Cardiff!

Cymru am Byth!

BBC: Welsh Guards stage homecoming parade in Cardiff
MoD: Welsh Guards launch Armed Forces Day 2010 at parade
MoD: Welsh Guards return from Afghanistan
MoD: Welsh Guards in action in Operation Panther's Claw (video)

Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal

Private Robert Foster was one of the nine soldiers of 1st Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment who lost their lives in the service of their country during the Battalion's previous tour in Afghanistan in 2007.

Since then his family has been trying to have Robert's name engraved on the War Memorial in his home town of Harlow.

Both the local branch of The Royal British Legion and Harlow Council, however, have said that this cannot be done - that the Memorial Cross has to be restricted to those who died in WW1 & WW2. This is despite the fact that the War Memorials Act allows a council to add names to a war memorial whether it owns it or not. The name of Pte Aaron McClure, a fellow Viking who was killed alongside Pte Foster, has been inscribed on the War Memorial in his home town of Ipswich and many other towns have been proud to honour their boys in a similar way.

Harlow Council have come up with an alternative proposal and now intend to build a low curved wall to the back of the railed area around the Cross, as a memorial to all of those with a strong connection to Harlow, who have given their lives in service in conflicts since 1945. Brass plaques would be attached to the wall, setting out the name and regiment of the deceased, the date of death, and the conflict in which they were serving. This is an idea taken from the Basra Memorial Wall (see below) which has recently been repatriated from Iraq and re-erect in the grounds of the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Arboretum, Arlewas.

War memorials stand in every village, town and city across the country. They are the focus of the Nation's remembrance. It is absolutely right that the names of all those who have given their lives fighting for their country should be honoured and remembered on them.

As Robert's parents said: "I don't think we're asking for the world. We're just asking for a name to be put on a memorial." ....... "It's actually quite a simple thing, when you think about it. It doesn't take much at all."........."To finish the story his name should be on the War Memorial."

BBC: Parents fight for son's name on war memorial (video)
BBC: Family fight for memorial honour
Harlow Council: Memorial to Private Robert Foster

The service to rededicate the Basra Memorial Wall, the monument to the 178 UK Service personnel and one MoD civilian who lost their lives on Operation TELIC in Iraq, will take place at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire on Thursday, 11th March 2010.

The Memorial Wall was built by soldiers for soldiers at their base in Basra during the war in Iraq. It took a hard-fought campaign by the families of the Fallen to bring the Memorial home. It is fitting that the Memorial has now been re-erected by soldiers in the Armed Forces Memorial grounds at Arlewas in the heart of the country.

Chief Executive of the National Memorial Arboretum, Charlie Bagot Jewitt, said: "Many of our memorials provide a way for the nation to acknowledge its fallen men and women. The Basra Memorial Wall is different, as it was conceived, built and maintained by the colleagues of those that died. As a result, it has assumed an even greater poignancy. The Arboretum will be a fitting home for the wall."

Never forgotten

MoD: Service to mark Basra Memorial Wall's rededication in the UK
The Sun: Homecoming for the fallen heroes

For the second year motorcyclists from across the UK converged on the National Arboretum yesterday to pay their respects to the servicemen and women who have been killed in the service of their country.

5,000 bikers made the Ride To The Wall 2 this year not only to honour the dead but also to raise funds for the maintenance of the memorial - organisers hope to exceed last year's total of £10,300.

Dozens of veterans with military medals pinned on to their riding leathers and a major general in uniform were among those at a service of remembrance.

The UK event is similar to the annual 'Rolling Thunder Ride For Freedom' motorcycle rally which takes place over the US Memorial Day weekend in Washington DC. This year as many as half a million veterans and bikers rolled down Pennsylvania Avenue in tribute to US war heroes.

In only its second year the number of bikers who took part in the UK event this year far exceeded the expectations of the organisers.

Well done, Bikers of Britain!

BBC: Bikers pay respects to the fallen
Ride To The Wall

At today's commemoration service in St Paul's Cathedral the Nation gave thanks and paid honour to the 120,000 British servicemen and women who served in Operation Telic between 2003 and 2009.

The service also paid due honour to the sacrifice made by the 178 who gave their lives in the service of their country.

The focal point of the service was the centrepiece from the 'Basra Wall' which had been built out in Iraq by soldiers to honour their fallen comrades. It took a hard-fought campaign by the families of the fallen to get the government to eventually agree to bring the Wall home and to have it rebuilt at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. The sentence engraved on the central plate from the Wall does not simply speak for those that fell but also speaks for all those who served on Operation Telic. Inscribed with lines from the Book of Wisdom:

"Honourable age does not depend on length of days, nor is the
number of years a true measure of life."

Members of UK Armed Forces picked up a number of awards again this year at the Daily Mirror's annual Pride of Britain Awards.

The UK Joint Medical Group Afghanistan was recognised for its work in the field hospital at Camp Bastion.

Sergeant Noel Connolly from the Royal Marines also received a Special Recognition Award for his bravery last year in thwarting an attempted suicide attack.

Major Phil Packer of the Royal Military Police received the Fundraiser of the Year Award for his efforts in support of Help for Heroes.

And Petty Officer Martin Langlands received the Outstanding Bravery Award for his actions in an off-duty capacity which saw him rescue a family involved in a traffic accident.

Congratulations to all award winners!

MoD: Military personnel are Pride of Britain

Thousands of people lined the streets of Antrim, Northern Ireland last Saturday to welcome back the soldiers of 38 Engineer Regiment from their six-month tour in Afghanistan.

Over 400 soldiers marched to their base at Maserene Barracks following a private civic event at the town's Antrim Forum leisure centre.

The soldiers - who as part of the Royal Engineers Corps -have the Freedom of the Borough - were greeted by rapturous applause and cheers from the crowd as they made their way along the short route from Antrim Forum to their base on the Randalstown Road.

Following the parade, the soldiers were presented with their operational medals at a ceremony in the barracks.

In their six-month tour of duty, 38 Engineer Regiment was involved in almost every military operation British forces undertook in the region, including the high-profile Operation Panther's Claw.

CO Lt Col Roger Lewis said: "Sandy, sweaty, dirty, dangerous and bloomin' hot just about sums up life in Afghanistan during the last six months. It takes men and women of genuine character and real fortitude to stick to a task as daunting as the one we have faced since March and I am immensely proud of each and every officer and soldier that has dealt with adversity head on."

Well done 38 Engineers! Well done Antrim!

MoD: 38 Engineer Regiment welcomed back from Afghanistan
Army.MOD: 38 Engineer Regiment

Private Aaron McClure, Private Robert Foster and Private John Thrumble all from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, were killed while on a fighting patrol near Kajaki, Afghanistan on Thursday 23rd August 2007.

Of Pte Aaron McClure his CO said: "At 19 years old, Private Aaron McClure was already a veteran of over forty engagements with the enemy. It is tragic that where the Taliban had failed, it was an accident that has taken him from us. Loyal, hard working and highly professional, he constantly surpassed the standards expected, and his loss is a bitter blow to the whole Battalion." His friend Pte Barker said: "McClure known to most of his mates as 'Troy' was a hard working and very determined member of 7 Platoon who would 'work his socks off' to achieve the best results he could. 'Troy' had a lot of ambition and would have gone far in the Army. He will be missed very much by all of us in 7 Platoon and the Company. Rest in peace mate and my thoughts are with your family."

Pte Robert Foster's CO said: "As a junior soldier, Private Robert Foster settled in remarkably quickly and was a highly respected Viking. Fiercely loyal to his friends, he had seemingly limitless reserves of courage and strength of character way beyond his years. He had a rare quality of always seeing the bright side of any situation and a mischievous sense of humour which made him hugely popular." His Section Commander said: "Fozzy as he was known by all will be remembered for never turning a dare down. He was up for anything and kept the comedy value of the section up when it was most needed. He was a model for the British Army. It was a privilege to serve with him and we will never forget him."

About Pte John Thrumble the Battalion Commander said: "Private John Thrumble was one of the mainstays and leading characters within the Battalion. An inspirational model to others and a caring and compassionate friend to many, he will be sorely missed. Proven in combat on countless occasions – his raw courage and ability to raise a smile were invaluable in these testing times. He joins the ranks of his fellow fallen Vikings but his reputation will live on and he will never be forgotten." And Private Barker said: "John was the joker of the platoon and even the Company, and always managed to make you laugh whatever the circumstances. Although he was hard as nails, he had a soft side to him which most people did not know. He had some ambition and wanted to stay in the Army and work his way up through the ranks."

"These people going out fighting giving their lives for us;
They do it selflessly and they never get thanked enough.
They give it all, put their heart and soul into what they do
To make this world a better, safer place for me and you. "

Never forgotten

MoD Defence News

Captain David Hicks MC, 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, was killed on Saturday 11th August 2007 during a violent attack on his patrol base north east of Sangin, in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.

His CO said: "Captain Dave Hicks was an outstanding officer who will be

sorely missed by all members of the Battalion. It is typical of him that he had led from the forward position during the attack on his Company, in order to best direct the battle and provide an inspiring example to his men. Even after being mortally wounded his only concern was to get back into position to control the fight."

Sergeant Matthew Waters, 11 Platoon, C (Essex) Company, 1 R ANGLIAN said “Capt Dave Hicks was a good friend and a good leader of men. To me he was a calming influence who would be able to see through tough situations and find a positive side. His humour was unique and he always new what to say to cheer people up. Dave stepped up to company commander and used his intelligence and experience to do what was right for him and the men. He was a good friend but hopefully he has gone to a better place. Dave will be sorely missed by all in C (Essex) Company and across the Battalion. He was a true star.”

Captain Hicks was postumously awarded the Military Cross for exemplary gallantry in the field.

MoD: Captain David Hicks of The Royal Anglian Regiment killed in Afghanistan
Wokingham Borough Council: Commemorating the life of Captain David Hicks
The Mail: Army mourns hero captain who refused to abandon his troops in fightback against Taliban

Private Tony Rawson, from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, was killed on Friday 10th August 2007 in Helmand, Afghanistan.

Pte Rawson was killed during a firefight with the Taliban when out on patrol near Jusyalay, north east of Sangin.

His CO said: "Private Tony Rawson was a highly respected member of 1 Royal Anglian and his death is a tragic loss, deeply felt by all members of the Battalion. A close friend to many, Private Rawson was a young man passionate about his job, with a big heart and a generous and trustworthy personality who died courageously in close combat. He was a true Viking who we will never forget."

His mates in 11 Platoon, C (Essex) Company, said: "Mr Nice Guy: Never let anyone of us down even at the hardest of times, a great friend and just a brilliant soldier. Thanks for showing us the ropes when I first got to the Battalion. We felt privileged to be in the same section as you. Missed but never forgotten"

MoD: Private Tony Rawson of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment killed in Afghanistan
Lasting Tribute: Tony Rawson
BBC: Tributes to Helmand death soldier

.

The life-saving work of the medics from TA 208 (Liverpool) Field Hospital (Volunteers) was praised at a ceremony at a Merseyside hospital. A painting, "Safe Return", showing medics in action in Afghanistan, was presented to Aintree University Hospital Trust in recognition of the support they and their staff give to troops serving on the frontline.

Click Liverpool: Praise for leading Merseyside Hospital's life-saving role with British army in Afghanistan

Not far away in North Wales it was being announced that medics from the 203 (Welsh) Field Hospital (Volunteers) were being awarded the Freedom of Llandudno in recognition of the service they have given to the Army in Afghanistan. The honour will be bestowed at a special meeting of Llandudno Town Council on Saturday, September 19th. Another dozen 203 Welsh Field Hospital volunteers are preparing to go to the war zone by the end of the year.

North Wales Weekly News: Medics ‘humbled’ by freedom honour

It's worth remembersing that not only do these volunteer medics work in the operating theatres in the Camp Bastion Military Hospital, they also fly direct into battle areas to give emergency treatment to wounded soldiers as part of the MERT (Medical Emergency Response Teams).

Congratulations to the TA medics who do such an incredible job in providing expert medical care to both the military and civilian casualties in Afghanistan.

MoD: Reserve medics get ready for frontline hospital duty

On Monday soldiers from the 3rd Battaion The Yorkshire Regiment marched through the streets of Rotherham to receive the Freedom of the Borough from the town's mayor, Councillor Shaukat Ali. Thousands of townspeople turned out to support the guys and show their appreciation for the work they do.

This is the first time The Yorkshire Regiment has been directly granted a Borough Freedom since its formation in 2006. Soldiers from 3 YORKS were the last infantry unit to leave Iraq; some of their number have already been redeployed to Afghanistan.

Third Battalion officer Capt Mally Birkett said: "It's days like this that make it all worthwhile. We have a long connection with the people of Rotherham, and for them to come out and support us in this way has been absolutely fantastic. The people here are fiercely proud - there have been thousands of people out today, young and old.

"Some of the boys only got off the plane from Iraq last Monday, and when they come back and see the public supporting them in this way, it's a fantastic feeling - especially when so many of the lads are from areas around here."

Well done 3 YORKS! Well done Rotherham!

Yorkshire Warriors marching home - SLIDESHOW
MoD: Freedom of Rotherham Parade