Inside this issue:

Commanding Officers Foreword

The journey has come now come to an end. 35 Engineer Regimental Group has completed Operation HERRICK 15 and successfully passed on the baton to 26 Engineer Regiment. I wish them all the very best of luck for the next 6 months. The Regiment can be justifiably proud of its achievements over the winter 2011/12. We have forged a strong reputation across the force based upon our professional spirit, tenacity, will to succeed and strong leadership from all levels of command. There will be times for quiet reflection, but now it is time to enjoy a job well done. All Squadrons, less 11 Field Squadron, the Brigade Advisors and elements of Recce Troop, have handed over to their successors. Many have already departed for Paderborn and enjoyed the Decompression at Cyprus; a vital 24 hours just to relax a little and enjoy ourselves before coming home and the whirlwind series of events that will end with the Medals Parade on Thursday 29 March. The Parade will be a wonderful way to show off the Regiment amongst the local people of Paderborn. We have been humbled by their kind permission to use the Paderborn Cathedral for a Thanksgiving Service and the nearby Schutzen Platz for the Parade itself. It promises to be a great day for everyone; and sorely needed before embarking on 6 weeks leave the following day. I hope you have enjoyed reading the Trojan Times; this is the last edition. I'd like to thank all those who contributed to the humorous stories and endless banter, and to Captain Bernie Peake for her imagination and commitment in getting the stories together from some pretty austere locations and editing them into a digestible issue every 2 weeks. The Trojan Times, written by the soldiers for you, has been very much their perspective of the operations in Afghanistan. I hope their stories, photos and Facebook messages have kept you abreast of the highs and lows of our challenging and rewarding deployment to Helmand. They have been exemplary in everything I have asked of them. Collectively the Regiment has maintained an impressive tempo which has left many drained both physically and emotionally, yet they still stand proud of their achievements and rightly so; I am immensely proud to have commanded them all. Lastly, I would like to thank you, the reader the friends and families of those deployed. In many ways you have had a difficult time coping in Paderborn, Aldergrove and Hameln. For you the tour has been long, dark and cold the winter months dragging by. I commend your tenacity and thank you for the kind support that has showed itself through the countless parcels, kind messages of support and finally, to be there as we arrive home. The Regiment is coming home; for 35 Engineer Regiment, our time in Afghanistan is over.
Page 1

29 AES - Stories from 3 CP Parrang

37 AES - Good work 8 with the OQOB Bridge

44 HQ & SP SQN KBR and the DEW

20

77 Talisman Sqn 24 The light at the end of the tunnel

11 Field Sqn - Finally 32 the end of a long tour

Arriving home...

44

The final Baby Hector

46

Final message from the editor

48

Issue 17 23 March 2012

29 Armoured Engineer Squadron

Officer Commandings Foreword
After nearly seven months this will be my final introduction for the final edition of Trojan Times. This has been the theme for the past two weeks in 29 Armoured Engineer Squadron everything has been moving towards the final; final patrol, final task, final helicopter flight, final weapon cleaning. The list goes on and on! It is wonderful to have handed our responsibility for close support engineering in Afghanistan to 8 Armoured Engineer Squadron; we wish them the best of luck and every success over their six month tenure. The final couple of tasks have been in Nahr-e-Saraj (South), again constructing basic check points for 5 RIFLES to patrol from. Both CP PRANG, constructed by Cpl Haynes, and CP SHKAR, constructed by Cpl Abbot, have been difficult and demanding but both were superbly built and now allow the opportunity for joint patrols with the Afghan Local Police in the most rural Kalays. With collapsing access roads, unpredictable helicopter support and regular shoots (inaccurate thankfully) the last couple of jobs were suitably cheeky! With 4 Troop improving the ablutions in Patrol Base Lashkar Gah Durai we have had every element in the Squadron busy right up to handover. Thankfully it is now time to let 8 Armoured Engineer Squadron finish the bases. We wish them the best of luck for the next six months as they pick up the baton in both Lashkar Gah and Nahr-e-Saraj (South); tough but rewarding work. Camp Bastion contains three coffee shops and they have been packed to the gunnels with the Squadron as we wait for our final (there it is again!) flight back to Paderborn. Alongside the stories, jokes and fizzy drinks, everybody is talking about returning to see family and friends. It is the prominent topic of discussion and the focus of our attentions, especially as many people are already either on leave or with their family in Germany. I will take this opportunity to thank everyone that has supported the Squadron during our deployment to Afghanistan. Throughout the entire seven months we have received messages of support and parcels from our families, friends and the public. We have been humbled by the strength of those supporting us and each difficult day has been made tolerable by the bluey received or welfare call that ends in laughter. Being separated for such a protracted period is easier said than done. Huge thanks from the entire Squadron and I trust we have made you proud in return. Over the seven months of Operation HERRICK 15 there have been almost 120 individuals from the Squadron deployed to Afghanistan. Whilst they have been forward earning the plaudit, our Rear Operations Group, commanded by SSgt Corrado, have remained in Paderborn to maintain that vital link to the families, prepare for the next year and manage our careers. Those 120 could not have succeeded as we have without their support and tireless effort. My thanks for their unwavering commitment throughout; their role, like the families, is often harder than those deployed. If I am correct this edition of Trojan Times will be read on the day of our Service of Thanksgiving in the Paderborn Dom and Medals Parade. With great pride every member of 29 Armoured Engineer Squadron will stand together in front of family and friends to receive the operational service medal. We reflect on some superb achievements, strong friendships and sadly difficult days. The Squadron has performed superbly and I was honoured and humbled to be lucky enough to command it in Helmand. Please enjoy the day but also take the time to consider those who are unable to be with us. A Squadron of One. Si Carvel
Page 2

CP PARRANG
Spr Banks 5 Tp
On the 2 of March 2012 myself, Spr The German Banks, Spr Mitch The Mummys Boy McLaughlin, Spr Franky four fingers Franklin, Spr Kenneth Working hard at CP Parrang McGilith Mathieson and Cpl Daz Pooty Haynes deployed on task to convert a compound into what would become CP PRRANG. We left PB2 at 0610hrs and, via Camp Bastion, soon landed in CP PRRANG followed by 3 under slung loads of stores. Unfortunately the HLS was 200 metres from the checkpoint - thanks to the RAF for their pinpoint precision! After dropping our personal kit off in the checkpoint we began shuttle runs but with only five sappers and two lucky infantry lads carrying all of the stores, it was very hard work. 7 hours later we started the build and began the first of four firLooking like pros ing platforms. The next morning after breakfast courtesy of the PWRR, we completed the frame for the first firing platform less plywood which would arrive later. Whilst The hard work is paying off waiting for the plywood we built the frames for the rest of the firing platforms and shower unit. Whilst we continued to build stuff out of wood, Spr Mathieson was outside cutting down trees with the chainsaw under the watchful eyes of the locals. The MSST stood close by Construction is still in the early ready to start negotiating how much a basic non fruit bearing tree was worth! Our alarm clock on Day 3 was a local cat, which had attached itself to the section for the duration of our stay was wandering around our tent constantly making a wailing noise. We decided to call the cat Spr Ginge and he is now a fully fledged member of the section. After breakfast we started work on the steps for the firing platform and the rest of the section erected grenade netting. Unfortunately the under slung load of plywood failed to arrive that afternoon, so we occupied ourselves building the final parts of the showers and toilets.

Page 3

On Day 4 Spr Ginge was out-alarmed by the local mosque at around 0530hrs which was warmly welcomed by all at the CP! Most of our work depended on the plyEveryone is appreciative of a decent wood so we began doing what shower area we could for the infantry with the remainder of the stores. First on the agenda was to construct 2 tables with benches for the welfare area, less of course plywood. We also built the CP a mission critical volleyball court and then started work on a kitchen. No surprise that on day 5 we were still waiting on the plywood and with every task now waiting for it, we could only help out as best we could and make little improvements. After lunch we played the Infantry at volleyball and as always the Sappers won! On Day 6 we woke up to find the weather looking brighter and we were all hopeful the plywood would finally arrive. The call came through over the net saying to expect it to be on site for 1330hrs and once the helicopter had dropped of the load, we lugged the stores into the CP which was a doddle compared to day one. Once all stores were inside we managed to finish the work and hand the CP over to So far so good the multiple, with the Platoon Commander chuffed with what we had achieved and our efforts appreciated within the multiple. On our final day in CP PRRANG, the mosque wakeup call was on time at 0530hrs but Spr Ginge had disappeared only to be replaced by 2 donkeys which had got into the checkpoint. The Afghans quickly separated the donkeys and kicked them out of the CP whilst the section packed up our kit. The Chinook landed later that morning and took us back to PB2 hot showers and fresh food here we come!

Concentration..

Page 4

Dont Stress...decompress
Dont stress...decompress as the advertisement on BFBS radio rings out. It is day before the first check in is when the excitement of the day really builds up. With all of the information, stores and top tips handed over to 8 Armoured Engineer Squadron we were another step towards our return home. Our bags are packed and the phone calls are made back to our loved ones to inform them that we shall be joining them soon. The return to Paderborn is a four phase operation, phase one check in. Phase two travel to Cyprus. Phase three Decompression and lastly phase four the home straight! Phase one Check in. There are two check ins to negotiate, one in the afternoon for our baggage and another in the evening for the flight itself. As we wait at the Passenger Holding facility (PHF) in Camp Bastion, we are called forward by our flight destinations. As we are a Germany flight, we are usually the last ones called forward and no surprises on this occasion, Those departing for Brize Norton...those departing for decompression and Brize Norton...those departing for decompression and Hannover now please check in. The cue is long and as you can appreciate from your own travel experience, its not the quickest of events. After Check in two there is a four hour wait in the holding tent. Facilities are very modest, however there is an opportunity to have a sleep, get a brew and watch England beat Ireland in the rugby. At last we are called forward to get on the aircraft. Phase two Travel to Cyprus. Our flight out of Camp Bastion was on an RAF Tristar aircraft. Thankfully the RAF had everything in order and before we knew it we were on our way. For security reasons all the lights in and on the aircraft are switched off, which is an odd sensation. It was only a six and a half hour flight to the island of love, (according to Greek mythology). The flight itself was smooth with enough food for all to have seconds. Although beef stew at 0400hrs was not that appealing! The plane landed in Cyprus in the early hours of the morning, everyone was tired but waiting with anticipation of what was ahead of us. Phase three Decompression. This started off with the usual waiting at the luggage carrousel for our day sacks, the only bag we were allowed to take off the plane. The game of Which bag is mine? was not that easy considering everyone has the same military rucksack. As you can imagine you cannot carry that much in one bag. Thumbs up for the We only had space for the bare essenbeach.. tials, a pair of shorts and a couple of litres of tanning oil. At the airport we were met by some of the Decompression Staff who guided us to our initial accommodation on Akrotiri Station. This is a purpose built building construction by fellow Royal Engineers! On arrival we had the mandatory brief on what was going to happen, when and where. We managed to have a shower, put the uniform we were wearing into the washing facility and change into our civvies. Before our next timing which was for breakfast, we could even catch twenty winks. Beds and blankets provided. Unfortunately it is still a little chilly at this time of year in Cyprus so a jungle sleeping bag doesnt quite cut the mustard. Before we knew it, it was time for breakfast and onward to Episkopi Bay to the beach.
Page 5

We were met by the friendly Decompression Staff who made all of us very welcome. On call were the instructors, Padre and Health advisor. The beach facilities are fantastic. We could do what we liked, (within reason of course) ranging from lazing on the sun lounger, riding the Banana boat, wake boarding or even sailing. Before all of that we were required doing a military swimming assessment. Even in a wet suit the 11C water still feels slightly cold, there were a number of people who found themselves uncontrollably doing the jig to warm up. Not surprisingly there werent very many people who went back into the water after that. We were even given the opportunity to have a round of golf, however the sight of the 2IC of 37 AES, Capt Riley, attempting to find his lost ball in a dense thorn bush was actually more entertainSailing for the day, a million miles ing that the golf itself! It is quite a surreal feeling being out of Afghanistan having spent nearly 7 months there. Only hours previous we surrounded by the constant noise of helicopter engines, the sight of tents and the dust of Camp Bastion. We were now surrounded by green surroundings; sight of the Mediterranean sea, hearing the tranquil lapping of the waves against the shore line was a welcome relief and really allowed us to unwind. Once we had had enough of the beach we were taken to our accommodation for the night, Bloodhound Camp, in the Episkopi Garrison. Even our washing was waiting for our collection, dust free! The facilities in Bloodhound are great, with quiet locations if you want a bit of time by yourself, limitless Wifi, daily news papers, and telephones with unlimited call duration. The Movie Machine was a personal favourite; it is a mobile cinema showing the latest movies twice a day. The evening entertainment laid on by the CSE, a comedian who constantly took the mickey out of members of the audience and a two man guitar group. The band Enjoying the band played requests and tried to get as much audience participation as possible. We could even enjoy a beer or two, (four can rule or a bottle of wine). The days travelling had taken its toll on everyone and after the entertainment finished no one stuck around. After not having alcohol for so many months we certainly felt the effects the following morning! We had one individual who had forgotten which bed was his and tried to get in someone elses whilst they were in it! Phase four The home straight. The wakeup call from the guard force ensured we were awake in good time. Whilst on route from Bloodhound camp to RAF Akrotiri we saw the Red Arrows rehearsing their seasons performance, a nice end to a excellent decompression package. At the air head it was the usual waiting and rumours of wondering when the aircraft will land. Finally the call came to board the aircraft and with quiet excitement we got on ready to our journey back to Paderborn. With only hours separating us and our final destination we settled into the flight. We finally touched down in Hannover, the feeling of elation swept over us. Another tour of duty completed. On arrival into Barker Barracks we were greeted by a Welcome back 35 Engineer Regiment banner and a wonderful surprise for us all to see the Rear Operations Group and our families waiting to welcome us back. We are finally home.
Page 6 away from dusty Afghanistan

37 Armoured Engineer Squadron

Officer Commandings Foreword
Welcome to the final Trojan Times and, as I write, the handover to 33 Armd Engr Sqn is in full swing and our blokes are steadily re-appearing in Camp Bastion for the final time. We are now in an operational low tempo period to allow a really good handover, but as you will see from the articles below we worked right up to the wire - the last few tasks, all came in at short notice and as ever I have been absolutely delighted with the can-do, flexible attitude of everyone in the Squadron throughout this final busy period. You will also see a few articles reflecting on our time in Afghanistan over the last six months. What a hugely successful tour it has been and not a day has gone by that I haven't felt enormously proud and privileged to serve with your Husbands, Boyfriends, Girlfriends, Sons and Daughters The Squadron has completed a huge number of tasks in some of the most challenging circumstances, as you will have seen when you have read the previous editions of this news letter. Everyone should be proud of our achievements - in supporting the progress of Afghanistan, serving our country and of course continuing the proud tradition of 37 Armd Engr Sqn that stretches back some 150 years. But of course, as we leave Afghanistan we continue to remember our fallen Brother, Sapper Elijah Bond. It is the hardest thing of all to not bring everyone home from here, but the Squadron's achievements, that he was so much a part of delivering, will stand as a fitting tribute to his life. A life that brought so much joy to others and always kept morale high through the darkest days. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all at home for your unstinting support - it is appreciated and critical to what we have achieved; we are stronger here because of what you do there. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible as we celebrate the return of 37 Armoured Engineer Squadron to Paderborn shortly. The homecoming events will provide a fitting end to this tour and the return of your loved ones; heroes every one. Guy Boxall

Page 7

OQOB BRIDGE
Spr Welsh, 7 Troop
Operation bridge strip begins. Arriving at a small CP called OQOB, we were greeted by the Section of Ghurkhas from D Company and shown where we would be living for the next week. The camp was small and not used to having a Troop of Engineers over to stay, so many of us were sleeping outside under our poncho shelters. We soon settled down to our routine and before long Spr Scouse Lear had taken control of the feeding and was our unofficial chef. Spr Dawson and Spr Roberts continued with Op Massive in the small outdoor gym and I built up my own little area for my bed space with corrugated iron and wood.

Taking bridging very seriously

Adjacent to the CP was a medium girder bridge over the Nahr-e-Seraj Canal which connects Khar Nikah to the outside world. The main part of our task was to remove the bridge while an army of plant operators dug in foundations for its replacement.
That looks pretty heavy.

Soon after we started the task site was surrounded by inquisitive local children, sheep, goats and the local police. The bridge had been in place for a long time and the panels were nearly glued together, but with a liberal application of WD-40 and lots of hammering from the Troops Gym goers the panels were soon flying out. The day before the strip we had all been organised by height so that groups of taller people could lift out the upper panels while myself and the rest of the midgets could lift the lower panels.

As the task continued more locals started to arrive on site and Lt Cole started to get called names by the local children. After 6 hours the bridge was stripped and the plant operators under Cpl Anderson went to work preparing the site to receive the new bridge, our last task completed before returning home.

The bridging team after a good job well done Page 8

7 TROOP IN AFGHANISTAN
Lt Antony Coleface Cole, 7 Tp Commander
It is over six months since we landed in Afghanistan and looked out at the dawn light of Camp Bastion from the tail ramp of the aircraft wondering what would be in store for us. Now it is almost time to board that aircraft again, to return home and see our loved ones. It has been a long Tour for Cpl Amos and his Khar Nikah Warriors who have been working in one of the most challenging engineering environments in Afghanistan. Much of the work that they have done has been by hand because there are very few roads to move our plant equipment around the area. Whether the tasks are building new checkpoints such as CP Ghashi or renovating old ones or closing those that are no longer required. One thing is for certain, despite his lack of carpentry training, Spr Johnnie Whittaker is now the worlds leading expert on building wooden toilet blocks. Cpl Doran-Thorp and his Section in Price were also busy. Casting our minds back to their very first task at CP Bawli and Spr Hayley Rumbelow constantly falling over and getting tangled in barbed wire we can see how much we Meeting with old friends... have all changed in six months. Though Im sure if we let them, the locally employed plant operators that we employed during the construction of Route Green would still publicly humiliate Spr Stelios Themaras for being slow. In Troop HQ Cfn Hayley Wilson has been busy making brews and collecting the mail (and occasionally fixing some vehicles). Sgt Robson has been busy moving around the area doing reconnaissance and occasionally blowing things up! Lets not forget all of the times we have had to bail out 8 and 9 Troop by sending guys to help out because they couldnt cope. Finally in the last few weeks of tour they both repaid the favour and sent half a Section to help us replace the bridge at OQOB. It has been a challenging experience but at every step of the way I have been proud of the way that the guys and girls have worked hard to achieve the tasks. We are all looking forward to coming home and seeing our loved ones and having some well deserved down time.
A proud moment for the troop

Page 9

THE FINAL PUSH

Spr Gavin Nicholl, 8 Troop
As the end of the tour loomed, and all our tasks completed, we were looking forward to a bit of chilling out and preparing for handover. But low and behold the Insurgents had other ideas. They decided to try and destroy a Medium Girder Bridge (MGB), that 7 Troop had built earlier on this tour. As this was a key piece of equipment to keep an ISAF route open, a whirlwind of Recces and planning were soon under way. SSgt Matt Norman got us all together to give us the exciting news we had all been hoping for, which was that 8 Troop had been tasked to build a new 7 Bay single story MGB next to the bridge that was damaged in order to re - open Route Septhon. The mood was electric and the lads enthused, as this is what we had all been waiting to do, building a bridge on an operational tour. Does it get any better for an engineer than that?

The bridging site

Saturday 10 March we moved locations from PB Rahim to PB Clifton so we could be in place to move to site at first light on the Sunday. Time seemed to go by slowly, but we were soon getting up at 0515 to get ourselves ready to move to the bridge site and begin the build. As the site had been cleared the day before of explosive hazards we were able to crack straight on when we arrived. Spr Richard Yallop, smashed out the ground works in the Medium Wheeled Tracker, whilst the remainder of the troop started lining up the bridging components. Grounds work complete we started the build at 0635 at a good pace, as everyone knows that there is no walking on a bridge site. Twenty minutes into the build with only a couple of bays to fit and disaster:.. The base plate for the building frame slipped off the packing. Thoughts of stripping out all the hard work flashed through all our minds, but luckily for us SSgt Norman and his ingenuity and quick thinking enabled us to get the bridge lifted and the building frame back into position. The remainder of the build went smoothly, and we were soon charging down the bridge with ramps and decking units in hand. Finally at 0755 the bridge was open. With the hard work complete and the remainder of the stores loaded we recovered to PB RAHIM. Looking back I am very proud of what we achieved. For me this final task has been the highlight of my tour and I am glad that I could be apart of it, a fitting end to what has been an amazing six months.

Page 10

6 MONTHS, 21 DAYS LATER...

Lt William Abbott, 8 Tp Commander
It seems like an eternity since 8 Troop deployed to Afghanistan on the 31st of August last year. The tour has thrown up a whole host of different challenges for the Troop which the guys have taken in their stride and dealt with admirably. I have been supported all the way so it is time to drop a few names and get a few extra crates for the home coming parades. SSgt big norm Norman my right hand man, always at hand to lend some advice from his long career in the Army spanning back to WW1. The two Section ComHelp was always at hand.. manders; Cpl Cooper took time out from his busy e-bluey writing schedule and managed to do some work along with Cpl Simpson who had fingers in pies and was the go to man if you wanted anything. There was LCpl Ross "Lesbian haircut" Atkinson loving plant from start to finish along with LCpl Filitoga who just loved everyone from start to finish.
Members of the troop in the tick of it as usual

The sappers in the Troop worked tirelessly and I can but take my hat off to them and the efforts they have put in. To name but a few; Sapper Pascoe who was able to turn water into wine by the end of his tour with his resourcefulness, Sapper Meacham who loved all the free physical activity he got from filling HESCO. I have no quote for this... Somehow Sapper Carter-Smith has still not gone down ill after drinking a bottle of water with a dead mouse at the bottom. The worst moustache of tour has to go to Sapper Jason Redshaw The tasche.. who modelled himself on Ron Burgundy throughout. Sapper Graham Robertson kept the Scottish stereotypes going strong with his love of England. "Who buys a crate of lemon fanta?" the answer, Sapper Phillips or "Ginge" as he is known to Major Boxall. Please can you make the crate you now owe a little more beery and a little less lemony, many thanks! While you're at it you can also inform the OC that he now owes a crate as well. The list goes on...so to save time Sapper Nicholl if you are not off in some random bit of Afghanistan please can you inform Sappers Yallop, Coulton, Jahateh, Bell, Jones, the other Jones, Atkinson, Gooch and lastly SSM Driver (good luck with that one) that they have also been nominated for a crate or two. (Dont forget yourself Lt William Abbott thats 2 by the way, 1 name mention and 1 for being the author of the article; you do walk into these things Ed)

Page 11

FAREWELL AFGHANISTAN
Sapper Hawthorne, 9 Troop
Between every mans experiences in 37 Armd Engr Sqn throughout Herrick 15 you could fill several books of stories. There would be a lot of funny ones; a fair few boring, many exciting, tons of frustrating and, unfortunately, some tragic stories. However, this is a short article and I cannot possibly do justice to the Squadrons effort entirely. Ill simply say that 9 Troop has dug out blind based in FOB Ouellette and I wouldnt take ten of anyone elses to be one of my Troop. There have also been a couple of milestones and first times that have occurred during my time in Helmand: one, I am now thirty, two, I feel forty, but seriously, a first is being out there on vital tasks in some dangerous situations with an unbeatable group Me and two members of the troop of lads. And Ive thoroughly enjoyed it. Trying not to sound like a three-times VC winner, Spr Mitch Mitchell the milkmanwar-hero-joiner-signaller come warrior of the infamous Battle of Salat has consistently entertained me. Ive done my bit and I reckon Ive done it well. The one event which I dont much like to dwell on is the loss of one of our own Bondy. I wasnt close to him, but I knew him enough to like him and think of him as a good lad; the news of his passing still hurts. Far too much has occurred this tour to start name dropping (Mitch - crate), but over six months we have all had a part in noticeably transforming the bases around us into fully functioning area of operations. So to close it up, Im not the type to rub it in by saying have a nice tour Herrick 16! On the contrary, I hope the boys taking over from us have a safe-ashouses and boring tour, but Im not nave and Always time for a pose know that during this year well hear things thatll make us sigh, shake and lower our heads. But what it is that sets us apart from our friends at home is that we can get our heads back up, and just get on with it. Thanks to 9 Troop, the rest of the Squadron lads Ive worked with and everyone back home for the support. For now, farewell Afghanistan!

Page 12

THE REPAIR OF CP MAKTAB

Spr Robbo Robertson, 9 Troop
I went down as part of a small section to CP Maktab to rebuild two walls. The task was fast balled to us with less than 24 hours notice as it was an urgent job. Not a problem for 9 Troop, so we moved up to FOB Ouellette the night before to start organising the stores. At first light the following morning, we moved out to CP Maktab but when we arrived we saw it wasnt as bad as it was made out to be. We started the task by doing the ground works on the first site. It was LCpl Lay (aka Easy) in the plant (digger) trying to level the ground, but after about half an hour we had to get the boys on it with the shovels. By 0830 we had both sites levelled and one site ready to be filled. We started to fill the Hesco when we were told we were beThe team hard at work ing watched (always a good feeling that). So being the no fear engineers that we are, we carried on. The Hesco was filling up nicely with the infantry fighting for the shovels, not sure why they were doing that, possibly because Cpl AJ Roberts said they would get a Hesco t-shirt for their help, however the more the merrier as they say. With the bottom level of a wall filled we started setting up the top level. At this point we were well ahead of schedule as is usually the case when we work with Cpl AJ Roberts who was giving us sniper cover from the sangar! Or so he says. By 1230 we had the whole of the first wall complete which was a bonus as the sun really started to pick up and it was time for a well earned lunch break. Some people had some rice and chicken that the ANA had made but I went for the ration packs. After scoff, we started filling the second wall with some extra hands from the ANA and LCpl Easy Lay bringing in the fill. Before long, both walls were complete and we even had time to mentor the ANA on how to improve camp security using readily available resources, especially as the weather picks up which was very welcomed. By 1530 we were task complete and headed back to FOB Ouellette for tea and medals and even got to pop down to Cpl Vinantes task to rub it in we had finished early before we went back for some hot scoff and showers.

He must be strong lifting that helicopter!!??

Page 13

SOLAR PANEL STREET LIGHTS

By Sapper Dawson 9 Troop
It was a chilly Thursday morning on Herrick 15 and although this tour of duty was soon to be drawing to an end, it ain't over until the fat lady sings. The task, a little different from the usual, was to install solar lighting in a local bazaar just outside FOB Ouellette. Before leaving, we discussed as a section the importance of not getting complacent, and to get the job done to the high standard the troop has maintained since early September last year. Although our departure from FOB Ouellette was initially delayed, we eventually got down to business, morale high, myself, Cpl Vinante, LCpl Gardiner, Spr Hawthorne, Spr Higgs, Spr Mitchell and Spr Robinson intended on getting the task finished quickly as we unloaded stores along the bazaar road. The lighting equipment that would be staggered along the road needed to be well secured as anything that looks expensive is an attractive item to locals. The aim was to install 5 metre tall lamp posts at 25 metres spaces to light up a village area for local nationals, with a Hesco base on each. First we had to dig a hole to insert the posts into (the Skidsteer helped) and secondly keep the local kids away from our work area while the lights went up we sometimes offered sweets so they played the game. We encountered various problems like hard ground and difficulty in keeping the posts steady in order to fill and stabilise them. All of these were overcome and morale stayed high throughout, especially as we got to interact with locals throughout the 11 hour task. Once finally completed we returned to Ouellette with high hopes that the last task of our Herrick 15 had been completed with good times ahead.

The Troop

Page 14

G4 IT DOESNT JUST HAPPEN

Cpl Bugler, Sqn Echelon
Well, the time has arrived where we can finally see the finish line. Its been a long slog but we are now very close to being able to breathe a sigh of relief. That being said, life in the G4 world has not slowed by any means. We are currently busy juggling our handovers to 33 AES while receiving all of the kit from our warriors returning off the ground. Last week we saw our TA counterpart from the G4 world, Spr Hough, end his tour. After a pizza night in the office to say goodbye to Mr. Hough I was able to breathe a small sigh of relief as my duty as translator to the mumbling incomprehensible jockanese of Glass Eye was over. We have spent a lot of our time recently sorting our air freight and sea freight to ship back. This has involved an unusually high amount of contact with the RMPs. SSgt Dickie Page has been working his usual hypnotic charm to ensure everything required to move does so when we want it to. We are currently investigating possible connections between Staff Page and the Jedis infamous mind tricks as there is definitely a link. The sea freight has also brought forth a small amount of bitterness from SSgt Tony McDermott who is adamant that he should not be running with such an activity because he is NOT the SQMS! I have been my usual jovial self being all smiles and happiness. I have not once been told to stop being a miserable bastool or hear the sniggering of the QM at my morose mood! All who say otherwise may be subject to a bout of said mood and potential ginger rage. You have been warned! SSgt Si Anderson who has been known as Smiler for most of the tour has even been caught cracking jokes and actually smiling at times. These precious and memorable moments have been absorbed by all as it is expected not to last once we are all back from post operational leave. Everyone in the G4 dungeon is currently trying to adapt to the presence of Cpl Karma Rai. He seems to have finally slowed down a bit and has been seen chilling out and it has also been rumoured that people have seen him engaging in what is normal to most of us, sleep! In our St Lucian corner of the office, Spr G Sealy has recently purchased an Apple Mac Book after the RAF managed to break the screen on his laptop. The problem is trying to drag him away from his new toy.
Page 15

Memories.

The QM, Capt Monaghan, has been most interested in this new purchase by Spr Sealy. Being an advocate and promoter for all things Apple, the QM has been showing Spr Sealy the ropes. In an attempt to avoid work, Spr Sealy has been known to engage the QM in Apple conversation. This generally leads to 30 minutes minimum of the QM regaling his knowledge about all things Apple and his various Apple gadgets with their various applications; if you are also smitten by simplicity, you too could be bordering on iBore status. Cpl Robbo Robertson has been maintaining his title as king of the welfare. He is a rare sight in the G4 dungeon, only leaving to sleep after a wild evening of brews, gaming and television. Its been said that someone recently tried to play on one of his sacred saved profiles on the PS3 and hasnt been seen since. Cpl Billy Suksiri who is normally one of the hardest people to locate in Bastion has been seen staying in one place for more than 10 minutes at a time. This is without the use of any type of restraint by SSgt Anderson who has been close on many occasions. He has even spent recent twilight hours in the G4 tent instead of doing paper work up at the MT office until midnight. Spr V Phoughat is back to his old self after his sheepish return from his extended R&R. This delay was of course due to his audition as a Bollywood hero in Debbie does Delhi. Spr Sealy is maintaining that Spr Phoughats feet are clinically dead; the smell emanating from them would certainly back up his theory. Although Spr Phoughat has been told this he is certain that its alright. This being the More memories...or nightmares if new G4 motto! for some looking at this dog.. There have been several good times to remember with lots of memories to take away. There have been many laughs and buckets of squaddie humour to carry us through the tougher times. There have been times which have tested our resolve, resourcefulness and leadership of the whole team at every level. And there have been times which we would all rather not have happened but, we will remember.

Page 16

THESE FOUR WALLS

Capt Dominic Riley, Second in Command
As this is the last Trojan Times I thought it was fitting to write a few lines about the lads who support those on the ground. Now whilst most of the forward troops probably think all we do back in Bastion is laze around enjoying the facilities this is not the case at all. Whilst the guys on the ground have been working hard their ability to do their job with the right manpower, equipment and resources is thanks to a team of dedicated individuals back in Bastion. These lads work tirelessly from early morning to very late at night and on many an occasion It was not all just hanging around.. through the night to enable the forward operations. So since Lt William Abbott (I think that makes 3 Will!) has started the name dropping I thought I would continue on his theme. The G4 department led by Capt Joe Monaghan is responsible for all the kit, equipment and resources that the troops require on the ground. Now the QM is a funny, old soul, Late Entry Officers by and large are a grumpy old lot, weathered and weary, but not so Capt Joe. Oh no! Laid back and surprisingly happy (although he has been know to chew the occasional ear) the QM can oft be found in his bed space happily testing his new camera and its flash (although what he is taking photos of none of us know) a lover of all things BMW his office is oft littered with car magazines. The only question remains is if he is so happy just where are the bodies buried? The QMs right hand man is the SQMS SSgt Dickie Page. Now apparently he hates the nickname Sqizz and is grumpy enough to make up for the QMs positively cheery demeanour. Oft found having a tab in the smoking area he is a man with his finger in every pie, if you need something, he can get it; although weirdly no one has ever seen him do any work! We think his job involves brews, chats and for some reason a lot of winking. He has enjoyed seeing his beloved Wales stuff all comers at the Rugby and was especially pleased when the 2IC made a rash bet on England and had to serve him dinner! MT and plant is headed up by SSgt Mr Burns Anderson, who has kept our not so insubstantial fleet of vehicles on the road; with 43 vehicles of 8 different types this is no mean feat. In between running Cpl Robertson and Cpl Suksiri around to get spares, carry out inspections and look after the kit, SSgt Anderson has also managed to sneak out on a few planty recces. Were not sure what goes on in that department but Cpl Suksiri is often to be seen on a Quad bike zipping around and Cpl Robertson never seems to sleep (although that might have something to do with the late night televised football matches and his PS3 and table tennis prowess.). The Resources Cell is headed up by SSgt why me McDermott who has supplied resources for 25 different locations across two vastly different AOs by negotiating not just with the Combat Support Logistic Regiment (just ask the OC and SSM whats thats like) but with the Danish Logistic element and the US Marine Corps logistic supply chain a mammoth effort. He can often be heard muttering about wood, nails and Hesco sizes. He has a stash of Zoo and Nuts magazines which he says are to help smooth the waters with the Americans, but Im pretty sure we stopped doing business with them a couple of months ago!

Page 17

Cpl Rai, Spr Phoughat and Spr Sealy are our hard pressed and over worked Military Engineer Log Specialists who between them have more jobs than I feel I have ink to print. The never repressible Cpl Rai is always smiling and puts his heart and soul into everything he does, you only have to look at the quad pulling photo from a previous Trojan Times to see how dedicated he is. Spr Sealy has not stopped smiling which either means he hasnt worked hard enough or that he knows something we dont and as for Spr Phoughat, well were all pretty sure he is actually a secret Prince or Sheik and boy does he know how to fix a computer/hack the hell out of one! Cpl Bugler, our long suffering Military Engineer Fitter U&P has been employed totally out of role but has worked his socks off. He seems to like spending his down time thrashing Spr Sealy in the gym, but the latter remains steadfastly whippet-like and skinny maybe all those protein powders really work after all Spr Sealy perhaps you should investigate? Then there are the beleaguered Sappers who have been the odd job men, drivers and general labourers and doers, running back and forth making all the final pieces fit and packing and loading stuff for out loading. Sprs Dont Hassle the Hough Hough, Hell-Boy Talbot and Lucky Luxford, who have in order bored the QM half to sleep; made the QM want to cry; made the QM want to quit. Youll have to ask him why! P.s. Spr Luxford if youre reading this youd better have done your maths homework. (I know - over worked and getting set homework, poor lad its mainly because we're slave drivers!) That brings me onto the Operations Cell. Headed up by my very capable Ops SNCO Sgt crap tash, Garrrggghhhh Pirate, spreadsheets Hubbard and Pronto SSgt here for the rugby Rowland the team have kept abreast of current operations, chasing down information, enabling the move of personnel to task and record keeping for all that we have done as well as responding rapidly and efficiently to a constantly changing environment and to every incident and request for information. Sgt Hubbard has managed to get out on a few recces and was once heard to say he was the most travelled member of the Sqn but I dont think visiting every coffee shop and eatery on Bastions 0,1,2 and 3 and Camp Leatherneck should really count. SSgt Rowland has kept all the ECM ticking over and along with Sgt H even ran their own personal marathon (why no one is sure) and Im pretty sure they still havent forgiven the Sappers for not turning up to the mid point water stop! The Signallers, Cpl Weatherly, Spr Gooch and Spr Surrey have between them monitored operations and manned the Ops room for almost 5000 hours non-stop. Cpl Weatherly has also run the sigs store and despite his best efforts has totally failed to learn how to do the Rubix cube in 7 months despite downloading the solution on line. Spr Surrey and Spr Gooch have worked tirelessly including through the night on a shift rotation. They have been the focal point of contact for everything that has passed thought the Ops room. Representing the J1 side has been Pte Ginge Lawson our Adjutants General Corps clerk, who has bought more protein than anyone but seen less change than all of us. He has moonlighted as a vehicle gunner for the SSM and has been a constant source of morale throughout the tour. No mention of the Ops room staff would be complete without mentioning the honorary member of our little clan. Capt Bernie Will Abbot (thats 4) youre a marked man Peake has bounced from office to office working between three different computer systems to produce all of the Regiments media, from TV interviews (thanks for the stitching by the way), to radio interviews, press releases, home town stories, magazine articles, end of tour glossys and not forgetting the Trojan Times itself she can often be found using our Ops table, whilst complaining about the internet connections being slow and raiding the 2ICs selection of edible goodies. Lastly, as for me, the Squadron 2IC, what have I done, well since none of the Sappers really know what it is I actually do I thought I would take this opportunity to let you all know Ive been staring at these four walls for the last seven months their wisdom has taught me much. mainly that it's time to go home now, thank you please! Exit stage left.
Page 18

44 HQ & SP SQN NEWS

Officer Commandings Foreword

The time has now come for my final forward for the Trojan Times as the Sqn start to return to Paderborn after the completion of a very busy but rewarding tour. 26 Engineer Regiment have arrived and are in the process of conducting their RSOI followed by the task of taking over from their counterparts. I hope they carry on with the same drive, determination and professionalism as I feel that we have and that their tour is a busy but safe one. I can look back on a very successful and productive tour that every individual in the Sqn has played a vital part in. Whether it be Support Troop providing the Commanding Officer with safe passage around Helmand Province or the Resources Node providing material for the Field Sqns to enable them to carry out construction tasks, every member of 44 HQ & Sp Sqn has been key to the success of 35 Engr Regt whilst deployed in Afghanistan. There have been some memorable moments which have lifted the spirits of the Sqn if not the Regiment, it would take a whole newsletter to list them all, but a few which have stuck in my mind. The LAD for instance took up the COs challenge of improving their workspace by (in their limited free time) constructing a plunge pool!!! It came complete with filter and pump and decking too, there was even a few towels and sun cream added to the design. However upon closer inspection it seemed that a Dump truck skip has been utilised and modified (cleaned and painted) as the main attraction. Each Saturday the Sqn held an evening of entertainment to break up the week and allow the Sqn to get together and enjoy a bit of fun, whether it was New Year Games in the Deployable Engineer Workshop, to quiz nights and Halloween games in the Sqn Welfare area, which were fully supported and thoroughly enjoyed by all. The Sqn has worked extremely hard supporting the Regiment in all that has been tasked, from supporting the Malvern Bridge construction to assisting the Brigade Commanders protection multiple everybody has played an essential role during the Tour. But as always the Sqn could not have done this without your continued support from home, the regular blueys and parcels that they have received and even radio messages (from the Combat DJ) from home have given the guys the reassurance that they are always in your minds. So for that we are all grateful and thank you whole heartedly. And now the end is in sight with the remaining time now being spent with homecomings and parties and culminating in the parade in which all will be proud to receive their medals in front of our family and friends who will all be gathered for the special occasion. So all that remains for me to say is thank you again for your support throughout the tour and I look forward to seeing you all back in Paderborn before our well earned leave. Major Chris Darke

Page 19

11 FIELD ENGINEER SQUADRON NEWS Officer Commands Foreword

Dear Friends, Families and 11 Field Squadron The final issue of the Trojan Times is a milestone moment. By the time this is published the Squadron will have drawn back into the troop locations and commenced the hand over to 30 Armoured Engineer Squadron. While we are not yet back the tour is effectively complete. It has been an amazing experience for all of us with highs lows and pretty much every emotion in between. Everyone has performed magnificently over the 6 months being absolutely committed, flexible and blessed with a wry sense of humour when the plan changes again. However we are all glad to welcome our 30 Squadron replacements and I, alongside everyone else in the Squadron, am very much looking forward to arriving back in the UK. I remarked in an earlier introduction that I had been struck by the enormous changes since the last time I was here in 2009. Reflecting back over the 6 months the changes we have seen and created, have been as significant. The most colossal change has been in Loy Mandeh. When we arrived it was a deserted, disintegrating and bullet pocked town. It is now coming to life with a thriving bazaar, new school planned and people flooding back. Across Nad-e-Ali the Afghan police and Army cooperate and undertake joint operations without input from UK forces. Across Helmand the Afghan Army Brigade plans and undertakes operations with limited support from us. The Nad-e-Ali council is taking the lead on infrastructure development and management and is showing the first signs of delivering the services we would recognise in the UK. This does not mean our job is done in Afghanistan but does mean that huge leaps forward have been made and we leave the people of Nad-e-Ali and Afghanistan better prepared to take responsibility for their own future. I would like to thank everyone in the Squadron for their efforts on the tour. 1 Troop have been instrumental to success in defeating the insurgency in Loy Mandeh and have worked closely with the Estonian Company Group. 2 Troop have been everywhere in Nad-E-Ali trouble shooting, or Wombling, and latterly concentrating on building key routes in Kopak (an area in the North of Nad-e-Ali). 3 Troop with their longstanding relationship with Route Dorset have supported several key joint Afghan Army and UK operations. While echelon and MT have had a vital role to play ensuring that stores and spares get forward to keep a large fleet of vehicles on the road and keep the resources to complete tasks flowing forward. Squadron Headquarters who have controlled, coordinated and ensured that information flowed throughout, with the Battle Group Engineer party in Shawqat identifying tasks and coordinating with the 3 SCOTS Headquarters. Halifax Troop, in Aldergrove, have supported the drawdown to minimise the amount of work we have to do when we get back and set up some great parties and opportunities before and after leave. Finally to the members of the Squadron from the Territorial Army who have put aside their civilian lives to join us on this journey. My profound thanks to you all.
Page 30

KBR integration into the Deployable engineer Workshop

19 December 2011 was a day of mixed emotion for members of the Deployable Engineer workshop(DEW) in Camp Bastion 1, It was a great relief to see the KBR civilian workforce arrive ready for work; however, it was a little depressing knowing that the military was going to lose such an excellent training asset. The DEW consists of various engineering bays including a Machine shop, guillotine and welding facilities as well as a fully functioning carpentry bay. From the beginning of OP HERRICK 15 we struggled to keep up on the high demand of work as we had only 5 personnel, two of which ran the administrative side of things leaving only 3 tradesmen to carry the burden of producing high quality work as quickly as possible with The QM and a DEW member during the more and more requests coming in daily. December G3 training week 2011 was the start of the training week carried out by G3 Systems, this was the first time that the military and civilian trades would meet and it was with great trepidation that the two forces met and quickly mingled into the tasks set by the G3 training team. By the end of the week first name terms had been set and it seemed as if we had known one another for a lot longer than a week, although, for some of us that was true, My civilian counterpart was Simon Polly Kettlebrough whom I had met 8 years earlier, having an ex sapper, ex SQMS was a wonderful aid to the transition. However, it posed some difficulty when I tried to cuff, blag whatever you want to call it, some small points, as the saying goes you cant bluff a bluffer. The change was instant when KBR walked through the door on the 19 December 2011, the fact we had 6 times the amount of manpower, instead of producing 1 set of gates in 3 weeks we were producing 3 sets a week. This was across the board of trades and carpenters were one of the first to benefit as the work that had built up was starting to get silly as the Field Squadrons were doing the FOB upgrades they were wanting Sangar steps. At over 2 metres high they are quite difficult to build solo LCpl Jedi Jehu was very appreciative of the help, knowledge and skills of the KBR staff. SSgt Webster the SQMS for 44 was also pleased when KBR came into the DEW as we would often pinch one of his staff, LCpl Webster (self confessed best looking blacksmith in the Corps) was a great help to LCpl Quinny Quinlivan the resident Welder whom had been tasked with building 12 FOB UAS gates on his own. With the handover to OP HERRICK 16 well under way the KBR staff well bedded in at the seat of the trade bays I can see a fruitful relationship blossoming in the very near future, that both sides will no doubt profit from.

A KBR member getting ready for a hard days work making FOB UAS Gates Page 20

THE BFBS JOURNEY

By WO2 DJ Si Reynolds
Upon arriving on H15 and after the initial ground rush of taking over and establishing ourselves into a routine, a hobby needed to be found to pass the limited free time during the tour. Lots of ideas went through my head from Model Making, Tiddly Winks and stamp collecting, but my thoughts brought me back to my tours on Op TELIC, where, to pass the time I presented 2 weekend radio shows every week with BFBS. So with the idea still in my head I trundled off to BFBS in BASTION 2 and met up with the presenters and staff. To my surprise 2 of the staff were people that I knew from previous tours which made life a little easier when putting my idea to them. I enquired to the possibility of volunteering again on the radio, and after a few ums and aahs; a phone call was made to BFBS UK to seek permission, to which they duly accepted.
Just like a pro.

So after an intense few weeks of refresher training in the studio, scrutinising by the staff and a demo CD sent to UK they agreed that I could present a show every Sunday morning going out live to Afghanistan and Iraq.

So after a little bit of R and R the 8th January loomed and a few days before, all my preparation was done and studio was set. At 0600 on the Sunday I rose from bed all excited like a kid on Christmas morning and made my way to the studio. After a coffee and a few last minute hints and tips from the professionals I was set. 0730 came and the on air light illuminated, my first jingle with my name on it went out and the song played. This was it, I was on air to the whole of Afghan and the butterflies disappeared. After 3 hours of talking to myself, competitions and playing some cracking tunes the 1030 news came on and the on air light went out, I had finished my first show!! I came out of the studio and saw the professionals who gave me some pointers and congratulations which lifted my confidence for the next show. However the smiles didnt stop there; one Thursday morning whilst in the throws of my duties as the RQMS (T) a phone call came through from BFBS asking if I could stand in for Dusty Miller on his Saturday Breakfast show whilst he carried out RSOI. This was my big moment, as the Saturday Breakfast Show goes out live around the world. I couldnt believe it; this would be my 3 hours of fame!! After agreeing to help out, I got to grips with the different layout and the various extra bits you have to do as part of a network show, and before I knew it Saturday morning was upon me. I prepared myself in the studio, the news came on and then On Air light lit up and I was off again, but this time the whole world was listening (if they were out of bed) and it felt great. During the show to top off a confident performance, whilst in the throws of talking to listeners, an email flashed up on the studio computer which read I can hear you, so proud, I Love you which lifted me even more knowing my wife Debbie was listening (all be it 0530 BFG time after the children woke her up). My Sundays have continued with the Ops Sunday Breakfast Show and it has been great knowing that I can pass on a little of home to troops wherever they are in Afghan and the world and the fact that I can sometimes relate makes it all the more enjoyable. My last show was on Mothers Day and it topped off a fitting end to the tour knowing if anything I had done my part to give the guys some morale (even though the banter was sometimes directed to me). I am Excited to be back hoping to continue my volunteering in Germany, so you never on the air waves.. know, I maybe on a radio near you soon!!!!!!!Again
Page 21

The final ABLE build

By Spr Bobby Moore
On Saturday 3 March , on a warm spring morning, the Automotive Bridge Launching Equipment (ABLE) crew, aka Gods, set off from Bastion on their journey to build a 32m General Support Bridge (GSB) over the canal at Check Point Karnika. From the brief we had received from the ABLE commanders we were aware that the site was pretty tight so there wasnt much room for error. As we arrived on site we understood the difficulties and the greetings of a small arms contact from local insurgents certainly didnt make the situation any easier. Once the contact had calmed down we manoeuvred our vehicles into position and began preparing for the bridge build. Sweating in the Afghan Everything was going well until all our careConcentrating hard on the job fully manoeuvred bridge bridging vehicles had to be extracted to allow local traffic to use the supposedly closed bridge. This infuriatingly continued to happen for the duration of the build as every Tom, Dick and Harry tried to cross the closed bridge. Whilst the vehicles were reversing and parking, reversing and parking enabling the traffic to flow, Spr Thomas, LCpl Harrison, LCpl Makepeace and Bridge Commander Cpl Lough built the rail independently in what can only be described as record time. Next the bridge panels were deployed; the crane operators handled their chest packs with ease, ensuring that the bridge panels glided through the air effortlessly, soaring like graceful birds into position. Down below, No.7, LCpl ( Im going to shout at you) Hayhurst, and his two sidekicks (LCpl Trickett and LCpl Rokotoro) were pinning the bridge, rushing around generating a horrific amount of sweat. No. 10, Cpl (precision fingers) Lord, was reacting like a bolt of lightning, anticipating every move and controlling the bridge launch over the canal. Once perfectly into position everyone prepared for the fun that is dressing (decking and kerbing) the bridge. As the decking pieces were unloaded, with the on looking Afghan cheer leading squad supporting from the sidelines, everyone began sweating in anticipation. For some uncalculated reason 5 people got to work on the minor kerbing detail leaving just myself and Sgt Chandler to deck the entire bridge, after a little bit of shouting this was soon rectified and everything was back on track. The first half the bridge was completed with such ferocious tenacity that people were beginning to tire so Sgt Carrington and Sgt Wells were eventually forced out of ABLE retirement and got their hands dirty. Following their lead an Afghan soldier decided to also join in the fun and try to help, however, after carrying 2 kerbs he decided that hed had enough and retired looking considerably worse for wear!

Page 22

Thanks to great team work and effort from everyone on site, the bridge was completed in just under an hour. As the vehicles were moved away for the last time the troop jumped on the bridge for a photo, as this would be the final time building together in Afghanistan. We then grabbed a drink before extracting safely back to Camp Bastion all delighted with the success of the bridge but secretly grateful that we are not the ones stripping it out this summer.

Proud of a job well done

Page 23

77 TALISMAN SQUADRON NEWS Officer Commandings Foreword

The light at the end of the TALISMAN tunnel..... Friends and Family of the TALISMAN Squadron wherever you are, Having entered the TALISMAN tunnel 15 months ago in January 2011 we are now approaching the end. As you will all know as well as us, it has been a ride and a half. It has taken us from early beginnings in Paderborn; through a period of being dispersed alles uber de platz while we discovered more about our new callings in life; to pulling it all back together again in Jordan; and finally to Helmand Province in Afghanistan. The tunnel has had its twists and turns as we drove our way through a relatively busy and novel stretch of preparation. At times the lights have been dim and even out as we endeavoured to navigate our way from zero to hero in optimising our ability to execute our unique mission. After arriving in Afghanistan, the second and most important half of the tunnel began with a big uphill push, as we strove to improve our understanding of this area of the country and what it would mean to us. As time passed the dark tint in our glasses lightened and our eyes began to open to the environment in which we have found ourselves. With this came greater confidence and we were able to call on all that we had learned in the first half of the tunnel to anticipate and deal with the second. We have done what we came here to do and more and everyone has played at least their part. With the coming of the sun; the arrival of our successors; and the handover of our wizard kit (more from the troops below), the light at the end of the tunnel is now burning brightly. We are currently going through our final preparations to ensure that 25 Fd Sqn can pull out of the lay-by and take over the baton in good order, as we exit and make our return to where it all began. It has been a journey to remember and together we will shortly emerge and be reunited for some well earned celebrations and rest. I cannot thank you enough, on behalf of all of us, for being with us and keeping the candles burning every step of the way. Go well and see you very soon, Sam Hughes OC

Page 24

Transfer to 25 TALISMAN Sqn

By Lt Stretton
After 6 months it was a welcome sight for 10 Troop to see the first members of 25 Sqn arriving to take our place as the TALISMAN Sqn. Preparation had begun in the weeks before they arrived with the guys beginning to prepare kit for hand over not an easy task considering the amount of equipment that each troop holds. This was headed up by Sgt Bizzle Betts and his compulsive drive for cleanliness! The troop will also be leading on the Special to Arm training that 25 Sqn will be receiving to allow them to fully get to grips with their role for the next 6 months. Hopefully the guys are not going to bore them with too many stories of what we have been up to. As I write this the final stages of hand over are still ongoing with our counterparts getting their feet under the table, asking lots of questions and getting to grips with the environment. It seems hard to remember that it was us in the same position in September. The tour has gone quickly for most and I know that all of the troop have been appreciative of all the support they have received from home in the form of parcels and mail, it really has kept them going. So on their behalf Thank you! We all look forward to seeing family and friends at the medals parade.

Handover
By LCpl Hill
When it finally came to the day of the handover, having to wake up before the crack of dawn to the usual ranting over the speakers, no one was in the mood! Blurry eyed everyone walked down to Bastion 3 cookhouse for a bit of breakfast. Just as the sun began to rise we started laying out CES for the wagons, we began to realize that soon enough we wouldnt have them any longer and as we saw the new troop approaching us morale was suddenly at an all-time high! I just hope for the sake of the new squadron that they get the air con functioning correctly in all the vehicles as we were cooking even during a winter tour. The lads put in some good hours of hard work in to sorting out the vehicles for inspection and it definitely paid off, the handover went quite fast and without any problems, before we knew it the burden had been passed over to 25 Sqn and we were suddenly free from them machines!!

Page 25

11 Troop going out with a bang! (well not literally)

By Spr Blanchard
Well, its been a long road for 11 Troop, even before we embarked on Op Herrick 15 the boys (and token girl) have had a lot on their plates from the initial Mastiff and Buffalo training to the gunnery and finally the search training. Over the course of the tour there has often been some shakey moments and sometimes even false starts, but we've all muddled through thanks to the watchful eye of our troop dad SSgt Steve Salter. During the course of Herrick 15 we've been deployed on multiple Ops in a diverse spectrum of roles from clearing the way for combat logistic patrols (Op Armoured satnav) to our own high assurance deliberate Ops, these can take day's sometimes even weeks. With the longest deliberate Op under our belts last year, and with LCpl 5 and a half Podmore, we have some records that will be hard to beat! Due to our 17 day jaunt we almost missed Camp Bastion's spin on Christmas day, but I think I can speak for us all when I say we were all relieved to get back for the Christmas day fun run.... We've recently had to say goodbye to our troop TSA (pronounced Tazer) Sgt Eddie Edwards, after deploying early he's come to the end of his tour, lets hope he's got all his s**t in one sock! He's now left for Germany for some well deserved rest, and rightly so! It was Ed's job to pick the safe routes for the Troop, not an easy task when the Logistic Regiments driving skills have to be considered! Now the tour is coming to a close, the focus is very much about going home and how much beer our tour bonus' will buy us (as well as handing over in a good state!). When we arrive back in Germany after leave, 11 Troop will sadly no longer exist as many members, myself included are wandering on to fresh challenges and pastures new ,and with inter-troop changes it will be a time to start afresh across the Sqn. So it is only right to wish Capt Mike Barrett, LCpl Badger Baillie and LCpl Rhi Marsh all the best as they leave not only the Troop but the Sqn. I hopefully speak for us all when I say it's been an absolute pleasure to work in undoubtedly the best Troop to ever grace the Corps of the Royal Engineers and as much as I'm looking forward to going home I'll also miss the men and welsh woman who made this tour and the past 18
Page 26

The fat lady finally sings.....

12 Tp Media Article Spr Bourner
The last week has been a significant one for 12 Tp and the Sqn. It has brought the Tp one step closer to the end of H15 and more importantly to coming home. The significant event that I am talking about is the handover of kit and equipment to 25 Field Sqn, our replacements. This process started with the Tp having to move accommodation, leaving Camp 603 which had become our home away from home for the tour. This process proved to be rather hard work due to the amount of bits and pieces that everyone had accumulated during the tour resulting in our bags once packed being ready to burst. Luckily, we had an SV to transport our kit to our new accommodation. But having said this, even with the SV, moving everyones bags was enough of a phys session in itself, and highlighted for some that maybe Op Massive didnt quite go according to plan. With our rooms now looking very empty they were given a clean out by KBR and they were ready to receive 25 Field Sqn. The moving of accommodation was a pain to be honest, however this fact disappeared into insignificance when we saw the first new faces from 25 Field Sqn appear and suddenly it was all worth it. In the week leading up to the handover, 12 Tp was all hands to the pumps cleaning and servicing every conceivable bit of kit and equipment finding a new enemy in the constant layer of dust that would immediately form on everything that had just been cleaned. All the vehicles had their CES repeatedly laid out, cleaned, inspected before being cleaned some more and being put back into the store. The vehicles were all serviced, washed down and cleaned until every spec of dust had been removed, before the specs of dust miraculously found their way back. Once everything had been fixed, serviced and cleaned we had 3 pre-inspections. Inspections quickly became a theme for the week. But all the hard worked paid off as all inspections were passed. Finally it was the morning of the handover. This saw an early start for the Tp to enable us to get everything laid out and in position for the handover. This meant that the day started at 0530 enabling everyone to be on the vehicle park for 0700. The handover went smoother than everyone expected and it was all over by lunch allowing time for some well earned volleyball and tanning in the afternoon. The handover marks a monumental land mark in the tour for us. It marks the beginning of the end. It signifies the culmination of 6 months of hard work in Afghanistan. However, the fat lady is not singing yet for 12 Tp. Granted, her presence can be felt and she is warming up in the wings, stretching off and preparing to sing. As she does so the excitement is beginning to build, simmering beneath the surface. The atmosphere within the Sqn is becoming electric and thoughts are more and more frequently escaping to day dream about plans for POTL and rightly so. Only one more final push will see 12 Tp handing over to our counter parts in 25 Field Sqn and sealing a very successful tour. We will be vacating a pair of very large shoes for our counter parts to step into and to try and fill. As I write this, 12 Tp are waiting with great anticipation to hear the fat lady starting to sing with her dulcet tones signalling the end of H15 and initiating our return home paving the way for everyones eagerly awaited 6 weeks of leave. Not long to go now, bring on the fat lady.

Page 27

Finally the light is at the end of the tunnel!!

By SSgt Peter Simpson
Well thats it, tour is all but over. After almost 7 months we are all in our final few days here in a now sunny Camp Bastion. What can we say about the tour.? Its flown by yet dragged horribly at times. Weve gone from being too hot, to too cold and now getting close to being too hot again! As a fitter section we have been constantly busy maintaining the Talisman vehicles. We have conducted over 1000 repairs ranging from simply changing bulbs to complete front end rebuilds after IED blasts, the range of jobs has been immense. The fitter section have also deployed on every operation, to date we have supported 60 operations providing intimate vehicle support on the ground often dismounting in high threat areas to conduct repairs or recoveries.

Packing the darts away

As I/C of the fitter section I would like to thank the lads for their efforts throughout the tour, we never failed to get a task line out the gate and that is due only to their continued hard Finding the starter button work. I would also like to after six months! thank again everyone who has sent letters and parcels throughout our time here, your support has been invaluable. We look forward to seeing you all soon.

Page 28

Arriving Home

The end has finally arrived, handovers have been conducted, decompression in Cyprus complete. All that is left is to arrive home and enjoy the big welcome organised by the Rear Operations Group. A big thank you to the ROG for all of those deployed on Operation HERRICK 15.

Page 44

Page 45

Baby Hector!

Hello Everyone! Spring is almost here and Mothering Sunday is coming up! See you all soon!

Page 46

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 Afghanistan specific terms Op - Operation, mission, task (not surgery) PB - Patrol Base CP - Check Point

Glossary Formations Sect - Section Tp - Troop Armd Engr Sqn - Armoured Engineer Squadron Fd Engr Sqn - Field Engineer Squadron Hq & Sp Sqn - Headquarters and Support Squadron

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
Page 47

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
Well that is it, we are all making our way home and looking forward the parades and parties ahead shortly to be followed by some well earned leave. Thank you to you all for the constant support throughout the tour. I hope this newsletter has helped to provide an insight into what your loved ones have been getting up to whilst on tour and that it has helped you feel that little bit closer to them. Bernie Peake

Page 48