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Lashkar Gah Platoon Sitrep as at 17
Dec 07
(Archive)
We have now been back in Lashkar Gah for 4 weeks after returning
from FOB Arnhem, and back into the routine of patrolling around
the city. There are still 3 members of the platoon, LCpl Barnes,
newly promoted LCpl Cummings and Gdsm Curtis who remained at
Arnhem to man the Javelin weapon system. We shall be expecting
their return to Lash by the end of the month, which I am sure
they are looking forward to, after 8 weeks in the ‘green zone’.
Also newly promoted are LCpl Dixon and Sgt Wall, who takes over
the position of Drum Sergeant. This now means I have an
incredibly top heavy platoon, with no fewer than 12 NCOs.
Whilst in Lashkar Gah patrols have seen more emphasis on
training the newly arrived Afghan National Army (ANA) Company in
the city. We have all been pleasantly surprised by their
professionalism and keenness to learn, demonstrated by the
soldiers. This is in no small part due to the company were
actually trained by fellow Coldstreamers who are working in the
OMLT. This training has led on to conducting joint patrols both
in the city and further out giving an Afghan face to security.
On one such patrol with the ANA we visited the Quala Bost Fort,
which dates from Alexander the Great time.
With the success of the operations in Musa Qala, an order has
come for the platoon to be attached to the Royal Marines Battle
Group and operate in the north of Helmand. Preparations are
underway to get all the admin sorted, this time with a little
more notice than we had Arnhem (which amounted to 3 hours).
Moving 100km north and with a rise in altitude, will mean that
we may well have a white Christmas. All will be sure to be
packing all their warm kit, as the temperature at night is now
falling, though the days are sunny and still a mild 15oC.
Now with R&R in full swing, some of you may well have seen your
loved ones, whilst others eagerly anticipate their arrival home.
Being further away from Lash will mean that I will endeavour to
get your son’s away a little earlier to make sure they meet
their allocated aircraft in Kandahar in good time. Thank you
very much for all the parcels which have been received by all,
they are a great morale boost.
2Lt Mark Hayhurst
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