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AFGHANISTAN - Op
Herrick 7 Section |
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Go back
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Welcome to the
OP Herrick 7 (Afghanistan) Section.
UPDATE SECTION
This is the section that will display updates that have been
received from theatre. Some will contain images, others won't.
The updates will be in reverse chronological order (in other
words, the newest updates will appear at the top of the page).
Each section will give you a brief extract from the update and a
link to take you to the relevant update and information.
PLEASE NOTE that updates displayed on this site WILL NOT BE 'hot
off the press', we believe that releasing such information so
soon 'could' be a danger to our friends and comrades in theatre.
Those wishing to seek information that is fresh from theatre
should log onto our Coldstream Guards
ArmyNet Site (a
military controlled access site for members only) where updates
appear as soon as they are received (sometimes reporting on
events that took place 72hrs ago).
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UPDATES WILL BE ADDED
(BELOW) ON A REGULAR BASIS, TO ENABLE YOU TO
FOLLOW THE PATH OF THE COLDSTREAM GUARDS THROUGH AFGHANISTAN.
11 updates added on the
17th Mar 08
RSM Update - 27th Dec 07
Mortar Platoon - 21st Dec 07
Comd Offr Update - 18th Dec 07
Lashkar Gah Platoon - 17th Dec 07
3 Company - 16th Dec 07
RSM Update - 15th Dec 07
3 Company (12Plt & 9Plt) - 12th Dec 07
3 Company (FSG) - 7th Dec 07
Comd Offr Update - 3rd Dec 07
3 Company (11 Plt) - 2nd dec 07
3 Coy (Coy HQ) - 1st Dec 07
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PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE UPDATES WILL BE AT LEAST A COUPLE FO WEEKS OLD.
IF YOU WANT TO READ NEW INFORMATION YOU SHOULD SEE THE STATEMENT ABOVE.
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The Newest Updates appear at the
TOP OF THE PAGE |
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NEW:-
added on the 17th March 2008 |
Update dated: 27th Dec 07
Received From: WO1 (Regimental Sergeant Major) A Johnson
Extract:
All of the Coldstreamers in Lashkar Gah gathered at 1000 hrs in
Coldstream Corner for coffee and cake and a good old Coldstream
chinwag. Afterwards, was the traditional service of Christmas
Dinner, although for the first time I can remember, the Officers
and Seniors outnumbered the Junior Ranks, being as this is a
camp full of Staff Officers.
Link to Update: click
here to view the update (PLUS IMAGES)
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NEW:-
added on the 17th March 2008 |
Update dated: 21st
Dec 07
Received From: Mortar Platoon
Extract:
Morale is still quite high, despite being Christmas time and the
half-way point of the tour. We have received lots of cards and
packages from civilians sent to “A Soldier on the front line –
Afghanistan ” which has been tremendous for morale. In some ways
these packages can mean as much to the blokes as a letter or
parcel from family/friends as it really makes them feel that we
have the public behind us.
Link to Update: click
here to view the update
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NEW:-
added on the 17th March 2008 |
Update dated: 18th Dec 07
Received From: Lt Col JJC Waters (Commanding Officer) -
Battalion Situation Report (Bn Sit Rep)
Extract:
In my view, the wives deserve a medal as much as the Guardsmen
(and not just for marrying us in the first place!). Nearly half
way through the tour now, with the welcome break of R&R a recent
memory or a welcome milestone to come, we all cannot wait to
come back home again.
Link to Update: click
here to view the update
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NEW:-
added on the 17th March 2008 |
Update dated: 17th Dec 07
Received From: Lashkar Gah Platoon
Extract:
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....
Link to Update:
click here to view the update (PLUS IMAGES)
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NEW:-
added on the 17th March 2008 |
Update dated: 16th Dec 07
Received From: 3 Company
Extract:
Over the past few weeks much of our efforts have been focussed
on keeping the rain out and keeping the warmth in. Many of the
boys were caught out in early December, going to bed under a
clear night but waking up to thunder and lightening. Thankfully
the Royal Engineers and ever resourceful boys have now rectified
the situation.
Link to Update:
click here to view the update (PLUS IMAGES)
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NEW:-
added on the 17th March 2008 |
Update dated: 15th Dec 07
Received From: WO1 (Regimental Sergeant Major) A Johnson
Extract:
The big news of late is the liberation of Musa Qa’leh which you
will have seen in the news. A number of Coldstreamers have been
involved in the operation directly whilst all of those based in
the Sangin, Kajaki and Gereshk areas have had to cope with much
of the fall out from this operation, which has been
considerable. Suffice to say that everyone played their part
brilliantly and the stabilisation phase of the operation is
ongoing.
Link to Update: click
here to view the update (PLUS IMAGES)
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NEW:-
added on the 17th March 2008 |
Update dated: 12th Dec
Received From: 3 Company (Coy HQ, 12 Platoon & 9 Platoon)
Extract:
Can the order of battle for Number 3 Company really contain four
platoons? Will the entire post war doctrine of the British army
have to be re-written? Is Kat Slater really Zoe’s muvva? The
answers to these questions will be revealed in the next
paragraph…
Link to Update:
click here to view the update (PLUS
LOTS OF IMAGES)
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NEW:-
added on the 17th March 2008 |
Update dated: 7th Dec 07
Received From: 3 Company (Fire Support Group - FSG)
Extract:
When we do platoon operations in the Green Zone we give that
Platoon an extra gun and an extra Javelin team, so as you can
see the fire support just for a platoon is very impressive. The
Drummers have found the preferred way of not deploying with
tripods for the guns but to take an extra GPMG in the light
role.
Link to Update:
click here to view the update (PLUS
LOTS OF IMAGES)
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NEW:-
added on the 17th March 2008 |
Update dated: 3rd Dec 07
Received From: Lt Col JJC Waters (Commanding Officer) -
Battalion Situation Report (Bn Sit Rep)
Extract:
A renewed emphasis on Public Order training and Camp defence in
the wake of threats of public disorder and rioting. The Company
has been visited by Lt Nick Waddell ETS who has managed to run a
number of CLM and promotion qualifying education courses as well
as basic skills training.
Link to Update: click
here to view the update
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NEW:-
added on the 17th March 2008 |
Update dated: 2nd Dec 07
Received From: 3 Company (11 Platoon)
Extract:
We’ve been on the receiving end of a vast amount of supplies
too, making life here at the patrol base far more comfortable.
All the basic supplies were well stocked up on, making for a
happy Company Sergeant Major, and additional equipment came in
to make us far more effective in what we do.
Link to Update:
click here to view
update
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NEW:-
added on the 17th March 2008 |
Update dated: 1st Dec 07
Received From: 3 Company
Extract:
Meanwhile, the boys continue to work extremely hard in some
pretty austere conditions. Weight loss has been extremely easy
over here so families can expect to see a real change in their
loved ones, especially in those perhaps more rotund than others.
Link to Update:
click here to view the
update (PLUS IMAGES)
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OLDER UPDATES ARE SHOWN BELOW
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Update dated: 30th Nov 07
Received From: RECCE Platoon
Extract:
There is now frantic activity to get us all together and this
should have happened within the week... EXCELLENT NEWS! The
Guards Recce Force (GRF), as we are now called, will finally,
two months late, be operational which is exciting news. Everyone
is looking forward to this not least so a moustache comparison
can happen.
Link to Update:
click here to view the
update
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Update dated: 27th Nov 07
Received From: Lashkar Gah Platoon
Extract:
Just as the platoon was settling in for the long haul at the
platoon house word came that the platoon was going to move back
to Lashkar Gah to allow another platoon the opportunity to
operate in the green zone. This news was received with much
delight as it meant we could head back to running
water...............
Link to Update:
click here to view the
update (PLUS IMAGES)
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Update dated: 17th Nov 07
Received From: WO1 (Regimental Sergeant Major) A Johnson
Extract:
I have always felt privileged to be the Regimental Sergeant
Major of the Coldstream Guards, but I have never felt so proud
or humble as I did during my visit to No.3 Coy. The courage of
individuals like Gdsm Whyebrow, Dunn, Anderson, Patterson,
Pickard, LCpls McHugh and Fleming and many, many others
...............
Link to Update:
click here to view the
update (PLUS IMAGES)
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Update dated: 17th Nov 07
Received From: Lashkar Gah Platoon
Extract:
By far the biggest event in Lashkar Gah recently has been the
official opening of Coldstream Corner, just behind the QMs
Compound. The work of LCpl Colborne and the other G4
Coldstreamers, Coldstream Corner is a blue, red, blue haven
where all of the Lash’ Coldstreamers can retire...............
Link to Update:
click here to view the
update (PLUS IMAGES)
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Update dated: 11th Nov 07
Received From: 3 Company
Extract:
In doing our job one of the tasks we have to do is dominate the
ground so the Taliban do not have freedom of movement to
intimidate the locals and launch attacks against us. It is a job
which requires great skill and serious robustness as the men
carry a substantial amount of weight and the ground is extremely
complex.
Link to Update:
click here to view the
update (PLUS IMAGES)
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Update dated: 9th Nov 07
Received From: WO1 (Regimental Sergeant Major) A Johnson
Extract:
.....we must not forget the Master Tailor, LSgt McGowan, LCpls
Davies and Wallace and Gdsm Parish. The famous five are sweating
their backsides off with the Bastion Support Group under
difficult conditions, although fortunately, the TQMS arrived
yesterday to help provide some long awaited top cover.
Link to Update:
click here to view the
update (PLUS IMAGES)
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Update dated: 9th Nov 07
Received From: Lashkar Gah Platoon
Extract: JUST IMAGES
Link to Update:
click here to view the IMAGES
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Update dated: 7th Nov 07
Received From: Lt Col JJC Waters (Commanding Officer) -
Battalion Situation Report (Bn Sit Rep)
Extract:
The Quartermaster has finally joined us in theatre with
responsibilities as the Quartermaster and Camp Commandant for
FOB Price just outside GSK. This was an appointment which got
‘forgotten’ in the handover of the BG (C) AO to the
Danes...................
Link to Update:
click here to view the
update
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Update dated: 1st Nov 07
Received From: Mortar Platoon
Extract:
Gdsm Makings AKA “Granddad” has just come to terms with the loss
of his friend Fred. Fred was a toy Guardsman he had been bought
for comfort by his Grandmother. Fred was burned on a stake in
the early hours of Wednesday morning.........
Link to Update:
click here to view the
update
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Update dated: 28th Oct 07
Received From: Lt Col JJC Waters (Commanding Officer) -
Battalion Situation Report (Bn Sit Rep)
Extract:
Right Flank is also doing well and has recently marked its two
month point in the tour. Warrior has proved a remarkably apt and
able asset within the desert environment providing a good
balance between the need for protection, speed and firepower.
Link to Update:
click here to view the
update
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Update dated: 25th Oct 07
Received From: 3 Company
Extract:
So more about the area and what it is like operating here. The
area was previously heavily occupied by the Taleban until it was
recently cleared during a large battlegroup operation.
Link to Update:
click here to view
the update (PLUS IMAGES)
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Update dated: 23rd Oct 07
Received From: RECCE Platoon
Extract:
The new job that the guys have taken over was not quite what we
were all expecting. Having been briefed that the roll would see
us covering a gap for eight weeks protecting the RMP, swiftly
expanded in size to train the police!
Link to Update:
click here to view the
update
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Update dated: 21st
Oct 07
Received From: Lt Col JJC Waters (Commanding Officer) -
Battalion Situation Report (Bn Sit Rep)
Extract:
Experiences of those serving in FOB KEENAN are likely to be very
different to the experiences of those in KABUL. The layout of
the camp is officially described as ‘austere’ – and you know
when that is the military description then there really isn’t a
lot there. I think the idea is that the Guardsmen are not
encouraged to remain in the FOB but to get out to find the
Taliban. The good news is that the FOB is currently being
winterised (9x9 tents and puffing Billy’s should be enough to
combat the forecast -10°C).......
Link to Update: click
here to view the update (PLUS IMAGES)
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Update dated: 20th Oct 07
Received From: Mortar Platoon
Extract:
The first move was by chopper again to one of our forward bases,
landing in a dust cloud so intense we could barely see to get
off. Once inside, the reality of where we were kicked in, the
‘toilets’ had to be burned every morning..............
Link to Update: click
here to view the update
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Update dated: 19th Oct 07
Received From: Lashkar Gah Platoon
Extract:
The facilities within the PRT camp are of a high standard, the
accommodation, commonly known as the ‘pods’ is fully
air-conditioned or heated, with mains electricity supply. The
Naafi, gym, volleyball court, internet and telephones enables
everyone to wind down after patrols.
Link to Update:
click to view the
update (PLUS IMAGES)
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Update dated: 18th Oct 07
Received From: OMLT4
Extract:
Facilities are basic but more than adequate and we are living
comfortably. The food in particular is excellent – possibly
because the Master Chef served in the 2nd Battalion Coldstream
Guards back in the early 1990s!
Link to Update:
click here to view the update
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Update dated: 17th Oct 07
Received From: 1 Company (Coy HQ, 1 Platoon, 2 Platoon &
3 Platoon)
Extract:
First impressions of Kabul are very positive. The locals are
very friendly and appear keen to keep us as their guests to
improve security and prevent Al-Qaeda, the Taleban and the
hotch-potch of criminals and warlords from bringing back the bad
old days. The city feels like a mix between ‘Life of Brian’,
‘Conan the Barbarian’ and ‘Allo Allo’ .............
Link to Update:
click here to view the update
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Update dated: 14th Oct 07
Received From: Lt Col JJC Waters (Commanding Officer) -
Battalion Situation Report (Bn Sit Rep)
Extract:
The majority of the Battalion have now deployed to theatre.
There have of course, been a few last minute changes but the
deployment has gone relatively smoothly and the RAF deserve
credit for a job well done..........
Link to Update: click
here to view the update
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Update dated: 12th Oct 07
Received From: WO1 (Regimental Sergeant Major) A Johnson
Extract:
‘Lean into the hills and work hard’ as the saying goes. Show the
people of Helmand that we are a force for
good. Show the Taliban that the Coldstream Guards are their
worst nightmare come true. Wear your Blue, Red, Blue flashes and
52 Brigade insignia with pride. Take your bayonets forward and
drive all before you.
Link to Update:
click here to view the
update (PLUS IMAGES)
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Update dated: 5th Oct 07
Received From: 3 Company
Extract:
As the Task Force Helmand (52 Brigade) Operations Company we
have no set area to operate within. The Company could be
deployed anywhere within Helmand Province as well as the
neighbouring province of Kandahar. In terms of tasks, we are
likely to be involved in surge operations on the Task Force
Helmand
Link to Update:
click here to view
the update
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Update dated: 5th Oct 07
Received From: Mortar Platoon
Extract:
The Mortar Platoon begins its deployment today with the first 14
members flying to theatre. The grouping that was going south to
work with the Household Cavalry has been re-tasked at the last
minute and will now be going to support the Danish Battle Group
who are employed as Battle Group Centre.
Link to Update:
click here to view the
update (PLUS IMAGES)
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Update dated: 1st Oct 07
Received From: Lt Col JJC Waters (Commanding Officer) -
Battalion Situation Report (Bn Sit Rep)
Extract:
The Battalion has been in something of a period of limbo whilst
the final preparations for deployment have been made. For some
who have deployed early it has, of course, been a hectic time as
they grapple with the complexities and challenges that
operations in Helmand Province bring. There have been a host of
individual deployments whether it be members of the G4 team....
Link to Update: click
here to view the update
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Update dated: 28th Sep 07
Received From: RIGHT FLANK attached to the Scots Guards
Extract:
We were then fortunate to have a couple of days rest, followed
by a surprise 36hour exercise where we were picked up by Chinook
flown to an “Attack & Rescue”, and then left to tab 26km on foot
before we could be picked up!
Link to Update:
click here to view the
update (PLUS IMAGES)
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Update dated: 12th Sept 07
Received From: RECCE Platoon
Extract:
The Recce Platoon has gone through quite an expansion over the
last 6 weeks morphing from a 24 man Platoon into a 44 man group.
The group is to be attached to the Household Cavalry (HCR)
Battlegroup for Op Herrick 7 operating mostly in the southern
part of Helmand.
Link to Update:
click here to view the
update
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Update dated: 11th Sep 07
Received From: WO1 (Regimental Sergeant Major) A Johnson
Extract:
Sadly, a number of people will be heading off for good on
completion of 22 years service. DSgt Dec Donaghy finishes at
ITC(C) in November 07 and will retire to Newcastle with his
family. All Mess Members wish Dec, Gill, Thomas and Lucy all the
very best for the future up in the ‘Toon.
Link to Update:
click here to view the
update
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Update dated: 10th Sept 07
Received From: 3 Company
Extract:
The magical mystery tour started in March with a week on (at
that point) sunny Salisbury Plain for some low level section and
platoon tactical revision and erm… PT. Forced into the defence
of a farm on the northern edge of the training area, the Company
found itself besieged on one side by dodgy looking blokes
........
Link to Update:
click here to view
the update (PLUS IMAGES)
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Update dated: 3rd Sept 07
Received From: 3 Company
Extract:
Our first week back from leave saw us completing the Army’s
annual training tests to make sure all the ‘boxes had been
ticked’ prior to our departure. Navigation, fitness and shooting
were all tested.
Link to Update:
click here to view
the update
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Go back
to the MAIN AFGHANISTAN SECTION by
clicking here |
|
PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE UPDATES WILL BE AT LEAST A COUPLE FO WEEKS OLD.
IF YOU WANT TO READ NEW INFORMATION YOU SHOULD SEE THE STATEMENT ABOVE.
|
