C Sqn Afghanistan - Mid Tour Update

7th February 2007

Greetings to all supporters of C Squadron - ‘The Legion’ The Light Dragoons.

Mid Tour Update

This has been a fascinating period for the Squadron as we continue to operate with 3 Commando Brigade on Operation Herrick in Afghanistan. We have been involved in some heavy fighting with the Taliban, we have patrolled over thousands of square kilometres of desert (known charmingly as ‘The Desert of Death’), we have assisted in the now infamous Apache casualty evacuation story and we have developed new skills that assist us in operating in one of the busiest operational theatres that British servicemen have deployed to for decades. A great deal of experience is now under our soldiers belts and there are a lot of stories to tell (some of which will no doubt receive healthy ‘advantage’ in the telling). Various elements of the Afghan culture have been experienced and an understanding is developing about how best to tackle the problems that present themselves out here. It is still a very difficult job that our soldiers are facing and progress is slow but in the last three months confidence has grown in the work that we are doing.

The routine is based on a patrol cycle that runs out of Camp Bastion in the centre of Helmand province. We are out for considerable periods of time in all areas of responsibility. We are out to find and interdict the Taliban and focus on preventing their freedom of movement. This leads to complex operations with a variety of assets to assist us by day and night.

The conditions in which our soldiers operate are harsh but rewarding. Very little has changed in the way soldiers operate in the desert since the days of Stirling, Maclean, Moss, and the Long Range Desert GROUP of the North Africa Campaign of the Second World War. It is hot by day and cold by night. Rations continue to be fairly monotonous and sand storms rip through our convoys leaving sand everywhere (you would be amazed where it can get to). But there is something very special about the desert as well. Going to sleep in a good sleeping bag on the desert floor HAVING had your fill of an ‘all in one’ cook up under the stars is a very satisfying moment. Like all harsh terrains once drills and skills are worked up to a good level you can actually make life very comfortable.

The Squadron can be very proud of its achievements over the last few months but as always the debt of gratitude that we all owe to loved ones at home is hard to overstate. There is no doubt that support that we receive FROM home shores has a direct impact on our effectiveness on the ground. Soldiering of the nature that we are conducting relies totally on the morale and spirit of our fighting soldiers. It is this ‘moral component’ of combat power that makes the difference above equipment, tactics and everything else. And it is because of the strong spirit in ‘The Legion’ generated and supported in no small way by girl-friends, wives, friends and families that we are able to do what we do.

In a few short months we will be back on home-shores and able to relax back INTO the normal routine of non-operational life. But for the time being could I please stress that the work and support being offered by those left at home is making the vital difference and that we in the field owe a considerable debt of gratitude to all of you who are being so generous in your support.