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2 OUR HEROES
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OUR HEROES
Contents Page 3: Interview with Private Jake Marriot
Pages4: Interview with 1st Mercian Commanding Officer Lt Col Andy Hadfield
Pages 5: Interview with 1st Lancaster Commanding Officer Lt Col Frazer Lawrence
Page 6&7: Tributes to the
fallen heroes
Page 8&9: Mission in Afghanistan
Page 10&11: Ist Battalion,
the Mercian Regiment homecoming
We salute the bravery of our returning troops by LAURA JONES
T
O SALUTE the bravery and endurance of the hundreds of Merseyside men and women serving on the frontline in Afghanistan the ECHO today marks the return of the Mercian and Duke of Lancaster's regiments. Crowds of well wishers have repeatedly turned out to watch the regiments march proudly through Merseyside towns, but behind the bunting and big smiles seen on parade are the memories of six months spent slogging away against an often faceless enemy in Helmand Province. Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and enemy fire have claimed lives and limbs, leaving families in Liverpool, Wirral, St Helens and Warrington with a legacy of the conflict that will never leave them.
Most soldiers returned safe and tired but in agreement that this has been their toughest mission yet. They will still be adjusting to normal life, trying to get used to being able to walk down a street without checking the ground for IED wires or under constant threat of ambush. The ECHO has always backed the men and women who risk everything to serve their country, not least the 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment (formerly the Cheshire Regiment) and the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (the old King's Liverpool Regiment) who recruit the majority of those in their ranks from Merseyside. A world away from Liverpool in temperatures of up to 50 degrees Celsius those soldiers have been battling the Taliban throughout Helmand Province, spearheading a major counter-insurgent
push and reclaiming key strategic bases. Training Afghan police officers, persuading traders to return to market, rebuilding schools and mosques – their work has been a tireless bid to win hearts and minds in the fight against the Taliban. They have made progress, but they’ve also made unimaginable personal sacrifices to achieve it. Above all they have made their families, friends and many of our ECHO readers incredibly proud of them – the letters, emails, phone calls and web comments our coverage of armed forces news prompts is a testimony to this. So it's no wonder that there were emotional scenes of joy as wives, children, mums and dads were reunited as the troops arrived home. This special ECHO supplement follows their mission, shows the elation of their return and pays tribute to the fallen.
Pages 12&13: 1st Battalion,
the Duke of Lancaster homecoming
Page 14: History of the two
regiments
Page 15: Relaxing with the ECHO
Page 16-19: 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment, freedom parade
Pages 20&21: Families’
pride, 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment
Page 22-25: 1st Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster freedom parade
Page 26&27: Families’
pride, 1st Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster Regiment
Pages 28&29: 1st Battalion,
the Duke of Lancaster Regiment medals ceremony
Pages 30: 1st Battalion, the
Mercian Regiment medals ceremony
Words: Laura Jones Design: Jan Nethercote Photographs: James Maloney, Andy Teebay, Paul Heaps
A young boy in full military uniform proudly salutes the 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), who were given a heroes’ welcome as they march through the street of Birkenhead
ECHO armed forces website will keep you in touch KEEPING up to date with the latest Merseyside army, navy and RAF news is easier than ever, thanks to the launch of the ECHO's dedicated armed forces website. The paper has always been committed to covering the work of our troops, but now it simply takes one click to see all the stories, pictures and videos about our Merseyside men and women on the frontline, past and present. Log on to the interactive site and you'll find the latest Merseyside news as well as national defence updates. You will also be able to have your say by leaving your own comments. You can also watch messages from home – a series of ECHO videos filmed at the homes of troops currently serving in Afghanistan. We know that many service men and women use the
internet to keep in touch with section dedicated to their work. their families in Merseyside, so History buffs will enjoy Steve we want to hear from more Cawood’s mix of news and views readers who would like to in his Band of Bloggers column record a moving message of and a feature focusing on their own dedicated to a son, Merseyside soldiers from history wife, best mate or brother – you whose acts of bravery mean can get in touch through the their memory still lives on website or by emailing today. forces@liverpool.com Upcoming events to raise funds for forces charities are listed on a charity calendar, and again because the site is interactive you can add your own details to it – so if you've got a Help for Heroes band night or SSAFA fun run coming up why not log on and put it in the diary to help publicise it? And if you think you know Merseyside’s most deserving squaddie or inspiring airman or woman you can tell Liverpool how proud you are by nominating them as the ECHO Super Trooper – a special The ECHO website
And of course the fallen are not forgotten, the Merseyside men and women who have been killed in the line of duty are all remembered with an individual profile on the site. To log on all you need to do is go to the web address www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/ armedforces
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OUR HEROES
At 18, Jake’s the youngest in his regiment by LAURA JONES
A
GED 18, Private Jake Marriot is the youngest soldier in the Mercian Regiment to fight in Afghanistan.Waiting behind in the UK after his mates deployed to Helmand Province until his birthday, Pte Marriot acted as coffin bearer for seven of his comrades, killed during the tour. The Wirral-born teenager left school at 16 to join the army and had an anxious two and a half month wait before he was allowed to join the frontline. “I was still in Catterick in the rear party, so I did the funerals of Alex (Isaac) and Dougie (Halliday),” the former Aldershaw School pupil from Moreton told the ECHO. “I carried seven coffins. It was emotional, and horrible. “It messed my head up a bit, but I got through for the other lads. “After that I didn’t want to go out, but obviously they’re my mates and out there on the frontline and also because every person they lose you need someone else to replace them. “I had to wait two and a half months. I went out in July, the lads deployed in April.” Well aware of how dangerous Helmand Province was, Pte Marriot said he worried for the rest of his regiment. He explained: “You come back closer to the guys than you do to your family because you’ve been fighting next to each other and seeing each other getting blown up. “Waiting to go out I
Above, Private Jake Marriot and left, his girlfriend, Sophie McDonald and uncle, Neil Marriot give their owner personal hero a warm welcome home
did worry – it’s my mates out there, you want them to be OK.” As the youngest member of 1 Mercian the 18-year-old chose to join the army young. “I had a few mates in the army, and leaving school I didn’t have great grades, so I’ve been in two and a half years now and I’ve loved it,” Pte Marriot said. “I served with B motor company in Babaji – on the frontline. “It’s roasting out there and the kit we carry is really heavy. “I was scared – I had carried seven coffins before I went out there – but as soon as I saw my mates it helped. “The lads were sound, telling me not to worry the training will kick in and it did.” B company faced the enemy up to three times a day. “We were just patrolling around the area, keeping the peace in the area,” he added. “Every time we went out on patrol we were contacted by the Taliban in fire fights. “On most patrols you think ‘this is it’, on most patrols you see one of your mates get shot or blown up in an IED - or nearly.” Despite being the baby of the regiment the 18-year-old kept a cool head in Helmand. The teenager said: “My age didn’t really make a difference. “No-one was especially protective of me – you’re all just protective of each other in the regiment. “Even though I was the youngest in the regiment I’ve been in the regiment longer than some of the older guys, who are maybe 24 and have gone straight from training on tour.” Although the company was a constant Taliban target the 18-year-old said that there was some respite from the fighting. “The high points were probably when we captured the compounds, and then we’d stay there for a few days,” he said. “There were some good times when you’d have good craic with the lads. “We took quite a lot of compounds by winning fire fights.” Now back in Wirral Pte Marriot is trying to adjust to normal life. He said: “You do miss home while you’re on tour, you miss your girlfriend and your family, you keep in touch whenever you can use the phone, which is very rarely. “My family were all right with me joining because I knew what I was getting into.” But he admitted the warm welcome his regiment received in Merseyside helped. “Birkenhead felt like the best parade,” he said. “I felt proud to walk through there and see all my friends and family.”
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Tuesday, December 7, 2010
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OUR HEROES 1st Mercian Commanding Officer Lt Col Andy Hadfield
Lieutenant Colonel Andy Hadfield and, above, being interviewed by ECHO reporter Laura Jones
The 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) get a heroes’ welcome
Our regiment is proud of its Merseyside heritage by LAURA JONES
R
EFLECTING on one of the hardest six months the 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment has ever faced commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Andy Hadfield praised the endurance of his Merseyside soldiers. The regiment – formerly known as the Cheshire Regiment – recruits from Wirral and Chester and is proud of its Merseyside heritage. During its gruelling six months the tight-knit unit was posted to four different areas of Helmand Province, dealing with IEDs and the threat of ambush while out on patrol. The regiment lost 12 men – including Pte Douglas Halliday,
from New Ferry, Pte Alex Isaac, from Eastham, Pte Tom Sephton, from Warrington, and Colour Sgt Martyn Horton, from Runcorn - and saw many badly injured, but stayed strong to get the job done, Lt Col Hadfield said. Speaking to the ECHO as he welcomed the men of number one company back to Catterick barracks the dad-of-two said: “This particular company has just come back from patrol base one which is really a couple of sand bags in which they live and from there they patrol out and secure the local community. “Development projects to assist with agricultural and health that's really what this company has been doing. This is one company – 1 Mercian is made up of four
companies but they've all been deployed in different areas. “Conditions out there are incredibly difficult. In summer, they work in 45-degree heat in a high-threat area. “With body armour, which offers excellent protection but not much heat loss, and helmets, they are working in extremely demanding conditions.” He added: “I am awestruck with what they have achieved in difficult conditions over there.You could not even begin to imagine what these guys have gone through. They worked expanding the community around the patrol bases and trained new police officers for Helmand which from now on will start to provide security. All of these things put in place are a recipe for success.
“They have remained committed to the mission and each other and for that reason they've succeeded.” The 550-strong battalion saw each of its four companies assigned to different corners of the southern province of Helmand, which has been a major focus for British forces in Afghanistan in recent years. Some fought in the now notorious Sangin district which has claimed the lives of 106 British soldiers since the war began. After a handover process in September the area is now under US control. Elsewhere 1 Mercian soldiers pushed back the enemy from Gereshk, to the south of Helmand and helped to create security in and around the provincial capital, Lashkar-Gah, also to the south of
the province. Another company was stationed in Nar-e-saraj, close to the Nar-e-Bughra canal where four soldiers were killed – three from 1 Mercian and the fourth from the 1st Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment –when an armoured vehicle crashed there. Lt Col Hadfield said the battalion's Mersey support base was crucial in maintaining morale during difficult times. "We recruit from Chester and the Wirral and we do have a lot of soldiers from Birkenhead," he said. "What I'd say to your readers is that these are their soldiers, their battalion, and it's important to come out and support them. I know what a strong community Merseyside is."
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OUR HEROES 1st Lancs Commanding Officer Lt Col Frazer Lawrence
I’m humbled by performance of those under my command by LAURA JONES
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FTER six months spent in the sand and sweltering heat of an Afghan summer the man in charge of 1st Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment said their mission – Tor Shezada – achieved progress in Afghanistan. The 1 Lancs Commanding Officer Lieut-Col Frazer Lawrence said: “I’m humbled by the performance of everyone under my command. My soldiers are outstanding, they are superb.” Praising his men the officer said that they’d turned a town in fear of the Taliban into a bustling bazaar, governed by local people and rooted out a stubborn enclave of resistance in Saidabad. The community of Nad-e-ali in central Helmand Province was brought to a standstill by the insurgents but is now nearly back on its feet, thanks to their work he said. “The battalion did exceptionally well. “I was out there for just a few weeks last December and there were no shops open, but by the time we left there were over 400 shops. So for the people of Nad-e-ali their lives have improved. “What we set out to do in the west of Nad-e-ali was to support the Afghan security forces in protecting the local population and to support the government in
committing resources and development and supporting governance across the area. “In terms of what we have achieved the best way to describe this is in terms of economic development. “I think that quality of life and security in Nad-e-ali has improved, it is a more stable area – and that’s our long term aim. “The battalion performed brilliantly. It’s a very challenging, demanding operation out there.” During their tour of duty the battalion lost three soldiers and saw others left with life changing injuries but Lieut-Col Lawrence said that despite the dangers he saw his men beating back the Taliban and forcing them into the hard countryside away from towns, villages and vital supplies. “The aim was really, with our Afghan security partners, to push back the insurgents away from population centres so that the population is then protected. “My soldiers and the Afghan forces are fighting insurgents off on the periphery now – so they can’t come in and in order to protect the population,” he said. “We’re creating a series of protected communities.” Looking back on 1 Lancs achievements since the battle group took over the area and led the successful operation Tor
Soldiers on parade during the medals ceremony
Shezada (“Black Prince”) he said: “I think there were a few highlights of the tour in terms of progress. “In early May elections were held. The old council consisted of 25 based in the provincial capital Lashkar Gah, and it was based there because the security in Nad-e-ali wasn’t sufficient. “In May 45 members were elected and they were from the district because the security was good enough.” Pointing to Saidabad, where 1 Lancs troops took back the town used by up to 180 enemy fighters, Lieut-Col Lawrence said: “That was the last town under insurgent control, it was an insurgent stronghold.” An attempt at clearing Saidabad of the enemy threat as part of Operation Moshtarak failed earlier this year and so taking back the town, which sits on a canal crossing that had become a gateway for resupplying insurgents with arms and transport, was key. But he said morale was also kept high thanks to the support his soldiers get from Merseyside. “The support has been fantastic,” he said. “The north west has always provided us with outstanding support.”
The 1 Lancs Commanding Officer Lieut Col Frazer Lawrence
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Tuesday, December 7, 2010
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OUR HEROES Those who gave their lives serving their country
Tributes to the 15 who did F
AMILIES throughout Merseyside and the North West today mourn loved ones killed while serving with the 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment and the 1st Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment. Hundreds of soldiers from Liverpool, Wirral, Knowsley, Sefton and St Helens were deployed to Afghanistan; 15 men were lost on their mission. Heartbreaking scenes of silent tribute have taken place at Wootton Bassett, followed by military funerals throughout the region for young men who made the ultimate sacrifice. Many of the soldiers, some with horrific injuries they will have to live with forever, arrive back in Merseyside grieving for friends who gave their lives on the frontline.
RIFLEMAN Remand Kulung was killed while serving on attachment with the 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment on August 10. The 27-year-old soldier from Basaha, Barshedanda, Nepal died after a Chinook helicopter crashed into a guard post where he was stationed. The sangar collapsed and Rfn Remand was injured, and evacuated to the UK for treatment, where he died surrounded by his family on August 12. Rfn Remand's wife, Sophy, said: “My husband, Rifleman Remand Kulung, was a kind, brave and very honest soldier. He has always been sincere and devoted towards his responsibilities as a soldier, which Gurkha soldiers are renowned for.” MERCIAN soldier Lieutenant John Sanderson was killed after being injured in an explosion in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province on July 13. The 29-year-old and his men were patrolling the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand province when he was caught in the blast, later dying in the UK surrounded by his family on August 11. Lt Sanderson leaves behind his mother, father and sister, all of whom live in Windelsham, Surrey. They said: “We have lost a brilliant and loving son and brother. John loved his Army career and was enthusiastically committed to his men and particularly his and their role in Afghanistan. "He believed he was contributing to a better life for the Afghan people.” IRAQ and Northern Ireland veteran Lance Corporal Andrew Breeze was killed in an explosion near a checkpoint on June 12. The 31-year-old from Manchester joined the Cheshire Regiment in 1996, later the 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment, and in March was deployed to Babaji, central Helmand. Paying tribute to the soldier, his family said: “We are very proud of a brave, loving and sincere son and brother. He served for 14 years in the Armed Forces and was recognised as an excellent soldier. “The Army was his life. He is going to be desperately missed by his family and his fiancée.”
PRIVATE THOMAS SEPHTON
WARRINGTON soldier Pte Thomas Sephton was mortally wounded saving his best friend from a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. Pte Sephton, 20, of the 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment, was flown back to the UK after being injured in a blast in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province on July 4, dying in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham of his wounds 24 hours later. He was injured during a patrol to clear improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from a route around the patrol base. His family said: "Tom meant the world to everyone who knew him. We are so very proud of our brave soldier. He will be with us forever in our hearts." He was next to his best friend, Pte Charlie Emina, when a bomb detonated. Pte Emina said: "Sefo was my closest friend in the world - we were like brothers. He was always the life and soul wherever he went. "He loved his friends and family more than anything. He was always first out of the gate on patrol and had pride doing his job for his country. "He saved the lives of his section on two occasions and on that tragic day he saved my life and gave his own." 25-YEAR-OLD Private Jonathan Michael Monk died in an IED explosion during a foot patrol on June 9. The London soldier was a member of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, which was attached to 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment, and was serving in the Upper Gereshk Valley. Pte Monk joined the Army aged 16 and had completed previous tours of Afghanistan and Iraq. Speaking of their pride and sadness his family said: ”Jon was the most wonderful son, and a truly great brother to Michaela. “The Army was in his blood, it was all he’d ever wanted to do since he was five years old.”
LANCE Corporal Alan Cochran, 23, from St Asaph, was killed on June 4 in Helmand Province, alongside fellow Mercian soldier Corporal Terry Webster, in a fierce fire fight. The ‘career soldier’ joined the 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment in 2007, and had previously completed tours of Iraq and Northern Ireland. His mum Shirley Cochran said: “Alan was a tremendous son. He was proud to be a soldier and died doing a job he loved. We are devastated by the loss of Alan who was a loving son, grandson and brother.” His Wirral fiancée, Claire Brookshaw, added: "He was a fantastic fiancé. He has been a great part of my life and always will be.”
C SGT MARTYN SIMON HORTON LIVERPOOL FC fan Colour Sergeant Martyn Horton died when his armoured vehicle crashed into a canal, killing three others. The 34-year-old and from Runcorn joined the Cheshire Regiment in 1992, which later became the 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment. He was killed on Wednesday, June 23 when his vehicle rolled into a canal near Gereshk in Helmand Province. CSgt Horton and other members of the Police Advisory Team were responding to reports of an attack when their vehicle overturned. Paying tribute to a committed father and soldier his sister, Caroline said: "Martyn lived for three things – family, Army and Liverpool. "He loved fighting for his friends and family. He was a loving dad, brother and son; he touched everyone he met. "We will miss his cheeky grin. He will be fondly missed by everyone he knew and sadly died doing the job he loved. Once met, never forgotten." Commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hadfield added: "As Second-in-Command of my Reconnaissance Platoon he was of course a highly professional field soldier, and he revelled in getting down and dirty and taking the fight to anyone who stood in the way of him or his men." He leaves behind his girlfriend Gemma, his son Ethan, nine, and stepdaughter Bethany, 17. DAD-of-two Corporal Terry Webster was killed in the ambush that also claimed the life of Lance Corporal Alan Cochran on June 4. The 24-year-old from Chester joined the 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment in 2006 and was on foot patrol in Nahr-e Saraj when he was shot, dying of his injuries in Kandahar. His wife Charlotte and his children Jess and Liam said: "Tez was passionate, loyal and determined. "He enjoyed the role he had in the Mercians but he was a family man at heart. He was a fantastic dad to Jess and Liam and he was the perfect soul mate to me. "Although this is a very sad time, Tez would want us to be positive."
22-YEAR-old Corporal Harvey Alex Holmes, died in an explosion in Sangin on May 2. A member of the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, he was attached to 40 Commando Royal Marines Battle Group, when he died. The soldier, from Hyde, Manchester, joined the regiment in 2005 and had seen action in Iraq and Northern Ireland. His family said: "Harvey lived for his family and his friends but his passion was the Army. "He has made his family extremely proud for the sacrifice he has made and will be missed every day. Harvey has died a true hero and will be with us forever in our hearts."
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
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OUR HEROES 7
CALLANS
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PRIVATE DOUGLAS HALLIDAY
WIRRAL soldier Private Douglas Halliday joined the 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment in January 2008 and was killed while serving with his company in Helmand Province. The 20-year-old from Rock Ferry was one of four soldiers who died in a fatal canal crash in Helmand Province on June 23 when their vehicle overturned into the Nahr-e-Bughra Canal. His commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hadfield paying tribute to him said: "A spirited man with a big heart, he was totally committed to this difficult and often dangerous mission and interacted extremely well with both the police and the civilian community." Pte Halliday's family said: "Dougie was deeply loved by all of his family and friends for the love and laughter that he brought into their lives. Dougie was always the life and soul of the party and will be missed by all. We are all extremely privileged to have shared his short life. "Dougie loved his job in the Army and his comrades; he would have done anything for them. He was that special type of man. We were all so proud when he was voted top cadet in his passing out parade." They added: "We remember Dougie for his charm, the special times together and his humour. He will never be forgotten." THE fourth victim of the canal crash tragedy, Lance Corporal David Ramsden, died at the age of 26. The soldier from Leeds was a member of 1st Battalion, the Prince of Wales's Own Regiment, and was serving alongside 1 Mercian colleagues CSgt Horton, Pte Halliday and Pte Isaac, on attachment when the vehicle carrying them overturned. His heart-broken family, mum Shirley, dad Eddie, and brothers and sisters, Zoey, twin Emma, Matthew and Jeremy, said: "David lived life at 1,000mph. He loved Army life and his job." His commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hadfield said: "As an experienced hand he had an immediate impact on those around him.”
DAD-OF-ONE Corporal Taniela Tolevu Rogoiruwai was killed in a fire fight with the Taliban in Helmand Province on June 15. The 1st Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster's soldier was known to all as 'Rocco' and had completed previous tours of duty in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. The 32-year-old was born in Nausori, in Fiji, joining the Army in 2000 and was described as ‘tough and stoic’ by his commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Frazer Lawrence. His wife added: "Dan was such a loving husband who dedicated his life to his work and especially his family. He will be sorely missed by his friends, workmates and especially by his wife and three-year-old son, Matthew.”
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PRIVATE ALEX ISAAC
PRIVATE Alex Isaac, 20, from Wirral, was killed in Helmand Province on June 23 when his vehicle plunged into the Nahr-e-Bughra Canal as his team responded to reports of an attack. The Eastham soldier joined the 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment straight from school and was carrying out his first tour of Afghanistan helping to train local police officers when he died. Commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Hadfield said: "He came to Afghanistan initially with B Company, but was soon selected to move to Gereshk City to help form a Police Advisory Team under Colour Sergeant Bobby Horton. "He responded well to the dynamics of this small team and, as a strong and energetic man, he was an ideal role model to the emerging police force that he was mentoring." Pte Isaac's family paid tribute to his courage. Proud mum Annette Isaac said: "My beautiful darling son who was a fighter, and so brave, you will always be in my heart, my soul and my thoughts. God bless." And his dad John Isaac, added: "I will miss you always my brave son Alex, you now live on in my thoughts and my heart."
KINGSMAN Ponipate Tagitaginimoce died in a fire fight with insurgents on June 15 in Nad-e-ali. The 29-year-old 1st Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment soldier was known to his mates as ‘Tagi’ and born in Nausori, Fiji, joining the Army in 2005. Paying tribute to the keen rugby player his wife, Laisani, said: "A loving husband and a wonderful father who will be deeply missed." He was also praised by commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Frazer Lawrence, who added: "He died during an attempt to aid one of his comrades. "This comes as no surprise as he was an exceptional soldier whose first thought was always for those around him, never himself."
25-YEAR-OLD Lance Corporal Jordan Dean Bancroft, from Burnley, was shot in Nad-e-ali, Afghanistan during a fire fight on August 21. A member of the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, he joined the Army in 2001, and had completed two tours of Iraq. Paying tribute to the soldier, his family said: "We will always remember Jordan loving a challenge, in particular outdoor pursuits. “He was a keen snow skier and often skied for the regiment. "He loved all water sports and took any opportunity to ride a jet ski or drive a speed boat. “We will miss Jordan so much and it will leave a huge hole in all our lives."
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8 OUR HEROES
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
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OUR HEROES Mission in Afghanistan
Troops tasked with winning the hearts and minds of the people by LAURA JONES
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ELMAND Province, southern Afghanistan is a Taliban stronghold at the centre of the global opium trade which sits on the border with Pakistan. For that reason the province – one of the 34 that make up the country – has been identified as key to removing the insurgent threat. Since Operation Enduring Freedom began in 2001, with British and American air strikes launched against Afghanistan in retaliation at the Taliban refusal to hand over Osama bin Laden, UK troops have been battling the insurgents with some of the fiercest resistance encountered in Helmand. The province's desert plateau landscape is dotted with towns and villages and cut in two by the River Helmand, with regional capital Lashkar Gah in the north east. The majority of Helmand's population of 1.5million speak Pashtu, and it was their hearts and minds soldiers, from the 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment and the 1st Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, were tasked with winning. In 2005 a study funded by the European Commission showed that only 28% of households use safe drinking water and 21% have access to electricity which is why during their six months in Helmand Merseyside troops built and repaired schools, medical centres, mosques and other infrastructure in a bid to convince locals life is better without the Taliban. Since coalition troops first arrived in Afghanistan in 2001 the way the insurgents fight has continued to change. At the start of the conflict British soldiers were facing conventional gun battles to win and hold land in face to face, man to man, fighting, but soon their enemy realised those tactics weren't working against highly organised, well equipped forces. Outnumbered by the coalition troops Taliban chiefs, in a bid to move away from direct conflicts in which they were losing large numbers of men, began to use more guerilla-style tactics. IEDs, rocket attacks activated by timers and ambushes are now a common threat, maximising the Taliban's impact, with minimum risk to their men. The injuries caused by IEDs are both life-threatening and life-changing. Both regiments return from their tours of duty counting double and triple amputees among their casualties. Figures are yet to be released by the MOD to show how many 1st Battalion the Mercian regiment and 1st Battalion the Duke of Lancaster's men have lost limbs or suffered other life-changing injuries. The threat of IEDs has changed the way troops go about their business in Helmand, with foot patrols slowed by painstaking checks for wires and other evidence of the devices as well as a greater reliance on helicopters to move troops and supplies. With the launch of operation Tor Shezada in Sayedabad, led by the 1st Battalion the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, troops were able to disrupt the bomb making production line in the green zone, so called because it is on the fertile river bank. On day two of the offensive 13 platoon uncovered and destroyed an IED factory in the former Taliban stronghold. In Sangin to the north east, where members of the 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment faced some of the fiercest fighting in an area which has claimed 105 British troops, it was announced on September 20 that British forces had handed over to American troops.
A map of Helmand Province in Afghanistan
Crown copyright material reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO
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Tuesday, December 7, 2010
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‘Your mind was not on eating ... it was on staying alive’
When asked what went through his mind when the enemy opened fire, L Cpl Redford said: “To kill them. They were trying to kill either me or one of my mates, so the key was to get more rounds down than they did. “At some points I thought they might storm the compound, especially at night – they were only 20m away. L Cpl Redford added: “It was great to see the other multiple, not just the whole ‘safety in numbers’ bit but also because it was a relief to see they were OK.”
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L Cpl Alan Redford in action
school pupil said: “There was no time to think about how much time was passing. We were just firing at the insurgents.” With supplies of food, water and ammunition running low, at one point they resorted to using a powerful rocket to push back their attackers. L Cpl Redford said: “Your mind was not on eating and drinking, it was on staying alive. “Making sure morale was high was very difficult given what we were going through.”
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PENNED in by Taliban fire for 25 hours outside Nahr-e-saraj Mercian soldiers were forced to fight for their lives. Dad-of-two Lance Corporal Alan Redford, of Moreton, and the men of Mercian C company came under attack after their comrade Private Jonathan Monk was killed in an explosion. The company, which was clearing a route for civilians, had to retreat into its compound under a hail of Taliban bullets. The former Henry Meols
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Troops from Somme Company, the 1st Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster Regiment preparing to board an RAF Chinook during Operation Tor Shezada
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A soldier from Burma Company the 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster Regiment runs to take up a firing position during contact with the enemy in Afghanistan
BLOWN up by an IED, one Merseyside soldier told of his return to the frontline just a month after he was airlifted from the battlefield for life-saving treatment. Private Liam Parr, 23, from Wallasey, was injured almost immediately after arriving at Babaji to the north of Helmand Province. The former Oldershaw School pupil has served for two and a half years with the Mercian regiment. “I think I was the first out of the whole company to get injured – I was certainly the first in B company,” he told the ECHO. “In a month I was back on the frontline. In my first two weeks on the ground in Babaji we went out on a patrol, I was first man out, and an IED went off just to my right, and before I knew it I saw something coming at me and it hit my leg. “I couldn’t get out of the way, I saw it happen, but the amount of stuff I had on my back I just wasn’t fast enough to get away.” Reliving the moment he was almost killed Pte Parr said: “I didn’t know what had happened, I just went into shock. “My cover man jumped on top of me shouting ‘man down!’ and they gave my emergency first aid and called in the MERT chopper. “I’ve got a scar behind my knee where it was. I had to have surgery in Bastion – two operations – and two weeks of physio there.They wouldn’t let me back until I did a mile and a half run with all my kit on to see how I got on. I did the trial and passed it and then took my two weeks R&R, then went back to Babaji.” Concerned medics wanted to make sure the 23-year-old had enough time to recover from the blast. He explained: “At Bastion they said to me ‘are you ready to go back out?’ “I said ‘it’s not about whether I’m ready – I’m doing it for the others’ – I would only do it for the lads. “I’d go back out there again with the lads I came back home with – they were the only family I had for seven months because we were fighting side by side. “I’d do anything for them.” In recognition of his loyalty to his men, Pte Parr was awarded a commendation from his commanding officer. But despite his own lucky escape, the tour still ended in tragedy for B company. “Sadly, Lieutenant John Sanderson, my boss – he was the platoon commander – was killed while we were out there,” Pte Parr said. “He was amazing – just there for us every day, he always had time for us. It’s saddening to think we’ll go back after leave and not see him again. “We were in a compound and the others were just a couple of hundred metres away when it happened to him – our platoon had split down into two groups.” He added: “It was just a roll of the dice.”
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A mortar team fires on insurgents outside Forward Operating Base Khar Nikar in Afghanistan
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after being blown up
K AC RB PE PA
NATION Back on the STOOD frontline just TOGETHER one month
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10 OUR HEROES
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
★★★★
OUR HEROES 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment homecoming A welcome home kiss makes all the difference
A young girl holds onto her father's leg tightly after scores of soldiers based at Catterick Garrison in north Yorkshire return home
Thomas DeSilva gets a big hug from his 14-month-old daughter, Chloe, and wife, Stephanie
Proud families await scores of soldiers based at Catterick Garrison in north Yorkshire return home
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EARFUL scenes at Catterick garrison played out in recent weeks as the men and women of the 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment returned to be reunited with their loved ones. The troops will tell you that six months is a long time when it’s spent in Helmand Province - but for the families waiting anxiously at home the nerve wracking countdown can seem even longer. On October 29 it was number one company who flew home. Despite a late night flight hundreds of families turned out in dark, windy weather to welcome them home. The jubilation that erupted as the troops stepped off the coaches was overwhelming, as mums, dads, wives, husbands, sons and daughters joined the scrum to grab their soldier. Inside, the canteen was filled with more well wishers, with Welcome Home banners and flags pinned to the wall and little ones wearing cute “My daddy’s a Mercian” T-shirts. Pte Mark Smith from Runcorn has been with the regiment for six and a half years. He was treated to a champagne reception by his family and fiancée Rebecca Brown.
Posing for ECHO photographer James Maloney with a bottle of bubbly he joked: “Careful – I’m a good shot you know.” Bobby Fitzpatrick, of Widnes, said she was glad her heartache was over as her fiancé, Pte Alan Sonny Carr, also came home safe. She said: “He just passed out and it was ‘right, off to Afghanistan’. He was out there for eight weeks. It was his first tour.” Pte Gareth Pritchard, 20, from Noctorum, admitted the tour had been hard on his company and added: “The high point was watching the paras come in to take over from us in Nar-e-Seraj.” Stephanie Desilva, 23, of Bebington, was waiting to welcome her husband, Pte Tom Desilva, home from his first tour since they married. The pregnant mum told the ECHO: “It has been an absolute nightmare. I do not think you can prepare for it, to be honest.” She added: “He had a few close calls out there but he was more concerned about his mates. A few of them were killed, like Terry Webster, and some were injured. His friend Mark lost a leg and he was the one who helped to get him on the helicopter. “Tom has not seen him since, but I know he wants to visit him soon.”
★★★★
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
OUR HEROES 11
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Cpl Andrew Bagshaw gives girlfriend Gemma Stratton a big kiss upon his arrival
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Bobby Fitzpatrick gives her hero Alan Carr a big kiss to welcome his return
Tears of joy as the troops come home
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12 OUR HEROES
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
★★★★
OUR HEROES 1st Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster homecoming
W
ITH the command “fall out” echoing round the parade square the soldiers of the 1st Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment sprinted towards their waiting families for an emotional reunion. After six months in theatre, three fatalities, and dozens of injuries – serious and minor – it’s fair to say the former Kings Regiment were glad to be back on home soil. Catterick barracks, in north Yorkshire, was once again invaded by parties of anxious relatives and friends desperate to see the troops who they waved off to war six months earlier. Platoon Sergeant Frank Featherstone, of Formby, said: “It's brilliant to be back – it's the best feeling. I came back for R&R, but it's not the same – this is official, now I've got a lot of time with my wife and kids. You don't know who to grab first – the wife or the boys. You just grab them both.” His wife Hannah and sons Daniel, four, and Joseph, two, made the two and a half hour trip to welcome him back. The part-time Costco worker told the ECHO: “It's the first Afghan tour he's done. He's been 300 yards from the Taliban, constantly on the front line. She added: “There's always that thought, ‘is there going to be someone from the Army outside your house, will I ever have to go to Wootton Bassett?'’ We're having a party in Formby tomorrow night to celebrate.” LFC supporter, Pt Peter Almond from Anfield joined the Kings Regiment 10 years ago. Welcoming his mates back he said: “It gets quite nervous towards the end of tour – the lads worry they won't get home. You miss your family, friends and booze.”
Troops from 1st Lancaster parade in front of their families at Catterick Garrison after arriving home from Afghanistan
Lance Corporal Stephen Buckley from St Helens returning home from a tour of duty in Afghanistan, pictured at Catterick Garrison with his daughter three-year-old Jessica
Left, Daniel Featherstone, aged four, from Formby, with the sign he made to welcome home his dad, Frank
★★★★
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
OUR HEROES 13
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Hannah Featherstone from Formby welcomes back her husband Frank from his tour of duty
Above left, Daniel Featherstone, aged 4, gives his dad, Frank, a big hug Above, family members wait to welcome back troops
Families welcome back troops from Afghanistan into Catterick Garrison in north Yorkshire
Left, Peter Almond, from Anfield, welcomes back his mates, Stephen Buckley (left) and Jonjo Taylor (right)
Day Trip to Harrods & Knightsbridge Shopping New Years Eve Dinner Mothers Day Lunch Hampton Court Palace Chelsea Flower Show Loch Lomond & the Trossachs London: Sightseeing & River Thames Cruise Wimbledon RHS Hampton Court Flower Show Edinburgh & Royal Yacht Britannia Edinburgh Fringe Festival
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14 OUR HEROES
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
★★★★
OUR HEROES A look back at the history of the two regiments
Serving from the Battle of the Boyne to modern day conflicts G
ENERATIONS of Merseyside families have served with the Cheshire Regiment that since 1689 has recruited thousands of its soldiers from Wirral. On September 1, 2007 the regiment amalgamated with the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters and the Staffordshire Regiments to become the Mercian Regiment. Raised in 1689 by the Duke of Norfolk, the Cheshire Regiment was founded specifically to fight in the Battle of the Boyne. Legend has it that the Cheshires were raised on the Roodee, now Chester racecourse, but it is certain that the regiment has always used the Castle in Chester as its head quarters, although today the battalion barracks are in Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire. During WWI the Cheshires managed to form 38 battalions from Wirral and Cheshire, each of between 900 and 1,000 men, to fight predominately on the Western Front but also further afield, including Gallipoli and Palestine. When war was declared the Cheshires were part of the expeditionary forces, suffering huge casualties at the Battle of Mons in 1914.
By the time of WWII, the Cheshires had become a machine gun regiment, and were able to send full strength 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th battalions to war, as well as raising 39 home guard battalions. Soldiers of 4 Cheshire, who were recruited entirely from Wirral, were evacuated from Dunkirk in 1940 and others were killed in the German SS atrocity of Wormhout in which 100 unarmed British soldiers who had surrendered in accordance with the Geneva Convention were rounded into a barn which was then blown up with explosives. More recently, the regiment deployed regularly to Northern Ireland, carrying out seven emergency tours there and three, two-year garrison postings. On December 6, 1982 the regiment lost eight men as 17 troops and civilians were killed in the Ballykelly disco blast claimed to have been carried out by the Irish National Liberation Army. The Cheshire Regiment were the first peacekeepers sent to the Balkans under the command of “Bosnia Bob” Colonel Bob Stewart. Merseyside soldiers also served in the second Iraq war as the regiment took part in Operation Telik in 2005 before being deployed to the war in Afghanistan.
Biglands Birkenhead Bantams, otherwise known as the 15th and 16th Cheshire regiment, the UK's first undersize battalion comprised solely of men
Kingsmen honour still remains true
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Musicians from the Kings Regiment entertained the crowds in Castle Street on June 25, 1980 to mark the centenary of the city of Liverpool
HE King’s of Liverpool will be a name familiar to most ECHO readers, thanks to the regiment’s long standing connection with Merseyside. It was only on July 1, 2006 that the regiment merged with the King’s Own Royal Border and the Queen’s Lancashire Regiments to become the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment. And although the regiment is famed for its “Kingsmen”, it actually formed as the Princess Anne of Denmark’s Regiment of Foot in 1685. It was only in the 18th century that George I decided to honour the regiment’s service at Sheriffmuir, and so the Queen’s became the King’s Regiment of Foot. Within the British army the regiment was one of only four affiliated to a city, rather than a county, and from 1881 was known as The King’s (Liverpool Regiment). During WWI soldiers from the regiment served with the Peshawar Division of Indian Army and the Lahore Division of Indian Corps. At that time troops were stationed at Princes Park Barracks, Liverpool before deployment and training took
place in Bootle, Seaforth, Hightown with reserve battalions forming in Hoylake, Formby and the old watch factory in Prescot. The regiment played an important part in putting an end to WWII. Kingsmen took part in Operation Overlord in France in1944, which opened with the D-Day landings and others deployed with the Chindits to Burma. Soldiers also saw active service in the Korean war of 1950, earning a battle honour for the King’s Regiment in recognition of their contribution. In more recent history the regiment was posted to Northern Ireland in 1970 and remained there during the most hostile period of the Troubles, losing 10 men to sniper fire and bombings, one of who was killed on May 30, 1972 an IRA bomb detonated in the battalion headquarters. In 2003, Kingsmen deployed to Iraq post-war, occupying Basra they worked with locals to keep the peace and train Iraqi security forces. Despite the regiment’s amalgamation in 2006, privates in the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment are still known as Kingsmen.
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OUR HEROES
OUR HEROES 15
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Visit www.liverpool.co.uk/armedforces
Relaxing with their favourite paper B
Kgn Joseph Curran of the 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster Regiment, who is part of Corunna Company 9 Platoon, relaxes to read the Liverpool Echo
Kgn Jones, 2nd battalion, Duke of Lancs in Afghanistan
Photo Credit WO2 M Hunter 2nd Bn the Duke of Lancs Regiment
Photo credit: Corporal Gary Kendall RLC
From left, Kgn Vatanimoto, Kgn Wood, Kgn Matthews, Kgn Jones, Kgn Payne 2nd Battalion, Duke of Lancaster in Afghanistan
Photo credit: WO2 M Hunter 2nd Bn the Duke of Lancs Regiment
ECHO backs Tickets for Troops THE ECHO is backing a drive to send servicemen and women, and their families, to free football matches, concerts and live TV shows thanks to the charity Tickets For Troops. Since the charity was set up 73,000 members of the armed forces have registered, receiving tickets for Bon Jovi and Rod Stewart concerts, West End shows and TV shows Top Gear and X Factor.
In Merseyside, 300 troops watched Everton FC's recent match against Bolton, after the club donated the tickets to the charity. Servicemen met with Phil Neville and Phil Jagielka at Finch Farm to pick up their tickets. Tickets For Troops offers free tickets for big events to UK soldiers, sailors and airmen. The Blues made the
donation to mark Remembrance Day. More than 250,000 free tickets have been given away to the men and women who serve our country, and more theatres, concert venues, sports clubs and production companies are signing up to show their support for the forces. Any member of the military or veterans from 2001 who registers at the website www.ticketsfor
troops.org.uk with their own individual military identity details will qualify for the tickets. The charity's patron Gary Lineker said: “The aim and objectives of the charity are equally simple – to do something which recognises the sacrifices our amazing Armed Forces make on our behalf but also a gesture to support their families and loved ones, who are so important to them.”
ETWEEN dodging bullets and exploding IEDs the men of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment manage to make time to read their favourite newspaper – the ECHO. And these Merseyside frontline soldiers sent us the snaps from Helmand Province to prove it. The regiment counts scores of Scousers in its ranks thanks to its historical connection to the city – the King’s of Liverpool amalgamated to form the new regiment in 2005. So we thought they might be glad of a few parcels of their local paper while on tour in Afghanistan. Reader Kgm Joseph Curran, 23, from Fazakerley, of the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment said: “When the post comes in from Bastion, I like to read the ECHO as it reminds me of home.” Taking a break from the frontline Kgn Vatanimoto, Kgn Wood, Kgn Matthews, Kgn Jones, Kgn Payne of the 2nd Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment arranged themselves into this elaborate pose. And now Liverpool troops can stay up to date with Merseyside news wherever they are with the launch of the ECHO’s armed forces website. Check it out at www.liverpool echo.co.uk/armedforces
16 OUR HEROES
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
★★★★
OUR HEROES 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment , freedom parade
M
ERSEYSIDE made its pride known as thousands came out onto the streets to welcome home the 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment . Marching through Birkenhead , Ellesmere Port and Chester the troops were treated to banners and bunting along their routes and civic receptions in their honour. Returning soldiers were joined by injured colleagues as they toured the region in a series of freedom parades to celebrate the end of their tour. “I did get quite emotional by it,” Pte Charles Emina, from Allerton, told the ECHO after the march in Hamilton Square on November 9. “The way people are so appreciative of you does mean a lot. “Marching into Birkenhead you realise soldiers have been doing this since WWI and we’re just a new breed. “I saw a couple of ex lads that we served with in the crowds and that was good to see too.”
Pte Kyle Bleasedale from Wallasey added: “It’s especially nice to see the British flag flying high and giving people a reason to be patriotic.” For L-Cpl David Hodson the Birkenhead march was a true homecoming. “Most of us are from round here, so we were really excited by this one,” he said. Businesses shut to allow their staff to join the crowds of well wishers, proud families watched on and school children joined in the excitement. For others the marches were a solemn affair. The family of Pte Douglas Niall Halliday from Rock Ferry, the 20-year-old who died when his armoured vehicle rolled into a canal, made the decision to see the regiment home. His cousin Helen Fisher said: “There was no question about it.It is very important for us to come and welcome all the lads home today on behalf of Dougie, who would have wanted us to.”
Crowds welcome home the troops at Hamilton Square
Troops parade through the streets of Birkenhead
Injured soldier, Pte Danny Oxley with his comrades at the homecoming ceremony
A war veteran proudly displays his medals
★★★★
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
OUR HEROES 17
Visit www.liverpool.co.uk/armedforces
Three-year-old Aflie Dickinson waves his Union Jack flag as he awaits the return of his dad A heroes’ welcome from the hundreds of people who turned out to support the troops, as they march through the street of Birkenhead
18 OUR HEROES
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
★★★★
OUR HEROES 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment, freedom parade
Stuart Reid, Laura-Ashlea Laidler, Stephaine Desliva, Thomas Desliva and baby Chole Desliva at the homecoming parade
A march past by the Mercian regiment
Troops marching at the parade
A war veteran stands proud awaiting the return of the troops
★★★★
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Visit www.liverpool.co.uk/armedforces
OUR HEROES 19
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Commanding Officer Lt Col Andy Hadfield leads his men in Hamilton Square
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Pupils from Heswall Primary School line the streets in honour of the returning soldiers
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20 OUR HEROES
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
★★★★
OUR HEROES Family and friends are so proud of their troops JASON, Owen, David, Jack and Chloe aged eight and nine from Heswall and Moreton all go to Heswall Primary School, and were at the march. “They've been fighting in Afghanistan," David said. "And we are so happy to see them," Chloe added. "They are brilliant."
CHANTALLE Wigfield (right) was waiting proudly to see her boyfriend Pte Ashley Weston home, accompanied by her mum Paulette (left) and friends Becky Waters (second right) and Sarah Thorpe (second left) whose boyfriend Pte Jason Paul was serving with the regiment. Chantalle said: “He was out there for about two and a half months. “He got injured – a grenade was thrown into the compound and blew up close to his leg. “He broke his leg, but he could have lost it if he'd been any closer. “So I'm really happy to have him home. It's good to see a big crowd supporting them.” Sarah added: “I'm very proud and very relieved to have him home.”
EDWARD Dooley from Bromborough, a veteran of the Cheshire Regiment, was joined by other Cheshire veterans Ray Brennan from New Ferry and Terry Newcome from Birkenhead. “I'm here to honour my regiment,” he said. “That's what we're all here for. “It will mean a lot to the lads to know that people appreciate them.”
EMILY, six, and Owen, 12, only wanted to see one soldier – their dad Pte Peter Reilly from Birkenhead. “It's exciting,” Owen said. He's in the army and we're proud of him.”
PTE BEN Smith, Pte Chris Peake and Pte Daniel McKeown, all from Eastham. “We're pretty happy to be home,” Pte Peake said. “It was really nice to see family, and people that you didn't expect to see turn out for you in the crowd. “It's hard not to smile, but you've got to concentrate on keeping in step.”
PTE JACK Roberts, 18, from Seacombe was a pupil at St Mary's School before joining up. “It went really well today, everyone was in step. That's the best parade we've done yet. “I'm just getting to grips with being home. “All my family came out to see me today and my girlfriend. “It's good because it was a tough tour for everyone. I was in Sangin. “I went out late because I had to hang back until my 18th birthday – I said I'm not bothered, I'll just go out with the rest of the guys, but they were having none of it!”
CAROL Ferguson from Birkenhead said it was important that people supported the regiment. “My grandson Christopher Fergusson is with 42 Marine Commando and he is going out to Afghanistan in March. “He's only 18. He was born here and lived in Wallasey, but he's moved down south to the regiment now, so I wanted to support him by being here.”
RICHARD and Martha McGuiness from Wallasey waited for the Mercian regiment to march by. Richard said: “I was with the Queen's Royal Lancers myself. They are going to feel OK when they see this crowd. It's going to give them a lift and show them the recognition they get. “They're doing a job that's hard to do.”
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Tuesday, December 7, 2010
1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment
LITTLE Esme Harrison, 19 months, and her mum Stacey Harrison joined the crowds to watch the march. “We're not here for anybody, just out of respect,” Stacey explained.
LES and Anne Devonport, from Wallasey said they wouldn't miss seeing their nephew Pte Peter Williams march home for anything. Les said: “It's the fact he's home safely, and we're really proud. “We just had to come. He's already had a homecoming party and we saw him then for the first time.” Anne added: “I was convinced he would be fine, but we were all worried. He was a close friend of Dougie Halliday and Alex Isaac and he was upset and we did worry about his well-being.”
CHELSEA Clark from Birkenhead was there to welcome home her cousin Graham Boyle. She said: “He's been out a few times, but it's still good to have him back. “I came here today just to show our respects. I knew a few of the lads that died on the tour as well, so I've come out for them and their families too.”
DAVID Kirkham from Birkenhead said: “I used to be with the Cheshire Regiment. “I went out to Iraq in 2004. “I was with the regiment from 2002 – 2006 and we did a few marches through Wirral and Cheshire. “It makes you feel good you've got the backing behind you, especially where they've been.”
CPL SEAN Wilson, 27, (left) and his younger brother LCpl Trevor Wilson, 25, (right) were met by their relieved mum Anita after the parade. “They do their own celebrating – I'm just glad they are home,” she said. “They know that I love them to bits and I couldn't be more proud of them.”
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22 OUR HEROES
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
★★★★
OUR HEROES 1st Battalion, Duke of Lancaster Regiment freedom parade
The regiment band brought a musical treat to the streets of Warrington
Soldiers from the Duke of Lancaster's regiment mark their homecoming from operations in Afghanistan with a series of parades
The Mayor of Warrington, Councillor John Joyce, meets crowds of school children from Latchford St James primary school children who turned out to watch the march
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
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HE snowy streets of Warrington were a world away from the dusty heat of the desert as the 1st Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment celebrated the end of their tour of duty with a freedom parade through the town. Crowds of well wishers wrapped up warm to watch the march on November 30. After a memorial and thanksgiving service held at Warrington Parish Church of Saint Elphin, the soldiers of the former King’s regiment marched through the streets of the town as a military band played. Children from Latchford St James primary school waved Union Jack flags and broke out into a spontaneous rendition of ‘Soldiers are coming home’ to the tune of ‘Football’s coming home’ as the regiment marched past. Hundreds lined their route from Church Street in Warrington, through the shopping centre to the town hall where the Mayor of Warrington took the salute. Marking the end of the tour, during which three of their men were killed, the men of the 1st Battalion held a series of parades throughout the north west.
Dignitaries and crowds gather at Warrington town hall to watch the freedom parade by the 1st Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
On parade in Warrington
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Colonel Steve Davies told the ECHO: “We draw our strength from the towns and cities from which we recruit, and the north west and Merseyside is traditionally a very strong supporter of its military. “If it were ever required we’ve seen proof of that support here today with a welcome that took the chill out of the air. “It’s very important that the men do these marches – the worst thing in the world for a soldier is to go to war and think nobody gives a damn about them. That’s simply not the case.” Speaking of his time in theatre Kingsman Eddie Ellis from Warrington admitted that conditions were “cheeky” – dangerous – on the frontline. “It was my first Afghan tour and it did get cheeky at times, very cheeky,” the former Great Sankey High pupil said. “It was very busy, but everyone got on with it. If one of the lads got hit you’ve just got to crack on. The heat was up to 56 degrees sometimes towards the end – it was unbearable. “But when you go out on patrol you’ve just got to switch off to it all and do the job so you can get home.”
24 OUR HEROES
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
★★★★
OUR HEROES 1st Battalion, Duke of Lancaster Regiment freedom parade
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
★★★★
OUR HEROES 25
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Schoolchildren welcomed back soldiers from The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment (above) and (below) troops from the regiment will mark their homecoming from operations in Afghanistan with a series of parades
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Rainforest Life at ZSL London Zoo
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26 OUR HEROES
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
★★★★
OUR HEROES Family and friends are so proud of their troops THE Cheshire Regiment has a great significance for Beverley Bridge and her daughter Emma. The mum from Orford, Warrington, told the ECHO: “My brother Kgm Stephen Beacham was killed in an explosion in Northern Ireland 20 years ago. “That is how I met my husband Kgm Steven Bridge – through my brother – they were in the Kings together, my husband was in for five years. He lost five of his friends and then he came out. “And this church is where we had my brother's funeral so it fetches back a long way seeing all this here today. “My husband couldn't come today, but we wanted to thank the lads, so we've still come along.”
LITTLE Dylan Smith and his mum Clare from Warrington joined hundreds of well-wishers in Warrington to watch the freedom parade. “We've just come to support the troops and show respect for their bravery,” she told the ECHO. “I've got friends who have served in previous conflicts and days like today are very important.”
THREE-year-old Libby Leadbetter was excited to spot her dad Kgm Paul Leadbetter as the troops marched through the town. “She and her mum, Alex Leadbetter, from Rainford, were in Warrington to cheer on the regiment Kgm Leadbetter has served with for four years. Mrs Leadbetter said: “It's his first Afghanistan tour, but he has been in Iraq as well. “We've walked all this way through with them, and it's just now by the town hall that Libby's seen her dad.”
FORMER soldiers David Lee Jones ( left) and Francis Fernandez, both from Warrington, turned out to support their old comrades. The pair joined the Queen's Lancashire Regiment, which joined with the old King's of Liverpool Regiment to become the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment. Mr Fernandez who left the army in 2006 after completing tours of Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan, said: “It was always a very proud feeling to do a march like this. “I was filling up today seeing the boys.”
VETERANS Percy Bell (left) and Ellis Jones from the Warrington Duke of Lancaster's Regimental Association stood on Church Street to cheer the lads on. “I served with the South Lancs and the 58 King's – I was a Kingsman, but I finished up a Sergeant Major,” Mr Bell explained. “It's very, very important for us to be here today, I'm very proud of them.”
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
★★★★
OUR HEROES 27
1st Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster Regiment MUM-of-two Mandy Greenall watched on as her husband Regimental Sergeant Major Jason Greenall marched with his men. Mrs Greenall, who gave birth to the couple's second child, Sadie, 10 weeks ago, said their older daughter Ella, two, was pleased to have her dad home. “You could tell she was missing him, it was heartbreaking to see her,” she said. “He has been in for 18 years, so I'm just used to it. “It's been awful for his mum though.”
LANCE Corporal Byron Broadhurst, 26, from Busa said he'd missed the chilly Merseyside climate while fighting in Helmand. “It was my first tour, and challenging at times, but overall I'm glad I took part. “It does take a bit of acclimatising when you get back to this weather. “I did actually miss the cold out there – and Warrington winning the Challenge Cup final.”
SISTERS Joan Rowson and Nancy Jones from Warrington are members of the Warrington Parish Church of Saint Elphin choir. “We've sung in at the memorial service today,” Joan explained. “But we would have come to support them anyway. “It was a lovely service, the padre spoke very well.”
SKELMERSDALE soldier Kgm James Green from Digmoor said the town’s support had been good for his battalion's morale. “I did a tour of Iraq, but this was my first Afghan tour,” the former Glenburn High School pupil said. “They were very, very different tours. “This tour was a lot busier, we were out on patrol on foot a lot in Afghanistan, in Iraq we were using vehicles.” The Liverpool FC fan added: “I missed the second half of the season and the World Cup, but it’s nice to be back.”
FORCES supporter Sally Clough travelled from Bolton to be at the march. Holding an Afghan Heroes charity banner she said: “One of the lads that was killed was from Bolton and my dad served with the old regiment. “Today was the only day I could get off work, so I came down.”
PARENTS-in-law Michelle and Peter Carey from Warrington were at the march to cheer on 22-year-old Ben Walkden from Burton, whose wife couldn’t get to Warrington. Mrs Carey said: “She’s snowed in at Catterick. “She is really upset because she wanted to be here today. Their baby was born in February. “But she’s so pleased to have him home for Christmas - that’s a blessing.” Mr Carey added: “We know most of the guys here on parade from their wedding. “They were all laughing and joking they look a bit different in their uniforms now. We’re really proud of them.”
RAF veteran Walter Paling and his wife Patricia from Warrington were keen to show their support. “We're here to cheer them home,” Mrs Paling told the ECHO. “And to say thanks for what they've been doing. A bit of cold never hurt anyone, if it had been raining we'd have still come." Mr Paling added: “I did 16 years in the air force in the Middle East and Yemen. “I never got shot, but there was no TV news in those days, so we never got reported on much. “But we're here today because the local regiment must be supported by the local people.”
28 OUR HEROES
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
OUR HEROES
★★★★
1st Battalion, the Duke of Lancaster Regiment medals Kingsman Barry Welding aged 23, from St Helens, with family and friends after the medals parade including brother Spencer aged 6, centre
Stephen Humphries, aged 28, from Prescot, with his wife Toni 26, after the medals parade
Family and friends wave their Union Jack flags during the medal parade, right, the Afghanistan Operational Medal
Injured soldiers wait to receive their medals on Parade Square
★★★★
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
OUR HEROES 29
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• Overnight stay at a 3 or 4 star outer London area hotel with dinner and full English breakfast • Free time in London to enjoy the Royal Wedding celebrations on Friday 29 April 2011 • A visit to Royal Windsor • Return coach travel from Liverpool, Southport and Birkenhead For further information and a FREE brochure call:
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Soldiers and friends with their medals from left Alan Watts ,19 (Bootle), Tony Woodward, 20 (Old Swan), Lance Corporal Paul Crosbie, 22 (Norris Green), Lance Corporal Benji Shaw, 22 (Toxteth) and Daniel Linney, 20 (Wigan)
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A
Sven Baker, aged 34 from Huyton, with his wife Tracy 33, above, and left, Daniel Keegan aged 34, from Walton, with his son Jaiden, 3
FGHANISTAN campaign medals were awarded to the men and women of 1st Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s regiment in a proud ceremony to recognise their achievement and sacrifice. All those who serve for 35 days on the frontline are given the tour medal. The regiment gathered at its Catterick barracks first to remember the men they lost with a poignant drumhead service conducted by the regiment's padre Major Simon Bloxam-Rose. Speaking after the parade L Cpl Benji Shaw, 22, of Toxteth, said : “It's good to be back. Out there we were building a checkpoint and pushing the Taliban back. “We were on the front line and we pushed the forward line of the Taliban back about five to six kilometres. It was slow going. At first the locals didn't warm to us, but then we got them on side by making it safer.” L Cpl Paul Crosbie's family travelled from Norris Green to support him. The 22-year-old said: “It was enjoyable, but hard work. Some days it got a bit tough. Day to day we did patrols, just securing the village and protecting the village. “The local villagers got to know some of us by name because we gave the kids sweets.”
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www.livriviera.co.uk Kingsman Barry Welding aged 23, from St Helens, with his youngest brother Spencer wearing his regimental beret after the medals parade
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Lance Corporal Paul Crosbie, 22, from Norris Green, with his fiancee Debbie Croxton (centre) and their family
To make a booking
Stephen Humphries, 28, from Prescot, with his wife Toni 26, and family members, Jacky Crane, and Karen andTommy Cooke
Call: 0844 391 2170 quoting code LPE
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30 OUR HEROES
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
★★★★
OUR HEROES 1st Battalion, the Mercian Regiment medals ceremony
C
The troops line up for the crowds in Congleton
ROWDS turned out in Congleton to see 1st Battalion the Mercian Regiment collect their Afghanistan tour medals. Regiment Brigadier Andrew Sharpe OBE was presented with the freedom of the borough on behalf of 1 Mercian, in recognition of their completion of the dangerous six month Afghan mission. Pte Nik Stocker, 24, from New Ferry, was one of the Mercian men to receive the tour medal on November 12. “It was a good turnout – I think we put Congleton on the map to be honest,” he joked. The 1st Mercian regiment marched through the town, along with their regimental band and mascot, Derby the ram. “I've been in Iraq beforehand and I got my tour medal then down in Clarence House from Prince Charles,” Pte Stocker said. “This time it was from the mayor and it was nice to come home to the north west and be welcomed home by that many people.” The former South Wirral High pupil who has been posted to the Falklands, Germany and Kenya with the regiment added: “I've been in for four years, but that was my first tour of Afghanistan. “You just feel proud to get your medal, because you've earned it, you've done six months away in Afghanistan. “It is nice to get your hands on it – but it's also a bit of a moment to take stock.”
Mayor Gordon Baxendale presents the tour medal to Sgt Major Bryan Hayes
PSC Andy Raven with daughter Olivia
The regimental mascot, Derby the ram
PSC Cheshire East Mayor Gordon Baxendale meets an injured Mercian soldier
The Mercians parade through Congleton Troops on parade
Clarendon College
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are proud to support our Armed Forces
Garston Old Road, Liverpool L19 9AF
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LIVERPOOL Naval Club
WOULD LIKE TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT TO HELP FOR HEROES & WELCOME HOME OUR TROOPS SAFE & SOUND!
Christmas Party bookings are now being taken.
Tel 07766 190194
www.liverpoolnavalclub.co.uk
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Welcome home to all of our troops.
OUR HEROES 31
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
★★★★
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We would like to show our support towards Help For Heroes! Welcome home to all our troops. You’ve done us all proud 0151 255 1525
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Welcome home lads, from all at the Liverpool Echo
32 OUR HEROES
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
OUR HEROES
★★★★
Visit www.liverpool.co.uk/armedforces
A warm welcome home for our troops
Schoolchildren welcomed back soldiers from The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment