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The Battle Of Al-Waki Market, Basra
The heroism of a Royal Air Force Regiment patrol that stubbornly
refused to submit during an ambush by Iraqi insurgents near
Basra has been recognised with major awards.
Despite withering firepower from more than a dozen rooftop
locations after 1 Sqn RAF Regiment came under a hail of gunfire
that lasted 90 minutes, the Regiment gunners fought their way
out carrying an shot comrade and another who had been mortally
wounded.
Leading Aircraftman Martin Beard died during the battle in
August last year as he pinned down insurgent gunmen firing from
the flat roofs of buildings surrounding the market place at Al-Waki,
a small village a few miles north of Basra Air Station that lay
within the Area of Operation assigned to the RAF Regiment.
The Regiment’s task, then as now, is to protect the air station
and the assets flying in and out by patrolling the several
hundred square miles of desert around the Station against enemy
action. As well as patrolling the immediate area around the air
base, the Regiment conducts hearts and minds and reconstruction
patrols in a wider area which takes in dozens of villages and
communities - the aim being to foster good relations,
demonstrate resolve to insurgents and improve the lives of
ordinary Iraqis.
As a result of the action – the first major foot patrol battle
involving the RAF Regiment since UK forces arrived in Iraq in
2003 – three of those involved in the “ferocious fire fight” at
Al-Waki have received operational awards.
Cpl David Hayden was awarded the Military Cross for outstanding
gallantry, selflessness and personal example during the
ferocious battle. He is the first Airman to receive the Military
Cross.
Senior Aircraftman Benjamin Wharton (24) from Daventry was
Mentioned in Dispatches for courage and determination in the
face of the enemy by providing covering fire from his Land Rover
despite being hit in the chest with a bullet which knocked him
off his vehicle.
Commanding Officer of 1 Sqn RAF Regiment, Sqn Ldr Jason Sutton
(42) from Watford received the OBE for his outstanding
leadership over a relentless six month detachment and making a
safe and secure area around Basra Air Station. He lost three of
his gunners on 19 July last year when a rocket attack struck his
Squadron’s accommodation. A further 6 were injured, but he
motivated his men to continue delivering all tasks, including
lethal use of snipers which struck terror into the hearts of the
enemy. At Al-Waki he placed himself in the thick of the fire
fight which tested his resourcefulness to the full
It was in encroaching darkness on Aug 7 last year when a 40-man
patrol from 1 Sqn, left Basra Air Station on a routine foot
patrol in the market place of Al-Waki village to show presence
and reassure local people that they were being protected by
British forces and were safe to go about their businesses.
Although relations with the locals in the area was good overall,
earlier in the tour 1 Sqn snipers killed an insurgent who had
been caught in the night sights of their rifles unloading
equipment ready to fire off a rocket-propelled grenade at the
air base. Also in the days running up to the 7th there had been
a large contact to the North of Al- Waki where with great skill
and courage, C Flt of 1 Sqn had defeated an attack on their
patrol. In addition, there was intelligence that the insurgents
were claiming to have re-taken the area around Al-Waki and
pushed out Western forces.
Sqn Ldr Sutton said: “We had arrived later than planned at Al-Waki
because on the way we had come across a suspect command wire
that might have been linked to a bomb. But on arrival in the
village my unit had just started talking to local stallholders
via an interpreter about how we could help them apply for grants
to build their businesses when the first shot was heard. It
sounded like it came from Qarmat Ali, a village to the north.
“The market starts to come alive at this time of the day because
it is cooling off, but still the temperature was in the
mid-40’sC. I remember being offered fruit by one of the
stallholders just as the shooting began. It was an unremarkable
start to a routine patrol with no foretaste of what was to come.
“At first the firing was sporadic, but suddenly one of my
corporals was hit in the leg and within moments heavy fire was
coming in from all directions and we took cover and we returned
fire. We called for assistance from our back-up, but all radio
communications went down.
“One of my corporals said he felt the splash of rounds on his
back, which was luckily protected by our Osprey armour and
another man’s helmet was grazed by a round.”
Suddenly the cry “man down.” was heard and Cpl Hayden, who was
second in Command of a sub unit of B Flt, aided by one of his
men, ran out into the open to bring LAC Beard, who lay mortally
wounded, into cover. As he did so he took on enemy gunmen,
accounting for at least one in the process. The remainder of the
patrol deployed rapidly to assist the withdrawal of B Flt and
after a pitched battle lasting over 30 minutes, the enemy had
been suppressed, though many were still firing.
Although being constantly exposed to enemy fire Cpl Hayden
carried LAC Beard a further 200 metres to safety. With absolute
disregard for his own safety, he repeatedly risked his life in
order to rescue a wounded comrade and rally his men to extract
themselves. He also further exposed himself by returning to LAC
Beard’s location to pick up his kit.
Cpl Hayden said: “It was not long after the first shot that
there was effective fire coming at us from all sides. It was
either a planned ambush or locals hearing the fire fight and
deciding to join in with whatever weapons they could find. It
was coming at us from everywhere and rounds were spitting up the
dust in the road. Another Flt to the East of the market place
was also pinned down by rifle and sub-machine gunfire.
“There were at least a dozen firing points. But we were giving
as good as we were getting and picked off quite a few gunmen as
they exposed themselves to fire.
“We felt the enemy were so close by now that we would have fixed
bayonets had we had them to hand.”
While LAC Beard was being rescued, SAC Wharton was the heavy
machine-gunner providing covering fire from one of just two
weapons-mounted Land Rovers in the area. As such he was
completely exposed in his unarmoured, open-topped vehicle.
Suddenly he was hit in the chest by a ricocheting enemy round,
knocking him from off his vehicle. Despite this he recovered his
position and continued to provide accurate covering fire for
almost an hour while his injured colleagues were rescued and
others exited the fire fight. His citation read: “There can be
no question that Wharton’s action was instrumental in
contributing to the eventual withdrawal of the enemy, the
successful evacuation of the casualties and the safe extraction
of his colleagues. Without Wharton’s exceptional courage,
determination and skill, the outcome could have been very
different.”
Cpl Hayden received the Military Cross for his outstanding
gallantry, selflessness and personal example in the face of a
particularly ferocious attack from a determined enemy. His
citation read: “Without a second thought for his own safety,
Hayden volunteered to carry the injured man out of the fire
fight. He dashed across open ground under a hail of enemy small
arms fire. Hayden ran fully upright with the man on his
shoulders to safety, having been exposed to enemy fire for the
whole distance. He repeatedly showed the most outstanding
courage selflessness and personal example. His bravery was of
the very highest order.”
Cpl Hayden added: “We had to get across open ground under fire
to reach a road known as Flowerpot Road where a Merlin
helicopter was waiting to uplift the casualty. The pilot of that
helicopter, which was exposed throughout to enemy fire, was as
brave as anyone that evening.
Eventually all the men from the three Flights involved were
accounted for. Said Sqn Ldr Jason Sutton: “We estimate there
were about 50 insurgents attacking us during the sustained
assault. They were very organised. But we estimate that we were
able to take out at least 16 of them. Tragically we lost LAC
Beard but he displayed the same courage as the rest of the
patrol until he was hit. We drew some comfort from his falling,
weapon in hand, fighting for and alongside his comrades. Our
six-month tour in Basra was especially challenging due to the
incessant rocket attacks – almost 800 in total while we were
there.”
“I am honoured to have received the OBE for my part in the tour,
but I have nothing but unstinting praise for my men who were
magnificent throughout this most demanding time. We lost three
of our squadron the month before when a rocket was fired into
Basra Air Station and the Al-Waki and C Flt contact incidents
were the RAF Regiment’s first major dismounted troop contacts
with enemy forces since 2003. It was successful as we displaced
the insurgents and were still in charge in the Al-Waki district.
This allowed us to continue to work with the Iraqi people in the
area to help them reconstruct and develop their communities”
RAF gunners to be sent to Basra 06/02/08
RAF gunners on a previous deployment to Basra in 2004
RAF gunners based at a Scottish air station are to be deployed
to Iraq almost a year after returning from operations in
Afghanistan.
Members of 51 Squadron RAF Regiment returned to Lossiemouth in
Moray last September and will be posted to Basra later this
year.
They were supported in Kandahar by 20 reservists from 2622
(Highland) Squadron.
Meanwhile, more than 1,000 Scottish troops are to be sent to
Afghanistan.
A number of gunners were given permission to grow beards, which
is considered a mark of authority in Afghanistan, for the
six-month deployment to Kandahar airfield.
The RAF said it was believed to be the first time personnel were
allowed to grow beards for an operation.
On their return to Lossiemouth, flight commander Kevin O'Brien
said the beards had been a talking point amongst village
leaders.
The Ministry of Defence has confirmed Scottish battalions are to
be sent to Afghanistan.
Defence Secretary Des Browne's announcement is part of a
rotation of British forces in Afghanistan.
It will involve soldiers from four of the Royal Regiment of
Scotland's five regular infantry battalions.
RAF Gunners train to the last minute before Iraq deployment
(23 Jan 08)
With just a few days before they deploy to Southern Iraq, RAF
Regular and Reservist 'Gunners' have been training in the
forests of Norfolk's Stanta battle area.
The RAF Regiment train for their upcoming deployment where their
role will be to help protect the last British base in Iraq
The RAF Regiment is the ground fighting force of the RAF,
providing force protection to the UK's air assets, wherever they
are located. The Regiment has been protecting the British base
near Basra airport since 2003.
Those preparing to deploy in the next few days are from No. 3
and No. 2 Squadrons, along with a number of Reservists from 2620
(County of Norfolk) Squadron RAF Auxiliary Regiment. Their role
will be to help protect the last British base in Iraq, reducing
mortar and rocket attacks and cutting the risk of roadside
bombings and shootings.
Wing Commander Phil Lester who will have 450 personnel under his
command explained:
"Not only is it our job to protect the people operating in the
base, but also to help the Iraqis move towards becoming able to
deal with a whole array of security situations.
"The threat level out there is constant, though not at the level
of attacks in Basra last year."
"Not only is it our job to protect the people operating in the
base, but also to help the Iraqis move towards becoming able to
deal with a whole array of security situations."
Wing Commander Phil Lester
Four RAF Regiment personnel were killed in Basra during a
deployment there in 2007, three of them killed in a rocket
attack on the base:
"The security situation has got better but we will have to be
constantly on our guard and always be prepared for the worse
case scenario," said Wg Cdr Lester.
Many of the RAF Gunners deploying to Iraq returned from
Afghanistan in April 2007, where they were deployed to protect
the ISAF base at Kandahar airfield. Wg Cdr Lester explained what
they have been doing since:
"They have been put through their paces to make sure they are
again ready to deploy. It has been intensive, but we are ready."
Part of those paces were this latest exercise at the Stanta
training ground, where an ambush sceanrio was created, the type
of which they might have to face in Iraq. The January weather in
Norfolk though doesn't even come close to the 50 degrees summer
heat they will face in Basra.
The RAF Regiment's role will entail heading off mortar attacks
But the RAF Regiment is used to Iraq, as Wg Cdr Lester said:
"It has been in Basra since the spring of 2003 and the knowledge
we have collected and the understanding we have of the ground
and the whole dynamic of operation is unmatched by anyone else."
Reservist Leading Aircraftman Robin Batchelor, aged 23, is
undertaking the deployment as part of his gap year before going
to university:
"The training has been intense, a step up from what we are used
to but it will be a good tour."
RAF Regiment get credit ?
A FORMER head of the RAF yesterday said he hoped air force
gunners would get the credit they deserved after unveiling a
monument to commemorate their contribution in the Falklands
Islands.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Johns paid tribute to the work of
ground fighting RAF Regiment members across the world as he
officially uncovered a stone memorial at its headquarters in
Suffolk.
The former chief of air staff, who is now honorary air commodore
of the regiment, based at RAF Honington, near Thetford, said he
hoped that the air force's contribution in the Falklands 25
years ago and its continued presence today would never be
forgotten.
Sir Richard, who is now governor of Windsor Castle, was joined
by Falklands veterans and serving RAF gunners from 1 and 2
Squadrons, who have been performing forces protection roles in
Iraq and Afghanistan this year, for a service to mark the
unveiling of the Black Eagle Monument at Honington yesterday .
The memorial, which uses the black eagle emblem of the 63
Squadron RAF Regiment that operated Rapier surface-to-air
missiles during the liberation and defence of the islands a
quarter of a century ago, is an exact replica of one that was
erected at the former RAF Stanley airbase in the Falklands in
November 1983.
Sir Richard said it was a “privilege” to have been commander of
63 Squadron, which served at short notice in the Falklands
between May and September 1982 and was the last ground
operational unit involved in the conflict to return home.
“This monument is very, very important not just for 63 Squadron,
but to all the people over the last 24-and-a-half years who have
manned the air defences there. People understandably focus on
Afghanistan and Iraq and forget about the Falklands Islands and
the fact that British forces are still serving there.
“I think that the RAF Regiment's contribution has never received
the credit that is due and this will serve as an inspiration for
future airmen and gunners,” he said.
Retired wing commander of 63 Squadron, Ian Loughborough , who
brought home all of his gunners from the Falklands, said it was
“brilliant” to see former colleagues again and that the regiment
was being commemorated
Copyright © 2007 Archant Regional Ltd EADT24
15 Sqn RAF Regiment 18/10/07
Following a dawn raid in the nearby village of Mandi Sar earlier
this week, the squadron arrested and detained the wanted
prisoner.
The Afghan, who cannot be named for operational reasons, is
believed to have carried out numerous attacks on the airfield
and coalition forces.
Neil Rawsthorne, commanding officer of 15 (Field) Sqn RAF
Regiment who led the raid, said his boys were well prepared for
the dangerous mission.
"The lads were really up for this one and most of the combat
service support personnel were desperate to be a part of the
operation. That kind of enthusiasm is great to see," he said.
"My intent was for the operation to be smooth and swift and my
troops were magnificent throughout."
The operation was carried out as part of a planned surge in
force protection activity in the vicinity of Kandahar Airfield,
just three days after the team took over the base
34 Sqn RAF Regiment
Members of No 34 Squadron Royal Air Force (RAF) Regiment,
currently serving at the Contingency Operating Base in Basra,
Iraq, have completed a project to install mains water for the
first time, in a village located approximately 10 km from Basra
City.
34 Squadron, from RAF Leeming, are serving as the Resident Field
Sqn (RFS) in Basra and are closely involved in the
identification and initiation of Civil-Military Co Operation
projects (CIMIC), aiming to improve the infrastructure and the
quality of life for the local civilian population.
“Project Aqua 4” was completed in time for local Ramadan
celebrations. The project saw the installation of mains water by
locally employed Iraqi contractors. The village, consisting of
approximately 350 families, now has access to 57 standpipes.
The aim of Project Aqua 4 was to provide the village with
running water for domestic use and to maintain their herd of
water buffalo. The water, piped in from a water treatment plant,
replaces an aged system of monthly truck deliveries to the
village. Until the completion of this project the villagers were
totally dependant on those water deliveries to sustain their
livelihood. As a result of the project, not only is there a
constant supply of fresh water, but the villagers’ milk yield
has increased by 3 litres per buffalo per day. This significant
increase has motivated the villagers into wanting to build a
small shop to sell the surplus milk to local cheese makers and
earning them much needed income.
Sheikh Naeem said, “This water project has made my village a
much better place and our animals are already much healthier and
producing better quality milk”
34 Squadron took over the running of the project when they
replaced 1 Squadron in August, who tragically lost 4 of their
personnel during their tour in Iraq. They follow a long line of
RAF Regiment deployments in Iraq dating back to 2003 that have
completed dozens of similar CIMIC projects in the local area.
Having completed this project, the Squadron is already midway
through installing a similar project in the next village.
Flight Lieutenant Ed Cripps, Deputy Squadron Commander of 34
Squadron, “We talk to villagers like this everyday when on
patrol and it is very rewarding to be able to do something which
improves their quality of life and income.”
One of the villagers stated, “We are very happy
19th July 2007
The three RAF servicemen killed in a rocket attack 19 July 07 have been
named by the Ministry of Defence. Matthew Caulwell, 22, and Peter
McFerran, 24, from 1 Squadron RAF Regiment, and Christopher Dunsmore,
29, of 504 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment - all Senior
Aircraftsmen - died on Thursday when the Contingency Operating Base in
Basra came under fire.
'They were all exceptional and talented young men whose professionalism
and selfless commitment will not be forgotten,' said Defence Secretary
Des Browne.
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51 Sqn RAF Regiment ( 30 Aug 2007)
Senior Aircraftman Christopher Bridge
SAC Christopher Bridge, aged 20, from Sheffield joined the Royal
Air Force on 12 June 2005. After successful completion of his
Trainee Gunner Course, undertaken at RAF Honington, he was
posted to 51 Squadron RAF Regiment at RAF Lossiemouth on 18
November 2005. During his time on the Squadron he served in
Southern Iraq between January and June 2006 providing Force
Protection for Basra International Airport.
More recently, SAC Bridge had been deployed on Operation HERRICK
providing Force Protection for Kandahar Airfield since April
2007. His role took him into the local community to deliver
enhanced security, not only for the Airfield but also for the
Afghan population. At the time of his death he was providing
security for his colleagues as a top cover sentry for a mobile
patrol.
SAC Bridge was an extremely popular and professional Gunner. He
was relatively junior in rank; however, he was immensely
dependable and hard working. His infectious sense of humour made
him stand out amongst other Squadron personnel and he could be
relied upon to raise a smile in adversity.
Squadron Leader Tony Brown, Officer Commanding 51 Squadron
RAF Regiment, said:
"Senior Aircraftman Chris Bridge was a very competent Gunner,
unassumingly professional and with a promising career ahead.
Following operational service in Iraq, Chris had consolidated
his position on the Squadron as a capable and enthusiastic
Gunner whose likeable personality and witty sense of humour made
him engaging to serve with. Passionate about travel, he had
clearly made his mark on the Squadron and will be sorely
missed."
Flying Officer Matt Jupp, Officer Commanding C Flight, 51
Squadron RAF Regiment, said:
"Chris Bridge was a very well liked, motivated and hard working
member of the Flight. A once quiet young man he grew into an
adventurous, charismatic and intelligent Gunner. He was a high
calibre member of the Royal Air Force Regiment and a generally
good bloke. I will miss him."
Sergeant 'Oz' Bailey Senior Non Commissioned Officer, C
Flight, 51 Squadron RAF Regiment, said:
"Chris Bridge was a member of C Flight for the best part of 18
months. He was a quiet and confident young man and well liked by
all on the Flight. His one outstanding trait was his dry sense
of humour, which always had us in fits. Never one to complain he
worked hard for everyone. He will be missed by me personally and
the rest of the gunners on C Flight."
Senior Aircraftman 'Parky' Parkhouse, C Flight, 51 Squadron
RAF Regiment said:
"He was a good mate and when we worked together, Chris was
nothing less than totally proficient and hard working. He was
liked amongst the whole Flight and Squadron. He will be missed
so much by everyone and forever in our thoughts."
Senior Aircraftman 'Burky' Burke, C Flight, 51 Squadron RAF
Regiment said:
"Chris was a top lad and liked by everybody. He was always happy
in a quiet way. Very well known throughout the Squadron for his
dry sense of humour. Chris was on C Flight as a specialist
machine gunner and will be missed and remembered forever. He
will always be with us in our hearts."
Ms Nicolette Williams, mother of Christopher Bridge, said:
"Christopher was my pride and joy; everybody is heartbroken who
knew him. He touched so many lives. He died courageously serving
his country and Queen and we are all very proud of him."
Defence Secretary Des Browne said:
"Senior Aircraftman Christopher Bridge was held in very high
regard by his comrades and officers. His death is a tragic loss
which is being felt by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers
are with his family, friends and comrades at this most difficult
of times."
II Sqn RAF Regt 85th anniversary
22 June 07
II Sqn RAF Regt celebrated a landmark anniversary in
typically unglamorous military style yesterday - by completing
an exhausting summer day's march with loaded rucksacks.
More than 70 past and present members of the RAF Regiment's II
Squadron took to the country roads around RAF Honington, near
Bury St Edmunds, to mark the 85th birthday.
The airmen, who recently returned from a six-month deployment in
Afghanistan, warmed up for yesterday's festivities by completing
the 10-mile “tab” - a forced battle march - with a 40lb rucksack
on their backs.
The squadron members were then joined by more than 200 II
Squadron veterans and their families for an afternoon of fun and
games before ending the birthday celebrations with an evening
hangar party.
Warrant Officer Mike O'Hara, of II Squadron RAF Regiment, said
the 10-mile tab was “hard graft”, but “fitting” for the 85th
anniversary because it was a march that every airman and woman
had to complete before joining the historic squadron.
“Every year we celebrate the anniversary of the squadron
wherever we are in the world, but every fifth year we celebrate
in style. We have just had a successful tour protecting forces
at Kandahar Airbase and we are set to be deployed to Basra in
February for the fourth time since 2003. In terms of the RAF and
RAF Regiment, we set benchmarks for people to follow,” he said.
The squadron has been protecting airbases and military forces
since it was formed as the II Armoured Car Company in 1922 in
the Middle East. It moved to RAF Honington with the rest of the
RAF Regiment in 1994 and has since served in Yugoslavia, Albani a,
Kuwait, Kosovo, and Sierra Leone.
Former armoured car driver Geoff Plester , who served with II
Squadron in Iraq in the 1950s, said yesterday: “We thought the
squadron would wind up as it went on, but it has got stronger.
When you leave the RAF and get a job and family, you forget
about it, but over time you realise what a brilliant squadron it
is. Its history is fantastic.”
Source eadt24
RAF Regt :
KANDAHAR , Afghanistan
This
week, eight Royal Air Force Regiment service members were
awarded U.S. Army medals in recognition of their excellent
service while working to safeguard the International Security
Assistance Force’s main operating base in the South, Kandahar
Airfield.
British Wing Commander Andy Knowles, Squadron Leaders Steve
Carter and Matt Stowers and Warrant Officer Mike O’Hara received
Army Commendation Medals. Flight Lieutenant Mark Folley, Flight
Sergeant Andy Smith and Sergeant Carl Nunn received Army
Achievement Medals. All members are part of the Kandahar
Airfield Force Protection Team.
“These fine soldiers demonstrated exemplary dedication and
commitment to the protection of Kandahar Airfield and upheld the
highest ideals of military service,” said Army Col. Richard
Stephen Williams, Commander, 207th Infantry Brigade and U.S.
National Command Element South. “Their service is a credit
to themselves, the 207th Infantry Brigade and the Royal Air
Force Regiment.”
The Kandahar Airfield Force Protection Team is composed of
soldiers from Romania, Canada, the U.S., United Kingdom,
Netherlands and Denmark. The team was responsible for
substantially increasing security around NATO’s Kandahar
Airfield; the largest operating base in the South as well as
conducting numerous village outreach projects in the surrounding
area which benefit the neighboring local population areas.
Tigercats
to Central America Book Research
Rowland White
is currently researching a book about a fairly
obscure episode in January 1972 when it was thought that
Guatemala was on the verge of invading British Honduras. Troops
were flown in, HMS Ark Royal was diverted, and an RAF Regiment
Tigercat squadron was flown in to defend the airfield. It was,
he believes, the only Tigercat squadron in the RAF Regiment at
the time.
He knows that there were many subsequent RAF Regiment
deployments to BH/Belize over the years that followed, but my
particular interest is in that emerging crisis and the urgent
efforts to get those Tigercats to Central America.
if you are ex-RAF Regiment personnel who remembered the episode
- especially those who actually deployed with the missiles in
the last week of January 1972 - Rowland hope is
that he will be able to track one or two people down who he can
then interview for the book, because, at the moment, having
spoken to RAF Canberra pilots, Grenadier Guards, Fleet Air Arm
aircrew and even the ex-Governor of the colony, the RAF
Regiment's contribution feels like the missing part of the
jigsaw
If you can help please contact me and ill pass on the
information
II
Sqn RAF Regiment
06 March 2007
Attacks on a military air base critical to the NATO operation
Afghanistan have fallen dramatically after personnel from East
Anglia were drafted in to beef up protection.
Kandahar Air Base suffered sustained rocket attacks virtually on
a nightly basis from the Taliban until troops from 2 Squadron of
the RAF Regiment from Honington and 3 Force Protection (FP) Wing
from Marham moved in during the middle of last year.
Wing Commander Andy Knowles, who commands 3FP Wing, said: “Since
June 2006, the airbase has suffered no casualties and no
significant damage. And last week a number of very senior
Taliban leaders were captured by my men.”
But his troops do much more than merely guard the perimeter
wire: in the past the base has regularly been targeted by
mortars and rockets which can be fired from over five miles away
so the FP Wing aims to “sanitise” the area around the outside of
the huge air base, which hosts 12,000 personnel from UK, Canada,
USA, Netherlands, Estonia, Denmark and Romania.
In total, Wing Cdr Knowles maintains the security of an area of
some 400 square kilometres with about 700 troops under his
command.
“The Force Protection operation at Kandahar is probably the
biggest and most sophisticated of any air base in the world,” he
said.
The base is a key air hub for NATO with RAF Harriers, Hercules
and Chinooks operating from it as well as US fast jets,
helicopters and supply planes.
When the RAF Regiment arrived last May it was usual for the base
to come under rocket attack two or three times every night. Once
the Squadron arrived and started to patrol outside the wire, the
number of rocket attacks dropped to two or three per week and
has now fallen to a couple each month.
The troops also interact with local villagers and were involved
in a Civil Military Co-operation project building six wells and
a 'karez' deep-trench irrigation scheme for the village of
Kalantar Kalay, about four miles from the airfield.
Honington's 2 Squadron has been accompanied to Kandahar by 16
members of 2620 Squadron of Royal Auxiliary Air Force Regiment
based at Marham.
Senior Aircraftsman Stuart Goodwin, 37, from Norwich, who has
been an auxiliary for eight years, said: “I was called up during
the first Iraq war and our squadron went to Kuwait but there, we
only operated inside the wire. This is very different - we are
working outside the wire which has its dangers but we're well
trained and well prepared to take on anything that happens.”
Squadron Leader Steve Carter, 40, from Wisbech, is
second-in-command of 3FP Wing after 19 years in the RAF
Regiment. “Seeing the work that we've done here, it makes me
proud to be a member of the RAF Regiment,” he said.
Flight Lieutenant Matthew Carter – Royal Air Force Regiment –
Military Cross
"On 4 June 2006, Flight Lieutenant Matthew Carter of the Royal
Air Force Regiment was deployed with 16 Assault Brigade on an
operation against a suspected Taliban compound outside the town
of Now Zad in Helmand Province. During the first of three
contacts, he coordinated and directed close and accurate Attack
Helicopter fire support with devastating results for Taliban
ground troops. During the last contact, he left his vehicle
fearlessly exposing himself to significant risk as he forced his
way to the front of the fire-fight to join the forward troops.
This enabled him to direct aerial cannon fire against a
determined enemy 30 metres in front of him. This risk was
essential given the ferocious weight of the incoming fire from
the Taliban.
"His direction of these engagements proved critical, destroying
the enemy location completely on one occasion. He remained with
the lead dismounted elements of Patrols Platoon and took part in
the immediate compound clearance. During this time Carter
repeatedly exposed himself to a significant chance of being
killed and, because of this gallant behaviour in supporting his
unit he enabled the Patrols Platoon to regain the initiative.
"On 14 July Carter participated in a Battle Group operation
to capture or kill a high value Taliban leader. During the
insertion to the helicopter landing site the first wave of
Chinook helicopters were heavily engaged by Taliban machine gun
and RPG fire causing the aircraft to lift off again, after only
20 seconds on the ground. Fearing being left behind on the
aircraft, Carter jumped some 15 feet from the tail ramp into the
darkness, realising the vital role he had to play in calling in
air support to suppress the enemy. Immediately he got into the
cover of a nearby ditch and called in an aircraft to destroy the
principal threat of an enemy machine gun. He controlled the
aircraft's heavy attacks, which were close to his own location
and destroyed the Taliban position only a few metres away. This
significant and gallant contribution by Flight Lieutenant Carter
proved to be decisive by allowing the remaining aircraft to land
the rest of the Battle Group to complete the mission
successfully. For this act of selfless bravery he is awarded the
Military Cross."
Baghdad: THE usual number of UK special forces in Baghdad is
close to 400 men: a single 60-man SAS “sabre” squadron; a
company of paratroopers, Royal Marine commandos and RAF Regiment
from the Special Forces Support Group; a squadron from the
Special Reconnaissance Regiment; and a squadron of radio
monitoring experts from 18 (UKSF) Signal Regiment. They also
have specialist signallers from 264 (SAS) Signal Squadron,
specially fitted-out RAF Chinook helicopters from 7 Squadron and
C-130 Hercules transport aircraft from 47 Squadron.
1 Sqn RAF Regiment
A promising Suffolk-based RAF gunner, who was killed in a fierce
battle against Iraqi insurgents, was set to get married on his
return home next month.
 Tributes
were yesterday paid to Leading Aircraftman Martin Beard, of 1
Squadron RAF Regiment, based at Honington, near Thetford, who
died after a small arms fire attack in Basra on Tuesday night.
The 20-year-old, from Rainworth, near Mansfield, in
Nottinghamshire, was taking part in a routine foot patrol at
8.30pm local time, near Basra Air Station, when his patrol came
under fire.
The MoD yesterday confirmed that the serviceman suffered a
gunshot wound while in the Al Waki district of the Iraqi city
and was evacuated by helicopter, but died later at a field
hospital.
LAC Beard, who had just turned 20 and was nicknamed 'Beardy',
had been a member of 1 Squadron RAF Regiment for just under a
year after graduating from basic training at RAF Honington with
flying colours.
His commanding officer, Squadron Leader Jason Sutton, said the
young gunner was a "strong, fit, exceptionally gifted
infantryman", who had a "bright future" and was due to marry his
fiancée Nic on his return from Iraq in September.
"Though he was with us for less than a year, he had made his
mark and on this most demanding of operations his were the
qualities - loyalty, courage, dependability - that make success
in our mission possible. In Martin the RAF Regiment has lost one
of its most promising young men who will be terribly missed by
us all.
"As we grieve for him, we here in Iraq can draw some comfort
that he fell, weapon in hand, fighting for and alongside his
comrades, doing the job he loved so much. For all of us, there
can be no greater inspiration to continue to do our duty with
renewed determination and fighting spirit, to live up to his
legacy and our regimental motto: Per Ardua - Through Adversity,"
he said.
The latest fatality comes three weeks after two 1 Squadron RAF
Regiment Senior Aircraftmen Matthew Caulwell, 22, from
Birmingham, and Peter McFerran, 24, from North Wales, were
killed in a rocket attack at Basra Airbase on July 19. A third
SAC, Christopher Dunsmore, from 504 Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air
Force, based at RAF Cottesmore, in the Midlands, who had been
attached to 1 Squadron since August, was also killed instantly.
The squadron is due to return to its Suffolk home base on
September 1.
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