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June 2005
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
2 Coy - 3 Coy - A Coy 1 Staffords - C Coy 2 RRF -
CSE VISIT
NEWS FROM 1 COLDM GDS FAMILIES OFFICE -& SHAAT SPORT
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No 2 Company
‘Another Month in Paradise’
‘Brilliant blue sky not a cloud to be seen,
Brilliant blue sky not a cloud to be seen, Brilliant
blue sky not a cloud to be seen’
The average temperature is now hovering at a
dizzy 48 degrees. If someone had told me three
months ago that you will be sick to the back teeth
of blue sky and baking sun I would have declared him
mad and unfit to soldier. ‘Please rain’ I long for
the icy cold winds of Sennybridge and the dull
drizzle of Queens Avenue. The feeling of being cold
has disappeared totally from my memory and guess
what, I’m chuffed to bits!
Number Two Companies suntans are looking good. The
company has fallen into a natural routine of working
hard and relaxing hard. The company football team is
now flying high after a shocking defeat by a very
suspect Admin Office side, the standard of play
being dictated by a dashing midfielder from Leeds! A
robust coaching style from the ‘Q Bloke’ has ensured
that any minor egos have been checked straight away.
The table tennis ladder is taking shape with Gdsm
George proving to be the dominant force, although
the Company Second in Command, Capt Bradford’s
enthusiasm is something to be admired. The Battle
Group gymnasium is full to the brim each day with
members of the company getting ’massive’. There is
also an unsubstantiated rumour that Second
Lieutenant White has also paid a short visit, but
left when he realised where he was.
Security of the camp, ensuring all the ‘busy’ people
sleep safe in their beds is a priority for the
Company but this runs hand in hand with a 24 hour
patrol program. The hours are long and the constant
heat ensures that everyone has to pull together to
maintain the high standard that the Company
Commander expects.
Arabic skills have improved dramatically from the
days when the Company used to run around Aldershot
on PT screaming Arabic phrases with thick Northern
accents. Gdsm McBride is proving to be the company’s
most natural linguist. But it is the efforts of Gdsm
Ward that are keeping the Arabic instructors most
amused. The company employs a four day operational
cycle of guard, night patrols and day patrols so the
ground hog day effect is soon apparent. The belly
sliding competition in front of two page three girls
and an ex footballer proved a welcome relief with
Gdsm Graves discovering a new talent for sliding
miles on his stomach, and bringing a well deserved
victory back for the company.
Life is fairly quiet at the moment and hopefully it
will continue to stay that way. The ever present
countdown to R&R goes on with Gdsm Thompson
reminding me only today that I still have 75 days to
go!, but it could be worse, LCpl Cochrane and Gdsm
Dixon limped back to the company having recently
completed their R&R. Time is starting to pass much
quicker and before I know it we will be back in
Aldershot complaining about the rain and cold but we
will have the memories and war stories to pass on.
CSM Sheard.
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No 3 Company
If the last few weeks have rather failed to live up
to the excitement of May (we have only been attacked
once in the last four weeks, and the marksmanship of
the mortar team was, as usual, dreadful) then the
levels of activity sustained by the company have
certainly exceeded expectation. In the bustling hub
of it all, Old State Buildings is gradually starting
to resemble the CSM Jones’ ideal home for the
company. Many hours of work from the Royal Engineers
have transformed the view from the medical centre: a
previously cluttered vista across the volleyball
court is now rather more enclosed by the Hesco
Bastion ramparts. Fortunately the newly enclosed
area has proved a sun trap popular amongst those of
the company keen to achieve an ‘all over’ tan, and
for those eager to prove their worth as pugilists
under the expert tuition of LCpl ‘Gumbo’ Briscombe
.
We have played host to No 3 Platoon, A Coy, 1
Staffords for much of the month, and the vagaries of
leave rotations have allowed many of our Guardsmen
to experience life in a Warrior. For the older
hands, it obviously brings back memories of hours
spent ‘track bashing’ in Germany: for some reason
LCpl MacBride (REME) doesn’t seem to find many
volunteers when that particular task comes around!
‘Our’ Staffords have proved excellent additions to
the company, and we are now used to 2Lt Cliffe’s
laconic radio style; ‘A civilian car has just driven
into us at speed, but I think my Warrior is OK.’ It
will be a shame to lose them next month, but we look
forward to meeting the new Platoon.
With the threat of an audience with Rik Waller
receding slightly, the company was graced by a visit
from some well known models (depending which paper
you read), and a retired footballer. As ever, the
ideas for entertainment to mark the occasion were
eventually realised in the chance for some well
chosen ‘volunteers’ to dress up. LSgt Dick’s
swimwear is unlikely ever to recover from the
demands placed upon it by the magnificent frame of
the newly crowned ‘Mr No 3 Company’ LSgt ‘Padre’
Browell. Perhaps it was best that the real Padre
didn’t attend: the sight of him being oiled up by
‘Razor Ruddock’ during the ‘Beachwear’ part of the
competition will live on for some time in the dreams
of those in the front row…
Other worthy representatives demonstrated the
athletic spirit of the Company; Gdsm Peel and LCpl
Gill allowed themselves to be dragged from the gym
only when issued with somewhat unusual thongs, much
to the distress of our interpreters. Pte Audain
concentrated on bagging herself the best seat,
joining the judging panel to ensure fair criticism
of her colleagues.
CSgt Monks and his CQMS team have now refined the
delicate art of coaxing our wheezing generator to
continue its struggle until the final yards of a
lions attack. Their efforts earn to the discreet
thanks of the Company Commander every time an
important personality descends on camp to sample the
dwindling espresso supply. When the power is
working, they continue heroically to juggle the
demands of a large and cosmopolitan camp against
brave midnight requests for more flannelette. The
ice creams are reasonably priced too.
Life at OSB would not be complete without our
Cordon-Bleu department who, under Sgt McDowell,
(when not doing battle with the Environmental Health
Inspectors) continue to amaze with their
transformation of fairly basic supplies into a
consistently varied menu. The artistry of their
tomato slicing rivals only the cake icing skill, and
their marksmanship is coming on too. So far their
only confirmed casualty has been Capt Clive, who
foolishly pounced on an unattended packet of
doughnuts and was evacuated to the UK the following
day, presumably with a bad case of jam poisoning. We
expect him back soon to explain.
Daily Operations rely on so many people contributing
in so many different ways that is difficult properly
to convey a sense of how we work. From LSgt Keenan
and his men in the intelligence cell, LSgts Parker
and Donnelly fighting a constant battle to keep our
overworked vehicles on the road, to eighteen and
nineteen year old Guardsmen carrying more than 40
pounds of equipment in midday heat, and still
managing to smile at the locals, the effort so far
has been a success.
Number Three Company is in good health, and working
very hard. The constant stream of huge mailbags
testifies to the welcome support of families and
friends at home. According to the Company Sergeant
Major’s ‘chuff chart’, we have now completed 36% of
the tour – keep the parcels coming!
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BG MEDIA BOARD
Located in the corridor next to the Admin Office and
Post Bunk in the Shatt Al Arab Hotel. It’s there for
you. Any photos that you have will be
welcome so the board can be updated regularly.
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WELFARE ROOM
OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY FOR YOU TO SIT BACK AND RELAX
IN.
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A Company-1 Staffords
F10A
A Near Miss
It all happened so quickly. We had finished a convoy
run, it was the small hours of the morning and we
were heading back to base in our two snatches. The
night was black with the blinding headlights of the
cars passing us providing the only light. Having
missed our original turn we chose a new route we
hadn’t used before. Before we knew it we were upon
it.
Out of the darkness it came 50 metres away. A silent
unmoving mass of huge concrete road blocks forming a
tight chicane across the middle of the road. The
lead vehicle managed to swerve past it skidding
violently LCpl Tagg, the driver, heart racing,
breathed a long sigh of relief as he emerged on the
other side unscathed. Our second vehicle was not so
lucky, clipping the second block forcing it into a
spin before overturning in the centre of the road.
It was heart warming to see the swiftness with which
we reacted in the front snatch. The stricken vehicle
had barely come to a halt when we were on it getting
people out and extracting them away from the pool of
petrol collecting on the ground. Cut offs were
thrown out to control the traffic while RTA reports
were sent on the radio lining up medical assistance
for the injured.
LCpl Vaughan the driver of the overturned vehicle
had to be made to sit down as he wandered about,
eyes glazed, in shock. It is a credit to all the
individuals who were there that by the time four
ambulances and a helicopter had arrived we had our
small array of casualties treated and ready to be
extracted. The final count, two men with arms in
slings, Pte Bailey with a suspected back injury and
Pte Lowe with bruised ribs of which all were back on
patrol within 4 days! A near miss indeed.
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A Company-1 Staffords
F10B
RPG ATTACK ON OSB
It was1830 on Tuesday 23rd April and our multiple
were stood in the smoking area at the Old State
Buildings, still tired and dusty from their last
patrol. We were preparing to embark on another long,
hot night of stagging on in probably the most
depressing place Basra has to offer. So after
another ‘final’ kit check, we moved off to our homes
(sangers) for another eight hours of painful feet!
After the first hour of constant comms checks and
Sanger briefs we settle in to our routine, hoping
the relief will show up six hours early. Time passed
slowly to begin with, but soon things started to get
more interesting. Five shot reps in the last hour
and a car that continued to circle camp regularly.
The QRF are tasked to investigate, but as usual, the
cars are gone. As the night goes on the shot
reps get more often. Everyone was on edge as the
Iraqi’s who passed seem to shout warnings or just
not be there at all.
Then it happened… BOOM, WOOSH… all we knew in the
guard room was something had gone flying by, we
sounded the alarm and at first reported that it
might have been a Chinese rocket. Information came
flooding in from all the Sangers. Sanger five was
our main concern as we thought it might have been
hit. I raced across to find Pte Willoughby shaking,
he said it had missed his position by about three
meters, so close he could feel the heat off it! The
QRF were stood too and all the Sangers were
expecting a second attack.
The camp was searched and everyone moved into the
safe area. The device was found on the roof of the
medical centre and when ATO eventually arrived he
informed us it was a RPG round and it had not
exploded but had shattered on impact. That was
it, incident over, but due to the attack we managed
to push out an extra hour and half on stag, which
meant only six hours rest before we were back on
guard. Blinding!
LCpl McCann
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A Company-1 Staffords
F20A
We have currently been out in Iraq for 6 weeks now
and have been working to a busy schedule rotating
from patrols, QRF (Quick Reaction Force) and guard.
On our first day of QRF we got called out to 2
snatches which had got bogged in on some open
ground, we went out in our warriors to pull them
out. As we got there, there was already a large
crowd of children who at the time were being
friendly enough. Our first warrior attached its
towrope to the snatch and pulled it out and so the
snatches left. When we went to leave it all went
wrong with both of our warriors getting bogged in;
this was a start of things to come.
After attempting to try and get ourselves out it
became clear we wouldn’t be able to do this without
assistance so our platoon commander radioed in for
the REME to come and pull us out. At this time we
had troops on the ground controlling the crowd which
by now was quite big. They were trying to mess with
the wagons which had Sgt “Frosty” Midwinter
screaming and shouting at the blokes as he can
sometimes become quite animated. The REME turned up
and guess what happened, they got bogged in. So now
this predicament was turning into a comedy of errors
as the whole of this event, which should have been a
ten-minute task, actually lasted for twenty-four
hours. This was without us getting any food and to
top it off we were also told there was a RPG threat,
so this was emotional day for me and the lads.
Apart from doing QRF we also do a lot of patrolling
our aim is to gather information, show a presence
and general reassurance of the locals. When we are
out on patrol we always go out in our snatch
vehicles however sometimes we do get tasked to go
out in warrior. Whilst on patrol a couple of weeks
back we were on a routine route check of our area
when we stumbled upon what looked like a body lying
on the floor, as this was around 4am. We first
thought it was just someone sleeping but decided to
turn the vehicles around and take a closer look.
When we got there we discovered it was actually a
dead body. The victim had been shot twice in the
chest, once in the shoulder and twice in the head.
The victim had a balaclava covering his head and his
hands tied behind his back.
Our platoon commander, 2Lt Bourne, then informed the
ops room of what we had found, the Iraqi and
military police were then tasked and we then sealed
the area off making sure to protect all evidence.
Whilst we were waiting for the police to arrive the
victims family just happened to drive by, they were
then asked to identify the body which was obviously
a traumatic experience for them. The locals and
military police then arrived and did their stuff
taking lots of pictures and gathering information.
Forensics then turned up and took the body away. We
later found out that it was suspected that masked
corrupt police carried out the shooting and had
taken the male from his home early in the morning.
Just another day at the office for A Company, 1
STAFFORDS.
Pte Somerfield.
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F20B thus far….
Eventually the multiple was complete after finishing
the RSOI package at Shibiza where it’s nice to know
its safe but it’s not exactly exciting. Meanwhile at
the Shatt Al Arab Hotel all the stories from the
‘Dukes’ were in full swing.
We get told that our 1st task for at least 48hrs is
to be based at Basrah Palace. Away from the company
for a bit, out the way, what could possibly go
wrong?
The 1st mistake was to put Pte Davies 14 behind the
driving seat of a snatch. He said he was a good
driver and that driving a snatch was as natural as
driving his motor back home. No more than 5km’s from
the hotel on a dual carriageway he decides to
overtake a car. No need to use the mirrors he swings
out left and goes far closer to the car than anyone
wished for. Top cover are nearly scraping there
hands off the floor as Pte Davies tries to
compensate the wobble of the snatch. Now God forbid
that the multiple commander hadn’t a clue what to do
and the sheer degree of sweating he was doing at
that time could only be attributed to the heat?!
After a bit of waffle and turning it round to make
the car driver believe it was his fault we’re on our
way back to the palace with no comebacks at all. It
was as if it never happened!
At the palace we realise it’s the place to be.
Fishing rods are bought and the task of catching
something continues, however the only thing caught
was by LCpl Goodwin, a shrimp he picked out with his
hand.
Our primary task is to be QRF for the Hereford
blokes which entails waking up at about 10ish,
having a game of volleyball before doing our taxing
2 hrs work a day. Doing it for six months, Lt Blake
is obviously in for a tough tour.
Anyway, after about a week our sleep pattern gets
rudely interrupted by our company as we are tasked
as ARF at the APOD. Nothing happened there apart
from getting bitten to death on the runway all
night. On our return we’re told about some of A Coy
who need local protection as they’ve been bogged in
for nearly 24rhs in an area that the ops officer
thought was as firm as a rock!!! Cheers for that
sir. Well at least it’s the other half of the
platoon so much mickey taking is done for a while
and the patrolling continues.
After an hour or two of patrolling the same area
over and over again, we find a quiet place in the
shade in a spot which is well known for being a safe
area for MNF troops. Protection goes out and with a
rotation in place we all get some water on board. As
we mount back up some cheeky fella fires a burst at
us as he drives past the rear of the snatch. ‘Moz’
Pte Morrison manages to return 3 rnds from his
Minimi and misses, we get in some cover and dismount
into the street. The threats gone and there’s
nothing we can do from here so we mount back up and
continue with the patrol. An initial contact report
is sent and for the first time since getting here
Captain Foinette at 3 Company gets off the net. By
this time it’s all over so the multiple Comd has
time to get the contact report ready to send. As its
getting sent the rear snatch’s accelerator cable
snaps so we have to tow the other snatch back to the
hotel. With the flap of the ops room in full swing
they’ve obviously got everything mixed up and they
think we’ve got a snatch all shot up. How wrong can
you be?
Statement after statement is given before we’re
allowed to get back to tanning ourselves next to the
palaces pond in shorts, shades and flip flops. Our
time at the palace turned out to be about 2 weeks
before returning from Basrah Palace to Puzzle
Palace.
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C Company – 2 RRF
MY IRAQ EXPERIENCE SO FAR
I am currently serving with 2nd Battalion Royal
Regiment of Fusiliers in Basrah Palace located in
the south east of the Battle group Area of
Operations. I am a member of a multiple from the
Royal Irish Regiment based at Palace Barracks in
Belfast. We are all volunteers from the four full
time home service companies of the 2nd Battalion
Royal Irish Regiment. We as a multiple were
fortunate enough to find that the Fusiliers would
accommodate a Royal Irish Multiple, to assist them
on their forthcoming tour to Iraq.
LCpl Dee Allen & Capt Lawrence
We began our OPTAG training at the end of January
2005 in Palace Barracks. This consisted of many
lessons, which included: Arabic Vocab, NBC, First
Aid, Weapon Lessons Fitness Training and a intense
Range Package incorporating many BL’s and BE’s. We
also conducted training for our own Standard
Operating Procedures (SOP’s) in the event of being
contacted by small arms fire, suicide bombers,
Vehicle Borne, Command Wire and Remote Control
Improvised Explosive Devices, on foot and in the
mobile role. I found the training both interesting
and very educational to the fact that as a Home
Service Royal Irish Soldier, I was now learning
General Service Skills and Drills. The level of
instruction from the Fusilier JNCO’s was excellent
and my whole multiple learnt a substantial amount
from the information taught. We were attached to 10
Platoon, the Royal Irish Multiple being the BRAVO
Multiple, under the command of Sgt Stevie McCann.
The Platoon and the Company as a whole made great
efforts at all levels to make us feel welcome and a
member of C Company.
During the 3 Week training package at Westdown,
Caerwent, Lydd and Hythe and Sennybridge Training
Camps we were tested on our tactics and drills with
the help of the OPTAG training staff and by all
accounts as a Company we performed very well.
Following an enjoyable 2 weeks leave, we reported
back to Palace Barracks for a few days to iron
ourselves out and refine our multiple SOP’s. The
main body of the company moved out on the 14th April
and flew into Basrah International Airport via Brize
Norton and Qatar. We then spent 4-5 days at Shiabah
Logistics Base (SLB) where we conducted in-theatre
training which involved a training package ranging
from lessons, briefs and live firing. I was quite
shocked at the sheer amount of water you are
required to drink, just to keep your body
functioning and the heat drained me physically for
the first few days but that is the aim of
acclimatization and by the time we moved into Basrah
Palace, we were glad to see the back of Shiabah as
we couldn’t wait to move into an operational
environment.
Our multiple went straight onto Guard / QRF for 10
days. During this time we became familiarized with
the camp and orientated to our area of
responsibility. The camp itself was one of Saddam
Hussein’s many Palaces which is situated in a
stunning setting on the west bank of the Shatt-al-Arab
waterway. We quickly got into a routine and I
personally was very enthusiastic about being in Iraq
and discovering the people their customs and
witnessing the Middle Eastern way of life. I have
found Iraq Citizens to be pleasant, intelligent,
helpful and very friendly. I have been encouraged by
their hopes to build and live in a free democratic
society. So far during our time here we have
conducted Eagle, Dolphin VCP’s with helicopters and
rigid raiders, also foot and mobile patrols. This
type of patrolling is our bread and butter as we
conduct a lot of anti terrorist patrolling within
Northern Ireland. I can honestly say that every time
we deploy onto the ground there is a great deal of
enthusiasm among the lads and a sense that in our
own small way we are helping to stabilize Basrah and
create a safe environment for the people to rebuild
and move forward in the right direction. So far I
have thoroughly enjoyed the tour. This is a once in
a lifetime opportunity and I relish every minute and
we as a multiple intend to make the most of it.
Faugh – a – ballagh (Clear the way)
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A DAY IN THE LIFE OF FUS MANDIVIZDA
11 PLATOON.
Its 1400hrs and the heat is just unbearable.
Actually just an hour and a half ago when I was on
stag (guard duty) on the Sanger overlooking the main
gate and Basra city a bunch of kids were swimming in
the Shatt Al Arab River and I thought, “Boy oh boy,
there’s very little I wouldn’t give to take a dip in
that slippery, oily, slimy channel”, that’s how hot
it is.
There are four operation cycles that are done by our
Company down here in Basra Palace. I’ll start with
the least popular and make my way up to the most
loved. We are currently on the Palace guard cycle,
seven whole days of over watching the Palace
security. The lads (and head shed) can get a good
night’s doss knowing that 11 Platoon’s (Pl) on the
job. The stag positions are hot so you can imagine
the amount of sweat running through your “most holy”
crevices. You only get a shower when God looks in
your direction, which is not very often, believe me.
Luckily guard is punctuated by the Quick Reaction
Force (QRF) task the next day. QRF is when one can
get to “chill out”, watch TV (jumbo screen, mind
you) and relax generally however that bubble is
popped every now and then as we receive SOS calls
from Call Signs on the ground to come and “save the
world”, if you’ve been here you’ll know what I mean.
The next two cycles are more or less the same
really, these are where we do Day or Night patrols.
Days are more popular though because this is the
time when one actually gets to absorb the “soul and
city” of Basra. The locals are mighty friendly if
you ask me, the men are always quick to give you
greetings and the kids, by Jesus, the kids are so
curious, so cute, so courteous, so… I could go on
all day. In short they are a great joy to be with on
the streets. I really look forward to meeting them
every time we go out. It’s ironic how cute, innocent
children like that get caught up in such a violent
society. They are clearly the future of Iraq however
children are meant to be seen and not heard over
here.
I’ve discovered I’ve got a cute nickname on the
streets of Basra. As we patrol in the city, some
kids (and old men) shout “Abu Samra” and suddenly
break into a little tune that they all seem to know.
On questioning Jaffa, the interpreter, he said that
(loosely translated) it means, “Big black man”. Fair
one. So I asked about the tune they sing after that,
“Well most black people in this country love singing
so the Iraqis always associate a black guy with a
song”, at which point Jaffa bursts out laughing.
Yeah, cheers.
The next cycle that comes is Leave, ladies and
gents. For me its two weeks away from here and like
any hot blooded squaddie you well know what I’m
looking forward to on my first night home and it
isn’t my mom’s dumpling and soup special if you must
know. Leave is every soldier’s dream, top tip though
at home make sure you go clubbing where everybody
knows your name and that way then you enter the club
“McNab” style (aka hero style). Everyone’s doting on
you and you repay them by pinning the yarns thick
and fast, you know its going to be a cheap night and
after all this time going dry (teetotal) two pints
will knock you for a straight six.
Obviously there are mixed feelings reference us
being here, some would rather be in England or
Northern Ireland and, of course, there are those
that think this is the best ever event since sliced
bread. Well everyone’s opinionated and there’s squat
you can do about it really. It’s possibly because
everyone came out here expecting AK’s firing, bombs
blowing up and cloak and dagger operations, of
course all this happens but not where we are so
much. Whether the lack (if one can put it that way)
of major events is of consequence or not is subject
for debate but then again what do I know I’m only a
Fusilier!
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SGT THOMPSON
PL SGT PREP FOR OP TELIC 6
I am currently serving with C Coy 2nd Battalion
Royal Regiment of Fusiliers in Basrah Palace located
south east of Basrah City. I am 9 Platoon Sgt and
Comd of R10B multiple. It all began whilst on the
Battalion field firing camp. We had just finished a
Coy live firing attack and the CO and RSM were
waiting for us at the end to tell us the good news.
Looking round the Coy a few of the lads looked a bit
shocked that we were embarking upon an Op Telic.
We began our OPTAG training at the end of January
2005 in Palace Barracks. This consisted of a lot of
internal training in which I instructed on. My
lessons were mainly to do with the base security in
camp. I used my Platoon as demo troops as many of
the tactics we use in Northern Ireland could be fine
tuned to suit operations in Iraq, the only
difference being was the suicide bomber. We had
three months to train the Company for operations and
some of the Fusiliers were new to the Army let alone
going to Iraq. This meant long days, some days we
were working 16 hours but morale in the Company was
high as this is what most of us have trained to do.
After three weeks in camp and the odd trip to
Ballykinler to conduct live firing, we were off to
the mainland to start the OPTAG package a lot of
preparation prior to us leaving had to be carried
out as the Company were moving from Westdown,
Caerwent, Lydd and Hythe and Sennybridge Training
Camps. By the end of the three weeks every man in
the Company was looking forward to a well deserved
two weeks leave. Following this, we reported
back to Palace Barracks for a week. Before we had to
deploy we also had the task of packing the Company
lines up to allow contractors to redecorate, so lots
of block cleaning and inspections had to be carried
out. The main body of the Company deployed on the
14th April and flew into Basra International Airport
(BIA) via Brize Norton and Qatar. We then spent 4-5
days at Shiabah Logistics Base (SLB) where we
conducted in theatre training which involved an RSOI
range package ranging from lessons, briefs and live
firing. Before we knew it we were heading north to
Basrah. I think everyone at this stage was nervous.
As soon as we arrived we quickly integrated into the
Royal Artillery Multiples to gain a good knowledge
of the Companies’ area before they departed.
We have now done a complete 5 week rotation it has
been non-stop but it has gone fast the company has
made a strong impact with the locals who all are
extremely friendly towards us, it has been generally
quiet so far but the tour has just started we have
already a contact within the company and we all
spent 5 hours on a cordon for a hoax IED.
Generally the tour is going well we just have to
watch we don’t become complacent with our drills as
Basrah can turn nasty overnight.
The Company has just implemented operation stand
down (OSD) the chance for the blokes to travel down
to Kuwait for a 48 hour period. Lucky for me I was
the second multiple Comd to go, I think it’s a great
chance for the blokes to get away and relax away
from here- lets hope the rest of the Company get
chance to go as it is really worth while.
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QUIZ NIGHT IN AID OF
THE GDSM GRATTON APPEAL
A very successful quiz night was held in the welfare
room on Friday 17th June, with almost every Company
and department entering a team in aid of raising
funds for the Gdsm Gratton Appeal. The Padre put the
teams through their paces with some mind boggling
questions, CSM Hicks was his ‘lovely’ assistant. The
eventual and deserved winners were ‘Monkey Nuts’ a
team entered by 174 Pro Coy. $186 was raised in
total and another quiz night is planned for the very
near future – watch this space!
Mastermind winners ‘monkey Nuts’
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CSE VISIT BY
NEIL ‘RAZOR’ RUDDOCK, JO GUEST & LEAH NEWMAN
Having been informed of a CSE visit by 2 page 3
models, a former footballer and star of I’m a
Celebrity, get me out of here, the question was
‘what do we do’ After many days of wondering how we
could entertain them, it was finally decided to do
something completely out of the ordinary and
different. Belly Sliding is something that fit the
bill. Teams were entered from 2 Coy, A Coy, 127 Bty
and The rules were simple, throw a team member down
a soggy slippery runway, and see how far he went!!
So the arena was set and we awaited the arrival of
our guests. They were met as arranged and brought to
the foyer of the hotel where they would take up
their role as judges and were entertained by the
company’s showing them what it is we get up to in
our spare time. Turning soldiers into human
torpedoes!
The eventual winners of the competition were No 2
Company who managed to launch Gdsm Graves the
furthest out of the four teams. Well done to them.
Once the fun and soapy sliding session was over, and
then came the opportunity for the eagerly awaited
photo and autograph session. Much to the
disappointment of the mostly male audience, the
ladies unfortunately never got around to showing
them exactly what it was they were famous for!
Apparently it was too cold! But they did spend
enough time with the troops signing autographs and
having pictures taken.
And for the girls present, they weren’t left out
‘Razor Ruddock’ was available much to their delight,
having plenty of photos taken and
was able to get ‘up close and personal’. Our guests were only with
us for a short while but I am sure we sent the
celebrities away with fond memories of their time
spent with 1 Coldstream Guards Battle Group.
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TO: 24885523 LSGT FRANKS – HQ COY
Hi Honey, cant wait to see you in September, Nathan
and I are counting the weeks until you are home.
Love you so much
Nicky and Nathan x
. . . . . . . . . . .
TO: ALL MEMBERS OF THE WAFTY TASH CLUB!
How’s the facial hair going guys? We need pictures
to warn off the burglars!
Adam
. . . . . . . . . . .
TO: 24759192 LSGT LEE M – HQ COY?
Hi Mark how are you doing? Its cold and wet here,
not nice. I’ve just been looking at the photos on
the notice board. Just in case you were on it. Your
dad and I have just had our 40th wedding
anniversary. (A long time with your Dad.) Its will
be Brendon's 9th Birthday next week. I think he was
about 3 when I last saw him. He must be a big lad
now. Hope she sends you some photos of the children.
Any way you take care, Love you.
God Bless Mum xx
. . . . . . . . . . .
TO: 24779655 LSGT WARD – TECH DEPT
Hello Dave, Happy 8th Wedding Anniversary for The
14th Of June. Love And Miss You Loads And Can't Wait
For R&R. Liam Sends His Love And He Misses You Lots,
Too. Take Care And Don't Forget, Blueys Are Free.
Gudrun And Liam X X X X X
TO: 24833408 LSGT WATERS – HQ COY
Hope that you are ok, we love and miss you and are
counting the days until you leave.
To Daddy, hope you are ok, I love you.
Love from Helen, Samuel and Alex xx xx xx
. . . . . . . . . . .
TO: 24888758 LSGT O'CONNOR – 3 COY
Daddy we love you to the moon and back and miss you
more than all the stars in the sky.
From Alfie & Carter & Mummy xxx
. . . . . . . . . . .
TO: 25141162 LCPL SMITH P – 1 COY
Hi babe, hope you are well and not too hot! We are
all thinking of you out there. Take good care and we
are counting down the days till you are all home
safe and well. All our love Leigh,
Mum, Dad, Bren, Emma, Reace, Ella xxxxxxxxx
. . . . . . . . . . .
TO: 24845528 LSGT SMITH – TECH DEPT
Hello Babe, hope you are well and taking good care
of yourself. We are all fine and can’t wait to see
you on R&R. Love and miss you loads, take care.
Lisa & the boys & the rest of the family xx
TO: CAPT HOWICK (QM)
Dear Ric, “Happy Birthday” for the 1st July, we’ll
celebrate on your R & R. Take care, miss you loads +
love you soooo much – stay safe.
Heather
. . . . . . . . . . .
TO: 25089857 LCPL HILTON – 3 COY
Thinking of you always, love and miss you more than
words can say. See you next month.
Deb, Jack, Charlie, Alfie & Annie
. . . . . . . . . .
TO: 25045771 LCPL ROBINSON M – 2 COY
Missing you loads, can’t wait for you to come back
in August on R&R. We all love you to bits Daddy
Bear, chin up & stay safe x x x
Jen, Katie, Christopher & Chloe
. . . . . . . . . . .
TO: 24907403 SGT McDOWALL – 3 COY
Hi yer Darling, hope you are surviving the heat!! We
all miss you lots and send you all our love x x x x
You’re Girls
. . . . . . . . . . .
TO: 24719828 SGT ROSS – HQ COY
Dear Dad, please help the tennis is on! Send us food
parcels for tea, love you.
Dear Dad, as my work experience is at a garage,
thought I’d take your bike apart for practice!!
Natasha & Nathaniel
. . . . . . . . . . .
TO: 24772535 SGT THAYRE – HQ COY
Martin, missing you and love you. Can’t wait to see
you again soon – love and hugs.
Ali and Ryan
. . . . . . . . . . .
TO: LSGT DONNELLY C – 3 COY?
To Daddy, we love you loads and miss you lots and
are driving Mummy mad!
Callum and Amy
. . . . . . . . . . .
TO: 25072716 LSGT MARSDEN – 1 COY
To Daddy, we are missing you lots and lots and can’t
wait for you to come home! We send you lots of
kisses and big big cuddles! We love you Daddy, love
Chloe Anne & Cameron
. . . . . . . . . . .
TO: 25141162 LCPL SMITH - 1 COY
Hi babe, hope you are well and not too hot! We are
all thinking of you out there. Take good care and we
are counting down the days till you are all home
safe and well. All our love,
Leigh, Mum, Dad, Bren, Emma, Reace, Ella xxxxxxxxx
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Welfare News
from back in Aldershot
Whilst the Battalion are over in IRAQ on OP Telic 6
the Welfare Office have been extremely busy
organising functions and events to hopefully make
time go a little faster, and relieve a little of the
stress and strain of loved ones being away.
There has been a variety of functions/events
organised since the Battalion’s deployment, the
first one being St George’s Day on the 23rd April.
The Battalion normally organise this prestige event,
but in their absence it was left to the Welfare
Office. A small enactment of the ‘Story of St
George’ took place in the Toucan Club with LSgt
‘Barney’ Courage as the Dragon, LSgt ‘Ian’ Scholan
as the helpless queens daughter and Gdsm Crapper as
St George. The Dragon was defeated, although it was
a close call this year with Barney ‘dehydrating’ in
the costume, and St George carried off the queens
daughter into the distance (well led, Crapper has a
bad back!). After the story, everyone was led
downstairs where a free lunch was provided for
everyone, and then back upstairs for the children’s
entertainer – all in all a very good day.
Many events have followed from Sunday Lunches, trips
to Paulton’s Park, trips to Brighton, Children’s
Discos and most recently a ‘Stars in their Eyes –
Children’s Karaoke’. Again, DJ Slimboy Fat (Ian
Scholan) provided his usual form of entertainment
and children were invited to sing on the Karaoke.
Each child that sang was awarded an exclusive
certificate and a small prize for taking part – I
didn’t realise, even children ‘heckle’ each other
when performing karaoke! Overall winners of the
Karaoke were awarded the star prizes, a special
award went to Cameron Bumby for his totally ‘of the
cuff’ rendition of the Elvis Classic ‘You ain’t
nothing but a hound-dog’, complete with Elvis
glasses – truly a star in the making!
More events are just around the corner with a ‘trip
to Blackbushe Market’, a ‘trip to Bocketts Farm’ and
a Children’s BBQ and Potted Sports Day to mention
just a few. On a more serious note, the Welfare
Office are here to support your family back home so
if there are pressing questions or queries, tell
them to give us a call – no matter is too small. If
we can’t answer the question, we’ll either find out
the answer, or put them onto someone who can answer
it.
More importantly, a number that everyone should now
be fully aware of is the number for the Joint
Casualty Compassionate Centre (JCCC), this number is
to be used if circumstances arise at home that make
it necessary for them to apply for your return on
compassionate grounds. When family call this number
they will need to provide as much information as
possible together with your full service details
Images from recent events are available via the
Main Telic Page
Welfare Office CSgt
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SAAH FOOTBALL FIXTURE LIST
Due to new teams entering the league, team managers
are responsible for arranging fixtures and a neutral
referee. All teams are to play each other once, and
if time permits a second fixture can be played. Once
games have been played, all results are to be with
CSM Dart as soon as possible in either the Media
Office or the Ops Room.
SHAAT 5 A SIDE FOOTBALL
RESULTS AS AT 19 JUN 05
‘Nut Stranglers’ 3 - 1 ‘Snatch Inspectors’
‘Rovers Rovers’ 9 - 0 ‘Shatt Shooters’
‘Nut Stranglers’ 1 - 1 ‘Chef Field Utd’
‘Shatt Shooters’ 1 – 0 ‘BCMF’
‘Nut Stranglers’ 2 – 3 ‘BCMF’
‘BCMF’ 2 – 0 ‘Chef Field UTD’
‘BCMF’ 1 – 1 ‘Muthas’
‘BCMF’ 2 – 0 ‘Snatch Inspectors’
‘Rovers Rovers’ 5 – 1 ‘Chef Field Utd’
‘Rovers Rovers’ 1 – 1 ‘Mighty 2’
‘Rovers Rovers’ 2 – 2 ‘Monkey Magic’
‘Rovers Rovers’ 0 – 2 ‘Snatch Inspectors’
‘Monkey Magic’2 – 3 ‘Chef Field UTD’
‘Mighty 2’ No Show ‘Chef Field UTD’
‘Crazy Legs’ 2 – 3 ‘Nut Stranglers’
‘Shatt Shooters’ 3 – 2 ‘Nut Stranglers’
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