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Lashkar Gah Platoon Sitrep as at 27
Nov 07
(Archive)
27th November
It has been over a month since the last addition to the web site
and the platoon has been rather busy since then. Having
conducted our first long range recce patrol the platoon was set
to deploy on its second, the vehicles were sorted and kit packed
when with only a few hours before we were due to depart, the
platoon were warned off to move to Forward Operating Base (FOB)
Arnhem, in the ‘Green Zone’.
Given the go for the move the platoon drove to Arnhem through
the night arriving at day break. Our role there was to replace
the Right Flank of the Scot Guards. It was great arriving at the
FOB to see fellow Coldstreamers who have been attached to them
from No 2 Company back in January. Guardsman Dixon got to see
his twin brother who he had not seen in over 2 months, and also
see what he would look like with a beard. No sooner had we
arrived at Arnhem, we were tasked to move down and occupy a
platoon house in the middle of the Green Zone. With a lift part
way given by the Warriors we tabbed the remaining 1km to the
house which would be our home for the foreseeable future.
Once in place at the Platoon House (which had been named
Hougoumont Farm by the Scots Guards) we started to settle into
the routine of patrolling, though limited to how and often far
we could go due to being only platoon strength. It was not long
until peoples’ skills and initiative began working. Drummer
Flannigan’s artistic side showed through when he carved a 2.5m
Garter Star into the compound wall, this was later given the
addition of a Union Flag backdrop – a truly impressive work of
art. Lance Sergeant Wall and his leatherman got to work carving,
making a chess set out of local willow. I had doubts whether it
would see much play but was pleasantly surprised with the use it
received and at how good some of the Guardsmen were,
particularly Gdsm Lowther and LSgt Wall. It certainly helped to
pass the time when we were not on patrol. Those guardsmen who
were on ‘Op Massive’ got desperate, for the lack of gym
equipment so made their own gym out of local wood, utilising
ammunition as well for weights.
Just as the platoon was settling in for the long haul at the
platoon house word came that the platoon was going to move back
to Lashkar Gah to allow another platoon the opportunity to
operate in the green zone. This news was received with much
delight as it meant we could head back to running water and loos
which would flush, and naturally slush puppies from the NAAFI.
Whilst in the Green Zone the platoon was supported by a section
of the Coldstream Mortars who were based at Arnhem, the platoon
had an attached Mortar Fire Controller throughout. It was a joy
to have LSgt Notley and Cpl Walker working for me whilst down at
the platoon house. I have to thank the mortars especially for an
incredible steak cooked over an open fire which they cooked for
me with the assistance of a Coldstream chef they had managed to
‘commandeer’ for a week at a time.
Having not shaved for 3 weeks, due to the lack of running water,
the platoon made the most of their beard growth by having a
platoon photograph before having to remove them. Since arriving
back at Lashkar Gah, the platoon has returned to it original job
of force protection around the city, facilitating the other
agencies which operate from here. The forthcoming weeks hold in
store, joint patrolling and mentoring with the Afghan National
Army which are now based in Lashkar Gah along with the standard
force protection patrols.
As R & R beings now I’m sure that many of you are looking
forward to seeing your loved ones return home for their two
weeks break. It will not be long before we reach the halfway
point in the tour and are on the down hill slope to April and
our return.
2Lt Hayhurst
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