Newcastle gunners receive Afghanistan medals

Members of 132 Battery proudly march past family and friends as Colonel Peter Williams salutes
[Picture: Bombardier Murray Kerr, Crown Copyright/MOD 2012

Members of 132 Battery, 39 Regiment Royal Artillery, recently received their Afghanistan Operational Service Medals at their Albemarle Barracks home in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Family and friends proudly watched as their loved ones were presented with their medals by Colonel Peter Williams.

The 72 officers and soldiers returned from Afghanistan last week after spending six months in Helmand province providing precision fire support to 20th Armoured Brigade with their hi-tech Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System.

Almost half of the Battery had served in Afghanistan previously, and for some it was the fourth time they had deployed overseas.

Battery Commander Major Michelle Norman led the medal parade and said it was a very successful tour:

“We provided precision artillery fire for the troops based in Afghanistan. It was long hours, and a lot of responsibility because I had a big Battery to look after. But we all came back safe, and we all came back together, and that’s what’s important.”

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