About
The official blog of UK Forces in Afghanistan, run jointly from London and Helmand.
The aim of the blog is to collate articles from across the web, providing a valuable resource of information on all the UK Armed Forces in Afghanistan.
39 Comments
leave one →
Hi To all the soldiers just thought I would drop you a line to say I support you all, keep safe
If any one would like a penfriend please get in touch it would be nice to hear from some one
hello Susan, have you found your penfriend yet, if not I would be happy to share our experiences of parents of an allied soldier who has been sent out 3 weeks ago!
Would you happen to be from the Kent area?
James, sorry we are not from the Kent area but from the Continent since our son is serving on an exchange basis in a British Regiment!
Hi there,
I am a student of journalism from Kent, and I am seeking to get in contact with soldiers from the Kent area who have served/ are serving, in Afghanistan. I am creating a piece of multimedia journalism, telling the stories of those who have served. The piece is for Kent Online (KM group).
If you wish to participate, please contact James on jw363@kent.ac.uk.
Thanks very much,
James Woodcock.
My thought’s go to all the servicemen & women serving in Afghanistan, especially those in one of my old unit’s “Cyclop’s” squadron 2RTR.
To all Tankies in Afghanistan, “Fearnaught” and Happy Cambrai Day!
Sometimes no news is good news, but for the past 2 days there were no new posts and as a father of a son who is an exchange officer serving on a FOB in Helmand I am very much looking forward to the daily news. Helmand Blog is doing a fantastic job for letting us stay in touch with our troops.
To all our service men and women out in the ‘sand pit’ Merry Christmas and to all in 8 Field Company Parachute Regiment thank you for the Christmas Card, we do really appreciate what you are all doing out there, stay safe, have a good Christmas and thank you.
To all of you serving in Afghanistan, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and a safe return to your families and loved ones!!
looking for penfriend in afganistan
While really appreciating the content of your website would it also be possible to provide bang up-to-date info/news refs/comment on all major events down in Helmand which may/not involve our troops, for example, yesterday’s Kandahar Police station attack, Saturday 12th Feb. When we get the headlines – BBC/SKY – at home it’s often not clear whether/not our men are in any way involved etc. OKthanks for the blog – will enjoy loggin’ on over next few months.
Hi Jackie. Thank you very much for your comment; I genuinely welcome feedback and positive criticism such as yours. I fully appreciate your point about delivering up to date information but I don’t feel that this would be in keeping with the theme and aim of this site. I have been here at Bastion for a month now and my focus for the next 5 months is going to be on ‘progress’. This may be in the form of partnership initiatives or with reconstruction work; as well as the amazing work my colleagues in all 3 services are doing here, their bravery and their amazing attitude they have in helping Afghanistan rebuild. We are actually mulling over the idea of having a news feed along the lines of what you suggest but, in many news situations in such a ‘fluid’ environment, by the time invesigations had been completed and the correct channels followed then it would not be ‘new news’ anymore. BBC and Sky sometimes report ‘breaking news’ before the full picture is available; this is not a criticism of their ways – there is definitely a place for such newsfeeds, but I do not feel this site is one of them. You were kind enough to take the time and leave me your comments, so I felt it merited a full reply from me. Please by all means reply if you disagree with anything I have said; it is only through feedback such as yours that I can improve the site and continue to provide the information that I think people want. Regards, Nick.
Goodafternoon Nick, Thanks for your reply above. And, just to reiterate – we really do appreciate getting the daily emails/blogs.
So, yes, while I appreciate your point about BBC/Sky & so-called ‘ breaking news’, it is often the content of such reporting which leaves us – family / friends back here in the UK – confused & possibly un-necessarily concerned as to whether/not our troops are immediately involved. It is that sort of clarification which I would have thought you are in a better position than Sky/BBC to offer, as you suggest, on some sort of up-to-date news feed. So, it’s not a matter so much of the ‘full picture’ but whether/not we have an immediate role within that picture!
Just one other point, the reason why I came on your site today!
It must have been 3 weeks ago – or thereabouts – when you featured Liam & Theo. It especially grabbed our attention because of our own dogs, so we forwarded the article to other family/friends.
At that point we didn’t really know whether/not Liam was still on tour.
So, I guess you must know now what I am about to say, but say it I feel I must.
While I am no expert on insurgent/tribal Afghan mentality & access to www &/or tabloid press, commonsense suggests that it is wiser to with-hold quite such detailed reports/blogging – especially when it so clearly identifies a member of our armed forces – until their tour of duty is safely completed. Us – family/friends back here in the UK – know only too well how courageous, heroic, skilled our troops are, so we can wait and, indeed, prefer to wait for such ‘blogs’/news items until we know they are safe home.
Unfortunately, we can’t speak for everyone who may log-on/scan the tabloid press in the hope of creating their own headlines!
Hi everyone in Helmand Province. My daughter was deployed a week ago to Helmand Province. I’m not sure where she is yet. She’s a civvy. I don’t really know exactly what she does, but, my hope for her and all of you is to return safe to those you love.
My prayers are with you all. ‘Thank you for all you do. Stay safe.
Janine
The recent photos you have put up from the Tornados are excellent. I was wondering if I would be able to use some of them – especially the ones of Afghanistan. I am working with the schools in Hohne garrison to help the children understand more about Afghanistan – the country, its people and their culture – the aim being to reduce the fear factor of the unknown country their parents have recently deployed to (with 3 Cdo Bde). Photos like these really give the “wow factor” for the children – they don’t expect to see snow or green fields for example. High res photos would be most useful if I would be allowed to use them.
You can see some of what we are doing from a BFBS TV report in December: http://www.bfbs.com/news/afghanistan/teaching-afghanistan-42005.html
Many thanks
Mel Bradley
(my husband is out with 24 Cdo Eng)
Hi everyone just to remind you that all Armed Forces get a discount on Postal flowers sent to any address in the UK – so don’t forget wives, girlfriends, Mums etc
http://www.nurseryfresh.com/armedForces.php
Hi,
Please send my thanks to all medical staff and helicopter crew.
Hi – I wondered if someone could help. I’m trying to find out whether Kevin (the dog with Kelly) on the blogs was once part of West Midlands Police before being recruited into the Army?
Hi there, before I approach the Dog Section for an answer to your question, may I ask as to why you wish to know? Thank you. Regards, Nick (editor)
Greetings from Geneva. My name is Edward Girardet. I am a journalist and writer who has covered Afghanistan for far too many years. I am also editor of The Essential Field Guide to Afghanistan, which is now being updated and will come out in the autumn as the 4th fully revised edition, including, we hope, a Dari version. I am also the author of “Killing the Cranes – A Reporter’s Journey Through Three Decades of War in Afghanistan” which is to be launched in early September but will be available as of July 1.
A couple of points:
1. I find your blog fascinating and would very like to link this to our Essential Field Guide to Afghanistan site (www.essentialfeidlguides.com) but also to occasionally highlight interesting blogs. However, I first wish to clear this with you. Would that be okay?
2. A number of British troops, both soldiers and officers, have asked me or my fellow editors about making the field guide available to the British army as part of its kit. The EFG, whose first edition came out during the Talib period in 1998, has already proven an exceptional information tool to military, aid workers, journalists etc. Have you any ideas on how to make this new edition (which will come out in print and electronically) available to the British army? NATO suggested we contact the British units directly.
Any suggestions welcome. best ed girardet My email is: edgirardet@gmail.com
Hi,
Susan here – take care and keep safe – thinking of you all…
Hello to everyone in Camp Bastion! My name is Sophie and I am about to start my final year as a student Nurse. Although I am not a military student nurse I come from a military background being raised in Larkhill with a father who was in the Royal Artilliery and served in the Falklands. I am currently doing my dissertation about the use of Topical Negative Pressure on IED related injuries, specifically in role 3 facilities in Afghanistan and I am struggling to find information about the conventional dressings that are being used instead of TNP. Is there anyone who can help?? I need to know names of dressings etc!!!
Take care everyone, be safe and come home!!!! x
HI, to everyone fighting out there thinking of you all and if anyone is i need of a penpal please get in touch , keep safe and you are all in our thoughts joanne.
Not sure if this is the right place to ask but are any of the blog owners part of Operation eBook Drop?
It’s a scheme being run (I believe someone called Ed Patterson is involved) whereby independent authors can make their work available for free to coalition troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. I recently signed up for it (as an author that is, I am not a soldier) and have sent out links to my books for free.
I am also an author (my just-published Killing the Cranes – A Reporter’s Journey through three decades of war in Afghanistan Sept. 2011 plus my just republished Afghanistan – The Soviet War from 1985.) However, I am also editor of the The Essential Field Guide to Afghanistan (the 4th and fully-revised edition is now being prepared) which will have both an electronic and a print version. We’re trying to convince the various militaries to make the EFG available as part of the kit to all soldiers, but we will also be putting up many of the materials online on http://www.essentialfieldguides.com Personally, I think that soldiers need to be encouraged as much as possible to understand the country and people in which they are deployed. ed girardet
Hi,
Not sure if anyone here can help, But rather than exchange christmas presents in the office we thought it would be a better idea to send a package to Afghanistan to a solder who may not have family back here in the UK and to make sure they know that us folk back in the UK are thinking of them at this time of year.
What I need is a contact who would be willing to accept these packages (Only about 4) and to hand them over to someone they feel who would appriate receiving a package from back home who otherwise might not get something.
Hope someone can help.
Many thanks
Ewan
Hi Ewan,
Thanks for getting in touch and for your support to HM Armed Forces. I’m afraid that MOD is strongly dissuading members of the public from sending Christmas parcels to theatre, as unsolicited mail clogs up a system which is already stretched at this time of year. I’m sure you will appreciate that the men and women in Afghanistan will want to have personal gifts from their families and loved ones to open on Christmas Day. You can still contribute through one of the existing schemes in place. The official guidance can be found here. Thanks again for your support! UK Forces Afghanistan
I am trying to contact Lt Colin McLeod of the Royal Australian Navy who I see, thanks to Google, recently served with UK forces and is mentioned on this website. Some of his belongings, which I think he had intended shipped from the UK to Australia, were somehow confused with mine. Anyway I now have them and would be grateful if anyone reading this is able to put him in touch with me. My e-mail address is mn@malcolmnobbs.com
Malcolm Nobbs
I am trying to contact one of the UK dog handlers based in Afghanistan. I have recently opened a self service dog wash, and would like to do a fundraiser for the dogs out there. I would be grateful if one of them could contact me at captain.dugwash@gmail.com
hey troops,
just a quick message for anyone that wants to chat. i support you all from bottom of my heart and i would send a christmas card out to keep up all sprits ova this special time of the year when you should be with loved ones but i can not find an address anywhere or an email address to get the address. if anyone knows how i can do this then plz comment back and help me out guys. xx
Hi Everyone,
We are an Afghan firm working in all Logistics and Construction fields. At the moment, we are working with a variety of US clients.
We trying to do business with Afghanistan-Based UK forces. does anyone have any idea on how to proceed. could any please provide us some contact details/web-links?
Cheers,
Hi Everyone,
We are an Afghan firm working in all Logistics and Construction fields. At the moment, we are working with a variety of US clients.
We trying to do business with Afghanistan-Based UK forces. does anyone have any idea on how to proceed? could any please provide us some contact details/web-links?
Cheers,
Sending best wishes to everyone serving in Afghan… especially all those in RAF TSW.
Were all thinking of you back here in the UK and wishing you all a safe return soon.
Take Care and remember to wear sunscreen and chapstick…
Hi there, You’ve performed an incredible job. I’ll definitely digg it and for my part recommend to my friends. I’m sure they will be benefited from this web site.
PLEASE READ THIS POEM GUYS-NEED SERIOUS MUSICIAN TO TURN IT INTO A ROCK ANTHEM-TELL ME WHAT YOU THINK-
THE PRIDE OF LIONS
And my father was a Lion
And he went across the sea
To take the message to our brothers
That one-day they would be free
We have no words to speak the memory
Of the good men that we lost
They never compromised our future
They never cared to count the cost
For one nation under heaven
And with tears in our eyes
We won’t forget the Lions memory
For our world they fought and died.
And so they battled on the beaches
And they battled in the streets
They faced hell on earth in Europe
But their spirit never gave retreat
They never fought for King and country
They did not strive for glory vain
They died for us their un-born children
So that liberty would reign
For one nation under heaven
And with freedom burning bright
We must stand against all evil
We must fight and fight and fight
And so the Lions went to Asia
To the ‘Rising Sun’s back yard
Fought in Burma and Malaysia
Hit the ‘Samurai’ so hard
Though they were starved
And they were tortured
So severe was their test
Yet they still stood and fought like Lions
They gave Democracy their best
For one nation under heaven
And one people under God
For the dreams of our tomorrows
Paid in full with Lion’s blood
What can we say of these our fathers
Or their stand that was so brave?
We must build a land that’s fit for heroes
From the ‘Cradle To The Grave’
And so they battled in the factories
And they battled in the halls
Took the battle to the poll booth
To tear down poverty’s bloody walls
For one nation under heaven
And with God upon our side
We can liberate the future
Give our children back their pride
And our God Himself a Lion
He died for you and He died for me
Took His battle to Mount Calvary
So our spirits could be free
What can we say of this our hero
Or the sacrifice He gave
He fought all hell’s unholy armies
Defeated Satan and the grave
And now we are the ‘Pride of Lions’
And we are our father’s sons
We’ll keep a watch on your tomorrows
So you have no need of guns
For one nation under heaven
And a people truly free
We salute the Lion’s Victory
The bravest men in history!
And so the Lions went to Helmand!!!
To combat extremist tyranny
For the abject bloody failures
Of our foreign policies
Copyright Mr Louis Littlefair
Hello, I came onto this site to find out if my friend was still in Afghan. Just found out he back in Uk with his family, but he said there may be people over there who would benefit from hearing from the Uk – if anyone wants to email/chat to a Brit gal then get in touch – not a uniform chaser (ex nurse so know all about them lol) just someone who understands how surreal life can get. Be nice to hear from someone…
im looking for dr bala ainesh who have been serving for the uk military in kandahar afghanistan for the past 6 months since march as a medical doctor. please leave a reply or how do i go about to contact him…as he left afghanistan, then went missing (not reachable)
hello
iam an afghan boy iam an english translater anybody who want to have me with the camp i will be thankful of that my mail abdullah_yaqubi@yahoo.com i have CV