UK Army bomb experts return home

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  • xman
    Admin
    • Sep 2006
    • 24007

    UK Army bomb experts return home


    British Army bomb disposal experts are to hold a homecoming parade marking the end of their tour of Afghanistan.The Counter Improvised Explosive Device task force is to march through Didcot in Oxfordshire ahead of a medal presentation ceremony later on Friday.

    The 200 soldiers lost seven colleagues during a six-month tour.

    Their commanding officer, Lt Col Gareth Bex, said it was a "huge relief" for the troops to be home.

    The C-IED task force has been at the forefront of the battle to regain control of areas of Afghanistan from Taliban fighters.

    Improvised explosive devices, or home-made bombs, have been the main weapon used against coalition forces in the country and have caused scores of deaths and injuries among British troops.

    'Incredibly dangerous'

    The last six-month tour saw the loss of Captain Dan Read, Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid, Corporal Loren Marlton-Thomas, Warrant Officer David Markland, Corporal James Oakland, Sapper Guy Mellors and Sapper David Watson, who all died while working to clear devices.

    Two of the team have been awarded the George Cross, the highest award for gallantry. One was given posthumously to Staff Sergeant Schmid and the other to Staff Sergeant Kim Hughes.

    Lt Col Gareth Bex, commanding officer of the task force, which is made up of personnel from all three services, said his team had dealt with almost 2,000 separate devices in six months.

    He said: "It is incredibly dangerous work but it's a vital role we play. My men and women are incredibly motivated knowing that what they do saves lives.

    "It's a huge relief and it is wonderful to be back with our families. I am enjoying the simple pleasures in life like spending time with my children and walking the dog.

    "It's a relief for the families to have their loved-ones back safe and sound."

    Fellow soldiers in Afghanistan's Helmand province lauded the task force.

    Brigadier James Cowan, Commander of Task Force Helmand, said: "The men and women of the C-IED Task Force are an extraordinary group of people.


    "Selflessly committed to their dangerous work and utterly professional, there isn't a soldier in Task Force Helmand who doesn't hold them in the utmost respect for what they do and the way they do it."This article is from the BBC News website. ? British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.


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