Login Register

Troops find time for festive fun in the Afghan sun

By Western Daily Press  |  Posted: December 19, 2013

Comments (0)

Despite a busy schedule and the blistering heat the soldiers at a small base called Lashkar Gah in Afghanistan found time to relax and enjoy some festive spirit.

Between guard shifts and maintaining vehicles the soldiers sent messages back to loved ones in the UK that could be watched on Christmas day.

Most of the soldiers at the base are from the 2 Royal Anglian Battalion (Poachers) but there are soldiers from units across the UK including the 21 Signals Regiment in Devon.

Sergeant Darren Day, of 21 Signals, is from Swindon and took the opportunity to wish his wife a merry Christmas and to say he cannot wait to see her in the new year.

Captain James Hudson, with 3 Royal Horse Artillery, from Taunton, sent his wife and daughter seasons greetings and said he was looking forward to seeing them soon.

Football fever gripped the camp as soldiers from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers attempted to break the record for the "header bin challenge". Despite their best efforts they didn't break the record held by Manchester City FC. The camp is home to three military working dogs, Sara, Daisy and Bailey. Sara demonstrated her skills by catching a Father Christmas impersonator trying to steal the soldiers' presents. As UK forces withdraw from Afghanistan, the Lashkar Gah base is due to close next year and the troops have the job of getting the kit home.



max 4000 characters