In the bitter cold and wind of the North Yorkshire Moors, a group of soldiers, Royal Marines and others are learning how to call in air-strikes and become 'forward air controllers' on the front lines in Afghanistan. BBC NEWS | UK | Training the RAF's eyes and ears
Fantastic photographs! I've just spent far too long looking through them all, having followed the link from the recent Iraq programme thread. My husband particularly enjoyed the Shaibah airfield ones which is where he spent most of his time (lots of pointing and "I remember that!"). Perhaps I'll try and add some of his photos later on although he only has a few taken from a disposable camera.
Here are a few from Iraq, not a patch on the previous ones posted I'm afraid. but perhaps of some interest to some: Sleeping quarters at Shaibah Shower facilities at Shaibah: Apparently this is dress state 4Romeo?: My husband in a hole somewhere near Shaibah: Watching the hole go 'bang': Iraqi tank of some sort: Writing home from the back of a DAF at Shaibah:
Each to their own P-P, besides he wanted it with me when he heard about my record as the most photographed soldier in Iraq. I think he was after some tips Cheers Andy Too true...Nothing wrong with the odd pic or two...Britlliant Drew...Apart from Tone one...But wouldn't we all.. Can still sit here and bemoan the Iraq war as I will...But your pics are superb matey. If you have to invade somewhere you might as well do it properly...Looks like you and your mates did it properly..Well done.
few from later in the war in Iraq and a few from Afghanistan between 2007 and 2010 Union Flag with a 'Jimmy' on it over Sangin http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt113/Pierce09/HerrickMemorialBastion.jpg memorial at Bastion http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt113/Pierce09/hanselthroughtheSUSAT.jpg view into Nahr-e Saraj, Helmand http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt113/Pierce09/Emptiness.jpg not much in Afghanistan! http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt113/Pierce09/101_0282.jpg warriors at the Shatt-al-arab Hotel, Basra http://i603.photobucket.com/albums/tt113/Pierce09/101_0273.jpg Mosque at Saddam's Palace, now the mess, Basra 2005
Worth your time, although the conversation ranges far beyond just military matters. Captain Doug Beattie MC, now leader of the UUP, rose to public prominence after featuring in Sean Langan's (slightly gonzo) documentary on the Battle of Garmsir in Helmand in 2006. Langan and his translator were later held hostage by the Taliban for three months and subjected to mock executions, among other things. He also wrote two books on his experiences: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Task-Force-Helmand-Soldiers-Combat/dp/1847376444/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?qid=1651583441&refinements=p_27oug+Beattie&s=books&sr=1-3 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ordinary-S...64b2e&pd_rd_wg=C2x5j&pd_rd_i=1847393993&psc=1
I've met Sean Langan twice I think at the 'Frontline Club', near Paddington. When I last looked his career was in the "doldrums" due to his experience as a hostage. He did talk once about that period and the incessant or constant presence of US drones overhead; my recollection is that he was held over the border in the FATA "badlands". He made a very good documentary on Afghanistan, when he accompanied an Estonian detachment; they had far better vehicles than the UK, then still reliant on Land Rovers and the like. They were cut off one night, with the Taliban close by and Sean was asked did he want a pistol to defend himself when the attack came. He declined.
