3 Para Battle Group returns from Afghanistan

11 Oct 2006 04:15 PM

More than 150 personnel from the 3rd Battalion, the Parachute Regiment Battle Group were due to be reunited with their loved-ones today after a tough six-month tour of Helmand Province in Southern Afghanistan.

Friends and families were gathering at Hyderabad barracks in Colchester this afternoon, awaiting the return of the troops.

The battle group, comprising infantry, logistics, artillery, engineers and other specialists, has just completed a demanding tour, often in dangerous and difficult circumstances, supporting the Afghan Government as it extends its authority across the country.

The Defence Secretary Des Browne, who will be among those welcoming the soldiers home, said: "I want to say first and foremost a heartfelt thank you to 3 Para and to all those from the three services that did such a great job in Afghanistan.

"What these men have accomplished is truly outstanding. They have worked in the most difficult, extreme and hazardous of conditions. But sadly, this success has been at a cost. A number of soldiers from the battle group have not returned and others have been seriously injured. This country owes them all an immense debt of gratitude."

Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Tootal, the commanding officer of 3 Para, said: "The past six months have provided the sternest of tests for the 3 Para Battle Group - and they have risen to the challenge magnificently. All elements of the battle group - the infantrymen, the aircrews, the logisticians and others - consistently operated above and beyond the call of duty. They should be proud of what they have achieved in Afghanistan."

The 3 Para Battle Group deployed to Helmand Province in April this year. As the spearhead of the UK Taskforce based in Camp Bastion, the battle group's mission was to support the Afghan Police and Afghan Army in order to bring security and stability to the province.

The battle group has now handed over to 42 Commando Royal Marines in Helmand, and the soldiers will take some well-deserved post operational tour leave. They will return to work in the New Year.

Notes to editors:

1. The 3 Para Battle Group was initially warned for operations in Afghanistan in October 2005, and spent the next six months preparing. Training included cultural awareness, languages, first aid, mines awareness, and intensive exercises. The battle group began deploying to Southern Afghanistan in April 2006 and were operationally effective by early May.

2. Throughout the summer, the battle group was engaged in a number of high intensity contacts with Taliban forces in the district centres of Nawzad, Musa Qal'eh, Kajaki, Garmsir and Sangin. In order to quell the violence, commanders ordered a number of successful, deliberate, offensive operations which resulted in a marked decrease in Taliban attacks in the areas. The battle group was also stationed in the quieter town of Gereshk where it was able to conduct 'hearts and minds' operations with the local population.

3. Throughout the tour, the battle group has been supported by the Apache, Chinook and Lynx helicopters of the Joint Helicopter Force. The Chinooks have been operating in and out of restricted landing sites, often under fire. The Apache has performed well above expectations, and the courage of all helicopter crews cannot be underestimated.

4. The aircrews of the Joint Force Harrier have also been doing an outstanding job, in support of ISAF forces in Southern Afghanistan. In September 2006, alone, the RAF delivered nearly 500 bombs and rockets onto Taliban positions in support of troops on the ground. This air campaign is the RAF's largest bombing operation since the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

5. Tragically, 16 soldiers from the battle group were killed during the course the tour. For all biographical details, visit http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/FactSheets/OperationsFactsheets/OperationsInAfghanistanBritishFatalities.htm

6. Now that the battle group is returning to the UK, special consideration has been given to how they adjust back to a normal routine. A 'decompression' package in Cyprus has included welfare and mental health discussions, counselling for those who requested it, access to the Padre, a barbecue and party, and an adventurous training and sports package. Further counselling will be available to all who need it in the UK.

7. For ease of reference, a full list of units deployed in support of operations in Helmand Province is attached.

8. For further information, visit the MoD website at www.mod.uk

OPERATION HERRICK IV - AFGHANISTAN - APRIL-OCTOBER 2006 - Order of Battle

ARMY

Elements of Headquarters 16 Air Assault Brigade

3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment Battle Group

3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment, including members of the 4th Battalion (TA)
D Squadron Household Cavalry Regiment
I Battery, 7 Parachute Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery
21 Air Assault Battery Royal Artillery
216 Air Assault Signal Squadron, Royal Signals
1 x Platoon from the Guards Division
A Company 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers 3 x Platoons from 1st Battalion, The Royal Irish Regiment

16 Air Assault Brigade supporting units

51 Parachute Squadron, 23 Engineer Regiment (Air Assault) Royal Engineers
14 Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare), Royal Signals
D Company 2nd Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
Pathfinder Platoon
664 Squadron and Regimental Headquarters 9 Regiment Army Air Corps 13 Air Assault Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps
16 Close Support Medical Regiment, The Royal Army Medical Corps 8 Close Support Company, 7 Air Assault Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
156 Provost Company, Royal Military Police
The Intelligence Corps

NOTE: The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 5th Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland, although part of 16 Air Assault Brigade was serving in Kabul as part of ISAF, not 16 AAB.

ROYAL AIR FORCE

904 Expeditionary Air Wg HQ Command and Control
1(F) & IV(AC) Sqn Harriers
24, 30, 47 & 70 Sqn C130 (Hercules)
99 Sqn C17
216 Sqn Tristar
18(B) & 27 Sqns Chinook
51, 120 & 201 Sqns Nimrod
3 Force Protection Wing Force Protection Wing HQ 34 Squadron RAF Regiment Force Protection

Estonian Army

1 x platoon from the Estonian Mechanised Infantry Brigade