‘Heroes all’ medals for 39th Regiment

May 9 2008 by Ben Guy, The Journal

HERO soldiers who have just returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan have received medals for their service at a ceremony in Northumberland.

Family and friends watched in bright sunshine as the 39th Regiment Royal Artillery were awarded the service medal for operation ‘Herrick’ in Afghanistan at Albemarle Barracks, Harlow Hill, yesterday.

The regiment has been operating a hi-tech rocket system in Helmand Province, offering support to front-line troops with the pinpoint accuracy of the equipment.

The troops, who arrived back at the barracks last week after six months on tour, were given their medals by Honorary Regimental Colonel Nick Clissitt, who commanded the regiment in the 1990s.

He said: “The British Army takes the view that you have to earn medals and nobody is in any doubt whatsoever that these campaign medals are particularly well earned. You have given a particularly good account of yourselves, I have heard from a number of sources how impressive you have been in Afghanistan.

“We are very conscious of being surrounded with history at Albemarle, but what you are not conscious of is that you are also making history.

“People will look back at this time and see that it was quite critical – the 39th Regiment has made history by the way it went about the task it was given. You have demonstrated all that’s best in soldiering and our profession.”

Brigadier Clissitt went on to pay tribute to the families and friends who provided support for the troops while they were away on duty.

He also spoke about how the regiment was at the cutting edge of technology in the way it had been deployed. The multiple launch rocket system they used has a range of about 70km, and is accurate to about 10 metres.

While on tour, the regiment served in conditions that ranged from extreme heat to winter chills that reached minus 15.

Lance bombardier David Tait, who has recently moved to Newcastle from Barrasford, was on his fourth tour and described it as “probably the hardest yet”.

He said: “One of the things leading into the tour was that we didn’t really know what to expect.

“When it was cold and you were hand-washing your clothes, you would hang them up to dry and they would be completely stiff, frozen solid.

“Another thing that you don’t expect is that there is a fair bit of waiting around.

“But the best thing on the tour is when you do get rockets away – it is what you join up for.

“When you are being regularly used, it also shows to people that the kit really works and how good it is.”

15 years' service in warzones

A NORTH East soldier returning with the 39th Regiment also received a long service and good conduct medal at yesterday’s ceremony.

Sgt Brian Riding, 35, first enlisted at Sunderland Army Careers Office in 1989 and has spent the past 15 years serving in various parts of the globe.

He has served in three artillery units to date, and on the latest tour was responsible for the co-ordination and re-supply of all mission-critical spares and ammunition.

Sgt Riding, who now lives in Ashington, said: "When I joined up, I didn’t think I would do 15 years. It was a proud moment and was also nice for my wife, who was at the ceremony."

Sgt Riding is married to Tamara and the couple have three daughters, Gabrielle, 10, Astynn, eight, and Tiarna, who is four.

He is also a keen athlete and regularly represents the regiment in cross country events.

He added: "This latest tour was something totally different. The cold was one of the main things – I was prepared for it to be cold, but not so cold."